11 September 2017

Lowewood Museum is looking for volunteers to research World War One diaries.

Are you passionate about the stories of people in the First World War?

Opportunities for enthusiasts of World War One military or medical history at Lowewood Museum.

Do you have a keen interest in military history?

Why not join our project team and help us to research the movements and activities of the Essex regiment in relation to a collection of five First World War diaries?

The diaries were written by Stephen Warner who served the majority of his time in the First World War with the St. Johns Ambulance division of the Royal Army Medical Corps in Étaples, France. He then went on to serve with the Essex Regiment on the front line. Warner joined the 3rd Battalion of the Essex Regiment and fought on the front line in France going on to receive the Military Cross for his commendable work.

As part of the project we are hoping to uncover as much information as possible about the lives and experiences of individuals like Stephen who served in the First World War in France. We will be putting together an exhibition and other events in 2018 and really need some help!

What is there to do?

  • Research the Essex Regiment division in which Stephen Warner served including any significant battles fought in
  • Create a digital and/or physical map pin-pointing where Warner’s battalion were stationed and when
  • Research the soldiers, officers and other people Stephen talks about in the diaries
  • Help with the transcription and verification of transcribed diaries
  • Research Warner’s actions and what he did to win the Military Cross
  • Assist with the production of an exhibition by helping to decide on the images and content of a section related to the Essex Regiment
  • Help write exhibition text
  • As part of the interview process there will be a short test to transcribe one of the pages from the diary.

A meticulous approach and attention to detail is essential and previous experience and skills in researching military history and people are desired.

Do you have a keen interest in history, especially medical history?

What is there to do?

  • Research medical techniques and terms mentioned in the diaries
  • Find images or sketches relating to the medical terms and techniques researched
  • Research the St Johns Ambulance division in which Stephen Warner served
  • Research the nurses, surgeons and other people Stephen talks about in the diaries
  • Assist with the production of an exhibition by helping to decide on the images and content of the exhibition
  • Help write exhibition texts
  • Input collection information onto the museum database

As part of the interview process there will be a short test to transcribe one of the pages from the diary.

A meticulous approach and attention to detail is essential and previous experience and skills in researching the history of medicine and procedures of the past are desired.

I am looking for people to volunteer in the museum on Thursdays or Fridays between 10am and 4pm. After an introduction parts of the research can be done remotely.

Rachel Arnold (Project Officer)