A First World War medic’s uniform belonging to Walsall-born author Jerome K Jerome has gone on show at the town’s museum.

Jerome K Jerome, who wrote the 1889 classic Three Men and a Boat, wore the clothes as an ambulance driver for the French Red Cross during the First World War. Born in Belsize House, Bradford Place, Walsall, in May 1859, Jerome enlisted in the French Red Cross in 1916 at the age of 57, as Britain had rejected him for active service.

While serving as an ambulance driver he experienced the full horrors of the Western Front.

Walsall Council spokesman Richard Bolton said those interested should take advantage of the rare chance to see the old kit.

“The uniform can only be put on display for short periods, because as an item of textile it is vulnerable to damage and fading if it is exposed to the light for long periods of time,” he said.

“This is just one of the ways in which Walsall is celebrating the 150th anniversary of Jerome K Jerome’s birth.” The uniform can be seen in Walsall Museum’s permanent local history gallery, The Changing Face of Walsall, on the first floor of the central library building in Lichfield Street, until August 8.

A permanent display of artefacts relating to Jerome K Jerome can be seen on display in the same gallery.

For further information, contact Walsall Museum on 01922 653116 or email museum@walsall.gov. uk. It was revealed last week the restaurant at the new multi-million pound Walsall College is to be named Jerome to commemorate the 150th milestone. The Wisemore Campus’ in-house Silver Service training restaurant will provide customers with stylish surroundings and food at affordable prices.