Collection

The novel Major Tom’s War is fictional, but only just.  It began its decade-long journey into print as a transcript of the author’s grandfather’s war diary, crammed with photographs, letters, postcards and posters he sent back to his future wife 1914 – 1918.

When completed later this year, the collection will display every individual item (over 400 in total) within the family archive digitally, plus some of the additional images and documentation Vee Walker has collected during her research trips to Bavay which relate to its mayor Gaston Derome.

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Valenciennes occupation poster concerning the requisition of oils and fats

This poster signed by Lieutenant-General von Denk requisitions oils and fats

Valenciennes occupation poster concerning the requisition of oils and fats