Cards commemorating WWI shared history

They are the work of two Londonderry based organisations, and commemorated the Centenary of the Somme.

They contain unique images of people, scenes, monuments and events associated with the war.

Templemore Great War History Society, in partnership with community publishing house Guildhall Press, is behind the innovative shared history project, supported by the Housing Executive’s Community Cohesion Fund and have been distributed free of charge in the interface area around The Fountain and Bishop Street by Seamus Breslin, Templemore Society coordinator and historian Trevor Temple.

The inspiration for these cards came from the exhibition ‘Orange and Green’ which told the story of volunteers from the city who served during WWI. Over 1,000 people associated with the city died and thousands more were injured during the many battles , including the Somme, Ypres and Verdun.

Commenting on the cards, Mr Breslin, said: “We are pleased to work with Fountain historian Trevor Temple on this initiative which was generously supported by the Housing Executive. We hope it will help promote peace and reconciliation, shed some light on a shared history frequently avoided, and hasten the day when all sides can join in inclusive commemoration of the sacrifices made by so many.”

Housing Executive Area Manager, Avril McAllister, said: “The Templemore Great War History Society and Guildhall Press have developed these cards to contribute to the understanding of this momentous period in our collective history and the Housing Executive is delighted to support this initiative.”

Good Relations Officer, Eddie Breslin, from the Housing Executive’s Community Cohesion Team said: “This innovative project depicts our shared history and reminds us of the sacrifices people from all areas of the city made during the First World War.”