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Key dates over November 1918

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Lives lost on this day: 4

18th November 1918 - Soldier’s Dilemma

Rolling casualty count: 11533

War Front:

4th Batt: In accordance with the terms of the Armistice, the 29th Division was advancing as part of the Allied Force to occupy the territory evacuated by the enemy. The Batt moved at 0800 hours with Z Coy as Vanguard, W and X Coys as main guard, the Cyclists overtaking the Batt. Batt billeted by 1245 hours. Z Coy put out 2 platoons in the outpost.

14th Batt: There was a route march for the Batt at 1000 hours.

Home Front:

The annual speech day and prize distribution of the Alice Ottley School was held on Saturday, Canon W.H. Chappel presided, in the absence through illness of Viscount Cobham. Before the speeches, the pupils, under the direction of Mr. G. Street Chignell, rendered very sweetly the National Anthem, the Marseillaise, Elgar’s “My love dwelt in a Northern land” , “Christo Eleison” (Vittoria), and “Hark, the echoing air” (Purcell). The School’s examination results had been remarkable, and the School had kept up its standard of attainment. The School was absolutely full, and if any more children were taken there would have to be building. The finances never stood so well. These had been difficult times for such schools, but they had not only been able to raise the salaries of all the staff to the extent of £500, but also had a larger balance at the bank than ever before in the School’s history.

Soldier’s Dilemma: Frank Ford (25), of Inglethorpe Square, was charged with being an absentee from the 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, at Holly Moor Hospital, Birmingham. P.C. Jauncey said that because of a telegram received, enquiries were made as to why prisoner had overstayed his leave. He said his wife and children were ill. He could not get a doctor for three days. The Chairman said that they had nothing else to do but hand defendant over to an escort, but at the same time they were sorry for him, and hoped the Army Authorities would give him an extension of leave so that he could be of use at his home.

Mrs. Attwood, of 12, Severn Street, has received information that her son, Pte. F. Attwood, 2nd Wiltshires, was killed on November 5th. He was only 20 years of age, and had been in the Army about a year. The officer of his platoon writes that Attwood was acting as his runner, and that he was beside him when he was hit. The officer says he did not suffer much and adds “He was a gallant lad.” Mrs. Attwood has three other sons in the Army.

St. George’s Catholic Church: On Sunday, by permission of the Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, a solemn Votive Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in the church, followed by expositions of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day, and by a solemn “Te Deum” at the evening service.

The first of a series of whist drives to take place this winter, in aid of the Red Cross Work Depot, St. Nicholas’ Street, was held on Thursday at the Co-operative Hall, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. It was a great success. The proceeds amounting to £19, have been paid over to the Red Cross Depot.

General List: Today’s list includes 185 officers – killed, 32; died of wounds, 11; wounded, 125; missing, 13. The ranks suffered 4,397 casualties – killed, 589; died of wounds,133; died, 87; wounded, 3,188; missing, 206; prisoners of war, 150. Nine hundred and eighty-three N.C.O’s and men previously reported missing are now stated to be prisoners of war.

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team