Objects and Places
This page contains a list of Objects and Places that are associated with Luton's Great War 1914-1918. They have been scanned/photographed and uploaded by project volunteers and members of the public. Many of these objects are linked to individuals and/or events, and form part of a larger story.
The Luton Yearbook 1914 describes Our Lady Help of Christians Church:
“Our Lady Help of Christians” is the only Roman Catholic Church in Luton. It is situated in Castle Street, will seat about 350, and is built in early English style.
Staff
Do you have these medals in a drawer at home? Pip, Squeak and Wilfred are the nicknames given to three WWI campaign medals: the 1914-15 Star; the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The 1914 Star was awarded to all those who served in France and Belgium between 5 August and 22 November 1914.
A sad reminder of a loved one's sacrifice : this large bronze memorial plaque was sent with a parchment scroll to the next of kin of those who lost their lives on active service in World War I. They became known as the Dead Man's Penny.
The Military Medal was introduced in March 1916 for NCOs and other ranks to reward acts of bravery not considered of sufficient heroism to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The award of the decoration was announced in the London Gazette without any details of the bravery
Field Service Postcards were used by soldiers on active service to send speedy messages home without any need for censoring by their officers. Their purpose was to reassure their loved ones that they were alive and well and to confirm that letters and parcels from home were getting through to the
Letters from soldiers on active service were subjected to censorship by their junior officers to ensure that details such as location and military objectives were not disclosed.
Many people believed that giving the daily 'rum ration' to servicemen affected their abilities to perform as dignified and effective 'British Soldiers.'
During WWI, Anti-German feeling was high among the British population. Shops were looted, people with German names were bullied and harassed, and German products were destroyed.
Kenilworth Road is the home ground and major football stadium in Luton. Home to Luton Town Football Club since 1905, when they left Dunstable Road.
William Austin in his 1928 book The History of Luton and its Hamlets wrote the following about the Town Hall: "A small Company was formed this year for the purpose of erecting a Town Hall, and, on the 27th August, 1847, the new building was opened".
From the Luton directory 1914. Gloves, hosiery, laces, costumes, blouses, ready-to-wear dresses. Dressmaking in all it's branches.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Blockmaker.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Straw plait merchants.
From the Luton directory 1914. Chemists and Druggists.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Established 1880, bookbinders, pattern card makers, stationers and newsagents.
Isn't it ironic how human nature remains the same despite the ages, geography and even in the midst of a world war? I came across a rather funny advert today in the Luton News Archives that shows how weight concerns and diets were still as popular in Luton during the war as they are now.
The handbook includes a review of Luton Town's 1914-15 season in the Southern League and the 1916-17 season in the Combination league. It also lists the Luton Town players who served in the Army during the War and those who were killed or wounded.
From the Luton directory 1914. Hat Manufacturer.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Straw hat manufacturer.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Bootmaker.
The purpose of this entry, is to provide links between the lives of servicemen in town, and their employers. So if Jack Smith worked for Mr Tucker the Drapers, then these links will hopefully be added by contributors as the website builds.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Plumbers, electric light and bell fitters.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Typewriting office.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Straw Plait Merchants.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Straw hat manufacturers.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Shopkeeper.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Wardrobe dealer.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Boot repairers.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Tailor.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Grocer.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Electrician.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Stationers, Printers and Publishers of the "Bedfordshire Advertiser and Luton Times".
Cyril thanks his parents for some fruit and a "stand" He would have used the stand when repairing boots.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Weighing machine makers.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Ironmonger.
From the Luton directory 1914. Hairdresser.
From the Luton Directory 1914. Baker.
From the Luton Directory 1914. General drapers, outfitters, house furnishers, and removal contractors.