Our local war memorials stand as silent sentinels carrying lists of names. But behind each of those names is a local person with their own unique life story.
Forming part of the new temporary exhibition now on display at Ely Museum is the story and medals of three brothers from the Parker McGee family from Stuntney, who, in a cruel twist of fate, all died on the same day in the First World War. Still complete with the packaging and envelopes that they were delivered in, the medals form a powerful visual reminder of one local family’s loss and grief from over 100 years ago.
A Pause to Reflect: the 1922 Unveiling of the War Memorials in Ely examines the creation of two of Ely’s main war memorials – the Market Place memorial and the County Memorial in Ely Cathedral. The display includes original documents and objects relating to the days the memorials were unveiled, as well as medals, poignant letters, paperwork and objects that help to tell the stories of some of the men recorded on the memorials. Included in the display is a selection of enlarged photographs taken during the unveiling ceremonies, showing many of the local people in attendance in fascinating detail.
Felix Jackson, from Ely Museum, states: ”From a fragile handwritten ledger listing those from the area who volunteered in 1914, to hurriedly written letters from the front carrying the first news of the death of a family member, A Pause to Reflect provides a link to the individual human stories behind the names on our memorials.
First unveiled 100 years ago this year, both memorials are now familiar landmarks to residents and visitors to Ely a like, however few people are aware of the stories behind their creation and the names that they commemorate.”
A Pause to Reflect is on display at Ely Museum until November 27th and is included in standard entry to the museum or free to annual pass holders.
On Saturday, November 5th, Ely Museum is also holding a Military Family History Day. Visitors will be able to chat to experts on local military history who will also assist with any research questions. People are also invited to bring along any old family military medals, photos, uniform or paperwork that they would like to discover more about.
Press release from Ely Museum
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