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First World War 1917-18

WREXHAM & EAST DENBIGHSHIRE TELEGRAPH

1917–1918

Allies United, silk postcard. WCBM 85.270.30

D.S.C. FOR WREXHAM MAN

Pte. T. Jones, R.W.F, of Colemere-street, Wrexham, has just been awarded the Distinguished Service Certificate on which is inscribed the following “On 10th July 1916 in Mametz Wood, this man with three others maintained a gallant defence against a counter attack by the Germans when other troops had fallen back. This gallant action saved a critical situation, and he was a fine example to his comrades.”

(Wrexham Advertiser, October 6th 1917)

RUABON NAVAL OFFICERS DARING DEEDS

Naval Flight Commander Howard Saint of the Royal Naval Air Service has been decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross. The official record of the deeds which merited this high honour is as follows: For conspicuous bravery in attacking superior formations of enemy aircraft on 21st and 23rd September last. He has also shown great courage in attacking enemy troops and aerodromes with machine-gun fire from very low altitudes.

(Wrexham Advertiser, November 10th 1917)

PEACE MEETING AT WREXHAM

BROKEN UP BY SOLDIERS

Lively scenes were witnessed at a meeting held at the Pavilion, Maesgwyn Road, Wrexham, on Friday night, under the auspices of the Women’s Peace Movement.

Mrs Glazier, the well-known Socialist, rose to speak and had not uttered more than one sentence when the khaki members of the audience ranged themselves for the attack.

Mr E.J.Williams, a local labour representative, protested vehemently against the interruptions, and said the time would come when they would have to listen. A General Election would show them how the country felt on the matter. Scenes of disorder followed.

The meeting broke up into knots of disputants who continued to argue the point until exhaustion put an end to their efforts; while rival members of audience sang ‘The Red Flag’, ‘Rule Britannia’ or ‘God Save the King’ according to each group’s political persuasion.

(Wrexham Advertiser, abridged, March 9th 1918)

Wrexham Archives 1057-58

THE ARMISTICE

PEACE REJOICINGS IN WREXHAM

On Monday morning the welcome news came through that Germany has accepted the terms of the Allies in respect of an armistice.

The joyful news of Peace was received considerably earlier than anticipated. The persistent buzzing of a hooter at the leather works at about 10.30am was the harbinger of the good tidings. By noon, the town was crowded with delighted citizens, whilst almost every building was decorated with every available article of festoonery.

By common consent tools were ‘downed’ in all workshops of the Borough and lorry loads of munition girls in their overalls, and groups of male workers on foot were soon to be seen parading the streets of the town.

(Wrexham Advertiser, November 16th 1918)

First World War postcard. WCBM87.83.12

KILLED IN ACTION

The following letter has been received by Mrs and Mrs Maddocks, Edward-street, Wrexham, the parents of the late Pte. Sam Maddocks, R.W.F., who was killed in action on Aug.23rd. “It is with very great sorrow that I write to offer you the deepest sympathy of the Company and myself at your great loss. Your son has done excellent work out here ever since 1916. I have always found him to be a splendid soldier and a fine man. I can only add that he was killed on Aug. 23rd during the early stages of the great advance, which is going on so gloriously now.” The letter was written by his captain.

(Wrexham Advertiser, September 28th 1918)

Editorial

America joined the war on the side of Britain and France in 1917. Although the Russians in effect surrendered to the Germans in early 1918, war weariness and the arrival of US forces forced Germany to agree to an armistice on November 11th 1918. The Allies had won – just!

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