The Telegraph Book of Readers' Letters from the Great War

by Gavin Fuller

  Your obedient servant,

  Ian Malcolm (MP, Croydon)

  British Red Cross Society, 83 Pall Mall, S.W.

  19 August 1915

  REGISTERING THE PEOPLE

  Sir A. Spicer’s Experience

  SIR – As one of the many voluntary enumerators in connection with the National Registration Act, I think a personal experience may be of interest.

  My area was in Hackney, and consisted of 193 houses. During Monday and Tuesday, 9 and 10 August, I distributed 744 forms amongst these houses; this will indicate the class of district. Many of the houses have two sets of occupants, and a few three. On Monday and Tuesday of this week I collected my forms, and, thanks to the interest displayed, I was enabled to complete my work, with four exceptions, by early evening.

  Of course, there were misunderstandings on some points to be cleared up and put right, but the information enabling this to be done was readily given, and I cannot be too grateful for the help rendered.

  One other word – I was much impressed by the number of families whose representatives have already gone to the colours or to the front, and there are, alas, not a few homes where they will never welcome again those who have gone and have given their lives for their King and country!

  Yours faithfully,

  Albert Spicer

  10 Lancaster Gate, W.

  4 September 1915

  OUR VOLUNTEER CORPS

  Sir A. Pinero’s Appeal

  SIR – Now that the resources of the nation in men and material are being mobilised and turned to account, one large and important asset is absolutely neglected and ignored by the authorities. The volunteers are a force 300,000 or 400,000 strong, disciplined, organised into battalions and brigades (called regiments), and subject to one central executive, the military member of which is a late Commander-in-Chief of the Army in India, General Sir O’Moore Creagh, VC, GCB, GCSI.

  The men comprising it are mostly over military age; but Englishmen between forty and fifty, who have led active lives, are at least not more decrepit than Frenchmen, Germans or Austrians of equal age. And they are certainly capable of guarding railways, bases and internment camps, and would thus set free the large number of Regulars, Territorials and Reservists at present employed on these duties.

  The Volunteers may be unequally trained. While some corps are certainly not far behind the battalions of the new armies in military training, others have not progressed beyond the drill ground, but all have some training and possess a knowledge of discipline.

  Many are unarmed, but some battalions are fully equipped with Martini-Enfield rifles, such as the National Reserve carry today. Few are without enough rifles to arm their guards at least, and, indeed, for guard duty, particularly at night, shotguns or, better still, old Snider rifles with buckshot cartridges are preferable to rifles, inasmuch as a single bullet will miss its mark in the dark, and probably kill some innocent person at a distance, while shot, spreading wide and not carrying far, will catch the man aimed at.

  Question of Control

  The chief objection to the employment of volunteers is the fact that they are not ‘attested’, and consequently not subject to military authority. That difficulty can be easily removed. The volunteers are anxious to subject themselves to the provisions of military law during the time that they are doing duty, and, in case of imminent or actual invasion, they are desirous of being placed on exactly the same footing as Regular soldiers.

  There is really no difficulty in making volunteers subject to the control of the military authorities. Every volunteer, having expressed his willingness to undertake duty, and having had his liabilities explained to him, can be detailed for guard or patrol and be under military discipline from the hour that he is ordered to the hour when he is dismissed at the conclusion of his duties. Legislation is hardly necessary for this. An order from the Army Council, through the Central Association of Volunteer Training Corps, is sufficient.

  While we are busily discussing how best to deal with the ‘slacker,’ there are 300,000 or 400,000 men eagerly waiting for some call upon their services. Their willingness to serve goes unheeded, and no one seems able to force the question to the front.

  When the Volunteer Training Corps movement was first mooted, the War Office seemed to apprehend that it would interfere with recruiting for the Regular Army, that shirkers would shelter themselves inside a Volunteer uniform and claim that they were ‘doing their bit’. But these Volunteer Training Corps have proved the finest recruiting ground that the Army has got, and send to it at least partially, if not fully, trained men. The 1st Battalion (United Arts Rifles) Central London Volunteer Regiment has supplied 100 officers and 200 to 300 men to the Services. Some of them have already fallen in action. The 3rd Battalion (Old Boys) Central London Volunteer Regiment has supplied over 400. And it is the same tale throughout the country. Men who have no liking for military life make a trial of the Volunteers, acquire that liking, and join the colours.

  I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

  Arthur Pinero, Chairman United Arts Rifles

  115a Harley Street, W.

  4 October 1915

  ‘MAKERS OF HISTORY’

  SIR – In your issue of 1st inst. I notice that you inserted a letter from my son, Lance-Corporal J.W. Ranson, No. 16469, B. Co., 1st Suffolk Regiment, and I wish to correct your introduction to the same. I regret to say that my son is not now serving at the front, having been reported missing since Whit Monday night, and I am unable to trace him.

  Should this or my son’s letter meet the eye of any of your readers who could give me some information as to what happened to my boy upon that night, I would feel greatly obliged.

  Yours faithfully,

  Jos Ranson

  69 Ravenslea Road, Wandsworth Common, S.W.

  12 October 1915

  PRAYERS FOR THE FORCES

  Bishop Taylor Smith’s Appeal

  SIR – It is now nearly fifteen months since the call to prayer at noon on behalf of our soldiers, sailors and airmen was first responded to. The universal midday prayer meeting has not only been a source of strength and comfort to our fighting men at the front, of which I have ample evidence, but it has proved a bond of union between all Christian folk throughout the Empire.

  May I once again invoke the powerful influence of the Daily Telegraph on behalf of those of our troops who have still to go forth, as well as for those who shall return?

  I tremble for the Church that does not set aside at this time all that does not matter, and give herself to this unique opportunity to evangelise and help spiritually the men whose hearts and minds are awakened towards the things which are unseen and consequently eternal.

  It has been my prayer and hope for some years now that the Army might become the greatest missionary society the world has ever known.

  A nation with such a consecrated body of men – in the Services today and in civil life tomorrow – would prove an irresistible force against all the powers of evil.

  I plead for more prayer on behalf of our soldiers, sailors and airmen.

  I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

  J. Taylor Smith, Bishop-Chaplain-General War Office

  14 October 1915

  GAME FOR THE WOUNDED

  Needs of London Hospitals

  SIR – Once again we would ask you to assist us in bringing to the notice of those who are now shooting the need in the London hospitals for game for the wounded. For the last two months, owing to the generosity of those who have answered our appeal, we have received close upon 3,000 brace of grouse, partridges and pheasants; over 150 hares and rabbits, together with many haunches of venison. But we need more.

  If only those who have helped us so far could realise how much their gifts are appreciated by the wounded they would, we feel sure, help us to satisfy the daily requests that we receive for more. It is, of course, only natural that those who have game to dispose of should satisfy the wants of the town or country hospitals in their own lo
cality. Unfortunately, in the process the many hundreds of wounded officers and men in the metropolitan hospitals are less well remembered. To those who have game to dispose of, therefore, we would ask that a percentage, no matter how small, should be sent to us for distribution among the London hospitals. By this means, the wounded soldiers in town and country would benefit alike.

  In putting forward this earnest request we would point out that ample arrangements have been made for distributing such gifts, and if they are sent to Mr T. Comyn Platt, hon. secretary, 1900 Club, 3 Pickering Place, St James’s, London, they will be gratefully acknowledged. As it is hoped that this further appeal will be generously responded to, we would ask those sending game to help us still further by paying the carriage of such gifts.

  Yours truly,

  (Signed),

  Selborne

  Edward Carson

  Charles Beresford

  Alexander Henderson

  W.C. Bridgeman

  J.A. Grant

  Basil E. Peto

  Guy Pym

  22 October 1915

  SWEATERS FOR THE TROOPS

  SIR – Will you kindly give me room to say that, with the approval of the War Office, I propose to carry on my undertaking of last winter to dye for the troops any sweaters sent me, and hand them over to the proper quarter.

  On the whole, sweaters seem the most useful garment of all to send. If there are not more sweaters for me to clean and dye will not some of your readers try their kind and clever hands at knitting them?

  Last winter I was able to send out over 13,000, and the supplement of smaller comforts kindly sent to help fill up the sacks brought the total number up to nearly 20,000. Let us see what we can manage this year.

  Yours faithfully,

  John Penoyre

  8 King’s Bench Walk, Inner Temple, E.C.

  CARDS FOR THE TROOPS

  SIR – One of the greatest resources of our wounded heroes in their weary hours is a game of cards, and there is a demand from our hospitals in Flanders, in Malta and Egypt, and wherever our soldiers are being cared for, for spare packs of cards from home.

  The Court of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards has been approached on the matter, and has very willingly agreed to make an appeal to the public, through the powerful aid of the Press, for their generous help by forwarding to us (1) packs of cards, whether new or partially used, and (2) money for the purchase of cards, which the company can secure on trade terms.

  Packs of cards and donations may be sent to W. Hayes, Esq., J.P., Master of the Playing Card Makers’ Company, Guildhall, London E.C.

  This appeal is made with the express approval of the Lord Mayor.

  Yours faithfully,

  (Signed) William Hayes, Master

  Harry S. Foster, Past Master

  John Farrer, Senior Warden

  A.K. Barlow, Junior Warden

  Worshipful Playing Card Makers’ Company, Guildhall, E.C.

  23 October 1915

  ENEMY ALIENS IN MOTOR CARS

  SIR – Some few weeks ago I reported that a naturalised German with a German wife, who had been chauffeur to the Kaiser when on a visit to this country, and had remained here after the Kaiser’s return, was now keeping a garage at Penrith, which a glance at the map will show is a point that, besides being on one of the high roads between England and Scotland, presents possibilities for observation, with the aid of a car, on both east and west coasts. Having heard nothing of the matter since I made my report, I motored to Penrith to see how it stood, and found that the German in question was still running the garage, though it was no longer advertised under his name.

  That any German, whether naturalised or not, should be allowed to run a garage in time of war is, I submit, indefensible, and why it has been permitted is beyond comprehension.

  Further than this, I venture to assert that the time has arrived when no enemy alien, whether naturalised or not, should be permitted to be in possession of a private car, for there can be no doubt that the indiscriminate use of motor cars without any check or restriction affords opportunities to enemy aliens to undertake activities which may be greatly prejudicial to this country.

  How this works may be seen from a recent experience of my own. Last week, in motoring from Castle Douglas to Blackburn, I passed important works (for ammunition, I believe) without any challenge whatever. There was apparently nothing to prevent me making observations or taking photographs, if I had wished to do so. Surely I ought to have been stopped, and the authorities should have satisfied themselves as to who and what I was.

  It will no doubt be objected that such stoppage would be a grave inconvenience to users of motors. So it might be in time of peace, but we are at war and cannot afford to sacrifice any precaution.

  I would, therefore, suggest that no enemy alien, naturalised or other, should be permitted to be in possession of a car during the war; and I would further urge that in the case of genuine British subjects of British race a special permit to own and use a car, to be issued by the defence authorities, should be made obligatory.

  Yours, &c.,

  Robert Yerburgh

  Carlton Club, S.W.

  25 October 1915

  APPEAL TO THE CHURCHES

  SIR – Our hearts are too full for us to say all that we feel about the martyrdom of Miss Edith Cavell, but I venture to suggest that a day be appointed by the various authorities concerned, on which a memorial service should be held in every church and chapel of all denominations (according to the accustomed forms of all sections of religious opinion) in memory of this noble lady done to death by the ministers of Satan in Belgium, at which her death should be solemnly presented in prayer before the most High, and the whole German nation solemnly called to judgment before the Throne of God. Personal and national vengeance is to be deprecated. ‘Mihi vindicta, ego retribuam dicit Dominus’, and this is still the Christian rule, but against the verdict of history and civilisation no race group can make successful appeal. Doubtless such a memorial would be widely observed in America.

  Yours faithfully,

  J. Plowden-Wardlow

  St Edward’s Vicarage, Newnham, Cambridge

  1 November 1915

  NAME FOR A LONDON STREET

  SIR – Permit me to suggest that London should without delay follow the example of Paris and rename some street after the brave lady whose murder we so bitterly lament.

  The site on which the New Nurses’ Home in Whitechapel is to be erected is bordered on one side by Oxford Street, E., a name which is continually being confused with the great thoroughfare farther west. To change this into Cavell Road would be a graceful act on the part of the London County Council, and would at the same time be a useful improvement.

  I am, yours faithfully,

  A. Marshall Jay

  17 Old Broad Street, E.C.

  2 November 1915

  STRANDED AT VICTORIA

  The Return of Our Soldiers

  SIR – There arrived at Victoria Station on Saturday last, at about 2.30 a.m., about 1,300 tired officers and men, home from the front on four days’ leave.

  And there, in the cold and miserable morning, they were left stranded, without any facilities for getting away to their homes in London or to the various stations to continue their journeys to the provinces. No conveyances of any kind were available, and the only place of refreshment open was the VAD coffee stall in the corner of the station. The ladies there did everything possible, but it was totally beyond their power to supply 1,300 men in the very small place allotted to them.

  So these men, after weary months in the trenches, came home for four days, and that is the welcome we gave them. We landed them at Victoria at the very worst hour of the morning, without food or shelter or means of getting home; and there they had to herd in the station for hours until the omnibuses and trains began to run. I understand the same thing is happening every day. It is a poor return for all they have done, and are doing, for us; and I
think something should be done at once.

  There is at Victoria Station a large hall underground, and if nothing better can be arranged I suggest that the hall be opened to the arriving men, a good fire lighted, and that the VAD stall should be set up in the hall, so that the men could assemble there in the warmth and light and with the possibility of getting some light refreshment, until such time as they can get away to their homes.

  The cleaning of the hall and the fire would entail some little expense, but that would be so very slight as compared with the comfort of the men that it is not worth considering.

  If this matter can be arranged I will undertake to provide a fair share of the expense, and if possible the whole of it.

  I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

  Billeter

  London E.C.

  THE BAN OF THE LIBRARIAN

  No Fiction in Wartime

  SIR – We live in sad and dull days. The Library Committee of the Wandsworth Borough Council has, with the instincts of a public undertaker, decided to add to this depression by placing a ban on the circulation of all works of fiction to adult or juvenile during the period of the war. What is the motive – economy, or a desire to strip us of anything that may give a change to thought? My lad wants to read Coral Island. I may not revel in the delights of Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded.