Dr Sarah Marguerite White
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EARLY DAYS
Dr Sarah Marguerite White, Lady Doc of World War1: Aunt Daisy, as we knew her, was our Great Aunt and my Godmother. Having received her papers recently I am attempting to make her story more widely known. She was one of seven children. Her parents were William Isaac and Emma Jane White, members of the farming community in the area of Ashley Walk, by Godshill, in the New Forest, Hampshire, England. The farming tradition was carried on by her younger brother Charles, my Grandfather.
The families who inhabited Ashley Walk were first known as 'squatters' but I have documents pertaining to land that my family aquired in Godshill. More of which later.
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Document dated 16th August 1734. An agreement between Mr Richard Toomer and Mr Henry Rooke for the sale of land in Godshill which I believe later came into our family.
Taken from the family Bible/Register:
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Taken from handwritten notes in her scrapbook; There are anomalies in the dates of service which I will attempt to clarify.Sarah Marguerite White
Born 1883 at Godshill, near Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Went to the USA 1903 to study medicine. Graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons University of Illinois 1912 with her MD Degree. Service in Chicago Ill. 1912 with her MD Degree. Spent some years as Chief Assistant Surgeon to the North Chicago Hospital Clinic 1912 - 1915. Served in the First World War 1914 -1919 (Malta). Returned to North Chicago Hospital 1919 -1920. Served 3 years in the American Women's Hospital, Serbia 1920-1923. Egypt one year. Returned to the USA 1923 and became Medical Superintendent of Pine Breeze Hospital, Chattanooga Tennessee. Returned in 1945 from active work following a severe accident, to the place of her birth.
Author's Note: According to her service record she left for Malta on 2nd August 1916, not 1915 as stated in the notes. On the reverse of her diploma it states that she left for Egypt in 1922, not 1923 as in the handwritten notes. I don't know if she started her career in America in nursing perhaps as it was nine years before she got her degree but unfortunately there is nobody left to ask.
State of Illinois Physician's Certificate: 15th August 1912. "This certifies that Sarah Marguerite White aged 29 years, a native of England, having furnished satisfactory evidence that she is a Graduate in Medicine and has received a Diploma from the College of Medicine, University of Chicago in the state of Illinois in the year 1912 and having passed a satisfactory examination in Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics, The State Board of Health, under the provisions of an Act to regulate the practice of Medicine in the State of Illinois approved April 24th 1899, hereby authorizing her to practice Medicine in the State of Illinois."
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Dr White's original Oath of Hippocrates
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The Oath of Hippocrates,
I swear by Apollo the Physician, and Aesculapius, and Health and All Heal, with all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgement, I will keep this oath and stipulation: to reckon him this art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him and relieve his necessities as required: to regard his offspring on the same footing with my own brothers, and to teach them this art if they should wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation and that by precept, lecture and every other mode of instruction I will impart a knowledge of the art to my own sons and in those of my teachers, and in disciples bound by a stipulation and oath bound to the law of medicine, but to none others.
I will follow the method of treatment which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel: furthermore, to a woman I will not give an instrument to produce abortion.
With Purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my art. I will not cut a person who is suffering with a stone but will leave this to be done by practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter I will go into them for the benefit of the sick and will abstain from every voluntary art of mischief and corruption: and further from the seduction of females or males, bond or free.
Whatever in connection with my professional practice, or not in connection with it I may see or hear in the lives of men which ought not to be spoken abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret.
While I continue to keep this oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by men at all times, but should I trespass and violate this oath, may the reverse be my lot.
Coming next: Malta and a unique hand written book by the servicemen in Dr White's care.
Family Information:
Marriage Certificate between William Isaac White (24) and Jane Wheeler (25), parents of Dr White.
Marriage Solemnised on August 3rd 1882 in the Parish of Fordingbridge, county (then) of Southampton.
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Dr Sarah Marguerite White spent the years between 1912 until 1915 as Chief Assistant Surgeon at the North Hospital Clinic, Chicago.
World War1 and Service in Malta
According to her Service Record Dr White was in the first group of women Doctors to be attached to the RAMC. She was contracted to work for 12 months as a specialist in operative surgery with extra pay under para 36 RW 121/Med/3746. A gratuity of £60 was awarded at the end of the contract, provided employment had not been terminated for misconduct.
On the 2nd August1916 she embarked for Malta as part of the Women's Medical Unit RAMC and was appointed Surgical Specialist at St Elmo Hospital. St Elmo's was originally a Government School which was handed over to the Military Authorities. Situated at the north of the Grand Harbour overlooking the breakwater it consisted of basement, the fully tiled school and large interior and exterior verandas running around each side of the wards. The hospital opened on August 12th with 218 beds but shortly afterwards space was utilised for another 100 beds by dint of using the verandas. St Elmo specialised as a surgical hospital and remained as such even when the rush of dysentery and enteric cases made most of the other hospitals medical. Much fine work was accomplished there. In one series of 531 operations only 6 deaths occurred, a tribute to the skills of the surgical and nursing staff.
(www.scarletfinders.co.uk)
St Andrew's, Malta 1917
SHE WRITES FROM MALTA
Dr. Marguerite White Converts Sick Tommies to Women's Sufferage.
Chicago friends have received another interesting letter from Dr. Marguerite White who left Chicago several months ago to become a war Doctor at the front. She was a surgeon at the North Side Hospital. She is a member of the Prince of Wales Chapter and Lloyd George Chapter, Daughters of the Empire. She was Regent of the latter chapter until she was accepted by the British War Office as a Surgeon to serve with the British Forces. She is at present on the Island of Malta and is in charge of 150 patients at St. Andrew's Military Hospital. Following are extracts from several of her letters.
'It is an inspiration to work amongst our men. In spite of the hard discouraging times they have had, and all they have been through, they are in excellent spirits and anxious to get back to the front. Real British! And we are all sure of victory. I hope there will be something decisive soon but we must be patient and do our part I suppose.'
'Malta is very pretty and picturesque and very interesting. The censorship is very strict and it is impossible to tell you anything about my work.'
'I am stationed at the present time at the largest Military Hospital here and am very, very busy but happy doing this work and I am so glad I came. I have charge of 150 patients so you can imagine I haven't much time. The men are so grateful and it is a real pleasure to work among them. Rather an amusing incident occurred at my block today. One of the men said; 'Now, I believe in votes for women, Doctor', and up the ward came the echo 'Yes, and so do I' and 'so do I,' etc, etc., and then after a pause, another one called out, 'And we are going to see they get it too,' I said 'Alright, that's a promise and don't forget it,' and one answered; 'We'll never forget it Doctor because we'll always remember it was a lady who helped us get well.'
'Of course you can imagine there are a good many sad things and I get a good many heartaches but I wouldn't be in any other place doing any other work now.'
'I should be very interested to hear all about the Bazaar and especially what the Lloyd-George Chapter is doing. It will, I know, live up to it's name.'
The Lloyd-George Chapter is sending many comfort bags to Dr White so she can distribute them to her men at Christmas time.
Comfort for the Bereaved
The following lines appeared in the 'In Memoriam' column of the London Times inserted by the parents of a young officer who fell in action a year ago.
'We miss his face, his voice, his hand,
'Yet why in vain regret, repine?
'What nobler offering could he give,
'Than yield his life for yours and mine?
'A few short years at most and then
'Life's troubles end like summer rain.
'The pattering on the leaves will cease,
'And we shall meet our boy again.'
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The Customer - 'Surely these eggs are very small?'
The Shopkeeper - 'Yes, mum, perhaps a little - owing to the war.' (The Sketch)
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The following is a handwritten and illustrated book produced by the servicemen in 'J' block
THE CHRISTMAS JAY 1916
'JAY BLOCK'
ST ANDREW'S HOSPITAL
MALTA
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The drawing is of Dr. Sarah Marguerite White. The artist/editor of this lovely record is unnamed.
Page 1
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ST ANDREW'S MILITARY HOSPITAL
STAFF 'J' BLOCK
MEDICAL OFFICER IN CHARGE : Marguerite White
SISTER IN CHARGE: Sister Dalgairns
STAFF NURSES
Sister Keys: Sister Lee
V.A.D
Nurse Gaunt: Nurse Satchwell
Nurse Sant: Nurse Eggo
ORDERLIES
F.M. Nankivell: B Davies: B. W. Anderson: G.F. Porter: A.E. Furness: J. English:
E.C. Powell: B. Craven: E.D. Smith: G. Weekly: W. Hunt: C. Evans:
F. Rimes: W.C. Leyton: J. Marsden:
___________________________________________________________________________________
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Another year is on the wane and again we find Christmas, with it's merry times, it's quaint customs and good fellowship, on us; Christmas! with all it's associations, it's meaning and it's happiness. It is at such a time, when everyone is feeling the influence of the season, that we obtrude ourselves, in the shape of a Xmas Journal, upon our readers. We have specially selected this season on account of the fact that whilst people are under the spell of the magic wand of Old Father Xmas, they are ready to think best of their brothers, and a feeling of good fellowship is everywhere apparent.
We, therefore, ask for your kind consideration and appreciation of our efforts which are the work of the 'tenants' of our Block.
We wish this journal to be a 'souvenir' of our esteem and regard for our M.O., Sisters, Nurses and Orderlies of our Block, and take this opportunity of placing on record our appreciation of their efforts for our comfort and welfare.
To them and to our 'Patient' readers we wish the heartiest and best of wishes for Christmas and the New Year, and trust that to each one the joy of the festive season may be real indeed.
The Editor
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WANTED
Two clinical thermometers or one medicine glass in exchange for two 'orderlies'. Apply to Sister X, c/o this office.
WANTED URGENTLY
'Blighty'. Apply to anyone on the premises.
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Page 3/4
SUVLA BAY
(Author's note) Personal account of the attack on 21st August 1915 at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli. The author of this account simply signs himself as 'Yeoman.
'As part of the operations on the Gallipoli peninsula, it was decided to bombard and attack a very strongly fortified Turkish position at Suvla Bay - consisting of the sector stretching from Hill 70 to Hill 112. The frontal attack was a desperate enterprise as the Turks had constructed two lines of trenches of exceptional strength.
The attack was made on the Twenty first of August 1915, after a fearful bombardment by our own battleships and heavy land batteries. We were on the beach about two o'clock in the afternoon when we were ordered to be ready for the big advance.
Fully loaded, we went up the cliff in single file and re-formed on the top. We marched a mile or so along the road when we came in sight of the Great Salt Lake Plain. Here our division came into action under heavy shrapnel fire. We could not advance quickly on account of the shrubs and creepers, which, while affording no cover, yet impeded us in our attack. In several places the bursting shells set the shrubs and grass on fire and several of our brave lads were thus burnt to death owing to their inability to escape on account of wounds. As we were waiting our turn to advance we could see men picking their way through the burning scrub and charging on towards the Turkish trenches. We had now to move and, although fires burned fiercely, we were able to chose our way and to some extent, avoid the burning patches. We plunged forward in short rushes until we came under heavier fire, when we ran forward until we reached the protection of Chocolate Hill. Here we stayed for half an hour's rest and were bothered all the while by Turkish snipers on the slopes of the Hill; many of these marksmen were extremely bold and, from behind the bushes, shot many of our men at short range. However, we levelled matters somewhat by sending out our own sniping parties. We were soon on the move again to the left of Chocolate Hill and passed through a field of ripe corn. Here a pal of mine was struck in the thigh by an explosive bullet. Many men fell before we reached the reserve trenches on Hill 70. On we went in short spurts taking what scant cover we could find. While halting after one of the spurts, the order to fix bayonets was passed along. By this time the men of several regiments were mixed up. Presently I heard one of our officers shout 'Come on lads, we'll give them beans'. On we dashed towards the Turkish trenches, cheering as we went. The Turks did not stay to make our acquaintance but ran for it; thus we were able to take three successive lines of enemy trenches - but at what a cost - only forty men in our battalion remaining.
Owing to shortage of water and lack of reinforcements we were soon ordered to retire and thus lose the ground so dearly bought. The writer was lucky enough to escape with a slight wound.'
'Yeoman'
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Artist: M. Eggo: The lady in the drawing is unknown.
MY LITTLE DUG-OUT IN THE EAST
When the golden sun sinks in the hills,
And the firing for that day is o'er,
I go down to my nest,
Where I find sleep and rest,
And dream of the good days of yore,
Far away o'er the hillsides so bare,
I gaze while preparing my feast,
With my stove burning there,
Why! There's none can compare,
With my little dug-out in the East.
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There are 'guests' that will welcome me in,
There are mouths that are 'itching' to bite,
There are insects that nip,
When I get down to kip,
Yes! A thousand disturbers at night,
Tho' of dug-outs it's one of the least,
Yet it's harbour for man or for beast,
Many memories I'll keep,
In my little dug-out in the East.
By Telephone
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GRAND CONCERT
To be held on Xmas Day - (Joffre and Haig permitting).
PART 1
Overture-------------------------'The March to Verdun'-------------------The Potsdam Orchestra
Chorus----------------------------'Pirates Bold are We'---------------------------------The Company
Recitation--------------'I'm a Pushing Young Man that's been pushed'-----------------Kaiser B
Song----------------------------'Following in Father's Footsteps'------------------------Little Willie
Recitation------------------------------'Finish Johnny'-------------------------------------Constantino
Song------------------------------------'I Love the Babies'----------------------------------Count Zepp
Recitation----------------------------'I'll Drop you a line'-----------------------Dr Woodrow Wilson
Duet-------------------------'We can't Roumania any Longer'----------Hindenburg & Falkenhyn
Song----------------------------------'They didn't believe Me'----------------------Editor of Tageblatt
INTERVAL
PART 11
Chorus---------------------------------------'The Rhine W(h)ine'--------------------------The Company
Recitation-------------------------------------'Silence is Golden'--------------------------------Von Kluck
Song------------------------------------------'Come Tsing Tau Me'----------------------------Von Turpitz
Recitation-------------------------------'Shall I be an Angel, Daddy?'----------------------Little Willie
Song---------------------------------'Somme day when Dreams come True'--------------------Kaiser B
Chorus--------------------------------------'Peace! Perfect Peace!!'---------------Reichstag Glee Party
Recitation--------------------------------------'Tickets! Please!-----------------------Bethmann-Hollweg
Song-------------------------------------------------'Ancred'----------------------Crown Prince of Bavaria
Stump Speech------------------------'When I saw Queen Elizabeth'--------------------------Enver Bey
Song------------------------------------'Still support and comfort me'-------------------Foxy Ferdinand
GOTT STRAFFE ENGLAND
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Author: Keith L.M. Roberts.
7th Wiltshire Regiment
A FAREWELL Instead of our Hospital Blue today, we have donned our Khaki.
to Salonica The tunic, once a fair fit, now seems to hang like a sack,
the breeches seem to have grown very baggy and boots seem like barges on your feet.
Why? You might ask. I will tell you.
We have been in hospital for several weeks, some suffering from Dysentery, others from Malaria. What with a good spell in bed, only 'milk diet', and the ravaging effects of disease we are feeling mighty thin. Today is an eventful day though, for we are being transferred to Hospital Ship and are going to leave Salonica behind. We are going to leave all traces of War, of Disease and trouble behind and are going to embark into the uncertain future with a glad heart. There is no regret at the farewell we are soon to say, for every man has some harrowing experience to tell of, spent in this barren land. There have been times when we have appreciated the country, the lonely little bits of scenery, the plants, the birds and insects. (Especially the latter. Editor). The people themselves, their dwellings, their modes of living, quaint ways and quainter garbs. The glorious sunshine, nights out under the stars, when many fancies have come.
All this, however, has been clouded over by the ravage of war. Marching, marching, marching in the scorching sun, the hot stuffy nights, camping by the roadside, rough meals (although plenty), and then -------War------real war. Days on duty, digging funk-holes and dug-outs. Nights of patrols, guards and listening posts; incessant digging from sunset to dawn. Little sleep and Shells!! Shells! Shells!!!
These things then have darkened our outlook and have made us forget to look for the best. We are going to leave this behind and perhaps you will understand why we are glad.
Haversacks are packed just with toilet requisites and personal belongings, writing materials, books, handkerchiefs etc, At last the time has come and, after farewells with our less fortunate Ward-chums and the Sisters, we proceed to the appointed place to meet the motor ambulance convoy........(Author's note: 3 more pages of this account to follow).
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A Farewell (continued)
.......which will take us to the Quay. There are all kinds and conditions of men there. We are divided into two classes - 'lying' and 'sitting'. The 'lying' cases are men who are too ill to sit up in the ambulance and comprise badly wounded men, men wasted to mere shadows with dysentery and malaria. There they lie, absolute wrecks of men now, but the sea air and rest will soon make a big difference. After calling the roll and seeing that each man has his identity label tied on, we are marshalled into the ambulances. It falls to my lot to sit with the driver of one motor and soon we move out of hospital grounds, down the bumpy road, past some large Ordnance Depots and Railway sidings.
Along we jog - the roads none too smooth, and the cars going none too slow. There are many types of vehicles on the road, from the swift long-chassis motor car with red-tabbed officers inside, to the quaint bullock waggons with their loads of stone etc. and native drivers. Of more interest though are the people of many nationalities who line the paths. Here we have the natives in their wide dark blue pantaloons with sack seats and red waist-cloths, filthy shirts and short coats. Some with turbans, others with ordinary caps and yet others with rough straw hats on.
There are women with veils and long flowing robes of many colours, others in 'chic' blouses and skirts or costumes. Then sometimes we meet a real old fashioned Greek in his kind of white kilt and small black cape.
All these are superseded by the types of soldiers and sailors we pass. The English in their khaki serge and Drill with sun helmets. The Italians in their grey-green with soft slouch hats. The French in their 'blue' and forage caps. There are Russians and Greeks, and, last but not least, there are Serbians in their greeny khaki. All these we notice as we roll along, now at quite a steady pace. There are many types of buildings too numerous to mention in all their filth. Soon we slow down to pass a long line of horses coming from the Quay. Then some French infantry come along, and by this time we are passing through the Quay gates and are soon alongside the Ferry-boat. It is good to see the good old blue sea, to smell it again and to fill your lungs with the good bracing air. What thoughts rush in on us as we contemplate, dreams of England, perhaps soon to be realised - but one never knows.
We are soon (sitting cases only) huddled down into a kind of saloon place where there is no fresh air; only the smell of stale tobacco. Here we are given tea or lime juice, biscuits tobacco and matches. We soon move out from the quay and are out in the harbour amongst the shipping before we can look round. In a very short time we run alongside the Hospital Ship and 'ere long are safely allotted a bunk in a ward down below.
Oh! Day of ease and luxury for these war-worn folks - this first morning on deck! After washing and shaving, a good breakfast, and still in pyjamas and slippers we wend our way on deck. The anchor is just being weighed and the boat begins to move. We crowd to the side to see the last of this drear land where many weary months have been spent.
It is a wonderful panorama - the broad bay with it's innumerable shipping. Greek Brigs, Sailing Boats, French and English Transports, Torpedo-Boat Destroyers, Cruisers and Battleships. Tramp Steamers, Yachts, Trader's Rowing Boats, Motor Launches and Cutters.
Behind this the town with it's great array of buildings, a few of which are discernible, the White Tower, Custom House, Church of St. Sophia and innumerable Minarets. Further away the walls of the old town and behind all the bare, barren hills, over which we have tramped and .........
Page 11
A Farewell (continued)
....... laboured. On the right Mount Athos, and away on the left, Olympus - whose peaks are shrouded with clouds.
Gradually we plough our way out and soon turn out of the Bay leaving Salonica and it's many memories behind - perhaps for ever.
Robert Louis Stevenson in one of his books, says - 'The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be happy as kings.' It is quite true - there seems plenty to go round, even in Salonica; but you just want to be 'pliable', so that you can appreciate what comes your way. Sometimes we were pliable and were very happy, even in barren Macedonia; but War and it's glamour absorbed everything and made our minds and thoughts everything other than 'pliable'.
So we leave this land with thankful and glad hearts and no regret at the Farewell.
The sun is shining down on us with all its glory and warmth; the blue sea rolls all around us and ahead is ....... rest and peace for some short while.
So we would say our 'Farewell' to all that has been sordid and trying, and just creep into the unknown future with prayers, that soon over this war - worn earth the God of Peace may reign supreme
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Keith L. M. Roberts
7th Yorkshire Regiment
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Page 12
THE DAILY LIFE OF A SOLDIER
by
KILTIE
6.30 am..........Reveille............................................' Christians! Awake!!'...................................
6.45 am.........Horse Parade...................................'Art thou weary? Art thou languid?'..........
7.0 am...........Breakfast..........................................'Meekly wait and murmur not'....................
8.15am..........C.O's Parade....................................'When HE cometh!'.......................................
8.45am.........,Manoevers........................................'Fight the good fight'.....................................
9.30am..........Company Orders.............................'Off in danger; off in woe'.............................
10.30am........Swedish Drill....................................'Here we suffer grief and pain'.....................
11.0 am.........Kit Inspection...................................'All things bright and beautiful'...................
11.30am........Route March....................................'Onward! Christian Soldiers'........................
12.45pm.......Dinner................................................'Come, all ye thankful'...................................
2.15pm.........Rifle Drill...........................................'Go labour on'.................................................
2.30pm........Trench Digging...................................'Work for the night is coming'......................
3.15pm........Lecture by Officers............................'Tell me the old, old story'.............................
4.30pm........Dismiss................................................'Praise God, from whom all blessings flow'.
5.0pm..........Pay.......................................................'Count your blessings, one by one'...............
5.30pm.......Tea........................................................'What means, this anxious, waiting throng?'
6.0pm.........Free for the night................................'Oh, Lord! How happy shall we be?............
6.5pm.........Canteen...............................................'Will you meet me at the fountain?'...............
6.30pm.......Out of bounds.....................................'We do not know; we cannot tell'...................
9.0pm........Defaulters.............................................'Angels Whispers'............................................
9.45pm......Zepp Raid Drill....................................'We plough the fields and scatter'..................
10.0 pm.....Last Post...............................................'All are safely gathered in'...............................
10.30pm....Lights Out............................................'Peace! Perfect Peace!'.....................................
11.0pm......Night Manoeuvres...............................'Pilgrims of the Night'.......................................
11.30pm....Guard Inspection................................'Sleep on! Beloved!'...........................................
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Xmas at St. Andrews
'It was Xmas Day at St Andrew's
And all were of good cheer
The patients were assembled
But, alas! there was no beer.'
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'There were splendid decorations
That told of the men's good taste
And flags of the Allied Nations
And numerous daubs of paste.'
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'The Turkeys joints, alas! slack!!
Did not appear at dinner
Of other meats we had a stack
No wonder I don't get thinner.'
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'The Xmas Puddings - each a gift
From 'the Times' - (a benevolent journal)
Were fine, oh! my!! I must admit
I'm as fat as a full-blown colonel.'
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'For tea, we'd sausages and ham
Of hunger there was no question
Each patient tried himself to cram
Result was - indigestion.'
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'At night all were admitted free
To the evening's jollification
It was clearly a night of revelry
Of songs and recitation.'
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'We had soldier's songs and songs of love
And songs of the brave and mighty
And thankful we were to God above
For our treat - tho' far from 'Blightly'.'
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Private at Sick Parade, relating troubles to M.O. 'Stop man! You'll be falling to pieces at my feet in a minute.'
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A Sunday School Superintendent, in giving out the Hymn - 'Little Drops of Water, Little Grains of Sand,' said, - 'Lets start 'Little Drops of Water', and put plenty of spirit into it.'
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An R.A.M.C. officer was examining some R.A.M.C. recruits - for qualification for Corps. pay.
To one man he said, - 'Where is your spleen, my lad?'
'In my kit-bag, sir!' answered the recruit.
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Lodger. 'Mrs Murphy! Have you seen my glass eye?'
Mrs Murphy. 'Yes sir! It was reading one of my letters so I hid it in the bureau.'
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A Xmas Adventure
It was Christmas Eve of 1913 when a boat, after three years trading in foreign parts, put into North Shields. As she had to go into dry dock to be overhauled, cleaned and repaired, the crew, consisting of ninety four men, were paid off and dismissed the ship, their contracts having expired.
The third engineer, a young fellow of about twenty six, found himself along with the rest leaving the ship which had been his home for many months. It was quite dark when he got ashore, and, as he had decided to spend the night in the town, he sauntered along High Street, mingling with the merry crowds of Xmas shoppers. Being attracted by something displayed in a shop window he stopped to look. Scarcely had he done so, when feeling a tap on his shoulder, he turned to find a woman, shabbily dressed, whose features were almost obscured by a shawl thrown over her head and shoulders. He enquired her business and received the reply that a very dear friend of his lay dying and was not expected to last much longer. Thinking it was a case of mistaken identity, he told the woman that he had not been in England for three years and had only been in that part of North Shields once before.
The woman assured him that she had not made a mistake, and he, scenting adventure, told the woman to lead on. She did so, followed a few yards behind by the engineer, down many side streets and eventually led on to the old quay, which is lined with large tenement houses. These buildings, for want of repair, are practically deserted. The woman took a key from her pocket and unlocked a door, beckoning the young man to follow. She locked the door behind him and led the way along a passage; unlocking another door she ushered the man into a small unlighted room. The woman crossed the room and left, apparently by another door. Left to himself, the engineer surmised that he had been trapped because of the three hundred pounds in his possession. Grasping his jack-knife he prepared to defend himself, when Hark! What was that? The groans of a human being in agony! Feeling his way in the direction from which the sound came he felt for his matches and and struck a light. A horrible sight met his gaze. A man, with his throat cut, was lying on the couch, his life's blood ebbing away. The match burned out and he was about to strike another when he heard footsteps and the woman returned with a lighted candle. He turned fiercely on the woman and demanded the reason of it all. She coolly informed him that he had been decoyed there for the purpose of disposing of the body which was too big a burden for her. He refused to have anything to do with it, and found himself looking at the business end of a revolver in the hand of the woman. He was then coolly informed that he must carry out orders or be shot like a dog, as her punishment would be just the same whether one or two deaths laid at her door. To gain time he consented to do her will, and was told to pick up the body of the now dead man, carry it out of the house, across the intervening space and drop it into the harbour. The body was that of a man of about forty five years of age and weighed about fifteen stone and consequently the engineer experienced great difficulty in lifting it. He was encouraged, however, by the sight of the revolver and was coolly informed that if he dropped the body or attempted to raise the alarm it would mean instant death for him. The woman then led the way along the passage and out into the street, the man stumbling along under his heavy burden. He struggled on, the body hanging limp in his arms, and at last reached the.......
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A Xmas Adventure continued
...... edge of the quay, dropping the body in the dark flowing waters of the Tyne. The body struck the water with a great splash, drenching the hero of our story. That splash did it!! He awoke; - it had been a dream!!!
by Pte. Johnson
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Deficient!
Tramp 'Oi say sor! Can't yer give
me a few coppers to help me
along?'
Dandy Why don't you do
something for a living?
You'd do bettah with bwains
than money!'
Tramp 'Shure! an' I only
asked for phwat Oi thought
ye had the most of.'
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In these Hard Times!
McDonald had the reputation
of being a very careful man,
and an acquaintance, speaking of
him the other day, said; -
'Why he even looks over the top
of his glasses, to save wearing them out!'
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'Why are a pair of skates like
an apple?'
'They have each had a hand in
the fall of man!'
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England!
Wake Up!
'Wake up! oh England!
And pass the work along!
For we've a mighty foe in hand,
And to win we must be strong!'
----------
'Wake up! Oh wake up!
This is not a silly game;
Shake 'em up! Oh shake 'em up!
And keep up the good old name!'
----------
'Let's have no more of tragedies!
Let paltry bickerings stop!
Show you're mistress of the seas!
And make those 'U' boats hop!'
----------
Don't let us be too optimistic,
For we've a big thing in hand;
Rather, let's be pessimistic,
And rouse the best in the land!'
----------
'There's many a man to come yet!
There's many a laggard behind!
Shake 'em up! Let none be left!
And make them help in the grind.'
----------
'There's Belgium, our gallant little ally,
Who's suffered the grim, grim grind;
And a long, long pull uphill,
Still, she's not yet left behind.'
----------
'Serbia is daily retrieving
Her defeat, and blood-reeking ground;
And there's many a proud heart heaving
At her work, as the days go round.'
----------
'Roumania is sticking it, too!
God help in her time of need!
But the Kaiser has a lot to do,
'Ere she 'comes a broken reed.'
----------
'Then, old England! Wake up!
Let's eclipse all the past deeds!
And fill up the Kaiser's cup!
And clear him off, - as the weeds!'
----------
'It's a long pull and a strong pull,
But you can do it all the same,
For you've got your coffers quite full,
And know all the tricks of the game.'
----------
'Pull together, my laddies, then!
Let every man do his share!
It's for the Motherland, men!
Which is a home so rare!'
----------
K.L.M.R.
Passed by the Censor!
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Author's note: I have used the spellings as written in this book.
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Song. .......... 'I wonder what mother would say'.......... Dur. Hancock. M.T., ASC.
Song. .......... 'Little Mary is troubling me'.................... Dur. McConnell M.T.
Recitation... 'Listen to my tale of Woe!'........................ Dur. Howe. M.T.
Quintette.... 'We have no pain, dear Doctor, now! .......Dur de Wit, Tpr Marshall,
(On the way to Blighty) .............. Ptes. Hirst, Nightingale
& Lindsay
Song...........'I am wasting away'.....................................'Gnr. Durham
Recitation..'My father was a barber before me.'..........Pte. Stokes. R.A.M.C.
Song............'A little bit of bluff'......................................Pte. O'Neill
Monologue. 'Unfortunately I've been gassed!'..............Gnr. Nixon - Ray
Song............'My delight knoweth no 'bounds'!'............Sgt. Cole
Duet............'Nothing will 'move' us!'..............................S. S. Williams
& Dur Baskerfield
Chorus......'The Bay of Biscay. O!'..................................The Ward. ----------------------------------------------------------------
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Things we want to KNOW:-
1. 'Is a descendant of Edison to be found in Ward 8?'
2. 'Who, said Nurse 'Tickler' came from Epsom?'
3. 'Howe' many mosquitoes have been seen in Blighty?'
4. 'What the 'boot-maker' said to the 'tailor' when they met?'
5. 'Who, in No 6 Ward, was the innocent victim of the (h)air raid?'
6. 'Who said 'Peace' and why?'
7. 'Has President Wilson developed writer's cramp?'
8. 'Who is the patient with 'roses' on the brain?'
9. 'Is the old home in the same place?'
10. 'What will be the result of the next 'push'?'
11. 'Who is the talented orderly who aspires the 'Westminster/'
(Does this mean the Abbey of that name? Ed)
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Page 21/22
The 'Obverse'!
The letter of Althea, daughter of Cyrenus, Governor of Syria, to her cousin Clara at the house of her father near the Capital - Rome.
Jerusalem
9th Year of Augustus' Reign
Hail! Beloved Clara!
Thy most dear companion and cousin Althea addresses thee from the boundary of Caesar's Empire.
You are doubtless awaiting news and chronicle of our doings here and how we manage to occupy our time. My duties are mostly social as there are many legions here and the approach and departure of our legionaries are constantly to be heard in our palace. The plumed helmets and shining armour of the soldiery add a pleasing feature to an otherwise barren outlook.
Publius, thy brother, is still with us here and he interested me much by his report of his last station which was in the Northern Island of Britannia, which is sometimes called Albion. They cross over there from the territory of the brave Belgiae. The people speak the Celtic tongue and are vey brave and fierce in war, but honest and honourable in peace.
The atmosphere there is very damp and the ground very marshy, especially round Londinium, where his garrison was. Most of the warriors here are levies from that part, and fine and sturdy men they are. I have one youth for my slave and he shall be my father's freeman, for such a noble youth is not fitted for bonds. They lived in caverns in the ground, clothed themselves with skins and waded through the waters in skin-covered baskets; but now, under our care, they use wool for clothing and make stone houses as dwellings.
I miss those splendid parties in Caesar's gardens and the triumphal processions of the captives; the throng at the Forum ......
(To be continued)
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The 'Obverse!' Cont.
when the laurel-tied display of victory is read; and the games of the gladiators in the arena.
It is now drawing nigh the feast of Mithras, the latest god in the Parthenon Temple; and you will all be bedecked in your best with garlands encircling you and the rapturous dances.
Father is busy preparing to receive the new tax which Caesar has been pleased to levy, and already hundreds of the Barbarians are gathering to their Tribal Cities, singing their chants composed by a chieftain who ruled them many years ago.
I am sending this by Publius, he departs on the boat to Thessalonica and by the high road of Macedonia to Rome. We depart for our villa at Bethlehem tomorrow.
P.S. At Bethlehem
Publius has not yet departed as he expects to carry the tribute to Caesar. It is beautiful here in this little village. Publius came here, and together we were in the Olive Grove, the stars were brilliantly sparkling and the sky clear and bright. The songs of the shepherds, watching their sheep through the night, were filling the air; and you know Publius has my favour. I went down through the village yesterday and saw the throng coming to pay their tribute. It seems this is the home of David and all his descendants claim it as their home; every house was full, and also the inn and out-houses. I went inside a stable, drawn there by the cry of a little child, he was cradled in a manger, and a sight for the Gods. I have never seen a heavenlier child in the whole of Caesar's empire - he must have come from the abode of the Gods.
The native prince Herod is always drunk and riotous , and, I am afraid, uses the Jews very badly, but Imperial Rome does not interfere as long as Caesar's are rendered unto Caesar.
Greetings to you, Clara
Hail and Farewell,
Thine
Althea
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The 'Reverse'!
Somewhere in Macedonia
Xmas 1916
Dear Wife,
Xmas has come again and still I am away from you. We are holding on and shall continue to do so until we have accomplished that which is necessary. There are a large number of troops here of almost every nation under the sun.
It was pretty to see all the fleet, so majestic and grand. What a difference between the giant battleships and the old coracles of the Ancient Britons, who we are very much like up here, clad in sheepskin coats and living in dug-outs.
This is a very historical locality; there has been a great deal of fighting in these parts at all times. Alexander the Great lived in these parts and marched his armies along what we call the 'Monastir Road'. The Romans also used it to pass into Syria and Jerusalem.
Sometimes when we dig trenches, we come across odd looking objects which, judging from their appearance, must be very old. One day we came across a curious monument; it was a beautiful statue, of a young woman, with some Latin words under it. We were told it was the tomb of a Roman General. Her name was Althea; she died in these parts when returning to Rome from the East; probably from......
Page 23
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...... the fevers which trouble our men so badly.
I hope you will enjoy your Xmas. Our boy Laddie is in his fourth year now, so let him have something for his Xmas Present to let him know how glad everyone is on account of that little boy that was born a long time ago on Xmas Day. So that later he may understand that to be a man is to be like him, and to be true is to obey him.
Accept my love;
Your husband,
Tom.
by
Friar Tuck
R.A.M.C.
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A Biting Bit
'Papa! Didn't you whip me for biting baby?'
'Yes! my child! You hurt him very much'.
'Then papa! You ought to whip that gentleman who is in the parlour with my sister. I saw him bite her on the lips, and I know it hurt her for she put her arms round his neck and tried to
choke him!'
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Business as Usual
Little Boy. 'I saw you kiss sister and, if you don't give me sixpence, I'll tell.'
Young Man. 'Alright! Here's the sixpence and a stick into the bargain.'
Little Boy. 'Thanks! That makes ten shillings I've made like that
this Xmas'.
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Extras!
Two little girls were saying their prayers prior to being tucked in for the night. When both had finished the younger of the two climbed on her mother's knee and whispered; 'Mother! Clara only asked for 'daily bread'. I asked for bread and jam!'
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