So, here begins the ‘War to End Wars’ which, effectively, was the start of 31 years of wars which ended in 1945 with the world turned upside down, Britain bankrupt and without an empire (thank goodness-because empires are just another name for places to be plundered or milked), and everything changed out of all recognition.
Soon after the 1914 - 1918 war ended, William George Reed Archer joined his Uncle James Archer in the firm in 1919. And it appears that the detailed maintenance of this scrapbook record of the firm’s progress may have paused during these early years of WGRA’s tenure.
The official text says:
“Notice to be signed by the Constable and handed to the owners:
(Middle of the Page): Royal Crest and letters “GR” (for ‘George Rex’)
National Emergency: Impressment order under Section 115 of the Army Act:
To: (written in longhand): Archer Cowley & Co:
His Majesty having declared that a national emergency has arisen, the horses and vehicles enumerated below, are to be impressed for the public service, if found fit (in accordance with S.115 of the Army Act) and will be paid for on the spot at the market value to be settled by the purchasing officer. Should you not accept the price paid as fair value, you have the right to appeal to the County Court (in Scotland the Sheriff’s Court), but you must not hinder the delivery of the horses and vehicles etc. The purchasing officer may claim to purchase such harness and stable gear as he may require with the horse or vehicle,
Horses and vehicles required: (no details entered) Place: Oxford, and dated 6th August 1914.
(Signed): (Can’t read signature very well - looks like ‘Francis Trinder’ and under the signature (presumably his office): ‘Chief (Something- can’t read it).