The Intelligencer October 23, 1916 (page 1)

“The Khaki Club Reopened. The Belleville Khaki Club which has been closed during the summer, waiting for the arrival of a new battalion, was hastily prepared for an informal opening on Saturday night. Music and refreshments were provided by the Ladies of the Khaki Club and a very pleasant evening was spent.

The formal opening will take place during the week and all men in khaki made welcome.

Khaki Notes. Magazines, cards and games are urgently required, also a piano, the latter being especially needful for the entertainment of the attendants.”

The Intelligencer October 23, 1916 (page 1)

“Recruiting Meeting a Great Success. A recruiting meeting was held at Griffin’s Opera House last evening by the 235th Battalion, which is stationed in Belleville. There was a large attendance, and much interest was manifested in the addresses given, and the selections rendered by the band, under the capable leadership of Bandmaster Murchison, were of a fine order.

The speakers were amongst the best that have ever been heard in this city, on the theme of recruiting.

Capt. McLean, paymaster of the battalion, was chairman, and in opening the meeting said it was a pleasure to be in Belleville. The battalion upon arrival in this city was hospitably received, and the many acts of kindnesses by the citizens were much appreciated, and he desired to thank Bellevillians on behalf of the battalion. They would be in the city during the winter and similar meetings would be held.”

The Intelligencer October 23, 1916 (page 2)

“Profitable Tea by Quinte Chapter. The tea given on Saturday afternoon in the tea-room of the Hotel Quinte by the Quinte Chapter, I.O.D.E., in aid of the British Red Cross Society, was a great success, the proceeds amounting to $182.50.

The programme consisted of songs by Mrs. Wilmot, Mr. Springer and Mrs. Outerbridge, and a reading by Miss Spafford of St. Agnes School. A pretty little picture, painted by Mr. F. Colson of Ottawa, and presented by him to the Chapter, was raffled, the lucky winner being Mrs. A. M. Chapman.”

The Intelligencer October 23, 1916 (page 5)

“Memorial Service to Belleville Hero. Rev. Professor Watson, of Kingston preached both morning and evening to large congregations in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sunday.

Following the evening service a short memorial service was held to the memory of the late Captain William H. Hudson, to whom the professor made feeling reference, and Col. Lazier in a brief address spoke of the loss sustained by St. Andrew’s Church lately, so many from the congregation having made the supreme sacrifice for their Country and King.

Speaking of Captain Hudson, Col. Lazier said, that young and popular, and with much to make life desirable, yet when the call came he did not hesitate to take his place among those who voluntarily came forward to defend their King and Empire.”

The Intelligencer October 23, 1916 (page 5)

“LOOK At Your Boots Then At Gormans.”

The Intelligencer October 21, 1916 (page 7)

“On Lookout for Recruits. Lieut. W. G. Williams arrived in Belleville on Thursday night from Barriefield camp to take charge of the Army Service Corps work in connection with the 235th battalion.

Lt. Williams wishes to secure recruits for immediate Overseas duty in Horse and Mechanical Transport. These fascinating branches of the service should appeal to many who are used to handling horses or driving cars.

Recruits for the Motor Transport will receive much valuable practical instruction in the great repair shops of England and France as well as the driving end.

Anyone wishing information about the above should apply to Lt. Williams at the Army Service Corps office on Church street next to the county offices.”

The Intelligencer October 20, 1916 (page 1)

“Portion of the 235th Battalion in Belleville. Nos. 1 and 2 Companies of the 235th Battalion which battalion will be quartered in Belleville this winter arrived at 1.30 this afternoon.

The regimental band, the bugle band and the staff accompanied the men. In all about 350 came to the city and other companies which are doing recruiting work in this district will later on arrive here. The men are soldierly in appearance and marched well.

They arrived here by a G. T. R. special and were conveyed down the city per the Grand Junction Railway and detrained at the market square. A number of citizens were present and the appearance of the men was favorably commented upon. Headed by the regimental band the men paraded to the barracks on Pinnacle Street, where they will be quartered. …

No. 3 Company is at present in Campbellford but will join those here in a few days. …  Members of the battalion have two pets namely a fox and a very pretty pup. The greater portion of the men who arrived here today are from Bowmanville and immediate vicinity.”

The Intelligencer October 20, 1916 (page 7)

“Snapshots from Home for Soldiers Overseas. The Military Service Department of the Y.M.C.A. of Canada, is arranging for photographs of the wife and children or other relatives of men serving at the front, and forwarding these overseas.

In one case a soldier had a snapshot sent to him, his first view of his baby born seven months before.—From Canadian Manhood.”

 

The Intelligencer October 18, 1916 (page 6)

“Killed in Action. In the casualty list today appears the name of Private Harold Smart, of Deseronto, who has been killed in action. He left Belleville with the 39th Battalion and was known to many in the city.”

[Note: Private Harold Smart died on September 29, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 163 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

 

The Intelligencer October 17, 1916 (page 1)

“Council Thanked. Col. M. K. Adams, Commanding Officer of the 155th Battalion, wrote Mayor Ketcheson, thanking the Council for the donation of $400 to the battalion. The colonel stated the gift was most acceptable and would be used for the comfort of the men of the battalion. The many kindnesses extended to the battalion by the citizens of Belleville, were appreciated by officers and men alike.”

The Intelligencer October 17, 1916 (page 7)

“The Need of The Red Cross. Once again the people of Ontario are asked to give out of the largeness of their hearts to the great work of the British Red Cross. This is an opportunity and an obligation as well. The British Red Cross is the only institution which carries voluntary aid to the sick and wounded of the British forces on land and sea in every region of the war. …

Broadly speaking, the work of the British Red Cross is (1) The transportation of the sick and wounded. (2) Hospitals, rest and convalescent homes. (3) The provision of countless hospital and medical supplies, clothing and other comforts.

The war has reached its turning point. Canada was in at the start with a spontaneity that startled the world. Canada must be in at the finish with a reserve of effort that shows her spirit is undiminished. Concentration of effort and consecration to the cause will mean an earlier end to the war and the return of our sons, brothers and sweethearts in health, happiness and prosperity.

The British Red Cross needs millions of dollars to continue the work next year. Out of our abundance we can spare for a cause so worthy. Ontario will do well as each individual does his and her part. Remember the collection—October 19.”

The Intelligencer October 17, 1916 (page 7)

“Girls as Bank Clerks. The statement of Royal Bank officials that they now employ 700 women in their various offices as compared to only 250 previous to the war, serves to draw added attention to another phase of the powerful current of these, our times. Incidentally, the management state that taken as a whole these women are very satisfactory.

They are largely young girls recruited from business colleges and the usual business channels, but of late a new element has crept into supply. This is in reference to the fact that girls of well-to-do families who had not previously considered working are now beginning to fill the gap created by the absence of other bread winners or else simply in answer to the more insistent demand for their services. …  Financial Post.”

 

The Intelligencer October 16, 1916 (page 1)

“Memorial Services at Holloway St. Church. At Holloway street Methodist church in this city, on Sunday morning the service was of an especial nature, and was attended by a large congregation.

The preacher was Major (Rev.) Harry A. Frost, a chaplain who at present is home on furlough, and who intends to return to the front within a few days to resume his duties.

In connection with the service the Major unveiled the scroll of honor, which contained the names of boys who were connected with that church, and who have enlisted to fight for King and country. Some are at the front and some are enroute overseas. Of the number two have made the supreme sacrifice, having been killed in action. Pte. W. M. Rutter was killed on August 9th, 1916, and a month later, on September 9th, 1916, Pte. Milton Vandervoort was killed.”

The Intelligencer October 16, 1916 (page 1)

“Thurlow Family Have a Notable War Record. Mr. Harry Wallace, a well known yeoman residing at Corbyville, Thurlow Township, on Friday last received from the Record Office, Ottawa, a message which conveyed the sad intelligence that his son, Private Robt. Earle Wallace, No. 41,206 had died of wounds at a dressing station in France. His death occurred on Monday, October 2nd. He was severely wounded in the hips and abdomen.

Private Wallace left Belleville with the 39th Battalion, and was a member of the battalion band. When he died he was in his 21st year, and was a fine type of a soldier, being over 6 feet in height. The young hero was a member of Plainfield Orange Lodge.

Two other sons of Mr. Wallace have enlisted for service. Private Clifford Wallace is at present in the trenches in France, and Private Harry Wallace is with the 155th Battalion, which is enroute overseas. This is a record which any family has reason to be proud of. In the loss of their son Mr. and Mrs. Wallace will receive the heartfelt sympathy of relatives and friends.”

[Note: Private Earl Wallace died on October 2, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 178 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer October 16, 1916 (page 1)

“Popular Local Captain Killed on French Front. Another popular young officer and resident of Belleville, has made the supreme sacrifice for King and country.

The citizens of this city were on Sunday evening shocked when it became known that Capt. William H. Hudson had been killed in action. A telegram conveying the sad intelligence was received here last evening by Miss Hattie Hudson, sister of the brave hero, which came from the Record Office, Ottawa. …

Capt. Hudson, who was a deservedly popular young man, was 32 years of age. He was born at Roslin, Hastings County, being the only son of the late Mr. W. P. Hudson, who for some years was the representative from East Hastings in the Provincial Legislature. Of late years the deceased had been conducting an insurance business in the city, and was also Secretary Treasurer of the Belleville Cemetery Company. Capt. Hudson was prominent in Masonic circles, being a Past Master of The Belleville Lodge No. 123, and Registrar of King Baldwin Preceptory No. 6. In social circles he was also prominent. …

At the outbreak of war he offered his services, and left Belleville with the 39th Battalion for overseas. …  He was Captain over the Belleville boys who were attached to the 2nd Battalion in the trenches, and only a few are left on the firing line, some being killed and some wounded. In the death of Capt. Hudson, Belleville has lost a brave young soldier.”

[Note: Captain William Henry Hudson died on October 8, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 106 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer October 16, 1916 (page 2)

“Excursion from Belleville. Barriefield Camp. A large number of friends of members of the 155th battalion came down from Belleville and district by special C.N.R. train to say farewell to their friends. The excursion was under the auspices of the 15th regimental band, and the visitors were looked after by their friends while in the city. …

Many of the visitors lunched with their relatives at the camp, and others came over to the city where they visited points of interest. Many of them stayed over to spend the last hours with their friends.”

The Intelligencer October 16, 1916 (page 3)

“Extended Thanks. The ladies of St. Michael’s congregation wish to thank their friends for responding so generously in making their Tea and Musical, held in the Quinte Tea Rooms, such a decided success. The sum realized was $63.30 which will be used to procure Christmas comforts for our boys in the trenches.”

The Intelligencer October 16, 1916 (page 5)

“Military Boots For The Boys Who Are Overseas. We are prepared to ship anywhere in England, France or Belgium anyone of the following Military Boots. Strongly wrapped and carriage paid at these prices.

Genuine Slater Tan Infantry Boots to wear with Buttees. Soldier’s Light Weight Dress Boot. Officers Field Boots, 17 inches high, double viscolised soles, tan crome. Trench Boots or Shoe Packs, 17 inches high, absolutely waterproof. The Haines’ Shoe House. Belleville, Napanee, Trenton, Smiths Falls.”

The Intelligencer October 16, 1916 (page 6)

” ‘Y’ Sox Shower, for Christmas stockings for the boys in the trenches, at the home of Mrs. Alexander Ray, 223 William Street, Tuesday afternoon and evening, October 17th. Musical programme and refreshments. Bring sox or money.”

The Intelligencer October 14, 1916 (page 1)

“Splendid Red Cross Meeting at Plainfield. One of the most successful patriotic and Red Cross meetings ever held in this section of the country was that under the auspices of the Plainfield Women’s Institute. …

The audience was large and appreciative, and the financial results highly satisfactory. Addresses of more than ordinary interest, descriptive of Red Cross, Patriotic work and recruiting, were delivered. …  During intermission a beautiful autograph quilt was disposed of by ticket, Mrs. Dick being the holder of the lucky number.

At the close of the meeting all those who had taken part in the program were invited to partake of delicious refreshments provided by the local ladies.”

The Intelligencer October 14, 1916 (page 1)

“Melbourne P. Sprague Returned to England. News was received Wednesday afternoon, by Mr. E. B. Sprague, North Front Street, from Ottawa, that his son, Pte. Milburn Sprague, taken prisoner by the Germans over four months ago, is now in hospital in England.

Pte. Sprague was struck by a shell on June 2nd last, when the Mounted Rifles, to which corps he belonged, were subjected to a fierce bombardment which almost wiped them out of existence.

With his right leg broken in three places, and his left leg fractured, he lay in his dugout for five days, with plenty to eat, but no water. He was picked up in an exhaustive condition by the German Red Cross, who took him to their base hospital in Belgium, where his leg was amputated.

After a month in Belgium he was sent to a prison hospital at Stuttgart, Germany. Remaining there for about three months, he was released, and forwarded to England, via Switzerland and France.

His return to Belleville will not be for many months on account of his injuries. Fortunately the amputation took place below the knee. Pte. Sprague has two other brothers now at the front.”

The Intelligencer October 14, 1916 (page 3)

“Eightieth Battalion Band Before King and Queen. The 80th battalion band which was started in Barriefield camp last summer, is winning its way to the front in the old land.

The band is being used for recruiting and charitable purposes and as the representative band of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, and arrangements are being made to send the band to France and Belgium to give series of concerts to men along the entire British line of conflict.

Three weeks ago the band under the leadership of Lieut. Stares Mus. Bach. played at Aldershot, before the King and Queen and Princess Mary. There was a big program of sports carried out for charitable purposes and the Belleville band placed in the setting of Royalty, won unstinted praise from their Majesties, as well as from press and public in general.

There are several Belleville and Kingston boys in this fine band, and their friends and families will be pleased to hear of the success of the band which had its origin in Barriefield Camp.”

The Intelligencer October 14, 1916 (page 5)

“Father of Slain Local Soldier Wounded. Mrs. James V. Ross, residing at No. 1 Emily street, in Belleville, has received the following message: Ottawa, Oct. 13, 1916. Mrs. Margaret Ross, Belleville.

Sincerely regret to inform you 455895, Pte. James Vincent Ross, infantry, officially reported admitted to No. 12 General Hospital, Rouen, October 4th, with gunshot wound in back. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Record Office.

Private Ross referred to is well-known in this city, being the father of Gunner Leo Ross, who was killed in action in April, 1915. The father enlisted with the 59th Battalion of Brockville, and went overseas in March of this year. His many friends in Belleville will hope that the wound is not of a serious nature.”

The Intelligencer October 14, 1916 (page 5)

“First Marmora Boy Killed. Pte. George Webb, who enlisted in Marmora and went to the front with the 21st Battalion, was officially reported missing in the casualty lists which appeared in Monday’s papers.

A letter received from a companion states that he was killed. While quite a number of Marmora boys have been wounded, Pte. Webb is the first to lose his life.”

[Note: Private George Webb died on September 15, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 180 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer October 14, 1916 (page 5)

“Belleville Boy. …  Among the Canadians gazetted for military medals, appears the name of F. L. Yeomans, who is connected with the artillery. This refers to Dr. Yeomans’ son of Belleville, who is familiarly known as Ted.

That he is deserving of the honor conferred upon him, there is not the slightest doubt, as he has certainly done his duty.”

The Intelligencer October 13, 1916 (page 1)

“Portion of a New Battery for Belleville. It will be gratifying to the citizens generally to know that during the coming winter there will be at least a number of soldiers quartered here. A new heavy artillery battery is being formed in this district and one half will be at Peterboro and one half here. Some 50 horses will arrive here shortly and a number of 18 pounder guns of the quick firing calibre, will also be brought here.

Recruits will be enlisted and we are informed that already a number of young men of Belleville have signified their intention of joining. The battery quarters in the Armouries’ premises on Church street will be utilized for recruiting purposes, also for the use of the men.”

The Intelligencer October 13, 1916 (page 5)

“Give and heal! An urgent call for help again goes forth from the Motherland’s mighty life-saving agency—the British Red Cross. The Empire is called upon to give greatly, give lovingly, give quickly, that the sick, wounded and suffering on all the battle fronts may not languish and perish in their hours of deepest need. Make ‘Our Day’ Your Red Cross Gift Day. Give on October 19th.”

The Intelligencer October 13, 1916 (page 7)

“Lunches for the Boys. The ladies of Belleville, who are members of the Argyle Chapter, Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire, were to-day busily engaged in preparing boxes for shipment to Kingston. The boxes contain sandwiches and fruit, which will be supplied to members of the 155th Battalion while enroute from Kingston to Halifax.

This thoughtful act on the part of the ladies will no doubt be much appreciated by the soldier boys who are going overseas.”

The Intelligencer October 12, 1916 (page 1)

“Raymond Granville Hudson Missing. The following letter received by Mrs. P. E. Hudson, of this city tells a story of suffering and possible death by another of Belleville’s sons. Ottawa, Ont., October 10. Mrs. P.E. Hudson, Belleville.

Sincerely regret to inform you, 622,703, Pte. Raymond Granville Hudson, Infantry, officially reported missing Sept. 15th, 1916. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in Charge, Record Office.”

[Note: Private Raymond Granville Hudson died on September 15, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 106 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

“Pte. Albert York Wounded. Ottawa, Ont., Oct. 11, 1916. Mrs. C. York, 249 William St., Belleville, Ont.

Sincerely regret informing you 456,163 Pte. Albert York, Infantry, officially reported admitted to No. 4 General Hospital, Camiers, Oct 2, gunshot wound hand, wounded right leg. Will send further particulars when received. Officer I.C., Record Office.”

“Pte. Frederick Belton Wounded. Ottawa, Ont., Oct. 11, Mrs. Florence Belton, 58 W. Moira St., Belleville.

Sincerely regret to inform you No. 412086 Pte. Frederick Belton, Infantry, officially reported admitted six general Hospital, Rowen, Oct. 1, 1916, gunshot wound, abdomen, chest. Will send further particulars when received. Officer Record Office.”

The Intelligencer October 11, 1916 (page 1)

“Remembered the Soldiers. Sunday afternoon at the Holloway Street Methodist Sunday school, was the occasion of a remembrance of several of the members who have enlisted and are about to go overseas.

A very suitable address was read and each of the former attenders of the Sunday School, who have got into khaki, and are now with the 155th Battalion, were presented with fountain pens. Harold Coburn, Sherman Jones, James ‘Burb’ Symons, Gerald Dobbs, Frank Sills and Wilfred Vandervoort, were the recipients.”

The Intelligencer October 11, 1916 (page 2)

“Held Jam and Marmalade Shower. The jam and marmalade shower recently given by the ‘Y’ at the home of Mrs. Williams was a decided success. One barrel containing 50 jars was packed and shipped to the boys in the trenches last week.

The ‘Y’ has a second barrel about half full and they are trusting the liberality of their friends will soon complete it, so it can be shipped to the front in time for Christmas.

Over ninety yards of cheese-cloth was also received this week and is being made up into much needed comforts for those suffering the ills of trench life. The ‘Y’ is trying to do its little bit and feels very grateful to the many friends who have so generously assisted.”

The Intelligencer October 11, 1916 (page 8)

“Christmas Comforts for Belleville Boys Overseas. The Red Cross and Women’s Patriotic Association room over Adam’s Shoe Store, will be open for a week beginning Thursday, October 12, from 2 to 6, to receive donations from the public either money or from the following list: pipes, tobacco, cigarettes, chocolates, gum, candies, hard candies, oxo, prepared cocoa and coffee, sardines, playing cards and leather shoe laces.

Bring in the addresses of Belleville soldiers so each one will get a Christmas present from home.”