Armistice Day in Luton coincided with incidents of hooliganism in the town. When the Armistice announcement was made, several people were scorched by fireworks thrown indiscriminately into the crowd by youths.

That was followed by a letter published in the Luton News (November 28) from 'Dora' complaining about other incidents of hooliganism. She wrote: “May I be permitted to protest against the disgraceful conduct of gangs of youths that parade certain thoroughfares of the town at night, generally between the hours of 7 and 9pm.

“I met one of the gangs in Hitchin Road on their way towards Church Street. They were pushing all and sundry off the footpaths, throwing stones here and there indiscriminately and uttering language of the most indecent character.

“I am told that from Hitchin Road to Park Square is one of their special perambulations, and residents in this locality frequently have their doors burst open, and missiles thrown at them, but that it is almost impossible to catch any of the delinquents, as they are off in the darkness before anyone gets outside their doorway.

“I would suggest, Sir, that the above problem presents splendid opportunities for our special constabulary to distinguish themselves, as the roysterers seem to wide-wake for uniformed men. Hoping this serious menace to the public welfare will be soon scotched.”

The Saturday Telegraph of November 30, 1918, carried a report of a 16-year-old youth from High Town Road being summoned and fined five shillings for discharging fireworks in George Street.

Chief Constable Griffin said he had been compelled to bring the case. During the time the armistice was signed a certain amount of latitude was allowed, and perhaps they had little option in the matter. But police had since had great difficulty preventing the offence. Time after time they had cautioned lads, but the offenders would not realise the time had gone by when they could play these pranks.

Special Constable Maddock said he was on duty in Cheapside on November 23 and saw the defendant light a firework, which then exploded. He motioned to the defendant to cease, but defendant walked off and repeated the offence.

Defendant said he saw a lot of boys letting off fireworks, and he thought he had a right to do it.