It seems likely that the idea grew out of the Christmas Comforts Tin sent to all serving troops by Princess Mary in Christmas 1914.
Through the sterling work of Mrs Strouts and her Committee, the Friends of Great Chart sent a total of 5,921 parcels, 989 letters and received back 1,605 letters and numerous "Field Cards".
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GREAT CHART SOLDIERS’ AND SAILORS’ WAR FUND
REPORT FOR YEAR 1915
The people of Great
Chart started the above fund in January, 1915, being wishful to keep
in touch with all the men who from that parish so readily responded
to their Country’s call in her time of need, to cheer and encourage
them in their arduous work and to show gratitude for that work.
There are 73 names on this Roll of Honour, a number of whom are at
the Front, some since the beginning of the War. To their men who,
on Foreign Service in India and China and on Home Service, are doing
such good work for their King and the land so dearly loved,
occasional parcels are sent. To their brave men who, at the various
Fronts, are called upon to endure hardships, difficulties, danger
and death, and, in consequence, to whom “a week is a long, long,
time” weekly parcels of comforts are sent. Each parcel contains
also a written greeting of “Kind remembrance and every good wish
from the Friends of Great Chart,” on a coloured picture postcard of
local views. A sergeant of the 5th Buffs, attached to the
2nd Royal West Kents, writes from Mesopotamia:- “What
memories of home the picture postcards awaken ! How many men will
have cause to thank you all when this dreadful war is over ! The
only way one can show how such kindness is appreciated is to
continue to do the most that lies in our power for the success of
the Grand Army of which we form part.” Another Sergeant of the 2nd
Royal West Kents, Mesopotamia, writes: “I am still receiving the
little parcels regularly and in good condition, the only one being
lost during the whole period went down on the “Persia”. I consider
myself very fortunate indeed receiving every one and such good
condition. Dear Friends, I cannot thank you enough for what you are
doing for us boys at the Front. The contents of the parcels, and the
way they are packed, and sent to us conveys to me that every
possible attention is paid to them. This is also much noticed by my
comrades on the regular arrival of those little gifts.” Many
similar letters to these have been received. A Private of the 1st
Buffs Western Fronts, writes keen letters of appreciation every
week.
The casualties for 1915 were, considering the number of men at the
various Fronts, remarkably few. Captain Lionel Charles Alfred
Curties, Brigade Machine-gun Officer, was officially reported
missing since September 26th , 1915, believed killed.
Private George Barnes, 1st Royal West Kents, gave his
life for his King and Country in France on May 21st
,1915. Several men were wounded. All honour to these heroes of Great
Chart who so willingly and so gallantly have done, and who are
doing, their bit for their King and Country ! And all warm praise
to the loyal people of Great Chart who are so nobly and
self-denyingly caring for them ! It is splendid indeed to relate
that there are very few houses in the whole of this parish who do
not contribute every week to this War Fund.
The balance sheet for 1915 shows that the receipts were £141 1s. 2d., the expenditure £118 0s. 11½ d., leaving a balance in hand of £23 0s. 2½ d. 830 parcels were dispatched to the men, and 186 letters were sent to them and 305 letters were received from them, in addition to numerous field post cards. This splendid work is still being continued in 1916.
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The Committee worked tirelessly throughout the Great War to raise money and collect donations to send to the "Boys of Chart". Here is a copy of one of their appeal posters:
