Cooper, Harry. Died 31st May 1916

Harry Cooper was born on 30th January 1899 and baptised at St Paul’s Church, Foleshill on 20th December, later the same year. His parents John Cooper and Sarah Ann Finch had been married at the same church on 28 August 1898. John was a carpenter and Sarah the daughter of a railway guard.

Harry Cooper – photo by permission of Rugby Library.

By 1891 the family had moved to Rugby, living at 14 Riley’s Court, Dunchurch Road. John was a carpenter & joiner and by 1911 the family, Harry now had two brothers and two sisters, lived at 8 King Street.

On 15th October 1915 Harry Cooper was sixteen years of age and a grocer’s boy when he joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd class. He was 5ft 6¾in tall with auburn hair and blue eyes. After training at Portsmouth, he joined HMS Defence on 25th January 1916.

HMS Defence, stern view

HMS Defence was a Minotaur-class armoured cruiser built in 1907, the last armoured cruiser built for the Royal navy. She spent the first part pf the war in the South Atlantic and in the Mediterranean, blockading German ships in the Dardenelles.

During the Battle of Jutland on 31st May 1916, she was the flagship of Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, leading the First Cruiser Squadron.

Near the start of the battle soon after 18.00, after confusion and several near misses during the deployment of the British Fleet, Arbuthnot was attracted by the drifting hull of the crippled Wiesbaden. With Warrior, Defence closed in for the kill, only to blunder right into the gun sights of Hipper’s and Scheer’s oncoming capital ships. Defence was deluged by heavy-calibre gunfire from many German battleships, which detonated her magazines in a spectacular explosion viewed by most of the deploying Grand Fleet; she sank with all hands (903 officers and men).

Harry Cooper, Boy 1st Class, J/42183, is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial. He is also listed on the Rugby, St Phillip’s Church Memorial

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

 

 

Sources: Parish Registers, Census, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services, 1853-1928 on Ancestry.co.uk
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jutland

27th May 1916. Considered Indispensable at the Refuse Destructor.

CONSIDERED INDISPENSABLE AT THE REFUSE DESTRUCTOR.

The Military Authorities appealed against the three months’ exemption granted to Arthur Williams, 58 Pennington Street, Rugby, charge hand at the refuse destructor. It was pointed out that in the interests of the health of Rugby it was most important that this man’s work should be done efficiently.—Mr John H Sharp, town surveyor, mentioned that Williams had charge of a small Cornish boiler, and had to get into it to clean it out when necessary. He had been in the Council’s employ for ten year’s, and was thoroughly used to the work, and it would be very difficult to replace him.—Mr Wratislaw said if the decision of the Local Tribunal was absolute, the appeal would not be pressed.—The Chairman said they could not alter what exemption had been given, but it might not go through so easily next time.

GROCERY MANAGER’S SACRIFICE.

Mr Harold Eaden represented James H Ivey, branch manager for the Rugby Co-operative Society at Hillmorton, whose case had been adjourned to enable the applicant to get into work of national importance. The Metropolitan Asylums Board had promised him work as a storekeeper, and duty was found for him at a Hospital in Surrey, but subsequently a letter was received, stating that the Board were unable to offer him employment at the present moment. Acting on his advice, his client was now working on a farm. His salary as manager for the Rugby Co-operative Society was £1 13s a week, in addition to house, coal, and gas, making a total of £2 5s, and he understood his present wages would be 15s, so that he had made a sacrifice.-Exempted as long as engaged in agricultural work.

MR LEO BONN’S HOSPITAL ATTENDANT.

Another adjourned case was that of Frank Lobb, attendant at Mr Leo Bonn’s hospital for disabled soldiers at Newbold Revel.—Mr Eaden pointed out that the position was now altered altogether. Quite recently the Government had built a hospital at Brighton for soldiers, and within the next month the men at Newbold Revel would be sufficiently cured to go back home and await their artificial limbs. Mr Leo Bonn’s hospital had been beautifully fitted up, and application had been made for a dozen ordinary wounded soldiers to be sent along. He asked for a month’s postponement, as if those soldiers came the man’s services might be regarded as indispensable, but if not Mr Bonn would let him go.—Temporary exemption till June 23rd, the Chairman remarking that he thought the man would have to go then.

PAILTON FARMER AND HIS SON.

John Smiths Cockerill, farmer, Pailton, appealed for his son, aged 19, a shepherd and stockman on a farm of 147 acres, 37 being arable. Mr Harold Eaden supported the request, which Mr Cox said seemed reasonable, and on his advice exemption was given till September 30th.

OTHER CASES.

Wm Witter, farmer and dairyman, Tithe Farm, Pailton, aged 79 and a cripple, appealed for his cowman, Joseph Hill, to whom a conditional exemption was granted.— Robt Bucknill, traction engine proprietor, Marton, asked that his son, Colin R Bucknill, aged 19, assisting in the business, should be exempted. Applicant said he had three engines and only three men, whereas he really required six. His son was the driver of a thrashing machine.—Appeal dismissed.—Frank John Cockerill (28), farmer and butcher, in partnership with his brother at Birdingbury, on being told that his appeal for exemption would be dismissed, said he would have to sell his stock and let the land lie idle.—Wm Leslie Morgan, dentist, Osborn House, Rugby, was represented by Mr Eaden, who merely asked for sufficient time to carry out existing contracts.—Papers not to be be served before August 3rd.

NOT OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.

Mr Edwards, manager of the Hippodrome, appealed for Oswald Thos Measures, the stage manager, living at 12 Pinfold Street, New Bilton.—The Local Tribunal considered the business was not of national importance.—Appeal dismissed.

A BUSINESS RECENTLY PURCHASED.

Having been three times before the Local Tribunal, Leslie Bramall, grocer, 27 Rokeby Street, Rugby, who was said by the Military representative to have purchased his business in September, 1915, appealed for postponement on the ground of hardship.—The Chairman : You purchased the business when you knew you would be called upon.—Appeal dismissed.

MORE MILITARY APPEALS.

Military appeals were lodged in the following cases :-

Frank Walding, boot and shoe retailer, living at 52 Caldecott Street, who was represented by Mr Worthington, and given a temporary exemption till September 1st.—Francis Dudley Hogg, licensed victualler, Central Hotel, Rugby, was allowed till August 15th.—Maurice Hethersay, confectioner and toy dealer, 32 Sheep Street (represented by Mr Worthington), was allowed till August 1st.—Alfred Wm Elsley, manager of the Home & Colonial Stores, was granted conditional exemption till October 31st ; and Albert Partridge Stephens, hairdresser, 4 Little Church Street, was given till September 1st.

OTHER CASES.

Not satisfied with the recommendation for exemption to June 15th, John Gardner Hall, dental mechanic, 20A High Street, Rugby, appealed, and was allowed till July 31st.

An appeal made by J Liddington on behalf of P B Woodward, confectioner, 70 James Street, was supported by Mr Worthington, who said his client chiefly baked “ smalls,” but also bread, and had entire control of the bakehouse and stores in Regent Street.—Appeal dismissed.

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS SUMMONED.—At the Rugby Police Court on Thursday, before T Hunter,Esq, two conscientious objectors, Alfred John Routley, North Street, Rugby, and George Henry Smith, Pennington Street, Rugby, were charged with being absentees under the Military Service Act.—Defendants were remanded till Tuesday, bail being allowed.

RUGBY MAGISTERIAL.—At the Rugby Police Court on Wednesday, before T Hunter, Esq (in the chair), and A E Donkin, Esq, James Glasgow, of the 1st K.O.S.B’s, who went through the fighting in Gallipoli, was fined 1s 6d for being drunk at Rugby the previous evening.—P.S Percival stated that defendant was helplessly drunk and lying on the footpath.—William Fred Hewitt, carter, 69 Victoria Avenue, was remanded until Tuesday for being an absentee under the National Service Act. Defendant said he did not feel well enough to go, and a military witness pointed out that the man had been refused an exemption.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Pte Jack Beech, 9th R.W.R, son of Mr G Beech, 19 Avenue Road, New Bilton, who has been wounded and frost-bitten, and has been in hospital five months, arrived in England on May 18th, and is now at Elizabeth Hospital, London.

Pte W Scarlett, R.W.R, son of Mr and Mrs Hy Scarlett, Long Lawford, has been wounded. He is only 19 years of age, and enlisted on the outbreak of the war.

Last week we reported that Bomb W K Freeman, R.F.A, of Rugby, had been awarded the Military Cross and recommended for the D.C.M. The decoration that Bomb Freeman has received, however, is a French one, and not the Military Cross, which is only awarded to officers of warrant or commissioned rank.

Alfred Shepherd, O.L, younger son of Mr William Shepherd, of Grosvenor Road, late of the Clifton Inn, Clifton Road, has been granted a commission as Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and has left Kinshasa, Stanley Pool, Belgian Congo, to cross Africa for service in the East.

WELL-KNOWN FOOTBALLER WOUNDED

Lieut S G Wolfe, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, the well-known Rugby, Coventry, and Midland Counties footballer, has been wounded at the front. Lieut Wolfe gained a commission after eighteen months’ service in the trenches, and he had only been with his new unit a week when he was caught by a German machine gun while he was helping to repair barbed wire entanglements in front of the firing line. The nature of his injuries are not known locally except. that he received two wounds in the neck and one in the face. Lieut Wolfe was successively a pupil, student teacher, and assistant master at Elborow School, and was selected to play for the Midland Counties against the South Africans.

LIEUT BUCKNILL KILLED.

It is officially announced, that in the Persian Gulf operations on January 21st last Lieut Bucknill, of the Hampshire Regt, formerly reported missing, was killed in action. Lieut Bucknill was the son of Lieut.-Colonel John T Bucknill, R.E, of Hillmorton Manor, and Thornfield, Bitterne. After taking his degree at Cambridge, the deceased officer became an architect. At the outbreak of war he obtained a commission, and left with his battalion for India in October, 1914, going to the Persian Gulf in March, 1915. His regiment was in the hard fighting at Nasrich, and for his services Lieut Bucknill was mentioned in despatches and received the Military Cross. His only brother, Major L M Bucknill, R.F.A, died in May last year in France from wounds received in the battle of Festubert, and was twice mentioned in despatches. His uncle was the late Sir Chas Bucknill, the High Court Judge. Lieut Bucknill was a very keen lawn tennis player, as also was his wife.

FOOD PRICES IN WAR TIME.—The marked increase in the cost of food since the war began is a matter of common knowledge, but the British advance, great as it has been, compares favourably with the state of affairs in Germany and Austria. In Vienna the cost of food has risen 110 per cent, in Berlin 100 percent, whilst in the United Kingdom the increase is 55 per cent. Meat has become in some households an almost prohibited luxury. Before the war prime rump steak could be obtained in Rugby at 1s per lb, now the price is 1s 8d. Loin of beef was formerly 10d, now it costs 1s 4d. Legs of mutton have advanced in price from 9d to 1s 4d per lb, and chops and cutlets from 1s to 1s 6d ; whilst pork chops, which could formerly be obtained for 9d, are now 1s 4d per lb. Sugar has become both scarce and dear. The Royal Commission on sugar cannot guarantee 75 per cent of last year’s supply, and many grocers are unable to obtain 50 per cent. For granulated sugar, which could formerly be bought at 2d per lb, the grocers are now charging 5¼d, and then only a limited quantity is supplied to each customer, who is also expected to purchase other commodities at the same time. In May, 1895, the retail price of best butter at one large establishment in Rugby was 10d per lb ; last week the price was 1s 8d.

THE SUMMER TIME ACT IN OPERATION.

In Rugby and neighbourhood the adoption of the Summer Time Act was readily observed, and as far as we have been able to gather, without causing inconvenience, except to a very few who preferred to ignore the change, or where through inadvertence or otherwise clocks were not adjusted to the new time. On Sunday everything seemed to come as a matter of routine. People attended Divine worship at the ordinary times—by the clock—and it was only in the evening that the difference was impressed upon one by the longer time that elapsed between the last observances of the day and the time when darkness set in—the extra hour of daylight, in fact, the measure is designed to give.

On Monday work and business went on as if nothing had occurred, and again in the evening the extra hour in which workers could be out of doors in lovely May weather was much appreciated.

The farmers’ objections were voiced at Northampton on Saturday by the largest meeting of farmers held in the town for many years past, and a resolution was unanimously adopted to adhere as far as possible to real time as shown by the sun in the arrangement of work on the farms, and to take as little notice as we can of the sham time that will be shown by public clocks.”

DEFENCE OF THE REALM ACT

ADVERTISEMENTS in the Situations Vacant columns from Firms whose business consists wholly or mainly in engineering, shipbuilding, or the production of arms, ammunition, or explosives, or of substances required for the production thereof, are, in order to comply with Regulation 8 (b) of the above Act, subject to the following conditions:—“ No person resident more than 10 miles away or already engaged on Government work will be engaged.”

IN MEMORIAM.

DOYLE.—In ever loving memory of Frederick Doyle, who passed away May 26th, 1912, at Dunchurch. Never forgotten by his loving Wife and Children, Father, Mother, Sisters, and Brothers.

HILL.—In loving Memory of our dear son and brother, Lewis Henry Hill, Newbold-on-Avon. Killed in action, May 28th, 1915.
“ One year has passed, our hearts still sore,
Day by day we miss him more.
His welcome smile, his dear sweet face
Never on earth can we replace.
We often sit and think of him,
And think of how he died,
To think he could not say ‘ Good-bye ’
Before he closed his eyes.”
—Deeply mourned by his mother, father sisters and brothers.

HUNT.—To the Glory of God, and in loving Memory of my dear husband, Albert John Hunt, Warrant Officer of the 15th Brigade R.H.A., of the immortal 29th Division. Killed in action in Gallipoli on the 27th May, 1915.
Thou hast made me known to friends whom knew not. Thou hast given me seats in homes not my own. Thou hast brought the distant near, and made a Brother of the Stranger. Blessed art Thou, oh Merciful and Holy Father, for ever and ever.

HUNT.—In ever loving Memory of Warrant Officer Regt.-Sergt.-Major A. J. Hunt, R.H.A. Killed in action in the Dardanelles, May 28,1915.
“ In him we gave our best.
With him Duty was always best.
Proud of his life and death as ever,
We shall meet again beyond the River.”
—Father and mother.

SMITH.—In loving memory of Trooper W Smith, of the Leicester Yeomanry, son of James and Elizabeth Smith, of Lutterworth (late of Eathorpe), who was reported missing, May 13th, 1915, and now reported killed. Born May 27th, 1897.

 

20th May 1916. Clocks to be put forward.

THE DAYLIGHT SAVING BILL.

CLOCKS TO BE PUT FORWARDS.

The Summer Time Bill, 1916—the object of which is to reduce the number of hours during which artificial lighting is used, and so save a very large quantity of coal required for war purposes at the present time—received the Royal Assent on Wednesday, and comes into force at 2 a.m on Sunday morning.

At that hour the time at all railway stations will be advanced one hour (that is, the clocks when at 2 o’clock’ will be altered to indicate 3 o’clock instead); the change will also be made in Post Office and other Government clocks, and arrangements are being made for the alteration of public clocks generally, either at that hour or some convenient time on Saturday evening.

The altered time, which will be generally called “summer time,” will remain in force up to and including September 30 next.

During this period “summer time” will be the time for all purposes, except astronomical, meteorological, and navigation. For instance, all trains will run according to “ summer time ”—that is, a train which, according to the time-table is timed to leave, say, at 6 a.m, will leave at 6 a.m summer time, as indicated by the clock. All establishments whose hours are regulated by law will be required to observe the altered time—e.g., factories, shops, public-houses, etc. Thus, factories which work from 6 a.m to 6 p.m will commence and finish at 6 a.m and 6 p.m summer time ; and a shop, if required to close at 8 p.m will close at 8 o’clock summer time. It is suggested that employers should warn their employees before they leave work on Saturday, and advise them to put their clocks and watches forward on Saturday evening.

The public generally are requested by the Government to alter their own clocks and watches in the same way, by putting them forward one hour, during the course of Saturday evening or early on Sunday morning.

It should be noted that the Act does not affect lighting and other Orders which fix a time by reference to sunrise or sunset. In giving effect to these orders, it will be necessary to take the alteration of the clock into consideration. For instance, the sun will set on Sunday, May 21st at 7.51, Greenwich time. Vehicles must light up half an hour afterwards—i.e, 8.21 Greenwich time, which will be represented on your clock or watch (if correctly altered) by 9.21. Similarly, the reduction of lights in houses, etc, will take place an hour and a half after sunset, Greenwich. This will be indicated by the altered clock as 10.21.

LIGHTING OFFENCES.—George G Stott, manager of a clothing establishment, Hillmorton Paddox; Walter Watts, Club steward, Market Street, Rugby; Alice Readman, lady’s help, 42 Clifton Road; were summoned for not shading windows so that no more than a dull subdued light was visible outside their premises.—Stott admitted the offence, and P.C Lester said he saw a brilliant naked electric light coming from the Grand Clothing Hall, illuminating the church and churchyard. Defendant was sent for and on his arrival he extinguished the lights.—Defendant explained that at 7.15 that evening he sent the boy upstairs to a back room for a pail. It was then quite light, and there was no necessity for him the switch the light on. He had evidently did so on this occasion, and then shut the door.-This was the only light burning in the shop.-Fined £1.—Watts pleaded guilty.—P.S Percival said the light, which was situated it the back of the Rokeby Club, was not shaded. He could see the light shining through the top of the blind. There was also an ordinary street lamp in the yard, which was shaded half-way down with brown paper.—Supt Clarke said this was a very bad light. It was like a great star, and he sent the officer round to it.—Defendant said he had done the best he could.—The Chairman : Not quite; you will be fined £2.—Miss Readman said it was quite an oversight, and the light was turned half down, there being a very subdued light.—P.C Elkington said when in the Lower Hillmorton Road he saw a very bright light from the rear of No 42 Clifton Roan. On going to the house he saw a bright, incandescent gas light in the kitchen, there being no blind drawn.-Defendant admitted her responsibility, and told witness she was very sorry ; she went to bed and forgot to turn out the light.-Margaret Fullorton, called by defendant, said she was mistress of the house. The light in question which she saw after the policeman had been, was half turned down, as it had been during the evening. She had been at considerable trouble and expense to darken all the windows, but on the night in question, being overtired, defendant forgot to turn out the light.—Fined 10s 6d.

NO LIGHT.—Geo Kenney, 30 New Street, New Bilton, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a light at New Bilton on the 4th inst.—Defendant pleaded guilty, and said he did not know what lighting-up time was.—P.C Ruane proved the case, and said it was getting dusk at the time.—Fined 6s.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Thirty-four former scholars of the Baptist Sunday School have joined the Army, and five have been granted commissions. Three of these, 2nd-Lieut J Forbes, Lance-Corpl Geo Barnwell, and Stanley Stebbing, have been killed in action.

Lieut L G Neville, a son of the late Mr J T Neville, Dunchurch, and of Mrs Neville, of 1 Bilton Road, Rugby, who went through the Boer War, the Zulu Campaign, and the German West African Campaign, left England last week for the Mediterranean Force with a Territorial Regiment.

Second-Lieut C.T Morris Davies, of Rugby, the well-known Welsh international hockey player, is now on a short leave from the front, where he has been for fourteen months. Lieutenant P E Banting, of lawn tennis and hockey fame, is also home for a few days.

Lieut C H Ivens, of the 9th Warwickshire Regiment, son of Mr J H Ivens, of Hillmorton Road, Rugby, who was wounded in one of the battles in Mesopotamia, has been granted six months’ leave. The wound sustained was from a bullet which, after being deviated in its course by a rupee in his pocket, pierced the left thigh. After having been in hospital at Bombay for a time, he was on his way home, when a relapse necessitated his being landed at Alexandria, from whence he made another start a few days since.

ST MATTHEW’S OLD BOY WOUNDED.

The parents of Pte W J Payne, R.A.M.C, whose home is at 55 Stephen Street, have just received an intimation that Pte Payne is wounded and suffering from shock, and has been removed from the front to a hospital in England. Pte Payne is an old boy of St Matthew’s School.

MEDAL FOR AN OLD ST MATTHEW’S BOY

As announced in a previous issue of the Advertise, Police Constable Herbert Archer, a Rugby man, has been awarded the bronze medal and certificate of the Royal Humane Society for conspicuous bravery in rescuing a young lad from drowning at Rosyth Naval Dockyard. The presentation was formally made to P.C Archer at Rosyth on Wednesday last week by Commodore Harvey Bruce, M.V.O, R.N, in the presence of the Dockyard officials and a contingent of the Metropolitan Police. P.C Archer is an old boy of St Matthew’s School, Rugby, and, like Sergt W Bale, who was recently decorated with the D.C.M, was in 1904-5 a member of the St Matthew’s XV which won the Rugby and District Schools’ Football Union Shield in the first competition.

ANOTHER OF MESSRS FROST’S EMPLOYEE KILLED.

Messrs A Frost & Son have received intimation that another of their employees has been killed in action. Lance-Corpl Henry Hayes, of the 6th City of London Regt was fatally shot through the chest on April 30th. He had been employed by Messrs Frost for several years as a bookbinder, and he enlisted on September 2, 1914. He went to France in March, 1915, and has been through a good deal of fighting, including the battle of Loos. A few months ago he came home on leave to get married. It is interesting to note that prior to the war Lance-Corpl Hayes lodged with Riflemen Negus and Newton, two other employees of Messrs Frost, both of whom have been killed. Thirty-four of Messrs Frost’s employes are serving with the colours, and Lance-Corpl Hayes is the seventh to be killed ; several others have been wounded.

OLD MURRAYIAN AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS.

The many friends of Bomb W K Freeman, R.F.A, son of Mrs Freeman, of 6 Lancaster Road, Rugby, will be pleased to hear that he has been awarded the Military Cross, and has been recommended for the D.C.M. Bomb Freeman is a signaller, and he gained his award by sticking to his post at the telephone under heavy fire. He was wounded in the arm and leg, and is now in the St John’s Brigade Hospital recovering from his injuries. He joined the army at Christmas, 1914, and went to the front in June, 1915. Prior to enlistment he was employed by the L & N.-W Railway in the Goods Manager’s office, Nuneaton. He is an old Murrayian and Laurentian, and brother of Sergt Jack Freeman, of “ E ” Company, 7th R.W.R.

BAND CONCERT.—On Sunday evening the B.T.H Military Band, under the conductorship of Mr H Saxon, gave a concert in the Caldecott Park. There was a large attendance.

ABOUT £10 was realised by the Rugby Branch of the National Union Railwaymen’s effort on behalf of the dependents of members killed at the front, held at Rugby recently.

THE Government have decided to instruct Local Tribunals to grant exemption in cases where, if a man with wife and family dependent were called up, his business would probably close down.

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR SENTENCED.—P G Davies, a conscientious objector, lately employed in a Rugby ironmonger’s establishment, and associated with the Congregational Church, has been sentenced by Court Martial at Gosport to two years’ hard labour for refusing to obey military orders. News to this effect has been received by his father, who lives at Stratford-on-Avon.

CONSCRIPTS CHARGED.—George James Costello, dealer, 2 Gas Street, Rugby, was charged on remand with being an absentee under the Military Service Act, 1916, at Rugby on the 10th inst. George E Hart, labourer, 164 Lawford Road, New Bilton, was charged with a like offence.—Costello pleaded guilty, and Det Mighall said when he saw defendant the man admitted that he had received his papers, and that he should have gone up for service in March last. The reason he did not go up was that he was ruptured, and had a weak heart.—Prisoner was asked why he had not been up for medical examination, and he replied that he went to the Drill Hall, but they refused to give him a pass to Warwick because he was a conscript. He then offered to pay his own fare, but was told that this would be no good because he would not be examined.—The Chairman : Why did you not go at the proper time ?—Defendant: Because I thought that I was not eligible.—The Chairman : That is not for you to think. That is for the authorities.—He was fined £2 and remanded to await an escort.

Hart pleaded guilty.— P.S. Brown, who arrested prisoner, said Hart informed him he had received the notice, but he did not trouble any more about it.—The Chairman asked him why he did not go up, and he said he knew nothing about it.—Fined £2, and reminded to await an escort.

NEWBOLD-ON-AVON.

Mr and Mrs Grant, Newbold, have received official intimation from the War Office that their son, Rifleman Harry Grant, of the 4th Battalion Rifle Brigade, was killed in action May, 1915. Rifleman Grant was 24 years of age, and was employed at the time of his enlistment at the B.T.H. He enrolled in Kitchener’s Army in September, 1914, and has been mining since May 9th, 1915. Much sympathy is expressed with his parents. Another son of Mr and Mrs Grant has been sent home disabled, and a third son is at the present time at the front.

VOLUNTEERS’ NEED OF SHOT GUNS.

An appeal is being made by Lord Leigh, in the absence of the Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire, for the loan of shot guns for the Volunteer Training Corps. In Warwickshire, he states, many important munition works are guarded by the County Volunteer Regiment. Companies are organised to co-operate with the police in case of air raids, and they are of service in other ways. Only a proportion of the regiment is armed. Now a call has been made for the regiment to undertake, in case of imminent invasion, duties which will entail the employment of a number of Volunteers who are unarmed. The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Home Defences has given instructions that in such cases men of the V.T.C who are unarmed should be provided with shot guns.

IN MEMORIAM.

DAVIS.—In Memory of 2nd-Lieut. D. C. G. Davis, R.G.A., who died of wounds, May 15, 1915.
“ We never shall our memories forget,
The friend we found so cordial-hearted.”
-From his old friends of the Electrical Laboratory B.T.H. Co.).

ELLIOTT.—In affectionate remembrance of Gunner S J. Elliott, who was killed in action at Gallipoli, May 17, 1915.
“ There is a link Death cannot sever:
Love and remembrance last for ever.”
-Doll.

 

13th May 1916. Rugby Soldier Decorated with the D.C.M.

RUGBY SOLDIER DECORATED WITH THE D.C.M.

PLEASING CEREMONY IN THE CALDECOTT PARK.

Sunday was a great day for Sergt Bale, of the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, whose home is in Lagoe Place, Rugby. Arrangements had been made to present him in Caldecott Park with a Distinguished Conduct Medal, awarded for bravery in France, and the occasion partook somewhat of the character of a civic function, there being present Messrs J J McKinnell (Chairman), W Flint (Vice-chairman), T A Wise, W H Linnell, T Ringrose, H Yates, R W Barnsdale, and W A Stevenson (members of the Rugby Urban District Council). Col F F Johnstone, recruiting officer at Rugby, consented to make the presentation, and the local Volunteer Training Corps paraded, under Company Commander C H Fuller ; also the Royal Defence Corps (late the 5th South Lancashire Regt), with Lieut Gandy in charge ; and the 1st Company Boys’ Brigade, under Capt W F Wood. These formed a “ hollow square ” on the greensward, and cleared a space for the ceremony, which was witnessed by a large concourse of people.

DEEDS OF GALLANTRY.

Colonel Johnstone, in making the presentation, said the medal was given to N.C.O.’s and men of H.M forces performing gallant duties beyond their ordinary duties. The special duty performed by Sergt Bale was that on February 9th, 1916, he was ordered out with a reconnoitring party, consisting of one officer, one sergeant, one corporal, and four men, to ascertain the strength of the enemy’s trenches, what they contained, and what entanglements there were before those trenches. The party proceeded about 9.30 at night, and after they had been out an hour or so the sergeant and one of the privates got wounded. Corpl Bale (as he was then) took these men, one by one, under the enemy’s fire, into a place of safety. The whole patrol then returned to the trenches, and, after a certain amount of rest, Lieut McKay and Corpl Bale volunteered to go out again and finish their reconnoitring duties. When they got up to the wire entanglements, the officer was wounded through the thigh. Corpl Bale went to the assistance of his officer, taking him up, under fire, and carrying him back into the trenches. Now, those acts of bravery really deserved the Victoria Cross (hear, hear). Those deeds reflected very much upon the soldier-like conduct of Corpl Bale, and he had pleasure in pinning the decoration upon his breast. He felt sure all would agree with him in thinking Corpl Bale richly deserved this promotion to the rank of sergeant and also the Distinguished Conduct Medal (applause). Having pinned the medal on the solders tunic, Colonel Johnstone said he trusted the gallant deeds would long live in their memories, and that when the young men present were called upon to do their duty in the face of the enemy they would emulate the example of Sergt Bale (cheers).

MR MCKINNELL’S TRIBUTE.

Mr J J McKinnell, as Chairman of the Urban District Council, congratulated Sergt Bale, in the name of the town, on the great honour he had achieved. They felt that he had conferred lustre upon the name of Rugby, and he wanted Sergt Bale to understand that his fellow-citizens were extremely proud of him (cheers). The town of Rugby, which they all loved so much, had, he thought he might say, with becoming modesty, earned a good name in the last troublous months that we had passed through. He believed Rugby did very well all through the time of recruiting, and he was sure her sons, who had gone forth to fight in the various theatres of war, would acquit themselves creditably, and they sent Sergt Bale forth with their best wishes that his future would be covered with more laurels (applause).

HUMOROUS PREDICTION RECALLED.

Cheers having been given for Sergt Bale, Capt W F Wood made a short speech. It afforded him more pleasure than he could find words to express to be present at that ceremony, especially as Sergt Bale was one of his old boys (applause). It was some ten years since Sergt Bale joined the Brigade, and proved himself to be a hard worker. That morning he had met a soldier and a sailor, who reminded him that at the Llandudno camp some years ago he told Sergt Bale he would live either to be hanged or to earn the Victoria Cross (laughter and applause). He thought Sergt Bale was on the right way to win one or the other (laughter).

Sergt Bale expressed his thanks for the honour that had been done him, and his pleasure to have been so much congratulated during the three weeks he had been on leave. Sergt Bale then reviewed his exploits in France, including the retreat from Mons, and the circumstances under which, in addition to winning the medal, he had been twice mentioned in despatches.

ANOTHER PRESENTATION.

Colonel Johnstone then presented the Donegal Bronze Medal to Corpl Murray, of the 3rd Platoon of the Rugby Volunteer Training Corps, given by the National Rifle Association, for a creditable total of 397 points out of a possible 450, and entitling the holder to take part in the Donegal Competition at Bisley.

Mr McKinnell, addressing the V.T.C., said they had been working now for some months, and he thought they had received very little encouragement from the Government. Their fellow-citizens had, perhaps, regarded them with a sort of kindly curiosity, but they had gone on working steadily; they had given up their evenings and their Sundays in order to train themselves to be of use to their country in any supreme crisis, which they hoped would never come ; and latterly they had turned out of their comfortable beds in the middle of the night in order to help their fellow-citizens. He wanted the Corps to understand that their fellow-citizens thought well of them, and appreciated the work they were doing (applause).

Company Commander C H Fuller, on behalf of the Training-Corps, thanked Mr McKinnell for his kind words.

Cheers were given for Colonel Johnstone, who, in acknowledgment, said he very much appreciated the way in which recruits came forward first of all. There were not so many to come forward now, but under the new system to be commenced he hoped they would have more, and that many others would follow the example of the brave Sergeant and would come back to the country with the V.C. or the D.C.M. (hear, hear).

Sergt Bale was then played back to his home in Lagoe Place by the band of the Boys’ Brigade, and afterwards enjoyed a motor car drive with several friends.

At the Empire Picture Palace on Monday night Sergt Bale was presented by B Morris, on behalf of the management, with a wrist watch.

Sergt Bale belonged to the 1st Rugby Company Boys’ Brigade for four years, and was a bugler in the band. He left at the age of 16 to join the army, and is one of about 300 old members of the Brigade now serving in H.M. Forces by land or sea. Up to the present there have been few casualties amongst them.

The V.T.C. spent the afternoon in useful exercises in the fields between Hillmorton and Barby, returning at 8.30 p.m.

WARWICKSHIRE TERRITORIALS.

The 35th meeting of the Warwickshire Territorial Force Association was held on Monday at Birmingham, the Earl of Craven presiding. The War Office letter, dated April 10 last, regarding the administration of the Volunteer Force by the County Association was considered, and on the motion of Colonel Wyley, seconded by Colonel G M Seabroke, a resolution was passed agreeing to undertake the administration of the Volunteer Training Corps in the county on the county basis, and a committee was appointed for the purpose.

Colonel Lewis, Commandant of the Warwickshire Volunteer Training Corps, said they had in Warwickshire five battalions of infantry, a very useful corps of electrical engineers, and a small cycle corps. The 1st Battalion had now the names of nearly 900 members on its books, the second something like 1,500, the third had never been higher than 700, the fourth about 700,and the fifth about 800. Later enlistments had denuded these figures, but he hoped that if an appeal were made the city battalions would have 600 members each to start with, and the county battalions more. In all there were about 1,350 men clothed, armed, and equipped. There was no machinery for maintaining that state of equipment.

It was mentioned that 19 non-commissioned officers and men of the Warwickshire Territorials had received D.C.M. medals, and the payments, numbering 15,525 had been made in respect of separation allowances to wives, children, and dependants of soldiers. The cost of administration was considerably less than the maximum sum fixed by the Government.

Colonel Marsh said there ought to be some arms to be had from Ireland.—Colonel Lewis: The Territorial Force has already applied for them.

The question arose as to the payment and the granting of separation allowances to members of the Volunteer Force in the event of its mobilisation. The opinion was expressed by one member that if the Force was mobilised to repel an invading enemy they would automatically receive the Army pay under the term “ deemed on actual military service.”—Colonel Wyley said the question of pay, allowances, etc, was a matter for future consideration.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

War casualties among London and North-Western Railway men number 3,683, of whom 725 have died.

Second Lieut K W Lane (son of the Rev F D Lane, formerly Vicar of Clifton) who, as reported last week had been dangerously wounded, is progressing favourably.

Viscount Feilding, D.S.O, Coldstream Guards, son of the Earl of Denbigh, has been promoted to a captaincy.

The following appointments have been gazetted :—South Midland Brigade : Major (temporary Lieut.-Col) F C B West to be Lieut.-Col. 17th December, 1914. Capt (temporary Major) C P Nickalls to be Major. 17th December, 1914.

The Postmaster-General announces that the despatch of matches by post to the troops has resulted in numerous fires which have destroyed a large quantity of mails. It has consequently been necessary to entirely prohibit their despatch to any destination. The friends of Lieut Allan Hand, 81st Provisional Battalion, T.F, will be pleased to hear that he is now well on the way to recovery. He was taken ill with measles near the end of March, pneumonia subsequently developed, and for a time he was in a very critical condition, and had to undergo an operation.

Mr S E Rogers, who has been with the B.T.H Company for many years, and who joined the 5th Warwickshire Howitzer Battery in August, 1914, has been transferred to the 6th Somerset Light Infantry, to which regiment he has been gazetted as Second Lieutenant. It will be remembered that his brother, H G Rogers, of hockey renown, held a commission in the Somersets at the time of his death last June in the Dardanelles. Two other brothers, F G and W J, are also joining the army, the first-named a cadet at the Royal Military College, Camberley, and the latter (also a well-known hockey player) just back from the West Coast of Africa, to enter the London Scottish Regiment.

Several old Rugbeians have recently arrived in England with the Canadian contingents, including Walter Hillyard, a former employe at Messrs Frost’s and an ex-member of ” E ” Company; and the brothers Albert and Walter Francis. A grandson of the late Mr Richard Over, of Rugby, is also with the contingent.

Lieut F J Hadden, Remount Squadron, an old Rugbeian, who died of pneumonia on May 5 in Egypt, was before the war a tea-planter in Ceylon, where he was well known in connection with all sports, notably racing and polo. He was 55 years of age.

CAPT H PODMORE AWARDED THE D.S.O.

Rugbeians, past and present, will welcome the announcement which has been made this week that Capt H Podmore, O.R, an assistant master at Rugby School, has been awarded the D.S.O. for conspicuous gallantry in the field. The news was received in a letter from Lieut-Col W T Wyndowe, commanding the 6th Battalion Northants Regt, and which reads : “ We have just got the news that Capt Podmore has got the D.S.O for gallantry and devotion to duty on the morning of the 13th April, when his company, after enduring an intense bombardment, repulsed a raid that the enemy attempted on our front line. Though he had only one, the young officer doing duty with the company, they stuck to their parapets like heroes, inspired by the coolness and entire disregard of danger of their commander.” A really good fast bowler, Capt Podmore frequently assisted the Rugby Cricket Club some two or three seasons ago. His father was a fine Rugby football player, and represented Oxford v Cambridge in the first Rugby match between the Varsities.

ANOTHER ST. MATTHEW’S OLD BOY KILLED.

Notification has just been received of the death of Pte H P Watts, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who was killed in action on April 5th. The mother of Pte Watts, who lives at 10 Bridget Street, New Bilton, has received a message of sympathy from Lord Kitchener. Pte Watts was educated at St Matthew’s Boys’ School, and is the fourteenth old boy of that school to be killed in action. He was 23 years of age, and was working at the Newbold Cement Works when he enlisted. He left England at the end of October.

B.T.H MEN REPORTED KILLED.

Information has reached Rugby that Bombardier E Cox, of the Rugby Howitzer Battery, was killed by a shrapnel shell on Thursday week. Gunner Cox was formerly a charge hand in the Turbine Department at the B.T.H, and was well known and generally respected in the works. He came to Rugby six or seven years ago as a fitter. Major Nickalls, in a letter reporting Bomb Cox’s death, says : “ I and my officers, N.C.O’s, and men grieve for the loss of not only a grand man and a fearless soldier, but one who had endeared himself to us all by his splendid devotion to duty, his great ability, his untiring energy, and unfailing cheeriness. He set a great example to the Battery, and, speaking as his Battery Commander, I am deeply grateful to him for all his good work.”

Official news has been received at the B.T.H that Pte Bert Blake, of the Wiltshire Regt, who was reported to be missing on June 16th last, was killed in action on that date. Prior to the war Pte Blake was employed in the Purchasing Department of the B.T.H.

Mr and Mrs J Gurney, late of Catthorpe, now living at 67 Cambridge Street, Rugby, have received official intimation of the death of their son, Lance-Corpl John Thomas Gurney, Royal Warwickshire Regt, who had been reported missing since April 25, 1915. He was employed at the B.T.H before the war, and was called up on Reserve.

CALLING UP THE LAST MARRIED GROUPS.

The new proclamation, calling the remaining groups of married men to the colours was posted in Rugby yesterday (Friday). It refers to men in groups 42 to 46, and the commencing date of the call is June 13th. A further proclamation calls up men of group 24 as they attain the age of 19, and the same date applies.

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR ARRESTED AND RELEASED.

A peculiar situation arose out of the arrest of a conscientious objector named Horace Kingston, gardener, of Hillmorton, who failed to answer a summons to join the Colours on Monday. He was brought before a magistrate (A S Donkin, Esq), and admitted that he was an absentee under the Military Service Act, but added that he was a Christadelphian and a conscientious objector. He would refuse to obey any orders from the Military authorities.-Mr Donkin: You know you are liable to be fined £25 ?—Defendant : Yes, but I can’t help that.-He was remanded to await an escort and fined £2, which was ordered to be deducted from his Army pay.-After the Magistrate had left the Court a sergeant from the recruiting station arrived, and asked for the man’s release, explaining that they had received instructions that he was not to be arrested.-The Assistant Clerk pointed out that the man had already been fined £2, which could not be altered.

THE LATE PERCY HEFFORD.-Mr and Mrs W F Wood have had erected in the cemetery a handsome memorial stone with a double grave kerb in memory of their son, Percy Hefford, second officer of the ill-fated Lusitania. Sunday was the first anniversary of the sinking of the vessel, and flowers were placed upon the grave space by relatives and friends. They included a tribute from the widow, now living in Philadelphia.

IN MEMORIAM.

BERRIDGE.—In loving Memory of my dear son, George Edward Berridge, Barby, who was killed in action somewhere in France, May 13th, 1915.
“ One year has passed, oh how we miss him.
Some may think the wound has healed ;
But they little know the pain and sorrow
Deep within our hearts concealed.”
—From his loving Mother and Brother.

KEEN.—In loving Memory of our dear son and brother, Arthur William, killed in action, May 9th, 1915.

PORTER.—In ever loving Memory of our dear son and brother George, who was killed in action on May 8th, 1915, at St Elei.
—Sadly missed by his loving Mother, Father, Brothers and Sister.

SLEATH.—In loving Memory of Trooper Sam Sleath, of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, who fell in action, May 13, 1915, at Ypres, aged 22 years.
“ He sleeps not in his native land,
But ‘neath some foreign skies ;
And far from those who loved him best,
In a hero’s grave he lies.”
-From his loving Mother, Father, Sister, and Brothers.

6th May 1916. Remember Rugby Boys on Active Service

REMEMBER RUGBY BOYS ON ACTIVE SERVICE
AND
BUY A FLAG ON
SATURDAY, MAY 20th

This is an opportunity to help the Local Committee to send Comforts to Rugby Sailors, and Soldiers and to show your gratitude to the Rugby men who are fighting for You.

Keep alive warm thoughts of the home town in their hearts.

Offices & Supply Depot: Benn Buildings.

Hon. Organising Secretary : J REGINALD BARKER, who will gladly welcomes offers of help.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Second-Lieut K Westmacott Lane, R.F.A (T), 1st Worcester Battery, is reported dangerously wounded in France.

Lieut Allan Hand, 81st Provisional Battalion, T.F., is at present in hospital at Southend suffering from pneumonia.

Captain Leslie Cheape, of the Dragoons, the famous polo player, who is well known in the Rugby district, has been posted as missing.

Arrangements have, we understand, been made to use Bilton Hall, the residence of Mr Walter Barnewtt, as a Red Cross Hospital in place of Ashlawn, which was closed a short time ago.

Lieut-Colonel C Fane, D.S.O., of the Sherwoods, who was wounded in helping to quell the rebellion in Dublin formerly lived (as Captain Fane) at Brownsover Hall and Newton House, being well known in hunting circles in this locality.

Sergt Pattison, who since August last has been engaged in recruiting work at Rugby Drill Hall, has been ordered to rejoin his regiment, the Royal Warwicks. Sergt Pattison went to the front in the early days of the war, and was severely wounded, but he has now made a complete recovery. During his stay in Rugby he has, by his unfailing courtesy and geniality, made many friends, who will wish him good luck for the future.

FORTHCOMING PRESENTATION.

As already reported by us, Sergt Bale, of the 2nd Batt Royal Welsh Fusiliers, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for special bravery in France. We understand Colonel F F Johnstone has been requested to present the medal to Sergt Bale at Rugby, and the presentation will be made at 2.15 on Sunday afternoon next, the 7th inst in Caldecott Park, near the Drill Hall, at which time, and place the Rugby Volunteer Training Corps will parade. There is no doubt this presentation will create a good deal of local interest, as Sergt Bale is a Rugby man and son of Mr J Bale, Lagoe Place.

APPEALS UNDER THE GROUP SYSTEM.

Notices of appeal by attested married men in the Groups up to 41, called up under the proclamation posted last week, must be lodged with the Tribunals for the Rugby area not later than Monday next.

THE TRIBUNALS AT WORK.

RUGBY URBAN DISTRICT.

Held at the Benn Buildings on Thursday evening. Present: Messrs J J McKinnell (chairman), W Flint, L Loverock, and T A Wise. Major Neilson and Mr F M Burton represented the Military Authorities.

The case of an unattested dentist, which had been adjourned four times for an examination by a medical board, was first taken. Mr H Eaden represented appellant, and said the man had been medically examined and passed for garrison service at home. He was informed by the military doctor that the bread with which he would be served in the army would rapidly aggravate his complaint. He would also be given tea, which he now had to forego, and this would, make it impossible for him to go on. Mr Eaden said they would have to take the case on its merits, and he asked for an adjournment. Appellant was in partnership and the ramifications of the business were very widely extended, there being nine branches. Before the war they employed nine qualified men, but these had now bean reduced to three. They had also released several apprentices who had not yet finished their time. Their clients consisted of the lower middle class, who paid by instalments, and when a fair proportion of the money had been paid the work was done and the teeth supplied. Considerable sums were now in hand, and it would take six months to complete this work. His mother and an invalid sister were partly dependent upon him. They had unsuccessfully attempted to get someone to help carry on the work. A highly skilled man was required for this class of Work.—By Mr Burton : All the branches should be open each day, with an operator present, but as things were they had to be worked on a part-time basis.—There was also an appeal by the man’s partner, and he was called in and gave evidence of the difficulty of getting men.—Application refused.

A single plasterer, who had already had one period of exemption, made a further application, and stated that his circumstances had not altered.—Mr Eadon represented appellant, and said at present he employed four married men, three of whom were attested. In the event of this application being granted, he would undertake not to appeal for either of these men.—The Military Authorities had suggested that appellant’s father could carry on the business, but Mr Eaden pointed out that this was quite impossible, owing to his age. Appellant had sub-contracts on Government work, which would extend over several months. It was an absolute impossibility for the business to be carried on if he had to go, and it would fall into the hands of his competitors.—Exemption till 15th June. Appellant was informed that the Tribunal would not be able to do any more for him, and if he took any more contracts it would be at his own risk.

Application for a single baker, aged 20 years, was made by a local baker, who himself had given up his business’ to get employment at a local munitions factory.—The Military recommended that the application be refused, and the employee should return to his business.-Applicant stated that the round now was only a small one, and he went to work on shells in July last.—Refused.

A Rugby butcher appealed on behalf of a single slaughterman, aged 23. The Military Authorities recommended that the application be refused, and added that co-operative arrangements must be made, if necessary by the Tribunal.—Mr A H Reeve, President of the Master Butchers’ Association, was also present, and said this man was included in the nine slaughtermen referred to at the last meeting.—Appellant said this was the only man he had, and he also assisted another butcher by doing all his slaughtering.-Exemption till October 1st. The Chairman expressed the hope that the Butchers’ Association would go into the matter, and really try to work with each other and release some of these men.—Mr Reeve said they would do so. He did not like appealing for these single men. He thought they all ought to go, and it was not their wish to keep him.—The Chairman asked if it would be possible to work with butchers outside the Association, such as the Co-operative Society. These were not normal times.— Mr Reave answered that there were so few men to do the town work.

IRISH REBELLION CRUSHED.

REBEL LEADERS SHOT.

Monday night’s official news from Ireland indicated that the rebellion there had been crushed. All the rebels in Dublin had surrendered, and the city was declared to be quite safe. In the country districts the discouraged remnants of the ” Irish Republican Army ” are giving themselves up to the mobile columns hunting them down. About 1,500 prisoners have been brought to England.

The Press correspondents were on Saturday morning enabled to make a tour of the troubled districts. It was found that the only real damage to the city has been done in Sackville Street, the lower part of which has been laid in ruins. Shells, bombs, rifle fire, incendiary fires, and wanton damage have all contributed to the general destruction with a terrible completeness. Great gaping spaces mark the spots where the fine Post Office another famous buildings once stood.

Mr Asquith announced in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon that three of the signatories to the proclamation of an Irish Republic — P H Pearse, Thomas J Clarke, and Thomas MacDonagh – having been tried by court-martial ans found guilty, were shot that morning. Three of the other prisoners were sentenced to three years’ penal servitude.

Mr Birrell tendered his resignation of the Chief Secretaryship for Ireland on Monday. The resignation was at once accepted. He confessed in the House of Commons on Wednesday that he had made an ” untrue estimate” of the possibilities of the Sinn Fein movement.

IN MEMORIAM.

CLIFTON.—In ever loving Memory of our dear son and brother Tom, who was killed in action on May 9th, 1915, somewhere in France.

“ One year has passed, our hearts still sore
Day by day we miss him more;
His welcome smile, his dear sweet face
Never on earth can we replace.
” We often sit and think of him,
And think of how he died;
To think he could not say good-bye
Before he closed his eyes.”
—Sadly missed by his loving mother, father, brother, and sisters.

STEBBING.—In loving memory of our dearly beloved son, Sydney Reginald, died of wounds in France, 4th May, 1915. Buried in Hazebrouck Cemetery.— From his lonely Mother, Father, Sisters & Brothers.

The twelve months’ old wound is still open, and our hearts bleed daily for the loss of one so dear to all.