Back From Champery.

This article published in the Eastbourne Gazette gives an interesting (if flowery and perhaps over patriotic) personal account of how a couple from Eastbourne made their way home from Switzerland in late August 1914.

On a side note I loved the expression – “In times of difficulty everyone can find opportunities of usefulness.” Perhaps a little nudge to prick the conscience of many a reader!

Back From Champery.

Mr and Mrs A.L. Franklin’s Return.

No modern Xenophon will be needed to tell the story of the return, not of 10,000 Greeks, but of a like number of English tourists, who found themselves in Switzerland at the beginning of August, when their means of returning was for a time more or less completely cut off. Some who hastened homewards with the utmost precipitation have already narrated their experiences. Others, whose engagements admitted of their prolonging their stay, were sagacious enough to accept the advice of the English Consuls and thereby avoided many risks and hardships.

Instead of spending three weeks abroad as they intended, Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Franklin (Miller Down, 54, Upperton Road) were away from Eastbourne five weeks. It was on the 26th July that they arrived at Champery, a place in Switzerland close to the French frontier and within three hours of Cal-de-conx, where the Swiss soldiers were guarding the frontier and could be seen coming down with their mules in order to convey provisions to military posts high up on the mountains.

Mr and Mrs Franklin journeyed to Switzerland to see their son Leslie (aged sixteen) who is staying in the house of a major in the Swiss army. In times of difficulty everyone can find opportunities of usefulness. Mr L. Franklin it seems has been busily engaged in cycling backwards and forwards to the post office, where he has been of service to tourists who required assistance in sending telegrams all of which have to written in French.

Hotelkeepers Reduce Their Tariffs

Mr A.L Franklin (who is a member of the firm of Miller and Franklin, Terminus Road) and Mrs Franklin returned to Eastbourne on Thursday Evening and on the following day the former gave a representative of this journal a very concise account of his homeward journey with his wife. Their son remained in Switzerland.

“After the declaration of war,” said Mr Franklin, “We sent a notification to the British Consul at Berne to the effect that we should like to return to England as soon as travelling was safe. We were advised to be as patient as possible, to wait as long as we could and to send particulars as to the destination, age and birthplace. In return we had passports forwarded to us and we were requested to form a committee and range ourselves in groups of five, if possible. A solicitor from Salisbury, who went to see the Consul, exchanged the whole of our return tickets for through tickets. Finally, it was arranged that we should leave Champery by early train, where a special trains would be awaiting us.”

“The additional time we spent in Switzerland was not disturbed by any alarming incidents, Provisions were plentiful and fruit was cheap. The only food that went up in price – as far as I could see – was potatoes. The hotel-keepers were anxious for us to stay in Switzerland and voluntarily reduced their charges by two francs per day.

900 Passengers from Montreux.

“We left Montreux at 9.30am on Tuesday morning, August 25th. All the passengers- over 900 in number - were counselled to take provisions for three days and this was a necessary precaution as all, we could get on the journey was coffee. Before we left Montreuz water was being sold at the rate of three bottles for a franc. After that supply was exhausted there was a rush to fill the bottles at the taps, the journey to Paris which occupied 31 hours instead of 11 or 12 hours.”

“On reaching Geneva we changed onto another train. An English gentleman with a megaphone instructed us to walk two abreast to the other station, the approach to which was lined by soldiers with fixed bayonets. We found place in a special train with numbered carriages and we were informed that a number of gentlemen would accompany us (by arrangement with the Consul) as far as Dieppe.


“At last the train was in motion and the first large town at which we halted was Lyons, where we had a splendid reception from the French troops, who cheered heartily. In response, we sang the Marseilles and the French people sang the National Anthem. When the train left there was renewed cheering and the French officers and men waved their caps to bid us farewell.

“Owing to the congestion of traffic on the main line we had to make a detour of about 200 miles. The next stopping place was Montargis, where we saw a number of French wounded from Mulhausen, including one poor man who was stated to have had both his hands cut off by the Germans after he was wounded. We also saw a German lady who had been arrested as a spy.

A German Spy Shot.

“A few miles south of Paris we ran into a station where there was great excitement; and on enquiry we found that a German spy, who had been loitering about for days had attempted to blow up a bridge. He was pursued by French soldiers, plunged into the Seine and was shot by a soldier.”

“On our arrival at Paris, we halted an hour, and were taken from one platform to the other. We saw a large number of French troops, including some from Savoy. The ladies gave the troops chocolates and the gentlemen gave them cigars, cigarettes and money.”

“It was remarkable to see the way in which the soldiers divided the gifts. The recipients instead of putting as many as they could into their won pockets distributed them among their own comrades.”

“There were thousands of people, including French troops, to see our train start. The National Anthem was sung and for a good mile out of Paris people were seen at the windows waving their hands and in some cases, the Union Jack. The passengers in their turn displayed the French and Belgian flags.

From Dieppe to Folkstone.

“The train did not pass through Rouen but proceeded to Dieppe by another route.”

“Leaving the train at Dieppe, we went to the quay and spent the night on the ‘Paris’ one of the fastest channel boats.”

“We reached Folkstone at 1pm on Thursday and proceeded to Charing Cross. Fortunately Mrs. Franklin and I caught a train to Eastbourne via Tunbridge Wells and 6pm.

“I should like to express the warmest thanks to the British Consul at Montreux and Berne, for their excellent arrangements for the return journey.”

Eastbourne - The Garden by the Sea.

This advert appeared in The Times on 28th August 1914.

Reminding the British public that the holiday season was now in ‘Full Swing’ and that for Eastbourne ‘The Garden by the Sea’ business was as normal.

5th Sussex (Reserve) Battery, RFA.

In September 1914 the Eastbourne Gazette published the following appeal for new soldiers.

The 4th Sussex Battery (2nd Home Counties) was allocated to the 44th Division and would in November 1914 head for India.

The 5th Sussex (Reserve) Battery was formed on the South Coast and would spend its time in England until October 1917 when it would join the Indian Division in Mesopotamia

5th Sussex (Reserve) Battery R.F.A.

Eastbourne recruits needed

Colonel Astley Roberts commanding 2nd H.C. Brigade RFA is strongly desirous that the new battery now being formed should complete its establishment at an early date. Recruiting is proceeding briskly in St. Leonards, Bexhill and Hastings, but it is hoped that Eastbourne and district will be well represented in the new unit.

All men between the ages of 17 and 40 who are thinking of joining are urged to do so at once. Recuits can be enrolled any Monday and Wednesday or Friday evenings at 8 at the drill hall, the Goffs.

Artificers, such as shoeing smiths, saddlers and wheelers, are especially required. Pay and allowances, at Army rates, will be issued to all ranks.

If desired, an interchange with other batteries of the brigade will be arranged subsequently, so that members may be with their friends.

I have opened a new website 5th Sussex (Rerserve) Battery, RFA. with imformation about the battery and original pictures.

A Notice at Holy Trinity Church.

In the early days of the war this appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette.

A True Christian Spirit

A daily paper says:- “A true Christian spirit is shown by the vicar of Holy Trinity, Eastbourne (the Rev. G.P. Bassett Kerry) in placing in the list of men on active service for whom the prayers of the congregation are asked, the name of a German now serving in the German Army. There are also in the lists which are placed at the entrance to the church the names of two Frenchmen who has also been connected with the parish”.

Smokes for the Royal Sussex Regiment

I cannot imagine this happening today but back in 1914, the Boy Scouts took great pride in collecting cigarettes and tobacco for the troops.

This ‘politically incorrect’ article comes from the Eastbourne Gazette dated 28th October 1914.


SMOKES FOR THE ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT AT THE FRONT

The 4th Eastbourne Scout Troop of Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster Read, have continued their collection of cigarettes and tobacco for our men at the Front with great success. In response to their appeal in the main streets of the town, upwards of 9,000 cigarettes and nearly 200 ounces of tobacco have been contributed by the public. This parcel (which will, no doubt be very welcome to our brave soldiers fighting in Northern France) is being sent direct to the Royal Sussex Regiment which has already done such magnificent service. The Eastbourne Scouts are very anxious to keep up the supply of the ever welcomed weed to the county regiment. Contributions of tobacco and cigarettes will be most thankfully received and forwarded through the Assistant County Commissioner from the headquarters, Town Hall, Eastbourne.

A Story of the Kaiser

This is a gem of a story from The Eastbourne Gazette on 19th August 1914.

Apparently the Great War can be put down to an Eastbourne toy maker giving in to the spoilt demands of a young Kaiser. If only he had made the Kaiser wait perhaps he would have leant his lesson and not have been so intent on global domination!

I love all the stories that came out at the beginning of the war.



A Story of the Kaiser

Speaking at a meeting of Sunday school scholars and workers on Sunday afternoon at South Street Church. Mr. George Brown related an incident which ought to interest all Eastbournians at the present time.

Some years ago a young Prince (a cousin of the Kaiser) was spending some time at the Cavendish Hotel. Some friends in Eastbourne had presented the Prince with a beautiful toy yacht which he highly treasured. While the young Prince was staying there his cousin the Kaiser came over to stay a few weeks in Eastbourne. When he saw his cousin’s yacht he became jealous and wanted to fight him for it. This came to the ears of those who had presented it to the Prince, they decided for the sake of peace, to give the Kaiser a similar yacht made by the same man and they had arranged to make the presentation on a certain Monday afternoon. The young Kaiser heard all about it and insisted on his tutor taking him on the previous Sunday afternoon to see the new yacht. On arriving at the maker’s house, the tutor explained that the Kaiser gave them no peace; he was too impatient to wait until Monday afternoon and he must have the yacht at once. They gave it to him so there was no public presentation.

Mr. Brown pointed out the moral; that what was in the boy was also in him when he became a man. As a boy the Kaiser was jealous and impatient and would fight for toys that did not belong to him. He was manifesting the same spirit today.

Rabbit Killer Granted an Exemption.

East Sussex Appeals Tribunal as reported 30th August 1916.

"Mr. A. Hilton, 31, rabbit and vermin killer, was granted an additional six months exemption. His application was supported by Mr. Ingram (representing the Board of Agriculture) and Mr. Waldman who appeared on behalf of the farmers. Hilton was well known in the Alfriston district and kills thousands of rabbits yearly."

Lighting Restrictions

Lighting Restriction came in place on all costal town's in April 1915, after the threat of Zeppelin raids.

This report from the Eastbourne Gazette on 2nd August 1916, is about a lady form Leicester who when visiting was Eastbourne showed a light from her hotel window.

"A Lady from Leicester

Mrs. Harriet Frishby, of the Grand Hotel was summoned in respect of an unsolicited light.

Mr Harold Glenister representing the defendant who did not appear and was stated not to be in good health.

Police Sergeant Geer was on King Edward Parade at 11.30pm on July 20 when he saw a lady pull up the blinds of a room at the Grand Hotel. He waited a few minutes. As the light was not put out he called at the hotel and saw the porter who took him to the room. Defendant said that she resided at Leicester and had been in the habit of pulling up her blinds.

Mr Glenister in reply to Councillor Fox said there was a warning notice in every room in the hotel, but the defendant had overlooked it.

Defendant was fined 15s, the light being visible from the sea."

Hawking on the Seafront

This report from the Eastbourne Gazette from 25th July 1917, concerns the unfortunate case of a lad who 'Hawked' neswpapers on the seafront.

I was glad to see that good sense prevailed and he was 'let off' with a caution.

"Children’s Court

Frederick Brown, 14, of Cavendish Place who stated that he was employed by Mr Abel, newsagent, was summoned for hawking newspapers on the parade on July 16.

Parade Inspector Dann deposed to being on the central parade when his attention was attracted by a boy shouting “London papers”. He went to the to the top of the parade and saw defendant, who admitted that he was aware that he was doing wrong and added, “I have done it before.”

The Chief Constable remarked that the boy took charge of the stand on the Front and that he knew all about the by-law.

Defendant said he only did it to oblige the gentleman.

With a magisterial caution the case was dismissed."

Lieutenant-Colonel Royston-Pigott D.S.O.

This report in the Eastbourne Gazette is on the death of Lieutentant Colonel G.A. Royston-Pigott.


"Lieutenant-Colonel Royston-Pigott D.S.O.

Lieutenant-Colonel George Arthur Royston-Pigott, D.S.O. Worcestershire Regiment who was killed on July 3, was the eldest son of the late Dr. G.W. Royston-Piggott, F.R.S. and of Mrs. Royston-Piggott of Annandale, Eastbourne and was 41 years of age.

Appointed to the 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment in 1895, he served with it through the South African War being awarded both medals and five clasps. He was in command of his battalion at the battle of Loos, when he was mentioned in dispatches and obtained the D.S.O. Subsequently he was appointed to the command of a battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.

In 1915 he married Hilda, daughter of the late J.W. Parriss of Ardaga, Willesden Lane."

Lieutentant Colonel G.A. Royston-Pigott, D.S.O. is buried in Ovillers Military Cemetry, France.

Corporal E.A. Dewey, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment.

This article in the Eastbourne Gazette dated 9th August 1916 is about Corporal E.A. Dewey, 12th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment.

In a previous article, “How the Southdown’s Fought” Corporal Dewey is mentioned:

“Another Eastbourne man notable for his pluck is Corporal E.A. Dewey (formerly doorkeeper at the Hippodrome theatre). Although he was suffering from a painful malady, he rose from his bed of sickness and insisted upon accompanying his comrades to the enemy’s trenches. ‘I’ve been with the boys all along’ he said ‘and I intend to go over the parapet with them.’ He was allowed to go, and did his duty well but he was badly wounded in several places and lost his right eye.’
"Corporal Dewey, who is 45 years of age and has a son at the front, had never seen service prior to the war, but joined up shortly after the outbreak in order to ‘do his bit.’

In an update Corporal Dewey writes from hospital to Mr. Gardner the leader of the Eastbourne Glee Club. He informs him of his intention to carry on in the army and become a drill instructor. He also thanks Mr. Gardner’s work in sending cigarettes etc to the troops.


“Corporal Dewey in Hospital

Letter to “The Soldiers Friend.”

Corporal E.A. Dewey (who is A4 Ward, Third London General Hospital, Wandsworth) wrote on July 31 to Mr. J.F. Gardner:-

“You will no doubt be surprised to hear from me in London, but now I have recovered somewhat from my recent repairs. I have come across the two badges I collected for you and have sent them on. I read a little while ago that you were still carrying on the good work of sending the boys something to smoke , which I am sure is heartily appreciated. I am only waiting in hospital to be fitted with a new ‘monocle’.

Then I hope to go to a convalescent home for a week or two, previous to taking up my duties. I have been accepted for further service as instructor in drill and musketry and feel glad that my offer has been received so favourably. Civilian life whilst the war is on has no appeals for me. When visiting Eastbourne on furlough- unless I am fortunate enough to be sent to Summerdown to recuperate earlier- I will call and see you.”

Corporal Dewey, who is well known in Eastbourne, has been serving in the Royal Sussex Regiment. His letter was addressed to “Mr. Gardener, the Soldiers Friend, 72, Tideswell Road.””

International Stores - Releases Men

This article from the Eastbourne Gazette dated 9th August 1916, relates to the ‘International Stores’ releasing men for the Front as women take their place.

" 2,000 Heroes

We hear so much of the enormous difficulties that our Tommie’s overcome that we are apt to overlook the trials of those working at home, and who have every right to the glories and sympathies given to our brave men at the Front.

We refer particularly to the burden which our women folk have shouldered with such patriotism.

The International Stores tell us the women now employed by them have enabled them to release nearly 2,000 men for military service. An experienced grocer would have have told you in June 1914, that a few years must elapse before a youth entering a grocer’s shop as an apprentice van consider himself qualified to “take charge”. Bearing this is mind it is really remarkable that the lady grocer’s should step in and fill the position vacated by the heroes at the Front in such a capable manner.

Their untiring energy, adaptability and strong will, whilst working under the most tiring conditions, calls for the very heartiest support and consideration from the shopping public."


For those of you that haven’t heard of the 'International Store':-

The International Stores started out, in 1875, with a single store in Bristol, trading as J H Mills. By 1900, when J H Mills become a limited company, there were 12 stores and the name 'International Stores' was in use.

In 1950, J H Mills changed its name to Gateway. From then the name 'Gateway' was mainly used for all of the company's new (supermarket-style) stores but 'International Stores' was retained for the traditional-style stores.

Gateway was taken over by Linfood Holdings in 1977 but International Stores were not, initially part of the deal (although many branches of International Stores closed at this time, or were re-branded as Gateway as a subsidiary part of the deal). Linfood Holdings changed its name to the Dee Corporation in 1983 and then proceeded to acquire International Stores (along with other well-known names, such as Fine Fare and Keymarkets). All of the stores were then either closed or re-branded as Gateway. (The Dee Corporation changed its name back to Gateway Corporation plc, to match the store names, in 1988).

Between 1989 and 1991, over 100 stores were sold off to Asda and Kwik Save.

The firm opened the first Somerfield store in 1990. In 1994, Gateway Foodmarkets became Somerfield Stores. Thus, if there's still a supermarket trading on a former International Stores site, there's a very good chance that it will bear the Somerfield brand name (although it could be Asda or Kwik Save) and, incidentally, be part of a multi-national group that includes the Carrefour chain in France.

From - Food Deserts.

Eastbourne Glee Club

This article from the Eastbourne Gazette dated 9th August 1916, is about the Eastbourne Glee Club raising funds for the war effort.

Perhaps this side of the 21st Century it is with amazement that money should be sent on sending soldiers cigarettes and tobacco. How times have changed!


“Eastbourne Glee Club

Parcels for Soldiers and Sailors

In the spring of 1915 Mr. J.F. Gardener (hon. Secretary of the Eastbourne Glee Choir) set on foot a movement for the supplying comforts for (1) the men of the Army and Navy on active service and (2) prisoners of war in Germany and elsewhere. Through this agency many thousands of cigarettes have been sent, besides tobacco and pipes. Last Christmas parcels of food to the value of £20 were purchased with the proceeds of a concert and were despatched at the men at the front.

The total value of the goods sent out exceeds £100. Among the contributors to the fund we may mention Colonel W.A. Cardwell V.D., Mr. Sydney Hudson, Mr. E. A. Sutton, the Rev E.W. Wright, Councillor F. Hollins, the Rev E.L. Browne, and others. Mr James S. Garrard has contributed 10s 6d a month for cigarettes for local footballers at the Front, and the Rev. E.L. Browne and Councillor Hollins have presented several footballs which have been greatly appreciated by the Eastbourne Engineers at the France. In fact the Engineers have “asked for more”.

Mr. Gardner has received upwards of 500 letters expressive of gratitude from sailors and soldiers. To the prisoners of war the parcels of food have been of inestimable benefit. The patients in the 12th General Hospital at Rouen have received no fewer than 8,000 cigarettes and a long written list of recipients has been received.”

Enormous Expenditure on Drink

This report was in the Eastbourne Gazette on 23rd September 1916. During the war there were a large number of people in favour of prohibition, this ‘public meeting’ on the Seafront calls for action to be taken.

300 Millions

Enormous Expenditure on Drink

"In presiding over an outdoor meeting held near the Royal Parade bandstand on Saturday evening Dr. Horatio Matthews spoke as a medical man in favour of total abstinence as conductive to the health of the nation. Mr. Alexander Thomson (United Kingdom Alliance) stated that in the first twenty-one months of the war about 2,200,000 tons of barley, maize and rice, and 3,000,000 tons of sugar were wasted in the manufacture of drink. During the same period the nation had spent on intoxication £300,000,000, a sum which represents £500,000 a day. The only remedy was the prohibition of the liquor traffic during the remainder of the war and for six months after the declaration of peace. A memorial in favour of such a measure had been signed by two millions of people. The Rev. A. Butcher also spoke.

On Sunday evening, Mr. Thomson addressed a large gathering near the Grand Parade bandstand. Mr. Walker presided, and the choir of the Baptist Forward Mission attended to leading the singing."

Dangerous Motoring on the Seafront.

I love this article from the Eastbourne Chronicle dated Saturday July 22nd 1916. The Dangerous driver was driving his two-seater car at the speed of 35 miles per hour along Eastbourne Seafront.

The Chief Inspector tried to stop him by putting up his hand but it took him over 100 yards to stop the car and then he sped off. How times have changed!!!

"Dangerous Motoring on the Front.

Lieutenant Gordon M. Mew, said to be a wounded officer staying at a convalescent home in Brighton, was summoned for driving a motor car at a dangerous speed on the Grand Parade on the 11th. Defendant did not appear, and no communication had been received from him.

Parade Inspector Dann said at about 1.45 on the day in question a small two-seater car passed him at the Grand Hotel. In it were the defendant and a lady. The car was going at a pace which he estimated at from 35 to 40 miles an hour. The Chief Inspector who was with the witness, put up his hand, but at such a pace was the car going that it covered another hundred yards before it stopped. Without waiting for witness to come up, defendant drove off again and finally stopped at the Landsdowne Hotel. Witness proceeded thither and saw the defendant, of who he asked,

“What was your object in driving so fast?”

Defendant replied, “None really.”

Witness pointed out that the speed was 35 miles an hour, and witness told him it was too fast and he would be reported. In reply, to a question witness told him that if summoned he would either appear or send a letter.

Evidence of the service of the summons having been given, a penalty of £2 was imposed."

To Join the Fire Brigade

This Military Tribunal is reported in the Eastbourne Gazette on 2nd August 1916. The Applicant is saved from going to the front, so long as he joins the local Fire Brigade:-

"To Join the Fire Brigade

In the case of Mr. Henry J. Collins, 40. Married grocery and sweet shop keeper. Mr. Hillman (the applicants solicitor) advanced the one-man business plea. Mr. Collins said he had a nervous wife and she could not possibly carry on the trade. He was willing to devote spare time to utility work.

The Chairman, “Could you do a special constable’s job?”

Applicant, “I don’t think so.” (Laughter)

Councillor Bolton ,“The Council want firemen, could you do that?”

Applicant, “Yes.”

Twelve weeks were granted, conditional on applicant joining the fire brigade."

The Boar's Head - Part V.

The Eastbourne Gazette on the 2nd August also carried this story from Private Hart:-

Southdowns Capture Prisoners

Private T Hart, Royal Sussex Regiment, writing to his mother, Mrs Turner, 1 Salehurst Road, Old Town, Eastbourne describes the operation on June 30 as being “like hell”.

He says, “The bombardment was enough to drive us off our heads, but we took three lines of trenches and faced the shells as coolly as anything. I had the bottom of my rifle blown off, but I didn’t get a scratch myself. We were up to necks in mud. We gave them (the Germans) a few pills to go on with. We took several prisoners and all they could say was ‘Mercy, kamarade.’ Our colonel said we stuck it grandly. I think we have got them done for this time. I saw I lot of my chums fall by my side, but I was one of the lucky ones. It is your prayers that have saved my life mum,” concluded the writer, “and I thank God for it.”

The Boar's Head - Part IV.

The Eastbourne Gazette on 2nd August 1916, had this report of the action at 'Boar's Head'.

Southdowns in Action

Letter from Sergeant Rowsell

Writing from the V.A.D. Hospital, Fernlagul, Larkfield, near Maidstone on July 29th. Lance-Sergeant T.S. Roswell says:-

“As an old Eastbourian I have been a reader of your valuable paper for some years and I received it weekly in the trenches before I was wounded. I belong to one of the Southdowns Battalions of the Royal Sussex Regiment and am able to tell you that our long training in England enabled the men to become not only good fighters but good workers as well. If any trenches needed making or repairing by our division one of the ‘Southdowns’ Battalions was sure to get the job. With regard to the fighting, all were eager to go over the parapet to meet ‘Frtiz’ when the time came and the ‘Squareheads’ the other side of No Mans land soon learnt what they were up against. You were quite correct in your surmise that some day Sussex people will hear the official truths of what did actually occur and when that is known it will be seen that the Southdowns did their bit in the true British way. Before closing I would just mention that the editor of an influential London weekly once said, “The Southdowns will never fire shot in the Great War.”

Coulson Kernahan's Appeal

Before conscription was introduced in 1916 recruiting rallies were held almost daily in an effort to get every available man to the Front. This report in the Eastbourne Gazette on 16th June 1915, concerns the well known author Coulson Kernahan and his efforts to get men to look within themselves and consider what it will be like when the war finally ends.

Patriot and Author

Mr. Coulson Kernahans Appeal

In his speech at the Wish Tower grounds on Saturday, Mr. Coulson Kernahan (the well known author) said:-

“May I just tell of a saying of Robert Louis Stevenson, whose books are known to some of you? Stevenson said this :-

“Much may be forgiven to us mortals – mistakes, sins, crimes even: but God Himself cannot forgive the ‘hanger-back’”.

“Is there a hanger-back here today? Is there one man here who is fit and able to go but is hanging back? If so, I am sorry for him. I sit in judgement on no man. In all my recruiting work I have never called any man a ‘shirker’. I have no right to call you a shirker. You may be fit and strong. I don’t know you circumstances. I repeat: I sit in judgement on no man. Your own conscience will be worse than anything I can say. To feel that other people sneer at you is a small matter: but for a man to feel that he has lost his own self-respect and is a coward in his own eyes is terrible. Picture the coming time when as Mr. Gwynne says we shall be happier than we are today. The war is over, Eastbourne is en fete. Every man, woman and child is out. The bells are ringing, the flags are flying and the gallant boys of the Sussex Regiment are marching down the street having returned unhurt or bearing honourable wounds. We shall be mad with joy – men, women and children. Picture to yourself what your position will be if you might have gone but did not. You won’t be with the cheering crowd. You will be slinking home by the back way. You will feel you might have gone, but let others go. You will see George that went and Harry who went. They heard the call and obeyed it. You will slink home to the kitchen amongst the cats, the children, and the old women, because you have been a shirker. You will know that you have betrayed your country. Don’t let that become true of you. Say today, 'I will do my duty. I have been a long time over it. It is not too late. It shall be my privilege to serve my country.'”

(Coulson Kernahan (1858-1943) was born at Ilfracombe, Devonshire, and educated privately by his father and at St Albans School. He was associated with Locker-Lampson on a new edition of Lyra Elegantiarum, contributed to many periodicals, wrote humorous verse, and gained wide popularity for his fiction, some of which has been translated into French, German, Dutch, Hungarian, and Chinese).

Helping the War or Himself?

This Military Tribunal is reported in the Eastbourne Gazette on 2nd August 1916. The Military Represenative Mr. Beattie seems to be on good form.

Helping the War or Himself?

V.W.Marley, 31, married taxi cab proprietor was represented by Mr. Hillman who explained the great financial hardship which could result in the applicants enlistment.

Mr. Beattie “You are doing nothing at present to help the war?”

Mr. Hillman “He is keeping a wife and three children.”

Mr. Beattie “Is that helping the war or helping himself?”

Six weeks (final).