Hi.
Fred was very respected indeed.
Following quote is by 15/470 L/Cpl W. Arthur Hollings, "D" Company in Milners Leeds Pals;
"1O th November 1915. While we were on the range this morning i had a register to keep of a certain number at the firing point and during the time i was on this Lieutenant Wardle came along and i had a heart to heart chat with him. I think i told you that the Colonel had chosen him to be left in charge of those who are to stay here as first reserve. Well! When he first got to know, he sent for our Sergeant (Scholes) to the officer's quarters as they have worked together for so many months and i understand that he had tears in his eyes when he told the Sergeant that he could not go with his platoon overseas.
This morning he asked me how i was going on as Lance Corporal and all about it. He said 'Hollings', i've tried a long time to get you promotion as i wanted you for one of my corporals, i should have liked to have gone with my platoon but it's been decided otherwise. I wish you the best of luck.' In his interview with Segeant Scholes he said 'You'll look well after the boy's won't you?'
He then went on to talk to me about the departure and said he thought we should go out about Christmas and everything pointed to our destination being France."
However, the 'Pals' destination was Egypt and the defence of the Suez Canal.
Just to add to this post. The attached is a photo of 2/Lieutenant Tom Willey and Fred, 'enjoying' a joke aboard H.M.T "Ascania", probably because they are hitting a some what 'rough' sea! Destination. Western Front.
In memory of Fred and the 'Pals'.
Chris.
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