The Boar's Head - 30th June 1916 - The Wounded Officers Letter – “The Men Were Magnificent”

This is another report in the Eastbourne Gazette on 19th July 1916. No name is given by the wounded officer, but his letter confirms the other reports without overemphasising the carnage of the attack.

The Wounded Officers Letter – “The Men Were Magnificent”

No warmer tribute to the splendid work of “Lowther’s Lambs” in the recent operation on the Western Front could be given than contained in a private letter by a wounded officer, who says:-

“The men were magnificent; there is no doubt about that. If the men in the rest of Kitchener’s Army are anything like the ‘Southdowns’ nothing will stop us now that we have made the right start.

Our divisional General said only a few days before the beginning of this great push, “You men (meaning the Southdowns) do not require leading, we know their reputation.” And he was right. When their officers and men fell on the survivors went, right through the hell of fire. ‘My Company (‘A’ Company of the 13th Royal Sussex) went 150 to 200 yards in the face of it with never a falter. It was a superb test.

The men were absolutely wonderful. Their training had fitted them for what they had to go through, and the pity of it is that so many had to fall to accomplish what they did.
We had not counted on the enemy being so prepared for our reception with heavy guns and machine guns. You can imagine what we had to go through.

“Corporal Parsons, an Eastbourne man who is missing, showed indomitable pluck , and all through the ‘Southdowns’ a similar spirit was apparent. No regular soldiers could have been finer.

Sergeant Baker, an old regular army man, is attached to the “Southdowns”. When his officer was knocked over he led the men on to the second line of German trenches. I heard him shouting, “Come on boys, here are the Huns!” This was followed by cries of ‘Kamarade’ from the German soldiers. But the blood of the ‘Southdowns’ was up, for the enemy had been bombing them only a few minutes before. Sergeant Baker showed a splendid example both to the N.C.O’s and men.”

“I had a narrow escape in this attack. I was wearing a Dayfield body shield and a bullet struck me just below the shoulder blade and about an inch below the top of the shield. It did not penetrate the shield but turned upwards and gouged its way out through the fleshy part of the shoulder."

"An amusing incident of the attack was recalled a few days ago when I visited a wounded sergeant of my company who is now in hospital. I had taken a little German prisoner who insisted upon following closely upon my heels. The sergeant recalling the fact said, ‘I could not help laughing when I saw that little German chap following you about the trenches like a lap-dog.’

I got rather tired of him following me about. There were a lot of rifles lying about and I did not know when this fact might occur to him. Finally, I showed him my revolver and pointed to our trenches in the distance, and he very soon took his departure there.

The Germans were more than willing to surrender when we got close to them, but they were throwing things at us when we did get close?”

Corporal Percy Parsons metioned above, of the ‘A’ Company, 13th Battalion had dodged a sick parade to ensure his part in the attack, died on the German wire. He was 37 and was married to Susanna Parsons, of 20, Lower Rd., Gore Park, Eastbourne. He is buried in CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ.

The Boar's Head - 30th June 1916 - How The South Downs Fought - Eastbourne Hero

Reports continued to filter into the newspaper about the fighting on 30th June 1916. The Eastbourne Gazette on 26th July 1916 contained these reports.

The first is from a letter by Lieutenant Robinson where he writes about the heroism of CSM Nelson Carter who would later be posthumously awarded the V.C. for his actions during the battle.


"How the Southdowns Fought


Eastbourne Hero


Loses his life while rescuing comrades


In a private letter to a friend an Eastbourne officer, Lieutenant Harold C.T. Robinson, who is at home wounded, tells of the gallantry of a local soldier who lost his life in the great advance on the morning of June 30, while rescuing comrades who had fallen wounded over the parapet.

Lieutenant Robinson, who is the younger son of Mr. C. Wyndham Robinson, of Kya Lami, The Greys, Eastbourne, was the officer commanding A Company, 12th Royal Sussex Regiment and the soldier of whose heroism he speaks was Company-Sergeant Major N.V. Carter (formerly an attendant at Old Town, Cinema) whose widow resides at 33 Greys road. “He was a splendid type of soldier”. Writes Lieutenant Robinson “and had already been recommended for the Military Cross for gallantry before the incident of June 30. "
“Several men were lying wounded over the parapet and C.S.M. Carter went over many times under heavy fire to help carry them to safety. He succeeded in rescuing a number of them but was finally killed while engaged in the heroic work.”

“Another Eastbourne man notable for his pluck is Corporal E.A. Dewey (formerly doorkeeper at the Hippodrome theatre). Although he was suffering from a painful malady, he rose from his bed of sickness and insisted upon accompanying his comrades to the enemy’s trenches. ‘I’ve been with the boys all along’ he said ‘and I intend to go over the parapet with them.’ He was allowed to go, and did his duty well but he was badly wounded in several places and lost his right eye.’
“Corporal Dewey, who is 45 years of age and has a son at the front, had never seen service prior to the war, but joined up shortly after the outbreak in order to ‘do his bit.’

“Speaking of the Southdown’s generally and my own Company in particular, I have nothing but the highest praise for them. As soon as they heard that they were going to attack and knew at last they were to have the chance to do something, they were exceedingly keen and enthusiastic. We rehearsed the attack and the night spent in completing the arrangements.”

“At 2.50 am an intense bombardment by our artillery began and at 3.5 am – all our watches synchronised- the artillery lifted and infantry went over parapet. The enemy had replied to our bombardment with a terrific fire, but this mattered nothing. The men simply poured over wave after wave of them, with the results that you know, ‘the news that reached England next day that a ‘strong raiding party had reached the enemy lines.’

“From the number of killed and wounded Germans lying in the trenches and the great damage done to the trenches it is evident that the British artillery was very accurate.”

“A particularly gratifying feature of the attack and one which bore evidence to the splendid training of the men was the way in which the N.C.O’s took over the duties of the officers when they fell.”

“My Company was almost entirely composed of Eastbourne men, and although losses are to be regretted it must some slight consolation to bereaved friends to know that the men all do so splendidly. I have the greatest admiration for them all and could never wish to command a better company.”

The second report was a small piece by the Gazette itself, which correctly assesses where the battle took place and the failure of the bombardment to destroy completely the enemies’ wire.

The Scene of the Fighting


From statements which have reached us from various quarters it would seem that the Soutdowns were in action not near the Somme but a good many miles further north. Two battalions went first to the attack and the third battalion suffered less severely. Notwithstanding the prolonged bombardment the enemy’s wire remained intact in certain places and the Southdown’s suffered from machine gun fire. As the official lists show the casualties were heavy. The attack which was made may have been in the nature of a feint advance due to assist operations elsewhere, but it is not for us to do more than outline the facts which have come to our knowledge. "

The Boar's Head - 30th June 1916 - The South Downs Battalion

On 30th June 1916 the Southdowns Battalions took a major part in their first battle. It was a diversionary operation at the village of Richebourg L’Avoue in northern France. A set piece battle had been planned to straighten out the line of a German position known as Boar’s Head.

The first reports started to trickle back in early July 1916 together with the start of the Battle of the Somme which was further south. The casualties from the the Somme were enormous, in fact the 1st July 1916 was the worst day in the history of the British Army; 60,000 casualties either, dead, wounded or missing.

The Battle of 'Boar's Head' has today been largerly forgotten about, in fact many books about that time do not even mention it. The cost to the three South Downs Battalions and to the people of Sussex was terrible. The total causalities were 15 Officers and 364 other ranks killed or died of wounds and 21 Officers and 728 other ranks wounded. In total nearly 1,100. A conservative count of men killed coming from Eastbourne alone stands at 47, hardly a town in the county escaped without some casualties.

The Eastbourne Gazette on the 5th July 1916 carried the first reports as the wounded arrived .

Cheery Wounded

"Several of the men who arrived at Eastbourne on Sunday night have been serving in the Southdowns battalions of the Royal Sussex Regiment; and we hear that most of them were wounded in the fighting last Friday. They are all bright and cheerful. A gentleman who visited a hospital ward on Monday was spoken to by the men who said, “We are in disgrace today. We have been laughing ever since we have been in here.”
The ambulance brought 142 men – eighty cot cases and sixty-two sitting cases. "

A week later on 12th July 1916, the Eastbourne Gazette received more information from a wounded soldier.

Southdowns in Action

Terrific Artillery Fire on Both Sides

Eastbourne Man Wounded Twice

"In August 1914, Private Leonard P. Newham (eldest son of Mr. L.G Newham, a director of Bobby & Co, Ltd.) joined the band of the 11th (Southdown) Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment: and has been serving in France for several months. The strictness of military regulations precludes our giving the exact position of the troops engaged in the recent fighting. Private Newman, it appears, was wounded on July 1st and he seems to have written without delay a very cheery letter, from which it would seem that the Southdowns have emerged with credit from a severe ordeal.

“I am more than thankful that I escaped with this little lot. My wounds are only slight.
My word! It was a strafe! Our Brigade had a job to do and they did it, although the odds were against them. The artillery firing on both sides was simply terrific.
I was first wounded in the left forearm by a small piece of Shrapnel. While I was dressing a comrades wounds a shell burst somewhere near, and I stopped one piece with my right thigh.
Neither of my wounds was very serious. I dressed my leg and a sergeant did my arm, I fell in with Percy Clack (formerly of the cabinet department in Bobby & Co.’s) and walked with him till a piece of earth or something caught me and knocked nearly all the wind out of me.
I went up to the aid-post with two walking cases. The trench was smashed up in several places and was still being heavily shelled.
I proceeded to the advanced dressing station, and the enemy shelled that place, but no one was killed although on of the R.A.M.C. doctors received a wound in the head.
It was a marvellous thing that no more mischief was done, for dozens of men were lying practically helpless.
I met two or three of our fellows afterwards, and we all agreed it was the roughest time we had had.”

Private Newham is now in hospital at Colchester.

Mr. L.G. Newham second son (Sapper Hugh M. Newham) is serving in the Royal Engineers, and is in hospital at Maidenhead."

Private L.P Newham survived the war, Private Percy Clack the friend he mentions, (SD/156) died on 18th September 1918 aged 21 and is buried in STE. EMILIE VALLEY CEMETERY, VILLERS-FAUCON, France.

Patriotic Music and Pictures in Eastbourne

This article appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette on 19th August 1914.

I wonder what the famous Belgian airs were that the audience stood and sang ‘heartily’ with?

Miss Buckman was indeed a very famous opera singer and would have been a treat for any audience.

“Patriotic Music and Pictures

At Devonshire Park

Shown in the afternoon in conjunction with the vaudeville entertainment in the Pavilion and in the evening in the second part of the programme in the Floral Hall, the pictures of the French Fleet are arousing considerable interest this week. This film is a remarkably fine one and the evening is exhibited with full orchestral accompaniment.

Last Saturday evening there was a crowded audience in the Floral Hall when the great British Army and Navy film “For The King” was shown. During the evening the orchestra played the national airs of Belgium, Russia, France and England. The audience standing and singing heartily. The “Franco-British” march and the fantasias “Life on board the Dreadnought” were included in the programme. Miss Rosina Buckman (the New Zealand soprano) concluded a very successful week’s engagement, receiving double encores after each of her songs.”

Rosina Buckman (March 16, 1881-December 30, 1948) was a New Zealand soprano, and a professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music. She was born in Blenheim, and studied in England at the Birmingham School of Music. She then returned to New Zealand, toured Australia and debut in London with La boheme at Covent Garden. She continued performing into the 1920s, and recorded prolifically.

For more info on miss Buckman:

http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Whi021Kota-t1-g1-t3.html

http://www.ourregion.co.nz/theregion.php?category=history&subcategory=Our+People&articleID=189

New Allotments Offered

On the topic of allotments, this additional notice was published in the Eastbourne Gazette on 19th August 1914, announcing a meeting for anyone interested in obtaining an allotment with a view to growing food.

Allotments – Notice to Working Men

Those who are desirous of obtaining allotments with a view to producing food during the war are requested to attend a meeting at Southbourne Road, Eastbourne on Saturday, next the 22nd August at 4 p.m. when a representative of the Duke of Devonshire’s estate will be present.

His Grace proposes to set aside a certain area of undeveloped land rent free for the purpose.

In the meantime, Councillor Prior of 44 Whitley Road, will be pleased to answer any preliminary questions.

Roland Burk (Agent)
Compton Estate Office
Eastbourne
18th August 1914.

Allotment Crops

Early in there was an effort to become as self reliant as possible. This notice published in the Eastbourne Gazette on 19th August 1914 shows how the Duke of Devonshire was doing his part by foregoing the next years allotment rents.

The Duke’s Allotment – Additional Crops

In a notice issued on Saturday from the Compton Estate Office, Eastbourne, Mr. Roland Burke says –

“With a view to enabling the allotment tenants of the Duke of Devonshire to take the fullest advantage of their ground by getting additional crops so as to make provision for possible necessities of the coming winter and spring consequent of the war, His Grace will be pleased to forego one year’s allotment rent in the confident hope that every tenant on his estate, will do his best to produce as much as possible from his garden.

“The coming year’s allotment rents will, therefore, not be collected.”

A Danger to Cyclists

The age old problem of roads catering for cyclists was evident at the being of the war. This letter published in the Eastbourne Gazette, is from a concerned cyclist highlighting the dangers of the edge of the road.


A DANGER TO CYCLISTS

Sir

May I through you columns direct the attentions of the Highway Committee to a very serious danger to cyclists, which I am sure they will gladly remove. The danger arises from leaving a ridge, sometimes nearly two inches in height, between the gutter and the roadway.

An example, of which there are plenty, may be found in the gutter facing the London City and Midland Bank, in Terminus Road. Owing to the congestion of traffic, especially motor cars, the easy-going cyclist is driven to take the extreme edge of the road and sometimes even the gutter.

The gutter is generally slippery enough in itself, but when there is a ridge, as is too often the case, the cyclist in attempting to regain the road is in serious danger of sideslip and of being thrown under the wheels of the quick moving car.

The edge of the gutter ought to be levelled off so as to allow the cyclist to regain the road without difficulty of danger. I notice that in some places an indifferent attempt at such bevelling has been made, but in many other places no bevelling at all has been done. In case a cyclist were injured though such carelessness who would be responsible?

Pathfinder
Motcombe Lane
Eastbourne

To Our Sporting Man by Gladys I Wallis.

I love this poem, published in the Eastbourne Gazette in September 1914; it really captures the patriotic fervour of those early days.

To Our Sporting Man by Gladys I Wallis


Why are you playing and watching
Cricket and tennis here?
Why are you hesitating
When your country’s need is clear?

Lay down your bat and racket
And if need be lay down your life
Your King and Country are calling
You’re wanted to end this strife.

Then when you’ve beaten the Germans
They’ll be time enough for play.
So hasten to answer the call, boys
If you are sporting at all – JOIN TO-DAY

To The Women of Eastbourne

This innovative letter was published in the Eastbourne Gazette to help the women of Eastbourne consider the local men involved in the local defence volunteers.

It seems a different world, one where orders were placed with shopkeepers to fulfil as required.


To The Women of Eastbourne

Sisters,

While so many of our men are so bravely fighting for our dear country’s very existence, cannot we do something to help the men who are unable to go to the front, to do at least what they can to drill and to become proficient in rifle shooting?

Cannot we arrange our households that we do no shopping of any sort, so on Wednesday, thus releasing our tradesmen and the whole of their staffs for the whole day?

I have always thought we are often inconsiderate over our shopping. In India ladies have to give their orders overnight or go without their meals.

Could we not give our weekly orders for grocery, etc. and do all our shopping, say, before 4 p.m. carrying home every urgent order ourselves?

I am sure we could do much to give our busy men – men who can’t leave Eastbourne – more time to devout themselves to such training as would fit them to defend Eastbourne, if it were attacked by an enemy, if we would only consult together and act together.

Will someone of greater influence than I ask our kind, Mayoress to convene a women’s meeting to enable us to fulfil our real life’s work – namely, to be men’s strengtheners and helpers – Yours faithfully,

F.S. Fahey
Newstead,
Darley Road,
Meads.

Kisses for Recruits

This amusing letter was published in the Eastbourne Gazette in September 1914.

Kisses for Recruits

To the Editor

Sir,

What woman in this hour of her country’s need has not asked herself, “What can I do?”

Why not recruit – get men and lads to go and fight?

Associations for the purpose might be formed. Each member would have a personal interest in her own recruits, and might save some of the Army and Navy charities by making herself responsible for some, at least, of the cost of clothing at the front and later,. Etc.

I do not profess to offer anything but a mere outline to be filled in by the ladies themselves. Emulation between the girls could be based on the number of recruits each obtained.

The organisation need not worry any Government Department, but end with the recruiting sergeant.

How many volunteer soldiers would there be if each unmarried girl enlisted one? I daresay the methods of the famous Duchess of Gordon in raising the present Gordan Highlanders are not out of date even now – a kiss to every man that joined. There are, of course, hundreds of women who are, and will be, usefully employed; but there are thouands who are not; and surely, no more practical method of usefulness could be desired than for some at least to canvass for men to fight for their country.

I am, yours faithfully,

T. Grant Duff Ainslie.

The Old Mill House
Hellingly,
Sussex.

Queen Mary and German Goods

This nice little story was inserted into the Eastbourne Gazette on 18th November 1914.

It captures the early mood of the nation just a few months after the war had begun.


THE QUEEN AND GERMAN GOODS

An interesting story of the Queen illustrating once more her common sense and breath of view, is told by the London correspondent of the “Sheffield Telegraph.”

Her Majesty was examining some goods from a West End shop the other day and asked the girl who was showing them whether she had any of a certain kind. The girl replied that she was afraid there was nothing English of the sort to be had as all the goods had been bought from Germany.

“That,” said Queen Mary, “is not the point. The goods are in English shops. They were bought before the war. People ought to support the shopkeepers, and take the stock off their hands. When they have been sold, we shall buy nothing but English goods.”

“The Evening News.”

A Gift For Nothing

This inspired idea to get extra readers to the visitor’s paper appeared in The Eastbourne Gazette on 19th September 1916.


A Gift For Nothing

Readers of “The Visitor” who wish to obtain a gift for nothing should carry a copy of that paper in their hand. Every Saturday morning a representative of “The Visitor” is on look-out for readers of that paper; and those who are found with a copy in their hands will be presented with a ticket entitling them to a gift which may be selected at the shop of Mr. Dover Williams, Terminus Road, or Messers. Metcalfe’s, Grove Road.

“The Visitor” is to be obtained at all local newsagents on Saturday’s price one penny.


“The Visitor” was first published in June 1914, a few weeks before the outbreak of war. The Eastbourne Gazette contained the following announcement.


The Visitors’ Special Paper

A special paper for visitors at Eastbourne has been provided in “THE VISITOR” which contains a view of all the weeks entertainments and other events, all excursions by steamer, motor-boat, motor-coach and char-a-bang; a description of country walks, railway time-tables (with fares), motor bus; many pictures, programmes of dances and much more interesting matter.

Char-a-Bang Blocks Road

I love this story from the Eastbourne Gazette 22^nd July 1916. You couldn't get away leaving a vehicle today for three hours, although some van drivers might try!

Char-a-Bang Driver Fined

Richard John Noakes, the driver of a motor char-a-bang was summoned for obstructing the roadway in Burlington Road on the 12^th inst., with a char-a-bang he had driven over from Hastings.

Mr. H. H. Coles appeared for the defendant and admitted the offence.

The police evidence was that the vehicle was standing in one position for three hours. The defendant, who had driven a party from Hastings told the constable that he failed to find a garage and thought there would be no harm leaving the vehicle where he did.

Mr. Coles urged in mitigation that it was to a large extent a by-road, in which there was little traffic.

A fine of 10s. was imposed.

The picture illustrates a Char-a-bang from : http://www.charlestownhistory.org.uk/

Lowthers Own in Camp at Cooden.

This is one of my favourite articles published in November 1914 in the Eastbourne Gazette.

Under the title “Lowthers Own” in camp at Cooden, it really captures the feeling of the great adventure in 1914. All lads joining up together and no one ‘missing out’.

The chap putting his head out of the tent with the caption “Sorry I joined? Don’t think” is priceless.

(Click on image to enlarge)

The King and Soldiers Gloves.

This letter appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette on 23rd December 1914. It is interesting how the expectation of the writer was that every recruit would wear gloves and carry a cane when off duty.


The King and Soldiers Gloves.

Sir,

I notice the King has sent £25 to the fund for supplying gloves and mittens to the troops, which was started by the Grand Duke Michael, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir. F. Ponsonby, Keeper of the Privy Purse, in forwarding a cheque to the Grand Duke, writes; “The King is glad to hear what a success the fund has been and how grateful the troops are for the gloves which have been supplied to them.”

May I express a hope that all recruits will make a point of wearing gloves and carrying canes when they are off duty, it is the custom for the troops in garrison towns to do this and we want the new soldiers of the King (Kitchener’s Army) to cultivate briskness and smartness I every detail.

Yours faithfully

Veteran.
Eastbourne, Monday.

South Downs Battalion - Claude Lowther's Appeal.

The Southdown’s Battalion were formed from the men of the Home Defence Force and those that volunteered after this notice was published in the Eastbourne Gazette on 9th September 1914.

Lord Kitchener had authorised the raising of a new Sussex battalion. Mr. Lowther’s appeal letter is fascinating; encouraging friends and relatives to sign up together and the special appeal to all ‘who have distinguished themselves upon the field of sport to decorate this town with laurels from the battlefield.’


GREAT RECRUITING EFFORTS

ANOTHER BATTALION OF SUSSEX INFANTRY

TO BE RAISED BY MR. CLAUDE LOWTHER, M.P.

With the sanction of Lord Kitchenner. Mr. Claude Lowther, M.P. (Hertmonceux Castle) is raising another Sussex battalion of infantry which he will command and will accompany wherever it goes. Already the services of a number of local gentlemen have been secured as officers and Sussex men are wanted as rank and file. Mr. Lowther will do his best to make the best commissariat arrangements, but all who join must understand that they will be soldiers under the orders of the Government. The age of enlistment ranges from 19 to 36, a concession which men who have completed their 35th year will appreciate. Mr. Lowther’s great object is to assist the work or recruiting by looking after it himself. Mr. A. Millward (the well known county cricketer and umpire) is the local secretary in Eastbourne; and the appeal for men is being made in the surrounding districts so to form a purely Sussex battalion with separate companies for Eastbourne men, Hailsham men and Hertmonceux men. In some parts of the country men who have gone to enlist have been asked to come in later in the day and this delay has caused some waverers to decide not to join the Army.

About 150 men join the Home Defence Force at Herstmonceux, Mr. Lowther being the commandant and Mr. J.H.C. Norton the hon. Lieutenant. Last Thursday, Mr. Lowther assembled the men and asked how many would join the regulars. Thirty men stepped forward at once and on Monday morning the number had increased to Fifty-five; and it was hoped that by last (Tuesday) evening the full strength required for the Herstmonceux Company would be available.

AN APPEAL FOR AN EASTBOURNE CONTINGENT.

Lord Kitchener, in spite of his strenuous work, has spared time to think of your wants.

He recognises that men often prefer to serve side by side with friends and relatives than to be drafted into different regiments to serve with strangers. He has given me permission to raise another Sussex battalion of infantry which I am to have the honour to command – assisted by other officers who live in the county.

I look confidently to the men of Eastbourne to send a contingent –m to be known as the Eastbourne Company. This contingent will train together, will fight together and will, pray God, return together.

Eastbourne has already responded loyally to the Nation’s call. She has sent men – she will send more.

I make this special appeal a to cricketers, footballers and others who have distinguished themselves upon the field of sport to decorate this town with laurels from the battlefield. But all men between the ages of 19 and 36 will be welcomed.

Claude Lowther.
Herstmonceux Castle.

For particulars apply to Wm. A. Millward, 46, Cavendish Place or to me direct.

540 Recruits from the Eastbourne District

The following 3 notices were published in the Eastbourne Gazette on 9th September 1914, just a month after war was declared.

540 men had signed up from the district and two firms had promised to pay enlisted soldiers from their employment full pay to wives.

540 Recruits from the Eastbourne District

The recruits enlisted at Eastbourne consist of men who have been residing in the borough and the surrounding district.

Enrolled pior to August 28 – 12
Enrolled between Augst 28 – Sept 5. – 370
Enrolled on Monday last – 158

Total 540.

Twenty Three from One firm

No fewer than 23 of the employees of Caffyn’s Garage Ltd (Eastbourne and Heathfield) are serving with the colours. Three other volunteered, but were rejected, 2 on account of defective eyesight and one because he was under age. The married men’s wives will receive allowances from the firm during their husband’s absence. In all cases the positions of the employees are being kept open.

The Grand Hotel Employees With the Colours.

The directors of the Grand Hotel Company Eastbourne, have arranged to pay all married men in their employ (or single men with dependants) who have enlisted for foreign or home service during the war the difference between the Army allowance and full wages in addition to keeping their posts open.

The National Christmas Card.

The Eastbourne Gazette published the following article in November 1914 encouraging it’s readers to purchase the new “National Christmas Card" with proceeds going to the Prince of Wales fund.

The National Christmas Card.

WE have just received a copy of the National Christmas Card, to be sold for the benefit of the Prince of Wales fund.

The first page, entitled “Defenders of the Empire” shows a picturesque representative group of our defenders with a background of battleships and aeroplanes.

On the inside leaf is a super-dreadnought passing and saluting Nelson’s “Victory” and with the Kings message, “Once again the sure shield of Britain and her Empire,” and a text from Shakespeare – “What’s brave, what’s noble, let’s do it.”

The cover is Khaki coloured and each card is stamped with the Prince of Wales feathers.

Eastbourne Recruiting - September 1914.

The Eastbourne Gazette reported on Wednesday September 2nd 1914 a current update of the recruiting in the town and district.

Lowther’s Lambs would come from these recruiting efforts. The work was well organised with every effort made to spur men on to join the colours.

As was pointed out no uniforms were available to new recruits and most were left to find their own entertainment in the evening.


ACTIVE RECRUITERS

Work in the Eastbourne District

CAPTAIN ARGALL AND HIS HELPERS PATROITIC FERVOUR ON THE SEAFRONT

In describing the onrush of the Germans in a recent engagement a British officer remarked that they came “like peas poured out of a sack.” While the influx of recruits in Eastbourne and the surrounding district does not justify the use of such expressive language, it showed a marked improvement at a time when rumours of disaster (happily unfounded) had gained general currency and this may surely be taken as an encouraging indication of the spirit of the nation.

Owing to the pressure of other work Surgeon-Colonel G. Somerville Robinson asked to be relieved of his duties as recruiting officer at Eastbourne and he was succeeded on Friday last by Captain P.B. Argall (National Reserve) who formally served under Colonel Keyser and has lately been assisting at the Depot at Chichester. The captain has thrown himself very zealously into his work and by reason of his attendance at Royal and patriotic gatherings he is already known to a large number of people.

VILLAGERS DOING BETTER THAN THE TOWNSMEN.

The medical examination of men who wish to enlist is conducted by Surgeon-Colonel Robinson and assistance is being rendered by Surgeon-Major Brannigan (late of the R.A.M.C.) and Colonel Hawkins (late of the Indian Medical Service).

The experienced recruiting sergeant at the Ordinance Yard is Sergeant Thomas Hayward, and on Monday afternoon it was stated that the number of men enrolled from Eastbourne and the district was increasing; that 56 had enlisted since Friday and that 76 had joined previously, making a total of 132.

Up to Monday afternoon, we believe the villagers had joined in larger numbers than the townsmen. We mention the fact not by way of reproach but in order to arouse a spirit of emulation. The physique of Eastbourne men is above, rather than below, the average and they are capable of doing their country good service. Those who know them best consider that they will yield to persuasion rather than to dictation. Nearly a score of young men assembled near the office in the Ordnance Fields about five o’clock on Monday. They had, it appeared, already enlisted; and were told that they could sleep in one of the barrack room at night. During the evening they were free to do as they pleased and we noticed some of them on the Sea Front during the band performance in the evening. Most of them looked under 25 years of age and were dark haired and rather slim. There was, however, nothing approaching any uniform type of appearance or physique.

SUPPLY OF FORMS EXHAUSTED

The work which is being carried on at the Ordinance Yard is far more intricate than might be supposed. In the case of each recruit an elaborate form has to be filled in; and then a duplicate copy has to be made. By Monday Afternoon the supply of forms had run out, so that application had to be made for authority to employ a local printer to produce additional copies. The War Office seems to share the fondness of other Government departments for minute details. One might have imagined that at a time like the present all red tape methods would go by the board; but such is not the case.

CENTRAL OFFICE IN TERMINUS ROAD – MOTOR SERVICE.

By the kindness of Mr. Beardall, the gratuitous use of the central premises at the corner of Terminus Road and Gildredge road has been granted. Mr. Mullaly and Mr. Beatty are in charge. In the window there are pictures of various types of the British Army and any needful information can be supplied.

Colonel Stainforth, Colonel Broome, Colonel Moody, the Mayor (Councillor C.W. Bolton, C.S.L.), the deputy Mayor ( Councillor R.T. Thornton) and others are rendering help. Councillor O. Darell and Mr. Plummer have organised a motor service the object kept steamily in view being to have cars constantly available without over taxing willing owners.

ANOTHER BATTALION OF THE ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT

In compliance with the desire of the authorities a special effort is being made to raise a service battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment and it is this battalion which men of the Eastbourne and district recruits will join.

The pay is 1s a day clear. The men are well fed; the war ration includes 1lb of meat a day and plenty of bread, jam and bacon. In the case of a married man the wife receives 1s a day (7s a week) and 2d a day (1s 2d per week) for each child. Any soldier disabled whilst on active service will enjoy a liberal pension for the rest of his days.

Men between 19 and 35 years of age may join. The standard height is 5ft 9ins and 6ft 3ins; while the chest measurement is 34ins.

LOCAL CENTRES OF INFORMATION

The Eastbourne district has now been divided into four parts (Hailsham, Herstmonceux, Mayfield and Willingdon) and any information may be obtained of the following local representatives:-

Hailsham – Mr. A.K. Burtenshaw.
Hellingly- Mr. J. Grant Duff Ainalie.
Arlington- Mr. Hobden.
Upper Dicker- Mr. S. Russell.
Chiddingly- Mr. Muddle.
Pevenset and Westham – Mr. C. Allen.
Herstmonceux- Mr. Barchard.
Windmill Hill- Mr. Nash.
Rushlake Green – Mr. Sidell.
Willingdon – Mr. H.R. Bean.
Polegate – The curate.
Jevington – The Rev. E.E. Clarke.
Alfriston – The village constable.
Wilmington – The landlord of the Black Horse Inn.
Mayfield – Mr. Usborne and Mr. Farrer.
Heathfield – Mr. Stone.
Fives Ashes – Mr. R.A. Bangham.

The Rev. F.S. Williams (headmaster of Eastbourne College) and the Rev. W.N. Willis ( Ascham – St. Vincent’s School) were among the helpers at the recruiting office at the Ordnance Yard on Monday.

RECRUITING MEETING AT HAILSHAM.

On Saturday evening a largely attended meeting was held in the Market Square, Hailsham, when an appeal for recruits for the Army was made.

Mr. A. F. Smith acted as chairman and the speakers included Dr. A.P. Sherwood (Eastbourne), Mr. Davall amd Mr. A.K. Burtenshaw. The last named gentleman, who is acting as recruiting officer, has already sent the following recruits who volunteered to Eastbourne: Messers N.E. Mansfield, J. Shirley, E. Bragg, Percy Noakes, James Harmer, Joseph Clapham, Walter Elphick, Ernest Mathews, H. Moon, Arthur Walker and Joseph Matthews.

Lowther of the "Lambs" - Part 2.

In the second and final part of the Eastbourne Gazette article published in 1914 on Mr. Claude Lowther, it goes into his military career, political life and some “amusing” stories of his wicked sense of humour.

It all paints an elaborate picture of the new Colonel of the South Downs battalions.


MILITARY EXPERIENCE

The Southdown Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment have as their colonel no tyro in the art of war. The command has been given to a man who served with more than ordinary distinction in the South African War. He was A.D.C to Sir Charles Warren and for one act of valour was recommended for the Victoria Cross. From South Africa he went straight into politics.

The constituency he had to woo (this was in 1900) was an old Liberal stronghold and I have wondered how a man of his disposition and temperament managed to gain the affections of the aloof, unimaginative, dour Northern farmers. Yet I am told he carried them by storm. His success in the House of Commons was just as surprising. Beyond his brief electoral campaign he had no oratorical experience before he took his seat; and yet upon his maiden speech Sir William Harcourt congratulated him and he quickly caught the eye of Mr. Chamberlain. He had become an adherent of the latter immediately upon entering into politics and he remained his staunch follower.

Politicians say that one important way to gain the attention of the House is to be yourself as a critic upon some prominent member of the other side. Mr. Claude Lowther fastened himself on to Mr. Winston Churchill. Upon Mr. Churchill’s vitriolic attacks on Mr. Balfour or Mr. Chamberlain he would follow with equally sarcastic comments. At a time when discussion ranged round the “beri-beri” disease one of the symptoms of which was said to be a swelled head. Mr. Lowther accused Mr. Churchill of being a victim of the complaint. The two are personal friends and when they met at a dinner party a night or two after, the First Lord remarked, “You are wrong Claude, about beri-beri. It doesn’t cause a swelled head but swelled feet.” “Oh,” came the apt retort, “then I should have said, ‘you were too big for your boots!’”

AN ANTI-SOCALIST

Undoubtedly, had his own health and his party’s fortunes gone differently, M. Lowther might by now be a widely known politician. Had he kept his seat in 1906 (he lost it by a small majority) he would have had a splendid chance among the little ban of Unionists in the 1906-1910 Parliament; for he has the real Parliamentary manner and that saving grace of humour which the House loves. A Tariff Reform Government would certainly have seen him in some post (he was one of the select few permitted to visit Mr. Chamberlain after his breakdown compelled the retirement to Highbury) and when the Unionists expected to win in 1910 he was “tipped” as a possible Under Secretary for the Colonies. His health, however, has sadly interfered with his political activities of late years; he regained his seat in December, 1910 but has rarely sat in the present House, although he has concentrated a good deal of interest upon the anti-Socialist movement.

His antipathy to Socialists once took an amusing turn. He was watching a mob orator in Hyde Park and had with him, Norman Forbes, the actor. Now Norman Forbes was abnormally thin; so thin that when his brother, Sir J. Forbes Robertson, was producing “Hamlet” and wanted a role for Norman, somebody suggested that he should be cast for the part of the skull in the graveyard scene. To divert the attention of the crowd, Claude Lowther began to refer to the man beside him as the celebrated fasting man. “Saccho” or “Zaccho” who was then startling London. Before long the whole crowd were staring at the man and the orator was wasting his eloquence on the park trees.

A PRACTICAL JOKE

I have reason to know that M. Lowther dearly loves a joke – even a practical joke. The editor of a certain newspaper tells a story to this effect. He once applied to Mr. Lowther for a portrait of himself which was to be given to the editor’s newspaper. As he knew that Mr. Lowther had an objection to have his portrait in the public press, he had little hope of his request being granted. However, to the editor’s surprise, a portrait was sent and was published in due course. Only then did the editor (who had never seen Mr. Lowther) find that the photograph that had been sent to him and inserted in his paper was that of quite another man.

Claude Lowther once wrote a play. It was called “The Gordian Knot.” And his friend, Sir H. Beerbohm, produced it. Tree engaged Olga Nethersole, then a big London star, at a handsome salary, to play the chief role. All the M.P.’s came down from Westminster to His Majesty’s for the first night and most I am told dozed in the stalls long before it was over. Anyhow, the play ran only about six nights. The smartest thing said about it was that its title should have been “The Claudian Rot.” The author, I believe, came to the conclusion that the British public did not want serious drama. I fancy he has never though much of the dramatic critics from that day to this. As for Mr. Beerbohm Tree, he went back to Shakespeare.

SOME LOWTHER STORIES

Although he failed as a dramatist there can be no doubt that Mr. Claude Lowther would have found an excellent career, had he needed it, as an actor. He has the very style for drawing-room comedy. I can imagine his treading the stage of the St. James quite attractively as Sir George Alexander. His sister, Miss Aimee Lowther, is, of course, well known in society as an amateur actress and has even essayed the role of Romeo. Nearly all the Lowthers, indeed, have a penchant for theatricals. Once the subject of this sketch played the part of a curate. But that was at a country house and for a joke. The deception was carried out most successfully.

For, as I have said, he is an enormous practical joker. The Drury Lane conductor, Mr. Jimmy Glover, known to us in Sussex, for his association with the public life of Bexhill, narrates one of his most daring exploits in his pleasant book of theatrical gossip. “Claude Lowther,” he writes, “once got himself into trouble for an innocent piece of carnavalian humour at Covent Garden. He dressed up a dummy of poor Gus Harris (Sir Augustus Harris, the famous impresario) Inverness cape and all, and worked it in an imitation of making a speech from a private box, to all but an unsympathetic and humourless officer in blue, who promptly carted the offending one off to Bow Street.”

Jimmy Glover’s book also contains the following – “Few people who know that charming lady, delightful sportswomen and excellent actress, Lady de Bathe, will appreciate what a good-natured humanist she is in the cause of charity, She once, with Claude Lowther, M.P. disguised herself as a flower girl and sold flowers in Haymarket outside the clubs to such a state of realism that Lord Brabazon did not recognise her and made an appointment with her the next day to further patronise her floral wares.”

I am sure that “Lowthers Lambs” will all become as much attached to their colonel as his men were in South Africa and his political supporters were in Cumberland. And I am sure that their colonel will find fighting this war an even more congenial task that fighting the Boers. For he will know that while fighting for the British, whose possessions have always made him the most intense of Imperialists, for whose sturdiness and love of fair play he has so much admiration, he is also fighting for “La Belle France,” whose spirit he understands and enters into as can few Englishmen. And he will be fighting the Germans. I can imagine few things about the Germans which would not strike him with a cold shudder.