Saturday 12th July sees the launch of “Cavalry, Camels & Camaraderie” at the Beverley Treasure House in Beverley, an exhibition that explores the East Riding Yeomanry’s part in the Egypt/Palestine campaigns throughout the First World War.
Councillor Pat O’Neil, Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council will officially open the exhibition at 1. 30pm.
Dr. David Marchant, museum’s registrar with East Riding of Yorkshire Council said:
“This campaign may not be as well known as the great battles in France, but it was fought far from home in tough conditions and the Yeomanry, who were part-time Territorial Army soldiers before the war, very much played their part in the victory.”
“It was also a conflict that made ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ a household name and it had far-reaching political consequences for the world we live in today.”
A book “100 lives” featuring biographies and photographs of 100 men from the East Riding Yeomanry has been produced by Dr. Marchant and will be on sale alongside the exhibition.
Sally Hayes, Treasure House Curator said:
“We are running an opening event for the exhibition from 1-3pm, when people can come along and chat to those responsible for putting this display together.”
“It’s a product of several year’s research and features some great items on loan from relatives of soldiers who fought in Palestine, including medals, uniforms and even a camel saddle.”
Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic well being and culture, added:
“I encourage people to go along to the Treasure House to see yet another fascinating and informative exhibition about World War One.”
During the exhibition opening, local author Sheila Grantham will be signing copies of her “Grandad’s Cookbook: Original WWI recipes,” which will also be on sale at the Treasure House shop.
Council catering staff at the Treasure House café will be supporting these events by decorating the café and producing food based on some of the cookbook recipes.
Cavalry, camels and Camaraderie runs until 19th September 2014.
This exhibition is part of Joining up the Humber, a programme supported by a £1 million grant from Arts Council England. The initiative runs until 2015, and will support commemorations of the centenary of the First World War in the Humber region.
The money will be used to improve galleries and facilities across the museums managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council and North Lincolnshire Council in preparation for exhibitions in 2014 and beyond.
