September 1920

Seagoe Parish Magazine

SEPTEMBER, 1920.

A Visit to Hamel.

During a recent visit to the Battlefields in France

and Belgium, the Rector spent a day (July 30th) at

Hamel where so many of the “Ninth” fell in the

glorious advance of July 1st, 1916. It is a scene

of desolation. The village and church of Hamel have

quite disappeared. The litter of war lies everywhere

Cartridges, Petrol Tins, Gun Fittings, Grenades,

and Shells. The numerous Shell Holes in the Ancre

marshes have caused the river to spread, but the clear

full stream still flows through the marsh in its old

channel. In a small square plot marked off by a barbed

wire fence from the surrounding shell-pitted thistle

covered land, lie the sacred remains of our honoured

dead. A small wooden cross much weather-beaten marks

each grave, and there are in all about 250 graves.

Yellow sand covers the graves. The Rector examined

carefully all the graves in this Cemetery, and noted the

following belonging to the Ninth Battalion R.I.F., Francis

E. J. A. Hutchinson, J. Chambers, Lieut. Townsend, J Glenn,

Sergt. J. McCappin, Pte. Cordy (1st R.I.F.), Lance-Cpl. R.

Wilson, J. W. Lunn, Rifleman W. J. Brown, J. Chambers,

J. Watson, Sergt. Foster, Rifleman J. Brown (10th R.I.R.)

No. 17174; Pte. J. Johnston, 14548, R.I.P., Pte. S. Robinson,

R.I.F., No. 18263. A large Concentration Cemetery containing

about 600 graves has been formed at the end of the “Ravine,"

where it touches the road from Albert to Beaucourt. Most of

the graves here are inscribed 'Unknown British Soldier,'; but

one conspicuous white cross with lettering in block bore the

name "Trooper McClelland, N.I.H."

There are other Cemeteries in the neighbourhood, but it was

not possible for the Rector to visit them. They also contain

the graves of many who went out from this Parish.

Someday, perhaps, it will be possible to mark by a permanent

monument the place where so many of our bravest and best

made the great sacrifice.

Puzzles.

Hidden Towns and Rivers.

1. He jumped over the hurdles and won the race.

2. This plough will be very useful for farming.

3. That boy never was able to write very well.

4. He has great riches and owns vast estates.

5. That car had entered for the Grand Prix.

Square Words—1 Part of the verb “to be,"

Another word for level—A tall plant. — Terminations.

Beheaded Words

Behead a dance and leave everything.

Behead what is done at a meal and leave place where.

Behead noise and leave an instrument used for

propelling a boat.

Behead a country and leave a common conjunction.

Behead a word, pronoun, and leave a meal.

Behead a crevice and leave a tickle.

All the beheaded letters, if put in order, will spell

the name of the capital of a country.

PARISH REGISTER for AUGUST.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church, on August 7^th, 1920.

Sharp — Olivia Kathleen, daughter of John and

Margaret Sharp, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Ellen Margaret Campbell. Margaret

Sharp.

Magee—William John, son of Joseph and Sarah

Margaret Magee, of Edenderry

Sponsors - Anne Reid, Anne Magee,

Simpson—Sarah Mary, daughter of George and

Susanna Jane Simpson of Lylo.

Sponsors —Edith Livingston, Susanna Jane

Simpson.

Serplus—Lily, daughter of William Edward and

Jane Serplus, of Kernan.

Sponsors —Priscilla McKee, Jane Serplus.

Magee—Gladys, daughter of Alfred David and

Judith Magee, of Ballymacrandle.

Sponsors—Jane Currie, Elizabeth Livingston,

Montgomery— George. son of Thomas John and

Martha Montgomery, of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors— Ethel Porter, Martha Montgomery.

Received into the Congregation.

Hara—Pearl, daughter of James and Sara Hara, of

Drumnagoon, having been Privately Baptised

on 15th August, 1919, was publicly received

into the Congregation on August 7th, 1920.

Sponsors— Selina McCormick, Sarah Hara.

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

Freeburn—July 23rd, 1920, Hilda, daughter of

Thomas and Anne Elizabeth Freeburn, of

Edenderry.

Marriages.

McBroom and Watson — August 26th, 1920,

William John McBroom, of Portadown, to

Sarah Watson, of Edenderry.

Simpson and Russell—September 1st, 1920,

William Simpson, of Ballinacor, to Deborah

Maria Russell, of Aughacommon.

Burials.

Dynes—July 30th, Robert Dynes, of Drumlisnagrilley,

aged 74 years,

Watson—August 5th, Cherry Bell Watson, of

Killicomaine, aged one year.

Allen—August 18th, Arthur Allen, of Edenderry,

aged 86 years.

Harvest Thanksgiving.

The Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Services will

(D.V.) be held in Seagoe Parish Church on Thursday,

October 7th, at 8 p.m., and on Sunday. October 10th,

at 11-30 and 7.

Preacher on Thursday—Rev. J. R. MacDonald, M.A.,

Rector of Donacloney.

Preacher on Sunday—Rev. John Taylor, M.A.

Rector of St. Jude's, Belfast.

A Harvest Thanksgiving Service will be held in Hacknahay

School, on Sunday, Sept. 26th, at 3-30 p.m.

Preacher—Rev W. R. M. Orr, L.L.D., Rector of

Gilford, and on Monday, Sept. 27th at 8 p.m.

ITEMS.

Work at the widening of Portadown Bridge was

begun last month.

***

Emigrants to Canada and the States are very

numerous just now.

***

Mr. James McDowell, of Providence, Rhode Island,

U.S.A., is building a fine Villa at Killicomaine.

***

Mr. and Mrs. Calvert (formerly Miss Amy Walker)

have given the name of "Seagoe" to their house at

Monkstown.

***

The New Church Hymnal will be used in Seagoe

Church for the first time on Sunday, September 5th.

and the first Hymn to be sung will be 340 to the tune

of “Seagoe."

Correction.

In the List of Subscriptions to Seagoe War Memorial

"Pte. Neill” should read Mrs. E. Neill, Ballymacrandle, £l.

Bible Class Presentation.

On Sunday Morning, August 22nd. at the Edenderry

Women's Bible Class, a beautiful Bible, illustrated by

Harold Copping, was presented to Lizzie Stewart, on

the occasion of her departure for America, by Miss

Armstrong and the members of the Bible Class, as a

mark of friendship and esteem, and in memory of

almost fifteen years faithful attendance, wishing her

God's best blessings, and every happiness in her future life.

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE,

By Lieut.-Col. S. W. BLACKER, D.S O.

[Continued from August Magazine.]

Saturday, Nov. 20th, 1916.

Was round the Trenches this a.m., and now the

Adjt. is out, and I am attending to messages.

8 Generals visited me yesterday, and one (W. Stronge)

today. He is most cheery and well. Our routine

here is—Breakfast: 8-30. Then a walk round

trenches, see men, see work being done, and what

is wanted. It is a big job, as trenches are falling in,

and some over ankles in liquid mud. Lunch: 1, then

sit in the dug-out, receiving and answering messages.

Stand to at 4-30 p.m. when I go round 1 Coy.

Dinner: 7-30 p m. Start on evening round 10 p.m.,

which lasts till midnight. Then morning stand to

at 5-30 a.m. till 7 a.m., which one of us attends. In

addition a ‘situation’ report has to be sent in at 4

a.m. Of course, numerous Returns through the day,

at stated hours. We are shelling them a good deal.

They only answer with Whizz-Bangs, M G. and rifle,

and not very much of that. No casualties, so far,

I'm thankful to say. A very comfy night. As I

turned in (in clothes) at 12 midnight, evening

rounds, I didn't attend morning ‘Stand To' so

lagged till 7-30 a m.

The Regt. we succeeded here seem to be somewhat

careless in sanitary matters. Weather fine, thank

goodness! Men all keen and rather love it, and work

well. Parties out last night examining wire. Found

it bad in many places, and go out to-night to mend.

Have had to give up “Behr" stockings. Effort of

walking without corking too much. My snow shoes

are doing well. You cannot imagine the mud, and

one comes in plastered and coated with mud, and no

means of getting rid of it. Some men’s dug-outs

poor. The men have got into the life and work very

quickly, and the Officers also. 91 slabs of milk choc.

came to-day, addressed to 10th R.I.F., 111th Brig.,

37th Div.!! from Ulster Choc. League, Ballinahinch,

which I distributed to the 2 Coys. in the Trenches.

Lendrum is in charge of the M.G, as FitzGerald was

was left behind with 2 guns for training! One

would think training in the Trenches would be best!

Quiet 24 hours, tho' our guns strafed a bit to-day,

and our M.G. were hard at work this p.m., and

answered by the Huns, who also put about a dozen

Whizz-Bangs (small Fd. Guns) over us this a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 21st.

Such crowded hovels A and B Coys. Officers

and men are in, it’s hard to use anything. Weather

still fine, I'm glad to say, but this p.m. is dark and

looks like snow. The Trenches are depressing, badly

made in the first instance, and this snow and rain has

brought a lot of the parapet down, and made it bulge

everywhere. The whole parapet has to be demolished

and built up again. In addition, the floor of all the

Trenches has to be scraped and cleaned every day.

Tho' men are working day and night, nothing seems

to be done. We have about 1,000 yards of front; a

2nd line, which is badly fallen in, and 2 long

communication trenches to keep up. 3 men's dug-outs,

each holding a platoon, at each end of the line. I mean

that there are 6 of these dug-outs altogether, and each

group of three holds a platoon. These very good, the

others very bad: small, dilapidated, leaky and wretched.

We are all covered with mud, but I insist on the men

shaving, and they do.

Our guns strafed the Huns severely this a.m. No reply.

And our M G. harried the village and their transport,

and made it shift, and the drivers shout and curse, last night.

They fire a few Whizz-Bangs over bits of our line each

Day. No damage so far. I don't think they are very

enterprising lot opposite here. There are places they

might harry us. Don't send any more mitts, either to me

or for me till I let you know. No, they've decided on

reducing the cheese ration.

I do not think much of the discipline of the

Regulars in these parts. Many drunk in the town

nightly, and their sanitary discipline nil. The 1st

R.I.F. are now in the next line to us, with 18th

R. lrish on the other side. Lambton, the 4th Div

Gen., has not been near us so far. Hull, the Brig. of

10th Brig., to whom we were attached till they were

relieved from the Trenches yesterday, was very nice.

We are all right for food, and doing well here in the

line of food. Our store is in the dug-out. Will not

change today. It is rather chilly.

Monday, Nov. 22nd.

Fine day, but foggy and very raw. Brigadier came

round this a.m. and Lambton, who Commands Div.,

turned up about lunch time and we gave him lunch.

I walked with him to the confines of our trenches

afterwards. I suppose this was his inspection, on

which he will found his report. Not much value, I fear.

There was a certain amount of bomb throwing by the

Huns last night, on our right, at a patrol of the 8th R.I.R.

No damage, I believe, otherwise very quiet night. A

sniper has established himself in front, about 200 yards

from us, we think, but we cannot locate him. I paid a

visit to 1st Battalion this p.m. They are on our left. Found

the Adjt. and another Sub in; paid my respects to them

on behalf of the 9th Battalion, and had a talk. Just back.

We go out tomorrow evening to some billets, and then

off on a 'long trek' again; where to I know not.

Our fire absolutely refuses to burn, in spite of all

our efforts. Had a very comfy night. Went round

Trenches about 9—11, and had a long doss. Have

walked a lot to-day, and am feeling very well. A

M.G. strafe beginning now.

Tuesday, Nov. 23rd.

Busy arranging reliefs. No casualties so far.

Thick frosty fog.

Wednesday, Nov. 24^th, [Colincamps]

Got back out of the Trenches to this place from

where we went in. Relief was not finished to 7 p.m.

when Pratt, Adjutant and I were the last to leave.

Walked to the village M—M—. Dined with Smyth,

who gave us a splendid repast, and then walked on

here arriving at 10 p.m. Fergie had been at work

and got three rooms—a splendid billet, due to the

kindness of the Gunners here. I am in a beautifully

furnished room, with carpet! Such luxury after

dug-out. An easy day to-day, as the men are cleaning

and bathing preparatory to move tomorrow, when we

go back same way, and billets, we came here from, to

our old R_______. Stay there a day or two to collect

things, and then on again, but where we don't know.

Each night in the Trenches we had a Gunner Officer

with us, who fed with us and had dug-out of his

own. I can't think why he was here. Two very nice

Subs. came, and yesterday the Captain (Bittleton)

arrived, about three hours before we left.

We got out of the Trenches with no casualties. I

am so pleased. One or two narrow shaves. A shell

near C. Johnston, and rifle sight shot of, and a

bayonet hit with a bullet. The 1st R.I.F on our

left had a man killed, and some wounded in the three

days they were in, The18th on our left had some

casualties. The 9th R.I.R. had three men badly hit

at a working party the night before we left. Downs

had 4 and 12th R.I.R. 3, I think. I hear the new

XIII Corps is to consist of 7th, 30th, 32nd and 36th

Divisions, and is to concentrate near Abbeville.

Fergie had long talk with Hull, the Brigadier.

recounting it to me Brigadier said 'You're a well

officered Battalion. You're Colonel is a nut, and

Brazil nut to boot.' "You should have heard Fergie

rolling it out. Am writing in R.A. mess, which is

comfy.

The men were splendid the whole week. Never a

complaint, tho' very uncomfortable and in some cases

worse. We had one case of frost bite. The sentries

in Sap-heads were standing over their ankles in cold

slush, for two hours at time with no means of keeping

their feet dry. Lutton did excellently with the telephone

arrangements; never a hitch; everything working

smoothly and quickly, tho' the lines wanted constant

watching for breakages, due to trenches falling in.

Young Anson is A-D-C to Lambton.

I think I told you about the march. Men did splendidly,

and all came in with Battalion. You know Adjt. has a lot

do with efficiency of Battalion. Most of the C.O.'s are

equally good or bad, but few have decent Adjts.; and

Adjutant is excellent. Afraid C. Shillington was killed.

Thursday, Nov. 25th— [Puchevillers.)

Here we are at the end of our first march. We left at

9 a.m. and got in here at 1 p.m. Fine sunny day; roads

very heavy; about 12 miles. Lambton came out to see

us, and the Battalion looked well. The Qr. Mr. of the

1st R.I.F. and Eric Fforde came out to see the Battalion

pass. The Qr. Mr. (Bunting a Portadown man) was

greatly struck with the Battalions and said the “Baby"

was a very fine one. Half the 12th R.I.R. is here also.

They had a rotten time. Only in the line by Coys.,

remainder under canvas. This is the 3rd time we have

been here. P-v-s and a different billet each time. I'll

write a line to Miss Fforde to say I've seen her brother.

He was looking well, transport officer and back well

from the front line. We had all yesterday for baths and

changing clothing and the men turned out to-day.

Very cold here but splendid for marching. If it will

only keep fine for to-morrow's long march.

Friday, Nov. 26th —[Ribeaucourt]

Got back here R_______ after 17 ½ mile march, about

8 p.m. Very cold with snow showers and bitter wind.

Off again to-morrow to B______ about 10 miles due west

of this place. Redmond was only 1 ½ miles from us at

M_______. We were the Battalion he referred to next

the Dublins.

Congreve, commands the XIII Corps. Fearful rush here

arranging for move. I walked about 9 miles of the march

today, it was so bitter riding. Yes, I fancy plenty of ammunition.

Gunners blazing away all day. Snow boots doing well. Any working

party at night is risky, as the opposite side invariably spray a bit

with M.G. on the chance of catching some party working at

something on top.

Saturday, Nov. 27— [Bellancourt.]

Frosty and cold. Got in here at 2-30 p.m. after 12-mile march.

Cold, bright, hard frost, and roads like iron.

Sunday, Nov. 28th.

A nice village. H.Q. in a Notary's house, quite good, but cold;

good kitchen, and beds for 6 of us; the best we have met with

yet. Bitterly cold night and day; looks like more snow. This

place was left filthy by a lot in New Div. just out from home.

We are now getting it in order. The whole house, which you

can see is new and spotless in peace time, was covered with

dirt, tins, paper and filth—too bad! Madame the Notary came

here to-day and was very distressed. We consoled her with

assurances we were not like that. Windy day this. Sanitary

work and settling down till tea. We had open-air service this

morning, and I insisted on reading Eccles, xii., as we couldn't

have Service last Sunday. A piercing N.E. wind has got up,

looks like snow. Have to send a fatigue party of three Officers

and 100 men to be at

Railway—3 ¼ miles from here, at 4 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 29th.

Yes. Some Huns shouted out to the Battalion next

to us "you can have these trenches, and Kaiser too, on

29th." I expect it only meant that lot were going to be

relieved on 29th.

Tuesday, Nov. 30th.

Such a wet day. Poured all day without ceasing. Lovely

day after the rain storm—much milder. They are issuing

a second blanket per man, I am glad to say. No, I'm not

made a Brigadier, nor any chance of it. I didn't leave the

R.A. to become a General, but because I thought my duty

lay with my own people.

A quiet day. Went round billets of two Coys in a.m.,

and searched for bombing ground in p.m. Bombing is all

the rage now, everything else is forgotten. Every man to

be a bomber—drill pamphlets, instructors, etc., flood in

every minute of the day. Every place a sea of mud after

the rain. The men quite cheerful and washing their clothes.

Some of the skin coats only issued last night were found

full of lice.

The men have kept wonderfully clean so far. No illness

among them. Only a few sore feet, I suppose the open-air

life, for their feet can never be dry. I'm rather dreading

Adjutant's departure. Suppose I am getting lazy. He has,

been excellent out here, in every way, keen, energetic,

and untiring, and he has a sound opinion. Berry, Fergie,

and Padre sleep in one room, three little spring beds

alongside one another. They are very cosy and have a fire.

I'm glad to say I haven't had a fire in my room since I came

out. Consequently, have been free from cold. "A" returned

at 2 a.m., after 24 hours hard work, all in the rain. They

marched and unloaded for 18 hours out of 24, unloading

guns and wagons; for the R.A. we left at Bordon, who

have now come out here. I think we shall remain here for

a bit possibly a month! Anyway, we are starting Reading

Room, Company Sergts. Messes, and all the Sanitary fads.

Billets quite good except for a few. I believe we may get

8 days leave after 3 months out, if are not going into the

Trenches, or otherwise just then.

Wednesday, Dec. 1st.

General Nugent turned up here to-day, very smiling.

"There is more discipline in the little finger of any man in

the Ulster Division than in a Company of Regulars," is what

he said, and I think he is right. He said the Brigade had got a

very good report again from the Trenches. Young Stronge, in

Royal Scots came to lunch. In charge of details at Abbeville.

Visited other Coys billets this a.m. Quite satisfactory. Reading

Room going well; have bought 4 good cheap oil lamps in Abbeville.

Fergie has found forms, chairs, and heaps of newspapers keep

coming in. To-day three large bales arrived containing 378 pair

socks, 300 writing pads and pencils, 11 mufflers. Simply splendid,

and they have now been distributed. Padre is writing a letter to

four local papers, of thanks, etc., and I put a notice in Battalion

Orders— "Parcels, containing etc., have been received from

County Armagh Committee for providing comforts to 9th, and

have been distributed to Coys." Heavy rain again last night.

The country is fearfully holding. Rode out with Pratt and Adjt.

to look for suitable drill grounds and rifle range. A very comfy

bed here and I sleep well.

Thursday, Dec, 2nd.

Heavy rain all night. We got the rain and thaw on Monday,

same as you. Splendid collecting all those things. Socks are a

God send, they can't have too many while we are stationary.

The road into some of their billets is 12 inches deep in liquid

mud. No bottom to road, only mud, and a hollow impossible

to drain. We are digging a deep pit, 12 feet deep, to see if we

can get to chalk to drain away the water.

Friday, Dec. 3rd.

Such a constant and violent wet day, never ceased, and now

a wind has got up. Village nearly under water, mud a foot deep

in parts. I fear Adjt. will be off to-morrow. Am rather sorry at

his departure. Peal's Boots are simply splendid. I paddled

about in seas of liquid mud a foot deep, and sticky slush, and

rode 8 mile in driving rain. My breeches and socks were dry

as a bone when I changed at 6-30 p.m., and my feet as warm

as toast all day. McKane is now R. S.M. I think everyone has

been depressed by the weather, but it is what we must expect

now for the next three months. We should be thankful

we're not in the Trenches or on the march.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]