1918 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1910-1919
04 Jan 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Always in Stock (poem)
"Always in Stock" by CEB "I said I want a little tea/A couple of pounds will do/And sugar and bacon and butter and lard/But the shopman said N?????/We stock the things that you ask about/But just at the moment we've quite run out//I said 'Then get me some margarine'/And he answered with utmost pride/'We are selling that by the quarter ounce/Will you join the queue outside'/But having no more than an hour to spare/I tried with no better luck somewhere//But as I jogged home I clinked my coins/Which I hadn't a chance to blow/And while I was reckoning which I'd saved/The Post Office hove in view/'War Bonds' I asked and I got 'em pat/They've never run out of things like that!"
05 Jan 1918 Gravesend Reporter
Female workers in previously male jobs
General postmaster praises extra women taken on for Christmas post.
05 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Gravesend Introduces Rationing
Gravesend first town in country to introduce meat rationing - 2 lb pw for adults 1 lb for children aged 3-13
05 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Food Shortages - Longfield
Longfield - "Food - a correspondent writes: The parishioners are feeling the pinch of food restriction, as they are not entitled to the full benefit of the food economy arrangements in force at Gravesend, where so many of them were accustomed to do their shopping, but it is hoped they many soon benefit by arrangements to be made by their own district and parish committtees."
05 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Fundraising at Longfield
Longfield - collections at church services for King's appeal and Red Cross. Longfield Hill mission church have only had infrequent services because of difficulties getting there by train for visiting preachers. Concert for wounded and POWs at Club Room raised £11.1.4½ (See article)
05 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Parliamentary Boundary Commission
Boundary Review - Hartley, Longfield and Ash to be in Chislehurst Constituency (map)
05 Jan 1918 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Land to Rent at Hartley
"To let, 3 acres excellent sheep feed; few hurdles necessary - Watson c/o Webb, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
11 Jan 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Food Shortages - Dartford
Rural Food Control Committee (RFCC) (Poor state of film) Claims that local shops were only getting 60% of sugar supply when Food Controller said it was 75%. Concerns that distribution in rural areas, more difficult than urban. Milk shortages in Swanscombe and Stone
11 Jan 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - HG Green (41), boot repairer and market gardener. Said to have been rejected by medical. Conditional exemption
11 Jan 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (27) said if he was taken people would go hungry. Nearest other corn business is in Dartford. 3 months' exemption
12 Jan 1918 Gravesend Reporter
Sale of Livestock at Manor Farm, Ash
Sale of livestock at Manor Farm, Ash
12 Jan 1918 Gravesend Reporter
Profiteering
Fed up of Gravesend complains of price of milk and rabbits (4s with butchers meat scarse) "I hate being poor in order to make somebody else rich".
12 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Gravesend's Meat Lorry Breaks Down
Gravesend's supply of meat supposed to arrive at 7.30pm on Friday but didn't get there until 4am Saturday. Frantic phone calls discovered lorry had broken down at Charlton. DRDC report shortages of meat and milk in rural areas.
12 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Entertainment in Longfield Village
"Two successful entertainments given by Mr and Mrs Fielder and their friends, in the Village Club Room, realised £11 1s 4½d on behalf of the Local Wounded Sailors' and Soldiers' Fund and the Kentish Prisoners of War in Germany. The room on each evening was well filled, and it must be gratifying to the promoters to see teir efforts on behalf of such a good cause so well supported. The programme was a lengthy one. Each item was very efficiently rendered and gained well merited appluase from an appreciative audience. Although it would be invidious to specially refer to any individual artiste, mention may be made of Miss Jessie Moon, who gave great assistance as pianist. The programme consisted of mandolin duiet by Mrs Trevillian and friends; pianoforte solo Miss Ridgers; songs by the Misses Goodwin and Wells, Mr Fielder and Gunner Ball; children's sketch "The Green Dwarf", the Misses Leigh, Fielder, Caller, Longhurst and Robinson and Masters Longhurst, Caller, Richard Fielder, Simes and Foster; sketch "Doing our Bit", Mesdames Fielder and Allen, and the Misses Grenby, Peacock and Grant; sketch "The Railway Waiting Room", Mrs Fielder, the Misses Grant, Peacock, Harris and Morris, and Messrs T and R E Fielder."
12 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Longfield Church
"Last Sunday there wre unusually large ongregations at the church intercession service in response to the King's appeal, and the offertories to the Red Cross Fund were large and generous. Services were held at the Mission at Longfield Hill, conducted by Mr Thurnell. The services there have been very infrequent for some time past, as the railway arrangements have made it very inconvenient for preachers to get here, but it is hoped that the services may be held more often in the future. The choir Christmas Tree was held on Wednesday at the house of Mr Cromer (?Cromar), and was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the youthful choristers."
18 Jan 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Dartford Rural Food Control Committee
RFCC (Poor state of film) - complaints about potatoes in bread. Coal supplies better than last year. Some issues of distribution between Dartford UDC and Dartford RDC
19 Jan 1918 Gravesend Reporter
Profiteering
Fed up writes again to question why price of sprats are 4 - 7d per lb and herings 2½ - 5d each when government says there is a glut of them. Dried smoked haddocks before the war were 3½d each, now 1s 5d. Who is profiteering. Has heard wealthy lady say she'd tried herring for the first time and liked it. If rich are buying food reserved for the poor, the price will be kept up.
19 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
Appeals against Conscription - Ash
LV Debenham of Ash writes re report of his DRT Appeals Against Conscription case in paper of 29.12.17. Says he has been rejected by army on medical grounds 6 times. Feels he needs to prove point to "busy bodies", who would like to have him a soldier
25 Jan 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Food Shortage - Rural District
RFCC (Poor state of film) - Fawkham and Swanscombe hold meetings in connection with Food Economy Campaign. WT Tunstall proposed and F Lynds seconded that rationing be introduced to the DRDC area from 18 February when the cards would be lodged with retailers. 224 lambs distributed in DRDC after Vickers alterted the committee to a serious meat shortage in Crayford.
26 Jan 1918 Gravesend Reporter
Rationing - Gravesend
Normal meat ration for Gravesend is 2s 6d (adult) and 1s 3d (child 3-13) but committee late on Wednesday had to halve it due to temporary shortages in district, also had to put corned beef on ration. Taken over supplies to secure distribution.
26 Jan 1918 Kent Messenger
County Wide Pigeon Shoot
Kent War Agricultural Committee arranging county wide pigeon shoot on 30/1, 6/2 and 13/2 from 2pm to dusk
Corporal Honoured
"Corporal F Shambrook, Royal Engineers, of the Green, Hartley, has just returned to France after being home on leave for 14 days. He has been awarded the Belgian Medal Militaire for devotion on duty and distinguished conduct under heavy shell fire during the battle of Arras. The gallant corporal, who was formerly employed by the EC Powder Company, enlisted in November 1914, and has served in France for 2½ years."
01 Feb 1918 Dartford Chronicle
A Quest for Chops - A shopping experience in Dartford
The butchers' shops now open sometimes and when they are open look strangely like the little toy shops which used to annoy my childhood days - big ???? and only about 5 little joints to stock each!
I was sent out to buy the Sunday's joint on Saturday evening. It was a vain search. I could not find a shop let alone a joint. At last I came upon a beautifully appointed shop. The blind was drawn but a cheerful light streamed from the open door. I took my place amid 33 other doleful loking men and ????? looking women, and in the course of 45 minutes came to the door of the shop.
I glanced hungrily around that shop. On the slabs in sundry dishes, looking miserable and bereft, were 11 chilled kidneys, 2 bullock's hearts, 3 sheep's hearts and a piece of chilled salmon. And in front of me were still 8 persons, as did the people in Paris in 1871.
"Last day of the sale, remnant day" said a man in front of me, trying to hide the horrible fear that possessed him that even those kidneys and hearts could vanish before he could get to them.
"Hearts are poison for weak digestions" he whispered to me loud enough for those in front to hear. I knew at once that he had his eye on a heart.
"Kidneys are the very devil at 5 pence each" I said.
"Hard for you" he said as a ???? matron in front scooped up the last of the kidneys.
We grinned at each other miserably as the salmon was wrapped up for a weedy youth, who had evidently ????? that day. And now 2 hearts remained, and as we stood our ground the tail of the queue kicked the counter and melted away.
As the butcher handed the last but one heart to a lady who looked as though nothing in the world would poison her, my friend turned to me and said "I'm sorry old man, but I must have it".
"But it is poisonous" I said "You yourself said so"
"All I .....??? except the homely carrot" He said "And I am fed up with carrots. I am afraid it's no good you waiting"
I have asked myself since why I waited in that empty shop. I saw him seize his heart and go away with a shamefaced grin. Then the butcher turned to me and waved his knife round the empty shop.
"Is there any hope" I said "Must my children starve?".
He said "How did you know it was here? You must have a nose like a dog!" He pulled out from under the counter 4 of the prettiest loin chops my eyes ever beheld.
"I put these by for a customer" he said "And when she saw the salmon she had that instead".
"Thank heaven for the caprice of women" I said as I paid 3s 8d for the 4 chops.
I arrived home, weary but proud. I had my trophy on the table. "Aren't they beautiful" I said "Yes" said Janet, "How much" "What!!! 3 shillings and 8 pence for 4 chops. You must be mad!".
And I was. JS
02 Feb 1918 Gravesend Reporter
Food Shortages - Gravesend
"Fair Ration" writes to ask why if there is enough for the ration, that they have to queue from 8am for 2-3 hours. Very difficult for women with children or women doing their bit in munitions factories.
02 Feb 1918 Kent Messenger
Longfield Food Committee
Longfield to set up local food control committee, Rev E Smith chairman
08 Feb 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Food Shortages - Dartford
Rector of St Albans, Dartford, talks of the importance of agricultural labour in sermon. Food queues began about a year ago for potatoes, people in those queues probably looked down upon the women who planted or gathered potatoes. "As long as the new world supplied England with food, no-one cared whether it paid to grow food or not, and acres of ground went out of cultivation".
Food Shortages - Dartford
RFCC report enough meat for weekend to meet the 50% standard.
09 Feb 1918 Gravesend Reporter
Food Shortages - Gravesend
"An onlooker" writes that Gravesend Food Committee are not as good as they claim. His family of 3 has had 18 meatless days. He knows of dockworker and lady munitions workers who have not eaten meat for a fortnight. He's seen some shops with plenty of meat but his butcher is sold out by 9.30 am
15 Feb 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - M Webb (31) of Hartley Wood, manager of smallholding, said he cultivated 4a of fruit. Adjourned 1 month for medical examination. Told to go before agricultural board.
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - P Harris (42), C2, of St Margarets, formerly organ builder, now fruit, vegetable and poultry farmer. Conditional exemption.
Food Shortages - Dartford
Paper claims 50% of ration delivered to town. Those who said they were meatless at weekend bought some earlier in the week. It is right that rural customers should continue to buy in town, and they support the decision of the Dartford Food Committee to uphold this. Dartford's quota was based on supply last October, when it would have included the rural customers. "As the mother town and shopping centre of a large rural area, the town has for years had the benefit of trade from the neighbouring villages". Ration will be reduced to 1s 2d and 7d from 1s 4d / 8d to ensure supplies.
Food Shortages - Dartford
RFCC - 50% standard for margarine to be met this week. 200 to 300 men went home (from work?) because they objected to corned beef from caterers. Most issues seem to be in urban areas of Crayford, Swanscome and Slade Green
16 Feb 1918 Kent Messenger
Gravesend Yacht Club VAD Hospital
Longfield - entertainment at school raised £8.19s for Yacht Club VAD hospital
Longfield Village Society Founded
Longfield Village Society founded to be affiliated to Federation of Allotment Holders. President Rev E Smith, T C Allchin vice president, Mrs F Brooks secretary and treasurer.
Bungalows for Sale at Hartley
Small Owners Ltd have 2 bungalows for sale, with 4 or 9 acres of land
22 Feb 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Council Buy Land at Pinden
DRDC - purchase land in Pinden, Horton Kirby for road engines and other plant, councillor who objected to cost was overruled
23 Feb 1918 Kent Messenger
War Savings - Longfield
Longfield - considering setting up local war saving association, lantern slide talk on subject to be given. 9 requests for allotments at Longfield Hill
01 Mar 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Queues Caused by Lack of Deliveries Claim
Paper criticises Dartford butchers who won't deliver meat, forcing hundreds to stand in queues and disadvantaging rural customers who can't get there as early. False economy on labour. Notwithstanding the RFCC concerns it is better to have a number of tradesmen serving one street than many more queuing
Sugar for Jam Making
RFCC - told sugar will be available for private growers to make jam. Sutton baker applied for more petrol, as he had further to go to make deliveries. Committee member Mrs Golding said they should avoid overlapping areas. 4 houses in one street she knew served by different bakers. Tea shortage in Swanscombe, match shortage in Crayford.
02 Mar 1918 Kent Messenger
House to Let
To let 10 roomed house, 2 acres of gardens, £75 per annum - A Humphrey, Fairby Farm
Plots for sale at Hartley
For sale 1-5 acre plots good arable land, 6 acre cherry orchard - Small Owners Limited
08 Mar 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Wanted Female Health Visitor
DRDC - advert for female health visitor to advise mothers on proper nurture, care and management of young children. Salary £120.
Rationing Guide
Ration Guide for Householders - meat card has 4 coupons per week which must be used that week. Only 3 can be used for fresh meat at shop they have registered with. One 5d coupon will get e.g. 3oz of rump steak, 6½ oz brisket, 4oz beef suet, 5oz shoulder lamb/mutton. Non fresh meat coupon buys e.g. sausages (50% meat) 8oz, poultry w/o offal 8oz, tinned meat 2½oz, meat pies 2½oz. Coupons will also be needed for meat meals in restaurants. Margarine/butter is 4oz per week.
09 Mar 1918 Kent Messenger
Wanted Man for Market Garden
"Wanted man for market garden; some glass; cottage close work - apply A Humphrey c/o Small Owners Ltd, Fairby Farm, Longfield, Kent"
23 Mar 1918 Kent Messenger
Apology to Land Girl
Fanny Jenkins widow of Wilmington apologises and pays indemnity to land girl Victoria Coleman of Hawley. She was friendly with her employer Mr Moss? Dairy farmer and FJ had made allegations about the child being brought up by Miss Coleman's grandparents
Vegetables etc for Sale
"For sale seed - dwarf beans, purple sprouting broccoli, brussels sprouts; exchange wire stakes. R Weston, market gardener, Hartley Hill, near Longfield." [Hamilton, Church Road]
29 Mar 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Belgian fined for Keeping Pigeons
Donat Drissons, Belgian refugee, fined £25 or 3 months for keeping pigeons. Expert said no licence to keep pigeons ever granted to an alien. Apparently they can be sold to anyone though
30 Mar 1918 Kent Messenger
Women's Land Army
Successful women's land army recruitment day at Gravesend
01 Apr 1918 Dixmude en omstreken
Belgian Refugees at Hartley
Death of refugee Leonie Ketele at Hartley
05 Apr 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Pro Publico Bono
Editorial "Pro publico bone" supportive of farmers - vital industry, not profiteers as their costs have risen due to wage competition from munition works.
12 Apr 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Fined for Feeding Bread to Horse
Belvedere man fined 20/- for giving bread to horse
19 Apr 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Rationing - Heavy Workers
RFCC - concern over issue of heavy worker forms by some factories to get extra ration. One member said it was 'bunkum' everyone claimed to be heavy workers. Committee told by Food Controller that only those who grew fruit could have sugar for jam, not those who buy it.
20 Apr 1918 Kent Messenger
Obituary of Donald Baker of Longfield
Longfield - obituary of Donald Baker (16) of Fern Lodge
26 Apr 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Supplementing their ration
"John Tidy (16) and Edward Tidy of Ash bound over for 12 months for stealing duck from George Orpin of Ash. Father said he has to work 6 am to 6 pm and has lost control of them.
27 Apr 1918 Kent Messenger
War Casualties - Longfield
Longfield - death of 2nd Lt Douglas Roy Dilworth-Harrison (34) killed in action between 27/3 and 7/4
03 May 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English 28, A grade, given 3 months exemption
Appeals against Conscription - Longfield
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - "To serve". Fortunatus Lynds, 24, B1 of Essex Road, Longfield, married. Application dismissed.
Rationing - Transfer Applications
RFCC - large number of applications to transfer trade due to incivility by shopkeeper, all granted. Committee recognised difficulty of small shops getting supplies from wholesalers
04 May 1918 Kent Messenger
Longfield News
Longfield - attempt to start pig club; Longfield girls in Southfleet girl guide concert raising over £14 for wounded.
11 May 1918 Kent Messenger
Conscientious Objectors - Quakers
Roderick Clark and Robert Mannell, quakers, accused again of refusing army orders, 6 months after release for similar offence at Gravesend
18 May 1918 Kent Messenger
Properties for Sale by Small Owners
"Small Owners Ltd have several cottage and bungalows with 4 acres of land upwards, also fruit land and arable land, for sale on their Hartley estate, 1½ miles from Fawkham Station. Full particulars, apply Empire House, 175 Piccadilly W"
24 May 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - P C Elphick of Annlea, Engineering Clerk, has been to Woolwich for medical exam, deferred until July 10th.
25 May 1918 Kent Messenger
War Casualties - Longfield
Casualty list - killed Pte 735 Royal West Kent P Pankhurst MM (Longfield); wounded Pte 125027 London Regt JT Bennett (Longfield)
31 May 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Conscription extended to 45-48 Year Olds
Men of 47 and 48 to be called up, those of 45 and 46 called up 2 weeks ago.
Pacifism at Dartford
Letter re Dartford Cooperative meeting - motion to support committee's stand in rescinding the decision to ban "pacifist" ILP from using Coop hall. Committee said hall cost £1,000 and they were worried about damage as they had received threats of trouble if the meeting went ahead. Motion lost 10-17. Writer thinks ILP want to take over Cooperative movement which he thinks should not be politicised
08 Jun 1918 Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Club
Longfield Village Club - Miss Capper volunteers to register local garden crops with Kent War Agriculture Cttee. Pig and rabbit clubs going well.
War Casualties - Longfield
Casualty list - wounded - Gunner 147580 FJ Smith, Royal Garrison Artillery (Longfield)
15 Jun 1918 Kent Messenger
Gravesend By Election
Gravesend Parliamentary bye-election - Richardson (official coalition) 1,312; Davis (Ind Coalition) 1,106; Hinkley (Independent Labour) 562. Winner new to Gravesend, Davis said Hinkley split anti-coalition vote
22 Jun 1918 Kent Messenger
War Casualties - Longfield
Casualty list - missing - Pte 1935 Royal West Kent H Jenkins (Longfield) in March offensive by Germans
War Casualties - Longfield
Longfield - reports that Charles Saxton has been wounded and Roland Pankhurst has died of wounds
26 Jun 1918 Dartford Chronicle
General Election
Sir A W Smithers adopted as Conservative candidate for Chislehurst. Born 1850, educated Lewisham Grammar. He is a stockbroker, involved recently in financial dealings between the UK and US. Lives Knockholt, claims to have been instrumental in getting water laid on there.
Archbishop at Dartford
Archbishop preaches at Dartford as part of Dartford - Erith "Crusade". Chairs meeting discusing how to prevent future wars.
29 Jun 1918 Kent Messenger
Mr and Mrs Mills of Hodsoll Street, Diamond Wedding
Ash - diamond wedding of Mr and Mrs John Hills of Hodsoll Street. Mr Hills is 84 and still walks 3 miles to work every day. He has lived all his life in Ash
05 Jul 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Conscientious Objectors - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - W Bradford (44), fruit grower, applied as conscientious objector. 6½ acres to farm, did insurance work in spare time, widower with 4 children under 8. Refused non-combatant work. 1 month's exemption. George Holloway 47 Johns Cottages, Longfield, plasterer at EC Powder works applied for by Mr Lynds - 6 month's exemption.
06 Jul 1918 Kent Messenger
Grammar School Scholarship - Ash
Ash - Claude Costen (10) of Ash CofE school wins scholarship to Maidstone Grammar
Weddings at Longfield
Longfield - marriages of William Thomas Goodwin RN to Miss Florence Mary Vigor; and Edward Thomas Allen RAF to Dora Lavinia Langford of Longfield Hill
Wanted - Cook at June Hill
Wanted cook general, wages £26 - Mrs Bourdillon, June Hill [Aldingham]
09 Jul 1918 South Eastern Gazette
East Farleigh Inquest
Inquest on Stephen Boorman of East Farleigh, body identified by brother John Boorman of Hartley Court Cottages
12 Jul 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Women in the Workforce
Ministry of Labour Dartford Advisory Committee - "despite the enormous call upon women labour, the supply does not yet appear to appraoch the point of exhaustion" Land Army, QMAAC and WRAF is proceeding satisfactorily but large numbers required as domestics and clerks for QMAAC.
13 Jul 1918 Kent Messenger
War Casualties - Longfield
Picture of Pte H Marchant of Longfield of Wiltshire Regiment, killed in action on 10 April aged 19, had only been in France for 8 days.
War Savings - Fawkham
Fawkham - war weapons week. Buy war savings at Fawkham Green War Savings Association War Savings Week 13 - 20 July
19 Jul 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Fined for Bringing Matches to Explosives Factory
Frederick Baker of Longfield and Henry Bennett fined £3 each for bringing matches into explosive factory. Firm sorry to bring charges but it is extreme danger. Notices on each shed and gate
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - PC Elphick, Annlea, grade 4, discharged from Army Service. Harry W Ellis 46 Holly Buch Cotttages, Longfield Hill, employed at EC Works, case adjourned.
26 Jul 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Cleared of Spreading Dissension
Dartford Magistrates dismiss case against Coll McDonald under DORA of spreading disaffection, after accuser found to have a grudge against him. Alleged to have said Germans had more right, and that Britain and France would have invaded Belgium if the Germans hadn't etc.
Volunteers for Agriculture
Kent War Agricultural Committee says volunteer men are available
27 Jul 1918 Kent Messenger
War Savings - Meopham
Meopham war savings week involves Meopham, Fawkham, Luddesdown, Cobham, Trosley. Has raised at least £6,000. Ash holding one on 20-27 July
WOSCO
"WOSCO soling material is cheaper than leather and wears longer. Men's sample 7s 6d for two pairs. Women's sample 3s 9d for two pairs - F Lynds, Essex Road, Longfield." [I can't find anyone else selling this, so I don't know what WOSCO was]
30 Jul 1918 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Alleged Bigamy at Gravesend
(Gravesend Magistrates) "Three young people were chiefly concerned in a case … when Henry Benjamin Allen, a railway employee, 36 of Burnaby Road, Rosherville, was charged with committing bigamy.
Gertrude Dorothy Winifred Allen, 2 Station Road, Longfield, deposed that prisoner was her husband, whom she married on Sept 1st, 1915 at Dartford Registry Office. After their marriage, they went first to live at 40 Havelock Road, Gravesend, prisoner mother's home. As a wife she had not had a home of her own. She left him a year and 11 months ago. During that period she had frequently seen her husband and spoken to him. There was one child of the marriage. Cross examined by accused: they first lived at Longfield. Mrs S E Hever, 2 Station Road, Longfield, mother of the last witness deposed that she was present at Dartford Registry office when her daughter was married to Allen.
Sofia Eva Winder, widow of 36 Burnaby Road, Rosherville, stated that she had known the accused for 18 months. ON Nov 8th, 1917 she went through a form of marriage with him at St George's Church, Gravesend. She believed him at the time to be a single man, and he was so described in the certificate. There was one child of the marriage, three weeks old. Mr E Catt, verger at St George's Church, testified to being a witness of the form of marriage between the last witness and the prisoner.
Detective Mercer deposed that at 10.30am on Saturday he went to the goods yard at the West Street Station, Gravesend, where he saw the prisoner and told him he had a warrant for his arrest on a charge of bigamy. He took him to the police station, where in answer to the charge, prisoner said 'that's right' Asked if he had anything he wished ot say, prisoner remarked that he took 2 rooms in Bath Street. The Clerk (Mr Mumford): I think you had better reserve that for your trial. Prisoner: She said we had no home of our own, but we took 2 rooms, for which I paid 8s 6d a week. Alderman Enfield: But did you have any furniture at all in the rooms? Prisoner: no sir. Alderman Enfield: Then I think the woman was quite right to say that she did not have a home of her own.
Prisoner was committed for trial at the Kent Assizes, bail being allowed, the sureties being himself and his father in £25 each."
[He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 6 months without hard labour at the Kent Auumn Assizes (South Eastern Gazette 26.11.1918). He subsequently married Sophie Winder at Gravesend in 1921]
03 Aug 1918 Kent Messenger
War Savings - Meopham
Meopham War Weapons Week - Fawkham raises £12.8.0, Kingsdown £300, Moepham £1,570. Total £5,808. Ash results awaited.
Scouting
3rd annual Gravesend District Scout Sports Day at Rosherville Gardens. 420 Scouts and Cubs attended as well as a small contingent of Girl Guides and Camp Fire Girls. List of troops and their scoutmasters - Gravesend (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th*, 5th, 7th*, 8th*, 9th), Dartford (3rd*, 5th*), Sutton at Hone*, Darenth*, 3rd Northfleet, Wilmington, Hartley (SM Debenham), Stansfield*, Southfleet (SM Burrows). Starred troops had scouts and cubs, others were scouts only. List of winners did not include any scouts from Hartley.
07 Aug 1918 Kent Messenger
Fruit Wanted
Plums, apples, damsons, marrows, rhubarb and blackberries - Allen's Confectionery Co Ltd, Fairby Farm, Hartley, Longfield, Kent are buyers of same in large or small quantities, delivered at Fawkham Station, or at their jam factory at the above address.
09 Aug 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Rochester Clergy and the War
Rochester Clergy 350 of whom 148 are under 51. Of these 27 didn't volunteer, 8 working for government, 1 invalided from army, 16 army chaplains, 3 combatants, 2 hut work, 2 special work in munitions, 73 allowed to remain in parishes and 6 doing additional work in parishes, 4 cases undecided, 5 have left for other dioceses
10 Aug 1918 Kent Messenger
Cornelius - Stoneham Wedding
Marriage of Miss Mary Cornelius of Middleton's Farm, to Pte E Stoneham of Southfleet at Longfield Parish Church. Details
Longfield Village Fete
Longfield Village Fete in Rectory Meadow. RAMC Band from Darenth, Maypole Dances by Southfleet Guides, Tug of War, Baby Show, successful and riased money for wounded soldiers and sailors.
Groom v Lawrence, damage to House
"Gravesend County Court: Rose Ellen Groom of Snodland, sued Alfred Ernest Lawrence of Hartley Court, Longfield, for £3 15s 3d damage to a dwelling house, known as Sunrise, Istead Rise. Plaintiff's husband conducted her case, and Mr Clinch appeared for the defendant.
Plaintiff's case was that when defendant took the house there were certain fixtures, and as defendant did not like them, he removed them for his own. Now defendant had left the house plaintiff's fixtures had also gone. There was also a broken fence. There was an agreement but unfortunately witness tore it up.
Mr Clinch said defendant was a munition worker at the Arsenal and was unable to be present. He understood the tenancy was subject to reasonable wear and tear, but what damage had been done by the new tenant he did not know.
His honour gave judgement for 2 guineas and costs on that amount."
17 Aug 1918 Kent Messenger
Longfield Man POW
Longfield - H Jenkins is a POW in Germany
Fairby Jam Factory
Allens Confectionery Company, Fairby Farm, wants plums, apples, damsons for jam making
22 Aug 1918 British Bee Journal
Wanted Book on Bee Keeping
Wanted Roots 'Bee Culture' - Denys Millwood, Fairby
22 Aug 1918 Patriot Harrisberg
Longfield Race Horse
World record for horse mile said to be 1 min 33.2 sec by 4 year old horse Colman at Longfield in 1900. [Not sure if Kent Longfield is meant here]
28 Aug 1918 Kent Messenger
Scouting
"Boy Scouts Sports and Rally: The postponed sports coupled with displays and a grand rally of the scouts of Central North Kent, were held at Hesketh Park, Dartford, on Saturday…" List of troops attending included Hartley Scouts under Acting Scoutmaster Wildy. About 380 present. In the sports, Scout Bance of Hartley won 2nd prize in the obstacle race. District Scoutmaster A Tutton is promoted to district commissioner. He and others "were the pioneers of scouting in the district over 10 years ago, and were instrumental in forming the Central North Kent Association." Because this association has become too large it is being split into Dartford and Gravesend District Associations.
30 Aug 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Anti-Pacifist Letter
"A working man" writes to criticise Labour for nominating a pacifist for parliament. Calls for protectionism and help for wounded "Our wounded soldiers and sailors are an abiding evidence of the price we are paying for the protection of hearth and home..."
06 Sep 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Women's Day Parade
Women's Day Parade in Dartford (photocopy)
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Rev Stanley Morgan criticises army medical exams that have swept unfit men into the army over last 3 years. Wm P Mansfield (41) Woodview Cottage, H Green dismissed from Woolwich Arsenal as being unfit, grade 3, not doing agricultural work. Given 6 months exemption.
07 Sep 1918 Kent Messenger
Female Farm Workers
800-900 women threshers in Kent, manning 200 machines
Longfield Village Club
Longfield Village Club decided to keep feeding pigs and rabbits for a month before considering killing them
Longfield Schools Close for Hop Picking
Usual closure of Longfield schools for hop picking holiday
War Savings - Ash
Ash and Ridley War Savings Association has now raised £378,0.3 from Ash and £50.7.6 from Ridley. 23 new members
Fairby Jam Factory
Fruit wanted for jam factory (see article)
13 Sep 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Auction of Livestock at Fawkham
Court Lodge Farm, Fawkham - sale of livestock
Discharged Servicemen
National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers meeting at meadow off Bullace Lane, Dartford. The photocopy I have is very poor. It is a long description of the meeting. The main speakers were Mrs Nora Dacre Fox, who railed against what she claimed were German influences in the government, and local politician Rev Stanley Morgan, who called for proper pensions now as he said the public's gratitude would be short lived. He was against women being on servicemen's pensions committee. He said "there was no such thing as equality of the sexes and it was nonsense to talk of it."
Rev Morgan's attitude to women in authority is surprising, since he was a Labour supporter, and the party supported female suffrage. He was also sharing a platform with Mrs Dacre Fox, who was a leading member of the sufragettes. However by the 1930s she had joined the Conservative party, only to leave and join Oswald Moseley's fascists. Like many fascists she was interned in the war. The NFDSS joined with other ex-servicemen to form the British Legion in 1921, it is suggested there was a concern to bring left leaning organisations such as them under the establishment.
18 Sep 1918 Burlington Gazette, Iowa
US Wounded Arrive at Longfield Station
Picture and report of US wounded arriving at Longfield Station
24 Sep 1918 Weekly Casualty List
J Rich Wounded
L/Cpl J Rich of Hartley, 129624 Machine Gun Corps, wounded
27 Sep 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Lyndhurst, Longfield for Sale
Longfield, Kent. 4 minute walk from Fawkham Station on the main SE & C line, 23 miles from London. Mr Philip Champion has received instructions to sell by actuion at the Bull Hotel Dartford, on Tuesday 1st October 1918, at 4pm the charming and comfortable brick built and slated freehold detached residence situate as above and known as Lyndhurst [16 Hartley Road] Standing nicely back and pleasantly screeend from teh Green Street Green to Hartley Road, containing 2 reception rooms, study, conservatory, 6 bedrooms, dressing room, bathroom and a complete range of domestic offices. The front and back gardens are well planted an kept, and contain heated greenhouse, large store room, workshop and 2 rain water reservoirs. Company's water is laid on. The whole property is in excellent repair and will be sold with vacant possession.
Paper Shortage
Restrictions on the import of wood pulp in favour of food has created serious paper shortage. Chronicle will pay 1s 5d per 14lb of waste paper brought to their offices
04 Oct 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Coal Shortage
Coal controller says village squire or vicar can hold a reserve supply of coal for distribution if usual supplies fail
05 Oct 1918 Kent Messenger
Accident in Longfield
Albert Marchant (14) of Essex Road, Longfield, fell from hay cart and broke arm. Taken to Gravesend Hospital.
11 Oct 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Trading Standards - Sutton at Hone
Police court - Sutton farmer fined £2 for milk 11% short in fat. Dartford shopkeeper fined £15 for selling extra food without coupons
12 Oct 1918 Kent Messenger
Longfield War Shrine
On Sunday war shrine dedicated, fixed to front wall of school. Made of oak by R W Gilham to design of Miss Crook, head teacher of Church Schools, with funds raised in village and parish. Crucifix in centre, adorned with brass flower vases and with Biblical texts "Greater love hath no man than this" and "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord", Roll of honour. Details of service and attendees.
18 Oct 1918 Dartford Chronicle
POW Farm Workers
Horton Kirby farmer complains that his 10 Germany POW workers were suddenly withdrawn even though still required. Told all were sent home "to roost" on 1 October, apparently because of poor quality lodgings.
24 Oct 1918 The Tribunal
Fairby Grange
"On October 12 & 13 by the kind invitation of Dr and Mrs Salter, the National Committee met at Fairby Grange, the house opened by Dr Salter for the reception of conscientious objectors who are discharged from prison broken in health and in need of rest and special treatment. The members of the National Committee and the NCF staff had a much appreciated opportunity of seeing the splendid work which is being done by Dr Salter, ably seconded by a very willing and efficient staff or workers. The house is old and extremely picturesque, and the grounds, which are very beautiful and exceptionally well laid out, are admirably suited for internsive market gardening, and agricultural work on a small scale. Already a very great deal has been accomplished; theose of the resident COs who are strong are working with great enthusiasm, looking after goats, rabbits, poultry, bees, a cow and horse, felling timber, putting up sheds and outhouses, growing and preparing for the market all kinds of fruit and vegetable, collecting and sendng the produce up to town. Dr Salter will be able to accommodate at least 30 convalescent men, in addition to the working staff......." [for more details on the Tribunal publication see The Tribunal Website]
25 Oct 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Philip Pankhurst of Fawkham, MM
Private Arthur Philip Pankhurst of Fawkham Green awarded military medal (picture)
29 Oct 1918 South Eastern Gazette
Sale of Potatoes at Wellfield
"Mr Philip Champion has received instructions from the Kent War Agricultural Committee to sell by auction on the ground at Payne Trapps Building Estate, Hartley, on Wedneday 30th October 1918, at 10 o'clock am precisely, the crop of growing potatoes, as follows:
Lot 1 - about 2 acres President (grown from Scotch seed)
Lot 2 - about 1 acre Lochar (seed one year from Scotland)
Lot 3 - about 3½ acres King Edward VII (ditto)
Lot 4 - about 4 acres Arran Chief (Scotch seed)
The above lots will be sold with the pemission of the Ministry of Food, subject to the Forward Contract No 2,659, dated 10th May 1918. Under the above contract all the Ware potatoes dressed over 1 5/8 in riddle will be taken by the Ministry at a minimum price of £6 per ton or at the controlled price whichever is the higher.
Lot 5 - about 1½ acres King George and King Edward VII, not subject to the above regulations....
[The uncultivated land at the Payne and Trapps estate in the Wellfield area was requisitioned by the War Agriculture Committee.]
01 Nov 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Influenza Epidemic
Flu epidemic, DRDC has already closed 20 of 27 schools and now orders all closed until 18/11
Appeals against Conscription - Hartley
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (28), grade A, corn merchant - 6 months' exemption
Influenza Epidemic
Flu - all DRDC schools closed until 18 November (largely same as KM 2&9 Nov)
02 Nov 1918 Kent Messenger
Jurors' Lists
Longfield - complaint by resident that they had to travel 1 mile to see juror's list and no details of how to object as to inclusion
Influenza Epidemic
Flu - DRDC has closed 20 of 27 schools and remainder to be closed now. Gravesend BC closed schools for 3 weeks, asked cinemas not to admit under 14s. Swanscombe - 6 deaths (3 children, 3 adults) and 4 others down with flu. Greenhithe - 1 death (child) with sibling very ill too. Doctors greatly overworked, many severe cases especially among children
Wounded Servicemen Fundraising
Accounts of Longfield Wounded Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund: has raised £115 1s 5d including donations from Hartley, Fawkham, Southfleet Guides, Entertainments at Longfield and Southfleet.
09 Nov 1918 Kent Messenger
Arthur Munday Memorial Service
Longfield - memorial service for Arthur Munday, died in hospital from gas poisoning
Influenza Epidemic
Flu - all DRDC schools closed until 18 November. Greenhithe - 2 more deaths and many cases
Longfield PC v Wright
Longfield PC v Walter Wright, 3 day case in Chancery Division of High Court as to whether council had really sacked him. He was appointed in 1913. By 1917 council split on issue of stone quarrying on allotments. At meeting held on 5.4.17 with George Thomas Lynds in chair and only 2 others present, they voted to sack Mr Wright. In court Wright's barrister reminded them Lynds had been involved in scandal of underassessing properties that led to Mr Robson, Wright's predecessor being sacked and the assessment on one of Lynds's properties being increased from £3.15s to £18.
Mr Wright said he had often agendered items to try and recover the back taxes owed by Mr Lynds. Judge said sacking of Mr Wright at meeting of 5.4.17 was invalid because it wasn't on the agenda, but later resolution to appoint Mr Judge impliedly sacked Mr Wright was valid. In view of "somewhat unfair" treatment of Mr Wright he said LPC should pay their own costs. He commented "The people there seemed to have occupied themselves during the period of the war with a considerable amount of civil war among themselves". Mr Wright said he was a nurseryman and estate agent at Longfield before war, and is now a clerk at Vickers Works, Crayford
Wanted Goats
Wanted nanny goats in milk - Webb, Fairby
11 Nov 1918 Kent Messenger
Influenza Epidemic
Flu - Greenhithe 9 flu deaths in last week (3 children, 3 aged 18-20, 3 adults)
16 Nov 1918 Kent Messenger
End of the War
News of peace reached KM offices at Gravesend at 11am on Monday. Local streets thronged with crowds, sounds of hooting from factories and ships. "Just as though someone had pressed an electric button, flags and streamers appeared everywhere". Continued into the night with fireworks and burning of the kaiser's effigy. "Then to bed with no fear of an air raid. What a relief!"
Influenza Epidemic
Dartford medical officer says flu is abating but has probably claimed over 100 lives
22 Nov 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Ancient Rhyme
Paper quotes 'ancient rhyme' - "Sutton for mutton, Kirby for beef, Dartford for a pretty girl, Farningham for a thief"
End of the War
Peace Sunday (17th). Thanksgiving in churches, procession in town
30 Nov 1918 Kent Messenger
Longfield Concert for the Wounded
Longfield holds concert for wounded of village. Raised £14, bringing total to £100
06 Dec 1918 Dartford Chronicle
E H Haygreen Missing
E H Haygreen (pictured with wife) reported missing
07 Dec 1918 Kent Messenger
St Joseph's High School, Hartley
"St Josephs Hartley, Longfield, High School for Young Ladies, Boarding School for Gentlemen's Sons, 4 to 10 years. Oxford locals, Music, French. Apply Principal"
21 Dec 1918 Kent Messenger
Concerns about Starvation in Germany
Dartford Guardians pass resolution to put the kaiser on trial. 3 opposed including Mrs Ling who spoke of terrible conditions in Germany and starving children there.
27 Dec 1918 Dartford Chronicle
Longfield PC v Dartford RDC
Longfield PC v Dartford RDC (Chancery Division) report of case. PC objects to injuction saying their use of allotments for quarry is ultra vires, and to stop works and remove traction engines.
In an Air Raid at Dartford
By 'Gavel Kind' "I saw my first Zeppelins at Dartford on the night of October 13th 1915. The first intimation I had of a visit to my neighbourhood from the air was when all the lights at the railway station wre extinguished. As trains came in their lights were put out and they left the station with their compartments in dartkness. // A crowed collected on the platform, joking light heartedly at the predicament. An old lady with grey hair querulously asked why the lights wre out, and an inspector suggested 'so that the Germans don't see us, I expect'. Girls giggled as they moved along the platform. Men struck matches to find their way about, and one ireverently joked 'Give us light, we beseech Thee, O Lord'. An old gentleman carefully picked his way among the crowd with the aid of an electric torch. There was no confusion. The usual British phlegm, tinged wtih humerous sarcasm was paramount. A girl behind me said 'I don't mind the other lights being out, but I don't think it is right to have the lights in the train out'. Her notions of propriety were outraged, and they ocvercame her realisation of the danger to lighted trains while Zeppelins were overhead.
The train I awaited was announced and I entered a carriage. A seafaring man stumbled in after me, cursing the idiots who had put the station in darkness. What fear had he of Zeppelins! A day or two before, he had perhaps sailed the high seas and laughteed at the German 'frightfulness' of the oceans, the U Boat. A man's head appeared at the open window of the carriage and he began asking about he destination of the train. My seafaring companion answered him, then suddenly burst out with a volloey of oaths, threatening his questioner if he did not go away. #He was putting his hands across my clothes,' explained the saillor to me.
Just before the train started, four girls, some of the many who wwere travelling by the train to start night work at Vickers' Erith Works, entered the carriage followed by two youths. Under cover of the darkness a lively repartee commenced. But when the train reached a cutting a few hundred yards out ot the station, it stopped, the chatter however, went on.
The train waited a quarter, a half, three-quarters, a whole hour. It was tiresome waiting. Choruses swelled out from other coaches, and girl's and men's voices sounded in laughter and coarse joking. No-one had serious thoughts, or thoughts of danger; only irritation at the train's standstill.
Another hour passed slowly by. The monotony of waiting, and the energy used in singing had dulled the excitement in the breasts of most of the passengers. the carriages became stuffy, people's heads ached and they wanted to go to sleep. If they looked out of the window they could only see the banks of the cutting, and above, the bright stars glittering in the night.
It was now about midnight. The whirring of an aeroplan engine had been heard before, but now I heard a louder, heavier noise. It was, I anticipated, from a Zeppelin engine. A little later I heard two dull booms. Those I imagined were the bursting of bombs. Carriage doors were opening, and men were getting onto the line. Two men had climbed the steep banks of the cutting and were talking eagerly together and pointing to the sky. I climbed down from my carriage and joined them trembling with cold and with excitement. I had to be instructed by my companion before I could discern the monsters of the air.
My position on the high cliff commanded a complete view of the drama that was about to take place. The River Thames lay in front, with about two miles of marsh land between, the same flat country stretching away on my left, searchlights stabbged the sky with beams of light which concentrated at three different points; two close together, directly opposite, over Essex and one over London. As my eyes followed the course of the beams and searched in the light at their junction, I saw the Zeppelins, one at each of the three points.
The gas bags showed up a slivery white in the diffused light that clung around them. They were all a long way off and terribly high. They were but elongated specks of white in the sky, like stars that had been smeared over, and thus deprived of their brilliancy.
A rocket soared and burst into a bright white light; the searchlights hung dog like about the airships and then the anti-aircraft guns barked out. the curtain of black sky that hung before me was then sprinkled with the momentary flashes of the bursting high explosive shells. Just as there were many searchlights, so there wre many guns firing from all directions. The bombardment of the sky went on, and it could be seen the Zeppelins were hurrying eastward at a great height.
I saw two brick red flashes rise up from the horizon, and heard the dull booms which betokened the dropping of bombs.
The two Zeppelins over Essex were soon lost to the searchlights, but that over London was kept observed for a longer period. It seemed to be coming towards Dartford, but it turned in a more northerly direction in the wake of the others. As I watched, a tense excitement gtripped me, and I prayed that a shell would burst against the white cae and cause it to explode before my eyes. But the monster bore a charmed life. It turned, and with increased speed, fled away into the darkness of the night. In a little while the guns were silenced, the searchlights covered, and the raid had ended.
I climed down the steep bank, slipping on the dewy grass and stumbling over the signal wires by the side of the track, and climbed into a carriage. It was not the one I had left, but was filled with terrified girls, I hastily retreated and found a seat in another carriage, occupied by a National Reservist, who wondered what his 'old man' would say when he arrived three hours over leave at Erith. The train continued its interrupted journey, having stopped in the outing in darkness for almost 4 hours.
The newpapers announced next morning that 56 people had been killed and 114 injured as a result of the raild."