AS FIGHTING continued to rage in Europe, measures were being taken across Britain to assist the war effort both at home and on the battlefront.

With Britain’s involvement in the war just days old, it was already becoming apparent the distress that the war would inevitably make, and in response the Prince of Wales placed himself at the head of an appeal to the nation to obtain funds to help the families of serving men and those suffering from “industrial distress”.

The Prince of Wales emphasised his appeal to the country in a message printed in newspapers, which said: “At such a moment we all stand by one another, and it is to the heart of the British people that I confidently make this earnest appeal. We cannot wait until the need pressed heavily upon us. The means of relief must be ready in our hands.”

It was anticipated that as treasurer of the National Relief Fund, the Prince of Wales would be able to take an active role in the war, being kept busy receiving the cheques which would be sent in by Britons, while keeping the heir to the throne at arm’s length from the ravages of war.

Among the many personal requests sent by the Prince of Wales asking for support with his national fund, the Mayor of Southampton received the following telegram, which read: “Earnestly trust that you will assist my National Relief Fund by opening subscription list without delay and forwarding results to Buckingham Palace. Please do all that lies in your power to interest those among whom your influence extends.”

In accordance with this invitation, the Mayor of Southampton, Alderman W Bagshaw, fell in with the wishes of his Royal Highness and took the immediate steps of calling a public meeting to get a Relief Committee appointed as the British public indulged in this tangible way to actively show their gratitude to the Army and Navy for their heroic and ungrudging service, at a time when our national existence was imperilled.

As well as raising funds, there had also been a fine response in Southampton to the nationwide call for recruits for the Territorial Force. Since the mobilisation order was issued, nearly 300 men had passed the 5th Hants Regiment doctor, and 50 of these have been equipped for the field and sent to their station.

A rumour had started to circulate that the rush of recruits had produced a shortage of uniforms, resulting in men being provided with worn clothing, which was dismissed as nonsense as the Territorials were still anxious for more men.

However no more recruits were being taken on by the Hants Royal Horse Artillery, whose headquarters are in Commercial Road, until the following week. There has been such a supply of new men that they were unable to deal with more recruits.

It was also reported with much gratification that the nationwide response to Lord Kitchener’s call to arms was met with such success that it was found necessary to open several new recruiting agencies, both in London and the large towns of the north.

Today six new agencies had been established in London, while medical officers and clerks were specially drafted in to cope with the influx.