1915 PAGE 12
1915 PAGE 12
THE ASHTON TERRITORIALS, the 9th BATTALION of the MANCHESTER REGIMENT.
1915 - THE DARDANELLES.
The Reporter Headlines on 4th September 1915.
HEAVY LOSSES AMONG ASHTON TERRITORIALS.
Reporter - "Details of the action in which the Ashton Territorials were engaged in a fortnight ago have now come through in letters sent to Ashton. The 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment has done magnificent. Both the officers and men have covered themselves with glory. They have brought great honour and distinction to the town. How bravely and gallantly they have conducted themselves in the strenuous fight against the Turkish. One officer of the Ashton Territorials, Captain FORSHAW, is stated by Major CONNERY to have been recommended for the Victoria Cross, the highest honour which can be conferred upon any soldier, and that two other officers, Lieuts. C.E. COOKE and SUTTON have been recommended for the Distinguished Service Order, and that six non-commissioned officers and men have been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Two D.C.M.'s have been already awarded. High praise has been bestowed upon the Ashton battalion by Major-General Douglas, the officer commanding the 8th Army Corps in the Gallipoli Peninsula, who congratulated the officers and men on the 'gallantry, initiative, and endurance they have shown'.
In this brilliant engagement it is regretted that so many brave Ashton sons lost their lives, or have been wounded. It is stated that the killed and wounded number about 40. The greatest sympathy will be shown to the parents and families who have to mourn the loss of beloved sons. The number of families in Ashton who have been bereaved in this war is now very great. But there is not one family but feels proud that the lives of sons and brothers have been given in the noblest cause for which men can die - for one's country and for the happiness of others. Their lives, we are sure, have not been given in vain."
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
BATTLE DESCRIBED.
A brief account of the action in which the Ashton Territorials took part is furnished in a letter sent to his parents by JAMES PLAYER, one of the 1/9th battalion, who resides at 5, Fitzroy Street, Ashton. In the course of the letter he says: - "We have just been brought down from the trenches again. We have been in about a week this time, and it has been about the roughest time we have had since we came. I am pleased to say we have earned a very good name, and our Company especially distinguished itself. We have been complimented by the General, and our Colonel has also congratulated us. Our Captain and Lieutenant have been recommended, and also about six of the men. We held a trench which had been taken for a day and a half with bombs, and had not a bit of rest; then we went to another part of the line, and beat off a big attack by the Turks, no sleep again. I expect you will be reading all about it in the papers, and Ashton will know we are doing more than a bit here. However, we have been relieved, and are resting again although they still try and worry us with shells. J.W. DODD from Burlington Street, has been wounded in the leg this last do. We have just had a mail in, but I didn't get any letters, but I thought I would write and let you know I was still safe. They have put a bit of a canteen up now where you can get milk chocolate, cocoa, and a few other things. Fancy luxuries like that on a battlefield."
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
Pictured - Sergeant GEORGE SILVESTER, Capt. W.T.FORSHAW & Sergeant HARRY GRANTHAM.
Instances of conspicuous bravery and distinguished service by individual members of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials, fighting against the Turks in the Dardanelles, have been brought to the notice of the higher commands in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, with a view to their gallantry being suitably recognised. How bravely the men have fulfilled their arduous duties is shown by the following recommendations which have been made:-
Sergeant GRANTHAM and Corporal SILVESTER have been already awarded their medals, and a letter from Major CONNERY mentions that Captain FORSHAW has been recommended for the Victoria Cross, and Lieutenants COOKE and SUTTON for the D.S.O. SILVESTER has also been promoted sergeant for his gallant conduct. Major CONNERY'S letter, dated August 10th 1915, is as follows :-
"You will be delighted to hear that the old 9th is doing grandly. D.C.M.'s have been awarded to Sergt GRANTHAM and Corpl. SILVESTER, and Capt. FORSHAW is recommended for the V.C., and Lieutenants COOKE and SUTTON for the D.S.O. Capt. FORSHAW was employed for 48 hours bomb throwing, he and the Company were quite done up." In another message Major CONNERY adds that "FORSHAW was lifted three times in the air," but it is not certain whether he wishes to convey the information that he was lifted by a bomb, or, which is more probable, that he was lifted by the men in their enthusiasm and delight for the honour he had in prospect. In another letter sent to an Ashton gentleman Major CONNERY writes :- " Capt. FORSHAW has been recommended for the Victoria Cross, Lieut. COOKE for the D.S.O, and four men for the D.C.M. FORSHAW is very ill. He has the gas on his chest, and his left eye has been injured." In another message he writes :- "We had a big 'do' on the 11th and 12th, and did very well. The battalion came out of the firing line last night for a rest. FORSHAW has gone into hospital. WOODHOUSE is second in command."
Captain FORSHAW'S CAREER.
Captain W.T.FORSHAW is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Forshaw, of 20, Fairfield Lane, Barrow-in-Furness. His father is a manager at the great armament and shipbuilding firm of Messrs. Vickers Ltd. He is a teacher at the North Manchester Preparatory School for the Manchester Grammar School at Higher Broughton, where Captain GEORGE MAKIN is also a teacher. It was owing to his friendship with Captain MAKIN that Captain FORSHAW joined the Ashton Territorials - to whom he was attached on November 14th 1914, and he speedily became popular with the officers and men. He is about 24 years of age.
SERGEANT SILVESTER D.C.M.
Sergeant SILVESTER, who is only 20 years of age, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alf Silvester, of 227, Higher Kings Street, Hurst. He was employed at Messrs. Whittakers mills, Queen Street, Hurst, and the news of his bravery and it's reward has given a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction to his friends.
On the evening of May 25th Lance Corporal SILVESTER, Lance Corporal WILDE and a working party of about 30 soldiers were engaged in straightening up the line of trenches, when the enemy opened up with heavy fire. The working party lost five men killed and wounded. SILVESTER, although wounded, continued to carry out his duties and showed the highest courage in aiding the wounded under fire. By daybreak, they had achieved their objective, and were safely dug in.
Sergeant-Drummer STOPFORD, of the Ashton Territorials, in writing to his wife, who resides at 9, Ormonde Street, Hurst Brook, refers to the honour gained by Corpl. SILVESTER and by Sergeant GRANTHAM. He says - "I am very pleased to tell you that Sergt. GRANTHAM and Sergt. SILVESTER have been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery in the trenches. Sergt. GRANTHAM got his for going out with an officer at night reconnoitring the enemies trenches. Corpl. SILVESTER got his for going out three times and carrying in wounded comrades under a heavy fire. I think his father ought to feel proud of such a son. I can tell you I am proud to say that he belongs to my Company."
In his letter home recently Sergeant SILVESTER refers to the matter. In one letter, written near the end of July, he says :- "I received your letter, also the Reporter. I am quite well at present and have received no further hurt. We have been out of the trenches now for nearly a fortnight, and these last few days we have had a fairly easy time. I am afraid that coming home for us is too much to hope for, but I am living in hopes. Poor EDDIE HEINEMANN and GEORGE CAIN were killed in a charge, and CHARLIE KINNA was wounded by a bomb, which took a piece out of his shoulder that you could have put your fist in. As you know, I have been wounded twice, and only one of us (himself and four friends) BILLY COLCLOUGH, has been lucky. He is acting as clerk to Major CONNERY. JIM TAYLOR'S son was in the same ward as myself. It is quite true that I have been recommended for some decoration, but I can't say whether I shall get it or not. Major NOWELL (commanding Officer) sent for me last week, and told me he was doing all he could to get it for me, and that General PRENDERGAST had promised to do what he could. I hope I shall get it as I know how you will feel."
Writing on August 8th, Sergeant SILVESTER says:- "No doubt you will know by now that I am Corporal SILVESTER D.C.M. There is another man in the battalion who has received it, and an officer the D.S.O. The name of the man I carried was Private PENNY. I am sorry to say he died of his injuries about a month later. I have not received the medal yet, I have it to come, but I am entitled to wear the ribbon now. I dare say it will be in the Reporter about the affair, but I don't want to brag about it."
SERGEANT GRANTHAM D.C.M.
Sergeant HARRY GRANTHAM. whose home is at 41, Raynham Street, Ashton, is equally reticent about 'blowing his own trumpet.' He has written to his sweetheart, Miss Annie Norton, of Ashton, but has not given any details of the affair. He has informed them, however, that he has been wounded in the neck, and that he is in the New Zealand Hospital at Alexandria. Sergeant GRANTHAM was employed prior to the mobilisation at Messrs. R.A.Barrett and Co.'s, mineral water manufacturers, Ashton.
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
A brief description of the action of the Ashton Battalion which has earned for them such great distinction has been forwarded by Lance Corporal 1957 J.H. ROWBOTTOM, of the 1/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, son of Mr. J.Rowbottom, deputy borough engineer of Ashton. Writing on August 10th he says :- "At the time of the receipt of your letter I was in a living hell, as we were in a trench we had captured from the Turks. We lost a few men, and a lot were wounded, but I, personally, was little none the worse, only very tired, thank the Lord. One of my very best pals both at home and here has been killed; he was called HAROLD NEWTON. Excuse short letter, as duty is so great, and we are very, very busy." In another letter, written on August 11th, Lance Corporal ROWBOTTOM writes :- " I wrote you yesterday, but it was a hurried letter, as we were very busy, so I thought I had better start again and tell you a little more. On the 7th and 8th of August we were in the firing line, which we had to take off the Turks, as an hour or so before our boys had made a bayonet charge. . . and we were in support. They got the trench, and when the Turks made an effort to obtain it back they were retreated, so we were sent to their assistance on the double, and we had to jump on and over the dead and wounded. We had a wonderful leader in our officer, Lieut. COOKE, who himself earned the V.C. for gallantry ----- to prevent their retreat, he did as they asked him, that was to lead them, and we drove the enemy out again, although they were bombing us as hard as they could. After 24 hours, when things got quieter, and we were masters of the situation, we were relieved, although we had lost a few good men.....
We were praised by the General, and I am sending a copy of what he said. It ought to be known all over Ashton, because we earned it, and no mistake, against very great odds. No1 and No2 Platoons were the men in the Vineyard, and they are "A" Company. So you can see for yourself what we did."
In another letter Corporal ROWBOTTOM states - "I have lost one of my best friends in HAROLD NEWTON, of Wood Lane, Smallshaw, and I think it is my duty to let his parents know how he passed away. We were doing the duty which was comprised in the work for which our General gave us the praise when we lost my comrade. He was shot through the head, and death was instantaneous. Please look to my tackle and bike, as I shall require them before long. Our division has been relieved by the 'Jocks,' and I remain in the very best of health, etc."
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
DURING A HEAVY BATTLE.
The sad news has been conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. Newton, of 26, Wood Lane, Smallshaw, that their son HAROLD NEWTON of the Ashton Territorials, has been killed in action whilst in the trenches, and that death was instantaneous. Private 1189 NEWTON, who was a finely built young fellow, 22 years of age, was very popular in the battalion, and all the officers and men thought highly of him. By trade he was a brass moulder, and worked at Messrs. Butler and Sons Brassworks, Dukinfield, before the war. He had also worked at Messrs. Mather and Platt's Park Works, Newton Heath. Lance-Corporal J.H. ROWBOTTOM, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Rowbottom, wrote to Private NEWTON'S parents :- "Dear friends, I think it is my duty, being a very close friend of your HAROLD, both in this great crisis and in peaceful life, to let you know of the death of HAROLD, who was killed on Saturday, August 7th. He was shot through the head. Death was instantaneous. It was during a very heavy battle, and we lost 30 killed and wounded. There was only our Company in it belonging to our battalion. Now we have one of our officers recommended for the Victoria Cross, and seven men also recommended for gallantry. I have been through HAROLD'S wallet to see if he had any personal belongings which ought to be sent to you, but he must have left them in his kitbag at Alexandria. Please accept mine and all his comrades deepest sympathy in your great grief. We have lost a good soldier, and I assure you one of the best of friends. He was respected by all." (Harold Newton is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles).
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Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
"WE LOST HEAVILY."
A graphic account of the recent fierce fighting in which the Ashton Territorials have taken part is given in a letter by Lieut. S.W. RUTTENAU to his father, who is the principal of Messrs. W. Ruttenau and Co. Bentinck Street, Ashton. Lieut. RUTTENAU was gazetted to the second battalion of the Ashton Territorials on November 14th, 1914, and went to the Dardanelles. He is now in hospital at Alexandria, suffering from gastritis. He says that on August 6th they got orders to go into the reserve trenches early in the morning of the 7th, as there was going to be a general bombardment and attack for three or four days. "Our battalion amongst others was to wait as brigade supports. When we arrived at our position two officers and 100 men were called upon to support the 5th Manchesters. I and Lieut. PORTER were sent, and we got into the thick of it immediately. A redoubt was carried at the point of the bayonet. PORTER was on my right. Poor fellow, he was killed in getting over the parapet. I was on the left. The advance, however, could not be sustained, and the order to retire was given. The enemy's fire was too hot. How many got back to safety I don't know. We lost very heavily. I must have had a charmed life as I went. My tunic was ripped by bullets and my water bottle shot off, and I had a bullet through my helmet." After describing how they were next sent to the first line of trenches, Lieut. RUTTENAU adds: " The only surprising thing is that one has so much to do that one luckily never has to think about himself."
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
A GALLANT ACTION.
Private 1347 REGINALD POTTS, of the Ashton Territorials, whose home is at 165, Margaret Street, Ashton, has been commended for gallant conduct. A message which was received by his mother states that after resting at the base the Ashton Territorials went into the trenches, and "A" Company, to which Private POTTS belonged, had quite a hot time. Private POTTS writes, " I thank God I am spared to write you this letter. After we got out of the scrap my first thought was of Norman (NORMAN JACKSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson of 362, Katherine Street, Ashton) and the others, and was glad to find they were quite safe. I along with one of our officers, were bomb throwing all night until we were relieved next morning. To see the lads being knocked out near me was enough to make one go daft. Everyone was glad when things quietened down. Our officer commended me for the work. I am sending you the congratulations I have received from the General. I am sure I have only done my duty, what anyone else would have done." The enclosed card reads - The General Officer commanding the 42nd (East Lancs) Division congratulates Pte. 1347 R. POTTS, 1/9th Batt. Manchester Regiment, on the gallant action performed by him on August 13th. Signed, W.Douglas, Maj. Gen. Commanding 42nd (EL) Division. Private POTTS is but 20 years of age. He was employed prior to the war in the warehouse at Messrs. Kenworthy's mill, Cavendish Street, Ashton.
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
"A HERO'S DEATH."
Private 745 ARNOLD BOOTH, of the 1/9th Manchester Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Booth, of 146, Cotton Street, Ashton, was badly wounded while fighting in the Dardanelles on August 12th, and on Monday morning the following sympathetic letter was received from Sergeant A. SCOTT, of Ashton, of "A" Company, an intimate personal friend of Private BOOTH. "No doubt you will have heard that ARNOLD had been badly wounded, and it is my painful duty and I deeply grieve to have to break the news to you that he has died from the wounds he received. There is one consolation in knowing that he received the greatest praise of the company officer for the good work he had done today. It seems that the officer asked for volunteers for bomb throwing, and ARNOLD was one of the first to volunteer. One of the party was killed before they had thrown any bombs. ARNOLD threw quite a large number of bombs, and did great damage among the Turks. He was throwing bombs for several hours, and unfortunately he got wounded very badly and died later. He will be missed by all of the men in the Company as he was so popular, and always ready for anything that had a bit of danger in it. You can all rest assured that he has always done his duty, and now he has died a hero's death, fighting for his King and country. I trust God in His mercy, will give you strength to bear up under this heavy blow, and that will help you to think that it was His will. I can assure you that he has been a great help to me since we came out here, and I feel his loss very much indeed, - Sincerely, A.SCOTT." Private BOOTH, who was 24 years of age, had been in the Ashton Territorials for several years, and volunteered for active service when war broke out. A letter has been received from Private T. ALDRIDGE, 144, Cotton Street, and of the same regiment, stating that he helped to bury his comrade and neighbour, Private ARNOLD BOOTH. Two brothers are now on active service. One is Private GEORGE BOOTH, 11th Manchester Regiment (Kitchener's Army), now at the Dardanelles, and the other, Private JAMES BOOTH, who is with the R.A.M.C. in France. (Arnold Booth is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
LIEUTENANT MAKIN.
Lieut. FREDERICK A. MAKIN, of the 1/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials, returned to his home, The Nest, Taunton Road, Ashton, on Monday, having arrived at the Wandsworth Hospital, London, on Thursday week. He is still very weak as a result of an extremely severe attack of typhoid fever contracted while fighting in the Dardanelles. He is still confined to his bed, but is making steady progress towards recovery. He gave a Reporter representative an interesting account of his experiences on active service. " We Territorials occupied trenches on the middle of the front. The village of Krithia was on our left, and Achi Baba right in front. There are few places where the shells do not reach, and even when we were bathing in sheltered positions near the beach the shells would come flying over and splashing into the water. Achi Baba is a very strong defence position, and the Turks and their German officers have made it almost as impregnable as Gibraltar itself. Under such circumstances frontal attacks are death traps, and that is where our losses have been caused. The Turks have some splendid marksmen, and hundreds of their snipers have been caught and shot. We had some very narrow escapes from these sharpshooters. In Gallipoli it is very hot at times, and then it rains heavily, so that you are up to the knees in water in the trenches. After a few days rest you often find your dugout when you return to it full of water, and you have to sleep on the edge of it. The Ashton Territorials have been in the thick of the fighting during the whole time they have been there. There was no choosing of soft jobs for the Territorial Regiment. The quartermaster is in as much danger as the man in the firing line, because he is well within the line of shells, which come flying through the camp all the time. They skim along the ground from the way they fire them, and these are especially dangerous. The Turkish losses have been terrific. They are fatalists, and they think that if they are to be killed they will be killed, and so they rush on full tilt. I was on the Peninsula only about a month, when the doctor ordered me to go to Lemnos for a few days rest. I had boarded the ship, and I was watching some of our cruisers giving the Turks a rousing up by shelling them on Achi Baba, when I fell unconscious, and remained so for a week. I never remembered anything more till I woke up a week later in the Deaconess Hospital, Alexandria. Somehow it seems to be my luck to get into hospitals. During the South African War I had malarial fever, and had to go in hospital there. Now I shall have to have another bar to represent another hospital. I would like everybody to know how well the sisters and the doctors and the orderlies look after the sick and wounded. The way the members of the R.A.M.C. work is wonderful. I was sorry when I knew I had to leave my comrades, and that I was forced to leave them, because you could not imagine a better set of pals than were the officers of the 1/9th, every one of them. We kept getting split up and decimated, but for good comradeship I never found their equal. The Ashton Territorials have done well, and they think a great deal of their commander, Colonel WADE, and everybody was right down sorry when he got knocked out. It was just as if the head of the family had gone."
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
GALLANT DEEDS BY TERRITORIALS.
Lance-Sergeant H. COOPER, Royal Army Medical Corps, who resides at 21, Peel Street, Dukinfield, and was a miner at New Moss Colliery, and became attached to the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment Territorials with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at the Dardanelles, has distinguished himself by brave conduct in the firing line. In a letter to his wife, dated July 27th, he says :- " Twenty men and one officer arrived here from Ashton this week, but I only knew one, still it made one think of home. I see you have got it in the Reporter about Colonel WADE and the other officers, but they are not the first, and, sorry to say, not the last. Up to now people at home have no idea what war is like, or some of the young men would hurry up, and so end it sooner. The sights I saw after one bombardment I shall never forget. All night and all day at our medical aid post the medical officer, DICK ROTHWELL, BRIDGE, and myself worked without any rest dressing wounded British, and also Turks who had surrendered. It's first come first served. Since then there have been two other big engagements, but not like the first, and I hope it will soon be over, and that with God's help I may return home safe again. Enclosed is a certificate. Put it by for me, and keep it clean; you can have it framed if you like." - The General Officer commanding the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division congratulates Lance-Sergt. HARRY COOPER, R.A.M.C., on the gallant action performed by him on June 7th, 1915 - William Douglas, Major General, commanding 42nd East Lancashire Div.'
Lance Sergt. HARRY COOPER continues - " I got it along with DICK COOPER (his cousin, Private RICHARD COOPER, R.A.M.C who resides at 2, Ogden Street, Dukinfield, now with the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Territorials in the Dardanelles) for going and dressing wounded. I was asked if I would like to go and dress some wounded men. I went, and DICK followed me. We had to crawl on out stomachs along the open in front of the enemy's lines under fire. We got in a dugout, and found an officer and a sergeant wounded. They had been there three days. We dressed their wounds, but could not bring them back with us. I shall never forget how they cried after we left them. They begged us to take them out, but it was impossible, so we had to leave them, but as they had nothing to eat or drink from being wounded I went out again to them with something to eat and drink. Two days afterwards they got a road to them. The officer had died that morning, but the sergeant was alive, and is now in hospital. The certificate was presented to us in recognition for what we had done, and I have only one regret, and that is that the officer died after all." Private RICHARD COOPER, R.A.M.C., of 3. Ogden Street, Dukinfield, has also received a similar certificate from Major General Douglas.
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
A FAMILY'S LOSSES.
During the weekend the deaths were reported of two Ashton Territorials who are members of a family who have had four killed and two wounded in about nine weeks, but in one case the official intimation from the War Office of the man's death has been followed by a postcard from the man himself writing on a date subsequent to his reported death.
Mrs. May Burgess received a War Office intimation that her husband, Lance Corporal 1423 ALBERT BURGESS, of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, who had been seriously wounded on August 9th, had died of his wounds on August 12th. He was in the fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He was a member of the Ashton Territorials for two years, and was employed at the Dukinfield Wagon Works. He was married only about 12 months ago. He was 20 years of age. He wrote a letter to his wife on August 3rd, and six days later he was wounded. He said - "I expect there will be a big day in England tomorrow to commemorate the 12 months of war, and there might be one here too. You will be glad to hear about three of our battalion getting recommended for bravery, and we have just heard that a Lance Corporal and a Sergeant have got the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The Lance Corporal is out of my platoon, and comes from Hurst. If it is true it will be an honour for our battalion and our Company as well." On Thursday, however, Mrs. Burgess was surprised and pleased to receive a postcard from her husband, Corporal BURGESS, stating that he had been wounded in the arm, but not seriously. The postcard was dated August 20th, or eight days after Corporal BURGESS was officially reported to have died from wounds. (Albert Burgess is buried in the East Mudros Military Cemetery, Lemnos).
Private 9390 DAVID ALLISON, who was in the Lancashire Fusiliers, and a brother of Mrs. Burgess, was also wounded while fighting at the Dardanelles on August 9th, and died on the 12th. He joined Kitchener's Army last November, and had been in Gallipoli only a short time. He was training at Grantham at Whitsuntide, and several months ago, writing from Whitley Camp, Surrey, to his sister, Mrs. Griffiths, with whom he lived in Park Street, he said - " I wish they would send us to the front, because I am fed up with being stuck up here." On August 3rd, a few days before he was wounded, he wrote to Mrs. Griffiths, saying that he was all right. Private ALLISON, who was 35 years old, formerly worked as a minder at Ashworth's mill, Guide Bridge. Another relative, Private OLIVER ALLISON, brother of Private DAVID ALLISON, of Whiteacre Road, who is in the South Lancashires, was wounded in the head at the Dardanelles on August 7th. The injury was not a serious one, and he is now in hospital at Shrewsbury. The deaths in action of Private SIDNEY (16 years) and HARRY OGDEN (18 years), nephews of Mrs. Griffiths, and sons of Mrs. Eliza Ogden, of 84, Hill Street, Ashton, were reported a short time ago. Both were in the 1/9th Manchester Regiment (Ashton Territorials). Their father, ARNOLD OGDEN, enlisted some weeks ago in the Artillery Brigade which is now being formed in Ashton, while another brother, Private WILLIAM OGDEN, is in the 1/9th Manchester Regiment. A half brother of Mrs. Griffiths, Private JOHN HAMPTON, is in the Lancashire Fusiliers, while a cousin, Private 11460 HAYDN KEATE, of Blackpool, has died from disease contracted at the Dardanelles. (HAYDN KEATE, aged 25, died 4th August 1915. He is recorded on the Helles Memorial to the missing).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
IN A TIGHT CORNER
Private WILLIAM MURPHY, writing to his parents at 2, Yorkshire Street, Ashton, describes some of the recent fighting with the Ashton Territorials in the Dardanelles. Writing under date August 16th he says - "We are at present out of the firing line having a short break. We came out of the firing line after being in a very tight corner. We pulled through all right, and got praised by the general for our fine work on the 7th and 8th August. I can tell you, I never want to go through the same thing again. It was hell upon earth, but I thank God that I am alive to tell the tale; I expected going west every minute."
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
DUKINFIELD TERRITORIAL MISSING.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hanson, of 5, Market Avenue, Dukinfield, have not heard anything since June 2nd of their son, Private 1466 FRED HANSON, of the 1/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment. The last letter written on that day by private HANSON stated that he was all right then. About a month later a notification was received from the military authorities that he was missing, but they could say whether he was a prisoner of war or not. Information has come to the family that FRED is a prisoner in the hands of the Turks in the Dardanelles. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson will be pleased to hear from any of Private HANSON'S fellow soldiers. There are two other brothers and two uncles serving the King. Private Harry Hanson, South Lancasters. Private DAVID HANSON, 3/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment. Private Charles Stirrup, Scotch Borderers, in France. Private Tom Stirupp, in the Reserves, also in France. (Fred Hanson was never found. He is recorded on the Helles Memorial to the missing).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
KILLED BY A SNIPER.
Private 2330 HAROLD CHADWICK, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Chadwick, of 102 Whiteacre Road, Ashton, is officially reported to have been killed whilst with "B" Company of the Ashton Territorials in the Dardanelles. The sad news by a nephew, Private GEORGE THOMAS CHADWICK, who is also out with the Territorials, and whose home is at 161, Wellington Road, Ashton. Writing on August 10th he says - " It is with much regret I write this letter to you to tell you that HAROLD CHADWICK, your son, was killed instantly yesterday, August 9th, just after breakfast. He was shot through the forehead, and he only murmured just as the bullet caught him. There was another chap shot in the same place, and then HAROLD got up, and a sniper caught him. I could not get to him, because after he was killed we had to retire to another trench. We have just come out for relief. We had been in three days. It has made me ill about HAROLD being killed. It was all over the Company that it was me, and some of the men were nearly struck when they saw me. I have had a cry. I could not help it. It has nearly put me out. If I can get any of his things I will send them on. Just tell all the relations about it. I am very sorry it has happened. I have had two near shaves. It is a stiff job just now. With my deepest sympathy in the death of HAROLD. He was killed doing his duty." Private HAROLD CHADWICK was a painter and decorator with Messrs. Catlow and Lloyd. He was very clever with his brushes, and some of the work which he did at the Ashton Technical School was highly commended. He attained his majority in May. He attended the Ashton Parish Church Schools. His father was an old Volunteer, and had 28 years service to his credit with the old 3rd Manchesters. Naturally the son of such a father would feel the call of duty. Private CHADWICK joined the 2nd Battalion of the Ashton Territorials shortly after its formation. After being in training he was included in a draft which left Devonport on July 4th. On July 17th he wrote from Alexandria saying that he had arrived there, and would shortly proceed to the Dardanelles. He continued - "I am anxious to have a go at the Turks." Writing on July 24th from the firing line - his last message - he says:- "We have joined the 1/9th now, and I have seen a lot of pals. WALTER NEWTON, W. LOFT, and a lot more. We are one mile from the firing line, and are under shell fire. You should see the shells burst, it is a sight. I was having a wash last night, and a Turkish shell burst about 12 yards away. I was covered with dirt and dust. We expect going into the trenches any hour. The boys here seem in the best of spirits, and are quite used to the shells and shrapnel." (Harold Chadwick is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
KILLED BY A SNIPER.
Private 2330 HAROLD CHADWICK, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Chadwick, of 102 Whiteacre Road, Ashton, is officially reported to have been killed whilst with "B" Company of the Ashton Territorials in the Dardanelles. The sad news by a nephew, Private GEORGE THOMAS CHADWICK, who is also out with the Territorials, and whose home is at 161, Wellington Road, Ashton. Writing on August 10th he says - " It is with much regret I write this letter to you to tell you that HAROLD CHADWICK, your son, was killed instantly yesterday, August 9th, just after breakfast. He was shot through the forehead, and he only murmured just as the bullet caught him. There was another chap shot in the same place, and then HAROLD got up, and a sniper caught him. I could not get to him, because after he was killed we had to retire to another trench. We have just come out for relief. We had been in three days. It has made me ill about HAROLD being killed. It was all over the Company that it was me, and some of the men were nearly struck when they saw me. I have had a cry. I could not help it. It has nearly put me out. If I can get any of his things I will send them on. Just tell all the relations about it. I am very sorry it has happened. I have had two near shaves. It is a stiff job just now. With my deepest sympathy in the death of HAROLD. He was killed doing his duty." Private HAROLD CHADWICK was a painter and decorator with Messrs. Catlow and Lloyd. He was very clever with his brushes, and some of the work which he did at the Ashton Technical School was highly commended. He attained his majority in May. He attended the Ashton Parish Church Schools. His father was an old Volunteer, and had 28 years service to his credit with the old 3rd Manchesters. Naturally the son of such a father would feel the call of duty. Private CHADWICK joined the 2nd Battalion of the Ashton Territorials shortly after its formation. After being in training he was included in a draft which left Devonport on July 4th. On July 17th he wrote from Alexandria saying that he had arrived there, and would shortly proceed to the Dardanelles. He continued - "I am anxious to have a go at the Turks." Writing on July 24th from the firing line - his last message - he says:- "We have joined the 1/9th now, and I have seen a lot of pals. WALTER NEWTON, W. LOFT, and a lot more. We are one mile from the firing line, and are under shell fire. You should see the shells burst, it is a sight. I was having a wash last night, and a Turkish shell burst about 12 yards away. I was covered with dirt and dust. We expect going into the trenches any hour. The boys here seem in the best of spirits, and are quite used to the shells and shrapnel." (Harold Chadwick is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
ONE OF THE 2/9th BATTALION.
On Friday morning, the sad news was received by Mr. Thomas Harling, police court missionary, of 10, Queen Street, Ashton, that his second son, ALBERT GEORGE HARLING, had been killed at the Dardanelles on August 8th. Private 2971 HARLING was formerly an assistant at Messrs. Harrop's Ltd, furniture dealers, Stamford Street, Ashton. He was 17 years of age. He joined the 2/9th Battalion in December last, and was included some time ago in a draft to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Two other sons of Mr. Harling are serving, Wm. Coverdale Harling, 20th Manchesters, and Thomas Lough Harling. 1st Royal Scots. (ALBERT GEORGE HARLING is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
"DANGEROUSLY ILL - TERRITORIAL IN HOSPITAL IN ALEXANDRIA."
Mr. W. Goddard, grocer, of Kenyon Street, Ashton, received information from Private JACK JAKEMAN, of Union Street, Ashton, that his son, Private FRANK GODDARD, of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials was on August 19th suffering from colic and diarrhoea. On Tuesday a telegram was received from a hospital at Alexandria stating that Private GODDARD was dangerously ill. Private GODDARD, who has been a member of the Ashton Territorials for several years, was one of the men who were sent to Ismailia to act as convoy to the Indian Expeditionary Force when going through the Suez Canal. His father, who served in the Ashton Volunteers for eleven years, has had two sons, a brother, and two nephews in the Kings forces during the present war. One nephew was killed, and another wounded.
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
"WE WILL BE TRUE SOLDIERS."
"We have gone to be soldiers, and we will try hard to be true soldiers," wrote Private 2616 JOHN BARDSLEY, of the 2/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, in his last message to his mother, Mrs. Bardsley, of 35, Henrietta Street, Ashton, which was received last week. A letter has been sent to Mrs. Bardsley by his chum, Private GEORGE T CHADWICK, breaking the sad news that her son has been killed. He wrote :-
"It is with deepest regret that I write to tell you that your son JOHN was killed on the 12th inst. by a Turkish sniper. He was shot through the head. I and JOHN had always been very great pals together, and for my cousin (Private H. CHADWICK) to be killed and your JOHN has had its effect on me. I am very sorry indeed. He has always been my best pal. It was all JOHN and GEORGE in England." Private BARDSLEY'S death will be grieved over at Charlestown Sunday School, where he was a member of the Christian Endeavour Society. His comrades have testified to the influence his upright character had upon them. Private BARDSLEY had a great admiration for Mr. Schofield at Charlestown Sunday School and for the Rev. T.J.Bevan, and often referred to them in his letters home. His brother, Private ROBERT BARDSLEY, is now at the Dardanelles with the 11th Battalion, Manchester Regiment. (JOHN BARDSLEY is buried in the Lancashire Landing Cemetery).
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Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
WELL KNOWN BOXER.
Lance-corpl. 1597 JAMES ROWBOTTTOM, "B" Company, 1/9th Manchester (Ashton) Territorials, whose parents reside at 218, Park Road, Dukinfield, has been with the battalion since it was drafted from Egypt to the Dardanelles. In July last he wrote home to say that he was in bad health. He had come out of the hospital. His complaint was dysentery and pains in the stomach. He did not want his parents to upset themselves over him, and hoped to be better by the time they received his letter. Nothing has been heard from him since then. On August 4th his parents (Mr. and Mrs. Moses Rowbottom) received a letter from the Territorial Forces at Preston stating that they has received a report from the War Office notifying the death of 1957 Lance-corpl. JAMES ROWBOTTOM, 9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, which occurred in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on the 18th July, from enteritis. Mr. Rowbottom wrote to Preston asking for more details, and got a reply saying that all they knew was that he died at sea. Lance-corpl. ROWBOTTOM was 20 years of age, and previous to going out to the war was employed at the Sandy Vale Bleachworks. At one time he was a member of the Wycliffe Church Boy's Brigade, and he was a scholar at the Moravian Sunday School. He also attended Trafalgar Square Day School, of which Captain RALPH LEES, of the same battalion, was headmaster. He was a finely built young fellow, and took an interest in athletics and sports. He was considered to be a skilful lightweight boxer, and he received his training at the hands of Private JOHN WILCOCK, of the 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, who last year was awarded by the French Government the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery on the field of battle. Amongst the "ring" fraternity he was known as "Kid James," and had fought in the arena at Ashton and Stalybridge. (JAMES ROWBOTTOM is recorded on the Helles Memorial to the missing).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
COMRADES TRIBUTE TO AN ASHTON TERRITORIAL KILLED.
Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor, of 161, Wellington Road, Ashton, have received information that their son, Private 2095 JOHN JOSEPH O'CONNOR, of the 1/9th Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials, has been killed in action at the Dardanelles. Private O'CONNOR, who was only 19 years old, enlisted when war broke out. The news was conveyed in the following letter from his friend, Private J. KINSELLA of Park Street, Ashton. "Dear Mr. and Mrs O'Connor, I am sorry to have to tell you that your JOHNNY was killed on Thursday evening, August 12th. He was hit in the head by a bullet, fired from the Turkish trenches. I was near him at the time, and I can assure you that JOHNNY had not the slightest idea. He died within a few seconds of being hit. There were willing and eager hands to render all the assistance possible, but I am sad to say it was of no avail. When I was coming out of the trenches I saw our pioneers making a grave for JOHNNY, and it was a little consolation to know that he would be decently buried. Myself and your son were always the best of chums, and I am almost heartbroken at present. I hope you are all in the best of health. Yours truly, JOHN KINSELLA." The following appreciative letter has been sent by Platoon Sergeant J. NOLAN to Mrs. O'Connor - " Dear Madam, It is with deep regret that I inform you of the death of your dear son, Private O'Connor. He was shot in the head by an enemy bullet. He died instantaneously, and I can assure you that he had no pain. He was a good soldier, and I could always rely upon him to do his best of any duty to be performed. I can assure you that I miss him along with his comrades in the platoon. His quiet and generous manner was a model for any man, and his death is deeply regretted by all his comrades. He is laid to rest alongside a small brook, along with others who have given their lives in the cause of righteousness. So you can rest assured that your son is where he will hear no more shot or shell, for he is sleeping the sleep of the brave British soldier. The members of No.4 Platoon, A Company, 9th Manchesters, send to you their deepest sympathy." Private O'CONNOR was an electrician in the employ of the Delta Works, Guide Bridge. Curiously enough, the last letter received from Private O'CONNOR has reference to Private KINSELLA being wounded. (JOHN JOSEPH O'CONNOR is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
Officer's Tribute to Dukinfield Man Killed in Action.
News of the death in action of Drummer 419 FRED ORAM WYATT, 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, of 30, Hill Street, Dukinfield, has been confirmed. Mrs. Wyatt on Monday receiving an official letter from the War Office. Drummer WYATT was 27 years of age, and he had been in the Ashton Territorials for eleven years.
Lieutenant S.PARKS, of the 11th Yorks and Lancs Regiment, who is now attached to the 1/9th Manchester Regiment, wrote on July 19th, as follows :-
"Dear Mrs. Wyatt - It is with great regret that I write to inform you of your husbands death whilst in action, and I tender my sincere sympathy at this time of your great distress. It was on Monday, July 12th, that he received the fatal wounds, and he died two days later in the hospital. Since I was attached to the 1/9th Manchester Regiment he has been my servant, and being honourable, trustworthy, and painstaking in all that he did, I can assure you that I have missed his valuable service very much. Not only so, but his country has lost a fine, keen soldier, who had laid down everything in order to defend it's flag and freedom." (FRED WYATT is buried in the Skew Bridge Cemetery, Helles).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
ASHTON TERRITORIAL MISSING.
Private 1071 CHARLES SMITH, 26, Brook Street, Ashton, who was with the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, is reported missing after an engagement in Gallipoli on June 19th. Since the War Office intimation, no further news has been received by Mrs. Smith. He had been in the local Territorials for several years. (CHARLES SMITH was never found. He is recorded on the Helles Memorial to the missing).
Published in the Reporter 4th September 1915.
STALYBRIDGE MAN WITH ASHTON TERRITORIALS.
Private WILLIE GODDARD, of the 1/9th Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials, has been wounded while serving in the Dardanelles. His mother, who resides at 8, Quarry Street, Stalybridge, has received a card notifying the fact, but it does not state how he got his injury or what the extent of the wound is. He is in hospital. Private GODDARD has been with the Ashton Territorials since they left the district. He took part in the first landing, and in a letter home he said it took them all their time to land safe, as shells were bursting all round them.