During the 1914-1918 world war many wounded soldiers were billeted in Willingham. The old Church Hall on Church St. was turned into a hospital and we know from carvings in the wall that some men were put at the back of the church nave. This poor fellow appears to be in some sort of outdoor shelter – perhaps erected temporarily to house patients. Since his upper body appears fine, we must assume his injuries were to the legs. Someone has thoughtfully put flowers on the table and, on the back wall, is a pocket watch, his badge, and a poster with five faces, probably the king and important generals. Maybe these were intended to give encouragement – but perhaps they would just remind him who put him there!
May 2024
