1912-1913
1918-1919
ARMISTICE SCENE ON THE CORNHILL, IPSWICH.
SUFFOLK CHRONICLE AND MERCURY, Friday, November 15th, 1918.
The scenes in Ipswich were unprecedented. Shortly after the news was received practically all business ceased and crowds ever increasing, thronged 
the streets, singing, waving flags, discharging fireworks, and generally letting their long pent-up feelings loose. At noon the Cornhill was packed from end to end when the Mayor (Mr. E.C. ), in full state, accompanied by members of the Corporation and other public bodies in the town, appeared to officially announce the joyful news. The scene and the magnificent sound of the National Anthem, which followed will be remembered for a long time by those who were present.
An artist impression of the town hall steps with the Mayor and council members.
Towards dusk the relaxing of the lighting restrictions was taken advantage of as fully as was possible, and the street scenes became even more boisterous. But whilst these scenes were being enacted in the streets, in many of the churches and chapels large congregations assembled to return their thanks for the many blessings which had been vouchsafed during the terrible time now happily past. At Mary-le-Tower Church the Mayor attended with members of the Corporation, and the Bishop of the Diocese delivered an earnest and appropriate address. Arrangements had been made for a joint parade of the Volunteer units in the town, but at the last minutes this was vetoed, and the crowd had to be content with listening to the strains of the Volunteer Band, bravely trying to make itself heard above the continuous cheering and discharge of fireworks. On a minor scale the rejoicings were continued on Tuesday, but the crowds were by no means so large.
1919
IPSWICH FIGHTERS’ WELCOME
10,000 TAKE TEA IN THE PARK
S.C. & M. Newspaper 22nd August 1919
Five years ago Ipswich, the centre of a large recruiting area for the county of Suffolk, was bidding farewell daily to large parties of recruits who had answered the country’s call, and were going to military stations to undergo training. On Saturday the town welcomed back and entertained many of these men, and all others who have been connected with the Forces and belong to the borough – in round numbers some 5,000 with their wives and mothers – in all about 10,000.
Of enthusiasm there was plenty on both occasions, but it was of a different order. The Englishman loves adventure or sport; although not quarrelsome, he dearly enjoys “a scrap,” and the prospect of this, allied to his patriotic emotions, transformed him half a decade ago into one of the exuberantly bravest men imaginable. But on Saturday he was transformed again. There was the enthusiasm, but the kitten had grown into a cat, and it was not of the boisterous type. These man had become veterans in war experience, which has left its mark upon them, but they enjoyed with quiet satisfaction the cordial appreciation of the townspeople of the services they had performed.
Of course there were some who were not satisfied with the day’s arrangements for their entertainment, but a certain amount of “grousing” was unavoidable with so huge a throng, for is it not an Englishman’s privilege to grouse? Before this last war it was a common remark that “old soldiers and grumbling” were inseparable, and we know a law of that ilk; perhaps the complaint has spread to the new Army? But whatever the cause we fail to see what other arrangements could have been made.
It should be remembered that we live in a socialistic age – it was only right that the public should contribute and the public allowed to be onlookers, which seem to be the two principal points to which objection was taken. But these feelings did not actuate the great majority, and the day’s proceedings were an unqualified success, which cannot be too markedly emphasised. There was a fair amount of bunting displayed in response to the Mayor’s request, but Ipswich is invariably backward in this respect.
Shortly after two o’clock the streets were thronged with pedestrians, the men proceeding to the Portman Road ground to take part in the procession of ex-service men through the principal streets to Christchurch Park, and others taking up favourable positions to watch it. All were in a state of happy expectancy, for on the one hand it was a matter of pride to be qualified to take part in such a procession, and on the other the sight of thousands of one’s townsmen who had risked their lives to defend their country marching with victorious men and elastic step causes thrills of enjoyment that one only now and again feels in a course of a lifetime. The Clerk of the Weather gave his full approval to all the arrangements, for he allowed King Sol to benignantly smile when warmth and brightness were wanted and to conveniently hide himself behind clouds when the effects of a nice day was wished for by the crowded populace.
Portman Road ground – itself eloquent of the devastation of war – was marked out with sign-boards upon which were the names of the units to which the men belonged. Here they fell in in fours, and the leading man on moving off carried the sign-board with him. The time marshal was Major Stuart, the secretary for the Suffolk Territorial Association, and his duties were comparatively light, as the muster for the procession was not so large as was expected many of the men proceeding straight from their homes to the park.
There were six bands, who marched in the following order:- The Royal Marine band from Shotley, the Scouts Bugle Band from the Pottery Street Working Boys’ Club, the Comrades of the Great War Band, the Scouts’ Drum and Fife Band, the Salvation Army band and the R.A.M.C. Bugle band. The leading man of the Navy continent was a big specimen of Jolly Jack, and a little training ship boy in uniform, but everyone else, except the bandsmen, were in multi, and naturally there was not that colour which uniforms provide. Headed by two mounted policemen, and Brigadier-General S. Massy Lloyd, C.B.E., late of the Suffolk Regiment, and Lieut.-Col. F.W. Turner, of 4th Suffolk fame, the procession moved off punctually at three o’clock.
The Cornhill was thronged with sightseers and the interval of waiting was relived by selections by the band of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Suffolk Regiment. A large space was kept clear in front of the Town Hall steps by the civil and military police, and just as the head of the procession was signalled the Mayor (Mr. E.C.Ransome) in his robes of office, together with the Mayoress and the Deputy Mayor (Mr. H.D.Phillips), accompanied by Brigadier-General F.W. Towsey, C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O., appeared on the steps of the Town Hall.
The Mayoress, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor proceeded to the foot of the Memorial to the Suffolk men who fell during the South African war, and deposited a big wreath surmounted by the colours of the Suffolk Regiment. She returned to the Town Hall amid low murmurs of applause.
These quickly changed to hearty cheers when a procession of twelve decorated cars containing disabled soldiers and sailors came into view and passed slowly before the Mayor and General Towsey, the men raising their hats and the latter saluting.
Behind the cars came the foot procession, and the men had a splendid reception, the scene being of a most stirring description. Each unit came in for applause, but the special exception was reserved for the sorely-tried 4th Suffolks – a battalion peculiarly Ipswich’s own. The men marched well, and the spectators in the streets thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. It should be added that those in the public services who did not join the forces kindly relieved those who did so they could take part.
At the Park there was a wonderful scene of moving humanity, yet so big is this pleasant space of greensward, with it’s decorative and shade-giving trees that many thousands more would have to be present to call it crowded. Just the right number was there to allow of everything being carried out without undue crowding, thanks also in a great measure to the splendid organisation which has been put into the event.
There was just two rushes for a moment or two which overwhelmed the officials, and this is excusable under the circumstances. Each guest was provided with a pint of beer or mineral water and one ounce of tobacco or ten cigarettes or a bar of chocolate in eight divisions. To put it another way, a guest could have a drink and a smoke or a drink and a chocolate. To get the necessary tickets they had to change their original tickets at a large tent and it was the first minute or two of commencing business that this tent and the tobacco depot had more than they could cope with. But everything soon settled down, and for the remainder of the day, to use a market report phrase, “trade was steady,” and the last hour or so there was little or nothing to do. The procession marched under a triumphal arch with the word “Welcome” to a platform, where they were addressed by the Mayor and General Towsey. They then dispersed to the sports ring, which was surrounded four or five deep, or to Barker and Thurston’s large pleasure fair, which provided first-class sport. In the evening there was a concert from a platform in the hollow; dancing in which hundreds took part, on the bowling green, and a grand display of fireworks by Mr. H.B. Sullings, the set pieces being the King and Queen, the Mayor, and “Welcome heroes all.” The seven bands discoursed pleasant music throughout the afternoon and evening.
TEN THOUSAND TAKE TEA
At the first glance to provide a sit-down meal for – to give the precise figures – 5,200 men, 5,300 women, and about 400 helpers (including 150 stewards, the majority of whom served as special constables during the war, bandsmen, etc.), seemed too big an undertaking, but it was embarked upon and carried through most successfully, great credit for which is due to everyone concerned. Moreover, the most important individuals interested – the guests – were thoroughly pleased not only with the quality and quantity of the provisions provided, but the comfort in which this meal was partaken. The tea was served in six large marquees, erected close to each other, which provided a total seating capacity of 3,010. Each tent was required to serve four parties. The first tea started at four o’clock, and the last at 6.30, which gave each party ample time to get their tea. Entrance to each tent was through an enclosure at one end, the exit at the other, opposite which were the two control tents, or supply stores, and the apparatus for making the tea. Messrs. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies providing two of their engines.
The meal consisted of tea, meat pie, sandwiches, cake, buns, bread and butter, and there were plenty and to spare. Over 5,000 pork pies, 10,000 sandwiches, a ton of slab cake, and 80lbs of tea were provided. The caterers were the Ipswich Industrial Co-operative Society, Ltd., and the carrying out of the day’s arrangements were under the superintendence of Mr. L.W. Knights, an energetic branch manager, who had under him a staff of about thirty closely connected with the Society and a host of hired waitresses. To every eight waitresses there was a supervisor in the person of a representative of the Society. To cater for these thousands was a great feet, patriotically undertaken and enthusiastically carried out, and to all concerned the town’s thanks are due. The Society also undertook the tobacco and chocolate distribution, and Mr. Harry Overton that of the beer and minerals.
Mr BadshahAnd while on this matter of thanks there are others to whom praise must be awarded. First and foremost comes Mr. Badshah, the hon. secretary, who worked indefatigably and successfully for weeks, and was quite the right man in the right place. His energetic Committee comprised the Mayor, Lieut.-Col. F.W.Turner, Major Stuart, Dr. J.F.C.Hossack, Mr. B.B.Askew, Capt. Campbell, Mr. W.C.Page, and Mr. W.Wainwright, Major Edwards, Mr. G.E.Smith, Mr. Scarlett, and Mr. A.Blackburn representing on the Committee the Comrades’ Club, and Mr. E.J.Newman, Mr. B.H.Batram, Mr. G.L.Whatling, and Mr. W.J.Hooper the National Association of Discharged Soldiers and Sailors.
To convey the disabled soldiers to and from the Park, Mr. W.G.Fisk, hon. secretary of the Suffolk branch of the Royal Automobile Club, obtained a number of cars, which were used in charge of Major W.A.Page. Cars were lent by Dr. Hossack, Messrs. C.Whitfield King, H. Sunnucks, F. Mason, W.J. Howtell, D. Everett, C.B.Kirby, A.Cocksedge, F.J.Walker, H.W.Miller, and V.J.Warner.
To deal with accidents there was a large number of ambulance men on duty, under Dr. Fryer, together with four nursing sisters, under Mrs. Hume, corps secretary , with tent, ambulances etc., but the few causalities were of a minor character. It may be added that for the general public there were several refreshment tents and fruit and sweet stalls galore.
THE MAYOR’S WELCOME
The various units of the procession and others gathered in orderly fashion round a platform which had been erected in the hollow below the clock, where the Mayor was waiting to give them a welcome on behalf of the borough. Accompanying the Mayor on the platform were Brigadier-General Massy Lloyd.
In a short address the Mayor, speaking on behalf of the whole of the inhabitants of Ipswich, said he had pleasure in giving them a hearty welcome back to the old town and to civil life. He supposed there were representatives there who had been in all the theatres of war in which the Forces had been engaged, whether upon land or sea or in the air, in all of which had been exhibited those qualities of dogged perseverance and bravery characteristic of their race. Referring to the various East Anglian units the Mayor’s mention of the 4th Suffolks was greeted with loud cheers. That battalion, he said, was one of the few Territorial units chosen to form part of the Army of Occupation. The 6th Cyclists, although not sent aboard as a unit, had supplied large drafts for other battalions, and the 3rd East Anglian Howitzer Brigade had done excellent service in Egypt, and Gallipoli. They must all be proud of the distinctions awarded to Ipswich men, headed by
Arthur Saunders VCSergt. Saunders, V.C. It had been a great pleasure to him as Chief Magistrate to present so many medals to those who had gallantly earned them. The entertainment that day was intended by the people of Ipswich to be a tangible expression of thanks to those who had gone forward to defend their homes, their country, and the smaller nations. They had defeated a ruthless enemy, one who had no scruples. In conclusion the Mayor said that to his mind that afternoon was the best of the peace festivities. It was an endeavour to do a little for those who had done so much for others. He hoped they would all enjoy themselves.
Brigadier-General Massy Lloyd in reply, thanked the Mayor personally, and on behalf of the demobilised men, with whom he was proud to be associated, for the cordial reception given them. He felt it a great honour to be the spokesman of such a body of men as he had with him there, and he was sure he was only voicing their opinion when he prefaced his remarks by giving expression of their gratitude to all those who had helped in organising that happy occasion, and their pleasure at being able to be present. For all of them, their military career was in all probability at an end – at least, for their country’s sake and humanity’s sake, he hoped so, though he was confident that, should occasion demand, there was not a man there who would not come forward again gladly and eagerly to defend the cause of justice and right, to fight for the British Empire, and all that it means – for national honour and individual liberty. Continuing, General Massy said that their careers as citizens were, however, still before them. They were citizens of the good old town of Ipswich, citizens of their dear old Mother Country – mother of the free – and citizens of the British Empire, the greatest Empire the world had ever seen. That was a proud and goodly heritage. It had been handed down to them by their forefathers, and it was for them to see that they handed it on to posterity, not only undiminished but a better and more beautiful heirloom. On such an occasion as that at which they were present that day he was filled with optimism for the future of the country, for he was confident that the gallant men on whose behalf he spoke would display in civic life the same qualities of determination and self sacrifice that they had shown on the field of battle, and would prove themselves no less splendid as citizens than they had as soldiers. Concluding, he thanked everyone most heartily for all that had been done to make the occasion a proud and happy memory for all of them. He called upon his late comrades in arms to show their appreciation by giving three hearty cheers.
The cheers having been given with great gusto.
General Towsey, who was received with shouts of “For he’s a jolly good fellow,” wished good luck to those demobilised soldiers he had seen march past that day. He hoped they would carry into civil life a little of the good comradeship they had found in the Army. It was that, and a sense of humour, which had carried them through time after time.
THE SPORTS
The sports for which handsome prizes were provided, mainly from the general fund, but including £20 from Messrs. Catchpole and Co., were arranged and carried out by a joint Committee of the Discharged Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Association and the Comrades of the Great War, were witnessed by thousands, who thoroughly enjoyed the long programme, which was carried through in expeditious fashion. There was a large number of entries. The winners of the various events were:-
100 yds flat: 1 F.W.Stange, 2 M.French, 3 B.Attle.
100 yds (over 40): 1 R.Young, 2 R.Powell, 3 H.Cockrell.
Tug-of-War: Ipswich Borough Police beat Bridge Ward; N.A.D.S. and S. beat Orwell Works. Final. Police beat N.A.D.S. and S.
Sack race: 1 S.Aldous, 2 E.J.Mayhew, 3 W.Garnham.
Half-mile: 1 B.Attle, 2 F.Reeve, 3 G.E.Johnson.
Skipping race: 1 Mrs. Bessie Garnham, 2 Miss Barrell, 3 Mrs. A. Horne.
Boot-and-coat race: 1 G.E.Johnson, 2 S.Aldous, 3 A.A.Jolley.
Egg-and-spoon race: 1 Mrs. Garnham, 2 Mrs. Death, 3 Mrs. Saunders.
One mile: 1 G.E.Johnson, 2 B.Attle, 3 F.Reeve.
Women’s tug-of-war: Mrs. Blackenberry’s team beat Mrs. Holland’s team; Mrs. Randall’s team beat Mrs. Minn’s team. Final Mrs. Randall’s team beat Mrs. Blackenberry’s team.
Novelty race for one armed men: 1 Wm. Mickleburgh, 2 A.A.Fuller, 3 Bird.
Quarter-mile: 1 M.French, 2 H.A. Herbert, 3 T.Wilson.
Obstacle race: 1 S.Aldous, 2 F.W.Death.
Wheelbarrow race: 1 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, 2 Mr. and Mrs. Offord, 3 Mr. and Mrs. Garnham.
220 yds: 1 F.W.Strange, 2 M. French, 3 H.A.Herbert.
Crutch race1 W.Plumb, 2 E.A.Baker, 3 S.Parsons.
Hand race: 1 S.J.Aldous, 2 F.G. Osborne, 3 H.Peck.
Two clowns, Messrs. Phoenix and Phillips, provided hilarity throughout the proceedings.
THE CONCERT
In a naturally adapted amphitheatre during the evening a delightful concert was held, the contributors to which included some of the best amateur and professional entertainers in the neighbourhood. Seldom, perhaps, have the performers had the opportunity of appearing before such a large audience. The banks surrounding the stage on all sides were crowded with people, young and old, who were not slow to show their appreciation of the good fare provided for their delectation.
The various artistes were introduced by Mr. Hector Ronald, who on other occasions acts as stage manager for Mr. Will Sheppard’s Concert Party. A varied and highly-enjoyable programme was opened by Mrs. Cyril Cullingford with a pianoforte selection. Mr. Cullingford followed with one of his humorous monologues and a song, “What a life,” which was greeted with roars of applause. Miss Grace Wright gave charming rendering of “Love’s Garden of Roses,” and later won equal appreciation with “Brave Old Contemptibles.” Headed by Mr. A.E.Horne the St. Helen’s Quartette contributed that delightful glee, “O, who will o’er the downs?” and again, before the finish, obliged in equally attractive fashion. A party of four (Messrs. Sheppard, Garrard, White, and Hawes), under the aegis of Mr. Will Sheppard, provided music of a different sort. Attired in grotesque costumes they gave a splendidly humorous rendering of “Somerset Fair,” and in reply to a response that could not be denied introduced another amusing item in “Wind up.” In “Where my Caravan has rested” Miss Askew was heard to fine effect, and popular approval also fell to Messrs. Valmore and Pryke, who gave a lively duet, “Two of the Old Army,” in which there was an amount of “cross-talk” very much to the liking of the audience. Later they appeared again to win further distinction in “The Old Actor and a Comedian.” As a variation, cornet solos by Mr. Charles Elliott (late bandmaster, Royal Artillery) were generously welcomed. Accompanied by Miss Godderham, he rendered beautifully played contributions in “A Dream of Paradise” and British Grenadiers.” In costume, Mr. Will Sheppard furnished more fun when he sang, “I went on my way rejoicing,” having no option but to respond with “Pudding that’s made of jam.” Further variety was provided in an exhibition of clever comedy conjuring by Blanko White, who in circumstances not altogether suited to a conjuror, contrived thoroughly to mystify everyone. Excellent songs were rendered by Mr. Fred Keeble, his interpretation of “The Gladiator” being given in mastery style. Comparisons are odious, but probably no contributor had quite the same reception as Mr. Jack Connell. As a country yokel he kept the whole of the vast crowd in continuous laughter whilst he detailed the experiences of his “brother Bill” in the Army, followed by a song recounting his own experiences as a “Farmer’s Boy.”
It only remains to add that an excellent programme, which was provided gratuitously by the artists, was completed by the assistance, as accompanists, of Mrs. Cyril Cullingford, Miss Askew, Miss Laura Gooderham, Mr. A.V. Tindley, and Mr. Wally P. Warne.
THE “STOP” WATCH COMPETITION
The “stop” watch competition recently held in connection with the Ipswich War Memorial Fete resulted in the gold watch being won by Mr. W. Percy Trodd, of Ipswich. The watch stopped at 8 hours 42 minutes 42 seconds, and was showing that time when handed over to Mr. Trodd.
