Legion wants personal stories for World War One display

The Lerwick branch of the Royal British Legion is seeking contributions from the community for a First World War display board in its main public space.

This will be in place for the duration of the 100th anniversary of the war, and has been put in place in conjunction with the local World War One “Land, Sea, Home, Abroad” project.

This is an inter-generational project involving Shetland Family History Society, Shetland Heritage, Shetland Museum and Archives, as well as the Anderson High School.

The Lerwick Legion branch would like to encourage all of the Shetland community to contribute displays to the board.

That can include personal stories of those who served or were lost, key anniversary stories, and also photographs.

Legion manager Angie Layfield said: “It is hoped that all Shetland schools, community heritage groups, local museums and Shetland Family History will contribute information to the display.

“So far, displays have covered key stories on Shetlanders who were lost early in the war, those that were lost at Gallipoli, and also the story of the Battle of 2nd Ypres.

“At present the display has various displays from Anderson High School pupils on life in the trenches, and the experiences of Shetland soldiers.

“The board is there for the local community to put up displays, but also to share notice of events and information related to the Shetland story of World War One.”