It was then said that, "Mr. Pickles jokingly asked his relatives not to to tell him
about any good ‘blow-out’ at home, and not to make his mouth water, together
with a gentle hint that a nice fresh pork pie and some dainties would be
appreciated. He also mentions that at camp they have not to smoke any more cigarettes
and tobacco, but incidentally mentions that he has a good stock in hand. The
trend of the letter is a happy one, evincing the true spirit of patriotism in
circumstances vastly different to thse of comfortable home life".
The reference to conditions at camp echoed concerns raised in another article published on the same day:
THE SETTLE TROOP AT FRENSHAM
A Case of “German Measles”
"The Company of “Kitchener ’s
Men” who responded to the call of Mr. H.G. Tunstill of Otterburn and are now in
military training camp at Frensham, with the 10th Service Battalion
of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, have settled down to their
work in fine style, and have realised that, unless exceedingly hard work is
done and long hours put in, it is impossible for the new army to be ready in
time for real service to the country by the early spring of next year. The
Settle contingent – the smartest body of recruits Craven has produced, and we
say it on the authority of a high military authority at the Halifax depot – have
accepted the military rules and regulations in a truly patriotic spirit, and
despite rough times and hard faring during the early part of their encampment,
they have thrown themselves heart and soul into the task of making themselves
fit.
They count themselves lucky in their officers. Col. Crawford,
C.B., in command, inspires confidence, and takes a deep interest in the men
individually; while the Company Commander, Captain Hildyard, does
everything he can for the comfort and well-being of the men of his company,
asking no man to do what he is not capable of and willing to do himself.
Since the Settle troop’s arrival at Frensham, which is near
Farnham, Surrey , they had not, up to a few
days ago, had a drop of rain. Indeed the weather has been glorious, though the
nights have proved very cold. There have, as was to be expected, been many
cases of colds among the Settle “boys” and Jim Coates, of Closes Hall, Bolton-by-Bowland,
had to go to the Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot, with a bad chill. He is, we
understand, doing well, and expects to soon rejoin his company.
One tent of the Settle Company is, we hear, isolated, as a
case of “German” measles broke out. Luckily, no further cases appeared, but the
rest of the tent occupants are isolated for another week or so. However, they
are quite happy and contented".
The medical concerns expressed in both of the articles would be made
more pertinent by events over the following weeks. Meanwhile, a further
round of medical inspections saw a number of recruits discharged from the army.
Most of these men were simply described as being ‘not likely to become an
efficient soldier’ or ‘medically unfit’, though in some cases (see below) more
specific reasons were given. Pte. Ebeneezer Anderson was a 50 year-old
presser, originally from Glasgow but had been living in Bradford. Pte. Benjamin Beaumont (known as Ben) (see 12th September), who had
been one of the Grassington volunteers. Pte. William Bright was a 34
year-old labourer originally from Shrewsbury, but had been living in Halifax.
Pte. John Ellison was originally from Barnsley, but at the age of 26
married, with four children had been living in Ingrow, near Keighley. Pte. Alick Green was a 20 year-old
labourer, originally from Bradley, but had been living in Bradford. Pte. Richard
Haigh was a 22 year-old labourer from Leeds. Pte. William Arthur Holmes
was a 21 year-old overlooker from Shipley. Pte. Patrick Jordan was a 23
year-old labourer, originally from Ireland but had been living in Bradford; he
was discharged as ‘not likely to become an efficient soldier on account of
conduct’ and his character on discharge was officially described as ‘indifferent’.
Pte. Richard Lister (see 7th September) had
volunteered in Addingham. Pte. Frank Lomax (see 16th
September) had enlisted in Cowling. Pte. Herbert Metcalfe was a 26
year-old labourer from Bradford. Pte. Tom Rushworth
was a 34 year-old labourer from Bradford; he was married but had no children.
The proceedings were noted by the Battalion Adjutant, Capt. William Norman Town.
William Norman Town
had been an officer in the territorial battalion of the West Riding Regiment
from 1894 to 1903. More recently he had been running the family paper
manufacturing business in Leeds, along with his younger brother. He had been
granted a temporary commission, with the rank of Captain, aged 38, on 16th
September.
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