Historic WWI memorabilia to go on display in Mirfield

HEROES TRIBUTE Landlord Tim Wood with Legion president Barry Fretwell and Legion member Mick Webber and the colours. (D523B419)

The silk-embroidered presentation of colours was handed to the Northumerland Fusiliers by the Viceroy of India Charles Hardinge at a Shimla hill fort in 1914.

The Northumberland Fusiliers were the war’s second-biggest regiment, and are thought to have recruited servicemen from North Kirklees.

The colours will be on-show at the club from tomorrow (Saturday).

Landlord Tim Woods said: “We know people whose families joined the Northumberland Fusiliers.

“The colours are a piece of history that is not going to die.”

“It is now in the public domain - instead of it being left behind a bookshelf somewhere.”

Mr Woods acquired the colours three months ago from somebody at the club for an undisclosed sum.

He said: “We are proud and priveleged to own this. We will display it for the people of Mirfield.

“I think it is great. So poignant and so beautifully made.

“We shall look after it and nuture it.”

The display kicks-off a series of commemorations by the club, which keeps and preserves all kinds of historical military memorabilia,in the coming weeks and months.