East Sussex ‘Then and Now’: July 1917 – February 1918

‘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) 11th Welsh Regiment Leave Hastings

‘On Monday morning the 11th Welsh Regiment (Cardiff Pals), marched to Rye from Hastings. They created much interest as most of the men wore leeks or daffodils in honour of St David’s Day.’

The group is gathered at Wellington Square, Hastings.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (4th March 1915)

2) Old Hastings House Entertainers

‘The wounded soldiers at the Hospital were entertained by a party principally formed of scouts on June 27th 1917. The entertainers performed ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Old Hastings House, in the Old Town, Hastings is now a nursing home.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (5th July 1917)

3) Military Funeral

‘On Tuesday, Private L. A. Lee, 14th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, was buried with military honours at the cemetery. Deceased died from wounds after being in the East Sussex Hospital about a month. The service was conducted by the Rev. W E Shaw, Presbyterian minister, most impressively.’

The East Sussex Hospital was demolished and replaced by what is now the White Rock Theatre in 1927.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (13th September 1917)

4) Royal Flying Cadets

‘A group of Royal Flying Corps Cadets at Bathing parade.’ Taken at White Rock Gardens, Hastings.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (6th September 1917)

5) In the Pink

‘By the various exercises included in the physical drill course adopted in the service every muscle of the body is trained and strengthened. Each movement has its particular value, and when the course is completed every member of the squad is absolutely fit.’

The photo is taken at West Marina Gardens, St Leonards-on-Sea

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (11th October 1917)

6) Funeral of an old Fireman

‘A detachment of his old comrades acted as bearers at the funeral of the late Mr J W Beney on Saturday, under the direction of Foreman C J Winser, and a great many members of the Royal Field Artillery, in which regiment the deceased served for many years were present. The photograph shows the procession to St Peter’s Church where the first portion of the ceremony was held.’

St Peter’s Church is on Bohemia Road, St Leonards.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (10th January 1918)

7) Hounds meet at the Harrow

‘The popular meet was attended by a great many pedestrians, who took advantage of the glorious weather to visit the Ridge.’

The photograph shows the hunt master leading the way along the Ridge, just past what now is the Harrow pub.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (28th February 1918)

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.