Miscellaneous

They were encouraged to support the war effort in many different ways, from providing accommodation for troops

Sorting comforts for troops – women and children kept busy knitting woollen gloves, socks and balaclavas for shipment overseas to maintain troop morale. ( Schoolchildren also encouraged to knit, sew and collect scrap for recycling. )

Fundraising also ensued provision of cigarettes, books, sweets, card games, footballs and even gramophones, mufflers, notepaper, woollen clothing and primus stoves. Jumble sales, flag days, entertainments to support war charities.

Comforts Fund esp for Wimbledon’s Own and East Surrey Regt Comfrts Fund. – HQ of Regt in Kingston but Wim and Mer in regt distr. Wim Bor News asked by Lt Col Treeby, Comm Regt Depot – to open subs fund – readily complied – raised £2,300 by 1919.

190^th = 7 – 800 men but subs fund generously aided – flag days, collections, entertainment – sent a parcel every week to one of three batteries at the front. Received consignment every 3 weeks. Wim Own fund raised £1085, 2s 7d – also money gathered for East Surrey POWs.

Flag Days – ladies collecting in all weathers for home causes, Belg and France. Helped by 2 mayoresses.

Boys’ Naval Brigade

Cmmdr J McSheehy – guards of honour at public events – Gun Day, Tank Day – helping to fundraise for War Loans. Boosting recruits – working in Wim, Tooting, Wandsworth and Richmond. Serving in canteen at YMCA Hut – Lifeboat Day, Sailor’s Flag Day, etc

“as handy men of the younger generation, they showed themselves possessed of the energy and enthusiasm for general purposes for which Old Salts of Great Britain have so long been celebrated.”

Tank Week

Early Army tanks fresh form Battle of Cambrai meant to encourage people to invest in War Bonds. Tank Banks

Wimbledon and Merton Boy Scouts pictured during Tank Week. Performed variety of wartime tasks including fundraising, waste paper collection, assisting Belgian refugees and sounding the All Clear following air raids./