LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE CIVIC GUARD OF HARTLEPOOL.
[To THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR,"]
Sia,—In view of the active steps you have taken to secure recognition for Volunteer Training Corps and Civic Guards, you may be interested to bear of the following incident. I had occasion on Friday week to make an inspection of some property at Hartlepool, and in one apartment house close to the harbour, which bad been practically gutted and in which a school teacher had been instantaneously killed, I found the old lady who owned the property loud in her appreciation of the assistance she had received from the local Civic Guard. She informed me that immediately after the bombardment they took charge of the house and its occu- pants, and one member remained with the helpless women and children on duty all night in the cellar. I do not know who this was, and was not aware that Hartlepool had joined in the movement, but I am satisfied that the prompt action taken in this case was a steadying influence and a great blessing to this household. The lady who was killed insisted upon leaving the cellar during the bombardment against the urgent entreaties of her friends, because she said that the children at the school would be frightened, and, as a result of this devotion to duty, she met her fate. It is characteristic of the North of England character that within half an hour of the bombardment ceasing people were carrying on their usual duties, and the womenfolk were busy trying to tidy up the houses.—I am, Sir, &c.,
J. Lo AS -WALKER, Harrogate. Joint Secretary Harrogate Volunteer Training Corps.
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