26th Oct 1918. The Influenza Epidemic.

THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

The Medical Officer of the Local Government Board has drawn up a Memorandum on Influenza, which is being circulated to local authorities. Emphasis is laid on the fact that control over the disease is only practicable by the active co-operation of each member of the community. This co-operation involves considerable self-denial on the part of affected persons.

Even experts find difficulty in defining influenza, and the medical profession is ignorant as to the causes which lead to the occasional world-wide spread of the disease, such as is now being experienced. The only safe rule is to regard all catarrhal attacks and every illness associated with rise of temperature during the prevalence of influenza as infectious, and to adopt appropriate precautionary measures. In present circumstances, to quote official advice, “ every patient who has a severe cold or fever should go to bed and stay there for three or four days.”

Unfortunately one attack of influenza does not confer any considerable immunity against repeated attack. Frequently the patient does not realise the serious nature of his illness for several days, and it is probable during the earlier stages that infection is chiefly spread. Compulsory notification is not regarded as likely to be of practical use in present circumstances.

RULES FOR PATIENTS.

The following measures for patients are officially recommended :—

Isolation.—If every person suffering from a fever, with or without catarrh, were willing and able to stay at home for a few days the spread of disease in factories and workshops, offices and shops, schools and other institutions would be greatly reduced.

Personal Precautions.—Avoid scattering infection in sneezing and coughing. Use a handkerchief to intercept drops of mucus ; the handkerchief should be boiled, or burnt if of paper. Expectoration should be received in a special receptacle, its contents being subsequently disinfected or burnt. General disinfection of premises after influenza is not required, but a thorough washing and cleaning of rooms and their contents and washing of articles of bedding or apparel is desirable.

Relapses—Influenza is very liable to relapse ; and pneumonia may occur as a late as well an early complication. Relapse is less likely if the patient goes to bed at once, and remains there till all fever has gone ; avoidance of chill or over-exertion during convalescence is also of great importance. The use of boracic and weak saline solution for frequent irrigation of the nasopharynx is recommended.

Nursing.—Satisfactory nursing is important in the prevention of complications and in aiding recovery from a severe attack.

A HEAVY DEATH-RATE.

Rugby, in common with the rest of the country, is in the grip of the influenza germ, and many hundreds of persons of all ages have affected. The epidemic is of a very virulent character, and in many cases has been followed by pneumonia. School children apparently fall easy victims to the germ, and so many little ones have been attacked that most of the schools in both Rugby and New Bilton have been closed.

The majority of Rugby doctors are away on active service, and those remaining in the town are working at exceptionally  high pressure ; and in several cases queues of people have formed up outside the surgery door. The shortage of nurses has also added to the difficulties in dealing with the epidemic, and on Wednesday an appeal was issued by the Urban District Council for voluntary helpers to undertake the duties of visiting the sick.

Since the outbreak assumed serious proportions—i.e, about October 14th, the death-rate of Rugby and New Bilton has been exceptionally high, and already eighteen deaths due to influenza and pneumonia have been recorded.

FUTURE FOOD SUPPLIES.
GREATER SELF DENIAL NEEDED.

All the informed opinion that can be tested agrees that the housewife’s difficulties may be even greater this winter than they were a year ago. Supplies, with care will be sufficient, but there will be nothing to spare. Meat will certainly be much scarcer, and the bread position is again causing anxiety. Up to the present we have avoided the rationing of bread in this country, and it is hoped that this state of things may continue. But that is by no means certain. Owing to bad weather, the yield of the home market has not come up to the expectations formed before it was gathered, and the statistics of consumption show a disquieting increase.

It must not be supposed because the War news is so good that our food difficulties are disappearing. Quite the contrary. There could be no improvement during this winter if the War were to end to-morrow, and those whose business it is to watch the situation all agree that there will be a world shortage of foodstuffs for at least two or three years after the War. Our position this winter is certainly no better, and will probably be worse, than that of last winter, and it will be much aggravated by the shortage of coal. We must try to get through this winter without calling on shipping at all for the importation of food. That is vital to the presence of such an overwhelming number of men of the Allied forces on the Continent by spring as will ensure the victorious and early end of the War. The men have to be brought across the Atlantic in ships, which cannot be used for other work at the same time. The warnings that economy in foodstuffs is necessary are very seriously meant.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Sec Lieut Ernest Thompson, R.G.A, Siege Battery, eldest son of Mr Edward Thompson, Head Master of East Haddon School, died of wounds in France on October 16. He was educated at the Northampton County School, and won one of the first Northants County Council Scholarships at Cambridge, where he had a very successful career, and secured an Open Scholarship. Five years ago he was appointed to the Head Mastership of a Secondary School in Norfolk. He had only been in France a fortnight when news was received of his death.

We regret to announce the death in action on Oct 8th of 2nd Lieut T S Owen, son of Mr H Starr Owen, of Drayton, Wylde Green. Sec Lieut Owen come to Rugby as a member of the local staff of Lloyds Bank in 1905, and resided at “ Belgrave,” Clifton Road. He was an enthusiastic sportsman and a member of the Dunsmore Golf Club, St Andrew’s Tennis Club, and the Hockey Club. He joined the Rugby Howitzer Battery immediately on the outbreak of war, and proceeded with them to France. when he served for two years. He came home on sick leaves and on re-joining the forces he was given a commission and posted to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He had only been in France about three weeks before his death.

Driver Harold Fredk Flowers, Mechanical Transport eldest son of Mr E Flowers, Vicarage Hill, Clifton, died of sickness in hospital at Birmingham on October 18th. He was 25 years of age, and had been wounded twice. He formerly worked at the B.T.H.

Pte Charles Sanderson, of the K.O.S.B, son of Mrs Sanderson, of 50 Lawford Road, New Bilton, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery in the field. Pte Sanderson, before joining up, was in the employ of Messrs Parnell & Son for many years. He is serving in the K.O.S.B’s as a stretcher bearer.

Gunner A J Renshaw, late of the Howitzer Battery, is lying in hospital at Rouen dangerously wounded in both arms, both legs, and head. The left leg has been amputated. He has served 3½ years in France, and was with a Lancashire Battery  at the time of receiving his wounds. His relatives reside at 149 Oxford Street, Rugby.

WOUNDED SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED.—On Saturday last the members of the Co-operative Women’s Guild invited wounded soldiers to a tea and entertainment. About 100 were present, and spent a most enjoyable time. After tea the programme was sustained by local artistes, and also some of the guests. The whole concluded with a dance.—Wounded soldiers were also entertained at the Church House on Saturday by members of the Women Workers’ Federation.

RUGBY TOWN HOSPITAL.—The wounded soldiers greatly appreciate the kindness of the ladies and gentlemen who each week provide them with such excellent concerts. For the one on Saturday last they were indebted to Mr F Giggs, who is always a favourite with the boys ; the Misses Shillitoe, Mr A Woodhams, Pte Foster, and Pte Thornley. On Wednesday evening the programme was sustained by Mr J T Clarke and a party of friends from the Congregational Church.

ABSENTEES.—At the Police Court on Thursday (before Mr A E Donkin), George Henry Websdale was charged with being an absentee.—P.S Hawkes said defendant was employed by Broncho Bill’s Wild West Show, and when witness asked him if he had any papers to show why he was not in the Army, he produced a discharge certificate, which had been altered in several instances.—Remanded to Petty Sessions.—Robert Yelding, equestrian, employed by the same company, was also remanded after evidence had been given by P.C Bryan.—Archibald Somerville, Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, and Driver Leonard Lee, 34 Sandown Road, Rugby, were also remanded to await escorts.

President Wilson has answered Germany in terms which completely clear the air. In effect, he offers her the alternatives, Fight or Surrender.

From Sunday. December 1st, until Saturday midnight, January 11th, all meat coupons will be available for the purchase of poultry—turkey or otherwise. A temporary rate of 3lbs of poultry per coupon has been fixed for this period, irrespective of the size of the bird.

NATIONAL SERVICE.—The boys of Elborow School have collected over 6cwt of blackberries, and have decided to hand over their earnings, which amount to £12, to the Rugby Prisoners of War Fund.

SHAWELL.
A VERY successful whist drive was held in the School room on Friday, October 18th, to provide Christmas presents for the soldiers, when the sum of £22 was realised.

STOCKTON.
THREE TIMES TORPEDOED.—Capt Lloyd, of the Mercantile Marine, who now holds a commission in the Navy, son of a former churchwarden of Stockton, paid a visit to the village last week. Capt Lloyd has had his share of exciting experiences, having been torpedoed three times. On the last occasion was in the water nine hours before being picked up.—An interesting letter has been received from our schoolmaster, Mr E K Steventon, who is now in France with a heavy battery.—A card has been received from Ernest Bayliss, of whom nothing had been heard for some time, stating that he is a prisoner in Germany.

WOLSTON.
GERMAN TREATMENT OF WOUNDED.—An ex-prisoner of war, belonging to the Royal Warwicks, who is now in Switzerland, writes to a Wolston resident —“ I was operated on last Friday. They took four pieces of bone away from my arm. Of course, they have opened all my arm again now. It is a nice big hole, I can tell you, but it will soon get better here (Switzerland). The bone is all smashed, and is about 2ins out of place from the shoulder. I shall never believe that a bullet did it. I shall always think they (the Germans) did it to cripple me while I was in Germany. They are terribly cruel. You would not believe half what anybody could tell you. It is the dirtiest and most uncivilised country under the sun. They try to cripple as many Tommies as they can, but still we keep on smiling. They think nothing of cutting a fellow open at an operation, or even legs and arms off without giving anything. I have seen several fellows having their fingers off in this way. I have had several slashes with the knife, so I know what it feels like. The worst of it was they only used to dress us once every five or six days, and then only used paper bandages, which stuck to our wounds, and they never cleaned it off.”

BRANDON.
WOUNDED.—Mr & Mrs Edward Healey, of Brandon, have received news that their son, Pte Arthur L Healey, has been wounded by a bullet in the left knee. He is making a good recovery.

WILLOUGHBY.
ROLL OF HONOUR.—News has been received of the death in action on October 3rd of Rifleman W B Hakesley, of the 15th Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mr and Mrs G Hakesley. Deceased joined up in 1915, and this was  his third visit to the front, where he had been gassed once and wounded twice. He was killed instantaneously by a piece of shell. Deep sympathy is felt for his bereaved parents and friends. The Captain of his Company writes expressing their sorrow at losing so good a comrade.—Mr A Drinkwater has received also official news that his son, Corporal Howard Drinkwater, was killed in action on September 29th. He joined up in 1915, and did duty at the Dardanelles. From thence he went to Egypt, where he did duty until June of this year, and on coming across on his first leave the ship he was on, Leo Castle, was torpedoed. After having his leave he returned to France, and the first time he went into action he was killed instantaneously by an H.E shell. The Sergeant of his section writes: “ He was in command of a gun and team of five men: We had taken up our position during the night of the 28th and 29th, and dug ourselves in, a few shells falling around us at the time. This continued all the day (the 29th). The shell, an H.E, dropped right in his trench amongst six of them, killing three and wounding three, about 2.30 p.m. All the boys wish to express their deepest sympathy with you in your great loss. Your son was so bright and cheery. I was thinking myself lucky when he was posted to my section, and I feel his loss very much.”

BRETFORD.
ROLL OF HONOUR.—Mrs. W Clarke received news in March that her husband, Pte Wm Clarke, was missing. She has now received a letter from Pte A R Harrison, of the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, whose home is at Leamington, stating that he saw him killed at Fayet near St Quentin. He was badly gassed in the morning, and later in the day he saw him killed by a bullet. Pte Clarke, before joining the Army in June, 1916, was an employee at Messrs Bluemel’s Works, Wolston, for many years. He proceeded to the front in September, 1916, and saw much fighting until invalided home with dysentry in 1917. As soon as he was convalescent he returned to France. Deceased was very much respected by the inhabitants of Bretford. He leaves a widow and four children. His parents are well-known inhabitants of Wolston.—News has reached Bretford that Pte F Huby died in hospital at Newcastle-on-Tyne last week. Deceased was a cousin of the late Pte W Clarke, with whom he resided at Bretford before the War. As soon as hostilities broke out deceased volunteered for active service, but was rejected owing to chest measurement. He tried a second time, but with the same result, but was eventually accepted under the Derby Scheme. He enlisted in May, 1916, in the 7th Royal Warwicks, and went over to France in the following August. He soon met with disaster, being buried in a trench, from which he was rescued with difficulty. He was sent home with dysentry and shell shook at the end of the year. Deceased was about to embark again when illness supervened, and paralysis set in. His death was caused from shell shock and exposure. He was a liberal subscriber to several war charities before going out, and was well liked by all who knew him. In civil life he was a clerk at Coventry Ordnance. His funeral took place at Leicester, where he was buried with full military honours.

DEATHS.

ENSOR.— Killed in action on September 21st, ERNEST JAMES, third son of William and Emily Ensor and beloved husband of Agnes Ensor, of 41 Highbury Place, London, N. ; aged 27. Also in loving memory of WILLIAM ALFRED, second son of the above, killed in October, 1916. “ Farewell, loved ones, until the morning.”

FLOWER.—In loving memory of Pte. H. F. FLOWER, who died in Birmingham Military Hospital on October 18th, 1918, eldest son of Mr. E. Flower, 18 Vicarage Hill, Clifton, aged 25 years.

OWEN.—Killed in action, on 8th inst., 2nd Lieut. T. S. OWEN, Royal Welsh Fusiliers (formerly of Lloyd’s Bank, Rugby), son of H. Starr Owen, of Drayton, Wylde Green.

RIDOUT.—At Anstruther Farm, Anstruther, on October 12th, the residence of his sister, WILLIAM RIDOUT, aged 28, late Sergeant, 10th Batt., R.W.R., late of Dunchurch.

SARGENT.—In loving memory of Pte. A. H. SARGENT, Barby, of the D.C.L.I., killed in action on October 23rd in France.
“ We loved him in life, and we love him still ;
But in grief we must bend to God ? Holy Will.”
— From his Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

IN MEMORIAM.

BATCHELOR.—In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. ERNEST ANDREW BATCHELOR, of 10th Worcesters Regt., killed in action on October 24, 1916, aged 29 years.
“ God knows how much we miss him,
More than loving words can tell.
Not a day have we forgotten him
Since he bade us his last farewell.
Daily in our minds we miss him
As we did in days of yore,
But some day we hope to meet him
On that bright and golden shore.”
—Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.

BEASLEY.—In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. CLEMENT FELL BEASLEY, Rose Cottage, Napton, of the 14th R.W.R., who was killed in action east of Gheluvelt, near Ypres, October 26, 1917.
“ One year has passed since that sad day
When he we loved was called away.
A loving son and faithful brother,
One of the best towards his mother.
He bravely answered Duty’s call,
And gave his young life for one and all.
Some may think that we forget him
When at times they see us smile,
But they little know the sorrow
Which is hid behind that smile.
He is gone but not forgotten—
Oh dear. no ! not one so dear.
He is gone safe home to Heaven,
And we hope to meet him there.”
—From his ever loving Mother, Father, Sisters, and Brothers.

BEASLEY.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. C. BEASLEY, killed in action “ somewhere in France,” October 26, 1917.
“ When last they saw his smiling face
He looked so strong and brave ;
He little thought how soon he’d be
Laid in a soldier’s grave.”
—From Horace, Alice, and his niece Mary.

BEASLEY.—In fond and ever-loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. C. BEASLEY, killed in action on October 26, 1917 ; aged 27 years.
“ A day of remembrance sad to recall :
The loss of our dear one, loved by us all.
We think of him in silence, and his name we oft recall,
But there is nothing left but his photo on the wall.
Fondly we loved him, he is as dear to us still ;
But in grief we must bend to God’s Holy Will.
If we could have raised his dying head or heard his last farewell,
The grief would not have been so hard for us that loved him well.”
—From his sorrowing sister Nance, brother Albert in Germany, and his two little Nephews.

COLLINS.—In ever loving memory of our dear son, Pte. A. W. COLLINS, who was killed in action in France on October 26, 1917, aged 29 years.
“ We pictured his safe returning,
We longed to clasp his hand,
But God postponed it otherwise,
Till we meet in the promised land.”
—Never forgotten by his Father, Mother, Brother and Sisters, of 45 New St., New Bilton.

DUCKETT.—In loving memory of my dear son, Pte. TOM F. DUCKETT, who was killed in action somewhere in France on October 26, 1917.
“ One year has passed, but oh, I miss him ;
Some may think the wound has healed,
But they little know the sorrow
Deep within my heart concealed.”
A loving son, a faithful brother,
One of very last towards his mother.”
—Deeply mourned by his loving mother, and brother Charlie.

FRENCH.—In loving memory of my late husband, Pte. J. FRENCH, R.W.R., of Long Itchington, who was killed in action on October 26, 1917.
“ When last we saw his smiling face,
He looked so strong and brave ;
We little thought how soon he would be
Laid in a soldier’s grave.
He bravely answered duty’s call,
He bravely fought and fell ;
He did his best for one and all,
And those who loved him well.”
— From his loving Wife and Children and Mother and Father.

GOODWIN.—In loving memory of Pte. ALBERT GOODWIN, aged 21 years, of B Company, 2nd Royal Warwicks, who was killed somewhere in France on or about October 24, 1914, eldest son of Ex-P.S. Goodwin.
—Sadly missed by his loving Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

HARDMAN.—In loving memory of Pte. W. HARDMAN, of the 15th R.W.R., of 9 James Street, who died of wounds received in action on October 28th, 1917. Interred in the Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, France.
“ Days of sadness still come o’er us,
Tears in silence often flow,
Thinking of the day we lost him,
Just a year ago.
Too far away thy grave to see.
But not too far to think of thee.”
—From his loving Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.

MILLS.—In loving memory of Bombardier J. M. MILLS, of the R.F.A (of Marton), killed in action on October 23, 1917.
“ Days of sadness still come o’er us,
Tears in silence often flow,
Thinking of the day we lost you ;
Just a year ago.
Too far, dear Mawby, thy grave to see,
But not too far to think of thee.”
—From his loving Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, and godson, Little Bertie.

MILLS.—In memory of comrade and friend, No 11685 Bombardier J. M. MILLS, R.F.A., killed in action in Flanders on October 23, 1917.—11688 Corpl. A. E. Clarke, R.F.A., B.E.F.

7th Jul 1917. Baby Week at Rugby

BABY WEEK AT RUGBY.

The War has led to a quickening of the public conscience in many directions ; and several much-needed reforms, which have long been advocated, but which only three years ago seemed almost unattainable, have already been elected ; while others are daily becoming inevitable. Few subjects have of late met with more sympathetic consideration than that of the welfare of the children ; and in order to seize the favourable opportunity for securing the adoption of measures to arrest the terrible rate of infant mortality which has occasioned so much concern to all thinking people, the past week has been observed throughout the kingdom as a propaganda week for “ baby,” and lectures and demonstrations emphasising the importance of the proper care of the babies have been given in most towns. Rugby has not been behind in the good work, and for some weeks past a committee of ladies has been arranging a local campaign, which opened on Sunday, when sermons bearing on the subject were preached at most of the places of worship.

On Wednesday afternoon a meeting for mothers was held in the Empire. There was a large attendance, and many of the mothers were accompanied by “ His Majesty the Baby ” ; and, despite the infantile accompaniment which was maintained by a number of the little guests, they were heartily welcomed.

Dr A A David presided, and he was supported by Mrs Nevinson (London), Rev R 8 & Mrs Mitchison, Mrs A A David, Mr & Mrs J J. McKinnell, Dr & Mrs Crookes, Mrs F Merttens (President) and Mrs Waddy (secretary of the movement).

The Chairman who addressed the audience as “ Ladies, gentlemen, and babies,” after a few remarks in a lighter vein, said they were there not only to think about their own babies but to be moved to a sense of responsibility about other people’s babies. Every child born in England belonged to the nation. If it grew up into a strong and healthy life the nation was the richer and the stronger, but if it was sickly the nation had to suffer with it, and if it died when it need not have died, then England had lost something which nothing on earth could ever replace. They were told that every year 50,000 babies died in England who need not die. It was not inevitable. He was always suspicious of that word “ inevitable.” Things happened, and people thought they must happen, whereas if they bestirred themselves they need not happen. This week had been set apart to set in motion forces to remedy this state of affairs. When every man and woman in England knew about these things they would care, and when they cared they would find the time would not be long distant when this grievous waste of life and health would be stopped. Then would come a day of new happiness for England, and also of new strength—strength not only for war—if the need ever arose again, which God forbid—but strength also for peace.

[Full report continues in original newspaper]

PROPAGANDA BY CINEMA.

The great value of the moving pictures as an educational force is well illustrated at the Empire this week, where two excellent propaganda films are being screened. The first, entitled “ Motherhood,” is shown under the auspices of the National Baby Week Council. The picture is remarkably interesting, especially to women, and the correct and incorrect ways of bringing up children.

MUNITIONS TRIBUNAL.-At Coventry Munition Tribunal on Tuesday, H Boult, fitter, Rugby, employed in a Rugby firm, made an unsuccessful application for a leaving certificate. Boult contended that he could be used to better advantage in national service.

RUGBY BAKING TRADE NOT TO RE DEPLETED.

At the Rugby Urban Tribunal on Thursday evening the exemptions granted to the Rugby bakers, 30 in number, were reviewed at the instance of the Military. After a lengthy hearing, the Tribunal decided to make no change, and all the exemptions were allowed to stand.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Pte S C Howkins, of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, son of Mr H Howkins, of 9 Manor Road, has been seriously wounded, and as a result his left leg has been amputated. Pte Howkins, who is in a Military Hospital at Newcastle-on-Tyne, is making good progress.

Sapper George Alfred Wright, Royal Engineers, who prior to joining the Army at the beginning of the War was employed in the Controller Department at the B.T.H, was killed in action on June 7th.

News has been received from the War Office that Pte Jack Beech is in hospital with sand fly fever at Amara. He is the son of Mr W G Beech, New Bilton, and has been 3½ years in the Army, which he joined before he was 17 years of age in February, 1914. He has been through the fighting in the Dardanelles, Mesopotamia, and at the capture of Bagdad. In a recent letter from him he writes :—“ We have taken Bagdad, but my pal, Walter Scarlett, of Long Lawford, got killed by my side, poor chap. He died smiling, and I saw him buried.”

ANOTHER OLD MURRAYIAN KILLED.

Pte Arthur William Woods, son of the late Mr Joseph Woods, of 153 Grosvenor Road, was killed in action on June 10th. Pte Woods, who was 21 years of age and an Old Murrayian, enlisted in the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry in August, 1914 ; but he afterwards transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He was invalided home in December, 1916, suffering from septic poisoning, caused by a shrapnel wound, and he returned to France in April.

MORE LOCAL PRISONERS OF WAR.

Two more local men have been taken prisoners of war, and the facts have been communicated to Mr J Reginald Barker, hon secretary of the Rugby Prisoners of War Help Committee, who has made arrangements for these men to receive, on behalf of the Rugby Committee, the standard parcels of food and bread. They are : Pte A Brown, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, interned at Dolmen, whose home is at Dunchurch, and Pte W Line. Buffs Regiment, interned at Soltau, whose home is at Napton. This makes the sixth addition to the Rugby list within a fortnight.

WAR SHRINE.-A war shrine has recently been unveiled at St. Andrew’s Mission Church. The ceremony was performed by the Rector, the Rev C M Blagden, who delivered a brief but inspiring address. This is the first of the shrines to be erected in Rugby.

BRANDON.

DEATH OF PTE ELLOITT G HALFORD.—Mr & Mrs Thomas Halford, who for about 20 years were in employ of Mr Rankin, of Brandon Grounds Farm, have received news of the death of their fourth son, Elliott, of the Cheshire Regiment, who fell in action. He had only been out at the front for seven weeks. Two of his elder brothers—Pte Sidney and Corpl Thomas Halford—have been on service for a long time, but nothing has been heard of Sidney for nearly 12 months, and he is reported missing. Deep sympathy is felt for the parents. In a long letter to the parents Elliot Halford’s Platoon Commander say :— “ He was killed about eight o’clock on the morning of the 7th. We had just turned the enemy out of one of our strongholds, and captured one of the highest points of the ridge. Halford was in the foremost line of our attacking troops, and was conducting himself, as he has done all along with the utmost bravery and devotion. A piece of bursting shrapnel overhead caught him, and the only consolation was that he suffered no pain—it was so sudden. . . . He was an exceptionally nice, good fellow. During the short time he was with us your son showed proof of those good qualities of courage, energy, endurance, and good comradeship which would have made him one of the best.”

WOLSTON.

RIFLEMAN W FLOWERS.-Mr & Mrs John Flowers, of Brook Street, Wolston, have received news of the death of their son, William. He joined up in September, 1914, and was on service in France for about 18 months, being attached to the 10th Rifle Brigade. He fought at Ypres in May, 1915, and in the Battle of Guillemont, and had been missing since September 3, 1916. His parents were thinking that he might be a prisoner of war until a letter came from the War Office announcing his death. Deceased was well known in local cricket and football circles. For the Brandon and Wolston Cricket Club he was a tower of strength in the field, and a daring football player and very popular.

BRINKLOW.

RED CROSS ACTIVITIES.—The Brinklow Branch of the British Red Cross Society has recently been making requisites for the wounded, and the following articles have been sent to the Central Depot in London :—104 comfort bags, 27 mufflers, 22 pairs day socks, 14 shirts, one vest, five pyjamas, seven pairs bed socks, and one feather pillow. Ninety-six of the comfort bags were made by the school children, the mothers giving the material for 23 ; 24 of the mufflers and 14 of the day socks were also made by the children.

DEATHS.

PARKINSON.—On 1st inst., at the Military Hospital, Cambridge, of wounds received in action in France, Second-Lieut. HORACE J. A. PARKINSON, the dearly beloved son of Mr. & Mrs. S. Parkinson, of the Old Bank House, Southam.

SANDS.—On June 17th, in Egypt, of diphtheria, Pte. HARRY SANDS, dearly beloved husband of Jennie Sands ; aged 34.—Deeply mourned.

WOOD.-On June 10th (killed in action in France), Pte. ARTHUR WOOD, Machine Gun Corps, son of the late Joseph Wood, 153 Grosvenor Road ; aged 21 years.—
From his loving Brother and Sisters.

IN MEMORIAM.

BLAND.—In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. C BLAND who was killed in action July 1st, 1916, aged 18 years.
Not dead to those who loved him,
Not lost but gone before ;
He lives with us in memory,
And will for evermore.
From his loving Mother & Father, Sisters & Brothers.

CASHMORE.—In loving memory of FREDERICK ROBERT, youngest son of the late Reuben & Mrs. Cashmore, of Hillmorton, who died from wounds in France on July 5, 1916. “ The love that lingers round his name is more than fame.”—From his sorrowing MOTHER, BROTHER and SISTERS, and his brother JACK in France.

FACER.—In loving memory of my dear husband Lance-Corpl. FREDERICK FACER, who was killed in action on July 3,1916.
“ Not dead to those who loved him ;
Not lost, but gone before.
He lives with us in memory,
And will for evermore.”
—From his loving WIFE and CHILD.

COLLINS.—In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. H. E. COLLINS, who was killed in action in the Battle of Labosal on July 3, 1916, in France ; aged 25. Gloucestershire Regiment.
“ Not dead to those who loved him ;
Not lost, but gone before ;
He lives with us in memory,
And will for evermore.”
—Never forgotten by his loving FATHER and MOTHER, BROTHERS and SISTERS, New Street, New Bilton.

EADON.-In ever-loving memory of our dear son and brother GEORGE, of the R.W.R., who was killed in action in France on July 1, 1916.
“ Our home has never been the same
Since thy voice has silent been ;
Nor is the world the same to us
Since death has come between.”
—Never forgotten by his loving PARENTS, SISTERS and BROTHER.

HAMMOND.—In loving memory of PTE. ARTHUR HENRY HAMMOND, Church Lawford, 2nd Royal Warwickshire Regiment, killed in action in France on July 1, 1916.
“ Peace, perfect Peace.”
—From his loving Wife and Children.

SEENEY.-In loving memory of SIGNALLER W. SEENEY who was killed in France July 2nd, 1916.
Where is our soldier boy to-night ?
Laid in a soldiers grave,
Far, far away in a foreign land
He died like a soldier brave.
Oh, may we meet our boy again
Far up in that home above,
Where war and strife will be no more,
But all will be peace and love.
—From his loving Mother, Brothers, and Sisters.

THOMPSON.—In loving memory of GEORGE BERRY, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Thompson, Braunston, who fell in action on July 1st, 1916, aged 21, years.—From Father, Mother, and Brother Sid.— “ They miss him most who loved him best.”

WATSON.—In loving memory of Pte. ARTHUR JAMES WATSON, jun., son of Thomas and the late Harriet Watson, of 51 Pinfold Street, New Bilton. Killed in  action in France on July 2, 1916 ; aged 19 years.
“ Somewhere in France there is a nameless grave,
Where sleeps our loved one among the brave ;
One of the rank and file—he heard the call,
And for the land he loved he gave his all.”
—From his FATHER & BROTHERS & SISTERS.

8th Jul 1916. Drunken Soldier Causes a Disturbance

DRUNKEN SOLDIER CAUSES A DISTURBANCE.

At the Rugby Police Court on Monday, before A E Donkin, Esq (in the chair), and W Dewar, Esq, Michael Cain, 6th Observer Co., Rugby, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Rugby on the previous evening. He was also charged with assaulting P.C Anderton while in the execution of his duty.—Albert Beech, R.E, Rugby, was charged with obstructing P.C Lovell while in the execution of his duty.—Cain pleaded guilty to the first charge, but did not remember assaulting the policeman.—Beech pleaded not guilty.—P.C Lovell stated that at 9.15 p.m on Sunday the Salvation Army was holding a service in the Market Place. Cain was drunk, and was making use of filthy language to the Adjutant and Captain of the Salvation Army. Witness requested him to go away, but instead of doing so defendant used more bad language, and on account of his disorderly behaviour witness took him into custody.-Cain denied that he used filthy language.—P.C Lester stated that he was informed that a policeman was in trouble in the Market Place, and when he got there he found P.C Lovell, who had Cain in custody, lying on the ground surrounded by a crowd of about 200 people. Witness went to the rescue and Beech butted him in the stomach and threw him down. In Pinder’s Lane Beech again interfered, and they then brought him to the Police Station.—Beech denied this, and said he was never within ten yards of a constable until he was arrested.—P.C Anderton said he went to the assistance of the other constables, and defendant Cain was handed over to him in Pinder’s Lane. Defendant kicked him on the leg and in the stomach, and also punched him. He was so violent and threatening that witness had to handcuff him, and Sergt Percival also came to his assistance.—Defendant : I won’t admit either hitting or kicking him.—P.C Percival corroborated, and said Cain was very violent and drunk. He saw him deliberately kick P.C Anderton on the leg. When he charged Beech with obstructing the police, he said : “ I may have caught hold of the policeman, but I did not mean anything. I was not going to let him take a pal of mine away.”-Beech : Are constables allowed to hit you while you are sitting on a chair by the Police Station ? That one (indicating P.C Lovell) hit me on the head six times. P.C Lovell denied this, and said P.S Percival and Supt Clarke were present all the time.-Beech : The boot is on the other leg it was you that assaulted me, I did not assault you.—Cain was further charged with damaging a cell window to the value of 2s 6d during the night, and he pleaded guilty, but added : “ I don’t know how it was done.”—In defence, he said he had not been taking any drink since he left France in January last, after being gassed. If he took a drop of drink it flew to his head, and he did not know what he was doing. He was sorry it had occurred, because it was a disgrace to him and to the regiment. It would not occur again, because he would be “ teetotal ” as long as he was in the service.-An Officer of the Company said defendant had been with them ever since the Company was formed three months ago. He bore a good character, and there had been no complaints about him. His regimental sheet showed one entry for drunkenness exactly a year ago at Aldershot.-In reply to the Bench, defendant said he saw a good deal of fighting while he was in France with the King’s Liverpool Regiment.—Supt Clarke said defendant was guilty of most disgraceful conduct. Now that the Force was depleted it was very hard for the constables to be kicked and assaulted by those who should protect them.-The Magistrates informed Cain that they were very sorry to see anyone wearing the King’s uniform in his position. He was standing there on account of extremely disgraceful conduct the previous night. He allowed himself to get so drunk that he was mad, and he ought to be thoroughly ashamed of himself. They took into account the fact that he had been fighting for his country ; that he had been gassed, which might have had a little effect upon him, and also that his officer had given him a good character. He would be fined 10s 6d, including the cost of the window.-In one sense, the Magistrates pointed out, the conduct of Beech was worse than that of Cain, because he was not drunk. He had been found guilty of a serious offence. Instead of obstructing the police it was his duty to help them, and he would be fined 7s 6d.

EXAMINATION OF THE REJECTED.

A NEW EXPLANATORY PINK FORM.

Men previously rejected for the Army are now receiving pink notices (Army Form 3299) that they will be required to undergo re-examination. The notice reads as follows :-

You are hereby notified that you will be required to present yourself again for medical examination. It is open to you at any time before September 30, 1916, to ask to be medically examined. If you desire to be medically examined before that date you should address your letter to the recruiting officer asking for an appointment.

If upon such medical examination you are rejected as unfit for any form of service, the decision will be final, and you will not be called up for service with the Colours.

If you do not arrange to be medically examined on or before September 30, 1916, you will be required to present yourself for such medical examination on a date after September 30th, of which you will be duly notified.

At whatever date you are medically examined, if you are found fit for military service you will be able to be called up for service with the Colours after September 30th.

Mechanical Transport.
Army Service Corps.

An Officer will attend at RUGBY DRILL HALL ON MONDAYS
between 11.30 and 1 o’clock and 2 to 4.30 in each week until further notice for the purpose of examining men for M.T., A.S.C.
Applicants must be experienced Motor Drivers, Fitters, or Turners.

F. F. JOHNSTONE, Lt.-Colonel,   Recruiting Officer, Drill Hall, Rugby.
June 22nd, 1916.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Capt F C Solous, the big game hunter and an Old Rugbeian, has been mentioned by General Smuts in one of his despatches.

The Rev C T Bernard McNulty, M.A, vicar of Holy Trinity, Leamington, and formerly of Dunchurch, has recently been promoted from fourth to third-class chaplain, with the rank of major, and has been appointed senior chaplain of his division.

Captain Leonard Sheldon Kench, son of Mr Sheldon Kench, Warwick, is reported to be dangerously wounded.

Captain F S Neville, Northamptonshire Regiment, has been admitted to hospital with slight gunshot wounds in thighs and right arm. His brother, Lieut S L Neville, on duty in Egypt, is also in hospital with a sprained ankle.

By an order in Council the Government is commandeering sole leather produced in this country.

Corpl E J Sharpe, 61st Field Co, R.E, son of Mr Thos Sharpe of the Campbell Hotel, was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s last despatch for meritorious conduct in the field.

Pte W J Baker, 7th South Staffs Regiment, who was reported as missing on August 9th, is now officially reported to have been killed in action on that date. Prior to his enlistment he was employed in the B.T.H Foundry.

Another New Bilton man, Rifleman Harry King, Rifle Brigade, 46 Pinfold Street, has been wounded by a piece of shell in his foot, and in now in a hospital on the French coast. He joined the Rifle Brigade in November, 1915, and was drafted to France in April last. Before the war he worked at the B.T.H.

Captain Charles Clement Ford, Somerset Light Infantry, was killed in action in France on the 1st inst. He was a great nephew of Miss Sale, 21 Hillmorton Road, Rugby, and eldest son of late Commander C R Ford, R.S.M, and Mrs Ford. He died Adjutant of 1st Battalion of the Somersets, his Colonel being killed at same time and place.

Lance-Corpl Thomas Williams, K.R.R, has been seriously wounded in the chest and shoulder with shrapnel. He is at present in hospital at Camberwell Green, and has now been declared to be out of danger. His home is at 45 Pinfold Street, New Bilton.

Lance-Corpl Williams was wounded on June 6th, and has undergone two operations. The piece of shrapnel has been removed, and when his mother visited him on Sunday he was progressing favourably. He enlisted in September, 1914, and at the outbreak of war was employed by the Rugby Gas Co.

“ SENTINELS on a FIELD of DESOLATION.”

Mr W T Coles Hodges, Murray School, has received an interesting letter from an old pupil, Sapper C Batty, in which the writer says :—

“ You will have observed that by the British official of the 23rd June a gigantic mine (German) was exploded, the largest on the Western front. I was in the vicinity at the time, and when it exploded everybody jumped up. We thought the judgment day had arrived. A minute afterwards the guns started, and to hear the noise one would have thought that Hades had been let loose. But when the Huns saw that it was hopeless to try to take the crater the guns gradually died down, and the milder form of trench music was indulged in. . . . In this vicinity a flourishing village once stood, but it is all in ruins now. Never mind in what direction you turn, you can observe the marks of high explosives. Most of the houses had nice orchards, but by now they are ruined, and all that remains of most of them are the stumps, which stand there like sentinels on a field of desolation. The writer mentions that Sergt Bale, D.C.M, whoso death we recorded last week, was killed by the explosion of the mine referred to above, and that he was buried in a small village behind the line.”

LONG LAWFORD.

ANOTHER YOUNG MAN GIVES HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY.-Mr Amos Sutton has received official news that his youngest son, Pte S Sutton, of the Warwickshire Regiment, has died of wounds received in action, caused by a bursting shell, which struck him in the head and chest. He was admitted to hospital, but only lived a few hours. Before joining the Warwickshire Regiment he was three years in the Howitzer Battery. He went through the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, where he received a bullet wound in the leg, which kept him out of the field for several months. He had only been out a month this time when he received his fatal wounds. He was 23 years of age.

BRANDON.

Mr and Mrs Henry Barnett have just received the news that their son Albert has been wounded. Before war was declared he was a member Of the Royal Warwicks (Territorials). He has been in France 16 months, and during that time has not been home. He has received severe shrapnel wounds in both legs, and is now in a hospital in Ireland.

BRETFORD.

Mr and Mrs George Wells, of Bretford, have received the news that their son has been wounded. He had been in France for a long time. When hostilities broke out he was a private in the Territorials, but soon received promotion. Mr and Mrs Wells have two more sons serving with the colours.

DUNCHURCH.

On Wednesday morning the sad news was received that one of the most respected men of this village, Pte W Chater, only son of Mr and Mrs W Chater, of the Green, Dunchurch, had been killed. He belonged to the K.R.R, and went out soon after the war commenced. Much sympathy is felt in the village with his parents.

THE BRITISH OFFENSIVE.

WARWICKSHIRES DOING WELL.

Progress of the British troops in the severe fighting in the Somme Valley is slow but steady. They are maintaining all their ground and making some advance, in spite of stubborn resistance.

Splendid work has been done in the battle by British and French aircraft. On both fronts German aeroplanes were kept well back behind their lines, so that artillery could do its work without interruption from hostile aircraft. Following our plans, the French did great execution to the German captive balloons.

“ The Times ” special correspondent at the front says that of our regiments engaged one hears praise on all sides of the Ulster troops, while the Gordons, the Northumberland Fusiliers, the Royal Irish Rifles, the Suffolks, the Royal Scots, the Lancashire Fusiliers, and Warwickshires—to mention some only—have done great work.

Pressure on Germany is increasing from East and West. The battle of the Somme continues to go in favour of the British and French forces, while on the Russian front an attack has been launched on Hindenburg’s forces on a front of 100 miles. Large numbers of heavy guns and machine guns have been captured from the Germans on the West.

Verdin Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, is now being made the special mark of German gunners.

OUR LOST AEROPLANE.

In the House of Commons, on Tuesday, Mr Rupert Gwynne asked whether a flying machine of the latest type was recently sent from Farnborough to France in charge of a pilot and observer who had never been abroad before ; whether the officer informed the authorities beforehand that he did not know his way ; whether he lost his way and eventually landed by mistake in the German lines ; and, if so, what steps had been taken to avoid our newest machines being handed over to the Germans within a few hours of completion ?

Major Baird, Rugby (representative of the Air Board), replied that a flying machine of the latest type was recently sent from Farnborough to France in charge of a pilot and observer who had never been abroad before. The pilot lost his way, and eventually landed by mistake in German lines. It did not appear that the officer in question made any protest that he did not know his way. Machines of a well-known type, fitted with a new type of engine, were urgently required at the front, and a number of officers were required to take them over. Some had done the journey before and some had not, but all were qualified as cross-country pilots. The need for those machines was so great that it was impossible to keep them back until officers who had done the journey were available. The journey was not considered a difficult one for a competent cross-country pilot. The Germans recently presented us with a brand new Fokker, whose pilot had evidently lost his way. Every care would be taken to reduce the risks of these occurrences. The pilot in this case unfortunately lost his way, and it appeared that his machine was rendered unmanageable by a shot, or otherwise he would have discovered his mistake.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

NOT AN ABSENTEE.

DEAR SIR,—In the list of absentees, published by the Military Authorities in your paper last week, I was very much surprised to find the name of my son, who joined the Army seven months ago, and had just come home on his last leave before going to France. He arrived in Rugby on Saturday, and was accosted several times with some jeering remarks. It is not very pleasant when one has given up a good job and gone to do their bit for their King and country, and when you come home for a few days to be subject to annoyance through a mistake of this kind. I am proud to say my boy did not wait to be fetched ; he went to do his bit like a true Englishman. I have another boy who has been fighting for his country in France for 16 months, and is proud to do it ; and although I am over the age limit myself and a widower with four children to bring up, I would willingly go and do my bit if the Military can do with me.—Yours truly,

E FLOWERS.
Vicarage Hill, Clifton.

DEATHS.

FORD.-Killed in action, July, 1st, Capt. Charles Clement Ford (Somerset Light Infantry, Adjutant 1st Battalion), eldest son of the late Commander Cecil Rooke Ford, R.I.M., and Mrs Ford.

IN MEMORIAM.

BENFORD.—In loving remembrance of Alfred Thomas Benford, killed in action at Ypres, July 6, 1915.

“ He sleeps not in his native land,
But under foreign skies,
Far from those that loved him best,
But in a hero’s grave he lies.”

— From CLARA & EDITH.

BENFORD.-In loving memory of our dear brother, Rifleman A. T. Benford, K.R.R., killed in action at Ypres, July 6, 1915.

“ We cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see ;
But all is well that’s done by Thee.”

— SISTERS.

DOCKER.-In loving memory of Pte. Leonard Docker, 13106, Coldstream Guards, who was killed in action, July 7, 1915.

“ He sleeps not in his native land,
But ’neath a foreign sky.
Far from those who loved him best,
But in a hero’s grave he lies.”

— FROM ALL.