World War One

This Week in World War One, 9 July 1915

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9th JULY 1915

 

 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FOR BERWICK LAD

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

Congratulations to Trumpeter Wm. J. Brett, 72nd 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 79th 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)

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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.

al rob 2

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.

al rob 1In 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.

This Week in World War One, 2nd July 1915

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1915

 

BERWICK BOY SCOUTS FIELD DAY

 

On Midsummer Holiday Berwick-upon-Tweed Boy Scouts had a combined outing to Chain Bridge. The patrols from Tweedmouth and Spittal joined Berwick boys at Headquarters, Palace Green, where arrangements were completed for the march. Headed by a patrol leader bearing the Troop

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Boy Scout
Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Boy Scout

flag, the procession passed through the town and made quite a good show, the treck-cart party coming up close behind, and being followed by the Cyclist Scouts.

After a halt at Cantie’s the troop resumed their march and reached Chain Bridge in time to have bathing parade before dinner. The afternoon was pleasantly spent, and after tea, a football match, Berwick versus Tweedmouth and Spittal, was played off, resulting in a victory for the latter.

The weather was glorious up to this point, but the thunder-storm which broke as the boys were on their way to Velvet Hall Station literally put the damper on them. However, they were very happy, and quite enjoyed the day’s outing.

Altogether, 134 boys were present at the outing, the Scoutmasters in charge being Messrs Clements, Turnbull, Moore and Edward Smith. Mr T. Boal very kindly acted as Scoutmaster for the day, and to him and to Mr Bell, farmer, Bankhead, who kindly placed a field at the disposal of the Scouts, as well as to Mr T. C. Smith, Castle Terrace, who provided prizes, the thanks of the Scouts’ Association are heartily tendered.

 

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Playhouse Advert
Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915,
Playhouse Advert

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP

 

On Tuesday afternoon the children attending the E.P. Church, Tweedmouth, had their annual trip to Greenlaw Farm, Foulden. The farmer, Mr James Renton, and family, seem to look forward to the coming of the children and their friends with pleasure, and to find special delight in making preparations for their entertainment. As the long procession of carts, kindly supplied by Messrs Peter Edgar, Camphill; David and James Renton, Spittal Hall; Mrs Marshall, Tweedmouth; Mr Cowe, Baldersbury; and Mrs Waite, Castlehill, passed along the youngsters broke away from the monotony and depression of the time-making all within reach of their voices forget for a little the worries and anxieties of the war. Once on the field there was a rush to the liberty to scamper and play and amuse themselves without restraint. After tea, served by the teachers, the games and races were resumed with vigour, and kept going till a few loud claps of thunder intimated that it was time to quit. Before leaving, to show how much they felt indebted to Mr and Mrs Renton and family for the invitation to their place, for the milk they supplied for the tea, and for their kindness and efforts to make the trip a success, three hearty cheers were given. The return journey, after a most enjoyable afternoon in the open, was completed without a mishap. The teachers beg to thank very sincerely Mr P. Edgar for his assistance on the field; Mr P. Boston for the use of the infuser; the ladies who gave the nuts and sweets; those who provided the carts, and all who contributed towards the children’s enjoyment.

 

LOCAL OFFICER WOUNDED

Lieut F.W Smail

 

Mr H.R. Smail, proprietor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” received word by telegram on Wednesday evening that his second son, Lieut. F.W. Smail had been wounded on Monday, but the nature of the wound is not stated.

Lieut. Smail was educated at Berwick Grammar School and Loretto School, Musselburgh, and afterwards was a student farmer. A year or two ago he entered the tenancy of Linton Burnfoot Farm, Kelso. A year before the outbreak of war he was a trooper in the Lothians and Border Horse, and from that regiment he transferred to the 7th N.F. as second lieutenant. He was keen and enthusiastic in the discharge of his duties, and before the 7th N.F. left for the front he was promoted 1st Lieutenant. His eldest brother, Captain H. R. Smail, is in the same regiment.

A letter we have received as we go to press states that Lieut. Smail was caught by a sniper while in the trenches at night. The bullet struck him on the back of the head, and he was carried from the trench unconscious. The wound is described as serious.

Lieut F.W Smail Dies From His Wounds

 

Berwick Cemetery, North Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, where 1st Lieutenant Frank Weddell Smail is buried
Berwick Cemetery, North Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, where 1st Lieutenant Frank Weddell Smail is buried

 

SMAIL, Lt. Frank Weddell. “D” Coy. 1st/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 1st Dec., 1915 of wounds received near Wulverghem on 27th June. Age 23. Son of Henry Richardson Smail, of Berwick-on-Tweed. A.C. 412. Acknowledgement – Grave Registration Documents-Registers – CWGC

 

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