“Lions Led by Donkeys?” – The British Army in the First World War

The First World War was the most controversial conflict in British history. The huge loss of life has led to army generals being labelled as callous incompetents; however it was this same army that in 1918 won the greatest series of victories Britain has ever seen.

On Friday 28^th March we welcome Professor Gary Sheffield, a major figure in British military history and one of the foremost historians of the First World War to the Island to present his research into British leadership and command in the conflict. Tickets are now available for his lecture entitled “Lions Led by Donkeys?” – The British Army in the First World War at the Manx Museum. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Gary Sheffield is the Professor of War Studies at the University of Birmingham and a widely published author, especially on the First World War. He also contributes to newspapers, journals and magazines as well as television and radio broadcasts. His most recent publications are The First World War in 100 Objects and The Chief: Douglas Haig and the British Army.

This and a series of lectures and events in 2014 support the recent opening of the major exhibition ‘This Terrible Ordeal – The Isle of Man and the First World War’ at the Manx Museum which is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm.

Later, on Friday 16th May naval historian Eric Grove explores the highly significant role of the Isle of Man Steam Packet vessel Ben My Chree as a seaplane carrier during the First World War. Tickets for both lectures are £10 available now from the Manx Museum Gallery Shop and www.manxnationalheritage.im. A 10% discount is available to members, ACE cardholders and students. Please purchase in advance to avoid disappointment.

Those interested in tracing their WWI ancestors, can attend a practical research workshop at the iMuseum with Social History Curator Matthew Richardson on Tuesday 13^th May. Participants are asked to bring along a photograph and/or information relating to the family member they wish to research. Tickets are £6 from the Manx Museum Gallery Shop, just 15 places are available.

Look out for further events in the WWI programme soon to be announced.

ENDS

For further information, please contact;
Anthea Young, Education Services Officer
anthea.young@mnh.gov.im

(01624) 648000