By October the war dominated large sections of the Shipley Times & Express but there was a marked contrast between the official reports taken from government handouts or agency wires and those contained in men's letters from the front. The former tended to put a positive spin, even on what might be considered defeats. The latter contained the first evidence of just how tough conditions were in the trenches and the kind of horrors and problems the men were facing every day.

At home much of the emphasis was on recruiting as the realisation sank in that this would probably not be a quick war. And there was increasing coverage of 'Women's role in war' which at this time still consisted mainly of making clothing and fund raising.

Early in October the need to raise cash was increased with the arrival in Shipley and district of the first refugees, fleeing from Belgium.