The Intelligencer June 28, 1916 (page 2)

“The Wounding of Ernest Carr. The following message, which has been forwarded to The Intelligencer, is but another indication of the terrible work abroad:

Ottawa, June 24, 1916. Jesse B. Carr, Muschow, P.O., Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you No. 40390 Corporal Ernest Albert Victor Carr, Artillery, officially reported, admitted to North Hamptonshire War Hospital, Duston, North Hampton, June 20th, wounded severely. Amputation of leg. Will send further particulars when received. Signed, Officer in Charge of Record Office.

The unfortunate young man enlisted at Belleville, where he was an employee of the Grand Trunk Railway. He was with Gerald Spafford in whose published letters he was occasionally mentioned.

Ernest had many friends in this city, the sympathy of whom will be extended to his parents who reside at Muschow, Ont.”

The Intelligencer June 28, 1916 (page 2)

“Walter Aaron Hutchinson. The following notification of injuries to another Belleville soldier speaks for itself: Mrs. E. Hutchinson, 149 Foster Ave.

Sincerely regret to inform you 8165 Sergeant Walter Aaron Hutchinson, Infantry, officially reported admitted to Grayling Wellwar Hospital, Chichester, June 24th. Multiple wounds. Will send further particulars when received. Officer Record Office, Ottawa.”

The Intelligencer June 28, 1916 (page 2)

“Sidney Soldier Killed in Action. An official notification has been received from the Record Office at Ottawa announcing the death of Ormel Aikens, son of Mr. Peter Aikens of Sidney Township. The message states that he was killed in France on June 12th.

The brave young Canadian, who has lost his life was 24 years of age, and was born in Sidney Township. He left Belleville as a member of the 39th Battalion, under command of Col. Preston.

Deceased was a model young man, and was identified with Aikens Methodist Church where he took an active part in church work. He was an exemplary young man beloved by all who knew him, and his death is sincerely regretted by a host of friends.”

[Note: Private Ormal Roy Aikins died on June 13, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 45 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 27, 1916 (page 1)

“Mass Meeting in the Interests of Recruiting. A meeting for men, at request of Col. C.G. Williams, was held last evening in the lecture room at the Armouries. …  Lieut.-Col. Cecil G. Williams, who was the chief speaker of the evening, said that as Chief Recruiting Officer for Canada, he came to ascertain the feeling of the community and obtain suggestions relative to recruiting. …

Lt.-Col. Williams here dealt with facts and figures in regard to the population of the country and the number of those enlisted. The urban and rural population was equal but the rural districts had not furnished anywhere near the number that the urbanites furnished. He had every sympathy with the farmer, but he spoke whereof he knew, as the figures had been compiled from the attestation papers. …

Mayor Ketcheson …  stated that he felt that the day has about gone by when you can persuade young men to enlist. You can not get young men to attend meetings, therefore: you must get them by some means of compulsion. How can young men see their chums, fighting and dying in France and Belgium, while they stay at home? …  The time has now arrived when we should adopt some form of registration or conscription. …

Moved by E.F. Ketcheson, Mayor of Belleville, and President of the Board of Trade, and seconded by Lieut. Colonel W.N. Ponton, K.C.

Resolved: That while recognizing the splendid results from the Recruiting System which has obtained throughout Canada during this conflict, yet fully realizing that under present conditions the result of the present system has become disappointing, not wholly satisfactory, and often inequitable in application, therefore be it resolved that in the opinion of this meeting of Canadian citizens some practical form of National Registration followed by National Service throughout the whole Dominion of Canada, as part of our British Empire, should be immediately provided for by effective Legislation, having due regard to munition works and other essential industries. …

The next speaker was Major MacColl, who stated that most of the farmers who have enlisted are hired help, nearly all of whom are English. There are any number of men in this city today who are eligible for enlistment. …  Conscription is an absolute necessity. …

Mr. Mikel suggested that the government have control of food supply and make it more attractive at the front than it is at home. It is the attraction that the young men are after. We also want to eliminate the French element in Quebec, and the German-Austro element in Saskatchewan. …

The resolution, moved his Worship Mayor Ketcheson, seconded by Col. W.N. Ponton, was unanimously adopted. …  The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.”

The Intelligencer June 27, 1916 (page 2)

“My Splendid Ones, Well Done. In the window of the Trenton Electric Company on Bridge street, Colonel Ponton has placed six of the actual newspaper bulletins of the great London dailies, announcing to the Empire the gallant victory of the Canadians at Ypres on the evening of June 14th; also a symbolic picture of Britannia and the Lion’s Whelps with the motto, ‘My Splendid Ones, Well Done!’ ”

The Intelligencer June 27, 1916 (page 3)

“From Chaplain Fallis. Annexed in a letter received by Mrs. Floyd, of 20 Franklin street, from the Chaplain of the 8th C.M.R., who informs her that her son is missing:

F.Q., 8th Brigade, C.M.R., France, Dear Friends:—You will have heard long before this reaches you through other official sources that your dear one was missing after one of the biggest battles the Canadians have been in since the war began. The battle begun about half-past seven o’clock on the morning of June 2nd, and lasted almost to the following Wednesday. …

Our boys had to fight nearly three times their numbers and died or were taken prisoners, with their face to the foe. Probably the Canadians never showed more courage or took more punishment before. …

Naturally after such a time there are many who are prisoners. The enemy’s official report says that they have 350 unwounded prisoners and about 200 wounded, so your dear one may yet be returned to you. Only time will give us the official lists from Germany. …

I shall be glad to hear if you obtain any news …  Sympathetically and sincerely yours, GEO. O. FALLIS, Chaplain.”

 

The Intelligencer June 26, 1916 (page 3)

“Letters from Overseas. The following particulars regarding the death of John Corby, forwarded by a Belleville soldier with a request to publish, will be of interest to Intelligencer readers. While the information is authentic, the writer wishes his identity withheld. The letter reads:

I suppose by the time this reaches you, you will have received the news of John Corby’s death. I can tell you we all feel it very bad, for we have been together all the way through since leaving Barriefield, and he was one of the best chums I had. I am sure his mother will feel it dreadful.

We were unloading ammunition together that night and he told me there was a big mail in from Canada and he had received two letters from home. There was a scrap out in the front of here and our D.C. had ordered up four hundred rounds. They started shelling our roads and kept it up until after midnight—it was awful. We stood at our dugout and watched the teams going up to the eighteen pounders—they are in a more advanced position than the howitzer guns.

Corby’s team arrived about nine o’clock after coming through a regular hell of fire, but were caught on the return trip about one and a half miles from Ypres on the main road. The sergeant in charge of the wagon was also killed, and two other fellows wounded.

Jack was dead when picked up and never suffered any pain, the piece entering the back of his head. We buried the body last night in the cemetery, a village near here, and a priest from one of the battalions took charge of the burial. I am sending some of his things home to his mother. He is buried near Pat Yeomans.”

The Intelligencer June 24, 1916 (page 1)

“Annual Convocation at Albert College. In Massey Hall, Albert College, last evening the annual convocation took place in connection with the college’s commencement exercises. A large number of spectators were present and took a deep interest in the proceedings.

Like other institutions of learning throughout this country, the war has played an important part in regard to attendance, and especially with male students. Old Albert has done its duty in regard to enlistment, as no less than 156 students and ex-students are either in the firing line or preparing to take their part in the trenches. Seven females from the college are also doing their noble work at the front as nurses or red cross work.

Owing to this fact the attendance for the past term has materially been interfered with. Nevertheless Rev. Dr. Baker, the principal, states that in other respects it has been one of the most successful terms in the history of the institution.

On the south side wall of Massey Hall hangs a large Union Jack, attached to which is an honor roll bearing the names of all who have enlisted.

Killed in Action. A sad feature is the fact that no less than five of those enlisted have sacrificed their lives in defence of King and national honor. Their names and memories will ever be revered. These heroes are as follows: Pte. George Minorgan, Langemarck, April 23, 1915; Pte. Chas. Roche, Langemarck, April 23, 1915; Pte. F.E. Perkins, Givenchy, June 15, 1915; Lance Corporal Ray Fair, Givenchy, June 15, 1915; Lieut. Clifford Burrows, Somewhere in France, June 2-4, 1916.

[Note: Private George Elliott Minorgan died on April 22, 1915. He is commemorated on Page 29 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

[Note: Private Charles Wellington Roche died on April 24, 1915. He is commemorated on Page 34 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

[Note: Private Frederick Charles Perkins died on June 15, 1915. He is commemorated on Page 32 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

[Note: Lance Corporal Roy Nichols Fair died on June 15, 1915. He is commemorated on Page 14 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

[Note: Private Clifford Robert Burrows died on June 2, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 62 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 24, 1916 (page 2)

“The Women’s Patriotic and Red Cross Association of the City of Belleville is not ‘weary in well doing.’ During the past week 16 packing cases have been shipped abroad to help in the good work, 8 of them contained socks and were sent in care of Miss Mary Plummer, Shorncliffe, England, four hospital boxes were sent to No. 2 Stationary Hospital Boulogne and four boxes of field luxuries furnished by the young people of the Belleville High School were sent to the boys in the trenches.

This Association has been thoroughly organized under the capable leadership of Mrs. Col. Lazier and there is no better work being done in the Province than by our Belleville ladies.

Among the school children special mention should be made of Queen Alexandra School where the children on Victoria Day gave up their fire crackers and donated the money for the Patriotic and Red Cross Association. The members of Miss Fleming’s class of small children have by their individual efforts and savings made several donations to the association. The spirit of loyalty and service is not alone with the boys at the front who are doing such splendid work but it exists through our whole land even to the smallest school children.

Special mention should be also made of the ladies of the Bayside Women’s Institute who have been closely identified with the city of Belleville Patriotic and Red Cross Association and whose splendid services and valuable donations have been very much appreciated by the ladies of this association.”

The Intelligencer June 24, 1916 (page 8)

“Mass Meeting. At the request of Col. Williams, Chief Recruiting Officer for Canada, a meeting for women will be held in the Lecture Room of the Armouries on Monday afternoon, June 26th, at 4 o’clock. Every woman in the city is expected to attend. Col. Williams will address the meeting.

A meeting for the men will be held at 8 P.M. to be addressed by the same speaker.”

The Intelligencer June 22, 1916 (page 2)

“Social Evening and Presentation. Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Kerr, 42 1/2 Bridge Street, entertained a number of friends last evening in honor of Mrs. Kerr’s brother, Bandsman Bert L. Bell of the 155th Battalion, C.E.F., home on a short leave from Barriefield Camp.

During the evening Mr. Kerr, on behalf of those present, in a few well chosen words, presented Bandsman Bell with a beautiful wrist watch suitably engraved. Although taken completely by surprise ‘Bert’ made a suitable reply.

The evening was spent in games and music, after which the National Anthem brought a very pleasing evening to a close.”

The Intelligencer June 22, 1916 (page 2)

“Rousing Rally At Aikins Church. Aikins Church, in the heart of the prosperous Township of Sidney, was crowded to the doors last night, under the auspices of the Queen Alexandra Red Cross, who had widely advertised a Patriotic Concert of a unique character. No one went away disappointed and about $60 was raised for the good work, with prospects also of several recruits for the Heavy Artillery and Infantry.

Mr. Lawrence, President, invited Mr. John Elliott of Belleville, to take the chair, and he conducted the evening most skilfully, and with infinite Irish tact.”

The Intelligencer June 20, 1916 (page 1)

“Walter S. Craig Killed at Front. Some time between the 2nd and 4th of June, Private Walter S. Craig, a well known Belleville young man, sacrificed his life, as many Canadians are doing, in defence of King and country.

Walter was a fine type of young Canadian and was a young man who was beloved by all who knew him. He was a son of the late Mr. James Craig, who was for a number of years connected with the Grand Trunk Railway system in this city. His death is sincerely regretted by a host of friends.

No. 8194, Pte. Walter Stephen Craig enlisted on the 13th August, 1914, in the 15th Regt. Argyle Light Infantry. He had followed railroading until the date of enlisting and was friendly with all the men, being a member of the B. of R.T. …

After training at Salisbury Plains he was sent to France in Feb. 1915, and since has been in the trenches until Christmas Day, when he had some fingers smashed, then he had influenza and measles, which kept him in the hospital until three weeks before this last battle, in which he was slain. …

The late Pte. Craig was in his 22nd year. In religion he was a Presbyterian, being an adherent of St. Andrew’s Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his mother, Mrs. M.J. Craig, three brothers, W.J. and Gordon at home, James of Dunnville and one sister, Ethel, at home.”

[Note: B. of R.T. = Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.]

The Intelligencer June 20, 1916 (page 2)

“Manchester Gifford Wounded. A special despatch from Ottawa this afternoon gives the name of Manchester Gifford of Belleville, among the wounded.”

The Intelligencer June 20, 1916 (page 2)

“Sergt. Harry Ponton, who is connected with the Siege battery of heavy artillery of Cobourg is in the city and vicinity for the purpose of procuring recruits for this artillery for overseas service. This is the only heavy artillery battery west of Montreal. There are 260 members in addition to the original battery which is at present doing duty overseas.

Major McKennon is the commanding officer. Sergt. Ponton will no doubt be able to secure recruits for this battery which will not interfere with recruiting for infantry.”

The Intelligencer June 19, 1916 (page 1)

“Departing Soldiers Are Remembered. A very interesting event took place at Foxboro, Saturday evening, when the Royal Black Knights of Ireland presented to Sir Knights William Gillespie, and Rev. William Mair a substantial memorial upon their departure, soon for overseas.

Mr. Gillespie, who resides at Plainfield joins the Bakers’ Corps at Barriefield, and Mr. Mair takes up service in the Medical Corps.

The address and presentation follows …  We, the officers and members of Mizpah Royal Black Preceptory, No. 382, learn with feelings of regret at your unexpected leaving our midst. …  You are going forth to fight for the noble principles of our order, for liberty, justice and humanity. May our motto ever be your guide. …

In conclusion we ask you to accept this signet ring as a slight remembrance of your Bro. Sir Knights  …  and trust it may serve as a reminder of old times and old friends in and around Foxboro. Sir Knight W.H. Cook. Sir Knight Geo. F. Reed. Sir Knight W.J. Hall.”

The Intelligencer June 19, 1916 (page 2)

“Belleville Boys Mentioned. Two members of the 21st Battalion, who went from Belleville, namely R.E. Smith and P. Nicholson, have been favorably recommended for bomb throwing at the front.

Both young soldiers, we are informed, have while at the front, displayed bravery and have done all in their power to stop any onward march of the Huns. There is no doubt they will be rewarded for the bravery displayed.”

The Intelligencer June 19, 1916 (page 2)

“Rose Day a Success. Under the auspices of the Red Cross Society of Belleville, Saturday last was Rose Day. During the day many young ladies were busily engaged in disposing of roses. A number of autos were tastefully decorated and created a most favorable impression. The proceeds of the day amounted to $735, which was most creditable.”

The Intelligencer June 19, 1916 (page 2)

“Pte. Reuben Belch. The following despatch has been received in this city, announcing the death while in action, of another Belleville soldier. Mrs. Hattie Belch, 152 1/2 Church St., Belleville. Deeply regret to inform you No. 454060 Pte. Reuben Belch, Infantry, officially reported died of wounds, No. 3, Clearing Station, June 5th. Officer in Charge Record Office.

[Note: Private Reuben Belch died on June 5, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 52 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 19, 1916 (page 2)

“Honor Roll of the Baptist Church. At the Baptist Church yesterday morning the pastor, Rev. Chas. Geo. Smith, unveiled the Roll of Honor of the boys who have enlisted from this church.

The list of names were placed on a scroll and framed. The scroll was draped beneath a large Union Jack, and stood in front of the pulpit. The names are done in script and the legend as follows: Lest We Forget Roll of Honor, in the Great War, 1914. The scroll is the work of Mr. Orville Lownsberry.”

The Intelligencer June 19, 1916 (page 7)

“555 Men Were Recruited. Half a battalion was recruited through the district in the last two weeks, 555 men being taken out of civil life and put into khaki. This is a splendid showing, considering the fact that the home influence of a battalion training in the country has been lost by bringing the soldiers to Barriefield.

The Engineers Training Depot has proved the greatest drawing card in the period just closed. In that half a month 122 men were taken on strength.”

The Intelligencer June 19, 1916 (page 7)

“Barriefield Camp. Overseas Battalions of Eastern Ontario Make Forward Move Toward Britain’s Firing Line. …  Officers and men returning to Canada from the Front unite in endorsing the Gillette Safety Razor as a convenience, a comfort, and practically a necessity to the men on active service.

Whole units are going overseas equipped privately with Gillette Safety Razors. Has your boy or your pal at Barriefield got his yet? If he has, then send him a generous supply of Gillette blades.”

The Intelligencer June 17, 1916 (page 2)

“Gunner Potts Wounded in Action. Gunner J.M. Potts, a member of the 34th Battery, and a former well-known G.T.R. fireman, who resided in this city, has been wounded in action.”

The Intelligencer June 17, 1916 (page 2)

“John Corby Killed. No. 300292 Dr. John Corby, son of Mrs. Frank Corby, 16 Murney St., is officially reported killed in action, June 2nd. His father died since he left for the front.”

[Note: Driver John Corby died on June 2, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 70 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 17, 1916 (page 7)

“County Council Grants One Thousand to 155th. The Council went into Committee of the Whole on Ways and Means, Mr. Naylor in the chair.

A motion prevailed that the County’s grant of $2,000 per month to the Canadian Patriotic Fund be continued for the remainder of the year. …

The proposition for a grant to the 155th Battalion was considered. …  Mr. Ketcheson moved that $1,000 be given to the 155th Battalion. …  Upon a vote being taken, 16 voted for the motion of Mr. Ketcheson, and 8 against it.”

The Intelligencer June 17, 1916 (page 7)

“Pte. B.F. Fitchette Wounded in Action. The following telegram was received by Mr. Fitchette yesterday: Geo. T. Fitchette. 429 Bleecker Ave., Belleville. Sincerely regret to inform you, No. 412169 Pte. Bryan Franklin Fitchette, infantry, officially reported admitted to Kitchener Hospital, Brighton, June 11th; wounded in left arm. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge, Record Office.

Pte. Fitchette left this city a year ago with the 39th Battalion.”

The Intelligencer June 16, 1916 (page 2)

“Sacrificed His Life. Coleman Eggleton, of Foxboro, who left Belleville with the 39th Battalion, has been officially reported killed. The hero was a young man, and his death in defence of the Empire, whilst deeply regretted, is on the honor roll as one of the many Canadians who have given their lives for those liberties which are being contested.”

[Note: Private Clarence Glee Eggleton died on June 3, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 82 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 16, 1916 (page 2)

“Laid Down Their Lives for King and Country. Throughout the city there is a feeling of deep regret, owing to the death of three more Belleville heroes who went to the front, and sacrificed their lives. Walter Craig, Charles E. Belch and Clifford Burrows are the latest names to be added to the honor roll.

The latter, Clifford R. Burrows, was one of Belleville’s most popular young men, and he had a host of friends, who today are mourning his demise. He was one of the many brave Bellevillians who went overseas to meet the Huns, and fight for those principles of liberties which are dear to the hearts of every Britisher.”

[Note: Private Charles Edward Belch died on June 3, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 52 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 16, 1916 (page 2)

“Belleville Patriotic League Active in Recruiting Sense. A few of Belleville’s loyal citizens, among them several who have sons at the front, assembled at the Armouries last evening, under the auspices of the Patriotic League, primarily to hear Col. C.C. Williams, chief recruiting officer of Canada, who for some reason, did not appear, and also to reorganize the league for the coming year. …

Addresses upon the present recruiting were made by Judge Wills, Col. W.N. Ponton, Dr. MacColl, Mayor Ketcheson and others, who advocated a more strenuous system of recruiting, as the present method was by no means satisfactory.

Lieut. Lynn, in charge of the recruiting office on Front street, said that men were signing up very slowly, and as the 155th Battalion needed from one to two hundred men to take the place of those turned down for unfitness, something should be done at once to create a more substantial response to the call. …  In the mean time every possible effort will be brought to bear to induce young men of the district to sign up.”

The Intelligencer June 16, 1916 (page 7)

“Grant to the 155th Battalion Asked For. …  Mr. E.G. Porter, K.C., M.P., addressed the Council …  We all feel that we must aid our country by assisting in recruiting. There is a large expenditure for recruiting, which is not altogether provided by the Government. …  The County Council has generously given a grant of $2,000, which was much appreciated. He would ask for an equal or a greater sum to be given to the 155th Battalion. …

Major Allen said the 155th Battalion had gone into Barriefield with a full battalion. The cost for lumber alone to place in the tents was $1,200. …  It was only the other day that $560 was paid for a tent where the men could have their meals. This was not provided by the Government. …

Mr. Vermilyea—We have listened with interest to the remarks made by the deputation, and I would move that this matter be referred to the Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Ketcheson seconded the motion which prevailed.”

 

The Intelligencer June 15, 1916 (page 1)

“Clifford Burrows Killed in Action. Mr. Stephen Burrows of this city, to-day received the following telegram: Mr. Stephen Burrows, Belleville, Deeply regret to inform you Private Clifford Robert Burrows, Infantry, reported killed in action between June 2nd and June 4th. Record Office.”

[Note:Private Clifford Robert Burrows died on June 2, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 62 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 15, 1916 (page 1)

“Soldiers Curbed in Assigning Their Pay. Ottawa. Some comment has been excited by a recent order-in-council limiting to 20 days’ pay the amount that a soldier should be permitted to assign. In some quarters this has been criticized. However, the authorities still consider that this is the proper course to take.

A private soldier gets $32 a month and his wife gets a separation allowance of $20, in addition to the pay her husband assigns to her. Some men had assigned almost their entire pay, with the result that they got into financial difficulties. They were unable to avail themselves of leave and were confined to barracks or camp all the time.

The authorities considered that $14 is not an excessive amount for a soldier for the little necessaries he must procure out of his own pocket.”

The Intelligencer June 15, 1916 (page 1)

“Walter Craig Is Killed in Action. The following telegram was received in this city last night, and tells a story that is being told too frequently in these days of strife: Ottawa, Ont., June 14, 1916. Mrs. J. Craig, 199 Lingham St., Belleville. Deeply regret to inform you that 8194 Private Walter Craig, Infantry, officially reported killed in action, June 4th. Record Office.”

[Note: Private Walter Stephen Craig died on June 4th, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 72 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]