Page 447 - Reading Mercury

The scholars at the Palmer School, by contributions limited to one penny in each
case, have been able to send parcels to two “old boys” who are prisoners in
Germany—Privates Arthur Gasson and William Band.

CASUALTIES
Private Harold Street of the Royal Berkshire Regiment who was killed in action on
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July 24 was, prior to the war, employed at Star Mead, Wokingham. He was 18 years
of age. His parents, who live in Wescott Road, have received letters of sympathy from
the officers, stating that deceased was killed while carrying bombs to trenches
recently captured from the enemy.

The parents of Private Robert Brooks, of the Kings Royal Rifles, who live at Plough
Lane, have received intimation that he has again been wounded at the front. Private
Brooks enlisted at the commencement of the war, and was shot through the chest in
January, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have another son serving.

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Lieut. S.E. Sale—On August 4 Lieut. S.E. Sale, Royal Garrison Artillery, was
admitted to hospital suffering from shell shock, and he is now at Osborne. He had a
narrow escape, being almost buried by the explosion, but his injuries apart from shock
are slight. His battery has been engaged in the Somme advance from the
commencement of the British offensive.

LETTER OF THANKS
The directors of the Electric Theatre have received a letter from the secretary to Dr.
Barnardo’s Homes, heartily thanking them for the use of the theatre on the occasion of
the boys’ recent visit to Wokingham, which resulted in £11 16s. 5d. being collected.

CHOIRBOYS’ GATHERING
The choirboys of St. Paul’s were ‘at home’ on Wednesday on the Wokingham
cricket ground, where they entertained the choirboys of St. Peter’s, Earley, who were
in charge of Mr. G. Waite. A cricket match had been arranged, with tea and sports,
and the boys spent a most enjoyable time. Mr. Durbridge, the organist, and Mr. Waite
were responsible for the arrangements, and Mrs. Durbridge, Mrs. Waite, and other
ladies assisted with the tea. The cricket match was easily won by the Earley boys by
an innings and 45 runs. The prizes were distributed in the evening.

LOCAL CRICKETER’S NARROW ESCAPE
Private W. Langley, Royal Fusiliers, a well-known London Road Club cricketer,
known as “Fatty,” in a letter to a friend at Embrook relates his marvellous escape
from death when he was recently wounded. He says: “I have only got to thank my
spoon and pay-book for not being killed. It cut my pay-book through, and my spoon
was bent in two. I am keeping my spoon for a souvenir, and I shall keep my pay-book
of they will let me. I saw several Wokingham boys in the hospital, all wounded, All
our boys went for it like ‘Boys of the Old Brigade.’ They stepped out and charged
across as if going to a church parade. It was a treat to see the way they went across.
Private Langley has a medal from the London Road C.C. awaiting his return, and has
also distinguished himself in sports in France. He has won a medal for boxing, and
another for flat racing. He was treated at a hospital in France. He received a severe
injury to the ribs.

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