Exhibition reveals impact of WW1 on FP and his family

'A High School Family and the Great War' is on display now 

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The impact of the First World War on a High School of Dundee former pupil and his family has been revealed in a fascinating new exhibition.

A High School Family and the Great War tells the story of the tragic death of Lieutenant Dan Stalker, former Harris Gold Medal winner for Dux of the School, the heartbreak with which the news was communicated and received, and the involvement in the War of his three brothers – also FPs – James, Ken and Philip.

The exhibition reveals that Dan died from wounds received whilst tending to his injured men at Gentelles near Amiens, just two days before his first wedding anniversary and four months before his daughter Mary was born.

Brought to life through a series of letters sent to his widow Gladys and his parents, photographs, cuttings, artefacts and a video, the display also outlines the roles which his sisters Alice, Elsie and Hope, performed during the War.  

The material was provided by Dan’s great-niece, Morag Stalker, who is also a former pupil.

Morag, who was assisted in putting the exhibition together by Chemistry teacher Dr Kate Pepper, said, “There are four Stalker brothers, including my grandfather, James, named on the School’s War Memorial as having served.  When I was growing up I knew that Dan was killed in the last year of the War and had had a posthumous child, but I discovered and learned so much more as I was looking through all the material.   

“It’s wonderful to see all the items on display. They shouldn’t be sitting in a box in a cupboard so it was a privilege to be able to share the material with the School and I hope people enjoy the exhibition.”

The exhibition is on display in the entrance foyer of the main building throughout November. Visitors should report to reception upon arrival.