Rethinking Remembrance

TATTOOS have a long history in the military and have been inscribed on the skin of warriors for thousands of years – and a new exhibition opening at Beau Sejour this weekend explores some of the stories behind them.

The Royal British Legion (RBL), together with the National Memorial Arboretum, has worked with the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to uncover how tattooing remains an emotional and meaningful act of remembrance alive in the armed forces today.

The exhibition is being brought to Guernsey by the RBL (Guernsey), with the support of sponsors TPA, PraxisIFM, Raven Property Group, Guernsey Arts Commission, Arts Foundation Guernsey and the States of Guernsey (Culture and Heritage).

‘This exhibition will give people the chance to discover how tattoos have become a key role in the armed forces community as a personal act of remembrance, a statement of belonging or a record of significant events and operational tours,’ said Marlene Place from the RBL.

‘They are a permanent reminder of the wearer’s experiences, triumphs and losses, and commemorate those who have sacrificed for our country.’

Local veteran Gaz Papworth has many tattoos and each has a personal meaning and reason behind it.

‘One of my tattoos which is connected to my time in the army was the Rifles Regiment cap badge, which is on my chest. It means a lot to me, and is a constant reminder of what I achieved in my former regiment as an infantry soldier,’ he said.

‘I’ve had many great memories during my time in the army, travelling around the world and making friends who become brothers to you, literally.

‘The army has made me who I am today. I am so glad I made that decision to join when I did –I was in such a low point in my life and it gave me what I was looking for in life: a challenge.

‘I think most armed forces, both male and female, have tattoos – it’s part of the culture. A lot have tattoos to remind them of those who were lost in combat or a certain time in their career.

‘A few of my friends who I served with have tattoos to honour their close friends who tragically died in war, both Iraq or Afghanistan.’

Craig Daniell was medically discharged from the RAF and wanted a tattoo to tell the story of his life and his fallen comrades. His tattoos include a poppy, as well as the name of his friend Ryan Tomlin, who was killed on patrol in Afghanistan aged 21.

‘For me, my tattoo is a visual memory of my time in service,’ said Craig.

‘It allows me to commemorate those I lost along the way and reminds me of how lucky I am to be here today.’

RBL Guernsey chairman John Moses agreed that getting a tattoo can be a meaningful act of remembrance for those in the armed forces. 'They depict a story of their life at the time of having one done. This can be to reflect a death, a time of celebration or difficult period.'

Tribute Ink originally launched in the UK in late 2019, and was due to go on tour around the nation in 2020, however Covid-19 has put those plans on hold until further notice.

‘We’re thrilled to have helped bring the exhibition to Guernsey. Our community has a one-off opportunity to discover the stories of military personnel and how they commemorate key events of their life in a unique and personal way,’ said Tony Tostevin, chief executive of digital creative agency TPA.

Former Royal Marine and PraxisIFM Group chief executive officer Rob Fearis said the timing of the exhibition was particularly poignant. ‘Remembrance Sunday falls the day after the exhibition opens and for many people this is a time to reflect and remember the sacrifice made by so many.

‘I’m pleased that our support is enabling this exhibition to be staged and accessible to all islanders.’

Mark Sinclair of Raven Property Group added: ‘Tribute Ink allows us to discover a different side to Remembrance this year. From Captain Cook’s sailors in the 1770s to people serving in the military today, this exhibition has something for everyone to enjoy.’

The Guernsey Arts Commission is also proud to be supporting this important and powerful exhibition and, to quote the words of former Household Cavalry officer Alex Owen, who now works as military liaison for the Royal British Legion, ‘We would urge everyone to come and see the inspiring modern stories of Remembrance living on the skin, and in the hearts, of our servicemen and women today.’

• The free exhibition will be at Beau Sejour, and open to the public between 9am and 9pm from Saturday 7 November to Friday 13 November 2020.