This Week in World War One, 16 November 1917

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 NOVEMBER 1917

 

FROM TRENCHES TO HOMELAND

LOCAL LADS ON LEAVE FROM THE

BATTLEFRONT AND TRAINING CENTRES

 

Trooper J. Bainbridge, N.H., West End, Tweedmouth is home on a few days leave. Prior to enlistment he was employed in the grocery department, Tweedside Co-operative Stores. His brother Ted, is also serving.

We are pleased to see home from France on a few days leave, Pte. John Patterson, K.O.S.B., attached to R.S. He was wounded in the hand some time ago, his photo appeared in our columns at that time. Pte. Patterson has been 15 months in France. We wish him the best of luck.

Corporal R. Blackhall, N.F., West End is here on a few days leave. Previous to enlisting he was employed by the Border Brewery Coy.

Private John Wood, H.L.I., here from France on a few days’ leave, has been once wounded. Previous to enlistment he was employed by the Maypole Diary Company at Berwick.

Another local lad home on leave from France this week is Private Thomas Short, who resides in Kiln Hill, Tweedmouth. He joined the N.F. about two years ago, and after training at Alnwick proceed to France. He is now in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Previous to enlistment he was employed at the pipe factory, Tweedmouth. His brother George who is a Sergeant in the N.F. is training Volunteers at Hull.

Lance-Corporal J. Burgon, 18 Kiln Hill, whom we reported last week as being home on short leave is in the 2nd Gordon Highlanders, and not in the K.O.S.B.’s The  gallant Corporal is a splendid athlete, and is the proud possessor of five silver cups which testify to his prowess in the field of sport. He is no less keen in the discharge of his military duties, and on three occasions has received the thanks of his commanding officer for distinguishing himself by good service in the field.

Lance-Corporal James Dowens, A. and S. Highlanders, Berwick has spent a short leave in his native town before leaving for Oxford, where he will sit for his examinations for a commission. He was in Africa when war broke out and left a splendid position to come home and enlist. Twelve months ago he was wounded in action, after having been some four months in France, and since then he has been in hospital. We wish him the best of luck.

 

THE PASSING OF HARRY DEMEE

A TRUE SON OF THE SEA

 

Our many readers will be sorry to hear of the death of Harry Demee, one of the oldest and best known characters about this town of Berwick-on-Tweed. Young and old, rich and poor, all knew Harry.

He was a sailor by profession, but his connection with the sea, however, was not confined to coasting, for in his younger days he visited Europe, Asia, Africa, and America and filled all the positions on board shop, from cabin boy to skipper.

Many old Berwickers will remember him one of the crew of the Clippers, and steward on board the steamboat which traded between Berwick and London.

Since retirement from the sea he has led a very active life. For many years he was a well-known figure on the ferry between Berwick and Spittal.

In winter time when the “Soup Kitchen” was called into being, Harry was there as cook.

As Church Officer at Chapel Street Church he was favourite with parson and layman alike, and had a cheery remark for all, and the bairns who attended the Sunday School all knew “Old Harry.”

For the last two years he has acted as green keeper for the Working Men’s Bowling Club, and many of the players who frequent the sunny spot in Upper Ravensdowne will recall his yarns told in a way which defied all imitation.

 

MILITARY WEDDING AT BERWICK

LIEUT. FEDDEN, R. F.C.- MISS SHENA FRASER.

 

The marriage was solemnised in the Parish Church, Berwick, on Wednesday, between Lieut. Cecil Olcher Fedden, 22nd Punjabis, att. Royal Flying Corps, son of Mr F. Player Fedden, Glenthorpe, Barnet, and Miss Shena Lennox Fraser, eldest daughter of Lieut-Colonel C. l. Fraser (T.) R.A.M.C., J.P., Elder House, Ravensdowne, Berwick.

The happy event had been fixed to take place on Monday, 3rd December, but owing to the bridegroom, having been offered an important appointment abroad, matters were arranged within the short period of twenty-four hours.

The ceremony was performed by the Vicar of Berwick, the Rev. R. W. de la Hey, and there were a great many friends and well-wishers present.

The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming. She wore an under dress of gold tissue, with an overdress of champagne georgette with a deep pan velvet border of the same colour. She also wore a veil with a deep border of gold lace, with a gold band fitting tightly to the forehead, and carried a bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums, presented by Mrs Adam Darling, Bondington, Berwick.

The bridesmaid was Miss N. Fraser (sister), and she was dressed in jade green georgette.

The bridegroom, who was in uniform of his unit, was attended by Lieut. Swanston, K.O.S.B., who acted as best man.

The mother of the bride was dressed in grey georgette with coloured sash, while Mrs St. John, cousin of the bride, was dressed in cerise georgette.

Mr Ballantyne, organist of Wallace Green Church, presided at the organ, and gave an excellent rendering of the customary wedding music, whike the hymns, “Love Divine,” and “O Perfect Love,” were sung.

Amongst those present were observed Mrs Adam Darling, the Rev. R.C. Inglis and Lieut. Robert Inglis (who is home on leave), Miss Clay (Ravensdowne), Mrs T. Darling, Miss Darling, Misses Darling-Robertson, Mrs de la Hey, Misses Alder (Halidon), Mrs and Miss McCreath, Mrs Macaky, Miss Pearson, Mrs Riddell, Miss Robertson, Mrs Worsdell, Miss E.F. Smail, Miss Dunlop, etc., etc.

The bridegroom’s presents to the bridesmaids were silver chain bags.

The happy couple left by the 3.9 train for York. The bridegroom, we understand, has been granted ten days’ leave subject to cancellation if his services are required sooner.

The bride’s going away dress was a long champagne coloured coat trimmed with sable fur, while she also wore a brown velvet hat to match, with Russian sable furs, the gift of her mother.

A number of friends accorded a hearty send-off and expressed their good wishes for the future happiness of the couple.

Mrs Fedden will be “At Home” at Elder House, Berwick, on the 28th, 29th, and 40th November.

 

IN MEMORIAM

 

ANDERSON – In loving remembrance of Private W. Anderson, N.F., who was killed in action on November 14th, 1916, aged 22 years and three months.

In the prime of life I was cut off,

No longer could I stay,

Because it was my Saviour’s will

To call me hence away.

No sin, no care can reach him now,

An angel’s crown is on his brow;

He’s reached the ransomed joyful band

Whose home is in the better land.

 Ever remembered by his sister-in-law, Mrs T. Anderson, Fenham Hill.

 

ATHEY – In loving memory of Lance-Corporal J.W. Athey, aged 22 years, who was killed in action in France, November 17th, 1916, the only son of Mr and Mrs Athey, Beal Station.

Although his face we cannot see, his voice we cannot hear,

We often sit and think of him, and shed a silent tear;

Friends may think that we have forgot him,

when at times we are apt to smile,

Little knowing what grief is hidden beneath the surface all the while.

Ever remembered by his loving father and mother and sisters.

 

DIGGLE – In loving memory of James, the dearly beloved husband of Euphemia Diggle (nee Curle), who died November 17th, 1916.

One lonely year has passed away

Since my dear husband was called away,

And, oh, the pain it was severe

For I little thought death was so near.

When I took around our lonely house

And see his vacant chair,

Where he used to sit with his listening ear

Until I told him all my cares.

But now he is gone, my heard is sad,

Through this dark world I tread,

But methinks I can see how he is waiting for me

In the beautiful land on high.

Sadly missed by his sorrowing wife and family and eldest son, Eddie, in France-Brinkburn, Pauperhaugh.