THE start of the First World War provided a remarkable story in the Warrington Guardian In early August, war was declared by Britain.

The declaration of war had meant that many reservists and territorials in particular, were sent home to be with their loved ones, prior to being recruited for service.

One such was Private Herbert Battersby, from Warrington, a member of the Northumberland Fusiliers.

His wedding was described in the Warrington Guardian as a ‘Touch of Romance given to the departure of the company’. The wedding of Private Battersby was originally planned for the Saturday next, but when the news arrived that he had to leave at short notice, they got married at once.

Their wedding party then proceeded to Warrington Bank Quay Station, where Private Battersby was given a send off by their families.

Four years later, on August 24, news was received by a letter from Private Mathew Carr that Private Battersby had been killed action on August 5.

Their Commanding officer spoke on behalf of the regiment: “The soldiers had completed two weeks training and had been instructed to hold themselves for readiness of demand and duty.”

The soldiers from the Northumberland Fusiliers were then told to proceed immediately to Royal Naval Barracks at Davenport.

It is there that they would serve to move wounded men from the battlefields to hospitals in neighbouring countries.

This would be followed by service on the frontline in conjunction with local members of the St John’s ambulance corps if needed.

Throughout the war, hopes of people living in Britain had been dashed as the country was drawn further and further into the war in Europe and their worst fears realised. S

tatement after statement was given by the government: “Today we stand forth a united people, nay, more thanks to the loyalty of our kinsmen in all parts of the – a united empire.”