AN ACCLAIMED film about the First World War is to be shown in St Oswald’s Church as part of the Guiseley Remembers project.

The 2018 version of RC Sherrif’s play Journey’s End focusses on the futility and slaughter of the conflict.The drama is set in March 1918 as a German offensive is imminent.

There is a close connection between the film and St Oswald’s Church. The headstone of Guiseley man, Willie Watson of Carrington Terrace, who died during the German spring offensive is in the Churchyard. Private Watson was a pre-war Territorial soldier who landed in France in April 1915 with the 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment. He fought in some of the toughest battles of the war at Ypres, Passchendaele, Thiepval, Nieuport and Neuve Chapelle but was severely wounded in April 1918 near Bailleul in France.

The Rector of St Oswald’s, Rev David Pickett said: “This is the first time a feature film has been screened at Saint Oswald’s and it feels entirely appropriate to have this story brought to life here in this powerful film. Our church has stained glass windows, plaques and an organ screen dedicated to the men of Guiseley who served during The Great War and many of them would have worshipped in this church.”

Guiseley Remembers- run by Jacob Phillips of Codswallop CIC - is staging a range of installations, exhibitions and events during November to commemorate the centenary of the signing of the Armistice which ended the First World War.

The film, which is classified as 12A, starts at 7pm on Tuesday, November 6. Admission is free, and a collection will be made in aid of the charity Combat Stress.

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