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Key dates over October 1916

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Lives lost on this day: 18

9th October 1916 - Worcestershire Volunteers parade

Rolling casualty count: 4512

2nd Batt: Batt doing practice attacks on the open ground east of the village.

4th Batt: Orders received to move by route march to Pommiers Redoubt.

1/8th Batt: The rest of the Batt moved to Warlingcourt.

10th Batt: Baths for some men welcome after 5 hour training programme.

Inspection of Worcestershire Volunteers – On Saturday the 1st Battalion of the Worcestershire Volunteers were inspected at Kidderminster by Lieut. Col. Hudson (commanding the Worcestershire Regiment) who has recently lost a Son in the War. There was a large muster from Kidderminster, Stourbridge, Dudley, Halesowen and Stourport. Major Barchar (who commands the Battalion) Major Ellis Ralbot (second in command) and a large number of officers were present, also Major Knight M.P. Colonel Winnington congratulated the officers and men upon their numbers, efficiency and equipment and remarked that they were being trained with a view to take the place in home defence of other men who would soon be needed at the front. In addition the volunteers would take up guard duty and their services in both capacities would be of great value to the State. As one who had taken part in the War, he felt they were certainly more than half way through it, but they would want a great many more men and the Volunteers, in preparing themselves for home defence – and there was no doubt they would be called up – were doing their duty to their King and country.

Four Members of One Family – News has been received that Lance Corpl J Watkins eldest son of Corpl G Watkins of Bark Hill, Bewdley, was killed in action on September 18th. He served with the Worcestershire Regiment in India and returned soon after the outbreak of War, going through the whole campaign at the Dardanelles and taking part in many battles. Lance Corpl A Watkins, Royal Fusiliers, a brother of the above soldier, wounded in action on May 26th, is the youngest Son. There are two other brothers serving.

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team