Newspapers__1917_to_1918

DEATH ON ACTIVE SERVICE: Mr Andre Levy-Strauss, who married Lucy, daughter of the late
Clifford Smith, JP of Waveney House, Puddingmoor. He left South Africa for France on the outbreak

of War.. He was born in Paris in 1875, came from an Alsatian family & was a mining engineer. He
originally went to South Africa during the Boer War.

UNLUCKY ACCIDENT: 3 boys walking up Grove Road saw something lying in the road in the
evening, struck a match to examine it, and it exploded. It was a detonator. One of the boys lost some
of his fingers..

CONCERT: by the Yeomanry Cyclists’ Regiment (by permission of Lt-Col Mytton) “Denbighs in
Pierrotland”
HOUSE TO LET: 39 Northgate, apply Mrs WE Boulter, 4 Kilbrack

CULTIVATION OF LAND Council considering acquiring for allotments to increase home-grown
products.
DEATH OF John Edwin CRISP. Born 11 December 1839, died 7 January 1917. Aged 77. A

prominent townsman. Son of Mr John Crisp, JP, was head of firm of John Crisp & Sons owners of
one of the largest maltings in the country. The building in Station Road was partly destroyed by fire
in 1912, but was repaired with up-to date machinery. He was a JP for both Norfolk & Suffolk,

attending with unvarying regularity the sessions of Beccles and Loddon. He was a member of the
Town Council for several years, and retained membership of the Feoffees until his death. He was a

member of the Great Yarmouth Port & Haven Commissioners. He had practically the control of the
Waveney in the neighbourhood of Beccles. He was always greatly interested in the freshwater

fisheries and helped to preserve it. He had a long interest in the Beccles Hospital of which he was
Treasurer. He was one of the oldest Commissioners of Taxes; he was Chairman of the Beccles

Waterworks Company & a Director of the Water & Gas Company. He married in 1865 Adelaide
Dashwood, daughter of Dr Robert Dashwood, JP of Geldeston, who survives him. His son John Crisp
of Kirby Cane Hall survives him, and daughters.
(24 April 1917: Estate valued at £109,906. Net personalty £80,743. Stock in Trust for his daughter,

Edith Hartley £16,400; an annuity of £500 to his daughter Eleanor Dashwood Crisp. Furniture valued
at £500 & £600 annuity to his wife; £100 to his faithful clerk, William Read.; the residue to his son.)
POTATO GROWING: Scotch Seed Potatoes ordered through central supplier encouraged.

DEATH OF SUSANNAH PIPE aged 47 at her house in 11 St George’s Road. There was no bed,
only a few rags in her bedroom, with a coverlet too small to cover her: so she must have suffered
much from the cold. She was a grand-daughter of late James Mullett, master tailor, and member of

the town Council On the death of her mother she succeeded to a lie interest in her grandfather’s
estate. She owned her own house and the neighbouring house. William Chatters, engine driver at the
Castle Mills had lived next door to her for 4 years.

Unfortunately she gave way to intemperate habits, and her husband separated from her. She got rid of
practically all her furniture to satisfy her craving for drink. She was seen picking up pieces of paper
and sticks in the streets to get a little warmth in the cold weather. She seemed very ill of late, and lack

of nourishment and exposure contributed to her death.
COUNCIL: 1) People would now be allowed to keep pigs on their allotments during the duration of
the war. 2) Alderman Nathaniel Walter Pells, Deputy Mayor, had produced a gown for the Deputy

Mayor of Beccles, which he presented to the Town. 3) The two Town Maces dated from the reign of
Queen Elizabeth. The Mayor’s robe was 45 years old and had first been worn by Mr TA Laws, when

invited to attend the Thanksgiving Service for the recovery of the Prince of Wales in February 1872.
The chain was given by JP Walton when Mayor; The Pendant was the gift of Mr Harry Seymour

Foster, MP for the Division. The Mayor’s cocked hat was the gift of the late Alfred Woods, when
Mayor.

MILITARY CROSS: Lieut Wilfred Reeve, Royal Dragoons, for bravery. Son of late Inspector Reeve
of Beccles and a former pupil of Beccles College.
THE VOLUNTEERS: The Army Council has stated that a Volunteer should put in 14 drills every

month., four of which are to be battalion drills, one a mile march, four trench digging, and five rifle
shooting & musketry practice. There is also to be a medical examination.
DEATH OF Mr ROBERT READ, aged 89. He was a Dairyman for 40 years & arrived in Beccles

aged 12 in 1840. He was one of the first to join the Oddfellows in 1848 when it was established.
DEMONSTRATION OF MEATLESS COOKING at Sir John Leman School.
DANGEROUS BULLOCK bullock owned by WWT Youngman, being taken for slaughter, escaped.

It ran through the streets and churchyard down the steps, made a double circuit of Puddingmoor.
Before it was captured it had knocked down 2 soldiers & others. Mr Tilney’s marksmanship used
after it had been cornered in a former slaughter house in Ballygate. He shot it.

LICENSED PREMISES: 31 in the Borough & 10 beer on licences
BROTHEL: Mary Dowe charged with permitting her house to be used as a brothel. Supt Newson

prosecuted. He called Elizabeth Riches, Edith Barber & Elsie Burgess of Mutford (aged 15) &
Edward Hill, inspector for the NSPCC., who gave evidence as to the visit of soldiers there for

misconduct. Mary Dowe’s husband was in the army. sent to gaol for two months hard labour.
BURNING FURZE ON COMMON: 5 boys charged with setting fire to gorse on the Common. Said

they were told to do it by Adams, the links keeper. The common was to have potatoes planted on it.
Fined 2s 6d each.
POST OFFICE: Postmaster asks women to be postmen, on account of lack of men.. To leave their

names at the Post Office.
WAR SAVINGS MEETING: Speaker stressed the importance of war savings for the war.
MEETING OF EAST SUFFOLK WOMEN’S AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE. Deputy Mayor,

NW Pells in the Chair, supported by Lady Rendlesham. There were thousands of women who could
not work a whole day could spend an hour or two a day, particularly concerned with growing
potatoes.

SALE OF FURNITURE . Executors of Robert E Read at 11 Caxton Road.
TO LET: The Gables, London Road. Apply AR Block
TO LET: Lock-up Shop, Apply Garrett, 6 Hungate-

LAND COMMITTEE: Acquiring land for allotments: 1) Land in Upper Grange Road belonging to
Mr AE Burwood. 2)Land in Gresham Road owned by CH Durrant; 3) Land in Ashman’s Road
belonging to Mr Petre. 4) 2 pieces of Land owned by EJ Hindes in Ashman’s Road. 5) Land behind

the Maltings
CINEMA, SALTGATE, ATTENDANT, Miss Aldred, who has worked there since it opened in 1914
had presentation, leaving to take up munitions work.

YOUELL FAMILY WAR RECORD: The 9 sons of William Youell, of 12, Mill Terrace.
Private Walter Youell, 5th Suffolk’s, in landing at Sulva Bay, invalided home, since serving in

France.
Driver George Youell, 2/6th Midland Howitzer Brigade, RFA, serving in France

Private Herbert Youell, 1st Bedfords, serving in France
Private Percy Youell, King’s Royal Rifles, serving in Greece

Harry Youell, engineer, serving at Vickers, Ltd, Weybridge
Hector Youell, aged 16, working at munitions
Mack Youell, aged 15, working at munitions

Jack Youell, aged 18, received notice to join the colours
William Youell, engaged on transport work.
TRIBUNAL: The final appeal for the Borough Engineer had been turned down. [Charles Hamby

became a Captain in the Royal West Surreys]
LETTER IN DEFENCE OF BECCLES by a Beccles soldier replying to an earlier critical letter:
“I know that at the 17 stations in which our Company has been billeted not one has made the

provision for soldiers that Beccles is doing today. I know a Suffolk Regiment that would like to have
the use of a recreation room equal to the Public Hall, with its free papers, writing material, games,
etc., or the free membership of a Club equal to the Social Institute, with its three full-size billiard

tables, baths, magazines, etc, not to mention the Conservative Club and such places, whose officials
gladly welcome any military.
SALE OF FURNITURE:“ ROOKWOOD,”LONDON ROAD, BECCLES:. READ, STANFORD &

OWLES are favoured with instructions from ARTHUR PELLS, Esq., F.S.I., to Sell by Auction on
WEDNESDAY, 14th March, 1917, the valuable Household FURNITURE and Effects, including
Walnut Dining Room Suite and Sideboard, Antique Chippendale Card Table, Mahogany Dining and

Writing Tables, Drawing Room Cabinet, Easy and Occasional Chairs, Tray top and other Tea Tables,
COTTAGE PIANOFORTE in Walnut by Bord, Music Stool and Canterbury, two Violins, Mirrors,

Hall Stand, 25 OIL PAINTINGS, Water Colours, Old Engravings and: Prints, Massive Oak Bedroom
suite, Axminster, Brussels and Kidderminster Carpets, Chenille and Lace Curtains, “Mimeograph”

Duplicator, Microscope, Architectural Books, Gentleman’s ‘‘Rover” Bicycle, Table Services, Glass,
Plated Articles, etc. also Lawn Mower, Garden Roll, Tools, and other Outdoor Effects. The Sale will

be held in a Marquee, and will commence punctually at ELEVEN o’clock. The Furniture may be
viewed between the hours of 2 and 6 on the Afternoon prior to the Sale, by holders of Catalogues
only, which may be obtained (Price 6d. each) of the Auctioneers.

SURVEYORSHIP: COUNCIL MEETING: The Town Clerk read a letter from Mr Arthur Pells
offering his services during the absence of Mr Hamby. The Surveyor reported that he had approached
Mr Pritchard, the Sanitary Inspector and Surveyor for the Loddon and Clavering Rural District

Council, with a view to his supervising and carrying on his duties in Beccles during his period of

military service; and that Mr Pritchard had obtained the approval of his Council to the proposed
course of procedure. Resolved that Mr Pritchard be appointed as Mr Hamby’s deputy during his

absence.
SURVEYOR: Mr CL Hamby has been granted a commission (2nd Lieutenant) as Technical Advisory

Officer to the Royal West Surrey Labour Regiment, and will be joining up in a few days.
CASUALTY Private A Copeman, MTASC, youngest son of Alderman H Copeman, has been

wounded in Flanders, and is now in hospital at Gravesend. He has been driving a motor lorry for
some time and he had taken some men up to the trenches and was returning alone about 3 am when a
shell burst near him. His left arm was fractured, and his right hand damaged by shrapnel.

JUVENILE BURGLARIES: Mr Holmes, shopkeeper, Ravensmere, had a cash-box stolen containing
£37-10s; from Mr Hipperson’s house in Puddingmoor a gold & a metal watch were stolen; from a
lock-up shop in New Market cigarettes were stolen; a silver cigarette case was stolen from a private

house. Two Beccles boys were found with filed down keys. Boys remanded.
CLERGY & NATIONAL SERVICE: Director-General to Clergy called clergy to volunteer. Rev WS
Andrews & Rev P Higham placed themselves at the Bishop’s disposal. Mr Higham to be released

from parochial duties in the week, while Mr Andrew to take up weekday work amongst troops
quartered in the town.
BECCLES VOLUNTEERS: Appeal to those over 42 to join. Every efficient Volunteer will release a

home defence soldier for active service abroad. They should attend at the Public hall on Wednesday
evening. 14 hours a week during training and ten hours a week afterwards.
WORLINGHAM WIN THE WAR MEETING: People could help win the war by 1) growing all they

could 2) by working all they could, including the evenings 3) saving all they could.
LICENCES: Mr Everitt of Watson & Everitt formally applied for renewal of licence of Hungate
Stores. The tenant had served in the South African War & was now fighting abroad.

REFRESHMENT ROOMS, BLYBURGATE Tenant Henry Dickerson, who was also a basket maker.
About 4 lodgers a week were taken in. The nearest pub was 43 paces away. Police did not consider

house necessary.. The Bench referred the licence for compensation.
PRINCE OF WALES BEERHOUSE, Smallgate: Mr E Reeve (Mills & Reeve) stated that the owners

Young, Crawshay & Youngs, agreed that the licence should be referred. The Bench referred the
licence for compensation.

THE LORD NELSON, , NORTHGATE: a beerhouse owned by Messrs E & G Morse, Mr Aldred,
the tenant for 25 years, said he got a living out of the premises & had brought up a family of seven.
The house was used by the working class living in the vicinity. There was only one other pub in the

street, the Cambridge Stores, which did not do a quarter of the trade he did. Mr McQueen, 3 times
Mayor of Beccles, said the house always appeared very well conducted. The rooms were fairly large,
well ventilated, and always clean and in good order, and every comfort was provided for the

customers. It had as good accommodation as a club. The Bench decided to refer the licence for
compensation.
WITH THE BECCLES BOYS ON ~ THE DESERT IN EGYPT. I see from the East Suff Gaz that

one of our Company sent home a very good account of how we spent Christmas, and some time ago.
I read in the same paper our experiences on the a Peninsula, also written by one of our boys from
Beccles. I am trying to send you an account of how we spent the time, and what we did between

arriving in Egypt from the Peninsula and Christmas, as far as is prudent, so that you at home may
have somewhat of a rough idea of life out here. We arrived at Alexandria just before Christmas, 1915,
and went into camp at Sidi Bishe, staying there till February; then we shifted on to Cairo into another

camp at Mena under the shadows of the great Pyramids, and stayed there till the end of May. From
here we had a long ride and found ourselves on the bank of the Suez Canal. The outlook was not a
very cheerful one, for as far as the eye could see was sand dotted here and there with a patches of

white, which were camps. The strong sun shining on the sand was very painful to the eye, and with
the heat rising from the sand made a good many of us wish for the coffee and iced drinks we had left

behind at Cairo. Such was our first idea of the Sinai Peninsula.
Of course I must not describe the defence works, but these are of such a character that no enemy

could ever succeed in obtaining a footing. A rough outline of the eastern side of the Canal where
once our fourth line camps called Bridge Heads laid, for a name was given to all places of any

importance with us, so that we could distinguish them. From here ran a light railway a long way into
the desert, the end of which we called Rail Head. From here roads were made to connect up other
camps which were called Road Heads. From here you take to the sands, into which you sink ankle

deep. It is very difficult to walk on or in until you get a bit a used to it. Across a good way of this was
our first line camps.
After a spell at this place we were sent back to the Canal, and enjoyed the splendid bathing and

fishing which it affords. We were much interested in the shipping, and from the ships we had thrown

us all sorts of a papers and magazines. We would shout to the stars and stripes Is Cousin Sam getting
angry, or is he writing a Note? But not till we got the papers. After a good rest we returned to our

desert life. Water was our greatest draw-back. This came through to us by camel transport in “
Fantasiers,” the supply being limited; but soon other arrangements were made, and we got a liberal

supply quite up to our advanced posts. The troops here have plenty of work, the nature of the sands
making it necessary for us to use riveting boards and sandbags in the trenches. To get these of a

sufficient depth you start twenty feet wide at the top. We have observation posts with men always on
duty. Night duty in the dark has to be very carefully carried out, as a very small party of the enemy
could do a great deal of damage by placing mines. It is surprising how sound travels over the sands

on the desert. When we get back from our turn of duty for a rest we have to keep the camp clean.
Our officers insist upon everywhere and everything being scrupulously clean, as fevers are so easily
contracted; and in this and other ways we are in kept at it. It would be awfully monotonous if we did

not get livened up sometimes by getting “the wind up “ as the boys call it, at which of time every
precaution is taken. Guards, patrols, and pickets are doubled. Then over the sky line appears our
Camel Corps or the mounted scouts, who have been able to secure some Turkish prisoners. These are

pitiable looking beings. We turn out and watch them pass through our lines; if possible we get into
conversation, and some tell us they were on the Peninsula and fought against us there, and many
other things that will interest the Beccles people when the “Boys come home”.

At other times there appears a flock of mountain goats, a few camels and donkeys, four or five men,
some women and children. These are Bedouin Arabs coming in from protection from the Turks, who
probably have stolen some of their goats. They are brought in by aeroplane escort, the plane whirling

above them, or by camel patrol. They are usually badly in need of water, and to see the children,
camels, donkeys and goats all trying to drink out of one bowl at one time would be highly amusing if
it were not so pathetic. There is very little vegetation on the desert. A few stunted bushes which at

some time of the year bear a small white blossom, tufts of dried grass, and a plant similar to heather --
these are all there are. Strange to say however there are plenty of snails. In some places the sand is

covered with them. They are much lighter in colour than the English snail, but about the same size.
We have plenty of mice especially near to the camps, the same colour as the sand, with long legs like

the kangaroo; lizards of all sizes, from a few inches to two or three feet, the latter being scarce;
snakes are often seen. The whip snake and puff adder are very common. Then there are scorpions,

spiders, ants and beetles of all kinds, including the sacred Scarab, which are easily found.
We are not always at one place. We change over to get better fitted for the work before us, being
trained in every conceivable way for any eventuality. There is little twilight, but in what there is we

get football and boxing. Each platoon carries the essentials for these. After the capture of El Arish we
were soon on the move again, as great possibilities are before us, the places for which have been
carefully prepared.

Be it evacuation or occupation, the Beccles boys can be relied on to be there. I am sending home for
you to safely keep the card sent by the Mayor and townspeople with the parcel at Christmas, and
should like to add to the thanks of Sergt. Harvey which have already appeared those of my own

section for this welcome reminder of our native town, and to quote from the neatly designed card that
we intend to “Go right on and at the end of the road victory and honour will be found.”
DEATH OF Mrs GARTSIDE TIPPING: The death occurred on March 4th, “in the war zone in

France, while on active service”, of Mrs Gartside Tipping, widow of Lieut-Commander Henry
Thomas Gartside Tipping, RN, of Geldeston, Beccles, who was killed on September 25th, 1915,
while serving in the armed yacht Sanda, off the Belgian coast. It will be remembered that in his

despatch on the attacks on the Belgian coast Vice-Admiral Sir Reginald Bacon, in expressing regret
at the death of Lieut-Commander Gartside-Tipping, described him as the oldest naval officer afloat,
his age being 67. “In spite of his advanced age,” Sir Reginald added, “he rejoined, and with

undemonstrative patriotism served at sea as a Lieutenant-Commander.” Mrs Mary Stuart Gartside-
Tipping, who was the daughter of the late Captain Flynn, RA, married Mr Gartside-Tipping in 1890.

She was a lady of considerable musical talent, and frequently assisted in local concerts.
[continued 20 March]: a Requiem Mass for the late Mrs Gartside Tipping, of Geldeston, was said at

Farm Street, Berkley Square, on Friday. Mrs Gartside Tipping had worked for nearly a year at the
Munition Workers’ Canteen, Woolwich, and last January joined the Women’s Emergency Corps for

service in the war zone in France, where she was shot by a soldier whose mind was disordered. The
French military authorities have done everything possible to express their sympathy, the croix de
guerre, which had been withheld from women since last November, was conferred at once; and a full

military funeral accorded.
NATIONAL SERVICE: 500,000 Men Wanted at once for work of primary importance -- essential
for the safety of the Nation. “There are millions of gallant young men facing torture, terror, death:

Unless the Nation is prepared to take its share of sacrifice then theirs will be in vain.” Lloyd George.

ALL MEN between 18 and 61 are urged at once for National Service.
There is AGRICULTURE -- many ex-ploughmen -- wanted most urgently of all -- are now engaged

in the towns, many farm-hands have left the land. Their return is of urgent importance to farmers.
There is WORK IN THE WOODS: the felling, sawing and hauling of timber. There is home

production of iron ore. There is SHIP-BUILDING, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION and
ENGINEERING.

“A MAN WHO WILL NOT HELP HIS COUNTRY IS HELPING THE ENEMY.” Enrol NOW for
NATIONAL SERVICE.
RETURNS OF EMPLOYEES: All employers to give tabulated list of all male employees of 16 and

over, and state the number of female employees over 16.
KEEPING A BROTHEL: Esther Sayer, a married woman whose husband is a sailor, pleaded guilty
to keeping a brothel in [9] Newgate [Charles Sayer was in HMS Lucifer]. Margaret Spalding,

[perhaps the wife of John Spalding of 7 Grove Road of HMD King George V] pleaded guilty to
aiding and abetting. Subsequently both said the house was not used for any wrong purpose. Police
Sergt W Reeve & PC Bird gave evidence as to visits paid by soldiers to the house, and Supt Newson

said the women had undoubtedly been carrying on with soldiers for a long time. To prison for 3
months hard labour.
CATERPILLAR TRACTOR: sent to the district by the Board of Agriculture.. Arrived at Beccles

and was naturally an object of general curiosity when driven through the streets from the railway
station, and a crowd collected to watch some necessary adjustments opposite the garage works of Mr
W Robinson. It was taken to Worlingham to be used on the fields.

PRISONERS IN GERMANY: On 15th August 1914, in ignorance that war had broken out, a fishing
vessel from Grimsby was engaged in its peaceful occupation of trawling, when a German destroyer
came along, sank the trawler and took the crew prisoners. The crew included Harry Gilding, son of

Mr & Mrs Gilding, 63 Northgate & his brother-in-law, John HT Stanford. They have been detained
prisoners of war in Germany ever since.

YMCA HUT AT WORLINGHAM opened. Speeches by NW Pells etc.
NATIONAL SERVICE: RC DUNT said that there were still 300-400 men of military age resident in

the town. A canvass of all the streets to be completed within a week. There were 950 men in Beccles
between the ages of 18 & 61. There were 1214 in the services. Various men had already been posted

to jobs. A market gardener was going to Coventry munitions to work as a gardener to grow food for
the staff. Two maltsters had gone to works as ploughmen. A stonemason had gone to munitions work,
a cabinet maker was working in an aircraft factory.

USA DECLARES WAR on 6 April
DEATH OF CALEB CHASE aged 58. Suffering from asthma & bronchitis Stationer & Newsagent in
Market Street. As a young man he was employed in the Caxton Press, and was head clerk there when

he left to take over the business previously run by Mrs Arnoup & Mrs Jordan. He was for several
years Secretary of the Caxton Cricket Club & was one of the organizers of the Athletics Sports
Meetings. Four of his sons are in the services.

IMPORTANCE OF SPRAYING POTATOES.
REGIMENTAL SPORTS OF 3rd YEOMANRY CYCLISTS.
DEATH OF Mrs Sophia Walker aged 80, widow of Frederick Walker, brickmaker, living with her

daughter Florence Ulph at 8 St George’s Road. She caught her clothes alight getting out of bed and
died as a result.
NEED FOR FOOD ECONOMY: We must economise on foodstuffs. The real difficulty is centred on

the wheat supply. Potatoes are practically exhausted, but we can live without potatoes. All waste
should be eliminated. If every person will eat one pound of bread less a week we can laugh at the
submarine.

DEATH OF DAVID JUDE aged 84 at his house in St Mary’s Road. He retired nearly 25 years ago.
He was Relieving Officer for the Beccles District of Wangford, Vaccination Officer, Inspector of

Nuisances & School Attendance Officer. Retired in July 1893, but remained Registrar of Births and
Deaths until 1896. He succeeded Charles Bobbett as Clerk to the Feoffees 1853 until 1896. Clerk to

the Mettingham Feoffees 1877-92 & for several years was Secretary to Beccles Hospital. He was the
oldest member of the Congregational Church & Trustee of the Mill Land Trust, which provides the

endowment of this Church, now comprised in the Manse. Chief Mourners: Miss Jude & Mrs
Cameron (daughters, Mr A King (son-in law)
BECCLES CADET CORPS: DC Smith, Hon Treas appeals for funds, from The Staithe, Northgate.

ADVERTISEMENT: Mrs K. Grimson, Smallgate thanks for patronage of late Mrs J Harper & hopes
for their support.
ADVERTISEMENT: City Flour Mills, Norwich. Appointed RW Rawston Manager of Beccles

ADVERTISEMENT: Wasley WT Youngman, butcher wants shop & slaughterman & an improver
(both ineligible [for call-up]) his last two butchers have joined up.

ADVERTISEMENT: International Stores, the biggest grocers in the world. Smallgate
ADVERTISEMENT: Pearce’s Stores, Blyburgate: Teas, coffees, provisions, spirits, Ales etc.

ADVERTISEMENT: Henry G Rose, Agricultural seeds, corn, cake, coal, fertilisers. Coal Depot,
Station

ADVERTISEMENT: MW Sparling, the People’s Clothier. Boots & Shoes. The Red House, New
Market
ADVERTISEMENT: Macbeths for value. Fancy Draper, (Underwear drawing)., 17 New Market

ADVERTISEMENT: China & Glass Rooms, 1 Hungate, For sale or Hire: Bath Chairs, Prams,
Trolleys, Cycles etc
ADVERTISEMENT: Fauconberge School: Headmaster T Clifford Smith, MA, open scholar of

Hertford Coll, Oxford. Specially suited for boys from 8 years upwards intended for Public Schools.
ADVERTISEMENT: Beccles College; Sound Commercial Education. Practical land Surveying.
Individual Attention. Generous Diet. Produce from own Dairy Farm. Fees moderate. CC Hall, BA

Principal.
ADVERTISEMENT: Highfield School, Upper Grange Road. High Class Modern Education.
Preparation for Public Examinations. Large newly built Schoolrooms. Special facilities for Hockey,

Tennis, Dancing, Swimming, etc. Pupils from a distance can dine with the Principal. Vacancy for one
or two Boarders, Weekly or otherwise. Principal: Miss Frederica E Werner.
ADVERTISEMENT: Miss Marion T Wells, LRAM, gives lessons in Piano, Singing & Theory, 2

South Road [called Bullock’s Lane then]
ADVERTISEMENT: William Steer, Watchmaker, Jeweller, Optician, 37 New Market.
ADVERTISEMENT: Brett’s for Furniture or Earthenware, 23, New Market

ADVERTISEMENT: A McQueen, Boys’ Complete Clothier. 14, New Market
ADVERTISEMENT: Beccles Gas Co: A Gas Cooker, Saves Time; CG Carpenter, engineer &

Manager (drawing of child stirring cooking); 12, Smallgate
ADVERTISEMENT: WE Boulter, Ladies’ & Gents’ Tailor. Our cutter holds first-class Certificate of

Cutting Academy, London. All garments made in his own workshop. 21, New Market.
ADVERTISEMENT: S White, Ye Olde Shoppe, established 1804. Optician, Jeweller & Silversmith,

Exchange Square
ADVERTISEMENT: G Sampson, House Furnisher, Clothier etc. The Walk, Beccles
ADVERTISEMENT: Arthur Dare, Draper & Outfitter, St Andrews House, 11, New Market

ADVERTISEMENT: AE Barwood, Curtains, Hearthrugs., 2 The Walk
ADVERTISEMENT: Camplings, dry cleaners, 8 The Walk
CASUALTY: Private William Soanes, South African Infantry, died of wounds in France. He joined

Baden-Powell’s Police in 1901 during the Boer War, went through the German South-West
Campaign & afterwards volunteered for service in France. Mrs Suckling was his sister
COUNCIL WORKMEN applying for increase of 4s a week.

PROMOTION: Alderman Copeman’s eldest son William H Copeman (late Sergeant) Suffolk
Yeomanry, 2nd Lieut 4th TF Reserve Battalion, Lincoln Regt.
PROMOTION: Sergt F Harvey of the Suffolk Regt, DCM, Croix Kara-Georg, awarded for services

in Gallipoli (3rd son of Mr & Mrs R Harvey, 40, South Road) 2nd Lieut in Egyptian Labour
Battalion.
STREET ACCIDENT: Collision in Hungate between baker’s barrow belonging to the Co-operative

Society, which was standing by the road & a pony & cart. The barrow was upset & loaves of bread
scattered around, the pony was thrown down, 3 lady occupants with a lad were pitched out on to the
road. No one seriously hurt.

PEOPLE’S CONCERT: The men of the 68th Welsh Division, assisted by Miss Garrood & the Glee
Party under W Warder Harvey on Saturday.

SOLDIERS’ SOCIAL HOUR: in the Public Hall on Sunday. Rev WE Davies presided. Songs sung
by Miss Burton & soldiers. Warder Harvey accompanied. Address given by JS Palmer. Said the

priceless heritage of the British Empire we have received from our ancestors, and the great
responsibility of handing that Empire down to our children unsullied and intact. The true greatness of

an Empire does not consist in naval and military prowess, or its educational attainments, but in
submission to the rule of Christ.
NORTH HOUSE ISOLATION HOSPITAL: It was supposed to be for scabies or other infectious

diseases. Councillor Mickleburgh saw 13 children playing with soldiers there. If it was not an
isolation hospital it did not matter. It did matter if it was.
WAR AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE: FWD Robinson in the Chair. 900 acres near Ilketshall St

Andrew needed good drainage, then it would produce 2 or 3 times the amount of corn. It was water-

logged and weeds, speargrass and docks predominated. In Shadingfield 86 acres of badly farmed
land now under cultivation & 133 acres of derelict land might produce a crop in 1918.

Many soldiers who were ploughmen were free to be used after 1 March, but Ipswich had not
organized things properly and few arrived in time. A ploughman was asked for, but a weaver was

sent!
FARMERS’ RED CROSS SALE: Mr GA Stanford wielding the hammer said that if any purchaser

bought a lot of dead stock which did not suit his requirements he would have much pleasure in
submitting it again -- an offer which was repeatedly taken advantage of.. The total realised at the sale
was £548.

VESTRY MEETING: AR Clatworthy & Womack Brooks re-elected Churchwardens. Mr HG Read
was elected an auditor in place of Mr A Pells, who has left the Town, to act with Mr GA Stanford, at
a remuneration of £1 1s each. “Darkening the Church “ cost about £70.

FOOD SAVING CAMPAIGN: Necessity of reducing consumption of bread & flour. Committee set
up. On Monday one of the biggest firms in London quoted oatmeal at 41s per bag. Some of the other
merchants quoted 7s more. The original firm sent instructions to travellers to raise the price to 48s.

SALE OF REDISHAM HALL ESTATE: The agricultural portions of the 800 acre estate by direction
of Capt Thomas de la Garde Grissell.
DEATH O MRS HANNAH VINCE: widow of Rev Charles Vince, eminent non-conformist ministers

of Birmingham. She was the 10th child of John Mayhew, bank manager of Beccles.. She was born
Dec 1, 1823. Married 1852
CASUALTY LIST: Mr & Mrs W Knights of Puddingmoor informed that their 2nd son Private John

Knights of the Suffolk Regt has died from wounds in Egypt. They lost their eldest son, William in
July last year. He was killed in action in France.
CASUALTY: Gunner William Clift of Shropshire RHA died of wounds in France. He was billeted

with Mrs F Mann in Blyburgate.
WAR RELIEF COMMITTEE: Reading Room, Canteen & Voluntary Organizations.

FUNERAL OF G RAYNER, Gateman of the London Road gatehouse. He had been in employ of
GER 47 years, 10 in Beccles.

DEATH FROM SCALDS: Robert Girling while removing a joint on the steam boiler in the Gas
Works was scalded and died in the Hospital. William Gould was hurt. (details were given on 15th)

DEATH OF Rev SAMUEL SMITH, Curate at Beccles 1878-82; from 1883-1907 he was Rector Of
St Swithin with St Margaret, Norwich; 1907 Rector of Westhall., Aged 78. [in 1881 he lived at 14
Frederick’s Road]

ESCAPED GERMAN PRISONERS ARRESTED IN SUFFOLK.
Three escaped German prisoners from Pattishall Internment Camp, Northamptonshire, Corpl. Walter
Rivera, Lieut. Gustav Lutz, Sergt.-Major Wilhelm Landes were met by Police-constable Seaman on

the Lowestoft road at Southwold on Sunday afternoon. The policeman was in plain clothes.
The prisoners’ appearance aroused his suspicions, and he challenged them, and then discovered who
they were. Police-constable Seaman is to be highly commended for his action in this matter, as he had

no information of any prisoners being at large.
The story told by the prisoners of their adventures is of exceptional interest. ‘They escaped from the
camp during the night, notwithstanding that big arc lamps were burning, and that the sentries were

parading their accustomed beats. To get through the electric wires they had with them a stick forked
at each end. which they placed between the wires with the aid of gloves. This opened the wires
sufficiently to let them get through, while the barbed wire offered a less dangerous if. more painful

resistance, for one received a scratch on the hand in trying to get past it.
Once clear they made for the station, and took train next morning, and, not even seeking the privacy
of a quiet carriage, travelled for 40 miles with a carriage full of British soldiers, who spent a good

deal of the time anathematising the Kaiser and all other Germans. That they should have escaped
detection on this journey seems incredible, for the NC.O, although wearing a civilian cap, had his

field grey overcoat on, and the German service top boots. However, fortune helps those who help
themselves.

Their first change was at a large junction (Cambridge). Here, although no one is supposed to leave
the station, they got off and walked about the town and here the officer’s ability to speak English

fluently came in very handy, for he made purchases in shops while his companions waited outside.
Regaining the station they took train for Ipswich, at which place, although they did not leave the
station, they walked about the station regardless of the military and other police. Still escaping

detection they took train to Halesworth and from thence walked to Southwold, where they arrived late
on Saturday night.
After taking stock of what would suit their purpose for the journey to the Continent, they left the

town and on Sunday afternoon were walking along the road towards Wrentham when they were met

by PC. Seaman, who is stationed at Reydon. Their appearance was not to Constable Seamen’s liking,
and although in plain clothes he stopped them and inquired who they were and what they were doing.

The officer’s English carried him through the ordeal, but his companions were only able to speak
broken English, and on informing the policeman “that they were Breetish,” he told them they must

accompany him. and on that they confessed that they were escaped prisoners.
They were conducted to the Southwold Police Station, where inspector Ruffles took charge of them,

and the message to Police-constable Seaman informing him of the description of the escaped men
was just going to be sent when he brought them in. The Constable was heartily congratulated on his
smart capture, as, but for his vigilance, the men would doubtless have been clear away during the

night.
The officer was of a type of very superior German, being a Saxon — in fact, he was spoken of as
being “a real good sport’’. He said he regarded it as a soldier’s duty, be he British or Gerona. to

escape if possible and get back to his country. He had served in the German Army on the West Front
since 1914, commencing as a corporal, and had been wounded seven times, being taken prisoner last
August. He expressed his great admiration of the British soldier as a fighter. but was confident of

their inability to break through on the West Front.He had been in England previously, although not
since 1906. On being searched, it was found that they had a sailor’s compass and the German flag in
their possession, by the aid of which they hoped to reach either the German or Dutch coast, taking

from the beach at night one of the small fishing boats, and hoping by daylight to be clear of the
patrol-boats that surround the coast.
The prisoners were conveyed to London.

THE URGENCY OF FOOD ECONOMY. If in the next 6 or 8 weeks there is no alteration for the
better in the observance in the voluntary system of rationing, particularly with regard to bread,
compulsory rationing will be put into force without further delay. “We must eat less”. Food Director,

House of Lords, April 25th.
COMMISSIONED: Mr AE Bunn, formerly in Mr JP Larkman’s office now 2nd Lieut in Norfolk

Regt.
POOR RATE: Rate 3s in £. Precepts:. Guardians Wangford Union (including County Rate): £3038;

Corporation £1200; Burial Board: £50
HONOURS: Surgeon Prob Christopher Helsham “who worked with great energy and ability in

attending the wounded” to receive Distinguished Service Cross when he was on HMS Brooke which,
with HMS Swift, engaged a flotilla of five or six German destroyers, of which two were sunk.
RECRUITS: Men up to the age of 50, either married or single to voluntarily attest for military service

CASUALTY LIST: Private CB George, Norfolk Regt killed in action in France. Wife lives in
Pleasant Place. He had completed 12 years service & was in Reserves when war broke out. He spent
three Christmases in the trenches.

Leading Gunner Albert V Seago, of 5 pleasant Place, had lucky escape, his ship being torpedoed and
sunk in the English Channel. He jumped into the sea, and was ultimately picked up by one of the
ship’s boats. Mr & Mrs Seago have now lost one son, a son-in-law and three nephews.

CASUALTY: 2nd Lieut WT Gibbons, formerly assistant teacher at the National Schools, now in the
Norfolk Regt, wounded in Palestine. He went out to the Dardanelles with the 5th Suffolks, granted a
Commission with the Norfolks

APPEALS TRIBUNAL: Printers: The Manager said that before the War there were 366 men & 102
women employed. Now there were 198 males & 102 women. He said there were 48 men employed of
military age employed. 21 rejected by the military. Four machine minders to go into services.

SALE OF STOCK-IN-TRADE: Mr GP Gardiner joining HM Forces, closing down for duration:
Saws, planking etc.
CALL UP OF FARM WORKERS: Captain Lush told War Agricultural Executive that instructions

received meant farm workers could be called up without replacement being found.
NORTH COVE HALL: Sale of Furniture of S Lister

SALE: SWINE’S GREEN, Ingate Place: sale by Miss H Copeman of a Double Cottage & Garden
occupied by Strougler & Smith [Purchased by Mr E Darby £220, 17 July]

PROMOTION QMS James Baker, son of Mr J Baker, 15 Caxton Road, now 2nd Lieut Suffolk Regt.
Before the war with Welsh Fuseliers in Cretan outbreak & the Boxer Revolution in Peking. He was

then a Reader at the Caxton Press. Re-enlisted in August 1914. Went with second British Army to
France. He was at Arras & Thiepval. He is expecting to return to France shortly.
SOLDIER IN PALESTINE: Private Harry Baxter of Suffolk Regt wounded on advance on Gaza.

“We started at dawn, our Brigade being on the right next to a mounted Corps. The tanks started
followed by the Suffolks & another Regiment. Our object was to take a ridge held by the Turks about
2000 yards from our position, which we took and held an hour afterwards. The Turks retired as fast as

they could, but their artillery blazed away at us all day. Our Battalion seemed to be charmed as we

never had a casualty, although shells were dropping all around us.. During the night our camels
brought us two days’ rations, so I had an idea what was coming off in the morning.

At daybreak our artillery started bombarding for all they were worth. This time it was the Norfolks’
turn to make an attack, with another Regiment in support and we in reserve. At 7.30 the Norfolks

were into it and having a rough time and getting it hot. Then up went the supports. It was getting
hotter and hotter, and we could see the shells bursting into them as they went on. In the meanwhile

we got ready, and just before noon the order came and we went up in Companies. To our surprise we
didn’t come under a lot of shell fire at first, but we had not gone a long way before we were under
rifle fire as well as shells; and as one glanced about we saw hundreds of dead and wounded who had

gone before us.
Then I got my packet. I went down and lay there for about a quarter of an hour. Then I tried to walk
and hobbled to the nearest dressing station. It was far worse getting back. Their artillery had spotted

our other Companies coming up, and were sending them over pretty thick. I got back with some
difficulty, as my wound was very painful through walking. I was then removed to clearing station,
then here by hospital train - in all about 20 hours ride.

I am getting on fine, and ought to consider myself lucky, as the bullet went through my right thigh
without touching the bone.”
AN EXCURSION: The wounded men in the VAD Hospital enjoyed a trip to St Olave’s through the

kindness of Mr & Mrs HE Hipperson in their motor launch “Colleen Bawn”. They had tea at St
Olave’s.
WEDDING: At St Benet’s: Dr JJ Ryan of Dublin to Maureen daughter of Captain W Halpin. (War

time) Reception at Carmel.
SALE: REDISHAM HALL ESTATE: only 1 of 10 lots sold. Mr B Stanford for £1,500
SALE: CHENERY’S FARM (To close a Trust) with House & Farm Premises 108 acres, now and for

many years in the occupation of the executors of George King on a yearly tenancy.
AIRMAN KILLED: 2nd Lieut Fred W Evans of Muswell Hill, educated Beccles College. Aged 23.

Shot down by Germans. Entered his father’s firm of Fred Evans & Co. Enlisted 1914.
COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor, (Councillor Hindes), Deputy Mayor, (Alderman Pells), Aldermen:

Buck [editor of East Suffolk Gazette], Watson, Copeman; Councillors: Money, King, Mickleburgh,
Jolly, Brooks and White. The Isolation Hospital inspected; very clean.

BRAVERY HONOUR: Lieut WM Reeve, MC, Irish Dragoon Guards, awarded Military Cross. Went
out in August 1914 in the ranks of the Lancers, fought through the retreat. Given commission in 1914
“for services in the field”. He has taken part in all large operations, awarded MC for “rallying badly

shaken infantry who had lost their officers, and by digging in saved the situation at a crucial moment.
He showed conspicuous coolness and bravery under exceptionally heavy shell fire and machine gun
fire.” He is the eldest son of the late Inspector Reeve of Beccles.

BECCLES COLLEGE IN WAR: W Morris Thomas, an old boy, now 2nd Lieut in Army Service
Corps. Formerly a Trooper in Suffolk Yeomanry, having joined up on the day war was declared. He
is now in Palestine. His brother also in the Suffolks was killed at Neuve Chapelle.

2nd Lieut Stanley Fishcel of 216 Siege Battery, RGA awarded MC for “gallantry and devotion to
duty”.
CASUALTY LISTS: Rifleman Alfred Shiplee killed, aged 27. Employed by GER at Maryland

Station and joined KRR at outbreak of war. Leaves a widow and one child. Mr & Mrs Shiplee have
now four sons & two sons-in-law serving with the colours.
SALE: 11 & 13 St GEORGE’S ROAD: Executors of late James Mullett: A pair of well-built

Residences., “South Villas”, with flower & Kitchen Gardens, the whole 1r 31p. No 11 until recently
occupied by the late Mrs S Pipe; No 13 in occupation of Mr William Chatters.
3rd BATTALION SUFFOLK VOLUNTEERS, “C” Company Beccles, Platoons 8 & 9.Monday:

Musketry on the Range at 7pm. It is imperative that members who have not commenced the course,
do so without delay. Wednesday. Musketry 7pm; Saturday 2.30 pm Signed Lieut Ed A Thompson.

No 1 BECCLES CADET CORPS:, RFA, Monday 7.30pm Signalling, Rifle cleaning. Wednesday:
Full Parade; Thursday: Practice Shooting at Range. Signed Capt DC Smith

Suffolk 37 VAD Sunday: Sunday 10.30 Parade with bicycles SW Rix, Commandant
PRESENTATION: Mr FS Robinson, manager of the Co-Operative Society’s clothing and boot

repairing department given presentation, leaving to join Forces.
CASUALTIES: Private AE Aldous, Royal Fuseliers, late manager of the International Stores, son of
Mr WG Aldous, Grove Road, wounded in France.

THE WAR IN PALESTINE: BECCLES MEN IN ACTION
Writing to his father, from Palestine, a Beccles soldier gives an interesting account of the British
attacks on Gaza. Starting from our camp at Raft, says the writer, in the early hours of March 23rd,

and marching till daybreak, we concealed ourselves in some gardens, and spent the day there

endeavouring to keep out of sight of aeroplanes. At dusk we again moved on, and arriving at Wadi
Guzzeh, we obtained a few hours’ sleep. Rations were then served out, and water bottles filled up.

The order was “ full pack,” including blanket, but no overcoat, one day’s rations on the mobile scale,
and two days’ “iron” or emergency rations.

The next morning, March 25th, we left the wadi, and after some delay caused by fog advanced in
fighting order towards a ridge named Sheikh Abbass, on the right of our attacking line. Strange to

say we reached our objective without opposition, and established ourselves by digging trenches from
which we would command the road from Beersheba to Gaza. The only Turks we saw were those
brought in as prisoners by the mounted troops. Meanwhile the attack on Gaza was developing and

going well ; also in the centre there was little resistance.
We held our positions on this ridge until about 9 p.m., and then withdrew to another ridge in a more
central position. Here we were in reserve to a brigade thrown into the attack. We stayed at Mansura

Ridge during the 26th and were under a good bit of shell fire and had a few casualties. Meanwhile the
troops on the left, working up the level strip of country along the shore called the plain of Philistia
had entered Gaza. They were, however, forced to withdraw; but later in the day they entered again.

Orders for a general withdrawal were issued, and the Turks, seeing this going on, advanced to the
attack. Our rearguards held them, and the artillery fire demoralised them. We dug in on the crest of
the ridge and waited, but no attack was made on them; and everything having been got safely away

we packed up about 10 p.m. and marched away. There were several halts on the way back, as Turkish
cavalry were scouring the country; and we held our breath once when a Turkish column marched
across our front and wheeled into the darkness. The troops we had protected had not been idle, and

when in the morning we marched into Inn Seirat they had entrenched themselves on a line of hills
overlooking the Wadi juzzeb.
That ended the first attack. The second was to prove more costly, and preparations were commenced

on a large scale. During the first attack water was very scarce, horses being without it for two days
and mules had none for three. The sun was scorching, and we were without water for about twenty-

four hours. At Inn Seirat we were trained in the use of gas helmets, as the next affair was to include
gas shells and a smoke cloud was to cover our advance. Tanks were to be used, and the method of co-

operation had to be learned. When not training we were employed digging roads. We were about
seven miles from Gaza, and cavalry patrols were engaged almost every day in the area of Wadi

luzzeh, which lay between us and that place.
A Turkish aeroplane would often swoop down on our cavalry with machine gun fire. But in spite of
all opposition, roads were made past the wadi, hills levelled and gullies filled up to enable our

artillery to get up. Water pipes were laid by the side of the roads, and a big reservoir dug and lined
with cement. Dugouts were made, and every preparation was carried out for the attack, which was to
be made in two phases. The special task of our own Division was to capture and hold Sheikh Abbass

Ridge, and to go over the ridge and attack an entrenched position on the south plain of Gaza, about
2000 yards from the ridge. While we still laid at Inn Seirat the railway was extended and hospitals
established. The enemy brought up heavy guns and shelled the railway and the hospital, causing

several casualties and a lot of damage. But eventually everything was ready, and everybody knew
what he had to do.
In our first attack the maps had been at fault. They were of German origin and very old; but the

R.E.’s surveyed the country and up-to-date Maps were issued. On the night of April 16th we
concentrated at Dumbell Hill. where we were joined by two Tanks which were to precede us by a
thousand yards. Just before dawn we started, the Tanks signalling all clear. Before long we came

under rifle fire from an outpost which was rounded up by the Tank and another Regiment. The ridge
was in sight, and we wondered what was awaiting us there. The Tank was moving along the top, but
not firing; so we advanced and got shrapnel and H.E.’s for our trouble. But no one was hit, and the

few snipers the Tank had missed on the ridge soon cleared out. We captured the hill again with a rush
and without loss, and at once dug in on the crest. There we came in for a deal of shell fire, but it was

not accurate enough to do us damage.
The first phase was over. The other Divisions on the left had all reached their objectives, and

everybody was in good spirits. On the 19th the second phase began. We were in reserve, and at dawn
another Regiment went over against the position of the Turks, about 2000 yards distant, consisting of

redoubts between which were perfectly straight trenches. The redoubts had already been subjected to
a fire of gas and tear shells. Our men had to cross perfectly open country, and for l500 yards they
were exposed to rifle and shell fire, from which they suffered heavily. The Tank (the other one was

more to the left) was across the trenches and doing a lot of damage. About 500 yards from the
trenches there was a slight ridge and the advancing infantry were able by lying flat to obtain cover
from rifle fire, and here they gained a breather. Then up and over with the bayonet, and from the

straight trench between the redoubts the Turks scurried in full view of our men, who occupied the

trench, after cutting the wire entanglements.
Up till now the machine guns had been silent. It was estimated there were seven to each redoubt, and

three from each started to pour an enfilade fire down this trench. The other four swept the slight ridge
in fron