The Isle of Man Government will play a central role in efforts to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One, Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has announced.
A working group has been established to help community organisations and public authorities mark significant milestones taking place between 2014 and 2018.
Chaired by Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage, the group brings together Government officers and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Municipal Association and Chamber of Commerce.
It will not directly organise activities or allocate funding, and will instead provide central co-ordination for WWI commemorations being held in the Island.
Part of this work will focus on helping to raise awareness of the Isle of Man’s contribution to the Great War and encouraging community participation in events.
The Government website http://www.gov.im/commemoration will feature a section dedicated to the Island’s WWI commemorations, including a local events calendar so that organisations can plan their activities and avoid any potential clashes.
This central support is in addition to WWI projects being planned by Government Departments, Boards and Offices, including Education and Children, Infrastructure, Health, Social Care, Manx National Heritage and the Post Office.
The Chief Minister said:
‘4 August 2014 will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One, the first global conflict. The Great War had a dramatic impact on the Isle of Man, not just in the considerable number of lives of Manxmen lost, but also in the profound economic, social and political upheaval experienced over those four years and beyond. Tourism stopped, ships and crews were commandeered for service and Island life was disrupted by men volunteering to fight and women moving away to work in munitions factories. The Isle of Man also ran camps for the internment of 25,000 enemy aliens.’
Official records show that 8,261 men enlisted in the armed forces, which was 82.3% of the Isle of Man’s male population of military age. Of these, 1,165 gave their lives and 987 were wounded.
Mr Southworth said:
‘Many nations will mark the anniversaries of key events during the period from 2014 to 2018, reflecting on the experiences of ordinary men and women and how the war has shaped the last 100 years. We want to gain an overview of how the Isle of Man as a whole is planning to commemorate WWI, so that we can help to co-ordinate and publicise activities via the Government website and act as a central point of contact for information.’
Armed Forces Champion Juan Watterson MHK added:
‘The Armed Forces Community Covenant signed by the Island reflects our commitment to servicemen present and past. There is no doubt that without these men whose lives were sacrificed a century ago, our lives would have been very different. It is important that we remember that, and continue to remember that for all conflicts that have shaped the future of our nation.’
Any individuals or organisations planning to stage an event between 2014 and 2018 are asked to notify Ann Craine, Secretary to the WWI Commemoration Steering Group, via email at ann.craine@cso.gov.im or tel: 685211.
