MEMBERS of Penarth Local History Society have been delving into the archives of the Penarth Times for this week's This Day in History.

An extract highlights war news from 100 years ago.

A report reads: The war news during the past week has been of a very encouraging character, both on land and sea.

The naval battle off the Falkland Isles was a masterpiece of strategy.

To put 'paid' to the marauding German fleet, which escaped from Chinese waters before the Japanese could 'bottle them in' and sank the 'Good Hope and the 'Monmouth' with the loss of only seven killed and four wounded, is an accomplishment almost incredible.

Admiral Sturdes was especially dispatched in charge of a squadron to track them down and bring them to right, and right royally has he fulfilled his mission.

The frantic efforts to seize the coast line are still being continued by the Germans in the North-west frontier on land, but without avail, and in many parts the Allied troops have acted on the offensive and driven the enemy miles further from their desired goal.

On the eastern frontier the Russians are making marked progress and the pressure of 'Bruin' is making himself felt on German soil.

No wonder the Kaiser is indisposed.

The medical faculty are unanimous in prescribing 'lively company' as an antidote for persons suffering from nerves.

There is no lack of company on the way to Berlin and doubtless he will find them lively enough.

The precise hour of their arrival depends to a great extent on himself.

In a letter extract, a Penarth soldier relates his experience - and gives a favourite grocery business a gentle plug as well.

The following appeared in the Penarth Times: Mr J Beer of Windsor Road, Penarth has received a letter from his son Williams, who is with the Expeditionary Force as a motor driver at the front, and who states that so far everything is going well, he and his cousin Walter Beer are in the best of health.

He states that they have to rough it a good deal, but they quite expected that, although some of their number seemed to think they ought to live as well or better than when at home and get Boyce's butter and eggs etc. (reference E Boyce & Son, Lavernock Road, Penarth).

This cartoon is typical of the sense of humour of the day, taking the mick out of the Kaiser, telling the story of a German soldier finding a British soldier's cap and the complete over-reaction to the find.