During the last weekend of June 1914 the Wolverton detachment of the Bucks Territorial Force spent an enjoyable camp at Tyringham, ‘and carried out some practical and very useful movements in the beautifully undulating country which skirts the river Ouse.’ A detachment of C (Buckingham) Company joined them, and the number of men of all ranks under canvas totalled about 155. On Saturday Lt. Col. Wethered visited the site and took command of the troops, and other officers present were Major J. Hooker, Major J. Chadwick, Captain L. Hawkins, Captain Lloyd Baker, Captain Birchall, Lieutenant Bowyer, Lieutenant Littledale and Lieutenant Coombes. Parading at their new headquarters at 2 o’clock, on Saturday the detachment marched via Stantonbury and Newport Pagnell to arrive late in the afternoon at Tyringham, where Mr. F.A. Konig had made every arrangement for their comfort. The cooks had prepared an ample tea, whilst the transport section had arranged the stores and equipment ready for issue. Under Lieutenant Coombes the machine gun section had left Wolverton a considerable time before the main body, and, taking up a strong defensive position in the vicinity of Tyringham, had prepared for a short and sharp skirmish. Both ‘sides’ duly accounted themselves well, and the men marched into camp at about half past six, welcoming the call of the bugles for tea. After pitching camp and drawing stores the detachment then fell in and marched to Tyringham House where, by the hospitality of Mr. & Mrs. Konig, under Bandmaster H. Brooks the regimental band played a high class programme of music on the terraces. On Sunday morning reveille was sounded at 6a.m., and, with breakfast having been served an hour later, at 9 o’clock the detachment paraded in drill order dress, and were marched into the park for some field movements. A drum head service was later held under the trees on the lawn of Tyringham House, and here the Territorials were joined by a detachment of the Newport Pagnell National Reserve, under Sergeant G. Trimmer. Many people from Newport Pagnell, Wolverton and the neighbouring villages were present, and Mr. and Mrs. Konig also joined in the service. The Regimental Band lead the singing of the hymns, and the service was conducted by the Reverend Rickards, rector of Tyringham with Filgrave, who preached an excellent sermon and said that he hoped, addressing them as soldiers of the King, that it would be a distant time when they would be called upon to defend these shores. Preceded by the Band, after the service the Territorials marched back to their camp to the sound of martial music, and following dinner, served at 1p.m., struck camp during the afternoon, prior to marching back to Wolverton.

(Amongst those who had taken part in the exercise would be many who became casualties during the First World War. Captain E.V. Birchall, D.S.O., of the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, died of wounds on August 10th 1916, and from his estate of £45,815 left £2,000 to the Chairman of the Bucks Territorial Association, this being for the benefit of the wounded men of the 1st Bucks Battalion, and for the widows and dependents of those killed in the war.)

His parents being resident at Tyringham, at the outbreak of the war Mr. A.J. Bowring had returned from New York to offer his services. Training at Oxford, he would subsequently serve with the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, being promoted in December 1914 to the rank of full corporal.

(In May 1915 his father, Albert Bowring, would enrol in the Newport Pagnell Company of Special Constables.)

At a meeting in the village schoolroom, on the evening of Wednesday, September 2nd 1914 Mr. F. Konig and the Reverend Rickards explained the war situation.

Having been in the Navy for 2½ years, following the outbreak of war Seaman Fred Cobbold, of H.M.S. Paragon, spent a weekend in late October 1914 with his parents at Filgrave. Prior to the war his ship had been patrolling off the Irish coast against gun runners, but once hostilities were declared the vessel was ordered to the Orkney Islands base of the 4th flotilla squadron. Subsequently, Seaman Cobbold wrote “We read the signal that when we saw the enemy’s ships we were to commence hostilities at once. We have been patrolling up and down the North Sea ever since, but have seen nothing of the German fleet. We wish they would come out. We have been ready and waiting for them.” An accident to one of Paragon’s engines had compelled Commander Cherry to take her into dock for repair, and this had provided the opportunity for Seaman Cobbold to take three days’ leave to visit his parents.

In January 1915 a daily governess was required for a 9 year old girl, ’Musical.’ Apply Mrs. W. Rickards, Filgrave Rectory.

In May 1915 a Voluntary Aid Detachment was formed at Tyringham, with, resident at Tyringham Cottage, Miss McFerran as Lady Superintendent and Commandant, and Miss Wood as Quartermaster. Ladies from Newport Pagnell, Moulsoe, Great Linford, and the district joined, and duly met each Tuesday evening at Emberton, where they were given lessons in nursing by Superintendent W.T. Knight, of Olney. The intention was to qualify the pupils for the nursing certificate, with some of the successful candidates to go to hospital work. There was now an urgent need for nurses for war service, and in consequence the military authorities had appealed to the St. John Ambulance Association. As a result the Association had withdrawn certain stringent requirements, and would now allow women to be eligible for hospital work on passing an exam conducted by a duly qualified man. If found capable, after a month’s probation they could sign on for a year or the period of the war, the pay being £20p.a., with £1 a quarter for uniform.

In the village, in June 1915 the Red Cross Working Party (No. 1523, Newport Pagnell Group, Berks and Bucks Needlework Guild) completed its work for the season. The funds for supplying the materials were raised by a whist drive held at the beginning of the season, being substantially increased by the proceeds of a jumble sale. During the past year a band of patriotic ladies had met in the Reading Room at Filgrave, lent by Mr. F.A. Konig, where they completed 110 articles, these being mainly shirts and nightshirts which were forwarded to the President of the Guild, Mrs. Carlile. After defraying all expenses the balance of £8 was forwarded to Mr. W. Carlile for the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John. The committee consisted of Mrs. F.A. Konig, Miss H. McFerran, Miss Wood, Mrs. J. Lawrence, Mrs. G. Brett, Mrs. E. Golding, Mrs. E. Reeks, Miss Marjorie Smith, and Mrs. E. Shoebridge, with the other members being Messrs. D. Cobbold, E. Clarke, J. Philpott, G. Wain, Misses H. Fowler, A. Philpott, A. Cattell, E. Stowe, Dorothy Reeks, Lilian Cook, Kathleen Golding and Doris Wilson.

In August 1915 the Juvenile Branch (Primrose Buds) of the Gayhurst Habitation were entertained by Miss McFerran and Miss Wood at Tyringham Cottage, and over 70 children from neighbouring villages enjoyed a delightful afternoon. However, the usual cricket match between the boys of Tyringham cum Filgrave and Stoke Goldington did not take place since the latter had not practiced, and so a game of ‘pick up’ was held instead. As for the girls, they indulged in Aunt Sally, races and games. Amongst those present were Mrs. Shoebridge, and, as one of the umpires, the Reverend Rickards. Others in attendance were Mr. E. Golding, the head gardener at Tyringham House, and Mr. Bowring, of Tyringham Cottage, who acted as scorer. Prizes for the girls’ races had been provided by Miss McFerran and also Mrs. Carlile, who unfortunately could not be present. Towards the end of the proceedings the Reverend Rickards made a few appropriate remarks, regarding the serious nature of the present times, and, with the children giving hearty cheers for the ladies of Tyringham Cottage, the day came to a close at 6.30p.m., with the singing of the National Anthem.

With games and amusements provided, on Wednesday, December 22nd 1915 the residents of Tyringham cum Filgrave enjoyed an entertainment provided in the village school by Mr. and Mrs. F. Konig. Laden with many good things, a large illuminated Christmas tree occupied a central position, and the children, who were personally looked after by Mr. and Mrs. Konig, partook of a first class tea before filing past the Christmas tree to each receive a present from Mrs. Konig. In addition every child in the village was given socks and a pair of boots, the latter having been made in the district to Mr. Konig’s order.

Having been a member of the Tyringham V.A.D., in December 1915 Miss Freda Coales, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Coales, of The Lodge, Newport Pagnell, was on duty at the 2nd Red Cross Hospital, Rouen. This was part of her six month’s service in France as a Red Cross nurse, having been sent from the headquarters of the St. John Ambulance Association with five other nurses.

At Christmas 1915 Mr. and Mrs. Konig sent a joint of prime English beef to every household in Tyringham and Filgrave, as well as a ton of coal and other gifts to the old people and widows.

With a card enclosed expressing the best wishes of the subscribers, the 27 men on active service from Tyringham cum Filgrave each received a Christmas parcel in December 1915. These were from the residents of the village, and each package contained a shirt, socks, muffler, pipe, tobacco, cigarettes, chocolates, and a plum pudding. A silver matchbox bearing his monogram was sent to Lieutenant Hew Rickards (the son of the rector), of the Royal Field Artillery, and a similar gift was received by G. Milward of the Notts. Yeomanry, who had been invalided from the Dardanelles with enteric fever. Formerly the village schoolmaster, Staff Sergeant E.W. Shoebridge, on duty with the R.A.M.C. at Netley Hospital, received a cigarette holder as well as a silver matchbox.

(Having received training with the Olney Ambulance Division, under Superintendent W.T. Knight, following the outbreak of war Mr. Shoebridge had joined the R.A.M.C., and being on October 21st 1914 attached to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, he would remain there for 2 years. He next went to Aldershot and then Blackpool, and in April 1917 was sent out on the staff of the 48th General Hospital, British Salonica Force, being subsequently promoted to the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant.)

Attended by some 50 convalescents from Tyringham Military Hospital, and several Royal Engineers from Newport Pagnell, a whist drive for Red Cross funds was held in the village school on the evening of Friday, January 21st 1916. Mrs. Shoebridge, the secretary and chief organiser, was assisted by Mrs. Konig, Miss Wood, Miss McFerran and others.

In March 1916, at a Military Tribunal a Tyringham farmer sought exemption for his stockman, aged 39, who fed and looked after 100 animals. There were 60 breeding ewes, 6 working horses and about 55 pigs, and with the farm comprised of 300 acres, of which 110 were arable, he had to do much of the work himself, since, with 4 of his men in the Forces, he only had two men and a Belgian refugee. 6 months exemption was granted.

In the early hours of March 28th 1916 there was a heavy fall of snow, followed during the Tuesday by weather of ‘the wildest character,’ characterised by a keen east wind and continuous snow. With telephone and telegraph wires down the whole district was isolated from the outside world, and amongst the hundreds of trees uprooted, blocking many roads, were huge examples on the Tyringham Estate.

At Easter 1916 the Tyringham cum Filgrave Church of England School was supposed to have been transferred to Bucks County Council, the Bucks Education Committee having given notice of this in June 1915. However, Mr. F. Konig, of Tyringham House, had reached an arrangement with the Bishop of Buckingham by which it would remain as Church of England.

In May 1916 the Reverend W. Rickards, of Tyringham cum Filgrave, resigned his seat on Bucks County Council, since he was leaving the county. Subsequently during the same month he would advertise a J.E.S. motor cyclette (sic) for sale ‘in good running order and condition,’ at an asking price of 14 guineas.

On Wednesday, June 14th 1916 a meeting took place in the village school to appoint the committee and officers of a proposed branch of the War Savings Association. Mr. F. Konig was unanimously chosen as chairman, and Mrs. E. Shoebridge as secretary. Nearly 50 names were entered for membership.

Mentioning his splendid work on the County Council, the Education Committee, and as Poor Law Guardian, on Sunday, June 25th 1916 a presentation was made to the Reverend W. Rickards, who for nearly 12 years had been the rector of Tyringham cum Filgrave. He had now accepted the larger parish of Sanderstead, in Surrey, this being in the gift of Mr. Esme Arkwright, of Sharnbrook House.

Lance Corporal C.W. Bowring, of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was seriously wounded in the head on the Somme on July 2nd 1916. He was subsequently treated at the 18th Hospital, Camiers, near Etaples, where he underwent a successful operation for a depressed fracture of the skull, a piece of bone having to be removed from near the brain. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bowring, of Tyringham, before the war he had been employed in the stables of Mr. W. Trevor, at Lathbury Park, and then those of Colonel Bowyer, at Weston Underwood. Following the outbreak of war he joined the 19th Hussars in August 1914, and volunteering for active service was transferred to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in May 1915. He went to France in July 1915, and was promoted on the field.

Being the eldest daughter of Mrs. W. Bull of Ouse Bank, Newport Pagnell, after a month’s service as a V.A.D. nurse at the Eastern General Hospital Cambridge, Miss Edith Bull, of the Tyringham Voluntary Aid Detachment, signed on for a further 6 months in July 1916. After three years in the nursing service she would be demobilised in June 1919, with her name brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for her valuable wartime service.

On Sunday, July 16th 1916 Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt, the organist of Newport Pagnell Church, gave a recital on a two manual organ which, by Messrs. Norman and Beard of Norwich, had been recently erected in Tyringham Church. Despite the weather many people attended, and during the recital Miss Wood rendered ‘There is a Green Hill,’ with Oliver Critchard also contributing.

The president being Mr. F. Konig, in July 1917 the Tyringham cum Filgrave War Savings Association completed its first year of work, and presenting the annual report on Monday, July 3rd 1917 Mrs. Shoebridge, the honorary secretary, said that £635 11s had been lent, with 8,133 sixpenny stamps sold and 820 complete vouchers bought without stamps.

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 30th 1916 Mr. F. Konig, at a gathering on the lawn of Tyringham House, presented St. John Ambulance Association certificates to those members of the Tyringham section of the Olney Ambulance Division, who, having been trained by Superintendent W.T. Knight, had recently passed the exams to qualify as first aid workers. Each additionally received a medallion paid for by Mr. Konig, who said that of the original 12 members 6 were now in the Forces, one had left the district and 5 remained at home to carry on the work. Superintendent Knight then thanked Mr. Konig, by whose permission the gathering was allowed to view Tyringham House and also the gardens, the latter reflecting great credit on the head gardener, Mr. E. Golding, and his staff.

On July 28th 1917, on returning from a bombing raid, targeting enemy aerodromes and rail stations, the formation of Lieutenant Hew Rickards, the only son of the Tyringham rector, encountered German aircraft, and in the ensuing dog fight he was last seen chasing a German machine a considerable distance over enemy lines. He had not been heard of since. When the war broke out he had been studying in France, but immediately joined a French regiment of artillery, to, in March 1915, then be commissioned in the Royal Field Artillery. He later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.

In November 1917 an ‘outside man’ was required by the Reverend C. Escritt of Filgrave Rectory. ‘Apply by letter.’

Conducted by Mr. P. Gambell, an auction held at the school on November 10th 1917 raised £96 8s 11d for Christmas presents for the village soldiers. Every resident in the parish had contributed, with many of the articles being given by Mr. and Mrs. Konig. The former assisted Miss Cox and Mrs. Lawrence at hoop la, whilst his wife organised many guessing competitions, for which she then gave the prizes.

Following an appeal for funds to carry on the war, made by Sir Robert Kindersley (the chairman of the National War Savings Committee), a meeting was held in the village school on Tuesday, December 4th 1917. Except for those residents who were sick, practically all the 40 households were present, and the chairman of the Tyringham War Savings Association, Mr. F. Konig, gave a stirring address, before calling on the Reverend Charles Escritt, the treasurer, to read the letter which Sir Robert had sent to his fellow war savers. As the secretary, Mrs. Shoebridge said that up to the end of November 1917 Tyringham cum Filgrave had lent £947 1s to the Government, this being the purchase of 1,222 certificates, and she then appealed for more members, to add to the efforts of the regular subscribers and bring the total to £1,000 by December 14th. This would be the date that the Association had been in existence for 18 months. The Reverend next gave a short address in support, and the meeting ended with a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, followed by the enrolment of the new members. In fact by December 14th (when the membership stood at 66) the total would reach £1,047 0s 6d, with 1,351 Certificates having been purchased.

The National Egg Collection for the Wounded had its headquarters at 154, Fleet Street, London, with the collectors for Tyringham cum Filgrave being Mrs. Shoebridge and Dorothy Reeks.

Postponed from January, due to an outbreak of mumps, on Saturday, February 9th 1918 the children of the Sunday School gave a concert in the village school. This featured songs and recitations by the various scholars, and Mrs. Whiting had arranged a very pretty Japanese dance. The rector, the Reverend C. Escritt, presented the prizes, and concluding the programme a grand patriotic pageant and tableau took place. The items were accompanied by Charles Scott, who between the entry of the nations played ‘The Tyringham March,’ his own composition.

In late May 1918 two peacocks strayed from Filgrave rectory, and for their return the Reverend C. Escritt offered a reward.

On Friday, June 21st 1918, the members of the Tyringham cum Filgrave War Savings Association met in the reading room at Filgrave, where the chairman, Mr. F. Konig, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Glanvile, of Newport Pagnell, for having audited the accounts of the Association for the past two years. The amount subscribed and invested totalled £1,334, and since the committee had decided to join the Newport Pagnell area in a special War Weapons Week (which would begin on July 8th and be called the Newport Pagnell Aeroplane Week) all the members would be asked to make another ‘special effort,’ to invest money in Government securities. £30,000 was the ambition, and before the meeting closed the promise of funds by which the Association could guarantee to raise £5,000 was made by the 68 members, there being a village population of 163 in the 137 households. Miss James, the honorary secretary of the Newport Pagnell Central Committee, had forwarded some fine posters, and these, having been drawn for by the members, would be posted in conspicuous parts of the parish.

At the Newport Pagnell Rural District Tribunal, on Monday, July 22nd 1918 three months exemption was granted to ‘a head gardener of Tyringham.’ Placed in Grade 2, he was aged 48, and had two sons in the Army and 6 children at home. From the firm of Messrs. Wigley Sons and Gambell, land agents, agricultural auctioneers etc. of Newport Pagnell and Olney, the appeal was supported by Mr. P.C. Gambell. Mr. Gambell now also had responsibility for arranging the work details in the district of German P.O.W.s deployed on various farms in the neighbourhood. 40 had arrived in Newport Pagnell during the first week of March 1918, and were housed in the stables at Westbury.

In the third week of December 1918, from the Konig Trust Fund, set up by Mr. Konig, each child in the village received a pair of made to measure boots and two pairs of stockings.

The Tyringham cum Filgrave St. John and Red Cross Working Party, consisting of about 25 members, finished in May 1919, and since the autumn of 1917 had sent out 2,000 many tail bandages and hospital bags. Letters of thanks were received from the Commandant of the Depot for the St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital, Etaples, the chairman of the St. John Warehouse, the Matron of the General Hospital, Northampton, and the Matron of the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury. £87 19s 5d had been spent in material, with 1,700 yards of material worked up.

On Peace Day, July 19th 1919, through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Konig all the village children were provided with a good tea, with the adults being entertained to a knife and fork tea in the garage. Amusements for the children were held in the spacious servants hall, and of the sports taking place on the lawns Tyringham beat Filgrave in a tug of war. Many of the young men took part in a rope climbing contest, with the prizes for the sports being provided by Mrs. Konig. In the evening there was a partial illumination of the grounds, slightly spoiled by the rain.

Having already been awarded the Croix de Guerre, in 1919 Private John Richard West was presented with the Military Medal, for special services rendered in Russia. He had volunteered for work with the R.A.M.C. in the campaign against the Bolsheviks, and in the official record signed, by Major General E. Ironside, commanding the Allied Forces at Archangel, it was stated that on August 28th 1919 “When surrounded by the enemy and fired on, he conveyed four badly wounded men to the aid post and succeeded in getting them safely evacuated. He showed great coolness and disregard to personal danger.” In forwarding the decoration and ribbon General Ironside wrote, “I heartily congratulate you on the honour which has thus been conferred on you.”

In March 1952 a Post Office engineer called at Newport Pagnell police station, and gave details of 𠆊 queer looking object’ that he had seen lying in the old cutting near Filgrave. It was 10 inches long, 4 inches wide with four vanes, and was subsequently identified by a Royal Army Ordnance Corps N.C.O. as a still live German mortar shell, from the First World War.

TYRINGHAM HOUSE & HOSPITAL

By September 1914, as the owner of Tyringham House Mr. Frederick Konig had offered the Government the use of the new wing for sick and wounded soldiers, but with this offer having been accepted some time ago by the St. John Ambulance Association, Mrs. Konig had been informed by their secretary that, since the War Office had already made preparations for a considerable number of wounded, it was hoped to obviate the need for four months or so. Yet there was a need for motor ambulances, and following the outbreak of hostilities Mr. and Mrs. Konig had ordered an ambulance car for wartime use from Messrs Salmons and Sons, of Newport Pagnell. This, when complete, they would present to the St. John Ambulance Brigade. In this time of crisis many men from Tyringham and Filgrave readily volunteered for military service, and before leaving for Oxford each was presented with a sovereign by Mr. Konig. In fact members of his staff would also heed the call, including Thomas Hawkins, the youngest son of Mr. T. Hawkins, the butler at Tyringham House. He joined the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, whilst as for Thomas Ayres, the second chauffeur to Mr. Konig, he would join the mechanical transport section of the Army Service Corps. However, this would not be until after Monday, December 5th 1914, since it was on that date that he arrived back at Tyringham, having for the previous six weeks been engaged in driving the car provided by Mr. Konig for the recruiting purposes of the Territorial Force Association, at Aylesbury. Throughout the country, the prevailing patriotism had been stirred not least by the harrowing perception of German atrocities in Belgium, and one family who could well testify was that of Henri Vandenberg and his wife and four children, who, as poor labouring class refugees, had arrived at Tyringham from Belgium on the evening of Monday, December 19th 1914. They had been living at Ashot, near Louvain, but when their humble cottage was burnt down by the Germans they fled to Antwerp, and then to Holland, where their plight came to the notice of the Belgian Refugee Committee in England. Having first ensured that the premises were in good repair, subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Konig placed the lodges of Tyringham House at their disposal, where they would be provided for rent free. As for furniture, this was supplied through the kindness of Miss McFerran, of Tyringham Cottage, and Mrs. Carlile, of Gayhurst House, who also did much to make the family feel at home. The resident estate agent, Mr. G. Milward, had now enlisted in the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, and in February 1915 Messrs Trollope, Mr. Konig’s London Agents, announced that in his absence Mr. Gambell, of Messrs. Wigley and Sons, of Newport Pagnell, had been appointed as Sub Agent. On the instructions of Mr. Konig, on Friday, April 9th 1915 the sale took place of a small pedigree herd of Red Poll cattle, horses, and grass keeping. This was conducted on the Tyringham Estate by George Wigley and Sons, and the pedigree Red Poll bull ‘Tyringham Triumph’ was sold for £21 10s. Despite having declined the proposal to use Tyringham House as a hospital for 40 men (since they could only accept accommodation on a much larger scale), the War Office now asked if the premises could instead be used as a convalescent hospital, and with this agreed in May 1915 Colonel Cree, as the representative of the Surgeon General of Southern Command, inspected the property in the company of Mr. and Mrs. Konig, and Dr. Wickham, from Newport Pagnell. Thus by mid July 1915 Tyringham House had been taken over by the military authorities, and after the few days which were needed to put the finishing touches to the fittings, as required to complete the equipment, the premises was ready to accept 100 convalescent soldiers. These would be those who had fallen victim to enteric fever, but only if the condition had sufficiently improved such that no threat was presented to the local district. In fact the medical authorities would ensure that before being sent to Tyringham House the patients were completely rid of the ‘fever germs,’ it being considered that the delightful surroundings of their new home, and the healthy air, would be conducive to their full recovery. Having for some time been in the Addington Park War Hospital, Croydon, where they had been nursed back to convalescence, the first draft of patients to occupy Tyringham House arrived on Monday afternoon, September 4th 1915, being 20 ‘bronzed and seasoned warriors’ who, representing the King’s Own Royal Lancasters, the Norfolks, the Durhams, Northumberland Fusiliers, Somersets, Leicesters, Irish Fusiliers, Connaught Rangers, Essex, 10th Hussars, 20th London Regiment, R.G.A., R.F.A., A.S.C., R.A.M.C., and other regiments, had all seen action in Flanders and France. Arriving at Newport Pagnell by the 4.30p.m. train, they were taken to Tyringham in a fleet of motor cars supplied by Messrs. Salmons and Sons, and travelled under the charge of Sergeant Major Guy King of the 5th King’s Liverpool Regiment. Officially known as the Military Convalescent Hospital under the Eastern Command, the medical facility, which comprised the whole of Tyringham House, came under the charge of Captain N.W. Stevens, of the R.A.M.C., and whilst he had the use of a furnished suite of rooms, five other rooms were provided for his staff of six N.C.O.s and 18 men. In fact Mr. Konig had not only fitted up a wing containing 32 beds, but had also ensured a modern system of electric light and a pure and ample supply of water, all of which was to be under the charge of his own employees. With the probability that visiting days might be arranged, for recreation the soldiers could walk around the grounds and enjoy the use of the club and billiard room, and perhaps amongst those who wished that they were inmates was Private 10816 Thomas Hawkins, of the 6th Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. The youngest son of Mr. T. Hawkins, the butler at Tyringham House, on July 30th 1915 he had been wounded in the right shoulder and head during the fighting at Hooge, near Ypres, and, with his condition gradually improving, had been admitted to the Norfolk War Hospital, Thorpe, Norwich. As for his brother, he was serving in the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards, stationed at Aldershot. With the convalescent patients settled in at their new accommodation, in delightful summer weather on Saturday, September 11th 1915 the Tyringham Cricket Club played a team of R.A.M.C. and convalescent soldiers. Nevertheless, a minority sought other recreation, and before Colonel W.J. Levi, and other magistrates, on Wednesday, October 20th 1915 at Newport Pagnell Petty Sessions Edwin Lucas, the former holder of the license of the Admiral Hood public house, Newport Pagnell, was summoned for on September 26th 1915 having allowed certain members of the Forces to be on licensed premises after 9p.m., contrary to an order issued by a competent military authority. His wife, Lucy, now living at Ecton, Northants., was also summoned, for aiding and abetting him. In contrast to her husband she pleaded guilty, and for the prosecution Superintendent Pearce intimated that the proceedings were taken under the Defence of the Realm Consolidation Regulations. Giving evidence, police sergeant Roberts said that on August 28th he received instructions from Superintendent Pearce to visit all the license holders in Newport Pagnell, to inform them that the Army Council had issued certain instructions forbidding a publican to serve soldiers any drink except during certain hours. Also they were debarred from serving wounded soldiers at any time, and a copy of the notice was served at the Admiral Hood on August 20th, and hung in the pub. Continuing, police sergeant Roberts told the court that at the time William Heritage, who had since died a few weeks ago, was the holder of the licence, but keeping house for him Mrs. Lucas was in charge, being told by the witness that any contravention of the new instructions would be severely dealt with under D.O.R.A. Evidence was given that on September 27th Mr. Lucas went to Newport Pagnell police station and made a statement, which included that about 7.30p.m. on September 26th three soldiers went into the pub, one of whom wore a Scotch cap and with the others apparently in khaki. Telling Mrs. Lucas that they were wounded, and from Tyringham House, they went into the parlour where she and the servant girl Daisy Osborne, from Milton Keynes, attended to them. Saying that he did not know about the instruction not to serve wounded soldiers, Mr. Lucas said that he stayed in the tap room and could not see how they were dressed. He didn’t know what they had to drink but saw some bottles of stout being taken in. At 9p.m. he then knocked on the door saying it was time, at which his wife said that she had also told them. Going to bed at 10p.m. he left his wife downstairs, but heard her coming up to her separate bedroom at about 10.30p.m. He then went to sleep but about midnight was awoken by voices in his wife’s room. Getting up, he struck a match, and on entering her room saw a pair of khaki knickers on the floor. When the match went out he struck another, and then saw a man crouching by the side of the bed. Looking under the bed he then saw another, and saying “Is this your game?” rushed back to his own room to put some clothes on. His wife called out “Alf, I want some water!” but to this he retorted “You get it then.” Leaving to fetch help, he said that on his return he saw two soldiers leaving the house with their boots off, but the pair didn’t look like the two from Tyringham. His wife later denied that there were any soldiers, and said when he told her that he was going for the police, “find the soldiers.” At 10.30a.m. the next morning he reported the facts to Superintendent Pearce, saying that he had now left the house, parted from his wife, and told the brewers to take the beer away. As for allowing beer to the soldiers, he said that he had not been told they were wounded until they had been served two or three times. That same day Mrs. Lucas was summoned to the police station, where, being warned before making a statement that, under D.O.R.A., she would have to answer any questions under penalty of £100, or 6 months prison, she made a statement to the effect that no soldiers were in the house on Sunday evening, and if they were they went out before 9p.m. In her evidence, Daisy Muriel Osborne, a domestic servant of Milton Keynes, said that on Sunday, September 26th at 7.30p.m. three soldiers went into the pub in the company of George Roberts and Arthur “Dot” French, a 29 year old rag and bone collector of Baker Street, Leighton Buzzard. The soldiers and Roberts went into the bar parlour, whilst French stood outside in the passage. Two of the soldiers wore khaki coats and hats, and one had a khaki coat and Scotch cap. They were wearing blue trousers, but she didn’t notice their jackets until they left. In answer to Superintendent Pearce she confirmed that one of the jackets had been left behind in the lavatory, and that between 7.30p.m. and 9p.m. having had two bottles of beer between three of them, all fetched by Mrs. Lucas, they left at 9p.m. When Mr. Lucas had gone to bed, at 10.15p.m. two of the soldiers returned and were allowed into the parlour, where one sat in the big chair and the other on the sofa. Daisy went to bed and slept with Mrs. Lucas, but about 11.30p.m. two of the soldiers came into the bedroom, where they were duly found by Mr. Lucas. George Roberts, of Newport Pagnell, who had joined the army the previous day, told the Bench that he and French had met three soldiers at Cannon Corner at about 7.30p.m., and had no knowledge until the next day that they were patients from Tyringham. After French had given them a light, the soldiers asked if they would like a drink, and (because French would not be served at the Plough), they went to the Admiral Hood, where they were served beer by the landlady. At 9p.m. the soldiers departed, and taking them ‘down river side’ French left two on the iron bridge and then went further down the street with the third. However, on returning they found that the other two had gone, and when passing the Admiral Hood Mrs. Lucas said “They are gone Dot, and are looking for you.” Then also at the Admiral Hood the next day, Monday September 27th, Mrs. Lucas confided to Roberts that her husband had been knocking her about. Stationed at Tyringham Military Hospital, Private Harry Whatmough, R.A.M.C., said that he had been asked by a soldier patient to fetch his coat from the Admiral Hood on September 27th, the garment being a blue hospital coat. Sergeant Millican, R.A.M.C., then gave evidence about search parties having been sent out late on Sunday night. This was to find three patients who had broken bounds from Tyringham Hospital, and between 1a.m. and 2a.m. he met the three patients in hospital uniform coming from Newport Pagnell, all being under the influence of drink. Captain N.W. Stevens, the officer in charge at Tyringham, said that when they were brought in the condition of the men lead him to think they had been drinking, and in fact as a result of drink one had to have further medical treatment. During the hearing it was stated that Mrs. Lucas had kept house for William Heritage, the licensee of the Admiral Hood, and when she married Mr. Lucas about four years ago, he went to live with her at pub. Following the death of Mr. Heritage, only a few weeks ago, Mr. Lucas then took the license of the house, but only intended to live there until Mr. Heritage’s affairs had been cleared up. He said he worked at Salmons, did not cohabit with his wife, and had no intention of ever living with her again. For her part Mrs. Lucas, said that she gave the soldiers a night’s lodging, and they had no right to enter her bedroom. As for her husband, she said that he had left her seven times because he could not afford to keep her. After twenty minutes the Bench found the case against the male defendant proved, being liable to a fine of £100 or 6 month’s hard labour in prison. However, they were going to impose a fine in each case of £10, at 10s a week, or in default one month’s prison in each case. Mrs. Lucas was sentenced to serve six weeks hard labour in each case, to run consecutively. Through the kind offices of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Carlile, on Saturday, October 25th 1915 at Gayhurst House the convalescent soldiers enjoyed the fine singing of Mr. Gervase Elwes, a world renowned tenor vocalist. With his wife, Lady Winefride Elwes, he had motored over from Billing Hall with the other performers, and amongst these were the talented Mrs. Hammersley, who provided piano accompaniment and, with Lady Elwes and Miss Mary Rowan, acted the amusing sketch ‘Between the soup and the savoury.’ Then at Tyringham, on Saturday, November 6th 1915 Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt, of Newport Pagnell, arranged a concert for the convalescents, which, with every item encored, comprised a piano duet by Miss Freda Coales and Mr. Garratt, songs by Mrs. Garratt, Miss Freda Coales, Messrs. O. Critchard, A. Bullard, C. Garratt and C. Line, humorous songs by Mr. C. Wilford, duets by Messrs. Critchard and Garratt, and Messrs. Wilford and Garratt, and trios by Messrs. Critchard, Garratt and Line. In fact in the wake of this success, through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Konig on Tuesday afternoon, November 9th the patients enjoyed another musical treat, in the form of an excellent concert performed by Miss Evelyn Arden (mezzo soprano) of Queen’s Hall and Principal London Concerts, Mr. William Dawson (tenor), of Chappell’s Ballad and Promenade Concerts, and the Reverend Dr. Collisson, ‘a most talented drawing room entertainer.’ Having journeyed from London they entertained the audience for nearly two hours, and every item was deservedly and vigorously encored. Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt played piano solos and provided the piano accompaniment throughout, and following hearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Konig, with a similar compliment paid to the entertainers, the occasion came to an end with the singing of the National Anthem. In further entertainments, at Newport Pagnell Town Hall on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 10th 1915 the convalescent soldiers were the guests of Mrs. Gillespie and Mrs. Wickham, and following an excellent tea they enjoyed a first class programme to include contributions from Miss Gillespie, Miss Wickham, the Misses Easson (from Chicheley Vicarage), and Mr. Winton. At Tyringham, organised by Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt a concert was given to the convalescent soldiers on the evening of Saturday, November 20th 1915. This featured Miss K. Powell, soprano, Miss Grace Middleton, contralto, Trooper Mann, tenor, and Mr. Lucas Salmons, tenor, and having been notified late on Saturday that Trooper Pollock would not be able to appear as humorist, Mr. Garratt contributed two humorous songs and some musical sketches himself, with the occasion ending with three cheers for all concerned. Another concert then took place on Wednesday, November 24th 1915, personally organised by Mrs. Konig. The performers were mainly domestic staff employed at Tyringham House, or on the Tyringham estate, and in addition a dozen children of the village performed some well received Morris dances. Mrs. Shoebridge had been responsible for the training of the children, and before an audience of 90 soldiers Mrs. Konig’s singing class opened the programme with a spirited rendition of the National Anthem, followed by Sound of the Flute, Old England, and the Russian National Anthem. Patriotic pieces and old time choruses were sung, and the concert concluded with Homes of England, which received rapturous applause. Miss Alice Philpott had played the piano accompaniments, and from the singing class those taking part were Mrs. Philpott, Mrs. Fowler, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Golding, Miss S. West, Miss Joyce Smith, Miss Dorothy Reeks, Miss Wilson, Miss Lily Cook, Mr. R. Philpott, Mr. Hedge, and Messrs. J. Cook, W. West, J. Tullett, R. Golding, J. Lovell, and Tom Fowler. The piece de resistance was a little military play written by Mrs. Konig herself, and entitled ‘Ten minutes at Tyringham Hospital.’ The plot involved the authoress having paid an imaginary visit to Petrograd, where she experienced the enthusiasm of the Russian people for the cause of the Quadruple Entente. Returning to Tyringham, there she is expecting a couple of guests from Russia, but they arrive at the time that two patients are expected from Addington Hospital. Not being able to speak English the Russian guests are divested of their thick fur coats and bundled off to the receiving ward, to be supplied with the regulation military hospital outfit. Meanwhile, the convalescent patients from Addington turn up, and on seeing the fur coats can’t resist trying them on, proclaiming loudly “if this is Tyringham Hospital no more Addington for me.” In the play the village amateurs performed their roles admirably, and Mrs. Konig ‘had introduced humorous little incidents which made the play go with a real swing.’ In fact the soldiers showed their delight by repeated calls of ‘Author,’ and when Mrs. Konig stepped forward to acknowledge the compliment, the concert hall resounded with loud and prolonged cheers. Mrs. Clarke had acted the role of the hostess of the Russian visitors, the two Russians, Alexis and Nicholas, were played by Messrs. E. Golding and R. Philpott, and R. Golding and Fred Sharpe were the patients from Addington. Mr. Gubbins was ‘a typical captain,’ and Mr. J. Reeks and Mr. J. Tullett were, as with all the other participants, splendid in their respective roles of the sergeant and the corporal. Messrs. William West and E. Cook took the parts of policemen, and in the second part of the programme another play, entitled ‘Ransomed,’ was given. This featured the characters of Sir John Ashmudd (Mr. J. Tullett); Lady Ashmudd (his wife), Mrs. Glassbrooks; Lucy Ashmudd, (Miss G. Giddings); Horace Ashmudd (Sir John’s son), also the brigand Braggadocius), Mr. R. Golding; and Teito, an Italian attendant, (Mr. Lever.) Mr. F. Konig acted as stage manager, and during the interval Mrs. Konig played accomplished piano solos. Other items in the programme were a recitation, ‘How Bill Adams won the battle of Waterloo,’ and the humorous songs ‘They still stand saying good-night’ and ‘The piano man,’ performed by Mr. J. Tullett. The occasion was a great success, and amongst those in the audience were Miss Wood, Miss McFerran, Mr. and Mrs. P.C. Gambell, and Captain Stevens. Every Monday evening in November 1915, and probably even before then, about 30 of the convalescent soldiers at the Tyringham Military Hospital were provided with free seats at the Newport Pagnell Electric Theatre. Under the direction of Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt, a concert was given on the evening of Saturday, December 4th 1915 for the convalescent soldiers at Tyringham. With most of the artistes being ladies, Trooper Pollock provided a comic element, and motor cars had been placed at the disposal of the party by Dr. Bailey, Mr. E. West and Messrs Salmons. Then on Thursday, December 16th 1915 forty patients from the Tyringham Hospital attended a whist drive at Gayhurst House. They were the guests of Mrs. Carlile, who provided the refreshments and gave the prizes, and with the proceeds being in aid of the North Bucks Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Fund, £3 was raised for the joint funds. On Christmas Day 1915, the festivities at Tyringham House commenced in earnest at 4p.m., when the men assembled in Ward 28, which was the dining hall of the mansion. Illuminated with fairy lights, the Christmas tree was hung with many seasonal gifts. These had been provided by Mr. and Mrs. Carlile, who were both present, and also in attendance were Mrs. and Miss Trevor from Lathbury Park, the Reverend W.B. Rickards, Miss Savory, from Emberton, Mr. and Mrs. W. Price, from Gayhurst, and many others. As the patients filed past, each received a present from the tree from Mrs. Carlile, with the items being typically pipes, tobacco, packs of cards, etc. As a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Konig, in addition each man also received a Christmas card featuring a photograph of Tyringham House. Beneath the photo were the words ‘With Mr. and Mrs. Konig’s best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,’ and at the top left hand corner of the card were engraved the British flag and the Geneva cross. Under the genial chairmanship of Captain Stevens, in the evening a traditional Christmas dinner was served in the garage, which had been decorated with flags etc. The estate employees joined in the festivities, and after the loyal toasts, which were musically honoured, the remainder of the evening was pleasantly spent, to include the singing of patriotic songs. In a speech Private Gorton proposed the health of Captain Stevens, who in reply spoke of his pleasure in commanding such a fine body of men, and having charge of such a magnificent hospital. ‘The Visitors’ were then toasted with musical honours, and Mr. E. Golding the head gardener at Tyringham House, thanked Captain Stevens for having asked the men on the estate to join them. Captain Stevens then thanked the many friends who had sent Christmas presents for the patients. Also Mr. and Mrs. Konig for their gift of Christmas puddings for the patients and the R.A.M.C. staff at the Hospital, and the evening then closed with the singing of the National Anthem. On Saturday, January 1st 1916, under the direction of Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt an evening concert was performed for the convalescent soldiers, at which Mrs. Garratt was encored for her waltz song from Tom Jones. Then on the following Wednesday the ladies of Great Linford, who at the village schoolroom had worked very hard to decorate the walls and tables, waited on about fifty convalescent soldiers from Tyringham, who had arrived in the large brakes of Mr. R. Layton, from the Swan Hotel Stables at Newport Pagnell. After tea, Major Mead, of Great Linford Manor, spoke some words of welcome, and with the three daughters of Captain and Mrs. Ditmas having busied themselves distributing cigarettes. after a short interval, during which music from Master Rupert Uthwatt’s gramophone was enjoyed, the evening’s entertainment began. The first part consisted of ‘In Two Minds,’ in which Miss Wickham and Mrs. Hubbart played the respective characters of Mistress and Lady’s Maid, and afterwards a young cast from Wolverton, brought by Mrs. E. Oliver and Mrs. Higgsley, performed selections from Chinese musical comedy and dance. During the event, as a gift from Mrs. Doyne crackers, pineapples, and smokes were distributed, and at the close of the evening each man received a pipe and an ounce of tobacco. On Saturday afternoon, January 8th 1916 a number of the patients from Tyringham spent an enjoyable time at the Wolverton Picture Palace. The manager, Mr. T. Moss, catered admirably for their entertainment, and in addition to the fine programme of films Reg Fage performed some clever juggling. Afterwards, the guests adjourned to the Science and Art Institute, where several ladies had prepared an excellent tea, and concluding the event cheers were given for Mr. G. Barber, the owner of the picture palace, Mr. Moss, and the ladies. At the Tyringham Military Hospital, on the evening of Saturday, January 15th 1916 a two hour concert was performed by a party from the Woburn district. Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt, who contributed two songs, had obtained their services, and the artistes were Ted Barrett, baritone, Bert Hill, tenor, Mr. Lansom, banjo soloist, Mr. Crocker, comic songs, and Charles Barrett, humorous sketches. Again at the Tyringham Military Hospital, another enjoyable concert was given to the convalescent soldiers on the evening of Saturday, January 22nd 1916. This was performed by a party brought over from Chicheley Hall by Lady Farrar, and amongst the artistes were three of her daughters; Miss Gwendoline Farrar, an accomplished cellist, played several solos, Miss Muriel Farrar, ‘of charming mezzo soprano voice,’ was vociferously encored for her songs, as also for the duets performed with Gwendoline, and Miss Helen Farrar was applauded for providing the accompaniments, together with her mother and Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt. From Lathbury Park, Miss Daphne Trevor sang well known songs, whilst her brother, Lieutenant Stephen Trevor, contributed humorous items and a whistling solo. In a piano solo, Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt had opened the proceedings with popular choruses, and he was again at the piano on the evening of Saturday, January 29th 1916, when another concert took place at Tyringham House. Mrs. Durrant and her sister, Miss Una Easson, made contributions, their friend, Miss F. Whiting, performed songs at the piano, and the other artistes were Miss Olive Ellingham, soprano, Mr. O. Critchard, tenor, and Sapper Lucas, baritone. Having been conveyed in the brakes of Mr. R. Layton, on Saturday, February 12th 1916 nearly 50 soldiers from the Tyringham Military Hospital were entertained during the afternoon at the Picture Palace in Wolverton, and were afterwards entertained to tea by Mrs. H. Hippsley and the other Wolverton ladies responsible. The stay of the convalescent soldiers and the military staff at Tyringham was pleasingly marked by very little trouble. However, on Wednesday, February 9th 1916, at Newport Pagnell Petty Sessions Patrick Higgins was summoned for having been drunk and disorderly at Stoke Goldington on the night of January 28th. He was further charged with assault and beating police constable Harry Smith, whilst as for Richard Jones, he was charged with having obstructed the constable. Stationed at Tyringham House, both men were privates in the R.A.M.C., and both pleaded not guilty. Giving evidence, police constable Smith said that about 9.50p.m. on the night in question he visited a concert at Stoke Goldington, where he saw the two defendants about to drink from a bottle of beer. Higgins appeared drunk, and Jones appeared to have been drinking, and telling them that he was a police constable, albeit in plain clothes, Smith told them that they shouldn’t have any beer. He asked them to come outside for a word, and although they complied Jones used bad language, and the constable’s request to have the bottle was refused. When Smith subsequently took the bottle, Higgins took off his coat, and rushing at him tried to strike a blow, before kicking him on the left knee. Jones also got hold of the constable, at which William Woodford, a special constable of Gayhurst, came to his aid, as also from that village did Joseph Tong. Eventually Jones and Higgins were subdued, to be handed over at the Tyringham Military Hospital. Stating his version of the events, Higgins said that when he refused to give up the bottle Smith knocked him down (which Smith refuted), and when he was on the ground a Belgian kicked him. Continuing, Higgins said that the constable had no badge and could have been anyone. Jones said the same, but to this Smith replied that they had not questioned his authority, and he would have shown his warrant if asked. William Woodford said that at about 10p.m. he was near the schools on the night, and saw the two soldiers strike Smith. Going to the constable’s aid he got hold of Higgins, who trying to get away rushed at the constable again. Joseph Tong said that whilst coming through Stoke Goldington he heard loud voices, and on going to investigate saw Smith with two soldiers who were using bad language. He said that when Smith tried to get the bottle he was rushed and kicked by Higgins, who with the other defendant then grappled with the constable. Captain Stevens, who was in charge at the Tyringham Military Hospital, said the men were of good character and had never given any trouble. In fact this was the first incident since the R.A.M.C. had been at Tyringham, and he asked that the defendants should be handed over to the military authorities to be dealt with. The Bench agreed, and fined Higgins 14s and Jones 7s. On the afternoon of Saturday, February 12th 1916, at the Tyringham Military Hospital the R.A.M.C. staff entertained a team of Royal Engineers from Newport Pagnell at football, and, proving to be the more practised team, won by 5 goals to nil. The scorers were Sergeant Wood, Corporal Burdett, Corporal Ellis, Private Lovell and Private Bates, and the teams were afterwards entertained to tea. On the same day nearly 50 convalescent soldiers from Tyringham were welcomed in the afternoon at the Picture Palace, Wolverton, and having afterwards been entertained to tea by Mrs. H.J. Hippsley and the other Wolverton ladies, they were then conveyed back to Tyringham in the brakes supplied by Mr. R.J. Layton, in which they had travelled to the event. Also at Wolverton, in the Church Institute on Saturday, February 19th 1916 a whist drive was held in aid of funds for entertaining the convalescent patients at Tyringham. The annual meeting of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association was held at Gayhurst on Friday, March 10th 1916, and according to the President’s report the number of patients discharged from the Tyringham Military Hospital was 472, with the address of each having been sent to the ‘District Friend.’ Showing a balance in hand at December 31st 1915 of £10 6s 2d, the accounts for the past year were presented by the honorary treasurer, Mr. Walter Carlile, who, seconded by Mr. Price, proposed that the meeting should record their gratitude to Miss McFerran and to Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt, for their kindness and trouble in arranging amusements etc. for the convalescent soldiers at Tyringham. Then on the evening of Saturday, March 11th 1916 Mr. C. Kenneth Garratt presided at a varied two hour concert for the patients. This was held at the Tyringham Hospital, and with Mr. Garratt playing the piano accompaniments, the artistes were Miss K. Powell, soprano, and Miss Grace Middleton, contralto, each of whom performed excellent songs and were deservedly encored for a duet. (A few weeks later Miss Grace Middleton would send a first donation of £1 15s to the British Red Cross Society, as the proceeds from a poem that she had written. In 1915, having volunteered her services on August Bank Holiday she had begun duty on the nursing staff at the Kempston Military Hospital, Bedford.) Also featured were the piccolo solos of Mr. Webb, of Stony Stratford, who was heartily encored for his items. From the Royal Engineers stationed at Newport Pagnell, Sapper Lucas, baritone, proved in fine voice, and Sapper Jackson performed musical sketches. The comic element was ably provided by Mr. Cole of Newport Pagnell, and although quite young he ‘displayed cleverness with the bones.’ At the end of the event three cheers were raised for the party, and after the singing of the National Anthem the artistes were conveyed home in the motors kindly supplied by Miss Bailey and Mr. J. Price. Sadly, in March 1916 the Military Authorities found it advisable, for the purpose of administrative convenience, to discontinue the hospital at Tyringham House. Arrangements were consequently made to transfer the patients elsewhere, and thanking him for having generously placed the premises at the disposal of the military authorities, Mr. Konig was sent a letter of gratitude from the Director General of the Army Medical Service. In April 1916 came the tragic news that Private H. Sansome, of the Devonshire Regiment, had been killed in action on the second day of the month. Having formerly been a footman at Tyringham House, he had joined up early in the war, and there was further sad news when, having about a year before undergone an operation for a malignant internal growth, Mrs. Emily Hawkins, the wife of the house steward, Thomas Hawkins, died on Tuesday, May 23rd 1916. She was aged 52, and being Australian by birth it had been in her native country that she had married Thomas 32 years ago. As well as three daughters they also had two sons, and, with both having volunteered at the outbreak of war, one was in the 5th Dragoon Guards, and the other in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. With interment in the churchyard, the funeral took place at Tyringham at 3p.m. on Saturday, May 27th, with the polished elm coffin being borne from the residence on the estate to the parish church on the hand hearse, carried by Messrs. W. Whiting, T. Nicholls, A. Fowler, and W. West, who were all employees on the estate. The first part of the service was read in the church by the rector, the Reverend W. Rickards, who then officiated at the graveside, and amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. Konig and members of their staff, these being Mrs. Clarke, housekeeper, Mrs. Glazebrook, Miss R. Taylor, Miss G. Giddings, servants, Mr. E. Golding, head gardener, Mr. F. Gubbins, chauffeur, and Mr. J. Reeks, gamekeeper. Mr. Hawkins was accompanied by his three unmarried daughters and his son Private T. Hawkins, of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, but unfortunately his second son was unable to attend, from being on active service with the 5th Dragoon Guards. (Thomas would die in 1925, and at the funeral, at Tyringham churchyard on April 11th 1925, all the household staff and estate staff were present, plus many residents of Filgrave. Having for over 14 years been in the service of Mr. F.A. Konig as butler, he had died aged 66 after an operation at St. George’s Hospital, London, on Sunday, April 5th 1925. The body, in a polished oak coffin, was brought by road from London, and at Tyringham House was taken from the motor hearse and placed on a hand bier, to be drawn by 6 estate employees to the church. Those walking in the procession included Mr. and Mrs. Konig, Kilian and Marcus Konig, and the members of the estate and household. He was laid to rest in a grave adjoining that of his wife, with amongst the wreaths one from his brother Alf and his wife, from Brighton.) Tyringham Church was again the venue for a sombre occasion on Sunday May 6th 1917, when in place of matins a memorial service was held for Private Albert Miller. He had died of wounds in France, and with the Reverend Escritt having made touching reference to his being a keen worker in the church, as a chorister and ringer, a muffled peal was rung by the ringers before and after the service. Mr. Konig had now decided to sell Tyringham House and the estate, and regarding an associated matter on Saturday afternoon, May 5th 1917 a meeting of the chief parishioners of Tyringham cum Filgrave was held, followed by a general parish meeting. Both had been convened by the rector, the Reverend C. Escritt, who presented a letter from Mr. Konig in which was expressed his wish that the local school and Reading Room, which Mr. Konig had caused to be built, in commemoration of the Coronation of King George V, should serve solely for the purpose for which they had been erected. He would exclude them from the intended sale of the Tyringham Estate, and by vesting in trustees make over the property and the furniture to the parish as a gift. He also proposed to not include in the sale the strip of land that Mr. Brett had kindly offered him, with the idea being that the area, which divided the school from the cottages, could be used by the schoolchildren as a war garden. Further, he intimated that the charities closely connected with the school, in which Mrs. Konig had taken a special interest, would be set on a permanent basis by establishing a fund to be known as the ‘de Chappuis-Konig Charity.’ This would fund a supply of milk to the children attending the school in winter, and also provide a pair of boots, or shoes, and two pairs of stockings at Christmas for all the children of school age in Tyringham and Filgrave, with the footwear being made to measure by Messrs. A. Dix and Son of Olney. The meeting readily agreed to accept Mr. Konig’s kind offer, and a suitable letter of gratitude would be sent. Thus in the school at Filgrave, each year Mrs. Konig would subsequently present each child with the gifts, and also a book, at a party, for which the tea was provided by Messrs. Lawmans of Newport Pagnell. In a move which was lamented by many of the locals, on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 16th 1917 the Tyringham Estate was put up for auction at the Swan Hotel, Newport Pagnell. However, Mr. Konig had made it known that he would be pleased to grant facilities to his tenants to purchase their holdings, whilst in the case of his pensioners on the estate, and also one or two other aged cottagers and tenants whose husbands, or sons, were at the war, these were to be protected against being turned out until at least the end of the war. This would also apply to those cottagers who had been granted relief from rent for the duration of the conflict. The sale extended to 2,900 acres, and besides the mansion comprised eight farms, practically the whole of the village of Filgrave, and numerous small holdings, cottages and woodlands. Of Messrs. Trollope, the well known London firm of estate agents and auctioneers, Mr. E. Nield Shackle conducted the auction, and said that eleven years ago he had the privilege of going over the estate when his partner, Mr. Baker, bought it on behalf of Mr. Konig. However, now his instructions were to sell the estate - as an entirety if possible - but when Mr. White, a London estate agent, opened the bidding at £50,000, he was promptly told that his bid could not be serious, and although he then advanced the offer to £60,000, this also was not accepted. Therefore, since there were no other bids the estate as a whole was withdrawn, and no bids were subsequently received for the mansion, gardens, and park etc. Only Wood Farm, Emberton, accommodation land at Emberton, Lodge Spinney, North Lodge, Filgrave Farm, Rectory Farm (Filgrave), three cottages, a yard and smithy in Filgrave, and other cottages were sold, whilst as for the other interests the auctioneer said that he would be pleased to treat privately for their sale. Whilst it was good news for the staff that their jobs were now safe, it was tempered for Mr. T. Hawkins, the house steward to Mr. Konig, by the news that his youngest son, Lance Corporal T. Hawkins, of the Devon Regiment, had recently been in hospital suffering from a nervous breakdown. However, nevertheless in June 1917 he was promoted to full corporal rank. With America now in the war, figures supplied to the American Press by Mr. F. Konig were published in the New York Times on September 30th 1917, and provided the opportunity to dismiss the impression held by many Americans “that the English are shirkers, and their battles are fought by the Scotch, Welsh, Canadians and others.” In fact since the figures included many of the men serving from Newport Pagnell and district, perhaps mentioned was Sergeant E. Shoebridge, R.A.M.C., who during the month had been promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant. Before the war he had been the master at Tyringham cum Filgrave school, but, having received his training with the Olney Ambulance Division, under Superintendent W. Knight, he was attached to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, on October 21st 1914. After two years he was moved to Aldershot and later Blackpool, but in April 1917 was sent out on the staff of the 48th General Hospital, British Salonica Force. (After the war he would resume his teaching position, his wife being the mistress at the school, but in June 1919 they would leave to take up the work of headmaster and mistress of Princes Risborough school. As a token of the esteem in which they were held, at a farewell ceremony Mrs. Konig would present them with a barometer, subscribed for by the parishioners.) As a Christmas gift, Mrs. Konig sent tobacco for all the men at the Newport Pagnell Workhouse, and on the evening of Thursday, December 27th 1917 she and her husband opened the beautiful reception rooms of Tyringham House for a whist drive, organised by the secretary and members of the Tyringham House Club for the Bucks Association of the Blind. With over 100 players, the tables were arranged in the drawing and dining rooms, and the event also included a competition to guess the weight of a marrow. Raising 7s 7d, this had been arranged by Mr. Hawkins, and the marrow was afterwards put up for auction by Mr. P.C. Gambell, with the total monies raised being £2 0s 7d. Refreshments were under the charge of Mrs. Clarke, whilst Mr. Golding carried out the duties of secretary. The prizes were presented in the music room by Mrs. Konig, and after a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Konig by the Reverend C. Escritt, seconded by Mr. Cox, the singing of the National Anthem brought the event to a close. Reminding of the days before the purchase of Tyringham House by Mr. Konig, in May 1918 George Fessey died aged 90. Born on May 15th 1828, at the age of 6 he began work in a lace making school, but in early manhood became a servant to Squire Tyringham. He would be employed on the Tyringham Estate for over 50 years, and on his retirement was granted a pension. Of a genial disposition he was liked by all, and he was interred in the same grave as his wife, who had predeceased him by 17 years. Also that month, on May 13th 1918 Private Fred Gubbins, motor transport driver, Army Service Corps, died of pneumonia at Lindi, German East Africa. Before joining up on July 31st 1916, he had been employed by Mr. F. Konig for over 17 years as electrician and chauffeur, but after joining the Forces he would be sent on draft to German East Africa, where he had been for about nine months. Aged 41, he left a widow and two children, and a memorial service was conducted on Friday evening, May 24th, by the Reverend C. Escritt, at Tyringham Church. As well as Mrs. Gubbins, also attending the service would be Mr. Hawkins, the deceased’s greatest friend, Mr. and Mrs. Konig, and many people from the surrounding area, with every house in the village represented. (In May 1919 his wife would insert the following in a local paper;

“To the dear memory of my husband, Pte. F. Gubbins, who passed away quietly at Lindi, East Africa, May 13th, 1918.

Oh for the touch of a vanished hand,
And the sound of the voice that is still.

“Mizpah.””)

In October 1918 a ‘between maid’ ‘for house and kitchen’ was needed at Tyringham House, where the sad news arrived the following month of the death of Private Henry Pettitt, of the Labour Corps. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. Pettit, of Gayhurst, before joining up he had worked in the gardens of Tyringham House, and his death from pneumonia occurred on October 30th at Kempston Military Hospital. He had been taken ill after arriving home on leave the previous Saturday, and although he was taken to the hospital on the Tuesday, he died the next day, aged 31. With the funeral taking place at Gayhurst on Saturday, November 2nd 1918, apart from the family members Mr. E. Golding was also present, he being the head gardener at Tyringham. With the war finally at an end, on Thursday, April 24th 1919 the Tyringham House Club organised a victory dance, ‘with an up to date programme of music.’ The use of the fine reception rooms had been granted by Mr. and Mrs. Konig, and with Mr. E. Golding being the honorary secretary and treasurer, the occasion raised £22 for Northampton Hospital. In fact the Tyringham House Club had been launched in early 1913 for the special benefit of the male staff on the estate, and of the 21 original members, 14 took part in the war, with one being killed and one rising to commissioned rank in the Machine Gun Corps. By the end of the war the Club had raised over £100 for war charities, and although it had been disbanded at the arrival of the convalescent soldiers, it re-opened in October 1917, and, with a considerably widened scope, would become a village institution, being a place of recreation for men and women. By May 1919 there were 22 lady members, 16 ordinary members and 10 vice presidents, and with billiards and other games provided, dancing classes were held during the winter.

At the village of Icklingham, in Suffolk, on Tuesday, July 4th 1916 the lifeless body of Lieutenant Charles Oliver Paget Pemberton, of the Territorial Defence Corps, was found by the side of the river near to his billet. There was a bullet wound in the mouth and a revolver lying at his feet, and it was a pathetic story of depression through physical disability which was told to the deputy coroner for the Liberty of Bury St. Edmunds and a jury, who investigated the circumstances leading to the officer’s death. Captain Percy G. D. Winter, of the 403rd Royal Defence Corps, said that he had last seen the deceased alive at 10.30 on Tuesday morning. He was billeted with him, and when he failed to arrive for lunch he and Lieutenant Challice made a search, and found him lying by the side of the river. There was blood on his arm, and life was extinct. He had known Lieutenant Pemberton since October 1914, and had never heard him threaten to kill himself. In fact his temperament was very jovial, but he was worried that he could not fulfil his duties due to his bunions. Indeed, this had much depressed him, and it was the witness’s opinion that the deceased had not been accountable for his actions for the past few days. Police constable Edward Sladden, stationed at Icklingham, said that at about two o’clock on Tuesday afternoon he had been called to the Water Garden, at Icklingham Hall, and there saw the body of the deceased, who was lying on his back. There being no sign of a struggle, a bullet wound was evident to the mouth and also at the back of his head, and of the six-chambered revolver lying at his feet, five chambers were loaded, with a cartridge case in the sixth. He then removed the body to the laundry at the Hall. Dr. E. Glasier said that he had been consulted about three weeks ago by Lieutenant Pemberton, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. His feet were distorted, making it painful to walk, and he seemed very worried that this disability would affect his work, thus increasing the load on the other officers. A verdict of “Suicide whilst of unsound mind” was returned. Lieutenant Pemberton was buried with full military honours in Icklingham churchyard, and there was a large congregation to pay their respect. Covered by a Union Jack, the polished oak coffin was preceded to the church by a firing party with arms reversed, and following were the bereaved widow and relatives, and the officers and a large contingent of men of the 402nd and 403rd Companies Royal Defence Corps. As the cortege entered the church the organist played Holloway’s “March Funebre,” and then, as the coffin was being removed to the churchyard, the Dead March in “Saul.” At the graveside, at the conclusion of the service the firing party, numbering about 40, rose smartly to attention, and fired three volleys. Four buglars of the Royal Defence Corps then sounded the “Last Post,” while the firing party remained with glittering bayonets fixed, presenting a very impressive spectacle. Floral tokens were sent by Mrs. Pemberton and other relatives, and the officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the 402nd Company Royal Defence Corps. The late Lieutenant Pemberton had been well known in the Newport Pagnell district, where for 3 years and 8 months - from March, 1910, till November, 1913 - he had held the responsible position of resident agent for the Tyringham Estate. His genial and kindly disposition won him the high regard of all who knew him, as testified on the eve of his departure from Tyringham when Mr. F. A. Konig, whose interests he had served so well, presented him with a beautiful malacca cane with heavy gold mount. The tenant farmers on the estate gave him a clock, the household and estate servants a solid silver cigarette box, and the Newport Pagnell Unionist Club an inkstand with an inscribed silver plate. On volunteering for service, during the early days of the war Lieutenant Pemberton was appointed to the command of the Bournemouth Company of the National Reserves, and later had the honour of commanding the “Old Brigade,” who formed the guard of honour for the King on his visit to Aldershot.