, , World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 1

Bridgwater Mercury 6th January 1915 p.1 Bridgwater Mercury 6th January 1915 Bridgwater Mercury 13th January 1915 p.2 Bridgwater and the War Bridgwater Mercury 20th January 1915 p.3 Bridgwater Mercury 27th January 1915 p.3 ENLISTMENT FOR ROYAL ENGINEERS Bridgwater Mercury 3rd February 1915 p.4 Enlisted 10 men for the Wessex Divisional Royal Bridgwater Mercury 10th February 1915 p.5 Engineers. Bridgwater Mercury 17th February 1915 p.6 BRIDGWATER PRIVATE’S LETTER FROM THE Bridgwater Mercury 24th February 1915 p.6 FRONT Bridgwater Mercury 3rd March 1915 p.7 Pte J Burgess, C Company, 1st Light Bridgwater Mercury 10th March 1915 p.8 Infantry – Bath Rd, Bridgwater – letter to sister Miss Bridgwater Mercury 17th March 1915 p.8 M Burgess - describes conditions in the trenches and Bridgwater Mercury 24th March 1915 p.9 wishing her an enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Bridgwater Mercury 31st March 1915 p.10 Bridgwater Mercury 7th April 1915 p.10 BRIDGWATER PRIVATE’S CHRISTMAS IN THE Bridgwater Mercury 14th April 1915 p.11 TRENCHES – SOMERSETS AND GERMANS Bridgwater Mercury 21st April 1915 p.11 FRATERNISE st Bridgwater Mercury 28th April 1915 p.12 Pte Stanley Broughton, 1 Somerset Light Infantry – Bridgwater Mercury 5th May 1915 p.13 18 years old – letter to mother Mrs Bloodworth, 162 Bridgwater Mercury 12th May 1915 p.14 St John’s St, Bridgwater – gives details of the Bridgwater Mercury 19th May 1915 p.15 meeting between soldiers on Christmas Day and Bridgwater Mercury 26th May 1915 p.16 Boxing Day nd Bridgwater Mercury 2 June1915 p.18 BRITISH V GERMANS – FOOTBALL MATCH ON th Bridgwater Mercury 9 June 1915 p.19 CHRISTMAS DAY th Bridgwater Mercury 16 June 1915 p.20 Col HO Trevor, Army Medical Service – letter to rd Bridgwater Mercury 23 June 1915 p.21 brother Col Edward Trevor, Bridgwater – refers to th Bridgwater Mercury 30 June 1915 p.22 unofficial truce – shook hands, exchanged gifts, th Bridgwater Mercury 7 July 1915 p.23 played football - German troops gave a barrel of beer th Bridgwater Mercury 14 July 1915 p.24 to the British. Bridgwater Mercury 21st July 1915 p.25 Bridgwater Mercury 28th July 1915 p.26 A TRIBUTE TO THE SOMERSET Bridgwater Mercury 4th August 1915 p.27 TERRITORIALS IN INDIA Bridgwater Mercury 11th August 1915 p.27 Letter from Bernard J Whitby, employed in Bombay, Bridgwater Mercury 18th August 1915 p.28 to father FF Whitby, Bridgwater, enlisted in the Bridgwater Mercury25th August 1915 p.29 Bombay Light Horse. st Bridgwater Mercury 1 September 1915 p.29 ROYAL GIFTS TO THE SOLDIERS – Bridgwater Mercury 8th September 1915 p.30 th BRIDGWATER GUNNERS APPRECIATION Bridgwater Mercury 15 September 1915 p.31 Gunner Lot Sparkes, Garrison Artillery, with the Bridgwater Mercury 22nd September 1915 p.32 th BEF in – sent Christmas card to wife that was Bridgwater Mercury 29 September 1915 p.32 sent to him by the King and Queen – to be framed Bridgwater Mercury 6th October 1915 p.33 th and given pride of place at home – later letter Bridgwater Mercury 13 October 1915 p.34 describes trench conditions and Princess Mary’s gift. Bridgwater Mercury 20th October 1915 p.34 Bridgwater Mercury 27th October 1915 p.35 ARRIVAL OF THE MULES IN BRIDGWATER Bridgwater Mercury 3rd November 1915 p.36 Over 400 at Petherton Park – short article. Bridgwater Mercury 10th November 1915 p.38 WELL-KNOWN TOWNSMAN JOINS THE Bridgwater Mercury 17th November 1915 p.38 YEOMANRY Bridgwater Mercury 24th November 1915 p.39 Harold Hastings, Bridgwater Joined the North Bridgwater Mercury 1st December 1915 p.40 Somerset Yeomanry Bridgwater Mercury 8th December 1915 p.41 Bridgwater Mercury 15th December 1915 p.42 LIEUT SMJ WOODS IN BRIDGWATER – WELL B'water Independent 18th December 1915 p.43 KNOWN CRICKETER AND FOOTBALLER B'water Independent 25th December 1915 p.43 commission in the 6th Somersets Bridgwater Mercury 22nd December 1915 p.43 Bridgwater Mercury 29th December 1915 p.44 RECRUITS FOR KITCHENER’S ARMY 19 men enlisted in Bridgwater – since Christmas a similar number enlisted in the Wessex Divisional Royal Engineers and 10 or 12 Bridgwater men also Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 2 enlisted at different places – a total of 50 or more OLD MORGANIAN FOR THE ROYAL FLYING joining the King’s army since Christmas CORPS Sydney Vivian Vinten accepted for the RFC – son of CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES – SM Vinten, Fore St, Bridgwater INTERESTING LETTER TO A MOORLYNCH LADY BRIDGWATER SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION – Pte F Townsend, 2nd Grenadier Guards – writing to SAD NEWS CONVEYED BY COMRADES his aunt Mrs Collins, Hill House, Moorlynch – gives Pte Ernest John Meade, Somerset Light Infantry – details of conditions in the trenches – describes killed by shellfire and instantaneous – 18 years old – Christmas Day in the trenches eldest son of Ernest John Meade, 52 Polden St, Bridgwater –formerly worker for Messrs Bowerman BRIDGWATER PRIVATE WOUNDED IN & Sons FIGHTING THE TURKS Letter from Pte H Creedy, 16th Infantry Brigade, GIFTS FOR THE SOMERSETS – APPRECIATIVE Dorset Regiment to his aunt saying he had been shot LETTER FROM AN OFFICER through the arm Mrs Compton, 12 Cambridge Rd, Colchester who is despatching weekly parcels to 1st Somerset Light SHOOK HANDS WITH THE GERMANS – Infantry is appealing for gifts, either money or warm PRIVATE'S EXPERIENCES clothing – article includes letter of thanks for gifts ON BOXING DAY received. Letter from Pte E Bawden, 1st SLI to his father,

th THE GOVERNMENT’S USE OF PIGEONS Bridgwater Mercury 13 January 1915 Public not to interfere with carrier pigeons whilst on Bridgwater and the War passage – stray birds, message and ring number to be OUR TOBACCO FUND – NOW CLOSED made known to the local . Gives details of number of parcels forwarded to the THE WESSEX ENGINEERS trenches – total £543 9s 3d – equates to 21,738 and a 22 more enlist. half packets. HAPPY EVENING FOR THE ASC – AT ST BRIDGWATER VOLUNTEER RESERVE – MARY’S PARISH HALL INTERESTING INTERVIEW WITH THE Entertainment for the Reserve Company of the ASC. COMMANDING OFFICER – WORK AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CORPS A RELIC OF THE SCARBOROUGH RAID – Long interview with Col T Foster Barham, PIECE OF SHELL FROM GERMAN RAID ON commanding officer Bridgwater Volunteer Corps. SCARBOROUGH Sent to Geo J Richards, Rd, Bridgwater MORE MULES ARRIVE IN BRIDGWATER Now 600 at Petherton Park. SOMERSET RESERVES IN INDIA Reserve Battalion 4th SLI arrived in India on BRIDGWATER LAD’S GIFTS TO A LONELY December 12th SOLDIER – KINDLY LETTER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT HIGHBRIDGE SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION Gift sent by Master Fred Richards, jun, Heathfield, Colour Quarter-Master Sgt Oliver Parsons, Royal Ashleigh Avenue, Bridgwater – letter of thanks sent Welsh Fusiliers killed in action on October 26th – to him from Cpl FH Dudley, 36th Battery, Royal Field father resident of Highbridge Artillery, 8th Division THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE – HOW A RECRUITS FOR KITCHENER’S ARMY BRIDGWATER MAN DISILLUSIONED A 17 more enlist GERMAN Lcpl EF Lewis, 1st SLI – letter to wife describing the TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – LETTERS FROM Christmas truce. BRIDGWATER MEN Letters from Ptes Fredrick Charles Rudman and WITH THE 5th SOMERSETS ON THE WAY TO Charles Edwy Rudman, 10th Middlesex Territorial BURMAH – INTERESTING LETTER FROM Regiment – to father HJ Rudman, headmaster of West BRIDGWATER SERGEANT St National School, Bridgwater – long article Sgt AW Robbins, Bridgwater, 5th (1st Reserve) SLI detailing life in India and Voyage to India letter to Geo Williams, Cornhill, Bridgwater dated December 23rd – sent from Port Said describing journey. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 3

WAR RELIEF FUND SOMERSET MAN’S LOVE OF HIS COUNTY Total to date £1,028 4s 7d – list of latest donors Postcard of thanks to WJ Sharkey from Trooper Watts, North Somerset Yeomanry BRIDGWATER SOLDIER’S POETIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PATRIOTIC YOUNG MEN – sons of Supt WH C Hockey, on receiving present of tobacco sent this Williams, Bridgwater County Police enlisted – both poem in the Wessex Divisional Royal Engineers – Albert Williams and his 15 year old brother Fred Williams, Worth its weight in gold is this gift from you, who enlisted as a bugler ‘Tis a very hard fight and pleasures are few, A smoke to a Tommy is like gold to a miser, PATRIOTIC So I’ll smoke to your health and the death of the Kaiser 7 men enlisted since Christmas – Ern Collard, Will OUR TOBACCO FUND Collard, Sidney Baker, Fred Stokes, Leonard Postcard of thanks from Bandsman W Barrett, 1st Phillips, Will Griggs, and Harry Newton, - now 22 SLI with the colours from Chedzoy including Cpl Albert Tambling, Coldstream Guards and Sgt Ernest Fry, 1st BRIDGWATER CORPORAL DESCRIBES THE Grenadier Guards killed in action – article contains CHRISTMAS TRUCE – ‘THE GERMANS ARE letter dated December 22nd 1914 from Sgt Fry FED UP’ ENEMY PLAY ‘ GOD SAVE THE KING’ AND ‘HOME SWEET HOME’ BRIDGWATER SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION Cpl Joseph Anglin, A Company, 1st SLI – letter to Pte W Hamblin, SLI killed in December in Ypres – mother dated December 30th – describes how they Reservist – leaves widow and 3 children who live at brought in their dead and other incidents. 3 Court, Albert St FORMER BRIDGWATER SCOUTMASTER AT ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ARMY SERVICE THE FRONT CORPS Letter to HG Wyatt, Taunton Rd, Bridgwater from At St Mary’s Parish Hall Pte Jenkins, London Rifle Brigade – formerly MORE MULES – arrived at Bridgwater assistant master at the Art & Technical School in Bridgwater – describes conditions in the trenches. HOME FROM THE FRONT Sgt A Hill, 12th Lancers – wounded at Ypres and Ptes Bridgwater Mercury 20th January 1915 J & W Pursey, all of Bridgwater and Cpl Cross of Bridgwater and the War Combwich – all of the Somersets GIFTS FOR THE SOMERSETS AT THE FRONT – ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM LIEUT- BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – LIFE COLONEL CB PROWSE, commanding officer 1st IN AMBULLA Letter from Pte JW Colsey, Bridgwater Territorials – SLI – letter of thanks for the Christmas parcel from th assistants at Messrs Meadway, drapers, Eastover – letter dated December 16 describing life in India article lists contents of the parcel Bridgwater Mercury 27th January 1915 LETTER FROM CHEDZOY CYCLIST AT THE Bridgwater and the War FRONT WITH THE ARMY SERVICE CORPS AT THE Pte F Showers, Army Cycle Corps, 4th Division – FRONT – WOUNDED BRIDGWATER DRIVER’S letter to Miss Winder, Fowler’s Plot, Chedzoy EXPERIENCES Driver JP Locker, ASC wounded at Armentieres on BRIDGWATER YEOMANRY MAN RETURNS th FROM THE FRONT December 14 – from Blacklands, Bridgwater – aged Trooper Harold Sharman, son of Capt W Sharman, 22 – long interview describing experiences – recently Victoria Rd, Bridgwater – sent home after sustaining married – 2 brothers serving Cpl Geo Locker, Royal injury after horse fell on his leg – he declined to give Marine Light Infantry and Walter Locker, Gunner in an interview the Garrison Artillery – brother-in-law serving on British Submarine C33 MORE RECRUITS FOR WESSEX ENGINEERS 14 more enlist FIVE SONS IN THE ARMY – BRIDGWATER CORPORATION EMPLOYES (SIC) FINE LOCAL RECRUIT FOR RAMC RECORD – J Biddiscombe, 119 Chilton St, AV Hillborne, son of EA Hillborne, Outfitters, Bridgwater five sons serving – 1 in the 1st Coldstream Eastover Guards, another in the 2nd Welsh Fusiliers, a third in the 3rd Royal Welsh Regiment, a fourth as a driver in Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 4 the Royal Engineers and the fifth with the Somerset THE ASC AT CODFORD – PROMOTION OF Territorials in India BRIDGWATER MEN List of promotions in the South Western (Service) BRIDGWATER PRIVATE’S INTERESTING Company, ASC, Wessex Divisional Train – 11 LETTER FROM THE FRONT – CONTRADICTS Bridgwater men promoted names listed RUMOURS THAT HE WAS KILLED Pte W Bonney (925), H Coy, 1SLI – 2 letters to SKATING RINK HOSPITAL mother at 25 Polden St, Bridgwater – confusion in Inspected and approved by Government Inspector – the casualty lists a Cpl Bonning being killed – one not known when it will be required. letter reassuring her and the other describing conditions in the trenches THRILLING NARRATIVE BY SGT C WILCOX, HOW HE EARNED THE DCM – COOLNESS OF RECRUITS FOR KITCHENER’S ARMY THE SOMERSETS UNDER FIRE – STRIKING 25 more in the last fortnight TRIBUTES TO OFFICERS AND MEN Sgt C Wilcox, A Coy, 1stSLI – awarded DCM – long MORE MULES interview – wounded at Le Gheer – gives details of Latest arrivals total 176 his experiences and other Bridgwater men. MORE BELGIAN REFUGEES ARRIVE LOCAL PRISONER OF WAR IN GERMANY 2 families consisting of 10 – total now roughly 50 Lcpl E Cooze, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry TOBACCO FOR THE SOMERSETS – POW at Doeberitz camp – postcard to wife at 21 Letter of thanks to TW Markham, tobacconist, Fore Victoria Rd, Bridgwater thanking her for her parcel. St & High St, Bridgwater from Lt Col Prowse SOMERSETS IN THE NAVY THE SINKING OF HMS FORMIDABLE – Seaman WH Payne, HMS Colossus – from Moorland FORMER CANNINGTON SCHOOLBOY’S – sent photo of Somersets serving – photo not LUCKY ESCAPE reproduced John Donovan old boy of Cannington Technical THE BRITISH NAVAL VICTORY – School transferred to another ship WESTONZOYLAND MEN ON BOARD THE ASC ENTERTAINED AT ST JOHN’S HALL – MEN LION AND THE NEW ZEALAND FROM THE WESSEX RESERVE COMPANY Hubert Bryant, (HMS New Zealand) and Also entertained at St Mary’s Hall the previous Marmaduke Ling (HMS Lion) – in naval engagement evening in the North Sea CURIOS FROM THE FRONT – A BRIDGWATER ‘OUR COUNTY’S FINE RESPONSE' – reference to PRIVATE’S COLLECTION the numbers from Somerset serving Pte AE Bennett (6987), C Coy, 1 SLI – sent to wife RECRUITS FOR THE WESSEX ENGINEERS at 4 Bath Terrace, Eastover – collection of things 70 MEN ENLISTED BY LT HJ GARBUTT found plus gifts from Princess Mary – letter dated th 19 more enlist – total now 70 January 19 describing conditions rd SOMERSET CRICKET CLUB’S FINE RECORD Bridgwater Mercury 3 February 1915 Gives details of all those serving from SCC Bridgwater and the War IF THE ZEPPELINS COME TO BRIDGWATER OUR TOBACCO FUND FOR THE SOMERSETS To be considered at a Town Council Meeting AT THE FRONT - NOW CLOSED Another generous Donation from Mr WB PARCELS FOR PRISONERS OF WAR Broadmead, JP, Enmore Castle - £5 – total to date Some parcels sent not received – postcard from Lcpl £548 19s 3d S Southwood to wife acknowledging receipt of her parcel BRIDGWATER NATIVE’S GRAPHIC STORY – HOW THE “QUEEN’S” MET THE PRUSSIAN BRIDGWATER SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION GUARD 1 officer and 8 men to date – Lt JD Pattison, 5th Pte Wm Richard Temblett, Royal West Surrey Dragoon Guards; Sgt C Dennett, Somersets; Cpl W Regiment (Queen’s) – 9 Quantock Terrace, Bristol Pugsley, 3rd Coldstream Guards; and Ptes J Hoyal, Rd, Bridgwater – narrative of his experiences – Hamblin, Mead, S Smith, Baker and Alec Heard wounded October 22nd in the ankle – fully recovered all of the Somersets returning to regiment – brother-in-law of Sgt C Wilcox, DCM, 1st Somersets Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 5

LOCAL NATIONAL RESERVE CALLED UP BRIDGWATER MAN IN RECENT NAVAL 20 men from Bridgwater National Reserve selected ACTION – ‘IT WAS A GREAT BATTLE’ for duty at Tidworth, Salisbury Plain Seaman Gunner Tom Redwood, HMS Lion – son of CPO Wm Redwood, 57 Bailey St – involved in North RECRUITS Sea action – extract of postcard to mother 9 more for Kitchener’s Army this week WITH THE TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – MORE WEST SOMERSET YEOMANRY INTERESTING LETTERS FROM BRIDGWATER 16 recruits accepted at HQ in Clare St, Bridgwater MAN – HOW CHRISTMAS DAY WAS SPENT PRACTICAL SYMPATHY Letters from Pte Fredk. Chas. Rudman and Chas. Contributions donated by employees of Messrs Edwy. Rudman, B Coy, 10th Middlesex Regiment, to Baker, Eveleigh & Co, Coal Merchants, provided a father – stationed at Fort William, Calcutta – very pair of crutches for Pte Phillips, who had his leg long article containing extracts from several letters blown off at the knee – he was a former employee of detailing life in India the company ANOTHER LOCAL RECRUIT FOR THE ROYAL SKATING RINK HOSPITAL – fortnightly practices FLYING CORPS to be held at the Rink from Tuesday 9th February Gerald Hoyal, son of Joseph Hoyal, West Quay, joined the Mechanical Branch of the RFC Departure of the Local ASC – have been training in Bridgwater SHOCKING RAILWAY TRAGEDY NEAR BRIDGWATER – WELSH SOLDIER KILLED ON SONS OF PROMINENT TOWNSMEN ENLIST THE LINE AT HUNTWORTH Gerald CW Bishop, only son of FW Bishop, Long article including inquest report Solicitor, Bridgwater joined the Public Schools Battalion of the Royal Naval Volunteers – Victor Bridgwater Mercury 10th February 1915 Helps, son of EW Helps, Chartered accountant, Bridgwater, joined Motor Cyclist Despatch Riders THE POSSIBLE BILLETING OF TROOPS IN Section – has brother at the Front BRIDGWATER – NOTHING DEFINITE TO DATE Report on preparations TROOPS FOR BRIDGWATER- PROBABLE BILLETING OF A DIVISIONAL TRAIN ROYAL NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE – 600 Men and 400 Horses – Troops expected on BRIDGWATER RECRUIT’S TRIBUTE Friday or Saturday – Long Report – should prove article calling for recruits – extract of letter from WH financially profitable to the town – 2s 6d per day per Holland, RNVR, Russell Pl, Bridgwater detailing man for billeting troops in homes conditions in training PROPOSED CONCERTS FOR SOLDIERS THE TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – BRIDGWATER Letter to editor asking for his assistance to provide MAN’S ARDENT LOYALTY entertainments Pte H Frost, C Coy, 5SLI, serving in India – letter to father J Frost, 2 Court, Albert St – saying how they NATIONAL WAR RELIEF FUND have been told they are to go to the Front List of donors and amounts – total to date £1,051 17 s 3d THE WESSEX ENGINEERS – COMMISSIONS FOR BRIDGWATER GENTLEMEN RETURN OF LOCAL INVALIDED ENGINEER – Frederic HJ Gabbutt and Wm H Tamlyn, jun, of SAPPER C DUDDRIDGE, WESSEX DIVISION Tamlyn& Son Auctioneers to 2nd Lt in the 1st Field ROYAL ENGINEERS, HAMP CRESCENT, Company of the Wessex Divisional Royal Engineers TAUNTON RD, BRIDGWATER Declined to make public his impressions and ANOTHER LOCAL COMMISSION experiences – short article Arthur G Coombes to Lt in the Royal Garrison Artillery, son of the late John and Mrs Coombes, BELGIAN REFUGEES Castle St Thanks for furniture contributions for 2 houses in Halesleigh Rd, Bridgwater WELL-KNOWN SCHOOLMASTER JOINS THE ARMY JM Edgar enlisted in one of the Scottish Regiments – was assistant master at Dr Morgan’s School Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 6

SIX SONS SERVING THEIR COUNTRY – BRIDGWATER FAMILY’S FINE RECORD – WIDOW CONGRATULATED BY THE FOUR BROTHERS WITH THE SOMERSETS AT KING THE FRONT Mrs Stockham, Downend, Puriton – names are Sons of Mr and Mrs Frederick Lewis, Gloucester Pl, Arthur, George Clifford, Robert, Thomas And Frank Friarn St – Lcpl Edward Frederick Lewis, Ptes and son-in-law Sgt Wm Harris of the Somersets – William J Lewis, Ernest Lewis and Henry James Frank is a POW in Germany – she received letter Lewis all serving with the 1st Somerset Battalion from the King dated February 3rd – letter is printed in full THE TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – ‘THE ARMY DOES ONE THE WORLD OF GOOD’ THE NORTH SEA NAVAL VICTORY – LOCAL Pte Harry Winslade, G Coy, 7th Hampshire Regiment MIDSHIPMAN’S ACCOUNT OF THE FIGHT – letter to brother Austin Winslade, Parsonage Farm, Midshipman CWV Gooding, HMS Tiger – letter to West Lyng – long extract describing service in India parents at The Elms, , Bridgwater – son of WF Gooding, JP – short extract detailing action WITH THE SOMERSETS AT THE FRONT – BRIDGWATER LANCE-CORPORALS WELL-KNOWN TAXI DRIVER ENLISTS INTERESTING LETTER – HOT TIME UNDER WA Watkins joined the Mechanical Transport section SHELL FIRE of the Army Lcpl EF Lewis, 1stSLI (Machine Gun Section), extracts from 4 letters to wife at Gloucester PL, ARRIVAL OF THE SOMERSETS IN BURMAH – Friarn St describing conditions and life at the Front PTE RM ROBINS Letter to parents in Church St detailing voyage to Bridgwater Mercury 24th February 1915. Burma Bridgwater and the War. NATIONAL WAR RELIEF FUND LIEUT DONALD K FORBES KILLED IN List of donations – total to date £1, 052 6s 2d ACTION – BRIDGWATER CONNECTIONS – NEPHEW OF HW CHAPMAN, BRIDGWATER MORE BELGIAN REFUGEES ARRIVE SOLICITOR. Arrival of another family Lived for a time with grandmother at Wembdon Rd – LOCAL PO CLERKS JOIN ENGINEERS aged 23 – elder brother Lt AW [Alec] Forbes, Royal H Davis, W Henby, Leslie Baker and E Wheeler, North Lancashire Regiment. clerical staff at Bridgwater Post Office NINE BROTHERS SERVING THEIR COUNTRY – DEPARTURE OF LOCAL NATIONAL EDINGTON FAMILY’S FINE RECORD – 7 IN RESERVISTS MILITARY SERVICE . 35 Bridgwater National Reservists left for duty at 1 policeman and 1 Special Constable, both too old to Tidworth Barracks – amongst them CSgt Geo. Ennis join up – Sgt Ed Moore, Drill Instructor, Duke of who is 73 Wellington’s Depot, Halifax – CSgt Wm Moore, Saskatoon Volunteers, Canada - Pte John B Seaforth BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS AT Highlanders, 1st Canadian Contingent - Pte Victor KENILWORTH Moore, Seaforth Highlanders, 1st Canadian Members of the ASC – article reproduced from the Contingent – Pte Arthur Moore, 2nd Canadian Coventry Herald Contingent – Sapper Frank Moore, Royal Engineers, th BELGIAN REFUGEES IN BRIDGWATER Kitchener’s Army – Pte HJ Moore, 6 Welsh 47 now accommodated at King Sq and Halesleigh Rd Regiment – Sam Moore with the Metropolitan Police and Frank Moore, Special Constable both too old for Bridgwater Mercury 17th February 1915 military service. THE FALKLANDS NAVAL VICTORY – WITH THE ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY AT THE HUNTWORTH SEAMAN’S INTERESTING FRONT – A DOCTOR’S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE STORY Gunner Reginald Comley, Royal Horse Artillery Seaman James Adams, HMS Cornwall – son of (South Midland Brigade) – letters to uncle JW Robert Adams, Huntworth Park – letter to parents Comley, ‘Avalon’, Wembdon Rd describing life at the giving description of the naval battle off the Falkland Front. Islands DEATH OF A YOUNG BRIDGWATER SOLDIER AT CHRISTCHURCH – SAPPER IN THE WESSEX ROYAL ENGINEERS . Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 7

Sapper Francis Ralph Hawkins, 2nd Field Company, AWARD FOR SERVICE IN THE FIELD – Wessex Royal Engineers – son of Charles Hawkins, OFFICER GAINS MILITARY CROSS St John St – aged 19 – died of meningitis – buried at Lt RJA Henniker, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment – Wembdon Rd . son of late JG Henniker, The Manor, Catcott. BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – BRIDGWATER NAVAL OFFICER COMMENDED LETTER FROM COLOUR-SERGEANT F – BRAVERY AMIDST THE MINES. LOXTON . Commander Lionel JG Preston RN, HMS Skipjack- CSgt F Loxton, C Coy, 5SLI – stationed at Amballa, whilst on minesweeping duties – has residence in India – letter to editor thanking him for copies of the Bridgwater. Mercury but asking him to stop sending as copies are being obtained from friends and family. BRIDGWATER SOLDIERS MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER AT THE FRONT Sgts C Wilcox and J Anglin, SLI. Driver L Rossiter, RMAC. THE SOMERSETS AT THE FRONT – LETTERS 4 SONS ON ACTIVE SERVICE - SONS OF MR FROM BRIDGWATER MAN . AND MRS LOT VERMONT, . Pte WG Fudge (6721), C Coy, 1SLI – letter to wife Edward Vermont, Stoker, HMS Cornwall – Harold at the Volunteer Arms, Union St – plus Christmas Lot Vermont, Gunner in the Royal Marine Artillery – card from the King and Queen and Princess Mary’s Cecil Arthur Vermont, Royal Artillery and Clifford Gift Box.

Vermont, Royal Irish Regiment – also 2 nephews rd Fred Hooper, Coldstream Guards and Leonard Bridgwater Mercury 3 March 1915. Hooper, Territorials. Bridgwater and the War. DISABLED BRIDGWATER SOLDIER ARRIVES CANNINGTON MAN WITH THE COLDSTREAM IN . GUARDS- PRIDE IN HIS BATTALION. LCpl E Chilcott (10,210), 3 Coy, 3 Coldstream Pte F Stockman, 1SLI of Chilton St, exchanged with nd th an equal number of German POWs as unfit for Guards (2 Division, 4 Brigade) – letter to his sister further service. at Durleigh describing how they are driving back the enemy, has been in France with the BEF since the DEATH OF BRIDGWATER OFFICER . beginning. Lt Arthur Edward Devas, SLI – nephew of Col E Trevor, VD – aged 37 – died at Oxford after having SIXTEEN RELATIVES IN THE ARMY AND been taken ill. NAVY – A CANNINGTON RECORD . Ex CSgt Geo Somers, Rose & Crown Inn, BRIDGWATER & DISTRICT TEACHERS AND Cannington – Ex Royal Marine- has 16 relatives THE PRINCE OF WALES FUND serving including his son CPO Geo Somers, HMS List of contributions. Dublin and his son-in-law Joseph Barrett, Rifle Brigade, now a POW – list of other relatives names BRIDGWATER BOY SCOUTS ON DUTY IN serving. CORNWALL – MEMBERS OF THE 3rd BRIDGWATER TROOP . FORMER BRIDGWATER MAN KILLED IN E Banks, R Sheppard, C Babbage, W Babbage, H ACTION. Chinn and E Bovett. Pte Harwood – parents live at Newtown, Bridgwater. MEMENTOES FROM THE FRONT. FATHER AND SON IN THE SAME REGIMENT Sgt AJ Lovington, 2 Coldstream Guardsa – sent PTE G Clark & Pte AV Clark – both with 3rd SLI – mother at Bridgwater mementoes from the Front – from Puriton. contains list of items. A TRIBUTE TO OUR AIRMEN – BRIDGWATER THE FALKLAND ISLANDS NAVAL VICTORY – BOMBARDIER’S LETTER. INTERVIEW WITH A HUNTWORTH STOKER Bombardier DH Curry, Garrison Artillery – letter to Leading Stoker J Adams, HMS Cornwall – account E Wadmore, headmaster Wembdon School – of the action. describes conditions at the front and the work of the airmen. WEST SOMERSET NATIONAL RESERVE – PROMOTIONS IN ‘K’ COMPANY – K COY, 5TH LIVING CLOSE TO THE FIRING LINE – SLI – LIST OF PROMOTIONS. FRENCH GENTLEMAN’S VIVID LETTER TO A LADY. Letter to Miss Ethel M Harman, Spaxton Rectory Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 8 from a French friend living amongst the British lines voyage. – a long translation of the letter. MISSING SINCE THE BATTLE OF MONS. LIEUT DONALD K FORBES, SUFFOLK Pte Francis John Rowe, 1stSLI from Woolavington – REGIMENT – KILLED IN ACTION. wife has had no communication from him or had any Photo plus extracts from a letter to his aunt Mrs information about him since then. Prideaux – see Bridgwater Mercury February 24th for full details. EGGS FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS – AN APPEAL; FROM THE MAYOR . Bridgwater Mercury 10th March 1915. Letter appealing for eggs to be collected for despatch Bridgwater and the War. to wounded soldiers in French Hospitals – letter printed in full. FORMER BRIDGWATER ART MASTER’S GALLANTRY – GERMAN FLAG CAPTURED BRIDGWATER SERGEANT KILLED IN ACTION SINGLE-HANDED. – MENTIONED-IN-DESPATCHES FOR Cpl TH Jenkin, London Rifle Brigade captured GALLANTRY. German flag – was former assistant master at Last Letter to his Mother – Sgt Joe Anglin, (9566), Bridgwater Art & Technical School – article contains 1stSLI, killed in action on March 4th – shot in the a picture and a report that appeared in a London daily head, later died of wounds, brothers Jack and Pat newspaper. were present – letter to mother 3 Court, Albert St from Lt GR Leacroft, 1stSLI giving details of death WITH THE SOMERSETS IN THE TRENCHES – also last letter from Joe to his mother dated on the INTERESTING LETTERS FROM PRIVATE WJC day of his death. DENNETT. Extracts of letters to mother at Union St from eldest LETTER WRITING IN THE TRENCHES – son Pte Wm Jn Chas Dennett, 1stSLI – brother Sgt BRIDGWATER SOLDIER INTERRUPTED BY Reginald Francis Arthur Dennett, 1stSLI killed in BULLETS. action at Plugsteart Woods, 19th November 1914 – Pte W Bonney, 1srSLI – letter to mother in Polden St aged 20 – also brother Driver Harold Victor Dennett, – also letter to aunt & uncle – describes life in the ASC – article contains photos of all 3 men – Pte trenches. Dennett sent home souvenirs with letters – describes life in the trenches. BRIDGWATER ROLL OF HONOUR- FORM OF CENSUS PAPER APROVED . PATRIOTIC BOY SCOUTS – NAMES OF 3rd Decision made to compile a list of Bridgwater men TROOP MEMBERS SERVING . serving – census paper to be left at every household – Contains a list of names and the units in which they article contains proforma of census paper. are serving. A WOOLAVINGTON FAMILY’S PATRIOTISM – RECRUITING IN THE BRIDGWATER DIVISION MR & MRS LOT VERMONT, IVY COTTAGE, – JOINT COMMITTEE FORMED. WOOLAVINGTON HAVE 4 SONS SERVING A Parliamentary Recruiting Committee formed to Edward John, HMS Cornwall, Harold Lot, gunner promote recruiting in various parishes comprising the on HMS Warrior, Cecil Arthur, private in the Royal Bridgwater Division – article gives details of Marine Artillery and Clifford, Royal Irish Regiment committee members. – also have 6 nephews serving – contains list of names. REMARKABLE ACCIDENT ON BRIDGWATER NEWS OF A PRISONER OF WAR. BOUND VESSEL – SEAMAN INJURED BY SHOT Pte H Gillard, SLI – postcard to wife at Union St – FROM BARRY FORT. POW at Doeberitz Camp. Man had leg shattered by mistake when a shot was fired at a Greek steamer by Barry Fort. Bridgwater Mercury 17th March 1915. “BIG MOVE ON BEFORE LONG” – Bridgwater and the War. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER’S OPINION . OUR TOBACCO FUND – SUBSCRIPTION FROM Pte WG Fudge, (672) (sic), C Coy, 1SLI, BEF – . letter to wife at the Volunteer Arms, Union St. Contains list of donors and amounts. BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN BURMA – THE LATE SERGT J. ANGLIN – COMMANDING HEARTY RECEPTION AT MEIKTILA . th th OFFICER’S TRIBUTE – BROTHERS’ Pte Ernest Heste, 5 SLI Territorials, letter dated 4 NARRATIVE OF HOW DECEASED WAS KILLED February 1915 to uncle ES Jones, High St describing – Sgt J Anglin, 1stSLI – 19 years old – tribute from Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 9

Sgt C Wilcox, 1SLI – letter to mother from Bridgwater Mercury 24th March 1915. commanding officer D Kenworthy, Commanding B Bridgwater and the War. Coy, 1SLI – also letter written by LCpl J [Jack] Anglin to aunt & uncle – describes death and funeral BRIDGWATER TEACHERS AND WAR – also letter to mother from Mrs Bond, Taunton SUBSCRIPTIONS. who’s late son Joe Anglin tried to help when he was Total contributed to date £93 6s 5d – list of schools fatally wounded – article contains photo. and amounts. WESSEX ROYAL ENGINEER AT THE FRONT – WITH THE CANADIANS AT THE FRONT – LETTER FROM SERGEANT H PURSEY . INTERESTING LETTERS FROM PRIVATE Sgt Pursey, 2nd Wessex RE – letter to parents at 21 HERBERT SMITH – WITHIN SHOUTING Wembdon Road. DISTANCE OF THE GERMANS . Pte Herbert Smith, Cameron Highlanders (Canadian LOCAL PRISONER OF WAR . Contingent) – letters to father WH Smith, Saddler, Pte H Gillard, (7,129), 1stSLI – postcards to wife – High St – long letter dated February 18th giving POWs allowed to write twice a week – relatives can details of journey to the Front. write more often. THE SOMERSETS IN INDIA – LOCAL MAN’S PROMOTION FOR LIEUT RJA HENNIKER VIEW OF THE SITUATION. Promotion to Captain in the West Riding Regiment – Pte E Cook, 5th Somersets, former local resident – well known squire from Catcott. view of the European War. THE EXPLOITS OF CORPL TH JENKIN. WITHIN 200 YARDS OF THE GERMANS. Extract of an article that appeared in last week's Pte J Burgess, 1stSLI – letter to parents in Punch. Bridgwater – short account of experiences in the trenches. THE ARMY SERVICE CORPS – MORE RECRUITS WANTED . EGGS FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS . Appeal for 42 more recruits including 2 Wheel- Depot at 38 High St for the collection of eggs – 1,000 wrights, 2 Farriers and a Saddler. sent this week. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER WOUNDED – Pte HOT WORK AT THE FRONT – INTERESTING Robert Biddiscombe, Coldstream Guards – LETTER TO A BRIDGWATER RESIDENT . wounded in both legs – has 5 brothers serving. CSgt Maj Geoff Gravenor, C Coy, 3rd Monmouth Regiment with the BEF – 2 letters to brother PA SAVED FROM HMS BAYANO . Gravenor, Wembdon Rd – first dated March 7th and Mr Abner Whitcombe – ships' painter – brother-in- describes life in the trenches – Second dated March law of W Davis, Boot Maker, St John’s St. 9th describes life behind the lines whilst on rest. TH BOY SCOUTS FOR DUTY IN CORNWALL – 5 THE LATE SERGEANT J ANGLIN. B TROOP BOY SCOUTS . Letter to his mother in Albert St from Maj W 4 members left for Fowey for patrol duty. Watson, 1stSLI – letter printed in full – also letter HOW LIEUT DONALD FORBES WAS KILLED from LCpl J [Jack] Anglin, A Coy, 1stSLI to his IN ACTION – INFORMATION FROM LT ALEC mother describing Joe’s death and returning his FORBES. effects to her with promise to send photo of his grave. Shot whilst leading platoon – article contains ‘In THE SOUTH AFRICAN REBELLION – Memoriam’ by Alec Forbes. INTERESTING LETTER FROM AN OVER SOMERSETS IN THE TRENCHES – STOWEY MAN. INTERESTING LETTERS FROM BRIDGWATER Mr C Warren Culverwell writing to his sister – MAN. describes rebellion in detail. st Pte F Baker, B Coy, 1 SLI, of Polden St – letters to BRIDGWATER MAN ON HMS OCEAN – various relatives describing life in the trenches. BELIEVED THAT 2 OR 3 SAILORS WERE ON LETTERS FROM SOMERSETS IN BURMA. HMS OCEAN WHICH WAS LOST IN THE Letters printed on page 2 which is not included in the DARDANELLES, ALSO BELIEVED TO HAVE Museum’s collection. BEEN SAVED . James White, sweet manufacturer, Bridgwater has received a wire to say son is safe. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 10

Bridgwater Mercury 31st March 1915. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER KILLED ON ACTIVE Bridgwater and the War. SERVICE – Local Railway Official’s Bereavement – nd th LCpl Wm Margetts, 2 Devon Regiment – son of WITH THE 5 SOMERSETS – FROM ENGLAND Mr HE Margetts, Cranleigh Gardens. TO BURMA – BRIDGWATER PRIVATE’S DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT . THANKS FOR TOBACCO. Pte WD King, 5thSLI, stationed at Meiktila, Upper Cpl HJ Webber, Army Cycle Corps, 4th Division – Burma – very long letter to parents Councillor JE & postcard on behalf of several Bridgwater men, Mrs King, Polden St describing journey to Burma. transferred from 1stSLI. AN AUXILIARY CRUISER’S PART IN A BAYANO SURVIVOR. FALKLANDS BATTLE – BRIDGWATER PETTY Mr Abner Witcombe, brother-in-law of W Davis, St OFFICER’S GRAPHIC STORY. John St – describes how he escaped.. PO Thomas Yendell, HMS Macedonia – letter home to 13 Halesleigh Rd describing his experiences in the BRIDGWATER . British Naval Victory at the Falklands. A series of short notices relating to life in Bridgwater. Bridgwater Mercury 7th April 1915. A BRIDGWATER RECORD – SIX BROTHERS ON Bridgwater and the War. ACTIVE SERVICE. Article contains photos of father Jno Biddiscombe MIDST SHOT AND SHELL – BRIDGWATER and sons, Gunner Walter Biddiscombe, Royal Field AMBULANCE MAN’S EXPERIENCE. th Artillery, Pte Raymond, 5th Royal Irish Regiment, Pte GH Clements, C Section, 24 Field Ambulance, th Sapper Henry, Wessex Royal Engineers, LCpl 8 Division – writing to Mr Margetts describing his Arthur, SLI, Pte Ernest, 1 Coldstream Guards, and work at the Front. Cpl Robert, Royal Welsh Fusiliers – also short CANNINGTON PRISONER SOLDIER’S APPEAL account. FOR FOOD. st BRIDGWATER MAN’S EXPERIENCES AT THE Pte J Barrett, 1 Rifle Brigade, POW at Doeberitz – FRONT – GRAPHIC NARRATIVE BY PRIVATE letter to wife asking for food as they are hungry. AE BENNETT . TOBACCO FOR THE SOLDIERS . st Pte Bennett (6,987), C Coy 1 SLI – long letter to Letters of thanks from Cpl F Founds, 2 Section, H wife describing his experiences from the Battle of Coy, 1stSLI, Pte E Alsbury, C Coy, 1stSLI, Sgt WJ Mons to the present time. Phillips, B Coy, 1st SLI and also Ptes E Atyeo and E HOW THE SOMERSETS RECAPTURED A Burge of SLI. VILLAGE -‘RARE SPORT’ FIGHTING THE CHINESE SCHOOL BOY’S ESSAY ON THE WAR HUNS Essay and accompanying letter from school master. Bridgwater Man’s Interesting Letter . Pte J Saunders, Maxim Gun Section, 2nd Dragoon BRIDGWATER BOY SCOUTS IN CORNWALL – Guards – letter to parents at 103 Albert St, describing Interesting Account by Ex- Patrol Leader CM fighting at the front – also asking about a parcel Babbage – account that appeared in The Morganian containing a cake received without details of the is reproduced describing duties and life. sender, mother verified that it was from Mr C Taylor, BRIDGWATER SOLDIER WOUNDED. High St Restaurant who he had previously worked LCpl Fred Lewis, SLI – son of Mrs Lewis, for. Gloucester Pl – severe gunshot wound to the hand. THE LUCKY BATTERY AND THE MAD MAJOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS RETURN HOME . – FORMER BRIDGWATER BOY SCOUTS Pte Frank Stockham, SLI – Chilton St – part of an LETTER. exchange of wounded prisoners – lost right arm at Cpl RJC Black, 9th Royal Scots, parents live at rd Mons, LCpl H Giles, SLI, Polden St – shot in the leg – letter to WH Phillips, Scoutmaster 3 at Armentières. Bridgwater Troop – describing fighting and life in the trenches. BRIDGWATER MAN WITH SIX BULLET WOUNDS. KILLED IN ACTION – PURITON SOLDIER Story of his Experiences at the Front – The Great FALLS. Fight at Ypres – name not disclosed – wounded by LCpl HP Webber, City of London Regiment (Royal th, machine gun fire – long interview describing his Fusiliers) killed March 13 aged 26 – son of Mr & experiences. Mrs W Webber, ‘Fairview’, Puriton. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 11

EGGS FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS. widow and 1 child – buried at Wembdon Rd Received 1,952 eggs for wounded soldiers at the Cemetery – account of the funeral. Front. ‘DAREDEVIL OF THE SOMERSETS’ – COMMISSION FOR MR JM EDGAR. Reproduction of an article that appeared in ‘Tit-Bits’ 2nd Lt in the 6 South Staffordshire Regiment – about Sgt Joe Anglin, 1stSLI. member of staff at Dr Morgan’s School. BRIDGWATER TRADESMAN ENLISTS . WOUNDED ON SENTRY DUTY. Paul S Nicholls, High St China Shop – enlisted in the Pte Arthur Brooks, SLI – brother-in-law of Mr Army Ordnance Corps. Hooper, hairdresser, St John St – wounded in the face – letter from Commanding Officer, H Coy, SLI – also FIRST AID CLASSES. other letters – letter from Boulogne Hospital saying First Aid Section of the Bridgwater Volunteer Corps he is recovering. will not meet for practice until after the public meeting to be held on April 26th. A TRAGIC POSTCARD. Delayed postcard sent by Sgt J Anglin to Bridgwater BRIDGWATER LADIES’ GIFT. resident thanking them for tobacco – received after Bridgwater Ladies Bridge Club - £5 towards a his death. ‘Somerset Bed’ in the Scottish Women’s Hospital in Serbia. ARRIVAL OF MORE BELGIAN REFUGEES. 5 more consisting of 2 families – going to a home on BRIDGWATER SOLDIER A PRISONER IN Southgate Ave, Old Taunton Rd. GERMANY – ‘SEND BREAD OR A BURIAL PARTY’. Bridgwater Mercury 14th April 1915. Cpl H Rainey, SLI, POW at Hameln on the Weser – Bridgwater and the War. letters and postcards to mother Mrs H Rainey, Polden St – asks for food – says disease has broken out in the THE TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – BRIDGWATER camp – also describes conditions. MAN’S INTERESTING DIARY. th KILLED IN ACTION. Pte FC Rudman, 10 Middlesex Territorial Regiment nd – extracts from letters to father HJ Rudman – very Drummer C Saunders, B Coy, 2 Lincoln Regiment long article describing life in India. – old boy of Cannington Technical School – probably killed at Neuve Chapelle – school casualties to date 5 BRIDGWATER FRIENDS MEET AT THE FRONT killed, 27 wounded and 4 POWs. – LETTER FROM A LOCAL CYCLIST . Pte Harold A Symons, Cycle Corps, 6th Division – TO THE HEROES OF NEUVE CHAPELLE. letter to friend in Bridgwater – describing life at the Poem written by PO WH Tucker, HMS Illustrious Front and meeting Herbert Smith. (Bridgwater) – poem printed in full. st THE ZEPPELIN RAID ON PARIS – EXPERIENCE Bridgwater Mercury 21 April 1915. OF A BRIDGWATERITE . Bridgwater and the War. Letter to newspaper staff from H Routley. MECHANICAL TRANSPORT ENLISTMENTS. LIGHTING ORDER CANCELLED. 12 enlisted including HC Turner, W Downing, Ray From Monday. Murch, W Challice, G Cope and V Richards – all employees of the Bridgwater Motor Company Ltd. NEWS OF THE BRIDGWATER ASC MEN . Driver F Pierce, ASC Transport Section, 1st Royal RECRUITING IN BRIDGWATER Munster Fusiliers, 86th Brigade, 29th Divisional Train 18 in the past week. – letter to H Hurford, Eastover. CIGARETTES FOR THE SOLDIERS AT THE ‘FINE SPORT SHOOTING GERMANS’ – FRONT – GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT LETTERS AND POSTCARDS GIVING THANKS Collected by TW Markham, Tobacconist, High St & FOR CIGARETTES . Fore St – 2 letters of thanks. Pte FJ Baker, B Coy, 1stSLI to FW Mountjoy, 16 WITH THE 5TH SOMERSETS IN BURMA – Fore St, also LCpl ‘Pat’ Anglin, 1stSLI, Cpl C LOCAL MAN’S INTERESTING LETTER. Huntley, A Coy, 1stSLI, and Pte AJ James, 4th Pte AG Bellringer, 2 Coy, 5SLI – stationed at Division Army Cyclist Corps. Rangoon – dated March 21st – gives details of voyage DEATH OF A BRIDGWATER ASC SERGEANT – – article states that there are other letters on page 7 Sgt Henry Cummings, ASC, from Bond St – leaves however page 7 is not with the collection. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 12

THE LATE LIEUT DONALD FORBES – LAST THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR IN LETTER TO HIS PARENTS IN INDIA . GERMANY – ANOTHER APPEAL FOR FOOD Letter to friend in Bridgwater from Lt Forbes’ mother Postcard forwarded by Sgt J Sully, 3rd Royal Irish – giving details of his last letter – his mother was Rifles from POWS in germany requesting bread and daughter of Samuel Chapman, Solicitor of margarine every week if possible. Bridgwater. THE WESSEX ENGINEERS – OVER 100 MEN THE SINKING OF HMS OCEAN – BRIDGWATER AND OFFICERS SERVING FROM THE DISTRICT LAD’S EXPERIENCES IN THE DARDANELLES Also gives details of others serving in other branches Harold White – letter to parents at 55 St John St – of the armed forces. now serving on HMS Canopus – aged 18 – Reproduction of part of the letter detailing his BRIDGWATER SCOUTS ON COASTGUARD experiences. DUTY . 4 members of the 5th Bridgwater Troop stationed at MOTOR AMBULANCE TRAIN IN BRIDGWATER Polruan . 23 Red Cross ambulance cars and repair wagons stopped over night in Bridgwater on the way to ‘THE COUNTY WILL BE PROUD OF THE Taunton from Reading. SOMERSETS’ . Short extract from a letter from Sgt EH Turner, EGGS FOR THE WOUNDED. 1stSLI to Miss Norman of Cannington . 1,600 eggs collected this week. THE SOMERSETS IN BURMA – LETTER FROM VEGETABLES FOR THE FLEET. BRIDGWATER MAN . Short report on the amounts received. Pte FC Snell, 2 Coy, 5thSLI stationed at Meiktila, Burma – extract from letter to parents Mr & Mrs F FORMER BRIDGWATER SCOUT AT THE FRONT Snell, Devonshire St – gives details of life in Burma. – WOUNDED MAN’S HEROISM DESCRIBED – Cpl RJC Black – letter to WH Phillips describing ‘NOTHING GOES BETTER THAN A SMOKE’ shelling in the trenches. Extracts from letters from LCpl W Thomas, 1stSLI and Bandsman T Hook to employees at the Somerset WITH THE CANADIANS AT THE FRONT – Wicker Co Ltd, Fryern (sic) St thanking them for MORE LETTERS FROM PRIVATE HERBERT gifts of tobacco and cigarettes. SMITH . Pte H Smith, Cameron Highlanders (Canadian BRIDGWATER TEACHERS AND THE Contingent) – extracts from letters to father WH NATIONAL FUND . Smith, blacksmith, High St dated March 26th, March Total £104 2s 4d – article lists schools and amounts 31st, April 3rd, April 9th, giving details of life at the contributed. Front. Reverse of clipping contains general war news. 5TH SOMERSET LI (SUPERNUMERARY Bridgwater Mercury 28th April 1915. COMPANY) . Bridgwater and the War. 4 more men required over the age of 45 for guarding vulnerable points. WITH THE WESSEX ENGINEERS AT THE FRONT – BRIDGWATER SERGEANT’S THE REGISTRATION OF LODGERS & GUESTS . GRAPHIC LETTERS – THE HORRORS OF WAR – Guests required by order to legally register when Sgt Harry J Pursey, 2nd Wessex Royal Engineers, 27 staying at an hotel, inn or boarding house &c.. Division, extracts from letters to his parents Mr & Mrs JT Pursey, 21 Wembdon Rd, dated 17th April, 21st EXPERIENCES UNDER SHELL FIRE – LETTER April detailing life at the Front – extract from letter to FROM FORMER BRIDGWATER SCOUT . Extract from letter from Cpl RJC Black, 9th Royal cousin Stanley Masding, ‘Harcourt’, Durleigh dated nd April 18th. Scots dated 22 April to H Wyatt ‘The Willows’ Taunton Rd gives details of life at the Front. SOMERSETS AT THE FRONT – LETTERS FROM BRIDGWATER RECRUITING COMMITTEE BRIDGWATER PRIVATE . Public Meeting at – Stirring Appeals Pte H Bonney, H Coy, 1stSLI – extracts from letters for More Men – long detailed article. to mother at 25 Polden St – gives details of life at the Front. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 13

Bridgwater Mercury 6th May 1915. THE FIGHTING ON THE YSER – LETTERS Bridgwater and the War FROM WOUNDED BRIDGWATER PRIVATE. Pte W Bonney, H Coy, 1stSLI – extracts from letters, WITH THE BRITISH MEDITERRANEAN dated April 25th and April 29th, to mother C Bonney, EXPEDITIONARY FORCE – LETTERS FROM 25 Polden St, Bridgwater – wounded in the foot BRIDGWATER RESIDENT . whilst rescuing wounded comrade – not serious – Company Quartermaster Sergeant Courtney Smith, 3 also describes the fighting . Coy, ASC, 29th Div. Train – serving with the British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, camped 4 miles POEM ON “NEUVE CHAPELLE” – COMPOSED from Alexandria – extracts from several letters to DURING BATTLE BY FORMER BRIDGWATER father, WH Smith, Saddler, Bridgwater – describing RESIDENT. conditions and life in the desert – long and detailed Company Sgt Maj E Tucker – former resident of article. Bridgwater and old Morganian – recovering from wounds at Le Havre – father Geo Tucker of Pedwell BRIDGWATER ASSISTANT SURVEYOR IN THE – poem quoted in full. TRENCHES – TRIBUTE TO HIS OFFICERS Sapper AT Williams, 2nd Wessex Field Coy, R.E., 27th THE RECORD OF THE SYDNEY – INTERESTING Division – serving with the BEF at the Front - son of LETTER FROM OLD BOY OF CANNINGTON WH Williams, Bridgwater County Police – letter to TECHNICAL SCHOOL . parents dated April 18th – short letter praising officers Letter to GL Harding (superintendent at Cannington and NCOs. Technical School) from Francis W Whelan, seaman gunner on HMS Sydney, old boy of the school – ship THE CANADIANS’ HARD FIGHTING – LETTER was involved in the destruction of the German Raider FROM PRIVATE HERBERT SMITH . Emden – describes life in the Australian Navy and his Pte Herbert T Smith, Cameron Highlanders experiences.. (Canadian Contingent) – letter to parents, dated April 28th – short extract reassuring them that he had come LIBERAL AGENT ENLIST . through the fighting at Ypres. Alan J Herbert enlisted in the West Somerset Yeomanry. BRIDGWATER ARTILLERYMAN AT THE FRONT – EXPERIENCES UNDER SHELL FIRE . WITH THE 5TH SOMERSETS IN BURMA – Gunner DC Tottle, Gloucestershire Royal Field INTERESTING LETTER FROM FORMER Artillery, South-Midland Division – letter dated April BRIDGWATER SCOUT . 26th to a Bridgwater friend – extract giving details of Signaller F Gillson, 2coy, 5th (R) SLI, stationed at life in the trenches . Rangoon, Burma – letter dated March 21st to Scoutmaster W Barnett – gives details of life in A TOMMY ASKS FOR CIGARETTES. Burma and his experiences. Driver W Rich, Royal Field Artillery – letter to Miss K Turner, Cattle Market, Bridgwater asking for some THE LATE SERGT J ANGLIN – A TRIBUTE cigarettes to be sent to him as he is a native of FROM SOUTH AFRICA . Bridgwater . Letter to Mrs Anglin from her brother DJ Lonergan – unable to read full extract as the paper has COMMISSION FOR A WOOLAVINGTON deteriorated and parts are missing. SOLDIER – TWENTY YEARS’ MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECOGNISED . TWICE WOUNDED AT THE FRONT – LETTER Extract from the ‘London Gazette’ – 2nd Class FROM FORMER CANNINGTON TECHNICAL Master-Gunner H Fletcher, RGA to 2nd Lieutenant – SCHOOLBOY. son of C Fletcher, Woolavington. Lcpl TAP Willis, 1st Manchester Regiment – dated April 15th – gives details of how he was in India and BRIDGWATER SOLDIER’S EXPERIENCE OF then at the Front – how he was wounded and the POISON FUMES – INTERESTING LETTER death of his cousin GW Osborne also a former pupil FROM THE FRONT . at the school – paper is deteriorating . Cpl H Webber, Army Cycling Corps, 4th Division – extract of letter to parents in Union St detailing German use of poisonous gas. TOBACCO FOR SOMERSETS AT THE FRONT . 8s 6d collected by F Day of the Rose & Crown Hotel, – list of contributors and amounts given. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 14

SOMERSETS AND GURKHAS AT FOOTBALL IN A LOCAL COMMISSION – FROM THE LONDON BURMA . GAZETTE . Article gives details of a football match between the Louis H Palmer to 2nd Lt in the Somersets – son of 2/5th Battalion SLI and the Gurkha Regiment at WH Palmer auctioneer of Bridgwater, Wells and Meiktila, Burma, gives names of goal scorers also Glastonbury. names of the Somersets team and where they are from. BRIDGWATER YOUNG GENTLEMAN DROWNED – MR HAROLD VENN – MISSING BRIDGWATER RED CROSS HOSPITAL. FROM THE LUSITANIA. Short article of meeting held – ‘a communication Youngest son of George Venn of Messrs Colthurst, from the county director was read to the effect that it Symons and Co, Brick and Tile Manufacturers, was not considered necessary to hold over the rink Bridgwater – aged 28 – left Bridgwater 6 years ago – any longer for hospital purposes’. father now resides at Burnham. LOCAL OFFICER WOUNDED . WHAT HAPPENED TO A MAIL FROM HOME – 2nd Lt HF Westmacott, 1st Battalion RW Kent BURIED BY A ‘JACK JOHNSON’ . Regiment – son of Col WE Westmacott, Edington Pte Stanley Broughton, H Coy, SLI – extract from House near Bridgwater . letter to mother Mrs Bloodworth, 162 St John St,

th Bridgwater – says her parcel possibley buried by Bridgwater Mercury 12 May 1915. German shell. Bridgwater and the War THANKS FOR TOBACCO . BRIDGWATER VOLUNTEER TRAINING CORPS Postcard received thanking paper for tobacco from – AFFILIATION DECIDED UPON. Edward Teagle, H Coy, SLI, Pte CE Briffett, B Coy, Very long article of first committee meeting held at SLI and Pte A Buckner D Coy, 1st Hants Regiment. the Town Hall – Col T Foster Barham VD elected chairman – article gives details of other committee HOW A GALLANT BRIDGWATER SOLDIER members and lists the provisional rules – to meet on FELL – LETTERS FROM AN OFFICER AND AN Monday evenings at the Rink at 8 o’clock . RAMC PRIVATE – ‘WE CARRY IN THE GERMAN WOUNDED AS OUR OWN’. NORTH PETHERTON SOLDIER IN THE LCpl Margetts, 2nd Devon Regiment died of wounds TRENCHES – BRITISH AND GERMAN received at Neuve Chapelle – letter to father HE REPARTEE – ON SENTRY DUTY AMIDST Margetts chief booking clerk at Bridgwater GWR BURSTING GRENADES – . station from Maj JD Inglis, Commanding Officer, Pte W Cridge, Gloucestershire Regiment – long giving details of his death – also letter from Pte GH letter to sister Miss D Cridge, The Manse, North Clements, RAMC, former assistant booking clerk at Petherton – gives details of life in the trenches, Bridgwater GWR station, also giving details of his including the effect of rifle grenades. son’s death. THIS WEEK’S RECRUITS. WITH THE BRIDGWATER ASC IN THE 20 more enlisted from Bridgwater. MEDITERRANEAN – LOCAL PASSENGERS ON THE LUSITANIA – Cpl CD Clarke (Bridgwater), ASC Supply section, NORTH PETHERTON LADIES’ TERRIBLE 29th Divisional Train with the BEF in the EXPERIENCES – SIX MONTH OLD BABY Mediterranean – extract from letter to WJ Hurford, MISSINg . Eastover, Bridgwater – giving details of life in the Local passengers were Mrs Sarah Fish, wife of Lt Mediterranean. Fish, Canadian Contingent, her 3 children and sister THE SOMERSETS IN INDIA – JELLALABAD Miss Elizabeth Rogers and Harold Venn – Mrs Fish DAY CELEBRATIONS – MILITARY SPORTS: and Miss Rogers are daughters of the late J Rogers of Bridgwater Winners – although headline states India North Petherton - article give details of the ladies' article refers to the 2nd- 5th SLI (Territorial Reserve) experiences . based at Rangoon, Burma – gives details of HOW THE NORTH PETHERTON FAMILY WERE celebrations and lists winners of organised sports. RESCUED . THE FIFTH SOMERSETS IN INDIA – PRAISE Extract from the ‘Bristol Evening Times and Echo’ – FROM A GENERAL . long detailed account of how they were rescued. Extract from letter dated April 8th from Maj DS Watson,5th SLI to Col T Foster Barham of Bridgwater – gives details of training under taken by the Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 15 regiment which was passed with credit. SAD SCENES BEHIND THE FIRING LINE – BRIDGWATER SAPPER’S INDIGNATION AT FLEEING FAMILY WIPED OUT – BRIDGWATER GERMAN INHUMANITY – VIVID LETTER CAVALRYMAN’S AWFUL SIGHT. th FROM THE FRONT . Pte W Gillard, B Squadron, 10 Royal Hussars – Sapper CE Browning, South Midland Royal letter to Mrs Gillard, Union St, Bridgwater gives Engineers – letter to mother at 29 Old Taunton Rd, details of a family’s plight. Bridgwater gives details of German shelling of EGGS FOR THE WOUNDED SOLDIERS . village and civilians . 2,074 eggs sent to the High St depot this week.. BRIDGWATER CORPORAL THRICE BURIED BY Bridgwater Mercury 19th May 1915. ‘JACK JOHNSONS’ – COINCIDENCE OF A Bridgwater and the War LETTER IN THE ‘MERCURY’ . Cpl HJ Webber, Army Cyclist Company, 4th BRIDGWATER YOUNG GENTLEMAN LOST ON Division, BEF – short letter to parents at 15 Union St, THE LUSITANIA – SKETCH OF A PROMISING Bridgwater – gives details of his time in the trenches CAREER . when they collapsed due to shelling and curious Mr Harold S Venn, youngest son of Mr and Mrs incident of having his letter read to him from the Venn, the Hollies, Jaycroft Rd, Burnham formerly of ‘Mercury’ by another Bridgwater soldier. Bridgwater – article gives account of his life and why he was aboard the Lusitania. ‘LIKE HELL BROKE LOOSE’ – BRIDGWATER MAN IN TERRIBLE FIGHTING . FORMER BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER Pte Wm Fry, 2nd Welsh Battalion – two letters to WOUNDED – ATTENDING THE WOUNDED parents at 27 Bailey St, Bridgwater giving details of AMIDST HEAVY SHELL FIRE. his time in the trenches. Sgt WH Phillips, Somersets – former player for Bridgwater Rugby Club – wounded at the Front – A NIGHT WITHIN TWELVE YARDS OF THE letter to Mr R Washer, Nags Head, West St, GERMAN LINES – BRIDGWATER Bridgwater, dated May 10th – wounded on April 29th GUARDSMAN’S UNIQUE EXPERIENCE – by a piece of shrapnel in the right thigh – letter gives COULD HEAR THE HUN TALKING AND details of how he sustained the wound . SINGING . Pte Percy Goodland, 2nd Coldstream Guards – letter BRIDGWATER RESIDENT'S TWO BROTHERS to parents in Edward St, Bridgwater – gives details of WOUNDED – BOTH HIT ON THE SAME DAY time at the Front – also brief account of his life Very detailed article – letter to brother Mr PA before the war – has brother serving at the Front a Gravenor, ‘Sherwood’, Wembdon Rd, Bridgwater Sergeant Major in the Royal Field Artillery. from Cpl LA Gravenor, Monmouthshire Regiment, dated 12th May – brothers wounded at the battle of LOCAL CASUALTIES AMONG WESSEX Ypres, both badly wounded by shrapnel and gas ENGINEERS – BRIDGWATER MAN REPORTED bombs, Cpl Gravenor in the left leg just below the KILLED – SAPPER RJ KERSLAKE, WESSEX knee and his brother Geoff in the right thigh – in ROYAL ENGINEERS. hospital together, in adjacent beds, in Chichester – Letter to relative stating he received a minor wound long detailed account . but fellow soldier was killed, reported it to be ‘Tom Brimson’s son’ – on enquiry Mr T Brimson, 4 COMMISSION IN THE INDIAN ARMY – FOR A Redgate St, Bridgwater had had no communication FORMER BRIDGWATER RESIDENT . that his son Sapper Fredrick Brimson, Wessex Royal nd Stanley Burn – 2 Lt in the Royal Engineers of the Engineers had been killed . Indian Army . BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS SELECTED FOR MECHANICAL TRANSPORT . SPECIAL SERVICE – VOLUNTEERS CALLED C Hooper, AT Harding, H Law Jun, and Griffiths FROM FROM THE 5TH SOMERSET all of Bridgwater – joined the ASC, Mechanical TERRITORIALS STATIONED AT AMBALA, Transport Section in London. INDIA TO SERVE IN THE PERSIAN GULF . Those picked were from Bridgwater Coy or C Coy and were Ptes JW Colsey, JH King, WA King and J Barbour. BOROUGHBRIDGE SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION. Pte Alec Hector, SLI killed in action on April 28th – Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 16 son of Joseph P Hector, Stathe Rd, Boroughbridge. Leading Stoker Edwin White of Mount St, George COMMISSION FOR DR PENROSE WILLIAMS Salmon formerly of Bridgwater and William Baker, OF BRIDGWATER . son of James Baker of 71 Barclay St – those feared Granted special commission for 12 months as lost are John O’Brien, formerly of Bridgwater and lieutenant in the RAMC. Arthur John Fudge, Royal Marine, parents live at 79 Wellington Rd – article included extracts from letters SOMERSET BRIDGE SOLDIER DIES OF recently received from Arthur Fudge and Edwin WOUNDS – KINDLY LETTER FROM A White . HOSPITAL NURSE . Pte Wm Keirle, (9831) SLI died of wounds at BRIDGWATER GENTLEMAN GRANTED Boulogne sustained in the left arm and left leg – COMMISSION . parents received letter from 2nd Nurse May Bradford Mr P Cedric Hagon a commission in the SLI. dated May 2nd detailing wounds – 2nd letter sent May 3rd stating he had died of his wounds and offering her LOCAL RECRUITING OFFICERS . sympathy to his family. Names local recruiting officers for the Royal Naval Division. JELLABAD DAY AT AMBALLA – BRIDGWATER SOLDIER ATHLETIC CHAMPION OF THE SOMERSET’S SOLDIER PRISONERS – AN APPEAL . SOMERSET BATTN (SIC) – CHALLENGE th SHIELD WON BY THE BRIDGWATER CO. Letter from Col Edward Trevor dated May 17 Article giving details of the 5th Somersets Jellalabad appealing for food for British POWs in Germany. celebrations – lists winners' names and gives details BRIDGWATER MAN TWICE WOUNDED . of events. Pte Ernest Biddiscombe, 1 Coldstream Guards – BRIDGWATER VOLUNTEER TRAINING CORPS wounded by a shot through the left wrist – son of J – HANDSOME DONATIONS TO FUNDS . Biddiscombe, 119 Chilton St, Bridgwater . Account of meeting held at the Rink and lists donors' BOROUGHBRIDGE SOLDIER KILLED IN names and amounts given – plus orders from T Foster ACTION . Barham, Commandant dated May 18th. Pte A Hector, SLI killed in action April 28th .

BRIDGWATER AND DISTRICT TEACHERS AND FORMER BRIDGWATER SERGEANT THE WAR FUNDS – LISTS DONORS, AMOUNTS INSTRUCTOR’S PROMOTION - FROM THE AND FUNDS THAT BENEFITED. RANKS TO CAPTAIN AND ADJUTANT . F. J. Hill, sergeant instructor of the Bridgwater LOCAL RED CROSS NURSES FOR THE FRONT Company of the Territorials promoted to rank of – NINE YOUNG LADIES PASS THE TEST . captain and adjutant in the Royal Irish Rifles. 9 volunteered for the VAD to serve at the Front and Reverse of paper contains articles of general war passed required test – Misses Ashley, D Denman, E news. Helps, Hill, Hitchcock, Porter, B Shenton, N Willis th and M Winslade. Bridgwater Mercury 26 May 1915. Bridgwater and the War. SOMERSET OFFICER KILLED – LIEUT CECIL BANES-WALKER OF NORTH PETHERTON . BRIDGWATER ENGINEER KILLED IN ACTION – 2nd Lt Cecil Banes-Walker, 2nd Devons, machine gun KINDLY TRIBUTE FROM LIEUT GR ATKINS . nd officer - eldest son of H Banes-Walker CC, ‘Verriers’, Sapper Fredrick James Brimson, No 4 Section, 2 North Petherton – killed in action in France on Coy, Wessex Royal Engineers killed in action – Sunday May 9th, aged 26 – article gives details his article contains letter received from Lt GR Atkins in life prior to joining up – photo is included with the charge of No 4 Section – article accompanied by article. photo. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER GAS POISONED – ‘IT SACRIFICED HIS STRIPES FOR THE SAKE OF IS AWFUL STUFF’ . HIS REGIMENT – BRIDGWATER SOLDIER’S Lcpl John Anglin, 1stSLI - brother of the late Sgt Joe INTERESTING LETTER . Anglin – mother resides at 18 West St, Bridgwater – Pte Wilbert Richards – parents live at ‘Fernbank’, letter gives details of his injuries from the gas . Wembdon Rd, Bridgwater – long letter to his cousin Mrs H Hamlin – dated May 16th – decided to take THE SINKING OF THE GOLIATH- FIVE LOCAL demotion when strength was reduced by 40 to enable MEN ON BOARD – THREE REPORTED SAVED him to remain with his unit. Goliath sank in the Dardanelles – those saved were Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 17

‘LIKE BEASTS FROM THE WILDS OF AFRICA’ – HEAVY BATTERY PASSES THROUGH BRIDGWATER SOLDIER AND THE HUNS’ BRIDGWATER. OUTRAGES . The Howitzer battery that had been stationed at Lcpl EFM Lewis – recovering from wounds in Taunton stopped in Bridgwater for dinner as it passed France – several letters to wife at Gloucester Pl, through to a new destination . Friarn St, dated May 7th and May 15th – says he will be returning to the front soon – also gives details of THE SOMERSETS IN THE GAS FUMES – German inhumanity . WESTONZOYLAND SERGEANT MIRACULOUS ESCAPE – ‘WE ARE FIGHTING DEVILS’ . OLD BRIDGWATER BOYS’ BRIGADE LADS AT Sgt J Pitman, SLI – letter to brother at Lake Wall, THE FRONT – INTERESTING LETTERS TO Westonzoyland – states that he and Bert another CAPTAIN HS DOSSON . brother are well – long extract giving details of his Article contains extracts from letters from Sapper AH experiences in the trenches and the effects of poison Bond, Wessex Royal Engineers giving details of his gas. experiences at the front and Gunner W Tottle, 2nd Battery (Glos) also giving details of life at the Front. THREE CASUALTIES IN ONE FAMILY – 3 OF 4 MEMBER OF THE LEWIS FAMILY WHOSE CYCLIST CORPS IN BRIDGWATER – NEARLY PARENTS LIVE IN GLOUCESTER PL, 200 OFFICERS AND MEN BILLETED IN THE BRIDGWATER ARE IN HOSPITAL . TOWN . LCpl EFM Lewis, wounded in the hand by a bullet – 192 officers and men of the 2nd First Cyclist Corps Pte HJ Lewis wounded in the head on May 11th - Pte (South Midland Division from Gloucester )were WJ Lewis suffering from myalgia (cramp) – ages billeted overnight in the town. range from 18 to 23. ‘THEY ALL FORGET TO SEND DAINTIES’ – PURITON BROTHERS GIVEN COMMISSION – SOLDIERS’ NEED AT THE FRONT – . PROMOTION FROM THE RANKS . Gunner WC Tottle, Gloucester Artillery, Bridgwater Ptes CD and LA Webber – sons of Mr W Webber, man – letter to friend in the town – giving details of ‘Fairview’, Puriton have been promoted to 2nd Lt in life at the Front – at end of letter asks for cake as the 11th Devons. ‘they all seem to forget the dainties’.. COMMISSION FOR MR ASHLEY DUKES WITH THE BRITISH MEDITERRANEAN FORCE commission in the Duke of Cornwall LI – father Rev – BRIDGWATER MAN’S LETTERS . EJ Dukes formerly minister at the Fore St Driver WH Day, ASC, British Mediterranean Force – Congregational Church – was private in the RAMC. letter to father at Victoria Rd, Bridgwater – gives details of life with the British Mediterranean Force.. A PLEASANT SURPRISE . Members of the Bridgwater ASC in Alexandria were THE LATE LIEUT CECIL BANES-WALKER – attended at the hospital there by Dr EB Hartnell of MEMORIAL SERVICE AT NORTH PETHERTON – Church St, Bridgwater, who joined the RAMC. Details of the service and a list of those present.. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER WOUNDED – BY A LANDING ON THE GALLIPOLI PENINSULA – SHELL THAT LANDED IN THE SOMERSETS BRIDGWATER ASC TAKE PART IN THE FEAT – TRENCHES . Pte Frank Pitman, No 3 Company (248Co) ASC – Pte Stanley Broughton, SLI, severely wounded in who is with the British forces in the Dardanelles – the Back, thigh, hand, leg and foot– letter to mother letter to father Wilfred Pitman, butcher, Cattle Mrs Bloodworth, St John St, Bridgwater . Market, Bridgwater, dated May 1st – gives details of life in the Dardanelles also asks for cigarettes . CIGARETTES FOR THE SOMERSETS – GIFTS THAT WERE ACCEPTABLE . MR RY FOLEY’S SON WOUNDED AND A Postcards of thanks received by Mr HJ Major, JP, PRISONER – REASSURING NEWS FROM Northfield, Bridgwater from Sgt WJ Roman, Sgt J GERMANY – Pte EB Foley, 7th British Columbia Geen and Pte RWF Chilcott. Regiment, Canadian Division – postcard to family, dated May 15th, from Bruderhaus, Paderborn, CANADIAN WOUNDED – Germany – he is in hospital shot in both arms – twin HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE HISTORIC FIGHT . brother Captain Frank Foley at present serving in the Jack Moore, Canadian Highlanders – wounded in the Dardanelles. leg, broken bone – found by brother Victor Moore – leg was saved. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 18

giving details of life in Rangoon. STAWELL SOLDIER KILLED NORTH PETHERTON MARINE WOUNDED – Pte Wills, Dorsets – killed in action – reservist . STRUCK BY SHELL IN THE DARDANELLES. Pte FG Cockram, RMLI, Plymouth Battalion – son EGGS FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS . of Mr and Mrs W Cockram, Farringdon, North 1932 eggs were deposited at the High St depot this Petherton – wounded in action 10th May – small week. superficial shell wound in the left hand – his PRIVATE HT SMITH IN HOSPITAL . condition reported as good. Pte Herbert T Smith, Canadian Expeditionary Force LOCAL RESIDENT SEVERELY WOUNDED – in hospital at Rouen suffering from a chill and the LCpl RN Wilkinson, 12th London Regiment (The effects of poison gas – father WH Smith, saddler, Rangers) – severely wounded in the forehead, right High St, Bridgwater. eye, shoulder, and foot at St Julien near Ypres on BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER IN EGYPT – May 4th – currently at No5 temporary Hospital, ‘FULL OF ENTHUSIASM’. Exeter – progressing favourably – son of Thos Staff-Sgt Major P Kendal, ASC letter from Wilkinson, Hoxton House, Wembdon. th Alexandria dated May 8 to a member of staff at the AN EAST QUANTOXHEAD MAN AT THE ‘Bridgwater Mercury’ – sent his greetings to all FRONT – MORE RECRUITS WANTED . through the pages of the ‘Mercury’ General war news Pte A Hunt, 1st Dorsets – letter to parents Mr and Mrs on reverse of cutting. E Hunt giving details of experiences in Flanders. nd Bridgwater Mercury 2 June 1915. BITTER FEELING AGAINST THE GERMANS – Bridgwater and the War BRIDGWATER LADY’S NEPHEW’S STRONG N. B. There is a page missing from this edition LETTER . (Page 7). Mrs AA Broadrick, wife of the late Rev Broadrick, INTERESTING TROPHY FROM THE FRONT – minister of the Unitarian church, Bridgwater now BRIDGWATER MAN SENDS HOME A GERMAN resident at Sutton Coldfield . HELMET. st ‘BUCK UP’ – AN APPEAL FROM A NORTH Rifleman V Sear, 1 Royal King’s Rifles – sent PETHERTON SOLDIER – . helmet home to family asking them to display it in Sgt E Chidgey, 1st Signal Company, Royal Engineers, the hope that it may aid recruitment- it was displayed 1st Division – son of George Chidgey – letter to father in the shop window of Messrs Waddon & Sons, Eastover – The helmet has a bullet hole in it and a BRIDGWATER VOLUNTEER TRAINING CORPS piece of blood stained rag had been placed inside – – SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR FUNDS FOR THE also sent was the cloth cover used on active service – BRIDGWATER VOLUNTEER TRAINING CORPS Sear's home address was117 Taunton Rd, Bridgwater List of subscribers and amounts donated. before he enlisted. THE SINKING OF HMS TRIUMPH – BRIDGWATER MOTOR LORRY DRIVER AT THE BRIDGWATER SEAMAN DIES OF WOUNDS – FRONT – IMPRESSIONS OF THE COUNTRY Able Seaman Lawrence C Loubo, HMS Triumph in AND PEOPLE. the Dardanelles – died of wounds possibly sustained J Williams, Motor Lorry Driver in the Mechanical when the torpedo exploded – leaves a widow, 2 sons Transport (ASC) – native to Bridgwater - letter home and a daughter, eldest son in the ASC. giving details of life at the Front . LOST ON THE PRINCESS IRENE – WITH THE ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION ON BRIDGWATER SHIPWRIGHT’S DEATH. ACTIVE SERVICE – INTERESTING LETTER Mr Wm Gamlen, native of Bridgwater brother-in-law FROM A BRIDGWATER SOLICITOR’S SON of Samuel Burridge, St John St, lost his life at Gerald CW Bishop, Public School Corps, RNVR – Sheerness dockyard when the auxiliary steamer letter to father FW Bishop, dated 15th May, posted in ‘Princess Irene’ blew up – was formerly employed by Gibraltar – gives details of his experiences since FJ Carver, shipbuilder, East Quay – leaves a widow enlisting – possibly destined for the Dardanelles. and 3 children. WITH THE SOMERSETS IN BURMA – NORTH PETHERTON ENGINEER ‘GASSED’ - BRIDGWATER MAN’S IMPRESSIONS OF Sapper J Hurley, Wessex Engineers – in hospital in RANGOON AND ITS PEOPLE . France suffering from the effects of gas. Pte AT Came, 2/5th SLI, stationed at Rangoon – letter to brother Frank Came, 9 Silver St, Bridgwater – Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 19

her for the eggs sent out to the wounded. SON OF WELL-KNOWN TOWNSMAN ENLISTS THE AUSTRALIAN VICTORY OVER TURKS – Mr Arnold M Foster, son of Alderman FC Foster, JP, PURITON MAN’S EXPERIENCES IN CC of Broxholme, Wembdon, Bridgwater – enlisted th DESPERATE FIGHTING. in the 9 Lincolns. Letter to Mrs Wm House, Nut Tree Farm, Puriton BRIDGWATER YOUNG CAVALRYMAN KILLED from son Horace who went to Australia 4 years prior – TOUCHING LETTER FROM A COMRADE . to the outbreak of war – serving with the Australians Pte Frederick Blackburn, 2nd Dragoon Guards at Gallipoli – letter dated May 6th gives details of the (Queen’s Bays) – killed in action in France on May fighting and his experiences. General war news also 13th – eldest son of Mr Henry Blackburn, umbrella on this page. manufacturer, High St, Bridgwater – mother received Bridgwater Mercury 9th June 1915. letter from Pte AH Sprouting – letter printed in article Bridgwater and the War FORMER ALBION FOOTBALLER WITH THE KILLED IN THE DARDANELLES FIGHTING – CANADIANS . nd BRIDGWATER ASC PRIVATE SHOT IN THE Pte Fred Hoare, 2 Canadian Contingent – former NECK –. player with the Bridgwater Albion Rugby Club was Pte Henry James Cross, ASC – killed in Gallipoli on on leave in Bridgwater last weekend. April 29th – shot through the neck- aged 20 – father WITH THE WESSEX ENGINEERS AT THE landlord of the Bunch of Grapes, St John St, FRONT – BRIDGWATER SAPPER’S LETTER – Bridgwater . nd Sapper MJR Sage, 2 Field Coy, Wessex Royal THE LANDING AT THE DARDANELLES – THE Engineers – letter to mother at Bath Rd, Bridgwater – FIRST GRIM STRUGGLE WITH THE TURKS – gives details of his experiences in the trenches. Vivid Letter from Former Bridgwater Boys’ Brigade BRIDGWATER TROOPER SEVERELY Member – Bugler WS Manchip, 10th Battalion, 3rd WOUNDED – OWES HIS LIFE TO A Brigade, 1st Australian Imperial Force – Bugler COMRADE’S BRAVERY . Manchip is native to Bridgwater -letter sent from the Pte W Gillard, 10th Royal Hussars – letter to mother Al Hayat Convalescent Hospital Heiouan, Egypt as at 57 Union St, Bridgwater – was wounded in the recovering from a bout of illness - letter to Capt HS throat, chest and left arm - is recovering in hospital in Dosson, commanding 1st Bridgwater Company of the Manchester. Boys’ Brigade – describing the early fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsula – long and detailed account. BRIDGWATER SCHOOLMASTER ENLISTS . Mr Walter L Barnett, assistant master at Eastover NAVAL PROMOTION . Council School, Bridgwater enlisted in the RAMC. HJ Canner – to sub-lieutenant – son of Mr and Mrs W Canner, St John St, Bridgwater . COMBWICH MAN KILLED IN ACTION . Pte Frank Robert Johnson, 2nd Devons – killed in THE DARDANELLES STRUGGLES – EXCITING action May 9th – was 26 years old. FIGHTS WITH THE TURKS ‒ DESCRIPTIVE LETTER FROM A BRIDGWATER SOLDIER . BRIDGWATER HOSPITAL . Pte AG Richards, 6th Battalion Manchester List of presents and donations received. Regiment, part of the East Lancs Division – letter to THEFT BY HOUSEKEEPER AT BRIDGWATER home Mr George Richards, Fernbank, Wembdon Rd, Report. Bridgwater – long letter describing the action and conditions at Gallipoli . THE DISASTER TO THE PRINCESS IRENE – VIVID NARRATIVE FROM A BRIDGWATER CHEDZOY FARMER LOSES SON – DIED OF ENGINEER. WOUNDS RECEIVED IN DARDANELLES th Account from Pte WJ Munckton – long account of FIGHTING – Pte Leonard Ashford, 13 Infantry the events that occurred to the ‘Princess Irene’ . Brigade, Australian Imperial Force – died of wounds received at Gallipoli – father Mr Jos Ashford, West EGGS FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS – LETTER End Farm, Chedzoy – brother serving in the West FROM A RECIPIENT IN FRANCE – . Somerset Yeomanry. Letter to Miss Ashley, Wembdon Rd, Bridgwater, one of the ladies in charge of the egg depot in the High St , her address was scribbled on an egg – letter received from Pte L Herbert, Machine Gun Section, 2nd KOS Borderers, General Hospital, Etretat, France thanking Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 20

BRIDGWATER RESIDENT’S RECORD FLIGHT – BRIDGWATER SOLDIER’S HEROISM – MR CECIL HILL GAINS HIS CERTIFICATE CARRIES HIS WOUNDED OFFICER FROM Reproduction of an article that appeared in the DANGER – EXTRACT FROM A WARRINGTON magazine Flight – Cecil Hill obtained his Royal Aero NEWSPAPER . Club certificate – is a member of the firm Real, Lt Hatton, 4th Lancashire Territorials carried to Medland and Wills, St Mary St, Bridgwater. safety by Sgt Hansford and Pte Caesar – Sgt Hansford is son of Frederick Hansford, North St, MECHANICAL TRANSPORT – . Bridgwater – article also includes a letter from Jack Carver has enlisted in the Mechanical Transport mother of Lt Hatton to Sgt Hansford. section of the ASC – son of H Carver, managing director of Bridgwater Motor Company. Bridgwater Mercury 16th June 1915. Bridgwater and the War LOCAL LADIES DRAFTED TO A MILITARY HOSPITAL – . SOMERSETS AND THE GAS FUMES – HOW Elsie Helps and Ninian Wills – recently qualified THE GERMANS GOT ‘THE SURPRISE OF THEIR Red Cross Nurses – drafted to the Military Hospital, LIVES’ . Oxford. LCpl John Anglin, A Coy, 1stSLI, - extract from letter to mother at 18 West St, Bridgwater detailing life in BRIDGWATER COUNCILLOR’S SON the trenches. WOUNDED . Trooper Valerie Trayler , Royal Canadian Dragoons THE LATE PRIVATE LEONARD JOSEPH – son of Councillor JN Trayler, JP, Bridgwater . ASHFORD – FURTHER PARTICULARS OF HIS DEATH . LIEUTENANT LH MAJOR WOUNDED. Pte Leonard Joseph Ashford, 13th Battalion, Lt LH Major, Canadian Contingent – wounded in. Australian Imperial Force, - wounded by a bomb in the head and leg – youngest son of C Major, JP, the arm and left leg, arm was amputated, died from Wembdon – extracts of letters to father. losing too much blood later on the hospital ship HM BRIDGWATER MEN IN THE DEVONS – 11 MEN Hospital Ship Gascon, 10th May, buried at sea 3 TRANSFERRED FROM THE SOMERSETS TO miles off Cape Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli – son of Jos THE 10TH DEVONS – . Ashford, West End Farm, Chedzoy. LCpl J Morris, Ptes B Smith, F Duddridge, W BRIDGWATER NATIVE KILLED IN ACTION – Geen, B Dyer, W Smith, H Hobbs, R Russell, F LAST LETTER TO PARENTS . Hobbs, L Dart, J Harris – article states that the Pte Wm Fry, D Coy, 2nd Welsh Regiment – killed in paper had received a photograph this however is not action June 5th - parents live at 27 Bailey St, reproduced . Bridgwater – he resided at Abertillery, Mon – leaves YOUNG TOWNSMEN ENLIST . widow and 3 children – article contains extract of his Roland A Burnell enlisted in the North Somerset last letter – article contains photograph. Yeomanry- son of A Burnell, Taunton Rd, Bridgwater PROMOTION . – brother L Graham Burnell serving with the Shoeing-Smith H Fry, Royal Field Artillery – to Territorials in India, stationed at Amballa – brother- Shoeing-Smith Corporal. in-law with the Norfolk Regiment. THANKS FOR THE CIGARETTES – FOUR SONS IN THE ARMY INTERESTING LETTERS FROM BRIDGWATER T Pitman has 4 sons serving – Hedley Pitman, th MEN AT THE FRONT – ‘SOMERSETS NEVER RAMC, Sidney Pitman, 5 Somersets, Jack Pitman, KNOWN TO LOSE A TRENCH. Wessex Field Ambulance, Victor Pitman, Cigarettes and tobacco collected at the Volunteer Gloucestershire Regiment . Arms, Bridgwater and sent to the front – extract of MORE RELICS FROM THE FRONT – RELICS letter from Pte WG Fudge, 1stSLI, licensee of the FROM THE FRONT ARE ON DISPLAY AT Volunteer Arms , dated June 6th thanking the WADDONS AND SONS, EASTOVER . customers . They include a German helmet sent home by ‘THE OLD TOWN HAS ANSWERED VERY Rifleman Sear, 1st King’s Royal Rifles, shell time st WELL. fuses sent home by Pte H Davis, 1 SLI. Cpl HJ Webber, Army Cyclist Corps – letter to Mrs Fudge at the Volunteer Arms, dated May 30th, thanking her for the cigarettes and tobacco. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 21

WITH THE MEDITERRANEAN FORCE PATRIOTIC FILM AT THE BIJOU THEATRE – Driver A Taunton, ASC, No3 Coy, Supply Column, RECRUITING SPEECH BY COLONEL H T 29th Div Train, BEF – letter dated May 22nd, thanking DANIEL. people for the cigarettes. The film ‘Wake Up’ based on the novel by Laurence Cowen and sanctioned by the War Office was shown, ‘LOOKING FORWARD TO COMPLETE followed by a speech from Col HT Daniel – article VICTORY’ . gives details of both . Driver W Tucker, Royal Field Artillery, dated June 3rd – letter giving thanks for the cigarettes. BRIDGWATER VOLUNTEER TRAINING CORPS Orders for week ending 21st June 1915. ‘PLEASED WITH A GOOD OLD ENGLISH WOODBINE’ . VOLUNTEER TRAINING CORPS IN SOMERSET Driver TW Woollan, ASC, 29th Div Train, BEF . Question of a County Association. General war news on the reverse of the cutting. WITH THE RAMC IN FRANCE – LETTER FROM SERGT E WADMORE . Bridgwater Mercury 23rd June 1915. Sgt E Wadmore, 27th Sanitary Section, RAMC - Bridgwater and the War extracts from letter to father Edwin Wadmore headmaster of Wembdon School – gives details of his BRIDGWATER SOLDIER FALLS IN BATTLE – experiences. PRIVATE F HURFORD . Pte F Hurford, Devons – killed May 1st – son of ANOTHER BRIDGWATER MAN KILLED IN Frederick Hurford, 3 Court, Albert St, Bridgwater – ACTION . lived in Pontypridd – leaves widow and 2 children – Pte Frederick Hurford, 1st Devons – killed in action short article with photograph. on May 1st in Northern France - son of Frederick CANNINGTON SERGEANT KILLED IN ACTION Hurford, No 3 Court, Albert St, Bridgwater – lived th near Pontypridd, leaves widow and 2 children. – Sgt H Gibbs, SLI – killed May 28 – parents live in Blackmore Lane, Cannington – short article with CANNINGTON SERGEANT KILLED IN ACTION photograph. – SYMPATHETIC LETTERS FROM THE FRONT – Sgt H Gibbs, SLI – killed on May 28th – parents live A TRIBUTE TO THE SOMERSETS in Blackmore Lane, Cannington – extracts of 2 letters Letter to the editor from H Growtage. to parents offering condolences . THE SINKING OF HMS TRIUMPH – EGGS FOR THE WOUNDED . BRIDGWATER SEAMAN DIES OF WOUNDS 24,231 eggs collected since the depot in the High St, Able Seaman Lawrence C Loubo - died from Bridgwater opened on March 17th – also £6 2s 5d wounds sustained when a torpedo hit HMS Triumph donated and used to buy further supplies of eggs. in the Dardanelles– lived in Penel Orlieu, Bridgwater – leaves widow and 3 children – eldest son in the BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER JOINS THE ASC – photograph included with the article. ENGINEERS . DR Brook enlisted in the Royal Engineers – was on FEEDING 50,000 SOLDIERS IN TWO HOURS – the clerical staff at Alfred Peace Ltd, Bridgwater – . LETTER FROM A BRIDGWATER GUNNER . Gunner WC Tottle, Gloucestershire Artillery – from YOUNG BRIDGWATERITE ENLISTS IN Bridgwater – letter to friend in Bridgwater – LONDON. describes life and conditions at the Front. Howard Kitch enlisted in the 15th Battalion County of London (Prince of Wales’ Own) Civil Service THE CONTRASTS OF WAR – VIVID Rifles – son of WH Kitch Blake Place, Bridgwater. NARRATIVE BY BRIDGWATER CORPORAL – TOMMY THE OPTIMIST –. MARRIAGE OF MAJOR AH PEACE OF Cpl Wilbert G Richards, West Riding Division BRIDGWATER . Supply Column, ASC serving with the BEF – letter Maj Aglen H Peace, ASC - eldest son of the late dated June 8th to his father GJ Richards, ‘Fern Bank’, Alfred Peace JP, ‘Penlea’, Bridgwater – married Wembdon Rd, Bridgwater – very long letter asking Elizabeth Olga Dowty of Russell Crescent, Horley – for goggles for protection against the dust and gives the marriage took place in Horley – article gives details of life at the Front – also extract from a later details of the wedding and who attended. letter . Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 22

COMBWICH NAVY MAN’S DEATH – DIES OF TWO NETHER STOWEY SOLDIERS KILLED IN FEVER IN THE PERSIAN GULF. ACTION . Able Seaman John Burnett Parsons, HMS Comet – Struck by the same shell – believed to be Pte Walter died from enteric fever . Knight and Pte Walter Chidgey – both of the Somersets – letter from Pte Ernest Stacey, the BRIDGWATER ENGINEER AT THE FRONT – Somersets to JR Glover, Globe Inn, Nether Stowey REFERENCES TO A BATTLE . gives details – both men were married - Pte Walter Sapper Arthur Stacey, Royal Engineers – letter to Chidgey leaves a widow and 4 children - Pte Walter father J Stacey, 17 Northgate, Bridgwater – short Knight leaves a widow and 1 child. extract giving details of a battle . COMBWICH NAVY MAN’S DEATH. BRIDGWATER AND DISTRICT TEACHERS AND AB John Burnett Parsons, HMS Comet – died of THE WAR FUND . enteric fever in the Persian Gulf – article Gives details of donors and lists donations given. accompanied by a photograph. BRIDGWATER SERGEANT WOUNDED – CANADIAN SOLDIER’S VISIT TO GALLANT ACT RECALLED . th BRIDGWATER . Sgt Geo Hansford, 4 Lancs (Territorial), wounded Pte Cecil Letherby, Canadian Contingent – son of RJ in the neck and back by shrapnel– letter to father Letherby of the Town Clerk’s office. Fredk Hansford, North St, Bridgwater . BRIDGWATER CANADIAN A PRISONER OF WITH THE BRITISH MEDITERRANEAN FORCE WAR – . LETTERS FROM A BRIDGWATER MAN – . Pte Edward Foley of the Canadians – son of RY Driver CR Marker, ASC – letters to his wife at 86 Foley, JP – is a POW and is also recovering from Wellington Rd, Bridgwater – gives details of life with wounds. the Mediterranean Force. A BRIDGWATER LAD IN THE TRENCHES . ‘WE HAVE THE MEASURE OF THE TURKS’ Pte C Bale and Pte R Exon. - letter from Pte . BRIDGWATER SERGEANT-MAJOR’S Bale to Supt WH Williams thanking him for OPTIMISTIC LETTER . cigarettes and tobacco sent by him. Staff Sgt Percy Kendal, 29th Divisional Train, ASC- letter from Alexandria to friend in Bridgwater – BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER JOINS THE gives details of life there. YEOMANRY – . T Widlake joined the West Somerset Yeomanry. BRIDGWATER MAN WOUNDED IN THE DARDANELLES . LITERATURE FOR THE TROOPS. Driver EB Andrews, Bridgwater ASC – wounded on List of donors of books for the troops. the Gallipoli Peninsula – believed to be progressing well – lives in Barclay St. BRIDGWATER VICAR’S SON’S COMMISSION . CC Bazell commission in the 9th SLI, – son of the Rev ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION – INTERESTING FILM Prb C Bazell, vicar of St John’s Church, Bridgwater . AT THE EMPIRE . Film showing the RND at work and at play – also BRIDGWATER ASC DOING THEIR BIT IN THE asking for recruits for the RND. General War news DARDANELLES – LETTER FROM A LOCAL on the reverse of the cutting. DRIVER – A SHELL THAT SPOILED A CUP OF TEA . Bridgwater Mercury 30th June 1915. Driver W Manchip, No3 Coy, ASC, 29th Divisional Bridgwater and the War Train – letter to parents at 60 Union St, Bridgwater – giving details of life in the Dardanelles. ANOTHER CANNINGTON MAN KILLED IN ACTION – DURING FIRST SPELL IN THE WELL-KNOWN CRICKETER ON ACTIVE TRENCHES. SERVICE. Pte Benjamin Barrett, 1stSLI – killed Sunday June Captain HS Poyntz – promoted to major in the 13th – was about 30 and unmarried – third son of Mr Bedfordshire Regiment . and Mrs Hugh Barrett, Ched’s Lane, Cannington – article accompanied by a photograph. STRAWBERRIES FOR THE NAVY. FJ Hayward, fruiterer, High St, Bridgwater sent a quantity of strawberries to HMS Skipjack on June 15th, they arrived on June 20th in good condition. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 23

suffering from the effects of gas. FORMER BRIDGWATER FAMILY’S GOOD GRATITUDE FROM THE DARDANELLES . RECORD – THREE SONS IN THE ARMY – SONS Letter of thanks from Maj HG Shorto, commanding OF ALFRED NICHOLS, FORMERLY OF officer 29th Divisional Train, British Mediterranean BRIDGWATER NOW OF BURNHAM HAS 3 Force to TW Markham, tobacconist, High St and SONS IN THE ARMY . Fore St, Bridgwater for a parcel of cigarettes .

Ray Nichols, commissioned in the Royal Engineers, th the other 2 are serving with the Somersets in the Bridgwater Mercury 7 July 1915. Persian Gulf and a heavy battery of Artillery at Bridgwater and the War Bristol respectively. THE ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION – THE EFFECT BATTALION ATHLETIC CHAMPION – . OF THE RECENT FILM – EXCELLENT Pte JH King, C Coy, 5SLI won a silver cup as RECRUITING RETURNS IN BRIDGWATER – ABOUT 40 HAVE APPLIED TO JOIN THE RND athletic champion of the battalion in India – now on nd display in the shop window of TW Markham, Letter to Supt Williams from JH Burge, 2 Battalion tobacconist, Fore St, Bridgwater . RND detailing life with the RND. WITH THE SOMERSETS IN BURMA – SERGT JACK DUNNING KILLED IN ACTION – WEMBDON SOLDIER’S INTERESTING LETTER PROMOTER OF THE SOMERSET PALS’ Pte H Lynham, 5thSLI, stationed at Meiktila, Burma COMPANY – STRUCK BY A SHELL WHILST TRYING TO SAVE A GUN. – former pupil at Wembdon School long letter to th headmaster Edwin Wadmore describing life in Sgt Jack Dunning, 6 SLI – youngest son of Mr and Burma. Mrs JH Dunning – aged 31 – article gives details of how he promoted a Pals’ battalion and also how he THE SNIPER PEST IN THE DARDANELLES . was able to enlist even though his eye sight was poor Pte Gerald C W Bishop, Hawke Battalion, RNVR – – article also contains letters of tribute. letter home to father FW Bishop – gives details of life in the Dardanelles. OLD MORGANIAN’S GALLANTRY AT THE FRONT – REFUSAL TO LEAVE A WOUNDED EGGS FOR THE WOUNDED . COMRADE – GRAPHIC STORY OF THE Number received at the High St Depot this week was FIGHTING . 1,688. Canadian Contingent – extract of letter from a comrade giving details- long article. MORE MEN WANTED FOR THE SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY . KILLED IN ACTION – PTE WT COLES OF Letter to the editor calling for recruits. . Pte Walter T Coles, SLI – aged 27 – leaves widow MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. and 4 children – photograph accompanies article. SGT TRC Wallace, ASC was stationed in Bridg- water before war broke out. THE SOMERSETS IN BURMA – INTERESTING FOOTBALL MATCH . BREAD FOR PRISONERS OF WAR – Letter giving details of 2/5SLI match including list of BRIDGWATER TRADESMAN’S EXPERIMENT players. Bread sent to POWs has been arriving in an inedible condition due to the length of time it has taken to get COMMISSION FOR FORMER BRIDGWATER there – Edwin Bryant, baker, Eastover, Bridgwater RESIDENT – Lionel WH Robinson, as 2nd Lt in the has produced an 8lb loaf that will keep fresh for 28 2nd North Midland brigade, Royal Field Artillery – days and will take orders – he will supply it free for formerly resident in Bridgwater . transmission for any Bridgwater man who is a POW. BRIDGWATER SHOP ASSISTANT KILLED . FORMER BRIDGWATER SHOP ASSISTANT PTE FL WEBB . KILLED . Pte Frank L Webb, Queen’s Westminster Rifles Pte Frank L Webb, Queen’s Westminster Rifles (TF), (TF) – killed in action June 4th – aged 21 – worked worked for Mr Hooper in the High St, Bridgwater – for Hooper’s in the High St, Bridgwater – article was 21 years old – parents live in Cirencester. accompanied by photograph. BACK IN ENGLAND AGAIN PRIVATE HERBERT SMITH IN A TAPLOW HOSPITAL . Pte Herbert T Smith, Canadians - postcard to father WH Smith, saddler, High St, Bridgwater – in hospital Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 24

experiences – also in hospital at Basra with THE TEMPERATURE AT AMBALA – heatstroke – 2nd letter dated 2 days later further BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS CORRECT A describes the terrible heat. MISAPPREHENSION . Correction to a communication printed from Pte F WITH THE BRIDGWATER ASC IN GALLIPOLI – Rudman, Middlesex Territorials that stated Ambala INTERESTING LETTERS FROM THE was in the Himalayas when in fact on the plains of DARDANELLES. India – and the temperature is from 111 to 115 Letter from Driver HG Moore to his grandmother at degrees. Combwich – letter from Driver Lionel Patten to his brother E Patten, 19 Halesleigh Rd, Bridgwater dated LETTER'S WORLD-WIDE TRAVEL. July 6th – also 3 letters dated June 7th, June 11th and A letter correctly addressed to Sgt Harry Burge, June 15th from Cpl Frank Pitman to his parents and 5thSLI, Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth went via the other relatives – all give details of the conditions and Canadians on the Plain to France to Ambala, India to fighting in the Dardanelles and the torpedoing of Shwebo (Burma) to Bombay to Taunton to arrive at HMS Majestic. its destination – posted March 23rd it finally arrived at the end of June . BRIDGWATER SOLICITOR’S SON WOUNDED – SHOT IN THE LEG IN THE DARDANELLES WOUNDED ASC DRIVER BACK IN ENGLAND FIGHTING. Driver ET Andrews, Bridgwater ASC – wounded in AB Gerald CW Bishop, Hawke Battalion, RNVR – the Dardanelles now in the Manchester General son of FW Bishop – postcard dated June 25th. Hospital – progressing well – home is in Barclay St, Wounded in the left leg. Bridgwater. LANCE- CORPORAL JACK DUNNING KILLED BRIDGWATER SOLDIER’S DEATH IN – FOUNDER OF SOMERSET PALS’ COMPANY. GERMANY – BELIEVED TO HAVE DIED OF Short article plus photograph. WOUNDS . Pte Frederick Young, SLI – parents are Mr and Mrs “A GRAND FELLOW” COMMANDING Wm Young, 16 Court, West St, Bridgwater received a OFFICER’S TRIBUTE – LCPL JACK DUNNING - st Letter to parents from Lt Col Rawling, commanding communication from the commanding officer 1 SLI th rd which reads ‘ I very much regret to inform you that 6 SLI dated July 3 giving details of his death and No. 7.570 Pte F Young is reported by the German where he is buried. Government through the US Embassy to have died WESLEYAN MINISTERS IN THE ARMY – on October 14th, 1914’ – probably wounded at Mons . LOCAL OFFICERS COUSIN AMONGST THE EGGS FOR THE WOUNDED . NUMBER. N of eggs received at the High St depot this week is Short article 27 ministers appointed as Army 1,675. chaplains. Bridgwater Mercury 14th July 1915. CAPTURED THE TRENCHES BUT LOST HIS Bridgwater and the War PIPE – CANNINGTON SOLDIER’S LAMENT – Pte Tom Evans, 1stSLI – letter to parents. BRIDGWATER MAN TWICE WOUNDED – REMARKABLE ESCAPE FROM DEATH. SIR IAN HAMILTON’S APPEAL FOR HIS LCpl E F Lewis, 1stSLI – two letters to wife EFM TROOPS – AN EFFORT TO BE MADE IN Lewis, Gloucester Pl, Bridgwater – first dated July BRIDGWATER . 2nd thanking her for a parcel and gives details of life Appeal for gifts for the troops in the Dardanelles. in the trenches – second dated July 4th gives details of COUNTY MAGISTRATE’S PATRIOTIC SONS – a wound sustained in his leg below the calf – he has 3 Dr WB Foley – son of RY Foley, Highlands, brothers also serving with 1stSLI. Dodington, Bridgwater – a commission as Lt in the RAMC- also letter from his brother Sgt HA Foley , BATTLING WITH THE TURKS IN THE PERSIAN th GULF – BRIDGWATER TERRITORIAL’S 6 SLI to their father giving details of his experiences EXPERIENCE –“THE GARDEN OF EDEN” AND at the front. SWELTERING TOMMIES . THE SOLDIER AND THE EGG . Letter from Pte JW Colsey, 1st/5thSLI serving with the One of the Red Cross young ladies put her name and 2nd Dorsets, Indian Expeditionary Force to his father address on one of the eggs destined for the wounded JJ Colsey proprietor of the Bristol Drapery Co, Fore from the depot in the High St, Bridgwater has St, Bridgwater – letter dated June 4th describing his received a letter from a wounded soldier at Bulford Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 25

Military Hospital in Wiltshire. FORMER BRIDGWATER RESIDENT RECEIVES SPECIAL BREAD FOR PRISONERS OF WAR – A COMMISSION . GOOD RESPONSE TO LOCAL FIRM’S HE Lorrimer, a commission in the Inns of Court PATRIOTIC OFFER . Regiment. Special loaves weighing 8lbs and will keep fresh for a month to be baked by Edwin Bryant of Eastover, BRIDGWATER RAMC MAN HOME ON LEAVE – Bridgwater for POWs in Germany. EXPERIENCES AT THE FRONT – . Pte Pippin, Devonshire Territorial Battalion – gives BRIDGWATER TRADESMAN ENLISTS – . details of his nine months at the Front- including the Ernest Turner, 16 Clare St, Bridgwater in the Wessex fact that he has become a little callous of human Royal Engineers – was proprietor of a local oil and suffering and injury due to his experiences. hardware business. BRIDGWATER WIDOW’S PROUD RECORD – CANNINGTON MARINE DIES OF WOUNDS – FIVE SONS N THE ARMY . Pte Harry Chidgey, RMLI – son of Charles Chidgey, Mrs Mary Woods, 14 Court, West St, Bridgwater – Cannington . Pte J Fear, 5thSLI, LCpl H Woods, 2ndSLI, Sapper Wm Woods, Royal Engineers, Pte Tom Woods, 3rd LITERATURE FOR THE TROOPS – AN Battalion Grenadier Guards, Walter Woods, believed ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM THE FRONT . to be with the Australian Expeditionary Force – Letter received saying that a box of books for the article contains a letter from LCpl Woods . troops had been received at the Front. A LOST POSTCARD FROM THE FRONT . Bridgwater Mercury 21 July 1915. Found in Eastover and handed into the Mercury Bridgwater and the War offices – dated July 6th, 1915 . BRIDGWATER AT WAR- BRIDGWATER MARINE THE WESSEX ENGINEERS AT THE FRONT – DIES OF WOUNDS – HIS BROTHER WOUNDED. BRIDGWATER SERGEANT COMMENDED FOR Lce-Cpl.Harry Chedgey of Cannington. Wounded at Gallipoli. (Photo). Brother, Pte ,Tom George DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT – . st Sgt HJ Pursey, 2nd Field Coy, Royal Engineers – son Chedgey, 1 Canadians wounded in France 22 May. of Mr & Mrs JT Pursey, 24 Wembdon Rd, Bridgwater Another brother, William of the Marines also in – letter to parents. hospital.. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER WOUNDED – BUT BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN THE BACK IN THE TRENCHES AGAIN . PERSIAN GULF -THE FIGHT FOR KURNA Pte Reginald Colsey, Civil Service Rifles – bullet Interesting description by local soldier. Pte W King wound in the right hand, not serious – letter to relates details of battle. parents . HOW THE SOMERSETS CAPTURED A GERMAN BRIDGWATER SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION – TRENCH STRUCK BY A SHELL IN THE TRENCHES . Outlines battle tactics and conditions.. – Cpl John Lomax, H Coy, 1stSLI – formerly BRIDGWATER SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION landlord of the Crown Inn, St John St,. Bridgwater – -KINDLY LETTER FROM THE DECEASED'S news came as letter from Pte WG Fudge (landlord of CHUM -”HE DIED A MOST HONOURABLE the Volunteer Arms, Union St, Bridgwater, to his DEATH”. wife, sister to Pte Lomax. Moving account of the death of Pte James Burgess of st BRIDGWATER SOLDIER FALLS IN BATTLE – the 1 SLI. (Photo). Pte James Burgess, SLI killed in action – eldest son MORE INTERESTING RELICS FROM THE of James Burgess, Bath Rd, Bridgwater. FRONT -LOCAL BOMBARDIER'S COMMISSION FOR A CHARLYNCH HAIRBREADTH ESCAPE. GENTLEMAN . Description of war relics brought to Bridgwater by FW Bell, Lt in the Canadian Expeditionary Force – Bombardier Curry of the Garrison Artillery who was son of Rev WA Bell, Charlynch, Bridgwater. on leave after several narrow escapes from the enemy. BRIDGWATER CORPORAL KILLED IN ACTION. Cpl John Lomax of the 1st SLI (Photo) was killed after a few days at the Front. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 26

Kendal about his experiences in Egypt, with some BRIDGWATER RUGBY PLAYERS ON LEAVE. details of the action in Gallipoli.. Lt J M Edgar of the Staffords, and the Churchill brothers and Fred Hoare of the Canadians all on KING'S VISIT TO THE PLAIN – MORE leave.. INFORMATION ABOUT THE VISIT TO LARKHILL (see last week). 6th SOMERSETS UPHOLD THE COUNTY'S Privates Sansom, Hole and Hobbs were in the guard NAME. of honour. Account of casualties suffered by the 6th Somerset regiment from Company Sgt MajorW H Gamlin. ANOTHER STOGURSEY SOLDIER KILLED IN Also thanks for tobacco received for his men.. ACTION. Pte Simon Chilcott of the South Wales Borderers POPULAR BRIDGWATER LICENSEE HOME ON killed on 28 June in the Dardanelles (with portrait). LEAVE. Private W G Fudge, ex landlord of the Volunteer BRIDGWATER POSTAL OFFICIAL AT THE Arms returning to the Front. He served with the 1st FRONT. WORKING UNDER SHELL FIRE. Somersets at the battle of Mons. Friends of Private Letter from Mr Harold Davis. Appears to be a Fudge presented him with a silver cigarette case.. signaller. BRIDGWATER ACCOUNTANT'S SON OBTAINS LOCAL MAN INTERNED IN HOLLAND – AN A COMMISSION. OFFER TO OUR READERS. Victor Sully is 2nd Lt in 9th Battalion Beds Regt. His Letter from Pte H, Rich of Collingwod Btn of the brother, Douglas of the London Scottish has been RNVR, a POW in Holland. Offers to make souvenir missing for 9 months. photo frames for readers.. BRIDGWATER DOCTOR'S LIFE IN EGYPT. SOMERSETS IN A HOT CORNER – SHELLED Capt E B Hartnell, doctor in the officers' hospital in AND GASSED. Cairo writes to thank a friend for his parcel. He Letter from an anonymous member of the SLI about describes day-to -day conditions and criticizes his experiences in the trenches.. 'legalised wholesale murder'. NORTH PETHERTON LAD KILLED IN ACTION BRIDGWATER SOLDIER WOUNDED. Photo of Pte W Roberts (see last week). Private Fred Durston's letter from Boulogne hospital OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS. detailing removal of a bullet. The bullet smashed a Note that Mr Arthur H Baker son of Mr James Baker mouth organ in his pocket and some of the instrument of has jolined the Inns of Court OTC. He was had entered the wound. He writes cheerfully but,6 on the editorial staff of the Western Morning News. days later the Matron writes to his mother to say his condition 'critical'.. WELL-KNOWN TOWNSMAN'S SON KILLED IN ACTION THE SOMERSET'S SPLENDID WORK. Rifleman F. B. Helps of the Westminsters. News that Lce Cpl E. Chilcott of the Coldstream Guards relates he had been killed in France.. terrible consequences of war in France and praises the splendid 'Somersets' at Ypres. BRIDGWATER CANADIAN DIES OF WOUNDS. - SON OF FORMER WELL-KNOWN TOWNSMAN. THE BRIDGWATER A.S.C. IN THE News that Pte Harley Burrington, son of the late G. DARDANELLES. G. Burrington had died of wounds at Boulogne. Accounts of actions of the Bridgwater Army Service Corps with list of participants included.. BRIDGWATER STAFF SERGEANT'S CHEERFUL TIDINGS - “WE OUGHT TO WIN BY THREE BRIDGWATER OFFICER PROMOTED. CLEAR GOALS” Sec Lieut Wm Tamlyn of Bridgwater firm of Letter from Staff Sgt Arther Rex Page of the Royal auctioneers is promoted to temporary Lieutenant.. Engineers. Son of the late E. T. Page. He was Bridgwater Mercury 28 July 1915. attached to a battery of the Royal Artillery.. Bridgwater and the War COMMISSION FOR VICAR OF BRIDGWATER'S LOCAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS AT THE SON. Note that Mr Cyril L. M. Langham had been DARDANELLES – HOW THEY LANDED IN nd GALLIPOLI – BRIDGWATER N.C. O.'S commissioned as a 2 Lt in the ASC Wessex INTERESTING LETTER. divisional train (Territorial Force). He was a solicitor Very long account (over a column) by S.S.M.P in London.. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 27

“ENTENTE CORDIALE” - BRIDGWATER WAR SERVICE AWARDS AND HONOURS. SOLDIERS PHOTOGRAPHED ON FRENCH News that the London Gazette would be available in GUN. Bridgwater Library.. Cpl J Anglin of the1st SLI sent a photograph to his mother – Included his brother Pat. Sent for the Bridgwater Mercury, 4 August 1915. Mercury, but too dark for reproduction.. Bridgwater and the War CANNINGTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL BOY BRIDGWATER MAN ON ACTIVE SERVICE. – AWARDED THE D. C. M. - DEED OF DARING IN ACCEPTED AS WIRELESS OPERATOR. SIGHT OF THE ENEMY – SINGLE-HANDED Pte L. G. Burnell of 1/5th SLI, now in India due to CAPTURES A MACHINE GUN AND go to the Persian Gulf. 30 men from the 1/5th SLI AMMUNITION. went there on 13 May and 5 were from Bridgwater. Awarded to Lce Cpl T. A. P. Willis of the 1st THE TERRIFIC HEAT IN THE PERSIAN GULF - Manchesters. Biographical material about his army SOMERSET TERRITORIAL'S EXPERIENCEs. service and having been wounded 3 times. Also a Letter from Lce Cpl Hubert Parsons of the Somerset note that another ex-Cannington boy, Pte Alexander Territorials. Leahy, of the Gloucesters, had been also awarded the D. C. M.. JOINED THE CANADIANS. Note that Mr Edward Bryant Burrington had joined CHIEF CONSTABLE OF SOMERSET – the 54th Batn of the Canadian Infantry. He was the IMPORTANT STAFF APPOINTMENT. Note that son of the late Mr G. G. Burrington of Bridgwater.. Major H. C. Metcalf of the 2rd Btn of the Northamptonshire Regiment appointed at Brigade BRIDGWATER SOLDIER KILLED IN THE Musketry Staff Officer for the 1st Thames and DARDANELLES – SHOT WHILE LEAVING THE Medway Reserve Brigade, Chatham.. TRENCHES. Pte Alfred George (“Counsell”) Richards of the 6th SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION – A Manchesters. Quotes the letter from his platoon RUMOUR THAT PROVED CORRECT. commander. Lce Cpl Lionel John Dean of the DCLI had been killed in France. He was the third son of Mr J. F. FROM CIGARETTES FOR DARDANELLES Dean and had been working in the Welsh mines SOLDIERS. before enlisting. Letter of thanks from Lady Ian Hamilton on behalf of her husband at the Dardanelles. BRIDGWATER R.A.M.C. PRIVATE HOME ON LEAVE. - TRIBUTE TO THE SPLENDID HEALTH ASHCOTT SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION. OF THE BRITISH ARMY. Photograph of Lce Cpl Lionel John Dean. See Report of an interview with Pte J. Manchip, RAMC. previous week. BRIDGWATER LICENSEE ENLISTS. BRIDGWATER MAN KILLED IN ACTION – Mr Tom Creedy, licensee of the Green Dragon Inn, Rifleman F. B. Helps of the Queen's Rifles. With Friarn Street has joined the Army Pay Dept. Brief photograph. Quotes letter from an officer. biography.. FOUR SONS AT THE FRONT – BRIDGWATER BRIDGWATER SOLDIER'S DEATH IN ACTION. FAMILY'S UNIQUE RECORD. Pte James Burgess of the 1st SLI – see last week. Sons of Mrs & Mrs Francis Caple of 34 Mount Some more information.. Street. Pts Wm. James, Lce Cpl Henry, Pte Robert and Pte Frederick. COMMISSION FOR FORMER BRIDGWATER BOY. FOUR SONS SERVING – BRISTOL-ROAD Mr Robert Charles Case formerly of . FAMILY'S GOOD RECORD. Trained as an engineer at the GWR works, Swindon, Sons of Mr & Mrs Edward Cattle of 16 and now commissioned in the Royal Engineers. Good Wyldsborough Terrace, Bristol Road, Bridgwater. brief biography. Seamen Edward and Ernest; Bertie in the Royal Naval division and Frederick a driver in the ASC. BRIDGWATER AND DISTRICT TEACHERS AND THE WAR FUNDS. Bridgwater Mercury, 11 August 1915 . News about a fund to augment the money given to Bridgwater and the War. the dependants of teachers killed or wounded. List of DECLARATION OF WAR ANNIVERSARY subscriptions. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 28

Special services in Bridgwater. Brief account of the various church services. AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY AT THE FRONT – WITTY LETTERS FROM LOCAL RESIDENT'S BATH BRICKS IN INDIA – BRIDGWATER SON. TERRITORIALS DISCOVERY. Extracts from letters written by Pte. Reg. Trelease of Pte Fred Rudman of the Middlesex Territorials the Oxford and Bucks L.I. to his father.. found one in an Indian bazaar. D. C. M. WON BY A NATIVE OF STOGURSEY – WEMBDON SOLDIER WOUNDED. THRILLING ADVENTURES – INTERESTING Rfln H. Male of the King's Royal Rifles wounded in PRESENTATIONS. France. Copy of an account published in the South Wales AT THE DARDANELLES – BRIDGWATER Echo of a presentation made at Abercwmboi near MAN'S EXCITING EXPERIENCES. Aberdare to Sgt R. J. Scott of the Royal Garrison Letter from Driver H. B. Stone attached to the 29th Artillery, attached to the BEF. He was born in Division Train recounting how he had been under Stogursey. bombardment – 18 horses killed. Saw the Majestic THE LATE CORPORAL ALFRED GEORGE sunk.. RICHARDS – A YEAR OF WAR. - BRIDGWATER'S ROLL OF Note about the official notification of the death of HONOUR – LOCAL MEN WHO HAVE DIED FOR Cpl Alfred George Richards of the 6th Manchester THEIR HONOUR. Regiment. Lists in chronological order the 49 Bridgwater men Bridgwater Mercury 18 August 1915. who had fallen. NB This list is repeated each year on Bridgwater and the War. the anniversary of the start of the War, and updated. BRIDGWATER MAN DIES OF WOUNDS – ARMY SPORTS AT TIDWORTH – SUCCESS OF CHAPLAIN'S TOUCHING LETTER. BRIDGWATER MEN. Account of the death of Pte W. Ticknell of C Comp- Account of the Army Ordnance Corps sports day. In any 6th Service Batn of the S.L.I. who died of wounds the SLI Tug-of-War team were the following in France 9 August 1915. With photograph. Bridgwater men. Pte T. Davies , Cpl Oswald Symons, Ptes T. Pollard, Edward Hole, C. Pope and COMMISSION FOR MR A. ST.D CORDER – E Heal. PROMOTION FROM THE RANKS. Note that Mr Alwn St. Dunstan Corder of the ASC A GENEROUS GIFT. had been promoted to 2nd Lt in the 8th Btn of the Mr W. B. Broadmead of Enmore Castle gave a Worcestershire Regt. cheque for £20 to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Association.. A DISTURBED TEA PARTY – A BRIDGWATER SOLDIER'S EXPERIENCES JOINED THE CANADIANS. Letter from Pte E. Manchip of the RAMC, enclosing Note that Mr W. C. Martin, son of the headmaster of small pieces of shrapnel. the Cannington Schools had joined the 65th Btn of the Canadian infantry.. GERMANS MERRY OVER WARSAW'S FALL Burnham soldier's letter. Letter from Pte H. COMMISSIONS FOR LATE CLERGYMAN'S Slocombe of the South Wales Borderers. SONS. Sons of the late Rev. Mr Montgomery, late of CANNINGTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND THE Shapwick cum Ashcott had joined up. They were Mr WAR. James Colin Montgomery who was commissioned in Note that Mr T Cread, master tailor at the school had the 12th Scottish Rifles, and Mr Robert Maxwell enlisted and that Lt C Newitt an 'Old Boy' had been Montgomery who was commissioned in the 1st South appointed Divisional Coast Defence Officer as Midland RFA.. Wexford. THE NATIONAL REGISTRATION ACT – CANNINGTONIANS JOIN THE MECHANICAL DELIVERY OF THE FORMS COMMENCED IN TRANSPORT. BRIDGWATER. Note about Messrs P. and G. Allen, sons of Police Detailed account of the procedures to be followed in Sergeant Allen of Cannington have joined the ASC, filling out the form. Mechanical Transport. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 29

THUNDERSTORMS ON THE FRONT. DISCLAIMER FROM A BRIDGWATER SOLDIER Note about this in letter from Pte W. G. Fudge, – IN GOOD HEALTH DESPITE RUMOURS OF landlord of the Volunteer Arms, Union Street. HIS DEATH. Letter from Driver Hockey 2nd Battery RHA to the HOME ON LEAVE FROM THE FRONT. editor saying he was alive despite what rumour said. Note that some men were home but no details. BRIDGWATER YOUNG GENTLEMAN GIVEN A BRIDGWATER BAKER'S PATRIOTIC OFFER – COMMISSION – PROMOTION FROM THE THANKS FROM A BRIGWATER PRISONER OF RANKS. WAR. Note that Mr George Lavar Rowe had been Report that Mr Edwin Bryant, a baker of Eastover commissioned in the 7th Dorset Battalion. was offering to send long-lasting 8lb loaves of bread to British POW's held in Germany. Includes a letter A REPLY TO THE PESSIMISTS – from Lce-Cpl Ernest Cooze of the KOYLI then in BOROUGHBRIDGE “TOMMY'S” CHEERY Doebertiz camp thanking him for it. LETTER. Letter from Lce-Cpl Percy R. Woodland of B BRIDGWATER CO.-SERGT. MAJOR DIES OF Company 1st SLI to Rev. C. J. Jeal (Baptist Minister WOUNDS. at Boroughbridge). Severe loss to the 6th Somersets – A splendid career in the Army. Account of the death of Co.-Sergt. Major THE EGG COLLECTION IN BRIDGWATER AND W. H. Gamlin at Boulogne General Hospital. Very DISTRICT – OVER 40,000 RECEIVED SINCE good biography of him. MARCH. Note about eggs collected for wounded soldiers and CANNINGTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL BOY'S sailors through the Red Cross. GALLANTRY – BRAVE YOUNG SOLDIER'S VISIT TO OLD SCHOOL. CANNINGTONIANS JOIN THE RAMC. Report of a visit from Cpl T. A. P. Willis D. C. M. to Note that Messrs P & G Allen (see last week) had in the school where he talked to the boys. Detail fact joined the RAMC. account of what he did to get the medal. OLD CANNINGTON SCHOOLBOY DIES OF THE NATIONAL REGISTRATION ACT. - THE WOUNDS. - THE TENTH TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR COLLECTION OF FORMS IN BRIDGWATER. HIS COUNTRY Note that the distribution and eventual tabulation of Note about the death in action of Pte Joseph Squires the information had gone very well. of the 2nd South Lancs Battalion. He was 18 years of age. BRIDGWATER – BIJOU THEATRE very detailed account of that week's programme at A GRATEFUL WOUNDED GERMAN PRISONER the theatre.. – HUMBLE SOUVENIR GIVEN TO BRIDGWATER SOLDIER. Bridgwater Mercury, 25 August 1915. Letter from Lce-Cpl E. Manchip of the RAMC Bridgwater and the War. saying a wounded German prisoner had given him a FIVE SONS SERVING THEIR COUNTRY uniform button in thanks for his help. Note that Mr Ernest Roberts of Valetta Place had 5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. sons serving. Namely Driver Ernest, ASC, Pte [1] The forthcoming Jumble Sale for the Bridgwater Thomas, Coldstream Guards, Driver Charles, ASC, Hospital, the Red Cross etc. From Mr Alfred Berry, Trooper Jesse, West Somerset Yeomanry, Driver Bert, Cannington Park Chairman, Bridgwater Branch NFU. ASC. Another son, William worked in munitions n Wales.. [2] The Price of Bread, from Enquirer. THE LATE COY.-SERGT. MAJOR W. H. GAMLIN Bridgwater Mercury, 1 September, 1915. WELL -KNOWN SOMERSET SOLDIER. Bridgwater and the war. (See last week) Photograph of him. A BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER'S APPEAL – A BROOMFIELD SOLDIER'S REBUKE. FOOTBALL WANTED AT THE FRONT. . Letter from Pte. H. Cross of the 1st Btn. Coldstream Letter from Driver Leslie Rossiter of the 24th Field Guards rebuking slackers at home. Ambulance,8th Division, requesting a football. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 30

SUNK BY THE PIRATES – BRIDGWATER teapot to Pte F. Sweet of the Coldstream Guards. ENGINEER'S EXPERIENCE – ELEVEN HOURS IN AN OPEN BOAT. Bridgwater Mercury, 8 September 1915 Letter from Mr F. Westlake first engineer on the Bridgwater and the War Elder Dempster vessel Bonny sunk by a submarine THE COUNTRY'S CALL: LOCAL FAMILY'S off the Tusker light in the Channel. RESPONSE: FIVE SONS SERVING THEIR TRAINING AS AN OFFICER – BRIDGWATER COUNTRY. SCOUT-MASTER'S SUCCESS. Photograph of the 5 sons of Mr R. Y. Foley, JP, of 'Highlands' Dodington. Lt W. B. Foley, RAMC, Sgt Note that Mr Fred Pocock assistant scoutmaster was th going to Sandhurst. H. A. Foley 6 SLI, Cpl G. R. Foley, Pte E. B. Foley of the 1st Canadians (A wounded POW), Capt F. Y. BRIDGWATER JEWELLER'S SON WITH THE Foley. AUSTRALIANS Note that Sgt. Frank Burgess, son of Mr Burgess, BRIDGWATER SOLDIER ON THE RUSSIAN jeweller, of Eastover, was serving with the NAVAL VICTORY – “IT PUTS A NEW LIFE IN Queensland regiment in Egypt. US” Extract from a letter to Mr E. Chorley, hairdresser of SUCCESSFUL ARMY CYCLIST – PTE. J. North Street from Driver L Rossiter of 24th Field GODDEN IN FORM. Ambulance – he mentions the Russian action. Pte Godden won 4 prizes in the cycling events at an army sports day. CIGARETTES GETTING SCARCE – BRIDGWATER SOLDIER'S LETTER SIX SONS SERVING THEIR COUNTRY – Letter to Mr T. W. Markham, Tobacconist of High BARCLAY-STREET FAMILY'S FINE RECORD Street and Fore Street from Pte Pat Anglin of the Note about the family of Mr & Mrs Noah Trunks. 60 machine gun section of the 1st SLI, thanking him for Barclay Street who were all serving. Peter Trunks, the gift of cigarettes. Says they had a ration of 30 a an AB serving on HMS Albion, Leonard, ASC, week, but a good smoker could use them up in a day. Walter, 3rd SLI, Noah, ASC, Arthur, ASC and George Geen, (a son by Mrs Trunks's first marriage), 3rd BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – THE Gloucesters. See Mercury 22nd September for RUMOUR OF THEIR HOMECOMING photographs Letter from Sgt. C. Culverwell of the Bridgwater Co of the 5th SLI, writing to a friend in Bridgwater from WOUNDED AUSTRALIAN SEEKS Dagshai, India. Talks about the heat. INFORMATION – ADDRESSES OF TENT MATES WANTED PETHERTON SOLDIER UNDER HEAVY SHELL Letter from Pte Joseph Vimm of No 55, B Company FIRE – CONTRIBUTION FOR BRIDGWATER 8th Bttn. 1St Australian Imperial Force, in hospital in HOSPITAL Middlesex. He requested the address of Ptes B and T Rev David Lloyd, pastor of North Petherton Meade, of Bridgwater, who had been in hospital with Congregational Church had received a letter from him. Sapper F. Channing. Mentions being shelled with a burning liquid, and also a powder that poisons and BRIDGWATER SOLDIER HONOURED BY THE burns. Sends a P.O. For 3 shillings for the Hospital TSAR Fund. Sgt C Wilcox of the 1st SLI awarded the Cross and order of St George, (3rd Class). Previously he had CANNINGTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND THE been awarded the DCM for gallantry in the field. WAR – INTERESTING LETTER FROM A WOUNDED OLD BOY PATRIOTIC BRIDGWATER FAMILY Mr G. L Harding, Superintendent of Cannington The 5 sons of Mr E. R. Palmer of Valetta-place all Technical College received a letter from Drummer R. serving. This corrects an article in the previous week J. Bowers, who had been wounded. Mentions a where the family were wrongly named as Roberts. number of old boys, who had been killed or wounded Osborne, Day, Murphy, McGill, Birmingham. SOMERSETS AT RANGOON Note about a supper and concert held by the 2/5th SLI FIVE SONS “DOING THEIR BIT” – ANOTHER Royal Army Temperance Association at Rangoon. BRIDGWATER FAMILY'S FINE RECORD Note about the sons of Capt. W. Bell of Barclay HOME ON LEAVE FROM THE FRONT – Street. Sapper W. Bell, Driver J. Bell, ASC, Sapper PRESENTATION TO AN ENMORE SOLDIER Geo. Bell, Wessex RE, Driver T Bell, in the Brief note about a presentation of a watch and silver Dardanelles, Mr J Bell, involved in Red Cross work . Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 31

the enemy, and getting the mules landed. Describes LOCAL PRISONERS OF WAR IN GERMANY – the small boats to land the troops and ferry the RETURN THANKS FOR ,LOAVES OF BREAD. wounded Letters of thanks received by Mr Erwin Bryant an Eastover baker who sent abroad loaves of long-life LT-COL. R. A. SANDERS M.P. TO PROCEED TO bread. He heard from Cpl S. Southwood 1st SLI (in ACTIVE SERVICE – FAREWELL MESSAGE TO Doeberitz, Pte H. Gillard SLI, (in Doeberitz), W, HIS COINSTITUENTS. Coombs (Paderborn) Cpl D. J. Gillespie (in Note that the North Devon Hussars are under orders Wurzburg). Also cards from Stoker Chas. Hill, RND, for active service. List of officers. Text of Col. (in Doeberitz), J. W. Whetham (in Ruhleben)Pte. J. Sanders's message to his election agent. Hughes, 1st Wilts (in Doeberitz). BRIDGWATER OFFICER DIES OF WOUNDS – Mr Bryant made 8lb loaves and sent them to POWs. LIEUT. A. H. N. CHURCHILL's DEATH IN He has had replies from Geissen, Doeberitz, FRANCE – A PROMINENT LOCAL Wittenberg, Celle, Berlin, Munster, Altdam, FOOTBALLER. Paderborn, Gottingen, Wurzberg and Ruhleban. Lieut Churchill was a machine gun officer with the st A FOOTBALL AT THE FRONT – GENEROSITY 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade. Very detailed account, OF COL. R. A. SANDERS, MP with letters, of his death and funeral, with photo Note that Col. Sanders had bought a football for the portrait of him. He was the son of Mr & Mrs E. H. troops at the front Churchill, 'The Lindens' Wembdon Road, and was aged 24 when he died A TRIP FROM CODFORD Note that a party of troops from the ASC had made a DEPARTURE OF WELL-KNOWN BELGIAN trip to Bridgwater by char-a-banc and were able to REFUGEE – TO ENGAGE IN MUNITIONS visit friends WORK IN FRANCE. An account of M. Servais, an electrician, who with A|PLEASING PROMOTION his wife and children came to Bridgwater as a Note that Mr Charles Davis had been promoted to the refugee. Worked for a while at the Bridgwater rank of Staff Sergeant in the 2/1South Western Electric Light Works Company of the ASC. BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – FRUIT AND “FORGOTTEN BY THEIR TOWNSFOLK” VEGETABLES FOR THE NAVY Letter from an un-named soldier serving with the Letter from Mr W. H. Pain, Local Secretary, Bridgwater Territorials in India complaining about Bridgwater and District Farmers' Co-operative being neglected. Society, asking for surplus fruit and vegetables to send to the Navy. COMMISSION FOR WELL-KNOWN BRIDGWATER CRICKETER. Bridgwater Mercury, 15 September 1915 Mr Leonard Brown, son of Mr Edwin Brown J. P. Bridgwater and the War granted a commission in a machine gun section. BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – A CLEVER WORK BY BRIDGWATER DRAFT FOR THE PERSIAN GULF TERRITORIALS Long unsigned letter from a member of B Coy 2/5 Note about a photo from India – design in small SLI. Bob Turner and Bert Singleton of Bridgwater stones showing a design saying “5th Somerset LI mentioned. Buglers” th WITH THE 1/5 SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY ANOTHER LETTER FROM THE IN INDIA – N.C.O.s AND MEN FOR ACTIVE DARDANELLES. SERVICE. Letter to his mother from Driver Bert Murch of the Lists the names of the men who came from all over ASC. Is hospitalised with trouble in his legs. the county. Of these, only Cpl Galley, Pte Hook and Mentions he soldiers coming from the Empire and Pte Frampton came from Bridgwater and district. the abilities of the Turks. WITH THE A.S.C. AT THE DARDANELLES – BRIDGWATER AND DISTRICT TEACHERS AND BRIDGWATER MAN'S DESCRIPTIVE LETTTER THE WAR FUNDS – TRIBUTE TO THE NAVAL DIVISION. £5 12s 11d contributed this month. Article has some Extracts from 2 letters to his parents, Mr & Mrs S. useful statistics about the schools taking part. Hooper of Bath Road, Bridgwater their son Driver A Hooper of the ASC. Good account of the shelling of Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 32

BRIDGWATER – BIJOU THEATRE SPAXTON OFFICER'S DEATH AT THE An account of that week's performances, including a DARDANELLES – LIEUT J. N. BRAMELD DIES lecture by Horatio Bottomley. OF WOUNDS Note that Lieut. J. N. Brameld of the King's Own Bridgwater Mercury, 22nd September 1915 Scottish Borderers died of wounds at the Dardanelles. Bridgwater and the War He was aged 22 years, and was the son of Mr & Mrs C. N. Brameld of Pightley. His father was a dentist RECRUITING ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE in Bridgwater SOMERSET TERRITORIAL FORCES Men wanted for the Yeomanry, the Engineers and the PATRIOTIC BRIDGWATER FAMILY – FOUR 5th SLI SONS AND A SON IN LAW SERVING Note about the sons of Mrs Heal of Bath Road: BRIDGWATER SCHOOMASTER'S LIFE IN THE Sappers Alfred, and George 2nd Wessex RE; Pte TRENCHES – GRIM AND GAY INCIDENTS OF James, Swansea Battn.; Pte Tom Heal, RMLI, HMS THE WAR – HORSE SOLD FOR A PACKET OF Conqueror; Bugle-Major C. Turner, SLI, India. WOODBINES Letter from Lieut. J. M. Edgar of the 2nd South Staffs BRIDGWATER VOLUNTEER TRAINING (once on the staff at Dr Morgan's School) describing CORPS – FIRST APPEARANCE IN UNIFORM his experiences in the trenches. Report of the Sunday afternoon drill. Col Foster- Barham and Col Daniel present. The following CANNINGTON FAMILY'S PATRIOTISM – FIVE Sunday, Col Thrale Perkins and Col Napier SONS SERVING Perkins expected to be present. Note about the sons of Mr & Mrs Henry Walker of Pridhams, Cannington. Their sons were Herbert FOOD AT THE FRONT – STOUT DENIALOF A Walker of the RFA, Sapper Arthur Walker, Gunner RUMOUR BY A BRIDGWATER SOLDIER. Frank Walker, Gunner Ernest Walker and Driver Extract from an anonymous soldier's letter refuting Fred Walker. the opinion that soldiers were underfed. GRANTED A COMMISSION. A BRIDGWATER SOLDIER'S PROTEST – RENT Mr Clifford Harden Rainey, nephew of Mr Edgar RAISED DURING HIS ABSENCE ON ACTIVE Rainey of St John Street granted a commission as a nd th SERVICE. 2 Lieutenant in the 9 Buffs Letter passed to the Mercury by Mr S. J. Plummer, GRATITUDE FOR CIGARETTES. branch secretary of the Dockers' Union from a union Note about Mr Markham, tobacconist of High and member serving with the 1st SLI. The soldier Fore Streets sending packages of cigarettes to the complained that his rent had been raised, Front. Includes text of a letter of thanks from Cpl. J. notwithstanding that he was on active service. th Richards of the Bridgwater ASC 29 Divisional BRIDGWATER SOLDIERS MEET AT THE FRONT Train – UNEXPECTED CALLERS DUG-OUT. PATRIOTIC FAMILY – SIX SONS IN THE Letter from Cpl E.J. Manchip of the R.A.M.C. FIGHTING FORCES. writing to his mother, saying he had met chaps called Photographs of the sons of Mr Noah Trunks of Cook from Union Street; White from Bath-Road; Barclay Street. See Mercury 1st September for a list Hurford of Albert Street and White of St Matthew's of their names Field. They are all in 6th Battn P.A.S.L.I.. Also Sgt Foley whose picture had been in the Mercury. He th Bridgwater Mercury, 29 September 1915 has met a chap called Reed whose parents had kept a Bridgwater and the War shoe repairing shop in St Mary Street. TOMMY'S LIKES AND DISLIKES – WITTY BURNHAM OFFICER'S DEATH IN FRANCE – LETTER FROM CANNINGTON D.C.M. – “FED SON OF A FORMER BRIDGWATER UP WITH WAR NEWS” GENTLEMAN. Letter to Mr G. L. Harding of Cannington Technical Death reported in the 14th General Hospital, st School from an old boy Cpl T. A. P. Willis, 1 Wimereux, France, of Major Charles Savidge Annand Manchesters humorously describing life in the Akerman, RE son of Mr Charles W. Savidge nd trenches. Cpl Willis was the 2 Cannington old boy Akerman formerly of Bridgwater and now of to receive a DCM, the first being Pte Alexander Burnham. Major Akerman had gone to France with Leahy of the GLoucestershire Rgt. the BEF, and had been one of the first wounded. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 33

BRIDGWATER OFFICER SLIGHTLY WOUNDED FORMER BURNHAM OFFICER KILLED – SHOT Note that Lieut J. M. Edgar, late of the staff of Dr AT GALLIPOLI Morgan's School, had been slightly wounded, and 2nd Lieut Walter Bennet Morgan was killed in the had been repatriated to England. Dardanelles on 9th August. He was in the 13th Division. His elder brother, Capt F. H. L. Morgan, AN UNCONFIRMED RUMOUR adjutant to the 17th R.F.A Brigade 29 Division was Note about a rumour in the town that Pte. Harry also killed on 1st #May. Useful biographical material. Scribbens of the Monmouth Regiment had been killed in action. He was the son of Mr & Mrs Edwin BRIDGWATER OFFICER'S WOUND. Scribbens of Bailey Street. More information about Lieut J. M. Edgar and his th th wound (see 29 September) He was tossed in the air Bridgwater Mercury, 6 October 1915 by a trench mortar bomb which wounded his arm. Bridgwater and the War BRIDGWATER SOLDIER'S VALOUR – PATRIOTIC BRIDGWATER FAMILY – FOUR SUGGESTED TESTIMONIAL SONS AND A SON-IN-LAW SERVING. Letter from the Mayor, Councillor F. G. Haggett Photographs of the family of Mrs Heal of Bath Road. th suggesting that Sgt Willcox be presented with a gold See 29 September for a list of names. watch. CANNINGTON FARMER'S SON WOUNDED – BRIDGWATER ARTILLERY MAN KILLED – SEVERE INJURIES FROM SHRAPNEL. th MEMBER OF A PATRIOTIC FAMILY – FIVE Note that Pte Harold Berry, 6 SLI, son of Mr Alfred SONS IN THE ARMY. Berry of The Park, Cannington was wounded by News that Driver Wm. Manchip of the Royal shrapnel. Garrison Artillery was killed on 3rd September. Useful COMMISSION FOR ALDERMAN F. C. FOSTER'S biographical material about him and the family. SON – PROMOTION FROM THE RANKS. WELL-KNOWN LOCAL FOOTBALLER Mr Arnold Martin Foster gazetted as 2nd Lieut in 3/1 th th WOUNDED 5 SLI. He originally enlisted in the 8 Bttn of the News that Pte Tom Woods, 3rd Battn Grenadier Lincolnshire Rgt. Guards was wounded in the hand but recovering well. COLONEL SANDERS' GIFT OF A FOOTBALL – He was an ex-Bridgwater Albion, Somerset County LETTER OF THANKS FROM THE FRONT. and International player. Letters received by Mr E. Chorley, hairdresser of th OTHER BRIDGWATER MEN WOUNDED North Street from Driver L Rossiter of 24 Field Note that Pte Edward Kirk, SLI and Frederick Ambulance; Lce Cpl E. J. Manchip R.A.M.C. And Charles Stoodley of the Wessex Engineers had both Driver B. Ackland, ASC. Some quotations given. been wounded. WITH THE MECHANICAL TRANSPORT IN PATHETIC PICTURE POSTCARD FRANCE – BRIDGWATER TRADESMAN'S Mercury received from Pte H.Gillard of the CHEERY LETTER Somersets a picture postcard showing a military Letter quoted from Pte A. T. Harding of the funeral at the Doeberitz POW camp, Germany. Mechanical Transport Section. Before joining up he had a cycle and motor business in Eastover. Good RECRUITING EFFORT AT BRIDGWATER – biographical detail. MEETINGS DURING THE FAIR – TOWN VISITED BY SOMERSET HEROES. WEMBDON SOLDIER DIES OF WOUNDS – Very long account of the proceedings. Meetings were RECEIVED IN ACTION IN THE DARDANELLES th held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Band of Account of the death of Sgt Clifford Day 5 Btn the 3/1 5th SLI and speeches from: Sgt C. Wilcox Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was the son of Mr DCM and Russian Grand Cross; Cpl Newberry, Walter Henry Day of Church Road Wembdon. Some DCM, 2 South African medals, Coronation Medal biographical detail. Mentions his brother, Walter in and the Russian Grand Cross; Sgt-Maj Dye, South the RNAS; African Medal; Colour-Major Guest, Sgt Burge, CRICKETER AS STOKER – LIEUT S.M.J. DCM; Sgt Archer, DCM and French Medaille WOODS'S FEAT IN THE DARDANELLES Militaire. Lce Cpl Kavanagh, Sgt Davis, Russian Note that Lieut Woods had worked for six hours in Order; Sgt W. Phillips. the heat of a stoke hold when the regular stokers were THURSDAY'S PROCEEDINGS overcome by heat. He was a Somerset and Col Trevor presided. Noted that 12 recruits were International cricketer and rugby forward. gained. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 34

RUGBY FOOTBALL – 5TH SOMERSET L.I. v A A PROTEST FROM THE TRENCHES BRIDGWATER XV – IN AID OF THE SOLDIERS' An unsigned letter supporting Mr S. J. Plummer of FUND. the Dock Workers' Union over the increase in rent of Full list of both teams. a serving soldier. ( see September 29th ) Bridgwater Mercury, 13th October 1915 COMMISSION FOR WELL-KNOWN Bridgwater and the War BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER Frank J. Barton eldest son of Mr. T. J. Barton of ANOTHER PATRIOTIC BRIDGWATER FAMILY – Street, late of Bridgwater had been gazetted to the FIVE SOLDIER SONS Wessex RE. His brother H. R. Barton had been Set of photographs of the sons of Mr & Mrs James promoted to Sergeant Dispenser of the 80th Field Manchip of Old Taunton Road. Driver William, Ambulance of the RAMC in France. RGA (killed in action); Bugler Walter Stanley, 1st Australian Contingent; Sapper Ernest, Wessex RE; MISSING CANNINGTON SOLDIER SAFE. Sapper Frank, Wessex RE; Driver Harry, ASC. Pte Edward Berry, one of the 4 sons of Mr Alfred Berry, who had been reported missing in France, was BRIDGWATER OFFICER KILLED IN ACTION – reported as safe. SECOND LIEUT R. H. BASKER. With photograph. Is a good biography of some THE LATE LIEUT. RUDOLPH SYMONS – A.S.C. length. He was a dentist and worked in Bristol. He SYMPATHY FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN was the younger son of Mr J. A. Basker, chemist and Extract from a letter by Driver S. F. Evans, ASC mineral water manufacturer of Fore Street. He served 29thj Divisional Train to his father of St John Street with the 8th SLI. expressing his condolences to the family, and wishing to be remembered to Sgt Lockyer. MORE EGGS WANTED FOR THE WOUNDED Report about the Egg Collection Depot. 49,876 AEROPLANE OVER BRIDGWATER collected in Bridgwater to date. Very brief report of an aeroplane seen over Bridgwater. ANOTHER STOGURSEY SOLIDER KILLED Brief report (with photograph) of Pte. R. E. P. Howe, STOGURSEY SOLDIER WOUNDED of Stogursey. Brief report that Pte John Rich, son of Mr & Mrs J Rich of Well Cottage, Stogursey had been wounded BRIDGWATER RESIDENT INJURED AT THE in action in France. FRONT – MOTOR CAR FALLS INTO A “JACK JOHNSON” HOLE. BRIDGWATER MAN WOUNDED Letter to Capt Alexander of Eastover from Pte James Report that Pte W Flack, 2nd Battn Grenadier Guards Runnells of the Mechanical Transport, who drove his had been wounded in France by shrapnel. Text of motor car into a shell hole while delivering postcard. ammunition, injuring himself. RUSSIAN FLAG DAY IN BRIDGWATER WEMBDON SERGEANT'S DEATH – SUCCUMBS Letter from the Mayor Cllr F. G. Haggett saying a TO WOUNDS RECEIVED IN THE DARDANELLS flag day for Russia was to be held on 27th October. th Photograph of Sgt Clifford Day of the 5 Battn th Inniskilling Fusiliers (See October 6th) Bridgwater Mercury, 20 October 1915 Bridgwater and the War SYMPATHY OF LADY LONSDALE Letter to the parents of Sgt Day from Lady Grace C. THE “SOMERSETS” IN INDIA: A BRIDGWATER Lonsdale, of Lowther Castle, Penrith, where Sgt Day RUGBY TEAM. had worked as a gardener. Encloses a letter to his Photograph of the team of the 1/5 SLI stationed at parents from Lce Cpl Robert Clarke of the same unit Dagshai, India. All the players are from Bridgwater who had been wounded at the same time. Names are: F. Haysham; C. Durant; C. Marden; B. Croker; R. Williams; J. Haste; W, Frampton; EXCITING EXPERIENCES IN THE F. Howard; S. Kendal; A. Irish; J Manchip; W. DARDANELLES – RECORD OF BRIDGWATER Perry; J. Slocombe; G. Dyer; F. Wills and H. AUCTIONEER'S NEPHEW. Manchip Detailed account of the service of PO H. Stiling of HM Australian Navy, a submariner. He was the KILLED BY A MINE EXPLOSION – LOCAL MAN nephew of Mr W. Stiling the Bridgwater auctioneer. KILLED IN FRANCE Report of the death of Pte Bertie Albert Woolen of He was a torpedo instructor. He served in New st Guinea and the Dardanelles the 1 Devons and attached to the REs. He was the son of Mr & Mrs Henry John Woollan of Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 35

Wyldesborough Terrace, Bristol Road. AN APPEAL FOR OUR SAILORS AND MINE- SWEEPERS. SHOT BY A SNIPER – FATE OF A BRIDGWATER Letter from Mr W. H. Pain of the Vegetable Products TEACHER'S HUSBAND Committee requesting fruit and vegetables for sailors Report of the death of Pte Marcus Pike, of the on duty in the North Sea. Grenadier Guards. He was killed in France on 6th October. His wife was a teacher at St Mary's Girls' RUGBY MATCH BEHIND THE FIRING LINE – and Infants' School. They had married in June 1914 BRIDGWATER PLAYERS HELP TO BEAT THE WARWICKS SCHOOLMASTER WOUINDED Letter from Lce Cpl W Bonney 1st Battn SLI AND MISSING – ANXIETY FELT REGARDING describing a rugby match.. With list of players. Pte SGT NORMAN J. REYNOLDS. th Anglin, Lce-Cpl Roman and Pte Alsbury were from News that Sgt Reynolds 8 Bttn SLI, head teacher at Bridgwater Council School reported as missing. Good biography A RUMOUR CONTRADICTED Note from Mrs Bailey, 29 Polden Street to say that BERROW SOLDIER'S DEATH IN THE her son Pte W. G. Bailey of the 3rd Btn Coldstream TRENCHES – “ONE OF THE BEST MEN IN THE Guards was safe and well, with an extract from his COMPANY”. letter. Report that Lce Cpl A. J. Harris had been killed by shelling in France He was the son of Mrs J. Harris of ARMY SERVICE CORPS FOOTBALL MATCH – Brent Road, Berrow. BRIDGWATER TEAM SUCCESSFUL Brief note about a match at Codford. Names were BACK FROM THE FRONT – BRIDGWATER Cpl Jarvis, 2nd Cpl Manchip, 2nd Cpl Hellier, 2nd Cpl POLICE CONSTABLE HOME ON LEAVE. Turner, Pts Hoyal, Neath, and Drivers Pearce, Ross, Shoeing Smith H. J. Fry of the RA home on leave. Hobbs, Hampson and Gillingham. WESSEX ENGINEERS RUGBY FOOTBALL COMMISSION FOR BRIDGWATER RESIDENT'S CLUB SON. Note that 2 matches were played at Ilford Camp Brief notedthat Cpl Victor W. Helps of the Signal AN APPEAL – 4TH BTN S. W. BORDERERS Corps had been gazetted as a 2nd Lieut in the SLI. He Note that Mrs Kitchen of Oakford House, Nether was the son of Mr E. W. Helps, “Westleigh”, Stowey was appealing for comforts for the troops in Durleigh Road, Bridgwater Gallipoli. Bridgwater Mercury, 27th October 1915 OLD MORGANIAN DIES OF WOUNDS – PTE Bridgwater and the War CYRIL HENDERSON th PATRIOTIC BRIDGWATER FAMILY He was in the 9 H.L.I. (Glasgow Highlanders) and Photographs of 3 Sons and one son-in-law of Mrs was killed in France. He had been at Dr Morgans as a Geen, Friarn Street: Pte W. Geen, 10th Devons, Sgt boy and was a grandson of Dr M. Shannon, a G. Geen, 1st Somersets; Pte T. Geen, Coldstream Bridgwater resident. Guards; Pte J. Hooper, 8th SLI GRATITUDE FOR CIGARETTES – READY TO WITH THE CANADIANS AT THE FRONT – MOVE FORWARD AND “DO IN THE HUNS” ADVENTURE OF A RECONNOITRING PATROL. Note that Mr T. W. Markham, tobacconist of High Interesting letter from Pte A. J. Ford of the 31st Battn. Street and Fore Street had received a letter from Cpt Canadian Expeditionary Force to sister, Mrs Wilcox Henning of the SLI. of Halesleigh Road. He describes some action in ROMANCE OF THE BATTLEFIELD – France. INTERESTING WEDDING AT BRIDGWATER FOOTBALL AT THE FRONT Report of a marriage between Sapper Ernest Hooper Brief note about a letter from Pte J. Anglin RE, and Mlle Marie Swindaw of Bailleul, France at concerning the football match noted last week. St John's Church. Sapper Hooper's family lived at Polden Street WITH THE 6th SOMERSETS IN THE GREAT ATTACK – BRIDGWATER SOLDIER'S A WORD FROM THE FRONT TO ELIGIBLES EXPEERIENCES Extract from a letter written by Cpl E. J. Manchip Letter from Pte T. Kirk of the 6th SLI about the attack RAMC commenting on the small number of men that began on 25th September 1915. He was writing to who volunteered at the recent recruiting drive at the Mr L. Goodand of North Street. Fair Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 36

WITH THE 7TH SOMERSETS AT THE FRONT – N. Division Signallers; Scout L. Cattle, RND; LETTER FROM A BRIDGWATER SERGEANT Second E. Turner and Scout E. Squire, coastguard Letter of thanks to TW Markham, tobacconist, Fore duties. St & High St, Bridgwater from Sgt A. W. Howell of th CANNINGTON MAN SERIOUSLY WOUNDED the 7 Battn SLI commenting on fighting in the th trenches. Pte G. Tucker of the 6 SLI son of Mr G. Tucker, Frog Street, Cannington reported as seriously BRIDGWATER BORN SOLDIER KILLED IN wounded.

ACTION – HIS SECOND VISIT TO THE FRONT rd Note that Pte Leonard Nowell of the Welsh Guards Bridgwater Mercury, 3 November 1915 had been killed in action. Resident at Llandaff, he Bridgwater and the War had been born in Bridgwater, his father being FOUR BRIDGWATER BROTHERS SERVING employed by the Corporation. Photographs of the 4 sons of Mr & Mrs T. Pitman, FRESH VEGETABLES &c FOR THE FLEET – 17 Blacklands. Pte Hedley Pitman, RAMC (France); Bugler Sidney Pitman 1/5th SLI (India); Driver Jack REMARKABLE RESULTS ACHIEVED IN A rd YEAR. Pitman ASC; Pte Victor Pitman, 3 Gloucesters. Report of the Vegetable Products Committee from Mr W. H. Pain of . Detailed financial CANNINGTON FAMILY'S PATRIOTISM – 5 statement. SOLDIER SONS Photographs of the sons of Mr & Mrs Henry Walker PATRIOTIC MESSAGE FROM THE STATES of Pridhams , Cannington, Driver Herbert Walker Letter from Revd T. W. Buckley, Rector of the R.F.A. (BEF); Sapper Arthur Walker, RE; Gunner Church of the Epiphany, Sedan, Kansas, USA. It Frank Walker, HQ Staff , (BEF), Gunner Ernest concerns his nephew Sydney Bucklee Hauser, of Walker R.F.A (BEF); Driver Fred Walker (BEF) Burnham, who had been gazetted. FOUR BROTHERS SERVING – NATIVES OF BRIDGWATER SERGEANT AWARDED THE DUNWEAR D.C.M – THE SECOND LOCAL SOLDIER TO Photograph of the 4 sons of Mr Stephen Britton late WIN THE DISTINCTION. of Dunwear. Pte Ted Britton (Australian Contin- Report that Sergt G. Hill of the RAMC had been gent); Pte Charles Britton (Royal Marines); Pte Bert received the award. His parents lived at Moat Lane. Britton (Australian Contingent); Pte Fred Britton Useful interview he gave the paper. (Australian Contingent). ADMIRAL JELLICOE AND THE CHILDREN – SUCCOURING THE WOUNDED IN THE TRAFALGER DAY MESSSAGE DARDANELLES – BRIDGWATER CORPORAL'S Text of message he sent to all the children of the EXPERIENCES – THE EMPIRE'S GREAT Empire. RESOURCES Report of an interview with Cpl L. Bryer, RAMC. WITH THE R.H.A. AT THE FRONT – He was the son of Mr Charles Bryer of Friarn Street. BRIDGWATER MAN DESCRIBES HIS He served on a hospital ship EXPERIENCES – THE LUCKY BATTERY. Report of an interview given by Driver Charles FOOTBALL BEHIND THE TRENCHES – Hockey of the R. H. A. (Z Battery). He lives at 131 BRIDGWATER SOLDIER'S LETTER St John Street. Letter from Pte C. Kirk 6th SLI. Mentions knowing Ern Cook, Bill Hurford, Jack Milton and Bill PROMOTION FOR LOCAL MAN. Young, RFA. Pte J. Wilkins, A.S.C (Motor Transport) promoted Lance Cpl. He lived at 65 Halesleigh Road. BRIDGWATER GUARDSMAN SEVERELY WOUNDED. BRIDGWATER SEA SCOUTS ON ACTIVE Note that Pte E. Pratt of the Grenadier Guards had SERVICE th been shot in the head and feet. He was the son of Mr Second E. Turner and Scout E Squire of the 4 S Pratt of Victoria Terrace, North Street. Bridgwater sent to Cornwall for coastguard duties. 11 members serving in the forces or on coastguard BRIDGWATER MEN AT THE FRONT – AN duties, namely Scoutmaster W. L. Barnett, RAMC; INTERESTING GROUP. Asst Scoutmaster E. Bell, 5th SLI; Patrol Leader F. Photograph of 11 Bridgwater men serving with the Gillson and Second F. Hook 5th SLI Signallers, 10th Devons. B. Smith; E. Duddridge; W. Geen; B. Burma; Patrol Leader C. Haste, 4th SLI; Second J. Dyer; W. Smith; H. Hobbs; J. Morris; B. Russell; Hembury, King's Royal Rifles; Scout E. Williams R. L. Dart; J. Harris. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 37

Note at top 'Continued from p 6' PROMOTION FOR BRIDGWATER NAVAL. OFFICER BRIDGWATER SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION – Brief note that Sub-Lieut Reginald Arthur Canner SON OF AN INDIAN MUTINY HERO. st had been promoted to Lieut. He was serving on HMS Report of the death of Pte Lionel Burge, 1 Battn Stag. His parents were Mr & Mrs Canner of St John Grenadier Guards, His father, the late Richard Burge Street, Bridgwater. had been in the Indian Mutiny. With photograph. SOMERSET LABOURERS' COMPANY – ON A TORPEDO CRUISER – EXPERIENCES OF BRIDGWATER RECRUITS A SEAMAN GUNNER Brief note that 12 Bridgwater men had joined. Interview with Seaman-Gunner J. Maddocks of HMS Roxburgh and formerly of Canningon Technical LOCAL MULE DEPOT ATTENDANTS IN KHAKI School. Brief note that the men working at the local mule depots had enlisted. SOMERSETS AT FOOTBALL IN BURMA – BRIDGWATER MEN PLAY WELL. RUSSIAN FLAG DAY IN BRIDGWATER – Report of a football match played at Rangoon, taken TOMORROW'S EFFORT from the Rangoon Gazette. Note about the flag day to raise funds for the Russian Red Cross. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER MISSING IN THE PERSIAN GULF – ACTED AS A STOWAWAY TO WANTED, A MELODEON GET TO THE FRONT. Letter from Pte F. Partridge, 6th SLI, asking for Report that Pte W. R. Frampton of the 1/5th SLI had musical instruments, and in particular a melodeon. gone missing during fighting between the British and Pte Partridge lived at Bath Road. the Turks in the Persian Gulf. An interesting story. BRIDGWATER GUARDSMAN DIES OF GOATHURST SOLDIER SEVERELY WOUNDED WOUNDS-- AFTER A YEAR AT THE FRONT. – A SHELL AMIDST A BOMBING PARTY. Report that Cpl Ernest William Warren of the 2nd Report that Pte J. Speed of the 3rd Worcestershire Battn Grenadier Guards had been killed. His mother Regiment had been wounded at the front. lived at Salmon Parade . He was 24 years of age and a bomb thrower. BRIDGWATER SOILDIER'S DEATH IN HOSPITAL – INVALIDED HOME FROM THE WEST SOMERSET YEOMANRY IN ACTION – FRONT. CANNINGTON MAN DANGEROUSLY Report of the death of Pte Ernest George Lewis of WOUNDED. the1st SLI. Invalided home with enteric fever and Brief report that Cpl Levi (Bert) Davis of the WSY died in Bridgwater Union Hospital. He was buried at had been wounded. His wife lived at High Street, Wembdon Road Cemetery. He was the son of Mr & Cannington. Mrs Frederick Lewis of Gloucester Place, Friarn Street. Report includes photographs of the 4 brothers, BRIDGWATER AND DISTRICT TEACHERS AND Lce Cpl W. J. Lewis, SLI (BEF); Pte Ernest George THE WAR FUND. Lewis (deceased); Lce Cpl E. F. M Lewis SLI (BEF) Brief note that £3 4 1 had been donated this month. and Pte Harry Lewis, SLI (BEF) List of contributions by school. WITH THE SOMERSETS AT THE FRONT – OUR ILLUSTRATIONS THIS WEEK BRIDGWATER LANCE-CORPORAL RELATES Note that photographs of family groups of soldiers HIS EXPERIENCES – WOUNDED FOUR TIMES were on pp 6 and 8 this week. Long interview with Lce Cpl E. F. Lewis (See BRIDGWATER TRADESMEN'S SONS ENLIST. previous entry). He was a machine gunner attached to Note that Fred Bouchier and Leonard Palmer had the 1st SLI. An interesting account of his experiences. joined the RFC as motorcycle despatch riders. BRIDGWATER CABINET CO'S EMPLOYEES RECRUITS FOR THE ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION ENLIST – SIX JOIN THE ROYAL FLYING Brief note that some recruits had gone from Bridgwater CORPS. Report that Fred Growtage; James Brayley; Harry Day; Oliver Parker; E. Broughton and H. Lewis. Report has details of a smoking concert the firm organised to send them off. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 38

Bridgwater Mercury, 10th November 1915 Bridgwater Mercury, 17th November 1915 Bridgwater and the War Bridgwater and the War CANNINGTON'S SHARE IN THE WAR – FOUR BRIDGWATER COUNCILLOR'S SONS – THREE SONS ON ACTIVE SERVICE ON FOREIGN SERVICE Photographs of the 4 sons of Mr Alfred Berry of Photographs of the sons of Cllr J. King of Polden Cannington Park. Alex Berry, Australian Light Street. Pte Herbert Charles King 1/5th SLI (Dagshai, Horse; Lce Cpl H. Berry 6th SLI; Lce Cpl Edward J. India); Pte J. H. King 1/5th SLI (Persian Gulf); Berry 6th SLI; Lce Cpl O. W. Berry 6th SLI. Useful Signaller W. D. King, 2/5th SLI (Rangoon). Useful biographical material. biographical material. BRIDGWATER MAN DIES OF WOUNDS BRIDGWATER FAMILY'S SHARE IN THE WAR Photograph of Cpl E. W. Warren, 2nd Battn Grenaier Photographs of the sons and sons in law of Mrs Guards. Letter to his mother, Mrs Warren, 53 Salmon Baker, 63 Mount Street. Lce Cpl. W. Thomas, Parade. This was reported in previous week's issue. Wessex ASC; Leading Stoker W White, RN; Leading Stoker J Thomas RN; Sapper F. White, Wessex RE; LIEUTENANT J. M. EDGAR RETURNS TO Lce Cpl J. Thomas, Wessex ASC. Useful BRIDGWATER – WOUNDED IN THE GREAT biographical material. ATTACK. Interview with Lieut Edgar, South Staffordshire FOR KING AND COUNTRY – LOCAL FAMILY'S Regt, about his experiences. He had been wounded SPLENDID EXAMPLE and gassed. He was a member of the Bridgwater Photographs of the sons and sons in law of Mr Henry football club and on the staff at Dr Morgan's School. Saunders, Chilton Street, Bridgwater. Pte J. Bale, 5th SLI; Pte Hy Saunders 5th SLI; Pte Albert BRIDGWATER FOOTBALLER JOINS THE Biddiscombe, 5th SLI; Pte C Parker, 5th SLI; Sgt COLOURS. Wm. Saunders, 5th SLI Brief note that Mr Tom Summerhays, of the Bridgwater Rugby Club had joined the Civil Service BRIDGWATER & DISTRICT TEACHERS' Rifles. ASSOCIATION AND THE WAR FUNDS Report that the latest donation had been sent. ENMORE SOLDIER'S DEATH – SUCCUMBS TO THE WOUINDS RECEIVED IN GALLIPOLI. BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – A Report, with photograph, that Pte Henry George Bird CANDID LETTER of the Royal Irish Regiment had died of gunshot Letter from some men of D Co. 1/5SLI, Dagshai. wounds, and was buried at sea. Useful biographical India about a complaint the Mercury had previously information. published that the troops did not get comforts from home. Interesting detail about pay, tobacco etc. LIFE ON A TROOPSHIP – FORMER BRIDGWATER RESIDENT'S GRANDSON'S MEMBER OF THE BIJOU THEATRE STAFF EXPERIENCES. ENLISTS. Account of life on a troopship received from Pte Note that Mr Walter J. Hooper who was a member of Douglas John Kitch He was the grandson of Mr J. the theatre's management had enlisted in the Royal Kitch and son in law of Mrs Thomas Kitch of Naval Division Moorland. Useful information about the daily routine on board the troopship. THE SOUTH WEST YEOMANRY – EXCITING VOYAGE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN. RUGBY FOOTBALL AT THE FRONT – WELL- Note that Trooper Stanley Hillman of the WSM and KNOWN PLAYERS AT THE FRONT. attached to the 11th Division had landed. His mother Letter from Pte J. Anglin of the 1st SLI was Mrs Hillman of Cogload, Durston. FIVE SONS WITH THE COLOURS – WITH THE WEST SOMERSET YEOMANRY – BRIDGWATER FAMILY'S FINE RECORD. CANNINGTON MAN'S BRAVERY AFTER BEING Photograph of the five sons of Mr George Gillson of WOUNDED. Bristol Road, Bridgwater. Cpl Geo Gillson (South Report that Cpl Levi (Bert) Davis with the WSY had African Infantry); Cpl Wilfred Gillson, 10th been wounded. Prints a letter from Mrs Cely Worcester Regt; Wheeler Harold Gillson, ASC; Trevilion of Midelney Place, Curry Rivel with details Driver Percy Gillson, ASC; Signaller Fred Gillson of the wound. Her husband was Cpl Davis's CO. 2/5th SLI. Useful biographical information. There was a brief note about the wounding 2 weeks ago. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 39

CIGARETTES FOR THE A.S.C. – BRIDGWATER Bridgwater Mercury, 24th November 1915 TRADESMAN THANKED. Bridgwater and the War Letters from Cpl R. J. Bamsey and Sgt R. Street thanking Mr Markham, Tobacconist of Bridgwater WEMBDON BROTHERS ON ACTIVE SERVICE for the gifts. Photographs pf the 3 sons of Mr & Mrs Wm Clements of Treforest, Pontyprydd and formerly of BRIDGWATER SCOUTMASTER ENLISTS Wembdon. Pte Sydney Clements. 8Th SLI; Gunner Note that Mr Pursey Short of Taunton and nephew of W. J. Clements RFA; Driver J. Clements RHA. Cllr W. H. J. Masding of Bridgwater had enlisted Useful biographical material. with the RND , having been rejected 4 times previously DURSTON FARMER'S PATRIOTIC SONS – FOUR DOING THEIR BIT. GRATITUDE FOR SMOKES. Photographs of the sons of Mr Edward Hilman of Letter from Pte P. Anglin of the machine gun section Cogload, Durston. Lnce Cpl C Hilman, C Squadron SLI to Mr T. W. Markham, tobacconist of 15th Hussars; Trooper F. Hilman, NSY; Trooper S Bridgwater thanking him for sending cigarettes. Hilman, WSY; Trooper W. Hilman [No unit stated]. Useful biographical material. BRIDGWATER COUNCILLOR'S SON JOINS THE ARMY. GRATITUDE FOR CIGARETTES – ACKNOW- Brief note that Mr Stanley Masding, only son of Cllr LEDGEMENT FROM BRIDGWATER BOY IN W. H. J. Masding has enlisted in the Artists' Rifles THE DARDANELLES Letter from Farrier Cpl W. Sealey of the A.S.C. To BACK FROM THE FRONT – BRIDGWATER Mr T. W. Markham, tobacconist of High Street SOLDIER INVALIDED HOME. Bridgwater, thanking him for the parcel of cigarettes Note that Pte Reginald Trelease of the 1/4th Battn of the Oxford and Bucks LI has been invalided home SOMERSET BRIDGE SCHOOLS – COMFORTS with jaundice. He is the son of Mr & Mrs Charles CONTRIBUTIONS. Trelease of the Ferns, Taunton Road. Letter from Sgt J. Broadhead of the KOYLI to Mr E. Bradfield, headmaster of Somerset Bridge School PATRIOTIC BRIDGWATER SCOUTS thanking the school for the parcel of cigarettes. List of members of the 3rd Bridgwater Troop who had enlisted. Pte A.M.S. Burn RE, Indian Army, Burma; A LOCAL DESPATCH RIDER Cpl H. Jenkin, London Rifle Brigade, France; C Mr Roy Robinson, stepson of the late Mr H.W. Carver, SLI, India; F. Pocock, R. G. Artillery, RMA Chapman, solicitor of Bridgwater has enlisted as a Woolwich; R.T. C. Black 9th Royal Scots, France; W. despatch rider in the RFC. Myers, SLI, Burma; H Bouchier, SLI, India; C. Bowerman, NSY, France; C. Bradfield, RFA; R. BRIDGWATER VETERINARY SURGEON'S SON Colsey, Civil Service Rifles, France; H. Guy, ENLISTS. Westminster Fusiliers (Canadians), France; D. Note that Mr H. J. Potts, son of Mr Harry Potts, Croker, RE, Salisbury Plain; H Rides, RFC. veterinary surgeon of Bridgwater has enlisted in the Artists' Rifles. In addition the following were serving as coastguards at Polruan, Cornwall. C. Babbage; W. Babbage; I. REPORTED MISSING IN THE PERSIAN GULF – Banks; A. E. Bovett; H. Chinn; K. Croker; R. NEWS OF THE SAFETY OF PTE W. R. Sheppard; T. Walters. FRAMPTON Letter from Pte Frampton (1/5th SLI) to his mother, LORD DERBY'S SCHEME – BOOM IN saying he had been hospitalised with sun stroke. RECRUITING IN BRIDGWATER. Report that recruiting had increased in the town. THE ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION – DEPARTURE OF BRIDGWATER RECRUITS. WITH THE A.S.C. IN EGYPT – BRIDGWATER Report that 16 recruits had departed Bridgwater. No N.C.O'S INTERESTING LETTER APPEAL FOR names given. Mentions that Supt. W. H. Williams of CHRISTMAS GIFTS. the County Police was the hon. recruiting officer. Letter from Staff Sgt Major P Kendal of the ASC in Alexandria. Interesting account of camp routine. BRIDGWATER RUGBY FOOTBALLER'S RETURN HOME. WOOLAVINGETON – ABSENT WITHOUT Note that Mr Frank Dibble of the Australian LEAVE contingent had returned home to Somerset Bridge on Note that Bombardier George Morse of the RFA was leave. in court for being absent without leave. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 40

BRIDGWATER TERRITORIALS IN RANGOON VISITING WOUNDED SOLDIERS – AN OFFER Note that on another page was a photograph of the FROM BIRMINGHAM whole of the Bridgwater Territorials stationed in Note that the Selly Oak, Birmingham Branch, of the Rangoon [See later.] National British Woman's Temperance Association were willing to visit wounded Bridgwater soldiers in CIGARETTES FOR THE 6TH SOMERSETS – their area and offer overnight accommodation to LETTER OF THANKS. Bridgwater visitors. Letter from Lce Cpl R. W. Ryall of the 6th SLI to Mr H. H. Allen, tobacconist of 14 St Mary St, thanking FORMER BRIDGWATER RESIDENT WITH THE him for a parcel of cigarettes. CANADIANS – THE DOMAIN'S LOYALTY Report about Pte Charles Bridger, Machine Gun CHRISTMAS PARCELS FOR PRISONERS OF Section 60th Battn. 4Th Canadian Division ahw as in WAR. Bridgwater on leave. Useful biographical Brief note about parcels for POWs in Holland and information. Germany. WESSEX R.E. RUGBY CLUB SOMERSET RECRUITING COMMITTEE – AN Letter from Lieut W. H. Tamlyn to the Albion Rugby INTERESTING COUNTY LIST. Club about games the R.E. team had played. List of the Parliamentary Recruiting Committees with names and addresses of the Chairmen and WEMBDON SOLDIER WOUNDED. Secretaries. Brief note that Pte Herbert Male of the KRR had For Bridgwater – Joint Chairmen – R. Y. Foley JP, been wounded. He was the son of Mr Wm Male of Highlands, Dodington and J. S. Prentice, JP, New Wembdon and it was the second time he had been Wood Ilminster. Joint Hon Secretaries – L H Hayter, wounded. Chatham House, Bridgwater and W. G. Croucher, The Cottage Wembdon. Office address – Territorial “SOMERSETS SECOND TO NONE” – Hall, Bridgwater. BRIDGWATER SOLDIER INTERVIEWED Interview with Lce Cpl W. Jessie Lewis, 1st SLI and M.P.s AND THEIR SALARIES – ATTITUDE OF son of Mr & Mrs Frank Lewis of Gloucester Place, LIEUT COL R. A .SANDERS Friarn Street who was home on leave. Interesting Note that Col Sanders was not drawing his salary account of bombing techniques etc. while on active service. DEATH IN ACTION OF CAPTAIN J. NELSON [Separate cutting] TRAYLER – BRIDGWATER COUNCILLOR'S TERRITORIALS IN BURMA – THE BEREAVEMENT. BRIDGWATER MEN STATIONED AT RANGOON Note that Capt. J. Nelson Traylor, 11th Devonshire Group photograph of all the men. The only one Regiment died at home after a long illness. He was named is Capt M.A.P. Luscombe , well known in the son of Councillor J. N. Traylor of Friarn Street. Bridgwater footballing circles. ENGINEERS ENLIST Bridgwater Mercury, 1st December 1915 Seven of the staff of Messrs W & F Wills had Bridgwater and the War enlisted in the Army Ordnance Corps under the Derby Scheme. They were Messrs A. D. Roberts; H. BRIDGWATER FAMILY'S PATRIOTISM – FIVE B. Glover; W. Cowill; C. H. Prescott; W. Cann, V. SONS SERVING. Carter and G. Gibbs Photographs of the sons of Mr & Mrs Charles Bale, the Bathing Place, West Street, Bridgwater. Gunner HOME ON LEAVE H. Bale, RFA; [Gunner] James Bale, RGA; Gunner Sgt E. Wadmore, Royal Sanitary Corps; Cpl Wilfred Wm Bale RGA; Driver Chas Bale ASC; Sapper Bert Pollard, ASC (MT); and Sapper Arnold Pepperell, Bale, RE RE LOCAL CANADIAN FALLS IN ACTION – PTE ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION CECIL J. LETHABY. Men enlisted were Owen James Carey, 15 Fore Long account of the death in action of Pte Cecil J. Street, Bridgwater; Arthur James Winter, 36 St John Lethaby, son of Mr R. J. Lethaby of Alexandra Road, Street, Bridgwater; Regd. Frank Morris, 36 St Johns assistant to the Town Clerk. Includes letters from his Street, Bridgwater; and Albert Reed, 10 Harbour officer and the unit chaplain. Before emigrating he Villas, Chilton Street, Bridgwater had been a bank-clerk in Bath. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 41

Another cutting for 1st December 1915 WEST SOMERSETS IN THE DARDANELLES – QUANTOXHEAD TROOPER'S EXPERIENCES BRIDGWTER FAMILY'S SOLDIERS – THREE ON Letter from Trooper F Adams son of Mr Fred ACTIVE SERVICE. Adams, Court Farm East, Quantoxhead Photographs of the sons and son in law of Mrs Mary Ann Edney, Union Street, Bridgwater. Pte B. Edney, ANXIOUS FORA FRIEND'S ADDRESS – 1st SLI; Cpl W. J. Edney Duke of Cornwall's LI; Pte INTERESTING LETTER FROM THE FRONT S Gorge, 8th SLI. Letter from Cpl L. J. D. Fry of the 188th Coy RE trying to locate a Pte J. Barnard, now in India. FOR KING AND COUNTRY – FOUR BRIDGWATER BROTHERS SERVING. BRIDGWATER OFFICER'S DEATH – FUNERAL Photographs of the four sons of Mr & Mrs Henry AT CLEVEDON' Hobbs of Albert Buildings , Northgate, Bridgwater. Report of the funeral of Capt J. Nelson Traylor of the Pte W. Hobbs, 5th Somersets; Pte J. Hobbs, 5th 10th Devonshire Rgt Somersets; Pte H. Hobbs, 10th Devons; Driver F. Hobbs, ASC DEATH OF A HOLFORD TROOPER – MEMORIAL SERVICE AT STRINGSTON TERRITORIALS IN INDIA – BRIDGWATER Memorial service for Trooper William Andrews, MACHINE GUN SECTION. WSY, who had died at Malta. Photograph of a machine gun section at Dagshai, India comprised of Bridgwater men of the 1/5th BRIDGWATER RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL'S Somerset Territorials. Names are: Len Byrd; Jack ASSISTANT SURVEYORS – ENLIST IN THE Barbour; W. Hughes; B, Foster; McNab; Prescott; ARMY. Shakespeare and Wheatley. The piece mentions an Mr C. Herbert has enlisted in the Wessex RE, and inspection by General Lloyd Payne (a native of Mr A. J. Westaway has enlisted under Lord Derby's Burnham) Scheme Bridgwater Mercury, 8th December 1915 BRIDGWATER ROLL OF HONOUR – 1200 Bridgwater and the War SERVING UP TO THE END OF MARCH Report about the Roll FOR KING AND COUNTRY – FOUR BRIDGWATER SONS SERVING'. LOCAL PUBLIC MEN'S BEREAVEMENT – Photographs of the four sons of Mrs T. Martin of 7 SYMPATHY OF THE TOWN COUNCIL. Browns Buildings, Taunton Road, Bridgwater. Report about the sympathy expressed to Cllr J. Rifleman Harry Martin, machine gun sctn, KRR; Pte Nelson Traylor and Mr R. J. Letherby (Asst Town Walter J. Martin, South Lancs Regt; Leonard Clerk) on the loss of their sons. Martin, Royal Naval Division; Sapper W. T. Martin THE DERBY RECRUITING SCHEME IN RE. Contains biographical information. BRIDGWATER – GOOD LOCAL RESPONSE – BRIDGWATER FAMILY'S RECORD – FOUR THE LAST APPEAL. BROTHERS SERVING Interesting report about this. 220 local men had Photographs of the four sons of Mr Edward Cattle, enlisted to the date of printing. 16 Wyldesborough Terrace, Bristol Road; Edward TROOPS FOR BRIDGWATER – DUE TO ARRIVE Cattle, RN; Ernest Cattle, RN; Driver F. Cattle, THIS EVENING Wessex Division RE; A. Cattle, RND. Contains Report about the billeting in the town of 568 officers biographical information. and men and 150 lorries of the 607th Coy of the ASC WOUNDED BRIDGWATER SOLDIER Mechanical Transport DESCRIBES HIS EXPERIENCES – WITH THE FIFTEEN EMPLOYEES ENLIST. R.F.A AT THE FRONT. Note that 15 men of the Tone Vale Manufacturing Co Letter from Gunner G. H. Broom of the RFA. had enlisted in the Derby Scheme. [Copy damaged so Wounded and invalided home. not all names legible. Consult orginal] AT THE DARDANELLES – BRIDGWATER AND YOUNG BRIDGWATER AIRMAN – HOME ALBION FOOTBALLER'S CHEERY LETTER. LEAVE FROM THE FRONT. Letter from Trooper A. Holman of the Machine Gun Report that First Class Mechanic Harold Jones, son Division of the 1st WSY of Mr W. G. Jones, Hazeldine Villas, Wembdon was home on week's leave. Interesting biographical material. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 42

A FINE SENSE OF PATRIOTISM – LOCAL MEN DOING HIS “BIT” TRAVEL THOUSANDS OF MILES TO JOIN THE Report that Capt Sankers of Burnham had collected SOMERSETS £4 5 6 for the Vegetable Products Committee. Capt News that Mr E Everdell had come from Malay Sankers had served in the Crimea. States, and Mr Sidney Norris (of Catcott) had come from the Argentine to join the SLI. PATRIOTIC EMPLOYEES OF LOCAL FIRM Note that seven employees of Snell's Wicker Works BRIDGWATER CANADIAN RETURNS HOME. had enlisted under the Derby Scheme. They were : F. News that Pte Herbert T. Smith, younger son of Mr C. Hurford; G. Salter; P Dart; S. Hambler; W. W. H Smith of the first Canadian Contingent was in Owens and C Vearncombe. Already enlisted were: F. Bridgwater in leave. He was suffering from the Snell; G. Hamber; A. Rossiter; H. Burge; G. effects of gas. Nicholls; T. Chidgey; A. Harwood and R. Curry. Another cutting for 8th December 1915 THANKS FOR GIFT OF MANDOLINE. Letter from Lce Cpl Melhuish, 1 Section, H Coy SLI LOCAL FAMILY'S PATRIOTISM to Mr C. C. Bird of Southgate Avenue, Taunton Photographs of the husband and two brothers of Mrs Road, Bridgwater, thanking him for the gift of a Webber, of Wembdon Common, Bridgwater. Cpl H. mandoline. Webber, Duke of Cornwall's LI; Pte H. Solomon RAMC; Pte A. Solomon,1st SLI. Useful biographical D.S.O. FOR FORMER RESIDENT OF BRIDG- information. WATER – GALLANT AIRMAN AWARDED – THE DESTRUCTION OF THE “KONIGSBERG” ANSWERED THEIR COUNTRY'S CALL – Report that Flight Sub Lieut Harwood James Arnold LOCAL FAMILY'S RESPONSE of the RNAS had been awarded the DSO in the Photographs of the two sons and two brothers in law action against the Konigsberg in East Africa. He had of Mrs Mary Ann Carver, West Street, Bridgwater. th th been educated at Dr Morgan's School. Contains Pte S. W. Carver, 7 SLI; Pte H. H. Carver, 8 SLI; useful biographical information. Cpl A. Baker, RAMC; Bugler E. Hamblin, 1/5th SLI. Contains useful biographical information. DERBY RECRUITING SCHEME IN BRIDG- WATER – SPLENDID LOCAL RESPONSE –1,700 Bridgwater Mercury, 15th December 1915 MEN ATTESTED. Bridgwater and the War Long report about the scheme. CANNINGTON'S SHARE IN THE WAR – FIVE SERBIAN FLAG DAY IN BRIDGWATER ON BROTHERS SERVING THEIR COUNTRY. WEDNESDAY NEXT. Photograph of the five sons of Mr & Mrs C. C. Letter to the Editor from the Mayor, Cllr F. G. Wakely, Cottage Home, Cannington. Sapper Ernest Haggett, about this. Wakely, RE; Cpl Herbert Wakely, Coldstream Guards; Pte Charles Wakely, Light Horse Infantry; CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO BRIDGWATER William Wakely, WSY; Frank Wakely, Munition SOLDIERS ON ACTIVE SERVICE – KIND worker. Contains useful biographical information. EFFORT OF THE EMPIRE THEATRE. Report that the theatre manager had arranged for gifts DIES OF WOUNDS – SHAPWICK SOLDIER'S of tobacco for 118 local soldiers. FATE. Report of the death in action of Pte Albert E Ham of SOLDIER WITH LOCAL CONNECTIONS the 8th Batn Loyal North Lancashire Regt. He was the WOUNDED. 3rd son of Mr Edmund Ham, Station Master at Report that Pte H. Brown, 4th Worcesters had been Shapwick. He was aged 19 years. Contains useful wounded and was on a hospital ship in Alexandria. biographical information. He was the son in law of Mrs Spring, 9 Wellington Road, Bridgwater. WESSEX RE V DUKE OF CORNWALL'S LI. Report of a rugby match at Christchurch, Hants. Another cutting for 15th December 1915 A GALLANT STRINGSTON SOLDIER – LIFE THREE OF A FAMILY SERVING – THREE GIVEN FOR HIS COUNTRY BROTHERS IN KHAKI Photograph of Trooper Wm Andrews, WSY, who Photographs of the sons of Mrs Mead, 162 Parkstone died at Malta Avenue. Albert G. Mead, RN; Pte W. J. Mead, Coldstream Guards; A. B. A. W. Mead, RN. Contains useful biographical information. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 43

THREE BROTHERS IN KHAKI SOMERSET BRIDGE SOLDIER'S DEATH – Photographs of the sons of the late Captain Irish, 49 MILITARY FUNERAL AT DOVER. Union Street, Bridgwater. Sapper A. Irish, RE; Pte G. Report of the death and funeral of Pte W. Irish, SLI; Pte A. Irish SLI. Contains useful Duddridge , 3/6 SLI and attatched to the Royal biographical information. Garrison Atrillery. He was the son of Mr & Mrs S. Duddridge of Somerset Bridge. Cutting from the Bridgwater Independent, 18 December, 1915 BREAD FOR PRISONERS OF WAR IN GERMANY – Postcards of thanks for local man. Photographs of: Sgt Harold Sharman, NSY; Cpl Report that Mr Edwin Bryant, the baker of Eastover, Cecil Symons, ASC; Pte W. Creedy, SLI (India); had received messages from Pte W. Coomber, 1st Driver A. Hooper, ASC. SLI, Friedrichfeld; Bei Wesel, Pte W. Wilkins, 1st Cutting from the Bridgwater Independent, SLI, Doeberitz; Pte Harry Trebble, 2nd Batn Welsh 25 December, 1915 Regiment, Schneidemuhl; Lce Cpl E. Cooze, 2nd Battn, KOYLI, Maubeuge; Lce Cpl S Southwood, 1st Photographs of: Pte J. Spriggs, ASC (France); Sapper SLI, Doeberitz; Pte Jas Hughes, 1st Wiltshire Regt, Lott, RE. Doeberitz. th Bridgwater Mercury, 22 December 1915 LIFE BEHIND THE GUNS – BRIDGWATER Bridgwater and the War STAFF-SEARGEANT'S INTERESTING LETTER. A FINE FAMILY RECORD – FIVE RELATIVES Letter from Staff-Sergt Rex Page of the RFA to his FIGHTING THE ENEMY brother Mr Maurice Page of Fore Street, describing Photographs of the sons, adopted son and son in law his experiences in bad weather. of Mr & Mrs John Bailey, Albert Street, Bridgwater CHEDZOY RIFLEMAN'S MANY WOUNDS Pte A Bailey, AVC; Driver J Bailey, ASC; Pte W. Report that Rifleman G Stokes KRR had been Bailey, Coldstream Guards; Driver H. T. Spender, wounded for the third time. ASC.; Pte J Fulford, 5th SLI. Contains useful biographical information. FLIGHT SUB-LIEUT HARWOOD JAMES ARNOLD, D.S.O. FATHER, SONS AND SONS-IN-LAW SERVING – Photograph of Flight Sub-Lieut Arnold. Contains INTERESTING BRIDGWATER RECORD. useful biographical information. Sons and two sons in law of Pte Thomas Pollard, Union Street, Bridgwater. Pte Thos Pollard 8th SLI; THE DERBY SCHEME. Trooper Jack Pollard, WSY; Driver Harry Pollard, Note that 1,774 Bridgwater men were attested. st ASC, Pte Harry Davies, 1 SLI; Driver Leonard A. BRIDGWATER ALBION FOOTBALLER Trunks, ASC. Contains useful biographical WOUNDED. information. Note that Trooper A Holman, WSY had been RUISHTON'S SHARE IN THE WAR – FOUR wounded. SONS AND SON IN LAW SOLDIERS OF THE GREETINGS FROM THE FRONT. KING. Note that a Christmas card had been received by the Photographs of the four sons and son in law of Mrs Mercury from Quartermaster Sergeant T. Horler, 49th Dampier, of Ruishton, Pte Tom Dampier, SLI Division. (attached to the Duke of Cornwall's LI); Driver W, Dampier, RFA; Cpl James Dampier, SLI, Killed at INFORMATION SUPPLIED Mons; Driver F. J. Dampier, RFA; Driver R. J. The address sought a few weeks ago was: Pte J. E. Binding, RFA. Contains useful biographical Barnard, 14 Platoon, D Company, 1/5th Battn., SLI, information. Ambala, India. WOOLAVINGTON MAN KILLED BY ALL ELIGIBLES ENLISTED AT EAST EXPLOSION ON MONITOR – MEMBER OF A QUANTOXHEAD. PATRIOTIC FAMILY Note that Fred Harris; James Bailey; James R. S. W. Photographs of the sons of Mr & Mrs Lot Vermont Tremlett; W. Feltham; W. J. Yandle; C. Burge; R. of Woolavington. Leading Stoker Edward Vermont A. Adams; Fred J. Norman (ASC) and Horace Wine (Killed by an explosion on a monitor); Gunner (RE) were grouped under the Derby Scheme. S. J. Harold Vermont; RMA; Gunner Cecil Vermont, Lockyer and E. Gibb were rejected on medical RMA; Pte Clifford Vermont, Royal Irish Regt. grounds. Contains useful biographical information. Blake Museum, Bridgwater, World War I Newspaper Cuttings – 1915. 44

THE TROOPS IN BRIDGWATER – ARRIVAL OF A KILVE MAN WOUNDED – HIS CAPTAIN'S THE LORRIES. PRAISE. Detailed report on the billeting of the men of the Report that Lce Cpl H. Holley 1st SLI, had been 607th Company of the ASC, Mechanical Transport. wounded in France. He was the son of P.C. Holley Has an account of the entertainment laid on for them. and Mrs Holley. Bridgwater Mercury, 29th December 1915 NAVAL PROMOTION. Bridgwater and the War Note that Mr W. J. Ganner, serving on HMS Hillray had been promoted. He was the son of Mr & Mrs FOUR OF A FAMILY SERVING. Ganner of St John Street. His brother, Lieut R. Photographs of the two sons and two sons in law of Ganner is commander of HMS Stag, a torpedo boat Mrs W. Binding of 4 Queen Street, Bridgwater. Pte destroyer. W.Binding, SLI; Machine gunner E. J. Binding, Highland LI; Driver C. Wood, ASC; Sgt J. Hallett, A SEASONAL REMEMBRANCE. 9th SLI. Contains useful biographical information. Report that the Bridgwater YMCA had sent a Christmas card and 2 khaki handkerchiefs to the 40 RESPOND TO THE CALL – LOCAL FAMILY'S -odd YMCA members serving in the forces. EXCELLENT RECORD. Photographs of the four sons and a son in law of the CHILDREN'S GIFTS FOR INDIAN SOLDIERS. late Mr & Mrs James Bale of Bridgwater. Pte R. Note that St John's Parochial School had received Bale, 5th SLI; Pte Jas Bale, 5th SLI; Pte Harry Bale, thanks for 48 pairs of socks and 12 pairs of mittens ASC; Pte C. Bale, 6th SLI; Pte W. Yeandle, 6th Battn sent to the Indian Soldiers' Fund. South Wales Borderers. Contains useful biographical information. FOUR PATRIOTIC BROTHERS – BRIDGWATER FAMILY'S RESPONSE. Photographs of the four sons of Mr & Mrs Frederick Dennison, 12 Wyldesborough Terrace, Bristol Road. Pte G. Dennison, RFA; Cpl Dennison 5th SLI; Fk. Wm. Dennison, Derby Group Scheme, RE,; Pte C. Dennison, ASC. Contains useful biographical information. PATRIOTIC HIGHBRIDGE FAMILY – FIVE SONS SERVING THEIR COUNTRY. Photographs of the five sons of Mr & Mrs Hardwidge of Highbridge. Driver J. Hardwidge, RFA; Pte W. J. Hardwidge, AVC; Pte R. C. Hardwidge, 2/4th Wilts Res. Division; Pte H. J. Hardwidge, ASC; Driver S. T. Hardwidge, RFA. Contains useful biographical information. DEATH OF LIEUT P.M.REED – SAD NEWS RECEIVED THIS MORNING. Report that Lieut Paul Maurice Reed had been killed in Egypt. He was the son of Mr T. M. Reed, Solicitor, of Bridgwater. Contains useful biographical information. RECRUITING APPEAL TRIBUNAL. Note that the first meeting of the tribunal had been held and County Councillor G. E. Lansdowne had been appointed as Chairman. SERBIAN FLAG DAY IN BRIDGWATER – GRATIFYING FINANCIAL RESULT. Report about the Flag Day. £78 raised.