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Key dates over November 1914

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Lives lost on this day: 2

10th November 1914 - Boy Scouts' service should be paid

Rolling casualty count: 480

2nd Batt: In the trenches. Enemy having sapped to within about 10 yards of a portion of the line held by ‘B’Company proceed to annoy us considerably by throwing hand grenades into our trenches. Sniping exceedingly trying. Shelled at intervals;

3rd Batt: Ploegsteert: Returned to billets at 6:30am.

Twelve recruits were enrolled at Norton on Saturday, making 197 for the week – the best week’s total since the standard was raised nearly two months ago. Recently the standard was lowered.

Protest from Pershore: The Pershore Board of Guardians forwarded a resolution, which the Chairman read, protesting against the proposed expenditure of £10,000 on new county offices, urging that the matter be postponed till after the War. (Hear, hear).

Pay of the Police: The Chief Constable (Colonel Walker) reported that the vacancies of men called to rejoin the colours had not been filled, and the army authorities were refunding the pay and allowances of the eight officers acting as drill instructors at the barracks. There were 25 vacancies in the force at present. Recruits were naturally few and far between and that was affected to some extent by the fact that the pay compared unfavourably with that of the police in the boroughs and the city of Birmingham, and in the industrial and manufacturing districts in the immediate neighbourhood. Mr Wright remarked that there was a difference between Birmingham and the county. In Birmingham the cost of living and house rent were much higher than in the county, and that ought to have some consideration.

Services of Boy Scouts: The Clerk (Mr CH Bird) said that when war broke out the Boy Scouts’ Association for Worcester and District kindly offered the services of Scouts to do any work that might be required of them at the Shire Hall. At that time work was rather pressing, and the offer was accepted. Now, Mr Anthony had sent asking for some payment, particularly in respect of some cases. The writer pointed out that the boys had usually worked on Saturdays, receiving a few shillings, and pressure had been put on him by the parents of the boys. They complained of wear and tear of boots. It was pointed out that if the boys were doing work which others would have to be paid for, it was only fair that some recompense should be given… Col Hudson moved that a subscription of £5 5s should be paid in recognition of the services rendered. A member said that was no contract, and to give payment would create a precedent. Sir HF Grey said it was now lawful to do things which it would not be lawful at other times… The resolution was carried, 13 voting for it and 11 against.

Departure of Belgian Wounded: Eleven of the party of Belgian wounded, who had been treated at the local Infirmary, having “made good” their injuries, left Worcester for the 12 o’clock train for Folkestone, en route for Calais. All seemed happy enough and eager to get back to the front. The Voluntary Aid Detachment assisted in the work of conveyance to the station, the officers present being Dr Campbell Highet, Mr Thomson (Pharmacist), and Quartermaster, Sergt Farmer. Motor cards were lent by Messrs Ward, Cole, Welsh and Co, E Rigden, and Sanders. As the train steamed out three cheers were heartily given for our Belgian Allies by a small company of well-wishers.

Another 49 men of the Reserve Worcs Brigade of Artillery will join the main body today.

Information researched by Sue Redding