Extracts from THE JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE December 1915, Vol. 5 No. 7
THE SCHOOL AND THE WAR
Seven members of the Staff have been fortunate enough to obtain leave to proceed on Active Service. Mr. Payne is Lieutenant and Quartermaster to the 8th Battalion, Mr. Cheeseman and Mr. Cooper have obtained commissions in the “Sportsman's" Battalion, which Mr. Watts has also joined, and Mr, Thomson is going with the Transport. All of the above are for German East, while Mr. Manduell and Mr. Candy are going to England to Kitchener's Army.
Mr. Cheeseman has been persona1ly thanked by his Colonel for the immense amount of' work he has done in organizing and recruiting for the Sportsman's Battalion. Of the boys, Bugler Rowat went Home with the 1st Brigade, Buglers R Osborn and S. Scott; V. Tremayne and J. McKechnie have joined the 7th Battalion, while M L. Melvill and J. P. Marr are going to join the O.T.C, in England early next year. J. Linklater and E. H. Kemp, are both trying to go with the 2nd Brigade to German East Africa.
There will probably be others, and the School, especially the Cadets, are proud of them all.
Congratulations to those who have obtained commissions in various branches of the Imperial Forces ..
"Babs" Kinkead is flying vigorously. We have just heard that he fell 1,000 feet recently, but escaped with the temporary loss of consciousness and a few teeth.
We regret to hear that Capt. G. W. Fox, 1st Hants, has been very severely wounded in the Dardanelles. It is .reported that he is at present lying in hospital at Malta. 'We wish him a speedy and thorough recovery.
L. Cpl R. Proctor, who was wounded in Flanders some months ago, has not made as rapid a recovery as we hoped. We trust that a better report of his progress will soon be available.
Heartiest congratulation to Flight Sub-Lieut. Viney, who was in the school about 13 years ago. Whilst patrolling the Belgian coast on Sunday, November 28th, he dropped a bomb on a German submarine, which sank in a few minutes with its back broken. Field-Marshal French considered the feat of sufficient importance to warrant a special dispatch describing it to the War Office.
Cpl. H.A. Kieser, of the 7th Australian Light Horse, has had an exciting and rough time in the trenches with the “Anzacs” in Gallipoli
Quite a number of our boys will be serving in German-East in the Sportmen’s Company under Lieuts. Cheeseman and A.H.C. Cooper. We offer our sympathies to those members who have been “turned down” by the doctors, and trust other members will be found to take their places in the battalions they wished to join.
OLD BOYS AT THE WAR (Letters from the Front)
A LETTER FROM FLANDERS
No. 3 Field Ambulance,
8th Guards Brigade,
17th October, 1915
To the Staff and Boys of Jeppe High School.
Whilst sitting in the cellar of a brewery, or rather what was once a brewery in the ante bellum, I received a very official looking document from .Johannesburg, and in it I found to my surprise and delight a book of excellent photos of J.H.S. its new and attractive houses, together with a letter from "the Head" demanding a letter from a one-time member of the Governing Body, now "somewhere in France.”
It was very nice of him to think of asking me, but I find it difficult to know where to start or what to say; one has to be so careful in these matters. There is a Censor, whose eagle eye searches out incautious remark and literally, blots them out - there are my English and my spelling which will certainly need censoring before they reach the Editor's critical eye and of his captious readers. There is also a brain-none too fertile at the best of time but just now almost addled by the noise going on around - " addled " is a good way for if thunder addles eggs, then surely none-the-less will modern warfare addle anything which even threatens to be fertile.
And here I must say in advance the chaplains have been notorious in this for getting themselves disliked by those in authority, through seemingly innocent letters to parish magazines or other trying publications.-[e.g., J.H.S.M.? - Ed.]
"Somewhere in France "-I suppose that means a place; well, this was once a "place," but you would hardly know it today; it has a name but it has no house with even a roof intact-merely a few awning to keep the rain out, and a small number of cellars into which we creep like rats, with which indeed we get on with the closest friendship.
A small town it was-now it is a scene of the most hopeless and abject dilapidation. No-guess again-it is the "Wipers." Each day its roofless houses decrease in numbers each day great piles of bricks are hurtled into the streets, each day, almost, a fresh portion is blown from the square tower of its ancient Norman Church, where still hangs the Crucifix, the only remaining ornament; till one wonders whether eventually one brick will remain on another.
The brewery, in the cellars of which I sit writing, is a mass of ruins save for the said cellars, which house the personnel of the advance dressing station of the Field Ambulance. To it are brought the wounded of our Brigade; magnificent men to bravest of the brave, among whom it is a privilege and an inspiration to work. They seldom complain, they hardly even groan; they are grateful always for the slightest attention; enough indeed to make one's heart bum at being able to do so little when one wants to do so much.
A little drink, a "Woodbine','' a word of cheer, and off they go by motor to be properly dressed at the Field Ambulance in the next village-almost safe from shell fire. I say almost safe, because one is never absolutely safe from the biggest shells -·we had a dozen monsters over one evening at 11 p.m., which pitched within 100 yards of the hospital.
Some people say they get used to shells, I wish I could say the same; I am sure I never shall. The rush through the air, the whistle, the shriek or whine (according to the size) all go to "make the cold shivers play 'ell wiv yer spine," as the trench-poet hath it very aptly; to say nothing of the burst, when bricks, mortar, pieces of iron and shell fly in every direction.
I was just going out to-day, when they started shelling this portion of what is left of this town. The first blew up an apology for a double-storey house 20 yards to my left, the second pitched in the back of a house to my right-whereat I beat a respectful retreat to our cellars-the third pitched in "our" yard, killed two men and exploded some bombs stored there. The fourth blew in the wall opposite, and the fifth landed in the corner of our building, shaking the whole place and bringing down plaster and bricks, until it seemed that my end was to be buried in a Johannesburg dust-storm after all.
About a fortnight ago in another cellar about a mile away I was sleeping in a room with three doctors, when a shell entered and burst in one corner, filling the room with debris but hurting no one. I slept through it all! Don't laugh; it is a perfect godsend out here to have one deaf ear and be a heavy sleeper. I sleep on the sound ear.
The trenches here are really magnificent; 10 feet deep in some places and specially built for carrying wounded through them. One can see nothing but the sky for what seems to be miles, and the continual swishing and crackling overhead make one wish for one of the latest pattern steel helmets. As one gets nearer the front the "pip-squeaks" begin to hit the parapet and, the "plut" of bullets is almost continuous. In the German trenches recently captured the dug-outs are 20 feet deep, wood-lined and lit by electricity.
I could say a good bit about military and medical operations, but the former is not allowed and the latter is not experient. Things seem to fail when everything is won in the most exasperating way; we are buying our experience and paying for our mistakes very dearly, but the spirit of the troops is wonderful under all conditions. The men are superb, and everyone is keener on winning than ever at the beginning; there is no thought of drawing back. We need every material and human force in the Empire to crush the oppressor, and we must make every effort in any part of the globe where he is to be found. It is no good to say he is at the end of his tether; while we pray that this is so, we must be prepared for every sacrifice and to carry on for years if necessary.
I saw one of your Sunday papers recently, and it really made me sick to see how they try to buoy you up with false hopes and exaggerate every success beyond all recognition. No doubt they take their cue from London, but believe me; we are disgusted with, that sort of thing out here, and consider that such writers are doing a disservice to the Empire. I am convinced that we shall win, but it will only be by telling people the truth and urging them to more sacrifice and more control.
The organisation of our enemies is wonderful; ours needs much improvement, but nothing can compare with the spirit of the men, and when our organisation is perfected nothing can prevent us from marching forward to ultimate victory. The goal lies ahead, but if we look back for an instant we may lose the prize.
I hear that the school has done her share magnificently, and I can well believe it, knowing the principles in which you have been trained - the firm belief that you are a real part in our great Empire, and that you have to share its burdens as well as its privileges. It may perhaps happen that some of you older boys will be called upon to take your part in the great struggle, and it is well to prepare for it; to steel yourselves to discipline, and to look forward with cheeriness and pride to taking your place in the ranks of the defenders of the Empire.
Whatever part you take, whether in the fighting line or in a seemingly less distinguished capacity, do it with all your power and with a earnestness that will convince others that yon are determined to uphold the name of your School, your country, and your Empire.
Lastly, I wish to say how proud we from South Africa are of what she has done. The School seems to have been well represented at the front; and I hope that of the Old Boys who find themselves near the Guards Division will communicate with me.
This letter takes with it my very best wishes to the School, and I hope you will send· me the Magazine as often as you remember to do so.
PAT McCORMICK, C.F.
Extract of letter from M. S. le Mare
Durham Castle
2.086 miles from Capetown
27.8.15
“This boat is fitted up as a troopship; we are living in the hold ‘forard’ and the 3rd class saloon. We sleep in hammocks which, up to the present, I have found most comfortable, except when one in the ‘midst of dreams’ falls out suddenly on to the table below. The sea is very calm, but when we left Capetown it was rough, and hundreds were sick, sprawling all over the deck. I was very fit, but I didn’t feel much like a rich dinner…
We drew for mess orderlies for the voyage. I naturally pulled out the marked ticket, but still the job is all right; it is so hot when we scrub down the table at 8.30 a.m. It is jolly funny to hear the chaps complain about the hardships of the ship. Adams misses the serviettes, waiters and some home conforts; sometimes I could do with D.’s puddings.
We were sleeping out last night on the deck when the rain came down in torrents and we had to quit it”
Extract of letter from M. S. le Mare
Near London
14.10.15
“I must tell you about my experiences last night. At about 10.30, F. came rushing in and informed me that the Zepps were here. We rushed out and could see the shrapnel from our aircraft guns bursting and searchlights flashing all around us. The row suddenly subsided, and we all went to bed. At 12 again loud reports were heard, and I jumped in a pair of breeks and put on my coat. I looked from my window and this is what I saw (a cigar-like sketch drawn here by), with shrapnel bursting, and bombs dropping could be seen clearly. You can easily understand my surprise, and the gun kicks up blazes and shakes everything. However, it all quietened down again, and we went to bed. We hear rumours that a lot of damage was done.”
“We are training at Borden (Salisbury Plain). I got 7 days leave on Tuesday. I only arrived Monday. I am ‘doing’ London to-day, with a dinner at the Savoy.”
Pte. M.S. LE MARE
No.9 Platoon, C. Coy., 3rd Regt.
S.A. Overseas Contingent.
Copy
FATHER NEPTUNE
In the court of the Chief Justice.
To the High Sheriff on board the S.S. “Durham Castle” or his Lawful Deputy
Greeting:-
You are hereby ordered to take into lawful custody the person of M.S. Le Mare, of the South African Overseas Contingent, on the charge of failing to notify the proper authorities that he had hitherto crossed the line, and to produce him at the trial to be held on board the S.S. “Durham Castle” on Wednesday, the 29th September, 1915, at 2.30p.m., or such hour thereafter, as he may be called upon to stand his trial.
These presents shall serve as a warrant, and shall indemnify you personally against any proceedings which may be subsequently taken at the instance of the accused.
Dated this day, 29th September, 1915.
Registrar of the court
J. PINCHIM
Serving fee, 6d.
We have endeavoured to get our lists of Old Boys at the Front as complete as possible. Omissions seem to occur in each list we publish, but if parents and friends would be good enough to send particulars to the Editor we should be grateful.
JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL ROLL OF HONOUR, as at December 1915
C. W, Arnot Pte., 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
T. Berry, Pte., 7th Batt. S.A.I.
E Bower, Gunner, S,.A.F.A .
C. W. Beuthin, Gunner, S.A.F.A.
W. Bradshaw, Sergt., S.A. Scott.
C.R Bredell, Pte, S.A. Scott.
C. Brown, Sapper, RE.
A. L. Cheeseman, Lieut., 7th Batt. S.A.I.
A. H. C. Cooper, Lieut., 7th Batt. S.A.I.
W. F. Candy, Kitchener's Army.
R. H. Clarke. O.T.C.. Cambridge U.
R. Cook, Signaller, 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
- Chapman, Pte., 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
R. T. Campbell, Driver, Motor Transport.
G. Dixon, Pte., S.A. Scottish.
H. Dixon, Pte., S.A. Scottish.
C. English, Pte., 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
Geo. Fox, Capt., 1st Hants.
H A, Foote, Lieut., R.A.M.C.
L. Furze, Pte, Machine Guns, 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
R. H. Featonby, Sapper, R.E
-. Hansbrook, Pte, 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
- Hine, ?
C. Julian, 2nd-Lieut., R.G.A.
-. Joy, Lance·Sergt., lst. Australians
-. Joy. Pte., 1st Australians
S. Kinkead, Flight Sub-Lieut., R.N.
H. Kieser, Cpl. 7th Australian L.H
H. Kelly, Motor Transport, S.A.I.
T. A. Letters, Lieut., 3rd Gordon Highlanders (killed in Flanders)
D. J. Laing. Gunner, S.A.F.A.
K R. Lashniek, Munitions.
M. S. le Mare, Pte., 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
-. Mulholland, Pte, (in Europe somewhere).
C. Mason, Pte., S.A. Scottish.
C. Marshall, Pte., 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
G. Mckenzie, Pte., S.A Scottish.
R. W. Nelson, Pte., S.A, Scottish,
TR. Osborn, Bugler, 7th Batt. S.A.I.
J.H.A. Payne, Lieut. and Q.M, 8th Batt. S.A.I
- Perrow, Lieut. (in Europe).
R. Proctor, L-Cpl.,. R. E. (badly wounded in Flanders).
-. Parkin. L-Cpl.. N. Kent Fusiliers.
C. Perridge, 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
G. Ross, Pte, S.A. Scottish.
D. R, Ross, Pte., S.A. Scottish.
H. Russell, A.B., R.N.
G. Rowat, Bugler S. A. Scottish.
L.E. Rutherford, Gunner, S.A.F.A.
A. Roberts, Pte., S.A. Scottish.
-. Ricketts, Pte,
F. Secretan, Eng. Lieut., R.N.
C,F. Secretan, Air Mechanic.
-, Sparrow, Pte., 11th Lancers.
C.E.V. Shipton, Gunner, S.A.F.A.
L Stilwell, Pte 7th Batt. S.A.I.
H.M Stewart, .Pte, 7th Batt. S.A.I
D. Surtees, Munitions.
A. Simnet, Pte., 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
J Sinclair, Pte., 7th Batt. S.A.I.
C. Silvester (in Europe).
S. Scott, Bugler, 3rd Batt, S.A.I.
A. W. Thomson, Conductor, Transport.
J. Thompson. Pte, S.A. Scottish.
A. Thorburn, Gunner, S.A.F.A.
V. Tremayne, Bugler, 7th Batt S.A.I.
G. A. Treadwell, Sergt. S.A.M.C.
J. N. Watts,. Pte., 7th Batt. S.A.I.
~. Williamson, Pte.
L.A. White, Pte., S.A. Scottish.
W.G. Parkin, Corpl. R.F.
J. English, Gunner, S.A.H.A,
D. Allport, Pte, 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
JT. Douglas, Bugler, 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
S. Stokes. Pte, 7th Batt. S.A.I.
F. R Catterall, Pte., 7th Batt. S.A.I.
F. L. Melvill, Pte, 7th Batt. S.A.I.
J. McKechnie, Pte., 7th Batt. S.A.I.
L. J. Whytock, Pte., 7th Batt,. S.A.I.
R.J. Redman, Inns of Court O.T.C.
W, J. Wallett, Inns of Court O.T.C.
H.W. Campbell, S.A. Horse.
Flight Sub·Lieut. T. Viney, R.N.F.C.
M.D. Manduell, Kitchener's Army.
E.W. Woodhouse, 7th Batt. S.A.I
A.F. Leschnick, 7th Batt. S.A.I.
H E. Bowern, 7th Batt S.A.I.
J, Hogg, 9th Batt. S.A.I.
D. Adams, R.A.M.C., England. |
