Dignitaries gather for the premiere of Normandy documentary at the University of Exeter
A documentary focusing on a crucial battle in the Normandy campaign of the Second World War has received its regional premiere at the University of Exeter.
A CANTERBURY TALE: Albert Figg and the Battle for Hill 112, created by award-winning filmmaker Peter Williams, tells the story of the eponymous battle through the words of some of the West Country veterans who survived its fierce fighting.
It also explores the efforts of Sergeant Albert Figg, a Royal Artillery veteran from Canterbury, Kent, who spent the last 30 years of his life creating a memorial on Hill 112 for the 7,000 British men who were killed, wounded and went missing there.
The premiere on the Streatham campus was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Chris Snow CBE DL, who read out a message from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to the audience.
The film has won several awards, including the International IndieFest Award of Excellence in the History and Biography category.
“This remarkable and moving film pays tribute to one of the bloodiest battles of World War Two in which some 7,000 men were lost or injured, many from our West Country regiments,” said Professor Richard Follet, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, host for the event, and a historian. “Their courage and sacrifice helped turn the tide of the war in Europe — and we remember them with gratitude and reverence.
“The Battle for Hill 112 has been meticulously researched, written and directed by Peter Williams. Through the words and testimony of those who fought in and survived the battle, Peter has created a film that not only records the planning and execution of the battle, but captures the human spirit, comradeship, and resilience that defined those extraordinary men.”
Guests, including Annette Oliver, daughter of Albert Figg, who has continued her father’s work, attended a reception in The Forum, and were greeted by standard-bearers. Buglers from 6 RIFLES sounded Rifles Salute, Last Post and Reveille either side of the film’s screening in the Alumni Auditorium.
In the weeks that followed D-Day in June 1944, troops from Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Cornwall were heavily involved in a series of fierce battles near Caen, as they sought to secure the strategic high point of Hill 112. The attrition was compared to the Western Front of the First World War but has not been so well remembered as other battles in the campaign.
The memorial consists of a Churchill tank, a 25-pounder gun and an unknown infantryman’s statue amid an avenue of 112 trees. All proceeds from the film are being donated to The Hill 112 Memorial Foundation.
Professor Follet said: “In this week where we mark the eightieth commemoration of the end of World War Two, this was a very poignant occasion to remember those who fought, and to celebrate the power of film to keep their stories alive.”
“We had a very successful night for the charity and the response to the film was so rewarding and touching to receive,” added Annette Oliver. “It was lovely to have relatives in the audience and to hear their response to the film. Our thanks goes to everyone for their kind words and support in attending the showing.
