World War One

This Week in World War One, 22 March 1918

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LOCAL NEWS

 

An interesting and enjoyable dance arranged by the warrant officers, staff sergeants and sergeants at the K.O.S.B. Depot, took place in the Gymnasium Hall at the Berwick Barracks on Friday evening. There were some sixty couples present. Dancing commenced a eight o’clock to excellent music supplied by the orchestra under the leadership of Mr Wilson; the duties of M.C. being efficiently discharged by Sergeant J. Wallace. Besides a representative attendance of the K.O.S.B. Depot there was also a considerable number of officers, warrant officers and sergeants present from other regiments in the vicinity. The W.A.A.C. attended, and lent material assistance in the purveying of the refreshments. The interior of the Gymnasium was very efficiently decorated under the supervision of Sergeant Kater, while the perfect state of the floor greatly contributed to the enjoyment of the dance which was kept up till 3 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Information was received by Mrs David Borthwick, Low Greens, on Saturday that her son Seaman James Borthwick R.N.R. was lying seriously ill in Haslar Hospital Gosport. Mr David Borthwick the father of the lad was absent at the time, being at a southern port, and Mrs Borthwick and Mr Henry Cowe at once proceeded to visit the lad.

Haslar Hospital in Gosport (now closed). © Gordon James Brown, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

We now learn that news has come that Seaman Borthwick is progressing favourably after an attack of inflammation and we are sure we express the hope of his many friends when we wish him to soon be well and fit again. It is only a month ago since Seaman Borthwick joined up on attaining the required years of age, and it is believed that the changed conditions of life have been responsible for his illness. He is a fine lad, and a great favourite with all, and we trust although his life in the sea Service has started under unfavourable circumstances that he will yet prove a credit to the service and an honour to the family to which he belongs.

 

NORHAM

 

A flag day was held on Saturday in aid of Irish Regiments and their prisoners of war. The arrangements were carried out by Miss Head and the sum of over £3 was collected. The young ladies taking up the duty of the sale of flags etc., were Misses Rose Cowe, E. Young, Jean Smith, M Reid, R Muckle and E Foreman.

Lambing is now in full swing in the Norham District, and given favourable weather, this year should prove a very much better one both for ewes and their lambs.

There has been a very good run of salmon on the reaches of the Tweed at Norham lately and several gentlemen visiting the district and local residents have had good sport with the rod and line. Trout are not in the best of condition, but are improving rapidly and in this department of the gentle art, some excellent sport should be available soon.

We are sorry to learn that up to the present no news has come to hand concerning the fate of Second-Lieut, F. Gartside-Tippinge, Royal Flying Corps, only son of Captain Tippinge and Mrs Tippinge of Morris Hall. Lieut Tippinge has been missing since October last, when certain units of a flight failed to return to the base in France after a raid over the enemy lines.

An early Royal Flying Corps recruitment poster.

 

Extensive enquiries have been made but without result, and the sympathy of all goes out to the parents in their anxious time. Lieut. Tippinge who was studying for the Army joined the R.F.A., in the first instance and was later transferred to the R.F.C., where he successfully passed his course. He was only a short time in France before being posted missing.

 

GOSWICK

 

Good progress is being made with the new loop line between Goswick and Beal and we understand when the work is finished the gangs engaged will be transferred to the Belford area, a loop line being contemplated between that station and Grag Mill.

A gentleman who had recently occasion to visit the district has remarked on the excellent possibilities of Goswick as a summer resort and watering place.

© Hill Walker, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

The beach has not its equal in Northumberland, while there is the splendid natural golf course to provide a draw. A small “Hydro” and some boarding houses are all that are required to complete the stock-in-trade of a summer resort, and it is urged that here is indeed room for someone with capital to boom Goswick after the war.

This Week in World War One, 8 March 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 MARCH 1918

 

BELFORD HIRING

 

There was a large gathering of farmers and farm servants at Belford hirings on Wednesday but comparatively speaking; the amount of hiring done was not great, owing to the strong desire on the servants’ part to have very high wages and the desire on the farmers’ part to keep wages within what they considered reasonable bounds. Several engagements were effected at wages ranging from 35s per week to 38s, and in a few instances £2 weekly was received by really good men; lads were engaged at a few shillings per week less. In all cases the usual perquisites were received. Female farm workers were engaged at £1 and 25s weekly. There was a general scarcity of food supplies for the visitors. There was little or no meat, and the few pies the bakers had prepared were speedily sold out. One of the public houses had ample beer supplies, and did a large business.

LOCAL NEWS

 

Arrangements are now possible for the formation of Depots of German prisoners in different parts of the county who will be available for agricultural work, and enquiries are now being made as to the extent to which farmers will desire to take advantage of such labour if provided.

This photograph shows the role of women working in the fields at that time, flax pulling at Selby, Yorkshire: Scottish, English, Irish and Belgian girl farm workers, and a Japanese student at work in the fields. Wikimedia Commons.

In future an applicant for exemption will only have to appear before the Tribunal when the National Service Representative objects to his appeal. Otherwise he will get his exemption automatically. The concession is a little late in coming, but it will still save a good deal of time being wasted.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

At Berwick Petty Sessions on Thursday 7th March, John Dudgeon, baker, Walkergate was convicted of having used over twenty five per cent of imported flour in making of loaves in contravention of the Food Controller’s Regulations. The defence was that bread was baked on the half sponge system which obtains in Scotland, and was also affected by the temperature of the particular day on which it was manufactured. The police on the other hand, produced local master bakers to disprove this; holding that if white bread of this nature could be made at Berwick it would be sold in other towns as it would command a ready sale. The Chief Constable stated that he had on several occasions warned Mr Dudgeon as to the risk he was running in continuing to ignore the regulations, and was latterly forced to adopt proceedings. The Bench found defendant guilty, and imposed a fine of £5.

NORHAM AND ISLANDSHIRES RURAL DISTRICT

MEAT RATIONING

 

MEAT CARDS are being posted this week to all Persons who were resident in the above District on 5th October last, and registered under the Sugar Scheme.

Persons who have removed into this District since that date must make application to me for a Card by TUESDAY, the 12th instant, stating names and ages of the Household.

W.T. KENNEDY

Executive Officer

Norham-on-Tweed,

March 7th, 1918

 

RURAL DISTRICT OF GLENDALE

FOOD DISTRIBUTION SCHEME

RATIONING OF MEAT, TEA, BUTTER AND MARGARINE, BACON AND CHEESE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the above Scheme will come into force in the Glendale Rural District on the 25th March 1918, after which date supplies of MEAT, TEA, BUTER and  MARGERINE, BACON, and CHEESE, will only be procurable on production of a Food Card and from a retailer with whom the holder of the card is registered.

Cards will be issued to all Individuals, and any who have not received cards by 15th March should make immediate application to the Food Office.

ALL RETAILERS of the above mentioned Foodstuffs and all owners of Hotels, etc., will required to be registered, and must apply for Application Forms for Registration by March 11th.

WILLIAM BONE

Executive officer

Registry Office

WOOLER, 5th March 1918.

 

MEETING OF FRIENDS IN FRANCE

 

We are pleased to learn that letters have come to hand from Lieut. Wm. Gregson, R.F.C., son of the late Mr John Gregson, formerly editor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” and Mrs Gregson, High St. Berwick, stating that he has undergone an operation and has luckily retained his foot which was badly wounded, and that he was soon hopes to be well enough to be sent across to “Blightly”.

A French Red Cross train WW1. © Author: Paul Thompson, Wikimedia Commons.

Lieut. Gregson says he had just arrived at the rail head at a Casualty Clearing station, when he looked up and saw Private A. E. Constable of Berwick. Both recognised each other instantly and at the Clearing Station a good talk about Berwick and old times took place. Private Constable is serving on the Red Cross Ambulance Train.

Private Constable writing home says, “I was assisting to carry a Flying Officer, when I found I was carrying that old friend Wm. Gregson of Berwick. He recognised me at once and quoted a line of Juvenal. He had a pretty painful wound, but is one of our most cheery patients and is very anxious to talk about Berwick. Private Constable also writes that not long ago he came across the 7th N.F., and saw Lieut. Stiles, Lieut. Herriott and  Major A. H. M. Weddell.

 

SCREMERSTON

 

A farm servant employed at Heatherytops, when following his occupation, fell from a cart and broke some of his ribs. We understand he is making progress towards recovery.

We understand the annual Egg service will be held in the Parish Church on Easter Sunday and in view of the need for eggs in our hospitals gifts of these will be most thankfully received.

We learn that a ballot of men employed at Scremerston Colliery, under provisions of the Man Power Bill, took place on Wednesday.

An early image of Scremertson Colliery © Northumberland Archives Berwick, BRO 515-209.

 

Little progress appears to be made with the Volunteer movement in the village, and there are only a few men taking part in the drills held at the Old Institute. One cannot help thinking it would be better for men who have the time to join the Volunteers before the next comb out takes place.

The Hope of Coldstream members (17) visited the Scremerston Lodge on Monday night. The Hope of Coldstream is a Lodge recently re-started, and they owe the re-start to the Hope of Scremerston, which was incidental in sending their present Chief Templar, Bro. W. Logan, who went to Coldstream a few months ago. Along with Sister Black he managed to get a few members together, and they have at the present 54. The Coldstream members filled the offices, and supplied the programme, which was very much enjoyed. The Scremerston Lodge provided them with a light refreshment before they proceeded on their way home.

This Week in World War One, 22 February 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22 FEBRUARY 1918

 

HOME ON LEAVE

 

We are pleased to see home on leave from France, Gunner G. P. Pringle, Tank Corps, a Murton lad. He has had some trying times, but looks fit and well. Gunner Pringle was one of the crew of a disabled Tank, but luckily he escaped with only a few scratches, while his comrades fell at his side. We wish him every good wish and best luck until he finally returns. When on leave he had the pleasure of meeting his brother Richard, whom he had not seen for some eighteen months. Driver Richard Pringle enlisted at the time when his parents received the news of another brother’s death in July 1916. Mr and Mrs Pringle have every reason to be proud of their family’s record. All three lads were born at Berwick-on-Tweed.

Looking the picture of health, we are pleased to see Dispatch Rider John Logan, son of Mr. Adam Logan Lloyds Agent, Berwick, home on a leave from France. He joined up in the

WW1 Bronze Star

early stages of the war and there being great need at the time for dispatch riders he was almost immediately drafted into France. He took part in the trying engagements at the beginning of the campaign and was attached to the Indian Cavalry. Cyclist Logan is one of the local men who are qualified for the 1914 Bronze Star and he proudly wears the ribbon which signifies his connection with the “Old Contemptables.” We understand he has been recalled for duty and there is a possibility of his being sent East. We are sure his many friends in the borough will wish him every success and the best of good luck in the future.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

A little amusement was occasioned in the early part of the week by a joke perpetrated by some local humourist. People passing the old stocks at the Town Hall were surprised to find a recumbent figure assuming every air of penitence pilloried in the orthodox fashion. Closer examination proved that the figure was not of the flesh and a message was sent to the military authorities who removed it to its proper quarter. To save any misapprehensions we may state that it was one of the stuffed dummies used for bayonet practice by the troops in training at the Barracks.

The Royal National Life-Boat Institution has just sent a new and powerful Motor Life-Boat to the Tynemouth Station, to replace the Motor Life-Boat which has been stationed there since 1911 and has saved 68 lives since then. The new life-boat was built by Messrs. S. E. Saunders Ltd., of Cowes, Isle of Wight, and is of the self-righting type, 40ft long by 10ft. 6ins beam with a 40 B. H. P. Tylor Motor and Gardner. Reverse Gear installed. The boat bears the name “Henry Frederick Swan” in accordance with the wishes expressed by Mrs. Lowes of Bath, who has presented the boat to the Institution.

While senior footballers are playing a sterner game on foreign fields, local juniors are doing their best to keep fit for the world struggle likely to come after hostilities end.

Almost weekly teams of juveniles are meeting and if the results do resemble a cricket score it shows at least that they are playing the game strenuously. Last week two games were played. Messrs W. Elder & Sons’ lads received a beating on Saturday to the tune of five goals to nil at the hands of Spittal Hearts, while Mr Peacocks’ school boys on Thursday waltzed home over the British School team by 8 goals to nil.

 

WRECK ON THE HOLY ISLE

 

Not much happens on the Holy Isle to disturb the even tenor of its life. When, however, the gun from the lifeboat calling its crew to immediate services, suddenly strikes the air, life is electrified into action. Last Monday, just before noon, the Island had, once again, that experience. All that could be gathered from the Coastguard was, that a small sailing ketch was on the Castle-head rocks which skirt the northern beach. One drew comfort from the consideration that, although the sea was rough, it was by no means wild.

In a very short time a large crowd were gathered round the lifeboat; nine-tenths of whom were the active womenfolk belonging to the fishing homes. That they had not come as curious spectators was soon apparent by the orderly manner in which they, seizing the towing ropes, and headed by the Vicar, hauled the boat down the beach and into the water; daunted no way by the waves, and never desisting till they knew she was properly afloat. There could not have been a finer snapshot than that launching of the “Lizzie Porter,” a most worthy subject for the pencil of any artist. The Vicar remarked, when the service rendered by the women was referred to, so many men were away to the mine-sweeping, that if it were not for the women of the Island, no lifeboat could be launched.

An early photograph of a Holy Island lifeboat (c) BRO 2333-007

The motor boat being afloat in the harbour, and the sea not being insurmountable, proceeded to the wreck, in front of the lifeboat, and managed with care to take off the crew of three men, and to land them safely ashore. As nothing else could be done; the ship, being water logged and solid, was left to its fate. She was found to be a small sailing ketch; her name, the “Thomas Henry,” and was carrying a cargo of about 120 tons of coal from the Firth of Forth. This craft had been in difficulties off Burnmouth, and had only left that harbour on Saturday.

It may be mentioned that the wreck was first discovered by George Douglas, sea scout, and his uncle, Thomas Douglas, home on leave, both of whom were walking in that direction.

Seaman Henderson, belonging to the lifeboat crew, and Private John Grey, both home on leave, took an active part in the work of the day.

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