Evocation Gilbert Talbot

"And your bright Promise...
Is touched, stirs, rises, opens, and grows sweet
And blossoms and is you, when you are dead."
-    Lavinia Lyttleton, Moeder van Gilbert Talbot

On 30 July 1915, the world said goodbye to a talented young British man. Gilbert, only 23 and just graduated from Oxford, immediately enlisted in the Rifle Brigade when war broke out. He leaves his father's episcopal palace behind, as does his much promisinig political career. The first scenes of war and the ruins of Ypres make a deep impression on the young officer. After a night German surprise attack with flamethrowers at the Hooge, Gilbert is ordered to lead his men in the counterattack. After his death, Gilbert comes to symbolize the golden generation of young men still resting in Flanders Fields. Talbot House, dedicated to Gilbert has not forgotten him.

Day by day 110 years later, we tell the haunting story of Gilbert and his brother Neville Talbot. Using poignant letters and eyewitnesses, we bring the landscape to life. The stories are interspersed with appropriate music performed by the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company, a professional British military band. Music soothes the suffering and pays a final tribute to the hundreds of soldiers in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery but equally to those missing in the fields around.

Join the Talbot / Chalk family and Talbotousians for this evocation to Gilbert's grave at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery in Zillebeke. We ask everyone to take their seats by 10.25am. Parking is limited, where possible we invite you to drive together.. 

Location at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery in Zillebeke