On the 4th of August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of the First World War. People across the country were shocked, and in towns like Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees area, few had expected such a major conflict. At first, many believed it would be over quickly. However, the war would go on for more than four years, ending in November 1918.
By the time the war had ended, over 16 million people across the world had lost their lives.
Even though most people were surprised by the news of war, Kirklees already had strong links to the British military. Some local men were already serving in the regular army or the Royal Navy. Others were part of local part-time forces called the Territorials. One of the main Territorial units in the area was the 5th and 7th Battalions of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, often known simply as “the Dukes”. Another local unit was the Yorkshire Dragoons, a cavalry regiment.
These Territorials were not full-time soldiers. They trained during the evenings and went to camp once a year, usually in the summer. For many, it was seen as a way to stay fit, make friends, and serve their country if needed. However, when war broke out, their role changed overnight. They were quickly called up and many were sent for full military training to prepare for the front lines.
In the early weeks of the war, large crowds gathered in town centres across Kirklees. Some came to cheer on the soldiers as they marched off to training camps. Others came to join up themselves. Young men rushed to enlist, proud to serve King and country. There was a strong sense of duty, but also a lot of uncertainty. Most had never been away from home before. Few could imagine the horrors that lay ahead.
In just a short time, the war touched nearly every household in Huddersfield and the surrounding towns and villages. As more and more local men joined the army, the character of the community began to change. Shops and mills saw their workers leave, schools lost teachers, and families began to worry about loved ones heading to the front.
