A site dedicated to the work of Hayes Labour Association, Hayes & Harlington Labour Party, Hayes Communist Party, Trade Unionists, and working men and women of West Middlesex.
With the welcome apology from the Labour Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd Canberra, November, 16th 2009 for it nations part in the scandal of forced child migrant labour from Britain.
We would do well to examine the plight of the seven thousand plus children who passed through the doors of the Padcroft Home, Yiewsley, West Middlesex between 1902 and 1949.
While a significant number of the children remained in Britain, many from Yiewsley (one of the poorest areas of West Middlesex) were sent to farms in Wales or as colliers around South Yorkshire, (Silverwood Colliery or at Pilkington Glass at St Helen's, while thousands of other children were sent to Canada and Australia as child migrants.
As many as 150,000 British children aged between three and 14 are believed to have been sent overseas in the post-war years to populate the colonies with what was described at the time as "good white stock" and to be used as cheap labour on farms.
Many children came from broken, poverty-stricken homes, others were simply taken from their young mothers. The Children when old enough were told they would enjoy a much better lifestyle overseas. In truth, they were often abused, treated as cheap labour and forced to live in poor and over-crowded accommodation.
We must never forget the plight (not all bad) of the child migrants from the Padcroft Home at Yiewsley and the thousands of Hillingdon residents who were forced to leave their home country to seek a life abroad because of poverty and the neglect of a nation that at the time was the wealthiest nation in the world. While ensuring today that child protection and care in Hillingdon is given the resources and status it so urgently requires.
Listed are the brave men of Hayes, West Middlesex who gave their lives during World War One.
Addition information is based upon an initial cross reference with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Many were young, they had their lives ahead of them and they gave their lives for what they believed was a just War, many to defend the "honour" of Belgium. We can call it an "Imperialist War" a "Capitalist War", we can blame the folly of their leaders like Earl Haig and Winston Churchill (Galopilli).
But we must never forget they gave their lives for what they believed was an "honourable" and "just" cause, many were young working class men and far from being caught up in the "jingoism" of the ruling class believed it right to fight for the liberation of Belgium.
This view was no doubt reinforced by the Belgium refugees who streamed into the munition factories of Hayes during War.
HAYES WW1
ROLL OF HONOUR
E.J. Arnold (Not found)
S.P. Aird (Not Found)
H. Balls(Possible Match) Herbert Frederick Balls, 20 Royal Fusiliers died 20/07/1916 ?????? F. Bamforth (possible match) Francis Bamforth, 8th Bat Royal Fusilers died 07/07/1916 ??
R.Bates (CONFIRMED)
Prvate Richard Edward Oliver Bates of Son of Annie Bates"Ivydene," Hayes End,11th battalion, Middlesex Regiment died 09/04/1917 S.C. Bennett (Not Found)
D.C. Blyth(Not Found)
C. V. Bowgett (CONFIRMED) Charles Victor Bowgett age33 Son of George and Fanny Eliza Bowgett; husband of Emily Bowgett, of 10, Rosedale Avenue, Hayes End, Hayes, Middx. Rifleman 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade died 20/10/1914
C.W Bray (Not Found)
H. Calf (CONFIRMED) William Henry Calf, Gunner 196th Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery Son of Frederick and Kate Eugenie Calf, "Acacia", High Rd, Hayes ., died 05/04/1917 CEMETERYANZIN-ST. AUBIN BRITISH
R. Calf (CONFIRMED) Robert Noel Calf, age 20 Private 13th Battalion, Royal FusilersSon of Frederick and Kate Eugenie Calf, Acacia", High Rd., cemetery Humercamps
C.Castle (CONFIRMED)Sergeant C. Castleage 27 Son of William G. and Sarah Castle, of 4, Railway Cottages, Hayes, Middlesex. Native of Iver, Bucks. 9th Bat Royal Fusiliers died 28/06/1918 Gezaincourt Cemetery E.L Chambers (Not found)
A. Charlesworth (Not found)
J Chinnery (CONFIRMED) Private James Chinnery, 9th Bat Royal Fusiliers 21 years old Son of Mr. and Mrs. Chinnery, of 49, Rosedale Avenue, Hayes End, Middlesex. 04/04/1916
P.Chitty (Not found)
J. Churchill (CONFIRMED)Private John Churchill aged 17 Son of Ena Elizabeth Churchill, of 39, Rosedale Avenue, Hayes, Middx 18/09/1916 Philosophe British, Mazingarbe. R.E. Coleman (Not found)
R. Egerton (CONFIRMED)RALPH EGERTON1st Essex Regiment age 35 06/08/1915 Son of the late Serjt. James Coleman (Connaught Rangers) and Mrs. Coleman, of Attleborough, Norfolk; husband of Harriett Elizabeth Coleman, of 25, Rosedale Avenue, Hayes End, Middx. Helles memorial
J.Cooke (CONFIRMED)
Private John Gatwood Cook age 39 husband of Ellen Cook of 13 Austin Road, Hayes, Brother Colour Sergeant Cook. 13th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, died 13th July 1917 at Baddow campa, Essex buried St Mary's Hayes.
H.Court (Possible match) HARRY ROBERT COURT 12th Middlesex Reg Husband of Phoebe Rebecca Court, of 19, Montague Avenue, Hanwell, Middx. ????? 10/01/1917 ?????
W.Curtis (Not Found)
G. Druce (CONFIRMED)
Private George Druce, aged 18, Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Druce, of 5, Church Walk, Hayes, Middx.9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers,20/10/1915 Noeux-les-Mines cemetery
T.D. Elderidge (Not found
W.J. Emmett (CONFIRMED) Private W. J. Emmett age 18 Son of Charles J. and Emma Emmett, of Hayes, Middx. 2nd Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)died 01/07/1918 CONTAY BRITISH CEMETERY,
G.Gates (CONFIRMED) George Gates age 30 Son of Mary Ann Gates, of Walnut Tree Cottage, Yeading, Hayes End, Middlesex. 2nd Bat Middlesex Reg 31/07/1917 Ypers
B.St J. Glanfield (Not found)
H.Gohm (CONFIMED) Private Henry Gohm 4th battalion Royal Fusiliers died 25/09/1915 Sanctuary Wood cemetery
T.W. Gregory (CONFIRMED)
Thomas williamage 26 Son of Thomas and Sarah Gregory, of 16, Angel Lane, Hayes End, Middx.C" Coy. 7th Bn.Royal Fusiliers died 06/02/1917 Thiepval cemetery F.D. Gregory (CONFIRMED)
Corporal Frederick David Gregory age 30 Husband of Ida May Gregory, of 37, Rosedale Avenue, Hayes End, Hayes, Middx. 2nd Batallion Grenadier Guards 31/07/1917 Artillery wood A. Gray
C Gye (CONFIRMED) Charles Gye 1st Royal Fusiliers Son of Robert and Caroline Gye, of 33, Rosedale Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex 17/11/1915
F.Halford (Possible match) Private F. Halford 4th middx reg 23/08/1914 St Symphorien Military ?????
S. Hambridge (Possible Match) Sidney John Hambridge 2nd bat Grenadier Guards Grenadier Guards24/05/1918 ??????
G. Hammond (CONFIRMED) Private George age 22 Son of Mr. G. Hammond, of 4, Melior Cottages, Yeading Lane, Hayes, Middx. 8th Bat Middx Reg died 19/05/1917 1st/ Aaras
J.W. Hart (not found)
A. Hawkins (Not found)
A. Haynes (not found
F.A. Hewens (CONFIRMED) Lieutenant F.A. Hewens 16/07/1918 RAF buried St Mary's Hayes
A. Higgs (CONFIRMED)
Arthur HiggsS on of Mrs. J. Higgs, of 4, White Row, Yeading, Hayes, Middx. 2nd bat Royal Fusiliers died 01/07/1916 Hawthorn ridge A.W. Higgs (Possible match)
Albert William Higgs 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment 24/04/1918 ?? 90% sure
E. Higgins (CONFIRMED) E. Higgins 32 Son of Mr. E. Higgins, of 7, Pillions Cottages, Hayes End Rd., Hayes, Middx. bat Royal Fusiliers died 19/06/1917 DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY
A. Howard (not found0
G.F. Hunnisett (CONFIRMED) Private Frederick George Hunnisett "Sunnyside", Yeading, Hayes, Middx. 01/04/1918 Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars - Pozieres Memorial
W.E. Hunt (Possible match) Son of Henry James and Elisabeth Sarah Hunt, of 12, Elthorne Park Rd., Hanwell. Born at Hanwell. Air Mechanic 2nd ClassRAF 06/04/1918 Hanwell cemetery ?? E. Jermie (Jermy) (CONFIRMED) Lance Corporal Ernest William Jermy age 21 son of William and Annie Maria Jermy of 3 Brown's Cottage, Hayes End, Middx 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers died 25/03/1918 Pozieres Memorial
M.R. Johnson F. Joyce (not found)
A. Knight (CONFIRMED) Private Albert Alfred Knight age 22 Son of mrs Alice Clark 61 Albert Road, Yiewsley, Middx 1st/8th Bat Middlesex Reg died 30/04/1915 Ypres cemetary
G. Langley (CONFIRMED) Lance Cororal George Langley 21,Son of James and Ada Langley, of 19 Mellor Cottages, Yeading, Middx. 1/8th Bat Middlesex Regiment 16/08/1917 Tyne Cot cemetery
H. Langley
Private Harry Langley age 27 Son of James and Ada Langley, of 19, Melior Cottages, Yeading, Hayes, Middx. 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment died 28/04/1917 Aaras cemetray
W. Leather (not found)
A. Lovett (CONFIRMED)Private Arthur Samuel Lovett aged 19 1st east Surrey regiment Son of Arthur George and Ada Lovett, of 35, Clayton Rd., Hayes, Middx. 24/09/1916 Thieva F. Merchant (Not found)
B. Matthews (Not found)
G.F. Mattingley (CONFIRMED)
George Francis Mattingley, age 25 , Son of James and Annie Mattingley, of Yeading, Hayes, Middx Yeading. 20 Bat Kings Royal Rifles16/07/1916
G.W. Meads (Not found)
W.H. New (Not found) E.C. Nice (Possible Match) Edward Charles Albert Nice10th Bat Essex Regiment 26/09/1916 Thiepval ???
A. Norwood (CONFIRMED) Corporal Alfred Norwood age 40 Son of Charlie and Helen Norwood, of 17, Cowley Mill Rd., Uxbridge; husband of Emily Norwood, of 18, New Windsor St., Uxbridge, Middx. 12th bat Royal Fusiliers 15/06/1917 Ypes
W. Palmer (Not found) (Might be William Plamer - Candaian son of Henry Palmer
A. Penn (not found)
R.C. Pickering
W,H. Pomeroy 12 Bat Suffolk Regiment 05/05/1917 ?????
H. Powell (CONFIRMED) Lance Corporal Harry Powell age 31 son of Stephen William and Ellen Powell of 5 Mill's Cottages, Wood End Green, Hayes End. Middx died 15/10/1918 Duhallow ADS cemetery
H.M. Prince (Not found)
E. Rayner (CONFIRMED) Private Eric Norman Rayner age 24 Son of Mrs M Rayner of 35 Angel Lane, Hayes End, Middlesex 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers 5/10/1917 Tyne Cot Cemetery
W. Rayner (Not found)
W, Redden (not found)
T. Renton (Not found)
W. Richardson (Not found)
F. Sadler (POSSIBLE MATCH) Frederick Frederick John Sadler, 2nd Middlesex Reg ,Thiepval 01/07/1916 ????
T. Salter (CONFIRMED)
Private Thomas Henry Salter age 19 Son of Silas and Emma Salter, of 1, Park Lane, Hayes End, Middx. Royal Fusiliers 02/10/1915 Loos
W. Sargood (Possible Match) 1st Bat Royal Fusiliers 17/01/1916 ??
C. Sherwood (Not found)
C.Sherwood (CONFIRMED)
Private Charles William Sherwood8th Battalion Royal FusiliersSon of Emma Sherwood, of 8, Town Field Rd., Hayes, and the late Thomas Sherwood; husband of Maud Elizabeth Sherwood, of 1, Grainges Yard, Uxbridge, Middxage 35 05/10/1916Thiepval
J. Smith (Not found)
H. Stacey (Not found) A. J. Stonestreet (Possible Match) Private Alfred John Stonestreet age 22 Son of Benjamin John and Sarah Emily Stonestreet, of Myrtle Cottage, High Rd., Southall, Middx.13th Kensington Bn, London Reg. died 01/07/1916 COUIN BRITISH CEMETERY W. Sullivan (Not found)
W. SyredLance (CONFIRMED) Corporal William Arthur Syred Son of the late William Arthur Syred and of Betsy Witherly (formerly Syred), of 33, Blyth Rd., Hayes, Middx. 25/09/1915 Ypres 5th Bat Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
W.C. Tapping (Not found) W.H. Taylor (Not found)
A. Tripp (Possible Match) Albert Tripp, Rifleman Rifle Brigade 16/12/1914 Ploegsteert ????? W.T. Turner (Not Found)
H.A. Turner (CONFIRMED)
Henry Albert Turner, aged 35 Husband of Florence Fearnley Turner, of "Claverley," Cromwell Rd., Hayes End, Middx. Born at Hayes End. 6th Battalion Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) died 09/04/1918BOUZINCOURT RIDGE H. Tyrell (Possible match)
P. Tyrell (Possible match) W. Vaughan.(Not found)
J. WattsG. West (not found)
W.T. Williams (Not found)
THOMAS GREGORY
HAYES KILLED IN ACTION The news was received by Mr and Mrs Thomas Gregory of 16 Angel Lane, Hayes, West Middlesex that their only son, Thomas William Gregory had been killed in action in France on February 8th 1917.
A field card dated 3rd was the last news they heard from him, and being naturally anxious as to his welfare they made inquiries - and then the official intimation came to hand . Thomas Gregory was a bright popular fellow 26 years of age the deceased was for some years employed as a grocer at Joyce's, Hillingdon and then after a time at Ealing, He worked at Mr Thomas shop Hillingon Heath. He joined the Royal Fusiliers last February and was sent to France in July. He was gassed and after being in hospital in France rejoined his Regiment on January 1st 1917.
Much sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Gregory at their loss (advertiser & Gazette - March 2nd 1917).
NOTE CWG
Thomas William Gregory:- Royal Fusiliers C Company 7th Battalion killed 06/02/1917 son of Thomas and Sarah Gregory 16 Angel Lane, Hayes. Thiepval Memorial C9 A and 16 A
*Probably killed in skirmishes leading up to the Battle of Miraumont
JOHN COOK OF HAYES KILLED
A SOILDERS FUNERAL
The sad circumstances which surrounded the deaths of Private John Gattwood Cook of Austin Road, call for heartfelt sympathy and numerous expressions have been recievied by his wife for which she desires to return her thanks. The deceased who was in his fortieth year was passed for B1 eleven months ago and became attached to the 13th Loyal Lancashire Regiment, in training at little Baddow camp, Essex.
During most of his period of service his condition of health had been such that he was available for light work only. on July 13th he went for a route march and later succumbed. An inquest was held and it was found that death was due to heart failure. The remains were conveyed to Hayes and interred in the Parish churchyard last Thursday afternoon.
The rector the Rev E.R. Hudson officiated at the internment. The mourners were the widow, Colour Sergeant Cook (brother) Mr J. Sexton (brother in law), Mrs Forman, Mrs Mylon, Mrs Staniford, Miss Sexton (Sister in law), Mrs Lane (Sister in law) and Mr Lane and Private Staniford (Nephew). There were a number of friends present at the graveside. floral tributes were sent from the widow his brother and wife, Mrs Forman, his officers and NCO, two from the boys of the Battalion, Mrs Young daughter, Mr and Mrs Conway, Mrs Tom Shackle, Mrs Mylon, Mr and Mrs Dalton, and Miss Dalton before he enlisted deceased was employed by the Universal Music Company as a charge hand in the stencil cutting department. July 1917
MISSING IN ACTION
Private Herbert William Allen
HarefieldHarefield solider reported missing on October 22nd (1917) of last year news has this week been received by Mr and Mrs Allen of Park Lane, Harefield that their son Private Herbert William Allen must be presumed to have been killed on or about this date.
Private Allen joined the army in February 1916 and was attached to the 18th Lancashire Fusillers. He went to France in October and three weeks later the unfortunate news was received. Before enlisting the deceased who was nineteen years of age was employed at the West Hyde Joinery Works. (Advertiser & Gazette - September 1918)
CWG Herbert William Allen, killed 22/10/1917 18th Lancashire Regiment Panel 54 to 60 and 163a Tyne Cot Memorial BelgiumIn.
*I belive he was killed on the attack at Houthulst Forest on 22nd October 1917 as part of the prelimany attacks on the eve of the Second Battle of Passchendale which started 26th October 1917
De SALIS LOSE TWO SON'S
Second Lieutenant C.R. De Salis killed Mr and Mrs C.F. De Salis of Dawley Court have received official information that another son second Lieutenant George Randolph De Salis of the Middlesex Regiment was killed in action the 21st June 1917, though only 19 years old, the deceased officer had Worthy upheld the grand tradition of his family.
It is sad to learn that he had only joined his regiment three weeks when he met with his death he was educated at Lancing and St Pauls school and was the fifth son of Mr and Mrs De Salis this is the second son of Mr and Mrs De Salis to make the great sacrifice and it will be remembered that only a year or two back another son was accidentally killed while errecting thememorial erected in Harlington churchyard, bearing record of the deaths of the two last named.
Quite recently an elder brother second Lieutenant E. W. Fane De Salis was granted the Military medal 29 June1917.
Second Lieutentat George Rondolph De Salis aged 19 8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment killedKilled 21/06/1917 buried Hibers Trench. near Arras Pas de Calis E16
HARLINGTON DEAD AND WOUNDED 1915
Up to the present time (April 1915) about 200 men from Harlington have enlisted in the army or are in the Navy serving their King and country.
Of that number the following Harlington men have been reported in the casualty lists.
W. Pearce - Royal Marines (Missing)
Richard Carrod - 1st Battalion Royal West Surrey Regiment (Missing) 31/10/1914 Arthur Douglas Cook - Royal Scottish (Killed) 15/10/1914 ? Vieille-Chapelle ? William Peggrem - Welsh Regiment (Wounded)
John Smith King's - Royal Rifles (Wounded)
F.W. Stevens - Royal Fusiliers (Wounded)
Frank Stevens - 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (Wounded)
Albert Tripp - Welsh Regiment (Wounded)
Thomas Tubb - Field Artillery (Wounded)
Alfred Warren - 2nd Worcestershire (Wounded)
PRIVATE STEVEN'S WOUNDED
Private Frank Stevens Royal Fusillers, 2 White Hart Cottages, Brickfield Lane, Harlington wounded for a second time a bullet passed right through his body and he is suffering frost bite is now lying in St Thomas's hospital. (Advertiser & Gazette - March 1915)
PRIVATE HERBERT FRANK NEWMAN
Death of Private Herbert Frank M Newman
(photo right)
After having risked the dangers of war for four years Private Herbert Frank M Newman, younger son of Mr William Newman of Harefield Road, Uxbridge (previously Holley Cottage, Brickfield Road, Uxbridge) was siezed with influenza and after only three days illness passed away in camp at Bramshott.
The Deceased was thirty years of age, previously employed at an Uxbridge Mill he went to Canada seven years ago, and when War broke out he "answered the call" and had been on active service with the Canadian Forces (25th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Nova Scotia Regiment) practically ever since. He was wounded but had recovered and was looking forward to an early return to civilian life when he was seized with illness which so suddenly proved fatal. Much sympathy is extended to his young wife and other relatives in their bereavement. wreaths from nurses and staff Canadian Hospital Bramshott, staff at Boxmoor Wharf and comrades at Bramshott camp.
With full military honours, the funeral took place at Hillingdon Cemetery on Wednesday morning. The coffin covered with a union jack, was borne to the cemetery on a gun carriage, and the cortege was met by a Canadian Army Chaplin who impressively conducted the service,
Following the service, volleys were fired over the grave and buglers sounded the last post (picture of Private Newman ) (Advertiser & Gazette 28 February 1919).
Private Herbert Frank Newman born 30th November 1888, died 07/02/19195ft 6 inches, complexion dark, tall, Brown eyes, Black hair, scar on right forefinger. Joined up Lindsay, Ontario, Canada 18th March 1915. 25th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Nova Scotia Regiment), Occupation Miller Husband of Gladys P.J. Newman, of 53, The Lynch, Uxbridge, Middlesex.
PALMER BROTHERS HAYES CANADIAN'S
The Palmer Brothers from Hayes (sons of Hayes Labour Party founder and Councillor Henry Palmer) They died fighting in the Canadian Army.
William Alfred Palmer, Eastern Ontario Reg (Killed 26 th April 1916 buried Woods Cemetery, Belgium).
Lieutenant Henry Arthur Palmer, Central Ontario Reg (killed 30th September 1918 buried Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery, Nord France)
CANADIAN'S KILLED ON SAME DAY AT VIMY RIDGE
Ernest and George White sons of Samuel George and Emily White 20 Lawn Road, Uxbridge Middlesex both 10th Company 4th battalion Canadian Machine Corps, Canadian Expeditionary Force, who both died on the attack on Vimy Ridge 11th April 1917.
William (Walter?) Ernest White (age 20) Canadian cemetary No2 Neuville St Vaast born 18 July 1896 Killed 11 April 1917 Vimy Ridge
William George White (age 33) Givenchy Road Canadian Cemetery Neuville St Vaast born 27 January 1884 killed Vimy Ridge 11 April 1917
DRIVER KILLED
Uxbridge - Sidney Handicott 8th Battalion Royal Fusilers later machine Gun Corps(Infantry) Driver Units 36th Coy Killed 5th July 1916 age 26 buried Aveluy, France Advertiser 5 July 1916
HILLINGDON
William Charles Howes Sapper 128 Field Coy Royal Enginers died 31st December 1915 age 33 husband of Jane Howes 10 Ivy Cottage Hillingdon burired Erqinghem-Lys
PRIVATE TIPPING WOUNDED - YIEWSLEY
Yiewsley Private T.H. Tipping son of Mr and Mrs W. Tipping of 9 Bentinck Road, Yiewsley is now in hospital in Brighton suffering from wounds in the left leg, this is the third time he was wounded, each time in the leg. Private Tipping was serving with the 13th Royal Fusiliers and when he arrived in Brighton found two pals with whom he had long been serving lying in the same ward - Advertiser & Gazette- August 1919 LUSITANIA DEATH Mr C.A. Dingwall lost on the Lusitania 7 May 1915 buried at St Johns Church, Hillingdon.
WW1 KIWI BURIED AT HILLINGDON
William Thomas Buckner born Christchurch New Zealand, 4th Bn. 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Fought at Passchendaele, died of pneumonia on 23 October 1918, aged 25 . He is buried in the Uxbridge (Hillingdon) Cemetery.
LEONARD SPENCER - UXBRIDGE ILP SECRETARY
L "Leonard" W. Spencer was born in Guildford 29th July 1889, educated at Collegete School at Reading, He was the son of Mr. T. B. Spencer, of 66, Kidmore Road, Caversham, Reading.
Aged just 17, he left home to open a business in Uxbridge, living later at Belmont Road, Uxbridge. Leonard Spencer went on to helped establish and became the first secretary of the Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce, while also participating in the establishment of a local parliament (debating society).
As an early motor cyclist enthusiast he was reported to be the first person to have ever successfully motorcycle up Snowdon, he also toured Norway and Iceland as a young man.
Spencer had been a keen supporter of Mr Edmund Dene Morel (later Labour MP for Dundee and married to Mary Richardson) agitation over the brutal rule of King Leopold in the Belgium Congo (Now the Democratic republic of Congo).
Spencer became a Christian Socialist believing "that there was no incompatibility but rather the fullest harmony between Christianity and socialism".
He went on to become the founding Secretary of the Uxbridge Independent Labour Party (ILP) and in 1910 he had been elected to Uxbridge Council as a Labour candidate along with Edwin Westcott. While on the council he was involved in the plan to build some of the first Uxbridge Council houses and it was stated that these "were definitely a monument to the energies and the eloquence of Mr Spencer".
When World War 1 broke he considered it his Christain duty to serve and he was one of the first to enlist as a Cyclist Orderly in the (London Cycling Regiment) later 13th Kensington Battalion in order to defend the sovereignty of "little countries overseas".
He wrote home stating "he would not come home for the world until victory was won" and encouraging others to follow him and enlist. At Ypres, during the Battle of Neuve Chapel during March and April 1915, A battle which represented the first large scale organised attack undertaken by the British army during the war. Spencer's Battalion took major losses, he underwent a terrible ordeal, suffering from hunger, thirst and sleepless nights. He only took off his clothes to wash and slept every night with his motorcycle by his side (probably providing a vital courier service). He served without respite for seven months.
The Regimental History of the Kensington's Regiment describes their experiences during Neuve Chapelle. C Company was involved on the first day, and advanced at 9 a.m. to the village cemetery, where they had to take cover amidst churned-up graves. On the 12th of March, their C.O. (Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis) noted that by 12.25 p.m. the German bombardment of their positions (in the old front line) was "Perfect Hell". It seems that this "perfect hell" had finally undermined Leonard Spencer's fundamental Christian beliefs, it was stated later that he had rediscovered his beliefs before his untimely death, shot through the head by a German snipper on the 1st September 1915.
Private (and Comrade) L.W. Spencer is buried at Longuenesse St Omer, France.
HANWORTH
Although but a small village, Hanworth is contrabuting its full share of victims in the war
during the week news has been recieived that Captain Lafone of the Devonshire Regiment grandson of the late Mr Alfred Lafone has been killed in action, while another younger villager to give his life for his country is Private Fred Robins of the King's Royal Rifles, son of Mr William Robins of 13 New Road, Hanworth, (Hounslow).
Private Jim Alderman of the King's Royal Rifles has been dangerously wounded in the chest and Private Lewcock of the same regiment (King's Royal Rifles) has been wounded in the ankle. Both the two wounded men only left their civil employment to join the new army fter Christmas - March 1915
"The patriotism of many so called patriots starts and ends with their pockets,
it was the same with the coal owners, who grow fat out of the country's needs,
and risk the country's safety rather than
give the colliers a living wage.
It is the same with the some property owners,
when it comes to compelling them to spend money
on their broken down dirty dilapidated houses,
their wails and screeches reach unto the heavens!
But they will do anything rather than their lawful duty"
Councillor J.C. Drenon The Uxbridge Advertiser 23rd July 1915
HAYES MUNITION GIRLS "We are the Hayes Munition girls Working night and day Wearing the roses off our cheeks For very little pay Some people call us lazy But were next to the boys on the sea If it was'nt for the munitions girls Where would the Empire be ?"
The vast majority of Women Munition workers "canaries" were members of the National Federation of Women Workers Union.
BOY AT THE FRONT
Rifleman Mallet of Harefield Road, Uxbridge was one of the local men who joined up. he got to the front somehow but because of his youth 16 years old, was returned to depot of the Corps at Winchester. January 1916
LUSITANIA C.A. Dingwall lost on the Lusitania, 07 May 1915, buried at St Johns Church, Hillingdon CANADIAN MINERS
July 1917 Canadian Tunnelling Corps (Canadian Miners) and Canadian signalmen at Denham camp, Buckinghamshire.
Canadian Hospital at Hillingdon House and Canadian Club at 156 or 158 Uxbridge High Street opened in January 1916.
Dolphin Ground, Slough Saturday September 20th 1917. Canadian Lumberjack and Military Sports including Baseball match Canadian Foresters (Smith's Lawn) V ? ? Another ??? ? Log rowling, log sawing, chopping, best turned out, Logging Team
Smith's Lawn is in the southeast corner of Windsor Great Park,was during the Great War the HQ of the Candaian Forestry Corps and now the home of the idle rich, exclusive Guards Polo Club.
HAYES CANADIAN BROTHERS KILLED
See the William and Henry Palmer (sons of Henry Palmer founder of Hayes Labour Party) ex Hayes residents killed fighting in Canadian Regiments.
William Alfred Palmer, Eastern Ontario Reg (Killed 26 th April 1916 buried Woods Cemetery, Belgium).
Lieutenant Henry Arthur Palmer, Central Ontario Reg (killed 30thSeptember 1918 buried Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery, Nord France) CHEMICAL - FRITZ GETS NOBEL PRIZE
Fritz Haber who developed Chlorine gas as a weapon of war was awarded the 1918 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
SWITZERLAND WW1 POW CAMP
T. Langton one of the original members of the Uxbridgre Company 178th Battalion writes from a Prisoner of War (POW) camp in Switzerland. He reported he had been working in a forest in Lucerne with a party of fifty men for two months, but having completed the work returned to the main camp Chateau d'Oex in the hills and preparing again for another long winter. He stated that they had men of all regiments in the POW camp an that "they are all looking well, but a lot of them are down heated at not being passed for repatriation. we are all looking forward to the time to when we can get back to Blighty" (Blighty - England), and that "they will have to look sharp and get us home, as all the single chaps have married Swiss girls" and that " we must be thankful we are out of Germany". He states that some men had used their time in the POW Camp to undertake motor engineering courses, carpentry, book binding, printing typewriting courses/training etc..."so there is no need for anybody to be idle".
"Forty men have been asked for to learn piano making at Lucerne, but they do not much like this place as the "square heads" (German's) are there...I have run up against a chap named Slater who used to belong to the Old Company 26 October 1917. NOTE:
Chateau d'Oex is now a much sought after ski resort, the hostility faced by the POW's was probably because many of the local Swiss population were German speaking and likely to be pro German. It was a grievance of the British POW's that they were being used by the Swiss as cheap labour during their forced confinement in "neutral" Switzerland. MEDICAL STAFF ATTACHED TO PORTUGUESE ARMY IN AFRICA (MOZAMBIQUE) 1914-1919
Herbert E Osborn son of Jabez Osbourne (Providence Church, Uxbridge) living at "Kelvedon" spent twelve years in the "Zambesi" region of Africa (Mozambique)as part of a Medical Mission. During World War One he was attached to the Portgauese Army.
He married Miss Z. May Pratt of 86 Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge.. The Rev F.L.Riches Low conducted the ceremony and hoped to return to Zamesi in the Spring (8th August 1919)
SOLDERS AT FRONT PARENTS EVICTED AT HOME
Mr and Mrs Fort aged 73 and 69 evicted from Copthall Farm near Ickenham despite having six sons, five of whom are in army June 1916 PRIVATE TIPPING WOUNDED - YIEWSLEY
Yiewsley Private T.H. Tipping son of Mr and Mrs W. Tipping of 9 Bentinck Road, Yiewsley is now in hospital in Brighton suffering from wounds in the left leg, this is the third time he was wounded, each time in the leg. Private Tipping was serving with the 13th Royal Fusiliers and when he arrived in Brighton found two pals with whom he had long been serving lying in the same ward - Advertiser & Gazette- August 1919
BEHIND ENEMY LINES A unique letter home from Reginald Hamaton of Hillingdon who was in the Army of Occupation in (Cologne) Germany in January 1919, shines a small light on the situation in Germany.
“We are very lucky here as we are in Jerry’s peace time barracks, and have nice single cots, pillows, and soft beds, plenty of coal for the fire, “bags” of electric light, etc. We are not allowed to walk or talk with the civilian population…..I suppose this is the place where they make the Eau de Cologne, but I have not seen any about. Of course, I cannot speak any German, and it is hard to understand the people, but they are very nice and treat us very good – far better than I thought would be the case. It is funny to see Jerry’s bicycles with the patent spilings for tyres. As you know, he has no rubber, and his motor lorries have iron tyres, and it makes the people look when they see all ours using rubber. Another thing they are very short of soap”.
HARLINGTON DEAD AND WOUNDED 1915
Up to the present time (April 1915) about 200 men from Harlington have enlisted in the army or are in the Navy serving their King and country.
Of that number the following Harlington men have been reported in the casualty lists.
W. Pearce - Royal Marines (Missing)
Richard Carrod - Royal West Surrey regiment (Missing)
Arthur Douglas Cook - Royal Scottish (Killed)
William Peggrem - Welsh Regiment (Wounded)
John Smith King's - Royal Rifles (Wounded)
F.W. Stevens - Royal Fusiliers (Wounded)
Frank Stevens - 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (Wounded)
Albert Tripp - Welsh Regiment (Wounded)
Thomas Tubb - Field Artillery (Wounded)
Alfred Warren - 2nd Worcestershire (Wounded)
PRIVATE STEVEN'S WOUNDED
Private Frank Stevens Royal Fusillers, 2 White Hart Cottages, Brickfield Lane, Harlington wounded for a second time a bullit passed right through his body and he is suffering frost bite is now lying in St Thomas's hospital. (Advertiser & Gazette - March 1915) BOTWELL BROTHERHOOD ON THE WAR
"Do they believe all the lies and calumnies spread by the daily Liar and Daily Distress against the German nation who are the nearest allied to us by both blood and principle. What can the Brotherhood say of those pathetic and unauthorised meetings between British and German solders on Christmas Day 1914 ? Will they not agree that such an occurrence in itself condemns the war by blundering ambition have no enmity and are jolly fellow on each side" (Botwell Brotherhood February 1915) BELGIUM REFUGEES AT HAYES
Hundreds of Belgium refugees were working in the Hayes munition factories, they even had their own section and union officer of the Workers Union, Jan Chapelle (Belgium Metal workers union), which had at it's height 5,000 member. (see posting on Hayes Workers Union established in 1914 Secretary Douglas Page and Uxbridge Workers Union established in August 1918 Secretary Mr Russell 90 Bridge Road, Uxbridge.
The Labour Party was heavily involved in the Belgium Relief Committee, especially Councillor Juan Drenon.
POYLE MILLS TWO KILLED THREE INJURED
Poyle Powder Mills, Berkshire, munitions factory. Mr Cogswell Harrison young manager killed and his assistant Dorothy Moss. Three others including Mr Donath and Ms Fibey and Ms East were all badly burnt. Dr Walker and Nurse K. Robinson were soon at the scene Explosion heard in Botwell, Sipson, Harlington, a window pain of school at Harmondsworth broken. After the explosion an enormous cloud of smoke April 1915
Uxbridge ILP Leader Killed
Leanold W Spencer UxbridgeIndependent Labour Party Secretary (Belmont Road, Uxbridge) was also killed, 1st September 1915.
Shot in the head aged just 26. He had been a founder member of Uxbridge Labour Party, first Labour Councillor in Uxbridge and was the first man to motor cycle up Snowdon, Wales.
L.W Spencer, Regiment took major loses and he underwent terrible ordeal suffer from hunger, thirst, sleepless nights and 7 months on constant bombardment, he slept with his motorcycle by his side doing his Christian socialist duty.
He was in the 13thKensington Battalion, Cyclist Orderly he is buried at Longuenesse St Omer.
GERMAN PRISONER'S TRAGIC DEATH
Private Carl Siebenhuhner, German Prisoner Drowned at Denham, Buckinghamshire. (a village just outside West London)
While bathing in the river Colne at the prisoner of War camp, Denham Lodge, on Saturday 9 August 1919, a German prisoner named Siebenhuhner got out of his depth.
He was unable to swim, and seeing that he was in difficulties, his comrades immediately went to his assistance, but without success and the body disappeared. Dragging operations were at once instituted, and the body was recovered from the water in less than a hour,
At the inquest held at the Lodge on Tuesday evening, by Mr A. E. Charsley coroner for South Buckinghamshire a verdict of accidental death was returned.
The deceased, who was twenty seven years of age was a single man, and had been a prisoner of war since 1916 (taken at the prisoner at the Battle of the Somme). the accident was particularly unfortunate as he was expecting to return to his home in Germany shortly.
The funeral of Private Carl Siebenhuhner took place at Denham on Wednesday,
The coffin covered with a flag, and surmounted with a couple of wreaths of holly and evergreens from his comrades, was placed on one of the motor lorries, and the cortege moved off from the camp at Denham Lodge with a firing party of the Royal Fusiliers leading and the whole of the Prisoners of War numbering about forty, following behind the coffin.
In addition to the two wreaths on the coffin, one of the German prisoners carried a beautiful wreath of white carnations subscribed for by all his comrades.
The first portion of the burial service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev G.C Battiscombe, was taken in the church and afterwards six of his comrades, specially chosen because of their near residence to him in Germany bore the coffin to the grave. Here the rector concluded the burial service, three volleys were fired by soilders from the Royal Fusilers and the last post sounded.
The coffin bore the inscription Siebenhuhner, Carl 133rd Infantry Regiment, died August 9th 1919, aged 27, One of the wreaths was from his friend Erde.
In the 1960's the German War Graves Commission established a permanent site in a pine forest at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, and Karl Siebenhuhner body was transfered to Staffordshire.
Carl Siebenhuhner was reinterred 24th November 1962
Karl Siebenhuhner - German Prisoner of War, World War One.
Many German POW's worked on farms around Denham and Harefield at the end of WW1, its a shame one young German survived the mud and murder of the Somme to die in Colne on a hot summers day.
CEYLON
Kamal Chunchie, born Kandy, Sri Lanka 1886. A policeman from Ceylon joined the Middlesex Regiment in WW1 and was wounded twice. After the war on 9th February 1926 he opened the Coloured Men's Institute in Canning Town, probably the first community organization of its kind. Died 1953
MISS WARRENDER RETURNS FROM THE BALKHAN WAR
Miss Eleanor Warrender of High Grove, Eastcote has arrived back in England (January 1913) after serving three months in the Greek Military Hospitals, nursing the wounded. Miss Warrender has been actively associated with the Uxbridge detachment of the Voluntary Aid Organisation. The Balkan War is not her first experience of military service for her name is associated with Mrs George Cornwallis-West of the South African hospital ship Maine . Advertiser and Gazette 3 February 1913.
American Hospital ship was built at West Hartlepool, England and launched in July 1887, Maiden Voyage: 1887, Destruction: Wrecked off the Island of Mull, 1914
"Maine" arrived at Durban, South Africa on January 23, 1900, arriving in time to take casualties from the famous Battle of Spion Kop, The "Maine's" it's Superintending Sister was Miss Mary Eugenie Hibbard. The Maine's sister ship "Missouri" was used as a hospital ship during the Spanish-American War.
I believe Eleanor Warrender was Sir Randolph Churchill's (Winston Churchill's father) personal nurse.
YWCA HUT HAYES
A YWCA hut was established in 1916 in the Hayes Station Wesleyan School to provide rest and food to the thousands of women munition workers in Hayes. Providing 500-600 meals a day. Mr F. H. Stace as the energetic leader of the Wesleyans recognised the need and Miss Galilee 1 Bushey Villas, Harlington took charge with a band of ethusiastic workers who "are doing their bit" also involved Mrs Hollingum, Mrs Robinson. Mrs Denman and Misses Brown, Miss Purvis,Mrs Head, Mrs Fidler, and Mrs Belch, Miss Philp, Miss Hunt, Miss Whetnall. Miss Heyward, Miss Brown, Mrs Smith, Miss Carter. A purpose built YWCA hut opened in August 1916 in Keith Road.
Major Ernest John WebsterBruce
Tithe Farm, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire
Formally Melbourne, Australia
Died 17th April 1919aged 43
Major E.J. Bruce was well known in Melbourne, Australia as the Managing director with firm Paterson, Laing and Bruce.
Major Bruce was the son oflate Mr J. T. Bruce and brother of Stanley Bruce MHR
Brother captain S.M. Bruce. Federal MP for Flinders constituency.
Served in 1st Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa during Boer War, which he had Joined at Jesus College, Cambridge.
Injury to left arm sustained in South Africa
Beginning of World War One in 1914 tried to rejoin but was rejected on health grounds.
And returned to Australia in 1914.
In July 1915 returned to England, Joined the Royal Field Artillery 18th Brigade in France Royal Rifles Artillery for three years
January 1916 served 94th battery as Subaltern until February 1918, when promoted to Acting Major of D/18 Battalion
Observation officer at Vimy Ridge, awarded military cross
Fought at the Somme, Vimy, and Ypers at the age of 40
Three years fighting undermined his health
Involved in great push of august and September 1918
“As an artillery subaltern, when over 40 years of age, was a task of great endurance”
He suffered from ulcerations and sleeplessness
His failing health undoubtedly caused his suicide, Major Bruce shot himself in the mouth with a service revolver.
Coroner Mr A.E.W.Charlsey for South Buckinghamshire
verdict “suicide while temporarily insane”
He left a wife May Lindsay Graham-Clarke (formerly Bruce, nee Jackson), of Glenrhos, Rhayader, Radnorshire and two daughters.
Mrs Sarah Leach Botwell Sisterhood and Labour Party
31st March 1939 Advertiser & Gazette
Mrs S. E.Leach well known Labour and religious worker in the Hayes district for many years. Mrs Sarah Elizabeth Leach died at the age of 68 at Middlesex Hospital in Sunday 26th March 1939. Mrs Sarah Leach came to Hayes in 1913 and moved to 7 Eastcote Lane, Northolt in 1933.
She was a member of the Botwell Infant Welfare committee since its inception and Chairman of Hayes Labour Party Women's section for several years.
For a long time she was President of the Botwell Sisterhood and president of West Middlesex Brotherhood Federation. She was an elected Hayes Labour Party repressentstive on the Uxbridge Board of Guardians until its functions were passed on to Middlesex County Council,
In her earlier years Mrs Leach was a Sunday School teacher.
her sympathetic character endeared her to all among whom she worked.
Mrs Leach's funeral was held at Northolt Parish church on Wednesday 5th April 1939
NOTES Robert John Leach, 1 Clarevillas, Clarendon Road, Hayes, (Engineer). Chairman of Hayes Labour Party and Labour Councillor in the 1920's (first elected 1920) Vice Chairman Hayes UDC 1921-1922 and 1924-1925. Chairman 1922-1923 and for six months 1925-1926.
BOTWELL BROTHERHOOD Hayes or Botwell Brotherhood, a non conformist interdenominational religious grouping, was founded in or around April 1908 with Mr J.T. Catherwood as Honoray Secretary, Rev F. Robinson as President. Meetings of Botwell Brotherhood were initially held in the Wesleyan Chapel in Morgan's Lane, Hayes, Middlesex. The Botwell Brotherhood Hall finally moved to it's own Brotherhood Hall in Neild Road , Hayes opening in November 1915. Botwell Brotherhood moved to a new Brotherhood Hall in Coldharbour Lane in 1932.
Botwell Sisterhood was established in 1910
At the 1912 annual meeting of Botwell Brotherhood over 100 people attended, reports were read on the Brotherhoods Benevolent society, Coal and Sick club.
After the 1912 reports Uxbridge and Hayes Brotherhood Orchestra played and Thomas Chellew(London) presided, supported by Mr J. H. May (Harlesden), Mr Wolseley Hutt (Baritone- Queens Hall) Mr A. Maud (Uxbridge). Percy Langton (Founder of Hayes Labour party) and Miss Olive Langton (piano) others involved included Mrs Ward, Mr Backhouse, BOTWELL BROTHERS:-Mr Catherwood, Mr Warr, Mr Gardner, Mr Loader, Mr Langton, Mr Mardlin, Mr Brown (Junior), Brown (Senior), Reeves, Nicholls, Nightingale, Bristowe, Winter, Darby, Oakley, Jeremy, Rogers, Dix, Catherwood, Brown Junior, Darby, Brown (senior), Winter, Bosher, Chandler, D. Brown, Bristowe, Pullin and Langton. Other names associated with the Botwell Botwell movement in 1914 included Mrs Austin, Mrs J. Matson, Mrs Lovell, Mrs A. Maison, Mrs Kemp
also involved Mr Jabez Osbourne of Uxbridge.
BOTWELL BROTHERHOOD BRASS BAND Botwell Brotherhood Brass Band established around 1912. It was reported at the January 1915 annual meeting of Botwell Brotherhood that they had managed to repay the £10 cost for musical instruments for the Brass band and the President congratulated the band on "the splendid progress it had made considering the very unsettled state of things at present, and also taking into consideration that the War had taken away six of its most active members". The Band later became the Harlington Silver and is now known as the Denham Hendon Brass Band, and enjoy considerable susses. They now rehearse at Denham.
Southall Brotherhood had been established circa 1907 and meet in the Wesleyan Hall, Southall, under the leadership of Mr T. J. Owens. Their seems to have been a strong Welsh connection to the Brotherhood Movement in West Middlesex.
Uxbridge (active circa 1912 and Yiewsley Brotherhood active circa 1915, Harefield Circa 1914.
Mr F. Read of West Ealing Brotherhood stated "The Brotherhood should see that there were Christan statement and Christan Labour leaders, so that they could make clear and sure progress. (Botwell Brotherhood 27 February 1920). "Among the problems which the Brotherhood must apply itself to was unemployment, industrial reform and the re population of the rural areas". Rev Tom Sykes
Daily Express Editorial 30th May 1910 "Puritan manifesto of non conformist anti socialists atheists received applause when denying Christ before Christian congregation and pagan seditious permitted to supplement the worship of god on Sunday afternoon.
Preparations were already being made in a campaign of insult against the late Sovereign no other class of meeting can the non conformist find today where blackguardly abuses his country is so lavish as with a free church Sunday afternoon men's meeting or PSA"
This editorial was denounced by Percy Langton in the local paper.
Botwell Brotherhood was also quick to recognise the dangers of "jingoism" at the start of World war One, one letter to the local paper states.... "Do they believe all the lies and calumnies spread by the daily Liar and Daily Distress against the German nation who are the nearest allied to us by both blood and principle. What can the Brotherhood say of those pathetic and unauthorised meetings between British and German solders on Christmas Day 1914 ? Will they not agree that such an occurrence in itself condemns the war by blundering ambition have no enmity and are jolly fellow on each side" (Botwell Brotherhood February 1915).
"Nothing did more harm to religion than people going to worship looking as if the they were going to the dentist". Rev Tom Sykes, Brotherhood - National Secretary 1922
Picture Botwell Brotherhood Hall 2002 for sale. The Botwell Brotherhood had dwindled to just five members and closed circa 2001.
Councillor Robert William Gunton Hayes Housing Pioneer
Robert William Gunton was one of the most prominent and influential members of Hayes Labour Party leader and pioneer of Council housing in Hayes. R. W. Gunton was a Civil Servant and came to Hayes in 1913, living at 1 Westgate Villas, Park Road. (Picture R.W Gunton and J.C. Drenon - Friday March 26th 1915 Advertiser)
His tenacity in pushing through the first large council housing scheme in 1920 was vital to the well being of many future Hayes residents.
Gunton was clear about the important task of securing decent Housing for Hayes in February 1915 he boldly states:- "It was their desire to build up a clean and health town..... Where its citizens might under ideal conditions and wish that their children might look back with pleasure to the early work of the Hayes Labour Party and be able to say with truth that the Foundation stone was well and truly laid"
Gunton was fully committed to turnin the Hayes Labour Parties commitment to affordable council housing in Hayes into a reality and to build on the work of the first Labour Chairman of Hayes Council Councillor Juan Drenon 1914-1915.
"They were determined that these houses at Botwell should not be built as barracks but on town planning, each laid out in a decent healthy way" R.W. Gunton March 1915 Councillor Gunton stated that one of the first things the first Labour Council had done when elected in 1914 was to appoint a sanitary inspector to "compel landlords to put their houses in a proper state of repairs".
Labour had secured a majority on Hayes Council from 1914 onwards, with only the occasional interruption, Hayes being one of the First labour Councils in Britain.
In 1916 Robert Gunton was elected Vice Chairman of Hayes Urban District Council and Hayes Urban District Council Chairman for the period 1917-1918 and accordingly became one of the very first Labour leaders of an English Council.
(Juan Drenon had been elected the first Labour Chairman in 1914)
The Advertiser referring to Councillor Gunton election as Chairman in 1917 " that he was a zealous and level headed leader and on whose abilities have been well proved during his service as a member (of the Council)". In April 1919 Gunton was involved in ensuring "May Day" became an official Council holiday, seconding the resolution he referred to Oliver Cromwell having done away with it because of heavy drinking. "They had reached a stage he thought when working class did behave themselves better". Hayes became one of the first councils in Britain to allow their employees to enjoy International Workers Day, May 1st as a public holiday.
It was Councillor Gunton who moved the resolution at the Special Hayes Urban District Council held on 12th July 1919 not to participate in the national "Peace Celebrations" on July 1919, on the grounds of cost and glorification of war, an all most unprecedented move. Those voting in favour of not participating Gunton, Mason, Fowler, Manley and Davies. Councillor R.W. Gunton along with early Hayes Labour Councillors Juan Drenon, Henry Palmer and Percy Langton had pioneered the building of council housing in Hayes and it was Gunton as Chairman of Housing who was present when Dr Addison, Minister for Health laid the first brick of the planned 2,000 council house estate on the Glebe Field and Townfield Estate, Hayes (around what would become Central Avenue).
On the cold but bright morning of Friday 20th February 1920 Dr Addison, laid the first brick stating "I think that is well and truly laid", an act the local Advertiser & Gazette referred to as a "birth of a new city". Such was the speed of the final agreement to build the Council houses in Hayes, that a building contractor had to be found within fourteen days and the contractor that came forward was Robert McAlpine.
The building site was feed by a siding from the Great Western Railway, a network of light railway lines criss crossed the site. Each Council house was estimated to cost £675 and it was expected that two houses a day would be built, however due to the shortage of bricklayers they initially completed just three quarters of a house.
The situation with the bricklayers took a disastrous turn in April 1920 when the bricklayers went on strike. Councillor Gunton once again came to the rescue and secured agreement from both sides to end the dispute winning the praise of Sir Robert McAlpine.
Councillor Gunton was keen that the new Council estate would enjoy facilities such as shops as well as a Council run Cinema and a Public House (Pub) run on the Carlisle lines (Carlisle had successfully and profitably put its pubs under state control during the war to regulate alcohol (especially spirits) consumption as a safety measure as Carlisle was a Munitions town).
But not everyone supported the Council Housing scheme the local Conservatives argued that the workers houses should be but by factory owners and not paid for by the ratepayers.
The Council had previously built a few Council houses at Rosedale Avenue (Wood End) 51 houses in 1913 and in 1919 some 20 houses at Yeading (Melior Cottages).
Such was the support for the Council housing scheme locally that by April 1920 the local newspaper could announce that every member of Hayes Council was now a Labour Party member - 100% Labour.
In January 1921 Councillor Gunton could claim with some justification that
"Hayes was one of the few and probably only councils in the country that could say there were no slums existing in their district"
The Council house scheme was so popular, that delegations flooded in to see the developments, delegations from councils across the United Kingdom and as far away as America Austria and Japan. Despite the cost, Councillor Gunton could boast in 1924 "The Labour Party was generally associated by the reactionary press with high rates, well the rates in Hayes did not happen to be high rates".
Robert William Gunton states in 1925
"convinced that every branch of the Council's work it was necessary to illuminate private contractors as far as possible.......Working people ought to be proud of the work of the Council in cleaning away slums, demolishing them, so that no reactionary Council could open them again.....The decline of the death rate (in Hayes) since the Council houses had been errected"
R.W. Gunton was Hon Secretary of Southall-Norwood "Old Contemptibles" of ex servicemen founded in 1925.
1924 Gunton states "The Labour Party was generally associated by the reactionary press with high rates, well the rates in Hayes did not happen to have high rates".
In 1924 It was reported that Councillor Robert William Gunton was not standing for Hayes Urban District Council as he was soon to move to Watford, but this does not seem to have materialised and he remained heavily involved in Hayes affairs being elected up until 1936 (?). In 1935 Councillor Gunton had been once gain elected Vice Chairman of the Hayes Urban District Council (a position he had previously held in 1916-1917, and 1919-1920).
Finally R.W. Gunton was elected as a Labour Middlesex County Councillor Alderman during the first Labour controlled Middlesex County Council in 1946.
Given Councillor Gunton's role in pioneering and securing large scale affordable and good quality housing for many generations of Hayes residents, it is a shame his work and deeds are not better known.
Michael Walker
END
The 1901 census Possible match - Robert W Gunton aged 18 in 1901 born at Penge, South East London and a Teller at Somerset House.
Uxbridge Rotary Club Speaker Tells of Forthcoming Holocaust
The Sorry Plight ofSeven Million Jews
"It is calculated that something like seven million Jews have been reduced to abject misery by the War. I do not use the word degradation because a Jew does not lose his spiritual morale even if his world falls about him in ruins."
Thus declares Mr Cyril Henriques M.Inst C.E. speaking at Uxbridge Rotary Club on Thursday 7th November 1941.
Mr Cyril Henriques "could not call to mind a single English statesman who had made any definite reference to the suffering of the Jews.""There seemed to be a conspiracy against it and he was forced to the conclusion that it was deliberate."Uxbridge
Advertiser & Gazette 14th November 1941
FIGHTING FASCISM - OLYMPIA 7th JUNE 1934
The Daily Worker stated on 26th May 1934
“In connection with the great anti-fascist demonstration which is being organised by the London District Committee of the Communist Party on 7th June 1934, when Mosley’s Blackshirts are holding a fascist rally at Olympia, the following are the arrangements. Marches will be organised from five different parts of London in the late afternoon, to arrive in Hammersmith Road, in the vicinity of Olympia, at 6.30pm.”.
At this Fascist Rally held in the heart of London, supported by sections of the "establishment", British Union of Fascist stewards brutally beat anti fascist hecklers, a turning point in the anti fascist struggle in Britain, Two years later the anti fascists would deliver a decisive blow at the famous Battle of Cable Street on Sunday 4 October 1936.
Councillor Robert William Gunton Hayes Housing Pioneer
Robert William Gunton was one of the most prominent and influential members of Hayes Labour Party leader and pioneer of Council housing in Hayes. R. W. Gunton was a Civil Servant and came to Hayes in 1913, living at 1 Westgate Villas, Park Road. (Picture R.W Gunton and J.C. Drenon - Friday March 26th 1915 Advertiser)
His tenacity in pushing through the first large council housing scheme in 1920 was vital to the well being of many future Hayes residents.
Gunton was clear about the important task of securing decent Housing for Hayes in February 1915, just before his election as a Labour Councillor he boldly stated:- "It was their desire to build up a clean and health town..... Where its citizens might under ideal conditions and wish that their children might look back with pleasure to the early work of the Hayes Labour Party and be able to say with truth that the Foundation stone was well and truly laid"
Gunton was fully committed to turning the Hayes Labour Parties commitment to affordable council housing in Hayes into a reality and to build on the work of the first Labour Chairman of Hayes Council Councillor Juan Drenon 1914-1915.
"They were determined that these houses at Botwell should not be built as barracks but on town planning, each laid out in a decent healthy way" R.W. Gunton March 1915 Councillor Gunton stated that one of the first things the first Labour Council had done when elected in 1914 was to appoint a sanitary inspector to "compel landlords to put their houses in a proper state of repairs".
Labour had secured a majority on Hayes Council from 1914 onwards, with only the occasional interruption, Hayes being one of the First labour Councils in Britain.
In 1916 Robert Gunton was elected Vice Chairman of Hayes Urban District Council and Hayes Urban District Council Chairman for the period 1917-1918 and accordingly became one of the very first Labour leaders of an English Council.
(Juan Drenon had been elected the first Labour Chairman in 1914)
The Advertiser referring to Councillor Gunton election as Chairman in 1917 " that he was a zealous and level headed leader and on whose abilities have been well proved during his service as a member (of the Council)".
In April 1919 Gunton was involved in ensuring "May Day" became an official Council holiday, seconding the resolution he referred to Oliver Cromwell having done away with it because of heavy drinking. "They had reached a stage he thought when working class did behave themselves better". Hayes became one of the first councils in Britain to allow their employees to enjoy International Workers Day, May 1st as a public holiday.
It was Councillor Gunton who moved the resolution at the Special Hayes Urban District Council held on 12th July 1919 not to participate in the national "Peace Celebrations" on July 1919, on the grounds of cost and glorification of war, an all most unprecedented move. Those voting in favour of not participating Gunton, Mason, Fowler, Manley and Davies. Councillor R.W. Gunton along with early Hayes Labour Councillors Juan Drenon, Henry Palmer and Percy Langton had pioneered the building of council housing in Hayes and it was Gunton as Chairman of Housing who was present when Dr Addison, Minister for Health laid the first brick of the planned 2,000 council house estate on the Glebe Field and Townfield Estate, Hayes (around what would become Central Avenue).
On the cold but bright morning of Friday 20th February 1920 Dr Addison, laid the first brick stating "I think that is well and truly laid", an act the local Advertiser & Gazette referred to as a "birth of a new city". Such was the speed of the final agreement to build the Council houses in Hayes, that a building contractor had to be found within fourteen days and the contractor that came forward was Robert McAlpine.
The building site was feed by a siding from the Great Western Railway, a network of light railway lines criss crossed the site. Each Council house was estimated to cost £675 and it was expected that two houses a day would be built, however due to the shortage of bricklayers they initially completed just three quarters of a house.
The situation with the bricklayers took a disastrous turn in April 1920 when the bricklayers went on strike. Councillor Gunton once again came to the rescue and secured agreement from both sides to end the dispute winning the praise of Sir Robert McAlpine.
Councillor Gunton was keen that the new Council estate would enjoy facilities such as shops as well as a Council run Cinema and a Public House (Pub) run on the Carlisle lines (Carlisle had successfully and profitably put its pubs under state control during the war to regulate alcohol (especially spirits) consumption as a safety measure asCarlisle was a Munitions town).
But not everyone supported the Council Housing scheme the local Conservatives argued that the workers houses should be but by factory owners and not paid for by the ratepayers.
The Council had previously built a few Council houses at Rosedale Avenue (Wood End) 51 houses in 1913 and in 1919 some 20 houses at Yeading (Melior Cottages).
Such was the support for the Council housing scheme locally that by April 1920 the local newspaper could announce that every member of Hayes Council was now a Labour Party member - 100% Labour.
In January 1921 Councillor Gunton could claim with some justification that
"Hayes was one of the few and probably only councils in the country that could say there were no slums existing in their district"
The Council house scheme was so popular, that delegations flooded in to see the developments, delegations from councils across the United Kingdom and as far away as America Austria and Japan. Despite the cost, Councillor Gunton could boast in 1924 "The Labour Party was generally associated by the reactionary press with high rates, well the rates in Hayes did not happen to be high rates".
Robert William Gunton states in 1925
"convinced that every branch of the Council's work it was necessary to illuminate private contractors as far as possible.......Working people ought to be proud of the work of the Council in cleaning away slums, demolishing them, so that no reactionary Council could open them again.....The decline of the death rate (in Hayes) since the Council houses had been errected"
R.W. Gunton was Hon Secretary of Southall-Norwood "Old Contemptibles" of ex servicemen founded in 1925.
1924 Gunton states "The Labour Party was generally associated by the reactionary press with high rates, well the rates in Hayes did not happen to have high rates".
In 1924 It was reported that Councillor Robert William Gunton was not standing for Hayes Urban District Council as he was soon to move to Watford, but this does not seem to have materialised and he remained heavily involved in Hayes affairs being elected up until 1936 (?). In 1935 Councillor Gunton had been once gain elected Vice Chairman of the Hayes Urban District Council (a position he had previously held in 1916-1917, and 1919-1920).
Finally R.W. Gunton was elected as a Labour Middlesex County Councillor Alderman during the first Labour controlled Middlesex County Council in 1946.
Given Councillor Gunton's role in pioneering and securing large scale affordable and good quality housing for many generations of Hayes residents, it is a shame his work and deeds are not better known.
Michael Walker
END
The 1901 census Possible match - Robert W Gunton aged 18 in 1901 born at Penge, South East London and a Teller at Somerset House.
Harmondsworth branch of the Labour Party was established in 1927 as part of the Spelthorne Divisional Labour Party with Mr L.M. Benen-Stock as Secretary
Benen- Stock stated that he "Felt sure that the new party (Harmondsworth) would soon rank as one of the finest in the Spethorne Division".
Mr John Guild was Spelthorne Labour Party Divisional Chairman and Mr Lovett was Divisional Secretary.
At the Spelthorne Labour Party AGM in 1929 it was stated that it was the view of many local Labour councillor's that "a great obstacle in the area ti the election of labour members was the fact that such councils held their meetings during the day time, therefore, debarring the ordinary worker from attending".
1977: L.M. Benen-Stock OBE, BSc made Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Spelthorne. A road in Staines is called Benen Stock.
Prominent Labour Councillor Keith Dobson of Candover Close, Harmondsworth lived and is buried in the village.
EAST WARD Douglas Page, 40 Central Avenue, Hayes (Beltman Engineer) (ELECTED) Edward George Hartley, 23 West Walk, Hayes (Railway Foreman) (ELECTED)
SOUTH WARD George Marshall, 9 Hunters Grove (Railway Supervisor) (ELECTED) Charles Harvey Kelf, 27 Drenon Square (Carpenter & Joiner) (ELECTED)
WEST WARD Anna Begitta Greenhead, 7 Second Avenue, Hayes (Married Women)
Election Saturday 23rd March 1929
* George Marshall was the Chairman of Hayes UDC 1928-1929 (photo April 20th 1928 Advertiser & Gazette)
YIEWSLEY LABOUR CANDIDATES 1929
Samuel Thorn, 12, Horton Road (Insurance Agent) (ELECTED) Hubert Beaumont, "Crows Nest" Garden City (Lecturer) George Varley, 18 St Stephen's Road (Railway Clerk)
NOTE YIEWSLEY
Samuel Thorn was one of the pioneer's of the Labour Party in Yiewsley and Captain Hubert Beaumont would later be elected in 1934 as a Labour Councillor and Member of Parliament for Batley & Morley (and in 1929 Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Harrow, He had stood at Aldershot for Labour 1924 )
George Varley of 18 St Stephen's Road, Yiewsley was a well known Yiewsley Labour councillor elected in 1932, born in London, He was employed as railway clerk on the Great Western Railway. He came to Yiewsley in 1921 and was one of the youngest ever Justices of the Peace aged under 40. A Keen supporter of Allotments and Swimming
UXBRIDGE 1929 LABOUR CANDIDATES
HILLINGDON WEST Mrs Sarah Ann Dubberley, 9, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge (Married Women) (ELECTED) Richard Thomas Dubberley, 9 Waterloo Road, Uxbridge (Railway Foreman) Cecil Robert Bond, 36 Cowley Mill Road (Electrician) Stanley Walter Morgan, "Somercot" Harefield Road (Clerk) Charles Oughton, Manor Waye Uxbridge (Stores Clerk) Charles James Peer, Elmdene, Milton Road, Ickenham (Journalist)
NOTES * Mrs Sarah Ann Dubberley was the first Labour councillor on the new Uxbridge Urban District Council (Mrs Dubberley had been elected as an Uxbridge Board of Guardian's in 1925)
The local Advertsier & Gazette stated "Labour was only successful in getting one member returned - Mrs Dubberley who now earns her reward for much brave perseverance, for Hillingdon West."
* Cecil Bond is "Dickie" Bond and according to the Advertise & Gazette was standing as a Labour candidate
*Charles Peer (Journalist) of Ickenham, had previously lived at Harrow Weald and had along with Ramsay MacDonald (later Prime Minister) been the founder of Harrow Independent lLbour Party (ILP) branch in the late 1890's. The meeting was held over tea at Hillcrest, Harrow View at the invitation of Mr Harry Phillips who was the endeavouring to establish a branch of the Independent Labour Party in Harrow.
HILLINGDON EAST
Frederick William Carter, "Willow Vale" Hillingdon Heath (Secretary) William Henry Catherwood, 1 Mirabella Cottages, Gutteridge Street, (Process Engineer) Eileen Muriel Courtenay Vulliamy, Elm Tree Cottage, Sweetcroft Lane, (Married Woman)
UXBRIDGE WARD Ethel Morgan "Somercot" Harefield Road, Uxbridge (Married Woman) Albert Edwin Taylor, 10 Montague Road, Uxbridge (Railwayman) Frederick Waite, 47 Manor Way Uxbridge (Printer)
COWLEY WARD Thomas House, Myrtle Cottage, High Street, Cowley (Railwayman) Frank Tomlinson, School house, High Street Cowley (Printer)
ICKENHAM WARD Edgar Hawkins Davey, Milton Cottage, High Street, Ickenham (Electrical worker) James William Hall, 11 Glebe Avenue, Ickenham (Railway Booking Clerk)
RUISLIP 1929 LABOUR CANDIDATES
RUISLIP WARD Harry King, 20 Manor Way, Ruislip (Insurance Agent)
*Mr Haley was Ruislip Labour Party Chairman and Mr F.W. Roques Ruislip Labour Party Secretary
*Mr Catford, Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers (ASW) organiser was prominent member of Ruislip Labour Party- This was period of soaring unemployment, especially amongst those in the building trade.
A NEW LABOUR NEWSLETTER 1929
A Labour organ for the Uxbridge Division
A monthly journal has been published by the Uxbridge Divisional Labour party at one penny per copy.
In the March 1929 issue there appeared an articles by Reginald Bridgeman the Prospective Labour candidate and by Councillor Ernest Hamblin of Southall on the Housing problem and notes and news from the districts in the constituency. Messages of success printed from Mr Ben Tillett and Mr Ramsay MacDonald
Ramsay MacDonald wrote :- "I am glad to hear that good work is being done in the Uxbridge on behalf of the Labour party and its principles.
Your neighbourhood will not be an easy one to move, but a combination of labour experience and intellectual keenness in everything that concerns the honour and well being of the country cannot be always resisted even by London outskirts.
The Labour appeals to all sorts and conditions of people who really feel that the community is of importance and that only in so far as it is active and intellectual can there be individual liberty, enterprise or well being.
The appeal that the Tory party makes is that whoever happens to have ought to have a chance of having more, and that the great masses should be perfectly well content at the end of their days they have managed to keep body and soul together.
I wish the Labour party well in Uxbridge and hope that your new venture in journalism will be thoroughly successful"
Uxbridge Divisonal Labour Party Newsletter March 1929
HARMONDSWORTH LABOUR PARTY ESTABLISHED 1927
Harmondsworth branch of the Labour Party was established in 1927 as party of the Spelthorne Divisional Labour Party with Mr L.M. Benen-Stock as Secretary who stated "Felt sure that the new party (Harmondsworth) would soon rank as one of the finest in the Spethorne Division"
Mr John Guild, Spelthorne Labour Party Divisional Chairman and Mr Lovett was Divisional Secretary. Local councillor's stated that it was the view of many local Labour councillor's that "a great obstacle in the area ti the election of labour members was the fact that such councils held their meetings during the day time, therefore, debarring the ordinary worker from attending".
1977: L.M. Benen-Stock OBE, BSc made Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Spelthorne. NORTHWOOD LABOUR PARTY 1928
Fenner Brockway, Independent Labour Party (ILP) spoke in April 1928 to Northwood branch of the Labour Party the meeting held at Brewsters rooms, Northwood.
Secretary of Harrow Trades Union Council 1928 was Mr G. Hales Mr F.G. Temple of the National Union of Railwayman (NUR) (Labour candidate for Mid Bucks)
George Belt - Daily Herald
SLOUGH 1926 LABOUR CANDIDATES
Kate Lydia Mapstone, 32 Montague Road (Married Woman) Edith Liza Mitchel,l 15 Stoke Poges Lane (Married woman) Lillian Maud Wailey, 76 Montague Road (Teacher) William James Templeman, 40 Ragstone Road (Sanitary Engineer) Henry Pierce Dodds, 14 Herachel Street (Fish Store proprietor) Arthur John Frenchum, 32 Gilbert Road (Railway Clerk0
*William Templeman was already a sitting Labour councillor in Slough *Kate Mapstone husband William Mapstonehad been elected as a Labour Councillor in 1924
WEST MIDDLESEX BOARD OF GUARDIANS COMMITTEE 1930 ALL MEMBERS - PARTY NOT KNOWN Acton Mr R.J. Hewitt; Mr J.H. Brown; Mr A.G. Keen; Mr R. Yarwood Ealing - Mr H. M. Sayers, 44 Warwick Road, Ealing Mrs Taylor, Hilcrest, Grove Ave, Hanwell Mr C.R. Davies, 12 Kings Ave, Greenford Mr W.J. Skinner Cox, 27 Sutherland Rd, Ealing Mr J. Smith, 7 Golden Manor, Hanwell Mr H. Talfer, Wilcox, Oldfield, Greenford Hayes Mr C. Kelf, 27 Drenon Square, Hayes Ruislip & Northwood Mrs G. Smedley, Avon Grange Church, St Ruislip Southall - Norwood Mrs I. M. Waddington, 26 Osterley Park Road, Southall Southall Mr W. Garrod, 18 Stratford Rd, Southall Uxbridge Mr G.J. Crook, 62 High St, Uxbridge Mrs N.B. Hinkley, 133 High Street, Uxbridge Yiewsley & West Drayton Mr T. Hancock, 81 (or 31) Otterfield Rd, Yiewsley
also appointed from Middx County Council Mrs Anna Begitta Greenhead, 7, Second Avenue, Hayes and others
YIEWSLEY & WEST DRAYTON LABOUR HEADQUARTERS 1937
In 1937 it was reported in the local newspaper that Yiewsley & West Drayton Labour Party had established a fund to secure a new home as the present one was under threat by the widening of Colham Bridge - It was reported that "It seems land has already been acquired for this purpose"
