A most interesting talk was given on 17th November 2014 which detailed the effects of the war on the people of Ormskirk and West Lancashire towns in 1914. A great deal of research and information, articles and news had been taken from the Ormskirk Advertiser giving us an insight into the attitudes at the time – along with some surprises!
The recruitment of men had been reported widely in the press as patriotic meetings and marches took place around the area. The Boy Scouts were very involved with this and were even given positions of trust and used by the Local Government, in order to help the war effort. As conscription did not start until 1916 and not enough men of the right age came from the Ormskirk area, the press became very involved, and frustrated as they took on the task of encouraging men and young boys to enlist, by telling mothers and wives that their menfolk should join up. Even football was banned saying that fit men should be fighting and not playing games.
Political, agricultural and financial aspects at the time were explained and as the war progressed, and changes made to food production, farmers and markets affected people’s lives, often not for the best.
As the war would go on longer than expected and more men were needed, few ordinary working men understood the reasons for the war. People were badly affected by high prices and food shortages and poverty struck – resulting in bread stations and food coupons being issued eventually – as there was no food rationing.
There were about 4 military hospitals or convalescent homes in the area and they also had severe shortages of food. Local collections were made for any excess stocks or unwanted items of tobacco & sweets for patients in order to help out.
The Remount Depot built in Lathom and opened in 1914 was also detailed in the press as 600 men and 5,500 horses & grooms were stationed there at any one time. Locals were overrun with ’Remount lads’ it was reported, later leading to social events as things settled down.
The films of the time were mentioned and also slogans such as ‘Make do and Mend’ together with advertisements of the time on cleaning your home. The role of women changed as some took over jobs the men at war would have carried out.
Altogether the talk gave a clear and entertaining insight into the lives of people at the outbreak of war, labourers, miners, farmers, the wealthy and ordinary folk of the area.
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