People pitch in

Killearn folk make clothes for troops

Efforts by people in Killearn to aid the war effort were outlined in the Observer of 100 years ago.

Secretary of the village war work party, set up to make clothing for troops and victims of the war, explained at a meeting that in the 14 months to November 4, 1917, members had made 3656 garments.

They produced during that period an average of 305 items a month compared with 291 items a month during the previous two years.

A total of £458 had been collected for material to make the clothing, some of which was raised from parish collections and a garden fete. “I consider all those who helped (achieve) this result may justly feel very pleased their efforts have been so successful and will take it as reward for the work which has often been toilsome and difficult to keep up,” said the secretary.

Garments had been produced by work parties and individuals working at home. Many of the latter had, “with clockwork regularity”, been turning out one or two items a week.

A pat on the back was given “to our dear and valued old folk, who work constantly, and our men knitters” for their hard work.

Villagers had also collected and sent to Glasgow three large bags of sphagnum moss which was used to treat wounds.

Garments made by the war work party in the 12 months to November, 1917, included: 709 pyjama suits, 100 pyjama trousers, 309 shorts, 396 bed jackets, four dressing gowns, 35 surgeons overalls, 285 fleecy mufflers, two vests, 121 surgical shoes, 40 ward slippers, 398 knitted mufflers, 198 pairs of socks, 67 operation stockings, six sweaters, 18 mitts, one body belt, 30 handkerchiefs, 18 face cloths and five hot water bottle covers.

Clothing made by the villagers went to the Front Line and also to “desolated Allied countries”.

Money had also been raised from the sale of waste paper.