War Ship

The all round lamp was lit on the house roof last night to signal a century since Britain entered the devastating Great War. It is poignant for Heather, as it is highly likely the original flush decked hull of the boat ~ painted in grey paint was once part of the Dutch merchant fleet, utilised during the First World War. 

In our quest to discover the origins of the boat, we made contact with maritime museums in the Netherlands. This led us to archivists of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and its Institute of Military History in The Hague, who suggested that the shape and size of the boat corresponds with those commonly used for Dutch merchant fleet barges of the late nineteenth century.

Throughout the war, the Netherlands remained neutral, however the military were mobilised to defend their domain. Broadland in contrast was on the front line. The Museum of the Broads at Stalham Staithe are presenting a temporary exhibition looking at the stories of local families during the war. www.broadlandfirstworldwar.org.uk  

Heather will be laying on display at Poor's Staithe, adjoining the Museum in October.

Royall's Boatyard reception on Riverside Road, Hoveton St John have some specially handmade crocheted wool poppies with pins, for sale. www.royallsboatyard.com

Andrew