Reading Standard Etc 02-1915

LAD WHO SAVED DROWNING MAN.
GEORGE WILLIAM WARD, a Reading lad of 16, displayed great pluck in rescuing a man named Palk from drowning in the Kennet on November 28th, Palk, who was drunk, fell into the water and was soon carried into mid-stream by a strong current. Ward, who lives at 262, Kennet Side, without any hesitation dived into the water and at great risk of his own life succeeded in rescuing Palk. The fact that Ward had only learned to swim at the beginning of last year makes his action the more commendable. He was recently presented with a Royal Humane Society certificate in recognition of his brave act.
GEORE WILLIAM WARD.
ANXIOUS TO MEET THE ENEMY.
Here is another platoon of the 5th Royal Berks Regiment who have been billeted at Devonshire House, Folkestone, for six weeks. The 5th platoon of B Company, they say are the most anxious to get to the front and give the Germans a taste of their mettle. Their host tells us they have been exceptionally well behaved and are sure to do credit to their county.
FOUR SONS ON WAR SERVICE.
Mr. Henry W. Cox, of 40, Basingstoke Road, is one of those proud fathers with four sons serving with the colours. They are (reading from the left of the photograph): Edwin George, late H. M. S. Audacious, now Queen Elizabeth; Herbert Henry, 6th Batt. Rifle Brigade, Sheerness; Horace Walter, Motor Transport, Royal Marine Artillery; and Stanley Ewart, H. M. S. Princess Royal.
Pte. H. J. TOWNSEND, 2nd Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, 6, The Grove, Caversham. - Sick with fever, now back in the firing line.
The late Corpl. C. EGGLETON, 1st Royal Berks Regt. (champion lightweight boxer in India for three years). Died of wounds.
Pte. B. TAYLOR, 1st Royal Berks Regiment, Thatcham. - Invalided from the front sick.
The late Pte. PHILIP WILLMOTT (late of Reading and the 66th and 49th Berkshire Regiments), a National Reservist. - Killed on patrol duty on the railway.
Pte. H. BELCHER, 1st Middlesex Regt., 185, Great Knollys Street, Reading. - Frostbitten.
Pte. CHAS. VENN, 2nd Gloucestershire Regt., 4, The Grove, Caversham. Prisoner of war.
WHAT THE OBSERVER SAW.
The man shown in our picture had a most remarkable escape. Around him are the ruins of what was formerly a British Artillery observation post, and he was carrying out the hazardous but very necessary duties of observer. A German shell came along, with the result which is clearly shown. He had no doubt a few appropriate observations for the occasion.
AUSTRALIANS IN THE DESERT.
The "Colonial Scots" shown in our picture are members of the old "Victorian Scottish" Regiment of Melbourne. They are proudly flying a Scottish standard, and combine in themselves all the virile virtues of Scots and Colonials, a combination which the enemy will find it rather difficult to deal with. They are serving with the Australian contingent in the Egyptian desert.
THE PERISCOPE OF THE TRENCHES.
The periscope is one of the many useful appliances which go to make up the efficiency of the highly scientific war-making of our times. They enable accurate observations to be made from positions of such security as the trenches are able to provide. Our picture indicates their use in the British trenches, and the operator will be seen to be somewhat amused.
THE CREW OF THE LAERTES.
The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement: Captain William Henry Propert, of the SS. Laertes, having been granted a temporary commission as Lieutenant in the Royal Navy Reserve as from February 10th, 1915. The King has been graciously pleased to award him the Distinguished Service Cross for his gallant and spirited conduct in command of his unarmed ship when exposed to attack by the gunfire and torpedo of a German submarine on the 10th inst. The Admiralty has conveyed to Captain Propert and the officers and men under his command an expression of high appreciation of their conduct, and has bestowed upon each officer a gold watch. A complimentary grant of £3 has also been made to every member of the crew.
THE OUTCAST.
A PLACE IN THE SHADOW.
THE DOGS OF WAR.
The dog has his uses in war as well as in peace, and the French Red Cross section shown in our picture setting out for the front is accompanied by several of these faithful servants. The business of the dogs on the battlefield is to seek out the wounded, a service which they perform very cleverly and much to the comfort of the unfortunate soldiers concerned.