Warwick in the Great War

[Philip Wilson]

‘Warwick in the Great War’ by Graham SUTHERLAND first published by Pen & Sword in 2017,  ISBN 978 1 47386 0537, provides a detailed account of how the experiences of war impacted on the town from the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, to the Armistice in 1918, and its immediate aftermath. This is not a military history of the Great War, however, that conflict had a big impact on the Home Front and events in Warwick mirrored what was happening elsewhere in Britain.

 

The book explores a little-known piece of Warwick`s history, providing a fascinating insight into those momentous years by way of 100  contemporary  photographs and provides a wealth of information, including extracts from letters sent home.  It is well indexed and provides a two page bibliography for further research.  The book is well worth reading.

 

Those familiar with the ‘Incident of  the Horse Transport Wayfarer’ (11 April 1915) will spot the error on page 37, for Major Airth RICHARDSON, Warwickshire Yeomanry was rewarded with Brevet  Lieut.-Colonel ; two Officers received the Military Cross and 18 ORS the Meritorious Service Medal.

Edited 26 February , 2017 by Philip Wilson

[Magnumbellum]

Does it include the use of Warwick Prison as a Work Centre under the Hone Office Scheme for conscientious objectors?

[Philip Wilson]

Yes but only a short paragraph.  In 1916 The Warwick Goal was closed prisoners moved elsewhere. It became known as 'the Settlement'  which housed conscientious objectors who worked in the premises making boots, tailoring , growing vegetables etc. The paragraph outlines what happened if they absconded. There are 2 supporting photographs:  one of the Prison Gates and the other of the inmates inside sitting in three rows on individual stools  working under supervision.  Reminds me of my 11 plus exam -  stools and desks in clearly defined rows - Teachers patrolling to make sure nobody was cheating!   There is a short section on Local Recruiting Tribunals with examples of applications for exemption on differing grounds being upheld or not.

 

Philip

Edited 1 March , 2017 by Philip Wilson
to correct error

[Magnumbellum]

Thanks.

 

The unofficial use of 'settlement'  for Home Office Work Centres occurred elsewhere - I suppose it is a less formal or pejorative term. The photograph of serried rows of seated men at work may have been an early one for publicity, for reassurance that the men were working. Photographs inside other Work Centres show men working, but not quite so stiltedly.