Reports from home and away during wartime

In 1915, the Sussex and Surrey Courier shared news from the front lines as well as the more mundane exploits of the people at home.

The news ranged from good to bad, with something a little bit odd and a few adverts thrown in for good measure – the more things change...

In June 1915, while men were signing up to serve their country on foot or on horseback, one colonel was on the lookout for 30 cyclists.

A report in the Courier stated: “Thirty cyclists are required at once to bring the 3rd Battalion of the 6th (Reserve Cyclist) Royal Sussex Regiment to full strength for foreign service.

“Full equipment, including cycles, will be supplied on attestation, and training will take place at Brighton. The pay and separation allowance is the same as for mounted regiments.”

As the good men of Chichester headed off to war, one less savoury character was starting his time in the cells.

Albert Wright, 44, had a fondness for setting fire to hay ricks – a crime which had landed him in prison in 1893, 1905 and 1909.