Mexborough and Swinton Times March 9, 1918

Another Denaby Hero
Presents for A Gallant Company Runner
Mr Chambers on The “Vicious Circle.”

At the Denaby Main Picture Hall, on Wednesday, a presentation a gold watch and illuminated address was made to private A.D.Barker, of the Royal Naval Division, of Maltby Street, Denaby Main, who had won the military medal “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in delivering messages under heavy barrage fire by the enemy and rendering valuable assistance to your officer on October 26 and 27 1970, at Passchendaele.”

Mr. H Hulley, manager of the Cadeby Main Colliery, presided.

The Chairman said they were proud to have another of their brave lads with them that night. He volunteered in October. 1914. He was drafted out to Gallipoli with the Royal Naval Division. From there he went to Salonica and Eastern waters. Then he was transferred to France, where he served as a company runner. It was owing to his gallantry at this work that he was awarded the Military Medal    Had he not got the messages through, reinforcements could not have arrived, and the enemy raiding parties would have been successful. The messages were, at times, taken under a barrage of fire lasting six hours, and sometimes he had to creep through water several feet deep in order to evade the snipers.

When the lads behaved like this abroad, surely we who were left at home need not grumble at our little hardships, but would do our best cheerfully, to help those who were doing their very best to secure us victory. He hoped Barker would be spared to spend a happy life amongst them again. (Cheers.)

Mr. W. H. Chambers in presenting an illuminated address and gold watch, said it was only fitting that they should recognise what the brave soldiers and sailors were doing in this great war. He only wished they were as enthusiastic in doing their duty at home. But there were many men at home who were really doing their best to help to loge the war. The brave lads did their dangerous work on land and sea for littie pay and not much encouragement. Was it not then shameful that there should be men at home who, because-wages were high, would only work two or three days a week.

He spoke particularly in reference to the coal trade. Really, he felt sometimes many men were doing their level best to undo the work the gallant lads were doing at the front. When we remembered what quantities of coal were needed in France and Italy and elsewhere, as well as at home, and that it was imperative in the interests of the soldiers that it be sent, was it not lamentable that working-men at home would not act up to this instead of being such slackers? Surely it was only reasonable to expect that all men would do a reasonable share of work, in search days as these, notwithstanding the fact that many thought the good pay for two or three days was enough for them.

He spoke particularly in reference to the coal trade. Really, he felt sometimes many men were doing their level best to undo the work the gallant lads were doing at the front. When we remembered what quantities of coal were needed in France and Italy and elsewhere, as well as at home, and that it was imperative in the interests of the soldiers that it be sent, was it not lamentable that working-men at home would not act up to this instead of being such slackers? Surely it was only reasonable to expect that all men would do a reasonable share of work, in search days as these, notwithstanding the fact that many thought the good pay for two or three days was enough for them.

Selfishness seemed to pervade all ranks; everybody seemed to be out to get all they could for themselves—to get as much plunder as possible. Farmers, shop-keepers, and everybody were charging all they could for it.

All this kind of thing went on in a vicious circle. It applied to all occupations alike. The collier wanted more pay because of the increased cost of living, and he got it. Then the coalowner, in order to pay it, put up the price of the commodity. The same kind of thing went on with the farmer. the shopkeeper, the steel worker, and the ship-builder. Thus extra prices were put on. Up went the cost of living. It went on like this ad infinitum.

If we at home would only do our duty more fully and would economise, if we would only act more vigorously we would prevent much sacrifice of life on the part of these brave fellows, and we should hasten the end of the great struggle. He said these things in the hope of making an impression for more conscientious attention to duty, and if they did so they would, bring about the day when the great cost of Army and Navy would end, and when money thus expended would be spent in more beneficent ways. (Cheers.)

Private Barker acknowledged the gifts amid much cheering.

Mr. A. Davies, in moving a vote of thanks to the manager for the use of the Picture Hall, spoke of Barker as having been his driver in the pit, and had a character beyond reproach. (Cheers.)

Mr. John Merrill seconded the a resolution which was cordially received.