Sunday 11 November 2018

Australian Airman, born and buried in Birmingham

Our research of World War One Soldiers at Lodge Hill Cemetery has uncovered many stories from across the world. Harry Taylor was born in Birmingham, but traveled to Australia when he was young.  He served throughout World War One and died in England just before the war ended.

Friday 9 November 2018

Fighting under a false name

2nd Battalion in Plymouth
Private George Thornley of the 2nd Battalion (Regular Army) Royal Scots fought in World War one in France dying of wounds on 5th December 1914, having made it back to Birmingham for medical treatment. What is unclear is why on the World War One Memorial Wall, Lodge Hill Cemetery, it says he served under the name George Vaughan.

Wednesday 7 November 2018

Death in Service - Birmingham Nurse dies of Influenza

90,000 volunteers worked at home and abroad in World War One.
When you have your flu jab this winter consider the effects of the flu one hundred years ago.

Katherine Old writes:

Bertha Larner served as a nurse in world war one from 29th June 1918 until her death on 28th October 1918. Bertha died of influenza during the most serious epidemic of any disease in history.

Tuesday 6 November 2018

What can little ones do in War time?

It is rare to hear the voice of children in any century.  The Birmingham Weekly Mercury's children's competition in 1915 on the theme 'What can the Little Ones do in War Time?', offers an insight to life in Birmingham during the war through children's eyes.  First prize of half a crown was awarded to Irene Harrison (age 13) from 145 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, one of six children from a widowed mother.