The Intelligencer June 14, 1916 (page 2)

“Now a Bombardier. Mr. J. A. Dench of this city, who recently signed up with the 74th Field Artillery, and has since been honored with a stripe, signifying his position as a bombardier, is in town looking after the interests of his battery in a recruiting sense, with headquarters at the local Armouries.

Bombardier Dench is the first representative of his immediate family to join the colors, and his many Belleville friends will watch with pleasure his military advancement. This far he has made good, securing quite a number of additions to the 74th. Here is to his success.”

The Intelligencer June 14, 1916 (page 7)

“A Magnificent Gift to the Belgian Relief Fund. Mrs. Thomas Montgomery, wife of the popular Reeve of Rawdon Township, recently was the recipient of the following letter which explains itself: Headquarters, Belgian Relief, Toronto Women’s Patriotic League, 94 Bay St., Toronto, Ont.

Dear Mrs. Montgomery,—On behalf of the Belgian Relief Committee, T.W.P.L., I want to thank you most warmly for your splendid cheque for $470.50 from the Township of Rawdon for Belgian Relief: You should indeed be proud of the results of the canvas, and considering the constant drain on people for patriotic purposes, I think Rawdon Township did magnificently. …

You may be interested to know Canada’s 6th gift ship will sail in a few days, the ‘Gothard,’ with 197,000 bushels of wheat as well as carloads of beans, peas, etc. We can well imagine how welcome it will be. …

Canada is doing her part very well don’t you think? Of course we could do better, but I wouldn’t like to be one of those who did not try to keep busy these dreadful times.

Thanking you most warmly for your splendid support. Yours very truly, (Mrs.) Helen M. Pepler, Convenor.”

The Intelligencer June 14, 1916 (page 7)

“Patriotic Fund. Mr. D.A. McIntosh of Stirling, addressed the Council in reference to the Canadian patriotic fund. The numbers of families receiving aid is fast increasing. …

He (the speaker) had been requested to appear at Hastings County Council to ask for increased monthly grant. The way to keep the war where it is is to send more men and supply more money. It has been suggested that Hastings County give $2,500 per month for the remainder of the months for 1916. …

Mr. McIntosh stated that the number of dependents on the fund were increasing every month, and the sum expended is fast increasing. The Council adjourned until 2 o’clock.”

The Intelligencer June 13, 1916 (page 1)

“Registration Demanded by Canadian Women. Toronto. Canadian womanhood—for more than Toronto was represented at the great mass meeting of women in Massey Hall last night—stood up and declared itself, heart and soul, for national registration.

The great majority of the audience have mankind at the front, or going and they have wondered why the married man with a large family has had to go and leave them in others’ care while the young man, with no ties, has stayed at home; accustomed to economy in their houses, they have also wondered why the skilled laborer has been called to the colors from necessary industries, and the unskilled shop clerk allowed to continue selling ice cream or neckties, when there were plenty of women ready to hold his peace-time job till such time as he came home from taking part in the man’s job on the firing line.

For months they have been asking these questions of each other; last night, in their legions, they embodied the great Why? in the form of a resolution, and before many hours have passed Ottawa will hear the question, the great employers of labor will hear it, and Canada’s sons overseas will be heartened in their fight when they hear what the women left behind have said.”

The Intelligencer June 13, 1916 (page 2)

“John Fleming Wounded. The following telegram received by Mrs. J. Fleming of this city, tells its own story: Mrs. J. Fleming, 5812 Cedar St.,—Sincerely regret inform you 454841 Pte. John Fleming, Infantry, officially reported admitted No. 14 General Hospital, Wimereux, June 4th. Gunshot wound, feet severe. Will send further particulars when received. Office in Charge Record Office.”

The Intelligencer June 12, 1916 (page 2)

“Belleville Soldiers Wounded in Action. When the news was flashed across the wires yesterday that the Canadian casualty list contained 500 names it was feared that amongst the brave Canadians would appear the names of some Belleville boys, and such proved to be the case. At least one has been killed, namely Walter Craig, and a number have been wounded as the following telegrams indicate:”

Mr. Walter Alford of this city received the following telegram announcing the wounding of his son, Lieut. Newton Alford. Ottawa, June 12th. Sincerely regret to inform you Lieut. Newton Alford, Engineer, officially reported admitted to Number Seven Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, June 11; gun shot wound in arm. Will send further particulars when received. (Signed) Office in charge, Record Office.

Ottawa, June 10th. Daniel Post, 375 Front St., Belleville. Sincerely regret to inform you 113488 Pte. Bert Post, Mounted Rifles, officially reported admitted to No. 14 General Hospital, Windereux, June 3rd; wounded severely in back. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge, Record Office.

Ottawa, June 10. Mrs. A. Hodge, 57 East Cemetery St., Belleville. Sincerely regret to inform you 143296 Private David Hodge, Mounted Rifles, officially reported admitted to No. 25 General Hospital, Hardelot, June 3rd; wounded slightly in arm. Will send further particulars when received. Officer Record Office.

Mr. Frank Bryant of this city on Saturday afternoon received a message that his son, Private Edward Bryant, had been wounded in the back and was in a hospital at Boulogne.

Privates Post and Bryant referred to above were similarly wounded by shrapnel, and were attached to the 8th Mounted Rifles. All the wounded are well known Belleville boys, who have many friends in this city, and the general wish is expressed that their wounds may not be of a serious nature.

Among the list of Canadian casualties appears the name of J. Bruce Robb, son of Mr. W.D. Robb; superintendent of the G.T.R. motive power, who is reported wounded. He was a member of the Patricia Regiment, and is a young man who is well and favorably known in this city.”

The Intelligencer June 12, 1916 (page 3)

“Britain Prepared Pictures Were Given Private View. A private view of the moving pictures, ‘Britain Prepared,’ which are being shown at Griffin’s Opera House tonight and tomorrow, matinee and night, was given recently in the Winter Garden preparatory to their presentation in Toronto. The pictures were shown on a much smaller screen than was used in Massey Hall, and lacked the orchestral accompaniment, under the circumstances the verdict of the cold-blooded critic was unprejudiced. …

These pictures can’t tell the enemy anything that will help him in any way, while showing them to the allies will do a lot of good. As for British people the world over—well, if they were never proud of being British before, these pictures will make them proud all right now.

The film starts where Kitchener started—in the raising and training of a brand new army. This will eventually prove one of the most remarkable chapters in British history—how under the volunteer system a British army of four millions of men, one of the largest armies in the world, and the largest the British Empire ever marshalled, sprang to arms, was raised, equipped, and trained while the war was on, and sent to the front to beat the German conscript army!

Intensely interesting, too, it was to see the vast scale upon which the making of munitions is now going on in Britain, thousands of women and girls helping in the work. …

The pictures are to have their first public showing here on Monday afternoon; and on Monday evening Sir John Hendrie and a Government House party will be present, and Sir John is to speak from the platform.”

The Intelligencer June 12, 1916 (page 8)

“Recruiting Lacks Interest. Recruiting in and around Belleville has fallen off very greatly since the departure of the 80th and 155th Battalions.

Even the members of the Speakers’ Patriotic League evince little interest judging from the slim attendance at the meeting Saturday night at the Armouries. The meeting was announced in the press and many members were notified personally, with the result that the following only were present: E. Guss Porter, K.C., M.P., President; W.C. Mikel, KC, Secretary; His Honor Judge Wills, Major Dr. McColl, R. Tannahill, W.J. Campbell, Lieut. Lynn and John Kerr. Nobody interested directly in the batteries was present.

Lieut. Lynn of the 155th, the recruiting officer, stated that 250 men were required for the 155th, also men for the 52nd and 74th Batteries, and the 235th Battalion in the adjoining county was also looking for recruits. A new battalion will be started in a short time

In the discussion that took place the information came out that Prince Edward County had done about the worst in this district in furnishing men. This seems remarkable in view of the fact that the county was settled by U.E. Loyalists and the people as a class regarded as very loyal.

The meeting adjourned to Thursday night at the Armouries at 8 p.m., when the election of officers will take place.”

The Intelligencer June 10, 1916 (page 2)

“Britain Prepared. A Special School Children’s Matinee will be given on Tuesday at 3.45 P.M. Special Admission for Children 10¢.

The Intelligencer, in bringing the official moving pictures of The Imperial Government, BRITAIN PREPARED, to Belleville, realized the educational value to school children, and it is with great pleasure we announce that arrangements have been completed with the local School Boards whereby School children wishing to see the pictures will be excused at 3.30 P.M. on Tuesday to see them, if they ask their teachers.

Every loyal citizen in Belleville owes it to himself and to his children to see them. The impression will be life long.”

The Intelligencer June 10, 1916 (page 3)

“15th Reserve. Instead of taking up drill last night those in attendance had target practice in the shooting gallery. Some remarkably good scores were made. The ‘Reserve shots’ are ready for the ‘Rifle Association’ at any time.

There should be better attendances of the members. The number who have joined is over 150 and every man should turn out. Drill every Tuesday and Friday evenings by competent instructors. ‘Home and Country’ and ‘Britisher’ can come along and swell the numbers and use the energy expended in writing letters and suggesting other organizations in boosting the Reserve which has every requisite to fill his propositions except the number of men to turn out to drill.

We need no conscription only the active patriotic efforts of our citizens. Be on hand Tuesday evening next. J.F. Wills, Mayor.”

 

 

The Intelligencer June 9, 1916 (page 1)

“Captain Eddie O’Flynn Wounded at Verdun. Citizens of Belleville last evening learned with deep regret that Capt. Eddie D. O’Flynn had been wounded, and numerous were the enquiries in reference to his injuries. It was a relief to his parents here and citizens generally when it became known that the brave young officer was not fatally injured.

This morning his father, Mr. F.E. O’Flynn, barrister, received the following official notice: Ottawa, June 8th, 1916, F.E. O’Flynn, Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you Capt. Edmund D. O’Flynn, Infantry, officially reported suffering from shell shock, June 6th. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Record Office.

Capt. O’Flynn left Belleville with the First Canadian Contingent, and was a popular officer of the 15th Regiment of this city, being a captain of a company. He was also a member of the City Council, having been elected in 1914 as an alderman, receiving a large vote.

He was deservedly popular with all classes of citizens who will join with the Intelligencer in the wish that he may soon be restored to health. Since the outbreak of the war and whilst at the front he has displayed that bravery which is characteristic of the British and Canadian race.”

The Intelligencer June 9, 1916 (page 1)

“Wounded and Missing Canadians Will Reach Six Thousand. Ottawa. The toll taken of Canadians in the fighting which began on the first day of June, upon the Ypres salient, has been officially indicated by the Minister of Militia.

On Parliament Hill, in the course of his address presenting the colors to the 77th Regiment, General Hughes used the following expression: ‘Within a week upwards of six thousand of your comrades have fallen. The great majority, wounded, are already clamoring to be allowed back into the fray, but many of the gallant lads have gone down. We deeply mourn their loss, but that loss affords an inspiration for tens of thousands more to take their place.’ ”

The Intelligencer June 9, 1916 (page 3)

“Gunner Banville Wounded. Captain Fagan, 59 South George Street, this morning received the following telegram from Ottawa:—’Sincerely regret to inform you No. 40139 Gunner Joseph L. Banville, artillery, officially reported admitted to Dartford War Hospital, June 5th. Wounded slightly in nose. Will send further particulars when received.—Officer in charge, Record Office.’

Gunner Joe Banville enlisted with the 34th Battery, C.F.A., in August 1914 and went to the front a year ago last February with the first contingent. He has no relatives here, but was employed at the Rolling Mills. He boarded with Capt. Fagan for over a year.”

The Intelligencer June 9, 1916 (page 8)

“Buy a Rose. Buy Often. But Buy a Rose. The Smith Hardware Co.”

The Intelligencer June 8, 1916 (page 2)

“Rose Day, Saturday, June 10th. Under the Auspices of Quinte Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire In Aid Of The Red Cross Society.

REMEMBER! This is the Society that cares for OUR MEN who have been wounded at the battle front. Remember Our Boys At The Front! Make Saturday a Banner Day. Sinclair’s. We Close Our Store Saturdays at 9 p.m.”

The Intelligencer June 8, 1916 (page 7)

“Standard of Fitness for Construction Recruits. It is published for the information of all concerned that the standards of physical fitness for recruits for No. 1 Overseas Construction Battalion will be the same as for infantry battalions, with the exception that the standards of vision as required in the cases of the Canadian Army Service Corps, Canadian Ordnance Corps and for drivers of the Canadian Artillery or Canadian Engineers will be considered as sufficient.”

The Intelligencer June 8, 1916 (page 7)

“Rose Day! Rose Day! Saturday, June 10! Buy Roses from the Ladies. Rose Day in Aid of Red Cross. Quinte Chapter Daughters of the Empire. Gorman’s Boot Shop.”

The Intelligencer June 8, 1916 (page 7)

“A Magnificent Production at Griffin’s Opera House. The five part war drama ‘The Ordeal’ was presented to local movie patrons last evening at Griffin’s Opera House, and created a deep impression on those present.

The film shows the cruel methods by which the Germans carry on with their warfare, the murdering of women, and aged men for not revealing secrets which were of importance to their country. The different scenes are vividly portrayed, the quiet village scene being very picturesque, while the scene of the firing line is carried out with a vigor that is most realistic. …  This film will again be produced this evening.”

The Intellligencer June 8, 1916 (page 7)

“Bargains at Lattimer’s Drug Store Friday and Saturday. Rose Day. On Saturday, June the 10th, Young Ladies of Belleville will be on the streets Selling Roses, the proceeds to go to the Red Cross Fund.

 

The Intelligencer June 7, 1916 (page 1)

“The Belleville Khaki Club. Expression of Appreciation. The president and officers of the Khaki Club wish to thank all those who have so willingly and generously aided the work of the Club, by cash donations, musical assistance, refreshments for the Wednesday social evenings.

Also the City Council for cash donation and free water, Trenton Electric Co. for free light, telephone provided by friends, Argyle Chapter I.O.D.E. for cash donation and refreshments. The Daily Ontario and Intelligencer for courteous treatment in reporting events connected with the Club, also out-of-town publishers who have provided the reading rooms with daily and weekly copies of their journals, which have been greatly appreciated by the boys. M. Maude Campbell, Secretary.”

The Intelligencer June 7, 1916 (page 7)

“Home Protection. Dear Sir: Notwithstanding the complacent attitude of merchants, property owners and others, this war may still strike at our homes in Belleville and find us with no protection.

The Home Guards and also the Reserves have not proven a success. Would it be asking too much of our official classes to set an example and get up a company of Reserves? The officials of the Dominion Government, the Ontario Government, the Municipal Officials and employees, and the school teachers would easily make a company of 250 men. These men could give their time without any reduction in their income and it would set a good example to others.

Col. Lazier and Judge Wills would, no doubt, gladly take hold of the proposal. This might be followed by a company gotten up by manufacturers and their employees. The merchants should have no difficulty in raising 250 Reserves. The newspaper men, physicians, bankers, lawyers and others could form a 4th company, and thus complete a battalion of Reserves in the city.

We all pray that they will not be needed, but for Heaven’s sake let us prepare. A BRITISHER.”

The Intelligencer June 7, 1916 (page 8)

“This district is again being asked for men for the artillery. Four new batteries are being formed at Kingston, and Lieut. G.R. Sinclair of the 74th Battery, C.E.F., is at present recruiting in Belleville and vicinity.

Now is the time to enlist, while there is every opportunity for promotion to non-commissioned officers. The interesting nature of artillery work is too well known to require description. Farriers, Sergeants, Shoeingsmiths, Cooks, Carpenters, Saddlers and Trumpeters are required in addition to Gunners and Drivers. Persons wishing information should apply to Lieut. Sinclair, in care of Room ‘B,’ Armouries.”

The Intelligencer June 6, 1916 (page 4)

“Britain Prepared. Coming to Griffin’s Opera House, June 12th and 13th, Official moving pictures of British War Office, the British Admiralty, and the British Ministry of Munitions.

Shown here by permission of the King under the patronage of the Duke of Connaught and the auspices of The Belleville Daily Intelligencer. …  Music by O’Rourkes Orchestra.”

The Intelligencer June 6, 1916 (page 7)

“Capt. W.H. Hudson Among the Wounded. General regret was expressed in the city to-day when it became rumored that Capt. William H. Hudson had been wounded. The brave young officer left Belleville on the 23rd of June last year with the 39th Battalion. Fortunately his wound is not considered of a serious nature. Miss H.A. Hudson, his sister, received the following official notice:

Miss H.A. Hudson, 19 Campbell street, Belleville. Sincerely regret to inform you Capt. William H. Hudson, infantry, officially admitted to 24 General Hospital, Etretat, June 5th. Gunshot wound in left shoulder; slight. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Record office. Ottawa.

The many friends of the young gallant officer in Belleville will unite with the Intelligencer in the wish that his injuries are not of a serious nature.”

The Intelligencer June 6, 1916 (page 8)

“Ritchie’s Early Closing During June, July, and August Commencing To-day, June 6th.

As our city did not adopt the ‘Daylight Saving Scheme,’ we have decided to grant our employees one hour extra leisure during the summer months. For the months of June, July and August we will open our store at 8.30 o’clock and close at 5.30 instead of opening at 8 and closing at 6.

Saturday night Store will remain open until the usual hour 9.30. During the months of July and August we will close at 12 o’clock noon on Wednesdays, giving our employees the half holiday. We would ask our customers to assist us by trading within these hours.

Two Windows Displaying Commodities for the Beautifying of the Verandah. The Ritchie Company Limited.”

The Intelligencer June 5, 1916 (page 2)

“Death of a Soldier. The death occurred on Saturday morning at the General Hospital in this city, of Private James Archibald, of the 80th Battalion, a former resident of Marmora. Deceased succumbed to an attack of pneumonia, and was 24 years of age, being married two months ago. His remains were this morning shipped to Marmora for interment.”

[Note: Private James Archibald died on June 2, 1916.]

The Intelligencer June 3, 1916 (page 3)

“Belleville Soldier Killed at Front. Mrs. Wm. Pickell, residing in Belleville, received a message this morning announcing the fact that her son had been killed in action. The young hero was known to many in this city, and left here last year with the 39th Battalion.

The official notice was as follows: Mrs. Wm. Pickell, 319 1/2 Church St., Ottawa, June 2, 1916. Deeply regret inform you 412146 Pte. Clayton Pickell, Infantry, officially reported killed in action, May 26th. Office on charge Record Office.”

[Note: Private Clayton Pickell died on May 24, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 148 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer June 3, 1916 (page 3)

“The New Crack Cadet Corps of Belleville. On Wednesday afternoon the High School Cadet Corps won the Wallace Robb Cup for all-round excellence in cadet work. …

This makes the High School Cadets the ‘Crack Corps’ of this city and one of the finest in Eastern Ontario, a fact which every citizen of Belleville interested in school affairs should bear in mind.

The High School Corps speaks for itself. It is the largest in the city having a Cadet roll of over 130. All the officers and sergeants but two of the Queen Mary Corps and the Captain of the Queen Alexandra Corps are privates in the High School Battalion. Ninety of its members have enlisted for overseas service,—fourteen of them having joined since January.

The High School has reason to feel proud of its competing corps and its success speaks well of the discipline and organization of the school.”