Uncover the story of a young officer at Remembrance Exhibition

A powerful new exhibition at Trafford Local Studies, Waterside House in Sale, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the life of a young army officer during World War One through his own poignant sketches.

These original drawings by 2nd Lieutenant Noel Whittles, an Altrincham-born officer of the Lancashire Fusiliers 19th Battalion, are on display as part of the Remembrance Exhibition, running until Saturday, November 30th.

Remembrance Exhibition

The sketches, drawn by Noel on the frontlines of the Somme in 1916 and in Belgium in 1917, depict scenes of war with a unique blend of artistry and wit. From French townscapes to caricatures capturing life in the trenches, the drawings shine a light on the hardships and humanity of soldiers during one of the darkest chapters in history.

These remarkable works are on loan from Noel’s grandson, David Burrows, a local resident who discovered the drawings in 2014 while clearing his late mother’s flat in Didsbury.

Tucked away in a sealed shopping bag, the sketches and writings had been lovingly preserved but hidden for decades due to the painful memories they evoked.

“Noel wasn’t a professional artist; he sketched for himself,” David explained. “These drawings have never been published, but they tell such a vivid story of life in the trenches.”

The brutal realities of war

Noel’s drawings and his story reflect the brutal realities of war. In La Boisselle, he faced waist-deep mud and rat-infested trenches. During the summer of 1917, Noel worked tirelessly under constant shelling and gas attacks, repairing trenches and laying plank tracks for guns across the deadly mud near Passchendaele.

His service took a physical toll—he was wounded in 1918 and later trained soldiers back in England before continuing his military career in post-war Germany.

The exhibition also features rare film footage from 1919, courtesy of the North West Film Archive, showcasing Chapel Street in Altrincham. Dubbed “the bravest little street in England” by King George V, Chapel Street sent more soldiers to war than any other street in England, a testament to the courage of the local community.

Cllr Judith Lloyd, Trafford Council’s Armed Forces Champion

Cllr Judith Lloyd, Trafford Council’s Armed Forces Champion, expressed her pride in bringing Noel’s legacy to the public: “We’re honoured to share Noel’s drawings. It’s impossible to fully grasp the hardships he endured, but this exhibition allows his courage and sacrifice to live on.”

This exhibition not only celebrates Noel’s talent and resilience but also Trafford’s continued dedication to honouring the Armed Forces community.

Recently, the council received a prestigious Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its outstanding support to veterans and their families.

Trafford Local Studies at Waterside House is open to the public six days a week, offering an unmissable opportunity to connect with the past through the eyes of one brave soldier.

Don’t miss this chance to explore history and heroism as seen through the sketches of 2nd Lieutenant Noel Whittles.

Opening hours of Waterside House’s Remembrance Exhibition

Trafford Local Studies at Waterside House is open Monday 10am – 7pm, Tuesday 10am – 5pm, Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 10am – 5pm, Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday Closed.

You can find out more by clicking here