Somercotes Peace Celebration - 6 August 1919
by SLHS on
Sunday 18 September 2016
On Wednesday 6 August 1919, the people of Somercotes gathered to celebrate the nine months of peace since the Armistice, and to also commemorate the soldiers that never returned. The event was reported in the Belper News, published the following Saturday. 9 August. A transcript of the celebration which took place follows, as written:
“Somercotes people celebrated Peace on Wednesday. They had favourable weather and gave themselves up thoroughly to enjoyment. The proceedings were carried through exceptionally well, with Mr. S. Whyld as president and Mr. G. H. Palmer, secretary.
There was a memorial service on the cricket ground for fallen men. It was conducted by the Rev. W. P. Mahony, assisted by Ensign Curtis. Following the service the ex-servicemen, numbering about 300, marched across the field, whilst the Salvation Army Band played the Dead March, and the men gave a salute as they passed the flower decked shrine of honour erected in memory of the fallen. On the roll of honour there were 70 names of Somercotes men who had fallen in action.
Afterwards, a monster procession was formed on the cricket ground, headed by four Somercotes soldiers – Oswald Collins, Owen Taylor, Harry Bakewell and Leslie Dakin. The procession was marshalled by Messrs. S. Whyld, G. H. Palmer, S. A. J. Hill, J. Barratt and J. Hall. The ex-servicemen were followed by teachers and scholars from the seven churches of the parish: Somercotes Parish Church, Primitive Methodist, Salem, Wesleyan, Leabrooks, Birchwood and the Salvation Army. The scholars carried flags and many of them wore character costumes. Prizes were given for the best tableaux, which were judged by Mr. S. A. J. Hill, W. Gibson, T. Barker, Mrs Eato, Mrs. R. Smith and Mrs. Merriman. The prizes were awarded to the Primitive Methodist Church, Salvation Army and the Salem Church. In the comic section the prizes were awarded to the “Silly Band”, “Charlie Chaplin” (Matt Cockayne) and the “Pierriotts” (Misses Whyld). The procession was the longest ever seen in Somercotes, and was nearly half a mile in length.
The soldiers were entertained to dinner in the Girls’ School, along with the wives, mothers and widows of men who were still serving or who had fallen. The repast was enjoyed by about 300 guests. Mr. J. Barratt was dinner secretary.
In the evening sports for the children were held on the cricket field and music for dancing was provided. The most interesting ceremony of the day was the presentation, by Mr. T. A. Lawton of Doe Hill House, of watches and chains to the Somercotes men who have won distinction. The recipients were Sergt. H. Pidcock MM, Sergt. W. Gibson MM, the relatives of the late 2nd Lieut. Martin DSO, Cpl. S. Slater MM, Cpl. Howitt MM. Cpl. Hartshorn MM, Pte W. Whyld MM, Pte J. Ellis MM, Bomb. Hardy MM, Gunner A. H. Barratt and First Class Petty Officer Turner DCM.
The committee hope in a short time to provide a tea for the old people.”
In the end, 81 names would appear on the War Memorial. Several other soldiers who lost their lives would not be listed. The men of Pye Bridge would be included on the War Memorial at Riddings, as this was not in the Parish of Somercotes at the time. By 1920, over 300 servicemen had returned to Somercotes, many finding it difficult to cope with their experiences.