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

W.E. 1914 Sep. 25th

News has been received that Arthur Ward, the son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Ward, of 69, Western Road, Wolverton, was aboard the “Hogue,” one of the cruisers torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea on September 22nd. 19 years of age, it was almost two years ago that he joined the Navy, in which two of his brothers are serving; Richard, on H.M.S. Bengal, which has gone to India, and Robert, aboard H.M.S. Hindustan. Arthur had previously worked as a painter at the Wolverton Carriage Works, and in a last letter home said that he was quite happy, and as comfortable as if he was sitting in a picture palace.

(Also missing is Seaman W. Harris, of Stoke Goldington, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harris. A naval reservist, he was previously employed as an apprentice painter at Wolverton Carriage Works, and was aboard the ship as a first class stoker. As a reservist, his elder brother, Arthur, was called up at the outbreak of war and serving with the Northants. Regiment would be killed in action at Moulinhe, in France, leaving a widow and four children.)

W.E. 1914 Oct. 2nd

On September 14th, Gunner C. Savage, 129th Battery, R.F.A., writes to his brothers at 8, Buckingham Street, Wolverton;

“Things are very lively out here now. The first Monday we were here we went into action, and shells were bursting everywhere. It was lucky that we came out alive. There has only been one casualty in the old brigade (30th), and that was the Major who got killed. We have been treated grand everywhere we go.”

In another letter he writes;

“There has been some terrible fighting here lately, and we are advancing rapidly. I have seen W. Booth and B. Varney, and three fellows from Bradwell, and they were pleased to see me.”

W.E. 1914 Oct. 2nd

Wearing a topee in Wolverton last week was Private G. Goom of the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. A native of Wolverton, he had only been in England for a week, having arrived with 8,000 others from South Africa. He is spending a short leave before rejoining his regiment, which is proceeding to the front. Recounting his journey from South Africa, he said that at night they sailed without lights, and, with the upper parts of the troopships painted grey, to look like warships, near the Madeiras an encounter with Allied ships of the Mediterranean Squadron took place, in which greetings were exchanged. Having been in South Africa for a year, Private Goom says that after taking long marches across rocky and sandy plains the men are thoroughly hardened, and when the troopships were passing France wanted to get straight into action, instead of landing in England.

(Private Goom was killed in action on Sunday, November 8th, 1914, aged 19. He was the son of Mr. James Goom, 22, Buckingham Street, Wolverton, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.)

W.E. 1914 Oct. 16th

Private George Ellis, of the 1st Northants., has been invalided home, and is now staying with his parents in their cottage by the canal at Old Wolverton. His brother, serving with the same regiment, has reportedly been killed.

W.E. 1914 Oct. 16th

Mr. and Mrs. James Stallard, of 69, St. Mary’s Street, Stantonbury, have received letters from the fighting line, sent by their sons, Private James and Jack Stallard, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry. The brothers are now fighting shoulder to shoulder in the fighting line, since the 25 comrades who originally separated them have now either been killed or wounded. This extract is from a letter dated September 24th;

“I long for the finish of this war, and it is war - hell cannot be worse. It is just like waiting for death; but still, we are lucky enough to escape so far, and can safely say it is a game of luck, and I trust luck will be with us till the end. Whoever is spared will have thoughts and ‘memories’ of a war the like of which has never been before in history. One has only to think of the countries involved, the up-to-date guns we all have in action, and the range and power of the weapons in use, and then try and form opinions of the result. … We are not against a lot of farmers, but against a nation with fighting material. One of the most touching events I have seen in this war was in Belgium, in our advance and retirement on and from Mons. There we saw the unfortunate people leaving what had once been their homes, with a bit of food all tied up in anything they could carry. Aged, young, and babies - all destitute. We met them in the woods, in the fields, and, in fact, everywhere we went we found these poor terrified folk. It was heartrending. At one large house, as we advanced on Mons, the family were just leaving, and with eyes much swollen by crying, one young girl, about 22 or 23, unable to hold herself in check, ran forward at the sight of our troops, and before we were aware of her intention, had kissed several of us on both cheeks. That sort of thing tends to touch even the hardest of hearts. The people of Belgium behaved to us splendidly. Never to my dying day shall I forget their kindness.”

From a letter dated Sunday, October 4th;

“The Special reserves have joined us, and young Nash and Syrett, from Bradwell, came past me the other day and spoke. I also received a message from Frank Levitt, of the Rifle Brigade, but have not seen him. I was also recognised when we passed the Northamptons, but don’t know who it was (it was at night). I see some of the Wolverton chaps here, several in our Company. Mr. Webber, in the Time Office, has a son here in our platoon, so we have some good chats together. I also came across Hobson of the Berks - he was fireman on an engine in the yard at Wolverton Works - and two fellows from Stony are in our Company. A few words regarding our advance and the state the Germans left the places they came through when we were following them up. They looted everything and everywhere: hardly a house escaped their evil work. They threw things about that were not a bit of use to them, smashed open the doors, and broke everything they could lay their hands on. Tables were carried out of the houses, cloths spread, and plates, etc., were used in the open. Lamps, beds, everything from the houses were scattered in the roads and the streets. Never have I seen or even dreamed of such sights. Cafes were in an awful state; they absolutely emptied them and destroyed every mortal thing. One place we came through I particularly noticed. All children’s and women’s clothes were thrown about from the houses; mirrors, lamps, beds, furniture, all broken and scattered in the streets; fancy chairs, in fact, the entire contents of good houses; so you can perhaps picture the sights. But as we got on further, it was the Germans themselves lying in all directions. At first it appears rather a ghastly sight - but one has to get used to more than this - things I am not allowed to speak of. We can hear them (shells) screaming as they come, but, worse luck, don’t know where they are going to settle - (settle, what a word!). It is all bobbing up and down. We hear some of the boys shout ‘Look out.’ Still, it is surprising how the boys keep up their spirits. It is beautiful to see and hear them: there is plenty of life in them. We are all the same: set faces one minute, joking and laughing the next. Still, it is a good game of luck, nothing else. Jack and I are still side by side. We are both all gay. The winter will be awful, I bet; it is terrible at nights now.”

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

“I long for the time for the finish of the war, and it is war - hell cannot be worse than at times here. It is just like waiting for death, but still, we are lucky enough so far, and can safely say it is a game of luck, and trust luck will be with us. When I lie on the ground or in trenches, or wherever I may be, I cannot help but think that it is a real good thing we are not allowed to write references of the fighting. One of the most touching events was in Belgium - our advance and retirement on and from Mons (we were lucky). The people leaving their homes with food, etc., tied up in anything they could carry it in - aged, young, and babies at the breast - all what one might say destitute - we met them in woods, in the fields, in fact, everywhere we went so were these terrified people. It was heartrending. At one large house, as we advanced on Mons, the family were just leaving, things for use were being carried, eyes were swollen with crying. One young girl, about 22 or 23, unable to hold herself, ran forward at the sight of our troops, and before we were aware of her intention had kissed several of us on both cheeks. That sort of thing tends to touch even the hardest of hearts. The people of Belgium behaved to us splendidly. Never to my dying day shall I forget their kindness.”

From a letter dated Sunday, October 4th;

“The Special Reserves have joined us, and young Nash and Syrett, from Bradwell, came past me the other day and spoke. I also received a message from Frank Levitt, of the Rifle Brigade, but have not seen him. I was also recognised when we passed the Northamptons, but don’t know who it was (it was at night). I see some of the Wolverton chaps here, several in our Company. Mr. Webber, in the Time Office, has a son here in our platoon, so we have some good chats together. I also came across Hobson of the Berks - he was fireman on an engine in the yard at Wolverton Works - and two fellows from Stony are in our Company. A few words regarding our advance and the state the Germans left the places they came through when we were following them up. They looted everything and everywhere: hardly a house escaped their evil work. They threw things about that were not a bit of use to them, smashed open the doors, and broke everything they could lay their hands on. Tables were carried out of the houses, cloths spread, and plates, etc., were used in the open. Lamps, beds, everything from the houses were scattered in the roads and the streets. Never have I seen or even dreamed of such sights. Cafes were in an awful state; they absolutely emptied them and destroyed every mortal thing. One place we came through I particularly noticed. All children’s and women’s clothes were thrown about from the houses; mirrors, lamps, beds, furniture, all broken and scattered in the streets, fancy chairs, in fact, the entire contents of good houses; so you can perhaps picture the sights. But as we got on further, instead of household things lying about, it was the Germans themselves lying in all directions. At first it appears rather a ghastly sight, but one has to get used to more than this - things I am not allowed to speak of. We can hear them (shells) screaming as they come, but, worse luck, don’t know where they are going to settle - (settle, what a word!). It is all bobbing up and down. We hear some of the boys shout ‘Look out.’ Still, it is surprising how the boys keep up their spirits. It is beautiful to see and hear them: there is plenty of life in them. We are all the same: set faces one minute, joking and laughing the next. Still, it is a good game of luck, nothing else. Jack and I are still side by side; we are both all gay. The winter will be awful, I bet; it is terrible at nights now.”)

A native of Stantonbury, James was a Reservist, who when war broke out was employed at Northampton, where his wife and child, aged 6 months, live at 48, Grafton Street. Jack is a boxer of repute in the Army, and had gone into strict training for a big match at the National Sporting Club when war broke out. Due to his boxing prowess, when in India his comrades called him the “Mad Mullah.” Another brother, Sidney, rejoins the King’s Royal Rifles in a few days.

W.E. 1914 Oct. 30th

Following a postcard, a wire was received at noon on Tuesday by Mr. Francis Webber, of 43, Windsor Street, Wolverton, stating that his son, Lance Corporal Bryant Richard Webber, of the 2nd Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, had passed away at Cork Hospital Ireland, on Tuesday, October 27th, 1914, aged 20. He had been wounded at the Front, and although invalided home had succumbed to pneumonia. The funeral took place on Wednesday, with the interment being made in Cork Military Cemetery, full military honours were afforded. Well known in Wolverton, ‘Dick,’ as he was popularly termed, had been employed at Wolverton Carriage Works before enlisting in the Regular Army. As a member of the Bucks Territorials, he served in the capacity of a bugler, and prior to going to India had been home on furlough during the Autumn Manoeuvres in 1913. With him was his brother Alec, who is now a Lance Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, serving as Musketry Instructor at Cosham. Another brother, Private Cecil Webber, is with the R.A.M.C., and leaves for the Front this weekend. A fourth brother, Sergeant Frank Webber, has come over with the Canadian contingent.

W.E. 1914 Oct. 30th

Corporal Biggs, 2nd Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been invalided to his home at 19, Newport Road, Stantonbury. He had been through the battle of Mons, the retreat on Paris, and the advance on the Aisne, and it was during an attack on the enemy outposts on the Battle of the Rivers that his Company suddenly came under heavy enemy fire. The Company retreated to cover behind a haystack, but arrived at the same time as the rations. These were blown to pieces by shrapnel, and having sustained a bullet in his back Corporal Biggs had to crawl 300 yards to hospital.

W.E. 1914 Oct. 30th

Mr. and Mrs. Stallard, of St. Mary’s Street, Stantonbury, have received further letters from their sons Privates Jack and James Stallard, who are at the Front with the Second Expeditionary Force. The following are extracts;

“Well, I am sitting down buried like a rabbit, but not as deep as I should like to be under the conditions; but you can take my word for it I am deep enough to be safe from the ‘Little Singers’; they do not appear to worry us to a great extent. Of course, we don’t put up our heads, etc., to feel them - it is bad enough when we are compelled to. It is the ‘Coalboxes’ or ‘Jack Johnsons’ that worry us. It is bad enough to hear them screaming over us through the air, but it is like being in hell to get them bursting in front or anywhere near us - the terrific noise, shake, smoke, and the waiting for them to drop as one hears them coming is a thing I cannot explain - it is awful, waiting to hear and feel the explosion so as to be able to breathe once again freely, and wait for the scream of the next one. They leave a hole large enough to bury a horse. Never did I dream that any of the different sort of things could be done by a European race that has been done here. The hundreds of thousands of homes in Belgium and France that have been purposefully robbed and ruined is a disgrace to any nation. It was an awful, sad sight for us to see as we came through the villages and towns but what in Heaven’s name must have been in the thoughts of the French Tommy. The Germans were left strewn all up the roads, and in the hedges, also the woods - some were ghastly. It is really a game of luck, and shall be glad to be out of it. There is no doubt our boys are in wonderful good spirits. Perhaps we may be sitting in the trenches, holding a mothers’ meeting, when all of a sudden one of our big guns may fire from right behind us, and, not noticing which way it is fired at first, it is sport to see us all bob down. It is sport of a good sort - played slow: but only let me scrape through safely, and I shall always think of all the boys and their splendid spirits. When we have had the chance to buy a loaf of bread out here we have had to pay as much as 1s 2d. Still, I expect we must not grumble.”

W.E. 1914 Nov. 6th

On Friday morning, at 43, St. Mary’s Street, Bradwell, Mrs. Ackerman received unofficial news that her brother, Sergeant Newman Willis, of the 1st Northamptons, had been killed. Writing on October 25th, Lance Corporal Joe Willis states;

“I’ve got some bad news for you this time of Newman’s death. Of course, I can’t tell you full details.”

On the day previous to the delivery of the letter, Mrs. Ackerman had received a regulation printed post card with the words; “I am quite well.” The rest was crossed out. Another brother, Private Jack Willis, is with the same Regiment whilst a fourth, Private Arthur Willis, is with the Wolverton Companies of the Bucks Territorials at Chelmsford.

W.E. 1914 Nov. 6th

Private Sharp, of the Coldstream Guards, has been wounded in the leg, and has been invalided home to 41, Spencer Street, Bradwell. Speaking of his military service, he says that he first came under fire at Mons, and having been in seven engagements he was in the fighting at Longeville and Landrecies, where at the latter they and the Grenadiers were almost cut up. However, through the gallantry of Gunner Rule, of the Coldstreams, during a night attack the most deadly of the German gun teams was silenced when he rushed out with a Maxim gun over a bridge which was being swept by enemy fire. This enabled the Guards to get their own guns into range, and towards morning the enemy were driven off. With the Coldstreams and the Irish Guards, on September 1st the Grenadiers again fought a strenuous rearguard action, for which they had to be up before dawn. Trenches were dug, and good cover was found behind the walls of a rest cemetery, and it was here that the run started. Private Sharpe said that when the enemy started firing he was standing near an Irish comrade who, when a bullet passed clean through the butt of his rifle, registered his annoyance by retorting “Why on earth don’t they shoot straight!” Shortly afterwards a bullet shattered the muscle of another Irishman’s right arm, tore the skin from his chest, and stopped in the other arm. Putting his hand into his pocket he said “I wouldn’t have cared if the divils hadn’t broken my pipe.” It was a clay ‘cutty’, and his prized possession. In the zig zag process which troops adopt in rearguard fighting, the Grenadiers found themselves ten miles off the road they ought to have been on at 8.20 that night. Every man dropped to the ground like a log when the halt was called, and not one was able to move for several hours. During the fight the Germans had been ordered four times to charge the British, but fearing the British infantryman’s cold steel they never came on. The retreat having been turned on September 14th, the Grenadiers reached the Aisne and were sent over to reinforce the Connaught Rangers, who had crossed the previous night. Private Sharpe’s platoon occupied a farmhouse and yard at the top of a hill three miles from the river bank, and here they continuously fought the enemy to and fro.

B.S. 1914 Nov. 14th Sat.

Now staying with friends at 58, Peel Road, Wolverton, Corporal ???, of the Royal Irish Regiment, tells of the experience during which he was wounded in the leg by shrapnel;

“The Irish lads were sent up to fight a severe rearguard action on the night of August 23. We were on the extreme right, where the enemy were soon pressing us with desperate force. Here, too, our trenches were weak, for we had to go to earth in great haste, as we and the Suffolks had only just come off a long and trying march. We had had no time to turn round. They poured shells and lead at us like a whirlwind, and we lost a lot of men, but we blew great mounds in the German ranks. Towards night the pressure of their charges slackened, when we heard of the retirement of the French on our right. About eleven o’clock we had a little “breather,” and I went forward to post three sentries. I was returning when a shrapnel burst a few feet away and hit me in the leg. I crawled over to a French chateau some distance away, where a field hospital had been established, and where 50 or 60 other men were being attended to. About midnight most of these got away on water carts, but I was left behind in the chateau, whilst eight or nine others were lying in a barn. About four o’clock I managed to crawl onto a water cart, and got as far as the cross roads at Le Nieuvelle, six or seven miles from Mons. I was dead beat and suffering intense pain, so I went to sleep behind a hedge. When I awoke several hours afterwards I was absolutely alone. There was a fearful row going on above, and all round me shells were shrieking and whistling like tortured fiends in hell. The British artillery had now positions on a hill which commanded a long sloping valley, and they were replying with deadly effect to the German big guns. I crawled round to the south of a Belgian colliery and got right into the field over which both forces of artillery were sending their shells. Still, I was in comparative safety, although occasionally a shell would drop short and throw up the earth in front of me. The weird, uncanny screech of the shells over me was a sound I shall never forget. Eventually I got out of the field, and getting a lift with a French officer in his motor car arrived at Maubeuge. Here I reported myself to the French, who referred me to an English convoy, which I was told was at the west of the town. I went to the west gate - there was no convoy. I fell in with a publican whilst hobbling along the road. He gave me an English half-crown and a lift in his cart. I met a number of French infantry, and they helped me along to Avennes, where I struck a French hospital. A lovely rest of two days, then the Germans gave us a call. The sound of firing which began in the early morning increased until it seemed only in the street below. The lieutenant in charge of the hospital rushed in. “The Germans are here,” he cried. The nursing sister dressed my wound - although the bullet was still there - put a Red Cross band on my shoulder, and helped me climb a gate at the rear of the hospital. Once more, a hunted fugitive, I tumbled into a garden, and was climbing a wall when I heard a slight noise to my right, and a rifle bullet whizzing over my head. I turned to see a burly Uhlan. He had not time to fire again ere a French Reservist coming from a neighbouring field got in a shot which went through the back of the Uhlan. Before I could thank the Frenchman he and his comrades had gone.”

That was the last time the corporal looked death in the face, but he still had a wearying tramp before reaching Soissons. On the way he was treated with marked kindness by the peasants of the villages he passed through, and the apples and milk which they gave him were very welcome. Near the forest of Le Noyon a French soldier took him to a café and gave him bread and milk, and at Pont du Bucy he was then taken in hand by the 33rd French Medical Corps. They gave him every attention, and made his last stages into Soissons less trying and wearisome than the earlier days of his lonely trek.

W.E. 1914 Nov. 27th

A story of German treachery is told by Lance Corporal A. Forrester, of the Northants. Regiment. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Forrester of 95, Ledsam Street, and is now in Ipswich Hospital suffering from a wound in the left forearm. Relating how this was inflicted, he says that he and a drummer boy were approached by a burly soldier wearing the uniform of the Black Watch. Lance Corporal Forrester shouted a friendly “Hello, Jack!” but when only a few yards away the man lifted his rifle and fired. However, the aim was bad, and the shot hit Lance Corporal Forrester in the left arm. Mr. and Mrs. Forrester have two other sons in the Army; one in the Berkshire Regiment, and another in the new army.

W.E. 1914 Nov. 27th

Mr. and Mrs. Gostelow, of Newport Road, Bradwell, have received the following letter from one of their sons, Trooper Will Gostelow. He is with the 1st Life Guards in the Household Cavalry, and says;

“Since writing to you last we have changed our position considerably. We were in the train two days, and then we met the Germans in large numbers in the town of ----, in Belgium, which they held. The Household Cavalry was put in a line right across the place, and there we lay for 48 hours in a turnip field in the cold and rain. At last the Germans came on in swarms. We were not enough for them, and we had to retreat. As soon as we got up to run they were on the top of us, and the bullets simply poured round us, several of them going through my cloak. But not one of them hit my body. It was hellish. You can imagine something of what it was like in this turnip field with the shells dropping near enough to bury me in the mud and dirt they threw up. I laid in one of the holes which a shell made near me. This offered more cover for me. Then we had a run of nearly two miles to our horses, absolutely dead beat. During this run we were being ‘fed’ with shrapnel, and I could run no further. I was so completely exhausted, so I walked as well as I could. The fellows were falling all around me, and a piece of shell whizzed past my head. It struck another chap in the leg, and I have since heard that he died from loss of blood. Not satisfied with this, the enemy dropped several shells among the horses, killing some and wounding others. That night I slept under a haystack. When the horses arrived the next morning we went and took up another position, and this time we dug ourselves in deep trenches. We still hold that position, and in fact we now defy a million Germans. In 48 hours they (the enemy) made about six attacks on our position, but we held them back each time. We have lost about five officers and about thirty men dead and wounded. Another fellow and I were told to take some ammunition to the trenches as our fellows were getting short. We got the boxes to the trenches on our hands and knees, and whilst we were in the ditch the bullets simply buzzed round us like flies. I shall never forget these last four days. I am perfectly happy and there is nothing for you to worry about. I bear a charmed life, or I would have been shot before now.”

(This version of the above appears in the Bucks Standard of November 28th, 1914;

“At last they came on in swarms. We were not enough for them, and we had to retreat. As soon as we got up to run they were on the top of us, and the bullets simply poured upon us, several of them going through my cloak; but not one of them hit my body. It was hellish. You can imagine something of what it was like in this turnip field with the shells dropping near enough to bury me in the mud and dirt they threw up. I laid in one of the holes which a shell made near me. This offered more cover for one. Then we had a run of nearly two miles to our horses, absolutely dead beat. During this run we were being ‘fed’ with shrapnel, and I could run no further. I was completely exhausted, so I walked as well as I could. The fellows were falling all around me, and a piece of shell whizzed past my head. It struck another chap in the leg, and I have since heard that he died from loss of blood. Not satisfied with this, the enemy dropped several shells among the horses, killing some and wounding others. … We went and took up another position, and this time we dug ourselves in deep trenches. We still hold that position, and in fact we now defy a million Germans. … I bear a charmed life, or I would have been shot before now.”

Trooper Gostelow has a brother in the Expeditionary Force, and another in the Territorials at Chelmsford.

W.E. 1914 Dec. 4th

At the inquest on Seaman Gunner Albert Miles, of Wolverton, held at Dover on Saturday, details of the tragedy were recounted. On November 27th, while the warship ‘Crusader’ was being moored, Seaman Gunner Miles had been thrown into the sea by the tilting of the buoy, and, due to a rope being entangled around his leg, in the strong tide he was unable to swim back to the buoy. First Lieutenant Walter Smithwick then dived in at great personal risk, but was unable to effect a rescue, and narrowly escaped being drowned when his jersey slipped over his head. A verdict of accidental death was recorded, with Lieutenant Smithwick warmly commended for his act of bravery. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at Dover, attended by the deceased’s father, Mr. R. Miles. Aged 25, Able Seaman Miles had served aboard the ships Bulwark, Redpole, and Brittania, and was due to be married when the war broke out.

W.E. 1914 Dec. 4th

A member of the Wolverton Works Fire Brigade, Driver F. Lamble, Ammunition Column, R.H.A., is now with the Expeditionary Force in France, and writes to his wife in Church Street, Wolverton;

“At present I am in the rest camp after having ‘Jack Johnsons’ flying all round us; one of them came close to us and made one of my horses jump through her harness. She had nothing whatever on her, and the other one only had his saddle on. The men were standing with their heads down expecting to be hit. I had my hands to my head, and there was a great lump, and well, I don’t know what it was; it came pretty hard. We all thought our last had come, but thank God, I was not seriously hurt. There was only one chum had both his legs blown off from his knees. He was alive, dead, and buried in a quarter of an hour.”

In a later letter he writes that he has now returned to the firing line.

W.E. 1914 Dec 4th

Mr C. Mason manager of LNWR Carriage Works Wolverton and Chief Officer of works Fire Brigade returned to Wolverton last Fri evening for a short furlough and with Mrs Mason was guest of Dr and Mrs J Harvey at The Elms Wolverton. He is with 7th Co R.E. and is with the 3rd Division as a motor cycle dispatch rider.

W.E. 1914 Dec. 4th

Driver Reg Hill is with the Royal Horse Artillery, in the Ammunition Column of the 8th Division, and has been in heavy fighting in the vicinity of Calais. The following are extracts from letters sent to his wife;

Nov. 7th “We had a grand voyage over, although we were on board 19 hours. It was very slow travelling.”

Nov. 11th “We have been under orders to move, with the Headquarters Staff. We had about 29 hours in the train before we got to -----, and in cattle trucks at that. At ----- we were served with rum and coffee, which was very acceptable. Right along the line the French citizens treated us with great warmth, and hospitality. At one place, a brother and three sisters had hot cocoa and bread and butter ready for us. No matter where you go, the people come up and say, “Souvenir, please,” and they have got “Good night” off a treat. … I might pay tribute to the French bread; it is very nice. I don’t know whether they are quartern loaves, but some are round and flat, and cost 5d., 6d., and 7d. Others are oval, and about 18 inches long, and the same price. I don’t care about the French cigarettes, which are 5d for 20, not made well, and very strong tobacco.”

Nov. 17th “We are amongst the shells now. We have had some fly past last night, and one this morning. I saw an aeroplane (one of ours) this morning taking observations, and shells were flying all around him. It is a man with a nerve that requires to be a flying man in war time. We now see a lot of houses that have been destroyed by the Germans. It is a shame they could not leave people’s homes alone, but, thank God, they never carried on this war in England. I have seen plenty of Indians here. They feel the cold weather (and wet) very much.”

Nov. 18th “Guns barking again. Have seen more shells fired at aeroplanes this morning. Have seen three spies here; fancy them in our lines.”

Nov. 22nd “Just received your P.C. and the “Wolverton Express” this afternoon, and was very pleased to have some news from home again. … We have been having some sharp frosts now, and we have had a heavy fall of snow, which makes it very cold for us, especially at night time. We sleep in a barn, which is very draughty, and it makes it uncomfortable, but we must not complain. We have to do our bit for the country’s sake. But the weather we are having now is much better than the miserable wet we had previous to the snow, and I am keeping very fit.”

W.E. 1914 Dec. 4th

Extracts from letters recently received from Lance Corporal W. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, but now in the 1st Herts. Regiment, which left England the first week in November;

“British Expeditionary Force, Nov. 18th, 1914. - So far so good, but we are having a rough time. The weather is so abominable, it rains every day, and yesterday we had quite a decent fall of snow. We are getting a bit used to shells now, but whenever they come over you, you instinctively duck and feel you want to hide your nose in the ground. The ‘Jack Johnsons’ are the boys! They fall in the ground and burst in the earth, and blow all the stuff up all round. I was 200 yards from a spot where four fell at once, and some of the earth and stuff fell round me. It fairly makes one shiver, and yet we go out of our way at times to watch them, until they begin to get too close, then we exit hurriedly. The remarks, too are very funny at times, such as ‘Hullo, here we are again,’ or ‘Just to say good morning,’ if it is early. They always seem to do more shelling at night. We were under rifle fire last night, and that is not much better, especially as we were not allowed to fire, but only had fixed bayonets. The snipers are the boys though. They get right in our lines - goodness knows how - and pick off sundry and all that they get a chance. They must have some pluck, but they are rotters. I got some clogs to-day. I don’t know if they will ever reach you or not, but they will make decent souvenirs. Don’t know if the Major will allow me to send them or not. I expect not. We simply have to put up with the wet and lie down in it, in our wet things. I have not had my boots off once during the last four or five days; still a good many regulars have not seen their feet for six days, or yet had a wash or shave.”

“Nov. 20th 1914. - I am still all right, I am glad to say, but we have seen life this last week. I have not yet heard from you and don’t know if you have written or not. It is so cold out here, and snow has laid on the ground now three days. I must have some gloves if you have not yet sent them on. … We have fared roughly, in fact lived mostly on biscuits. … We have left the trenches to-day after a good dose. We had about eight or nine killed and about thirty wounded. One fellow was buried twice by a ‘Jack Johnson,’ and “Coldstreamers” dug him out, and actually he was not hurt in either case. You want to see one of these to realize what they look like and can do; they are much more terrifying than shrapnel. We went in one night about 7 o’clock and had nothing from dinner, and then biscuit. I have seen more --- this week than I have ever seen or hope to see; but I must tell you when I come home. We finished up at 4p.m. on Thursday, and retired about three miles behind the line. On Friday night we started at 11p.m. for a terrible march; we marched all night through -----. At 2 o’clock we had some hot tea, but neither sugar or milk, but we are used to that now, milk being an unknown quantity! It was an awful tramp, right through the night; the first part rather slow as we could not see, but this was worse as it tired us more going a few yards, and halting every few minutes. We were in our overcoats, and had full marching order on. I carried the clogs (don’t know if they will ever reach you or not) the whole of the way. I have never been through anything like it before. We marched right back over the border, about 20 miles, and should think 150 fell out. I stuck it, but felt nearly dead. We were so out of condition after living principally on biscuits and only getting tea when we made it ourselves. I could tell you yards, but perhaps it would only make you feel anxious, and at present we are quite away from anything. I have seen ---- and hope it will soon be over. We are now in billets, 17 of us in one house, and very comfortable we are; the people cannot do enough for us. Can you send me a pair of socks, because I can then throw away a pair. I can’t say how long we shall be here, but I fear not many days; still everyone out here is confident the war will be over by Christmas. P.s.: We don’t get any news out here, so I wish you would just let me know an item now and again.”

(Lance Corporal W.L. Field is the son of Mr. W.L. Field, chemist of Wolverton.)

W.E. 1914 Dec. 4th

Suffering from a wound to his right hand, Private A. Twigg, of the 3rd Battalion Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has returned to his home at 64, Spencer Street. His regiment having previously been at the base for several weeks, in recounting his experience in the trenches he says;

“It was dead of night when we first went to earth. All the time I was there it was warm! The shower of shells from the German artillery, which we could never see, was ceaseless. Day and night they screamed and burst overhead, but one gets used to them, and these showers, if you are under cover, of course, are treated as lightly as you might treat showers of rain. Shrapnel isn’t so bad even if you are in the open, for you can judge where they will burst, and as they scatter forward and outward like an inflated paper bag which bursts at the sides, there is some chance of calculating where the fragments will strike, but the “Jack Johnsons,” they’re devil’s eggs, and no mistake. With the enemy’s foremost trench often within less than 150 yards of the first British trench, the need of watchful outposts is obvious. Every man is often his own outpost. It may be in the day-time that every eighth man will act as look-out, but at night it is always every other man, and sometimes more than that. It is a strange, mysterious game this battle at Ypres - absolutely an artillery duel, with here and there a game of hide and seek in the forests and woods of the neighbourhood. Cavalry are having nothing to do, and, in fact, many of our mounted men are in the trenches, with their horses away back at the base.”

Private Twigg suffered his wound whilst his company was moving cautiously through a forest of pines at night. A bullet from a German sniper hit him in the right hand, and he subsequently spent a week in hospital. He will now have three weeks’ rest at home, before returning to the Front.

W.E. 1914 Dec. 11th

Private Reg Miles, of the 1st Herts. Territorials, is the son of Mr. Miles, watchmaker, of Church Street, Wolverton, and from the trenches writes to his parents;

“So far I have been free from colds. As for my feet I have got them frost-bitten a bit. I shan’t grumble at cold feet if I get back to England again. We have had cold weather up to now but we have had a warm time what time we have been here. We had only been in France a few days before we went up to the front to the first line of trenches, and there we had a short taste of shell fire. They do not stop night or day. I have had one or two narrow squeaks myself. I had a piece of shrapnel graze my face at one time, which was not the luck of some of our chaps. The snipers were pretty hot too, but still the trenches are pretty safe if you do not expose yourself too much. I have seen some of the effects of German bombardment in towns. You cannot realise the effect of the shells till you have seen it. We had a lovely voyage across the Channel by moonlight. The searchlights played on us when we left Southampton down the Solent. There was a lighthouse kept flashing to the left and we saw it all night. The German aeroplanes flew over us every day while we were in the trenches.”

W.E. 1914 Dec. 18th

Mr. and Mrs. T. Johnson, of Morland Terrace, Wolverton, have received a postcard from their son, Private T. Johnson, of the 1st Royal Scots. He is a prisoner of war at Sinnelager, Bel Paderbern, Germany, and writes;

“It looks as though we shall spend Christmas here now. It is very, very cold here. We are not allowed to write often, or I would have written before.”

It seems that he has received several articles from Wolverton, and he advises those sending parcels to prisoners of war to pack them well, sew them up in canvas, and label them clearly in three or four places.

W.E. 1914 Dec. 18th

Driver Reg Hill is with the Royal Horse Artillery, in the Ammunition Column of the 8th Division, and the following are extracts of letters sent by him to his wife;

Nov. 29th “We have made a move from our last position owing to the Germans shelling us at night-time, and they give us a couple to go on with where we now are, yesterday. As sure as an aeroplane spots us, we are generally shelled at night. We have advanced too far here and have to wait for our wings to come up before we can now move. In fact we are the nearest to Berlin, and I hope the first English to enter there. I have not seen anything of the 4th Division yet, but should like to meet Mr. Mason here. … An aerodrome is close to us, and I might say that these are doing some fine scout work for us. France appears to me as a peculiar country, also its people and customs. The people are very religious, and you cannot enter a house but what you find a crucifix on the wall; in every village or town you see one on the roadside, or let in the wall, and small statues over the front doors.”

Dec. 2nd “We had the honour to line the road to receive His Majesty King George, President Poincaire, the Prince of Wales, and French and English Generals yesterday. Shells were bursting two fields away from them, so that it cannot be said that our King is afraid to visit his soldiers at the front.”

Dec. 6th “We are still plodding along. We have moved a little further, but it has been very quiet this week. To-day our gunners brought down a German aeroplane. It was a sight to see the shells bursting round him. We had some of the pieces of them dropping in our lines. Then to see him come down about a mile away - it was rather thrilling.”

W.E. 1914 Dec. 18th

Extracts from letters recently received from Lance Corporal W. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks Territorials, but now in the 1st Herts. Regiment (Territorials).

“November 29th - We are still in comparative safety, being merely in reserve to be ready if required, all sorts of rumours are afloat as to our movements in a day or two, but I expect we are fairly settled for several days. We are doing jolly well for food but we have been short, and had it very rough, still when you are away you soon forget all your hardships. I am looking forward to receiving your Xmas Box and a piece of your dear old puddings, leave the Christmas decorations up as long as possible so that if by any chance peace is declared you can keep it up. You would be surprised at the number of shrines out here. There are hundreds, in fields, at corners of roads, and even in houses designs are worked in the bricks. I have no more news, this is just to let you know I am A1. So many of our fellows have bad feet, through frost bites, am glad to say I have been alright. … This morning we have been to an English service in a French church conducted by a Chaplain. I have never been so affected before, when they struck up with the hymn “Oft in Danger,” every word seemed so real and we had not had a service before since leaving England. We also had “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

“December 5th - Nothing much has happened since I last wrote, and we are still at ---- except that we went out this morning, and about 10 minutes after we started it rained snowed and hailed alternately, but we have now got a chance of drying our clothes so it is not so bad as the trenches. … I found out yesterday, that my clogs had not left here yet, but I hope to get them off to-morrow. I wish I could bring an unexploded “Jack Johnson” - but what I have seen of them, I would sooner be a few miles away from one. We saw a hole quite near the farm in which we spent two nights, which I should say was 20 feet deep, and about as wide as Church Street. They don’t use many of that kind, but we used to see the smaller sort, which always drop in fours, one beside the other and throw up dense black smoke and rubbish about as high as our house. I have watched them drop, two or three hundred yards away from where I stood. In the trenches you sleep when you can - the same with eating and drinking - I shan’t forget rushing down to a small stream after we had been 24 hours without water, it tasted heavenly. Did I tell you a little incident that impressed me at the time? The first time we were making for the trenches; walking in single file, at night in the dark, and it was quite quiet except for cannon, etc., as we got nearer the actual front - we were told to move quietly. That was when we were “wading” in mud and as we were passing a house not so far from the actual front, a piano struck up. I have never heard anything so weird, you could hardly imagine it was real. That was the night we nearly walked into the German trenches, or might have done. The sergeant and six of us were detached to direct the remainder of the Battalion along a certain road, the mud made walking so difficult, that it took about an hour for them to pass and we stood in it all the time, then we joined on at the end and when we got to the trenches all the companies were split up. Our own company had settled down some time ago, as of course they had gone on ahead. We were ordered to find our own company and go to them, and we started (to me it seemed funny that we relieved the Bucks and Oxon. Regt. that night) we went here and there, and of course being dark, could not find them and were just about to go up a road when a soldier stepped out and said, “You hadn’t better go down there, as you will be walking into the German trenches,” so we very soon turned around - but if he had not seen us, I don’t know what would have happened as we were only seven or eight hundred yards from the Germans. We did not find our company that night but tacked onto another, but found our own next day. That night was the most miserably cold night, I have ever spent. … They have strange customs out here, on lots of the houses we saw a big wooden wheel about as high as one storey and a foot wide, we could not think what they were for, but the other day we went to a farm to buy some milk and, “lo and behold, “ a dog was walking round this wheel and when we went inside, we saw the machinery working the churn, and making butter. We have seen several decent sized carts drawn by dogs, and the dogs seem to pull for all they are worth. … The other day a fellow had a Christmas pudding sent him, and he cut it into pieces so that we could all have a taste, it came to a piece about 1½ inches square by ½ an inch thick, and tasted absolutely the best luxury I had ever had. I had to eat it slowly so that I might imagine it was a fair sized piece and to make it last longer. There was only one fault with it - it was beastly morish. …”

W.E. 1914 Dec. 25th

Extracts from letters recently received from Lance Corporal W. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks Territorials, but now in the 1st Herts. Regiment (Territorials);

Dec. 10th 1914 “It was kind of ---- to send me addressed envelopes, but we went a route march the other day when it was quite warm, had on our over-coats, full marching order, valises, extras and besides our fur jackets, and we came back to say the least of it, “warm,” and the envelopes in my pocket were, “stuck up.” The fur coats are splendid things, they are worth £3 a piece. Thick fur and full sleeves, we look like “Teddy Bears,” in them. The fur is long, about four inches and makes one look a foot bigger, so you can tell what fine things they are. I have never seen anything like them in England, unless it be on chauffeurs. They come down just below the tunic; I wish we could bring them home to England, but they are sure not to let us keep them. The fur they are made of is not common, some of them look lovely. Mine is grey and white, but some have dark brown, we could not possibly be cold in them, the only thing, will be carrying them. There have been no mails for two days, so have not heard from you for quite a long time. We are still here - but the weather, although muggy, seems to be getting cooler. Cannot send you a photograph of self in fur coat as there does not seem to be any photographers about here. I had a letter from “A,” she said that “B” was quite upset because the “Herts” had been chosen, and he supposed the War Office had forgotten that there was such a regiment as the Bucks and Oxon Territorials, but judging from what we have been through he need not be so keen, until the Spring. This game is not so bad in fine weather. I was speaking to a soldier to-day who had just left the trenches, and he told me they were up to their waists in water - they only came out last night and had been in a line captured from the Germans. One thing, they had only been in three days and then came back here. I believe that is the only possible way troops will be able to stand it at all, give them three or four days and then back in the warm and dry for a week or two. I believe we have got the troops and that is how we are going to beat the Germans, but of all the trying times out here, our two weeks in the trenches have been the most severe as regards weather. I expect we shall soon be “carol singing.” Most of our officers have had a few days leave to home, wish we had the chance. Would not home seem a treat, after roughing it for five months. We went on a small march to ---- two miles away, and I met a fellow in the Oxford and Bucks, from Wolverton, named Henson, they used to live lower down Church Street. He saw me first, and I wondered who it was calling out “Hullo Laurie,” we were pals directly with a vengeance, he said he had been out here since second week in August. We only had a quarter of an hour, so I could not say much but it seemed jolly nice. I expect by the time this arrives the “clogs” will have landed, if ever they do, they are Belgian, I got them from some ruins.”

“December 14th - I received your parcel this morning also letter and very nice too, we had an alarm this morning to get packed up at once and ready to move at any moment, of course, a lot of parcels arrived for our company and we had to demolish right and left because with our fur coats which take up a lot of room we cannot carry a stick more than we are able to pack. I put some chocs in my valise, but we had to eat the pudding and everything being upside down we had to eat it cold, it was very nice indeed but I wish we could have had it hot, but here we never know two minutes before hand when we shall be off. We are expecting the order any moment, as I write this. … Could you send me a few ---- tablets, we do miss sugar in our tea, and as it is always rank and having no sugar or milk, it is almost undrinkable. … Your letter made me feel quite happy and I did wish I was back with you all. … I have received all your letters and parcels and a letter from “R” in Canada. One thing, I have plenty of chocs to take with me into the trenches this time, when we go. We had nothing last time, nothing to eat, no smokes or anything, please send me some “Chairman” periodically, as I like that and although they issue tobacco, it is too rank for most of us. Matches too are wonderfully welcomed out here, French matches are not worth calling matches. … P.S. - We did not move after all. I had a fair sized piece of pudding left (in case), and had it hot, it was delicious, it (almost) made me feel I was at home. I don’t mind so much if we do not spend Christmas Day and Boxing Day in the trenches, but some poor fellows will have to, and it is as likely to be our Brigade as well as any other.”

W.E. 1914 Dec. 25th

Mrs. Stallard, of 48, Grafton Street, Northampton, has received an official intimation that her husband, Private James F. Stallard, a native of Bradwell, was killed in action on November 11th. She had last received a letter from him on November 10th. He worked at Smith, Major and Stevens, St. James, Northampton, and was called up with the reserve in August. Since the landing of the B.E.F. he had been through all the fighting on the Continent, and apart from a widow leaves a six month old child. His brother, Private Jack Stallard, of the same regiment, is also unofficially reported to have been killed. A well known boxer, he had been in training for an important competition at the date of mobilisation.

B.S. 1914 Dec. 26th

Mrs. Stallard, of 48, Grafton Street, Northampton, has received an official intimation that her husband, Private James F. Stallard, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed in action on November 11th. The last she had heard from him was in a letter written the day before he was killed. His brother, Private Jack Stallard, is unofficially reported to have also been killed.

W.E. 1915 Jan. 1st

Private A.E. Meadley, of the A. Co., Queen’s Westminster Rifles, is the son of Mr. J. Meadley, of Stratford Road, Wolverton, and writes;

“We left England on November 1st, and a fortnight after we were in the firing line; in fact, they rushed us up there as soon as possible. We first went into the trenches for two days after being inspected by Lord Roberts. We were about the last regiment to be inspected by him, and it was then we had our fight in a snowstorm. It was terribly cold and our water was all frozen, and our fingers numbed with frost. We had to keep working the bolts of our rifles so that they should not get frozen. But just when the Germans did come at us we got our rifles jammed.” “It is a rotten and terrible sensation to see the enemy coming for you and you cannot open your bolt … Still, after a time we got the rifles right and soon the Germans had had enough. Then we had a little more peace. Soon after this we were mentioned in Sir John French’s despatches.” “After this we went into the trenches for fourteen days, and it was then I learnt a few tricks of the trade. We were allowed fires in the trenches in the daytime and I made some stew of the bully beef served out to us, improved by the addition of some vegetables which I obtained by crawling out at the rear of the trench on my stomach at dawn.” “At the time of writing we are out of the trenches for four days’ rest and a bath, as naturally you cannot wash in the trenches where water is more precious than gold. We are having a fine time. We are billeted with some French folk who do us very well. We are celebrating Christmas , as we shall be in the trenches for Christmas Day.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 8th

Private Reg Miles of the 1st Herts. Territorials, which is attached to the 4th Guards Brigade, writes on December 25th to his parents at 9, Church Street, Wolverton;

“ I got the parcel alright (thanks to the Whist Drive) on Christmas Eve. The pudding was very nice and the matches very welcome. We have been shifted out of our billets and are now up in the firing line again, but I think we’ll enjoy Christmas alright. We had a 20 miles march the other day with overcoats on and a full pack, but I got through it alright with only a few blisters on my feet. We were in the trenches last night and probably we shall be in them to-day. They are different to the last lot we were in, being much more like forts than anything. Half the trench is roofed over and there are little loop-holes to fire through. There’s a lot of …. (censored) here, we had some ….. (censored) here this morning and they showed us their knives. I should think they are pretty dangerous at close quarters. The trenches have been made comfortable enough, there are little fires and even chairs in some of them. I don’t think there is much to grumble at if you can manage to keep warm. We all had a Christmas card from the King and Queen to-day with their photos on. I think I had better send it to you in case I should lose it.”

NBT 1915 Jan. 2nd Sat.

Private A. E. Meadley, of Stony Stratford Road, Wolverton, has sent an interesting letter to a friend in the town;

“We left England on November 1st, and a fortnight after we were in the firing line; in fact, they rushed us up there as soon as possible. We first went into the trenches for two days, after being inspected by Lord Roberts. We were about the last regiment to be inspected by him, and it was then we had our fight in a snow-storm. It was terribly cold and our water was all frozen and our fingers numbed with frost. We had to keep working the bolts of our rifles so that they should not get frozen. But just when the Germans did come at us we got our rifles jammed. After a time we got our rifles right and soon the Germans had had enough. Soon after this we were mentioned in Sir John French’s despatches. After this we went into trenches for fourteen days, and it was then that I learnt a few tricks of the trade. We were allowed fires in the trenches during the day time and I made some stew of the bully beef served out to us, improved by some vegetables which I obtained by crawling out at the rear of the trench on my stomach at dawn. At the time of writing to you we are out of the trenches for four days’ rest and a bath, as naturally you cannot wash in the trenches. We are having a fine time. We are billeted with some French folk who do us very well. We shall be in the trenches on Christmas Day.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 8th

Driver Reg Hill of the Royal Horse Artillery is in the Ammunition Column of the 8th Division and from the fighting line writes to his wife on December 20th;

“We have had a busy time this last weekend, we were called up at 1.15a.m. on Friday morning and we got to bed on Saturday night, we were at work until 4.30a.m. on Saturday morning. There was a big battle raging and we had all our work cut out supplying ammunition for the Batteries. The Column from the commanding officer downwards, worked like Trojans. Star shells are quite picturesque at night. They throw a light (very brilliant) all over the place, searchlights are flashing at intervals, just to break the monotony of the heavy firing all round. The Batteries attached to our Brigade have done some good work here as also have the infantry. The 2nd Northants have been very busy this week, they are marching backwards and forwards practically every day by our billet. I believe the Devons done some good work in the fighting Friday night. I expect we shall have to be on the alert to-night, the Germans may try to capture back their ground. We had one of their aeroplanes over here to-day therefore we always expect something to happen after their visit. One of our airmen was very daring to-day, the Germans sent round after round at him, and he went dodging in between them as “cushy” as possible. He seemed to have a charmed life. One cannot speak too highly of their work.”

On December 22nd he writes;

“We are doing very well here, only a matter of time before we have the Germans on the run.”

On Christmas Day he writes;

“Yesterday we enjoyed a game at football and whilst playing four of our aeroplanes were being shelled overhead. The last match we lost, 1 - 0, but a “Jack Johnson” nearly put paid to the game, only three fields away and nearly made the horses stampede by the explosion … I had to go to the Infantry with rifle grenades on the night of the big battle, it was an experience I shall never forget.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 8th

Extracts from letters from Lance Corporal W.L. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment Bucks and Oxon Territorials, now in the 1st Hertfordshire Territorials;

“We had another terrible march from (you know), about 20 miles I should think, the way we came. It took us eleven hours including two hours off for dinner and we had the extra weight of our fur jackets and the remains of parcels kept for reserve and also we had not had much exercise. Twenty miles does not sound much to a walker and you know I never minded a good stroll, but get trussed up with all the weight we have to carry, it takes all the spirit in you to keep going. 150 rounds of ammunition is no light weight and marching in our great coats and valise crammed tight with tackle makes the game beyond a joke. When we arrived at B ….. I was boiling, and on taking out letters from my breast pocket, they were as though they had been dipped wholesale in water and I could wipe the wet off my pocket book. We dossed down for the night in a partly ruined tobacco factory and saw lots of black troops. Fine fellows they are too, they smile and look quite happy - but trench work is too slow for them, one of them told us by signs - he had thrown his knife and cut off the heads of 5 Germans.” “I got to sleep on the boards about 8 o’clock and missed a war dance held outside by the Indians. I must have slept like a log as the fellows said they kicked up a most unearthly noise. WE were up again at 5a.m. and ready to march at 7. I was very stiff still we only had a four-mile march, then laid out in a field all day and spent the night at a farm. On Christmas Eve we moved into the trenches, it was a fine starlight night with a lovely moon and we sang carols until the order (no noise and no smoking). We got into the trenches alright and the frost set in quite severely. I sat up nearly all night thinking of the dear old home and log fires, and how I should just be seeing you after a short absence; if there had been no war, it was a strange feeling to be in the trenches on that of all nights, and it was so cold that I only had about an hour’s dose. Everywhere was hard as iron and the frost made Christmas a typical one. We had a few carols just to show the “Herts” were not downhearted - even though they were in the trenches on Christmas Day. The next day however, the frost broke and naturally turned to rain, since then, “things have happened.” “Last night there was a deluge. I had another trip up to some other trenches and got wet through. I had to crawl and walk over to a lot not connected with us, it was creepy with snipers shooting at us and bullets whistling around us all the time, had one go near, but it is all in the game. In the morning we found some fellows further up, had narrowly escaped being buried. In parts our trenches are nearly a foot in water, we have been at work to-day with planks, but I guess you would laugh if you could see how muddy I am. I can now understand what, “Up to your neck in mud” means and think the phrase must have originally come from trench life. We hope to be out again in three weeks and are now about 500 hundred yards from the Germans but, they don’t show themselves much. … Now don’t worry about me - we are getting fairly decent food now, and hot tea late at night and early in the morning, not as we were before, and although we don’t exactly enjoy it, we have our jokes.”

A letter on Boxing Day, 6.30p.m.; “We have just come out of the trenches for 24 hours and I have been given your letter, we actually had a delivery of letters in the trenches. I had four letters and two parcels. They came in the nick of time; in the trenches we do not get much food, and I was saving a scrap of bread for tea, about equal to half a slice off a tin loaf. We had a loaf equal in size to a 1½d one, between three men, so you may guess what a treat the parcel was, and how as there were only four of us in the “dug out.” Well, we thoroughly enjoyed our feed of mince pies, etc. We can sleep to-night and I actually have a bed to lie down on, first time since we landed …”

Letter written on Sunday morning; After my two previous sleepless nights, I slept like a log until 5.45a.m., when I was called out to take charge of two men carrying tea and provisions to our men in the trenches. I was tired even then and said a few things - to myself - that is why the Col. Sergt. was surprised I did not grouse. Of course the poor fellows in the trenches need something hot. To-day I actually had a wash … I have just been for a tour around the houses, and to see how they are ruined is pitiful, it is quite true about the wine drinking, as there are empty bottles in all the houses…. It was quite funny to see our cooker on Christmas Eve, decorated up with a cabbage, a Christmas stocking and various decorations from sundry parcels.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 15th

The following letters of thanks have been received, in response to the whist drives at Wolverton promoted by Mesdames Power and Adams;

From Driver Reg Hill, R.H.A.;

“Please accept my most grateful thanks for the splendid parcel received tonight. It is most gratifying to know that we who are at the front are not forgotten by our friends at home. If you and your Committee could see me now enjoying the contents in an old barn it would give you pleasure for the hard work you had to give to obtain the funds necessary for providing such nice parcels. We do not have any dances or whist drives out here, the dancing we get is mind the guns, but let this comfort the Wolverton whist players we have a few cards to play at the proper time, and they are aces, therefore we are bound to win.”

From Basil H. Eales, Signaller aboard H.M.S. Arethusa;

“Please accept my greatest thanks for your kind parcel of cigarettes, which I received quite safely on the 26th inst. We have been at sea just lately, but I cannot tell you what we have been doing, not at present at any rate. No doubt you will hear all about it in due course. We had a very exciting Christmas Day at sea, and I hope to be home very shortly (if all goes well).”

From Private A. Stephenson, 2nd Oxon & Bucks Light Infantry;

“I received your parcel, and must thank you very much and those concerned for thinking of me, as I am sure it is very hard for the Committee searching out all those who are with the Colours. I was very pleased with the tobacco pouch, a thing which I needed very badly. We have had some trying times since the regiment has been out here; always managed to come out on top (Bucks. again!)”

Private A. Henson, of the 2nd Battalion Oxon & Bucks Light Infantry, writes;

“Many thanks for the welcome present which you sent to me, which I received quite safe on January 9th. We were resting when I received it. It is wonderful how a line from your home town and two or three days rest liven you up out here. I might say that I have been in some of the stiffest fights that our Regiment has been in. Am glad to say that I have come out of them all right. The weather out here is rotten. We are generally up to our knees in water, so you can guess what we look like when we come out of the trenches. We average 72 hours, and sometimes 48 out, so we do not do so bad. I will give you an instance of one day in November. We were in the woods, well trenched, and nicely covered in when the German “Jack Johnsons” started throwing our trenches up. My mate and I were fast asleep, when hearing a noise as though somebody was running, I looked out of the trench and saw that a trench 10 yards down was blown up, so I woke my mate up, and we ran for it. We had not got 200 yards before our happy home was blown up, so you can tell what a near go we had. Then we had to set to and dig some more trenches, and it was pouring of (sic) rain. By the time we finished we had forgot all about our escape, as they are very common occurrences out here.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 15th

Extracts from letters received from Lance Corporal W.L. Field, 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials), formerly in the Oxon & Bucks Territorials, Wolverton Detachment;

January 6th “I received your parcel to-day, when we got back from trench digging, and thank you very much indeed for it. We are supposed to be resting, and we are in a straw loft, but between parades and what light there is left, I find little time for writing, so please thank Mrs. Power and Mrs. Adams for the whist drive parcel. Tell them that I am very thankful for their kind thoughtfulness; they have sent me just the right things, thank them very much indeed, and say how “parcels” do cheer us up, when we are feeling a little fed up with things, and we feel glad we are really doing something when one arrives. About our attack, was it in the “Daily ----?” It was not true, never believe what the “Daily ----” says about us. The attack on New Year’s Eve was quite near, but the Guards had it all, and ourselves none. Don’t worry about me. I almost wished that night it had been us; we could see the German maxims firing away, and every minute we were expecting a charge, but we did not get it. I have spoken to Story the other night in the trenches, and I also went visiting the Bucks. and Oxon. Outpost, and jumping down into a trench with two men, called out to know if there was anyone from Buckinghamshire there. One young soldier asked what part of Buckinghamshire? I said, Wolverton. Well, he answered, I come from that neighbourhood, Newport Pagnell; he proved to be young Daniels, who often gave me apples years ago, when I was a little boy at home. Tell Mr. Daniels I have seen his son, who is all right. He seemed quite pleased to see me, and I said I would write and tell you I had met him. We were in the trenches 9 days altogether, and the second day I had a cough, and have still got it, which keeps me awake at night. Yesterday it was so bad I saw the doctor, but he said he could not do anything for me; he had got nothing for coughs. I think it is a little better to-day, but can you wonder at anybody getting a cough. Re. parcel, the handkerchiefs are useful; my Bognor chums sent me 6 khaki ones, and the cocoa I am saving for the trenches, and also the candles. The cake was the best, I was so glad of that - really like Christmas. I ate about half dozen mince pies for tea, so that speaks for itself. I had lost my mittens, so I was glad of yours. I suppose it is not much good asking for Bromtons, as my cold, I hope, will be bettere, but I hope you will send the air pillow, and wish I had thought of that before; you would hardly believe what an important factor a pillow is, especially when we have to sleep in all our equipment. Our rest camp is not all rest. To-day we got up at 6a.m., and started at 7.45 marched 5½ miles, dug trenches until 4p.m., and got back at 6.30p.m., done up (and we were having a rest). It was hard work digging. I think there is no place like home. … Princess Mary’s pipe I smoked in the trenches on Christmas Day. On Monday, 4th, the day after we came out of the trenches, some of us got a hot bath, it was lovely. We were marched up to a brewery, and they had big tubs for two, and our clothes were ironed whilst we were in. This is my first for two months, and I never expected that; the water was hot and plenty of it, and I had a real good bath, a treat.”

January 7th. “This morning we had a communion service in a small room, as we depart for the trenches on Saturday; it was very nice and simple, and I am glad I got the chance before going back. Please don’t forget the little diary, because I want to take notes; and also I want to know the days, and we can’t without a diary. Please tell the Whist Committee I do not have time to write specially, but thank them very much. I am writing this lying on my back, so excuse writing.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 15th

Dated January 2nd, in a letter to his father, Mr. H. Miles, a watchmaker of 9, Church Street, Wolverton, Private Reg Miles of E. Company, 1st Herts. Territorials, attached to the Expeditionary Force in France, writes;

“Thanks for the nice parcels you have sent me. I got the last two in the wooden boxes almost at the same time. I enjoyed the contents all right, I can tell you. No. 1 I got on Christmas Eve, the other two I got about Tuesday. The telescope comes in handy to watch the German trenches. We come very close to them in places. I’m glad you sent a watch too; I had one, but lost it at Ypres. I lent it to a chap on watch with me, to tell him what time he ought to be relieved. He got badly wounded soon after and got separated from me. It was lovely tobacco you sent me too. I can’t get on very well with the tobacco we are served out with. I suppose you heard we all had a present from Princess Mary. It was a brass box, with some ’bacca in and fags and a pipe. I think I shall keep it as a memento if I can. We get plenty to do now. Our company was trench digging on Christmas day (sic), and in the trenches on Boxing Day. It was all right at first, but rather damp when it rained. The Germans keep pretty low, so we don’t see much of them, only hear their shots whistling about. We could hear them talking in the trenches, it was so close. About 12 o’clock on New Year’s Eve I was sapping with some others, so you see I dug the Old Year out and then the New Year in. Then I went out on outpost duty the rest of the night, but still I reckon we shall soon have another good rest. It tires you out being awake night and day for several nights at a stretch. I shall be able to tell you a lot when I get home. I don’t think it will last so very much longer at this rate. Then we shall be able to sit round the old fire and spin a yarn or two.”

(Mr. Miles is now often receiving consignments of watches from the front for repair.)

W.E. 1915 Jan. 15th

A letter from E.E. Meadley, of the Queen’s Westminster Rifles, tells of the ‘Christmas Truce.’

“You will be very much surprised to hear I had one of the best Christmas Days I have had for years. On Christmas Eve I went to the trenches, and the Germans were singing carols to our men and we were singing to them. They then shouted out to us; ‘A Merry Christmas, British comrades; you English are fine singers. After that some of our men went out and met some of the Germans half-way. One of our chaps gave a German a Christmas pudding, and the German in return gave him a bottle of wine and some cigars. Then they arranged that there should be no shooting on either side till after midnight on Christmas Day, and they kept to their promise. I must say the Germans were very sporty, and wanted to arrange a football match with us for the Christmas afternoon, which, however, when the time came, fell through.” “On Christmas Day our men were walking about in front of the trenches, and talking in a friendly way with the Germans, and asking them how long they thought the war would last, and also exchanging souvenirs. I myself was not in the trenches, but was engaged in carrying rations up to the trenches in the evening. At ordinary times this is dangerous, as you are fully exposed, but as there was no shooting then it was all right. That night we had a bed each for the first time since July, and for dinner we had a roast fowl, and I managed to make a tolerably good Christmas pudding. These were followed by champagne and cigars. The people we were billeted with then brought out a gramophone, which we had on the go all afternoon. I really had a very happy Christmas.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 15th

Private J. Butler, of the Rifle Brigade, who has been invalided home with a shoulder wound, recounts to Alderman T. Osborne, J.P., Buckingham, how Captain Morgan-Grenville was killed whilst leading an attack;

“For days and nights on stretch he was with us in the trenches, up to our knees in mud and water. We knew him as Captain Morgan-Grenville. We all shared alike. I have seen him scraping the mud off some of the chaps, after they had done the same for him. And he did everything in such a clear, business-like matter-of-fact style. He was always cautioning us to be careful when the shells and bullets were flying. On the morning that he met his death he came to us who formed his platoon and said he had received an order that we were going to carry the trenches of the Germans in order to relieve the men in another part. He was, as usual, full of life and determination, as were all of us. Captain Daniells had charge of the other platoon. Captain Morgan-Grenville led us. We leapt over the first trench, which was filled with dead and wounded Germans, and it was when we were going to the second trench that both officers were killed. Captain Morgan-Grenville was hit in the head by a bullet and died immediately. I cannot tell you how we felt, seeing him lying dead there. There was not a man in the platoon who would not have given his own life for their beloved Captain. But we gave him a beautiful funeral. A deep grave was dug in the wood close by, and his body was reverently placed in it. We also placed a mound over and round it for protection, and erected a wooden cross at its head, with the name ‘Captain Morgan-Grenville,’ and the date of his death.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 22nd

As a result of a whist drive held in the town a short while before Christmas, 25 parcels were sent as presents to Wolverton soldiers serving at the front. A selection of the replies follow;

Driver F. Lamble, R.H.A., 7th Division. “I wish to thank the promoters for their kindness in sending me the parcel, which was very acceptable. We are having awful weather out here. No matter where we go there is rain and mud. We have a hard struggle to get through with the horses and wagons, with the fields and roads cut up.”

Private C. Savage. “Please accept my thanks for the parcel, which I received quite safely. I must say the contents were very acceptable as we never get such things here.”

Private W.J. Perrin, No. 5 Field Vet. Hospital. “Will you please convey my thanks to all the members and subscribers of the whist drive for the splendid parcel which I received last week. My friend and I have had terrible coughs and colds and the lozenges were a God-send for us both. Am feeling much better now.”

Corporal T. Jolinson, No. 4 Siege Co. R.E.M.E. “Just a few lines to thank the whist drive committee for the splendid parcel which was sent, and which I received quite safely. I can assure you that one part of the contents was the most acceptable present I could receive. Since I have left England I have suffered badly with a very violent cough, and when I received those lozenges it was as grand as if peace was declared. I must say they have done me a lot of good. I only hope they will move it altogether. We are as well as circumstances will permit, and the Company are in very good spirits, although up to their knees in mud and water in the trenches. You of course know that I cannot tell you anything about this place, and one does not know what to write about …”

Private A. Ireson, Royal Flying Corps. “I am writing to thank you and other kind people of Wolverton for sending parcel, which I received intact. I would have written before, but I have been so busy. If you have a “drive” on about Easter, enter me for one. Everything is about the same here. All the lads are enjoying themselves in the mud. It is like being back at school again, playing mud-pies, but it does not worry us much … I think it will not be long now before we see you again.”

Sergeant G. Leach, A.S.C., Detachment No. 5, Base Supply, Indian Contingent, B.E.F. “To-day I was surprised and delighted to get your handsome parcel of chocolate, cigarettes, sweets, etc., and if you only knew how happy it made me you would be pleased, I know. You should have seen the chaps pounce on the chocolate! I had just come off a march as we were getting ready for the front. It does one good to know that the people of Wolverton have not forgotten me, and they may rely on me to give a good account of myself before I come back. We have had some hard work here, and we are going to get some more yet before long … I sometimes wonder if I shall have the luck to come home and see you before the war is over. I should like to, for I think it will last quite 2½ years … I should be glad to hear from any kind friend who will write, and will try to answer as soon as I can. The weather will soon clear up here, and then we may get a move on. Please convey my thanks to the Committee of the whist drive and all kind friends … I have had quite a time here speaking French and Indian.”

Private T. Storey, 2nd Grenadier Guards. “Your gift was an unexpected and pleasant surprise, and such gifts are a boon and a comfort to those of us who are so far from home, enduring hardships in the course of duty.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 22nd

Extracts from letters from Lance Corporal W.L. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks Territorials, but now of the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials) and attached to the 4th Guards Brigade;

“British Expeditionary Force, Jan. 8th. Thank you for your letter received to-day. The S-Tablets are so useful … To-day we have marched from our billet, about 4½ miles nearer the front, and we are now only a quarter of an hour from the trenches, where we remain in reserve until Sunday, so we shall be pretty comfortable, but I don’t like the idea of going in much. Who could, when you see the fellows come out, absolutely wet with mud up to their knees, and really after all these rains the trenches must be a foot deep in water. Still it has got to be done, so we must just make the best of it. If some people were out here they would not be so sure of an easy win. In my opinion it is an absolute standstill, neither side moving an inch to speak of. We are at a decent sized village, and the church here had the spire shelled, which took the top clean off, and it came down and stuck firmly into the road, and remains sticking out about the height of a man. The tombs, too, have been knocked about, and you can imagine the force of a shell when a solid piece of marble about 3in. thick, and a foot square, had been blown right up into the air and stuck in the roof of the church. One family vault had been blown to pieces, and a body, evidently only recently buried, exposed to view. It seems a pity they can’t leave the churches alone. One church we passed had been shelled, and all that was left was just the four wallsand the remains of a tower. There are all sorts of rumours about coming home soon, and I should love to see dear old England again, as I only call this “existence”; (sic) I suppose it is too good to be true, but it would be lovely, even if it were only for a fortnight’s furlough.”

January 9th. 7p.m. “I must tell you of a sumptuous “feast” we had to-night. A friend had two parcels come full of good things, so we went to a house and asked them if we could use the room, and like all the French people, they couldn’t do enough for us, and lit a fire - then all serene. We soon boiled some tea, and as the parcel contained “Nestle’s,” had milk in it for a treat. After that there were mince pies, birthday cake, small cakes, biscuits, figs, nuts, toffee-almonds, muscatelles, and sweets. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Sitting at a table, it seemed just like home - lovely - but - trenches to-morrow night!”

Monday, Jan. 11th. “It always seems my luck to go through it on Sunday nights. We came up here and I had to go to an outpost, to reach which one had to pass 150 yds. along a trench - nothing in itself, but the whole of the way it was a foot deep in mud, and up to my middle in water, it was terrible. I had to wrench each foot out of the mud and it was all I could do to save myself from getting stuck, and as the affair took about 1½ hours, I was all that while, mostly swimming, and we were being potted at by the Germans all the time. One fellow was hit in the arm only two yards from me. You do feel wretched though, when you stand up to your waist in water … We were in a bit of a house for the night - the other part is not, (sic) the whole of the house front having been blown away by shells. And of course after I had scraped the worst of it off, I had to lie down in it, just as I was, and you need not wonder that I felt a bit cold about the legs. I hope I shall not have to go through it again. We hunted around today and made a soup. We had some tablets of Oxo, potatoes, turnips, and leeks. Of course it was not so substantial a meal, but we had it hot, and anything warm is a treat on this game … We have no sugar, so have used quite a lot of S Tablets, because we all go in together, and there is a great call on them. When you write again send some more.”

(Extracts from this letter also appear in the Bucks Standard, 1915, Jan. 30th.)

Jan. 15th. “Your letter to hand in a more or less complete condition; it had been badly crushed and torn. The box of influenza tablets was, alas, empty, but the Bromptons arrived safely. I was glad, as my cough is by no means well yet, and they will be jolly useful … At present, I am glad to say, we are out of the trenches, only held in reserve, but we hope to move back to-morrow for a 6 days’ rest … The other night I had another excitement. I and another fellow were ordered to go on a visiting patrol to a trench held by the ------. The Germans at this place were only about 100 yards away from our lines, but when we got to the trench it was about a foot deep in water. The officer had previously said we could go along the top of the trench if we liked to risk it, and as I had been up to my waist nearly the night before, I did not see getting wet again if it could be helped. We went along about 200 yards, not knowing in the dark if we were wandering to the Germans or the English, because you always get sent on these … (several lines have been censored here) … and also on pitch dark nights. As I said, we got about 200 yards, when up went a German fire ball, and down we instantly flopped into the mud., and about six shots followed. Evidently they rumbled us, as immediately another fire ball went up, which settled quite near us, and a perfect hail of German shots came over our way. I have never felt such an intense longing to be a worm in all my life, it gave me a terrible sort of feeling, and it is a marvel that neither of us were hit. We managed to get back, but were sniped at all the way, and we both thanked our lucky stars when we were back in comparative safety. Our Major told us afterwards we were fired on by our own men as well as the enemy, as the Germans so often dress in khaki that we have orders to shoot anybody wandering about in khaki, and I must confess that, on all these visiting patrols (and I am nearly always chosen), I always feel more afraid of being shot by our own men. The other fellow who comes with me is a real good sport, one of the “Dare Devil” sort. I never mind going on these expeditions as long as we are together. The houses in the village have had a good bombarding, and when the people come back it must be rotten to find their homes in ruins and nothing left whole whatever. If people in England only realized what would have happened if the Germans had invaded England, I believe not a single fellow would have kept back from joining the Army. And yet the people here seem to make the best of it and bear up most bravely. Of course the kiddies are not old enough to understand … It is jolly, though to get a good game of football, and not above a mile behind the firing line. You absolutely forget there are such things as Germans. The fellows put whole heart and soul into it, and don’t we just enjoy ourselves. Just now I have been invited to another feast, as two fellows (my pals) have received parcels, and as we move to-morrow there is no such thing as carrying parcels on the march. We take a room and have a table, and it is almost heavenly to sit round a room and have a hearty meal, even though the room be bare of furniture and the windows boarded up. Through which the draught comes in abominably … The piece about the Prince of Wales is correct, as of course, you know we are in his Brigade, but dates are slightly mixed up. We have done some jolly good marches, and some of us have felt a bit sick before we have finished, but we never give in until we are absolutely obliged. I sometimes think the sporting element is to be found more in Territorials than Regulars … Speaking of relieving black troops, their bread is peculiar, it is quite flat and just like white pancake. We found lots in the trenches at -----. Some of our fellows tried some as it was made. The French out here don’t know tea as we do, their drink is principally coffee, but occasionally they do have tea, and funny tack it is too. They use the tea just as it grows in the green state. A sprig of it looks like a sprig of thyme, only lighter green, and they mix plenty of milk, which makes an infusion tasting like milk and water with a faint taste of tea. They can’t make tea like the British, and the villagers absolutely won’t believe our condensed milk is milk, and are quite suspicious of it, and won’t taste it. They do seem behind us in so many ways, especially in sanitary arrangements. Most of the houses have a square in the middle of the yard which acts as a refuse heap, and is absolutely putrid … Am glad all my stuff arrived safely. You don’t say how you liked Princess Mary’s gift. I thought it very nice. A fellow gave me a pair of moccasins, fur-lined, so I wear two pairs of socks and these moccasins, and am now ready for the muddy trenches again.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 22nd

Private Reg Miles, 1st Herts. Territorials, is with the Expeditionary Force, and writes to his parents at 9, Church Street, Wolverton;

“We are just having a week’s rest after spending Christmas Week and New Year’s Day in the trenches. I was digging an advance trench from the old year to the new year. It was not very far from the Germans’ trenches, and it was pretty lively when you had to get on top, but still that’s nothing to the Royal Engineers when they fix up the wire entanglements in front. It was not so bad altogether, only when it rained the water rose in some parts of the trenches. Then we had to do a bit of seaside paddling. The Germans didn’t show themselves much; they soon got snapped if they did. We are billeted now in a town that has been shelled. There are not many houses that have not been touched, and some have been more than touched. I had a look round the church yesterday. It’s marvellous what damage the shells do - even the graves have been torn up and the lovely carvings smashed.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 29th

Serving at the Front with the Northants. Yeomanry, Trooper E. Lewis writes to his relatives, Mr. and Mrs. G. Gardiner, of Stratford Road, Wolverton, regarding his experiences since arriving in the firing line;

“Jan. 10, 1915. I am quite all right except for a cold, which I have had since I spent four days and nights in the trenches. We stood with water up to our knees. It was awful - mud with the consistency of batter-pudding; raining all the time, with no time or place to sleep. To get into the trenches we had to wade through ditches of water - in some parts up to our waist deep. If you walked on the road it was courting death. The Worcesters, who relieved us, had a man killed stone dead coming in. When we came out of the trenches we were dead beat and could hardly walk. We straggled up the road, and we were lucky none of us got hit, as the Germans threw up five light rockets and turned a maxim gun on us. The range was too long and the shots flew over our heads. We were called up to the firing line on Boxing Day night, and two or three other times to reinforce various regiments - in bayonet charges, if needed. We had four men wounded while in the trenches. We have been up now four or five nights digging trenches at the rear of our firing line; about 500 yards behind. There was one man killed and about six wounded while on this work. All the trenches have to be dug at night, and while we were working last night our artillery were shelling the German trenches, and we could see the sparks from the shells flying overhead.”

W.E. 1915 Jan. 29th

Mr. Leo White has returned this week from the front. He was wounded in the head at Armentienes, and has 28 days leave. After landing in France he was immediately sent to the firing line, and went through several engagements without a scratch. He was wounded when he got on the top of the trench to look round. A bullet just missed his brain and after another Woburn Sands lad, named Smith, had rendered first aid, he began to crawl back to safety. Bullets were still whizzing around him, but then a British airman flew over, and the Germans directed their fire onto the new target, but without effect. His wound has now healed and he will talk about anything except bayonet charges, which he says makes him feel sick.

Clarrie Fisher, another Woburn Sands boy, is home with a wounded hand, and Charlie Clare, who was invalided home from the front, has now been sent up for training again.

W.E. 1915 Jan. 29th

Extracts from letters from Lance Corporal W.L. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks and Oxon Territorials, now in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials) attached to the Fourth Guards Brigade;

“The Censor says I must not write such long letters, and must not send any in shorthand, or I could put a good deal more in them, so now I have an excuse for writing shorter ones. … We just give our letters to the Corporal, who in turn gives them to the Officer, who censors them, ‘en route Angleterre.’ … Pleased to say the parcel arrived safely with my air pillow. I have been longing for it; thanks also for the pudding and cake, both are absolutely ripping. Do you know that the saccharine tablets are the most useful extras in this game. I started them in the company, and now nearly all the fellows have written home for them; they take up no room, and sugar is so necessary. We have just left the trenches after being ten days in and out. The trenches are in an awful state, and our last 24 hours we spent in one with no head cover, only sandbags in front and nothing behind; the Germans were about 300 yards (or less) from us. Of course sleep was certainly out of the question, and being quite open, we felt somewhat cold, especially as it was a frosty night; also a fall of snow made things more unpleasant. We were allowed a small fire, so at midnight out came the cocoa you sent, and with the saccharine tablets we were able to have a lovely cup of hot cocoa. It was a treat, and my six men were most thankful for a drop to warm them up. We were quite detached, and water lay on our right and left. We never feel so cold in our bodies, but our feet and legs seem to freeze, and you cannot run about in two inches of water. If ever I wished for dawn I did that night, but it did not bring much relief, as it snowed hard all day. We were all glad when we were relieved, and marching soon made us warm, for after half a mile we were perspiring all over. It is peculiar, but the weight we carry always makes us ‘boil’ all over when marching. One thing, we did march back to a jolly good barn for the night, with straw to lie down on, so I had a grand sleep. We often don’t care what we have to do during the day so long as we get a good sleep at night, but a few rough nights with little sleep soon knocks one up. At our last trenches I had quite a little scare. I was sent up a road to find the position of some reserve trenches. I knew the Germans held the road further on, but felt safe for some distance. Nothing happened for about 200 or 300 yards. It was pitch dark, when suddenly a gutteral voice sounded a few yards from me, in a language I could not understand. I quite thought I had run up against a German sentry, but I sung out “Hertfordshires.” The voice, however, called out again. I fairly shivered, as I knew there were no French in the district. A form approached, and then it struck me - “Gurkhas,” and I tell you I was a bit relieved. The fellow could not understand a word of English. I tried to explain I was going to find the position of some trenches, and that he must not shoot me! This life certainly has its excitements. That night the Germans tried a new dodge, sweeping the country with a powerful searchlight. It gives you a horrible sensation to feel yourself in the limelight, and to hear the shots whistle over your head all the time. There is no fade into obscurity after bursting shells, no limit as to what the bounders will do next. They now have a sort of parachute flares, which sail along in the air and remain alight for a minute or two. It is quite pretty at night, very much like a firework display, and they are starting colours, now blue and green. The 5th of November with flares etc. Still they make you feel jolly uncomfortable if you happen to be visiting another trench and suddenly find yourself in a glare of light. … I do wish I could come home for ten days, as I could write pages, only now the Censor will not let me. … It is jolly trying to tempers out here at times, but I feel happier after Christmas pudding and cake …

W.E 1915 Jan. 29th

Letters of thanks have been received by the promoters of a Wolverton whist drive, held last December. The proceeds were used to buy and send presents to Wolverton soldiers at the front.

Lance Corporal Laurie Field, of the 1st Herts. Territorials, writes;

“Please express my sincere thanks to the Committee for the parcel received a few days ago. I was unable to write then as time was so limited, but our Brigade are about to take a few days’ rest from the trenches, and we have a little more spare time. Correspondence used to be moderately possible in the trenches when our regiment first went into action, but it is almost utterly impossible under the present conditions. The rain and snow make things horribly unpleasant for the troops, and I myself went in one only five days ago which came almost up to my waist in water in parts, and nowhere was it less than a foot deep in soft liquid mud. Candles are most welcome, as we rely entirely on friends at home for them, and it is misery to sit in a house partially demolished by shell fire and void of furniture, and to have no light after dark. Still we manage to keep ourselves happy, and we always look on parcels as the next best thing to getting a leave for home. Ȃ The only disadvantage is that you have to carry all your household on your back,

W.E. 1915 Feb. 5th

Basil Eales, Signaller, H.M.S. Arethusa, writes to the editor of the Wolverton Express;

“Thinking you might like an account of the recent North Sea engagement, I take this opportunity of writing. We (the Arethusa and Aurora, Undaunted and several T.B.D.s) left harbour at 5.30p.m. on Saturday. We already had information that 4 battle cruisers, 6 light cruisers, and 22 destroyers (German) had left or were leaving for an attack on our East Coast, and we were sent out to intercept them. We saw nothing until 6.30a.m. Sunday, when we observed firing astern of us, and at once turned 16 points and raced at full speed to see what it was. We sighted the enemy’s ships at 6.45a.m., and at once informed the battle cruisers supporting us. We chased the enemy, but could not get at their torpedo craft, who were ahead of the battle cruisers, so gave that up till later on. The Lion told us to proceed at full speed to reconnoitre and report enemy’s forces and course. We soon returned, and then our battle cruisers closed and opened fire at about 8.39a.m. They soon found a range, and the enemy were badly damaged, when the Blucher was seen to drop out of the line. She was nearly done for, but kept on fighting and we were ordered to close her, take off the crew, and sink her. We went within 800 yards of her, and she started firing, so we torpedoed her twice, and then she started to sink. The crew all cheered us when we closed her again, and jumped overboard just as she turned over and sank. We soon had our boats out, and did our best for those in the water. During the time we were picking up the survivors one seaplane dropped bombs close to us, but was driven off by our guns. We saved 117 men and 6 officers and they all thanked us very much for saving them. They also said that the “Arethusa” was well known in Germany. No doubt we are! We could not get at any other ships as we were close to Heligoland, so had to return to harbour with the wounded. We transferred them to the Undaunted next day (Monday) before going into harbour. The damage to our ships was very slight.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 5th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W.L. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks and Oxon Territorials, but now in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment Territorials, and attached to the Guards’ Brigade. On January 24th he writes;

“Have just received your parcel and letter. Rumour has it we are not to go into action again for some time, and we are to be let off home for seven days’ leave, but of course it is only rumour, and if it is true, my turn will be a long while in about two months’ time, so I don’t place much faith in it. … What fine fellows the Sikhs are! Quite as tall as our own Guardsmen, with fine jet black beards, and for the most part really good looking men. They are so amiable, too. One offered me his ration to try, but I know they have none too much, so I resisted a temptation to try it. They have a sort of toffee which they eat with it, and, as I told you before, the bread is every bit like a small pancake. They look very fine when mounted on horses. This morning I got up early and went for a walk before breakfast - fancy, the energy!!! But we called at a farmhouse and had some coffee, but the people would not hear of us paying for it. To-day (Sunday) we had a march. It is a most unusual thing when resting to drill on Sunday. On Friday we had a very severe frost, but another fellow and myself went into a field, and when we had stripped to the waist, had a jolly good wash. Fancy my doing that in England, in the depths of winter! … Yesterday we had some top-boots issued to us, coming up to the knees, and fine things they are. Every morning I put mine on, and go and stand in the middle of a flowing stream, and have a good comfortable wash. It’s a treat to be able to wash every day, the water is lovely and ‘fresh’ as you may imagine! Yesterday we had a small service in our barn, conducted by one of the Guards’ chaplains (our Regiment has not got a chaplain). It was fine, and we sang the hymns for all we were worth. The fellows do put their whole hearts into a service, and are always as quiet as possible. It is much more impressive than at a service in a church at home, and each time we meet together like this we are one or two short - either killed or wounded. We had such a nice officer killed, unfortunately, by a stray bullet down a road where we used to walk about, ab lib, at night. We are now much smaller than when we landed, but I believe we are to have a draft out in a day or two. … Now good-bye, and thanks so much for the parcel you sent. It is trying out here at times, but a parcel always makes you feel happy again.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 12th

Driver Reg Hill, of Wolverton, is attached to the Royal Horse Artillery, in the Ammunition Column of the 8th Division, and writing on January 28th describes the work done by the British gunners;

“I saw the 2nd Bedfordshires to-day and who should I meet, whilst looking for young Goome’s Company, but Allen Abbott (another Wolverton man), who told me he had been home. … We have not come out of action yet, so we have had our share when you take in consideration, that we came into action the 2nd week in November and have been there ever since without a rest. By the way, I have not told you, the good work our guns did a fortnight ago. One of our aeroplanes was scouting and saw the Germans bring up 7 howitzers by train. He “wirelessed” to our batteries, signalled the range and our gunners smashed the whole of them up. It was great. The Huns sent a few “souvenirs” over to-day, one made a hole big enough to put a bed in. I have three pieces of the shell and a bullet from the same for a souvenir. We expected a “dust up” yesterday to commemorate the Kaiser’s birthday, but they kept quiet where we are, but on the right of us they had a “set to,” and we took sixty prisoners besides leaving a lot dead.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 12th

Private Reg Miles is with the Hertfordshire Regiment (T), and writes to his parents in Church Street, Wolverton;

“We often have to do our own cooking, and when billeted in a deserted house we generally skirmish round the back garden for some vegetables, and with a few tins of bully beef make a lovely stew. Sometimes a ‘Jack Johnson’ comes over, but they don’t score many “bulls.” We have had a lively time this past week or two, and it is likely things will shift now the better weather is coming. The trenches are not so bad at the present time, but in one lot we went into we were up to our waists in water. We had to grease ourselves before we started, to keep the cold out. There was an attack made by the Guards the other day, in which they captured some trenches. I went up just afterwards to take some ammunition, and passed several prisoners. One of them laughed at me and said “See you in London.” They had nearly all left their packs behind when they ran out, and, of course, plenty of German sausage. Nearly all the chaps had been smoking cigars, which they also left behind. I suppose they had been looted from the French, and most of them had got a souvenir of some sort. There were a lot of Germans laying about who looked as if they had got souvenirs they could not carry … I have not come across Lance-Cpl. Field (of Wolverton) yet, as we are always billeted apart. Sometimes I do not see my own mates in other companies for weeks.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 12th

Extracts from letters from Lance Corporal W.L. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks Territorials, but now of the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials), serving with the 4th Guards Brigade;

“It has just turned very cold out here and we have had sharp frosts; still they are much preferable to wet, and if we have a nice barn to sleep in, as we have at the present time, we have nothing to grumble for. We are still in reserve, but expect to go trenchwise to-morrow. Twice this week we have had to pack up and move nearer the firing line. Yesterday we were aroused at 4, breakfasted at 4.30 and started at 5 a.m., marched about 5 miles, turned into a field and stayed all day. As it happened we were quite near the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, and a fellow named Gregory, who knew Rex well, looked me up. He thought I was Rex, but I soon put matters right, and he conducted me to his billet, and I found some fellows who worked in McCorquodale’s Printing Works, at Wolverton - Jones, I. McMillan, and W. Severne. It is interesting to see someone you know out here, and be able to talk of home, etc. They all seemed quite happy and were enjoying their biscuits and jam, as though they had been used to them all their lives. They came out at the end of November, and because I beat them by two or three weeks, I felt quite pleased with myself, and no end of an old soldier. To-day we went out on physical drill and (here about 20 lines have been blotted out by the censor). The Indian soldiers are fine fellows, and keep their rifles so clean, that they look like brand new ones. They do not like the cold, but say they are waiting for April, when they hope to give the Germans the point of their lances. We have had some stiff marches lately; to-day we were up at 4 a.m. (after being out all the day before, and not turning in until 11.30p.m.) and you can tell how I perspired, when the dye came out of the envelope containing the saccharine tablets I carried in my pocket, and the tablets were all stuck together in a mass. We always march in our overcoats and carrying something like fifty pounds naturally makes us warm. Still this life has its charm. This morning (Sunday) we washed in water which had ½ an inch of ice on it, it was fine and made me feel beautifully fresh. … Have not received a letter from you for some time, so please take this one in answer to the one I hope to receive to-day. I give up a lot of time to letter writing when other fellows go out to see the place, etc., and really letter writing is not at all easy when you have to sit on the ground or the floor, and I often have to keep a letter several days , because they do not collect them when we are on the move, only when we stay at a place a couple of days or more.”

Feb. 3rd.
“We moved last night, and we are now not far from the trenches. … The place we have just left was one of the best we have struck as yet, and seemed quite lovely with people about as usual, it is such a welcome change to see people about and shops open. … As I write shells are bursting not many hundred yards off. I have been out watching them this morning, and one has just burst a short distance down the road. Yet the French people here seem to take as ittle notice as our own fellows do. … The night before we left B ----, we had a small concert, and some really good talent turned up. It was held in a theatrical building, and I quite enjoyed it, but we had to cut it short as we all had to be in by 7 p.m. … Things have been happening lately round here, and last night we had to send a party up to bury German dead but am glad that I was not chosen for this very gruesome task. They had mostly been killed by our artillery, who have done some very fine work, and it is greatly due to them (remainder blotted out by censor).

W.E. 1915 Feb. 12th

Writing to relatives in Wolverton, Private W. Mathieson (07751), Motor Transport, A.S.C., attached to the Royal Garrison Artillery, sends a letter from the front;

“Up in the trenches from a man’s point of view, it is not too bad. After a turn in the trenches the men are relieved, and one can see them on route marches (fine exercise after standing in the wet mud) swinging gaily along, either smoking, whistling, or singing. There is just enough hardship for grumbling and joking. They waddle in the mud after a football, and there is a firework display every night. Just now we are enjoying beautiful weather. We know very little about the war except a little of what goes on in front of us. The air is full of rumours, most of which prove to be unfounded. Everyone is cheerful and confident that there can only be one end to this war - a very nasty end for Germany.”

In another letter he describes scenes on the roads;

“I am getting used to mudlarking, and am pretty well covered now. The mud lies very deep on the sides of the roads, which are mostly very narrow, and provides a treacherous trap for motors which move to one side of the road to allow something important to pass. Much labour and bad language is caused by heavy motors which slither into the ditches and dykes. It often happens in the pouring rain. The roads, however, present a wonderful picture of animation - an endless stream of motor transport, heavy guns, infantry, clattering cavalry, Indians with their mules, and an occasional civilian cart, which is promptly chased out of it at the slightest sign of congestion. I have had a taste of gunfire. I was on the road three days ago with some of our fellows when two big shells burst fairly close to us. None of us were hit, and I was glad to find that it did not make me in the least nervous. I have seen plenty of ruined churches and houses, although we cannot see the result of our own fire. I understand that our battery is playing the deuce with the Germans. The papers do not exaggerate the conditions in the trenches. I have seen the fellows from the trenches with their clothes dripping with water and mud up to the waist. It is not difficult to understand how weather conditions may cause a higher death roll than bullets. Occasionally on Sundays we have to attend a service (R.C.s only excepted), usually in a barn. There, by the light of candles and hurricane lamps and amid the shadows cast by the rafters, the men sing well-known hymns. The same tunes, but with different words, are used in our lighter moments.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 12th

Private George Gregory, of the 2nd Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, is with the B.E.F., and in his letter mentions having met Tom Storey, from Wolverton;

“On Sunday night, the 24th, I was billeted in a village about 4 miles from the firing line, after being more or less in the trenches for a month, waiting our turn to be relieved and go further back for a few weeks’ rest, when about 12 o’clock on Sunday night, we were all awakened by a violent artillery fire; so we said to each other ‘The Germans are coming out at last!’ which they did. They attacked our first division, and on Monday we had orders to stand to. Well, we marched off to reinforce the first division at 11.30, a distance of about three miles and then we went into a wood and met the Guards and lay in reserve the rest of the day in case the Germans should break through our lines. During the day I had a look around the Guards regiment and I met a young man from Wolverton, Tom Storey, you know him well. Well, Joe, there was artillery all around us, and they let the Germans know it, there was also an armoured train manned by our sailors and they did give the Huns beans I can tell you. Well we stood by until Friday, the 30th, and then we were ordered back to the trenches during the night; we had 3 killed and one wounded. On the following day we were again shelled by the Germans, and we had three more wounded by a “Jack Johnson,” one of them came from Bradwell, named Farmer, who works in the Works. The next night we expected an attack by the Germans but it did not come off, we were quite ready for them I can tell you. Well Joe the next day Jim Jones and two more chaps were chumming up making tea in a house just behind the firing line, when a shell went right through the roof. Jones had a narrow escape, a piece of shrapnel hit his pocket and struck a vasiline (sic) tin, which must have turned the bullet, and bruised his leg. I am pleased to say he is alright. I daresay you have read in the paper the bust up we have had this last week. We have given the Germans something to go with. As I write this letter there are shells going over us all the time on the way to the Germans, and we often get some back. I expect to leave the trenches in a day or two for a few days’ rest.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 19th

Sapper Knight, 12th Co., R.E., writes on Feb. 9th;

“I am close to ---- and we had some very narrow escapes. I was working when a shell came through a wall and destroyed my bed and all I possessed bar what I stood up in, so you see my luck in being away in time. Six of my mates were severely wounded, and I helped bury the bugler on Sunday afternoon, poor little chap he had his leg blown off by the same shell. You know we are going through it, by the papers. Three days whilst working we were being shelled. I got out the way sharp, this was last week, I am working chiefly at night. When an attack is on, it is too bad to describe - words cannot be found to tell.”

Sapper F. Freeman, R.E., of Wolverton, is with the Expeditionary Force in France, and on Feb. 6th writes;

“I am with the 2nd Field Co., and we were in the battle of Flanders near La Bassee. We have been here over three months and have been very busy in the firing line. Our work consists of revetting the trenches and making loopholes for the infantry to fire through. The trenches here are about 250 yards from the Germans’ trenches and in one place only 80 yards divides. The other night we had a job to loophole a house just in the rear of the firing line. The Germans could hear the noise we were making with the hammers and we had a hot time of it. They fired their maxim guns on us. We are having plenty of barbed wire entanglement work to do. We go out and do it when it is dark. We have to cut the wire entanglements in front of the enemy’s trenches before a charge is made so as to clear the way. Ten of our men went out to cut the German wire entanglements before a charge which one of the Infantry regiments made. Five of the ten were wounded and one killed. Our casualties are, so far, for the two companies, 46 wounded and 6 killed. During the bad weather we have box drains to make and look after the pumps for getting water out of the trenches, being so much mud in the trenches the valves of the pumps want washing out very often. We had a job of putting a new fire trench just in rear of the old one in case it got flooded. It has been bad for our Infantry standing night and day up to their knees in mud, and the weather being so cold they deserve high praise I can tell you.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 19th

Lieutenant L. Barley is a First Lieutenant in the Cameron Highlanders, and has been at the front for nearly three months. He is a grandson of the late George Barley, of 7, High Street, Stony Stratford, and has previously written to his father, Mr. A. Barley, of Stony Stratford, saying that he was in the trenches for eleven successive days and nights without a wash or shave, with only such sleep as could be obtained in a dug-out on a plank. In this extract from a recent letter he describes his experiences during an ‘off-night,’ when he and his men were out of the trenches;

“Two nights ago I had my first experience of heavy shell-fire, and I tell you about it because it shows how much can be gone through with little loss. I had to take two platoons to a certain farm to carry engineer material after dusk, and while we were unloading six waggons on the road, b-r-r-ump, b-r-r-ump - two shrapnel shells burst just short of the farm, and a terrific great searchlight came round on us. Luckily I knew there were reserve trenches just on our right, and I shouted out to my men to rush for them. While that was going on, shells were bursting just behind now at the rate of one a second. It was a funny feeling standing up in the open with the beasts bursting all round, but I soon followed my men and got into the trench myself, where one felt pretty safe, for they were well dug. Shrapnel bullets were whistling over like rain, and the noise was appalling. At that time I thought the Germans were attacking in force, for I could hear our men firing furiously, and German bullets were coming over our heads in hundreds, but it appears that they only came out of their trenches in one place, and were easily driven back. It was a relief to hear the regiment in the trenches cheer and sing “God save the King,” which they did right well. The whole experience lasted less than half an hour, but it was as warm a time as I expect to get. I got my men together after a time, collecting them from all sorts of ditches and water-ways. One of them did a very gallant thing, and I am recommending him for distinction: Under the heaviest fire he cut loose the horses from the transport and prevented a stampede. He said, ‘The men have trenches to go to, but the horses haven’t a chance if they are left.’ Gallant fellow, he will be promoted to-morrow, and may get the Distinguished Conduct Medal. None of my men were touched. Two transport men were wounded and two horses. I telephoned for orders while clearing up the wreckage and we arrived back in billets at 12.30a.m.” “Bannerman’s party (a fellow Lieut.) was not so lucky. They had a job of work to do just behind the trenches, and they came in for a large dose of terrific great bombs from trench mortars. They had Bannerman and three others wounded before they could get under cover. Altogether the Allemangs wasted a vast amount of ammunition for the small bag they got, and I don’t think they can afford it very well. Our guns were all at it during that half hour, and the whole country-side was lit up with guns and bursting shell. There are no nerves here. This afternoon we have had a merry inter-platoon football match, of which I have a photo. The boys simply love it, and if any rich person at home were to send a football or a set of boxing gloves, they would be blessed as they little guess. To-night they are all singing among their straw, as if this were a jolly pic-nic. It is probably the result of fine weather, for we have had three gorgeous days.” “I am glad I have had this early experience. It makes one sure of oneself, for the fear of being afraid, is about the worst thing a soldier suffers.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 19th.

Attached to the 2nd Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, Private Syd Henson writes to his former employer in Wolverton;

“I have had enough fighting during the last few months to last me a lifetime, but I must do as the others do here - stick to it. I keep thinking the war will be over soon, although no doubt it will last a few months longer. You will see from our casualty list that we have been in the thick of it, and I dare say you have read about our glorious charge during the latter part of November. It was like hell let loose whilst it lasted. I am glad to say I came through it all right. I only had a bayonet thrust through my coat sleeve, which was not quite near enough to my arm to leave behind a souvenir, and a good job too. We are still in the thick of it, for we have given the Germans some nasty smacks and have come out on top every time as usual. The weather is rotten, and we are up to our waist in water, and the mud is just like batter pudding. I am now out of the trenches for a few days’ rest. We had eight days of it the last time, and plenty long enough for me; with the shells flying all over the auction. Still I am glad to say we are masters of the Germans now, and it is quite time, too, as it is no joke when they can do nearly as they please with their guns. Their shells are a bit worse than spots of whitewash and pieces of lime falling on you.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 19th

Further extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W.L. Field, 1st Herts. Regiment, attached to Guards Brigade. (Formerly of the Wolverton Detachment, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry;

“British Expeditionary Force, Feb. 5th. I wrote you such a nice long letter, as I thought, in the trenches yesterday, but apparently I had put in too much information and the Censor had to destroy it, but I am doing another so that you shall not be disappointed … Before going into the trenches, we had it pretty hot, with bullets flying about but no one was hit. I am pleased to say the trenches were dry as they had only been dug a day or two, but it was a cold night and sleep was out of the question; I tried to snatch a little, but we had to sit in such a cramped position and my feet got so jolly cold that I gave it up, and went along and had a chat with a fellow who used to be in Barclay’s Bank, at Harpenden, and we talked about old times, and two hours soon went by. We were not allowed fires, but I felt I would love a cup of cocoa, about 1a.m., so I just paid a visit to the Coldstreamers. They are jolly fine fellows, and had fires, and it didn’t take me long to nip back and get the cocoa and sugar you sent me, and we soon had a mess tin of lovely hot cocoa which they enjoyed as much as I did. It does seem to warm you up in the middle of a cold night. We always seem glad to see the first ray of morning light, because day brings warmth and you can also see where you are and it enables you to make yourself as comfortable as trench life permits … Am so glad you sent the candles as I had not one left, and candles are so necessary.”

“Feb. 9th … I am still all right and we came out of the trenches last night for a couple of days or so. Things have been hot this last week or two, in fact yesterday and the day before, we had the thickest time since we came out here. Shells came over thicker than rifle shots, in fact it was deafening whilst it lasted. But I am glad to say our fellows behaved splendidly … (Here, about 8 lines have been deleted by the censor). I have seen some sights this last week, both interesting and ghastly, but I can’t tell you, as I know it will only be censored. I know that (here, about 12 lines are blotted out) I suppose but it did give us heart, and I felt proud that I belonged to the Hertfordshire Regiment - but things were hot, and there’s something very terribly awful about shell fire, the noise is deafening, and earth is thrown up into the air, and clatters down into the trench, and the ground fairly shakes. If you can imagine this, with shells bursting as quickly as you can count, you have some idea of an artillery bombardment. We were not sorry to get out safely I can tell you … I don’t know if the parcel will reach you, but I have sent some German, English and French bullets. The thick bullets are French … The fork and spoon combined, are German. Some of our fellows have got sword bayonets, most wicked looking things. Do you remember me describing a church spire stuck into the ground?”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 26th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“Thanks for the parcel which I received all right. The knife with the marlin spike is exactly what I wanted, and the eatables are always most acceptable. … We do get paid sometimes, but we are generally limited to 15 francs and only get paid occasionally: about four or five times since we landed. I spend most of mine in buying bread, as I can’t get on with the biscuit: - sort of goes against the grain. Our issue of bread is never very great … usually a loaf about equal to a small “Hovis” between three of us, but of course plenty of biscuit. For dinner, if we are not in the trenches, we have meat in a sort of soup, and it is very nice, except for the fact that it is always the same, but I never mind that we also have potatoes. If we are in the trenches we have tins of meat and vegetables, which are very nice warmed. We call them “Maconachies,” because, I believe a man of that name invented them. We also have plenty of jam, and an issue of cheese daily; sometimes we get tinned butter, and for breakfast we usually have a little cold bacon. I have charge of a section of nine men, and every night the next day’s rations are issued to me and I cut them up and issue them to the men, of course with the exception of a hot dinner; we all wish more bread could be issued, but I suppose it must be impossible. I am glad to say the trenches we are now occupying are fairly dry so far, but we are not allowed fires either night or day. Still I was not to be done for my hot cocoa, so I, with my pal, heated a dixie over a tin of vaseline. We put a piece of rag in it, screwed up the end and lit it, and this burns without smoke. We also managed to heat our “Maconachies” over the same fire. I wonder if people in England would feel very much hurt if they new the vaseline they sent for the soldiers’ poor tender feet was used to warm up their food in the trenches. I sometimes wish you could see how we live in the trenches. If I get cold during the night, I go for a ramble round, as where we are now, there is a perfect maze of trenches; one night I was lucky enough to get a “dug out,” but it’s quite a luxury to have one, that is worth calling a “dug out.” During the day we do odd jobs and dig to improve the trenches. I generally see that I am in the digging party because hanging about makes one cold, but after a quarter of an hour’s digging you are as warm as toast. Whilst it remains dry the trenches here are very good, but it is surprising how beastly muddy and wet they get with only quite a little rain; of course it is only natural, as they act as a sort of drain. At night we always talk about home, and think how lovely a nice cosy, warm bed must be - which does pass the time away. Of course a look-out is kept all day and night, either one in two or two in three. … The French have some fine “star shells” now; they are like rockets, and shoot up into the air with a trail of sparks behind, then burst and out comes a flare; I should imagine it acts on a kind of parachute arrangement, as they float in the air for two or three minutes, lighting up the country like day. We have had most exciting times lately, in fact we have had it thicker than at any time since we landed, but Mr. Censor won’t let me tell you for a month, so you will have to wait. … The tobacco you sent is good, we have some served out here but I do not like it, and we cannot buy much here, unless we go right back for a rest. Sunday, for a wonder, we are not to be in the trenches (that is tomorrow). Last Sunday things happened, so we were not so quiet.”

W.E. 1915 Feb. 26th

During the past month a collection has been made in Wolverton of both socks and money, so that every soldier and sailor whose home is in Wolverton has received a parcel from the inhabitants of the town. Each contained a pair of socks, cigarettes, tobacco, and chocolate. Over 440 parcels were sent. During the past week some one hundred letters of thanks have been received, and below are some of the extracts;

Lt. Col. H. Williams, Bucks Battalion, Territorial (Reserves), Northampton;

“I have received the parcels you were good enough to leave here, and I am having them distributed. I should have liked to have thanked you personally on behalf of the Wolverton men for your kindness, which I know is very much appreciated by the recipients of the presents. It is most kind of our Wolverton friends to think of their absent fellow townsmen in this way. P.s. Since writing the above I have had brought to me the parcel that was addressed to myself, and therefore as one of the recipients, I add my personal thanks, and am very pleased with your kind present.”

Sergeant F. Bull, 1st Northants. Regt.;

“Just a line to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for their kind and generous gift, which I received this morning, and which was a very pleasant surprise. It is very pleasing to know that some one with whom one is acquainted is thinking about one, and it is also pleasant to know one’s own townsfolk, who are not able to do their little bit, are doing the next best thing - helping those who are and have been. But still there are a number of young men in Wolverton who could join up. I don’t think they quite realise the gravity of our position. They don’t realise that if the Germans got into England, we could possibly be in a worse predicament than Belgium. It would be too late for them to join then, and they would not have the least chance to stop the atrocities that the Germans revel in.”

Lieutenant H. Combs, attached to the Wolverton detachments, Bucks Battalion (Service) Chelmsford;

“A few lines conveying my thanks for the very nice and useful gifts from the inhabitants of Wolverton; it was a very kind thought, which is much appreciated by me. We still linger at Chelmsford, but I think we shall be off to the Front by the ----- (near future).”

(Shortly after arriving at the Front, Lieutenant Combs, who was in command of the machine gun section, would be wounded.)

C.L. Mason, Royal Engineers, writes;

“Please express my thanks and gratitude to your committee and subscribers for their extremely useful gifts and the kind thoughts which prompted them to send them. I am sure all the other recipients will appreciate the kindness as much as I do, and one and all will feel very pleased to think that they have not been forgotten by the inhabitants of that town which we all hope soon to return to.”

Second Lieutenant W. King, A.S.C. (Leeds);

“I am very grateful for the gift from the inhabitants of Wolverton and for the feeling which it expressed. I suppose I am but saying what all who have responded to their country’s call from our town feel, when I say that I trust we shall worthily play our part when the real test comes, and thus become a real credit to the place we - because it is our home - think most of and about.”

Driver F. Lamble writes from the Front;

“I wish to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for their kindness in sending socks, cigarettes, tobacco, and chocolate, which are all very acceptable out here at times like this. We never know what it is to go to bed with dry feet, for our socks are always wet through. … We went up to the Battery this morning, and on our way there was blood all over the road. I heard afterwards that three of our poor fellows had been killed and four poor horses. It is nothing to see such sights as these.”

Private W. Severne, 2nd Oxon and Bucks Light infantry writes;

“Please allow me to thank you and the inhabitants of Wolverton for the very nice parcel which I received. It may be interesting to know that I opened it in the trenches, and was very pleased with the chocolates, socks, and tobacco. I may assure you it was a very acceptable gift, and shows clearly that Wolverton has not forgotten the townsmen who are at the front. We are in the breastworks within 200 yards of the German trenches, and it is very straining to the nerves at night when on sentry go. (sic). We can see quite a number of dead bodies in the open in front of the trenches. The weather is very wet, and the socks will be a welcome change, as we get our feet and legs so wet with the mud and water, the likes of which I have never seen before. I am sorry to say we lost a sergeant last Wednesday, shot through the head. It was a terrible wound, and practically the back part of his head was shattered. We buried him the same day.”

Sapper H. Barcock, 1st Field Co. (T.F.), E.A.R.E, writes;

“The socks are articles we can do with very much out here. For instance, I shall be out to-night to drain the water from the trenches, so when I get back in the early hours of the morning, I shall have been up to my knees in water. … The weather is still bad here, so much rain, which makes things very uncomfortable. Still, we are all looking forward to better times.”

C. Eaton writes from the Front;

“Having received one of your parcels, I wish to thank you for the same, also my fellow townspeople. We soldiers deeply appreciate all the good work that the ladies and gentlemen, who cannot take part in this great struggle, are doing for our welfare.”

Private S. Henson, 2nd Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes;

“I wish to express my thanks to you and the inhabitants of Wolverton, for the nice present I received. I am glad to say I am still all right, and am at the present time in the trenches. We are expecting to be busy soon.”

Corporal J. Farrow, 16th Service Battalion, King’s Royal Rifles (Denham) writes;

“At the request of my fellow Wolverton members of this Battalion, I wish to thank you, and through you the inhabitants of Wolverton, for their great kindness in sending us each such an acceptable present.”

Private G. Rix, 7th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment (Marlborough) writes;

“I am writing on behalf of the “B” Company, to thank you and your committee, and also the inhabitants of Wolverton, for the very nice and useful parcels which we have received, and I can say for all of us, which we much appreciate, as we think it was very thoughtful of all. I am pleased to state we are all in good spirits and settling down well to our new kind of life, which came a bit strange at first.”

Corporal A. Tubbs, 5th. Res. Cavalry Regt. (York) writes;

“I wish to express to you my deep gratitude for the parcel you so kindly sent to me. It is very nice indeed to know that although I have been away from the old home for over eleven years, I am not forgotten by my old friends now I have returned to do my little bit.”

E.A. Allbright, 1st Canadian Expeditionary Force, writes expressing his thanks, as also R.Q.M. Sergeant Walton, Bucks Battalion Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry;

“On behalf of the Wolvertonians of the above Battalion now at Chelmsford, will you allow me to thank those who so kindly assisted in providing the parcels of comforts, which have been distributed and very much appreciated.”

Private Taylor, R.A.M.C., Royal Bucks Hussars (Norfolk);

“It was a great pleasure to receive such a useful present. We are having awful weather in this part, and there is nothing to do to pass the time away in the evenings, so we shall be able to sit and smoke to the health of the people of Wolverton now. We have all good billets and are very comfortable.”

The Wolverton boys in the Navy League express their thanks, and F.H. Carter writes that he is expecting to go to sea any day.

Corporal Sutton, 2nd Bucks Battalion, writes to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton, and assures them that when the time comes for he and his comrades to man the firing line they will do their best for King and country, and uphold the honour of the county of Bucks.

Bandmaster H. Brooks, 2nd Bucks Battalion, expresses his thanks on behalf of the Bandsmen of the 2nd Battalion at Northampton.

F.C. Boulter, Kettering, writes;

“I beg to acknowledge with many thanks the receipt of a present from the inhabitants of Wolverton in the form of a parcel containing socks, chocolate, tobacco and cigarettes. The socks I find very comfortable: the chocolate, which was exceptionally good, has already melted away; the tobacco and cigarettes, which at present I am unable to enjoy, will probably all end in smoke. Please convey my thanks to all your workers, for I know fairly well the amount of time and labour required to carry out such an undertaking successfully, and with what willingness and cheerfulness they carried it out.”

Sergeant R. Barden, Depot, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes;

“Please thank all concerned for the very nice way in which they have shown their thought for us. All the boys in the 7th and 8th Battalions I have met seem very pleased with their presents. At the present time clouds of incense (tobacco smoke) rise up in my office in honour of the people of Wolverton.”

Private W. Illing, 7th Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes;

“Will you kindly thank through your paper, on behalf of colleagues and myself, who are now serving in the 7th Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, Mrs. Harvey and inhabitants of Wolverton, for the kind gifts they have sent to the young men, who have enlisted in this battalion, from Wolverton.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 5th

A Committee, chaired by Mrs. Harvey, has organised the sending of a gift parcel from local residents to those inhabitants of the town now serving in the forces. The following are extracts from some of the letters of thanks that have been received;

From F.W. Brown and C.H. Miller, of the D Company, 7th Wiltshire Regiment (Marlborough). “Through your valuable paper we desire to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for the parcels which we have received. We are pleased to know that we are not forgotten by our many friends at home, while we are trying to do our little bit for when the time comes.”

Private L.J. Howe, Bucks Battalion, Chelmsford. “I wish to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for their nice parcel. This is the first I have received, although there has been sent here many shirts, socks, mittens, scarves and body belts, but these have not been dealt out fair at all as some have had two or three shirts and several other things, while others have had none, and I can tell you there is many more like myself. If they had been sent privately to us, like ours, it would have been fairer.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 5th

A letter from Trooper E. Lewis, 1st Northants Yeomanry. He was formerly employed in the Wolverton Carriage Works, and from the Front writes to his relatives Mr. and Mrs. G. Gardiner, ‘The Leys’, 89, Stratford Road, Wolverton;

“Forgive me for not writing before, but we have been very busy, and can hardly find time for anything. The Germans keep us very busy. I wish they would give their “bat” up, they have had a good “innings.” Our men are going home wounded, one by one. I had a narrow escape myself the other day whilst walking behind one of our men when he was hit. I nearly trod on him as he fell. We were in a “hot shop” the other night, and it is a wonder we get out of them as well as we do. We had two hits that night. I saw a very pretty festival in one of the villages here, the other day, All the children had an intercession for the end of the war. They were all dressed in white, and the choir boys in their red cassocks and white surplices. Flags were hung on trees in the chateau grounds, and it looked a pretty picture. The Madonna was carried by bearers. The songs that were sung were, of course, in French, by the little mites, and it sounded very pathetic. The aged cure led the singing and it was wonderful what a strong voice he had for his age. Nearly everyone is in black in France. I do not think there is a family that has not suffered in one way or another, through this awful war. It is heart-breaking to see the homes wrecked by shells and the fields with the last year’s crops still on them rotting. One field we cross at the back of our lines, which is swept by German rifle fire, the mangolds, or whatever they are, stand out above the ground six inches. When you are trying to dodge bullets and these, not to mention ditches, you have a hard task … It has only rained once since we have been out here. It started when we got here and it has never left off since. I’m soaking now, and only got dried from a wetting yesterday, about six hours ago. We are having, I hear, a draft of 60 men to us on Tuesday, from our reserve squad to fill up our ranks. We have already had ten … We are all paying back the Germans hundred to one for what we get. I saw one poor fellow the other night with a horribly wounded face, and he was even smiling through his bandage. Some of our men have got awful colds and can hardly speak.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 5th

Private Reg Miles, of the Hertfordshire Territorials, writes from the Front to his parents, Mr. & Mrs. H. Miles, of 9, Church Street, Wolverton;

“We have had plenty of work lately, in trench digging, as well as other work. We shall make good navvies when we get back to Angleterre. When we have dug trenches, we give them names and mark them with a signpost as well. This is so we shall not lose ourselves, which you could easily do in the maze of trenches. We have had fine weather lately - it is more like summer some days. But there is tons of mud about. I nearly got stuck in the mud the other night, when wearing gum boots, and nearly left them behind on several occasions. One man did get stuck and had to pull his boots off to get out and then had to walk along in his socks. Many of us have top boots, which are alright when there is water about. We are dressed well, now, having been supplied with top boots and fur coats. We don’t look much like Englishmen sometimes. We get on well with the French soldiers and keep them well supplied with cigarettes. These are things they don’t seem to get much of, and we do. They are mostly very nice fellows, and we often have chats with them when we have the chance. I have no souvenirs yet, but still there is time for that. I cannot tell you all that is going on, as they (the censors) are very particular.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 5th

Further extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W.L. Field, 1st Herts. Regiment, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry;

Feb. 19th “To Censor, a description of bath only … Things are still all right, and we still occasionally have excitements, but of course, familiarity breeds contempt, to a great extent, but it takes a tremendous amount of shell fire before contempt is bred in that direction … We had quite a different sort of adventure this morning. We were all marched to B ----, and there we indulged in a bath. It was fine, and the system absolutely perfect. First of all, we (60 of us) went into a large room and discarded , great coat, boots, hat; next we were rushed along a passage and into another room, where we left our tunics, trousers and cardigans, in charge of an orderly, next we were rushed into another room and took off all our underclothing, and then we were dashed down another passage (with only Nature’s clothing) to the baths. Here we indulged in an exquisite hot shower bath, but I wsas lucky enough to have a good long ordinary bath to myself. At the end of 10 minutes a whistle blows, and everybody dashes down another passage where an attendant stands at the door throwing towels, which hit you quite unexpectedly, but which you just manage to catch as you dash into a room at the end. Here a complete change of underclothing awaited everyone, and after a hurried dry, with a few remarks from the sergeant in charge, such as: “Now then, bust about, ten more fellows standing naked, waiting to come in.” You rush down another passage, and into another room. Here you find your tunic and trousers under your number, which have been ironed during your absence, then after going to the first room and putting on overcoat and boots, you pass downstairs and find a nice basin of hot bovril, also cigarettes and tobacco awaiting you. It was a real treat, and I still have visions of white figures rushing down passages from one place to another, as though it were the “Garden of Eden.” The arrangement was perfect, and a “Red” man told me they get through five and six hundred a day, and I believe they only have ten baths. I seem to remember, rushing at one end, and being rushed and pushed about, from one place to another, until finally, I was kicked out at the end and given a cup of “Bovril.” Have missed all war news this time, as we are not resting yet, still I feel like a new man … One of the letters sent to me out here was returned marked “Hospital,” and I found another letter, mud-stained and marked similarly, so I imagine, the other fellow in the Battalion named Field, has been wounded, so don’t be alarmed if you hear anything or have a letter. Glad to say, so far, am still alive and kicking, and enjoying life, as far as possible under the circumstances. I have seen loads of French soldiers, and we generally give our too strong tobacco to them. I believe the people at home think we are all the “Woodbine sort,” but your little gift of “Chairman,” was so welcome as I never get anything half so good.” “We had quite an interesting hour with a French soldier to-day, he had lived in America, and could speak English quite well. I tried on his pack and also unpacked it. They take a blanket into the trenches (we don’t), and he told me they have hot soups twice a day. We generally get what we are able to warm up ourselves; they get plenty of bread too, in fact more than they can eat, lucky bounders. Did I tell you, we had some German bread? It was like brown bread, but very close - quite palatable, but with a slight “twang.” The French don’t like our tea, but they generally have coffee beans and carry a grinder between 9 or 10 men, and if they rest for quarter of an hour, it is not long before they have some hot coffee ready. There is one difference, you never see young sporty boys, like our soldiers. When the French hear us sing, they seem to get quite excited, and don’t seem to understand our singing when on the march, they usually march along in silence.”

Feb. 21st “The parcel reached me safely and I was glad of the saccharine tablets, my own were almost used up. The underclothing also is beautifully warm. We go into the trenches again to-morrow night, when I hope to feel the benefit of them … Do you know, I receive on an average, three letters a day, which I reckon to answer, and I often give up a lot of time, I might spend enjoying myself and seeing things, in order to write my letters … I am sorry so much of my letters are cut out. I often wish you could “guess” things in your letters to me, because I am convinced you know where we are … I believe we are getting hardened a little. We came through a trench the night before last, up to our knees in mud, owing to the rain, but we went up next day and cleared it out. We were supposed to be relieved at 9.30p.m., but owing to something going wrong, we finally got to billet about 2a.m., and in a fine, wet, and muddy state. However, we soon got happy, although at the time, a few remarks were made about foreign service, etc. It does make us wish some of the stay-at-homes had to endure the same. I believe this life either makes or breaks a man. Yesterday I met a fellow in the Irish Guards, related to Mr. Hodgson, of the “Loco,” Old Wolverton. He said his people had told him to enquire after me … We are not allowed to keep diaries, so last Sunday was a lovely day, bright, warm, and just lovely for a walk. I did wish myself miles away from this abominable war. The shells were bursting, and rifles banging all around us, whilst we were digging trenches, and war seemed a positive sin, on so peaceful a Sunday afternoon. Could you please send me a strong leather belt? I wore a German belt some days, and I miss the support, but I did not want to be captured by the enemy wearing a German belt.”

Feb. 26th ȁI am still all right. The weather has been bad just lately, we have had frost and snow, and are still doing time in the trenches. The Sergeant O’Leary who so greatly distinguished himself, is in our brigade (4th Guards). Of course a Brigade always keeps together, so you will understand what we have been in. I shall be glad when we have a rest as we have had it thick since Christmas. When our Colour Sergeant went home, he took a souvenir for me, let me know when you receive it, I hope you will like it too, it is German. We have done an enormous amount of trench-digging lately, I enjoy digging now I am used to it. I can keep on two or three hours without getting too tired, and it keeps one warm, which is no small matter out here. I shall try and get work as a navvy when I get home, after serving such a good apprenticeship. What makes my blood boil sometimes, is when we see accounts of Temperance Societies, trying to stop our issue of rum. I wish those same people had to stand in a trench all night, especially when it rains, and it is not as if we have a pint of the stuff, it is generally about a couple of tablespoonsful (sic) per man; that sort of people only want one night in the trenches, and I guess they would soon dry up, but our fellows have to stick it for weeks, they don’t know what they are talking about. Well, I am tired, so good night.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 5th

On February 26th, Lance Corporal Edwin Tuckey, of the 2nd Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes from the Front to his parents at Lesdam Street, Wolverton. He was formerly employed at Wolverton Carriage Works, and enlisted about 18 months ago;

“I had a very narrow escape last week from being severely injured. I was wearing a scarf at the time which was twisted round my throat. A bullet went right through this, cutting my shoulder, but it is nothing to trouble over. I am all right again now. I was standing by the side of a fellow, and he had a bullet go right through his foot. If I had been but three inches to the left of where I stood I should have caught it myself, so I reckon I am lucky.”

Born at Stony Stratford, Lance Corporal Tuckey was killed in action on Saturday, September 25th, 1915, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.)

B.S. 1915 May 8th

Private Edward Whitfield, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry (Bucks Territorials), was killed in the trenches in France on May 6th. His step parents live at 23, School Street, Stantonbury, and in a letter received by them Captain Birchall writes that he was killed by a German sniper at 6.30a.m.; “He will be a severe loss to the Company, of which he was a very valuable member.” Aged 23, Private Whitfield had been a popular member of the Company, and, belonging to the Wolverton Company of Territorials, had volunteered for active service with his Battalion last August.

W.E. 1915 Mar. 12th

Sapper Reg Barcock has been killed in France. He was serving with the 1st East Anglian Field Company, Royal Engineers, of which Sergeant L. Course writes on February 28th to Mrs. Carter, of 14, Cambridge Street, Wolverton, with whom he lived whilst employed as an inside painter at Wolverton Carriage Works;

“I regret to have to write to you in this way, but it has fallen to my duty as Sergeant of the Section to let you know of the death of Sapper Barcock. His was a noble death, while carrying out his duty. It so happened that he was one of six men picked from my section for special duty last Saturday, for a charge. I am sorry to say he was wounded soon after he left our trenches, by a bullet hitting him in the back. He passed away on Sunday at 2a.m., and was bright until the last. I must mention that he was one of my best men, and was very well liked among the section. The last thing he said to his best friend, Sapper White, ????, was that if a parcel came for him he could have it. This is because we cannot send parcels on to the hospital so the recipient wishes me to thank you for the parcel, which arrived here to-day. Again I wish to express my sympathy and that of the section, among the members of which his absence is very greatly felt.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 12th

Extracts from letters from Lance Corporal W. Field, 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials), formerly of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials (Wolverton Detachment). (The 1st Hertfordshire regiment crossed the Channel in the first week of November last year, and was almost immediately sent to the front, attached to the 4th Guards Brigade. On March 1st he writes;

“Thank you very much for the parcel which was very nice. It’s always a joy to receive parcels, and the milk is A1, as tea is not extra without milk. … What a treat it is to be in a large town. I seemed to enjoy myself to perfection, by merely walking about the streets, looking in the shops, and mixing with the crowd of people. It hardly seems possible the Germans are only (the next few lines have been censored). We went to a café this afternoon, and had a good meal. We had two eggs, bread and butter and cakes, just as in England, and I spent one of the happiest hours since I have been in France. … We are billeted in one of the best places we have struck as yet, we are in a girls’ school, but there are no girls here now. We are in what evidently is their sleeping quarters. Little divisions about 4 square yards, partitioned off and a curtain opposite the wall; we have four soldiers in each. We are on the bare floor; there is also a cupboard in each compartment, which we use for our day’s rations. I don’t expect we shall stay here long, too good to last any length of time.”

“March 5th I am glad to say we have given in our fur coats, as they are so heavy to carry all the while, and going through the trenches is awfully fatiguing - one gets caught up here and there. We used to have to go through a communication trench nearly a mile long before getting into the trenches proper. Previously we used to go round by the road, but one fellow was killed by a stray bullet, so we had to dig a trench after that, to save going round. Every day we were not in the trenches proper, we had to come right up and improve or dig deeper, and when we came away this communication trench was about eight feet deep, from the top of the parapet, and naturally as safe as a house - even from shrapnel shells, still I would often have rather risked going round by the road, because marching in full pack along a trench, is downright hard work. … I am glad we are resting, because I think we deserve it, but I expect things will become a little more exciting when the better weather comes. I hope we drive the bounders back, but when you are right away from shells, etc., and talk about it, everything seems quite O.K., and you feel quite brave, but get back again with shells bursting all around you - well, you soon begin to feel a little different. I am so glad you send cocoa always in your parcels, we can make our cocoa in the trenches, and the best of it is, it need not boil like making tea. You guessed about right where we had been. I have been out here four months now, and had not been home for a month before I came out. What a long time it seems.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 12th

Driver Bob Freeman, of the Royal Engineers, is the son of Mr. Frank Freeman, of Victoria Street, Wolverton. He is serving with Expeditionary Force, and on February 22nd writes;

“The first four months out here I was with the 23rd Field Co., R.E. I was with the First Division at Mons when we had to retire, and I can tell you we got it properly hot. We were the last 80 (CHECK) left behind to blow the bridge up as soon as our Infantry and Artillery had got over. At sometimes the Germans were only ten minutes behind us, and we drivers had to help the sappers. We sunk a lot of barges so they could not use them for making bridges. Well, we were retiring for about a fortnight, and then we turned round on them and drove them back 25 miles in one day. It was rotten retiring. We only used to stop for about two hours at night. We could hardly keep awake on our horses, but we got through it all right. Then we went to the battle of the Aisne. I was there 5 weeks, and out every other night digging trenches and putting barbed wire down for the Infantry. We put about five miles of wire down in that time. It was terrible working in the dark, with bullets flying over our heads and spare shells bursting all about us. We lost ten killed and twenty wounded in that five weeks. Well, then we gave the French our positions, and went by train to Belgium to Ypres. I was at Ypres two weeks working at nights with barbed wire and trenching, but on a Sunday morning, Nov. 1st, we had to go out as the Germans were breaking through to dig some reserve trenches, and it was an awful sight to see the poor fellows coming down wounded. Then the order came for everybody to man the trenches that possibly could. The shells were coming as thick as rain. Well we held them and drove them back, but I got wounded with a piece of shrapnel shell; one of my mates had his head blown clean off. Poor fellow, he had only just said to me, “Freeman, it is getting proper hot.” Five more were hit with the same shell, and two have since died of wounds. I was took to the Field Hospital to have my wounds dressed, so you see I have got a souvenir, but it is nothing to worry about. Then they took us to the town of Ypres to an hospital, which was a theatre, as there was no more room anywhere else, but I was not to stop there for long, because about 2.0a.m. on the Monday morning, the Germans commenced to shell the town, and they were dropping all round the hospital, so we had to get out the best we could into some motor lorries, which took us to the railway station, where we got into an ambulance train. Well, I thought we were all right for a bit, but the shells came over on to the line, and even broke the windows of the carriages, and some poor fellows were wounded again. Well, we got away about five in the morning, and I was sent to a base hospital at -----. I was there for two weeks, and then I went to -----, from there to -----, on to -----. We are right away from the firing line until our fellows start advancing, when I expect they will want some pontoon bridges.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 12th

Sapper Fred Freeman, of the Royal Engineers, is with the Expeditionary Force, and on March 6th writes;

“I am still going on well; we are still busy and out every night. Some nights we are instructing Infantry, and other nights doing different work. I expect you will see a change in affairs in a short time, so keep your eye on the papers. It is nothing else but work, not much sleep: my old pals tell me I look well, and I tell you I feel well. We are working nearer to -----. Now we have working parties of Infantry with us at night to fill sand bags and carry the boards etc. 17 were wounded the other night working with one of the section, and two of ours were killed. A bullet struck one of our men’s ammunition pouches and exploded some cartridges. The poor fellow did not live long. We see plenty of sights, I can tell you. We don’t take much notice of things, as we are a happy little lot. We were marching up to the trenches the other night, the Germans sent up a star shell and showed us up. They fired a volley at us, but none of us were hit. Our people will now soon have them on the move. I hope to tell you a good tale when it is all over, which I think about September will see it nearing an end. The Kaiser will be sorry he ever interfered with England.”

Writing on March 1st he says;

“I am getting on well, and still busy doing different kinds of work. Our section put up a bridge, and a fine one it is, too. I thought I would write a bit for the “Wolverton Express,” so as to let them know how we were out here and doing a bit as well as the rest. I had a narrow escape the other day. I had to take a message for the officer to one of the Infantry Officers at the trenches. I rode my bicycle as far as I could and left it in a farmhouse, as I had to go across the fields; then I delivered the message, got an answer, got back to the farmhouse where I left my bike. I was looking round the farmyard, and a shell struck the roof. I heard it coming through the air, and there was a draught from the explosion. The tiles flew from the roof all over the place. I got my bike, and made off; then another shell struck a house on the other side of the road. I saw some fellows standing in there. I did not stop to see if anyone was hurt. Taking things all round we must not grumble. As a rule we get ham, bread and tea for breakfast, stew for dinner, and bread and jam for tea, and sometimes butter.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 19th

Mrs. Harvey, chairman of the Wolverton Presentation Fund Committee, has received many letters from those serving in the Forces who have received a gift from the residents of the town. Extracts include;

Private A. Kitchener, R.A.M.C., Queen’s Own Oxford Hussars; “I wish to convey to the inhabitants of Wolverton, my sincere thanks for the parcel I received. One at home cannot realise how much these presents are appreciated by us out here. It is not only the contents which please, but the thought that our friends in dear old England are thinking about us. We have just arrived back at our billet after being in action for ten days. Five days in the trenches and five days in reserve. Three of the five days spent in the trenches were dreadfully wet, so you can imagine there was plenty of mud and water to be found. We were, however, provided with knee boots, so were able to keep our feet fairly dry. During our five days in reserve which we spent in a large town, which was terribly knocked about by the enemy, we had the fortune to hear a band - the first I have heard since I left England, last September. It was a French Military Band consisting of about fifty performers, and they gave us a splendid tune which greatly cheered us up. By this remark, however, you must not think we are down-hearted. There is none of that with “Tommy” out here. Everyone, whether in the trenches or not, is in the best of spirits and confident of victory.”

Second Lieutenant C. Penny, 3rd Royal Fusiliers, writes; “To the inhabitants of Wolverton, I wish to thank you all so much for the parcel which I very much appreciated. It arrived just before going up to the trenches, and the cigarettes and chocolate came in the nick of time.”

Gunner B. Dawson, R.G.A., Fort Tyne, Malta, writes; “Your gift to hand and I am very pleased to say it arrived at a very welcome time as we are practically isolated, and it is sometimes a week or more before we can get cigarettes or tobacco from Valletta, which is situated about ten miles away from us, so you can tell how much I appreciated your most welcome gift.”

Sapper A. Light, Royal Engineers, writes; “The parcel received alright and it is very nice and comforting for us “Tommies” to know that people at home are heart and soul with us, as proved by the repeated gifts sent to us.”

Armourer Corporal C. Arnold, 1st Canadian Contingent, writes; “I must write a few lines thanking you very much for the parcel sent to me by the inhabitants of Wolverton, which I safely received. I am close to the fighting now.”

Sergeant W. Morgan, 1st Leinster Regiment; “I received the parcel the other day from Wolverton , to which town I belong, and I wish to thank you very much indeed. It was very acceptable. I am glad to tell you I am nearly better. I was wounded in the back by shrapnel bullet from a shell.”

H. Cadwallader, Fitter, R.F.A. (in action); “Many thanks for the parcel received from the people of Wolverton, and for their kind thoughts and wishes to the young chaps who have gone from the town. I have seen many accounts of their fine actions in local papers and I think they are doing their share splendidly.”

C. Wright, 1st Canadian Contingent; “They are looking after us very good out here and we have nothing to complain of only that we wish we could speak French.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 19th

Serving aboard H.M.S. King Edward VII, on February 27th Bruce Bailey, E.R.A., writes;

“I am writing to thank you and the kind friends at Wolverton, for the parcel I received last week. It gave me great pleasure to know I have friends who have remembered me while so far away. I am sure these little acts of kindness will be greatly appreciated by fellows who are away on various duties for our country and will keep their spirits up to the mark. Perhaps you and friends will be interested to know that the King has been on board the ship to-day, and he inspected the men. We are doing very well here considering, but it is very monotonous, as you can well imagine. We are all waiting for the German ships to come out and have a rub, but there seems “nothing doing.” You will see that I am including a paper “The North Sea Times.” It is printed on board and is quite a novelty in its way. Perhaps you will be interested, though it contains rather a lot of naval “slang.” Hope you will be pleased to accept the same. I believe His Majesty was pleased to accept one.”

Extracts from further letters;

Tom Teagle, Grenadier Guards; “The parcels are, I am sure, have been very much appreciated by the Wolverton boys. It is nice to know old friends are thinking of us in such a time as this. I would like to thank each one individually but that is impossible.

Driver R. Lindsey, Hon. Artillery Company; “I have much pleasure in sending you this acknowledgment of the very acceptable parcel received from the inhabitants of Wolverton, together with their kindly wishes, both of which I much appreciate.”

W. Beesley, Royal Horse Guards; “Thank you very much for the nice parcel I received last week. It is very kind of the Wolverton people to think of us in this way, and I much appreciate the kind thought.”

Private W. Gilbert, 6th (S) Battalion, Beds. Regiment; “With what pleasure I received the parcel so kindly sent by friends at Wolverton, few can realise. Having been away for the last fourteen years from the place of my boyhood, it made me glad to know I was not quite forgotten. No doubt other recipients experienced similar pleasure. I sincerely thank all the kind workers and contributors who so generously helped in the scheme. Hoping to return safely before the socks are worn through, and after having helped to conquer the German Army.”

Sergeant J. Bennett, 32nd Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., from New Barracks, Limerick, Ireland; “Kindly allow me through the medium of your popular paper, to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton, for their kind gifts which I received on Thursday, the 11th. Thanking them all for their kind thoughts for the absent ones.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 19th

An extract from a letter dated March 12th from Private Tom Storey, of the 2nd Grenadier Guards, who writes from the Front to his sister at Wolverton;

“We are still at rest. I went to one of our Battalion concerts last night, the programme of which was contributed by our men and officers. It turned out very good. The Prince of Wales was present with all the other officers, so you can imagine it was alright. We are having a brigade concert to-night, so we are getting a bit of amusement.”

W.E. 1915 Mar. 19th

News has been received that Sapper Leonard Knight, R.E., son of the late Mr. J. Knight, a bootmaker of Newport Pagnell, was seriously wounded in action at Armentieres last Thursday. He was hit by a machine gun bullet in the muscle of his left arm, and his shoulder was badly fractured. He is now in Southsea Hospital, and when his relatives at Wolverton phoned on Thursday morning (Mar. 18th) they were told he had slightly improved. He had before the war worked for ten years at Messrs. Salmons and Sons’ Motor works, Newport Pagnell.

W.E. 1915 Mar. 26th

A German shell picked up on the battlefield in Flanders has been mounted on an elaborate iron stand and is being used as a hall gong in the home of Mr. C. Mason, the Wolverton Works Manager, who is serving with the Royal Engineers and has been to the front as a motor dispatch rider. The hammer of the gong is the handle of a German hand grenade, also picked up in Flanders.

W.E. 1915 Mar. 26th

Mr. Morby, of 17, Spencer Street, Bradwell, has received news that his son, Private J. Morby, of the 1st Beds. Regiment, in the neighbourhood of Ypres received a bullet in the head on February 15th, and died four days later. Before the war he lived in Aylesbury street, Bletchley. His brother, Private F. Morby, was wounded in November, and is making slow progress at St. Gabriel Hospital.

(Aged 19, Mr. and Mrs. Morby’s youngest son, Private James Morby, of the Wilts. Regiment, would be killed in action in the Ypres district on July 31st, 1917. Having enlisted voluntarily, he had been in France for two years, and formerly worked for Mr. Button, carrying on business in Stantonbury as a butcher.)

W.E. 1915 Mar. 26th

Bombardier W. Hill, of the Royal Horse Artillery, is with the Ammunition Column of the 8th Division, and on March 14th writes to his wife in Wolverton;

“We came away from where we were, for the attack was very successful in our little sphere here last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I notice the Friday papers say that the number of prisoners was about one or two thousand, but I imagine there must have been four or five thousand. There has been a lot of German shell over this afternoon, I expect they will try and get back the ground they lost. The infantry pay a high tribute to our gunnery - the shells drop right into the German trenches. The Ghurkas (who belong to our 4th Corps) have done some splendid work. The other day they got lost from our line, but they came back alright, and they were covered from head to foot with German blood. They are terrible men in the Germans’ eyes. The Huns played their old trick on one of the regiments (infantry) who are attached to us, with their showing of the white flag, but the regiment in support of them gave the Germans their day of reckoning WHAT WORD. The weather is much better now and hope this will continue. I have been in the mud since last November, or rather October, and have got so used to it, that it is like parting with an old friend.”

B.S. 1915 Mar. 27th

News has been received of the death of 25 year old Private Louis Allen, of the East Surrey Regiment. He died on March 18th in the Boulogne Hospital, having during the battle of Neuve Chapelle been severely wounded, to include a fractured back and terrible injuries to his side, inflicted by shrapnel. A native of Stantonbury, where his late father had resided for many years, his family are well known in the district, and with another son his mother presently lives at 138, Church Street, Wolverton. Another brother lives at 167, Newport Road, Stantonbury. Private Allen had served his apprenticeship at Wolverton Carriage Works, and was employed at the Metropolitan Carriage Works, Acton, when the war broke out. He volunteered for active service in early September.

W.E. 1915 Apr. 2nd

Extracts from letters from Lance Corporal W. Field, ist Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials) ,, formerly of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials (Wolverton Detachment). (The 1st Hertfordshire regiment crossed the Channel in the first week of November last year, and was almost immediately sent to the front, attached to the 4th Guards Brigade. On March 11th he writes;

“Our rest has again been rudely interrupted, but I suppose now the spring is at hand we must begin to expect “things lively.” I am glad to say we have given in our goatskin coats, and we have had waterproof mackintoshes issued instead. They are fine things, as light as a feather, and will go over full pack quite easily. They are after the cape style with just two slips for the arms. Three people could be got under one. We are only about ----- from the trenches, even here. During the night bullets whistle about, and we hear them thud in the ground close by. I shall be in the trenches again to-morrow night and again seeing more excitement, if you can call trench life exciting. I have thoroughly enjoyed our little rest; it has been a real treat, and they were lenient with regard to our walking out at night. Nearly every night I went into -----, which is quite a decent size and a busy place. I don’t feel a bit like writing to-day, and if I don’t feel like it I can never make a show. How is H getting on? I suppose you do not know here he is at all. We had some real sport yesterday. We were roused out from our billets at 3a.m., and marched off at 5a.m., and had to wait about all day in readiness. Some (censored) of the firing line. Of course we had to do something, so we made fishing lines and tied worms onto them. Most of the afternoon we were pulling little fish out of some water close by. It was grand and so exciting, as just as we got the bounders free from the water they would drop off. However, we landed quite a decent catch. An officer took a photograph of us, so if you see a picture of about a hundred or so fellows fishing, look out for your humble.”

March 19th

“Thanks so much for your nice parcel. I received it just as we came out of the trenches after a rather trying experience, as it had snowed and rained, and the nights were as black as ink. We have to keep watch night and day, and when you cannot see your hand in front of your face, it is very trying. I am so glad you sent a Standard loaf. One of our fellows has a loaf sent to him every week, so please send me one in your parcels in future if you can find room. I am glad you changed the style of the cocoa tin, as it is a much more handy shape for my pack. … I feel awfully tired, and I shall have a busy day again to-morrow, so this letter will be a short one. I had a very near turn to-day. The Germans were shelling our trench, and about six of us were standing quite close together. A shell dropped right into the middle of us. I had my back to it, and all I felt was a lob of mud and stuff which hit me in the back. One fellow was wounded a little, but it was a marvel we were not all put out of action, as it was not a yard from any one of us. I do hate shells when they begin to come so near. It was of the “Johnson” type, but of course much smaller. I found the nose afterwards, buried in the trench. It weighed quite 4lb. The other night, when we were out, our S.M. went on reconnoitring, and found a wounded man. Poor fellow, he had been out there five days and had not been able to crawl in. How he had lived between the two trenches is marvellous. I will furnish you with very much fuller details if I have the fortune to be spared to come home again. We were not in the Neuve Chapelle, but not so far away.”

March 20th, Saturday morning;

“The articles you put in the parcel were quite a success, and I would like some more sometime, as I gave them to the fellows of my platoon, and they enjoyed them much. I will write more next time as my duties finish to-night, and I shall have more time. I am just finishing this, the first minute I have had to spare to-day, and I collect the letters in ten minutes time. Good-bye. … There are lots of dead in front of our trenches, poor fellows. (Quenchy, near Govenchy.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 2nd

Extracts from letters written by Harold Cadwallader, 59th Battery, R.F.A., 3rd Lahore Division, North of France;

“Finding myself alone, for a short time, in our little “wooden hut,” otherwise our billet, I am taking the opportunity of letting you know I am alright and giving you a few items of news which may be of interest. You know, or may easily imagine, how difficult it is to write a letter in a billet of soldiers, who are relating their experiences or arguing on various topics, and of course the language at times on the Kaiser and Co., is not at all fit for publication, though they don’t mean half what they say, still I’ll try and give you an idea of the scene in which we generally have to try and scribe. Imagine a farmhouse with the usual barns for keeping straw and other farm produce in, that is what our Battery is billeted in at present. They are jabbering and arguing on one side of you while on the other, one will be playing a mouth-organ, another singing popular songs, and others will be calling out, “got any papers, Tiffy? Because I always pass the papers round, and while others are making beds, could you - do you think - write intelligently to anyone? Still I manage somehow and we are as happy as sandboys, they are a jolly nice set of fellows and I get on with them A1. As I told you in my last letter we are still in action, but this time are not relieving anyone, so you may guess there is a tremendous of Artillery on this front, including some very heavy guns, and yesterday the whole lot opened a terrific bombardment of the German lines. Just imagine all the guns, heavy and light from smallest to largest, firing as fast as they can without a break, for about two hours, and you will have some slight idea of the awful din that went on. The air over our heads was simply humming with whistling shells, and they make a queer sound when in flight, caused by the terrific rate at which they revolve. Goodness knows what it was like in the German trenches, they say the Germans, or parts of them, were literally lying in heaps and the trenches were filled with dead, the carnage was awful, but we have gained a considerable amount of ground, though not without serious loss, which would, however, have been much greater had it not been for the preparation by the artillery for the infantry attack. We captured a lot of prisoners who told us they knew it was coming off, but if they did, they did not expect it in such force, I’ll be bound. They were the first Germans I’d seen, and a very dirty and disreputable looking lot they were, but that is not to be wondered at seeing what they had come through. I think I told you the Germans drop plenty of shells over in our direction but without much success, but I was rather close to one the other day. I was strolling down the road looking for souvenirs, when one came whizzing over, so I left the souvenir for another time, and promptly scooted for cover. It’s most amusing to see chaps when they hear a shell coming, they stare open-mouthed at the sky - you can’t see a shell coming - but you can hear it whistling through the air, and when it has burst (or dropped without) as some of them do, you could laugh at the curious expression on their faces, but it is not at all a pleasant feeling to be able to hear and not know where they are likely to drop, though we are quite used to them now, by the way the first one to-day came over while I had just started to write this. I could write pages more but I might fall foul of the Censor. We have plenty of Aero’s up here and we watch the Germans fire at them but they seldom seem to hit one. I have one or two souvenirs, but they are too heavy to send so am keeping them. Thanks so much for the parcel received this morning, you cannot imagine the pleasure there is in receiving, and being able to divide a few goodies with the others. The Kodak was alright so don’t worry.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 2nd

Sapper F. Freeman, of the 2nd Field Company, Royal Engineers, B.E.F., writes to the Editor on March 22nd;

“No doubt you will enclose through the columns of your valuable paper my appreciation of the parcel I received from friends in the town. I will now relate a few incidents of my experiences at the front since I wrote last. At present we are taking offensive movements on a large scale, as the climate conditions now permit. On March 10th we bombarded the enemy’s positions and trenches at 7.30a.m., in the vicinity of Neuve Chapelle, causing great loss of life and taking them completely by surprise. After the bombardment lasting half an hour our infantry took the first German trench at the point of the bayonet. By 12 noon we occupied the whole network of their intervening trenches, also the advanced trenches. They put up a stubborn resistance in a field redoubt, but we drove them out of it, and by nightfall we established ourselves in the village of Neuve Chapelle itself, and entrenched ourselves. The following morning the Germans made a counter-attack to regain the trenches lost, but were repulsed easily, only a few reaching our barbed wire. Myself and a party of six sappers formed a blocking party in the charge, and had to put the first trench in a state of defence against enfilade fire, as another trench struck from it at an awkward angle. Unfortunately three of our party were killed when we got nto the trench, and one wounded, so I must consider myself fortunate in getting through it all unhurt. The German infantry are all right firing at a distance, but when we get at close grips with them up go their hands for mercy. On our front covering a distance of 4,000 yards, 750 prisoners fell into our hands. The past engagement covered a period of four days, and ended in a brillian t victory of our armies. People at home are to expect great things of us in the near future, as now is the appointed time for our army to strike. I cannot dwell on the length of hostilities drawing to a close, but I feel certain ultimate victory is on our side. Our troops are all in excellent spirits, and we are upholding the past traditions of our Empire, and can still keep the flag flying. The cream of the British Army has suffered severely, and the new Armies arriving will have some thrilling tales to tell in the near future. I am glad to read through the “Wolverton express” of the patriotism that exists in the county of Buckingham, who are answering the call to arms in this life and death struggle to bring this war to a successful end. In conclusion I sincerely hope the war will soon end, and that we shall have universal peace the wide world over.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 9th

Extracts from letters from Lance Corporal W.L. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks Territorials, but now of the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials) and attached to the Guards Brigade;

“March 27th … We are still hard at it in the trenches - one thing, they are very good ones, and fairly dry, except on the days when it has snowed or rained. We had quite a night of snow four days ago, and it was a bit rough, even to-day we have had snow. To-night, as I am writing we are out of the trenches, sleeping in an old farm which is a treat after many nights in the trenches; we get very little sleep, some during the day, but all of it is at odd times, and does not really rest one. … You would have envied our breakfast in the trenches yesterday - I have a fellow who looks after me generally and does most of the cooking. This morning we had fried bacon, two fried eggs, and also fried potatoes - it was a treat, and for trench life it was a wonderful dish. We are allowed fires in these trenches, and now we have our bacon issued raw, so that we can fry it ourselves. In the trenches, breakfast is our chief meal, and as everyone must be awake from half past four we generally have it about 6.30 to 7a.m. … It is Palm Sunday to-morrow, and the Sergeant has just announced a Holy Communion Service for to-morrow morning at 8a.m. … Have run out of Saccharine Tablets …”

“March 29th … Thank you for your letter and Saccharine Tablets. … Yesterday was quite a peculiar day (Sunday). I went to Holy Communion at 8a.m., quite near the trenches, fancy only about ---- yards behind the firing line, in the afternoon we had a service at 3p.m. in an old barn. Picture about 50 fellows standing around a clergyman, and five or six officers in front, all joining most heartily in singing the hymns; it seemed so simple and nice, and the Guards’ Chaplain, who generally takes our services, is such a nice man. At 5.30p.m. we had a concert, and really the songs, etc., were quite tip-top; we had a splendid pianist too, and he accompanied the songs without any music of course. At 7.30 we had to parade and had to go digging in front of our trenches, returning about 11p.m., had a cup of tea and got off to bed, that was our day of rest. … To-day we go into the trenches, and except for lack of sleep shall have (censored) much easier days. Have not seen “H” yet, can you tell me which battery he is attached to? Let me know when the Bucks and Oxon leave England. One thing, they have the best of the weather before them. It will be nice to see some of my old pals again, if we meet. … I believe troops are coming out in thousands now, but from what I can see of the matter, we shall want every man, and somehow, I don’t think we shall get much rest.”

“April 3rd - We had such a lovely service last night. The Bishop of London preached and he was a treat, I wish you could be here at one of these services; I should think five or six hundred soldiers were present and to hear them sing, it nearly raised the roof. That was Good Friday. Fancy, in another three months, we shall have been soldiering a year; it does seem a long time. Our regiment was honoured when we were sent out in November. Very few Territorial Regiments came out so soon, and we have made a good name out here, although I say it myself. The Guards won’t have it now we are Territorials. They say we are the 2nd Irish Guards. We are on splendid terms with all the Guards, but the Irish in particular, and woe betide any regiment running us down. The Irish will stick up for us through thick and thin.”

W.E. 1915 Wolverton Apr. 16th

On April 5th Rifleman A. Meadley, No. 1501, A Company, Queen’s Westminster Rifles, B.E.F., writes from France;

“I wish to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for the parcel I have received from them. The socks enclosed were more than acceptable, as while making my way across country to the trenches on a pitch black night after receiving the parcel, I managed to fall into a communication trench, which was full of water and I went in up to my waist and then did not find the bottom. Dry socks were something when I got to the trenches if I could not get dry trousers. The trenches I am in are only 50 yards from the Germans, and I found it nervy work going out to mend barbed wire, but now having been out once or twice, I do not mind so much. I have been doing four days in the trench, and four days out, since Christmas; but the four days out is by no means a rest, as I generally get a digging fatigue or carrying rations to the trenches every night. Right opposite our trench is, or was, a brewery, but it has been shelled so often that it is now only a rubbish heap. In the brewery was a big chimney, about like the big chimney at Wolverton. One day the artillery ’phoned up to us that they were going to knock this chimney down. The first shot came over and chipped it, the second one missed, the third shell came hooting over just above my head, and crash, right into the base of the chimney. Some of the flying bits came back into our trench, and the chimney crumpled up like a card house. The town I am billeted in when out of the trench is only about 1000 yards from the German trenches, and is shelled very nearly every day, and yet the shops are open and business is carried on as usual. The Marie, or Town Hall of the town, has been shelled times out of number, but the Germans have to put about six shells over to hit it once, quite different to our shelling them. I have only once had a shell come into the building where I have been billeted, but that was enough, it killed one of my friends, and wounded some more, but I was untouched. One day the Germans dropped four shells in the Chateaux Grounds where I was on guard, but luckily none of them exploded. A “regular” said they were firing blank at us. I have had several narrow escapes but up to the present I am unwounded and in good health. I must now close as the censor will probably think this long enough. Thanking all for their kindness in remembering me.”

W.E. 1915 Wolverton Apr. 16th

Private Arthur Robinson, of the 13th London Regiment, is with the Expeditionary Force in France. He is the son of Mr. D. Robinson, of Cambridge Street, Wolverton, and on March 28th writes;

“Will you please thank the people of Wolverton for the parcel I received about two days ago. It was a surprise, and came as a God-send to have something from Wolverton after being in the trenches 14 days or 16. It was the most trying time we have ever had since we have been out here. The first two or three days of the battle of Neuve Chapelle was nothing else but a nerve trying experience, what with WHAT IS THIS SENTENCE but when we came out they said there was a parcel for me, it cheered me up a bit. I forgot everything else for the time being. I have had a card from Tom: he said he is A1, and a card from Albert, and he is the same. I wonder how Frank is getting on, he is in the Dardanelles fight. I shall be glad when it is all over. I have just received the “Wolverton Express,” will you please send it every week?”

W.E. 1915 Wolverton Apr. 16th

Private Felix Johnson, Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes from France on April 9th;

“We had the first lot of letters in last night, when we came back from a concert held in a barn. I received the “Wolverton Express” alright with other letters and post cards. I am in the best of health and we are living well now. We have a small loaf per man, per day. We are having plenty of rain here. As we have plenty of tobacco you need not send any. We are sleeping in a barn and I sleep well. We can hear the guns from where we are. I think we are about seven miles from the firing line across country. It is a treat to watch the star-lights at night: We can see them in the air and then drop. I have seen a few fellows I know, two or three ambulance chaps from Stratford. The roads about here are not up to much. We have seen plenty of transport.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 16th

Arthur Abbott and George Brinnand returned from Buenos Aires to Wolverton this week, to join the Forces. They left England early last year to take up railway appointments in Argentina.

W.E. 1915 Wolverton Apr. 23rd

Extracts from letters received from Lance Corporal W. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks & Oxon (Territorials) , attached to the 4th Guards Brigade;

“April 9th. Out here we had a very wet Easter - still I was happy with my parcel and being in B ---- everything was all right. We did have a sort of rumour which went round, that we were shortly coming home! To say we got excited, wasn’t the word for it, but it seems to have died down and is now practically non-existent, and after all it is hardly feasible to expect a regiment like ours to be sent home (and according to the Guards) we are no longer Territorials, but the “Second Battalion of the Irish Guards.” “I wonder what you would think if you could see me, in a little ‘dug out,’ just large enough for two of us, writing this. Fortunately it is a lovely day, so we are in the dry. We had a nice little experience two or three days ago. We were in a ‘dug out’ all serene - although it was raining outside; we must have had a nice two hours’ sleep, from 2 to 4a.m., when an officer put his head inside and told us it was time to turn out. I opened my eyes and had a vision of large drops of water falling from the roof of our ‘dug out,’ and soon realised we were lying in about two inches of water, we soon scrambled out, and sort of swam for the door and found it did not rain so much outside as it did inside. You can tell how it was when I tell you it rained for two hours inside, after it had left off outside; the day, however, turned out nice and sunny, and we soon dried our things and rugs again and once more felt happy.” “I sometimes feel surprised at the easy way we have got into, through habit, with regard to sleep out here. I can settle down and snatch an hour, and then again on some duty or guard perhaps for another hour, come back perhaps for an hour and a half, get to sleep, then up again and so on for the eight hours, which now constitutes our night. When it gets light at 3a.m. instead of 4, and does not get dark until 9p.m., the night will seem no length at all, but put us down anywhere, under any conditions, we can always snatch an hours’ sleep. To-night we are to go into some very wet trenches, so we are all to wear “Jack Boots.” Still, we don’t mind, as we had a fairly easy night last night. The Sergeant Major Raven you saw in the ‘Mirror,’ is of our Company, we are all very proud of him too. He has done 30 years soldiering and is a splendid man. He was slightly wounded in the head by the shell that burst close to where I was standing - of which I told you some time ago. I am glad to say we are not in those trenches now, as I never altogether relished their position. One shell, which burst just in front of our parapet, sent a whole lot of clips of German ammunition hurtling into our trench, I suppose it must have struck a case of ammunition which had been buried there. We had four fellows killed by one of their ‘Black Marias’ dropping into their billet, they were in our Company, but not my platoon, and each platoon was billeted at a different house.” “I thought you might like the souvenir, and hope you have cleaned it up nicely.” “I have not seen H----- yet, although I have made enquiries. Neither have I come across my old regiment, still I may do so, perhaps they will be put with the Oxon and Bucks Regulars, and they are always somewhere near us. The day Lieut. Paul was hurt by a shell, was a very hot time for us from shell-fire, we did have it thick, it was the counter-attack at the Brickfields by the Germans, and our Company went up into the firing line - through a trench which was being shelled. I shall not forget that day in a hurry …. I didn’t quite manage to get my letter off yesterday as just near the finish, a terrific snow storm came on, and it was bitterly cold, hence bad writing, etc. The weather is by no means warm yet, and we still wear our overcoats to march in. Our capes are very handy too, really much more serviceable than our fur jackets were.” “I wonder if we shall be home in time for the next holiday? But don’t hold out much hopes, perhaps it may be for my next birthday (August). One or two fellows were joking this morning and saying: “There is one thing, the first three years of the war will be the worst; we shan’t feel it so much for the next three!” Some of the fellows are really very funny and help to make life worth living.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 23rd

On April 11th, Private Felix Johnson, of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks Territorials, writes to his parents from the Front;

“You will be surprised to hear that we have been in the firing line, having had 24 hours’ experience. We came out last night (Saturday). I do not know when we shall go in again, another Company are in now. Last Thursday we were engaged in filling sand-bags, at about two and a half miles distance from the firing line, each section working by itself. The German artillery were firing quite close to us at the time and a piece of shell caught one of our chaps and killed him. He came from Newport. On Friday morning we went into some trenches some distance behind the firing line. We were watching the shells dropping - we can hear them coming - and we have to keep low. While I am writing this, our guns are firing quite close to us. Upon leaving these trenches, we had to go along a communication trench which was up to our knees in water. A few shells were flying over us at the same time. At night our company was divided up and went to the trenches with the (censored), so as to know how to go on in the future. The trenches we are in are very fine - much better than I thought. They are well protected and have good “dug outs.” We are safer in the trenches than we are out here. It is alright as long as we take notice of what we are told. The worst part is the entering and leaving of the trenches. The German star shells show up wonderfully and it does not do to keep your head up long. … We are told never to look from the same place twice. The enemy “let drive” at times but it is a job for them to hit us. … Our artillery are doing some fine work. I should like to tell you more, but no doubt it will only be crossed out.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 23rd

From the Front, on the post date of April 20th Private Reg Miles, of the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials) writes to his father, Mr. H. Miles, of Church Street, Wolverton;

“We are in the trenches just now. I have just awoke from an afternoon sleep to write to you. We don’t get much sleep at night time, as you will understand we have to keep a sharp look-out for attack. There has not been much happened since the big attack at Neuve Chapelle. The Germans had a little to go on with then. … To hear the shelling you would think it is one long thunder. We are now about 150 yards from their trenches, where I am but only 50 yards a little further along … there is a German now hitting our sandbags, which sends up showers of dirt, falling all over me. I shall have to make a pot at him in a minute or two. Some of the enemy are crack shots. We have had two periscopes smashed this morning by a bullet. After several misses, to which we wave “wash-outs,” he managed to smash the glasses. One chap was cut in the head by the flying fragments of glass. It is quite fun at night times, firing at the flashes in the distance. Of course you don’t know whether you hit anyone - one has to chance that. We find plenty of work to do in the trenches. After being awake all night, we very often have to pump water out, or throw it out with large scoops. We then sometimes have to fill sandbags and carry them some distance. At nights, sometimes we build barricades for three or four hours in front of the German lines. There is always work wants doing in a trench. It is not as bad now the nice weather is coming. It cheers one up after the dull days of winter. I received a small parcel from Wolverton some time ago. It had come undone and bore no name of the senders, hence I could not write and thank them.”

(Mr. Miles has now sent another periscope to his son.)

W.E. 1915 Apr. 23rd

It is two weeks since the Territorials arrived in France, 7½ hours after leaving Chelmsford. They were then conveyed in railway carriages one Wolverton Terrier described as “evidently built for discomfort.” Several letters have been received from some of the men, one of whom writes on April 5th;

“I am writing this in a barn, sitting on straw on which we sleep, and it could be much worse. Last night we could see the star shells fired by the Germans. It was like a firework display. They are made of magnesia, and when they explode they burn like an electric arc lamp. We are in danger at present, being some distance from the firing line. We arrived at ---- after a nine mile march over a cobble-stone road - all the way, and we are very tired and footsore. Don’t be anxious … I believe this war will soon be over now.”

A letter sent on April 9th reads;

“I am writing this in the trenches. It is very cold and damp, but we are kept alive by the shells and bullets which keep whistling over our heads. … There was a big “scrap” on here last night, and the noise from the guns was terrific, but we hope to come off all right. … While I am writing the Germans have got the range, and a big shell has just burst a short distance from us. Gee!!! We are shortly off out of the trenches, when we expect a big “do.” We have had some very hard marches to reach the place where we are now. The roads here are awful - either cobbles or mud. They would not suit Wolverton people for cycling … I’m afraid I have not much news, as we are not able to tell you all that we wish.”

A letter written on April 10th reads;

“No doubt it will surprise you to hear that we have been in action. But don’t worry. I am quite well. Yes, we had a very pleasant journey across and a good send off. Since I have been out here I have seen some very strange sights. It seems terrible the damage that has been done to property out here. Several of the houses are without roofs, and the majority of them are without windows. You cannot realise what it is like. When the Germans start shelling they keep it up for half an hour, and during that time they send over about 80 or 100 shells. You can distinctly hear them coming for they make a shrill whistle. Of course our Artillery replies, and then the noise is terrible.”

In another letter, the writer says they have;

“plenty of bully beef and biscuits. The peasants in the villages are very kind and give us plenty of hot water free so that we can make tea, etc. Bread is very scarce, but we can get some by sending to neighbouring villages and purchasing it. Some of our chaps who have no money with them have to go without, and continue with the beef and biscuits.”

In parcels from home, cigarettes, matches, writing paper, envelopes and pencils are always welcomed, although in another request, “Send any sort of food, as although we get plenty to eat, things from home will be a delightful change.” Another in the Wolverton Company asks for in a letter to his mother, “One of your home made cakes.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 30th

On Wednesday by first post Mr. H. Spong, who lives in Stratford Road, Wolverton, received the following letter;

“April 24th, 1915:- Dear Sir, I am very sorry to have to write to tell you that your son, Pte. 97 Spong A.H. was killed in action early yesterday morning. He was standing at the parapet in our trench by a sentry who was firing. A German sniper fired and he was struck in the forehead and instantly killed. In fact he can never have heard the shot that killed him. We buried him last night in a little clearing that will be reserved for men of the regiment. I am exceedingly sorry to have to tell you this bad news. I was very fond of your son who was one of the most willing men in the Company. I hope you will express my deep sympathy to his friends and relatives. Yours truly, E.V. Birchall, Capt.”

Private Spong was 38 last January, and being by trade an upholsterer, was employed in the Wolverton Railway Works on mobilisation. He was a member of the old Bucks Volunteers and transferred to the Territorials on its formation. He had seen 20 years service, and during that period went through the Boer War, being attached to the Active Service Company of the Oxford Light Infantry. Very popular, he was known amongst his friends as ‘Bertie.’ He enjoyed military life, never missing a training, and for many years was on the cookery staff of the Battalion, before in recent years going into the ranks. As a mark of respect and esteem, his former workmates in the Upholstery department of the Railway Carriage Works are to place a magnificent wreath on the South African War Monument in Wolverton Cemetery on April 30th. (In fact at the weekend many Wolverton inhabitants went to view the wreath, which upon a card bore the inscription, embossed with the patriotic emblem of crossed flags, ‘In memory of Private A.H. Spong, Wolverton Detachment, Bucks. Territorials, who was killed in action. A token of respect from his shopmates in the Trimming Shop.’)

W.E. 1915 Apr. 30th

Extracts from letters received from Lance Corporal W. Field, formerly of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks & Oxon (Territorials) , attached to the 4th Guards Brigade;

“April 18th … Some people here are doing up a parcel for the husband of one of them who is a French prisoner in Germany, and they are sending a loaf cut up into slices, as they say the prisoners aren’t allowed a knife. In the unhappy event of my ever being in a similar situation, please bear it in mind! They say he gets everything they send and acknowledges the things in detail, and also they can send it carriage free. Even the French admit that our prisoners are very badly treated, whilst their own countryman are well done by. … To-night we have been to see the Indians. Some of them are “rare lads,” but you can tell what fine soldiers they are; and they could not do enough for us. We sat round the fire with them and they smoked their long pipe, we could hear the water bubbling away and they seemed to enjoy it as they passed it round. We had some of their “Chupurties,” the pancake stuff I have before described, with some sweet sort of vegetable mash, which looked liked apricot jam. They made us as comfortable as possible, and spotted directly, that the smoke was causing discomfort to one of our fellows, they made him move, and one of them sat in the smoky place himself. They told us they were at Southampton for two months, and could say nothing but good about the English people and especially about the women folk. They know quite a lot of English words, and speak of fighting for “my King.” They always say “my” and seem to think even more of him than some of our English people do. This Sunday night and to-morrow morning we go for another bath, then into the trenches at night. Our army is truly splendid in its organisation … We had a hot time in our last trenches. Forty-six large “Johnsons” fell in four hours around us, besides smaller shells ad libitum. (sic) Times were exciting, but I am thankful I was not hit. A fellow who used to work in Barclay’s Bank at Harpenden, was slightly wounded, and our Sergeant had a nasty knock on the head, and one poor fellow afterwards died of his wounds. We feel rotten whilst it lasts, and as it was at breakfast time a good many rahers of bacon were covered with mud, and made uneatable, and we ourselves had mud hit us in the face, etc., but our officers were very good and brought a cutlet for every fellow whose breakfast was spoiled.”

W.E. 1915 Apr. 30th

The Bucks Territorials and the remainder of the South Midland Brigade have now been engaged on active service in the trenches for a little over three weeks. On their arrival in France they were inspected by General Smith-Dorrien, the General in command of the Second Army, who expressed his pleasure at their appearance and smartness. Many of the members have written home, and the following are extracts from their letters;

On April 13th a member of the Buckingham C Company says;

“We have been in the trenches twice, but are now some way off the firing line, but of course do not know how long we shall remain here. The first time we went into the trenches we were only 35 yards from the Germans (Prussian Guards). It was quite all right as long as we kept well down and let them have it now and again. Early in the morning a little way off us, the Germans caught it hot. Our chaps sent seventy yards of their trenches up sky-high (mined). It was a sight! You should have heard our fellows cheer. The second time we were in some houses about 600 yards away from the front trenches. Everything went fine on Saturday night and Sunday morning, but in the afternoon, when I was enjoying a nice sleep, the German big guns sent a shell right through the roof of a house in the same row as the one I was in, about 20 yards away. The first shell set the place on fire. We all got out as soon as possible, just taking such things as we could lay our hands upon. To get from our houses to cover we all had to cross an open space, and as we crossed it, the Germans set a machine gun on us, but their shooting was bad and we all got safely to cover. We all got into different trenches, and you can guess we kept as close to the ground as possible. Here we had to stay for about one and a quarter hours. The Germans sent altogether about 80 shells at us, and the only damage they did was to blow up seven houses. None of us were hurt in any way. It was a wonder, but our luck was in. I have a piece of shell that dropped near me. It is quite impossible for me to tell you what it is like to be under shell fire because only those who have been under the same would understand. It makes one jump at first, I can tell you. As to food, we are getting on fine; at times we grumble because we have to carry too much with us.”

On April 6th, a Newport Pagnell Territorial of the County Battalion writes;

“We went a long journey by train and were billeted at a farmhouse till Easter Sunday. On that day we had the most impressive Holy Communion service I have ever attended. It was held in a large barn. Five or six empty biscuit boxes at one end made a little altar which the chaplain, who came on horseback - to my surprise it was the chaplain to the South Midland Brigade, the Rev. Helm, covered with a white linen cloth and set up a little wooden cross and altar vessels. It was impressive; about 100 of us kneeling down in the hay with rifles in our hands and our equipment on our backs.”

An undated letter;

“We are having a fairly good time out here. The weather has been fairly dry, but there is still plenty of mud about. We are in billets, so you need not worry. Of course we are shifting from time to time. From what we have seen of the ----- people, I reckon they are a slovenly lot. Of course, we don’t see much of the larger towns, but from a general point of view they strike one as being all behind. We were inspected the other day by a General, and, according to rumour, I think he was quite satisfied.”

An undated letter;

“I daresay you were surprised to hear that we had been in action. Yes, we have had a smack at the Germans, and it was rather warm while it lasted. After the morning’s operations, they started shelling us. This they kept up for about half-an-hour, during which time they sent over fifty shells, damaging the railway station and some houses close by. We are having a rest now for a day or two, but from where we are we can distinctly hear the firing, and at night the ground around us is all aglow from the light given by British and German flares. Since we left England we have had several homes, as we have been constantly on the move. Wherever our home has been we have managed to sleep fairly well, for there has been no danger of our falling out of bed. Out here there are signs on every side of the struggle that has taken place in driving the Germans back to the places they now hold. On our way to the firing line, we passed houses and churches absolutely ruined. As we learned at home, the latter have been made a special target. Also we passed the graves of some poor fellows who have fallen, whilst here and there great holes can be seen which have been caused by shells. The other afternoon we watched the Germans shelling some farmhouses with lyddite shells, and hardly had one struck when the whole block of buildings burst into flame, bringing the lot to the ground in a short time. The food out here is fairly good, and with a little money for necessaries one can live fairly comfortably.”

A Bucks Territorial writes on April 11th;

We went into the trenches for 24 hours on Friday night, coming out last night. We have been brought up to the firing line for instruction, and we have had different lectures, and altogether an exciting time. We sat in the support trenches the other day and watched the Germans trying to find a concealed battery of British guns. They had been firing from an avenue of trees less than 200 yards from where we were, and it was quite amusing to watch them. At night we had to go into the firing line, and then the real excitement began. We were split up and placed amongst other regiments, and they instructed us how to go on. They are mostly miners, and they make a good deal of fun. At night we, and the Germans, too, fire flares into the air, and they light the whole place up like day. Directly these flares go up we look over the parapet, and if we see anything we fire at it. It is an exciting game, but in the day-time one has to be more careful. So long as we keep our heads down we are all right, but if you show your head above the parapet the Germans have a shot at it. The fellows often shout across at the Allemands, as they call the Germans, and one fellow, who has been wounded twice, is a rare nut. When the Germans fire he would hold a shovel in the air, and wave it sideways, signalling a miss. We had a trench periscope, and with the aid of it one could see the German trenches without putting one’s head above the parapet. In the aftrnoon the Germans laid their tunics and other articles of clothing above the trench, and the lads sent several volleys at them. I guess they had got several holes in them by the time the Germans used them again. We often see an aeroplane being fired at, but they have all escaped so far, though it looks very uncomfortable. This is a much more exciting game than football or cricket, but I prefer the last named.

A letter dated April 13th;

“The journey over was accomplished more quickly than a good many of us imagined would be the case. We were splendidly equipped before we left England. Everyone was served out with the latest pattern equipment, and with new and serviceable clothes. … Although actually at the scene of operations we know little about how the war is progressing, so any papers will be welcomed. … Have the Royal Bucks Hussars gone yet? We heard a rumour that they might soon be going. The race between us for the honour of going first has been won by the ’Terriers.’ … Terriers or Yeomanry, as they are from Bucks, they will all do their little bit cheerfully.”

(Note: Expecting to at any time be called upon for the operation s in the Dardanelles, the Royal Bucks Hussars have safely landed in Egypt. The 1st and 2nd South Midland Mounted Field Ambulance accompanied them, in which Brigade are a large number of men from this district. The reserve regiment of the Royal Bucks Hussars are finding new quarters at Churn Camp on the Berkshire Downs. During the seven months training at Buckingham the men were billeted in private houses.)

A letter dated April 15th;

“We are getting along quite all right, and are in the very best of health and spirits. As you know, we were in the trenches last week, and received our baptism of fire. It was very exciting, believe me, shells, shrapnel and other similar explosives bursting all around and over us. The German snipers are very hot stuff. You only need to show the top of your hat over the edge of the trench, and ‘ping’ goes a bullet. We made another move last week, and at the time of writing we are a little way from the trenches, resting. We are now billeted in a disused house which, although it serves the purpose of sheltering us, is not a habitable dwelling. … We have been inspected by General (censored). I think we shall have a lot of work to do before the war is over. But one thing we can proudly say - We are the first purely Bucks regiment for many years to be in action. The weather is very changeable here; warm and sunny, and then wet and cold.”

(On arrival on the Continent, the Brigade was greeted by a sentry shouting out “All change here for Berlin.”)

B.S. 1915 May 1st

Private A. Spong, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry (Territorials) has been killed in action - the Wolverton Company of the county Territorial Regiment having only been at the front for a month. Of Stratford Road, Wolverton, this week his father, Mr. H. Spong, a retired coachmaker from Wolverton Carriage Works, received the news that his son had been shot through the head in the trenches, and in a letter the officer speaks highly of Private Spong’s abilities as a soldier. He also mentions his popularity with his comrades, who placed a wreath of primroses on the battle field grave. Previously employed as a coach trimmer in Wolverton Carriage Works, being a member of the old Wolverton Volunteer Corps, Private Spong had served throughout the Boer War, and his shopmates are to place a wreath on the South African war memorial in Wolverton cemetery.

B.S, 1915 May 1st

Miss Jessie Henderson is the very capable organising secretary of the Stantonbury Soldiers’ Comforts Fund, and has received many letters of appreciation from those local men serving at the front who have received parcels. Having read of a concert staged for the benefit of the soldiers, the following is from Gunner F. Hollis, 102nd Company, Royal Garrison Artillery, who is at Malta;

“Being a receiver of one of the parcels kindly forwarded by the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Comforts Fund Committee, I should like through your columns to thank my townspeople of Bradwell most heartily, and also the young ladies who were good enough to arrange the concert. My comrades and myself, who are serving at the front, were delighted to receive the fine present which our townspeople so kindly sent us, and we are truly grateful to them. I sincerely thank Mrs. Knapp for the help she rendered the committee. I cannot adequately express my feelings of gratitude to all the kind workers on our behalf, but I hope I shall soon have the opportunity and pleasure of thanking them all personally. My chums were very pleased with the cigarettes, which I distributed round to them. Being English cigarettes they wished they had a few more of them. Please give my kindest regards to all the good people of Bradwell; I wish them all the best of luck. We are doing all we can to keep them safe at home.”

W.E. 1915 May 7th

Rifleman A. Callow, brother of Mr. T. Callow, of 32, Ledsam Street, Wolverton has told of his ‘interesting’ time. He has been invalided home with a bullet wound in his thigh, as a hole in his overcoat testifies. At the beginning of February he volunteered for sniping duties, and worked his way into an unoccupied brick kiln, just in front of the British lines. This was only 70 yards from the German trenches, and making a loophole at the top, after daybreak he could see the enemy moving about in their trenches. He began sniping at 6.30a.m. until at about 1p.m. his position was located, after he had accounted for some 30 casualties. The Germans then trained a machine gun on the corner of the brick kiln, and after the first few shots he then retired to a ruined cottage, his only mishap being some damage to his field glasses. With the Germans firing at the brick kiln, taking up his new position he recommenced sniping, and after dark returned to the sniper’s headquarters. It was during later sniping duties, while acting as sniping escort to a signaller, who had to mend wires broken by stray bullets, that he was wounded. A brother of his was killed in action at Mons earlier in the war, whom he now considers has been avenged.

W.E. 1915 May 7th

On April 24th a private in the Bucks Territorials writes home;

“The weather is grand, and but for cold winds and cold nights one would think it is summer. I hardly know what to write re the operation, as you say several lines of my last letter were deleted by the Censor. We are just taking a well-earned rest after doing 24 hours’ guard and four days in the trenches. Some dozen small shells fell quite near to us when working in a communication trench, but our lads were very calm and lay at the bottom of the trench. One exploded in our latrine, blowing a few sandbags to pieces, and the top of my mess- tin which was near by it blew several yards. The snipers were particularly busy again, but am pleased to say caused us very little trouble. When going along the various trenches one often hears a few stray shots whistle above head (sic) or hit the front of our trench. Our work is chiefly done at night but star shells are often fired, lighting up the whole place, and then it is necessary for us to fall flat at once. You would feel highly amused to see us cooking our meals. The rations we get - including “Golden Acres” butter once a week - are absolutely perfect for the class of life we are living. The Battalion is lucky up till now, and all our fellows are quite well and happy.”

W.E. 1915 May 14th

Last Monday morning, in a letter dated May 6th, Captain E. Birchall conveys to Mrs. L. Stokes, of School Street, Bradwell, the news that her son, Private Edward Whitfield, No. 1461, 1st Bucks Territorials, has been killed in action;

“Dear Madam, I am extremely sorry to have to write to inform you that your son, No. 1461, Pte. Whitfield, E.E., was killed in action this morning. He was acting as sentry in the trenches and was shot on the parapet by a German sniper. It is a very severe loss to the company, of which he was a very valuable member, and his many friends feel the deepest sympathy with the relatives in their loss. I feel this myself for he had been in my Company for a long time. He would certainly have done well in life, for he was an all-round man in every way. He is being buried near here this evening, but I am afraid I cannot tell you the place. Later on you would, I am sure, get details from the Regimental Authorities at Aylesbury. You will like to know that he rests in beautiful surroundings and that great care is taken of these graves. His private effects will be sent on to you in due course. Yours faithfully, E.V. Birchall.”

The letter was also signed by Major L. Hawkins.

(Captain Birchall, D.S.O., would die of wounds on August 10th, 1916, and leaving estate to the value of £45,815, would leave £2,000 to the Chairman of the Buckinghamshire Territorial Association, for the benefit of the wounded men of the 1st Bucks Battalion, and for the widows and dependents of those killed in the war.)

On the same day, by the evening post another letter was received. This was from his uncle, Corporal E. Whitfield of the A.S.C. of the South Midland Division Supply Column, who wrote;

“It is my painful duty to write to tell you that your dear boy Eddie was killed in action yesterday morning, May 6th, at 6.30, whilst on duty in the trenches. I had the sad news brought to me this morning, and I immediately went over to his regiment to see if it were true, and found my hopes for some other news had been shattered. I immediately set out and visited his last resting place where he was laid last night at 8.30. I am sorry I cannot divulge to you the name of the place, but will let you know that later. I am seeing his comrades when they come out of the trenches and will let you know more particulars. He lies with five others of his comrades. I know what an awful shock this will be, but there is one good point, he died as a hero.”

Of a cheery disposition, and popular with his comrades, for two years he had been a member of the Wolverton Detachment of the Bucks Territorials, and before their mobilisation he was employed at the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works as an apprentice fitter. He was also a successful student at the Wolverton Science and Art Institute. Aged 18 last August, he was the eldest son of the late Mr. William Whitfield.

W.E. 1915 May 14th

Mr. and Mrs. Carroll, of 39, Thompson Street, Bradwell, have received a letter from the regimental chaplain of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry (Territorial Force), in which the news is conveyed that their second son, Private Sidney Carroll, of the 1st Bucks Territorials, has been seriously wounded by a shell fragment. He is aged 21, and, from his employment as a labourer at Wolverton Works, when war broke out he was one of the first Bradwell men to offer himself for service. His brother, Private Leonard Carroll, is also in a Territorial regiment.

W.E. 1915 May 14th

Corporal T. Johnson, of the Royal Engineers, has been wounded, and is now in hospital at Rouen, France. In his last letter to his wife he writes;

“I got a slight shrapnel wound in the right shin, and was gassed and blown out of the trenches all in the same night.

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Johnson, of Morland Terrace, Wolverton, and had seen eleven years of army service before re-enlisting at the beginning of the war. He has been at the Front since the beginning of December.

W.E. 1915 May 14th

News has been received that Lance Corporal Hawtin Leonard Mundy, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Mundy, of Thompson Street, Bradwell, has been wounded in the left leg. He is now in the military hospital at Chatham, where his parents visited him last Tuesday. Despite five wounds in his leg, and one in his foot, thought to have been caused by a splintering bullet, he was very cheerful and in good humour. It had been shortly after midnight on Friday morning that he was wounded, whilst repairing and erecting barbed wire in front of their trenches. The previous evening he had assisted in the sad task of burying one of his comrades, who came from Bradwell, whom he had seen killed that day. After being wounded Lance Corporal Mundy crawled back to safety, and, with two miles being under shell fire, was taken to the base hospital. Before the mobilisation of the Territorial Forces he had been employed as a body maker in the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works.

(After being discharged from hospital at Chatham he would rest at home at Bradwell.)

W.E. 1915 May 14th

Private Tom Storey, of the 2nd Grenadier Guards, writes to his sister at Wolverton on May 4th and the following are extracts from his letter;

“I am still quite well. … We are still having grand weather. I don’t know what it will be like about June or July, but it is baking hot now. What do you think of the Germans using the poisonous gas? They send it out of their trench with a pump. So that the things we have now to look out for and guard against besides the bombs, are the pumps. They have not tried it upon us yet, and I hope they will not as I believe it is a terrible thing. We have all got a kind of a cloth nose bag, and there are several jugs of soda water in the trenches, so that when we see the gas coming towards us we have to soak the bag in the water and tie it round our mouth and nose. . … It is fine country around where we are entrenched, which is just beginning to look at its best. There are several orchards round about, which are in full bloom with the exception of one or two trees here and there which have been killed by shells or rifle fire. There is a church at the rear of our lines which is merely like a heap of bricks. Amidst the ruins there still stands the crucifix.”

W.E. 1915 May 14th

On May 4th, Private Reg Miles, of the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorials) writes from the front to his father, Mr. H. Miles of 9, Church Street, Wolverton;

“I received the periscope safely and find it very handy in the trenches. We are having a quiet time just now but I do not think it will last long. The enemy are using the poisonous gas about here and we have to keep our masks very handy. We have weather cocks on top of our trenches now, so that we can tell, as to which way the wind blows, if from their trenches. When it blows from an easterly direction we can readily guess that we shall have a visit of the poisonous fumes, so it is necessary for us to keep a very sharp look out. Last night word was passed down for us to put on our masks and stand to, but nothing happened. Only a nasty smell came up from the trench. After a time the Germans turned their searchlights upon us but nothing further happened. Have you seen a Zeppelin over Wolverton? I should like to catch a glimpse of one but they apparently fight shy of our lines. One of our airmen flew over the enemies lines the other day, flying repeatedly backwards and forwards in spite of the dozens of shells which were sent up after him and very closely missed him. He was also subjected to rifle fire. They wasted a large quantity of ammunition but never hit him. It is very seldom they do manage to hit an airman.”

(Mr. Miles is sending another periscope to his son this week.)

W.E. 1915 May 21st

Writing on May 11th, Bombardier W. Hill, of the 8th Division, Royal Horse Artillery, sends a letter to his wife at Wolverton;

“On Sunday morning we started a bombardment at 5a.m. It was terrific. Just imagine guns going off at practically the same rate as rifle fire, and this going on for a couple of hours, without ceasing. You can perhaps form some idea of what it was like. We do not know yet the result of it. I know we have suffered heavily, that is in our brigade. The Germans had tons of reinforcements at their back and they drew them on to us and left the flank clear and so gave the French troops little trouble in forcing their way through. The enemy have used their gas again and three of the R.I.R.s are very yellow, and are likely to remain so. They flooded the trenches which our fellows took and squirted boiling oil in their faces. They are good enough for any trick, and it is nearly time we started to pay them back in their own coin. … I am afraid the war will not be over just yet, unless something unforeseen happens.”

W.E. 1915 May 21st

On May 10th Private George Whiting, 1st Canadian Brigade (4th Battalion) writes to his sister at Bradwell;

“I guess you have seen by the papers what we have been in. We have seen much. We started on the 23rd to advance, and we went 1,800 yards under shell fire and rifle bullets, and by the time we had made the trenches we had not a sergeant left. Talk about Neuve Chapelle, I think it was quite as bad, as we lost about 650 in the advance. How anyone got there I don’t know, but of course there are to be some lucky ones left. No one can realise exactly what it was like. When we got to the trenches they shot the gas into us. … I think there are some Territorials around here but we are here to be reinforced. I have enquired for the Bucks but cannot find them. … We get 10 cents per day here, that is all, so you see we don’t get much spending money. … I don’t know, I am sure, when the war will be over as we advance one day and the enemy the next. It appears to me that the war will last a very long time.”

W.E. 1915 May 21st

On Thursday, Mr. and Mrs. (his stepmother) Fred Powell, of 21, Queen Anne Street, Bradwell received a letter, dated May 9th, from Captain G. Jackson of the Bucks Territorials, informing them that their son, Private Leonard Powell, of the Wolverton Company of the Bucks Territorials, was killed in action in France last week;

“Dear Sir, I am very sorry to have to report the very sad news of the death of your son, Pte. 1982, Powell, who has just been killed in action. Death must have been instantaneous.”

He was a keen footballer, and a student at Bradwell Night School, and his brother, who lives in Thompson Street, Bradwell, has received a letter dated May 9th from the Chaplain;

“I am writing to say that your brother who has been serving in the Bucks Battalion, was killed to-day by a sniper. I buried him this Sunday evening at 10.30p.m., in the Cemetery which his regiment has cut out for itself in the wood. One of the men from his platoon told me that he had two brothers living in Thompson Street, so I write to you. The Adjutant and a party from his platoon were present at the funeral.

During the past few days Mr. Fred Powell has received a letter from Sergeant Mold, of the Wolverton detachment, stating that Private Powell, his fourth son, was shot through the head whilst looking through a loophole in the trench. He was aged 19 last January, and joined the Bucks Territorials on the outbreak of war. He was stationed at Aylesbury until the beginning of 1915, when he was drafted to the service battalion at Chelmsford. Before the war he was an apprentice body maker at Wolverton Railway Carriage Works, the Superintendent of which, Mr. H. Earl, has sent to his home a communication worded;

“I have heard with much regret the death of your son while serving with His Majesty’s Forces, and beg to offer you my sincere sympathy in your bereavement.”

W.E. 1915 May 21st

A letter dated May 11th was received last Friday by Mrs. Ackerman, of St. Mary’s Street, Bradwell, regarding the death of her 23 year old brother, Corporal Joseph Willis, 1st Northants. Regiment. It was from Corporal Sharpe, a comrade of Corporal Willis, and an extract reads;

“I am writing to you for your brother Jack, to break the sad news of Joe. He was killed in action on May 9th, and died a noble death. He was much loved by all and I can assure you of our deepest sympathy in your loss. Jack is well at present and of course feels the blow very keenly.”

Corporal Willis was reputedly killed during a charge against the enemy, and was a son of Mr. W. Willis, and the late Mrs. Willis, of 4, Thompson Street, Bradwell. He had been in the army for three years, and was at one time employed as a moulder in the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works. Two brothers are also in military service; Private Jack Willis, 1st Northants Regiment, at the Front, and Private A. Willis of the Bucks Territorials, at Chelmsford.

W.E. 1915 May 28th

Under the date of May 15th, Lance Corporal E. Tuckey, of the 2nd Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes to his parents in Ledsam Street, Wolverton;

“I am sorry to say I have been wounded in the right arm and right leg. They are not serious so do not worry as I shall be alright again soon. I will stick to the last.”

This is apparently the fourth time that he has been wounded, and he would be treated in hospital at St. Rouen, France.

W.E. 1915 May 28th

Regarding mouth organs that have recently been sent out, a letter of thanks has been received from Sergeant G. Waller, of the Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry;

“I received the mouth organs (two) (per Mr. Miles’ card) all right and the boys and I heartily thank you for using the columns of the “Wolverton Express” for us. We also received three from Lieutenant Combs, sent by the E.L.R. shop. We are all in the best of health and spirits.”

(Mr. H. Miles was the watch repairer, of Church Street, Wolverton.)

W.E. 1915 May 28th

Mr. H. Miles, of Church Street, Wolverton, who lost a son by drowning last November, has received a letter from a Lieutenant of H.M.S Crusader, in which he expresses the wish of the crew to perpetuate the memory of a late comrade;

“I very much regret opening up a sore memory but we on board wish to erect a headstone to the memory of your late son Edward and I have been asked to write and ask you if you agree that this will be a right and proper thing. The headstone we thought appropriate is a very plain cross with a border to the grave inscribed with some suitable inscription such as; “To the memory of the late Albert Edward Miles, A.B.(Ted), of H.M.S. Crusader, who lost his life in Dover Harbour, on November 27th, 1914. He did his duty at his post. He served his country.” The captain whom you met has left the ship, but has left £5 towards the headstone and expressed the hope that we would get it put up. Unfortunately Mr. ------, and twelve others, whom Ted knew are now prisoners of war, and were Ted with us now he would have surely been with them for they were away saving life when captured, and he would have been one of the first in the boats.”

W.E. 1915 May 28th

On May 11th one of the Wolverton Territorials writes to his father;

“The Allemands put some shells into a little town behind our lines the day we livened them up and it made the civilians move out quickly. It is hard on them though, they have gone through a good lot. … You should see us all when we come out of the trenches without a wash and shave for ---- days, some of the “dirty dozen” I can tell you, but happy as kings. We are getting quite used to it now.”

On May 14th another private in the Wolverton Territorial writes;

“We had a proper wet day, yesterday. It has just set things growing out here, although there is plenty of water lying about. It is all ditches and dykes … I think the war is going on alright now … I saw a chap from Bradwell in the Canadians the other day whom I had not seen for years. He was up at the fight at (censored). He said it was awful. Ȃ One of the Allemands said he knew Bow and had got a wife and two children there, so we told him to put his head down quick or there would be a widow.”

On May 21st another Wolverton Territorial writes;

“We had a beautiful white frost the other morning which played havoc with the blossom, the potatoes and beans at the back of our lines. I was in the trenches at the time and did not notice there was a frost until it got light in the morning. We always keep awake at nights when in the trenches and do work of carrying food and water from behind our lines. When the searchlights and the star shells go up we have to stand quite still. They cannot see us although they keep the firing up. When the maxims start which we call the tattooing machine, we drop right down when we are crossing the open piece of ground which is all shell holes, and is as dark as pitch some nights. One of our chaps was carrying a bundle of wood under his arm and a bullet knocked it yards. He just smiled and swore. … We watched our artillery drop eight shells in a section of the German trenches, which was pretty good work from three miles range, and our trench only about 200 yards from the enemy’s. … We are well on the way to victory now. The weather is rather wet just now. I had a good bath the other day and change of clothes. It was rather funny altogether - eight of us in a big vat and they put the cold water hose on us if we stop too long. … When we got out, a man stood ready with clean dry towels and on a table is clean underclothes. 250 get a bath and change in an hour. All the khaki is then fumigated. … I was out cutting trees down yesterday. All sorts of jobs we get when at rest. Some have mending roads, others digging reserve trenches. It all passes the time away. We get very good food in the trenches although when we are out we go a bit short of bread and then we can buy a bit. I am quite in the best of health, in fact, never felt better.”

.E. 1915 May 28th

Private Sid Henson, of the 2nd Battalion Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been wounded, and from the 18th General Hospital, France, writes to his parents in Wolverton;

“I am getting on well and hope to be out soon and having another go at them. You will see by the papers our regiment has kept their name up again, we took two trenches before I was wounded so you can tell we got on well.”

On May 23rd he then writes;

“I am getting on alright. Am glad to say my wound is getting better. You will notice from my address that I am in the Western General Hospital, Cardiff. I hope to be home in a fortnight’s time for a furlough. From the papers you will see that we have been through it, we lost a lot of men, worse than the last time.”

W.E. 1915 May 28th

Seaman F. Gregory, Royal Navy, went through the defence of Antwerp, and is now with the Howe Battalion of the Royal Navy Division. He has been wounded in the operations at the Dardanelles, and writes to his brother, Mr. A. Gregory, at Wolverton;

“Always on the go. I am on the go now to get as far away from the Turks as I can. I got wounded in the left knee on Sunday, May 2nd, and I am in a comfortable hospital for a time. Am not hurt much. It’s a thousand times worse fighting the Turks than it is fighting Germans as they put so many snipers out, and they cause a great deal of damage. The morning I got wounded, we had two bayonet charges, and left about 400 Turks on the ground, and I got a bullet just as we were advancing to take the trenches from them. They have lost a great many men as our battleships are constantly pouring shells into them. The Turkish prisoners whom we captured all say they don’t want to fight, and the Germans are driving them into it, but still, we shall be driving them to Jericho before we’re done, as they simply bolt from the bayonet. France is nowhere in it for fierce fighting in comparison out here. Our casualties were just on 3,000 in one day wounded and killed, and the Turks lost about that amount every other day. I shall soon be able to walk about.”

W.E. 1915 May 28th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“April 25th … This is Sunday night and such a lovely sunset. We have just come out of the trenches and I have received your letter and parcel, everything was a treat, and am so glad you send fresh butter, too. … It was a bit funny, but when we went to B----- for another bath, what should I see staring me in the face, but a copy of “Lance-Corporal Field’s Letter,” written out on paper, and displayed for public view. It was a bit of a surprise, and I was sorry, as I had wrote it hurriedly and under adverse conditions, consequently, the grammar was none of the best. I only just slung the thoughts together as they occurred to me. … I got the enclosed railway ticket from a station near the trenches. … Am glad J.M. liked his bits of shell. Did you give him the time piece? We see lots of them, but often they are ten times as heavy as that one … If I can, I am going to send a German water bottle and also an ash tray which I found. Our communication trench was bombarded one morning and a “Johnson,” fell smack into it, and for a time made it practically impassable, except by going along the top. Two or three tons of earth had to be shifted, and when I took a turn, I dug up the small ash tray, which please clean up, it will be a little souvenir, together with the water bottle, if ever I am spared to return safely. … Please continue to send the candles, they are most necessary - as when we are billeted in barns we often have to use them, even in the day time, and of course, “dug outs,” have no light except by the entrance, which may be round a corner, etc. We need candles almost as much as anything. I often wish people at home, could be out here and just go into the trenches once, just to know exactly what it is like. Of course I can quite understand it, but they seem to have no idea as to what trench life is like, still I hope we shall be able to enlighten them some day when we are home again. The Germans are trying a new thing now, I daresay you have read of it. They mine right up under a trench and blow it up; so if you are within from 100 to 150 yards of it you may be blown up bodily into the air. Funny war this. One thing, we shan’t want to go in for 6d excitements any more, this life teems with them free.”

“May 17th … I am still quite all right up to the present, although, am writing under difficulties, an old bin for a writing pad, and sitting in a narrow trench which we have roughly roofed over with corrugated iron. The rain is pouring down outside, and, I am not sorry to say, that at the present, we are a good distance behind the firing line. Things have been humming lately, and yesterday ‘Beaucoup de Prisoners’ passed by. I expect my letters will be very uncertain after this. I don’t even know when this one will be collected, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear for some time. I will send deaf and dumb cards when I can, ie., official post cards.” “The parcel was most welcome, I was so glad of the loaf, as lately we have lived mainly on biscuits. Of course we realize it is difficult to get bread up, as the wounded and shells must take first place, and we are unable to buy French Bread, so please send me a loaf when you are able.” On Wednesday we moved from the trenches and marched into a field, where we remained for the night. We had no covering but the sky, I slept splendidly and was awakened at 5a.m. by the rain, which was coming into our faces. It rained all day (Ascension Day), but we managed to rig up a little bivouac with our waterproofs and kept fairly dry.” “In a billet we were in, some Scotchmen who had been in before us had stuck a little verse, (which took my fancy), on the wall. This is how it ran:-

“May 20th … I am alright and got out alive, but I lost my two bank chums, who were at Barclay’s Bank, Harpenden, when I was there. Both killed and such nice fellows. I am sorry for them and they were such great favourites with everybody.”

W.E. 1915 June 4th

Lance Corporal Harry Milan, the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Milan, of Buckingham Street, Wolverton, has recently suffered a broken leg and bruises, when buried in the ruins of a dug out hit by a German shell. He is serving with the East Surrey Regiment, and the first intimation of his injuries came on a post card sent from the dressing station. Last week from the 1st East General Hospital, Cambridge, the following letter was then received from him;

“What a game. I am out of it for a bit, and I am not far from home at that. … We were sent up earlier than we expected, and got in the fire trench on Saturday morning. About 7 o’clock in the evening they made an attack. We saw them coming, but we let them get mixed up in our first lot of wire entanglements, and then we let them have it with rapid fire and two machine guns. We simply mowed them down, and what few got out of the wire we finished with the bayonet. That was enough for Saturday night, and all was quiet until Sunday morning. After dark on Saturday we were relieved and went back to the support trench. On Sunday morning at 8.30 they started shelling like fury with shrapnel, but did not do much damage with that. It went on till 10a.m., and then they started gas-shells and ‘whiz-bangs,’ and they got our range to an inch. The gas was awful. We were blinded and choked with it. I went into my dug-out to get some water, and the next thing I remembered I was on the stretcher. The fellows told me that a shell landed on the dug-out and blew it up. Two other chaps who were in there were blown to pieces, but they dug me out, and I had nothing but a broken leg, two black eyes, and bruised all over, so I was lucky. I regained consciousness on the stretcher and was taken to the dressing station about 100 yards away hidden in a wood. They tied me up, and there I stopped until dark, when the motors came up and rushed us about four miles back to the Field Hospital at -----. At 3 o‘clock next morning we were shelled out of it, so we were shoved on the cars and off again about 10 miles to just outside -----. My word, what an awful ride. The roads were rotten, and of course they had to drive like fury the first part to get away from the shells. On Monday afternoon we were moved to -----. My leg was put in fresh splints, and then we went on to -----, arriving there late on Monday night. Tuesday from ----- to Dover, from Dover to Cambridge, and here we are in an open-air hospital. I had some fine souvenirs, and I wish I had them now, but everything belonging to me was on top of the dug-out, and was blown to the winds. P.s. - I am very comfortable here, and well looked after.”

Previously, on May 19th whilst on active service he had written from ‘Somewhere’;

“We are still resting, but have moved nearer. What do you think of the advance? I think they seem to have had enough, but I expect they will make another stand or two. I hardly think we shall be in the trenches again just yet, but we are ready if we are wanted, and the Surreys will give them a warm time. My word we have got a name out here over our last doings. We passed some Canadians as we came up here, and they did cheer us. Our Commanding Officer had a letter of thanks from General French, and also from the General in command of the Brigade, so we are getting quite ‘stuck up.’ The officer commanding my Company has got the D.S.O. and the French Military Cross, but I am sorry to say he is leaving us to go on the Staff. Well, I shall now have to make my bed as it is getting dark, and we have no light. We are not allowed candles here as we are in a wooden barn sleeping on straw - nice and comfortable nowadays.”

In his letter to the Brigade, of which the Surreys formed a part, General French wrote;

“I, as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, appreciate the splendid work that you have all done during the recent fighting. You have fought the second battle of Ypres which will rank among the most desperate and hardest fights of the war.” He continues; “You have performed the most difficult, arduous, and terrific task of withstanding a stupendous bombardment by heavy artillery, probably the fiercest artillery fire ever directed against the troops, and warded off the enemy’s attacks with magnificent bravery.” He adds; “Your colours have many famous names emblazoned on them, but none will be more famous or more well deserved than that of the second battle of Ypres. I want you, one and all, to understand how thoroughly I realise and appreciate what you have done. I am sure your country will thank you too.”

Lance Corporal Milan enlisted in the East Surreys last September, and went to the Front around Easter. Before the war he was employed in the Boot Department of the Wolverton Co-operative Society.

W.E. 1915 June 4th

On Friday Mr. and Mrs. S. Ellis, of Canal Cottage, Old Wolverton, received news that their only surviving son, Corporal George Ellis, 2nd Battalion, Northants. Regiment, had been killed in the charge at Aubers Ridge on May 9th. He had been wounded early in the year in the thigh, and was at home convalescing when news arrived that his brother had been killed. Corporal Ellis was aged 28, and had served with the regiment in India. His time would have expired last September.

W.E. 1915 June 4th

On May 24th Private Reg Miles, of the 1st Herts. Regiment, writes to his father, of Church Street, Wolverton;

“We have been extra busy lately. I suppose you have read in the papers of the advance we made. Trench warfare is stopping now I think, so that the periscope you sent, although it is handy, is a little in the way sometimes when we keep moving about. They are very handy in the winter months, when our home is in the trenches. We have had a warm time and hundreds of Germans have been brought in as prisoners. They were a rough looking lot and appeared as if they had had enough of fighting. So would anybody I should imagine, if they had had to face a bombardment like they have had. I had a taste of the German high explosive, and nearly got knocked out that time. They drop them right into the trench sometimes. It is rather a funny sight to see our chaps sharing their tea and cigarettes with the Germans whom they have captured, which shows that we are still sportsmen in spite of what they have done to us.”

B.S. 1915 June 5th

News has been received that Corporal George Ellis, of the 2nd Northants. Regiment, was killed in action in Flanders on May 9th. He had been wounded earlier in the year in the fleshy part of the thigh, but whilst at home convalescing news arrived that a younger brother had been killed. Their parents live at Canal Cottage, Old Wolverton. Corporal Ellis was aged 30, and had served with his regiment in India.

W.E. 1915 June 11th

Regarding an engagement in which he took part last month, on May 27th Private Arthur Stephenson, of the 2nd Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes to his mother in Windsor Street, Wolverton;

“I am writing a small account of the attack which started on the night of the 16th, for the Wolverton express, which is sent to me every week. I noticed in one of the columns that they would be pleased to have any interesting news concerning the war and of the doings of the County Regiment. No doubt you have read the account of the battle raging round -----, and I thought you would like to have it from one’s own pen who was present at the time the bombardment was at its worst. On the 16th of this month (May), an attack was organised to take place at 4.30p.m., by the 2nd Division. Our Brigade took up their position on the left with the 1st on our right. At 11.30, the Worcesters and the Inniskillings prepared to attack. After many heroic attempts, the Worcesters found it impossible to advance being enfiladed, causing large loss of life. The Inniskillings suffered heavily also, and the order was given to the Oxfords, who were waiting eagerly to launch themselves into the attack, to advance. Like one man we scaled the breastworks and were met with a terrific hail of shrapnel and bullets. Men fell, but we were determined to take the trench and their was no stopping us, and thus we took the pressure off the few Inniskillings who had got so far as the German trenches. A short, sharp struggle, and the first line fell into our hands, the Germans readily surrendering, what few were left alive. If the Oxfords had not gone forward at the right time, and with the right spirit, the trenches would not have fallen into our hands. This was on the night of the 16th. We held the trenches that night, improving them to the best of our ability, being quite safe for the time being, but we were prepared for any counter attack which might take place. At dawn the successful regiments joined up and five or six hundred yards of the first two lines of German trenches were held by our brave men. Many heroes of the Oxfords from our front trenches, during the day, shouldered bandoliers of ammunition - or carrying boxes of bombs - attempted the 300 yards’ dash across the open to the captured German trenches. Those who witnessed it said they never thought for one minute, that any man could get there alive. Many fell, but the majority of us attained our purpose, and the trenches were safe. During the day our trenches, supporting the trenches and communicating trenches, were subject to a terrific bombardment. The wounded suffered most by this, for although the stretcher bearers took all risk, it was quite impossible to move them. It was not until dark that any real attempt to remove the wounded who were lying in the trenches all day, could be made. On Monday the Oxford and Bucks and the Highland Light Infantry pushed on from the captured trenches and won more ground. I cannot say who relieved us, but I can say this, that they have pushed forward, making things a great success round this part.”

W.E. 1915 June 11th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“May 24th ….. I have received your parcel, etc., and very nice too! We are away from things now for a little rest, after a strenuous time. Two of my Harpenden Bank chums, who were in my section, were killed. They were such nice fellowsand we often used to talk about “old bank times.” I had the sad, and unpleasant job too, of writing to the mother of one and the sweetheart of the other. Still perhaps the poor fellows are happier out of all this, and there have been times when things have been rotten … but when we get right away from the beastly shells we soon forget the horror of things. … I expect we saw a good many of the prisoners you mention as passing through Bletchley, etc. Things must be bad too, in England, but do be thankful you are not out here. … Things will come out after the war that people in England little dreamt of. … We wonder if Italy will speed things up a bit. … These strikes do make our men feel mad. … Here we often work 24 hours a day, for next to nothing, and risk everything, and people at home with no bullets and shells to risk are not content. We often say we would willingly change places for only our 1/- a day, and let them take ours (at their present pay). They don’t realise what war is. The experience of one or two shells would soon teach them a thing or two. I am so glad we had an unexpected Whitsuntide Communion Service, it was so opportune, especially after all we have gone through lately. … The prisoners I before mentioned were some specimens I felt I would not mind meeting anywhere with my bayonet, they all hung their heads and looked frightened to death, very different from how, I have learned, they behaved when they got to England where they are well treated. Out here they don’t get such gentle treatment I can tell you. The big page in the “Graphic” is interesting, as I know almost every inch of the country, and everything on the picture, and I want you to save it for (D.V.), when I come home.”

“May 29th … We are in a most lovely spot in ------, and yesterday we went into a wood, and I actually found lilies of the valley growing wild; and such beauties, too, they smell lovely, and I should love you to see them, a picnic here would be a treat. … I have enjoyed our little relaxation this time as it had been a long time previous since we had a decent rest. Of course, we do a lot of drilling, but it’s a treat to be away from the shells, and sets up again one’s nerves, and we all feel quite ready to have another smack at them, but of course, we like a little rest when we can get it; it came quite unexpected and so seems a better treat. I have had some lovely bathes, going before breakfast and after dinner too, but just at the present time I have a cold on me so cannot go. The weather, too, is not quite so hot.”

“May 30th - It seems more like Sunday, to-day, here, and the girls turned out in their finery, powder and paint, etc., to go to church. We had a route march in full pack this morning, and are going to have an open air service at 5p.m. tonight. I wish though, I could come with you, it seems ages since I was at home, and in truth nearly a year since last camp. … P.S. - Just a short line as I have just received your parcel. The Health Salts are good and come in very handy. We have had a lovely time lately, quite a treat, but we are afraid it will not last much longer. … One of my Bank Chums killed, is the one crossing the pontoon bridge, just in front of me, in the photo of three of us returning from shopping. My companion on my right has since been severely wounded.”

W.E. 1915 June 11th

Sapper Alf Godfrey, Airline Section, Royal Engineers, writes from France;

“The way they are carrying on at Wolverton is disgraceful. The idea of wanting a war bonus is ridiculous. They ought to put them in the trenches and see the bonus they would get here. I would like to be home - I would tell them something: that the men there ought to be ashamed of themselves when they know the Army is wanting men badly to keep their homes above their heads. Half of them have their hearts in their feet. If the enemy got into England they would not think of war bonuses; they would have to do the same as the poor beggars do out here - clear off in the nick of time. Some of them don’t have time to put all their clothes on. How would they like this? I have been out here since the beginning.”

W.E. 1915 June 11th

Dated June 4th, a letter from “Somewhere” in France has been received, signed by Bandsmen A.S. Hollingsworth, G.H. Odell, A.J. Smith, and A.E. Axtell, of the Wolverton Territorials;

“Our work as stretcher bearers is rather a tedious job, but we are getting quite used to it now. The other day a shrapnel shell burst on our dug-out, but fortunately none of us was hurt. The damage done was one towel, which was hanging outside, was blown to atoms. We are getting quite used to trench work now. You should see us when we go out - you would think we all wanted a shave. As regards our food, we live well considering the difficulty of getting the supplies up to the firing trench. Sometimes the Germans turn a machine gun on us, and then we have to duck. The houses here are all in ruins. If some of the young men could see them they would not hesitate in coming to help us. The Bucks are fully keeping their reputation up, and you can expect great things from them before long.”

(In the later stages of the war, for his actions during the Austrian push against Italy Bandsman Odell would be awarded the Croix de Guerre, with which he was decorated by the King of Italy at a large review held on July 4th 1918.)

W.E. 1915 June 11th

During the autumn manoeuvres of 1913, the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers were present at Wolverton, and made many friends in the town. In fact one young soldier, Private Cyril Kay, became a personal friend of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Rose, of Buckingham Street, Wolverton, and having now been gassed and invalided home, he has sent them details of his experience of active service. In September he was reported missing for two days, but was in fact lying in a wood surrounded by 200 wounded and 200 dead, he being the only one who had not been injured. Of his other and many narrow escapes, at one time and another five bullets had passed through his overcoat, one through his shoe, one through his putties, three through his elbow sleeve. And three through his cap. After one charge, the only thing left on him after escaping through the barbed wire entanglements was a pair of calico drawers and a sleeveless jacket. Aged 22, he was serving with the line regiment at Dover when war broke out, and was among the very first drafts to go out to France. He has fought in eight battles, including Mons and Aisne, and after suffering the effects of German gas spent three weeks in Lincoln Hospital for treatment.

W.E. 1915 June 18th

A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cook, of Wolverton, Sergeant George Cook, the brother of Mrs. Dolling, of Wolverton, has been killed. He was serving with the King’s Dragoon Guards, and a sister at Dunstable has received the news from Major R.S. Hunt, of the King’s Dragoons, who writes that he was killed in action at Chateau Hooge;

“The regiment was ordered to take the Chateau, and we took it. The Germans counter-attacked and your brother, just by the door of the Chateau received two bullets straight through the heart. As his squadron leader, I regret his sad loss, both professionally and personally. All the while he had served under me he worked loyally and hard. Never once did I know him fail in any of his duties, and as a horseman he was invaluable to the squadron, and therefore to his regiment. On the night he died he led his men and worked perfectly. He died as a soldier likes to die, in full harness of battle, leading his men and trusted by his superiors because he was trustworthy. Might I add a word of sympathy to you and his relatives because I feel it very much.”

Sergeant Cook was aged 32 and had been in the Army for about 15 years. At one time he had been an apprentice at the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works as a finisher, but left at the age of 17 to enlist. During the Boer War he gained several medals and after serving six years in India came home to Wolverton on a six months furlough. This had just expired when war was declared.

(This letter also appears in the Bucks Standard, 1915, June 19th)

W.E. 1915 June 18th

Mrs. Newman, of Church Street, Wolverton, has received news that her husband, Private F. Newman, has been slightly wounded, and is now in a base hospital. Having been in the Army for a number of years, he served in India for a considerable period. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, and was drafted from there to the 1st Wiltshire Regiment. He has been at the Front for about seven weeks.

W.E. 1915 June 18th

Mr. H. Miles, of Church Street, Wolverton, has received a letter from his son, Private Reg. Miles, of the 1st Herts. Regiment, (Territorials);

“We have had lovely weather during the last week or two whilst we have been resting. There was a nice rain yesterday, although I might not have said so perhaps if I had been in the trenches. We did some work the other day widening two or three miles of communication trenches in order to allow a wheeled stretcher to go along. The trenches were flooded, but it is not so bad now it is warm. The only thing I did not like in this work was unearthing some dead Germans who had been buried some months. We had to put our respirators on then. … We have not been doing much lately so there is not much news to tell. The Herts. were at Festubert last month during the big attack, and had a hard time. Two of my chums were killed and five wounded, all in my section. At one time I had to lie down beside a dead man. I was so tired at the time that I did not take any notice. There were sights there I don’t want to see again.”

W.E. 1915 June 18th

Private G. Gardiner is with the Army Veterinary Corps, British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and regarding the operations in the Dardanelles on May 20th writes to his wife in Stratford Road, Wolverton;

“Your letter written on May 3rd, arrived here on the 17th, so you see it takes about two weeks for letters to get this distance. It was very hard for me to leave England without having the chance to come home for an hour, but the officer informed me that the troops were being moved so rapidly and secretly that they did not know from one moment to another what to do. We were told we were going one day and were consequently kept in barracks awaiting orders, and moved off at a minute’s notice. We were called up at 3a.m. and marched off and at 4 o’clock, we were in the train. We were upon a large transport ship by 10a.m. and there were thousands of women disappointed because their husbands had been moved so suddenly. I have reported my bad legs and that is the reason I am here. I have also been very ill, and am now waiting to know what they are going to do with me. They seem to think I shall be sent back to England. … I am sorry to hear of Bert Spong, but one should see and know what I have seen. It would make one’s heart bleed. We have been fighting the terrible Turks. Egypt is the base for the men and horses, and there are 1,500 wounded Australians in the different hospitals and some dreadful cases among them. We saw all the fighting at the start, as we were up the Dardanelles. We saw all the great British ships firing and they did make it hot for the Turks. They slaughtered them wholesale as though they were a large swarm of flies. Our ships, with the great ship Queen Elizabeth, fired right into them. When the coast was cleared a little, volunteers were called for to land horses and I was one among them. WE landed them all safely and of course, all the warships guarded us. We waited a day or two to see if we were wanted, and after landing engineers (Mr. Luck, of Wolverton, who is now a sergeant, was amongst them), we moved away from the shore as the Turks’ shells were continually falling round our ships. Before we came on here, we buried one poor chap who got hit while the horses were being landed. … One must not think this is all honey with fresh sights etc.. … Where we are now, the town is a dirty place and everything is very dear. We have only a waterproof sheet to lay on and one blanket to cover over us. We sleep in tents. All around the sand is up to our shoe tops and our clothes are all smothered over.”

He is now in Egypt suffering with his legs. Through his work as a waiter at the Working Men’s Club he was well known in the town, and having rejoined the Army after the outbreak of war he soon saw active service among the wounded horses in the Dardanelles.

B.S. 1915 June 19th

At the annual meeting of the North Bucks Licensed Victuallers’ and Beersellers’ Protection Association, held at the Victoria Hotel, Wolverton, on Monday, June 14th, the Secretary reported having, on the instructions of the Executive Committee, sent letters of sympathy and condolence to Mr. H. Bull (Buckingham) and Mr. G. Bull (Stony Stratford) “in the sad loss they had sustained by the death of their beloved sons who had laid down their lives doing their duty for their King and country.” In reply, Mr. G. Bull had written; “I greatly appreciate the kindly thoughts which prompted the passing of this vote, and I beg you will convey to your Committee my sincere thanks.” Mr. H. Bull wrote; “My son fell at the head of his company (his captain having fallen) just prior to reaching the German trench which his regiment - the glorious Oxon and Bucks - took. Your letter has touched me deeply.”

W.E. 1915 June 25th

News has been received that Corporal Leonard Knight, Royal Engineers, died in hospital at Chatham on Wednesday, June 16th. Aged 29, he was the son of the late Mr. James Knight, of Newport Pagnell, and Mrs. Knight, of 27, Bedford Street, Wolverton. He was well known in the town, and when on leave would stay with his sister, Mrs. Wallace Dale, of Church Street. Having enlisted in the army six years ago, he had been mostly stationed in Ireland, and was sent to the front shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in August. Seeing much fighting, he was wounded at Armentieres, and on March 11th he was hit in the shoulder by three machine gun rounds. After coming to England he contracted fever and was sent to a hospital on the Isle of Wight. Granted a week’s leave, this was extended to a fortnight which he spent with his sister in Wolverton. He was then ordered to Chatham, where he fatally contracted pneumonia. The funeral took place with full military honours at Newport Pagnell last Friday afternoon.

W.E. 1915 June 25th

Private G. Gardiner, of the Army Veterinary Corps, is with the British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and has been in hospital in Egypt with bad legs. On May 29th he writes to his wife in Stratford Road, Wolverton;

“I was discharged from hospital on Wednesday and came here to what they call a convalescent camp down by the sea. It is very hot here, and talk about (censored) there are nearly (censored) men who have been wounded at the Dardanelles and who are recovering before going to the front to fight the Turks. They are a fine lot of chaps are these Australians, I can’t imagine what England would have done without them. … I shall be on my way home by when you receive this letter. I volunteered for active service as there was little or no option but to do so. They were making up a regiment to supply men for France and Egypt to attend to the sick and wounded horses. So we had to go where we were sent (censored) … will keep me for home service until the war is over. We are not allowed to write about military matters, but I must say we had the sight of our lives in the Dardanelles. To see our great ships shelling the Turks’ positions it was a sight I shall never forget. We were forced to move out to sea on several occasions as there were bombs and shells falling about in the sea close to the ships we were on. In the Dardanelles we have a big job. The Turks were fortified very strongly but our grand fleet have smashed most of their big forts to pieces. We saw many of them. We laid close to the “Queen Elizabeth.” She is a fine ship and it makes one proud to see the fine fellows on the ships.”

W.E. 1915 June 25th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“June 7th. … The fellow next to me has just woke up and says he has been sleeping all night with “bombs” for a pillow, we do get some shocks out here. … Yesterday, Sunday, I went to a Roman Catholic service and saw a realistic procession. It was very grand and gaudy, many different robes and much lace; also much swinging of incense. To hear the organ and singing seemed to be more like a Church service in England than anything I have witnessed in France as yet. But still, one of our own little services in a barn seems much more real to me than all this ceremony, especially if we happen to sing a hymn “For friends at home.” … We had a nice little march away from the place, and it seemed more like going for a walk in the cool evening at home, only we had a little more to carry. We got to our new billet just before midnight and this morning I was able to bathe in a little stream. We do seem to get callous of things. An engineer has just come in and says our company is to go in front of our first line trench and dig a new one, and this one is only 350 yards from the Germans. One of the fellows merely said: “Is that right, though - Whose trumps?”

“June 9th … In answer to your enquiry re. F.R.on the badge. I cannot say what it represents, but the badge itself was taken from a German helmet. A good many fellows don’t send things home, probably because they cause one a lot of inconvenience, but if I get home all right some day I shall be glad to have them. Don’t you think so. The penholder is an awfully nutty arrangement I think. … As you say war news is far-fetched in the papers, but I have read some jolly good articles in the “Daily Mail” lately, absolutely to the point, and they must have been written by one who has been out here and knows, and they appeal to us out here, but some of the trash fairly makes us laugh! One report speaking of a man just lighting his pipe , when a shell came and he just managed to step aside and miss it, but some of the bits caught him. … Then again, if we capture a trench the report says so definitely, but if we lose one it is always: “The Germans attacked but the line remained unbroken.” … I should have liked you to see their wire in the German trenches we captured from them, you would never believe it. The lot I saw was quite a dozen yards in width, and the barbs were an inch long and at intervals of one inch instead of about every four inches as is usual. … We had a gloriously hot day yesterday, and employed our time in building ourselves a “dugout.” Working hard from 9a.m. to 9.30p.m., and finished it in the one day. We put logs on the top nearly a foot in diameter. On these we put a covering of green foliage taken from trees and then a layer of filled sandbags on the top of that. Then we piled earth on the top of the whole and made a foot of extra head cover. It is about 4ft. 6in. deep and 8ft. square, has a little chimney for ventilation and altogether is a fine little place; with a small trench leading into it. We built it for protection from shell fire, there is room for about eight of us and it is most beautifully cool. … I have had three cold baths, as there is a small stream quite near us. We are quite safe too, as a rise in the ground hides us from the trenches, and altogether is one of the best little spots we have stuck as yet. We got flowers for our “dug out” from the deserted cottage gardens round here, and it’s a treat to smoke and read as it always smells so fresh. We had four working all day on it, and I don’t think we did badly. Part of the time we worked without even our shirts on, but an officer advised us to cover our backs, as if they blistered in the sun we should not be able to carry our packs. The perspiration rolled off me, still it’s nice to do a definite little piece of work and now it’s the pride of the platoon. Its name, “Shady Nook,” is quite appropriate and I should like you to see it.”

“June 13th (Sunday) … We have a fellow from Northampton in our platoon and we often have little talks about home. … They are making it more difficult to send souvenirs home now unless the parcel is under 4oz. as it was before it was sometimes a bit inconvenient to carry the things about, still, “there’s no place like home.” How true that is, after soldiering for nearly a year. … Hardly a house about here but shows signs of shelling and yet there are plenty of civilians living about round (sic). I suppose they are loath to leave their homes, although some of them have only four walls left. … I don’t think H ----’s Battery has been about here, but he will be more likely to see our regiment than for me to see his Battery, as of course, all Batteries look alike, but we have our titles. … We all have respirators ready for the gas, and we all have to carry them, I shall be glad when we start to gas them. I am going to see it experimented with when we do start. The best thing you know is to soak the respirators in Hypo.”

W.E. 1915 July 2nd

On Wednesday, news was received by Mrs. H. Morrall, of Western Road, Wolverton, that her brother, Private Arthur Kitchener, 2nd (South Midland) Mounted Field Ambulance (Territorial Force), Royal Army Medical Corps, had died on Sunday, June 27th, 1915. He was attached to the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars, and died in the Casualty Clearing Station, close to the firing line, last Sunday afternoon from acute pneumonia. Only some three weeks ago he had been home on three days’ leave at Wolverton from the front. Whilst on leave at home he was suffering from a cold, having recovered from the effects of being gassed, and it is thought that the cold developed during his boat journey back to France. A native of Loughton, he was the youngest son of the late Mr. George Kitchener, and Mrs. G. Kitchener of 98, Stratford Road, Wolverton, with whom he lived before the war. Being very popular with his fellow workers, he had been employed in the Outdoor Superintendent’s Office of the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works. The news of his death was received in a letter dated June 28th from the Rev. Tudor Moreton, the chaplain of the 1/1 South Midland Division;

“I regret to say that Pte. Kitchener, R.A.M.C. (T) died in the Casualty Clearing Station yesterday afternoon (Sunday). He was admitted on the previous Sunday, June 20th. There has been a good deal of influenza about, and it was at first thought that that was the cause of his illness. Later it was diagnosed as acute pneumonia. I do not think anyone regarded him as being really seriously ill; in fact all hoped he would pull through until Saturday night, when a change came, and he passed away on Sunday at 5.30p.m. The enclosed letter, which was found in his pay-book, was evidently written during his experiences in the trenches when he though death might come at any moment, but he survived the angers of the trench, only to die from pneumonia, which he might have contracted at home, or anywhere. Evidently his thoughts for you all were coloured by St. Paul’s words, 1st Thessalonians, iv. Chap., 13-18 verses.”

Undated, the letter referred to reads;

“I am writing this short letter amidst a ’rain of shells.’ May it please God to deliver me safely from it. If this should not be His wish, then of course I go with the rest who have laid down their life for their King and Country. I have tried to do my duty, and I think, to the best of my ability, I have succeeded, little though it may be. My last thought will be for my dearest mother, but I feel sure that she will be properly cared for until the time we shall meet again. It is not goodbye but good night. ‘We all shall meet in the morning light’ in a world of peace. “I am putting this letter in my pay-book, and in case of my death I hope it will reach you safely. Do not mourn for me. We must patiently wait until we meet once more.”

Private Kitchener joined the Army at the beginning of August and had a month’s training in Birmingham and a fortnight in Churn, being soon afterwards drafted to France. He is buried in Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France.

W.E. 1915 July 2nd

During the last Autumn Army Manoeuvres, the 25th Battery Royal Field Artillery, 7th Division, was encamped under canvas at Old Wolverton, and amongst the troops was Gunner G.R. Wright. Shortly after the manoeuvres he left the army and, residing at Stony Stratford, found employment in the Brass Shop of the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works, where he worked until called up at the outbreak of war. He is now at the Front with the 25th Battery, R.F.A., 7th Division, British Expeditionary Force, and writes of the hard fighting he has been involved in;

“We landed at Zebrugge on Oct. 7th, and was on the march from Zebrugge to Brugge, Ostend, Beernem, Coopcamp, Roulers, Ypres, Gheluvett, Becalee. On the morning of the 20th, at 1.30a.m., we were sleeping in a field when we had a quick move. We went to Becalere Ridge and dug ourselves in before daylight and left those gunpits and retired 25 yards down the crest. There we waited anxiously for the oncoming Germans from Mennin (sic). The howitzers opened fire, then all the guns let loose. It was worse than anything I have ever heard. Before we pulled our jackets or serges off the perspiration was rolling off us. As the day rolled on it got fiercer and fiercer. Our infantry were going at it for all they were worth. Towards dusk we manned two guns on top of the ridge, so we had a better view of them. They came up in such overwhelming numbers that they pushed our infantry back behind our guns. We were firing point blank at close range but our infantry held on doggedly. They rallied and went to the attack. Each time the enemy was mowed down. How our guns stuck it I don’t know. They had just over 600 rounds each through them. The German dead were piled up 3 and 4 feet high all the whole front. At 11.30 we had orders to retire. It was impossible to hold the position with such odds - 8 to 1 - 8 divisions of Germans and 1 division of ours, the good old 7th. That is how we got our nom de plume ‘The Fighting 7th.’ On the 21st before dawn, we dug ourselves in again and we had orders to hold that position at all costs as we were to be reinforced at Gheluvett. On the 26th, one of our aeroplanes caught fire. It was an awful sight to witness. The same day we caught spies working windmills. These spies are given no rope, they are shot on the spot. We left that position on the 27th and had one day to pull ourselves together. Next day we went to a place called Zelebeke. We had a warm time there and retired in the night. We took the same position next morning but early we had orders to go 600 or 700 yards to our left front in a wood. That is where we got it right hot. We had orders to take our guns four to five hundred yards to the right flank to put out two machine guns on the outer edge of the wood. We demolished them. The German heavy guns got us there. They fired several rounds at us but did everything bar hitting our gun. We had our Sergt. Gunner, a Corpl. And Bombardier wounded. We had orders to leave our gun and retire into a place of safety. We went back and pulled the old dear out with the aid of the Scots Greys. We sent four teams and when they were coming up a ‘black Maria’ burst right into our team killing the leading driver, wounding two others, and killing two horses and so badly wounding three that we shot them. We had one horse left and no drivers. We got back to safety and I am proud to say that the old dear I fire has killed more Germans since I’ve been here than I could kill in a lifetime. If we get the ammunition we will do the trick. You can’t go nap before you have the cards. If it had not been for the 7th Division’s brave deeds at Ypres the Germans would have been in Calais long before Christmas.”

W.E. 1915 July 9th

Regarding the death of her brother, Private Arthur Kitchener, R.A.M.C., who died last Sunday week, Mrs. H. Morrall, of Wolverton, has received this letter, dated June 30th, from fellow members attached to the Queen’s Own Oxford Hussars, B.E.F.;

“Please accept this letter from all of the above. We all felt that we should like to send you a token of our most profound and deep sympathy on your sad bereavement. We feel we can hardly express our great sorrow on hearing the sad news of Arthur’s death, especially as he left us to all appearances with a bad cold. The doctor suggested his going into hospital so that he could have rest, and be better looked after than was possible in the field. A more popular or better comrade it was impossible to find, and I can assure you we feel the loss most acutely, since he was one of a little band of eight. A visit was paid to-day to the hospital where he died, and it was ascertained from the orderly who was with him that he had every care and attention it was possible to give him. He was well known at the hospital as the men came from the same barracks where Arthur was once at. It was the South Midland Hospital, and their barracks were at Birmingham. The doctor who attended him has personally ordered a large cross, as a token for a member of his own Brigade. We have indeed lost one of the very best.”

The letter was signed by Lance Corporal L. Blight, Corporal W. Green, Privates W. Ooley, A. Green, R. Castle, and A. Jackson.

W.E. 1915 July 9th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“Monday, June 28th. … We had rather a long and weary march back from the trenches last night (Sunday), and on my return I got the parcel which was jolly nice. … It rained very heavily whilst we were going to the trenches, so when we got there found the water over our boot-tops and I got thoroughly wet-footed, and I believe that accounted for the blisters which came on my heels. I did not fall out though, as as I have never given in during any march yet, in all my five years, soldiering, and I don’t mean to if I can help it. I saw the doctor this morning as I can only walk on my toes, and he gave me some tablets to use for bathing them, and I hope they will soon be better. … I am glad you sent the stuff for the insect bites. I had a mosquito bite on my leg and it was jolly uncomfortable while it lasted. Next time you send will you please include a tin case just large enough to take one box of matches. The thin boxes soon get crushed when we have to sleep in our tunics. … The trenches we were in were all chalk and we amused ourselves by carving. Some soldiers who were in the night before us, had carved out quite a little village with a church, houses, etc. Of course, hundreds of “crosses” were about, dedicated to the “Kiser.” I made one myself and took it for a souvenir to some French friends of mine. I know quite a number of families round here now, and when we go near enough and I am able to look them up, they are always glad to see me again. … I saw my old friend Gregory, with the Oxford and Bucks Regiment, last week. He is still well and has not been wounded. He brought in a wounded Wolverton fellow during the last attack, and probably saved his life. Of course hundreds of acts like this go unnoticed, so I don’t suppose he will get any award. … A short time ago we were billeted quite near a church which had escaped shelling except quite a little. The English notice inside took my fancy and was not at all bad, I thought. This is how it ran; “Nothing to the things of this church has been stolen since the beginning of the war. Every one is requested to respect the Sanctuary and to use the Organs when it is necessary only. By Order, The Mayor, 18th May.” … Speaking of marching, the R.A.M.C. people don’t carry a pack, but route marching in England is very different to ours out here, nobody can realise what it is like to be under shell fire unless they have been in a bombardment, you have a sort of feeling that the next minute you may have been blown off the face of the earth. … The rotten part is that you may hear them coming sometimes ten or fifteen seconds before they burst.”

“June 29th … Just while I think of it you did not enclose any health salt in the parcel. This is so useful and takes the place of tea in the trenches, and I find it very convenient. … I sent home a parcel today. … The clip of German cartridges is of the latest pattern, given to me by a French soldier from Lourette. … The top of the shell is by no means from a large shell but is interesting. The pieces fly about with some force when the shell explodes and would give one a nasty knock. The copper bullets are French and I send them for you to compare with the length of our own. The German bullets are the shortest, than ours and the longest are French. Now I must go to bed, at least lie down on the boards and try and think I am in a nice comfortable bed. - Guess I wish I was.”

W.E. 1915 July 9th

The response to the recent appeal for mouth organs, to be sent to the local soldiers at the Front, has been ‘very gratifying,’ and amongst those who sent instruments out was Mrs. Warringer, of Windsor Street, Wolverton. She has now received the following letter from a Sergeant.

“I received mouth organs in the trenches, and needless to say we had a very lively time, especially when we were relieved and on our way back to the billeting area in a barn about 3½ miles from our trenches. I have distributed them to six of the best players of my Platoon, No. ??, “D” Company, the whole of whom appreciate your kindness for the trouble both you and Mrs. Hobson had taken in collecting the money to purchase the same. We also wish to thank all those who contributed. We are all in thorough good health and in the best of spirits, and quite settled down to this horrid war.”

The ladies have also received this letter, signed by Sergeant C. Mould;

“Just a few lines to thank you for your kind present of cigarettes, which I received safely. It is very good of you all to think of us, and it cheers us up wonderfully to know we are not forgotten by those at home. I am pleased to say that up to the present I have luckily escaped without a scratch although have had a few narrow shaves, but a miss is as good as a mile. I think everyone will be glad when this war is all over although there does not seem much sign of the end yet.”

W.E. 1915 July 9th

News has been received that Private Walter Scott, 1st Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, died in hospital at the Persian Gulf on Saturday, July 3rd, from a disease contracted in Egypt. Born at Wolverton, He was a son of Mr. Scott, of Church Street, Wolverton, and is buried in Amara War Cemetery, Iraq..

B.S. 1915 July 10th

Private Jack Toogood, the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Toogood, of the Foresters Arms, Stantonbury, is presently enjoying a rest from the trenches, the place of the Territorials having been taken by the Canadians. Writing home, he says they recently did a three day trek, and on Sunday week were on the march throughout the night. At present they are resting in a coal mining district, and there he saw a number of girls and women working at the coal pits in clogs and shawls, doing the work of the men who are now in the French army. With two comrades, Private Toogood has taken part in a bivouac building competition, instituted by one of the Battalion officers, and their efforts won the first prize of 5 francs. Two waterproofs formed the roof, the sides were composed of sacking, and embellished by the Bucks County Arms, the bivouac was able to accommodate three men.

W.E. 1915 July 16th

Corporal George Hill, of Wolverton, is with the 87th Company, Royal Engineers, 12th Division, B.E.F., and under the date June 20th writes to the editor of the “Wolverton Express”;

“ I see in the “Express” which I receive each week that you are glad to receive any news for publication from Wolverton men, so here are a few details of what the Royal Engineers are doing. Of course, as Engineers, we are a busy company, wanted here, there, and everywhere. Our chief job so far has been repairing trenches, but when the “move” takes place, which we hope will not be long, then we shall do our more interesting work, bridging, pontooning, etc. The first shelling we had I shall not forget for a bit. We were busy draining a series of trenches when we heard the first whiz of the shells. We left off work and put our heads as high as we dare to see if we could see the effect, but we soon had to get lower and sat wondering if the next one would find us out. It made me more thankful than ever after that first lot of shell-fire, that it is not our own country that is being broken down. It is horrible to see the lovely homes broken down, people living in one corner of their house, the other part all blown away, and yet you see them working away day after day, never knowing when the next shell will find their home again. We had a rest last week, and sports were arranged by the officers, and were very much appreciated by the men. They were of a similar nature to those which took place at Wolverton, in the 1913 manoeuvres - flat races, tugs-of-war, wresting on horseback, tug-of-war on horseback, potato race, cross-country race with obstacles to finish with. I am pleased to say Wolverton kept up its reputation as regards athletics in these races. Corpl. Hill won the cross-country race, for which race the Chief Royal Engineer gave and presented the first and second prizes. (This race was compulsory for the company.) Seven prizes were awarded in this race. I well remember seeing the wrestling on horseback in 1913 at Wolverton, but never thought I should witness the same class of events the next time just behind the firing line. As the cross-country race was being run we had orders to move to a place 8 miles off, so several events had to be left out, and pack kits once more, which we can do quite smartly now, especially if there are Jack Johnsons about.”

W.E. 1915 July 16th

Having been wounded after seven months at the Front, Rifleman Arthur Meadley, of the 16th County of London Regiment (Queen’s Westminster Rifles) is presently at home at Wolverton on sick leave. He has recently been discharged from hospital in London, and says of his military experience;

“As a Rifleman in the Queen’s Westminsters, I went out to France at the end of October. The voyage was by no means a luxurious one, having to be made by a cattle boat. We landed at Le Havre, where we were transferred to a cattle train, and each truck accommodated 40 men or 6 horses, so you can imagine our feelings. Indeed, the truck in which I travelled held 45 men. Our journey to St. Omer occupied 36 hours - the train travelling at no greater rate than 10 miles an hour. Some of the men rode on the roof of the truck, and along the line the French people were very generous to us, and threw to us as we passed a great quantity of fruit from the orchards. It was a peculiar sight to see at the dinner time the train stopping, and the men unloading their dixies for the preparation of the meal. The following morning after our arrival at St. Omer we marched to Armentieres, arriving at the end of a battle. We had a short spell of trench life of three weeks’ duration. Trench life then was not exactly what it is now. Trenches were no more than roughly hewn ditches. We spent Christmas at Chapelle d’Armentieres, and a memorable Christmas it will be to me. The Germans in the trenches facing us sang carols, and lighted candles were placed on the parapet of the trench. We exchanged greetings, and we were asked to send a man from our number to meet one of theirs. The meeting took place under very friendly appearances, and it was arranged that no firing should take place during Christmas Day. As soon as it was dawn on Christmas Day, the Germans and our men left their trenches and had quite a friendly time, conversing one with another. The majority of the German soldiers spoke the English language, having worked in England, mostly as waiters. Food was exchanged for cigars and champagne, and a nice day was spent in this manner. On the Boxing Day morning, we were relieved, and marched to Houplines, where we spent 5 months doing four days trench duty and having four days’ rest. Here I had many experiences, mending barbed wire, mending roads, and such work which falls to our lot. One amusing experience I had here. A wire was found in close proximity of the trench in the direction of the German lines. I crawled out from the trench carefully following the wire until I found it ended in nothing. Of course we have to take precautions. Houplines, which is just another town as Wolverton, was shelled heavily at times.”

Regarding narrow escapes, Rifleman Meadley says;

“I was once in a house when a shell came over. I was then in the cellar. The shell hit the building, levelling it to the ground. Had I been in the building itself I should have been killed, but I never received a hurt, and had to crawl out of a hole through clouds of dust to get into the open air again. Another time I was walking down a street when a shell, whizzing in its flight, went through a window into a house. All the glass from the smashed window fell on me, without hurting me to any great extent. From outward appearances the house looked as if nothing had happened, but the interior of the house was practically destroyed. After our stay at Houplines we went to Ypres. It was a sight along the road, ambulances and motor wagons along one side going down, and on the other French, Belgian, British, and Indian troops, marching to the firing line, and ammunition wagons and transports etc., in an unceasing procession. The march was made through avenues of trees, which were relieved with regularity with telegraph poles. The avenues are always an excellent mark for artillery fire, for one is almost certain of a constant stream of traffic taking place there. Ypres was a town in ruins. It was pitiful to see the houses destroyed, and masses of architecture from the principal buildings lying about the streets. The Germans are always shelling the place. We marched along the famous Menin road, - the Germans road to Calais. This road they are shelling day and night. We had to march along the road while it was being shelled, and shrapnel fell all around. We had to go as there were many troops following in the rear of us. We lost a number of men that time. It is a peculiar experience to march along a road at night between ruined buildings, with the moon shining through the ruins, and the men keeping a strained look-out right and left. We entered some trenches along this road, and had 10 days in reserve and 12 in the firing line, at the place where the Canadians lost their guns. To us here they brought our water for drinking purposes etc., in petrol cans, which tasted weakly of petrol. But, of course, one must expect such happenings as these.”

Regarding the food situation at Armentieres, he says;

“We were alright, but at Ypres we were a little short. In attack we had to go short, as they cannot get the food up. When it is a quiet time we have had cold roast beef, but we mostly have bully beef. We also have cold boiled bacon for breakfast. The food is plain, and good under the conditions. I can assure you, however, that those dainties sent to us from home are delightful, and the fellow who receives a parcel of “grub” is envied by those who do not get one. At Ypres we were in reserve to a regiment, which attacked some trenches after a heavy bombardment by our artillery, and upon reaching the first line, found every man had been killed; the trench smashed, dug-outs destroyed, and mess lines, etc., all scattered about. It was a sight.”

Describing other sights, Rifleman Meadley says;

“One I shall always remember was the procession of wounded men passing down the lines. One would see a man with an arm severely wounded helping another with a wounded leg. Some men were wounded very severely, but one thing which was striking was the absolute indifference they paid to the shelling taking place.”

Describing how he received his wound, he says;

“It was at the beginning of June, that one day I volunteered for duty as a stretcher bearer, with other men, to bring in the wounded. We had to go across open country, which the Germans shelled. As we went out with the stretchers the shells were heard winging overhead, but I was determined not to flinch in my duty, and wondered what were the other men’s thoughts. They afterwards told me they were determined not to flinch, and had the same thoughts as I. At the time I was at this work I heard a shell sailing overhead and bursting, and felt two pieces of shrapnel hit me in the back.”

Asked on his sensations at being hit, he says;

“I felt the two pieces hit me, and as one piece, which entered my back, it felt like a knife thrust, and I thought my shoulder had been cut open. This piece went into my body, and is now wedged between my ribs, and the wound has healed over. The other piece hit me in the shoulder, and is now in, but I expect it will soon be removed. I have been under X-Rays on three occasions. I kept to my work, and upon arriving at the trench I went to the dressing station, where I had a rough dressing, and after a short stay in the station, I was taken in the ambulances through the country to the hospital ship, and was met in England by the motor ambulances, and taken to Engell-street. In this hospital I saw a Newport Pagnell man, Pte. Blackwell, of the 5th Oxford and Bucks. Light Infantry, who was injured in the arm.”

Asked if he had met any local men at the Front, Rifleman Meadley said;

“No, I did not. The Bucks. Territorials were not far from us, but I did not see them.”

As to how the war is going;

“From personal observation, we cannot tell. Our knowledge generally, other than what we see in the papers, is in the little sphere in front of us.”

(The Private Blackwell referred to, at Engell-street Hospital, London, had been hit by an explosive bullet in the arm at Ypres on June 16th).

W.E. 1915 July 30th

Official news has been received that on June 8th a member of a grenade company, Lance Corporal H. Howe was accidentally killed in France, when a grenade exploded during practice throwing. Having served for seven years in the Bedfordshire Regiment, for some 18 months before the war he gained employment in the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works, working as a ‘rubber’ in the East Paint Shop, and whilst at Wolverton lived with Mr. and Mrs. Carvell, of Western Road. Upon mobilisation he was then called up as a reservist last August, and going to France in the early stages of the war took part in some of the big battles. Wounded just before Christmas by shrapnel in the leg, he was invalided at home, and had only returned to the firing line a week before he was killed. The news of his death was conveyed to his mother, Mrs. Howe, of Coventry Road, Queen’s Park, Bedford. A brother, Private Ralph Howe, and a brother in law, Private George Wildman, have also been killed in the war, both serving in the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment. After the battle of Neuve Chapelle, Ralph died having lain wounded on the battlefield for two days. As for George, he had seen service in Malta, and at Christmas had been in the army for seven years.

W.E. 1915 July 30th

On Friday night, Mr. and Mrs. Knight, of Spencer Street, Bradwell, received official news that their second son, 22 year old Private George Knight, 10201, 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, had been killed in action at the Dardanelles on June 28th. He had been in the army for three years, and before enlisting worked in the Saw Mill at Wolverton Railway Carriage Works.

W.E. 1915 Aug. 6th

Mrs. Clay, of 13, High Street, Bradwell, has received news that her husband, 27 year old Private Harry Clay, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed by a shell burst some two weeks ago. Having joined the Army last September, he had been at the Front for five months. Previously he was in the Wolverton Territorials for four years, and at one time had been a painter at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1915 Aug. 6th

Mrs. W. Baker received a telegram on Sunday stating that her husband, 27 year old Private William Baker, Royal Army Service Corps, had passed away at Summerdown Convalescent Home, Eastbourne, on Sunday, August 1st. She had expected him home on Tuesday. He served his apprenticeship at Wolverton Carriage Works, and joined the Army at the outbreak of war. After some nine months in France he contracted spotted fever, and underwent seven operations of injection of serum. His father, Mr. William Baker, lives at 46, Buckingham Street, Wolverton. Private Baker leaves a widow and three young children at 135, Newport Road, Stantonbury.

W.E. 1915 Aug. 6th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, now attached to the Guards Brigade, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“July 11th. … I am answering your two letters and parcel together, but I suppose it is all the same. The parcel was fine - thank you. We came out of the trenches to-night and I received it on arrival at our billet. It had the effect of making glad the heart of this man. You always send me everything I like, so do not worry. We generally go a little short of food in the trenches, living mostly on bread and jam, and perhaps a little bully beef. … We had an exciting time dodging bombs. The Germans are using a bomb now, about as big as a jam jar. … Someone shouts, “bomb,” left or right, as the case may be, and you have to run in the opposite direction. So long as you see the thing, you get plenty of time to dodge it, because they go right up into the air, but they make a deafening noise when exploding, and our fellows call them “nerve shakers.” … Last Sunday I went to a service at 6.30p.m., and I wondered if you were at Church at home at the same time; we had eight or nine hymns, and it was very nice indeed. Also in the morning we had an early service too, in the back room of a theatre fitted up with an altar by our own chaplain. He has made it into a little church which he intends to keep standing, so that we may be able to use it any time we are resting at the place. … My air pillow is done for - I think - so send me another. R---- tells me I am a lucky fellow to get standard bread - I would willingly change places with him - … Fancy we are in exactly the same houses that we were in last February, on the same duty. It seems strange to come back to the old place and find the houses more knocked about than ever. When we first came to them the furniture and belongings were all scattered about everywhere, but that has practically all been cleared away now, and of course new reserve trenches have sprung up and everything improved for defence; it is quite interesting to see it all again. We don’t seem to take any notice of ruined houses now they are such common sights.”

“July 19th. … I was glad to get your letter, which I received in the trenches. I always look forward to a letter and as it was Sunday night it was particularly nice to hear from home. … I may soon have the chance of a holiday as they are working out leave, and if my service in the Bucks counts, I shall be the next but two in our platoon. Anyhow, if the Germans don’t cut up rough and everything goes on as it should, I ought to get my turn at least within the next four or five weeks. … Do you know, I am writing this in exactly the same trench as I was in during February last, also we are in exactly the same billet when we go back. Of course, we have looked up a lot of our old French friends and they all seem glad to see us, but I should think that quite half of us, who were here before, are now either in England or have been killed, still of course, we have had many drafts to keep up our number. I found that one of my French friends, had been killed by a shell, when we got back here again; it seems hard luck for civilians to get killed, but there are hundreds within quite easy shelling distance: I suppose they hate leaving their homes, and after all, they can clear out into a field when shells come too close, or go right away if things become too hot. There are many more houses occupied now than there were in the winter, but of course some have been raised to the ground by the shell fire. The destruction to private property must have been tremendous, and along the present line it gets worse and worse. Each time we go back, we notice that such and such a house has been knocked down whilst we were in the trenches, and this goes on every day, and we have held this line for nine months, so you can form some idea of the enormous amount of damage that has been done. … There are some shells knocking about and I can’t concentrate my thoughts when shelling is going on, you would understand if you had been under shell fire.”

“July 21st … We have just arrived here after a march, which we did with scarcely a halt, but being in perfect condition, I enjoyed it. … We often have things which require the section commanders to toss up for their sections, but lately we have discovered certain French pennies (deux sous) have two tails, so we usually resort to cards now. I had heard of two headed pennies, but not until I came out to France did I hear of the two tailed ones. … By the way, going up to the trenches the other night, I could hardly believe my eyes - for there behind a house and within quite easy shelling distance, was a real live English coffee stall. Well, I did have thoughts of home, and I felt that I wanted to fall out there and then, and indulge just for the very joy of the thing. A good many fellows were taking advantage of it, and to me it “almost” seemed homely. I believe it was run by the Motor Kitchen people, and it seems real good to see anything like that out here. … I told you we were in the same trenches as we were in last Feb. - but what a difference - hundreds of fresh trenches have been dug, and notices of direction all about, lots of bridges and new roads across fields, and bridges over streams, and hundreds of shrapnel proof “dug-outs,” have sprung up, or down, as the case may be. Of course the houses have suffered more from shells, and now in the trenches at the slightest sign of a light at night, or a spade or a pick, over comes a shell (which species we call “zip bangs”). The officers call them “pip squeaks.” They are so-called because the guns must be actually in the trenches, for you hear no shrill whistle of the shell as it is coming for you just ‘zip’ and then bang, all in a second or so. Rotten things they are though, and capable of doing a deal of damage. … The last day I was in the trenches I actually saw the missiles in the air, as they went by and burst about 50 yards to the rear of our trench, it is very seldom though, you can see a shell in the air.”

B.S. 1915 Aug. 7th

Mrs. H. Clay, of 13, High Street, Bradwell, has been officially notified that her husband, Private Harry Clay, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed about a fortnight ago by a shell burst. Aged 27, he joined the Army in September, and had been at the front for five months. Previously, he served in the Wolverton Territorials for four years, and at one time he was a painter at Wolverton Carriage Works.

B.S. 1915 Aug. 7th

News has been received that Private William Baker, Army Service Corps, died in a convalescent home at Eastbourne. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, of 46, Buckingham Street, Wolverton, and joined the Army as a wheeler when war broke out. After being at the front for nearly nine months, he then suffered an attack of spotted fever, and spent some three weeks in Oxford Hospital. After visiting his wife, who is living with her parents at 55, High Street, Bradwell, he was sent for recuperation at Eastbourne, but whilst there suffered a relapse, resulting in his death last Thursday week. Private Baker had served his apprenticeship at Wolverton Carriage Works as a coachbuilder, and was working in London when war was declared. He has a brother in the Royal Naval Air Service.

W.E. 1915 Sep. 3rd

Regarding their third son, 28 year old Private George Gregory, on Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Gregory, of Oxford Street, Wolverton, received this letter, dated August 27th, from Captain A. Ponsonby, Captain of C Company, 2nd Battalion Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry;

“Mrs. Gregory. - It is with greatest regret that I have to write to inform you that your son met his death in an engagement with German bomb throwers last night. He was killed instantaneously and suffered no pain and his body is laid to rest in a military cemetery close behind the line the regiment is holding. May I express the sympathy of the men of that Company and myself in your sad bereavement. May it be some comfort to you to know that he died for his country most gallantly and that we are all feeling most keenly the loss of a good comrade and friend.”

Private Gregory enlisted in the Army last September 4th, and began training at Portsmouth. A few years previous, he was a member of the Wolverton Companies of the Bucks Territorials, and was thus included in a draft from Portsmouth on November 29th to the Front, and was subsequently in many engagements. He served his apprenticeship in the Wolverton Railway Carriage Works, after which he worked in the fitting shop. A brother, Corporal Gilbert Gregory, is serving with the Railway Troops at the Front.

In a letter of June 28th, Lance Corporal Field said;

“I saw my old friend Gregory, with the Oxford and Bucks. Regiment last week. He is still well, and has not been wounded. He brought in a wounded Wolverton fellow during the last attack, and probably saved his life. Of course, hundreds of acts like this go unnoticed, so I don’t suppose he will get any award.”

W.E. 1915 Sep. 3rd

Mrs. Severne, of 66, Western Road, Wolverton, received a letter on Tuesday from Captain A. Sowerby, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, regarding the death of her husband, Private William Severne, on Friday, August 27th. This stated that he was killed by an exploding hand grenade whilst repelling an attack of German bomb throwers, and includes “He was looked upon as an example of a soldier, who was a great favourite with all of us in the company. He died as a brave man.” 40 years of age, Private Severne had been a member of the Wolverton National Reserve, and volunteered for active service when war broke out. He left home a year ago, and by trade had for over 14 years been a stereotyper, in the employ of Messrs. McCorquodale Ltd. He was a member of their cricket club, and at one time sang in the Stantonbury Parish Church choir. He leaves a widow, Kate, and four children at 66, Western Road, Wolverton.

(On Tuesday evening, September 7th, a very large congregation assembled at St. George the Martyr’s Church for a memorial service for Private Severne and Private George Gregory. Amongst the wreaths were one from members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, to Brother George Victor Gregory, and one from the shopmates of Private Severne at Messrs. McCorquodales. Private Severne, who was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, is buried in Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, Pas de Calais, France.)

W.E. 1915 Sep. 10th

Mr. H. Miles, of Church Street, Wolverton, has received a letter stating that his son, Private Reginald Miles, of the Herts. Regiment, had been wounded on the 27th. No further details were given.

W.E. 1915 Sep. 3rd

“Aug. 3rd. - I have just received your letter and picture postcard of the Church Street and Red Cross sellers. You all look happy enough. I just now showed it to a French woman, because they are all so much interested in our social life , customs, etc. , and she said, “Grois, Mama.” Everything on the whole is pretty miserable out here, and I have almost forgotten what anything resembling holiday enjoyment is like. I was glad to learn you did so well financially. We came out of the trenches last night, so I only spent Bank Holiday in them. We had two mines explode and a shelling display, to celebrate Bank Holiday, so we had our bit of excitement, you see. It is awfully funny, the sensation of a mine going up; the earth seems to heave under your feet, as though it was not solid, but you would have to experience it to understand thoroughly. We have lots of mosquitoes in the trenches, and they are getting quite a pest. I doctor the fellows as much as I can with the stuff you sent, but it is an awful job to get any sleep. Some of the fellows have black eyes, and huge bumps are common, but the liquid I use is really very good. We actually had a concert with cinema pictures the other night at B------. The fellow who worked it was manager of a Picture Theatre in England. … At first we used to have weather vanes put up, so as to know the direction of the wind as a safeguard against “gassing.” Now you would see all over the place little model aeroplanes made by some ingenious fellows. Their propellers whirl round at a terrific rate, and most surely point themselves, facing the wind. Some are really cleverly made, as only knives and odd scraps of wood can be used, and they must turn very easily to all points. … There are a good many graves near the trench we are now in, and Frank Thornwell’s Regiment (T.F. Battalion, Black Watch) has held this position before us. My chum found an old pack (containing some photos.) belonging to that Regiment. We thought that the fellow might be dead, so we sent them to the address of his mother, but she wrote a day or two ago and said her boy was in hospital, wounded. Leave seems a slow job, and I fear before long the Germans will put a stop to it - so don’t expect me before Christmas. … We had a water polo match the other day, and ours beat the other side 2 - nil. Rare fun it was, and we are all anxious to play the return match, but it is extremely hard work. … Off we go to the trenches again, singing as though it was to a picnic, with few thoughts of the “Johnsons,” or “Tip Bangs,” that await to greet us. Then we are ordered not to sing, smoke, or talk, and immediately find there are a hundred and one things it is imperative that we should mention in connection with the scenery, etc., until the officer threatens to do something very terrible. Then important though they are, things have to wait. … When we arrive at the trenches, worn out and perspiring, twenty men and a corporal are wanted at once to put some more barbed wire in front of the trench, ostentatiously to keep our men, who may be too eager to charge the Germans, back in their own trench: this is done, mid many mild blessings, etc., as the barbed wire gets entangled round the sergeant’s legs, just as a light goes up, and it is necessary for everybody to lie down! This finished, it is our turn to do sentry, and - all eyes to the front, to just look into eternal blackness - in the hope of never seeing anything, and certainly never expecting to! Then the morning, “Short as the watch that ends the night”; certainly the Psalmist had never spent any time in trenches. The hour drags, in spite of cleaning a rifle and chopping of wood for an early cup of tea, or even the ceaseless watching of that long white line facing us. Then, with a glorious day at last bursting fully on us. What do we see? Not a soul, not one sign of life. Ȃ But suddenly a shrill whistle, which gets louder and louder, is followed by a bang. Somebody seems to be awake, and know we are awake too, and they are trying to frighten us. … It is Sunday night, and we are having the hymns on a mouth organ. “Abide with Me,” etc.”

W.E. 1915 Sep. 10th

From the Territorial Record Office at Warley, an official intimation has been received that Private R. Miles was wounded at Givenchy on August 27th. He is the son of Mr.Miles, watchmaker, of Wolverton, who has already lost one son.

W.E. 1915 Sep. 10th

Regarding the death of Private G. Gregory, Sergeant E. Smith, ‘C’ Company, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes to Mrs. Gregory;

“It is with deep sympathy that I write these few lines to convey to you the news of your son’s death, about which by this time you have heard. George was a popular and splendid fellow, and had lots of chums who, I must say, miss him very much. Poor George was a brave fellow, and never saw fear, always being one of the first to take risks. It was on the 27th August, when we were engaging a strong party of the enemy who were attempting to capture a sap-head in which George was engaged as a bomb thrower, in which he met his end, together with several other brave fellows. The Germans had almost surrounded the sap, but George, with a couple of others, continued to throw bombs until the enemy were completely driven off. Yet George met his death, exactly how I cannot say, although it is certain he died a noble death. There are thirteen altogether laid side by side, in a splendidly kept little cemetery just in the rear of the firing line. Each has a wooden cross erected at the head and one large one from the N.C.O.s and men of the Regiment, as a token of respect. I trust you will accept the deepest sympathy of the men of the platoon, together with myself, in your sad loss.”

W.E. 1915 Sep. 17th

From the Hospital Ship “Assaye,” Trooper D. Campbell, Royal Bucks Hussars, writes to a friend in Wolverton;

“I expect you will have had my card, I have been wounded in the right arm, and left leg. I hope to be alright in a few days. I got hit just in front of the Turkish trenches during a charge. I don’t know whether Coleman was hit as it was dark at the time. Applin was hit in the head.”

(The latter was Trooper C. Applin, Royal Bucks Hussars, who was wounded in the charge at Chocolate Hill on August 26th. He was the Scout Master at Wolverton, and the eldest son of Mr. W. Applin, of Stratford Road, Wolverton. Tragically, in early December he would die from pneumonia in Egypt, to where he had been invalided. Before the war he was employed as a fitter at Wolverton Carriage Works.)

W.E. 1915 Sep. 17th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, now attached to the Guards Brigade, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“Aug. 24. … I don’t think I told you that, for convenience sake and other reasons, nearly all the fellows now have but two meals a day in the trenches, one about 9.30a.m., and the other about 5.30p.m., without any apparent reason, all the fellows seem to have adopted the two meals a day system, and it is now quite the rule. … The candles came in quite handy, as I have a little weakness for reading in bed every night, if I am not writing letters, and our billets are always barns without artificial light, so every night without exception we need a light. I and my two chums generally work together, and so usually one or the other has a candle. …This afternoon I had a swim in the canal and afterwards visited the flying station. It is most interesting to watch the aeroplanes ascending and descending (landing), they are beautifully made, and we seem to have a great number. They go up all ready for fighting, with machine guns, bombs, etc., the driver behind and the observer in front. … I should have liked to have been at the Fete (Red Cross). It is the lack of something like that now and again that makes things so dull, never being able to put on anything but one suit, and which we seldom take off. So I imagined I was at the fete when I tasted the chocolate … and wished I could have been there in reality. … About looking grey - well, you know, we can tell in an instant if a fellow has only just come out here. We saw some only this afternoon, and we all knew at once they had been out but three or four days. … There is a sort of worn expression on all who have been out here during the winter, to be discerned in an instant. But I expect it soon vanishes when a fellow sets foot on Albion again, on leave! One of my pals went to hospital a short time ago, and met a fellow there (in the Bucks.) who knew me well. Another of my pals who has come all through has now gone to hospital. He is a very strong fellow, too. Do you know, hardly one of our fellows who came out here at the first has not had a turn in Hospital. Some look on it as going for a short holiday, but not so this nigger. I always like to be with the boys, and haven’t missed one day in the trenches so far.”

“Sunday evening, Sept. 5 … I wish you could see me now; we have had plenty of rain lately, and the trenches are in a bit of a mess, and we got fairly wet marching here yesterday, but by a slice of luck we were able to get a “bon” dug-out, made of an old boiler sunk into the ground. It is about 8 feet in diameter, and of course the bottom is filled in flat, and a fireplace in one end. It was made by the French and jolly good they seem to be at that sort of thing. … To-night, when dusk came (about 7.30p.m.), we all sat round the fire and sang some hymns, and after that we told ghost stories. A little bit of fire makes so much comfort, and we dream of our homes and how nice it must be to live in peace and comfort again. … I was jolly sorry to learn about poor Gregory and Severn. I was in their Company only a short time ago, but your letter was the first information that anything had happened. It’s a cruel war. Since I last wrote, another of my chums has been killed. He was such a nice happy go lucky sort of fellow. Don’t forget to tell Rex about poor Gregory, as he knew him well when in the Wolverton Works. Ȃ I should like to see you all, but it seems leave is cancelled again for our Regiment., and I should not be surprised if it was not restarted until the winter. It seems years since I was in Wolverton - ten months to-day, I believe since we left your shore. … My pal has just exclaimed, “Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up and find the war finished!” Can’t hardly imagine what it would be like, but I often think I shall not relish going back to business, after so much open air and outdoor life. … To-day we saw a bit of a duel between a German and an English aeroplane. The English was a light Morane monoplane, which only carries the pilot, who observes as well. The German was a biplane which cut all sorts of figures about our machine, and we could hear its machine gun firing. The monoplane took to its heels, and I was surprised it got away all right. The German biplanes carry both an observer and a pilot. Strange to say, the pilot sits behind the observer. They are armed with six bombs and a Lewis machine gun. It is very rarely we do see a fight. Some of our machines are as white as paper, and you can hardly see them when the sky is clear and blue. We also see them all colours - black, brown etc.”

B.S. 1915 Sep. 18th

Trooper Ralph Giltrow, the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Giltrow of the Cuba Hotel, Stantonbury, has written home to say that in the fighting on Chocolate Hill he was wounded in the ankle and left arm, but not seriously. He is with the Royal Bucks Hussars in the Gallipoli Peninsular, and also in the regiment is his brother, Corporal Frank Giltrow, whom the War Office have reported as missing. Their brother, Donald, would join the Army Service Corps as a baker in November.

(In May 1915 Ralph had written a cheerful letter home giving a brief description of the Pyramids, and saying that “Soldiering is a nice game played slow, but I shall be glad when we get out of barracks and get to work properly.” His brother, Frank, had also written home, saying that he is getting used to the Egyptian climate. Of Cairo Zoo, he says it is well worth a visit, and “The gardens are lovely, and I enjoyed listening to the music of a native band.” When walking along a Cairo street one night he was stopped by an Australian soldier who, having in his younger days served in the Bucks Yeomanry, immediately recognised the badge and arm letters worn by Trooper Giltrow. The man turned out to be a son of Mr. Browning, of the Pomfret Arms, Towcester.)

W.E. 1915 Oct. 1st

A letter to the editor of the ‘Wolverton Express’;

Dear Sir. - We, the undersigned, will esteem it a great favour if you will allow this short letter to appear in your well read local paper, hoping we don’t take too much of your valuable space allotted to soldiers at the front. We, the Wolverton and District Terriers, of the 1/1st Bucks. Battalion hail with delight every week-end the “Wolverton Express” to read what is going on at home (through your paper). Having been home on leave for a few days we are all disappointed with the questions we all had to answer to some of our shopmates and friends, which (to put the matter in a nut shell) made us all feel disgusted with the ignorance shown by their talk. Generally, the first question was “Have you been in the fighting line yet?” or “Have you seen any Germans yet?” at the same time when we have explained to them as far as we are allowed by our Oath to His Majesty, they absolutely smile, and add the remark, “You are having a good time and look well.” We are sorry for their ignorance in military matters, but what we “here” doing our bit cannot understand is, Do the Wolverton men and lads left at home think we are out here for picnic, or only here for Fritz to snipe at? We here are on our honour to our O.C. not to divulge any military matter to any one, even our families at home. Which makes it a difficult matter to us to explain to the point what we should like to. We do not wish to boast about what we have done, or wish for any praise from anyone, but we should like some of those at home to realise that things are not exactly a continental holiday with us, and, judging from the perfectly idiotic questions put to us by some of the thoughtless ones whilst at home, there are some who think it is , and this causes a bitterness in a man that he should not feel when returning out here from a few days at home, which I can assure you rather takes the vim out of any man who is lucky enough to have leave granted to him. We who have been home on leave and returned to our respected Units are all asked by the men out here, “What do they say about us at Wolverton?” When we explain to them the questions asked, etc., and also tell them the number of lads still left at home who are hiding behind that remarkable word (munitions), we should not like the parents of our boys to be in hearing of their remarks. We write this short letter to you hoping your readers will have a little consideration in any questions they may ask any of our boys who have the pleasure of being on leave.

Thanking you for the trouble this may be to you in having this inserted in your looked for paper.

28/9/15”

(For a reply to this letter, see Newport Pagnell, W.E. 1915 Oct. 8th).
(For a second letter from those in France, see Wolverton, W.E. 1915 October 22nd).

B.S. 1915 Oct 2nd

The following poem was composed by Mr. Lewis Walton, the son of Mrs. Hodgson, of the Loco Hotel, Old Wolverton. He is very well known in the musical world, and this poem has been recited in many of the theatres in the north of England. In one week, the Belgian relief and Local War Funds came to benefit by £33 10s 9d, and Mr. Walton has given his permission for anyone to recite the verses for charitable purposes;

W.E. 1915 Oct. 8th

News has been received that Corporal Albert Abbott, 8th King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action on Saturday, October 2nd. The son of Edward and Alice Abbott, and the brother of Mr. H. Abbott, of Stony Stratford, for many years he was a resident of Wolverton. He served his apprenticeship in the Wolverton Carriage Works, and was for some years connected with the Congregational Chapel. He joined the Army early in the war, and had been drafted to Flanders about three weeks ago.

(This letter to his father appears in in the issue W.E. 1915 Oct. 15th;

“I am very grieved to inform you that your son, Corporal A.E. Abbott, was killed yesterday (October 3rd) in action whilst gallantly doing his duty. Major Alsen and all the officers of D Company held a high opinion of your boy and offer you their most sincere sympathy. He was buried yesterday behind our lines and we are arranging to have a cross put on his grave in a few days.)

W.E. 1915 Oct. 8th

Extracts from letters sent by Lance Corporal W. Field, of the 1st Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment, now attached to the Guards Brigade, formerly in the Wolverton Detachment of the Oxon and Bucks Territorials;

“Sept. 12th - Your letter reached me in the trenches, but I could not write for a few days, we were not able to do anything like that, being only 70 yards from the Germans, we have had a very trying turn in continually dodging bombs, absolutely ??? our lives the whole of the time, and bombs now are very different from what they used to be at the first; they are like high explosive shells, and burst with such force that the concussion can be felt 40 or 50 yards away. We call them “Rum Jars,” because they are as big as rum jars; and very much like them in appearance. Of course, sleep at night, was out of the question, we have to be ready every minute to dodge the things. So when we left the trench, we all breathed most hearty sighs of relief, because to be on the continual alert, just expecting a bomb and knowing that not to dodge it, means walking into the next world, makes one very nervy. Ȃ Until to-night, I had not had my boots off for eight days and nights, and I feel dog tired, through having only three hours sleep in the 24 hours. … I wanted to write as I knew you would be anxious. You would be surprised to see how much fellows age, when they have been out here a few months. If ever I do have the luck to come home on leave, I dare say you will notice, that I look more than a year older than when you last saw me. … I will enclose a photo of Ypres (in ruins). I recognised the buildings, now mere shells, on it. We passed them, as we went right down the main road, which you can see in the photo. The Cloth hall had not been touched then, and only houses here and there shelled. The Cathedral, too, was quite sound. … I did not know about Pte. Miles. Is he at home yet? I knew a fellow was hit, as we had one wounded and one killed at the same time, but I had no idea it was Mr. Miles’ son. - Good night.”

Sept. 20th. “First of all, this letter must be short as I have very little time. I was jolly glad to receive your letter, but was very sorry for Mr. Gregory. I will do my best to have a look in the G------ little graveyard, for his son’s grave, if it is there. I might say the graves are kept so very nicely. It will be difficult, but I will do my best, however. I can’t tell when it will be. It will not be possible to send a photograph (even if I came across it) as all cameras have been sent home by special army order, long since. If it is where you think (and I feel sure it must be there as I have found out he was killed there), the graveyard is not a mile from the Germans, so it may be difficult to get permission, even if we are near. However, I will do my best, and as soon as I can. … I expect writing will be very difficult for some little time now, but I will send F.S. Post Cards just to let you know I am still well. … Please in future don’t tell me any home news. It is absolutely disheartening and we get all the news now, and discuss things at home; also the Zep raids. I always look for your letters to cheer me up and encourage me to stick things. We hate to read about these wretched unpatriotic strikes. I believe it discourages the soldiers out here more than anything - to think of all they are going through for their families and people at home, and those who have a nice easy job are striking for another extra shilling or two, we shall never win unless the people at home realize that we are at war. I wish the leaders could be put into the trenches during the cold weather and be in a bombardment, they might wish then that they had never been born, and I am sure would be glad enough to go back for half their salary. … Just where we are now I have my best friends in France, very nice people, I believe refugees from La Bassee, but of a better class, and their relations who live here. … My little Marie Therise and her brother Omer. … they have just put on their “nighties” for bed, and I guess you would love to see them, such nice little kids they are, but can’t understand my watch shining in the dark.”

“The enclosed verses were found in a trench we occupied a short time ago, evidently scribbled down by someone to pass the time.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 15th

Regarding No. 1208, Lance Corporal George Gostelow, of Bradwell - a machine gunner in the 1st Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry - the following announcement has been made by Major General R. Fanshawe, commanding the 48th South Midland Division;

“Your Commanding Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you have distinguished yourself by your conduct in the field. I have read their report with much pleasure.”

As to the circumstances of the award, it was on a miserable day in October that the Germans began a vigorous attack with a hot fusillade of hand bombs, directed principally at that part of the line occupied by the Bucks men. Despite their being little or no cover for the machine-gun section, amid a hurricane of grenades Corporal Gostelow stood coolly by his gun, and poured round after round into the very midst of the grenade-throwers. When the attack petered out he was told that he had accounted for a large number of Germans, and that by his action having done much to keep the attackers in their own lines, he had saved the lives of many of his comrades.

Lance Corporal Gostelow is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Gostelow, of 183, Newport Road, Stantonbury, and is believed to be the first of the Bucks Territorial Battalion to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Aged 18 (his birthday being January 13th) he has been in the Bucks Territorials for four years, and was employed in the fitting shop at Wolverton Carriage Works. At the outbreak of war he immediately volunteered for active service, and after training with the Battalion at Chelmsford went to France with the advance party last March. He has three other brothers engaged in fighting on one front or another, and these include Sergeant H. Gostelow, of the 2nd Hants. Regiment, who, having been wounded at the Dardanelles, is now at Malta. His sister, Miss Millicent Gostelow, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gostelow, on Thursday, October 7th 1915 at St. James Church, Stantonbury, married Artificer Frank Howell, of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He is the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Pelham Howell, of Windsor Street, Wolverton, and before the war had served his apprenticeship at the Wolverton Carriage Works. He readily volunteered at the outbreak of war, and as an experienced artificer was attached to the Mountain Battery branch of the Royal Garrison Artillery, this being stationed in India at the start of hostilities. He went to France in December and has taken part in many of the great battles. He was granted a six and a half day leave to get married, and then returns to the front.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 15th

Mrs. Davies, of 90, Jersey Road, Wolverton, has received a letter from the Chaplain, the Rev. R.H. Beasley, Anzac, Gallipoli, that her husband, Private A Davies, 1/4th Northants. Territorials, died on September 27th, from a gunshot wound that penetrated his abdomen.

He was aged 26, and leaves two children. His mother lives in Bedford Street, and before the war he served his apprenticeship as a coachpainter in Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 15th

Lance Corporal J. Jacks, 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes to his parents in Young Street, Wolverton;

“I have got slightly wounded to-day (Oct. 5), and I shall soon be all right.”

W.E. 1915 Oct. 22nd

Private Walter Carroll, 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been killed in France. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Carroll, of 21, High Street, Stantonbury, and would have been 22 next month. The story of how he, and his best friend Bugler Walter Burnell, of Newport Pagnell, is told in a letter to Mrs. Carroll from Captain N.J. Peirson;

“I feel I must write a few words of sincerest sympathy for you in the loss of your son. 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 the men. Your son was the best shot in his platoon, and a real good soldier. His loss will be very greatly felt. His great friend, Bugler Burnell, was also amongst the killed. They were never far apart.”

Second Lieutenant W.A. Young writes;

“It is with a very sad heart that I am sending you these few lines how your brave boy 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, all of them 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 great loss. Your boy met his death doing his duty manfully, and you may well be proud of such a son.”

Before the war Private Carroll had been employed in the bakery department of the Bradwell branch of the Wolverton Industrial and Provident Society for seven years.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 22nd

A letter addressed to the editor, a sequel to a previous letter.;

“Sir, - We have had brought to our notice the sarcastic letter from a writer in the “Wolverton Express” who signs himself T.H.W.

With regard to the question of us having been in the fighting line being a perfectly reasonable one to ask of men on leave; if T.H.W. had asked the relatives of our pals who have been killed or wounded on nearly every occasion we have been in the trenches which has now extended over a period of six months, he would have heard something that would have made his ears tingle. With regard to manufacture of munitions: there would have been no need for the extra work if T.H.W. and others like him had come forward at the right time when men were urgently wanted; but we can quite understand the view a man who would write a letter like T.H.W. takes of the situation, namely, that he can best serve his country (and himself) by hanging back until there is a shortage of men, to then hide himself. Before said (sic) under the manufacture of munitions plea and incidentally take in £3 or £4 a week with overtime in comfort, ease and safety while his pals to whom he addresses his sarcastic letter are risking their lives out here on the front firing-line for 1/- per day. If T.H.W. thinks he is playing his part as well as the married men with families dependant on them, who are fighting out here, and of whom we have had in our company alone, one killed leaving a widow and five little girls under eleven years of age and another leaving a widow and three children, we can only pity the view he takes of his duty to his country.

B.S. 1915 Oct. 23rd

Gunner J. Hanson, of the 112th Heavy Battery, 3rd Heavy Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, is the son in law of Mr. John Tandy, of Victoria Street, Wolverton. He was formerly employed in the laundry department of Guy’s Hospital, and his medical actions on the battlefield have been reported in a recent issue of ȁGuy’s Hospital Gazette,’ which ublished the following letter;

“Dear Sir. I should like to bring to your notice the extremely good services rendered by J. Hanson, who was employed at Guy’s for about ten years prior to his joining the Army at the beginning of the war. On the 1st of August our billets were heavily shelled, one shell striking a house close by, which was full of women and children. One child was killed, and two women and six children wounded. My men got them out of this house under some form of cover, and Gunner Hanson at once started to attend to the wounded. Our medical officer was on the spot, but devoted himself entirely to the two most serious cases, and Hanson dealt with all the others without instructions, and was highly praised by the medical officer for the skill and rapidity with which he worked under most trying conditions. I have submitted Gunner Hanson’s name for mention in dispatches, but owing to the very large number of men whose conduct calls for such an honour, by far the greatest number are, of necessity, cut out, and so I am writing to let you know, as I am sure it must be a matter of interest to hear of good work being done by one of your late staff. It is not everybody who can keep his head under shell fire, and apply the knowledge that he has acquired in civil life.

112th Heavy Battery, 3rd Heavy Brigade,
R.G.A., B.E.F.”

Gunner Hanson’s father in law, Mr. Tandy, served for many years in the Northamptonshire Regiment, and one of his sons is a sergeant in the same regiment. He is presently at home recovering from sickness, but expects to shortly return to the front.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 29th

Private W. Godfrey, of the 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, has written to his parents in Church Street, Wolverton, to say that he was wounded in the Dardanelles. The wounds comprise shrapnel in the left knee, one through his neck, and another through his left shoulder, but are not serious. The men were singing hymns on a Sunday evening when the Turks dropped half a dozen shells right over them. Of their company, the first wounded him and another man from Missenden, and eleven men from other regiments.

W.E. 1915 Oct. 29th

News has been received that Lance Corporal Horace, of the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards, was killed in action in France on September 27th. The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Lawson, of Church Street, Wolverton, on the outbreak of war he enlisted in the 4th Hussars, and was drafted to Curragh, Ireland. Here he met with an accident, and following an operation he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards, to be stationed at Caterham, and then Warley Barracks. He was married on August 15th and left for the Front the next day. Aged 23, he had been employed as a printer at Sherborne, Dorset.

Lines written by the late Lance Corporal Lawson;

W.E. 1915 Nov. 5th

Writing home to his wife at Ledsam Street, Wolverton, Gunner W. Mason, of the R.F.A., says that he has been recommended by the Major General to General French for the D.C.M. He encloses a card on which two specific dates of his bravery are recorded;

“Your commanding officer has informed me that you have distinguished yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field on September 25 and October ? I have read his report and although promotions and decorations cannot be given in every case I should like you to know that your gallant action is recognised and greatly appreciated.

Aged 32, Gunner Mason went through the South African War, for which he received two medals and four bars. He has a wife and three children, a fourth having died whilst he has been on military service, and volunteered for the Army at the outbreak of war. Previously he was employed at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1915 Nov. 12th

A letter to the editor;

“Sir, - We, the undersigned, being readers of your most valuable paper would be greatly obliged if you will accept this short letter for publication. I might in the first place state that we are members of the 31st Field Ambulance of an Irish Division (10th) and are coachmakers of Wolverton Carriage Works. We left Ireland on the 30th April amid cheers of an Irish crowd for mobilisation at Basingstoke and were ordered for foreign service on July 10th. After spending three weeks on the briny ocean we found ourselves landing at Lemnos but only for a few days as we were ordered to move in haste and were taken aboard, to where, of course, we were not told. The following morning we were surprised to find ourselves alongside a battleship which was pouring forth its deadly message on to the Turkish position, which later in the day the 10th Division were to capture or at least try to capture. I might say that the whole of the Division were taken ashore by lighters, which, to everybody’s sorrow, were unable to reach the land within a few yards which caused all to wade ashore waist deep. Then came the disastrous part of the affair, for no sooner had the infantry stepped ashore than the roar of land mines were heard and bodies were seen in the air completely shattered, a scene one could never forget. I might add that this did not discourage the brave men of the 10th Div. (particularly the Dublin and Munster Fusiliers). Then came the work of advancing up the hills with fixed bayonets, as, by what infantry men tell us, their rifles were useless, being jammed by sand and water. Work went on successfully, but, of course, not without our ambulance men being needed as a great many were wounded. In a matter of three days great advances were made which made very hard work for our “meddies” for stretchers had to be carried above two miles over very rocky country, to say nothing of the horrors of shrapnel, which caused us to find cover for our patient and ourselves for a time. After a matter of a fortnight our Division was ordered to take up a position on the extreme right and great work was done by them, as Chocolate Hill was captured in fine style. This success was of great advantage to our Corps as it formed an ideal dressing station after the Engineers had blasted and built up a place in the side quite near the top, to use the words of our fellows, it was too near, as shrapnel and high explosives were very unwelcome for some considerable time. Sorry to say we have no time to continue this letter, so will close by wishing your paper all success, from

31st Field Amb.,
30th Infantry Brigade,
10th Division,
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force,
Suvla Bay.

P.S. - Will continue letter at first opportunity.”

W.E. 1915 Nov. 19th

From ‘somewhere in France,’ Bugler Harry Langley, of the 1st Bucks Battalion, writes to his mother at 3, School Street, Stantonbury;

“We are still doing our bit for our King and country, and the ones at home, who are so dear to us. We have been having some real rough weather lately, but we must expect it now. I will tell you of a little experience which we had the other day. Two of my mates and myself were in a sap and a shell came over and knocked half the sap in where we were on sentry; it buried two of our rifles, but thank God it never hit any of us. At first thought my mate had got buried with it, but when I looked around he was quite alright. I said to him, “That was a near one, wasn’t it?” and he said “Yes, they like to knock at the front door now and again in case they don’t make us hear round the back.” We get on a bit better now for little knick-knacks, as we have got a wet and dry canteen now, which we had not got when we first came out here, but it don’t seem so good as the stuff we get from good old “Blighty.” We have just come out of the trenches for a few days’ rest, and I must tell you we didn’t half look a picture. I should have liked some of the people in our district at home to have seen us, especially some of them who ask our fellows, who go home on leave, if we have actually been in the first line of trenches; it would have given them some idea what we are going through. I suppose some people think we only have to look out for Huns, but I can assure them there is always plenty of work to do with the pick and shovel, and we shall all be first-class navvies if we get the luck to get through this. We have had a very bad time in the trenches this time, as the rain has made the trenches fall in, and we have been busier than ever building them up and baling out the water; but I hope this will soon end, as it is getting a bit stale now. We grumble a bit at times, but we are all glad we are doing our bit for the honour of the Old Country.”

W.E. 1915 Nov. 19th

Regarding the death of his son, who was killed in action in France on September 27th, the following letter has been received by Mr. W. Lawson;

“Dear Mr. Lawson. - I am glad to be able to send you a few particulars of your son’s military career and death. He was killed on the 27th September, the day on which we attacked and took a portion of Hill 70, and was buried (our padre officiating) at the back of a small wood which we took. Our company leading the attack. Your son had recently been made a Corporal, and was a brave man, an excellent soldier, and was a loss to his Company and the Regiment. I am glad to be able to tell you that I believe he died at once (being shot by a bullet probably from a machine gun) and suffered no pain. I am sorry to have to write you such a sad letter, but feel that you must be proud of your son and the way in which he saved the country. I am afraid that owing to the circumstances it would not be possible to identify your son’s grave after the war.

W.E. 1915 Dec. 17th

Letters of thanks have been received from the recipients of parcels sent by the Wolverton Christmas Fund;

December 8th, from H.S. Knight, 4207, B Co., 1st Regt., S.A. Infantry, Bordon;

“Will you please allow me space in your valuable paper to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton and the committee of the Christmas fund for the lovely and most welcome present which I have just received. It is very gratifying to know that we who are trying to do our best for our country are not forgotten by those who, for divers reasons, are not able to take an active part in the campaign now raging over Europe. Although I am in a Colonial regiment, Wolverton is always my home, and I hope that when the “Springboks” are called upon we shall be as successful as we were in the German South West African campaign. Again thanking you, and wishing all the compliments of the season.”

Another letter reads;

“Sir, - I am pleased to say that I received the parcel quite safely, and I thank the inhabitants of Wolverton very much for their kindness. The articles enclosed were very acceptable and useful, and I wish all the donors a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. - I remain, Yours respectfully,

Att. 3rd Queen’s R.W.S.”
Gunner H.W. Jones, 81st Siege Battery, 7th Brigade, R.G.A., B.E.F., France, writes;

“Would you kindly find room in your valuable paper for a few lines of thanks in acknowledgment to a parcel I received yesterday from Selfridges, Ltd., which contained Christmas fare and a card enclosed wishing me all good luck from the inhabitants of Old Stratford. I think it is very kind of them to think of the boys who are doing their bit, and my best wishes to them all for a Merry Christmas and a brighter New Year, and I hope by next Christmas that we shall have finished the Huns and spend Christmas at home.”

Sapper F.J. Bennett, E.A.R.E., Bedford, writes;

“Will you kindly allow me through the medium of your popular paper to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for the splendid Christmas gift which I received this week, and also return the good wishes enclosed.”

Arthur Garrett, R.N.R., writes;

“I shall feel obliged if you will thank the kind friend at Stony Stratford who so kindly sent me a parcel. I have not the slightest idea who sent it. I am a great reader of the ‘Wolverton Express,’ and always look for it every Monday.”

W.E. 1915 Dec. 24th

Sapper S. Swain, 2191, 4/1st Field Coy., East Anglian Royal engineers, writes;

“Would you kindly find space enough in your valuable paper, which I receive every week, to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for the splendid gift I received last week. I can say that I feel quite proud to think that everybody at home tries so hard to make our Christmas pleasant under the present circumstances. Last, but not least, thank the ladies who worked so hard to pack all the parcels for Christmas. Wishing the Committee and Wolvertonians, and the Editor of the ‘Wolverton Express’ a merry Christmas and a much happier New Year.”

Sergeant H.A. Hayes, R.A., with the B.E.F. in France writes;

“Will you kindly allow me through your columns to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for their kindness in sending me such a useful and acceptable Christmas parcel. My associations with Wolverton only date from the autumn manoeuvres of 1913, but they have always been most pleasant, and it is very gratifying to me to think that I am now almost considered as belonging to Wolverton, which by the way I am very proud of, especially when one considers that the Manoeuvre Romance (as some styled it) had its sequel only last June in St. George’s Church, thus binding me still closer to Wolverton. During my seven years’ service I have been stationed in a good many places, both at home and abroad, but I have yet to see the place where soldiers could be made more at home or be more appreciated than we were at Wolverton. It is an extraordinary coincidence, but only a fortnight ago I went to a certain hospital in this country to see a driver who was with my battery whilst we were at Wolverton, and during the conversation he asked me, with a queer smile on his face, whether I had been to Wolverton since the war - he knowing I was invalided from the front last year. When I told him what occurred there last June, he just replied, ‘Ah well, I am not surprised; they were a bonny lot of girls, and the people there were IT,’ and that just sums it up. Now, sir, again thanking the good people of Wolverton, and wishing them all a happy Christmas and a brighter New Year.”

Trooper W.E. Dormer, 1920, 3/1st Beds. Yeomanry, “C” Squadron, Cavalry Barracks, Colchester, writes;

“I hope you will insert in your weekly paper my thanks to the people of Wolverton for the topping parcel you sent me. It is very gratifying to know that our services to the country are so well appreciated by the people of Wolverton, and under conditions such as we are amongst, such recognition is a great stimulant to us. The contents of the parcel could not have been better, and I heartily wish the people of Wolverton the compliments of the season.”

Private H.J. Knight, No. 09261, B.E.F., France, writes;

“Will you kindly allow me through the medium of your paper, to thank the inhabitants of Wolverton for their kindness in sending me a parcel, which I highly appreciated. It is nice to feel we are not forgotten while so far away. Thanking all once more.”

B.S. 1915 Dec. 25th

During training, Private George Monk, of the Army Cyclist Corps, contracted an illness and was initially treated in Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot. From there he was transferred to Brompton Hospital, where from rapid consumption of the throat he died on Friday, December 17th. With full military honours he was laid to rest in Wolverton Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, this being the first occasion since its opening that the public were refused admission, with only the mourners being allowed to enter until the end of the ceremony. Carrying reversed arms, a firing party of 24 men of the Norfolk Reserves had preceded the cortege to the burial ground, and behind the relatives came a 40 strong detachment of the same regiment, under Colonel Beck. Aged 31, Private Monk was the eldest son of the late George and Elizabeth Monk, of Wolverton, and served his apprenticeship in the brass finishing shop of Wolverton Carriage Works under his father. A younger brother is on active service in France with the Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs).

B.S. 1916 Jan. 1st

Bandsman G. Odell, of Stantonbury, has received the following message from the Major-General commanding the 48th South Midland Division in France;

“Your commanding officer and Brigade Commander inform me that you have distinguished yourself by your conduct in the field on the 18th December. I have read their report with pleasure.”

This will possibly lead to the award of the D.S.M., and details of the circumstance have been given in a letter sent to Mrs. Scragg, of 23, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, from her son, Buglar J. Scragg, who is serving with Bandsman G. H. Odell;

“It was very misty in the morning, and a party of our chaps went out in front of the trenches. Of course, George had to be in it. He and another chap went into a German sap-head - that is a trench which they hold all night - and got all the bombs out of it, and several other things that were any good, and brought them to our trench. That was one good day’s work. The next morning it was again very misty, and George and another chap went out and got another bomb from the sap-head. As they were coming back the mist cleared, and they were seen by the Germans, who turned a machine gun on them. The chap George was with got hit in both legs. They lay down at once, and George bandaged his comrade’s wounds and then carried him back in safety to our own trenches.”

The soldier whom Bandsman Odell rescued, at great risk to his own life, was Private George Fred Hill, of Bletchley. He was also a Territorial, and who prior to the war had been a finisher in the carriage works at Wolverton.

W.E.1916 Jan. 14th

The following are extracts from letters received from a Wolverton Territorial in France; (Christmas frivolities).

“Dec. 29th . . . . The parcel arrived to-day fairly safely, but it had been through the mill, “some,” but the pork pie made a fine feast. Just now I am in a private house, and we have meals in decency; sitting round a table and having knives and forks and plates, and its - tres bon and altogether it looked a treat to see so fine a spread. . . . Your letter contained a list of things which I did not find in the parcel. First of all, please do not send me a body belt. We don’t wear them out here now. Secondly, I missed the supply of matches which I always find so useful, and only two candles. Well, I hate grumbling. . . . You do not mention having received the French aeroplane dart, but perhaps it has not yet reached you, it is very interesting, though. . . . We did not have at all a bad Christmas out here. On Christmas Eve, a French family very kindly allowed us to use a room in their house to have our Christmas feast. Four of us put our parcels together, and we had quite a spread; it was a treat, and we all quite enjoyed it. We had had a big pork pie, followed by hot Christmas plum pudding; then we had mince pies, and finished up with cake. We found we could not touch potted meats or biscuits, and after we had finished we all had the very unusual (out here sensation) of feeling satisfied. . . . On Christmas Day we each had a “small bass” and a large mince pie, issued, and several times during Christmas week we had hot plum pudding issued, in fact, I believe, with our parcels we lived as well out here as we should have done in England, and in spite of other disadvantages I quite enjoyed it. We went roller skating several times, the charge being only 1d, inclusive! We really had a great time. I expect you received the programme of the pantomime, it was good, and a real scream all the way through. One fellow made a fine girl, and he had his dress properly made in the town, and he really looked quite fetching in pink. . . .

I meant to write a really fine epistle to you, but the news has gone, so perhaps I shall be able to write a better letter in a day or two.”

W.E. 1916 Jan 28th

A letter to the editor from the Wolverton boys at Salonica;

“Sir, - Will you please convey through your paper the heartfelt wishes of my chum and me to the people of Wolverton for their welcome parcels just received? We need hardly say how nice it is to think our own people still remember us who are so far away. I expect they are surprised to know we are so many miles away. Needless to say we were, but I am glad to say we are all well and quite happy. We have spent an enjoyable Christmas, as far as possible. Of course we don’t expect Christmas trees or iced cakes out here, but we had some fresh meat for a change, and received the “Daily News and Leader’s” plum pudding, which was very acceptable, you can bet. I think those of our comrades in France have the best of this deal as we cannot count on having any of our parcels or letters, and the difficulty it is to get our food up to us, but you may be sure the A.S.C. do their best, We have had a very trying time since we landed here, as we have the job of making the fortifications of Salonica, and now we are waiting for the day when we can make them pay, which I don’t think is very far off. Well, on behalf of my chum and myself, will you convey to our people at home our best wishes for a prosperous New Year and hope they will have the pleasure of welcoming their dear ones home and knowing we two shall be among them. Thanking you for this pleasure, and Mr. ----- for his card enclosed in my parcel. We remain, yours faithfully, R. Petts and S. J. Bull, 7th Oxon and Bucks L.I., 15 Platoon, “D” Co., Salonica Army.”

“Sir, - Will you kindly allow a small space in your newspaper to thank all the inhabitants of Wolverton who kindly contributed towards our Christmas parcel. We appreciate all your efforts, and it came in very useful to us in this part of the world. We wish you all at home a brighter year than the year which has passed, and may the old Empire be crowned with success.

We remain, yours loyally,
Pte. H. J. JERHAM, No. 12868.
Pte. F. J. ALLEN, No. 13346.
Pte. J. RISELEY, No. 13245.
Pte. J. SCRIVENER, No. 12860.

Salonica Army, Jan. 12th, 1916.”

W.E. 1916 Jan. 28th

Extracts from a letter recently received from a Wolverton (Territorial), somewhere in France;

“17-1-16 xxx — My nice little holiday has just come to an end. I had quite a shock when we were marching up yesterday and a gun went off just beside us; nearly jumped out of my skin. It is funny how it affects you when you have been away from things for a time. I have not been able to write that nice long letter promised, and truth to tell nothing much has happened. One thing whilst I remember it, I gave some of the neuralgia pills to our Corporal Stretcher Bearer, and he took one himself, and has given some to other fellows who have had teeth trouble. He says they are fine and also the other fellows he gave them to were cured, so he asked me if I would write to you for some more, and he would pay me for them. He hasn’t got much money, though; so I told him I would write and he needn’t trouble about the money. If you send me some you will be doing something for the fellows out here, and toothache out here is an abomination. . . . I am writing this in a sort of dug-out, sitting on a spring mattress. Last night I slept on it, and it was most comfortable, except that the draught from the entrance caught our feet, and I woke up several times feeling icy cold. To-night the ground will be quite good enough for me. . . . I have not got my new boots yet, as the sergeant insisted on repairing my old ones, although he admitted they’d hardly hang together. I don’t think they . . . Censored . . . We have just had news of 4 D.C.M.’s awarded to our Company, and now hold the record, as we now have about 6 in our Company. These were earned the day before I came home on leave. It’s fine, and the Colonel said he would rather be with our Company than any other if there was anything doing. If I don’t feel like writing, it is absolutely out of my power to write a decent letter. . . . Has V. been called up yet? I think soldiering will make a man of him, but I hope both he and R. may be spared the misery of coming out here. When will it all finish, I wonder? Things seem to get worse instead of better, and I certainly think the end is by no means in view yet. . . . My chum has just been home to “Blighty,” so I am in luck’s way, actually smoking a cigar. . . .”

W.E. 1916 Jan. 28th

On January 12th, Lance Corporal May and Privates E. Wootton and F. J. Kilsby, 7th Wilts., write to the editor from Salonica;

Having been fortunate enough, through the generosity of one of our Wolverton friends, to receive a copy of your valuable paper each week, I see you are delighted to receive letters from any of the boys who are doing their bit in this titanic struggle, and we ask to be allowed, through your kindness, to send a few lines for insertion in your columns.

After sixteen months of Army life we now find ourselves confronted with a severe task, the 7th Wilts., or otherwise known as the “Marlborough Darlings,” or the “Smart Sevenths,” sailed from Southampton about the middle of September and landed safely in France. Then we got a move on towards the firing line, being placed in the Reserve Division on the great advance, but in this part of the campaign our time was short, and we were ordered on the move again. In three months’ time we were entrained for Marseilles in the “Sunny South,” and here we were soon all aboard for the Eastern theatre of war. After a pleasant, if somewhat exciting journey, we were landed at Salonica, and oh! what a difference to the Old Country; but I don’t think I’ll attempt to tell you much about Salonica (perhaps on some future date the boys will be able to tell you more). Immediately after our landing we were marched to our camp among the hills, and I can assure you that the task of pitching camps and making roads amongst this rough part of the Balkans is no light one. But don’t be alarmed, the boys are fit and well, determined to do their bit, and now I can tell you that amongst the “Wilds of the Balkans” we’re now settling down to it, and along with the boys of the 7th O. & B. L. I. the Bulgars will find some hot stuff. But that is not the only enemy we have to face here. The weather is very changeable and somewhat trying, and water is a great drawback, but still we hope in spite of these difficulties to prove that the stuff from Wolverton and district is no sham, and I’m pleased to say that after 17 weeks of active service the “Smart Sevenths” are still holding their reputation they gained in England. Now, I’m afraid we shall have to close, but I hope these few lines will catch the eye of some father or mother who has a son or relative in the 7th Wilts., and just a line to the boys who are still in the old town. Don’t forget the Old Flag must be kept at top mast. Our experience teaches us that no other can beat it, and we’re not “Downhearted yet.” I’m pleased to tell you that our band is creating quite a sensation amongst the troops in the Balkans, and here again we’ve some fine talent from “North Bucks.” Hoping these few lines will meet with your kind approval.”

W.E. 1916 Jan. 28th

Private E. Wootton, 7th Batt. Wilts. Regiment, is with the Salonica Force, and on January 12th writes to the editor;

“I was delighted to receive to-day the parcel so kindly sent me. I’m sure its contents are very acceptable and useful, especially in this country where such luxuries are few and far between. As you are all aware our task is somewhat hard and often-times rough, but it cheers us all to know that our friends we have left behind are still doing their bit, and helping to cheer us along on our difficult journey. In closing, I thank you all once again, and hope ere soon the day will come when we are able to return and resume our civilian duties amongst the friends of Wolverton, after having the satisfaction of accomplishing our task in this Titanic struggle. Wishing you all bright and prosperous New Year and every success in your labours.”

W.E. 1916 Feb. 4th

In connection with the Gallipoli operations, in his despatches on December 11th, 1915, temporary Lieutenant C. L. Mason, Motor Cyclist Section, Royal Engineers, was amongst the officers mentioned by Sir Ian Hamilton. Mr. Mason is the Works Manager of the London and North Western Railway Co.’s Carriage Works at Wolverton, and on the outbreak of war proceeded on mobilisation to his unit, the Royal Engineers, as a Motor Cyclist. Being soon sent to France, he saw much action for some time, but on receiving his commission he was for awhile in the vicinity of Bedford. He then left for Gallipoli, and when seen at Cairo was looking “exceedingly well.

W.E. 1916 Mar. 10th

Drummer E. Grant, of the 7th Wilts. Transport Co., Salonika Forces, writes to the Editor: “I was delighted to find in one of your recent issues of the ‘Wolverton Express,’ a letter from some local talent serving in the Balkan campaign, and I ask if I may be allowed the favour of an insertion in one of your future editions. I am also favoured with the opportunity of reading the columns of your Wolverton Special, which I can assure you is a great pleasure to us situated in this position, thousands of miles from our homes and friends. I am pleased to hear that our Bucks Terriers are still proving their worth on the Western Front, and on behalf of the local lads out here who are standing to their task and ready to fight for the glories and freedom which we in the past have all enjoyed and also looking forward to in the future when we shall have put down for ever the tyranny of Europe. We all love to read and learn of the local talent, and I believe the people who we have left behind love to hear what our local lads are doing, and also where they are doing it. We are fortunate enough to have a few hundreds of the Wolverton and district lads out here, and I am voicing their opinion in these few lines I am writing to enlighten their friends. I see the writers of the former letter ‘are not down-hearted yet.’ That’s the style, although I can assure you it’s not all honey (if we get plenty of jam), but we must still stick it and see it through to a final and decisive victory. Just a word to the parents of the local lads. Don’t forget your boys who are still taking the strain and brunt of this scientific war. I don’t suppose there are many left out of the service now, but take my tip and be in at the finish to share the spoils. Thanking you sincerely, I remain, Yours.”

W.E. 1916 Mar. 10th

Bugler S. Wildman and Private H. Yates, of the South Midland Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, attached 1st Mounted Brigade, 15th Army Corps, B.M.E. Force, Egypt, write to the editor on February 17th;

“Will you kindly find a space in your weekly paper for a few lines from the boys of Stony Stratford Field Ambulance, who are now in Egypt enjoying a well deserved rest after such a hard task that they had to perform in Gallipoli. Though we are miles away on the desert - for no town is in view - we are making a miserable life happy, although there are several of our fellows at home; and they have, I’m sure, proved themselves hard working men. Unfortunately, we have had a long spell of illness in hospital in Egypt, but glad to say are now in the best of health. Though we are regular readers of the home paper, it is very seldom our little unit ever gets mentioned, for we have now been out in the East close on 12 months, and have had some very hard and trying times, although Egypt seems to be fairly peaceful and quiet at present. We have other things to fight against, and one is disease, for this country is overrun with it, and one cannot be too careful as regard what he eats, for the race of people we have to be contented with can never be trusted. Roll on the time when we get to Blighty, for we shall be more than pleased to get amongst civilisation once again, and return to our civilian duties, for one often reflects his mind to his daily routine which he had been used to. Hoping you will oblige, from two of the boys who are left from the Woodbine Dugout.”

W.E. 1916 Mar. 17th

Private Bert Hewitt, of the 6th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been killed in action. Aged 25, he was the second son of the late Mr. Samuel Hewitt and Mrs. Millen, of 38 Caledonian Road, Stantonbury, and from his employment as a painter, at Wolverton Carriage Works, enlisted soon after the outbreak of war. In a letter, Lieutenant G. E. Middleditch writes;

“I am very sorry to have to tell you that your son has been killed in action. I was not in the same part of the line at the time so cannot tell you much about it. From what I hear he was hit by a piece of shell, and died a few minutes afterwards. Your son was in my platoon for about six weeks, and came to me a long time ago for training as a grenadier. He was one of the smartest lads I had, and never groused however bad the conditions.”

W.E. 1916 Mar. 31st

Private Walter Cross, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been killed in action. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Cross, of 1, High Street, Stantonbury, and had been employed in the Wolverton Carriage Works as an apprentice gas fitter. He would have been 20 years of age next June. He joined the army in September, 1914, and his parents have received a very sympathetic letter from the Chaplain, the Reverend G. G. Helm, who stated that Private Cross was killed by a shell, being buried the following day in the Military Cemetery, in the presence of as many officers and men as could be spared. The Reverend adds that the battalion would place a cross on the grave. A second letter, from Captain A. Lloyd-Baker, states that Private Cross was in a front trench, into which a shell dropped. He was killed instantly.

W.E. 1916 Mar. 31st

Lance Corporal A. Stephenson writes to the editor;

“A piece of poetry composed by the men of my section, who have stood the strain of this war, not one of them having less than fifteen months in France, hoping you will accept this and be able to find room in your most valuable paper. It is something which some of the old boys will understand.

W.E. 1916 Mar. 31st

From France, Sergeant T. P. Hopcroft, of the 1st Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes;

“No doubt by this time all Wolverton has the tale that we have been shelled, bombed, gassed, and half of us wiped out. Well, we have had the first three, but ‘wiped out’ does not apply to our battalion, although the others copped it. Well, it happened like this: On Saturday afternoon our platoon took over the firing line, and up to midnight everything was quiet and as peaceful as other days, except that Fritz was shouting at us and playing a concertina. At half-past ten an airship passed over and dropped a flare. It had turned midnight, and after our hot tea my sergeant chum and I tried to get a few minutes sleep. It seemed I had just got off when ‘Bang!’ I was on the floor, and with my chum and the two stretcher-bearers, who occupied our dug-out, all struggling together, tried to find out what was the matter. The shock of the explosion had blown me from the form, and the candle out too. While we were like this hell itself was let loose. Six ‘Miniwotters’ opened the ball, and as fast as they could get them off the German guns did so. When we had rooted ourselves out my gun was missing, and I snatched up a box containing 23 bombs, and with the Sergeant tried to get to the firing line, as our dug-out was twenty yards in rear. Three times we tried to get out, but were hurled back by explosions and not hurt. We managed it at last, and as hard as we could both made our way up. Shells were bursting everywhere. The place was lit up, and the smell of powder awful. We expected to find the line absolutely wiped out. As soon as we got to the fire trench Sergt. Stokes took the right turn and I took the left, and worked along until I got to Ted’s section, which was holding a barricade. I was surprised to see the fellows standing up to the parapet and sending shot after shot over to Fritz. I jumped up, and with my mouth close to the first man’s ear, shouted, ‘How goes it?’ Without turning his head or even stopping firing, he shouted back ‘All right, let the ------- come.’ I noticed every man had a pile of cartridges and two bombs against his hand. I next enquired about ‘Nips,’ and was told the officer had sent him with a message right back. Poor kid. I never expected to see him again. I made my way along enquiring about ammunition, and was knocked down twice, and I thought my time was up. I came across a man crouching down in the trench and caught hold of him and shouted ‘What the hell’s the matter?’ ‘I’ve stopped one, and I am taking a message to the signallers,’ he said. I found it was Corporal Munday. A piece of shrapnel had gone into his muscle about an inch. I then met the officer, ‘What are you doing Sergeant? ‘Carrying ammunition,’ I replied. He darted on after saying ‘Good work. This is ----- hell.’ It lasted almost an hour, and as it died down everyone was waiting for ‘Fritz. The lads were splendid. With teeth set they kept firing heedless of the roar and noise of the bursting shells. All of a sudden the officer who was on the firing platform with me sniffed and yelled out, ‘Gas! Hit that gong,’ and after hitting the gas gong everyone was struggling into gas helmets, which made us sweat a lot more. There was no wind, so the gunners must have shut it off, for after wearing the helmets half an hour we were able to roll them above our eyes, and have a good rest. Then it died down, and we saw nothing but smoke everywhere. At 3.30 in the afternoon everyone was feeling queer through the excitement. I had a note come to me at about 3 o’clock, as it was dying down, from J. Morris, saying he was shot, but only a slight wound in the neck.”

W.E. 1916 Apr. 14th

Private Frank Williams, of “D” Co., 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry at Salonica, sends the following letter to the editor;

“A very interesting football match took place last Friday, March 24, in the vicinity of Salonica between two Companies of the 7th Oxford and Bucks. L.I., who are now doing active service in Greece, the two Companies being ‘D’ Co, and the Headquarters Company. This match was played after the Tommies had had a hard days work with the pick and the shovel, kicking off at 5.30 with an Aegean breeze. ‘D’ Co, won the toss, and the Headquarters kicked off before a fair crowd, consisting of British and French troops. After a little even play the Headquarters were having all the game in their favour, and with a little excitement, Tolley, of the Headquarters, only just missed scoring. The Headquarters, only the sea breeze in their favour, were well over their opponents. Sherwood, at centre half, was showing his Northants. League form for the Headquarters, but was unable to find Lewis, the old Watford goalie weak, and as the whistle blew half-time it was no score. During the next half play was very even. E. Bennett, of the Headquarters, was very consistent at left half, but as the crowd emerged from the ground A. J. Ross placed the ball well in the goal mouth, and after a very excitable time, Laddie Brown scored the only goal of the match. Thus ‘D’ Company won by 1 goal to nil. Look out for further accounts of other matches later on. Hoping you are in the best of health, as it leaves me top hole. We are having extraordinary hot weather.”

Private Williams is the son of Mr. W. H. W. Williams, of Green Lane, Wolverton.

B.S. 1916 Apr. 15th

Private Walter Cross is officially reported to have been killed instantly when a shell dropped in a front line trench. Aged 18, he was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Cross, of High Street, Stantonbury, and enlisted in the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry a month after the outbreak of war. In civilian life he had been a gas fitter.

W.E. 1916 Apr. 21st

“The London Gazette” announces: “Major L. C. Hawkins to be Temp.-Lieut.-Colonel, Oxford and Bucks. L. Ifty. (T.).” Last week it had been announced that Major Hawkins had taken over temporary command of the regiment, following Lieutenant Colonel Doig being invalided home. Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins began his military career some 23 years ago, when on his coming to reside at Wolverton he was persuaded to take up a commission in the 1st Bucks Rifle Volunteer Corps. Gazetted a Second Lieutenant in the Wolverton Company, from there he ascended the ladder of military promotion to his present position, and on the outbreak of the South African war was one of the first officers to volunteer for service with the Volunteer Active Service Companies. This had been formed some little while after hostilities began, and, with the Service Company supplied by the Bucks Volunteers, he served with distinction throughout the campaign. On returning to this country, by continuing his military career he quickly obtained the much coveted captaincy, and as a keen soldier never missed an annual training. When Lieutenant Colonel Williams was promoted to full rank, and duly severed his connection with the Wolverton Detachment, Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins took over command, and the efficiency and discipline of the Companies would consequently be well maintained. He saw the transition from the Volunteer Corps to the Territorial Force, and was with his battalion on mobilization at the beginning of the war. In private life he is Manager of Messrs. McCorquodale and Co.’s Envelope Works at Wolverton.

(At about this time the assistant manager at McCorquodale’s, Hugh Vivian Combs, would be awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry. Taking casualties, the patrol of which he had command was attacked by superior numbers of the enemy, but he kept complete control during the withdrawal, and brought in the wounded under heavy fire. He is a temporary Captain in the County Territorial 1st Battalion, and apart from being a very keen officer, is also renowned as an all round sportsman.)

W.E. 1916 Apr. 28th

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Oldham, of 27, St. Giles’ Street, Stantonbury, have just received a communication from the War Office, stating that the death of their second son, Private John Oldham, of the Grenadier Guards, may be presumed. He was previously reported as missing on November 8th, 1914, after the first battle of Ypres. Private Oldham had served three years in the regiment, and on being called up on August 5th as a Reservist, he went out with the first Expeditionary Force. Prior to enlisting he worked in the Trimming Shop at Wolverton Carriage Works. Being a clever footballer, for two seasons he had captained the Bradwell Old Boys’ Football Club.

W. E. 1916 May 5th

Official news has been received that 28 year old Corporal Harry Townsend, of the 1st Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, had been killed in action in France on Saturday, April 22nd. He was the eldest son of Thomas and Agnes Townsend, foreman of the Coach Painters’ Department, Wolverton Carriage Works, and was by trade a finisher in Wolverton Carriage Works. On the outbreak of war he joined the 1st Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, and gained two promotions on the battlefield. He had been made full Corporal a month ago, and transferred to “B” Company from “C” Company. His brother, also serving with the Battalion, was informed that Corporal Townsend had been badly wounded, but when he arrived to see him being brought out was told the worst. The following letters have been received by his grieving widow, Ethel, of 175, Church Street, Wolverton, and mother;

“Brit. Ex. Force, 23 April, 1916 - Dear Madam, I very much regret to inform you that your husband, No. 2391, Corporal H. Townsend, has been killed in action. Although severely wounded in four places by bombs, he kept control of his men, some of whom were suffering the same fate as himself, until the Germans were driven off, and behaving generally in a splendid way during a very trying ordeal. I hope you will accept my sincere sympathy and also that of Captain L. W. Crouch and all N.C. Officers and men of “B” Company on your great loss. - Yours truly, H. Y. Combs, Captain.”

On April 26th, W. Dixon writes;

“Dear Madam, I am very sorry to have to inform you that your son, Corporal Townsend, who was in command of the section I am in, was wounded in action during the early hours of last Saturday morning, April 22, but died shortly afterwards, being conscious and of good cheer until the end. Although your son only joined our platoon about a matter of four or five weeks ago, he soon became popular, and was well respected by one and all. The short time your son lived after being hit I did everything possible with the greatest of willingness. He asked me to take his watch from his wrist and give it to his brother, and this has since been handed to your other son. He was buried with others of his comrades in a pretty little cemetery which we have made in an apple orchard in a ruined village just behind our trenches. He was one of the best non-commissioned officers the section has ever had, and it is impossible for me to put into words of how well the section spoke of him. Please be assured that you and your family have the deepest sympathy of all the comrades, especially this section, in your sad loss. Yours faithfully, W. T. Dixon.”

Private Townsend is buried in Hebuterne Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

W.E. 1916 May 12th

An official communication states that 31 year old Private Lewis Kent, of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was killed in action on April 5th. The third son of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Kent, of Stantonbury, he married the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Cornill, of 32, Oxford-street, Wolverton, and apart from a widow leaves two little girls. Having in his youth been a member of the Bucks Rifle Volunteers, whilst at camp at Sandgate, Kent, he rescued a comrade named Excell who was in danger of drowning. For this act of bravery he received the Royal Humane Society’s vellum certificate in 1900, and in 1908 he was presented with the Indian North-West Frontier medal. On leaving the army he was presented by General Gatacre with a framed emblem of the Warwickshires, but being in the Reserve he was called up on the outbreak of war. Experiencing the trying period of the opening stages in France, he was severely wounded in the thigh at the action of Neuve Chapelle, being later drafted with the Indian Expeditionary Force.

W.E. 1916 May 12th

On Tuesday, Mr. and Mrs. Brawn, of 7, Jersey Road, Wolverton, received news that having been wounded on Easter Sunday, their eldest son, 19 year old Driver Walter Brawn, 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade, Field Ambulance, had died in hospital in Egypt. (See the last part of this entry.) Before the war he served at Stony Stratford in the South Midland Brigade, with which he would have served five years next August. Having completed his apprenticeship in Wolverton Works as a body maker, he was called up at the outbreak of war, and during 18 months at the Front had seen a good deal of fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsular, ‘doing excellent work in the fight of Chocolate Hill.’ His father is Company Sergeant Major Walter Brawn, who, including active service in the Boer War, served the full period of 21 years in the Northants. Regiment, leaving with the rank of Colour Sergeant. He rejoined at the outbreak of war and for awhile was engaged in recruiting in the Wolverton district. He then took up instructional work, and, being promoted to Company Sergeant Major, became signalling instructor attached to the Hunts Cyclists Battalion.

This information was based on a communication from the Territorial Force Record Office, Warwick, which addressed to Mrs. Brawn stated;

“It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of No. 1546 Pte. W.B. Brawn, 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., which occurred with the Egyptian Exp. Force on the 23 Apr., 1916, and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss. The cause of death was from wounds received in action.”

A memorial service was subsequently held on the following Wednesday, and the family went into mourning.

However, on July 27th Mrs. Brawn would receive the following letter;

“Prisoner of War, Tuesday, June 5, 1916:- Dear Mother, - Just a line to let you know we are safe and sound and in good hands. Did you receive my last letter? I have got the fever. It makes the second time since I have been captured, but I am getting better now. I had not been up country more than three days. We are being well treated - could not be treated better. We have tobacco and wine and four meals a day. You might remember me to F. Adnitt, and Mrs. McLeod. Well, I cannot say any more now as I feel too bad. - I remain, - Your ever loving son, Walter.”

The censor having marked it “Four lines only allowed for reply,“ the envelope bears the wording; “Transmes par comite international de la croix-rouge, Geneve, Agence internationale des prisonniers de guerre.”

W.E. 1916 May 12th

Some three years ago Mr. E. W. G. Timbs, the son of Mrs. Timbs, of Church Street, Wolverton, packed up his traps and migrated to Australia. Having received his apprenticeship at Wolverton Carriage Works, he followed his trade as a coach-finisher, and was in Australia when the war broke out. He immediately offered his services to the Government, and - his five years as a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps at Stony Stratford standing him in good stead - joined the Army Medical Corps. Soon he gained promotion to the rank of Sergeant, and prior to his departure to Egypt was presented with the following illustrated testimonial, signed by the Mayor, the Town Clerk, and members of the Committee;

“For King and Country. - A tribute from the Citizens of William-town to Sergt. E. W. G. Timbs, Army Medical Corps, Australian Imperial Forces. In appreciation of his patriotism in enlisting for the services of the Empire, 1914-15.”

B.S. 1916 May 13th

The youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Kent, of 31, High Street, Stantonbury, was killed in action on April 5th. He was 34 year old Corporal Louis Victor Kent, of the 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who, having always been interested in soldiering, was in his younger days a member of the Bucks Volunteer Corps. In fact in 1900, at the camp at Sandgate he had rescued a comrade from drowning, and in recognition of his bravery received the vellum of the Royal Humane Society. Subsequently he joined the regular Army, and in 1908 received the Indian North-West Frontier medal. After 16 years service he then left the Army, being presented by General Gatacre on his departure with a framed emblem of the Warwickshires. He then passed the necessary exams for the post of army schoolmaster, having a short time before received a first-class certificate for education. At the outbreak of war he was called up on the Reserve, and in the early days of hostilities took part in much hard fighting in France. At Neuve Chapelle he was wounded in the thigh, and was later drafted with the Indian Expeditionary Force. He leaves a widow (the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Cornhill, of Oxford-street, Wolverton, and formerly of Newport Pagnell) and two little girls.

W.E. 1916 May 19th

Private H. Williams, of “D” Coy., 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Inafantry, Salonica Army, writes on April 20th, 1916;

“A very interesting football match took place on Tuesday evening, April 18, between ‘D’ Company of the 7th T. Batt., Oxfordshire and Bucks. Light Infantry, and “B” Co., 7th T. Batt., Wilts. Regt., the two teams being composed of talented players from Wolverton district to which the result was: Oxford and Bucks., 3; Wiltshires, 0. Of the Oxfords, Santo Wooding at full back was showing his old North Bucks League form, his accurate kicking being a great help to the team. The following comprised “D” Co.: Lewis; Wooding, Adams; Brown, Gammon and Bennett; Covington, Paskler, Cooper, Benfield, Clarke.”

W.E. 1916 May 19th

The following letter has been received from a Wolverton soldier, telling how the 7th Service Battalion Wiltshire Regiment spent their Easter holidays in Salonica;

“On the Thursday before Good Friday, Apr. 22nd, this Regiment started on a six-day Brigade field work along with the other Regiments which compose the Brigade; also three Companies of the 8th Batt., Oxford and Bucks (Pioneers). We marched from our camp at 8.30 a.m. through the village of Laina, from which place our Company formed the advance guard to the Brigade, marching for an hour and twenty-five minutes without a halt in a sweltering hot sun, carrying full pack, which was composed of haversack with rations in, water bottle full, and valise on the back in which was packed khaki overcoat, towel, and soap, hold-all with razor, etc., in woollen helmet, and air pillow, also 130 rounds of ball ammunition, which weigh 14lb, in themselves. Our first halt took us just through Langaza village, which is about half-way across Langaza Plain. After a five-minute halt we marched for another 50 minutes, then 10 minutes’ halt, and then on to the hills where the first night camp was to be. One blanket and waterproof was carried on pack mules for each man, and each camp arranged handy with mountain streams, and so there was always plenty of water. The first night we were in reserve to the outpost, so had to sleep with boots and puttees on ready, if called upon, which did not happen. Reveille Good Friday was at six o’clock, and this day our Company formed the rear guard for the Brigade. We did not shift above two miles before dinner, but after we travelled about 7 miles through the hills, often having to go in single file. The noticeable feature this day was the difference in the ground, most of it being cultivated, chiefly for rye and a kind of currant bush, where the ground between Salonica and the hills is all rough and stony ground. We camped that night near a village. During the night a little rain fell, but not enough to make us get up. The next day’s work proved to be our easiest all through, as an attack was arranged, we being in reserve to the firing line, and only covered about five miles altogether. Every night our rations were issued, which were composed of 1 tin of bully, 12ozs., and what amount of biscuits you wanted, but they were so jolly hard that four or five were quite enough; also there was a 1lb. tin of marmalade to every five men. The following day was Easter Sunday, and our work was a covering party to a rear guard. This was hard work as the ground was rough and very hilly, and we covered about nine miles of it that night. We camped on a hill and so had to dig out a place to sleep in. Rum was issued and so made things more comfortable. Easter Monday proved to be another hard day, we being a rearguard and having to go up and down some awful large hills, and you can guess our packs hung a bit by the end of the day. After this we marched to a camp at the foot of the hills, the opposite side of the plain to our home. Tuesday morning we started for home about 8 o’clock and marched about 12 miles across the flat, being met by our band about half-way, which helped to cheer us on our return journey. No doubt our men stuck the six-day field work extremely well, and I believe all finished, but several had a severe struggle up the hill into our camp, as the last lap was over an hour and broiling hot. We arrived back soon after midday to find a welcome mail in, and next day were given a day’s holiday to answer all the letters. I think the boys would have enjoyed it more if the packs had been lighter and the weather cooler, but still it was an experience for us all.”

B.S. 1916 May 27th

With full military honours, Private Frank Bowles, of the 2nd East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), who died on the 15th inst. in a London hospital, from wounds received in action, was buried in Wolverton Cemetery on Saturday afternoon last. Aged 33, prior to the war Private Bowles lived with his wife at Stantonbury, where he was much respected. In civilian life he was employed in the electric shop of Wolverton Works, and being called up as a reservist at the outbreak of war, he saw a good deal of hard fighting in France and Flanders. He leaves a widow and two young children.

W.E. 1916 June 2nd

From the trenches, Mr. and Mrs. H. Murlis, of 11, Buckingham Street, Wolverton, have received the following letter, dated May 24th, from a comrade of their son, Private Sidney Murlis, 8th Battalion, Bedfords;

“Am very sorry to tell you that during a very heavy bombardment, Syd was unfortunate and was wounded by bursting of shrapnel. It appears he and another left their dug-out as they did not wish to be buried alive, and took cover behind a sandbag parapet, but a shell burst close to them and both were wounded. It was a good thing he was wearing a shrapnel helmet, or it may have been very serious. I shall miss him as we were the only two from Wolverton in this Battalion, and have had some nice times together, even out here.

W.E. 1916 June 23rd

The following letter has been received by the parents of Private Albert Edward French, of the 18th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifles;

“In the Field, 16th June, 1916. - From the Adjutant, 18th Batt., King’s Royal Rifle Corps, to Mr. E. French, 60, Young-street, Wolverton. - Dear Sir, - I regret to have to inform you that your son, Rifleman French, A. E. M., was killed in action on the night of the 15th inst. Whilst expressing on behalf of the officers and other ranks of the 18th Batt., K.R.R. Corps, sincere sympathy with you in your sad bereavement, may I say that he died as a soldier should, bravely. He was hit by an enemy bullet whilst on special duty, and lived only for a few moments.”

(Private French was aged 16, and is buried in Hyde Park Corner (Royal Berks) Cemetery, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium.)

W.E. 1916 June 23rd

Last Saturday, during the return journey of King George from Scotland to London, after tea had been served to His Majesty at the usual hour the head waiter on the Royal train, Mr. Frank Wildman, was summoned, and ushered into the Royal presence by one of the Gentlemen in Waiting. The following exchange then took place;

“You have travelled with me a long time,” said King George. “Yes, Your Majesty,” replied the attendant. “I desire to make you a little present,” said His Majesty, and with that he handed Mr. Wildman a beautiful pin set in blue enamel, surmounted by the Royal monogram. Suitably awed, Mr. Wildman replied “Thank you very much Your Majesty.”

W.E.1916 June 30th

At the time that the late Sergeant Godley, of Stony Stratford, was killed in Egypt, it was reported that Privates Russell and Pass, of the R.A.M.C., were missing. However, it now seems that both Ambulance men are prisoners of the Turks. Mrs. Pass, of Green Lane, Wolverton, has received the following letter from Private Russell;

“I am writing a few lines to you for Alec, as of course you will know before now that he was taken a prisoner of war with several of us on Easter Sunday (not much of an Easter egg) but still we must not grumble, but keep smiling and looking on the bright side of things. Still the worst part about it is that Alec got wounded some few days after being captured, but he is going on fine. He was wounded in both hands and his shoulder, but nothing serious, and I think that when we are able to write again he will be right well and will write to you himself. Well, I cannot tell you a lot of news. However, you will be pleased to hear that they are treating us more like guests than prisoners. They are giving us good food and plenty of it. Of course it is not the same kind of food we are used to, still that will not matter. I had better not forget to tell you that Alec was wounded by bombs dropped from our own aeroplanes. Still, do not worry, as we were soon shifted and are now in a building, and I think in safety.”

W.E. 1916 July 7th

Lance Corporal King, Fort Widley Camp, Cosham, Hants., writes to the editor;

“Would you kindly grant me a small space in your valuable paper on behalf of the Wolverton boys and Cosham, in the 3rd Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry? We had a grand concert on Monday, consisting of songs, duets, and quartets, given mostly by local talent from North Bucks. Amongst whom were Lance-corpl. Wills and Lance-corpl. W. G. King, and the effort of the lads was greatly appreciated by a large audience. But still there is one thing which is lacking at our camp, and that is music, so if any kind friends at Wolverton have any spare music the sender of this letter would be greatly obliged if they would send it on to him for the lads’ benefit. The “Wolverton Express” is very much looked for in our camp. Hoping this letter will meet with some kind friends’ eyes.”

B.S. 1916 July 8th

Lance Corporal J. Thompson, of the Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, died on June 24th from wounds received in action in Flanders on June 24. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, of 26, King Edward Street, Stantonbury, have received a kindly message of condolence from the King and Queen, and in writing to Mrs. Thompson, the Reverend W. P. A. Green (chaplain) says;

“It is with the greatest regret that I write to let you know that your son died here on Saturday. He was very ill indeed when he arrived here in the convoy from the line early on Saturday evening. I saw him about an hour before he died. He is buried in the cemetery at St. Levan. His brother, who is in the R.A.M.C. here, attended his funeral yesterday. Try and think of it as a temporary separation rather than as an utter loss, and don’t leave him out in your prayers just because he has passed to the life of the world to come.”

Sergeant C. Fowler, of Lance Corporal Thompson’s platoon, writes;

“I am writing to tell you how we all sincerely sympathise with you in the loss of your son. We always found him to be a good soldier and a good comrade - always ready to do his duty in a cheery manner no matter what the circumstances were. He always had a pleasant word for everyone. I have never seen anyone so cheerful as Jimmy was the day he was hit. He was singing nearly all the time he was being bandaged up and while he was being carried out of the trench, which I might say was very characteristic of him. It may be of some consolation to you to know that he died doing his duty like an Englishman; a splendid example to a certain class who are trying to find any excuse to get out of doing their duty. I can assure you we are all very sorry for you in your great loss.”

Aged 19, before the war Lance Corporal Thompson had served for two years in the Bucks Territorials Regiment, and received his promotion on the French battle field. Prior to enlisting he was an apprentice in the fitting shop at Wolverton Works, and on hearing the sad news of his death his workmates subscribed to a beautiful wreath which last Sunday was placed on the Boer War memorial in Wolverton cemetery. His eldest brother joined Kitchener’s Army in the early days of the war and was invalided from Greece. Another brother is serving in the R.A.M.C. in France.

W.E. 1916 July 14th

Regarding their youngest son, 26 year old Sapper Albert Edward Sanders, Royal Engineers, Mr. and Mrs. C. Sanders, of 39, Oxford Street, Wolverton, have received the following letter from Captain F. A. Neill, Royal Engineers;

“I am deeply grieved to have to inform you that your son, Sapper A. E. Sanders, was killed in action on Monday night. Along with a section, he was engaged in wiring a trench captured from the enemy, when he was killed instantaneously by a shell which at the same time wounded two of his comrades. I had known your son 18 months, and during that time had many opportunities of learning his splendid capabilities. I feel that any sympathy I can offer you is so very small in comparison with your great loss, but I am sure you will find a great amount of consolation in that he died serving his King and country and doing his duty bravely and well. In him we have lost a good comrade. Will you please accept from all the officers and men of this company our deepest sympathy”

(Sapper Sanders was killed on Monday, July 3rd, 1916, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.)

W.E. 1916 July 14th

Rifleman Thomas Nichols, of the London Rifles, was wounded in the right arm by a shell on the opening day of the advance, and is now in a Canadian Hospital in France. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Nichols, 37, Church Street, Wolverton, to whom he writes that he had to crawl back to camp under cover of darkness, hiding in a shell hole up to his knees in water. He was at one time Secretary of the Wolverton Hockey Club, and when he left for South America the members presented him with a cigarette case. However, after the outbreak of war he left his responsible post on the Central Argentine Railway, and returned home to enlist.

W.E. 1916 July 14th

Mr. Edward North, of Green Lane, Wolverton, has received a letter from his son, Private T. North, of the 6th Battalion, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, stating that in the charge at Fricourt, on July 3rd, he was wounded in the muscle of his left arm, and is now in Middlesex War Hospital.

W.E. 1916 July 14th

Mrs. W. Morgan, of Wolverton, has received a letter from her husband, Company Sergeant Major W. Morgan, 2nd Battalion, Leinsters, stating that he was wounded in the back by shrapnel on July 6th, and is now in hospital. He has undergone his operation and is progressing favourably, the piece of shell having been extracted. A regular soldier, he has served nine years in the 2nd Leinsters, and was previously wounded at St.Eloi, in February 1915.

W.E. 1916 July 14th

On Tuesday morning an intimation was received by Mrs. Young, a widow, that her son, Private John Young, King’s Royal Rifles, was missing. The information stated that he had been selected as one of a party to raid the German trenches, and that he had not returned. On Wednesday morning Mrs. Young then received the following letter, signed by Privates J. George and J. Sable;

“I am very sorry to have to inform you that your son Jack has been reported missing. He was one of a raiding party that raided the enemy’s lines on the 2nd July. I express the hope that the worst has not befallen him, and that he may be a prisoner, as some of his comrades are also reported missing, and we are all hoping that news will be received of them. Should this hope fail I would like to offer you my sincere sympathy. Jack was a son to be proud of and was well liked by all his comrades, and should he have fallen he died doing his duty to his country and those at home, like a true Englishman.”

Before the war, Private Young had been a member of the Church Lads’ Brigade at Wolverton.

B.S. 1916 July 15th

A crew member of H.M.S. ‘Tiger,’ Chief Petty Officer Herbert Shackleford is in the Isle of Bute Hospital, suffering from gas poisoning received in the recent great naval fight. Of the engagement he has sent the following letter to his mother, who lives in Spencer Street, Stantonbury;

“Action stations were sounded at 3.45 p.m. This occasioned no surprise. We had been disappointed too many times for this to cause any excitement. This time, however, hardly had we reached our stations than we knew we meant business, and everyone was as pleased as Punch when the guns began to roar. The men worked with a will and as cool as the proverbial cucumber. My station places me in telephone communication with all parts of the ship. I am thus enabled to find out from time to time what is happening. I could hear the shells striking the sides of the ship every few minutes. We did splendid work, and it is marvellous how lightly we escaped considering we were heavily engaged from start to finish, during which time we (the battle cruisers and light cruisers and destroyers) engaged and hung on to the whole of the German High Sea Fleet until our Grand Fleet arrived. The battle of the Dogger Bank was a flea bite compared to this one. We had a rotten time of it in the action, 26 killed and 38 wounded. We were hit about 12 times, and there were holes in the bulkheads of the ship (that is inside here) you could drive a horse and cart through, but we sank one battle cruiser, one light cruiser, and 6 destroyers. We were just behind the Queen Mary when she blew up and sank, and just cleared her. The dirty swine were firing shells with gas bombs inside them. It was wonderful though how this ship got through it, as our battle cruisers and light cruisers and destroyers were engaging the whole of the German Fleet for four hours before our Grand Fleet came up, when enemy turned about and made for port as quick as they could. It is a great pity our Grand Fleet didn’t come on the scene earlier, then I feel certain there would not have been much left of the German navy. As it was we were trying to cut them off before they returned to port the next morning. The light was bad, and it so happened they were in a mist and we were between them and the setting sun. The consequence was we had to wait for them to fire and then fire at the flashes. We opened up the battle at 18,000 yards and finished up at less than 4,000 yards. Just fancy that, firing at each other at a distance of three miles with guns that will carry 21 miles.”

W.E. 1916 July 21st

Lance Corporal Arthur Stephenson, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes home to his mother, who lives in Windsor Street, Wolverton;

“I have had the misfortune to get wounded. It was only slight, and am very thankful, as it hit my head. I was on sentry at the time, and saw this German myself, and could easily have shot him. Up to now I have always given a German a sporting chance and remember many a time instead of throwing a bomb I have thrown a lump of chalk just to give a reminder that he could be hit. From now on I don’t care who and where it is if at any time I come across them they will be picking daisies up instead of drinking Lager beer in Berlin. I am all right and perhaps shall have rejoined my regiment by the time this reaches you. It was a near thing, but I don’t want you to worry, as I am quite well and only waiting to go out of the rest camp, which is not far from the firing line. I have had the luck to have new potatoes, cabbage, and roast meat for dinner, and am thinking I would like another scratch just to get a dinner like it again. It is a good bit of news I am letting you know - that your humble has been recommended for the Military Medal; four out of my Company counting myself. It might not go through, but am hoping it will as I deserve one and a rest after 23 months’ fighting and not ‘scrowging,’ (sic) as many are doing at the present time.”

W.E. 1916 July 28th

Lance Corporal A. Fincher, 2nd Bucks Battalion, was killed in action on July 19th. Aged 19, he was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Fincher, of 43, High Street, Stantonbury, to whom Second Lieutenant Floyd writes;

It is with feelings of deepest regret that I write to inform you of the death of your son, No. 1477, Corpl. A.O. Fincher. He was killed on the night of the 19th inst., whilst in charge of a machine gun section, and will be missed very much, as he was a general favourite, and a very efficient N.C.O. He was in my platoon and I considered him to be one of my best N.C.O.s. Again tendering you my sincere sympathy.”

Two brothers are in the Forces. One was wounded a while ago in France, and the other is at Salonica.

W.E. 1916 July 28th

Mrs. Phillips, of 128, Windsor Street, Wolverton, has received a notification that her son, Private C. Phillips, has been severely wounded in the left leg and lower jaw, and is now in the 37th Casualty Clearing Station. Writing to his mother he says;

“I have been wounded, being hit between knee and thigh in about ten places. It is a nasty leg and done up in irons. I also got a piece in my jaw to make it worse, but still keep never minding.”

W.E. 1916 Aug. 4th

Regarding her eldest son, Private S. Bissell, of the Royal Warwicks, Mrs. S. Bissell, of 23, St. Giles Street, Stantonbury, has received the following letter from Private Arthur W. Jencock, of the same regiment;

“As Sam and I promised each other to write home if either of us got hit, it is my very painful duty to tell you that he got killed in action on Monday, July 17th. He was shot through the head by a sniper and died instantly, and we buried him behind our trench at night. I hardly know how to express my great sympathy with you, nor to tell you how greatly I miss him, as we have been the best of pals since we first came to France. He died as he lived, cheerful and playing the game. I am sorry I cannot tell you more, so will close - again expressing my greatest sympathy with you.”

Aged 23, Private Bissell had been in the Bucks Territorials for four years, and on rejoining was sent up from base with the Warwicks.

B.S. 1916 Aug. 5th

News is received that Lance Corporal G.H. Odell, of the Bucks Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, is in No. 3 General Field Hospital, France, suffering from a wound in the left forearm, which is fortunately not thought to be serious. Previously employed as a labourer at Wolverton Carriage Works, he joined up at the beginning of the war, and, having been in France for over 16 months, apart from receiving promotion on the battlefield, just before last Christmas he was recommended for gallantry in action, and received high commendation not only from his commanding officer and Brigade commander but also from the Major-General commanding the 18th South Midland Division. A younger brother, Private Sidney Odell, is in Egypt.

B.S. 1916 Aug. 5th

Private S. Bissell, of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, has been killed in action on the Western Front. The news was conveyed to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. Bissell, of 23, St. Giles Street, Stantonbury, in a letter from Private Arthur Jeacock, who writes;

“Sam and I promised each other to write home if either of us got hit. It is my very painful duty to tell you that he was killed in action on Monday, July 17. He was shot through the head by a sniper and died instantly, and we buried him behind our trench at night. I hardly know how to express my deep sympathy with you or to tell you how greatly I miss him, as we have been the best of pals since we first came to France. He was the best of pals, and he died as he lived - cheerful and playing the game. I am sorry I can‘t tell you more so will close. Again expressing my very greatest sympathy, I remain, sincerely yours, Pte. Arthur W. Jeacock.”

A member of the Bradwell United Prize Band, at the outbreak of war Private Bissell, an accomplished cornet player, was serving an apprenticeship in the moulding department at Wolverton Carriage Works, and, already being a member of the Bucks Territorials, he readily volunteered for active service. He had been at the Front in France for over 18 months, during which time as a bandsman he completed his four years service in the County Territorial Battalion. He was then given a non commissioned rank in the cyclists section, and when his time of service expired he was sent to the base, from where on July 12th he rejoined as a private in the Royal Warwicks.

W.E. 1916 Aug. 11th

News has been received by Mr. Robert Galtress, of 80, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, that his third son, Private Harry Galtress, of the Royal Fusiliers, has died of wounds received in the British advance in France. Harry, after serving his apprenticeship in the trimming department of Wolverton Works, secured an appointment with an automobile firm in London, and subsequently emigrated to America, where for six years he held a responsible position with the Peerless Automobile Company, Broadway, New York. Shortly after the war broke he returned to England, and last February enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers. He had only been at the front for a fortnight when he was killed, aged 30. Mr. Galtress’s second son, George, is serving with the 4th Royal Irish Dragoons. He landed in France on August 15, 1914, and although slightly wounded at Mons, has so far passed through the rest of the fighting on the Western Front without receiving a scratch. Another son, Frank, joined up immediately after the commencement of hostilities, but has since been discharged as medically unfit for service.

(This is also carried in the Bucks Standard of 1916, August 5th.)

W.E. 1916 Aug. 11th

Sergeant W. Field, 1st Hertfordshire Territorials, was wounded in the early hours of Thursday, August 3rd whilst putting up barbed wire in front of the parapet. Striking him just below the right knee, a shot passed through his leg, but he is now progressing favourably at No. 10 Station Hospital, St. Omer, France. He is the son of Mr. Field, of Church Street, Wolverton.

W.E. 1916 Aug. 11th

Mrs. F. Brooks, of Windsor Street, Wolverton, has received a letter from the Sister of No. 13 Station Hospital, France, stating that her husband, Corporal Frank Brooks, is progressing favourably, having been admitted on August 4th with an injury to his left eye. He is the second son of Ex Bandmaster Brooks, late of the 1st Battalion County Regiment.

W.E. 1916 Aug. 11th

Trooper D. Campbell, of A Squadron, Royal Bucks Hussars, writes to Mr. Shepherd, of Victoria Street, Wolverton;

“We have been having it fairly quiet for the last six weeks. At first we had a lot of hard work; the worst part of it is the heat, it’s terrific. At night we can’t sleep for ants and other insects. We have to do camel patrols in the desert for three days at a time, twice a week for a month, doing about 100 miles in all. I was glad to see the back of them, though it was quite a new experience, combined with a certain amount of risk. Lately we have been doing mounted patrols for a day at a time, but up to the present we have not seen any of the enemy. I don’t think as we want to see them. I had your last two “Wolverton Express” all right. I see that Mr. C.L. Mason has got the Military Cross. I’ll bet his wife is pleased. We have just had the boys returned from England; who were on leave; most of them had about seven weeks at home. I hear I am down for a week’s leave at Alexandria; just what I want, so as to get another good dinner, the food is not too good here at present. I see by the papers we are doing well in France. I hope it will continue, but I am afraid the war won’t end this year yet.”

B.S. 1916 Aug. 12th

Last Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. J. Winsor, of 5, Queen Anne Street, Stantonbury, received news from the War Office that their only son, Corporal William F. Winsor, of the Bucks Territorials, had been wounded during the progress of the British advance on July 21st. The nature of the wounds is not known, but it was definitely stated that Corporal Winsor was in one of the French hospitals. Prior to the war he had served the full period of five years in the Bucks Territorial Regiment, but nevertheless he readily volunteered to serve King and country when the war broke out. Having been in France for some 18 months, he received both the lance corporal and corporal’s stripes whilst on the battlefield, and prior to the war was attached to the Battalion’s Maxim Gun Section. Latterly he has done splendid work with the Lewis Gun Detachment of the Regiment, and it was whilst directing operations with this weapon that he was wounded. Sergeant McBright, of Wolverton, has written home stating that Corporal Winsor had been wounded, but was unable to give any details. Other comrades speak of seeing him being removed to the dressing station. Prior to the war Corporal Winsor was employed as a coach trimmer in Woverton Works, where he served his apprenticeship.

B.S. 1916 Aug. 12th

Corporal R. Kightley, of the Bucks Territorials, is unofficially reported to have been killed in France. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Kightley, of 45, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, to whom the sad news was conveyed on Sunday last in a letter from Private W. G. Hollis. He is also serving in the Bucks Territorial Battalion and his home is also at Stantonbury. As good friends they had fought side by side on the French battlefields for 18 months past, and although the details in the letter are vague, it seems that Corporal Kightley was killed instantly and suffered no pain. Private Hollis writes;

“Your son was a good soldier and liked by all the men under him, and they are all sorry he has gone. I was with Reg. the morning before talking of old times, but after then I was sent to hospital with trench fever, so that I cannot tell you exactly what happened.”

W.E. 1916 Aug. 18th

Mrs. Young, 50 Jersey Road, Wolverton, has received a postcard dated July 8th from her son, Rifleman J. Young. He is now a prisoner of war, and writes;

“This is the first chance I have had to write you since I was wounded and made a prisoner of war, which occurred at one a.m. on Sunday, July 1st. As fate would have it I was hit by a machine gun bullet in the knee when close on the German front line trench. Do not have any fear about me. I shall go on alright, I think. I have every faith in the German doctor. I shall go to Germany shortly, so it is hardly worth writing here later. One week of intense pain and suffering. I am still looking forward to when I shall come home, as I shall not get fat here, so be of good cheer.”

W.E. 1916 Aug. 18th

After a time in one of the field hospitals, Private Arthur W. Crisp, of the 1/6th Warwick Regiment, is in the Victoria Hospital, Keighley, Yorkshire, suffering from bullet wounds in the thigh. He was wounded on the Somme in action on July 17th, and having undergone an operation is making satisfactory progress. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Crisp, of 7, Harwood Street, Stantonbury, and prior to enlisting was employed in the Brass department in Wolverton Carriage Works.

(Tragically complications would set in, and, aged 31, Private Crisp would die in the Keighley hospital on October 7th. With military honours, he would be buried in the churchyard at Stantonbury, with a detachment of the Royal Engineers Signal Section from Newport Pagnell bearing the coffin to the grave.

B.S. 1916 Aug. 19th

News has been received that Private Walter Fay, of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, is in hospital at Rouen, suffering from a wound at the back of the head, and shock. His home is at 14, Wood Street, Stantonbury, and before enlisting in March 1916 he was serving an apprenticeship in coach painting at Wolverton Carriage Works. Having only been at the Front for five weeks, two days before being wounded he, in company with a sergeant of his regiment, held the flank of a German attack with a machine gun. Both men were then buried by an exploding shell, but they dug themselves and the gun out and continued to hold the position, until the gun was blown to pieces by a German shell. For their bravery both men were recommended by the Brigade Commander.

W.E. 1916 Aug. 25th

Private C. J. Harris, of the 1st Bucks Territorials, 145th Machine Gun Co., was killed in action in France on August 14th. He was aged 20. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Harris, of Church Street, Wolverton, who have received the following letters;

“August 16, 1916. - Dear Mr. Harris, - I am more sorry than I can say to be the bearer of sad news for you and yours. Your son, No. 1463, Pte. C. Harris, 1st Bucks, attached to this Company. He was with a team in the front line, and the Germans counter-attacked, and although the team including your son was dispersed, the enemy in front of them, they succeeded in coming up on his left. They had to retire, and in doing so your son was instantaneously killed by a bullet. The General has complimented his team on their action. I knew you would like to know how well he had done. He has always proved a good soldier, willing and capable, and he will be a great loss to the Company, and will be missed by all, both officers and men. I have sent off to you by registered post some of his letters found in his pack, and hope they will reach you in safety. With every sympathy from us all in your great trouble. Believe me. Yours sincerely, Maurice C. Cooper, Lieut.”

“Dear Mrs. Harris. - I am very sorry indeed to have to send you bad news, but I think it my duty to write and let you know that your son was killed yesterday morning, August 14th. I am sure that no one with the exception of yourselves can feel his loss more than I do, for he had been on my gun team for the past five months. I was in charge of the team at the time, and I can assure you that he did not suffer in the least, but was killed instantly. We shall miss him a great deal, as he was liked by all and was one of the most cheerful fellows we had. Should you wish to know anything further, I shall be very pleased to write and let you know. - Yours sincerely, J. Parrott, Corpl., M.G.Co., B.E.F.”

Previously employed in the Wolverton Carriage Works, Private Harris had been in France 19 months, and during that time had never been afforded an opportunity to come home.

W.E. 1916 Aug. 25th

News was received on Sunday morning that 28 year old Lance Corporal Arthur James Adams, of the 13th Australian Field Ambulance Medical Corps, had been killed in action. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. George Adams, of Windsor Street, Wolverton, who have received the following letter;

My dear Sir, - I have just returned from the front and hasten to send you my condolences on the death of your son. I was his officer, commanding his section, and was the first to see him when he was hit. He had been with me in the Peninsula, and again when we first took part in the great battle now in progress. His work was always magnificent, his courage superb, and his end affected us more than that of any other man. In your son was no ordinary man, a gifted man in many ways, an outstanding figure always. He was terribly brave when I saw him shortly after he was hit, suffering from profound shock from which he never rallied. He was sent to our own ambulance, where he died, in spite of every care from a surgical staff which is as good as any in France. I shall never forget the grip of the hand he gave me, and his last request touched me to the quick. He brought out of his pocket a note book into which he had copied some verses he once wrote, and asked me to sign it. You will find a shaky signature, for it broke me up and my colleague, Captain Lovegrove, dressed his wound. The poor boy had a broken thigh with a big artery severed, but the real cause of death was shock, as his comrades had skilfully stopped the bleeding, and he himself had impressed the artery. His effects will reach you in time. If not, please let me know. In his sketch book you will find a water colour which he valued highly; given him by a Count (I forget the name), a noted French painter, who owned the chateau where we were billeted awhile and who was greatly taken with Adams, and thought much of his artistic work. You, Sir, have lost a brave son, and I a friend and comrade more than any other for his bright and cheery nature, his striking personal gift, and for his good works. Such men never really die. Let me say once again that he will always be remembered here as one of the best we ever had with us, and may your sense often be tempered by the knowledge that he died on duty, doing his work to his utmost. There is no better epitaph. - Yours very sincerely, James J. Trent, Captain.”

(Born at Wolverton, the son of George Adams, 30, Windsor Street, he was educated at Wolverton County School, and the Science and Art Institute, Wolverton. He had belonged to the Bucks. Volunteers, and having served his apprenticeship in the Railway Works at Wolverton, (he was a carpenter and joiner by trade) migrated to Australia at the age of 22. He enlisted at Brisbane in September 1914 and joined the Anzacs, and after taking part in the campaign at Gallipoli, serving as a stretcher bearer with C Section, 3rd Australian Field Ambulance, was transferred to France. Aged 28, he died of the wounds at Poziers on August 9th, 1916, and is buried in Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.)

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

On Tuesday, Mrs. Smith, of Oxford Street, Wolverton, received the news that her husband, Colour Sergeant Major F. Smith, of the 1st Bucks. Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, had been killed in action in France on August 25th. Mrs. Smith has received the following letter;

Dear Mrs. Smith, - I am very sorry to tell you that your poor husband died here this afternoon at 5.30. He was brought in last night very badly wounded in the hip joint and left arm. The medical officers did all they possibly could for him, but it was very hopeless from the beginning. I know what a terrible loss he will be to you and how dreadful it is for you to have him die so far away, but I want you to know how quiet and contented he was. He could not speak much, but he never murmured or grumbled once all day. As far as I could make out be was trying to get an officer who was wounded when he was hit. He was conscious nearly to the last, but I do not think he suffered a great deal. He will be buried to-morrow morning in an English cemetery. If you like to send me some seeds for his grave you know how gladly I will put them in for you. With very much sympathy. Yours, sincerely,

He had been employed by the L.N.W.R. Co. at Wolverton, and proceeded on mobilization with his battalion at the beginning of the war. They left for the front some six months later, and he was stationed in France ever since. For many years he served in the Bucks Volunteers, and at the time of the Boer War acted as Sergeant Instructor to the Wolverton Detachment, whilst Sergeant Instructor Croft proceeded to the front with the Volunteer Active Service Company. Apart from being an excellent soldier, for a number of years he filled the position of Secretary to the Wolverton Conservative Association, and was not only sub-agent during a Parliamentary Election, but also joint secretary during the County Council election, when Dr. J. O. Harvey was the successful candidate. Only last week his wife had received a letter from him, stating that he had been buried twice during a bombardment, but with the exception of being bruised otherwise escaped unscathed. Apart from his widow, he leaves four daughters and one son.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, of Victoria Street, Wolverton, have received news that their eldest son, Private Arthur Lloyd, R.A.M.C., was killed in France on Sunday, August 20th. He had joined up some 12 months ago. Having an excellent voice, as a boy he had been a member of St. George the Martyr’s Church Choir, whilst in other activities his skills as a batsman, as a member of the Wolverton Town Cricket Club, produced some high scoring.

His parents have received the following letter from Lieutenant Colonel A. Meadew, Commanding Field Ambulance;

“It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death in action of your son Pte. A.L. Lloyd, who was killed on the evening of the 20th inst. He was one of a party I had been ordered to send to another ambulance. He had been slightly wounded in the hand earlier in the day, but had refused to go sick, and had remained on duty. A shell came in the dug-out where he was sitting and injured him so severely that he died half an hour later. He became unconscious almost at once, so that you have at least the poor comfort to know that his death was practically painless. The shell was a gas shell, and your son and another man who was with him were brought out by an officer of the ambulance, and a party of volunteers at the risk of their lives. He was buried in the ----- Cemetery, south of -----. The service was taken by the Chaplain of the ----- Division. We all feel that your son is a great loss. He was a lad of exemplary character and one of the very best bearers. He had repeatedly volunteered for specially dangerous duties. Four days prior to his death he had been employed under most dangerous conditions, and his gallantry on many occasions had been specially noted by the officers under whom he had worked. You have at least the satisfaction of knowing that your son was not a “conscientious objector,” and that he died as a man should die.”

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

Private A.F. Burgess writes to his sister, Mrs. Elmore, 61, Anson Road, Wolverton;

“We are now in reserve for a bit. We have not had it very smooth running just lately. No doubt you have read something about these woods, and we have seen something of them - more, in fact than I wish to see again for a bit. What with the very unpleasant sights and different happenings, and being under a barrage fire several times, I have just escaped with the skin of my teeth, as the sayin g goes. I consider myself very lucky to be able to write this. I have noticed letters from officers and men describing some of the incidents in this part, and if I had not been in it and seen for myself similar incidents, I should have thought there must be a mistake, but I have had some I can tell you. There are not many words wrong in any of the statements which I have seen so far. I have been in very awkward positions on several occasions; got stranded in a wood one night with a wounded man, and only one mate to help me get him to the dressing station. He had a broken thigh and a bad wound in the other leg, so it was a case of carrying him on the stretcher. After getting him in a shell hole where we thought we might escape other shells that were falling thick and fast round us, and after Fritz had sent sufficient of his fairy lights over so that we could see a little what we were doing in regard to dressing the poor fellow, which is not a very pleasant job in the dark, we then began to try and get him out. I came across this man through having to stop with one of our men.”

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

During an attack on a German trench, Sergeant George Holloway, of the Bucks Territorials, was killed on August 23rd. Aged 22, he was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Holloway, of 165, Newport Road, Stantonbury, to whom Captain P.A. Hall, commanding C Company, writes on August 28th;

“I deeply regret to inform you that your son, Sergt. G.A. Holloway, was killed in action Aug. 23rd inst. His death occurred during an attack on a German trench, when your son, with that splendid spirit which he has always shown, was with two or three others well in front. As they reached the enemy parapet, owing to the fact that he was carrying a revolver, he was mistaken by the Germans for an officer, and became their particular target, and to my great regret, was hit by a bomb and was killed instantly. Your son was a most splendid N.C.O.; the men would have followed him anywhere, and throughout the terrible month’s fighting we have been through he has shown the most excellent example. I had the utmost confidence in him, and his cheerfulness and courage in a tight place have more than once saved the Company. The whole Company join with me in expressing our most sincere sympathy with you in the loss of a son who was possessed of all the very finest soldierly qualities, courage, cheerfulness, initiative, and above all, the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In five short minutes I lost nearly every leader I possessed, but the death of your son is a loss which will be very hard to replace. Had he lived he would undoubtedly have been decorated for the superb work he had done. Yours sincerely, P.A. HALL, Captain, O.C. C Company. ”

Sergeant Holloway had served six years in the Bucks Territorials, and had elected to serve as a time expired man during the war. He had been in France for 18 months, and was promoted from corporal to sergeant on the battlefield. Before the war he had been employed as a fitter in the electrical repair shop of Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 8th

Mrs. Ruddlesden, of Windsor Street, Wolverton, has received an official intimation that her husband, Private Leonard Ruddlestone, of the 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been posted as missing. He is the fourth son of Mrs. Agnes Ruddlesden, who lost a son in the South African War. Prior to joining the Territorials, Private Ruddlesden had been employed in the Brass shop at Wolverton Works, and was home on leave about four months ago. Under date of August 20, 1916, Captain P. A. Hall, O.C., “C” Co., 1st Bucks Battalion, writes;

“Dear Mrs. Ruddlesden. I deeply regret to inform you that your husband, Pte. L. Ruddlesden, has been missing since the night of August 16th, and is, I fear, killed. He was on a carrying party when a shell burst amongst them. It was impossible to ascertain at the time who had been hit, but as there is no report of him from any hospital, I fear that he must have been killed. Please accept my deepest sympathy with you in your loss.”

Colour Sergeant McBright, of General Head Quarters, 3rd Echelon, writes;

“I can assure you how deeply grieved I am that your husband is “Missing,” although, of course, at the present time our boys have been in the thick of it, and have had many killed, wounded and missing, yet when one whom I knew well, as I did your husband, it seems doubly sad. Believe me when I say that everything possible is being done to trace all missing ones, and if anything whatever turns up I will immediately write you.”

(Private Ruddlesden was killed in action on Tuesday, August 15th, 1916, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.)

B.S. 1916 Sep. 9th

Bugler Joseph Scragg is the first Bradwell soldier to be officially announced as winning the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He is still in the firing line, and the notification was made to him by the officer commanding his company on August 27th. Only 24 years of age, Bugler Scragg is a great favourite with his regimental comrades, who, like his many friends at Bradwell, are delighted that his gallantry has been fittingly rewarded. It was on the 23rd July, during the great British offensive, that this young Bucks Territorial won distinction and fame. The regiment were making an advance across no man’s land, with the object of driving the Germans from the trenches they were occupying. During the advance Capt. E. V. Birchall, to whom the bugler was acting as orderly, was seriously wounded, and at considerable risk to his own life, and under deadly shell and rifle fire from the Germans, Bugler Scragg went to the assistance of his captain. Having bandaged the wound he carried Captain Birchall back to a position of greater safety in the trench from which the Territorials had previously advanced. The brave young bugler retains as a memento Captain Birchall’s pince-nez case, through which the bullet penetrated and caused the wound which unhappily had fatal results. It was a gift to him from his officer after he had been carried to a position of safety. Bugler Scragg has also sent home a German officer’s sword and an enemy bayonet. After four years’ service in the Territorials he rejoined on September 2nd, 1914, and has been in France for 18 months. Before enlisting he was employed as a coach maker in Wolverton Works.

B.S. 1916 Sep. 16th

The official news was received in Wolverton on Thursday morning that the late Company Sergeant Major Fred Smith, of the Bucks Territorials, who was recently killed in action, had won the Military Cross for conspicuous valour in the field. The news was conveyed to his widow, who lives at 35, Oxford Street, Wolverton, in a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds, who whilst deeply regretting the loss of a valuable and highly competent non-commissioned officer, paid a high praise to Sergeant Major Smith’s coolness and courage under the most trying conditions. The award of the Military Cross was for ‘Leading his men into action under heavy machine gun and rifle fire,’ and it is deeply regretted in Wolverton that he had not lived to receive and wear the decoration which his gallantry so richly deserved.

(Subsequently, among the list of officers and non-commissioned officers whose names would appear in the “London Gazette” as having won the Military Cross for courageous conduct on the field, was that of the late Company Sergeant Major Fred Smith. The official record states;

“During a successful bombing attack on the enemy trench he showed great determination, and subsequently, when the captured trench was heavily bombarded, he was largely instrumental in maintaining the position. He has done other fine work, and has always shown great coolness under fire. He has been seriously wounded.”)

W.E. 1916 Sep. 16th

In a letter to his mother, of 61, Cambridge Street, Wolverton, Private Walter Storey, of the 7th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, tells how he was wounded. The battalion to which he is attached is one of Kitchener’s Army, and contains many men from Wolverton and district. The letter states that being with the British Salonika Army, it was on the night of August 12th that, whilst taking part in an attack on the Bulgars, several bombs burst right in the path of their advance, as they were nearing the enemy trenches. Private Storey was hit in the leg and neck, and since then the Regiment has again been in action. On August 24th Private Storey sends the following to his sister;

“I could not write myself as my eyes were swollen up, but they are all right now. I was wounded in the left thigh with a piece of bomb. We were advancing up a hill at night when we had the order to charge. Just as we got on the top of the hill up went some star lights, and over came the bombs, and then I caught it. I am pleased to say the boys captured the hill and still hold it. Well, I expect you were quite surprised when you heard we were fighting in the Balkans. A good many people thought we were out here for our health. I wonder what John Bull will say now.”

W.E. 1916 Sep. 16th

Aged 24, Private Edwin Hugh Burgess, of the 12th (Service Battalion), Hants. Regiment, has died of malaria at Salonica. Eight days before his death he wrote the following letter on August 20th to his sister, Mrs. Elmore, of 61, Anson Road, Wolverton;

“I read the Wolverton Express, and it is very kind of the people to think so much about us out here. I was pleased to say we are doing our bit in return for the old country and our chance has come at last, but you will read more in the papers very soon about the boys at Salonica. I shall be glad when the cold weather comes, the heat gives me the headache sometimes, and makes me feel that I shall never see England again. I would much prefer to be in France.”

(Born at Northampton, Private Burgess was the son of Thomas and Harriet Burgess, of Milton Keynes, and was a resident of Wolverton. He formerly served in the Worcestershire Regiment, and is buried in Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery, Greece.)

W.E. 1916 Sep. 16th

The following letter has been received by Mrs. F. Smith, from Captain P. A. Hall, Commanding “C” Company;

Dear Mrs. Smith, - It is with the very deepest regret that I have heard to-day of the death of your husband, Coy.-Sgt.-Major Smith. I had hoped very much that he would pull through. I saw him myself when he was on the stretcher on his way to the dressing station, and he was in the best of spirits, though undoubtedly very badly wounded. I cannot say enough of the splendid behaviour of your husband throughout all the terrible operations in which this Battalion has taken part in July and August. His coolness under fire, his endurance of hardships, and the cheerful spirit he showed were a magnificent example to those under him. I had in him the utmost confidence, and as long as he was up in the line I knew that things would be all right. His death is a very great loss to the Company indeed. However it is good to know that he met his death as gallantly as he had lived. I had put him along with my Second-in-Command, 2nd Lieut. Bates, in the second line of the attack. When the attack was held up Mr. Bates immediately rushed forward to take on the leading line, and was at once hit. Your husband ran forward to assist him, and also was hit. Mr. Bates, to my terrible regret, was killed outright. Your husband was brought in as soon as it was possible. When they got him down to Headquarters I heard him asking for me and went up to see him. He did not complain of his wounds at all, but was full of sympathy on the loss of Mr. Bates, and so many of my splendid Company. I said to him that he would get a rest at last, and he replied, “Well, sir, I think I’ve earned it, and I know that I’ve done my duty.” And indeed he had, to the very fullest extent. I then shook hands with him and wished him luck. The whole Company join with me in affording you our deepest sympathy in your loss. I have lost a most excellent Sergeant-Major, whose help and example did much to make the Company what it was. - Yours sincerely, J. O. Hall, Captain, O.C. “C” Company.”

Yesterday morning his widow received the following letter;

“On Service, Sept. 9, 1916. - Dear Mrs. Smith, - It is with very great regret that I see in the ‘Wolverton Express’ of Sept. 1st that you have received a letter from the Casualty Clearing Station stating that your husband has died of his wounds. I have so far received no notification of his death. It was only last night that I received information that the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, under authority granted by His Majesty the King, has awarded the Military Cross to No. 212, Co.-Sergt.-Major F. Smith, 1st Bucks Battalion. All ranks of the Battalion are delighted that your husband’s gallant action on many occasions has received this recognition, and are deeply grieved that he has not lived to wear the decoration so nobly earned. You and his family have our very deep sympathy in your sad loss, which I know must be great, and at the same time our heartiest congratulations on the honour conferred on him. On every occasion in which his Company has been in action your husband has shown all his qualities of the true British soldier - always cool and fearless, and never sparing himself. He received his fatal wounds in attempting to rally his Company in face of a withering rifle fire and machine gun fire, after all his officers had become casualties. Please accept my very sincere sympathy in your loss, which is ours as well. - Yours faithfully, L. L. C. Reynolds, Commanding 1st Bucks Battalion.”

This is the first Military Cross to be awarded to an Acting Warrant Officer in the County Battalion.

(On Monday, January 15th, 1917, at an imposing parade of the whole of the troops of the Oxford Garrison, amongst the honours presented by General Weston would be that to Mrs. Smith of the Military Cross, awarded to her late husband, Company Sergeant Major Smith.)

W.E. 1916 Sep. 16th

Official news has been received that Bugler Joseph T. Scragg, of the 1st Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the first to be won by a Bradwell man. After four years’ service in the Territorials, he rejoined on September 2nd, 1914, and has been in France for 18 months. It was his actions on July 23rd that, during the “Great Push” in France, merited the award. In order to drive the Germans from their trenches, the regiment was advancing across no man’s land, but during this progress Captain E. V. Birchall, to whom Bugler Scragg was acting as orderly, suffered a serious wound. At considerable risk to his own life, and under deadly shell and rifle fire from the Germans, Bugler Scragg, nevertheless went to the assistance of his captain, who, having first bandaged his wound, he then carried back to a position of greater safety, in the trench from which the Territorials had previously advanced.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 22nd

Lance Corporal T. Leeson, of the King’s Royal Rifles, B.E.F., writes to his parents, in Buckingham Street, Wolverton;

“Pleased to say we are finished with the fighting for a time and are now farther from the line than we have been since Xmas. For the last week we have been marching all day, billeting for the night in barns, then off again in the morning. Well, we have been in the thickest of the fighting in the advance, and we have the honour of knowing that no other Division has held the line so long as we have since the start of the advance, as we sent there on July 12th, and have only just come away. We have made two attacks, one when W. Cook was wounded, and once since. We advanced 500 yards and entrenched there and held the ground until relieved. I am writing this in a barn after a day’s march, and quite expect when we get settled in one place for a rest, that leave will start, and I shall soon get mine, as there are not many of the old lads left. F. Mackay came back to us a week or two ago and took part in the last attack. He looks quite well and has just been made a Sergeant.”

W.E. 1916 Sep. 22nd

Captain P.A. Hall, Officer Commanding “C” Company, writes to Mr. Alfred Meacham, of 42, Aylesbury Street, Wolverton, regarding his son, Sergeant Alfred James Meacham, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry;

“Dear Mr. Meacham. It is with the deepest regret that I have heard to-day (Sept. 9th) of the death of your son. He was a most excellent soldier, and his death is a real loss to the Company. Please accept my most sincere sympathy in your loss.”

Born at, and a resident of, Wolverton, at the outbreak of war Sergeant Meacham had nearly completed his time in the Territorials, but took on for further service at Christmas, 1915. Formerly he worked at Messrs. McCorquodale and Co.’s Works, and was known as a prominent footballer and athlete. Sergeant Meacham died of wounds Thursday, August 24th, aged 22, and is buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme, France.)

W.E. 1916 Sep. 22nd

Private F. Williams, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was wounded on August 20th. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. S. Williams, of Green Lane, Wolverton, to whom Sergeant Frank Underwood writes;

“Frank was seriously wounded on the night of the 17th August, whilst taking part in an attack. A bomb burst right against him and wounded him in several places. I am hoping that it will cost him nothing more than a toe or two. He is going on nicely, and is out of danger. He was always a hard worker, willing fellow, and was liked by everyone.”

From a hospital in Malta, in a letter dated August 31st Frank writes to his parents;

“I had above my share, having six wounds, of which the worst is a compound fracture. It happened thus - A and B Co’s. were told off to take a position known as Horse Shoe Hill, and C and D Co’s. were a fatigue party told off to carry picks and shovels. We started off at 8 o’clock. We got about five or six hundred yards off our position at 10 p.m. ‘A’ Co. took their position with only meeting a Bulgar patrol, but when ‘B’ Co. went to take their’s, the Bulgars easily outnumbered them, so that they went back for supports. My platoon with others doubled up to reinforce the firing line. We charged at 2.15 a.m., on August 18 and I nearly reached the top of the hill when I copped it, of course.”

W.E. 1916 Sep. 29th

Aged 21, Private Alec Pass, R.A.M.C., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Pass, Green Lane, Wolverton, was taken prisoner whilst in action against the Turks at Katia. However, on Sunday his parents received a notification from the International Red Cross Agency, Geneva, stating that, according to the Ottoman Red Crescent lists on September 1st, Private Pass had died at Damascus on August 2nd, 1916. They (the Agency) could not furnish any further information respecting his death, but assured his family of their deep sympathy.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 29th

It has been learned that Private Walter Fay, of the Royal Berkshires, was captured by the enemy on September 7th, and is now a prisoner of war. Seven weeks ago his name appeared on the list of wounded, but with his injuries healing quickly he was again sent to the firing line. The captain of his company, and also a corporal, have written to the his mother stating that whilst he was out on patrol duty his party were apparently ambushed by a stronger force of the enemy. With his platoon sergeant, Private Fay had been previously recommended for an award for gallantry in action, and it seems a coincidence that Private Fay and the same non-commissioned officer should both have been taken prisoners at the same time. Before his 18th birthday, Private Fay had enlisted just over seven months ago, having previously been serving an apprenticeship as a coach painter at Wolverton Carriage Works. His home address is 14, Wood Street, Stantonbury.

W.E. 1916 Sep. 29th

On September 11th, Private F. Williams, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, writes from a military hospital overseas to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. S. Williams, of Green Lane, Wolverton;

“I am sorry to hear of Harry being wounded. I am just feeling myself. I owe my life to a young fellow who comes from Newport Pagnell, named Cyril Thornton. His father is a foreman at Salmons and Sons’ Motor Works. He was wounded also, but only slight. Well, I was bleeding from 6 wounds for over half-an-hour without a bandage. I laid in full view of the Bulgars, and I had to crawl some 300 yards. I am sorry to tell you of a young fellow, who is in the hospital, his name is Tommy Ratcliffe, and he used to work in Mr. Mac’s shop with Joe Little, I believe. Well, of course, he is in our battalion, but he is in “A” Coy. He is paralysed, having had a piece of shrapnel right under the spine. Poor lad, he could only move his arms.”

(After being posted as missing, Bugler Cyril Thornton would be officially presumed to have been killed in action at Salonica on April 25th, 1917. At the age of 19 he had joined the army on September 1st, 1914, and after training went to France the following year. After only a few weeks on the Western Front his regiment was drafted to Salonica, where he was wounded in August 1916, and subsequently spent six months in hospital at Malta. He then returned to Salonica, and according to eye witnesses was seriously wounded in the engagement on April 25th, 1917. Nothing since would be heard of him. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Thornton, of 14, Spring Gardens, Newport Pagnell, and before enlisting was serving an apprenticeship in the coach and motor trimming department of Messrs. Salmons and Sons.’ He played the cornet in the Newport Pagnell Excelsior Silver Band, and as a boy sang in the Parish Church Choir.)

B.S. 1916 Oct. 14th

Sergeant George Cyril Hill, of the Royal Engineers, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the Military Medal, and the Medal of St George, 1st Class. The latter is a Russian decoration, and the highest of its kind yet won by a North Bucks soldier. He is a native of Wolverton, and his wife now lives with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. King, at Sherington. She is the daughter of Mr. King, a former employee at Wolverton Carriage, Railway Works, where, in the coach finishing shops, Sergeant Hill worked before enlisting shortly after the outbreak of war. In nearly 18 months of active service in France he was wounded in the arm and sent home to England, but having recovered has now returned to duty at a regimental depot in Newark, where he has just received official news of the honours. Letters of congratulation have been sent to him from officers of his company, and on September 19th, Captain R. W. Brim. O.C. 87th Company R.E., writes from France;

“Dear Sgt. Hill, - I have great pleasure in informing you that you have been awarded the D.C.M., the Military Medal, and also the Medal of St. George 1st Class (Russian Decoration). It never rains but it pours. But I can only say you have earned every bit of all of them. The D.C.M. is for your share in the Ovillers fighting, the Military Medal for the Loos and Hohenzellern fighting (long overdue), and the Russian decoration is a complimentary honour. I trust your wounds are better and that you are able to enjoy a spell in England. I was sorely tempted to write to Records and ask them to send you back as soon as fit, but after all you have earned a spell in England which I suppose you will get for a time as instructor or the like. My officers all send congratulations in which I am delighted to join.”

Second Lieutenant C. B. Cooley also writes to Sergeant Hill;

“Dear Sgt. Hill, - Corpl. Porter has given me your address, so just a brief note to offer you my heartiest congratulations on your decorations. I received the official notification to-day (September 17) and had it put on the notice board, and all the section are extremely pleased at the honour done to their sergeant. I was sorry I did not see you before you left. I came along the trench about half-an-hour after you had gone to the dressing station, and as soon as I heard you had been hit I hurried there but found you had been sent away almost immediately. I don’t want to mention anything about your coming out again as I am sure you are enjoying your well-earned rest, but if you do come out again I hope it will be possible for you to come back to your old company and section, for you will be sure of the heartiest welcome from them and from yours sincerely, C. B. COOLEY, 2nd Lieut. R.E.”

B.S. 1916 Nov. 4th

Private Walter Fay, of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, who was taken prisoner on September 7th last, is now at Kriegsgefangenenlager, Darmstadt, and writes to his mother at 14, Wood Street, Stantonbury;

"I have sent several postcards but hardly expect you received them. You can write back to the address on the other side; it takes a month before I get an answer. My wounds are going on nicely, and we are getting decent treatment. . . . We can write once a week.”

When taken prisoner, Private Fay had just returned to the firing line after recovering from wounds received in action. He had shown commendable gallantry; and letters from men of his regiment that state he has been recommended for a fitting decoration for his bravery.

B.S. 1916 Nov. 11th

Private Arthur Goodrich, of the City of London Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action on the Western Front between October 7th and 8th. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich, of 24, Bedford Street, Wolverton, who have received brief details from the War Office. Aged 26, Private Goodrich had enlisted on February 10th, 1916 in the Somerset Light Infantry, and after being transferred to the Royal West Kents, was subsequently attached to the 1st City of London Royal Fusiliers, with which regiment he went to France only six weeks prior to his death. In fact three of those weeks were spent in hospital, before he went into action. Before joining up he was employed in the trimming department of Wolverton Carriage Works, and in his younger days was a well known footballer, keenly interested in all sports.

B.S. 1916 Nov. 11th

Private B. N. Stanton, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been wounded by shrapnel in the scalp during the recent fighting in Salonica. He writes cheerfully to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Stanton, of 62, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell, and says that he is getting on well. He is aged 19, and before the war was employed on the clerical staff at Messrs. Salmons and Sons’ motor works. He joined up on the September 4th, 1914, and has been on active service for about twelve months.

W.E. 1916 Nov. 24th

Lieutenant Colonel A. W. Moore, Commanding 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade, Field Ambulance, writes under a recent date to Mrs. Pass, of Green Lane, Wolverton;

“It is with deep regret that we have heard of the death of your son. In the name of the Field Ambulance I send you our most sincere condolences. Pass was a man I always felt I could trust, a man who would always do his work willingly and well.”

B.S. 1916 Dec. 2nd

Private Alfred George Wilson, of the Grenadier Guards, is unofficially reported to have been killed by an enemy shell between the 15th and 19th November. His wife is living with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Foddy, of 69, High Street, Stantonbury, and the news is particularly distressing, since Private Wilson was only married just before last Christmas, and the couple’s baby boy was born nine weeks ago, on the eve of his father’s departure for the French battlefields. There has been no communication from the War Office, but a letter received by Mrs. Wilson from her brother in law, who is on active service with the Grenadier Guards, leaves little doubt;

“I hardly know how to write and tell you of the sad news of poor Alf. You can imagine my feelings. . . I will now tell you as far as I know how it happened. We sent into action on the night of the 16th (November) and the day before Alf was warned for a working party. On the way to the trenches I saw him and just had time to speak to him. His last words were, ‘See you tomorrow kid.’ After spending three days in the trenches we came back only to learn the sad news. From what I can gather he was asleep in his bivouac with two of his comrades when a big shell burst by his side killing him and one of the others. The two were buried together. I am not allowed to tell you the district where he was buried. There is one consolation that he died without pain, as he was killed instantly.”

Aged 28, Private Wilson had served seven years in the Grenadier Guards, and being called up on the Reserve at the outbreak of war, had for a long while before been engaged on recruiting at Whitehall.

B.S. 1916 Dec. 2nd

Rifleman W. Wood, of the County of London Regiment, is posted as missing after the engagement of September 15th. His home is at 39, High Street, Stantonbury, and his mother has received the following letter from the captain of his company;

“It is with the very deepest regret that I am writing to inform you that your son has been missing since the 15th Sept. last, when the battalion was very heavily engaged. I have waited to write in the hope of hearing that he had only been wounded, but I am afraid that there is no possibility of that now; and there is no doubt but that he fell on that date. I hope you will feel some consolation that he fell on a day when only the high discipline and sense of duty of every man concerned kept the battalion together. Please accept the deepest sympathy of the officers and all his friends in the Company.”

Before enlisting, Private Wood was employed in the west paint shop of Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1916 Dec. 8th

Mr. and Mrs. James Herbert, of 15, Jersey Road, Wolverton, have received official news that that their son, Rifleman Frederick Herbert, was reported as wounded and missing on October 8th. Whilst carrying a wounded man, he was badly wounded in the shoulder, and his comrades had to leave him in a dazed condition in a shell hole until they could retrieve him. However, on their return they could find no trace, and no further news has been received.

(Born at Hanslope, but a resident of Wolverton, Rifleman Herbert was aged 23 when he was killed in action on Sunday, October 8th. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.)

B.S. 1917 Jan. 27th

Official news was received last Friday that 24 year old Lieutenant John Tasker Kewley, of the 6th Battalion, Loyal North Lancaster Regiment, died on January 16th, from wounds received in action near Kut, on the Tigris. He was the son of the Superintendent of the Wolverton Wesleyan Circuit, the Reverend Joseph Kewley, and his wife, Elizabeth, of 125, Church Street, Wolverton, whose younger son, Second Lieutenant G.R. Kewley, a scholar of Pembroke College, Oxford, had been killed in action in France last May. A pupil of Kingswood School, Bath, having gained an Open Scholarship in Natural Science in 1910 John Kewley was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford, and passed his Honours Final in Chemistry and Mineralogy in June, 1914. At the outbreak of war he volunteered for service, and was gazetted Second Lieutenant in September, 1914. The following year he went to Gallipoli in June, and after service at both Cape Helles and Suvla Bay, spent some months in Egypt, where he gained his Lieutenancy. Fighting in several of the engagements, he next went to Mesopotamia with the Expeditionary Force for the Relief of Kut, but when last summer his health began to suffer from the climate, he was invalided to India. However, after two months at Bombay and Simla he returned to Mesopotamia last October, only to be wounded in one of the recent engagements before Kut.

(Whilst sitting in a dug-out, the following lines were written by the late Lieutenant G.R. Kewley on May 6th, 1916, after a short walk to a shell shattered abbey, a mile or so behind the firing line;

B.S. 1917 Feb. 3rd

News is received that Private William Ernest Spong, of the Winnipeg Grenadiers (Canadian Force), was killed in action on January 2nd. Aged 35, he was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Spong, of Stratford Road, Wolverton, and after serving his apprenticeship at Wolverton Carriage Works emigrated to Canada. However, on the outbreak of war he readily responded to the call of King and country.

B.S. 1917 Mar. 24th

News is received that Corporal William Hollis, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has died of wounds received in action. The son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hollis, of 14, Bounty Street, Stantonbury, he was not yet 20. Well known in football circles, before enlisting he was serving his apprenticeship to the brass finishing in Wolverton Carriage Works.

B.S. 1917 Apr. 14th

Attended by several officers and men of the Royal Flying Corps, last week at the parish church of East Harling, Norfolk, Observer Arthur Held, of the Royal Flying Corps, married Miss Madge Dodson, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Dodson of the White Lion Hotel, East Harling. The bridegroom is the third son of Mr. John Held, of Ledsam Street, Wolverton, and learned the trade of brass finisher at Wolverton Carriage Works. Before the war he was a member of the Wolverton Company of the Bucks Territorials, and mobilised with the county regiment at the outbreak of hostilities. After several months of active service in France he returned to England, and in view of his mechanical experience was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Since then, in observation and other work he has performed excellent service, and on more than one occasion has been mentioned in despatches, for conspicuous bravery in connection with Zeppelin raids. After the wedding service the horses were unharnessed from the carriage, which was then pulled by the comrades of the bridegroom to a reception at the White Lion Hotel. Later in the day the happy couple then took a train to Wolverton, where a short honeymoon was spent. One of the brothers of the bridegroom is serving with the Warwickshire Regiment in Salonica.

W.E. 1917 Apr. 27th

A former Wolverton Secondary School Boy, who now holds a commission in the Royal Navy, writes to his father;

“At last another few lines to let you know what is what. I was not far out in my last letter when I told you not to expect another letter for about three weeks or so. Hope you received my letters from --------, that is where we were at the time of writing. I wrote two from there. We were there just over the week, and did not have a bad time. It is about the best place in the States I have been to so far. Quite a large place and very well laid out, and has plenty of amusements of all sorts. Of course, as I said in my last letter, everything was covered in snow and ice, and 47 deg. frost, but even then it was not at all bad. The time we were there all kinds of winter sports were going in full swing, but we did not get much chance for them as they were in a hurry to get us away, and were working day and night. I have got several postcards of the place, and will let you have them as soon as we get to England again, whenever that may be - not for a month or two by the look of things. Anyway we are all living in hopes. Well, now for a little about the trip across. Yes, we have come across the same old stream once again, but are still some 1,200 miles from England. On leaving we were all one mass of ice and could neither do anything or shift anything on deck. We soon ran into the Gulf Stream, however, and of course that changed the look of things somewhat. We had been out about four days, and were having dirty weather when we came across a schooner flying the distress. After some banging and bitching about we managed to lower a boat, and put off to them. I am glad to say I was one of the boat crew. We had a pretty tough job to get to them, and had a considerable knocking about and a good soaking before we got far. Anyway we did get there, after having two oars broken, and also the rudder. When we got to her we had all our work cut out to get alongside, as she was like a cork and was drifting on to us at a fair pace. Once we got thrown under her stern, and she sat down on our bows a treat, almost putting us under. We did get alongside eventually, and after being almost put on board her boat, and all got the crew of six off. I have never seen anybody look as those poor devils did. Mad, with absolutely agony combined, is as well as I can express their eyes and faces. They had left the U.S.A. the Tuesday previous, and had got into a gale on the Wednesday night. The same night their food and stores were smashed to bits (tinned stuff as well), also one large cask of fresh water was broken, leaving them with about half a flask. On Thursday a huge sea caught them and took every bit of sail she had, smashed open a hatch and took her rudder away. We picked them up on the Tuesday following and just in time, as they, none of them, had a wink of sleep or anything but biscuits to eat since the Thursday. When we left she was in a half sinking condition, and that night we got it worse than ever, so they can thank us for their lives. We were about an hour and a half on the job, but had all had about enough of it by the time we got back aboard. We left the ship with 8 oars and came back with 3, the rest being broken. The fellows now do not look the same, and I have never seen a man look so thankful as they did when we got them aboard. I expect they will be sent back on the first steamer for the U.S.A.. I tell you, one is frozen one minute and baked the next on these ships.”

W.E. 1917 Apr. 27th

Aged 17½, Lance Corporal Arthur Hellenburgh, of the 145th Brigade, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), has been killed in action on Monday, May 9th, aged 20, and in a letter to his mother, Charlotte Hellenburgh, of 89, Ledsam Street, Wolverton, Lieutenant Baxter writes;

“It is my sorrowful duty to inform you of the death of your son, Lce. Corpl. A. Hellenburgh. The loss of such a splendid soldier is very painful to me, and ever since he came to this unit he has always done his duty nobly. He was killed at the Battle of Arras on the 9th April, and in his death he suffered no pain. I join my grief to yours in mourning the loss to the country of such a splendid young man.”

The youngest son of the family, before the war he was an apprentice at Wolverton Carriage Works, following the trade of body maker. His father, now deceased, had retired from the Bucks Volunteers some years ago.

W.E. 1917 May 5th

A former Wolverton Secondary School Boy, who now holds a commission in the Royal Navy, writes to his father;

“Well, we are at ------, and by the look of things the Army are going to collar us and use us between here and ------. Any way we are expecting to leave here tomorrow. The weather is just fine, rather hot but after what we have had it is just a treat. Now a little about our trip from -----. That part of the ----- is about the most dangerous as regards subs. Of course we have a gun aboard. Well, all went well until yesterday morning, when almost in sight of ----. We got here about 11a.m., and at 6.30, just as it was getting light, we were just picking up an escort to take us in when we saw something pass right under our stern (we were rightship). We just tumbled to what it was and got the gun to bear on the commencement of the wake, when a second passed under us amidships and came clean out of the water the other side of us. Of course there was some excitement for a time. We did not see the sub. herself, as she must have fired as she was diving. Neither of the two fish could have missed us by more than a foot - quite near enough. No doubt there would be some straffing when they missed the second time. There was plenty going on aboard us.”

W.E. 1917 May 5th

Sergeant Ernest Adams, Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been killed in action. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Adams of 1, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, and the officer commanding writes;

“I deeply regret to have to inform you of the death of your son, Sergeant Adams, who was killed in action on the night of April 16 last, during an attack on a strongly fortified German position. Death was instantaneous, so he could have suffered no pain. He was buried by our padre the next day. He read the burial service over him, and I have taken a map reference of his grave. A really good N.C.O., he is a great loss to the company, and his death is universally deplored by his company officers and comrades. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.”

The Chaplain writes;

“I am very sorry to have to tell you of the death of your son, Sergt. E. Adams, of this battalion. He was killed on Monday last during a night attack. He was an excellent Sergeant, and was very much liked by his men, by whom he is sadly missed. I buried him last night close to where he fell, and he was reverently laid to rest. We are erecting a cross over his grave, and later on the War Office will send you a photograph of the grave, and its exact position. I know how keenly you will feel his loss, and I offer you my most sincere sympathy. May God bless and comfort you in your sad loss.”

Born at, and a resident of, Stantonbury, Sergeant Adams, who would have been 20 on May 1st, had joined the Territorials at the age of 15, and at the time of mobilisation was employed in the moulding shop at Wolverton Carriage Works. A brother, having completed his time in the Territorials, has transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and another brother is at Malta.

W.E. 1917 May 5th

Private William Burnham, of the Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been killed in action, and the commanding officer writes the following letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Burnham, of 12, High Street, Stantonbury;

“Dear Mrs. Burnham, - I deeply regret to have to inform you of the death of your son, Pte. Burnham, who was killed in action on the night of April 16th last, during an attack on a strong German position. He could have suffered no pain, as death was quite 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. He was a brave man and a good soldier, and his death is deeply regretted both by his company officers and comrades. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sorrow.”

A letter has also been received from the Chaplain;

“It is with great regret that I have to tell you of your son, Pte. Wm. C. Burnham. He was killed during an attack on an enemy position on Monday last. I buried him last night with others who fell at the same time, and we shall erect a cross over his grave in a few days’ time. I am not allowed to tell you of the exact spot where he is buried, but the War Office will send you further particulars and a photograph of the grave later on. A good lad is always missed, and I know how much you will miss your boy. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May God bless you and help you to bear this sad and unexpected blow.”

An only son, Private Burnham was 21 in February, and before mobilisation worked as an apprentice in the Gas Works at Wolverton.

B.S. 1917 May 5th

An official report states that Sergeant Edwin Gascoyne, of the King’s Royal Rifles, died on April 21st, from severe wounds received in action a day or so previously. The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Gascoyne, of 39, Spencer Street, he was aged 35, and had been promoted three times on the battlefield. He had learnt the trade of a tinsmith at Wolverton Gas Works, and although for 12 years he had worked at Nottingham, he was well known in Stantonbury. He leaves a nine year old boy as an orphan, his mother having died in childbirth. Well known in local football circles, he frequently played with the Cosgrove team, and took an interest in many sports. A brother, time expired from the South Midland Brigade Field Ambulance (Stony Stratford section), in which he served during the early days of the war, is now in the Royal Engineers (Railway Battalion.)

W.E. 1917 May 11th

Aged 22, Private Leonard Long, 121st Western Irish Canadians, was killed in action at Vimy Ridge on April 9th, and his mother, Mrs. George Long, of 93, Stratford Road, Wolverton, has received the following letter;

“Dear Mrs. Long, - It is with the deepest regret that I am writing this note to give you a few particulars concerning the death of your son, Pte. Long. During the attack by the Canadians on Vimy Ridge on April 9th, he was acting as a runner for the Company, following the Company Commander during the action. We attacked at 5.30 in the morning, and shortly after leaving our front line trench he was killed instantaneously by a shell. Your son has done exceptionally fine work throughout, always keen, willing, and reliable under the hardest conditions. He is a big loss to the Company. He was buried close to where he fell, in the battalion burial ground, a spot chosen where the heaviest fighting occurred, where nearly all the men of the battalion who fell during the action have been buried. A large battalion cross marks the spot, and crosses for each man are being made, and will be put up. The place is within 100 yards of the junction of a sunken road, and the main. If there are any further particulars that I can tell you, please do not hesitate to write to me, and I will do my best to answer them. You have my deepest sympathy in your great loss, but perhaps it is a slight consolation to know that your son was killed instantaneously, and did not suffer, as so many of the poor fellows have to do. Also the taking of Vimy Ridge is a feat that will never be forgotten in the annals of Canadian history.

W.E. 1917 May 18th

Lance Corporal H. O’Rourke, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been admitted to the 21st General Hospital, Salonika, with a wound to his neck. In a letter to his mother he writes;

“When I was wounded I was in perhaps the hottest part of the line, with the enemy crawling up a hill on three sides. I was hit by one of three bombs, the explosion knocking me out. However, I consider myself the luckiest man alive.”

He joined up at the beginning of the war, and was previously employed in Toronto, Canada.

W.E. 1917 May 18th

In a letter to his sister, Mrs. S. Wildman, 232, Church Street, Wolverton, Private W. Nicholls, Wilts. Regiment, writes of his wound, sustained in action at Salonika on April 25th;

“A pretty clean wound, gone right through the thick of the thigh. Shrapnel bullet it was, and another through my boot, but only just knocked the skin off. I am a lucky chap. I was even lucky to get out of it at all. We made an attack on the Bulgars, and we had it very rough, but they had it worse.”

Private Nicholls is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Nicholls, of Deanshanger.

B.S. 1917 May 26th

Sad news has arrived that 35 year old Private Arthur Walters, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, died on May 18th. The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Walters, of 59, Bridge Street, Stantonbury, he had sustained gunshot wounds in the fighting in Salonica on May 9th, being injured in the right foot, and suffering from a compound fracture of the right thigh. He had enlisted early in September 1914, and after some five weeks on the Western Front was drafted with his regiment to Salonica, where he took part in much heavy fighting. He was formerly employed in the smiths’ shop at Wolverton Carriage Works, and, playing many games for the Stantonbury Club, was well known locally as a keen footballer. Two of his brothers are in the Forces; Ernest, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has recovered from wounds received in action, and is now in training for a further period of active service in Ireland. Harry is in the Royal Engineers.

W.E. 1917 June 8th

Aged 23, Sergeant Arthur Forrester, 1st Battalion, Northants., Regiment, received the D.C.M. from the King at the Royal Pavilion, Hyde Park, on Saturday, June 2nd. As published in the ‘London Gazette’ April 26th, this was ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. Although wounded, he steadied his men and led them forward to their objective. He set a splendid example of courage and determination.” Sergeant Forrester is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Forrester of 95, Ledsam Street, Wolverton, who have three sons in the army, one of whom has fallen in action. Having joined the Army four years ago, Sergeant Forrester has been wounded three times, and is Gymnastic Instructor at Chatham.

(The citation is also quoted in the Bucks Standard of June 9th, 1917.)

(Tragically, Sergeant Forrester would be killed in action on November 16th, in the savage fighting in Flanders. He was leading his men over the top when the enemy artillery opened fire, and a piece of shrapnel killed him instantly. His brother, John, was killed in action at Festubert on January 9th, 1915. Two other brothers are serving; one in Salonica, and one in England.)

B.S. 1917 July 7th

Aged 22, Lance Corporal Jack Willis, of the Machine Gun Corps, was killed in action in France on June 15th. The Machine Gun Section had suffered heavily in the fighting around Bullecourt, and in a letter to the sister of the deceased, Mrs. Ackerman, of St. Mary Street, Stantonbury, Lieutenant L. Welby writes;

“Willis was one of the best men in my section. He was No. 1, and he died at his gun, being knocked out by a bomb.”

Lance Corporal Willis had joined the Dragoon Guards eight months before the war, and subsequently transferred to the Northants. Regiment, and then the Machine Gun Corps. He was the third son of Mr. W. Willis, of Thompson Street, Stantonbury, and whilst two of his brothers are serving in France, two have been killed.

B.S. 1917 July 28th

Sergeant Frederick Batterson, of the Canadian Infantry, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the field. The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Batterson, of 41, St. Giles Street, Stantonbury, having emigrated to Canada some seven years ago he enlisted in the 21st Eastern Ontario Battalion early in the war, and, during some two years in France, has seen action in many engagements, to include Ypres and St. Eloi. Twice promoted on the battlefield, he was severely wounded by shrapnel in the leg and ankle at Vimy Ridge, which necessitated two operations, performed in University Hospital.

B.S. 1917 Aug. 11th

Sergeant Arthur Townsend, of the Wilts. Regiment, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is the son of Mrs. W. Townsend, of 11, Loughton Road, Old Bradwell, and - signed by the Major General Commanding the Division - the wording reads;

“On April 24 he displayed great courage and devotion to duty. All the officers being killed or wounded, he took command of the Company, rallied it on the enemy’s side of the ravine, and finally withdrew it in most difficult circumstances.”

W.E. 1917 Sep. 7th

Private (Bugler) Frederick Walter Fessey, 2nd Bucks. Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been killed in action on Wednesday, August 22nd, 1917, and Captain A. Tubbs, commanding ‘A’ Company, writes to Mr. and Mrs. Fessey, of 38, Young Street, Wolverton;

“It is with feelings of deepest regret that I write to inform you of the death in action of your noble son, Bugler F.W. Fessey. The whole Company feel the great loss of one who, through his devotion in attending to the wants of his comrades, led to his death, and the officers, N.C.O.s and men wish to express their deepest sympathy with you in your bereavement.”

His father, who was a bandsman in the Wolverton Territorial Band, is still on service. Aged 14, Frederick Fessey joined the local company of Territorials in 1912 as a bugle boy and, being employed at the Wolverton Carriage Works, was mobilised at the outbreak of war. However, because he was under age he was transferred to the 2/1 Bucks Battalion, and went with them to France on May 25th, 1916. Soon after reaching the Front he volunteered to be a stretcher bearer, taking the place of a man who had been killed, and in this role he continued until he was killed at the age of 19 years 10 months. Of the action in which Bugler Fessey lost his life, a comrade writes;

“We have had another smash in on the 22nd. We lost heavily in the Battalion, also the 1st Battalion. A day or two before, young Fessey was killed about 100 yards from me, also young Robinson. It was the worst smash I have ever been in. I went right through it from the beginning, and came out without a scratch. I shook hands with myself when I got back to camp. This was from 4a.m. till 2.30p.m., before we took the position, but we took it and beat them well.”

Bugler Fessey had recently won a prize in a bugle competition in France, tying for first place in Duty Buglers. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

(The Robinson referred to is Bugler Archie Robinson, of the same regiment, the second son of Mrs. Robinson, of 110, Victoria Street, Wolverton. Aged 20, he was instantly killed by a machine gun bullet, and in a letter to his mother the Lieutenant, to whom he was orderly, says that when in action Bugler Robinson always kept by his side, and was exceedingly brave. He had mobilised with the Territorials, when employed as a painter at Wolverton Carriage Works.)

W.E. 1917 Wolverton Sep. 7th

Mr. and Mrs. W. Beckwith, of 45, Western Road, Wolverton, have received a letter stating that their youngest son, Sergeant Maurice Beckwith, M.M., 47th Canadian Infantry, was killed in action on August 22nd. Lieutenant W. Graham, M.C., writes;

“It is with deep regret I notify you of the death of your son, Sergt. Maurice F. Beckwith, who was killed in action Aug. 22, 1917. His death was caused by a piece of shrapnel hitting him in the head. Death was almost instantaneous. I had known your son ever since he came to France, and cannot speak too highly of him. He was one of the best both as a man and as a soldier. He was always ready when there was anything to do, and died a soldier’s death. He was buried in the field where he fell. He was liked by all his comrades and myself, and we all join in sending our deepest sympathy to you in your great loss.”

(In, or by, January, 1918, having requested that Sergeant Beckwith’s Military Medal should be forwarded to him privately, his father, Mr. W. Beckwith, duly received the award, together with details of his son’s bravery at the Vimy Ridge engagement, where he held an important position of the line.)

W.E. 1917 Sep. 14th

News has been received that Private James Morby, Wilts. Regiment, has been killed. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Morby, of 17, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, and is the second of their sons to be killed. A third was so seriously wounded during the first battle of Ypres that his left leg had to be amputated.

W.E. 1917 Sep 14th

For having given a month of her holiday to the Towcester V.A.D. Hospital, a few days ago on the premises Miss Enid Walton, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Walton, of Windsor Street, Wolverton, was given a case containing a brush, comb, and looking glass, by the patients, who further presented her with a silver fruit knife and writing case.

W.E. 1917 Sep. 14th

Corporal Alfred Flint, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed in action in Flanders on Thursday, August 6th, and the Chaplain of the Battalion writes to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John and Eliza Flint, of 69, Cambridge Street, Wolverton, on September 3rd;

“I am very sorry to have to tell you of the death of your son, Corpl. Flint. He was killed during an attack a few days ago, and died almost at once. He was a very good N.C.O., and very popular with all his comrades in the Battalion, especially with the men of his platoon. I am sending you a few photographs of his platoon. Please accept my very real sympathy in your sad loss, and may God bless and comfort you.”

Aged 34, and previously a coach finisher at the Wolverton Carriage Works, Corporal Flint, who had seen active service with the Bucks Volunteers in the South African Campaign, received his promotion on the battlefield, and 14 months ago was wounded by gunshot in the leg, requiring a long stay in a hospital in England. He had returned to the front only some two months ago, having paid his last visit to his parents at Whitsuntide. At the age of 70, his father still works at his carpentry bench at Wolverton Carriage Works, where he has been employed for 44 years, and a brother is serving with the Royal Engineers in France.

W.E. 1917 Sep. 14th

There is unofficial news that Sergeant Frank Gostelow, Bucks. Battalion, has been wounded. He has been missing since August 22nd, and Captain Ivor Stewart Liberty (the nephew of Sir Arthur Liberty, chairman of the famous firm in Regent Street, London) writes;

“I hear from Major Christie Miller that your son is missing. This is very sad news. Please accept my sympathy. Your son was in my Company when we went out to France (and for many months in England before). We were wounded together on July 19th, 1916, when I lost my leg. For his fine work on that day - he was up and down our trench looking after and binding the wounded in spite of a tremendous German bombardment and never considered his own safety for a moment - I gave him his sergeant’s stripes, and he would have got further recognition had he been able to trek with us. He was wounded before during the bombardment. I never had a more conscientious or a braver N.C.O. in my Company. I do trust you may get news of him. I had a great personal liking for him.”

Captain H. Tyler writes on September 5th;

“Your son was in my Company, and I wish to express to you my deepest sympathy in your loss. It is our loss, too, for he was one of the best fellows and a jolly good soldier. As you have no doubt heard, he was wounded and started back to the dressing station, after which no trace could be found of him, so I am afraid there is not much hope of his being alive.”

On August 30th the Wesleyan Chaplain writes;

I am the bearer of the sorrowful tidings that your son is missing. The Battalion was in action on August 22, and acquitted itself splendidly. It is thought, however, that the foremost wave of infantry went too far, and was cut off. There is therefore just some hope that Sergt. Gostelow is in the hands of the enemy. But I must be cautious in giving you much hope, for the fighting was very severe.”

Sergeant Gostelow, whose parents live in Cambridge Street, Wolverton, was previously wounded on July 19th, 1916.

W.E. 1917 Sep. 14th

Private W. Clarke, Gloucester Regiment, has been wounded in action, and the Chaplain of the 2nd Canadian C.C.S. writes to his wife;

“I regret to tell you that your husband was brought here yesterday, 29/8/17, with his leg wounded and fractured. The wound has been excised and he is being sent to ----- to-day. I trust you may take this as a token that he is doing well. He is very bright and cheery.”

Private Clarke, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke (Clarke and Cook), florists Castlethorpe, married Florrie Muscutt, and their home is in Church Street, Wolverton. He joined the colours nine months ago, and has been in France since May.

B.S. 1917 Oct. 13th

Private Harry Syratt, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, is in a field hospital at Wimereux, suffering from gunshot wound and contusion, which the official record describes as severe. He mobilised with the Bucks Territorials at the beginning of the war, and when time expired in the county regiment transferred to the 3rd Oxon and Bucks. In 1916 on the Western Front he was wounded in the hand, but after treatment in a hospital in England returned to France shortly after Christmas. He is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Syratt, of 54, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, and in peace time had been employed in the smith’s shop at Wolverton Carriage Works. One of his brothers, William, was killed in action during the battle of Ypres in January 1915, and another having twice been wounded was discharged, and is now employed at McCorquodale’s Printing Works, Wolverton.

W.E. 1917 Oct. 19th

OnTuesday morning, Sergeant Gostelow’s parents, of 50, Cambridge Street, Wolverton, received a letter from the War Office, stating that he was a P.O.W. Accompanying this was a postcard dated 9-9-17, in which Sergeant Gostelow wrote “I am wounded and a prisoner of war, and this is my first opportunity of writing to relieve your anxiety which I know you have felt since I had been missing. I have a flesh wound in my right arm near the shoulder, but you see I can write.”

B.S. 1917 Oct. 20th

From the commanding officer of their son, Private John Cross, Machine Gun Corps, Mr. and Mrs. G. Cross, of High Street, Stantonbury, have received a letter stating that whilst manning his gun he was killed instantly on September 22nd by an aerial bomb. Paying eloquent tribute to the bravery of Private Cross, the officer expresses his sympathy and condolence. Private Cross had enlisted in September 1916, and after service with the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. In peace time he was employed as a smith at Wolverton Carriage Works, and is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Cross to have been killed in the war.

	(In a letter from a chaplain, news has also been received that Lance Corporal S. King, of the Royal Engineers, was killed in action by shell fire on October 1st. Aged 23, he was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. King, of 75, Green Lane, Wolverton, and from an apprenticeship at Wolverton Carriage Works had enlisted voluntarily at the beginning of the war.)
By kind permission of Roll of Honour

B.S. 1917 Oct. 27th

News was received this week that Private Frank MacKay, of the R.A.M.C., had been killed on the battlefields of Flanders. He was 17 when the war broke out, and, relinquishing an apprenticeship in coach bodymaking at Wolverton Carriage Works, had voluntarily enlisted. He had been on the Western Front for about a year, and regarding the circumstances of his death a communication from Lieutenant Colonel G. Brown states;

“I regret to tell you that your son was killed by a shell on the 5th October. He, along with his comrades, was resting in a dug-out, when a shell entered it killing and burying all with it. After 2½ hours’ digging we recovered his body, and from his wounds death must have been instantaneous and painless. I have known him personally since he joined my unit and had a high opinion of his courage and sense of duty. From all of us, who have lost a gallant comrade in your son, please accept the deepest sympathy in your great loss.”

Private MacKay was the son of Mr. and Mrs. MacKay of 20, Bridge Street, Stantonbury, and, being well known in football circles, had taken a great interest in the Boy Scout movement.

W.E. 1917 Nov. 2nd

Regarding her youngest son, Second Lieutenant Charles Sherwood, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, Mrs. Sherwood, of 157, Newport Road, Stantonbury, received the following telegram from the War Office on Saturday afternoon;

“Deeply regret to inform you that Sec. Lieut. C.E. Sherwood was killed in action on Oct. 22nd. The Army Council express their sympathy, Secretary, War Office.”

He had joined the 1st Lifeguards nearly three years ago, and was eventually transferred to the Household Battalion. Having been through some of the hardest fighting on the Western Front, and on the Somme, through his courage he was selected for a commission and returned to England last January for cadet training. He had been apprenticed as a trimmer at Wolverton Carriage Works, and aged 22, and 6 foot 2 inches tall, he was popular with everyone. Two older brothers are in the Army, one of whom is coming from Salonika to train for a commission.

In the Bucks Standard of November 3rd, the following letter to Mrs. Sherwood from the Colonel commanding the battalion appears;

“By now you will have received the sad news of the death of your son, and I now write these few lines to offer on behalf of myself and the officers of the battalion sincerest sympathy. If under such circumstances it is possible to be glad, you will be glad to hear that your son died absolutely without pain of any kind, because he was killed in his sleep. He now lies buried in a little cemetery in the forward area where many of my men lie. It is usual, at these times, to write all sorts of eulogies of officers, and, therefore, I wish you to know that what I write I really do feel. Your son’s career in this battalion was first-class, and, all along, he showed himself to be an officer with talents of the highest order, and a personality that endeared him to all. Again, please accept my sincere sympathy.”

At the end of 1915 he had relinquished his apprenticeship as a fitter at Wolverton Carriage Works, and voluntarily joined the Life Guards. After training at Richmond and Knightsbridge, he was chosen for active service with the crack Household Brigade Battalion, and after three months’ fighting in France was recommended for a commission. Passing his exams with ease, he was then gazetted to a second lieutenancy in the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry. He had only returned to the Western Front three months ago. One of his brothers, Percy, after a short period in France, and two years on the Salonica front, where he was wounded, has now been recommended for a commission, and is studying at Newton Ferrers, Plymouth. Harry, another brother, after a long period with the R.A.M.C. in the Dardanelles is now in France with a Railway Organising Division, and is following his trade as a fitter.

W.E. 1917 Nov. 2nd

Official news has been received that, formerly serving with the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, Private Leonard Saunders, 6th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales’s (Royal Berkshire Regiment), was killed in action in Flanders by a sniper on Friday, October 12th. He had been assisting a wounded corporal of his platoon. Having joined the Army on March 27th, he went to France on July 19th, and was aged 36. Born at Shipdham, Norfolk, he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Saunders, of Broadmoor Farm, Carbrooke, Watton, and had lived in Wolverton for over 17 years. Having for ten years been in the employ of Messrs. Siggs and Soundy, drapers, for the past six years or so he had been the branch manager of Messrs. Fosters clothing shop at Wolverton. As a Primitive Methodist, when he came to Wolverton he joined the church at Stantonbury, and so remained until the church at Wolverton was built. Of this he was a Trustee, and also first President of the Christian Endeavour Society. A local preacher for twelve years, he took an active part in all the work of the church, and his memorial service was conducted on the evening of November 11th by the Reverend J. Smith. At 72, Anson Road, Wolverton, he leaves a widow, Gertrude, and three children.

B.S. 1917 Nov. 17th

In an official communication from the War Office, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Riley, of 7, North Street, Stantonbury, received news that their second son, twenty year old Private Newman Riley, of the 6th Bedfords, had been killed in action on October 8th. Previously a labourer at Wolverton Carriage Works, he had enlisted some 2½ years ago, and had been in France for ten months. Wounded in February and August 1917, having had his right thumb shot off, whilst in training in England he had been attached to the Army Cookery School at Brighton, and passing all the exams was awarded the Diploma of Merit as a first class cook.

B.S. 1917 Nov. 17th

Information has been received that Private Harry Blunt, of the Machine Gun Corps, is in hospital in Brighton, suffering from wounds received in the leg and abdomen whilst recently in action in Flanders. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Blunt, of 52, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, and, being formerly employed in the paint shop at Wolverton Carriage Works, voluntarily joined up at the age of 18½. He has been in the Army for 18 months. A brother, who is serving with the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has twice been wounded, and has just returned to the trenches, having recovered from shrapnel injuries to the face inflicted last August.

W.E.1917 Nov. 23rd.

Sergeant Frank Gostelow, of the Bucks Battalion, is wounded and a prisoner of war at Reseve Lafaretti, Julich, Rhineland, Germany, and on September 24th writes to his parents;

“This is my first letter to you since I was captured. I do not think I shall leave this hospital till about the end of November. I am being treated very well indeed, and my wounds receive every attention, and the attendants are very kind indeed. They tell me I have been very lucky, and I thank God because He has been so merciful to me. My wound is a bit of a miracle, as all the flesh was blown away from the bone without doing any damage to the bone itself. I think that it must have been a bomb that hit me, but I do not know for sure. However, my flesh is growing together again, and although I may be weak in the right arm for 12 months, I have already recovered a great deal of use in it. I also had two other little wounds, but one has healed up and the other is nearly better. Just to show you the great power of God, I will tell you how He saved my life. A bullet hit me right over the heart, but after passing through my box respirator, a packet of field cards and my pay-book, it stopped on my watch. I have them with me as souvenirs.”

W.E. 1917 Nov. 23rd

News has been received that Able Seaman Fredrick Tiller, the eldest son of Fredrick and Florence Tiller, of 35, Buckingham Street, Wolverton, had been killed on Sunday, November 11th. He was 23. Having left his work as a blacksmith, he had been in the Navy for seven years, and initially underwent training at Devonport and Shotley. His first ship was the ‘Agamemnon,’ and he was then transferred to the ‘Black Prince.’ At the outbreak of war he was serving on the Royal yacht, and afterwards saw action in the North Sea. The Admiralty presume he was killed when an enemy submarine torpedoed a small monitor, which was co-operating with the Army in Palestine. Following this action, 26 men were missing. He was serving on the Royal yacht when the war broke out. Born at Southampton, he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

W.E. 1917 Nov. 23rd

Private Thomas Allen, 2/4 London Regt., Royal Fusiliers, has been wounded in the left arm, and is now in hospital at Cardiff. Before joining the Army he was an upholsterer at Wolverton Carriage Works, and lived at 167, Newport Road, Stantonbury. He is the second son of the late Mr. Edwin Allen, one of the pioneers of the Bucks Volunteer movement in Wolverton, of which for many years he was a Sergeant.

W.E. 1917 Dec. 14th

At a parade of troops in Egypt, Sergeant E. Ireson, R.A.M.C., the son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Ireson, of Cambridge Street, Wolverton, received the Military Medal. In a letter to his parents he tells how he gained the award;

“I was marching my men on under heavy shell fire and picking up wounded as fast as we could, till at the hardest part of all I was without a stretcher bearer. Well, I went on dressing the wounded till I spotted a place under cover of the enemy shells. There I got a few men and made them safe until the firing had ceased. I then obtained transport to fetch them away. All this day work was carried on with half a pint of water and no food. Next morning things were very quiet, and we got our rations.”

Sergeant Ireson had been present at the landing at Suvla Bay and at Salonika.

B.S. 1917 Dec. 29th

News has been received from the Captain of his Company, Captain Carpenter, that Private William Cobley, of the Royal West Surreys, was killed on December 2nd in the severe fighting on Paschendaele Ridge;

“A shell struck the shelter in which he was, killing him instantly. He can have suffered no pain and knew nothing of what happened. He is buried where he was struck, at a place called -----, near Paschendaele. Please accept my sincerest sympathy with you in your loss.”

Aged 32, he was the eldest son Mr. and Mrs. Cobley, of Stantonbury, and with his wife and four children also residing in the town, it is even more tragic since he had never had the opportunity to see the youngest, born only a few months ago. Private Cobley joined up in January 1917, from employment with the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company at Ashford, and previously worked as a trimmer at Wolverton Carriage Works.

B.S. 1918 Jan. 19th

Mrs. E.V. Howes, who lives with her parents at 44, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, has received official news that her husband, Sapper Laurie Howes, Royal Engineers, drowned in Egypt on December 31st. His body has been recovered.

B.S. 1918 Jan. 26th

Mrs. F. Grace, of 44, Vicarage Road, Old Bradwell, received official notification on January 5th that her son, Private Louis Shillingford, of the 1st Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, died at Airan between the 1st and 31st of August, 1916, whilst a Turkish prisoner of war. He had joined the Army in the summer of 1910, and was in India at the outbreak of war. His regiment was part of the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, and after the defence of Kut he was taken prisoner by the Turks.

(Born at Stacey Hill, Wolverton, and a resident of Old Bradwell, Private Shillingford died on Thursday, August 31st, 1916, and is buried in the Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq.)

B.S. 1918 Jan. 26th

Mrs. Pollard, of 66, Bridge Street, Stantonbury, has received official news that her youngest son, Lance Corporal Jack Pollard, of the Somerset Light Infantry, was killed in action in France on December 26th. A former member of the choir of St. James’ Church, he was aged 20, and before joining up had been a trimming apprentice at Wolverton Carriage Works. He was engaged to Miss Swain, of Wolverton, and of his three brothers serving in the army, one is in Salonica, one has been wounded, and a third is in training in England.

B.S. 1918 Feb. 2nd

Private A. Wood, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Wood, of Stantonbury, was killed in action on December 2nd, 1917, and his parents have now received a letter from Lance Corporal J. Wiggins, who is in hospital in Britain. An extract reads;

“Bert was such a good lad, and he was very cheerful up to the last. I must tell you that he suffered no pain whatever, as he was killed instantly by a shell at Paschendaele. He was in my section, and was one of the very best of boys. We made the attack at 2 o’clock, and were in our position about half-an-hour. After we had got well dug in a shell came over and killed poor Bert and one other named King, and I myself was wounded in the right thigh with a piece of the same shell. Poor Bert was such a good fellow, he would be always having a joke. We were all so devoted to each other, and I am quite sure there was not a happier section in the Battalion than mine, for Bert would keep us all alive. He was a brave fellow and feared nothing.”

B.S. 1918 Feb. 9th

News has been received that Sergeant Francis Webber, of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles, died on January 10th, while a prisoner of war in Germany. He was aged 28, and although working in Canada at the outbreak of the war, he immediately joined the Canadian Forces. Arriving in England in 1915, he was later sent to France where, after participating in much severe fighting, he was captured on June 2nd, 1916. First taken to Minden, he was next removed to Soltan, and then Hamelin. On being taken ill on January 6th, 1918, he was transferred to hospital the following day, but becoming unconscious two days later, he peacefully passed away on January 10th. Sergeant Webber was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs, F. Webber, of Windsor Street, Wolverton, who have already lost another son in the war.

W.E. 1918 Mar. 1st

Private Frank Hilton is a relation of Mr. and Mrs. John Clark, of 76, Jersey Road, Wolverton, and was amongst a batch of British prisoners of war recently exchanged from Germany. He is the second son of Mr. Mr. F. Hilton, of 116, Knox Road, Wellingborough, and having enlisted in October, 1912, was with a Bedfordshire battalion in Africa when war broke out. The battalion immediately returned to England, and after a short leave of 24 hours, Private Hilton was sent to Belgium. Following his repatriation, he has now given an account of his intervening adventures;

On October 26th, 1914, he was severely wounded by bullets and bayonets during the first Battle of Ypres. After the British retirement, he was left on the battlefield with his leg broken in three places and his shoulder put out, and in this condition he remained for seven days, until picked up by Prussian soldiers. He was taken at once to a hospital at Roubaix, which was under the supervision of the Germans, and there the French staff treated him as kindly as they were able. Remaining there until June 1915, he was not allowed to write home, and so for nine months was reported killed. Leaving Roubaix, he was taken to Brussels, but when he asked to be exchanged he was told he was not bad enough. Despite his wounds having not fully healed, at the hospital in Brussels the food was inadequate and badly cooked, and even raw bloaters were sometimes the fare. After leaving the hospital at Brussels, at Aachen he had to walk 1½ kilometres on crutches, but it was at Friedrichfeld Camp, where 30,000 prisoners of all nationalities were held in a collection of wooden huts, that, as he said, “my troubles began.” “I got there at midnight, and was served out with two dirty blankets and a sack of straw. The following morning I was told I must work. As my condition was nothing like fit, I was a ‘conscientious objector’ to this, and absolutely refused to do any work at all. For this, and for a subsequent repetition, I was imprisoned for 14 days, with a bread and water diet, but afterwards the Germans saw that it was useless to demand work from me.” “Our average daily diet was something like this. Morning (6a.m.) a cup of coffee made with burnt acorns, dinner-time, a basin of beer-soup (stale beer with currants in), and 100 grammes (3½oz) of bread, tea, more acorn coffee. Every morning at 6.30 each man in the camp, crippled or not, had to stand on roll call half an hour, and some of them died from strain and exposure. Inside the buildings one very small fire had to do for about 400 men. Our men were treated like dogs, and were knocked about or even shot by the guards on the slightest pretext. This happened every day, and we went about in fear of our lives. I know one case of a man who, working on a farm, was told by his guard to work quicker. He just turned his head to look at the speaker, and the German at a range of three yards, at once shot him dead. There was an instance in our camp where nine fellows who refused to work in a coal mine were put into a refrigerator and were frozen to death in five days. This sounds most awful, but it is quite true.” Private Hilton also mentioned that on one occasion he struck a German who called him “a son of a pig,” and for this he received 14 days’ imprisonment, being taken out of hospital to undergo his sentence. He said he knew for a fact that everyday Italians, who, contrary to the rules worked through the barbed wire to the British section in order to receive food from the kind-hearted “Tommies,” were shot on their return by the sentries. The reason that the Italians risked coming to the British for food was because they only had half the rations that the English had. “I have seen them eating raw cabbage, raw turnips, and anything they could pick up. I would not like to express my ???????? Of the Germans. It would be too bad for any human being to read. I think the Germans in this country are treated a thousand times better than the English in Germany.” He said that his leg wound was still discharging, because through lack of materials the Germans could not treat it properly, and the bandages they used were made of paper. However, the Germans were not much better with their own men, for he had seen a German with two artificial legs at work in the camp. Round the camp there were boys who went to school in the mornings, and then sentry duty in the afternoons, and every man between 16 and 50 had a uniform of some description. For two and a half years Private Hilton did not see a potato and no amusements were allowed in the camp unless it could be turned to the financial benefit of the Germans. As for sport, this was only football on Sundays, the only day when the prisoners were not hard at work. On September 30th, 1917, he was then taken to Constance with a view to being sent to Switzerland. However, as the troop train passed through one end of Karlsruhe Station, British airmen were bombing the other. In the event, the move to Switzerland did not take place, and he was sent to Rotterdam on January 14th, arriving at ???? On January 26th. On their return English prisoners were very surprised at the conditions they found, for they had been told that Zeppelins had flattened London, and that the people of the nation were starving because of U boat activity.

B.S. 1918 Apr. 6th

From the Infantry Record Office, Warwick, an official notice has been received by Mrs. S. Sirett, of 44, Caledonian Road, Stantonbury, stating that her husband, Sergeant George Sirett, of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, had been killed in action in Salonica on May 9th, 1917. The following is an extract from a letter his widow has received from one of his comrades;

“I cannot put into words how much his loss is felt by the remainder of his lads, for, by his conduct towards and for us, he had become most popular with us all. He was very enthusiastic during the spell when we were awaiting the order to advance upon the enemy’s position, and his spirits helped in no small measure towards keeping the men under his charge in a feeling of great confidence and ability. Early in the action your husband was wounded, but he was so very keen upon taking us on to victory that he continued to lead us, and, later, in the development of the action, was struck with a piece of shell, and this proved fatal. We have lost a splendid leader and a great pal.”

W.E. 1918 Apr. 26th

A telegram was received on the 18th from the R.A.F. Board stating that Second Lieutenant Bouverie Walter St. John Mildmay had been killed in action. He was the only child of the Reverend Arundell St. John Mildmay and Mrs. Mildmay, of Old Wolverton Vicarage.

W.E. 1918 Apr. 26th

News has been received from the War Office that Corporal Thomas Teagle, of the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, the only son of William and Rose Teagle, of Church Street, Wolverton, was killed in action on Thursday, April 4th. Awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, he had been wounded twice. He was 23 years of age, and went to France in August, 1914. His widow, Grace Teagle, of Church Lane, Royston, Herts., would receive the following letter from Lieutenant Guy Lawrence;

“I am sorry not to have answered your letter earlier, but I now write to tell you what I can. When your husband was killed his officer was killed also and so that explains why you did not hear from him at once. A shell burst in the trench and your husband was killed instantaneously; he can never have known that he was hit even. He was buried that night behind the trench. I am afraid I am not allowed to tell you near which village this was, but record is kept of it, and in time we shall be able to tell you exactly. A cross was put up and the place is fairly safe. Your gallant husband died as he had lived, a good Grenadier. What greater compliment can be paid? What higher tribute to his memory? The officers, non-com. officers, and men of the Co. realise that they have lost a fine corporal and a good friend, and they would all wish to unite with me in sending you their warmest sympathy. The Adjutant wishes me to add that your husband was the best thought of corporal in the Company, and had constantly shown the greatest disregard of danger. He was indeed a magnificent soldier. Again with our deep sympathy.”

W.E. 1918 Apr. 26th

Information dated March 25th has been received from the War Office that Second Lieutenant D. Campbell, Wilts. Yeomanry, is a prisoner of war at Langensalze, Germany. He joined the Royal Bucks Hussars in 1914, and was in the action at Chocolate Hill, from which he emerged unscathed. Soon afterwards he left for England, to join an O.T.C. Formerly of Glasgow, he was an all round sportsman and before the war he had worked for 14½ years at McCorquodales.

W.E. 1918 May 3rd

Corporal W. Flint, Royal Engineers, has died, following injuries sustained by a shell burst whilst digging a trench. His mother, who lives at 69, Aylesbury Road, Wolverton, has received the following letter, dated April 22nd, from Major D. Speight, Royal Engineers;

“Dear Mrs. Flint. I have just heard the sad news that your son has succumbed to the injuries he received on the 18th. This is a great shock to us all, for we were very hopeful that his wounds were not serious. Will you please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your great sorrow. I have been associated with this company for a considerable time, and can therefore speak with confidence of your son’s high abilities. We all join with you in mourning the loss of a gallant comrade. With my kindest regards etc.”

In a letter, Lieutenant Keating details the circumstances of the action, saying that under very heavy shell fire the section was digging a trench near a hotly contested part of the battle front when a shell then burst in the middle of them, causing several casualties.

Another letter has also been received, in which a comrade includes;

“But there is some fate which seems to so arrange matters that it is always the very best and finest of us that get killed.” He further states that Corporal Flint was very popular, and wonderfully brave and self controlled.

W.E. 1918 May 10th

Mr. and Mrs. D. Robinson, of 61, Cambridge Street, Wolverton, have received official news that their youngest son, Albert Robinson, has been wounded in the left shoulder. He is now in Deal Hospital. He is aged 25, and served on H.M.S. Vindictive in the Zeebrugge affair. Six years ago he was employed at Wolverton Carriage Works, but since then he has been in the Navy.

B.S. 1918 May 11th

It has been learned that Private J. Roland Casemore, of the Machine Gun Corps, died of wounds on April 29th in France, and was buried the following day near Calais. On April 28th he had been wounded in the right arm and side, but despite an operation succumbed to his injuries. The son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Casemore, of 53, High Street, Stantonbury, he was aged 18, and having joined up in the Training Reserve, was posted to the Dorset Regiment. He was later transferred to the Wiltshires, and then the Machine Gun Corps. A brother is serving in the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, in France. Before the war Private Casemore had been a coach painting apprentice at Wolverton Carriage Works.

Also killed in action has been 31 year old Corporal William Flint. Serving with the Royal Engineers, his fatal wounds were caused by a shell burst whilst he was digging a trench. Having served an apprenticeship as a fitter at Wolverton Carriage Works, he afterwards worked for three years at Eastleigh, and then Coventry, from where he joined up at the outbreak of war.

W.E. 1918 May 10th

An official report has been received that Private R. Fisher, Royal Irish Rifles, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Fisher, of 55, Aylesbury Street, Wolverton, has been wounded. Missing since March 21st, it is now known that he is a prisoner of war at Limberg. Having joined up in 1916, he was wounded in 1917, and spent a considerable time in hospital. Before joining up he was on the staff of the Outdoor Superintendent’s Departments at Wolverton, of the L.N.W.R. Co.

W.E. 1918 May 17th

On the 18th April, 1918, the R.A.F. Board despatched a telegram, containing the sad news that 19 year old 2nd Lieutenant Bouverie Walter St. John Mildmay had been killed. Born on February 25th, 1899, he was the only child of the Reverend Arundell St. John Mildmay and Mrs. Mildmay, of Old Wolverton Vicarage. The fellow members of his squadron, no. 70, have sent the following tribute;

“He was a remarkably daring pilot, and he was trying a very steep dive over the aerodrome when something appeared to break in his machine. He pulled out of the dive with difficulty, but almost immediately afterwards, while turning to land, his machine went out of control and he dived again into the ground. He was killed instantly. We have so far been unable to discover the cause of the accident because the machine was so badly broken on reaching the ground. Your son was so young and such a plucky fellow that we all took to him at once, and we looked upon him with a little more experience as likely to prove one of the best pilots we have ever had in the squadron.”

Of his generation, Bouverie was the eldest male representative of the Hazelgrove Mildmay’s of Somerset (who, in the first year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, had acquired the property by exchange with the Crown) and by dint of his birth had he chosen he could have claimed the position of a count of the Holy Roman Empire. Educated at Mr. Churchill’s School at Stonehouse, Broadstairs, and then at Winchester, it was through his headmaster’s nomination that from Winchester Officer Training Corps he joined the Royal Flying Corps, as a cadet, in April, 1917, and since he passed all his exams with high marks, it was of little surprise that he gained promotion to 2nd Lieutenant. As a pilot he quickly showed great pluck and daring, and within the first 40 minutes of his first solo flight he had looped the loop! During December he was appointed as a test pilot with the Service Test Squadron, although when this made known in the mess at South Carlton, where he was then based, his compatriots were - initially - somewhat sceptical; “Come, ‘Cherub’ (his nickname in the R.F.C.), there must be some mistake: they would never appoint one with so little experience as you have had.” It would be whilst subsequently serving at Castle Bromwich that he began to perform a lot of test work, but his methods were sometimes hardly orthodox. On one occasion whilst chasing a fox over some down land the animal became momentarily caught up in his skid. During another escapade a shepherd, who had been asleep, fled in terror with his dog when the aeroplane dived straight at them. In a later episode he began flying in and out amongst people digging potatoes in Lincolnshire, but “When they began to pelt me with potatoes I went off.” Unfortunately for his aunt, her house lay not far from Castle Bromwich, and on deciding to pay her a flying visit he took great delight in chasing the butler and servants around the house, whereupon - as he would later recall - “the dear old cook fell flat on her back.” His aunt, who was not in the best of health, was then rather upset when he flew straight at her bedroom window, before zooming up among the chimneys. Bouverie then concluded his visit by flying low between the houses along the village, to the great amusement of the many onlookers. On March 9th, 1918, he joined 70 Squadron, and having apparently been wounded the previous day, it would be whilst flying a Sopwith Camel, D1782, that on April 16th, 1918, he was killed. A plaque to his memory was placed in Holy Trinity Church, Old Wolverton.

B.S. 1918 May 18th

Private Louis Illing, Machine Gun Corps, was killed in action in France on March 22nd, and regarding the death of their son Captain G. McPhail writes to Mr. and Mrs. Illing, of St. Mary Street, Stantonbury;

“He joined my company some time ago and always proved himself to be a most willing and cheerful lad. I assure you he will be sadly missed by all his comrades. I offer you the deepest sympathy from all officers, non commissioned officers and men of the - Company, Machine Gun Corps, in your moments of such sadness, and pray that God will comfort and strengthen you through such a sad period of your life.”

Sergeant Steele writes;

“Your son was a fine lad and a brave soldier. … Your son died instantly and suffered no pain, if that is any consolation to you. I know the blow will be very heavy, but you must trust in God and try to bear it bravely.”

W.E. 1918 May 24th

News has been received that Private L. Illing, Machine Gun Corps, was killed in action on March 22nd in France. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Illing, of St. Mary Street, Stantonbury, and was aged 19 years 11 months. He joined up on reaching 18, when he was in the employ of the Wolverton Co-op Society.

W.E. 1918 May 24th

From an official report it has been learned that Second Lieutenant Athol Williams, Leicesters, the son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Williams, of 42, Stratford Road, Wolverton, has severe gun shot wounds and a fractured left arm. He was amongst the first to join Lieutenant Colonel Mobbs’ Battalion, and was badly wounded at the Battle of Loos. In October 1917 he received a commission in the 3rd Leicestershire Regiment and on returning to France was made Area Commandant at Ypres. He transferred to the 1st Leicestershire Battalion in April, and is now being treated in the 29th General Hospital, France.

W.E. 1918 May 31st

The parents of Bugler W. Sanders, who live at 72, Victoria Street, Wolverton, have been notified that the Major General Commanding the Light Division has received a report of the gallant conduct of their son. This was at Demuin on March 29th 1918, when the battalion was nearly surrounded. For over a mile Bugler Sanders carried a wounded man to safety under heavy fire, and he saved many further lives by going out to bring in the wounded. “The General wishes to congratulate him on his fine behaviour.” In a letter to some friends at Wolverton, an N.C.O. of the battalion says “Sanders is one of the bravest I have met.” Bugler Sanders was awarded the Military Medal for his work as a stretcher bearer on July 19th 1916, and the Military Star for bravery at Ypres.

B.S. 1918 June 1st

It is officially reported that Private Frank Foolkes, of the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, was killed in action in France on Monday, April 22nd. Mrs. Foolkes, of 19, Loughton Road, Old Bradwell, has received the following letter from Lieutenant Smith;

“It is with my deepest regrets I have to inform you that he was killed by a shell. He was buried by a comrade in the heart of a large wood just behind the firing line, and I am very sorry to say that no letters or personal effects were found on him. The officers and men of his company were more than sorry to lose such a willing comrade. Please accept my very deepest sympathy at your very sad bereavement.”

Born at, and a resident of, Old Bradwell, Private Foolkes was aged 18 years and 11 months, and from employment at Messrs. Covington, bakers, of Wolverton, had joined the army in June 1917. Previously he had worked for Messrs. Moore and Pearce, bakers of Stantonbury.

B.S. 1918 June 8th

Lance Corporal Albert Branson, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Branson, of 3, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, is reported to have died of wounds in the 3rd Canadian Stationary Hospital in France on May 28th. Aged 29, he was serving in the Royal Engineers, but attached to the Lancashire Fusiliers. His parents had received a letter from him on May 30th in which, written on the 26th, he said that he was quite well, but on the same day they received a telegram from Fulwood Camp, Preston, conveying the sad news that he had died of wounds on the 28th. He joined the Army in December 1916, and was previously employed at the Roberts iron foundry at Deanshanger.

W.E. 1918 June 14th

News has been received that Sergeant W. Wood, M.M., the son of Mr. Frank Wood, formerly of Wolverton Mill, has been killed in action. He enlisted in the Sportsmen’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, and had served in France for three years. He was awarded the Military Medal for rescuing wounded under heavy fire.

W.E. 1918 June 14th

Mrs. Elliman, of 4, West View, Stantonbury, has been informed that her husband, Corporal W. Elliman, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was killed in action in Italy on May 18th. Aged 31, he was the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. G. Elliman, of 146, Stanhope Road, Queen’s Park, Northampton, and before joining up, on May 31st, 1916, had been an assistant master in the Council Schools, Bradwell.

W.E. 1918 June 14th

Mrs. J. Slater, of Loughton, has been informed that her husband, Private J. Slater, Yorkshire Regiment, has been killed in action. He was the younger son of Mr. W. Slater, 91, Newport Road, Stantonbury, and was formerly employed at Wolverton Carriage Works. He leaves a widow and two young children.

B.S. 1918 June 15th

On April 28th, Mrs. E. Goodger, of 17, St. Mary’s Street, Stantonbury, received a report that her son, Private P. Plummer, of the Essex Regiment, had been posted as missing since March 28th. She made various enquiries about his whereabouts, but then on Wednesday, June 5th, received a communication that he could not be traced. However, on the following day she then received a letter from him, stating that he was a prisoner of war. Aged 22, he had joined the Army in the summer of 1916, having previously been employed at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Aug. 2nd

Sapper Eric Millward, Royal Engineers, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Millward, of 11, Glyn Square, Wolverton, has died of pneumonia contracted whilst on active service. He was aged 24, and had joined up on March 19th, 1917. Formerly he worked as an electric fitter at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Aug. 30th

In the London Gazette of June 1918, the name of Sergeant Alf Emerton, Royal Garrison Artillery, appears in General Allenby’s dispatch, for “distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty, and considered deserving of special mention.” Before joining up in 1915, Sergeant Emerton was on the staff of the ‘Wolverton Express,’ and within a month of taking up military duties was appointed on the Headquarters Staff in Egypt, as shorthand writer and typist to the General Officer Commanding.

W.E. 1918 Aug. 30th

Mr. A. James, of Stratford Road, Wolverton, has received news that his son, Private R. James, Tank Corps, was admitted to hospital at Rouen on August 10th, with severe wounds to his right leg and left knee. He joined the Army in July, 1915, having been serving his apprenticeship in the electrical department of Wolverton Carriage Works. He was admitted to the same hospital, and on the same day, as his brother, Gunner F. James, Royal Field Artillery. The latter joined up in April 1915, and was previously employed in the Time Office at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Aug. 30th

Mrs. A. Child, of 161, Newport Road, Stantonbury, has now received news from her husband, Corporal A. Child, East Yorkshire Regiment. Sent to France on May 4th, he had been missing since May 27th, but in a postcard to his wife says that he is well, and a prisoner in Germany. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in June 1916, and in January 1917 was transferred to the East Yorkshires. Before enlisting he was a trimmer at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Sep. 6th

Aged 30, Private Alfred Monk, of the 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), is unofficially reported to have been killed in action in France on Friday, November 30th, 1917. His mother, Mrs. George Monk, of 42, Buckingham Street, Wolverton, has received the following letter from Sergeant D. Drew, who, as a prisoner of war, writes from Parchim, Germany;

“I am deeply sorry to hear that you had not heard anything of Alfred up to the present, which practically confirms my fears concerning him. He was very badly wounded the last I saw of him, which was about three minutes before the Germans entered our trench. There were two others wounded by the same bomb. I bandaged one up, and by the time I had finished, the Germans were almost over our parapet. It was then I was captured, and much as I regret it, I think we may conclude that the poor fellow died shortly afterwards.”

A letter received from a Captain Page practically confirms the above, and a letter of nearly the same wording is published in the Bucks Standard of September 7th, 1918. (Born at Potterspury, although a resident of Wolverton, Private Monk had enlisted at Folkestone on August 16th, 1914, and was sent to the Western Front in June 1915. He took part in the fierce fighting at the Battle of Loos on October 13th 1915, and on the Somme in 1916. He fought at Arras in April and May 1917, but was killed at Cambrai in November 1917. Private Monk had formerly served his apprenticeship at Wolverton Carriage Works, and after he came of age was, as a highly skilled mechanic, employed in some of the best known motor works in England and Scotland. He is commemorated on the CambraI Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. His elder brother, Mechanic G. Monk, Army Cycle Corps, succumbed to pneumonia on December 17th 1915, during his training.)

W.E. 1918 Sep. 13th

Rifleman H. Caves, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, is officially reported to have been killed in action in France on August 27th. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Caves, of 45, Jersey Road, Wolverton, to whom Lance Corporal Wells writes,

“I expect by now you have received the sad official news of your son’s death, so I am writing these few lines to let you know as fully as I can what happened, as I know sometimes parents like to know the whole details. It was on the night of the 16th that our Company sent out a portion and unfortunately ran into one of the German patrols, and bombs were thrown. All our patrol got back, some wounded, except Harold, and he could not be got as he fell right near the enemy post. That was all the news we could get, so I did not write, as up to then there was a chance of him being wounded and a prisoner, but I would not write to you in case I raised false hopes. Also a few days later we attacked the gentlemen opposite and there he was found in the same spot and was buried. As regards his death, do not worry yourselves that he might have laid there and suffered. He did not suffer at all. That is left for those at home in every case. If it was not for those at home life would not be worth having out here. He had a premonition that he was not coming back that night. If young Button gets back safely he will be able to verify what I am writing. Doubtless he is avenged by the hiding they got in that part of the line, but that is poor consolation, I know. There is no more that I can tell you, and I am sorry at writing this, but I thought you might have received the official notice wounded and missing, and thus built up hopes that could not be realised.”

W.E. 1918 Sep. 13th

News has been received that Private C. Hepworth, Bucks Battalion, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, was hit in the head and killed on the Italian front on August 26th. A Chaplain to the Forces writes the following letter, subsequently published in the Bucks Standard of September 7th, 1918, to Private Hepworth’s father, Mr. Hepworth, of Stantonbury;

“He was with his platoon during an attack when he was hit in the head and died in a very short time. He became unconscious and so suffered no lingering pain. I buried him this morning in a small cemetery just behind the line and we are erecting a cross over his grave. He was a good lad and very much respected by us all, and he will be a great loss to his company.”

Aged 21, Private Hepworth had previously been employed in the brass shop at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Sep. 13th

Gunner Thomas Robinson, Siege Battery, R.G.A., is unofficially reported to have been killed on the evening of September 19th at his battery position. 20 years of age, he was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, of 112, Church Street, Wolverton. Having been in the Army for some time, he had been home last January with trench fever. In a letter, the Chaplain writes;

“May I be permitted to say how much we regret the loss of our dear friend, Gnr. G.T. Robinson, while on duty, Thursday, Sept. 19, at his station. I know how hard it must be for you to be bereaved of him who is so near and dear to you. No words at this time from anyone can be of adequate comfort. But God in His wondrous mercy and kindness and sweetness of love, is sharing your sorrow in the Person of His dear Son, and His crown is prepared for those who have so nobly and without thought for themselves offered up their lives, not only for King and country, but also for those who are nearest and dearest to themselves. Perhaps it would be of some comfort to you to feel that your dear son was killed instantaneously by a shell and did not suffer a lingering death.”

Battery Sergeant Major R. Eggleton, a native of Towcester, wrote to offer his sympathy and that of the N.C.O.s and men of the battery, continuing;

“I can assure you I shall greatly miss your son, as I have always found him a most willing and hard worker. Your son was killed along with his most intimate pal, on Thursday, Sept. 19, and was laid to rest alongside of him the following day in a quiet little cemetery near the battery position. If it is any consolation to you I might mention that your son was killed outright and did not suffer in any way. I started the battery wheeler immediately on making a cross to place over his grave, and this will be done as soon as ever possible.”

The Officer Commanding the Battery wrote that he passed away without suffering, and will be a great loss to the Battery. “You have the sincerest sympathy of the officers of the battery in your bereavement.”

Captain A. Lanson wrote;

“It is with heavy heart that I write these lines concerning your great loss of your son, Tom. He was in my detachment, and I was alongside of him when he got killed at 6p.m. on Sept. 10th. We were working at the gun when a shell dropped amongst us, and unfortunately your son was killed outright along with his best chum, and also wounded four others, one of whom has since died. I myself escaped without a scratch and I cannot tell you how deeply I feel for you in your sad bereavement. He was one of my best pals, always cheery and obliging, and I became very much attached to him, and I miss him sorely. I saw him buried quietly side by side with his chum, and two crosses were put above the grave. Accept my most heartfelt sympathy.”

A few days later Mr. and Mrs. Robinson would receive official notification of the death of their son, and accompanying the intimation would be a letter signed by Lord Milner, Secretary of State for War;

“The King commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow. He whose loss you mourn died in the noblest of causes. His country will be ever grateful to him for the sacrifice he has made for freedom and justice.”

B.S. 1918 Sep. 14th

It has been announced that Private Harold Caves, of the King’s Royal Rifles, was killed in action in France on August 17th. Aged 19, he was the son of Mr. A. Caves, of 45, Jersey Road, Wolverton, and having joined the army on March 1st, 1917, went to France on March 12th 1918. Before enlisting he was serving an apprenticeship at Messrs. McCorquodale’s Printing Works, at Wolverton.

W.E. 1918 Oct. 11th

Official news has been received that having been wounded for the second time, Private A. Mundy, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, is now in the 48th General Hospital, Salonika. He was hit in the arm and leg on September 18th by a shell burst, which killed three and wounded another. On the way to the dressing station he then had a narrow escape when another shell burst only a few yards from him. It had only been a few days since he rejoined his Company, after being in hospital with malarial fever. Prior to enlisting, Private Mundy was serving his apprenticeship at the Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Oct. 11th

Regarding their son Private William Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. C. Rogers, of 41, Peel Road, Wolverton, have received this official report;

“Prisoner of war in German hands wounded.”

(Of the 10th Essex Battalion, would be repatriated later in the month.)

B.S. 1918 Oct. 19th

Official notice has been received that Private George Munday, of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, has been wounded for the second time, and is in the 48th General Hospital, Salonica. Private Munday then wrote to his parents informing them that on September 18th he was wounded in the arm and leg by a shell burst, which killed three and wounded another. On the way to the dressing station he had another narrow escape when a shell burst a few yards away. He had only been back with his regiment for a few days, having been hospitalised with malaria. He is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Munday, of Thompson Street, Stantonbury, and before enlisting was an apprentice in the paint shop at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Nov. 1st

Rifleman Donald Caves, of the 18th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, died of wounds received in action on Tuesday, September 3rd at Kemmel Hill. Aged 19, he was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. J. Caves, 150, Windsor Street, to whom the Chaplain of the Brigade writes;

“I have known your son ever since he joined the 18th Battalion. Being Chaplain, I had every opportunity of knowing him: he has attended my services regularly, and under all circumstances was true to his Christian principles. I have met him under many difficult circumstances, and always found him cheery and brave, and ever ready to help his comrades. He is buried in the Military Cemetery near Poperinge.”

Prior to joining the Army, in March, 1917, Rifleman Caves had been employed by Messrs. Bradbury Greatorex Ltd., London, wholesale drapers, by whom he was highly esteemed.

W.E. 1918 Nov. 8th

Lance Corporal Reginald Francklow, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, has been officially reported as wounded, and in a letter a comrade writes;

“We had a hell of a time. They rushed us straight over the top at night. No one knew anything about it till five minutes before the time of advancing. We had three villages to take and the battalion took them in great style. But it was a rough duel. In the casualties we had one from Wolverton, so far as I can find out Reg. Francklow. I bandaged him up. He got one through the jaw. He came round all right when he was at the Aid Post Station. I received a bit of shrapnel in the hand and two bullets through my trousers, but did not pierce my leg. Jerry straffed us for five hours with gas shells, and when we moved he knocked 23 straight out just in front of my party.”

Lance Corporal Francklow is now in hospital at Sheffield. He joined up in 1914, and prior to that worked as a coach finisher at Wolverton Carriage Works.

W.E. 1918 Nov. 8th

The nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe, of 7, Peel Road, Wolverton, Private W. Cook, Machine Gun Section, was wounded in France in the left arm and shoulder by shrapnel on October 26th. He joined up in 1914, and was formerly in the Gloucester Regiment and King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He has been wounded twice, and suffered from trench foot.

B.S. 1918 Nov. 9th

Sergeant Richard Kettle, of the Royal Engineers Railway Operating Division, died aged 34 at Frensham Hill Military Hospital on November 3rd. Captain F. Earl, Commanding H. Company of the Royal Engineers, Borden, writes to Mrs. Kettle;

“I was very grieved to hear of your husband’s fatal illness and that he had passed away. … I am writing to offer you the deep sympathy of the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men of H Company in your great trouble. As you know, Sergt. Kettle was with me in France in the 1st Bucks Battalion when we first went out, and when he came to Borden he again came to my Company. I should like to take this opportunity of telling you how well and willingly he always worked for the good of the Company, and he helped me in every way possible. I know how well and carefully he always carried out his duties, as he was with me for so long. It is a long time ago since we marched out of Chelmsford on our way to France, and it seems particularly sad to me that Sergt. Kettle did not live to see the end of the war.”

At the beginning of the war he mobilised with the Territorials, in which he had served for about 16 years, and in September 1917 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers. During his service with the Territorials he was time expired, but volunteered to serve again. Before the war he was employed in the Gas Department at Wolverton Works, and at Thompson Street, Stantonbury, he leaves a widow and four children, the youngest aged four months.

(On the afternoon of Saturday, November 9th, with full military honours he would be buried in Stantonbury Churchyard, with the firing party composed of 14 members of the Royal Engineers’ Wireless Depot, Newport Pagnell, and The Last Post being sounded by four of the Church Lads’ Brigade Buglers.)

(Also at Frensham Hill Hospital, Pioneer E. Knight, R.C.T.D., Royal Engineers, died, aged 30, on November 17th, 1918. His mother, of 51, Spencer Street, Stantonbury, has received a letter from the Matron, in which she states; “As you know, he has been very ill for some days, but he passed away quite peacefully last night at 9.30p.m. … We did everything we possibly could for his recovery, but our efforts were of no avail. He had the best attention from both nurses and doctors.” The following poem would be penned in his memory;

Before enlisting, Pioneer Knight had been employed at Wolverton Carriage Works.)

BS. 1918 Wolverton Nov. 9th

Private Harry Trodd, of the Wiltshire Regiment, died on October 19th in a French hospital from severe gunshot wounds in the right knee and left leg. His sister, Miss E. Trodd, of 53, St. Mary Street, Stantonbury, received a letter from the Sister in charge of the hospital, stating that Private Trodd was so ill from the shock, and the loss of blood, that all their efforts were to no avail, and he died at 2.15a.m. on October 19th, being buried in the British Military Cemetery near the hospital. He was 21, and before enlisting had been employed in the brass shop at Wolverton Carriage Works. His father is serving in Italy with the 1st Bucks Battalion of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry.

Also killed in action in France has been Rifleman Percy Snow, of the Rifle Brigade, who died on September 29th. He was the son in law of Mr. and Mrs. Clamp, of 97, Newport Road, Wolverton, who lost a daughter, Mrs. Annie Coleman, aged 33, on November 1st. Aged 36, before enlisting Rifleman Snow was employed by a well known firm of upholsterers in New Bond Street, London.

B.S. 1918 Dec. 14th

Official news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. S. Johnson, of 28, Queen Anne Street, Stantonbury, that their youngest son, 25 year old Sergeant David Johnson, of the 7th Oxon and Bucks Light infantry, died at a military hospital in France on November 27th. On that date they received a letter from the sister in charge of the hospital saying that, with everything possible being done for him, he had been admitted suffering from influenza and pneumonia, and that his condition was critical. Another letter was then received a day later, conveying the sad news that he had passed away on the night of November 27th. Particularly poignant was the fact that after three strenuous years of service in Salonica he was on his way home to spend leave with his parents. He had joined the army at the outbreak of war, having previously been employed in the body shop at Wolverton Carriage Works. Having joined at the age of 14, he had been an enthusiastic member of the Bradwell United Prize Band, and also of the P.S.A. Band, the members of which in a letter to his parents write; “We remember with great pleasure the great help and assistance he gave us with our band up to the time he enlisted, and we very much regret we shall not be able to welcome him back again.” In another letter, the members of the Bradwell Band write; “You have indeed lost a good son and ourselves a good bandsman. The committee and members mourn with you for such a lad.”

B.S. 1918 Dec. 14th

Private Leonard Dixon, of Stantonbury, has just returned from German captivity, and reveals the brutality that the prisoners suffered. With 400 comrades, he was released on November 13th, and the journey from Forbach to the French frontier took three days and nights. Of his experiences he says;

“We could hardly believe that we were free because the German guards could never be relied upon. We were sent off without food, and turnips and cabbage or anything we could pick up we gladly ate. We reached the frontier in a very exhausted condition - barely 250 of us left. Many a lad died on the march from starvation. We were simply left to find our way the best we could. Boots and socks I had none, and I had never had a clean change since I was captured. I was simply eaten up with lice. While I was in the prison camp of Stugmund the guards were worse than fiends. They hit us with sticks, and I myself was shot at for picking a turnip by the side of the road. Luckily I was not hit. At this camp our work consisted of digging and making new railways, very heavy work for starved men. If we rested a few minutes we were hit with a stick, and no mercy was shown us. For three days it rained hard and we were compelled to work, for the officer stood over us with a loaded revolver. He said we were lazy, and were fed too well. Our menu for breakfast was burnt barley and water (which they called coffee); for dinner we had dried vegetables (mangles and hot water), and for tea coffee and a small ration of black bread. Twice a week we had two herrings between seven men.”

Formerly employed as a coach painter at Wolverton Carriage Works, Private Dixon joined the Royal Flying Corps on June 27th 1916 but was transferred to the 3rd Northants. Regiment in January 1918, and then to the Lancashire Fusiliers in France on April 25th, being taken prisoner on May 27th in the forest of Bruiel. Subsequently he was confined in the working camps in Austria and Alsace Lorraine of Saarbrucken, Saarlons, Brixen, Wurzburg, and Stugmund.

W.E. 1918 Dec. 27th

Regarding ‘the great stunt in the East,’ the following letter has been received from Private Pickard, R.A.M.C., by a friend at Stantonbury;

“The first day was a rather weird affair for us. For several days previous we had been neatly tucked away from aerial observation in woods, gradually edging towards the front line during the nights. On THE (sic) morning we moved off just before dawn, getting a fine view of the short but sharp bombardment that preceded the infantry attack. Towards dawn the firing lessened, and by the time the sun rose the cloud of dust caused by H.E.s was being wafted seawards by the breeze. The attack was, of course, a complete success, and was effected with wonderfully low casualties. The infantry must have mopped up, either by casualties or prisoners, nearly all the dwellers of the opposing trenches for we did not see any Turks for some miles after passing the infantry. But I digress. We halted about three miles behind the line and fed and watered the animals, and had a scrappy breakfast. An hour or so’s march brought us to our old front line, carefully filled in at this point to form a road whose limits were marked by the flags of the Cavalry Corps. It was difficult to realize that only a few hours before there had been a life and death struggle here.

We had already seen several batches of prisoners with their infantry escorts, and a few minutes after passing the Turks’ old trenches we saw the field guns and howitzers that they had left behind in their hurried move. By this time the firing had ceased save for an occasional ‘woof’ of a heavy gun, and trotting and walking alternately, we rapidly closed up to our advancing infantry whom we eventually passed in a wadi where they were resting and having a snack. By this time the whole cavalry were well into swing, and as we were practically in the centre, it was the sight of a life-time. The country in which we were moving was the rolling grazing country, something after the style of English downs, and when there came an open piece, one could see Brigade on Brigade on both sides moving in their various positions. Soon after mid-day we halted behind the screen of a hill while a Brigade on our right advanced to capture a village. This was soon accomplished, and in addition to the usual batch of prisoners they took the Turkish G.O.C. and most of his staff. This was, I believe, the first incident of note indicating the nature of the surprise, which was one of the big features of this part of the advance.

Immediately the village was taken we moved off again and kept on till about half past four when we halted at the foot of the Judean Hills to water and feed. We stayed there till dusk, and then moved off again towards the pass, the entrance of which was reached about 11p.m.

Here again the element of surprise helped us tremendously, for had there been time for the enemy to prepare even a slight position at the mouth or in the pass itself, only very severe fighting would have enabled us to get through. The journey through the pass lasted throughout the night, and the exit was reached about half an hour after dawn. Here we watered the animals and moved straight on across the plain in the wake of the Cavalry of ours and one other Brigade who were attacking a hurriedly-made position astride the road about two miles away.

From the small amount of the pass we saw, it seemed infinitely better than the dreary one known as the Jerusalem-Jericho road, The latter led through lime-stone “half-bald” hills, but those through which the former ran were rather pleasing to the eye, being for the most part covered with long grass which looked top-hole, glistening with dew. From the exit of the pass one had a splendid view of Aesdralon, and the mountains (including Mt. Tabor) in the background. At this time of the year it did not look so good, as only standing stubble was left, but its history made up in interest what it lacked in scenery.

We halted at a railway junction about half way across the plain and in occupying the station, cut off two large Turkish armies. It was near this station that a large haul of transport was made, and it was there that the German officer haughtily asked, “Who dares to stop a staff car?”

The halt was for about three hours, but we were busy dressing the whole time. We had hardly lined up our ambulances when a car from the Armoured Motor Battery came up with two Huns. It seems that there were 10 left at a small aerodrome there, and they tried to escape in a lorry on which were mounted two machine guns. Eight were killed and we had the other two. Whilst we were dressing these a German aeroplane was driven down and its two occupants were sent straight to us. The pilot was in rather a mess - he must have caught a burst of M.G. fire nicely, as he had seven wounds - all up his left side. He had only arrived from Germany the previous day and sported a First Class Order of the Iron Cross. Still, I must not bore you with a list of patients and there ailments.

We left the junction at mid-day or thereabouts, and marched on till dark, when we arrived at our objective in the Jordan Valley, having (as a congratulatory D.R.O. said) covered 86 miles in 36 hours, which, as you will agree, is moving some.”

W.E. 1919 Feb. 14th

Official information has been received from the War Office by Mr. and Mrs. George West, 17, Oxford Street, Wolverton, that Lance Corporal Arthur West, 5th Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, died from cardiac weakness. His death occurred on June 17th 1918 whilst a prisoner of war in the War Hospital, Bohain.

W.E. 1919 May 16th

Mr. & Mrs. J. Adams, of 1, Spencer Street, have just been informed that their third son, First Air Mechanic Amos Adams, was killed at the end of March while flying from Lahore to Quetta. The first news came by telegram a few days later, to be followed by a letter from the lieutenant in charge of the machine when the accident happened;

“Dear Sir, - I take the liberty of writing to you to express my very deepest sympathy with you in your great loss. Your son and I were flying from Lahore to Quetta when the accident happened, and I think it may comfort you to know that he did not die a lingering death, but was killed instantly. I had the great honour of numbering your son among my friends, and I know that he was respected for his upright life by every man in the squadron. He was buried here at Quetta on March 29, and the loss is keenly felt by us all. I sometimes feel that it is harder for us who are left behind than for those who are taken from us, but God’s will be done, and we must bear our grief knowing that his spirit will still live in the good example he set others while he was with us, and that we shall all be united again in God’s good time. If there is anything I can let you know or anything I can do for my friend please write to me.

He was aged 24, and having mobilised with the Bucks Territorials was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps three years ago. One of his two brothers was killed during the war.