Extracts from THE JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE June 1916, Vol. 6 No. 1
DEATHS
LOWDEN. Killed in action on March 11th at Salaita Hill, John Howth Lowden, Lieutenant, 7th S.A.I., a former master, age 25
BARNES. Died in British East Africa while on active service, Robert Norman Barnes, of the 7th S.A.I., he left the school in December, 1913.
VINEY. Killed on May 21st while flying over the enemy’s lines in Flanders, Lieutenant Taunton Viney, D.S.O., Royal Naval Air Service aged 25.
MASTERS ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Lieutenant Payne entertained a party of Old Boys at the Queen’s Hotel, Potchefstroom, just before the 2nd Brigade left for B.E.A. Owing to the short notice but few were able to present.
The following enjoyed a very pleasant reunion:
Privates White, Gilroy, G. Treadwell, F.W. van Renen, G. Bellin, L. Whytock, S. Gowan, J. Hogg, H.M. Stewart, and G. Stokes
Lieutenant Payne, Quarter-Master of the 8th S.A.I., was reported severely wounded on May 21st. We are very glad to state that he has quite recovered and has rejoined his regiment.
We congratulate Captain Cheeseman, of the 9th S.A.I., on his promotion. We hear that he is marching miles and miles, but has stood the exigencies f the campaign splendidly.
Trooper W.F. Candy, of the 4th S.A.H., has been in hospital with a bad attack of dysentery. He is once more with his regiment.
Private J.N. Watts has also been in hospital. He is with the 9th S.A.I. and is now with the troops again.
Lieutenant A.W. Thompson is with the mounted regiment, and appears to be in the thick of it.
Mr M.D. Manduell is training with the O.T.C. for the Artillery. He is at present stationed at Topsham, Barracks, Exeter. He writes most cheerily, and says that he has to do an examination every week. He even relates that the officers tell him that they have to take three quarters of his papers for granted. (We wonder why!!) As he is making a deep study of Mathematics, he says that he is now most proud to think that he, with one other member of the staff, always advocated the allotment of many periods a week for that branch of learning in our time-table!!
His latest letters tell us that he has been in hospital for three weeks, having had an accident with a gun. He is quite well again and expected to be moved to fresh quarters soon for further training. He has been captaining a team at Rugby football, and finds that military exercises have improved his staying powers. During the early days of his training window-cleaning seemed to be one of his chief hobbies.
He says: “The great thing is to appear occupied. I spent an hour one wet day cleaning one small window which another man had cleaned for the same time an hour previously.”
Lieutenant A.H.C. Cooper is with 9th S.A.I. The last we heard of him was that he was left with more than 150 bootless men, but was about to set out to catch up with the main body.
LETTERS FROM MASTERS ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Captain Cheeseman relates the following amusing adventure: -
Tuesday, 22nd February
“I little thought that when I last wrote and said that I was off for a shoot that should go slap into a vindictive foe-but so it was.
All went well as the start. Some of us carried rifles, and I had a double-bore shot-gun. We extended and failed to put up game in open bush-then we got into thick bush. I shot a weird rat-monkey animal with a fluffy tail-went into and island of reeds and thorns-picked it up, when of a sudden the enemy were upon me. I got five wounds before you could say “Jac-!” –one in my left cheek, one above my the right eye, another below, and two in the head. I hope you won’t be ashamed, but I fairly ran for it as I have never run before. Picture the stay-at-home pedagogue-feet flying-drops of sweat running down his glasses-helmet bump-bump, and only held on by the strap-only defensive weapon a shot-gun, hotly pursued by the enemy. How I ran-simply scorched down the hill and through the spikey reeds-tangled bush-prickly trees-rank interwoven grass-and my relief when the enemy stopped in the thick bush and did not pursue any further. When I reached--he said “What the dickens were you shooting at.” Then he saw my face and my handkerchief. “What on earth is the matter?” he said, in a state of great excitement. Then I told him that I had got right into the midst of a swarm of bees (now the cats out), and the brute laughed.”
“OLD BOYS” ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Heartiest congratulations to Captain G.W. fox, of the Hampshire Regiment, on receiving the D.S.O. for his bombing exploits at Hill 60, Dardenelles.
Lieutenant T. Viney, of the Royal Naval Air Services, also received the D.S.O. for his feat in the sinking a submarine by dropping a bomb on it. We very much regret to state that he has since been killed.
We hear on very good authority that G.B. Treadwell, of the 8th S.A.I., greatly distinguished himself by his bravery in action. We also hear that unfortunately no officer was present to report on his conduct.
Private F.L. Melvill, 7th S.A.I. was severely wounded at the second battle of Salaita Hill at almost the same moment as Lieutenant Lowden was killed. He was wounded in the foot, and is at present in Wynberg Hospital. We hope that he will soon be quite recovered from his wound.
We hear that Driver Linklater, of the Mechanical Transport, is now with the Belgian Force in East Africa. He has had many adventures with lions.
Flight-Lieutenant S. Kinkead has been in hospital owing to an accident. He was only just able to et back to the British lines before his engine failed.
Lance-Corporal H.A. Keiser has been very ill in hospital in Egypt. A severe attach of rheumatism was his trouble
Corporal W.G. Parkin “A” Co. 22nd Royal Fusiliers, has been wounded in Flanders.
Private N.E. Poulton, 7th S.A.I. has been severely wounded in East Africa.
Private R. Patrick has also been wounded, but we are pleased to say only slightly. He is with the 7th S.A.I.
Privates M.L. Melvill and J. Marr are, we hear, now in Flanders with the Artillery.
Private R. Redman is training with the Artillery at Luton. He expects to be at the front very shortly.
H. Lindsay is with the O.T.C. at Cambridge, his headquarters being at Pembroke College. He is the only South African among two hundred.
Privates L.S. Williams and E.H. Kemp are our latest recruits. They left for East Africa at the beginning of June.
F. Secretan, E.R.A., is now on H.M. Submarine S1.
Air Mechanic C. Secretan is with the S.A. Aviation Corps, East African Force. We hear that he spends his leisure time in feeding a baby Cheetah with a bottle.
J.M. Ruthven has been given a commission in the Lancers and is attached to the 7th Reserve Brigade (Cavalry).
LETTERS FROM “OLD BOYS” SERVING WITH THE COLOURS
Drummer G. Rowat writes as follows to his father from Egypt:-
S.A. Scottish
Army Post Office
London, 9.2.16.
“The regiment has been eleven days on the water, and we are now in a country the climate of which is similar to that of South Africa. We are camped in tents near the sea so we take advantage of this and go for a bathe when we feel inclined. You know that we are not allowed to put anything in a letter which may give the enemy any information.
“I met Bugler Sinclair in the 3rd Regiment; he used to be in Mr. Anthony’s class. I have just received the Jeppe High School Magazine which you sent me, and am surprised at the number of Masters and boys who have joined. I send good luck to them and wish a safe return to all.
This is the usual routine for the day:-
Reveille, 6 a.m.; wash; take your bedding and equipment, etc., outside of each tent and fix up those things which are liable to make one late for parade. About 7 a.m. the cry of “Roll up for your scoff” tells you it is breakfast time. This morning we had porridge, bacon, and a pound of bread. After breakfast we dress for parade, and the band plays the regiment out for a distance of about five miles amongst the sand hills. Half an hour’s rest and we fall in again, the regiment then being split up into companies. Each company takes its own direction. They then attack each other in skirmishing order, each party trying to defeat or surround its opponents. This goes on till the dinner hour, 1 p.m. then men are served out with stew from the field kitchens.
“After Dinner half the regiment guard the camp, while the other half attack it; these operations take up the afternoon. Tea is ready for us when we get back to camp, and after tea we are free to do what we like.
“One fellow in our tent is very fond of jam, and one night before going to bed he tied a tin of jam to one of the ropes near his bed. This same night a very strong wind sprang up, and caused the tent to sway. The tin became loose and fell. The wind grew stronger and then down came the rain. This caused the tent to tighten and pull the pegs from the ground. All of a sudden “Biff!” down came the tent, and rifles and equipment went flying in all directions. In the midst of the confusion a voice was heard saying, “Where’s the jam?” We all then roared with laughter. Next morning however, the tin of jam was found half full of sand, but that did not matter, it was disposed of.”
In another letter from Egypt, Rowat writes: “We hope to get some fighting soon and I hope they will let me go into it. They may keep me back on account of my age. I can shoulder a rifle and use it, so I hope to do a bit for my King and country.”
Rowat is now back from Egypt and is with his regiment in France. Best of luck to him.
F.L. Melvill writes as follows:-
Hut 16, Military Hospital
Wynberg, C.P., 13.4.12
“On the following afternoon we advance to Taveta and had hardly been on the move for a quarter of an hour before we heard the distant boom of our guns and realised that there was some excitement at the end of our day’s march. We reach Taveta at sunset and began to dig ourselves in. We had been at this job just an hour when we suddenly got the orders to fall in immediately and were marched off in the direction of the noise where the Germans had taken up their positions and which our guns had been shelling and our 1st Brigade had been attacking since one o’clock. We got within rifle range and then formed up in two ranks and got the order to lie down and fix bayonets. We remained here for about ten minutes with a few bullets whistling around, and then got the order to advance, which we did until within 200 yards of the bush where the enemy were supposed to be entrenched. Here we again got down, and after we had fired a few rounds the order sounded in the still night, “South Africans, Charge!” and we did, shouting and yelling at the top of our voices. The effect was good, for the enemy began to retreat and we followed, stopping every now and then, charging forward as fresh as ever, although we were all in full kit with two day’s rations. I do not think anyone felt at all fatigued;; I know I did not.
When we had followed the retreating Askaris almost through the pass, about 30 of us got separated from the rest and found ourselves with two officers, Lieutenant Davis (K.E.S.) and Lieutenant Lowden (J.H.S.). The latter went forward to reconnoitre, and thought he saw the enemy running, and so came back and told us. We got up like one mane and charged forward again, but, alas! We had only gone about thirty yards when the bush in front seemed to blaze with fire as the beggars opened on us at 20 yards’ range with three machine guns and every other conceivable weapon. Luckily, the Askaris were, as usual, shooting high, but one machine gun got our range, and with the first burst killed poor Lieutenant Lowden and three others, nine were wounded, including yours truly, through the foot.
We remained under this hot fire for some time, and then some fellows came up on our flanks and engaged them and so allowed us to retreat 100 yards. Then I was carried about three miles to the dressing station.”
G.B. Treadwell writes as follows to Mr. Vines:-
8th S.A.I.
Army Post Office,
Kilindini, 30.4.16
As I believe I told you we have been through several skirmishes and night attacks, and in one real solid scrap. I am very thankful I came out of the last scatheless. We did a fifteen mile march through bush, and halted at midnight, as there was a heavy engagement going on ahead of us. Next morning we advanced under a boiling sun for about five miles, with our “B” Coy. in front, “A” Coy. as supports, “C’ and “D” as reserves. Suddenly, about noon, as we emerged from the bush, they let us have it with machine guns. We dropped down and took cover quicker than any instructor could ever get us to do. Bullets flew fast and furiously over our heads and all around us. After about twenty minutes the word went back for reserves, and up came “D” Coy. It was then that they lost heavily. We were right in the centre of the Division, with Indians on our left and the 6th on our right. Two batteries of our artillery opened up immediately in our rear, and from then onwards it was thick with pompoms, 7 pounders, 4.1 shells and machine gun and rifle fire. All of a sudden, at about 6.30 p.m., the firing ceased, and we found next morning that the enemy had fled twenty miles, and that we had saved the line from being broken. We were congratulated by General Smuts on our day’s work. We lost heavily, but we were very pleased with ourselves as we marched back to camp; we had been sent out to do a piece of work and we had come back on top.”
“OLD BOYS’ AT THE WAR
Fourth list (for previous lists see Dec., 1914, June and Dec., 1915 issues of the J.H.S. Magazine)
Additions and Corrections.
Pte. E. Allport, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. S. Brown S.A.M.C.
Trooper H. Bower, 2nd S.A.H.
Pte. Brown 8th S.A.I.
Pte. Barnes S.A.I. (died of disease)
Trooper Chris Botha, S.A. Horse
Pte. Billing, 7th S.A.I.
Lieut. L. Blackwell, S.A. Motor Cycle Corps
Pte. J. Bardour, O.T.C. England
Pte. C. Blecksley, 9th S.A.I.
Driver E. Beuthin, S.A. Mot. Cycle Corps.
Capt. A.L.C. Cheeseman, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. H. Cohen R.A.M.C.
Trooper W.F. Candy 4th S.A.H.
Driver L. Duffus, Mech. Transport E.A.E.F
Pte. L. de Beer, 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps.
Pte. E.H. Edgar, 7th S.A.I.
Driver C.E. English, Mech. Trans (Kitchener’s Army)
Pte. G. Edwards, 9th S.A.I.
Lieut. G.W. Fox, 8th Hants (D.S.O. for bombing services, Hill 60 Gallipolli)
Pte. French, S.A. Scottish (4th S.A.I)
Pte. Forsyth, 7th S.A.I.
Pte. J.S. Gowan, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. Gilroy (1), 8th S.A.I.
Pte. Gilroy (2), 8th S.A.I.
Capt. H.W. Hine, 12th Sherwood Foresters
Pte. J.B. Hine, O.T.C. (Inns of Court)
Driver W. Hopkins, Motor Transport, B.E.A.E.F.
Corpl. B. Isacke, 4th S.A.I. (Scottish)
Trooper A.W. Jones, 4th S.A.H.
Lance-Serg. I.B. Joy (wounded at “The Landing”, Dardenelles; died of wounds 1915)
Pte. E.H. Kemp, 2nd Brig,. S.A.I.
Driver J.L. Linklater, Mech. Transport, B.E.A.E.F.
Trooper A. Lindsay, 4th S.A.H.
Pte. H. Lindsay, O.T.C. Cambridge
Pte. J. Law, S.A.M.C. (O.F.)
Pte. H. Law, 7th S.A.I.
Trooper T.S. Lance, 9th S.A.I.
Driver Lewis, Motor Transport B.E.A.E.F.
Pte. A. Malcolmson S.A.I.
Pte. A. Mackenzie, Base Depot S.A.I.
Pte. F.L. Melvill, 7th S.A.I. (severely wounded, B.E.A.)
Corpl. R.C. MacDougal, 9th S.A.I.
Signaller H. McCarthy, R.E., B.E.A.E.F.
Pte. M.L. Melvill, R.H.A.
Pte. J.P. Marr, R.H.A.
Lieut. G.L. McBride, 7th S.A.I.
Sergt. T. McLeod, S.A. Scottish
Pte. K. Mann, 5th S.A.I.
Pte. Mollison, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. MacRobinson, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. M.E. Noyce, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. E. Neebe, 3rd S.A.I.
Pte. E.W. Nelson, S.A. Aviation Corps.
Driver Naeser, Motor Transport Corps, B.E.A.E.F.
Lieut. & Q.M. J.H.A. Payne, 8th S.A.I. (severely wounded in B.E.A.)
Pte. J.D. Phillip, O.T.C., London
Lieut. P. Perrow, X-Ray Co., S.A.M.C.
Pte. Petrie S.A.I.
Pte. Pater, S.A. Scottish
Pte. R. Patrick, 7th S.A.I.
Pte. V. Penney, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. N.E. Poulton, 7th S.A.I. (severely wounded in B.E.A.)
Pte. Pearce, 8th S.A.I. (severely wounded in B.E.A.)
Pte. C. Perridge, 3rd Batt. S.A.I.
Pte. C.R. Robinson, 3rd S.A.I.
Pte. C.W. Ranger, 9th S.A.I.
Sergt. R.J. Read, 4th S.A.I. (Scottish)
Trooper A.O.L. Roberts, 4th S.A.H.
Driver J. Russel, Motor Transport B.E.A.E.F.
Pte. W. Smithers, 9th S.A.I.
Sapper H.E. Shaw, R.E. Sign. Com
Sergt. H. Smith, S.A. Scottish (4th S.A.I.)
Pte. S. Smith, S.A. Scottish (4th S.A.I.)
Bugler R. Sinclair, S.A.I. (wounded in B.E.A.)
Pte. E.H. Stead, 2nd Brig., S.A.I.
Pte. A. Surtees, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. Stokkeland, 4th S.A.I.
Lieut. A.W. Thomson, 3rd S.A.I.
Pte. W.C. Taylor, Natal Reg. S.A.I.
Rifleman G.E. Taynton, Rhodesian Plat., K.R.R.
Pte. A.H. Treadwell, 2nd Brig. S.A.I.
Pte. E. Trimple, 5th S.A.F.A.
Flight Sub Lieut. T.E. Viney, D.S.O., R.N. Air Section (killed in action, May 21st)
Pte. Viney, O.T.C., London
Pte. F.W. van Renen, 4th S.A.I. (S.A. Scottish)
Pte. L.J. Whytock, 9th S.A.I.
Pte. R.J. Wilson, 7th S.A.I.
Trooper G.E. Webb, De Jager Scouts
S.S.M. F.W. Wing, 4th S.A.H.
Pte. N.S. Wallet, S.A.M.C.
Pte. W.J. Wallet S.A.M.C.
Pte. L.J. Williams, 2nd Brig. S.A.I.
Pte. Waugh, 7th S.A.I.
Pte. Wright, 8th S.A.I.
Pte. Watts, 9th S.A.I.
Driver Woodcock, Mech. Transport Corps, B.E.A.
2nd-Lieut. J. Yates, 11th S.A.I.
Pte. Young, 7th S.A.I.
[The list of the Old Boys at the War were most carefully compiled by the late Mr F.J. Pooler who passed away on June 9th at 2.45pm. He had been on the school staff since January 1909.] |
