St Catherine’s residents have been hearing the facts and figures surrounding Lord Kitchener’s World War I appeal for recruits.
In a special reminiscences afternoon focussing on the 1914-18 conflict the home’s activities coordinator, Richard Dobinson, led the discussion which featured some fascinating facts and interesting trivia about the “war to end all wars”.
Although the official minimum age to fight overseas was 19 there were 250,000 underage soldiers in the war, 65 million men from 30 countries fought and 25,000 miles of zig-zag trenches were dug on the Western Front.
Richard also reminded residents about the role women played in the Women’s Land Army as well as remembering the jobs animals and birds did in the war.
After a musical interlude, residents heard some of Rupert Brookes’ poetry and perused the displays of posters, writings and memorabilia including information about resident Agnes Armstrong’s uncle who died in the conflict, aged just 21.