Pembrokeshire
Researched by Nikki Bosworth
In advance of events planned next year in commemoration of the First World War, it is interesting to see how the progress of the war and its effect on life in Pembrokeshire was reported in our local newspapers.
It would appear that by 1916 the repercussions of the Great War were impinging on life at home to a greater degree. Daylight saving (or ‘summer time’) was first implemented here on 21st May 1916, following its introduction in Germany the previous month.
Probably the biggest change at home was the introduction of the conscription under the Military Service Act 1916. Every male British subject, ordinarily resident in Great Britain, aged 18-40, was to be conscripted into military service. Exemptions were granted to four categories of men – those engaged in work ‘expedient in the national interest’, those whose families would suffer ‘serious hardship’, ill-health or infirmity and conscientious objectors. Lists of certified (or exempted) occupations were revised from time to time. These occupations included those working in agriculture, various types of manufacturing and metalworking, food production and coal mines. There were also exemptions for categories such as policemen, lifeboat men and harbour pilots, ministers of religion and, apparently, accountants.
Appeals against conscription were heard at local tribunals and reported in the local newspapers. From these appeals, information can be gleaned about life in the Llangwm area at that time. The following examples are taken from the ‘West Wales Guardian’ in July and August 1916.
Alfred James, aged 39, was a water bailiff at Little Milford and married with five children. He was granted a conditional exemption provided he went to work in a munitions factory.
Edgar Stanley Thomas, aged 28, was the son of John Thomas of Deerland, farmer and butcher. Until 12 months previously, Edgar had been in the Metropolitan Police Force but he had returned home to help his father in slaughtering animals for the butchery. He was granted a conditional exemption for 3 months.
Joseph Thomas, aged 40, of ‘The Poplars’, Hook, was an insurance agent with the Prudential. He was married with two young children and stated that his mother-in-law Alice Macken was also dependent on him. As his occupation was considered analogous to a one-man business, he was granted a conditional exemption.
Albert George Thomas, aged 18 and employed as a teamsman [caring for a team of working horses], was one of the five sons (and four daughters) of James Thomas, farmer, of Tally-Ho. As none of his five adult sons had enlisted, the appeal was dismissed.
James Stanley Anstee, aged 26 and a baker, of Main Street, Llangwm, claimed that there would be “no-one to manage the business if called up”. He stated that he baked every day of the week and used 10 sacks of flour a week. As there were three other bakers in Llangwm village at that time, he was given one month’s exemption with no right to appeal. At this appeal, it was reported that the village of Llangwm was very prosperous as compared with the neighbouring village of Hook.
At such a serious time in the history of Britain, the ‘West Wales Guardian’ was happily able to report that, in September 1916, Trooper David Harries George, son of George Pritchard George of Nash, had won the 100 yards boot-lacing race in his regimental sports recently won the 100 yards boot-lacing race in his regimental sports recently held 'somewhere in France'.