24th Jan 1919. Generous Gift to Rugby.

GENEROUS GIFT TO RUGBY.
PUBLIC HALL TO RE ERECTED BY MRS. ARTHUR JAMES.
EXTENSIVE SCHEME OUTLINED.
SITE ALREADY SELECTED.
“ The Arthur James Memorial Hall.”

An announcement was made by the Chairman (Mr J J McKinnell) at the monthly meeting of the Rugby Urban District Council on Tuesday evening. About fifteen months ago, he said, Mrs Arthur James informed him that she wished to make a gift to Rugby in memory of her late husband, and after a certain amount of consideration she finally decided to erect a new Public Hall, and to present it to the town. A site in Albert Street, at the corner of James Street, has been purchased by Mrs James for this purpose. At a special meeting of the Council held in private, he announced Mrs James’s intention to the members, and they at once passed a resolution thanking her for her great generosity. When among other suggested War Memorials a new Public Hall was mentioned, he felt it was his duty to consult Mrs James and to ask if he might make public her intentions. Then, too, as there was a suggestion of providing a Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Institute he mentioned this matter to Mrs James and asked her if a part of the site could be utilised for this purpose. Mrs James kindly replied that if this was the desire of the town she would be quite a willing to fall in with it and to allow a part of her site to be used. But she said quite clearly that she would prefer to erect a memorial to her husband by itself. However, if the town thought the scheme a good one she was quite willing to put her own feelings on one side and join in a general scheme. He thought they would all agree that this was a very kind and public-spirited attitude on the part of Mrs James. This plan also had been put before the Council and after some deliberation they came to the conclusion that the advantages of building on one site were so numerous that they desired to call a public meeting of townspeople and to suggest that the Rugby memorial should consist of (1) An Obelisk, and (2) of a Sailors and Soldiers’ Institute on the site in Albert Street. Mm James made one stipulation in regard to the Public Hall, and that was that it should be called the Arthur James Memorial Hall. In any case she will pay for the Hall and if the two buildings adjoin the cost of the Hall as apart from the Institute will be ascertained as nearly as possible.

RUGBY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
MAJOR BAIRD AND THE WAR MEMORIAL.

The following letter was received from Major J L Baird, M.P. :—“ I should like to confirm my telegram supporting the proposal that the Rugby War Memorial should take the form of a soldiers’ institute and hostel. I feel very strongly that a war armorial should fulfil the following conditions, (1) Be of use to the men who have fought for us ; (2) Afford citizens an opportunity of showing their gratitude to these men by contributing towards their comfort and welfare ; (3) Embody the traditions of the British Army, which have been so superbly upheld during the past four years. The regimental tradition is one of our most treasured national assets. It should be maintained and fostered. It is a truly British tradition and has nothing what-ever to do with militarism. Indeed it is the spirit which has enabled us to defeat Prussian militarism. For these reasons I most earnestly hope that the scheme will be adopted and I will support it to the utmost of my ability.”

RETURNED PRISONERS.—The latest list of repatriated prisoners of war contains the names of four Rugby men—Acting Sergt R A Rogers, R.F.A, Corpl G Jones, D.C.M, Rifle Brigade, Sergt E Watts, Oxon & Bucks L.I, and Pte A C Williams, R.W.R.

Dr H J Beddow, who has been on active service at the 72nd General Hospital in France, has this week returned to Rugby to resume his practice.

SERGT O H WOOTTON, Oxford * Bucks Light Infantry, whose home is at 74 York Street, Rugby, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Sergt Wootton is an old St Matthew’s boy, and when at school played in the Rugby Football Schoolboys’ International Match of 1908 for England against Wales.

SERGT ARTHUR W HUGHES, Royal Engineers (late B.T.H), has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of valuable service rendered in France. He has also been decorated with the Croix de Guerre by the President of the French Republic, and some time ago was mentioned in despatches.

MARRIED A GERMAN.—The plight of a young Englishwoman married to a German was described at Hull on Saturday, when her husband, Rudolph Koepp, was summoned for maintenance. She said she was 21, and had never been out of England. She had maintained herself and four children by working in a munitions factory. Then she had to get relief from the Guardians. The husband has been interned in the Isle of Man, but subsequently was released, and earned £2 12s weekly at cement works at Rugby. Prior to August he sent his wife 5s weekly, but since then he had sent nothing. Defendant, in sobs, complained that he was not allowed to go near the coast to visit his wife, and the case was adjourned to enable him to provide a home for her and the children.

CHESTER STREET CANTEEN.—As will be seen from an announcement in another column, the Chester Street Canteen will be closed as from to-morrow. The canteen was opened by Lady Ethel Baird in June, 1917, with the idea of economising fuel and food, and that it met an urgent need is proved by fact that, during the busiest period of its existence as many as 400 dinners were served daily in the two departments. The success of the scheme was made possible by an efficient staff in the kitchen. The canteen has proved a great boon to many of the workers employed by the large firms in this part of the town, but now that the food supply has become easier, the demands upon the canteen have become substantially less, and for this reason the decision to close down was made. It is interesting and gratifying to note that the project has paid its way.

WAR TROPHIES.
The Clerk announce that the War Office had allocated two German machine guns, two machine gun ammunition boxes and two machine gun ammunition belts to Rugby, and these would be placed in the museum.

BRANDON & WOLSTON.
PRISONER’S RETURN.—Pte Leonard Lixenfield, of 6th Royal Berks, has returned home. He has been in the hands of the Germans since November 30, 1917. He was taken behind the lines and placed in a cage in a field. It was too cold to sleep. Although quite exhausted, the prisoners were only given a drink of cold water. Next morning they had a loaf of black bread between 8. They were then marched to the station, where they were placed in cattle trucks, the bottom of which were covered with manure, and he could not sleep. They were without food for two days until they reached Munster in Westphalia. He was kept in Germany six weeks, and then sent in cattle trucks to France, where he was made to work behind the lines. Many of the parcels were pilfered, but had it not been for them he would have died of starvation. Last winter out of 200 in his lot quite 100 died of starvation. He escaped three times. He was recaptured twice, but his third escape was from Gemapp[?] the day before the armistice was declared. He then reached Cambrai, where he was first captured.

LONG ITCHINGTON.
WAR MEMORIAL.—Collections have recently been made in church and by means of envelopes for the purpose of erecting in the south aisle of the Church a side altar in memory of the Long Itchington men who have fallen in the war. Altogether some £15 is in hand for this object. The Vicar now, however, proposes, with the consent of the contributors, that the memorial should take the form of an oak reredos to the altar in the chancel with a brass plate containing the names of the fallen soldiers. He estimates that about £30 will be required. A meeting of the subscribers will shortly be called to deliberate.

DEATHS.

CLEMENTS.—On October 24, at Prison Hospital, Zebest, Germany, Corpl. FRED CLEMENTS, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Clements, 33 Winfield Street, aged 21.—At Rest.

IN MEMORIAM.

JESSON.—In ever affectionate remembrance of my dear chum, Corporal “ BOB ” JESSON, D.C.M., killed in action at Hebuterne, January 20th, 1916. R.I.P..—B.Q.M.S. W Heath, R.F.A.

WALDUCK.—In loving memory of ERN, who died of wounds Jan. 28, 1916.
—From his loving Father, Mother, Sisters, & Brothers.

21st Dec 1918. Polling for the New Parliament

POLLING FOR THE NEW PARLIAMENT.
QUIET DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

Voting for the election of a new Parliament took place throughout the United Kingdom on Saturday last, and, considering the important issues at stake, was singularly devoid of excitement or incident. Polling took place for the election of 584 Members of Parliament. The votes will be counted on Saturday, December 28th, and the results will be announced the same day. The new House of Commons will consist of 707 Members, or 37 more than the old. As 107 Members were returned unopposed on December 4th, and two have since been elected for Oxford University there remain 14 seats to be filled. Thirteen of these are university seats, for which the poll opened on Monday and the 14th is the Kennington Division, in which, because of the death of a candidate after nomination, the poll had to be postponed.

THE FINAL MEETINGS.
On Friday evening last week three mass meetings were held in Rugby (Co-operative Hall, Eastlands School, and the Church House) in support of the candidature of Major J L Baird. All of the meetings were well attended, and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed, especially at the Co-operative Hall, where the large audience cheered again and again as the telling points in favour of the Coalition were driven home by the speakers, viz, Major J L Baird, Sir Ernest Pollock, K.C, M.P, Earl of Denbigh, Rev Ronald Irwin, D.S.O, M.C, &c.

Mr Maclagan addressed meetings at the Eastlands School.

A QUIET DAY IN THE RUGBY DIVISION.
Polling took place on Saturday last, when, for the first time in the history of the Country, all the elections were held on the same day. In the reports from nil quarters reference is made to the apathy of the electors, and this state of affairs was faithfully reflected in Rugby.

In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that never in the memory of the oldest elector has polling day passed off so quietly and uneventfully. None but the really ardent partisans appeared to take any real interest in the contest, and but for the unusual number of motor-cars dashing about—and the number of these was remarkably small compared with past occasions—a visitor to the town would scarcely have realised a Parliamentary election was in progress. The poll in the town was very light one; but the ladies, who were able to vote for the first time at a Parliamentary election, turned up in much larger numbers than did the men. Many married couples walked to the polling stations together and one enthusiastic lady was overheard to remark to her husband on emerging from the booth, “Now you don’t know who I have voted for.” The polling stations were open from 7 a.m to 9 p.m, but at no time was there any real rush of voters. Visits to a number of the stations in the centre of the town at all hours of the day revealed very little activity, and there was an utter absence of the outbursts of party enthusiasm which have characterised elections in the past.

Reports from the country districts indicate that the polling was somewhat heavier than in the town.

The election will remain open until December 28th to enable soldiers to register their votes, and for that reason it is impossible to forecast the result. As usually happens, both parties claim to have secured a majority ; but the general opinion seemed to be that Major Baird has retained the seat.

Major Baird toured the Division in his car, and everywhere he was enthusiastically received. Mr Maclagan also visited most of the polling stations during the day.

Forty-six special constables, in addition to the Regular Force, were on duty throughout the day at the various polling stations in the Division.

The votes of the absent electors engaged on military or naval service in England, France, Belgium, and with the Army of Occupation in Germany, whose ballot papers are received by the Returning Officer before December 28th, will have to be added to those recorded on Saturday. In the Rugby Division there absent voters number no fewer than 5,754. As the votes are received they are sorted into their proper divisions, and are then placed in large boxes. The papers will be opened in the presence of the candidates with one representative if they choose, and they will then be thoroughly mixed with the votes recorded at home as the latter are removed from the boxes. All papers received on Saturday morning before the counting begins will be included.

In all cases where a ballot paper has been sent to an absent voter no second paper can be issued, even though the soldier or sailor is on leave, or has been discharged. The Record Office for the particular unit to which the men belonged will return the papers to them at their then present addresses, so that all they need do is to fill up the papers according to the instructions and post them or deliver them in the proper envelopes to the Returning Officer. No doubt at the present time a number of soldiers and sailors on leave have not yet received their ballot papers, but the assumption is that the papers will follow them, and it is partly to ensure that they shall reach the men that the time for counting has been extended.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

The latest casualty lists contain the names of the following Rugby men killed :— Pte W Williams, King’s Liverpool Regt, Sergt J Carter, R.W.R ; wounded, Pte L C Bovell, R.W.R.

Pte A Woodward, Devonshire Regt, son of Mr T Woodward, 39 Stephen Street, was killed in action on October 28th. He was an old St Matthew’s boy, and before enlisting he was employed by Messrs Parnell & Son.

Amongst the latest returned prisoners from Germany were Act Corpl J N Atkinson, M.G.C, and Acting Sergt R E Lewin, R.W.R, both of Rugby.

MR J E SMITH, hon sec of the B.T.H employees’ Christmas party to wounded soldiers and released prisoners of war, writes—“ In your report of Rugby Food Control meeting of last week that the B.T.H Company were entertaining the wounded soldiers and released prisoners of war on Saturday, December 28th, I should be pleased if you would correct that error, as it is the B.T.H employees who will entertain them,”

ABSENTEES.—At Rugby Police Court on Saturday, before Mr J J McKinnell, Pte Edwin Jones, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, and Rifleman John Donnelly, Royal Irish Rifles, were charged with being absentees from the 1st Southern General Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham. The men, who admitted the offence, and were arrested by P.S Tromans, were remanded to await an escort.

HILLMORTON.
Mrs Fenwick’s Red Cross working party, which has done such excellent work during the war, has this year sent in to B.R.C.S in London 94 shirts and 30 pairs of socks. Mrs Rich organised and arranged, with the help of Mr Warren and a small committee, the “ Our Day ” collections, the result being most gratifying. The collection realised £20 2s 1d, the whist drive £10 0s 4d, and the schoolchildren collected the splendid amount of £1 11s 11½.

HARBOROUGH MAGNA.
TO PROVIDE a Christmas present for each of the 45 soldiers from Harborough Magna a house-to-house collection was made by Mr H Neal and Mr E Gamble. Upwards of £19 was raised by this means, and a draw brought in £13 16s, making a total of £32 19s. This enabled the secretary, Miss F Craven, to send 14s 3d to each soldier.

WOLSTON.
WAR MEMORIAL.—A parish meeting was convened by the Vicar, the Rev J O Gooch, at Messrs Bluemel’s dining room, on Tuesday evening. Mr W Snell, chairman of the Wolston Parish Council, was voted to the chair. A suggestion from the Rev J O Gooch to the effect that the south transept chapel at St Margaret’s Church should be repaired and re-furnished and made a war memorial chapel was well received. The undertaking would cost about £350 to £400. The Vicar’s suggestion was approved. One gentleman thought a clock tower in Wolston village would be more suitable, but his proposal found no seconder. The Vicar undertook to find out the feeling of the Nonconformists and other residents who were absent.

RUGBY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. . . .

R.W.R V.C.
A postcard was read from Mr G W Blythe, secretary of the Vickers’ Testimonial Fund, announcing that Lance-Corpl Vickers, V.C, R.W.R, would visit Rugby the following day (Wednesday), and would be pleased to meet the Chairman of the Council.—It was decided that owing to the shortness of the notice, nothing could be done in the way of a civic or public welcome, but the Chairman agreed, on behalf of the town, to interview the gallant soldier.

It was also announced that a motor lorry, with two captured German guns, which were touring the county for the inspection of the inhabitants, would arrive at Rugby at about 3 p.m on Friday, and would remain in the town until the following day.

RUGBY’S WAR TROPHY.
With reference to the captured German gun, which has been allotted to Rugby, the Chairman mentioned that on November 5th he received a letter from Major J L Baird to the effect that, seeing a row of German guns in the Mall, it occurred to him that some of them would look very well at Rugby. He accordingly approached the Under-Secretary for War on the matter, and was advised by him to apply to the O.C of the R.W.R for some guns captured by that regiment. He had done this, and he hoped his action would meet with the approval of the Council. Major Baird added that he could not say what views the R.W.R had on the subject, but he felt that Rugby should have some guns, preferably some captured by the R.W.R.—The Chairman said as the outcome of this letter he also wrote to the O.C at Warwick, and the result was that they were allotted the gun which they received last week. He believed it was the biggest of the guns which came into Warwickshire.

EXHIBITION OF WAR TROPHIES.
SIR,—The Committee of the Public library have arranged to hold an exhibition of war trophies in the Museum from January 8th to 11th next, when it is hoped that an interesting and comprehensive collection will be on view. A number of exhibits will be lent by the Imperial War Museum Committee, and I venture to appeal through your columns to any local residents who have souvenirs or curios connected with the great War to place them at our disposal during the exhibition. I shall be grateful to any who can help in this way if they will kindly notify the Curator of the Museum, Mr R Fenley, Public Library, St Matthew’s Street, as soon as possible, in order that final arrangements may be made for the exhibition. Admission to the exhibition will be free, but all visitors will be invited to make a contribution to the funds of the Disabled Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Association.—Yours, &c,
R H MYERS, Chairman,
Rugby Public Library and Museum.

COUPONS FOR CHRISTMAS RATIONS.
TO BE USED IN ADVANCE.

In view of the fact that many shops throughout England and Wales may be closed during the greater part of Christmas week, the Food Controller has decided, except in the case of meat, that the coupons numbered 8 in the current ration book shall be available for use throughout England and Wales during the week beginning December 15th, as well as in the normal period of their currency (i.e, the week beginning December 22nd). This arrangement does not apply to Scotland.

During the period December 16th to January 4th catering establishments exempted from keeping a register of consumption will be permitted to serve meat meals at a price not exceeding 2s (exclusive of the usual charge for beverages). The maximum price for any meal at which meat is not served will remain at 1s 4d.

BORN IN THE TRAIN.—On Sunday night a middle-aged woman, accompanied by a female friend, was travelling on the L & N-W railway from Easton to attend a funeral in Wales. When the train was a few miles south of Rugby number of passengers was suddenly increased by one, a fine young gentleman making his appearance in the world about a fortnight before he was expected. The mother and child were taken out of the train, placed in the waiting room, and Dr Hoskyn was sent for. After resting a few hours the mother and son were sent back to London, the former having so far recovered as to wish to walk to the train, which of course, she was not allowed to do.

DEATHS.

IZZARD.—In loving memory of Pte. THOMAS IZZARD, R.M.L.I, who died December 12, 1918, aged 29 years of pneumonia, at Hasler Hospital, Portsmouth, son of the late Thomas and E. Izzard, late of Brickhill Cottages, Cawston.—“ In the midst of life we are in death,”—Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Mother, Sister and Brother.

25th May 1918. The Recent Flying Accident Near Rugby

THE RECENT FLYING ACCIDENT NEAR RUGBY.
URBAN COUNCIL RESENT CORONER’S STRICTURES.

At a meeting of the Rugby Urban Council, acting as a Burial Board, on Tuesday evening, Mr. Stevenson referred to the criticisms which had been levelled against the Council in connection with the charge of £11 for the ground for the burial of a Royal Air Force officer who was killed in a recent flying accident. He said he was sorry to see the remarks which appeared in one of the local papers condemning the Council for its unpatriotic action. In view of the town’s record all through the war he did not think such remarks were called for, and he was also very sorry indeed to see such an educated man as the Coroner using strong remarks, particularly as he had not made himself fully conversant with the whole facts. He also deprecated the Coroner’s action in asking the Press to take up the cudgels and to start a propaganda to slander the Council. No mention had been made of the fact that on a previous occasion a flying corps officer had been interned in the cemetery free of charge, and no request had been made by soldiers or their relatives which had not been granted. Had the gentleman who had impugned Rugby’s patriotism or any of his officers, communicated with the Clerk to the Council on the matter he had no doubt that the Council would have done its duty as it always did.

The Clerk said he regretted that such a thing had ever occurred. The Council would remember that some months ago they decided that a free site should be granted to any Rugby soldier who lost his life whilst serving with His Majesty’s forces, if it was the wish of his friends. This had been carried out, and had been much appreciated by the relatives of the men. Then, about a couple of months ago, a young officer of the R F.C. met with an accident and died in Rugby, and in his discretion he (the Clerk) decided that this case came under the purview of the Council’s resolution and a free internment was granted. It seemed strange that the Military, in their statement concerning the present case, entirely omitted to mention the fact. In the present case the undertaker informed Mr. Foxon, who consulted him (the Clerk) on the matter, that it was desired to bury the young man at Rugby. He ascertained that the death did not take place in the town. He explained the circumstances very fully to the undertaker, who quite understood the position, and telephoned the facts to the Commanding Officer. From that moment until after the inquest he (the Clerk) never heard any more about the matter ; the military never approached him, and so far as he knew the funeral was to be at Rugby, and the day before the funeral they borrowed the Council’s Union Jack. Although at the inquest the Coroner was asked to communicate with him (the Clerk) he had heard nothing from him. He did not wish to say anything which would cause a continuation of any controversy, but he did think if the Military felt so very strongly on the matter they might have put themselves in touch with him, and had they done so he would have used every effort to have met the request for any soldier who had given his life for his country to be buried in their cemetery, even to the extent of providing the fees had it been necessary.

Mr. Linnell said it had always been usual to charge double fees for strangers, but he thought that, to stop the chance of similar occurrences, they should allow any soldier dying in the neighbourhood to be buried at Rugby if his friends wished it. He hoped there would be so few that it would make little or no difference to the number of interments.

Mr. Stevenson suggested that this should be referred back to the Cemetery Committee.—Mr. Robbins supported.

Mr. Yates thought it very regrettable that such a controversy had arisen. They had acted entirely within the regulations, but this was one of the unexpected emergencies arising for which there was no provision made. He supported the suggestion to refer the matter to the Cemetery Committee to see if they could frame a rule or amend the regulations to cover contingencies such as this. They wanted to scrap as much red tape as possible, and if they had officials and there were regulations they could only expect them to carry them out. They could pass no strictures on Mr. Morson although they might blame themselves for not making their regulations elastic enough to cope with such cases.

Mr. Barnsdale agreed that all soldiers whose friends desired it should be allowed a free burial in the Cemetery, but he regretted that this question had cropped up. Much had been said about it which should not have been said.

The Chairman (Mr. McKinnell) also thought it was a great pity that the matter had arisen. The gist of the matter seemed to be that while the Military felt very strongly that this young officer should be buried in Rugby Cemetery they did not get into touch with the Clerk to inquire whether the charge could be reduced or waived altogether. Had the Clerk not felt able to take the responsibility upon himself or to find the chairman of the Cemetery Committee he certainly would have authorised him to give permission for the burial, and he felt quite certain that the Council would have been only too glad to have confirmed his action.

Mr. Hands suggested that a copy of the paper containing the discussion should be forwarded to the Coroner.

RUGBY PETTY SESSIONS.

DESERTER.—Wallace Harper, no fixed abode, was charged with being a deserter from the Mechanical Transport, A.S.C.—He pleaded guilty.—P.S Hawkes deposed that he met prisoner on Saturday morning in Railway Terrace, and as ha was of military age he asked to see his Army discharge papers or rejection certificate. Prisoner replied that he had neither, and that he had not been registered, examined, or called up. He gave his name as James Davis, no fixed abode ; but while he was taking his description at the Police Station witness noticed that he had been recently vaccinated ; and on being questioned about this, prisoner admitted that his name was Wallace Harper, and that he had been a deserter from Norwich since April 27th.—Remanded to await an escort.

A PATRIOTIC OFFER.—Mr Harold Cole, a retired Metropolitan policeman, was sworn in as a reserve constable, and complimented by the Bench upon his patriotism in coming forward.

DISCHARGED SOLDIERS.—The number of discharged soldiers in the different districts is as follows:—Rugby 443, Alcester 138, Atherstone 287, Brailes 30, Coleshill 85, Coventry 406, Henley 57, Kenilworth 104, Kineton 39, Leamington 429, Solihull 135, Southam 91, Stratford 157, Sutton Coldfield 241, Warwick 236.

RUGBY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.

LOW FLYING OVER THE TOWN.
In reply to a letter to the Military Authorities asking that low flying in aeroplanes over the town should be stopped, Capt King, the officer commanding, wrote :— “ It is impossible to eliminate all low flying, as present War conditions make a certain amount of low flying essential. Flying has to be carried out when the clouds are very low, and, consequently, the machines have to fly underneath the clouds. I will, however, try as far as possible to keep the machines from flying low over Rugby.

FIRST LADY DRIVER.
A hackney carriage driver’s license was granted to Miss Ida Cooper, of 83 Winfield Street. This is the first license that has been granted to a lady locally.

THE RECENT EXPLOSION.
In presenting the Electric Committee’s report, Mr H Yates expressed the gratitude of the Committee to the B.T.H. staff & workmen for the very speedy manner in which they effected the repairs after the recent accident at the Power House. When he visited the scene of the accident with Mr Shenton, and saw the extent of the damage done, he was surprised that they should attempt to get the supply renewed for the evening. He thought the achievement reflected great credit on the staff and workmen who worked so hard to get the supply assured by eight o’clock. He therefore moved that a letter of appreciation be sent to the B.T.H.

Mr T A Wise seconded, and said the speed of the repairs was really wonderful. He did not see the damage, but those who had seen it told him that they never believed it possible that the work could be done so quickly. Praise was due also for the extraordinary presence of mind of two workmen—Messrs Smart and Newitt—who took steps immediately the accident occurred to eliminate all chance of a further explosion. Had it not been for them, he understood much more serious damage would have been done.—This was carried.

ROLL OF HONOUR.
In reply to a question, the Clerk said he had received a long list of names of Rugby men who had fallen in the War, but they were not nearly complete yet, and he hoped that friends and relatives of fallen men would communicate with him at once.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

The following Rugby soldiers, all belonging to the Oxford and Bucks LI., have been reported missing:—Ptes W Chamberlain, F Lenton, H Slatcher, and Corpl W F C White. Rifleman Pitham, 10 Earl Street ; Pte W H Mitchell, Worcester Regt, son of Mr and Mrs David Mitchell, Lodge Road, and Pte H Facet, Leicester Regt, have also been reported as missing.

Pte A G Shilbock, Gloucester Regt, 41 Abbey Street, Rugby, who has been reported as missing, is believed to have fallen into the hands of the Germans as he was last seen in a small group which was cut off by the enemy on March 24th. He was a fine swimmer and won three certificates at the Rugby Baths. He had been in France 12 months.

Mr. and Mrs. Bland have received news from the War Office that their eldest son, Private W Bland, of the Somerset Light Infantry, has been missing since March 21. This is their second son who has been reported missing. A third son is now in France.

Mrs. Freeman, Bennett Cottage, Bennett St., has received news from her husband. Sergt. J. Freeman, R.W.R, an old member of E Company that he is a prisoner of war in Germany. He was officially posted as missing on March 22nd.

D.C.M. FOR RUGBY SOLDIER.
Sergt J Webb, 1st Warwicks, Dunchurch Rd, Rugby, who, as we announced last week, was congratulated on his fine behaviour by the General commanding the 4th Division, has been awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry in the field.

RUGBY PRISONER OF WAR’S STORY.
Transferred to Holland after more than three years in Germany as a prisoner of war, Sergeant H Collins, of New Bilton, Rugby, writes: “ I must tell you about my last three days in Germany, just to give you an idea of the starvation out here. Three days before leaving Germany for Holland we were sent to an exchange station on the German frontier, a town called Aaken. When we arrived at the station there and marched through the streets, hundreds of children followed us begging us to give them bread and among them also were many women. Of course we had food with us from our parcels, and at our billets we threw the empty meat and jam tins away. My God, it was painful to see crowds of these women and children dash for the empty tins.

DESERTER.—On Monday, before Mr. A. E. Donkin, Driver William Henry Jones, 24 Kimberley Road, pleaded guilty to being a deserter from the Mechanical Transport, A.S.C., since April 7.—P.S. Hawkes deposed that prisoner was in plain clothes when he arrested him at his residence. He was unable to produce any Army discharge papers, and he admitted that he was a deserter.—Remanded to await an escort.

DUNCHURCH.
DR POWELL has heard that his son, who was reported missing, is wounded and a prisoner in Germany.

LONG ITCHINGTON.
LATEST NEWS OF OUR SOLDIER BOYS.—News is now to hand that Pte Sidney Linnett, Army Cyclist Corps, previously reported missing, is a prisoner of war at Limberg. He was captured on April 9th last.—Pte Frank Lane, Grenadiers, is now reported missing. He is son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Lane, and his brother Arthur, also of the Grenadiers, was killed on March 29, 1916.

NEWBOLD-ON-AVON.
RIFLEMAN W BUTTON, 7th Batt. Rifle Brigade, has sent word to Mrs Day, of Newbold-on-Avon, that he was taken prisoner about two months ago, and is now at Langensalza, Germany. Rifleman Button resided in the village for several years, and before joining the Army in September, 1914, was employed at the Cement Works.

SILVER COINAGE MUST NOT BE HOARDED.

The prohibition of the hoarding of silver coinage and the sale or purchase at more than its face value, in Ireland, announced on Tuesday morning, is now extended to the whole of the United Kingdom. The Regulation provides that after next Monday “ no person shall retain current silver coins of a value exceeding that of the amount of silver coinage reasonably required by him at that time for the purposes of the personal expenditure of himself and his family and of his trade or business (if any).” Contravention of the Regulation constitutes an offence against the Regulations, and the burden of showing what amount of silver it is “ reasonable ” for a person to have it placed on the person charged. The Regulation also provides that any person who sells or purchases, or offers to sell or purchase, any current coin for an amount exceeding the face value of the coin, or accepts or offers to accept any such coin in payment of a debt or otherwise for an amount exceeding its face value, shall be guilty of an offence.

FARMERS WANT PROTECTION AGAINST POLITICIANS.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Farmers’ Union on Tuesday, in London, progress was reported in respect of the proposed Council of Agriculture, which is to represent owners, occupiers, and labourers to watch the interests of agriculture generally against urban interests, which one member said cared only for votes and how to get the cheapest food. It was hoped the Council would protect farmers against politicians, who set party against party, and class against class. It was agreed to send a resolution to Mr Prothero and Lord Rhondda, asking for a revision of food prices, in view of the greatly increased cost of production.

“ It is curious one can buy a live rabbit without a coupon, but not a dead one. You ought to have bought a live one and wrung its neck,” said Mr. H. Jackson, the clerk at West Ham Police Court.

WHITSUNTIDE BOOKINGS.—Although the number of persons travelling during the holidays was not so large as in pre-war days, the bookings at the G.C.R. Station on Saturday showed an advance on last year’s figures. On Whit-Monday, too, the numbers were high, but in most cases tickets were taken to Willoughby or stations within easy reach of the town. On the L & N.W. Rly. the traffic was quite normal, and although no extra trains were run passengers were not unduly crowded except in a few cases. The countryside was looking at its best last week-end and presented great attraction to those who could by any means of locomotion get out a few miles to enjoy the vernal surroundings. Most of them adopted the wise precaution of taking their lunch and tea rations with them.

SCHOOLBOY LABOUR ON THE LAND.
APPEAL TO PARENTS, HEADMASTERS & BOYS.

To the Editor of the Advertiser.

DEAR SIR,—The military situation has necessitated calling-up of a large number of agricultural labourers, which will seriously deplete the available labour during the coming hay, corn, and potato harvests. It is of vital importance that the harvest of these crops should be successfully secured this year. This success will depend largely upon boys at public and secondary schools who have reached an age that will enable them to do useful work on the land.

The extent to which farmers are counting on their help is shown by the fact that demands for over 17,000 boys have already been received at the Ministry ; and there is no doubt that these numbers will be largely increased when the full effect of the calling-up for military service has been appreciated by the farmers. Of these numbers not less than 3,000 will be required during June and July, and a further 3,500 are needed for October for potato lifting if suitable accommodation can be arranged.

In view of the above facts, I am reluctantly compelled to appeal to schools to release during term-time such groups of boys as may be necessary for getting in the harvest. This is a time of national crisis, and the ordinary considerations of education have not the same force as in normal times. As I have pointed out, it is necessary to provide men for the Army, and it is necessary to provide labour to take their places on the farms and I must urgently appeal to parents, headmasters and boys to give all the help they can.

In view of my representations as to the urgency of the national need, the President of the Board of Education concurs in this appeal, and is issuing a circular on the subject to secondary schools in England and Wales.

All offers of service must be made through the headmasters of the schools. Headmaster who have not already received the regulations, and who can offer boys of 16 and over, should communicate with this Ministry.—I am. your, faithfully.

(Signed) A C GEDDES.
Ministry of National Service, Westminster, S.W.1.

DEATHS

DODSON.—In loving memory of Trooper GEOFFREY H. DODSON, 10th Australian Light Horse, son of Armourer-Staff-Sergt & Mrs. Dodson, 4 St. Matthew’s Street, who was killed in action in Palestine on May 2nd, 1918 ; aged 25.

IN MEMORIAM.

HUDSON.—In ever-loving memory of my dear husband, HENRY JOHN HUDSON, who died at Chatham Naval Hospital, May 20, 1917.
With patience he suffered, his troubles were sore.
But now it is ended, he suffers no more ;
He sleeps, we will leave him in silence to rest,
The parting was painful, but God knoweth best.
—Sadly missed by his loving Wife and Children.

18th May 1918. Fatal Flying Accidents near Rugby

FATAL FLYING ACCIDENTS NEAR RUGBY.
TWO YOUNG PILOTS KILLED.

On Monday two inquests were held by Mr E F Hadow at Rugby on the bodies of Second-Lieut James Donald McRae Reid (21) and Second-Lieut Roderick Oliver Sherar, who were killed in aeroplane accident during the latter end of last week.

With regard to Lieut Reid, of Vancouver, a member of the Canadian R.F.C, it was stated that on Thursday morning last week he started on a flight in a machine, the rigging and engine of which were in good order. An eye-witness, Second-Lieut Gerald Gold, stated that when he was about 2,000ft up Lieut Reid started a vertical dive, and while he was trying to straighten out again the aeroplane collapsed. Deceased dived from 1,200ft to 1,500ft, and he believed that the accident was due to deceased trying to straighten out too quickly. He was apparently diving without the engine going.

Capt Henry Pick Dean thought that the aeroplane fell about 800ft out of control. Deceased was diving at a rate of 180 or 200 miles an hour, and tried to straighten out too quickly, and witness believed this caused the aeroplane to crock up. It was not common for ‘planes to break in the middle as this did unless subjected to very great strain.

Surgeon-Major Chester Collins deposed that death was instantaneous, deceased’s head being smashed in and a large number of bones broken.

In the case of Second-Lieut Sherar, it was stated that he was an Australian, and had served in France with the Infantry. He was gazetted from a cadetship a fortnight ago. On Saturday, at 12 o’clock, deceased was ordered by Capt Pick Dean to take up the machine, the engine and rigging of which had been certified previously as in good order. Deceased was a very fine flyer, and Capt Dean watched him looping and ” rolling ” —a corkscrew evolution which all pilots were taught—for about ten minutes. He then flew out of sight, and the accident occurred shortly afterwards. Capt Dean’s opinion was that Lieut Sherar, who was 2,000ft up when he began his evolutions, was losing height without realising it. Probably when at a height of 1,500ft, but thinking it was higher up, the officer began a spin without sufficient depth to save himself. Had there been another 50ft below him he could have got out all right. It was clearly a case of misjudging the altitude.—This was confirmed by Second-Lieut Charles T Robinson, who witnessed the accident, and who said the machine struck the ground after coming out of a voluntary spin.—The injuries were described by Surgeon-Major Chester Collins, who said death must have been instantaneous, as deceased’s neck was broken.

A verdict of “ Accidental death ” was returned in each case.

RUGBY’S PATRIOTISM IMPUGNED.
Capt King, the officer commanding, mentioned that he had wished to give one of the officers a military funeral at Rugby ; but as he was not a Rugby man, the local authorities wished to charge £11 for the ground alone. He did not consider it very patriotic of Rugby people when a young man gave his life for his country, to refuse him a decent burial in their town.

The jury endorsed Capt King’s remarks and expressed the hope that the question would be brought to the notice of the Council.—The Foreman : They would not treat you like that at Clifton.—Capt King: No we are going to have him buried there.—The jury asked the Coroner to write to the Clerk to the Council on the matter, and the Foreman also promised to approach a member of the Council.

The attention of Mr Arthur Morson, the clerk to the Urban District Council, having been drawn to this question, he informs us that the regulations governing internments in the cemetery were very explicit on this point, and the Council have no power to allow a stranger to Rugby to be interred in the cemetery without the payment of double fees. This rule is necessary for the preservation of the burial ground for Rugbeians, and if it was not strictly observed there is a possibility that the cemetery would soon be filled with people from outside.

FUNERALS OF THE VICTIMS.
It was hoped to have given both of the deceased an imposing military funeral at Rugby ; but as the price of the ground space in Rugby Cemetery was too prohibitive, the funerals took place at Clifton with full military honours, whilst the villagers showed their respect by attending in large numbers.

Lieut Reid was buried on Monday, and in attendance were six officers, who acted as bearers,and 30 men, the whole being under the charge of Capt King. A sister of the deceased, who is serving with the Canadian Red Cross, attended. A firing party fired volleys, and the ” Last Post” was sounded. The school children, it might be added, lined the churchyard path, and a hymn was sung, accompanied on the organ. The Rev Cyril Morton (Vicar) officiated, and was assisted by Captain McGuinness (Presbyterian Chaplain).

The funeral of Second-Lieut Sherar took place at Clifton on Tuesday. Thirty officers (six of whom acted as bearers), thirty N.C.O’s and men, and a firing party attended, under Major Forbes. In church the hymn, ” On the Resurrection Morning,” was sung, and appropriate organ music was rendered. Cousins of the deceased were present as chief mourners. A representative was present from the Strand headquarters. Lieut Wood was in charge of the arrangements.

In both cases wreaths were sent by brother officers.

To the Editor of the Advertiser.

SIR,—I can hardly believe that the loyalty of Rugby— which is proverbial—should have failed on such an occasion in the provision of some 6ft. of ground (except at the cost of £11) to be the last resting-place of one of our youngest and bravest Allies.

Lieut Reid was a magnificent flyer, and his machine— OUR manufacture—literally broke in two with him when in mid-air, and if any man gave his life for our country he did.

I can only say we here at Clifton were proud to have him, as well as a young Australian, at rest in our little village burial ground.

T S TOWNSEND. May 16, 1918.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Pte F Rouse, A.S.C, of 8 Stephen Street, Rugby, has been wounded. He had an operation in France, and is now in Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Mrs Webb, of Dunchurch Road, Rugby, has received from her husband. Sergt J Webb, 1st Warwicks, a letter from the Major-General of the 4th Division,stating that Sergt Webb’s gallant conduct had been reported to him, and congratulating him on his fine behaviour. Sergt Webb enlisted in September, 1914.

New has been received by Mrs McKie, 33 Albert Street, Rugby, that her son, Pte Horace Horsley, of the Manchesters, has been missing since March 21st. He was formerly employed at the B.T.H, and is 21 years of age. He joined up in May last year, and went out in November and took part in the big battle.

Lieut A J Dukes, 15th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, son of Mr A J Dukes, Rugby, has been wounded in action, and is now in hospital in Birmingham.

Lance-Corpl A Blundy, 2nd Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed in action on April 28, 1918. Prior to joining up he was employed in the B.T.H Generator Department. He was an old St Matthew’s boy.

Information has been received that R.S.M W J Barford, 4th Lincolnshire Regiment, died on April 30, 1918, from wounds received in action. Prior to joining his Majesty’s Forces, Pte Barford was a member of the Supply Department staff of the BTH.

Mrs F C Worrall has received news that her husband, Sergt F C Worrall, has been wounded. He is the eldest son of Mr C Worrall, Farm Cottage, Albert Street, and has been in France two years.

Lieut Evan Harries Jones, M.C, 87th Brigade, R.F.A, second son of Mr & Mrs J Jones, of Cosford, who was killed in action on April 25, 1918, was 22 years of age, and educated at the Rugby Lower School. In a letter received by his parents from the Commanding Officer of the Brigade, the latter states that he had known the late Lieut Jones for many months, and that they had had many hard and trying times together. His example was always a keen stimulant to those under his command, For gallantry and conduct he received the M.C some time ago. The writer adds:—“ On the date on which he lost his life we were together in a very hot and extremely difficult position ; his conduct then, as it had been at all times, was cool and beyond praise. He was killed by a German bullet, and his death was instantaneous. In the great loss to you, so it is to us, his brother officers and his battery. He will always be remembered as one of the finest officers who have laid down their lives for their King and country. I have the pleasure to state that he has again been mentioned for gallantry and splendid conduct to the proper quarter, and I feel sure that a bar to his M.C will be awarded. I wish you to know how much his brother officers sympathise with you in your great loss.”

STRETTON-ON-DUNSMORE.
SOLDIER MISSING.—News has been received by Mrs Hancox that her son, Pte J F Hancox, has been missing since April 14th. The War Office states that he may not be killed ; he may have been taken prisoner or temporarily separated from his regiment.

BRANDON.
PTE HORACE WATTS.—Mr & Mrs G Watts, who had not received news of their son, Pte Horace Watts, since March 21st, have just heard from him that he is a prisoner of war in Germany. He was wounded in two places in the leg in 1916 and invalided home. He joined up in August, 1914, and has been on the Western front for upwards of three years, during which time he has seen much fighting with his regiment, the West Kents. He was one of the number who, in Trones Wood, was surrounded by the Germans, and successfully held them at bay for two days, eventually being successful in withdrawing from the difficult situation. He is again wounded. Before answering his country’s call he was a footman to the Earl of Amherst, and previous to that he held a similar position to Col R J Beech at Brandon Hall. His father, Mr G Watts, has been head gamekeeper for Col Beech for 26 years.

DUNCHURCH.
MRS P GRANT, Mill Street, Dunchurch, received the news from her husband on Tuesday morning that he has been wounded in the right leg, and has undergone an operation, which was successful.

LONG ITCHINGTON.
CASUALTIES.—Mrs Edwd Ayres has now received through the Red Cross evidence that her eldest son, Pte Edwd Ayres, R.W.R, previously reported missing, was seen lying dead in a disused trench on October 9th last. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs Ayres, whose only other son has just been called up. She is a widow, and works hard for her living at Messrs Kaye’s Lime and Cement Works.—News is also to hand that Pte Sidney Linnett, Army Cyclist Corps, is missing. The chaplain writes that he went into action on April 18th last, and has not since been heard of. He was one of our early enlistments into the Royal Warwicks. Pte Linnett is the adopted son of Mr and the late Mrs W Gaskins, of the Model Village.—Pte George Hart, R.W.R, has been wounded in the face and thigh, and though at first blinded, has now recovered his sight. He writes that he expects soon to be convalescent and again in the fighting line. He has three other brothers in the Army, all of whom have seen considerable service. They are the gallant sons of Mr & Mrs Wm Hart.—Gunner Arthur J Worrall, R.F.A, who for the past six months has been an inmate of the Middlesex War Hospital at Maksbury, is now convalescent.—Sapper J Gamage, R.E, eldest son of Mr & Mrs W Gamage, has met with a serious injury to his hand while on duty in France.

NAPTON.
ROLL OF HONOUR.—The parishioners regret to hear of the loss of two Napton lads—Pte Clement Fell Batchelor and Pte Sidney Lines. Mr & Mrs James Hands have also had official notification that their second son, Pte Frank Hands, was missing from April 1st. Mr & Mrs Hands’ eldest son was killed in action in June, 1916.

AN APPEAL TO RUGBY YOUNG MEN.

From one of the propaganda vans war pictures were exhibited on Thursday evening to a large crowd gathered near the Clock Tower. Speeches were delivered by Mr McKinnell, two representatives with the van, and Colonel Johnstone. In a stirring appeal, Col Johnstone said : “ Young men of Rugby, I have appealed to you before, and I appeal to you again with greater force, because the necessity for men is very much greater. Do you want to see your country devastated and your homes ruined ? If not, follow the example of those noble and brave men whom you see walking about the town in blue. Those fellows have done their duty. They had fought for their country and for you and me. Come forward and follow their example. I know some of you are working in munitions, and I also know that you have only to hand in your certificate, and then you can voluntarily enlist. Do not make a mistake about that. Other men will be found to do your work. I think it is a shame, and to me it is very degrading, that older men of 45 or so should be called out to the Colours when there are so many young men quite able to join the Colours who ought to do so, instead of letting their fathers do so. Col Johnstone concluded by an appeal to the men who could not join the Army to join the Volunteers. That would be helping their country. The Rugby Company had got a very good name. Col Johnstone referred to the test mobilisation at Warwick Park, when 886 men were on parade. These men could render a very good account of themselves in the case of emergency, and they did not know how soon this emergency would arise. At present there was a need for boys of 17 years to 17 years 9 months to come forward as carpenters.”

MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF EXEMPTED MEN.
APPEAL TRIBUNAL CHAIRMAN’S WARNING.

A warning as to the probable fate of applicants for exemption, or exempted men called up for review, who postpone their application for medical examination until they appear before the Tribunal, was given by the Chairman (Mr H W Wale) at the Coventry Appeal Tribunal on Friday in last week.—The question arose, on the application of George Evelyn Clarke, sub-postmaster and carrier, Newbold-on-Avon, for a fresh examination.—In support of the application, Mr H W Worthington said the man had been down to the Drill Hall to try to get re-examined, but had been told that it could not be got through in time. He had a medical certificate showing the state of the man’s health, and he did not think he would now be placed in the same category as before, viz, B1.—The Chairman pointed out that the Tribunal had sat three times that week ; they were busy men, and did not want repetition. One day one of these appeals would be dismissed as a warning to other people of what would happen if they did not take advantage of their rights. Every man now had the right to a re-examination, and every man should exercise that right, and not put people who were doing a tremendous amount of public work to unnecessary trouble.— Applicant: I tried to get re-graded as soon as I received my papers.—Mr Meredith (National Service representative): You were passed Grade 2 in August last.—The Chairman : We might say that you are satisfied with your grading by the mere fact that you have let things go on so long, but we will grant the application in this case, and adjourn the matter till next Wednesday.

AGRICULTURE AND RECRUITING : IMPORTANT DECISION.

The Board of Agriculture announce that an arrangement has been made with the Ministry of National Service and the War Office for a definite number of 30,000 Grade 1 men to be made available from agriculture for military service not later than June 30th.

It is hoped that the large majority of these men will be recruited under the Proclamation of April 19, 1918, calling up men born in the years 1895-99, but if the full number of men born is not obtained under this Proclamation it will be necessary to obtain the remainder from men up to 31 years of age.

It is expected that additional labour, including a large number of prisoners of war, will be made available for agriculture to take the place of the men urgently required for immediate military service.

ENCOURAGING PIG-KEEPING.

A new regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act permits the keeping of pigs in any locality, premises, or place where they do not cause nuisance or injury to health. The restriction limiting pig-keeping within a specified distance of any street or public place is removed, providing permission is given by the local authority. Local authorities are also permitted to erect or provide and maintain piggeries and to purchase, keep, or sell pigs. This regulation is extended to Scotland and Ireland.

MEAT COUPONS TO HAVE NEW VALUES.

The Food Ministry has issued an order amending coupon values and dealing with the exemption of certain classes of offal from the necessity for the surrender of coupons.

The following kinds of edible offal, whether cooked or uncooked, may be purchased without coupons:—Tripe, chitterlings, lights, sheeps’ heads, calves’ heads and feet, ox heels, cow heels, and pigs’ and sheep’s trotters, as well as the following articles if containing no meat except edible offal of the kinds mentioned:—Cooked or prepared sausages, polonies, brawn, canned or potted goods, horseflesh (thin flank and forequarters except foreribs), meat of goats and kids, white pudding and meat pastes, containing not more than 33% per cent. of meat.

Food Control Committees are empowered under the Order to authorise the sale without coupons of meat pies not exceeding 6ozs in weight, cooked, of a kind usually sold in their districts, provided the total weight of cooked meat in the pie does not exceed 20 per cent. of the whole. Such authority will only be given to retailers who have customarily sold meat pies of this class.

Any coupon attached to an ordinary or supplementary ration card will be available during the period of its validity for the purchase of suet, edible offal, bones, and sausages. While a general butcher may sell suet, tongue, kidneys, and skirt to his registered customers only, he may sell other edible offal, hones, and sausages to any purchaser, detaching coupons in all cases where this is required.

PRESERVING BUTTER.

With the object of encouraging conservation for winter use, the Food Controller has issued an authorisation permitting the acquisition of farmers’ butter for home preservation under the following conditions:—The amount obtained by any person must not exceed the quantity authorised by the Food Control Committee of his district. The conditions mentioned in the authority must be complied with. A certificate in a form prescribed by the Food Controller must be given by the purchaser to the supplier. The butter must be properly salted or preserved, and it must be consumed only at such time and subject to such conditions as may be authorised by the Food Controller. Farmers’ butter may be supplied up to the amount permitted on the production of the necessary authority and of the certificate mentioned when required by a Food Committee.

STATE ROAD TRANSPORT.
POWER TO SEIZE HORSES AND VEHICLES.

New powers for “ maintaining an efficient system for the transport of goods by road ” are conferred on the Board of Trade by a Defence of the Realm Regulation which is published in the “ London Gazette ” of Tuesday night.

The Board may regulate the use of horses and vehicles, and may place restrictions on the sale of them. It may take possession of any horse or vehicle “ either absolutely or by way of hire,” but compensation will be paid. If the amount of compensation is not agreed upon between the Board and the owner, then it is to be determined by a single arbitrator, who “ shall not be bound to have regard to the market price . . . .or to the rate of hire prevailing in the district.”

An order may be made by the Board requiring owners to give notice to it before they dispose of their horses and vehicles. The carriage of “ goods of any class ” by road may be prohibited, and the Board may prescribe the radius or distance within which goods may be carried.

It may also “ regulate the priority in which goods are to be carried by road,” and may lay down the rates at which horses and vehicles may be hired and goods carried.

The powers conferred by the regulation are not to be exercised in the case of horses and vehicles which are used wholly or mainly in agriculture, “ except in connection with a preconcerted scheme to be put in operation in case of invasion or special military emergency.

 

DRASTIC TRAIN CHANGES.— Sir Albert Stanley, president of the Board of Trade, announced in the House of Commons that it had been decided to reduce steam train passenger traffic by 40 per cent. This will entail drastic changes.

SUGAR AT WHITSUNTIDE.—Persons who intend spending Whitsuntide in holiday resorts are advised by the Ministry of Food to take their sugar supplies with them. All visitors should take their butter and meat cards with them when on a holiday. The Ministry of Food cannot, however, guarantee that extra supplies will be available to provide for visitors to any particular district.

DEATHS.

JONES.—In loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. F. J. JONES, 1/9th London Regiment, who was killed in action on April 25, 1918, “ somewhere in France ” ; aged 40 years.
“ He sleeps besides his comrades,
In a hallowed grave unknown ;
But his name is written in letters of love
On the hearts he left at home.”
—From his sorrowing Wife and Children.

IN MEMORIAM.

PERRY.—In ever-loving memory of Pte. ALFRED JOHN PERRY, Royal Marine L.I., who died of wounds in France on May 22, 1917.
“ Sleep on, dear son, in thy foreign grave ;
Your life for your country you so nobly grave.
No friends stood near to say ‘ Good-bye,’
Safe in God’s keeping now you lie.”
— From Mother, Brother and Sister (Kilsby).

MASON.—In loving remembrance of ARTHUR ALEC MASON, of Long Buckby and Braunston, who was lost in the Dardanelles on H.M.S. Goliath, May 13, 1915.
— “ Until the day breaks.”

Jones, Frederick James. Died 25th Apr 1918

Frederick James Jones was born in Rugby in late 1877. His father, Frederick Jones, was a journeyman printer, who had been born in Maidstone, Kent. His mother Louisa Maria Cleaver was born in Ealing, London according to some census entries. But in 1911 it states that she was born in Bilton, Rugby. Frederick and Louisa were married in Norwich in 1876.

In 1881 they were living at 27 Arnold Street, Rugby. By 1891 they had moved to 13 Russell Street and Frederick (senr) was working as a printer’s machinist. They now had a second child, Herbert John born in 1881. Frederick James, aged 15 was an apprentice compositor, working with his father for the Rugby Advertiser. He was to work there for over 26 years.

On 22^nd May 1899, Frederick James Jones married Emily Jane Houghton at St Andrews Parish Church and in 1901 they were living at 26 Dale Street, with daughter Emily Ivy. They had two more children, Leslie Frederick in 1909 and Muriel in 1913.

Frederick enlisted under Lord Derby’s scheme on 10th Dec 1915 and was called up a year later in December 1916. He was aged 38 and was a compositor and machineman. He had been vice-president of the Rugby branch of the Typographical Society for two years.

He joined the Kings Royal Rifle Corps as Rifleman no. 49966. The 9^th Battalion, K.R.R.C. took part in the Battles of the Scarpe the Battle of Langemark and the First and Second Battles of Passchendaele in 1917.

On the 2^nd Feb 1918 they were transferred to the 43^rd Brigade. They returned to the Somme and were in action during the Battle of St Quentin and the Battle of the Avre, suffering very heavy casualties with almost 6,000 men of the Division killed or injured. The Division was withdrawn from the front line and were engaged building a new defence line to the rear. On the 27^th of April, the 9^th K.R.R.C was reduced to a cadre and on the 16^th of June they transferred to the 34^th Division. They were disbanded on the 3^rd of August 1918.

Frederick James Jones must have died in this confused period when the German advance was halted and Operation Michael came to an end.

His death is given as 25^th April 1918 and his name is listed on the Pozieres Memorial.

Pozieres is a village 6 kilometres north-east of the town of Albert and the Memorial relates to the period of crisis in March and April 1918 when the Allied Fifth Army was driven back by overwhelming numbers across the former Somme battlefields, and the months that followed before the Advance to Victory, which began on 8 August 1918. The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918. The Corps and Regiments most largely represented are The Rifle Brigade with over 600 names… Frederick J Jones is listed on panels 61-64.

Frederick’s wife died on 16^th Nov 1918, aged 41.

An announcement in the Rugby Advertiser in November 1921 reads:
In ever-loving memory of our dear Father and Mother, Frederick Jones, who was killed in action April 25^th, 1918 and Emily Jane, died November 16^th, 1918.
In Life were parted,
In Death united.
– With fond remembrance from Ivy, Leslie and Muriel.
 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

 

17th Nov 1917. The Payment of Wroth Silver

THE PAYMENT OF WROTH SILVER.

This ancient custom was duly observed on Monday morning last before sunrising at the usual spot on Knightlow Hill. Mr John Heap, from the Estate Office, Dunchurch, again attended on behalf of the Duke of Buccleuch, to whom the tribute is payable. He read the charter and received the amounts due from the respective parishes called upon to pay it. In all but a few instances the money was either sent or thrown into the hollow stone by the parish representatives, and the exceptions were made good by the bystanders, numbering between 20 and 30. This small assemblage was strangely in contrast with the large crowds of people who in pre-war years found their way there to witness the proceedings. The falling off was attributable to the exigencies of the War, the petrol restrictions, and so forth, and not lack of interest ; and from the same primary cause the ceremony was shorn of an important adjunct—the breakfast, with its potations of hot milk and rum, which from time immemorial has followed. But ancient custom cannot prevail against licensing regulations and the Food Controller’s restrictions ; and so, instead of adjourning to the neighbouring inn for a substantial repast, the drinking of healths and smoking church warden pipes and tobacco, the visitors were invited by Mr Heap to partake of the Duke’s hospitality to the maximum extent circumstances permitted—to wit, hot coffee, which was provided in Mr Quarterman’s house close by.

Several old faces were to be seen in the modest group, including Mr D Borsley, of Stretton ; Mr Kelcey of Wolston (in khaki) ; Mr R T Simpson, who came from Edinburgh to demonstrate his undiminished interest in the time-honoured custom. Mr David Whiteman, of Church Lawford, woodman on the estate, acted as bailiff.

The ceremony did not last long, and as the company separated speculation was rife whether it would disappear altogether, and whether the magnificent avenue of trees, at the end of which Knightlow Hill is situated, would go with it. The hope was unanimously expressed that both would survive and be passed on to posterity.

THE DUNCHURCH AVENUE.

At Warwick Town Council meeting on Friday last week Ald J C Purser, who represented the authority on the committee which met at Rugby recently to consider measures to be taken with a view to securing the preservation of Dunchurch Avenue, moved a resolution expressing the regret of the Town Council to hear of the proposal to cut down the trees and the hope that arrangement would be made by which the avenue might be preserved. He pointed out that the County Council Committee which was appointed to act in the matter had co-opted the Mayors of Warwick, Coventry, and Leamington, and that he attended the first meeting in the absence abroad of the Mayor and the inability of the Deputy-Mayor to attend. From what he learned at the meeting they were determined that no step should be left untaken to secure the preservation of the avenue. The committee decided to ask the Duke for a personal interview before he took any further step. A point of interest in connection with the preservation of the avenue was that it was contemplated to erect there a memorial to the immortal 29th Division, which were reviewed there by the King before going on active service, and the people of Rugby and Dunchurch felt that if the avenue was destroyed the memorial would be robbed of historic and picturesque surroundings.—Ald Purser’s resolution was carried unanimously.

WASTE PAPER COLLECTION.

To the Editor of the Advertiser.

DEAR SIR,—With reference to the waste paper collection which is being made in the town, and which not only helps the nation in supplying the raw material for paper, but also is of very great use in realising money for some of our local charities, I desire to call attention to the fact that these happy results could not be arrived at if it were not for the immense amount of hard work and keenness put into the movement by the boys of the Elementary schools, who do the collecting.

I think it reflects very great credit on these lads, and hope that their parents and the inhabitants of Rugby at large will realise what good work they are doing.

I regret to say that the quantity   collected has fallen off ; and I hope, therefore, that all who have any suitable paper will make a point of immediately advising Mr Simmonds, of Elborow School, or Mr Hodges, of the Murray School, and boys will be sent to collect.—Yours very truly,
J J McKINNELL.
27 Sheep Street, Rugby November 14th.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Pte F Smith, Royal Warwicks, the second son of Mr J G Smith, Bath Street, has been wounded in both thighs.

Pte Albert Coaton, Machine Gun Company, son of Mr C K Coaton, 42 Grosvenor Road, has been wounded by gunshot in the back.

Lieut R O Gladstone, Royal Engineers, who prior to the War was engaged on the outside construction staff of the B.T.H, was killed in action on November 2nd.

Mr W Eadon, Hillmorton Road, Rugby, has received information that his son, 2nd-Lieut L W Eadon, R.F.A, who been in France since September, 1916, and has been in most of the recent heavy fighting round Passchendaele, has been injured and is in hospital.

Lance-Corpl J A Maycock, Royal Warwicks, of Rokeby Cottage, Bennett Street, Rugby, son of Mr & Mrs J Maycock, of Market Harborough, who has been twice mentioned in despatches for good work and bringing in wounded under heavy shell fire, has now been awarded the Military Medal. His brother, Quarter-Master-Sergt C Maycock, has also received the Military Medal.

Sergt F Tucker, Rifle Brigade, Rugby, an employee of Messrs Frost & Sons, has been awarded a bar to his Military Medal ; and the following other Rugby soldiers have also gained the Medal :—Lance-Corpl F E Butler, Rifle Brigade ; Pte A Horne, Northumberland Fusiliers ; Bombardier W Vears, R.F.A ; and Gunner S F Painter, R.F.A, who is returned as having enlisted at Rugby.

PTE C B JONES.

News been received that Pte C B Jones, Gloucester Regiment, was killed in action on October 9th. Pte Jones formerly carried on business as a hairdresser in Murray Road, and he was also agent for the Rugby Advertiser. Before joining the Army in January last, however, he was employed in the Lamp Shipping Office at the B.T.H.

DEATHS.

GARDNER.—Died of wounds on October 28, 1917 in France Pte. CHARLES GARDNER, PO2163, 2nd Batt. Royal Marine Light Infantry, only son of Richard and Alice Gardner, Lower Shuckburgh ; aged 21 years.

HOWARD.—In loving memory of our youngest son, HARRY LEE HOWARD, who fell in action on October 26, 1917 ; aged 26.

JONES.—Killed in action on October 9th, “ somewhere in Flanders,” Pte. CHARLES BRADLAUGH JONES, 1/6th Gloucesters, the beloved husband of Ellen D. Jones, 148 Bath Street, Rugby.—“ Thy will be done.”

SARGENT.—Killed in action on October 23rd in France, Pte. ALBERT HARRY, aged 30, youngest son of the late J. H. Sargent and Mrs. Sargent, of Barby.
“ A sudden loss, a shock severe,
To part with him we loved so dear.
Our loss is great, we’ll not complain,
But trust in Christ to meet again.”
—Deeply mourned by Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

WILLARD.—In proud and loving memory of KENNETH HUGH WILLARD, 2nd-Lieut, York and Lancaster Regt., attached to R.F.C., killed in action on the Western Front on October 12, 1917 ; second son of T. W. and Tryphena Willard, Rugby ; aged 19 years.

 

 

Jones, Charles Bradlaugh. Died 9th Oct 1917

Charles Bradlaugh JONES’s place of birth was recorded variously as being in Leyton, Poplar or Stratford, London. He was born some while after the April 1881 census. His father Frederick was a cooper.

In 1891 he was enumerated as aged eight and was living with his widowed father and four siblings at 285 High Street, Stratford, London.

By 1901 his father had also died and Charles and his younger siblings were living at 11 Durham Row, Ratcliffe, London, the home of their married elder brother Henry and his wife Elizabeth and baby daughter Lillian. Two of Elizabeth’s younger siblings were there also.   Charles and his elder brother were both working as hairdressers.

By 1911, Charles was now ‘30’ and boarding with the Hessian family at 65 Grosvenor Road, Rugby, and that was no doubt where he met his wife to be, Ellen Daisy Hessian, one of the daughters of the house. Her father was an engine driver.   Charles was then still working as a hairdresser.

Some time before the war Charles seems to have had a change of occupation, going to work at British Thompson Houston (BTH) in their Lamp Factory. Then in 1914, when he was about 33, he married Ellen, now 29; the marriage was registered in Rugby [Rugby, Q3, 1914, 6d, 1551].

It is uncertain exactly when Charles ‘joined up’.   There are no surviving Service Records, but as he did not win the 1915 Star, it was probably after late 1915.   Various men from BTH with the name Jones joined up and served in 1914,[1] however an item in the Rugby Advertiser[2] stated, ‘Jones, Charles, 36 Sandown Road, Rugby’ ‘… enlisted at the Rugby Drill Hall under the Group system’, in late 1915, and this confirms the approximate date when he joined up.

As noted, Charles was living in Rugby, but records also suggest that he enlisted initially in Warwick, as Private, No.32852, in the 1^st Battalion (Bn.) of the Gloucestershire Regiment. The 1^st Bn. had been at Bordon in August 1914, as part of the 3^rd Brigade in the 1^st Division, and landed in France at Le Havre on 13 August 1914, well before Charles joined up. The 1^st Battalion probably continued to act as a recruiting, training and reinforcement centre in UK.

Charles would later be posted to the 1^st/6^th Bn. of the Gloucestershire Regiment. The 1^st/6^th Bn. had been at St Michael’s Hill, Bristol, in August 1914 as part of the Gloucester and Worcester Brigade of the South Midland Division. On mobilisation they moved to Swindon and very soon after to Maldon in Essex. On 30 March 1915 the Battalion landed at Boulogne, and on 15 May 1915 became part of the 144^th Brigade in the 48^th (South Midland) Division.

It seems likely that Charles was posted to the Battalion as part of the reinforcements at some date in 1916 and may soon have been involved on Western Front, possibly in the Somme offensive of July 1916, and then may have taken part in the pursuit of the German Army in their retreat [or ‘tactical withdrawal’] to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917.

Later in 1917, the 1^st/6^th Battalion was involved several of the actions making up the Third Battle of Ypres from 31 July to mid-November including: the Battle of Langemarck; the Battle of Polygon Wood; the Battle of Broodseinde and the Battle of Poelcapelle (9 October 1917).

The Battalion War Diary[3] gives details of their later movements and actions. From the beginning of September 1917, they had been at School Camp, in St Jan Ter Bizen, to the west of Poperinge, Belgium, not far west of Ypres. Then on 18 September the Battalion travelled west to Zutkerque, France – suffering various delayed trains – to take part in Divisional and Brigade training until the end of the month. At the end of September 1917, the Battalion’s ration strength was 802 men.   The diary continued:

1 October – ‘Battn. … moved by Rail to Brake Camp.   Entraining Staion Audricq.   Detraining Station Vlamertinghe … ‘C’ Company working party buried cable …’.
‘C’ Company continued burying cable for the next two days.

4 October – ‘Battn. Moved to Canal Bank …’

5 October – ‘ Battn. moved to Dambre Camp in the morning.’

6 October – ‘In Camp.’

7 October – ‘Battn. Moved to Irish Farm 8.30am.   Heavy rain afternoon and evening.   Battn. Moved back to Dambre Camp 4.30pm.’

8 October – ‘Battn. Moved to Front Line and relieved 1/1 Bucks …’

This was in all in preparation for the Battle of Poelcapelle (9 October 1917) one of the actions of the Third Battle of Ypres.

9 October – ‘Battn. Attacked 5.20am. See Appendix ….’

The Appendix gives copies of both the Orders and a Report on the attack on the morning of 9 October 1917. Brief extracts from the Report are given below:

First Wave – ‘A’ Company on the Right, ‘B’ Company on the Left. Second Wave – ‘C’ Company on the Right, ‘D’ Company on the Left. … two platoons of each Company being in each line.

Objectives – First Wave … gun pit … special parties to capture 2 Mebus … and redoubt, … special parties to capture Vacher House and gun pit … Second Wave … Berks Houses … assist 7^th Worcesters in capture of Mebus … assist 4^th Gloucesters in capture of Berks Houses.

Three hours before Zero, the whole Battalion was in position … about half an hour before Zero, enemy shelled Winchester line fairly heavily but this fell just behind second wave and only four casualties occurred.

Zero – 5.20am First wave got away well with the barrage, followed at about 300 yards by second wave. Enemy at once opened M.G. fire all along the line, …

Considerable detail followed, and the assault appears to have been comparatively successful with considerable numbers of the enemy and their equipment captured, however the Report also noted:

Estimated casualties of ‘B’ Company … 1 officer … 45 other ranks … Estimated loss of ‘A’ Company … 2 Officers … 50 other ranks … Estimated losses of ‘C’ Company … 2 Officers … 55 other ranks …

The War Diary noted on the next day:

10 October – ‘Battn. Relieved by 26 Brigade … Returned to Siege Camp via temporary shelter at Irish Farm.’

Overall during October the Battalion had lost 56 men killed or died of wounds and 153 were wounded and 42 missing. Despite the Battalion receiving a ‘draft’ of 79 new men during the month, by the end of the month the Battalion ration strength had dropped from 802 to 633.

Charles Bradlaugh Jones was one of 141 men from the Gloucestershire Regiment who died on 9 October 1917, most of them from 1^st/6^th Bn. during the attack, and the fighting of the Battle of Poelcapelle. Like so many others, his body was either never found, or was not identified.

He is remembered with his comrades on one of the Panels 72 to 75 of the Tyne Cot Memorial. The Tyne Cot Memorial is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient. Whereas those who died before 16 August 1917 are remembered on the Menin Gate, the United Kingdom servicemen who died after that date are named on the memorial at Tyne Cot. Charles is also commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates in Hillmorton Road, Rugby, on the BTH List of ‘Employees Who Served’ and on the BTH War Memorial.[4]

On 7 February 1918, Charles’s Widow, Ellen, received £1-7-9d owing to her husband, and then a War Gratuity of £3-0-0d on 9 December 1919.

Charles’s Medal Card showed that he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

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

[1]       Men named ‘Jones’ were listed in Rugby Advertiser, 5 and 26 September 1914 – probably others of the same name.

[2]       This was under the Lord Derby’s Recruiting Scheme, he is listed in Rugby Advertiser, 27 November 1915.

[3]       The National Archives, WWI War Diaries (France, Belgium and Germany), 1914-1920, Gloucestershire Regiment 48^th Division, Piece 2758/2: 1/6 Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment (1915 Apr – 1917 Oct).

[4]       The List is that published in the Rugby Advertiser, 4 November 1921.

2nd Jun 1917. Cooking Demonstration at Rugby

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS AT RUGBY.

In connection with the local Food Economy Campaign, cooking demonstration rooms have been opened at a shop in High Street, where many valuable culinary hints are being imparted to visitors by Miss Foster and Mrs Yeomans, the instructors attached to the local cookery centre.

The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs A A David on Monday afternoon, when, despite the glorious weather which have tempted people to spend their time out-of-doors, there was a good attendance of ladies.

Before calling upon Mrs David to open the rooms, Dr David said the time had not yet come for them to express their thanks ; but he could not help recommending to their gratitude Mr J T Clarke and his committee, who had made the arrangements, and whose energy had been quite splendid in brining the scheme to what, at any rate, was a successful beginning. In the second place, he wanted to thank the cookery staff teachers, who were giving up their holidays in such glorious weather to take part in that work. He knew that they had quite sufficient reward in being aware that they were helping on a great, good and urgent cause ; lest they ought to feel particularly grateful to them this week. He was sure there were hundreds of good cooks in Rugby, but he hoped none of them were too proud to take a hint in such matters, especially now, when new, sudden and extra demands were made upon their skill. He hoped the ladies of Rugby would show their gratitude to the staff teachers by coming to learn what they could.

Mrs David then declared the demonstration open, and said she hoped all would try to make it a success by getting their friends to attend.

The instructors afterwards gave demonstrations in making barley bread, oatcakes, maize meal scones, buns without flour, and oatmeal pudding.

MAGISTERIAL.
—At Rugby Police Court on Thursday (before A E Donkin, Esq), Fredk Blythman, no fixed abode, was charged with stealing 12 eggs, the property of some person unknown.—P.C Anderton stated that, in consequence of prisoner’s suspicious behaviour in the Market Place the previous evening, he followed him to Smith’s lodging-house in Gas Street, and heard him offer some eggs for sale. Witness enquired where he got the eggs from, and he replied that he bought them ten miles the other side of Coventry, but he subsequently admitted that he stole them from a nest between Coventry and Birmingham. Prisoner was wearing two gold stripes similar to those issued to wounded soldiers, but he had no discharge papers and no documents to connect him with the Army.—Prisoner now stated that he took the eggs from a hedge near the roadside at Yardley. He was 23 years of age, and had lost several fingers as the result of a wound. He was also wounded in the head and leg, and was consequently discharged. His pension paper had been worn out by constant examination by the police, and his discharge paper was torn up by a lunatic at the London County Asylum, where he was for a time employed as attendant.—As the owner of the eggs could not be traced, prisoner was discharged.-A corporal from the Drill Hall attended the Court, and asked prisoner questions bearing on his military history. He said he was discharged through a nervous breakdown, and was awarded a pension of 5s 3d week. He was at present walking to London to get another “ ring paper.”—He was ordered to be detained pending enquiries.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Lieut H N Salter, 4th Leicestershire Regiment, was one of those mentioned in a list of despatches published on Tuesday.

Sergt George Pegg, Oxford and Bucks L.I, son of Mr C Pegg, New Bilton, has been mentioned by Sir Douglas Haig in one of his recent despatches.

Mr & Mrs Read, of 46 Rokeby Street, Rugby, have received intimation that their eldest son, Rifleman C G Read, of the King’s Royal Rifles, was killed in action on December 15, 1916. Deceased, who was an old Murray School boy, was a member of the Church Troop of Boy Scouts, and before joining the Army in January, 1915, was working at the B.T.H Works, and previous to that he was in an office on the L & N-W Railway.

News has been received by Mrs Reeve, of Bourton, near Rugby, that her son, Pte John Vincent Reeve, of the Worcestershire Regiment, was wounded by shrapnel in the wrist and hand on April 30th, and is now in a hospital in France.

Corpl J Hirons, R.F.A, son of Mr James Hirons, 14 Duke Street, Rugby, has been wounded a second time, and on this occasion severely. He was formerly employed at the B.T.H. After fighting at Sulva Bay in 1915, he went to France, where he received his first wound. He is now in hospital at Crediton, Devon.

Pte E H Peddlesden, 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who for ten years was an assistant of Mr G A Dean, High Street, has been unofficially reported a prisoner of war in Germany. These facts have been communicated to Mr J Reginald Barker, hon secretary of the Rugby Prisoners of War Help Committee, and he has instituted enquiries into Peddlesden’s whereabouts.

Rifleman J Humphries, Rifle Brigade, in a letter to Mr W T Coles Hodges, described some of the outrages perpetuated by the Germans during their retreat, and says : “ I don’t know what we should do if England was served like this . . . and yet we get men who shield themselves behind religion. It is my firm opinion that they are nothing more than a lot of cowards, and if Germany ever won and forced their militarism upon us they would be among the very first to knuckle down to them.”

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.

DR POPE REPORTED MISSING.

Capt Charles Alfred Whiting Pope, Royal Army Medical Corps (officially reported missing, believed drowned, on May 4th), son of Mr Alfred Pope, of Dorchester. For a time he practised in Rugby, his residence being on Clifton Road, and he left the town a year or two ago. He was educated at Charterhouse School, and was a graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge. He took the M.B degree at Cambridge in 1907, and he was an M.R.C.S England and L.R.C.P London, 1903. After graduating at Cambridge, he studied at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and before practising at St Leonards-on-Sea he held appointments in South Africa and at Plymouth. Capt Pope, who was 39 years of age, married Marion Ruth, daughter of the late Capt J J A Gravener, R.N.

MOTOR ACCIDENT.-Late on Thursday night last week, as a party of Royal Flying   Corps officers were proceeding from Rugby to Lilbourne by motor-car, the car skidded near the Watling Street Road and collided with a tree. The occupants—Capt Foster, Lieut Daniels, and Lieut Campbell—sustained severe bruises and cuts on the head and body. The car was also badly damaged.

SHUCKBURGH.

THE LATE CORPL JONES.—Mr J Jones has received a letter from the Captain of the Company of the Essex Regiment, in which his son, Corpl Jones, was serving when he was killed. He says it is impossible to speak too highly of the deceased, and he was absolutely all that one could wish for and expect from the soldier and brave man that he was. He was always cheerful, smart, and thoroughly reliable. The platoon officer was proceeding to make a reconnaissance, and Corpl Jones volunteered to accompany him. They had competed their work, and were returning across a road in full view of the enemy, when Corpl Jones was hit on the arm. Subsequently, when trying to reach the trench from which they started, and when they had almost accomplished this, he was shot through the heart, and died instantly. He had already been recommended for promotion, and if he had lived would have been farther recommended for gallantry and devotion to duty on the field.

Army Service Corps.
URGENTLY WANTED.
MEN Between the ages of 41 and 60 with experience of Horses are required for Enlistment into Army Service Corps for duty with Remount Depots.
Jockeys, Hunt Servants, Coachmen, Grooms, Strappers & Carters are specially suitable.
For full particulars apply:
Recruiting Office, RUGBY.
F. F. Johnstone, Lt.-Colonel, Sub-Area Commander.
May 25th, 1917.

DEATHS.

BROMWICH.-Killed in action May 8th, somewhere in France, PTE. FREDERICK BROMWICH, aged 37 years.—From his sorrowing wife and children. “ Till the day breaks.”

LINE.—Killed in France May 20th, SIGNALLER ROBERT L. LINE, beloved eldest son of James B. and Lelia H. Line, of Goulbourne, Canada, and grandson of the late William Robert Line, Ivy House, Bilton.

IN MEMORIAM.

CONOPO.-In affectionate remembrance of W. CONOPO, of Kilsby, who lost his life on H.M.S. Queen Mary on May 11, 1916.
“ No anthem-peal flows sweet and loud,
No tablet marks his grave ;
But he soundly sleeps in a coral shroud
To the dirge of the rolling wave.”—R.I.P.
—From his ever-loving FATHER and MOTHER, BROTHER and SISTERS.

GODDARD.—In loving memory of our dear son, CEPHAS GODDARD, of H.M.S. Fortune, killed in battle of Jutland, May 31st, 1916, and beloved husband of Jesse Goddard, of Southsea.-“ Until the day breaks.”—From FATHER, MOTHER, and JESSE.

GOUGH.—In loving memory of JAMES CLEETON GOUGH, killed in action on June 2, 1916.

MASKELL.—In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. A. G. Maskell, who was killed in France May 30th, 1916, age 20.
Where is our soldier boy to-night
Laid in a soldier’s 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. R.I.P.

READ.—Sacred to the memory of CHARLES GEORGE READ, the beloved son of Charles John and Minnie Read, who was killed in action in France on Dec. 15, 1916, aged 22 years.
We miss the hand-clasp, miss the loving smile.
Our hearts are broken, but a little smile.
And we shall pass within the golden gate.
God will comfort us, God will help us while we wait.

12th May 1917. Food Economy Campaign

FOOD ECONOMY CAMPAIGN.—In connection with the Food Economy Campaign in Rugby a series of cookery demonstrations has been arranged. A central establishment will be opened very shortly in High Street, where demonstrations will be given during the afternoons and evenings. This will probably be followed by local demonstrations in other parts of the town. A scheme for the establishment of communal kitchens for Rugby is also well in hand.

AN ALLOTMENT HOLDERS’ ASSOCIATION for Rugby is in course of formation (see advt).

THE KING’S PROCLAMATION urging the necessity of economising in food consumption was read at various places of worship at Rugby on Sunday last.

NEW BILTON.

A COMMUNAL KITCHEN.—The War Economy Food Committee having applied for the use of the Wesleyan. Schoolroom at New Bilton as a communal kitchen, the trustees met on Monday night to consider the matter, and unanimously decided to place the school at the disposal of the committee, subject to certain details to be arranged by the stewards.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Second-Lieut E Wilson, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, son of Mrs Wilson, of Bridget Street, is in hospital at Rouen suffering from a broken leg.

Second-Lieut H H H Lister, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, only son of Mr and Mrs H L Lister, Clifton Road, Rugby, is reported missing on May 4, 1917.

Pte Longney, writing from France, says :—“ By a curious coincidence, it was my pleasure, when passing down the street of the town where I am stationed, to see the Red Cross ambulance car presented by the Rugby and District Farmers’ Association. It is doing a splendid did work, and looks in good condition.”

Mr R George Hudson, son of Mr R S Hudson, York Street, who has been with the Artists’ Rifles in France for the past twelve months, has been given commission, and posted to a Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. News has since been received that Second-Lieut. Hudson, who is an old St Matthew’s boy, has been severely wounded.

Rifleman J C Smith, K.R.R, the eldest son of Mr J C Smith, has been admitted to hospital with gun-shot wounds in the right shoulder.

Capt T Marriott, son of the late Mr J Marriott, of Stanford-on-Avon, who was recently awarded the Military Cross, has been promoted to the rank of Major. He is an “ old boy ” and former member of the staff of St Matthew’s Boys’ School.

The relatives of Pte F H Watts, of 21 Cross Street, Rugby, have received intimation that he was wounded on April 25th for the third time. On this occasion he received injuries in the thigh, arm, and chest through an accident. He is now in the General Hospital, Birmingham, and is making favourable progress.

Official news has been received by Mr T H Cleaver, late of the Horse and Jockey Inn that his son Joseph V Cleaver has been killed in action in France on April 11th. Before the war he was employed by the Leamington Brewery Company. He was one of the first to join up under Lord Derby’s Group System. This is the second son Mr Cleaver has lost in action, and two more, George and Austin, were wounded earlier in the War.

Evan P Biddles, gunner in the R.F.A, youngest son of the late Mrs John Biddles, Newton, Rugby, and of Estancia Loma-Pora, Villa Concepeion, Republic del Paraguay, South America, has died from wounds in France. Less than a year ago he returned to England to enlist after giving up an important post as Majordomo for the Paraguay Land and Cattle Company, and in December last crossed to France, and has practically been in action ever since. His age was 22.

News has just been received by Mr and Mrs Bull, 49 Manor Road, Rugby (late of Lower Shuckburgh, near Daventry), that their only son, Bombardier Bull, was killed in action on the night of May 3rd. At the age of 16 he joined the Warwickshire R.H.A in November, 1915, and went to France in the following May, where he has been in the fighting line ever since. A letter was received on Wednesday morning from his Officer, who writes :-“ Your son, Bombardier Bull, was gallantly doing his duty under heavy shell-fire, and a 4.2 shell just caught him and another man, Fitzgerald. You can be perfectly certain that his death was quite instantaneous and completely without pain. I have known your son since he was under me in the 3rd Warwick Battery, nearly two years ago. He showed signs of being a very fine soldier then, and has since very fully redeemed that early promise. I cannot say how deeply your son is regretted both by officers and men.”

NEWS FROM A RUGBY OFFICER REPORTED KILLED.

Capt S E Jones, of the 10th Yorkshire Regiment, formerly a bank manager at Rugby, who was officially reported killed on February 27th, is evidently a prisoner of war in Saxony. Mr Mason, his successor at Rugby, has just received a card from him stating that his eyes are getting better (so that he was apparently wounded in the face), and adding: “ Do send us food and clothing.”

RUGBY & DISTRICT WAR PRISONERS’ DAY, Saturday, June 2nd.

There are sixty-seven men from Rugby and district who have fallen into the hands of the Enemy, and they are still calling for food.

For nearly two years the Rugby Committee have organised funds by means of which beyond any shadow of doubt many of these men have been saved from starvation.

To ensure they do not lack the food necessary to keep them in health and strength, further funds must be raised at once.

THE RUGBY PRISONERS OF WAR HELP COMMITTEE therefore appeal to you to assist their efforts by sending a Donation now to the Hon. Organising Secretary,
Mr. J. REGINALD BARKER,
9 Regent Street, Rugby,
who will gratefully acknowledge same.

NEWBOLD-ON-AVON.

WOUNDED.—Mrs Parr at the Three Horse Shoes, Newbold, has received official information that her husband, Private F Parr, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, has been wounded in France, and is in hospital at Rouen.—Mrs T Harris of Newbold learns that her husband, Pte Thos Harris, belonging to a Northampton Regiment, had been wounded in the head and right arm on April 23rd in Egypt, and was lying in hospital seriously ill.—Mr and Mrs West of Rugby (late of Newbold) have also received intimation that their son, Pte C West, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, has been wounded in France.

LONG LAWFORD.

Mr and Mrs Elkington, Long Lawford have received the following official note concerting their son :- “ The Major-General, 20th (Light) Division, has received a report of the gallant conduct of R G Elkington, K.R.R.C, on April 4, 1917, in courage and personal bravery in the storming of the village of Métz, and he wishes to congratulate him on his fine behaviour.” This is the second occasion that Sergt Elkington has been mentioned for his conduct in the field, the last time during a night attack, on August 23, 1916, at Guillemont. His parents have been pleaded to learn that he has received the ribbon for the Military Medal from the General Commanding.

BRANDON.

MAJOR D C M BEECH.—The many friends of Mr Douglas Beech, the only surviving son of Colonel R J Beech, J.P, D.L, will be pleased to hear that he has been acting as Brigadier Major and is on Foreign Service.

RUSSIAN FLAG DAY AT RUGBY.
A SPLENDID RESULT.

Rugby’s effort on behalf of the Russian wounded on Saturday last was crowned with success ; and, despite the fact that this time the appeal was made only in Rugby and New Bilton, upwards of 25,000 flags were sold, realising £110 16s 6d—the highest sum ever obtained by a flag day restricted to the town. The effort was held under the auspices of the Rugby Urban District Council, and the organisation was again ably carried out by Mr J R Barker, who, at the special request of the Chairman of the Council, has consented to organise all official flag days in Rugby. He was assisted by a willing band of 150 fair vendors, and by means of a system of relays sellers were to be found in the streets all day. The Council placed the Benn Buildings at the disposal of Mr Barker for a depot ; and here Mrs B B Dickinson and Mrs J R Barker rendered yeoman service in handing out fresh supplies and receiving the collecting tins as they were retained. Mr R P Mason, manager of the London City and Midland Bank, again undertook the duties of treasurer, and supervised the counting of the money, in which he was assisted by Mr J Ferry and the Hon Organiser. The £110.16s 6d was made up as under :- Coppers, £76 19s (the largest sum, received in coppers on a flag day) ; silver, £32 17s 6d ; and one Treasury note for £1, .which was placed in the box of Mr Barker’s daughter. The highest amount (£2 15s) was collected by Miss G Woods in the B.T.H district, and she was closely followed by Miss Sparkes (£2 14s 2d), of the same district.

DEATHS.

BIDDLES.—Died of gas poisoning just behind the lines in France, April 22nd, from wounds received in action same day, EVAN P. BIDDLES, gunner in the R.F.A., youngest son of the late Mrs. John Biddles, Newton, Rugby, and Estancia Lomapora, Villa Concepcion, Republic del Paraguay, S. America ; aged 22 years.

BULL.—Killed in action, on May 3rd, in France, THOMAS HENRY BULL, late of Shuckburgh ; aged 18.
“ Sleep on, dear brother, in a far-off grave ;
A grave we may never see ;
But as long as life and memory lasts
We will remember thee.
—From FATHER, MOTHER, and SISTERS.

HINCKS.—Lance-Corpl. E. W. HINCKS, Middlesex Regiment, youngest son of Mr and Mrs. Marlow Hincks, Southam Holts, officially reported killed in action in France on 12th April ; aged 20.—Deeply mourned.

ROBINSON.—In loving memory of OWEN, the dearly beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Robinson, Catthorpe, who died from wounds received in action on March 28th. Laid to rest in the British Military Cemetery, near Arras,-“ Loyal to duty even onto death.”

IN MEMORIAM.

MASON.—In loving remembrance of ARTHUR ALEC MASON, of Long Buckby, who was lost on H.M.S. Goliath in the Dardanelles on May 13, 1915.—“ Till the day breaks and the shadows flee away.”

SMITH.—In loving memory of Trooper WILLIAM SMITH, son of James and Elizabeth Smith, of Lutterworth, reported missing May 13, 1915,—“ Greater love hath no man than this.”

Jones, Hubert Joseph. Died 9th Apr 1917

Hubert Joseph Jones was born in Rugby in 1888, and his birth was registered in Q3, 1888 in Rugby. He was the son of Albert (b.c.1849) and Elizabeth Jones (b.c.1854). Albert was an ‘Engineman Ry Driver’ and did not know where he was born! Elizabeth was born in Marton. In 1901 the family lived at 190 Oxford Street, Rugby with three children: Hubert Jones was then 12; Maud Jones was 16; and Beatrice [Elizabeth] Jones was 9.

The family hasn’t been found in the 1911 census. However, the records show that later, until just before the war, Hubert was working in the British Thompson Houston Machine Shop in Rugby.[1]

He enlisted ‘at the commencement of the war’[2] in Rugby[3] as a Private No.13581, in the 7^th Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry [Ox and Bucks or Oxf & B.L.I.] early in the war. He was then promoted to Corporal in the 3^rd Reserve Bn. and was later moved to the 6^th Bn. Oxf & B.L.I. and was finally in the 5^th Battalion.

The 5^th (Service) Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was formed at Oxford in August 1914 as part of the First New Army (K1) and then moved to Cranleigh, Guildford and then moved to Salamanca Barracks, Aldershot in February 1915 to be placed under orders of 42^nd Brigade in 14^th (Light) Division. They mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne on 21 May 1915.

Huberts’s Medal Card shows he went to France some months later on 21 September 1915 and he would have missed the actions on the Western Front in 1915. However he would have been involved in the Battle of Delville Wood, and the Battle of Flers-Courcelette in 1916. Then in 1917 with the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the so called Battle of Arras and particularly, the First Battle of the Scarpe (9–14 April 1917) which was conducted in parallel with the attack by the mainly Canadian Divisions on Vimy ridge, slightly to the north. Both these being in part diversions for a major French attack to the south, which in the event was unsuccessful.

The 14^th Light) Division were part of the VII Corps (under Snow) within the Third Army (under Allenby). The Battalion diary[4] summarised the events in Early 1917 …

The Battalion had its full share in the fighting of the first half of this year, suffering the inevitable heavy casualties, but adding still further to its splendid reputation. It took part in the great British offensive which opened on the 9th April, on a ten-mile front, from the south of Arras to the south of Lens; and it was engaged again in the next great offensive on the 3rd May in the same area, losing no fewer than 185 of all ranks in the former and 300 in the latter.

March 1^st-15^th – The Battalion had one tour of the trenches, losing 1 man killed and 5 men wounded. On the 15th marched to Sombrin, and went into training for the coming offensive.

March 11^th – 31^st – This period was devoted to strenuous training, including a rehearsal of an attack on the Harp, the German trench system east of Arras at the junction of the front-line system and the Cojeul Switch.

April 4^th – The Battalion moved to Dunedin Caves (Made by quarrying chalk for the building of Arras. For our purposes they were now connected by tunnels and lighted by electricity.) One of the six large caves accommodating some 5,000 men. Three officers’ patrols were sent out at night …

April 5^th -7^th –

At Christchurch Cave supplying working parties.

Attack on the Harp. – The operations now in course of preparation were to take the form of a combined attack to the south of Lens. Elaborate Secret Orders were issued between the 3rd and 7th April, and from the 3^rd to the 5^th a heavy bombardment was carried out. At 7 a.m. on the 7^th the following Operation Orders were issued by the 42^nd Infantry Brigade:

1. The units of the 42^nd Infantry Brigade will be distributed as follows at zero on “Z” day:

5^th Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry:
In Sardine Trench (300 yards). In Roach Trench (260 yards). In Trout Trench (250 yards).
In Salmon Trench (150 yards) from its right flank (western end) to M.6.C.61.51, where old
German cable trench cuts it at right angles. Total: 960 yards.

3. Units will reach their assembly positions as follows … 5^th Oxford and Bucks L.I – from Christchurch Cave by Exit No. 14.F. (G.34.d.02.60).

Leading troops to start from Cave at 9p.m., and be clear of the Cave by 10p.m.
Route to Assembly Trenches – Rue de Temple – Hatter’s Lane and Halifax to Old German
Front Line – Halifax and Arras Way to Assembly Trenches; 200 yards distance to be
maintained between platoons. Battalion to be in Assembly Trenches by a.m. on 9^th inst.

As detailed by O.C. Battalion, 200 yards distance to be maintained between platoons. Battalion to be in Assembly Trenches by 2 a.m. on 9th inst.

REPORT OF ATTACK ON THE HARP ON 9^th APRIL 1917.

The Battalion left the caves at 9 p.m., and was in position in the Assembly Trenches by 12 midnight. No casualties occurred on the way up. There was practically no shelling of the Assembly Trenches till 5.30 a.m. Between 5.30 and 7.30 a.m. the Assembly Trenches were slightly shelled with whizz-bangs and an occasional 4.2-in. chiefly from direction of Tilloy. During this time one officer and one man were hit. At 7.34 a.m. the advance began. There was a good deal of crowding on the right owing to the Battalion on our right losing direction. This was rectified as much as possible by the company officers on the spot. During the initial stages of the advance there was practically no enemy artillery fire, but there was a certain amount of machine-gun fire from Tilloy; this, however, was mostly high and caused very few casualties. As soon as the leading line came in view of the Harp three machine-guns opened fire from behind Telegraph Work and the string of the Harp. Lewis-guns and rifle-grenades were immediately turned on to them, and their fire slackened sufficiently to enable the infantry to go forward. On reaching the front line about 50 of the enemy gave themselves up without fighting, and were passed back to the rear. There was a certain amount of resistance from the back of Telegraph Work and the string of the Harp, but the Germans gave themselves up as soon as our men reached them. About 50 Germans were captured here. As soon as both objectives had been reached consolidation was at once commenced as follows:

C Company and a part of D Company from N.7.a.6.6 to N.7.a.5.3.
A Company thence along back line of Telegraph Work to N.7.a.4.1.
Remainder of D Company from N.7.a.2.8 to about N.7.a.2.6.
B Company thence to N.7.a.2.0.

During the consolidation a machine-gun opened fire from about N.7.a.6.9, which caused a certain number of casualties. This gun was knocked out by a rifle-grenade, and was captured in conjunction with a bombing-party of the 9th K.R.R.C. About 20 minutes after reaching the objective the captured position was heavily shelled with 77-mm. and 4.2-in. for about half an hour, and a strong barrage of 5.9 in. put along the bank in M.12.b.l.9 for about one and a half hours. There were no troops advancing over this ground at that time. It only caused a certain amount of inconvenience to communications and very few casualties. About 10 a.m. all hostile artillery fire ceased, and consolidation was completed without further molestation. About this time another machine-gun and its crew were found in a dug-out. They gave themselves up without any trouble. It is impossible to state accurately the number of prisoners taken by us, but it is estimated there were about 100. Three machine-guns were also captured. Our casualties were roughly 5 officers killed, 7 wounded, and about 180 other ranks. The battlefield was cleared of all casualties by 5 p.m., with the assistance of the prisoners.
H. L. Wood, Lieut.-Colonel, Comdg. 5th Bn. Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry

April 10^th

The following was issued today: “complimentary order.”

“The Commander-in-Chief has personally requested me to convey to all ranks of the 14^th (Light) Division his high opinion of the excellent fighting qualities shown by the Division. The commencement of the great offensive of 1917 has been marked by an initial success in which more than 11,000 prisoners and 100 guns have been taken on the first day alone. The Division has taken a prominent part in achieving this success and maintained the reputation gained last year on the Somme, and added to the laurels of the gallant regiments of which it is composed.

1917. Couper, Major-General, Comdg. 14th (Light) Division.  10^th April 1917.

Hubert Jones on was originally buried in the ‘Telegraph Hill British Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse, on the South-Western slopes of the hill between Tilloy and Neuville-Vitasse, captured by the 14^th Division on the 9 April 1917. The cemetery contained the graves of 147 soldiers from the United Kingdom, almost all of whom belonged to the 14^th Division and fell in April 1917.’[5]

The bodies in that cemetery were later moved as part of the ‘concentration’ of smaller cemeteries and one Report noted that a new road was being built through part of the cemetery. Hubert Jones and many of his colleagues were exhumed and reburied in various sections of the Tilloy British Cemetery, with Hubert being reburied in Plot III. J. 16.

Tilloy-les-Mofflaines is a village 3 kilometres south-east of Arras, on the south side of the main road to Cambrai. The village of Tilloy-Les-Mofflaines was taken by Commonwealth troops on 9 April 1917, but it was partly in German hands again from March to August 1918.

The cemetery was begun in April 1917 by fighting units and burial officers, and Rows A to H in Plot I largely represent burials from the battlefield. The remaining graves in Plot I, and others in the first three rows of Plot II, represent later fighting in 1917 and the first three months of 1918, and the clearing of the village in August 1918. These 390 original burials were increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from a wide area east of Arras and many smaller burial grounds including the Telegraph Hill British Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse. The cemetery now contains 1,642 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 611 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 14 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

His ‘widow and sole executer’ Ellen, received £1-19-7d owing to him on 15 June 1917 and she received a further £6-0-0 gratuity on 29 October 1919.[6]

Hubert J Jones was awarded the Victory and British medals and the 1915 Star.   He is also remembered on the Rugby Memorial Gate and on the BTH War Memorial[7] and the listing of ‘BTH Employees Who Served in the War 1914 – 1918’.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

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This article on Hubert Joseph Jones 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, December 2016.

[1]       Rugby Advertiser, 5 May 1917.

[2]       Rugby Advertiser, 5 May 1917.

[3]       Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919.

[4]       Record of the 5^th (Service) Battalion, Oxford and Bucks L.I., 1^st July 1916 to 30^th June 1917, Compiled by Steve Berridge, http://www.lightbobs.com.

[5]         http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/566279/SCOTTON,%20F

[6]       Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, available on Ancestry.co.uk.

[7]       From the list of names on the BTH War Memorial when it was unveiled, taken from the list published in the Rugby Advertiser, 4 November 1921. See: Rugby Family History Group website, http://www.rugbyfhg.co.uk/bth-war-memorial .