Behind the Glass: Memories of War Part One
The Egham Museum tells the story of Egham, Egham Hythe, Englefield Green, Thorpe and Virginia Water from pre-history to the present day.
We’ve divided these stories into six sections.
Pre-Historic Egham
Medieval Egham
Georgian Egham
Victorian Egham
Egham at War
Post-War Egham
Our Behind the Glass series gives you a tour of the items in the cases, you can see them all together in our Museum Tour video below.
Memories of War Part One
Like communities all across the country, Egham residents felt the impact of war. Men were called up to fight for King and Country with many not returning.
In the local area, individuals and groups supported the war effort. Students at Royal Holloway College made clothes and bandages for the nearby Red Cross Hospital Englefield Green. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association provided financial support by arranging fundraising concerts.
The Lagonda car factory on The Causeway was turned over to munitions and employed many local women. There was even an active egg collection as part of the national campaign. You can find out more about Egham’s contribution to the National Egg Campaign in the YouTube video below.
In 1918, the Government introduced rationing, placing limits on sugar, butter, margarine and meat. Each family was given a ration card, no one was exempt, including the Royal Family. John and Eliza Broome, who ran the family butchers at 83 High Street, had 8 sons who fought in the war. All returned home safely in February 1919. You can find out more about the Broome family in this article from Remembrance Day 2017.
James Frank Broome’s Demobilisation Certificate (DOC3418 H) and Character Certificate (DOC3418 I)
James Frank Broome’s RASC (Royal Army Service Corps) identity disk (MC337)
James Frank Broome war badge (MC339) “For King and Empire, for services rendered”.
James Frank Broome medal and leather tag
Enamelled ring (MC244) showing two tricolour flags, “Ypres”.
On War Service (MC1080B) and War Work badges (MC317A) belonging to Elsie Fedora Couch who worked at the Lagonda Munitions Factory during World War One.
Medal for good attendance (MC317B) awarded in 1904 to Miss Elsie Couch who attended Hythe School.
Great War Special Constabulary Service Medal (MC1003) awarded to Section Leader Herbert Weller.
Princess Mary Christmas box (MC641) which was filled with tobacco and presented to soldiers in 1915 along with a card (DOC1400)
Silk Badge (MC552) sold for the benefit of the National Egg Collection.
Silk Badge (MC553) sold for one penny each by Englefield Green School for the benefit of British prisoners of war in Germany.
Silver Inkwell with liner (MC1346) from the Princess Christian Military Hospital, inscribed “To A. Fairrie as a small token of affectionate regard from her many friends on the staff past and present”.
Binoculars (MC1252) in leather case, used during the First World War.
WVS, or Women’s Voluntary Service (MC265) and Home Guard (MC266) badges
Tin of dried eggs (MC703) issued by the Ministry of Food to the Simmons Family of Egham.
