Monday, 11 May 2015

Poem ~ Lusitania Reprisals - Tuesday, 11 May 1915



Impression sketch of German Reprisals - by Jamie. The original can be seen at: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/13/anti-german-riots-lusitania-1915-first-world-war (The original photograph shows a mob made up mainly of women and young boys)

Liverpool, where Lusitania had been bound,
Saw reactions on Sunday 9 May - with riots
And frenzied anti German feelings - reprisals
For those many perished relatives and friends.

German shops in Liverpool were ferociously
Attacked, with all furniture and goods inside
Wrecked and thrown into the streets - these
Were made by crowds to number thousands.

In Birkinhead included a vengeful crowd had
Made attack on a shop premises of Schwarb -
The name of pork butchers - equally a German
Owned place in Camden Street was targeted.

All articles were dragged or thrown outside
To be burnt so fire brigade had to be called -
The high numbers of rioters were beyond
Any police control, unable to stop destruction.

Elsewhere similar events occurred at Tyneside
A general German resentment led a dominant
Crowd of women to attack a Byker's Butcher -
To smash windows as occupiers took refuge.

A notice also appeared at the Liverpool Corn
And Cotton Exchange, banning all admission
Of Turks, Austrians and Germans - to coincide
With the foreign membership of Mr H. Kern.

One time German Consul, President, Director
Of the Cotton Association, made a resignation
By telegram, sent from a Sussex Address
Included Mr Kern's saddened statement.

While previously his resignation was not
Accepted, on this occasion the directors
Took this - his feelings to say he was sick
At heart, unable to describe in full words.

 by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1915. Antil German Riots - Scenes in Liverpool - Birkenhead Shop sacked - Newcastle Shop Raided. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 11 May. P.7. Col. 2. Available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11593184/Daily-Telegraph-May-11-1915.html [Accessed: 11 May 2015].

Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 11 May 2015). 



#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary #worldwarone #worldwaroneremembered #WW1Lusitania

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