Latest news with #BattleofPasschendaele
Daily Mirror
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antiques Roadshow star left completely speechless in history-making valuation
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left stunned when they received a staggering estimated value for a historic medal, instantly making history for the BBC programme One lucky Antique Roadshow guest made history on the BBC programme after receiving a staggering valuation for a historic medal. The hit BBC show headed to Portchester Castle for its latest instalment with Fiona Bruce at the helm. She was greeted by hundreds of guests who took along their most prized possessions to receive an expert valuation. Expert Mark Smith met a couple who headed to the castle, with medals from the man's grandfather from the early 1900s. Expert Mark told the couple that one medal was extremely unique, as they had never had a Victoria Cross feature beforehand. He informed the couple that it was the "highest award for gallantry in this country," as he became inquisitive about who it had belonged to originally. "This was my wife's grandfather," the male guest said. He went on to add: "Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him, but my wife knew him when she was a young child." However, Sergeant James Ockendon died when the woman was just five, as she revealed her memories are very vague. Mark explained: "Well, he did this during the Battle of Passchendaele, and when we think about the First World War and we see those photos of those men in those mud-filled trenches, this is where he was." He went on to read the citation which explained the bravery and heroism that Sergeant Ockendon had shown while in service. It said: "In the attack in the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun, which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land. "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced." Mark went on to explain that Ockendon had opened fire and forced 16 enemies to surrender while in conflict. "During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry," the citation ended. Shocked by the achievements, Mark asked the couple if Ockendon had been injured. They replied: "Yeah, evidently, he got shot in the head. "He was gassed not long before the end of the war, and then he was medically discharged with honour from the army." However, the couple admitted they had no idea how much the collection of achievements would be worth and revealed that they would "never leave the family." Expert Mark revealed that the collection could fetch a staggering fortune between £250,000 and £300,000, with the man joking that he needed a "stiff cup of coffee". The couple also confirmed that the medals would not be sold, and instead, were being returned to a bank vault where they have been securely persevered.
Daily Record
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Antiques Roadshow six figure family heirloom makes history leaving couple stunned
Antiques Roadshow expert Mark Smith was left stunned as he revealed the value of a family heirloom which had never been seen on the BBC show before. An Antiques Roadshow expert was thrilled by a "unique moment" in the show's history as he disclosed the remarkable value of a family heirloom. BBC valuer Mark Smith was at Portchester Castle in the latest episode. He met a couple curious about the significance of a grandfather's esteemed decorations, reports Cornwall Live. "This is a unique moment on the Antiques Roadshow," the expert declared. The expert continued: "In all the years I've been on the roadshow, we have never had a Victoria Cross. The highest award for gallantry this country has. Who was this man?". The husband shared: "This was my wife's grandfather. Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him but my wife knew him when she was a young child". His wife reminisced: "I have very vague memories, because I actually was only coming up for my fifth birthday when he passed away. I'm very proud of him, obviously, with what he achieved". Smith remarked: "Well, he did this during the Battle of Passchendaele and when we think about the First World War and we see those photos of those men in those mud-filled trenches, this is where he was." He then proceeded to read the citation which outlined why Sergeant Ockendon was awarded the Victoria Cross, adding: "In the attack in the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. "Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land. "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced. Sergeant Ockendon dashed ahead and called upon the garrison to surrender. "They, however, continued to fire, and with great boldness, Sergeant Ockendon then opened fire himself. Having killed four of the enemy, he forced the remaining 16 to surrender. During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry." After hearing the citation read aloud, Smith responded with understated awe, as he proclaimed: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal". He explained that Queen Victoria wanted the decoration made from modest materials like bronze, believing it was "about the deed behind the medal". Smith went on to reveal that the soldier also held a military medal and took part in the first assault wave on the opening day of the Gallipoli campaign. When asked whether he suffered wounds, the guest disclosed: "Yeah, evidently, he got shot in the head. "He was gassed not long before the end of the war and then he was medically discharged with honour from the army, and led a quiet life until the Second World War, then he joined the Home Guard," which secured him a defence medal. Nearing the end of the discussion, Smith noted: "As we said, Queen Victoria, she didn't want it to be worth money. They do have a value. "Do you have any idea what they might be worth?". "Not really. It's something that will never leave the family", the gentleman affirmed as the expert disclosed that the medals were estimated at an astonishing £250,000 to £300,000. Both were visibly shocked before dissolving into laughter, with her whispering: "Golly. I didn't think it would be that much", the gentleman admitted, to which Smith replied: "Easily." The visitor joked: "I need a stiff cup of coffee." His wife commented: "I'm a bit like my husband - shocked. I didn't expect that at all." The husband stated his intention to return the medals to the bank for safekeeping in their security deposit box. "I think that's probably wise. That day, he deserved that," Smith concluded.
Daily Mirror
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antiques Roadshow guests' jaws drop at 'show first' as heirloom given staggering value
An Antiques Roadshow expert revealed the staggering value of a family heirloom that was making show history. WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow. In a remarkable episode of the BBC 's Antiques Roadshow, an expert was left astounded by the historical significance and value of a family treasure. Filming at Portchester Castle, the Antiques Roadshow aficionado encountered a couple eager to learn the history behind a grandfather's distinguished military decorations. Smith declared: "This is a unique moment on the Antiques Roadshow," revealing his excitement. "In all the years I've been on the Roadshow, we have never had a Victoria Cross. The highest award for gallantry this country has. Who was this man?" The husband recounted: "This was my wife's grandfather. Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him but my wife knew him when she was a young child." His wife added her memories: "I have very vague memories, because I actually was only coming up for my fifth birthday when he passed away. I'm very proud of him, obviously, with what he achieved." Smith responded: "Well, he did this during the Battle of Passchendaele and when we think about the First World War and we see those photos of those men in those mud-filled trenches, this is where he was." He then read the citation that detailed the heroic actions of Sergeant Ockendon, which led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross: "In the attack in the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. "Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land. "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced. "Sergeant Ockendon dashed ahead and called upon the garrison to surrender. "They, however, continued to fire, and with great boldness, Sergeant Ockendon then opened fire himself. "Having killed four of the enemy, he forced the remaining 16 to surrender. "During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry." Following the recitation of the commendation, Smith simply declared: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal." He revealed that Queen Victoria insisted the decoration be crafted from an inexpensive material like bronze, believing it was "about the deed behind the medal". Smith continued by highlighting that the soldier also possessed a Military Medal and participated in the initial assault wave during the opening day of the Gallipoli offensive. When questioned about injuries sustained, the visitor revealed: "Yeah, evidently, he got shot in the head. "He was gassed not long before the end of the war and then he was medically discharged with honour from the army. "And led a quiet life until the Second World War, then he joined the Home Guard," which secured him a Defence Medal. Nearing the segment's climax, Smith explained: "As we mentioned, Queen Victoria, she didn't want it to be worth money. They do have a value. "Do you have any idea what they might be worth?" "Not really. It's something that will never leave the family", the gentleman replied before the expert revealed the medals carried an eye-watering valuation of £250,000 to £300,000. The pair's faces dropped in astonishment before bursting into giggles, with her gasping: "Golly. "I didn't think it would be that much", the gentleman admitted whilst Smith confirmed: "Easily." The visitor quipped: "I need a stiff cup of coffee." His spouse added: "I'm a bit like my husband - shocked. I didn't expect that at all." The husband confirmed he'd be taking the medals straight back to the bank's safety deposit box where they'd been stored. "I think that's probably wise. That day, he deserved that," Smith concluded.
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Canadian War Museum unveils new display marking the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - In honour of the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, the Canadian War Museum unveils a new display. It marks the century-long history of Commissionaires by highlighting the significant contributions of the organization from its beginnings to the present day. Visitors can find the display in Commissionaires Way, the corridor connecting the Museum's main exhibitions to the LeBreton Gallery. Established to provide meaningful employment to veterans, Commissionaires was founded in Montréal in 1925. Since then, the not-for-profit organization has grown to 22,000 employees, including many veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It is the largest private-sector employer of veterans in Canada. "We are pleased to present this display highlighting the longstanding relationship between Commissionaires and Canada's veterans," said James Whitham, Director General of the Canadian War Museum. "The display offers visitors a chance to learn about the organization's evolution and its vital role in supporting veterans over a century." "We are delighted with how Commissionaires Way recognizes some of the many extraordinary people who served and continue to serve the Corps throughout our century of service to Canadians," said Commissionaires Chief of Staff, Captain Harry Harsch, OMM, CD, RCN (Ret'd). Developed by the Canadian War Museum, the display highlights veterans from all decades of Commissionaires. It features the Victoria Cross (VC) medal set that belonged to Major Benjamin Handley Geary of the East Surrey Regiment, who earned the decoration for bravery at Hill 60 during the First World War. Also featured is Lieutenant Colin Fraser Barron of the 48th Highlanders, who received the Victoria Cross for capturing three German machine-gun positions in the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele. Modern-day Commissionaires in the display include Ajit Singh and Rodney McAlpine, whose quick thinking saved lives while on the job, and who were recognized with the Commissionaires Medal of Bravery. Also included is Major (Ret'd) Sandra Perron, Canada's first female infantry officer, veterans' advocate, and bestselling author, who serves on the board of Commissionnaires du Québec. The Museum extends its sincere appreciation to Commissionaires for its generous support in bringing this important initiative to life. If you would like to have your name removed from our distribution list or if this information should be directed to someone else, please email us.
Irish Examiner
26-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
First World War soldier's warning of 'a deuce of a bust-up' discovered in Tipperary home
A chilling prediction about one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War, anticipating 'a deuce of a bust-up in a short time', has been discovered in a letter unearthed during a house clear-out in Tipperary. Denis Kenny, from Thurles, was astonished to read the "bust-up" warning that features in one of two letters written by his late granduncle Jim Maher, and which appears to reference plans for the Battle of Passchendaele. The line made it through despite strict censorship of correspondence at the time, designed to prevent soldiers from disclosing any information about military activities. 'I really don't know how it made it past the defenders, so it's very interesting from a historical point of view,' Denis told the Irish Examiner. The prediction was contained in what turned out to be the final letter received from Jim before he lost his life in Belgium on August 11, 1917. 'One of the quotes in the letter to his sister Josephine, which dates back to April 6, 1917, is 'look out for squalls. There's going to be a deuce of a bust up,'' Dennis said. 'He had to be referring to the battle ahead.' Officially known as the Third Battle of Ypres, Passchendaele came to epitomise the horrors of trench warfare, claiming more than 500,000 lives. The battle took place on the western front between July and November 1917, where soldiers were fighting for control of the ridges located south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres. Denis Kenny holds a picture of his granduncle Jim Maher at his home near Thurles. The striking family resemblance is evident in the century-old image. Picture: Chani Anderson Denis, who found two letters from his granduncle Jim while clearing out his late mother's house, said that some of the details contained within are heartbreaking. In a letter to Josephine, Jim tells her not to send an undershirt because 'we don't wear them'. 'You have to read between the lines,' Denis said. Soldiers back then were encouraged not to have too many layers of material on in battle in case they made access to a wound difficult "My guess is that this was the case for my granduncle.' Instead, Jim asked his sister to send him some 'shaving sticks, soap, and a shirt'. 'I'm sorry for not responding to your letter sooner, but I did not have any time as we were up making advanced gun preliminaries. Consequently, I had no opportunity for letter writing.' "We are presently billeted in a large town a few miles behind the line. Our pay, combined with the high prices of goods, does not allow us to do much shopping on our own,' the letter read. 'A glass of coffee, one slice of bread, and dripping costs seven French francs. One small piece of soap, half of ordinary size at home, is eight francs. 10 francs for two weeks' pay will not go towards procuring us a decent spread.' In the letter, Jim also talks about his hopes for 'a speedy termination to the war". Denis reads a miniature Christmas card sent home by his granduncle in 1915 while serving in France. Picture: Chani Anderson Another letter was addressed to his "aunt Kate". In it, he enquires about her health, and adds: 'Do not do too much work and be careful of yourself. I suppose it's useless telling you, as I suppose you could not live if you were not working about the sows and cattle. How is father? I'm sure he's killed." Only one line seems to allude to the war. Please God, the worst is over Denis said he had learned a lot about his granduncle's life over the years. 'Jim voluntarily signed up to join the armed forces at a local recruitment office, and was among those sent to their death in mainland Europe," he said. "He was 28 when he joined the army. I think he was looking for a sense of adventure. The regiment he signed up for was the royal field artillery. "Ireland was part of the British empire at the time, but there were also a lot of nationalist republican and radical actions and rallies taking place. There was talk of conscription in those days, as the British wanted to get numbers. In the First World War, they just wanted to get numbers to fight. "There was talk of getting that into Ireland, but it didn't actually happen. Even though it never came to be, it caused a lot of anxiety and helped the republican cause," he added. He said there were a number of reasons behind Jim's decision to join the army. A set of service medals belonging to Jim Maher were also discovered in the clear-out. Picture: Chani Anderson 'He never married and joined the army in September 1915. The sad thing was that Jim's father William did his utmost to de-enlist him,' Denis told the Irish Examiner. 'He was particularly concerned given that his other son died in a hunting accident in 1909. He had already lost his son to violence, even if the killing was accidental. It must have been heartbreaking for him. He had been really worried about losing another son "I think he had hoped that Jim might stay home and maybe even take over the business, which was a local butchers.' Denis said the lives of officers and soldiers were worlds apart. 'There was a very obvious divide between the officers and soldiers. This was highlighted by the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who were killed like my granduncle Jim. The officers had more opportunities. They were university educated and went to private schools," he added. The letters and war medals were discovered in a box during the clear-out. Picture Chani Anderson He said family members remained close to Jim despite their republican ties. 'Jim's sister Josephine was very active in Cumann na mBan, which was the women's organisation of the republican movement. She was a very senior figure in that. "Her husband Charles was a key figure in the IRB [Irish Republican Brotherhood]. Meanwhile, Jim was fighting for the British in France or Belgium. It's difficult to believe that his sister was fighting the same army he was in, albeit not this particular regiment. "You can imagine the interplay that was going on in the family, and yet they were very close," Denis said.
