East Anglian Royal Engineers Near the Front Line

Tuesday 5th January 1915: Today we have heard from some of the men of the 1st East Anglian Field Company, Royal Engineers, a Territorial Army unit based in Bedford in peace time. Sapper H. Statham of 147 Castle Road, Bedford told us: “We are 600 yards off the firing line, digging trenches, with the shells flying over us. You can see the ambulances bringing the wounded up the road”. The company is Guarbecque, north-west of Béthune.

Sapper W. Prentice of Clapham told us: “We had our first experience of actual warfare today when we were digging trenches. Our artillery was shelling the German lines behind us. It was a funny sensation to hear the shells screaming over our heads, but we soon got used to it. The Germans tried to reply, but they were a bit wide; we could see the shells explode in the field next to us, and a stray bullet or two came over our heads. Send me some chocolate and cigarettes as soon as possible”.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 15th January 1915

Presents for the 2nd Bedfords

Sunday 3rd January 1915: Major W. H. Denne, commanding officer of the 2nd Bedfords tells us: “A large consignment of presents arrived from the Women of Bedfordshire Comforts’ Fund a few days ago, consisting of a towel, a handkerchief, one piece of soap and two candles. This has been distributed to the men of the battalion and I cannot tell you how delighted they were with it. They call it the best present they have ever had, and from what I hear I think it must be true. If I may make a suggestion I should like to say that socks are one of the most needed things these days. A very few days in the trenches wears them out. Then again gloves not mittens are always required. Would you mind expressing my very best thanks to the “Women of Bedfordshire” for their great kindness and forethought in providing the men of the Battalion with so many comforts. You will only be able to realise how much they appreciate them when they come home and can speak for themselves”.

Lady Ampthill, who runs the committee, adds that a pot of Vaseline and a cake of chocolate were also sent to each man. Beside this Christmas largesse she tells us the committee has also sent out over the months: 1,833 pairs of socks; 1,321 pairs of mittens; 914 scarves; 535 body belts; 453 shirts; 50 housewives (1); 88 sleeping helmets; 24 pairs of kneecaps; 12 cardigans; 8 chest protectors; 4 Thermos flasks; 31,000 cigarettes; 6 gross of matches; tooth brushes; writing paper; peppermints; acid drops; tinder lighters; letter-wallets; braces; boracic condiment and cold cream.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 15th January 1915

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(1) A housewife (pronounced “hussif”) was the army term for an all-purpose sewing kit.