'Two-wheeled Litter' at World War exhbition

The model of Litter owned by Isabel Apsley was made in considerable numbers between 1904 and early 1930’s but few have survived. It was purchased from a private collector based at Bletchley Park, famous as Britain’s war-time code-breaking base.

Also featured will be an example of a WW2 Prisoner of War Food Parcel – a lifeline for those serving forces held in Germany and German occupied countries.

‘Dummy’ Prisoner of War Food Parcels were made to show families of Prisoners and other Agencies what was being dispatched to the Prison Camps. The Food Parcels were packed and forwarded by the Joint War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St John (parent body of St John Ambulance).

Isabel Apsley, owner of both the items, says that they are the only known examples of their kind in the Province.

A serving member of Larne Division, St John Ambulance, Isabel is a collector of memorabilia relevant to the organisation, in particular items which give one an insight into the “home front” and humanitarian role played by members during WW1 and WW2. Isabel is currently doing research on Prisoners of War from the province and work of the Ulster Gift Fund during WW2.

The exhibition opens on Thursday, November 18 and runs until Sunday.