Old Ledbury - Ledbury Guardian Coverage of World War One

GREAT EUROPEAN WAR - ENGLAND DECLARES WAR AGAINST GERMANY

ARMY AND NAVAL MOBILISATION - FRANCE INVADED BY GERMANY

TWO LOCAL NEWSPAPERS ACCOUNTS OF THE START OF THE WAR 1914

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 08 08 1914

HOW THE NEWS OF WAR WAS RECEIVED

The news that war had been declared was received amidst the greatest excitement in Ledbury, as was the case in other places. For some days past, every newspaper has been eagerly ..... up and every scrap of news is eagerly sought after. Throughout the week " war " has been the sole topic of discussion, Home Rule, which a few days ago provided food for discussion, has been almost entirely forgotten. The word " war " has been tingling in everybodys ears to the exclusion of everything else. All kinds of properties are being made as to the ultimate issue of the present trouble and the remarks made about Germans have been of a very uncomplimentary character. Every evening people can be seen strolling the streets until nearly midnight in the hope that more news will be forthcoming. The result of the war is already being felt in the town and there has been a general increase in the price of foodstuffs. many people managed to lay in a stock of goods before there was a rise in the prices and there was in consequence a great demand made upon grocers, etc, all of whom have been kept very busy of late. According to the statements appearing in the Press, however there is no reason for householders to become panic stricken at present at any rate.

DEPARTURE OF THE LEDBURY TERRITORIALS - AUGUST 5th

Remarkable scenes of enthusiasm were witnessed in Ledbury on Wednesday, when " C " Company, 1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment left the town for Pembroke Dock for defence purposes. It is undoubtedly safe to say that such enthusiastic scenes had never been seen in the neighbourhood before, not any rate, within the recollection of Ledbury's oldest inhabitant. Local residents made a splendid response to the appeal made to them to give the Ledbury territorials a hearty send off. The majority of the business and private houses in the town displayed flags, and the scene witnessed when the Territorials were making their way to the station, will live long in the memory of every inhabitant in the town of Ledbury. When it became known on Tuesday that the local Territorials had to report themselves at headquarters for duty, the greatest excitement prevailed and up to a late hour people could be seen standing in bunches at the street corners eagerly discussing the situation. A noticeable fact was the cheer-fullness with which our local men received the call. There was not one of them who was not willing to don the uniform and go where duty called them. The territorials were timed to leave the Drill hall at 4.30 p.m, for the station, in order to go by 5.20 p.m. train to Hereford en route for Pembroke Dock.

Before their departure there was a lot of preliminary work to be gone through. When the names were called out, only four men were absent out of eighty three on the books. The absentees were working away from the town and could not get here in time to leave with their comrades. Since Wednesday, however, three out of the four absentees, have left for Pembroke Dock. The baggage, ammunition, ..., was got off expeditiously and there was not a hitch in the whole proceedings. Toward 4 o'clock people began to make their way to the Drill Hall where the men were formed up waiting for the signal to depart, Capt. A V HOLMAN being in command. Everyone will agree that the men presented a smart appearance in their khaki uniform. their military bearing was favourably commented upon, in fact, their general appearance created surprise among many people who had not realised previosly that " C " Company comprised such a fine body of men. It was pleasing to note that the number of men who wore on their breasts the Imperial Service Medal which signifies their willingness to go to any part of the country and take part in actual warfare if the call is made upon them. The wearing of such a medal is obviously something to be proud of and a fact which the public of Ledbury seemed to generally appreciate.

When everything was in readiness for their departure the men marched out of the building, outside of which they had their photograph taken. The band of the 1st City Westminster troop of Boy Scouts were approached to play the Company to the station, which they kindly consented to do. Later on, however, it was decided to have a brass band also, with a result that a number of local musicians were got together on the way to the station, both bands played in turn. When the word was given by the Commanding officer to proceed to the station, hundreds of people lined the streets. Motor cars could be seen decorated with flags and placards bearing the words " Good luck to the Terriers " and the town presented an animated appearance. Although many people lined New Street, the crowd was nothing in comparison to the number of people who awaited the procession at the Upper Cross and in High Street. People could be seen leaning out of windows, standing on walls etc, and at every point of vantage. Flags were waved and cheer after cheer rent the air. Had, the men been proceeding at once to Belgium, or to any other part of the country where fighting is going on, they could not possibly have received a better send off. In the Homend the crowd reached large dimensions and the scenes were equally enthusiastic. For the time being the street was impassable and all traffic had to fall behind the procession. So dense was the crowd that it was impossible to break through.

When the station was reached everybody made a rush for the platform, but only a few people were allowed to go past the booking office doors. A number of people got over the railings, so eager were they to get on to the platform. The arrival of the train was the signal for a terrific outburst of cheering, and when the men took their seats there were many hand-shakes and good-byes, and numerous were the wishes expressed for the speedy return of our young townsmen in the town and district. When the train steamed out of the station a big rush was made for the platform, everyone being anxious to witness the departure of the train. Handkerchiefs were waved in hundreds and the cheering was louder than ever. When all was over many tears were shed by the relatives and friends of the men who had gone. Ledbury certainly done well on this occasion and the enthusiasm displayed was remarkable. Everybody seemed to want to take part in giving the men the warmest send off possible, and they succeeded in their endeavours. August 5th will truly be a day long to be remembered and one that can be looked back upon in years to come with feelings of pride.

LOCAL WAR NEWS

Despite the traffic about on Wednesday there was only one accident. A cyclist, named James PARR of Stafford, who is on a cycle tour, fell off his machine and his face was slightly damaged. After receiving attention at the Hospital he was able to continue his journey.

On Thursday a number of local men belonging to the Gloucester Yeomanry left Ledbury for headquarters at Gloucester, we are informed upon reliable authority that the manoeuvres are definitely cancelled.

It is also announced that the Much Marcle and Yatton Flower Show has been abandoned on account of the war.

A meeting of the local detachment of the National Reserve was held at the Drill Hall, Ledbury, on Thursday evening. Out of the 40 members present 7 or 8 volunteered to join the Territorials at Pembroke Dock.

Ledbury Guardian War Map Of Europe

Cut this map out for reference. You will find it most useful

SPECUAL SERVICE OF INTERCESSION

The Rector has arranged to hold a special service of prayer and intercession with Almighty God on behalf of Her Majesty ' s Naval and Military Forces now serving on the high seas on the continent and in England, Sunday afternoon next, August 9th in the parish church. The service will commence at 3 p.m. and will last about half an hour. At this great crisis in history of the nation , when all hearts are beating in unison and when anxiety is felt in almost every home in the lane, the Rector earnestly invites all parishioners, whether they belong to the church or not, to unite together in this great act of intercession. SERVICE NOTES

TOWN CRIER

It is difficult for a little country town like Ledbury to realise the tremendous activity of war which is now manisfesting itself round our coastline. Even now our Territorial Regiments are forming a ring of steel round the country. Although it is hardly probable they will see any actual warfare, honour is none the less due to those men who have laid down their work and left their homes without a murmur. The same feelings rise in them as in the gallant Militia men of Liege, who, on Wednesday, repulsed 80,000 German troops who in a short 24 hours had violated the principles of war and shocked civilisation by their ruthless and unneccessary destruction of Vise.

So far as Ledbury is concerned, we will hope that trade may not become seriously affected. The excellent speech by Mr Lloyd GEORGE in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening, supported as it was by Mr Austen CHAMBERLAIN, should have considerable effect on the nation at large. The man in the street can best help his comrades in arms by going about his work in the usual manner and business firms can materially add to the hopefulness of the situation if they act in a similar way. The excellent move by the Goverment in closing the Banks for three days should have generally helped the tension which has naturally arisen and there should be no rush to hoard gold when the Banks re-open on Friday. To hoard gold at the present time would be the greatest possible mistake, as the hands of the Goverment would therefore be tied. Paper money will take the place of gold, while there is an ample supply of silver in the country.

One of the most interesting and best features of the present war lies in the fact of there being no news to the whereabouts of the British Fleet or the French Army Corps. When they have done something we shall all be pleased to hear of it but till they do, we dont want to hear of them. One of the many lessons taught by the Boer War has evidently gone home.

A little while ago there appeared in several German newspapers an account of a supposed interview of the Kasier with a gipsy, when he was quite a young man. "Germany," she told him, "will have a great war in 1914, and," she added ominously "Germany will 'go under' when she is ruled by an Emperor who mounts his horse on the wrong side. His heir will perish on the scaffold." It is significant, if one is at all superstitious, that the Kaiser owing to his lame arm, has to mount his horse on the off side.

People are already asking, "Well the Low Countries open their dykes and flood their country in face of the invader," As a last resource, there is no doubt they would. Apropos of this there is an old, almost a classic story worth recalling. It was at a great review at Postdam. The old Kaiser was hoping to impress greatly the assembled diplomats and foreign attaches. As one of the guards' regiments passed he turned to the Dutch Minister with pride, exclaiming "There you see the finest soldiers in the world. Nothing could resist them. Not one of them is less than 6ft 4in. tall. What have you to say to that? " The Dutch Minister was calm. " Magnificent, your Majesty! " he replied "but they are not tall enough! : - we can flood Holland 7ft deep."

The leave taking of Reservists is marked by comedy as well as pathos. One day this week at a local station a woman who was seeing her husband off, was weeping bitterly. An Officer went up to her "Dont cry, my good woman," he said "He'll come back alright." "I ain't worryin' about that, sir," sobbed the woman, "but you dont know my Bill. He got such a temper that if anything were to cross 'im he'd shoot the lot o&;39; them, Germans, he would."

The War Notices outside the office of the "Guardian" are now illuminated. The cost of the current consumed will not be very great and Mr Jack HILL and Mr HOULT have kindly offered to bear the expense. Mr HOPKINS has given permission for the connection to be made to his installation.

BELLMAN

Kington / Newent Reporter Newspaper 08 08 1914

HEREFORDSHIRE NATIONAL RESERVE.

Orders by Colonel M. J. G. SCOBIE, C. B., Commandant.

1. In view of the present crisis all members (who have not already done so) should at once communicate with their local secretaries, in order to sign the new cards for the several classes, viz :-

I. Officers and other ranks (any branch of the service) under 42 years of age, fit to join a combatant unit for service in the field at home or abroad.

II. Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants under the age of 55, and rank and file under the age of 50, fit to join a combatant unit for home defence or for duty in fixed positions, or for administrative work at home.

III. (a) Officers and other ranks qualified for Classes I. and II. who have not undertaken an honourable obligation to serve. (b) Officers and other ranks not qualified by age for Classes I. and II ; otherwise fit.

2. The names of the local secretaries are detailed in the recruiting posters issued.

3. Officers and other ranks under 42 years of age at present in Classes II. or III. should (if fit) take this opportunity of signing on to Class I.

4. It is the duty of all National Reservists to act as recruiters for their own Service, and also for Regulars, Special Reserve and Territorials.

C. K. WOOD, Colonel.

Secretary Herefordshire Territorial Force Association.

THE CALLING UP OF THE TERRITORIALS - SCENES AT LEDBURY

On Tuesday night shortly before eight o'clock the proclamations calling up the Army Reservists and the Territorials were received by Supt. WILLIAMS at Ledbury and were at once posted. On Wednesday reservists in the Ledbury district left home to report themselves at their depots, and on Tuesday night numbers of the members of " C " ( Ledbury ) Company of the lst Battalion the Herefordshire Regiment attended at the Drill Hall, where Captain A V HOLMAN, Sergeant-Instructor A CRANE and Col.-Sergt. E G MORRIS were present for the issue of kit. On Wednesday men from the country detachments came in to report them-selves, and the Drill Hall was probably the busiest spot in Ledbury. The Company paraded at 4 p.m. in the Drill Hall in full kit, and when the roll was called it was found that out of the 83 men in the Company 79 were present. The four absentees were all accounted for, however, one being at Blackpool, another at Rhymney, a third at Aberystwyth, and a fourth out in the country working with a steam roller and did not get his notice until late on Wednesday night. All four turned up, however, and left yesterday ( Thursday ) to join the Regiment...

" C" Company were timed to leave Ledbury at 5 p.m., and long before that hour crowds of people assembled all along the route from the Drill Hall to the Railway Station. The newly-formed band of the Company, under the conductorship of Mr C W JESSETT, was present, and the Bugle Band of the 1st City of Westminster Troop of Boy Scouts, who are camping at Bosbury, attended to take part in the march to the station. The two bands headed the Company, who were followed by motors, bearing flags and printed cards bearing the motto, " Good luck to the Terriers." On each side of the men, who marched four deep, crowds of people marched, and nothing so spontaneous could be imagined as the turning out of the people of Ledbury to witness the departure of her soldier sons. All along the route there was a brave show of flags, and people looked on the scene from the upper storey windows of houses along the route and waved their handkerchiefs and flags to the men who had so quickly responded to the call in the nation's hour of her need.

At the Railway Station the Bugle Band of the Boy Scouts took up a position on the up platform and played during the interval of waiting. The Territorials were drawn up on the down platform two deep, and took leave of their relatives, and in but few instances were there any tears shed. The Company went away gladly, and for the most part without demonstration. Just as the " right away " was given came the first cheers, and the train steamed out for Hereford to the accompaniment of a fusilade of " Hurrahs" and the stirring call of the Bugle Band.

It was a scene which will live long in the memory of those who were present. Many of the leading residents of the town and district assembled along the route, or at the station to witness the departure of the " Terriers " and wish them " Good luck."

THE YEOMANRY DEPART

On Wednesday several local members of the Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars, Imperial Yeomanary, left Ledbury to join their regiment at Worcester. They left Ledbury quietly without demonstration.

Yesterday ( Thursday ) morning the local members of the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, Imperial Yeomanry, met at their headquarters, the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, and proceeded to Gloucester by road to join their regiment. Captain Lloyd BAKER was in command, and made the journey by motor, taking with him two troopers who had to procure their mounts at Gloucester. Sergt. H B WALKER rode at the head of the eight mounted men, and the remainder of the Ledbury Troop had proceeded direct from their homes to Gloucester. It is expected that the Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire Yeomanry will be mobilised at Warwick and they will be stationed at the Isle of Wight.

There was no demonstration at Ledbury when the Yeomanry left the town yesterday morning, although there was a good number of people about.

LOCAL ITEMS

Horses are being commandeered in the district by the Government. Petrol sales have practically ceased, and the Government have called upon the Dunlop firm for all motor tyres in the hands of stockists.

The police have charge of the Drill Hall.

There has been a good deal of feeling engendered locally at the " patriotism " of a certain tradesman in urging his fellows to put up the price of sugar out of all reason in regard to its cost. Tradesmen who have not yet bought sugar at the enhanced prices can well afford to sell at a slight increase on last week's price and still make a handsome profit.

There has been some talk of reporting the matter to the authorities. People are there-fore warned not to pay " panic " prices for provisions. There is absolutely no necessity for it.

Contrast this with the action of the bakers. Sugar bought at normal prices was put up 100 per cent. Bread from flour bought at normal prices was put up about 8 1/2 per cent.

Happily the Government propose to regulate prices, and there is every necessity for it according to some of the statements that have been made to us.

Above all, housewives, keep your heads. The nation learnt a lesson at the time of the South African War. There is nothing to get in a fluster about, as yet. Keep calm, cool and collected, and do not rush into a panic and allow your feelings to get the better of your judgment.

On all hands men are volunteering for service. Local ex-members of Territorial Regiments who wished to rejoin their regiments have been refused for the present until the mobilisation is complete. Seven local members of the National Reserve have signified their willingness to volunteer for service abroad.

There will be no hunting with the Ledbury Hounds. Sir George BULLOUGH, the Master, has offered his horses to the Government. Horses, motor cars and motor lorries are liable to be commandeered by the Government.

Ledbury County Court, which should have been held yesterday, was postponed.

A letter from Mr A Roger ROWDEN, of Hillend, Eastnor, appears in these colorant formulating proposals for training and musketry practice for all able-bodied men. The proposal will receive the support of all patriots.

The British Army manoeuvres, which were to have taken' place in this district, have been cancelled.

Much Marcle Flower Show and Sports have been abandoned, and we hear DymocK also, but the latter report is not confirmed.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - SUGGESTED DEFENSIVE FORCE

To the Editor

Sir, - The dreaded possibility has now become a fact. England is at war with Germany and the nation must do its utmost in every detail. Every man and every woman must be prepared to make personal sacrifices. So far as can be gathered recruiting for the regular army and Territorial Forces is magnificent, but we must not let it rest at that. The whole of the regular Army may be required for foreign service and possibly as many of the Territorials as Volunteer for that purpose. Under existing conditions these cannot be spared, but it need not be so, there are hundreds of thousands of true hearted Britons who for various reasons cannot join the ordinary Territorial forces. My suggestion is that every landowner or person in a position to do so should undertake to teach all the men of suitable age in his district to use a rifle so as to be able to defend the country in case of invasion. I grant that the idea of invasion sounds ridiculous, but cast your mind back one month or less and you will find that the condition of affairs which now exists sounded at that time quite as impossible as invasion does now.

My suggestion is that the War Office should lend out to responsible persons in every district enough rifles for target practice -ten or a dozen would do for 200 men - and that the necessary ammunition should be provided by local subscription, the Authorities giving facilities for its purchase at cost price. By this means some hundreds of thousands of men could be taught to handle a rifle without expense to the Government and doubtless in most districts someone could be found to give them a certain amount of general instruction in Military matters. While this practice is going on the War Office could arrange for the various districts to be affiliated with some regiments and for rifles and ammunition to be deposited ready for use in time of need. They could also formulate regulations suitable for the circumstances. The great point, however, is that no time should be lost and that practice should be carried out while the War Office are getting the scheme into official form.

On my arrival in London last night I went to the War Office to see what steps could be taken to set some such scheme in motion and the matter will be laid before the Authorities to-morrow. Under the present conditions of extreme pressure it may be some time before they will be able to deal with it, but that is no reason why preparations should not be started by way of providing ranges or even starting practice with any kind of rifle. Some knowledge can be gained even from the use of a rabbit rifle.

So far as our district is concerned a range can be provided at Eastnor, and if miniature rifles can be obtained a second or third range could be found. As regards the expense of ammunition £100 would do a good deal and I am certain that that would be forthcoming in no time, in fact if the rifles and ammunition can be obtained I am quite ready in order to save time to make myself responsible for raising the money. I only regret that Lord Somers is in Canada. Had he been here I know he would have thrown himself heart and soul into some such scheme. In his Lordship's absence I have no misgivings as to the provision of the range and any other facilities that may be possible. I should have preferred delaying this communication until after the matter had been considered by the War Office, but your paper comes out to-morrow and much may happen before the following Friday; moreover its publication may I trust lead to some such movement becoming general throughout the country.

I remain, yours faithfully, A Roger ROWDEN, The Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London, August 6th, 1914

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 15 08 1914

LOCAL WAR NEWS

The whole of the flower shows in this district have now been cancelled

Reference was made on Sunday last in the various Nonconformist places of worship in the town to the war

The sale of petrol has been suspended at two garages in Ledbury. At places where it is obtainable the price has increased considerably.

We understand that Mr E H HOPKIN 's, Royal Oak Hotel, Ledbury, has received a reassuring letter from his only daughter, who has been in Germany for some years past. The letter was a week in the post.

There was a gratifying response to Lord KITCHENER's appeal for 500,000 men in Ledbury and district, and a good number of men are joining the transport section.

It has been decided by the Ledbury Town Football Club to let football remain in abeyance this season as far as the club is concerned. Several of the most prominent members of the team have joined the colours.

A brother of Mr A G SMITH, relieving officer, Ledbury who has been in Germany for many years , has reached Ledbury after a most exciting voyage. He was obliged to leave practically the whole of his household furniture and effects behind him, but he is very glad to have reached the shores of England safely with his wife and family.

Mr Barry JACKSON, who has generously offered to build a house at the British Camp for the reception of wounded soldiers, is the proprietor of the Repertory theatre, Birmingham. We understand that the house is to accommodate 15 beds and will be situated behind the British Camp hotel. The water at this spot is claimed to be the purest in England. The architect is Mr Delay AHEARNE, of Birmingham.

We understand that Sir George BULLOUGH M.F.H, has placed Down House, Redmarley, at the disposal of the Army Authorities for the reception of wounded and disabled soldiers. Miss HOLLAND, Brand Lodge, Colwall, has done likewise, and as stated at a meeting in Ledbury over which he presided this week Lord BIDDULPH has also offered his house at Kemble.

The 1st City Westminster Troop of Boy Scouts, recently encamped at Bosbury, were recalled to London on Thursday last, many of whom are rendering valuable service at present time in connection with the war. We are informed that the Bosbury scouts will be called together on Saturday. At present they are under orders to proceed wherever they may be required.

It has been definitely decided to abandon hunting in the Ledbury country for this season, and Sir George BULLOUGH, the Master, has placed the whole of the Hunt horse at the disposal of the Government, but up to the present none has been requisitioned. The orders for the making of the scarlet for the men had been given to local tailors but has now been cancelled. The postponement of hunting will have a serious effect in the Ledbury district, besides being a great disappointment to the many followers.

Captain P A CLIVE, M.P. for South Herefordshire, rejoined the colours on Wednesday. He was to have been present at Whitfield Horticultural Show on Thursday but sent a wire regretting his inability, and adding - detained here with Guards Reserve Regiment. Should like to urge all young men between the ages of 20 and 30 to offer their services to the nearest recruiting officer through, the local post office. Captain CLIVE served in the Grenadier Guards, and in the Boer War. Mrs CLIVE, wife of Captain CLIVE, is also going to open a hospital at Whitfield.

CHURCH LADS ON SENTRY GO

We understand the Ledbury Company of the Church Lads Brigade has been offered a patrol 15 miles from Rhayader, to watch the Birmingham water supply. The patrol will number 24, and will be recruited from Ledbury, Colwall, Welington Heath and Bosbury.

The lads were very anxious to undertake the work, feeling that by so doing they will be doing something for their country.

Difficulty has arisen to billeting but it is hoped this will be overcome.

HELPING RED CROSS WORK

A movement was initiated last ( Thursday ) evening at the Church Room for supplying necessary clothing, first for the sick and wounded soldiers, and later on for the families of those who have gone to the war, if distress arises.

Mrs W H MARTIN presided over a large attendance, and it was decide to make the necessary garments and send them to the Red Cross Society. It was resolved also to help Miss HOLLANDS's hospital, at Colwall, if necessary, and send garments to the Upper Hall, which Mr MARTIN had placed at the disposal of the Government for Red Cross purposes. £28 has been subscribed to provide material, and a number of those present took material to make garments.

There was, however, not sufficient to supply all those who desired to do this, but the Church room will be open each Thursday evening for the next few weeks when material may be obtained.

The following comprise the Committee of management, Mrs MARTIN, Hon Violet BIDDULPH, Mrs CARNEGY, Mrs S W TAYLOR, and Miss MARTIN. Mr F N WHEATON was appointed hon. treasurer

LEDBURY GUARDIAN - Telephone and Telegraphic Service

During all this week our office in the Southend has been the centre of attraction, the Latest War News being posted at frequent intervals from midday onwards. By special arrangement with our Central Office this news is received by telegraph and telephone. We do everything possible to ensure the accuracy of the news that we give. Messages begin to come in about noon and continue to about 11pm. We are not able to guarantee any stated times of communication which are frequently blocked with Official and Government messages. This service will be continued daily till further notice.

AN APPEAL TO OWNERS OF MOTOR CARS IN LEDBURY AND DISTRICT

Mr H CROFT has received the following telegram from the secretary of the Automobile Club.

It is suggested that our country people and others who have motor cars at their disposal should be asked to assist by sending their motors to convey recruits from outlying district to the recruiting officers. Particulars as to conditions can be obtained at any Post Office in the country. Could you help with this matter. Please communicate this to all you can.

Mr CROFT informs us that it is hoped that 10 or 12 will be available to take recruits to Hereford or Leominster as may be desired.

We are informed intending recruits should apply to ex-S.Q.M.C. J PORTER, late of the Second Life Guards, who is now in charge at the Drill hall, Ledbury, where all inquiries respecting recruiting should be made.

LEDBURIANS GONE TO WAR - FUND OPENED TOWARDS SUPPORT OF DEPENDANTS

At the Barrett Browning Institute on Wednesday Evening a meeting was held for the purpose of devising means to afford assistance and help to the wives and families of Ledbury men who by reason of the war had been forced to leave their homes.

Lord BIDDULPH was voted to the chair, and there were also present the Rev F W CARNEGY, Dr M A WOOD, Dr McKEAN, Dr A R GREEN, Dr J McKEAN HARRISON, Mr W A H MARTIN, Mr H CROFT, MR S H BICKHAM, Mr H GARROOD, Mr R H WILKS, Mr F W TAYLOR, Mr F N WHEATON, Mr C H BASTOW, Mr R MASEFIELD, Mr C B MASEFIELD, Mr H THACKER, Mr W P BARRY, Mr W L TILLEY, Mr G W SUTOR, Mr A J CHADD, Mr W H HORTON, Mr H W ORME, Mr H DOWN, Mr A G SMITH, Mr W V SMITH, Mr J J TILLEY, Mr J A ISAACS, Mr W S SMYTHE and others.

Lord BIDDULPH said that he knew the people of Ledbury were very anxious to know what they ought to do, and what they could do, in the present emergency. ( Hear, Hear ) He understood that in many places meetings had been held for the purpose of devising means to afford assistance and help to the wives and families of the men, who, by reason of the war had been thrown out of employment and thus would need help and assistance. In many cases no doubt the need of assistance would be very great indeed. In various places offers had been made to set apart houses and institutions for the reception of wounded and disabled officers and men, but it appeared that the Government had been so over whelmed with such offers that they could not accept them all. If they in Ledbury did anything at all - and he hoped sincerely that they would - he thought it would be best to do something as much as they could to help the families of the men who had gone to war, those wives and families who would need support. ( Applause )

Mr BICKHAM said the meeting was called because some of the parishioners thought there should be an opportunity afforded for expression of opinion under the exceptional circumstances in which we found ourselves. Perhaps under normal conditions a public meeting might have been desirable, but to do this took time, and time was an object. If necessary a public meeting might be called to endorse what is now proposed to do. He could not help feeling that there ought to be a Central Committee to deal with matters of immediate importance, and he suggested that such a committee be formed first for the object of assisting by advice, and perhaps in some cases pecuniary help the wives of those who have gone to the front, and secondly to watch the progress of events and be ready to assist the parish should necessity arise. He believed that the appointment of such a committee would be of great value as showing, that they all had sympathy one with another, and were banded together for weal or woe. ( Hear, Hear ) But practical results at first would be to help those whose husbands had gone to fight their battles - the position of each person should be known - at present he ventured to say that it was unknown - wives of some had already received £5, others £1 10s, while others had had 3s. A committee would inquire into all the circumstances and act accordingly, they would properly consider each case, and prevent that most disastrous of all eleemosynary support - overlapping. ( Hear, Hear ) Morally he considered that the election of such a committee would benefit them all, apart from the advantages it would afford in many ways - it would help to keep them calm and collected , it would aid to prevent any selfish accumulation or stores and to hinder undue and unnecessary rise in prices of food materials. With an energetic voluntary secretary it might prove a most useful instrument to help them all to bear cheerfully the burden laid upon them. Of course some subscriptions would be necessary, but at present he did not think they need to be large. The committee would doubtless put in a claim upon central funds. In some cases he found that help had been offered at so much a week, but in whatever way it be given, he felt sure they would all respond. ( Hear, Hear and applause ) The Rev F W CARNEY said that the immediate thing to do was to look after the wives and families of the men who had left home on account of the war. They wanted a full list of the men from Ledbury, and to find out what their respective families were in receipt of, so that they should not in any way be in want. They all hoped that prices would not go up, as food would be coming in more and more. It would tend to calm the poor, because their poorer neighbours were upset at to what might happen.

Dr HARRISON ( who is Brig, Surgeon. R.A.M.C ) in reply to a question, said that each territorial received a gratuity of £5, and that pay was according to rank. He was informed at Hereford that the Reservists has 1s a day. He had been informed already of distress in the family of the Reservists, but not of the Territorials. Lord BIDDULPH expressed the hope that a committee would be at one formed, and subsequently moved that a local committee be appointed. One matter he would like to mention, and that was that he had read with great pleasure, a letter written to the Press by the Bishop of Hereford, and in which the Bishop took a very strong line against the Germans, and at the same time took a most patriotic stance ( Hear, hear ) almost stronger than he ( Lord BIDDULPH ) would have expected him to take. ( laughter ) He ( the speaker ) also heard that they had taken the Bishops horse, but the Bishop was by no means displeased at that, because he said it was the first time he had sold a horse for more than he gave for it. ( Loud laughter )

In reply to Mr SMYTHE, Mr BICKHAM said the suggestion was that the whole of the Ledbury parish should be included in the scheme. It was resolved that the following should form the committee - Mr F W JUCKES ( Col Sergeant of the National Reserve ), Mr BICKHAM, Mr H THACKER ( chairman of the Urban Council ), a member of the Rural Parish Council, the Rector of Ledbury, Mr A G SMITH, Dr GREEN, Mr Hugh CROFT, Mr SMYTHE, Mr C B MASEFIELD, two ladies , with power to add their number. Mr BICKHAM suggested that a subscription should be opened, as the wives and families of some of the Reservists were in need. There was an immediate response, lord BIDDULPH promising £20 ( applause ), Mr S H BICKHAM £10, MR W A H MARTIN and Mr M A WOOD £5, Mr H CROFT £2, Mr Score SMYTHE £2, Mr H GARROOD £1 1s, MR R H WILKS £1 After the meeting Mr T MOLESWORTH promised £5.

Lord BIDDUPH observed that he had placed his house at Kemble for the use of the Red Cross Society. ( Applause )

Dr GREEN announced that a meeting of the Ledbury Medical Society that day - Ledbury, Bosbury and Colwall parishes - it was decided that the medical men would attend all the wives and families of all men serving with the colours, if occasion arose. ( Loud and prolonged applause ) The doctors wanted the men who went to the front to realise that during their absence their dependants would be looked after. ( Renewed applause )

Mr BICKHAM - I am sure we are all very grateful to the doctors for such kindness, because men do not know to what extent their good services may be required.

The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to Lord BIDDULPH for presiding, and Lord BIDDULPH in reply, said he was very pleased to do all he could in the matter. He was now in his 81st year, and was not so active as he used to be.

The Rector of Ledbury said he would be pleased to place the church room at the disposal of the committee for their meetings. ( Applause )

CORRESPONDENCE

To the Editor of the Ledbury Guardian.

Sir,- At a meeting of the Ledbury and District Medical Society held to-day, it was unanimously decided by the medical men practising in the district to offer our services, free of charge, to the wives and children and other dependants of those men (Reservists, Territorials &c.) who are serving with the colours and for whom no other medical provision is already made, provided they are without the means of obtaining medical assistance.

Will you kindly publish this letter in your next issue.

We are, yours very truly,

T.G. ELSWORTH, Colwall.

ARTHUR R. GREEN, Ledbury

J. McK. HARRISON, Ledbury.

FRED C. H. HOME, Tarrington.

G. BARTLEY McKEAN, Ledbury

LESLIE B. TROTTER, Ledbury

R.G. HAMILTON WILLIAMS, Colwall.

The Yews,Ledbury,August 12, 1914

BOY SCOUTS

Sir, - May I ask for the publication in your valuable paper of the attached letter from Lieut-General Sir R. BADEN-POWELL.

I have already initiated the necessary steps and would earnestly trust that the scheme may receive cordial support throughout the county.

Your obedient servant,

ELLIOTT WOOD

County Commissioner.

7/8/1914 ( Copy )

4/8/1914

In this time of national emergency comes the opportunity for the Scouts organisation to show that it can be of material service to the country.

The Scouts can now give valuable assistance to the State at home, and for this their training and organisation has already to a great extent fitted them.

Their duties would be non-military, but would in some cases come within the scope of police work, and these would be carried out under the general direction of the Chief Constable of each county where he care to utilise the services of the Scouts.

These duties would include the following :-

(a) Handing out notices to inhabitants and other duties connected with billeting, commanderring, warning etc.

(b) Carrying out communications by means of despatch riders, signallers, wireless &c.

(c) Guarding and patrolling bridges, culverts, telegraph lines &c, against damage by individual spies.

(d) Collecting information as to supplies, transport &c. available.

(e) Carrying out organised relief measures among inhabitants.

(f) Helping families of men employed in defence duties, or sick or wounded.

(g) Establishing first aid, dressing or nursing stations, refugees, dispensaries, soup kitchens &c. in their club rooms.

(h) Forwarding despatches dropped by air craft.

With their ability to rig their own shelters, to cook their own food, and to regulate their own roster of duties in the patrols, the Scouts are already organised in the best practical units for such duties.

(It is assumed that they will be excused from school attendance by the Education Committee and from work by their employers).

The above list does not exhaust all the duties which they might undertake ; it merely gives an outline which Commissioners can no doubt elaborate to suit the local requirements and conditions in their respective areas, after consultation with their Chief Constables and defence authorities.

I am confident of one thing, and that is that all ranks will pull together with the greatest cordiality and energy on this unique occaision for doing a valuable work for our King and country.

(Signed) ROBERT BADEN-POWELL Chief Scout

LEDBURY AND DISTRICT AIR RIFLE LEAGUE

Sir, With reference to the sceme outlined in your last issue in the letter of Mr. A. Roger ROWDEN, we would appeal to all members of the Ledbury and District Air Rifle League to place themselves in communication with the Range Superintendent at the Holly Bush, Eastnor and Ledbury ranges, and take part in the miniature rifle practice which commences to-day. We are aware that many of the members of the League have gone to serve their King and country, but there are many still remaining, and we trust that these members will lose no time in attending at one of the ranges indicated. Ledbury members should ? the range at Mr MARTIN'S lime quarry Stony Hill, where Mr J. HOLLINGS of the ? Inn, is in charge.

Yours truly, W.S. BOWES (chairman), A.T. JONES (Hon. secretary), Ledbury and District Air Rifle League

EMERGENCY DEFENCE SCHEME

Dear Sir, I enclose a copy of a communication which has to-day been sent to all members of The Land Agents' Society, numbering 1,349. The scheme has had the hearty approval of gentlemen in this neighbourhood actively engaged in the Territorial movement and recruiting for other branches of the Service. In the hope that it may be taken up generally throughout the country I should be glad if you would publish the communication, together with this letter, as there are doubtless many gentlemen other than land owners an land agents who can assist. The scheme will in no way clash with that started in London by Mr Percy HARRIS, Lord DESBOROUGH, Lord LOVATT and others, which applies exclusively to the Metropolis, whereas our scheme applies particularly to country districts. It will be seen that care has been taken to avoid the possibility of the movement in any way detracting from recruiting, and this view is shared by others whose opinions are more valuable than my own.

I shall be obliged if everyone who is willing to undertake local organisation will at once do so and be good enough to communicate with me. Their names and addresses will be registered, and in due course I shall be glad to be informed as to the numbers they have been able to enrol, in order that the information may be tabulated.

Hoping for your hearty co-operation,

I remain, your obedient Servant,

A. ROGER ROWDEN. Eastnor Castle, Estate Office, Nr Ledbury

11th August 1914.

EMERGENCY DEFENCE

Dear Sir, - I beg to invite your co-operation in a scheme of Emergency Defence which I have laid before the War Office. The general idea is as follows: -

Recruiting for the Regular Army and Territorial Forces in this time of national crisis happily appears to be magnificent, but we must not let it rest at that. The whole regular Army may be required for foreign service, and possibly as many of the Territorials as volunteers for that purpose. Under existing conditions these cannot be spared, but it need not be so. There are hundreds of thousands of true-hearted Britons who for various reasons cannot join either the Regular Army or the ordinary Territorial Forces. My suggestion is that every landowner or other person in a position to do so should undertake to teach all the men of suitable age (say 17 to 50) in his district to use a rifle so as to be able to defend the country in case of invasion. I grant that the idea of an invasion appears to be to many to be ridiculous, but if one casts one's mind back only a month it will be admitted that the condition of affairs which now exists appeared at that time quite as impossible as invasion does to-day.

My suggestion is that the War Office should lend out to responsible persons in every district enough rifles for target practice - 10 or a dozen would do for 200 men - and that the necessary ammunition should be provided by public subscription, the authorities giving facilities for its purchase at cost price. By this means some hundreds of thousands of men could be taught to handle a rifle without expense to the Government and doubtless in most districts someone could be found to give them a certain amount of general instruction on military matters. A commencement might be made with miniature rifles, which course is in most cases desirable on the score of economy, safety, and lack of full sized ranges. While this is going on the War Office could arrange for each district to be affiliated with some regiment. They could also formulate regulations suitable for the circumstances, and arrange for the supply of the necessary rifles and ammunition to be ready in time of need. In that case they would also have to provide some distinctive uniform, but I suppose that a tunic and cap would be sufficient. Under the present conditions of extreme pressure it may be some little time before the War Office are able to come to a decision in the matter, but the important point is that practice should be commenced immediately. If they decide in favour of the suggestion a very large force will be ready for their acceptance - and if not, no harm can have been done - and directly enough full-sized rifles are served out for practice the men will have progressed sufficiently to be able to use them for that purpose. Doubtless also many suitable positions for full ranges will have been selected by those who have taken the movement in hand.

The expense of the initial practice will be very small. Unfortunately my employer here (Lord SOMERS) is abroad, otherwise he would have doubtless have taken the matter up more ably than I can, but I have already got the scheme going in this neighbourhood, and in order to save time have myself undertaken the responsibility of the expenses pending the formation of a committee and the solicitation of subscriptions, which am confident will come in immediately they are asked for. Surely there must be any number of others ? ? ? ? the same thing.

In two or three days' time I hope to have three ranges started on this estate and a considerable number of men shooting.

I am sending this letter to all members of the Land Agents' Society, because they, through their employers, are I believe better able to organise the scheme than any other body of men, but many of them will doubtless be able to secure the co-operation of other gentle-men in their districts.

It should be distinctly understood that the suggestion is not in substitution of enrolment in any existing force, but for men who are unable to offer themselves for such. At the same time, it should act as a means of encouraging recruiting in the Regular Army, for which 100, 000 are now urgently required, or for the ordinary Territorial forces. One great point is that it will in its initial stages not increase the strain on the already over-burdened existing organisations, and the men will be taught to shoot without interfering with the usual occupation. Care should be taken not to enrol any men qualified for the National Reserve, and every effort should be made to induce any young men who may join the movement and who could offer themselves as recruits for any existing force to do so.

I should be greatly obliged if you would in the course of a few days, send me a line to say if you have been able to adopt the suggestion and then, in say a week, tell me how many members you have been able to enrol. Then numbers will be registered for the information of the War Office.

I remain yours faithfully,

A ROGER ROWDEN, Eastnor Castle Estate Office, Near Ledbury

August 11th, 1914.

P.S. - I suggest that the County Territorial Associations and the local Miniature Rifle Clubs are asked to place their miniature rifles and ranges at the disposal of the movement. I understand that suitable rifles ( .22 but of about the same weight and " pull as the service") can be purchased from the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, Arundel House, Arundel Street, London, W.C. at about £2 each, also ammunition at about 10s. per 1000, and paper targets at a very small cost - A.R.R.

TOWN CRIER

Whatever one's politics may happen to be we cannot but appreciate the way in which the present Goverment have risen to the occasion. It is true they have had the indirect assistance of all parties in the House of Commons, but this has simply meant the dropping of controversial subjects for the time being. There can be no hesistation in admitting that in every department - Army, Navy, Finance - the Goverment have so far made no mistake.

In Ledbury, the general shortness of money is already making itself felt. The big wholesale houses are all cutting down the length of credit they allow, and the retailers are in turn making for payment of accounts which, in the ordinary course of events, they would not expect to be paid in the middle of August. The principle of squeezing is in fact going on all round and the squeezing is being done at a most unusual time of the year and when the prices of many neccessaries of life are up.

Next week harvest will be in full swing. On many farms this will be carried out with some difficulty owing to the wholesale purchase of horses which during the past fortnight has been going on over the whole country. Under which circumstances we are hoping that farmers will receive every assistance from those who still possess horses or powerful means of traction. The value of a good harvest to the country under its present state of war is immense, and it should be borne in mind that in helping the farmer we are helping to repel the only foe which is ever likely to subdue England itself.

The Ledbury Guardian "Notice Board" continues to be an unvailing source of interest. The latest news of the war is posted at frequent intervals and practically all, Ledbury comes along at one time or another. The principal points of discussion during the past week are easily arrived at. Putting them in point of order they are:-

1) What is the fleet doing?

2)Where is the British Expeditionary Force?

3) Will LIEGE hold out?

4) Why wasn't GOEBEN caught?

The doings of Russains, Austrians, Servians and Montenegrins are casually dismissed. In their own time they may still have their day, but to "the man in the street" they are not yet to be regarded as principals on the stage of Europe. They play merely as ?????? before a misty background of war.

We understand a fund is about to be started in Ledbury for the relief of the Wives and Families of those men in the Territorials and the Reserves who have been called to their posts. In this connection, MR HOULT has offered the Cinema House for a Benefit Performance.

There will be a feeling of relief in the district at the news that Hunting is not going to be suspended. If an individual is able to serve his country, well and good, but if age or other restrictions prevent it there is no reason, why he should give up sport. In fact, there is every reason why he should not give it up. Hunting, like shooting and many other forms of sport, provide employment for thousands of persons, and at a time like the present, it is incumbent on those left at home to do their share. In this respect, not the least that can be done is to ensure that there shall be as little unemployment as possible. To this Hunting will greatly help.

BELLMAN

Kington Reporter Newspaper - 15 08 1914

LEDBURY COUNCIL SCHOOLS - MEETING OF MANAGERS

The monthly meeting of the Ledbury school managers was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute on Wednesday afternoon, when there were present Mr SPENCER, Mr. BICKHAM (in the chair), the Rector (the Rev. F W CARNEGY), the Rev Father LYNCH and Mr E H HOPKINS, together with the Correspondent (Mr H Vernon SMITH), and the School Attendance Officer (Mr S W MILLS.) The Rev Father LYNCH presented the returns of school attendance for the past month, as follows : - Boys' school, average percentage, 89 per cent., girls' school 76, infants, whole school 69, over five years of age 75. - A letter was read from Mr A H BURSTON, uncertificated assistant at the 'boys' school, stating that he would be unable to fulfil his duties as he had been called up to serve with the Royal Field Artillery. It was agreed that if the Managers had the power Mr BURSTON's position will be open to him on his return.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 22 08 1914

ROLL OF HONOUR - LEDBURY MEN AND THE WAR

In response to numerous appeals made to us to compile a list of men who have gone from Ledbury and district to serve their country at this crisis, we have pleasure in publishing the following names, which comprise of " C " Company, 1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment, who departed from Ledbury a few days ago - Click Roll Of Honour to view the list.

LEDBURY CHURCH LADS BRIGADE PATROL DUTY AT RHAYADER

On the outbreak of war the commandant of the Church Lads Brigade offered the services of some 40,000 lads to the War Office for civil duty. The members of the Hereford Battalion are the first to be used on a duty of extreme importance, having been chosen to patrol portions of the great water course from Wales to Birmingham. The Ludlow company, under Captain DODGSON ( who has been temporarily appointed Major ) have been on duty for some days, and on Thursday morning last a patrol of 25 lads belonging to the Ledbury, Colwall, Wellington Heath and Eastnor Companies under Captain B LANE MITFORD ( Colwall ), left for Rhayader by the 8 am train to take part in this important duty. It is not known how long the duty will last, but at present the latter patrol has gone for three weeks.

The arrangements for sending the patrol have bristled with difficulties, which however, have been overcome by the energy of the officers of the various companies, working under the Adjutant, Captain E W REED, Ledbury.

The various companies have reported to headquarters of Territorial Associations the number of officers and lads able to take duty locally if called upon, and there still remain a number of lads who would be willing to carry out any duties required by the association.

The local patrol was ordered to entrain on Wednesday, but a telegram prevented them and it was not until about 6.15 on Wednesday that the order was received to start on Thursday. Arrangements were quickly made, and the lads turned out spick and span at the station at 8 o ' clock. After photographs had been taken the lads entrained in the presence of numerous relations and friends, amongst whom were present the Rev. and Mrs CARNEGY, Rev. and Mrs STOOKE VAUGHAN, Captain and Adjutant E W REED, Captain C E BETTEN, Captain M DAWE, and Mrs W P PERRY.

It appears that the delay was caused by the alteration of the patrol beat from 15 miles to about 6.

PIGEONS DESTROYED

BIRDS THAT MAY CARRY GERMANY SECRETS

The authorities intend to confiscate or kill all pigeons owned by alien enemies in this country. This strong action follows upon information supplied to the War Office recently by a pigeon expert.

"The Germans have for years been training pigeons to fly from England," said the editor of the "Racing Pigeon," on Tuesday. "Their Government subsidises lofts of pigeons, which are kept in various places, including the forts. These pigeons have no doubt been used by spies for many years.

"A pigeon has flown 600 miles in ten hours. Every effort must be made to kill a bird seen flying across the North Sea. It might be quite as important for the crew of a warship to bring it down as for them to hit an aeroplane. The ring on an English bird bears the letters 'N.U.' but these letters do not appear on foreign birds.

"During the last few days detectives have visited a number of lofts, and have compelled German owners to kill every bird in their presence. Many birds are worth £10 each."

Kington Reporter Newspaper - 22-08-1914

LEDBURY AND THE WAR RELIEF FUND.

Town Committee Constituted.

On Wednesday night a public meeting, called by Mr H THACKER, Chairman of the Ledbury Urban District Council was held at the Town Hall, Ledbury, for the purpose of considering proposals for contributing to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales's National War Relief Fund and the local administration of same. There was not such a large attendance as one would have expected for so important a matter. The outcome of the meeting was that the members of the Urban District Council were elected a committee to join the Committee appointed last week, the combined Committee to form the Committee to deal with all matters pertaining to the fund.

Mr H THACKER presided, and was supported by the members of the Urban Council present, viz., Messrs. E H HOPKINS, A WARREN, R LAWRENCE, W G DAVIS, A CARLESS, T S S GARDNER, F W JUCKES and the Rev Father LYNCH. Also present were the Rector (Rev F W CARNEGY), the Rev H A BARNES, Mr Spencer H BICKHAM, Mr C B MASEFIELD, Mr H W CROFT, Mr and Mrs C L BERKLEY, Dr A R GREEN. Mr F N WHEATON, Mr Henry GARROOD, Mr A G T BANKS, Mr A STEVENS, Mr S ALLEN, Mr Val PALMER, Mr H HODGES, Mr P C GABB, Mr H T WARREN, Mr H DOWN, Mr J J TILLEY, Mr W H HORTON, Mr H BARNARD, Mr W ROBERTS, Mr C R CROAD, Mr H A WARREN, etc.

The Chairman briefly explained the object of the meeting, and said as Chairman of the Urban Council he had called the meeting. They desired all the assistance they could get. He explained that there were three ways of helping the relief fund, viz. (1) by having a local fund, (2) by joining the county fund, and (3) by sending to the Prince of Wales's National Fund. He would leave it to the meeting to decide on the course to adopt.

Discussion took place on what had already been done at the semi-public meeting held last week, after which Mr HOPKINS explained that a county meeting was to be held at Hereford on Saturday. He suggested that a certain number of the gentlemen present should be elected to join the committee last formed last week, and that the committee be a town committee for the purposes of the fund.

This view was warmly received by the meeting, and Mr BERKLEY proposed that the members of the Urban District Council be elected a committee to join the committee elected last week, and the committee thus formed to be the committee to carry out the work necessary.

Mr WILKS seconded, and this was carried unanimously, it being understood that the committee would have power to add to their number.

Mr BICKHAM announced that he had received subscriptions amounting to £78. (Applause.) He was in favour of keeping a certain portion of the funds subscribed in their own hands. It might be that a great deal of it would go to the Prince of Wales's Fund, and it might be that they would keep in hand a large amount. It would all depend on circumstances. He thought they should keep some money in hand for eventualities.

Further expressions of opinion were given as to the method to be adopted in allocating the funds, but eventually it was agreed to leave such matters over until after the county meeting on Saturday. Mr HOPKINS to report what takes place at that meeting to a meeting of the full committee to be held on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the Church Room, which has been placed at the disposal of the committee.

Mr BICKHAM proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and with this the meeting closed.

CORRESPONDENCE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS FAMILIES ASSOCIATION

To the Editor.

Sir, May I appeal through your paper for subscriptions, large or small, for the Ledbury Division of the above Association, The object is to assist the wives and dependants of men on active service. Subscriptions should be sent to the President, Mrs RILEY, Putley Court, the Capital and Counties Bank, Ledbury, or to me.

DIANA C. HOPTON. Treasurer, Ledbury Division. Homend, Stretton Grandison, Ledbury.

August 19th, 1914

CHURCH LADS BRIGADE

On Thursday evening a most interesting and enjoyable evening was spent by the lads of the Company left in town. Two were sent off bearing rough maps and letters, each following his map and leaving tracks of his route at the various cross roads. At several of these letters were hidden. The remainder of the Company, one half under Captain C E BAKER and the other half under Mr R H PHILLIPS, who is about to be appointed a lieutenant in the Company, set off in pursuit. The scouts showed great ingenuity in placing their signs and letters. No. 1 pursuers tracked their lad for three-quarters of an hour, and in darkness then made them give up, finishing their quest in the churchyard. No. 2 squad lost the scent in Green Lane. All the lads were wonderfully keen and enjoyed their scouting immensely. The Captain will be glad to receive the names of church lads wishing to enrol.

PATROL DUTY AT RHAYDAR

On the outbreak of war the Commandant of the C.L.B. offered the services of some 40,000 lads to the War Office for civil duty. The members of the Hereford Battalion are the first to be used on a duty of extreme importance, having been chosen to patrol portions of the great watercourse from Wales to Birmingham. The Ludlow Company under Captain DODGSON (who has been temporarily appointed major) has been on duty for some days, and on Thursday morning last a patrol of 25 lads belonging to the Ledbury, Colwall, Wellington Heath and Eastnor Companies, under Captain B LANE MITFORD (Colwall), left for Rhayader by the 8 a.m. train to take part in this important duty. It is not known how long the duty will last, but at present the latter patrol have gone for three weeks. /font>

The arrangements for sending the patrol have bristled with difficulties, which, how-ever, have been overcome by the energy of the officers of the various companies, work-ing under the Adjutant, Captain E W REED, Ledbury.

The various companies have reported to headquarters of Territorial Associations the numbers of officers and lads able to take duty locally if called upon, and there still remain a number of lads who would be wil-ling to carry out any duties required by the association./font>

The local patrol was ordered to entrain on Wednesday, but a telegram prevented them, and it was not until about 6-15 on Wednesday that the order was received to start on Thursday. Arrangements were quickly made and the lads turned out spick and span at the station at 8 o’clock. After photographs had been taken, the lads entrained in the presence of numerous relations and friends, amongst those present being Rev and Mrs CARNEGY, Rev and Miss STOOKE-VAUGHAN, Captain and Adjutant E W REED, Captain C E BAKER, Captain M DAWE and Mr W P BARRY. /font>

It appears that the delay was caused by the alteration of the patrol beat from five miles to about six./font>

LORD KITCHENER'S NEW ARMY Recruiting Meeting

A mass meeting (smoking permitted) with the object of obtaining recruits for Lord Kitchener's Second Army has been arranged by the Local Recruiting Committee at Ledbury and will be held at the Feathers Hotel Assembly Room, Ledbury, on Thursday next at 8 p.m., when short speeches will be given by well known gentlemen, and a short programme of patriotic songs and music will be rendered. All men are invited and smoking will be permitted. The chair will be taken by Admiral of the Fleet Sir Arthur D FANSHAWE, K.C.B., G.C.V.O., of Donnington Hall.

In connection with the meeting a parade of the National Reservists, headed by the Band of "C" Company of the county Territorial Regiment, will take place, starting from the Drill Hall at 7 p.m.

We earnestly appeal to all men of the town and district to make a point of attending this meeting, especially those of recruiting age.

Topical Tattle

The scheme for miniature rifle practice, organised by Mr A Roger ROWDEN in this district, has caught on wonderfully in Ledbury, and last Sunday quite 50 men, nearly all too old to join any of His Majesty's forces, took part in practice at the range at Mr MARTIN's lime quarry. The ranges at the Hollybush Quarry, and the Limekilns, Eastnor, were also well patronised and at all three ranges the shooting was distinctly promising even on the part of men who have had no practice with a miniature or service rifle before.

Whatever comes of the scheme for an emergency defence force, and whether it will ever be required, or not, it is to be hoped that advantage will now be taken of the opportunity afforded to form miniature rifle clubs for the three districts named, and not allow the movement to simply drop after the war is over. Apart from the knowledge of rifle shooting gained from practice with a miniature rifle there is no more pleasant sport or recreation for the summer months than this. We have our air-rifle clubs in the winter, and there should be little difficulty in running miniature rifle clubs in the summer.

A number of leading townsmen and residents of the district met Colonel SCOBIE by invitation on Monday night on the subject of recruiting for Lord Kitchener's Second Army, and I understand that the town and district has been split into small divisions, and a gentleman appointed to each division with a view to securing recruits. It is gratifying to know that there has been a good response to the appeal for recruits in this district, in common with other parts of the country. The wave of patriotism has found vent in something far more to be prized than mere shouting and singing of songs and consumption of unlimited liquor. We learnt our lesson as a nation a few years ago.

The Territorials (Yeomanry and Infantry) from this and adjoining counties are getting on all right. More than that it is not my province to state.

War news is not the most easy thing to get, although the clash of arms in Europe is without parallel. The most strict censorship is being excercised, which is very different from the conditions which formerly obtained. Really, the most reliable news is that issued by the Official Press Bureau, for much of the contents of the war telegrams generally has been a gross exaggeration. It must be sufficient for us to know that all is well up to the present.

During last week two gentlemen who were well-known in this district have passed away in the persons of Major MYSONS formerly of Bosbury House, and Mr Henry MORGAN, late master of the Ledbury Workhouse. Although Major MYSONS had not resided at Bosbury for three years past, yet he continued to evince the keenest interest in the doings of his old parish, and never failed to be present at any of the leading functions in the village if it was at all possible for him to attend. The name of MYNORS was and is respected in the village of Bosbury, and the villagers heard with sincere regret of the death of one whose life had been so wound up in the place.

Mr Henry MORGAN, the late master of the Ledbury Workhouse, leaves behind him a record of public service which it does one good to reflect upon. The name of MORGAN and the home of Ledbury's poor had been almost synonymous terms for nearly 40 years, and it is given to few men to render such exemplary service as did the late Mr MORGAN to the Guardians, ratepayers and poor alike. It was indeed a home for the aged and infirm, and well did Alderman RILEY put it last Tuesday, when he said that Mr and Mrs MORGAN were more than Master and Matron of the Workhouse, they were father and mother there. In other departments of life Mr MORGAN spared not himself in the service of his fellow man, and he was gone to the great Beyond with the thought that of his era is be truly said "Well done, thee good and faithful servant .

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 22 08 1914

The whole of the Herefordshire Regiment, it is stated, has volunteered for foreign service.

A report is in circulation to the effect that a member of the "A" Company Herefordshire Territorials, was attacked by a German on the highway near Hereford and left on the roadside bound and gagged.

The colours of the 1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment were deposited in Hereford Cathedral on Monday immediately after the morning service. They were received by Dr. RACHDALL (Canon-in Residence), who delivered an impressive address.

Ledbury and District Air Rifle League - The annual meeting will be held at the New Inn Hotel, Ledbury, at 8p.m on Friday, August 28.

The Ledbury Hunt - Cub hunting will commence on Monday next, August 24th at Four Oaks, Dymock, at 5 a.m. Future meets will be duly announced.

The Baths - The Ledbury Swimming Baths are not yet completed, but the Council will allow bathing on Monday next between 7 and 9 a.m., and from 4 to an hour after sunset.

Ledbury Evening Classes - The annual meeting will be held at the Barrett-Browning Institute on Monday, August 24th, at 8 p.m. Lady COLVILE has kindly consented to present the prizes. Parents and others interested are cordially invited.

North Ledbury Hounds - The Master hopes to start cub hunting as soon as harvesting operations permit, and to carry on hunting during the war as far as possible, in accordance with the resolution passed by the committee of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, on Monday last.

Fire - The Ledbury Fire Brigade were called to a conflagration at Dingwood Park Farm at 3 a.m. on Monday morning. The Brigade left Ledbury at 3.30 a.m. and arrived at Dingwood Park at 3.40 a.m. On their arrival they found a clover rick on fire, about 22 tons. Carting operations were commenced, and the brigade were kept busy until four o'clock. The rick was close to the buildings, and some straw was also adjacent. The owner of the property is Colonel Henry HAFFIELD, and the tenant is Mr G.H. STALLARD. The property is covered by insurance.

PIGEONS DESTROYED

BIRDS THAT MAY CARRY GERMANY SECRETS

The authorities intend to confiscate or kill all pigeons owned by alien enemies in this country. This strong action follows upon information supplied to the War Office recently by a pigeon expert.

"The Germans have for years been training pigeons to fly from England," said the editor of the "Racing Pigeon," on Tuesday. "Their Government subsidises lofts of pigeons, which are kept in various places, including the forts. These pigeons have no doubt been used by spies for many years.

"A pigeon has flown 600 miles in ten hours. Every effort must be made to kill a bird seen flying across the North Sea. It might be quite as important for the crew of a warship to bring it down as for them to hit an aeroplane. The ring on an English bird bears the letters 'N.U.' but these letters do not appear on foreign birds.

"During the last few days detectives have visited a number of lofts, and have compelled German owners to kill every bird in their presence. Many birds are worth £10 each."

LEDBURY RELIEF COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Ledbury Relief Committee was held at the Church Room on Tuesday. Present : Rev. F.W. CARNEGY, Rev. F.C. LYNCH, Dr. GREEN, Messers, S.H. BICKHAM, E.H. HOPKINS, H. THATCHER, F.W. JUCKES, W.G. DAVIS, A. WARREN, A.G. SMITH, H.W. CROFT, A.C. LEWIS, R.G. LAWRENCE, and C. B. MASEFIELD.

Mr S.H. BICKHAM was unanimously elected chairman.

Messers. R. and C.B. MASEFIELD were appointed joint hon. secretaries.

Mr. HOPKINS stated that he had attended the meeting of the County Relief Committee held on the previous Saturday, and explained what had taken place and the desirability of all Parish Committees become subsidary to the County Committee.

Mr. HOPKINS proposed that the clerks to the County Committee should be written to with a request that Mr. BICKHAM's name be added to the County Committee as representing the Ledbury Committee.

Mr. A. WARREN seconded, and it was carried unanimously.

It was unanimously decided to invite Mr. H. DOWN and Mr. F. N. WHEATON to act as hon. treasurers of any funds that might be collected.

It was also decided that Mr. BICKHAM should ascertain from the persons he had already received subscriptions to what fund they wished their subscriptions placed to.

A further meeting is to be called directly the County Relief Committee have formulated their scheme. In the meantime any persons requiring immediate assistance should apply to Mr. C.B. MASEFIELD.

CORRESPONDENCE

A MUCH NEEDED WARNING

Sir, - I see that efforts are being made in this country to induce civilians to practice rifle shooting, in order that they may help to defend their country in case of invasion.

This is quite right in the case of men in the National Reserve or of lads who hope to enlist on attaining the proper age: but for others, speaking generally, this is worse than a mere waste of ammunition and range accommodation. Such men, unless they are enrolled in some authorized unit of the defence force and uniformed, would not only be shot like dogs if captured, but would bring down the most savage reprisals on their neighbours and villages.

Let me remind them of the German reprisals in consequence of the actions of the "Franc-tireurs" in the Franco-German war: though they were uniformed they did not belong to any branch of the Army, so villages were burnt and quiet inhabitants ruthlessly shot to stop this irregular way of defending their country.

So, too, now in Belgium.

To prevent further lamentable incidents of this nature all civilians in Namur are today being disarmed.

Let the men enlist, or join the National Reserve.

Of course, civilian expert shots would be very helpful in teaching recruits at this crisis.

ELLIOTT WOOD, Major-General, Retired. Pembridge.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 29 08 1914

To the Editor of the Ledbury Guardian,

Dear Sir, - I have read with interest, Sir Elliott WOOD's letter in your issue of last week and endorse all he says as to the utter impossibility of unofficial bodies of troops, but as to rifle practice I cannot agree with him. I sent you particulars of a scheme which a few people took to be a proposal for the establishment of some such unofficial force, but it was really nothing of the sort. The proposition was to teach men to shoot so that those who are not within the age limit now being enlisted should be to some extent prepared in case the War Office later on required their services and at the same time to encourage and bring together men who are of the age now required. The plan has been adopted on a very large number of estates and elsewhere, and I am pleased to say, with most satisfactory results. Enthusiasm has been created and a large number of recruits have been secured for Lord KITCHENER's new Army. Any doubt on the subject is clearly set aside by the number of recruits from this estate where the scheme was first started.

Your obedient servant,

ROGER ROWDEN, Eastnor Caster Estate Office, Near Ledbury

August 27th, 1914

APPEAL FOR CLOTHING FOR "C" COMPANY

Mrs W.B. WOOD-ROE, of The Slatch, Bosbury, wife of Major WOOD-ROE, issues an appeal for clothing for "C" Company of the 1st Battalion the Herefordshire Regiment. Grey flannel shirts and knitted socks are urgently needed at once. The present price of a ready-made Army shirt is 4s 3d and suitable knitted socks can be bought at 4s a pair. Any subscriptions, however small, or offers of help will gratefully received by Mrs. WOOD-ROE, The Slatch, Bosbury. Parcels, etc may also be sent to the Drill Hall, Ledbury.

The latest official news of the regiment can be obtained by friends of Territorials at the Drill Hall, Ledbury, on Tuesdays, between 2.30 and 4pm. Any information or advice will be given.

Kington Reporter Newspaper 29 08 1914

MASS MEETING AT LEDBURY.

Local Men Volunteer.

Herefordshire Regiment Accepted for Foreign Service.

Last (Thursday) night a patriotic mass meeting was held at the Feathers Hotel Assembly Room, Ledbury, which was packed to overflowing with men. Prior to the meeting the local members of the National Reserve, to the number of between 30 and 40 under Colour-Sergt. F W JUCKES, paraded at the Drill Hall, and headed by the Band of "C" Company of County Regiment of Territorials, which played selections of music, they marched through the main streets of the town, which were lined with people. A number of the Ledbury Company of the Church Lads' Brigade and Training Corps were also present under Captain C E BAKER and Acting Captain MOSS. After parading the town the procession drew up in front of the Feathers Hotel, where the Band played the National Anthem, and the Reservists then filed into the Assembly Room, which quickly filled up. The meeting was arranged by the Ledbury and District Recruiting Committee, of which Mr W L TILLEY is the hon. secretary. There could be no doubt of the success of the meeting from the first, as no less a distinguished servant of the King and country than Admiral of the Fleet Sir Arthur D FANSHAWE, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., of Donnington Hall, Ledbury, was chairman, and he was supported by Mr W A H MARTIN, Mr H W CROFT, Mr A Roger ROWDEN, Mr O N HOLT-NEEDHAM, Mr Reginald MASEFIELD, Mr T W SCORE-SMYTH, Rev Dr HARRIS, Mr J G HOLT, Colonel OMMANNEY, Mr Chas PIGGOTT, the Rector (Rev F W CARNEGY), etc., etc.

The Band under the conductorship of Mr C W JESSETT, played a selection at the opening of the meeting, and accompanied the singing of the National Anthem.

The Chairman, in opening the meeting, read the utterance of the Prime Minister, Mr ASQUITH, in the House of Commons, on Wednesday afternoon, to the effect that they required all the recruits they could get. They must not stop at 100,000 - Lord KITCHENER required 500,000. (Applause).

The Chairman then read letters and telegrams from gentlemen who could not be present. Lord BIDDULPH wrote that if the nation wanted to win in the war they were now engaged in they would have to call up every man to serve between the ages of 20 and 30, and he hoped it would be impressed upon the meeting with an adequate sense of responsibility. He had supported Lord ROBERTS, continued the letter, when people were lukewarm and indifferent; now they were faced with the consequences, and he daresay many of them now wished they had listened rather more than they did to that grand old soldier. (Cheers.) There were also letters or telegrams from Mr C W BELL, Dr M A WOOD and Mr Spencer H BICKHAM.

The Chairman said the object of their meeting that night was to make an earnest appeal to the young men of Herefordshire to respond to Lord KITCHENER's request to join the Army. Recruits were wanted and it was perfectly well known Lord KITCHENER had told them that 500,000 men were required. It appeared to him that their Expeditionary Army had been splendidly maintaining the traditions of the British Army. (Applause.) Their Army in France had been placed in the point of honour on the left flank when the fiercest attack had been, close to Mons. What had they at home been doing during the last fortnight? He thought the nation had done well. They had raised 100,000 men, who would be promptly drilled and trained. Seventy battalions of the Territorials had volunteered to go abroad and fight - (cheers) - by the side of the regular troops. That was a fine thing. They must remember that France had every men and boy in her service actually ready and actually serving. They in England could do a great deal more than they were doing - (hear, hear) - and in those long and strenuous operations - began so happily in many respects for our cause - an Army dwindled, and It was their business to recruit that Army by sending over more men. Our Army must go on gradually increasing if these operations extended. The point he wanted to make was that England could do more and France could not do more. That was the position to-day. The object of these operations going on at the present moment was to hold this great German host, keep them back until the Russian masses come up on them. (Applause.) They had got to see this great struggle through to victory - (applause) - as their forefathers saw the great struggle through with the Emperor Napoleon. In the past three weeks the country had acted splendidly up to that splendid example of their forefathers. No matter what losses and what trials they had to bear and face they must be faced. He asked them not to run away with the idea that they were going to be light. It behoved them as Britons to keep stout hearts, and it behoved them to keep the steady conviction in their minds that they were going to win this great struggle in the end. (Hear, hear.) Never in their lives had they so much reason to be proud of their country as they had today. What did they know six weeks ago as to what would happen? What had happened in this last month? They had received from Germany proposals stigmatised by their Prime Minister as infamous - a proposal that they should give away their French friends and make bargains behind their friends' backs. What led to the war was the action of Germany in breaking the solemn treaty to respect the neutrality of little Belgium. This country sent an ultimatum to Germany to say that if they intended to go back from that word and go into Belgium that meant war. No country ever went to war on a nobler and more just and more honest and fair cause than they had got. (Applause.) It was not only this country, but it was a fact that the great American nation and the neutral nations of Europe had expressed and shown their admiration for the cause Great Britain had gone into this war for, and that showed very distinctly that they were right in what they had done. The alternative was a perfectly clear one. It was thoroughly understood by all of them. This great overbearing, military, tyrannical power, Germany, was endeavouring to force the nations of Europe under its tyrannical heel, probably England following if they had not joined the others. Probably the command of the sea would have gone from them. That would be the miserable position this country would be in if it was conquered in this struggle. The other alternative was that they were to remain a happy, free and contended people. It must necessarily follow that we were to be relieved from the maintenance of excessive armies, the constant necessity for maintaining an enormous fleet, and going to an enormous cost in order that we might maintain the one thing we must have, the command of the sea. That money could be applied to other purposes for which it was desired. They would think it natural that he might say a word to them about the officers and men of the Fleet (Applause.) He wanted to put before them what the officers and men of the Fleet had done since war was declared. The Fleet had blockaded, and absolutely tied the hand and confined to harbours the great German Fleet. The British Fleet had maintained the command of the sea and had they not joined in this great struggle the German Fleet would have had command of the sea. The German Fleet could have moved a great German force on the North Coast of France, which would have made it necessary for a great French Army to be diverted there, and that would have had a tremendous effect. The fact of our Fleet being somewhere in the North sea - laughter) - had prevented that, so far without any battles or anything but small trivial operations. The Fleet had choked up entirely the food supply of Germany from the North Sea is exactly the same manner as the French Fleet, assisted by certain of our ships, had choked up the food supply from the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. The third service the Navy had rendered, was the one they knew was the most delicate and difficult and one that required more care than anything else - sending troops on helpless transports across the sea. They had sent a big Army of something like 100,000 men across with sea without the loss of a single man. (Applause.) The service of guarding the sea was a great one and the Navy hoped to continue to reinforce that Army and keep command of the sea. He hoped his countrymen would realise what it was to be there for weeks, never for one moment relaxing a most vigilant look-out, in many respects a far heavier strain than it would be to go to battle as they wanted to do and would be only too glad to do, with the German Fleet when they came out. (Applause). He felt it to be difficult for an old officer like himself, who had served for 50 years, until the last four years he had spent in Herefordshire - it was difficult for them to understand the attitude of men who were known to be in the kingdom, whom he must describe as shirkers. How could they read the papers and see what their troops and what the officers and the men of the Fleet were doing? How could they read this and remain in their occupations in this happy country? Look at what France and gallant little Belgium were going through. (Loud applause). Look at the blessings we had and ought to be thankful for, and was it not the least thing an able-bodied man could do to go and serve his country when Lord KITCHENER asked him to. (Applause). He was sure he might say that Herefordshire would remember NELSON's signal, "England expects every man to do his duty." (Loud applause).

The Chairman then read a letter from Colonel SCOBIE, regretting his inability to attend, and reporting that Herefordshire had recruited 300 for the Territorials, 500 for the National Reserve, and 400 for the Regular Army. All National Reservists under the age of 42 were allowed to enlist in the 100,000 Army, and such men should apply to the Barracks at Hereford. (Applause)./font>

Colonel OMMANEY then delivered an address in the course of which he made a special appeal to men between 19 and 30 not yet having served in the Army, who had in them the makings of as good soldiers as the nation ever turned out - the best in the world. (Applause.) His strong advice to them was to do what Lord Kitchener asked them to do, and not wait until he told them to. (Hear, hear.) England wanted a million men at least in the next six months. The Field Force must be kept up to its present strength, and at the end of the present war Britain would be in stronger position as a military power than she had ever been, and would be ab le to ensure that the peace which would be concluded would be a lasting one. This was the greatest war in history, and there was a chance for them to earn the new war medal, the best of all war medals, "Germany, 1914." (Loud applause.)

Mr A Roger ROWDEN followed with a speech which roused the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm, in the course of which he said the speeches they had just listened to must have brought home to them their duty. Lord KITCHENER had asked for 100,000 men and had got them. (Applause.) Lord KITCHENER had asked for 500,000, "and he'll get 'em," said Mr ROWDEN, amid full-throated cheers from those present. He appealed to employers and parents to do their duty and to put aside their personal feelings at this time. The recruiting had been magnificent and Herefordshire and this district could be proud. Up to now they had boasted and they had been able to pride themselves on a Volunteer Army, but he appealed to them not to let it be said at the first national crisis they had that they had got to go to the other thing. (Applause.) He had received a telegram from Colonel SCOBIE in which he said that the Herefordshire Regiment had volunteered for foreign service and had been accepted. (Loud applause.) They had authority to recruit for foreign service men between the ages of 17 and 35. "Hands up for those who will enlist," concluded Mr ROWDEN, amid cheers, and immediately up went 20 hands.

The recruits then marched up and gave in their names to Mr W L TILLEY and were announced by the Chairman, after which the men passed on to Mr T PORTER, the Recruiting Officer. In all 27 men, some of them old soldiers and some married men with families, volunteered.

Mr W A H MARTIN proposed, and the Rector seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman and speakers, to the National Reservists and the Band for the parade, to Mr HOWELL for use of the room, to the vocalists and accompanist, to the men who had volunteered, and the mothers of the young men.

This was carried by acclamation and the Chairman briefly replied. An excellent programme of harmony was contributed by Mr H W CROFT, Mr J W TEAGUE, Mr J BACHE, Mr E W REED, Mr H B WHYLD, Mr David SMITH, junr., and Mr Arthur SHARP (Hereford). Mr F A HOBRO and Mr W G DAVIS were the accompanists.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 05 09 1914

ROLL OF HONOUR

The following men enlisted at the meeting on Wednesday night, and have been added to the Roll Of Honour list.

LOCAL WAR NEWS

Lord BIDDULPH has given £50 to the Gloucestershire War Fund.

Mr. W. L. TILLEY is the hon. Secretary of the Ledbury Town Recruiting Committee.

Wanted, (Battlecoats) for all Able-bodied Youth in this country who have not yet joined the Navy or Army. - "The Times."

The Ledbury and District Recruiting Committee are making a thorough canvas of the town with a view to ascertaining the number of men between the ages of 17 and 50.

An enthusiastic recruiting meeting was held in the Hope End Schoolroom, Wellington Heath, last evening (Thursday), when short speeches were delivered by well-known local gentlemen.

A message was received from the Admiralty on Thursday morning by Mrs POTTER, whose husband is a naval Reservist, asking her to go to Devonport by the earliest possible train. Mr. POTTER is well-known here as the caretaker of the Cemetery.

Mr. J. PARRY MITCHELL, Ledbury, who commenced hoppicking on September 2nd, has introduced a Red Cross Crib. All money earned at the crib will be devoted to Red Cross work. All persons desirous of picking hops are heartily welcomed.

Major G. S. CLIVE. Grenadier Guards and M.P. for Herefordshire, is appointed a General Staff Officer. Major CLIVE, who is a ??ion of the great Shropshire hero and statesman, served in the Nile Expedition of ( 1898 ) (medal), and again in South Africa (1899-1900) as a Special Service Officer (Queen's medal)

We notice that in the windows of Messrs. L. TILLEY and Son. High Street, Ledbury, some very interesting photographs showing what is going on in Winnipeg, Canada to assist Great Britain during the war. The photos were taken on August 9, a few days after the declaration of war by England. Well done Winnipeg.

Dr. J. McKEAN HARRISON, who is at present serving with his regiment departed from Ledbury for Bury St. Edmonds on Saturday evening last. As he passed along the Southend in Mr. C. B. MASEFIELD'S car he received a hearty cheer from the crowd of people who were standing outside the "Guardian" Office.

On Tuesday evening the Army Recruiting Van visited Ledbury and held an open-air meeting outside the old Town Hall. A large number of people were attracted, and pictures of the British Fleet. Etc., were shown. Corporal H. A. HARMAN and Corporal WEER were in charge of the van, and stirring addresses were delivered. The proceedings concluded with the National Anthem.

The attention of the public is called to the possibility of messages being dropped from aeroplanes. The messages will be enclosed in a weighted canvas bag fastened with two spring clips attached to which are two streamers of blue, red and yellow cloth each 43ft long. Any person finding or aiding such a bag dropped from an aeroplane should at once open it and take steps to forward the enclosed message to the person for whom it is intended.

On Thursday morning the Mayor of Hereford received a letter from Mrs CLIVE (who is acting with Captain P.A. CLIVE, M.P. on behalf of the committee for Belgian Refugees) stating that due notice would be given when the contingent for Hereford is likely to arrive, which will probably not be for a day or two. Mrs CLIVE added that the committee were deeply grateful for the kind and prompt response made by the Mayor on behalf of the people of Hereford.

On Sunday in a field at Yarkhill a meeting was held with the object of encouraging local recruiting - Mr Paul FOLEY presided and the speakers included Colonel SCOBIE, Colenel BOURNE and Mr A. WATKINS, all of whom encouraged all eligible men in their countrys' interests to join the Army. It was also suggested by one speaker that those who might join and would not really deserve to be boycotted in the parish. The gathering was a large one, and afterwards a number of recruits were forthcoming

Among the Herefordshire men who fought in the Naval Battle were the following :-

Richard ONSLOW, son of the Rev. M.R.S. ONSLOW, Stoke Edith. HMS Queen Mary.

G.J. LANE, son of Mr and Mrs William LANE, Withington. H.M.S. Queen Mary

Albert J. SCANDRETT, son of Mr and Mrs SCANDRETT, Withington. H.M.S. Queen Mary

P. Knill, Withington, H.M.S. Queen Mary

G.W.B. HARTLEY (nephew of Canon BANNISTER) midshipman, H.M.S. Lion, flagship of the First Battle Cruiser Squadron.

A committee has been formed in Ledbury to deal with the surplus fruit which may otherwise be wasted. It will be made into jam to be used for relief purposes and any help by giving fruit or jars or by taking shares of 2s 6d each to cover necessary expenditure for sugar etc will be gratefully received by the committee. Shares may be obtained from Mrs H.W. ORME, Normanshust, Bank Crescent, Ledbury which will be refunded in jam if desired. Fruit and jars should be sent without delay to the church, Ledbury.

During the present week recruiting has been fairly brisk in this locality, and quite a good number of men have been conveyed to Hereford in motor cars. More recruits are however urgently needed. On Wednesday evening next a recruiting meeting will be held in the grounds of the Colwall Park Hotel, when it is hoped there will be a very large attendance especially of men eligible for enlistment in the Army. On Thursday evening next a meeting will be held at Dymock. There will be a musical programme.

CORRESPONDENCE

To the Editor of the Ledbury Guardian. AN APPEAL FOR FRUIT FOR LOCAL TERRITORIAL.

Sir, - May I through the medium of your paper, make an appeal to all owners of fruit trees, to send me fruit which I will be pleased to forward to C Company 1st Battalion Hereford Regiment. In view of the bad season experienced in prices many growers must have large stocks on hand which do not pay for picking and which must consequently go to waste. No doubt if fruit was sent to our local men it would be greatly appreciated. Fruit and nuts of all kinds would be very acceptable.

I have to thank Mr. DAVIS at Fair Tree, Ledbury for a quantity of greengages, Anon cwt of apples and Mr. HATTON apples, who have already supplied fruit; Also Mr. F. W. TAYLOR who has generously offered to supply boxes for packing purposes. All fruit sent will be acknowledged through the press.

Trusting to meet with a ready response,

I am, yours faithfully, SIDNEY FRANCIS ALLEN. Talbot Hotel, Ledbury. September 1st, 1914.

TOWN CRIER

Recruiting is proceeding vigourously in Ledbury, as in other parts of the country, but there still remains a lot to be done. There are quite a number of young men in the town who have no-one dependent on them who should now realise their responsibilities to the nation. That there are men of this stamp is due to their lack of education or the misdirection of their education which has resulted in an absolute ignorance of anything they owe to their country. There is a class, mainly to be found in country towns whose only aim is to do the best they can for themselves with the least possible expenditure of labour. Their whole outlook on life is one of selfishness coupled with ignorance. For this the education authorities of the last ten years are in the main responsible, but this realisation does not help matters now. That they will be called upon to do their duty they may rest assured. This war is going to cost far more in men and in money than most people have yet any conception of. Up to the present we have had to fight on the defensive, but it must be remembered that the time will come when we shall have to reverse such position and it is then that every man in the country will have to be prepared to do his duty. And if he doesnt he will be made. We have tolerated "do nothings" and "loafers" for a generation, but, now we are fighting for our very life as a nation, these individuals will have to show good cause for their existance.

It cannot be to widely known that complete arrangements have been made at the Drill Hall, Ledbury for accepting recruits for Lord KITCHENER 's Army. The men can be both medically examined and sworn in.

Sources

1914 Newent Reporter Newspaper - Herefordshire History

1914 - 1919 Ledbury Guardian Newspaper - Herefordshire History

Ledbury Reporter

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