29th Sep 1917. Blackberry Picking

BLACKBERRY PICKING.-During the past fortnight the scholars of various schools in Rugby and the neighbouring villages have picked 2 tons of blackberries, to be used to make jam for the Army and Navy.

UTILITY POULTRY KEEPERS’ MEETING.-There was a satisfactory attendance at a meeting held at the Eagle Hotel on Saturday to consider the formation of a branch of the National Utility Poultry Society, which, in conjunction with the Agricultural Organisation Society, is seeking to put the poultry industry on a business footing. Mr Walter Barnett (Bilton) presided, supported by Mrs Barnett, Mr E B Covington, Mr W T Fischer, &c. Mr H Tarbox read letters from a number of interested poultry keepers ; from the Secretary of the N.U.P.S, and from Capt Peirson Webber, the County Council expert, regretting inability to be present that day. After discussion, it was resolved to form a society for Rugby and district, and to convene a further meeting when the experts can tend to give details of the working of similar existing branches.

THE FOOD ECONOMY CANTEENS.

It has been decided to close – at any rate, temporarily – the Food Economy Canteen opened at New Bilton in July last, and meals will not be obtainable there after today (Saturday). Although there is no doubt that if workers had been brought to realise that meals can be obtained there far cheaper than they could be prepared at home, the canteen has not been well patronised, and there has been a weekly loss since it opened. It is gratifying to note, on the other hand, that the Chester Street canteen continues to be a great success, and there are hopes of an extension in the accommodation. Not only is bread conserved, but, thanks to the willing aid of enthusiastic honorary helpers and to the hearty co-operation of an efficient paid staff, the prices as at New Bilton, rule low for very satisfying meals. The place is always full at meal times, and many people purchase cooked food to take home. Working expenses are being met, and a weekly profit, which will go to the liquidation of the debt incurred in setting up the canteen, is being made.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Bombardier Reg Covington, R.F.A, son of Mr Richard Covington, has been gassed during the recent fighting.

The latest list of war honours contains the name of Pte J French (Rugby), Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who has been awarded the Military Medal.

Pte George Ruddle, of James Street, Rugby, is reported missing, believed killed. From his comrades it was gathered that he was almost certainly killed. He was in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

Sergt L C Cox, elder son of Mr A G Cox, Kenilworth House, Popular Grove, Rugby, after much active service in France with the King’s Royal Rifles, during which time he was wounded four times has passed first class in a special course of instruction and sails for Africa this weekend to join the King’s African Rifles. His younger Brother Albert, also with experience of the fighting in France, being twice mentioned and awarded the Military Medal, has been presented as a second-lieutenant in the King’s Liverpool Regiment.

Official intimation has been received from the War Office, that Bombardier S G Smith, son of Mrs Smith, 28 Pinfold Street, New Bilton, was killed in action in France on August 18th. He was formerly a member of the of the Rugby Howitzer Battery, and was employed by the Rover Company, Coventry when called up. A letter from the officer commanding the battalion speaks in high terms of Bombardier Smith’s performance of his duties.

ASHBY ST. LEDGERS.

CAPT E G PASSMORE, of the Northamptonshire Regiment, son of Mr S A Passmore, is in hospital at Dieppe suffering from trench fever.

News has reached the village that Pte Stowe, who was reported missing, is now a prisoner of war. This is the second prisoner of war from this village, Pte Roberts having been wounded in the leg and taken prisoner a few months ago.

BRETFORD.

KILLED IN ACTION.-Mrs Archer College, Hill Farm, Bretford, has been notified that her husband, Pte Archer Colledge, Royal Warwicks, was killed in France on September 3rd. Pte College, who went to the front in June last, lost his life in his first engagement. He was educated at Pailton Church School and was employed at Coventry Ordnance Works until called up in March last. Pte College’s Company Officer, in a letter to Mrs College, writes :- “ Although he had recently joined us, by his cheeriness and courage he soon made himself liked, and his platoon feel his loss keenly, as I do myself.” A comrade of Pte College’s, who has been in continuous action for the last 16 months, writes that the present fighting is the bitterest he has yet experienced. Pte College was 29 years of age, and leaves a widow and one child.

TO HELP THE PRISONERS OF WAR FUND.

AN IMPORTANT EVENT.

To-day (Saturday) an attractive event will take place in Benn’s Field, North Street, Rugby, in aid of the Rugby Prisoners of War Fund, for which a continuous and increasing flow of money is needed. The effort will consist of a great show and sale of agricultural and horticultural produce, which is being freely given by generous donors in the town and district.

Mr J J McKinnell, C.C, chairman of the Urban District Council, is the chairman of the committee, and, supported by leading residents, will open the affair at 2.30 p.m.

In the horticultural section 26 prizes are offered for competition ; and, of course, contributions of produce merely for sale will be gladly received. Already a large number of sheep, lambs, pig, rabbits, and poultry have been promised for the agricultural department ; and the auctioneers of the town, who will sell the goods, are giving their services gratuitously, as well as all others who are working so energetically to ensure success, and it only remains for the public to give their attendance-and their money-for which there will be plenty of bargains.

A large marquee. which will be lighted by electricity in the evening, will be provided ; and apart from the exhibition and sale, there will be various competitions and side-shows of an attractive nature. These will include a fire brigade competition-always an interesting item-and four brigades from Coventry will be represented in this. There will be dancing also for the young people.

For a small admission fee of 6d the visitor will, therefore, get plenty of money.

The Committee consists of Messrs. A Bell, chairman ; J Cash, hon treasurer ; G Allford, J Reginald Barker, C Cockerel, F Dunkerley, J Harker, G Harrowing, G Henton, J P Lennon, C Mewis, J J   Scrivener, F Starmore, with J R Blyth and H Lovell, joint hon secretaries.

DEATHS.

COLLEDGE.—In ever-loving memory of Private ARCHER COLLEDGE, 20249 Royal Warwickshire Regt., killed in action on 3rd September, 1917, somewhere in France, aged 29 years.
A loving husband, true and kind,
A better father you’d never find ;
But He who orders all things best,
Has given to him eternal rest.
The end was bitter, the shock severe,
To part with one we loved most dear.
We did not see him die or hear him say goodbye ;
We miss him and mourn for him in silence unseen,
And dwell on the days is his young life has seen.
—Deeply mourned by his Wife and Child.

IN MEMORIAM.

BARNETT.—In loving memory of Lance-Corpl. GEORGE BARNETT, 5th Oxon and Bucks, killed at the battle of Loos, Sept. 25th, 1915, son of the late James Barnett and Mrs. Sansome, 5 Gas Street. Never forgotten by his sorrowing Mother, Step-father, Brothers, Winnie and May.
He bravely answered his country’s call,
He gave his life for one and all ;
But the unknown grave is the bitterest blow,
None but aching hearts can know.

BARNETT.—In loving memory of my pal, Lance-Corpl. GEORGE BARNETT, 5th Oxford and Bucks, killed in action September 25th, 1915.
Two years had passed, my heart’s still sore,
As time rolls by I miss him more ;
His loving smile and cheerful face
No pal on earth can fill his place.
BILLIE WEBB, somewhere in France.

BROWN.—In loving memory of our dear Son & Brother, PERCY EDWIN BROWN, who was killed in action on September 25th, 1915.
Sleep on dear son and brother in your far off grave,
A grave we may never see ;
But as long as life and memory lasts,
We will remember thee.
—From Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

CASHMORE.—In loving memory of PRIVATE C. CASHMORE, Oxon & Bucks L.I., who was killed in action September 25, 1915.
Our hero gone, but not forgotten,
Never shall his memory fade ;
Our sad thoughts so often wonder
To that far-off land where he is laid.
Yes, we think of him in silence,
And his name we oft recall,
But there’s nothing left to answer,
But his photo on the wall.
—From his loving Wife and Children.

EMERY.—In loving memory of ERNEST HARRY EMERY, Bdr. R.F.A., accidentally killed whilst on active service with the Salonica Forces, Oct. 1st, 1916. Interred in Mekes Cemetery.

FRANKTON.—In loving memory of our dear brother, FRED, who was killed in France on Sept. 25th, 1915.
From POLLIE AND SARAH.

HINKS.—In loving memory of my dear son, JOHN HINKS, of 33 Essex Street, of the 5th Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, who fell asleep in action in France on September 25th, 1915.
“ The midnight star shines o’er the grave,
Of a dear son and soldier brave ;
How dear, how brave, we shall understand,
When we meet again in the better land.”
—Not for granted by his Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.

STENT.—In loving memory of my dear son, Corpl. P. V. STENT, who was killed in action at Loos, on September 25th, 1915.
“ Two years have passed and friends around us
Think, perhaps, the wound has healed ;
But they little know the sorrow,
Deep within our hearts concealed.”
—Silently mourned by his loving Mother, Father, Sisters, and Brother.

STENT.—In loving memory of PERCY VICTOR STENT, who was killed at Loos, Sept. 25th, 1915. “ Death divides, but memory lingers.”—From Mr. and Mrs. HARBAN and family.

STONE.—In loving memory of my dear husband, PTE. C. G. STONE, who was wounded 28th Sept., and died the 1st October, 1915.
“ They miss him most who loved him best.”
—From his loving wife Amy.

WHITBREAD.—2nd Lieut. BASIL, 14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Reported missing 22 July, 1916 ; now presumed to have been killed in action on that date.

WEST.—In proud and loving memory of FRANK WEST, Lieutenant-Colonel R.F.A. (T.), who was killed near Pozieres on September 28, 1916 ; aged 33.—“ We have found safety with all things undying.”

Saville, Walter Stanley. Died 29th Sep 1917

Walter was born in Rugby in 1895 and christened at St Andrews Church on 13 July, the son of Walter John Saville and his wife Florence nee Cornah. His parents were married at the same church on 19 Aug 1890, he was 29, a builder’s clerk, son of Thomas Saville, also a builder’s clerk.   Florence was 24, living in Cambridge Terrace (now Cambridge Street) off Clifton Road, and daughter of William Cornah, a coachbuilder.

In 1901 Walter John born in London and Florence born in Rugby were living at “Mayfield” in Clifton Road with two children, Walter junior and Sidney Foster, born the previous year, and a servant. By 1911 they were at 93 Clifton Road (which may be the same as “Mayfield”), a large house with eight rooms. They had been married for 22 years, and had four children, all living.   By this time Walter senior was a builder and contractor and an employer. The Rugby Advertiser tells us that he was “of Foster & Dicksee”. Two daughters had been added to the family, Florence Eugenie aged 8 and Lilian Hall aged 5, there was also a servant.

Soldiers of the Great War tells us that Walter enlisted in London and joined the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) as Gunner no 624146.

The account of his death in the Rugby Advertiser on 13 October 1917 gives a brief obituary of Walter. He was a very tall man, he attended Murray School and Lower School (Lawrence Sheriff), and was a keen golfer and cricketer. He joined the HAC in October 1914 at which time he was employed by Foster & Dicksee. He was stationed chiefly on the east coast for home defence, but went to France about four months before his death on 29 September 1917 when he was serving with the 2^nd Artillery Battery. He died of wounds in the same dugout as Leo Lennon (qv) when it was hit by a German shell.

Walter is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery near Ypres. He was awarded the Victory and British War medals, his mother received his back pay and a war gratuity of £13. His father had died in 1915.

He is remembered on his parents’ gravestone in Clifton Road Cemetery and on the Old Laurentians memorial plaque as well as on the Rugby Memorial Gates.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

Lennon, Lionel Stewart. Died 29th Sep 1917

Lionel (Leo) Lennon was the youngest of the five sons of John Patrick and Mary Charlotte (nee Cornish) who were married in Chelmsford Registration District December Quarter 1887.   Their four eldest children were born there too, John William (1888), Ernest Patrick (1889), Edward James (1891), and William Thomas (1893). In 1891 John was a baker living with his wife and three oldest children at “The Bird in Hand” in Baker Street, Chelmsford. He was born in Hertfordshire and his wife in Sussex.

The Lennons moved shortly after this to the “Six Bells Inn” in Cockfield Sussex where Lionel was born in 1894. His father was now termed a licensed victualler, and at last the couple produced a daughter, Mary Ann, born in 1897.

By 1904 the family was in Rugby where sadly their eldest son John William died at the age of 15. In 1911 they were living at “The Globe Hotel” in Railway Terrace with two servants. Ernest, Edward and William were employed as barmen by their father, Lionel at 17 was still at school at Lawrence Sheriff.

Lionel was one of the partners in the well-known local firm of Lennon Bros, tobacconists, which operated from adjacent premises and other sites in the town, and which many Rugby people will remember.

Lionel joined the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in January 1916 as Gunner 624555. The Rugby Advertiser of 13 October gives an account of his death on 29 September.   He was killed together with his fellow townsman Walter Stanley Saville (qv) while they were resting in a dugout after a heavy artillery engagement. A German shell landed on the dugout killing him instantly, Gunner Saville was seriously wounded and died half an hour later. Lionel’s brother William, who had also joined the HAC (no 624559), had shared the dugout with the two men, but shortly before had been sent up to the waggon lines, thus escaping their fate.

Lionel’s eldest brother Ernest also belonged to the HAC (no 625659) but was later transferred to the Royal Field Artillery. Brother Edward may be the Edward J Lennon who joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (no 42466) and was sent to France on 19 July 1915 (medal cards). All four brothers received the Victory and British War medals, Edward also had the 1915 Star. He died in 1922.

John Patrick died in 1927 and Mary Charlotte in 1944, both of Moultrie Road.

Lionel is buried in the Divisional Collecting Post Cemetery to the north east of Ypres, which was begun by field ambulances of the 48^th and 58^th Divisions in August 1917 and used until January 1918. The cemetery was extended in the early 1920s for burials brought from surrounding battlefields and small burial grounds in the area. On the grave register, his parents were of 15 Moultrie Road, Rugby.

He is also remembered on the Old Laurentians plaque at Lawrence Sheriff School, and on the Roll of Honour at St Marie’s Church.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

Bradshaw, Ernest George. Died 24th Sep 1917

Ernest George Bradshaw was born in 1880 in Rugby. The family was living at 18 Round Street at the time and his father John was a carpenter. John Bradshaw had married Mary Ann E Farden in 1875. The wedding was registered in the Daventry RD. John came from Napton on the Hill , Warwickshire and Mary Ann from Byfield in Northants.

By 1891 the family had moved to 8 Newbold Road. Aged ten, Ernest was the middle of five children: John (15), Mary (12), Ada (8) and Frank (1). By 1901 Ernest was following in his father’s trade as a carpenter’s apprentice. He worked for Rugby builders, Foster and Dicksee.

On 20th May 1907 married Eliza Ellen Jones at Church Lawford Parish Church. He was aged 27 and Eliza was a 30 year old domestic servant. Their only child George Edward was born in late 1910. The family lived at 39 Wood Street.

Ernest George Bradshaw was working in Brownsover when he joined the army in June 1916. He enlisted in 2nd/6th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Private, no. 242340) and arrived in France around October 1916. The RWR was in the final stages of the Battle of the Somme.

In 1917 the regiment was part of the 61st (2nd South Midland) Division in operations on the Ancre in March and The Battle of Langemarck in August 1917.

On 23rd September 1917, after several weeks of training, the Battalion relieved the 10th Bn Sherwood Foresters as right Battalion in the Chemical Works Sector (Ref. map Flouvain).

The following day (24th Sep):

At 4.30 a.m. the enemy attempted a raid on the trenches of our centre Company. An intense barrage composed of T. M. Shells of various calibres 77mm. 4.5 cm and 5.9 cm was put down on line CORFU AVENUE and thence along COLUMBO SWITCH.

An S.O.S. signal, which appeared to have been fired from our extreme right flank, was observed. The Artillery were informed and promptly fired on their S.O.S. lines. At the same time, movement was observed in front of our own wire at I.14.c.6.9., and rifle and Lewis Gun fire was opened. One of the enemy who succeeded in crawling through a recognised gap in our wire was hit by Lewis Gun fire and taken prisoner.

Nothing more was seen of the enemy and no attack developed.

The Barrage continued with intensity till 5.15 a.m., at which time it commenced to diminish slightly. At 7 a.m. all was reported quiet.

A patrol was sent out at dusk the same day, to the supposed place of assembly of the enemy raiding party, but no wounded or further identifications could be found.

Our casualties 8 other ranks killed, Capt. B. R. Saunders and 3 other ranks wounded.

Ernest George Bradshaw must have been one of the “other ranks killed)”. He was buried at Brown’s Copse Cemetery Roeux, a village about 8 kilometres east of Arras, plot number IV.B.50

Plots I to IV are composed almost entirely of graves cleared from the battlefield in the summer of 1917. The Germans re-entered the village at the end of March 1918, and it was finally retaken by the 51st Division on the following 26 August.

Eliza never remarried, dying in 1950. Their son George Edward Bradshaw was living with her at 76 Oxford Street, Rugby, in 1939.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

Thompson, Levi. Died 23rd Sep 1917

Levi Thompson was born in 1884 at Newbold-on-Avon to Thomas Thompson (b 1852 in Newbold-on-Avon), railway worker, and his wife, JaneThompson, née Webb, (b 1847 in Dunchurch).

In 1906 Levi was married at Rugby to Ada Mary Curtlin (b 1888) of Thurlaston. They had 4 sons; Levi Frank (b 1907), Herbert William (b 1909), Walter S (b 1912) and Frederick L (b 1914). The 1911 census returns show that the family home was at 49 Union Street, Rugby and that he was employed by Rugby Council as a labourer.

During WW1 he enlisted in the 9^th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, regimental number 235470. He was sent to the Belgian Flanders front about May 1917, where he died during the Third Battle of Ypres on 23 September 1917. He is one of the many United Kingdom servicemen with no known grave whose names appear on the Tyne Cot Memorial. A notice of his death appeared in the Birmingham Evening Despatch on 13 October 1917.

He was survived by his widow and 4 sons.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

Worster, George John. Died 22nd Sep 1917

George John Worster was born in Aldershot Hants in 1892, the eldest son and third child of the ten children of George Worster, a blacksmith born in Barby Northants. He was baptised at Farnham, the birthplace of his mother Emma nee Goulden and eldest sister Maude, on 20 May 1892 (Farnham baptism register). His parents were also married there Dec Q 1887. His siblings were Maude (Harriet M), Elizabeth E, Jesse (Alfred J), Victoria, (Edward) Cecil, Dorothy, Cedric, and Aubrey. (census 1901 & 1911)

George senior was working as a blacksmith in an engineering works in Rugby in 1911, and living at 15 Manor Road, a house with seven rooms. He had moved to the town around 1899; his five youngest children were born here. He had travelled around quite a bit according to the birthplaces of his children, from Farnham in 1887 to Aldershot c 1893 where George jnr and Victoria were born, then to Flore Northants for a couple of years, and on to Weston by Welland for another couple of years before coming to Rugby. In 1901 the family with six children were living at 33 Arnold Street (RG13/2916/76).   This would have been in the early days of the engineering companies in Rugby, which would have recruited men with experience like George.

George John was a carpenter’s apprentice in 1911, working for a builder. His two older sisters (Harriet) Maude and Elizabeth were workers in a lamp factory, and a younger brother (Alfred) Jesse was an iron turner’s apprentice in an engineering works. Five of the six youngest children aged 4-13 were scholars, the youngest was an infant aged two.

George must have enlisted during the first year of the war as his medal card records that he was awarded the 1915 Star having entered France on 21 July 1915. He is buried in Spoilbank Cemetery five miles south of Ypres which contains 520 graves and commemorations of the fallen. His grave in Section I, row O is directly beside the path between the main gate and the Great Cross.

He married Doris M Meek in Mar Qr of 1917 in Rugby RD.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

22nd Sep 1917. Seats for Soldiers.

SEATS FOR SOLDIERS.

To the Editor of the Advertiser.

DEAR SIR,—As a visitor to the town, I learn that Rugby has already done a good deal for wounded soldiers, so that it must be from want of thought, and not from want of heart, that one arrangement has not been made that I have seen in many towns. I refer to the placing of garden seats and chairs in the public streets for the use of soldiers. One sees these poor fellows sitting on the kerbs and other uncomfortable positions. There are many patriotic-spirited inhabitants who might loan their garden seats ; also probably many who would see their way to put a notice on their garden gate, inviting the men enter the garden and use the seat therein, and thus confer both rest and pleasure. Surely these men have done enough for their country to deserve these little attentions.—Yours sincerely, VISITOR.
September 13, 1917.

 

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Sergt A Goode, of the Machine Gun Company, son of Detective-Insp Goode, of Rugby, who was recently reported missing, has written to his father stating that he is a prisoner and at a Red Cross Hospital at Neuminster, in Germany.

Pte W J Boyce, Royal Warwicks. son of Mr J E Boyce, a member of Long Lawford Parish Council, has sent to his father a certificate from his Colonel to the effect that he “ has been specially noted for gallantry and good work in the trenches during the last tour, and notice has been inserted in the battalion orders to that effect. This is the second mention has received within the last week.”

RUGBY FOOD CONTROL COMMITTEE.

APPOINTMENT OF AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

At a meeting of the Rugby Food Control Committee on Wednesday evening Mr Frank Middleton Burton was appointed executive officer at a salary of £200 a year. Mr Burton is secretary of the Rugby Liberal Association, and also clerk to the Military Advisory Committee. In the latter capacity he has done much to forward recruiting locally. He is also a member of the Rugby Board of Guardians and Rural District Council, the Rural District Food Control Committee, and Bilton Parish Council.

WILL OF THE LATE LIEUT HART-DAVIES.—Lieut Ivan Beauclerk Hart-Davies, of Rugby, Warwick, late of the R.F.C, son of the late Rev John Hart-Davies and Mrs. Hart-Davies, of Southam Rectory, Warwickshire, aged 39, who was killed in an aeroplane accident in England on July 27th, left estate valued at £8,679. Testator leaves £500, his dog Jock, effects in his office and residence, and motor-cycle to his late clerk, Arthur Douglas Miller ; £20 to his cashier, John Griffin ; £10 each to other persons in his employ ; and the residue to his sister, Blanche Violet Hart-Davies, if a spinster, or should she be married, then to Arthur Douglas Miller.

RED INDIAN PAGEANT AT HILLMORTON.

Arranged primarily for the amusement of the patients of the local V.A.D Hospitals, a unique entertainment, taking the form of a Red Indian pageant, was given in a field kindly lent by Mr Busby, near Hillmorton Wharf, on Saturday afternoon last. The entertainment was arranged by Mrs Price, with whom the idea originated, and she was assisted by an enthusiastic company of ladies and gentlemen of the district. The weather was all that could be desired, and there was a good number of the general public present at the hour the entertainment was timed to begin. Unfortunately, however, an inspection of the V.A.D Hospitals was also fixed for Saturday, and none of the soldier guests had arrived at this time. The commencement was postponed until four o’clock ; but as none of the soldiers had arrived then a start was made. The first brake load of soldiers arrived half-way through the performance, and others at brief intervals until some time after the entertainment had concluded, and in consequence the performers kindly agreed to repeat the entertainment after tea.

The pageant was admirably enacted, and was full of humorous as well as blood curdling incidents. . . .

A ventriloquial entertainment was also given by Mr Wal Sutton, of Rugby, and this proved very popular among the juvenile members of the company.

Horses were kindly sent for the pageant by Mrs Balding, Mr Crane, and Mr Kendal. The treasurers were Col F F Johnstone and Mr Tom Lever, and if there is a balance after paying expenses it will be devoted to the local Nursing Fund. Valuable assistance was rendered by the Hillmorton Scouts, under the direction of Mr Tom Lever.

WITHYBROOK.

SCENE IN A GIPSY CAMP NEAR COVENTRY.—Coventry county magistrates on Friday last week had before them a gipsy hawker, Hugh Fury, on a charge of obstructing the police. P.C’s Knight and Walker having reason to suppose there were two young men liable for military service in prisoner’s camp at Withybrook, went there. They found a couple of youths, but difficulties were put in the officers’ way of obtaining information as to who the young men were, and prisoners and others appeared with various weapons and assumed a threatening attitude. The result was that the lads got away.—Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said he had “ about 16 children,” of whom some were the Army, and both he and his wife promised to give information to the police if and when the wanted sons were heard of.—The Bench imposed a fine of £5 on the prisoner.

 

IN MEMORIAM.

BURTON.—In loving memory of EDWIN THOMAS BURTON, New Bilton, who died September 20,1916.
“ We have lost one earthly treasure ;
Death has snatched him from our side.
Life has been so sad and dreary
Since that day our loved one died.”
—From his loving Wife and Daughter.

COURSE.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. A. L. COURSE, who was killed in action on September 16, 1916.
“ Farewell, dear son, in a soldier’s grave
A grave we shall never see ;
But as long as life and memory lasts
We will remember thee.”

DRAKE.—In loving memory of ALFRED HURST DRAKE, who was killed in action in France on September 25, 1916 ; eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. B. Drake, Lutterworth.
“ Sleep on, dear son, in a far-off grave :
A grave we may never see ;
But as long as life and memory lasts
We will remember thee.”

FRANKTON.—In loving memory of Pte. FREDERICK FRANKTON ; killed at Loos, September 27, 1915. —“ They miss him most that loved him best.”—From his loving Wife and Children.

GREEN.—In ever-loving memory of EDWARD (BERT) GREEN, who fell at Battle of Loos, 25th—27th September, 1915.—From is ever-loving Wife and Children.

GRIFFITH.—In ever-loving memory of our dear brother, Rifleman L. GRIFFITH, K.R.R., who died of wounds September 18, 1916.—“ Gone from sight, but to memory ever dear.”—From ever-loving Brothers and Sisters, 74 South Street.

JEFFS.—In loving memory of my dear husband, HENRY EDWARD JEFFS, who died September 16, 1915.
“ I miss and mourn him in silence unseen,
And dwell on the memories of days that have been ;
Not thought of or forgotten by some he may be ;
But the grave that contains him is sacred to me.
Those that loved him best miss him most.”
—From his loving Wife and Children.

MEADOWS.—In loving memory of our dear son, Gunner C. H. MEADOWS, R.F.A., who died on September 4th, 1917, at 11th Stationary Hospital, Rouen, of wounds received in action on July 17th, and was buried in St. Seven Cemetery, Rouen, after much suffering, borne patiently ; aged 26 years.—At rest.
“ Had we been asked, how well we know
We should say, ‘ Oh, spare this blow ‘
Yes, with streaming tears would say,
‘ Lord, we love him, let him stay.’
He bravely answered duty’s call,
He gave his life for one and all ;
But the unknown grave is the bitterest blow,
None but his loved ones ever know.”
—From his sorrowing Mother and Father, Brothers and Sister, and Fiancé.

NEAL.—In loving memory of my pal, Bombardier F. G. NEAL (Birdingbury), of D Battery, 46th Brigade, who was killed in action September 9, 1916.
“ One year has passed, my heart still sore,
As time rolls by I miss him more ;
His loving smile and cheerful face,
No pal on earth can fill his place.”
—FRED REEVE (somewhere in France).

NEAL.—In ever-loving memory of Bombardier FRANK NEAL, R.F.A., who was killed in action on September 19, 1916.
“ He sleeps, not in his native land,
But ‘neath some foreign skies,
And far from those that loved him best :
In a hero’s grave he lies.”
—From his Sister.

SHONE.—In loving memory of Rifleman TOM SHONE, who was killed in action at Loos on Sept. 25, 1915.
“ Two years have passed, and friends around us
Think perhaps the wound has healed ;
But they little know the sorrow
Deep within our hearts concealed.”
—From Father, Mother, and Sisters.

SHONE.—In loving memory of our dear brother TOM, who was killed in action September 25, 1915.
“ Sleep on, dear brother, in your far-off grave :
A grave we may never see ;
But as long as life and memory lasts
We will remember thee.”
—From FLO & HORACE.

Stay, Arthur George. Died 21st Sep 1917

Arthur George STAY was born in Rugby in late 1883 or early 1884, his birth being registered there in the 4^th Quarter of 1883.

He was the eldest of three sons of Stephen Stay [born in Longham; whose birth was registered in Q1, 1853 at Wimborne 5a, 284], and his wife, Mary Ann, née Hartnell [b.c.1854, Trull, Taunton]. They had married at Trull, Taunton on 27 December 1882. His father was a ‘plasterer’ and before 1883 they had moved to, and were living in Queen Street, Rugby.

Arthur was baptised on 20 April 1884 in Bilton, Rugby. His two younger brothers, Walter Edward [b. 10 June 1885], and Alfred William were both baptised later on 31 October 1886 at St Matthew’s church, Rugby.

In 1871, Arthur’s father, Stephen Stay, was a plasterer’s apprentice, aged 17, and lodging and working with another plasterer in Ringwood. He was later known for a period as Frederick.   This caused considerable confusion when researching the family, however, he when he later remarried – once again as Stephen Stay – he stated that his father had also been Stephen Stay, a joiner, which probably explains why he was known as Frederick in his younger days.

In 1891, Arthur George was 7 and his father was now enumerated as ‘Frederick’ Stay. His two younger brothers, Walter E, and Alfred W, were aged 5 and 4 respectively.   They were living at 25 Queen Street, Rugby.

In 1901, both Arthur and his brother Alfred were at home with their mother. Their father was presumably away working, and seems to have missed being enumerated. Arthur was now 17 and an ‘Apprentice Plasterer’ and the family were living at 61 Claremont Road, Rugby. His brother Walter was following the family trade as a 15 year old plaster’s apprentice, and was boarding in Newmarket.

Sadly, in later 1904, Arthur’s mother, Mary Annie Stay, died in Rugby aged 51. Some three years later, on 28 September 1907, his widower father remarried, now again as Stephen Stay, a ‘Master Plasterer’, with a widow, Kate, née Taylor, Mills at the Parish Chapel, in St Pancras, London.

Arthur married on 6 June 1906 at Tempsford in Bedfordshire with Emily Scrivener; who had been born in Felmersham, Bedfordshire in about 1884.   They had three children, a son, Harold George Stay in late 1907 who was registered in Rugby; then a daughter, Bessie Eileen Stay who was born in 1909, and registered in Lutterworth; and then another son, Frederick John Stay, born on 21 September 1910 in Rugby. It seems that his wife later had returned to her home area and was living at Roxton, and that village is given as Arthur widow’s address on some documents.

For the 1911 census, Arthur’s father Stephan Stay, now 58, was with his second wife, Kate who was 41. They were living at 99 Grosvenor Road, Rugby; he was still a plasterer. His wife filled out the census return, which probably explains why she has entered his place of birth as ‘Old Eastbourne’ rather than the similarly sounding ‘[Old] Wimborne’.   Nellie Taylor who was a visitor, was possibly his wife’s, sister.

In 1911, Arthur was away from home, still working as a ‘Plasterer’ and in lodging with another plasterer at 37 Claremont Road, Romford, Essex. He was no doubt working on a contract in that area. His wife, Emily, and their three children, were at their home at 45 Lodge Road, Rugby. His brother, Walter, now 25, was working in Camberwell.

Arthur’s youngest brother Alfred also became a Plasterer and by 1911 had just married Nellie Ruth née Mill from Epsom and was living at The Firs, Welton.   They married on 1 August 1910, at West Fordington, Dorset, so maybe there was still a family connection to his father’s birth county.

With the outbreak of World War I, Arthur first joined up in Lambeth, London, originally as a Private, No.6341, in the ‘London Regiment’, although in which of its many Battalions is unknown.

He would later transfer, or be posted, to the 122^nd Machine Gun Company as No.65340, and would later be promoted to Lance Corporal. He does not appear to have been awarded the 1915 Star, so it seems that he did not go to France until 1916, which would suggest he was with the 122^nd MG Company when they first went to France.

The 122^nd MG Company became part of the 122^nd Brigade, 41^st Division in May 1916. The Company War Diary[1] noted that the 122^nd arrived at Le Havre at 5a.m. on 17 May 1916. They left for Rouen and arrived at Steenweerk by rail on 21 May. They undertook familiarisation training over the next few days. On 27 May they moved to Le Romarin, and then on 28 May to Ploegsteert.

July started quietly except for two NCOs being sent for Court Marshal for being drunk on duty!! The Acting Battery Sergeant Major was paraded and publicly reduced to the ranks – the other NCO was found not guilty.

They were later in action at the Battle of Flers-Coucelette [15-22 September 1916] and the Battle of Transloy Ridge [October 1916], these being the last two actions on the Somme. In 1917 they fought during the Battle of Messines; the Battle of Pilkem Ridge; the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge.[2]

The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, was part of the 3^rd Battle of Ypres, and the 122^nd Machine Gun Company’s War Diary gave some information on the actions in the month of September, before and after Arthur’s death.   It shows something of the training, constant movement and the fierce battle actions that the men endured:

1 to 6 September – the Company was training at Barringhem. Then until 13 September, one Section went to help make ready barrage preparations and various C.O.’s conferences were held whilst various further training took place.

14 September – ‘Company moved into billets at Le Nieppe.’

15 September – ‘Company moved into billets at La Rounlushille.’

16 September – ‘Company moved into camp at Shippewa Camp.   2 Section relieved 2 guns 194 Coy and 2 guns 116 Coy in the Line.’

17 September – ‘No 3 Section rejoined the Company …’.

18 September – ‘Nos 3 & 4 Sections reported at 4pm to the 11^th R W Kents at Ridge Wood and Larch Wood. Company Headquarters moved into Hedge St. Tunnels. …’.

19 September – ‘… Sections … moved up to assembly positions in Bodmin Copse. Assembly complete by 12 mid-night.’

20 September – ‘3.40am, attack delivered on Tower Hamlets Ridge. All sections arrived at final positions with only 4 casualties. 12 noon R W Ks unable to hold on in Green Line owing to their right flank being exposed, withdrew and Srg O’Connor, commanding No 4 Section (2/Lt Wearne having been wounded) brought forward the two rear guns to cover the gap.   He remained in this exposed position till 6.0pm when he withdrew to the same line as the R.W.Ks.

21 September – ‘4.15 am – German counter attack delivered on right and left of Menin Road. The sub-section No.3 was wiped out & both guns destroyed and all of No.4 Section with the exception of 6 men became casualties through the heavy bombardment which preceded this counter-attack. Counter-attack was beaten off. 2/Lt Hale inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. 2/Lt Cantnell wounded. Reinforcements from reserve sub-section sent up to No.4. 7.0pm – Second counter-attack attempted, which never materialised.’

22 September – ‘Situation normal. 122 Inf. Bde. relieved out of the line by 116 Bde.’

23 September – ‘Situation normal. Relief expected but did not turn up.’

24 September – ‘Relieving Company arrived but owing to heavy shelling, no relief was possible till 6.30 am. Relief complete by 9.0am Company proceeded to Jackson’s Dump where limbers were waiting for the guns & then to Ridge Wood. Casualties in the line, 3 Officers + 52 ORs. 2.0pm Left Ridge Wood by bus for Eecre.   Transport followed from Millekreose and arrived in camp 8.30pm.’

It is not known exactly where and when on 21 September 1917 that Arthur was ‘Killed in Action’, but it must be assumed that he was probably in either in No.3 sub-section that was ‘wiped out’ or in No.4 Section, where all but six men were casualties.

His body was either never found, or was not identified. He is remembered on one of the Panels 154 to 159 and 163A of the Tyne Cot Memorial. The Tyne Cot Memorial is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient. Whereas those who died before 16 August 1917 are remembered on the Menin Gate, the United Kingdom servicemen who died after that date are named on the memorial at Tyne Cot.

Arthur George Stay was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and is also commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates in Hillmorton Road, Rugby, and remembered on a family grave in the Clifton Road Cemetery, Rugby.

Probate was granted to his widow, Emily Stay, at London, Arthur was then recorded as ‘of Roxton, Bedfordshire’, his wife’s home village. His effects totalled £579-0-1d.

The Register of Effects[3] confirms his rank, number and date of death. His back pay owing of £2-5-1d was paid to his widow on 30 January 1918, and his War Gratuity of £4-10-0d was paid to her on 3 December 1919.

Both of Arthur’s brothers joined up, and both survived the War.

Arthur’s younger brother, Walter Edward Stay, joined up on 19 November 1914 at Gosport Regimental as No.53445 in the Royal Garrison Artillery [RGA] and had served in the 19^th Siege Battery, RGA, and became an Acting Corporal.   He went to France on 25 June 1915 and served with some distinction and was awarded both the DCM [Distinguished Service Medal] on 1 January 1918 and the Belgian ‘Croix de Guerre’. His DCM was presented by Major General Franks on 6 October 1918.   He survived the war and his marriage to Elsie Agnes Francis (b.22 July 1892 in Shaftesbury St James, Dorset, but who had been resident in Bilton, Rugby in 1901 and 1911) was registered in Q3 1919 in West Ham, Essex. He died aged 84 in 1969 in the Salisbury area; his wife died at about the same date.

Arthur’s youngest brother, Alfred, joined up on 10 December 1915 into the Gloucester Regiment, and was later in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment as a Private, No.39776 and was discharged on 27 November 1918.

Arthur’s father, ‘Stephen, otherwise Fred’ Stay of 18 Murray Road, Rugby, died on 19 May 1933, with probate, giving both first names as alternates, in London to the value of £932-19-1d, granted to his two surviving sons: Walter Edward Stay, still a plasterer, and Alfred William Stay, now an Inspector.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

This article on Arthur George STAY was researched and written for the Rugby Family History Group [RFHG] project, by John P H Frearson and is © John P H Frearson and the RFHG, July 2017.

[1]       The National Archives, UK, WWI War Diaries (France, Belgium and Germany), 1914-1920, Various Infantry Brigades, 41^st Division, Piece 2635: 122 Infantry Brigade – 122 Machine Gun Company (1916 – 1919).

[2]       Information from: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/mgcompany.php?pid=10712.

[3]       UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929.

Smith, Joseph Charles. Died 20th Sep 1917

Joseph Charles SMITH was born in Crewe in 1897, his birth being registered at Nantwich in the 2^nd Quarter of 1897.

He was the eldest son of Joseph Charles Smith [b.c.1876, Crewe] and his wife, Isobel [b.c.1873, Crewe]. They had married in 1896, and Joseph, their first child, was born in Crewe the next year.   By 1899 they had moved to Rugby and two more boys and two girls were born there.

In 1901, Joseph was three and his father was a ‘steam engine maker – fitter’; they were living at 73 York Street, Rugby. By 1911, when Joseph was 13, he was already working as a ‘Tailor’s Errand Boy’ and by then the family had moved 6 King Edward Road, Rugby, probably a larger property to house an expanded family. His father was now described as an ‘engineering worker’.

Joseph’s Service Records survives among the ‘burnt records’, which are not all readily legible, but provide considerable details of his military service.

Joseph joined up at Rugby on 1 September 1914, as a Rifleman, No.Y/532 in the 5^th Battalion [Bn.] of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps [KRRC].   He declared that he was aged 18 years 4 months. It appears that he was then working as a ‘Tinsmith’s Assistant’. He was 5ft 5⅛ inches tall, and weighed 128 lbs.

His service reckoned from 1 September 1914, and he ‘joined’ at Winchester on 2 September 1914, and was then posted to the 5^th Bn. KRRC on 3 September and to the 14^th Bn. on the 30 October and then to the 13^th Bn. KRRC on 13 July 1915. It seems he was attended a Grenade course achieving a Class II on 1 September 1916, and then was posted to the ‘D’ [?Depot] 20 April 1917.

His service dates confirm that he was – ‘Home – 1 September 1914 to 29 July 1915 [282 days]’, and then, that he went to France, ‘BEF (France) – 30 July 1915 to 19 April 1917 [264 days]’.

It seems he was posted to ‘C’ Company 13^th Bn. KRRC as there is a casualty form for him when he was serving with them.

The 13^th (Service) Battalion KRRC was formed at Winchester on 7 October 1914 as part of K3 and attached as Army Troops to 21^st Division. They moved to Halton Park, going on in November 1914 to billets in Amersham and Great Missenden, then moved to Windmill Hill (Salisbury Plain) in April 1915 and transferred to 111^th Brigade in 37^th Division.[1] On 31 July 1915 they landed at Boulogne, which would agree with the date in Joseph’s Service Record.

He presumably served with them when they were in the reserve at the Battle of Loos on 26 September 1916, suffering heavy casualties, and later in the Battle of Somme in July 1916 and particularly in the Battle of Morval when the Battalion captured Geudecourt. In 1917 the Battalion was involved in the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg line and the Battalion Diary for 13^th Bn. KRRC[2] noted that in March 1917 the Division had spent ‘… nearly a month in training.’ The Battalion then moved towards Arras for the forthcoming actions.

On 9 April they moved to the German Front Line trenches which had been captured a few hours before. They later advanced further and came under fire – and snow fell that night. ‘A long and tiring day was succeeded by a cold wet night, with snow and frost and no shelter for officers or men.’ On 10 April they advanced on Monchy le Preux which as they expected was defended. After much fighting, the next day, with the help of some tanks, the village was taken, but then came under enemy bombardment. The Battalion was relieved on 11 April 1917, and returned to billets at Arras. It was probably during this action in the Arras area from 9 to 11 April 1917 that Joseph was wounded.

A 13^th Bn. KRRC report dated 15 April 1917 recorded that he had been wounded, and an earlier report dated 14 April from 49 FA [Field Ambulance] noted that he had a ‘GSW’ [gun shot wound] to the right shoulder. The date of the occurrence is either missing or now illegible.   However, an entry on 20 April, from 4 GH [General Hospital] appears to read ‘To England for …..’. Another entry suggests ‘Military Hospital’ ‘1/5/17’.

His Service Record confirmed his return to England for treatment: ‘Home – 20 April 1917 to 23 August 1917 [126 days].’ A later entry indicated that on 26 August 1917, he had ‘Arrived and Posted to 11^th Bn.’, that is the 11^th Bn. KRRC.

His new posting, the 11^th Battalion KRRC, was in the 59^th Brigade in the 20^th Division. The Battalion Diary[3] provides considerable detail as to the activities of the 11^th Battalion during this later period in the Battle of 3^rd Ypres.

On 14/15 August the Battalion had left the Canal Bank, and moved to bivouac camp at Wagram Farm, and then up to near Langemark where they were relieved on 17 August.   From 18 to 27 August the Battalion was drawn back, received some replacement officers and six Military Medals were awarded to other ranks.

On 24 August, Joseph returned to France, but probably avoided the incident on the 27 August when, ‘A grenade accident caused us casualties of twenty other ranks wounded.’ On 3 September, the Battalion Diary noted ‘Reinforcements 23 O.R. received’ and this was possibly when Joseph actually reached his Battalion. In the next few days more reinforcements arrived, and training and various moves continued until the Battalion went back to the front line on 18 September, when ‘… ‘D’ Coy. came under heavy shell fire sustaining large losses’.

The action on the 19/20 September occupies several pages in the Battalion Diary, with action taking place around the Langenarck-Coedtervesten Road. The 20^th Division was forming the northern defensive flank of the offensive, on a front of 1,400 yd (1,300 m) from the Poelcappelle spur to the Ypres–Staden railway flank for the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge.

‘… At 5.40 A.M the barrage opened & the front advanced to within 50 yards of the final objective and laid down until the barrage lifted when they advanced again … coming under heavy machine gun fire. … The advance was severely bombed under cover of machine & sniping fire thus holding up the line on the right … Our losses were heavy … The remnants of the Coy then got into shell holes & hung on till night fall when they withdrew … On the left the first wave reached its objective without opposition …’.

At 11p.m. after many separate smaller actions, the Battalion was withdrawn to the west of Steenbeek. The Diary entry concludes by noting that six officers were killed, with three wounded; 36 Other Ranks were killed; 43 were missing; and 127 were wounded.

Joseph was still serving with the 11^th Bn. KRRC when he was posted ‘Missing’ on 20 September 1917, and later documents record, ‘Accepted for Official Purposes as having Died’ on that date. A later note on 9 July 1918, also stated ‘Regarded for Official Purposes as having Died on or since the date reported Missing’.

His record confirms his final service in Belgium: ‘ “France” – 24 August 1917 to 20 September 1917 [28 days] … [total service] … 3 years 20 days’.

Sometime, it is assumed during the assault on 20 September 1917, Joseph Charles Smith was deemed to have been ‘Killed in Action’.

His body was either never found or not identified. He is remembered on one of the Panels Panel 115 to 119 and 162A and 163A of the Tyne Cot Memorial. The Tyne Cot Memorial is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient.   Whereas those who died before 16 August 1917 are remembered on the Menin Gate, the United Kingdom servicemen who died after that date are named on the memorial at Tyne Cot. Joseph Charles Smith is also commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates in Hillmorton Road, Rugby.

Joseph was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and the 1915 Star. His Medals were sent to his father at 6 King Edward Road, Rugby.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

This article on Joseph Charles SMITH was researched and written for the Rugby Family History Group [RFHG] project, by John P H Frearson and is © John P H Frearson and the RFHG, June 2017.

[1]       Information from: http://www.1914-1918.net/krrc.htm.

[2]       The National Archives, UK, WWI War Diaries (France, Belgium and Germany), King´s Royal Rifle Corps, 37^th Division, Piece 2533/1-4: 111 Infantry Brigade: 13 Battalion King´s Royal Rifle Corps (1914 Oct – 1919 Feb).

[3]       The National Archives, WWI War Diaries (France, Belgium and Germany), 1914-1920, 11^th Bn. King´s Royal Rifle Corps, 20^th Division; also available on www.ancestry.co.uk.

15th Sep 1917. A Successful Experiment.

A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT.—One of the war-time experiments tried at the Murray School this year was the utilisation of the flower plots for vegetable growing. This proved very successful, and resulted in the raising of 116lbs of carrots, 86lbs of beet, and 46lbs of parsnips. This does not include thinnings, which have been constantly pulled, amounted to about 50lbs.

OUTING.—A very pleasant outing to Kenilworth was enjoyed by the shell workers of the B.T.H last Saturday. They journeyed in brakes via Bubbenhall and Stoneleigh Deer Park. After tea a visit was paid to the Castle ruins. A concert was arranged, and those who contributed to the harmony were : Miss Cave, Miss Hollinsworth, Mrs Cotching (accompanist), Messrs Barnett, Boff, Welsh, Brown and A Harris. The party, numbering 70, had a most enjoyable time. The arrangements were made by Mr D Barnett.

NORMAL TIME ON SEPT. 17th.

The Home Secretary gives notice that summer time will cease and normal time will be restored at 3 a.m (summer time) in the morning of Monday next, the 17th inst, when the clock will be put back to 2 a.m.

All railway clocks and clocks in Post Offices and Government establishments will be put back one hour, and the government requests the public to put back the time of all clocks and watches by one hour during the night of Sunday-Monday, 16th-17th inst. Employees are particularly recommended to warn all their workers in advance of the time change of time.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Mrs Angell, 17 Little Pennington Street, has received official intimation that her son, Pte A Angell, Royal Warwicks, has been seriously wounded by gunshot in the face, arms, and neck, and his left leg has been amputated. Pte Angell has been twice wounded previously, lost a finger, and has been gassed twice.

MR W J LARKE HONOURED.

The many friends of Mr W J Larke, 71 Hillmorton Road assistant chief engineer at the B.T.H, who has been lately employed in the Ministry of Munitions, will be pleased to hear that he has been appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire.

PTE. BRADSHAW KILLED.

Mrs Bradshaw, of 216 Lawford Road, Rugby, received news this week that her husband, Pte Bradshaw, had been killed in action on August 19th. In writing to the widow deceased’s officer states : “ It was a great shock to me when I returned to the regiment to find Pte Bradshaw had been killed in action. He had just carried a wounded man to the first-aid post when a shell came and smashed the post. I am not wont to praise unduly, but your husband has, during the very long period he has been with us, done work of very great service, especially when the lines. To those of us who have been with the battalion through many months his loss will be very keenly felt.” Pte Bradshaw was in the 7th South Staffs. He enlisted on the outbreak of war. He has seen service in Egypt, the Dardanelles, and France.

OLD MURRAYIAN GAINS MILITARY MEDAL.

In a letter to Mr. W T Coles Hodges Sergt F H Bird, of the Army Service Corps, writes :—“ We have had a very hot time for the past ten weeks. We were in the big push of July 31st, and I was mentioned in dispatches, and have since been awarded the M.M. . . . . We have had some very bad weather, but for the past few days has been lovely and fine. . . . I have never met any of the ‘old boys’ out here. We have been out here two years, and I have only met two fellows who came from Rugby.”

ANOTHER B.T.H EMPLOYEE KILLED.

News has been received at the B.T.H that Second-Lieut Percival Thistlewood, Rifle Brigade, died of wounds on August 24th. Second-Lieut Thistlewood was the only surviving son of Mr Thistlewood, a well known Leamington resident, and brother of Corpl Frank Thistlewood, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, who was killed on September 3, 1916. He enlisted in the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry within a month of the commencement of the War, and was soon promoted sergeant-major. After being in France 18 months he returned to England to train for a commission, and was eventually gazetted to the Rifle Brigade. After leaving school he came to the B.T.H with a view to qualifying as an electrical engineer. Here he showed marked aptitude for the work, and in 1913 he won the first prize in an open competition as an electrical engineer. Second-Lieut. Thistlewood was 26 years of age, and like his brother Frank was very popular with his fellow-employees at Rugby.

Mr W H W PARSONS’ NEPHEW KILLED IN AN AIR RAID.—One of the victims of the recent air raid in London was Mr Henry Over Parsons, 33, a violinist, who was injured by the bursting of the time fuse of an aerial torpedo or shrapnel, and died two days afterwards. Deceased’s widow stated at the inquest that her husband informed her that he must have been blown 10 yards. Mr. Parsons was a nephew of Mr W H W Parsons, sanitary inspector to the Rugby Urban District Council.

WOLSTON.

MR A J POXON ILL.—The numerous friends of Mr A J Poxon will be sorry to hear that he is ill in hospital at Chatham, He is in the Naval Air Service, and for some length of time has been on foreign service. Before joining the Navy he was assistant overseer of Wolston and attendance officer for the Warwickshire Education Committee in the Monks Kirby district. He is the elder son of Mr John Poxon.

LANCE-CORPL G READER A PRISONER.—Mrs Reader has received a postcard from her husband, who was reported some weeks ago by the Army Authorities as missing. In the postcard he stated that he was slightly wounded and a prisoner of war at Munster, Westphalia. The news that he is still alive has given general satisfaction in the district. The facts have been communicated by the Rev J C Gooch to Mr J R Barker, hon. secretary of the Ruby Prisoners of War Help Committee, and arrangements have been made to send Lance-Corpl Reader the standard food parcels and bread.

BRINKLOW.

DEAD HERO’S WIDOW RECEIVES HIS MEDAL.—Pte R E H Murden, of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Before hostilities broke out he has served seven years in the Army and at once proceeded to France where he went through all the early engagements. He was a native of Brinklow and before entering the Army was employed by Mr W Dunn, of Church Lawford. He has been killed since the medal was awarded, and his widow, who resides at Longford, was summoned to the hospital at Birmingham on Saturday, when it was presented to her by Lieut-General Sir H C Slater, C.C.B No record had been taken of the brave deed deceased had performed—a fact for which the General expressed regret. As Mrs Reeves received the medal she was heartily cheered by the wounded soldiers and staff at the hospital. Her brother-in-law, Pte J Murden, lost a leg in France.

RUGBY PRISONERS OF WAR HELP COMMITTEE.

The monthly meeting of the Rugby Prisoners of War Committee was held in Benn Buildings on Monday last. Mr W Flint C.C, chairman of the committee, presiding. There were also present : Mrs Blagden (hon. Treasurer), Mrs Anderson, Messrs G W Walton, J H Mellor, Thatcher, Porter, Clarle, and the Son Secretary (Mr J Reginald Barker).

The balance-sheet for the year ended July 31st, particulars of which have already been published, was presented by the Chairman, who also read a letter from the Hon. Auditor, Mr W G Atkinson I.A, congratulating the committee upon the excellent results they have achieved as shown by the year’s figures. Only those who actually go through the accounts could form any idea of the enormous amount of work entailed, and great credit is due to Mr Parker for the methodical and painstaking manner in which this work is carried out. The Chairman felt that not only the committee, but all interested in the fund, would be very pleased to have this testimonial to the efficient manner in which Mr Barker carried out his duties.—This was cordially endorsed.

Mr Barker reported that there were now 73 prisoners of war on their list, the total cost of the regulation food parcels and bread to these men now amounting to £162 18s 6s per month. He had, however, been in constant communication with the Regimental Care Committee of each man’s unit, and had, through these committees, secured “ fairy-godmothers ” for 26, and, in addition, various sums on behalf of others amounting to £74 10s per month ; thus the balance to be raised in Rugby and district was still very great, no less than £88 per month being required. Constant effort would have to be made to see that this was maintained.

The Chairman referred to the gifts sent from Egypt by Rifleman Fred Staines, with the wish that they be disposed of for the benefit of the fund. It was decided that they be competing for, the snake being offered as first prize and the necklaces second and third prizes—the tickets to be one penny each.

The prizes are on view at 9 Regent street. Persons willing to sell tickets are invited to make application for books of same to the Hon. Secretary at this address.

WARWICKSHIRE WAR AGRICULTURAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

At a meeting of this committee it was decided to send a further resolution to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on the matter of fixed prices for meat. The resolution was to the effect that, in the event of the present Order being allowed to stand, a great waste of grass and consequent loss of meat would result, inasmuch as farmers would sell all their cattle while the higher price was obtainable rather than leave them on the grass, where they would gain more weight, but which would not pay on account of the declining price as fixed by the Food Controller. The statement of the soldier supply to date shows that there are 630 working on farms, and that there is a further available supply at the barracks.

RUGBY RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

THE HOUSING QUESTION.

The committee to which the letter from the Local Government Board with reference to the provision of houses for the working classes after the War had been referred reported, that the Clerk should reply that they estimated that the number of houses required, and which should be built on the conclusion of the War, was 500, as overcrowding was very prevalent.—The Vice-Chairman : It is a very big order, 500 houses ; but the committee think they will be required.—On the motion of Mr Cripps, seconded by Mr Burton, the motion was approved.

DEATHS.

BRADSHAW.—On August 19th, in France, Pte. F. J BRADSHAW, 7th Staffords, of Long Itchington, aged 28. Deeply mourned by his sorrowing wife.
“ He sleeps not in his native land,
But ‘neath some foreign skies,
And far from those that loved him best :
In a hero’s grave he lies.”

IN MEMORIAM.

BARNETT.—In loving memory of JOSEPH WILLIAM BARNETT, who was killed in action at Barent in le Grand, near Albert, France, September 11, 1916 ; second son of Mr. & Mrs. Barnett, Hillmorton Paddox.
“ 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 Wife, Mother and Father, Sisters and Brothers.

BARTLETT.—In loving memory of our dear REG, who was killed in action in France on September 17, 1916. At rest.—Sadly missed by his loving Dad, Brother, Sisters, and Trixie.

COLING.—In ever-loving memory of Gunner JOHN THOMAS COLING, R.F.A., the dearly beloved son of Mr. & Mrs. John Coling, Grandborough, who died of wounds at Rouen Hospital, France, Sept. 10, 1916.
“ Sleep on, dear son, in a far-off grave :
A grave we may never see ;
But as long as life and memory lasts
We will remember thee.”

HAYES.—In ever-loving memory of my dear husband Pte. WILLIAM GEORGE RUSSELL HAYES, Coldstream Guards, of Combroke ; killed in action at Ginchy, France, September 15, 1916 ; aged 33.—His duty nobly done.

HOPKINS.—In loving memory of FRANK, the beloved and youngest son of Henry Hopkins, of Long Lawford, who was killed in action in France on Sept. 18, 1915.
“ He sleeps, not in his native land,
But ‘neath some foreign skies,
And far from those that loved him best ;
In a hero’s grave he lies.”
—From his Sister.

LISSAMER.—In loving memory of Pte. WILLIAM ARTHUR LISSAMER, youngest and beloved son of Thomas and Emily Lissamer, 5th Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, who fell in action in Frances on September 15, 1916.
“ The midnight star shines o’er the grave
Of a dear son and soldier brave ;
How dear, how brave, we shall understand,
When we meet in the Better Land.
—Sadly missed by his loving Father and Mother.

OVERTON.—In ever-loving memory of my dear husband, GABRIEL GEORGE OVERTON, Gaydon, of the Coldstream Guards, officially reported missing, now reported died of wounds received in action on September 15, 1916.
“ His comrades will return one day,
But he will be sleeping in a far-off grave,
And the saddest of it all, dear,
It not to know where you are laid.”
—Sadly missed by his loving wife PEM.