Walter Gilbert Stooke

“Another year has passed to find the world still under the shadow of war, and theshadow deepens. But Christians also dwell under the shadow of God’s wing, and theyare safe.”Walter Gilbert Stooke, January 1918

The Great War Minister's Diary

Gomersal in the First World War, as recorded by the hand of a Moravian minister

Researched and compiled by Kit Shorten

CopyrightCopyright © 2014 Kit Shorten and Gomersal Moravian Church. All rights reserved.Every effort has been made to make this ebook as complete and accurate as possible. However this

ebook provides information “as is” and should be used as a guide only. The author assumes noresponsibility for errors or omissions. All copyrights and trademarks of the products mentioned in thisbook belong to the respective companies (and/or authors) who created the products. Throughout thisbook there are some images that have been taken from the Wikipedia Commons. These images are in thepublic domain and free to anyone to use in books, magazines, and brochures as long as the source isattributed and the images aren’t sold (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode). Thisbook may be distributed free of charge. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by anyelectronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems – except in the caseof brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews – without permission in writing from theGomersal Moravian Church committee.

Gomersal Moravian Church, Quarry Road, Gomersal, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, BD19 4JB,Tel: 0113 256 4828. Website: http://tinyurl.com/visitgmc

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all my family, friends, and representatives of the Moravian Church and third partieswho helped me to compile and produce this book; for the long time you gave over to proof reading,

correcting, editing and for all your suggestions. Your contributions were gratefully received.

Thank you to all of you who have requested a copy of this book, either in its paperback form, or bydownloading it. If you enjoy reading it, please tell your family and friends, and consider giving a

donation to the Church.

Foreword Gomersal Moravian Church has a long history going back over 250 years but the First World Warperiod has been of particular interest to many, perhaps because it is recent enough for us to have knownpeople who were involved. I am grateful to Br Shorten for putting together these extracts from theminister’s diary, offering an insight into life in Gomersal during those four long years, and hope that asmany people as possible will take the opportunity to read it either in paper form or online. The churchremains an important part of the community today, and you are welcome to visit our recently refurbishedbuilding, and share in our worship and other activities. Revd Michael Newman.

Introduction

Towards the end of 1913, a Moravian Church minister and his family made their home in a peacefulYorkshire village at the heart of England. There, in an ageing red-bricked chapel, Reverend WalterGilbert Stooke would serve his people faithfully for the duration of what was to become the Great War of1914-1918.

1: Europe before and after the First World War

His ministry would experience the many changes that war was about to bring. Pre-war empirescollapsed as Russia became the world’s largest Communist State. The United States emerged as theworld’s greatest military power, whilst Great Britain’s role as a leader in the world economy diminished.Women gained the right to vote, but the government gained more control over the people than at any timebefore. Mainland civilians were no longer safe from the battle overseas; forever after at the mercy ofenemy aircraft and ‘total war’. Millions of people would die, either from the fighting, or from theinfluenza pandemic that followed.

These dramatic events are brought to life by the seemingly insignificant entries in the diaries, journalsand minutes kept by the Church, many penned by Brother Stooke himself. Due to him we are able towitness the hardships and struggles faced by Gomersalians, one hundred years ago.

1914

August

2: Portrait of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Sunday 2nd August 1914: During the past week – great tension between the European PowersMonday 3rd August 1914: The fateful news was brought that Germany has declared war on Russia

and had invaded French territory, and also that Britain was mobilising! A feeling of profound anxietybrooded over us in the Services and prayers offered that Divine Providence might be given throughoutthis critical time.

Tensions in Europe had been rising since June 1914 when the Archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand,was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist. In July, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, whichthen became a declaration of war. This set in motion a series of treaties and agreements that mobilisedthe other ‘European Powers’ towards an inevitable war.

3: £1 1st series Treasury IssueDate first issued: 7th August 1914

Date ceased to be legal tender: 12 June 1920

Tuesday 4th August 1914: Brother John William Rhodes and the Ministers travelled to Fairfield toattend Synod. European affairs were more serious than ever and many evidences showed how deeplythe nation was stirred. At Huddersfield we found all banks closed by order of the Government.

In 2008, the Governor of The Bank of England warned that the financial crisis the country was facingwas "the worst since the start of the First World War". In July 1914, the London financial markets hadcollapsed under the threat of that war. Queues built up at the Bank of England with people wanting tochange their paper money for gold. Commercial banks borrowed emergency credit, and within days theBank of England’s official lending rate rose from 3% to 10%. On Friday 31st July, the stock exchangeclosed for five months, and an unprecedented four day bank holiday was announced. Massive injectionsof cash were needed to help avoid a run on the banks when they re-opened on Friday 7th August, 1914.

4: Belgium guarding the way to France against the German 'bully'

Wednesday 5th August 1914: Synod at Fairfield. The morning papers announced that late onprevious evening, War was declared on Germany for breaking the neutrality of Belgium. Thepresident of Synod Bishop Hassé in his opening address made the unparalleled circumstances of theday the text for his remarks.

Britain was bound by an 1839 agreement to protect Belgium in the event of an invasion. Germanyplanned to capture Paris quickly by invading France from neutral countries such as Belgium. WhenBelgium refused to give the German army free access through its land, Germany invaded, and Britain wentto war.

5: Brass Cap Badge of The Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)Motto: Virtutis Fortuna Comes “Fortune Favours the Brave”

Sunday 9th August 1914: The Minister remained at Fairfield. Brother Harold Furness, Sunday

School Secretary; a Territorial – went into training at Doncaster.Harold Furness lived on Oxford Road, and is the first member of the Moravian church to be documented

as going to war. He had joined the Territorial Force before the war started. A Territorial was a form ofpart-time volunteer soldier. The role was created in 1908. The original intention was to provide an armyfor home defence - they were not expected to have to fight abroad. However, the troops undertook toserve full-time and support the regular army in the event of general mobilisation. After his training,Harold would become a driver in the Royal Field Artillery. He was sent to France with the BritishExpeditionary Force as a private in the 2/6th Battalion of the Duke of Wellington’s (West RidingRegiment). This Battalion was formed at Skipton in September 1914 as a home service (“second line”)unit.

Brother Harold Furness was to die in action on 8th May, 1917. (See here).

Sunday 16th August 1914: [At an Interim Committee Meeting] unanimously agreed that werecommend to Church Council to give Sunday September 6th collections to the War Distress Fund nowbeing raised in Gomersal.

September

Tuesday 22nd September 1914: A letter from the Secretary of the Gomersal Local Relief War Fundwas read asking for assistance either on our own initiative or in conjunction with them – and theSecretary was instructed to write saying that this Committee will be most willing and ready to work inconjunction with anything your Committee may decide to do for the above named deserving object. Already our church has devoted to this fund one whole Sunday’s collection which realised£3:5:6. (About £320 today).

The Gomersal Local Relief Fund was set up to provide financial help to the families of servicemen. Reservists and part-timers had been called on at short notice. Many families would see a drop in theirincome at a time when prices were starting to rise. Recognising this, the Prince of Wales appealed to thepublic “…all must realise that the present time of deep anxiety will be followed by one of considerabledistress among the people of this country least able to bear it.” He created a National War Relief Fund,and encouraged towns like Gomersal to set up their own local relief fund. Within a week of the appeal£1,000,000 (about £98,000,000 today) had been raised for the National Relief Fund. Women went towork to make ends meet, filling the jobs left by men. This eventually helped women to get the vote.

November

6: Refugees fleeing Belgium in 1914

Friday 6th November 1914: A meeting of (the) Old Folks Tea Committee. Decided to drop in for thisyear because of number of requests for Belgium Refugees and War Funds.

Tuesday 17th November 1914: The Gomersal Relief Committee asked for representatives from ourChurch to meet tonight to arrange to canvass a District for contributions to support Belgian refugees. Sister Mrs Bull and the Minister consented to canvass the district allotted and later helpers werefound to collect.

After Germany invaded Belgium 250,000 Belgian refugees fled to England; the largest number ofrefugees ever to come here in such a short time. Thousands came to Yorkshire. A Gomersal BelgiumRefugee Committee was set up to care for their welfare, and donations were collected weekly byvolunteers. The Belgians were provided with food, clothing and shelter in a warehouse behind ‘Tenlands'(a property on Oxford Road between West Lane and Dewsbury Road).

One of the refugees, John Hens, attended Gomersal Moravian Sunday School. He won first prize inschool's annual prize giving, before returning to Belgium in 1919.

7: Refugees living in Gomersal during the war

Memorabilia for 1914

Abridged. Read at the Lovefeast on 10th January, 1915. The passage of time brings us again to the end of our year and the beginning of another. Once more abrief record of the congregation life during 1914 is laid before you. We acknowledge with gratitude the Divine Protection and Guidance during the year. The head of theChurch has given us times of encouragement and has permitted us to learn that our fellowship is notonly with one another but also with Himself. We bid a temporary farewell to the Brothers Harold Furness and David Ernest Wright; both of whomare serving their Country in the armies now in the course of training. Of course their names remain,and we hope always will remain, in our books. We hope in God’s great mercy they will be spared toresume their places in homes and Church, but for the moment we miss them. Brother Furness has beengiving excellent service in the school and choir and we have missed his willing help in many ways. May the Lord guard them and guide them in their outgoings and incomings. Congregation life has outwardly pursued its even way. The special meetings, Anniversaries,Festivals and the like have all been held, and each has shown growth of interest and affection for theChurch. In some respects we are not satisfied! It is not right that we should be. There is always roomfor improvement. Amongst ourselves there is a steady fervent love and capacity which is mostwelcome and refreshing, and we are thankful. It is amongst those whose connection with us is not veryclose and who are more easily amenable to the world’s indifference that our sphere of work has and isthus rendered difficult. A minister can do much perhaps, but consecrated Christ like members can doalmost more. What have we done in 1914? The Congregation has had during 1914 to consider extraordinary expenditure. The state of theBurial Ground and Church has become such that work must be done in these properties in theimmediate future. It will be remembered that the Council authorised the formation of a BazaarCommittee and it was decided to hold a Bazaar in the Mechanics Institute. Machinery was createdand a large number of members and adherents and friends promised their support in working upvarious stalls and special efforts. Collectors sold coupons and in many homes of adherents andfriends I found quite steady work proceeding. “This is for the Bazaar” I was told, and some piece ofmaterial beautifully worked was displayed. Jam, marmalade and sweet making was taken up withenergy, and scent and cards were sold. For all these efforts by whomsoever rendered we give ourwarmest thanks. But in August came the bolt from the blue, the outbreak of was has disarrayed ourplans, and it was felt that some modification of our first scheme would be necessary. The BazaarCommittee met and decided to hold a Sale of Work in the schoolroom on March 18 and 20, 1915. Letus now prepare and work for this and show how much with God’s gracious help we can overcome thedifficulties so unexpectedly thrown into our path! The war above alluded to merits special attention. For this war has touched us in our religious lifeas well as in our social and economic relations. The war will produce undoubtedly many changes inthe nation’s financial status and economical and industrial life. For the present, the West Riding ofYorkshire is labouring under a burden of work. The armies of Britain and the Allies have to be clothedand so we know many of you are working to the point of exhaustion. This, of course, affects Churchlife. Week night activities are restricted in attendance and have lost workers. The needs of theBelgian Refugees are seeking assistance from our Congregation workers. Sister Bull has the oversightof a district on behalf of our Church, aided by two Young Women who collect weekly subscriptionstowards the fund. The war has also forced to the front the moral issues of life. Men are beginning to see that teachings

in the past with respect to the Moral Law bear their fruit. When, as in the case of Germany, it isconcluded that the State is not subject to the Moral Law and the teaching of Christ is repudiated, wetrust either assent or dissent. Great Britain has taken up the field in order to keep her word andbecause we believe that there is a Power above all human combinations and nations, a Power whofavours righteousness and Whom we worship as God and Father. It will be our lot to emphasise andpersist in fostering this faith. The war is already pointing out our duty as Christian believers. More Teachers are needed in the School. On the boys side especially, additions to the staff arerequired. Again, I remind you we are all called upon to teach, and the teaching can be of manymethods. Boys especially learn from our doings as well as from our words. What we do is the greatexample to them. If our children are to come after us in serving the cause of good and of the Church,we the grown-ups must do these same things. The school needs such men. Can we provide them? Canany of you serve? In conclusion: May the Minister venture on a word of counsel suggested by the review of the pastyears events? It is simply this, “Seek the things that are above.” The tendencies around us are all theother way. There is a danger lest our distinctive calling as Christian believers and followers of theChrist who is Son of God should be submerged in the press of more mundane and transitory things. But it is in the quest for the Highest that the soul finds its life. It is in the contact with the Saviour byfaith, Who touches us in the truths that He makes alive, that the soul finds its power; and although theworld would draw the Church away from this quest, that same world has no mercy on the Church thatfails to accomplish it. “Seek the things that are above”. We need not neglect any other duty or relinquish any effort. Weare already making to help and interest our friends. Rather in these varied activities of the Church’slife let there be the upward spring and the Heavenward look, for we only move onward by movingupward.

1915

January

8: British 60 Pounder Artillery Gun using Picric Acid Lyddite Shells

Tuesday 26th January 1915: Church Committee meeting held in the Vestry. The Secretary here reada letter which he had sent to Messers. Clough and Crabtree Solicitors for Henry Elleson Esquire withreference to the recent explosion at White Lee which had caused damage to Church and Schoolproperty. In reply Clough and Crabtree stated that their Surveyor would come round and view thedamage done. It was reported by the Steward that they had given us instructions to get the repairsdone and send in the bill.

On 2nd December, 1914 a huge explosion at the picric acid chemical works near White Lee,Heckmondwike, almost two miles from the church, killed ten men and injured another six. The factorywas destroyed, heavy machinery flung into nearby fields, and surrounding property damaged. Picric acid,a chemical used by the woollen industry as a dye to colour carpets before the war, was also used as anexplosive in artillery shells.

In May, the Secretary reported that he had received a cheque in full settlement for the damage done to thechurch and school by the explosion. Another, even deadlier, picric acid explosion happened at LowMoor, Bradford two years later. (See Low Moor explosion).

9: Mark III Lyddite shell, showing use of Picric Powder

February

10: The Gomersal Moravian Sunday School Building

Monday 22nd February 1915: (We propose that due to) Mrs Stooke’s state of health and the fact ofBrother Lobly being away (at war – Royal Navy) that we form the Senior Classes in each school into ajoint class called the Adult Bible Class. This Class to meet on Sunday afternoons in Chapel at 2.00pmand that it be open to anyone with connections with the school or not. It was decided to hold a concertor social periodically during winter in order to raise funds for the Centenary Celebration.

Sunday School Bible Classes continued during the war, but with fewer men attending and able to sharethe duties, classes were combined and opened to all. A Sunday School for girls first opened in 1816, oneof the earliest to appear in Gomersal. The building used as a Sunday School during the Great War is nowa private dwelling. The Sunday School is still going today, for both girls and boys. In 2016 it celebratesits 200th anniversary.

11: Princess Mary Christmas Tin 1914

Monday 22nd February 1915: It was also decided to have a collection in the School in order to senda few comforts to the soldiers connected with our School on active service.

In 1914, Princess Mary (our Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt) was only 17 years old when she inspired thecountry by announcing her intention to “send a Christmas present from the whole of the nation to everysailor afloat and every soldier at the front.” It was a small brass tin containing gifts like a pencil, sweets,photos and a blessing. She called it “our little token of love and sympathy.” A lot of thought went into theparcels; smokers, non-smokers, nurses and Indian servicemen received different items. Her idea caughton. Making and sending such parcels was an activity the Gomersal children could adopt and be involvedin, much like we do with charity shoebox collections today.

October

12: Red House, Gomersal

Thursday 21st October 1915: Brother Taylor offered his resignation (from Church duties) owing topressure of work through his medical brethren joining the Army. The committee unanimously declinedto accept it and volunteered to relieve him of all (committee) work in the meantime, for the duration ofthe War.

Sunday 24th October 1915: In withdrawing his resignation, Brother Taylor thanked the committeefor their kindness in offering to release him from attendance, as well as their promise of doing hisshare of the work during the period of the war.

Dr Richard Waring Taylor was the last of the Taylor family to live at Gomersal’s Red House (now theRed House Museum). He was descended from three generations of Moravian Taylors which had startedwith Joshua Taylor, brother of Charlotte Bronte’s friend, Mary Taylor.

During the war, the Government had to balance the need for military physicians against maintaining thehealth of the nation at home. Joining the services was at first voluntary. Those who didn't volunteer facedgreat pressures, long hours and increased workloads, with many who were older men covering two orthree practices, and not always an increase in income. In 1917 it was estimated that an army of 4,000,000required 15,000 doctors, leaving the same number of doctors to care for 40,000,000 civilians, includingthose being sent back from the front. By then, only two doctors remained in Gomersal and there werenone in Birstall. Dr. Taylor was eventually called to the Army medical service, serving as a Lieutenantin 1918. The deadly spread of influenza through Britain in 1918 is blamed in part on the lack of civiliandoctors. (See Dr Taylor, RAMC).

Memorabilia for 1915

Abridged. Another year has passed away and in accordance with custom its events are recalled to mind. Andthe first thought respecting it is the continuance of the Divine Goodness and the Saviour’s constantcare which have been exercised over us both individually and collectively. The Congregations life for the year has passed its usual course with very few changes. The usual Anniversaries and Festivals, with two exceptions, have been observed and all have beenfound profitable and helpful to the spiritual life. The two exceptions were the omission of the ChoirFestival and the Men’s Guild Anniversary. While understanding the reasons advanced for theomissions, I regret them for this season. The omission of a special feature means the subtraction of somuch interest in the doings and life of the Congregation and its worship. We cannot afford to lose thatinterest. In the month of March we held our Bazaar, which provided a great success in every way. Again, onbehalf of the Committee as well as myself would I thank all who contributed to this result. Viz. thosewho worked beforehand preparing the way, as well as all who served so efficiently and willingly at thetime. The blizzard which raged on the first day was enough to appal the stoutest heart but we werefavoured with a large attendance and generous buyers. Altogether the Bazaar of 1915 will be a veryhappy memory. Another pleasant occasion was the Garden Party held at the Red House Garden, kindly lent us by DrRW Taylor. The weather threatened to spoil it, but we managed to bring it off successfully. The year has witnessed further to the reflex action of the war on the Congregation. A year ago wementioned that the Brethren Harold Furness and David Ernest Wright had joined the armies then incourse of training. Both are now in the field. Brother Furness in France and Brother Wright has seenservice in the Dardanelles (the disasterous Gallipoli Campaign) . They have been followed by BrotherArthur Shepley who enlisted in May. Brother Lobley joined the Navy in August in the ChemistryDepartment and is now serving on an Auxiliary Cruiser in the Northern Seas. Brother Tom Wright hasalso joined the army, has been trained and is in France. Brother Blackburn’s son is also in France and Bertie Barraclough and Leonard Sampson, formerlyscholars, have also enlisted. We are glad that our young men have responded to the call of duty. butwe miss them and their departure has affected us adversely in more ways than one. But we commendthem to God and to the Word of his Grace and pray that in the new strange life of the camp and thebattlefield they may be built up in faith and holiness. One effect of our young men having enlisted has been the direct one of their absence from ourservices. This absence has also taken away the attraction of their presence so that we rarely see somewho regularly came because of the companionship they found here. The average attendances at public services have fallen from 87 in 1914 to 67 in 1915. This would bedisquieting if it stood alone, but it is not alone. During the year we have had no additions to thecongregation. One young woman has applied her desires to wait until others come forward toaccompany her. The Minister has sounded some with a view to this, but has met with distinct refusals;not on the grounds that Christian Faith cannot be accepted but for other reasons which he does notconsider valid. It is apparent that we are in a situation which demands searching consideration on thepart of us all. Is this state of affairs peculiar to us here, or are they shared by other congregationsand churches? I am afraid that we have the melancholy comfort; if there can be any comfort, in thefact that this is a general experience in many parts of the country. Some symptoms of the disease maybe peculiar to us here and other symptoms elsewhere, but we have to face a situation which is

distinctly ominous for the future. This is a Memorabilia, and it would be outside its scope to go off into many suggestions now. But inmy opinion it would not be a profitless exercise if we met sometime and went thoroughly into thequestion from the standpoint of the welfare of the Kingdom of God. The Sunday School in its term has felt the indirect effects of the war. The strenuous industrialconditions have caused a relaxation seen chiefly in the attendances at Morning School. At thebeginning of the year, Brother Shepley found it necessary to resign his office of Superintendant. Inaddition, the shortage of teachers made it necessary to join classes and again the Men’s Classsuffered. The enlisting of Brother Lobley brought matters to a climax. By this time the Women’sSenior Class had also lost the leadership of Mrs Stooke and so it was decided to form an Adult BibleClass. This is the way out of a great difficulty and I command it to your prayers and support. Encourage it. Make it known. Invite men and women to join it! Another effort not so successful was the formation of a troop of Boy Scouts. It has not beendisbanded but lasts for the spring as the principle members attend night classes in the winter. But itsuffers from the competition of more highly organised troops in neighbouring localities and also anabsence of young men who would have led it as patrol leaders. It is a work needing help of a few oldenough to steady the lads, yet young enough to be one with them, enjoying the outdoor activitiesdemanded. Apparently we do not possess anyone else prepared to devote himself to a work whichwould be fruitful in every way. Its reorganisation is enjoying my attention now. The Men’s Guild finished last winter’s session last February, and it was then determined that if thewar continued it would not resume this winter. The Women’s Guild, though feeling the effects of war, has bravely and wisely determined not to gounder. It is meeting at monthly intervals and so far has proved well worthwhile. At the Sale of Work the crowded stalls spoke eloquently of the faithful service put in by the members,proving that it is with us, as with all the Churches, that the Sisters are the mainstay of the Church’swork. We thank them for it. In conclusion, I would commend to you the words of our motto for 1916. “Be ye steadfast,unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” In our Congregation life, in the service it provides, do we come into contact with God’s Work, andwith God himself. Our Lord looks for endurance. He anticipates from time to time ebb-tides in themoral affairs of man, and says “he that endures unto the end shall be saved.” Be ye steadfast bymaintaining the work entrusted to us. By keeping the faith; by making the Lord Jesus Christ ourpattern and our King.

1916

January

13: Red Cross Church Appeal Poster, 1916

Sunday 2nd January 1916: Red Cross Offertory. £2.13s. (About £200).On Sunday 2nd January, 1916 churches held a national collection day for the British Red Cross.

Offertories are a common and effective way to raise and collect money in church services.During the war the people of Spenborough, including Gomersal, raised enough money to buy a motorised

ambulance for the British Red Cross. Before the war, ambulances had been horse-drawn. TheSpenborough ambulance was used to transport the wounded in France and Belgium. As in many otherroles, women were trained to drive the ambulances as more men were called up to fight. There wereover 90,000 Red Cross volunteers between 1914 and 1918, helping the sick and wounded both at homeand around the world. The Red Cross also did valuable work at Staincliffe Military Hospital.

March

14: British Recruitment Poster

15: An Unexploded Zeppelin Bomb, 1916

Sunday 5th March 1916: Snow during day and in evening. Alarm that Zeppelin raid imminent.Collection 9/6.

Zeppelins were airships used by Germany during the war to attack Britain. On this day, two Zeppelinsbombed Hull. Snow on the ground made Hull an easy target and mainland Britain wasn’t prepared forthese types of attacks. With no anti-aircraft guns protecting Hull, the Zeppelins stayed overhead for twohours. The lights in their open bomb-bays were visible from the ground below. One bomb partiallydestroyed a 3,000 ton ship. Another bomb blast shattered the railway station's glass roof, causingseventeen deaths. There were several Zeppelin attacks on Yorkshire during the war. Over 500 peoplewere killed in Britain by Zeppelin raids by the time the war ended. There would be another eight air-raidwarnings in Gomersal.

Saturday 11th March 1916: Scholars and Young People’s Party. Proceeds for soldiers parcels. 60present. Snow fell deeply. 33s profit.

April

16: Bomb damage to property from a Zeppelin air raid

Thursday 13th April 1916: That the question of insuring the Church property against Air Raid bebrought before Church Council at their meeting on Thursday 20th April next.

As early as 1914, households and business premises and contents were being offered insurance againstdamage caused by air raids. This was the first time the dangers of a war being fought abroad were beingfelt on the home front. However, it took the damage caused by the picric acid explosion at White Lee, andby air raids elsewhere, to make people in Gomersal think seriously about insuring their property. Thefinancial accounts show that the Church took the threat seriously, as aircraft insurance was taken out inMay, and renewed in 1917 and 1918 at a cost of 14s 5d per year (about £40 to £50 today).

Thursday 27th April 1916: Tom Wright, Scholar. Age 23. Lived at Clare Street, Oxford Road,Gomersal. 81869 Gunner, Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action by ashell burst, Flanders. Buried at Loos British Cemetery, France.

May

Sunday 21st May 1916: Memorial Service at the Moravian Chapel for Gunner Wright deceased. Attended by the Gomersal Special Constabulary Force.

Tom Wright was one of a family of four Gomersal brothers serving in the forces. By all accounts, hehad been a very popular and active person. The Cleckheaton Guardian reported that before the war, hehad played football for St. Mary’s A.F.C. and cricket for both the Gomersal and Spen Victoria clubs. Hefelt it his ‘duty’ to serve his country, undergoing an operation at Batley Hospital in order to be passed fit

for service in August 1915. His popularity continued in the Army, where he also kept himself busy as hisunit’s cook. At a special evening memorial service in the Moravian Church, Rev. Stooke praised hisexample as one for others to follow. In a personal letter to his parents, Tom’s Captain wrote that he haddied instantly. He was greatly liked by all the men and officers, and was a good soldier. The service wasattended by three hundred people, including the Heckmondwike and Birstall Volunteer Corps., Nurses, and members of the Ambulance Brigade. An emotional and patriotic service included ‘The NationalAnthem’, the solo ‘Be Thou Faithful Unto Death' and the ‘Last Post’. Afterwards, a procession involvingthe volunteers, special constables and ambulance men, marched to Gomersal’s Mechanics’ Institute,before being dismissed.

July

17: Serbian Relief Fund Poster

Sunday 2nd July 1916: Evening collection for Serbians’ Distress Fund.In addition to the effects of war, Serbian civilians suffered a great typhus epidemic in 1914/15, as well

as outbreaks of smallpox, diphtheria and scarlet fever at a time when the availability of medicines werescarce (there was no vaccine for typhus then) . During the war, Serbia lost over a quarter of its pre-warpopulation, including 60% of its male population. The Serbian Relief Fund was set up so that Britaincould help those that were suffering from the consequences of war.

A similar collection was made in 1917 for Distressed Armenian Christians. Armenians were massacredby the Ottoman government in some of the worst atrocities of the war, now described as genocide.

August

18: Low Moor Explosion - Funeral Procession August 26th, 1916

Monday 21st August 1916: Terrible explosion at Low Moor Munitions Works and many killed and thetown severely damaged, a large number of houses being rendered uninhabitable. The explosionscaused much alarm in Gomersal.

Although over 5 miles away, the explosions at the Low Moor Munitions Company rocked Gomersal. Aswith the fatal explosion that had destroyed the White Lee works in December 1914, the initial blastinvolved an accident with picric acid. This set in motion a chain reaction of fires and explosions, whichended up damaging and igniting the nearby Gas Works. These fires and explosions lasted three days andthirty-four people were killed, many of them fireman who were caught up in the explosions whilst tacklingthe fires. Many more civilians were injured in the surrounding areas. Damage was extensive.

Due to the government’s censorship during the war, local papers were limited in what they could report,referring to the explosion only as a disaster ‘somewhere in Yorkshire’. (See White Lee explosion).

September

19: A British Tank at the Battle of the Somme, September 1916

Sunday 17th September 1916: Fred Wright, Scholar. Age 19. Lived at Clare Street, Gomersal. 6595 private 1/4th Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Killed in action in the Leipzig Salientduring the battle of the Somme. Buried at Lonsdale Cemetery, France. Three of his brothers alsofought in the war.

The distance from Gomersal to the Leipzig Salient in France is about four hundred miles. The battle ofthe Somme started on 1st July and the Leipzig Redoubt was captured that same day. Troops from theKings Own Light Infantry helped to strengthen this front line position. Attempts to advance further provedimpossible under the Germans’ massive return fire. On that first day alone there were 60,000 Britishcasualties, including 20,000 killed – the greatest single loss of life in the history of the British Army. Theyhad advanced only half a mile. Despite the use of tanks for the first time on September 15th, the Germandefences held.

The Leipzig Redoubt position successfully repelled German counter-attacks. When the battle of theSomme ended on 18th November, the British and French had advanced only seven miles along a twentymile front. There were 418,000 British casualties.

October

Wednesday 11th October 1916: Owing to the 'Defence of the Realm Act' it was decided not to ring theChapel Bell for the evening Service for the present.

“When the bells ring out - and they will in a moment, for the first time for four years - let us rememberour brothers fallen in the field. And thank God for the end of this struggle and victory.” And, in thedistance, the church bells ring.

War Horse (2011)

The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) was introduced on 8th August 1914, and later updated. It toldthe people of Gomersal what they couldn’t do during the war. For example:

Don’t buy binoculars Don’t feed bread to wild animals Don’t fly kites

Also, it gave the Government powers it wouldn’t use normally: Censor newspapers Take over land and factories Water down beer

Although some restrictions weren’t popular, they were thought to be necessary for national security, tomaximise industrial productivity, to keep up civilian morale, and to prevent food shortages.

British Summer Time and licensing hours are consequences of the Act that we still follow today.

Memorabilia for 1916

Abridged. Once more we meet to review another year and to recall the events of the year which has passed. This brief record is in the hope that the recollection of past mercies may lead us to increased trust inour Heavenly Father’s wisdom and love and to fuller consecration to his Service in the year we nowcommence. We have lost some who were very closely connected with us. The toll of war has claimed two younglives who had been brought up in our school under the influences of our Church Services. They werealso brothers of one home, Tom and Fred Wright. Our hearts have gone out in very affectionatesympathy to our Sister Wright and her family in this great sorrow, a sorrow which has invadedthousands of homes in this our land. Let it bind us closer together, that we can each of us attend asoccasion arises to the ministry of consolation and share with one another in the comfort of God. The war has of course affected our services and not for the better. Many of our young men have goneto swell the national army. The following from Congregation and Sunday School have joined duringthe year: Arthur Brook, Harry Brook, John Willie Brook, Arthur Gore, James Otway, Ernest Sampson,Harry Wright, Percy Wilby, Clifford Kershaw, Harold Smithson, Leonard Wright, Illingworth Rycroft,Selwyn Crossley, Percy Holmes, Gilbert Stooke, Richard Naylor, Willie Brown, Fred Wright (killed). The complete list of members is 25. Of these, one has been discharged from service and two have beenkilled (Tom and Fred Wright). I am glad to say that in letters many of these speak with affection of their association with theCongregation and Sunday School. To have a number like this (many of whom were in regularattendance) removed from the life and activity of the Congregation is a serious matter. We lookforward, if God will, to their return, but meanwhile let us supply the energy and enthusiasm which wehave found amongst them. During the year 1915 it was mentioned in the Memorabilia that the average attendance had dropped. During 1916 the same movement continued but not in the same ratio, and was caused by manyabsentees in the light warmer summer evenings and later in the dark moonless nights. If these aretaken from the calculation we remain about the same. But still there is cause for grave concern. Theattendance at morning worship has fallen off considerably. People are forming new habits of life, andthat very quickly. It is not a good habit surely to loiter away a whole afternoon of the Lord’s Day. Just now we are all aware of the extraordinary conditions amongst us. But is not that all the morereason why we as members of the Church of God should not do our best and wherever possible meet inhis House to render Him an early sacrifice of thanksgiving and prayer? This and other matters of asimilar import should be discussed in a brotherly and prayerful spirit at a Church meeting. Thesethings are vital. They touch very closely the spiritual lives of us all. I commend this feature of ourCongregation life to your prayer and earnest consideration. The Sunday School has suffered from the same complaint which has its symptom in a decreasedmorning attendance, both of teachers and scholars. In the afternoon the numbers keep up much asusual. The scholars have raised money to send parcels to our soldiers and have carried on the prize-giving contest as in former years, besides other social activities. In them and their teachers one findswillingness to help and enthusiasm in Service. At the beginning of the winter the elder boys expressed a wish for the Gymnasium to be resuscitated. This has been accomplished. An Instructor was found but lost again owing to increase of engagementswhich could not be refused. Now, the father of one of our scholars is training them and some of theelder girls in Swedish Drill.

The pressure of financial needs led the Congregation Council to determine upon a Sale of Work. Whether it should be made a regular and permanent part of our machinery or not was purposely leftundecided. As time went in interest grew, until the day in question. We enjoyed a successful time. Itwas a Young People’s Bazaar, not that the work was monopolised by them, but they were invited to co-operate in it and to suggest. Thanks are due to all took part and the many that did so is a happy signfor the future. The Women’s Guild worked with remarkable devotion and were rewarded by taking thelargest amount of any individual stall. The Young Women and girls arranged a Garden Party in theChurch Grounds which all enjoyed. The Congregation Service Party also did well, as always, and toall these we express our thanks. The heavy deficiency has been much reduced if not wiped out, and forthis we are thankful. The Women’s Guild met monthly in earlier part of the year for lectures and social gatherings. Whenit was decided to hold a Sale of Work they took up the matter with splendid enthusiasm and energy. They raised funds by means of a jumble sale, and then met weekly for sewing during the summer andthis service in this way and at the Sale of Work is very gratefully remembered and appreciated. Warconditions make these Guild meetings very difficult to continue, but we hope to maintain them, if at allpossible. The Men’s Guild is not dead – but is waiting for the end of the war. The Sewing Meeting has met with its accustomed regularity and while not seeming to carry thequantity of foods that turned up at its stall at the Sale, demonstrated that food work had been donequietly behind the scenes. The Choir has been unable to meet with any regularity for practice but it leads us in singing,nonetheless. War conditions are felt as much probably in our Choir membership as in any other bypreventing contributions and regular work. For all services received, we are grateful. (In conclusion) we cannot think of the Old Year without thinking of the New Year. It may be that justnow is sowing time and not reaping. Let us sow then some Truth by knowing the Truth, sow patienceand love by unselfish and consecrated service. Sow abundantly and in the season we shall reap if wefaint not.

1917

February

20: “Don't Waste Bread” Poster

Saturday 17th February 1917: Lovefeasts during War-time. Moved by Brother James Willie Rhodes,Seconded by Brother John William Rhodes: that for the remainder of the war all Lovefeasts bedispensed with. i.e. the tea and buns, but the service and collections be as before. Carried.

After the initial panic buying of food in August 1914, the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) restrictedwaste and tried to prevent food shortages. Canada and America also brought food to Britain by sea. Butby 1917 Germany submarines (u-boats) were frequently sinking these ships.

Food and coal were in short supply. The government introduced voluntary rationing on products liketea, milk and sugar. People in Gomersal were encouraged to limit their eating and to grow their ownfood. Popeley Gardens set aside four acres of land for producing only foodstuffs. Using its powers underDORA, the government took over 2.5 million acres of land nationwide for farming, worked by theWomen’s Land Army.

21: Women's Land Army Recruitment Poster, 1917

April

22: British Conscription Poster, 1916

Saturday 21st April 1917: Brother Leonard Beaumont called up for army service. He will be missedin Sunday School.

In 1914, men were expected to volunteer, but there weren’t enough to keep up with the expanding war. Attempts to encourage recruitment, like the Group Scheme, also failed to supply the troops needed. ByMay 1916 military service for all men aged between eighteen and forty-one became automatic.

Men could appeal on grounds of health, essential work, or conscience. Local ‘War Tribunals’ handlethe appeals. Thousands of men from Gomersal and the surrounding areas went to Cleckheaton, Batley orBirstall. Most of the appeals were made by employers, who feared losing their workers. AtCleckheaton’s first War Tribunal meeting in January 1916, seventeen cases were heard. By April 1917,over one hundred appeals were being dealt with at every hearing. Roughly half of these were rejected,with many others being given only a temporary relief. Those employed in jobs on short term contracts(and a lot of the war work was) found themselves having to appeal several times, on a job by job basis.

May

23: The Hindenburg Line at the western end of Bullecourt 1. Strips of barbed wire defending supply trench to the Hindenburg line2. Hindenburg support line trench3. North-west corner of Bullecourt village (destroyed by shelling)4. Hindenburg front line trench (zigzags)5. No mans land6. Dense strips of barbed wire

Thursday 3rd May 1917: George (Henry) Ibbotson, former Scholar. Age 19. Lived at UpperLane, Gomersal. 2047 Trooper, Household Cavalry. Killed in action during the battle of Bullecourt.No known grave. Listed on the Arras Memorial to the Missing, France.

Tuesday 8th May 1917: Harold Furness, Brother. Age 23. Lived at Oxford Road, Gomersal.268335 Private 2/6th Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment). Died of chest wounds sustainedat Bullecourt. Buried at Achiet le Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Bullecourt is a village in France, about three hundred and eighty miles from Gomersal. Dubbed “theblood tub’ it was captured after attacks by the British and Australians in the Battle of Arras. Many deadremain unidentified or missing.

(Read more about Harold Furness here).

Monday 28th May 1917: Whit Monday. Owing to the shortage of food and the need for economy itwas resolved by the Teachers that scholars and friends be requested to bring their own cake. Gifts ofsugar were requested and the school would provide tea. No collection was made as in former years. This procedure evidently did not find favour. About half of our scholars came, the rest having apicnic. And very few elders appeared. The weather was fine and tea was provided under the trees. Service was held at 2.30pm. Afterwards, tea about 4, and games in the field until 8.30. Those whowere present had a very enjoyable time.

August

24: German Gotha Bomber, 1917

Sunday 5th August 1917: It being the Anniversary of the outbreak of the war, an Intercession Servicewas held in the evening.

An Intercession Service is a service to remember and pray for others throughout the world, peoplebeyond the local church congregation.

Tuesday 7th August 1917: Committee Meeting held in the Vestry. It was decided to call a CouncilMeeting to decide whether we should continue Evening Service this winter or not, and suggested thatif afternoon was agreed on that we commenced at 3pm. Council Meeting to be held after nextCommunion Service (August 19th). The above if altered to only continue until such time as the presentlighting regulation restrictions are in operation.

Sunday 19th August 1917: It was decided to change the Service from Evening to Afternoon during thewinter months owing to the War. Commencing as from the 7th October next. Voting 45 for, 5 Against.

Lighting restrictions were introduced in the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) out of fear of air-raids. Firstly, by Zeppelins, and later from Germany’s new long-range Gotha bombers. Gotha air-raids onLondon in June 1917 killed one hundred and sixty two civilians and injured four hundred. Towns withreduced lighting looked like farm land when seen from above at night. Gomersal’s Special ConstabularyForce made sure the restrictions were followed. As winter approached, the church looked at ways itcould keep services going, without breaking the DORA rules.

September

Monday 24th September 1917: The Minister began war-work at the Food Office Cleckheaton.Between 1914 and 1917 the average cost of food had doubled and the supply of food imported to Britain

was still being limited by merchant ships being sunk at sea. Voluntary rationing wasn’t working - thepoor went without and the rich bought on the black market.

The government still tried to avoid food rationing, and gave the control of pricing and supplyingessential foods to local food committees, which were guided by the Food Controller’s order.

The local Food Office duties were many and varied, and their actions were not always popular. Theymade registers of local food suppliers and retailers, fixed prices, verified stock levels, developed foodeconomy campaigns, compensated retailers, and negotiated with representatives of the various tradeassociations. This work helped to reduce the number of queues forming at shops, but it was obvious thatrationing some foodstuffs would still be necessary. Rationing was introduced gradually from the end of1917, and this work was also overseen by the local Food Office, ‘so that every one may have his fairshare of the available stocks.’

Rev. Stooke was Chief Clerk at the Spenborough Food Control Office, where he was noted for hispatience and willingness to pay attention to the troubles and misunderstandings of the public. Theposition involved working long hours, whilst still attending to his church duties.

October

25: The mud and misery of the Passchendaele battlefield

Friday 12th October 1917: Arthur Gore, former Scholar. Age 34. Lived at Lower Lane, LittleGomersal. S/40362 Private, Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action on Passchendaele Ridge. Noknown grave. Listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, Belgium.

Monday 22nd October 1917: Ernest (Illingworth) Sampson, former Scholar. Age 22. Lived atCircular Buildings, Gomersal. 81466 Lance Corporal, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed inaction by a piece of shrapnel during the battle of Passchendaele. No known grave. Listed on theTyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, Belgium.

Passchendaele (spelt Passendale today) is a small village in Belgium, about three hundred and sixtymiles from Gomersal. German guns had successfully held the position for three years. The battle was partof the last battle of Ypres. The first attempt to capture the village failed. It was eventually captured inNovember by Canadian Divisions.

In addition to barbed wire and enemy fire, torrential rain and flooded shell holes made movementdifficult. Soldiers frequently drowned in the deep mud under the weight of their own equipment. Afterthe battle, Britain’s offensive moved elsewhere, and the Germans retook the ground in April 1918.

Tuesday 23rd October 1917: An application for a collection from Spenborough “Forget Me NotFund” was brought forward by the Minister but although in full sympathy with the movement, theCommittee decided that they could not recommend it been done, especially as a house to housecollection for the same object was being made at the same time.

Between 1914 and 1918 around 80,000 war related funds and charities began.Similar to the Princess Mary’s 1914 Christmas Tins, the Forget-Me-Not fund was started by

Spenborough Scouts during the war, raising money to send gifts to servicemen from the area. AlfredEdison Hirst, a former Moorbottom Scout Master was serving in the front line when he sent a five francnote and a piece of shrapnel to the Scouts as an incentive for them to send Christmas Cards to soldiers inFrance. This they did, sending not only cards but gift parcels as well.

After the war, the Forget-Me-Not Fund helped to organise a Civic Dinner for the Prisoners of War fromSpenborough who were returning home.

The Forget-Me-Not fund still continues today, providing help for ex-servicemen and their families,including a grant towards the building of the Scout and Guide training centre at Fan Wood in Gomersal.

November

26: The remains of Cambrai, France as they appeared in 1919

Sunday 25th November 1917: Frank Rothery, Age 24. Lived at White Lee, Batley, previously atGeorge Street, Gomersal. 202108 Private 1/4th Kings Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). Killed inaction by a shell burst at the battle of Cambrai (injured 20th November). Buried at Villers FauconCommunal Cemetery Extension, France.

Cambrai is an area in France, about three hundred and eighty miles from Gomersal. Frank Rothery sawmany battles, and was injured on the first day of the Battle of Cambrai. He died a few days later from hiswounds. The opening day of the battle was noted for the use of four hundred and thirty four British tanks. Whilst the tanks broke through the Hindenberg Line, the supporting cavalry were unable to cross thecanal, the bridge being down, and the attack stalled. Within days, many of the tanks were out ofoperation, and the Germans launched a counter-attack which included the use of gas. The initial Alliedgains were lost, and in December, a withdrawal was ordered by General Haigh.

In January 2014, the then Editor of the Batley & Birstall News , Margaret Heward, printed an excellentarticle about Frank Rothery, her husband’s grandfather. (See www.batleynews.co.uk/news/nostalgia/one-man-s-ultimate-sacrifice-1-6362598)

Memorabilia for 1917

Abridged.Owing to the Minister being employed upon War Work during the week he found it impossible to writethe Memorabilia at length as on former occasions. The following is a summary of the service given atthe Communion Lovefeast held on January 6th, 1918. Another year has passed to find the world still under the shadow of war, and the shadow deepens. ButChristians also dwell under the Shadow of God’s Wing, and they are safe. Joined Army: Brother Leonard Beaumont, now in France. Wounded: Brother A. Shepley, WillieBrooke, George Ibbotson, A Gore (missing). E Sampson (killed). The Church Services, Celebrations, Anniversaries – all maintained. Sale of Work carried throughsuccessfully. Sunday School suffering from shortage of staff and losing some scholars in consequence. Exceptional difficulties in 1917. Weather made successful gatherings of first four months animpossibility. Omission of Lovefeast has been a setback. Guild meetings have been dropped and allChurch activity has suffered The necessity of Minister to undertake war work was mentioned and the indulgence of the membersasked for. Sale of Work again revealed the Capacity for congregation for work when work was to be done. Wecan work for the temporal needs of the Church. Can we not work for the spiritual needs? What is the Church for? A good thing to ask and answer this question and the endeavour to carry itout, and so justify our existence. What is the Church for? Surely to embody God and visualise theSpirit! Here if anywhere men should be aware of the Divine. One is thankful for the true unobtrusivepiety in our Congregation, and which is in our strength. Yet our attendance keeps small, and many areirregular.The Minister intends to support at the Annual Council Meeting the following proposal.That the Congregation take up as its sphere of work as a Church the following:1. To adopt measures to mobilise the neighbourhood.2. To foster and help the Sunday School and make it efficient.3. To arrange for Social intercourse of the members Will all consider this suggestion and be prepared to discuss same? List of members and scholars serving in Forces at home and abroad: (uncompleted)

1918

February

27: Food Rations, 1918

Saturday 2nd February 1918: Chapel Servants Tea. Owing to War Rations each comer brought ownprovisions, and a very enjoyable time was spent.

Red Cross Offertory. £2.6s. (About £114).

March

Tuesday 5th March 1918: Brother Leonard Stooke having been called up for Active Service it wasdecided to ask Bro. J Oates to become Correspondent to the Messenger in his place.

Thursday 7th March 1918: Brother Leonard Stooke joined the Army.Walter Stooke had eight children, and two of his sons would see active service for their country. Both

returned home after the war. Frank Leonard Stooke was in the army. His brother, Gilbert La TrobeStooke, was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps and was stationed in France. After the war hereturned home to Britain, and in 1921 married a girl from Paris.

Large families were not uncommon at the start of the war, and many families suffered multiple losses. On Clare Street in Gomersal, brothers David, Fred, Harry and Tom Wright all went to war. In 1916,Fred and Tom were both killed within five months of each other. Families losing five or more men werenot unique. Many of those that did survive returned home wounded for life.

Sunday 31st March 1918: Easter Sunday. Early Service in pouring rain. Afternoon: 2pm Egg Service arranged by Adult Class and School. 106 eggs were brought and

packets of cigarettes. The eggs were taken by some of the Adult Class to Staincliffe Military Hospital.On Easter Sundays, Moravians hold an early sunrise service in church and the burial ground, to

remember the dead. Gomersal still hold this service today, whatever the weather, and it is followed by acooked breakfast in the church.

As so many wounded were returning home from war, many civilian hospitals and pre-war asylumspassed into military control. The Dewsbury Union workhouse infirmary, the site of which is now theDewsbury and District Hospital, became Staincliffe Military Hospital. It was run by the Royal ArmyMedical Corps and Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service, with volunteers from the RedCross, St John's Ambulance and Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs). VADs provided field nursingservices.

The Gomersal St. John Ambulance Society was very busy at the hospital. In 1914, membership in themen’s section fell from thirty-nine to twelve, due to the combination of increased demand for work in themills and to enlistment, but for two years this section helped to unload every convoy of wounded at thehospital, often working at night. The ladies section was also kept busy. Their secretary, Mrs Alice Slaternée Hosley, was also an ambulance driver, and a VAD nurse at the hospital.

Sunday 31st March 1918: Evening: Special Intercessory Service for country owing to critical natureof situation on Battle Front.

‘BRITISH ARMIES ON THE DEFENSIVE; PÉRONNE AND HAM LOST; PARIS BOMBARDED;BAPAUME, NESLE AND GUISCARD LOST; COLOGNE BOMBED; PART OF SOMME LINE LOST;GERMAN PRESSURE IN THE SOUTH; MORE ENEMY DIVISIONS BROUGHT UP; FALL OFALBERT; VIOLENT ASSAULTS ON THE FRENCH; FIERCE FIGHTING ON THE WHOLE FRONT;7 ENEMY DIVISIONS IN ARRAS ATTACK’

These were just a few of the headlines Gomersal civilians were reading in The Times between March25th and 29th, 1918. It appeared that Britain and its allies were losing the war.

By early 1918, Russia had been defeated. Its country had turned to Communism and a civil war, and theEastern Front was no longer a war zone. The Germans transferred 500,000 troops to the fighting in thewest. On 21st March they launched their ‘Spring Offensive’ (the Luderndorff Offensive), a decisiveattempt to win the war. Travelling fast and light, elite German troops advanced further in a few days thanin all of the previous three years, gaining the Somme region where so many had been killed on both sides

in the fighting of 1916. Paris was within the sights of the huge Krupps ‘Paris Guns’. Germany declared anational holiday on 24th March, such was their success.

Britain’s hopes rested on the Germans having advanced so quickly that they ran out of supplies, and onthe additional number of American troops entering the war in April to be effective.

April

28: Dr Richard Waring Taylor

Friday 12th April 1918: Brother Dr R Waring Taylor called upon Minister to say goodbye in hisbeing called up to join Medical Staff Army. He goes to Doncaster in the morning.

The rapid success of Germany's Spring Offensive meant the demand for medical men was now critical.On 10 April 1918 an extension to the Military Service Act raised the conscription age for doctors to fifty-five.

Dr Taylor joined the R.A.M.C. as a Lieutenant. He would later become a Captain, and survived thewar.

“Oh! it's weary work in a white-washed ward, Or the blood-stained Hospital base, To number the kit of the man who was hit, And cover the pale, cold face, Or hand out fags to the brave boy in rags, Who'll stick it and cheerfully grin, As the deftly used knife cheats grim death of a life, While the grey of the dawn creeps in, To hold the hot hand of a man who talks wild, And blabs of his wife and kids, Who dreams he is back in the old home again, Till the morphia bites, and he loses his pain As sleep settles down on his lids The "Hospital Orderley" doing his bit, Of V.C'S not many they score, Yet earned every day in a quiet sort of way By the "Royal Army Medical Corps" From “The R.A.M.C.” by W.H Atkins (late Cpl. A Coy. 1/8th Worcs) (See Dr Taylor, Red House).

June

29: Bucquoy, France. 2/7th Duke of Wellington's position, 1918

Thursday 13th June 1918: Leonard Wright, former Scholar. Age 28. Lived at Oxford Road,Gomersal. 306619 Lance Corporal 2/7th Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment). Killed inaction in the Bucquoy area. Buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France.

Bucquoy is a village in France, about three hundred and seventy five miles from Gomersal. In Spring1918 it was part of the front line defences against the German offensive.

Made up from reservists and part-timers at the start of the war, by March 1918 the men of the 2/7th Dukeof Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment) were experienced war veterans. Their defence of Bucquoy hadseen some of the heaviest fighting of the Spring Offensive. Although part of the area was lost to Germanadvances in April, by the start of May the threat of a German breakthrough had passed. As the artillery onboth sides continued to pound each other, instructions were received that the 2/7th was to be formed intoa training unit (cadre) for new soldiers, and would be withdrawn from action – the start of its journeyhome.

Lance Corporal Wright was killed on 13th June. Only two days later his regiment was removed fromthe front line for the last time.

July

Sunday 7th July 1918: In evening, special reference to Brother Cotton, Sister Barrett and also to menkilled in battle viz: Geo. Ibbotson, F. Rothery, L. Wright, A. Gore.

August

Sunday 4th August 1918: Sermon by Vicar Rev. E.B. Toase. The Church was full and alldenominations joined heartily.

Evening: United Service and Thanksgiving at Grove Congregational Church. Attended by Minister(Stooke). Rev. J. Pleasants conducted Service. Collection in aid of Prisoners of War clothing andBlinded Soldiers.

A service of unity between Gomersal’s churches on the anniversary of the war. Reverend EdwardBarton Toase was the Vicar at St. Mary the Virgin’s Church, and Reverend J. Pleasants was thePastor at Grove Congregational Chapel, both in Gomersal.

October

Sunday 13th October 1918: The Steward Brother James W. Rhodes reported that under theHousehold Fuel and Lighting Order restrictions as to consumption of gas, coke and coal would soonbe in operation, but up to the present he had received no particulars from the Local Fuel Overseer. Meeting followed the Communion Service to decide what steps to take in view of the fuel shortage andthe small rations of coke and coal allowed. After discussion it was resolved to worship in the SundaySchool.

Wednesday 30th October 1918: It was decided that the Communion Services be held in the Chapelbut that all Ordinary Church Services be held in the Sunday School during the winter months.

The Household Fuel and Lighting Order had been introduced on July 1st 1918, but it was notimplemented in full until October. People were on holiday when the Order was issued, an influenzaepidemic delayed the distribution of claim forms, and machinery had to be reset. The Order cut evenfurther the existing rations of coal, coke, gas and electricity.

The rules were complicated. How much you claimed depended upon where you lived (houses inGomersal needed more fuel for heating than those in the South), how many occupied rooms you had, thesize of the rooms, the number of occupants, and how the fuel was used. The church had to be creative incombining its allowances. But the Order was necessary. There was a serious coal shortage, as over75,000 miners had left the pits to fight in the war. The fuel demands for both industry and Allied troopswere high. Supply on land and sea was difficult. Reactions to the Order were mixed, as the followingletter to The Spectator illustrated:

Letter to the Editor of THE SPECTATOR, 12th October 1918, Pg 13. Re: THE HOUSEHOLD FUELAND LIGHTING ORDER.

“I was most annoyed when I first read "A. M.'s" letter on his coming fuel and lighting troubles; thenwhen I thought it over it struck me as being colossally funny. Poor man, what a terribly worrying andupsetting game warfare is to be sure. After four years of war to have to cut down your servants becauseyou cannot keep them warm is - well, it is too much to expect. How on the Sunday can you sit and readwith any pleasure, while you “shiver in front of your cold and empty grate,” of the glorious victories ofour brave troops, of the gallant members of our race? No, even that enjoyment, the pleasure of the thoughtsthat we, that is, you and the rest of us, are fighting so well, will lose its savour when you think of thepaltry ten and a half tons of coal that this cruel and iniquitous Government allows you. Do you know that Ifind a little tunnel six feet by four feet dug into a bank, with a piece of elephant iron, if you can scroungeit, for a door, makes a most cosy and comfortable flat, almost impervious to shells as well, unless a directhit, and you take your chance of that! You can dig it in half a day, and quicker if Fritz is active; youshould try one in the garden, Sir; it is splendid exercise. But really, "A.M.," you make me feel a little ill. I am concluding that "A. M." is a man. It sounds like a man's letter, but if it should be a lady, I am most

sorry that I have written this, and I tender my very humblest apologies. - I am, Sir, 63rd Royal NavalDivision, B.E.F. T. HODDER.”

November

30: The crowds outside Buckingham Palace on Armistice Day

Monday 11th November 1918: Armistice concluded and fighting ceased at 11am. All meetings had tobe abandoned, as all shared in the general relief and gladness.

Sunday 17th November 1918: Foreign Mission Sunday. Preacher: Rev W Tindale. The morningservice partook of the nature of a Thanksgiving. Service for the ‘Cessation of Strife’.

Harold FurnessArthur GoreGeorge Henry IbbotsonFrank RotheryErnest SampsonFred WrightLeonard WrightTom Wright

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.

Memorabilia for 1918

Abridged. Read at Lovefeast, February 2nd, 1919. This short report of the Congregation life for the year 1918 must be prefaced with anacknowledgement of the Devine Mercy and Goodness which have followed us individually and alsocollectively. The events of the year have affected the inner life of every organised community andsociety, and the Church has shared in the effect upon the psychology of the people. The war with itsfearful realisation of strife and blood, the dislocation of industry and the interference in the lives ofall, have been great shocks to the mental equilibrium of the nation, opinions lightly held have beendiscarded, faiths and creeds only thinly apprehended have been thrown away. Yet, faiths firmly heldand tested by experience have endured and have been a means of strength and blessing. The new timewith its new outlook have called the Churches to think of unity and common effort for the food of new. So it is with a master for gratitude to God that the congregation has maintained it’s way and has beenpreserved in order to take it’s share in the future of the duty and privilege of witnessing for Christ andserving His Kingdom. The call of country has taken from us in the time the Brethren Dr Waring Taylor and F LeonardStooke. Brother Taylor has been stationed at Doncaster to attend to the medical needs of a campthere, and Brother Stooke has been trained as a soldier. The various Congregation Festivals have been held: The Public Lovefeast in March, Passion Weekand Easter Services, the Congregation Anniversary, the Harvest Thanksgiving at which the Choirrendered a Sacred Cantata, Foreign Mission Services, Christmas and Watch Night. Special days wereNational Intercession on January 6th. Visit from Rev. R. Newlands of Cleckheaton on his work withthe Y.M.C.A. amongst the Army in France. United Service in the Parish Church on the Anniversary ofthe outbreak of war, and at the Grove Congregational Church in the evening, and Thanksgiving inNovember for the Signing of an Armistice. At the Annual Council Meeting in February, the proposals of the Minister for increasing theusefulness of the congregation as a power for good in the neighbourhood were accepted and twobranches of work undertaken. Cottage meetings were held, five in number until the hot weathernecessitated their discontinuance. It has been found difficult to resume so far this winter – the work inpreparation for the Sale of Work keeping members and friends busy. The homes of Sunday Scholarshave also been visited with good results by members of the Sunday School Committee. I would mostearnestly urge upon Congregation to do all it can and maintain these activities i.e. by organising suchservices and keeping the homes of our Scholars in touch with the Church of Christ. The Sunday School has continued its work. A work none-the-less valuable because it is monotonousand the results are not immediately visible. So I mention the weekly teaching first because it is thework of the School. And by that work it will be judged. And the workers whose regularity andfaithfulness make that work possible deserve all the thanks and encouragement that can be given tothem. The Adult Class also undertook the duty of providing flowers for the Table on each Sunday untilflowers were unobtainable. The flowers were afterwards given to sick members and friends. Thisvoluntary service has been a pleasure I am sure to the Congregation, and to those who provided theflowers as well as to the sick whose side rooms were brightened by their presence. At the end of the year the school was closed at the request of the Local Council owing to theInfluenza Epidemic. Just before the year closed too, it was intimated that two Brethren intended to resign their position inthe School. Our Brethren’s resignation has created a vacancy which cannot at present be filled and

will make the work all the harder in the future. But our Brothren is entitled to rest after so many yearsconstant labour and our prayers and best wishes go with them. The war has touched the juvenile life of the country as intimately as any and all Sunday Schools arefeeling the effects thereof. Accentuating that problem which is always being debated – the lapsing ofelder scholars. It would be a profitable exercise if every Christian congregation took counsel withitself on how to deal with this problem which is our problem as well as it is others. The Financial position of the Congregation has been rectified during the Year – principally by thesuccess attending the Sale of Work held in December. Again, hearty thanks are given to all whoundertook any part and there were many in realising that success. The necessity for economy in fuel and consequent rationing of coal and coke compelled thecongregation to use the Sunday School for worship, holding only the Communion and other SpecialServices in the Church. The change has militated against attendances, and we shall all be glad toreturn to the church. This and other war conditions have prevented any week night activity. To all who have served the Congregation, and there are many, during this last year, I extend thethanks of those to whom is entrusted the care of the church. Will you accept them as sincerely andaffectionately given? I would also thank the Congregation for its patience during this difficult wartime. Whilst the Minister has spent his days in the Service of the Food Control Work for the districtthe strain has at times been very real. And none can wish more intensely than he for the time whenconditions will permit him to devote full time to the pastoral work. Pending that, I appeal for yourforbearance, patience and help. The Year 1918 has passed and a New Year with new calls and new hopes has come. Let us seek fromabove a plentiful outpouring of the Spirit of God in Whose strength alone can we go forward into light.

1919

March

Saturday 29th March 1919: At 7pm a Social Gathering was held to welcome the returned Soldiersand Sailors, also one who had been away on Munitions work. A quiet whist drive for those who likedto join and games for the rest occupied the time till Supper was served at 9pm. After supper, songs,recitations and a sketch brought a much enjoyed evening to a close.

This was possibly one of the last events Reverend Stooke was involved with. It was around this timethat, having survived the war and celebrated the return of the surviving serviceman, Walter Stooke fell illwith influenza.

He died a few weeks later, in May 1919, leaving a widow, two sons serving in the forces, and six otherchildren under the age of eighteen (the youngest child being only three years old).

He is interred in the Moravian Burial Ground at Gomersal.

May

31: Walter Gilbert Stooke1870 - 1919

The following obituary appeared in the Cleckheaton Gazette, Friday, May 23, 1919MAY 1919, DEATH OF THE REV. W. G. STOOKE, OF GOMERSAL, A TRUE PASTOR.The words of the poet Wordsworth - “the father of his people” – may aptly be applied to the Rev.

Walter Gilbert Stooke, minister of the Moravian Church at Gomersal, whose death, we are sorry to haveto record, took place on Sunday morning at the Bradford Royal Infirmary. He had been ill for some sixweeks, having in the first instance contracted influenza. More serious symptoms subsequentlysupervened, and Dr. Campbell, of Bradford, upon being consulted suggested the removal of the patient tothe Royal Infirmary three weeks ago. A diagnosis there revealed septic poisoning of the heart, and to thiscause death has been ascribed.

Mr. Stooke, who was 49 years of age, was the youngest son of the late Mr. George Stooke, of Bristol,and was educated at the Grammar School in that city. After leaving there he engaged for a few years inthe insurance business, but at the age of 21 he entered the Fairfield Moravian Theological College, nearManchester. The first church of which he had charge was at Riseley, in Bedfordshire, where at theconclusion of seven years work it was recorded of him at a farewell gathering: “The meeting terminatedwith a feeling of deep sorrow, for Bro. Stooke had had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He livedthe life he preached.” He subsequently held ministries at Brockweir, Gloucestershire, Kingswood,Bristol, and Haverfordwest, Pembrookshire. It was from the latter place that he came to Gomersal on the5th of November, 1913. Here, as already suggested, he has been a true pastor, the keynote of his lifehaving been faithfulness in duty and a patient continuance in well-doing. His relationship with the clergyand ministers in the village has always been characterised by harmony and goodwill, as is evidenced by

the receipt during the past few days of letters of sympathy by Mrs. Stooke from the Vicar (the Rev. E. B.Toase) and the Rev. Joseph Pleasants (Congregationalist).

It has been truly said that the war has killed many men other than those who have died on the field ofbattle. The death of Mr. Stooke is another case in point. Keenly anxious to contribute his share to theaggregate of war work, he entered the Spenborough Food Control Office at the beginning of operations inthe Central Sunday School in September, 1917, and has since then as chief clerk been indefatigableassistant to Hugh Patchett. During all this time he also faithfully discharged his church work. At the FoodOffice he was noted as a very conscientious worker, his chief characteristic, as hundreds of people whohave had occasion to call there could testify, being the extremely patient manner in which he listened todifficulties and complaints, even when the work was at its most perplexing stage. In the early days ofregistration, his willingness to pay attention to the troubles and misunderstandings of the public was apleasant feature. During this period Mr. Stooke worked long hours at his arduous duties. The deceasedleaves a wife and eight children. One son, who was a lieutenant in the Royal Air Force, has just beendemobilised, and another is still serving in the Army.

FUNERAL YESTERDAYYesterday afternoon the interment took place in the Moravian Burial Ground. The principle mourners

were: Mrs. Stooke, and Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Leonard, Miss Amy, Miss Olive, Miss Marion, Master Allen,Master Kinsley Stooke, and Miss Mary Audley; the mourners also included two brothers and a sister ofMr. Stooke and a sister of Mrs. Stooke. There were also present Principal the Rev. Harold Munford(Fairfield Collage, Manchester), Revs. H. P. Mumford (Baildon), J. W. Crawford (Heckmondwike), C.H. Mellows (Little Horton, Bradford), R. Hull (Wellhouse, Mirfield), R. Klaser (Wyke), E. B. Toase(vicar of Gomersal), J. Pleasants (Grove Congregational Chapel, Gomersal), G. Trippet (HealeyCongregational Chapel, Heckmondwike), J. Roberts (Central Chapel, Cleckheaton), Mr. F. Oates, Mr. A.Mortimer, Mr. B. Oldroyd, Mr. Abraham Rhodes, Mr. C. McCleavey (son of a former Moravian ministerat Gomersal), Mr. George Muff, Mr. James A. Grimshaw, Mr. Hugh Patchett (Food Control Office,Cleckheaton), and Mr. W. Siddron. The following gentleman acted as bearers; Mr. James w. Rhodes, Mr.John W. Rhodes, Mr. J. J. Machell, Mr. C. Blackburn, Mr. S. Jowett, Mr. Bull, Mr. C. A. Mountford, andMr. Jonathan Wright.

A short service was held in the church, conducted by the Rev. H. P. Mumford, who was assisted by theRev. J. W. Crawford and the Rev. J. Pleasants.

Mr. Mumford said that concerning their late brother it was not needful for him to say very much, and hefelt that it would not have been Mr. Stooke’s wish that he be unduly praised, or any mere eulogy passedupon him. He had learnt to appreciate the fine Christian spirit in which Mr. Stooke has strenuouslyupheld the ministry amid many difficulties. The rev. gentleman then proceeded to outline the late pastor’scareer, and read a tribute to his memory which had been sent from the church committee to the widow,which stated “We realise more than the rest what Gomersal has lost. His highly spiritual nature, hislovable and charming manner, which were such as to endear him to all our hearts, and we all feel wehave lost a brother and a counsellor, whose advice was always welcomed and admired.”

June

32: Moravian Messenger Magazine, 1919

Sunday 22nd June 1919: Council Meeting held on Sunday after Holy Communion. Brother James WRhodes in the Chair. That we place on record our deep regret at the loss we have sustained by thedeath of our beloved Minister, Brother Walter G. Stooke. That we hereby show in some practicalmanner our appreciation of his work amongst us and for that purpose the box in the porch be set apartup to and including the 6th July 1919.

Reverend Stooke died from influenza at Bradford Royal Infirmary on 18th May 1919, only a monthbefore the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

Influenza was an illness that swept the world in 1918 and 1919. It infected millions of people, a fifth ofthe world’s population, and killed more people than the total number who had died in The Great War.

33: The Treaty of Versailles, 1919

Saturday 28th June 1919: Signing of the Peace Treaty at 3.12pm between Germany and the Allies –Thank God for that – After nearly 5 years of War such as the World has never known before.

Exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand triggered the war in Europe, The Treatyof Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors, at the Palace of Versailles, Paris, France.

Friday 27th June 1919: Arrival of Brother and Sister Handel Hassell in Gomersal. (May there be aquickening and revival of the Holy Spirit amongst us that the Glory of the latter house may be greaterthan the former).

Sunday 29th June 1919: Brother H Hassell commenced his ministry amongst us and created a goodimpression. In the evening it took the form of a Thanksgiving Service for the peace that had come. There was a splendid attendance.

Handel Hassell followed Walter Stooke’s Ministry at Gomersal. Having completed his training beforethe war, he served in the Army when war came, and showed distinction by winning the Military Crossand Bar.

July

Gomersal Peace Celebrations Poster 1919The following is reproduced from the original poster held in the West Yorkshire Archives at Wakefield,

ref. C888. Size is approximately A1.Peace Celebrations At Little Gomersal Monday July 21st 1919Time Table: All entrants to assemble in good time at the point on Sports Ground marked for

competitors.3pm Cricket Match3pm Greasy Pole Contest (open)3pm Flat Race for Boys under 9 years3.30pm Flat Race for Girls under 9 years4pm Skipping Race for Girls under 12 years4.15pm Three-legged race for Boys under 15 years4.30pm Three-legged race for Girls under 15 years4.45pm Presentation of Prizes by Mrs H. Hirst6pm Band starts from Shoulder of Mutton6.30pm Fancy Dress and Comic Costume. Entrants to assemble in Messrs. Beaumont & Smith’s Timber

Yard, and march in procession along Upper Lane and to the Field via Lower Lane, before being judged.6.30pm Flat Race for Boys aged 9 to 15 years7.00pm Flat Race for Girls aged 9 to 15 years7.30pm May Pole Dancers8pm Prize awarded for oldest inhabitant of Gomersal on the field8.30pm Taper Race for Ladies8.45pm Taper Race for Girls under 15 years9pm Sack Race for Boys under 15 years9.15pm Ladies ‘Walking’ Contest9.30pm Gents ‘Walking’ Contest9.30pm Presentation of Prizes by Mrs H. Hirst

Other Matters

Besides the events already documented, the following entries are examples of some other ways in whichthe war affected Church matters.

Such disruptions would be echoed by the other organisations, in their own way, throughout Gomersal.Tuesday 27th October 1914: After opening prayers the question of amending or postponing the

Bazaar owing to the present War was discussed at some length and the following resolution wasadopted.

1. That the resolution passed on 24th March respecting place of Bazaar be rescinded.2. That in place of the Bazaar we hold a 2 day Sale of Work in our own Sunday School.Sunday 13th December 1914: Interim Committee Meeting. The Minister read a circular asking if

this Committee were in favour in view of the present war of postponing the Synod at any rate for1915. As the Committee was of the opinion that this would be the best plan to adopt the circular tothis effect was signed by them and countersigned by the Minister.

Wednesday 17th February 1915: At Mens Guild decided to close for season. Owing to smallattendances consequent in overtime at Mills and War conditions.

Sunday 28th January 1917: Interim Committee meeting. Brother Stooke read a letter from P.E.C.asking for the views of the various Congregational Committees on the subject as to whether underexisting circumstances and in view of the difficulties which are known to all a Synod should be heldthis year or not. It was unanimously agreed on that in view of the fact that ‘Board of Trade’ werestrongly of the opinion that no Church Assembly should meet this year that we recommend to P.E.C. that Synod be dropped for 1917

Sunday 1st April 1917: Palm Sunday. A deep snow fell this morning. Nearly one foot of snow felluntil midday. Sunday School Teachers met after Communion and decided that owing to war conditionsadopt Moravian Sunday School Association Hymn Leaflet for Anniversary. The Single Sisters also metand decided to drop the Festival for this year.

Thursday 20th June 1918:That in the event of the Steward Brother James W Rhodes being called upfor Military Service that the Secretary Brother John W Rhodes be empowered to sign all chequesduring his temporary absence.

Sunday 30th June 1918: Interim Committee Meeting. A letter was read by Brother James W. Rhodeswhich he had received from the London City and Midland Bank Limited, Batley, the following of whichis a copy. We have received a letter containing an authority to honour cheques signed only byyourself. The resolution is so worded that the authority depends upon Brother James W. Rhodes becalled up for military duties. You will readily understand that it is impossible for us to undertake theresponsibility of finding out if and when this contingency arises. Will you be good enough to get aproper unconditional authority passed by resolution of your Committee and let us have a copy of theresolution signed by the Chairman.

Wednesday 9th July 1919: Congregational Council Meeting: In view of the great advantages to theefficiency and moral well being of the nation and to public health and order, which have followed therestrictions placed upon the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquor during the War, thisCongregation met in Council this 9th July 1919 earnestly request His Majesty’s Government tomaintain these restrictions until a permanent measure of reform has been enacted by Parliament ingeneral agreement with the “Nine Points” programme of the Temperance Council of the ChristianChurches.

34: Poster encouraging people to drink less

Roll Of HonourBARRACLOUGH, Bertie Pte., Labour Corps., D.L.I., B.E.F.

BEAUMONT, Leonard Pte., B.E.F.

BLACKBURN, Arthur L. Pte., West Riding, B.E.F.

BROOK, Arthur Pte., Duke of Wellington’s B.E.F.

BROOK, Harry Pte., West Yorks, B.E.F.

BROOK, J. Willie Pte., Duke of Wellington’s B.E.F.

BROOK, Joe M. Pte., Labour Corps., B.E.F.

BROWN, Willie H.M.S. -----

CROSSLEY, Selwyn D. Driver, M.G.C., B.E.F.

FURNESS, Harold* Driver, R.F.A., T.F., B.E.F.

GORE, Arthur* Pte.

HOLMES, Percy Seaman, H.M.S. -----

IBBOTSON, George*Trooper, Household Cavalry

KERSHAW, Clifford Pte., Duke of Wellington’s, B.E.F.

LEADBEATER, Randle Pte., France

LOBLEY, Albert Edward S.B.R., H.M.Y. -----

NAYLOR, Harold Pte., D.L.I.

NAYLOR, Richard Pte., Labout Batt.

NAYLOR, Willie B.E.F.

OTWAY, James Pte., Workshops Sec., M.T., A.S.C.

ROTHERY, Frank*Pte., Kings Own Royal Lancaster

RYECROFT, Illingworth Remount Dept.,

SAMPSON, Ernest*L. Corpl, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

SAMPSON, Leonard Pte., Duke of Wellington’s, B.E.F.

SHEPLEY, Arthur Pte., West Yorks., (1917, wounded)

SMITHSON, Harold R.F.C., B.E.F.

STOOKE, Gilbert La Trobe 2nd Lieut., R.F.C., B.E.F.

STOOKE, F. Leonard

TAYLOR, Dr Richard Waring R.A.M.C.

WILBY, Percy L. Corpl., B.E.F.

WHITAKER Gunner, India

WRIGHT, David Ernest Pte., Duke of Wellington’s, B.E.F.

WRIGHT, Fred*Pte., Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

WRIGHT, HarryFarrier Sergt., M.G.C. T.C.

WRIGHT, Leonard*Pte., Duke of Well’gton, M.G. Sec., B.E.F.

WRIGHT, Tom*Gunner, Royal Field Artillery

*Killed in action

Where given, Rank and Regiment is as known in 1917. Compiled by Kit Shorten from GomersalMoravian Minister’s diaries, Roll of Honour and Moravian Messenger 1917 Magazine.

After the War In some aspects, this story does not have a happy ending. The jubilation of the Peace Celebration; thehope for a new, better future and a return to normality soon dissolved. Sister Charlotte Louisa Stookesuffered as much as any war widow. Her two eldest sons were still in the armed forces. As a grievingmother of another six children, all under the age of eighteen, with the youngest being only three years old,she would soon have to find alternative accommodation. Collections were set aside from Churchservices, which were presented to her in July 1919. In a letter to the committee, she thanked all who hadcontributed to this memorial. With part of the money she bought a bookcase and “this along with hisbooks” would be a reminder to her of Gomersal and its Moravian members; of "their love and devotionfor her late husband." Sister Stooke left Gomersal on the 29th July, a little over two months after herhusband’s death. Her grief had been such in those last few months, that when an inventory of the Mansewas taken, the conditions inside the house were found to be in a very poor state. The Church also continued to have problems. The lack of men and the apathy of people towardsattending Church services, which had so frequently been observed and commented upon by the ministerduring the war years, did not show signs of recovery following the Armistice. Rather, it was furthercompounded by the minister’s sudden death, which left an air of uncertainty over the whole future of theMoravian Church in Gomersal; such had been the strength of his presence. There was further uncertaintyas the replacement minister was not yet ordained, and it wasn’t until late in September 1919 that BrotherHandel Hassall received and accepted the official call to ministry at Gomersal. Just how close Gomersal Moravian Church came to ceasing to exist at this time, the depth of love felt forBrother Stooke, and the uneasy mood prevalent in the country, is best recalled in the church Memorabiliafor 1919 and 1920. From the Memorabilia for 1919, read at the Lovefeast on January 4th, 1920. It is fitting that we should begin our survey of the past year’s work with an acknowledgement of theDivine Goodness which has been given to us throughout the year. In many departments of life it has been a very difficult and trying period. The great hopes with whichit began have not been realised. To look back, it seems to have been a year of disappointment. Whatshould have been the bright and prosperous beginning of our era of peace has only produced ill will,bitterness, suspicion and distrust in many hearts. Whilst we can thankfully say that this lamentablestate of affairs has not affected us as a congregation to any great extent, it would be idle to deny thatwe have altogether escaped. One feature of our life, the absence of a due proportion of young men atour services is certainly not altogether due to this, but without doubt, is so in some measure. We arenot alone in feeling these effects. In a greater or lesser degree they have been felt by all the Christiancommunities of the country. As we turn to specifically congregation matters we must first give thanks to God who has brought ussafely as a congregation through another year. Moreover the congregation is, humanly speaking, in abetter position than it was twelve months ago. Its separate existence which was threatened then nowseems to be assured, at any rate for some time. May we so use our opportunities during the comingyear that never again will the question of its amalgamation be raised. The most obvious change in life of the Congregation is the change of ministry. Our late Brother W.G.Stooke died on Sunday May 18th in Bradford Infirmary and this congregation lost a beloved pastorand the Church a most devoted and faithful servant. His epitaph has been written already in the diaryby another hand. May God grant that when our time comes we may deserve such a one!

From the Memorabilia for 1920, read at the Lovefeast on January 2nd, 1921. We cannot review the events of the past year, even in the briefest fashion, without being reminded atevery step of God’s goodness towards us as a congregation. 1920 has been a very difficult year to characterise. It began thirteen months after the Armistice,which ended the fighting in the greatest war of history. But as experiences during the twelve monthsof its predecessor warned us, 1920 was not likely to be a year of untroubled peace. The war changedour common life in many ways and it would be as difficult to go back now to the conditions of 1914 asto return to the age of Queen Elizabeth. For over a year the country has been trying to settle down, tofind its feet, to take up the broken thread of its old life – whatever metaphor we like to adopt. In a fewdirections life has gone back, not to pre-war conditions but to conditions that compare to them; inother directions it has diverged altogether from the standard of 1914. This applies to our Church life also. The Christian Church has been profoundly affected by the war,perhaps more than any of us realise. Some effects are only just becoming apparent, even now; some ofthem perhaps have not seen the light even yet.

There are many who have served in the long history of this church, both before and after Walter G.Stooke. Their legacy ensures that the it survives today. Hopefully, there will be many more who take upthis responsibility in the future. I like to think that in another one hundred years time, when people are commemorating the bicentennialof the Great War, that there will still be a Moravian Church in Gomersal, and that this book could behelping a member of that future congregation in connecting with our shared heritage. This will only bepossible, of course, if the building still stands, and the congregation still has members.

This book is provided free of charge and without obligation. If you have enjoyed reading it, you canhelp to protect the history of this church and its future by making a donation. Your money will be put togood use in the community by reaching out to new members, and in maintaining the heritage and fabric ofthe church building for the benefit of our future generations. Donations can be made through the Gomersal Moravian Church website at www.tinyurl.com/visitgmc orto the address below. Thank you for your time and kind consideration.

Gomersal Moravian Church, Quarry Road, Gomersal, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, BD19 4JB, Tel:0113 256 4828.

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, love

About Gomersal Moravian Church

35: Gomersal Moravian Church

Our church is one of only 31 such congregations in the UK, and is the oldest church in the village. Thechapel’s foundation stone was laid in 1751, and the church was settled as a congregation in 1755. Nearly100 years before state education appeared in Gomersal, the church established day and boarding schoolsfor boys and girls, as well as a Sunday school. The main building was repaired and improved withmodern facilities between 2005 and 2009.

Being in the heart of Charlotte Bronte’s Shirley country, we have many historical links with the Brontes,and the nearby historic houses of Red House and Oakwell Hall.

We hold a Family Worship on Sunday mornings at 10.30am, before the children leave for their JuniorChurch. Afterwards, we all join together again to share refreshments and fellowship in the Church. Wehold our Lovefeast and Holy Communion Service on the Second Sunday of each month at 3pm. ThePrayer Group meets every Thursday to pray for the congregation, the local community and the widerworld. The Moravian Womens Association (MWA) meets on the second Wednesday of the month. TheLadies Fellowship meets on the first Wednesday of the month, and has a wide range of speakers andactivities. We have a joint Messy Church with the Fulneck congregation four times a year. In the monthswhen there is no Messy Church our joint Youth Group meets. Usually on the third Wednesday of themonth, Wellbeing Wednesday is held in church. This includes a short themed walk, refreshments andyoga with proceeds going to charity. It’s a popular community activity for church members and non-members alike. We also hold a monthly Julian Meeting, where a reading or piece of music leads into atime of silent, contemplative prayer. Coffee mornings follow the Julian Meetings, serving Fairtrade teaand coffee and home-made cakes. Our Junior Church Hall is often in demand for fitness classes and otheractivities, and is available for hire.

We are proud to be members of Churches Together in Gomersal, Birkenshaw and East Bierley, whoorganise ecumenical services, prayer days, lent courses and Scripture Union Re:wind sessions for thelocal primary schools.

New faces are always welcome at our services and meetings.. Why not come along and join us?Did you know that the popular Christmas Christingle service originated in the Moravian Church? You

can find out more about the history and work of the Moravian Church in Great Britainat www.moravian.org.uk.

List of Illustrations

Front cover: Walter Gilbert Stooke, source: Cleckheaton Gazette, 1919. Design copyright Kit Shorten2014.

1: Europe before and after World War One , source: www.commons.wikimedia.org CarnegieEndowment for Peace 1924

2: Portrait of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as Emperor of Austria (1863-1914). Wilhelm Vita [Publicdomain], via Wikimedia Commons

3: £1 1st Treasury Issue. Date first issued: 7 August 1914, Date last issued: unknown, Date ceased to belegal tender: 12 June 1920, Colour: Black on white (printed on one side only). Size: 5" x 2 1/2" (127mmx 64mm), Design: Designed at Royal Mint from sketches by Frederick Atterbury. Printed by WaterlowBros. and Layton from plates by Eyre and Spottiswoode. Printed on postage stamp paper. Nicknamed"Bradburys" on account of signature of Sir John Bradbury, Permanent Secretary to the Treasury. Source:Bank of England Withdrawn Banknotes Reference Guide www.bankofengland.co.uk

4: Cartoon showing Belgium during WWI. Belgium guarding the way to France. Boy weak butcourageous stands boldly in front of the German bully. Drawn by F.H. Townsend and published in "PunchMagazine" during August 1914

5: Cap Badge of The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding) . By Richard Harvey [GFDL(http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/),CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0) or Public domain], viaWikimedia Commons

6: World War I photo of refugees fleeing Belgium, f.ex. Jan Dąbrowski "Wielka wojna" (The GreatWar) Warsaw 1937. Author unknown.

7: Unidentified Belium refugees living in Gomersal during the war. Author unknown. Source: Kirkleescollection.

8: A British 60 pounder Mk I battery in action on a cliff top at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, possibly in June1915. The unit might be the 90th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, located forward of Hill 114.The gun has the inscription "Annie" painted on the barrel. IWM caption : A 60-pounder battery in actionon a cliff top. Right to left: Ron Hilyard (sitting down), Fred Garland (sitting down), Horrie Veivers(standing), Bill Lamprill (standing with shell), Alf Easther (standing next to gun), Tom Gaston (sittingwith shell), Frank Lynch (on knee behind gun), Charles Geard (standing), Angus Suthers (standing), JoeBeckworth (standing) ,Herb Silcock(?). Ernest Brooks [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

9: Mark III Lyddite Shell. Plate XXIII, pages 207-208, 219 in "Treatise on Ammunition" 10th edition1915. Facsimile reprint by Imperial War Museum and Naval & Military Press, 2003.

10: Gomersal Moravian Sunday School plate. Moravian archives.11: Princess Mary Christmas Tin 1914. http://www.kinnethmont.co.uk/1914-1918_files/alex-pirie-

arras/mary-1914-box.jpg12: The Red House, Gomersal. Circa early 1900s. Author unknown.13: Description: Church collection appeal poster, 1915. Copyright Information: British Red Cross

Museums and Archives Image reference 1545/114: WW I poster - "It is far better to face the bullets than to be killed at home by a bomb. Join the army

at once & help to stop an air raid. God save the King". 1915. By Publicity Department, Central RecruitingDepot [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

15: Unexploded bomb. On the night of 2nd-3rd April 1916, two German Navy Zeppelins, failing to findtheir intended target, Rosyth Dockyard, dropped 27 bombs on Leith and Edinburgh instead. This onefailed to explode. East Fortune airfield was alerted when the first Zeppelin was spotted coming in overthe Berwickshire coast and sent up one aeroplane to intercept. Owing to poor visibility, it failed to locate

the intruders and crash landed on return. 2011 By Kim Traynor (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

16: Photograph showing bomb damage to a terraced house in Beech House Road, Croydon, London,inflicted during a raid on London by five German Zeppelins on 13 - 14 October 1915. By Home Officephotographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

17: “You Must Help Serbia” Serbian Relief Fund Poster. © IWM (Art.IWM PST 10928)18: Low Moor explosion funeral procession through Bradford. By kind permission of the Low Moor

Local History Group. © http://www.lmlhg.org.uk/19: An early model British Mark I "male" tank, named C-15, near Thiepval, 25 September 1916. The

tank is probably in reserve for the Battle of Thiepval Ridge which began on 26 September. The tank isfitted with the wire "grenade shield" and steering tail, both features discarded in the next models. ErnestBrooks [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

20: A British WWI poster saying "Don't waste bread! Save two thick slices every day and defeat the 'U'Boat":"The U-Boat campaign in 1917 brought increased shortages to Britain as hundreds of merchantships carrying food and ammunition were sunk. Shortages and inflation led to high food prices and unfairdistribution of food. By Clarke & Sherwell Ltd; Ministry of Food [Public domain], via WikimediaCommons

21: Recruitment poster published by the British Government in 1917 to encourage Women to enrol withthe newly created Women's Land Army. The Women's Branch of the UK Government's Board ofAgriculture 1917. By Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941)(http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/uk3.htm) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

22: British conscription poster : "Military Service Act 1916Every unmarried man of military age not excepted or exempted under this Act can choose one of two

courses :(1) He can enlist at once and join the Colours with delay;(2) He can attest at once under the group system and be called up in due course with his Group.If he does neither, a third course awaits him. He will be deemed to have enlisted under the Military

Service Act on Thursday, March 2nd, 1916.He will be placed in the reserve and be called up in his class as the Military Authorities may

determine."By British Government [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons23: "The Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt. Three trench lines and communications are here shown, with

acres of wire entanglements in the left foreground protecting first-line positions." The general line of thefront line trench passes across the centre of the picture, from left background to right foreground. Thecamera is facing NNE. C1920. By Halsey, Francis Whiting, [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

24: Gotha strategic bomber shortly before reaching London. Author Unknown.[Public Domain], viaWikimedia Commons

The cover of a publication of the Treaty of Versailles in English. By David Lloyd George, WoodrowWilson and Georges Clemenceau [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

25: The mud and misery of the Passchendaele battlefield. Image from Library and Archives Canada26: Panorama of Cambrai, France, in 1919, following the destruction of World War I. www.gwpda.org

Photos of the Great War found on Library of Congress (US) Public Domain.27: Food rations 1918. © http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/2523537128: Richard Waring Taylor , source:Heather Doel, ( née Taylor) Andrew Waring Taylor and Angela

Bougourd ( née Taylor)children of John Waring Taylor, grandchildren of Dr Richard Waring Taylor29: The Western Front at Bucquoy, June 1918. Source: Official History of the War - Military Operations

France & Belgium 1918 (maps volume)

30: Armistice Day in London, 11 November 1918. Crowds outside Buckingham Palace, London onArmistice Day. By American official photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons © IWM

31: Walter Gilbert Stooke, source: Cleckheaton Gazette32: Source: Moravian Messenger magazine, 191933: Treaty of Versailles Front Cover. Source: Auckland War Memorial Museum Library Catalogue34: "Don't Drink" poster. Source IWM Collections Art, IWM PST 1011535: Gomersal Moravian Church, pen and ink drawing circa. 1880s, source: Fulneck Moravian Museum

archivesBack page: Moravian Lamb and Flag, source: www.moravian.org.uk

Sources and Bibliography

Cleckheaton GuardianCleckheaton AdvertiserThe TimesThe SpectatorWest Yorkshire Archive ServicesKirklees LibrariesMoravian Church ArchivesThe Royal British Legion Spenborough Role of HonourHistory Learning Site The Long, Lomg Trail - How men joined the British ArmyThe Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre - Battle of BullecourtBradford WW1 - Bradford Food ShortagesHistory of the 62nd (West Riding) DivisionCommonwealth War Graves Commission Collins Dictionary of Wars by George Bruce. 9780004707266Gomersal Past and Present by Ashwell CadmanOne Valley’s War by Andrew Bannister 0952334704History of the Great War - The Merchant Navy Vol II by Archibald HurdDoctors in the Great War by Ian R Whitehead 9781783461745