The Intelligencer March 19, 1915 (page 2)

“Mr. Wm. A. Rodbourne of this city, yesterday was in receipt of a postal card from Billy Dingham, who is in France, and went from here with the First Contingent. The date of the communication was February 26th, and its contents are as follows:

We have just come out of the trenches, which were only 80 yards from the Germans. Believe me, this is real fighting. Have had splendid luck. I can not give you anything very definite as it would not be sent. All the boys join in sending their best respects to you and the bunch. Yours truly, BILLY DINGMAN.”

The Intelligencer March 19, 1915 (page 2)

“Announcement. THE PATRIOTIC MASS MEETING which was to be held at Griffin’s Opera House on Friday Evening has been postponed until Tuesday Evening, March 23rd. The Committee in charge have changed the date to accommodate some of the speakers who are to be brought to Belleville to inaugurate the Local Campaign for the Patriotic Fund. The names of the speakers, who are the foremost orators of the Dominion of Canada, will be announced in to-morrow’s Intelligencer.

Remember the date, MARCH 23rd. Belleville must wake up and get in line with the other Patriotic Cities, of Ontario, so let no able-bodied citizen of Belleville be absent from Griffin’s Opera House next Tuesday night. GOD SAVE THE KING.”

 

The Intelligencer November 15, 1916 (page 2)

“Another local Boy Wounded in Action. Another Belleville boy has made the supreme sacrifice and given his life for his King and Country. Mr. William Logan residing at 150 Church street this morning received a message which bore the sad intelligence that his son Private Robert McPherson Logan, No. 454,870, infantry, was killed in action on October 1st 1916.

The young man referred to was well known in this city, where he had lived with his parents for some years. He was for some time an employee of the Intelligencer Office. He enlisted in the 39th Battalion and went overseas with that Battalion. Another brother is in khaki. The parents and members of the family will receive the heartfelt sympathy of all citizens.”

[Note: Private Robert McPherson Logan died on October 1, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 120 in the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 15, 1916 (page 2)

“Honors Awarded a Gallant Canadian. A number of Canadian soldiers have of late been gazetted as having been awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Among them is one well known in Belleville and vicinity, namely Major Roscoe Vandewaters.

The gallant officer commanded an attacking party with great determination, held and consolidated the captured trench, and personally supervised the digging of new communication trenches.

The popular Major left Belleville with the 39th Battalion and is an officer who is highly respected by all members of the Battalion. His father Mr. Charles Vandewaters resides in Sidney Township being an ex-Deputy Reeve of the Township.”

The Intelligencer November 15, 1916 (page 6)

“Signaller J. Harold Davis Wounded. Word was received yesterday by John R. Davis, Albert Street, that his oldest son, Signaller J. Harold Davis, had been wounded on November 2nd. Particulars later.

Harold enlisted in the 33rd Battery at Kingston, last year, as a Gunner. On reaching England in December, he, with several others, were detained there to take a signalling course. He was sent to France in June, and since then has been with the 3rd Brigade, H.Q.S., C.F.A., as a Signaller, with the 1st Division, B.E.F., France.”

The Intelligencer November 14, 1916 (page 1)

“The Boys Are Away. The Y.M.C.A. campaign for $15,000.00 was launched last evening with a banquet attended by about one hundred enthusiastic men and young fellows determined to win and save the Y.M.C.A. in this hour of its crisis.

Grace was said by the Rev. Archdeacon Beamish. The banqueters sang ‘God Save the King’ as a toast to the Empire, after which Dr. H. A. Yeomans, Chairman of the campaign Executive Committee presided. In a neat introductory, he sketched the history of the Y.M.C.A. and gave the reasons of its present financial trouble. …

The Rev. Dr. C. A. Scott was then introduced as the special speaker of the evening who spoke on the subject ‘Canada’s Greatest Asset’ in an eloquent address which brought loud applause. Dr. Scott, in a masterly way paid a tribute to manhood that will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to hear him. He also stated that there could be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the strength of any country from any point of view was centred in the type of manhood it produced. The speaker paid a high tribute to the Y.M.C.A. …

Mr. C. B. Brown, of New York City, in charge of the campaign spoke of the plans that had been completed for raising $15,000. He emphasized the need of men who would be willing for the sake of the Y.M.C.A. of Belleville to devote four days to the campaign, for the real value of the present effort would be seen many years after the war closed. …

Mr. Brown paid a tribute to Canada and the fine spirit of sacrifice the young men were making in this hour of peril. He firmly believed the campaign would be a success, but it would all depend on the men of Belleville doing their level best in the next four days. …

Rev. C. G. Smith closed the meeting with prayer asking God’s blessing upon the work about to be undertaken.

The workers then got together and after further instructions from campaign Manager Brown, proceeded to select the cards and secure the names which had been assigned the different teams. This work continued for an hour or more and it was past midnight before some of the workers were able to leave for their homes.

The Ladies Auxiliary furnished a splendid supper which was heartily appreciated by all.

There will be rallies every noon during the campaign at 12.30 at which all the workers are expected to attend. It is expected that the big clock which has attracted so much attention will begin to keep time at noon today, having been well regulated for the purpose. Friends of the Belleville Young Men’s Christian Association will enjoy watching the big clock take off the dollars this week.”

The Intelligencer November 13, 1916 (page 1)

“Full House at the Recruiting Meeting. Both pit and gallery were filled to their capacity at Griffin’s last evening at the recruiting meeting. The National Anthem opened the proceedings, after which Capt. Maclean, chairman, in his opening address, thanked the audience as citizens of Belleville, for their magnificent response to the invitation to be with the 235th tonight.

During the last week the battalion had obtained a total of 44 recruits, which is a record, and in fact breaks all records of previous battalions in Canada. This statement was greeted with loud applause by the audience. …

Mr. L. S. Landers, the prominent Labor Organizer, of Hamilton, the speaker of the evening, was called upon. ‘This is not the first time,’ stated the speaker, ‘that I have spoken in a Griffin’s Opera House. Everyone of these houses, leased by John Griffin and Son, are thrown open, free of charge and without expense to the various Recruiting Leagues. …

If men in Belleville only knew the situation of this war they would rally to the colors and fill the ranks of the 235th Battalion in less than a week. I don’t believe Canadian men are shirkers, or have yellow streaks, but I do believe every man should know and understand the need of men. …

We are going to win this war, but we may lose in the manner in which we would like to have won. If we don’t win hands down, your children will have to fight it out 50 years from now.’ …

Closing the speaker declared, ‘We are losing an occasional battle, but we are going to win the war, and in the last battle is where we will trim the Germans as they have never been trimmed before.’ Great applause was accorded Mr. Landers at the close of his speech. …

The meeting closed with the singing of ‘God Save the King.’ ”

The Intelligencer November 13, 1916 (page 1)

“Presentation at The Khaki Club. On Saturday evening Sergt. Major Sharpe late instructor of the N.C.O.’s class, was presented by his pupils of the 235th Battalion with a handsome ‘companion.’

Private G. Blunder on behalf of the class made the presentation, and in handing over the gift to Sergt. Major Sharpe, thanked him for his great patience and consideration during the somewhat strenuous period of tuition, trusting at the coming examination they would prove themselves worthy pupils.

Sergt. Major Sharpe was much surprised and expressed his appreciation of their kind words and handsome present. …  He expressed his sorrow at severing his connection with the 235th saying it had been one of the happiest associations of his service, and he considered that when the test came on the firing line the boys of the 235th would prove themselves equal to the best and a credit to their Country and Empire.

The class proceed to Kingston today for examination.”

The Intelligencer November 13, 1916 (page 2)

“75 Business Men of Belleville start out To-morrow Morning, November 14th, on the Y.M.C.A. Campaign for $15,000.00. Citizens of Belleville be ready to receive them in a generous spirit. The most valuable asset Belleville possesses is its young men.

By their Labor—they Create wealth.

By their Character—they determine the city’s morals.

By their Standards—they set the mark of citizenship.

By their Progress—they bulwark Belleville’s future.

By their Development—they guarantee Belleville’s greatness.

Do Your Very Best! $15,000.00”

The Intelligencer November 13, 1916 (page 5)

“Belleville Boy Promoted. Word has been received that Lieut. J. E. McCorkell, who left Belleville with the 39th Battalion in June, 1915, has been appointed Captain of the Fifth Canadian Machine Gun Company now in France, dating from Sept. 17th 1916.

Captain McCorkell, is a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Haight, of this city. Many local friends will be pleased to hear of ‘Joe’s’ promotion.”

The Intelligencer November 11, 1916 (page 3)

“Attention! Read—Consider—Act. A Campaign for $15,000 to Place the Belleville Y.M.C.A. upon an Efficient Basis. Nov. 14—17, 1916.

The need is imperative and immediate. Let every citizen do his duty. Other cities are doing it. So Can Belleville.”

The Intelligencer November 11, 1916 (page 3)

“Red Cross and Women’s Patriotic Association. The regular monthly meeting of the Red Cross and Women’s Patriotic Association was held on Tuesday evening November the seventh in the Liberal Club rooms. The President Mrs. (Col.) Lazier presiding. …

The secretary read a letter from Mrs. Dobell, Secretary of the French Wounded Emergency Fund, London, thanking the Association in answer to an appeal for the French Hospitals, which are so badly in need of supplies of all kinds.

The secretary also read a letter from Mrs. Rivers Bulkeley thanking the Association for the gift of one hundred dollars, which will be used entirely for Belleville soldiers who are prisoners of war in Germany. …

Report of hospital supplies made by the Circles, Mrs. Gribble, Convenor. 22 flannelette night-shirts, 6 white cotton night-shirts, 4 pairs grey bed soxs, 12 pairs white hospital stockings, 3 knitted wash cloths, 10 hand towels, 3 pillow slips. This box was sent to Nursing Sisters Grace Waters, Stella Jenkins and H. Masten who are in No. 7 Canadian General Hospital, France. …

Mrs. (Dr.) Yeomans, Convenor of the Rainbow knitting circles, reported for October. …  The knitting circles had charge of the Christmas gifts for the Belleville soldiers overseas, and last week sent forty-one large boxes containing 500 small boxes of luxuries and a pair of soxs.

The Association wishes to thank all who contributed also those who helped in the packing and particularly the teachers and pupils in the following schools: The High School, Queen Mary School, Queen Alexandra and Queen Victoria and also Christ Church, also the men who kindly gave their time in addressing the boxes.

One hundred dollars was voted at this meeting to add to Belleville’s subscription to the British Red Cross.

Margaret Lazier, President, Anna Harley, Secretary.”

The Intelligencer November 10, 1916 (page 1)

“Signaller Walter Scott Dies of Wounds. The news reached Picton, Wednesday that Signaller Walter Scott of the 44th Battalion, died of wounds at No. 9 Casualty Station on October 26th. The report of his death came with great suddenness to his friends in town, as no previous intimation of his being wounded had been received. The telegram states that he was wounded in the left arm and that the injuries were very serious is amply proven by his death.

Signaller Scott enlisted with the 80th Battalion at Picton, and went overseas with them last spring. He was a grandson of Mr. Alex. Scott of Gilbert’s Mills and brother of Clarence Scott of the C.N.R. Telegraph Office, Picton. For a time before enlisting he resided with his aunt, Mrs. M. Young, Queen street.”

[Note: Private Walter Scott died on October 26, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 160 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 10, 1916 (page 2)

“Men Wanted for Overseas. One Barber. Six Carpenters. Twelve for Signalling Section. Ten for Machine Guns. Four Bandsmen. Apply 235th Battalion. Corby Building, Front Street, Belleville.”

The Intelligencer November 10, 1916 (page 2)

“The 235th Battalion will attend divine service on Sunday at St. Thomas’ Church. The Roman Catholic members of the battalion will attend divine services at St. Michael’s, parading at 10.30, accompanied by the band.

After playing the men to St. Michael’s, the band will return and at 11 o’clock will accompany the Protestant portion of the battalion to St. Thomas’ church.”

The Intelligencer November 10, 1916 (page 6)

“Harry Westlake Reported Killed. Mrs. J. Westlake, 328 Coleman Street, Belleville. Deeply regret to inform you 219570 Pte. Harry C. Westlake, Infantry, officially reported killed in action on October 27, 1916. Officer in charge of Records.

Pte. H. Clifford Westlake reported killed in action, enlisted with the 80th Battalion, went overseas the 13th of May, was drafted to France on August 8th, and has been in the trenches since then. Pte. Westlake is the youngest son of Mrs. J. Westlake, who resides at 328 Coleman street. She received a letter dated October 23rd saying he was well.”

[Note: Private Harry Clifford Westlake died on October 27, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 180 in the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 9, 1916 (page 1)

“Belleville Boys to Attend Conference. Tomorrow (Friday) a group of Belleville boys will leave on the early train for Toronto, to attend the Annual Older Boys’ Conference. This is one of the series of nine such conferences being promoted by leaders in boys from the churches and the Y.M.C.A. The first of the series was held at Charlottetown P.E.I. …  The leaders travel across the country to the western coast, hold the last conference in Vancouver. …

The purpose of the conferences is to give an impetus to the work of building boys to take the place of the gallant Canadian men who have paid and will pay the supreme sacrifice.

The names of the boys who have already made application are as follows: Armstrong Andrews, Jack Barlow, Allan Boyle, Arthur Blackburn, Gordon Chute, Lorne Deeton, Albert Duesberry, Mac Hill, John McGie, Porte Marshall, Clare Mott, Oliver Owen, Ernest Taylor, Edwin VanBuskirk, Tracey Walker, Edward Wallbridge, Reginald Watson. Some of these are delegates from local Sunday Schools.

Yells and songs have been composed, and the boys are determined to make themselves heard.”

The Intelligencer November 8, 1916 (page 1)

“Welcome to Returned Heroes. A reception was last evening tendered to Private Roy Walters and George Stetts, (the latter a member of the celebrated Princess Patricias regiment) upon their return home to Belleville after doing their bit for King and country.

Both were recently invalided home, arriving here a couple of days ago. The returned heroes are well known in Belleville, where they have many friends, as was evidenced by the gathering upon the streets.

At a few minutes before 8 o’clock a parade was formed in front of the city building, and headed by the fine band of the 235th Battalion proceeded to the residence of Mr. Charles Walters, Catherine street, a brother of Private Walters, and here the two heroes were escorted to Alderman Deacon’s car, in which was seated Mayor Ketcheson. Their appearance was a signal for cheers.

The parade was then reformed and proceeded down Catherine street to Coleman street, thence to Moira street, over the upper bridge to Front street. At the bridge the two hose carts and ladder truck of the Fire Department joined in the parade. As the auto containing the returned soldiers passed by, cheers were given, and ladies waved their handkerchiefs. The 235th band played a number of appropriate selections. The parade returned to Mr. Walters’ residence, from the verandah of which some impromptu and brief addresses were given.

Mayor Ketcheson said it was a pleasure to welcome home Privates Walters and Stetts, who had been to the front and did their duty. They had done what they could, and did it for the Empire and for us. There was need for more men, and more men. We are proud of the record these young men and all Canadians have made.

The Premier of Canada had asked for 500,000 men, and they were wanted. This war was by no means over. We have a great and strong enemy to overcome, and he (the speaker) would appeal to all young men to don the khaki before they were compelled to do so.

Ald. Deacon and Woodley were called upon, and spoke in a congratulatory manner of the two boys who had returned home after duty well done.

Private Walters replied briefly but appropriately, thanking the citizens of Belleville for the reception tendered him and his comrade. He had seen a number of Belleville boys in France, and with the rest of the Canadians, were nobly doing their duty. At all times all were prepared to uphold the honor of Canada, and especially Belleville. (Applause and cheers.)

Mayor Ketcheson thanked the 235th band for their attendance upon the occasion, and the music rendered was appreciated. The citizens of Belleville were proud to have the band in the city.

Cheers for the returned soldiers were given, and the proceeding ended by the rendering of the National Anthem.”

The Intelligencer November 8, 1916 (page 3)

“Gave His Life. S. Sanford, of Frankford, whose name appeared in the casualty list yesterday as being killed, is a Belleville young man known to many. He was a private in the 39th Battalion, and at the time of enlistment was working on the Trent Valley Canal at Glen Ross, Sidney Township.

Private Sanford was born in Belleville 24 years ago and was unmarried. He was a member of the L. O. L. of Glen Ross. Mr. Benjamin Sanford of this city is a brother of the departed soldier.”

[Note: Private Sidney Sanford died on September 15, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 158 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 7, 1916 (page 1)

“New County Battalion Authorized for Hastings and Prince Edward. Word has been received in the city this morning from Military Headquarters that the new County Battalion for Hastings and Prince Edward had been authorized.

The number of this new military organization will be the 254th and will be commanded by Major A. P. Allen of this city, who, we understand, will commence immediately to select his junior officers and submit his selection to Headquarters for approval. Major Allen and Capt. Hyman proceeded to Kingston today on the noon train. The Intelligencer congratulates Major Allen on his appointment.

Mr. E. Guss Porter, K.C., M.P., received the following telegram this morning from the Minister of Militia’s Secretary:—’Leave has been granted to recruit the 254th Battalion in this district. Major A. P. Allen in command.’ ”

The Intelligencer November 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Settles O’Flynn Controversy. The appointment of Captain O’Flynn of Belleville, as second in command of the 247th Battalion of Peterboro, settles the controversy that has been waging for some time in Belleville as to who would command the new battalion proposed for Hastings County.

Captain O’Flynn was a candidate for the appointment, and his many friends were urging that the young returned officer be given the rank of Lieut.-Col. and placed in command of the Belleville unit.”

The Intelligencer November 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Returning Home. Mr. Nelson Jones residing on Yeomans street, Belleville, last evening received a telegram from his son Sergt. E. G. Jones stating that he had arrived safely at Quebec and would arrive home in a few days.

Sergt. Jones enlisted at Trenton and went overseas with the 21st Battalion and was wounded in the arm and thigh and has been invalided home.”

The Intelligencer November 7, 1916 (page 6)

“Corp. Clifford Wounded. Word has been received by friends in this city that Corp. A. E. Clifford, 219686 now of the 44th Battalion, has been wounded and recently admitted to Dunston War Hospital, Northamptonshire. Corporal Clifford left with the 80th  battalion last spring.”

The Intelligencer November 6, 1916 (page 1)

“Spirited Recruiting at Griffins Opera House. A very large audience was present at the recruiting meeting held at Griffin’s Opera House last evening. The building was crowded to the doors, and every available seat was occupied.

Capt. MacLean, Paymaster of the 235th Battalion, acted as chairman in his usual efficient and affable manner. The proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem, accompanied by the band.

Capt. MacLean in his opening speech stated that the final word, authorizing the 235th Battalion to recruit in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties was not received until Saturday afternoon late; there was hardly time then to organize a recruiting meeting and the officers were dubious as to its results. However, they wrote to the various clergymen in the city, who announced the meeting from their pulpits. It is a matter of congratulation to the clergy and the citizens of Belleville for the success of this meeting tonight.

We, the 235th Battalion, have at last received final word to recruit here, in this fair city of yours, and in the Counties of Hastings and Prince Edward, and are sure of the recruits as the men from Belleville and Hastings and Prince Edward are always known to make good soldiers.

The programme was commenced with a selection by the band, which was warmly applauded by the audience. …

Mr. W. B. Northrup, K.C., M.P., was then called upon to address the gathering, whose address was one characteristic of his forceful and straight-to-the-point manner. …  Canadians were presented by Britain with the richest country in the world; she has guarded it for us, and now she asks us to stand by her in this war. …  We must be united with her to do our bit in this war. …  We Canadians, if we have any self-respect, ought to be ready to do our part in this war.

Speaking of only those who have fallen in this war, and to hear anybody lament their death, I think is wrong. I envy them, not lament. They will enjoy the boundless freedom in the Great Beyond. …  The meeting was closed with a selection from the band.”

The Intelligencer November 6, 1916 (page 2)

“Local Soldier Wounded. The following message explains itself: Oct. 23, 1916. Mrs. J. W. Ross, 1 Emily Street, Belleville, Ont.

Dear madam:—455895 Pte. W. J. Ross, 2nd Canadian battalion, who is now at Royal Victoria Hospital, Netter, Hants. our visitor saw him this week and reports he is suffering from shrapnel in back but doing well. Our visitor will continue to visit him and when we hear further news we will be glad to write you again. Beatrice Coverhill.

A letter was received this morning saying that Pte. J. W. Ross was not seriously wounded and he is getting along fine.”

The Intelligencer November 6, 1916 (page 3)

“Signaller Bolin Killed. Mr. Patrick Bolin, of Keene, received a message Saturday morning stating that his son, Sig. Alphonse Bolin who went overseas with the 80th Battalion from Belleville, had been killed at the front. No further particulars were given.

Sig. Bolin was a fine type of young manhood. He turned aside bright prospects in life and did what he thought to be his first duty. He had attended the High School at Norwood and was captain of the cadets. He was only 20 years of age, and had a number of friends in Belleville.”

[Note: Corporal Richard Alphonse Bolin died on October 21, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 56 in the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 6, 1916 (page 3)

“Made the Supreme Sacrifice. The many friends of Private Walter Hayward of Belleville, will deeply regret to learn that the report of his death is only too true. A young lady in Belleville, received a letter referring to his death.

His identification was established by a letter found upon him addressed to Mrs. Powers, of Belleville, with whom for 3 years he had been boarding previous to his enlistment.

Private Hayward was an exceptionally popular young man and was employed in the G.T.R. shops in this city. He came to Belleville about 4 years ago from his home on the east coast of England. The young hero enlisted with the 59th Battalion at Kingston which left for overseas in May last. The sympathy of all citizens will be extended to the bereaved.”

[Note: Private Walter Shaw Hayward died on September 16, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 101 in the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 6, 1916 (page 7)

“It has been found that the anxiety of some people to obtain seats for the recruiting meetings, has interfered with their attendance at church. In consequence of this, the officer commanding the 235th Battalion, has given orders that hereafter all Sunday meetings shall commence at 8.45 P.M.

This will give everyone ample time to get seats after church.”