We had a letter this week from the Watford Printing Past Group, which is working towards an exhibition commemorating the role Watford's printers played during the First World War. The group is seeking information about the printer-soldiers who went to war.

The letter reads: “This year, of course, marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, and across the country many events are taking place to commemorate the occasion. It is therefore timely to remember the contributions made by Watford printers to that conflict.

“Between 1914-18, more than 300 men from both the Watford Typographical Society and the Watford Master Printers Association joined the armed forces ready to fight in the war to end all wars. No less than 40 made the supreme sacrifice.

“But for those who survived, there was an official welcome home given by the town and trades associations at a formal reception held on June 12, 1920, in the Clarendon Hall.

“Among those in attendance were two printers, C J Clark and J W Gibbs, both of whom had been awarded the French Croix de Guerre for having distinguished themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy sufficient to have been mentioned in despatches.

“The Serbian Gold Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal were also won by men from the Watford printing trade, while seven of the returning printer-soldiers received British military honours, including: W T Baker, C J Clark, J Fox, F Knight, F W Ling, A F Rolt and C Turner.

“So important was the contribution of Watford’s printers to the First World War, that a carved-oak Roll of Honour was unveiled by the Rt Hon C W Bowerman MP, on behalf of the Printing Trades of Watford: this was received, on behalf of the town, by Councillor F J B Hemming, Chairman of the Watford Public Library Committee.

“For many years the Roll of Honour was on display in the Public Library, but it now hangs in Watford Museum.

“If any of the names mentioned above, or those on the Roll of Honour, are familiar to readers, we would like to hear from you.

“Alternatively, if you have any memories or memorabilia relating to the Watford printers or printing during the First World War, do get in touch.”

If you can help, contact Nostalgia by clicking here watfordnostalgia@london.newsquest.co.uk and we'll be sure to pass your memories on.

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