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Key dates over November 1914

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Lives lost on this day: 2

2nd November 1914 - Russia declares war on Turkey

Rolling casualty count: 377

2nd Batt: Sent forward to fill a gap in the front line where Germans supposed to have broken through. ‘A’ Company occupied the original trenches and saved the situation. Thanked by Gen Capper. ‘A’ Company relived about midnight and rejoined remainder of Battalion who were withdrawn to the farm;

3rd Batt: Ploegsteert: Moved Company to position just W of Bois de Ploegsteert. At dusk moved up and relieved Hampshire Regt in trenches – B & D companies in 5 trenches, A & C in support trenches.

With the opening of the winter session, the Worcester Voluntary Aid Detachment secured a large number of men anxious to qualify in first-aid and to be able to render efficient assistance in the work of the transport of wounded should occasion arise…The VAD is much indebted to many friends for assistance towards the equipment, the Pharmacist (Mr Thomson) not only having given several articles of equipment at price to the Detachment, the members paying retail price, has handed over the profits to the funds. The Barbourne College grounds have been placed at the disposal of the VAD for field service practice in connection with transport. The Detachment hope, by lantern lectures and other means during the winter to raise sufficient funds to cover the cost of uniform, in which it is expected the members will be able to parade at an early date. Subscriptions may be given to the officers of the Detachment, or to the Secretary, Mr RJ Oliver, the Shirehall.

Recruiting at Norton: there were 31 recruits at Norton on Monday, and 50 men went to join the 9th Battalion. Shoeingsmiths are urgently required for the new Army. All particulars can be obtained at Norton Barracks.

There were enthusiastic scenes at Shrub Hill, when 2 parties of the 8th Batt. left to join the main Battalion at their war station in the SE… The Band played the irresistible ‘Tipperary’ march, and the soldiers and many of the huge crowd of civilians joined in the chorus…The men looked remarkably well, their vigorous training having improved them physically. They were accompanied by Cpl HT Clarke and Lt FW Hemming. The Band again played ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as the train steamed out. Both parties of men appeared to be quite happy – some were remarkably lively – and the joined in the cheers raised as the train moved on, but many of their women friends could not disguise their emotion.

We understand that none of the Territorials who were given a week-end leave was deprived of a visit home because of monetary reasons. All the railway tickets were bought by the Commanding Officers, who will stop the amount out of the men’s future pay. This sum (13s to Worcester) will be spread over several weeks.

Information researched by Sue Redding