Appeal for Old Clothing for Belgians

20-22 Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard 2008 [CR/PH]

Monday 18th November 1918: Back in March 1916 Charles Piron, a Belgian refugee now living at 20, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, was able to secure the donation of waterproofs for a friend serving in the Belgian army as a volunteer https://bedshomefront.blogspot.com/2016/03/waterproofs-for-belgian-soldiers.html . He is now organising an appeal for old clothing to relieve the needs of his compatriots in evacuated districts of Belgium. He writes:

“May I thank the residents of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade for their cordial initial response to my appeal for old clothing for Belgians in the evacuated districts. I have already been able to despatch two bales of clothing, and the donors may rest assured that every article in those bundles will be used to relieve real and poignant distress. The Girl Guides have promised to assist in the future collection. May I therefore ask any person who can spare old clothing (including underclothing), hats, boots or shoes, to send me a postcard, and I will do the rest with the aid of the Girl Guides. If I could only make everyone understand how terrible the need is, there would be a ransacking of wardrobes, I am sure, in hundreds of homes. Nothing is too old, or too worn out.”

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 19th November 1918

Leighton War Hospital Depot News

Lycée Chaptal, used as temporary hospital 1914-1918

[Image: Wikipedia under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license]

Friday 27th October 1916: The Leighton Buzzard and District War Hospital Depot now has 130 workers producing items for English and Allied Hospitals. This letter of thanks from Hopital Chaptal, Paris, is typical of many received by the depot:

 “Very many thanks in the name of my numerous sons for your ever welcome present. Today I distributed the slippers, shirts and vests, and you would have been amused and happy to send them; it was quite like a Fair; and to hear their remarks of English generosity. I assure you, those who are working so generously for the French ‘Tommies’ would understand how much good they are doing for them. Poor fellows, they are so brave in suffering, and it takes very little to bring a smile even to those who are blind. If you would continue, when you have time, to send some more slippers, and please, some smaller sizes among them as my boys have little feet. Shirts, vests and socks are always welcome; also some tooth-brushes, and if you have some more counterpanes ready, as the other wards are a wee bit jealous; so amusing to hear them.”

Over the past two months 2,239 items have been supplied to hospitals, including a 92 pairs of mittens in response to a “rush” order from Mesopotamia. No doubt those who contributed to the fundraising event held on behalf of the War Hospital Depot in September  will be delighted to hear that their money is being put to such good use.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 31st October 1916

Buy Your Overcoat Now!

Saturday 14th October 1916: Luton’s fashionable stores are promoting their new stock of coats and accessories for the winter. Webb Brothers of Bute Street claim to be showing “a larger and more varied stock of overcoats than any other firm in the Midland Counties” for which demand is already so great that they advised their customers to “Buy that Overcoat Now”. Their range includes overcoats for children and youths as well as for adult men. At Paris House in George Street a variety of ladies’ coats are on offer, ranging from a smart swing coat with adaptable collar in navy cheviot for twenty-one shillings and nine pence, to a velour coat with strap belts and the latest pockets for forty-nine shilling and nine pence. For those with more money to spend and coney seal fur coats are available for five guineas and musquash coats for ten guineas. The fashionable example shown above is available from Gibbons’ for three and a half guineas and is described as an “extremely stylish coat in saxe blue and grey velour with black hair collar, cut on very full lines”.

Source: Luton News, 5th and 19th October 1916

A Wartime Romance

Soldiers at Biscot Camp [Z1306/75/16/14]

Wednesday 12th July 1916: A wartime romance has reached a happy conclusion in Luton with the marriage today of Sergeant R. Hayward, an artillery sergeant at Biscot Camp, to Miss Rose Charlotte Marsh of 112, Leagrave Road. The wedding took place at Christ Church, Luton. The bride wore white with a silk veil and orange blossom and carried a bouquet, with bridesmaids Lily and Violet Marsh wearing white voile, and a third bridesmaid, Miss Eva Kirby, wearing shantung. The bridge and groom met quite recently at a military concert in Luton.

A rather less happy event took place at Biscot this evening when Driver Green of D Battery of the London Royal Field Artillery was playing football. He slipped and fell heavily, sustaining severe bruises and dislocating three fingers. He is now recovering in the Bute Hospital.

Source: Luton News, 20th July 1916

7th Bedfords Want Socks

Sock pattern [Z160/60]

Tuesday 16th May 1916: 2nd Lieutenant G. H. A Hughes, the son of Reverend F. C. Hughes who served as minister of Wellington Street Baptist Church, Luton, until 1914, is home on leave from France, where he is serving with the 7th Bedfords. He has contacted the Luton News with this message:

“I am home on leave and return to ‘somewhere out there’ tomorrow … What I want to see you about is getting our fellows a supply of socks and “other comforts.” Of course you will know what “other comforts” are – cigarettes and that kind of thing. You see, when a chap goes into the trenches for some days he does not take off his boots, and that sort of thing, with fatigue duties thrown in, soon polishes off a pair of socks. Practically a fellow wants a fresh pair of socks every week, and I thought perhaps, if the Luton News would remind Bedfordshire that there is a 7th Beds Regiment, and recall to the kind residents of Luton that quite a number of Lutonians are enlisted in that regiment, the fellows might get what they so badly stand in need of. I am afraid the 7th Beds are, after all, very little known; or, at any rate, not remembered as they should be.”

Source: Luton News, 18th May 1916

Waterproofs for Belgian Soldiers

Albert, King of the Belgians, Belgian Soldiers Fund Official Souvenir, 1915-6

[X758/1/10/69]

Sunday 19th March 1916: Monsieur Charles Piron, a Belgian refugee who has been living in Leighton Buzzard since June, made an appeal in the Leighton Buzzard Observer last week for a friend badly in need of a waterproof. Monsieur Joseph Pennartz had written to him saying: 

"I am in the muddiest hole you could dream of - mud up to the knees, and now snow. Is there possibly some 'fairy godmother' in your district who would be kind enough to send me a waterproof? It is very necessary; we are exposed to all weathers. Please try to find me this 'rara avis'. I am of middle height. I don't ask for anything luxurious, but khaki coloured if possible."

The day his appeal appeared, M. Pennartz was delighted to receive both a splendid waterproof, and a motor cyclist's rubber waterproof and overalls. He was able to send the second gift to another Belgian soldier, Michel Counet d'Aywaille. This young man, still only 19 years old, ran away from his home in February 1915 with eight others, intent on joining the army. As they crossed the Dutch frontier the group was fired on by a German patrol and four of them were killed.  After reaching Holland, the survivors travelled on to England where they joined the Belgian army. 

M. Pennartz was a wealthy tobacco merchant before the war, but is now penniless and serving in the Belgian army as a volunteer. M. Piron has a son in Germany as a prisoner of war and was himself lucky not to be executed. The day after he escaped to Holland seven of his friends were shot as spies. A musician, he has delighted local audiences with his playing since arriving in Leighton Buzzard. In a letter of thanks he writes:

"I cannot let pass this opportunity to acknowledge publicly in my name and those of my compatriots, our gratitude to you personally and to the generous givers. We Belgians, particularly those from Wallonie, knew nothing of, or rather did not understand Great Britain. Since the early days of my stay in England I have had reason to appreciate at its true worth the generosity of the British people, and especially of British ladies, - a generosity which is characterised by the sincerity, the discretion, and the great delicacy with which it is dispensed."

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14th and 21st March 1916

Christmas Gift Ideas

North Street, Leighton Buzzard c.1920 

(Croxfords centre right) [Z1306/72]

Friday 17th December 1915: For anyone considering what Christmas presents to buy for men at the Front or at home Mr. Leonard Croxford, tailor, clothier and outfitter of 44 North Street, Leighton Buzzard, has put forward a number of suggestions in an advertisement in the Leighton Buzzard Observer:

Remember the Boys at the Front

Get to know what most they need, then give it to them – a practical gift in the firing line will be triumph for the giver and a joy to the recipient. Here are a few suggestions.

Wool Jackets, Flannel Shirts,

Wool Socks, Scarves, Pants and Vests,

Gloves, Mittens, handkerchiefs, etc., etc.,

For the men who are still at home you are sure to find her just the things that will be appreciated –

GIFTS OF THE PRACTICAL KIND

We suggest Flannel Shirts, Pyjamas, Pants and Vests, Wool Socks, Fancy Cashmere ditto, Gloves, Neckwear, Collars, Braces, Motor Scarves, Mufflers, Handkerchiefs, Hats, Caps, Umbrellas, Raincoats, Macintoshes, Travelling Rugs, Dressing Gowns, Trouser Press and Stretchers, etc.

For those who would prefer something other than clothing the advertisement of Horace Edward Herington M.P.S., Chemist, of 16 Market Square may be helpful.

CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR GIFTS FOR SOLDIER FRIENDS

Safety Razors

Shaving Soap in Sticks

Pocket Shaving Mirrors

Metal Soap Cases

Body Belts

Trench Powder

Luxuries for the Tuck Box

Oxo Cubes

Tea Tabloids

Malted Milk Tablets

Milk Tablets

Café Au Lait

Mixed Sweets in Tins

Any parcel packed free of charge for post in the United Kingdom. If packed in canvas for abroad a small charge made for canvas.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14th and 21st December 1915

Bathrooms for Troops

Bathroom at Beamish Museum, County Durham [Wikimedia]

Thursday 2nd December 1915: An appeal has been made to the people of Bedford to allow the use of their bathrooms by soldiers billeted in the town. Alfred Haizelden of the Y.M.C.A. says that they are repeated asked “Where can I have a bath?”  If fifty people would allow the use of their bathroom for one or two hours twice a week it would be a tremendous help. A number of private baths have been given on this basis, but they are all booked a fortnight in advance.

Another group in need of assistance are the young Belgian children who have been rescued from behind the firing line and are now being taught in school colonies. Mrs Shenton of 28 Spenser Road will be glad to receive gifts of clothing for the children either at her home or at the Corn Exchange.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 3rd December 1915

Official Knitting Pattern for Mittens

Thursday 25th November 1915: Mr. William Machin, the Honorable Secretary of the Bedford Borough Recreations Committee has received from the Office of the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations the following official specification for mittens for the troops. Anyone wishing to respond to the appeal for mittens made last week by the Mayoress of Bedford should follow the instructions below:

Required: Four No.12 needles.[1] Two ounces of Alloa wheeling [2] or other suitable wool in a drab shade.

Directions: Cast 16 stitches on to each of three needles making 48 in all. Knit 2 plain, 2 purl, until a ribbed cuff three inches deep is attained. Then knit all plain for another inch in length.

Commence the thumb on the first needle. For this knit 2; make 1 by knitting into the loop of wool between the stitches; knit 2; make 1; continue knitting to the end of this first row. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the fourth row; knit 2; make 1; knit four; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the seventh row; knit 2; make 1; knit 6; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the tenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 8; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the thirteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 10; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the sixteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 12; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the nineteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 14; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the twenty-second row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 16; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the twenty-fifth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 18; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows.

Take off the 18 stitches between the increasing stitches on a piece of wool and tie securely to prevent slipping. Knit around plainly, excluding these 18 stitches, until ½ inch in length is gained, then knit 2 plain, 2 purl, for another inch. Cast off very loosely. Take up the 18 stitches on three needles, 6 on each. Make 2 stitches at the inside of the thumb, giving eight stitches on the first needle. Knit plainly round for ½ inch, then 2 plain, 2 purl, for 1 inch. Cast off very loosely. The mitten when finished should measure 8 inches long and 7 inches wide across the top.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 26th November 1915

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[1] Metric size 2.75mm, US size 2.

[2] Wheeling is “a term applied to a distinctive material which, by reason of its early association with the town of that name, is often referred to as ‘Alloa Yarn’. The word ‘Alloa’ is, as a matter of fact, often used as a synonym for the thick woollen thread or ‘wheeling’ yarn which, for hand knitting purposes is generally sold in 3 ply and in a skein of 2 ozs., eight of which form a head of 1lb. Wheelings, as a class, when of good quality, fill a very useful place as producing warm woolly fabrics specially suitable for heavy socks, stockings and garments for outdoor wear, such as get softer and more comfortable the oftener they are washed.” [Woolcraft, J and  J Baldwin, 1914, from Just Call Me Ruby where First World War style scarf pattern in honour of Private John Herbert Ogden (1895-1917) can also be found.]

The Luton Hat Trade

Milliner's Shop, Bedford 1906 [Z1306/10/8/2]

Friday 10th September 1915: The straw boater trade which is so important to Luton usually undergoes a slack spell between June to September, but the poor market of the past year has meant the usual optimism with which the manufacturers look forward to the next year’s trade is missing. The best that can be said is that those in the trade are facing the future with “grim determination”. Large orders for straw foundationed helmets of a design like that of the pith sun helmets supplied to troops in India have provided some relief. These are being supplied to troops fighting in the Near East, including the men of the 1/5th Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment at Gallipoli. Bleachers have been forced to raise their prices due to the rapid increase in the cost of dyes. The lack of trade means that the bleachers and dyers are also feeling the pinch, although those houses which combine a felt trade with their dyeing and bleaching departments are doing rather better.

Some “fussy busybodies” have recommended that women should be more thrifty and wear less dressy hats, suggesting that if – like men - they adopt a standard style there would be considerable savings in the number of hats needed. If this was to be widely adopted the hat industry would receive a ruinous blow, inflicted on top of the difficulties caused by war conditions. While the need for economy is understood, to economise on articles which are produced by the employment of so many women and which provides a livelihood for so many would defeat the object. With the loss of trade in men’s hats as so many have enlisted in the army the trade in women’s hats has become vital to the industry. Although the demand for straw hats is low, autumn is expected to see an increase in trade in felts, velours and velveteens. The bright sunshine enjoyed in September so far is creating a demand for white felts to complement the fashionable white costumes. Predictions for the leading styles for next spring include modified sailor hats with varied styles of brim.

The changing fashions make it necessary for employees to be more flexible. Those who have spent many years using the same machinery and are reluctant to try other work are finding it difficult to secure employment. It is likely that machine work will only be available seasonally. The lack of demand for straw plait on the continent, together with changing tastes at home have resulted in a great surplus of raw materials, which are now filling the store rooms at the Luton railway stations.

Source: Luton News, 9th and 16th September 1915

Soldiers Grateful for their Socks

The Cross, Great Barford, 1913 [Z1130/5/13]

Friday 2nd July 1915: Mrs. Moor’s Knitting Class at Great Barford has stopped for the time being, but class members continue to receive grateful letters from soldiers for pairs of socks sent out to the Front. Private H. Russell of the 4th Middlesex Regiment wrote to Florrie Hart: “Just a line to thank you for those socks. Have just come out of a long spell in the trenches, 27 days to be accurate, and was marched down for a bath and a change, not before it was needed. I was the lucky fellow to get yours out of the bag, hence these few lines. I have had a few pairs since I have been out here, but these are the first with any note inside, and I wish you the best of luck, the same as you wish me.” Bessie Webb has heard from two more soldiers of the same Regiment who both received her carefully made socks. One of them, Sergeant Holyoak, wrote: “I was the lucky man to receive the pair of socks you sent to our brave Tommies at the front. They came very acceptable after being in the trenches for a period of 26 days. I am glad to think that some of our good ladies at home still think of us, especially as some of us have been right through, and been out here for 8 or 9 months. The weather out here is a bit warm and makes our feet sore after a lot of marching.”

Source: Bedfordshire Times 2nd July 1915

Bringing His Majesty's Uniform Into Contempt

Postcard 1914-1918 [Z1306/36]

Tuesday 29th June 1915: Isabella Knight of Luton has appeared before the Dunstable Bench charged with wearing uniform of the Royal Engineers in a manner likely to bring contempt upon it. At around 7pm last Wednesday Private McGuigan of the 2/5th Sherwood Foresters (military police) was in Dunstable High Street with Private Albert Holmes of the 2/7th Sherwood Foresters when he was told about Miss Knight. He went to Prosperous Row and saw her wearing a pair of military trousers, jumping and dancing with other women in an unseemly fashion. He asked her to go indoors and take off the trousers, but she said she would not and told him it was none of his business. Miss Knight continued to dance about the road and then climbed over a wall.

Police Constable Tingey said he was in St. Mary’s Street and saw a crowd gather at the corner of Bull Pond Lane. He later went to Knight’s house with Private McGuigan. They asked how she came into possession of the trousers. She said first that her mother had bought them, and then that her mother had got them to mend. The trousers had a stamped number on them and belonged to the Royal Engineers stationed at Houghton Regis. When told that she would be summoned for bringing His Majesty’s uniform into contempt the young woman replied “I don’t mind if you do”.

The Clerk of the Court said Miss Knight was always getting into trouble and the Mayor reminded her that the last time she was there she had been given a severe warning, but leniency did not induce her to do right. She was warned that unless she changed her way of living she would come to a bad end and told this was a much more serious offence than she imagined. The Bench wished to give her another chance but could not overlook the offence entirely so sentenced her to 14 days in prison. The girl was led away sobbing.

Source: Luton News, 1st July 1915

Boots for Sale

First World War Soldier's Kit [National Archives UK Flickr]

Saturday 20th March 1915:  James Kirby of Burr Street appeared before magistrates at Luton today charged with buying two pairs of boots which were the property of the military authorities from a soldier. Mr Kirby, a dealer, said that Private George Mellor of the 2/7th Battalion of the Notts and Derby Regiment had told him the boots were his own, and that he had some more in his kit bag. He claimed he would not have bought the boots if he had known he was doing anything wrong. .

The Chief Constable wished it to be made know to the people of the town that they could not buy clothing, boots, groceries, or any other items from the army. Captain Whitehead said he was under instruction from the General Officer Commanding to bring this to the attention of the Bench. Purchases of this type had been taking place, and the military authorities had reported this to the police. He stated that it was difficult to discover where the men disposed of their boots. The Chairman of the Bench declared it was a disgrace that people should purchase anything from soldiers and that Mr Kirby must have known what he was doing when he bought boots that were being worn by a private in uniform for next to nothing. The magistrates imposed a fine of £10 with 8s costs, with the option to serve one month’s imprisonment as an alternative to paying the fine.

Source: Luton News 25th March 1915

A Military Wedding at Bedford

Church of St. Peter de  Merton with St. Cuthbert, Bedford (Wikimedia)

Thursday 18th November 1915:  A military wedding has taken place at St. Peter’s Church, Bedford this morning between Lena, daughter of Major and Mrs Winton Seton of 15 Cornwall Road, Bedford and Captain Henry Nicholls Beaumont-Walker, O.B.M., of the Army Service Corps, the son of Mr and Mrs R Beaumont-Walker of Nagpur, Bengal.  Captain Beaumont-Walker is an old boy of Bedford Modern school, where he played in both the 1st cricket eleven and the 1st Rugby team. He was gazetted to the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment on 24th December 1909 and transferred to the Army Service Corps in October 1914. He was granted eight days’ leave for his wedding after being at the Front since the beginning of the war, where he took part in the battles of Mons, the Marne, Aisne and Ypres. His brother Captain Robert K Beaumont-Walker[1] is serving with the 24th Regiment, the South Wales Borderers, and has just returned from Tsingtao in China, where the British and Japenese armies jointly destroyed the German naval base.[1]

The bride was attended by her older sister Iernie and her younger sister Brenda as bridesmaids, and the best man was Captain Robert Walker. The new Mrs Beaumont-Walker wore a mole coloured coat and skirt with a matching hat and carried a sheaf of Madonna lilies. The bridesmaids wore dark blue and each carried bouquets of red tulips and lilies of the valley. The reception was held at Cornwall Road.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 19th February 1915

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[1] The siege of Tsingtao was the first Anglo-Japanese operation of the war and took place between 31st October and 7th November 1914.

[2] Both Beaumont-Walker brothers survived the war. Robert (b.1887) reached the rank of Major and died in Hampstead in 1972; Henry (b.1888) died in Surrey in 1978.

A North Bedfordshire Knitting Frenzy

Submarine B11 [Wikimedia]

Thursday 14th January 1915: Mrs Wythes has sent a parcel of knitted articles from Ravensden to the Bedfordshire Regiment. This included:

·         1 helmet and 1 scarf from Mrs Harley

·         3 pairs of socks from Mrs Wythes

·         2 pairs of mittens from Mrs Jabez Mayes

·         4 body belts, 7 pairs of mittens, 1 pair of cuffs from the children of the day school

·         7 body belts, 2 scarves, 4 helmets, 5 pairs of mittens, 2 pairs of gloves from the Girls’ Friendly Society

The Girls’ Friendly Society of Colmworth has sent its first parcel of knitted comforts and garments to the Red Cross Society and is about to despatch a parcel of knitted scarves and other items for the crew of Submarine B 11.[1] Another parcel from the parish has been sent to the Red Cross Society.

Source: Bolnhurst, Colmworth, Roxton with Great Barford, Ravensden and Wilden Parish Magazine, January 1915 [P28/30/22]

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[1] On 13th December 1914 HMS B11 sank the Ottoman battleship Mesudiye in the Dardanelles, an action for which its commander Lieutenant Norman Douglas Holbrook won the Victoria Cross. First Lieutenant Sydney Winn received the Distinguished Service Order and every other member of the crew was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

Work of the Comforts Committee

Major William Henry Denne, DSO

Wednesday 13th January 1915: The Bedfordshire Comforts Fund has received a letter from Major W. H. Denne [1], the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment, thanking them for the Christmas gift sent by the Comforts Committee to every soldier in the Regiment. He wrote:

“A large consignment of presents arrived from the Women of Bedfordshire Comforts Fund a few days ago, consisting of a towel, a handkerchief, one piece of soap, and two candles.[2] This has been distributed to the men of the battalion, and I cannot tell you how delighted they were with it. They call it the best present they have ever had, and from what I hear I think it must be true. If I might make a suggestion, I should like to say that socks are one of the most needed things these days. A few days in the trenches wears them out. Then again, gloves, not mittens, are always required. Would you mind expressing my very best thanks to the ‘Women of Bedfordshire’ for their great kindness and forethought in providing the men of the battalion with so many comforts. You will only be able to realise how much they appreciate them when they come home and can speak for themselves.”

Thanks to the generosity of those who have subscribed to the Comforts Fund the Committee has also been able to proved the Bedfordshire Regiments with 1893 pairs of socks, 1321 pairs of mittens, 914 scarves, 535 body belts, 453 shirts, 50 housewives [3], 88 sleeping helmets, 24 pairs of kneecaps, 12 cardigans, 8 chest protectors, 4 thermos flasks, 31000 cigarettes, 6 gross of matches, toothbrushes, writing paper, peppermints, acid drops, tinder lighters, letter wallets, braces, boracic ointment and cold cream.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 15th January 1915

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[1] Major William Henry Denne led the 2nd Battalion from November 1914 to January 1915. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915, where he won the Distinguished Service Order. He was sent to Queen Alexandra’s Hospital in Highgate where he remained for almost two years in constant pain. He finally died of his wounds on 21st February 1917 almost two years after he received them. He is buried at Brimpsfield in Gloucestershire. [Source: Bedfordshire Regiment: Officers Who Died Serving in the 2nd Battalion]

[2] The packages also included a pot of Vaseline and a cake of chocolate.

[3] A small sewing case.

Potton and the War

Bus in Market Square, Potton with men for Kitchener’s Army [Z1306/91/28/2]

Sunday 10th January 1915: The village of Potton has been taking stock as the war continues and has been warned to work on the assumption that it will last for at least another year. Three wounded men, John Manning[1] and William Manning of the West Kents and Bert Stonebridge of the Life Guards have been home convalescing during the last month. A number of Potton men are still serving at the Front; James Waldock, Joseph Payne and others are just going off to join them. Percy Richardson was taken prisoner at Ypres and has written from Munster in Westphalia, Prussia:

“I have been wounded and am in a German Hospital. I was hit in the thigh on October 30th and am getting better. You will see by the address that I am a prisoner of war. I should like all in Potton to see how we are treated by our own ambulance men, it will show you what they are. I hope the choir are getting on well and all at home”.

The village working party requires a good deal of financial help in order to carry on its work and intends to produce items a little less costly than flannel shirts. They have received grateful letters from men at the Front who have received shirts, socks and so on. Many say how much they appreciate that they are not forgotten by those at home. A letter of thanks has also been received from a Sister at the 1st Eastern Hospital, Cambridge:

“Allow me to thank you very much for the most useful garments which I have received for my patients. The poor wounded soldiers are delighted with the warm socks and jackets, and I have used the round pillow to prop up the leg of a dear Belgian boy, who has a severe shrapnel wound. We are most grateful for your help.”

Source: Potton Parish Magazine, January 1915  [P64/30/4]

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[1] Lance-Corporal J. Manning of the 8th Battalion Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, son of  Mrs E. Winters of The Orchard, Mill Road, Potton, was killed on 27th May 1917 aged 28 and is buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm) at Ieper in Belgium.

News from the Villages

Old Parish Church, Clophill [Z50/31/83]

Sunday 6th December 1914

Barton-le-Clay

After a six week wait for news of her husband Private Thomas Martin of the 3rd Beds Regiment, Mrs Martin received a letter stating that he was prisoner in Germany. He is in good health but in need of socks. The mother of George King of the 9th Lancers was notified that her son is ill in a convalescent camp, suffering from an abscess in the neck. George was one of the first to go out when the war began. A. Nichols, H. Ashby and F. Peck have returned to England wounded.

Thanks have been received for the cigarettes sent to the front by Mrs F.Timms. F.Baker  of the 1st Beds writes: “Imagine how thankfully the cigarettes were received by us all lying in newly dug trenches for days at a time, defending the dear old country and flag from the inhuman Germans”.

Mr Cocks has lent Red Barns house to provide a temporary home for a Belgian family. Generous gifts of money and loans of household goods have been received, but bedding and some kind of floor covering are needed. If the house is not needed for a family, the money given will be sent to help the starving Belgians still remaining in their own country.

Gravenhurst

A meeting was held in the Village Hall to consider how to provide for a few Belgian refugees. Mr Barnes has offered one of his cottages rent free. The village is to be canvassed for weekly subscriptions, and loans of furniture, crockery and other necessary items will be requested later.

Westoning

A cottage has been offered for the use of Belgian refugees by Mr Leathes and furniture promised. A Concert in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund was given in the New Schools to a packed audience. Special thanks go to the soldiers of the 4th and 5th  Gordons and Bute Artillery who came over from Bedford and gave their services for such a good cause.

Clophill

£12.13s was collected in Clophill Church in response to the appeal for the Belgians, “our noble allies who have literally saved Europe”. If Belgian Refugees are to come here it will be used to help them, otherwise it will be sent to The Daily Telegraph Fund. Mrs Matthews has been learning toy-making to teach the girls. The end of the German toy trade with this country leaves a splendid opportunity for a new industry in country areas. For the time being Mrs Matthews intends to teach the girls of the Girls’ Club during Club nights so that they, along with those who are making babies’ clothing,  will be able to help the “poor little homeless, often fatherless, Belgian babies” who have been brought here for safety.

Silsoe

A collection of clothing has been made and sent to one of the Secretaries of the Belgian Relief Fund who responded with thanks to Miss Elsie B Jones of Silsoe House saying “the distress is at present most acute in Holland where so many of my poor compatriots have found shelter. I am sending out clothing both to Rotterdam and Flushing for distribution among these poor people, many of whom have lost all they possessed”. The members of the Girls’ Friendly Society are still busy knitting socks, gloves and mittens for our soldiers and many have been sent to the various depots.

Wrest House has been transformed from a Convalescent Home into a base Hospital and some far more serious cases of wounded soldiers have been admitted, many coming practically straight from the front. The wards are bright and clean and well lighted. Wonderful cheerfulness is displayed on all sides, even by those obviously suffering considerable pain. Their gratitude is most touching.

Source: Monthly Magazine for the parishes of Barton-le-Cley, Clophill, Flitton and Greenfield, Gravenhurst, Silsoe, Westoning, December 1914 [P21/30/16]

Slipper Making

Whitlock and Co. General Drapers and Ladies Outfitters, 117 High Street, Bedford c.1906 [Z1306/10/33/74]

Saturday 28th November 1914 (Bedford): Today the window of Whitlock and Co. draper’s shop in Bedford High Street is carrying a special display of slippers, socks, invalid jackets and other items which are being made by the women of Bedford for wounded soldiers. Over 1,200 pairs of slippers have already been produced and examples can be seen in the shop window at various stages of construction. Demand for these is constantly increasing and new volunteers for the work are needed. The finished articles can be handed in at the Depot of the St.John Ambulance Association at 53, Harpur Street from where they will be sent to hospitals in England, France and Belgium. Gifts of jam, cakes, butter and eggs for wounded soldiers can also be taken here. 

The slippers are made of cloth, felt, flannel, and carpet, The uppers are made by the ladies, and the soles are cut out by shoemakers and members of the Fire Brigade and the Midland Railway Ambulance Brigade. Nearly 300 pairs of a special type which can be drawn over a bandaged limb have been sent to London in the last fortnight. The more brightly coloured slippers are sent for Indian troops, who are also receiving a supply of warm scarves. Mr Whitlock has given free use of his window for the display and a collection is being made at the shop door to raise funds to purchase more materials. 

Source: Ampthill and District News, 28th November 1914

Old Girls' Working Party at Luton Modern School

Vintage sewing machine [Wikimedia]

Wednesday 25th November 1914: A report has been received from the Old Girls’ Working Party which has been meeting at Luton Modern School. The Old Lutonions are busy making garments for both local children in need and for the troops, but it seems they are disappointed in the response and level of commitment of their members. 

“Up in the Needlework Room at the Modern School, on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30, the girls of the Club are meeting together and working hard to make warm clothing for the children of the town who are in distress on account of the War. Happily there is not much distress at present, but when the need for help does arise, as undoubtedly it will, we want to be able to place a store of clothing at the disposal of the relieving authorities. Meanwhile we have decided to turn our attention for a time to such things as warm gloves, scarves, caps, etc., which may lessen just a little the discomforts and hardships which our soldiers and sailors are enduring. “

“At the time of writing, 24^th November, we have made some fifty garments. These represent twelve weeks’ work, and about a dozen of them were made by friends who are non-members. Now this total is not a very creditable one for a club which contains at least forty girls, but it is not to be wondered at when one considers that the Meetings usually consist of five or six girls; only three times during the history of the Working Party has it reached the huge total of ten, and on one memorable evening we had fourteen! Now what is the explanation of this? Does it mean that, whilst all the boys of the Club who possibly can have placed themselves entirely at the disposal of their country, the majority of the girls cannot even spare one or two evenings a week? Surely not! We prefer to think that members do not know enough about the Working Party, and we issue an urgent appeal to all to come to the Meetings. Then, if you do not approve of what we are doing, say so – we shall be only too pleased to hear any fresh suggestions; and if you do approve, come and help. All we want to feel is that the work is receiving the whole-hearted approval and co-operation of all members.”

“The Secretary would like to take this opportunity of thanking most heartily those few to whose loyal support the Working Party owes its existence.”

Source: Luton Modern School Magazine December 1914 [SDLutonSFC2/7]