Sue Cook and the team answer listeners' historical queries and celebrate the way in which we all 'make' history.
Series 13
Programme 3
2 May听2006
Margrit Ballegeer in the First World War
Making History listener Janet Dean is trying to find out more about the activities of her grandmother Margrit Ballegeer during the First World War. When she was alive she told stories of her work for the Belgian Resistance but the family did not write down or record what she said.
Making History consulted Christine Van Everbroeck, Education Officer at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces in Brussels. She told us that Margrit (Marguerite) was a member, with her fianc茅, of the intelligence network of Father Moons. All three were arrested on 4 August 1917 in Brussels. Margrit was condemned to lifelong detention, and Henri van Bergen and Father Moons were shot at the fort of Edegem (Antwerp) on 16 March 1918. Margrit was incarcerated in Antwerp (prison of the Begijnenstraat) and, after her trial, in Vilvorde (Brussels).
Useful links听
Further reading
Tammy Proctor, Female Intelligence: Women and Espionage in the First World War (New York University Press, 2003; pbk, 2006)
Born in a gaol - prison records
Making History listener Susan Stockton is researching her family history and has found out that one of her ancestors was born in Gorton gaol in Manchester. The prison no longer exists and she is having difficulties finding any records. What was life like for women in prisons in the 19th century and where can she find any records?
Making History consulted Dr Alana Barton, Programme Leader in Criminology at Edge Hill University, and Bev Baker, Collections Manager at the Resource Centre of HM Prison Service Collection in Nottingham.
Useful links听
Uniform of the Hussars
Making History listener Jenny Dasey asked about the 'jacket' or 'cloak' worn by cavalry officers in the early 19th century which appears to have just one arm. What was its purpose?
Making History consulted Martin Boswell, Curator of Uniforms at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. He explained that the 'jacket' is more properly termed a 'pelisse' and was adopted from the Hungarian cavalry dress in the late 18th century. Its purpose was to allow the rider full control of his horse while also offering some protection to his torso.
Useful links听
Hidden Treasures
This week Dilly Barlow visited the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.
Vanessa has presented听science and current affairs programmes for 成人论坛, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Discovery and has presented for 成人论坛 Radio 4 & Five Live and a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday, Scotsman and Sunday Herald.听
Contact Making History
Send your comments and questions for future programmes to:
Making History
成人论坛 Radio 4
PO Box 3096 Brighton
BN1 1PL
Vanessa has presented听science and current affairs programmes for 成人论坛, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Discovery and has presented for 成人论坛 Radio 4 & Five Live and a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday, Scotsman and Sunday Herald.听