1) In August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany after it invaded Belgium, and the announcement was met with cheers at a circus in East Grinstead. 2) Over 200 men from East Grinstead lost their lives in the war, and residents donated space in their homes and care for the thousands of troops passing through. 3) The presence of so many soldiers caused concern over interactions with local women, and "women's patrols" were formed to monitor soldiers' behavior.