The Intelligencer Janary 6, 1917 (page 3)
“London, Dec. 22, 1916. Dear Mrs. Dingman, Our Department of Militia has, I presume, advised you of the death on October 6 last of your son, who was No. 8200 Lance-Corpl. W. Dingman, of our 2nd Canadian Battalion. I assume you are his mother.
You will, I know, be gratified to know that your brave boy’s body was buried with all the ordinary marks of honor and respect shown as far as possible under very strict active service conditions. The service was conducted by me, in the presence of representatives of the 2nd Battalion,—all who could be spared from duty to attend.
Articles of personal interest, belonging to your son, will be sent to you through our Record office. I am sorry I cannot give exact location of grave as that is not allowed, but I have marked it with a cross and location can be easily established after the war. Yours very truly, Rev. D. V. Warner, Major.”
[Note: Private William Andrew Dingman died on October 6, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 78 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer January 6, 1917 (page 6)
“Another Bellevillian Wounded. Mrs. Mary Wardhaugh, who resides at 156 1/2 Church street in this city was on Thursday in receipt of the following telegram: Ottawa, Ont., Jan. 3, May Wardhaugh, 156 1/2 Church St., Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you that 410664 Private Edward Wardhaugh infantry, officially reported wounded Nov. 18th, 1916. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in Charge Records.”
The Intelligencer January 6, 1917 (page 7)
“Get Food to The Canadians in German Prisons. Toronto. Thanks to the Canadian Red Cross, Canadian prisoners in Germany are not threatened with any shortage of food, although the food situation in Germany is acute. There are 2,196 Canadians confined in Germany. They are scattered in ninety camps, and the task of caring for them is made very difficult by the German practice of shifting prisoners from place to place. The Red Cross, however, has been extremely successful in finding the men and getting food through to them.
Each man gets every week 6 pounds of bread, besides parcels of other food. The expense of providing for these prisoners is $120 a year. Thus a great hole is made in the Canadian Red Cross finances, and Toronto will have an opportunity of helping this organization in the big campaign coming in two weeks.
The work of the Patriotic Fund is no less useful in caring for the dependents of soldiers. The local branch has received many letters of appreciation from soldiers, because they know that those dependents left here are being cared for.”
The Intelligencer January 6, 1917 (page 8)
“Why do You ask Us for so Much Money for the Canadian Patriotic Fund? This question is often asked, by persons and by municipal councils, when the matter of liberal giving to the Fund is brought before them. … The Fund asks for so much money because Canada has given her men so lavishly to the Great Cause. Between 300,000 and 400,000 have volunteered. If their families need help, this Fund provides it. … Since the war began, the people of Canada have subscribed to this Fund $16,495,000. For 1917 they will be asked to give—and will give $12,500,000. Of this sum, Ontario is being asked to guarantee—and will guarantee—at least $6,000,000.
One Word More: No man should ignore his personal responsibility towards the families of those who are fighting for him, simply because his Municipal Council is taxing him slightly for the same object. He owes these people far more. Perhaps he is too poor to pay more. If not, it is up to him to give a generous cheque to his local Patriotic Fund Committee, or mail it to The Canadian Patriotic Fund, Vittoria Street, Ottawa.”
First World War Belleville 