The Heugh Battery Museum, on the town’s historic Headland, hosted the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme event on Saturday.
The day included a special display of artefacts relating to Hartlepool soldier, Serjeant Joseph Hawtin, who was killed in action at the Somme, presented by his great-nephew and historian, Pete Hawtin.
Museum manager Diane Stephens said: “What a fantastic day!
Thanks to the support of the living history groups, Hartlepool Libraries and Heugh Battery volunteers, we were able to create a meaningful and enjoyable event to commemorate all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those whose lives were changed forever at the Battle of the Somme.”
She added: “Thank you to all the visitors who came along and supported the event, and for your kind comments. This is what the Heugh Battery Museum is for: connecting us with our past.”
Visitor Helen Guerin Butler. who travelled from North Yorkshire for the event, said: “This was a fabulous event and well worth the journey. A big thank you to all the staff and volunteers” while Deryck N. Collins commented: “We had a really interesting visit and commemorated our great uncle Billie Wilson who died on the first day of the Somme and grandpa Jim Grabham, of the Northumberland Hussars, who came back.”
Graham Wylie added: “This was my first visit to Heugh Battery Museum today and we had a great time. It was excellent.”
