Dorking in the Great War: Your Town's Story of the First World War

The First World War had a profound impact on every town and city in the United Kingdom. Dorking, a small town in Surrey, was no exception. The war touched the lives of everyone in the community, from the men who went to fight to the women who kept the home fires burning. In this book, we tell the story of Dorking in the Great War, based on extensive research and interviews with local people.

The Outbreak of War

When war broke out in August 1914, Dorking was a thriving market town with a population of around 8,000 people. The town was home to a number of businesses and industries, including a large brewery and a paper mill. Many of the men who worked in these industries were called up to fight in the war.

Dorking in the Great War (Your Towns & Cities in the Great War)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	90767 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The outbreak of war had a significant impact on the life of the town. Many families were separated as men left to join the army. The women who were left behind had to take on new roles, such as working in factories and hospitals. The war also had a profound effect on the local economy. Many businesses were forced to close or reduce their output. The town also experienced a sharp increase in the number of refugees fleeing from the fighting in Belgium and France.

The War Years

The war years were a time of great hardship for the people of Dorking. The town was frequently bombed by German aircraft, and there were a number of casualties. The town also experienced a severe shortage of food and other essential supplies. Despite these challenges, the people of Dorking remained resilient. They worked together to support each other and to keep the town going.

One of the most important ways that the people of Dorking supported each other was through the work of the local Red Cross. The Red Cross provided a range of services to the town, including nursing care, food distribution, and financial assistance. The Red Cross also played a vital role in organising the evacuation of refugees from the town.

The End of the War

The war finally ended in November 1918. The people of Dorking were overjoyed to hear the news. However, the war had left a lasting legacy on the town. Many families had lost loved ones, and the town had suffered significant damage. The war had also changed the way of life in Dorking. The town had become more industrialised, and there was a greater number of women in the workforce.

The First World War was a defining moment in the history of Dorking. The war had a profound impact on the town and its people, but it also revealed the strength and resilience of the community. Dorking in the Great War is a unique and fascinating account of how one town experienced the First World War. It is a moving and often poignant tale of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

Further Reading

• Dorking Museum
• Surrey County Council Archives and Local Studies
• Imperial War Museum

Dorking in the Great War (Your Towns & Cities in the Great War)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	90767 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE