A selection of ‘press clippings’ relating mainly to Waters Upton, and people resident in or connected with the parish, during the Great War of 1914-18 and its immediate aftermath. Most reports are from the Wellington Journal, coverage of which has recently been expanded at the British Newspaper Archive. Sadly, papers from 1916 and 1917 are not yet included, so reports from those years are somewhat lacking.
Year index: 1914 | 1915 | 1916 | 1917 | 1918 | 1919 | 1920 | 1921
1914
WEDNESDAY, 5 AUGUST, 1914.
————————
A STATE OF WAR.
His Majesty’s Government informed the German Government on August 4th, 1914, that, unless a satisfactory reply to the request of His Majesty’s Government for an assurance that Germany would respect the neutrality of Belgium was received by midnight of that day, His Majesty’s Government would feel bound to take all steps in their power to uphold that neutrality and the observance of a treaty to which Germany was as much a party as Great Britain.
The result of this communication having been that His Majesty’s Ambassador at Berlin had to ask for his passports, His Majesty’s Government have accordingly formally notified the German Government that a state of war exists between the two countries, as from 11 p.m. to-day.
Foreign Office,
August 4th, 1914.
London Gazette, number 28861, supplement, page 6161 🡕.
Image from The Gazette website, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0 🡕.
WELLINGTON. […]
THE WAR.—The conversation on the lips of every Wellingtonian at the present time is the war, and differing in no way from other parts of the country, a great many from Mid- Shropshire will be affected and engaged in assisting to maintain the integrity of the British Army. Throughout the week the streets have been crowded with inhabitants of the town and immediate neighbourhood eager to learn the latest news concerning the progress of the war, and it is gratifying to learn that the local members of the Territorial and Artillery forces, in addition to the Yeomanry, were delighted to know that their services would be required in the defence of their King and country. The Territorials were summoned for parade at 7 o’clock on Wednesday morning, and left for Shrewsbury in the evening […] There was a memorable scene throughout Wednesday, the wives of many soldiers weeping as they assembled in the streets to bid farewell and wish them good-bye. There has been an enormous demand for groceries of every description, and the shop assistants in this particular line have found it extremely difficult to cope with the orders. Sugar and other things have increasd in price. Apart from this other traders are practically at a standstill, and many offices are closed. […]
Shrewsbury Chronicle, Fri 7 Aug 1914, page 3.
NEW SHROPSHIRE COMMISSIONS.
The following Salopians have been gazetted to commissions in either the Regular Army or the Special Reserve:—[…] Mr. George H. Davies, who is a son of the late Vicar of Waters Upton, is also posted to the 3rd Shropshires. […]
Wellington Journal, 29 Aug 1914, page 6.
Civilian Corps at Wellington.
Mr. J. Knapton, assisted by others interested in the movement, has started a Civilian Corps at Wellington […], which is intended only for men who are debarred from joining Lord Kitchener’s or any other military forces by age or otherwise. A specially trained instructor will give advice to the men who join, and they will also receive instructions how to use a rifle, so that in cases of emergency Wellingtonians would be well able to assist in the home defence of their country.
The recruiting officers at Wellington have experienced another busy week, and since Lord Kitchener’s appeal for men was issued there have been enlisted some 400 men, and every day there continues to be enrolled another big batch. Considering that some 300 were brought in on the initial mobilisation it is evident that Wellington has done a good share towards the defence of the country. The town and district are naturally affected considerably by the loss of so many men. The reason that recruiting has been brisker of late is in consequence of the harvest work drawing to a close. Many men intimate that they would have joined the ranks before but for the work in the fields. […]
Recently added to the list of members forming the Wellington District War Assistance Committee are Mr. H. Bowles (Postmen’s Federation), Mr. A. Jones (England’s Pride Lodge of Oddfellows), and Mr. W. A. R. Ball (Hearts of Oak Lodge at Waters Upton). The committee is now very near completion.
Wellington Journal, 11 Sep 1914, page 4.
1915
WATERS UPTON.
[Photo]
Pte. J. BUCKLEY (signaller), of Waters Upton, son of Mr. George Buckley, Peplow. Enlisted at Shrewsbury in 1909, and has bean stationed in Lichfield and Fermoy; also served three years with his regiment in India. He is now at the front with the 2nd Shropshires.
Wellington Journal, 16 Jan 1915, page 9.
Note: A page of ‘local intelligence’ including columns of photos and brief bios of men who were serving.
WATERS UPTON.
[Photo]
Lance-Corp. JOHN TUDOR, grandson of Mrs. Cartwright, Rock Cottage, Waters Upton. Born in 1892, he enlisted in the 8th Batt. K.S.L.I., immediately on conclusion of the last harvest.
Wellington Journal, 23 Jan 1915, page 9.
SALOPIAN ON THE TIGER.
One of the officers on board H. M. S. Tiger, which figured prominently in this week’s North Sea fight, was Commander A. J. Davies, second son of the late Rev. J. B. Davies, rector of Waters Upton. Commander Davies, who is 37 years of age, on the outbreak of war was serving in the gunnery school connected with H.M.S. Excellent. For a month he was in charge of Yarmouth base, and was there at the time of the German raid, but a few weeks ago was promoted to the Tiger. He has two brothers in the Army—Lieutenant G. H. Davies (3rd Shropshire Light Infantry), in hospital at Boulogne, and Lieutenant W. L. Davies, 6th Shropshire L.I.
Wellington Journal, 30 Jan 1915, page 8.
WATERS UPTON
[Photo]
Trooper THOMAS EVANS, son of Mr. James Evans, Waters Upton. Born in 1895, he enlisted in the Shropshire Yeomanry in November last. He was previously in the employ of Lady Mary Herbert of The Styche.
Wellington Journal, 30 Jan 1915, page 9.
WATERS UPTON.
Corpl. Frank Holding (nephew of Mr. W. A. R. Ball), K.S.L.I., has been at the front since last August. Twice his cap was cut in two on his head, twice his rifle smashed in his hands, and upon another occasion the buckle of his belt turned the course of a rifle bullet which otherwise would have been fatal. He is now lying in hospital, and in a letter to his uncle he writes:—“No doubt you have heard that I got wounded on May 25. I had bad luck with the 2nd Battalion, but where we were fighting was an awful place and it so happened that my time being up I went in a charge, and coming out of it I found that they had all gone and left me to it. Well I made the pace, but I was potted before I got far, being hit in the buttock, the bullet coming out through the stomach. I have had operations, and am going on fine. Those who could get away did so, but I couldn’t, and was on the field 24 hours unable to move. However I crawled away in the night.”
Wellington Journal, 12 Jun 1915, page 8.
WATERS UPTON.
A Sale of useful articles, contributed by parishioners and friends in aid of the Red Cross Fund, was held in the Rectory garden on the 9th inst. A fine day and a good cause gathered together quite a crowd of purchasers, and a brisk trade was carried on by the energetic saleswomen—Miss Hobson, Mrs. E. D. Rider, Miss Williams, Miss Vaughan and [Miss] Ball. At the close it was found that, including tea profits, there was the very satisfactory sum of £8 15s. 8d. in hand. Money gifts, amounting to £5 4s. had also been sent by well-wishers, who were unable to be present, and £l3 19s. 8d. has been sent to the Red Cross Fund.
Wellington Journal, 17 Jul 1915, page 8.
FIRST YEAR OF WAR.
LOCAL ROLL OF HONOUR.
Among the many regiments of the British Army that have earned for themselves lasting renown by their prowess in the field during the past 12 months of warfare, none have striven more successfully to uphold the grand traditions of the race than the gallant Shropshires. Naturally their casualty-list has been a heavy one, for there can be no glory without sacrifice; but despite their losses they still present a united front to the enemy, determined to fight to the end to vindicate the honour of their Country. Appended are the names of local heroes who have fallen during the past 12 Months, with the dates on which they met their death as far as ascertained:—
SHROPSHIRE REGIMENT. […]
OTHER REGIMENTS.
Officers.[…]
Juckes, Second-Lieutenant G. F. 6th Rifle Brigade, cousin of Mr. T. L. Juckes, Waters Upton. […]
Juckes, Lieutenant R., Royal Sussex Regiment, cousin of Mr. T. L. Juckes, Waters Upton. […]
Wellington Journal, 7 Aug 1915, page 7.
Note: T L Juckes was in error for A. L. (Arthur Lea) Juckes.
HIGH ERCALL
[Photo]
Dv. A. BURGESS, second son of Mr. Joseph Burgess, High Ercall, and son-in-law of Mr. W. Woolley, Waters Upton, enlisted as a transport driver in the Army Service Corps, and has been abroad since April. Prior to enlisting he was employed at the Manor House, Edgmond.
Wellington Journal, 9 Oct 1915, page 9.
RECRUITING IN SHROPSHIRE.
MEETING AT HADLEY.
A well-attended recruiting meeting was held at Hadley on Monday evening under the presidence of Rev. W. B. MacNab, who opened the proceedings by introducing Lt. Hertz (10th Batt. South Lancashire Regiment), who, he said, had come many thousand miles to answer the call to duty which England had sent broadcast to her subjects throughout the world, and who, it would be remembered, displayed conspicuous heroism during the sinking of the Lusitania.
Lt. Hertz had a very enthusiastic reception. In the course of a very stirring appeal he said […] He was there for voluntarism, (Applause.) He wanted it to be fully understood that the voluntary system was fighting for its very existence, and that meant that England’s liberty and freedom were fighting for their existence also. It was the duty of every single man of military age in the British Empire to-day to offer his services to the Government, and it was not only his duty but an imperative need. […]
OTHER MEETINGS.
Meetings were held at Waters Upton and High Ercall on Tuesday evening, at which Lt. Hertz delivered addresses which produced very successful results.—At Waters Upton, where the Vicar (the Rev. S. Hobson) presided, it was stated that William Fisher, of Potford Rock, had 16 children, eleven being sons and five daughters. Seven of his sons were serving in the Army.—“Victory is assured to us,” said Lt. Hertz, “if we can only have the men; and the men must come, or conscription will compel them.” Were they to have victory and self-respect, or victory at the cost of self-respect? That was a question the strong, lusty, single young fellows of the country could answer. Lord Kitchener had said they must have 30,000 recruits a week, and those men were wanted to go into training so that they would be ready for service in the spring. Those numbers would have to be supplied. There were still 1,600,000 single men in the country without any ties, and it was to them that an earnest appeal was being made to come forward and serve the Empire. Surgeon Col. Hollies also addressed the assembly, and Lt. Hertz congratulated Waters Upton parish upon the excellent response made by sending forth their sons to do their duty in this crisis. […]
Wellington Journal, 23 Oct 1915, page 7.
RED CROSS FUND
A meeting of the committee entrusted with the project of raising money in Wellington and district on behalf of the Red Cross Fund was held on Monday evening, under the presidency of Mr. J. V. T. Lander.
The Hon. Sec. (Mr. R. Holland) announced that from various sources the sums received amounted to £1,950, and, with characteristic liberality, Mr. A. L. Juckes of Waters Upton had made it up to a total of £2,000. The Hon. Sec. further reported that acting upon instructions he wrote the British Red Cross Society and the British Farmers’ Red Cross Fund, relative to the disposal of the receipts, intimating that the local committee had considered the desirability of presenting a motor-ambulance to the British Red Cross Society. Replies had been received from both. The former stated, among other things, that:—“The British Red Cross Society is working in the closest union with the British Farmers’ Red Cross Fund. We have recently had a gift of something over 200 motor-cars, and we cannot say that at the moment there is any urgent demand for them. If your union would like to do the greatest amount of good it would be best for them to give the sum to the society free of conditions, towards general working expenses. We have an enormous number of nurses, chauffeurs, and orderlies who have to be paid, and it is absolutely necessary for us to have a good fund for general purposes. If there is however still a desire to p:ovide a motor-ambulance, the cost would be £650. This would include maintenance for six months. The order for the motor-car would be given by our motor department here, which has special facilities for placing such orders, as soon as the money has been received. The motor ambulance would be named after the district, and would bear the name on a brass plate. There would be no objection to sending the car to Wellington for a few days. It is of course a matter which must be left entirely in your hands, but we again repeat that the most beneficial thing that can be done for the sick and wounded is to send a donation for general purposes, although perhaps not quite so attractive to subscribers”. […] After some discussion of the letters it was unanimously decided that the £2,000 should be sent through the British Red Cross Farmers’ Fund to the Red Cross Society, without any restriction whatever, leaving it to the latter to dispose of it in the best way they possibly could. […]
Wellington Journal, 20 Nov 1915, page 6.
WATERS UPTON
[Photo]
Gn. S. F. Brookes (19), son of Mr. J. H. F. Brookes, The Chestnuts, joined Shropshire R.H.A. about three months ago and is undergoing training with his battery. He was formerly traveller for Newport Trading Society, and received his education at Waters Upton schools.
Wellington Journal, 27 Nov 1915, page 9.
1916
[Abstract from Wellington Journal at Shropshire Archives website 🡕: Private W L Davies, son of the late Rev J Davies, Waters Upton, and brother of Captain Arthur Davies, Royal Navy, posted to 9th Battalion, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, from the Shrewsbury “Pals” Company, which he joined when it was formed in September 1914.]
Wellington Journal, 11 Mar 1916, page 7.
WELLINGTON. […]
SUBSTITUTION OFFICER.—Mr. Walter Dugdale, of Meeson Hall, who has been [acting as?] military representative for the Wellington sub-area, has accepted the appointment of substitution officer for for the 53rd area. Mr. A. Lea Juckes, of Waters Upton, is provisionally acting as Mr. Dugdale’s successor. […]
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 24 Nov 1916, page 8.
Wellington Farmers and the Red Cross Fund.
OVER £2,000 RAISED.
With the object of augmenting the funds of the Red Cross Society, the Wellington and District branch of the Farmers’ Union (of which Mr. R. Topham is president), in conjunction with the local councils and the Butchers’ Association, arranged for a special sale in Wellington Smithfield on Monday afternoon. The local farmers and others responded generously to the appeal for funds, and the subscriptions amounted to over £500, the chief subscriber being Mr. A. Lea Juckes, with £105
Shrewsbury Chronicle, Fri 1 Dec 1916, page 6.
1917
WELLINGTON. […]
URBAN TRIBUNAL.—Mr. J. F. Robinson presided at the Tribunal meeting on Tuesday.-A mineral water manufacturer, married, passed in B1, applied for a renewal of his exemption certificate.—Applicant stated that most of his men had joined the army.—Replying to the Military Representative (Mr. Lea Juckes), applicant stated that he had not been able to drill regularly with the Volunteers owing to an injury to one of his legs.—Mr. Juckes: In these strenuous times every one ought to do something to help the country. The Medical Board state by the certificate that you are fit for service abroad, and surely it is possible for you to drill with the Volunteers at home. — Applicant said he would do all that he could.— Temporary exemption for six months was granted with the condition that the man drilled with the Volunteers and became efficient.—A married baker, in Class A, aged 25, was granted six months’ exemption. The secretary and manager of a bill posting firm, passed in Class A, asked for a little time to enable him to arrange his affairs before joining the army. He thanked the tribunal for the consideration shown to him in the past, and expressed the hope that traders and others would assist the man he left in charge as far as possible until he (applicant) returned after the war.—The Military Representative expressed approval of the action of the applicant, and temporary exemption was granted to June 24th.—A local wood manufacturing firm asked for exemption for a single man in Class A, aged 18.—The Clerk read a communication from the Advisory Committee to the effect that the members were surprised that any exemption for a single man so young should be applied for.—Mr. Lea Juckes said be quite agreed with the Advisory Committee. If they were not to have single young men in Class A for the army, who must be called upon to serve? More married men? He sirongly opposed the applicailon, which was refused by the Tribunal.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, Fri 27 Apr 1917, page 5.
TRIBUNAL AND THE VOLUNTEERS.— At the military tribunal meeting on Tuesday, Mr. E. T. Morgan occupying the chair, in nine cases in which men claimed exemption from military service, the Military Representative (Mr. A. Lea Juckes) asked that a condition added to their exemption should be that the men should join Section B of the Shropshire Volunteer Regiment. He meant that they should put in 14 drills a month until they became efficient, and then the necessary drills would be reduced to ten. — The Tribunal imposed this condition, and the hope was expressed that employers would enable their men to fulfil the conditions imposed by the Tribunal.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, Fri 17 Aug 1917, page 4.
1918
Rural Tribunal.—Rev. W. P. Nock presided on Thursday.—The National Service representative (Mr. Lea Juckes) pointed out that it was now very important that all men in Grades 1 and 2 should join the army, and he said it would be his duty to ask the Tribunal to refuse exemptions in such cases unless the circumstances were of an exceptional nature.—A single man (18½} years), living at Cold Hatton, formerly employed as a railway porter, now superintending a coal wharf and working on a small holding, was ordered to join up if on examination he should be placed in Grade 1 or 2.—Three months’ conditional exemption was granted a single waggoner, employed on a 72-acre farm at Horsehay.—Mr. S. B. Dean represented an oil company’s manager, who lives at Hadley. He is 41, and married. Mr. Dean said his client suffered badly from neuritis. He was at present doing important national work, and he had also been instrumental in developing the allotment system in Hadley. He formerly held an exemption certificate, but that was withdrawn because he was in Class A, and had not since been renowed. Mr. Juckes: His employers appealed for him on a previous occasion. They are not doing so now. Mr. Dean: No. Mr. Juckes: That looks as if they can do withont him. Further exemption was refused.—A Waters Upton baker applied for an assistant, single, 17, who was the only person he had to help him in baking 260 loaves per day, and in delivering the same. Applicant said he had lost one son in the war, and another had been wounded. He had tried to get an older man to help him, but had failed. Members expressed the opinion that a woman could he found to do the youth’s work, as women were now extensively engaged in similar pursuits. Exemption refused, not to be called before March 1.—Exemption was also refused a Dothill farmhand, 18, single, Grade 1.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 2 Feb 1918, page 4.
☛ Help to Buy Aeroplanes for the Defence of Your Country by Investing Your Money in National War Bonds. Full Particulars See Advertisement under Public Notices.
Wellington Journal, 2 Mar 1918, page 7.
Note: Similar promotional messages appeared under headings for several other parishes, including Crudgington.
Wellington Rural Tribunal, Thursday, Rev. W. P. Nock presiding.—Application was made by a Dawley miner, employed by the Lilleshall Co., for exemption on the grounds of domestic hardship if he had to leave home. He is an unattested man, 21, married, and said he was previous to going to the pits a blastfurnace man. He was ordered to go for medical examination, and told that if he be found to be in a higher category than grade 3 he would have to join up at once.—A sawyer, 21, single, living at Ketley, and employed by a Wellington firm, also appealed on domestic grounds, but was refused exemption. He is in grade 3, and said he had now three brothers serving. Mr. Lea Juckes (National Service Representative) complimented the applicant’s mother (a widow) upon what her family are doing, but said the army was at present in need of every fit man.—Conditional exemption was granted a Longdon cowman, 30, married, in grade 3.—Exemption was refused a Haybridge gas worker employed at Donnington. He is 37, single, in grade 1; but exemption was conditionally granted an Allscott miller 30, married, grade 3.—A Longdon cowman, 19, single, applied for exemption, but his case was referred to the Shrewsbury agricultural authority, as the Tribunal considered they had no jurisdiction in the matter.—A Bolas Magna wheelwright applied for his son, 18, single, grade 1. He said the young man was the only assistant he had, and in addition to his usual duties he frequently helped neighbouring farmers. Another son was serving. Refused.—A furnace-builder, 18, single, who is employed by a Dawley contractor, said he had not yet been medically examined; and the Tribunal ordered him to go before the Board. If he be found in grade 1 or 2 he will have to join up.—A Hadley master-tailor was allowed conditional exemption.—An application from a Waters Upton assistant-overseer, single C2, was adjourned, with a recommendation that he obtain full-time employment on a farm in his own district. Failing this, to be called before the Tribunal again.—A Newport Trading Society applied for a Crudgington warehouseman, whose main business consists of loading and unloading goods at the station—work which it was said was too heavy for a woman to do. The man is married, and has five young children. He was willing to join the Volunteers. He had not been medically examined. Mr. Lea Juckes said that under the present pressing circumstances he thought the man should do something more directly of national importance than he then did. The case was adjourned for his medical examination.—A former Hadley dairyman, who has recently taken a business at Ellesmere, is 42, married, grade 2, was refused exemption.— The case of a Longdon slaughterer and farmer who said he supplied 800 registered customers, was adjourned for his medical examination; and a similar course was adopted with regard to a Haybridge slaughterer, 43, married.—An Ellerdine cowman, 36, married, was granted conditional exemption, pending the issue of a farm voucher.
Wellington Journal, 20 Apr 1918, page 8.
K.S.L.I. PRISONERS-OF-WAR FUND.
“JOURNAL” SUBSCRIPTION LIST.
SECOND LIST.
Acknowledged last week
Miss Meyrick, Apley Castle
Mr. A. Lea Juckes, Waters Upton
[…]
Total
£44 12 2
10 10 0
10 0 0
£101 3 9
Wellington Journal, 6 Jul 1918, page 4.
WELLINGTON RURAL TRIBUNAL, Thursday.—There were 15 applications, and with one exception all were by married men.—A Crudgington flour factor and seed salesman, who also keeps dairy cows and has nine acres of grassland (44, G2) was allowed till January 4, and till Oct. 4 was granted another seed and cake salesman (35, G3) who was represented by Mr. R. Gwynne. Applications from three employees of a baronet were considered—a butler (44, G2), a gardener (G2), and a rabbit-catcher (44, G1). The first was given till January 4, the second refused and the third two months to apply to the Committee for a certificate. A Rodington estate painter and plumber (45, G2) was refused exemption. Mr. 8. B. Dean represented a Hadley coal and scrap-iron dealer who also has a small dairy farm (46, G2). He was allowed till Aug. 4 to offer himself as a volunteer. Refusal was the result of the application of a Teague’s Bridge mill-roller helper (l8, G1). Mr. Dean appeared for a Cold Hatton man (two sons in army) (46, G1). He was formerly employed at an ironworks as a labourer at about £2 10s. per week. To get more wages he became a plasterers’ labourer at an aerodrome, where his earnings are £5 per week. The Tribunal considered that he was doing work of national importance, and gave conditional exemption till Jan. 4. An Arleston ironworks packer (represented by Mr. R. Gwynne) had failed to comply with the regulations as to notice of appeal, and an intimation had been received by the clerk (Mr. J. V. Lander) that his application was invalid on that account. Mr. A. Lea Juckes (N. S. R.} had received a similar notification. The man is 45.—The Chairman (Rev. W. Nock) and other members admitted there was considerable confusion as to the time within which application should be made after grading, and were of opinion that it would be very helpful to men if they could receive definite information on the point at the time of grading. It should, however, be thoroughly understood that if applications were not put in within seven days of grading they could not be put in at all in Grades 1 and 2, so far as the older men were concerned. The Tribunal decided not to deal with the case. An Ellerdine plumber and well-sinker, 35, G1, who has two brothers serving and one discharged, had been challenged by the N. S. representative, who urged that it was no longer necessary in the national interest that he should continue in civil employment. The Tribunal concurred, and exemption was refused. A Waters Upton bootmaker, who had previously received exemption was relieved from drilling with the Volunteers. Till January 4 was granted a Wellington coke and metal merchant, 39, G3.
Wellington Journal, Sat 6 Jul 1918, page 4.
WATERS UPTON.
Prisoner-of-War.—Pte. J. Dorsett, E. Yorks. Regiment, who was previously reported missing, is now stated by the British Red Cross Society to be a prisoner-of-war in Germany. He is son of Mr. Wm. Dorsett, Sych Lane.
Wellington Journal, 10 Aug 1918, page 4.
Note: Sytch Lane was just outside Waters Upton parish.
WATERS UPTON.
Mesopotamia Honour.—Friends of Miss A. M. Davies will be pleased to learn that she has been awarded the Royal Red Cross for services rendered in Mesopotamia. Miss Davies has been nursing for four years, three of which have been spent abroad. She has been twice mentioned in despatches.
Wellington Journal, 31 Aug 1918, page 8.
Tribunal, Wednesday, Mr. A. Hoggins presiding.—A letter was read from A. Lea-Juckes, who stated that having resigned his position as National Service Representative, he thanked the members and clerk for their kindness and for giving him a patient hearing. Mr. R. L. Corbett moved an expression of regret at the resignation of Mr. Lea Juckes, whose good work in the national interest was always appreciated.—Seconded by Mr. F. Birkett, and supported by the Chairman, the motion was heartily approved.—The Clerk remarked that during Mr. Juckes’s connection with the Tribunal he had received nothing but courtesy and consideration. (Applause.) […]
Wellington Journal, Sat 5 Oct 1918, page 4.
[Photos including, second from right, third row, Pte. E. Lewis (Mil. Med.)]
Pte. E. Lewis, youngest son of the late Mr. James Lewis of Moreton Mill, and of Mrs. Lewis, now of Waters Upton, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The official report is that “when his officers became casualties at a most critical moment, by his splendid example of courage and contempt of danger, succeeded in in rallying the men and holding an advanced position of extreme importance.” Before joining the colours he held the position of manager to a large Liverpool house. He has been in France, attached to a Lancashire Regiment, just over 18 months. He has a brother serving on the Western front.
Wellington Journal, 14 Sep 1918, page 5.
END OF THE WAR
ARMISTICE WITH GERMANY.
This week has witnessed the opening of the last scene in the great world war. Only a short while since Bulgaria threw up the sponge, to be followed within a few days by Turkey. Last week Austria-Hungary capitulated, and on Monday was signed the armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany.
But what a different Germany from that which four and a half years ago set out to challenge the whole world. Broken, dispirited, almost bankrupt, she has had to bow to the inevitable, and to-day the clash of arms is no more. […]
Wellington Journal, 16 Nov 1918, page 3.
1919
WATERS UPTON.
PARISH CHURCH.—On Sunday memorial services were held for those from the parish and from the whole empire who had laid down their lives for their country. Considering that the church was unwarmed, the heating arrangements being out of order, there were good congregations.—The offertory at the early service on Christmas Day, amounting to £5 10s. 9d., was as in past years given to the Waifs and Strays Society. At the mid-day celebration £1 11s. 6d. was collected for the choir.
Wellington Journal, Sat 4 Jan 1919, page 4.
WATERS UPTON.
The sum of £1 10s. 4½d. was collected for Blinded Soldiers at the services at the Parish Church on Sunday. The heating apparatus is doing its duty again. Last year there was not a single baptism or marriage. A careful search in the registers shows that this has not been the case since 1717. In 1721 and again in 1728, there was but one baptism and no marriage. Since 1717 there have been several years without marriages, but none without baptisms. For 1731 there are no burials entered.
Wellington Journal, 18 Jan 1919, page 8.
Note: A separate item on page 4 of the paper stated that the information regarding the parish registers came from “The Rector of Waters Upton, who takes great interest in church and parochial history”.
SOME LOCAL HEROES.
[Six photos, with names, of soldiers from Shropshire.]
Mrs. Dorsett, Waters Upton, near Wellington, has received the distressing news from the War Office that her second son, Pte. J. Dorsett, East Yorkshire Regt., who was taken prisoner-of-war last May, is supposed to have died at No. 7 Camp, Quedlinburg, Germany, on Oct. 8. On Nov. 20 Mrs. Dorsett had a post-card from her son, stating that he was quite well. She would be grateful if any returned prisoner could give her news concerning him. Her eldest son, who is serving in Egypt, is lying ill with bronchial-pneumonia. […]
(We have decided to discontinue the publication of soldiers’ photographs with this issue.) […]
Demobilisation Centre.—The work of demobilising the Army is being carried out as expeditiously as possible. Two of the three centres of the Western Command are in Shropshire, at Prees Heath and Oswestry, which stations are daily engaged in sending out large numbers of men to resume their civilian status.
Wellington Journal, 25 Jan 1919, page 8.
MISSING.
Information concerning the fate of the under-mentioned soldiers will be gladly received by the relatives from any returned comrade. In some cases where the death of the soldier has been officially reported, relatives would like to glean further particulars as to the sad occurrence. The details below are inserted free. […]
Cartwright, Pte. J. T., 60541, Z Co., 15th Cheshire Regt., France, missing March 24, 1918. Mrs. J. Cartwright, 35, Waters Upton, Salop. […]
Wellington Journal, 1 Feb 1919, page 5.
Note: There were 82 men in the list of the missing.
A DANCE
at the
SWAN HOTEL, WATERS UPTON,
FRIDAY, JULY 4th, 1919,
IN Aid of St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers.
Tickets 1s. 6d. each.
Dancing 7 to 10.30 p.m. First-class Band engaged.
Wellington Journal, 28 Jun 1919, page 3.
GREAT Peace Dance, Swan Hotel, Waters Upton, Friday July 25th. First-class Band in attendance. Dancing 7 to 11-30. Tickets 1s. each.
Wellington Journal, 12 Jul 1919, page 8. Repeated 19 Jul 1919, same page.
WATERS UPTON.
Peace Celebrations.—At a meeting of the parishioners on July 11, it was resolved to hold festivities on Saturday. Mr. A. Lea Juckes kindly offered the use of his grounds and a good amount of money was promised in the room, and a committee was found to carry out the arrangements. The Admiralty have invited the Rev. S. Hobson and Mr. A. Juckes, “in recognition of valuable services” to the Navy during the war, invitations to be present as their guests at the Naval Review to be held off Southend on Monday.
Wellington Journal, 19 Jul 1919, page 8.
WATERS UPTON.
St. Dunstan’s Hostel.—As the result of a dance organised at an hotel by Miss M. H. Owen, she, after paying all expenses has been able to send a balance of £21 to St. Dunstan’s Hostel for the Blind, which bespeaks the pronounced success of the event, and must be gratifying to the promoter. Valuable assistance was given by Mr. Albert Thomas (Bolas) as M.C., and excellent music was played by Bolas Victory Band.
Wellington Journal, 26 Jul 1919, page 8.
1920
“THE SWAN”, WATERS UPTON
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27th,
DANCE IN AID OF ST DUNSTAN’S.
Commence at 7 p.m.
BOLAS VICTORY BAND.
Tickets 1s. 6d. each.
Wellington Journal, 21 Aug 1920, page 6.
WATERS UPTON.
For the blind.—A dance in aid of St. Dunstan’s took place at the Swan Hotel recently. A large company assembled and dancing was kept up until a late hour. Music was supplied by the Bolas Victory Band under the leadership of Bandmaster J. Maddocks. The duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr. A. C. Jones, Wellington. The amount realised was £14 5s.
Wellington Journal, 18 Sep 1920, page 11.
Note: St. Dunstan’s was the name of the the first headquarters of the Blinded Soldiers and Sailors Care Committee, which was founded in 1915. The organisation quickly became known by its HQ’s name, but today it operates as Blind Veterans UK 🡕.
1921
WATERS UPTON.
WAR MEMORIAL AND ROLL OF HONOUR.—On Thursday evening at a special service held in the Parish Church the Ven. Archdeacon of Salop unveiled and dedicated a war memorial in memory of those from this parish who gave their lives in the Great War. At the same time a roll of honour fixed in the church porch was unveiled and dedicated. The brasses containing the names are mounted on black marble slabs, and will form a durable memorial of the six men who laid down their lives and of the forty out of this small parish who volunteered for the war. The dedication took place after shortened choral evensong, conducted by the Rector. The Rev. S. H. Davies read the special lesson, and the Archdeacon gave an eloquent and touching address. The following clergy were also present: Rev. W. B Crofts and Rev. J. Phillips. The names of the six men who gave their lives were:—John H. Cartwright, Walter L. Davies, George Herbert Davies, James H. Jones, William James, Edward Parry. Lieuts. W. L. and G. H. Davies were sons of a former esteemed rector of the parish. A good number of parishioners friends of the deceased were present at the service. The efforts of the committee who arranged the memorial are much appreciated. The dedication taking place on the eve of Armistice Day made the event very appropriate.
Wellington Journal, Sat 12 Nov 1921, page 7.
Waters Upton One-Place Study 