1916 PAGE 1
1916 PAGE 1
THE ASHTON TERRITORIALS, the 9th Battalion of the MANCHESTER REGIMENT During WWI.
1916.
Published in the Reporter 8th January 1916.
THREE DENTON BROTHERS.
Last weekend, Mrs. Hulme, who resides at 97, Katherine Street, Penny Meadow, Ashton, received a telegram from the General Hospital, Alexandria, that her husband, Private JAMES HULME, had been wounded. It appears that Private HULME, who is attached to the 2/9th Ashton Territorials, received his wounds on December 21st.
Private HULME was born at Denton, and resided there prior to being married some years ago. He is one of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. JOHN HULME, Ashton Road. Prior to enlistment he was employed in the hatting industry at Messrs. Booth and Moores, on Hyde Road, Denton. Mr. and Mrs. JOHN HULME have three sons on foreign service and a son-in-law, Private PALMER, has been severely wounded in France. Writing on December 6th to his parents, Private HARRY HULME, the youngest son, of the 1/9th Ashton Territorials, who has been in the hospital at Alexandria, said :- "JIM is doing all right. I have seen HARRY NAISH and other lads from Hooley Hill, also JACK SHUTE and W. RIDGWAY, of Manchester Road, Denton, the last two being on the Royal Edward." Private HARRY HULME sent his parents an interesting Christmas card. He had got a khaki handkerchief, cut it four square, and trimmed the edges to represent fringes. On the top was the word " Dardanelles," the right side "Egypt," and the left side and bottom "1/9th Ashton." In the centre were the words, "To wish all the dear ones at home a merry Christmas." The card, which was worked in the hospital, must have taken Private HARRY HULME hours to complete. It has been admired by all who have seen it.
Published in the Reporter 8th January 1916.
SIR IAN HAMILTON'S DISPATCH.
The long expected despatch from Sir Ian Hamilton on the Anzac and Suvla Bay operations in August; which was issued officially on Friday night, gives a vivid story of the heroic fighting and the stirring incidents, but the chief interest centres in his statement of the reasons why the boldly planned scheme failed to achieve it's purpose. In the case of the Suvla Bay landing Sir Ian Hamilton attributes the ultimate holding up of the advance to the failure of the local corps and divisional commanders to push on during the first two days. While recognising the difficulties and the fatigue and thirst of the soldiers, Sir Ian says:- " Driving power was required, and even a brute ruthlessness, to brush aside pleas for a respite by tired troops. The one fatal error was inertia. And inertia prevailed." Describing the fighting in which the Ashton Territorials took part, Sir Ian Hamilton says:- "Two specially furious counter-attacks were delivered by the Turks on August 8th, one at 4.40am and another at 8.30pm., where again our bayonets were too much for them. Throughout the night they made continuous bomb attacks, but the 6th Lancashire Fusiliers and the 4th East Lancashire Regiment stuck gamely to their task at the eastern corner of the vineyard. There was desperate fighting also at the Northern corner, where the personal bravery of Lieutenant W.T. FORSHAW, 1/9th Manchester Regiment, who stuck to his post after his detachment had been relieved (an act for which he has since been awarded the V.C.), was largely instrumental in the repulse of three very determined onslaughts. By the morning of August 9th things were quieter, and the sorely tired troops were relieved. On the night of the 12th-13th the enemy made one more sudden, desperate dash for their vineyard - and got it! But on the 13th, our bombers took the matter in hand. The Turks were finally driven out; the new fire trenches were wired and loop-holed, and have since become part of our line. These two attacks had served their main purpose. If the local success were not all that had been hoped for, yet a useful advance had been achieved, and not only had they given a fresh, hard fighting enemy more than he had bargained for, but they had actually drawn down Turkish reinforcements to their area. And how can a commander say enough for the troops who, aware that their task was only a subsidiary one, fought with as much vim and resolution as if they were storming the battlements of Constantinople?"
Published in the Reporter 8th January 1916.
TAUNTON SOLDIER.
News has been officially received by his mother that Private HORACE BENNETT, Ashton Territorials, who had resided at 15, Earnshaw Street, Taunton, has died from wounds received in action in the Dardanelles. Private 3391 BENNETT, who was 22 years of age, was attached to the 1/9th Ashton Territorials. He had been in many tight corners, and fought from the first landing. In his own words, "he was in capital health, and had not received a scratch." He was formerly employed at Lumb Mills, Littlemoss. His brother JOHN is in the Lancashire Fusiliers, and another brother, ELISHA, is in the South Lancashires, and was over last weekend, and JAMES is at Salisbury Plain with the 2/9th Ashton Territorials. (Horace Bennett died on the 22nd December. He is buried in the East Mudros Military Cemetery).
Published in the Reporter 8th January 1916.
ASHTON TERRITORIAL WHO WAS BURIED FOR 18 HOURS.
Private ALBERT BURKE, of the Ashton Territorials, a son of Mrs. Burke, 43, Peel Street, Ashton, arrived home during the weekend on a short furlough. He accompanied the 1/9th Manchester Regiment to the Dardanelles, and was on the Gallipoli Peninsula during most of the heavy fighting. "On May 25th, I received a scalp wound," he informed a Reporter representative. "I was taken to Alexandria and Cairo, and received treatment there. I was away from the battalion about five weeks, and then I returned to the trenches which I left on November 12th, suffering from dysentery. I went to a hospital at Malta. I came to England on December 13th, and have been in Dudley Road Military Hospital, Birmingham. I am now much better from the fever, and I have been granted ten days leave." Asked as to his experiences at the Dardanelles, Private BURKE said, "We had a rough time of it. Once we were in the trenches for 21 days at a stretch, and when we came out we had to go and help the sappers who were at work on the mines, often getting up at two o'clock in the morning. For some time very little except mining has been going on out there, but it is very hard, I can assure you. While the landing was being made at Sulva Bay the Ashton Territorials, with others, took part in a bayonet charge, for the purpose of creating a diversion. I took part in that, and came through all right, and without a scratch. I had a narrow escape, though, on one occasion. I was looking through a periscope when the Turks blew up our trench. I was buried to the tips of my fingers, but was quickly dug out by my comrades. At the same time another of our men, Private W. THORNTON, was buried for 18 hours. When they got him out he was alive, and he recovered. We have had a good many commanders and doctors, and there are a few of the officers left who first went out with us. Major CONNERY is still there all right, and though he has been wounded two or three times he will not come away. He will stick it to the last. I don't know what we should have done without him, because we have had so many strange officers. But the major is a fine fellow. He saw that we had plenty to eat, and he looked well after getting us clothing. They all know him and respect him out on the beach yonder." Private BURKE paid a firm tribute to the Turks. "They are good, clean fighters. Most of them are big fellows, and many are about six feet in height."
Published in the Reporter 8th January 1916.
MACHINE GUNNER.
Mrs. SNAPE, of Brierley Street, Tame Valley, Dukinfield, received a letter on Wednesday morning from Corporal WILLERTON, a Cockbrook man, who is in the Ashton Territorials, stating that he was sorry to inform her that her son, Private 1534 ALFRED EDWIN SNAPE, also of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, has been killed in action in Gallipoli. Private SNAPE was in the machine gun section, and the letter stated that whilst he was working his gun a shell burst over him and killed him instantly. Corporal WILLERTON added that he saw the deceased buried. "I shall always remember the last service we attended together," Corporal WILLERTON went on. "The chaplain took for his text 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he died for his friend.' That is what your son did." Private SNAPE was only 18 years of age. He was killed on December 12th; had he lived while the 30th he would have attained his 19th birthday. He was employed at the bleachworks in Sandy Lane, Dukinfield, until the Ashton Territorials were mobilised and sent away to Egypt, and from there to the Dardanelles. He went away with the 9th and about six months ago was wounded but not seriously. A bullet caught a sixpenny piece he had in his pocket, breaking it in three pieces. He was sent down to Malta, and was there twelve weeks. He had not been back again in the firing line very long when he met his death. Private SNAPE'S last letter to his mother was sent on November 29th, and in it he wrote: "It is getting awfully cold out here now. Such a lot of rain we have had, and this last day or two we have had snow for the first time. I am afraid I shall have another birthday away from home, but never mind, I will celebrate it in the trenches and make up for it in the bargain when I come home. May I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year." Deceased was a soldier and worker at the Tame Valley United Methodist Sunday School, and very well known in the neighbourhood, and held in high esteem. His father, Private HERBERT SNAPE is in the 2/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, now in Sussex, and Mrs. Snape has forwarded the letter of Corporal WILLERTON to him to apprise him of their son's death. (Alfred E Snape is buried in the Azmak Cemetery, Suvla).
Published in the Reporter 8th January 1916.
HAD MANY ESCAPES.
Dukinfield Man Killed at Gallipoli.
Private 1829 JOHN WILLIAM JUBB, 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jubb, of 15, Bates Street, off Russell Street, Dukinfield, is reported to have been killed in the Dardanelles on December 16th. The sad news was contained in the following letter to his mother :- "Dear Madam, May I express the deepest sympathy of the Brigade and of myself with you in the loss of your brave son, Private J.W. JUBB. He was killed early this morning while in the discharge of his duty in the forward firing trench. Death, it may be a comfort to you to know, was entirely without pain, as it was instantaneous, the bullet wound being in the head. Midday today I laid him to rest in a beautiful little soldiers cemetery near the summit of a hill slope that forms one side of a ravine known as Borden Ravine. This ravine is on the western side of the Peninsula, and slopes down to the Aegean Sea. "There he lies among other heroes from Ashton-Under-Lyne and Oldham. Several loyal friends gathered round his grave, and manifested their sympathy and respect. All his effects are being returned to you. Believe me, madam, there is abundant cause for pride and trust in the manner of your hero son's passing, and may the consolation of Christ be with you. Yours very faithfully, C.E. RAYMOND, C.F., C.E. Chaplain, 126th Brigade." The last letter received by Mr. and Mrs. Jubb from their son was dated the 2nd October last year, and was as follows :- "My wound has healed as well as it will. Some R.A.M.C. men say it will be a mark for ever, and some say it will not, but I do not care about it in the least as long as I am alive. Thank God for that, for it was held on August 7th. Poor HAROLD NEWTON WOOD, you see, and several other fellows were killed that day. One man who was killed I gave a cigarette to when we were going into the trenches, and five minutes after I was hit and he was killed outright. Out of the sixteen lads I left Bury with there are only two left on the Peninsula. The others have either been wounded, sick, or killed. I have had a third escape from certain death, although I have not told you in letters written beforehand. My first was when I was stood in the trench watching some water boiling for a lad who was on the look-out, when suddenly my woolen hat or sleeping cap pulled at my forehead. I did not trouble for a second, but on taking off the cap I found three bullet holes. I still have the cap, and if God spares me to get home it will be a good show of what I went through at the front. But that is not all. My next do was when we had just come from the trenches for a rest, and I volunteered to bring a 'dixy' of tea. I just got past a certain spot when the hungry Turks sent a shell over three yards behind my back. Then on the 7th August, besides being hit on the neck, I found when I got in hospital I had a hole in my haversack, which at the time we were wearing on our backs. On looking inside I found the old sleeping cap practically torn to ribbons, but I still hang on to it. You will remember the waistcoat I left home with, the light one, that has also got three holes through all the pockets, and I still hang on to it. So that is my bit of a career, besides what I have seen. This day, 2nd October, I am discharged from hospital to rest camp again. I don't know yet whether I shall go back to the trenches or not, but I will let you know later." Private JACK W. JUBB was 19 years of age. He was an apprentice plumber to Mr. Mugg, of King Street, Dukinfield, and very well known amongst the younger men in the town. He was a scholar at St. Mark's Sunday School, and at one period was a chorister. Much sympathy has been extended to Mr. and Mrs. Jubb and Miss Jubb in their sad bereavement. (John W. Jubb is buried in the Azmak Cemetery, Suvla).
Published in the Reporter 8th January 1916.
CHRISTMAS IN HOSPITAL.
Mrs. Pennington, of 95, Oxford Street, Ashton, received a letter from her husband last weekend stating that he had been wounded. Private PENNINGTON, who is attached to the 3/9th Ashton Territorials, left Plymouth on the 8th of October for the Dardanelles. Formerly employed at Messrs. Hall and Kay's Ltd., and the Guidebridge Spinning Co. Ltd, he is well known at the west end of the town, also in Hooley Hill, where he resided many years prior to being married. He joined the Army on the 8th January 1915. He writes :- "I don't know if they have let you know that I have been wounded, but I dare say they have. The bullet went in my jaw and came out in my neck, causing a compound fracture of the lower jaw. I am doing very nicely, and hope to be soon better. I am writing this on board a hospital ship. I must tell you about our Christmas. First of all we arrived at Alexandria in the hospital boat on the 23rd inst. We disembarked, and got on a hospital train en route for Cairo. I am not so bad as not to take an interest in things. It was a splendid ride through beautiful country. There were cocoanuts growing on the trees, and Egyptians in their quaint dresses in the the fields. We had tea in the train. After about three or four hours traveling we arrived at Cairo Station. On the platform were Red Cross ladies with milk and cake and cigarettes. We also had cigs given us in the train, and oranges. On going out of the station motor ambulance vans were waiting to take us to our destination. They were open at the back, and we had the chance to see what a beautiful place we were driving through. Upon arriving here we were given a bath, hospital clothing, and sent to our respective wards. There was had another tea or supper - a couple of eggs and bread and butter. But, of course, I could not manage to eat that, so I had some bread and milk and cocoa. After an excellent sleep in a nice cosy, soft bed, I awoke next morning feeling very much refreshed and better. This was December 24th. Then presents began to arrive. The first was a nice box from the Price of Wales Fund, containing figs, cigars, chocolate and matches. Very nice indeed. Then a great, long table was laid out in our ward with plants and roses, etc. A great spread was set for tea. There were all sorts of good things - sandwiches, big Christmas cakes, cakes, sweets, oranges, etc. There was a bath at one end of the room where you had to fish till you caught a parcel. These parcels contained all sorts of toys, just for fun. There was a gramophone, and they brought a piano in, and we had a sing-song (you can bet I got on the piano). Then we went to the concert specially provided for us in the big dining hall. There, again, were tabs, chocolates, oranges, etc. These are things I can manage to suck. Though I could not eat some of the good things provided, I did ample justice to the softer ones. I wish that blessed bullet had not smashed my jaw. When we retired after a very happy evening the carol singers came round in each ward. When we woke up this morning we found that Santa Claus had been round and filled our stockings; also the British Red Cross Society gave us some nice presents. We have all sorts - cigs, and things. I have also a nice little brass pyramid inscribed "Naairish Hosptial, Cairo, Christmas 1915." It is a pretty little model, and will look all right as a souvenir of the war. It is a splendid day here. The sun is shining in a clear blue sky. It is quite hot. The scent of roses and other flowers fills the air. I have just been to Christmas service. Everybody is so nice and kind. The nurses do all in their power to make us happy and comfortable. The doctor is very nice. So you see you need not worry. I have everything to make me well."
Published in the Reporter 22nd January 1916.
DENTON TERRITORIAL.
Twenty-six weeks suffering, more or less, from enteric fever is the experience of Private E.C. MATLEY, of the 1/9th Ashton Territorials, who returned to his home at 50, Market Street, Denton, last week. Right glad was he to see his relatives after an absence of 17 months. He is due to report at the Ashton Armoury on the 25th of February. Only 19 years of age, and previously employed at Messrs. J. Moores and Co. as a block printer, he told the story of his experiences in the East, and how he had faced the big, raw boned Turks without fear and trembling. "I was only 17 years of age when I left home," he remarked, "but during the time I have been away I have seen many things. Our most exciting times were in the Dardanelles, and from May to July we had a hot time. My first taste of war was on the 2nd of June, on the occasion when Lieutenant HYDE and 20 men were missing. Two days later there was the splendid charge made by all the Lancashire Territorials, when we carried four rows of trenches. I had never been in a bayonet charge before, and after all was over I scarcely knew what had transpired, as all seemed a blank. The Turks were big burly fellows, and when we pinned then down they cried "Allah!" I went into the charge with a feeling - well, it's there, it's got to be done, and here goes. On one occasion I was hit on the thigh with a spent shrapnel bullet. On several occasions the periscope I used was hit by the snipers. I was put out of action by a severe attack of enteric on July 10th. I was dead beat, and had to be carried out of the trenches on a stretcher. For two days I never spoke, and was unconscious; in fact, I am told that for four days I did not recover consciousness. I was brought on to Cape Helles, afterwards to Lemnos Island, then Malta, where I was in the hospital for nine weeks. On arriving in England after a rough sea passage on the hospital ship, my destination was an institution at Woolwich, where I was for 17½ weeks. What with fighting and half a year of fever attack, I feel about done up."
Published in the Reporter 22nd January 1916.
KILLED AT HIS POST.
News has been received concerning the death of Lance-Corporal 1391 GEORGE GORDON HAUGHTON, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Haughton, of 43, Trafalgar Street, Ashton, who belonged to the Ashton Territorials. Deceased, who was only seventeen years of age previously to going to Gallipoli, worked at Messrs. Roberts Ironworks at Dukinfield as an apprentice turner. He was a member of the Denton Lad's Club, and former member of the Ashton Swimming Club. Writing on December 12th to Mrs. Haughton, the Rev. E. RAYMOND, the C.E. chaplain of the 126th Brigade, says: " Dear Madam, I am writing to express my heartfelt sympathy and the sympathy of the whole brigade with you in the loss of your brave son, Private G.G. HAUGHTON. He was killed at his post in the foremost firing line by a Turkish bomb. Death was instantaneous and painless. That was last night. I buried him this morning in a little soldiers cemetery at the summit of a ravine known as 'Border Ravine.' This is on the western side of the Peninsula. We shall care for the grave and see that it is properly marked with a cross. All his effects are being returned to you. Believe me, madam, I feel for you in your bereavement. May I suggest that you commit him in confidence to his God. Since he died, while bravely standing at the point of danger, where duty placed him, this is cause for pride and trust. It is my prayer that the consolation of Christ may be with you and with his good father and all his other loved ones."
In his last letter, written on December 8th, deceased said: "Dear parents, Here I am again with the old boys having a try to do a little bit for old England. I am quite well again, and have been back at the Dardanelles about four days. Just before I returned there had been some bad weather - rain and snow, but we are well prepared for it now. My winter clothing comprises of under-flannels, under-drawers, shirt, socks, leather waistcoat and a waterproof cape, so I think I am well prepared for the winter campaign. Well, Christmas will be near or over when you receive this letter, and once more I shall have my Christmas dinner in 'No Man's Land,' but I expect we shall not run short of 'Turkey's.' It will be a bit tougher than the turkey we had last year. I am sorry I cannot send you a card, but you know where my thoughts are, if I cannot send a card. There is one thing to mention - I shall not be in the trenches on Christmas Day. We go in the trenches on Friday and come out again the day before Christmas Eve. Well, God bless you, dear parents, and may you have a happy Christmas and a bright and better New Year. From your loving son, GEORGE. P.S. Mother, thanks for those kind words you sent me. Keep on smiling, for some day the sun will start to shine, then we will make up for lost time." The members of the Trafalgar Square Sunday School Gymnasium have sent a letter of sympathy. (George G. Haughton died on the 11th December. He is buried in the Azmak Cemetery, Suvla).
Published in the Reporter 22nd January 1916.
MAJOR HOWARTH.
Major T.E. HOWARTH, of the 1/9th Manchester Regiment, and son of Mr. D. F. Howarth, 24, Villiers Street, Ashton, has returned home on sick leave. Major HOWARTH has been in the Ashton Territorials for about 16 years. In conversation with a Reporter representative he said:- "I can tell you the Ashton Territorials in Gallipoli were absolutely first class, and if I had to pick from those men I should pick my own men. We were all very sorry when our commander, Colonel WADE, got hit, and had to leave us. We were all fond of the Colonel. I have been under him from the beginning, and he is a first class officer. Besides being a capable commander he was very considerate to all his officers and men. Major CONNERY is another fine fellow. It is remarkable the way he has stuck to it all the way through, although he has been wounded. He was always cheerful, and was kindness itself to everyone. The Ashton men were in the thick of the fighting, and they were spendid. They performed their tasks quite as well as anybody, and the regular troops expressed their admiration and astonishment at them. You see there are a lot of quiet fellows amongst them, but they did well all the way through, and stuck to their work. Ashton has done its duty in the war. I shall be glad to get back to our fellows again, and I am only sorry there are not more of them to get back to. It was at the end of July that I had an attack of enteric. It is an eastern kind, and extremely severe. You can imagine how it affected me when I say that for five weeks I was unconscious. I was at Malta for some time, and afterwards in hospital at Birmingham. Everybody in hospital was exceedingly kind to me, and I am getting along nicely, but of course, I am still weak, and the doctors tell me it is only question of time."
Published in the Reporter 22nd January 1916.
POPULAR WATERLOO N.C.O.
Mrs. W.H. MATTHEWS, 163, Oldham Road, Waterloo, has received the following letter from Quartermaster Sergeant W. BIRCHELL in reference to her husband, Corporal 1734 HERBERT WILFRED MATTHEWS, 1/9th Manchester Regiment, killed at the Dardanelles on June 8th last:- " I can fully realise what the loss of a good husband and father means to you, and no words of mine can express how deeply I feel for you in your sad loss. I can truthfully say for myself, and on behalf of all who came in contact with him, that no other N.C.O. was so much respected. I know that while in Egypt and on the voyage out there that he had the respect of every N.C.O. of his Company for his generousity and his kindness, and I always felt proud that he had justified the trust I put in him when I recommended him for the N.C.O. He always studied the men first in everything he did or undertook, and that among other things made him the popular N.C.O. that he was. He often spoke to me about his home, and I know that he dearly loved his wife and child. When the war came he volunteered like a true British soldier can - his precious life, knowing he had left a devoted wife and a child behind. The loss was a great blow to me, as he and I were thrown so much together, being in the same Company. We are some distance from the quiet spot where your dear husband lies, I visited his grave near the ambulance receiving station, and it had a wooden cross on, and was kept in very good order. It is intention to erect a concrete slab (Gothic shape) ob his grave, inscribed with a suitable epitaph, as soon as I get the opportunity. The slab will stand about 3ft by 15 inches, and I will let you know when I have completed the same." (Herbert W. Matthews died on the 8th June. He is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles).
Published in the Reporter 29th January 1916.
TERRITORIAL BANDSMAN.
Corporal BEN NEWTON, of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, has returned home to 119, Birch Street, Ashton, from the Dardanelles, his time having expired, and is now awaiting his discharge. He played the euphonium in the band, but whilst in the Gallipoli Peninsula has acted as stretcher-bearer, and also took his share of the fighting with rifle and bayonet. He is the son of Mr. S. Newton, the well known euphonium player of the Kingston Mills and the Black Dyke Bands, a brother of his, Private SAM NEWTON, who was also in the original Ashton Territorials, was invalided home some months ago, and is now at Heaton Park, Manchester. "I had the good luck whilst I was at the Dardanelles to escape being injured in any way, although I had a number of narrow escapes," said Corporal NEWTON, to a Reporter representative. "But you get used to it very quickly, and the boys were always very cheery. For a considerable time I was orderly-room clerk, and had to go about with the adjutant and colonel. I don't think I ever went on the beach after we landed in May until I left it on December 4th. I was in a bayonet charge on June 19th. I saw Lieut. JACK WADE jump into the Turkish trench, but I never saw him again. There were a lot of men missing that day. I saw a list which came from Constantinople of the prisoners taken by the Turks, but the names of none of our fellows were on it. Johnny Turk is a very clean fighter, but in my opinion if it had not been for the German officers they would have given it up long ago. The last three days I was on the Peninsula were shocking. A perfect blizzard raged, and it was cruelly cold. It almost froze one to death. Some of the trenches were absolutely flooded. We were washed out of our dug-outs in the middle of the night. Major CONNERY looked after the boys well, and he saw to it we never went short, if he could prevent it."
Published in the Reporter 29th January 1916.
17th BIRTHDAY IN THE TRENCHES.
An official intimation has now been received by Mr. and Mrs. Portington, of 46, Dale Street, Ashton, that their son, Private 2063 TOM PORTINGTON, of the Ashton Territorials, has been killed in action. He had previously been reported 'missing' on September 3rd 1915. Naturally, Mr. and Mrs. Portington had clung to the shred of hope that their son had not been killed, but had been taken prisoner, and were buoyed up in their belief by letters from his comrades, who also believed he had been captured. From various accounts it seems that Private PORTINGTON went out with some of the others to dig themselves in nearer the Turkish lines, but the Turks became suspicious, and threw a searchlight on them. When they saw what was happening they opened fire, and our men beat a hasty retreat. Private PORTINGTON, who was the oldest of seven children, worked at the New Moss Pit. He was a fine lad for his age, and easily passed as over 18, but he was only 16 years old when he joined. He celebrated his 17th birthday in the trenches. Many of his comrades have written expressing their sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. Portington, and testifying to the pluck and popularity of Private PORTINGTON. He was liked by officers and men. (Tom Portington is recorded on the Helles Memorial to the missing).
Published in the Reporter 29th January 1916.
WOUNDED ASHTON TERRITORIAL OUT OF DANGER.
Mrs. Hulme, 33, Katherine Street, Ashton, whose husband, Private JAMES HULME, of the 1/9th Manchester Regiment, was recently reported to have been dangerously wounded in Gallipoli, has received an offical notification from the War Office to the effect that he is now out of danger. The chaplain of the hospital ship has written informing Mrs. Hulme that her husband was wounded by a bullet in the left shoulder.
Published in the Reporter 29th January 1916.
HIT BY SHELL.
As a batch of Ashton Territorials were packing up their equipment and making ready to take their departure from the Dardanelles, where so many of their gallant comrades have lost their lives, a Turkish shell, fired with deadly accuracy, caused a number of casualties. This was on December 27th. Private 1805 JOHN FREDERICK JENKINSON, of the 1/9th Manchester Regiment, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkinson, 356, Oldham Road, Waterloo, was amongst the killed. The official news reached Waterloo on Saturday. Since then, however, a letter has been received from Private THOMAS SMITH, of Ney Street, Waterloo, another Ashton Territorial. Writing to his brother, Private SMITH says the men were packing up their things and getting ready to leave the Peninsula when the enemy shell came and killed Private JENKINSON. Private SMITH pays a fine tribute to his comrade, who, he says, died a soldiers death. Private SMITH had the melancholy duty of helping to dig the grave and assisting in the burial of his friend. Private JENKINSON, who was 21 years old, joined the Territorials about Easter in 1914, and he arrived at the Dardanelles at the latter end of July last. On the very day on which he died Private JENKINSON wrote a letter to his mother, telling her he had received a parcel, and also sent a message to his brother, Private GEORGE JENKINSON, who is now in training with the 3/9th Manchester Regiment at Codford. He was formerly employed at the Maple Spinning Co. Oldham. He was connected with the Waterloo Wesleyan Sunday School, and in a recent message thanked the members of the Mother's Class for sending him a muffler. A memorial service will be held in the church on Sunday night. (John F. Jenkinson is recorded on the Helles Memorial to the missing).
Published in the Reporter 29th January 1916.
TRAM CONDUCTOR.
KILLED IN ACTION IN GALLIPOLI.
A few days after being recommended for promotion to sergeant, Corporal 724 JOSEPH EDWARD APPLEBY, 1/9th Manchester Regiment, of 13, Hill Street, Waterloo, was killed in action at the Dardanelles. Official news received during the weekend stated that Corporal APPLEBY was killed on December 18th. Letters have been received from these officials - one of whom has since been killed - all paying a fine tribute to Corporal APPLEBY. The letters are as follows:- Dated January 3rd, "Dear Mrs. Appleby, I deeply regret to have to inform you that your dear husband, Joe, was killed in action on December 18th, his death being instantaneous. Throughout the arduous months of training in Egypt he was a hard and enthusiastic worker, well liked by the officers and men, and at all times during service operations in Gallipoli was brave and conscientious in his duties, and it was only a day or two before that his promotion to sergeant was recommended. The new came as a shock to me, for we had worked side by side on many occasions, and only a week previous had together counted the number of survivors left on No.1 Platton. May I, therefore, extend to you my very sincere sympathy in your sad loss, a loss felt by all. Yours sincerely, Lieut. H.G. SHATWELL, 1/9th Manchester Regiment."
Another letter received was dated 20th December, "Dear Mrs. Appleby, By the time you receive this I expect you will have heard the sad news of your husband being killed on the 18th December. May I extend to you my deepest symapthy at your great loss. Corporal APPLEBY was attached to the 126th Brigade, Grenade Section, and I am very proud to have had him under my command. He died doing his duty, as he always did, and if it will help you at all I can safely say he did not suffer any pain. His comrade who worked with him was killed by the same shell, and if you should like to communicate with his wife I enclose his address. I enclose a list of Corporal APPLEBY'S personal effects. Yours sincerely, A. VICTOR SMITH." 126th Brigade, Grenade Section. Further correspondance has been received, dated 23rd December. "Dear Mrs Appleby, I am writing these few lines to try to offer my sincere sympathy for you in your recent bereavement. Your husband has given his life for his King and country, and I am sure that while it is a great sorrow to you, yet it is tempered by the knowledge that he has died as every true man would wish to, that is, fighting for the right against evil and wrong-doing. It was not my pleasure to have known your husband a long time, but the little while I was working with him he always showed up well, and he did his work without complaint or grumbling. Again offiering you my sincere condolences and good wishes for the future, Yours truly, R.V. STANFORD, 2nd Lieut. 10th Manchester Regiment." Corporal APPLEBY joined the Ashton Territorials about eight years ago, and took a keen interest in his military duties. He was well known in the district, and was in the employ of the Ashton Corporation Tramways, being a conductor on the Hurst length. He was 24 years old, and was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Appleby, of Wellington Street, Waterloo, and formerly of Hurst. A memorial service will be held on Sunday at the United Methodist Church, Waterloo, which he formerly attended. (Joseph E. Appleby is recorded on the Helles Memorial to the missing).