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Key dates over February 1915

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Lives lost on this day: 0

4th February 1915 - Germany announces its first sustained U-boat (submarine) campaign against merchant and passenger ships approaching Britain. Ships will be sunk without warning, including neutral vessels. Continues until September.

Rolling casualty count: 630

1st Batt: In Brigade Reserve billets at Red Barn ; 2nd Batt: In billets at Essars;3rd Batt: In billets at Locre.

About 250 men are wanted at once for the 8th (Reserve) Battalion in order to bring that unit up to the increased establishment. Some time ago an order was issued to increase the Battalion by 30 per cent (300), and so far only 50 of the men required have been enrolled. The standard has been reduced from 5ft 4in height to 5ft 3in; and from 34 inches chest measurement to 33;

Mr G. Hambling, 33, St. John’s, who sent a concertina to the front a month ago, has received a letter from Lance-Corporal B.H. Ellis, in the Army Service Corps, thanking him for it, and also for the cheery note which the soldier found inside. The writer adds: “If the people at home have even a slight idea how their kindness is appreciated by us chaps I am sure they would feel amply repaid for their trouble;”

The departure of the 2nd South Midland (Reserve) Brigade, RFA, from Worcester for their new war station in the East Midlands, where they will join the 7th and 8th (Reserve) Battalions of the Worcs. Regt. Was marked with those scenes of enthusiasm to which the city has been accustomed of late. Many of the relatives of the Worcester men crowded on the platform at Shrub Hill, together with a large number of the residents of the Arboretum district with whom the men have been billeted for four months. Numbering about 600, they presented a smart, soldierly appearance as they marched to the station;

The Education Committee recommended that they be authorised to engage temporarily a lady doctor as School Medical Officer at a salary of £300 per annum…The Committee did not feel very hopeful that they would get a lady doctor for the sum named or any other, but they felt, that it was their duty to try.

Information researched by Sue Redding