Life in Frome and on the front line during WWI

Local author, David Lassman was the speaker at the July meeting of the Frome Family History Group.

David’s well illustrated talk covered both domestic life in Frome in the First World War and also life on the front line for men from the town.

David began by showing photos of the flower show which was the last one for the duration of the war before reservists, those soldiers who had been in the forces before, were called up. There was great jubilation at the railway station with family and friends waving them off. More troops were soon needed and recruitment was extended to all single then married men. Horses were also required and farmers were paid £40 for each suitable horse.

Social events in the town were cancelled and, as factories became short of manpower, hours of work were cut. Women began to take over from the men called away and Scouts were given the task of guarding vulnerable locations such as reservoirs against saboteurs and spies.

Several local buildings became military hospitals including Keyford Asylum, The Blue House, Longleat, Keyford Red Cross Hospital and the Frome War Hospital Supply Depot opened in Cheap Street.

Soldiers enlisted in many different regiments but the majority chose the Somerset Light Infantry who were based at Colchester. Others joined the Wiltshire regiment including Private Louis Paynter who died in October 1914 at the age of just seventeen. One of the first soldiers be killed was Private Bertram Vincent who died on the 26th August 1914 and the Hanney family from Marston Road lost three of their sons, George, Frederick and Alexander.

David illustrated how life might have been for soldiers fighting on the frontline, showing pictures of the beautiful locally made postcards which were often the only means of communication with loved ones. The battle against lice was a significant activity as even the weekly washing of their uniforms and underwear would not kill them. Entertainment for the troops was important to keep up morale and allow a respite from the horrors of war. The organist from St John’s Church put together one of the most well-known concert parties, the Diamond Troupe.

This is just a small flavour of David’s book, Frome in the Great War which is available to buy from Frome Society for Local Study and local bookshops. It is a fascinating although often harrowing read and a must for anyone interested in military history or those wishing to find out more about the history of their town. David was thanked for a most interesting evening.

There is no meeting in August but on 26th September Marek Lewcun will make a return visit to give a talk entitled An A-Z of Genealogical Resources. Family history advice sessions continue on the first Saturday in the month in the library but please book a computer with the library staff.