The Intelligencer September 23, 1916 (page 1)

“The Militia Department has issued an order to the effect that in future military men will not be obliged to wear moustaches. No reason for the new order being passed is given.

Eligibles who kept clear of the recruiting officer for fear they would have to wear a moustache if they enlisted may now sign up with the knowledge they will at least be boss of their own upper lip.”

The Intelligencer September 23, 1916 (page 1)

“War Loan Over-Laps. Second Canadian Issue Has Phenomenal Reception at Hands of Public. Ottawa. The books of the second domestic war loan will close to-morrow with the issue over-subscribed by at least 50 per cent. The subscribers may even reach a total considerably in excess of $150,000,000.

There is no official information from which the amount can be estimated, but as far back as a week ago there was little probability of the chartered banks securing allotments for any of the fifty millions subscribed by them. The banks, as stated previously, will come in only after the general public have received their allotments, and if the whole issue is taken up by the public, as seems more than probable, there will be nothing for the banks. …

The reception of the loan by Canadians and by subscribers outside of Canada has been phenomenal.”

The Intelligencer September 23, 1916 (page 2)

“Popular Belleville Officer Reported Killed at Front. …  Amongst the officers reported killed is the name of Lieut. B.K. Allen, and while no official notification has been received in Belleville by his parents or relatives, there seems to be no doubt but that ‘Bert’, as he was familiarly known, has given his life for King and country.

He was an officer of the 39th Battalion when it left Belleville in 1915, and retained his commission when attached to the 21st Battalion. Bert was deservedly popular, not only with his associates in the city, but with his comrades in arms. He was 32 years of age, being the second son of Mr. N. Allen, coal merchant of Belleville, and a brother of Major A.P. Allen, the popular Major of the 155th Battalion and Lieut. W. Allen, who is connected with the Machine Gun Section of the 155th Battalion.

Previous to enlistment for overseas service, Lieut. Allen was in the inland revenue department at the Belleville office, and was a most efficient official. He was unmarried. Should it be true that he is numbered amongst the officers killed, the heartfelt sympathy of all citizens will be extended to the parents and relatives.

Later. Since the above was written a message has been received conveying the sad intelligence that Lieut. Allen is numbered with the dead. The following telegram was received this afternoon:—Ottawa, Sept. 23rd, 1916. Capt. N. Allen, Belleville,—Sincerely regret to inform you Lieut. Bertram Kerr Allen, infantry, officially reported killed in action on September 15th. Officer in charge Record Office.”

[Note: Lieutenant Bertram Kerr Allen died on September 15, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 46 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 22, 1916 (page 2)

“Noted Band of 155th. The band of the 155th Battalion under Bandmaster Hinchey is acknowledged to be one of the best that ever represented an overseas battalion. Headquarters thinks the same way, and it is understood that there is a movement to try and persuade Lieut.-Col. M.K. Adams to allow it to remain in this military district. Headquarters could use it to good advantage for recruiting purposes, and the idea is to keep it where it will do the most valuable work.

Major A.P. Allen, 155th Battalion, is spoken for as the officer to command a new battalion for Belleville, Hastings and Prince Edward. The band may, however, go into this new battalion, as it would then be remaining in the district in which it was organized. …  Every person seems to want to get this splendid band, but the 155th will keep it for the present at least.”

The Intelligencer September 22, 1916 (page 3)

“Honor for the 80th Band. Word has just been received in Kingston that the band of the 80th was chosen to proceed to the front to play to the men in the trenches. The band was selected as a representative one of Canada. No further particulars than these were given. It is satisfactory to find that the bands of Canada are evidently appreciated on the other side.”

The Intelligencer September 22, 1916 (page 3)

“Fifteen Canadians Win Military Medals. London.—The following Canadians have been awarded the Military Medal: …  8,069, Sergt. [Robert Newell] Broad [Madoc] …  All are infantrymen.”

The Intelligencer September 22, 1916 (page 6)

” ‘Always a Clean Chin!’ AutoStrop Safety Razor. The only complete razor. Strops, shaves and cleans without taking anything apart. Send one to your soldier friend.”

The Intelligencer September 22, 1916 (page 7)

“Another Belleville Hero Has Fallen. Mr. Addison Vandervoort, of this city, who resides on West Moira street, and who is Deputy Registrar of Hastings County this morning received a telegram from the Record Office, Ottawa, which conveyed sad intelligence. It was to the effect that his second son, Private Milton Vandervoort was officially reported killed on September 9th.

When it became known about the city that Milton had made the supreme sacrifice, expressions of regret were heard on all hands, as he was a young man who was deservedly popular.

Pte. Vandervoort enlisted in Belleville, and was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 1st division, and went overseas with the first Canadian Contingent. He was under command of Capts O’Flynn and Ponton, and in Corporal C.A. Gibson’s section.

On June 15th, 1915, he was wounded and upon recovering again went to the front. He was also at one time a victim of gas. Details of how he met his death are not known.

A brother of the young hero is at present in the 155th Battalion at Barriefield. To Mr. Vandervoort and family will be extended the heartfelt sympathy of all citizens in this, their hour of sore bereavement.”

[Note: Private Milton Vandervoort died on September 9, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 176 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 1)

“Fewer Troops This Winter in Canada. Ottawa. At the rate at which battalions are now being sent overseas there will not be more than about sixty thousand Canadian troops left in Canada at the beginning of winter. …  Last winter more than 100,000 troops were quartered in November and December in the various centres throughout the Dominion.

By the beginning of November there will be considerably more than this number in training in England, where climatic conditions are considered better for effective battalion and brigade training during the winter months. In addition to this reason for sending the troops overseas this fall, there is the further reason that they will then be immediately available in the spring for movement to the front for what it is hoped will be the final big offensive.”

The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (pages 1, 2)

“Casualties Among Canadian Troops. Killed in Action. Pte. John J. Palmer, Corbyville, Ont. ”

[Note: Private John Jacob Palmer died on September 4, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 144 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

“Went from Belleville. James Smith, No. 8258, who was recorded in yesterday’s casualties as wounded, enlisted with the Fifteenth, First Contingent, and is well known in the city. His home was specified as Scotland.

Cannifton Boy Wounded. Mrs. Bellis of Cannifton has received word that her husband, Pte. Bellis has been wounded at the front. He was admitted to No. 9 General Hospital, Rouen, on September 10, with a gun shot wound to the shoulder.

Amongst the Wounded. Amongst the list today of Canadians wounded appears the name of Lieut. Campbell, who is a grandson of the late Mr. George Taylor, who was sheriff of Hastings county, and also a grandson of the late Lt.-Col. A.A. Campbell, a former commander of the 15th Regiment. Lieut. Campbell had received the D.C.O. and military cross. He had twice been wounded.”

The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 2)

“Artistic Maple Leaf. Last fall Colonel Ponton sent to a friend in England fifty young maple trees (seedlings) from his farm, and today is in receipt of a beautiful natural reproduction in color of a perfect maple leaf from one of these trees (which are all being acclimatized), with the following legend written beneath it:—’Ponton Maplette—the eldest of the maples from Belleville sends his love and portrait to show how he is growing, London, England, 7th September, 1916.’

Some of the trees will be planted on Canadian graves and at Canadian Hospitals.”

The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 3)

“Edith Cavell Day In Our Schools. Hon. G. Howard Ferguson, acting Minister of Education, has appointed Tuesday, October 3rd, as ‘Edith Cavell Day’ in the public, separate and high schools of Ontario. In a signed letter to teachers and pupils, made public by Dr. A.H.U. Colquhoun, Deputy Minister of Education, the Minister states that it is proposed to erect in Ontario a memorial statue to the heroic martyred nurse, and takes ‘much pleasure in recommending to school Boards and teachers the desirability of permitting the merits and claims of this worthy undertaking to be placed before the pupils in order that the young of Ontario may take such part and lend such aid as the school authorities and their parents consider appropriate.’

For this purpose the day has been set apart for the consideration of the life and death of the martyred heroine in the schools of Ontario. ‘It is believed,’ says the chairman in his letter, ‘that the children will be glad to subscribe, and the teachers are requested to point out that no sum is too small for each child.’ ”

The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 7)

“Belleville Cheese Board Red Cross Association report that letters have been received from the French Emergency War Relief gratefully acknowledging the cases sent by this society. …  Dear Mrs. Lazier.—A most delightful surprise reached us two days ago, and I scarcely know how to thank you. …  It all came as such a surprise it was a double pleasure, and I only wish I had time to tell you a little about these brave French soldier patients. …

The pillows, hot water bottle covers, pyjamas (which we use as suits for our convalescents) mop cloths and lovely doctor’s towels were made use of immediately. With thanks to each and all of those who are ‘holding the ropes’ at home, believe me, Yours very sincerely, Helen McMurrich. P.S.—I wonder if the societies know that the French soldier only gets 8 cents per day each. They send their gratitude and appreciation. H.M.

From Capt. B.K. Allen, Flanders. Dear Mrs. Lazier:—I received the parcel that you so kindly sent to the boys, sometime ago, but as we were just going into the trenches I did not have an opportunity of writing to you. Sergt. Ernie Geen distributed the socks to the boys and they were very glad to get them, and I trust will acknowledge in due time. …

Our battalion has just come out of the front line, and we are at present in a nice wood behind the line getting the kinks out of us. Again thanking you on behalf of the boys, and trusting that you are all well at home, I remain. Yours truly, B.K. Allen.”

The Intelligencer September 20, 1916 (page 2)

“Stirling Soldier Dies. In the Canadian casualty list to-day appears the name of Edward P. Bean of Stirling, Ont., who died of wounds.”

[Note: Private Edward Roy Bean died on September 5, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 52 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

“Belleville Boy Wounded. Amongst the Canadian list of wounded today appears the name Sherwood M. Wood, Belleville, Ont., reported wounded. He was in the infantry.”

“Pte. Anderson Wounded. Mrs. H.M. Anderson, No. 7 West Bridge Street, received a telegram this morning informing her that her son, Private Harold Anderson, No. 412177, was wounded and was admitted to No. 3 Boulogne Hospital, shrapnel multiple. This is the second time Private Harold Anderson has been wounded in France.”

“Killed in Action. Lieut. Lyman Clark MacColl of Ottawa, officially reported killed in action, was known to many in Belleville, having been for some time physical drill instructor of the 80th Battalion. Lieut. MacColl was a fine specimen of a soldier, his physique being of commanding appearance. He left for the front with the 80th Battalion. Although of the same name as Dr. MacColl of this city, they were not related.”

[Note: Lieutenant Lyman Clark McColl died on September 15, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 123 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 20, 1916 (page 3)

“From Percy S. Palmer. Belgium, Aug. 23rd, 1916. Dear Mother:—Received your most welcome letter to-night, and read it by candle light. …  Well, the war don’t look much nearer the end now than when I enlisted, but with the good work the Russians are doing and the Italians, we can only hope that it will help bring this terrible struggle to a speedy close. …

I would like to be in Belleville about the time it freezes up to have a good game of hockey. The winter here is said to be very damp and miserable, so the boys in the trenches must put in a very tough time. Well, mother, as I have exhausted my stock of ammunition. I will close, hoping you are all well. Remember me to all my friends. Your loving son, Percy S. Palmer.”

The Intelligencer September 20, 1916 (page 4)

“The Price of Newspapers. For two years, during the greatest war in history, Canadian newspaper readers have been able to read of the movements of armies in every corner of the world a few hours after the events chronicled occurred. …  The cost of these ‘Eyewitness’ reports, which have taken the place of the skeletonized narrative of the war correspondent of other days, has been great. …

A prospective paper famine involving a very serious addition to the cost of white paper has increased still further the publishers’ difficulties. Workmen also, who find the price of every necessary of life advancing, bring irresistible pressure to bear upon employers for a higher scale of wages.

The result of all this is a movement to increase the price of both daily and weekly papers. Many weeklies have gone up from a dollar to a dollar and a half a year. …  Many publishers of daily papers throughout Canada, both morning and evening, refuse longer to attempt the almost impossible task of turning out a one-cent daily.”

The Intelligencer September 19, 1916 (page 7)

“Cases Were Received. Mrs. F.E. O’Flynn, the head of the Belleville Committee of Ladies, who held a sock shower in the Armouries July 14, this morning received the following letter:—Mrs. F.E. O’Flynn, 149 Bridge St. East, Belleville, Ont. Dear Madam:—The four cases of 500 pairs of socks mentioned in your advice of August 24th are now to hand and are quite in order.

I am directed to convey to you the very grateful thanks of the Ladies’ Committee for this generous gift which we are sending to the French soldiers as you request.

With very grateful thanks, Sincerely yours, Eleanor McLaren Brown, Hon. Sec. Ladies’ Committee, C.W.C.A.”

The Intelligencer September 18, 1916 (page 1)

“Battalions Not to Be Split. Ottawa. The experience of the Militia Department last winter with regard to the billeting of troops in small detachments throughout the country was not such as to encourage a continuation of this practice.

A year ago announcement was made by the Minister of Militia that where twenty-five recruits or upwards were enlisted in one district, they might be billeted for the winter in that district. The difficulties of supervision, the impossibility of effective training, the greatly increased cost, and the difficulties with regard to medical examinations have been so serious that the practice will not be followed this winter.

After mature deliberation it has been decided in militia council that units already mobilized would not be broken up this winter, but will be quartered where such can be most efficiently and economically done, in battalions.”

The Intelligencer September 18, 1916 (page 2)

“Local Soldiers Wounded. Among the list of wounded in to-day’s casualties appear the names of two Belleville men, Morley L. Ackerman and Redford Richardson. Sergt. Robert Broad of Madoc is also listed as wounded.”

The Intelligencer September 18, 1916 (page 2)

“Mr. William McGie, merchant of Belleville, this morning received the following telegram: Ottawa, Sept. 17th, 1916. Wm. McGie, Belleville. Sincerely regret to inform you Lieut. Wm. Robertson McGie, infantry, officially reported wounded on September 15th. Officer in Record Office.

Lieut. McGie referred to is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McGie of this city and is 22 years of age. He has been on active service at the front for some time. He enlisted with the 99th Essex Battalion at Windsor, Ont. His many friends in this city will hope that his injuries are not of a serious nature.”

The Intelligencer September 18, 1916 (page 2)

“Nine Standard Hotels in City. Of the fourteen hotels in the city under license only nine this morning opened up to conduct business as Standard Hotels. They were Docters Hotel, Albion Hotel, Hastings House, City Hotel, Anglo-American Hotel, the Queen’s Hotel, the Windsor Hotel and the Hotel Quinte.

The hotels which were not granted standard licenses were the Dominion, Victoria, International, Kyle House and the Ferry House. In the case of the Kyle House, the proprietors did not make application for a license.”

The Intelligencer September 18, 1916 (page 7)

“Regarding Young Sprague. Peterboro Ont., Sept. 16, 1916. Dear Sir:—Young Sprague who enlisted with the 8th C.M.R. last year at Belleville, is a prisoner of war in Stuttgart, Germany. He laid out five days with both legs broken, before he was rescued by the Germans and made prisoner. They had to amputate one of his legs. His address is, Reserve Lazarett III. Rollschuylahm, Wuttemberg, Stuttgart, Germany.

He enlisted with my son, Lieut. Fred S. Hubbs, who is a prisoner of war in the same hospital at present, and so far as Fred knows, Sprague has no relatives in Belleville, but I reckon some good people in Belleville will gladly send some parcels for Sprague as soon as they know of his situation. Yours truly, C.E. Hubbs.

Editor’s Note.—The above no doubt refers to Pte. Milburn P. Sprague, an article concerning whom appeared in The Intelligencer of September 14th.”

 

The Intelligencer September 16, 1916 (page 1)

“Resolutions by Belleville Club. A meeting of the Directors of the Belleville Club was held in the club on Thursday 14th inst. at which the following resolutions were unanimously passed:—

Moved and carried that the Club extend a cordial invitation to the ladies of the various patriotic, benevolent and charitable societies of the city to avail themselves of the free use of the Club rooms one afternoon of each week for their various purposes. Particulars to be arranged with the Secretary, Col. Stewart.

Moved and seconded that after full and deliberate consideration, and considering the patriotic object with which the ‘Ontario Temperance Act’ has been enacted for the better defence of the Empire, this Club resolves that all the provisions of the act relating to Clubs be strictly observed, and that the use, barter, sale or keeping of intoxicating liquor upon the Club premises or by members therein be absolutely prohibited.”

The Intelligencer September 16, 1916 (page 1)

“Reception for Local Hero. Sergt. Walter Hutcheson, a member of the 15th Regiment of this city, who left here with the First Contingent, has been invalided home, and last evening he was accorded a most hearty reception. At 7.30 the 15th Regimental Band and the members of the 155th Battalion machine gun section, who were in the city, left the Armouries and proceeded to Sergt. Hutcheson’s parents’ residence on Foster Avenue, where the returned hero was placed in Col. Marsh’s automobile, in company with other returned heroes.

A parade was then formed and marched through several of the principal streets of the city. The returned Bellevillian soldier was acclaimed with cheers and applause on every hand. Mayor Ketcheson walked at the head of the parade along the route of march.

The two hose carts and hook and ladder wagon of the fire department helped to swell the procession and the clanging of the gongs led some to believe a fire was in progress. Chief Brown of the department was in command. After the parade Mayor Ketcheson made a few remarks, as did also Col. Marsh, and Sergt. Hutcheson returned his heartfelt thanks for the reception accorded him.”

The Intelligencer September 16, 1916 (page 3)

“Forget the Idea. No Canning Factory for the 155th Battalion. Belleville residents have somewhere got the idea that the 155th Battalion may come back there for the winter months, but the idea is ridiculed in military circles.

The 155th Battalion did splendidly when inspected by Gen. Lessard, and he gave a very direct hint that the next trip of the 155th would be overseas. Belleville had better make the necessary arrangements for trying to recruit if possible an equal to Col. Adams’ command.”

The Intelligencer September 16, 1916 (page 4)

“After September 16th. Regal. Spell It Backwards. The Ontario Temperance Act comes into force on September 16th. After that date you will still be able to buy your favorite beverage. Geo. Sorgius, 35 Rivard Street, Montreal, will keep you supplied.”

The Intelligencer September 16, 1916 (page 5)

“The Future of Our Returning Soldiers. (Montreal Herald.) The national importance of doing our very best for our returning soldiers is strongly emphasized by Sir George Perley, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom.

In an interview with a correspondent at Ottawa, Sir George said: ‘I sometimes wonder if we Canadians even yet completely realize what a vast difference it will make to the country if we do our best for our returned soldiers. By doing our best for them, of course, I don’t mean treating them like children or fools, which they are not. Let us give them the warmest possible welcome when they arrive, but don’t let us stop at that. Don’t let us imagine that cheering them and patting them on the back will help them to make a living. …

The great majority of the soldiers who return invalided have fortunately the hope of a long life of useful and happy activity before them. Whether that hope will be realized depends on the treatment and training given them, and on their own willingness to take advantage of that training, both during their convalescence and later on. …

It will be remembered that the Federal Government, of which Sir George Perley is a member, long ago resolved on a policy of preference for men injured in their country’s service.”

The Intelligencer September 15, 1916 (page 2)

“Rounding Up Deserters. Private Watson has been kept pretty busy lately rounding up deserters from the 155th Battalion. On Tuesday he shipped out three. From recent developments it would appear that not all the men who enlisted here did so from purely patriotic motives. Some of them should be supplied with two pairs of socks. They appear to be suffering considerably from cold feet.—Bancroft Times.”

The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 2)

“Acknowledged Gifts. Shortly before the High School closed for the summer holidays in June, the pupils held a gift shower, for the purpose of sending a parcel to each former High School boy, who had enlisted and were overseas.

Yesterday letters were received from H.W. Knight and Ray Tuite, acknowledging receipt of the gifts, and thanking the pupils for their thoughtfulness towards the old boys of the B.H.S.”

The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 2)

“Former Belleville Man. In the casualty list yesterday appeared the name of Major Wm. A. Casey, who was killed in action, and whose next of kin was given as England. Deceased is well known in Belleville, where he resided for some time, and was the son of a well known deceased lady, namely Mrs. Casey, who resided on Charles street.

The late Major was 29 years of age, and unmarried. He enlisted in Vancouver, B.C., as a private, and was twice wounded. Upon returning for active service after his second wounding, he received a commission and was promoted to a Major. The Major was a nephew of General J.L. Biggar and Mr. W.H. Biggar, K.C., of the G.T.R. legal department, and also a nephew of Mrs. R.A. Bull of Belleville. His death will be regretted by all who knew him.”

[Note: Major William Archer Casey died on September 8, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 65 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 5)

“He Fights Who Pays! Have you yet subscribed to Canada’s Second War Loan? If not, do so to-day. By lending now you help your country in the hour of need. Timely assistance is double valuable. Participation on the remarkably attractive terms offered makes duty a privilege. Turn your Dollars into Soldiers. One hundred and upwards buys a bond. …  Wood, Gundy & Co.”

The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 7)

“A Shattered Label. A letter received from the front by Mrs. George Belcher, of 82 East Moira street, from her son, Pte. Ed. Lowe, contained an interesting souvenir, in the form of a label of the Graham Co. Ltd., which was found in the trenches. The label has been pierced three or four times by shrapnel.

In regard to the label, Mr. Lowe writes:—’I am sending you a label of the Graham Co. Limited, that I found in the trenches the last time we were in and I want to tell you that the old can that I took it off had sure got some shaking up from the heavy bombardment that we were in. It had got hit four or five times by pieces of shrapnel. I thought it would be a good souvenir for you. You can show it to Mr.Graham if you like as he might be glad to see it.’ “

The Intelligencer September 13, 1916 (page 1)

“Lieut. John G. Murray Missing. Mr. J.W. Murray, Manager of the local Dominion Bank, received this morning the following telegram: Ottawa, Sept. 11, 1916. John W. Murray, Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you Lieut. John Gordon Murray, infantry, officially reported missing since September 6th. Officer in charge, Military Office.

Lt. Murray is the eldest son of Mr. J.W. Murray, and enlisted at Vancouver with the Connaught Rangers. Since being at the front he has twice been wounded, and after recovering returned to active service. His many friends here will join with The Intelligencer in the wish that he may still be safe.”

The Intelligencer September 13, 1916 (page 4)

“Canada’s War Loan. A loan of $100,000,000 is being asked for by the Dominion Government. The expectation was that the amount called for would be larger, and, in fact, there is little doubt but that double the stipulated amount could be easily obtained. …

By all the evidences the people of Canada have at their command at the present time an unusually large amount of surplus capital. The war checked some forms of enterprise, notably in the line of construction. It did not check the accumulation of savings or profits. …

The Minister wisely decided that nothing should stand in the way of the moral and material gain the success of the loan would imply. The quick taking of the amount is to be desired from patriotic and public reasons. It is belief as well as trust that the subscriptions will quickly reach if not exceed the total amount.”

The Intelligencer September 13, 1916 (page 7)

“Belleville Fair. Sept. 14th & 15th and ‘Let’s All Go’!! Attraction Extraordinary for the Two Days. The Machine Gun Section of Our Own 155 Battalion, C.E.F. Will give a Demonstration of the Machine Gun as used by the Canadian Army in actual warfare, using live ammunition. …

A half holiday has been declared in the Schools, to enable the children to witness this interesting spectacle. God Save the King.”