Workshop 3

Students will use publishing software to create their own comic about the first day of the Battle of the Somme and the actions of Robert Quigg. Robert Quigg was one of four soldiers from the 36th (Ulster) Division to be awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Robert Quigg received his VC “for the most conspicuous bravery” in his efforts to rescue his platoon commander Sir Harry Macnaghten who went missing during the assault on the German lines. Quigg went searching for him, and in the process, rescued seven other wounded soldiers who had been left stranded in No Man’s Land, trailing them back to the British lines on a tarpaulin under continuous fire from the enemy. Macnaghten’s body was never found.

Students will research and find copyright free and non-commercial imagery from the time (tip: search IWM’s online image archive) to use in their comic as well as some facts and figures about the actions of the Ulster Division on the July 1st. Students will study the comic book of 36th (Ulster) Division soldier Billy McFadzean, who was awarded a V.C. for his sacrifice on 1 July, as an example of what can be achieved.