This timeline is being researched by volunteers and will be added to a regular basis.
A floating bridge made from 70 lighters and 14 inch timbers, across the river between Tilbury and Gravesend built at the request of the war department to allow troops to cross more easily. A 600 foot centre section of bridge could be moved to allow vessels through. It only remained in place for a few months before being dismantled.
Sentry posts located at various forts around Gravesend, people warned not to approach at night, danger of being shot.
Gravesend Reporter: Two men were caught photographing Tilbury Fort, they were approached by a Mr J Kelly who made them dismantle their cameras and then handed them over to the military at New Tavern Fort.
Gravesend Reporter details Mayor's Relief Fund reaching £249, along with the first list of subscriptions.
Gravesend Reporter: Hospital calls for sheets and blankets, but no more bedsteads are required. This will help treat around 50 wounded.
Newspaper calls for details of men of Gravesend and district who are on active service. Also glad to recieve letter from those serving.
Cobham Hall was used as a hospital for the British Army, and later for officers of the Australian Army, for the duration of the First World War.
Voluntary air raid street patrols organised by the Gravesend Borough Librarian, A.J. Philip.
Gravesend’s Library Committee ordered that 38 volumes of German literature, which had been donated to the library, should be suppressed for the duration of the war. They included works of Schiller and Goethe.
Anti-German riots at Gravesend. Shops smashed and looted. Many convicted in following weeks
Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramway Co. licensed twelve women as conductors
Gravesend Post Office took on 24 women to deliver the post.
National Mission Census showed that approx. 4000 men of Gravesend and Northfleet were serving in forces
Incendiary bombs fell on Gravesend. Hundreds of local people watched Zeppelins come down in flames in the Essex area on three separate occasions.
A large number of our gallant soldiers arrived at Gravesend by special train this week, and were conveyed to the hospitals in vehicles kindly lent by local residents. At Rosherville V.A.D. which is now quite full, the patients include Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and Maoris. The men are remarkably cheerful and, what is more, remarkably confident of the ultimate result of the war.
Speaking at the Corporation meeting this week, the Mayor stated he was glad to see that his efforts to prevent the teaching of German at the Technical School had been successful, and that French would be substituted. He proposed the alteration and Mr. C. Tuff seconded, and they were glad to think that they were successful, in spite of strenuous opposition on the part of the headmaster.
After cracking the shell of a hardboiled egg on Saturday a resident of Milton Road was surprised to find, written on the white of the egg under the skin, in red and mauve, the words "On His Majesty's Service." Several other marks on the egg were unreadable. How came the writing on the inside of the egg?
Pte. Chas. J. Hughes, a florist and greengrocer in Sun Lane, was wounded in the big "push." Leaving his wife to carry on the business, Pte. Hughes enlisted in the Royal West Kent and is now home in hospital progressing satisfactorily from his wounds in the arm and leg. Recently Pte. Hughes life was saved by a bullet entering a tin of salmon which he was carrying in his knapsack.
“Great Hermitage” house in Higham was used as a hospital during the First World War
Concern over Higham Military camp being used as a hospital for Spotted Fever - Gravesend Reporter
Several bombing raids took place and houses in Prospect Place and Prospect Grove were damaged. There were no serious casualties.
Temporary War Memorial unveiled in Gravesend Town Hall in November
End of war celebrations included civic ceremony at the Clock Tower, thanksgiving at St. George’s Church and the burning of an effigy of the Kaiser. The town was again illuminated.
Civic reception at Gravesend for homecoming of 1st Royal West Kent Regiment, in April.
Returned prisoners of war entertained to supper at Gravesend and repatriated men entertained at Northfleet
Peace treaty signed in June amid wild scenes. Peace celebrations held at Gravesend and Northfleet.
Gravesend’s War Memorial in Windmill Hill Gardens was unveiled by General Lord Home. Approximately 20 tons of granite were used in its construction
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