Keep the Home Fires Burning - detailing wartime life in the towns and villages mentioned.

W.E. 1914 Sep. 11th

Whilst scouting, on Saturday afternoon the light cruiser Pathfinder was sunk by a German mine, about ten miles north of St. Abb’s Head, in the North Sea. Among the missing is George Baker, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baker, of 88, London Road, Stony Stratford, and on Monday they, and their son’s young wife, received a confirmatory letter and wire from H.M.S. Tyne. Also received was a communication from the Admiralty, with which was enclosed a letter of condolence from the King and Queen. Having recently passed his exams to be made chief electrician, as an electrical artificer, 3rd class, George Baker was attached to H.M.S. Tyne, and had been drafted to carry out repairs on the Pathfinder, aboard which he had been for two or three days. In speaking of the disaster, the skipper of a trawler, which had been sailing about three miles away, said that whilst his men were below, getting a meal, their ship was suddenly shaken. Rushing on deck they then witnessed the Pathfinder in a perpendicular position, stern uppermost, and after a momentary poise the cruiser was blown apart by a massive explosion.

Aged 29, George Baker had served his apprenticeship at the Wolverton Carriage Works, and, after a while working in a motor works at Bedford, joined the Navy in 1908. A member of the Chatham division, he had firstly been attached to H.M.S. Inflexible, then H.M.S. Indomitable and H.M.S. Vulcan, before serving aboard H.M.S. Tyne. Of a jovial and happy disposition, in his younger days in Stony Stratford he had been keenly interested in football, and played left half for Stony Stratford Town Club. He leaves a widow and two children; a baby of three weeks, and a girl aged two and a half.

W.E. 1914 Oct. 16th

Mrs. Cooper, of 15, Church Street, Stony Stratford, has received an official message from the War Office, stating that her husband, Private Lewis Cooper, aged 29, of the 1st Northants. Regiment, has been killed in action. This was accompanied by a message from Lord Kitchener, saying that he had been commanded to assure the relatives of the true sympathy of the King and Queen. Private Cooper had been employed at Wolverton Carriage Works for just over a year.

W.E. 1914 Oct. 16th

The secretary of the Stony Stratford Flower Show, Mr. A. Joyce, has received an interesting letter from a sergeant of the 7th Field Company of the Royal Engineers, which was encamped at Wolverton for nearly two months during the Army Manoeuvres of 1913. They were again in the district in July 1914, when they gave a military display at the Stony Stratford Flower Show. The writer states;

“No doubt you will be anxious to know how the lads of the 7th Field Company are progressing. As I have a little time to myself I thought I would write and let you know. Little did we dream that we should be stuck into the real thing so soon after our display at Stony Stratford. But one never knows. Well, I am pleased to say that the Company are very well indeed, except for a few slight ailments. We have had only three casualties up to now. Not that we have not been among it, but we have had extraordinarily good luck. We were in the retirement after Mons with the ‘Jocks’ (the Gordon Highlanders) and another regiment from Shorncliffe, and I can tell you it was an experience, with continual marching ten days on end and often through the night. But I expect you have heard all about it in England, and what we lads gave the Germans when we were reinforced and turned round outside Paris. We are anchored down here (I cannot tell you where) awaiting developments and exchanging compliments (with the Germans) in the way of a few iron rations every day. The news is favourable from all quarters, and the spirit of the troop is excellent. We have plenty of food of all kinds - also rum and tobacco, and new clothing is coming up now, so we are all correct. What news we get shows that the Allies are successful in all parts of the globe, and shall be able to have the usual festivities in England at Christmas. I often see Mr. C.L. Mason, of Wolverton, who is in our Division. He has had a couple of narrow shaves, but when I saw him last a few days ago he was in fine form. We are away from headquarters now, so I don’t see him as often as I did. We lost Major Faber (Commanding Officer of the Company) early this month. He had to report sick to undergo an operation, and he is still in Australian base hospital. Of course, he has finished with the Company now, and we have a new O.C., whom most of the N.C.O.s have met before. Lieutenants Wright and Gourlay are still with us and in fine form. The Company has done some fine work both on the retirement and on the advance demolishing existing bridges and throwing pontoons - and gained great praise from the General of the Division. So you see we are keeping up the name of the Seventh.”

(This version of the above appears in the Bucks Standard of Oct. 17th, 1914;
B.S. 1914 Oct. 17th

“No doubt you will be anxious to know how the lads of the 7th Field Company are progressing, and as I have a little time to myself I thought I would write and let you know. Little did we dream that we should be stuck in the real thing so soon after our display at Stony Stratford (Flower Show), but one never knows. Well, I am pleased to say the Company are very well indeed, except a few with slight ailments. We have had only three casualties up to now - not that we have not been among it, but we have had extraordinarily good luck. We were in that retirement after Mons with the Jocks (Gordons) and ‘Toughs’ from Shorncliffe, and I can tell you it was an experience, too. Continual marching for ten days on end, and often half the night. But I expect you will have heard all about it in England, and what we lads gave the Germans when we were reinforced and turned round outside Paris. We are anchored down here (I cannot tell you where) awaiting developments and exchanging compliments in the way of a few iron rations every day, and the news is favourable. I often see Mr. Mason, of Wolverton. He is in our Division. He has had a couple of narrow shaves, but when I saw him last a few days ago he was in fine form. We are away from headquarters now, so I don’t see him as often as I did. We lost Major S.G. Faber early this month; he had to report sick and undergo an operation, and is still in the Australian Base Hospital. Of course, he has finished with the Company. Now we have a new officer commanding, whom most of the non-commissioned officers have met before. Lieutenants Wright and Gourlay are still with us and in fine form. The Company has done some fine work, both on the retirement and in the advance, in demolishing existing bridges, and gained great praise from the General of the Division. So you see we are keeping up the name of the 7th Field Co. ‘All here’ wish to be remembered to ‘all there.’”)

W.E. 1914 Nov. 13th

Mr. W. Crisp, of ‘St. Athelsdane,’ Calverton Road, Stony Stratford, has received an interesting letter from Company Sergeant Major Charles Kent, of the 2nd Durham Light Infantry. They were encamped in the vicinity of Stony Stratford during the Army manoeuvres of last autumn. The following is an extract dated October 31st;

“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Crisp, - Just a few lines, as I have plenty of time just now to write. I am in the trenches, and this is my ninth day in the same place. We can only get out of the trenches by night under the cover of darkness, owing to the shell and rifle fire of the Germans. This is a little different game to that which we had in Wolverton, when, after work, we were at liberty. Here it is weeks and months of work. It is getting very cold at nights, and as we have only the clothing we wear, we feel it very much. But as this must be done for the good of the Old Country, we soldiers must bear the hardships. Although we are in the trenches we have been attacked several times. One night three attacks were made, but our boys gave them a lesson which the ground over which they came will show by their dead who have fallen to our brave men.”

Stating that “It seems so nice to hear a little news of Old England,” he concludes by wishing to be remembered to his many friends in Stony Stratford.

W.E. 1914 Dec. 18th

Submitted by his friends, the following letters are from Private Albert Pittam of Stony Stratford, who is serving with the 1st Northampton Regiment;

Nov. 5th 1914 “I am writing to thank you for the parcel which I received. I don’t get much time for writing now, we’re fighting day and night. I think it is getting worse. We have got about half the Regiment left. Sunday was our hardest fighting day. O how I think of the days gone by and our pleasant Sundays at home, and now every minute might be my last. Don’t send me anything out - only the other day I saw a lot of poor fellows had to run away and leave everything behind. Some had to throw away their kit to save themselves. All round me men are being killed, and I don’t know how I manage to escape - at times it seems impossible to live. I haven’t had time to get a wash now for over a week. Some days it takes us all our time to eat our bit of food. We have to dig holes in the ground to get out of the way of the heavy shell fire. I am not going to tell you what is happening around me for it is too awful to mention. My nerves are all shattered. In my Company we haven’t an officer left.”

Nov. 23rd 1914 “I can never tell what I have been through this last month. We have been hard put to it - a case of do or die. The casualties of this Regiment are about ---- , how I escaped I do not know. All the officers have disappeared. I wouldn’t be an officer for any money. The last place we were at we were fighting the Prussian Guards, and they were giants. I felt like a boy by the side of them. All my old comrades have gone. I cannot tell you of all the hardships I have gone through. I’ve helped the wounded, and I’ve buried the dead. I have seen men and horses blown to pieces …… (censored); got in our trench and had to stick there until it was dark, and then creep out and get our food and water, but we have left the trenches now, and have come back to be refitted and to make up our strength, so we are having a little rest, but not for long, I’m afraid. When we go into action there seems no hope, we have to bury ourselves to escape the shell fire.”

Employed at the Wolverton Carriage Works, Private Pittam, a Reservist, was called up on August 5th 1914, but six days after rejoining his regiment, and before he left England, he received the news of his wife’s death in childbirth, indirectly caused it seems by the shock of him having to leave. Apart from a few hours in March, spent with his relatives at Stony Stratford, he would be continuously engaged on active service, taking part in all the major battles. However, during the famous charge of Aubers Ridge on May 9th he was to be badly wounded in the chest and arm, from which injuries he died five days later in a French field hospital. The official notification would be forwarded to his mother in law, Mrs. Fancutt, of Prospect Road, Stony Stratford.

W.E. 1915 Feb. 12th

At the Parish Room, on Tuesday evening the subscribers to the fund for Belgian refugees met for entertainments, and, being translated by the Vicar, Monsieur Van der Bruck gave a speech in Flemish;

Ladies, Gentlemen, and Ladies, I am very sorry to be unable to express in the English language the few words which I wish to say to thank you all for everything you have done, and are still doing, for the Belgian Refugees in Stony Stratford. You heard my fellow countrymen on January 12th, and now I have the honour to speak here in this pleasant Parish Room, in which the inhabitants of Stony Stratford have spent so many enjoyable evenings. It is the first time, and perhaps the last, in which the Flemish language will resound in this room - a language so often disdained and yet so beautiful and rich; the language of a country in which so many artists, and men of knowledge, were born; and which contains so many heroes, and has been noticed by Germany’s powerful Kaiser, when with his mighty army he would destroy Belgium. France was saved by our Flemish and Walsh boys in the country of Liege and the Yser, where they said to the Germans: ‘So far but no farther!’ How furious were the Germans because the Belgians would not break their word of honour and right. They succeeded in destroying everything nice and rich in our beloved little Belgium, and not satisfied with this they killed harmless civilians, women and children. That is German culture! Happily noble England opened her arms to us, and now many Belgians live in that hospitable land, after having lost home and country, without having to bow to Germany’s iron fist. Our hope rests in our Allies to free Belgium so that we may soon return to our homes and hearths. Without doubt we shall never forget the brave English, especially those who reside in Stony Stratford. I am especially grateful and thankful to the ladies of the Stony Stratford Committee, under the presidency of Mrs. Last, also to the community and the working people who have helped the Belgians with their money. I give special thanks to the Conservative and Liberal Unionist Working Men’s Club where we Belgians were introduced, and were made to forget many days of our exile by their token s of affection, by lending us their local newspapers, and games. A word of thanks also to the Chairman, Mr. Woodward and the friendly Austin Meadows. Also I am grateful to Mr. Tom Tibbetts and Arthur Elmes, who use their musical talents for the Belgian Refugees. Thanks, a thousand times thanks, in the name of my countrymen to all the inhabitants of Stony Stratford without exception.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 12th

Private Loose, who left Stony Stratford to join Kitchener’s Army at the beginning of the war, writes regarding the 26th Divisional Cyclist Corps, to which he is attached;

“The 26th Cyclist Corps was formed at Bratton on Salisbury Plain, last January, under the command of Major Smith (late 10th Devons). It consisted of 25 N.C.O.s and men transferred from twelve different Battalions, including 7th Oxford and Bucks., 7th Berks., 7th Wilts., Scottish Rifles, Black watch, etc. The duties of the Corps are to act as scouts, dispatch riders, and occasionally to take the place of cavalry. The Company removed three weeks ago to Bradford-on Avon, which is a part of the country affording excellent facilities for scouting and the testing of cyclists. Attached to us are several fellows from Stony Stratford and district, including Sergt. Wheeler (late instructor to Stony Stratford Athletic Club), Lance-Corporal Geo. Davis (Wolverton Town Band), and Pte. Len Sargeant, (late Stantonbury St. Peter’s Football Club). On Saturday last we played Bradford-on-Avon at “footer” in aid of the Belgians, losing 4 - nil after a good game. Sargeant figured conspicuously in this match, and the gratifying proceeds amounted to £4 10s. Another word concerning the Corps. It is at full strength now, and including N.C.O.s and men, amounts to 276, and we now have to go in advance of a division to report on villages with regard to their suitability for the billeting of troops, etc.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 16th

The wife of Private Joseph Watts, 2nd Northants. Regiment, who resides at Swan Yard, Stony Stratford, has received news that her husband was killed by a German shell in the battle of Neuve Chapelle. Aged 40, he had been through the South African War, receiving a medal for his service, and had rejoined his old regiment in November. Before the war he had been employed by the Wolverton and Stratford Rural District Council, and leaves a widow and four children.

W.E. 1915 Wolverton Apr. 16th

On Friday, Mr. G. Bull, manager of Lloyd’s Bank, Stony Stratford, received the news that his only son, Second Lieutenant Bernard Bull, was killed by a German sniper in a reconnaissance on Sunday, April 4th. In the letter, written at the Front, the Commanding Officer of the regiment speaks highly of Second Lieutenant Bull’s abilities, and states that he was buried with full military honours the next day in a cemetery at the rear of the British lines. He was 19, and following the outbreak of war joined the 1st Home Counties Field Co. Royal Engineers (Territorial Force), being sent to the Front on February 25th, when his regiment joined the 8th Division. Educated at the Lynchmere and Berkhamstead Schools, he had been an engineering student of great promise at the Crystal Palace School for Practical Engineering. Except that he had been sent to headquarters, he would have been in the battle of Neuve Chapelle, and wrote home to say he regretted having been “out of the fun.” A keen sportsman, he played football for his schools, and in 1913 represented Berkshire at Aldershot in the Public Schools Boxing Competition.

B.S. 1915 Apr. 17th

On Bank Holiday, news was received of the death in action of Second Lieutenant Bernard Bull, the son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Bull of Bank House, Stony Stratford. Attached to 1st Home Counties’ Field Company, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force), it was during dangerous reconnaissance work, for which he volunteered, that he was shot, probably on Saturday or Sunday. His burial took place near the firing line in Fleurbaix churchyard. Letters received by his parents from the Major General of his Division, and the officers of his Company, speak highly of him and his work, and he was a great favourite with his brother officers. Educated at Lynchmore and Berkhamstead, he became an engineering student at Crystal Palace School of Practical Engineering, but joined the Army soon after the outbreak of war and went to France on February 18th. He had celebrated his 19th birthday on the battlefield.

B.S. 1915 Apr. 17th

Private Joseph Watts, of the 2nd Northants. Regiment, has been killed in action at the battle of Neuve Chapelle. He went through the South African War, and rejoined his regiment last November, whilst an employee of the Stony Stratford and Wolverton Rural District Council. His home was at Swan Yard, Stony Stratford, and he leaves a widow and four children.

W.E. 1915 May 21st

On Saturday morning, Mr. Owen Claridge, of Stony Stratford, received the following letter from His Majesty the King;

Sir,

I am commanded by the King to convey to you an expression of His Majesty’s appreciation of the patriotic spirit which has prompted your five sons to give their service at the present time to the army. The King was much gratified to hear of the manner in which they have so readily responded to the call of their Sovereign and their country, and I am to express to you and to them His Majesty’s congratulations on having contributed in so full a measure to the great cause for which all the people of the British Empire are so bravely fighting.

At the beginning of the war, Mr. Owen had five sons in training, although one has had to return home due to an attack of rheumatism. The names of the sons are; Harold, Corporal, 7th Wilts. Regiment; Reginald, Lance Corporal, 1st Battalion Bucks Territorials, who is now in the trenches; Jack, 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry; Walter, 7th Wilts.; Harry, 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry. The youngest son, Sidney, also enlisted, but was released from army service for being underage.

W.E. 1915 May 21st

Mr. J. Jones, postmaster of Stony Stratford, has received a telegram from Mrs. Cleaver, at Stoke Goldington. It states that her husband, Lance Corporal Cleaver, was killed on April 25th. He had been at the Front since the outbreak of war, and was previously an out of town postman at Stony Stratford, where he had been for about five years.

W.E. 1915 May 21st

On Monday morning, news arrived by telegram that Private Sydney Larner, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Larner, of King Street, Stony Stratford, had died on Sunday morning in hospital at Exeter, from septic poisoning that set in from shrapnel wounds in the left hand and calf. Serving with the 2nd Northants. Regiment, his wounds had been received only three weeks after having returned to the trenches following previous wounds. He leaves a widow and child, and would be buried with full military honours at Exeter on on Tuesday, May 20th. Before the war he was a gardener at the residence of Lord Dalmeny at Bletchley, and lived at Newton Longville. Four brothers are serving in the Forces.

W.E. 1915 May 21st

Private S. Pittam, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Pittam, of Old Stratford, has been killed in action fighting with the 2nd Northants. The news was received in a letter from Private William Grace, who states that whilst going through withering fire in the charges of the Northamptons on Sunday, May 10th he saw Private Pittam fall mortally wounded. He lived at Brighton, and leaves a widow and child.

W.E. 1915 May 21st

Mrs. Garrett, of Stony Stratford, has received news that her son, Harry, has been wounded in the hand by shrapnel at Ypres. When he was injured his brother, who was standing by him, immediately rendered first aid, and he is now in Reading Military Hospital. A native of Wolverton, Harry was at one time employed at the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works but emigrated with his brother, Ernest, to Canada about eight years ago. He is serving with the 90th Winnipeg Rifles.

W.E. 1915 June 11th

Mr. Jones, the Postmaster of Stony Stratford, has received the following letter regarding the late Lance Corporal Cleaver, of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who was formerly one of the postmen attached to his office;

“Dear Sir, - Referring to your letter of the 27th May, re the late No. 9222 Lance-Corpl. Cleaver, I have, I am pleased to say, been able to gather the following information from No. 9606 Pte. W. Buckley, belonging to the same platoon. Lance-Corporal Cleaver, I regret to say, was shot in the head whilst attending to a wounded comrade, whilst the battalion was in action at St. Julien, near Ypres. He was I understand killed instantly. This happened between the hours of 4 and 5p.m. on the 25th of April, and he was buried the same evening near the spot where he was killed. Although we regret the loss of such a gallant soldier, we are proud to know he died whilst performing a noble act. I may add that the officer of his platoon was killed, and many were wounded, which makes it very difficult to obtain as much information as one would wish to do to meet so many enquiries such as yours. However, if I can manage to obtain any more information regarding the late Lance-Corporal Cleaver I shall only be too pleased to communicate the same to you. No. 9606 Pte. W. Buckley, is still serving with this unit, who I do not think would mind giving any information other to that now given by me if communicated with. Hoping that this small amount of information will be able to console the late soldier’s wife a little. - Believe me, yours faithfully,

W.E. 1915 June 18th

Mrs. Phillips, of Stony Stratford, has received news regarding her husband, Sergeant William Prior Phillips, of the 2nd Yorkshire Regiment. He went to the war last August, but was posted missing from November 6th, 1914. Now it has been confirmed that he is a prisoner of war at the Doeberitz camp in Germany

W.E. 1915 July 16th

On Wednesday evening, Mrs. W. Bull, the wife of Colonel W. Bull, K.H.S., of Stony Stratford, received the news that her son, Lieutenant G. Bull, had been killed in action on July 8th. About a month ago he had been slightly wounded in the leg by a stray bullet during the operations at the Dardanelles. He was serving with the Lancashire Engineers, and just before the war had completed his apprenticeship in the Westinghouse Engineering Works at Manchester.

B.S. 1915 July 24th News has been received that Lieutenant Godfrey Bull, 2nd Field Company, East Lancashire Royal Engineers, was killed in action at the Dardanelles on July 8th. He was the third son of Colonel William Bull, F.R.C.S., K.H.S., V.D., J.P., (Assistant Director of Medical Services, South Midland Division) and his wife, Emma, of St. Oswald’s House, Stony Stratford, where he was born on August 3rd, 1890. Educated at Wellington College and Magdalen College, Cambridge, where he obtained a 1st class B.A. degree with honours, as a pupil in the great engineering works he proceeded to Westinghouse, Manchester, and joined the East Lancashire Royal Engineers (T.F.) as a 2nd Lieutenant on June 10th, 1913, being promoted to Lieutenant on January 1st, 1914. With his Division, he went to Egypt in early September 1914, and then in May 1915 to the Dardanelles, where that month he was slightly wounded in the leg. His elder brother, Lieutenant W. Bull, 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, is now serving in Egypt, and his younger brother, Captain H. Bull, 8th Battalion, K.O.Y.L.I., expects to go abroad shortly. (Captain H. Bull would be awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field in early 1917, having been seriously wounded.)

By kind permission of Roll of Honour

W.E. 1915 Aug. 6th

Mrs. Lancaster, of Stony Stratford, has two sons in military service. One is at the Dardanelles, whilst the other, Private C. Lancaster, is a sapper with the Royal Engineers. He went to France in December, and writes home;

“The day after I received your letter and parcel I was blown off the top of a trench. A party of us were walking near some houses when we were spotted by a ‘plane’ and they started shelling us with ‘coal boxes.’ Ten of us were caught by a shell going over the road which blew us all over the shop. I only remember it bursting and a thump in my back, and a cloud of smoke and bricks. I found myself in a ditch also my rifle, but my shovel was blown to bits. I could only see one of my mates so I got towards him as best I could as the shells were dropping all around us. I felt very bad my back felt as if it was broken. My mates seemed to come from out of the earth, one by one. They took my coat off and found I was bruised all down the back but not cut at all. I cannot make it out when the Corporal got us all together there was only one man hit. He was hit in the head and arm. Some lost their rifles, some shovels and most all lost their hats which must have been blown to pieces as we could not find them. They were working in the same place the next day and the Corporal told me that the shell burst three yards from us. We must have been too near it to get the shell itself so that makes the third miss this week. I am having a few days rest now out of the trench, but not out of the shell zone, as I am in some dug out with some more chaps behind the trenches. I was tired out when they woke me up as they were shelling again. One dropped a few yards in front of our dug out. Then our guns started so there was no more sleep for me. My back is very stiff now but that is better than a broken one.”

W.E. 1915 Sep. 24th

Mr. John Downing, of London Road, who was a Colour Sergeant in the Bucks Volunteers for many years, has just received a letter from Captain H. Combs, stating that his son, Private C. Downing, of the 1st Bucks Battalion, has been severely wounded. He has been shot through both legs but the Medical Officer has every hope that he will make good progress. Despite the pain, he is very calm and cheerful, and when asked if he had a message for home he said “Tell them I am all right.” 20 years of age, he has been in the ‘Bucks’ for three years, and went to France last March.

W.E. 1915 Sep. 24th

Private W. Wodhams, of the 7th Beds., has written to a friend in Woburn Sands saying that their doctor is Lieutenant Surgeon C. Powell, of Stony Stratford. “He is a jolly fine fellow, and looks after us well.”

(Following the outbreak of war, Dr. Cecil Powell, of Calverton House, Stony Stratford, joined the R.A.M.C., to be stationed at the Military Hospital at Colchester with the rank of Lieutenant. Mentioned in the London Gazette of November 18th 1914, in fact this commission dated from November 5th, and would continue for one year, or for the duration of the war. On November 10th 1914 he wrote to a friend at Stony Stratford stating that he was having a busy time, and an extremely varied range of duties, despite there being 30 doctors at the hospital. He hoped to go to the front soon, and said that on Saturday he had met a party of 100 soldiers wounded at Ypres. Many had not had a shave or a change of clothes for a month, and many of the wounded still had their field dressings on. At Stony Stratford, Dr. E. Brown, the partner in the practice, has taken over the duties of Dr. Powell. In November 1916 Dr. Powell would resign his commission and return from France, to take up duties as Medical Officer of Health for the Potterspury Union, having also been nominated by Mr. E.T. Worley as deputy coroner for the Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford districts.)

W.E. 1915 Oct. 22nd

Mr. and Mrs. Morris, of High Street, Stony Stratford, have just received official news that their son, Private Ernest Morris, has been killed. On October 10th the commander of the platoon writes;

“Dear Mrs. Morris, - It is with a very sad heart that I am sending you these few lines to tell you how your brave boy, Pte. E. Morris, 12854, met his death. We had just gone into the trenches and he and his comrades were in a dug-out when a shell came and hit the dug-out on the roof. I am sorry to say we lost several men from my platoon. I am afraid no words of mine can comfort you in your great sorrow, but I hope you will accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. Your boy met his death doing his duty manfully and you may well be proud of such a son.

“Dear Mr. Morris, - I feel I must write a few words of sincerest sympathy for you in the loss of your son, Pte. Morris. His platoon was under my command from November last until a few days before we left England, and consequently I have a very real interest in all the men of No. 1 platoon. The present platoon commander is, I know, writing to tell you the particulars of your son’s death, but I hope you will accept from me also this expression of deep sympathy. Your son was always a good keen soldier and his loss will be greatly felt by all.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 29th

Private Henry Stones, 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Stones, of 27, Augustus Road, Stony Stratford, has written a post card saying that he is going on fairly well. With others, he was wounded a fortnight ago when a shell fell on the dug-out of the Oxfords. He suffered shrapnel wounds to an ankle, and his right leg was amputated at Bristol Hospital. He is aged 23, and before the war was employed at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 29th

Late of High Street, Stony Stratford, Corporal J. Geary, ‘D’ Company, 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, B.E.F., writes;

“May I make an appeal on behalf of the above Company, through your valuable paper, for a couple of footballs, of which we have none. As you are aware there are many of the Wolverton and Stratford boys in this Company and they approached me to make this appeal feeling sure that Wolverton and District will grant their request.”

W.E. 1915 Nov. 26th

In response to the request by Corporal Geary for footballs, Miss Olive Geary, his sister, made a collection in Stony Stratford and raised one guinea. This has been handed to the editor of the Wolverton Express, and two footballs are to be purchased and sent. In a letter to the editor, Miss Geary writes;

“Dear Sir, - Noticing in “Wolverton Express” on Saturday that you had received the “First” donation in answer to a request made three weeks ago by my brother, Sergt. R. Geary, now serving with the 7th Oxford and Bucks. L.I. for two footballs, I have pleasure in handing to you £1 1s, which I have collected. I am afraid many do not realise the hardships of our Tommies and their never failing courage in fighting as they are for our homeland, or there would be no delay in granting their small request.

Gas Works. Stony Stratford.”
(A list of the subscribers is given.)

W.E. 1916 Feb. 4th

Describing the voyage to Egypt, a Stony Stratford lad, Lance Corporal F. Anstee, A.S.C. (Mechanical Transport), writes to a Surrey paper from Alexandria;

“Passing through a town on the way to the place of embarkation, we were regaled with a pint of hot tea and a roll and ham, together with a card inscribed, ‘With the compliments of the Mayoress and Committee, and wishing you good luck.’ How we enjoyed that snack. I hope to have the pleasure of returning thanks for that some day.” Stating that they smuggled their mascot, a little fox terrier, on board the ship, he says they sailed at 5.30 in the evening, and “As we watched the lights of England slowly fading away in the distance, who can tell the thoughts that flashed across one’s mind, as one was leaving all that life held dear, for active service.” At Malta they stayed for only a few hours, with no one being allowed ashore, and so amused themselves by watching the performances of the Maltese boys, who surrounded them in small boats and dived in the water for coins dropped overboard by the troops. The time was otherwise passed with boxing contests and games, and then on arrival at their destination natives in small boats, surrounded them, selling all sorts of sweetmeats, oranges, etc. Lance Corporal Anstee refers to the intensity of the heat on landing, and says: “As we were issued with an outfit for a cold climate some of the fellows dropped out, but it is a fine tribute to our training that the number was so small. The sand here was very trying at first, but we are getting used to it. … I suppose your readers are thinking of Christmas festivities, and they have no need to be glum, but enjoy themselves, war or not. If we are not with you in person we shall be there in our thoughts, especially when we are toasted, but it is hard for us to realize that Christmas is so near, as the heat makes us imagine that it is midsummer. I am in excellent health, and all our company is the same, thanks to inoculation.”

W. E. 1916 Feb. 25th

Corporal E. Pickard, of the Stony Stratford R.A.M.C., writes regarding ‘Christmas at the pyramids;

“Ten members of the Stony Stratford R.A.M.C. Records, including myself, thinking that they could spend a novel Christmas, arranged to spend that holiday at Cairo, and it was novel too. We arrived at the station at 5.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and having booked our tickets, proceeded to the platform to catch the train. The station, like a good many other things here, has a very imposing frontage, but a disappointing interior, there being only four platforms. Outside the entrance, instead of the familiar taxis of England are dozens of small carriages, called buggies, which are driven by natives. The trains are very comfortable, and compare favourably with most British lines, except that the 3rd class coaches, being mostly used for the conveyance of natives, are not so good as those of our home railways. On the platform we were met by the Railway Transport Officer, who examined our passes, as no one is allowed to travel without one. As they were in order he conducted us to a 2nd class carriage (we had 3rd class tickets), and told us that if there was any trouble, to say that we were there by the order of the R.T.O. The train left the station at 6 p.m., and from a tourist’s point of view the journey was uninteresting, and it was pitch dark outside for most of the way, and when the moon rose, about half an hour before we reached Cairo, the sky was so cloudy that its light was of little use. However, to us the journey was interesting as we conversed with a French merchant and a Coptic, that is a Christian Arab. We reached Cairo at 9.20, and found that it was a far better station than the one at which we had entrained. The inside was built of red and white bricks to resemble a castle, and the outside was designed after the same fashion, and had two clocks on a tower, one showing the time in English figures and the other in Egyptian. It had been raining until a short time before we arrived, and the wet streets made the place look almost homelike. We had made no arrangements about sleeping accommodation, and therefore our first job was to find a place to lay our heads. The station and a camp were suggested, but were rejected as being too uncomfortable. After wandering around for about an hour, and asking about fifty colonials who seemed to know nothing, we found a Soldiers’ Home. On enquiring about beds, we were informed that not only were all the beds taken, but all the couches were booked, so we asked permission to sleep on the floor, a permission which was readily granted. Seeing two easy chairs vacant, I drew them both together and placing an ordinary chair at one end for my head and another at the other end for my feet, I turned in to try to get off to sleep. About ten minutes afterwards one of the employees brought me a blanket and a pillow, and I soon made myself comfortable. Previously my overcoat had been used as a blanket. By this time the other members of the party had settled down, two were in the pulpit and the rest were on some rugs on the floor. The room we were in, by the way, was used for religious services on Sundays, and as a recreation room during the week. I was just beginning to doze off when I heard a few whispers, and about a minute afterwards, the organ was being played as loud as the average service, the tune being “While shepherds watched their flocks by night.” Everyone in the room joined in and we had about six Christmas hymns before we settled down once again. This time there was no disturbance, and I was soon asleep, and did not wake until about 7 a.m. the next morning. After having the good old English breakfast of eggs and bacon, we set off, our first objective being those wonderful monuments, the Pyramids and the Sphinx. We boarded an electric car at the Opera Square - the chief square of Cairo, and were soon on our way. When we had been on the move about five minutes we were accosted by several Egyptians, who spoke good English, asking us if we wanted a guide. After a heated argument between the natives, we fixed on one man for the guide, deferring payment until we were satisfied. The distance from the square to the Pyramids is about five miles, and every bit of it was interesting. The first mile or so was through the town, both the European and a part of the native quarter. There were about ten stations in this section, and at every one we were surrounded by native boys who wished to sell us something or clean our boots. The native part of the town is like the native quarter of most Eastern towns. Hundreds of natives jabbering away at each other, dressed in robes and rags varying in colour from dirty white to a brilliant blue. Nine out of ten were bare-footed, and at least half of the rest were only wearing boots because it was a feast day. A great number of the houses were in ruins, and the whole show had an indescribable dirty look. The natives, sitting cross-legged at their open shops, were undoubtedly picturesque, but as these were familiar sights to us, we were not sorry when we reached the end of the town and were crossing the muddy waters of the Nile, along whose banks the greater part of our journey lay. At this point the Nile was about 80 to 100 yards wide, and there were numerous boats, with their huge lantern (sic) sails, upon its placid bosom. We travelled along its banks for about ten miles, and the scenery was splendid all the way. On the farther bank was Cairo with its numerous mosques and picturesque buildings, surmounted by that beautiful piece of architecture, the Citadel, and on our side were all the methods of agriculture and irrigation that have been in vogue since the days of the Egyptian Empire. Two miles away from the Pyramids we left the bank of the Nile and travelled through the fertile low-lying land of the valley of the river. The atmosphere was very deceiving, the air of the desert being wonderfully clear, and it did not appear more than a mile to these monuments of Ancient Egypt. We reached the tram terminus at 10.30, and our guide having procured camels for the party, we started for the largest Pyramid, which was about a quarter of a mile away. The ride on the camels was enjoyed immensely, although we found that a camel going about 15 miles an hour is not the pleasantest kind of seat that one could wish for. Skirting the largest Pyramid we went to the temple of the Sphinx, which was our first stopping place. The way this Temple was built and has stood the test of the centuries is simply marvellous when one considers the very crude tools with which the people fashioned the material. The largest block of marble is of greater size than any of the stones at Stonehenge, and the whole building was erected without the use of mortar. The marble is polished as well as any modern machinery could polish it, and one cannot but admire the perfection of the whole edifice. Both this temple and the Sphinx, face the east, as the people were sun worshippers and the services were held at sunrise. From this place we went to the Sphinx, which, I think, is too well known to need a description from me. Its nose was knocked off by a cannon ball fired at the order of Napoleon just over a hundred years ago. Another wild rush across the sand on the camels and we were at the Pyramid built by Cheops for his tomb. Here we dismissed the camels and made for the entrance. Here we were absolutely smothered by a crowd of natives who wished to guide us to the interior. We left the tramway terminus with one guide and by the time we reached the entrance to the tomb we had two score, arguing with one another, and giving one a good impression of the ‘Tower of Babel!’ We had to remove our boots before entering the Pyramid as the floor of the passage slopes very steeply, and is made of slippery alabaster, the Pyramid itself being built of sandstone. Each holding a candle, the guide in front, we started on our journey. The passage is very small for the greater part of the way and most of the time we were bent almost double. For about 40 yards we went on a downward gradient at an angle of about 40 degrees. Then we were on the upward way for two-thirds of that distance. After going along a passage 5ft. by 5ft., we crawled through a small opening and found ourselves in the Queen’s Chamber. There were no relics left in this, all of them being removed to various museums. The guide lighted a piece of magnesium wire and we saw the wall sparkle in the brilliant light, as if covered with diamonds. Retracing our steps for a short distance, we went on the upward grade once more, and crawling a short distance again we entered the King’s Chamber. In this, as in the Queen’s, the guide lighted a wire and we observed the same effect. The stone coffin of the King was still there, but the mummy had been removed. The huge masses of rock that were used in the construction of those tombs were a feature of both. Returning to the outer air once again, we rested for some minutes before starting the climb to the top, as the interior had been very warm. In about 10 minutes, however, we commenced the ascent, which occupied about 20 minutes. Many people have the idea that the stones on the Pyramid are smooth, but this is not the case, and the only parts which have been frequently used by tourists can present anything like an even surface. The top of the pile is missing, and there is a rugged platform about twelve feet square there. From this platform one sees a panorama that is almost unique. In the foreground are several small pyramids, the Sphinx, and a dead city in which excavations are still going on. In the distance is the Nile, with villages here and there on its banks. Cairo, with its white buildings, set in the green valley and backed by the hills of sandstone, looks almost like a dream city, and the affect is heightened by the wonderful blue of the sky. In the opposite direction is the desert, with its rolling sand-hills, and the vultures swooping in the air. The borders of the desert and the valley are clearly marked, and it looks peculiar to see the green of the cultivated land end abruptly, and the sand of the Libyan Desert begin. The descent was begun after about twenty minutes’ rest, and did not take so long as the ascent. One cannot fully realize the vastness of the Pyramids from the bottom or from the distance, but when one is half way up, one cannot help a feeling of awe to see the immensity of them and the huge masses of rock used in their construction. The second largest pyramid is within a hundred yards of the first, but is almost inaccessible, as the alabaster, with which both were previously covered, still remains on a large part of its surface, the top being practically covered. Two Australians lost their lives in trying to scale it a short time ago and it has consequently been placed out of bounds for the military. The greater pyramid was opened by one of the kings in the 5th century as it was thought to be a treasure house. From the pyramids, we went by tram to the Zoological Gardens, where we spent the rest of the afternoon. These gardens are reputed to rank with the finest in the world, and when we had completed our hurried survey we could well believe it. Not only do they contain a large variety of birds, animals, fishes, and snakes, but they have some splendid gardens and a magnificent grotto, with coloured mosaic paths worked in small stones. It is one of the most beautiful places that I have seen, and it is here that the late Sultan is said to have sat before a glass admiring himself for half an hour every day. The charge for admission into the gardens is only half piastre (1¼d.), with additional small charges for admission to special houses. We left the gardens at 4.30 and went to the Soldiers’ Home for tea. After the meal was over we walked round the town and saw the Continental and Shepheards Hotels. One of these two hotels is generally mentioned in books where the plot is laid in Egypt. We then took a tram to the Citadel, a cluster of buildings overlooking practically the whole of the city and surrounded by a wall from 50 to 80 feet high and from 20 to 30 feet thick. It contains barracks, two hospitals, and a mosque, the latter being of surpassing beauty. There are about half a million electric lights inside, and when they are lighted it presents a wonderful scene. Leaving the Citadel, we hired a buggy and had an hour’s drive through old Cairo. The narrow streets and half-ruined buildings formed a splendid scene in the moonlight, and the number of mosques is almost incredible. We passed the Sultan’s Palace on this drive. It is a large building of white stone, appearing about the same size as Buckingham Palace. We had supper at the Soldiers’ Home, and arrived at the station soon after 11, the train leaving at 11.30. Someone had said that it was an express, but unfortunately it came under the heading of “Things that creep and crawl”, and it was 6 o’clock the next morning before we arrived at our home station, tired, but happy, and with pleasant recollections of an enjoyable Christmas.”

W.E. 1916 Apr. 14th

At Stony Stratford, during the past few days Lieutenant E. Holland, of the Royal Munster Fusiliers, has been staying at 5, Mill Lane with the relatives of his wife, the former Miss Grimsley, whom he had married at St. Giles’ Parish Church, Stony Stratford, seven years ago. On Wednesday he was decorated with the Military Cross by the King, having been mentioned in despatches by Sir John French. Prior to obtaining his commission, he was lately sergeant-major in the 19th Hussars, having worked his way up from a private for the second time. (It was after he had obtained his corporal’s stripes in the 16th Lancers that he was claimed by his brother for the Hussars.) Having served in the army for nearly 17 years, he went through the Boer War without a scratch, and received Queen Victoria’s and King Edward’s medal for the campaign. This he describes as “a game of football” compared with the present Titanic conflict, and this opinion comes from experience since, in the retreat from Mons, in the face of the oncoming Germans he was one of the last to cross a bridge, after his men had passed over in single file. However, perhaps his most trying experience was not related to the Germans, for at the billet where he was staying a dog seemed to prove less than friendly. On asking the French madame if the hound would bite, he was assured to the contrary, whereupon when he went to stroke the animal it flew at him, biting his arm severely.

W.E. 1916 May 5th

News has been received in Stony Stratford that Sergeant H. Godley, R.A.M.C., was killed in action on April 23rd. Employed in the offices of Mr. E. T. Worley, the District Coroner, he had joined the forces on October 8th, 1911, and was one of the finest athletes in the neighbourhood. Renowned as a boxer, three years ago in a military knockout tournament he won first prize. This event was held in Wolverton in connection with the autumn manoeuvres, and in other sporting pursuits he was one of the best gymnasts in the Stony Stratford Amateur Athletic Club.

W.E. 1916 June 30th

Private Alec Richardson, of the 2nd Bucks. Battalion, writes to Mr. Barlow, printer, Stony Stratford;

“We landed in France on May 26th, and after a twenty-two hour train journey were within sound of the guns on June 8th. We marched 14 miles straight into the first line trenches - a hot place, too. We did 8 days in the trenches, and have since been out for a rest, but returned again. Yesterday, June 21st. We had killed and wounded the first time in, and we have had killed and wounded again this time, which, as you can tell we are in a very hot quarter. We have reasons to believe we were up against Saxons the first time, but I think they have been relieved now by Prussians, and these are supposed to be the worst foes to meet. No doubt you have heard by now I was slightly sounded on Whit-Sunday in the knee, with shrapnel and the hand with wire, but not bad enough to go beyond a Field First Aid Station, I am pleased to say. I have been over on No Man’s Land on four occasions. I am a bomber, and it is risky work, and of course our work is done over in No Man’s Land. The trenches we hold were German 20 months’ ago. We have found it necessary to use our gas helmets on two occasions, and this is one of the things I do hate. I can tell you it is not very pleasant. When you read your paper and see there has been a bombardment, you cannot realize what it’s like. It is awful, the “dug-outs” look as though they would stand any amount of shells, but it is not so; one good shell will blow them to atoms, they say it will be over by September, and that is what they all seem to think out here. For my own part I can only wish it will come true, but I have my doubts. When I was home and saw in the papers that we were masters of the air in France, I had my doubts, but it is quite true: where dozens of our machines go over troop lines daily they hardly ever send one in return.”

W.E. 1916 June 30th

Private Reg. Reeves, formerly of Stony Stratford, writes from Salonica;

“I am now down at the base on garrison duty. This is the first rest we have had for seven months. We do ‘guards’ 48 hours and rest 24 hours. Where I was on guard a great number of Greeks are employed. It is amusing to see how they come on. They arrive in droves of a hundred or 150, and form up in twos outside the gates. At the opening time they are passed in and checked off and are not allowed out till they have worked their shift; of course there are exceptions, such as water-carriers and chaps kicked out for laziness. When they march out we have to search them for tins of bully, milk, or jam, as more than once Greeks have been caught carrying off stuff. We had one kiddie not more than 16, a prisoner for ‘prigging’ jam. He told me he came from Alexandria with a gang of labourers. They work these gangs in two shifts - day and night - and it is most amusing to see some of the fellows try to work both shifts. They get about ¾ a day. I see our Navy has had a scrap with the German Fleet, and come out on top. We only use the dug-outs to keep spare equipment in, and to sleep in the daytime. We are not allowed to use them at night at all. I am pleased to see the Russians getting on so well, and if they can keep it up and we meet with success with our great offensive, I don’t see why the war should not be over soon. I quite expect something will be happening out here soon. I was sorry to hear of Bert Godley’s death, as he was one of the best. There are rumours of leave being allowed to fellows who have been here seven months; if that trip comes off I shall be in it. The flies and mosquitos (sic) are a nuisance, enough to eat you alive. You can’t even dodge them at night by keeping your head under the blanket. Just as I am finishing letter have heard of the sad news of Lord Kitchener and his staff. I am sure this loss will be brought home to everyone. The blockade is already telling with the Greeks in Salonica - bread has gone up a tremendous price.”

W.E. 1916 Aug. 18th

A card has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. Meakins, of High Street, Stony Stratford, stating that that son, Private C. F. Meakins, of the London Scottish, who was previously reported as wounded, was picked up by the German Red Cross, and is now a prisoner of war.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

Regarding her son, Private Percy Austin, of the R.A.M.C., Stony Stratford, Mrs. A. Austin, of the Market Square, Stony Stratford, has received the following letter, dated August 20th, from Lieutenant Colonel A.W. Moore in Egypt;

“For distinguished service and devotion to duty on April 23rd (Easter Sunday) I sent your son’s name in for recognition. We have just heard that he has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Please accept my most sincere congratulation. His good work has brought honour to our Ambulance, and I am sure you will be proud of him at home.”

Before joining the army, Private Austin was employed at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

Private Francis Begley, of the Royal Warwicks, was killed in action two weeks ago. Aged 30, he was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Begley of 31, Wolverton Road, Stony Stratford, and having learnt his trade as a chimney sweep from his father, set up in business on his own in Newport Pagnell. He had joined the Forces as a ‘Derbyite’ on March 2nd, and had gone to France on June 21st.

W.E. 1916 Sep 8th
Private E. Burgess died from malaria Salonica

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

Lieutenant Walls has written to Mrs. Page, of 4, Queen Street, Stony Stratford, saying that from the enquiries that he has made there is little doubt that her husband, Private George Page, of the Royal Berkshires, has been killed, having been reported as missing on July 1st. Private Page had joined at the outbreak of war, and being wounded last Christmas, following hospital treatment was within two months back in the trenches, where after only a few hours he was again wounded. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Page, of 38, Regent Street, Northampton, he had been married, aged 22, last Easter.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 22nd

Messrs. Spenser and Harry Neave have recently collected in Stony Stratford 96 walking sticks at Stony Stratford for wounded soldiers. This was at the request of Mrs. Carlisle, who has sent the following letter;

“Gayhurst, Newport Pagnell, Sept. 13. - Dear Mr. Neave. - Will you thank the givers of the splendid collection of walking sticks which you have sent me? They have gone to the soldiers’ wards at Northampton Hospital, whose need was urgent. Duston’s wanted no more at present. The lame men want two a piece, and of course have to take them away if still lame; so they must want a lot! Thank you so much. - Yours very sincerely. - Blanche Carlisle.”

B.S. 1917 Jan. 6th

In Stony Stratford, the funeral of Corporal Harold Crook, aged 21, of the Machine Gun Corps, took place on Thursday, December 28th in a service at St. Giles’ Church, to where the body had been brought from Dover. Wounded on active service in France, Corporal Crook was the son of Mr. W. Crook, a grocer of the town, and having been wounded in France, died at Dover Military Hospital. The interment took place in the Calverton Road Cemetery.

W.E. 1917 Jan. 12th

Private Reg Reeves, of the 10th Devons, is well known in Stony Stratford, and has been in St. John’s Military Hospital, Sliema, Malta, suffering from malarial fever. Instead of being sent back to Salonika, he has been retained while convalescent at All Saint’s Camp, Malta, and writes;

“The third Christmas in the Army gone, and the last I hope, but on the whole this hasn’t been a bad one. About a couple of days before Christmas the staff here all went to the Italian Opera House and heard the “Pearl Fishers.” Of course, I couldn’t understand it at first, as it was being sung in Italian, but after the first act the idea of it was recognised. There were some fine singers in the choruses, and the leading dancer was grand. I’m looking out for a favourable night to go and hear “Madam Butterfly” produced; it’s a chance of our life, as these Italian Operas are some of the finest going. In the theatre there are over a hundred boxes, and they are in four tiers, and it’s half-a-guinea a box: how we chaps manage it is like this: five of us book one, then it only costs about 2s a piece. I had an invitation to St. John’s Hospital for Christmas Day, and had a right good time - sports, tea, concert, and a supper. The wards were very beautifully decorated, and was solely made by patients. The Governor and Lady Methuen were greatly taken up with the decorations, and spent a good time in visiting the wards. The concert was provided by the Sisters and nurses, and went off well, and their original patter was very funny, each one was dressed as a pierrot. Boxing Day was the Sports Day for All Saints, and went off well: the weather was grand, and quite a large crowd watched the events. The Governor and Lady Methuen were present, and Lady Methuen presented the prizes. So that everyone could get away to see the sports each man was given a ticket for 4½d, and, to give the cooks a chance, had to purchase their tea with it. At the Y.M.C.A. in the evening a concert was given, and the two marquees were packed full, and was a great success, keeping the tents in roars of laughter from the start to finish. Now that Christmas is over, I must now set in to work again, and hope that the New Year will soon bring the war to a close. Harold Joyce and Percy Jelly went back to Salonika on the 18th December, and I think they’ve had a safe voyage; both were looking up well. I don’t know when I shall go back again; this job will hold me over one or two drafts I expect. I don’t mind when now, I’ve had my Christmas here.”

W.E. 1917 Apr. 27th

Corporal William Raison, Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been killed in action, and his mother, of 51, Wolverton Road, Stony Stratford, has received the following letter from the commanding officer;

“Dear Mrs. Raison, - I deeply regret to have to inform you of the death of your son, who was killed in action on the night of April 16th last, during an attack on a German position. He could have suffered no pain, as death was instantaneous. He was buried next day by our padre, who read the burial service over his grave. I have taken a map reference of the spot. I knew your son well as he was formerly in my company, and I always found him a good soldier and a most reliable man. His loss is universally felt by all officers and men alike. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sorrow.”

The Chaplain writes;

“It is with great regret that I write to tell you of your son, Corpl. Wm. Lawrence Raison, of this battalion, who was killed on Monday last during an attack. He died a soldier’s death. I buried him last night and laid him to rest reverently by the side of his comrades. We are erecting a cross over his grave. Later on you will receive fuller particulars from the War Office. I know how much you will miss him, and I beg you to accept my most sincere sympathy with you in your trouble. May God bless and comfort you.”

Corporal Raison, an only son, was aged 23 last month, and was formerly employed in the Printing Works. He had joined the Territorials as a bugler at an early age.

W.E. 1917 May 18th

An official intimation has been received that Corporal Cyril Bates, Rifle Brigade, was killed on May 3rd. He was 28. The following letter has been received by his mother, of 5, Prospect Road, Stony Stratford;

“Dear Mrs. Bates, - I regret to inform you that your son, S6372, Cpl. C. Bates, was killed in action on the 3rd inst. near Chevisy, in the Arras district: he was killed instantly. He was in charge of a platoon, and as his Company Commander, I looked upon your son as one of the most valued non-commissioned officers. Nothing appeared to him to be impossible, and his pluck at all times was an outstanding feature. Such brave fellows cannot be spared at a time like this, and you, as his mother, must be proud of such a son. Please accept my deepest sympathy, and may God comfort you in your distress. Yours sincerely, Wilfred A. Teakle.”

W.E. 1917 June 22nd

Sergeant William Cross, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed in action on June 6th. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Cross, of 47, Ledsam Street, Wolverton, he belonged to the 1st Bucks Battalion on mobilisation. However, after some time he returned from the Front through ill health, and on returning was sent with a draft for the second battalion. His widow and child, who live at 88, London Road, Stony Stratford, have received the following letter from the Chaplain of the Battalion;

“I am writing to offer you my sincere sympathy in the great loss you have sustained in the death of Sergt. W.H. Cross, who was killed in action on June 6th. Your husband was a brave man who had a reputation amongst his companions for great daring. He died a noble death, and I pray God to send you comfort in the great sorrow which it has pleased Him to send you. His body was brought back and I buried him in a cemetery behind the firing line.”

Before the war Sergeant Cross had worked in the Fitting Shop at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1917 June 29th

The widow of Sergeant W. Cross, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has received the following letter;

“Dear Madam, - It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your husband, Sergt. Cross. He was hit by a shell in the front line trenches, and died shortly afterwards. I was unable to be present at the funeral, but I have seen his grave. A good cross has been erected upon it. It is difficult for me to say anything adequate in the circumstances. Sergt. Cross was one of the finest soldiers in the Battalion. He was absolutely fearless, and would always volunteer for patrols or any dangerous job. But I think what we shall remember most in connection with him was his wonderfully sunny and cheerful nature. He always looked on the bright side of things, and his cheery influence on the Company was most marked. At the end of a tiring march he was always the man to start a song and pull the men together, and that one instance is typical of his whole life out here. It is no exaggeration to say he was the most popular man in the Company, and his loss will be most keenly felt by both officers and men. His place is indeed difficult to fill. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

(A memorial service would be held in St. George’s Church on Friday, June 29th for Sergeant Cross, Corporal William Winsor, of a Machine Gun Section, and Private Cecil Booth, Bucks Battalion. Regarding Corporal Winsor, of the Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry (Territorials), he was the son of Mrs. Winsor, of 5, Queen Anne Street, Stantonbury, and, having been posted missing since July 21st, 1916, is now presumed by the War Office to have been killed on that date. A keen footballer - being a member and supporter of the St. Peter’s Club - he was aged 26, and having been a trimmer at Wolverton Carriage Works, went to France in March 1915, subsequently receiving his promotion on the battlefield. As for Private Booth, official news of his death in action on May 30th had reached his wife on Sunday, June 10th, whilst she was staying with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cowley, at 3, Wood Street, Stantonbury. Following the outbreak of war, he was twice rejected for military service on medical grounds, and so tried to enrol in the Old Boys’ Battalion of the Church Lads’ Brigade (the King’s Royal Rifles). Again he suffered disappointment, but was subsequently accepted into the Territorial regiment, enlisting two years ago. However, whilst on service in France, at Easter 1916 he was admitted to hospital suffering from septic poisoning. In July of that year he was sent home to England, and after recovering from the illness was posted to the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry in April 1917. One of his brothers is serving with the Royal Flying Corps.)

W.E. 1917 Aug. 17th

Private Henry Lawrence, 33rd Labour Company, late of the Durham Light Infantry, was killed in action on July 31st. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Lawrence, 5, The Green, Stony Stratford, who have received the following letter from Major Wrigley, Officer Commanding;

“I very much regret to have to inform you that your son, 19471 Pte. Lawrence H., was killed on 31/7/17. He was with a working party when a shell burst killed him instantly. He was one of our best workers, and will be much missed by his comrades. His platoon officer speaks very highly of him. Please accept the deep sympathy of myself and all ranks of the Company with you in your loss.”

Sergeant Major P. Connolly writes;

“It is with the deepest sympathy of myself and my comrades that I have to tell you of the death of your dear son, Henry. I was with him when he got killed by a piece of shrapnel from a German shell, which burst near us. I had a narrow escape myself. We all deplore his loss, myself and all his comrades belonging to the platoon. Sending our deepest sympathy to you in this awful bereavement.”

Private Lawrence was aged 26, and before the war had worked for Mr. Ebbs, builder, of Wolverton.

W.E. 1917 Stony Stratford Aug. 17th

News has been received from a sergeant that Private John Goodridge, Worcester Regiment, was shot through the heart whilst in action on July 31st. His parents, of Vicarage Walk, Stony Stratford, have received the following letter;

“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Goodridge, - It is with heartfelt sympathy that I am writing to tell you that dear Jack was killed in action on July 31st. There is some little comfort in knowing that he did not suffer, as his death was instantaneous - shot through the heart by a machine gun bullet. He is greatly missed by us all, as he was the life of our little party. He was always bright and cheerful under any circumstances. Words cannot express the sympathy that we all feel for you dear friends. All we can do is leave you in God’s hands. I pray that He will comfort you in your sad loss. We all thought it would be much better to let you know as soon as we could, as very often it is some time before the official news comes through, and the suspense of waiting for news is often worse than knowing the truth. God comfort and bless you, dear friends. Yours sincerely, Joseph A. Wintle.”

Private Goodridge was aged 27, and, having been in France for over a year, before the war was employed as a coach finisher at Wolverton Carriage Works. His fiancée, Miss Agnes Nichols, lives at Deanshanger.

W.E. 1917 Aug. 17th

Mrs. Davies, of Abergele, wife of Second Lieutenant G. Davies, formerly Congregational pastor at Stony Stratford, has received a letter from the Lieutenant Colonel commanding his battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. It states;

“Lieut. Davies was with a party attacking the enemy, and was killed instantaneously by a rifle bullet, which hit him in the head. He was liked and respected by every man in the battalion, and his loss was a severe blow. His cheerfulness under all circumstances was amazing.”

A letter from his Company Officer includes;

“-- the company was called upon to drive back the Germans who had surrounded another battalion, and it was on the way across that Lieut. Davies met his death, bravely leading his men forward. He had many friends in the battalion, and was popular with all. The battalion has lost a valuable and fearless officer.”

A sympathetic letter was also received from the Chaplain, saying that Lieutenant Davies was beloved by them all. Conducted by the Reverend Angel, of Potterspury, at Stony Stratford a memorial service was conducted on Sunday in the Congregational Church. A native of Ammanford, South Wales, Mr. Davies went straight from New College, Hampstead, to be pastor at the Stony Stratford Congregational Church, but this being at the outbreak of war, when the call came for volunteers under the Derby Scheme he joined the colours, despite ministers of religion being exempt from service if they chose. In January 1916 he joined the Army as a private, and later received a commission in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Two weeks before leaving for France he had been married at Abergele, and it would be from Wales that his widow sent the sad news of his death to the Congregational Church secretary, Mr. W. Meakins, at Stony Stratford.

(On the afternoon of Sunday, August 19th, an impressive service to his memory would be held at the Congregational Church, Stony Stratford, attended to overflowing by all sections of the community, and delegates from various churches.)

W.E. 1917 Sep. 28th

Gunner Walter Clark, R.G.A., late of 35, Wolverton Road, Stony Stratford, has been badly gassed, and is now in the Canadian General Hospital. There are only 12 men left out of his battery, and in a letter he says that it was ‘hell.’ Whilst in hospital he one day had an egg for his tea which bore the name Winnie Mynard, County Council Schools, Newport Pagnell.

B.S. 1917 Sep. 29th

On Friday morning it was announced that Private Herbert Clarke, the second of two soldier sons of Mr. and Mrs. F. Clarke, the host and hostess of the Cock Hotel, had been awarded the Military Medal. He is a transport driver in the 17th Royal Fusiliers, and whilst taking provisions up to the lines a few days ago an enemy shell exploded close to his wagon, severely wounding him in the left thigh with a piece of shrapnel. The explosion had caused the horses to stampede, but despite being in intense pain Private Clarke managed to regain control before they reached the enemy lines. In civilian life he was an engineer, and gave up a responsible position at Woolwich to voluntarily enlist early in the war.

W.E. 1917 Nov. 2nd

Private T. Westley, Bucks Battalion, was killed in action on October 2nd. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Westley, of Russell Street, Stony Stratford, and the news was conveyed by the Officer commanding his Company. A letter from the Chaplain states;

“He was killed in action on the morning of the 2nd October by a shell which burst close to him and killed several of his comrades.”

Previously employed at McCorquodale’s printing works, Wolverton, Private Westley had mobilised with the county Battalion at the beginning of the war, and had once been wounded whilst working the Lewis Gun in his section.

B.S. 1918 Mar. 28th

News has been received that Trooper Thomas Butcher, of the King’s Own Hussars, died on March 9th from gunshot wounds received in France. Taking part in the Cambrai battle, he had been with the colours for about two years, and underwent most of his training in Ireland. He was the son of Mr. J. Butcher, of The Green, Stony Stratford, and served his apprenticeship at the Stony Stratford Co-operative Society, where he later became an assistant. After his marriage he went to work at the Co-operative stores in Coventry, in which town his widow now resides. His brother has also been killed in the war.

W.E. 1918 Apr. 19th

A memorial brass, covered with a Union Jack, to perpetuate the memory of the late Reverend S. Davies, the soldier-pastor of the Congregational Chapel, was unveiled in the presence of a large congregation on Thursday by his widow. The wording read;

“In grateful memory of Sidney G. Davies, sometime pastor of this his first and only church. He joined the Army in 1916, and was promoted to Second Leietenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, in 1917. He fell in battle on the French front, while gallantly leading his men on 31st July, 1917. “The path of duty was the way to glory.’”

B.S. 1918 June 22nd

News has been received of the death in action of Private Arthur Hull, South Wales Borderers, who was killed in France on June 4th. Aged 19 years and 10 months, he had joined the army nearly three years ago, having previously been an apprentice in the brass finishing department at Wolverton Carriage Works. He is the second son of Mr. Levi Hull, of 44, Clarence Road, Stony Stratford, to have been lost in the war.

W.E. 1918 July 26th

News has been received that Private C. Smith, Loyal North Lancashires, is now a prisoner of war. He had been missing since May 27th. Aged 19, he is the son of Mr. W. Smith, Cosgrove Road, Old Stratford.

W.E. 1918 Sep. 13th

Official notification has been received that Second Lieutenant Archer Brown, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed in action at Gommecourt on August 23rd. He was just 21, and the eldest son of Mr. J. Brown, of Stony Stratford. Educated at Wolverton Secondary School, in 1914 he passed the Oxford Senior Local Examination and in 1915, the year in which he passed the Civil service Examination, was appointed to a position in the Taxes Department of the Inland Revenue at Aylesbury. Shortly after taking up residence in the town, he was then installed as organist at St. John’s Church. In March 1917 he joined the Civil Service Rifles as a private, and after a course at Cambridge obtained a commission in one of the County Battalions, being sent to France a short while ago. For seven years he was a chorister at St. Mary’s Church, Stony Stratford, and deputy organist, and he had also been the temporary organist at Leckhampstead Church, and Holy Trinity Church, Old Wolverton. A fine athlete, and a keen musician, his loss is mourned by the many friends he had made in the locality by his genial and able disposition.

W.E. 1918 Sep. 13th Official news has been received that Private William West, of the 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, died in France on September 5th from a wound in the chest. In a letter, dated Sunday, September 8th, the Chaplain of the Forces wrote from the 43rd Casualty Clearing Station stating that he was brought in with wounds to the chest, arm and leg. Born at Aldershot, Hampshire, he was aged 20, and was the only son of William and Emma West, newsagent and stationer of 63, High Street, Stony Stratford. Before joining up he had been a joinery and cabinet making apprentice with Messrs. Betts and Faulkner, of Newport Pagnell. Like his father, who for many years held the position of Warrant Officer in the Royal Army Medical Staff Corps, Stony Stratford, he was anxious to do his bit, and joined up in May 1915. Being later transferred to the Army Service Corps, he went to France in October 1916 and being transferred to the Cheshire Regiment in the following year, went on draft to the Italian Front. Last March he returned to the Western Front, and was home on leave in June.

By kind permission of Roll of Honour

Photograph Copyright © Julie Goucher 2007

W.E. 1918 Dec. 20th

A letter has been received by Mr. and Mrs. A. Webb, of 91, High Street, Stony Stratford, regarding their only son Charles, a Lance Corporal in the Hereford Regiment, who has been awarded the Military Medal. Brigadier General Edward Hilliam, C.MG., D.S.O., Commanding 102nd Infantry Regiment, congratulates him on behalf of all ranks for his conduct during the action near Moen on October 25th 1918, stating that Lance Corporal Webb’s work had been excellent, and it had been a great pleasure to forward his name for the award.

W.E. 1918 Dec. 20th

News has been received that Lance Corporal A. Cooper, 7th Wilts. Regiment, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cooper, of 74, Wolverton Road, was awarded the Military Medal, and made Lance Corporal, just before the signing of the Armistice. Writing of the award, his Commanding Officer says;

“My heartiest congratulations on your decoration. I know what good work you put in.”

Lance Corporal Cooper joined up in September 1914, and served for three years at Salonika. He then went with his battalion to France, and experienced sharp fighting towards the end of October. Before joining up he was a painter at Wolverton Carriage Works.