Yorkshire Evening Post – Monday 31 May 1915
YORKSHIREMEN’S EXPERIENCES AT THE FRONT.
HUSSARS IN THE TRENCHES.
THE CONTENTS OF A SOLDIER’S PACK.
The Yorkshire Hussars, made up of troopers from all parts of the West Riding, took part in severe fighting in France on Whit-Sunday and Monday. Trooper George Carver, of “A” Squadron, writing to one of his friends in Leeds, last Thursday, thus describes his experiences:
“As day broke on Monday, the battle started. First they gave us gas, and this knocked a few over, but we were well protected with respirators, and suffered very little. Then the heavy artillery started, and for 20 hours, there was an average of 60 shells to the minute. The noise was deafening, with the roar of the heavy guns, the sharper cracks of lighter ones, the whistle of shrapnel, the rattle of maxims, and crackle of rifle fire. Our men advanced in the open as steadily as though going on parade. I shall never forget the bravery of some of the cavalry regiments. They put new heart into us. The Germans swarmed towards our lines, and must have lost terribly, as our heavy batteries seemed to have their range to a yard, and played havoc amongst them. Their advance was checked, and our men counter-attacked with success. The day was clear and hot; the cry was continually, ‘Water, water,’ and, as one of our thirsty ones said, ‘I never knew before that water was such a good drink.’
“I never had a bite from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 Monday night, except a bit of chocolate and water, and Kipling’s words in ‘Gunga Din’ come home to me very forcibly. We moved out of the trenches on Tuesday morning, ragged, dirty, and unshaven, but still cheerful, and after having a bath, a change, and a night’s sleep, felt more like ourselves again.”
Rifleman H. R. Varley, of the 7th West Yorkshire Regiment (Leeds Rifles) writing to his parents last Tuesday says:
“We had some dirty work in the trenches last night. You talk about cannon to right of them and cannon to the left of them—such artillery fire must never have been heard in the whole history of the world before. Since we came back to the trenches the second time we have had three of our poor chaps killed and one wounded.”
Another member of the 7th Batt. West Yorkshire Regiment—Rifleman W. H. Gillow, who was formerly an insurance agent in Leeds—writes to his wife at Northallerton, as follows:
“Our journey up country to the firing line was accomplished by train at the remarkable speed of one mile to five miles per hour. Our march to the trenches was a very trying one, as we were in full marching kit. By the way I may as well give you an idea of what the pack contains—first your great coat, three pairs of socks, one pair of pants, shirt, vest, mess tin, towel, and soap, hold-all (containing knife, fork, spoon, razor, brush), toothbrush and comb, pair of laces, house-wife, cup, comforter, oil sheet, and a spare blanket. Now you will understand what kind of weight we have to carry. Our first experience of trench life began on April 27th, and on Sunday, May 9th, we had a terrible experience. The guns were going all that day. The ground trembled and shook, and the dug-out which I was in fairly rocked. All along the trenches our men stood it well, and our officers were splendid, walking about just as if they were going up Briggate.”
Life for Those Fighting in 1915
The first-hand accounts in the article offer a harrowing insight into the experiences of British soldiers during World War I. Soldiers endured relentless artillery bombardments, gas attacks, and harsh conditions in the trenches. They carried heavy loads, marched long distances, and often went without proper food or sleep. Despite these hardships, their morale and camaraderie remained strong, as evidenced by the references to Kipling’s poetry and their cheerfulness after rest and recovery.
Key challenges for the soldiers included:
- Physical hardship: Lack of food, sleep deprivation, and constant exposure to the elements.
- Psychological strain: The constant threat of death, deafening artillery fire, and gas attacks.
- Basic comforts: The joy of simple things like clean water, a change of clothes, and rest.
Life for Those at Home
For families and loved ones in Yorkshire, letters such as these provided both reassurance and distress. They brought news of survival but also described the horrors of war. The mention of casualties—”three of our poor chaps killed”—would have been devastating for families anxiously awaiting news. At home, civilians were dealing with rationing, anxiety, and a rapidly changing social structure as women took on roles traditionally held by men.
Use of Articles by Historians and Genealogists
Historians and genealogists find such articles invaluable for understanding the personal experiences of soldiers, their regiments, and the broader impact of war on local communities. Key uses include:
- Historical research: Understanding military tactics, soldier morale, and trench conditions.
- Genealogical research: Tracing family histories and learning more about ancestors who served in specific regiments.
- Cultural insights: Gaining insights into contemporary values, language, and societal expectations during wartime.
The Bigger Picture
The article reflects the reality of trench warfare and the resilience of soldiers. It highlights the technological and strategic aspects of WWI, such as the introduction of gas warfare and the importance of artillery precision. Moreover, it underscores the human cost of war—both in terms of physical losses and the emotional toll on those fighting and their families at home.
Conclusion
This article from The Yorkshire Evening Post serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the challenges faced by civilians during World War I. It provides a detailed snapshot of a soldier’s life—both in terms of battle experiences and the practical aspects of daily survival in the trenches.
The Role of Newspapers in World War I Era (1914–1918)
During the early 20th century, particularly in the era of World War I, newspapers played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and maintaining morale both on the home front and the battlefield. Their influence was extensive, reaching virtually every household and soldier, serving as a vital link between the front lines and the civilians left behind.
1. Communication of War News
Newspapers were the primary source of information for the general public, offering updates on military operations, casualty lists, and government policies. The press provided coverage of:
- Battles and victories/losses: Reports from war correspondents detailing frontline experiences.
- Official government statements: Updates from the War Office and political leaders.
- Personal accounts: Letters and reports from soldiers, such as the ones featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post, provided first-hand insights into life at the front.
However, war reporting was often subject to censorship, with governments controlling what could be published to prevent sensitive military information from reaching the enemy and to maintain morale at home.
2. Propaganda and Morale Boosting
Newspapers were instrumental in shaping public perception of the war effort. They acted as tools of propaganda by:
- Glorifying the war effort: Stories often emphasised heroism, bravery, and patriotic duty, inspiring men to enlist and reassuring families of their loved ones’ contributions.
- Demonising the enemy: The portrayal of Germans as ruthless and barbaric was a common theme used to justify the war and rally support.
- Encouraging unity and resilience: Articles promoted the idea of collective sacrifice, urging civilians to support rationing, war bonds, and charitable efforts for soldiers.
Phrases like “Your Country Needs You!” and emotional appeals helped reinforce national unity and the importance of every citizen’s contribution to the war effort.
3. Recruitment and Mobilisation
Newspapers played a key role in recruitment efforts by publishing:
- Appeals for enlistment: Advertisements and reports about local men joining regiments.
- Success stories of local heroes: Articles featured soldiers from specific towns, encouraging others to enlist.
- Government notices: Official calls for volunteers, conscription information, and details on training programs.
4. Social and Cultural Impact
Beyond military news, newspapers influenced public opinion on social issues and changes brought about by the war, such as:
- Women’s roles: As men went off to fight, newspapers highlighted the growing importance of women in industries, hospitals, and farms, supporting the suffrage movement and changing societal norms.
- Economic hardships: Reports covered food shortages, price inflation, and government rationing efforts.
- Moral support: Advice columns and inspirational stories helped people cope with the emotional strain of war.
5. Censorship and Misinformation
Governments enforced strict censorship through laws such as the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) in the UK, which restricted what newspapers could publish to avoid panic or dissent. As a result:
- Casualty numbers were often underreported or softened.
- Failures in battle were downplayed, while successes were exaggerated.
- Criticism of the government or military strategy was largely suppressed.
Despite censorship, some newspapers found ways to critique the war subtly, offering coded language or focusing on humanitarian aspects instead of direct military criticism.
6. Keeping Families Connected
Newspapers provided families with updates on regiments in which their loved ones served. They also published:
- Letters from the front: Soldiers’ letters were printed to reassure families and provide a sense of connection.
- Casualty and missing-in-action lists: While painful, these lists were often the only way families learned of the fate of their relatives.
- Community news and fundraising efforts: Local papers featured stories about efforts to send care packages and provide comforts for troops.
7. Entertainment and Escapism
Despite the grim realities of war, newspapers also provided entertainment to help people escape the harshness of their daily lives. Features included:
- Comic strips: Light-hearted cartoons and satire to lift spirits.
- Sports updates: Reports on local football and cricket matches.
- Serial fiction: Short stories and serialised novels to provide a sense of normalcy.
8. Economic Role
Newspapers also played an economic role during wartime by:
- Advertising war bonds and government initiatives.
- Providing job listings for wartime industries.
- Promoting wartime charities and local business efforts to support troops.
The war created a surge in newspaper sales, as the public was eager for updates, leading to an expansion of the print industry despite material shortages.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Newspapers in WWI
Newspapers in the World War I era were much more than sources of information; they were a powerful force for shaping public sentiment, driving national efforts, and connecting communities with the war effort. For historians and genealogists today, these wartime newspapers serve as an invaluable window into the lives of both soldiers and civilians, offering a detailed and emotional record of the period.
They provide insights into:
- Military history: Understanding battles, strategies, and soldier experiences.
- Social history: Changes in gender roles, economic conditions, and daily life.
- Personal history: Tracing the experiences of individuals and families affected by the war.
Ultimately, newspapers helped define the war experience for an entire generation and left a legacy of resilience, unity, and sacrifice that continues to be studied and remembered today.
The Yorkshire Evening Post
The Yorkshire Evening Post (YEP) is a daily newspaper based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Established in 1890, it has been a significant source of news and information for the Leeds area and surrounding regions for over a century.
Founding and Early Years
The YEP was first published on September 1, 1890, aiming to provide evening news coverage tailored to the interests of the local population. Its establishment complemented its sister publication, The Yorkshire Post, which had been in circulation since 1866.
Content and Coverage
Throughout its history, the YEP has focused on delivering a regional perspective on daily news. It is particularly noted for its extensive reporting on local sports teams, including Leeds United (football), Leeds Rhinos (rugby league), and the Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Beyond sports, the newspaper covers a wide array of topics such as local politics, community events, and cultural happenings, serving as a comprehensive source of information for its readers.
Notable Contributors
The YEP has been a starting point for several distinguished writers and journalists. Notably, author Keith Waterhouse, known for his novel Billy Liar, and novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, famed for A Woman of Substance, both began their careers at the YEP. Their time at the newspaper provided them with valuable experience that they carried into their successful literary careers.
Evolution and Modern Developments
In 2012, the YEP, along with The Yorkshire Post, transitioned its printing operations from Leeds to a facility in Dinnington near Sheffield. This move led to the closure of the historic Wellington Street printing facility in Leeds. Subsequently, the YEP’s offices were relocated to Number 1 Leeds on Whitehall Road.
Today, the Yorkshire Evening Post continues to serve its community, adapting to the changing media landscape while maintaining its commitment to providing relevant and timely news to the people of Leeds and the broader West Yorkshire area.
Yorkshire Hussars Face Gas and Gunfire: A Soldier’s Harrowing Account from the Trenches.
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