WW1  Pershore

This website has created to serve as a First World War Centenary Commemoration to all those who served their Country from 1914-1918 from the town of Pershore in Worcestershire, United Kingdom.

All the information has been pieced together from archive files including local newspapers,  published books about the town and information available on the Internet. Some of the photographs have been kindly donated by local families.  It is hoped that by putting all this data in once place, this will serve as a long term record of our town's heroes.  

Acknowledgements & Thanks :

Derek Farmer and the late Malcom Farmer

Newsquest Evesham Journal & Berrow's Journal

 Ernie Fuller and the late John Smith http://johnsmithpershore.webs.com/for keeping records

 Mick Turvey for providing much valued information. 

Grateful thanks to Kevin Fuller for providing photographs. 

 Pershore Abbey. (link to website below). 

To the local Authors - Marion Freeman, Margaret Bramford, Marshall Wilson and Arthur Dowty whose books have provided a source of knowledge. 

To the local people of Pershore who have shared information and photographs of their relatives, particularly on our Facebook "Memories of Pershore's Past" Group. 

To the Imperial War Museum's website https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org,, 

to the Remember the Fallen website http://rememberthefallen.co.uk

Commonwealth War Graves Commission at http://www.cwgc.org and various other smaller websites who have published snippets of information. 

Wychavon District Council

Evesham Journal 12th September 1914:

PERSHORE

A meeting promoted by Messrs H Basil Harrison and W Wood, Chairmen respectively of St Andrew and Holy Cross Parish Councils, took place at the Music Hall on Tuesday night for the purpose of giving a stimulus to recruiting. The meeting was remarkable for its size, its enthusiasm and its results. The hall was packed to the doors, many being unable to find admission and the spirit of patriotic fervour animated speaker and hearers alike. Lord Deerhurst presided and with him on the platform were Lady Deerhurst, Hon Helena Deerhurst, Major-General Frank Davies, Admiral Cummings, Revs. H F Peile (Archdeacon Warwick), F R Lawson (rector of Fladbury), Rev Harcourt Fowler (Vicar of Elmley Castle), Col. A H Hudson, Miss Hudson, Capt. And Mrs Derrington Bell, Miss Bell, Mr & Mrs O Wynne Marriott, Major F Checketts, Capt. J B Dowson, Der Emerson, Messrs G F Hooper, T W Parkes, J E Newman etc. In the front row of chairs sat an old Crimean veteran – Mr Lewis of Fladbury – whose presence and bearing compelled attention. Deafening cheers broke from the audience when Lord Deerhurst invited him on the platform and introduced him. He is as fine a looking old soldier as one would meet anywhere. Tall and of massive proportions, with leonine heat and profile, his great chest being adorned with medals declaring him to have been a unit of the old 46th Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry whose exploits in the trenches before Sebastopol added much to the glory of our Army’s history.

It is due to the patriotism of Pershore and the villages immediately surrounding it to mention here a fact which was not brought out at the meeting, which is that the men who now joined up brought up the number of recruits for the past three weeks to well over a hundred (exclusive of Fladbury, 38) and that these when added to the Territorials, Yeomanry and independents already gone mawe up a splendid total of 300. Every day they come in, young fellows of brawn and muscle, hard as nails and fit as fiddles from their daily toil in the field and garden, the very chaps that should develop into the finest British Soldiers.

Lord Deerhurst commenced by saying that the war was due to the arrogance and greed of an individual who not only wanted to be Emperor of his own domain, but also the whole of Europe. The Kaiser was madly jealous of our wealth and possessions but what England had, she was going to keep and there were hundreds, thousands, aye millions, who were willing to lay down their lives for the old flag of Great Britain and to thwart the wicked designs of this military despot (Cheers). Lord Kitchener wanted the men to make the issue of this campaign an absolute certainty and it was up to the men of England, who alone of the great powers adopted and maintained the principle of voluntary service, to now come forward in the time of their country’s great need (Applause).

In the fine speech of Admiral Cummings which followed, he spoke of England’s justification for entering on war, the heroic stand of plucky Belgium and the shameful, disgraceful behaviour of the Germans instancing the destruction of Louvaine.

Major –General Frank Davies, who had a great reception, also made a stirring speech. “History” he said “repeated itself”. Once again this country was fighting for the freedom of Europe. A hundred years ago, we were at war against one of the greatest soldiers of the world’s history; now we were out to crush the greatest military power that ever flaunted itself. But a century ago, we were not united and many took the side of the enemy. Today, however, the Empire stood solidly as one, irrespective of creed, nationality or colour (Cheers). He knew Germany, had been there a good deal and knew its language. He had many friends there, some in the army. As soldiers, they had no quarrel with the men they had to fight. He believed the German nation at heart was kindly desirous of the pursuit of peace. It was the caste that ruled them, the caste that made war their God. They heated our wealth, they hated our freedom, they intended to put us down. France was to be crushed first and then their ports on the other side of the Channel would have been utilised against England. Anybody who wanted to know what it would be like to be ruled by Germany could read it in the blood-stained annals of Belgium. Poor little Belgium. What had she done? Simply sought to uphold her treaty rights, granted by whom? By Germany itself. The Bully (Cheers and a voice: They will have their gruel yet”). “Yes” concluded the speaker. “Germany hang ‘em; they were out to smash us but by God, they shan’t do it.” The blunt military manner of the General worked the audience up to a tremendous enthusiasm.

Mr Parkes who followed, describing the conflict as a fight for the freedom of civilisation and expressing the opinion it would be the last war we or our children would see. A powerful entreaty to young men to come forward was emphasised by the recital of Nelson’s motto never more applicable, commented the speaker than now: “England expects that every man this day will do his duty”. The bright streak in the present crisis, continued Mr Parks, was the splendid co-operation of all the classes. There was no creed, no politics, no social distinction. We were all Britishers. It was therefore with a feeling of repulsion that he read in the local evening paper a letter – a small, mean, nonsensical letter trying to cause some political discussion. “Shame on the man who wrote it” cried Mr Parkes amid cheers.

Non one trounced the “unscrupulous originator” of the war more than Col. Hudson in his vigorous ten minutes’ speech. The Colonel emphasised the fact that our Government had used every possible means of conciliation to maintain peace and that war was provoked by Germany, regardless of sacred treaties and obligations, and for the sole purpose of satisfying their avaricious greed for territory. He alluded to Mr Asquith’s magnificent oration at the Guildhall as befittingly expressing the sentiments of Englishmen.

The Ven. Archdeacon of Warwick said we were at war for the sacredness of treaty obligations and for the plighted troth of the English people also. Shame upon them – of the Germans as well. Had we been fools enough to acquiesce in their innocent arrangements, they would, in all probability, have secured naval bases on the English Channel. The Archdeacon paid a splendid tribute to our magnificent Army and Navy.

Other fine speakers , each of which found great acceptance with the audience were made by the Rev F R Lawson, Mr J E Newman and Mr J Cooke, the popular recruiting Sergeant for Pershore and a splendid meeting concluded by the lusty singing of three verses of the National Anthem, led by Mr Charles Mason, the Abbey Organist.

Berrow’s Journal 1914

PERSHORE WOMEN VOLUNTEERS

“Enthusiastic Meeting”

A meeting was held at the Masonic Hall, Pershore, on Tuesday evening for the purpose of forming a branch of the Women’s Volunteer Reserve. A large number of ladies attended, Col. Miller presided and he was supported by Mrs Smithett (Organising Secretary of London who was the speaker). Mrs Henderson (County Branch Secretary) Mrs Hopkins (Birmingham Organising Secretary for the Midlands) and Miss M Davies and Miss G Hudson (Pershore). The two last-named ladies are to act as Joint Local Secretaries. Col A H Hudson was also present. The meeting was very enthusiastic although comparatively few ladies gave their names. It is expected that more will join when the time comes for drill. The movement is to train and discipline a band of women so that they may be ready to act in any emergency and to provide co-operation among women, improve their physique and teach them to help others. Colonel Miller gave a rousing speech on the object of the movement. Colonel Miller said at a time like the present, they all felt that they wanted to do something for the good of the nation and to help in this time of war. That movement would be the means of setting men free. The women would be of great use in signalling and in various other ways. In the event of invasion, there would be great work for them and they would find that instead of a general panic they would each know what to do.

Mrs Smithett said the movement had been considerably extended of late and she foresaw that Pershore was going to be amongst the places to come forward in a large body. The work was varied and it was most extraordinary the way the branches had developed. The members found from experience that they derived great benefit physically and it gave everyone an occupation. They all felt the great need of doing something for England. The age for joining was from 18 years to 50 years and she suggested to the local Secretaries that if there was a desire to join on the part of any under the age of 18 then a cadet corps should be formed. After the war was over, they had every intention of continuing the movement. The work which could be done was camp cooking, signalling, first aid and various other things. There was always the possibility of an air raid and if such should come about there would be no panic on the part of the members of the WVR. There was some doubt existing as to whether members of the Volunteer Aid Detachment would join the WVR. She pointed out that they were most pleased to welcome them as members (applause).

Miss M Davies of Elmley Castle stated that drills would be held at the gymnasium on Tuesdays at 5pm and Fridays at 7pm and that drills would commence on Friday next when any who wished to join could do so then. She also extended an invitation to any who did not wish to join but who took an interest in the movement to come and watch the drilling which would be conducted by Sergt Hook of Pershore. Instructions in signalling would be given by Mr Cholmondeley.

Colonel Miller proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Smithett for coming and so closed the meeting.

CONSCRIPTION

The Military Service Act was introduced in January 1916 meant that every single man aged 18-45 had to join up unless they were widowed with children or religious ministers. In June 1916, this Act was extended to include married men too. Men could appeal against conscription via a local Military Tribunal on health, employment or religious grounds. The latter became known as Conscientious Objectors and approximately 6000 of them were imprisoned. The Military Service Act was amended several times and the age limit was increased to 51. This is the record of one Military Tribunal hearing for Pershore:

PERSHORE RURAL - Several Military Appeals

Berrow’s Journal 2nd December 1916

Thursday. Present: Messrs J Faulkner (Chairman), A A Paull, J W Dee, M Revill, G Eccles, W Wood and J Watson, Mr E C Cholmondeley (Military Representative) Mr F Davies (Agricultural Representative)

The Military applied for a review of the case of Charles Arnold Crapp, single), auctioneer and general manager of the Pershore Co-operative Fruit Market but a note was received from Col. Miller Recruiting Officer than instructions had been received from the War Office that the appeal should be withdrawn.

Sidney J Sharp, miller (34) married, no children, partner with his brother Harry in the working of Wyre Mills, Pershore was represented by Mr J S Pritchett, Barrister of Birmingham, in an appeal by the Military Authorities against the conditional exemption already granted. Mr Sharp claimed his work was of skilled character and of national important, especially at the present time, and that he was in a certified occupation. He said if he went the mill would have to be shut up. The Military had offered no substitute. He and his brother worked the mill entirely themselves. They did a good deal of grinding for farmers, averaging 4000 bushels a year and supplied a good deal of feeding stuffs. They expected to be even more busy in view of the new Government regulations respecting standard flour. The old stone mills could deal better with the new kind of flour than the roller mills. The Tribunal decided to refuse the Military Appeal.

Joseph Glover (41) photographer, shopkeeper etc. asked for his application to be heard in private. His previous appeal was dismissed but his appeal before the County Tribunal was referred back to Pershore. Conditional exemption was now granted.

Harry Taylor (35) single, a Kempsey Farmer of 200 acres, whose temporary exemption expired on the 1st inet, made application for conditional exemption. His brother Norman 923) his stockman had been exempted. Applicants request was granted on the condition that if a substitute was found the younger brother joined. Mr Cholmondeley said if Norman did not pass the medical test, he should appeal for a revision of this case.

Having found as they claimed a substitute for Arthur James Bennett (26) single, shepherd and assistant cowman for Mr C Hewlett, former of Birlingham, the Military asked for the certificate to be cancelled. Mr Hewlett said the substitute was recommended to him as a good man but from enquires he found he had not been accustomed to milk cows or look after sheep. Applicant had at present 104 ewes, 86 cattle and frankly he did not like the idea of parting with an experienced and very reliable man for one whom he knew nothing about, neither ought to be expected to do so. Mr Davies said he thought the Military did not realise the extreme importance of experienced shepherds. He understood the substitute would be given a week’s trial before the man whose place he was to take was withdrawn. Mr Dee: A good general farm hand. And he has worked on the roads for the Upton District Council. Military appeal refused. Certificate already granted to be altered to April 1.

Rowland Oliver Rose (36), single, of Cropthorne said he had been passed for sedentary work at home. He worked seven acres of garden land single-handed and helped everybody in his parish who wanted him. Conditional.

The Military applied for the conditional exemption granted to Walter Harold Harris, plumber and engineer of Broad Street, Pershore to be cancelled. Harris said he was married and worked for his Father who at present was very ill in Malvern. They had only one labourer working for them now. Seven men had left and joined the Army. In addition to the plumbing business they had nine acres of grass land and kept three cows, two horses and nine pigs. He had been passed for general service. Mr Paull: the Doctors appear to pass anybody nowadays. Mr Cholmondeley, referring to an invitation issued to the medical officers at Norton Barracks to any member of Tribunals to go up and see how the work was done, asked Mr Paull why he did not go. Mr Paull said that he had not the time. Mr Revill said he should take care to stop away for fear they might “collar” him. Military appeal allowed.

The Military also asked for Archibald Bowkett (31) single, market gardener, Defford. He had 8.5 acres and half an acre was open. He had been passed for garrison duty abroad but would sooner stop at home. Appeal allowed.

Mr Roberts, Solicitor, Evesham represented James Teale (28), married, no children, a wardrobe dealer, oilman and carter for the Pershore Co-operative Market and R T Smith and Co. The Military asked for the certificate to be withdrawn. Mr George Daniels, a Lieutenant in the local Fire Brigade, supported the claim that the exemption should stand as Teale was one of the best firemen the Brigade had now to rely upon. Mr Cholmondeley asked Teale why he had told the Recruiting Officer he would be willing to serve on December 1st. Applicant replied because he had been misled. After he obtained his exemption the Military pressed him as to serving and he discovered afterwards that the Tribunal who granted the exemption was the only body who could take it from him. The Military appeal was allowed by Mr Cholmondeley granted the request of the Tribunal that he should not be called up before January 1st.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE ABBEY

Evesham Journal 10th February 1917

A memorial service was held at the Abbey Church on Sunday night for the 50 men fallen in the war who were residents of the ecclesiastical parishes of Pershore. The night was bitterly cold but the church was filled in every part, the congregation including the members of the Pershore Volunteer Training Corps under Commandant the Rev. H Clifford (who read the two lessons) and several of the parents and friends of the fallen soldiers. Many were unable to restrain their emotion when the names of their loved ones were read out and again when the solemn music of Chopin’s Funeral March, beautifully played by Mrs Charles Mason, filled the sacred edifice. Two hymns were sung. 595 for absent friends “Holy Father in They Mercy” and 499 “On the resurrection morning”. The Burial Service was read out by the Vicar who also preached a short but impressive sermon from the text found in the 15th chapter of the gospel according to St John, “Greater love hath no man than this that a many lay down his life for his friends.”. He spoke of the many ways in which they could all honour the memory of the men who had sacrificed their lives for their country by thanking God for their bravery and devotion to duty, by living simpler and more godly lives, by showing self-sacrifice and practising economy, by placing their money, no matter how large of small the amount which could be spare, at the service of the country.

There is a fascinating website for the Worcester Regiment at http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/

Details of Remembrance Services and fund-raising events for the Poppy Appeal can be found on our Pershore Poppy Appeal website at http://pershorepoppyappeal.webs.com/