2017 marks 100 years since the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium…
Also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, it was one of the most significant clashes of the First World War and became infamous for the 60,083 British deaths and the torrential rain, which lead to horrific conditions and a quagmire of mud.
To commemorate the centenary of Passchendaele, The Royal British Legion have produced a very special limited edition poppy pin, made using melted down brass fuses from British shells fired during the battle and found at the various sites where the Battle of Passchendaele took place.
The enamel paint used on the pins has also been mixed with soil from the British front line, ensuring each and every pin is unique and contains its own little piece of history. Designed by TMB Art Metal to pay tribute to each one of the fallen British soldiers from Passchendaele, the pins come in a lacquered wooden presentation box with a Commemorative Certificate detailing an individual British solider whose life was lost during the 103 days battle.
The pins also come with added feel good fact thanks to the fact that all profits raised from their sale go directly to The Royal British Legion and their important work providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. Available from The Royal British Legion’s online shop The Poppy Shop – www.poppyshop.org.uk – for just £39.99.
Also available at The Poppy Shop:
VC’s of the First World War Passchendaele 1917: Learn about the incredible acts of bravery carried out by VC winners during the battle. £9.99
Battle Story: Passchendaele 1917: Written by Chris McNab, discover in depth the story behind the battle. Fought over three tortuous months in 1917, the fighting raged through some of the worst physical conditions of the entire war, across battlefields collapsing into endless mud and blood. £9.99
Passchendaele 100 Pen & Mug: Depicting an image of soldiers walking across duckboards over waterlogged ground during the battle. Pen, black ink – £1.99 / Mug – £5.99.