This book highlights the importance of Watford as a regional centre within
South West Herts during the years of the Great War as well as the cohesion
of the local area and the impact events and initiatives had on the entire region.
The organization and presence of the Army are discussed before focusing on
different aspects of civilian life such as the contribution of civilians to the war
effort, the Police and Fire Service, the role of Churches, Schools and the
Press and changes in employment and local businesses. As the War wore on
and the magnitude of the sacrifice sunk in, hospitals and charities became
more prominent. The latter part of the book presents these as well as the
many public and private ways of commemorating the War Dead in the
aftermath of the conflict. The distinctiveness of such Memorials reflects the
legacy of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the artistic communities resident
in Bushey and Watford. 100 illustrations
