This book highlights the importance of Watford as a regional center
within South West Herts during the years of the Great War as well as the
cohesion of the local area and the impact events and initiatives had on
the entire region. The organization and presence of the Army are
discussed before focusing on different aspects of civilian life such as
the contribution of civilians to the war effort, the Police and Fire
Service, the role of Churches, Schools and the Press and changes in
employment and local businesses. As the War wore on and the magnitude of
the sacrifice sunk in, hospitals and charities became more prominent.
The latter part of the book presents these as well as the many public
and private ways of commemorating the War Dead in the aftermath of the
conflict. The distinctiveness of such Memorials reflects the legacy of
the Arts and Crafts Movement and the artistic communities resident in
Bushey and Watford.