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Key dates over September 1918

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Lives lost on this day: 4

10th September 1918 - Tomatoes for the military hospital

Rolling casualty count: 10574

War Front:

2nd Batt: The continuing wet weather interfered with Coy training

3rd Batt: The 57th Infantry Brigade relieved the 58th Infantry Brigade, the Batt being relieved by the 2nd Wilts. Batt moved back to Reserve in Hinges vicinity in very wet weather.

4th Batt: The Brigade Armourer inspected all the rifles and Lewis guns. The Brigade PT instructors visited the Batt and took each Coy for an hour. Sixteen Rifle grenadiers per Coy paraded under 2LT JG Marriott for instruction in the use of the N .36 Rifle Grenade and Discharger. Orders received for Batt to move to Hazebrouck area.

Home Front:

Theatre Royal: In the variety entertainment this week the most interesting “turn” is that given by the Ten Tommie’s. They are men who volunteered for service early in the war, who have served on various fronts, and who have now been discharged from the Army as being no longer physically fit for war service, as the result of wounds. Some of them have been decorated (by both British and French) for gallantry in various theatres of war. Their records show that they have taken a big part in some of the hardest fighting since the outbreak of war, but though they have been through terrible times, they still retain their high spirits. The leader is Pte. Bert Danson, who is responsible for the organisation and formation of the troop and for many of the songs and monologues which they give. The Tommie’s are a very merry bunch. On Monday they sang, they danced, they laughed (and made the audience laugh with them). In the intervals of song, dance, and recitation they were gleefully chaffing each other. By means of booklets containing their histories, the “Tommie’s” have raised £2,000 for war charities, and this week they are helping the Mayor’s Homes.

From 350 tomato plants given by Mr. W.G. Rigden, Managing Director of Messrs. Fownes’ Glove Company, two residents of Englefield Green, Surrey, have raised over a ton of tomatoes for the military hospital. The plants were cultivated on the walls of the cemetery at Englefield Green.

Gunner E.P. Noke, Tanks (husband of Mrs. Noke, 2, Oldcroft Road, and eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Noke, 18, Inglethorpe Square, Worcester), has died from wounds. An officer says: “He was well loved by all of us – officers and men-. He did a great work, and died for the greatest cause a nation has ever fought for. His loss will be greatly felt in this Battalion, and we realise how you will feel it.” Gunner Noke joined up about three years ago, and went to France six months later. He was invalided home with trench fever, and went to France for the second time about five months ago. Before the war he was employed by Messrs. Williamson, Providence Works. He was in his 21st year. A brother, Jack, aged 18, is also in the Army.

Pte. W.H. Weyman, Worcestershires (son of Mrs. F. Weyman, 14, Butts Walk, Worcester) has been gassed. He joined the Army in October, 1914, and has been in France for 2½ years. Previously he was employed by Messrs. Williamson, Providence Works.

Heron Lodge Sale: Mr. W.K. Kay has sold Heron Lodge, where he has lived for the last 22 years. For the duration of the war he has taken The Trenches, Battenhall, the home of his son, Lieut. Tom Kay, who is now on Army service; and when the latter and his brother, Major E.O. Kay, return to business, Mr. W.K. Kay intends to seek that leisure which his successful energy and entertainment have entitled him to. But having sold Heron Lodge, and on his behalf Messrs. Bentley, Hobbs, and Mytton will offer by auction on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the elegant and well-made furniture which it contains. Though it is impossible here to hint at a tithe of the 540 lots, attention may be called to a few. A beautiful cathedral-chiming grandfather clock, and a grand piano in rosewood by Romhildt are sure to be much coveted. So also will be an elegant inlaid parquetry and ormolu mounted china cabinet, valuable French bronzes (including a charming one of Joan of Arc in armour), and a large collection of proof engravings and etchings (after Dicksee, Tadema, and others). Very handsome bedroom suites, several luxurious carpets, the costly contents of several reception rooms and the billiard room, 285 ozs. of silver, not to say 20 dozen of vintage champagne are certain to cause spirited bidding day after day. If the weather should be wet, shelter may be found in a large tent erected in the grounds.

A presentation took place on Monday evening at the Mount Pleasant Hotel, London Road, to Mr. Edgar Orwell, Secretary of the Sick and Dividend Club, on his joining the Army. The present took the form of a Swede wallet with contents, and inscribed in gold: “Presented to the Secretary, Bro. E. Orwell, by the officers and members of the Sick and Dividend Club, Mount Pleasant Hotel, London Road, Worcester.”

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team