An Aeroplanist Visits Luton

Claude Grahame-White at Bromham with his mono-plane, 1912 [Z1306/21/10]

Sunday 18th March 1917: A sensation was caused this afternoon by two visits of Captain Ball, hero of many aerial encounters with the Germans, to Luton. He first landed a one-seater in Crawley’s field, behind the Red Rails allotments near Ashburnham Road; then reappeared in a two-seater in which he offered to take the Mayor for a flight. As the Mayor was not present, Police Inspector Duncombe took the opportunity, thoroughly enjoying the experience. It transpired that Captain Ball was billeted in Ashburnham Road when stationed at Luton with the 1st North Midlands, and wanted to revisit the town in which he had spent may happy hours. A large crowd gathered, but the police had no difficulty keeping order. Inspector Duncombe described his experience enthusiastically:

 “I would not have missed it for £5. It was beautiful. We ascended to a great height, but there was nothing alarming in the experience. Asked if he would take a lady up into the clouds, the brave officer said he should like to, but he had certain regulations to conform to. I am very glad to have had the opportunity of feeling what it is like to skim at a tremendous rate through the air. It took my breath away at first, and once or twice I thought we should crash into haystacks and the like. It was a little creepy to see these obstacles pass like a flash under the machine. The Captain has wonderful control and guided the aeroplane with the ease of a practised motorman. I felt as safe as being in a motor car.

Source: Luton News, 22nd March 1917

Inquest into Soldier Shot at Bedford Billet

Salisbury Street, Bedford, 1909

Wednesday 14th June 1916: An inquest has been held at Bedford in the case of Private Joseph O’Neil of the 2/6 Royal Welch Fusiliers who died at his billet at Gladstone Street on the evening of Friday 9th June. The soldier returned to the house at about 10 p.m. A little later the two soldiers billeted there with him heard the sound of a rifle and went upstairs. They found his body lying across a bedroom doorway with a bullet wound through the chest.

Dr. Guy Thornton Birks had been visiting a patient at 68 Gladstone Street when he was called next door to number 70. He found the soldier lying on his back at the point of death, to which he succumbed shortly after. Dr. Birks found a small bullet wound near the man’s breastbone. There were no signs of scorching on his clothing, so the shot could not have been fired close to the body. A rifle was lying parallel to the man’s left side. He believed the wound must have been inflicted while Private O’Neil was standing as some plaster had knocked out of the wall at chest height, possibly by a bullet. He thought it was possible the man had fired the rifle himself and had then moved a foot or two.

Private J. Davies of the 2/6 Royal Welch Fusiliers said he had known Private O’Neil for 18 years, and  they had been at school together. Private O’Neil had been a carter, was about 32 years old, and came from Liverppol. They were both billeted in Gladstone Street, together with Robert Owens. He had seen Private O’Neil on parade that day, then again at the Kent Arms in Salisbury Street at about 7.15 p.m. He appeared to be sober. He heard the rifle shot at 10.20 p.m. and found the dying man in the room he himself shared with Private Owens – Private O’Neil often used their room because his own had no gas. He did not notice the rifle at the time. He ran downstairs and told Robert Owens that O’Neil had shot himself, then went for the Military Police. Private O’Neil had been in the militia for three years but had been in the regular army for only a few weeks; O’Neil  had told him that he did not like the regiment, and would rather be in the regiment he had joined, the King’s Liverpools.. He had seemed very low spirited.

The landlady, Mrs. Jessie Higgins, said the soldiers had been with her for three weeks. She had heard Private O’Neil come in at 10 p.m. She passed him sitting in a chair at the door of Davies’ and Owens’ room as she went to let the other two soldiers in. Davies and Owens went to the kitchen to have their supper. She returned to her room and thought she heard voices from the adjoining room. She did not hear anyone come up the stairs. She heard some rushing about and thought she heard a door bang; then she heard the shot, followed by groans. She went into the room and saw Private O’Neil lying on his back and man standing at the head of the stairs. She said: “Oh, you’ve shot him”, and the man replied “He did it himself.” The man then went downstairs.

The Coroner stated that it was not an easy case. He was not convinced of the reliability of Mrs. Higgins’ evidence, and circumstantial evidence showed it was possible O’Neil fired the rifle himself. In view of the man’s low mood and morose disposition he thought the jury could only conclude that the man had shot himself. A juror suggested evidence should be heard from Owens, but the Coroner thought it would not be helpful. The jury considered Mrs. Higgins must have been mistaken and returned a verdict of suicide.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 16th June 1916

Tragic Death of a Soldier at Bedford

Mill Street, Bedford, decorated for Silver Jubilee 1935 [Z1306/10/42/5]

Thursday 18th May 1916: A tragic discovery was made this morning by Mrs. Howe, of 11 Mill Street, Bedford. Last night 38 year old Private Frederick Collins of the 2/6th (Caernarvonshire and Anglesey) Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers arrived at Bedford from Bury, Lancashire and was billeted with Mrs. Howe. Before he went to bed he asked to be called early, as two comrades were to call at the house to show him the way to the quarters of the Battalion to which he was to be attached. When Mrs. Howe knocked on Private Collins’ door at about 6 a.m. there was no reply. When the other soldiers also failed to rouse him, they sent for their corporal, who opened the door and found Private Collins with his throat cut. He was taken to a military hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 19th May 1916

Billeting Rates Criticised

Bedford Town Hall, 1910 [Z1306/10/58/6]

Thursday 27th April 1916: Over one hundred Bedford property owners attended a meeting at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon to protest against the way the military authorities are dealing with owners whose property is occupied by soldiers. There are now 230 large houses in the Borough of Bedford occupied by the military, with an average yearly rental of £41. The property owners were aggrieved at proposals under the Defence of the Realm Act to reduce the amount of rent to be paid for “empty” houses occupied by troops. A resolution was proposed and carried that the action of the military authorities in taking possession of houses for billeting soldiers without paying an adequate rent, “shows a disregard of the property rights of civilians”, and that where houses were taken for billeting on short notice the rent should be reasonable. Also on giving up possession the authorities should pay “a sufficient sum by way of dilapidations to put such houses in a state of good tenantable repair”. 

Claims were made that extensive damage that had been done to property: some private houses had been used as stores; fences, railings, and walls had disappeared; and extremely inadequate repair work had been carried out. Many thousands of pounds would need to be spent on these houses to put them in the same repair they were in before August 1914. In addition a great deal of beautiful pasture land had also been ruined, for which the amount of compensation offered was “preposterous”. Tthe resolution passed at the meeting was to be sent to Mr. F.G. Kellaway, M.P., together with requests that he should forward it to the Secretary of State, and that he should receive a deputation of three of their number. 

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 28th April 1916

Empty Billets at Leighton Buzzard

Bridge Street, Leighton Buzzard c.1910 [Z1306/72]

Monday 3rd April 1916: After spending much of last year as host to the members of a northern regiment, Leighton Buzzard now sees very few soldiers on its streets. In most other towns, when one set of soldiers has left another has taken their place. Leighton, however, like its neighbour Dunstable seems to have been forgotten by the authorities. The town has many advantages as a centre for military training: its large park and recreation ground provide plenty of space for drilling; the nearby woodland and undulating countryside are excellent for practicing different types of warfare; there is excellent sanitation; and the local churches and societies took a great interest in the social and religious welfare of soldiers billeted in the town. Fresh troops were expected to arrive soon after the previous visitors left. Householders were told to exercise patience but months later they are still waiting, unsure whether their houses will be wanted again or whether they should set them in order again. The empty billets have meant a loss both for their owners and for traders in the town, which is now much quieter. It is hoped that the Urban District Council will take the matter in hand and at least discover whether more troops can be expected.

Source: Luton News, 6th April 1916

Sudden Death of a Welsh Soldier's Baby

Silver Street Police Station, Bedford [Z50/13/3]

Wednesday 1st March 1916: A young Welsh mother sobbed bitterly while giving evidence this morning at the inquest into the death of her 17 month old son, Thomas William Davies. The child was taken ill during the night on Monday at 17 Palmerston Street where his father, W.C. Davies of the Brecknocks, is billeted. A doctor was not summoned until Tuesday afternoon, by which time the infant had been dead for some hours. Dr. A.F. Goldsmith told the inquest at the Bedford Borough Police Station that the child was well nourished and well cared for, and he believed death was caused by teething convulsions. The little one had been playing normally just a few hours before his death.

Mrs. Davies told the inquest that before joining up her husband was a collier and lived at Brecon. The child had never had convulsions before. He had been in bed with her when he was taken with a fit. She called a neighbour who told her he would soon come out of it and not to send for a doctor; the neighbour said her children had had convulsions many times and there was no need to worry. The first fit came at 1 o’clock and was followed by one after another. The baby, a “beautiful strong child”, died between 3 and 4 o’clock. The Coroner and jury agreed the baby was one of the loveliest children they had ever seen and sympathised very deeply with the bereaved parents.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 3rd March 1916

No Troops for Dunstable

Novelty Postcard 1914-1918 [Z1130/36/1]

Tuesday 1st February 1916: Dunstable appears to be no closer to the elusive goal of having more troops billeted in the town that it was over a year ago. At the January meeting of Dunstable Town Council the Mayor was asked “Do you know if there is any reason why troops are not billeted in Dunstable?” He replied that he had no idea as the military authorities always spoke to the police rather than to himself. Asked whether he could try to find out, the Mayor suggested it would be better to wait until the weather was better so that the camp would be available. At this time of year it could not be expected that the army would want to put men under canvas, and he did not imagine they would want to incur the expense of building huts. Mr. J.T. Dales pointed out that the public’s concern was with billeting. The Mayor thought public needed to be aware that the amount paid for billeting had reduced considerably since troops were last billeted in the town: in that case, said Mr. Dales “I imagine the diet will be considerably reduced as well”. The Mayor hoped they did not want to starve the soldiers!

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 1st February 1916

Soldiers at Stotfold

Mill Lane, Stotfold 1913 (corner of Baptist Chapel on right)

[Z1306/115/11/4]

Saturday 15th January 1916: The special constables of Stotfold were busy last week arranging for the billeting of two hundred or more soldiers in the village who were expected to arrive tomorrow. However, late on Friday evening a telegraph arrived with the news that the accommodation for men and horses would not be required after all. This caused some regret as expenses had already been incurred in making preparation for the soldiers’ arrival.

One soldier who did arrive in the village is Private William Huckle, who is home on leave from France. He joined the 8th Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment in March and was sent overseas in August where he has since been in the thick of the action. A physically strong man, he has been distinguished by his endurance and ability to resist the sickness that has afflicted many of his comrades, and has now won a promotion. He has many interesting and thrilling stories to tell, particularly of the Battle of Loos, and is due to give an address to the congregation of the Old Baptist Chapel this evening.

Source: Biggleswade Chronicle, 21st January 1916

Kensworth Unfit for Troops

Cottages at Kensworth c.1906 [Z1306/68/7]

Monday 29th November 1915: It has come to the attention of Luton Rural District Council that the military authorities at Markyate are contemplating splitting up the military camp there and billeting two hundred men at Kensworth. Concern was expressed that the parish of Kensworth was unfit for billeting troops, and that if the military authorities died send troops there the Council should ensure only the better cottages would be chosen for the men. The Sanitary Inspector has spoken to the commanding officer and agreement was reached that any re-arrangement of the billets should be made with the co-operation of Council officials.

Source: Luton Times, 3rd December 1915

Disgraceful Scenes at Leagrave

High Street, Leagrave 1914 [Z1306/75/12/3]

Wednesday 22nd September 1915: Complaints have been made of “disgraceful scenes” at Leagrave as a result of the National Reservists stationed there enjoying themselves outdoors on a Sunday afternoon. More generous spirits have pointed out that it would be better if the complainers used their influence to provide better facilities for the men stationed at Leagrave, such as a reading room and opportunities for games. They are there to guard the premises and business of people engaged in war work and making war profits, and those firms should make better provision for the men’s comfort.

The seventy men based at Leagrave are a mix of old soldiers, militia, and old Volunteers. One-third are on duty at any time, leaving 40 or more off duty. As they have to answer a roll call every night they are unable to get far away from the village. They are billeted in houses where there is little space and the men have to find somewhere to pass their time. Many are driven to spend time in the pub because there are no alternatives. The Reservists are mostly “elderly men who have knocked about the world” and would quite reasonably resent any restrictions on their conduct.

Source: Luton News, 16th and 23rd September 1915

Thefts by Soldiers Billeted at Southill

Men at Southill Station, 1920 [Z880/2]

Wednesday 7th July 1915: Two soldiers have appeared at the Biggleswade Petty Sessions today charged with stealing potatoes and peas worth 7 shillings and 6 pence from George Brown at Southill between 20th and 23rd June. Walter Kirby and Herbert Brown both pleaded guilty. Mr. Brown reported the theft to the police, estimating that he had lost half a bushel of peas and about 60 roots of potatoes. The Bench was informed that other charges had been laid against the men and decided to hear those before passing sentence. They were then accused of stealing five fowls from J. King and Sons, Southill on three separate occasions between 1st and 21st June.

Police Sergeant Marritt told the Court that he had met Kirby leaving the 2.38am train from Leeds on the morning of 28th June. Kirby, a Private in the Royal Engineers billeted at Southill, admitted taking the potatoes and peas and made a voluntary statement. He said had found the hens sleeping out in the open and took them home to be cooked. Another man was with him but he did not wish to give his name. There was also mention of a pheasant, which was not included in the charge. P. S. Marritt and P. C. Pedley met Brown at leaving the 3.38am train at Biggleswade on the same date. Brown at first denied any knowledge of the fowls or potatoes, but later admitted having the vegetables and one hen.

The soldiers’ landlady, Mrs. Lichfield of Southill, said that Kirby had been billeted with her for nine weeks and Brown for some time less. About five weeks ago she saw a fowl on the copper in her wash house which then disappeared; some time later she saw a pheasant which the soldiers ate. A week later there were two hens, which she cooked at Kirby’s request and ate with the men; then a week or two ago there was another fowl hanging outside the wash house door. She said the men had been sending parcels away but she did not know what was in them.

Henry Vellam, the farm bailiff for Messrs John King and Sons, had noticed on 26th June that some slats had been pulled off the hen house. Several fowls had been lost during June; two which were in the habit of roosting out and two others which were sitting on eggs had disappeared. He believed that between ten and a dozen fowls were missing. Kirby and Brown pleaded guilty to stealing the fowls. They were sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour for each crime, with the sentences to run concurrently. The Bench may have been more lenient for a single charge, but the theft of fowls was a serious offence and appeared to be part of a “systematic course of plunder”. It was hoped that after serving their sentence they would be able to return to their military duties. Mrs. Lichfield was told to think herself extremely lucky not be charged with receiving stolen goods.

Source: Biggleswade Chronicle 9th July 1915

Excitement at Ridgmont and Lidlington

The Lane, Lidlington, 1912 [Z1130/73/23]

Thursday 6th May 1915: The villagers of Ridgmont and Lidlington have enjoyed great excitement this week. The Engineers Signalling Company established their headquarters at the Parish Room in Lidlington on Monday and about sixty men were billeted in the village overnight. Ridgmont has been turned into a signalling station, with motorists coming and going all day and through the night. Yesterday evening nearly forty motor transport wagons passed through the village and were given tea by the inhabitants. An unfortunate collision took place between an officer’s car and Mr L. Humphreys’ motor cycle but there were no injuries, although the motorcycle was a casualty.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer and Linslade Gazette, 11th May 1915

Flitton Boy Killed In Lorry Accident

High Street, Flitton, looking towards White Horse Inn and Church [Z1306/49/6]

Tuesday 20th April 1915: A tragic accident took place yesterday afternoon at Flitton when five year old Ralph Catlin, the only child of Mr and Mrs Cuthbert Catlin was killed by a motor lorry belonging to Royal Engineers who had just arrived to be billeted in the village. The boy and two little friends had been in the cemetery and were on their way home. As the lorry was only travelling at walking pace young Ralph said to his friend “Let us take hold of it!”. As the boys passed the White Horse Inn, Mr S. Wilsher warned them and they let go, but they caught hold of the vehicle again further on. The accident took place just outside Mr Wilsher’s. Young Ralph was hanging on to the truck, having caught hold of an adjustment between the two wheels; as the lorry gathered speed he was thrown under the back wheel, which crushed his head. Mr Wilsher had followed the boys and picked up the youngster after the accident, carrying him to Mrs. Ashton’s opposite. The police and a doctor were called but nothing could be done.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 23rd April 1915

News from the Villages

Sunday 7th February 1915

The Old Vicarage, Flitton [Z1306/49/5]

Barton-le-Clay

A Volunteer Drill Class is to be formed in the village. Permission is being sought from the Chief Constable for P.C. G.Setchell to be appointed Drill Instructor. The Class is to be held each Friday evening at 7pm. P.C. Setchell has already given a weekly drill for many months to some 25 lads, many of whom have joined the army and have found his instruction most useful. It is suggested that the ancient habit of universal military instruction should be revived. The reverse of the large 14th century picture of St.Nicholas in the parish Church shows a village scene of youths practicing with the crossbow. It is said that the yew trees in churchyards were planted to supply wood for the bows, and many stones are found in old churches where men sharpened their arrow heads.

Trooper W. Frost of the 1st Dragoon Guards returned to the village on 72 hours leave. He has been in fifteen “scraps” since November but has come through unscathed except for frost-bite. He only once felt down-hearted, when in the trenches with frost-bitten feet, wet to the skin, chilled to the bone, and wearied from want of sleep. When a sympathetic officer asked how he felt he said he almost wished a bullet would finish him off. The officer told him to “stick it”, and “stick it” he did.

Gravenhurst

Christopher Arnold White and Adeline Standbridge Parrish were married in January and are congratulated on their decision to do their duty. The groom is to go and fight for King and country, and the bride has given her consent that he should go.

Flitton and Greenfield

The new Boy Scout Troop made its first public appearance at Church Parade on Sunday 24th January.

Westoning

More men have gone from Westoning for training and their names have been added to the list on the Church Notice Board. A list of those who have had to return through being medically unfit, and of others who have offered but been turned down for the same reason, has been added.

Clophill

The village are exceedingly happy to have such a splendid set of men billeted among them. Twenty six men from the village are serving at the Front or in the Royal Navy or have been wounded, and a further thirty are also serving. Thanks have been received for a truck of vegetables sent to be distributed among ships based at Harwich. Sir Arthur May, Director General of the Medical Department of the Royal Navy writes: “Looking at your work from a Medical point of view it is difficult to overestimate its value; the supply to the Ships’ Companies of really good fruit and vegetables, locally practically unobtainable, is in my opinion of the greatest benefit, it is, I am sure, an important factor in the present most satisfactory low rate of sickness in our ships of the Grand Fleet”.

Silsoe

Sincere sympathy goes out to the young widow of Frederick Laird of the Bedfordshire Regiment who has been killed in action.[1] Captain Lumley Jones, Adjutant of the 2nd Essex Regiment, has been welcomed home for a short but well earned west from his duties at the front. Almost immediately on his return to his regiment he was wounded by a rifle bullet. Fortunately the wound was not serious and he has completely recovered. Two more parishioners, William Novell and Samuel Wiffin have volunteered for service and be accepted, though for both of them the medical inspection meant the loss of practically all their teeth. Malcolm Cook has been successful in obtaining a Writership in the Navy and will commence his duties shortly.

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

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[1] Frederick Laird of the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment was killed on 10th December 1914 and has no known grave. He had married Julia Brothers only a few months earlier. She gave birth to a son, Frederick Harry, early in 1915. His entry in the National Roll of the Great War reads: “He was mobilised on the outbreak of war, and almost immediately proceeded to France, where he fought in the retreat from Mons and in subsequent engagements on the Marne, in which he was wounded and sent to a base hospital. Recovering from the effects of his wounds he returned to his unit, and took part in the Battles of La Bassée and Ypres, and was killed in action near Ypres on December 11th 1914”. He lived at 18 High Street, Silsoe.

Two Soldiers In Court At Dunstable

Army Service Corps group with horses and wagons 1914-18 [Z1306/12/9/10]

Tuesday 2nd February 1915: Two soldiers have appeared before Dunstable magistrates today charged with theft. Private William Wardle of the Army Service Corps pleaded guilty to stealing two £1 notes from Mrs Barbara Butcher at the house in Edward Street where he has been billeted. On January 22nd Mrs Butcher put her purse in a cupboard in the living room; on the 26th she discovered the notes, which were her payment for billeting soldiers, had gone. After the loss was reported a Sergeant of the Army Service Corps interviewed Wardle and another soldier. Both denied seeing the notes, but when Wardle was asked to produce whatever money he had on him it included one of the missing notes. He claimed to have found it on the floor, but later admitted to a Police Sergeant that he had taken the £2 and had spent £1 on a watch and other items. An officer reported that Wardle’s conduct had been fairly good and the prisoner said he liked his work in the Army. Despite the seriousness of the offence the magistrates dealt leniently with Wardle because he was a soldier. He was given a £1 fine with the alternative of 14 days hard labour. Private Wardle said he would pay the money in two weeks.

Another soldier from the Army Service Corps, Private William Crossnan, was charged with stealing two brooms and a brush, worth 2s 1d, which had been hanging in the doorway of the grocer’s shop of Edward Thomas Buckle at 48, Victoria Street on 27th January. Private Crossnan was caught carrying the stolen items and taken to Police Inspector Purser, telling him “I am fed up with the service. They have not been paying me, and I am half starved”. He pleaded guilty to the theft and claimed he took the items while under the influence of drink. Inspector Purser said that although the soldier had been drinking he was not drunk. Private Crossnan insisted that he stole the brushes because he was drunk, not to get his discharge. Inspector Purser told the Bench that he understood the military authorities did not want Crossnan and would be glad to get rid of him. Crossnan had enlisted immediately after serving a prison sentence and had a very bad record, including six convictions for stealing and other offences. He was sentenced to a month’s hard labour.

Source: Luton News 4th February 1915

Complaint Against Billeting Officers

Havelock Road, Luton c.1910 [Z50/75/244]

Saturday 30th January 1915: Mr Albert Ansell of Laurel Villa, Havelock Road, Luton has written a letter of complaint to the Luton News concerning the failures of the billeting officers of the 4th Lincolnshire Regiment: 

Sir, - I wish, with your permission, through the medium of your paper, to call attention to a grievance which I think, in common with some other residents in Havelock Road, I have with the billeting gentlemen of the 4th Lincolns who are at present stopping in the town.

On Friday last 2 N.C.O.’s, together with a police constable called at my house and billeted two Territorials, who according to instructions were to arrive at my house about 5 o’clock on Saturday. Naturally, sir, arrangements were made for the reception of the soldiers. Trouble was taken, certain expense was incurred, but up to the present the gentlemen have not arrived, neither has any intimation been received from the billeting authorities that the billets would not be required. 

Now, sir, I ask, is this fair treatment? We were prepared, as we have done before, to make our visitors welcome and comfortable, and I think (and I am not alone, as some of my neighbours, who have been treated in the same manner, feel just as strongly) we might have been treated with what we have learned to call common courtesy, such as is due from one man to another. But there, sir, I do not know whether a blunder has been made, or whether the position has arisen through an oversight. Looking at the bald facts, however, it seems to me that we have been made fools of.

I am, sir, yours, etc., Albert E Ansell

Source: Luton News 28th January 1915

Troops at Leighton Buzzard

Hockliffe Street Wesleyan Church, Leighton Buzzard [Z1306/72]

Tuesday 12th January 1915: A batch of new recruits for the 63rd Brigade have arrived at Leighton Buzzard from Lincoln.[1] To free up billets in the town for the new arrivals 362 men who are already well advanced in their training have been moved out to the villages of Stanbridge, Tilsworth and Eggington.

The Wesleyan Schoolroom in Hockliffe Street is being used by the troops for various purposes. On Sunday evenings a regular social hour is held there which is attended by a large number of soldiers. The bandsmen of the West Yorkshire Regiment practise in the Schoolroom and since last Friday it has also become the paymaster’s office. Thanks to a spell of wet weather it is even being used by the Somerset Regiment for drilling and signalling. On Sunday the services at the Wesleyan Church were conducted by the Wesleyan Chaplain to the 21st Division, Rev. G. H. Crossland, who is stationed at Aylesbury.

Across the road in the Hockliffe Street Baptist School Hall concerts were given for the soldiers on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Wednesday’s entertainment had a popular theme while Thursday’s concert by the Church choir was more classical. The highlights were a solo with instrumental effects titled “The Bassoon” performed by Mr H. O. Kitchener, and renditions of “Your King and Country want you”, “You are my baby” and “On the Mississipi” by Miss Dulcie Griffin.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer and Linslade Gazette, 12th January 1915

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[1] The 63rd Brigade was part of the 21st Division and was made up of the following battalions:
8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment
8th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
12th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment
4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment
10th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment.
The Brigade arrived in France in September and first saw action at the Battle of Loos at the end of that month.

News from the Villages

Strawplaiting at Barton-le-Clay, 1917 [Z1306/7/13/1]

Sunday 3rd January 1915

Barton-le-Clay

The roll of honour of men from the village who have joined the Forces has increased by ten, making a total of about 50. These include five of the bell ringers. Five Bartonians have already returned wounded, but all are making satisfactory progress on the whole. At the Ringers and Church Officials' Christmas Supper Private Bradshaw gave a graphic description of the Battle of Mons, during which he had lain wounded for five hours under the dead horse he had been driving in the artillery service. Mrs Sturgess has received a letter from her son in the 1st Bedfords who has been promoted to Lance-Corporal.[1] He says “We haven’t much to grumble at, for we have plenty to eat and plenty of warm clothing, but what we don’t like is the wet weather; it makes everybody so miserable, but we grin and bear it … We stayed for a day or two in a Church where there was a nice organ. Someone started playing a few old hymns, and you ought to have heard us sing. It made us think more of home than ever … You ought to see us now, we look like a lot of bears, as we have had some fur coats given us.”

A house and furniture have been arranged and weekly subscriptions promised sufficient to maintain eight Belgian refugees, so it is disappointing that none have arrived. The matter is being kept in hand for a time in case any wish to avail themselves of the village’s hospitality later on.

Gravenhurst

Percy Parrish has written on behalf of himself and his brother Cyril to their parents: “We have joined the army … You must not worry for you know it was our duty to go. We are not going to have a German to rule over us”. The Rector urges every unmarried man of military age and strength to join the army, and every non-combatant unfit for the front to join in prayer, to contribute by self-denial, and to do some work for those suffering from the war.

Flitton and Greenfield

The series of lantern views and war slides concluded in December and a grand total of £3 14s 4d was sent to Lady Eleonora French requesting that it be spent on warm clothing for men at the front, but not on socks. She has suggested that vests and pants are most needed right now. Efforts are being made to establish a Boy Scout Troop and eleven lads are already in training. Funds are being raised to purchase uniforms and other equipment.

Silsoe

The children in the Junior Classes in the Mixed School have contributed 5s 5d and the Infants 1s 3d to the fund for the maintenance of a Belgian family in the village. Nothing more has been heard about their arrival, but the village is ready to give them a cordial welcome.

Westoning

A total of £7 12s 2d has been handed over to the Belgian Distress Fund following the concert held in the New Schools.

Clophill

There is great excitement in the village at the news that over 200 soldiers are to be billeted at Clophill. The Parish Room is to be turned into a Recreation Room with a refreshment stall. Only men in uniform will be allowed but members of all branches of the Services will be welcomed. It is hoped that the visitors will be made most comfortable, but also that there will be no “unseemly foolishness or rowdyism”.

A branch of the newly formed League of Honour for Women and Girls is also to be started in the village. The League aims at uniting all women and girls over 14 in Prayer, Purity and Temperance during the war, offering them the highest scope for true patriotism.

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

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[1] Leonard Sturgess of Barton joined the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1903 aged 19 and was transferred to the Reserve in 1905. He rejoined the Regiment at the beginning of the War and was discharged in January 1916 at the termination of his first period of engagement. He served in France between 30th August 1914 and 28th January 1915. His pension record describes him as “a cheerful and industrious worker”. 

We Want More Troops!

Novelty Postcard 1914-1918 [Z1130/36/1]

Friday 18th December 1914:  At a meeting of Dunstable Borough Council today Councillor Timms proposed the following resolution:

“That this Council communicate with the War Office enquiring why troops have ceased to be billeted in this borough – whether for military movements or for other reasons – and send a copy of the Dunstable Borough Gazette showing by its Roll of Honour that Dunstablians have been doing their part for the country’s welfare, and respectfully suggesting to the War Office that the town should not be neglected, as the tradesmen and other inhabitants consider the billeting of the troops a great boon to the district. And that the Council be called together immediately on receipt of the reply.”

Councillor Timms produced figures showing how much the town had lost since the billeting of troops in Dunstable had stopped. He wanted to know who was preventing the troops coming as many people in the town were living on the poverty line and would have benefited greatly from the prescence of troops.

The Mayor had issued a poster signed by himself and by Alderman Gutteridge without consulting the council. This had led to the spread of rumours in the town. The Mayor said that he took full responsibility, that the circular was issued because he feared a riot, and that if it was felt he was done wrong he would submit to a vote of censure. He then read a letter from Lieutenant-General Codrington stating that the troops had been withdrawn entirely for military reasons. Alderman Gutteridge expressed sympathy with Councillor Timms and stated that an interview between himself and Major Davis was on private business. He himself had had nothing to do in any way with troops not coming to the town.

Councillor Dales said he had been told that somebody had written to the War Office saying the town was insanitary. The Town Clerk admitted that a War Office inspector had been to Dunstable and spoken to the Medical Officer regarding sanitary conditions, but said the inspector had been entirely satisfied. Almost all Councillors agreed with Councillor Timms’ opinions, but an amended resolution was passed under which the Council was to communicate with the War Office endorsing the Mayor’s efforts to secure the billeting of troops at Dunstable and hoping that a larger contingent of troops would soon be sent to the Borough, “one of the most bracing and healthy in the country”. 

Source: Luton News 24th December 1914

Farewell from the Leicesters

Image: Leicestershire Regiment, 4th Battalion, C Company in George St, Luton, 1914 [Z1306/75/21/31]

Wednesday 4th November 1914: The Leicestershire Regiment Territorials who have been billeted in Luton are expecting to leave any day. One of their members has written expressing his thanks to the town and his appreciation of the welcome they have been shown. When they first arrived there were “numerous little kindnesses in the shape of pies, pudding and pastry of all kinds”, for those billeted in schools and empty houses as well as for those with landladies. He even appreciates the benefits of the early closing rule because “after a ‘tall night’ a fellow doesn’t feel very rosy trudging along the road with his pack on his back, a ‘large thirst’ in his throat, and a head feeling the size of two”. He believes that everyone will notice the difference in their bearing after the training they have received. He expresses regret that so much friction arose over the matter of payments, agreeing with the townsfolk that it was unfair that some were paid higher rates than other for providing the same accommodation and hopes that people will not hold it against them.

He thinks the Territorials will leave a legacy behind them in military-minded small boys "judging by the squads that invade the billet area that we occupy. They sing our songs and imitate our drills, and mimic the eccentricities of some of our N.C.O.s”. He hopes that the farmers of the area will forgive them for the gaps in their hedges, and that they will lay the blame where it belongs, with Kaiser Bill. He recalled one incident where some of the soldiers discovered a pub with an orchard, where the landlord lost as much in apples as he gained in beer sales. Finally the author compliments the town on their excellent baths, but regrets the lack of public conveniences. His parting words were "Thank you all, Lutonians, landladies, landlords, sons and daughters, who have chummed us up, and perhaps when you have surveyed the damage and have entered on to the old state of things again, you will retain a kindly remembrance of the ‘boys in khaki’ who turned out when their country called."

Source: Luton News 5 November 1914