15/10/1914

STOP PRESS FOR WAR NEWS.P1

The Germans have not yet arrived Ostend , and there is an indication that an engagement is taking place between there and Ghent .The British, on their left, have met with success, pushing the enemy back on his flank.

BETTWS MAN'S DEATH IN ACTION. SACRIFICED HIS LIFE IN THE FLOWER OF YOUTH. P5

Pte. Danny J. Davies, whose parents reside at Garnant-ganol, Bettws, has lost his life in the service of his country. The news was conveyed to the parents in a message from the War Office on Saturday, from which it would appear that he was killed in action between the 16th and 18th ult. – probably at the battle of the Aisne. He was serving with the 2nd battalion of the Grenadier Guards, and although his experience of army life was not by any means a long one, he was to all appearances a smart soldier. Receiving his baptism of fire in the historic battle of Mons, he experienced the fiercely fought retreat to the environs of Paris and throughout – to quote his own words – he was “fighting hard, but alive and well.” He saw the German legions hurled back from the Marne, and, wont as he was looking on the bright side of things, he sent home a postcard – it was the last he sent – giving expression to the view that as the enemy was on the run before them they were “on the last lap” of the struggle. The detailed circumstances of his death are not known; they will never be known fully. However, the grit of character and tenacity of mind which characterised him warrant us to the assumption that he died bravely, and lay on the battlefield “like a warrior taking his rest.” Deep sympathy is extended to the bereaved family and relatives, and at Capel Newydd, on Sunday night a vote of condolence was passed.

HINTS FOR RECRUITS. Things Well to Know Beforehand. P8

The writer of the following letter is an officer with the Expeditionary Force. The hints given in it may be useful to men who are about to go to the front : — “Mother tells men that you have joined the Territorials. This is just a line to congratulate you on joining, and to wish you the best of luck. I don’t know whether you will get abroad later on, but I thought that I would give you a few useful hints in case you do. “I you smoke, a pipe or two are absolutely essential, as you cannot by cigarettes for love or money. “Try and get accustomed at home not to drink very much. The quantity one drinks at home is only a habit, and is not necessary. The whole time I have been out here I have never drunk a drop of water except tea. It is always best to be on the safe side. “Always carry on you as much food as you can. “Pay attention to your feet whilst you are home, also your boots. See that the latter are plenty big enough, and that they are really soft, especially at the back of the heel. I always wear ammunition boots, and find castor oil the best thing for softening them. If you have to march with sore feet you will find it absolute hell. “Just before you go abroad have your hair cropped quite close all over. You will find it easier to keep clean and more comfortable. “Matches out here are very scarce, like cigarettes. Bring some wax matches out with you and use them only when absolutely necessary. An automatic lighter is a blessing. “If you don’t know already, learn how to stew and fry meat properly. Each man generally has to cook for himself. Also learn how to lay a fire and dig a fire place in the open. “Take care of your equipment. See that your water bottle is always clean, and only use the water in it to make tea after the march. Try and not drink on the march, because the more you drink the more you want. Also see that your haversack is always clean, as you have to keep your food in it. “Get a belt with a pocket in it for any money you take out. As a matter of fact, however, money is practically no good, as there is nothing to buy after the Germans have been through a place. “Don’t be content with being a private. If you have a chance become a N.C.O. “Mind you learn how to use your first field dressing. I have seen hundreds of lives saved by them.”



APPRECIABLE PROGRESS BY THE ALLIES. THE FALL OF ANTWERP BELGIUM UNDER THE HEEL OF THE TYRANT.
06/08/14 13/08/14 20/08/14 27/08/14 03/09/14 10/09/14 17/09/14 24/09/14 01/10/14 08/10/14 15/10/14 22/10/14 29/10/14	BELGIANS IN ENGLAND AND WALES. Nearly 100,000 Refugees on Our Shores. P5 From a plain consideration of figures it is possible to conceive the tragedy that is Belgium. By the end of last week nearly 60,000 refugees had passed through the hands of the War Refugees Committee. By the end of the present week the number will be nearly 100,000. One-sixtieth part of the population of Belgium has fled to our shores, and while we deplore the cause which has uprooted them from their own country we extend with sympathy – or rather with a certain pride – the hospitality of Great Britain to these sufferers in our common cause. Beyond all previous struggles this is a civilian war – a war in which civilians suffer and which civilians alleviate the suffering. Never was there greater need for service given loyally and ungrudgingly, and those who are tending the fugitives from Belgium are dealing with an enormous task in a magnificent way. Since the bombardment of Antwerp began thousands of refugees have been dealt with every day by the committee. Food homes, and clothing have been found for them. The workers have been engaged at their self-imposed duty practically night and day. One can understand the difficulty of finding even temporary shelter for refugees at the rate of some thousands a day, but as Lord Gladstone stated on Monday, “Somehow it has been done.” The work of the committee has been simplified inn on or two cases by the action of localities which have provided accommodation for large numbers of refugees. GLANAMMAN AMBULANCE MEN AT THE FRONT. Message from Welsh R.A.M.C. in France . P3 To the Editor. Sir, – We have been asked by the members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade now doing duty in France to ask you through your paper to kindly let the 4,000 of our brothers and sisters in South Wales know how we are employed, so that they may not be disheartened by standing fast until the call comes to them to join the members of St. John men who are proud to feel that they have been so trained in time of peace as to now be fit to serve their King and country. We left Cardiff on Friday morning, September 18, with our deputy commissioner, for London, and were taken by him to Scotland Yard to be medically examined and sworn in for foreign service. Next morning we proceeded to Aldershot to be clothed, and on Saturday night we drew our rations and went on board the transport ship at 8.30. We had a splendid voyage, and reported ourselves at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday to the officer commanding No. 3 General Hospital. St. Nazaire, who was most kind, and did all in his power to make us comfortable. There are thousands of troops camping on Ville-es-Martin Common. The sick and wounded come in, in thousands to the many general hospitals stationed here during the war. The St. John men have been formed into a special sanitary squad, which will be distributed over France. The divisions represented are Abergorky, Glyncorrwg, Penygraig, Pontardulais, Llanharran, Glanamman, Cambrian Colliery, and Ogmore Vale. Our deputy commissioner has been with us almost all the time, and looks after us as if we were his own children. He also went up to the front to see the other men of St. John. We thanked him, and he said, in his kindly way, which we all know so well, “Boys, let the country, and especially Wales, see that the men of St. John are ready and able to do their duty, and I shall be satisfied.” We have decided that he shall not be disappointed. We are, on behalf of all, JOHN M. JONES. Staff sergeant, R.A.M.C. Ambulance Officer, Abergorky Division. B.R. FISHER, Sergeant, R.A.M.C. Ambulance Officer, Glanamman Division.	STOP PRESS FOR WAR NEWS.P1 The Germans have not yet arrived Ostend , and there is an indication that an engagement is taking place between there and Ghent .The British, on their left, have met with success, pushing the enemy back on his flank. BETTWS MAN'S DEATH IN ACTION. SACRIFICED HIS LIFE IN THE FLOWER OF YOUTH. P5 Pte. Danny J. Davies, whose parents reside at Garnant-ganol, Bettws, has lost his life in the service of his country. The news was conveyed to the parents in a message from the War Office on Saturday, from which it would appear that he was killed in action between the 16th and 18th ult. – probably at the battle of the Aisne. He was serving with the 2nd battalion of the Grenadier Guards, and although his experience of army life was not by any means a long one, he was to all appearances a smart soldier. Receiving his baptism of fire in the historic battle of Mons, he experienced the fiercely fought retreat to the environs of Paris and throughout – to quote his own words – he was “fighting hard, but alive and well.” He saw the German legions hurled back from the Marne, and, wont as he was looking on the bright side of things, he sent home a postcard – it was the last he sent – giving expression to the view that as the enemy was on the run before them they were “on the last lap” of the struggle. The detailed circumstances of his death are not known; they will never be known fully. However, the grit of character and tenacity of mind which characterised him warrant us to the assumption that he died bravely, and lay on the battlefield “like a warrior taking his rest.” Deep sympathy is extended to the bereaved family and relatives, and at Capel Newydd, on Sunday night a vote of condolence was passed. HINTS FOR RECRUITS. Things Well to Know Beforehand. P8 The writer of the following letter is an officer with the Expeditionary Force. The hints given in it may be useful to men who are about to go to the front : — “Mother tells men that you have joined the Territorials. This is just a line to congratulate you on joining, and to wish you the best of luck. I don’t know whether you will get abroad later on, but I thought that I would give you a few useful hints in case you do. “I you smoke, a pipe or two are absolutely essential, as you cannot by cigarettes for love or money. “Try and get accustomed at home not to drink very much. The quantity one drinks at home is only a habit, and is not necessary. The whole time I have been out here I have never drunk a drop of water except tea. It is always best to be on the safe side. “Always carry on you as much food as you can. “Pay attention to your feet whilst you are home, also your boots. See that the latter are plenty big enough, and that they are really soft, especially at the back of the heel. I always wear ammunition boots, and find castor oil the best thing for softening them. If you have to march with sore feet you will find it absolute hell. “Just before you go abroad have your hair cropped quite close all over. You will find it easier to keep clean and more comfortable. “Matches out here are very scarce, like cigarettes. Bring some wax matches out with you and use them only when absolutely necessary. An automatic lighter is a blessing. “If you don’t know already, learn how to stew and fry meat properly. Each man generally has to cook for himself. Also learn how to lay a fire and dig a fire place in the open. “Take care of your equipment. See that your water bottle is always clean, and only use the water in it to make tea after the march. Try and not drink on the march, because the more you drink the more you want. Also see that your haversack is always clean, as you have to keep your food in it. “Get a belt with a pocket in it for any money you take out. As a matter of fact, however, money is practically no good, as there is nothing to buy after the Germans have been through a place. “Don’t be content with being a private. If you have a chance become a N.C.O. “Mind you learn how to use your first field dressing. I have seen hundreds of lives saved by them.”	05/11/14 12/11/14 19/11/14 26/11/14 03/12/14 10/12/14 17/12/14 24/12/14 31/12/14


GONE TO THE COLOURS. NAMES OF MEN WHO HAVE ENLISTED FROM AMMANFORD AND DISTRICT P8 Believing it will be of great interest to furnish our readers with a full list of the recruits and volunteers who have joined the various branches of the Army during past few weeks from our own district, we - publish the following :
AMMANFORD COLLIERY.		PANTYFFYNON COLLIERY