The Battle of Passchendaele remembered in an illustrated talk at Severn Valley Country Park

Local military historian Kenneth Wright will be visiting Severn Valley Country Park on Thursday 9 November 2017 as part of a series of talks to be held in the visitor centre over the winter months.

Kenneth Wright surrounded by a selection of his military artefacts.

In commemoration of 100 years of The Battle of Passchendaele, Mr Wright will be giving an illustrated talk looking at this infamous battle. Officially know at The Third Battle of Ypres, the battle began at the end of July 1917 and continued through until November. The area suffered the worst rain in 30 years which turned the mud into a quagmire which clogged up rifles and immobilized tanks.

The eventual capture of the small village of Passchendaele led General Haig to call off the offensive and claim success. But it was barely five miles from the starting point and casualties from both sides neared 600,000 in number.

Mr Wright specialises in the First World War and the European theatres of the Second World War. As well as giving talks, he undertakes bespoke guided tours of battlefields and collects artefacts relating to the Great War. He has have amassed a collection of military artefacts especially from this period which are utilised in his talks to illustrate how various items were used and to help bring the realities of war to life.

Since retiring from a professional career in accountancy, Mr Wright has been able to spend more time on historical research. His particular interest is in the history of conflict and how the effect of conflict has impacted on social and industrial life.

The talk will be held in the visitor centre at Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley, Shropshire, WV15 6NG on Thursday 9 November 2017 at 7.30pm-9pm. Cost is £3 per person and this includes hot drink and biscuits. Call 01746 781192 to book your place.

The talk series will continue in December with a visit from the World Owl Trust.