East Sussex ‘Then and Now’: April 1917 – May 1917

‘Then and Now’ images

Kieron Pelling has created a series of images especially for the East Sussex World War 1 website which overlay original photos taken during the period 1914 to 1919 with contemporary photos taken in the same place. The latest in this wonderful series, called ‘Then and Now’, can be seen in the gallery below. See more of our ‘Then and Now’ series, and see more of Kieron’s beautiful work on his website, Compelling Photography.

Do you have a photo we could add to the series?
Do you have a photograph taken between 1914 and 1919 that shows how East Sussex was affected by the war? Could we use it to create a ‘Now and Then’ image? More about sending us an image at bottom of the page.

1) A Rest by the Way

A number of men in khaki taking a rest in a quiet corner of Holy Trinity church, Trinity Street, Hastings. It is unclear what regiment they serve in.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (12th April 1917)

2) A Rush for Potatoes

‘The Announcement “Potatoes at 11 O’Clock” made by Mr Pollard, Courthouse Street, Hastings, on Saturday Morning, caused some hundreds of buyers to assemble. At 10 O’Clock the shop was besieged by an eager crowd, only to learn that the delivery had not been made. A great shout went up when the trolley bearing the much sought after vegetable made its appearance. It was, however, a good natured crowd and the police officers regulating the crowd had little difficulty. No one was served with more than two pounds, and the purchasers, young and old alike, had to be satisfied with this amount. Mr Pollard’s aim was to see that the poor were supplied rather than the fried fish shops and restaurants at a larger price.‘

The photo is of the junction of Courthouse Street and The Bourne, Hastings Old Town.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (26th April 1917)

3 & 4) Presentation of Medals by the Canadian Premier

‘On Sunday morning, two DCMs and six Military Medals were presented to Canadian soliders by Sir Robert Borden who was accompanied by Major-General Turner VC, DSO’

Canadian Presentation 1 shows Sir Robert Borden with Colonel Matthews to his left.
Canadian Presentation 2 shows the medal recipients with BSM Brett on the extreme left.

The photos were taken in Warrior Square Gardens, St Leonards.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (3rd May 1917)

5) The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada

‘This splendid band of the 17th Seaforth Highlanders of Canada is composed of skilled musicians drawn from all parts of the Dominion. Prior to the outbreak of war they were all engaged in civilian occupations, embracing all callings, but did not hesitate to join up without personal consideration. Many of them were engaged with orchestras when in Canada but the band was not formed until they arrived in this country. Most of it’s members are all qualified as soloists and the Bandmaster, Mr A Williams WO, has gained many awards as a trombone player. When at Brighton recently they created a record for the season at their entertainments and Brighton is hoping to get them to repeat their visit at an early date. Although a heavy call from time to time is made upon their numbers from other branches of the service, it apparently has little effect on their efficiency, and the 28 members have in their short stay in this town earned great popularity. It is computed that another 1,000 chairs would have been occupied in the Park on Sunday if they had been available, but it seems that the attractiveness of this band of skilled musicians was not fully appreciated.’

The photos were taken at the Bandstand, Alexandra Park, Hastings.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (17th May 1917)

6) Fire Drill in Robertson Street

‘On Saturday afternoon one of the periodical inspections of fire appliances of Messrs. Plummer Roddis Ltd took place. The employers are evidently just as keen on the drill as are the members of the fire brigade, who under the direction of Captain E H Glenister were in charge. Great interest was taken by onlookers in the journey from the upper floor via the shute, and cheers greeted the young ladies as they appeared.’

The photos were taken on Robertson Street, Hastings.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (24th May 1917)

About Compelling Photography
Compelling Photography is a website that shows Kieron Pelling’s photography. Most of his photos are based in or around Hastings and East Sussex, but also from his travels overseas.

Kieron’s interest in the history behind places and people led him to start creating the Then and Now series of images. Shortly after Hastings Pier burnt down, he discovered the work of Russian photographer Sergey Larenkov. Larenkov’s ‘Link to the Past’ images showed how powerful the technique can be. Kieron’s first Now and Then image was one of Hastings Pier; half burnt and half in its prime.

Since then Kieron has created many such images, including a series specially for the East Sussex World War 1 website.

Then and Now Images
Do you have a photograph taken between 1914 and 1919 that shows how East Sussex was affected by the war? Would it work for a ‘Now and Then’ image? Send it to us and it could be chosen to create one.

There are some requirements for these images:

1. Is there something in the old photograph that is still present today? A building, landmark or road that is still recognisable ties the modern scene in with the old.

2. Can the modern day photographer stand where the original photographer stood? 100 years has passed, so trees have grown and buildings have been demolished.

3. The photographer will not usually be able to access buildings to take photographs from height.

4. Is the environment safe for the modern day photographer? For instance traffic was much different in 1914!

If you think you have an appropriate image, please send a high resolution scan in jpeg format (at least 300dpi*) with a description of the image and information about the location.

*This resolution is required so that the image is large enough to place over a modern day jpeg and retain good detail.