We have received the following letter from Pte. C. Grange, 4238, "A" Company 6th Essex Regiment, British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, dated August 30th:-
Dear Sir, Am sure all our friends and relatives will welcome news from us out here. As you will already have heard, we recieved our baptism of lyddite immedialely on landing, and since then we have had a high old time. It's a curious sort of feeling when one first goes under fire. just imagine that someone is trying to smash you to atoms, and succeeds in killing a pal beside you. well, that is really what happens, so I expect and hope that I shall be forgiven if I say I trembled, and felt like a kid for about four hours. However, the feeling soon wears off, and now shrapnel, etc., doesn't interest me at all, and my comrades cook their meals and chatter just as they did at camp when they were only "Saturday night soldiers." That slur is surely wiped out by the heroism out here. Operations out here are far different, I should imagine, from those in France. The country is every yard a veritable death trap of ravines and rock. Of course the latter affords spendid cover, and , needless to say, it is where we spend most of our time - and enemy snippers, too. those snippers paint themselves green, pack up enough grub for a month, and prowl round at night and finish up for good about two two days later, through the efforts of some venturesome Australian. The Australians are fine specimens of men. When they shake hands with us we feel as a suckling infant compaired with 'em. they roam aimlessly round the firing line with a rifle slung round their backs. wearing knickers and a slouch hat, fearing nobody, and , strange to say, they seldom get hurt, or anyhow, round our neighbourhood. Well I'm afraid this is getting a bit too much for the censor. Please let our friends in stratford know that we are keeping up the traditions of a fine regiment, though we have suffered somewhat heavily. If anybody at home feels a bit generous, they will greatky aid us by sending the "Stratford Express," or any local news by letter. Acid tablets and cigarettes are as good as machine guns here, so powerful are the results. Well, good luck to all at home, wishing you all luck and success is the sincere wish of yours faithfully,
CON. GRANGE
N.B. - If anyone at home cares to write to me, i shall only be too pleased to correspond if they enclose writing material for a reply.
Stratford Express
Sergt. J. Brady, "A" Company 1-6th Essex, writing from the British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, says:-
I have much pleasure in informing you that I am still alive, and hope to return to dear old England some day. I shall never forget the first day we went into action. What a sight! Of course we lost some, but thank God not so many as we might have done. We are resting today (September 1st), and expect to be in the thick of it again tomorrow, and hope we shall do as well as we did before. We find it difficult to rest during the day on account of the flies, which are a perfect nuisance here, and in the evening we are troubled with snippers, bombs, etc., but are getting quite used to this sort of thing now, but shall be more than pleased when the war is ended, and we return to our wives or parents. God only knows when that will be, but some of us will be spared to tell the tale. I begin to feel a bit seedy now after 24-years service, but must stick it now at any price. All the "boys" (like myself) wish you well, and hope to meet you again. How are Stratford and Forest Gate looking? Good old England. . . We don't have any concerts out here except the mules, which give way to their feelings during the night.
We have received from Pte. C. Grange the following interesting account of doings of local soldiers of an Essex Regiment "somewhere in Egypt":-
I am in small camp isolated from civilisation, surrounded by vast stretches of scorching sands and barbed wire, etc., live a few Indians, Egyptians, Anzacs and a detachment of West Ham's Territorials. These lads have found life in the desert dull and uninteresting. Since the evacuation of Gallipoli the Essex have wandered from one outlandish post to another, this post excels all others in regard to the Robinson Crusoe element, and it happened that one day all the inhabitants were called together to try and form something to liven things up. It was suggested that some sports and a camp concert could be held, and eventually a committee was formed, consisting of one private, two non-commissioned officers, and an officer. These were Lieut. Silverwood, Sergt. H. Ware, Lance-Corpl. Tully, and Pte. Sid Wing. This committee gathered in all the piastres for prizes, and soon a scheme was in hand for swimming, boxing, running, football; and, in fact, a real sports club was started. The members were asked to place their names and abilities on sheets of paper provided in a cane and straw hut used for dining purposes, also a shady home for flies, crickets, musketry instruction, debates, church, "gambling", school, etc.
Then a lively interest was taken in life. "Footer" teams were selected, matches and dates were fixed, and "wrangled" between duties - rather a difficult job for the committee, owing to the fellows being engaged on various duties. It was decided to play the "footer" matches first. The first of this series was a match played one morning soon after daybreak, before the intense heat began. the first match was a splendid game considering the circumstances: the majority of the players had been out on the desert all night, nevertheless it made little difference to the vigour of the game. No. 1 Platoon lost to No. 4 Platoon, two goals to one.
Some of the evenings, when available, were devoted to boxing. Sergt. Ware, aided by the influence of the O.C. post, persuaded the R.E.s to lend us the ropes, boards, posts, etc., for the construction of a ring that champions at home would fell proud to enter. the first evening's boxing entertainment proved a businesslike affair, each competitor showing considerable skill. The boxing members were Lance-Corpl. Skinner v. Pte. T. Good; Pte. Gentry v. Pte. Grange; Pte Dawe v. Pte. McKensie; Pte. J. Bock v. Pte. Butling; and Pte. Burley and Pte. Meldrum. it was intensely amusing to note the dusky patriots of India. The latter failed to see why Tommy should fight his own comrades; still they applauded the winners and offered the losers their sympathy and their chipattis.
The swimming competitions were contested under ideal conditions. The sea was calm and the heat was tolerable. All the heats were swum off on a Sunday morning. The first item was a 40 yards race, which resulted in a win for Pte. Alf. Scott, the time being 22sec., a splendid achievement. Scott by the way, is a late member of West Ham Swimming Club. The other events were all keenly contested, and great excitements ensued. Some graceful diving took place, and clever dives were witnessed. They were all clever dives as the writer won this particular event! The concluding feature was a relay race between rival platoons. Unfortunately one member was seized with cramp, and the race was spoilt owing to another competitor swimming to his rescue.
There is a small steamboat that visits this post, and this particular day it brought more happiness to the fellows in the form of a gramophone; it also brings fishing tackle, worms, bait, and lemonade, which an enterprising Greek sells at exorbitant prices. The gramophone is owned by the padre, and this, the only backsheesh article(!), our O.C. was forced to announce amidst silence in the mess hut, that the "chaplain's gramophone had bust!" So we are now organising a male choir, without the aid of any instruments.
Some splendid running has been seen here, Pte. Rowley winning the 220 yards flat. The greatest thing seen in the sports yet was a mile race between an anzac and Corpl. J. Cook. It was an exciting race; the former was verily and truly a cornstalk; his huge strides round each lap were fine to see. However, Corpl. Cook won this event, mainly through an almost superhuman efforttowards the finish. Three loud cheerswere given to the winner and to the Colonial. Praise must also be given to the other participators in this event. Lance-Corpl. Skinner, Pte ???? and Pte. Rowley.
The football matches extended over several days, each team knocking another out in an endeavour to reach the final. On one occasion during a match the ball burst, and we were forced to ask headquarters for a new ball. This was immediately seen to, and our welcome old steamboat saved the situation. The finalists in the football scramble were No. 3 and No. 4 Platoons. This was a splendid game and proved extremely exciting at intervals. Fine play was displayed by Pte. Nick Weston, of 4 Platoon; also Ptes. A. H. Barnard and Browring, the two heros of 4 Platoon. Pte. Moles, of 3 Platoon, shown great form, often smashing the ball into the goalie's (Pte. Sid Wing) hands, but it never reached further. No. 4 Platoon won the championship of the camp by 3 goals to nil. The whole sports proved a huge success. It "bucked us all up," and there are more sports to come of course when circumstances allow. Here we may add that we have to thank Sergt. Harry Ware for his untiring energies. Often during the programmes when tired soldiers got slack he yelled them out of a well-earned rest to compete in some event or other. This detachment has also to thank the R.A.M.C. for their oils and bandages, the R.E. for ropes and gear, the Australians for their sportsmanship, and the Indians for their encouraging smiles.
The winners were as follows:-
Football Final.- No. 4 Platoon.
Swimming.- Forty yards, Pte. A. C. Scott; 40 yards, back stroke, Pte. T. Best; 220 yards, Pte. G. Gentry; 40 yards, breast stroke, Pte. S. Wing; graceful diving, Pte. Con. Grange.
Running.- 100 yards flat, Pte. Rowley; 440 yards, Pte. Palthorpe (Australians); 220, Pte. Rowley; one mile relay, No. 1 Platoon (Lance-Corpl. Tully, Pte. Vizard, Pte. Hubbard and Pte. Barber); boot race, Pte. Thomas; three-legged race, Pte. Freeman and Lance-Corpl McGrath; long jump, Pte. Rowley; mile flat Corpl. Jack Cook; high jump, Pte. Sid Wing.
Starters, Lieuts. Waskett and Strickland judges, Lieuts. Silverwood, Rowlands and Mitchell.
The following notice appeared in Battalion Orders the other day: "His Majesty the King of Serbia, with the permission of His Majesty the King, has been pleased to confer the following awards for distinguished service in the campaign (Gallipoli): Gold medal, Pte. H. Browne; silver medal, Pte. H. J. Berley."
Pte. Berley's home is at 40, Dore-avenue, Manor Park.
Recently a concert was given in honour of Pte. Berley: and at the same time the prizes won in the sports competitions were presented by the Officer Commanding. The Serbian Medal was also presented to Pte. Berley by Lieut. A. D. Mitchell.
Stratford Express
Second Lieutenant Charles Woodward Silverwood
Sergeant Henry Ware [275152]
Lance-Corporal Thomas Albert Tully (3247, 275490)
Private Sydney Ralph Wing (3822, 275650)
Private Tom Goode (2155, 275339)
Private Dawe
Private Clarence Jack McKenzie (5556, 275965)
Private J. Bock
Private Thomas Frederick Buttling (2828, 275432)
Private Burley
Private Alf. C. Scott
Corporal Jack Cook
Private Nick Weston
Private A. H. Barnard
Private Browring
Private John Moles (6034, 276148)
Private Charles Joseph Hubbard (5779, 276026)
Private Barber
Private Thomas
Lieutenant Waskett
Lieutenant Strickland
Lieutenant Rowlands
Lieutenant A. D. Mitchell
Private Herbert Browne (1352, 275097)
Private Henry James Berley (982, 275042)
Sergt. J. Brady of the 1-6th Essex Regiment, sends a photo of the "The Gallipoli Twins," which appears on page 8, from Alexandria, where the regiment is now doing duty, and in a characteristic letter he says:
"The Gallipoli Twins" worked together for some time in the trenches, were ill together, taken to hospital (one to Montazzai and one to Mudros), turned up about the same time at the Base, and now occupy the same tent and live together. Sergt. Brady proceeds: The ex-hospital men here (several of whom are Essex) are improving in health wonderfully, and some are quite well again. Sergt-Major Johnson, who did such good work on the Peninsula, where he was severely wounded, is looking will in the circumstances, and after the day's duties are finished he keeps the boys alive with a ventriloquial entertainment, and as a ventriloquist he is excellent. "The Gallipoli Twins" (one from Silvertown, one from West Ham) are getting on nicely, and have already had a night out. They hope to have more. The weather has been delightful, but on Friday we had a sandstorm - quite a change from a thunderstorm. The nights are rather cold, but we are thankful to be here, after our experiences on the Peninsula. Of course, we know not how long our holiday will last, so are enjoying ourselves in a quiet way while we have an opportunity. Some visit the Picture Palace at Sidi Gaber, and others the music halls in Alexandria. There are other attractions, all of which the natives tell us are "vera nice," "vera good," and "vera sweet," but our opinion is that they are rotten. It is very amusing to watch a native tram conductor collecting fares on a car laden with Tommies, who all require change. The babble is terrible, and poor Johnnie gets very excited and nearly cries. We should like to see one of these native conductors employed by the West Ham Corporation on a football Saturday. He would be taken on at 1 p.m. and sacked at 2 p.m. It is difficult to say who is the smarter man, the conductor or inspector. Tram fares are very cheep here about seven miles for half a piastre (11/4d). We are continually thinking of our friends in West Ham, and trust all are well, and that we shall see them again very soon.
Sergeant Major Johnson
Mr. J. Hare, of the stores department of the G.E.R. Works, Stamford, has received an interesting letter from Q.M.S. R. A. Middleton of the 1-6th Essex, who is a clerk in the same department. Writing from Egypt, Q.M.S. Middleton writes:-
I has left the land of soot and shell, and can tell you I was not sorry, for sixteen weeks night and day under fire is rather trying to one's nerves, to say nothing of the hardships. Speaking of hardships, I would not have believed that men could go through them if I had not seen them myself. What with going without a wash or shave for three or four weeks, and then washing in a cup, I should have had to run rather hard to get by a barber's shop. It was very hot when we landed, also hot from little pieces of something flying through the air; in fact, before we left the big boat for the small ones a flying machine started dropping some fireworks. So you see the Turks gave us a warm reception. On land every drop of water and all food had to be carried either by hand or mules driven by natives from India, in fact, I was getting an Indian myself with the lingo. They were a nice lot of fellows, and had plenty of pluck. They did not mind the lead, in fact I got quite used to it myself, and expect that when I come home to England and it is foggy on the line I shall lie flat on the ground through sheer force of habit.
In a further letter Q.M.S. Middleton says: The 1st-6th Essex have done their duty and I am proud to belong to them although we have been forgotten by the West Ham people, and the Mayor's Battalions praised up. I see by the papers at last they do know there is a West Ham Battalion at the front, viz., the 1st-6th Essex.
Private Frank Nye, of the 6th Essex, was killed at the Dardanelles on August 22nd. As an old Whitehall Place schoolboy, he was a general favourite with all; quiet, yet persevering, he was always a boy who could be relied upon in sport as well as work. He was one of the 1908 football team, which went through the whole season without a defeat. Now the whole of that team are playing a noblier game for their King and country. Joining last winter, Nye received his training at Stamford and Norwich, and at the beginning of August he left for the Dardanelles. He stay there was destined to be short, for in the midst of a sharp attack he fell mortally wounded. Our sympathies go out to his many friends and relatives at Forrest Gate.
Stratford Express
Perhaps your readers would like to know what is happening to the 6th , and just to soothe a few anxious mothers and sisters whose sons and brothers in our Regiment won't or cannot, write home, I'll try and explain what is happening to the Stratford lads in the Orient. First of all, we are out of danger, and not in those trenches in Gallipoli. We evactuated the latter place in the early part of December, and though we had a bad time and things were gloomy, now the Regiment has bucked up and looking its old self again. We are now stationed in sunny Egypt, where there is no shrapnel and shells, or rain. The chaps look clean once again; we've still got a few fleas, though. Arare lot of chaps have returned to the unit who were sick and wounded, and bit by bit we'll soon be intact again. Of course, there are some of them who won't come back, but they did their bit well, and we trust our folks in Stratford won't forget them after this business is over. At present the Regiment is split up into detachments and placed on small outpost stations up a long track of railway line, guarding against Arab attacks - a soft job compared with Anzac. Those people at home who have relatives and friends sick or wounded can rest assured their boys are being treated well in the hospitals out here. Ladies from the Homeland are taking great care of them, and , judging by their fitness when they rejoin our unit, they usually have a glorious time; in fact, it's very tempting to go sick here - that's if we can get away. The "Stratford Express" always arrives out here for us to read news at home. Goodness knows where it doesn't manage to get. Its been in the trenches at Anzac, and passed many a dull hour away. A homesick Tommy loves to read of the Flats and those good old times. The "Knuts of the Parade" are dreaming of that wonderful tramway terminus. Let a few chaps keep up the old traditions, we don't mind. Tell the Mayor and his Councilors not to build any houses there; reserve it's pleasures till we come home once again, so we can stroll there once more, and tell little "flappers" wonderful stories of the great doings of the Sixth out here in the East. Must now close. Kindly insert just a bit of news for our people, won't you? This is a rotten letter, but I've made an effort. Wishing your fine little paper the best of luck.
Pte. C. Grange (4238),
"A" Company, 6th Essex,
British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force,
Base, Alexandria, Egypt.
January 5th, 1916.
Stratford Express
Mayor H. P. ALEXANDER, the Essex Regiment. Killed in action March 26th. The immediate circumstances of the occurrence are too recent to admit to publication, but the manner in which the gallant Major and a number of the Battalion met their fate will not only form one of the most stirring episodes of the war, but will add imperishable glory to the banner of the Essex Regiment. The deceased officer was the third son of Mr. E. R. and the late Mrs. Alexander, of Innisfallen, Wallwood Road, Leytonstone and an active partner in the firm of E. R. Alexander and Sons, the Era Press, Leyton. Both his father and eldest brother have been associated with local government of the district, the father as a member of the Essex County Council, and the brother as a member of the Leyton District Council. On August 9th, 1902, after preliminary training and examination, the deceased officer was gazetted second-lieutenant to the 3rd Volunteer Battalion the Essex Regiment, West Ham. He was promoted to lieutenant on September 26th 1903 and captain on October 25th, 1905. He held the rank of captain when the regiment became the 6th Battalion the Essex Regiment (Territorial Force), and was one of the most active officers in the great endeavour which was made in those days to popularize this new branch of the service. He received promotion to major on March 15th, 1913, and was gazetted to this rank on August 25th of the following year. The Battalion saw service in Gallipoli, and Col. Wall being wounded in the early days of the campaign, the rank of temporary lieut-colonel as conferred upon Major Alexander. Later he fell a victim to ???? and dysentery, and was invalided home reverting to his rank as major. Complications ensued and an operation for appendicitis was performed. Recovery was swift and he rejoined his old Battalion. The deceased officer was extremely popular not only with his brother officers but with the men of his Battalion, and his loss will be mourned by many of 6th Essex men who had learned to appreciate him not only as an officer, but also as a friend. He was educated at the St George Monoux Grammar School, Walthamstow and at the time of his death was 35 years of age, and unmarried. He became an enthusiastic Freemason: initiated into the Victoria Diamond Jubilee Lodge, he became a member of the Centurion Lodge, and three years ago became a Pass Master. He was also ????? with Royal Arch Freemasonry, and was in membership of the Quintian Chapter. The following letter of sympathy from his former Colonel to Mr. E. A. Alexander records the general appreciation of the Major to his military duties:-
10th April 1917
Dear Mr. Alexander - It is with the deepest sorrow that I bear that your son Harold has fallen. My wife and I extend to you our most sincere sympathy in your time of trouble.
Your son was of the greatest help to me in this country and in Gallipoli, and I greatly commend him for his qualities as a man and comrade and as a thorough solder. He more than maintained the efficiency of his Company when a Captain and later as a Field Officer he was splendid. He had the important gift of savoir faire and was a most devoted officer. It was a great satisfaction when I was wounded that the Regiment was in his capable hands and I hoped to see him made Colonel permanently when it became evident that my wound would be a long business.
Although it is a time of great sorrow for you it must be a consolation to know that he had given the great sacrifice for the honour of his country and in defense of hearth and home and all the best in the world.
With the kindest regards, believe me, yours sincerely
R.F.WALL
The death of Major Alexander occurred on the third anniversary of the passing away of his mother
Stratford Express, 14th April 1917
Lieutenant Colonel R D F Wall
(Gazette's Special Service London)
Nov 16
A Splendid story is told of the sinking of the transport Southland in the Mediterranean Sea. When the torpedo struck the vessel relled and the order was given to abandon the ship.
There was never a cry or sign of fear. The Australian soldiers merely came briskly on deck singing "Australia will be there."
They all went to their stations and lowered the boats in an orderly manner. The subalterns searched the interior of the ship for wounded and finakky came on deck to find only the general staff on board. They helped to lower the last boats and got into a half swamped one themselves.
Fourteen persons were killed by the explosion and twenty two were drowned including Brigadier General Linton.
17th November 1915
The pleasant news has recently been received by his friends that Pte. Claude Rowland Warren, who is only 19 years of age has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry while serving with the machine - gun company of a Regiment attached to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. Pte. Warren is a son of Mr.and Mrs. H. Warren, late of the Dancing Acadamy, 607, Romford-road, and the family are well known and much liked in the neighbourhood. As soon as the war was declared he and his brother, Henry Graystack Warren, joined up, and they have been through the Peninsula Campaign together. Claude won the medal on March 26th and 27th at gaza for "carrying water, ammunition, and messages under heavy fire."
In a cheerful letter home dated March 29th, the boys state that they "are still alive and kicking after going through the severest fighting," they had ever dreamt of. The letter continues: "We marched for four or five days and then came two days of hellish fighting, worse than ever we had on Gallipoli. How ever we gave then a rare old doing. Alf Rougier got the fumes from a high explosive shell but is quite well and uninjured. Also Ted Bigge is all right. The Essex have made a name for themselves and have been commended by the General in charge." Harry adds: "Claude is a son and a brother anybody would well be proud of. He walked or ran about under fire (some fire too) and was as unconcerned as they make them. He brought us water and ammunition under fire and was a great help in taking messages. We had severe casualties; but I think we gave the Turks a worse doing. we only just escapedbeing taken prisoners by the skin of our teeth. I had some fine targets, and with two or more guns repelled them at about 80 yards range. We captured all the Turks' General Staff in a mosque."
In an article in the "Egyptian Mail," Mr. Frank Reid writes: "There are countless miles of the finest fertile land in that portion of Palestine now in our possession. Agriculture has anguished, however, and as a consequence the richest land has degenerated into barren waste, inhospitable to man and beast alike. The Arabs are happy to be relieved of Turkish tyranny, and do not give any trouble to the authority set over them. They are finding a splendid market for their grain and receiving from the British Army prices for their produce which they never dreamt of in bygone days. Whatever future may await this land which is being freed from the oppression of the Turks it will never again become a hot-bed of German - Turkish machinations to threaten the downfall of the land of the Pharoahs."
Private Alfred Henry Rougier (5355, 275896)
Perhaps many of your readers who have relatives and friends in Essex units would like to hear news of their boys who are fighting in the Holy land. Unfortunately, the news at present isn't going to be cheery, as ever so many of West Ham's boys now lie asleep on a green hillside in Palestine. Previous to the action which took place on about Monday, March 26th, we had trekked across endless deserts, marching day after day for weeks. Finally we reached a spot about three miles from the town of --------. The latter was a Turkish position, well fortified in many places. Strong redoubts dominated a huge wide, open plain, which gave no cover. Across this plain, against mighty odds, the Essex boys advanced. The leading battalions consisted of many men from Manor Park Ilford and Romford districts, followed by battalions well known to Stratford and Walthamstow. The whole force moved up under a murderous heavy fire from the strong Turkish redoubts, and in spite of the terrible conditions, lack of food and water and exhaustion, not one man faltered. We gained our objective towards evening and, utterly famished, gasping for water, we flung ourselves into the enemy's trenches and consolidated the position. Nightfall came, with all it's horrors. Dead and wounded were strewn on that hillside when the Turkish half-moon rose and shone on that ghastly scene. God it was terrible! Turkos and British both were too exhausted to carry on, and a parley was made to remove the wounded. All that night remnants from an Essex unit assisted to carry the wounded away. Dumps were made for the dead and pilled up for burial. Just after midnight we evacuated the hill, and retired. However, operations were again resumed next morning. The units who were acting as reserves in the previous day's attack moved up again. So the ------- and the --------- went through the whole action again. Needless to say, we suffered rather heavily. About midday I stopped a bullet in my chest and crawled to an advanced dressing station. A camel carried me away from the line, and later, by a series of intervals of a few miles, ambulance mule wagons, camels, stretchers, etc, I arrived here in this clearing station, where I met scores of Essex lads having their wounds dressed, all cheery as ever. Well I've tried to give you as I saw it all. Please tell West Ham people that Palestine is not Holy; on the contrary, it is full of blood, machine guns, shells made at our Woolwich probably, and, well it's not a land of milk and honey. All the boys were magnificent, splendid and I only wish that my poor uneducated brain could describe the sacrifice and heroism of Essex troops. Good luck to your paper. Now for a clean up, a nice bed, and clean sheets, operating tables and, best of all, English nurses, white ladies who speak English.
CON GRANGE
Base Hospital, March 30th, 1917.
Stamford Express