B Company of the 11th Battalion Welsh Regiment upon their trestle bridge built over a pond in Alexandra Park, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (March 4, 1915)

Cardiff Pals gathered at Wellington Square, Hastings before marching off to war. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (March 25, 1915)

Runners line up to take part in a military team road race in Havelock Road, Hastings. There were eight teams and 79 runners. The following regiments were represented: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, 10 Battalion Loyal (typed Loyal in the paper, could be a typo) North Lancashires, R.A.M.C. Training Corps, 11th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, 9th South Lancashire Regiment and 7th & 8th South Wales Borderers. The race was won by Corporal Arthur of the 8th South Wales Borderers, completing the 9.5 mile course in 54 minutes 39 secs. The team event was won by the R.A.M.C .Training Corps. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (February 18, 1915)

Some men of the 9th Hants Cyclist Regiment line up along Silchester Road after a service at Christ Church, St Leonards. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (May 6, 1915)

The joint wedding of Ethel Mabel and Private Albert Read of D Company, 7th South Wales Borderers and Eleanor Constance and Ernest Necklen. The ceremony took place at St Peter’s Church, St Leonards on Monday 3rd May 1915. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (May 6, 1915)

Crowds gather for the opening performance by the Municipal Band in Alexandra Park. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (May 13, 1915)

The 2/5th Royal Sussex Regiment, 3rd & 4th Batteries of the R.F.A and 9th Hampshire (Cyclist) Regiment took place in a church parade. A military band is shown leading the way to Emmanuel Church along Priory Road, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (October 21, 1915)

WW1 Land Army girls outside County Hall, Lewes. Reported in the Sussex Express August 3rd 1919. They had been to a medal presentation and stand down parade in the Dripping Pan. During wartime service in East Sussex, 204 Land Girls were paid 25 shillings per week less 17 shillings board money

Over 200 of B Company of the 11th Welch Regiment attended Divine Service at Winchelsea Church on Sunday 7th March 1915. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (11th March, 1915)

An inspection of the 9th Hampshire Cyclist’s Regiment took place in St Leonards in May 1915. The image shows them in formation near to West Marina Gardens, St Leonards. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (6th May, 1915)

An open air Intercessory Service was held on the Salts at Rye in celebration of Empire Day. The feature was a procession of over 1,000 children from Rye, Playden and Rye Harbour. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (29th July, 1915)

A group of men from the 5th Royal Sussex went round with the recruiting committee trying to get recruits for the 3rd 5th (sic). Nearly of the men have been at the Front and are home on leave. Several are wounded but are returning to duties shortly. Image taken outside of Battle Abbey. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (29th July, 1915)

The workers and committee of the War Hospital Supply Depot at 41 Marina entertained 50 Canadian soldiers from stationed around Hastings and St Leonards. They were treated to tea followed by musical entertainment in the large work halls on the ground floor of the building. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (27th April, 1916)

A group of children as they appeared the patriotic tableau “Britannia’s Flag” which scored a success in St Paul’s Parish Hall on Empire Day and resulted in the sum of £4,5s being sent to the local fund for British Prisoners. They carry the Challenge Banner which was won by the group. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (1st June, 1916)

Troops march along Queens Road, Hastings during a grand march out on 23rd December 1914. It is not clear which regiment is shown. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (24th December, 1914)

A photograph of the men and staff outside of the Hospital of St John in Holmesdale Gardens, St Leonards. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (1st March 1917)

‘On Saturday afternoon one of the periodical inspections of fire appliances of Messrs. Plummer Roddis Ltd took place. The employers are evidently just as keen on the drill as are the members of the fire brigade, who under the direction of Captain E H Glenister were in charge. Great interest was taken by onlookers in the journey from the upper floor via the shute, and cheers greeted the young ladies as they appeared.’

The photos were taken on Robertson Street, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (24th May 1917)

‘On Monday morning the 11th Welsh Regiment (Cardiff Pals), marched to Rye from Hastings. They created much interest as most of the men wore leeks or daffodils in honour of St David’s Day.’

The group is gathered at Wellington Square, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (4th March 1915)

‘The wounded soldiers at the Hospital were entertained by a party principally formed of scouts on June 27th 1917. The entertainers performed ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Old Hastings House, in the Old Town, Hastings is now a nursing home. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (5th July 1917)

‘On Tuesday, Private L. A. Lee, 14th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, was buried with military honours at the cemetery. Deceased died from wounds after being in the East Sussex Hospital about a month. The service was conducted by the Rev. W E Shaw, Presbyterian minister, most impressively.’

The East Sussex Hospital was demolished and replaced by what is now the White Rock Theatre in 1927.  Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (13th September 1917)

‘A group of Royal Flying Corps Cadets at Bathing parade.’ Taken at White Rock Gardens, Hastings.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (6th September 1917)

‘By the various exercises included in the physical drill course adopted in the service every muscle of the body is trained and strengthened. Each movement has its particular value, and when the course is completed every member of the squad is absolutely fit.’

The photo is taken at West Marina Gardens, St Leonards-on-Sea. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (11th October 1917)

‘A detachment of his old comrades acted as bearers at the funeral of the late Mr J W Beney on Saturday, under the direction of Foreman C J Winser, and a great many members of the Royal Field Artillery, in which regiment the deceased served for many years were present. The photograph shows the procession to St Peter’s Church where the first portion of the ceremony was held.’

St Peter’s Church is on Bohemia Road, St Leonards. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (10th January 1918)

‘The popular meet was attended by a great many pedestrians, who took advantage of the glorious weather to visit the Ridge.’

The photograph shows the hunt master leading the way along the Ridge, just past what now is the Harrow pub. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (28th February 1918)

‘The Announcement “Potatoes at 11 O’Clock” made by Mr Pollard, Courthouse Street, Hastings, on Saturday Morning, caused some hundreds of buyers to assemble. At 10 O’Clock the shop was besieged by an eager crowd, only to learn that the delivery had not been made. A great shout went up when the trolley bearing the much sought after vegetable made its appearance. It was, however, a good natured crowd and the police officers regulating the crowd had little difficulty. No one was served with more than two pounds, and the purchasers, young and old alike, had to be satisfied with this amount. Mr Pollard’s aim was to see that the poor were supplied rather than the fried fish shops and restaurants at a larger price.‘

The photo is of the junction of Courthouse Street and The Bourne, Hastings Old Town. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (26th April 1917)

‘Visitors who are averse to using petrol for their journeys to local beauty spots are carefully catered for. A well-equipped four horse drag and a luxurious motor coach, propelled with up-to-date fuel-gas are seen standing side by side.’

Photo taken on Grand Parade, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (11th October 1917)

‘During the winter months the 2nd Hastings (Calvert) Troop of Scouts have devoted their Saturday afternoons to delivering coal to old age pensioners and others. This work has been much appreciated by the old people, particularly during the severe weather.’

The photo was taken in St Georges Road, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (5th April 1917)

A portrait of the Canadian Duty Depot at Carlisle Parade, Hastings, under the command of Majors McLeod and Lyndon. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (22nd February 1917)

‘On Sunday morning, two DCMs and six Military Medals were presented to Canadian soliders by Sir Robert Borden who was accompanied by Major-General Turner VC, DSO’

Canadian Presentation 1 shows Sir Robert Borden with Colonel Matthews to his left.

Canadian Presentation 2 shows the medal recipients with BSM Brett on the extreme left.

The photos were taken in Warrior Square Gardens, St Leonards.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (3rd May 1917)

Canadian Presentation 2 shows the medal recipients with BSM Brett on the extreme left.

After a service at Emmanuel Church, Hastings the Emmanuel Boy Scout received a new Troop Colour, presented by a Miss Fairweather. The scouts sang God Save the King before marching back to headquarters, the new flag fluttering bravely in the wind. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (12th October, 1916)

An image of the Recruiting Office for the Royal Naval Division (RND) and 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment (RSR). The window displayed a number of war souvenirs including Belgian and French cartridges, a German bullet, shrapnel and a mess tin that saved the life of Sergeant Major T Smith of the 2/5th Royal Sussex. Another relic is a piece of tattered kharki, a momento of the 9th May when the ‘Fearless Fifth’ gave such a good account of themselves. They now appeal to all able men to come forward and help them add to the glory already won by the regiment.

There are also models of torpedo boats and a waterplane and a number of large and small shells. In the present crisis the British Navy has proved its supremacy of the sea and the Royal Naval Division appeal to young men to step in and see that the supremacy is never broken.

Standing fifth from left is Able Seaman Holdren who has just completed forty years regular and voluntary service in the Navy. He is in charge of the Recruiting Office for the RND. Third from left is Sergeant Sullivan in charge of the Recruiting Office for the RSR.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (21st October 1915)

As per tradition the Mayor and Hastings Corporation attended Divine Service at St Clements Church in the Old Town on Sunday 12th November 1916, the first Sunday after Mayor Making. The image shows some Canadian soldiers who also attended leaving the service. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (16h November, 1916)

‘The parents of the late Lance Sergeant R F Canning commemorated the anniversary of his death in France by hanging a beautiful wreath to the roll of honour in All Saint’s Street on the 14th November.’

Photo taken on All Saint’s Street, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (22nd November 1917)

The military funeral procession of William Henry Edmunds passes pass the Fishmarket in Hastings Old Town.

From the paper “Deep sympathy is extended to Mr & Mrs H Edmunds and family of Gladstone House, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings in the sad loss they have sustained by the death of their eldest son Lance Corporal William Henry Edmunds at the early age of 20. The funeral took place at the borough cemetery with full military honours, with the Rev H C B Foyster of St Clements officiating. A large number of friends and sympathisers assembled at Rock-a-Nore and along the route. The coffin was dressed with the Union Jack and the deceased hat, tunic and bayonet along with Captain Holman’s Wreath. Lance Corporals Stevens, Philpot, Dennett, Hilder Wheel and Towner, the deceased cousin, acted as bearers.”

A firing party was furnished from the 2/2nd Home Counties Field Company, Royal Engineers under Sergeant Major P F Edwards. The Band of the 2/5th Royal Sussex Regiment under Sergeant Drummer Pratt was in attendance and a contingent of about a hundred and seventy men from the 2/2nd and 3/2nd Home Counties Field Company, Royal Engineers under the command of Captain W J Ticehurst.

Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (14th October 1915)

On 1st October 1914 at the Christ Church Girls School, St Leonards, the New Zealand Flag, was unfurled by the Rector, the Reverend G W Douglas. It was originally presented by children of Hastings, Hawke Bay, New Zealand. The girls won the prize for achieving a school attendance of 93.5, the highest in town during the previous quarter. It was the first time a girls school had won the honour. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (8th October, 1914)

Huge crowds of people witnessed the annual Roman Catholic Pilgrimage from St Mary Star-of-the-Sea Church to the Chapel in the ruins of Hastings Castle. The image shows the head of the procession passing the Fishmarket in Hastings Old Town. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (26th August 1915)

‘This splendid band of the 17th Seaforth Highlanders of Canada is composed of skilled musicians drawn from all parts of the Dominion. Prior to the outbreak of war they were all engaged in civilian occupations, embracing all callings, but did not hesitate to join up without personal consideration. Many of them were engaged with orchestras when in Canada but the band was not formed until they arrived in this country. Most of it’s members are all qualified as soloists and the Bandmaster, Mr A Williams WO, has gained many awards as a trombone player. When at Brighton recently they created a record for the season at their entertainments and Brighton is hoping to get them to repeat their visit at an early date. Although a heavy call from time to time is made upon their numbers from other branches of the service, it apparently has little effect on their efficiency, and the 28 members have in their short stay in this town earned great popularity. It is computed that another 1,000 chairs would have been occupied in the Park on Sunday if they had been available, but it seems that the attractiveness of this band of skilled musicians was not fully appreciated.’

The photos were taken at the Bandstand, Alexandra Park, Hastings. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (17th May 1917)

‘The parade of shell shattered ambulances which had seen service at Verdun acted as a powerful draw in the collection which was made on Wednesday of last week in aid of the British Ambulance for French wounded. The Collegiate School Cadets formed a guard of honour.’

Photo taken on Hastings Pier. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (20th December 1917)

The image shows a group of soldiers who are convalescing in Hastings being trained on St Leonards seafront by instructors. Their smart action drew many favourable comments from onlookers. Original Image from: Hastings & St Leonards Pictorial Advertiser (30th November, 1916)