AFTER it became known the mobilisation of the territorial forces was expected, great excitement prevailed in Stroud.

People gathered around the post office, scanning eagerly notices displayed in the windows.

Army reservists in the district were receiving their orders and by the end of the first week nearly all of these men left.

The Stroud squadron of the Gloucestershire Hussars were mobilised but its departure from town was delayed by a few days.

In the yard of the Midland Railway Company horses were being brought in from every direction for inspection by the buying officers.

The first casualties were reported – J.W.Rice and J.W.Hunt of Chalford who were drowned in the sinking of Amphion.