1st March 1917 - The Zimmerman telegram offering German support to a Mexican attack on the US is made public in US newspapers, with the approval of President Wilson

Rolling casualty count: 5565

War Front: 1st Batt: Batt marched forward to dug-outs at Asquith Flats.

2nd Batt: batt in Support position and supplied 150 men for work in support of 11th Batt RE. Brigadier General came round pm and interviewed the Raiding Party.

3rd Batt: Batt in Corps Reserve at Rooklosheale and training.

4th Batt: batt at Bernafay Camp. The Corps paraded for anti-trench foot treatment am. In pm they moved to Combles where enemy shelled Leuze Wood.

2/7th Batt: Batt at Harbonnieres in training for wiring and digging at night.

2/8th batt: Batt in billets at Vauviller in Coy training.

10th Batt: Batt relieved by the 9th Cheshire Reg and moved to Billets in Bus.

Yeomanry/Cavalry: The Turks are behind Wadi Ghuzze with Gaza on the right and Beersheeba on the left. They have constructed a formidable series of fortifications

Home Front: Larger Soldiers’ Pensions: The existing confusion, hardship, and anomalies in regard to soldiers’ and sailors’ pensions have been cleared up by the issue of a draft Royal warrant which represents, according to Sir. A. Watson, the eminent actuary, an increase of £6,500,000 a year, or an increased capital sum of 130 millions. One new feature is that men who become disabled within seven years of discharge from causes connected with their active service will be entitled to the same pensions as if they had been discharged medically unfit. No disabled man’s pension, including children’s allowances, will exceed 75s. a week.

To the Editor: ‘Sir, I see that the Worcestershire County Council have called a meeting on Saturday next, “To consider a scheme for the formation of a Society to establish Depots for the collection and disposal of market garden and other agricultural produce.” That seems rather like putting the cart before the horse. Would it not be better to get the men who can produce food on to the land and leave the rest to the existing organisations for dealing with it?’ W.J. Gardner, Pinvin.

The Pirates’ Week: The following information shows the arrivals and sailings of merchant vessels of all nationalities over 100 tons net, and exclusive of fishing and local craft, at and from United Kingdom ports for the week ended Sunday, Feb. 25:- Arrivals: 2,280 / Departures 2,26.1

The following particulars of British merchant vessels sunk by mine or submarine are also issued:-

Over 1,600 tons gross: 15 / Under 1,600 tons gross: 6. Total 21.

British merchant vessels unsuccessfully attacked by submarine: 12. British fishing vessels sunk: 4.

Boiler Plant at Hylton Road: The Electricity Committee report that for some time past the Electrical Engineer has called attention to the necessity for some increase in the boiler house plant at Hylton Road to cope with the increased demand for current. At a Committee meeting, he pointed out that for some time past it had been evident that the existing five boilers were not sufficient, and that as the necessity for a new boiler was chiefly caused by the supply of current for war work, he had applied to the Ministry of Munitions for a grant towards the expense, but without success. The advised the installation of a boiler and other plant costing £4,350, but explained that part of the work might be deferred for a time.

Lavender Road Tip: The Streets Committee recommend the Council to purchase from Mr. J.A. Molineux, of 43, Tything, his field in Lavender Road, containing about one acre, and recently used as a tip, for £110, including two sheds.

Thinning out the Pheasants: The Destruction of Pheasants Order made by the Boards of Agriculture and Fisheries extends to the 31st March, the season for killing pheasants, and authorises the War Agricultural Executive Committees of each county to take such action as is necessary to reduce the stock of pheasants on any land where there is a risk of substantial injury therefrom to crops. For this purpose the Committee may authorise the occupier to kill pheasants subject to certain limitations to be inserted in the authority, which will include those applicable to the killing of ground game under the Ground Game Act.

Presentation at Claines School: On Wednesday at the close of school, the Headmaster, Mr. Baker, was presented with a Swan fountain pen from the teachers and children, as a token of their affection and good wishes on his joining the Army. The gift was handed to Mr. Baker by the top child in the school, who expressed, on behalf of the children, the hope that their Master would soon return to them. Mr. Baker, who was much affected, expressed his gratitude both to his loyal staff and to the children for their beautiful and useful gift, and said that it would be a constant reminder of their affection and good-will towards him. From the Managers of the School Mr. Baker has been the recipient of a silver luminous wristlet watch as a mark of their appreciation and esteem. They look forward to his early return to school.

Information researched by the Worcestershire World War 100 team