I have spent the last 6 years recording articles in our local papers for World War One. My living room resembles the Print room of the Old Newspapers.
With it being Remembrance Week I would like to share this letter sent home by Bert Ray D.C.M
The Prescot Reporter 4th June 1915
GASES FOR THE “5TH”
A WHIT- MONDAY EXPERIENCE
“THE GRUMBLERS ARE FEW”
How the men in the trenches become domesticated through having to supervise and prepare their own meals and look after their underclothing etc., is explained in a letter received from the Front to Mrs. E. J. Birchall of Hope Street, Prescot from Sergt Bert Ray of “B” Company of the “5th”:-
“Seven of us” he says “are sitting in a part of the reserve trench, and five of the seven are from Prescot. Joe Dutton, P. Robinson, T. Byron (or Green) from the Market Place, Geo. Case and myself, Charlie Coppack and Harry Byron are a little further along. Well we are having a quite time during this spell in the trenches. The Germans gassed us on Whit-Monday, but we stuck it all right. The gas is terrible stuff, and makes the eyes sore, but it did not affect our breathing to any extent as we have been provided with special respirators. Our part of the line was not attacked, but we had to put up with plenty of artillery fire.”
Proceeding to describe the condition under which the men live he writes:-
“We are having very nice weather, which makes things far more pleasanter than they otherwise would be. We are not in billets now, but we are nearly always in some kind of trench, either ‘firing line’ ‘reserve’ or ‘supports’ Dug outs are very scarce, so you will understand that wet weather makes us decidedly uncomfortable . We are not having a picnic, I can assure you. It is seldom we get an opportunity of washing ourselves, and I should say it is eight weeks since most of us changed our underclothing but we are not in the dumps. We make the best of things, and grumblers are few. When we drop back for a rest, and get into a barn or similar place we think as much about it as a ‘Knut’ having a night at the “Adelphi”
C.S.M Bert Ray D.C.M
C.S.M Bert Ray D.C.M
Member 4335 KatieFD
Strays Co-ordinator
Strays Co-ordinator
Yes Daggers, he was with the South Lancashire Regiment. I have a few more article for him. When I transcribe these letters I almost feel as if I am with them. Berts wife went of to open Ray's Bakery in Prescot I have tried to get in touch with his grandaughter to give them too her.
Member 4335 KatieFD
Strays Co-ordinator
Strays Co-ordinator
Katie, that is very moving and I know how you feel about reading the letters. I have only been researching for just over a year but some of the stories I have found from the service records are so sad and others full of hope and cheerfulness.
I now appeciate much more what they went through and can't believe that those that came back where treated so badly. Homes and jobs for Heroes!!! and it is still happening today.
Eileen
I now appeciate much more what they went through and can't believe that those that came back where treated so badly. Homes and jobs for Heroes!!! and it is still happening today.
Eileen
Jack, Hennigan, Shields Croft, Canavan, Morris, Tipping, Forshaw,
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Their stories shall often be told!
Gave a presentation to-night to Prescot Historical Society on what was being published in the Prescot Reporter during World War One. I would like to share more of Bert Ray's story of his time spent in the trenches in 1915. Bert never talked about World War One but I will.
SERGEANT BERT RAY
The Prescot Reporter 11th June 1915
AT THE FRONT
A PRESCOT “FIFTHS” DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT
WITH THE BATTALION DURING WHITSUN
THE EFFECT OF THE GAS
A stirring appeal from the trenches to the slackers and shirkers at home, is made by Sergt B. Ray of the 5th South Lancashire’s who writes to his wife at 77, Houghton Street, Prescot. It proves how earnest are the men in the fighting line, and how strong is the determination to “stick it” whatever may be the consequences.
He commences his letter:-
“I really have had a busy time. You may guess when I tell you that I had a wash on Whit-Sunday and did not get another until this morning. How do you like that”
Continuing he writes:-
“Well, we are back from the firing line after a weary, but at the same time, quieter time. We are in the old farm house again, and hope to enjoy a good rest; we need it. One spell, I went without sleep for thirty hours. Dare not speak a word above a whisper as we are in close proximity to the Germans. I was out with a small party, and am pleased to say that we were congratulated on our work.”
THE LATE SERGT PLATT
“I had a great shock when I saw in the paper that poor Jack Platt had gone under. He will be missed out here, as well as at home. Jack was a good man with the maxim. Please convey to his mother my deepest sympathy. They are having a rough time with the guns, and Jack is dead, and Cleaver wounded, so they appointed men as sergeants in their places. One has since been killed, and the other wounded, so promotion is rapid in the maxim. Billy Naylor will be made gun-sergeant now. May he have better luck is my sincere wish. Their officer is Mr. Nesbitt, son of Mr. Nesbitt, of the Wireworks. He was formerly in charge of my platoon at Tunbridge Wells, and he came round the other day to see if I was all right, and said I was the battalion mascot. Hope I continue in the role.”
Referring to the death of Sergt Jack Yates, the writer states:-
“If you see Teddy Birchall please tell him that his brother-in-law Jack Yates was killed by a ‘coal box’ It knocked a part of our barricade in , and poor Jack was buried under the debris. He was dug out with all possible speed, but had sustained concussion. Capt Hammill will ask Canon Mitchell to break the sad news to his wife.”
TO PRESCOT LADS
“First one and then the other of the Prescot boys are giving up their lives in defence of the old country. But I know this, we would rather be here doing our share than skulking at home, acting the coward’s part. Sergt Jack Yates is honoured by his comrades. We, who were his friends, are losers by his death, and we would extend to his wife and children our deepest sympathy. I ask you to keep a good heart. Some of the boys will get through, and with the help of God I hope to be among them. You can take it from me the Prescot lads are doing a jolly good share of the work. Our ranks are thinning, and apparently we are not receiving any great help from our own chums. So far, we have only had three lads from Prescot in the drafts, but we hope this state of things will be remedied in the near future.”
Writing later, Sergt Ray comments upon the experience of the men during a spell in the trenches when a thunderstorm arose and mingling with the terrific noise of the rifle and the fire from the big guns the scene created was an unforgettable one and according to Sergt Ray made a deep impression upon them.
“Our stay in the trenches,” he says “was quieter by far than our previous experience in this locality. I thought we were in for it on the night we moved up. We were marching along and just before we reached the ‘support trenches’ a heavy thunderstorm broke over us. This would be about 11 p.m., and while the storm was on, a German attack took place against the French line. The noise was terrific. The crash of rifle and artillery fire produced an impression which will live with us for many a long year. The forces of nature seemed to be competing against the forces of man, and it would be hard to say which won. Anyhow the Germans did not.
WHIT WEEK IN THE TRENCHES
“We spent rather an uneventful day on Whit-Sunday. The storm had made the trenches in which we had to stay very wet, so that sleep was practically out of the question. Sunday, however was a beautiful day and the ground around quickly dried enabling us to sleep. Most of us would be satisfied if the rain keeps away.”
The first experience of the “gas” is covered in the following terms:-
“Early on Whit-Monday morning we were roused by the sentries as the Germans took advantage of a favourable wind to gas our lines. This was the first taste for the “5th” and I must admit we did not care for it. One or two of our men did not fit their respirators quickly enough, with the result that they had to receive medical attention. Properly and quickly applied the respirators are ample protection against the gas. The eyes suffer most. We are also provided with a veil arrangement. The battalion had to advance to support the firing line if needed and on our way we passed men who ere suffering from the latest German torture. One man in particular was reeling about the road, as if he were under the influence of drink. The German artillery shelled us heavily as we advanced, but we are getting used to shell fire, so they did not stop us.”
“Whit-Monday will be remembered by any man who took part-------- procession. It was a blazing hot day and rations were scarce. We could not light fires, so had to be content with water for a drink. During the day I had a piece of bread, a small piece of cheese, as biscuit and half a tin of condensed milk. Quite a feed! We stayed in the firing line till until Tuesday night, when we were relieved for a couple of days. We again took our turn in the front line on Thursday night and were not relieved until the Tuesday. However, the Germans did not trouble us much beyond shelling us occasionally. I wonder how people in England would like to go five days a hot meal or drink.”
A WELCOME CHANGE
“I was amused (continues the writer) when reading the “Reporter” account of the display at Knowsley Park to see some people could not get tram nor train to take them home, and had to sleep out. They ought to be here, and see our selection of beds, best clay when in the trenches, best grass when out. After being relieved we marched to a rendezvous. It was just breaking day when we passed through a town which has been deserted for some time. The houses had been knocked about to some extent particularly in the neighbourhood of the church. This church is the only one I have seen which has not been damaged by German artillery. It was a fine building and looked well in the early morning light. Outside the main entrance was a life-sized representation of Christ on the Cross, and too many of our men it comes as a sign of hope. We entered the wood in which we were to rest just at dawn. Birds were singing, and the music and peaceful surroundings came as a wonderful relief to us after the noise of the guns. The men were dead beat. All we asked was a drink of tea and a rest. The tea was soon forthcoming and made us feel like new men. After a lounge we had breakfast then a wash. This was my first wash for ten days and I can tell you it was appreciated. Shortly afterwards we were again on the road, but a short march took us to our destination. The following day we were taken for a bath and received a change of underclothing. Just about ten weeks since we had had a bath and change.
CONGRATULATED BY GENERAL COMMANDING
“Yesterday we were addressed by the General Commanding the 4th Division to which our battalion belongs. He complimented us on the way we had behaved in the trenches and assured us that our work out here was thoroughly appreciated. He hoped we would always remain under his command as he would not like to lose us.
Concluding he writes “The weather continues excellent and we are all in good fettle, brown as sand boys and just as happy”
Sergeant Herbert Ray 2/5th South Lancashire was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1916
SERGEANT BERT RAY
The Prescot Reporter 11th June 1915
AT THE FRONT
A PRESCOT “FIFTHS” DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT
WITH THE BATTALION DURING WHITSUN
THE EFFECT OF THE GAS
A stirring appeal from the trenches to the slackers and shirkers at home, is made by Sergt B. Ray of the 5th South Lancashire’s who writes to his wife at 77, Houghton Street, Prescot. It proves how earnest are the men in the fighting line, and how strong is the determination to “stick it” whatever may be the consequences.
He commences his letter:-
“I really have had a busy time. You may guess when I tell you that I had a wash on Whit-Sunday and did not get another until this morning. How do you like that”
Continuing he writes:-
“Well, we are back from the firing line after a weary, but at the same time, quieter time. We are in the old farm house again, and hope to enjoy a good rest; we need it. One spell, I went without sleep for thirty hours. Dare not speak a word above a whisper as we are in close proximity to the Germans. I was out with a small party, and am pleased to say that we were congratulated on our work.”
THE LATE SERGT PLATT
“I had a great shock when I saw in the paper that poor Jack Platt had gone under. He will be missed out here, as well as at home. Jack was a good man with the maxim. Please convey to his mother my deepest sympathy. They are having a rough time with the guns, and Jack is dead, and Cleaver wounded, so they appointed men as sergeants in their places. One has since been killed, and the other wounded, so promotion is rapid in the maxim. Billy Naylor will be made gun-sergeant now. May he have better luck is my sincere wish. Their officer is Mr. Nesbitt, son of Mr. Nesbitt, of the Wireworks. He was formerly in charge of my platoon at Tunbridge Wells, and he came round the other day to see if I was all right, and said I was the battalion mascot. Hope I continue in the role.”
Referring to the death of Sergt Jack Yates, the writer states:-
“If you see Teddy Birchall please tell him that his brother-in-law Jack Yates was killed by a ‘coal box’ It knocked a part of our barricade in , and poor Jack was buried under the debris. He was dug out with all possible speed, but had sustained concussion. Capt Hammill will ask Canon Mitchell to break the sad news to his wife.”
TO PRESCOT LADS
“First one and then the other of the Prescot boys are giving up their lives in defence of the old country. But I know this, we would rather be here doing our share than skulking at home, acting the coward’s part. Sergt Jack Yates is honoured by his comrades. We, who were his friends, are losers by his death, and we would extend to his wife and children our deepest sympathy. I ask you to keep a good heart. Some of the boys will get through, and with the help of God I hope to be among them. You can take it from me the Prescot lads are doing a jolly good share of the work. Our ranks are thinning, and apparently we are not receiving any great help from our own chums. So far, we have only had three lads from Prescot in the drafts, but we hope this state of things will be remedied in the near future.”
Writing later, Sergt Ray comments upon the experience of the men during a spell in the trenches when a thunderstorm arose and mingling with the terrific noise of the rifle and the fire from the big guns the scene created was an unforgettable one and according to Sergt Ray made a deep impression upon them.
“Our stay in the trenches,” he says “was quieter by far than our previous experience in this locality. I thought we were in for it on the night we moved up. We were marching along and just before we reached the ‘support trenches’ a heavy thunderstorm broke over us. This would be about 11 p.m., and while the storm was on, a German attack took place against the French line. The noise was terrific. The crash of rifle and artillery fire produced an impression which will live with us for many a long year. The forces of nature seemed to be competing against the forces of man, and it would be hard to say which won. Anyhow the Germans did not.
WHIT WEEK IN THE TRENCHES
“We spent rather an uneventful day on Whit-Sunday. The storm had made the trenches in which we had to stay very wet, so that sleep was practically out of the question. Sunday, however was a beautiful day and the ground around quickly dried enabling us to sleep. Most of us would be satisfied if the rain keeps away.”
The first experience of the “gas” is covered in the following terms:-
“Early on Whit-Monday morning we were roused by the sentries as the Germans took advantage of a favourable wind to gas our lines. This was the first taste for the “5th” and I must admit we did not care for it. One or two of our men did not fit their respirators quickly enough, with the result that they had to receive medical attention. Properly and quickly applied the respirators are ample protection against the gas. The eyes suffer most. We are also provided with a veil arrangement. The battalion had to advance to support the firing line if needed and on our way we passed men who ere suffering from the latest German torture. One man in particular was reeling about the road, as if he were under the influence of drink. The German artillery shelled us heavily as we advanced, but we are getting used to shell fire, so they did not stop us.”
“Whit-Monday will be remembered by any man who took part-------- procession. It was a blazing hot day and rations were scarce. We could not light fires, so had to be content with water for a drink. During the day I had a piece of bread, a small piece of cheese, as biscuit and half a tin of condensed milk. Quite a feed! We stayed in the firing line till until Tuesday night, when we were relieved for a couple of days. We again took our turn in the front line on Thursday night and were not relieved until the Tuesday. However, the Germans did not trouble us much beyond shelling us occasionally. I wonder how people in England would like to go five days a hot meal or drink.”
A WELCOME CHANGE
“I was amused (continues the writer) when reading the “Reporter” account of the display at Knowsley Park to see some people could not get tram nor train to take them home, and had to sleep out. They ought to be here, and see our selection of beds, best clay when in the trenches, best grass when out. After being relieved we marched to a rendezvous. It was just breaking day when we passed through a town which has been deserted for some time. The houses had been knocked about to some extent particularly in the neighbourhood of the church. This church is the only one I have seen which has not been damaged by German artillery. It was a fine building and looked well in the early morning light. Outside the main entrance was a life-sized representation of Christ on the Cross, and too many of our men it comes as a sign of hope. We entered the wood in which we were to rest just at dawn. Birds were singing, and the music and peaceful surroundings came as a wonderful relief to us after the noise of the guns. The men were dead beat. All we asked was a drink of tea and a rest. The tea was soon forthcoming and made us feel like new men. After a lounge we had breakfast then a wash. This was my first wash for ten days and I can tell you it was appreciated. Shortly afterwards we were again on the road, but a short march took us to our destination. The following day we were taken for a bath and received a change of underclothing. Just about ten weeks since we had had a bath and change.
CONGRATULATED BY GENERAL COMMANDING
“Yesterday we were addressed by the General Commanding the 4th Division to which our battalion belongs. He complimented us on the way we had behaved in the trenches and assured us that our work out here was thoroughly appreciated. He hoped we would always remain under his command as he would not like to lose us.
Concluding he writes “The weather continues excellent and we are all in good fettle, brown as sand boys and just as happy”
Sergeant Herbert Ray 2/5th South Lancashire was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1916
Member 4335 KatieFD
Strays Co-ordinator
Strays Co-ordinator