A Call to Arms

This is an account of the men of Mid Cheshire who answered the call to arms in 1914 and the families they left behind as reported in the local press of the time. The book tells the story of how they joyfully went to war believing it would be "all over by Christmas" before eventually discovering its true horror.

You can read how the Cheshire Regiment made a gallant stand at Audregnies, which saved the BEF after the Battle of Mons but cost them 78 percent of their compliment. You will also read of the people at home who tried to carry on without them. How they raised funds to support the war and made "comforts" for their men at the front and how they gave succour to the many Belgian refugees who came to the area having fled from the German hordes who had invaded their country. On a lighter note, you will be informed of the local sports results and of the many people found to be "drunk and disorderly" and their punishments.

But most of all, it is about the men who, when the call came to do their duty, did so without a moment's hesitation. We should all be proud of their bravery and sacrifice and never forget them.