Page 44 - WW1 - 1918

Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1 Redditch Local History Society

district to lend all they could and support the boys at the front. A brief divine service was
afterwards held which opened with the hymn, “O God, our help in ages past.” An address
was given by the Rev. L. Bradley (Vicar), and the Rev. B. Crosby (superintendent minister of
the Wesleyan Circuit) offered prayer. The service concluded with the singing of the “National
Anthem.”

The opening ceremony took place at 1.30 on Monday, when there was present a great crowd
of people. Mr A. C. Milward presided. – Sir Hallewell Rogers (Birmingham) delivered an
address upon the war and the object of the visit of the Tank to Redditch. On behalf of the
Birmingham Small Arms Company, who have large works at Redditch, he deposited £50,000
in the Tank, and £2,000 for himself. He was heartily applauded on making the
announcements. – Mr A. C. Hyde also spoke, and placed £1,000 in the Tank. Brief addresses
were given by Mr Sorril (representing the Prudential Assurance Co.), who deposited £10,000
and Mr Foster for the Pearl Assurance Co., who invested £3,000. The Chairman said he would
place £1,000 on behalf of the Urban District Council.

On each night during the week the crowds continued, much interest being taken in the
proceedings. Concerts were given by well-known Vocalists, the Town Band gave selections,
and addresses were delivered by townsmen from the top of the Tank. On Tuesday morning
the whole of the school children paraded the streets, and went and put their lendings in to
the Tank. An address on this occasion was given by Mr E. T. Moule, headmaster of St
Stephen’s Boys’ School.

Much interest continued to be shown in the Tank, and again on Wednesday and Thursday
large crowds gathered. Special vocal and Instrumental music was provided, and speeches
were delivered. A feature of Wednesday evening is proceedings was the tradesman’s
procession, the horses and vehicles being decorated for the occasion. On Wednesday an
aeroplane was over the town dropping leaflets, “A Message from the Sky.” The receipts
were: Monday £112,052, Tuesday £24,448, Wednesday £24,726, Thursday £41,389, total
for four days £202,615.

Page: 44 © RLHS 2014