AMMANFORD SOLDIERS. Back Page.
TWO MORE DEATHS REPORTED.

PRIVATE GEORGE GOWRING, 2nd Welsh, killed in France on September 26 th , had been with Mr. J. Thomas, Amman Stores, Ammanford, for six years.

Information has been received by Mr. J. Thomas, of the Amman Stores, High Street, Ammanford, of the death, killed in action, on the 26 th September, of Private Geo Gowring, who had been for six years in his employ.
The gallant lad joined the 9 th Welsh, but was afterwards transferred to the 3 rd , and then the 2 nd Battalion, going out to France with the latter. He was an adherent of Christian Temple, and was very well known, through serving in the shop and soliciting orders. Before coming to Ammanford he was in Mellor's Orphanage School, Bristol, and has a sister living in Ashley Down, Bristol.
Mr. J. Thomas has had five other of his employees enlisted, one Clement Banks, who joined in Bristol the Gloucester Regiment. Another is Sidney Hicks, who left Ammanford to go to Canada, where he joined the Canadian contingent and came over. He has been wounded in the left arm, but is now again at the Front. John Jones, a haulier with Mr. Thomas when the war broke out, joined at Ammanford in August, 1914; Albert Richards, of Barry (who was at Liptons' when he joined), and Heatherage, a haulier, now in the 6th Welsh.

* * * *
Official intimation has also been received by Mrs. Jones, of 39, Harold Street , that her husband, Corporal Maurice Jones, 4 th Welsh, who had been reported missing, had been killed at the Dardanelles on August 10 th .

---

WOUNDED.
Corporal T. TWIST. 4 th Welsh, wounded at the Dardanelles, has had his right hand amputated. His wife resides in Field Street, Ammanford.
* * * *

Sergeant REGGIE AMOR, 4 th Welsh, wounded at the Dardanelles , is a brother of Mrs. Batten, Margaret Street , Ammanford.

---

DIARY OF PRIVATE BILLY THOMAS (VARDRE) AT THE DARDANELLES . P7

This diary was sent home to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dd. Thomas, Maesywern, Glanamman, by Private Billy Thomas, after being wounded, as we have already reported.
These records of Private Thomas should be profoundly interesting to the readers of the Amman Valley Chronicle Compiled by D. J. Morgan.
“All the battleships and transports belonging to the First Division left Lemnos Island on Saturday, April 24 th , 1915, for the Gallipoli Peninsula, and we left on Sunday morning, the 23 rd .
When we sailed through the entrance of the Dardanelles, we became within sound of the most furious and terrific bombardment from our battleships. There were battleships all along the coast, pouring in volley after volley into the Turkish positions.
To witness such a spectacle from the transports, that were waiting an opportunity to land, is beyond the imagination of you all. The other Division had landed in the morning, and had driven the Turks back from the beach, under a very heavy fire from their guns and terrible machine-gun fire.
They stuck to it like bulldogs until they took the heights along the beach at the point of the bayonet. Well, the destroyer came alongside our transport at 11 o'clock to take us over. We were on board the destroyer until 2.30 a.m. Monday morning, and the bullets were whizzing all around the boat. In the boat we lost * two men. We landed at 3 o'clock in waist deep of water.
We fell in at 6 o'clock, and marched right on to the firing line. Our battalion had to take a hill, and I can tell you the Turks were astounded at the bravery and resourcefulness of our men.
Now our work as stretcher bearers began, and it was a tough job to go to the open and pick up our comrades. Most of the wounds were caused by explosive bullets. We had to carry them down to the beach, about two miles away, through a very rough country, there being no roads whatever.
The enemy's shrapnel was bursting around our heads while at work. We kept going all day and night, and by Tuesday we were very tired. But as they were continually calling for stretcher bearers, we had to help. It was a pitiable sight, one that I never wish to witness again.
On Tuesday the enemy poured shrapnel with greater energy. In one case our patient was blown off the stretcher, and we had to seek shelter in a dug-out for about an hour.
Shells were bursting all over the Red Cross station, and over the boats that were taking the wounded to the ship hospitals. We started early Wednesday morning; it was a bit quieter, our men having dug themselves trenches.
The trouble was now with the snipers. They creep behind our men at night, and dress in our uniform, and shoot at us from behind. By Wednesday night we had some relief and the Division were given a rest after four days and nights of hard fighting.
Thursday was a very quiet day, and we were given biscuits and cheese, bacon, jam, tea and sugar; and how nice was this drop of tea! I got up this morning (Thursday) quite fresh. Two of my mates got wounded yesterday, and another of the band was shot through the head.
I had a tour around the trenches this morning. We had a few cases; two of them dies, and we brought them down to the base. I only bring the wounded to the dressing-station; the R. A. M. C. take them to the boats. They called out the stretcher bearers dinner time, and seven of us rushed up the hill with two stretchers to the trench. One of the cases we treated, and the other we had to leave until dark.”
(to be continued)

---

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. Back Page
Bulgarian troops have occupied positions commanding the railway between Vranie and Ristoratz, interrupting connection between the two towns. This railway is the vital line of supply from Salonika to Nish, by which the Allies are hastening to the assistance of the hard pressed Serbian forces.
Everything depends upon the speed with which the Franc-British troops will be able to counter this dangerous Bulgarian blow.
IMPORTANT FORCES TO BE LANDED.
Strong contingent of French and British troops are still being poured into Salonika, which is also witnessing interesting military activity by the Greeks. A significant fact is that the Greek General Staff have arrived at the port.
The British and Russian Governments are stated to have informed the Greek Premier that their interpretations of Greece 's obligations under the treaty with Serbia differs from that of the Greek Government. They added that it was intended to land “most important forces.”
ITALY AGAINST BULGARIA .
Italy has declared war on Bulgaria, and the exact form of her contribution to the assistance of Serbia is under discussion by the Allies. Russia is said to have already taken military measures, which are believed to be on a larger scale than originally contemplated.
POSITION ON WEST AND EAST FRONTS.
From the Western theatre of war nothing of importance is reported. In the east the chief announcement is that south of Riga several Russian positions were stormed and the troops of Von Hindenburg reached the Drina east of Borkowitz. Russian messages show that the battle of Dvinsk goes on with little sign of slacking.
So far, the enemy attacks have been successfully repelled. The Germans are unable to cease their striving for Dvinsk, so long as their main objective on this front is the taking of Riga before the winter sets in. it is unofficially reported that the fighting in this region has cost the Germans 80,000 men.
Enemy elements advanced in the Riga region at the end of the week, but Petrograd official reports now state that they have been driven back across the river Aa. Prisoners recently captured state that the German defeats have provoked a serious misunderstanding between Von Hindenburg and the Kaiser.
SUBMARINES IN BALTIC.
British submarines are actively engaged in running down German ships in the Baltic, and it is reported that eight have been sunk since Monday morning. Several of these were laden with iron ore and wood for the enemy, and in a single week they have accounted for twenty-three German ships.
The significance of these figures is increased when they are compared with the small number of enemy steamers at sea. About 1,300 large steamers arrive at and sail from ports in the United Kingdom weekly, yet during the week ending October 13 th German submarines sank only four vessels, and in the whole month of September the number was only twenty-seven.”
THE AIR RAID ON LONDON .
The War Office reported on the recent air raid by Zeppelins on London states :—
“A fleet of hostile airships visited the Eastern Counties and a portion of the London area last night and dropped bombs. Anti-aircraft guns of the Royal Field Artillery, attached to the central force, were in action.
An airship was seen to keel over on its side and to drop to a lower altitude. Five aeroplanes of the Royal Flying Corps went up, but owing to the atmospheric conditions only one aeroplane succeeded in locating an airship.
This aeroplane, however, was unable to overhaul the airship before it was lost in the fog. Some houses were damaged and several fires started, but no serious damage was caused to military material. All the fires were soon got under by the fire brigade.
The military casualties were 15 killed and 13 wounded; civilians, 41 killed and 101 wounded. Of these casualties, 32 killed and 95 injured were in the London area.

---

CARMARTHENSHIRE TEACHERS. P?
WAR BONUS DEMANDED.
The quarterly meeting of Carmarthenshire Education Committee was held at Carmarthen last Thursday, Mr. W. N. Jones, Ammanford, presiding.
An application was received from the elementary school teachers for a war bonus of £10 per annum. The Chairman proposed that the matter be referred to a committee.
Mr. John Lloyd, Abergwilli, said they heard officially at the last meeting that the maximum of the new scale of salaries recently granted would mean an expenditure of £5,000 a year than under the old scale.
That a rate of 2½d. or more in the £. So that the scale of salaries prevailing in the county for elementary school-masters compared very favourably with the scales of other counties in Wales .
The maximum for assistant masters, if they took the superannuation premium the Committee paid for them into consideration, amounted practically to £135 a year, while the maximum for teachers in their bigger schools amounted to £225 a year.
It seemed to him ridiculous to suggest a war bonus to people drawing salaries varying from £135 to £225 per annum.
It seemed rather unfair that one section of the community drawing taxable incomes should be relieved of their obligations to their country at the expense of the other section by drawing a war bonus.
We had all got to sacrifice at the present time. They had 18 teachers in the county who had nobly responded to the call of their country and joined the forces. He did not know whether that was a very great record when they remembered that they had 700 teachers in the county.
The enlistment worked out at a little less than 3 per cent. They had a large number of eligible young men of military age and ability remaining. It was to be hoped that his record would be greatly improved upon in the near future.
They new of the action of thousands of young men in various walks of life who had given up their educational and professional training and career and sacrificed everything for the sake of their country.
He did not think this was an opportune time for any class of people to ask for a war bonus. He moved that the committee take no steps in the matter.
This was carried.

---

LAST CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. Back Page
“LOOK AT THE MAP”
Lord Derby, Director of Recruiting, on Tuesday further outlined his recruiting scheme in an address to mayors, chairmen of Urban District Councils, and Parliamentary agents at the Mansion House, London .
Briefly the main features of the scheme as suggested by his lordship are as follow : —
Men who enlist will be divided into 46 groups, the unmarried men into the first 23 groups, according to age, and the married into the next 23 groups, also according to age. The latter will not be called upon until all the unmarried groups have been exhausted.
Single men may be put in a later class and only called up when necessity arises in cases where they provide a valid reason, as, for instance, that they are the sole support of their mothers. They will, however, be asked to undertake voluntary drill, in case of emergency.
Men are needed principally for the infantry. Preference for the Army Service Corps and the Royal Army Medical Corps will be given to married men.
In the course of his speech, Lord Derby, answering those who are seeking information as to the position, said: “Look at the map! That would show the position. Look where we were now; look where we were a year ago.
Was not that information enough to show the gravity of the situation? We were hearing of victories here and victories there, but to all of those he said: “Look at the map! That seemed to him sufficient answer to those who were clamouring for more information.
“I say this,” said Lord Derby, “in no spirit of pessimism. I am perfectly certain the end will come right, but the end will come sooner, and the end will be more satisfactory if every man in this country recognises that a position of the Empire's duty rests upon his own shoulders.” (Cheers).
His Lordship concluded with the significant statement: “This is the last effort on behalf of voluntary service. It is not the effort of an individual, but of a body of men representing all shades of politics and classes. It is an appeal which, I hope and believe will not be made in vain. It ……………………… END

---

FATHER OF TWO PROMISED TO MARRY WHEN DRUNK. P7
At Ammanford Police Court, on Monday, a young girl, named Mary Williams, of Woodland terrace, Wind Street, Ammanford, summoned Private William Walker, Army Service Corps, of Penybank, for an affiliation order.
Mr. H. Noyes appeared for applicant.
When the case was called, the defendant came forward with his headgear on, and on being asked by the Deputy Chief Constable to take it off refused to do so, saying he had been instructed not to take his cap off.
Deputy Chief Constable informed him that he was not under arms, and was therefore bound to do so.
After being repeatedly told to take his cap off, defendant told to take his cap off, defendant did so, remarking, “We shall hear of this again.”
Mr. H. Noyes said the defendant was the father of a child the complainant had had previously. He appeared in the former case and disputed the paternity, but notwithstanding, an order was made. He had already paid to the applicant in respect of that child.
The girl was now only 19 years of age, and the defendant offered to marry her before intimacy toll place. Since then he had been at the house of the girl's parents continually, and promised them he was going to marry their daughter.
He now refused to do so, and said she was not good enough for him.
In reply to the Magistrates' Clerk, defendant denied being the father.
Complainant gave evidence, and said that she was 19 years of age in September. She gave birth to a male child on the 29 th August, of which Wm. Walker was the father. She had had a child by him two years ago, and there was a maintenance order for 3s. 6d. a week.
He had been going with her from October up to March last, and several times came to her house, and in the presence of her father and mother promised to marry her. She went with him every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday night.
She used to attend the “Home Circle” at the Y. M. C. A. in company with a friend, by name Miss Gould, and the defendant used to send them home. They all went together to see Miss Gould home, and then defendant would take her home.
When she told defendant of her condition, he said: “We shall have a nice family soon.” (Laughter). He offered her some money to buy some medicine, and said he would not marry her if she would not take it.
The defendant came to her house in February, and there was a conversation as to conscription, when her mother asked him: “What are you going to do about May?” He replied: “Marry her at once.”
Since she told him of her condition on March 6 th he had not been in their house. Many times he had called, but had been refused admission. She had arranged everything for the wedding.
Defendant, before joining the Army, was a collier, earning, according to what he told his brothers. £3 10s. a week.
Defendant: When and in what condition did I call in your house, if ever I did call? – No.
Defendant put it to her that she had been at Aberlash with another man, who was in the Army and couldn't be called, but she denied this.
Defendant: If you wish to say a couple of lies, I don't mind. (Laughter). He admitted he used to take her and Miss Gould from the “Home Circle,” and added: “You must have been taking me for a Dr. Barnardo's Home or an Orphan Institution, and think to shove everything on me.” (Laughter).
Witness denied that she had been with anybody else.
Defendant: According to common place talk you have been with many.
Nora Gould said she and complainant used to attend the “Home Circle,” and after they came out defendant used to accompany them, taking her home first of all, and afterwards accompanying complainant. She had not seen Miss Williams with anybody else.
Mr. Noyes: Do you remember when you were recruiting for Lord Kitchener? – Yes .
You remember going up to defendant and asking him why he didn't join? – Yes.
Did he give you any reason why he could not join? – He told me he had somebody dependant on him and he couldn't enlist.
Did he say anything about marriage? — He said he was partly married.
To whom? — I knew to whom very well.
Defendant questioned witness regarding the “Home Circle,” stating he had been there only twice, and asked if she persisted in the story that he used to send them home from the “Home Circle.”
The answer was not satisfactory, and defendant said: “Don't you think you have been practising this a long time?”
Witness: No.
Defendant: I dispute you, you know. (Loud Laughter as witness left the box).
Mrs. Williams, mother of complainant, was called, but was too hysterical to proceed, and John Williams, father of the complainant, said defendant promised to marry his daughter.
Defendant: I must have been very courageous them. (Laughter). I never promised to marry his daughter, or anybody.
Replying to defendant, the witness said he made the promise to marry in February and in March, in the presence of his (defendant's) two brothers, and witness' wife and daughter.
Were we in a very comfortable condition that night? — You were, anyhow.
Was either of my brothers? — They were better than you.
More credit to them. (Laughter).
Was anything said that night that I was not able to keep up to? — Several times.
I was under the impression I only visited your house twice; that was in company with my two brothers and my friend. I don't think I could say it several times, unless I said it several times the same night? (Laughter). — I can say so.
The Chairman said the tendency of everything was upwards, and there were war bonuses, &c. They would not be doing justice to this young woman unless they advanced a little on last time. Instead of 3s. 6d., they would make it this time 4s.
The Magistrates' Clerk suggested they had better ask defendant if he had anything to say, and he replied: “I have, sir.”
The Chairman: You can give evidence on oath, if you like.
Defendant: Of course, I am not guilty. What I wish to say is this. I have had nothing to do with complainant since the birth of the first child, but I must submit to the Court.
Another thing I wish to say is that she has not been very much respected towards herself, going about with other individuals. She was seen up at Aberlash, or Pontlash, with a male friend, and “intimation” took place between them.
The Clerk: You have not proved that.
Defendant: I have evidence which, I think, will prove it.
The Clerk: Do you deny taking her home from the “Home Circle” at all? — I deny it. I have never taken her at all.
Do you deny going to her house since the first child was born? — I have a recollection of going to her home twice in the company of my two brothers, and in company with my friend.
When was that? – Sure. I can't tell you exactly; but if I had the date of the commencement of these two friends in the Army, I could tell you.
You promised to marry the girl; is there any truth in that? – Not to any recollection and knowledge.
The Chairman: You were drunk going there? – Well, that's another thing. I don't know what condition I was in, but I recollect going there and what I said. I am almost sure I never said I would marry the daughter.
You admit you were under the influence of drink? – I admit I had a drink or two, but not enough that other people should twist me about.
The Chairman: I would not wish to twist you about. We shall not alter our decision. We believe you are guilty, and you will have to pay 4s.
Defendant: it is your business to believe what you like. I believe if I was in civil clothes you would no get anything out of me.
The Chairman: you had better leave the box.
Defendant: Yes; I wish I had never come into it. (Laughter). He then left the box, put his cap on, and walked out of the Court.

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT. P6
A CALL.
To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle
Somewhere in France,
October 12 th , 1915.

Sir, —On reading through your weekly paper, namely the Amman Valley Chronicle (which I have sent me every week) I came across a very good and sacred song that gives the composer great credit; but I think the same composer would get far more praise if he was to put his words into practice and he

himself : —
“List to the rousing trumpet call
That sounds o'er land and sea;
Take up the sword of justice,
Awake, and follow me
Out to the trenches in Flanders,
Out o'er the deep blue sea,
Or far away in the Dardanelles;
Come, fight the foe with me.”

The above comment is not written with any malice, but with a true patriotic spirit; and I sincerely trust that within a short period I shall see a little bit in your splendid paper bearing his name underneath and running something like this : —

AND THEY OBEYED THAT CALL.

“At last! At last! I have awoke
And heard that trumpet call;
My comrades in the firing line
I'll help before they fall.
I've heard the voice of the wounded
As they lay there in awful pain;
So God give me help and the courage
To take part in the victory we'll gain.”

Someone in France.

* * * *

DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF FIGHTING.
Sapper E. G. Derry, of the Army Signal Service, writing to his uncle, Mr. Abraham Jones, at Peglars Stores, Ammanford, says: —
“I got called up to Limerick . We stayed a week there, then we railed t Queenstown, sailing from there to Le Havre , in France . We then railed to within twenty miles of the frontier. Needless to say, being the first English troops to land and train, we met with a glorious reception all the 250 miles we had to go, fruit, chocolate, wine, and other refreshments being liberally supplied.
We proceeded to Mauterge, the great fortress, which was a great trouble to the enemy before they took it. It was three miles from here the battle of Mons was fought. We were just proceeding there when the order to retreat was given. It was a long weary return, people who had lost houses, friends, and cattle being scattered without any place of abode. Meanwhile we called at a place called Landrecies, where I had my first brush with the enemy. It was at night it happened, although we had an alarm in the afternoon. I was in the firing line on an old fort. The Germans approached in great numbers; also they shelled us with their heavy guns. I never expected to come away alive; I have never lived such a night before. Truly, it was a night of horrors.
Our infantry did splendid work with the rifle, slaying awful numbers of the Germans; also the artillery, with but one gun, did considerable damage. It was awful to hear the groans of the wounded, more uncanny than anything I ever heard.
Have you ever heard the wind howl on a windy night through the trees? The howls were worse, a million time worse; also cries which only really badly wounded men who know their last hour has come can make.
At last we beat them off – remember, they were five to one – but we had to suffer greatly, losing 300 men; the Germans lost 2,000. I can tell you I was not fit for much after. I lay at my post in a heavy dew in long grass, wet through. Still we were chased until we were south-east of Paris . We did 30 miles a day, and our feet were beginning to be rather sore. Still, a change came over things. We began advancing, our troops, with the French, having defeated the enemy at the battle of the Marne . We followed them up to the Aisne , where another famous battle took place. Still, this was nothing to what was to come.
We proceeded to Abbeyville, thence to Castle, staying a week at the latter place. We then went to Ypres, which is in Belgium . We were in Ypres a long time, all the time the battle of Flanders (or Ypres ) was in progress. I have many times had to go and do work at a place called Zonebecke, the Germans all the time shelling us with their big guns.
I have now a horse. Whilst riding up the railway just outside Ypres , a shell passed right over my head. We could hear the wind of it, myself and two others who were with me; another at the same time fell ten yards away from us.
They kill at 200 yards away, but luckily for us, this went into a big pond, and did not explode, else I would not be writing this and many other things too numerous to write, having hairbreadth escapes nearly every day.
They used to send the wounded away from Ypres. At last, the Germans began shelling Ypres with their heavy guns. We stuck it for days, shell after shell dropping very close to where I was, people after people getting killed. Shell after shell dropped in the railway station.
In the day, aeroplanes dropping bombs on us, killing people and soldiers. At last, it was impossible to stay any longer if we were not to get killed, so we moved to a village two miles away. We woke up in the morning, saying how nice it was not to hear any guns, when over came a shell from a ‘Jack Johnson,' knocking a house down. We stuck it, though, and no more shells came over.
We went to Poperhinge for a few days, then we went back to France for a rest. They would not leave us in peace, aeroplanes dropping bombs on the town, doing much damage.
We are now where we can hear no gun; everything is peaceful; no horrors of war. We are here for the winter, they say, then we go again to fight our country's battles in the spring. I see by the papers we lost 100,000 men at Ypres ; the Germans 200,000.”

* * * *
THANKS FROM GARNANT SOLDIER.

Writing to a friend from somewhere in Flanders , Driver Tom A. Rees, A. S. C. (of Garnant), who has been out since the commencement of the war, says : —
“You must think I had forgotten who were so good to me when I left on my last leave. I have intended to write ever so many times since I have been out here, but, you know, every time I start to write something crops up to stop me.
Never mind, better late than never, so please remember me kindly to all kind friends. I see by the papers that you are doing good work for the boys, even if you are not actually here. I have been very busy lately shifting about from one place to another, but now I think I am fixed for good with the battery I am with at present.
I am glad to tell you I am quite well, and I hope this letter will find you all the same. We have had a few lively times just lately, but things are a bit quieter now. The weather is good, which is a great blessing, for this is a muddy country when it's raining, and it makes it very awkward for us to get about.
I hope you will write back to me soon and tell me a bit of news about Garnant. So please thank all the committee for me for their kindness.
I see that the Polish King and Dick Griffiths, the schoolmaster, have joined the colours, and I am very pleased to see how the Garnant boy's have answered the call.
I see the names of two of our youngest boys in the list of wounded in the Dardanelles, and one of them is in hospital at Malta . I must now close, hoping you will all forgive me for my slackness in not writing before.”

* * * *

RAT HUNTING IN THE TRENCHES.
CHATTY LETTER FROM FRANCE .
The following letter has been received from Quarter-Master T. F. James, of College Street, Ammanford, and Conservative agent for East Carmarthenshire, by councillor D. Morgan, White Horse Hotel, Llandilo : —
“My inspiration has always been great and ready to write to you, and my pencil swift to respond; but opportunity has not presented itself until this moment. Doubtless you have already learned from brother Burgess that I arrived safely in France , and was soon conveyed with my battalion in trucks similar to goods and cattle trucks to the zone of battle.
“How our hears went up in praise when we realised, after a twelvemonths' hard training, that we were at last face to face with the Huns, with bayonets sharpened, plenty of ammunition and bombs, and, what is all-important, stout hearts and willing hands; overflowing with grit and determination to do our whack for Old England and the loved ones at home.
As you would imagine, men who have not been subject to fire before have a strange sensation in going to the firing line. We all had this feeling, but not accompanied with any feeling of fear.
The boys went smiling, full of confidence, and with a strong feeling cemented in their hearts that at all times would they live and fight to uphold the traditions of our regiment, the Welsh, and to fight like men, to number in the roll of millions who are………………………………………….

………………….arrival near the fighting line, when all were tired and had anchored down for the night in a wood, the order came along secretly to pack up, and when I mean a pack it is enough for an ammunition mule.
We were about to have our first experience in the trenches.
The first trenches we took over were held by the French. They gave us a good reception, and were delighted to give us all information regarding the tactics of the Huns in the trenches 200 yards away.
The Huns, with their usual keen eye to business, knew we were coming to relieve the French, for the day prior to our arrival they kept on shouting to the French asking when the b—— British were going to arrive, for they had stored nice presents in the way of shells for us. Little did they think that our artillery who were attached to us had equally good presents for them.
HUNS GIVE A “WELCOME.”
When dawn came upon us we noticed the Huns had put up a board, which was kind of them, with the word ‘Welcome' on it. This was soon a target for our boys, who immediately hit it to pieces. Early in the morning, before we had our breakfast, the Huns commenced giving us their promised reception, sending all sizes of shells, bombs, and rifle fire.
We all got to work immediately and retaliated with considerable effect. Our artillery gave them the surprise of their lives by blowing their trenches to bits. No words of mine can show you the greatness and ability of our artillery; their fire is regular, effective, and most accurate, and from what I gather and see, are more than a match for the Huns.
The evening of the same day as I refer to above, the Germans blew up some mines near the trenches of the South Wales Borderers, who were on our right. Immediately the mines exploded the Germans charged, only to be met with the bayonet and driven back by the Borderers.
After holding those trenches for a week we were relieved, and went back to billets, in barns, stables and outhouses. These buildings are roofless, having been bombarded by the Germans in the early stages of the war. Our rest soon came to an end, and we were on the march again, taking over a new line of trenches, which we now hold. My battalion and the Royal Welsh Fusiliers are together in these trenches.
“Most of the artillery fighting is done in the evening or at dawn. The countryside quakes and is lighted up, as if it was day, when the big guns commence barking. How the boys delight to watch our artillery at work, for the shells come right over our heads in the trenches and as they go on their errand of destruction to the German trenches the boys say, ‘Another message to Fritz.'
“We are now quite accustomed to trench life. We generally do seven days in the trenches and six days rest, or supposed to be rest, in billets. These days of rest are generally busy days, for we have to dry our clothing, which is generally inches thick with mud; repair our clothes, clean rifles, and route marching to keep fit.
The rest gives us opportunity to have a bath, quite a rare treat. Our bath consists of two biscuit tins. We put one leg in each tin, and do the best we can. I should like to see D. M. having a turn in biscuit tins.
DUEL IN THE AIR.
“The trenches have many occupants who live rent and taxes free, with meals whenever they like, and are always found in the trenches and billets in France. These occupants are rats as large as rabbits, and thousands of them; beetles, mice, frogs, and lice. The rats attack the men's rations, and often we have to put a guard with fixed bayonets to guard the rations. Needless to say, the rats afford good sport for the boys. The only pity is we cannot stuff them with sage and onion when we are hungry.
“There is an ample supply of good food in the trenches. We have four meals a day, and steaming hot, and more so when it is accompanied by German artillery fire.
All hours of the day do we watch our daring aviators, who fearlessly fly over the German trenches. The Huns fire hundred of shells at them. I have seen as many as 120 shells explode near the aeroplanes, and still never touch them. The aeroplanes seem to turn round and laugh at them.
Sometime ago we witnessed a duel in the air between German aircraft and ours; we could see the machine-guns which they carry spitting forth their fire. On this occasion the German was put out of action, and loud cheers went gaily through the air form our boys.
“We have had a few casualties. We lost one man the first night in the trenches. He is buried on a slope near a wood, alongside the graves of many a gallant soldier. The regiment put up a wooden cross with his name and regiment and the Prince of Wales' feather, our badge, inscribed on it.
“All the roads, lanes and fields here are dotted with rough wooden crosses, marking the resting-place of those who have fought the good fight. The French put the caps and bayonets of the brave ones on their graves, with the inscription, ‘ Here lies a brave son of Franc,' marked on a rough wooden cross. The graves of brave sons of England are well cared for.
“While to and from the trenches we often pass English, Scotch, and Irish regiments and are always ……………………………………..

………………………………… serving in these regiment. It is indeed, a cheerful sight to witness the meeting of two chums who have been parted for years, and who are brought together while fighting for the land they love.
“The villages near the firing line are in a pitiful plight. The houses and public buildings are almost level with the ground; houses are roofless, and some simply the bare walls standing. In the village near our trenches are a few old inhabitants. The younger generation fly back to the interior for safety, but the old people refuse to move.
A fellow-sergeant and I visited an old lady some days ago, whose experience is quite a tragedy. There we found her, stricken with years, being about 70, sitting around a smouldering wood fire in her cottage, which was once her dear home, now simply three walls, devoid of any furniture. She seems to have lost all reason. Her husband and two sons and daughter are buried together in a grave opposite the cottage in, a field. They suffered death at the hands of the Huns, who shot the two sons and father, who attempted to save them. The daughter, poor girl, was outraged and killed.
This makes me think how our loved ones at home would be treated if ever the Huns got the chance, and it makes me happy sometimes when I think, at any rate, I am doing my whack for the homeland. I would much rather die a horrible death than to think that any Britisher should meet such a death. (As I am writing, the Huns are at it again; shells are bursting overhead).
It is just after dinner time. I suppose they have had a good dinner, and are sending us the dessert.
RATS AS BIG AS HARES!
“How are things going with you? I trust J. R. and Burgess are still strong supporters of a big Navy and Army, rum for the troops, and Tariff Reform. (Hope the reputation is being kept up of best calico and best vinegar in town). How often I think of you all while in the trenches. I can picture myself often with you all. I don't suppose I will have the honour of celebrating New Year's Eve with you this year.
How often do you go golfing and enjoy the refreshing tea at Tafarn Bach? I wish D. M. was here with us last night and had his sporting gun and dogs with him; we have shooting rights and no license. We are swarming with rats.
A crowd of us went forth in the moonlight on our hunting expedition, led by our master cook, who is a great chap for fun. He keeps us going; we don't want to go to a music hall. However, armed with stout poles and an electric torch, we went after Mr. Rat.
We soon came across hundreds of them and had fine sport. I could pick a good team from you to fight the rats, with D. M. and Ossie Jones as forwards, Dai and Taffy half-backs, J. R. and Duke on the wing, and Burgess in goal. After our rat hunting we sized them on a table.
They were nearly as large as the hares D. M. used to shoot at Gwynfe, after rat hunting the party's attention was drawn to our underclothing, which has considerable ‘game.' Again armed with poles and an electric torch we had great captures.
It does not matter how often we wash and change, we are always annoyed with lice. Not very pleasant, is it? To keep then away and to destroy them we use Keating's powder, which we sprinkle over our underclothing, and Harris' pomade, which we apply to the skin. If D. M. was near he would soon sell out.
“I hope you are all keeping well. Give my kindest regards to all friends, including Mrs. Morgan and (---W---) Simon, Pencoed. &c.
“How is the weather with you? We have had some heavy rain. Now it is very good, but is very cold at night, having white frost. How would you like to get up in the morning and find your bed and carpet which Dear Nature gave you – the ground – covered with frost? I assure you it is nippy.
There are a few cafes here, which are of no use to the British Tommy, as we are all obliged to be teetotallers, for we don't like the French wine, and as for the French beer it is like Scotch broth; it contains garlic or onions. Some have to fall back on the best tea and coffee.
“I must now conclude, for I have to be going on duty again. I am keeping very fit by having plenty of work to do. I will write to you occasionally. I shall be glad to hear from you all.”

* * * *
P7

---

OUR ROLL OF HONOUR. P6
“He who fights well without being killed has not only more good fortune than those who lie dead on the field; he has also the same moral worth. The man who is hit is to be lamented. But he has no precedence over the survivor.” — German soldier.
We here publish what we hope will eventually be a complete list of all those patriotic and praiseworthy men of East Carmarthenshire who are doing military service for the welfare of the nation and the safety of the British Empire.
We shall be glad to receive intimation of the names of those numerous young men who have enlisted from this part of the county at recruiting stations beyond the possible sphere of our enquiries. We shall be glad also of the names of all men who have been called up from the district to join the Colours, with particulars, if any, of their previous service with His Majesty's 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 all promotions from Lance-Corporal upwards, and the names and addresses of men who come home on leave.
All communications should be addressed to the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News, Quay Street , Ammanford.

RECRUITED AT AMMANFORD IN AUGUST. 1915.
Stanley Robert Fox		6 Pentwyn Road Aford		15th Batt. Welsh
Willie Thomas		Ivy Villa Fferws Hill Aford		A.S.C.
Thomas Bona		2 Field Street Aford		Welsh Regt.
William Davies		Margaret Street Aford		Welsh Regt.
John Henry Morgan		Rhuddln Hse. Dyffryn Rd Aford		R.A.M.C.
Thomas Williams		Violet Villa Fferws Hill Aford		A.S.C.
James Shingler		35 Harold Street Aford		P.I.Y.
William McGrane		Rose Villa Llandebie		12th Batt. Welsh Regt.
Gomer Phillips		Woodlands Glanamman		A.S.C.
John Price		Workmen's Rest Aford		12th Batt. Welsh Regt.
Hubert Sydney Stock		Norman Road Aford		A.S.C.
Jonah Rees Williams		Ffrwd Villa Glanamman		R.A.M.C.
Leonard Williams		Hawthorn Villa Glanamman		R.A.M.C.
William Thomas		Cwmlleddau Aford		R.A.M.C.
Robert Coleman		6 Llwyncelyn Terrace Penybank		R.A.M.C.
John Llewelyn Vaughan		5 Evans Terrace Glanamman		R.A.M.C.
CHECK FOR MORE
RECRUITED IN SEPTEMBER 1915
Walter Ewart Morgan		Carmarthen House Bettws		R.F.A.
Thomas Jones		Brynderwen House Garnant		R.F.A.
Wm. David Owen		2 Maerdy Road Bettws		20th Batt. Welsh Regt.
Herbert Slott		20 Pantyffynnon Road Aford		Welsh Regt.
RECRUITED IN OCTOBER 1915
Up to the 16th, only eleven recruits had presented themselves.

---