Beatrice Whitby and the Press

Local newspaper references to the Comfort for the Troops movement

 Various newspaper references to the work of Miss Beatrice Mary Elizabeth Whitby and the Nottingham-based 'Comforts for the Troops' organisation in the First World War

"Nottingham Thanked: General Smith-Dorrien and Troop Comforts"

(Nottingham Evening Post, Monday 31st May 1915)

"In connection with the Nottingham Comforts for Troops Fund, Miss B. Whitby, the assistant honorary secretary, has sent the following letter in General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, K.C.B.:-

Dear Sir - I write to inform you that I have a complete list of prisoners belonging to the Sherwood Foresters interned in Germany, and my committee have already despatched no less than 1,700 parcels to them, and shall continue to forward a parcel of comforts to each man every month.

Needless to say they are deeply appreciated by every man, and the replies received are most interesting.  They often refer to the 'Good old Sherwood Foresters' which means much.

Dear General, you can rely on us seeing to your regiment, who have performed such glorious deeds for the empire, and we deeply appreciate all that you are doing for us at the front.  Believe me, yours very sincerely, Beatrice Whitby, (Assistant Honorary Secretary).

The General in reply writes:-

Dear Miss Whitby - Your more than kind letter of the 24th finds me in London, and I hasten, on behalf of the regiment, to thank you and the committee for the splendid generosity Nottingham is showing towards the unfortunate Sherwood Foresters who are prisoners in Germany.  Apart from the large sums of money this must mean, I am fully alive to the enormous amount of work this must involve, and thank you and your committee from the bottom of my heart.

I am sending on your letter to the 1st and 2nd Battalions in France as another proof of the way Nottingham still continues to watch over and take care of her sons.

They are already fully aware of and deeply grateful for the large gifts the city has already collected and sent to them.

Such treatment goes a long way towards heartening them in this desperate struggle against the tyrannical attack on all that counts for justice, honour and civilisation. - Yours very truly, H.S. Smith-Dorrien

The Derby Daily Telegraph Sat 4th January 1919

"Local Repatriated Prisoners of War: Celebration at Derby"

"There was a particularly happy and enthusiastic gathering at the Drill Hall on Friday afternoon when the Sherwood Foresters Prisoners of War Regimental Care Committee, which has done such splendid work throughout the war, entertained the Sherwood Foresters and the Derby and Derbyshire men of other regiments who are repatriated prisoners of war, to celebrate their return home.  The total number of repatriated men upto Friday was 1,088, of which number 768 are Sherwood Foresters, and the guests sat down to a most enjoyable tea, which was served by members of the committee and those who have worked either in the office or packing department.  Prior to attending at the Drill Hall the men had been kindly entertained at the Hippodrome where a private matinee of the popular Christmas pantomime 'Dick Whittington' was given by invitation of the genial manager of the Hippodrome, Mr. Harry Garnham and Mr. Walter Bishop and Miss Edna Latonne, whose company welcomed the opportunity of entertaining those who had gone through such trying times for the sake of the homeland.  The Hippodrome orchestra, staff and all concerned readily consented to do all they could to make this matinee a thorough success, and the artistes had the pleasure and satisfaction of knowing that they could not have played to more delighted or appreciative audience.

"During the performance Miss Latonne was presented with a beautiful shower bouquet of scarlet carnations by the president.

"Amongst those invited were Lord Roe, the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald. W.B. and Mrs Robotham), Ald A. Green MP and Mrs green, Ald J. Hill JP, Ald Geo. Herbert Strutt, Ald J. Oakes, Ald H.J. Bonas, Colonel Lewis CMG, Colonel Mosely, Major Mortimore, Major Pine-Coffin, Major Tyler, Captain Wykes, Mr Bourne Wheeler, Mr A. T. Fryer, Mr & Mrs McDonald (Ilkeston), Miss B. Whitby (Nottingham), Mr T. Attwood, Mr E. M. Barnes, and others......

The Era Weds 29th January 1919

"Nottingham T.R. Matinee"

"About 1,600 Nottingham and Notts repatriated was prisoners were present at the Nottingham Theatre Royal by invitation of the directors and manager (Mr. H. Lyons) on Thursday afternoon when a special performance of ' Babes in the Wood' was given by the Howard and Wyndham pantomime company.  The invited guests, and also the helpers in the late city and county Comforts for Prisoners Fund under Miss Beatrice Whitby (assistant secretary) who was responsible for the arrangement of the matinee"

Nottingham Evening Post 7th April 1919

"Fought Well & Played the Game: Col. Methuen's Tribute to the 17th Sherwoods"

"....Lieut-Colonel Methuen also thanked the people of Nottingham for the comforts they had so generously provided, and which had been tremendously appreciated by all ranks.  He made special mention of Mr. J.H. Richards and Miss Beatrice Whitby for their efforts in such matters."

London Gazette (Supplement) 30th March 1920 p.3867

Notification of award of MBE:  "Miss Beatrice Mary Elizabeth WHITBY. Organsier. Prisoners of War Fund and Comforts for the Troops Fund, Nottingham"

Nottingham Evening Post Weds 31 March 1920

"OBE List of Nearly 6,000 Names:  Big Local List"

"...Members of the Order include Deputy-Chief Constable Bowley and Miss Beatrice Whitby."