11/11/1915

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. Back Page

POSITION IN SERBIA.
Nish fell on Friday afternoon, after three days’ resistance by the “tenacious Serbians.” Attacked on two sides, and outnumbered by the Bulgarians alone, the Serbians were bound to lose the town. It is to their honour that they have held it so long, the campaign having been in progress since Oct. 6th.
Tuesday’s reports from Berlin show that up to Monday the Serbians were still holding a short stretch of the Belgrade – Nish railway. The enemy had advanced southwards to Aleksinec, which is eighteen miles from Nish. It is reported that the Serbians in their retreat have blown up the tunnels. The Germans have taken Krushevac, a fair sized town mid-way between Kragujevac and Nish, and evidently a hospital station, for the enemy found there 1,500 wounded Serbians, and seized large quantities of nursing supplies. They also claim 3,000 unwounded prisoners.
THE ALLIES’ ADVANCE.
On the Franco-British front in Serbia actions are developing. The French front extends east of the Vardar up to Gradsko and the Bregalnitza river, about ten miles south of Veles.
West of the Vardar they have made equal progress, and, having crossed the Cerna, have extended their left towards Isvar, where the Bulgarians were repulsed from the Babuna Pass.
The Serbians are also reported to be giving serious check to the Bulgarians in the neighbourhood of Vrania. The Allies’ landing at Salonika proceeds energetically. According to a Berlin Press statement 300,000 Allied troops have landed.
‘MID’ SNOW AND ICE
The Italians have commenced the bombardment of the south front of Riva, the fortress at the head of the Lake di Garda, which commands the road to Trent from the south. At the same time a protracted attack on the Col di Lana has been crowned with success and the Italian flag now floats amid the snows on this great height, which was an Austrian bulwark on the road to Trent from the north-east. Vienna admits its loss, but asserts it has been re-captured.
SUBMARINES AT WORK.
The German cruiser Undine (2,715 tons) has been sunk by a British submarine in the Baltic. She was struck by two torpedoes, and went down in three minutes. The crew of 260 were saved with the exception of nineteen men. One officer and six men subsequently died from wounds.
The British Admiralty announces that on Friday last H.M. armed boarding steamer Tara was attacked by two enemy submarines in the Mediterranean and sunk. Thirty-four of the crew are reported missing. The Tara was a Glasgow steamer of 6,322 tons.
The War Office announce that the British transport Ramazan was sunk by an enemy submarine by shell fire on the 18th September off the island of Antecythera, in the Aegean Sea. Of about 380 Indian troops on board 75 were saved. Twenty –eight of the crew were saved. The survivors reached the island in their own boats.
Enemy submarines in the Mediterranean have wrought mischief among Allied shipping. One vessel sunk is the Yser, which before passing under the French flag was the notorious cotton steamer Dacia.
RUSSIANS PRESS GERMANS.
The Russians continue to hold up Von Hindenburg’s armies in the north, whilst they press their offensive in the south successfully. An enemy advance towards Schloch, on the Gulf of Riga, has been stopped, and along the Drina towards Dvinsk the Germans have been pushed out of positions.
On the Styr and the Strypa fierce fighting goes on near Komarovo and Siemikawce. Great efforts by the enemy to secure these villages have been frustrated, and his abortive attacks have cost him great losses. The German reports says that despite “extraordinary high losses” the Russians continue attacks. It is also represented that the Austro-German forces, under General Von Linsingen, were able to throw back the Russians north-west of Czartonysk, and that they captured 2,000 near Siemikowce, but it is now admitted that the Russians “still hold a portion of the village.”
ANOTHER LINER SUNK.
Yet another outward-bound passenger liner has been sent to the bottom by an enemy submarine. In this case the victim was the large Italian ship, the Ancona, of nearly 10,000 tons. The outrage took place in the Mediterranean off the Sardinian coast, and the murderous craft is stated to be German, although flying Austrian colours. The Ancona was bound from Naples to New York with 422 passengers and a crew of 60. One account says that 270 survivors have landed at Bizerta, but a message received late on Wednesday night puts the number at 161. Lloyd’s agent at Bizerta estimates that “300 were drowned, mostly women and children emigrants.”

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT. P6
VOYAGE ON A HOSPITAL SHIP.
The following letter was written by Private David Evans, R. A. M. C., to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Evans, Red Lion Hotel, Llandebie :—
“Now that I have been on board three nights and two days, I think I can let you have some interesting news. Let me start from the beginning. We left the Rest Camp at Southampton about three on Saturday, and after marching through the main streets, several hundreds of us – and the people did not half cheer us – we were left on deck about six the same evening.
After putting our things in order, &c., we were given tea, consisting of tea, bread and butter, and bully beef. The food, so far, though plain, is good. It is a sight worth seeing to be on board this ship.
Yesterday we were passing through the Bay of Biscay, where the sea is very rough, but the boat sailed away almost as if on a calm sea. I have lost myself several times here; so many stairs and decks. Yesterday (Sunday) we had Divine Service at 11 a.m., when all nurses and officers were also present. This boat has been taken over by the Government, and is turned into a hospital ship. Any amount of nurses and doctors on her. It’s only R. A. M. C. soldiers are on it, several hundreds.
I met Murphy, who used to come to your place, last Saturday. He could hardly speak to me, so upset. He said he had been into the Red Lion the week before he came on board.
There are also plenty of Welsh boys on board. Their singing in the evenings is fine. Canadians, Scotch, English, and Welsh galore. I hope to post this letter at Gibraltar, if she stops there. If not then it will wait some days.
I felt a little sick yesterday for the first time, but little sickness is seen – the boat is so steady. We are to have boat drill, in case of accidents, to-day. All our names are put down, and we are shown what number of lifeboat each man has to go into should anything happen.
“We can just sight the coast of Spain and Portugal to-day, the first land since we left the Isle of Wight. At 2.30 p.m. we passed Cape St. Vincent, and are now about 140 miles from Gibraltar. Pity it will be dark when we pass it. Passed Gibraltar at 12 midnight. Could only see two lights and just the shadow of the great famous Rock; saw also a lighted town of the African coast; pretty sight. A large searchlight could also be seen searching the sea. Feeling A1. Went to bed at 12.30. “October 12th – Got up at 6.30 a.m. Breakfast, 7.15 a.m. Coast of Spain still visible; the sea very calm. Have just returned from having physical drill on deck. The funny part about it is that, though it’s very windy, it’s quite warm to-day.
We feel the change of climate, and I suppose it will be warmer from now on. The barber has been busy to-day; almost all the boys have had their hair cut quite short all round. We look like a lot of convicts. It’s a good plan, owing to the warm climate and lice, &c., out here. “On October 13th we were made to change our bedrooms to right down the bottom of the vessel. Rotten place, so stuffy. I took my blanket and overcoat and slept on deck. That was better than in such foul air. The reason was to enable them to prepare the other places for the wounded upon her arrival. On same date we passed Sardinia, of the coast of Italy; only rock all the way, a small island. “On October 14th we arrived at Naples Harbour, supposed to be the prettiest harbour in the world. The old saying, ‘See Naples and die,’ is a good saying.
We stopped to take in coal from 7 a.m. till 10 p.m. We had a concert on board that night, which lasted several hours. All the officers and nurses went on deck, but none of us were allowed. It was rotten to stick on deck and seeing such a pretty place a mile or so away.
In this place you can see Mount Vesuvius still burning, a fine sight Naples itself is chiefly built with flat roofs. Large domes in sight. It’s a sight to see the Italians putting the coal in the steamer in small baskets, about 200 of them, an as the weather was wet they were in a pickle. Then others came in dozens in small boats alongside of ours, selling jewellery, postcards, and fruit. I bought some postcards and will send them home later on. The fruit we were forbidden to buy, in case of fevers, though they were offering them cheap, and would have been very acceptable them. However, we had to be without. “On October 15th we passed Mount Stromboli and later on in the day passed through the Messina Straits; such a lovely place. It was here that an earthquake occurred some tow years ago. We could plainly see where 7,000 of the inhabitants were buried. A large wall was built round it.
The sea was quite smooth throughout the Straits. All rocks around there, the houses being on the bottom close to the sea. There were also seen about 200 wooden huts built by American for the inhabitants after the earthquake. Mount Etna was also was also visible. “October 16th (Saturday), today, we have passed several rocky places in the Aegean Sea. We are due at Lemnos Island. Where we are bound for after reaching Lemnos I can’t yet say. Some say we shall be put on a hospital ship. In that case we may land in Australia or even Southampton some day. It is almost certain we shall not be in the firing line for a while. They are preparing the ropes to dock the ship, so must stop writing. This is the longest letter I have ever written, so I hope it will interest you.
I might state before I close that I feel A1 so far, considering the long way I have travelled. Also all the boys, 2,000 troops, and 900 crew are quite happy.”

ROLL OF HONOUR. P6 Forces or of their ordinary occupation, the Regiments or the Ships they have joined, or are joining, together with any other items that may be of interest. No detail need be too insignificant to notice. Letters from the Front will be welcomed, as well as particulars of al promotions from Lance-Corporal upwards, and the names and addresses of men who come home on leave. All communication should be addressed to the Editor Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News, Quay Street, Ammanford.
RECRUITED IN OCTOBER 1915
Henry Haydn Pugh	Parkyberllan Llandebie	R.F.A.
Jas. Williams	Warlow House Llandebie Rd Aford	3rd Welsh Regt.
Wm. Lewis Walters	Fronhaul Horney Road Glanamman	R.A.M.C.
Lambert T. Chapman	Primrose Villa Glanamman	R.E.
C. Hagerty	Workmen's Rest Ammanford	Welsh Regt. (Home Service)
William R. Williams	Gellywreiddon Penybank	A.S.C. Horse Transports
David Jones	Awelog Penybank	A.V.C.
Percy Thos. Jones	Llwyndu Farm Pantyffynnon	R.F.A.
Sidney Davies	96 High Street Aford	A.O.C.
John Rees Evans	19 Quay Street Aford	A.O.C.
Herbert John Culley	Foundry Road Aford	A.O.C.
Albert Jeffreys	1 Treforis Llandebie	A.O.C.
David Powell	35 Penybank Rd	A.O.C.
Wm.Davies	Margaret Street Aford	Welsh Regt. (Home Service)
David Davies	14 Union Street Aford	R.A.M.C.
Emlyn O. Davies	14 Union Street Aford	19th (Pioneers) Welsh Regt.
Wm. Evans	13 Quarry Terrace Pantyffynnon	Welsh Regt. (Home Service)
Reg. S. John	24 Walter Road Aford	A.S.C. Mechanical Transport
Fredk Vaile	15 Wind Street Aford	R.A.M.C.
David Morgan	61 Margaret Street Aford	R.A.M.C.
John Landeg Leonard	12 Talbot Road Aford	R.A.M.C.
Gwyn Rees	Pedo View Garnant	3rd Welsh Regt.
Edward Morgan	Dysgwylfa Maesyquarre Rd	R.A.M.C.

DISTRICT NEWS. P4
SEWING GUILD.
Ammanford has done well this year again for the Swansea Hospital Sewing Guild. Over £36 in money and several articles have been sent.
The acting vice-presidents are Mrs. H. Herbert, Brynmarlais; Mrs. Phillips, Parcyrhun; Miss Williams, Gwynfryn; Miss Nelle Fisher, Wansbeck; Mrs. Wm. Philips, Florence Road; Mrs. Arthur Roberts; Miss Harries. Bettws.

AMMANFORD LOCAL SOLDIERS : — P4
Private Arthur Chas. Morgan, 9th Welsh, who was wounded in the leg in France, is now at the Convalescent Home, Epsom. He is a brother of Private Teddy Morgan, 15th Welsh.

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Sapper Ernest Witts, R. E., is now in France; and

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Private Evan John Evans, Station Road, Tirydail, who was reported killed, is a prisoner of war.

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Capt. John, 1/4th Welsh, has been acting-colonel for some time in the absence of his colonel.
His brother, Lieut. Harold John, Royal Engineers, is going out;
Another brother, Lieut. Martin John, is in Bedford,
While a third, Sidney, is engaged in the Meteorological Office, in France.
All brothers of Mrs. J. W. Jones. The Vicarage, Ammanford.

SUCCESSFUL STANZA AT EBENEZER EISTEDDFOD, BRYNAMMAN. P6

“THE DARDANELLES.”

The Dardanelles, hell’s earthly home, – where fiends
Scatter fire with freedom,
And war is rampant. Like phantom,
Vile death reigns; the devil doth roam.

JASPER.

TIMES RECRUITING SUPPLEMENT. P4
We have been favoured with a copy of the “Times” Recruiting Supplement, and find it a most interesting publication, which reflects credit on the enterprise of the management.
The King’s Letter to his people in given as the frontispiece, and among the contents are “Lord Derby on his Scheme,”
“Messages from Overseas Premiers,”
“The Recruiting Campaign,”
“Brutality in German Warfare,” and a large number of other interesting and informative articles.
Knowing as we do that the management of the “Times” is now in the hands of Mr. Howard Corbett, who some few years ago was general manager of the “Cambria Daily Leader” and showed remarkable initiative and thoroughness in the publication of a Swansea trade supplement, we are not surprised at the excellence of the production nor the effective way in which it has been presented.
In spite of the Censor, a good deal of information is revealed which probably a less powerful journal would hesitate to present to the public. The issuing of the supplement, we are told, is inspired by one idea only, that is, to make Lord Derby’s scheme of voluntary recruiting a success, notwithstanding the opinion, never concealed, and which has been confirmed as the war goes on, that the fairest system of raising men, the soundest economically and the most effective from the point of view of military requirements, would be some form of compulsory service. The “Times” is not alone in this opinion, for even those men of recruitable age who say they will not go until they are fetched, believe that under a system of compulsion everyone eligible would be secured, and none of the slackers would be able to hide themselves away until an opportunity came along for them to snatch the jobs of more patriotic persons. We commend this Recruiting Supplement to the perusal of all who have an opportunity to secure a copy.

XMAS PUDDINGS FOR OUR SOLDIERS. P7
For the second year in succession a Fund raised in connection with “The Ddaily News” is undertaking the supply of the armies at the front with a half-pound portion of Christmas pudding for every man. Last year the Fund amounted to £8,300, and over 500,000 men were supplied. This year the number to be supplied is about four times as great. This includes the troops in France and Flanders, in the Dardanelles Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Last year the fund undertook the supply of consignments to particular regiments and other units at the instance of Private donors and local subscription. This year, at the desire of the War Office, it has limited itself to the simple plan of presenting to the Army, as a whole, its Christmas pudding as a whole.
In this way all overlapping and confusion will be avoided, and the task of the Army transport and distributing departments – vast enough in itself – will not be confused by overlapping and duplicated supplies and special addresses.
The Army Council has for the second time given the scheme its fullest sanction and benediction. The puddings are all to be made by contractors approved by the War Office; medical inspectors for the War Office will inspect the factories the ingredients, the process of manufacture, and the completed puddings which, delivered from the makers to the Army in hermetically sealed tins, will reach the men at the front with the utmost guarantee of wholesomeness.
The War Office will convey the pudding free of charge from the manufacturer at the front.
That the puddings will be British Christmas puddings of the best is guaranteed by the fact that the contractors sample puddings on which the contracts are places are adjudicated upon by no less an expert than M. Eacoffier, of the Carlton Hotel, who is the acknowledged authority on the British Christmas pudding.
POINTS TO REMEMBER.
Every man must have his half-pound share.
All must be in the hands of the Army authorities by the end of November
Every sum, however small, will help a man to a helping.
Sixpence supplies one man, 2s. 6d. six. £1 50, (30s.) a platoon, £3 an artillery battery, £5 a company, £9 an artillery brigade, £12 a cavalry regiment, £20 a battalion of infantry.
He gives twice who gives quickly. There is not a moment to lose. Nothing is so “Christmassy” as Christmas pudding.
By no other means can every man at the front receive his message from home on Christmas Day so surely as by this.
The task is great, but it will be easily accomplished by united effort. The Amman Valley Chronicle has decided to open a local subscription list in support of the movement, so that all in the district may have the opportunity of feeling that they have sent their own men their share of pudding – a gift from the Home to the Man, from the Nation to the Army.
Assuming the task to be as completely performed as last year – a complete supply for the Army at the various fronts being handed over to the War Office – it is proposed to inform the Officers Commanding the Welsh Regiment that their Christmas pudding is the special gift of subscribers to the Amman Valley Chronicle, and will be acknowledged in this column.
Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to the Amman Valley Chronicle, and crossed. Treasury and bank notes should be sent by registered post.

NOTES OF THE WEEK. P4
In our correspondence columns there is some rather trenchant criticism on the manner in which wounded and other soldiers are received when they come home, and the forgetfulness at home of those men at the Front, in the way of sending “fags” and other comforts.
The complaint first arose in regard to what were termed Penygroes slackers, but that village has proved by the bumper send-off given to Lance-Corpl. Coslett Davies that it does not altogether deserve the stigma cast upon it.
That the people at home are not so mindful of those who are fighting is general of the whole district. For the past few weeks we have had an appeal in our columns in connection with the “Daily News” Christmas Pudding Fund, and not a single person has found it in his or her heart to respond by sending even the smallest amount towards it.
Perhaps now that attention is specifically called to it the negligence will be remedied so that the Welsh boys may have their full share of the seasonable delicacy.

RECRUITING TRIBUNAL. P7
With reference to Mr. Walter Long’s letter regarding the establishment of a committee to hear appeals in the matter of recruiting, Mr. J. L. Williams asked if a board of magistrates would not form an efficient committee?
Mr. L. N. Powell said he for one could not act on this committee, because he happened to be chairman of a recruiting committee, and it might be that he would have to appear before the committee to oppose an appeal.
Lord Dynevor said the same thing applied to him, because he was chairman of the whole of Eastern Carmarthenshire; Mr. Powell was chairman of the Llandilo district. He (Lord Dynevor) had ten committees under him and he had to go to the office every day now, and the work would be greater in the future, so he could not possibly give the time to sit on this committee.
Mr. W. Williams moved that the five members comprise three members for the South District and two for the North.
Mr. J. Richards seconded, and the following were appointed : —
Mr. D. W. Lewis for Brynamman, Mr. J. L. Williams for Betts, Mr. R. Mathews for Llandebie, and Messrs T. Rees (Glanyrafonddu) and Richard Thomas (Twyn) for the North District.
Mr. Shipley Lewis was appointed Clerk to the Committee, which, it was agreed should sit at Llandilo.
Mr. W. Williams jocularly moved they allow all their officials of military age to go, and put women in their places.

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT. P6
IT’S NOT ALL HONEY.
The Editor of the Chronicle has received the following from Driver Rochford, R. F. A., with the British Expeditionary Force in France : —
“Excuse me taking the opportunity of writing you a few lines in regard to your valuable pager, as I have it sent to me from home every week by my wife; and I can tell you it does our hearts good to read news from home.
Why is say ‘our’ is because there is my pal here, by the name of Jack Shaw, of Ammanford, one of he footballers, and he told me to remember his name. Well, how are they at home, and what do they think of the boys out here and elsewhere? You can take it from me that we wouldn’t disgrace our good name when duty calls us to do our bit, as you can see by the news in the paper. So tell those behind to fear nothing, as we are there every time, and tell them to come and do their duty, as this war is going to be for their liberty.
Roll up, my boys, but don’t think it’s all honey, for it is not, as there are hardships to get over. As I am writing these few words we are having a sing-song to cheer ourselves. We are as hard as nails and quite fit to fight the Germans.
I see we have lost some of our boys, and I am sorry to say there are more to go; but it is for the honour of gallant little Wales. So cheer up, we won’t disgrace you. Hoping to read your good paper many times again. As I am going to get a few hours sleep, goodbye, and God bless you all.”
[ We can assure the writer that the boys from Ammanford and other districts are constantly in the thoughts of their friends here. – Editor.]

RUSSIAN FLAG DAY IN WALES. P5
To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle
Sir, – I have much pleasure in forwarding you for publication in your valuable journal a list of collection received up to date in response to the appeal to Wales of behalf of the Russian Wounded.
This you will see, at the moment amounts to £3,810 18s. 2d. Notwithstanding the increasing numerous calls upon the generosity of the public, it is most gratifying to note how magnificently the Principality is manifesting its practical sympathy with this movement; and although the list is somewhat long and newspaper space is a consideration, yet I venture to beg the favour of your giving it insertion, which, in view of its great interest to a large number of your readers, I sincerely trust you will kindly do so as a stimulus to the many other places whose names we should be most happy to add thereto.
Thanking you very much in anticipation – Yours truly,

J. W. TAVERNER,
Hon, Treasurer.

RUSSIAN FLAG DAY: LOCAL EFFORTS.
We are unable or reproduce the whole list, but for this district and neighbourhood, the following sums have been collected : —

Ammanford,                            £51           3s.            0d.
Brynamman,                            £15           8s.            0d.
Cwmtwrch and district            £17          12s.           6d.
Cwmllynfell,                             £4           12s.           9d.
Gorseinon                               £90            0s.           4d.
Llanwrtyd Wells                    £15            10s.        11d.
Loughor                                 £30              0s.          0d.
Pontardawe                            £41             2s.          3d.
Ystradgynlais                          £21            13s.         4d.
Ystalyfera                               £25              0s.         0d.

RUSH FOR THE BOATS. P5
ELIGIBLE MEN REFUSED PASSAGE.
Exciting scenes were witnessed in Liverpool on Saturday outside the Cunard offices, when a party of young Irishmen were emigrating to America. About 650 of these emigrants arrived in Liverpool from Holyhead, and proceeded it the Cunard offices for their passes of a ship which sailed that afternoon. The men had to book their passages in relays, and queues of emigrants entered the office.
A tremendous crowd assembled and taunted the emigrants with un-patriotism. The crowed surged round them, calling them cowards and asking them to show a bit of pluck. The police had to keep the crowd back. One woman was so indignant that she shook her fist in an emigrant’s face and disarranged his collar and tie. They had to run the gauntlet of most bitter comment, but they proceeded to the landing stage to embark, not a single man being recruited by the recruiting officers present.
When the Saxonia came alongside, the sailors and firemen declared they would not sail with the eligible passengers.
The Cunard Company decided not to allow the emigrants to sail, and issued a statement to all their agents, pointing out that until further notice no passages are to be booked to British subjects eligible for military service. Feeling is so intense in Liverpool that the opinion is expressed that the Government should at once take steps to stop further emigration of men of military age who are fit for service.

LOCAL WARRIORS P6
Trooper Hitchins of the Welsh Horse, has been on a visit to his cousin, Mrs. Hiley Harries.

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Driver Davies, R. F. A., has been staying with Mr. Holder, Mill Terrace, Pantyffynnon.

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Private Ivor Powell, 1/4th Welsh, youngest son of Mrs. Powell, Sunny Hill, Llandebie, has been reported wounded and missing since the 10th August at the Dardanelles.

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Private PRIAM JONES, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, son of Mr. Rees Jones, Twyn Garnant. He was attached to the 8th Battalion, and was wounded on the 9th October, shot through the right shoulder by a sniper at the Dardanelles, and now lies in a hospital in Malta. Photo of Priam Jones

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Mr. W. Llewelyn, solicitor, Ammanford, son of Mr. W. Llewelyn, Fairwarter, has joined the Inns of Courts Officers’ Training Corps; as also has

Mr. Hy. Noyes solicitor, Llandebie and Ammanford.

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Private Chris Bevan, Cardonnel Terrace, Pantyffynnon;
Private Sam Nicholas, Mill Terrace, Pantyffynnon; and
Sergt. Mason, Pantyffynnon Road, Ammanford, of the 15th Welsh, as well as
Private Chas. Smith, A. S. C., have been home on leave for a few days.