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Skegness, Lincolnshire: The Arrivals Who Saved A Resort's Economy

The start of the war in August 1914 caused big financial problems for the new holiday resort of Skegness. At the peak of the summer season the hotels and guesthouses emptied. The excursion trains stopped coming.

Urgent representation was made to the War Office to try and secure government work for Skegness. Initially the requests fell on deaf ears. It wasn鈥檛 until there was a threat of German invasion on the east coast that troops arrived in their hundreds to defend the town.

The men to arrive in November 1914 were a sight to behold. They were Lovat Scouts 鈥 a mounted Highland regiment complete with kilts and bagpipes. A warm welcome was given to the Bonny men from the 鈥淟and o鈥 Cakes鈥.

Letters sent home spoke warmly of their stay. For the local economy they were a godsend.

Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 1BY
Image: Lovat鈥檚 Scouts 1915 silk emblem

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