From the January Parish Magazine 1916
Corporal A. C. Otway, who with eight other Letherhead men, reservists, is attached to the 5th East Surrey Territorials, now guarding the Great Western Railway near Paddington, writes that they would be exceedingly grateful to the ladies of Letherhead for any gift of knitted mufflers, waistcoats, &c., such as were sent to them last Christmas. These men are exposed to all weathers, while engaged in a most essential part of our country’s defence; and we hope very much that their very real needs will not be lost sight of amid the multitude of demands which perhaps more easily strike the imagination of those who are anxious to provide for the welfare of our soldiers. We owe a special duty to our Letherhead men who are in an unobtrusive way, which involves a constant strain and considerable endurance, engaged in our protection. Any articles sent to the Vicarage will be duly forwarded.
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
My dear People,
We enter upon a year of unsurpassed solemnity.
We make an effort to begin it with God (on the New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the First Sunday in the New Year) in humble penitence for our own and the nation’s sins (and it is we, each and all of us, who make up the nation), and then in quiet resolution, serious thought, and earnest prayer.
I pray you to bear your part in this. If we do so God Himself will shew us more of what He would have us learn, and be, and do.
But I want, on my part, just to give you one thought for the New Year. It is a thought of prayer.
God make England more worthy of victory?
What sort of a nation is worthy of victory?
It may be said, a nation that leaves nothing to chances, that uses every atom of skill and labour, and so piles up its munitions, and economizes its money and makes its armies as numerous and strong as possible.
That is right: if a thing is to be done, do it thorough!}', with full energy (though not ruthlessly, with cruelty)
But it is not the deepest answer such as the Bible and our Lord teach us. That answer is something like this: —A nation is worthy of victory,
- if it is a humble nation, owning its many and great faults, and reverencing God’s chastisement;
- if it fights in the true spirit, not for itself only, but for the right;
- if it takes God for its strength, and commits its cause to Him;
- if it is at one with itself, laying aside strife and bitterness of all kinds;
- if it is humbly determined that, if God gave it victory and peace, it will use these, in quite a new and better way, for the good of all its people, for the welfare of all nations and all mankind, and for the spread of His Kingdom; and that it will put away its unclean and selfish and ungodly things.
With such thoughts and resolutions let us pray, dear people, in 1916 that God make England more worthy of victory!
Let us pour out this prayer “while His chastening is upon us ” (Isaiah, xxvi.) as surely it is. Let us not be as those of old of whom it was said “they would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof,” and for whom, therefore, even the Love of God could only give ‘calamity.’ (See Proverbs i.)
I desire to be,
Your faithful Bishop and Servant,
EDW : WlNTON :
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
The following is a list, so far as the Vicar has had means of compiling one, of Letherhead men serving at the present time in H.M. Forces:
A. In the Fleet and at the Front.
Abell, J., Surrey Yeomanry
Abell, P., 7th East Surrey
Adams, E. A., A.S.C.
Aldridge, H., Royal Scots Greys
Allen, J., 23rd London Regt. (T)
Armstrong, A. E., R.A.M.C.
Arthur, A, R.E.
Arthur, R.E. Driver R.E.
Arthurs, G. 5th E.Surrey
Barnard, V. H.M.S. Indefatigable
Bensley, W., 4th East Surrey
Bishop, A., 3rd East Surrey
Blackman, J. T., 5th Army Corps Hdqrs
Bluck, E., 3rd East Surrey
Boler, G. F. G., R.G.A.
Boswell, W.T. A.S.C (Remounts)
Brooks, E.
Brown, G. H., A.S.C.
Brown, W., Queen’s W. Surrey
Bullen, A. T., Cpl., 7th East Surrey
Burgess, C. H., Q. Victoria Rifles
Bussey, B., R.F.A.
Bye, H.E. 10th Lab Bn R.E.
Carr, R., R.A.M.C.
Carter, A.W., Queen's W. Surrey
Chalmers, G., Lce.-Cpl., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Chance, G.W., A.S.C.
*Chapman, Lieut. H. E., R F.A.
Chilman, J. W., 13th Rifle Brigade
Clapshew, G., City of London (T)
Clutterbuck, C., 1st Grenadier Guards
Coleridge, Lt. G. C., 8th South Staffs.
Collings, A., A.S.C.
Collins, C., E Kent (Buffs)
Collins, E., Highland Light Infantry
Collins, R., Highland Light Infantry
Collins, S., Highland Light Infantry
Collins, T. J., H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth
Cook, D., R.M.L.I.
Cooke, A.H., 19th Bn Canadian Ct.
Cooke, G.F., 6th Queens's W Surrey
Conway, R. H., A.S.C.
Couzens, G., 1st E Surrey (Mach Gun)
Covey, A., R.E.
Covey, F., A.S.C.
Crawte, J., 5th London Artillery
Crayden, F., Queen's W Surrey
Davis, L., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Dean, W., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Dodd, W., H.M.S. Leviathan
Easton, H., 9th East Surrey
Edser, D., H.M.S. Queen Mary
Edwards, E.F., 5th Norfolk
Elsden, G., R.F.A.
Elsey, F., 15th Bn, 1st Canadian Div.
English, G., 22nd Royal Fusiliers
Farmer, A., H.M.S. Foxglove
Faux, J., King's Royal Rifles
Fillery, A. A., H.M.S. Scorpion
Fillery, J.L., 2nd Queen's W. Surrey
Flight, L.V.C., R.E.
Gadd, J. W., R.M.L.I.
Gardiner, F. J., H.M.S. ....
Gardiner, P. H., A.S.C.
Gibbs, E. V., S.S. Marie Elsie
Goddard, E., 7th East Surrey
Godwin, A., Canadian Ct.
Godwin, E. J., R. Canad. Highlanders
Gooby, J., H.M.S. Warspite
Goss, S., 4th Royal Berks
Gough, W., Army Vety. Corps
Gowen, A.G., Army Vety. Corps
Grant, F., A.S.C.
Gray, R., 3rd Queen's W. Surrey
Green, A., H.M.S. Daphne
Green, C.W.D., 8th Queen's W. Surrey
Hackman, H., R.A.M.C.
Harmes, F., Driver Sussex R.E. (T)
Harris, W. J., 9th Queen’s W. Surrey
Haskett, B„ H.M.S. Jason
Haskett, H., A.S.C.
Hatchwell, F., A.V.C., 1st Dragoons
Hawkins, H. S., Lce.-Cpl., A.S.C.
Hickson, Lt.-Col. L.H.,King’s African Rifles
Hill, W. T., Canadian (Ft. Garry) Ct.
Hinksman, E., R. Flying Corps.
Hitchcock, H., 17th Royal Fusiliers
Hodgkinson, W. T., Queen's W. Surrey
Hogsden. H., R.A.M.C,
Holder, H., H.M.S. Glory
Holder, T., 6th Queen’s W. Surrey
Horne, A., 3rd Rifle Brigade
Horton, L., W. Kent Yeomanry
Howe, F., Army Vety. Corps
Hyde, A.E., Cpl. R.E.
Impson, Lt. H.J., 8th Norfolk
Jackson, G. W., H M.S. Zealandia
Jackson, R., R.F.
Jeeves, H.W., R.E.
Jeffrev, S., A.S.C. (M.T)
Johnson, W.C., Sergt., 16th K.R. Rifles
Kellaway, W., R.G.A.
Kemp, E., A.S.C.
Killick, G., 9th E. Surrey
Larbey, L. W., Royal Sussex
Leach, Lt. C. de L., 6th Rifle Brigade
+ Le Blanc Smith, Capt.G.,Police Service Bn., E. Africa
Le Blanc Smith,Lt. M.R., R. Flying Corps.
Lee, A., R.M.L.I
*Leishman, Col. Sir W., C.B., R.A.M.C.
Lifford, E.J., Driver A.S.C.
Longley, R. F., King’s Royal RiflesMason, J.F., Lce-Cpl., D. of Cornwall Light Infantry
Maspero, A.F., Cpl., R Warwick Regt.
Maspero, R.R., 2nd Rhodesian Regt.
Messam, W.G., 12th Middlesex
Mileham, E. G., H.M.Y. Aster (R.N.R.)
Miller, Lt. A., Sussex Yeomanry
Miller, F. E., Bombr., R.F.A.
Miller, J.V., 3rd Queen's W. Surrey
Mills, G. R., Sergt., A.S.C.
Mills, J., R.E.
Mills, L. C., Lce.-Cpl. A.S.C.
Mills, - Lab. Bn. R.E.
Milton, E. H, A S.C.
Moore, A.E., 11th London Rifles
Mould, H. S., Surrey Yeomanry
Oak, A., R.F.A.
Ormond, Dr. S. J., R.A.M.C.
Pattenden, A.E., A.S.C.
Pelly, Capt. H. B. H.M.S. Tiger
Penfold, E., Lce.-Cpl., 6th Q.W. Surrey
Penfold, L., Queen’s W. Surrey
Peters, E., Surrey Yeomanry
Port, A. J., Bombr. R.H A.
Port, C., R.E.
Port, G. H., Cpl., R.F.A.
Port, W.,
Potts, B. L., Cpl., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Ranger, E., Queen's W. Surrey
Rattenbury, O. J., R.E. (Sign. Corps)
Razzell, W. L., R.A.M.C.
Read, F.G., 24th Royal Fusiliers
Read, L.D., 24th Royal Fusiliers
Reddick, A., H.M.S Indomitable
Reddick, A. H., Bombr R.G.A.
Redford, F.H., 1st Coldstream Guards
Reynolds, F., A S.C. (M.T.)
Ringer, C. G., A S.C.
Roberts, E. J., 2nd Manchester
Robinson, F., A.S.C.
Robinson, P., R.A.M.C.
Robinson, W. A., 7th East Surrey
Rowe, E., H.M.S. Natal
Rowe, Lieut. F. G. C., 7th York & Lancs.
Rowland, A.E., R.E.
Rowland, H., R.E.
Sanders, J. A., 1st Life Guards
Sawyer, H.W., R A.M.C.
*Scarterfield, R. C., Sergt., 15th Hussars
Schleisch, L., King’s Royal Rifles
Sharp, T., H.M.S. Southampton
Shepherd, E., 3rd Manchester
Shurville, H., 17th Royal Fusiliers
Small, G. F., R.F.A.
Small, T. W., A.S.C.
Smith, E.T., A.S.C.
Songhurst, L. F., R.A.M.C.
Southern, A., 3rd Queen's W. Surrey
Spencer, A., A.S.C.
St. Clare Hill, D., H.M.S. Lysander
Steer, A., 7th East Surrey
Steer, W. J., Dr-Sgt-Major, 7th E.Surrey
Stickland, A.F., Lce-Cpl. R.F.
Stickland, R. H. A.S.C.
Stone, W. A., Driver R.F.A.
Summerfield, A., 8th Queen's W. Surrey
Summersby, A. R.E.
Swanston, E.S., 24th Royal Fusiliers
Taylor, A., 4th Royal Fusiliers
Taylor, J., 3rd Queen's W. Surrey
Taylor, W., A.S.C
Theobald, F., H.M.S. Flying Fish
Theobald, H., H.M.T.B. 29
Thorne, E. A., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Ticknor, A. R., H.M.S. E 29
Tomkins, H., Cpl. Somerset Lt. Inf.
Toone, C. E. East Surrey
Tribe, A., R.M.L.I.
Tuckey, R., 48th Canad. Highlanders
Tuckey, T.W., 24th Lab. Coy. A.S.C.
Tutt, B. H., R.F.A.
Underwood, A., 3rd East Surrey
Wafforn, A., Driver, R.F.A.
Waite, E.E., Queen's W. Surrey
Wakefield, R., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Walker, F., Q. Victoria Rifles
Ward, G.P., 22nd Royal Fusiliers
Ward, Capt. R.O.C., 6th E. Kent (Buffs)
Ward, Lt.-Com. V. E., R.N.
Wareham, J., H.M S. Louise
Wareham, W.C., Hdqrs St, 2nd Can. Div.
Watson. E. R., R.E.
Webb, O. S., R.E.
Weller, C.H., Royal Fusiliers
Weller, G., Sussex Yeomanry
Wellings, P. J., Army Vety. Corps
Westwood, H., R.A.M.C.
White, Lt., C.T.H., H.M.S. Superb
White, Lt. F. B. H., R.E.
Wickens, C., R.F.A.
Williams, G.A., 20th Royal Fusiliers
Williams, S.G., London Rifle Brigade
Wilsden, P., Cpl. R.F.A.
Winter, H. C., Sergt., R.E.
Woodley, Lt.-Col. E. J., 10th W. Yorks
Worsfold, A., H.M.S. .....
Worsfold. F. G., 1st East Surrey
Worsfold, Sergt. F., E. Surrey
Worsfold, H. 18th Bn., Canadian Ct.
Worsfold, R.H., 3rd Queen's W. Surrey
Worsfold, J., A..S.C.
Wrinch, Lt. H. S., City of London R.F.
Wyithe, T., A.S.C.
* Mentioned in Despatches. +Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Archer, C.E., Royal Fusiliers returned invalided to England.
Davis, A., 3rd Hussars returned invalided to England.
Friday, P., Cpl., 1st East Surrey returned invalided to England.
Rickards, Lieut. E., Surrey Yeomanry returned invalided to England.
Southern, W. C., Oxford Light Infantry returned invalided to England.
Stevens, J. J., Rifle Brigade returned invalided to England.
Taylor, E. C., R.A.M C. returned invalided to England.
Baker, J., R.E. returned wounded to England.
Cawley, A. J., 23rd London Regt. (T) returned wounded to England.
Clapshew, G., City of London (T) returned wounded to England.
Cook, R. T., 5th Royal Fusiliers returned wounded to England.
Cooper, Lt. A., 14th Manchester returned wounded to England.
Gibbs, A. J., 1st East Surrey returned wounded to England.
Hodge, Lieut. H. W., R.G.A. returned wounded to England.
Holder, W., Lce.-Cpl., 1st East Surrey returned wounded to England.
Jewell, J. F. R.M.L I. returned wounded to England.
Lewis, W. A., Queen’s W. Surrey returned wounded to England.
Main, A. G. E., 23rd London Regt. (T) returned wounded to England.
Miller, W., 4th London R.F. returned wounded to England.
Neate, C., 5th Rifle Brigade returned wounded to England.
Stone, G. A., 4th E. Surrey returned wounded to England.
Taylor, W. East Surrey returned wounded to England.
Thorpe, C., R.G.A. returned wounded to England.
Watkins, F., 20th Hussars returned wounded to England.
Yardley, S., returned wounded to England.
Horne, T., 1st Rifle Brigade prisoner in Germany, wounded.
Summerfield, V., 8th W. Kent (Buffs) prisoner in Germany, wounded.
Taylor, F., 3rd Royal Fusiliers prisoner in Germany, wounded.
Ward, Capt. H. E., Buffs (attd. K.R.R.) prisoner in Germany, wounded.
*Mentioned in Despatches. ++ Military Cross.
The following have laid down their lives for their Country.
Dec. 18, 1914. Albert Bennett, 2nd Queens W. Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
Jan. 1, 1915. Victor Wright, R.M.L.I., sank with H.M.S. Formidable
Jan. 22, 1915 Edward George Ireland, R.A.M.C., died in Hospital, St. Omer
Jan. 25, 1915 Percy Skelton, Coldstream Guards, killed in action in Flanders
Apl. 24, 1915 Frederick Cobbold, 2nd East Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
Apl. 25, 1915 Lewis Wood Long, 1st East Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
May 9, 1915 Richard Fenwick Finké, Capt., 2nd Royal Sussex, killed in action in Flanders
May 16, 1915 George William Eldridge, 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
May 24, 1915 Cecil Gaston, 23rd London Regt. (T), killed in action in Flanders
Aug 25, 1915 Frederick Clemetson, Lce-Cpl, 4th Royal Berks., killed in action in Flanders
Sept 13, 1915 Benjamin Penfold, Queen's W. Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
Sept. 25, 1915 Leonard Sidney Skilton, 1st Queen’s W. Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
Sept. 29 1915 Joseph James Lewis, Sergt., King's Royal Rifles, killed in action in Flanders
Oct. 5 1915 William Albert Bussey, 7th East Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
Oct. 27 1915 Ernest Friday, 2nd Queen's W. Surrey, killed in action in Flanders
Nov. 8 1915 John Samuel Harding, Lt., 11th Northumberland F, killed in action in FlandersB. In H.M. Regular Forces not at present at the Front
Names of those returned from the Front are in italics
Aird, A., R.F.A.
Aird, H., Royal W. Kent (Buffs)
Aldridge, C., Sergt. Instr., Bast Surrey
Bartholomew, F., 5th Lancers
Berry, H., H.M.S. Powerful
Browne, E., H.M.S. Powerful
Catt, W., East Yorks
*Chapman, W. H. J., Queen’s W. Surrey
Clark, W., H.M.S. Powerful
Cooper, T. R., R.F.A.
Crayden, G. A., H.M.S. T.B.27
++ Dare, Capt. J., Staff, Ireland
Dearling, J., H.M.S. Pembroke
Fillery, T. H., R.A.M.C. (India)
Fillery, T., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Hutchings, W., R.G.A.
Ingram, J. H., H.M.S.......Leadbetter.AV., Sgt.Instr.,Royal Sussex
Linsell, S., Sergt. Instr., East Surrey
Mackenzie, Lt. A. R., R.N. Air Service
Nash, G., 2nd Coldstream Guards
Page, Sergt. Instr., 20th Royal Fusiliers
Pain, Dr. B. H.. R.N. Air Service
Port, J., R.G.A.
Port, W., R.E.
Room. F., H.M.S. Dido
Stevens-Nash, Major C. G., R.A. (Staff)
Taylor, A. E., Queen’s W. Surrey
Tickner, A., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Wales, W., R.N.
Warren, S., 5th R.E.
Watkinson, H., Sergt. Instr., 5th Royal Berks
Websall, D., R.A.M.C.
Woolgar, W. J., R.N. Air Service
Nursing in France.
Miss F. M. Henderson
Miss C. Henderson
V.A.D. in France.
W. T. Limming
C. In the Territorial Battalions, or New Army.
Abell, G. A., Queen’s AV. Surrey
Aird, W., 13th London (Kens. Rifles)
Aldous, P., 5th East Surrey (T)
Annison, Lce.-Cpl., 5th East Surrey (T)
Arthur, W., 2nd Queen’s AV. Surrey
Arthurs, G., 5th East Surrey
Baker, A., R.G A.
Bass, G., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Batchelor, A.W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Betty, Lt. W. K., R.G.A.
Bevand, P. C., 2nd Queen’s W. Surrey
Bexley, F., Queen’s W. Surrey
Bexley, L. H., 5th East Surrey (T)
Birmingham, C., A.S.C.
Blunden, E., 5th East Surrey (T)
Bonner, W., A.S.C.
Bousell, W., East Surrey
Boswell, W. T., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Boxall, A. L. 5th East Surrey (T)
Boyle, W., 7th Royal Sussex
Bridger, H., H.A.C.
Brill, F., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Broomfield, R., A.S.C.
Brooks, E., Queen’s W. Surrey
Buckle, C., 5th East Surrey (T)
Budden, G., A.S.C.
Bullen, H., 5th East Surrey (T)
Burgess, E. H., Westminster Dragoons
Burgess, H.L., London Rifle Brigade
Burgess, N.R., R. West Kent Buffs
Busfield, J., 19th Royal Fusiliers
Carpenter, J., 3rd Hussars
Carpenter, W.A.S., A.S.C.
Castleman, J., Westminster Dragoons
Caudwell, F. C., R.A.M.C. (T)
Chapman, C., 5th East Surrey (T)
Chapman, C.W., R.E.
Charman, E., R.A.M.C.
Chetwynd-Stapylton, Capt. G. B., 5th East Surrey (T)
Childs, A.D., H.A.C.
Childs, H., Queen's W. Surrey
Chitty, A., 26th Middlesex
Chitty, L., East Surrey
Clark, G.S., R.G.A.
Clark, W., R.G.A.
Clements, E. A.,
Collis, A., 5th East Surrey (T)
Collis, L., 5th East Surrey (T)
Collis, W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Constable, R.W., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Cook, C., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Cook, W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Cooke, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Cooper, A. E., Sgt. 12th London(Rangs)
Cooper, W.. J., 5th Queen's W. Surrey
Covey, G., R.E.
Coxill, A., 6th Queen’s W. Surrey
Davis, S., 5th East Surrey (T)
Dean, E., R. Flying Corps
Dickenson, A., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Dinnage, A. E., R.F.A.
Dovey, A. G., 20th Royal Fusiliers
Dovey, B. H., R.G.A.
Drummond, Lt. C., Westmt. Dragoons
Duffield, A., 5th East Surrey
Easton, F. J., 7th East Surrey
Elson, L. G. H., 9th Canad. Mtd. Rifles
Faithfull, L., 5th East Surrey (T)
Faithfull, L. J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Faux, S., R.A.M.C.
Fiddyment, J., 15th London R.F.
Finch, F., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Foster, W., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Fowler, J.H., A.S.C.
Fullex, J., Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Band)
Gadd, G., A.S.C.
Gale, A., East Surrey
Gale, A. C., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Gates, W., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Gazey, F., A.S.C.
Gibbs, H. C., 9th Queen’s W. Surrey
Gibbs, L.C., 79th Bn. Canadn. Ctgt.
Gibbs, S. T., 5th East Surrey (T)
Gillett, Lt.-Col. W. A., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Goddard, B., 3rd Grenadier Guards
Goddard, P., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Godwin, L., A.S.C.
Goff, F., 7th East Surrey
Grahame, Lieut. D., 5th East Surrey (T)
Grantham, H., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Gray, R., Queen’s W. Surrey
Green, F., R.N.
Green, G., R.N.
Green, W. A., 5th East Surrey (T)
Gregory, Lt. G. C. W., Surrey (T)
Gregory, H. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Hackman, E., R.A.M.C.
Harding, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Haiselden,C., Sergt., 5th East Surrey (T)
Harris, W. J., 9th Queen’s W. Surrey
Harwood, A., Royal Fusiliers
Hatton, J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Hawkins, C. J., R.E.
Hawkins, H., Queen’s W. Surrey
Hay, R. A., 5th East Surrey (T)
Hicks, A. T., Rifle Brigade (T)
Hillman, Lt. A.J.S., 2nd Wessex R.F.A.
Hinde, A., A.S.C.
Hitchcock, H., Royal Fusiliers
Hoare, A., Royal Berks
Hogsden, F., 5th East Surrey (T)
Holder, E., 84th Bn. Canad. Ctgt.
Holland, W.L., R.A.M.C.
Hope, D.A., R.A.M.C.
Howard, — Bedfordshire Yeomanry
Hughes, F., 5th East Surrey (T)
Hurford, G., Bristol Regt. (Gloucesters)
Hutchings, A., R.F.A.
Hutchinson, J., H.A.C.
Impson, Lieut. H. J., 8th Norfolk
Ireland, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Jewell, G. C., 5th East Surrey (T)
Jones, A., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Jopling, A. E., Royal FusiliersKemp, W., Sergt. 5th East Surrey (T)
Keswick, Capt. H., M.P., K.O. Scottish Borderers
Killick, G. E., 3rd East Surrey
Kirby, L., Bombay Volunteer Rifles
Kirkland, J.E., Rifle Brigade (T)
Laming, W. M., East Surrey (T)
Larbey, L.W., Royal Sussex
Leach, Lt. G de L., Scots Guards
Leavey, E., R.F.A.
Leavey, T. J., Sergt., 20th R. Fusiliers
Leggatt, W., 5th London Artillery
Lewis, - A.S.C.
Lord, T. W., 5th East, Lancashire
Loxley, S., 7th East Surrey
Lucas, A. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Marriner, E., A.S.C.
Marriner, H., Sergt., 5th East Surrey
Marriott, Liet. T.B., R.E.
Martin, C., 3rd Queen's W. Surrey
May, L., Coldstream Guards
Mayers, F., Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Band)
Messam, A. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Messam, J., A.S.C.
Mileham, F. J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Mills, W., Canadian Ctgt.
Mole, R.J., 5th East Surrey
Moore, B., East Surrey
Moore, H. C., 23rd London Regt.
Murless, L. A., 1st Devon R.A. (T)
Newsom, W. R., Surrey Yeomanry
Norwood, P., R. Canadian H.A.
Nunn, C. A.
Otway, A. C., Cpl., 5th E. Surrey (Res.)
Page, A.S., A.S.C.
Page, R., London Electric Engineers
Palmer, E. F., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Palmer, W., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Pardy, F.C., Canadian Contingent
Pardy, I.V., Canadian Contingent
Pattenden, P. H., 5th East Surrey (T)
Payne, H. N., 7th East Surrey
Pearson, F., H.A.C.
Penfold, A. S., R.F.A.
Penfold, O., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Penfold, S. J , R.F.A.
Penny, G., Royal Fusiliers
Pentycross, D. B., 3rd Bucks
Peters, J., Army Vety. Corps.
Peters, L., R.A.M.C.
Pollard, B.G., A.S.C.
Port, C., R.E.
Port, D., Lce.-Cpl. 5th East Surrey
Port, H., A.S.C.
Port, W., Army Vety. Corps
Poulter, J., Bedford Regt.
Pratt, W.G., A.S.C.
Rabbits, F., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Richardson, E. M., A.S.C.
Sanders, G., R.E.
Searle, H., A.S.C. (M T.)
Selfe, C., Queen’s W. Surrey
Shepherd, W. C., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Shirley, R. J., R.E.
Sims, W.R., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Sirs, - Queen's W. Surrey
Skilton, H , Rifle Brigade
Skilton, H , 5th East Surrey (T)
Sims, W.R., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Sirs, — Queen’s W. Surrey
Small, T. 5th East Surrey (T)
Smith, A. J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Smith, C.W., 4th Royal Sussex
Smith, F., R.G.A.
Smith, F. J., R.F.A.
Smithers, R. 5th East Surrey (T)
Smithers, W., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Songhurst, A. T., Queen’s W. Surrey
Southern, A. A. J.V., 6th East Surrey (T)
St. Clare Hill, Lt. V., S. Lancashire
Stickland, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Still, Lieut. F.C., R.G.A.
Stone, C., A.S.C.
Stone, W. J., East Surrey
Swanston, E.S., 2nd Sportsm. Bn. R.F.
Symonds, A. J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Symonds, J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Tate, T. H., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Taylor, A. E., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Taylor, A. H., 6th Royal Fusiliers
Taylor, H. J., 2nd Queen’s W. Surrey
Taylor, W., R.F.A.
Thompson, J., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Thorpe, A., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Timms, W., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Tompkins, A., 5th East Surrey (T)
Tribe, S.C., East Surrey
Tritton, Lt. A.R., R.F.A.
Tritton, Lt. N.C., East Yorkshire (T)
Trodd, R. E. G., Royal Fusiliers
Tuckey, J. 10th East Surrey
Tyrrell, S. E. A.S.C.
Vincent, G., R.F.A.
Vincent, H., East Surrey
Walker, J., 5th East Surrey
Walters, G., East Surrey (T)
Ward, F., Royal Fusiliers
Ward, G. P., Royal Fusiliers
Ward, H., 9th Royal Sussex
Warr, R. J., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Warwick, G., Army Vety. Corps
Watson, A.T., Canadian Contingent
Weller, A. E., 5th East Surrey (T)
Weller, C., Royal Fusiliers
Weller G., Sussex Yeomanry
Wells, W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Westwood, A., A.S.C.
Whitmarsh, F., East Surrey
Wickens, E., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Winter, B.W. G., Sgt., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Winter, E. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Wise, H., Grenadier Guards
Worsfold, H., 18th Bn. Canadian Ct.
Worsfold, J., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Worsfold, Cpl. W., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Wright, E.N., 9th Norfolk
Wright W. E., 24th London Regt. (T)
Yeldon, H., Army Vety. Corps
The Vicar will be very grateful for any additional names, or corrections of this list.
From the February Parish Magazine 1916
Our appeal on behalf of the the Letherhead Reservists who are guarding the Great Western Railway, has been very generously responded to by several ladies, who sent a number of most acceptable gifts. These were forwarded last week to Corporal A.C. Otway, from whom a most grateful letter of thanks has been received.
Letherhead War Hospital Supply Work-Rooms
These work-rooms have been transferred from 11, High Street, to Fetcham Grove, immediately beyond the Bridge, where they were re-opened on Tuesday, February 1st. Workers are still most urgently needed.
The days and hours are:
Tuesday 11-1 & 2.30-6.
Wednesday 2.30-6.
Thursday 2.30-6.
By Her Majesty's gracious command the work-rooms now form part of Queen Mary's Needlework Guild (Surgical side).
The work is sent at regular intervals to the Central Depôt, Cavendish Square, Marylebone. The report received of it is "Everything excellent."
Those who know the extreme severity of the tests applied to all the work before it is accepted, will understand how thoroughly satisfactory this verdict is; and it is to be hoped that it will increase the enthusiasm of our ladies for the honour of sharing in work which is so highly esteemed by the authorities. Nearly 2,000 bandages, shoes, swabs, &c., have been made in the work rooms. The hon. organising secretary, from whom all information may be obtained is Miss K.E. Treen Hunt, Holmesdale.
Bye, G. H., 10th Lab. Bn. R.E. returned invalided to England.
Walker, F., Q. Victoria Rifles returned invalided to England.
Burgess, C. H., Q. Victoria Rifles returned wounded to England.
Godwin, E. J., R. Canad. Highlanders returned wounded to England.
Barnes, H. H., East Surrey prisoner in Germany, wounded.
The following have laid down their lives for their Country.
Dec. 30, 1915 Ernest James Rowe, R.N., killed in H.M.S. Natal
Jan. 11, 1916 George Henry Port. Cpl, K.F.A., killed in Flanders.
From the March Parish Magazine 1916
Mrs. Murton, 11 Magazine Place, desires to thank her friends for their sympathy in her great bereavement.
Mr. and Mrs. Port, late of Gravel Hill, and now of Woodbridge, desire to thank their kind friends for the sympathy shewn over the death of their son George.
THE PARISH MAGAZINE.
We have come to a crisis in the affairs of the Parish Magazine. It has been carried on for many years, since long before I came to the Parish, at a loss, and there is now a very heavy debt upon it. The cost of its production, and the consequent printer’s charges have, under present circumstances, very considerably increased; while the income produced by its sale, and by advertisements, is tending to diminish. At the present time it costs nearly 2d. a copy to produce the parochial part of the Magazine without the Church Monthly which is issued with a large number of the copies. The expense is very greatly increased by the publication of the Lists of ’men serving with H.M. Forces, the alterations necessary to the attempt to keep them as far as possible up to date involving about £1 a month. To meet this would require 240 additional subscribers at the present rate of 1d. per copy : and although it would seem natural that everyone in the parish should feel a personal interest in this list, the number of those who take in the Magazine, always far smaller than it might have been, has hardly increased at all since the list began to be printed regularly.
It is impossible to continue to increase the debt upon the Magazine, and accordingly certain changes must be made at once. The price of the Magazine will be 2d. (3d. when bound with the Church Monthly); except in the case of those to whom it is distributed through the District Visitors, and who really cannot afford more than the 1d. per month. Nearly all the matter printed on pp. 3, 4, 5, useful as it is for reference, will cease to appear, except once or twice in the year. Although this matter is kept in type, I am informed that some pounds yearly in the cost of paper will thus be saved. The Sunday School Lessons will cease to appear in the Magazine, but will be issued, as at present, in separate sheets to teachers and children; and the List of Persons desiring Work will be dropped.
It is also proposed to issue the List of Men serving in H.M. Forces quarterly instead of monthly.
I believe that the Magazine at present in regard to the information which it gives as to the life of the Parish compares very favourably with the Magazines of most Parishes in the whole country, but unless the Parish as a whole shews a much greater inclination to support it, the time may come when its contents will have to be confined to the matter for which room can be found on three pages of a cover to the Church Monthly. There are many houses which could very easily afford to pay more than 2s. a year for it, whose doors it never enters.
I remain,
Yours very faithfully,
T. F. HOBSON.
February 22nd, 1916.
THE BISHOP’S LETTER ON THE APPROACHING LENT.
My Dear People,
We are coming to another Lent—the second Lent of the great War— and with all my heart I ask you to join in using it for your own good and that of our Church and country.
It finds us sadder and more anxious than the first Lent did; with heavier losses, and more widespread sorrow. The strain is very severe. The end is not in sight.
Nor is this all the trouble. We are dissatisfied with ourselves. We have not done what, in our excitement and pride, we expected. We have made mistakes. We have experienced in Gallipoli and Mesopotamia very humbling buffets. The nation has indeed made a mighty effort, in which all classes have shared : there has been superb bravery: wonderful, cheerful patience of men and women: taxes borne and money given as it never was known before. Yet we have not succeeded as we hoped: and the questions have been many about the foresight, skill, or energy of our Government, statesmen, and commanders.
But we have been disappointed also with ourselves. There has been much religious feeling, especially at the front: but nothing like the great stirring for which we hoped at first. There has been much seriousness, but also much thoughtlessness and apathy: much self-denial, but a great deal of self-indulgence.
We cannot doubt that in all this vast trouble God is chastening us for our good, rebuking us for what are indeed our “mighty sins.”
We should have quietness and confidence if only we felt sure that as a nation “high and low, rich and poor,” leaders and people, we were turning to God.
And that is just what the old call of Lent asks of us. You to whom I write are specially God’s people, Christians and members of His Church. We hear a great deal now about the failure of the Church; there has been much failure of the Church, Bishops, clergy, and people, as of other Christian bodies. May we not try all together, to see where we have been wrong and turn to God for forgiveness? If the Church has failed, it is because we have all failed. It is not a thing for which clergy should blame the people nor the people blame the clergy. If we have failed in the speaking, you have failed in the hearing; if you have failed in the hearing, so have we in the speaking and in the pastoral care. God forgive us all. It is not a matter for reproaching each other: but for together turning to God.
Do you not find, as I do, that in this fiery trial of war you feel your own faults more keenly than ever before? The fire tries every man’s work of what sort it is.
It is the same with the national sins. Are we sure that if the war ended we should be nearer putting away drunkenness, with all its countless cruelties and waste of life? Or because we have loathed German treatment of women, shall we be ready for a new effort against those sins of uncleanness which yearly tread into the mire, by thousands and ten thousands, the lives of women? Or because we hate German materialism and worship of force, shall we be ready for a new life in which the things of the Spirit shall count for more, and iron and gold for less? Or because we have seen the hideousness of hatred, are we certain that it is not poisoning our own minds and hearts with vengeful thoughts?
Let our repentance then be real and united. The most terrible condition of a nation is that of which the prophet speaks, as he tells of one trouble after another which had come upon his people, and after each bids us hear God say, “I have smitten you . . . yet have ye not returned to me, saith the Lord." God grant it be not so with England. But if others do not hear the call we need not be surprised. It is only Christians who have been really taught what repentance means, and how it is needed. It is only in God’s Church that we have been schooled to know what are the fruits of a true repentance, Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer: that is, first, self-denial bodily and spiritual: secondly, un-selfish and orderly giving for others’ nee : and thirdly, humble approach to a God Whom we both fear and love. But we Christians have ourselves been slack about these things: we have been laughed out of them, or thought them old-fashioned: or taken a bit here and a bit there, and left the rest.
Yet now we can see that these things are the very things of which the nation wants the witness. The practice of fasting would have trained us to be ready for a time of pinch and need. The practice of almsgiving would have trained us in the quiet, serious use of money, and prevented the need of all this shouting to deaf ears about economy and saving at a time when reckless spending may mean ruin to the nation and starvation in the future. The practice of prayer would have trained us to wield that mighty weapon. If the nation has been slow to pray, is it not because we Christians have known so little how to lead the prayers?
Brethren we must begin again: we must not be content with what we are, or what the Church is, or the nation.
You have seen in the newspapers that the leaders of our Church are inviting us all to prepare for a big effort this year called a National Mission of Repentance and Hope. I shall have to write to you again about this later. But there are two things about it which I wish to say now.
The first is that if we are to do it well when the time comes we must prepare for it now and all along. I beg you to use Lent for making ready. The more we turn to God now, the more we shall be fit to bring Him an offering of “repentance and hope” in the Mission.
Secondly, notice the name, “The National Mission of Repentance and Hope.” It has been chosen carefully and with prayer. It is the National Mission: for throughout the nation the Church will be united in one great effort to turn to God. Union makes strength, says the motto of poor stricken Belgium. Let us be one in this with ourselves: and with other Christian people, who will at the same time do the same thing in their own way.
The National Mission of Repentance and Hope. Looking backwards and forwards: facing the dark things, but waiting for the light : because from ourselves we turn to God who is the “God of hope.”
So we come back to the old things and find them new; the Lenten shadow cast over life by our sins, deepening into the darkness of the Passion when the Cross, the “ sign of the Son of Man,” is seen among us at the heart of the world’s sad and suffering life; a sign of terror and of sorro : but a sign of hope, for out of Good Friday there blazes the Light of Easter: and we are once more strengthened to believe that out of man’s sin and punishment and sorrow there comes triumphant, in His time, the purpose of the Love of God.
I ask you, brethren, listen to the call: use the opportunities : pray for one another and for us all. Turn back to some of the Scriptures, and find old words of Prophets or of the “ Revelation,” which were dumb to us in our days of peace, full of new meaning and reality.
God be with us—for it is indeed a solemn time. Let us not be like Jerusalem the chosen city which knew not the day.
I desire to be yours in sincere and fatherly care,
Edw : WlNTON:
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
The following is a list, so far as the Vicar has had means of compiling one, of Letherhead men serving at the present time in H.M. Forces:
A. In the Fleet and at the Front.
Abell, G. A., 1st Queen's W. Surrey
Abell, J., Surrey Yeomanry
Abell, P. H., 7th East Surrey
Adams, E. H., A.S.C.
Aldridge, H., Royal Scots Greys
Allen, J., 23rd London Regt. (T)
Armstrong, A. E., R.A.M.C.
Arthur, W., R.E.
Arthur, R. E., Driver, R.E.
Arthurs, G., 5th East Surrey
Barnard, V., H.M.S. Indefatigable
Bensley, W., 4th East Surrey
Bevand, P. C., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Biddlecombe, Rev. S. H., C.F., 14th Bri.
Bishop, A.W., Lce-Cpl., 1st East Surrey
Blackman, J. T., 5th Army Corps Hdqrs
Bluck, E., 3rd East Surrey
Boler, G. F. G., R.G.A.
Boswell, W. T., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Brooks, E.
Brown, G. H., A.S.C.
Brown, W., Queen’s W. Surrey
Bullen, A. T., Sergt., 7th East Surrey
Bussey, B., R.F.A.
Carr, R., R.A.M.C.
Carter, A. W., Queen's W. Surrey
Chalmers, G., Lce.-Cpl., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Chance, G. W., A.S.C.
*Chapman, Lieut. H. E., R.F.A.
Clapshew, A., City of London (T)
Clutterbuck, C., 1st Grenadier Guards
Coleridge, Lt. G. C., 8th South Staffs.
Collings, A., A.S.C.
Collins, C., E Kent (Buffs)
Collins, E., Highland Light Infantry
Collins, R., Highland Light Infantry
Collins, S., Highland Light Infantry
Collins, R. C.
Collins, T. J., H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth
Cook, D., R.M.L.I.
Cook, T. C., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Cooke, A. H., 19th Bn. Canadian Ct.
Cooke, G. F., 6th Queen’s W. Surrey
Conway, R. H., A.S.C.
Cooper, Lt. A., 14th Manchester
Couzens, G., 1st E. Surrey (Mach Gun)
Covey, A., R.E
Covey, F., A.S.C.
Crayden, F., Queen's W. Surrey
*Dare, Capt. J., W. African Fr. Force
Davis, L., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Dean, W., A.S.C. (M. T.)
Dodd, W., H M.S. Leviathan
Easton, H., 9th East Surrey
Edser, D., H.M.S. Queen Mary
Edwards, E. F., 5th Norfolk
Elsden, G., R.F.A.
Elsey, F., 15th Bn. 1st Canad. Div.
English, G., 22nd Royal Fusiliers
Farmer, A., H.M.S. Foxglove
Faux, J., King’s Royal Rifles
Fillery, A. A., H.M.S. Scorpion
Fillery, J. L., 2nd Queen's W. Surrey
Flight, L. V. C., R.E.
Foster, W., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Gadd, J. W., R.M.L.I.
Gardiner, F. J., H.M.S.......
Gardiner, P. H., A.S.C.
Garrett, E., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Gibbs, E. V., S.S. Marie Elsie
Goddard, E., 7th East Surrey
Godwin, A., Canadian Ct.
Gooby, J., H.M.S. Warspite
Goss, S., 4th Royal Berks
Gough, W., Army Vety. Corps.
Gowen, A. G., Army Vety. Corps
Grant, F., A.S.C.
Gray, R., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Green, A. H.M.S. Daphne
Green, C. W. D., 8th Queen’s W. Surrey
Hackman. H., R.A.M.C.
Harmes, F., Driver, Sussex R.E. (T)
Harris, W. J., 9th Queen’s W. Surrey
Haskett, B., H.M.S. Jason
Haskett, H., A.S.C.
Hatchwell, F., A.V.C., 1st Dragoons
Hawkins, H. S., Lce.-Cpl., A.S.C.
Hicks. A. T., Rifle Brigade (T)
Hill, W. T., Canadian (Ft. Garry) Ct.
Hinksman, E., R. Flying Corps.
Hitchcock, H., 17th Royal Fusiliers
Hodgkinson, W. T., Queen’s W. Surrey
Hogsden. H., R.A.M.C.
Holder, H., H.M.S. Glory
Holder, T., 4th Queen's W. Surrey
Holder, W., Lce.-Cpl., 1st East Surrey
Horne, A., 3rd Rifle Brigade
Horton, L., W. Kent Yeomanry
Howe, F., Army Vety. Corps
Hutchings, A., R.F.A.
Hyde, A. E., Cpl., R.E.
Impson, Lt. H. J., 8th Norfolk
Jackson, G. W., H.M.S. Zealandia
Jackson, R., R.F.
Jeeves, H. W., R.E.
Jeffrey, S., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Johnson, W. C., Sergt., 16th K. R. Rifles
Kellaway, W., R.G.A.
Kemp, E., A.S.C.
Killick, G., 9th East Surrey
Kirkland, J. E., Rifle Brigade (T)
Leach, Lt. C. de L., 4th Rifle Brigade
§Le Blanc Smith, Capt. G., Police Service Bn., E. Africa
Le Blanc Smith, Lt. M., R. Flying Corps
Lee, A., R.M.L.I.
+Leishman, Col. Sir W., C.B., R.A.M.C.
Lifford, E. J.. Cpl. A.S.C.
Longley, R. F., King’s Royal Rifles
Loxley, S., 7th East SurreyMason, J. F., Lce.-Cpl., D. of Cornwall Light Infantry
Maspero, A. F., Cpl., R.Warwick Regt.
Maspero, R. R., 2nd Rhodesian Regt.
Messam, W. G., 12th Middlesex
Mileham, E. G„ H.M.Y. Aster (R.N.R.)
Miller, Lt. A. G., Sussex Yeomanry
Miller, F. E., Bombr., R.F.A.
Miller, J. V., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Miller, W., 4th London R.F.
Mills, E. F., Army Vety Corps
Mills, G. R., Sergt., A.S.C.
Mills, H. J., Cpl., R.E.
Mills, L. C., Lce.-Cpl., A.S.C.
Mills, H. J., Lab. Bn. R.E.
Milton, E. H., A.S.C.
Moore, A. E., 11th London Rifles
Mould, H. S., Surrey Yeomanry
Oak, A., R.F.A.
Ormond, Dr. S. J., R.A.M.C.
Pattenden, A. E., A.S.C.
Pelly, Capt. H. B., H.M.S. Tiger
Penfold, E., Lce.-Cpl., 6th Q.W. Surrey
Penfold, L., Queen’s W. Surrey
Peters, E., Surrey Yeomanry
Peters, J., Army Vety. Corps.
Port, A. J., Bombr. R.H.A.
Port, C., R.E.
Port, D., Cpl., East Surrey
Port, H., A.S.C.
Port, W. 9th Queen's W. Surrev
Potts, B. L., Cpl., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Ranger, E., 6th Queen’s W. Surrey
Rattenbury, O. J., R.E. (Sign. Corps)
Razzell, W. L., R A.M.C.
Read, F. G., 24th Royal Fusiliers
Read, L. D., 24th Royal Fusiliers
Reddick, A., H.M.S Indomitable
Reddick, W H., Bombr. (Rr.) R.G.A.
Reddick, G., Royal Sussex
•Bedford, F. H., 1st Coldstream Guards
Reynolds, F., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Ringer, C. G., A S.C. (M.T.)
Roberts, E. J., 2nd Manchester
Robinson, F., A.S.C.
Robinson, P., R.A.M.C.
Robinson, W. A., 7th East Surrey
Rowland, A. E., R.E.
Rowland, H., R.E.
Rowe, Lieut. F. G. C., 7th York & Lancs.
Sanders, J. A., 1st Life Guards
Sanders, G. L., R.E.
Sawyer, H. W. R.A.M.C.
+Scarterfield, R. C., Sergt., 15th Hussars
Schleisch, L., King's Royal Rifles
Sharp, T., H.M.S. Southampton
Shepherd, E., 3rd Manchester
Skiller, W. J., Army Vety. Corps
Sherwood, H., 5th Norfolk
Shurville, H., 17th Royal Fusiliers
Small, G. F., R.F.A.
Small, T. W., A.S.C.
Smith, E. T., A.S.C.
Songhurst, L. F., R.A.M.C.
Southern, A., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Spencer, A., A.S.C.
St. Clare Hill, D., H.M.S. Lysander
Steer, A., 7th East Surrey
Steer,W. J., Dr-Sgt-Major, 7th E.Surrey
Stickland, A. F., Lce-CpL, R.F.
Stickland, R. H., A.S.C.
Stone, W. A., Driver, R.F.A.
Summerfield, A., 8th Queen’s W. Surrey
Summersby, A., R.E.
Swanston, E. S., 24th Royal Fusiliers
Taylor, A., 4th Royal Fusiliers
Taylor, J., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Taylor, W. 1st Border Regt.
Taylor, W., A.S.C.
Theobald, F., H.M.S. Flying Fish
Theobald, H., H.M.T.B. 29
Thorne, E. A., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Ticknor, A. R., H.M.S. E 29
Tompkins, H., Cpl., Somerset Lt. Inf.
Toone, C. E. East Surrey
Tribe, A, R.M.L.i.
Tuckey, J. E., Sp. Bn. Canad. Ctg.
Tuckey, R., 48th Canad. Highlanders
Tuckev, T. W., 24th Lab. Coy. A.S.C.
Tutt, B. H„ R.F.A.
Underwood, A., 8th East Surrey
Wafforn, A., Driver, R.F.A.
Waite, E.E., Cpl., 7th Queen’s W. Surrey
Wakefield, R., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Ward, F. J., 22nd Royal Fusiliers
Ward, Capt. R.O.C., 6th E. Kent (Buffs)
Ward, Lt.-Com. V. E., R.N.
Wareham, J., H.M S. Louise
Wareham,W.C., Hdqrs.St, 2nd Can,Div.
Watson. E. R., R.E.
Webb, O. S.. R.E.
Weller, C. H., Royal Fusiliers
Weller, G., Sussex Yeomanry
Wellings, P. J., Army Vety. Corps
Westwood, H., R.A.M.C.
White, Lt., C. T. H., H.M.S. Superb
White, Lt. F. B. H., R.E.
Wickens, C., R.F.A.
Williams, G. A., 20th Royal Fusiliers
Williams, S. G , London Rifle Brigade
Wilsden, P., Cpl. R.F.A.
Winter, H. C ., Sergt., R.E.
Woodley, Maj..E.J., G.H.Q. 3rd Echelon
Worsfold, A., H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth
Worsfold, F. G., 1st East Surrey
Worsfold, Sergt. F., E. Surrey
Worsfold, H., 18th Bn. Canadian Ct.
Worsfold, J., A..S.C..
Worsfold, R. H., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Wrinch, Lt. H. S., City of London R.F.
Wyithe, T., A.S.C.
* Military Cross. § Distinguished Conduct Medal. +Mentioned in Despatches.
Nursing in France.
Miss C. Henderson
Miss F. M. Henderson
V.A.D. in France
W. T. Limming
Archer, C. E., Royal Fusiliers returned invalided to England.
Burgess, C. H., Q. Victoria Rifles returned invalided to England.
Bye, G. H., 10th Lab. Bn. R.E. returned invalided to England.
Chilman, J. W., 13th Rifle Brigade returned invalided to England.
Davis, A., 3rd Hussars returned invalided to England.
Friday, P., Cpl., 1st East Surrey returned invalided to England.
Hickson, Lt.-Col. L.H., K.African Rifles returned invalided to England.
Rickards, Lieut. E., Surrey Yeomanry returned invalided to England.
Southern, W. C., Oxford Light Infantry returned wounded to England.
Stevens, J. J., Rifle Brigade returned wounded to England.
Taylor, E. C., R.A.M C. returned wounded to England.
Walker, F., Q. Victoria Rifles returned wounded to England.
Baker, J., R.E. returned wounded to England.
Cawley, A. J., 23rd London Regt. (T) returned wounded to England.
Clapshew, G., City of London (T) returned wounded to England.
Cook, R. T., 5th Royal Fusiliers returned wounded to England.
Gibbs, A. J., 1st East Surrey returned wounded to England.
Godwin, E. J., R. Canad. Highlanders returned wounded to England.
Hodge, Lieut. H. W., R.G.A. returned wounded to England.
Jewell, J. F., R.M.L.I. returned wounded to England.
Lee, J., R.G.A. returned wounded to England.
Lewis, W. A., Queen’s W. Surrey returned wounded to England.
Neate, C., 5th Rifle Brigade returned wounded to England.
Stone, G. A., 4th E. Surrey returned wounded to England.
Thorpe, C., R.G.A. returned wounded to England.
Ward, G. P., 22nd R. Fusiliers returned wounded to England.
Watkins, F., 20th Hussars returned wounded to England.
Yardley, S., Queen’s W. Surrey returned wounded to England.
Barnes, H. H., East Surrey prisoner in Germany, wounded.
Horne, T., 1st Rifle Brigade prisoner in Germany, wounded.
Summerfield, V., 8th W Kent (Buffs) prisoner in Germany, wounded.
Taylor, F., 3rd Royal Fusiliers prisoner in Germany, wounded.
Ward, Capt. H. E., Buffs (attd. K.R.R.) prisoner in Germany, wounded.
The following have laid down their lives for their Country.
Dec. 18, 1914. Albert Bennett, 2nd Queen’s W. Surrey killed in Flanders
Jan. 1, 1915. Victor Wright, R.M.L.I. sunk with H.M.S. Formidable
Jan. 22 1915. Edward George Ireland, R.A.M.C. died in Hospital, St. Omer
Jan. 25 1915. Percy Skelton, Coldstream Guards killed in action in Flanders
Apl. 24 1915. Frederick Cobbold, 2nd East Surrey killed in action in Flanders
Apl. 25 1915. Lewis Wood Long, 1st East Surrey killed in action in Flanders
May 9 1915. Richard Fenwick Finke, Capt., 2nd Royal Sussex killed in action in Flanders
May 16 1915. George William Eldridge, 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey killed in action in Flanders
May 24 1915. Cecil Gaston, 23rd London Regt. (T) killed in action in Flanders
Aug. 25 1915. Frederick Clemetson, Lce.-Cpl., 4th Royal Berks killed in action in Flanders
Sept. 13 1915. Benjamin Penfold, Queen’s W. Surrey killed in action in Flanders
Sep. 25 1915. Leonard Sidney Skilton, 1st Queen’s W. Surrey killed in action in Flanders
Sep. 29 1915. Joseph James Lewis, Sergt., King’s Royal Rifles killed in action in Flanders
Oct. 5 1915. William Albert Bussey, 7th East Surrey killed in action in Flanders
Oct. 27 1915. Ernest Friday, 2nd Queen’s W. Surrey killed in action in Flanders
Nov. 8 1915. John Samuel Harding, Lt., 11th Northumberland F. killed in action in Flanders
Dec. 30 1915. Ernest James Rowe, R.N , killed in H.M.S. Natal
Jan. 11 1916 George Henry Port, Cpl., R.F.A., killed in Flanders.
Jan. 11 1916 Harry Searle, A.S.C. (M.T.), sunk in “City of Palermo"
B. In H.M. Forces not at present at the Front.
Names of those returned from the Front are in italics.
Aird, A., R.F.A.
Aird, H., Royal E. Kent (Buffs)
Aldridge, C., Sergt. Instr., East Surrey
Bartholomew, F., 5th Lancers
Berry, H., H.M.S. Powerful
Browne, E., H.M.S. Powerful
Catt, W„ East Yorks
*Chapman, Lt. W. G. 2nd Gloster
Chapman, W. H. J., Queen’s W. Surrey
Clark, W., H.M.S. Powerful
Cooper, T. R., R.F.A.
Crayden, G. A., H.M.S. T.B.27
Dearling, J., H.M.S. Pembroke
Fillery, T. H., R.A.M.C. (India)
Fillery, T., 5th East Suirey (Res.)
Hutchings, W., R.G.A.
Ingram, J. H., H.M.S......
Kellaway, J., R.G.A. (Colombo)
Leach, Lt., G. de L. Scots GuardsLeadbetter, W., Sgt.Instr., Royal Sussex
Linsell, S., Sergt. Instr., East Surrey
Mackenzie, Lt. A. R., R.N. Air Service
Main, A. G. E., 23rd London Regt. (T.)
Mills, E. F., Army Vety. Corps
Nash, G., 2nd Coldstream Guards
Pain, Dr. B. H., R N. Air Service
Page, Sergt. Instr., 2th Royal Fusiliers
Page, W. R.E.
Port, J., R.G.A.
Room. F., H.M.S. Dido
Stevens-Nash, Major C. G., R.A. (Staff)
Taylor, A. E., Queen’s W. Surrey
Tickner, A., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Wales, W., R.N.
Warren, S., 5th R.E.
Watkinson, H., Sgt. Instr., 5th Berks
Websall, D., R.A.M.C.
Woolgar, W. J., R.N. Air Service
* Mentioned in Dispatches.
C. In the Territorial Battalions, or New Army.
Aird, W., 13th London (Kens. Rifles)
Aldous, P., 5th East Surrey (T)
Annison, Lce.-Cpl., 5th East Surrey (T)
Arthurs, G., 5th East Surrey
Baker, A., R.G A.
Baker, E. J., A.S.O. (M.T.)
Bass, G. A.S.C. (M.T.)
Batchelor, A. W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Betty, Lt. W. K., R.G.A.
Bevand, P. C., 2nd Queen’s W. Surrey
Bexley, F., Queen’s W. Surrey
Bexley, L. H., 5th East Surrey (T)
Birmingham, C., A.S.C.
Blunden, E., 5th East Surrey (T)
Bonner, W., A.S.C.
Bousell, W., East Surrey
Boxall, A. L., 5th East Surrey (T)
Boyle, W., 7th Royal Sussex
Bridger. H., H.A.C.
Brill, F., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Broomfield, R., A.S.C.
Brooks, E., Queen’s W. Surrey
Buckle, C., 5th East Surrey (T)
Budden, G., A.S.C.
Bullen, H., 5th East Surrey (T)
Burgess, E. H., Westminster Dragoons
Burgess, H. L., London Rifle Brigade
Burgess, N. R., R. West Kent Buffs
Busfield, J., 19th Royal Fusiliers
Carpenter, J., 3rd Hussars
Carpenter, W. A. S., A.S.C.
Castleman, J., Westminster Dragoons
Caudwell, F. C., R.A.M.C. (T)
Chapman, C., 5th East Surrey (T)
Chapman, C. W., R.E
Charman, E., R.A.M.C.
Chetwynd-Stapylton, Capt. G. B., 5th East Surrey (T)
Childs, A. D., H.A.C.
Childs, H., Queen’s W. Surrey
Chitty, A., 26th Middlesex
Chitty, L., East Surrey
Clark, G. S., R.G.A.
Clark, W., R.G.A.
Clements, E. A.
Collis, A., 5th East Surrey (T)
Collis, L., 5th East Surrey (T)
Collis, W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Constable, R. W., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Cook, W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Cooke, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Cooper, A. E., Sgt. 12th London (Rangs)
Cooper, W. J., 5th Queen's W. Surrey
Covey, G., R.E.
Coxill, A., 6th Queen’s W. Surrey
Crawte, J. O., 5th London Artillery
Davis, S., 5th East Surrey (T)
Dean, E., R. Flying Corps
Dickenson, A., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Dinnage, A. E., R.F.A.
Dovey, A. G., 20th Royal Fusiliers
Dovey, B. H., R.G.A.
Drummond, Lt. C., Westmt. Dragoons
Duffield, A., 5th East Surrey
Easton, F. J., 7th East Surrey
Eggar. Lt. J., R.N.V.R. (Air Service)
Elson, L. G. H., 9th Canad. Mtd. Rifles
Faithfull, L., 5th East Surrey (T)
Faithfull, L. J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Faux, S., R.A.M.C.
Fiddyment, J., 15th London R.F.
Finch, F., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Fowler, J. H., A.S.C.
Fullex, J., R.Welsh Fusiliers (Band)
Gadd, G., A.S.C.
Gale, A., East Surrey
Gale, A. C., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Gates, W., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Gazey, F., A.S.C.
Gibbs, H. C., 9th Queen’s W. Surrey
Gibbs, L. C., 79th Bn. Canadn. Ctgt.
Gibbs, S. T., 5th East Surrey (T)
Gillett, Lt -Col. W. A., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Goddard, B., 3rd Grenadier Guards
Goddard, P., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Godwin, L., A.S.C.
Goff, F., 7th East Surrey
Grahame, Lieut. D., 5th East Surrey (T)
Grantham, H., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Green, G. R.N.
Green, F. R.N.
Green, W. A., 5th East Surrey (T)
Gregory, Lt. G. C. W., Surrey (T)
Gregory, H. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Hackman, E., R.A.M.C.
Harding, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Haiselden, C., Sergt., 5th East Surrey (T)
Harris, W. J., 9th Queen’s W. Surrey
Harwood, A., Royal Fusiliers
Hatton, J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Hawkins, C. J., R E.
Hawkins, H., Queen’s W. Surrey
Hay, R. A., 5th East Surrey (T)
Haynes, W. D., 5th East Surrey
Hill, S. H., Cpl., Cameron Highlanders
Hillman, Lt. A. J.S., 2nd Wessex R.F.A.
Hinde, A., A.S.C.
Hoare, A., Royal Berks
Hogsden, F., 5th East Surrey (T)
Holder, E., 84th Bn. Canad. Ctgt.
Holland, W. L., R.A.M.C.
Hope, D. A., R.A.M C.
Howard, — Bedfordshire Yeomanry
Hughes, F., 5th East Surrey (T)
Hurford, Capt. G., 22nd Gloucester
Hutchinson, J., H.A.C.
Impson, Lieut. H. J., 8th Norfolk
Ireland, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Jewell, G. C., 5th East Surrey (T)
Jones, A., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Jopling, A. E., Royal Fusiliers
Kemp, W., Sergt. 5th East Surrey (T)
Keswick, Capt. H., M.P., K.O.S.B.
Killick, G. E., 3rd East Surrey
Kirby, L., Bombay Volunteer RiflesLaming, W. M., East Surrey (T)
Larbey, L. W., Royal Sussex
Leach, Lt. G. de L., Scots Guards
Leavey, E., R.F.A.
Leavey, T. J., Sergt., 20th R. Fusiliers
Leggatt, W., 5th London Artillery
Lewis, - A.S.C.
Lord, T. W., 5th East Lancashire
Loxley, F. A., Cpl. Austral. I.E.F.
Loxley, P. G., Lce.-Cpl„ R.E. (Sig.)
Lucas, A. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Marriner, E, A.S.C. (M.T.)
Marriner, G, Sergt., 5th East Surrey.
Marriott, Lieut. T. B., R.E.
Martin, C., 3rd Queen's W. Surrey
Maspero, A. W., 12th S. African Inf.
May, L., Coldstream Guards
Mayers, F., R.Welsh Fusiliers (Band)
Mellor, W. H , R. Flying Corps
Messam, A. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Messam, J., A.S.C.
Mileham, F. J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Mills, A. T., 6th Royal Sussex
Mills, AV., Canadian Ctgt.
Mole, R. J., 5th East Surrey
Moore, H. C., 23rd London Regt.
Moore, A. F., 10th East Surrey
Moore, P. W., 10th East Surrey
Moore, B., East Surrey
Murless, L. A., 1st Devon R.A. (T)
Newsom, W. R., Surrey Yeomanry
Norwood, P., R. Canadian H.A.
Otway, A. C., Cpl., 5th E. Surrey (Res.)
Page, A. S., A.S.C.
Page, R., London Electric Engineers
Page, W. A., R.E.
Palmer, E. F., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Palmer, W., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Pardy, F. C., Canadian Contingent
Pardy, I. V., Canadian Contingent
Pattenden, J., R. Flying Corps
Pattenden, P. H., 5th East Surrey (T)
Payne, H. N., 7th East Surrey
Pearson, F., H.A.C.
Penfold, A. S., R.F.A.
Penfold, O., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Penfold, S. J , R.F.A.
Penny, G., Royal Fusiliers
Pentycross, D.B., 3rd Bucks
Peters, L., R.A.M.C.
Pollard, B. G., A.S.C.
Port, C., R.E.
Port, W., Army Vety. Corps
Poulter, J., Bedford Regt.
Pratt, W. G., A.S.C.
Rabbits, F., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Richardson, E. M., A.S.C.
Selfe, C., Queen’s W. Surrey
Shepherd, W. C., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Shirley, R. J., R.E.
Sims, W. R., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Sirs, — Queen’s W. Surrey
Skilton, A. H., 5th East Surrey (T)
Skilton, H., Rifle Brigade
Skilton, R.
Skilton, S. J., 5th East Surrey
Small, T. 5th East Surrey (T)
Smith, A. J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Smith, C. W., 4th Royal Sussex
Smith, F., R.G.A.
Smith, F. J., R.F.A.
Smithers, R., 5th East Surrey (T)
Smithers, W., Rifle Brigade (T)
Songhurst, A. T., Queen’s W. Surrey
Southern, A. A. J.V., 6th East Surrey (T)
St. Clare Hill, Lt. V., S. Lancashire
Stickland, J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Still, Lieut. F. C., R.G.A.
Stone, C., A.S.C.
Stone, W. J., East Surrey
Symonds, A. J., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Symonds, J., 5th East Surrey (T)
Tate, T. H., 5th Queen’s W. Surrey (T)
Taylor, A. E., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Taylor, A. H., 6th Royal Fusiliers
Taylor, H. J., 2nd Queen’s W. Surrey
Taylor, R. Y. R.E. (Sign. Corps)
Taylor, W., R.F.A.
Thompson, J., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Thorpe, A., A.S.C. (M.T.)
Timms, W., A.S.C. (Remounts)
Tompkins, A., 5th East Surrey (T.)
Tribe, S, C., 3rd East Surrey
Tritton, Lt. N. C., Queen’s W Surrey (T)
Trodd, R. E. G., Royal Fusiliers
Tuckey, J. 10th East Surrey
Tyrrell, S. E., A.S.C.
Vincent, G., R.F.A.
Walker, J., 5th East Surrey
Walters, G., East Surrey (T)
Ward, H., 9th Royal Sussex
Warr, R. J., 3rd Queen’s W. Surrey
Warwick, G., Army Vety. Corps
Watson, A. T., Canadian Contingent
Weller, A. E., 5th East Surrey (T)
Weller, C., Royal Fusiliers
Weller G., Sussex Yeomanry
Weller, W. 5th East Surrey
Wells, W., 5th East Surrey (T)
Westwood, A., A.S.C.
Whitmarsh, F., East Surrey
Wickens, E., 5th East Surrey (Res.)
Winter, B.W.G., Sgt., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Winter, E. G., 5th East Surrey (T)
Wise, H., Grenadier Guards
Worsfold, J., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Worsfold, Cpl. W., 5th E. Surrey (T)
Wright, E. N., 9th Norfolk
Wright, W. E., 24th London Regt. (T)
Yeldon, H., Army Vety. Corps
The Vicar will be very grateful for any additional names, or corrections of this list.
From the April Parish Magazine 1916
NOTICES.
The Vicar hopes to publish a “Parish Report ” for the two years 1914-1915 and 1915-1916, as soon as possible after Easter, and will be grateful if the Secretaries of the various organizations and funds will send in their statements before the end of this month.
The Rev. A. P. Skene has been appointed Chaplain to the Forces, and it is expected that he will be leaving Letherhead in order to take up his new duties shortly after Easter.
THE VICAR’S LETTER.
My Dear Friends,
This month we are to keep Passiontide and Easter; to celebrate with reverent and repentant love the memory of the sufferings and sacrifice of His Life by the Son of God upon the Cross for the redemption of us all from sin and death, and to rejoice in the triumphant return of life and hope opened to the world by His Resurrection from the grave. And just in proportion as we have tried to realise the depth of the sin in ourselves for which no atonement could be made that was less than the obedience unto death of Him Who is both God and Man; as we have truly grieved over that which cost so supreme a sacrifice; as we have striven to put it away from ourselves and to trample it under foot; just in so far as we have learned that the fulness of light and life and hope can reach us only through the utter sacrifice of self and all that is dear to self; shall we share in the relief and blessedness which the glory of Easter brings to the contrite heart.
Passion-tide, followed by Easter, speaks to us the eternal message of light after darkness, of joy after suffering. We must have been taught to know something of the darkness and the suffering in order to comprehend the light and the joy. And Easter tells of the certainty of that light and joy beyond the darkest hours for those who tread the path of sacrifice in the steps of the Master whom they have sworn to follow to the end. Therefore, it is the greatest day of the year in a Christian land, a day with whose splendid promise of triumph over all the sin and evil and misery in the world no other thoughts can be suffered to interfere. God grant that we may so spend in penitence and self-denial, in serious thought and prayer, the remaining days of Lent, and that solemn Holy Week which brings it to a close, that we may feel, to the depth of our hearts, the reality of the Easter message of hope and joy.
April 23rd, the day on which Easter falls this year, is also in our Calendar, the festival of St. George, the Patron Saint of England. In consequence our Bishop has authorized the keeping of St. George’s Day, in this Diocese, on the first Sunday in May (May 7th). On that day an appeal is to be made throughout the Diocese in aid of the Naval Ports Church Building Fund, with special reference to Portsmouth. The duty of providing for religious ministrations to the constantly increasing population of Portsmouth—always pressing—was nevermore urgent than now, and probably never more fully than now have we been alive to the enormous debt which we owe to the men who build and who serve in our Navy. We are to be given the opportunity of shewing our recognition of this debt, by helping to meet the spiritual needs of those men, and of their families. We shall not, I am sure, fail to rise to the occasion.
That same day, April 23rd, which from time immemorial has been dedicated in honour of our national saint, is also, this year, the 300th anniversary of the death of our greatest national poet, and one of our most truly religious teachers—Shakespeare.
With the thankful honour which we render to God on May 7th, for the example of the warrior saint, ever foremost in active conflict with the forces of evil, whom we are proud to call specially our own, we may fitly join thoughts of gratitude for the great gift to our poet of the power, perhaps greater than that of any other who has lived upon this earth, of stirring the souls of men to “whatsoever things are true, whatsover things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report,” of inspiring enthusiasm “for God and for the right.”
Yours very faithfully,
T. F. HOBSON March 28th, 1916.
From the May Parish Magazine 1916
On Wednesday May 24th, Empire Day, at 8 p.m. a concert will be given by members of the Girls’ Friendly Society in aid of providing the necessary accommodation for Girl Munition Workers,—often a matter of considerable difficulty,—and of the Prisoners of War from the East and West Surrey Regiments. We hope that the public will attend in large numbers and give generous support to such excellent objects.
From causes connected with military matters, and other exigencies, the Parish Church Choir was still further depleted of Choirmen on Easter Day. Thanks to the kind help of some members of the congregation, whom we should much like to see regularly in the Choir, the Services were heartily as well as reverently sung, with very little change from their original arrangements. Owing however to the inexperience of the majority of the trebles, and the small number of their seniors in the Choir, it has, with great reluctance, been decided to give up attempting Choral Eucharists for the present. It is hoped to restore these after no long interval.
THE VICAR’S LETTER.
My Dear Friends,
Below is printed the Bishop’s Letter on the subject of preparation for the National Mission of Repentance and Hope which is to be held in the autumn. I suppose that many of us have heard something about this proposed Mission, but that all have as yet hardly any idea of what is intended by it. The object of it is this. By this War God is calling our Nation to turn to Him. And our Bishops, the leaders of the Church, are stirring the whole body of the Church, that is, all its members, to unite in response to that call, and to show that they are making an answer to it, to witness to the whole nation that they recognize God’s call in the war, and that in response to it they are trying to turn to God more whole-heartedly than ever before : in repentance for the sins, national and individual which have brought this judgment upon us; in hope for God’s mercy, for the raising by His Holy Spirit of each one of us and of the whole nation to a truer and a better way of life.
What form the outward witness will eventually take it is impossible to say; it will differ in Dioceses, in Rural Deaneries, in various Parishes: but in the meantime it is the duty of all of us “to prepare ourselves to bear witness without shame or fear to our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord Saviour and Supreme Guide; to join in the fellowship of prayer; to seek to bring the Spirit of Jesus Christ to bear upon all the problems of life.” We have to seek the renewal of our own life in order that the Church, that is, ourselves, may stand forth to shew the way of renewal for the national life.
How is this to be done? First by definitely trying to bring God more into our own daily life. By prayer, confession to God of our own short comings, by asking Him to shew what He would have us do. By doing this not only alone; but together in Family Prayer; in prayer made together with friends like-minded with us in our own houses; and also by discussing with them the things that are wrong in our midst, and what may be done to amend them. By seeking God more diligently in “ the place which He has chosen to set His name there.” What better witness can there be of the desire to let God “be in all our thoughts” than in seeking Him in the place where He has specially declared He is to be found.
And how careless are so many in this matter ! If the nation which has forgotten God is to be brought back to Him, it must be made to see that we, the members of His Church, are in earnest in our turning to Him. And one clear way in which that can be done is by attendance at the regular services appointed for public worship of Him, coming to Him there in a spirit of penitence and seeking His grace and help.
The thoughts and prayers of us all will be with Mr. Skene in his new work as Chaplain to the Forces in France. During the 41/2 years of his life with us he has greatly endeared himself to the people of All Saints District by his kindliness, cheerfulness and geniality, and readiness to help: and the manly straightforwardness, sympathetic tone, and hopefulness of his Sermons and Addresses in both our Churches have, I know, been of much help and encouragement to very many. He will be very much missed.
We have been fortunate enough to secure as his successor Mr. R. B. Maurice, who did such good work when in charge of All Saints’ during Mr. Skene’s illness two years ago. Mr. Maurice is to take up his work here in the course of this month.
I am most deeply grateful to the Parish for its exceedingly generous Easter Offering. When, in face of the burden which all feel in meeting the claims made upon them at this time, so great sympathy is shewn in this way, as indeed it is shewn in so many other ways, in aiding the Vicar to bear his burden, it makes him feel very keenly how far he falls short of what might be expected of him, and the generosity of his Parishioners in making allowance for his short-comings.
I remain,
Yours very faithfully,
T. F. HOBSON
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
I am encouraged, so far, by the beginnings of our preparations for the National Mission of Repentance and Hope. Little is done, and much is to do. But I think people are beginning to understand, and there is a general disposition to respond and to help.
I feel greatly the need of all our people’s prayers for myself and for those who help me at the centre; but I only wish to have them as part of the prayer which the whole Christian family of the Church in the Diocese will offer that it, and all within it, may have God's help to do their part at this great time.
Let our consciences be ready, our hearts open, and our wits as nimble as may be in finding out what can be done and doing it.
Let us be careful that, in trying (as we must do) to make the matter more definite, we do not lose the simplicity and depth of it; and that while we frame plans we do not let them get between us and our purpose.
For the “Mission ” is just a name for the Church’s heart-answer to the Call of the War, the Call of the Voice of God speaking to us through the war. The Call comes as it did in Isaiah’s time through the Assyrian Invasion, and in Elizabeth’s time through the peril of the Spanish Armada.
I hope no one will be put off by being told that the Mission is all artificial, an “organized revival.” Wherever there is common or united movement, there must be some organization. The question is whether the spring of it all is genuine or “artificial.”
Was there a genuine feeling in the Church that we needed to bestir ourselves, and to consider, and to seek renewal? I believe that there was and is (as I am quite certain there ought to be). Our “organizing" only means that we will try and do it in one, in fellowship, and to help one another in doing it,
Could a Church do otherwise?
We will humbly acknowledge (how can we do otherwise?) our manifold faults as Nation, Church, and individuals.
We will as Clergy and Church members try and see where we can do better in our work of witness for God and for Jesus Christ,
We will lay a fresh and firmer grasp upon the instrument of prayer which He gives us, and bids us use.
We will try and learn from one another where and how things want altering and mending : whether it be in the manner of conducting God’s worship in the Church; or in the understanding by all of what is meant by our wonderful Faith; or, again in the application of plain Christian principles to things of everyday life such as the care of the young, or the conduct of trade and business, or our duties as citizens.
We will try to look at things with fresh eyes. For this reason I attach great value to little groups of people starting together to pray and a*k things over. They may take some of the papers of the Mission.*
Or they may take, if they have a little more leisure or education, such a precious little book as Christ and the Church, by Canon Arthur Robinson, Or Mr. Bardsley’s Studies in Revival (both about 1s. 6d.)
Do not let everyone wait for somebody else, or for the action of us “the authorities.” Back and reinforce the action of authority, but don’t trust everything to it.
Perhaps this should be specially said to our women. There are more of them in the land just now; perhaps, busy as they are, they are not quite so busy as the men: and I think they understand these matters better. But I hope what they do will “ provoke the men to a wholesome jealousy.” It is harder for men to do such things. But when they do them, it counts for more. And some of the subjects (e g , business) are more especially men’s subjects.
I should like to say, on behalf of my brother clergy, what a warm response there is to the call and to the warning that if we are to help others we must look to ourselves. (And to the clergy I would say, let us see that we are thorough about this, doing well what we do in preparation, and not cutting it down and scamping it. They will forgive me for the hint of a danger which is real.)
God give us what He will, as He will, only for His honour—and for England.
EDW: WINTON:
Farnham Castle,
Palm Sunday, 1916.
* I would specially draw attention to the fact that anyone who sends 2s. 6d. in stamps to S.P.C.K., Northumberland Avenue, S.W., will receive all the -papers of the Mission till they reach the value of the payment.
VESTRY MEETING, 1916
The Annual Meeting of the Vestry of the Parish of Letherhead was held in the Church Room on Thursday in Easter Week, April 17th, the Vicar being in the chair.
We desire to draw the attention of the Parishioners to the serious deficit in the Parish Church Funds; the liabilities of which have been increased by the fact that it has become necessary to insure our beautiful Parish Church against Air Raids at a cost of £12 3s. 0d. as well as All Saints’ Church at a cost of £3.—£15 3s. 0d. altogether. The risk of damage from attack by the enemy is it is to be hoped small, but still there is a risk ; and it is essential that adequate precaution should be taken against possible contingencies.
MOTHERS’ UNION.
The Summer Meeting will be held in the Institute on Friday, June 16th, at 3 p.m. Sister Alicia, of Epsom, has kindly consented to address the members.
The Annual Tea will not be given this year; but it is proposed instead to send the money to the Young Women’s Christian Association, in aid of providing for Women Munition Workers the Rest and Recreation Rooms which are so greatty needed by them. It is felt that our Letherhead Members will be glad in this way to help so worthy an object. Any donations for the purpose will be gladly received and acknowledged by Mrs. Leach, Vale Lodge.
GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY.
The Secretary of the Letherhead Branch of the G.F.S. has received the following letter, which has been sent out to all the different Branches :—
Ministry of Munitions of War,
6, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
February 25th, 1916.
To the Secretary of the Girls’ Friendly Society.
Dear Madam,
I am very glad to hear that the Girls’ Friendly Society is setting to work to provide lodging for the large and increasing number of women and girls employed in making munitions at Woolwich and other munition areas, and that the lodgings are to be available at rates suited to the workers’ means. The need of comfortable accommodation for those who are engaged in this patriotic but exacting duty is great and pressing, and your effort is highly to be commended.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) D. Lloyd George.
In response to this letter, the Letherhead Associates and Members are getting up a concert, to be held in the Institute at 8 p.m., on Wednesday, May 24th. The proceeds are to be halved between the Girl Munition Workers and our Prisoners of War—East and West Surrey Regiments. Payment for admission to seats at 2/-, 1/- or 6d. will be taken at the doors.
C.E. WAIFS AND STRAYS SOCIETY (35th anniversary).
The Annual Public Meeting will be held in the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, at 3 p.m, on May 30ch, when the Lord Bishop of Chichester will preside, supported by the Lord Bishop of Tokyo, the Rev. Viscount Mountmorres, the Lord Islington, the Hon. Evelyn Hubbard, Evelyn Cecil, Esq., M.P., Dr. Mary Scharlieb, and the Rev. Preb. Rudolf (Founder and Secretary of the Society).
This Society is doing important “War Work” by taking into its Homes little children, dependents of our Soldiers and Sailors, who have been left homeless or unprotected by reason of the War.
At the Meeting in the Horticultural Hall, Purses for this Work, containing not less than 10/-, will be presented to H.R.H. Princess Alexander of Teck. If any Parishioners like their children to help the. Society in this way, they are asked to write for a purse to the Rev. Preb. Rudolf, Old Town Hall, Kennington Road, London, S.E.
LETHERHEAD WAR HOSPITAL SUPPLY WORKROOMS.
The workrooms will be re-opened on Tuesday 2nd May. Since they were opened in September, 1915, above 4,000 bandages, swabs, shoes, and various articles adapted from old linen, have been sent to the Central Office, Cavendish Square.
The Hon. Organizing Secretary much regrets that she has been obliged to send in her resignation, as she is leaving Letherhead. Miss Hicks has consented to take up the work, and Miss Henderson to become Treasurer.
May I plead for more workers 1 These Hospital requirements are still so seriously in demand, and to meet this demand workers and still more workers are urgently needed.
Katharine E. Treen Hunt.
NATIONAL EGG COLLECTION.
Miss Leach continues to collect, and send weekly, new laid eggs to the London Red Cross Hospitals. There has been a great falling off in the supply during the winter months; now that eggs are more plentiful, she trusts that all those who have previously contributed, and many others, will be able to send a weekly contribution every Monday, either to Mr. Cole, Chemist, High Street, or to Miss Leach, Yale Lodge, Letherhead.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Green of Copthorne Road, wish to thank everyone for their kind sympathy to them in their bereavement.
From the June Parish Magazine 1916
[from the INTERCESSIONS]
6. That the dangers of civil and political strife may be averted in Ireland, and that Thy wisdom may guide where ours fails.
7. That the troubles in Ireland may be overruled to the enlargement of mutual understanding and co-operation among those who have been divided in the past.
8. That the spirit of wisdom and counsel may be granted to those who are appointed to bear rule in that part of the kingdom.
THE VICAR’S LETTER.
My Dear Friends,
I had hoped to be able to say something definite in reference to the National Mission of Repentance and Hope, and our preparation for it in this Parish. But it is impossible to do more at present than to urge Church-people as a whole to be as earnest, as some of them are at present, in gathering together to make united intercession to God in reference to our anxieties and sorrows caused by the War, and for the nation’s needs: and by regular attendance at Church, especially at the Holy Communion, to bear their witness to the recognition of God’s call, through our present troubles, that the whole nation, which has in so many ways forgotten Him, and still continues to forget Him, should look to Him in penitence for its transgressions and with hope for His mercy and forgivenness. It is suggested that friends might meet in small numbers in one another’s houses, at regular intervals, and by united prayer, either spoken or silent, realise more fully together our utter dependence upon God, our past forgetfulness of Him, and the blessing which is bestowed wherever two or three are gathered together in the name and spirit of Christ. That suggestion may be specially commended to those who, for one reason or another, find difficulty in joining in the Intercession Services held in Church : but it is not meant for them alone.
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Burton, so recently left Letherhead, and with their family, during their residence here, took so full a share in the life of this place, and in all efforts to promote its welfare, that the deepest sympathy will be felt for them, and for Mrs. Stanley Burton, at the death of their only son, who was killed by shrapnel in Flanders just about the time when his regiment was ordered from the front for a period of rest behind the lines. He is the latest of a now sadly long list of Letherhead men who have given their lives for their Country in this war: and for some years before the war broke out he had taken an active part as an Officer in the Territorials in furthering the readiness for defence of our land and Empire as to which most of us have been so inexcusably careless.
The departure of Mr. and Mrs. Dare, and of Miss Sharpe and Miss Treen Hunt makes another great gap in the number of those who for a long time past have given most generous aid in promoting the well-being of this Parish. The activities of Miss Sharpe and Miss Hunt covered a very wide field. Miss Sharpe was local Secretary for G.F.S. for about 8 years, and Miss Hunt was the Branch representative for its industrial and emigration work. Miss Hunt was until quite recently the energetic Secretary of our Missionary Association; while the Kensington Rifles were with us in the spring of 1915 she organised the canteen for them with most marked success, and since they left she has been the very efficient organizing Secretary of our local War Hospital Supply Workrooms: and she was also a district visitor and Manager of the C E. Schools. Both ladies took an active part on the industrial side of our Flower Shows, and for some years acted as Superintendents and teachers of the old morning Sunday School for Girls. Their places in our life will be very hard to fill.
Yours very faithfully,
T. F. HOBSON
May 24th, 1916
From the July Parish Magazine 1916
[from the INTERCESSIONS]
18. That the troubles in Ireland may be overruled to the enlargement of mutual understanding and co-operation among those who have been-divided in the past.
19. For the Jewish people now bearing in Poland and elsewhere a special share in the sufferings of the War.
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
My dear People,
Let me speak in your name a word in honour of the noble dead, and in thanksgiving to God for them. When the course and issue of the war come to be summed up, by us, or by those who follow us, this will certainly stand clear: that God gave us a great gift in Lord Kitchener. If His Providence gives us the victory for which we pray one means of it will have been Lord Kitchener’s clear, strong, quick insight into the scale and size of the war. and of the means which we should need for facing it. That, with the power with which he drove the need home, and carried out the meeting of it, is his great achievement for England. For it, and for him, we give thanks.
But he has also taught us a lesson, perhaps not quite so plain. He became the most powerful living Englishman, honoured and trusted by his countrymen. He stood for more than any with the other dominions and nations, allied, neutral, and perhaps enemy. This was greatness. Let us mark that it came to one who did not seek it: who did not advertise himself, or seek his own honour, or court people’s favour. He won it quietly and silently by what he did, and what he was. He won it by duty, and as a great Servant. For this, too, let us give thanks.
And then also for those who fought the great fight of the North Sea, •the fight of which the news first shook our hearts with fear, and then thrilled them with admiration and pride. Never, perhaps, have British captains borne themselves more bravely: the men who fought under such leaders as Beatty and Hood were led by heroes and fought as heroes.
They did their part, and though our losses were three times the whole sum of British loss at Trafalgar, these men wrought, amidst the appalling destructiveness of modern warfare, a great achievement for their country, which may well prove to have been one of the weights that turn the scale of the war. For this, and for them, let us give thanks.
To our mourners in their bitter sorrow these things speak noble comfort. But, yet, let us “refrain our hearts and keep them low.” The loss is tremendous: the sorrow profound: the sense of the perils that beset our “impregnable” Navy keen: let us not “despise the chastening of the Lord ’’ : let us bring hearts to Him in which humility keeps exultation sober, and gives tenderness to our sorrow.
EDW: WINTON:
There are two chief things which I wish to say this month about our Preparation of the National Mission of Repentance and Hope. But before I say them I should like to express with hope and thankfulness my honest belief that things are going well, and that the Mission promises, please God, to bring us even more good than we dared hope. I wish also to thank those who have answered to the call, although themselves at first doubtful about it. I feel now able to ask all, clergy and laity, to come in and help, in the name of our common loyalty. It is a great responsibility to hold aloof on any one’s own responsibility, when authority and the common conscience of his brethren join as perhaps they have never before done, to call to a united effort in the name of the Lord.
The two things of which I spoke above are two possible dangers. They are rather opposite to one another, but both are real.
(1.) As the Mission “gets going,” and plans are made, and methods are used, and experiments tried, there may be a danger that the big general purpose may be lost sight of.
Intercession Services, Retreats, Quiet Days, Meetings, or Circles for Study, Pilgrimages of Prayer, are all excellent. We stir ourselves up for them, and they are used by God to stir us up. But we must not rest in them. We must keep reminding ourselves of the great purpose of the Mission: renewal: renewal of the Church and of the nation: renewal by repentance turning to hope: renewal by offering our lives and worship and social order and business and bringing up of children to be made new by a new return to what is really Christian in thought and principle: renewal which will give real proof of itself in new faithfulness, and consistency and energy.
We must watch, and test ourselves. We must pray, and look to be shown. It is a formidable task indeed.
(2.). The other danger which I seem to see is that of going on with general thoughts and talk, and not coming to particular matters. This may seem opposite to the first, but it is not so. Both are ways of missing the point of the whole.
I think that as the weeks pass on, we ought in our Parishes, and Deaneries, and villages, to be turning our opportunities of united thought and prayer upon different parts of our life and duty, one after another. I give instances -
Family life—Parents and children towards one another: training of children in modesty : in sympathy : in prayer.
Use of Money—God’s claim. Spending and giving. Distribution of national wealth.
Use of Sunday as the Lord’s Day : personal and public recognition of it.
Public Worship—What needs altering. The parson’s part. The people’s part, (e.g., Prayer-Book responses).
The social order—Service, not competition, its first principle. Christians in different social positions: wage-payers, and wage-earners: employers and employed. Understanding one another’s thoughts
These are only instances: you can multiply them : and I hope you will see what I mean. But we must take care that in such discussions we keep the spirit of the whole Mission, trying to help one another, and to understand one another, and speaking out plainly, but abhorring ill temper and controversy, and endeavouring to keep the unity, of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
EDW: WINTON:
Farnham Castle, June 13th, 1916.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
It was hoped to publish a complete list of Letherhead men serving in H.M. Forces in this number, but it proved impossible to bring it up to date before the Magazine had to be sent to the Printer.
There have of course been many changes since the last list was published in the March number. Since then we have been informed that the following, in addition to those previously noted, have been mentioned in dispatches :—
Capt. G. C. Coleridge, 8th South Staffordshire.
A. Green, H.M.S. Iron Duke.
P. J. Wellings, Army Veterinary Corps.
Major E. J. Woodley, G.H.Q., 3rd Echelon.
F. Theobald, Mate of H.M.S. Flying Fish, has been appointed Lieutenant on H.M.S. Victory.
The following who were called up to join the 5th East Surrey Reserve for the purpose of guarding railways, &c. at home, are now ranked in the Royal Defence Corps :—
J. Cooke F. Finch Cpl. A. C. Otway
A. Dickenson H. Grantham J. Stickland
T. Fillery J. Ireland A. T. Symonds
The following have given their lives for their Country since the beginning of this year :—
Jan. 11. George Henry Port, Cpl. R.F.A., killed in action in Flanders
Jan 11. Harry Searle, A.S.C. (M.T.), sunk in “ City of Palermo.”
Mar. 3. Albert Edward Armstrong, R.A.M.C., died in Hospital, Calais.
Mar. 6. Wallace Albert Robinson, 7th E. Surrey.
May 16. John Stanley Burton, Lieut., Grenadier Guards Killed in action in Flanders.
May 21. Henry Sherwood, 5th Norfolk Killed in action in Flanders.
May 22. Albert Francis Maspero, Cpl. R. Warwick Killed in action in Flanders.
May 23. Frank Ward, 22nd R. Fusiliers Killed in action in Flanders.
May 30. George English, 22nd Royal Fusiliers Killed in action in Flanders.
May 31. Victor Barnard, H.M.S. Indefatigable killed in battle off Horn Reef.
May 31. Douglas Edser, H.M.S. Queen Mary killed in battle off Horn Reef.
GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY.
A very successful Concert, planned and arranged by Mrs. Stanley Gordon Clark, was given in the Institute, on Wednesday, May 24th, largely by G.F.S. members. Among the very enjoyable items were glees sung by members of the Holm wood and Fetcham Choral Society, by Letherhead members, and members from the Blind School and from Bookham and Effingham. The Nightingale Girls gave a short display of drill; and, as it was Empire Day, the concert ended with a tableau representing Britannia, surrounded by figures symbolizing the United Kingdom, Dominions and Colonies. The large hall of the Institute was filled to overflowing, and as the result, the satisfactory sum of £12 was sent, partly to the fund for providing comforts for Prisoners of War belonging to the Surrey Regiments; and partly to the fund for providing suitable accommodation for Women Munition Workers.
From the August Parish Magazine 1916
Sunday, August 6th, particularly at Evensong 6.30 p.m., will he specially observed in connexion with the beginning of the War, and in commemoration of those who are serving or have served in H.M. Forces in the War.
WAR HOSPITAL SUPPLY WORKROOMS.
These Work-rooms, at Fetcham Grove, are to remain open indefinitely, owing to the enormous demands which are now being made upon the Central Dept. Many more workers are required if substantial help is to be given, the need being most urgent. The Secretary, Miss Hicks, Kent Cottage, Linden Gardens, will be very glad to hear from any ladies who can give their aid.
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
Farnham Castle,
Surrey.
My dear Clergy and People,
Perhaps that is my best way of addressing you this month, when you are working together, I hope, in preparation for the National Mission.
First, let me say the word which will be in all our hearts. We have come to a great crisis in the War. We think we see light on the horizon. We hope that even Germany’s colossal resources and determination may begin to give way under the pressure of the Nations whom she has allied against her. Things are brighter. Glorious, too, is the fresh proof of our Nation’s manhood given in the almost superhuman courage, and in the extraordinary patience, brightness, and good humour of those who suffer in this unexampled fighting.
They do their part, indeed : God grant that we may as faithfully do ours.
1. It is done partly in the patient courage of bereaved homes and broken hearts. Whatever we can do for them by sympathy and prayer, lifting little corners of the common load, let us try to do it. The sufferers and the sorrowing are signed with the Sign of the Cross. May they find some of the comfort which ever flows from that Cross of Love, and Death, and Victory.
2. Our part at home is done for us by our toiling workers, whose strength is strained and their holidays sacrificed to supply what the Fronts need. Honour and thanks to them. We trust that those who order things will remember that overwork becomes weak work: and that by shifts and days of rest the health and efficiency of the workers may be maintained.
3. But shells and howitzers are not everything. What would they have achieved without the spirit of the men? Spiritual force is real force. Shall we not increase our “munitions” of prayer, asking earnestly for victory and deliverance: that the days may be shortened, and the agony cease and pass: that the Lord would “give His people the blessing of peace”?
4. And then we will give ourselves again to what we are trying to do for the National Mission of Repentance and Hope. For, indeed, our only purpose in this was and is to make the nation and ourselves more worthy of the gift of victory, more fit to use peace if it is granted to us.
Will it help you at all if I ask you to remember now as the weeks of preparation pass that we have a duty of a threefold kind?
It must be spiritual, thoughtful, practical. Keep on aiming at each of these.
A word about each :
The Spiritual. This is the hardest to speak of without the words sounding conventional. But all this business of the Mission must be just a real turning to God. That must be felt in the strength and. simplicity of our prayers, in the sobered tone of our discussions: in the genuineness with which each tries to begin with himself or herself, to find out what is wrong and aim at what is better.
Then the preparation must be thoughtful, and we English folk do so dislike to think. We like to go on as we have been, or to say this and that does not suit us, or is not our sort. But we must think. And there is no excuse now for not thinking. All the best wits in Church, and literature, and press are at work to help us. We have plenty to think about in local and national life. But specially as Christians. We have a religion, a faith. What does it really mean? What is it worth to me, to my neighbours, to mankind? We have a worship. What ought it to express? What meanings ought we to put into it? I believe that we are all going to think and learn much. It will mean trouble—doubts perhaps, and difficulties. But it must be. Else from sheer ignorance we have our people exposed to queer teachings of different kinds, because they have never really understood the One Gospel and our simple, deep, magnificent Creed.
Another, it must be practical. Don’t get merely “interested,” but think what you, what we can do. However, about this I wrote something last month, which I need not now repeat.
Yours in affectionate regard,
EDW: WlNTON:
THE VICAR’S LETTER.
My Dear Friends,
The following words have been sent to me with regard to the National Mission, and I think it well to put them before you.
It is doubtful whether the Church of England has ever been called “to a task so great as that to which we are now summoned by the Archbishops. There have been great movements within the Church; but this is a movement of the whole Church, a call to discharge that mission to the nation, as a nation, with which it is entrusted. The times require such an effort; the horizon of men’s thoughts has been suddenly and immensely expanded; we are conscious, as most of us were not two years ago, of our membership in the nation, and of the responsibility of our nation in the world.
Our sons and brothers at the Front are serving their nation and helping it to meet its responsibility, at the risk of their lives ; many of them in doing so are finding a new realisation of God. We at home must seek from God the power to rise to new heights so that we may be worthy of their sacrifice and provide for them on their return a home that will sustain their spirit of devotion to duty and service to God.
But to this end we must first take stock of ourselves. Very much has come to light which shows the need for amendment and renewal of life. It is sad to find how little the manhood of the nation, as represented by the men in training camps and the like, is really touched by the Church. We have not brought home the message with which we are entrusted as it needs to be brought home. We must seek in prayer and meditation and conference to find the cause of our ineffectiveness where it exists, so that we may repent of it and remove it where it lies in ourselves as individuals or as members of the Church in our neighbourhood.
If we will do that, there is before us a great hope—the hope of an England leavened and guided in regard to its whole life, domestic, social, industrial, political, international, by a Church whose members “have sought the will of God in humility and prayer, and are ready to witness together to the Majesty of God and to His redeeming Love in Christ. It is a time for prayer, for teaching, for witness; may God give us all faith that we may pray, knowledge that we may teach, and courage that we may witness—all these according to His will and to the praise of His glory.”
I will just add this. The National Mission is the call of God to the Ration, saying to each and all “Awake to righhteousness and sin not, tor some know not the knowledge of God.” (1 Cor. xv. 34). What we need is a truer sense of God, to be gained in prayer, especially in united prayer, in our homes and in church. And we need a fuller knowledge of Him, to be gained, partly, by the study of His Word in the Bible.
That knowledge may be greatly increased by the study of the Bible together; and by considering together how God’s message to us in the Bible bears upon the things that are wrong in the public and private e of our time, and how He calls upon us to try to put them light. Everyone of us can do something towards that putting them right, and can give help to his neighbour, and gain help from his neighbour, towards seeing what ought to be done, and how it ought to be attempted.
Some of you heard on July 17th what was suggested about forming small circles of friends to study these things together week by week: and it is good to know that the suggestions then made have already borne fruit in this place, and that some small Study Circles have been formed. I hope that there will be many more. For such an effort something to start from is wanted. A very easy and simple subject for combined study is provided in Mr. Carpenter’s “Simple Bible Study of St. Luke,” price 1d. I do not think that anyone would feel that that is “beyond them.” Two others are given in “Leaflet” No. 102. Other subjects for study are suggested under “Helps to Study,” and any one of the “ Pamphlets ” or “ Papers ” puts before us facts and ideas about which it is possible to talk together. It is stated how, and where, these papers are to be obtained, and any of us clergy will be only too glad to give advice and such help as we can in the matter.
May God grant that we may all seek Him more earnestly and come to learn His Will more fully at this time by prayer and thought: and that we may realise this help to finding Him that is given by the effort to do so together in prayer and thought and conference. That is why we are the Church : our Blessed Lord did not choose to save us separately, each by himself: but formed those who believed in Him into a Society, in which the Holy Spirit gives grace to each that he may help all, and to all that they may help each, to find God, and become fitted for life with Him.
I remain,
Yours very faithfully,
July 27th, 1916. T. F. HOBSON.
GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY.
The Summer Festival was held on Wednesday, June 28th. About 160 members from Letherhead, Ashtead, Bookham, and Fetcham assembled at the Parish Church for a beautiful Service, at which Mr. Maurice gave an excellent address. After the service a move was made to the Vicarage Garden, where tea was prepared out of doors, and games and competitions had been arranged. Heavy rain came most inopportunely, and, although everyone made the best of the uncomfortable conditions, the Festival was brought to an early close. During an interval between the showers, Mrs. Gordon Clark spoke very seriously about the importance' of all members doing their part in the coming National Mission, and of the value of small Study Circles, which can so easily be formed among friends.
MORE NURSES WANTED!
BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY.
To the Editor of the Letherhead Parish Magazine.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly insert the accompanying letter from the Hon. Arthur Stanley and Lord Ranfurly appealing for Nurses? Any information required locally can be obtained from Mrs. Chapman, Commandant V.A.D. Surrey 22, Kinawley, Letherhead.
Yours truly,
Eveleen M. Henderson
Vice-President Letherhead Div. Surrey Branch B.R.C.S.
Sir,
A real and urgent necessity has arisen for more nurses, V.A.D. nursing members (women), and V.A.D. General Service members in Military and Auxiliary Hospitals at home. The demands made upon us by the Military Authorities are very heavy and cannot be met out of the existing supply. There must still be many women who are not giving the whole of their time and service to the war, and who have no ties which prevent them doing so. We earnestly call upon these women to come forward and help us in this emergency, and thus enable us to answer the call of the sick and wounded men.
Suitable women who are willing to help in the Hospital may be attached to existing Voluntary Aid Detachments for immediate service in the Hospitals.
Full information on this point may be obtained from the County Director, L. H. Wraith, Esq., B. R. C. S., Surrey Branch, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) Arthur Stanley, Chairman Executive Committee
British Red Cross Society.
Ranfurly,
Director of the Ambulance Department of the Order of St. John.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
The following have given their lives for their Country since our last issue :—
July 1. Stanley Yardley, Queen's W. Surrey Killed in Flanders
July 1. Albert Underwood, 8th Queen's W. Surrey Killed in Flanders
July 14. Edgar Brooks, Queen's W. Surrey Killed in Flanders
July 14. Reginald Grey, 3rd Queen's W. Surrey Killed in Flanders
July 14. William Charles Shepherd, 3rd Queen's W. Surrey Killed in Flanders
We greatly regret to learn that Capt. Guy Coleridge, 8th Batt. South Staffordshire Regiment has been very severely wounded, and that the following have also been wounded:-
Pte. G.A. Abell, 1st Queen’s W. Surrey.
Sergt. A.T. Bullen, 7th Queen’s W. Surrey.
Pte. G. Couzens, 1st East Surrey.
Lieut. F.A.C. Utterton, York and Lancaster Regt.
Col. Bennett, 20th R. Fusiliers (Pub. Sch. Bn.)
From the September Parish Magazine 1916
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
My dear People,
I feel it difficult on a quiet August afternoon to realize that I have to write for our September Chronicle the last words which I shall be able to say to you before the National Mission. October will bring us into the Mission itself. So September will be for us a month of importance. There will be the gathering up of what has been learnt, and read, and prayed about. There will be our attempt to answer the question on which we have to make our report to the Central Council (“Why is the Church throughout England and in this Diocese not that effective force and moral witness that it is meant to be?”).
On this we have asked the different Deaneries to help us with their thoughts and resolutions. It will be the task of our own Council to.consider it on Friday, September 22nd. Please pray for our guidance. Then I shall have to commission the Messengers. You will understand what a grave task that is, and how difficult: and will pray for me. I shall try to speak to those Messengers who will and can be present in the Cathedral on September 26th, and at Guildford, on September 27th, To others I must write what God gives me to say. The task of assigning Messengers has been a very heavy one, and much still remains to do. I have been helped by the Suffragan Bishops and by Canon Cunningham. There will have been mistakes, but at least I have tried to send men not only where they would do good, but where they would be welcome to clergy and people.
But now as to the heart of the matter. Let us try as we draw on to the end of the preparation to keep clear before us why the National Mission was needed, what it means, and at what it aims.
First it was to answer the Call of the War—the Call of God through the War. We were certain that there was in it a meaning or meanings for us from Him. We are bound to search and look for what He would teach.
Secondly. We had learnt from our Bibles to look upon a time of calamity, sorrow’, and fear as a time of chastening by God’s hand. We had no thought that we were wrong in entering the War, or that God was punishing us on that account: far from it. We had the strongest trust that we were right, and ever since we have felt the honour of fighting and suffering for freedom. But we know how many and great were our national faults. Men of all kinds noticed them : forgetfulness of God, pride and self-confidence, indulgence, luxury, frivolity, and the like. We knew that it would be just horrible if such a purging as that of this War left us no humbler and better, with no higher purposes or nobleness of life. So we were called to Repentance: but with the strong and eager Hope that He Who gives grace to the humble would bring good to our country out of all the evil and misery of war.
Thirdly It was plain to us that any real repentance and amendment must “begin at the sanctuary.” We dared not as a Church say a word about national faults, without first acknowledging our own. We saw that they were great. If men did not remember God, had we failed in our witness to Him? Was ours a burning and a shining light? Thoughts crowded on us as to what a Church should be, as to what the believers in Jesus Christ should be worth in promoting the godliness and righteousness and fellowship of the life around them.
We must know the repentance of which we were to speak.
And then, to stir us up the more, there was the thought of our men giving themselves on land and sea for England. If they fought and died for the country, it would be intolerable if the country was not more worthy of their courage and the sacrifice of their lives. And, if they returned, into what sort of life should we receive them back? A searching question for the State, and how much more for the Church!
It was and is a great call, and it has not gone unheard. I thank God for the response.
The clergy have (I can testify and claim for the larger number of them) led the way in “turning to God.” They have been willing to take themselves to task, and to consider honestly and prayerfully the possibilities of a new start. And from all sides there come to me evidence of thought and prayer among our people, in groups, in pilgrimages, in constant intercessions, in what seems readiness for “newness of life.” So it is : so in the next few months it will, I feel hopefully confident, increasingly be.
Only let us beware. I say it to myself, I say it to you. Let us make no mistake. We are about a very big thing, a very hard and exhausting thing.
Repentance, amendment, insight, and perseverance. Are not these four just the very hardest things that we can put our hands to, and perhaps the last, perseverance, the hardest of all?
Set your faces then that way in thought and prayer. Difficulties will be immense. The problems of a better England, a soberer, purer, simpler, socially fairer England are enormous. The forces of opposition are strong. The grip of familiar habit is tight. It takes a great faith and courage and perseverance to leave the world better than you found it. And that is our generation’s task, ours and our children’s.
In the Church, too, the difficulties are great; the difficulties of an old tangled system, of religious differences, and class separations : these and others.
We cannot doubt that the spirit of evil is against us. He knows how to use our faults and divisions and controversies to damage and threaten the work for good : but we have most to fear ourselves.
Remember “He calls us" : He on His part “will do it.” Let us strive and pray to be faithful.
These are plain thoughts, but they are most necessary. I give them to you if (please God) they may be of some use among us, this important, anxious, hopeful September.
Your affectionate Servant,
EDW: WlNTON:
THE VICAR’S LETTER.
My Dear Friends,
I have been asked to put into print, what I was led to say in Church on the morning of Sunday, August 6th, the first Sunday of the third year of the War, on the subject of what two years of war have taught us. And it seems best, on the whole, to let the answer to that request take the place of the customary Letter to the Parish in the pages of this September Magazine.
Yours very faithfully,
Swanage,
Aug. 22nd, 1916. T. F. HOBSON
“ God is our hope and strength.” Ps. xlvi. 16.
Two years ago, on the first Sunday in the war, our people were gathered together before God in a state of expectation and uncertainty. We had suddenly found ourselves at war; most of us hardly knew why, but felt a somewhat unwarranted confidence that, though difficulties and troubles would have to be endured, yet all would be well in the end. A year ago we met again in a much chastened mood, but filled with determination that, God willing, we would carry through at all costs the task to which we had set our hand.
And then, in spite of all the disappointment and sorrow and suffering which had come upon us—nay because of them and of their effect upon the nation’s soul—we had much sounder grounds for hope. To-day it seems as if light were at last breaking upon the darkness which has covered us. Spiritually and outwardly things are different with us. Outwardly there are signs—we are told by those whom we trust, unmistakeable signs—that the tide has at last turned; that we no longer stand upon the defensive, but that the power to press the offensive is increasing, surely if slowly, on our side,
And the growing conviction that this is so fills us with stronger hope and inspires us afresh to greater efforts and more resolute endurance. And spiritually, with regard to the things which really matter, which lie behind, and produce and control and guide all outward change, we stand in a position very different from that of two years ago; in a position which, with all humility and thankfulness of heart, we are justified in believing has altered incalculably for the better. That alteration has been wrought through infinite suffering and sacrifice, grief and pain and loss : and yet we all, even those who have suffered the greatest agony of body or soul, have cause to lift up our hearts in thankfulness to God for His revelation to us, through it all, of Himself and of the things which make life really worth the living.
Looking back over these two years we can see that many doubts have been removed, and many things made clear, about which we were sorely puzzled, or which, from indolence or heedlessness, we would not bring ourselves to face. By the most appalling acts of cruelty, murder, and lust, piled without cessation one upon another; by the spectacle of brutal disregard towards every claim of honour, appeal of pity, respect of plighted word, and towards the common conscience of humanity ; we have been shewn what evil is in its absolutely naked hideousness. We can no longer dare to trifle, as many have done, with idle speculations on the subject of morality, such as for instance that evil is only a lesser form of good. Evil and good have been set before us in the most glaring contrast; the difference between them is no more to be mistaken than that between black and white.
We have been shewn that the value of the greatest intellectual gifts bestowed upon mankind, such as those of organizing power and acuteness of mind, depends upon the end to which they are directed, and the spirit in which they are applied: we have seen them used to set in motion forces bound sooner or later, if unchecked, to suppress and sterilize all the possible deeds that transform and “regenerate the world.”
We have seen the result of development of human powers to the utmost extent apart from the fear of God: it has produced a form of civilization (Kultur) in which all the resources of invention, science, and intellect have been employed, with devilish ingenuity and a ruthless disregard of the most elementary principles of humanity, for the satisfaction of unbridled ambition and greed.
We have been shewn what we are fighting for, and what we are fighting against. We have come to realize, beyond all possibility of error, that the outrage upon Belgium which roused England to arms was not an isolated incident, but one symptom only of a deep-seated evil which threatened the whole moral welfare of the world: that our opponents refuse all recognition of the law which they assert to be binding on all others except themselves. A war, in the first instance undertaken in defence of the weak, the maintenance of the nation’s word of honour, with perhaps the under-lying sense that our own security was imperilled, has become a fight in which we are contending for all that is meant by righteousness, and for all that has been made sacred to us by the traditions of our history as a nation and by the teaching of the religion of Christ.
Proof has been given that the spirit of the nation is as sound and dauntless as history tells us it was in the days of old : recent events in Flanders and on the sea are two only of an infinite number of sources of evidence that England’s sons are worthy of their sire: all doubt has been removed as to the essential unity of our Empire, held together as it is, without any form of compulsion, by the loosest bond of free-will, by common ideals of heart and spirit: we have seen the readiness of all its parts to make the utmost sacrifice for the common cause.
We have been cheered and heartened by the strengthening of unity between us and our Allies—as to the continuance of that unity there were at first many natural searchings of heart. We have had more than one object lesson of what law and authority can do, not only in enforcing the sense of duty and the necessity of its fulfilment upon the reckless and the selfish, but in stiffening the doubtful and the wavering, in giving guidance to those who are torn by the sense of conflicting claims.
In difficult circumstances it is a relief to have the decision made for us ; and to have no room left for misgivings, no possibility left open of making the perhaps less worthy choice. That ought to increase among us all the appreciation of the truth that liberty—the liberty which is the boast of Englishmen—is not liberty to do just as one pleases regardless of all others, but is the Christian liberty to use God-given powers to the best advantage for the service of God, and the welfare of the community in which he has placed us.
We have learned in many ways really to count the spiritual above the material. That is shown by the willing readiness of so many men and women to give up everything for the great cause. It is needless to say more on that subject now.
And we have surely seen that amid all the struggle and suffering, the disappointment and the hope deferred, so far God has been with us. Just two illustrations may be given.
One of our great soldiers said the other day that the more he saw of the war, the more he marvelled that our thin line, without reserves, with few guns, was able to hold the line during the first year in Flanders. From the merely human point of view everything was against the possibility.
And a wounded soldier who shared in the retreat from Mons, when asked how any of our men could have possibly escaped, said with absolute truth, “Nothing could have saved us but the hand of God, who sent His Angels and delivered us.” That is the fact, in whatever way we interpret the means by which the deliverance was wrought.
And more of us have learned, and those who had true thoughts about it before have learned more fully, the real meaning of life. Those who have lost, or have freely given, material things; those who have given, or have lost, health and strength and bodily powers ; those who have given the lives of dearly-loved ones ; have given these that their country may live. Those who have laid down their lives for her live on in their country’s life: and we must all be realizing, what many have scarcely realized at all before, that through the grave and gate of death is found that fuller life which alone satisfies the soul of man ; and that death cannot separate those who are left on earth from those who have passed from earth in the faith and fear of Christ.
These are some of the things which two years of war have taught us. For them we may indeed thank God; from them we may well take courage for the future. “There is a growing consciousness that this war is something more than the clash of arms, and a new spirit has been breathed into the nation.” Surely that spirit is ultimately, though perhaps it is often but faintly felt, a sense of God and of His righteousness as the one thing for which it is worth while to live ; the conviction that we are on God's side in the contest with evil, that all the sacrifices we are called to make are for His cause.
And with that consciousness of God must come to each the sense of unworthiness to serve Him, the desire to be cleansed from all that hinders the power to serve Him to the full, the resolve to serve Him better, and the hope that He, Who has done so great things for us and our whole people already, will strengthen us to carry through to the end the work which He has so plainly shewn has been given us to do for Him, We have been shewn so clearly that God alone is our hope and strength, that we must with repentant hearts turn more earnestly to Him, and with renewed courage and resolution, each as He shews the way to us, devote our lives and powers to His service.
THE NATIONAL MISSION.
October 13th to 16th is the date appointed for the visit of the Bishop’s Messengers to Letherhead in connection with the National Mission.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
We greatly regret to record that Pte. Wm. Palmer, Royal Queen’s W. Surrey Regt. (T) died of wounds in the Persian Gulf on August 3rd.
From the October Parish Magazine 1916
The Rev. E. J. Nash, late Vicar of this Parish, has followed his Bishop who was recently translated from the Diocese of Carpentaria to that of Willochra in South Australia. Mr. Nash is now Rector of the combined parishes of Laura and Gladstone in the latter Diocese. We shall all wish Mr. and Mrs. Nash much happiness and every blessing in their new sphere of work, in a healthier climate than that in which they have so devotedly laboured for almost seven years.
THE NATIONAL MISSION OF REPENTANCE AND HOPE.
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
Hotel Bristol,
Brighton.
My dear People,
With October the National Mission of Repentance and Hope comes to its point in a large part of our parishes. Its Message will be delivered: to remain, we trust, in our ears and hearts, and shew growing results in days to come. The November parishes will not, I hope, forget that the work beginning now in the October parishes is part of one and the same movement, and will give it the full support of their prayers.
Probably as the time draws near, we all feel more anxious: afraid that there may be more words than reality: that the Mission may only be one more little passing event in the parish Calendar: afraid what its results may b : and lest we ourselves should have our eyes and ears blind and deaf to things which we ought to see and hear.
It is right that we should be thus afraid. We must all and each of us be prepared to find that the Mission means something larger and deeper, different and perhaps more difficult than what we had expected. Some will tell us that unless we get this or that practical result, nothing is done. And no doubt practical results are proofs and tests of reality. Therefore we shall, please God, have many of them. But the first thing is to be real “in the inward parts,” where God sees us: if real there, we shall grow to be more real in what we say and what we do.
Thus for example one might wish for changes, smaller or greater, in the Church Services of some of our parishes. I might desire a change in this or that place from the monotone to the natural voice, with the people joining in. But I should wish for this only because parson and people alike felt the wish to be more real in worship, and found the change helped them to be so.
So, to take a very different instance, I should like to see our people more actively interesting themselves in social questions: but it will only be useful as it comes of a more real sense of brotherhood in Christ, and a more real desire to make others’ lives fairer and happier.
Suppose now that at the time of the Mission we take two things, and try to be more real about them.
First, take faith, hope, and charity—these three.” Let us pray God to make us more real in these; more real in our faith that God is, and that He governs all: that we live unto Him: that in Jesus Christ we know Him and His Love, and His Salvation; more real in our hope, which does really hope to see things better in spite of evil being so strong and the world so careless, because we believe God means things to be better, and will bless every honest effort to make them so ; and then real in our love, trying to think more of ‘the things of others’; trying to trust the power of love as the only real means in the end to make things better in families, or between clergy and people, or between nations; more real in faith, hope, and charity.
Secondly, let us take the Lord’s Trayer and be more real in praying it according to its wonderful meanings. Full of faith it is, turned towards God, and beginning with His Name and Kingdom and Will: full of hope that things may not be as they are, but that the Kingdom may come (a word of movement) and that the Will which never rests nor sleeps may be done ; and of course full of love, because it is the prayer of the child God, and of one who says “our” and “us” when selfishness would say “my” and “me,” the prayer of one who longs that things may be better for all, that all may be fed according to their needs, and all forgiven, and protected, and blessed.
These two suggestions of mine at least cannot be wrong. May God bless them to the help of some, and make them to be a kind of link among us in the Diocese.
Asking your prayers,
I desire to remain,
Your affectionate servant in Christ,
EDW: WINTON:
THE VICAR’S LETTER.
My Dear Friends,
The delay in the publication of this Magazine has been due to my desire to state in its pages the final arrangements with regard to the visit of the Bishop’s Messenger to this Parish from Oct. 14th to 17th. This has, after all, not been possible owing to the extreme pressure upon the Messenger’s time, and the very heavy amount of work laid upon him in connexion with the Mission in the Diocese.
So I can only tell you what has, so far, been fixed; it is, after all, the greater portion of what can be undertaken.
The Bishop’s Messenger to us is, as you have been already informed, the Rev. Lewen Greenwood Tugwell, LL. D. On Saturday, Oct. 14th, at 8.30 p.m. there will be a Service of Introduction of the Messenger in the Parish Church, at which he will make a preparatory Address. I hope that all our Church officers and workers of both Churches will make a point of trying to be present at that Service, as well as all other Parishioners who can do so.
On Sunday, Oct. 15th, Services will be as follows:—
PARISH CHURCH
7 Holy Communion
8 Holy Communion
10 Mattins (without Choir or Sermon)
11 Service and delivery of Message
12 Holy Communion
5.30 Evensong (without Choir or Sermon)
6.30 Service and Address by Messenger
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
8 Holy Communion
11 Mattins (without Sermon)
11 Holy Communion
The collections at Services throughout the day, will be, by desire of the Bishop, given to the heavy expenses of the Mission in this Parish and Diocese.
As this Mission is a corporateact of the whole Church acting as one body throughout the land, I hope that every communicant in this Parish, who can possibly do so, will make his or her Communion on that day: and that as many as possible, in whatever part of the Parish they may live, will join in the Corporate Communion at the Parish Church at 8 o’clock, thus emphasizing the fact that we are all one Body in that great service of fellowship. The other Celebrations are intended for those who are quite unable to be actually present with their fellow communicants at the principal service in the Parish Church.
The Service at which the Messenger is to state the Message which God has charged him to deliver will be at 11 a.m. in the Parish Church. Again I hope that all Church people in the Parish who can will be present. But because it is certain that some, from causes beyond their own control cannot be there, he will speak on the same subject at another service at 6.30 p.m. in the Parish Church. All seats at the 11 o’clock Service will be free.
If it is fine a Procession will be formed at 2.30 p.m. under the Churchyard wall in Church Road, and, headed by the Choirs of both Churches, and the Letherhead Prize Band, will proceed to the Recreation Ground on the Common, where an open-air Service will be held, and an address given by the Messenger. I ask all our Church-people to join in this procession as an act of open witness to our Christian Belief, and to our Hope for the renewal of our national life in the more consistent following of Christ.
If it is wet there will be no procession and the Service will be held in All Saints’ Schools.
On Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 16th and 17th, Mattins will be at 7.40 a.m. Holy Communion at 8 a m. and Evensong at 6 p.m. in the Parish Church. The Messenger will visit the Church Schools at 9 a.m.: and also, by leave of the Managers, speak to the children of the Church in the Council Schools, immediately after School hours. What else will be done is not yet decided, but I trust that it may include Services of Intercession in the mornings, about 11.30, and Mission Services at 8.30 in the evening leading to a corporate Act of Penitence on the Monday, and to a corporate Act of Self-dedication anew to the service of God on the Tuesday.
I ask that each and all of you will look forward during these “Days of Expectation” to the out pouring of the Holy Spirit of God upon His Church, that is upon all the members of it: that in this Parish, as in the whole land, it may be the beginning of a renewal of life, of a striving afresh after nobler things in the service of God and man, of an increase of power in the following of our Master, Christ: and in the causing of His Name to be honoured throughout the world. And accordingly I ask you to pray earnestly every day for God’s Blessing upon the National Mission, first in our own Parish, then in all the other Parishes of the Diocese and of the whole realm: and that His strength and support may be given to the Messenger who comes to speak to us in His Name, that through him God’s word may have such success that it may not be spoken in vain.
I remain,
Yours very faithfully,
T. F. HOBSON.
A LETTER FROM THE MESSENGER TO THE PARISHIONERS OF LETHERHEAD.
By direction of the Bishop of Winchester, and with the cordial consent of the Vicar, I am to bring to you the Message of the National Mission of Repentance and Hope on and round Sunday, Oct. 15th. It will be a grave and anxious task for me, and a critical time for you. Therefore I beg of you all to pray for the Messenger, that he may come to you in the power of the Holy Spirit; that so his visit to the Parish may be for your benefit and to the Glory of God.
Never, in one generation, has God’s Call to Repentance been more urgent. Never has there been a more solemn challenge to the National Church to become purer, stronger and more loyal to her Lord. The personal honour of each of us is involved. How shall we stand the test?
What Hope is there that the National Church will become a greater power for good in England?
Much, incalculably much, will depend upon how we hear and respond to the Message of the Mission; how we answer the clear call of God in these great days.
So I ask you to welcome, not the messenger, but the message; and to pray for the faith to expect that, through the Mission, God will do “mighty works” in England.
L. G. Tugwell.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
We greatly regret to record the following deaths in Flanders :
Aug. 18. George Thomas Hope, Lce.-Cpl. 9th Royal Sussex, killed in action.
Sept. 3. Grey de Lisle Leach, 2nd Lieut. Royal Scots Guards, killed by an explosion.
Lieut. Leach was in the orderly room on Sunday morning, Sept. 3rd, superintending the packing of hand grenades, when the pin of one accidentally fell out, thus releasing the lever which ignited the fuse. Lieut. Leach, realising the danger to those in the room, picked up the bomb and dashed with it to the door to throw it out, where it could explode safely, but on reaching the door he found that many of his men were standing about outside, and that if he threw the bomb it would fall amongst them. Placed in this awful predicament, he refrained, and it exploded and blew off both his hands as well as inflicting other serious injuries. He was taken to the nearest clearing station, but died before the ambulance arrived there, and was buried the following day in the British portion of the French cemetery at —— with full military honours.
It is not possible to appreciate duly in words the presence of mind and heroic courage with which Lieut. Leach saved many lives by the sacrifice of his own. His Colonel and brother officers have written of it as “an act of bravery of the very highest degree.”
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
From the November Parish Magazine 1916
The Letherhead Silver Prize Band had a most successful season this summer: and has contributed out of its funds the wonderfully generous donation of £10 each to the Victoria Cottage Hospital and to the Queen’s Nursing Association in Letherhead. In these days when, owing to the incessant demands for financial support of innumerable “outside” works of charity and mercy caused by the war, “good works” at home are apt to suffer, however essential to the welfare of their locality their adequate maintenance may be, we have reason for special gratitude to the Band on account of the help which they have given to these indispensible institutions.
The Parish Report, price 6d., lies on the table by the North Door of the Church. It may also be obtained of Mr. Clarke, bookseller, High Street. Purchase of the Report will be a help to the General Parish Purposes Fund which has to pay rather heavily for its printing.
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
Admiralty House,
Portsmouth.
My Dear People,
I do not think that you desire or need many words from me this month. The words of message are in all our ears, and, please God, in all our hearts. What is needed is that we should pray to be shewn how to use what the Message may have brought, or may bring, to us.
This leads me to one of the two things of which I do wish to speak.
(1.) The work of the Mission will not be over when the Message is delivered. Let us print this on our minds. The Message is a call. But the National Mission stands for the whole effort of renewal to which the call summons us. Therefore I trust all Messengers will be inviting the clergy and people of the parishes which they visit to consider with much thought and prayer what is to be after the time when the Message is delivered: how the life, the worship, the teaching, the relations of people with one another are to be better and more Christian, and how the life of the place may make better contribution to that of the whole Church and Nation. We must not merely have one or two little plans, because we want also a better and truer spirit. But neither must we be content to hope that we shall do a little better, without looking out for some practical ways of improvement, progress, growth. I beseech every parish when the Messenger has left, and after, to lay this to heart. We shall try to give examples in the Chronicle so that places may profit by each other’s experience.
(2.) My other word to you is about our yearly prayers for the Missionary-work of the Church throughout the world on or about St. Andrew’s Day (November 30th).
Let neither the thought of war, nor the things of the National Mission prevent us from being thoroughly in earnest about this great matter. To do so would indeed be foolish. For it is one great lesson of the war that only through Christ can the life of the nations, civilized or uncivilized, be guarded against the things by which the passions and pride, the falsehood and cruelty and selfishness of human nature mar and ruin human life. It is another lesson of the war to show what magnificent resources of loyalty and devotion we have amongst us if only they can be claimed for the service of the King of kings, as well as for the tasks of earthly loyalty and patriotism And as to the National Mission, with its call to face again all our Christian responsibilities, will not its call to hallow God’s Name, to help the coming of His Kingdom, and the doing of His Will on earth, drive us straight to the great Missionary task for which, as a Christian Nation and Empire, we have such unrivalled and unprecedented opportunities, and which we have so little understood and so feebly discharged?
God held us in this thing.
I desire to remain,
Your faithful servant and Bishop,
EDW: WINTON:
THE VICAR’S LETTER,
THE NATIONAL MISSION ; WHAT IS TO COME OF IT HERE?
My Dear Friends,
The Message of the Mission has been delivered to us here. The preparation for the visit of the Bishop’s Messenger—though most of us must be conscious how far that preparation fell short of thoroughness— and his earnest words to us when he came have undoubtedly caused a stirring of heart in this place. There is very much for which we have reason to be thankful to Almighty God in connection with it all. It is to be remembered that the primary object of the Mission is not that of a Parochial Mission, the winning of individual souls to the Kingdom of God; but the moving the hearts of the whole body of Church-people here to Repentance and Hope, and to the setting about amendment of what is lacking or lifeless or careless in our life as members of the Church and witnesses for the truth of the Gospel of Christ.
The congregations which gathered at the various services gave evidence of the earnestness of spirit with which this has been regarded by our people. It meant much sacrifice of time and comfort, much self-denial and effort, and the overcoming of feelings of not un-natural reluctance. More especially was this marked by the numbers whom the storms and darkness did not deter from coming—in many cases a considerable distance—to Church on the Tuesday evening, and who joined in the Procession on the Sunday afternoon. The Messenger, in a letter written last week, says that it seems to him that we have reason to be in good heart; there was so much keenness, obvious effort, and above all the atmosphere of prayer. For all which to God be the praise.
And now we have to be on our guard against the danger of letting all this die away, like a fair blossom producing little or no fruit. We have made our act of penitence and re-consecration of ourselves to the service of God : but the Mission to the whole Church of England will not be over for a month to come. We and other Parishes which have received the Message are only little bits of the whole. The full act of penitence and re-consecration of the whole Church of England cannot be completed until the Message of the Mission has been preached throughout the land. And then we shall be, not at the end, but at the beginning of a united effort to make the Faith of Christ tell as a real power upon the national life of our country. Meanwhile we, who have heard the Message are, on the one hand, still waiting upon God, and on the other are pledged to set about our efforts at more united service to Him and to our fellow-men for His sake. We must “continue stedfast in prayer”; prayer that God will bring our hearing of His Message to really good effect; prayer that His blessing will rest upon the other Parishes, in our own Diocese, and in every Diocese in the country, who have yet to hear it; that they with us, and we with them, may be made more perfect in the Christian life, better witnesses for Christ, better instruments for the setting up of His Kingdom of righteousness, and justice, and love, and peace, in this dear land of ours.
And so we must begin to do things here, it may be in a very small way at first, and only with regard to one or two matters of our common life in this place ; we may be able, as yet, to cover very little ground; but we can do something. Of many suggestions which have been made one is that a group of us should pledge ourselves to join together at stated times in corporate prayer, as a piece of Church work. Such a group, it is to be hoped, when once formed, would gradually grow larger, and might lead to developments of various kinds. I should be glad to receive the names of some who are willing so to pledge themselves. That would be a definite outcome of the Message in our spiritual life.
Another suggestion is that we should take steps together towards getting some clearer ideas about the big questions and difficulties of life in the light of God’s revelation of His will to us, and with that view I propose to begin by holding Bible Classes on Monday evenings in December at the Vicarage for any men, of all sorts, whether quite young or more elderly, who will come to them.
There is a Bible Class for women on Sunday afternoons at Leith House, and I hope that these beginnings may lead in time to the formation of others.
In another direction we ought to be greatly extending measures for the recreation of our younger people. For a small number something has been done for many years past; but a great deal more is needed for those of both sexes who are not affected by what has, so far, been found possible. And this means the provision of suitable places, and of many helpers, for the purpose.
Again we need to devise means by which all sorts of Church-people may be brought more frequently together, and by seeing a little more of one another in hours of leisure may be helped to realise more fully that we are one Body, united as sworn followers of our Lord.
These are only two or three of the many things which we ought to be having in our minds now : and which we ought to try to bring about as the active service for Christ which should be the result of our having taken to heart—as it is evident has been the case—the Message of the National Mission. God grant us the grace of insight and perseverance that we may do our little bit here towards making our Church and Nation more faithful to Him, and more diligent workers of His Will.
As you know, the Bishop is sending me to bear the Message of the Mission to the Parishes of Sholtermill on Nov. 4th, and Old Basing on Nov. 18th. I ask you most earnestly to pray daily for me that the Holy Spirit may support and strengthen me in that most difficult task, and that He may give me words which shall be of help to the people to whom I am sent. And pray for them that they may hear aright the message which God sends to them. So will you feel that you are taking a share in imparting to others the message, and, if God so will, the grace which you have yourselves received.
Let the Messenger who goes forth from you have all the force of your united prayers behind him ; that will make an untold difference to his work. And, for the same reason, do not forget to pray for Dr. Tugwell, the Messenger to whom we owe so much, in his almost continuous duty of bearing the Message of Repentance and Hope to several places throughout this month.
I remain,
Yours very faithfully,
Oct. 27th, 1916. T. F. HOBSON.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
Serg. R. C. Scartterfield, 15th Hussars, who was mentioned in Dispatches last year, was last month awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct.
The Military, Medal for gallantry has been awarded to Drummer H.Worsfold, 18th Bn. Canadian Contingent.
We greatly regret to record a long list of deaths, and desire to express our very deep sympathy with the relatives of the men who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
Aug. 24. Albert Edwin Taylor, Lce.-Cpl. 1st Queen’s W. Surrey, killed in action.
Sept.15. Harry Wise, Grenadier Guards, killed in action.
Sept 15. Robert F. Longley, Lce.-Sergt. King’s Royal Rifles, killed in action.
Sept. 16. Arthur T. Linforth, Lieut. 52nd Canadian Infantry, killed in action.
Sept. 17. Henry Caleb Skilton, 8th Rifle Brigade, killed in action.
Sept. 18. Frederick George Worsfold. 1st East Surrey, died of wounds.
Oct. Albert Godwin, Cpl. 24th Victoria Rifles (Canada), killed in action.
Oct. 4. William George Searle, 8th Middlesex, killed in action.
Oct. 21. William George Goodchild, 7th East Surrey, died of pneumonia at Purfleet.
From the December Parish Magazine 1916
THE BISHOP’S LETTER.
My Dear People,
I write on the morrow of the delivery of the Message in the parishes where I have myself been engaged. I can only make a few hasty comments.
First. We ought to be truly thankful to God for what has come to us through the National Mission of Repentance and Hope. The reports which I have received from a number of places show convincingly how the Mission has been prospered, how well the Message has been given, and how ready our people have been to meet it, and “lend it their ears.”
Secondly. This was not the result of what is sometimes called “star” preaching: that was evidently impossible over the hundreds of parishes concerned. It is my particular happiness to feel that it has been mainly accomplished by “rank and file” men of our own clergy, visiting under my direction and selection each other’s parishes. They know, I am sure, but I should like to say it, how earnestly I thank them on my own part, and on that of the Diocese. I am quite certain that the effort has brought its own reward. To those few, some dear friends of my own, and members of my old Diocese of Southwark, who came from outside, a special word of gratitude is due,
Thirdly. Let us now one and all, see to it that we do not lose what we have gained. The Message is delivered to the best of our ability : the Mission is not over. The work of searching ourselves, of watching for possibilities of improvement, of setting our house in order, of thinking and exchanging thought with one another upon the issues which the Mission has opened out must go on. We must continue to offer our prayers, guided by whatever has been made plain to our consciences and minds.
It will be remembered that the November Chronicle contained three schemes for continuance of the Mission after the delivery of the Message. But each parish and each Deanery should make its own plans: and let them be the work, not of the clergy alone, but of clergy and people together.
In particular, let us not be too local in our thoughts, plans and prayers.
In the Mission we are all making our contribution to a movement of the whole Church in response to the Call of the War to the whole Nation. It is possible, I think, that in some places this has not been sufficiently remembered, and that the Mission has been taking rather too much the form of a short parochial revival, and lost something of its large-mindedness. But even so (and probably this was exceptional) the beginning was made at the right end, and it will be possible after the Message days to broaden out the Mission’s work.
One other thing I must mention in common gratitude. The organization of the Mission, and the distribution of Messengers to nearly 600 parishes was a very big business indeed. It was done almost single-handed by Canon Cunningham, and with unfailing courtesy and kindliness. He almost over-worked himself in doing it. He is now bidden to go to France, and to put the meaning of the National Mission before our hundreds of Chaplains there.
Let our thanks to him take shape in prayer for a blessing on this most important bit of work. It will link up the Front and the Homeland. I hope by the by that you are all talking about the Mission in your letters to our men abroad.
Yours always sincerely,
EDW : WlNTON :
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
The following have given their lives for the great cause :—
Oct. 29. Arthur Henry Duffield, 7th R. Queen’s W. Surrey, killed in action in Flanders.
Nov. 6. James William Tickner, 7th R. Queen’s W. Surrey, killed in action in Flanders.
A. H. Duffield was a member of the Parish Church Choir from 1909 to 1914.
THE RED HOUSE AUXILIARY HOSPITAL, LETHERHEAD.
Christmas Fare for the Wounded.
The Matron of the Red House Auxiliary Hospital will gratefully receive gifts of Christmas fare for the wounded soldiers.
Turkeys, hams, plum puddings, mincemeat, oranges, apples, fruit of all kinds, nuts, cakes, crackers, sweets, vegetables, eggs, butter, evergreens, cigarettes and tobacco will be most welcome.
Gifts should be sent to the Matron not later than Dec. 22nd.
LETHERHEAD SILVER PRIZE BAND.
President: The Vicar of Letherhead.
Vice-Presidents: Capt. Id. Keswick, M.P., the Rev. St. Clare Hill, Mme.de Cousino, Messrs. E. H. Burgess, C. F. Leach, S. Mould, R. Peake, G. H. Spicer, E. R. Still, H. P. Sturgis.
Committee: Messrs. Astridge, Coward, Moore, Peters, Snelling.
Bandmaster : Mr. C. Brewer. Treasurer : Mr. T. Dodd.
Secretary : Mr. G. Walker.
The Report of the Band for the year ending Sept. 30th, 1916, shews that it had a very busy and successful year, having turned out on 50 occasions, in which are included weekly Promenade Concerts during the summer months, and Marches and Church Parades of the Volunteer Training Corps. Ten of the members of the Band have joined the colours, of whom two, Cpl. G. H. Port and Pte. W. Bussey, have given their lives for King and Country. The Band Committee would be glad to hear of any lads who would join the Recruit Class: and would also welcome any experienced players who would help to fill up the vacancies. Names should be given in to the Bandmaster, Mr. C Brewer, Bank Chambers, North Street, or to the Secretary, Mr. G. Walker, Clovelly, Clinton Road.