Tommy Atkins Commemorative Ale
After a plea asking the local community to submit pictures and stories about their relatives in World War One, West Berkshire Brewery have been blown away with the response they’ve received. They have been overwhelmed by the stories and information that everyone has sent in and want to say a huge thank you!
Tommy Atkins Traditional Ale has been brewed to mark 100 years since the start of the First World War in memory of those who were lost and in gratitude to those who served. The beer will be bottled and launched at the Heroes at Highclere event in August.
West Berkshire Brewery are renowned for using faces to take pride of place on their bottles and are pleased to be producing four different labels to adorn this commemorative ale. The labels feature each person’s war story along with a picture; all from the Royal Berkshire Regiment.
Tommy Atkins Traditional Ale is brewed to a traditional recipe to emulate a style of beer brewed during WW1; nut brown in colour with a gentle malt flavour. Four different hop varieties have been added at three stages to give plenty of bitterness. Called ‘Tommy Atkins’ after the popular term for a soldier in the British Army.
Stanley ‘Blanco’ White volunteered, aged 19, in 1914 and joined the war after a month of training. After receiving a ‘blighty one’ to the leg he returned home in 1917. Stanley’s family now live in Goring-on-Thames.
George Bosley volunteered aged just 17 and was injured and taken prisoner by a German officer for the duration of the war. George’s family now live in Pangbourne.
George Rolls volunteered in 1914 and saw action in many battles. He was one of only sixteen survivors from his original battalion. George’s Grandson is now the Landlord at the Allied Arms in Reading.
George Cox and his brother, William, were both from Frilsham; both brothers were killed in the First World War. George’s family now live in Newbury.
