Page 48 - WW1 - 1918

Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1 Redditch Local History Society

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The Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger – Saturday 4 May 1918

Redditch Tank Week – Over £350,000 subscribed – Interest in Tank Bank Week was
well maintained on Friday and Saturday. In the evening of the former day, the employees of
the Enfield Cycle Company, headed by a band, paraded the principal thoroughfares of the
town, and proceeded to the Tank to pay in their deposits. There was a large concourse of
people to witness the procession. Later in the evening addresses were given from the Tank,
and a programme of vocal and instrumental music rendered. Greater interest was manifest
on Saturday, when much business was transacted. Early in the afternoon a huge procession
of the workers of the town paraded the streets, with the Town Band, a bugle band, and a
drum and fife band. Afterwards speeches were made from the Tank. The Town Band gave a
selection of music from the Kiosk. About 7.30 a great crowd, led by the Band, sang “Onward
Christian Soldiers,” and “the National Anthem.” Mr W. G. Smith and Lieut. Davis (of the
Tank) gave addresses. As the Tank moved from Church Road, guarded by the local
Volunteers, the Band playing military Airs, the streets were packed, and presented an
unusual sight, and one which will remain in the memory for many years. The total sum
deposited reached £350,567, and is equal to £22 per head of the population. The Tank
“Julian” with her crew has gone on to Swindon.

Page: 48 © RLHS 2014