Description:Following the German invasion of Belgium during World War I, refugees became a familiar sight in towns and villages across the country. Local photographers found them an interesting subject for postcards; this example was taken by Uttoxeter photographer Alfred McCann.
Handwritten on the reverse: "Third lot to come. Mr. & Mrs. Yarde Buller in centre of second row."
Amongst the refugees are members of the De Kempeneer and Heymans families: Maria Carolina De Kempeneer (front row, far right); Maria Theresa De Kempeneer-Heymans (middle row, far right) with her son Jozef sitting on her lap; her other son Karel Felix De Kempeneer (middle row, 2nd from right); his grandmother is sitting 3rd from right and on her lap is Frans Louis De Kempeneer. The surname of the woman sitting in the middle row, far left is Heymans. Another child was born in Marchington, near Uttoxeter on 22 April 1915 and named Albert De Kempeneer.
Names kindly provided by Yvette Crabbé-De Kempeneer
We don't know anything about how they arrived in Marchington, how long they stayed, or where they lived. If anyone has any information regarding the refugees please contact us using the link at the bottom of the page.