World transformed by war’s demands
Observer verdict on year of conflict
People in Stirling were living in what was “practically a military regime” in which individual and communal freedoms were restricted.
That was the view of the Observer as it looked back on 1916.
Over the previous 12 months conditions of local life had changed and bore little resemblance to those prevalent before the war.
“The citizens have willingly accommodated themselves to darkened streets, earlier closing of shops and licensed premises, fewer postal deliveries and reduced railway facilities,” said the Observer, “and they are prepared to endure greater sacrifices if need be.”
Despite the challenges and the constant drain on Stirling’s young male population due to the war, the “current of local life” continued to flow smoothly and with relatively little inconvenience.
“Women have risen to the occasion and there are now few occupations in which they do not figure largely,” said the paper.
“They have proved their fitness to help carry on business and industrial affairs would come to a standstill without their assistance.”
While prices of food and other commodities had risen enormously, the wages of a large number of workmen had also gone up.
There was no unemployment, said the Observer, adding: “Consequently there is no distress among the bulk of the population, rather the reverse; but the conditions are pressing upon the section of people who are engaged in businesses that have suffered in the war and are unable to force an increase in their wages by way of bonus or otherwise.”
The paper continued: “Many of the working classes are at present earning more money than they ever did in their lives and, in view of the hard times expected after the war is over, associations have been formed to induce them to save for the anticipated rainy day.
“These well-meant efforts meet with little success. The money comes easily and goes easily with those who have never saved and places of amusement are always well patronised.”
Shopkeepers had also profited, with the result that the merchants of the town enjoyed a prosperous year despite the restrictions and inconveniences caused by the war.
Stirling area citizens had a good record in holding events to raise money for the troops and the paper was sure that the town would continue to do its bit as the war progressed.
“Like other communities,” it said, “Stirling has given and continues to give freely of its young manhood to do battle for King and Country and there are many households where there is mourning for those who never return.
“The incubus of the great war that started in 1914 still presses heavily on all classes and circumstances have brought, and are bringing home, to the people the appalling nature of the gigantic conflict desolating the fair fields of Europe.”