Among the soldiers who have been home on a few days’ leave from France is Private Geo. Preece, of 5, Field Street, who is serving with Motor Transports. He returned on Wednesday last. During his service he has had a narrow escape while driving from the trenches, the back of his lorry being blown off with a shell.
Severl conscripts have been brought before the Ammanford magistrates recently, and heavy fines have been inflicted upon them for being absentees. John Lennon, of Penygroes, was fined 40s.; Wm. Wilson Williams, porter, Gate House Hotel Tenby, 60s.; Hy Hughes, chauffeur, Pontyberem, 50s.; and Evan Evans, late of Maiden Grove, Llandebie, 60s. /Leave
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News has been received that Private John Jenkins, a married man, whose family lives at Cynwyd House, Wind Street, Ammanford, and who joined the Cameron Highlanders, has died as the result of being “gassed,” after about nine months’ active service.
The deceased soldier was the brother-in-law of Mr. Ike Evans, a former captain of Ammanford Cricket Club, who is now serving with the R. F. A., and of Madame Bessie Morris, the well known soprano.
The deceased was a quiet, reserved man about 30 years of age, and for many years played a trombone in the Ammanford Urban Silver Band. / Fallen
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Ammanford Men Meet : — The Editor of the Chronicle recently received a letter from Corpl. Jos. Scarsi, of the 3rd M. A. C., in France, in which he states he was coming down from his dinner along a lonely country road, when he saw a strong-looking chap on horseback coming towards him.
As he was about to pass the man shouted: “Mr. Scarsi, what are you doing here?” He looked at him for a minute or two, and then said: “Yes, I am he; but can you tell me your name? I recognise your face, but don’t know at the moment who you are.”
The man said: “Do you know Mr. Shaw, of the colliery at Ammanford, and a Councillor; I am his son.” Of course, he at once recognised him, and they shook hands and had about twenty minutes together.
Both were very pleased to see each other and to find they were only three miles apart. He adds that Shaw look very well, and he believed the roaring of the guns did him good. He had a fat rosy face, and looked happy on his very big horse covered with mud up to the top, coming like a hero from the battlefield. It was a pleasure to meet someone he knew. / Letter
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BETTWS RECEPTION
The Council Schools were crowded at the above place on Saturday last, to welcome home two young soldiers from the district, viz., Sergt. Rhys Higgs and Private John H. Griffiths. Through the energies of the local Reception Committee, a most enjoyable programme was arranged, and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Mr. William Fowler presided, and the following artistes took part : —
Pinanoforte soloist, Mr. George A. Thomas; vocalists, Mr. Jonah Williams, Mr. Sam Thomas, Mr. Rufus Evans, Mr. Arthur Davies, and Mr. Tom Walters. Miss Ceinwen Williams also assisted as accompanist.
Addresses were delivered by Councillor John Harries (Irlwyn), Councillor David George, and the Rev. B. Ellis Jones, B. A. The Bettws Male Voice Party also sang suitable pieces, under the conductorship of Mr. Johnny Williams.
Each soldier was presented with £3 by the Chairman on behalf of the Reception Committee, and suitably responded. Private Griffiths returned to his regiment on Monday, whilst Sergt. Higgs awaits the call to fight again for the homeland. Great praise is due to Mr. William Fowler, the chairman, himself a veteran soldier, for his interest in the movement to give a public welcome to the soldier lads of the district.
An enjoyable evening was brought to an end by the singing of “Hen Wlad fy Nhadau” and “God save the King.” The solos being taken by Mr. Sam Thomas and Mr. Johnny Williams respectively.
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V. T. C. REDUCED DRILL NIGHTS.
The Ammanford V. T. C. have decided to have only two drills a week, viz., on Mondays and Wednesdays, instead of three.
Now that the fine weather gives promise of arrival, their parades will be as often as possible in the open air.
There was a good muster on Tuesday evening for the last time under the old regulations, and an endeavour is to be made by canvassing to induce a larger number of the citizens to take part in the movement.
