The Intelligencer July 8, 1915 (page 4)

“Duchess of Connaught Hospital at Cliveden. Where Canadian

Soldiers are Being Brought Back to Health. Amongst the many hospitals, where our sick, and wounded soldiers are being brought back to health, there is perhaps no institution which will appeal to Canadians more than the Duchess of Connaught hospital at Cliveden, a beautiful country house, along the famous upper reaches of the Thames. …

It should be remembered that this hospital is a Canadian institution in every way. It is manned by Canadian doctors and nurses, by Canadian non-commissioned officers and men; it receives Canadian wounded and is supported and kept up by Canadian money. It only remains for the Canadian people as a whole to give their whole-hearted financial support to this Canadian hospital where our own fellow-countrymen will be brought back to health and strength.”

The Intelligencer July 8, 1915 (page 8)

“Soldiers To Go Home To Harvest The Crop. Ottawa. Leave of absence of one month may be granted to non-commissioned officers and men of the expeditionary forces in Canada for the purpose of enabling them to take part in the harvesting work throughout the country. A statement to this effect was issued by the acting Minister of Militia this morning. …

They must proceed to the harvest fields in their working clothes, leaving uniforms and equipment with their units. Pay and allowance will be withheld during leave, but this will be paid them on return with satisfactory proof that they have been bonafide engaged in harvesting work during the whole period of leave. To establish this fact a certificate from the employer must be produced.”

The Intelligencer July 7, 1915 (pages 1, 2)

“Soldiers Suffering From Nervous and Mental Trouble. Ontario Physicians ask Gov’t to Equip Expedition of Doctors and Nurses. At the meeting of the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, held in Toronto last week, the following resolution was carried amidst much enthusiasm: ‘Whereas it has become known to members …  that many of our soldiers in Europe are now suffering in special ways from various forms of nervous and mental trouble, due to the terrible shock of war. Whereas these various forms of nervous and mental diseases require special treatment, and that efforts are being put forth by those in authority to give this special treatment so far as the circumstances and conditions of war permit. Nevertheless, these circumstances and conditions are such as to render adequate treatment impossible. …

Therefore, be it resolved that this Council respectfully but urgently request the Government of this Province to at once equip an expedition of experienced and specially trained physicians and nurses from its public institutions and others specially qualified for such work and despatch them without delay with proper and full equipment to minister to those afflicted and restore them to convalescence and health; or where this is impossible or likely to be unduly prolonged, request the War Office to send them home to Canada, when suitable accommodation such as that soon available at Whitby be prepared for their reception and that this special treatment and nursing be there continued so long as may be required under the favorable conditions that such location, surroundings, and accommodation afford, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to Hon. W.H. Hearst, Premier of Ontario.’ …

The Council has touched upon a subject that has not received proper attention. This war differs from any incident of its character in the history of mankind. The huge mass of men engaged in the war arena, the power and strength of projectiles, the trench warfare, the aeroplane, the poisonous gases, the searchlights. …  Thus it is in this war we have a new type of ailment or of disability, or, if not altogether new, they are in number and variety far and away beyond anything heretofore recorded in the annals of war.

The character of these diseases is nervous and mental. We find loss of sight, hearing and speech without any apparent reason therefor. We find various forms of paralysis of arms, limbs, of parts of the body in large or small areas. There is loss of function of various organs, always distressing and often quite obscure. Standing out prominently we find many forms of mental disease, loss of memory, excitement, depression. …  the strain and horrors to which the soldier is exposed by day and night have resulted in an increase in insanity beyond anything yet recorded. …

Throughout the Province the suggestions of the Medical Council have been received with universal acclaim. In following the course outlined the Government would receive in full measure the support of the people of this Province.”

The Intelligencer July 5, 1915 (page 7)

“Intelligencer Tobacco Fund. The Importance of Tobacco. The following notes are issued by the Canadian Red Cross Society: While the public is generously answering the appeal for tobacco for the Canadian soldiers at the front, a very large amount is still needed and will be needed continually as the war progresses. …

There can be no doubt of the importance of tobacco in the present crisis. Even those who oppose its use as a matter of principle will admit this. Tobacco has played its part in every war, from Waterloo to the Balkans. It is playing a tremendous part in this, the greatest war in history. Tobacco is a solace and has won and lost battles. It is stated that smokers are far more immune than non-smokers to ‘Occipital Cramps’ and other neurasthenic ailments caused by the terrible ordeal of shell fire. …

Nothing is better than tobacco to relieve the necessary odium of convalescence, when the soldier, too weak as yet for any active physical employment finds the time hang heavy on his hands. Further, no greater act of charity could be performed than the sending of tobacco to prisoners whose life at the best can scarcely be considered one of pleasure.

In short those who know anything about men under nervous tension, know that tobacco is even more of a necessity than food. It is to be hoped that the public will think generously of this matter.”

The Intelligencer July 3, 1915 (page 7)

“Relics of the War. Sent Home by Charles Sprague, of the Divisional Signalling Corps. Mrs. E.C. Sprague, North Front St. has received several interesting articles from the firing line, from her son, Charles Sprague, who is with the Divisional Signalling Corps. Amongst them is a piece of a German ‘Jack Johnson,’ about one inch and a quarter in thickness, and weighing nearly a pound. It is made of the best steel, and gives evidence of the tremendous strength of the explosive used.

There are clips of German, French, and British cartridges and all are different. The French are entirely different from either of the others in shape and material used being shorter, thicker, while the bullet itself is of copper. The German bullet is sharper nosed than the English or French, and it does not give a clean wound, but a ripping gash.

A French shrapnel shell, made of brass, is beautifully cut, cleaned and mounted by the field blacksmith. It is also nicely engraved and ornamented with French and British bullets united. They will all be on exhibit at E. Sprague’s Tailoring store.”

The Intelligencer July 1, 1915 (page 1)

“Soldiers Celebrate Dominion Day. London. Dominion Day was celebrated among Canada’s soldiers at Shorncliffe. Early in the morning the bugle and drum bands of the 11th, 12th, 42nd, 49th and Patricia’s reserves paraded to Folkstone, receiving a hearty welcome. A military tattoo was held at night, when the massed bands performed.”

The Intelligencer July 1, 1915 (page 2)

“49th Regiment Make fine Show. Since Outbreak of War 460 Have Enlisted, Including 22 Officers. If there is one rural regiment that has reason to be proud of its record in regard to enlistment and officers offering their services for overseas service, it is the 49th Regiment of Hastings County. Since the outbreak of the war no less than 460 have enlisted from the regiment, the greater number of whom are either at the front or in readiness to proceed thereto. During the month of June 71 recruited and to-day 40 left here for the camp at Barriefield.

The officers of the regiment have not been backward in tendering their services and no less than 22 have been accepted and are on active service. …  Col. W.G. Ketcheson, commanding officer of the regiment is naturally proud of the record of the regiment under his command, and he has certainly every reason to be so.”

The Intelligencer June 30, 1915 (page 4)

“Last Chance Before Dominion Day. Come to the office of this newspaper early and get your flag TO-DAY—one or a dozen, so that YOU may tomorrow fittingly decorate for Canada’s great anniversary. Be Patriotic!

Those who have not secured a UNION JACK should do so at once, thereby expressing a true loyalty and approval of the mighty conflict in which our Empire is engaged. This Presentation is made possible by the leading Canadian newspapers acting in conjunction to provide a flag for every home. These splendid outfits can be secured in no other manner.”

The Intelligencer June 28, 1915 (page 2)

“Highlanders! Fix Bayonets!—a remarkably thrilling patriotic song, on the July list of New Victor Records—on Sale TODAY. It is sung by that celebrated baritone, Edward Hamilton, on Victor Record No. 17775 together with ‘The Soldiers of the King,’ sung by Herbert Stuart,—price 90¢. Berliner Gram-O-Phone Co. Limited. Dealers in every town and city.”

The Intelligencer June 28, 1915 (page 3)

“Patriotic Efforts By School Children. Now that the schools are closing a little incident which recently occurred would not be out of place. The boys and girls of Alexandra School being desirous of showing their patriotism on Victoria Day decided to dispense with fire crackers and donate the money usually expended in this way to help the soldiers on the firing line and as a result Miss Clara Yeomans, treasurer of the Belleville Women’s Red Cross and Patriotic Association received $15.00, a contribution from the scholars of the school saved in this way.

Then Miss Fleming’s class of scholars decided to do something for the purchase of bandages and made a personal effort in saving their pennies and doing services for remuneration and gathered together the sum of $5. to be given to the Women’s Patriotic & Red Cross Association for assistance to the soldiers.

Mrs. O’Flynn was called into the school and Mr. Gordon Collins, representing the class presented her, as one of the representatives of the Women’s Patriotic & Red Cross Association, with $5. which had been saved by the children. Mrs. O’Flynn, on behalf of the Association thanked the children for their thoughtfulness and the teacher for the gift and praised the spirit that prompted the act. The happy face of the teacher and the smiling and delighted children gave evidence of their deep interest in what had been done.

The scholars of the whole school were also thanked for their kindly act in saving $15., which was donated by the school to the fund. This spirit, which permeates throughout Canadian life and is found among the school children is the one that is going to win the victory for the Empire and we are delighted that the school children have shown throughout the city such an interest in the great affairs of the Empire.”

The Intelligencer June 26, 1915 (page 11)

“Is Your Home Still Flagless? ‘While Shot and Shell are Screaming,’ do honor to your brave citizen soldiers on the firing line, by joining the nation-wide movement to place a flag on every home. It is a mark of appreciation and a sense of fine fitness should impel every loyal citizen to show his colors. Take Advantage To-day Of The Presentation By The Intelligencer. This $4 Union Jack Outfit $1.48 Or the Flag Alone $1.10. Just Clip the Coupon. Act To-Day.”

 

The Intelligencer June 25, 1915 (page 2)

“In the letter from Sergt. Spafford, which we published yesterday, were several references to the death of Gunner Leo Ross. They were omitted in deference to the feelings of Mrs. Ross, mother of the deceased soldier, who we were informed was pained at the references to his death which appeared from time to time.

Mrs. Ross called at The Intelligencer Office this morning, and stated that she read with eagerness the references to her son’s death, and that they afforded her comfort. Under these circumstances we publish the following extracts from Sergt. Spafford’s letter, which were omitted yesterday:—

‘Gunner Leo J. Ross, killed in action on April 30. Gunner Ross had been associated with the 34th Battery since its inception, and one of the most accurate gun layers in the 1st Brigade. He died a hero’s death. We were under terrible gun fire, and owing to the necessity of supporting our infantry we had to stand by our posts. Gunner Ross was one of the few men who had stood the test of our trying duties of the past two weeks.

I note by the paper that there is doubt about my comrade, Gunner Leo Ross. I carried the lad from the gun myself, when he was hit, to the rear. I saw him buried in a beautiful garden of a near by Chateau, amidst the beautiful flowers that grow there. A cross with his name and date of death inscribed, mark the place; beside him are some of our other comrades, Percy Rivers of Vancouver, and two Montreal boys.’ ”

The Intelligencer June 25, 1915 (page 7)

“Intelligencer Tobacco Fund. ‘A Few Cigarettes’ Soldier’s Last Request. While the form of the soldier’s request for tobacco as seen in countless letters received from the Canadian boys at the front, varies almost infinitely between the direct demand and the gentle hint, perhaps no more forcible appeal, though it was made too late, has reached Montreal than that embodied in the last writing of a young soldier to his mother.

When the boy had been instantly killed by a German shell the sergeant of his company noticed a small black note book sticking out of his pocket and on the pages of this he found a letter which the soldier had written to his mother during the previous night in the trenches. …  Begging his mother to keep her money and not to spend it, as she had offered, in buying her son any little luxury that might be a comfort to him in the trenches, the soldier went on to say that, if she must remember him by sending some gift, a few cigarettes would indeed be most welcome, as some of the men had smoking materials and it was misery to watch their enjoyment while he had nothing to smoke himself. The request came too late.

There are 25,000 Canadians engaged in the fighting, however, and these need their smokes as urgently as the young man who watched the few lucky ones with envy and wrote of his feeling to his mother the night before he lost his life. The appeal is endorsed on every hand and the smokes go quickly so that the tobacco hunger is renewed almost as soon as it is assuaged. By contributing to The Intelligencer Tobacco Fund the greatest quantity of tobacco which it is possible to buy is sent by those who want to help.”

 

The Intelligencer June 24, 1915 (page 7)

“The Queen’s Canadian Military Hospital was organized at the commencement of the war by Canadians in London, England, for the special purpose of treating Canadian wounded. …  It is beautifully situated at Beachborough Park, which is being kindly loaned for the purpose by Sir Arthur and Lady Markham.

The hospital, which is supported by voluntary contributions of friends in England and Canada, is urgently in need of funds and of all kinds of surgical supplies and dressings; especially gauze bandages. Any person desiring to assist the work of the hospital in caring for the Canadian wounded will kindly send funds or supplies to Lieut. Col. Donald Armour, The Queen’s Canadian Military Hospital, Beachborough, Shorncliffe, England.”

The Intelligencer June 24, 1915 (page 7)

“Intelligencer Tobacco Fund. To Provide the Soldiers at the Front with Tobacco, Cigarettes and Chewing Gum. Previously acknowledged 2575 Cents. Mrs. J.R. Stephenson 100 Cents. ‘A Non-Smoker’ 100 Cents.

A Non-Smoker’s contribution is an eloquent rebuke to that section of Methodists at the Toronto Conference who protested against sending tobacco to our soldiers at the front.”