Firemen's display benefits POWs

Digest of stories from The Luton News: Thursday, September 12th, 1918.

Fire display, Wardown

There was a splendid audience in Wardown Park on Saturday afternoon, when a very interesting display was given by the Luton Fire Brigade in aid of the Luton Prisoners of War Fund. But for a passing shower the weather was excellent, and the scene in front of the boathouse at the lake side was picturesque and animated, after the manner of summer fetes.

The comic side was not forgotten, for a 'ComedyTown Brigade' appeared in the form of a donkey and cart made to represent a ludicrous fire engine, attended by members of the Thermo Brigade dressed in old rags and fire helmets.

The exhibition itself, although short, was very thorough and entertaining, and great praise is due for its organisation to our capable fire chief, Mr A. Andrew. He has his work at heart, and his efforts on Saturday were ably seconded by his well-practised brigade, who had erected a special tall structure, representing a three-storey building.

The brigade arrived with the new motor engine, carrying full equipment and about 15 men, four having been left on duty in case of a call of fire.

The first part of the display was devoted to rescue work, and the novelty was enhanced by the courageous help of two young ladies. It was no easy task to climb such a high structure and come down as these young ladies did on Saturday, but they did it well, and very gracefully into the bargain.

Then followed a hose drill up the escape, and next the scheme of rescue with hook ladders, and with a rope from the top of the structure.

The motor engine had its turn with a striking pumping display which gave evidence of its enormous power. Varied jets were used, and the throwing of the water into the air was perhaps the most spectacular feature and pleased all, especially when an entirely unexpected and unrehearsed incident occurred. The sun caught the heavy spray and formed a miniature rainbow, evoking exclamations of admiration on all sides.

The display lasted quite an hour and a half, and the fact that it will probably provide between £50 and £60 for prisoners' parcels is highly gratifying.

  • The Luton Corporation Baths were packed with an enthusiastic audience on Monday evening, the occasion being an aquatic gala, under the auspices of the Luton Swimming Club, the proceeds to be devoted to the Prisoners of War Funds. The organisers were forunate in being able to present, as one of the items of the evening, the ladies' 100 yards championship of the Midland Counties, and this contest naturally aroused the keenest interest. The whole programme, however, was of a high standard of excellence.

  • A Lutonian who served in Gallipoli recently addressed a communication to Mr Cecil Harmsworth MP on the vexed question of the Gallipoli decoration to Colonial troops. The MP for South Beds took up the matter with the War Office, who replied that the award had been made to Colonial troops to meet the desires of their respective Governments. The idea of the award is more to commemorate their entry into the war than the special campaign. As far as the Imperial Forces are concerned, it has been decided that it is impossible to differentiate between different campaigns...and the unlimited issue of such medals is absolutely impracticable.”

  • Much anxiety has fallen on the family of Mr Fred Cook, tailor and outfitter, of High Town Road, who have received news that their son, Lieut Frederick Charles Cook, RAF, was badly wounded while flying in France last week. We believe his machine was shot down, and he was in such a critical state owing to bullet wounds in the arm and spine that his father was telegraphed for. Mr Cook left for France at once and we understand that a wire from him states that his son is going on as well as can be expected.

  • 'Severe wounds in the abdomen' is the notification from the War Office concerning Pte George Smith, youngest son of Mr George Smith, of 22 Chase Street, and of the Town Hall caretaking staff. He went out to France with the Royal Fusiliers five weeks ago and was wounded on August 26th. He is now in University College Hospital, London. Prior to the war he worked for Mr A. F. Godfrey, dyer.

  • News has been received by Mr A. E. Wildman, baker, York Street, Luton, that his son, Gunner H. A. Wildman, has been wounded through the head and in his left eye. He has been admitted into hospital at Lincoln, where it is satisfactory to learn the wounds are progressing favourably. But the sight of the eye is more or less affected for the time being. Gnr Wildman, who is 32 years of age, joined up some 18 months since, being trained at Northampton and for a short time at Biscot. Previous to entering the Army he helped in his father's business. He had been in France for about six months.

  • Mrs Annie Pollington, who is with her parents, Mr and Mrs George Linger, of 135 Park Street, has learned that her husband, Pte Arthur Pollington (86963, Machine Gun Corps), has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while acting as a gunner for his section under heavy gun fire between July 20th and 29th. [The couple lived in Derby, where Arthur was a telegraphist and sorting clerk with the GPO. They had married at Park Town Methodist Chapel, Luton, on June 1st, 1914, and had a young daughter.]

Pre Arthur Pollington MM and Pte Stanley Bird MM

  • Pte Stanley Bird MM (left) and Pte Arthur Pollington MM

 

  • Residents of Leagrave will be pleased to learn that Pte Stanley Bird, of the East Surreys, whose wife lives at Victoria Road [now Empress Road], has been awarded the Military Medal. Writing home on September 7th, he says: “I told you in my last letter I was recommended. Well, it has come through today, and the officer has told me I have won the MM.” Pte Bird is a machine gunner, and had gained the honour for gallantry in the field. He joined the Army a year last June and has been in France 11 months. Formerly he worked for the straw hat firm of Messrs Welch & Sons, King Street, Luton. He has three brothers – one in France, another in hospital from Italy, and the last now in training.

  • Two villages near Luton were mourning the loss of menfolk on the battlefield. Pte Albert Charles Marlow (Hampshire Regiment), aged 26 from Offley, died on August 31st at a dressing station in France from wounds received on August 29th; and Signaller Jack Baker (City of London Regiment), aged 21 from Kimpton, was killed in action on the Western Front on August 8th.

  • On Saturday at Putteridge Park a great effort was made to help in the local Red Cross Funds. Under the direction of Mrs B. M. Clutterbuck, the grounds were opened at a small charge and concerts were given by the Biscoteers in the afternoon and evening.

  • Perhaps the favourite church in Luton for weddings is Christ Church, and no doubt their frequency is the natural result of the great size of the parish. The clergy were very busy on Saturday, for there were no fewer than five marriages. The contracting parties were Mr Albert E. Parkinson (with the Forces) and Miss Emma K. Brown, daughter of Mr George A. Brown, 10 Dane Road; Mr George T. Hastings, engineer, Cricklewood, and Miss Emil;y A. Parkinson, daughter of Mr Charles H. Parkinson, 24 Curzon Road; Mr David J. Wilson, carpenter, 104 Charteris, Kilburn, and Miss Mabel Wilson, daughter of Mr Edward Wilson, 20 Ash Road; Mr Arthur Finding, tobacconist, 59 Collingdon Street, son of Mr Arthur Finding, and Miss Ethel T. Ellis, daughter of Mr Frederick Ellis, 5 Dunstable Road West; and Mr Albert King (with the Forces), of Barton-on-Humber, and Miss Elsie D. Stevens, daughter of the late Mr Henry Stevens, of 61 Warwick Road.

  • An interesting local wedding took place on Monday at Christ Church, the contracting parties being Pte Richard M. Brown (A.S.C.), son of Mr F. J. Brown JP, of Ashburnham Road,and Miss Doris Patterson, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs A. E. Patterson, of 19 Dunstable Road. Both have been with hat manufacturers Messrs Sanders and Brightman, and Pte Brown joined up a year last Whitsuntide. He expects to go to Mesopotamia shortly.

  • Mr George Powdrill, of 7 Crescent Rise, Luton, who during the last half century had so successfully built up the Business of Powdrill & Sons Ltd, passed away on Sunday at the age of 66 years.

  • We understand that the 'to be' meeting in connection with the election of Mayor will follow the meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday night. At the moment there are three names, but nobody seems certain as to what will happen. [The result would be the fateful election of Councillor Henry Impey as Mayor.]