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Malvern in the Great War

Malvern men of the South Midland Brigade (Territorials) in August 1914
Malvern men of the South Midland Brigade (Territorials) in August 1914

Over one hundred years ago the European powers entered a conflict, known then as the Great War, that would succeed in touching the lives of millions of people across the globe. Malvern and the surrounding villages were not immune from the impact of the Great War. Local memorials record the deaths of 450 local men. Homes, businesses, schools and churches all had personal contact with the consequences of bereavement, hardship and harsh economies.

Events and Activities in Malvern Museum

Activity: National Registration Cards 1915

The cover of the Museum's National Registration Card
The cover of the Museum’s National Registration Card

Visitors to the museum are offered a National Registration card on arrival, based on the cards that were issued in 1915 to all adults over the age of 15. Inside are the brief details of one of twenty Malvern individuals who lived – or died – during the Great War. Visitors can read their unique stories in more depth in the Twentieth Century Room.

Over 20 people from all walks of life come to life in these stories: a wounded soldier’s son who played truant from school; our local aristocrat, Earl Beauchamp was a the only cabinet minister available to witness the King’s declaration of war while Malvern Link produced the first woman to be accepted by GWR to take the job of a ticket collector. One character is a baby, just a few months old, who escaped from Belgium with her mother in August 1914. This story has also featured on BBC Hereford and Worcester (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01p345j).

The feedback from visitors has been extremely positive and the National Registration cards will be available until 2021.

Malvern’s Roll of Honour

Malvern's Great War Roll of Honour
Malvern’s Great War Roll of Honour

A new Roll of Honour has been installed in the window of the Twentieth Century Room. It lists the names of 430 men who were killed or died as a result of the Great War. A folder near the window provides additional information for each man ~ year of death, regiment, age where known, connection with Malvern and some family details. Further information for these men can be found from an excellent website at www.malvernremembers.co.uk. It is hoped that local people will find an ancestor listed, or perhaps even begin a family history project as a result of seeing a family member recorded in this poignant way.