Clowne during World War I

Clowne, like many villages across the UK was profoundly impacted by WWI. Below is some of the events that occurred in Clowne during the war years. Click on the years below to jump to a particular year. This webpage is still under development.

After a summer of failed diplomatic efforts, the great European countries were engaged in the most destructive war the world had ever seen.

1914

August 1914

The UK declared war upon Germany on the 4th August 1914

Sewing for the Soldiers – Clowne Red Cross Effort

A committee of Clowne ladies are working independently of the British Red Cross. Miss Olive Hibbard has been appointed secretary and Mrs Bould, treasurer. The committee includes several members of the Red Cross Society, and members of the various denominations in the parish. The committee will meet every Thursday afternoon at Clotillion Villa, when sewing machines will be held and clothing made for the soldiers and sailors at the front. Mrs. Hibbard will kindly provide tea for the committee. Over £13 has already been raised, and the committee wish to state through the “Courier” that the amount subscribed by Clowne people has no connection whatever with the Red Cross Society, and further that the money has been raised before the Red Cross Society had made a move in Clowne. It was inadvertently stated last week that Miss Magee was secretary. It should have been Miss Olive Hibbard.

Ambulance Volunteers – 23 from Clowne

Mr.S.B.Brown presided over a well attended and enthusiastic. meeting of the Clowne Ambulance Class on Saturday, when 23 members, volunteered for home and foreign service, as follows: – Chris Wright (honorary serving brother of the order of St John), A Seston, A.Clay, C.R.Francers, Enos Brown, G.Belfitt, S.B.Brown, Arthur Wells, W.Johnson, Wm.H.Wright, E.A.Plant, T.Barlow, Horace Thompson, J.W.Clark, A.F.Cowley, T.Cowley, L.Wood, I.Quinn, A.Siviter, J.H.Howe, P.Fulwood, H.Clarke and G.Henshaw. It wa decided to subscribe £3 to the sick and wounded fund of the St John Ambulance Association. Members also volunteered to assist the local branch of the Red Cross Socierty, and Mr.C.Wright undertook to instruct members of that society in nursing. Members have also been selected for Chesterfield and district, and the management of the two Collieries are to be approached as to the absence of the men from their work.

ENLISTING AT CLOWNE

Message from Mr. Locker-Lampson

A Large and enthusiastic meeting was held in the Clowne Council Schools on Monday, presided over by Mr.A.Hibbard (chairman of the Clowne Parish Council), who delivered a patriotic and inspiring address. It was decided to issue a few large posters inviting young men to join the movement, and Clowne Co-operative Hall has been selected as a place to enlist, the hours being from 10 to 12 a.m, and 5 to 7 p.m. Several young men have already joined.

A telegram was read from Mr. Locker-Lampson, M.P, wishing the meeting every success, and hoping everything possible would be done in response to Lord Kitchner’s appeal for men. The Parish Council appointed a committee to organise a subscription fund, to be known as the Prince of Wales’ local relief fund, and the committee have power to add to their number. About £8 was given and promised in the meeting. It was decided to arrange a house to house collection. The Parish Council afterwards nominated thirty influential gentlemen in the parish to work with the committee. Mr.G.H.Calow (clerk to the Parish Council) was appointed secretary, and Mr. Arthur Calow treasurer.

September 1914

Two Bullet Wounds – Clown Soldiers’s Letter to his mother

“We Got it Hot”

Writing to his mother at Clowne from the Fourth Southern General War Hospital at Plymouth., Bombardier J.C. Pashley-Bennett, of the Royal Field Artillery, says

“My dear mother, – Just a few lines hoping they will find you and all at home in the very best of health. I am at present very fair. Well, dear mother, you would no doubt be surprised to see I was back in England. In fact, I was very much surprised myself when they told me that all the wounded were for England. My word, I had a very good time while over in France and Belgium. The people gave us everything they could and anything we wanted. It made our blood boil to see the poor women and children fleeing for their dear lives away from the Germans. I think that ought to call them savages. But they got some shrapnel shells into them. We started fighting on Sunday, and were at it all the time until we arrived at a place called Montaigne. Then we got into action there on Wednesday, the 26th. We got it hot. There are only five of us left out of our battery. I got two bullets through the right leg below the knee and one just under the ribs, but all are flesh wounds and there is no damage done much. I hope you will give my best love and wishes to all at home and to my friends. I will close with hearts of love to you and all the children, – ! remain your ever-loving and affectionate son, Jack.”

Terrible Fighting

Two Bullet Wounds for a Clowne Soldier

Writing to his mother at North Road, Clowne, Private Albert Thompson, of the 5th Lancers, gives a vivid description of the fighting in France. Private Thompson, who is in the 5th Northern Hospital at Leicester, says: “It was simply terrible, and I got two bullet wounds in my left shoulder, but they are only flesh wounds and I shall soon be all right again, so don’t fear. I am coming over to Clowne for eight days and then shall be ready for the front again to fight those brutal Germans.”

October 1914

Wounded Clowne Soldier’s Story

From Mons to the Aisne

Trooper Albert Thompson, of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers, who was wounded in the Battle of the Aisle, arrived at his home in North Road, Clowne, on Monday. Trooper Thompson received three bullet wounds in his left shoulder, and has been an inmate of the 5th Northern Hospital at Leicester. To a “Courier” representative, he gave a graphic story of the fighting.

He said: “We left Dublin on August 15th, and arrived in France three days later, leaving there the next day for Bray in Belgium, where we arrived on August 28th. We soon got into action at Bray, but retired from there the same day and thence to Elegies. We were driven back to Mons, where we had some very hard fighting. We held the position until the enemy’s forces compelled us to leave it, and we lost several big guns. It was terrible fighting there, at Mons, and there must have been 18 to 1, the Germans were as thick as flies. After Mons, we retired to Cambrai where we had a severe battle, and suffered rather heavy losses. Then we went to Compeigne and from there to Valenciennes where we had some sharp fighting. At Fontenci we had 15 hours fighting on Napolean’s old battle field before we retired. Eventually we got to St. Quentin, where we made a big stand , an ten we were driven back to Beaux and to Cressy, from where we started to advance, much to the surprise of the Germans, who never expected us making a counter attack. We drove them back 15 miles – from Cressy to Larrne- and were fighting for hours”

A Big Charge

“At Larfetea we made a big charge, 460 of us charged 700 Germans and got through them. When we got past they put up their hands and then starting firing into us. So we charged back and wiped them out excepting 10 wounded, whom we took prisoners. We then got to the Marne, where, after some terrible fighting , we won the day, and then we commenced the battle of the Aisle. We were drawn to a wood by a number of white flags, but no sooner had we advanced than a murderous fire came from the wood, and, of course, we had to retire. Our artillery, however, began to blaze away,, and the Germans were absolutely slaughtered. On the second day of the greatest battle in the history of the world, I got put out of action, for during a charge I got three wounds in my left shoulder, but I was avenged. Our losses were very little, but in that charge , I am sure we killed between 400 and 500 Germans, and we also took 690 prisoners. The first shot fired on the British was at Bray, and we were fighting for 120 hours at Mons and on one occasion I was in the saddle for 72 hours. At Valenciennes I got lost, and was missing for 11 days and was reported as killed.

“One day we ‘went for’ a farm which was occupied by several hundred Germans and there were only 40 of us, but we made short work of them. Our Captain displayed great bravery. The French people at the farm afterwards gave us a good meal and cheered us to the echo”

Hat Knocked off by Bullett

Trooper Thompson has had several narrow escapes. on one occasion he was fired at from 15 yards range, and another time a bullet knocked his hat off. “I am exceedingly lucky to be here after so many engagements,” he said. He has done considerable work as a scout, and once was nearly “done for.” The German “Jack Johnsons” are terrible things, he says, but their shell were badly timed.. On one occasion he had his horse shot from under him, but collared a German horse, and rejoined his regiment nest day. He describes the Uhlans as inhuman pigs, nothing was bad enough for them to do. It was, he said, heart-rending to see the havoc wrought by the Germans in Belgium, whose people treated the British everything they wanted. “They and the French would give us anything,” trooper Thompson said. He holds, as a relic one of the bullets which the surgeons extracted from his shoulder. He will rejoin his regiment at Woolwich next Monday, and hopes to be soon at the front again, where he modestly say “he did not see much to grumble about.” Trooper Thompson is the second son of the late Mr. Sam Thompson, who was well-known to Clowne and Eckington anglers.

How a Clowne Soldier dodged the Germans

Information has been received from the War Office that Pte. Arthur Rose (Ist Battalion Coldstream Guards), son of Mr. and Mrs. Rose, Wrestle Cottages, Clowne is amongst the missing. It has just transpired , however, that Private Rose has re-joined his regiment, but not before having an exciting experience.

Between the 6th and 12th September the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards were in the thick of the fight in the Battle of the Rivers, and Pte. Rose was captured by the Germans. He was placed amongst some German wounded soldiers, but at dead of night he decided to make an attempt to escape. Waiting for a favourable opportunity, he crept stealthily away from the German lines, expecting, of course, every moment would be his last.. Nest day, Pte. Rose rejoined his regiment, and told his comrades of his sensational escape. Pte. Rose’s father is an old soldier, who has much foreign service.

If the Germans Came

Mr. Kenyon M.P. and Atrocities – Stirring Appeal at Clowne

The Clowne Boys’ School was crowded on Monday evening , on the occasion of a recruiting meeting arranged by all the political parties in North-East Derbyshire. Mr H.Gregory presided, supported by Mr. Barnet Kenyon, M.P., Mr.J.P. Houston, Lieut-Colonel J.M.Clayton, Major Goodall, the Rev. J.Waugh, Mr.E.Overton (Bolster), Mr.C.P.Short (Chesterfield), Mr.A.P.Blackham, and others. The Chairman said they knew they could win on the sea, but they had got to win on land. Every Saturday there were 250,000 of their young men participating in football, and whilst he believed in recreation he thought it was time these young men looked round them. He would go himself if they would have him. (Laughter) He wanted Clowne to uphold its reputation. Colonel Clayton explained the terms of service, and said the present crisis was the greatest in the world’s history. They were proud of their Empire, which had had to be made by the sword, and it had to be kept by fighting. If they did not fight, what had happened to Belgium would happen in England in a greater degree. They had always had some very good men from Clowne, and he hoped they would again come forward. Every man wanted to fight for his country, but it took a certain time to make a soldier.

Mr Kenyon delivered a fighting speech. Everybody, he said, knew that he was a peace-loving man, but there was now a real necessity to fight. The hon. member went on to show the methods of German Labour representatives even in times of peace. They were, he said, absolutely afraid of an international peace.

Men Who Will Shine

When this great war was over, three men would shine and be honoured throughout the ages. He referred to Sir Edward Grey, Mr. Haldane, and the Prime Minister (Applause) He had seen them stagger out of the House of Commons times many, yet they stuck it, up to the very last, endeavouring to avoid this horrible war. The poor, defenceless Belgians had been driven from home and murdered in cold blood by the greatest villain of modern times. The German Empire stood militarism: they paid np regard to the weak and effeminate. They laughed at us pitying the helpless and orphan child: they cared no more for the aged and infirm than a farmer cared for a rat. They called it weakness to kiss the weak child, but they could depend upon it that it was that spirit that was ultimately going to triumph. When he came to that village he could use his hands a bit. Would to God he was thirty years younger. (Laughter). They would not have to ask him twice to fight for the old country. They were out to annex np property or lands, but they were out to defend the weaker States. They were not out for military glory, but to defend the honour of their country, and they were going to save the womanhood and childhood of the weaker States, cost what it may. The Kaiser said he was going to win, and they all remembered his boast of taking Paris in 48 hours, but the British “Tommies” were waiting for him, and the braggart coward turned tail.

November 1914

Killed in Action: Ernest Wood 11th November 1914

December 1914

1915

January 1915

If the Germans Came to Clowne

Col. Butler Bowdon’s Warning

With the object of forming a local company of Home Guards, a largely attended public meeting was held at the Clowne Council Schools on Monday. Colonel Butler Bowdon presided, supported by the Rev.J.Waugh (Rector of Clowne). Mr.A.Hibbard (Chairman of the Parish Council), and Mr.G.H.Calow (Clerk to the Paris Council). Colonel Bowdon lucidly explained the objects of the scheme, and remarked that it was not impossible that the Germans would make an air raid on Sheffield, and it was understood that they would come by way of Clowne. At present they were powerless, but they wanted to be ready in case of emergency. Without some system 0r method of procedure in case of an invasion the whole county would be in a state of chaos and confusion and they would not know what to do. The Rev.J.Waugh thought the mew scheme was really a splendid one and was absolutely necessary and he was prepared to give the scheme all the support he could. On the motion of Colonel Bowdon, seconded by Mr A.Hibbard, it was agreed to form a section of the Home Guards in Clowne. The Rev.J.Waugh was appointed temporary conmmander, and Mr.J.W.Hankins Hon Secretary and treasurer.

February 1915

Recruiting at Clowne, which was not brisk in the early stages of the war, has received a fillip during the past few weeks, and batches of men are leaving the village almost daily. In Dunnings Row, Portland Street, which comprises some twenty houses, the response has been such that only half-a-dozen male adults remain

April 1915

Killed in Action: Henry (Harry) Mallen 23rd April 1915

Loyal Clowne Miners

The men employed at Southgate Colliery, Clowne, continued work yesterday, in response to the Government’s appeal, the men and boys almost to a man sacrificing Bank Holiday. Out of nearly 500 men and boys, only 18 were absent.

May 1915

June 1915

Scouts with the Colours

We are indebted to Mr Cyril Chambers, secretary of the first troop of Clowne Boy Scouts, for the following roll of honour

August 1915

The anniversary of the war was celebrated at Clowne on Wednesday. A procession was formed near the Girls’ School, and was headed by the Clowne Silver Prize Band., and included the Clowne Girl Guides, Home Guards, Boy Scouts, Messrs A.Hibbard, O.Hibbard, B.A.Sykes., J.T Hill, G.H.Calow, A.Calow, S.Porter, W.B Hatfield, and Lieunt. Jordan (Salvation Army). The procession proceeded to the Parish Church where an open-air service was held. The opening hymn was “O God, our help in ages past,” the singing being led by the band under Mr.J.Smith and the lesson was read by the Rector (the Rev.J.Waughin the absence, through bereavement of the Rev.W.Sharman. Rousing speeches were given by the Rector, Lieut. Jordan, and Mr.S.Porter, and the patriotic resolution was enthusiastically carried.

September 1915

Killed in Action: Thomas Mallinder (Tulley) 4th September 1915

Killed in Action: Daniel (Dan) Ingram 6th September 1915

Killed in Action: James Emmanuel Humphries 25th September 1915

Killed in Action: Reginald Jenkinson 25th September 1915

October 1915

Killed in Action: Frederick George Howlett 15th October 1915

“Flag Day” at Clowne was held on Saturday and proved a great success. In the afternoon there was a procession through the village of the Home Guards, the Boy Scouts, the Ambulance Class, Girl Guides and the Clowne Town Silver Prize Band.

November 1915

Died of Wounds: Harold Lambert 2nd November 1915

December 1915

1916

January 1916

Killed in Action: John Thomas (Jack) Coupe 19th January 1916

After spending a few days with his sister, Mrs B Taor, Creswell Road, Clowne, Private Sydney Keeton, Notts and Derby, returned to France on Monday. Private Keeton, who is very popular amongst Clowne Primitive Methodists, has been in some terrible fighting, but has come out unscathed.

On Saturday in the Co-operative Hall, the members and children of the Clowne Salvation Army presented the pretty cantata, entitles “General Santa Clause: or Merry Christmas War,” the piece being well sustained by 50 voices. The principal characters were as follows: Father Christmas, Mr George Windle; Britannia, Mrs E Dolby; John Bull, Mr. Wm. Martin; Colonel Cross Patch; Mr. Copley. Quite a feature of the cantata was the histrionic ability displayed by Master Raymond Jarvis, and the fairy drill, etc, of the children were well performed. Much credit is reflected on Mr Thomas Deaking, who trained and conducted the scholars, and Mrs. Deakin, as usual was a successful accompanist. The lantern was manipulated by Mr.C.Hunt and Adjutant Croft. The effort proved an unqualified success.

Recently disquieting rumours have been afloat concerning Serge. J.Cosgrove, R.F.A., who prior to enlistment was a member of the Derbyshire Police Force, and was stationed at Clowne. It was freely reported that the popular officer was missing, but several letters have been received in Clowne contradicting the rumour and proving that he is yet in the thick of it. In an interesting letter to mr.Arthur Fells, Nag’s Heah Hotel, Clowne, Serge. Cosgrove wishes to be remembered to all his old friends. He had, he said, spent some happy times in Clowne, and was looking forward to a few more. Another member of the Clowne Police Force who is now with the colours is P.C. Costello.

February 1916

Killed in Action: Frederick John Edwards 12th February 1916

March 1916

Killed in Action: Albert Edward Renshaw 12th March 1916

May 1916

Killed in Action: Charles Angus Sims 4th May 1916

Killed in Action: William Ernest Hewitt 31st May 1916

June 1916

Killed in Action: Samuel Stanley 5th June 1916

Died of Wounds: Percy Lambert 22nd June 1916

Died of Wounds: Walter Needham 30th June 1916

Clowne Marine’s Experiences

Pte. Thomas Selby, Royal Marines of H.M.S ______, has had some remarkable experiences since the outbreak of the present war. He has taken part in no fewer than four engagements, and has come through on each occasion unscathed. Selby’s ship assisted in despatching to its doom off the Falkland Islands the squadron of Von Spree, whilst in the encounter in the North Sea in which the “Blucher” was sent to the bottom it played a prominent part. It also took part in the battle off the Heliogoland Bight in August 1914, and added fresh lustre to its laurels only three weeks ago in the memorable fight off the Shagerrack. Pte. Selby, who is is only in his 23rd year, is sp[ending a few days furlough with his parents, Mr and Mrs Herbert Selby, Creswell Road, Clowne.

Clowne Sapper Wounded

News has been received by his wife, who lives at Creswell Road, Clowne, that Lance Corporal, Harvey Hibbard, Sherwood Foresters, Tunnelling Section, has been severely wounded in action. In a letter to his wife Lance-Corpl. Hibbard says his right leg has been fractured and he has been wounded in both feet. “Don’t worry,” he adds, “I am coming to England.” Lance-Corpl. Hibbard prior to enlistment was a deputy at Southgate Colliery, and along with several others volunteered for service as a sapper. He has two sons in France, Philip and Horace, the latter some months ago, it will be remembered, having a miraculous escape from death when coming over from France to England on a hospital ship, which was mined or torpedoed. Private Hibbard jumped from the fast sinking ship and was rescued. On Wednesday morning Mrs. Hibbard received a letter from her husband saying he had landed at the Lord Derby Hospital, Warrington.

EXEMPTED MEN TO JOIN VOLUNTEERS

Clowne Tribunal’s New Decree

The Clowne Tribunal has decided to impose upon exempted applicants the condition that they join the local Volunteer Force, and the condition is to apply retrospectively. This announcement was made at Wednesday’s meeting of the Tribunal, at which Mr s.Evans, J.P. presided. There were also present Messrs c>Robinson, J.P., W.Harper, R.Carter, W.Wilson, J.H.Clarkson, B.A.Sykes, with MrSnow Whall (clerk0, Col. Butler Bowdon , J.P. (military representative), and Mr R.W. Arthur (representing the Board of Agriculture).

Col.Butler-Bowdon said the question of exempted applicants joining the Volunteers during the period of exemption had been discussed ar Derby the previous day, and it was felt that the training given would be a good thing both for the country and the men themselves. He hoped the Tribunal would fall in with the suggestion, and in that case he would ask the Press to announce that all exemptions had been withdrawn and that the men exempted would have to attend one drill a week. If they did not comply they would be summoned before the Tribunal and informed that unless they joined the Volunteers they would be compelled to enlist.

The Chairman and the members of the Tribunal had met and had unanimously agreed that in future all applicants for exemption would be exempted conditionally upon their joining the Volunteers There might be some cases that would be exceptional even under these circumstances, and they would be duly considered by the Tribunal. All persons who had already been exempted would be called before the Tribunal unless they joined the Volunteers. f they released men from the greater responsibility of serving in the Army they ought to be prepared to one day per week to drill.

The Clowne scavenger obtained conditional exemption for a married man, aged 37, who is employed exclusively in the scavenging department.

A Clowne hardware and general dealer, aged 39 and married with two children, who produced a medical certificate of unfitness, was exempted conditionally.

A Clowne butcher, aged 30, single, and unattested, in business on his own account, claimed exemption on the ground of hardship. He is the sole support of his widowed mother, and a sister aged 15, a brother, having been killed in action, and his life’s savings have been invested in the business. The mother aged 60. has been ailing for five years. There are 100 customers – Refused.

A Clowne carter and newsagent, aged 27, married and unattested claimed exemption on the grounds of hardship.- Mr Howes Smith, solicitor, represented the applicant, who stated that his father aged 71, was dependent upon him. He possessed two horses and a pony, and owned four acres of mowing grass. He also held a Sunday newsagency. He had been in business six years: – Refused.

CLOWNE MAN IN NAVAL BATTLE

An interesting account of the recent naval battle is furnished by Leading Stoker Edgar Taylor, son of Mrs Taylor, Low Road Clowne, in a letter to aunt, Mrs. Stamper, Barlboro’ was on H.M.S.____, says ____ “I am still in the pink, and we are waiting for the German Fleet to come out again, but I am doubtful about them having any more left to come with. We are not allowed to mention any number of losses, either German or ours, but you can take it from me that they have lost more by long chalk than us, and there was no one more mad than the men of the Fleet when the fog dropped and gave them the chance to escape. We had a hot time while we were at it, and the Germans had it hotter. They got a taste of “Hellfire,” and I can assure you it was ‘hell’ They talk about their bloodthirsty charges in France, but they will have to keep on charging every day for six months to equal that which we did in a few hours. I only want to go to Heaven, then I shall have had a taste of both places, but not before we have been to ‘hell’ once more to finish the ‘devils’ off. We are ready for them to have another peep out. There is one here who is not going to believe in those bells falling. This is not the Russian-Japanese War or the Boer War. It is the greatest War which has been known, and it will not finish in August, 1916, as those bells have predicted. I am beginning to think that the German Fleet is a tin-pot fleet, because ours guns seemed to crack their ships like egg-shells, and remember that if anything happens like this again you will always get a card the same as the last one, that is if I am not dead. I have no doubt that we shall have another trip tp ‘hell,’ and the sooner the better, and let us get it over. The ‘tin-pot’ fleet is nearly all ‘bottom up’ now, instead of bottled up. Don’t believe that we have been beaten until a German calls for the rent.”

July 1916

Killed in Action: Charles Frederick Pickering Edwards 1st July 1916

Killed in Action: Colin Harold Leith-Godwin 1st July 1916

Killed in Action: George William Hendry 1st July 1916

Killed in Action: Robert (Bob) Mapletoft 19th July 1916

Killed in Action: Albert Wood 1st July 1916

Killed in Action: Tom Wareham 14th July 1916

Killed in Action: John Frederick Proffitt 20th July 1916

CLOWNE MAN WINS THE D.C.M

Private Fred Buckingham , R.F.A., son of Mr Arthur Buckingham of Creswell Road, Clowne, had gained the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous bravery. His heroic conduct nearly cost him his life, and he has been in Woolwich hospital for some time. He was wounded by a shell during a heavy bombardment by the Germans. The right arm was shattered and the other arm and one of his legs were severely hit. In a letter to his father this week , Private Buckingham says:- “Pleased to say I have won the D.C.M., and the sister here gave a tea in honour of the event, and the boys gave me three hearty cheers. I cannot walk yet, and they wheel me out in a chair.” Private Buckingham enlisted eighteen months ago, and was in France about six months. He was a popular member of the Clown White Star Football Club, and was also a member of the Parish Church choir. He spent two years in Canada, and enlisted shortly after returning to England He is unmarried. Private Buckingham’s uncle Gunner Jack Buckingham, went down on the “Hampshire.” He is third Clowne soldier to gain the honour.

The deed which gained the honour for Bombardier Buckingham is briefly told as follows:-

“Although badly wounded by a shell, which killed one driver and wounded two others, he managed to assist in unhooking the horses and getting the teams into safety, and also removing the wounded men. He worked until he became unconscious.”

Pte.George Oldfield, Sherwood Foresters, son of Mr. and Mrs G. Oldfield, Gray Street Clowne was shot in the right hand and is in hospital at Southport. He was an ardent worker in the Clowne P.M. Church

August 1916

Killed in Action: James Walker 6th August 1916

Killed in Action: Walter Bunting 20th August 1916

September 1916

Killed in Action: Francis Leonard (Len) Jenkinson 16th September 1916

Killed in Action: Percy Thorpe 16th September 1916

Killed in Action: Alfred Slack 29th September 1916

October 1916

Killed in Action: Harry Holmes 8th October 1916

Killed in Action: John Henry Plumb 9th October 1916

Killed in Action: Edward Provines 22nd October 1916

1917

January 1917

Farmers’ Calling uo Notices Cancelled

Mr Chas.Robinson, J.P., presided at last week’s meeting of the Clowne Tribunal, and there were also present Messrs. B.A Sykes, J.H. Clarkson, R.Carter, and W.Harper, with the Clerk (Mr J.Snow Whall), the Military Representative (Col. Butler-Bowdon), and the Recruiting Officer (Capt. Nicholson)

A Clowne butcher and farmer, aged 33 and married with two children, who had Benn placed in Class C3, asked for exemption. He stated that he killed three beasts, 6 sheep, and 2 or 3 pigs weekly. He employed two girls and a boy of 14, and farmed 25 acres of land, half of which was arable. His customers numbered 700. Five men who were successively in his employ were in the Army, and one has been killed. – Conditional Exemption was granted – Mr Walker, solicitor, Chesterfield represented the applicant.

Messrs. J.J Clayton, mineral water manufacturers, Mosbro’, appealed for the manager of the Clowne works, aged 41 and married with four children, and the Carter, aged 33 and married. – Mr Walker, solicitor, represented the applicant, who stated that he had spent over £3,000 on the Clowne works, and if the manager were sent away they would have to be closed down. Two of the carters had enlisted, and the present Carter was originally the works foreman, and both he and the manager had occasionally to assist at Masbro’, where all the male employees had joined the Army. The annual turnover at Clowne was £3,250. Mr Walker argued that it was doubtful whether the Military Service Act applied to the manager, who was 41 last October. The Act provided that every male British subject who had bot for the time being attained the age of 41 should be subject to military service. He contended that the words “for the time being: covered this case.

The Clerk – I should say it would be a matter of appeal to a Higher Court

Mr Walker: That would be further enriching the lawyers.

Mr Whall pointed out that the Army Council instruction, dated October 28th 1916, stated that attested married men who had not attained the age of 41 prior to June 4, 1916, were liable for military service.

The manager was granted conditional exemption. The Carter was ordered to report.

A Clowne greengrocer and Carter, aged 28 and married with three children, who had been placed in Class B1, and who stated his turnover was $2,500 per annum, and expressed his willingness to work three days per week on munitions, was given a month final. – Mr Walker, solicitor, represented the applicant.

The Clowne assistant overseer, who also acts as secretary to the Clowne Co-op Society, was appealed for by the society and by the overseers. He is 41 years of age and married – Conditional Exemption was granted – Mr Hall, solicitor, Eckington, made the application.

CLOWN SOLDIER’S BRAVERY

Private Sidney Keeton of the Lincolns, has been mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s dispatched. In a letter to his sister, Mrs. B.Taor, Creswell Road, Clowne, with whom he lived prior to enlistment, Private Keeton says he has got a surprise for them, and will tell them something about himself later on. Twenty-four years of age, he was one of the first to enlist at Clowne, He has been in France 18 months and was wounded some time ago. When in training in Dorset he made a plucky attempt to rescue a comrade who had fallen over a cliff. He succeeded in his effort, but had a miraculous escape himself, and was some considerable time in recovering. He had not been in France long when he was complimented by his caption for rescuing a comrade from a perilous position. Private Keeton was a popular member of the Clowne Primitive Methodist Young People’s Class, and was generally esteemed in the town. He has never had a leave yet, though he was in Clowne just over twelve months ago after being in hospital.

March 1917

April 1917

Died of Wounds: Ben Norton Wilkinson 11th April 1917

Killed in Action: Alfred Wilkinson 27th April 1917

Killed in Action: Ernest Hill 28th April 1917

Killed in Action: Charles Frederick Howell 28th April 1917

May 1917

Died of Wounds: James Edward Quinn 3rd May 1917

June 1917

Killed in Action: Charles Edward Woodhead 7th June 1917

Killed in Action: Arthur Marshall 8th June 1917

Killed in Action: Francis Sydney Pickering 8th June

July 1917

Killed in Action: Philip Richards 22nd April 1917

Died of Wounds: Thomas Hill 21st July 1917

August 1917

Died of Wounds: George Upton 3rd August 1917

Killed in Action: Horace Edgar Haywood 16th August 1917

November 1917

Killed in Action: Joseph (Joe) Gregory 27th November 1917

Killed in Action: John William Parkinson 28th November 1917

Died of Wounds: Ralph Moreton 29th November 1917

Killed in Action: Joseph Provines 30th November 1917

1918

Jan 1918

March 1918

Died of Wounds: Maurice Hamilton 28th March 1918

Died of Wounds: Wilfred Jesse Oland 28th March 1918

CLOWNE CASUALTIES

Suffering from a septic finger, Segt. William Bradshaw, South Staffs., Westlea Cottages, Clowne, is in hospital in Italy. In a letter to his wife he says he has already been off a month. In May last, Serge. Bagshaw was wounded in the face with shrapnel in France, and for some time was in hospital at Boulogne. He joined up three years ago and served in Gallipoli, and was in hospital a short time with frost-bitten feet.

Pte. Tom Cope , Sherwoods, formerly the clever goalkeeper of the Portsmouth and Chesterfield Town Clubs, whose wife resides at 135 Creswell Road, Clowne, is in hospital at Rouen, the official intimation saying “Inflamed arm and ill.” Pte. Cope enlisted in September, 1914, and has been in France over two years. He has survived many big engagements. Before entering the higher flights of football he performed excellent work for the Clowns enlisting he was employed as a miner.

Pte. Walter Adams, North Staffs., son of Mrs James Adams, Gray Street, Clowne is in hospital in France suffering from a gunshot wound in the back. He is 25 years of age and single, and joined up in April of last year. He has been on the Western Front since October. Before enlisting he worked on the surface at the Southgate Colliery.

April 1918

Died of Wounds: John (Jack) Tomlinson 1st April 1918

Died of Wounds: Oswald Woodhead 3rd April 1918

Killed in Action: Horace Roe 10th April 1918

Killed in Action: Thomas Stokes 28th April 1918

May 1918

Mr. Joe Baker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Baker, Mill Street, Clowne, has been gazetted a second lieutenant in the Monmouthshire Regiment. Joining up two years ago in the North Staffs, Rent., he soon attained to non-commissioned rank, and within twelve months was a full sergeant, undergoing a special course at York. He was trained for his commission at Cambridge. He is 22 years of age, and before enlisting was an assistant master at Creswell Council Schools. He was educated at Stanley Grammar School.

CLOWNE SOLDIER MISSING

Pte Wm. Clarke, Sherwoods, who before enlisting in March 1917, was employed by mr T.W.Bower, Oxcroft, is officially missing as from March 25th. He is 19 years of age and went to France five months ago. His moth lives in Gainsboro,. Another brother, Arthur, is in Egypt.

A CLOWNE ABSENTEE

At Eckington, on Monday, Harry Russell, Horsman, Clowne, was charged with being an absentee under the Reserve Forces Act. Cast. W.A.K. Nicholson said accused received his papers on the 2nd inst to report on May 9th, but he failed to respond. Defendant said his reason for not reporting was that he had an appeal pending.

Capt. Nicholson: You knew that it was out of order. Defendant said the Agricultural Representative was appealing for him.

Cast. Nicholson said he had a letter from the War Agricultural Committee, stating that the Committee had decided to cancel defendant’s certificate.

Insp. McCalman spoke to arresting defendant at mr Revell’s farm and added that defendant told him then he had an appeal pending. Replying to the Chairman (Mr j.H.Wells) as to whether there was anything in defendant’s statement respecting the appeal, Capt. Nicholson said defendants’s appeal was dismissed by the Derby Appeal Tribunal in August, 1916. Mr s.Evans, callwd by Cape. Nicholson, said an appeal was down for a hearing on Thursday last, bur defendant did not appear. Defendant: I understand Mr. Cox was going to appeal for me, and that was the reason we did not appear. Defendant was remanded to await a military escort.

CLOWNE AND DISTRICT CASUALTIES

Clowne claims yet another member of the “Old Contemptibles,” making seven in all, in the person of Pte. J.England, Grenadier Guards, of Rectory Road, Clowne, who is in hospital at Aberdeen suffering from a fracture of the right leg, and wounds in the right arm and face. In addition to the Mons ribbon he holds the Military Medal for gallantry, which was awarded to him in October, 1915. He was wounded at Armentieres in November 1914. Thirty-six years of age, he was called up as a Reservist in August, 1914, and has completed 15 years’ service in the Army. Before the war he worked at the Alfreton Colliery.

June 1918

July 1918

Died from Illness: Horace Johnson 16th July 1918

Killed in Action: John Willie Marshall 18th July 1918

August 1918

Died of Wounds: Harry Woodhead 21st August 1918

Died of Wounds: William Henry Hardy 30th August 1918

September 1918

Died of Wounds: James Lees 25th October 1918

Killed in Action: Sidney Seston 27th September 1918

Killed in Action: Walter Lees 29th September 1918

Killed in Action: Albert Henry Woodhead 30th September 1918

October 1918

Died of Wounds: William Taylor 5th October 1918

Killed in Action: William Byron Widdowson 20th October 1918

Killed in Action: James Whitehall 27th October 1918

November 1918

Died of Wounds: Henry Frederick Lee Hardy 2nd November 1918

Died of Wounds: Richard Smith 3rd November 1918

Died of Wounds: Henry Walvin 4th November 1918

Died of Illness: Thomas Edward Taylor 7th November 1918

ARMISTICE DAY 11th November 1918

CLOWNE AND DISTRICT

Unbounded enthusiasm prevailed at Clowne when the news reached the village. Flags were displayed with bewildering profusion, the schools were closed for the week, and the local miners decided upon a two days’ holiday. Similar scenes occurred at the adjoining villages of Whitwell, Barlboro’ and Creswell, the bells of the Barlboro’ Parish Church ringing out merry peals. On Tuesday, Clowne again gave itself up to rejoicings. The school children, carrying flags, and headed by the Clowne Silver Prize Bank, marched through the village singing patriotic songs, while the local discharged soldiers created a diversion by making a tour of the village on a lorry and singing with gusto “Old soldiers never die.” – A somewhat unpleasant incident occurred in connection with the flag which was hoisted on the headstocks of the Southgate Colliery. On Tuesday morning the agent of the Shireoaks Colliery Co., Mr.R.E.Jones, J.P., on learning that the men had decided to “holiday” ordered the flag to be removed, an action which the men Heartily resented. They held a meeting in the evening and adopted a resolution describing Mr. Jones’s action as a national disgrace, and deciding that unless the Union Jack was replaced they would not commence work until Monday. The flag was thereupon replaced on Wednesday morning, and work was resumed on Thursday.

GOOD FOOD NECESSARY

Clowne Medical Officer on How to Avoid Influenza

At Clowne Rural District Council on Tuesday, Dr.Spencer (medical officer) said that the death rate, 8.6 per thousand, compared very favourably with Sheffield, which was 80. As a result of the influenza epidemic he had ordered the closing of the Creswell and Barlboro’ Schools for fourteen days. He advised school Children being taken for morning and evening walks; plenty of sunshine, fresh air and cheerfulness, with good food, were essential.

Mr.G.Freeman; Where shall we get the good food? (Laughter.)

Dr. Spencer said that Clowne had cause for great celebrations.

Messrs, W.G.Archer (Clowne), S.Smith (Whitwell) and B.A.Sykes were added to the local Food Control Committee, all the other thirteen members being reelected.

DYING FOR WANT OF STIMULANTS.

Clowne Doctor’s Striking Appeal.

Dr. J.A.Magee, Clowne, has written to Lord Turnham, chairman of the Liquor Control Board, complaining of the lack of stimulants during the present influenza epidemic. In the course of his letter he says;- “People are dying for the want of a good stimulant. I have tried to obtain whisky or brandy for my patients, but cannot. I have just telephoned to a grocer and wine merchant asking for a brandy for a young man who is, I fear, dying, but I had to tell the youth’s father that he had none. The only hope in my opinion was a plentiful supply of alcohol in this case. This is a farming and colliery district, and the work in both industries is interfered with by protracted recovery from influenza. Is it right that good and sober citizens should perhaps lose their lives or be kept in bed for days for want of brandy or whisky when ordered as a medicine, because 200,000 people of the population of millions were convicted of drunkenness? It you had been in a house where I was to-day and saw a young miner collapse from the effects of a severe attack of influenza, and his friends trying to obtain a supply of stimulant, I am sure you would see that such a condition of things was altered. I beg the Board of whom you are chairman will give the matter immediate consideration. Several medical men whom I have seen are quite in agreement.”

HOW BRITISH WERE TORTURED

Clowne Soldier’s Horrifying Experiences

Rifleman G.H.Wilkinson, Tuxford, formerly a Clowne miner, who was taken prisoner in August, 1914, continuing his narrative of the hardships and indignities he suffered whilst in captivity, says: “I was sent to a place called Sickinmule, where I worked on the moor from April 1st to July, when I was sent to the Harvest Dorsten Camp. Here about 74 of us, English, French and Belgian, were sent down a coal mine, but after a while we refused to work, and as a punishment we had to stand to attention for nine hours per day, with 40ils of sand on our backs, but not a single Englishman gave in. This lasted 15 days, during which we were on half rations , with nothing to lie on. By this time we were receiving a few parcels from kind friends in England, but these were stopped. We were not allowed to smoke, and this treatment went on until October 17th, when we were sent to Seine Lager, one of the worst camps in Germany. We only remained here three days, however, being sent to Stephen Moor Camp, where we lived on sour seeded and water. There we were employed on the moor, sometimes knee-deep in water, but still we had to carry on. Our hearts they could not break, as we were made of the wrong stuff. The camp was broken up in May, 1916, and we were sent back to Hameln Lager, eventually going to Calvorde, a small railway centre. After working two days we were placed in a small room on the Sunday with a blanket round each of us, and the door closed. Before long we were down on the floor; they had turned on steam. In this position we remained for two hours, and in the afternoon we were hanging to a pole for about two hours, our feet being six inches from the floor. This was our ‘Sunday off.'”