Denaby heroes
Two more Medallists Honoured
Two more military medallist were honoured at Denaby main on Friday night. The event took place in the picture palace, where a large company had assembled. The recipients were:
Sergeant F.W Wood (Wellgate Conisbrough) of the York and Lancs regiment, and
Bombardier G.T.Worth (Clifton Street Denaby main), of the R.F.A.
The Sergeant, at Ypres, on September 24 and 25th last;
“carried wounded under heavy shellfire and under great physical strain.”
The bombardier, on October 26 at Passchendaele, Belgian:
“after his sergeant had been killed, took charge of the gun and kept firing, under enemy fire; and when his comrade fell back wounded, assisted in carrying him to a place of safety, dressed his wounds, and returned to the gun; finding the other comrade killed, he continue firing until the gun was destroyed by the enemy fire.”
Mr H Hulley, manager of the Cadeby colliery, presided, and said the directors were men were proud to honour the Sgt and bombardier for their conspicuous gallantry will. St behoved the workers at home also to do their duty, as far as possible, and thus be the means of giving all the assistance they could to the brave lads will stop
Mr W.H.Chambers, managing director of the Denaby and Cadeby collieries, then presented the Sgt and bombardier each with a gold watch and illuminated address in honour of their heroism. We hoped they would be spared to come back home and live amongst them for many years. It was right that they who could not go to the front should honour the lads in this way. They were doing their bit in France and elsewhere and were encountering great hardships in order that we might be kept in comparative safety. He (Mr Chambers) wondered people at some to think more; whilst the boys are fighting were we doing anything at all?
A voice: yes
Mr Chambers: what?
The voice: working
Mr Chambers: sometimes. There are those who are working and putting good time and there can be no fault found their stop they are doing all they can to help to win this war. But there are others who are doing their level best to lose it, and they don’t want the war to be ended.
Sgt Wood: Hear, hear.
Mr Chambers: they should think about what these lads are doing away from home, and should not shirk the work. It is nothing but shirking work when they will only go to it two or three days a week.
The voice: on “bully beef.” (Laughter)
Mr Chambers: then add a good many men, quite a lot of them, who instead of working harder and more regularly, do not work nearly as hard or so regular as they did before the war. We are hearing of disputes, strikes, and profiteering all of the place. Was that the way to win the war? (No)
The lads were experiencing a great deal more inconvenience than we at home were and we should do our utmost to assist them in winning the war. Is only object to mentioning this was to set them thinking. Neglect and other things arose from lack of thought. But it meant a great deal to the boys were endearing such great hardships, and were so cheerful and brave not withstanding. (Cheers)
The chairman said it was only right to mention that sergeant Wood was recommended to take a commission and that he had agreed to do so. It show the state in which the lads went about their work will stop
Sgt Wood thank the directors and workmen for their kindness. Turning to the one who made interjections, he added:
“And we have to fight on bully beef, whilst you say you work on it.” (Laughter and cheers)
Bombardier worth said:
“I also thank you all. Whilst we are fighting for our country we are under the finest discipline in the British army, which, in years gone by, helped us to keep the glorious empire we now possess. (Loud cheers)
Mr Davies moved, and Mr words are seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the proprietor for the use of the picture Palace.