Diary

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The diary describes a year in the life of the town. See here for a cast of main characters. Please select a month or start here.

MonthLangholm EventsWar Context
Preface
  • Summary of 1914 by the local newspaper
  • The UK declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914
January
  • The Langholm Carpet Bowling Club held two major competitions.
  • Two Zeppelins made the first aerial attacks on the UK.
February
  • Local shops began a series of price increases due to shortages.
  • Germany declared the waters around Britain and Ireland to be war zones.
March
  • Two touring troupes put on plays and musical performances.
  • SS Falaba was sunk, causing outrage in the USA.
April
  • Councillor Alexander Montgomery resigned after being accused of vote-rigging.
  • Gallipoli landings commenced.
May
  • The Common Riding was cancelled, generating considerable protest.
  • A shortage of munitions (the ‘Shell Crisis’) resulted in a coalition government.
June
  • Broncho Bill’s Great Wild West Exhibition visited with a 10,000-seat tent.
  • Fokker monoplanes established German air superiority.
July
  • The Common Riding proceeded in a modified format, but Provost Easton refused to participate.
  • The Munitions of War Act was passed to address the Shell Crisis.
August
  • Prince Paul of Serbia stayed with the Duke of Buccleuch at Langholm Lodge.
  • SS Arabic was sunk, causing major diplomatic tensions.
September
  • Janet Scott survived the sinking of RMS Hesperian while emigrating to Canada.
  • The Battle of Loos, France.
October
  • A concert was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the Red Cross Hospital.
  • Bulgaria joined the Central Powers of Austria-Hungary, Germany and the Ottoman Empire.
November
  • Construction of a huge munitions factory began at Gretna, attracting workers from Langholm.
  • The Lord Derby Scheme of volunteer registration was introduced, a precursor to conscription.
December
  • Employees in Langholm insisted on pay rises and a local branch of a trade union was formed.
  • Withdrawal from Gallipoli began.
Postscript
  • Summary of 1915 by the local newspaper

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