Charity
This appeal is for donations to erect a memorial to commemorate the eleven British soldiers and the French citizen executed by the Germans in Guise, on 25th February 1915, as well as the village who sheltered them. The site of the memorial is to be in the village of Iron, Aisne, where the soldiers were concealed from the Germans for about 5 months until their discovery and execution. It’s a story full of daring, intrigue and tragedy. Briefly, in the first few weeks of the WW1 campaign, the soldiers became separated from their regiments in the retreat from Mons and became trapped behind enemy lines. They lived rough in the forests until they were bravely taken in by the villagers of Iron. The were kept hidden in the village before being betrayed to the Germans. The soldiers and one of their principal carers were executed by firing squad in the Chateau at Guise.
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The Iron 12 Memorial Fund: Hedley's Page
Hi, thanks for visiting my page.
I have been fascinated by the story of the Iron 12 since I first learned of it over 15 years ago. It is one of the best, but least known, stories of the First World War. It tells of how eleven British soldiers were trapped behind enemy lines when the British army retreated from Mons to the Marne in August 1914. The chose not to surrender, prefering to live in the woods and fields of Aisne. Eventually they were taken in by the villagers of Iron who shletered them for five months. They were finally caught by the Germans and, together with their main French carer, they were executed in Guise Chateau on February 25 1915. We believe that one of the soldiers was only 17 year old. Other villagers were imprisoned and had their homes and businesses burned. Some died as a result of their deprivations. In all the tragedy claimed the lives of 16 people.
We are working with Iron to erect a small memorial to the victims of this tragedy, to the other soldiers who refused to surrender and to the brave French and Belgians who helped them. Our sponsored bike ride retraces the route taken by the soldiers from their disembarkment at Le Havre to Guise Chateau where they met their deaths. Please help us commemorate this incredible story and perpetuate the memory of these brave people.
Recent donors
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Teddy Noyes. £50.00 (+ £12.50 giftaid) 21.07.11 Hedley, I walked this battlefield 12 yrs ago & visited their graves at Guise. Thanks for the extra info on the lads. I've also got a written account of the dedication of Etreux cemetery - before the CWGC took resposibilty. Would be happy to exchange info |
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Kate & Russell £25.00 (+ £6.25 giftaid) 27.06.11 Sorry to take so long in getting this donation to you. We wish you well and look forward to our future discussions about it. |
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Anonymous £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 05.05.11 Great cause and very deserving.We should never forget the sacrifices people have made for us in both World Wars. |
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David and Jennie £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 25.04.11 Good luck, Hedley- and Happy Birthday on the 26th! OAP at last! Join the club... |
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Anna £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 06.04.11 thanks for doing the biz with the flowers Hed, lots of love xx |
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Anonymous £20.00 (+ £5.64 giftaid) 05.04.11 best of luck |
