World War One

This Week in World War One, 8 February 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 FEBRUARY 1918

 

We are pleased to learn that Bombardier Arthur Skeldon. R.F.A., has been awarded the Military Medal for “having extinguished burning ammunition and for coolness and accuracy in laying his gun while under heavy shell fire and when the rest of his detachment had become casualties.” He was also promoted bombardier on the field. He is a present in one of the Base Hospitals suffering from shrapnel wounds in the leg. This gallant soldier has been in France for three years, joining up when only a schoolboy when the war began. He is well known in Spittal, being the grandson of the late Mr Joseph Johnson, who was for a many years Dock Master at Tweedmouth. His younger brother Joe, has now joined up and is a corporal in the 19th Hussars at Aldershot. They are both nephews of Lieut. J. Johnston, R.E., who was awarded the D.C.M., for “conspicuous bravery” and given a commission on the field; and of Mr James Johnson, R.N.R., who was called up on August 3rd, 1914, and who along with so many of our local lads has done splendid service on that gallant ship the Macedonia. Good luck to them all.

 

MILITARY MEDAL FOR A WOOLER MAN

 

We are pleased to announce that official news has been received to the effect that Corporal O. Carr has been awarded the Military Medal. He is the first Wooler man to receive this distinction, and is to be congratulated on his success, which was well deserved as he has proved himself a brave soldier and gone through a lot of fighting. Previous to the war he was a member of the Territorial Force, and when they were mobilised he with others of the Northumberlands was called upon, and after undergoing their course of training were drafted out to France. It will be remembered that on their arrival at the front they were immediately sent into action at the first battle of Ypres, when Brig. General Riddell (another Wooler man) was killed. After completing his four years he was discharged, but joined up again and since then he has been in the thick of it. Corporal Carr is a son of Mr Alexander Carr of Wooler, and in civil life worked with Messrs T. Smart and Sons, slaters and plasterers, Wooler. He was home on leave quite recently, looking fit and well and as eager as ever. Let us hope that he will soon be able to return safe and sound after a complete victory over the unscrupulous enemy.

 

SEAHOUSES

 

The members of B. Coy. Northern Cyclists at present stationed in Seahouses under Lieut D. F. Thomson, together with service men on leave or discharged were entertained to a social evening by a few friends in Seahouses. The entertainment was organised by Miss Ord, Seahouses Post Office, who has in a general way befriended the Cyclists stationed here since 1914. She was ably assisted by the following ladies who provided cakes etc., Mrs Geo. Smith, Mrs W. A. Matthews, Mrs R. W. Mackenzie, Mrs M. Cuthbertson, Mrs H. A. Lawson and Miss Turnbull. Subscriptions were given by Mrs L. B. Ross and Messrs R. and C. W. Dawson, tobacco by Mr L. B. Ross and each man to the number of 50 were presented with a packet of cigarettes by Mr Geo. Smith. Supper was served in the billet, and after it had been thoroughly enjoyed the company adjourned to the large cycle shed which had been artistically decorated by the military under the direction of Mr Geo. Smith. Here they were joined by a number of young ladies. Mrs L. B. Ross kindly lent her piano and excellent music was provided by Corporal Whillicks (piano) and Cyclist Brown (violin). Games and dancing were enjoyed and songs were sung by Miss C. S. Walker, Miss Lizzie Cuthbertson, Miss Helen Young, Quarter Master Sergeant Dixon and Cyclist Gill. Cyclist Potts also gave an exhibition in step dancing. Second-Lieut. Jobson on behalf of the men thanked Miss Ord and those who had so kindly assisted her in providing such an excellent evenings’ entertainment. The men showed their appreciation in a hearty manner. Mr R. W. Mackenzie courteously acted as M.C. Tea urns and ware were kindly lent by Mrs James Young, Longstone House and others.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The donations for providing of Christmas parcels for members of Wallace Green Church serving at the front were £16 1s 11d., and the retiring collection £12 5s 8d., making a total of £28 7s 7d. 188 comforts, consisting of woollen goods, cigarettes, soap, etc., were sent in 25 parcels were dispatched to the east, 62 to France, and 46 for home, making a total of 133 parcels sent to the different places. Mr Macaskill has received 64 letters and 4 visits from those who got parcels. It was feared that the Salonica parcels had been sunk by enemy action. The Committee are glad to say such is not the case as Mr Macaskill has had leers from Salonica. Thanks are accorded to Mr Geo. Martin, for the free printing of the Christmas letters and to Messrs Bishop, for a handsome gift of Berwick Cockles.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

Margaret Aird, married woman, Tweedmouth, was charged with having neglected her five children, aged respectively 12, 10, 9, 7 and 3 years, on 1st February. She pleaded guilty to leaving her children in the house without a fire guard.

The Chief Constable explained that this was one of the cases they were loath to bring before the Court. She was the wife of a soldier in Salonika, had 39s 6d allowance, and with the income of the oldest child had £2 7s. There had been complaints about the defendant’s conduct for some time past and the police had had her under surveillance. She had been gradually selling the house furniture and the allowance was being diverted to other channels.

Sergt. J. McRobb said on Friday evening, 1st February, he was on duty in Well Road with P.C. Lindsay watching the house. They met defendant going home and on returning with her found there was a large fire on and no guard. All the children were in bed but Mary, aged 12, who was sitting at the fireside. The children were scanty and dirtily clothed, and there was a room she would not open. There was a half loaf and some tea and sugar in the house. Defendant said that a mattress was utilised for the rest sleeping on the floor. Witness had seen her twice or three times coming home between 11 and 12 o’clock at night in one week and she had been under their surveillance for three months.

By Mr Herriot – The children did not appear to be starved, but they could have been better.

Capt. Norman enquired if defendant was ever seen under the influence of drink, and the reply was the negative.

The Chief Constable said it was worse than a case of drinking.

Witness (resuming) said he had seen her twice at night at Borewell, Scremerston, and she was not alone on these occasions.

P.C. John Lindsay said he had seen defendant on several occasions late at night with different parties, and he thought it was improper conduct when her husband was away.

Defendant, in a voluble and forcible manner, addressed the Bench, and denied that she had neglected her children, maintaining that there was animosity shown towards her by her own people because she would not speak to them.

The Mayor enquired if the children had been kept regularly at school.

The Chief Constable said that so far as he knew there were no complaints on this ground and the police had not made enquiries; the complaints were with regard to defendant’s nightly conduct, which had continued for some time.

After a private deliberation lasting over fifteen minutes the Mayor said that the Magistrates had found defendant guilty, but for the sake of the children they would not send her to prison. She would be bound over for six months under £5, be placed under the observation of the Probation Officer, and would be asked to pay the costs, 5s.

This Week in World War One, 25 January 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 JANUARY 1918

 

War News

MILITARY CROSS FOR K.O.S.B. OFFICER

Second Lieutenant A. McCall

 

Second Lieutenant A. McCall, K.O.S.B. who was wounded on 31st July, near Ypres, and subsequently died in hospital in France, was awarded the Military Cross. The following is the official account of the act of gallantry for which the decoration was awarded:-

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the other officers of his company had become casualties, he took command and led them with the greatest gallantry and skill during the severe fighting which ensued, returning after the capture of each strong point and collecting more men, whom he led forward. While doing this gallant work, he fell severely wounded in the head, having materially assisted in the capture of the position.

Lieut. McCall was the elder son of Hon. Sheriff-Substitute M. McCall, British Linen Bank House. He obtained his commission in the K.O.S.B., in June, 1916, and went to France in April of last year.

The Military Cross was recently presented to Sheriff Mccall, as next-of-kin to the late Lieut, MCCall, by Colonel Maclaren of the K.O.S.B., at Berwick.

NEW REPORTED PRISONER

Private W. J. Dalgleish

The anxiously awaited news reached Mrs Dalgleish, West End, Tweedmouth, last Thursday that her husband, Private Wm. Joseph Dalglesih, N.F., who was reported in December to have been missing since 26th October, is now stated to be a prisoner of war in Germany. Private Dalgleish joined up at Alnwick on 16th June, 1915, and proceeded in to France in Nov. 1916. We trust that he will return safe and well to his native town, when the war is over.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Large queues outside the grocers’ shops were distressing sight in Berwick on Saturday. A drenching rain was falling during the greater part of the day and the miserable conditions were intensified by the unfortunate people having to stand ankle deep in snow slush. So bad were the conditions that in two instances women through exposure and excitement fainted and had to receive attention.

Berwick Advertiser 25 Jan 1918 Advert Food Control

 

Fair supplies of bacon were to be had in some of the shops while margarine which had been scarce commodity during the greater part of the day, was in better supply in the evening, a consignment having arrived late in the afternoon. It is to be sincerely hoped that sights like that of Saturday will never again be allowed to take place, and they could be prevented if a system of equal rationing, not only of butter, margarine, bacon, tea and cheese, but of butcher meat, was immediately introduced. The situation demands immediate and drastic action, but it should not be out with the power of the local Food Control Committee to grapple with the problem quickly and effectively.

Former pupils of the Berwick Grammar School will be pleased to know that Mr Jones (who acted as a modern language master from 1907 to 1913) is still in the pink after two years’ service with the Royal Engineers in France. Mr J. N. Peace, B.A., junior master, is still on active service and feeling fit. We are sure that the “Old Boy’s” will wish them both continued good luck. No less than fifty copies of the School Magazine were sent by the pupils to former pupils at the front last year.

The sudden thaw after the phenomenal spell of frost has produced a scene on the River Tweed which has not been equalled for many years. Ice and snow piles which had gathered on the floes were on the evening tide of Sunday night, being swept to sea by the swollen stream, in considerable quantities. On Monday forenoon the sight presented to the onlooker was not likely soon to be forgotten, and more closely resembled an arctic scene than anything else. As far as the eye could reach a mixture of pack ice, snow and tree trunks was spread over the surface of the river.

(c) Berwick Record Office. Children sledging, River Tweed in the background.

 

About ten thirty, fishermen on the Quay observed a large tree root being carried down to the sea. Running backwards and forwards and evidently alarmed at their plight two rabbits were seen. The poor creatures had evidently been foraging for food on the tree trunk when it broke away further up the river. The state of the river made it impossible for boatmen to attempt then capture and it is possible that the luckless bunnies would meet a sailor’s end in the choppy waters at the harbour mouth. At the mouth of the river the ice pack presented an almost unparalleled sight when meeting with the breakers rolling over the bar. As each succeeding sea rolling in it met the ever increasing volume of ice and water and an almost straight wall of water was set up, just as one party remarked “like the Red Sea when the Israelites passed through.” The grinding and crashing of the ice was heard for a considerable way from the riverside.

A very pretty and quiet wedding took place in Wallace Green Church on Monday 21st inst the contracting parties being Sergt J. R. Young, R. F. C., eldest son of Mr and Mrs George Young, Christon Bank, and Mary eldest daughter of James MacNab, J. P. and Mrs Macnab, Station House, Tweedmouth. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. J. Macaskill, M. A., minister. The bride was given away by her father and had her sister Miss L. MacNab and Miss Young for maids.

St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Bill Henderson, Creative Commons Licence.

The groomsmen were Cpl C. Johnstone N.H., cousin of bridegroom, just home from France the same morning, who has twice been taken prisoner by the Germans, and Mr Williams of North Shields. The bride was dressed in grey Gaba dine trimmed with mole stole and hat to match, the maids wore mole coloured coat frocks and black silk hats. The happy couple left for Retford by 6.40pm Express, where Sergt Young is at present stationed he having been sent back to this country for duty after nearly three years in France. Another brother of Sergt Young is in Italy also in the R.F.C. Both families have given of their best for our Country’s cause. The bride’s travelling dress was of navy blue. At the close of the wedding a reception was held at the home of the bride’s father.

This Week in World War One, 11 January 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 JANUARY 1918

 

 

Tragic Death of Lieut. Fedden

AS THE RESULT OF EXPOSURE

DESCENT IN CHANNEL ENDS FATALITY

 

 

Berwick was shocked to hear on Monday after news of the death of Lieut. Fedden, who only some six weeks ago was married to Miss Shena Lennox Fraser, eldest daughter of Dr. Chas. L. Fraser, Elder House, Berwick. He met his end by exhaustion, through having been compelled to come down in the Channel on account of engine trouble, while flying near Bythe.

Lieut. Fedden during his short stays in, the town had won the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and admired him for the capable officer he was. An experienced and reliable member of the Air Service his will indeed be a loss to the Country, and we are sure that we voice the feeling of all in Berwick when we extend to the young widow, and both families our deepest and heartfelt sympathy in the great affliction which has come upon them.

Lieut. Fedden was the son of Mr. T. Player Fedden, of Glenthorpe, Barnet, served with the Punjabis in Mesopotamia and France, and had been wounded in the arm. Since then he has held important appointments at certain Aerodromes where his knowledge of aircraft has proved of great benefit to the service. In November, when his marriage took place, he was under orders to proceed to important work in Italy. He has died before he got his marching orders.

Lieut. Fedden was one of the officers who gave evidence before the Commission which enquired into the Mesopotamia campaign.

Just a fortnight ago he was with us in the town on short leave, today he is but a memory, yet a memory which is pregnant with all that we feel for a soldier and a gentleman who has fought and who has yielded up his life in the service of his country.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Of course there are many grumblers, but on the whole, people are managing fairly well with their half-pound of sugar a week. We hope the sugar will be more constant than the

An example of a WW1 sugar rationing card.

paper ration. Imports of paper were first reduced by a third, then the two-thirds that was left over reduced by half, and now the one third of what was used in 1914 is to be reduced by another third, leaving only 29ths or under a quarter of the 1914 supply.

 

BERWICK OFFICERS’ EXPERIENCES

ON THE ITALIAN FRONT

 

“Where I am now we get very little news and very seldom get the chance to see a paper. I have only had one mail during the last three weeks, and the latest letter was dated November 26th, so it is rather a change from France, where everything went so smoothly. We have been in the line now for about three weeks, but there are hopes of my Brigade being out for Christmas. I am afraid the boys will not get any plum puddings this year, though we can get plenty of turkeys and geese; you can buy a very good one for from 7 to 10 lire (3s 6d to 5s). There are no E.F.C.’s yet and cigarettes and tobacco are not to be had unless you can go a long way back. Some of the men have actually been reduced to smoking tea leaves, etc. I am running a small canteen, but can only get about 200 lire worth of cigarettes a week, and then have to go nearly 40 kilometres for them.

The country is very pretty, and up at the front line it is a most extraordinary contrast to what we were used to before. The two lines are separated by a very broad river bed (1400 to 2000 yards across) so there is no sniping. There is very little water in the river just now, as the snow has just begun. Very high mountains rise up from the river bed, and it is magnificently pretty.

When we first took over the line it was very quiet, and to give you some idea of what it was like, an order came out in D.R.O. that “No clean washing had in future to be hung out to dry on the wire entanglements in front of the front line trenches. “Men used to go down to the river and wash their clothes in the middle of No Man’s Land. It is very different now, and there is quite a lot of shelling, though officers in the front line can still sleep in very comfortable beds in the little houses along the banks of the rivers.

We can make ourselves very comfortable as the people fled and left all their worldly goods behind. We have very dry weather, but it is fearfully cold and frosty at nights, and generally bright during the day. We have a lot of boys in our Brigade now from the North of England, and some from round about Haggertson and that way. Of course we area north country division.

I was very lucky, as I was one of the entertaining officers at our departure station in France, and came in with two N.F.’s by ordinary passenger train all the way to the frontier, and managed a day and night in Paris, and half a day in Genoa. I am afraid we shall get no leave from here for along time, which is rather rotten. If we have a heavy snowfall it may hurry it on a little.”

 

BART LOUGH, OF SPITTAL

 

We have decided to open a “Berwick Advertiser” fund to provide a new boat for Bart Lough of Spittal who, as we reported last week, has lost his coble, the “Mary Harrison”.

In the ordinary way one should expect a fisherman to insure his boat and tackle when their loss mean so much to him. We are told that this is practically impossible. Lloyd’s is the only available agency, and they are not interested in such small craft. We feel, therefore, we have a strong case to put before the public. Mr Lough is not to blame for not insuring his boat; it was lost through no fault of his own, but rather by his own perseverance in providing food for the nation, when food is short. All along the coast he is known as a fearless and experienced fisherman, who has frequently risked his own life and property to assist others.

 

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