Page 17 - WW1 - 1917

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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Evening Despatch – Saturday 6 January 1917

Combing Out – To the Editor of the “Evening Despatch.”
Sir, - Kindly allow me space to ask what means are taken in reference to the examination
of men in controlled establishments?
Our notice stated that certain employees would be examined from 18 years upwards on 4
January, 1917.
What the word “certain” meant everyone wondered, but out of one shop only my brother
and one who is stone deaf were selected for examination.
This brother of mine has been wounded and gassed in Arras, and totally discharged from
taking any further part in the present war. Yet he was selected again to go and face the
horrors of hell.
Is this patriotic, with scores of unskilled men available on the firm – when this mere boy,
only 20 years of age next February, went voluntarily at the out-break of war to do his bit?
I have stood by his bedside and watched him cough for hours through the gas, and I fully
realise the horrors of war.
Our parents are both invalids, and while he was fighting I kept the “home fires burning,”
but now I will fight while he takes my place.
Is it fair that he who was patriotic at the outbreak of war should be almost kicked back
again? I call it a scandal, and I trust some explanation will be given. –

Yours, etc., Edward Towner, 1 Hewell Road, Redditch, 5 January.

(If your brother holds discharge papers he is exempt from further service. – Ed., “E.D.”)

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