Basingstoke in the Great War 1914-1918

This book tells the story of how a small market town was transformed into a military town with the onset of the Great War. Using the 1911 census and other sources, the author first builds a fascinating social picture of pre-ww1 Basingstoke illustrated by many photographs and contemporary postcards. This reveals a still tranquil country town but one growing in population and prosperity, its economy boosted by the presence of notable entrepreneurs like Thomas Burberry and broadened by the arrival of the engineering factories Wallis and Steevens and Thornycroft. The narrative then examines how the town took on a key role in 1914 hosting thousands of troops from Kitchener's New Army who were camped and billeted and who finalised their training in the town - a military presence outnumbering the local population. Its strategic location as an important junction on what became known as the 'Military Line' between London and Southampton - as well as its proximity to Aldershot and to camps on Salisbury Plain - made it a conduit, a staging post for troops, military equipment, and horses bound for the Western Front. This role of logistical support was to be enhanced by the performance of its factories working on War Office contracts. The book then considers the impact of the war on the local population: the 'Call to Arms' in the town, the controversies over 'shirkers' not enlisting to fight while seeing their living standards rise significantly, and the boost in profits for local businesses in this 'Boom Town'. In 1916 Conscription ends voluntary recruitment and brings with it a reckoning, and the contentious process (1916-18) of the Military Tribunals for those appealing against the call-up is examined. Finally, 'Basingstoke's War' is placed in proper perspective with a focus on some of the heart-rending sacrifices made by local families.

Author: Kevin Smallbone

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Publication Date: Dec 13, 2014

Number of Pages: 92 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: 1505545986

ISBN-13: 9781505545982