LOCAL HEROES HONOURED Presentations at the Corona Hall

The Corona Hall was crowded on Wednesday evening, many people being unable to gain admission. The management had arranged a special programme of pictures and artistes, but the principal attraction was the presentation to local soldiers who had gained distinction at the Front. The presents, consisting of three gold watches and a medal, were the gift of the officials and workmen of Heworth and Fanny Pits, and were for men who previous to enlisting had worked at these collieries.

The recipients were :-
Second-Lieutenant J. Long, 9th D.L.I.
Who had won the Military Medal for bringing back information from the enemy’s lines at great risk.

Corporal Fred James, 12th D.L.I.
Distinguished Conduct Medal, who was distinguished for sticking to his trench mortar gun and playing on the enemy until the bombardment was finished.

Private J.T. McKenna, 9th D.L.I.
Military Medal. Twice recommended. On March 2nd, 1916 for bringing back wounded, and on November 5th for carrying wounded for thirty house after being wounded himself.

Lance-Corporal Mason, 18th N.F.
Card of Honour for hard and gallant work on the field of battle and preparing emplacements. Lance-Corporal Mason was severely wounded and is now discharged.

The proceedings commenced with the singing of the National Anthem by the large audience.

This was followed by a comedy picture entitled “Gipsy Joe” and the first two parts of the Official War Film “Sons of our Empire” showing glimpses of our Army in France and the British navy in time of war.

Songs were rendered by Miss M. Coulson, soprano; Mr. W.H. Bewley, society entertainer, tenor: and Mr. J. Fairbairn, baritone. Each artist appeared to be in good form and were accorded rounds of applause. Mr. G.M. Forster acted as accompanist to the artistes. About 30 wounded soldiers and nurses were present from Whinney House, and these were entertained by the management with refreshments and cigarettes. The presentation proceedings commenced about ???, when at the rising of the curtain there was rounds of loud applause.

On the platform were Mrs. English, of North Leam; Mr H.? Anderson representing the owners of Heworth Colliery; Mr. Stephen Southern, manager of Heworth Colliery: Mr. T. Pickles, Treasurer of the Miners’ Union; the party of wounded soldiers, and others.

Mr Stephen Southern presided. He said that he was pleased to preside at that gathering where they were honouring their local heroes, three of whom had been at their colliery from boyhood and the other for several years. He was very proud of the workmen of Heworth. When the war broke out there were almost 1,500 man and lads employed at the colliery, and no less than 650 had joined H.M. Forces. Unfortunately, 58 of these had made the supreme sacrifice. Twelve of them had distinguished themselves by winning military honours. At the end of last year, the officials and workmen met and decided to form a fund for the purpose of assisting the friends of those who had given their lives and also to recognise those who won distinctions. At that time about 50 workmen had been killed, and to give the scheme a start, the owners of the colliery very kindly lent them £300 without interest. (Applause.)

The Chairman called upon Mr. Pickles, Treasurer of the fund, to give the financial statement.

Mr. Pickles said that since the first pay in January of this year the officials and workmen had contributed £284 1s. 6d., this with the £300 advanced by the owners made a total income of £584 1s. 6d. They had paid to 30 widows of £8 each, £240; 61 children under 14 years of age who were dependents of the men who had lost their lives, 10s. each; and to the next-of-kin of 28 single men, £8 each, the sum of £224, a total of £494 10s.

There might be others, he said, who had lost their lives, or some who had gained military honours of which they knew nothing. They would be glad if anyone, who knew of others who were entitled to the benefits of this fund, would let them know.

The Chairman said that he was sorry Major English could not be present, but Mrs English had kindly consented to take his place and make the presentations. He had pleasure in introducing Mrs. English.

Mrs English, who was accorded a rousing reception, gracefully handed over the presents. She was sorry that Major English was not able to be present owing to military duties, and he had asked her to state his regret. These men had all done their duty. Her heart was full of pride, and they were all proud to have this opportunity of showing it. Lieutenant Long had earned his honour by bringing in information from the enemy’s lines at the risk of his own life. Of Private J.T. McKenna, she had often heard her husband tell how he brought in messages in the face of shot and shell. He had also been able to take them many delicacies in the shape of wine and jams, etc. Corporal Fred James was distinguished for sticking to his trench gun and playing on the enemy until the bombardment was finished. Lance-Corporal Mason had received his honours for hard work on the field of battle and preparing emplacements. Mrs English said our soldiers and sailors were doing their duty, and asked “What were we doing at home?” For two years the work of guarding our homes had been in the hands of soldiers and sailors. Now we had been told what we could do to help. She referred to the recent proclamation of the King, and urged them to do all they could to economise in food and so help to gain the victory. Let them show their appreciation of the work of our soldiers and sailors by doing all they possibly could.

In conclusion, Mrs English said it was not every act of heroism that gained recognition, but in honouring some they honoured all. (Applause.)

Mr. Curtiss expressed the thanks of the committee to Mrs English, who he said was well respected at Heworth Colliery; Mr. Southern for presiding; the members of the windy Nook and Felling Workmen’s Clubs, and Mrs White, who had contributed handsomely by way of refreshments and cigarettes for their wounded guests.

One of the wounded soldiers expressed thanks to the management of the hall on behalf of the guests for the excellent entertainments they had received.

An interesting five-part drama entitled “Martha’s Vindication” was then screened and the wounded soldiers quietly left, but the cheers outside as they departed were plainly heard in the hall.

The second part of the vocal programme was then given, the soloists again receiving well-merited applause.

Mr. John Smith, Secretary of the Corona management, had the arrangements in hand, and everything passed off without a hitch. The whole performance was one that will long be remembered.

Transcription: Brenda Mcmahon