Herbert STRETCH

26 November 1915

OUR BRAVE ‘BARLICK’ TERRIERS

The following lines are from Gunner H. Stretch, Earl of Derby’s County Palatine Royal Field Artillery, a native of Barnoldswick, with a hope that they may ‘inspire all true Barnoldswick men to enlist’:–

Here’s to the brave ‘Barlick’ Terriers,
Rejoicing their country to serve;
They rose to the call,
Left factory, shop and hall,
From duty they never did swerve.

Here’s to the lads ‘Barlick’ Terriers,
Who deserve all the gifts we can send;
Their pipes we will fill
With a right hearty will;
They can fight, and we can spend.

Here’s to the good ‘Barlick’ Terriers,
Who’re fighting with might and with main;
We’ve no need to whine,
Their courage is fine;
May Heaven send them safe home again.

Here's to the tough 'Barlick' Terriers,
Who know what it is to endure;
The foe they have checked
Themselves they have decked
With laurels of glory be sure.

Here’s to our own ‘Barlick’ Terriers,
Who’re filled with right British pluck;
They cry ‘No surrender!’
Their lives rather render,
To bring our homeland Good Luck.

24 March 1916

CRAVEN AND THE WAR – Football in Egypt

An ‘Earbyite’ sends the following report of a football match between ‘Section 3 and the Egyptian Army.’

This match was played before about 4,000 spectators at Cairo in fine weather. The Section had one or two well known ‘Barlick’ players, one of whom was H. Stretch, the ‘Barlick’ reserve goalkeeper. The army kicked off with the wind and sun in their favour, and bore down on the section goal in fine style, and one of Ali Mohammed’s shots was well on the mark when Stretch made a brilliant full length save and gained much applause. A few minutes later the same player was tripped in the penalty area, and it looked as though the Section were going to one down when Stretch again saved his side by twining a lightning drive of the centres over the bar. After twenty-five minutes’ play the Army scored a fine goal, Stretch having no chance, with a fine cross shot. Just before half-time Stretch was injured and had to be carried off the field.

Half-time:– Army 1. Section 0.

On the resumption it was noticed that Stretch had gone inside left and was little more than a passenger. Each end was visited in turn, and the Section, after 10 minutes equalised. Stretch scoring a splendid goal. Hardly had the game been re-started when the Section forward line worked down in splendid style, and Stretch securing about 20 yards out, placed his side ahead with a fast rising shot, which gave the Army goalie no chance whatever.

Even play was the order after this, and the Army tried hard to equalise, and had very hard lines with one or two shots. With about 5 minutes to go a penalty was awarded the Section. Stretch was entrusted with the kick, and made no mistake with a fine low drive. Nothing of importance happened after this and the final read:–

Section 3. Army 1.

25 October 1918

STRETCH – Died of wounds Oct. 10th, Gunner H. Stretch. R.F.A., son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Stretch, 18 Turner Street, Barnoldswick, aged 24.

25 October 1918

From Egypt to France: Barnoldswick Man’s Fatal Wounds

Gunner Herbert Stretch. R.F.A., whose death occurred on Oct. 10th from wounds received in action, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rd. Stretch, 18, Turner Street, Barnoldswick. He served a short time in Egypt before going to France 2½ years ago. Prior to joining the army he was employed on construction work in connection with Fernbank Shed. Pte. Stretch was 21 years of age. His brother, Pte. Tom Stretch, was wounded in June last and is still in hospital in London recovering from a fractured skull.