Honours for battle heroes
HERE in this new weekly feature,we take a look back at the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago... ●●LETTERS BY A RADICAL. THE REAL END OF THE WAR
It is because I am profoundly convinced that no peace endurable by the pacifists is possible just now, that I believe that the only right thing for this country is to “carry on.” These are dark days, perhaps the darkest days since the war broke out. Let us not imitate the ostrich and hide our face in the sands. Let us look facts in the face. For the moment the Germans are triumphant, this old country is left practically with all the burden of hostilities on her shoulders.
●●MILITARY MEDALLISTS
Signaller Frank Stott of the Durham Light Infantry, son of Mr and Mrs J Stott of Greenfield House, Smallbridge, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty while with the forces in France. During the whole of an action, he apt in communication with headquarters in spite of the most intense shell fire, “showing absolute disregard for safety whilst fulfilling his duty.”
Private J Carter of the Lancashire Fusiliers has received the Military Medal for bravery and devotion to duty in the field whilst serving with the forces in France. Formerly, he resided with his mother at 9 Sladen Street Rochdale.
For devotion to duty, the Military Medal has been awarded to Corporal E Kelsall (pictured) of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who formerly lived at 226 Entwistle Road, Rochdale.
●●WAR CASUALTY PHOTOS
Sapper Bernard W Handley of the Royal Engineers, the second son of Mrs Handley of 120 Tweedale Street, Rochdale, was killed in France on October 30. As an artist and caricaturist, he showed great promise, he had contributed many clever sketches to Rochdale and Manchester papers.
Lieutenant Norman Grey of the Loyal North Lancashire, son of Mr and Mrs Grey of “Glebelands,” Rochdale, was killed in action on October 26.
Private Thomas Cummings of the Lancashire Fusiliers (whose widow resides at 7 Neville Place, off Whitworth Road, Rochdale) was killed in action in France on October 9.
●●ROCHDALE NURSE’S DISTINCTION
Sister Elizabeth Wolstencroft of the Norfolk War Hospital, Thorpe, Norwich, has had the Royal Red Cross conferred upon her. Sister Wolstencroft is the niece of Mr and Mrs Wm. Wolstencroft of St Alban’s Terrace, Rochdale. Afterwards, she worked in the staff of a nursing home in Birkdale, was assistant superintendent nurse at Braintree Infirmary, Essex, for over two years, and school nurse at Chadderton for several years. Soon after the outbreak of war, she was appointed Sister-in-charge of a surgical ward of 50 beds at the Norfolk War Hospital, where she has done much valuable work. She is greatly esteemed by staff and patients alike, and has received the heartiest congratulations on her welldeserved honour.
●●MILITARY WEDDING
A pretty military wedding took place in the West Street Baptist Chapel, Rochdale, on Tuesday afternoon, the contacting parties being Company Quartermaster Sergeant. Bumund Butterworth (Lancashire Fusiliers) of Manchester Road Castleton, who is at present at home on leave from France, and Miss Annie Walton of Passmonds, Rochdale. The bride was given away by her father Mr John Burke of Castleton (cousin of the bridegroom) and Mrs Robinson of Rochdale (sister of the bride) were in attendance. Mr John Williamson of Rochdale conducted the service.