Item 763 Extracts from the local newspapers regarding World War I servicemen from King s Cliffe.

Transcription

1 World War I servicemen from. Transcribed from the Stamford newspaper archives. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 16 September 1914 The names of 25 men in the Army are as follows:- S Wilders, H Roberts, A Stanger, I Sauntson, J Woodhouse, J Giddings, F Lattimore, J Langley, J Green, G Green, I Goodwin, T Hawkes, E Smith, W Craythorn, J Scotney, H Carrington, G Smith, E Beales, E Bollans, P Skinner, W Roberts, H Smith, M Butler, G W Mountney, and W Henson. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 2 December 1914 Letter to the Editor THE HONOUR OF KING S CLIFFE Sir, At the special request of people from working in Stamford, who have undergone a very aggravating and trying time since the publication of the account of the recruiting meeting here, wherein your correspondent brands the young men as cowards for not enlisting, I will, with your permission, try to free them from the stigma cast upon their characters. It is not altogether what kind of impression the speakers took away from that meeting but what it is that the people who read your correspondent s rigmarole thought and what they say to Cliffites at Stamford. Yours is a nice place to belong to. You have a nice lot of brave men at Cliffe, with many expletives chucked in more forcible than polite this is what our people have had to endure at their work and off work at Stamford. When your correspondent was giving vent to his private opinions of that meeting he knew, or might have known, that we have never failed to find men for the Army and Navy. Those who were so ready to condemn the young men of Cliffe will perhaps alter their opinions after they have read the following list of names of men from this parish who are serving their King and Country:-

2 World War I servicemen from. REGULARS Major F Adams Captain Powell Lieut. S G Howes George Miles F Walker W L Sharpe W G Britton H Elliott W Roberts R Miles A Lattimore W Morley B Blake L Wilders E Smith A Wooding F Bradley J Mason J Dixon J Saunders (sailor) NEW ARMY W G Howes F Goodwin G Green J Scotney E Bollans P Skinner J Green J Woodhouse J Giddens T Sauntson T Hawkes A Stanger G Blake T Beal L Coles F Dunham W Walpole J Lord Hy Walpole W Henson C Stanger C Wootton G Smith H Carrington H Roberts W Elliott J Langley A Craythorne C Green F Adams F Lattimore W Genever A Blake J Beal J Giddens H Giddens C Chambers As will be seen, thirty-seven (the seven last named enlisted last Friday and went away on Monday) have joined Kitchener s Army, and with the twenty regulars they make a grand total of fifty-seven, while four were rejected who were willing to serve. Who shall say now that Cliffe people are not patriotic? The above is a record of which we are justly proud, and with a population of only 1,053 it will take a lot of beating. It is doubtful whether it can be beaten by any place of its size in England. Your correspondent cannot do less than make a public apology for circulating the report that only two men in had pluck enough to join the Army. Yours truly H E Dixon (Senior)

3 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 12 December 1914 Lance-Corporal G Miles, grandson of the late Mr George Miles, timber merchant, has been promoted Quarter-Master Sergeant in his regiment, the 4 th Dragoon Guards, now stationed at Newport, Monmouth. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 20 January 1915 Sad News News has reached Mr and Mrs Sharpe, of West Street, of the death of their son, Private W Sharpe, of the 1 st Northamptons, which occurred on September 11 th at the Battle of the Aisne. Although no official communication has been received of his death up to now, a comrade who was wounded at the same time has written stating that Private Sharpe was shot through the head and died shortly afterwards, being wounded in a wood with six comrades. Sharpe, who enlisted at the outbreak of war, was 20 years of age and is the first Cliffe man to fall for his country. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 19 May 1915 Died of Wounds The sad news was received here on Wednesday of the death from wounds on May 5 th at the Dardanelles of Sergeant F Rothwell, of the Lancashire Fusiliers. Sergeant Rothwell was the husband of Mrs W Rothwell, who resides with her mother, Mrs George Bollans, at. The deceased was a Lancashire man. The widow, previous to her marriage, went out to India with Captain Graham and family as a nurse. There she made the acquaintance of Sergeant Rothwell. She came home for a short period, and went back again to get married. She came home last August, when her husband s regiment was ordered home on account of the war. Sergeant Rothwell was stationed at Nuneaton, and went out to the Dardanelles in March. Previous to going out to the war he had just about completed his term of service. He was highly respected, and his young widow, who has no family, has the sincere sympathy of everybody. Death of Captain Townsend G Powell Mrs Powell, widow of the Revd Townsend Powell, late Vicar of Quinton, near Stratford-on-Avon, now residing at the Manor House,, received information from the War Office on Friday morning that her son, Captain Powell, of the 3 rd Northamptonshire Regiment, was killed in action on the 9 th of May, when leading his men in an attack on the German trenches. The deceased served as a volunteer in the Matabele and Boer Wars. The widow and relatives have our sincere sympathy in their bereavement. Captain D W Powell, of the Flying Corps, has recovered from his wounds and returned to headquarters at the beginning of last week.

4 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 25 May 1915 The sad news was received on Tuesday morning of the death in action on April 25 th of Private T Goodwin, who belonged to the East Surrey Regiment. Private Goodwin was an employee of Mr H L C Brassey, MP, and enlisted soon after war broke out. He was organ blower at the Congregational Church. Stamford Guardian: Saturday 5 th June 1915 Mr and Mrs Lattimore received a communication from the War Office, stating that their son, Private Albert Edward Lattimore had been killed in action on May 9 th. Private Lattimore had served in the 2 nd Northants for four years. He took part in the battle of Neuve Chapelle, and was wounded, but was soon back in the firing line. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents. Stamford Guardian: Saturday 20 November 1915 Killed in Action Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Beale, of The Butts, who have been officially notified that their eldest son, Private E Beale, 8 th Lincolns, was killed in action on September 26 th. He had been in France about one month. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 9 June 1915 Another Soldier Falls Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs John Lattimore, who have received the distressing news of the death of their son, Albert Edward Lattimore. For four years he had been in the 2 nd Northants Regiment and was killed while fighting in the trenches. Another son, William, has been in the Navy, but he was discharged as unfit for further service owing to injuries received. Still another son, Frederick, is in the Army, and is expected home shortly on furlough. It is hoped the sight of him may cheer the mother up in her sad bereavement. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 22 March 1916 Another Hero Killed We regret to announce that Private George Dixon, of the 7 th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment, youngest son of Mr and Mrs James Dixon, Park Street,, has fallen in action on the Western Front. His parents have received the following letter from the officer commanding the Grenade Section of the 7 th Lincolns:-

5 World War I servicemen from. I have great regret in informing you of the death of your son, who was serving as a grenadier in this regiment. He died in the service of his King and country, doing his duty nobly and well until the last, and his loss is very kindly felt by his comrades and myself, who offer to you and yours our heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement. Private Dixon had been in France about 12 months, and was 28 years of age. Deep sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Dixon and relates in their heavy loss of a gallant soldier son, who was held in high esteem in this village. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 18 October 1916 Sad Official News Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Lyman, who received a few days ago official intimation of the death of her son, Private R Miles, of the Lincolnshire Regiment. The young man, who was familiarly known as Reggie was a general favourite with all who knew him. The communication from the war authorities states that he was killed in action in France on October 13 th 1915, which was the date of his 22 nd birthday. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 29 November 1916 Another Soldier Killed Mr and Mrs Wootton, of West Street, have received the sad news of the death of their son, Lance-Corporal Charles Thomas Wootton, of the King s Royal Rifles. He was killed leading his section forward over a German trench. Only a fortnight ago he received the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 9 May 1917 The Supreme Sacrifice We regret to learn that Private Frank Donald Kingston, of the Northants Regiment, has been slain while in action. He was the eldest son of Mr J Kingston, farmer and District Councillor, of. Private Kingston had never been very robust, and fighting was foreign to his nature. He was a genial favourite, and has died doing his duty nobly and well for King and country. The whole village mourns his loss. He was only 20 years old.

6 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 15 August 1917 Casualties Mrs Healey, of Park Street, received the sad news of the death of her husband on Wednesday. The official letter stated that Gunner Charles F Healey, Siege Battery, R.A., was killed in action on July 20 th. Gunner Healey was a son of Mr Healey, late of Elton, gamekeeper to the Earl of Carysfort for over 25 years. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. Privates Sharpe, of Blackmorethick Farm, and Arnold Blackett, of Cross Leys Farm, are also reported missing. The latter is believed to be wounded and a prisoner in Germany. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 12 September 1917 Two Brothers Make the Great Sacrifice We hear with deep regret that Private J Sharpe, Northants Regiment, has been killed in France. His parents received the sad news on Sunday morning. He was shot in the head, and died before getting back to the lines. This is the second son Mr and Mrs Sharpe have lost. The parents have received the following letter from a sergeant of the regiment:- I have made enquiries of one of your son s comrades, who was with him on 31 st July. The company was going forward in the front line, and your son was hit in the head by a bullet. It was a very bad wound. One of his comrades bound his head up and kept by his side a short time to see if there was anything more he could do for him. Then an order came along to push on, and your son was left. He said he did not think your son would get over it; he seemed as if he was dying when he left him. Another chap saw hour son walking towards him; he saw him fall, and he was not seen to rise again. I don t think he could have moved any more. You can take my word for it that your son died from head wounds. Accept the deepest sympathy of myself and all his comrades who greatly mourn his loss. Your son was always willing to do his share of duty like a soldier and a comrade. The sympathy of the whole of the inhabitants goes out to them in this their second bereavement.

7 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 7 th Nov 1917 Killed in Action Private Levi Smith, Essex Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs R Smith,, was killed in action on October 10 th. He joined up in January, and was 19 years of age. He had been out to France six months. Previous to joining the Army he was employed on Mr Brassey s estate, and had never been from home. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents and family. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 21 Nov 1917 Missing Private J Harker, Surrey Regiment, of, has been reported missing. Mrs Harker has received a letter stating that Private Harker was reported missing after the battalion came out of action on the 27 th September. After careful enquiries through the different field ambulances, they have received no further information, although he may probably be a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Subsequently, Private John Valentine Harker was officially reported missing, presumed dead. He was father of Mrs M Hercock, nee Harker. His name is engraved on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Flanders. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 23 Jan 1918 Killed in Action The sad news has reached Mr W T Shrive of West Street, that his youngest son, Private J B Shrive, of the Royal Fusiliers, was killed in East Africa on October 18 th. Deep sympathy is felt for the sorrowing relatives. Private Shrive was for five years a Sunday School teacher at St John s Peterborough. Mr and Mrs Shrive have two other sons in the Army, and one of them has been wounded. For some time they have been anxious about their son, as they had not heard from him since the middle of last September, when he was at Durban doing well. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 13 March 1918 Sad News No news having been received of Private Frederick Lattimore since May 3 rd of last year, the authorities at the Record Office have written that they are constrained to conclude he is dead. He was a son of Mr John Lattimore and belonged to the Machine Gun Corps.

8 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 27 March 1918 Missing, Concluded to be Dead His numerous friends will be sorry to hear that Private A M Emerton, son of Mr J Emerton of Broad Street, Peterborough, and West Hay,, who was previously reported as having been missing since May 2 nd 1917, is now officially concluded to be dead. He joined the Army in 1916 and went to France the following February. Deep sympathy is felt for his sorrowing relatives. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 17 April 1918 Missing Private T Dixon, son of Mr H E Dixon, London Regiment, is reported missing. He has been wounded three times, and during his sick leave was married at Paignton, Devon, a year ago. He had been a postman at, Peterborough and Stamford. Killed in Action Another local hero to fall in war is Private Tom Little, of King s Cliffe. Notification that he was dead has been received by his father. Private Little had seen service in Italy. He returned there after his furlough and was subsequently removed to France. Killed in Action The distressing tidings have come to hand of the death in action on March 25 th of Private E G Tulley, 19, of Rockbourne West Yorks Regiment. Intimation of his death, received on Monday from his brother, was confirmed by the War Office on Wednesday. The deceased was well-known and respected and previous to enlistment took an active part in the management of his father s gas works. Private Jack Smith, West Kents, son of Mr R Smith,, has died of wounds. This is the second son Mr Smith has lost during the war. The Revd A Backley, Chaplain to the Forces, has written expressing his deep regret and sympathy, and stating that the body had been buried by him. Private A E Drain, of the West Kents, a chum of the deceased, has also written stating that Private Smith was wounded on the 3 rd instant. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 15 May 1918 Missing Private E Smith, Bridge Street, is reported missing since March 25 th. Roll of the Brave The list of village patriots now numbers 203, of whom twenty-two have made the supreme sacrifice.

9 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 26 June 1918 Sportsman Makes Supreme Sacrifice We regret to announce that Private H V Green, North Lancs, of, was killed in action on May 27 th. Private Green was 34 years of age. He was captain of the Football Club, a member of the Cricket Club, and Scoutmaster of the local Boy Scouts, and was very highly esteemed. He leaves a wife and son, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 10 July 1918 Police Sergeant s son Missing We regret to announce that Private F S Fitzhugh, Yorks Regiment, eldest son of Police Sergeant Fitzhugh, of, is officially reported missing since May 27 th. He is 19 years of age, and had been in France a month. It is hoped news of him will soon be received. Subsequently, presumed dead. Name on church memorial. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 13 November 1918 Died a Prisoner - We regret to say that intimation has been received from the War Office that Private Ernest Smith has died from intestinal catarrh. He was a prisoner at Limburg Camp, and was 20 years of age. Stamford & Rutland News Wed 27 Nov 1918 Private Charles Roberts, son of Mr Charles Roberts, died at an Army depot near Daventry, on November 15 th from double pneumonia. He was 20 years of age. [His age was incorrectly stated: he was in fact 25 when he died.] Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 11 December 1918 Died in Germany. We regret that Private Tom Green, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J V Green,, has died after being a prisoner in Germany. He was being daily expected home, and a returned prisoner friend has written stating that the death took place on October 21 st from the influenza. Deep sympathy is felt for the parents, as both their sons have lost their lives in the war.

10 World War I servicemen from. Sundry reports: War : Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 21 April 1915 Soldier Wounded: News has been received that George William Britten, of King s Cliffe, better known as Billdad, has been wounded in the thigh and is in France at No 4 Hospital. We have reason to suppose that the wound is not of a serious nature, and we hope he will soon be fit for duty again. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 18 August 1915 Different from Shooting Rabbits Private Percy Skinner, son of Mr and Mrs R(oland) Skinner, of Park Street,, writing to his brother from the front, states:- I have been in several engagements with the Germans and have toppled a few of them over with my rifle. Early one morning, there was one of them building his trench up, and I happened to spot him. An officer came past at the time, so I said: I have got a chance here. He said: Let fly at him. He was about 70 yards away from our trench and I was just taking my aim when I was also spotted, the bullet striking the sandbag I was resting on. I let go then, and knocked him right over. I never saw him again, so I think I put him to rest. We have to be very careful going in and out of the trenches. They send the lights up in the air, and can see every movement, and open rapid fire. We lost six going in a few nights ago. I must tell you all what I have seen and done if ever I have the luck to get back, but it s different from shooting rabbits in Cliffe Woods. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 19 April 1916 Married Men Join: - Several married men left to join the colours last week. They were Mr J Kerfoot (woodman), Mr W Skinner (carpenter) and Mr W Gimber (warehouseman). Mr Sydney Burge, youngest son of Mr Burge, of West Street, has also answered the first call from Hitchin.

11 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 30- May 1917 Military Medallist. A letter has been received from Major-General A B Scott by Mrs Carrington, commending her son, Private Horace Carrington, RAMC, for bravery shown in an attack on the enemy s position on April 9 th, when General Scott s division captured 20 officers, 1,200 men, 41 field guns and howitzers, 28 machine guns, and 2 aerial torpedo throwers. All will be pleased to hear that Private Carrington is to be awarded the Military Medal. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 14 November 1917 Military Medallist. Sergeant A Saddington is being heartily congratulated on his promotion and on being awarded the Military Medal. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 21 November 1917 Private D Saddington arrived home at unexpectedly a few days ago from the Ridges for a few days rest. He says the clearing of the ridges is a tremendous job, and none but British Tommies could do it, but the Germans will soon be gone. Private Saddington received a nasty gunshot wound in the head early in the year and was treated in hospital in France. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 26 December 1917 Lance-Corporal James W Giddings, of, has been wounded in the right arm, and is now at Poole, Dorset. He was in France two-and-a-half years and saw a lot of the hardest fighting. He is getting on alright. Bert Chapman, son of Mr Joseph Chapman, of, is in hospital in France, seriously wounded. Mr Chapman received a telegram stating that if any relatives wished to see him they were to go at once. Miss Ida Chapman (sister) started off as soon as possible. A letter which arrived later announced the nature of the wounds; left arm smashed from elbow to shoulder, and finger off right hand. Miss Chapman wires that the shattered arm has been amputated.

12 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 16 January 1918 Wounded. Private Thomas Henry Roberts, son of Mrs Daniel Roberts of the Wheel Inn,, was admitted to No 1 General Hospital, France, on January 3 rd. He was suffering from shell wounds in the left thigh, and the Matron reported to Mrs Roberts that he was seriously ill. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 23 January 1918 Home Again. Many friends of Private Ernest Bollans will be pleased to know that he has arrived home, and is to resume work on the Apethorpe Estate. CLIFFE OFFICER S GALLANTRY Reward The Military Cross Second-Lieutenant Richard Shrive, of, has won the Military Cross for gallant conduct, which is described in the London Gazette in the following terms: Second-Lieutenant Richard Shrive, RGA, Special Reserve,. When under heavy shell fire with his battery he entered a burning building and removed a number of cartridges which were on the point of being exploded by the burning debris. By this prompt and gallant action, he undoubtedly saved much material as well as considerable damage to the guns. Lieut. Shrive is a son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Shrive, formerly of Westwood Street, Peterborough, and now of Cliffe. He belongs to the Regular Forces and received his commission from the ranks. He has seen eight years service. We regret to say that a brother of Lieut. Shrive appears in our Roll of Honour this week as having been killed in action. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 13 Feb 1918 Gallant Conduct. The Military Medal has been awarded by the Corps Commander, under authority granted by His Majesty the King, for devotion to duty and courage displayed during active operations against the enemy on 23 rd, 24 th and 25 th November 1917, to Corporal E Catlin, East Surrey Regiment. Corp. Catlin is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs J Catlin, of West Street, who are justly proud of their son s bravery.

13 World War I servicemen from. Home from Italy. To the surprise of relations and friends, Lance-Corporal Tom Little arrived home from Italy on Saturday night. It is a common occurrence for soldiers to come home from France, but Italy seemed too distant for furlough. Corporal Little was home on leave last October, and was then wired for to join his regiment and proceed to Italy. He speaks of fighting there as a picnic compared with that in France. To see the sunrise over the Alps is a grand sight, and from then to three o clock in the afternoon it is more like a July day in England. Then it gets colder and one can do with a top coat on. On coming home, he passed through the Simplon Tunnel, the longest in the world. We have two other soldiers in Italy, Privates Harry Harker and Fred Cunnington. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 20 March 1918 Honourably Discharged. The following men have been honourably discharged from the Army, as being unfit for further service: Privates George Smith, Frank Stanger and Tom Broughton. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 10 April 1918 Mr H Harker has paid a visit to Leicester Hospital, to see his son Corporal William Harker, who was gassed. He is progressing satisfactorily. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 8 May 1918 Three Years with the RAMC. Corporal T Hawkes, after nearly three years service in France with the RAMC, is home pending discharge on account of ill health. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 22 May 1918 Private D Saddington, who was seriously wounded by explosion of shell in an ammunition dump on May 4 th, is now in hospital at Torquay. We wish him a complete recovery.

14 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 4 June 1918 Private H Elliott, 1 st Life Guards, has been seriously wounded in an air raid in France. Shrapnel penetrated his thigh and he has undergone an operation in Fulham Hospital. He only arrived in France the day previous. He has served in France since 1914 and has been wounded twice before. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 18 September 1918 Promoted for Bravery. Corporal A E Roberts, Labour Company, Durham, has been promoted sergeant for bravery in the field, in rescuing a wounded comrade while he was wounded in the thigh himself. Cliffe Soldiers on furlough give interest accounts of the countries they have visited. Pte Charles Longbottom, as transport driver, has travelled many thousands of miles in France and Egypt, and has been to Jerusalem. At Cairo he met an old schoolmate, Pte James Kerfoot. Pte Hy Harker speaks of Italy as a grand country. Pte Charles Saddington, from the Orkney Islands, says the customs of the natives are very primitive; they plough and cart peat with oxen, and have no coal. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 9 February 1919 The Military Medal has been won by Corporal H Elliott for bravery during an air raid in France. Sergeant W Elliott, for excellent work for a long period at Le Havre, has received the Meritorious Service Medal. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 20 November 1918 At 11 o clock, news of the armistice came from Peterborough. At the school, the flag was hoisted, rousing cheers were given by the assembled children, who were granted a day s holiday. The youngsters were afterwards dressed in fancy costumes and paraded the village with all kinds of music. They also marched to the aerodrome, where they had a great reception, and 2 6s was collected by them for soldiers gifts. A thanksgiving service was held at the Parish Church, every seat being occupied, the Revd J W Marsh officiating. Crowds paraded the streets at night, and the Kaiser s effigy was incinerated.

15 World War I servicemen from. Stamford & Rutland News: Wed 5 th June 1918 A Parish Meeting was held on Friday night to consider an offer made by Major D W Powell, of the Manor House, to give to the parish for the purposes of a village hall the old malting premises, for many years disused. The gift is a most generous one, but owing to the rather awkward position of the building and the outlay required, it is doubtful whether the offer can be accepted for this purpose. [Postscript: following an appeal for subscriptions to meet the cost, the maltings building was converted for use as a village hall- Memorial Hall - and it continues to be so, despite its rather awkward position.]