Express & Star, 31 Aug 1914

In the first month of the war, the initial patriotic zeal and the fact that many believed the war would be short-lived, meant that recruitment in Wolverhampton, as elsewhere in the country, was high. Recruitment hit a record high on the morning of 31 August 1914, when it was reported in the Express & Star that no fewer than 62 men enlisted (the previous record being 33). By the time the paper was published, “scores of men” were still entering the Town Hall and an official had estimated that “before the day closes over a hundred will have answered the call to the colours today.” However, the article stressed that this should not put off others from joining, as “every eligible man is wanted”.

Express & Star 31 Aug 1914

On the same day, there was also an article about the formation of the Second Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment. Men were being despatched from Wolverhampton to Lichfield on a daily basis, and “It seemed to us this (Monday) morning that there were more spectators than ever.” It was estimated that to date over 1,800 men had gone from Wolverhampton and district for the new battalions.

Express & Star, 31 Aug 1914

Following an advertisement in the Express & Star for men willing to join companies of non-manual workers, the newspaper was proud to publish the names of 9 men who had either called in to their offices or left their names as applicants for admission to these companies. Among others, they had received a letter from brothers Hal G. and Geoffrey E. Lawrence, of 4 Clark Road, assuring them that Lieutenant-Colonel Waterhouse “may rely upon two whowill do their utmost to assist him in anything that will help forward this much-needed movement.”

These are just some examples to demonstrate the feeling in Wolverhampton during the first month of the War.