Children from Manor Primary School in Uckfield are beginning an exciting new community project about the First World War thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
The project will research the lives, memories and stories of the Sussex women, children and families who remained behind whilst their fathers went to War. Children and volunteers will be researching how it was to live: their hardships, struggles, class differences, poverty, employment and all the social and political impacts of the many sacrifices that were made. The children will look at the effect returning soldiers had on those who remained at home and recognise the efforts of these courageous women and families.
With many men away at war, women and families sought financial aid from the Soldier’s Dependants Fund to cover the costs of living, including rent payments, clothing, food and health care costs.
Separation Allowance was paid to all married soldiers, their children and also any adults who could prove they were dependent on the soldier prior to his enlistment. This allowance was increased in March 1915 and again in July of the same year to twelve shillings and sixpence. What did this buy? What was life like for these people, living at that extraordinary time? This is what the children and volunteers will be discovering.
“In this current age it’s hard for the children to really understand how it was to live through war.” said Head Teacher Margaret Coleman. “They will be able to walk in the footsteps of those living in incredibly difficult situations, making sacrifices that we find hard to understand now. It will bring history alive for all those involved, help us to remember the past, and honour those brave women, children and men of the time.”
Find out more about the Twelve & Sixpence project at a community day on Saturday 16th April at the Redoubt Fortress & Military Museum, Eastbourne.
Project co-ordinators Sound Architect Creative Media are keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer with this crucial aspect of our past. If you have photographs or letters or anything passed down through the generations of your family, please contact the Project Manager: Susanne Crosby, through the website: www.soundarchitect.org.uk or on 07592 021590.