Whichford and Ascott Web-site

WHICHFORD

On Monday evening a meeting was held in schoolroom as an incentive to recruiting.  The Rector presided and among those present were Mr. A.B. Brassey, Mr Warne, Rev. – Shebbeare, Rev. Higgins, Mr Warriner, Mr Golding, Mr N. Gibbs, Captain Haywood, Mr. T Pritchard, Mr Jeffrey, Mr J Harvey, etc.  The Rector opened the proceedings, and was followed by Mr Brassey, who delivered an eloquent and able speech, tracing the causes of the war, the ultimate results, and consequences.  Mr Warne next delivered an address exhorting young men to join the army.  The Rev. – Shebbeare also made a splendid speech, calling on the men of Whichford to unite in the defence of their country.  Next came Mr. William Bennett, an ex-R.A. gunner, who did all in his power by very forcible words to get the young men of Whichford to enlist.  Votes of thanks were proposed by Mr. Warriner and Mr. Golding, and seconded by Capt. Haywood.  At the close about sixteen offered their services.  “God save the King” brought a unique meeting to a close.

Those who volunteered had a hearty send-off next morning as they proceeded to entrain for Warwick, the village turning out in numbers to cheer those who were not afraid to offer their lives in defence of dear old England.

On Tuesday morning the sixteen young fellows who volunteered for service with the Army went to Warwick, where each successfully “passed the doctor.” They were given a day’s respite and on Thursday morning went to Stourton where motor cars met them for the journey to Warwick to commence real work.  They had a real hearty send-off.  To each of the eight Whichford men who went, Lord Camperdown presented £2; Mrs Elliot, of Ascott, 10s.; and the Rector a nice prayer and hymn book.  Messrs. Sankey and Morgan kindly lent their vehicles for the conveyance of the men free of charge, and on Thursday morning at the start Mr Stanley very kindly stood refreshments for the eight Whichford men. Let us Wish them all success, a safe return to their homes, and also that their example may be followed by the many who prefer to stay at home and show the “white feather” rather than do their duty to God, home and country.

On the back of this picture is a note that the lorry belongs to Alf Harwood and the dog to Rob Harvey.