WITH the war showing no signs of abatement on the continent, preparations 100 years ago were beginning to protect the Sussex coast from any possible invasion.

The Argus reported a request for three officers and 120 men of other ranks in Eastbourne of the home reserve for duty on the Sussex border at “regular vulnerable points”.

We reported that every man is asked to “well consider” whether he is physically capable of carrying out what the duty required.

No Private Godfreys need apply in other words.

The war was clearly playing a role in all aspects of domestic life including at the magistrates' bench.

A Montague Marwick appeared before the court accused of being drunk and incapable at Crowborough on October 17 2014.

Mr Marwick told the court that he didn’t know whether he was guilty or if he wasn't but he thought on reflection that he wasn't guilty. A PC Allcorn begged to differ claiming he saw Marwick paralysed with drink in the middle of the road with a beer bottle in his pocket.

Marwick denied the policeman's version of events and claimed that he had been apple picking and had fallen from a tree and had four witnesses who could back him up but unfortunately who could not afford to attend today.

The chairman of the court agreed with Marwick's assertion that he had never been before the court for being drunk saying that he had been in court over a far more serious issue. He reprimanded Marwick telling him that he should not be drunk at all considering the present state of the country and that he should be serving his nation.

He was fined five shillings and four shillings in costs.