Berkshire and The War: the "Reading Standard" pictorial record. Volume 4. p 922
Permissions
Please contact us if you wish to republish an image or documents from this collection; or you would like to donate illustrations to the collection; or if you wish to add to or correct the information on this database. Tel: 0118 901 5950 Email: libraries@reading.gov.uk
Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders, obtain permission from them and to ensure that all credits are correct. The Reading Borough Libraries have acted in good faith at all times and on the best information available to us at the time of publication. We apologise for any inadvertent omissions, which will be corrected as soon as possible if notification is given to us in writing.
In the event you are the owner of the copyright in any of the material on this website and do not consent to the use of your material in accordance with the terms of conditions of use of this website, please contact us at info@readinglibraries.org.uk and we will withdraw your material from our website forthwith on receipt of your contact details, written objection and proof of ownership.
Image Details
| Title | Berkshire and The War: the "Reading Standard" pictorial record. Volume 4. p 922 |
|---|---|
| Page number | 922 |
| Date | 1919 |
| Edition | |
| Publisher | Unknown |
Add to Basket
Related Collections
OCR Text
Return of the 4th Batt. Royal Berks Regiment - continued.
Sergt.-Major TRINDER, on behalf of the N.C.O.'s and men of the regiment, then called for three hearty cheers for the gallant remnant, which were lustily given by numerous soldier spectators of the scene.
Eat, Drink and be Merry.
Colonel WHITEHEAD next had a few homely words with his men. "We don't quite know just where we stand about demobilisation" he told them. "Just take it easy for a day or two. I will get you demobilised as quickly as I can. It was worthwhile coming to Reading, wasn't it?" The men were not slow to show their entire agreement. "Well," he concluded, "eat, drink and be merry, but ," with a smile, "don't get too drunk."
The parade was then dismissed. The men found dinner awaiting them, and special huts had been prepared for their use. Those who had homes in Reading, and many had, were allowed to go home, a privilege they much enjoyed and keenly welcomed.
The gallant fellows, the remainder of whom had all been demobilised save this handful, left Italy some seven or eight days previously and crossed the Channel on Sunday, March 30th. It was not until 10.30 on Monday morning, some three hours in fact before their arrival, that they knew that Reading was their destination. Naturally enough they greeted the news with delight.
The following is the complete list of the names of the returning party, all that was now left of the gallant 1/4th Battalion which went out a thousand strong: - Lieut.-Colonel H. F. Whitehead, D.S.O., Captain J. C. Crawford, Lieut. and Quarter-Master R. A. Hogarth and Lieut. W. O. Forder, R.Q.M.S. W. A. E. Higgs, Sgts. A. E. Eggleton and W. H. Morris, Corpl. S. C. Smith, Acting Corpls. T. D. Roberts, R. E. Taylor and H. F. Rymill, Privates H. E. Wilkinson, A. J. Watkins, V. Rolfe, E. H. Prior, J. W. Crook, F. Tubb, G. E. Quelch, S. Gregory, J. T. Johnson, P. Connor, F. Austin, A. G. Bennett, W. A. West, R. J. West, G. Breakspear, A. W. Clargo, W. G. Treadwell, H. G. Berry, H. A. Jerome, A. P. Jerome, F. J. H. Lacey, R. E. Plane, F. Allum, S. J. Lay, E. Gardner, W. H. Waite, J. F. Peck, F. Fisher, P. F. Walter, C. Brown, W. T. Portsmouth, C. T. Thieman, F. Parris, A. C. Cranmer and E. Bannister.
Most of the men live in Reading and the surrounding neighbourhood.
A Splendid War Record.
The 1/4th Berks had in very truth a gruelling time. They went out to France in 1914, took part in all the leading engagements, including Ypres, the Somme and La Boiselle, and then went to Italy in 1917. There they covered themselves with further glory, taking a prominent part in the Asiago campaign. "The Austrians surrendered to us in dozens," said one of the men, "and their arms as well." Perhaps one of their finest feats in this campaign was the storming of Monte Catz, which was the key to the position, and the capture of which enabled the rest of their Brigade, which had hitherto been held up, to push on and continue the advance. In this connection they were the only battalion in the 48th Division to be mentioned in despatches. It was a heroic achievement and the graphic account of the engagement given to our representative by one who took part in it constituted an epic narrative at which one could not help but thrill with pride and admiration.
[photo, group, interior] THE MAYOR SHAKING HANDS THE WITH LIEUT.-COL. H. F. WHITEHEAD, D.S.O., THE C.O. OF THE BATTALION, ON THE PLATFORM.
[photo, crowd, exterior] THE MAYOR THANKS THE TROOPS FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE.
[Photos by C. E. & A. May.]