Tommy Atkins Ale Handed to Soldier’s Families
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.
West Berkshire Brewery at The Allied Arms with the soldier’s families
There are four different labels each featuring the person’s war story along with a picture; all from the Royal Berkshire Regiment. We asked the local community to send in their photos and stories to share on the beer labels.
On Thursday 7th August, West Berkshire Brewery invited the families of the featured Tommys to a special event at The Allied Arms in Reading. There they were presented with a gift box of the commemorative beer. Landlord of the Allied Arms, Stephen Rolls is the grandson of George Rolls; one of the soldiers who adorns the bottle labels and pump clips.
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.
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.
