9th May 1919. Smokes for Soldiers

SMOKES FOR SOLDIERS.
THE SPLENDID WORK OF THE RUGBY HOSPITALS’ TOBACCO FUND.

The hon. Secretaries of the Rugby Hospitals’ Tobacco Fund, the Rev. W. H. Payne-Smith and Mr. H. N. Sporborg, have issued a statement summarising the work during the war. In 1918 the sum of £80 16s. was given to the fund. As a result a regulated supply of cigarettes and tobacco to Rugby’s wounded soldier guests in both hospitals was able to be maintained without fail. In the report for 1917 the Hon. Secretaries anticipated that the expenditure would rise in 1918, and in the early part of the year that was the case. But both hospitals were closed for a time, and the funds, therefore, had not only sufficed for 1918 and for the first quarter of 1919 till the final closing of the hospitals, but had left a balance of £28 12s. 7d. This had been given to the Hospital of St. Cross. Rugby, and it is hoped that the subscribers will approve. The work of the fund has been highly appreciated both by the men and by the staff of the hospitals ; and the Hon. Secretaries desire to express their warm thanks to all friends who have so generously contributed to the fund.

A summary of the expenses and receipts shows that the receipts in 1917 were £102 10s. 1d., and in 1918 £80 16s. The expenses were :—Cigarettes, &c., in 1916, £5 13s. 6d. ; 1917, £77 15s. 9d. ; 1918, £52 3s. 9d. ; 1919, £16 19s. 9d. Printing two reports, £2 0s. 9d. ; and balance to Hospital of St. Cross, £28 12s. 7d.

PEACE WORK FOR V.A.D.’S
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE SERVICES.
WARWICKSHIRE BRANCH MEETING.

The splendid services of the V.A.D.’s of Warwickshire during the war were put on record in the annual report presented by Mr. E. K. Little (the County Director) at the annual meeting of the county branch of the British Red Cross Society, held at the County Hall, Warwick, and reference was made to the importance of maintaining V.A.D. organisation in order that those associated with it might be able to render valuable work in several directions in time of peace. Lady Craven presided over the meeting, at which there was a good attendance.

Mr. Little spoke of the strenuous work done at the hospitals, only three of which, he said, now remained open—Weddington, St. Bernard’s, and Southam—and they were remaining open in order to continue to assist the 2-1st Southern General Hospital for a short time longer. In the matter of maintenance grant it could hardly be said that the War Office had treated the auxiliary hospitals liberally. The aggregate cost of maintenance and administration in 1918 amounted to just over £20,000. Towards this the Army paid approximately £73,000 and the War Pensions Committees £450, and the balance of £16,550 was raised voluntarily, either in money or kind. During the war period 39 hospitals had been opened as units of the Warwickshire branch ; of these, 8 had run for two years and over, 10 for three years and over, and 11 for over four years. The number of beds thus provided rose gradually from 180 in 1914 to the high water mark of 2,010 in 1918. In all, 35,248 sick or wounded men had been admitted as in-patients to the hospitals. Last year a large number of discharged men were treated as out-patients ; some 4,934 visits were on record, and the number was, in fact, considerably more.

Lady Craven expressed public thanks to Mr. Little for his magnificent work.

General Quayle Jones drew attention to suggestions that the society should observe two principles in keeping up its work and organisation : That the work done during peace should be of a nature calculated to fit the personnel undertaking it for rendering better services during war ; and that the broken victims of the war should be the first care of the peace activities of the B.R.C.S. He read to the meeting an important memorandum which has been issued on the work of the B.R.C.S in peace. This suggested that the following were activities which might be usefully undertaken, and “ which would be of undoubted benefit to the ex-patients of naval and military hospitals” :—

(1) Cottage Hospitals : It is suggested that the number of these hospitals should be extended and that this class of institution should be made the peculiar care of our detachments and generally supervised by our County Director.

(2) Ambulances : The care of motor ambulances for local work and all first-aid equipment might be placed under the local detachment. This work should be organised in connection with the local hospitals.

(3) Care Visitors : The local detachment might undertake the duty of visiting broken men and reporting to the county organisation cases which were in need of assistance, whether pecuniary or medical. The county should, it is suggested, set up machinery to supplement the official care for such men.

(4) Red Cross Reserve : It is suggested that all ex-members of detachments who have attained a certain standard of proficiency should be registered on a Red Cross Reserve maintained by a Central V.A.D. authority.

(5) Technical Reserve of the Territorial Force : The detachments should be encouraged to undertake their old work with such modifications as experience may suggest. The detachments should train with the men and be officially recognised on field days and in summer camps as part of the military organisation.

THE LATE COLONEL JOHNSTONE.
HEAVY LOSS TO RUGBY VOLUNTEERS.
SPECIAL ORDER BY MAJOR GLOVER.

Major F. Clover, who has temporarily taken over command of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion R.W.R., in issuing a special corps order, states with regard to the late officer commanding that Battalion :—

Now that the mortal remains of the Commandant of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, have been laid to rest, the painful duty fall, upon me to give expression to the sorrow every Officer, Non-commissioned Officer and man feels in the loss the Battalion has sustained. From the earliest stages of the Volunteer Movement in Warwickshire—first in the promotion of the Leamington Defence Corps, and later when the various Corps throughout the county were organised into Battalions-Colonel Johnstone placed his ripe experience at the disposal of those who were collecting up the threads of disjointed and scattered groups, and forming them into a cohesive whole. Through those trying times his tact, judgment, experience, and determination were invaluable, and contributed largely to the formation of one of the largest and best equipped Battalions in the country.

During the period he was engaged in recruiting duties, and his services transferred to a neighbouring Battalion, his regret at severance from the Battalion he had taken such an active part in forming, was great, and none rejoiced more heartily than he when he was restored to the command.

As a drill he was facile princeps. In those earlier Concentrations, which were the joy of his heart, none who moved under the magic of his word of command will readily forget its vibrant tones and compelling force.

For myself I feel I have lost a friend in addition to a capable chief, and I am sure the same sense will pervade all those who came beneath the charm of his influence.

Latterly we had seriously conferred together on the future of the Volunteer force, and our position with regard to it. His counsel was that until the authorities had decided what was to be our part in the defence of the country, our duty is to remain as we are and endeavour to save it from disintegration. He argued that we still possess the skeleton of an organisation, and the time might come when it would be again clothed in the flesh and live for Home Defence. If we accept this view, I believe we shall be best preserving the memory of one we hold dear.

It now only remains for me to ask for that ready assistance from all ranks that was so cheerfully given to my predecessor—at least until such time as the future of the Volunteer Movement is determined, when it is my hope to be relieved of my command to make way for a younger and stronger man, with more time at his disposal and well versed in lessons learnt from the war.

IN MEMORIAM.

HARDMAN.—In loving memory of our dear son, Rifleman WALTER HARDMAN, Rifle Brigade, who was killed in France on May 9, 1915.
“ This day brings back a memory
Of a loved one laid to rest,
And those who think of him to-day
Are those who loved him best.”
—From his loving Mother and Father, Brothers and Sisters.

PORTER.—In ever-loving memory of our son and brother, GEORGE RUPERT PORTER, who fell in action on May 8, 1915.
“ We little thought his time so short
When on leave he came.
Out to the Front he bravely went,
Never to return again.
Friends may think we have forgotten him
When at times they see us smile ;
But they little know the heartaches
That the smile hides all the while.”
—From his sorrowing Mother, Father, Brother and Sisters.

REYNOLDS.—In loving memory of my dear husband, John Reynolds, who died of wounds received in action May 8th, 1918.—From his sorrowing wife and sonnie Jack.
“ A face is from our household gone,
A voice we loved is still,
A place is vacant in our home
Which can never be filled.”

Barnett, Henry Alfred John. Died 21 May 1919

Henry Alfred John BARNETT was born in about July 1870 in Clifton upon Dunsmore and registered in Q2, 1870 in Rugby.  He was the eldest son of Alfred John Barnett, a miller (b.c.1843 in Clifton) and his wife Jane, née Newby, Barnett (b.c.1841 in Cassington, Leicestershire).  Their marriage was registered in Barrow in Q3, 1867.

In April 1871, Henry was ten months old; he had a two year old sister, Henrietta, who was also born at Clifton on Dunsmore.  They also had an elder ‘step’-sister Ada who was eleven, and born in Ratcliffe on Wreak.  In 1871, his father was a ‘miller journeyman’.

By 1881, his father had died and his widowed mother was working as a dressmaker, and the family, which now included another daughter, Edith, aged five, (she was born on 13 July 1875) was living on the Lilbourne Road, Clifton.

Some time before 1891, the family moved to Rugby, and probably that was when Henry attended the Lawrence Sheriff School.  By 1891 Jane and two of the children were living at 2 Earl Street.  Jane was still a ‘dressmaker’, Henry was 20 and a grocer’s assistant, his elder sister, now enumerated as Harriett had no occupation.  Edith was missing, but reappeared with the family in 1901, when they were at 8 Earl Street.  Henry was by then a ‘cycle agent’, and his mother and his two sisters were all working as ‘Dressmaker – Own Account’.

By 1911 the family home had the fuller address 8 Clifton Cottages, Earl Street, Rugby.  They were all still working at home: Henry was a ‘cycle repairer’ and his mother and sisters still running their business his mother being a ‘Dressmaker’ and his sisters undertaking ‘Dressmaking & General Sewing’.

At some date Henry moved to 174 Murray Road.  With war declared, Henry did not rush to sign up, but was recruited later in late November 1915 under Lord Derby’s Scheme,

LORD DERBY’S RECRUITING SCHEME.
LOCAL ENLISTMENTS UNDER THE GROUP SYSTEM.
The following have enlisted at the Rugby Drill Hall under the Group system.  A considerable number of the men have enlisted under Reserve B for munition workers. …
Single Men … Barnett, Alfred Henry John, Newbold-on-Avon.[1]

Although no Service Record survives, his Medal Card states that he became a Rifleman, No.236 in the Rifle Brigade, and latterly he served as No.203588 in the 21^st Battalion, the Rifle Brigade.

It is assumed that he would have been under training until mid-1916, however the …
… 21st (Midland), … Battalion [of the Rifle Brigade] was formed in accordance with an Army Council Instruction on 29 November 1915.  The Battalions were made up of supernumerary TF [Territorial Force] Companies, formed from National Reservists who were used for guarding vulnerable points in Great Britain.  The Battalions were posted for Garrison duty overseas in 1916.   The 21^st went to India via Egypt, …[2]

It seems unlikely that Henry actually went to Egypt and India, as on 28 April 1917, Henry was captured and became a ‘Prisoner of War’ in Germany.  It was some months until the news reached Rugby, and the Rugby Advertiser reported in September,
Lance-Corpl F H Hadfield, K.R.R, of 4 Charlotte Street, and Pte H A J Barnett, R.W.R., of 174 Murray Road, have written home stating that they are prisoners of war in Germany.  The news of Pte Barnett’s capture has only just reached his parents although he was taken prisoner on April 28th. … .[3]

After his period of training it seems likely that Henry had missed going to Egypt and India, but had probably been attached to another Battalion in France.  He would have remained a PoW for the rest of the war.  Whilst it seems he returned home after the Armistice, conditions for prisoners were such that they would have been ill fed, weakened and likely in poor health when released.

His death was confirmed by the Register of Soldiers’ Effects which noted that he died on ‘21-5-19, Illness at Home’ and the death was registered in Rugby in Q2, 1919.  He was aged 49.  His death certificate would probably provide further details of the cause of death.

He was buried in a ‘private grave’ in Plot L.8. at the Clifton Road Cemetery, Rugby.  There do not appear to be any reports of his funeral in the Rugby Advertiser.

Henry Alfred John BARNETT was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.  He is remembered on the Rugby Memorial Gates; at the Clifton Road Cemetery; and on the WWI Lawrence Sheriff School Plaque,[4] which reads,
‘In Commemoration of our Brother Laurentians who Fell in The Great War, 1914-1918, Orando Laborando.’  

The Register of Soldier’s Effects noted that his outstanding pay of £37-15-4d, which included his War Gratuity of £26, was paid to his ‘sole Legatee, Jane’ – his mother – on 19 March 1925.  She died soon afterwards; her death was registered in Rugby in Q2, 1920 – she was 79.

It seems that Henry’s elder sister, Harriett, married in 1917 with Ernest Moore; she died aged 80 in Rugby in 1949.  His younger sister, Edith remained single, and was still a ‘seamstress’ in 1939 at 8 Earl Street, Rugby.  She died in St. Luke’s Hospital, Rugby on 28 January 1962 aged 85.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

This article on Henry Alfred John BARNETT was researched and written for a Rugby Family History Group [RFHG] project, by John P H Frearson and is © John P H Frearson and the RFHG, October 2018.

[1]      https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2015/11/27/27th-nov-1915-lord-derbys-scheme/, transcribed from Rugby Advertiser, 27 November 1915.

[2]      https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/the-rifle-brigade-1914-1918/.

[3]      https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2017/09/01/1st-sep-1917-french-honour-english-lady/, transcribed from the Rugby Advertiser, 1 September 1917.

[4]      Information from https://www.rugbyfhg.co.uk/lawrence-sheriff-school-plaques.

Ashwood, Arthur. Died 17th May 1919

Arthur Ashwood appeared to have no connection with Rugby, until we discovered his elder brother, Herbert living in the town.

Arthur was born in Tamworth Staffordshire in late 1890, he was aged 5 months in the 1890 census. His parents were Edwin Godderidge and Eliza (nee Whitehouse) Ashwood. Edwin and Eliza had been married in 1877 in the Aston RD and Arthur was their sixth child and second son.

The family have not been found in the 1881 census, although judging by the place of birth of their children, they lived throughout in Tamworth. In 1891 Edwin was a Licensed Victualler in the Prince of Wales Pub in Gungate Street, Tamworth.

By 1901 Edwin, at the age of 46 was a retired hotel keeper and living with his family at Woodland House in Hopwas, Tamworth. Arthur was aged 10, and his elder brother Herbert, 19, was an architect’s pupil.

In 1911 Edwin was listed as a farmer at Woodland Grange. He was a widower. Eliza had died in 1903 at the age of 48. There were three daughters still living at home and Arthur, aged 20, who was working on the farm.

In 1915 Arthur Ashwood married Rosamond Joan Nevill and on 24^th July that year a daughter, Winifred J was born, followed by a son Lawson A on 5^th May 1918.

It was probably about the time of his son’s birth that Arthur joined the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment as private, no. 58415. We have been unable to find a service record or entry in the medal roll for Arthur, it is unclear whether he reached the front line.

November 1918 had started quiet for the South Staffordshires with the cleaning of billets and working on roads. The armistice was reported on the 11^th November followed by arrangements for the march to Germany. They crossed the French-Belgian border on the 20^th enjoying good weather and “a fine reception from the civilian population”. The consolidated returns for the month list:
Other Ranks – 3 killed, 6 wounded, nil missing, 67 to hospital, 1 from hospital.

It is not known if Arthur Ashwood was one of the 67 or arrived at Rouen Hospital from elsewhere. He returned to England and died at Whittington hospital on 17^th May 1919.

DEATH OF PRIVATE A ASHWOOD. – The death occurred at the Military Hospital, Whittington, on Saturday, of 58415 Private Arthur Ashwood, 2^nd South Staff. Regt., younger son of Mr E G Ashwood, Woodland Grange, Hopwas. He was 28 years of age, and had served in the Army for about twelve months. The cause of death was meningitis, resulting from septic poisoning contracted in France. He was admitted to Rouen hospital on November 28, 1918, and was confined to hospital until his death. He leaves a widow and two children. The body was brought from Whittington on Tuesday evening, and remained in Hopwas Church overnight. The funeral took place on Wednesday with military honours. The first portion of the service was held in Hopwas Church, the Rev. Evan Williams, priest-in-charge, officiating. Subsequently the coffin, draped in a Union Jack, was conveyed on a Red Cross ambulance to Tamworth cemetery for interment. The procession was preceded by a firing party of men from the South Staffs. Regt., carrying rifles reversed, and a bugler, while six men from the same regiment acted as bearers. Reaching Tamworth, a deputation of local market gardeners and a representative from Birmingham market joined the procession. The Rev. Evan Williams concluded the service at the cemetery, and at the close the customary three volleys were fired over the grave, and the “Last Post” was sounded. There were a large number of beautiful wreaths.
(The Herald, 24^th May 1919)

An inscription was added to his gravestone by his father, Mr E G Ashwood of Deercroft, Hopwas, Tamworth:
I ONLY YIELD THEE / WHAT IS THINE / THY WILL BE DONE

Rosamond did not remarry, dying in 1981 at the age of nearly 90. She and her children can be found in Green Lane, Sutton Coldfield in 1939. Winifred was a shorthand typist and Lawson a bricklayer.

In 1939 Herbert Ashwood an architect, living at Newbold Cottage in Newbold on Avon. In 1911 he had been living in Bognar in Sussex, but must have moved to Rugby by 1921, in time to add his brother to the list of men on the Rugby Memorial Gates.

Arthur Ashwood is also remembered on the Tamworth War Memorial.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

2nd May 1919. Work for Disabled Men

WORK FOR DISABLED MEN.—The 15th meeting of the Rugby Employment Committee was held on Monday. In discussing the problem of employment for disabled soldiers the committee wished to place on record their thanks to the employers in this area for the part they have already played in finding work for the disabled man. But there was still a large number of partially disabled men in Rugby who, although capable of whole time employment, were still out of work. It was felt that the committee could not urge too strongly upon every employer the necessity of absorbing into employment upon every conceivable opportunity these men who are now suffering from some disability as a result of their service with H.M. Forces. The committee would be glad if every employer would communicate with the Manager of the Rugby Employment Exchange whenever a vacancy arises which could possibly be filled by a disabled man.

WESLEYAN SOLDIERS WELCOMES HOME.—On Wednesday evening the Young People’s Association in connection with the Wesleyan Church welcomed home the men of the Church who had served in the war. An excellent supper was provided in the schoolroom, and the Rev. A. W. Bunnett, in a short address, said he was pleased to welcome so many who had returned safely. Messrs. J. Ferry, Wheatley, and Verrier spoke in a similar strain. Lance-Corpl. Morris, Sergt. Bockin, and Sergt. Knowles, on behalf of the guests, suitably replied. The company then stood while the Chairman read the names of those who had fallen. During the evening various games and competitions were arranged, and an enjoyable time was spent by the company, which numbered 150[?].

WHIST DRIVE.—On Wednesday evening in last week a whist drive and dance were given by the 5th Howitzer Battery Old Comrades’ Association at the Battery Headquarters, New Bilton, which had been gaily decked with flags and bunting. There was a large attendance, and the prizes, which were won by (ladies) Mrs. Chapman and Mrs. Correy, (gentlemen) Messrs, Scrivens, were presented by Mrs C. Nickalls, wife of the popular Commander of the Battery. The Rev. Bernard MacNulty, the Battery Chaplain, in thanking Mrs. Nickalls for attending, expressed appreciation of the interest she had shown not only in the men by sending them parcels of food and comforts, but in their wives and relatives. Now that the war was over, he hoped they would have many similar gatherings, and he also asked Mrs. Nickalls to send the Battery’s greetings to her husband, who is still overseas. Hearty cheers were given for Major and Mrs. Nickalls and the Rev. B. MacNulty. The M.C’s were Messrs. Painter and G. Hopewell (whist), and C. Packwood and S. Wetherington (dancing).

THE REV. STUDDERT KENNEDY, Vicar of St. Paul’s, Worcester, who as “ Woodbine Willie ” has published a number of popular trench poems, says that he has received a gift of £100 from his publishers for the benefit of the youth of his parish, and he proposes to establish a wholesome cinema among the parish hall attractions.

ST. MATTHEW’S SCHOOL MEMORIAL.—Mr. R. H. Myers presided over a meeting of the old boys of St. Matthew’s, held on Monday evening, to consider the question of a memorial to the boys of the school who lost their lives in the war. There was a large attendance, most of whom saw active service. Mr. Myers decided to promote a memorial for the school, and the following were appointed a committee to carry out all necessary arrangements :—Chairman, Mr. R. H. Myers ; treasurer, Mr. W. H. Gibbs ; joint hon. secretaries, Mr. A. C. Williams and Mr. T. Lord ; committee, Messrs. E. Sear, F. Morley, R. Harley, O. Mayson, W. Payne, and T. Collins.

CAPT. A. G. FINCH, of the R.A.M.C., has been released from the Army, and has returned to take up his practice at Gue House, Albert Street, Rugby.

OAKFIELD WAR RECORD.—Of 265 old Oakfield boys eligible for the Army records exist of 205 having served during the present war. Forty-one have been killed.

THE GLORIOUS 29TH.—On Friday in last week a special service to commemorate the landing, at the Dardanelles was held at Holy Trinity Church, Eltham, where two years ago Sir Ian Hamilton unveiled a memorial to the 29th Division. The former Divisional Chaplain, Rev. Henry A. Hall read an appreciative message from Queen Alexandra.

NO ADVERTISEMENT : NO MEETING.—On Wednesday evening a meeting was called in St. Matthew’s Ward in support of the Town War Memorial ; but owing to the small attendance—three ladies (two of whom had mistaken the object of the meeting), the three Ward representatives on the Council (Messrs. Wise, Hudson, and Friend), the Chairman (Rev. C. T. Aston), Mr. R. H. Myers, and the reporters—the meeting was postponed. Notice of the meeting was not advertised in the Press.

THE WEATHER.—The bitterly cold winds of Saturday were followed by a heavy downfall of rain and snow on Sunday, and on Monday morning the ground was covered with snow an inch deep. It is interesting to recall that exactly eleven years ago to the day of the week, fourteen inches of snow fell in the Rugby district.

A BRAVE HARBOROUGH MAGNA SOLDIER.
PRESENTED WITH MILITARY MEDAL BY EARL OF DENBIGH.
THE DANGERS OF BOLSHEVISM.
“ EXTREME SOCIALISTS GONE MAD.”

The Earl of Denbigh visited Harborough Magna on Thursday evening in last week to present the Military Medal to Pte. J. W. Hickman, and at the conclusion of the ceremony he lectured on the German War Plot, and uttered a warning against the insidious doctrines of the Bolshevists. The Rev. F. W. Allen (vicar) presided over a good attendance, which included Mrs. Hickman, mother of the young soldier to be honoured.

The Chairman briefly welcomed the Earl of Denbigh, and said while on a future occasion they would pay honour to their heroic dead, that evening they had met to honour those who had returned safely, more especially Corpl. Jack Hickman.

In making the presentation, the Earl of Denbigh said : I received a communication the other day from your Vicar, asking me to come and present this medal, and I accepted the invitation with the greatest possible pleasure, because I see that Corpl. Hickman was recommended on two separate occasions, viz. :

“ Pte. John William Hickman, 10915, 7th Batt., South Stafford Regiment, mentioned in despatches on May 22, 1915, ‘ for devotion to duty as a runner both in Gallipoli and France.’ During the operations in front of Thiepval on September 26, 1916, he frequently carried important messages through hostile barrages, and on several occasions has shown great coolness and determination under trying circumstances. Awarded the Military Medal, August 16, 1917.”

“ From June 7th to June 10th, in the neighbourhood of the Oosttaverne line, this battalion runner showed an utter disregard for his personal safety, taking several important messages through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. His coolness and cheerfulness under heavy shelling set an invaluable example to all ranks. During the last 24 hours, greatly fatigued, he continued to volunteer for all the most arduous and dangerous duties. He has been previously mentioned in despatches for similar good conduct under fire.”

The Military Medal was instituted by the King in the early days of the war as a special distinction for “ Bravery in the field.” It is very difficult for anybody who has not been out there to understand what a “ runner ” has to do. One of the most important things in modem war is the maintenance of communication with the firing line. The headquarters are obliged to be in the rear for purpose of superintending the whole operations, the and it is of the greatest possible importance that the Commanding Officer should be kept accurately informed of everything that goes on. Under the conditions of modern war, the artillery, machine-gun, and rifle fire is so intense that the messenger’s work is a service of the greatest possible danger. But it is as important as it is dangerous, and some of the finest work in this war has been done by these men, who have carried messages from one point of the line to another, and who, reckless of their own safety, have either delivered them or all too often have fallen by the way. What you have to remember in the case of a runner is this : a man very often in the heat of battle can put up with a great deal when he is able to give the other fellow something back ; when they are able to shoot at the enemy, troops will stand a great deal of heavy shelling and punishment ; but it is a different matter altogether to have to carry out duties of this description under heavy fire when you are not in a position to shoot back yourself. And so I always think there are two classes of men who have deserved almost better than anybody else in this war ; these are the runners and the regimental stretcher-bearers—the runners who have taken these messages about the field of battle, and the regimental stretcher-bearers who have gone in under heavy fire for the purpose of bringing out the wounded. I have the greatest possible admiration for these two classes of men ; and I have, therefore, great pleasure in presenting this medal to Corpl. Hickman, and I hope he will live many years to wear it.

Lord Denbigh, amid cheers, then pinned the medal to Corpl. Hickman’s tunic. . . .

BRANDON & WOLSTON.
WAR HEROES ENTERTAINED.—The soldiers, sailors and airmen who were home in the parishes of Wolston, Brandon, and Bretford, were heartily welcomed on Tuesday last. About 80 accepted the invitation to a dinner in Messrs. Bluemel’s dining room, kindly lent for the occasion. Mr. C. A. Kirby, the chairman of the committee, made a short speech of welcome, and an excellent concert followed. Mr. Parsons, of Rugby, gave every satisfaction as accompanist, and Messrs. Mewis, Hodge, and Woodhams, of Rugby, and Mr. A. Hill, of London, added greatly to the enjoyment. Two packets of cigarettes were given to each guest. The committee deserve a special word of praise for their excellent arrangements, and the hon. secretary (Mr. T. E. Handford) carried out his onerous duties with marked.

DUNCHURCH.
CHURCH MATTERS.—The annual Vestry meeting was held on Thursday, April 24th, the Vicar, Rev. E. P. Rowland, presiding. Mr. F. G. Arkwright presented the Churchwardens’ accounts which showed a credit balance of £7 12s. 3d. The accounts of Thurlaston Chapel of Ease were equally satisfactory. The retiring wardens, Messrs. Arkwright and Powell, were re-elected, and Mr. Johnson and Miss Stanley were again asked to act as wardens for Thurlaston. The Vestry adopted a new scale of burial fees. The existing charges have been in force for 200 years or more. Leave was given to Mr. A. H. Harrison formerly headmaster of Dunchurch Hall, to apply for a Faculty for the erection of a memorial window to old pupils who fell during the war. The Vicar thanked the Council, which was re-elected en bloc, for the time being, and also expressed his gratitude to the parishioners for their generous Easter offerings. A resolution was adopted calling upon the Government to pass without delay the Enabling Bill, giving the Church a larger measure of self-government.

MARTON.
SOLDIERS’ PARTY.—About 30 demobilised soldiers were entertained to a meat tea and social evening at the Black Horse by the Committee of the Old Comrades Fund. Lieut. E. Glover presided, and Miss F. Beech was at the piano.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
RUGBY’S PEACE PREPARATIONS.
An Excellent Suggestion.
SIR.—I and others are hoping the town will arrange a fancy dress dance and promenade for all who take part in the Peace procession, as that will be the best encouragement to make a good show, and it gives those taking part a chance to see the others also.
I would suggest admission by fancy dress only, and half-hour houses for the public gallery.— Yours, etc., CHARLEYS AUNT.

IN MEMORIAM.

BULL.—In ever-loving memory of Bombardier BULL (TOM), the dearly beloved only son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bull, Southam Road Farm, Napton, killed in France on May 3, 1917, aged 18 years.
“ The midnight stars shine o’er the grave
Of our dear son and soldier brave,
How dear, how brave, we shall understand
When we meet again in the Better Land.”
—From his loving Father, Mother, and Sisters.

GREEN.—In loving memory of Pte. J. H GREEN, beloved son of Mr. & Mrs. Green, Catthorpe.—From his loving Mother and Father, Sister and Brothers.

HARRISON.—In loving memory of our son, Pte. E. D. HARRISON, 4th Royal Fusiliers, who paid the supreme sacrifice at Monchy on May 3, 1917.—Also his children, JOHN and CISSIE, aged respectively 6 years and 6 months, died April, 1918.

HIPWELL.—In loving remembrance of Pte. G. W. HIPWELL, who was killed in France on May 3, 1917.—Always in the thoughts of his loving Wife.

JONES.—In loving memory of Corpl D. J. JONES, the beloved son of Mr. & Mrs. Jones, Shuckburgh, who was killed in action in France on April 29, 1917.
“ Two years have passed since that sad day,
When the one we loved was called away.
God took him home, it was His will.
But in our hearts he liveth still.”
—From his loving Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

ROUSE.—On August 18, 1918, Pte. DENIS CHARLES ROUSE, the dearly beloved and only son of Mr. & Mrs. A. Rouse, Kineton ; officially reported missing May 27, 1918 ; now reported died in Prisoner of War Hospital at Trelon on August 18, 1918, aged 19 years.

STEBBING.—In loving memory of dear SYDNEY REGINALD STEBBING, died of wounds and buried in Hazebrouck Cemetery, 4th May, 1915.—R.I.P.—Still sadly missed by Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.

WELCH.—In affectionate remembrance of ERNEST EDWARD, only son of Mrs. and the late Mr. F. Welch, who fell in action on April 29, 1917.
“ On that happy Easter morning,
When the graves their dead restore.
Father, mother, sisters, brother,
Meet once more.”
—Missed most by those who loved him best.