Hyde In War Time (1914-16) Page 37 ( Continued )

THE “SEALS” ANSWER THE CALL.

Rarely is there a dark cloud without a silver lining, and amid the many sad messages which came from the front, the people of Hyde read many cheery messages from Mr. Joe Smith, the noted Hyde Seal Swimming Master, which were addressed to Councillor W. Fowden. He went to France about the beginning of October, 1915, and there did much good work with the motor ambulances. Apart from his duties, Orderly Smith was a keen observer, and he had many meetings with Hyde lads, on the roads and in the fields, and hospitals, and on one occasion arranged a convivial gathering in a French town. Early in 1916, Orderly Smith was at home several days on leave, and then returned to France.

Orderly Joe Smith

The noted Hyde Seal Swimming Master, now a cheery ambulance worker.

WARRIORS WHO ARE SWIMMERS.

Among the noted Hyde swimmers who fought in the war, were several members of the Taylor family. There were five brothers, all of whom had been prominently connected with Hyde Seal Swimming Club. The Taylor’s were a Hyde family, though the home of Sergeant George Taylor, of the Grenadier Guards, whose conduct on the battlefield in France led to him being recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, was at Hyde road, Denton. Sergeant George Taylor fought in several important actions, having many thrilling escapes, and he was wounded in the engagement at Hohenzollern Redoubt, in October, 1915. On that occasion, he was called on by a German Officer to surrender, and replied by throwing a bomb, which killed or wounded four of the enemy. A little later, a piece of shrapnel struck his helmet, there were no doubt he would have been instantly killed. He was also struck on the shoulder. After hospital treatment, he made a recovery, later was employed on munitions.

Sergeant George Taylor.

Of the Grenadier Guards, A noted swimmer, recommended for the D.C.M.

Rifleman Herbert H. Taylor, brother of Sergeant George Taylor, was wounded in france about March, 1916, after being there over twelve months. Three months later he was back in the trenches. Rifleman Taylor was an ex-boy swimming champion of Hyde, and in this connection had a fine record.

Rifleman H. H. Taylor.

A “Champion” swimmer, wounded in France, above March, 1916.

Another brother, Charles was in Australia when the war started. Early in 1915 a letter was received from him stating he intended joining the Australian Forces. Nothing further had been heard of him up to May, 1916, beyond a rumour that he had been killed in the war, but of this there was no confirmation. Charles was married, and before going to Australia was employed in the cloth-room at Greencroft Mill, Hyde.

Seth Taylor, was another brother, joined the British Army about fifteen years before the war, and was with the 10th Hussars. He spent four or five years in India, and whilst there met an accident. He was granted a life pension.

The eldest brother, Mr Eli Taylor, an Assurance Company Superintendent at Hyde, married, with five children, attested under the Lord Derby’s scheme. He had been connect with the Hyde Seal Club since it’s formation in 1895.

Stockport Road ,Gee Cross

This is a view of Stockport Road,Gee Cross Circa 1975/76.
The shop to the right was called "The Pantry", as were many shops in that era, and was where I used to go for sweets and ice-creams. It looks such an unhurried time - even the dog is resting. I like it better than the present day picture because there is less traffic on the road. Notice the old dustbins pre- wheelie bins! Also notice the old type litter bin that was often defaced to say "Gary (G)litter" !
Thanks to Nick for sharing this photo. Great days indeed!

This is the same view taken in 2009 - so many cars on the road!

Post Cards from Hyde

Weather is nice, wish you were here. 

The Crown (Disappeared Pubs)

The Crown - Photo kindly lent to us by Mike (Serigrapher)
Great Photo ,many thanks :)



The Crown was a pub that stood at the junction of Market Street and Nelson Street. It is another pub that has fallen by the wayside and become what looks like shops or offices.

Here's a picture from the inside of the pub... it dates to around the mid to late 70s...

This Aerial shot shows the library in all its splendour. It's a lovely building.
I find it hard to believe that next to the library ,where the car park is, that there were 2 swimming pools. It doesn't look a big enough space! In the distance is the magnificent tower of St Georges Church.

Hyde Festival Orchestra.

This a photo of Hyde Festival Orchestra (HFO). This Orchestra was formed almost 60 years ago and continues into present day although much reduced in size.
George Wain can be seen playing the trombone far left back row. George Wain, a renowned art teacher at Hyde Grammar School, was also an amateur film maker. During WWll he was commissioned by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to make road safety films for school children. George Wain also played a "musical saw" as his party piece. He was last seen playing in the Liberal club in Floweryfield, Hyde.
This photo shows the Orchestra in the Hyde Festival Theatre where they used to meet to practise. Before they moved here they used to use a room in Ashton Brothers' Bayleyfield Mill. My Mum played the first violin in the HFO for many years. I have very fond memories of the concerts they used to perform at Hyde Town Hall....nothing to do with the fact that we could roam the Town Hall unsupervised whilst the concert was in progress. :) Sorry Mum....

UPDATED


November 16th 1979
Article in the North Cheshire Herald.

Ashton Brothers From Above.

Aerial Views

Continuing with the 'from above' picture yesterday I was sent these from my brother John.... I'd not seen these before and spent time picking buildings and roads out..

Aerial View from Chartist house.

This is an aerial View from Chartist House looking over towards Bayleyfield Mill or Ashton Brothers as it is more commonly known...I think it's circa 1994. It shows just how huge the site was! Such a shame when you see how much has now been demolished to make way for housing.

Hyde In War Time (1914-16) Page 36-37

The “Seals” Answer The Call

A Prisoner Of War

In January, 1915, a letter was received at Hyde from Edward Chappel, a Private in the King’s Royal Rifles. Chappel is a well-known member of the Club. He had written from Germany, where he was a prisoner of war, having been captured a few weeks previously. Before the war he served in India, and won medals for boxing. At the time he wrote he was in the interment camp at Mecklenburg. He made no complaint against the Germans, except that he was not getting enough to eat.

Private Edward Chappel

HYDE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

This is a post dedicated to Hyde United Football Club ,the name of which is now defunct.

It was renamed Hyde FC ,the clubs former name from 1885 ,on the 9th June 2010 to mark it's 125th anniversary.

They also changed their colours from Red shirts and White shorts to White shirts and Black shorts - and also changed the colour of the famous red stand to blue! This is possibly because Manchester City have invested money into Hyde FC !

Here are a selection of photos before it became Hyde FC.

HYDE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB 1919 - 2010





Hyde United played their home games at Ewen Fields. Ewen Fields was built on a series of fields that were originally known as Owen Fields.

The Main Stand

Hyde FC folded in 1917, because of what was termed "war fatigue". When the 1914–18 conflict ended, demands were made to resurrect the club. The "new" club was called Hyde United, but it was Hyde F.C. under a new name with many of the same players.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyde_F.C.

Hyde United's record attendance was set in 1952 when 9,500 spectators attended a game against Nelson.

The lovely mens toilets!

Ewen Fields is made up of 5 stands: the Main Stand, the Scrattin Shed, the Tinker's Passage end, the Leigh Street stand and the Walker Lane end. All of the stands are covered.

Leigh Street Stand

Walker Lane End

Hyde United Social Club .

Tinkers Passage End.

I spent many an happy hour in this ground as a child.I used to love a hot bovril on a cold day ..... and as I got older ,a pie! :)

Thanks to  tims92  for some of the above photos
Much appreciated.

Ashton Brothers Workers. 1950s

Another great picture sent in by Harry Smith.. I'll leave it to Harry to tell us about this.  

 "This photo is of the workers at Ashton Bros. who worked I believe in the Cop cellar, a very unpleasant place where the used bobbins were stripped of what little weft was left on them so they could be reused.

Only those who experienced the textile industry could know what a soul destroying job this was, yet textiles kept thousands in work in this area and it's hard to believe that has all gone completely".   Regards Harry.

Cheers for this and all the others Harry.... keep them coming... and if there's anyone else who would like to see their old photo's featured here please feel free to send them to us.. along with any information.... we will do the rest and be pleased to show them.

Cotton Industry Jobs

Hyde In War Time (1914-16) Page 35-36

THE SEALS ANSWER THE CALL

Famous International Poloist’s Loyalty.

Probably there is no local sporting organisation that has been affected by the war to the same extent as the famous Hyde Seal Swimming Club. Before the this celebrated organisation had achieved Almost as much fame in certain parts of the continent, as in this country. The Seal swimmers and water polo players had several times visited Belgium. They were well-known to the sporting fraternity of Brussels, and had swum in the Seine at Paris. Not only Belgians, but also Hungarians and Germans, had visited Hyde not long before hostilities opened, and we had also had in Hyde Baths a Swedish team. Between the Belgians in particular and the prominent members and officials of the Hyde Seal Club there had grown up a strong bond of friendship. Unfortunately war’s rapacious way had severed many old friendships, and some of these international water poloist will never again clasp the hand of fellowship. Several noted Belgian swimmers have fallen. The Captain of the Brussels Swimming Club, M. Fernand Feyaerts, so well-known to many of us, and who before the war occupied a commercial position of considerable importance in his native country, was very heavily hit - financially and otherwise, - when hostilities opened.  He and his family were driven from home; and for a time they were practically refugees in this country. M. Feyaerts had been rejected for military service on physical grounds, but later he cured himself to the extent of being accepted, and early in 1916 it was found that he had been wounded in action on the Belgian front against the Germans.

As the time war broke out, the Hyde Seals had won various big swimming and water polo championships, and were confidently expecting to again become the National Water Polo victors. With the declarations of war, the remaining competitions were abandoned. The “Seals” proved themselves as keen for country as they had been for sport. The new President of the Club, Mr. J. Leadbetter Knott, joined the colours.  He became a Captain, and early in 1916 it was officially reported he had been promoted to the rank of Major. He had then been in France some months. At the Annual Meeting of the Hyde Seal Club, held on the 20th April, 1915, it was reported by the secretary, Mr. A. Heron, that every member of the reserve polo team had enlisted; and Councillor Walter Fowles, the treasurer, announced that 34 members  of the club were serving with the forces. Subsequently, other members followed suit. But for the war the club would now have been celebrating its “majority” -1895-1916. 

Private Tom Clegg

A CHARMED LIFE

One of the many patriotic Hydonians who came from distant parts of the British Empire to fight for the Mother Country is Private Tom Clegg, who formerly was associated with the Swimming Club. Six or seven years ago he went to the Antipodes, spending three years in New Zealand, and a similar period in Australia. He joined the Australian Forces within two or three weeks of the outbreak of war., and on the 18th October, 1914, sailed from Sidney to Alexandria. After several months training in Egypt, Private Clegg accompanied the Australian Expeditionary Force in the Dardanelle’s, where he was in the early landing, and subsequently went through much fighting of a terrific character. On April 27th, his birthday, he was in four bayonet charges. In the first four days of fighting, his Battalion lost over six hundred officers and men, and those who survived, Private Clegg among them, were complimented by three commanding officers upon their continuous gallantry. Private Clegg, under a heavy fire, bandaged a serious wound sustained by an officer. In later fighting, a Turkish shell burst near him and two comrades. The other two were wounded, and Private Clegg’s nerves were so shattered that he was unable to continue in action. He left the Peninsula on the 23rd, July, and on reaching Malta it was found he had a poisoned hand. Here he remained under treatment a month, and then was sent to England, where he spent time at a convalescent hospital at Bethnal Green. At the beginning of September, Private Clegg arrived at Green Street, Hyde on a visit to his home, and returned to military duty on the 6th October. 

Private Cleggs C.W.G.C. Casualty Details (1918) 

Here

Market Street

This shows a view of Market Street during the whit walks of 1975.



This view shows the same stretch of road from slightly lower down Market Street. You can see the same lamp post but on this shot it has christmas decorations adorning it - in October!

Hyde In Wartime (1914-16) Pages 34

Gunner J. Smith

Gunner Smith of George Street, Hyde ,  was in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed in action through the bursting of a gun, 30th December, 1914.

CLICK To Read His Casualty Details From The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Private F. Purseglove

In a letter he stated he had just been in the trenches 29 days. Previously he had been wounded, but recovered. He was in the 1St Cheshires.

Privates Silver & Souter

A pair of popular “pals.” Private  Harold Souter was the well-known Hyde Seal goalkeeper.

Private J. Norman.

A gallent member of the “Forty Gang”.

Richmond House

Richmond House on Stockport Road.
This was the home to John "Jack" Griffiths who was an English Footballer who played Fullback. He played most notably for Manchester United (1934-39) although he also played for Wolves a few times. After his playing days were over came to live at Richmond House and set up a Physiotherapy clinic here. His son still lives here and is also a Physiotherapist.

Jack Griffiths

Manchester United 1938-39
Jack Griffiths ,Middle row ,third right.

UPDATE

I recently found this for sale at an auction house and thought it would be nice to get a mention on here.








The lot sold for £4400

Hyde In War Time (1914-16) Page 33 - Continued.

Patriotism Of The Police Force

Splendid Loyalty Of The Police Force

A GALLANT POLICE OFFICER.

On the first of November, 1914, during the first battle of Ypres, a member of the Hyde Police Force, Corporal Harry Howland, of the Grenadier Guards, was struck in the right leg with a piece of shrapnel, his thigh bone being shattered. Howland, like his Police comrade, Wilkinson, had been in the terrific fighting on the Marne and on the Aisne. In fact, he had been fin a great deal of the thickest fighting for about eight weeks before being wounded. The wound put him permanently out of action. He was brought over to England, and for months was under treatment, undergoing several operation, but, unfortunately, it was found necessary to amputate his right leg. Ultimately the gallant Corporal improved and on Wednesday, November 24th, 1915, over twelve months after being wounded, he re-appeared in the town with a couple of crutches. Being unable to continue service either as a soldier or a policeman, Corporal Howland’s visit officially marked the severance of his connection with the Hyde Force, which he joined in April, 1913. Prior to his visit he was offered a life appointment on the estate of Sir Philip Sasson, in the county of Kent, and had also been granted a fairly substantial pension. A few prominent townspeople of Hyde subscribed a gift of money as a wedding present to the Corporal and his bride, and he was also presented with a large framed photograph of all the members of Hyde Police Force, including himself, and about a dozen who are at present serving with the colours, some of them being at the front when the year 1916 arrived.

Horace Wigley

When part of the ICI works off Talbot Road was being demolished for housing the above plaque hung in the Sports and Socail club. It was removed to St Marys grave yard... where it lies today.. I had heard story's of Horace Wigley when I was a child, it seems he was related to my dad..  so it was nice to come across this Memorial Stone  whilst out for a stroll.

Name: WIGLEY, HORACE

Initials: H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Sergeant (Flt. Engr.)

Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Unit Text: 15 Sqdn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 06/11/1942

Service No: 1147930

Additional information: Husband of Monica Wigley, of Newton, Hyde, Cheshire.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. D. 17.

Cemetery: ESCOUBLAC-LA-BAULE WAR CEMETERY

Gower Hey Woods

 

The beautiful cobbled path leading into Gower Hey Woods in Summer and Winter.

Gower Hey Woods is an area of woodland situated in Gee Cross. It has its own conservation society which does a lot of good work in keeping it clean and safe for everyone to use.

www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/gowerhey

There appears to have been a cotton mill situated in the bottom of the woods ,which was built in approx 1792 by Thomas Howard, son of Joseph Howard of Haughton Hall. Not much is known about the mill but the last known use for it was as a cotton waste bleaching mill run by Obadiah Broadhurst in 1874.

Map from 1836-51 , showing the mill . Note the old spelling !

Top Field known locally as either Shanes Field or Buttercup Meadow depending on your age!

 Buttercup Meadow from my front garden. So beautiful!

Looks so different here.. hard to imagine it as such.

The Boggert Of Gower Hey

There once lived at Hyde a celebrated Dr. Wylde (an ancestor of the Thornley's), who bore a reputation for astrology. About 1730 a great sensation was occasioned ..... that there was a boggart in Gower Hey Wood, which made awful sounds at night. The inhabitants went in a body to ask the learned doctor to lay the spirit, and this he gladly consented to do. Noticing the direction of the sound he went in broad daylight to the spot which no one else dared approach, and there found that two branches of a tree, rubbing together with the motion of the wind, gave forth the doleful sound that had scared people from the wood. Telling no one of his discovery he quickly sawed one branch off, and then gravely announced that he had laid the spirit. Needless to say, after this, that his reputation for magic was unequalled in the neighbourhood, and for years his powers were firmly believed in.

From The History Of Hyde

By Thomas Middleton