BATTLE OF THE SOMME. A SILVERED BRONZE COMMEMORATIVE STATUETTE OF CAPT W P NEVILL CHARGING THE GER

BATTLE OF THE SOMME. A SILVERED BRONZE COMMEMORATIVE STATUETTE OF CAPT W P NEVILL CHARGING THE GERMAN POSITIONS WITH RIFLE AND FOOTBALL, C1916-20 on ebonised base with engraved tablet B COY 8TH BATTALION THE EAST SURREY REGT AT THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME 1ST JULY 1916, 13.5cm h, the underside with (worn) ivorine retailer's label, in fitted oak boxThis statuette commemorates one of the most bizarre yet heroic events of the Great War. Capt. Nevill, who was killed early in the charge, urged his men to dribble two footballs across the mile and quarter of no man's land, both of which were inscribed with rousing messages to inspire the men to victory. Of the two (or possibly four) footballs one is in the PWRR Museum at Dover and the other was lost in the fire that destroyed the National Trust property Clandon Park in April.