World War One Archives - Page 40 of 53 - Northumberland Archives

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.

This Week in World War One, 2nd July 1915

08/03/201803/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

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

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 7^th N.F. as second lieutenant. He was keen and enthusiastic in the discharge of his duties, and before the 7^th N.F. left for the front he was promoted 1^st 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

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

This Week in World War One, 25th June 1915

08/03/201826/06/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25TH JUNE 1915

A MAIDEN COURT

White Gloves to the Mayor

Flattering Reference to the Military.

On Thursday, at Berwick Petty Sessions, there was a unique little ceremony of presenting a pair of white gloves to the presiding Magistrate, the Mayor (Mr Thomas Wilson), to mark the gratifying fact that there were no cases for disposal. The other Magistrates on the bench were:- Captain F.M. Norman, R.N., Mr H. G. McCreath, Mr A. J. Dodds, Alderman Plenderleith, and Mr Thomas Purves.

The Clerk (Mr James Gray), addressing the Bench, said he was pleased to say that the inhabitants of the town were earning a reputation for law-abiding and keeping the peace. The terrors of the war had been brought home to its citizens during the last few weeks, and many of their gallant sons had laid down their lives in defence of the country. It was a pleasure to think that those remaining at home were so law-abiding, and had such a respect for law and order, and there were no cases before their Honours that morning. He had much pleasure, therefore, following the old custom, in asking his Worship to accept a pair of familiar white gloves in token of a maiden Court.

White Gloves presented to Mayor, 25 June 1915 — A pair of white gloves were given to the presiding officer at Berwick Petty Sessions in June 1915 as there were no cases for the court to to deal with.

His Worship the Mayor said that on behalf his brother Magistrates and himself he had much pleasure in saying how pleased they were to think that there was no business for the Court. He hoped it would continue, and that there would be many more occasions when no cases of crime would be reported. While the occurrence of such maiden Courts imposed a penalty on the Clerk in supplying the gloves, he was sure it was one which the Clerk was delighted to bear.

Chief Constable Nicholson said he desired to congratulate the Mayor in being presented with the white gloves, and he also wished to congratulate the Bench generally on the absence of crime in the Borough. There was practically no crime, and such a state of matters must be gratifying to their Honours as well as the officers of the various regiments quartered here, especially Colonel Pennyman and Colonel Peterkin. He was very glad to say that he had practically no trouble whatever with the men. This was specially gratifying when they remembered the hundreds of men who arrived and left the town week after week; they gave the men a hearty welcome when they came, and wished them God speed when they went away. He hoped the present state of matters would long continue.

The Court then rose.

Berwick Advertiser 25 June 1915 Renton & Co. Advert

BERWICK SECOND CONTINGENT OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS

ARRIVAL ON FRIDAY NIGHT

A special hospital train arrived in Berwick Station on Friday night about 9 o’clock containing 90 wounded men- this being 16 more than arrived with the first contingent in November. Colonel C.L. Fraser, Berwick, was informed early on Friday morning that the wounded would arrive at night and forthwith arrangements were made for their reception and the three hospitals were quickly got ready, viz- Bell Tower, Parochial Hall, and Berwick Infirmary. Dr C.L. Fraser was responsible for all the arrangements and he had the capable assistance of Mr W.J. Dixon. the transport officer was Colonel Peterkin, 2^nd/10^th Royal Scots, while accompanying him were many of the officers of the Royal Scots in charge of the stretcher-bearers, while Mr R.C. Clements, assisted by the Boy Scouts, saw that the wounded went to the hospital to which they had been allocated. As on the last occasion at the station the members of St. John’s Ambulance Association rendered invaluable assistance in carrying the wounded from the train, they being under the supervision of Mr Bate, the secretary of the local branch of St. John’s. There was an abundance of cars to convey the wounded to the hospitals and a large crowd assembled to witness the arrival. The wounded are more serious cases than on the last occasion, there being 41 stretcher cases against none on the last occasion. The hospital train left Southampton at ten o’clock on Friday morning and was therefore eleven hours on the road. An R.A.M.C. Private who is an attendant on the train informed an “Advertiser” representative that there were a number of “gassed” amongst the contingent, but they had all kept wonderfully cheerful during their long journey.

WOUNDED SOLDIERS

BELL TOWER HOSPITALS DONATIONS

Eggs– Mrs Craik, Low Greens; Mrs Ritson, Mrs Richardson, West Hope; A Friend, Miss Weatherhead, Miss Bridgewater, A Friend.

Fresh Butter-Miss Forbes, Miss Weatherhead.

Jam Puddings, etc.- Mrs Bald , Mrs Trotter, A Friend.

Jelly– Mrs Caverhill.

Scones, Cakes.- Captain Herriot, Mrs Purves, Mrs T.C.Smith, Miss Bridgins, Matron Hawick Hospital, Miss Roberts, Queen’s Nurse, Hawick. Mrs Hotham

Boiled Ham– Mr H.Taylor, pork butcher, High Street, Berwick.

Fruit, Flowers, and Vegetables– Mr Renton, High Street; Miss Alder, A Friend, Mr W. S.Dods, Mrs Roper, Mrs Comfort, Mrs Skelly, Mrs T.C. Smith, A Friend.

wwi-rations resized — World War One rations, 1915

Motor Drives– Mrs Campbell Renton, Capt. Herriot.

Chocolates– Capt. Mackay, Lieut. Wolfe, 2^nd Lieuts. Blair, D. F. McLaren Grant, 2/10^th Royal Scots.

Cigarettes, Smokes, etc– Miss Rita Blackney, Garage; Unionist Club, A Friend, Mrs Campbell Renton, Mrs Bell, Peelwalls; Masters Jack Grahame Stoddart.

Illustrated Papers, Books, etc– Miss Caverhill, Mrs Campbell Renton, Miss Purves, Mrs Gemmell, Mr H. R. Smail, Master Wright, butler at Mordington House, Mrs Kennedy, 23 Tweed Street; Mrs Scott, Mr A.Darling, Mrs Watson. Miss Dudgeon, A Friend.

Stationary– Mr H R Smail, Mr Martin, Victoria Buildings; Mrs Patterson.

Use of Marquee– Mr Renton, High Street.

Aerated Waters– Messrs Johnston and Darling.

Gramophone– Miss Herriot. Mr R R Riddell.

Records – 2^nd Lieutenant Robertson, 2/10^th Royal Scots.

Linen– Mrs Jackson.

+ More