The Intelligencer June 14, 1915 (page 1)

“Recruits Required for 4th Contingent. Patriotic Appeal to the Young Men and the Women of Belleville and District. Recruits are now being enlisted for the 4th Contingent and it is hoped that the young men of this district will respond to the Empire’s call with the same alacrity as was shown in the recruiting for the 3rd contingent. …

It cannot be brought home too plainly to people that this is Canada’s war as much as it is Great Britain’s. The Dominion is vitally interested in this war. Should Germany succeed and the British Navy be defeated Canada would undoubtedly be invaded by the Huns. …

The patriotic women of Canada have done splendid service for their country and the Empire; but unfortunately other women have proved to be a stumbling block to recruiting. Several letters have been received at headquarters, demanding that their sons should be released, as they enlisted without their consent. One woman is so totally destitute of patriotism that she remarked: ‘I would rather my son was in jail than in the army.’ This insult to the gallant fellows flocking to the colors arises from sheer ignorance. The training and discipline her son would get in the army would make a man of him. …

This war has been brought home to the youth of the Empire that he owes something to his country for the liberty and privileges he enjoys. It is his bounden duty to defend his country if occasion requires. Other nations recognizing this fact, make compulsory military service a law of the land. In the British Empire we are depending upon voluntary service, and where a mother, wife or sister uses her influence to prevent a young man enlisting she is committing a crime against the State.

It is to be hoped that the women of Belleville and vicinity will sink their own personal feelings and look at the matter from a national standpoint. There are some dark days ahead for the British Empire, and Canada must bear her fair share of the sacrifice, which is required in order that another contingent may be sent to the front, which will be worthy of this great and growing Dominion.”

The Intelligencer June 14, 1915 (page 2)

“Alleged Alien Is Apprehended. Mr. Ernest Walter Shoener, whose home is at 54 Murney street was arrested on Saturday night by the military police in connection with the 39th Battalion. It was alleged that Shoener was a German and had never taken out his naturalization papers. His arrest caused considerable comment, owing to the fact that for many years he had been a resident of the city and had always been a hard working and industrious man.

This morning his release was effected by parties who interested themselves in his behalf. Shoener admitted that he was born in Prussia, but had lived in this country for upwards of 30 years. He claimed that at one time he took out the oath of allegiance, but was perfectly content to do so again, if it was desired. This was done and he also signed a document to report regularly to the proper authorities after which he was formally discharged from custody.”

The Intelligencer June 12, 1915 (pages 1, 2)

“One of the most important, interesting and impressive ceremonies which has ever occurred in this city, took place yesterday afternoon. It was the consecration and presentation of colors to the 39th Battalion, which is mobilized in this city, and is composed of recruits from Hastings, Prince Edward, Peterboro’, Northumberland, Durham and Lennox and Addington Counties.

The colors were the gift of the members of the Women’s Canadian Club of Belleville, an organization which has made itself felt in many respects for good. The colors were beautiful in the extreme. One flag was purple in color and of silk. It bore the inscription of the 39th Battalion C.E.F., and was adorned with a beaver worked in gold. The second flag, a Union Jack, represented the King’s colors, and was also of silk. Both flags were trimmed with gold fringe.

The ceremony took place on the parade grounds in front of the Armouries. About the grounds were assembled hundreds of citizens, who took a deep interest in the proceedings. The affair was, if possible, made more significant owing to the fact that Major-General Hon. Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defence, was in attendance. …

Shortly after 2 o’clock the 39th Battalion, headed by the Battalion Band rendering appropriate marching airs, paraded from the headquarters on Pinnacle street, and took up a prominent position on the parade ground. The Battalion was in command of Col. Preston. …

Mrs. J.W. Johnson, President of the Women’s Canadian Club, delivered the following address: Colonel Preston, Officers and Men of the 39th Battalion:—On behalf of the Women’s Canadian Club of Belleville, I have the honor and pleasure to present these colors to the Regiment. …  You are going forth to fight for liberty, justice and humanity. May the ideals which these colors represent, be ever present with you. …  We wait to welcome you back; you, and those other dear sons of Belleville, whose heroism and patriotic devotion are our deepest pride, assured that you will return with victory and honor. Our gratitude and our prayers go with you. On behalf of the Women’s Canadian Club of Belleville, I entrust these colors to your care for consecration.”

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.”