From South Bank to the Somme: Full Day Event

Join us July 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM (BST) for an exciting day at The Green Howards Museum. Dive into history with a relaxed vibe as we explore stories from South Bank to the Somme.

Guests will hear about Twiggy and his selfless actions on 6th August 1916 at Munster Alley Trench on the Somme. The day will end with guests being able to hold the Twiggy Shory VC medal group, a rare and privileged opportunity.

William ‘Twiggy’ Short was a steelworker at Eston, and a local footballer, playing for the Grangetown Albion, Saltburn, and Lazenby United. Twiggy joined the army in September 1914 and he served with the 8th Battalion of the Green Howards. On 6 August 1916 at Munster Alley trench, near Contalmaison in France, during the Battle of the Somme, he was wounded but refused to go back for treatment. Unable to stand he lay in the trench adjusting detonators and straightening the pins of hand grenades for his comrades. He died before he could be carried out of the trench. For this act of selfless courage Twiggy was awarded the Victoria Cross.

What’s Included: The day will also include a guided tour of the museum collection led by the museum Researcher, Steve Erskine. Guests will also get to handle rare items items from the Collection associated with the fighting on the Somme. There will also be a talk by Western Front Association member Dave Barras, about two other Green Howard recipients of the VC: Tom Dresser and David Hirsch.

Refreshments and lunch are included in the price.

Don’t miss this rare chance to get close to such an iconic medal as the Victoria Cross as part of a wonderful immersive day of history.

Book before 1st June for the discounted price of £85 ookings after that date will be at the full price of £100.

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Host or Publisher The Green Howards Museum, Richmond