High Peak News

Saturday, 22nd April, 1916

There are seven soldier sons of the late Mr John Salt, formerly of Hollinsclough who was well-known in Earl Sterndale. For seven brothers of one family to be serving King and Country is indeed remarkable. They are : 1, Driver Edgar Salt of the Royal Field Artillery who has been on service for six years. Was in India at the commencement of war. Came home for five days and then went to the Dardanelles; now in _____________ 2, Private Percy Salt, 6th Sherwood Foresters, in France. 3, Private Sydney Salt, 6th Sherwood Foresters, in France. 4, Private Frank Salt, 6th Sherwood Foresters, in France. 5, Private John Burton (Half brother), Royal Engineers, now in Egypt.

Another brother is Gunner John William Salt, in the Royal Field Artillery, in France. He joined the Regular Army in 1910 and was in India when war broke out. He has been in almost all the battles in France. On December 14th, 1915 he came home on five days' leave.

The seventh of the patriotic band is Gunner James Salt, who is in the Australian Artillery. Yet another brother is Albert Salt, who attested but was stated to be medically unfit for service. The glorious list ends with the name Fred Salt of Sterndale Moor. He is a married man but has been passed and will, in due course, go up with his group.

Seven brothers and a half brother from one village is a record to be proud of.

Edgar, writing to Fred, says he expects he knows pretty well by the paper reports of their operations on the Peninsular and how the ________(his) division covered themselves with glory from the day they landed. He was pleased to say he was still among the fortunate. The Turks had three or four shots at him but had utterly failed in their efforts to bowl him out. He was in the pink of condition and ready for anything but should appreciate a trip home to see him (Fred) and all his acquaintances.............

The weather had been severely hot but, thank God, dry, which meant a lot to men in these days. They had the Turks hemmed in and they (the Turks) were very careful with their ammunition...........They had heard of great victories in France and he hoped they would continue to knock ***** out of the Huns.

In conclusion he says: "Well, Fred lad, I really haven't much more to say and it's pretty near bedtime and my bed chum is growling like a bear with a sore head and tells me if I don't hurry up I shall be going to see the doctor with a thick ear, so I will wish you good night and good luck.........Your affectionate brother, EDGAR

"Roll on England"

Derbyshire Times, May 1917

Keen regret was expressed in Middleton-by-Youlgreave when it became known in the village that Pte. Percy Salt, of the Sherwood Foresters, had been killed on Monday last week. Private Salt was a native of Longnor till about four years ago when he married and made his home in Middleton-by-Youlgreave. He was 30 years of age and had been in France about 12 months. Prior to joining the Army he was employed at Friden Silica Fire Brick Company. He leaves a wife and 2 children.

Thanks to Mandy Fearn for sending us these articles.

Percy Salt was her great grandfather. He was killed at the Battle of Arras, at a small village near Leivin, on 23rd April 1917. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Arras Memorial in the Sherwood Forrester section. The two children were only 5 and 1 when their father died. We can't possibly imagine imagine the horrors of WW1, particularly in contrast to the natural beauty and tranquillity  of Hollinsclough.

High peak News August 12th, 1916

Longnor - Sergeant Joseph Slack

An official notification has been received that Sergt. Joseph Slack of the Royal Fusiliers was killed in action on July 29th. Before joining, twelve months ago, he lived at Edgeside and was a farmer and had been the agent for some years for the Refuge Assurance Company. He was a native of Longnor and well respected by all who knew him. His Major has written saying that his death is deeply deplored for he was a splendid soldier and all round good fellow.

Thank you to Jackie Critchlow for this piece.

Alstonfield Deanery Magazine