The Luton News

Establishing a Territorial Hospital at Brook Street

A SOLDIERS’ TEMPORARY HOSPITAL.

For some time past the R.A.M.C, have had a hospital camp At Wardown, but with the approach of colder weather it has been thought necessary to secure a building where warmth and comfort, combined with better attention, could be secured for the patients. The inmates will not be wounded soldiers from the front, but will comprise local accidents and illnesses of Territorials which in the ordinary course of things come under the care of the R.A.M.C, camp at Wardown.

Protest form Against Alcohol for Servicemen

Many people believed that giving the daily 'rum ration' to servicemen affected their abilities to perform as dignified and effective 'British Soldiers.'

Protests and petitions against the issue of the rum ration were common place during WWI, and many soldiers reacted with disgust and incredulity against the 'soft' civilians who did not realise just how vital alcohol was to the mental state of front line Tommies. "Without their daily drink, they would go spare" wrote one soldier.

Private Bertram Silsbey

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Bertram Silsby (or Silsbey, the surname changes) was the youngest son of George and Elizabeth Silsby, and brother to Emily, Florrie, Ellen and Frederick Silsby, from Hitchin. His father was a boot maker, but tragically died when Bertram was young, meaning the family had to move to 50 Buxton Road Luton.

Bertram lived at 104 Ashburnham Road when he joined the army.

He was awarded the military medal for his "gallant conduct and devotion to duty on the field of battle at Fricourt on January 18th 1916."

Funeral of Lieutenant Thring

It is a sad task, week by week, to record the deaths in action of brave young local heroes at the Front; but an added degree of sadness seems present when promising young lives, ready and even eager to be given in the service of the country, are prematurely cut off in the hey-day of youth ere entering upon the more ardent phase of service on the battle-field itself.

Concert for Mrs F. Jackson

Today at the Y.M.C.A Hall, the Biscot boys gave another of their excellent concerts, this being for the benefit of Mrs. Jackson, mother of the late Gunner Jackson.

The Biscot boys provided much of their time to local charitable objects, and displayed considerable talent on all public appearances.

Performing were:

Private Edward James Clarke

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Private Edward James Clarke was the eldest son of Charles and Emma Clarke of The Bull public house at Offley. He had two younger daughters and three younger brothers, all of whom worked in and around the public house, and assisted with baking and selling bread as well as the other jobs associated with brewing and serving ale.

Private Frederick Goodman

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Private Frederick Goodman, was the third son of Herbert and Ann Goodman of Surrey Street Luton. Frederick was born in 1893 in Markyate where his father was an Asphalter (one who works with tar, probably working in laying road surfaces or sealing roofs).

Prior to enlisting in August 1916, Frederick worked as a labourer at the Diamond Foundry, alongside his two elder brothers Walter and Archie. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment, and served until he was wounded on the 20th June 1917. He was taken to a casualty clearing station at Proven where he died soon after arrival.

1917 Regimental Sports Day, Wardown Park

BISCOT NEWS.

Regimental Sports.

Truly it was a gala day for Biscot on Saturday, a red letter day in the career of the R.F.A. men, for it was the occasion of their regimental sports. The Wardown cricket ground presented an animated and picturesque scene with its crowds of spectators. The brilliant sunshine aiding the effect of the varied colours of the summer dresses worn by the ladies and the khaki uniform, of the men.

Smoking competition at YMCA

Unique Smoking Competition - Mr A C Bunting, who recently entered into possession of the Moor Hut of the Y.M.C.A is doing good work and is making excellent arrangements to attract the Tommies. On Saturday night a unique competition was held and was a source of attraction. A prize was offered to the man who could keep smoking for the longest period, a Woodbine cigarette. Ten men competed and the winner was Pte H J Bethell of the 2nd North Midland R.A.M.C. who kept his cigarette going for 28 minutes.

 

Luton News article February 1915

Private George Cox

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Pte George Cox, 5233, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment, was killed in action at Ypres on June 22nd, 1915. He was aged 35.

Many Luton people will deplore the loss of a personal friend, said The Luton News. He was employed at the Luton Gas Works and resided at 68 Beech Road. He was called up as a reservist on the outbreak of war and drafted to the front in early September, having been there ever since.

Mrs Cox received only the bare official intimation from the War Office, but she received from Sgt W. Bartram, a letter in which he wrote:

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