Back to Blighty: Disability in Post WWI Britain

Saturday 5 December | 2-3.30 pm

Kirkgate Learning Studio | York Castle Museum

Drop in talk | included in admission

Join us for a talk by Dr Alice Brumby as part of York Disability Week.

Every year we remember the thousands of men who died in the horrible conditions of the First World War. However, we often forget to think about those who came back from the war with lasting disabilities.

This talk will discuss the experiences of people who lived through the war, came back with disabilities, and found that they had to fight the state for what they were owed.

We’ll explore the legacy of the First World War on men’s bodies and minds. What happened to the men who came back from the war alive but with permanent injuries and disabilities? Did the state live up to its promise of a ‘Land fit for Heroes’? How did the government and society seek to readjust men back to their civilian lives, and how successful were these attempts?

The talk will include time to reflect and share your thoughts, including space to consider activities that you might like to do around this research or other areas of disability history in the future.

Dr Alice Brumby is a Senior Lecturer in Health History at York St John University.

If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing participation@ymt.org.uk