Maiden’s Day Women’s Recruitment March

Women Hoeing at Arlesey House, 1917 [Z49/495]

Sunday 2nd June 1918: Yesterday was Maiden’s Day in Luton, as members of the Women’s Land Army held a recruitment  drive. A bit platform was built in front of the Town Hall, and the building was adorned by banners with slogans such as “Men in the field; women in the fields”. A contingent of land girls wearing smocks, breeches and leggings paraded into the town and took up positions behind the speakers on the platform. One of the speakers was a Miss Bedford, a land worker and member of the National Service Corps (made up mostly of teachers), who has been working for a long time at Manor Farm, Caddington. She described how she and her colleagues have worked in all weathers, and slept in a leaky barn until accommodation could be found for them. Their employer could not speak too highly of them. She said she wanted the “sporting girl” who “can keep her lips up when everything goes dead wrong”.

The committee formed to organise the event where keen to go one better than Bedford, where a similar demonstration was held a week ago. The Mayor told the crowd that at least 30,000 women were needed immediately due to the shortage of men on the farms. Lady Trustram Eve made it clear that the country depended on women to win the war. For every man who went to the trenches a women was needed here to do his work. England was now producing more food than ever, and this required more labourers. The men at the front must be fed! It was hard work with no place for the wrong sort of girl, but she believed Luton would turn out the right sort, able to do men’s work. They would have to get up early, and would get muddy and dirty, but it was a healthy life. Councillor Primett advised girls to try the work as “It is one way to get a husband. The young ladies who will take the best husbands will be those who have joined the Land Army”.

As a result of the event about sixty new recruits volunteered. This is considered a satisfactory number for a town like Luton.

Source: Luton News, 6th June 1918

Bedford Volunteer Regiment on Parade

Bedfordshire Volunteer Training Corps on parade, June 1915 [Z1306/12/4]

Sunday 18th November 1917: The Bedford Volunteer Regiment will be holding a parade and inspection today. The parade will begin at the Corps Headquarters in Ashburnham Road at 2.30 pm. The Volunteers will march via Midland Road, the High Street, and the Embankment to Russell Park, where they will be inspected by the Lord Lieutenant. The exercise had originally been planned as a joint parade of both the Bedford and Luton Battalions, but the shortage of railway facilities and other factors made it impossible to bring the Luton Volunteers to Bedford to take part. It is hoped that this parade will help in the recruitment of new volunteers. The establishment strength of the Battalion is 1,000, but the numbers currently enrolled are 550 at Bedford and 660 at Luton. If the Bedford Battalion cannot be brought up to full strength then there is a danger that the Bedford and Luton Battalions will be merged. Badged and exempted men, and men over the age of 41 are eligible for the Volunteer Corps. Anyone interested in serving in this way can obtain information from the Battalion’s Headquarters.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 16th November 1917

Linslade Military Service Tribunal

Vimy bombers under construction at Linslade c.1917 [Z50/72/219b]

Thursday 14th September 1916: This afternoon’s meeting of the Linslade Military Service Tribunal saw a discussion about the difficulty of finding labour, especially for farms. The Tribunal was informed by Captain Green, the recruiting organiser for Buckinghamshire, that the War Office is now asking for another million men by next July, which will undoubtedly worsen the situation. One member of the tribunal expressed surprise that farmers did not make more use of soldiers as labour, though another said he had heard they were more trouble than they were worth. Farmers felt they could not push them the way they pushed their own men, feeling “they must be nice to them and give them a sort of picnic” – this caused amusement, as did the comment that this was “like the women workers”. The military representative said that women had done “splendidly” in some places, but that in this area farmers were not used to them and it was difficult to change local custom.

Captain Green told the tribunal of a new scheme for replacing fit men with men who had previously worked on farms and were only doing duty in labour battalions. This would then release men who were fit for general service. The Chairman thought this a good idea, but one that would be hard to make work. Captain Green said a list of men who could be demobilised from the Army would be sent to the tribunal and they could then be sent back to their original work as clearly “it would be useless to send a chair maker to milk a cow”. When asked whether there really were many men in the area who were eligible for service Captain Green stated that a nearby tribunal had dealt with seventy single men who could not be released for the military because they were the only men left. However, it was felt that this was more likely to be the case in rural rather than urban districts, where very few men were now available. This, it seemed, was the root of the problem. All the men who could be called up had now gone, and it would be necessary to turn to exempted men. A Commission was already sitting to decide what industries must be closed down.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 19th September 1916

A Deputation of Butchers

T.R. Wilmer's butcher shop on Wilmers Corner (Ref: Z50/11/20)

12 September 1916: A deputation of master butchers appeared at a Bedford Borough tribunal to defend the necessity of keeping men in the trade. The tribunal were of the opinion that there were a number of young men engaged in the butchering trade who could enlist in the Army. The tribunal thought that the butchers could work together in order to release men for the fighting line. Alderman H C Dunham, acted on behalf of the butchers association, explained that slaughtermen were of the utmost importance and not one butcher in Bedford employed a man for slaughtering only. Slaughtermen, he reported, were now employed in more general work, such as carrying carcasses to the shop and making-up goods like sausages. He argued that those men currently in the trade were absolutely necessary and the work was not suitable for women. Additionally, the price of meat was so high that it was crucial to have competent people to prepare it. In response to questions put to them, the deputation of master butchers estimated that there were between 40 and 60 butchers in Bedford.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 15/09/1916

The Finest Team in the World

Saturday 29th April 1916: Private W. J. Berry of Wootton, who is serving in France with the 11th Battalion of the Essex Regiment, has send a sporting take on the war to the Bedfordshire Times in an effort to encourage new recruits:

You may think we have no football matches out here, but we have the finest team in the world. If you don’t mind I will tell you our team. 

George Ground is our goalkeeper, and he stops some very hard shots. Then come our backs, Sam Sandbag, who never gives an inch of ground, and Bob Barbwire, a player you can always get entangled with.

Then we have our half-backs, a fine trio; Jack Starlight, a fine illuminating player who enlightens all the spectators; Jack Sniper, a very good shot, who is always popping at goal and seldom fails to score, and Pip Squeak, who puts in some useful work.

Then come the forwards. We have Harry Rifle, a very good player indeed, and Walter Bayonet, a very dangerous chap at close quarters; Joe Whizz-Bang, who comes in with a crash; jack Shrapnel, who is up and down the field in grand style; and Jack Grenade, who does some very clever work in the open.

Now if anyone wishes to see this game he has only to call at the nearest Recruiting Office; and I can assure you there are a few empty dug-outs left. He will see the grand final shortly, Krupps versus Munition Works. I know there used to be some good teams in Bedfordshire. Try and pick a team to compete with this one and send them along. We have special accommodation for class teams.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 28th April 1916

Join the Army? I'd Rather Crack Stones!

Men's Ward, Biggleswade Workhouse c.1910-20 [Z1306/16/14/11/3]

Thursday 13th April 1916: At today’s meeting of the Ampthill Board of Guardians it was suggested that if there were any men in the Ampthill Workhouse who were capable of earning their own living, they should be sent out to work to help the labour shortage. Unfortunately the Master reported that there was only one able-bodied man among the residents, and he had been ill, and was leaving next week. Instructions had been received from the Local Government Board for dealing with vagrants of military age. The workhouse officials were to inform the police and the recruiting officer if any such men applied for admission to the tramp wards. The Master mentioned that a tramp aged about 30 had recently had to be locked up for refusing his task. When asked why he was not in the Army, he had replied that he did not intend to be a soldier and would rather crack stones, but was “not very anxious for that”.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 18th April 1916

A Muddle Over Railway Vouchers

Leighton Buzzard Railway Station c.1910 [Z50/72/174]

Thursday 30th March 1916: Two Leighton Buzzard men have appeared in court charged with failing to present themselves to join the army as instructed. William Abraham, a 32 year old labourer, was supposed to have presented himself at Luton on 20th March. When arrested he claimed that as his railway voucher was dated the 18th he went on that date, but was told to go home until the 20th. As he did not have another railway voucher he did not return. When questioned in court he said he had been forced to borrow his fare back to Leighton Buzzard. The magistrates were told it was not permitted to give another ticket if a man made a mistake - the Chairman of the Bench pointed out that in this case the mistake had not been made by the recruit! As it was felt Mr. Anderson was not trying to avoid military service, he was simply to be handed over to the military authorities.

Amos Field, a 40 year old labourer, appeared very nervous and was almost inaudible when he made his plea of "not guilty". Superintendent Matthews said that when Mr Field was brought in he said he had never received a notice. Colour-Sergeant Handley said the notice had been sent to Mr. Field together with his railway warrant, and produced papers and counterfoils as proof. Mr. Field was to be handed over to a military escort

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 4th April 1916

Ladies and Linotype

 Diagram of a linotype magazine c.1904 [Wikimedia]

Thursday 9th March 1916: Recruitment tribunals across the country have been meeting to consider applications for exemption from military service. A comment from a member of the Leighton Buzzard Tribunal considering an application from a linotype operator has made the national news, with the following letter appearing in the latest issue of Newspaper World:

"Many amusing and remarkable statements in regard to newspaper working have been made at the meetings of the local Tribunals, but surely the most surprising of all is the one recorded in last week's 'Tribunalities', in connection with the application of a linotype operator, a member of the Tribunal declaring that he had heard of a lady operator becoming skilled in two weeks. Evidently the Tribunal took a more common sense view, for the operator concerned was granted a postponement of four months".

The tribunal member must have an extremely limited understanding of the printing industry. It is generally accepted that men need three or four years to become skilled at operating complicated linotype machines. The extraordinary statement of this particular tribunal member that he had heard of a lady who learned to operate one in a fortnight, has caused indignation among linotype operators across the country, who know from experience just how unlikely this would be. The reality is rather different. A lady in Leighton Buzzard has indeed begun to operate a typesetting machine, but a typograph rather than a linotype. These German made machines are much simpler and considerably slower. After two weeks the lady had shown enough promise to suggest that continued tuition would enable her to work the machine.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14th March 1916

The First Derby Boys Leave Bedford

Twenty year old Derby Boys ready to leave 

[Bedfordshire Times]

Monday 17th January 1916: The first of the boys who enlisted under the Derby Scheme have left Kempston Barracks for their Bedfordshire units on Saturday. The first to leave were recruits of the 2nd class (aged 19) whose march to the station was headed by the Band of the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment. They entrained at about 12.30pm, and set of on the first stage of the journey that will lead them to the field of battle. They were followed today by the 20 year olds who also marched behind the Band and seemed quite at home in their new khaki uniforms. At the station they were handed their kit bags, given refreshments, and entrained under the command of Lieutenant E. Small. As the train drew out the band played “Auld Lang Syne”. Two further parties left today and more are expected to follow over the next couple of days.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 21st January 1916

"Send Us Some More Men!"

Derby Recruitment Scheme Poster [Wikimedia]

Saturday 8th January 1916: Private H. Bunker of Leighton Buzzard has written home from France where he is serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment:

We had a very nice Christmas, although the weather was so wet. As we were lucky enough to be out of the trenches we did not mind the wet, and had a very nice time on our own as you may imagine. Yesterday we had the great pleasure of seeing some of the boys of the 1st Battalion. They go in the trenches again tonight, but are as happy as they can be. Now just a word to the slackers. If they could possible see one half of what we have seen of the Germans and their doings, they would not need asking twice. Although Lord Derby has got so many of the young men [1], I know that there are hundreds who are quite eligible and fit, and yet hang back. Why? Because they do not realise that this is a war to the very knife. If they could have been at Loos, and seen the boys shedding their heart's blood they would have seen and realised how badly men were needed. If we had had more men we should now be beyond Lille, or at least have held that town. The slacker need not flatter himself that all will soon be over, for it won't finish yet. A man will do well to join some such regiment as my own, the Bedfords, which has earned a fine name at Ypres, Neuve Chapelle, Hill 60, Festubert and Loos, and many another fight. Just send us some more men. We have got plenty of guns and ammunition, and we will see this fight through to a fine finish with the old flag still flying.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 18th January 1916

[1] Lord Derby's recruitment scheme had required each eligible man to publicly declare whether he was willing to serve in the armed forces

Bedford Recruitment Figures

 

Derby Scheme Poster 1915 [Wikimedia]

Thursday 6th January 1916: Following the canvassing for recruits which took place late last year under Lord Derby’s recruitment scheme we are now able to report on the effect of the scheme in Bedford and North Bedfordshire. In the National Register the names of 3040 men of military age in Bedford were not starred as being engaged in essential occupations. Between November 1st and December 12th 533 single and 893 married men enlisted and attested; a further 78 single and 39 married men had already enlisted between August and October. The total number of new recruits was therefore 1543.

The remaining 1497 who had not either enlisted or attested were made up of 213 single and 556 married men who refused to enlist, 237 single and 269 married men who were medically unfit, 27 single and 56 married men who were engaged in munition work but not starred, and 47 single and 91 married men willing to enlist on conditions. If compulsion is to be applied to single men, then there are only about 213 (under 300 at the outside) who can be conscripted, and it is likely that only about 40% of these would be found to be fit. There is likely to be little opposition if these men are made to toe the line.

In North Bedfordshire 4,973 men were canvassed. Of these 775 single and 886 married men either enlisted or promised to enlist. Current figures suggest that after allowing for those who were unfit or unable to enlist for other reasons 927 single and 1378 married men refused to enlist. These figures should be treated with caution as it is thought that many more may have enlisted during the final days of the scheme. It seems likely, however, that conscription of single men would be more effective in the area around Bedford than in the town itself.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 7th January 1916

Able-Bodied Men

Stag's Head, corner of Wing Rd and Old Rd, Linslade c.1906 [Z50/74/28]

Sunday 12th December 1915: As Lord Derby’s recruitment scheme draws to a close a soldier who was billeted in Linslade with the Somerset Light Infantry last winter has written to remind us why it is so important that all those men who are able to do so should enlist:

“I am glad to say I am in very good health considering the weather we have had since we have been here, now nearly two months. We are in the trenches at present, we do [censored] days in and as many out, but while out we get rest at night, but work in the trenches by day. It is very bad up here owing to the rain; it’s nothing but water and mud. You get simply plastered from head to foot, but you soon get used to it. We are all as bright as can be because we know we are on the side of right, and any man that is a man at all, that could see what it is like for the poor people out here, would pray to God that it may never happen to loved ones at home or England. It’s terrible for them; they are like hunted rats, they never know when a shell will upset their little home. This is the place for all able-bodied men, to keep the war this side of the Channel.”

One Linslade family has certainly done its share in contributing to the defence of the country. Joseph Woolhead has become the sixth son of Joseph and Sarah Ann Woolhead of 48 Old Road to join the Forces. Joseph, who emigrated to Canada some years ago, has enlisted in the Canadian Field Artillery. His brothers Edward and Lewis are in the infantry, Ernest is attached to the Army Service Corps, and Albert and Walter are in the Navy.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14th December 1915

Lord Derby's Recruiting Scheme

Recruiting line at Luton, December 1915 [Luton Times]

Saturday 11th December 1915: Today is the last day of a recruiting scheme introduced by the Director General of Recruiting, Edward Stanley, the 17th Earl of Derby, which has been in operation since the beginning of November. Using information from the National Register compiled earlier this year all eligible men aged 18 to 41 who are not in an essential occupation have been interviewed by canvassers and asked face-to-face whether they are prepared to join the Forces. Those who agree are obliged to go to the recruiting office within 48 hours. Once sworn in they are being placed in one of 46 groups. Each group will be summoned in order for active service, with each being given 14 days’ notice. All the groups of single men will be called up before those containing married men.

The Corn Exchange at Luton has been a hive of activity this week with men rushing to sign up before the scheme closes. So many men have presented themselves to enlist that many have faced a wait of several hours. The pressure today is so great with hundreds of men from the big engineering works wishing to attest that it is feared the staff may not be able to deal with all the men by tonight. The rumour circulating in the town that the scheme would be extended is now known to be false. It is hoped that enough men will have been induced to enlist by this recruiting scheme that it will be possible for the Government to avoid introducing conscription.

Source: Luton Times, 10th and 17th December 1915

Harvest Festival, Recruitment, Fundraising and Whooping Cough

2nd Lt. Evelyn Collisson of Gravenhurst [X550-1-81]

Sunday 7th November 1915: News from the Villages

Barton-le-Clay

Despite the lack of the usual celebrations the Church was crowded for the Harvest Festival services; this was despite the loss of seventy men to the Forces, including eleven who joined on October 3rd. Ten of the bell ringers have gone, along with nearly all the Band members.

Gravenhurst

The Gravenhurst Roll of Honour now includes fifteen names as follows: [1]

• Lionel Grant Milller – killed in action
• Walter Redman – missing
• Cyril Parrish – at the Front
• Percy Parrish – at the Front
• George Redman – at the Front
• Frederick Fisher – at the Front
• Sergeant George Cooper – at the Front
• John Fisher – joined the Army
• Lance Corporal Albert Fisher – joined the Army
• Herbert Fisher – joined the Army
• Bob Fisher – joined the Army
• Willie Collins – joined the Army
• William Dennis – joined the Army
• David Dilley – joined the Army
• 2nd Lieutenant Evelyn Collisson – joined the Army

Flitton and Greenfield

The war slides shown at the Parish Room have so far raised £1 1s 3d. In addition £6 2s 0d has been raised for the Red Cross Society by the sale of fruit of vegetables, from a concert got up by Miss Leach, and through subscription by the employees of Messrs Copping and Sibley.

Clophill

The Infant School has been closed for four weeks from October 27th due to an outbreak of whooping cough.

Source: Monthly Magazine for the parishes of Barton-le-Cley, Clophill, Flitton and Greenfield, Gravenhurst, Silsoe, Westoning, November 1915 [P21/30/17]

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[1] Of these men only Lionel Miller, Walter Redman and Evelyn Ernest Arnold Collisson (son of the Rector Revd. Thomas Collisson) appear on the Gravenhurst war memorial.

The King Appeals to His People

King George V [Wikimedia]

 Sunday 24th October 1915:

“At this grave moment in the struggle between my people and a highly organised enemy who has transgressed the Laws of Nations and changed the ordinance that binds civilised Europe together, I appeal to you.

I rejoice in my Empire’s effort, and I feel pride in the voluntary response from my subjects all over the world who have sacrificed home, fortune, and life itself, in order that another may not inherit the free Empire which their ancestors and mine have built.

I ask you to make good these sacrifices.  The end is not in sight. More men and yet more are wanted to keep my armies in the field, and through them to secure Victory and enduring Peace.

In ancient days the darkest moment has ever produced in men of our race the sternest resolve.

I ask you, men of all classes, to come forward voluntarily and take your share in the fight.

In freely responding to my appeal, you will be giving your support to our brothers, who, for long months, have nobly upheld Britain’s past traditions, and the glory of her Arms.”

George R.I.

Source: Biggleswade Chronicle, 29th October 1915

Recruiting Rally at Bedford

"France", Bedford Recruiting Rally Procession 

[Bedfordshire Times]

Saturday 2nd October 1915: Recruiting rallies have taken place across the country today. A rally had been expected to take place in Bedford on the second Saturday of August, but this was postponed by the War Office so that it could become part of today’s national effort. The highlight of the rally was the magnificent procession which featured war-workers of all kinds together with a pageant of the Allies and the Colonies. The Bedfordshire Yeomanry led the advance guard, followed by the Band of the 1st Bedfords. Other participants included two platoons of soldiers from the Duke of Bedford’s Training Depot at Ampthill Park, two hundred munitions workers, the Grammar School Corps, the band of the East Anglian Royal Engineers, the Bedford Volunteer Training Corps, Bedford No. 3 Detachment of the Red Cross and a hundred “Yellow Devils” of the 5th Bedfords and representatives of the 2nd Battalion. There were six pageant cars, built on trolleys lent by the Midland Railway Company and drawn by heavy draft horses. These denoted Britannia, Russia, Belgium, the Colonies, France, and finally Japan, Serbia and Italy.

The procession arrived at Russell Square where four motor lorries of the Army Service Corps were used as platforms. The park shelter was requisitioned for use as a Recruiting Office. The meetings were well attended and the speeches kept brief; speakers included the Lord Lieutenant, Major Bassett of the Bedfords, the Mayor, Mr. Frank Kellaway M.P. and Mr. A. W. Black M.P. After the meetings two of the bands played to the appreciation of the large crowds. A number of young men were escorted to the recruiting office and returned holding their papers. The proceedings concluded with a Grand Military Tattoo by the drums and fifes of the Welsh Division.  The number of recruits who came forward after the speeches were given was lower than expected, but it is hoped that the interest created will lead to a higher than usual number of enlistments over the next few days.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard and Bedfordshire Times, 8th October 1915

Volunteer Training at Dunstable

Bedfordshire Voluntary Training Corps, 1915 [Z1306/12/4]

Sunday 26th September 1915: Dunstable does not yet have a Volunteer Training Corps of its own, but 30 members of the local detachment have been attending drills on the Grammar School cricket ground on Sunday mornings, and classes at the Church Street drill hall on week nights where they have been learning about guard-mounting, outpost work, and military theory. The men are learning how to use a rifle and are hoping shortly to obtain the use of a miniature rifle range. A smoking concert was held last Monday at which a further dozen recruits were obtained.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28th September 1915

Bantam Platoons

East Anglian Bantam Battalion, 1 August 1915 [Luton Times]

Friday 23rd July 1915: A new recruiting initiative has been launched by the Army Council under which the towns and villages of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire are to be asked to raise local Bantam platoons. These are to be along the lines of “Pals Platoons”, where young men from the same place will be able to train and fight together. These Bantam units will allow men to join up who are below the regulation height and chest size usually required for recruitment. Their height is to be between 5 feet and 5 feet 2 inches, with a chest measurement of 33 inches. The Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire youths are to be attached to the Luton Platoon of the 12th (Service) Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment.[1]

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 23rd July 1915

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[1] The 12th (Service) Bantam Battalion was mobilised in June 1916 as part of the 121st Brigade of 40th Division. It took part in various actions on the Western Front. 

Mrs. Pankhurst Speaks At Bedford

 Statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster, London

Photo by Fin Fahey licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license

Wednesday 21st July 1915: Bedford Town Hall was crowded last night for a meeting chaired by the Mayor at which the great fighter for women’s suffrage, Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst, spoke on “Patriotism and Recruiting. Major Orlebar of the 3/5th Bedfordshire Regiment sent a letter expressing his regret that due to urgent military duties he was unable to attend. Mrs. Pankhurst believed it to be a remarkable meeting in that it was the first since the beginning of the war at which the speakers could appeal equally to men and women. Only the previous Saturday, Mr. Lloyd George, the Minister for Munitions, had made it clear that women were to be recruited in large numbers for munitions work and were to be enlisted and enrolled under the same system that the recruiting authorities used for men. In her view any men doing work which a woman could be trained to do were guilty of a crime against the country. She understood from the French Minister of Munitions that thousands of women in France, and half a million in Germany, were doing work which men were doing in England. Their women learned quickly because they knew that every shell made might save a husband’s life.

Mrs. Pankhurst spoke of how she had seen the “splendid” life of soldiers in France, and how those men would not be prepared to go back and “stand behind counters” again. . In her view pacifists were apologists for the Germans, more likely to serve the enemy than their own people. In this time all criticism should be suspended and everyone should combine against the enemy. If ever there was a righteous war, then this was it, and she believed it had in some ways done us good. At the end of Mrs Pankhurst’s speech a vote of thanks was proposed by Captain Taylor of the 1/5th Beds Regiment, who were about to leave for the Dardanelles. He wanted to see the vacancies in the other Beds battalions filled by men from this county. It was the duty of employers of eligible men not only to let them go but to push them out, of of ladies to persuade the men to join the Forces.

A collection in aid of the Blinded Soldiers’ Fund raised £18 9s 5¼d. The crowd was so large that an overflow meeting with about 2,000 people present was addressed on Market Hill by Mr. Seamark and Captain Taylor.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 23rd July 1915

Ampthill Road Boys’ School

Ampthill Road Boys School Standard 2, c.1910 [Z50/9/109]

Monday 28th June 1915: The Ampthill Road Boys’ School has published an updated list of old boys who are serving in His Majesty’s Forces, in which the total number has risen to 407. Out of the 400 or so boys who attended the school in 1903 no less than 46 have joined up, making this the most notable year. Additions to the list include five brothers from the Fuller family, with Sergeant Walter Fuller, Sapper William Fuller and Driver Cyril Robert Fuller serving with the East Anglian Royal Engineers, Private Horace Fuller in the 5th Bedfords, and Trooper Ernest Fuller with the 4th Hussars. A sadder addition to the record is the death of Lance-Sergeant G. H. Swannell of 16, Holme Street, who has died of wounds received serving with the 5th Dragoon Guards.

The headmaster has received many letters from old boys, of which these extracts from one written by Gunner F. W. Tyrrell of the 133rd Battery of the Royal Field Artillery is an example. Writing from No. 1 Convalescent Camp at Le Havre he says: 

“I am in a Convalescent Camp here recovering my health after receiving 4 shrapnel wounds. I am glad to say I am better now – in fact within the next few days I expect to be sent up to the firing line again. It wasn’t my luck to get leave to England for a few days, so I must make the best of it and go again with a good heart and a smiling face. I have received the Beds Times … and it gives me great pleasure in looking through the columns of names of men who are now serving with the Army and Navy, and who were all educated at my old school, The Ampthill Road Boys’ School which I am proud of, and always shall be as long as I live; but it is you, Sir, who have been the Headmaster for years past, who deserve praise for all this. It shows us what fine men have been turned out from the old school, and a lot with good positions, too, which is due entirely to the fact that they were trained well as boys, and I am sure none of us will forget the happy days we spent at the school.”

Source: Bedfordshire Times 2nd July 1915