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This Week in World War One, 16 July 1915

08/03/201817/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 16 JULY 1915

BERWICK GRAMMAR SCHOOL SPORTS

Under ideal weather conditions Berwick Grammar School held their annual school sports in the Pier Field on Thursday afternoon. There was a large attendance of parents and friends and the various events were keenly contested. The Rev. R. C. Inglis and Mr A. L. Miller acted as judges and the two house masters, Mr Pearce and Mr Woodcock officiated as starters and handicappers. At the conclusion of the sports the prizes were presented to the successful competitors by Commander F. M. Norman, R.N., in the unavoidable absence of the Mayoress (Mrs T. Wilson). Before presenting the prizes Captain Norman said he had for many years presented the prizes to the boys in school, but this was the first time he had had the privilege and honour of presenting the prizes at the annual school sports. He had to congratulate them on the splendid weather they had during the afternoon, and he was sure it had been a pleasure to all to watch the various events. It was of inestimable benefit to the boys to take part in such games, and he hoped that it would help them to become good citizens and soldiers. It gave him great pleasure to announce that no less than 100 old boys of the school had their names inscribed on the roll of honour, and were serving their King and Country. (Applause.)

Old Grammar School Building, Palace Street East, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Photograph taken in August 1952. — Old Grammar School Building, Palace Street East, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Photograph © Barbara Carr and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

In presenting the prizes, Captain Norman referred to the fact that the first prize for the Cross Country Run had been presented by Pte. T. Boal, 7^th N.F., who was at present serving in the trenches. Private Boal was last year the winner of the Norman Challenge Bowl, and it was gratifying to know that, while he was in France, he had not forgot his old school. He hoped Pte. Boal would be spared to come back amongst them. (Applause.) Mr A. L. Miller proposed a hearty vote of thanks to captain Norman for presenting the prizes. The name of Captain Norman had been long associated with the school, and he was sure that wherever and whenever old boys and present pupils thought of Berwick Grammar School, they would always remember Captain Norman, who had taken such a kindly interest in them. (Applause.) The boys gave three hearty cheers for Captain Norman, and the singing of “God Save the King” brought the proceedings to a close.

Postscript: the above article refers to a Pte. T. Boal, 7th N.F., this should have read Pte. J.E. Boal who was later promoted to Corporal 7th Northumberland Fusiliers. The T. Boal mentioned in the article was his father.

Corporal John Edgar Boal 7th Northumberland Fusiliers

BOAL, Cpl. John Edgar, 2074, M.M. 7^th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, attd. 149^th T.M. Bty. Accidently killed 8^th Dec., 1916. Age 20. Son of Thomas W. and Lily Boal, of 12, West St., Berwick-upon-Tweed. Educated at Berwick Grammar School. The notice below shows the presentation of the Military Medal to Mr Thomas. W. Boal, father of the late Corporal John Edgar Boal dated 14th April 1917.

Presentation of Military Medal to J E Boal. Reference no: D13-1-83-001

GOLDEN WEDDING AT SPITTAL

A worthy old Spittal couple in the persons of George Elliott, fisherman, residing in Gibson’s Row, and his good lady celebrated the 50^th anniversary of their marriage on Monday, and were the recipients of many presents and congratulations from their family and friends.

The family of George Elliott from the 1901 Census:

Name: George Elliott

Age: 56

Spouse: Jane Elliott

Birth Place: Northumberland, Spittal

Civil parish: Tweedmouth

Ecclesiastical parish: Spittal St John the Evangelist

County/Island: Northumberland

Registration district: Berwick

Household Members:

George Elliott aged 56, occupation fisherman. Jane Elliott aged 56. Richard Elliott aged 27, occupation fisherman. George Elliott aged 25, occupation Salmon fisher. Joseph Elliott aged 16, occupation labourer. Thomas Elliott aged 13, Ellen Elliott aged 23 and Isabella Elliott aged 19, occupation Clay Pipe Moulder,

The family of George Elliott from the 1911 Census:

Name: George Elliott

Age: 65

Birth Place: Tweedmouth, Northumberland, England

Civil parish: Tweedmouth

County/Island: Northumberland

Street Address; 6B East St, Spittal, Berwick

Marital status: Married

Occupation: Fisherman

Registration district: Berwick

Household Members:

George Elliott aged 65, occupation fisherman. Jane Elliott aged 65. Joseph Elliott aged 26, occupation fisherman. Thomas Elliott aged 23, occupation Cooper, Herring Curing.

EGG SUNDAY IN SPITTAL

Magnificent collection

1,153 Eggs as a gift for the Wounded

What may very truly be described as a “unique service,” was held on Sunday last in the Congregational Church, Spittal, when an effort to procure eggs for the use of the wounded soldiers quartered in the Borough was brought to a most successful issue. The special service was held in the evening when a crowded congregation, gathered for worship, which was conducted by the minister of the Church, the Rev. Frederick T. Williams. The praise portion first celebrated was fittingly rendered by the choir of the Church, and included the anthems, “Blessed is he that Considereth the Poor”, and “The Lord is Almighty” Mr J. N. Peace, B.A., also contributed a solo. Immediately preceding the hymn “We give Thee but Thine Own, “ the Minister said he thought that would be the most fitting moment in the service to express his sense of gratitude for the magnificent response which had been made to his appeal. In a very appropriate manner he said:- “My dear friends, let me at this point in the service express my sincere thanks for the truly magnificent manner in which you have responded to my appeal. You have far exceeded my expectations, but then you have been constantly doing that during the term of my pastorate in this place. I know you are all wondering and some of you have been making various calculations as to the number of eggs which you see so nicely displayed in the front of the Church. Including those brought to the service this evening I have received no less than eleven hundred and fifty-three. Truly a generous gift from loving hearts. Why have you done this? The answer comes very readily. I know the one all compelling motive which has moved you. True there are one or two motives of a secondary nature. I know you like to do your best for every appeal made by the Church. I know you like to encourage the man who for the time being is your minister; and you have never given me cause for greater thankfulness than you have today, and I am proud of you; but these considerations do not constitute the chief reason why you have done this thing. You have done it, because you have husbands, sons, brothers, sweethearts serving at the Front. Some of them have been wounded and they are lying in hospitals in different parts of England, and you know that our countrymen in every town and village are doing what they can to minister to their comfort. As you would like them treated as you know they are being treated, even so you are seeking to do for those in your own midst who having given themselves for their country’s service, have returned stricken from the field of battle. God bless you everyone, and in the name of those for whom your gifts are intended please accept my heartfelt thanks.

After the hymn had been sung a suitable prayer was offered, and then the Reverend gentleman preached a most appropriate sermon…

This Week in World War One, 9 July 1915

08/03/201810/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9th JULY 1915

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FOR BERWICK LAD

Trumpeter William. J. Brett, 72nd Battery of the Royal Field Artillery

Congratulations to Trumpeter Wm. J. Brett, 72^nd Battery of the Royal Field Artillery, who has, through his bravery, been recommended for the Distinguished Service Medal. Trumpeter Brett is the youngest son of Barrack Warden P. Brett, K.O.S.B. Berwick, and Mrs Brett, Wellington Cottage, Quay Walls. Trumpeter Brett, who is only 18 years of age, joined the Royal Field Artillery, about three years ago. He has been at the front since the beginning of the war, and last Friday arrived home on four days leave. On the way home he was informed by his officer that he had been recommended for the D.S.M. for the following brave action:- Trumpeter Brett was out on field telephone service and from his point of observation he saw three companies of Germans a little over a mile away quickly advancing towards his battery. Very pluckily Trumpeter Brett remained at his post until he got word through to his officer that the Germans were approaching. A gun was quickly mounted at a level crossing and the German companies were practically wiped out. Had it not been for his promptitude and pluck in remaining to send the message in all likelihood his battery would have been taken by surprise, the consequences of which can be imagined. Mr and Mrs Brett have good reason to be proud of the achievement of their youngest son. Their eldest son, Gunner P.J.G. Brett, is stationed at Jahasi, India, with the 79^th Battery of the R.F.A. It is interesting to note that Trumpeter Brett’s paternal grandfather, who was in an Irish regiment, held the Crimean Medal; while his maternal grandfather, who served for 37 years in the East Surreys and Border Regiment, held the Maori Medal. Trumpeter Brett left for the Front on Monday at midnight, and we wish him good luck and a safe return.

CAMPS LIBRARY

Mr Toohey, Customs Office, Berwick, has received the following letter from the Hon. Mrs Eva Armstrong, secretary of the Camps Library:- “Thank you so very much for your kind letter. We are most grateful to you for all the books you are sending us, and for the great help you give us by receiving and dispatching these. I think you will probably get a good many books from Lady Clementine Waring, so if you will forward them to us we shall be much obliged. I think it is an excellent idea to have advised the local scouts that you are receiving books for us through the medium of the Press, and I am sure they will be glad to send you any they collect.” Mr Toohey begs to thank the following for gifts of books:- Lady Clementine Waring, Lennel; Mrs F.W. Wilsden, The Elms, Berwick; Mr R.A. Donaldson, 25 East Street, Berwick; and Mrs Matheson, 3 Devon Terrace, Berwick. Further gifts of books will be gratefully received at the Customs Office, Berwick.

Berwick Advertiser James Dunlop & Son Advert — Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915, James Dunlop & Son Advert

WHAT WOMEN CAN MAKE AT HOME

Pretty Dress that Looks Well and Costs Little

Everybody is talking about saving and investing, chiefly in connection with the new and evidently popular War Loan, but many, thrifty housewives and sensible girls are investing 6½d each week in our deservedly popular paper patterns which not only enable them to make pretty and serviceable garments at home, but to save money on the cost of buying ready-to-wear things which so far as cut

Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915. — Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915, Summer Frock

and style go, are not to be compared with the same articles built on the lines of our patterns at home.

A pretty idea for a summer frock will be found in sketch No.1587. Quite a number of pretty dresses this season are made of deep embroidery flouncing of voile, muslin, or lace, and the effect is always dainty and charming. No doubt the full skirts have defeated the demand for flouncing and the consequent charm or our new frocks. But a little change has been evolved in the design here presented, by placing the flouncing, with prettily gathered heading, on a well shaped upper skirt part. This is a good idea for it takes away the bulk of material which to the full length flounce skirt, and which is not becoming to all figures.

The material for the bodice and upper skirt should correspond in texture with the flouncing of the lower skirt. Plain voiles and crepes can be obtained which will “go” with flouncing of these materials, also plain lawns and muslins for embroidery cotton goods. The quantities for the realisation of our pretty design are as follows:- Of 18 to 20 inch flouncing, 3 yards; of plain double width material, 3 yards-this being apportioned in this way, 1½ yards for the bodice, and 1½ yards for the upper skirt.

A Northumberland Fusilier in Egypt 1915, Surely not! John ‘Jack’ Robinson (1895 – 1924)

08/03/201808/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

John (always known as Jack) was born at Lilburn Hill Farm, near Wooler where his father worked as a groom. Jack was baptised at St Mary’s Church, Wooler on the 27th November 1895. By the time Jack reached school aged (5 years), his family had relocated to Spindlestone Farm, near Belford and he attended the local school until leaving at the age of 13 years. Jack worked with his father as a horseman, firstly at Spindlestone Farm and then at Blubbery Farm, near Morpeth until the outbreak of the Great War.

The exact date that Jack enlisted into the Army is not known as his service record was destroyed in the London Blitz during World War 2. It is known that he joined the Northumberland Fusiliers and was placed in the newly formed 8th Battalion soon after the war had started as he was awarded the 1914-15 Star in addition to the British War and Victory medals.

His First World War Medal Index Card shows that Jack’s first ‘theatre of war served in’ was in Egypt from the 16th July 1915. This entry caused confusion when researching as no evidence could be found of the Fusiliers being in Egypt at that time. Eventually contact was made with the Fusiliers’ Museum in Alnwick Castle who provided the following information from the Battalion’s War Diaries:

“The 8th Battalion sailed from Liverpool on 3rd July 1915, arriving at the Greek island of Lemnos on the 10th July 1915. The Battalion remained here until the 6th August, when they embarked for Gallipoli aboard two Destroyers.”

The diary entries of the 10th and 11th July go on to record:

“10th – Arrived at MUDROS BAY and anchored. Orders received that the base would be at ALEXANDRIA. All G.S. (General Service) Limbered Wagons (except “cookers” and water carts), men’s kit bags, Officer’s 100lb kits would be sent to base. 1 Non Commissioned Officer & 4 men to accompany them.”

“11th – Disembarked and went into bivouac on LEMNOS island. Sent one additional man to ALEXANDRIA to look after transport wagons.”

The museum archivist goes on to say:

“It may be that your grandfather was one of these five men who left the rest of the Battalion for the base in Alexandria, thus making Egypt his first “Theatre of War”. Indeed, I cannot think of any other reasons why this Northumberland Fusilier should find himself in Egypt at this point during the war. The only other Northumberland Fusilier Battalion known to have served in Egypt was the 2/7th Battalion, though they did not land there until January 1917.”

Although the diaries do not name the soldiers sent to Alexandria, the information above plus the theatre of war recorded on Jack’s Medal Index Card has convinced the researcher that Jack was in Egypt in July 1915.

Family knowledge indicates that Jack fought in France. This would have come about by Jack re-joining the rest of the 8th Battalion which had been withdrawn from Gallipoli at the end of 1915 to defend a section of the Suez Canal in Egypt. In July 1916, the Battalion left Egypt for France where they were used as reinforcements in the battle of The Somme (1916) and the battles of Messines (1917) and Passchendaele (1917).

Further family information indicates that Jack was back home with his family in March 1918. It is not known if he was on home leave or recuperating from possible wounds. What is known is that he took the opportunity of being home to marry his fiancé, Martha Bell. The marriage taking place on 30th March at St John’s Church, Ashington.

Soon after the wedding, Jack returned to France where his Battalion were involved in the Second Battle of the Somme and the Battles of the Hindenburg Line.

By the time Jack returned to his wife in Ashington, he was a father for the first time, daughter Ivy being born at the beginning of January 1919 at Martha’s family home in Sycamore Street. Shortly afterwards, Jack, Martha and baby Ivy moved to a home of their own in Council Terrace, Ashington. By now, unable to obtain work as a horseman, Jack found himself working as a coal miner hewer at nearby Ashington Colliery.

In July 1919, Ashington Council held a Victory Parade and celebrations for the returning servicemen. Each serviceman was given a silver medal by the Council depicting a soldier and a sailor with the inscription:

“Ashington Sailors & Soldiers Great War 1914 – 1919 Welcome Home”

Over the next three years, Jack and Martha added to their family, William born in October 1920 (sadly dying in 1922) and Robert born in October 1922.

Jack continued working as a coal miner at Ashington Colliery, but sadly died in March 1924 of Phthsis Pulmonalis (Tuberculosis) leaving Martha with daughter Ivy (age 5 years) and son Robert (age 17 months).

Jack was laid to rest in the churchyard of St. John, Hirst, Ashington on the 16th March.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Allan Robinson for supplying this article for our Northumberland At War Project.

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