The Intelligencer June 11, 1915 (page 3)

“Dairymen’s Gift to 39th Regt. At a meeting of the Picton Cheese Board held on May 28th, a resolution was passed donating the sum of $500.00 from the funds of the Dairymen’s Patriotic Fund, to the 39th Battalion, for the purchase of field kitchens and other comforts for the members of this Battalion, this Battalion being largely recruited from Prince Edward. The following is a copy of a letter from the Colonel of the Battalion, acknowledging receipt of the cheque.

Belleville, June 8, 1915. Dear Sir:—On behalf of the 39th Battalion under my command, allow me to express my deep appreciation of the magnificent contribution made by the Picton Cheese Board to our Regimental Fund. Yours faithfully, J.A.V. Preston, Lt.-Col. Commanding 39th Bat. C.E.F.”

The Intelligencer June 10, 1915 (page 5)

“Parcels to Prisoners in Germany. The regulations recently issued by the postal authorities at Ottawa, allow parcels up to eleven pounds in weight to be sent free of all charges to prisoners in Germany. It may be of interest to many of our readers to know that there are no restrictions as to the number of parcels sent. …  It is, however, advisable to send smaller parcels, say five or six pounds, and if necessary to send several of these rather than attempt to make a parcel of the limit weight. It has been the experience of those who have for months been sending food and other comforts to friends imprisoned in Germany, that smaller parcels, even when there may be many of them, are more likely to arrive safely at their destination.”

The Intelligencer June 7, 1915 (page 1)

“Archie Cooke Located. Word has been received in the city Saturday that Archie Cooke has been located in Gussen, Germany.”

[Note: Archie Cooke was located in Giessen, Germany.]

The Intelligencer June 7, 1915 (page 1)

“Mourned Frankford Soldier Alive. Private Albert Bingham Officially Reported Killed, Was Wounded. There was joy in Frankford when letters arrived from Pte. Albert Bingham, a young Englishman of the 49th Regiment in the second battalion. Private Bingham some weeks ago was officially reported killed, and the letters conveyed the information that he was wounded. And now the casualty list mentions him as follows—’2nd battalion—wounded—Albert Bingham, (previously reported killed) Frankford, Ontario.’ A memorial service for Albert Bingham was recently held in Frankford Methodist church under the auspices of the Oddfellows.”

 

The Intelligencer June 4, 1915 (page 1)

“Colors for the 39th Battalion. The presentation of the colors to the 39th Regiment by the Womens’ Canadian Club will take place on Friday the 11th inst. about 2.30 o’clock in the afternoon. General Hughes will be in the city to be present at the consecration and presentation of the colors and inspect the 39th Battalion at the same time. The function will be a public one at which all the ladies of the Canadian Club will be present as well as the citizens generally are all invited.”

The Intelligencer May 29, 1915 (page 2)

“XV. Regiment Band’s Big Carnival. To Be Held on Victoria Park. After considerable labor and pains that worthy organization the XV Regiment Band, which needs no introduction to the public, has completed arrangements with the Big Pierson’s Shows for their big Carnival for a solid week on Victoria Park, commencing Monday evening the 3rd inst. and continuing every night for the balance of the week with special afternoon performances on the King’s Birthday and Saturday, 5th June at 2 o’clock. …

In the motor-drome three of the world’s greatest motor cycle speed kings defy death at every turn as the spectators gape down in blood tingling amazement. The days of ’49, commemorating the old frontier life of the lawless wild and wooly west …  The athletic show …  The circus side show …  The dog and pony show …  The $10,000 Merry-Go-Round, with the latest Coney Island Jumper will give every one from dear old granddad to the kiddies heaps of fun and exhilaration. …  There will be fun galore. Everybody wants fun and everybody wants to help the band, as they have given so much pleasure to others and with their funds have helped so many needs in the past.”

The Intelligencer May 29, 1915 (page 3)

“Interesting letter from Bombardier Horace Yeomans. France, May 13. …  It is not war out here, Mamma, it is slaughter, pure and simple. It is no longer a case of ‘survival of the fittest,’ but merely a game of chance, in which a man is a victim of circumstances where his brains and brawn count of absolutely nothing. Some day there will be a good and reliable account written and published of the two weeks’ fighting and then the outsiders will be able to form a good idea of the things that are going on here. Your loving son, Pat.”

The Intelligencer May 28, 1915 (page 1)

“Leo Ross Killed in Action at Langemarck. Mr. James Ross of this city, to-day was officially notified that his son, Gunner Leo Ross, had been killed in action. Gunner Ross was a member of the 34th Battery and went with the First Contingent. His many friends will regret to learn of his demise and sympathy will be extended to the bereaved parents and members of his family.”

[Note: Gunner James Leo Joseph Ross died on April 30, 1915. He is commemorated on Page 34 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer May 27, 1915 (page 3)

“Death of Sergt. Ablard. Mrs. H.C. Ablard of Wharf street, Belleville, has received the following letter from Sergt. Malcolm A. Neilson. …  I feel I must write you a few lines to express to you my great sympathy for your loss and also to tell you something of the splendid conduct of your husband in the last fight.

I shared a tent with Harry and two other Sergeants all the time we were at Salisbury Plain, and since we came out here I had lived with him practically all the time. I really cannot tell you what a splendid comrade he was. …  You will be glad to hear that his thoughts were often with you and his children. He would speak of you and them with pride and affection, and you have good reason to be proud of him.

In the great fight near Ypres our company had a hot corner to hold. On the morning of Friday, April 23rd, he gallantly placed himself in a very dangerous position, from which one or two men could fire into the German trench. Someone had to do the work and most heroically it was done. Your husband, I am told, shot down sixteen Germans before he was shot in the head. He lay unconscious for about an hour, and then died. He cannot have suffered at all. …  Harry was reverently and carefully buried by his comrades at a spot not far from the village of St. Julien, of which you may have read in the papers. I am Yours very sincerely, Malcolm A. Neilson.”

The Intelligencer May 27, 1915 (page 8)

“Presentation to Local Soldiers. Men of 39th Battalion Presented With Copies of New Testament. An interesting ceremony took place at the canning factory grounds this morning when the soldiers, who were drawn up at attention before Col. Preston, were formally presented with a khaki-bound copy of the New Testament scriptures. The presentation was made by the Rev. Chas. Geo. Smith, B.D., in the absence of the General Secretary, the Rev. Jesse Gibson, of Toronto.

Mr. Smith read a statement from Rev. Mr. Gibson, showing that over 60,000 copies had been presented by the Bible Society to the Canadian soldiers of the expeditionary forces, and the Society aims to present a copy to each officer and soldier on active service. Reference was made to the acceptance by the King of a copy, and his Majesty’s earnest wish that every soldier would consider it a part of his daily duty to read a portion of God’s word.”

The Intelligencer May 26, 1915 (pages 1, 4, 8)

“The 34th Battery at Langemarck. By Sergt. Gerald Spafford. On the Firing Line, Belgium, May 7th, 1915. Dear Mr. Bowell: …  You all have heard the story of what the infantry did, and those acquainted with the situation and formation of the line here will appreciate the following brief sketch of the part the boys of Belleville’s Fighting 34th Battery—now a part of the 2nd Battery, 1st Brigade—played in the battle. We were in the thickest part of it from beginning to end. …

While the sacrifice is a noble one, and we realize that they have done their duty for their King and Country—’tis sad. I herewith refer to one of my comrades who has been associated with the 34th Battery since its inception—a lad well known and popular with all who knew him, and many of the G.T.R. boys will regret to hear of his death. I refer to Gunner Leo Ross, who died as only any hero dies, fighting at his post of duty. No braver or more efficient soldier ever wore a uniform.

Leo was one of the 1st Brigade’s best gunlayers, and while fulfilling this duty in action on April 31st, 1915, under a terrific fire, he was killed. Our position enfiladed the enemy’s trenches. We were exposed to frontal, enfilade, and rear fire, but had to stick to it to support our infantry, who were rushing a position. We saw him buried in a beautiful garden of a near-by chateau. A cross marks the spot. We all extend our heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved parents. May it be a source of comfort to them to know Leo did his duty, never flinching, and did it well.

We also lost our section commander, Lieut. Helmer, the following day. We feel his loss keenly. His fine example and unselfishness shall always be remembered. Many of our boys with the other section are wounded. I cannot learn their names. Driver E.A. Carre, one of my boys has been wounded, but is still doing his duty. I cannot express my true feelings as to the splendid behavior of everyone of our boys. We all send our kind regards, and trust a speedy termination of the war will bring us back soon. Respecfully, SPAFFORD.”

The Intelligencer May 26, 1915 (page 2)

“The following letter has been received by Mrs. Lavin of 23 Charlotte street, Belleville, from her husband, Sergt. J. Lavin. St. Johns & Elizabeth Hospital, London, N.W.

I am getting on fine, but I had a very painful time. I have four bullet holes in me but one bullet did the lot. It struck me in the back of the arm, about 4 inches above the wrist, went through my arm, breaking a bone, entered my hip and came out through my back about 1/2 inch off my back bone. I was very lucky I did not bleed to death. …  We had a terrible time. Out of six officers in my company four were killed and two wounded. …

This is a fine hospital. It is a Catholic Hospital, but they treat anyone here no matter what religion, and the nuns are splendid; they will do anything for us. …

I forgot to tell you where I was wounded. It was at a place called Ypres, which is nothing but a hell upon earth. It is impossible for me to describe its wholesale slaughter.”

The Intelligencer May 26, 1915 (page 2)

“Gunner Paterson Wounded. Mrs. D. Patterson, 8 Victoria Ave., Belleville, has received the following telegram from the Adjutant General, dated Ottawa, May 25:—Sincerely regret to inform you 40469 Gunner William Paterson, 1st Field Artillery Brigade officially reported wounded. Further particulars when received will be sent you. Adjutant General.

The following is the last letter received by Mrs. Paterson from her son: Belgium, April 30, 1915. Dear Mother:—I have received all letters and papers up to this date. …  I got a wound on the fingers of my left hand and am back of the horse lines. …  Do not worry about my fingers. I would not have told you, only I was afraid it would get in the papers and you would not know what happened.

I was lucky to what some of the others were. I also had the side of my serge torn by a piece of shell, but my aluminum cup in my pocket turned it.”

The Intelligencer May 26, 1915 (page 8)

“Gunner Leo Ross Reported Wounded. Mr. James Ross of this city, this morning, received the following telegram: Ottawa, May 26th. Mr. James Ross, Belleville,—I sincerely regret to inform you that No. 40488 Gunner James L. Ross is officially reported as wounded. Further particulars, when received, will be sent you. Adjutant General.”

The Intelligencer May 25, 1915 (page 2)

“An Appeal By the Ladies’ Patriotic and Red Cross Society of Belleville. …  Boxes of Hospital supplies have been sent to the Queen’s Hospital at Shorncliffe and to the 2nd Canadian Expeditionary Hospital at Le Touquet, France, and another is about ready to be sent to the Toronto University Hospital. …

The funds raised by the entertainment in the Armouries and by contribution from members and others is exhausted, and if the Society is to continue its good work more money is required at once. The executive, after full consideration, has decided to make an appeal to the citizens for contributions to the funds of the Society, feeling sure of a generous response considering the great and growing necessity caused by the thousands of our wounded soldiers streaming back from the battle line maimed and invalided, and it was decided to make the appeal through the churches.

The clergymen of all denominations on Sunday last brought the matter before the members of their congregations. It is proposed to place envelopes in the pews of all the churches so that the contributions can be made on Sunday next, May thirtieth, at both services. All contributions will be acknowledged through the daily papers.”

The Intelligencer May 25, 1915 (page 2)

“Victoria Day was fittingly commemorated in this city. Taking advantage of the 39th Battalion being in the city it was decided to have a military parade and sports at the Agricultural Park, the proceeds of which were to be devoted to the 39th Battalion funds. …  there was a hearty response by the citizens who gathered at the grounds in large numbers.

At 1:30 p.m. a parade was formed led by the 39th Battalion Band. It was composed of the 39th Battalion, being 1,000 strong, the 15th Regiment Band and the Cadets of the High School, Queen Mary, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra and St. Michael’s Schools. …  The line of march was up Pinnacle street, down Victoria Avenue to Front Street, to West Bridge Street and thence to the Park. The streets were lined by spectators during the march.

Upon arrival on the ground the troops formed up—the 39th on the right and the High School Cadets and 8th (Queen Mary School) Cadets on the left …  Accompanied by his A.D.C., Col. Sir Mackenzie Bowell repaired to the saluting base immediately opposite the grand stand, when the Battalion marched past in columns of platoons. …  Col. Preston on behalf of the 39th Battalion, thanked Sir Mackenzie for his kind words of encouragement. The members of the Battalion were then dismissed and a programme of sports was carried out.”