Today sees the start of more pages from The Hyde In War Time Book 1914-1916... I know many liked reading this and as the book is quite rare and is not available on the internet as yet this blog is a good a place as any to show it.
A "Jack Johnson" Kills A Family
A 'Jack Johnson' was the British nickname used to describe the impact of a heavy, black German 15-cm artillery shell.
Driver Frank Holland, of the Canadian Field Artillery, is the eldest son of Mr. George Holland, Joel Lane Gee Cross, formerly of Higher henry Street and Nelson Street, Hyde. Born at Hyde, he went to Canada about ten years ago. Driver Holland came over with the first Canadian Contingent, and went to France in February, 1915. He had some very thrilling experiences, going through a place which the Canadians nicknamed "Hell" and round a corner called "Dead Man's Corner." In a message dated May 16th, addressed to his brother in Swain Street, Driver Holland said they had lost a lot of brave men and horses. He saw a German "Jack Johnson" hit a building, and it killed eight of a family - parents and six children, while all lay asleep in bed. About this time Driver Holland and chum, during a brief "nap" had a most narrow escape from death, a shell dropping within about half a dozen feet of them, and bursting; yet they were practically unhurt. He had ridden through a town while shells were knocking down houses all round.
Patriot From British Columbia
Lance-Corporal Walter Hardman left Hyde three or four years before the war, for Canada. Settled at Revelstoke, a small town in British Columbia, where he obtained a position under the Canadian Pacific Railway Company for two years held the office of Vicar's warden in the parish, and acted as lay reader. Enlisted about July, 1915, and after six weeks at Vancouver, came to England to complete his training
A Loyal Hyde-Canadian
Among the local men in Canada when the war started was John Worrall, nephew of Councillor T. Worrell, and brother-in-law of Councillor T. Middleton. He had for several years been farming. He volunteered immediately, and came over to England with the second Canadian. He went to France in April, 1915, as a signaller, and was soon in the danger zone. Within a very short time he was seriously wounded in the face with shrapnel. He was under hospital treatment for a considerable period, and the injury resulted in loss of sight in the right eye.
Newton Brothers Join In Canada
Bombardier Frank Ormerod and Private Harry Ormerod, sons of Mr. Wm. Ormerod, Bagshaw Street Newton. Both had been in Canada some years when war broke out, and both responded to the Old Country's call. Frank joined the Canadian R.F.A., and became a bombardier, completing his training in England. Harry enlisted in the R.A.M.C., was at Hill 60, Neuve Chapelle, and Ypres, being "gassed" at the last-named place, but recovered, and rejoined the ranks.
A Rally From The Far West
Another instance of a Hydonian in Canada rallying to the old flag and coming over to Europe to defend the Mother Country was provided by Staff-Sergeant William E. Chidlow, the only son of Mr J. Chidlow, Great Norbury Street, the well known Insurance Superintendent. Staff Sergeant Chidlow went to Canada six years before the war broke out, and had a farm near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. The call of King and Country caused him to leave his farm and join the colours, in November, 1914. After twelve months' training in Canada he came to England, and continued training at Shorncliffe. In April, 1916, he was stationed at Bath, performing duties in connection with the Canadian casualty Department. Meanwhile, he had risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant, having originally been a Private.
