Page 453 - Reading Mercury

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News was received on the 11 inst. that Sub-Lieut. Victor Hill Nicholson, youngest
son of the late Mr. A.J. Nicholson and of Mrs. Nicholson of Chetwood, Wokingham,
was killed in action at sea on August 9. He was 20 years of age. Educated at
Wixenford School, Wokingham, he then proceeded to the Royal Naval College
Osborne, and Dartmouth. Since the commencement of hostilities he had been
continuously at sea, and was present at the Battle of Jutland, May 31-June 1, 1916.
Mr. Nicholson and family are well known among the leading families in the
neighbourhood and much sympathy is felt for them in their bereavement. The three
brothers of the deceased lieutenant are serving as officers in HM Forces. A memorial
service is to be held at All Saints’ Church on Tuesday.

CASUALTIES
Private H.W. Day, 6 Queen’s Terrace, Wokingham, Grenadier Guards, is reported
as having been killed in action on July 31. He was 23 years of age. An officer, writing
to his parents says-“Your son was excellent, brave and frequently cheering his
comrades on until he fell. He carried out his duty in every way.” Before joining the
Colours two years ago he was employed at the Wokingham Saw Mills. Two more
brothers are now serving on the Western Front.
Private A. Hallworth, Rose Street, Wokingham, killed in action, July 31, aged 20.
Before joining up last October he assisted his father in his business as baker and corn
factor. These two men were well known to each other, and were together but a short
time before both meeting their fate on the same day.

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Sat 15 Sept
Potato growers are advised to carefully watch their stored potatoes, especially those
grown in low-lying districts, with a view to removing any showing signs of disease.

OUTBREAK OF FIRE
The Fire Brigade received a call about 2.30 p.m. on Friday last week when it was
discovered that the outbuildings in the occupation of Mr. Harris at Embrook were on
fire. Within ten minutes of the call the members of the brigade, with their motor
engine, were on the spot, and by their promptness were able to save the house
adjoining, which was in danger of destruction, the thatched roof having already
caught.

CANADIAN PRISONERS WELCOMED
A very hearty welcome was accorded to about forty of our Canadian soldiers when
they arrived at Wokingham on Thursday evening en route for Bear Wood to
recuperate, having been prisoners in Germany and exchanged. All the people in the
town appeared to have turned out to welcome them, although the notice was very
short, and upon their arrival by the six o’clock train they were received with loud
cheers. In the absence of the Mayor, the Deputy-Mayor, Coun. W.T. Martin and
members of the council were present, together with the fire brigade, and the children
from all the schools in the town. The Boys’ Brigade drums and bugles, the Palmer
School Cadet Corps drum and fife, and the band from the Depot, Royal Berks
Regiment, enlivened the proceedings during the time of waiting. The Deputy-Mayor,
in a short speech, said how glad the townspeople were to see the men. He thanked
them for their services, and hoped they would soon recover from the hardships they
had undergone. A procession was formed under the direction of Supt. Goddard and
his staff, and proceeded round Wellington Road to the Market Place and home to Bear

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