WW1 SIGNALLER P. G. McLINTOCK. 1916.

Watchman Sydney, NSW

10 June 1915

WAR OR PEACE.

"War is hell," said General Sherman.

"Peace is more damnable," said Congressman Haines, "if in order to retain It any concessions be made curtailing our liberties, civil or religious." Free speech,” free press, free people.

SIGNALLER P. G. "Gillie" McLintock, is the Brother of Wallace H Leathem’s best man, Signaller Corporal K. G. McLintock, at his wedding to Margret Gillespie.

Watchman Sydney, NSW

28 Sept 1916

"Watchman" Boys at the Front.

LETTER FROM FRED SALDERN.

One of the most popular of the dozen or so lads connected with "The Watchman" now at the front, is "Fred" Saldern, the well-known champion bat of the P.A.F.S. Cricket Association. 

We recently had occasion to announce that he had been wounded, but are glad to say a letter arrived from him this week announcing that the injury was slight and only needed a week's attention in hospital. The mishap occurred just after the corps to which Fred is attached had captured a village "somewhere in France." 

He was engaged in what may be described as domestic duties close to the apology fora trench they had dug when a fragment of shell hit him in the back and laid him out. "A dirty, trick" Fred calls it, but it happened on July 24 and after a week in hospital and a short spell in a convalescent camp, he was fit for duty again.

The letter was evidently written in the best of spirits, and Fred talks of taking part in the next cricket competitions and of wrestling with "Watchman" copy once more as a thing of the not far distant future. He ends with the following parody of "Somewhere a Voice is calling," written in the trenches by one of the boys:--.

Night and the shells are falling

Falling like rain

Hear how the Huns are bawling

Bawling with pain.

Fritz seems to think he's bluffed us,

But there's no chance,

For while the Anzacs face them,

They'll ne'er advanced

Night and the stars are shining;

0 blessed peace!

Now we are home and dining

Since war has ceased.

We have shown Fritz, the blighter

(He must agree),

Anzacs are splendid fighters

O'er land and sea.

(Note by author-The word "fighters” may be altered to "skiters" by Anzacs only, others do so at their peril.)

A letter also came to hand from Signaller "Gill" McLintock, for years on "The Watchman" staff.

He also is "somewhere” in France and well and hearty. His brother Kenneth, was in England at date of last letter, qualifying as instructor in signalling.

All the other news of our boys at the front is good.

Watchman Sydney, NSW

12 Oct 1916.

The Honor Roll.

SIGNALLER P. G. McLINTOCK.

A few issues ago in referring to "Watchman" boys at the front, we mentioned the fact that "Gillie" McLintock was in France and expected to be in the firing line in a few days, after the date of his last letter. When the paragraph appeared the brave lad was in his' grave, having fallen in action on August 29.

Mr. McLintock years ago, when a boy fresh from school, was employed in the old "Watchman" office in Castlereagh-street, and remained in the business department for some years. He was universally popular, and after leaving the office was for years with the Singer Coy., in whose employ he rose to occupy positions of considerable importance. He was in charge of the Bondi branch when he enlisted last year.

Following the example of his brother, Signaller Corporal K. G. McLintock, the young recruit sought and obtained transfer to the Signalling Corps, and made such progress in the necessary studies that he passed near the head of his class and but a few points from the "possible." 

He sailed with the contingent leaving on March 31 last, and on arriving in Egypt was further trained in signalling work. He met his brother, Ken, who was suffering the consequences of his experiences in Gallipoli, but after a time they were separated again, and Gillie went on to Marseilles and thence to "somewhere in France," where he now lies.

No details as to his death are to hand beyond the brief "killed in action," which came by cable.

Singleton Argus NSW.

2 April 1951 

MANY old-time Singleton friends of Mr. Ken McLintock will regret to learn that he died recently in Concord military hospital. 

The late Mr. McLintock left Singleton some 12 years ago, after employment on the literary staff of the "Argus." He had been in hospital for two years.

(Signaller Corporal K. G. McLintock, Wally Leathems best man)


INDEX OF LINKS

WW1. A Poem written for the Molong "EXPRESS" 1915

Molong Express and Western District Advertiser NSW

29 may 1915.

JUST AS THEY USED TO DO.

(WRITTEN FOB THE EXPRESS).

Now, what with suffragettes and Irish

Stew,

'Twas said Britannia's end was overdue.

But Britons everywhere together stand,

And show the foe a firm, united band,

Just as they used to do.

Some thought our Empire going to decay:

"Its race was run, it soon would fade away

And join the ghosts of empires gone before."

But Britons now do bravely as of yore

Just as they used to do.

Our foemen longed to dominate the sea ;

For years they've drunk (in stronger drinks than tea)

“The Day" which was to crown, their

hopes so bright,

That day is night-our sailors proved they fight.

Just as they used to do.

The Britons who came from over ocean,

too,

Each one thrilled with loyalty through

and through.

The Huns will find there'll be the deuce

to pay

At settling time-for Britons fight to-day

Just as they used to do.

Let him who will decry his native land,

But we have faith that Britain aye will stand;

Her sons love peace; but history will tell

At smashing tyrants, too, they can excel,

Just as they used to do.

W. HAZELL.

Molong.

WW1 Letters home Molong “Express”

                                                                Western Mail Perth 16 Aug 1918



Molong Express and Western District Advertiser NSW.

19 August 1916

SOLDIERS' STORIES.

Sgt-Signaller Don. White, once of the Cumnock Post Office, writing from France on June 14th Mr. Jack Patterson, of Dilga, says:—

I'm still in the land of the living—due to more good luck than good management, I think I got hit for the second time a few weeks back, but fortunately each wound was slight A "Jack Johnson" lobbed in my dug-out and killed my mate, but just blew me out into the sap with a cut on my head and back, plus a hell of a shaking up. 

I was properly scared for a few days, but managed to pull myself together without going into hospital. Am quite OK now.

This France is a wet and muddy joint to be soldiering in; the trenches are full of mud and slush. And if you put your head up you're sure to be sniped, and if you bob down you get drowned, Dinkum! 

The Australians are properly established in France now. It's much easier than Gallipoli; that is to say, we do not have to endure as many hardships. Here we get good rations and plenty of water. 

Every eight days or so we get a hot bath and a change of underclothing. No such thing as having a shave, wash, and clean' your teeth in half a pint of water, and then having to go minus a drink all day on account of such extravagance.

When we first came into the trenches here Fritz tried all he knew to bluff us; but it didn't work. He used to paste us with three to four hundred 5.9 shells almost daily. Now if he tries the" dirty dog" act we return it hot and strong. I think Fritz has decided that we won't be bluffed.

I haven't run up against Joe yet. Would very much like to have a yarn with him. The other boys are still in Egypt, on the Canal. 

I did over two months on the Arabian Desert, looking for Turks; but they were very scarce. 

I see the Russians are doing some fine work. I wish we were on the move like them. 

This trench warfare is about the most monotonous game going, especially during wet weather. 

Ploughing isn't in the same street with it.

I'm expecting a week's leave to England very soon now. All the old hands are getting it. What a time I will have. I suppose you are still keen on dancing, Jack. I could do a waltz myself just now.

It would be better than squatting, in this little dugout of mine. I suppose you heard about poor old Ernie Merriman being killed. We got a terribly heavy bombardment that night. Remember me to all the boys.

***

Pte. Ern. Taylor, writing to the “Express" from the Australian Base, England, on June 19, says:-

We have shifted camp from the, land of sorrow, sand and sweaty; socks. This is a big change from the heat of Egypt, as it is very cold, and rains nearly every day. I think we have seen the sun about half-a-dozen times in three weeks. 

It is a much better camp here on Salisbury Plains than at Teb-el-Kebir. We have settled down to very solid training again.

On the way to England we had a couple of very close shaves coming through the Mediterranean Sea, through submarines. 

We were chased twice, but were doing about 17 knots, so we left them behind.

We are close to the towns of Tidworth, Ludgershall, Andover and Salisbury; but they are dead of a night—no lights anywhere. I am going to London on Friday for week-end leave. We are only 70 miles away. 

There are some very large farms here—about 5 to 10 acres a squatter has about 200 sheep.

The Australians are right in the boom here; but are called the foreigners from Horsetralia.  

Wallie Leathem came over on the boat to England with us. He belongs to the Cycling Battalion.

***

Cpl. C. Neville writes from 'France under date June 21, to his brother, Mr. F. Neville, as follows:—

Neither Uncle Walter or Cecil has joined us up yet. I don't know how they will like soldiering over this side. 

We are going, day and night, I won't be sorry when it is all over, for we have 'had a very miserable time in the trenches this last week or so, it has rained nearly every day and night, and there have been bombardments nearly every night. 

When the big shells are coming over, you are ducking down behind the trench as low as you can expecting every minute that one is coming over on to you. 

There is a place a few miles back from the firing line where we can get a bath and a change of clothes. The French women do all the washing of the clothes, so it gives us a bit of a chance to keep clean. 

It is very good after being in the firing line for about a fortnight to get back and have a good bath. 

Bert Starr is alright, Gordon is not back yet, and Paddy Reilly is alright.

***

Pte, R. Starr, son of Mr. R. Starr, of Copper Hill, writing from Egypt, on July 5, to Mr F. Neville, says:-

He had a good trip from Australia; but upon arrival in Egypt the contingent were put into isolation, and he had thus seen very little of Egypt. 

Since being released from isolation the squadron had been on mounted patrol and guard duties. 

He was camped at a place where nothing but desert could be seen, and expected to be removed about 16 miles further inland within a few days. He had not received any letters from Australia; but  a letter from Bert Starr, from Flanders, had reached him. “Old Jock (C. Neville), he says, has a couple of stripes now. I expect he has earned them. "Pte. Starr adds that he narrowly missed meeting Gordon Starr; on the same night that he arrived in Egypt Gordon left for ——(censored).

***

The Land   Sydney, NSW 16 February 1917 

Signaller W. Leathem, in a letter written from England on June22, says:—

Still alive and kicking, and things much the same as when I last wrote. All the troops in camp here were inspected by the High Commissioner for Australia (Andy Fisher) last week, and he was pleased with the state of affairs at the camp. 

The C.O. of the Cycling Corps was congratulated on the general conduct, etc., of the men. The only fault with this camp is that we are too far out of civilisation. 

The closest town is four miles away. I'm on a pretty soft job here now—instructing some of the men in signalling. I'm getting lazy on it already, and will soon forget all the drill I have learned if I don't look out. 

I struck Charlie Finch, Jack Betts and Ern Taylor on the boat coming from Egypt. Jack and Charlie are in the Field Engineers. They are in this camp and I see them every day. I think they will be moving shortly. I haven't seen Taylor since we left the boat. 

It's rotten not getting any letters or papers; we get hardly any Australian news except what we see in the English papers, and that's very little. I haven't received a single letter or paper since leaving Australia almost three months ago. 

We are being looked after well in regard to food now. At present the menu is:—Breakfast: Bacon or rice, tea and bread and jam; dinner: stew or hot meat and vegetables, bread and jam and tea; tea: bread and jam, butter, tea and cheese or potted ham. We are getting good food, and plenty of it.

     Image from 'The PUNCH Melbourne Vic. 9 Aug 1914 

Link to:-

WW1 Dinkum girls:http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/ww1-nurses-verses-dinkum-girls-songs.html

WW1 poem MothersBoy: http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/ww1-mothers-boy-poem-written-for-molong.html

WW1 Two plucky Parsons: http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/ww1-echo-from-front-poetry-and-two.html

WW1 Letters home, Wallace H Leathem:
http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/ww1-letters-home-by-wallace-henry.html

WW1 Pressi, Molong, Australia, LA TRIBUNA ILLUSTRATA.

Hi I found these images on line and I can not read french, so I was wondering if some one could tell me about these front pages.

They mention Molong Australia and that's all I can work out, seeing Wally leathem was in France and from Molong with the Newspaper, I am thinking they had something to do with it?

I think these things are on Ebay at the moment as well.

Thank you ALL for your reading my Blogg.

Nancy*

WW1 AN ECHO FROM THE FRONT, poetry and two Plucky Parsons in the battle-field. 1915.

                                                                                                  Image from "The Bathurts Times" 

Molong Express and Western District Advertiser NSW

13 Nov 1915

AN ECHO FROM THE FRONT

The appended poem was written by the late Corporal (Rev.) R. R. Pittendrigh, formerly of Garra, while at the front, and was received by Mrs. Pittendrigh, from her late husband, after the cable which announced his death. 

It has been a great comfort to her, and it is herewith published in the hope that it may comfort others. 

It will be noticed how beautifully the writer applies the accompanying texts to each verse.

The poem is based on the 7th verse of Psalm 112-" He shall not be afraid of evil tidings. His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord";-and each verse has a scriptural reference, as follows:-Verse 1: Matt. XV, 26-28; verse 2.: John XIII,16-2, and Corin. IV, 17; verse 3 :Ps. XCI, 7; verse 4: Ps. 'IVI, 3,and Lam. Ill, 56-58; verse 5: 1 John IV, 39, and 1 Thess. IV, 13; verse 6 : Ps.XXI, 4, and J ohn VI, 39.

"Not afraid of evil tidings," help us

Lord in Thee to trust,

Fixed on Thy unfailing promise,

Though suspense our faith may test.

Shrinking not from any lesson,

Thou, in tender love may'st teach,

Sure, Thou knowest how to answer

prayers for those beyond our reach.

" Not afraid," because Thou lovest all

our dear ones more than we,

And the "end from the beginning"

In their life plan, Thou can'st see.

Troubles, which we would have spared

them, may be blessings in disguise

: Working out a glorious future, though

now hidden from our eyes.

“Not afraid" though war or tempest,

pestilence or fever's breath,

Threaten those united to us by a love as

strong as death ;

Covered in the day of battle, shielded:

from all evil things.

Are the souls whom Thou has sheltered

'neath the shadow of Thy wings.

“Not afraid," yet Lord, Thou, knowest,

love is strong, and faith is weak,

And our hearts too often tremble with a

dread we dare no speak ;

Only to Thyself we breathe it, knowing

Thou dost comprehend

All the fears and sad forebodings that with

faith and hope contend.

“Then, in hearkening to Thy answer,

words of comfort, peace, and rest,

Fill our hearts with sweet assurance

"God is Love, His will is best."

Should the heaviest tidings reach us, can

They ……..  “evil” be ...

If our loved ones are safe anchored,

tossed no more on life’s ……..

Shall we doubt that Thou hast given life

beyond the life we craved?

That our prayers are fully answered,

Thou eternally hast saved?

Help us trust, then, O our Father, what

soever tidings come,

That re-union will be granted, here, or in

our Heavenly Home.

                                ***

HOW HE WAS WOUNDED.

       

Two Plucky Parsons.

Writing in the "Herald," "Trooper Bluegum" describes the gallant deed which, resulted in Corporal Pittendrigh receiving the wound which caused his death.

After a brilliant charge, when the enemy were pressed back with the bayonet, a wounded Australian was discerned lying exposed some distance behind the advanced position.

It was then (says “Trooper Bluegum") that two fighting parsons came along a communication trench.

From a slight hollow they saw the wounded man, in evident agony, raise his hand, and try to move.

Chaplain Captain Gillison and Corpl. Pittendrigh decided to try to effect a rescue, though they knew a machine gun was trained on the trench, and had been warned to beware of snipers.

Mounting the parapet, they crawled along some distance towards the wounded man.

A couple of bullets zipped by, but they pushed on.

More bullets flew, and both the rescuers were wounded.

They then tried to regain the shelter of the trench, and Gillison was wounded again, but his companion managed to scramble in and had his wound attended to, but he subsequently died of haemorrhage.

Capt. Gillison was rescued from the open and taken to a field hospital, where he died, and at night, wrapped in a Union Jack, he was buried. "As with the hero of Corunna," adds the writer, "we carved not a line, we raised not a stone, but left him alone in his glory."

  

Here is a link to the article in-case any one wants to work out the missing words from the poem, I can not. 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/101050663

The Bathurst Times NSW

4 Dec 1915

CORPORAL PITTENDRIGH.

Corporal R. H, Pittendrigh, who is reported to have died of wounds, was the son of Mr. J. R. Pittendrigh, of Garra. 

He was the first Methodist minister to enlist as a private in this State, and was a man of very fine qualities. For three years he was an evangelist in the Central Methodist Mission, and from the training institute of that mission entered the Methodist ministry 4½ years ago. 

When he en-listed Corporal Pittendrigh was second minister at Lithgow, and had served terms in Wilcannia and Gloucester. Just prior to leaving for the front he was ordained to the full work of the ministry, and married Miss Florence Ensor, who was well known as "Sister Florence" in the Central Mission.

Corporal Pittendrigh was one of the stretcher-bearers, and completely won the affection of his comrades. 

His strong personality marked him as a leader among men and his death is greatly to be lamented. 

In a letter which appeared in one of the Brisbane newspapers, Sergeant E.J. Kelleher, of the 13th Battalion, writes from the front:—

"All the parsons are heroes. Corporal Pittendrigh, who eventually joined the band, and became a stretcher-bearer, will get the D.C.M. He is a Wesleyan parson, and he went out into the hell which exists between the trenches only 100 yards apart, and amid an inferno of shrapnel and bullets brought in nine wounded men." 

Anyone who knew the deceased soldier intimately would have expected this of him.