Bosworth, Frederick Albert. Died 30th Jun 1919

Frederick Albert BOSWORTH deserves our admiration as one of the longest serving and most decorated soldiers commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates.  He was already a member of the Territorial ‘Rugby Howitzer Battery’ before the war; and went to war with them and won the Military Medal and Bar, the French Medaille Militaire, and was Mentioned in Dispatches; he was wounded and gassed, and then volunteered for further service in Russia where he was killed in action in June 1919.  He became Rugby’s last ‘official’ Casualty on the War Memorial Gates.

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Frederick Albert BOSWORTH was born in about mid-1895 in Bitteswell.  He was the son of Frederick Bosworth [b.c.1866 in Lutterworth] and Mary Anne ‘Annie’, née Wright, Bosworth [b.c.1863 in Bitteswell], whose marriage was registered in Q4, 1894 in Leicester.  It was her second marriage.

In 1901, Frederick’s father, Frederick senior, was a ‘house painter.  The family were all living at Bitteswell.  As well as his and Annie’s three young children, there were the three older Wright step-sons aged 14, 11 and 9 from Annie’s previous marriage.

Before 1911, the family had moved to Rugby and Frederick Albert had attended the Murray School.  In 1911 they were living in a seven room house at 86 Bath Street, Rugby.  Frederick snr. was a ‘house painter’ for the builders – Messrs Linnell & Son.[1]  He had been married 17 years and they had four children.  Frederick Albert was now an ‘apprentice turner’ for a ‘mechanical engineers’, Willans and Robinson.  The other three younger children would have been at school.  Two of his wife’s Wright boys were also at home and working as a ‘fitter’ and an ‘apprentice fitter’ respectively also at a ‘mechanical engineers’ – probably also at Willans and Robinson.

Before the War, Frederick had been a member of the Territorial ‘Rugby Howitzer Battery’ – this was more properly named the 5^th Warwickshire (Rugby) Howitzer Battery, 4^th South Midland (Howitzer) Brigade.  From 1908 the Rugby Battery had been in temporary headquarters at the Willans and Robinson’s Engineering Works in Newbold Road, Rugby, so perhaps Frederick had seen them when he was an apprentice, and it may not be a surprise that he joined them.  In 1910, they moved to a new headquarters at 72 Victoria Avenue, Rugby, known locally as the Rowland Street Drill Hall.[2]

Whilst no Service Record survived, some details of Frederick’s service can be gleaned from his Medal Card and his CWGC entry.  Frederick was a gunner with the early number ‘233’, in the 5^th Warwickshire (Rugby) Howitzer Battery.  His name and number are confirmed in the listings in the papers and diaries of its commanding officer, Col. Frank West.[3]

The Battery was the first territorial artillery unit to go to France, and they went from Southampton to Le Havre, France, on 30 March 1915.  The locations where the Battery served can be found on-line, in extracts from the Brigade Diaries.[4]  They served together until the artillery reorganisation in May 1916.

In May 1916 Brigades in the British Artillery were renumbered.  The 4^th South Midland became 243 Brigade.  But its men were scattered.  The Howitzer Brigades in the British Field Artillery were split up, and their guns, officers, men and support staff redistributed to Brigades previously armed with 18 pounder guns.  … The 5^th Howitzer Battery from the 4^th South Midland Brigade was allocated to 241 Brigade (previously 2^nd South Midland, Worcester) …[5]

During the re-organisation, Frederick was one of the men on the 5^th Battery transfer list.  This listed the men of 243^rd Brigade who were transferred to form the ‘D’ Howitzer battery of the 241^st Brigade in May 1916.  The list included ‘No.233 Gnr. Bosworth, F.A.’[6]

During 1916, in a letter published, no doubt coincidentally, in the Rugby Advertiser on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, Frederick described some of his duties, and that he had been ‘Mentioned in Dispatches’.

Gunner F Bosworth, D Battery, 241st (S.M Brigade) R.F.A, an Old Murrayian, was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s last despatch.  In a letter to his old schoolmaster, Mr W T Coles Hodges, he says:- “I am a telephonist in our Battery, and in this work we have many opportunities of taking part in some of the exciting incidents of this War, and it is in these little stunts that they have evidently thought me worth mentioning.”[7]

From the date of the article, his gallant actions must have been undertaken before 1 July 1916, although a later article mentioned the date as 21 July!  However, before August 1916, Frederick had been awarded a Military Medal for his actions, as reported in a long article in the Rugby Advertiser.  It was reported that he went ‘… out under heavy fire several times to repair the telephone wire in order to keep up communication with the battery’.  A later report stated that he had been ‘Repairing telephone lines and bringing in wounded under heavy shellfire.’ 

MILITARY MEDAL FOR A RUGBY HOWITZER MAN.
Battery Sergt-Major George Hopewell, of the Rugby Howitzer Battery, writing to Mr A Adnitt, as Hon. Secretary of the Rugby Territorials Comforts Association to thank him for parcels of comforts received, adds:-
“ You will be pleased to know that one of our boys, Gunner Bosworth, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field on July 21st, going out under heavy fire several times to repair the telephone wire in order to keep up communication with the battery. He was also mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch for distinguished conduct in the field.
“ We have been in the thick of the fighting since July 1st, but have been very fortunate as regards casualties, as we have had only five wounded – Corpl Hipwell, Bombardiers Smith and Rixom, and Gunners Seaton and Packwood.
“ I dare say you read in the papers about our Division, together with the Anzacs, taking one of the most important points along the front on July 23rd. They were congratulated by the Commander-in-Chief and the Corps Commander on their performance.”
Gunner Bosworth is the son of Mr G Bosworth, who formerly worked as a painter for Messrs Linnell & Son, but has now removed to Essex.  His grandfather resides at Lutterworth.
In a letter to his old schoolmaster, Gunner Bosworth, an Old Murrayian, says:- “On the morning of the ‘big push’ I was on duty at our observation station, and had occasion to go out on the line and repair breakages caused by the shelling.  The O.C. was good enough to bring the incident to the notice of the General, and I have since heard the good news of being granted the above medal.”

HIGH PRAISE FOR THE HOWITZER BRIGADE.
The following letter from the Brigadier Commanding the Artillery Division to the O.C’s of the Batteries and Ammunition Columns, will be of much local interest :—
“ Will you please convey to all ranks my appreciation of the excellent work performed by the batteries and D.A.C during the last five weeks.  The preparation of gun positions for the July offensive entailed continuous and very hard work on the batteries, but this labour was well repaid in the fewness of the casualties suffered at the guns.  The Division subsequently taking over reported that they were the best positions they had yet seen.
“ The continual night firing has been particularly trying, but the shooting was consistently good, which reflects great credit on all ranks, and the successes gained by the Infantry were, in the words of the Divisional Commander, largely due to the effective support rendered by the Artillery.  I hope during this week all ranks will be able to get the rest which they all deserve.[8]

Frederick’s Military Medal was ‘gazetted’ in August 1916,
War Office, 23rd August, 1916. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery in the field to the under-mentioned Non-commissioned Officers and Men: – 233 Gunner F. A. Bosworth, R.F.A.[9]

In the reorganisation of the artillery, Frederick received a new number 840058, and at some date, probably after his actions in 1916, been promoted to Bombardier.  On 16 April 1917, Frederick had been in action which resulted in him being awarded a Bar to his Military Medal, and he had written of his experiences to his old schoolmaster.  It was later reported that he had been ‘Maintaining communications under heavy shell fire’.

HOWITZER BATTERY MAN HONOURED.
Bombardier F Bosworth, the R.F.A, has written to his old schoolmaster, Mr W T Coles Hodges, informing him that he has been awarded a bar to his Military Medal for bravery on the night of April 16th.  Another bombardier was awarded the Military Medal for the same deed.  He adds that, having been mentioned in despatches and awarded the Military Medal and a bar to same, he so far carries the honours of the Battery.[10]

The second award was gazetted in July 1917.
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of a Bar to the Military Medal to the under-mentioned Non-commissioned Officers and Men: –
840058 Bombr. F. A. Bosworth, R.F.A.  … (M.M.s gazetted 23rd August, 1916.)[11]

The same action also led to the award of the equivalent French decoration, the Medaille Militaire, which was reported in the Rugby Advertiser in June 1917, and was formally ‘gazetted’ in July 1917.

BOMBARDIER BOSWORTH AGAIN HONOURED.
Bombardier F Bosworth, of the Rugby Howitzer Battery, has been awarded the Medaille Militaire for the same action that gained for him the bar to his Military Medal.[12]

Medaille Militaire … 840058 Bombardier Frederick Bosworth, Royal Field Artillery.[13]

In August 1917 Frederick was severely wounded, and probably gassed, and it seems he was evacuated back to England for hospital treatment.  It seems that on 25 November 1917, the opportunity was taken to present him with his medals at Chatham.  The Rugby Advertiser reported in detail.

PRESENTATION TO A HOWITZER MAN.
On the occasion of the presentation of medals at Chatham on the 25th inst, Bombardier F A Bosworth R.F.A, was the recipient of medals.  The presentation was made by Colonel H R Adair, Commander Royal Artillery, Thames and Medway Garrison, who said: “The Royal Artillery has no colours.  Our colours are the proud traditions of our Regiment, to which we cling, and around which we rally, just as other Corps have rallied round their Banners.  It is men like Bombardier Bosworth who not only preserve these traditions, but, who, by their deeds, actually add to and ennoble them.  I am proud to stand here to-day representing His Majesty the King, who, you will remember is our Colonel-in-Chief, to present to Bombardier Bosworth, on his behalf, two medals, which he has gained by his own brave hands.  They are the Military Medal of England and the Military Medal of France.”
“ The records of the deeds for which he has won these read as follows:- Military Medal of England: “Repairing telephone lines and bringing in wounded under heavy shellfire.”  Bar to Military Medal of England and Military Medal of France: “Maintaining communications under heavy shell fire.”
“ These medals are a proud possession for himself and splendid heirlooms for his kindred to possess.  On behalf of our Country, our allies in France, our Regiment and its Colonel-In-Chief our King.  I shake hands with Bombardier Bosworth and wish him health and happiness and long life to wear his noble distinctions.”[14]

There do not appear to be any further details of his actions in the war, however, after the Armistice, hostilities continued in Russia until 1920, where there was still fighting in support of the ‘White Russians’ against the ‘Bolsheviks’. It seems that although he was still weak from his wounds and suffering from the effects of gas, it seems that Frederick ‘… was quite ready carry on in North Russia when the call came for help.’  He joined the 420^th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, which served in Russia with the North Russian Expeditionary Force from September 1918 to July 1919.[15]

Frederick Bosworth was ‘killed in action’ on 30 June 1919.  He was buried in a local churchyard at Lumbushi Chyd, Russia.  His grave was marked by a wooden cross with his particulars, and also ‘RIP’ and ‘Killed in Action’.  ‘The grave was enclosed by a wooden fence about one foot high.’

It was intended that these isolated graves should be ‘concentrated’ and it was intended that his body would be exhumed and moved to the Murmansk New British Cemetery, where the graves could be more properly attended.  This was not permitted by the Russians.

His gravestone had already been prepared, and included the family inscription, ‘He Loved Honour More Than He Feared Death’.  It was placed instead as ‘Special Memorial ref: B. 4.’ on the wall of the Murmansk Cemetery.

Murmansk New British Cemetery was made in 1930.  The 40 burials were moved in from the Old British Cemetery that had been used by No 86 General Hospital in 1918-1919.  The special memorials commemorate officers and men known to have been buried in cemeteries elsewhere in the Murman area.  The cemetery now contains 83 burials and commemorations of the First World War.

In August 1919, the Rugby Advertiser wrote,
POPULAR RUGBY N.C.O.’s DEATH.
CORPORAL BOSWORTH KILLED IN RUSSIA.
Further details are to hand in regard to Corpl. Frederick Albert Bosworth, who, as announced in our last issue, was recently killed in action while serving with the R.F.A. with the North Russian Expeditionary Force.  Cpl. Bosworth was member the Rugby Howitzer Battery the time the war broke out, his home address being 86 Bath Street.  He remained with the local battery during its service in France until he was severely wounded in August, 1917.  For his services over there he was awarded the Military Medal, and later a bar, and the Medaille Militaire.  Although weak from his wounds and suffering from the effects of gas, Cpl. Bosworth was quite ready carry on in North Russia when the call came for help.  It was quite evident from letters received from his officers that Cpl. Bosworth did justice to his own reputation and to the good name of the battery.  The deceased corporal was at one time employed as an apprentice at Messrs. Willans and Robinson’s works, and was familiarly known to his many friends as ‘Sammy’.[16]

As well as his awards for gallantry, the Military Medal and Bar and the French, Medaille Militaire, Frederick Albert BOSWORTH was awarded the Victory and British medals and the 1914-1915 Star.  He is remembered on the Rugby Memorial Gate.

His father and mother moved to ‘Essex’ before 1916, and after the war their contact address for the CWGC was ‘Medveza-Gora’, Hemitage Road, Higham, Rochester.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

This article on Frederick Albert BOSWORTH 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 Rugby Family History Group, October 2018.

[1]      The manager of the business, the son of its owner, William Henry LINNELL, died of wounds received in the German ‘Operation Mchael’ Offensive in 1918.  He died in hospital in Rouen on 8 April 1918 – see ‘Rugby Remembers’ for 8 April 2018, at https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2018/04/08/linnell-william-henry-died-8th-apr-1918/.

[2]      See https://sites.google.com/site/4thsouthmidlandbrigade/Home/dates-and-places-served-1, for the details of the Battery’s locations and postings.

[3]      https://sites.google.com/site/4thsouthmidlandbrigade/Home/5th-battery-list-1918.

[4]      https://sites.google.com/site/4thsouthmidlandbrigade/Home/dates-and-places-served-1.

[5]      https://sites.google.com/site/4thsouthmidlandbrigade/Home.

[6]      The list is in an Appendix to TNA ref: WO 95/2749, War Diary, 241 Brigade Royal Field Artillery, May 1916.

[7]      https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/1st-jul-1916-charge-against-an-enemy-alien-dismissed/, as transcribed from Rugby Advertiser, 1 July 1916.

[8]      https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2016/08/12/12th-aug-1916-down-with-diphtheria-but-not-depressed/, as transcribed from Rugby Advertiser, 12 August 1916.

[9]      The London Gazette, Supplement:29719, Page:8360, 22 August 1916, also, The Edinburgh Gazette, Issue:12976, Page:1490, 24 August 1916.

[10]     https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2017/06/06/2nd-jun-1917-cooking-demonstration-at-rugby/, as transcribed from Rugby Advertiser, 6 June 1917.

[11]     The London Gazette, Supplement 30172, Page 6824, 6 July 1917.

[12]     https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2017/06/16/16th-jun-1917-doctors-and-the-war-appeal-to-the-public/, as transcribed from Rugby Advertiser, 16 June 1917.

[13]     The Edinburgh Gazette, Issue 13114, Page 1369, 17 July 1917.

[14]     https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/1st-dec-1917-presentation-to-a-howitzer-man/, as transcribed from Rugby Advertiser, 1 December 1917.

[15]     TNA ref: WO 95/5426, 420 Battery Royal Field Artillery, Russia, September 1918 – July 1919.

[16]     Rugby Advertiser, Friday, 8 August 1919.

 

20th Jun 1919. Atlantic Airmen Welcomed at Rugby, Enthusiastic Scenes at the Station

ATLANTIC AIRMEN WELCOMED AT RUGBY.
ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES AT THE STATION.

Enthusiastic scenes were witnessed at Rugby Station on Tuesday afternoon, when the two Atlantic airmen, Capt. Alcock and Lieut. Brown, passed through on the Irish Mail on their way from Holyhead to London. The daily press had announced that the train would stop at Rugby, where Miss Marguerite Kennedy, Lieut. Brown’s fiancee, would join the party, and about an hour before the mail was due some hundreds of the general public gathered in the vicinity of the Station. They were doomed to disappointment, however, as only travellers and a few persons specially interested were allowed to pass the gates. This notwithstanding, a large crowd assembled on the up platform, and when the train steamed into the station, it was the signal for a loud outburst of cheering, which was repeated time after time as Capt. Alcock, youthful and resourceful looking, attired in a lounge suit, stepped smilingly on to the platform, where he was besieged by a host of admirers and autograph hunters. In the meantime Lieut. Brown remained in the saloon, where he was joined by Miss Kennedy—a slim daintily dressed girl with a charming smile and laughing eyes—and her parents, Major and Mrs. Kennedy, who had arrived earlier in the afternoon. The private greetings over, Lieut. Brown, who was wearing the light blue uniform of the Air Service, joined his companion at the carriage dour, and he, too, came in for a rapturous reception, the crowd by this time being augmented by several hundred people who had scaled the temporary barrier. The train stopped about ten minutes, and as it resumed its journey the cheers broke out afresh, and the crowd pressed forward, everyone being anxious to wring the gallant fellows’ hands.

The police arrangements were under the charge of Det. Inspector Goode, of the Company’s Police, and P.S. Hawke.

Considerable disappointment was expressed by the people unable to gain admission to the platform. and in this connection we have received the following letter :—
“ ONE OF THE DISAPPOINTED CROWD.”
To the Editor of the Advertiser.

SIR,—May I be allowed to inquire, through the medium of your columns, why a certain number of the public were refused admission to the L. & N.-W. Railway platform on Tuesday last, when the heroes of the great Atlantic flight passed through the station. The precise hour of their arrival was publicly announced in practically every daily newspaper, and yet a crowd of townspeople—members of the British Nation and Empire to which these airmen belong—were denied the privilege of doing honour to two men whose great achievement has thrilled the civilised world.

We in Rugby have not often the opportunity of publicly paying tribute to bravery and skill, and we deeply regret it when we are not allowed to show our appreciation of them. I know I am voicing the opinions of many in the disappointed crowd (for whom there was ample space on the platform), and we should be very grateful if any explanation could be made to us, so that we may know what to expect on a similar great occasion.—-Yours, etc,

I. O. M. WALROND.
One of the Disappointed Crowd.

THE OFFICIAL EXPLANATION.

An official of the Company to whom a copy of this letter was shown by a representative of the Rugby Advertiser, pointed out that the Station premises are private property, and that the Company has a perfect right to exclude anyone who does not desire to travel. “ Moreover,” he said, “ our staff, while sufficient for ordinary duties, is quite incapable of controlling a large crowd, and had all who wished been allowed to enter the station, the officials would have been unable to cope with them.” “ As it was, “ he added, “ the routine work of the staff was seriously interfered with.” Reference is made in the letter to the fact that the visit of the airmen to Rugby was widely advertised, but, the official pointed out, the advertisement was not issued by the Railway Company, who cannot be held responsible for announcements made by outside sources.

SOLDIERS’ WELCOME HOME TO CHURCHOVER.
HEROES HONOURED.

The picturesque little village of Churchover was en fete last Monday, the day being observed as a general holiday. The streets were decorated with flags, and on all sides there was evidence of an enthusiastic welcome home to the men of the village returned from active service. It was a very happy reunion.

An interesting programmer had been arranged by an efficient committee, and splendid sports were witnessed throughout the day, which happily was very fine. At about four o’clock, on the arrival of the Bilton Brass Band, a procession was formed outside the Village Hall and proceeded towards the Vicarage. The returned soldiers fell into line under the orders of Lieut. Smeeton immediately after the band, and were followed by the residents of the entire village. The Rev. L. G. Berrington, who awaited their arrival, preceded them to the church, where a short and very impressive memorial service was held. The edifice was crowded to its fullest capacity. The choral service was accompanied by the band, and an appropriate selection of hymns was rendered. The Rector delivered an address, and chose at his text : “ He shall swallow up death in victory.” Referring to the memory of the men who had made the supreme sacrifice, he said : “ They have died for a cause that was just and not their own, and their reward will be a crown in the world beyond. They have won a victory which will ensure national progress and the building up of happy homes, and foster in their hearts a greater love and dependence on the Almighty.”

Later an excellent repast was provided in the Hall for the guests and their friends, . . . .

The Vicar presided, and welcomed the men on behalf of Churchover. Mr. T. Arnold returned thanks on behalf of the men, and stated how fully both his comrades and himself appreciated the great kindness of their fellow-townsmen. A letter was read from Mrs. Arthur James, Coton House, expressing her regret at being unable to attend the festivities. The following toasts were honoured :—“ The King and Army and Navy,” “ The Guests,” and “ Our Fallen Comrades’ ” (in silence). During tea the band discoursed a pleasing selection of music, which was highly appreciated. The continuance of the programme of the sports, which had been temporarily suspended, was resumed. The obstacle race and the pudding race caused great amusement.

. . .  In the Vicarage grounds, after the conclusion of the sports, Miss Miller, accompanied by Mrs. Berrington on the piano, sang in very pleasing style. Dancing continued during the evening, and suitable music was provided. Supper at 10 p.m. brought an agreeable day’s proceedings to a close.

RUGBY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.
EX-SOLDIERS ASK FOR REPRESENTATION ON PEACE COMMITTEE.
EX-SOLDIERS AND PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Arising out of the minutes, Mr. Newman, of the Discharged and Demobilised Sailors’, Soldiers’, and Airmen’s Association, mentioned that at the last meeting of the Association the question of peace celebrations was discussed. As they knew, the members helped considerably in trying to bring about the peace, and they wished to draw attention to the fact that there seemed to be nothing arranged for the mothers, widows, and orphans of soldiers. It was suggested that the old people and children should be entertained, but the members of the Association felt that something should be done for the classes he had mentioned. Peace Day would be a hard day for many people, and they should, therefore, try if possible to make their lot happier than it would otherwise be if they were left severely alone.—The Chairman said he had met Mr. Wharton, the secretary to the Peace Celebration Committee, and they had decided to ask the Association to send a representative to their next meeting. This representative could raise the question, and it would come before the Council in due course.

Mr. Newman said the Association felt very strongly the fact that they were not represented in any way on the Peace Rejoicing Committee. They thought they should have been asked as soon as—if not before—any other body. In fact, they felt no strongly on this point of entertaining the widows and orphans, etc., that if the Peace Committee can do nothing they intended doing it themselves.—The Chairman said he hoped Mr. Newman would make it quite clear to the Association that the fact that they were not directly represented was due to a pure oversight. They desired every public body to be represented.

RUGBY ROMAN CATHOLICS.
PROPOSED WAR MEMORIAL AT ST. MARIE’S.

In accordance with the wishes expressed by the members of a deputation which waited upon the Rector of St. Mane’s, a meeting was convened and held at the conclusion of the usual evening devotions last Sunday. There was a very large and representative attendance, and it was unanimously decided that a permanent memorial be elected in the church grounds to perpetuate the memory of the Rugby Catholics who had fallen in the war.

The Rev. S. Jarvis, Rector, presided. An influential committee was appointed to raise the necessary funds and carry out the various proposals connected with this laudable object. A further meeting will be held on June 29th at the schools attached to the church, at which the report of the committee will be submitted and considered.

LILBOURNE AERODROME FOR SALE
BUILDINGS SUITABLE FOR A FACTORY.

The Disposal Board of the Ministry of Munitions are including several aerodromes that are not required for Government purposes in the sale of Government property. Of these, two are situated at Goldhanger and Stow Maries, in Essex, two in Suffolk at Burgh Castle and Covehithe, .one at Lilbourne, and the others are at Ramsey (Hunts), Telscombe (Suffolk), and Edzell (Kincardine).

IN MEMORIAM.

COLSTON.—In ever treasured memory of our beloved son, ERNEST H. COLSTON, killed in action in France, June 20th, 1918, aged 19 years. “ At rest—his duty done.”

ELKINGTON.—In ever loving memory of DRIVER W. ELKINGTON, .F.A.., killed in action in France June 17th, 1916. From his Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

HUGHES.—In ever loving memory of L/c (JACK) HUGHES, who was killed in action in France, June 18, 1915.
“ We pictured his safe returning,
And longed to clasp his hand,
But God postponed the meeting—
‘Twill he in the Better Land.”
— Never forgotten by his Loving Father and Mother, Sister and Brother.

MARLOW.—To the precious memory of PRIVATE JOHN MARLOW, York and Lancs. Regt., killed in action at Messines on June 18th, 1917.
“ Now the labourer’s task is o’er,
Now the battle-day is past,
Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now our dear one sleeping.”
—Never forgotten by Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters and Daughter.
“ In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.” (Ciss?)

SANDS.—In loving memory of PTE. HARRY SANDS, 1/4 Norfolks, who died June 17th, 1917. Buried at El-Arish Military Cemetery.
“ There is a link death cannot sever,
Love and remembrance last for ever.”
—Sadly missed by his loving Wife & Children.

13th Jun 1919. A Happy Reunion, Rugby Lower School Past and Present

A HAPPY REUNION.
RUGBY LOWER SCHOOL PAST AND PRESENT.
WHITSUNTIDE MEETING.
MEMORIAL TO WAR HEROES.
PROPOSAL TO FORM AN ATHLETIC CLUB.

The annual re-union at Rugby Lower School was held as usual this Whitsuntide.

The annual sports were held on Saturday, when there was a good attendance, and some very exciting finishes were witnessed. . . .

. . . THE WAR’S RAVAGES.
The annual general meeting was held on Saturday evening, when the President (Mr. W. J. R. Hartwell) presided over a good attendance, and submitted the report for the past year, as follows :—The Committee congratulates the members on the continued financial prosperity of the Society. The number of new members elected was 16, the membership now being 245, as compared with 229 last year. After careful consideration, it was felt that this was not an opportune time for various reasons to revive the annual dinner, which has now been in abeyance for five years. Instead, a smoking concert had been arranged. Before this time next year peace will, we hope, be concluded, in which case the quinquennial dinner will be held on the Whit Monday, and every member is asked to make an effort to be present, more especially as the Society will then attain its majority. Needless to say, we heartily welcome back those Old Laurentians who have been serving in the Navy, Army, and Air Force ; the total number who have served being, as far as can be ascertained, about 350. Of these, 60 have laid down their lives, 49 have been wounded, 8 taken prisoners of war, and 5 are missing. The distinctions gained include 1 D.S.O, 1 O.B.E. (Military Division), 7 Military Crosses, 2 D.C.M., 5 Military Medals, 1 Meritorious Service Medal, 1 Croix de Guerre, 1 Order of Leopold, and one mentioned in despatches. Some progress towards the provision of a fitting memorial to those who have laid down their lives has been made by the Committee. A fund has been opened, and already amounts to £103 13s. As soon as something definite is settled, efforts will be made to reach every Old Laurentian, inviting them to subscribe. The Committee felt that they would be interpreting aright the feelings and wishes of all Old Laurentians when they considered the possibility of some having lost their lives in the war, and having left behind them children to be educated. It was felt that there may be cases in which assistance could be rendered in providing a secondary education for such boys and girls. Feeling that it is a duty for us to render such help, a recommendation on the matter will be submitted to your consideration to-night. It is with deep regret that we have to record, during the past year, the deaths, amongst others, of Rev. G. J. Powell, who was senior assistant master for some time from the opening of the school in 1879 ; of Mr. T. M. Lindsay, drawing master for 27 years ; also of Mr. R. R. Redfern, President of this Society, 1909-1910. One member of the Committee. Mr. C. A. Eyden, has made the supreme sacrifice. To their relatives, and those of the other Old Laurentians who have passed away, we tender our sincerest sympathy, as also to the Headmaster in the great loss which he has sustained. With regard to the finances of the Society, we brought forward a balance of £45 10s. 7d. The income from the “ Griffin ” and subscriptions has been £30 2s., while dividends and interest amounted to £1 16s. 2d., making a total of £77 7s. 9d. The expenditure amounted to £18 16s. 1d., thus leaving a balance to be carried forward of £58 11s. 8d.. the greater part of which is invested in 5 per cent. Exchequer Bonds. The Committee urge all Old Laurentians. especially those who intend to reside abroad, to become life members, thereby ensuring a permanent link between them and the School, both Past and Present. The cost is two guineas. In concluding, the Committee wish to place on record their appreciation of the work of the hon. Secretary (Mr. Ralph B. Liddington), and to express the hope that a return to a more normal condition of affairs may find the Society enlarging in sphere of usefulness.

The report and accounts, details of which had been circulated at the meeting, were passed, on the proposition of Mr. S. T. Laughton, seconded by Mr. A. C. Marple. . . . Confederation was deferred until the War memorial had been discussed.

In introducing the latter subject, the Chairman referred to the proposal for the erection of a bronze tablet in the school lobby, and asked for further suggestions.

Replying to a question as to whether it was intended to inscribe on the tablet the names only of those who had fallen, the Secretary said they wanted the meeting to decide that point. He also stated that, in addition to the £103 already subscribed, promises had been received for a further £57. The amounts varied from half a crown upwards, also that the list would not be published. He then gave particulars regarding two designs for tablets, sketches of which were exhibited. One, to hold the names of the fallen only, and the other the names of all who had served during the war, the cost being £121 and £310 respectively. The latter, with the fixing and a stone or other surrounding, would ultimately cost about £450. The other suggestions received were for a pavilion, the reconstruction of the organ, and the provision of a plain brass tablet.

Mr. S. T. Laughton said he did not think it would be the wish of the fallen for them to go to an elaborate expense on anything which was not useful. He suggested that the names of the fallen should be inscribed on a brass tablet to be placed in the school, and that the remainder of the money be spent on a pavilion on the school’s new ground.

The Headmaster said it was intended to send circulars to all who had served, and to the families of the fallen, asking for particulars of service. Then to have the names inserted in a book, to be bound and preserved with the School Records, where it would always be a testimony to those who had served during the last four years.

A general discussion as to the kind of tablet and a suitable position followed.

Mr. Collison said he had been asked by an Old Boy to suggest the provision of baths for the school.

Mr. Lister said that in matters like that their difficulty was the great cost of building.

Replying to Mr. Laughton, the Headmaster said that the Parents’ Association proposed to put up a clock as a memorial.

Further discussion followed, and ultimately Mr. W. T. Coles Hodges proposed, and Mr. E. P. Morris seconded, that the first charge on the fund should be the erection in the Big Room of a tablet containing the names of the fallen. This was carried unanimously.

Mr. J. Morton proposed, and Mr. G. J. Daniels seconded, that a sum not exceeding £125 be spent on the tablet, and that the matter be left to the Committee, with the addition of Mr. E. M. Betts. This was also passed unanimously.

Mr. S. T. Laughton suggested the planting of a memorial oak to the fallen, and to this the meeting agreed ; also that the remainder of the money subscribed should go to the proposed Education Fund.

Mr. J. Morton, speaking regarding the Committee’s recommendations, said it appeared as if they were likely to have a fair amount of money which could go to this fund ; he was of opinion that it would enable them to widen its scope, and, if funds permitted, he would like them to consider whether they could not do something to give the boys and girls a start in life after leaving school.

Mr. L. Lubbock proposed, and Mr. J. Morton seconded, that the remainder of the money subscribed be held to form the nucleus of the fund for the education and maintenance of the children of Old Laurentians who, through service in the war, are unable to give a secondary education to their children. This was carried without a dissentient.

The question of the provision of a roll of some kind in the school of those who had been wounded was raised, the matter ultimately being left to the Committee. Consideration of the question of making a levy was adjourned.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the President for presiding, and for his services during the year.

IN the latest official casualty list appears the following :—Previously missing, now reported died as prisoner of war in German hands :— Clements, 307487, Corpl. F. (Rugby), R W R.

BILTON PARISH COUNCIL.
. . .PEACE CELEBRATIONS.
A letter was read from the Local Government Board to the effect that parish council would be allowed to expend a reasonable amount out of the rates for the celebration of peace, and there was no objection to the proposed arrangement between the Parish Council and Rugby Urban District Council.

A WAR TROPHY.
A letter was received from the War Office offering the Council a German field gun and carriage on the recommendation of the Lord Lieutenant of the County.—Mr. Barnett : We must put it on the green.—The Chairman suggested, in view of the geographical division of the parish, that the Council should apply for two guns, one for each ward.—This was agreed to.

The clerk said he had already approached the War Office, and he had received a reply to the effect that the distribution of guns was being made entirely upon the recommendation of the Lord Lieutenant. The number of applications for these trophies far exceeded the number available for such a purpose, but in all cases in which units have substantiated their claims to trophies their wishes are ascertained as to allocation, and as for as possible these are carried out. . . .

CLIFTON-ON-DUNSMORE.
Co. Q.M. Sergt. L. E. Pyle. 1st Border Regiment, whose home is at Clifton, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He went to the Dardanelles with the 29th Division, and has also served in France. He has signed on for a further period of service.

CHURCHOVER.
SOLDIERS’ WELCOME HOME.—The village will be en fete on Monday afternoon and evening when, in the Rectory grounds, a great welcome home will be given to those of the village who have been on active service. There will be a tea, &c., and the Bilton band will be in attendance. Visitors are welcome, and will be charged 1s. Admission, the villagers being admitted free.

BIRDINGBURY.
SOLDIERS’ SUPPER.—The returned soldiers were recently given a supper in St. Leonard’s schoolroom, the proceeds of a whist drive. They were joined by the Rector and the committees of the War Memorial and others funds. The catering was done by Mr. Wills, who was assisted in the arranging of the tables, etc, by the ladies, of the above committee, Messrs. C. and P. Kimberley and V. Butler. Mr. House, who went through the whole of the South African War and was awarded a medal (Quenn Victoria’s reign), was called upon for a speech. Miss Holden, schoolmistress, was next presented with a gold brooch by Mr. P. Kimberley, an old schoolboy, who had been in different war zones, and lastly in Greece. This was the gift of her old boys, who had through the war. Miss Holden said the brooch would always remain one of her treasured possessions. After the speeches Mr. Cockerill gave selections on a gramophone. Songs were given by members of the party.

CRICK.
WARRIORS’ WELCOME HOME.—One of the most interesting gatherings in the history of the village was held at the new schools last Wednesday evening, when the returned soldiers and sailors were welcomed home. It was unfortunately impossible, owing to many being still with H.M. Forces, to secure the presence of all the men. But they were well represented by the 85 comrades who sat down. The arrangements were in the hands of the Crick Soldiers’ Fund committee, composed of the Rev. H. Hatherley, Dr. Smith, and Messrs. Cowley, Howkins, Jacob, Lewis, Marson, Morgan, F. Towers, and Spatshott. Proceedings commenced with a supper, an excellent repast admirably served by Messrs. Hobley, of Rugby. After the loyal toast had been honoured, Mr. Marson proposed “ The Crick Soldiers and Sailors,” and emphasised the debt of gratitude the village owed to those men who had so worthily upheld its traditions, and in cordially welcoming them home once more, thanked them for their great services. Dr. Smith, in responding, said he wished to lay particular stress on the work of the Soldiers’ Parcels Committee, and especially thanked Messrs. Lewis and Haswell and various ladies associated with them in this work during the war. Major Hemsley said many of the men present were doubtless glad to be free from various irksome, if necessary, phases of army life, and from the delicate attentions of sundry Sergeant-Majors ; but he could assure them no one appreciated more than he did the joy of being in old England once more (hear, hear). A smoking concert followed, during which cigarettes, etc., kindly given by Mrs. W. H. Cowley and Mrs. T. Cowley, were distributed. A delightful and varied entertainment was given by the White Jester Concert Party from Birmingham, whose efforts during the war have been indefatigable. They have given over 100 voluntary entertainments in aid of the Red Cross, etc.

CHURCH LAWFORD.
WAR SAVINGS ASSOCIATION.—A public meeting was called last week to consider the advisability or otherwise of closing this branch. There was a very small attendance, besides the hon. Treasurer and secretary only about half a dozen members showing up. After some discussion it was decided to wind the branch up—that is, the adults’ part—as Miss Price has offered to continue the children’s branch, which is doing very well. Since the commencement they have put in £170 5s. 6d. The Association started on July 29, 1916, and the total received up to date is just over £1,700. This includes the two villages, Church Lawford and Kings Newnham. Both Mr. A. Appleby, the hon. Treasurer, and Rev. H. Smith, who was ably carried out the duties of hon. secretary, were warmly thanked for their services. Mr. Appleby, who is leaving the village, was asked to accept the best wishes of the other members of the committee. Thanks were also passed to Miss Price for her work in connection with the children’s branch. At the close of the meeting Mr. Appleby handed to Miss A. W. Townsend 10s., which was left over from the Soldiers’ Christmas Parcels Fund, and this, with a small balance which Miss Townsend has in hand from another source, it was decided to send to the St. Dunstan’s home for blind soldiers.

A FEW WORDS to Employers.

THERE ARE MANY MEN WHO FOUGHT HARD FOR YOU who are ready to work hard for you. They are waiting now for jobs which you have, or will soon have, open. Some of them are receiving Out-of-Work Pay at the Employment Exchanges. They would rather work.

You can help in the great resettlement in industry which is now in progress by notifying existing and impending vacancies for men (or women) to the nearest Employment Exchange.

AMONG THOSE who are waiting are OFFICERS AND MEN OF HIGHER EDUCATION who, having finished Army service, have now to be placed in civil life. Most of these men have proved themselves leaders of men. Is not that a recommendation ? Can you employ them, or, aided by the State, train them ?

If you can employ or train an ex-officer or man of higher education, notify the fact without delay to the nearest District Directorate of Appointments Department (the Post Office will give you the address) or write direct to the Department at St. Ermin’s Hotel. S.W. 1.

DO NOT FORGET THE DISABLED.

Many an officer or man who is “ disabled ” in the military sense is quite fit for civil work. Thousands of these men have been found work.

THERE ARE highly educated women, too—WOMEN FITTED FOR PROFESSIONAL LIFE—who are anxiously seeking positions. Fully trained nurses, also those heroic women who braved danger and disease “ out there,” are now being demobilised and are seeking re-employment.

If you can employ a highly-educated woman, write at once to the Professional Women’s Registry, 16, Curzon Street, Mayfair, W.1, and see if they can help you.

If you want the services of a nurse who has returned to civil life, write to the Nurses Demobilisation and Resettlement Committee, 16, Curzon St., Mayfair, W.1., or in the case of Scotland, 112, George St., Edinburgh.

ALL the necessary Government organisation for resettlement of workers of both sexes and all classes has been set up. But it cannot succeed without your help. By communicating with any of the organisations referred to above you incur no liability. You will be helped as far as it is possible for willing service to help you. You will be put in touch with good men and good women, and you will be spared as much trouble as possible.

WORK MEANS HAPPINESS. To most of those who risked everything when the call of service came it means life.

Will you not co-operate with those whose task it is to effect complete resettlement ?

IN MEMORIAM.

EVANS.—In loving memory of WILLIAM, the beloved son of Mr. & Mrs. W. E. Evans (of Thurlaston), late 14th Batt., R.W.R., killed in action June 10, 1917.
“ Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away,
In Jesu’s keeping we are safe and they.
It is enough, earth’s struggles soon shall cease
And Jesus call us to heaven, perfect peace.”
—From Dad, Mother, Sisters & Brothers.

LEE.—In loving memory of Pte. W. LEE, 1st R.W.R., who died at Birmingham, June 5th, from wounds received in action on April 15th, 1918. After much suffering, sweet rest.—Lovingly remembered by his sisters, Polly, Em, and Alice.

LEE.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. WILLIAM LEE, 1st Royal Warwicks, died of wounds received in action in June, 1918.—“ Rest in peace.”—Fondly remembered by his sister Lou and Family at Long Lawford, also brother Dick and Family, Vicarage Hill.

 

6th Jun 1919. School’s Gift to the Hospital

SCHOOL’S GIFT TO THE HOSPITAL.—The principals of Arnold High School have decided that the school war memorial shall take the form of a gift of a massage couch to the Hospital of St. Cross, which will cost about £20, and last week a concert was given by the children of the Lower School and Kindergarten Department on the lawn at “ Eastfield,” Church Walk, in aid of this object. A good number of friends attended, and an excellent programme of character songs, dances, recitations, physical drill. and instrumental items was given. The children had been trained by Misses Pratt, Taylor, Darby, and Shepherd.

CAPT. A. J. HARRIS, R.E., son of Mr. A. Harris. Dunchurch Road, Rugby, has been awarded the O.B.E. (Military Division) for work done during the final operations on the Tigris with the 17th Division, ending at the battle of Shergat, south of Mosul.

SERGEANT GILBERT’S D.C.M.

SIR,—The following appeared in your last week’s issue :—The Distinguished Conduct Medal has been awarded to Sergt. E. R. Gilbert. R.E., attached to the 18th Div. Sig. Co., of Rugby. The official report says:—“ On October 28, 1918, near Sherqat, Mesopotamia, during an attack when the enemy’s fire was greatly impeding our advance, he was sent up the side of a spur to locate hostile machine guns. On reaching the top he found one gun, which he immediately charged, killing or capturing the entire team. His prompt and daring action materially relieved the situation.”

With reference to the foregoing it would appear that someone at the War Office has blundered.

My D.C.M. was awarded to me, according to the official account issued in November, 1918, For “ carrying despatches under heavy fire and maintaining continued communication with an isolated Brigade.”

Curiously enough, the place, Sherqat, and the date, October 28th, 1918, are quite correct. I should be very glad if you would correct this in your next issue.—Yours, etc.,

ERNEST R. GILBERT.
14 Willow Bridge Road, Canonbury, London, N.

DUNCHURCH AVENUE.
THE APPEAL FOR £5,000.
PROGRESS OF THE FUND.

To-day we give a list of local subscriptions to the fund for the re-planting of Dunchurch Avenue, the scheme for which was fully described in last Friday’s Rugby Advertiser.

As then stated, the proposal not only aims at the restoration of a famous beauty spot of leafy Warwickshire, but it is further meant to be a memorial to the gallant 29th Division who were billeted in the county before their departure for the heroic fighting in Gallipoli, and were inspected by the King in Dunchurch Avenue on May 12, 1915. To carry out the re-planting scheme the sum of £5,000 is required, and it is proposed to allocate the money as follows :— Monument to the 29th Division, £500 ; alterations to road, £500, re-planting trees, £2,500 ; maintenance, £1,500.

The treasurer of the fund is Mr. Edward Field, of Leamington, and the Rugby Advertiser will be pleased to acknowledge all subscriptions from its readers and to forward the same to him. Two new members of the committee are Lord Algernon Percy and Mr. C. E. Blyth, of Cawston, Rugby. . . . .

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GENEROUS CYCLISTS.
Writing in the “ Midland Daily Telegraph,” “ Rover ” says:—Many cyclists have imagined that the glorious avenue of trees that once led from the top of Knightlow Hill practically into Dunchurch village on the London Road were cut down either by a Government that wanted timber or landlord that wanted money. This was not the case. The trees were mostly elms, and the gales of 1915 denuded the avenue of no less than seventy-four of these trees, the roots of which do not take so firm a hold of mother earth as the British oak. The lord of the manor, the Duke of Buccleuch, who owned the grazing rights at the roadside as well as the land on which the trees stood, took expert advice, and was recommended to remove what might have been a source of danger to the travelling public. The result is that one of the pleasantest rides in the neighbourhood has become one of the least interesting. The felled timber lies all along the road, and gives a semblance of a continuous timber yard. As my readers have learned from “ The Midland Daily Telegraph,” a committee of the Warwickshire County Council met the Duke to discuss the question of renovation, and he has offered as a nucleus of the replanting fund to hand over half the net proceeds of the sale of the felled timber, and to renounce his rights over the unenclosed land on which grew the trees. This column is written by a cyclist for cyclists, and I feel sure that I shall not appeal in vain when I ask those who have enjoyed the shade of the Dunchurch Avenue on a hot day to subscribe to this fund. It Should be borne in mind that the avenue when replanted is to be a perpetual memorial to the gallant 29th Division who died in Gallipoli to save the honour and lives of Britons. These brave soldiers were, previous to that unfortunate expedition, reviewed by the King on the Dunchurch Avenue, and were also billeted in Warwickshire. Is it not fitting that a lasting memorial should be erected to their memory, and what is more suitable than the poplars, chestnuts, oaks, beeches, and pines which it is suggested should be planted to fill up the odd five miles of denuded avenue ?

It is also proposed, as you know, to erect a monument to the officers and men of this division, and to enable this to be done, as well as to maintain the tress, the sum of £5,000 is required. I know that the demands on one’s pocket are constant, but whatever we disburse will compensate for the loss of the gallant lives, and the least we can do is to subscribe willingly and generously in accordance with our finances. I always think that a subscription to a memorial should appeal much more strongly to the mind than any other form of appeal. It is a last tribute to the gallant dead, and I hope cyclists will respond heartily. All donations will be acknowledged in the columns of this paper, and the sums received handed to the Treasurer, Mr. E. Field, of Leamington. The proprietors of “ The Midland Daily Telegraph ” (Messrs. Iliffe and Sons, Ltd.) have subscribed £25 to the fund, and the writer appeals with confidence to the generosity of cyclists to see that this section of the community who use the roads assist to attain the required amount as soon as possible. I try to practice what I preach, therefore “ Rover ” has handed to the Editor his smite.

NOVEL SERVICE AT RUGBY.
V.A.D. FLAGS PRESENTED TO ST. PETER’S CHURCH.

On Sunday the flags used at the Infirmary V.A.D. Red Cross Hospital were deposited in St. Peter’s Church as an act of thanksgiving by the V.A.D.’s and the workers at the hospital. Special prayers of thanksgiving were offered at the celebrating of Holy Communion, and at the evening service, after the anthem “ Praise the Lord,” Mrs. Burdekin (commandant), accompanied by two V.A.D. Nurses, Miss Townsend and Miss Thompson, presented the colours at the alter rails to the priest in charge, the Rev. T. H. Perry. The Te Deum was sung after the Blessing.
It is proposed to hang the colours in the church.

DUNCHURCH.
The Dunchurch and Thurlaston District Nursing Association gratefully acknowledge a gift of dressings, linen, and other nursing requisites from Newnham Paddox Red Cross Hospital.

FINDING A JOB.
APPEAL TO EMPLOYERS.

SIR,—In view of the appeal made to employers by the Prime Minister, will you kindly allow us, through the medium of your valued columns, to make a special appeal to local employers of all classes of labour on behalf of our members ?

These are at present a large number of discharged sailors, soldiers and airmen out of employment in Rugby. These men are most anxious to obtain work, but are unable to do so. Many are men who, through wounds, are unable to go to their old trades, but are fully fitted for work where less physical strength is required. It must be admitted by all that this unemployment is bad for the men and worse for the nation.

Is it necessary that all employers should ask for men who have done their particular class of work before ? May we not submit that a little time should be given to teaching men who risked everything for those who are now asked to help them in return ?

There are men willing to work who are suffering in every way from this enforced idleness. The national bill for unemployment pay is mounting up. Under these circumstances we appeal to employers to make their wants known and give the men who have won the great victory and the Peace we are all discussing the first chance, in recognition thereof.

(Signed) J. CAIN, Chairman Rugby & District Discharged Sailors, Soldiers, etc., Association.
A. FARNDON, Chairman Employment Committee.
CHARLES E. JOYNES, Sec. Employment Committee.
40 Railway Terrace, Rugby.

IN MEMORIAM.

BENNETT.—Died March 22, 1918, or since, Rifleman FRED BENNETT, 17th K.R.R., late A.S.C., aged 22, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Bennett, Marton.

DOYLE.—In loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. TOM DOYLE, of Bourton, killed in action, June 6th, 1918, with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.
“ No one knows the silent heartache,
Only those can know
Who have lost their loved and dearest
Without saying good-bye.”
“ I miss dim and mourn him in silence unseen,
And dwell on the memories of days that have been.”
—Sadly missed by his loving wife & Children.

DOYLE.—In loving memory of my dear Sons and our dear Brothers, Pte. TOM DOYLE, killed in action June 6, 1918 ; Corpl. FRANK DOYLE, killed in action July 13, 1916 ; Pte. WILFRED DOYLE (BILL), killed in action November 11, 1917, the dearly beloved Sons of Betsy and the late Joseph Doyle, of Frankton.
—Sadly missed by their loving Mother, Sisters, and Brothers.

HANCOX.—In ever loving memory of my dear husband, FRANK, who died of wounds in France, June 5, 1918.—Inserted by his loving wife, Una, Daventry Street, Southam.
Out of the shadows of war into the light of Eternal Peace.

HANCOX.—In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, who died of wounds in France, June 5th, 1918.—Sadly missed by all.
No morning dawns or evening shadows flee without we think of thee.

LEE.—In loving memory of Pte. W. LEE, 1st R.W.R., who died at Birmingham, June 5th, 1918, from wounds received in action on April 15th, 1918. After much suffering, sweet rest.
—Lovingly remembered by his sisters, Polly, Em, and Alice.

TERRY.—In loving remembrance of our dear son, AMBROSE JOSEPH TERRY, R.W.R., who died of wounds on June 7th, 1917.
“ They miss him most who loved him best.”
—From Mother and Father.

30th May 1919. The Chronicles of 55 Squadron

THE CHRONICLES OF 55 SQUADRON
AN ECHO OF WAR TIME AT LILBOURNE AERODROME.

Captain L. Miller, of the R.A.F., now stationed at Cologne, has written a book under the above title—a book which should appeal very closely to members and ex-members of the Squadron. The profits will be handed to a R.A.F. charity, viz., “ The Flying Services Fund,” which is for the benefit of officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the R.A.F. who are incapacitated while on duty and for the widows and dependants of those who were killed or contracted injuries while on duty.

The matter is of interest to Rugby and district, as it will be recalled that 55 Squadron was stationed at Lilbourne during the winter of 1916 and early months of 1917. The Squadron left for France early in March, and during its service on the Western Front took part from the air in the Battle of Arras and Third Battle of Ypres, doing important bombing raids and reconnaissances. Subsequently in October, 1917, it moved down nearer the Vosges sector as the first Daylight Bombing Squadron, of what was afterwards known as “ The Independent Force,” and during its service there was responsible for raids such as those on Mannheim, Cologne, Frankfort-On-Main, Bonn, and in any others, most of which were mentioned in the Press at the time they took place, but of course the identity of the Squadron was not given.

THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL has been awarded to Sergt. E. R. Gilbert, R.E., attached to the 18th Div. Sig. Co., of Rugby. The official report says :—“ On October 28, 1918, near Sherqat, Mesopotamia, during an attack when the enemy’s fire was greatly impeding our advance, he was sent up the side of a spur to locate hostile machine guns. On reaching the top he found one gun, which he immediately charged, killing or capturing the entire team. His prompt and daring action materially relieved the situation.”

DEATH OF AN OLD VOLUNTEER.—The death took place on Wednesday in last week at his residence, 8 Earl Street, of Mr. Harry Barnett, aged 49. He was for many years a member of the Old Rugby Volunteer Company, and soon after the commencement of the war he enlisted in the Bridge Guarding Companies. He was subsequently sent to Egypt and India, where his health broke down, and he arrived home on May 1st a physical wreck, only to die three weeks afterwards. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. T. H. Perry (St. Peter’s) in the Cemetery on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large number of friends and sympathisers. The coffin was covered with a Union Jack, and a firing party was provided by Rugby Volunteers, under the command of Sergt.-Major W. H. Cluett. A number of wreaths were sent by relatives and friends.

WAR MONUMENT AT NEWBOLD.
DESIGN AND SITE ADOPTED.
COMPLAINTS OF APATHY AT PARISH MEETING.

On Friday last a parish meeting was held in Newbold Council School. The object was to receive the report of the War Memorial Committee. The meeting was most disappointing, as excepting the ten members of the committee, only about six villagers were present.

Mr. Martin said if this was representative of the interest taken by the parishioners, it seemed to be a foreboding that the whole thing would be a failure.

In the absence of Mr. C. E. Boughton-Leigh, the chair was taken by the Rev. J. B. Hewitt, who said the design for the monument had been decided upon and a site for it chosen. It was between the church and the road.

Mr J. P. Cox proposed, Mr. Harvey seconded, and it was unanimously agreed that the design placed before the meeting be provisionally accepted.

Alter discussion it was decided, on the proposition of the Rev. J. B. Hewitt, seconded by Mr. E. Dodson, that the meeting be adjourned until some future date, when it is hoped a more representative gathering will be present.

[drawing] Our illustration shows the design prepared for the memorial. The site chosen is in the churchyard, opposite the north porch. The idea upon which the design is founded is that the names of the fallen should be recorded on bronze tablets framed in stonework designed in the Gothic style in keeping with the architecture of the Church, and that the whole should be surmounted by a cross. The base of the structure is octagonal in shape, being divided into four wide and four narrow panels. The latter will be left blank, but the four wider panels will contain the bronze tablets. On three of these tablets will be recorded the names of the fallen, and on the fourth will be an inscription and particulars as to when and by whom the memorial was erected. It is also intended that a text should be incised in the stonework on the band running round near the base. The material proposed is a reddish-brown freestone similar in colour to that of which the church is built. The height of the monument will be about 15 feet. The total estimated cost is between £275 and £300.

The design is the work of Mr. S. J. Oldham, M.S.A., of Rugby.

THE PASSING OF DUNCHURCH AVENUE
EFFORT TO RESTORE A BEAUTY SPOT.
THE SCHEME FOR RE-PLANTING.
MEMORIAL TO THE GALLANT 29th DIVISION.

The question of the reinstatement of the famous Dunchurch Avenue is again cropping up. It was in 1917 that the lord of the manor, the Duke of Buccleuch, found it necessary to take action with a view to safeguarding the traffic along the famous road. The elm trees, many of them planted so long ago as 1740, were becoming increasingly dangerous, and finally, after a negotiation of several months’ duration with the Warwickshire County Council, the menace was removed by the felling of the trees, and the beautiful old avenue reduced to the naked unwonted appearance it now bears.

We have called attention to the matter in the Rugby Advertiser several times, and suggested that, seeing that the King on March 12, 1915, reviewed the immortal 29th Division on the London Road, in the parish of Stretton-on-Dunsmore, shortly before they went to become heroes at Gallipoli, there was an opportunity of erecting a lasting monument to the brave fellows who fell.

Since then the project has developed, and a committee has been appointed, consisting of the Chairman of the Warwickshire County Council, Lord Algernon Percy, Capt. Oliver-Bellasis (chairman of the County Roads and Bridges Committee) ; the Mayors of Coventry, Leamington, Nuneaton, Stratford, and Warwick ; County Aldermen the Hon. H. Arden Adderley and Mr. T. Hunter ; Capt. Wratislaw ; Messrs. Harry Smith, J. J. McKinnell, C.C., James Johnson, C.C., and F. R. Davenport, C.C. The Mayor of Warwick (Mr. Austin Edwards) is acting as treasurer and hon. secretary to the fund.

This body has been actively engaged in considering re-planting proposals, which are as follow :—
Commencing at the Coventry end of the Avenue, to plant the trees on the unusually wide margins of the road in the following order :—
Canadian poplars, 29.
Red chestnuts, 53.
Montana elms, 143.
Scarlet oaks, 149.
Beeches, 82.
Scotch pines, 90.
The trees will be planted about 50ft. apart except that the last 40 or 50 (Scotch pines) will be arranged in clumps.

The full length to be planted is 8,753 yards, and the total number of trees 546, with 78 extra as a reserve against failures.

£5,000 REQUIRED.
For this important work, together with the provision of a monolith as a memorial to the men of the 29th Division, the sum of £5,000 is required. That sum will be spent thus :—
Monument……………………… £500
Alterations to road……………. £500
Re-planting trees……………… £2,500
Maintenance…………………… £1,500

APPEAL TO THE RUGBY PUBLIC.
When the matter of a permanent memorial and organised action was first mooted Mr. A. E Donkin appealed to the people of Rugby on behalf of the scheme, and himself got up a concert in the Temple Speech Room in aid of the fund. As a result he was able to forward £35, but there was such apathy in the matter among the public generally that the town has done nothing more. The opportunity now recurs, for our contemporary —the “ Midland Daily Telegraph ”—has opened a subscription list, and has given a donation of £25. The Rugby Advertiser is sending five guineas to the fund.

If any of our readers would like to be associated with this public-spirited movement, and would care to send donations to the Editor of the Rugby Advertiser, he will see that they are forwarded to the proper quarter and duly acknowledged.

In helping forward this project for re-planting, the public will be aiding a worthy cause in a two-fold way. They will ensure by reason of the restoration of the Avenue that coming generations will enjoy a similarly delightful scene ; they will also be taking part in the provision of a memorial to the heroes of the gallant 29th Division.

A calculation over a considerable portion of the distance, and counting both sides of the road, shows that 20 trees to every 100 yards have been felled. At this rate some 1,000 trees have taken from the famous Avenue, but the figure can only be very roughly estimated.

LEAMINGTON RAISES £589.
At a meeting at Leamington, re the Dunchurch Avenue Fund, for the purpose of supplying a suitable memorial to the 29th Division, Mr. S. C. Smith, the hon. secretary, reported that there was a balance in hand of £589 19s. 5d.

Application has been made to War Office for two German guns captured by the 29th Division, which would form part of the Memorial. Delays have occurred in preparing the site for the memorial owing to the shortage of labour. Mr. Bridgman, of Lichfield, the architect appointed, attended, and the question of adding some wide stone steps to the memorial was discussed. It way decided that Mr. Bridgman should submit models of the memorial, with and without the steps, and then a discussion could take place as to which form the memorial should take.

MONEY IN WASTE PAPER.
HOW RUGBY BOYS HELPED TO WIN THE WAR.
41 TONS COLLECTED.

The final meeting of the Rugby Waste Paper Committee was held on Monday, Mr. J. J. McKinnell, J.P., presiding.

The Hon. Secretary (Mr. J. Reginald Barker) outlined the work accomplished during the 18 months’ activities of the committee. Over 41 tons of waste paper have been collected, the greater part being through the efforts of the boys of Murray and Elborow Schools. Messrs. Willans & Robinson, Ltd., had disposed of their office waste to the committee, devoting the proceeds to local charities ; and the boys of St. Oswald’s School, New Bilton, under the direction of Mr. W. A. Sheppard, and Bilton C.E. School had also assisted in the collection. A number of private purchases had also been made from persons who had given the money to charity. From time to time the committee had met and voted grants, including the following :— Rugby Prisoners of War Fund, £44 4s ; Hospital of St. Cross, £10 ; District Nursing Association, £10 ; St. John’s Ambulance, £10 ; Hamilton Home, £10 ; Rugby Town Red Cross Society, £10 ; and Willans & Robinson, Ltd., £10. They had had to purchase three trucks, but had sold one. There remained a disposable balance of £28 and two trucks, both having been recently repaired, painted, and put into quite new condition. Mr. Barker proposed that, in recognition of the services of the boys of Murray and Elborow Schools, the committee give these trucks to the schools, and upon being carried, Mr. W. T. Simmonds and Mr. Coles Hodges expressed their thanks, remarking that they would be extremely useful to the boys in many ways.

A discussion arose as to the best means of disposing of the balance in hand ; and the Hon. Secretary having stated that the Bilton collections had been made with a view of helping their local war memorials, the committee unanimously decided to give £10 to New Bilton per Mr. Sheppard, and £3 to Bilton per Mr. J. W. Higgie for that purpose. Other grants made were : £5 to Rugby Nursing Association, £5 to Hamilton Home, and £5 to Messrs. Willans & Robinson for any charity they cared to name.

The Chairman expressed his thanks to all who had helped in making the collections financially successful, not only to the advantage of the local institutions, but the nation also during the serious paper famine. He specially referred to the work of the boys of the schools under the supervision of Mr. Simmonds & Mr. Coles Hodges, and asked these gentlemen to convey to their boys the great appreciation of the committee for all they had done.

Mr. Coles Hodges said it had been very hard work for the boys, and he doubted if anyone other than those actually concerned in the collection realised what a vast amount 40 tons of loose waste paper represented and the work entailed in handling same.

On the proposition of Mr. Simmonds, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman.

IN MEMORIAM.

CONOPO.—In affectionate remembrance of our dear son and brother, WILLIAM CONOPO, who lost his life on H.M.S. Queen Mary, in the Battle of Jutland, May 31st, 1916.
“ Three years have passed since that sad day,
When one we loved was called away.”
Gone from our home, but never from our hearts.
—From his loving Father, Mother, Brothers, and Sisters.

GRANT.—In proud and ever-loving memory of our two sons, HARRY GRANT, Rifleman, 4th Batt. Rifle Brigade, “ missing ” during the night of the 8th-9th May, 1915, whilst out on advance post duty near Ypres, since presumed to have been killed in action on that date, and now in absence of any further news, confirmed, third son of George and Elizabeth Grant, of Newbold-on-Avon, aged 22. Also, on the 12th August, 1916, ERNEST GRANT, Acting Corporal, 3rd Batt. Rifle Brigade, previously wounded, killed by a sniper whilst out at night digging advanced trench with his section at Guillenmont, near Cobbles, second son of George and Elizabeth Grant, aged 26.
“ So they passed on, out of the warfare of the world into the peace of God.”
“ Their lives were perfect in loving unity,
And in their death they were not divided.”
E’en as they trod that day to God, so walked they from their birth,
In simpleness and gentleness, in honour and clean mirth.”

HALE.—In loving memory of my dear husband, PTE. A. G. HALE, killed in action May 28th, 1918. Gone, but not forgotten by his loving wife.

INGRAM.—In ever loving memory of my youngest and dearest son, PTE. LEONARD INGRAM, who died from wounds in France, May 29th, 1918. Never forgotten by his broken-hearted Mother and Brothers Joe, Arthur, and Val.
“ Forget him, No ! we never will ;
We loved him here and we love him still ;
Nor love him less because he’s gone
From here to his eternal home.”
“ God in His tender care His loved one keepeth,
And softly whispers to our hearts, ‘ He is not dead, but sleepeth.’”

SHARMAN.—In ever loving memory of PERCY J. SHARMAN, son of S. and F. Sharman, Queen Street, Rugby, reported missing 21st March—1st April, 1918, now presumed to have died on or about that time. He paid the big sacrifice and left his friends mourning.

 

23rd May 1919. Rugby Scouts who have Fallen.

RUGBY SCOUTS WHO HAVE FALLEN.
MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE PARISH CHURCH.
AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

A memorial service to the Rugby Scouts who fell during the war was held in the Parish Church on Wednesday evening. The troops assembled at the Murray School, and, headed by the B.T.H. Military Band, marched to the church via Murray Road, Whitehall Road, Hillmorton Road, High Street, Church Street, returning after the service via Clifton Road and Bath Street to the school. The arrangements for the service were in the hands of the Rev. T. F. Charlton. In the unavoidable absence of the District Commissioner (the Earl of Denbigh) owing to an engagement in London, and the County Commissioner (Lord Leigh), who was on official duty in connection with the Royal visit to Birmingham, the parade was in charge of Assistant District Commissioner C. C. Wharton, with Scoutmaster W. T. Cols* Hodges as his adjutant. Major Claude Seabroke, who is a vice-president of the Scouts ; Mrs. Seabroke, secretary of the Girl Guides’ Association, and Mr. J. J. McKinnell, a member of the Executive Committee of the Scouts, also attended the service. The whole of the nave was reserved for the Scouts, which they more than half-filled, and there was a considerable number of the public also present. The service was conducted by the Rev. T. F. Charlton and the Rev. R. B. Winser.

The Rev. T. Charlton read the list of names of the fallen as :—
S.M. I. B Hart-Davies, A.S.M.’s D. Hay, R. V. Wilson. H. J. F. Irving and J. Spencer, P.L.’s W. Lintern, C. Batchelor. S. Stibbard, B. Whitbread, S. H. Dicken and M. B. Andrews, 2nd P.L.’s W Page and R B. Pebody, Scouts C. S. Collins, L. S. Docker, S. Elliott, J. H. Jenkins, F. Moloney, H. Smith. W. Packwood, J. Seymour, T. Shone, E Colston, J. E. Bassett, W. Gibbs, H. Lister, and F. P. Watson.

The rev. gentleman remarked that these were all they had a record of. He also read the Scout promises, and the Scouts then repeated their pledge after him. The “ Last Post ” was sounded on bugles by A.S.M.’s Rufford, Herringshaw, and Donald Herringshaw, of the 5th Company, followed by the reveille. While this was done the colours were held by other Scouts standing at the foot of the chancel steps. The service concluded by singing three verses of the National Anthem.

FATE OF LIEUTENANT H. B. LEVER.
Vicar and Mrs. Lever Still Hopeful.

The retiring Vicar [of Hillmorton] received intimation on the 19th October that his youngest son, 2nd Lieut. H. B. Lever, was wounded on the 14th October. He joined the Colours June 10th, 1916, and after four months’ training at Tring left for France, and was slightly wounded in the left hand in battle on Easter Monday, 1917. On June 10th, 1917, he returned to England to take up a Commission. His Cadetship was spent at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and he was gazetted to the 5th Bedfords at the end of November, when, after four months at Crowborough, he crossed to France and shortly afterwards took a course of training in the Trench Mortars. The following letter was received by the Vicar, October 18, 1918 :—It is with great regret that I write to say that your son, 2nd Lieut. H. B. Lever, is wounded and missing. I have been all over the ground where the fight took place, and found his service book, but no other trace, and so there is every hope that he is a prisoner. I have very good evidence that the enemy were taking care of our wounded. He took part in an effort to get across a canal, and for the moment we were driven out. He had gained a great reputation with the Battery, and the men are full of praise for him, as also are the officers and men of this Battalion. Any news of his being a prisoner will come direct to you, and I should be glad if you would let us know if you hear, especially as I feel more than usual interest, as I know your district well.—Yours sincerely, alfred S. Mayne, C-F. C/E, H.Q., 1st Worcester Regt.

The following letter was received by Mrs. H. B. Lever on October 15, 1918.—Dear Mrs. Lever,—I am afraid I have to write and tell you that your husband was wounded on the 14th inst, by an enemy machine gun, and was, as far as I can ascertain, taken prisoner soon after. The information I can get is very scanty, as the whole of the detachment under his command also failed to come back, with the exception of one man, who was wounded early in the action, and was evacuated to hospital before I could see him. Your husband was co-operating with an Infantry Company on a very gallant action which had to be undertaken. I have interviewed the only surviving officer engaged, and he told me that the services rendered by your husband were invaluable, and that his bravery was magnificent. He had silenced several enemy machine guns, thereby saving for the time being many lives. His servant was with him when he was wounded, and was carrying him back when he, too, was shot. Your husband was last seen lying on a stretcher waiting to be evacuated when it was found that the Company was completely surrounded and outnumbered. We all trust that he is now a prisoner, and that he will recover from his wound, as he was captured soon after being hit. A search party was sent out to find him as soon as it was dusk, but they were unable to obtain any trace, and so I think we may hope that he will be safe. I will personally see that his kit is packed and forwarded in the usual way. Of your husband I cannot speak too highly. He was a man who I am proud to have had the privilege to have served with. His personal bravery under fire was known by everybody. On the 7th of this month his own gallantry saved a critical situation, and his conduct on that date has been spoken of by all the officers in the Brigade. He was respected and admired by all who knew him, his men trusted him implicitly, and we, his brother officers, cannot yet realise our loss. To us he is irreparable, both on parade and in the Mess. Please accept my sincerest sympathy, for though his loss to us seems everything, I believe I can realise vaguely what it means to you. There is hope, and I confidently believe that he will return to you when all this is settled.—Yours very sincerely, Robert E Barringer (Major).

The Vicar and Mrs. Lever most sincerely thank the parishioners for their kind sympathy in their great anxiety. They are still hopeful, as they have heard from a repatriated prisoner that their son was seen in a casualty clearing station some days after the action.

WELCOME HOME.—In continuation of the Baptist Sunday School Week, a supper and concert were given in the schoolroom on Tuesday evening last week to the old boys who have returned from the Army. About seventy invitations were sent out, and upwards of 40 old boys accepted. The Rev. J. H. Lees presided, and the church deacons present were : Messrs. G. H. Hardwick, J. A. Cooke, F. Cox, F. A. Parker, J. J. Thompson, and E. A. Greer. After an excellent supper, the Chairman imposed the loyal toast, and cordially welcomed the guests. A short address of welcome was also given by the church secretary, Mr. J. J. Thompson. Mr. W. Hill paid a tribute to the fallen, which was honoured in silence, and the health of the boys who have not yet returned, and of those who have returned, were proposed by Messrs. F. A. Parker and J. A. Cooke respectively, and responded to by Sergt.-Major Avery (who was home on leave) and Mr. Norman Harris. An excellent programme of music, etc., was supported by Mrs. Hutton, Miss Spencer, Messrs. H. Cawthorne, H. Birkett, Wheatley (cornet), Sladen (concertina), and Oewn (comedian). Mrs. R. C. Herron was the accompanist.

The following men of the Northants. Yeomanry have been awarded the Croce di Guerra by the King of Italy : Sergt. R. M. Allan (Clifton) and W. C. Berry (Rugby). Sergt. L. Pedley (Rugby), of the Northants Regiment, has also been awarded the Croce di Guerra.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
RUGBY SOLDIER’S PLEA.
“ IS THIS FAIR TREATMENT ? ”

SIR,—I am sending this letter to you, hoping you will find a little space for it in your valuable paper.

In am one of the Rugby Fortress Company, RE, and, as you know, we were formed in May, 1915, and during the three years and four months, during which time we have been in Egypt, not one-sixth of the Company have had “ Blighty ” leave—and our unit is not an isolated case either. Perhaps the people of Rugby, like everybody elsewhere, have the opinion that we have had a soft job out here, and do not want to get home. But such is not the case, I assure you. I will admit that we have not had such heavy fighting on this front, but we have had various other things to contend with.

My object in writing to you is to give you some idea of our chances of getting home, which at present amount to nil. Since the Armistice was signed not more than 35 of our chaps have been demobilised out of a strength of 150. What about the officers ? They have all been on leave to “ Blighty,” and one has gone home again, having signed on for the Army of Occupation. The officer who brought us out went on leave about May last year, and was recalled just before last Christmas. He is now following his civilian profession.

Now we come to the part which is getting our “ backs up.” Our present O.C. came back from “ Blighty ” leave in the first week of January this year, and probably before this letter is published he will be home again. No doubt it is another leave, but a permanent one.

Now I ask you : Is this fair treatment ? I know what my answer is—a big NO ! When he has gone we shall be left in charge of fresh officers, who, no doubt, will have very little interest in us. But I sincerely hope that our new O.C. will do more for his men than the old ones have done.

Hoping you will kindly publish this letter, and thanking you in anticipation,—Yours, &c.,
WAITING FOR DEMOB.
Egypt, May 4, 1919.

THE PEACE FESTIVITIES.
RUGBY COUNCIL ASKED TO VOTE £667.
SUGGESTED DATES NOT APPROVED.

The suggested dates for the national celebrations in connection with the declaration of peace—i.e., August 3, 4. and 5—do not meet with the approval of the local Peace Celebration Committee, and at a meeting on Tuesday evening the Urban District Council decided to write to the Local Government Board, suggesting that the celebrations should be put off till the end of August, which is usually regarded as the holiday month.

The question arose as a result of a letter from the committee asking the Council to grant £667 for expenses in connection with the celebration as under :—
Bands . . . . .£150
Fireworks … .. .. 223
Decorations . . . . 125
Procession . . . . . . 70
Entertainments . . . . 52
Sports and Ground . . . 45
Total . . . . £667

As regarded the provision of dinners for the old people and teas for the children, these would he provided by public subscription. The letter went on to state that the committee regarded the dates fixed as unsuitable and as likely to greatly reduce the support and attendance at the events proposed by the committee. They had decided to pass no resolution on the matter, pending official confirmation. A programme of events, which has already been published, was enclosed.

The Chairman (Mr. W. Flint) pointed out that one of the objections to the proposed dates was that the schools would then be closed, and if they wished to give a treat to the scholars it was essential that the schoolmasters and mistresses should be available to look after the children. He wished to know the feelings of the Council, and whether they would like to make any recommendation on the matter, because, if so, it would be wise to do so at once. During the early part of August many people would be away from home, and a large number had already made arrangements for that week. These people, however, would naturally prefer to be at home for the peace celebrations.

Mr. Hands suggested that the Council send a strong letter of protest against the proposed dates. If the date suggested by the Local Government Board was adopted, it would mean that hundreds of thousands of people up and down the country would be unable to take part in the festivities in their own towns. It was unfair to expect them to hold their festivities with the town depleted by at least one-third of the inhabitants.—Mr. McKinnell asked if the pronouncement had been declared authoritative. It had been stated in “ The Times,” but not in Parliament.—The Chairman : It was contradicted the next day.—Mr. Yates also spoke in opposition to the suggested dates, and said that at such a time people naturally wished to rejoice at home and amongst their own friends. The holiday month was not suitable for such festivities.—Mr. Hands pointed out that the later in the summer the celebrations were held the better it would be for the firework display. People would not want to look at the works in the daylight.—A resolution in the terms outlined above was passed.

With regard to the financial aspect of the letter, Mr. Linnell said Mr. Wharton had given definite estimates, but he hoped the Council would regard them as approximate and not tie the Committee down to these exact figures.—Mr. Wise agreed, and moved a resolution to the effect that the Council approve generally of the scheme prepared by the Peace Celebration Committee, and authorises the expenditure from the district fund of such sums as are approved and passed by the Committee’s Finance Sub-committee. He thought such procedure was in order, but whether the auditor would consider such expenditure reasonable it was impossible to say. He did not wish a resolution to be put down suggesting definite figures which the Committee would have to keep these or come to the Council every time they wanted to alter anything, and two or three things would want alteration if the celebration was held in August. Moreover, no credit had been allowed for what they might receive from New Bilton. New Bilton was to be included in the festivities at Rugby, and the New Bilton representatives on the committee were of opinion that when a rate was levied on Bilton the New Bilton share would be handed over to the Rugby Committee. This would probably amount to between £50 and £60.

The Clerk said he wished to utter a word of warning. They must be very careful about the rates from a neighbouring parish being spent in Rugby or any of Rugby’s rates being spent in another parish. Moreover, he doubted the ability of New Bilton to raise a rate.

Mr. Wise replied that the rate would he levied over the whole parish, and the arrangement was for the New Bilton share to be paid over to the Rugby Committee.

Mr. Stevenson said he did not agree with the proposal to leave the financial decisions in the hands of the Peace Celebrations Committee. This should be managed by the Council’s Finance Committee. These were gentlemen on the Finance Sub-committee of the Peace Committee who were not members of the Council which was responsible to the people.

The Chairman : Mr. Wise is Chairman of that Committee, and Messrs. McKinnell and Foxon are members. The only person unconnected with the Council is Mr. Fraser, so we are quite safe. We all know how Mr. Wise looks after the interests of the town.

Mr. McKinnell : Mr. Davenport is a member.

Mr. Wise : And Mr. Whiteley.

Mr. Stevenson : I have no doubt with regard to the Committee. It is the principle.

Mr. Wise said he shared Mr. Stevenson’s feelings in the matter, but the whole thing had been allowed to pass out of their hands. Like Topsy, the Committee had “ growed,” and no one knew how it had grown. While the principle expounded by Mr. Stevenson was quite right, they had now reached such a stage when it was impossible to proceed upon it, but he could assure them no excessive expenditure would be passed by the Finance Committee. In fact, he would be prepared to bring any matter he thought fit before the Council. He was not afraid of being in a minority of one.

The resolution was agreed to.

DEATHS.

BARNETT.—On May 21st, at 8 Earl Street, Rugby, 203588 Rifleman HENRY ALFRED JOHN BARNETT, only son of Mrs. Barnett, aged 49 years.—R.I.P.

IN MEMORIAM.

BASKOTT.—In loving memory of Pte. Edward Baskott, second son of Walter and Elizabeth Baskott, late of Rugby, died of gas poisoning May 14, 1918, at the 1st Australian Hospital, Rouen. “ They miss him most who loved him best.”

BRADSHAW.—In loving memory of Corporal F. J. Bradshaw, Royal Engineers, killed near Bailleul, May 23th[?], 1918. Deeply mourned by his brothers. “ Sleep on, dear brother, and rest in peace.”

HUDSON.—In loving memory of Henry John Hudson, of New Bilton, who died in Chatham Naval Hospital, May 20th, 1917.

MASON.—In loving remembrance of Arthur Alec Mason, od Long Buckby, who was lost on H.M.S. Goliath in the Dardanelles, May 13th, 1915.
“ Until the day breaks.”

PERRY.—In loving memory of Pte. A. J. Perry, Royal Marine L.I., who died of wounds in France, May 22, 1917.
“ Fresh in our hearts his memory clings,
Yet still out grief is sore :
Not dead to those who loved him,
Not lost, but gone before.”
—From Mother, Brother, and Sister.

VICKERS.—In loving remembrance of our dear son-in-law, Sergt. T. C. Vickers (Tom), Warwick Yeomanry, torpedoed on Leasow Castle May 27th, 1918.
“ Oh ! For the touch of a vanished hand,
For the sound of a voice that is still.”

16th May 1919. Rugby Lady Honoured, Dr. Frances Iverns’ War Work Recognised

RUGBY LADY HONOURED.
DR. FRANCES IVERNS’ WAR WORK RECOGNISED.
RECEPTION IN EDINBURGH.

There was a large and representative gathering at the Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, where the Scottish Women’s Hospitals held a reception in honour of Miss Frances Ivens, M.S., M.B., on the occasion of her return from Royaumont. Among those present were Lady Salvesen, Sir George and Lady Berry, Sir Robert and Lady Cranston, Sir John and Lady Cowan, Sir Edward and Lady Schafer, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Drummond, Dr. and Mrs. Wallace Williamson, Dr. and Mrs. Chalmers Watson, Dr. Ethel Cassie, Dr. Marian Erskine, Dr. Mary MacNicol, and Miss S. E. S. Mair.

Sir George Berry presided, and Dr. Ivens gave an account of her experiences from the time she first went out in December, 1914. She was appointed to take charge of the hospital unit sent out to work under the French Red Cross. The unit was installed in the Abbaye de Royaumont, and for her services there she was decorated by the French President with the Cross of the Legion of Honour. In 1917 she was asked to take charge of an advanced hospital at Villers Cotterets. Work was continued there until May, 1918, when the advance of the enemy made it necessary to evacuate. Many of the patients and all the staff went to Royaumont, where the work was exceptionally heavy for some months. The number of beds had been increased from 100 to 600, and the hospital was taken over by the French military authorities. In recognition of her services during the bombardment and evacuation of Villerss Cotterets, the French Army bestowed on Dr. Ivens the Croix de Guerre avec Palmes.

Dr. Ivens and Miss Ruth Nicholson, M.B., B.S.. were also entertained to luncheon by the committee. Miss S. E. S Mair presiding. There were also present Mrs. James Hunter (chairman). Mrs. Lawrie (hon. treasurer), and Miss Frances Simson (President of the Scottish Federation of Societies for Equal Citizenship).

BACK FROM THE WAR.
ST PHILIPS CONGREGATIONAL HONOURS RETURNED HEROES.
AN ENJOYABLE EVENING.

“ We have not forgotten you in the years of war. We should be very glad to see again all you who have come back, and we are sure you would like to meet your pals.”

In these words the congregation of St. Philip’s Church invited the returned sailors and soldiers of the district covered by the Church to supper and a concert in the St. Philip’s Hall on Wednesday, the 7th inst., and the result was a merry and enjoyable party. About 240 invitations were sent out, and upwards of 150 men responded to the invitation. The arrangements were made by the Rev. R. B. Winser, priest-in-charge, assisted by the Church Council and Ladies’ Guild, and no effort was spared to make the gathering what it subsequently transpired to be—a first-class success. The large room had been tastefully decorated with flags and bunting, and to add to the comfort of the guests, and to maintain the room at a moderate temperature, Mr. J. C. Harratt installed three temporary electric lamps, thus obviating the use of gas.

Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. J. Such, who was responsible for the catering, an excellent supper, reminiscent of pre-war days, and consisting of ham and tongue, roast beef, veal, plum puddings, jellies, and innumerable pasties, was served up by members of the Ladies’ Guild, the choir, and congregation. After supper cigars and cigarettes, kindly given by Mr. F. van den Arend, were handed round, and after the tables had been cleared, an excellent concert was given.

During an interval in the programme Mr J. C. Harratt extended a very hearty welcome to the guests on behalf of the congregation and friends of the Church, and said he was pleased that the invitation had been accepted by so many. During the past four years they had been engaged on a very unwelcome task, which they had carried to a successful conclusion, but during the whole of those four years their friends had met in St. Philip’s Church week by week to think of them. They had looked forward to the time when they could welcome them back, and he was very grateful to think so many had been spared to return. He trusted this would not be the last time on which they would all meet together.

Lieut. Sudworth, formerly at Rugby, on behalf of his comrades, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the congregation and all who had provided such an excellent spread. They all felt very grateful for being asked to meet each other in that way. Of course, when they were “ out there ” they knew they were being thought of by those at home, and it was a great help to them (applause). In fact, he often wondered what they would have done without such knowledge. No one who had been at home all the time knew what it was to those who were really in the thick of it to know that those at home were thinking of them in the real way. Now that they were back again, although they were not all yet out of the Army, it was a great joy for them to meet each other, because, although perhaps they might not know each other, they had all been doing the same thing in different ways and different fields. He called for hearty cheers for the congregation.

These having been given, one of the guests asked for “ three cheers for the parson,” which were also accorded.

Mr W. T. Simmonds then asked the men to stand and “ think of the men who used to worship in this building and St. Philip’s Church, or to live and work in the neighbourhood, who are now lying in heroes’ graves out yonder.”

Mr Simmonds then addressed the company, and said, while many of them had met in that room on many occasions, he believed none had been such a happy one as that that night (applause). It was a real pleasure for those who had not had the privilege of going out to fight to meet the fellows who had come back. They had been with them in thought and spirit, and they welcomed them back because they had proved themselves to be men, real noble men. They had fought the good fight, and because they did it with all their might they had won. He had heard some of them say they would not go through it again ; that was perfectly natural, but he believed that if the country was faced with the same circumstances, and made a call as in 1914, every one of them would spring to the colours again to lend a hand (applause). In spite of the difficulties, dangers and privations through which they had passed, they would risk it all again for the sake of their honour and to do what was right and true for a little State oppressed by a great, brutal enemy. They had come through the thick of it, and remember that their lives had been spared for some real cause, and they must be quite certain they made the best use of it.

One of the guests, Mr. H. J. Williams, also returned thanks and said the soldiers had not been “ out there ” alone, because they had had the thoughts of the friends at home. Those in England who had been unable to go out to the front—the munition workers and people engaged on other work—had all been helping to win the war, so the soldiers could not claim all the honours. He was pleased to think they had come through successfully, but he hoped they would never have another war like this one (applause). Although, as Mr Simmonds had said, if another such war did break out, every man who was able would volunteer again. It was only the voluntary spirit which pulled them through ; they were not like the Germans, forced into it, nor did they have rifles at their backs to force them on. They had always gone on, and had carried right through to the end, and that was what had brought them through victoriously.

The Rev. R. B. Winser said he spoke in two capacities, because he, too, had been out there ; and he, therefore, sat down and enjoyed his supper with the rest. In the words of the letter of introduction, he was “ meeting his pals,” and he greatly appreciated what the congregation had done for them. It had been no small matter and they owed it to the extraordinary energy and ability of Mrs Such and her helpers. He wished to say a few words about the spirit with which they had got to go ahead. They had won the war, and now they had got to win the peace. The victory pamphlet which had been distributed amongst them expressed, in a wonderful way, the sort of ideas that they had got to get into their minds. They had got to have that spirit of comradeship which all felt in the days behind them, when they had a pal on each side of them, and they could not, dare not, let him down. One Sunday he went to a meeting of the Discharged Sailors’, Soldiers’, and Airmen’s Association, and it was perfectly splendid to see the same kind of men whom one had met out in France, although they were not now in khaki. All the men seemed to be moved by this spirit of comradeship and a determination to make this a better England, a better world. They had got a big job in front of them, but, please God, they would do it, and win the peace as they had won the war (applause).

Mr. G. Seere, an old sailor, who has seen service during the present war, then mounted the platform, and said : “ I want to speak a few words on behalf of the Navy (applause). “ The Press,” he added, “ had in the early days continually asked : ‘ What is the Navy doing ?’” and he was very sorry that Admiral Jellicoe’s book was so expensive, otherwise they would be able to read for themselves what the Navy had done. He concurred in the expression of thanks to the organisers of that gathering.

The following contributed to the programme, the majority of the items being encored :—Mesdames Hutton and Yuille Smith, and Messrs. T. W. Cook, Burton, Ballard, Whitmore, Martin, Prior, Warden, F. Giggs, Seere, Pierce, Mercer, Soden, and Lummas.

The whole of the cost was borne by subscriptions from members of the congregation and friends.

FATALISM AT THE FRONT.
ARMY CHAPLAIN ON MASCOTS.
THOUGHTFUL ADDRESS TO RUGBY BAPTISTS.

The scheme for raising funds for the purchase of a new organ at the Baptist Church, Rugby, which it has been decided to erect as a war memorial, was successfully launched on Wednesday. The present organ, which came from Worcestershire, was purchased when the church was erected, and placed in a new case. It was an old instrument at the time, and is now becoming quite worn out. It is estimated that the new one will cost at least £1,000, and it is intended to place brass tablets on it with the names of all the boys connected with the Church who went to the war, with another special tablet for those who fell.

A service was held on Wednesday, the 7th inst., at which a sermon was preached by the Rev. T. N. Tattersall, of Kettering (late Lieut. Col.. D.S.O., Chaplain to his Majesty’s Forces). A tea was afterwards held in the schoolroom, at which between 200 and 250 sat down. The whole of the tea, &c., was given by members of the Church, and as 9d. each was charged for admission—the whole of which will be clear profit—a good sum will be added to the fund, which was commenced by a donation of £100 from the Rev. James Butlin, of Leamington, who has been such a good friend to this Church—it was largely through his instrumentality that the present buildings were erected.

Another service was held in the Church on Wednesday evening. The Rev. J. H. Lees said they were only following the popular idea in deciding to have a war memorial. Considering the small amount the old organ cost, he thought it had served them extremely well, for Mr. Chaplin, their organist, gave him an ultimatum about five years ago that it might collapse at any time. So that this war memorial arose out of a very distinct need. Not the least of the mercies of God was the fewness of the fallen in comparison with the number who joined from their Church. Mr. Lees then read a list of 120 names of those who had joined the Forces, of whom 13 had either been killed, or died of wounds or sickness.

FATALISM IN THE ARMY.
The Rev. T. N. Tattersall said the choir was so good that he thought they could very well do without an organ, and he advised Mr. Lees when he made his next appeal not to have the choir there. Mr. Tattersall also made a reference to the late Mr. Greer, who, he said, had fathered him in his first pastorate. The speaker said he had not come to tell them any fairy stories about what he had seen at the front, but to speak to them about fatalism there, because it was the religious belief at the front which swayed the minds and hearts of men of all ranks from the highest to the lowest. There were really four groups of men in the Army. The first was composed of adventurers, men who loved fighting for its own sake, and because there was trouble they must be in the midst of it. The second group was made up of spiritual adventurers or Crusaders—men who never dreamed they would ever put on khaki, and who loathed and detested war. But they felt that their country was in the right, and was fighting for the liberties of the world, and they would have felt shamed in their own eyes if they had not gone. In the third group they found the true patriots who were imbued with the patriotism that lifted men out of their little selves, and called from them the best they had to give. When the war broke out some of them had difficulties with their friends as to the meaning of patriotism. Some people argued that we were all of one blood, and that we should love all nations as we did our own. But God had set a limit to our affections, and it was only right that our country should stand before all others. In the fourth group were the pressed men, which comprised those who had gone because the moral pressure brought to bear upon them was greater than they could resist, as well as the men who went under the Conscription Act. But at the front you could not distinguish one group from another, for they all had to live together in the greatest moral, mental, and physical contact. And as a pebble was worn smooth by its contact with others, so these men were speedily changed in their outlook. And they all came under that influence of what we call fatalism, although naturally, as they had so many different types of men, so it expressed itself in so many different forms. With some men luck and fate were synonymous terms. If you asked one why a bullet passed through his helmet into the head of his comrade he would tell you it was luck. He got to believe in a power that was ruthless and remorseless, but which could be appealed to and placated, but in very childish ways. They found as gross superstition in the Army as in darkest Africa. A million and a-half of mascots were sold in London alone and sent to the front. Did they realise what that meant? A man going to the front said “ Goodbye ” to his girl, and took with him half a threepenny piece, or a lock of hair, or something of the kind. Presently he began to invest that with occult powers, and believed that as long as he kept that safely about him this destroying power would pass him over, but that if he lost it he would be broken at once. These men were not ignorant, but included men of intelligence and education, some being even officers in command.

FINANCIAL RESULTS.
Mr. Thompson, the secretary, announced that Mr. James Butlin had sent a cheque for £100, and the choir had promised to raise another £100, the total sum promised amounting to £342 19s.

Mr. Lees said that some 18 or 19 people had that day given him £5 each, making, with Mr. Tew’s gift of £25, no less than £125.

Later in the evening Mr. Thompson announced that £48 5s. 6d. more had been promised that evening : the collection in the afternoon amounted to £2 3s. 9d. and in the evening to £7 1s. 3d., and the profit from the tea to £7, making £411 9s.

ST. MATTHEW’S SCHOOL CONCERT.
SUCCESSFUL RUGBY EFFORT FOR WAR MEMORIAL FUND.

The Large Co-operative Hall was crowded on Thursday evening, when an enjoyable concert was given by the pupils of St. Matthew’s Boys’, West Council Girls’, and St. Matthew’s Infant Schools in aid of the St. Matthew’s Old Boys’ War Memorial Fund. The programme was excellently rendered from start to finish, and was heartily appreciated. The concert will be repeated this (Friday) evening. A full report will appear in our next issue.

IN AND AROUND RUGBY.
GRATEFUL BELGIANS.—The Ursuline Sisters, who escaped from Belgium during the German advance in 1914, and who will be remembered as having helped Mrs. Mulliner, of Clifton Court, with the refugees at The Beeches, Clifton, and at Newton House, have lately been repatriated. They reached their old convent at Lierre safely, only to find that it had been burned to the ground by the Huns. Temporary shelter has, however, been given them by the inhabitants of Lierre, and they have now resumed their charitable work. Several letters have been received by Mrs. Mulliner from the Sisters, expressing the deepest gratitude both to her and to all the friends who showed them such kindness during their enforced exile at Rugby.

MISTERTON-CUM-WALCOTE.
WAR MEMORIAL.—Walcote schoolroom was crowded on Thursday night on the occasion of a public meeting called what from the local war memorial should take. Lieut.-Col. G. W. Hobson took the chair, and it was decided to place a handsome mural brass in Misterton Church to memory of the fallen, and also—subject to sufficient funds being forthcoming—to erect a Memorial Hall in Walcote village. A strong committee to canvass for subscriptions was appointed.

THE PEACE CELEBRATIONS.
THE ARRANGEMENTS AT RUGBY.
A GREAT DAY OF FIREWORKS.
AMUSEMENTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG.

With the presentation of the Allies’ Peace terms to the German delegates the signing of Peace is brought appreciably nearer, and the question, “ What is to be done at Rugby to celebrate it ? ” is continually being asked.

In order to try to satisfy this quite reasonable desire for information, a representative of the Advertiser called upon Mr. C. C. Wharton, the hon. secretary to the committee, and enquired what progress had been made in this direction.

A Question of Money.
Mr. Wharton, however, pointed out that so far very little progress has been possible owing to the fact that the committee had no idea how much money they could spend ; and, secondly, the date of the celebrations had not then been fixed, and until this was known it was impossible to expect people to work as enthusiastically as if for a given date.

Entertainments for Old and Young.
With regard to the dinner to the aged people and the children’s tea, he pointed out that these would naturally have to be paid for by subscriptions, but the cost of the town decorations, fireworks, &c., might be met from the rates ; and until it was known how much would be granted from this source the hands of the committee were more or less tied.

Elaborate Firework Displays.
We understand that it is proposed to spend about £200 on fireworks, and for this sum Messrs. Wilders, Birmingham, have contracted to supply a very elaborate programme of all kinds of mechanical devices, set pieces, flares, rockets, bombs, &c., in addition to balloons and daylight fireworks for the children’s day celebrations.

Street Decorations.
A somewhat elaborate scheme of street decorations and illuminations has been considered by the committee ; but, owing to an unforseen hitch, it is probable that this will have to be considerably modified. However, the decoration and illumination of the Benn Buildings, Clock Tower, and various points in the centre of the town will be under the supervision of the committee, and all that is required to assure a scheme worthy of the town and the occasion is a generous contribution from the rates.

The School to Co-operate.
It has now been decided that Rugby School will not disperse for the Peace celebration, and they will accordingly co-operate with the town in the local festivities. To this end two members of the School, Mr. C. G. Steel and Rev. E. F. Waddy, have been elected to the Town Committee, which now consists of Messrs. W. Flint (chairman), J. J. McKinnell, J. Carter, W. H. Cluett, F. E. Hands, R. S. Hudson, C. H. Rowbottom, J. J. Scrivener, A. F. Bennett, H. N. Sporborg, H. Tarbox, Mrs. H. C Bradby, Mrs B. B. Dickinson, Mrs. A. K. Morgan, Miss E. Elsee and Mr. J. H. Veasey (representing New Bilton), Mr. C. G. Steel and Rev. E. F. Waddy (representing Rugby School).

DATES OF CELEBRATION FIXED.

AUGUST 3, 4, AND 5.

As we go to press we learn on the authority of “ The Times ” that it has been decided, should the Peace Treaty have been duly signed, to hold the National Peace Celebrations on August 3, 4 & 5.

Sunday, August 3, will be devoted to religious services of thanksgiving ; August 4, the Bank Holiday, is the fifth anniversary of the declaration of war by Great Britain against Germany. Another consideration which has, doubtless, weighed with the Government in selecting the dates mentioned is that they cover a period generally devoted to holiday-making, and consequently there will be the minimum dislocation of public business.

IN MEMORIAM.

EYDEN.—In proudest and ever-treasured memory of CLARENCE ALFRED EYDEN, who, in the Great European War, laid the richest of all gifts on the Altar of Duty—HIS LIFE. After three years’ active service in the Royal Engineers, he was killed in action in France on May 18th, and buried at St. Omer on Whit-Sunday, May 19th, 1918 ; aged 27 years.

LENNARD.—In loving memory of Sapper W. J. LENNARD, 98328, R.E., missing April 11, 1918, now reported killed on that date, the beloved husband of Harriett Lennard (nee Lee), of Ullesthorpe.—Sadly missed and silently mourned.

LIXENFIELD.—In loving memory of Lance-Corpl. JACK LIXENFIELD, Royal Engineers, who died of wounds on May 13, 1917.—“ He that is faithful unto death receiveth a crown of life. Remembered by Lil.

SMITH.—In ever-loving memory of our son and brother, Trooper WILLIAM SMITH, Leicestershire Yeomanry, of Blakenhall Cottage, Lutterworth (late at Eathorpe), who was reported missing on May 13, 1915.—Gone but not forgotten by his loving Mother, Father, Brothers and Sisters.