November 5, 1914, Luton News

Lance Corporal W Harfield of Hope Villa Gardens succumbed in hospital after losing both his legs in conflict in France.

Aged 33 he had first served in the army as a boy, being posted to India.

Moving into civilian life he worked at Vauxhall Motors before being called up. He left a wife and two young children.

The Luton hat trade was facing a serious dilemma a report into the industry found. The lack of innovation in the Parisian market because of the war meant manufacturers were not being provided with “those novelties of style which shall capture the fancy of buyers.”

An increase in the velvet trade for ladies hats had been the salvation of Luton firms but the straw hat section was in an eclipse.

The ninth annual show of the Luton Caged Birds Society had been held at the Red Cross Ballroom.