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Key dates over November 1916

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: 0

2nd November 1916 - Fort Vaux recaptured by the French at Verdun

Rolling casualty count: 4791

1st Batt: Batt marched to camp at the Sandpits near Meaulte.

2nd Batt: men were exhausted and wet from the attack in bad weather. Relieved by 16th KRR. A and B Coys went to Hog`s Back Trench.

4th Batt: GOC 88th Brigade went round the billets. Training started in sniping, Lewis gunners and bombing.

10th Batt: Batt relieved by 10th R Warwicks and took over huts in Ovillers Post.

SMD RFA: Brigade formed a false “pocket” during the night to assist 31st Division who carried out 3 raids on the right . One party was successful.

Home Front:

Worcester Tribunals: An Acrobat’s Application: Mr. Harrison applied on behalf of Cecil William Huxter (33), married, special leaper and acrobat. Mr. Harrison said he had been passed for general service. If he had to go into the Army his muscles would become set and he would never be able to resume his occupation as a gymnast. He earned a substantial sum, and he contributed towards the support of his aged parents. Two or three other people were dependent upon him. Colonel Webb said the statement that applicant would not be able to resume his occupation was a statement only; there was no evidence in support of it. Applicant would be a useful man out at the front…Mr. Harrison said the applicant had contracts up to February, he earned over £500 a year, and his loss, if he had to go, would be considerable. Col. Webb: We must get him a contract in France, and see whether we can withdraw his certificate while he is abroad. He was granted conditional certificate (final) until January 31, to enable him to complete his contracts.

Mrs. Gill, of Tunnel Hill, has received official intimation that her husband, Company-Sergt.-Major W. Gill, of the Worcestershires, has been killed in France. His Captain, in sending the information, says that her husband was killed be a rifle bullet through the heart when he was assisting to build a bridge for artillery to pass over the trenches. Deceased was master cook at Norton Barracks at the outbreak of war. Mrs. Gill is left with two children, aged seven and three years respectively. The officer says that he had been brought in close touch with Sergt.- Major Gill, and was very fond of him.

Droitwich Tribunals: Messrs. Seager, Ltd., of Chaddesley Corbett, appealed for W.H. Moule, a timber feller, of Bliss Gate, aged 38. Mr. Seagar said Moule was the only expert timber feller in his gang. All the single men had gone. The timber was wanted for Government purposes. Mr. Potter: Have you any single men left in the woods? Mr. Seagar: No, none. Mr. Potter: I am asking because many people are getting into the woods for the purpose of hiding themselves. Mr. Seager: Yes, I quite understand. The Tribunal gave conditional exemption till March 31st.

Earlier Closing of Shops: Amendment: Sir:- There appears to be some confusion as to the effect on licensed premises of last Thursday’s amendment. Under the new Order the sale of tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes on licensed premises is prohibited after 8 a.m. on each day except Saturday, when the hour is nine o’clock; any refreshments (liquid or solid) can be consumed on the premises, and tobacco (in any form) may be supplied at a meal for immediate consumption only. Tobacco cannot be sold to customers who are simply supplied with liquid refreshment. The Home Secretary’s extension of the exemption in his original notice legalises the sale, after closing hours, of mineral waters, hot drinks, cakes, etc., for consumption on the premises. Walter H. Jones, Secretary, Worcester City and County Licensed Victuallers’ Association.

Fatality at Powick: Inquest Verdict: Our report of the inquest on James Patrick, who was killed in a motor accident at Powick, stated that the accident was “due to inexperience on the part of the driver of the Co-operative van, and to his lack of knowledge in braking, but that this did not amount to negligence.” The terms of the verdict as recorded on the Coroner’s depositions are “The motor van came into contact with deceased in consequence of inexperience on the part of the driver in braking, but not to criminal negligence.”

Mrs. Henry Wood Memorial: Messrs. Macmillan and Co. have published in pamphlet form, at the price of one shilling, a record of the unveiling in Worcester Cathedral of the memorial tablet to Mrs. Henry Wood. The record, compiled by Mr. C. B. Shuttleworth, includes a full report of the speeches on the occasion, and a short explanation of how the memorial came about. On the cover of the pamphlet is reproduced the miniature portrait of Mrs. Wood, presented by Mr. Charles W. Wood to the Corporation. Within is reproduced a photograph of the memorial tablet, and the pamphlet is plentifully illustrated with drawings by Mr. H.C. Brewer, R.I. of local places frequently mentioned in Mrs. Wood’s novels.

Worcester Glee Club: Under the Chairmanship of Mr. John Gray, there was a large attendance at the Crown Hotel, on Wednesday evening, at the second concert of the season. A capital instrumental programme had been provided, of which Mr. Arthur Quarterman’s orchestra gave a delightful performance…The March from Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” comprising that magnificent melody “Land of Hope and Glory,” so appealed to the members that they spontaneously stood up and vociferously sang it.

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team