Telegraph Reporters has posted a story about a rather unusual ring on display at the Tank Museum in Bovington England. This ring is on display as part of a collection of items related to the 100th anniversary of the first tanks in 1916. The ring belonged to Lieutenant Sir Basil Henriques and the glass shard mounted on it came from the periscope of the Mark I tank that he crewed. Artillery fire damaged the periscope, sending the shards into his face. Medics removed the shards and he kept one, having it mounted on the ring which became a gift to his bride, Rose. Years later his widow donated the ring to the Tank Museum.
The article quotes Museum director David Willey, who states:
“Our tanks are always going to have a presence and draw but objects like this ring help tell the personal stories of the men and their experiences.
“For us now it seems amazing that after a day of such terror, confusion and loss Henriques was able to think of his new wife and make a present to her out of something that had nearly blinded him.
“This is one of our smallest objects on display but certainly one of the most moving and is proving to be one of the most popular.”
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