Financial Support for the War – the Good and the Bad

As can be seen fund raising efforts for the troops and their dependents were in full swing. Editions of the Courier at this time are full of adverts, articles etc exhorting people to give generously or advertising meetings, concerts or other entertainments to raise money. As you can see it was not just local councils involved but other organisations such as, in these cases, the Halifax Light Opera and King Cross Constitutional Club. Individuals were also involved and long lists were published of businesses and individuals who had contributed to the various funds. The young boy featured here was to figure prominently with his fund raising and more will be heard of him.Another side to the issue of supporting the troops and their dependents is highlighted in the letter from “ONE WHO IS FEELING IT”. There was a genuine fear that local firms and businesses would be by passed in the effort to supply goods for the fighting men. As the war progressed and the funds became more organised and with many contributions being made in cash, goods were bought locally benefitting local shops and their workers. is little realised today. The uncertainty of export and import markets on the continent caused great problems for businesses nationally and this was reflected locally. Although the article refers specifically to conditions in Brighouse this was typical of the local situation with the exception of the silk dispute which was solely a Brighouse issue. The local cotton industry was already in the grip of a recession so a further reduction in trade caused by the war was the last thing they needed. It can also be seen that the uncertainty extended to the local population with many of them forsaking their holidays during the Wakes fortnight to popular destinations such as Blackpool. and also motor wagons which at this time were a fairly new invention. Contrary to popular belief the army were quite prepared to use new technology but at this stage of their development motor vehicles did not have the reliability or flexibility of their four legged rivals. Horses were used extensively by the armies of all sides, they not only pulled the artillery pieces but were vital to draw the wagons which took supplies from the railways to the front line troops.