Not everyone was demobilised after the war.
2nd Lieut,. Alfred Searies, MC, has gone to Woolwich for a four months’ course of training to enable him to take up an appointment as Foreman in the AOD [Army Ordnance Department]. Part of the time will be spent in Woolwich Arsenal.
Burghfield parish magazine, November 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 16 November, 2019
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The first Remembrance Day was observed in churches across the county.
Wargrave
Armistice Day
The first anniversary was well observed in the parish. There was a celebration of Holy Communion at 8 a.m. A muffled peal was rung from 10.30 to 10.45 a.m. A service in church was held at 10.45 and ended with the two minutes of silence when 11 o’clock was struck on the tenor bell. A full peal of bells, with firing, was rung in the evening. The services were well attended and ringing was exceptionally good.
Crazies Hill Notes
On November 11th an Intercessory Service was held in memory of those who laid down their lives during the War, and, at the hour of eleven, a silent tribute was paid to the fallen. Those moments of meditation were for many of us, accompanied by grief; but there were also hope and pride and high resolve in the thoughts of all who took part in that Service. Perhaps the uppermost thought was that the sacrifice of those who fell must not be in vain.
Burghfield
Armistice Day
Rural circumstances do not lend themselves to such striking manifestations as were to be seen in towns and cities during the “great silence”. But there can have been few in the parish who did not act upon the King’s suggestion and desire. Many of us would like this mute solemn commemoration to be repeated annually.
Ascot
On the Anniversary of the Armistice there was a special Celebration of the Holy Communion at 10.40 at which all our parishioners, who gave their lives in the War, were remembered by name.
The service was so timed that, at the moment of silence throughout the Empire, the large congregation was in the act of pleading the Sacrifice of Christ for the Living and the Dead.
In the evening there was a special Service of Thanksgiving , when we prayed for God’s Blessing upon the Ex-Service Men’s Club, the first portion of the Ascot War Memorial, which was declared open by Lady Roberts, and handed over to the Men’s Committee immediately afterwards. During the first week over 150 men joined the club.
Cranbourne
On Armistice Day a large number of our Parishioners came to Church at a few minutes before eleven o’clock and spent the time in silent prayer. After the bell had struck eleven strokes and the two minutes had elapsed, a Celebration of the Holy Communion took place. Instead of a sermon the Vicar read Mr. Arkwright’s no well-known hymn “O Valiant hearts” and before the Church Militant Prayer the names of all our fallen were read at the altar and specially commended to God’s keeping.
Newbury
On Armistice Day, November 11th, we kept the King’s command by holding a Special Service at 10.55, including the two minutes silence at 11 o’clock. There was a large congregation. The sights in the streets of our great cities, when all traffic stopped and men stood with bared heads, must have been most striking. Truly does the whole Empire honour the men who gave their lives in God’s Cause of Righteousness.
Wargrave parish magazine, December 1919 (D/P145/28A/31); Ascot and Cranbourne in Winkfield District Magazine, December 1919 (D/P 151/ 28A/11/12); Burghfield parish magazine, December 1919 (D/EX725/4); Newbury parish magazine, December1919 (D/P89/28A/14)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 11 November, 2019
https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/11/11/the-great-silence-the-sacrifice-of-those-who-fell-must-not-be-in-vain/
It was important to remember all the war dead.
County and Reading War memorial
A strong Committee, upon which Mr Willink is serving, are considering this difficult subject, and an appeal will shortly be issued. At present the only decision arrived at is that the site shall be the mound in the Forbury Gardens. The Committee are issuing to all incumbents of parishes, and to all Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Associations, a request to send in the names, with details, of all men who, having lost their lives during the war, may be considered fit subjects for Berkshire Commemoration. If we can settle our own list for our own Parish Cross, this ought to serve both purposes. And Mr Willink repeats his appeal for any comments on the provisional list now to be seen in the church, near the lectern.
Burghfield parish magazine, November 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 10 November, 2019
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There was still bitterness towards those who had chosen not to fight.
Discharged Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Federation
On Wednesday, 22nd October, the Mortimer and District Branch met at the Jubilee Room, under the chairmanship of Mr R W Sharp, the prospective representative of the branch on the Local War Pensions Committee. Mr H C Eggleton, the Branch Chairman, explained clearly the objects of the Federation, viz (briefly), “To safeguard the interests of every ex-Service man and the dependants of our fallen comrades, and to make our country, our county, our village, supreme monuments to our Glorious Dead”.
It is hoped that every man who has worn the Blue or Khaki (excepting only conscientious objectors) will join the Federation. Will every man whos is suffering through delayed gratuity, etc, kindly communicate with Mr J Anderson, Secretary, Nightingale Lane, Mortimer, who will give every possible assistance; also all widows, mothers, or other dependants of those who have made the supreme sacrifice. It is hoped to have a Burghfield sub-branch, if enough new members join.
Note: The Editor willingly inserts this, and assures the Branch that the Reading Rural WP sub-committee will hope to work in harmony with a friendly ally.
Burghfield parish magazine, November 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 22 October, 2019
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Burghfield would commemorate the war dead by offering opportunities to the living.
The War Memorial Committee
On October 17th they adopted a report by the “Sports” Sub-committee, recommending that £10 be spent on levelling and improving a pitch in the old triangular recreation ground at the Hatch; and an estimated sum of £68 upon similar but much more difficult work on the new Recreation Ground by Holiday House…. The £10 voted for the school children’s games (see Oct. Magazine) has been paid over to Mr Sheppard, to be expended as may be agreed by the Head Teachers of the several Schools.
Burghfield parish magazine, November 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 17 October, 2019
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A Burghfield mechanic was killed abroad.
NAVAL OR MILTARY NOTES
We regret to record that Mr and Mrs Green, of Mill Cottage, have received a telegram informing them that on 4th September their son, Albert L Green, 2nd A/M, RAF, was accidentally killed at Archangel. He was only just 20, and was one of our Brightwell apprentices.
Burghfield parish magazine,October 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 12 October, 2019
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Burghfield wanted to echo the war graves abroad in its parish memorial.
The War Memorial Committee has held two meetings in October. On October 10th they adopted a report by the “Cross” Sub-committee recommending that Messrs G Maile & Sons’ tender should be accepted for the erection of a facsimile, 10 ft 6 ins high, of the Cross designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, RA (for use in military cemeteries abroad). The price of the Cross itself will be £175. The cost of the foundation, erection and lettering cannot yet be stated, but will just about be covered by the sum available. The foundation will be put in at once, and the Cross be erected in the spring.
Burghfield parish magazine, November 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 10 October, 2019
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War Memorial Cross
The “Cross” sub-committee met on 22nd September at Hillfields, and agreed unanimously upon a recommendation to the full committee, who will meet on 10th October at 6.30, at the Jubilee Room to consider it, and also a report from the “Sports” sub-committee, which will be ready by then. Any suggestions for suitable inscriptions should be sent either to Mr Lousley or Mr Willink.
Burghfield parish magazine, October 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 22 September, 2019
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Burghfield was finalising its list of names for the war memorial.
The War
Private Joseph West, of Trash Green (late Rifle Brigade), has just been mentioned in dispatches. He was wounded at Neuve Chapelle in March, 1915, and was discharged about a year later. Congratulations to him on his belated honour.
Mr Willink hopes that any Burghfield men who has received any mark of distinction not already announced in this magazine will communicate with him.
He hopes also that relatives of Burghfield men who have lost their lives on service in the war will take the trouble of studying the Roll of Honour in the inner Church Porch, and also the List of the Fallen which rests against the screen inside the church near the lectern, and that they will notify him of any omissions or mis-statements which should be attended to. The time is approaching when the names will be wanted for inscription upon the cross to be erected in the churchyard.
Burghfield parish magazine, September 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 13 September, 2019
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There was a peace bonus for Burghfield children.
Peace Celebrations and War Memorial
The Committee appointed at the second General Meeting of the 17th June (see July Magazine) met on 14th August. The accounts will be audited and published in due course. But it may be stated that after paying the expenses of the Peace Celebrations there will be a surplus remaining. The Committee decided to allot £10 of this to the provision of suitable games, tackle and appliances for the use of the children in all the schools – the remainder to be added to the Memorial Fund.
Of this latter Fund it was decided that three quarters should be available for the provision and erection of the proposed Cross in the Churchyard, and one quarter for the sports and recreation grounds of the parish; and two sub-committees were appointed to enquire and report upon these two latter matters.
Burghfield parish magazine, October 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 14 August, 2019
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Burghfield planned a simple yet effective war memorial.
The result of the collection for the Celebration Fund and the Memorial Fund is not yet known as we go to press.
Until the amount of the latter at their disposal is ascertained, the Committee can hardly consider how to spend it. At present, as regards the Cross, the only suggestion made is that it should be an exact copy of the single crosses which are to be erected in France and Belgium, one in each cemetery. It is argued that this will, as it were, link up our churchyard with the resting places of our gallant men who have fallen out there, and will not be inappropriate for those whose deaths occurred elsewhere.
Burghfield parish magazine, August 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 7 August, 2019
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Ex-servicemen in Burghfield went to church to celebrate the end of the war.
Chapel Parade
On Sunday, July 27th, a considerable number of ex-service men paraded as on the 20th, and marched with the band to the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Burghfield Common, for a Peace Thanksgiving Service. These signs of deep and earnest feeling do us all good, and are welcomed alike by well-feeling Church-folk and Chapel-folk.
Burghfield parish magazine, September 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 27 July, 2019
https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/07/27/signs-of-deep-and-earnest-feeling-do-us-all-good/
Burghfield celebrated the end of the war.
Peace Celebrations
These took place on Saturday, July 26th, in fine weather and were a great success. The church bells were rung early in the morning, and at intervals afterwards. At 2.15 there was a short service, with a sermon by the Rector, in the church, attended by practically all the children from our four schools, over 260 of them, with the teachers, as well as many mothers and a number of ex-service men. The church inside was like a flower garden with the happy throng of young folk and their bright flags and banners and pretty dresses; but it was an earnest service too! The Burghfield Brass Band, under ex-bandsman W J Hathaway, late of the Royal Berks, met the long procession on the way from church, and played them into Hillfields lower park [the home of Mr Willink], where tents and a marquee (in preparation for the approaching Flower Show) had already been pitched, and were available in case of rain – which never came.
Sports for the children began at once, and at 4 o’clock they sat down on the grass to a good tea, after which the men’s sports were carried on till 5 o’clock, when 106 ex-service men, residents in Burghfield, were summoned by the now familiar “Come to the cookhouse door, boys” call, to an excellent meat tea in the marquee (provided by Mrs Sherval). Mr Willink said a few words of welcome at the end of the meal; but the fullest speech was well made by Mr Lousley, Chairman of the memorial and Celebrations Committee, later in the evening at the distribution of the sports prizes by Mrs Geoffrey Chance, when he gave a clear explanation of the aims and methods of the Committee, and thanked all those who had done so much for the Festival (except himself, who had as usual done his share and more), especially Mr H D Higgs (the Hon. Sec.), Mr Hannington, for conveying the Pinge Wood children; and Major Chance, Lieut. Searies, and Messrs E Lousley, Page, G Pembroke and Sheppard, with other teachers, as active members of the Sports Sub-Committee.
The day ended with dancing on rather rough sun-baked ground – but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Indeed there were no complaints all day, and it was a real pleasure to see so many friends and neighbours celebrating in such good fashion the long-hoped-for end of this weary and cruel struggle – yet those were not forgotten over whose lives the war has cast an abiding shadow. The Hillfields grounds were open during the day.
Burghfield parish magazine, September 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 26 July, 2019
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Ex-servicemen gathered in Burghfield to celebrate the peace.
On Sunday, July 6th, an ex tempore muster of Burghfield ex-service men took place at the Hatch, where about 28 men fell in and marched to the church under Lieut. Searies, for the 11 o’clock service.
A fortnight later [20 July], after better notice, there was a fuller parade in which about 80 took part, including the Chapel band from the Common. Major Chance, Lieut. Searies, Staff Sergeant Major Jordan, Sergeant Wigmore, and other NCOs were present. The band played the party to and from church, and also well accompanied the three hymns (Nos. 166. 540 and 165), which were sung with great heartiness. The Service of Thanksgiving for Victory, and in memory of those who have given their lives, was conducted, in the absence of Mr Coates [the curate, who was on holiday], entirely by the Rector, who preached an eloquent and most inspiring sermon on the text – “To what purpose is this waste?” (Matthew XXVI.8). The lessons (Isaiah XXV.1-9 and John XII.23-33) were read by Mr Willink. The bells rung muffled peals before and after service.
On leaving church the little column proceeded to the Hatch recreation ground, at the entrance marching past Mr Willink and Mr Lousley, the former (by request) taking the salute. Before dismissal some photographs were taken by him, but the light was very bad and no great results can be expected.
It was a moving thing to see so many of our brave men gathered together at the end of the war in that church in which prayers have so often been offered for their safe return, and for that of others who will come back no more. May the great spirit of unity, which, with God’s help, has brought us through to peace, keep us still united in Burghfield during the years before us.
It was disappointing that the invitation to all soldiers and sailors in the Bradfield district, to the Military Festivities in Reading on July 19th had, late in the time, to be withdrawn. This cast unexpected burdens on our Committee. They hope, however, that the steps taken at the last moment will have given satisfaction all round.
Burghfield parish magazine, August 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 20 July, 2019
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The war had still not technically ended, as the treaties had not been signed. But peace celebrations were in full swing.
Peace Celebrations
At a second General Meeting, on 17th June, the recommendation of the Committee that these celebrations should take the form of a Tea, with games, etc, for the children of the parish, was approved. “Children” to include all ages up to 14, and any still attending school over that age. By the time this magazine appears it is hoped that the German Representatives will have signed the Peace Terms. But Austria, Turkey, and Bulgaria remain to be dealt with, and moreover the war will not, strictly speaking, have “terminated”, until the terms have been duly ratified by the proper representative assemblies. No doubt, however, an official Peace Celebration Day will be proclaimed before this has taken place in all the countries concerned.
Meanwhile, as announced at the Meeting, the Military Authorities are arranging central functions for those who have served overseas, and there will be a gathering and entertainment in Reading.
War Memorial
At the same Meeting, further recommendations of the Committee were adopted, viz:
(a) The erection of a Cross in the Churchyard in memory of those who have fallen;
(b) The improvement of the Parish Recreation Grounds, in connection with a Sports Club to be formed.
It was referred to the Committee to raise two separate funds for these two objects (Peace Celebrations and War Memorial), the latter fund to be applied first to the Cross, and secondly to Recreation Grounds, etc.
Burghfield parish magazine, July 1919 (D/EX725/4)
Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 17 June, 2019
https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/the-war-will-not-strictly-speaking-have-terminated-until-the-peace-terms-have-been-duly-ratified/
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