Newspaper reports with Crich connections

Derbyshire Courier
18 December 1915
Crich Lea and Holloway
Crich enjoyed the privilege on Saturday of having a recruiting station to assist in the attestation of recruits under the Lord Derby Scheme. The experiment was more than justified, as from early afternoon until the close, a constant flow of recruits present themselves for enlistment, and thus assisted in relieving the pressure at the large centres. In addition to the recruiting officer, Drs MacDonald and Rankin attended to give the necessary medical examination, whilst Mr H Dyson also gave clerical assistance. Some 108 were attested, the larger percentage of these, it is understood being married. The majority were residents of the parish, with a few from South Wingfield, although one who was attested was a native of Caithness (Scotland), and another came from Stilgo (Ireland). Several, owing to the late hour deferred their attestation until the following morning when they present themselves at Derby.

From various sources the reports as to the response of men of military age from the Crich parish agree that the percentage of those who have failed to answer Lord Derby's appeal is remarkably small, and when the figures are officially announced it is confidently expected that Crich will be ? In relation to population, in a position worthy of the village.

Derbyshire Courier
7 December 1918
Further confirmation of the ill-treatment meted out to our soldiers by the Germans is given by Private William Smith, Sherwoods, son of Mr and Mrs S. Smith, Bulls Head Inn, Crich. Private Smith, whose home is at Tibshelf, came to visit his parents on Sunday after his liberation from Germany. He had scars around his chin and jaws, which he said were caused by the Germans branding him. Private Smith’s brother, Gunner Harry Smith, was on leave last week, the two meeting once more at home.

Derby Daily Telegraph
17 November 1914
GERMAN OFFICER'S HUMOUR
SOCIETY LADIES REBUKED

Some German ladies who visited the camp for war prisoners near Essen asked for buttons of kharki unifirms as a charm. The commanding officer sent the ladies to the kitchen where they were forced to peel a sack of potatoes and allowed them, with an ironical smile, to keep the peels as a memento.

Derbyshire Courier
15 November 1919
In recognistion of the armistice anniversary the Crich ringers at the Parish Church rang a special peal of Grandsire and Manchester.

Derbyshire Courier
20 April 1915
WITH THE INTERNED MARINES
Seaman's letter to Ambergate man
Life amongst the British Marines interned in Holland as described in a letter sent by Seaman R. C. Tatham to his uncle, Mr J.Bates, Canal Side, Ambergate. Writing from Groningen, Seaman Tatham, who is in A Company Collingwood Battalion, says: –
"I expect we shall have to remain here until we are released. We went into large wooden hutments. We have a hospital block, gymnasium, recreation hall and three large wooden hutments, where we sleep and dine – one for each battalion of about 500. The whole establishment is surrounded by two rolls of barbed wire and a large Dyke, of which there are many here. One side of the field is taken up by a large prison, one of the largest in Holland. It is very imposing building, I don't think!
"We were taken out on route marches in charge of an armed guard of cavalry and cyclists. We get some delicious meals which I am certain would not suit your appetite. There is no variation, every days meals being alike. For breakfast we have porridge, brown bread, margarine and coffee unsweetened. The brown bread is soft and very doughy, and it tastes very sour – I expect on account of what it is made of. For dinner we get potatoes and meat and for tea what you have left over from the half loaf and portion of butter dished out at breakfast, along with a cup of tea, unsweetened. We get a little variety on Sunday at tea in the shape of a little jam.
"We are allowed down to the Cinema once a week with an armed escort, two to four p.m. we are also allowed ashore for three hours from 1.30 to 4.30 p.m. once about every 10 days, and I quite enjoyed the little liberty that we are allowed.
"Holland is rather in a perilous position at the present time and if things turn out the wrong way we might find ourselves in the trenches again. The sooner the better. I am keeping in the best of health."

Tatham's cousin Gunner Henry Bates, son of the letter recipient, is on the Crich Roll of Honour.

Ripley and Heanor News
14 November 1919
SERVICE MEN WELCOMED HOME AT CRICH
On Saturday the ex-servicemen of Crich and Fritchley, and those still serving who secured leave, together with their wives, mothers, or sweethearts, numbering some 600, were entertained in lavish fashion by their fellow villagers. There was a large procession, headed by Crich United Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr S Hollingworth ), with Mr F Lynam (chairman of Parish Council) as mounted marshal. A Cenotaph had been erected and the beautiful flowers placed thereupon by bereaved relatives bore silent testimony to the sacrifices made by lads of the villages who had given their all. As the procession passed the Cenotaph the band played “Fallen Heroes” and the ex-servicemen came to the salute.
The procession was witnessed with interest by large crowds of people, the men and their womenfolk were lavishly entertained at a hot dinner, and among those who took a deep interest in the proceedings were Mr Maurice Deacon (Chase Cliff) and Mr Shore-Nightingale (Holloway). The Fritchley guests dined at the parish room, and the Crich guests at the Council School, Crich.
After dinner a concert and social took place in Crich Parochial School, where appropriate speeches were made by the vicar, Rev R Ord Wilson, Dr Macdonald, and Mr Lynam. Musical items were contributed by friends. A memorable day closed with patriotic songs.
It should be mentioned there was no lack of good fare. Messrs Fred Lynam and Percy Taylor gave the meat; Mr and Mrs Jarvis, Jovial Dutchman, sent two barrels of beer; there were smokes galore; Mr G Checkley cooked all the victuals gratis; and Mr F J H Jephson loaned crockery, etc., free. The expenses were defrayed by public subscription, and the committee wish to thank all who assisted in any way.