THE considerable part which Southampton and the surrounding area was playing in the war effort was commendably demonstrated through a series of illustrations and photographs in this week’s edition of the Southampton Pictorial 100 years ago.

In Winchester, bandsman Dick Rice, the well-known boxer who became the champion heavyweight of the Mediterranean in 1908, had cancelled many contracts to box in America in order to be available to rejoin his old regiment, the Rifle Brigade.

In the picture above, taken at Winchester Barracks, Bandsman Rice is seen dressed in a dark suit and hat shaking hands with Colour Sergeant Williams, who was also another well-known boxer.

Other local sportsmen answering the call to arms were a number of members from Southampton St Mary’s Cricket Club, who exchanged their cricket whites for the smart khaki tunics and peaked caps of His Majesty’s Forces.

The group of proud young men that had assembled for the photograph had recently enjoyed a very successful season, when St Mary’s Cricket Club secured the Public Park League Championship for the second time in succession.

However you did not have to wear khaki to “do your bit” for the war effort and one Southampton firm was quick to demonstrate.

The employees of Messrs Cox and Sons, a firm of cutlers, had been busily engaged in grinding swords for the gallant soldiers on the front line at their Bernard Street works in Southampton.