Served with the Honourable Artillery Company. He was the son of Frederick Smart of Thornhayes, London Lane, Bromley. His brother Geoffrey Smart also served in the Honourable Artillery Company Before taking up service, Claude was an artist by profession and studied at the Carlton Studios. He had won two King’s prizes in one year. The Honourable Artillery Company was sent to France at the end of Sept after review by the King on 25th Sept. He was on night duty taking a dispatch to a village 4 miles from…
Category: WW1
Fashions of January 1917
Winter Fashions from 1917 Medhurst’s Winter Sale At no other sale in the kingdom can you buy Royal Worcester Kidfitting Corsets at Lower Prices than at Medhurst’s Winter Sale Aren’t you glad you do not have to wear garments such as these today? But you get a good idea of why ladies of the time tended to have a fairly gentle sedentary life. No jogging or marathons possible in these clothes! Source:Bromley & District Times, 5th January 1917, pg 5
Robert Edward Mockridge
Robert Edward Mockridge was the son of Thomas Edward and Elizabeth Mockridge of Shortlands, and married Grace Kezia Mockridge of Waldo Road, Bromley. At the time of the 1911 Census, Robert Mockridge (aged 31) was listed as a milk roundsman, and was living with Grace (the aged 24) and their 3 year old son Robert. Clearly more children followed prior to the first world war starting. Robert was killed in action in September 1918 and was buried at Gomiecourt South Cemetery, Gomiecourt, Department du Pas-de-Calais. The following report of his…
“Dominion Day” at Orpington
Ontario Military Hospital Carnival It was “Dominion Day” at Orpington on the 1st inst., and a successful and largely attended sports carnival was held at the Ontario Military Hospital. There were probably more than 3, 000 persons present on the charming sports field above the hospital, situated in the very centre of a delightfully wooded and hilly country. While monoplanes and biplanes droned overhead, the sports programme was carried through with every evidence of pleasure to the many patients and other spectators who thronged the ground. It was a touching…
Italian Recipes for Meatless Days
By 1917, certain foods were in short supply, especially meat, wheat for bread, butter and sugar. Here is a recipe that appeared in January. I liked the elegant suggestions about serving the Gnocchi alla Romana. Definitely for the middle-class housewife who maybe has lost her live-in cook! Risotto in Bianco Half a pound of rice, washed and dried; two pints of broth; two ounces of butter (or less if preferred); two tablespoons of grated cheese. Bring the broth to boil, then throw in the rice; boil until the broth is…
Working Title
At the moment the title is: The Home Front in the Great War: How the people of Bromley faced the challenges of war, but this is rather wordy, so I think the publisher will come up with a more snappy version.
Publishing Contract signed
I’m very excited to announce that a publishing contract has been signed and my book should be out in 2018. I have my first meeting with them on 5th July.
How to Honour the Fallen of World War I
Tuesday 2nd February 2018 7:45pm The trials and tribulations of creating a suitable war memorial to honour those who given their lives for the people: choosing an appropriate memorial, raising the money, choosing a site, and in some cases the inevitable disagreements and arguments. Bromley Borough Local History Society Trinity United Reformed Church Upper Park Road, Bromley Contact: Programme Co-ordinator mike.marriott1@ntlworld.com
Lance-Corporal Christopher Paul Conway
Lance Corporal Christopher Conway was a member of the 5th Battalion, Royal, volunteered for foreign service and probably went to Jubbelpore in India for garrison duty. He was one of four brothers, all of whom also served in the first world war; Private Stephen Conway, Private William Conway, Corporate Albert George Conway. He lived at Wharton Road, Bromley. Source:Bromley & Kentish Times, 16th October 1914 (page 5)
Petty-Officer James Green
Petty Officer James Green was reported to have given 8 years service, serving with the Royal Navy on HMS Stag by November 1914. Source:Bromley & District Times, 6th November 1914 (page 2)