All posts by Elizabeth Hibbett Webb

My aim is to publish, in date order, the letters my father, Private Bertie Hibbett, wrote home to Walsall, almost twice a week, from 1914 – 1918. His self-styled ‘humble scribblings’ give a vivid picture of what it was like to be a Private in Kitchener’s Army but, with their original drawings, sketches and photographs, they provide an important collection of primary source material for social historians in this centenary year of the outbreak of the Great War. As a child I was more aware of the 1st World War than of the 2nd, through which I grew up. My father was Vicar of St Vedast’s Church, Tathwell, Lincolnshire and I was never allowed to forget that my birthday was also St Vedast’s Day, for this was an ever present reminder to him of his dawn sentry duty on Easter Day 1915, at Neuville St. Vaast, Messines. * Like my grandfather, Arthur Hibbett, Chief Inspector of Schools for the Borough of Walsall, my career has been in education; mainly in higher and further education, where I taught courses in historical and literary interpretation & methodology. I have a BA Hons.degree in Theology and History from the University of Nottingham and a Master’s degree in Hermeneutics from the University of Bristol. My first teaching post was at Luton High School, then I became Lecturer & Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the College of St Matthias, Fishponds, teaching the University of Bristol, B.Ed. degree. After my marriage, in 1971, to David Kester Webb (painter, photographer and teacher), I became the first Open University Tutor Counsellor and Associate Lecturer in North Devon, from 1974 until 2000. During that time I also taught Religious Studies ‘A’ level at North Devon College. Kester and I published our book, The Hidden Edge of Exmoor,in 2011 (www.thematic-trails.org). This is the story of our life-time’s climbing exploration of the Exmoor Coast at Sea-level; literally hands on geology. We have two offspring: Rebekah (Consultant in International Development: Gender/HIV/Aids) and Martin Vedast, (Project Manager in Ceramics for Disabled Adults). * NB The name Vedast or Vaast means Foster in English. St Vedast was a 4th C. saint, patron of numerous churches in N. Europe, chiefly of Arras Cathedral. Apart from St Vedast Tathwell, the only other church in the Uk with this patronage is St Vedast, Foster Lane London.

12th Dec. 1914: Saffron Walden – Bad Soup & Missing Blankets.

December 12, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Pte BERTIE: Long Letter, Part 2 (Pages 14 – 26) to BASIL HIBBETT; in which he also answers a letter from his Mother.

Saturday Dec 12/ 14

Have just read Mother’s lovely letter which was very homely & interesting. I thought a great deal of it. How long it was /is too, 3 pages. In fact I was so eager and delighted that I read it while waiting for my pay. I hurriedly screwed it as carefully as I could in my pocket before going up to the Capt: Ha! Ha!

The 1st question in it – personally tired? Yes that’s all I’ll say to that!

As to why I could not eat the pontoon (1) was like this:- We waited & waited & waited till the 50th time, of going down to the bottom of the Street to the Cuckhus, we met a Pte who said it had to be sent away – the pontoon was so bad – the water was quite green – well all we could do was to wait for tea, in patience. We made up for it by having a good tea.

Sydney got the letter & P O and will most likely write. The name of the people at 52, Tavistock St. Luton is Mrs HOAR (2). Perhaps she did not know if she was right in sending the parcel carriage forward by train or through the G.P.O. I really must write a lot plainer. So you got Ida’s letter then, I can tell from Mother’s letter.

So you are acting again this Xmas – Ah! – we (you & I) did not know last that this coming Christmas will be spent more preciously – & what would happen before it comes. I remember well the last (school) plays, Henry Vth & ‘Thesbe’.

It must have been raining all over England this last 2 days or so. I can picture Ida knitting away before the fire busily at my old mitt. Ah! if we are not at home by Christmas we shall treasure a welcome box of mince pies etc. but I hope we shall all spend a Real Christmas i.e. all the Family together again on Christmas Day. But I am doubtful about Christmas Day – we might have to wait a few days later; if so I hope we hit on Ida’s Birthday(3).

If Mother chances to read this letter she will see queerly how I have followed her letter. I have got it close to me. I have learned from experience, for I know I have tried to think of things that you want answered but alas I’ve forgotten so I will keep the letters & pull them out when writing to you. I have always kept a little pile of the most interesting letters in my pocket to read on a day off, or to refer to.

Time will soon come when our letters will be censored i.e. when we get nearer the coast, then we shall not be able to say what we like, especially where we go & are staying at, etc etc. – but one thing – we need not pay postage.

The PCs issued to us free are queer things, all printed, & the sender has to cross off what he isn’t & leave what he is – like this:- I am ill. I am well. Received your letter last & so on.

When I went to Luton my geography was so bad that I could not tell where we were, & all the time – up till now when I have just got 2 maps. I will send you one & then you will be able to follow our travels until that wicked censor comes along. (N.B. I will send you both & the one you don’t want send back).

Sid has gone with Vernon to Cambridge – what oh! swank. Vernon knows, or rather at one time had an interview with the Head of Keys College, Cambridge. I hope they’ll manage it all right – straight road from S.Walden. I shall larf if an M.P. gets hold on ’em. They hired two brand new cycles for the afternoon from 2 till 9 pm.

Sydney & I got the lovely handsome presents from Miss Kathie (4) – it was really very kind of her, they will come in so handy & useful, just fit the haversack, so we shall be able to take them to the Front if we go. They will last a long time & stand some of the rough handling which ‘they’ must make up their ‘ minds’ for, but shame!

(Page 21 -still strong!) – I will take the greatest care of mine if Sid doesn’t – leather too by jinks! You will be sure to express to her my deepest thanks for her kindness. Miss Kathie said in the interesting little letter she enclosed that I need not write to thank her. I will tell you the exact words – wait a mo! while I get it out. She sais ‘Please do not bother to write & thank – they are not worth it (ba! to this) & I know you will have no time for that kind of thing.’ I will enclose her letter for it’s worth reading – show Mummy & then send it back don’t forget.

It’s a miracle Dear Ida got my letter. I did not notice the address until Mrs Penning here pulled it out of a drawer & showed it me at tea-time today. She is keeping the wrapper for a “keepsake”.

Ha! Ha! How dare the Reserves come up equal to us – who should pop in the kitchen – come right through the front room & into the kitchen where I was writing this letter, but who do you guess it was? – why Alan Machin*. He did look well & we had a good little chat – told him about Sid etc & I heard the “Dads” are getting on well in the Volunteer Corps (5).

Been on ration service – just when about to have a comfy tea. Had to carry 170 loaves in a blanket with 3 other Ptes along 2 streets. – nearly pulled my arms out – never mind, all in the day’s run. Ha! Ha! again I say, but no!

Sorry Dad’s letter was too late, but no more bother at Bishop’s Stortford – “ne’er more a the sight a the Corn Exchange fa me, nor thank you!” (6)

Well – I have really forgotten what I wrote first & have written since I started – in this short letter. I hope I’m not repeating myself. Alas! I’m beginnin’ to see I’m backsliding into scribble. I thought you would be interested in the district paper here & read about the Herts Terriers and the queer names of Ware, Sawbridgeworth, Widdington (where we went to dig trenches) Thaxted(dy), Stansted(dy) etc. (7).

I better close now & reserve some news for the future. I guess Sid will not help repeating news I’ve written, but I’ve stolen a march on him this time. All success to the play & how goes de eggsham (7)? Don’t forget about thanking Miss K Brookes. I feel strongly tempted to do now – to just write a line of thanks on her paper she sent, but I guess Sid will, or rather I give Sid the chance, be’in as I’ve written to K. before.

All good wishes to you & the rest.

With Fondest Love,

Bertie.

(Page 26 – even more!)

PS I will only leave Sid to say what he’s done at Cambridge. I’ll be determined to beat the record. I’ve got the time & its a pleasure sure an’ enough ’tis.

The Captain (Lister) told us that all ‘A’ Coy. must parade tomorrow (Sun) as he would like all his Coy (‘A’ Coy) to have a photo taken of them. Mr Penning is very interested in reading the Walsall Observer sent to Evans. He has just asked me if that was my Dad’s name as he pointed to the report on the Baths (8). Well I don’t think Sid will have an easy job to beat me!

Goodbye for the pres. Bert.

(1) Pontoon: School Boy/Army slang for Soup. (2) Luton Landlady: blankets appear to have been lost in transit home to Walsall. (3) Ida’ Birthday: 28th Dec. Holy Innocents’ Day. (4) Miss Kathleen Brookes, Sunday School Superintendant. Gift/ possibly a leather writing pad or wallet. (5) Volunteer Corps: Town/ Home Guard – forerunner to WW2 ‘Dad’s Army’. (6) Ref. perhaps to Arthur Hibbett’s letter of complaint regarding unsuitable Corn Exchange accommodation at Bishop’s Stortford, which appears to have caused so many colds. (7) Bertie loved such play on words. (8) Arthur Hibbett’s interest in Walsall’s Swimming Association. (See Menu: Walsall Education).

NEXT POSTS: 13th Dec. 1914: Saffron Walden: Church Parade. 16th Dec. 1914 : German Raid on Whitby.

11th Dec.1914: Saffron Walden: Trench Digging & Good Digs.

December 11, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: Long Letter Part 1: (Pages 1-13) to BASIL HIBBETT at 95, Foden Road, Walsall.

29, Gold St. Saffron Walden. Essex. Dec 11 / 14 Pay Night I don’t think (1)

My Dear Dodger,

“FUROR SCRIBENDI”

All though tired, I will keep my promise and write to you, I shall get interested myself, as I write on, so here’s luck! (2)

We have had the hardest day for some good many weeks. After stepping over from Bishop’s Stortford (the place you know where Cecil Rhodes’ father (3) was Vicar) we had the following day off but had to go to the Baths. I must say that this town, which is another regular farmer’s centre, is far better than Bishop’s Stortford. The Baths were fine, I did not mind having a dip, & a good rub down. Sid did not come down, he had a bad cold, which we’ve all got. Our friend, Eddy Hateley*, has had sick leave for the day & was in luck’s way, I can tell you – you’ll know later on in this letter.

After leaving the Baths we had to stay in billets for fear of further orders. The Lieutenant (Parr is his name*) and such a lankey chap but very gentlemanly & got plenty of common sense, superior to most other officers – well Parr came in – we all jumped up – he caught us round the kitchen fire – said that we must stay in as Captain Lister *would be coming round to say something – Lister never came.

In the morning we broke the rule and went to have our “stickey backs” taken (4). You’ll know what those are when we send them. Don’t try & guess & guess & let the cat out of the bag to the others will you? – we want it to be a Xmas surprise.

Did you read in the “Daily Mail” about Free Passage home for soldiers. I do hope its true don’t you? On the same morning we went to the Museum they’ve got here – beats Tamworth’s show – Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Eventure (sic) (5) etc – all stuffed though. Birds with most gorgeous & beautifully coloured plumage, & some humming birds, so small – from America. And I saw an umbrella bird – however it could see I don’t know; it had feathers over its head like a lady’s hat coming right over the eyes & I could only see its beak. It also had a long feather, like a small ostrich plume, coming from its breast & hanging in front like a leg. It also stood on one leg. There was also a stuffed boa constrictor killing a stag. Wild cats (hideous creatures) badgers, foxes etc. etc. I also saw the Kaiser (eagle), a good subject for my original cartoon which I enclose (6).

11th Dec 1914 Cartoon Eagle — **CARTOON: A.H.H. 11th Dec. 1914. THE FLAGS above are of the Allies: Britain, France, Russia and Belgium respectively.**

Saffron Walden has got a handsome Market Square, a much finer Corn Exchange (with a handsome little Tower) than that of B(ishops) S(tortford) –

– and old fashioned Town Hall, with wooden beams (see Sid’s PC ) – a Market Drinking Fountain in the centre and other municipal things. Yes! Saffron Walden is a swanky place; you know it’s where the Lord Howard de Walden lived once, at Audley End (7). By what I’ve seen of the PCs it’s a magnificent mansion extending over a large area; with such an extensive Estate that it forms a district of Saffron Walden.

Another mansion is about 4 miles away where Sir Carl Myer lived (8). He has been in trouble or rather lost all his property, for he had all his investments in Germany & so has had to have all his property sold here. Lord Braybrooke (9) now lives at Audley End, at least I mean Lady Braybrooke, for his Lordship has gone to Egypt.

I’ve not finished yet!

Saffron Walden also boasts of a fine College called the “Friends’ School” founded by Quakers & you know how rich they are. And not very far, at a place we passed on our way from Bishop’s Stortford, there is a Grammar School founded in 1588. It has been enlarged since, as can be seen by the new brickwork; the architecture of the facings is similar to Walsall Grammar School. There are some very, very old places in this old farm Town.

In the Museum – I forgot to tell you this – there is an old arrangement for roasting the Christmas Beef. The meat is put between four strong wires which altogether revolves – the whole arrangement is driven by a chain round a thing like a coffee grinder. I’ll send you a P.C. of it soon. Very interesting to watch it.

Well you’ll think we’ve been having a jolly easy time of it, if I don’t tell you of to-day’s doings. We told the people of this billet to wake us at 7.00 like Thursday morning, but about 5.45 this morning, orders were given at the door, breakfast at 6.am. A tap came at our bedroom door & I jumped out of bed (Sid thinks I’m a marvel) and lit the candle. I like getting up in the candle light. (I guess you are looking surprised after writing so mysteriously as the above. Yes the kind lady has got us two “comfy” beds).

Well we got down in plenty enough time for breakfast. Sid had got some choice bacon the night before; better than the scrubby little bits of fat & burnt rind we have had before. Beg pardon, I must not really make remarks about food, but still. Well we had a really bostin breakfast (10). I had some coffee which I have never tasted for breakfast since I left home. At the Drill Hall, Bishop’s Stortford Refreshment Stall I had a cup of coffee 1/2d nearly every night.

Soon after breakfast “Fall In” went, 7.20 about. How funny it seemed tramping down the street in the star light. I nearly won a medal – it’s the proper thing when going on parade to slope arms every time & then come to the “at easy” when in the file – well on passing a corporal, who was marching to the parade with arms at ease, I jokingly told him to slope arms & passed on. I saw Capt. Lister – of course I need not have saluted, because coming on parade is an every day occurrence. Perhaps if I had had done, I should have been wearing that medal of honour, what oh! I don’t think.

Another occasion when the Coy. had marched to the Batt. parade ground, ‘A’ Coy was standing at ease & had not got an NCO in command at the time – when up came the Colonel (11)*. The majority still kept at the easy, strolling and propping themselves up with their rifles, but I set the example, but rather sheepishly I came to the attention & our Colonel touched his hat as he saw me. Ah! I nearly touched for the medal again – perhaps this time it was because I did not come up smart enough!

Part of ‘A’ Coy. were told off to ‘C’ Coy, that notable Coy. of which that notable personage Capt Billy Wistance* is in command, – a jolly ‘nice’ chap though.

We marched on & on & on, till at last we recollected that we were going along the same road we had come from B.S. to here. Some of the Ptes punned about returning to that old place;– ‘oh! we are just going to pay the old place of Bishop’s Stortford a visit to see how they are getting on and how they’ve fared since we soldiers left it’. But we turned to the left after marching about 5 miles & went to a little village called Widdington. Now I’ve not got a cold all this much. It is Widdington I tell you, not Wittington (12), there are no barracks there you know.

What a rough time we had there. Eddie Hateley would have just died through it. We stood in the shivering cold for a jolly long time & then were kindly presented with a pick – – – AND a nice shovel as well mind you & were told to carry our chum the rifle on our back & sling over the left shoulder. Thus we began to tramp & tramp & tramp through pools & pools & roads, I mean cart tracks, of mud, mud, mud & worst of all through a wood – on & on we went, our shoulders crying out to be released of the burdens – for we had got the full pack & 150 rounds of ball cartridge for fear we were leaving Saffron Walden – but alas! we were on our way to Dig Trenches.

We managed to balance ourselves on the cart tracks. We halted in the wood & strict orders were given NOT to make a row of any sort, but some idiots could not control their poor selves from rattling the shovels & jabbering silly talk & grumbling about their unhappy condition. We then had to crawl down a slippery, muddy bank & up again through a hedge & then we formed up in Coys: & had a little rest at LAST!

It was not long before we were on the last move to the field where the trenches were to be dug. Billy Wistance spoke a cheery bit to us, that we must buck into it, for the trench, which was to be 3’.8” or so deep & 2’ wide, must be done most part to-day – for we should have to spend Saturday on it to get finished. So away we went, hack! hack! hack! & shove! shove! shove! & chuck! chuck! chuck! – for 1/2 hour off & 1/2 hour on.

Our Colonel, who always enters into such things, got up a spade & did a good bit of digging – in fact he beat me. (V.Evans* made a bit of a sarcastic remark & grinned about this). Well – the other officers saw the poor Colonel (who is said to be over 60 & was on the retired list) & followed his example. Captain Lees* got his coat off & sleeves to work & Norman Smith*, who is now with us as a 2nd Lieut, also swanked a bit, while 1st Lieut Pearman Smith* was very busy giving instructions.

The shape of the trench was very peculiar, something like the sketch (13). Well after much sweating away in the cold air we went to have dinner; another tramp through the wood (our rifles were not fit to be seen) & the mud. We halted in a field – even the smell of pontoon was enough to make my mouth water. I spied the officers with their hands full of ham sandwiches & a lump of cake on the top. Ah! I said before dinner, ‘I guess the officers wish they were having something hot like the soup of pontoon’. I soon changed the idea though for the soup tasted sweet. Ah! how horrid, & the meat soon went cold & the spuds were steamed in jackets & no salt or bread. You should, or rather can imagine, Sid carving away at a huge leg of mutton, with a knife, he did not stick it long. Knives were wanted & Sid gave up his for some time.

It was not long after dinner before we were on the way back. How long it seemed in front of us, all the way back passed Widdington, turn on the main road, passed Newport & turn to right again up a jolly long hill, down & up again. Most of the time not one of us muttered a word, except at a halt under a bridge – raining all the time – had our oil sheets on. When we were entering the town we let ourselves go & sang all the comic songs. ‘Here we are! here we are! ringing wet’ – and so on.

The Landlady of our billet was extremely considerate & kind – came to the door to meet us & Mr Penning* (14) took the oil sheets & hung them up to dry – and cleaned our boots for us at night. We had a bostin tea & have had porridge for supper (we bought this ourselves). These last 2 nights I had something you like very much for my supper. Cold Rice Pudding.

Mr Penning is just like Father for keeping awake when things concerning other people are on the move. He wakes us up at 7. 0 regularly, & is awake for any knock that may come before that time.

Continued on 12th Dec. 1914.

NB* Details of Soldiers are updated in the Staffordshire Soldiers Page, as they appear in the Letters.

Continue reading 11th Dec.1914: Saffron Walden: Trench Digging & Good Digs. →

8th Dec. 1914: Bishops Stortford Corn Exchange, Army Orders & Underwear.

December 8, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT to Mrs Marie N. Hibbett at 95, Foden Road, Walsall.

Corn Exchange (1), Bishops Stortford. Tuesday night. Dec. 8 / 14

PAR NOBILE FRATRUM (2)

My Dear Mother,

We are moving tomorrow to Saffron Walden, a provincial town about 12 miles north. I daresay Syd has told you. We had orders to pack ready and leave nothing behind, else we shall not see them again, for arrangements will be entirely different from what they have been with regards to communication from here to Luton.

I send home the two pairs of jypamas (sic) and the once pair of Sunday boots. I am bound to send these home now. I have my valise, haversack etc stuffed already and there are still more things to go in. If I need the army undervest I will write for it. I found it too rough and not such a comfortable make as yours. I have worn the trouser parts of the pyjamas while being here. I do not think I will be able to wear such things again now we are on the move. I changed my underwear last Saturday night, after going to the Baths at a College in the morning (they are not to be compared with those at Luton – of course these were free – all ‘A’ Company went by orders).

I read the Walsall paper you sent (3) (Evans* had one which I read the day before) and received the Parish Magazine this morning which I shall enjoy reading in my spare time.

We, the trio ( Syd, V. Evans and I ) will try to get together when we get to the new place, where I sincerely hope there will be comfortable house billets – ( of course we must get used to places more like the trenches or what shall we do when we have to sleep and dwell at the Front). Of course things have been awkward somewhat here, and trying to comply with Army Orders. I preferred sleeping at the proper place.

Have you received the blankets from Luton yet? (4)

I will pay the carriage ~~forward~~ for this and then I think it will get to Walsall all right & safe. I am not only squeamish about sending parcels carriage forward, but I do not like the idea of you paying at your end when I can afford to pay at this end – only when I’m really & excusably hard up. Thank you for the letter (you said we could read one another’s ) and for the Yorkshire Herald cutting. The Yorkshire Hussars are going to Harlow where Sir E. Wood (5) saw us on Friday.

I think we shall be in England by Christmas so there’s a chance of sharing the turkey & pudding with you. I know you’d like us to. Goodbye for the present. I’m writing this in the Drill Hall – time’s up – ink bottles are going – shd’v re-written this (6) – so sorry.

Bertie.

NB. On 5th Dec. 1914: King George V th visited the Front and on 7th Dec. Lloyd George became Prime Minister.

(1)The Corn Exchange appears to have been used as a Billet as well as a Drill Hall in 1914. (2) Latin. A Noble Pair of Brothers, ref. to stoicism in face of uncomfortable billets. (3) Walsall Observer, Dec 1914: reports increasing number of photographs of local Casualties; requests for mittens & other comforts for the Front; Bishop of Lichfield called for ‘Christmas as Usual‘ to help keep up soldiers’ ‘confidence’. (4) Blankets appear to have gone missing in transit home. (5) Field Marshall Sir Evelyn Wood VC. (6) Ref. to untidy writing and crossings out.

NEXT POST:11th Dec. 1914: Training in Saffron Walden: Trench Digging. Long Letter: Part 1, pages 1-13 to brother Basil.

25th Nov. 1914: Bishop’s Stortford: Flanking Attack against the Leicesters.

November 25, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

SYDNEY HIBBETT: 20 in 1914.

Pte SYDNEY HIBBETT 8830, 1/5th South Staffordshire Rgt. to Master BASIL HIBBETT at 95, Foden Road, Walsall.

Bishop’s Stortford. 25/ Nov. 1914.

Dear Dodger,

What do you think of these views? We went towards London today & had a sham attack – 10 miles (1).

Perfect day – cloudless sky all week – did 14 miles yesterday on a flanking attack (2) against the Leicesters – wore white bands around our hats.

Hear we are going back to Luton early next week to train up the officers – have to march it I’m afraid (3). So I will fall out as it will be rotten dull. Wish I was in some other Regiment, Foreign Services I don’t think.

Yours sorrowfully,

Syd.

ELIZABETH HIBBETT WEBB 2009

Sydney is not exactly joking about their ‘training up the officers’, so great was the number of Volunteers.

(1) Sham Attack. A military procedure to deceive the enemy. (2) Flanking Attack: ‘a flanking manoeuvre on the sides of an opposing force…’ to reduce its ability to defend itself. The intention is ‘to create confusion and threat from multiple directions’ and thereby lower enemy morale. (See Wikipedia & Google Images). (3) A 30 mile march, 9 -10 hours.

NEXT POST: 8th Dec. 1914: Bishop’s Stortford: Corn Exchange & Army Orders.

12th Nov. 1914: WALSALL OBSERVER – ‘TERRIERS’ HARD TRAINING AT LUTON

November 12, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

From Our Own Correspondent: IKY BOULTON with 1/5th S. STAFFS in LUTON to the Editor, WALSALL OBSERVER. Published 14th Nov. 1914.

LUTON, Thursday Night.

Still at Luton! This will no doubt surprise many Walsall people who were led to believe from the rumours current in Walsall that we should by this time be in France or Mesopotamia, or Timbuctoo, or any other of the innumerable and unlikely places to which the said rumour was to send us. As I have indicated several times in my previous articles these rumours are mostly purely bunkum. No one knows quite where they come from. Like ‘Topsy in Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ “I ‘spect they growed”.

I am sorry to labour this point, but because a short time ago we had orders to be READY to move at two hours notice, the unwise spent at least half a day’s pay in telegrams, and, I am afraid, caused much unnecessary fluttering in maternal breasts.

Therefore I ask all readers of the “Observer” to treat such rumours as to our movements with suspicion. I did not say the 5^th South will never leave Luton. It is certain, so much as anything can be certain in these times, that before many weeks are past we shall, as part of the North Midlands Division, be taking part in the fight against the modern Hun.

The Training we are undergoing now is Training, which surely no Territorials have ever before been through.

On Monday part of the Battalion was at the butts between three and four miles from billets. There are sixty targets on each of the two ranges. Those who were not firing or marking (I will say nothing of marking as if I wrote my impressions, I am sure that neither the Censor nor the Editor would pass them) did a little diversion of 20 odd miles. Three months ago the same marching order would have caused more fatigue in marching from The Bridge to the Station (1) than it did on Monday.

Such is Training. Many are the jokes heard as to how we should miss our pack when the War has rolled away. One of my brilliant brained friends swears he will carry a typewriter for a time for fear he should be rising like an airship when the weight of the full kit no longer keeps him down. In this regard fancies differ. Personally, I am undecided between a linotype and a rotary on which this paper is printed.

Still the effect of the Training is clearly seen in the unconcerned manner in which we carry our by no means light burden. Tomorrow we shall have another little joint, about as far as Lichfield and back (2). Some of you men “waiting to be fetched”, as the boys in khaki so pithily put it, try and walk half way, say to Brownhills and back (3), and then you might perhaps realise that it is not only musketry that makes the effective soldier.

It is no use waiting until things are at their blackest.

“The old country will win through all right” I can hear you saying.

We have no doubt of that. But what are you doing? Some of you of course are engaged on military contracts. These cannot and must not come. But are there not others?

You of military age, physically, fit who have not joined ought to hear some of the comments when the men return here from leave. “I met so and so in Park Street yesterday still in civvies”. “I thought he had more pluck”. This is a typical remark. There is a widespread idea that the War will not last long. Perhaps it will not. But why not trust the greatest military expert of the day and when Lord Kitchener asks for recruits why not answer his call? Your King and Country needs you.

The able-bodied civilian of today, with no pressing business reasons for staying at home, and some of us are not making money out of this war – is he worthy the name of “Briton” if when the war is ended he cannot say:

‘I was not with the first to go. But I went, thank God, I went‘. ________________________

**Bridge Street, Walsall 4th Sept 1914.**

Hard-hitting Recruitment here!

Pte ISAAC (Iky/ Ikee) BOULTON, 8831, ‘A’ Coy, 1/5th S.Staffs, enlisted between Pte Sydney Hibbett, 8830 and Pte Bertie Hibbett, 8832 on 4th September, 1914. Regimental Records: (T to E) Transferred to England, ( injured?)18.5.1915. Further Information Unconfirmed: 1911 Census: Isaac Boulton,18 yrs, nephew of Rachel Dakes (widow), born Smallthorne, Staffordshire. Pupil Teacher with Walsall County Council. England & Wales Deaths: Isaac A. Boulton. Age 24, Jan- March,1918, Walsall. Parents possibly Joseph H. Boulton (Beer Retailer, 5, Rolling Mill St. Walsall) and Elizabeth Agnes Boulton. Questions: QMS Old Boy? Did he die of his injuries? No CWWG entry.

(1) Volunteer’s March to Station: 4th Sept. 1914 – less than a quarter-mile. (2) Walsall to Lichfield & back-18 miles approx. (3) Brownhills: village 6 miles from Walsall, edge of Cannock Chase (where Staffordshire Hoard discovered in 2009) – i.e. a March of 12 miles.

NB: Walsall Observer 14th Nov. also reported on election of J.N.Cotterell as Mayor cf Letter 9th Nov.

NEXT POST: 25th Nov. 1914: PC to Basil from Sydney.

11th Nov. 1914: Still in Luton (3)

November 11, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT to his Sister IDA at 95, Foden Road, Walsall.

IDA HIBBETT. 27 in 1914. — IDA HIBBETT.
27 in 1914.

Still in Luton Nov.11/ 14 (1) Thursday night.

My Dear Sister,

I was going to send you a P.C. but there are one or two interesting things to tell you.

First and foremost, Syd & I thank you to the utmost for the cake – the trouble you went through, both in making it, looking after it in the oven and the anxiety as to whether it shall taste all right. As a matter of fact you will, or at least I hope you will be quite satisfied and happy to hear that the cake was simply topping. I shared some with Vernon Evans who said he liked it. Of course who could dislike such a home-made cake, full of all that’s good. It tasted juicy and fresh & all the better for its plump in the middle, & it arrived all safe and sound. A welcome parcel indeed. So glad our parcels were opened by the fireside as, I have an idea now, that I hoped they would be.

I saw one of those hunting parties I have rarely seen in my life – I don’t think since the Uffington days(2). The pack followed the Battalion & tried to overtake us in the town, but our long train prevented them. The huntsmen were dressed in red and rode the old grey horse of Pickwickian days.

Your letter was most amusing to read & I commend you upon your fluent Irishism! Thanks extremely for the little huswife (3) which poked itself from an unseen hand through the letter box & dropped with a pleasant thud on the floor; a useful little waterproof article indeed.

Tell Mother I forgot to enclose ‘India at War’ in my last parcel but I sent it on to the great literary enthusiast H.V. Hibbett Esq. of Wolverhampton. He, I trust, will let Mother read it this weekend. Is not it really splendid the way the Indians are helping us! Capt. Lister, on reading the not altogether good news this morning, said we ought to send more of our men to the Front.

It is very uncertain now that we shall remove from Luton this side Christmas, but nothing can be taken for granted. Such a lot of recruits joined lately – therefore inefficient.

How’s Dodger(4) getting on? Just a line from him would be welcome & some more of his problems in trigonometry. I should give worlds if he could solve when we go off on Active Service.

Did Mother go to the Mayoress’s Luncheon? (5) & have a chat with Mrs. Evans, who had to leave Luton this Monday morning because of the occasion.

Life here is getting more of a scurry & hurry just like (your) Hospital life, seems no rest; all tramp, tramp, tramp, nothing but the Battalion either in front or behind. Only relying on the one & only? consolation that we have offered ourselves to serve our King and Country –

Is it worth it? I daresay many of us have asked ourselves on the quiet.

I say after all Yes, but our spirits are all ups and downs – (see back of this (envelope)).

Short of Note.

After a hard day, marching home with picks and shovels & rifles & all steaming hot we did not feel like
singing for some time but on nearing the town we picked up ‘It’s a long, long way to Tipperary. But we’re not downhearted’ – Yet. In the rhythmical swing of the old, old tune.

I often imagine you all taking it in turns reading sheet after sheet of Sid’s long letter. Basil, perhaps in the train on return home, looking forward to a letter.

All good wishes & best love to all from your ever affec. brothers – Sid & Bert.

NB. I hope you’ll find the album all right for photos. I chose it because I thought it will hold any sized photo & it has no fancy stuff about it. Aren’t Sid’s ties lovely, but don’t get so over bubbling with joy. What oh!

Bert.

”Is it worth it?’ As Bertie’s Letters continue it is noticeable that he confides his fears and uncertainties to his sister more than to anyone.

(1) Date should be 12th Nov. a Thursday in 1914. (2) Childhood holidays spent with an Uncle Tom at Uffington near Stamford , then part of Rutland. (3) Huswif – ‘housewife’- i.e. a little roll of sewing materials for mending clothes. (4)’Dodger‘ – Basil’s nickname. (5) Mrs. J.N.Cotterell was Mayoress of Walsall, 1914 -1915. The Cotterells lived at Beverley House, Lichfield Road, Walsall, now a friendly hotel. A very useful website for the history of Walsall: http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/articles/Walsall/early20thcentury.htm

NEXT POST: 12th Nov. 1914: Pte Iky Boulton 1/5th S. Staffs sends his copy on ‘The Terriers’ to the Walsall Observer.

9th NOV. 1914: STILL IN LUTON (2)

November 9, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT to PATER, at 95 Foden Road, Walsall

My Dear Dad,

Many thanks for the Postal Order. I got two tins of Borace Powder specially made with holes in a revolving lid (1). My feet have got much better since last Home Leave, but just after this 21 mile march they have got a bit sore again.

I guess Syd has told you all the news, but I don’t think he has mentioned that the late Mr. Hoyle the late Inspector of Schools in Luton, died about May of this year (2). The people here say he was a Yorkshireman & the present Inspector is a Mr. Carter, but they don’t know where he has come from.

I won’t forget to send a newspaper to York (3) when I go abroad. What’s the idea?

I will not say much more for I am very much afraid of repeating Syd’s news, so I’ll shut up. I will just say one more thing & that is please give Mother the pamphlet “India at War” (4) for I know she is greatly interested about the attitude of India. I have bought several of these little instructive pamphlets which I am sending to Harold who is another literary enthusiast!

Best love from your affectionate son, Bertie.

(1) ‘Borace’ – a trade-name? for Borax powder (salt of boric acid) used to treat fungus and athlete’s foot. Bertie’s ill-fitting boots led to blisters, and trench- foot during the War – and afterwards to hammer-toe bunions & a painful, unsuccessful foot operation in his 60s. (2) Mr.Hoyle may have been a Schools Inspector colleague of Bertie’s father. (3) York was the home of Bertie’s Grandfather, Henry Hibbett (b. 1824 – d.1891), a Master Plumber and Glazier in the 1860s. Sanitation Reform, after the Cholera Epidemic of 1839, may have brought him to York from farm-labouring in Rutland. (4) The Indian Army (of well over a million soldiers) is said to be the largest WW1 Volunteer Army. Twelve Indian Soldiers won the Victoria Cross, six on the Western Front. (5)

Next Post:11th Nov. 1914: ‘Still in Luton’ (3). Bertie to his sister Ida.

9th NOV.1914: ‘STILL IN LUTON’ (1)

November 9, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb 1 Comment

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT to his youngest brother 16 yr old Basil at 95, Foden Road, Walsall.

Still in Luton Nov. 9th/ 14

My Dear Basil,

How are things? When does the exam (1) come off? I hope you’ll pass successfully.

I daresay by now you know how we spend Sundays. We don’t know what will happen or where we shall go or what time we shall parade. One Sunday you heard that we went to the Railway Goods Stores. A week last Sunday I was on guard. Yesterday Sunday 8th I was dismissed with Sid and others because we were too many (2).

We go to Church indoors now, weather being unfit for outdoor services. So Sid and I went to Caddington (3) – so pleasant & the sunshine in the Church made it look bright and cheerful. The Sunday before, the Parade went to the Church in the morning & you remember reading my letter to Mother mentioning the hymns. Well isn’t it a coincidence that on the day we sang ‘Eternal Father’ the ‘Good Hope’(4) (cruiser) went down. I should certainly think that if we knew that such a catastrophe was occurring we should have sung that sea hymn with much more earnestness & vigour.

On the Saturday before, we practised retiring & were told that on no account must we double on retiring, but retire on quick march. Capt. Lister (5) said he would shoot the first man who began to double at the front. Ha! Ha! On the march we caught sight of a roadside advert for Continental Tyres. Stuck on the plate was a huge strip of paper with ‘MADE IN GERMANY’ all the way across. How we laughed! further on we saw Dunlop Tyres with the Union Jack printed on it.

Today we got up at about 5. 00. Should have got up at 4.30, but the knockers-up overslept themselves I should think. We went to the Range, but after having breakfast there Syd, myself & some others were told off, there being too many markers & we were ordered to join the Route March which would shortly pass the butts. Eventually we did and my word, tramp, tramp, tramp, we did nothing but tramp & rest & have dinner and the same the way back, but with fewer rests. We covered about 21 miles not less & we again saw the ‘MADE IN GERMANY’ posted on Continental Tyres.

No smoking cigarettes, no buying off hawkers, no drinking allowed on marches in future. The Cadbury chocolate trade is therefore badly going down & it does look feeble now. Up comes the Colonel or other officer if you disobey the above orders.

Arthur Brown (6) stayed at the butts to act as a marker for the firers. We saw him alone at the Range on our return; he marched with us some of the way. Being a marker he needed no rifle & had got his great-coat on – up comes Elwell, the Aide Camp (7) – wants to know why he is marching with us and who’s rifle he was carrying (Arthur had offered to carry a rifle of a tired comrade). Brown replied he had come from the Range, and at that Elwell kicked up a shindy with the private who had given up his rifle to Brown – and Elwell told Brown to clear out of the ranks & go behind or walk on the path. So Arthur Brown chatted with Syd, who marched just behind me.

How’s the Home Defence lot going on in Walsall? I’m, and all of us in fact, are tired of waiting here after hearing from the General that we shall SHORTLY be going on Active Service. (8)

On Sunday we were given little Active Service Prayer Pamphlets (9) and a bag called an Emergency Ration Bag (10), used only on Active Service when in most urgent need (i.e. hungered to death) then & only then are we allowed to use them.

We have been doled out with little mugs too, to be used on Active Service. One Pte comicly (sic) remarked that it was to dip in the muddy river, and we were to get to be practised to squirt the sludge that lay on the top from between our teeth & be able to drink the water underneath!

Tell Ida that Sid and I had a pleasant little chat with Fowler Black (11) . You remember him don’t you? Ha Ha – he did not join the O.T.C. as he wished but is in the 6th South Staffs. He only joined the colours a fortnight ago; he’s got no kit or hat badge, but managed to put on a new tunic. Taff Davies’ brother (12) has had Government orders to make tunics at 3/- each & less I believe; that’s what Mrs.Evans(13) told me, losing 3d on each one.

Well Good Luck & best love to all. Bertie.

MY MEMORIES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR: I remember writing to my mother that I was in the service, not of George V, but of the King of Kings. I had been brought up a confirmed Christian, and gave my name to the recruiting officer as C. of E. My faith was certainly tested when we were first billeted in Luton. I had to sleep on the floor with other soldiers and when I attempted to kneel to say my prayers a boot came flying over towards me. It was the first time in my life that I had experienced what might be termed persecution for one’s Christian way of life. I was 19 years old. The Revd. Arthur Hubert Hibbett. 1967.

(1) Entrance Exam QMS Grammar or Junior Oxford Matriculation. (2) Volunteers were so numerous that the Army found difficulty in finding regulars to train or occupy them. (3) Caddington, Bedfordshire:12th Century Church. It has a Latin tag: MORS MORTIS MORTI MORTEM nisi MORTE dedisset Non cecidissent MORS pallida regna tua. (‘Unless the Death of Death (Christ) had by his Death given Death to Death, thy Kingdom, O Death would not have been overcome’.). This play on words would have appealed to my father if he had seen it. (4) 1st Nov. 1914, Battle of Coronel, flag-ship HMS Good Hope was sunk with all hands off coast of Chile (neutral country but with fairly large German population). (5) Capt C. Lister ‘A’ Coy 1/5th S.Staffs. became Major/ Acting Colonel in 1916. (6) Arthur E. Brown, nicknamed ‘Brewin’. Sydney’s age, one of 5 pals on Listening Post, 1915. ‘Considerate, generous, jovial’. (7) Aide de Camp (literally ‘assistant in the field’) used of an Adjutant, Senior Officer, administrator of military unit. (8)

Nov 1914 Still in Luton Press

Walsall Observer 14th Nov. 1914
The Correspondent was most probably IKY (Ikee) BOULTON, whom Bertie called ‘the Observer Man who puts all our doings in the Walsall papers’; one of his pals on Listening Post 1915. He writes about the very training described by Bertie in his letter to Basil on the Monday before – and finishes with an appeal for more volunteers from Walsall. Full Transcript to be posted on 12th Nov. 2014.

(9) Active Service Prayer Pamphlet. Bertie’s copy is lost, so also is his tiny Prayer Card, issued by the Chaplain General in Aug.1914 to ‘slip inside your cap’. The Pamphlet contains a wide selection of Christian Prayers for Morning & Evening and ‘In the Hour of Need’; and ends with Into Thy hands I commend my Spirit. Copies obtainable from http://www.tommyspack fillers.com.

(10) Emergency Ration Bag: according to Old Sweats Gordon & Joe, Iron Ration from 1914 – 29 Oct. 1915 consisted of:
12 ozs Biscuit (plain)
1lb Preserved Meat (Bully Beef)
5/8oz. Tea
2ozs Sugar.
1/2 oz salt
3 oz Cheese
2 Meat extract Cubes (1oz.Bovril/ Oxo style)
Tea, Sugar, and Salt were packed in a Tin which was open at one end.

(11) Fowler Black: born 1895 in Walsall, middle name ‘Middleton’. Same age as Bertie. Old QMS Boy? (12) ‘Taff Davies’s brother’ – could be same family as Mr W. Davies, Athletic Outfitter and Leather Goods Dealer, 22 and 23 Walsall Arcade, well-established in 1914.

(13) Mrs E. Evans, mother of Vernon (Bertie’s best pal), wife of future Lord Mayor of Walsall, Enoch Evans, Solicitor.

Second Post 9th Nov. 1914: To Pater. Still in Luton. (2).

12th Oct. 1914: Home-Sick after Home Leave.

October 12, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT, possibly 52, Tavistock Road, Luton: LETTER to HIS FAMILY at 95, Foden Road, Walsall.

LUTON OCT 12th / 14 (1)

My Dear People,

Mother – we are just having everything belonging to our kits inspected this morning, so I can manage to scratch a few lines home to you all. I will begin with you. We tasted a bit of toffee you gave us & it is good, my word, and the apples too are ripping, – as Father said, he likes a good cooking apple and we agree with him.

Father – the journey was more comfortable, physically so to speak, as far as the travelling goes. 8 wheeled cars ran smoother than the 6 wheelers we went home in (2). I awoke early, before dawn, this morning & found myself on THE FLOOR! Oh! I did feel Home Sick I must admit, and it was the first time I felt it so much. That is one disadvantage of Home Leave, but, and a big BUT too, we did enjoy the few hours with you and Mother and all the ‘famalee’. How pleasant & comfortable the study looked at Saturday’s breakfast time, and what good meals you served us & how lucky we happened to come home on Harvest Festival, which made the Sunday all the more Sundayfied and homified than those we get here in Luton.

The Hibbett Family at Tea: Mother, Bertie, Sydney and Ida. — **Photo possibly with Bertie in the Trenches.**

Had you better send us a blanket each, now we have been supplied with bran new ones from the Company ? Of course we shall have to give them up when we go to spend a night in the open & they will get mixed up again. Being that the blanket I mentioned to Mother was full of holes & torn you can use your discretion whether you send just one for me, as each private is supposed to have two blankets each, now and in the future.

Ida – it is a lovely, bright autumn morning which cheers us up – good luck. We are all so pleased not to have to go marching off first thing after the late arrival yesterday. Miss Kathie, I mean rather Miss Kathleen Brookes (3), wrote such a pleasant and comforting letter that I feel I ought to remember her more than ever before.

Basil – it seems as though this Antwerp business of the Germans is wakening us all up here still more, the way things are in speedy preparation (4). Have you seen the kinker brush and button stick? (5). Syd left it on the dresser – it was wrapped up in a dirty handkerchief. Send it if you can find it with the other things later on. Remind Harold (6)not to forget to send some insect powder with the other requisites.

And now back to Mother with whom I will end my letter. Reggie (7) was delighted with the tin of toffees ‘from Mrs Hibbett’ & I gave him some sheets of drawing paper & a pencil representing Father’s present. He’s fond of drawing and he’s just like cousin Stanley at York. He can chew your Mackintosh’s toffee DE LUX while he plays with his soldiers & makes a sketch of their manoeuvres on the paper of Father’s. We are all in the highest of spirits just now & hope for the best, but it is a bit rotten that Home sickness. We sympathise with Ida (8).

Best love to all, Bertie.

MY MEMORIES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR. Arthur H. Hibbett Lindsey Association for the Elderly Competition. 1967.

‘I remember writing to my mother that I was in the service, not of George V, but of the King of Kings. I had been brought up a confirmed Christian, and gave my name to the recruiting officer as C. of E. My faith was certainly tested when we were first billeted in Luton. I had to sleep on the floor with other soldiers and when I attempted to kneel to say my prayers a boot came flying over towards me. I was 19 years old. It was the first time in my life that I had experienced what might be termed persecution for one’s Christian way of life.

I remember we had a great deal of route marching. We bivouacked in Luton Hoo Park and were inspected by Lord Kitchener and King George (9). We marched so close to the King that I could have shaken hands with him. Sir S. Wortley (9), our Divisional General, praised us as a ‘fine lot of men’. I was attached to the 46th North Midland Division, which included the Lincolns and the Tigers, ie. the Leicesters. ‘

NOTES: (1) ‘LUTON‘ (writ large) expresses Bertie’s feelings at the stark contrast between Home & Army life. The 48 hr. Home Leave came suddenly – no mention in 9th Oct. Postcard. (2) A railway carriage with 8 wheels (4 bogueys). (3) Miss Kathleen Brookes, Sunday School Superintendent, St Paul’s, Walsall. (4) ‘Antwerp business‘ – The reality of the War is settling in. On 1st October 1914 Belgian troops withdrew to Antwerp and came under siege from ‘Big Bertha’ howitzer guns. British troops joined them on 7^th Oct but the city fell to the Germans one hundred years ago today,12^th Oct.1914.

(5) Kinker brush & button stick. A button stick slips behind buttons to protect uniform. Bertie’s gadget had a brush attached. Does anyone know what a ‘kinker’ is? (6) Possibly Reggie Hoar son of the Landlady. (7) Harold the Chemist. (8) Reference to Ida’s homesickness when training as a nurse in Leicester? (9) Luton News reports inspections by Kitchener, King George V & Sir Stuart Wortley on 21st Sept. and 1st Oct. 1914.

NEXT POST: 9th Nov.1914: Still Training in Luton. Letters to Father & Brother Basil.

9th Oct. 1914: Training in Luton

October 6, 2014 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: POSTCARD to MOTHER at 95 Foden Rd. Walsall

Oct. 9th 1914

Dear Mother,

Just received the socks, but sorry no time to fit them on yet. Very kind letters from Ida & you. So glad Ida’s foot is better – what a long time it has taken – seems years since the day we left Walsall. We thought there was nothing for us as we saw the postman pass without calling here, but the cook told us that a parcel was awaiting us at the Stores. How welcome it was, many thanks.

It’s Lord Roberts (1) 83rd birthday on Wed. Sorry did not send you one of those little PCs. Well Tra – la. Route March today. Remember Oct 9th the day of Kruger’s Ultimatum, 1899. Tell Ida I thought of George (3) but will write when we go on active service, which I thought better. Bertie.

Diaries with British Empire history dates must have been popular at this time. (1) Lord Roberts of Kandahar (relieved this Afghan city in 1886). Died aged 83, whilst inspecting the Western Front at Saint-Omer, 14th Nov. 1914, one month after this letter. He was one of the most highly respected Commanders of British Forces. Became Chief of British Army 1901 -1904, having served in Afghanistan, India & South Africa.

2). Kruger’s Ultimatum was the immediate cause of Boer War. Paul Kruger, State President of South African Republic, demanded the withdrawal of British troops from its borders, unless the residential qualification to vote was lowered to five years . (3) George Lallerman – a close friend of Ida’s.

NEXT POST 13th October: Home-Sick after Home Leave.

The WW1 Letters and Drawings of Private Bertie Hibbett, 1/5th South Staffordshire Regiment, to his family in Walsall, will be posted again, one hundred years on, from August 1914 to November 1918, by his daughter Elizabeth Hibbett Webb. The first posting will be the Recruitment Postcard sent by Queen Mary's Grammar School Headmaster to the Hibbett family on holiday in Abergele, Wales.