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14/01/15 21/01/15 28/01/15
02/09/15
09/09/15 16/09/15
23/09/15
30/09/15
07/10/15 14/10/15
21/10/15 28/10/15
AMMANFORD SERGEANT'S GLORIOUS DEATH. P5
KILLED IN ACTION AT DARDANELLES.
Late Sergt. W. B. Williams.
“The King asks me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow — Kitchener.
Such was the kindly message accompanying the official intimation to his parents of the death of Sergt. W.B. Williams, of Margaret Street, Ammanford, who was the first to enlist at the Drill Hall in August, 1914, on the outbreak of the war, and who was killed in action on the 7 th August last, at some place not stated in the Dardanelles.
This gallant young man, who was at the time of enlistment just under 21 years of age, gained rapid promotion, being made lance-corporal within a few weeks.
He was in the 13 th Division of the 40 th Infantry Brigade, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and had been in the Dardanelles about eight weeks.
Prior to enlisting he had worked at Ammanford Colliery, and before that had served for a time in the Metropolitan Police Force The utmost sympathy is felt in the town and district with the parents, who have another son in the R.F.A., fighting in France. Another brother is employed at London House, Ammanford. In a letter written by the deceased sergeant, dated July 12 th , he stated:
“I was in the firing line only a few yards from the enemy, but we have got used to them now. You have read about the fighting, which has been fierce, but the troops that were here before us have established such a foothold on the Peninsula that it is next to impossible for the Turks to drive us away.
There are no stores of any description here, so keep on sending me cigarettes. Don't send anything perishable. Those cigarettes you sent saved our lives; I was absolutely without a smoke of any sort. A box of cocoa would be nice. You want me to send you a list of what I want. I am afraid it would fill a book. Use your own judgment; something that will keep.
I had a letter from Dai (his brother) with the same mail as yours. I don't think it is very bad in France now. The worst of it here is the beastly flies. You would laugh if you saw me in short pants, no shave or wash. It is a luxury to get a nice wash, but still we are as happy as little sand-boys. It is a treat to be in the British trenches and hear the shells rattling above you, bursting a few yards away right in the enemy's lines. On the other hand, they are rotten shots. You ought to see their shots at our aircraft, they are miles wide.
The Bible you spoke about I lent to another man, and he was left in Alexandria. I must tell you the truth, I have not got one now. Don't send me a big one, and by the way, send me the Amman Valley Chronicle.
All the Ammanford boys are quite safe so far as I know at present. I cautioned young Carruthers and Morris about writing home regularly.”
In a later letter, received from Sergt. Williams after news of his death had been received, he states that he had had a letter from his brother Dai, and continues:
“Father would enjoy being out here now, because he is delighted with the rifle. Well, he would have plenty of shell and rifle fire here. You can read more about the fighting here in the papers at home than what I am allowed to tell you. Suffice for me to say that I am all right up to date. Tell the others I am O.K., and apologise on my behalf. I have no opportunity at present to write about 20 letters. Cheer up dear mother, the war cannot last for ever, and I will be home so fresh as paint at the end of it. Look on the bright side, mother darling, and please remember me to all.
Cheero, Dad. What cheer, Blodwen and Trevor.”
MEMORIAL SERVICE AT EBENEZER CHAPEL.
Last Sunday evening there was a crowded congregation at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, as it had been announced that a memorial service was to be held to the late Sergeant Williams. The service was conducted by the pastor, the Rev., John Griffiths, B.A., B.D. It was felt that the service was a great opportunity, and the pastor rose to the occasion in a manner that won general admiration. He based his address on the words in St John xv. 13. and Philippians iii. 10. Mr. Griffiths showed that we had not yet realised the value of the services of men like the late Sergt. Williams. It is the readiness to offer their services that has saved our country form a similar fate to Belgium ; they had been a shield to us. Out of the 71 that had connections with Ebenezer, and who had joined the ranks, this was the first gap made by death. The pastor read some of the correspondence he had received from the sergeant.
This showed that he felt he was fighting for the sake of the women and children of the country, and for civilisation against barbarism. He often referred to the fact that he knew the friends at Ammanford were praying for the soldiers, and that he knew God would hear them.
The pastor then referred to Christ's sufferings, and to the fact that no proper insight into life was to be had without suffering. We enjoy our greatest blessing through the suffering of our forefathers, and if this war was a war that would end war, then Sergt. Williams would have given his all – his life – towards securing such a blessing.
After the address, the huge congregation stood whilst the organist, Mr. Thomas, played in a fine manner the “Dead March” from “Saul.” The service was one that will be long remembered. Great sympathy is felt for the father and mother, and the other members of the family of the late sergeant.
PROGRESS OF THE WAR. P?
GERMAN CHECK IN RUSSIA .
A sudden revival of activity in Galicia , resulting in the forcing of the Zlota Lipa barrier by the enemy, was in the early part of the week the most noteworthy feature of the news from the Russian front, along the whole of which, from Riga to the Dniester , fighting is now general. his is one of the effects of the withdrawal from Brest. The advance on Wilna was being stubbornly checked while the general Russian retreat proceeded. In an effort to force the enemy have pushed rapidly through the southern part of the Bielowieska forest to near Szereszowo and upwards through a portion of the Pripet marshes to the region of Kobrin, but so far without interfering with the orderliness of the Grand Duke's retreat.
SUPERIORITY OF ALLIES' AEROPLANES.
The Allies' mastery of the air continues, and the policy of constantly harassing the enemy has been adopted by the Italians as well as the British, French, and Belgians. French aeroplanes on Saturday dropped bombs on German camps at Grand Prè and at two points in the Argonne . On Friday night they bombarded the railway station at Chatel. Italian airmen dropped 120 bombs on an Austrian aerodrome, and did much material damage. The Germans, in an effort in an effort to retaliate, sent sic aeroplanes to attack Paris. They were met and turned back by the Paris air guard, and one of them was brought down after a thrilling fight in the air.
THE ZEPPELIN RAIDS.
In a letter to a correspondent, Mr. Balfour, First Lord of the Admiralty, dissipates the rumours current through out the country in regard to the damage done by Zeppelins in air raids on England. He states he is assured by the Home Office that during the last twelve months 71 civilian adults and 18 children have been killed, and 189 civilian adults and 31 children have been injured. Judged by numbers this cumulative result of many successive crimes does not equal the single effort of the submarine which, to the unconcealed pride of Germany and the horror of all the world, sent 1,198 unoffending civilians to the bottom in the Lusitania. No soldier or sailor has been killed; seven have been wounded; and only on one occasion has damage been inflicted which could by any stretch of language be described as of the smallest military importance. Zeppelin raids have been brutal, but so far they have not been effective. They have served no hostile purpose, moral or material.
GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN LOSSES.
The total number of Prussian losses published up to August 24 th amounts to 1,740,836 killed, wounded, and missing. According to official Italian estimates, the Italian losses since the commencement of the war are less than 30,000. The Austrian losses at the end of July are estimated at 18,000 killed, a similar number prisoners, and 54,000 wounded. During August 2,000 Austrian prisoners have been taken, and their dead and wounded are estimated at 10,000.
ENEMY'S ADVANCE IN RUSSIA .
Tuesday's reports shewed that the new German move against the line of the River ----- if the report from Berlin is trustworthy, made distinct progress. The enemy's troops are said to have reached the “bridgehead” position south of Friedrichstadt, 46 miles south east of Riga . The Russians were preparing to make a vigorous stand in defence of the crossings of the river. On the southern flank, where the avowed object of the enemy is to drive the Russians out of the last corner of Galicia still in their possession. Vienna reports declare that the pursuit has reached the Struypa, the second river barrier east of the Zolta Lipa line. General Mackensen has failed in his turning movement.
VOLCANIC FURY IN FRANCE .
On the Western Front, though no action of major importance has developed for several weeks, the German line is being constantly hammered by bombardments and mine explosions at various points. The latest instance is in the Argonne , where, at the end of a terrific day, in which a fierce artillery combat was supported by mine upheavals and incessant bombing, the trenches of the enemy were seriously damage.
FIGHTING IN GALLIPOLI.
Constantinople reports further fighting in the Suvla region of the Gallipoli Peninsula , where the recent British landing was effected. The Turks claim that the British attacks were “repulsed with losses.” Meanwhile, the situation in Constantinople is steadily growing more desperate. The city is without gas and works have had to be closed for want of coal. Numerous business bankruptcies are announced.
GERMAN ADVANCE STOPPED.
The Austro-German forces that broke through the Russian line across the Zlota Lipa, and were apparently moving eastward from Brzezany towards Tarnopol, have had their advance arrested on the River Strypa. On the other wing the Russians are also offering stubborn resistance. Progress is claimed by the enemy on the Grodno-Vilna railway and through the Bialystok forest, whilst Prince Leopold of Bavaria 's army is stated to have crossed the Upper Narew. On the Vilna line 2,000 prisoners are stated to have been taken, and 3,700 by Von Mackensen's army, which is credited with some further progress in the Pripet marshes region.
BOMBARDMENT RESUMED.
In the Western war theatre, after a brief lull, the Allies' bombardment of German positions along the front has been resumed, and the Paris communiqué reports that it is continuous and effective. In the Vosges M. Millerand, the War Minister, has made an inspection and discussed measures taken in view of the approaching winter campaign. The Italians have secured a strong position towards Trent , on the Monte Maromia, dislodging the Austrians and maintaining the ground won despite furious artillery fire. A great improvement of trains in Gorizia is reported, which may signify new dispositions for defence of the Isonzo front. Where the Italians also continue their successful offensive.
THE TURKISH POSITION.
From Athens it is reported a submarine has again appeared at the Golden Horn, and that it succeeded in partly demolishing the Galata Bridge , which connects the Constantinople districts of Pera and Stamboul. In the Caucasus during recent engagements the Russians captured from the Turks 84 officers and 5,129 men, whilst 2,000 were killed during pursuit by cavalry. Twelve guns and 90 caissons were among the great quantity of booty secured. At present quiet prevails on the Caucasian fronts.
OUR ROLL OF HONOUR. P6
We make no apology for occupying a certain amount of space with a list of the names of the young men throughout the district who have so gallantly responded to the call of Lord Kitchener, and of those who in still earlier days showed themselves so keen in patriotism as to voluntarily enrol themselves in the Territorial Forces and become proficient in the use of arms and in other items of training which have so unhappily been called into practical use on the battlefield. It is a German soldier who has given publicity to an aphorism— “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.” In this we heartily agree, and we might go further and say that the man who offers himself for service, even if he never sees a battlefield, but is honestly doing his work as a soldier wherever he is located is equally to be honoured with those who reach the fighting line. Therefore, we propose week by week to 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 form 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.
| JOINED IN AUGUST 1914. AT AMMANFORD. | ||||
| W.B. Willams. | R.W.F. | |||
| J. Lemonheigh. | R.W.F. | |||
| Edgar Williams. | R.W.F. | |||
| Edward Hughes. | R.W.F. | |||
| P. Morgan. | R.W.F. | |||
| E. Pugh. | R.W.F. | |||
| Geo. Evans. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| Edward Taylor. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| George Thomas. | R.W.F | |||
| Glyn Williams. | R.W.F | |||
| Patrick Keating. | Special Reservist. | |||
| Fredk. J. West. | R.W.F. | |||
| A.E. Williams. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| T. Lewis. | Special Reservist. | |||
| W. Stewart. | Special Reservist. | |||
| Ben. J. Howells | R.W.F. | |||
| Sidney Davies. | R.W.F. | |||
| Thomas Kale. | Special Reservist. | |||
| Elias Evans. | R.W.F. | |||
| William Walters. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| Frederick Jones. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| John Adams. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| William John. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| Thomas Edwards. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| John Davies. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| David Harries. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| John Williams. | S.W.B. | |||
| J.A. Roberts. | R.W.F. | |||
| E.J. Morris. | R.W.F. | |||
| Arthur Hopkins. | R.W.F. | |||
| William Askill. | R.W.F. | |||
| James Pressley. | Special Reserve | |||
| W. Docker | 2nd Welsh | |||
| W. George. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| J. Keay. | 2nd Welsh | |||
| J. Hambledon. | R.F.A. | |||
| M. Hopkins. | R.W.F. | |||
| A.J. Sears. | R.W.F. | |||
| T. Rainford. | R.W.F. | |||
| J. Shaw. | R.W.F. | |||
| D. Callaghan. | R.W.F. | |||
| D.J. Owen. | R.W.F. | |||
| C.J. Davies. | R.W.F. | |||
| T.Hughes. | R.W.F. | |||
| Gwilym Morgan. | R.W.F. | |||
| Elias Smith. | R.W.F. | |||
| W.T. Williams. | R.W.F. | |||
| Llewelyn Davies. | R.W.F | |||
| Priarm Jones. | R.W.F. | |||
| T.C. Crowman. | R.F.A. | |||
| J. Merriman. | R.W.F. | |||
| B. Rees. | R.W.F. | |||
| A. Quinn. | R.W.F. | |||
| J. Morris. | Cheshire Regiment | |||
| W. Davies. | R.W.F. | |||
| J.T. King. | Sussex Regiment | |||
| T. Bassett. | R.W.F. | |||
| C.A. Jenkins. | R.W.F. | |||
| W. Williams. | R.W.F. | |||
| T. Kayes. | Royal Engineers. | |||
| D. Hughes | R.W.F. | |||
| A.F. Dollen. | R.W.F. | |||
| J.M. Bowen | R.W.F. | |||
| R. Mallett. | R.W.F. | |||
| J.R. Culling. | R.W.F. | |||
| L. Rees. | R.W.F. | |||
| T. Remington. | Seaforth Highlanders | |||
| G. Evans. | Seaforth Highlanders | |||
| A. Jeremiah. | R.W.F. | |||
| J.E. Morgan. | R.W.F. | |||
| E. Moses. | R.W.F. | |||
| M. Leonard. | R.W.F. | |||
| W.J. Phillips. | R.F.A. | |||
| E. Nash | R.F.A. | |||
| T. Woodham. | R.F.A. | |||
| D. Edwards. | R.W.F. | |||
| D. Williams. | Royal Engineers. | |||
| G. Evans. | R.W.F. | |||
| D.J. Jones | 2nd Welsh. | |||
| E. Rogers. | 2nd Welsh. | |||
| m. Jones. | S.W.B. | |||
| W. Llewelyn. | R.W.F. | |||
| M. Llewelyn. | R.W.F. | |||
| W. Williams. | R.F.A. | |||
| J. Jones. | R.W.F. | |||
| Walter Williams. | R.W.F. | |||
| Robert Wood. | R.W.F. | |||
| R.E. Dockrell. | R.W.F. | |||
| J.H. Thomas. | R.W.F. | |||
| G.J.R. King. | R.W.F. | |||
| D. Thomas. | R.W.F. | |||
| W.L. Jones. | R.W.F. | |||
| E. Evans. | R.W.F. | |||
| J.O. Roberts. | R.W.F. | |||
| D.J. de Rees. | R.W.F. | |||
| E. Rees. | R.W.F. | |||
| D.J. Rees. | R.W.F. | |||
| F.E. Hicks. | Seaforth Highlanders | |||
| A. Burton. | Seaforth Highlanders | |||
| S.W. Hasluck. | Seaforth Highlanders | |||
| J. Westerly. | R.F.A. | |||
| H. Hutchings. | R.F.A. | |||
| M. Price. | R.F.A. | |||
| A. Griffiths. | R.W.F. | |||
| S.J. Lloyd. | R.W.F. | |||
| W.H. Walters. | R.F.A. | |||
| T.D. Richards. | R.W.F. | |||
| S. Prout. | R.W.F. | |||
| E. Williams. | R.F.A. | |||
| W. Davies. | R.F.A. | |||
| W. Thomas. | R.W.F. | |||
| A. Reading. | R.W.F. | |||
| J. Gregory. | R.A.M.C. | |||
| W. Gerrard. | R.A.M.C. | |||
| C. Lennie. | R.F.A. | |||
| E.J. Rees. | R.F.A. | |||
| G. Thomas. | R.F.A. | |||
| J. Jones. | R.F.A. | |||
| G. Price. | Shropshire Light Infantry | |||
| J. Myers. | R.W.F. | |||
| D.O. Evans. | R.F.A. | |||
| W. Jones. | R.F.A. | |||
| J.G. Thomas. | R.W.F. | |||
| J.P. Roberts. | R.W.F. | |||
| Jas. Williams. | R.F.A. | |||
| W. Williams. | R.F.A. | |||
| J. Harvey. | R.F.A. | |||
| G. Francis. | R.F.A. | |||
| S.P. Davies. | R.F.A. | |||
| D.E. Jones. | R.F.A. | |||
| E. Wilde. | R.W.F. | |||
| E. Richards. | R.W.F. | |||
| J. Anthony. | R.W.F. | |||
| L.S. France. | Welsh Regiment. | |||
| J. Kendall. | R.F.A. | |||
LOCAL WARRIORS HOME & ABROAD P3
Corporal Jos. Scarsi, the well-known motorist of Ammanford, who is in the Mechanical Transports, A.S.C., has done a lot of travelling in France . As an expert driver and good linguist — he knows four or five languages — he is in request as an interpreter by officers in high position. He has been out for several months.
Another brother Lance-Corporal D. J. Rees, is in the 3/6 th Welsh at Swansea, and expects soon to go out; while a third brother, Private Emrys Rees, is with the 9 th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Private Rees Rees heard that his brother Emrys was in his neighbourhood, and walked nine miles to see him, and caught him half an hour before he moved off into the trenches. There were in the same battalion with him Privates John Edwards and David John Davies, of Tycroes, and Privates Sam Vaughan and Tom Rees, of Caerbryn. All were well. Our visitor also states he met Driver Willie Davies, of the Square, Ammanford, when he went out on New Year's Day, and afterwards saw him in February as he was about going into action.
Private Rees Rees, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, son of Mr. Dd. Rees, of Tircoed, Tycroes, who has been out in France since November 14 th last, arrived home last Friday, on short leave until next Saturday. He was trained in ambulance work in Dr. Price's class at Penybank, and received his first and second certificates. He has had many and varied experiences with the Royal Engineers section in the firing line. His brother, Private Ivor Rees, R.A.M.C., is with the 4 th Cavalry Field Ambulance, also in France, and also received his ambulance training under Dr. Price.
Gunner Fed Jones, of the R.G.A., living in Tirydail, and who returned to the Front on Tuesday, is 6 ft. 4 in. in height. He comes of a tall family, his mother being 6 ft. 21/2 in. and his father 6 ft. 5 in. He states he is one of the smallest in his battery, one man standing 6 ft. 7 in.
CASUALTIES P5
Ammanford Young Man Wounded.
On the same day, Mr. J. Carruthers, boot dealer, Quay Street, Ammanford, received an intimation that his son, Private Joe Carruthers, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, had been wounded on Aug. 7 th , and in the evening a letter was received from him, dated August 1 st , a week prior to the engagement. He was without an envelope, and had ingeniously folded the missive in paper and tied it round with some cotton. In it he said:
Private Joe Carruthers.
“I received your letter dated July 3 rd all right, although it was very late before arriving, and I daresay I shall receive a parcel whenever you like, as they will be most welcome now. We have gone back to the island, where we started form on Saturday night, having been out of the trenches since Sunday, but I cannot say how long we shall be here. We had Church Parade Sunday morning at 6.30 so that it was nice and cool then. There is to be Holy Communion at 7 o'clock to-night, so I intend going there. We are on a fine island, villages all round, but we are not allowed in them without a pass. All kinds of fruit are growing well here – grapes, lemons, figs, melons, &c. – although they are not quite ripe enough to eat yet. We can have any amount of pure water; as there are wells everywhere, so it is all right here. I don't know whether you remember a chap named Eddison, who has been working in Issac Jones's or Daniel Jones's. Well, he was on the boat that brought us from the Peninsula to this island, and asked for us Ammanford chaps to give us a feed, but we missed him, worst luck, as it was after landing that I heard about him. We have made little dug-outs to sleep in, and we generally sleep two together, one blanket over us like a tent and the other on us at night-time. They are very cool in daytime, as there are very little shady places here, but we are only about a hundred yards from the beach, and that is better than all the shades. . . . . You can send me a little money, please, as we have had no pay since leaving England, and we can buy a few things on this island.” On Thursday, Mr. Carruthers received a letter from the War Office stating that Private Joe Carruthers had been severely wounded by a bomb on the right foot, and that the injury was serious. He had been admitted to hospital in Maltal. The father of Private Jonah Jeremiah, R.W.F., of Garnant, has received notice from the War Office that his son was wounded at the Dardanelles.
Private Jack Davies, 2 nd Welsh, brother-in-law of Mr. W. D. Davies, Red Lion Cottage, Garnant, who was wounded in the thigh, went into hospital and was out again in a week, has been wounded a second time in France.
Private W. Burgess, of the 9 th Field Ambulance, A.S.C., arrived at his home, No. 2, Old Tenby, Pantyffynnon, from Calais on five days leave. He was one of seven men who went out on duty and the only one to return, the others being killed, while he had three shrapnel wounds in the leg. He was sent to the 13 th Hospital at Rouen, and afterwards to the base. Afterwards he was attached to the No. 1 Ambulance Train, 12 th Division. On Saturday evening there was a smoker in his honour at the Dynevor Arms, Pantyffynnon, and a presentation to him. He returned to France on Monday.
ENLISTMENTS (Jack Southern)
Jack Southern, formerly a clerk at the Ammanford Colliery, and at one time captain and bowler of the local cricket team, joined the Navel Reserve and went to Crystal Palace for training.
Afterwards he went to Chatham, and is now somewhere in the North Sea on a service boat. His brother, Cameron, was one of two officers in the 53 rd Sikhs, forming part of the Eastern Mediterranean Expedition, who were killed at Aden,
(W. Bodger)
Mr. W. Bodger, manual instructor in the County School, has accepted service in the Royal Naval Air Division as a first class leading mechanic. He will be absent from school for the duration of the war. His place is being kept open for him and a substitute provided. This is the third member of the staff on active service, the others being Lieut. Wm. Thomas, 3 rd Cheshire's, wounded and prisoner in Germany; and Second-Lieut, R. H. Sayce, 11 th South Wales Borderers.
AMMANFORDIAN WAR PRISONERS IN GERMANY P6
Hunger and Hardships.
News has recently come through in a roundabout way of the condition of any Ammanford man who has been a prisoner of war in Germany for many months, viz., Private W. Harkle, 5569. 1 st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Harkle, who had previously served six years and some months in India, Aden, and Malta, and was discharged, an invalid from fever, rejoined his old regiment on the outbreak of the war. He went through the earlier engagements in France, and was captured near Ypes during the retreat from Mons.
Later news came through a smuggled letter sent to a Llanelly man by a released Frenchman, that Harkle had received a severe injury to one of his eyes, by being struck with bayonet by a bullying German officer to whom he had made a spirited retort.
He has frequently written home to his wife, his chief cry being for food, of which he and the other prisoners were kept very short. A few days ago she received two letters from him, smuggled through by being made into the shape of cigarettes. He states it is very warm out there, and asks for slippers, football kickers, and food.
Mrs. Harkle has written to the War Office for information as to the possibility of her husband being released, but has been notified that they cannot interfere; it all rests with the medical authorities on the other side. Harkle has just had his 40 th birthday in Germany. Mrs. Harkle recently received news of her husband from an unexpected quarter, viz., from a Mr. Thomas Driver, of Sale, Cheshire, who found her name in the diary of a relative, Private Wm. Shergold, R.A.M.C., now returned from Germany and recuperating from the effects of his long imprisonment.
He writes : — “He managed to smuggle home about 20 letters, but in your case only has your name, &c., in his diary, which I got him to endorse, viz., ‘Receiving all parcels; eye just the same.' He was asking for a shade for his eye, but up to my leaving him a fortnight ago had not received it, as the Germans would not give the English any (it is his left eye); otherwise he might have got home. He worried a lot, and I have attended him since he was wounded. Been through about four operation.
Their treatment has been a little better this last two or three months, but far from satisfactory, and they are only kept alive with foodstuffs from home. All parcels are arriving prompt, and they mostly ask for home made bread, cake with the balm, lard and currants in, as this keeps fairly well, tea, coffee or cocoa, sugar, milk, treacle, dripping, biscuits, gingerbread or oatmeal, health salts, common salt, soap, &c. (as fits the sender's pocket). Rest assured he is quite well under the circumstances, and I join in your sorrow at the report my relative makes.
“P.S. — I should like his regimental number and camp in Germany, as I should like to make an appeal through the Press, as the charity is too one sided altogether. The soldiers cannot send out an appeal, and rarely a letter or post card for home, which causes anxiety; but rest assured America is looking after them.”
The Private Shergold above referred to has given a graphic account to an English newspaper of the treatment of English prisoners of war by the Germans. He states that after capture, a fortnight elapsed before they were en route for Germany. At Brussels they were placed in a siding which had recently been occupied by horses, and at midnight an officer came round an said if they valued their lives they must remain quiet. They then marched them across the city to another station. On the way he was kicked by some Germans.
“Our next experience, “he goes on,” of the brutality of the Germans was at Liege. We were in cattle trucks with very little ventilation, and at the station the German soldiers wanted to have a look at the English prisoners. Our guard refused to open the door, and some of them put their shoulders to the buffers and tried to upset the wagon. The men were calling us ‘English dogs,' those who could speak English, and bricks and stones were thrown at us. We were in the railway trucks for five days, and the only food they got us was some bread that the guard had been able to steal from a passing train.”
At the stations, German nurses refused to give them water, and when marching to a camp at Munster, a German lancer swung his lance and struck him on the back of the head. There was a guard of twelve for 23 English prisoners, in a compound enclosed with electrified wire. Their accommodation was four poles and a piece of tarpaulin, with which they had to make a tent, and some wet straw to lie on. They were treated with studied neglect, and when craving for water in very hot weather, the Germans in charge of the water carts said, “Nix for Englishmen.”
They were put to work in stables to earn a slice of bread, and the only wash they had form the time they left the battlefield to leaving this camp, six weeks after, war once when it rained, and they caught the water in their tarpaulin sheet. Twenty-three of them had a wash with that rain water.
In the new camp on the other side of Munster, 140 men were placed in each hut, which had been constructed by prisoners of war. Their food consisted of horse beans, cabbage water, chestnuts, rice water, ground maize in the form of porridge and black bream the daily allowance of black bread being so small that it was generally devoured at the first opportunity. It is the people at home who are keeping the British soldiers alive in the German camps. When their uniforms wore out they were given coats with a bright yellow patch, three inches wide in the back, so that they could be distinguished, and trousers with a yellow stripe, while wooden clogs replaced their boots.
The English had a mouth-organ band, and were always singing “Tipperary.” Many of them had been put to work in the German coal mines. He advises parents and friends to send as much food as possible. Bread should be packed in wooden boxes; if it is put in tins it becomes mouldy. Butter might be placed in tins. “Of course, ”concludes Private Shergold,” the men share the food on with another. No Englishman will see another starve.”
NOVEL FEAST OF FROGS' LEGS.
Another local man, who is at present a prisoner of war in Germany, is Private Walter Wolfe Hughes, who at the outbreak of war was engaged as postman in Ammanford and was on the “Bettws Round,” which extends over a distance of about 17 miles. Soon after war broke out he was called up as a Reservist, and joined his regiment, the Cheshire's. He took part in the retreat of Mons , during the early part of the war, when he, with a large number of others, were made prisoners. Enquires from the front inform us that the Cheshire men were captured by wire entanglements. He was interned at Munster Lager, but on December 13 th of last year was remoied to Bohmte Bezirk-Osnabruck, where he has been ever since. He has not been faring as well as Germans do in this country, and in a card sent recently he referred to a “bit of a novel feast— ‘Frogs legs,'” which he had had given him by some of his French “pals.” In all his cards he appeals for eatables.
His address (for letters) is: —8317, Walter Wolfe Hughes, Cheshire Regiment, Englischer-Kregsgefanger, Baracke 4, Haupt-Lager, Soltau, Abterlung (Bohmte), Hanover, Germany. For parcels: — Baracke 4, Bohmte, Bezirk-Osnabruck, Germany.
Formerly Hughes, who is about 28 or 30 years of age, served seven years in the Army, five of which were in India. Whilst in India he had acted as Acting-Schoolmaster, and had secured the three certificates given for education in the Army. He took great interest in regimental sports and was a good runner. He is a steady and temperate man, and on the Bettws round had made himself popular with the inhabitants. He was interested in wireless telegraphy and had secured his certificate, but the war prevented him proceeding with it.
THE ZEPPELIN RAIDS. P7
In a letter to a correspondent, Mr. Balfour, First Lord of the Admiralty, dissipates the rumours current throughout the country in regard to the damage done by Zeppelins in air raids on England. He states he is assured by the Home Office that during the last twelve months 71 civilian adults and 18 children have been killed, and 189 civilian adults and 31 children have been injured. Judged by numbers this cumulative result of many successive crimes does not equal the single effort of the submarine which, to the unconcealed pride of Germany and the horror of all the world, sent 1,198 unoffending civilians to the bottom in the Lusitania .
No soldier or sailor has been killed; seven have been wounded; and only on one occasion has damage been inflicted which could by any stretch of language be described as of the smallest military importance.Zeppelin raids have been brutal but so far they have not been effective. They have served no hostile purpose, moral or material.
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