Poem ~ Under-aged Private Janaway - Friday, 14 January 1916

Impression sketch of Gunner Harry Janaway, aged 14 - by Jamie.

NOTE:  an article on teenage boys in trenches can be found at: http://forums.canadiancontent.net/history/129576-teenage-soldiers-world-war-one.html

24 January 1914 Harry Janaway

Travelled to Chichester to join military -

The youngster had informed

Authorities, as his age being 18 years.

He became Gunner Harry Janaway

Of the 130th Battery Royal Field Artillery

And after undertaking training

Was sent to front in France - May 1914.

Young Gunner Harry Janaway

Was involved in the fighting about Ypres,

Armentieres, La Bassee then

Loos; in close scrapes twice to gain wounds.

In January 1916 Harry Janaway

Had his true years discovered by authorities -

By age inquires of some soldiers -

The boy had lied about his age by four years.

4 January 1916, Gunner Janaway

Was his 15th birthday, to depart for home.

Being dismissed by the military

Harry Janaway was annoyed by discovery.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1916. Hero of 15. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 14 January 1916. P.8. Col.7. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/12093307/Daily-Telegraph-January-14-1916.html [Accessed: 14 January 2016].

Mann, J., 2016. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 14 January 2016). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/12093307/Daily-Telegraph-January-14-1916.html

http://worldwaroneblogger.blogspot.co.uk/

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Poem ~ A Deserter and A Fraud - Friday, 5 February 1915

Source: File: Lancelot Dickinson Chapman.jpg, 2015. A fake hero Lancelot Chapman’s photo, from Daily Mirror, 5/2/1915 (printed across two pages) [online] Available at:<https://greatwarlondon.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/a-fake-hero/> [Accessed: 5 February 2015].
 
A bombardier in the Royal Field Artillery,
Lancelot Dickinson Chapman aged 31,
Had been presented about London
As a hero – celebrated at stage shows
And in photographs, with a Victoria Cross.
The truth was proved otherwise different.

Bombardier Chapman had made himself
Known to the media and appeared
In a Music Hall Tableau – Photographs
Of Bombardier Chapman had even
Been published, in  the illustrated
Papers – additionally his image had
Displayed in the district of his home.

Wednesday 3 February, in the afternoon,

Bombardier Chapman attended the
Coliseum - when he was called outside
To meet an interested party – this being
A Detective Inspector Hambrook.
He asked Bombardier Chapman, as to
Where he had gained the VC he wore.
The reply he gave was to say he had won
The cross at Mons - being presented
To him by King George whilst in France.

Inspector Hambrook stated that he did

Not believe the fact – making an arrest
Bombardier Chapman, was detained at
Scotland Yard – pending an investigation.
Bombardier Chapman was informed
He matched a deserter’s description -
Bombardier Chapman’s explanation,
Was that he was on leave - discharged
From hospital and he was no deserter.

Inspector Hambrook had attended

The coliseum, having had a complaint
About the ‘soldier’ -  he had recognised
Bombardier Chapman from large
Photographs - wearing three medals -
Displayed in a Camberwell shop window.

Thursday 4 February 1915 Chapman
Was charged with desertion, to appear
In court, in a Royal Field Artillery uniform.
Chief Detective-inspector Gough told
The Magistrate how, for some time,
Bombardier Chapman had let it be
Believed he had gained service medals;
Of Victoria Cross and Order of Leopold.

By this method Bombardier Chapman

Had gained, and attempted to gain,
Sums of money – other charges were
Likely to be raised – Chapman was
Invited to ask questions of the officer.
In a sullen tone, Bombardier Chapman
Said, he would not say anything -
‘Until they find out properly.’

A remand was made, as the court

Was told of two people present,
Wanting to charge the detained
With fraud – A man at the back
Came forward, requesting money
Found on the prisoner –  the total
Was £5 and £2 10s  - the prisoner
Borrowed from his son and himself -
To add Bombardier Chapman had
His two watches, in his possession.

Inspector Gough explained how,

Bombardier Chapman had lived
In Camberwell - at the house
Of the applicant - to borrow the
Monies, along with statement that
He would marry his daughter.
The Mayor of Camberwell was
Later to receive a letter to say,
How Bombardier Chapman
Should be publicly celebrated -
Prompting a movement to do so.

After his arrest, a statement

Was given by Bombardier
Chapman, admitting he was
Not entitled to the Victoria Cross.
He had bought one for 30s
At a curiosity shop, two weeks
Before. At other times he had
Bought the other medals -
For totals of 7s 6d and 12s 6d.

Bombardier Chapman told

Of his actual service - joining
The King’s Own Yorkshire
Light Infantry, 14 December
1899 - discharged  23 October
1910, completing his service.
Working in Sunderland about
Different shipyards, he had
Never mentioned his past.

In 1914 he signed into the

Royal Field Artillery, attached
To 148th Battery at Ewshott,
Aldershot. Then he deserted on
13 November 1914 – he stated
That he had never been to France
And that being presented the VC
By King George was a total lie.
The Order  Of Leopold, Legion
Of Honour and Medal Militaire
Presented to him was also untrue.

After he deserted, he travelled

To London and since stayed
With lodgings, at various places -
Mainly staying at the Union
Jack Club – when further asked
By the Magistrate if he admitted
To being a deserter, Bombardier
Chapman was heard to reply,
‘I say nothing At all about it.’

 by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1915. Bogus VC Hero – never Been To France. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 5 Feb. P.5. Col.5. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11385010/Daily-Telegraph-February-5-1915.html [Accessed: 5 February 2015].

Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 5 February  2015). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11385010/Daily-Telegraph-February-5-1915.html

http://worldwaroneblogger.blogspot.co.uk/

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Poem ~ Brave Driver, Job Drain - Sunday, 29 November 1914

 Source: File: Job Drain.jpg, 2014. The Daily Telegraph. [online] (updated July 30 2014)  Available at: < http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11258892/Daily-Telegraph-November-28-1914.html> Accessed: 29 November 2014].

Source: File: Job Drain's Victoria Cross.jpg, 2014. First World War: Barking’s Victoria Cross hero Job Drain commemorated in new book. Sophie Morton [online] (updated 10 August 2014)  Available at: <http://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/heritage/first_world_war_barking_s_victoria_cross_hero_job_drain_commemorated_in_new_book_1_3717372> Accessed: 29 November 2014].

A lad from Barking,

Of 18 years.

His name Job Drain,

Had already been

In the army two years,

When war broke out,

In August 1914.

With his full name,

Job Henry Charles Drain

In the position of driver.

Went to France and Belgium

In the Royal Field Artillery,

With the 37th Battery -

From the very start of war,

In August 1914.

On the day of the 26 August,

With the retreat of Mons,

Came conflict at Le Cateau.

A defensive line set

About the French town,

In forming protection

Of their forces - became

An artillery man's battle,

In August 1914.

In the chaos of retreat,

A formation of Howitzers,

Set out to protect BEF.

Among the teams,

A driver, Job Drain,

Caught in midst of fight,

To reform gun positions,

On a summers day,

In August 1914.

To regain two guns,

Captain Reynolds,

Of the 37th Battery,

Called for volunteers,

To recover their loss.

Driver Drain, Driver Luke,

And a man, Gobley,

Stepped forward,

At the battle of le Cateau,

In August 1914.

Together, the men

Moved forward,

Dodging enemy shots,

At a hundred yards -

Reaching the stalled guns,

Of 4.5 inch Howitzers -

Rapidly limbering up

They turned about

With Gobley mounted.

But the man was shot,

In August 1914.

With the Captain

Running, guiding

Another pair,

Driver Job Drain

Took the shot man's

Place, to move on,

And save that gun,

In August 1914.

This team helped

Prevent destruction

Of the BEF soldiers,

By their actions.

Captain Reynolds,

Driver F Luke,

Driver J Drain,

Received the VC,

Reported in November,

From August 1914.

Young Job Drain,

And Frederick Luke

Survived war,

Gaining the rank

Of Sergeants.

Later, Sergeant Drain

Formed the guard

Of honour, in the burial

Of the unknown warrior,

Long after that day

In August 1914.

Back in Barking

Life had changed

On Job Drain's return.

As he received honours

For his act of bravery.

Now his statue stands

To mark his courage,

With a foot forward

He looks outward,

From a battle day,

In August 1914.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1914. Boy V.C. Hero. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 29 Nov. P.3. Col.4. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11258892/Daily-Telegraph-November-28-1914.html [Accessed: 29 November 2014].

Mann, J., 2014. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 29 November 2014). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11258892/Daily-Telegraph-November-28-1914.html

http://worldwaroneblogger.blogspot.co.uk/

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Poem ~ Gunner Gains Medal - Saturday, 24 October 1914

A keen young Gunner, F.G. Powe, Aged 20,

Of the 41^st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery,

Was recovering quickly in Bristol, from wounds,

Was by this date, due to return to the front.

Gunner Powe recognised for his work in the field,

At Villers Cotterets, while manning a gun.

Facing a superior enemy force he received

Shrapnel wounds in both legs – He refused orders

To gain medical attention, choosing to hobble

About, on a single leg, he assisted the crew,

In their tight corner - first to get the guns hitched

To the horses - after which he was commended

For his bravery by his commanding officer,

To be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1914. A Brave Gunner. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 24 Oct. p.7. Col.6. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11183483/Daily-Telegraph-October-24-1914.html [Accessed: 25 October 2014].

Mann, J., 2014. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 25 October  2014). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11183483/Daily-Telegraph-October-24-1914.html

http://worldwaroneblogger.blogspot.co.uk/

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Poem ~ Ten Sons Go to War - Saturday, 12 September 1914

Hearing of the Calpin family's contribution, King George

Had no hesitation in forwarding his utmost congratulations.

The news being conveyed to his Majesty's attention,

By Sir William Carrington of a Yorkshire family's ten sons -

Ten men who did not hesitate, from this patriotic family,

To answer the posters calling out their recruiting message -

Of Kitchener's hand, 'Your King and Country Needs you!'

Along with proud recognition from Prime Minister Asquith,

A letter from the Palace conveyed the King's gratification

To say; 'with his best wishes, to them for success, health,

And happiness in their noble career.'

In a small square in Column 4 on page 4, the headline says

'Ten Sons with the Colours' - These young men would

Never have dreamt that their faces, a hundred years on,

Being noted, nor their actions across the world wide Internet.

Believed to be the biggest band of brothers ever to go to war,

Lived ten young men, bothers between 18 and 37 years,

In modest houses on a terraced street in the city of York.

Two of them already serving abroad, must have played

An inspiration to the remaining eight, to join the forces.

So off they marched together, to the office of recruitment.

When some weeks into war, a Buckingham Palace letter,

Addressed to Sarah and Patrick Calpin - Paddy a builder's

Labourer and Sal a housewife - Whose story from Ireland

And County Mayo, to escape the last century's potato famine.

Being born within walls of York, returned to raise their children

There - living their basic lives, in the lowly slums of Walmgate.

This family could not have expect fame and recognition which

Came from Henry Rhodes Brown, the Chief Magistrate

Of York, whose letter dated September 7th 1914 arriving

Extolling virtues of 'the wonderful patriotism of your house.'

Giving them an invitation for 'daughter Anna, wife and you

Will call at the Mansion house.' From the slums of Walmgate,

And celebrated at a civic reception, at the Empire Theatre,

Must have seemed a world away, in such strange recognition.

The Lord Mayor, Henry Rhodes Brown, in congratulations

Proclaimed 'it will be hard for anyone in the Empire to equal

Your record of ten sons, all serving their country.'  As the war

Wore on, came further admiration for the Calpin family name

Being used in recruiting drives and in local cinema broadcasts.

Almost a regiment of their own came a roll call of the Calpin's:

David, 18 HMS Ariadne, Ernest, 21 HMS Dreadnought,

Henry, 22 Royal Field Artillery, Arthur, 24 East Yorks,

Thomas, 27 West Yorks, Martin, 29 9th West Yorks,

James, 33 4th West Yorks, William 32 3rd West Yorks,

Patrick, 36 Army Remounts Depot, and the eldest

John, 39 the National Reserve - The youngest brothers

Joined the Navy, as six brothers signed for the army,

In regiments of the East and West Yorkshire infantry.

Three brothers already had a military background - as in

James, a former Yorkshire Boxing Champion, serving

In the Boer War - while Arthur Calpin, being in India

At war's outbreak, serving eight years in the Army.

While the eighth man William Calpin, serving in Malta.

Assigned to HMS Ariadne the youngest, David, served

On the ship, a minelayer until 26 July 1917 when a U-boat,

Under Otto Steinbrinck, sunk the cruiser at Beachy Head.

David Calpin from the water, watched the sinking, only

To suffer severe exposure, by the time of being rescued.

The experience no doubt affecting his health, until some

Years after the war, he died at the young age of 32.

Ernest Calpin, serving upon HMS Dreadought, did not

Take part in any navel battles - the boat being refitted in 1916

During the battle of Jutland. Yet the battleship was the only

One to sink a submarine, ramming the SM U-29 in 1915.

The manoeuvre being made as U-29 broke the surface,

To torpedo another dreadnought  - The ship relegated

Took part in coastal defence until the final year of 1918.

Ernest one of nine brothers returned to his home, to serve

Again, in yet another world war.

The eldest brother, Private John Calpin, 3/9865, "B" Coy.

12th BN., West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own),

Was then serving in the trenches of France, being gassed.

As a casualty, was returned to a hospital in Nottingham.

He sent a Red Cross postcard to Elizabeth, his wife, to say

That he had landed safely back in England - but the effects

Of gas being too much, he died on 18th November 1916,

At the age of 39 and now lies in perpetuity in York Cemetery.

Except for John, one by one all the ten brothers variously

Experienced the war, returned to their Yorkshire homes.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1914. Ten Sons with the Colours - King's Congratulations. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 12 Aug. p.4. Col.4. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11077845/Daily-Telegraph-September-12-1914.html [Accessed: 12th August 2014].

CWGC, 2014. Casualty Details - CALPIN, JOHN. [online] Available at: < http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/408218/CALPIN,%20JOHN> [Accessed 12 September 2014].

Harris, P., 2014. Band of TEN brothers: When the call came to serve King and Country, all the sons in one family went off to World War One. Amazingly, every one came home. Mail Online, [online] (Last updated 08:02, 24 March 2014). Available at: <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2587596/Band-TEN-brothers-When-call-came-serve-King-Country-sons-one-family-went-war-Amazingly-one-came-home.html#ixzz3DHtGJMAT> [Accessed on 12 September 2014].

Mann, J., 2014. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 12 Sept 2014). 

Prest, V., 2014. Remarkable story of the ten Calpin brothers who all signed up to serve in First World War. The Press, [online] (Last updated 27 February 2014). Available at: <http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11040371.Remarkable_story_of_ten_brothers_who_all_signed_up_to_serve_in_First_World_War/?ref=rss> [Accessed on 12 September 2014].

Wikipedia, 2014. HMS Ariadne (1898). [online] Available at: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Ariadne_(1898)> [Accessed 12 September 2014].

Wikipedia, 2014. HMS Dreadnought (1906). [online] Available at: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Dreadnought_(1906)> [Accessed 12 September 2014].

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11077845/Daily-Telegraph-September-12-1914.html

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Poem ~ Four Gunners in a boat - Monday, 31 August 1914

At the camp of Folkestone,

There were four gunners

From the Royal Field Artillery,

Who hired a small rowing boat,

'Enterprise,' on Saturday afternoon.

On the premise of a small trip,

For some time on the water.

Delany, Cowen, Cook, Walker,

Began to row out to sea.

After the passage of hours,

The soldiers did not return.

With the falling of night,

There was still no sign,

Rising concerns for their safety.

Then on the Sunday morning,

Arrived the steamer, 'Le Nord,'

Sailed from the port of Calais,

Bringing the story over,

Of the gallant four Gunners.

Attempt to row to Calais,

In order to join their comrades.

Having never seen the Cliffs

Of France, being white as Dover,

Believed the distance was closer

Than it was - without food or water

They rowed on for the shore,

A bright sun blazing upon them.

'It was a bit hot,' explained one

Man later. 'We took off our tunics

And shirts to do our very best.'

Close to Calais a fishing boat

Came upon them. The French

Could not make them out at first.

But on realising they were British

Soldiers, gave them their best.

The men slept soundly on board,

Until they reached Calais quay.

The gunners had suffered thirst

More than any kind of hunger.

The steamer 'Le Nord' carried back

The boat 'Enterprise.' Being lifted

Over the side was rowed ashore,

By the men, who then reported

Back to the camp authorities.

Officials, who looked on the grave

Business, could not resist to give

A smile at the 'boys' exploit,

Who had wanted to get to France

And give the Germans a 'slap'.

by Jamie Mann

Anon., 1914. Gunners' Exploit - Cross-Channel Row - Making For The Front. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 31 Aug. p.6. Col.4. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11064335/Daily-Telegraph-August-31-1914.html [Accessed: 31st August 2014].

Mann, J., 2014. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 31 August 2014). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11064335/Daily-Telegraph-August-31-1914.html

http://worldwaroneblogger.blogspot.co.uk/

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Poem ~ Casualties & Deception - Thursday, 20 August 1914

The first names of casualties of war,

Of officer ranks are accounted.

Not from fighting, but accidents,

With no details given of how, or why?

While two named officers with injuries,

Being sustained from motor incidents.

In contrast is an account of the rank of officer being impersonated -

Centres on a young man, described of gentlemanly appearance.

Creates for himself deep problems, which will see him imprisoned.

This young man named as Keith Arnold, had no current occupation,

A temporary resident at Hotel Richelieu on Oxford Street London.

Presenting himself at the Empire Music Hall, on last Saturday evening,

Mr Arnold being observed at 9.45pm, by a Lieutenant Edward Ridley,

Of the second Battalion of the Grenadier Guards-who surprised at an officer

Being present - noted that he was a second Lieutenant of the Royal Artillery.

Lieutenant Ridley had never seen a uniformed officer at the Music Hall,

Generally believing that officers attend entertainments in evening dress.

He spoke with a fellow officer, a captain, regarding his quiet suspicions,

Prior to Lieutenant Ridley approaching this ‘officer’ in the American Bar.

In conversation he requested if he had information that would be of interest

To a serving officer - The ‘Lieutenant ‘ was keen to declare he had sailed

From Le Havre to Southampton that very morning, by a loaded troopship,

On which were Black Watch survivors, injured at Liege and from Alsace

Were 10th Hussars - many were dying of wounds and many buried at sea.

The ‘Lieutenant’ added his experience as four years in the Royal Artillery.

Suspicious of his delivery Lieutenant Ridley told the officer as his superior

To accompany him to the war office - where upon further examination,

By Adjutant-General’s department, Mr Arnold confessed - the story untrue,

He was not an officer and had not travelled on any troop ship from Le Havre.

Mr Arnold explained how he had applied for various commissions,

Approaching several regiments but failed in gaining an appointment.

At the Alhambra on the Friday night he had seen several officers

Enjoying the night’s entertainment, not in evening dress but uniformed.

Mr Arnold dining on the Saturday, had much to drink with his friends.

Then, accepted into the Royal Field Artillery, he had been turned down

On reasons of his health - although he had purchased the uniform

In anticipation. After this disappointment he became on probation,

After a Territorial officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps saw kind,

To pass him as fit - while the account of the troop ship he had given,

Had come from an acquaintance, which he had believed to be true.

Mr Arnold made his mistake of repeating account in the first person.

After detention at Scotland Yard, he was told that he would go,

And the case dropped. Taken to his hotel he removed the uniform,

And had then made the sincere promise not to wear it again.

An emotional Mr Arnold confessed while he was ready to be punished,

The publicity would ruin him and his mother who was in poor health.

In his appeal he asked the magistrate to dismiss the summons,

Having already suffered through the process. The magistrate though

Was not so willing as Mr Arnold’s conduct appeared quite calculated,

And brought contempt on the king’s uniform - further the statement

About wounded dying men would only bring distress to both Hussars

And Black Watch relatives - so in judgment he was to be imprisoned,

For one month. The stunned, disconsolate Mr Arnold, looked up

To the gallery as left the dock, where a judgemental public hissed.

by Jamie Mann

Anon., 1914. False War Reports - ":Black Watch Cut Up" - A Bogus Officer Sentenced. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 20 Aug. p.2. Col.5. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11034630/Daily-Telegraph-August-20-1914.html [Accessed: 20th August 2014].

Anon., 1914. The First Casualties - Accidents to Officers. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 20 Aug. p.6. Col.6. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11034630/Daily-Telegraph-August-20-1914.html [Accessed: 20th August 2014].

Mann, J., 2014. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 20 August 2014). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11034630/Daily-Telegraph-August-20-1914.html

http://worldwaroneblogger.blogspot.co.uk/

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