The Great War News from
Lancaster in 1914
23rd October 1914
These pages include reports from the local press in Lancaster and
district from October 1914.
Bloodthirsty Territorials
A Lancaster Territorial, writing from the YMCA tent at Didcot, speaks of
the value of the YMCA and its tent to the troops, and then impressive
services held each Sunday evening. Particulars are given of the
competitive concerts arranged by the Territorials, and a male voice
choir has been formed. Speaking as a brotherhood member, the write says:
“I am afraid it is not a very brotherly kind of feeling, but I’m quite
bloodthirsty when I read about the horrible things the Germans are
doing.”
Departure and Arrival of Territorials
Last night quite a demonstration took place in the streets, when 50 of
the reserve battalion of the Royal Lancaster Regiment left the town to
join the 5th or headquarters battalion. Their comrades accompanied them
to the Castle Station, Captain Seward being in command. The men were
given a very hearty send off. Directly after their departure 115 men
arrived by train from the headquarters battalion to join the reserve
battalion, and they were received with equal enthusiasm. These 115 men
were accommodated at Jackson’s lodging house, Cable Street, over night.
The YMCA Work
The YMCA continues its activities amongst his Majesty’s troops stationed
in Lancaster. This week’s programme commenced with the usual Sunday
evening rally, when a good number of soldiers were present. The meeting
took the form of a “home circle” and refreshments were provided free of
cost. A “heart to heart talk” with the men made the evening pleasant and
profitable. On Wednesday evening Mr Owen delivered an interesting talk
on “Our Empire” with the aid of limelight views. An imaginary visit to
some of the most beautiful and important parts of our vast and loyal
Empire was enjoyed. Mr Owen brought home many incidents directly
connected with the present war. Mr T J Wilkinson presided, and
contributed to the educational value of the lecture. In addition to the
existing arrangements a full programme of recreation education and
social amusements is being arranged.
Gifts for Infirmary Beds
The following gifts have been received for the beds being prepared at
the Royal Lancaster Infirmary for the reception of sick and wounded
soldiers – parcel of linen, Mrs Ellis, Westbourne Terrace; pocket
handkerchiefs, anonymous; sheets and quilts, Mrs J T Sanderson; pillows,
Miss Tomlinson; shirts, Mrs George Jackson, Westwood, and Mrs Grantham,
Westbourne Terrace; quilts, Mrs Davies, Carus Lodge.
Lancaster Aliens Arrested
Chief Constable Harriss received on Wednesday evening the Home Office
order for the immediate arrest of all enemy aliens between the ages of
17 and 45, and yesterday four resident in Lancaster were removed to the
Town Hall, where they will be detained pending the receipt of orders
from the War Office as to the place of their internment.
A batch of 140 aliens from Manchester were interned in the Wagon Works
camp yesterday. They were brought to Lancaster by 70 armed police and
special constables.
5th King’s Own Reserve Battalion
Thanks to the strenuous recruiting propaganda the officers of the 5th
Reserve Battalion of the Royal Lancaster Regiment are almost within
sight of their objective. Men have this week been enrolled from
Dolphinholme, Shireshead, Blackpool and Fleetwood, and last evening the
immediate arrival of 115 men from the parent battalion was being
anticipated. The men are now thoroughly settled down in their quarters,
and the organisation is day by day working with increasing smoothness,
despite the absence of clothing and equipment. Yesterday about 200 men
were furnished with boots, and thus some portion of the grievance which
last week found expression is removed. Colonel Crompton Hall, VD, who
retired with the rank of major in April 1903, from the 2nd Volunteer
Battalion of the Manchester Regiment, and has latterly commanded the
Preston Battalion of the National Reserve, has this week taken up duties
as OC.
Appeal for Motor Ambulance
A very urgent appeal is being made in The Times for motor ambulances to
be used at the seat of war, where they can do invaluable work by
lessening suffering and saving the lives of hundreds of our soldiers by
taking them straight to base hospitals, with far more promptness than is
the case if the medical authorities have to rely only on hospital
trains.
The price of a properly equipped motor ambulance car is £400.
This is an object that will appeal to everyone, and it has been
suggested that an effort should be made in Lancaster and District and in
the Lune Valley to provide such a motor, and that it should be called
the “Luck to Loyne Ambulance”.
As it is important that ambulances be provided and forwarded to the
front as quickly as possible, donations should be sent before 2nd
November, on which date all sums received will be forwarded to Lord
Rothschild, the honorary treasurer of the Red Cross Society.
It is hoped that at least £400, the price of a fully equipped ambulance
car, will be received.
A list of donations will be sent to all subscribers after 2nd November.
Donations can be sent to Mrs J G Wright, Halton Park, Lancaster; or to
Miss Welch, Hornby Hall, Lancaster, or can be paid to the Manchester and
Liverpool District Banking Co Ltd at Lancaster or Kirkby Lonsdale, to
the account of the “Luck to Loyne Ambulance Fund”.
Fired on by Comrades
Private Betts, of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, was fatally
shot by another private belonging to the same regiment, who was on
sentry duty at the Grand Junction bridge towing path on Saturday night.
It appears that Betts was challenged by the sentry, who, failing to get
an answer, fired. As the inquest at Southall on Monday, it was disclosed
that Betts went to speak to his comrade, who, hearing someone
approaching, turned sharply round, and his rifle went off accidentally.
A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.
Only a proportion of our collections
are on display at anyone time. Certain items are on loan for display
in other institutions. An appointment is required to consult any of
our collections which are held in store.
