On This Day, 4 March 1918

Birmingham Daily Post

Monday 4 March 1918

“DREADNOUGHT WEEK” IN BIRMINGHAM

PROCESSION THROUGH THE CITY

WORK OF THE NAVY

The procession was formed at Five Ways, under the direction of Colonel Hart, C.B., and other officers, and punctually at four o’clock the tour of the chief streets of the city was commenced. The dominant note of the demonstration was appropriately that of the work of the Navy. The band of the 10th Hussars, from Sutton Coldfield, which was at the head, was followed by strong detachments of the Naval Reserve, Sea Scouts, and the Warwickshire Naval Volunteers. A long line of khaki-clad women, representing the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women’s Volunteer Reserve, came next, presenting a smart appearance as they swung along with a truly martial gait. The gaily waving stars and stripes left no doubt as to the identity of the next body of men, behind whom were the Belgians, also accompanied by their national colours. Colonials and representatives the local anti-aircraft defence corps completed the first part of procession. The decorated cars in the rear of the procession added a bright touch of colour. The Austin Motor Company was well represented by several cars, including the armoured vehicles which were utilised on the occasion of the Tank Bank Week, and lorries carrying specimens of munitions. The cars were generously posted with advice to the citizens to buy war bonds, and carried crews of munition girls. The Navy found further representation in a lorry of which the centre-piece was a huge lifebelt. This was from the B.S.A., and a miniature naval vessel was constructed on another car from Messrs. Ansells, Aston. Mr. Patrick Collins contrived an effective tableau with the aid of a set of “hobby horses”, bestridden by girls in the national costumes of the Allies. Much interest attached to the reappearance in the streets of an old manual fire engine dated 1725, and manned by a crew in the quaint uniform of the old fire insurance officers, whilst the progress which has made was emphasised by the modern engine immediately following. The B.S.A. Cycling Club had an elaborate arrangement of decorated machines, and in addition there was a collection of the various forms of cycles which have been used in the past. Detachments of the Boy Scouts brought the rear. There were several bands interspersed between the various sections of the procession. The principal streets of the city, which were lined by thousands of people, despite the bitterly cold weather, were toured, and the procession finally broke up in Victoria Square.