Lemsford News February 1918

Once more , with great regret, we have to record bad news of one of our Lemsford soldiers, Rifleman Robert Tims, of the 2/18 London Irish Rifles having lost his life in action in Palestine on December 23rd. He was the youngest son of a large family and much sympathy is felt for his mother, especially as it was some time since she had seen him owing to his being so far from home.

The perils of the Sea at the present time have brought home to us in Lemsford, by the unexpected arrival of Archie Cowland, son of Mr John Cowland. His ship was one of the eighteen large vessels torpedoed in the first week in January, she was not only torpedoed but shelled, two of the crew being killed, the remainder were able to escape in the life boats – Archie Cowland escaped with a badly scalded hand and face, we are glad to hear that he is getting on well.

Among others who have lately been home on leave are Pte. H. Hill, Sergt. S. Walby, who we must congratulate on his promotion to his present rank, and Pte. J. Lawrence who has been for three months in Hospital in France suffering from the result of an accident.

Lemsford News March 1918

War Notes – on Sunday evening, February 17th, a Memorial Service was held in the Parish Church for Private Robert Tims, killed in action on December 23rd. Many of his relations and old friends were present, all anxious to show their sympathy with those who mourn his loss. A wreath of evergreens and snowdrops was placed around the “Roll of Honour” which hangs just inside the door, by Mrs John Sear.
Mr & Mrs Mardle of Cromer Hyde have received the sad news that their son Ernest was killed in France on February 1st. This is the second son they have lost in the war, their elder son Frank, having been killed last year. True sorrow and sympathy are felt for the bereaved parents, and their family

Lemsford News April 1918

War Note - Since our last issue, yet another name has been added to our Roll of Honour, . Quartermaster W. A. Waugh, Royal Irish Regiment was reported “found drowned” in France. His wife, a daughter of Mr Chapman of Cromer Hyde, had recently settled in Stanborough; she is left with one small child. Much sympathy will be felt for her in her sorrow. On March 17th a Memorial Service was held in the church for the late Quartermaster Sergt. Waugh and for Private Ernest Mardle whose death was reported in our last issue. A large congregation was present; appropriate hymns were sung and an address given by the Rev. H. Moore.

Lemsford News May 1918

War Note – April has been an anxious month for all this year, especially for those whose relations were fighting on the Western Front. We have had several casualties among our Lemsford men. Private C. Tims, Middlesex Regt., Pte. E., Joyner, Herts. Regt., and Pte John Sear, Liverpool Regt., being wounded, and Pte H. Hill, Beds. Regt., suffering from gas poisoning; we are glad to hear that all are doing well as can be expected, though Pte. J. Sear has been injured in the eyes, and we fear has permanently lost the sight of one. . Pte G. Hawthorne has been for some time in Hospital at Cardiff, suffering from shock, we hope to hear a better report of him.

Lemsford News June 1918

War Notes – News has been received that Lce. Cpl.P. White, 6th Beds Regt., has been wounded in the arm on the 17th. He was in Hospital in France, and we hope to hear that he has been sent to England, and is doing well. We regret to have to report that Pte. J. Sear, whose eyes were injured by shell concussion, has had to have the right eye removed, while the sight of the left eye is much impaired. We trust that his sight may be spared, and will improve with time, and that he will soon be once more in Lemsford, doing his usual work in the Church, where he has been so much missed.

The Clergy and National Service – As many clergymen as possible are to be used for some form of National Service. The Vicar (Rev. A.E. Ward) has been appointed to the Admiralty War Staff, and will in consequence be in London all day except on Saturday afternoons. He very much hopes to be able to take a half day now and again for visiting. The Services will be carried on as usual, except that it may be found necessary to have only one sermon on a Sunday. The only alteration will be to hold the weekly Intercession Service at 7.15 on Wednesdays instead of at 7 o'clock. The Rector of Hatfield (The Rev. J.J. Antrobus) has most kindly consented to undertake any emergency during the week.

Lemsford News November 1918

War Notes - The war has again brought sorrow to a Lemsford home. Mr and Mrs Walby of Cromer Hyde have received the news of the death in action of their son, Sergt. Sidney Walby, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment on September 21st. He joined the Army in September 1914 and went to France in the following July, where he distinguished himself, earning his promotion to the rank of Sergeant, and on June 10th of this year he was awarded the Military medal

Lemsford News December 1918

War Notes – We regret to announce that Private H.G. Welch lost his life in action on September 19th. For some reason the official information of his death was not received by his relatives until the day the Armistice was signed. The very deepest sympathy will be felt for his sisters, Mrs Fred Scott, Mrs Ernest Scott, and Miss Welch, who have been so long connected with Lemsford.