The Intelligencer August 29, 1917 (page 1)
“Belleville Soldier Killed in Action. Mr. E. H. Farrow, residing at 19 Patterson Street in this city, and who is connected with the Bell Telephone Company, this morning received the sad intelligence that his son, Pte. William Thomas Farrow, had been killed in action. It was an official notice from the Record Office Ottawa.
‘Bud’ as he was familiarly known about the city enlisted with the 155th Battalion and left for overseas with that Battalion. He was a Sergeant in the Stretcher Bearer Corps. The young hero was in every respect a model young man, and previous to enlistment was clerking in a business place in this city. He had a large circle of friends, who will deeply regret to learn of his demise. Another brother went overseas with the 155th Battalion. To the parents and members of the family will be extended the heartfelt sympathy of all citizens.”
[Note: Private William Thomas Farrow died on August 18, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 236 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer August 29, 1917 (page 2)
“Belleville Soldier Returns from Overseas. Mrs. J. I. Newton, 46 Hillcrest Avenue, was surprised and delighted this morning when her soldier son, Driver H. Newton, returned unexpectedly from overseas, on a well-earned furlough.
Driver Newton enlisted with the 34th Battery three years ago and went overseas. He has been almost continually up with the big guns doing valiant service for Canada and the Empire. Fortunately escaping serious injury, he was the victim of the German poison gas, which still gives him considerable trouble, but it is hoped that with rest and care at home he will soon shake this memento of Hun ‘frightfulness’ from his system.
Driver Newton’s brother, Rodney, who also went overseas in the service of the Empire was taken prisoner on June 16, 1916, and is confined at the German prison camp at Frederickfield.
The many friends of Driver Newton are extending him a warm welcome. He is very optimistic as to the outcome of the war and says it is only a matter of time until complete victory is achieved by the allies. We have the war well in hand now and are dealing such effective blows to the German war machine that the war may be over before next spring.”
The Intelligencer August 29, 1917 (page 2)
“Many Wounds But Cheerful. Private James Dudley, who resided in Belleville for five years, living with the family of Mrs. Henn, 70 S. George Street, and working at the Rolling Mills, enlisted in the 155th Battalion and has seen much service and suffering.
He is now in the Edmonton Military Hospital, London, England, and has lost his left leg amputated above the knee, has two gunshot wounds in his neck, one in the right arm, one in the right leg and finally, as though fate took a final fling, many of his teeth were knocked out by another shell, but he is cheerful, and convalescent, and will return to Canada to marry his fiancée, who is in Hamilton.
Mrs. Henn hears regularly from him and his many friends will be glad to learn that he escaped with his life in the great battle of May 10 where he was so severely wounded.”
The Intelligencer August 29, 1917 (page 7)
“Supreme Sacrifice of Madoc Soldier. Madoc. The following telegram was received Wednesday, Aug. 22nd by a well-known townsman Joseph Burns. Regret to report to you that Sergt. John Edward Burns died of wounds received Aug. 15th.
Sergt. J. Edward Burns was born on the 25th of November, 23 years ago, and spent his life time in Madoc. He received his Public and High School education in Madoc schools, having received his 2nd class certificate at the age of 17 years. He then attended Madoc Model school and taught school for two years.
When the war broke out he enlisted in December, 1914, at Belleville, with the 39th battalion, and left on June 23rd, 1915, for England where he remained until December of that year when he was drafted to the 24th Battalion, France. His first fight was at St. Eloi, from there to Courcelette, all through the Somme over Vimy Ridge and up to Lens. For twenty months he fought the Hun and played the part of the hero, with never a complaint, only at times, he would speak of the hard fighting.
Eddie, as he was known in Madoc, was one of our first boys to go, and he has set an example which any young man should be proud of laying down his life for his God and country that his friends might enjoy freedom.
While the citizens of his home town regret this untimely end, they honor and revere him as a hero gone to receive from the King of Kings that great ‘Well done good and faithful servant enter thou into the joys prepared for thee from the beginning of the world.
Sergt. Burns was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Burns of Madoc, brother of James Burns of Elk Lake, New Ontario, and the Misses Kay and Jean Burns of Madoc, all of whom have the sympathy of their host of friends in this community.
One more gone for freedom’s sake / Where so many lie. / Falling down without complaint / Not afraid to die.”
[Note: Sergeant John Edward Burns died on August 15, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 210 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer August 29, 1917 (page 8)
“The Spirit of the Gift. The following letter from Lt.-Col. McLaughlin, now commanding the old ‘Iron Scotland,’ heroes of Ypres, is both graceful and suggestive. The ladies of Elzevir may well say to each and all ‘go thou and do likewise,’—similar acknowledgement came from the 21st to Colonel Ponton a short time ago: 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment. August 9th, 1917.
Colonel W. N. Ponton, K.C., Belleville, Ont., Canada. Dear Col. Ponton:—I should like you to convey to the ladies of Queensboro, Ontario, the most cordial thanks of the County of Hastings boys in the 2nd Battalion, for their generous gift of comforts and cigarettes which were duly received.
Nothing is calculated to brave up the spirits of the men more than the conviction that our people at home bear us continually in their mind, and are always taking the liveliest interest in our welfare. This conviction substantiated by the very appropriate and thoughtful gift of the ladies of Queensboro, is a source of real assistance and in no small way helps to bear the rigours of a very hard campaign with considerably more equanimity and cheerfulness than would otherwise be the case.
Again, please accept the hearty thanks which I tender in the name of the County men. Yours very faithfully, L. T. McLaughlin.”
First World War Belleville 