Teenage historians create First World War tapestry

A pair of schoolgirls have completed their task to pay tribute to otherwise unknown First World War heroes.
Emily-Jo (far left) and Rachel (third from left) received help from friends.Emily-Jo (far left) and Rachel (third from left) received help from friends.
Emily-Jo (far left) and Rachel (third from left) received help from friends.

After visiting the Belgian and French battlefields last Apirl 14-year-olds Emily-Jo Haigh and Rachel Hobkinson of Kettlethorpe High School were inspired to look into the pasts of Sgt Nelson Summers and Private Frank Hollings who served with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in the First World War.

The girls planned to create a patchwork quilt with squares to show the lives of the soldiers.

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Their hard work has now paid off and their tapestry is on display at Wakefield One.

Sgt Summers was born around 1885 to Thomas and Maggie Summers and worked in Horbury’s iron industry.

His granddaughter Avril Summers said his body was never recovered after he fell on the first day of The Battle of the Somme’s and all the family knew for years was that he was ‘presumed dead’.

Pte Hollings was also born around 1885 to Isaac and Emily Hollings and worked in the cloth industry at Haddingley Hill. He died a hero saving three other soldiers from a gas attack on the 19th Dec 1915.

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History teacher Shereen Quartermain said “I am unbelievably proud of the girls. They have celebrated the lives of both these local heroes and shown the importance of remembrance, even 100 years later.”

The tapestry can be seen at Wakefield One this summer.