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Event Description:

The 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion was the county’s own Territorial Force infantry unit. It had companies based in High Wycombe, Marlow, Slough, Aylesbury, Buckingham and Wolverton. Officially part of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, the First Bucks, as it was known, retained its own identity, wearing a separate cap-badge, based on the Maltese Cross of the old Rifle Volunteers.

Founded in 1908 as a result of the Haldane Reforms that followed the Boer War, by the time conflict broke out in August 1914, it was well-recruited and trained. Most of its soldiers were ready to fight for King and Country.

In this talk, retired army officer, military historian and author of “A Brilliant Little Victory”, a history of the 48th (South Midland) Division, Lt Col Derek Plews will lead the audience on a journey across some of the most infamous battlefields of the war on the Western Front. The talk recounts the part played by the Bucks Battalion at the Somme, the Pursuit to the Hindenburg Line, and Passchaendale. Moving to the mountains of northern Italy he will then describe the unit’s role in helping to repel the ill-fated last major offensive of the Austro-Hungarian army at the Asiago Plateau in the foothills of the Dolomites in June, 1918.

Ticket Pricing

Tickets are free. Pre-booking recommended.

Donations are welcome. Suggested donation £5 per person.

Tickets are subject to the terms of Wycombe Museum’s Ticketing Policy.

Site Accessibility & Parking

Wycombe Museum’s buildings are fully wheelchair accessible, with a disabled-access lift and toilets. The Stable Block, where this event is held, has step-free access from the car park.

We have a small amount of free on-site parking, including disabled parking.

Metered road-side parking is available on The Greenway, Priory Avenue and Priory Road, which is all free on Sundays. Multi-storey parking is available at Easton Street Car Park, High Wycombe Train Station Car Park, and Castle Street Car Park, and are all within a five minute walk.

Our nearest public transport links are at High Wycombe Train Station, and Castle Street bus stops.

Wycombe Museum is just a short walk from High Wycombe Town Centre. We’re 5 minutes away from the High Street – you can find us by crossing over the footbridges on the railway line.

* Event details accurate at the time of publishing; please check the organiser's website for the latest updates.

Event Location:

Wycombe Museum
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