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Home , Cerizy, Cheshire Regiment, Foreste, James Sykes (cricketer), Lancashire Fusiliers, Pioneer (military)

The above photo, from the Illustrated War News of September 1915, exposes how many cameras of that era were unsuited to action shots, but the caption suggests another reason, that the photographer realised the batsman had an eye on hitting the ball into his stomach! Whatever, it is a seasonal frontispiece and several items inside mention . One article, about disturbing the eternal rest of one of the “Several Commanders” in my talk last May is definitely not cricket but telling the story will hopefully result in a reverent solution see Page 15. Editor’s Musing survived to become manager of Martins Bank in Kendal. In my report on the talk given by Clive The other Harris (Page 20) I refer to him getting brother who “under the skins of the individuals in his served was talk”. This is a feeling I experience when George Bargh. researching officers for presentations. The family (5 There is a compulsive feeling to pursue brothers, two all means to gather information to sisters) was understand and portray the individuals. I brought up at muse about them when my mind has Proctor’s Farm nothing better to think about. in Wray and Having delivered my talk last May, George was Gilbert Mackereth went out of my third youngest. At the age of 12 and after thoughts and in a sense the visit to his attending Wray School, George went to grave in San Sebastian last summer was live with his newly married eldest sister final closure. To be subsequently Hannah and her husband George Platts, advised of the threat to his earthly a butcher in Halifax. Young George won remains flicked me back under his skin a scholarship to the Halifax Higher Grade and I have mused much about him again. School and then a place at University He was an extraordinary individual and College Reading. After graduating he maybe realised his burial in Spain would became a schoolmaster at Hawes ensure he would not be forgotten. Grammar School and lived at East House, Gayle. Whilst in Reading George served for MORE INFORMATION FOR ARTICLES WHEN: two years as an officer cadet with the (+P) : photos, maps in Photo Gallery, Reading Contingent of the Officers’ (+S) : supplementary information report Training (Senior Division). On 2 See our website www.wfanlancs.co.uk and look January 1914, whilst living in Gayle, against this Despatch George applied for a commission in the 1st Battalion King’s () 2ND LIEUTENANT GEORGE BARGH and was placed on the “MISSING IN ACTION”: Tricia Platts list. At the outbreak of the Great War he (+P) was appointed a Second Lieutenant and joined his regiment which was stationed Many members of the Branch will be in Aldershot. As was the case with many familiar with the green and gold liveried young officers, George was transferred to lorries of SJ Bargh Ltd, the haulage a regiment short of officers, in his case business based in Caton village. Sam the 1st Btn Regiment. George Bargh had two brothers who served in Bargh landed at on 20 February the Great War. John William, a private 1915 and, according to the War Diary, (later Sergeant) in the 8th was posted to ‘C’ Company on 28 , crossed to on February whilst the Suffolks were at 26 September 1915, was wounded three Bailleul preparing to ‘engage the enemy’ times (according to family legend) but at Ypres (Ieper).

2 insight into the plight of a family whose son has been posted ‘Missing in Action’. The War Office telegram to the Bargh family was followed by a report in the local newspaper: Second-Lieutenant George Bargh, who belonged to the King's Liverpool Regiment, but was attached to the 1st , and who, before he received his commission, was a schoolmaster at Hawes is reported missing since May 10th. He was 25 years of age. His people have farmed in Lunesdale for many years, and his father took an active part in public affairs. A War Office letter dated 1 June tries to add some finality, “The Military Secretary . . . deeply regrets to inform Mrs Bargh that 2Lt G Bargh, previously George survived the opening phases reported missing, is now unofficially of the 2nd Battle of Ypres when the reported killed.” However, Mrs Bargh’s German’s gas attack on 22nd April broke response on 23 June is to request a form into the Salient west of Poelcappelle. His on which “I can send particulars to the battalion was attacked by gas near American Ambassador in asking Gravenstafel Ridge on 24th April. In the for enquiries to be made . . . in Berlin.” succeeding days the Germans made This procedure is duly carried through but further strong attacks and on 4th May the the response eventually forwarded to British established a new line of defence. Wray is brief: Nicht in den George was north of Frezenberg on 8th Kriegsfangenlisten verzeichnet. May when the Germans broke through on Nachforschungen warden angestelit, bei the Suffolks right flank. According to the Ermittlung erfolgt Benachrichtigung”. Official History “the Suffolks held out The next letter from the War Office is desperately in isolated detachments dated 7 February 1916 and is based on when with all communications cut they news forwarded to the WO by Col were surrounded. Lieut Col Wallace, 11 Wallace’s wife many months previously. officers and 432 other ranks became Her husband, who is a , casualties”. The entries in the battalion writes that 2Lt Bargh was besides him War Diary for the 8th to 10th May are thin during the attack on 10th May. The and record that in the evening of 9th May Craven Herald reprints an article from the the 29 men “survivors from the trenches” London Gazette: were joined by 127 NCOs and men from News has reached Mrs. Bargh from Felixstowe via le Havre. From 18th April Colonel Wallace, 1st Suffolk Regiment, to 8th May the Suffolks had lost all but who is a prisoner of war in Germany, that one of its officers and 947 other ranks. on that date her son was shot in the head George Bargh’s Officer’s Records are just before the Germans took the available at Kew and give a fascinating 3 trenches as he was bandaging a portrait, taken from a photograph, is with wounded soldier and killed instantly. another Bargh nephew. The WO now asks Mrs Bargh “to confirm the fact that no further news of this officer has reached you . . . and be regretfully constrained to conclude that he died on or since that date.” The reply is almost too poignant. Helen Bargh has refused to lock the front door of Proctor’s Farm for nearly twelve months in case her son came home. She now writes, “I’m only too grieved I cannot give you any further information Holy Trinity Church, Wray. Marble Tablet regarding my son, missing May 10th” On 3 November 1916 the Craven HOW BRIGHT THESE Herald reports on the Impressive GLORIOUS SPIRITS SHINE - Memorial Service held in Hawes. Pte E L Mathers Cameronians A very impressive memorial service for the soldiers from the parish, and those closely connected with the parish, who THE HARRIS ORPHANAGE MEMORIAL have fallen in the War, was held in St. FULWOOD: Mike Sherrington Margaret's Church on Sunday afternoon. From the Church tower the flag of St. The Harris Orphanage was founded at George was flying half-mast, and the the bequest of a wealthy Preston solicitor solemn tolling of the Church bell, Edmund Robert Harris (1804-1877) who announcing the hour of service, left £100,000 to support the charity. Its deepened the solemnity of the occasion. design was based on an idea pioneered There was a large congregation, among by Dr Barnardo for a village of houses whom were the relatives of many who arranged looking inwards around a have fallen. The service was conducted green. It was built on former agricultural by the vicar (Rev. S. D. Crawford), and land between Black Bull Lane and the hymns were ‘ Lead, Kindly Light', ‘On Garstang Road (A6) in Fulwood, then a the Resurrection Morning', and ‘For all largely rural area. The architect was the Saints'. The soldiers whose Benjamin Sykes, and George memories were honoured were: Rowbotham, Preston Parks’ Frederick Cockett, Albert Leach, Thomas Superintendent was responsible for the Walton, J. W. Fryer, Reginald Milburn, design and lay out of the grounds. James Banks, J. Chaytor Metcalfe, The orphanage provided homes for George Bargh, and James H. Milner approximately 120 children whose George Bargh is remembered on the parents had to have lived within 8 miles war memorial and Roll of Honour in Holy of Preston town hall for a minimum of one Trinity Church, Wray and on the Menin year. Accommodation was based in 8 Gate. After his death the family single sex houses, each containing 16 commissioned a full length portrait of him. children. The orphans were looked after It is now in the keeping of his nephew by childless married couples; the John Bargh and a head and shoulders housemothers saw to the needs of the 4 children, while the men were employed white marble statue of a soldier with rifle on the estate. It was a strict but caring reversed. The inscription reads: regime. The houses featured every “In loving memory of the old boys of modern amenity including washrooms, the Harris Orphanage who fell in the bathrooms and electric lighting. In Great War 1914-1918. They died the addition there was a gatekeeper’s lodge, death of honour for God, King and an infirmary, a laundry, a tailor’s shop, Country. Erected by their orphan sewing and knitting rooms and a barber’s companions.” shop, so that the community was in many Those commemorated served in the ways self-sufficient. All domestic tasks , RFC, CEF and AIF and died were carried out by the children. School in theatres of war from France and was attended on site up to the age of 14, to Mesopotamia. Airman after which duties were assigned until the Richard Crane was killed in a training inmates left at 15. accident in , another Pte Percy Places were highly sought after by Clitheroe (CEF) died in the flu epidemic parents who could no longer care for their in 1919. children properly as a result of While Sgt bereavement, sickness, accident or Robert Tye unemployment. As the alternative was 2nd Bn the nearby Preston Union Workhouse, South the institution was always Lancs Regt oversubscribed. From the time of first was one of admission in November 1888, a total of the MM 1630 children passed through the winners. orphanage during its 94 year existence. The story Although the admissions register of Pte records several casualties, the First Joseph Calder 200845 (pictured) is World War scarcely figures in the school perhaps a more typical one. He was born log book. Headmaster Robert Jones in Preston in 1897 and entered the resigned his post and enlisted in 1914 orphanage in 1902, his older brother and and the armistice was celebrated with a sister having been admitted the previous half-day holiday. One former orphan also year when their father, a railway worker, recalled knitting khaki socks for soldiers, had been tragically killed while trying to but claimed the war was before she restrain a runaway horse. Three years had finished her first pair. later when their widowed mother Of the 127 old boys who enlisted, 18 remarried the family was reunited. After were killed and large numbers wounded leaving Emmanuel School, Joseph and disabled. Two former orphans won worked at Calvert’s cotton mill in the DCM and 5 were awarded the MM. Aqueduct St, near to his home on Fylde The war memorial was paid for by old Rd. boys and girls and unveiled on October He enlisted on 23rd October 1914 with 18th 1924. It contained 17 names, with 4 1st/4th Bn Loyal North Lancs Regt aged from the Second World War being added 19. After home service in Swindon and more recently. It consists of a 6 foot Sevenoaks he landed in France in May polished granite plinth on which stands a 1915. His battalion was based in the

5 area between Wailly and Bretencourt, “The gallantry, devotion and resolution south of Arras, from early February 1916. shown by all ranks were beyond praise.” Seventeen other ranks were wounded and three officers and 7 men were killed. Joseph Calder was among them. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Arras Memorial and Preston’s own memorial in the Harris Library. In 1982 the trustees sold the Grade II listed complex to the University of Central Lancashire who funded a much needed restoration programme for the memorial, Here he was one of 60 volunteers for a which had deteriorated as a result of th special raiding party. On June 28 they years of neglect and vandalism. In 2006 were to take part in a co-ordinated the orphanage passed into private daylight raid on enemy positions along a ownership and plans for redevelopment 2 mile front involving 5 other groups mean that the future of this historic site is drawn from the Liverpool Regt and uncertain. However the memorial Lancashire . A mock up of the remains a focus for remembrance for the target trenches at Blairville was used for local community, and if the sacrifices intensive training and they were issued made by former orphans in both wars are with the short Lee Enfield. Bayonets had to be properly remembered then it is been sharpened and they had drawn essential that the undertaking given by their grenades the previous day, but the the Town Council to accept the memorial attack was postponed. Nevertheless and hand it down to posterity is they were ready and in good heart when honoured. at 5.30 pm the barrage finally opened. However, an unfortunate change in wind LANCASHIRE CRICKET & THE GREAT direction resulted in the gas and smoke WAR: TD screen lifting, so that the advancing raiders were completely exposed. All hell Within days of war being declared in was let loose 50 yards from the German August 1914 Lancashire continued their lines as rifle, machine gun and trench mediocre form when playing in the mortar fire was directed at the attackers. and Accrington A survivor recalled “Someone shouted stole a march on their rivals by defeating ‘On the Kellys’ (a nickname they had Rishton in the Lancashire league whilst adopted) and on we went but were cut many other matches were called off due down like corn. The Jerrys were 2 deep to wretched weather. in their trenches and we realized we were done.” The situation was clearly hopeless and as a result an orderly withdrawal took place. The Divisional Commander claimed that “great damage and loss [had been] On 7th September page 2 of the inflicted on the enemy” and added that Lancashire Daily Post declared 6 Accrington to be the new champions and Lieutenant Alfred Hartley, Royal also told how the Kings Own “had been Garrison (batsman) with 5049 runs in 116 matches. Killed North West of St Quentin in October 1918.

singled out for the special fury of the (German) onslaught” with Col Dykes shouting encouragement to his men as he fell. Surrey won the County Championship which was then suspended from 1915 to 1918. Geese were kept on the grass at Lords whilst all suitable space at was used as a hospital. In 1915 Accrington’s Jimmy Ramsbottom and Alan Walmesley were Private John Asquith Atkinson Nelson, both in the army but the club still won the Regiment (batsman) with 7 runs Lancashire league championship in 1 match. Killed east of Ypres, August undefeated. The 1916 season was 1917 played without professionals and Lieutenant William Knowles Tyldesley, Accrington won the championship again Loyal North Lancs (batsman, one of the ending two points above East Lancs. famous brothers) with 2979 runs in 87 League cricket was suspended in 1917 matches. Killed South West of Ypres in and 1918 with smaller knock out cup April 1918. competitions taking place. Captain Egerton Lowndes Wright, Ox th When the Lancashire league resumed & Bucks LI and Brigade Major 6 in 1919 Accrington were not weakened Brigade (batsman) 1638 runs in 37 by war losses but the same could not be matches. Killed South West of Arras in said for Lancashire CCC. The May 1918. Remembrance Plaque close to the dressing rooms in the Old Trafford (Plaque c/o Lancashire CCC, statistics Pavilion carries the names of 5 players www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Lancashire/) killed during the war: OH GOD HOW MYSTERIOUS AND Major Harold Garnett, South Wales STRANGE ARE THY WAYS TO TAKE Borderers (batsman and -keeper) OUR DEAR LAD IN THE BEST OF HIS with 5798 runs and 203 caught/ DAYS – Pte W Rayner East Lancs Regt over 152 matches. Killed near Cambrai in December 1917.

7 CALVERT’S EXPLOITS: TD (& Gorton they had to hide in a cornfield for the Reporter) Germans were coming up with reinforcements. When researching the story of Private The day following the two comrades Rigg for the November 2009 Despatch I ventured forth with the intention of going came across an article to but an unpleasant surprise in the Gorton Reporter was forthcoming in the fact of their of 7th November 1914 running into a patrol of Uhlans who took about another Kings the pair prisoner. They were Own soldier. dispossessed of rifles and ammunition, Richard Calvert was but the rifles were returned later for the born early 1893 in prisoners to carry. The latter were then Hayfield, Derbyshire, the taken to the transport wagons which were second son of Arthur and Elizabeth encamped about two miles outside Calvert. He had two younger sisters and . The two men were stripped of in 1911 worked as an iron turner and all their clothes with the exception of their lived at the family home in Gorton. He shirts and placed in a transport wagon. enlisted in the Kings Own on 3rd Towards dusk of that day Lance September 1913 and on 23rd August Corporal Calvert determined to escape 1914 disembarked Boulogne as a Lance and asked his companion to take the Corporal. The Gorton Reporter takes same risk. The latter declined in fear of over the story….he went right into the being shot by the sentries. Lance firing line at le Cateau to cover the Corporal Calvert managed to get away retirement from . On the 26th the alone, and ran into the town of Chauny regiment were taking up position when where he found a Frenchman standing at they were surprised by the enemy and his door, who, after explanations took him had to retire. He was separated from the inside his home and accommodated him rest of his regiment and found himself for the night very hospitably. Next behind the German lines about 20 miles morning his host supplied him with a north of St Quentin. civilian suit and advanced him five francs He set off on foot to St Quentin arriving and advised him to set off for Paris 130 there on the 28th. Here his experience miles distant, by way of the canal. Lance was decidedly rough. He had to forage Corporal Calvert acted on the advice but for himself and sleep as best he could in on the way had to pass through the haystacks, barns or outhouses. He was German lines. The journey took a week considerably helped by French to complete. The first place en route peasantry. From St Quentin he where he procured a bed was at racing journeyed on foot to Ham where he stables in Chantilly. Here English stable dropped across a straggler, Private lads were kind to him. He stayed there Owen, of the Lancashire Regiment. They one night and arrived at Paris next day set out together – comrades in distress – by a motor car which had come to the and walked from Ham to Chauny, racing stables. Arrived in the capital he reaching that place on August 31st, where reported himself at the British Embassy the enemy was in possession of the from whence he was sent to the Red town. This caused the two to be careful Cross Society and provided with a in their movements. On September 3rd change of linen, etc. 8

In the course of the next day or two he convalescing at home in Gorton before was sent off to the Headquarters of returning to depot in Lancaster. General French, afterwards rejoining his Evidently he never recovered his regiment at St Marguerite on the . health and was discharged due to They remained there in the firing line until sickness on 19th November 1915. He October 2nd after which the Kings Own died in 1923 aged 30. moved to Flanders. After 3 days in trenches he was invalided back to a military hospital in Edinburgh with exposure. Early November 1914 he was 9

A Favourite Postcard: Andrew Brooks

Strictly this is one of a group of similar cards from Friedrichsfeld POW camp. However this is the only cricket team I have for this camp or any other POW camp. There must have been another team on the camp as I presume the Germans would not have been too keen on away fixtures! There are other than that the cards may have been seven football team postcards, including developed and printed at Minden. an Irish team with shamrocks on their On the reverse of the cricket card is jerseys and one of the French 1st eleven written in ink; (wonder if they had a cricket team?). M.Berry, 18th K.L.R. att. 1st K.L.R. Friedrichsfeld was one of the larger Friedrichsfeld bei Wesel, Rhineland, POW camps and is described as having Germany. an open space in the centre of the camp To Mrs Berry, 46 Curate Road, Clumoor, for football and tennis. On the reverse of Liverpool, . all the cards there is a censor mark for So far I have not been able to identify this the camp and many have a second man from the King's Liverpool regiment censor mark for Minden POW camp. I from the Medal Index Cards. have no explanation for the second mark scrolls and certificates sent to those who MUSEUM REPORTS had served and their families.

Kings Own Royal Regiment Museum, King’s Regiment: Karen O’Rourke Lancaster: Peter Donnelly (Curator)

In the exhibition currently running (see The plans for displays of the King’s back page) letters on display, some for Regiment collection within the new the first time, include those to and from Museum of Liverpool (NML) are now well ordinary soldiers of the regiment as well underway. The building itself is almost as letters from Lord Kitchener and complete and work has begun on the Douglas Haig. Local correspondence internal fit-out. The next year will see the includes that between a former Lancaster huge empty shell of the building begin to school teacher to a pupil about life as a fill up with cases, walls and display areas. soldier in training in October 1914. Once we have these structures ready, Original letters and packaging from the the curators and museum can begin years following the war illustrates to add in the objects and images which the range of medals, commemorative will bring the museum to life.

10 The King’s objects are featuring in We have had some wonderful offers to several areas within the building, but the the collections recently. The main focus is the First World War contemporary material is particularly exhibition, due to open in the spring of interesting as we need to build a stronger 2011 and the Regimental gallery, post-Second World War collection. Of currently due to open towards the end of course we will be covering the history of that year. the regiment from the 17th Century The objects have been selected from onwards, but I am really keen to take a our extensive collections and are all better look at the contemporary story and being looked at, cleaned and prepared by how the ‘Kingo’s’ have evolved. We have our conservators ready for display. I am also agreed to add the core of the writing information panels to accompany collection to our the objects. collections here at NML – the transfer of The story of Liverpool in the First material will be a slow and complicated World War is huge and we do not have process, but we are pleased that we space to tell the complete story. We have could offer a home to such a magnificent tried instead, to capture small snapshots collection and are looking forward to of the Liverpool story – looking at what continuing to work with the Liverpool was happening at home and at the front. Scottish Trust. We have also decided to focus on the Plans to make the collection and Battle for Guillemont Village where a vast archive as accessible as possible are still amount of Liverpool men were killed or on-going and I cannot at the moment injured in a relatively short space of time. offer any further confirmation of when we The King’s gallery will tell the will resume enquiries and when we will chronological story of the regiment and be able to offer access to the archive. We will use many of the objects previously on are working towards making the display in the popular City Soldiers collection as accessible as possible, but gallery of Museum of Liverpool Life. We for the time being at least we cannot are also hoping that we can provide allocate any staff time for such a service. some helpful databases on gallery that will answer some of the questions that are most frequently asked of us regarding HE WENT TO SHOW IF NEED MUST BE family history. As can be imagined it is a HOW BRAVELY BOYS COULD DIE – Lance very busy time at the museum and there Corp C V M Powers Royal Guernsey L I never seem to be enough hours in the day! Liverpool Scottish: Ian Riley (Honorary This unfortunately means that our Secretary) enquiries service remains suspended. It was a difficult decision to make to stop Since the loss of the Botanic Road answering enquiries, but at the moment premises in 2008, much has happened we have to focus on making the museum but somewhat gradually. Our best news visit the best experience we can. I have is that the Liverpool Scottish War tried to provide a comprehensive list of Memorial, in bronze by H Tyson Smith alternative resources for any enquirer who was also responsible for the panels who does contact us and this seems to on the St George’s Plateau cenotaph, is be proving helpful. to be placed within St George’s Hall, one 11 of Liverpool’s finest buildings. material for an exhibition at the Hooge Additionally, the Colours presented by Crater Museum on the Menin Road King George VI to the Liverpool Scottish, outside Ypres/Ieper that will focus on the the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, Liverpool Scottish and the ‘Battle of in 1938 have now been laid up in Hooge – 16 June 1915’ (officially known Liverpool Town Hall and are in a fine as the First Action at Bellewaarde). This position on the main staircase. exhibition will run throughout 2010. The Trustees have decided that the Additionally we have displays at Altcar best interests of the collection and the Rifle Range and at the Headquarters of heritage of the Liverpool Scottish will be the Reserve Forces and Cadets served by passing the core of the Association in Liverpool. We are seeking collection of artifacts to the Museum of a location for our ‘commando’ display that Liverpool, part of National Museums marks the part taken by Liverpool Scots Liverpool, which already holds the King’s in special forces operations in WW2 Regiment collection. The new Museum of (including St Nazaire when they went Liverpool on the Pier Head is scheduled ashore in kilts). This has been the subject to open in the spring of 2011 and several of a recent book by our Honorary Curator, museum trustees are also members of Dennis Reeves. We have also assisted in the King’s Regiment Museum Advisory research for several books and a student Committee. The possibility of has attached herself looking at mining successfully establishing another and tunnelling operations with the 55th dedicated Liverpool Scottish Museum (West Lancashire) Division. with limited resources both in finance We continue to seek funds in the form and, particularly, in manpower seemed of donations for our research work, remote with the ever-present possibility required to ensure the continued that we might be faced with another conservation of key items and to assist accommodation crisis when we were all with the cataloguing and digitising of the ten years older. We are working with the large archive of material that must make Museum of Liverpool to identify and the Liverpool Scottish one of the best transfer core items; unfortunately, staff documented Territorial , members at the Museum of Liverpool are especially in respect of the First World also under pressure in preparing the War. This archive is presently located in opening exhibitions. Other material will a military office in Liverpool, where we be made available to other museums are guests, and we continue to receive (such as the Museum of Lancashire and queries through our website, sadly regimental museums in the North West slightly out of date because of other as appropriate) or disposed of in commitments, and we also receive a accordance with the ethical policy steady run of personal visitors. The suggested by the Museums, Libraries physical future of this archive is still under and Archives Council. discussion but our priority would Meanwhile the Liverpool Scottish eventually to place it in a location where collection has loaned items to the public access can be guaranteed. Museum of Liverpool for their opening The Honorary Secretary has recently exhibition on the Great War; this is to be completed his MA in First World War distinct from the permanent King’s Studies at Birmingham University, Regiment gallery. We have also provided delayed a year by the disruption of 12 museum closure, and as his dissertation the trench-lines of the German front-line took in some aspects of the training of across the entirety of the Western Front the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, he in each step of the Hundred Days would be happy to discuss these issues Campaign – the final Allied offensive of with anyone to aid his further research. the War in 1918. The furthest lines on the right of the map are dated, and finish with th MAY WE STRIVE TO FULFIL THE the ill-dated 11 November, at 11 o’clock. IDEALS FOR WHICH HE Why exactly a map of this kind would SUFFERED AND DIED – 2nd Lieut be deposited to a regimental archive Alfred Stanley Martin The Queen’s remained unclear for weeks after its discovery; however, a clue as to its origin is printed at the bottom of the gigantic Regiment Archive: Tom piece. Underneath the markings of Philips, Salford University Military History French towns, villages and forests lies an Placement Student (+P) official stamp: “Geographic Section – General Staff No. 2364”. Normally maps A recent discovery at the Manchester of this kind would normally be mounted Regiment Archive proves that fresh on walls of the War Office for Generals to material on the study of the Western ponder, or in this case in field Front is still coming to light over 90 years Headquarters. Yet still this does not since the First World War ended. An answer the question as to how it came to extremely large map of Northern France reside in the archives of the Manchester and Belgium, over 230 centimetres by Regiment. 280 centimetres, was unearthed during Despite its clues, the map would still an attempt to add the backlog of un- have largely remained a mystery had a catalogued material to the main collection small almost illegible note not been of the , see map written on the reverse of the map. portion on our website. The map, which Originally belonging to the H.Q. of the had sat untouched and unrecognised for British Army 5th Corps, the map was years, covers some 25,000 square miles taken by officers of the 13th Battalion of of territory, and includes the major cities the Manchester Regiment when the H.Q. of Brussels, Amiens, Bruges, St. Quentin was abandoned by the 5th Corps at and Ypres, as well as major battlefields Beaufort. This grim souvenir of a bloody such as the Somme. campaign would have otherwise have Perhaps the most striking feature of been left behind. the map, however, is the markings on it Now that mystery of the 5th Corps Map that give some clue to its history. A series has been solved, the map has finally of blue and pink lines, some drawn in been catalogued and is available for all to pencil and some painted in watercolour, see (archive reference number penetrate the entire right hand side of the MR4/2/2/180). map, turning what would otherwise be a The Manchester Regiment Archive is sleepy part of the Low Countries into a available for consultation at the fiercely debated contest for military Tameside Local Studies and Archives supremacy. The blue lines run in series Centre. For more information on the down from the Belgian coast to the collection, please go to French forest of St. Gobain marking out 13 http://www.tameside.gov.uk/archives/ma the Order of St Michael and St George nchesterregiment and in 1918 was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Fairclough Lieutenant Colonel Brereton Fairclough was also Mentioned in Despatches five C.M.G, D.S.O., T.D.: Jane Davies times and was later promoted to Colonel. (Curator, QLR Museum) Apart from commanding the Battalion with distinction, it can also be Late last year the museum received a argued that Brereton Fairclough, along phone call from a retired Officer located with his sister Helen, was responsible for in Somerset. He had found, amongst the the Red Rose design of the 55th Division. costumes of an amateur dramatics In 1915 all lettering on vehicles had been society, a WW1 service dress jacket (see abolished and replaced by unit badges. back page) that once belonged to Fairclough suggested that the Red Rose Lieutenant Colonel Brereton Fairclough. of Lancaster would be the appropriate It was in fairly emblem for the Battalion and his sister good condition designed it. When the West Lancashire and still had the Division reformed, Lieutenant General Sir collar dogs Hugh Jeudwine was ‘so impressed by the (South territorial significance of the Red Rose Lancashire and used by the Battalion that he directed that Pioneer) and it should be used, with modifications, as medal ribbons the distinguishing badge for the whole attached to it. Division.’ Lieutenant Colonel Breton Fairclough The service jacket is currently was a member of the illustrious undergoing conservation but will be on Fairclough family who were associated display later this year along with sketches with the South Lancashire Regiment of scenes drawn by Fairclough during his Volunteer and Territorial Forces from time in France and Flanders. 1890 until 1960. Brereton himself joined the 1st Volunteer Battalion in 1893 and WOULD TO GOD I HAD DIED FOR commanded the second draft of THEE MY SON – DAD – Lance Corp Volunteers sent to in 1899. J E Hall East Surrey Regt At the outbreak of the First World War he was the Commanding Officer of the 1/4th Battalion. Museum of Lancashire, Preston: Stephen On the 12th February 1915, the Bull (Curator) Battalion, under Lieutenant Colonel Fairclough embarked at Southampton Funding from the Heritage Lottery and and sailed for Le Havre. Fairclough was Lancashire County Council will transform to command his men for the next three the Museum of Lancashire by the years before being invalided home in provision of six interactive galleries along October 1917. He had already been with new visitor facilities. The museum injured once before whilst taking part in has closed whilst the work is carried out the Somme offensive in 1916. For his and the renovated museum is scheduled services in command of the 1/4th to open in May 2011. Battalion he was made a Companion of 14 The military centre-piece will be an 1918. A rate of promotion that was atmospheric walk through a World War 1 meteoric. trench with its authentic sounds, sights After the war he joined the Diplomatic and smells. The trench will feature some Service, married in 1921 and sadly from near-unique exhibits and our First World the viewpoint of this article had no War display space will also be children. He served in the Middle East, considerably increased. East Africa and was Consul-General in the East Indies in 1946 when Japanese troops were used to maintain law and FYLDE ROAD PRIMITIVE order. During his final appointment as METHODIST CHURCH BRASS PLATE Ambassador to the Republic of Columbia When this church closed prior to from 1947 to 1953 he was knighted. In demolition the War Memorial went to retirement he lived in San Sebastian, Leyland Lane Methodist Church where Spain until his death in 1962. it languished, forgotten and unloved for Last summer we travelled to France over forty years. When Leyland Lane church was about to close I collected it via Santander. Before setting off Manu and stored it in my garage. This year it Lizarta of San Sebastian Cemetery has been accepted by the Museum of Authority identified Sir Gilbert’s grave in Lancashire for the last stage of their the All Saints sector of Polloe cemetery. new Great War Gallery. Many thanks to We called to say hello and leave our George Glover of Penwortham for token of remembrance. He lies alone transforming it from black to shining gold. and his headstone reads “In Loving Joe Hodgson Memory of Sir Gilbert Mackereth KCMG MC". Evidently his burial had been arranged by Lady Mackereth. EXHUMING LT. COL. SIR GILBERT Last October I received the following MACKERETH MC: Terry Dean (+P) email from Cristina Garcia in San Sebastian: In my talk last year about “Several Dear Mr Dean, Battalion Commanders” of the 17th I presume it was you who left those lovely Battalion one of the poppies and remembrance note at Lt Col five officers I spoke MacKereth´s grave here. about was Gilbert I am writing because recently the local Mackereth (GM). Council has left also a note, but of After service as a eviction. private in the Royal Apparently, those graves whose taxes Fusiliers he was haven’t been paid for a long time are commissioned and going to be disposed of and sold to other joined the 17th battalion Lancashire people. Fusiliers in France in September 1916 as I happen to like those old graves a lot, a 2nd Lieutenant, a position he held until and I think maybe it could be saved if Lt February 1917. He was awarded the Col.´s descendants are interested. Or Military Cross in April 1917. In August perhaps they would like to retrieve his 1917 he was seriously wounded, rejoined remains? his battalion in June 1918 and I immediately contacted Manu Lizarta commanded the battalion from August to establish what was happening. He 15 advised me that his (GM’s) “grave is not asking “if the money is not paid exactly regularized … taxes are not paid…. so this how would you dispose of (Sir Gilbert’s) grave is going to be disposed of.” He told remains.” me he only had the name of Lady When no reply was forthcoming to my Mackereth and wondered whether I had question I mentioned the problem to details of Sir Gilbert’s family. Carlos Martinez, a Spaniard from Having tried unsuccessfully to locate Majorca who attends my gym. He descendants of Sir Gilbert when doing helpfully telephoned Manu and my talk I got my bike out and pedalled off ascertained Sir Gilbert would be to think. I decided to contact a local MP cremated and the remains placed in a and MEP, Sir Robert Atkins. As a Knight communal area in the cemetery, which is of our Realm himself with contacts in what happens to many Spaniards. government here and in Brussels I I then considered a number of possible thought Sir Robert could be helpful. I told options ranging from leaving things to Manu what I was doing and asked him Manu (i.e. “Do Nothing”) to pursuing not to dig up Sir Gilbert until further Lottery funding so that Sir Gilbert could notice. Sir Robert was honest to admit rest in peace a little longer, but I judged the contents of my email “throw me the latter approach was not a sustainable completely” and asked whether I had solution. The conclusion I reached was contacted the Regimental Association. that Sir Gilbert should be reverently Mike Glover the Lancashire exhumed, cremated and his remains Regimental Secretary of the Fusiliers placed in the new Gallipoli Garden thought the case “very interesting (was) adjacent to the new Museum in not sure what the Regiment/Association Bury. Mike Glover agrees and would could do (and was) very much focused consider instituting a suitable Roll for on current casualties in Afghanistan.” I other remains placed in the Garden. told Sir Robert what Mike Glover had to Conscious that it would be useful if say. After telling Sir Robert, this he even a remote family member were to indicated he had “no advice to offer as support this approach Alan Norrie, a yet (and) what about the media?” I told friend of mine, identified two individuals Sir Robert I would get back to Manu to who have Sir Gilbert on their family trees. see if he would tell me how much is However they have not, as yet, owing on Sir Gilbert’s grave and what responded to approaches. they would do with his remains, so we That is the story to date as I hand it would have all the information if we over to readers of Despatch and make it decide to publicise the story. available to the media. I will now sleep Last December Manu told me the easier at night knowing my concerns for money owing was 330 Euros and the Sir Gilbert are widely known and I have a cost of removing Sir Gilbert was 662 viable plan subject to no fundamental Euros. He also said “if there is not objections or setbacks. Whilst awaiting anybody to take care of this we are going any comments Manu has been advised to take his remains off and give the grave of the situation. I have also acquainted to some one else." He went on to say “it the British Ambassador to Spain in the is not an immediate action but is the event I need his help to bring the WW1 solution we give to these graves”. I wrote hero home. back to Manu just before last Christmas 16

ON THIS YOUR WIFE'S BIRTHDAY YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE FOR ME – Capt Fredrick B Ratcliffe The Royal Dragoons

Retreat from Mons 2009: Peter Bamford (See map on page 9)

Most of my visits to the battlefields of France & Flanders battlefields have been spent in the Ypres area, so last year, for a different perspective I went on a Holt’s tour covering the retreat from Mons. My aim was to appreciate the distances covered and areas fought in by my action with an unknown private firing from grandfather, George Thorneycroft of the the station roof until hit and killed. More 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers than 400 men were lost in this action. (9th Infantry Brigade, , II We spent some time visiting Saint Corps), during those fateful days 95 Symphorien Cemetery, with the graves of years before (almost to the week). the first & last casualties almost facing We could not have had a better guide one another and that of Lt Dease VC. It’s for this tour than Professor Richard the most interesting cemetery I’ve visited Holmes who knows the ground intimately, with differing styles of German having ridden it on horseback, the subject headstones, a German memorial column of his excellent book ‘Riding the Retreat’. and quite unlike any other CWGC We started at Casteau at the plaque cemetery. On from there to Elouges marking the site of the opening shot of where the remaining 250 men of a the war, on August 22nd 1914, by battalion of the Cheshires were forced to Corporal E Thomas, of the 4th Royal Irish surrender, having bought valuable time Dragoon Guards and learnt how for the retreat undulations of the road facilitated the We then started the retreat passing ‘hiding’ of horses & men. Only 50 metres through Bavay & the Foret de Mormal to from here is the plaque marking the last Le Cateau where Smith-Dorrien made shot on 11th November 1918. the decision for II Corps to ‘stand and From here to the Mons-Conde canal at fight’. Heavy casualties were inflicted on Nimy to follow the actions of the Battle of the following German forces by air- Mons (23rd August). The bridge here, bursting shrapnel shells and artillery firing defended by the 4th , was at point blank range over open sight. the scene of the action which earned the Another tactical withdrawal was made first VCs of the Great War, for Private later in the day. There are few reminders & Lt. Maurice Dease, or memorials in the area to this short but commemorated by the plaque pictured. bloody action other than a hilltop one to Eastwards along the canal the railway the 2nd Suffolks. station at Obourg was where 4th Bn Middlesex Reg’t. fought a rear-guard 17 This was the last large scale action in the where many of the casualties lie, retreat but many fierce and bloody followed. skirmishes occurred. Next to Villers Cotteret and the Forest One such was at Etreux where 2nd de Retz where the German advanced Munster Fusiliers acting as rearguard to guard caught up with 4th Guards Brigade 1st Div’n failed to who had a costly running fight in the receive orders to woods. The Guards Cemetery in the withdraw so forest is a very tranquil and restful place continued to hold despite being on the roadside. their position This is where our retreat of 2009 despite being finished, not completing the final miles surrounded. that the BEF had marched in 1914. We After delaying the were travelling in a luxury air conditioned advance of six coach not slogging the 200 plus miles German footsore & battle weary in the heat of battalions for 6 August 1914. hours the 250 It was not the end of our trip though as remaining men of we also covered the advance to the the Munsters were overwhelmed. The Aisne covering the crossings of III Corps cemetery where many lay is in the at Bucy le Long and Missy and II Corps at orchard where they finally succumbed. Vailly. We also covered actions Another skirmish visited was at at Bourg en Comin, Vendresse and where the 5th Brigade with an Cerny, laying a wreath in Vendresse artillery battery put flight to German Cemetery. Our final drive took us to the Dragoons following a surprise cavalry Chemin du Dames stopping for a visit to charge. This prevented the German the Caverne du Dragon Museum before cavalry exploiting a 15 mile gap which the long drive back to Calais and existed between the two British Corps. onwards to Blighty. Our journey continued south through the Forest de Compiegne to Nery where, LINESMAN GOES TO FRANCE AGAIN: at dawn on 1st September, 1 Cavalry (& TD) (+S) Brigade were surprised in the mist in their billets. They were watering the horses On 12th April Linesman (L) was in when the first shots fell among them, the France again. The objective of the trip Battery Captain, managed to get three was to cover the section of line guns into action, and although two were south/southwest of St Quentin which had quickly silenced, the last remaining gun, been omitted when we commenced our served by Gunners Osbourne and cycle odyssey in 2002. Primarily we were Derbyshire, Sergeant Nelson, BSM covering the movements of III and XVIII Dorrell and Captain Bradbury, one by one Corps in the retreat during 21st to 23rd silenced the German guns, until it was March 1918. We were armed with current itself knocked out. VCs were awarded to maps of the area from (L) - see to Nelson, Dorrell & Bradbury and the supplement, with trench maps on my Battery was awarded the battle honour Smartphone should they be needed. We ‘Nery’. A visit to the local cemetery, also looked forward to gaining a better

18 understanding of the waterways and Chauny where we used the available railways in the area. time before our train back to St Quentin We stayed at the IBIS in St Quentin to call at the British Cemetery. making use of the free parking at the With the same gusting wind, next day railway station during the daytime. Both we went west to see the ground over cycling days we left town via the path which the retreat to the Somme took adjacent to the St Quentin Canal. place on the 22nd March. We called to say hello at , and Sereaucourt cemeteries before crossing the bridges at Tugny where Lieut. Knox of the won his VC. We then had a hard cycle to . Here we paused and wandered the interesting and unusual Communal Day one's key decision was to cycle Cemetery with its scattering of graves south with a gusting NE wind and zig-zag and memorials. Then to Ugny after which across the forward zone and battle zone we cruised with the wind behind us to between the Oise and Crozat/St Quentin cross the Somme at Voyennes where the Canals. We viewed the location of the Lancashire Fusiliers also crossed in Boudicea, Station and Jeanne D'Arc August 1914 during the Retreat from redoubts in the forward zone and from Mons. On arriving Ham we walked the fortified village of cycled through the German dead to visit the south-west to Essigny. The loss of the CWGC cemetery then enjoyed the new Essigny - Bernay plateau was a key rolling stock on the train to St Quentin. factor in the retreat to the Crozat/St The peculiarities of the Amiens - St Quentin Canal on the evening of 21st Quentin train timetable had caused us to March. After Bernay we paused for miss viewing the Somme north of photos at Cerizy, the site of the Cavalry Voyennes by bike so on our route to action on 28th August 1914, visited the 5 Calais we went via Bethencourt and cavalry graves in Moy Communal Pargny and said "Hello" to the many Cemetery before cycling the side of Oise “unknowns” in Pargny cemetery. Canal to . Then we re-crossed the battle zone to Montescourt and after FAREWELL DEAR SON I LOVED YOU passing over the Crozat Canal at Jussy WELL NO ONE BUT GOD AND I CAN went south to . From there to TELL - Corp B Connelly Lancashire Fusiliers 19 DEAR EDITOR, affected the troops and how the troops were affected by brands. He gave us the No letters received EXCEPT the one stories behind famous brand names and from Christina Garcia. See Page 15. how the War affected advertising. I look forward to receiving more letters Recruitment was the major advertising to report in the next Issue. campaign, of which probably the most emotive poster was “Daddy, what did BRANCH AFFAIRS YOU do in the Great War?”. Food in the trenches was poor and the boredom of trench life meant that undue importance was given to meal times. Famous brand names at the time are still Armistice Prize in use today, such as Tetley’s, Nestle’s condensed milk, Lifebuoy, Cherry Following the article in Bulletin 86 Blossom and Pears soap. The two most which suggested a national Armistice successful at the time were Fray Bentos Prize, contact has been made with David and Maconochies. Seymour one of the WFA Education Smoking doubled during the War and Advisors. David’s approach is to some brands, like Little Japs, were basically require submissions from pupils special war brands, but the favourite was which are not coursework and are on one Woodbines. Sanatogen and Phosferine of a number of prescribed subjects. This were advertised to help with nerves and is fundamentally different to “our” there were other war products such as approach. the Lifeguard Collapsible Periscope and All High Schools in Lancashire and the Aquascutum field and trench coats. southern part of Cumbria have recently This was a very interesting talk on a been emailed to encourage coursework topic about which many Branch members entries for our 2010 competition. The had previously only a minimal st closing date is 1 August. knowledge. (Gaynor Greenwood) Also all schools have been provided with a copy of the Bulletin article The Greater Game – Sportsmen who fell suggesting a national Armistice Prize. in the Great War: Dec 2009 (30 att’d) Schools have been requested to reply to the email and indicate the degree to With a combination of research which which they cover WW1 in their curriculum got him under the skins of the individuals and whether any coursework is done by in his talk, intimate battlefield knowledge pupils. from The Nek to Regina Trench and enthusiasm for subject of his book, Clive MEETING REPORTS Harris deserves a meritorious mention in Despatch for enthralling those present Advertising in the Great War: November after the AGM. Starting with an analysis 2009 (31 attended) of whether August was the best month to go to war from the sporting viewpoint Paul Michel’s excellent PowerPoint Clive considered the role of sport in presentation, illustrated with adverts and keeping troops fit once static warfare posters, discussed how brand names reigned after 1914. 20 He then went on to consider the sports man to be an internee, a process from golf to Australian rules, cricket to ice occasionally bedevilled by purely military hockey in term of the usefulness of considerations such as the release of U- sporting venues to the war effort and Boat crews and the labour requirements sporting icons who served. In most needing prisoners. Through a Power cases his accounts of the individuals Point presentation of postcards and maps ended with the circumstances under (well supported by his skilful PC which they met their end. The tennis star operator!), we learned of the locations, Anthony Wilding was laughing with the routes and the nature of the comrades when his dugout suffered a accommodation for the men, and even of direct hit from a German shell. (TD) the support given to stranded British holidaymakers! British Internees in Holland and It is quite refreshing in a programme of Switzerland 1914-1918: January 2010 talks to get a balance between the (21 attended) accounts of “Over the Top” attacks on enemy positions, and a look at the less Would those who were brave enough well-known background issues involved to venture into a chilled Lancaster for the as a result of waging a total war. This talk North Lancs branch talk on a snowy clearly fell in the latter category, and evening just be greeted with the Andrew provided a thoughtful insight into Christmas leftovers? Not a chance with internees and prisoners, an aspect of the Andrew Brooks twinkling away like tree Great War that surely merits far more lights, providing a master class on the research than appears to have been treatment of British internees during the done. I hope that for his next talk, he can Great War! provide more detail, having been able to I repeat similar observations that I extract and analyse the DNA from the made of his last talk, and that is his forte postage stamps! (Barrie Bertram) in extracting the maximum information from just a few lines written or postmarks Medals , Badges and Tokens from the stamped upon a picture postcard is quite Great War: February 2010 (29 attended) remarkable, and more so when translated upon the events of the day. Most people know that internments took place, but only a very few have scratched below the surface. The Swiss and the Dutch governments, although clearly conscious of maintaining their neutral status, provided the facilities to house men excluded from the fray, initially those who stepped over borders such as the Royal Naval Division near Antwerp, later those ill, and then the prisoners of war who had Bill Myers is an active member of the been too long behind the POW camp Cumbria WFA (and whenever possible wire. This effort needed to be he attends the North Lancs. Branch) and underpinned by the belligerents in terms he presented our members with an of the agreed medical qualifications for a authoritative talk based on his own 21 research and examples from his WW1 Suvla Bay 1915: March 2010 (35 att’d) collection of medals and badges. The talk was illustrated throughout and In his inimitable, rapid fire, style of personalised by describing the exploits of Peter Hart gave us an excellent men from the local area. He commenced talk on the disastrous 'August offensive' his talk with an explanation of the on Gallipoli, usefulness of the internet and how much The original plan had been to land the research could be accomplished without 11th Division on the night of 6th August leaving one’s house. The CWGC on the beaches south of Suvla Bay to website, Soldiers Died CD Rom and surprise and overwhelm any local Turkish family history sites such as Ancestry troops and seize the commanding provide masses of information on soldiers heights. It was thought Turkish defences who fought in this conflict. would prevent a direct approach to these Joseph Baxter D.C.M. 46th Battalion objectives so troops were to skirt the salt Machine Gun Corps was one of the first lake and approach from the unguarded to be discussed. He was born in Poulton, north to secure them and prevent artillery Lancaster and worked in the Ulverston being used against landing forces.. On 7th Iron works before the war. As well as his August they were to be reinforced by 10th D.C.M. and normal war medals, Joseph Division and assisted by Anzacs forces to also wore the Silver War Badge as he capture Sari Bair. Speed was essential in had a 20% disablement due to his the actions to prevent the Turks moving injuries. After the war he worked in the up reserves... Barrow shipyards and died in 1948. These plans were diluted somewhat A Millom man, Sergt. Mudge M.M. of with no one left in overall command and the 1/4th Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire no specific battle orders given for 10th Light Infantry ( London Gazette May Division, so the capture of the hills before 1917) was the recipient of a Millom dawn failed. Lack of leadership, shortage Heroes’ Fund medal and this forms part of water and Turkish resistance, meant of Bill’s collection. that day's objectives had not been Bill also described the activities of attempted let alone achieved. The Turks Lt.Col. Paul Whetham of the Manchester still held the high ground. regiment who was awarded the D.S.O. No further attempts at advancing were for his skill in co-ordinating the counter- made for almost two days, by which time attack during the German advance on the the Turkish reserves had advanced, River Ancre in March 1918. severe casualties had been inflicted on Munitions badges, YMCA War Workers 10th & 11th Divisions. 53rd Division was badges and even badges for the landed and thrown into battle. Imprecise Lancaster munitions fire were shown and briefing, a lack of maps and unclear discussed and needless to say there objectives added to the chaos and were many questions at the end of the demoralised troops already exhausted by talk , as well as an investigation of his battle, heat and lack of water. display at the front of the room. (Andrew Subsequent attempts to assault Brooks) Scimitar Hill failed and were abandoned with nothing achieved despite severe NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BE casualties. Later attempts by 10th Division DONE – Pte Baker Gloucs Regt 22 to attack Kiretch Tepe made a little the British 61st Division of 1st Army and progress but were soon lost. the other participating Division was By the 15th the Corps Commander, Australian from 2nd Army. Stopford, and many of the senior staff The attack was launched at 6 pm on were sacked and replaced in a last ditch 19th July and whilst some success was attempt to save the situation. It was achieved on the flanks, in the centre the hopeless, Allied troops were greatly British artillery was ineffective and the outnumbered, Turkish reinforcements German strongpoint of the Sugar Loaf were arriving daily, they held the high proved impregnable. A second phase ground and had artillery. attack by British and Australians against Further abortive attacks took place on the Sugar Loaf was called off but the the 18th & 23rd August but again nothing message to cancel did not reach the of importance was achieved; and many Australian who attacked alone and more casualties were incurred.. suffered heavy losses. Peter concluded that this offensive After the war efforts were made to must go down as an indictment of the locate 400 or so missing from the attack British military system for its sheer which eventually led to finding the mass incompetence and lack of leadership. graves adjacent to Pheasant Wood. The (Peter Bamford) commemoration of the new cemetery will take place on the 94th anniversary of the Fromelles 1916: Apr 2010 (38 attended) attack on 19th July. (TD)

With the work coming to a conclusion PROGRAMME OF FUTURE MEETINGS on removing remains from the mass graves at Fromelles and re-internment in (ALL MEETINGS ON MONDAY, 7.30 PM ) the nearby new cemetery, Michael Senior’s account of June 7th: ‘Punishment in the Great War’ the events of 19th/20th - Bill Martindale (Cumbria and N.Lancs July 1916 was very W.F.A.)

timely. Prevailing th July 5 : ‘The Rebuilding of Ypres’ - throughout over the Denise North ( W.F.A.) erratic behaviour of nd the slide projector Aug 2 : ‘Aeronauts and Balloonatics’ - remote control he set the scene by Geoff. Barker (Bradford Mech. Inst. World nd War 1 Group.) describing the formation of the 2 Bucks battalion, some of the individuals in it and Sept 6th : ‘German Commerce Raiders’ - their fates. He likened them to a Pals Dr. Graham Kemp (N. Lancs W.F.A.) battalion officered by local gentry. th After 18 months training they crossed Oct 4 : ‘War Graves and things…’ - David Shackleton (N. Lancs. W.F.A.) to France and were introduced to trench life in June 1916. They were to form part Nov. 1st: ‘Chairman’s Night’ - of a two division assault to capture the Stan Wilkinson.

German front line at Fromelles with the Dec 6th : ‘A.G.M. and Christmas Social.’ strategic objective of discouraging - An invitation to members to speak for German troops being moved south to join ten minutes on any WW1 topic. the Somme battles. The Bucks were in 23 Several members of the Branch Lt. Col. Brereton Fairclough’s attended the preview night of the Service Jacket (Page 14 refers) exhibition in the City Museum, Lancaster on 19th March and enjoyed the hospitality provided. The exhibition, which runs until 12th June, features a combination of displays provided by the British Postal Museum & Archive on the role of the Post Office in the Great War and letters, cards and other items from the King’s Own collection. A recreated regimental

King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, Last Post Exhibition th postman’s hut of the 1/5 Kings Own shows items that would be distributed by postman Corp. James Donohue from Blackpool. The Museum Report (at Page 10) describes some items from the museum collection that are on display. It is an exhibition well worth a visit and in the adjacent room is a bonus for lovers of steam trains. In addition to the exhibition there is a programme of special events. Details can be found on the museum’s website www.kingsownmuseum.plus.com

Western Front Association, North Lancashire Branch

Chairman: Stan Wilkinson Treasurer: Gaynor Greenwood Tel: 01524 262302 Tel: 01524 410750 Secretary: Dr. Graham Kemp Editor: Terry Dean Tel: 01524 310649 Tel: 01772 864182 Mob: 07866 493210 24email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Website: www.wfanlancs.co.uk