The historical advisor for the movie 1917 is coming to Chatham-Kent (CK).
The movie, released in 2019, focuses on two British soldiers given a mission to hand-deliver a note, calling off an attack on the German forces during the height of the First World War.
Andy Robertshaw was sought out by the Producer of the movie and worked closely with both supporting and principal actors of the movie.
“I then worked with Costume, Props, Set Decoration, and even 'Hair and Makeup' to get the look right,” said Robertshaw in a Facebook post from the Canadian Great War Society Archives.
He had an advisory role on the film, focused on historical accuracy, but went above and beyond, even hosting a ‘Boot Camp’ to prepare the actors.
Robertshaw, who now serves as an Honorary Lecturer at the University College of London, has played a part in many films, including War Horse, Wonder Woman, and They Shall Not Grow Old.
“He's just accurate, detail-oriented, he gets it down to the wiring on the back of the trenches, which people don't even think about,” said the President of the Canadian Great War Society, Tim Gillies.
This is Robertshaw’s first time in CK, and they have already sold more than half the available tickets.
“We've gone all across Ontario, South Ontario, Toronto, Hamilton, London, Sarnia, Windsor, so yeah, this is his first time in Chatham Kent and hopefully we'll get people out to hear him talk,” said Gillies.
The event is being co-hosted by Timmerman’s Legend of Flight, Blenheim Military Museum, and the Canadian Great War Society.
The talk will be held at the Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport on Tuesday, November 4 at 7 p.m. and will also include a tour of World War Two aircraft in Hangar 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 cash and can be purchased at the door. People can RSVP by messaging tse5a@execulink.com or chris.timmermans7@outlook.com.
