Boston, The Docks 1890
Photo ref: 26082
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Photo ref: 26082
Photo of Boston, The Docks 1890

More about this scene

In earlier times, war had only affected the soldiers and sailors directly involved and people who happened to live on or near the battlefield, or the route of the marching army. But in the 20th century the concept of 'total war' meant that everyone could be involved, and this affected Boston as much as elsewhere. The First World War started in August 1914 and, between the 22nd and 26th of that month, the German navy sank 26 British trawlers in the North Sea, ten from Boston and fourteen from Grimsby. Fishermen were taken prisoner and those of neutral nationality were soon released, but the British fishermen were sent to prison camps including 88 from Boston. Later in the war, more Boston fishing boats were Prisoners of War During the First World War (1914-18) Britain and Germany agreed to exchange prisoners of war who were incapable of military service. In December 1917, neutral Dutch ships brought disabled soldiers and civilians to Boston Deeps where they were transferred to tugs that brought them into Boston Dock. The Fish Pontoon on the dock had been made into a reception area with rest rooms, etc, and from there the soldiers were loaded onto hospital trains that took them to London and Nottingham. The prisoners included some Boston fishermen who had been captured in the North Sea; altogether over 5,000 prisoners landed at Boston. German prisoners were taken back in return.

A Selection of Memories from Boston

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Boston

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I left Boston when I was 2 or 3 back in 1945/46 but have been back several times mainly to visit St. Nicholas Church Fishtoft Road where, my mother Doreen Denis Deakin was married to Charles Eric Dann, I was baptized and my Gransfather, the late Dock and Harbour Master, Capt. Charles A. Deakin is buried with his wife Lillie (Booth) Deakin. I was born in a house called Romanica next door to my Grandparents home, Finlandia ...see more
There was a two-hour program for kids at the Odeon on Saturday morning. A tanner downstairs, nine pence upstairs. Films of Heckle and Jeckle, Sir Galahad serial, then a final, longer film. Mr. Pearson was the manager. After, we'd go down the lane by, think it was The Still, and get free, broken brandy snaps from the brandy snap factory. Patricia Hampton.
Yes, I do remember. It was fancy dress. I was got up as a herald.. Yellow and white paper. "Yes," they said to me, "Mary won a prize wearing that." Patricia Hampton.
I am trying to find anyone who knew of my great grandfather named Thomas Robert Taylor. He was married to Elizabeth Ann(formerly pick) and was a cobbler in West street Boston Lincs. Thank you