Children's stories during the war

On the 13th November 1915, the Birmingham Weekly Mercury began a children's competition on the theme 'What can the Little Ones do in War Time?' and offered half a crown for the best letter - first prize was awarded to Irene Harrison (age 13) from 145 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, one of six children from a widowed mother. Her winning entry was published on 20th November (Sian Roberts p.74):

"Certainly we children can help in this Great War. Now what can we small nobodies do? First, Denial is a great sacrifice, and it would bring a smile to many a soldier's face if he had a cigarette that was bought with our pennies that were saved each week instead of being squandered at the sweet shops. 'Tommy' would treasure a scarf, a pair of gloves, knitted pair of socks or a helmet; he would think more of them if bought or knitted with our small hands, for every soldier has not a sweetheart, wife or mother; lots of them, given the title of 'The Lonely Soldier', never receive parcels from relations like their chums do when away from their home; the simple reason is because they have no friends or relations. Would not it be nice to feel that we have got a friend who is a big red-faced soldier?"

There were many more entries in the competition:

Stanley Eld, aged 13, 69 Somerset Road: "The brave fellows who have so boldly offered their services to uphold freedom of the world, some alas! never to return...it is absolutely necessary that we should be well equipped to take the fallen's places either in business, profession or commercial careers, and with this purpose in view learn all that modern education can give us. Girls and boys, we must live pure, healthy lives, having fresh air, and where possible going in for physical training. And thus by just studying hard and keeping fit I am convinced we shall be doing our bit."

Mary Nicholls, aged 10, 147 Vicarage Road, Aston:

"One of the first things I think little children should do is to make up their minds that they will not purchase anything made by Germans or Austrians, for by doing so they are helping the enemy, At the Vicarage Road School girls like myself are taking home wool to knit socks to send to our soldiers. My friends are older than I are knitting helmets and mittens. I have learnt a poem which is called 'Barbara Fritchie', by John Greenleaf Whittier, which I hope to recite at a concert. I have helped my mother to make some plum pudding to send to a friend who is fighting in the trenches".

Leslie Smith, aged 12, 16 Ivor Road, Sparkhill:

"The Belgian population fled to different countries, chiefly to Holland and England. to escape the Germans, and these refugees had to be accommmodated for, so homes were started for thousands of them. Here is a chance to help provide for these homes. Our School has since October 1914, collected between £70 and £80 for a Belgian Home nearby. There is another way in which children may also help. They can go to church regularly and pray for our brave soldiers. Would not this be better than going walks or playing about on the Sabbath?"

[IMAGE]Children helped their parents and local farmers with numerous activities including: harvesting and haymaking, picking and gathering fruit and vegetables including plums, blackberries, hops and peas.