CANADIAN BROTHERS KILLED ON SAME DAY AT VIMY RIDGE
Ernest and George White, sons of Samuel George and Emily White 20 Lawn Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, England. both 10th Company 4th Battalion Canadian Machine Corps, Canadian Expeditionary Force, killed on the attack on Vimy Ridge 11th April 1917.
All four White sons enlisted at Calgary in 1914, Ernest and George were "killed side by side in the line at Vimy Ridge".
A surviving Brother (Harry White) became a stationmaster in Ottawa and another brother lived in Vancouver, while a sister remained in England.
Tragedy hit the family again when the youngest brother (fifth) was killed in World War II
On retirement in 1956, Harry White of 63 Sweetland Avenue travelled to visit his remaining brother in Vancouver and his sister in England.
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
Herbert Samuel White
born 18 August 1888 Buckinghamshire, england
died 16 Feb 1962
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry enlisted May 1915
Buried Forest Lawn Cemetery, Burnaby, British Columbia
Next of Kin in 1915 Emily White
1527 27th Avenue Calgary Alberta
Herbert Samuel White Original overseas unit 56th Canadian Infantry Battalion. Joined the
P.P.C.L.I. in the field June 10, 1916. Struck off strength July 2, 1917.
Compassionate
discharge after the deaths of his brothers Cpl. William George White
(434115) and Pvt. Walter Ernest White (434353) both of 10th Coy.
Canadian Machine Gun Corps on April 11, 1917 at Vimy Ridge. Returned to
Canada where first born child (December 25, 1918) was named Patricia
after the battalion. Worked as a mail carrier in Vancouver until
retirement. Died 1962. Daughter Betty served with the Canadian Army as
a nursing sister in England while Son Victor served in Royal Canadian
Air Force during second world war.
1919 Clagary Herald
WHITE, Geroge and Ernest - In loving memory of George and Ernest White killed in action at
1919-04-09
Vimy Ridge, 9th April 1917 (Poem) Inserted by their loving brother, H.S. White 1622
As 5,000 young Canadians gather at the site of the famous battle of Vimy Ridge, France to remember the 3,600 men killed and 7,000 wounded the 9th to 12th April 1917.
Significantly, the capture at great cost of Vimy Ridge by the Canadian forces represents the rise of Canadian nationhood and the maple leaf as the national flag.
On this 95th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge, we also should recall those sons of Hillingdon residents who gave their lives fighting for Canada and remember the thousands of Canadians stationed around Hillingdon during World War One, the Canadian miners and lumberjacks at Denham Camp (Buckinghamshire) and the Canadian hospital in Uxbridge High Street which opened in January 1916
The Canadian Tunnelling Corps (Canadian Miners), and Canadian signalmen at Denham camp, Buckinghamshire (July 1917) and the Canadian Foresters at Windsor Great Park
Canadian Hospital at Hillingdon House and Canadian Club at 156 or 158 Uxbridge High Street opened in January 1916.
CANADIAN BROTHERS 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. Four White brothers Joined Calgary 1914
PALMER BROTHERS HAYES CANADIANS
The Palmer Brothers from Hayes, Middlesex, England sons of Hayes Labour Party founder and first Hayes Labour Councillor Henry Palmer 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)
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.
Canadian Sports Day - England 1917
Dolphin Ground, Slough Saturday September 20th 1917. Canadian Lumberjack and Military Sports including Baseball match Canadian Foresters (Smith's Lawn) V ? ? Another ??? ? Log rolling, log sawing, chopping, best turned out, Logging Team
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. Castle age 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)
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
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 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,
George Charles Ensby (CONFIRMED) George Charles Ensby Private No2 Coy 12th battalion, Royal Fusiliers killed 31 July 1917 son of George Ensby (brick maker?) 10 Rigby’s Cottage Dawley Hayes Ypres Menin Gate Memorial
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 Menim Gate memorial
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 Class RAF 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 Sherwood 8th 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, Middx age 35 05/10/1916 Thiepval
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. Syred Lance (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. Watts G. West (not found)
W.T. Williams (Not found)
ALSO
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)
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.
SPENCER L W United Kingdom Private 2024London Regiment01/09/1915 Age: 26 II. A. 23.
"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.
