This Week in World War One, 31 December 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31 DECEMBER 1915

 

BERWICK POST OFFICE

 

The amount of Christmas work dealt with at Berwick Post Office was very much the same as last year, but being spread over a longer period the pressure was not so much felt in consequence. Although the staff has been greatly depleted during the past year everyone put their shoulder to the wheel and the work went through expeditiously. Extra hours were, of course, worked, and the praiseworthy arrangement of supplying refreshment to the workers on the premises was once more in operation.

WW1 Xmas postcard 1915.

WW1 Xmas postcard 1915.

Extra help was brought in for rural deliveries in the shape of motor and other vehicles, while the Oddfellows’ Hall again proved a useful clearing house. Parcels delivered during the Christmas week amounted to about 6000, but there was not the usual postings of Christmas cards. A special and most noticeable feature was the large number of parcels posted for soldiers at the front, causing at times very great pressure, out-going mails being very heavy. For the first time at Christmas women were employed to do delivery and collection duty in place of the men on active service and officials speak in glowing terms of the way they discharged their duties. There is still a considerable amount of parcel and other postings passing through, but it is not anticipated that the staff will be heavily taxed at New Year.

 

CAROL CONCERT AND LECTURE

Interesting Notes on Christmas Carols

 

An attractive carol concert on behalf of the National Institute for the Blind was given in the Queen’s Rooms, Berwick, on Thursday evening by a number of local talented ladies and gentlemen. The principal object was to assist in raising funds to assist those soldiers and sailors who have lost their sight during the war and for their maintenance in a hostel for the purpose of teaching them some useful trade.

Blinded by tear gas in World War One, 55th (West Lancashire) Division troops await treatment at an advanced dressing station.
Blinded by tear gas in World War One, 55th (West Lancashire) Division troops await treatment at an advanced dressing station.

 

The soloists were Mrs Shepherd, Miss E. Elder, and Messrs Abbott and Riddell, while a duet was rendered by Miss Harbottle and Mr Riddell. Messrs R. Stott and Smith also took part in the programme of carols. The conductor was Mr Geo. Ballantyne, and the accompanist, Miss Skeldon. The programme was ably sustained the whole of the pieces being feelingly and tunefully interpreted, the efforts meeting with the cordial approval of the audience. A feature in the programme was a lecture on carols by Dr Gauntlett, organist and choirmaster in the Parish Church.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Corner Accident– An accident which might have been attended by serious results took place on Friday last at the foot of Hide Hill. It appears that a tub trap driven by a young lady named Miss Brown, of Tweedmouth, was taking the corner when a collision occurred with a motor car belong to Messrs McBain, Tweedmouth. The tub trap was upset and the young lady received a severe shaking. Happily she suffered no injury, although the pony was slightly cut by the collision. This is only one of many accidents which have taken place at the corners of Hide Hill from time to time, and each succeeding accident accentuates that fact that these sharp turnings are entirely out of date in coping with modern vehicular traffic.

 

THE PASSING AND APPROACHING YEAR

Again we have reached the closing days of another year. Too well we realise the terrible experiences we have come through during the past twelve months, for there are few homes that have not had their full share of the awful miseries of the Great War. To the bereaved and the maimed ordinary sympathy seems utterly inadequate, and a quiet and subdued silence often speaks more eloquently than any human words can utter. Time is the great healer and consoler in affliction, and it will only be the soothing influence of the ever-revolving seasons that will adequately supply the balm and needed comfort to so many aching hearts which are so utterly bereft. As we approach the end of the year it is natural that many should raise conjectures as to the position the country will be in by another year. Will the war be over? Who can tell. At the same time it seems highly improbable that its duration will extend so long. The material and national resources of Germany will be exhausted ere that time, and there may be an internal upheaval of the Teutonic empire that will hasten the close of the awful devastation.

Picture of Serbian infantry on Ada Ciganlija during the First World War. Wikimedia Commons
Picture of Serbian infantry on Ada Ciganlija during the First World War. Wikimedia Commons

 

Already the national credit of Germany is steadily diminishing in the exchanges of neutral countries, and this must have a very important bearing on events in the opening periods of the new year. As we make a brief and general survey of the year that is nearly finished we have – great and acute as our sorrows are – reason to feel grateful that we have escaped the general holocaust that has overtaken Belgium, the North of France, and Serbia. And when we think of the recent awful massacres of the Armenian people it makes us realise this more fully. For had the brutal enemy been enabled to land on these shores we would have experienced this to the full. A small sample of it was shown a year ago in the bombardment of defenceless east coast towns where no discrimination or humanity was shown.

Notwithstanding the serious nature of the times we are passing through we desire to wish all our readers

A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS

NEW YEAR

This Week in World War One, 10 December 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 10 DECEMBER 1915

 

WOOLER FREE GIFT SALE

 

The arrangements for the above sale, in aid of Red Cross and Relief Funds, to be held at Wooler Auction Mart, on Wednesday, 22nd Dec., are now well advanced. A very hearty response has been made to the appeal, and would be contributors are reminded that notice of their gifts should be forwarded to the secretary (Mr R. S. G. Thompson, Auction Offices, Glanton), not later than Saturday first, the 11th December, as inclusion in the catalogue cannot be guaranteed after the date. To the present time the contributions include 6 fat and store cattle, about 140 fat and store sheep, fat  and keeping pigs, a donkey, fat and stock poultry, dogs, potatoes, oats, feeding stuffs, sheep dip, seeds, farm implements and harness, and a large quantity of domestic and other useful articles. The catalogue, price 3d, can be had on application to the Secretary, or can be purchased on the day of the sale.

Red Cross Donkeys, Gallipoli 1915
Red Cross Donkeys, Gallipoli 1915

 

The sale will open by Mrs Burdon of Wooperton, and the Hon. F. W. Lambton of Fenton will be chairman. Present indications point to very successful sale, and the committee will be able to hand over a goodly sum, which will be supplemented by many handsome donations already advised, to the various worthy objects which they are supporting.

 

BERWICK GIRL ACCIDENTLY SHOT IN LEG BY A SENTRY ON THE OLD BRIDGE

 

An accident took place on the Old Bridge, Berwick, on Sunday night about 6.40 pm., Nora Loft, a young woman residing at 25 Ravensdown being badly wounded in the leg above the knee by a bullet from the rifle of a sentry.

Berwick upon Tweed, Old Bridge
The photograph above shows the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where the accidental shooting of Miss Loft took place. © Berwick Record Office.

 

It appears that about 6.40 James Edward Allan, Post Office, Chatton, left the town in charge of a motor car by way of the Old Bridge, and upon reaching the sentry box on the top of  the rise was challenged by one of the sentries on duty there. Two men were upon duty, they being Private McLary and Private W. Fortin, and on Mr Allan’s car approaching, McLary challenged it and called upon them to halt. It is stated that the challenge was given three times, but the car failed to draw up, and McLary immediately the car had passed fired apparently with the intention of hitting the back tyre.

Berwick Infirmary and Dispensary (built 1840), as it would have looked when Miss Loft was taken there to have her gunshot wound treated in 1915. © Berwick Record Office.
Berwick Infirmary and Dispensary (built 1840), as it would have looked when Miss Loft was taken there to have her gunshot wound treated in 1915. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Miss Loft, who was on the footpath on the opposite side of the bridge, received the bullet in her leg about the knee the bone being broken by the force of impact. Assistance was at once rendered to the unfortunate young woman, and she was placed in the car and driven to the Infirmary by Mr Allan, and under the care of Sergeant McRobb, her wound receiving the attention of Dr C. L. Fraser upon arrival at the institution. We understand that Miss Loft’s condition has improved over night.

 

RESULT OF BERWICK SOLDIER’S OVER INDULGENCE

 

The Coroner has concluded his enquiry at York into the circumstances attending the  death of Mr Wm. Kelsey (35), of 14 Armstrong Avenue, Newcastle, managing director of the Hylton Forge, Sunderland, who died from a bullet wound received whilst travelling in the 2.20 pm East Coast express from King’s Cross to Edinburgh, between Doncaster and Selby. In connection with the occurrence the police detained Private J. D. Tait, 3rd Coldstream Guards whose home is at Berwick-on-Tweed, and who was returning from France on a few days leave. Tait is alleged to have fired the fatal shot whilst showing his rifle to the occupants of one compartment. The bullet passed through the rear partition and struck the deceased, who was in the next compartment, in the arm and chest, severing important arteries, and he died in the York County Hospital the same day. It appears that Tait was drunk, and had a bottle of whiskey which was frequently passed round on the journey. Tait ultimately got up, took his rifle from the rack, pulled the bolt back, and closed it again, and the weapon immediately went off. The bullet passed through the back of the compartment above the seat. The Coroner, Mr J R Wood, in summing up, said the only question in that regrettable occurrence was whether there was culpable negligence on the part of Tait. The jury found a verdict of “Death from misadventure”, the Foreman adding: As this is not the first case of this kind the jury are strongly of opinion that all ammunition should be taken from every soldier before leaving for home. They also desire to express their sympathy with the relative of Mr Kelsy. Mr Straker said the relatives of the deceased had already personally expressed their sympathy with Tait, in the sad position in which he was placed. The Coroner said he was very glad the jury had seen their way to take the view they had. All he would say to Tait was “Follow the example of your King.” Tait returned with the police to Selby where it is understood he will be discharged from custody.

 

RAPHAEL TUCK’S CHRISTMAS SPECIALITIES

 

Once more Messrs Tuck have issued a fine collection of highly artistic novelties, comprising a varied array of Christmas and New Year Cards, Christmas Autograph Stationery, Calendars, Gift Books, Toy Books for the children, Art Novelties and Christmas Postcards of every description.

A Christmas postcard showing a group of soldiers on the march in World War One. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
A Christmas postcard showing a group of soldiers on the march in World War One. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

 

In face of the many difficulties with which the art printer is confronted at the present time, Messrs Tuck have made a most remarkable effort to upload the reputation which has been worthily won in seasons past. British art, British enterprise, and true British perseverance has resulted in a production of art novelties which equal if they do not excel the many lovely cards of former years. A special series of Patriotic Christmas Cards in keeping with the spirit of the times is also introduced, an important feature throughout the entire collection  being the appropriate greetings and wording suitable not only to the period of peace and goodwill but mindful in its chastened note of the sacrifices which this World’s War has entailed upon the Nation.

 

 

 

This Week in World War One, 5 November 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 NOVEMBER 1915

ETAL

 

The convalescent soldiers at Etal Manor Hospital have lately been giving a series of concerts at neighbouring villages in aid of the British Red Cross Society. As a result of their efforts a sum of over £23 has been realised, and the expenses being very few owing to the generosity of everyone approached, practically the whole of this sum will be available for the funds of the Society. The places visited were Ford, Crookham, Milfield, and Duddo, and the concerts were everywhere well received.

Etal Manor House, formerly a WW1 military hospital. © Berwick Record Office NRO 5192-25.
Etal Manor House, formerly a WW1 military hospital. © Berwick Record Office NRO 5192-25.

 

SAD ACCIDENT AT BERWICK STATION

 

About 2.10 a.m. on Tuesday, whilst Robert Buglas, 16 years of age, Church Street, Berwick, was following his employment as greaser at Berwick Railway Station and when near the turning table he was jumping on the footboard of a goods van in motion his foot slipped. Both his legs went under the wheels of the van. The wheels passed over his left leg above the ankle and his right foot across the heel. First aid was rendered, and he was conveyed to Berwick Infirmary, where he was attended by Drs Fraser and Maclagan, who found it necessary to amputate the injured limbs.

 

THE LATE MR CHRISTISON

 

Through the Christisons of Foulden and the Chirnsides of Cockburnspath district, Berwickshire has interesting links with pioneer days in Australia, one of the last of which

Panning for gold in the state of Victoria, Australia, ealry 1900s. © Wikimedia Commons.
Panning for gold in the state of Victoria, Australia, ealry 1900s. © Wikimedia Commons.

has been broken by the death of Mr Robert Christison, a nephew of Sir Robert Christison. In a recent lecture in his native village, Mr Christison related how he had met one Jimmy Nailans, who was the first Foulden post-boy, in a place named Bacchus Marsh. Mr Nailans had landed in Australia two years before. Buying a bullock team, he made money in carrying provisions for the population of 80,000 which flocked to Bendigo in the gold rush, and when Mr Christison met him he had 206 ounces of gold dust hidden in horns of cart grease. He put £2,000 into land in the outskirts of Melbourne, and thus became very wealthy. Like a good Borderer, Jimmy Nailans returned to his native soil, bought an estate, and settled there. Mr Christison, whose remains were interred last week at Foulden, was the last surviving son of Rev. Alex. Christison, for 52 years minister of the parish.

 

 

AN EXTRAORDINARY INCIDENT IN THE TRENCHES

 

Private Kenneth Alexander, of the 2nd Royal Scots, who has been at the Front for over a year and is at present home at Dunbar on several days’ furlough, narrates a most interesting one might almost term it exciting- incident, which occurred recently in the trench where he was quartered. The enemy’s trench but 15 yards distant, was occupied by Saxons. Several of the enemy happened to put their heads over the parapet of the trench; inquired if they were all “Jocks” in the British trench; where they came from- was it Glasgow? – and when did they arrive in France? The conversation concluded by warning the Royal Scots men in this trench to keep their heads down, as the Prussian Guards were located on their right, and consequently there were great risks of being sniped. They then held up a bottle of Cognac, and the Scotsmen inquired if they fancied a bottle of whisky. A hurriedly pencilled note attached to several newspapers was flung into the Saxons’ trench. We asked, said Private Alexander, in this letter if they could give us any part of their equipment as a souvenir of this interesting meeting between opposing forces. Very shortly afterwards a package of German newspapers, attached to which was a letter from one of these Saxons was flung into our trench, which on being translated read as follows:- “There are a few papers. Of course we cannot send you any part of our equipment over, and for the whisky we don’t care, but when you have new papers send them across and we will do the same. It is certainly interesting to read what the enemy believes to be able to tell their own folks. We threw already a few papers over, but too short. Perhaps you will find them to-night. Be careful in getting them. (signed) Yours, Fritz.” “If you please let us have a French journal- S.V.P.”

 

A GRAND EVENING CONCERT

Successful Venture In Aid of Berwick Branch of

Young Helpers’ League

 

The Queen’s Rooms was crowded in all parts on Thursday evening when a grand evening concert was held in aid of the funds of the Young Helpers League of Dr Barnardo’s Homes. The concert was excellent from start to finish and the term grand applied to it was a fitting description of the entertainment. The local Committee of the Young Helpers’ League, with Mr A. J. Dodds as President, were the originators of the idea to hold the concert. The management and carrying out of the concert was put into the hands of Miss Sissy Dodds, and according to its most excellent result the Committee could not have chosen anyone better to ensure the success  of the entertainment. All secretarial work was undertaken by Miss Dodds, while Miss L. Purves and Miss J. Thompson assisted her  as treasurers.

The concert realised £58, and Miss Dodds is to be warmly congratulated in that her management has been so successful.

The programme was as follows:

PART 1

Piano Duet-“Spanish Dance, “ ( Moszkowski) Miss Katherine Vincent and Mr Ernest Warrington

Songs – (a) 2 The Rebel” (b) “ Son of mine” (Wallace), ………  .  Mr Ernest J. Potts

Violin Solo – “ Gipsy Dance,” ( Sarasate)                                       Mr Ernest Sharp

( Encore)

Recital – “A Question of Identitiy” ( an excerpt from “Comedy and Tragedy”), by W.S. Gilbert………………Mr Hugh Miller.

(Encore – “Mon Ami.”)

Songs – (a) “ Rose in the bud” ( Forster) (b) “Until,” (Sanderson),  Miss Katherine Vincent

(Encore – “Waltz Song.”)

Humorous Sketch – “Curates” (Warrington),  Mr Ernest Warrington.

(Encore)

PART 11

Duet – “Awake,” (Pellissier), Miss Katherine Vincent and Mr Ernest J. Potts.

Violin Solo – “Valse Caprice” (Wieniawski), Mr Ernest Sharp

(Encore)

Song – “Galloping Dick” (Fletcher), Mr Ernest J.Potts

(Encore – “Go to sea my lad.”)

Recital – “Gunga Din” ( by Rudyard Kipling), Mr Hugh Miller

(Encore – “Once more into the breach, once more,” from King Henry V., Act 2 and 4).

Songs – (a) “A fat I’il feller wid his mammy’s eyes, “ ( Gordon) (b) “Sincerity” ( Clarke), Miss Katherine Vincent.

(Encore – “Caller Herrin’.”)

Humorous Songs – Selected Dialects,. Mr Ernest Warrington.

(Encore.)

Interval for Soldiers’ Sing-Song.

Sketch – “The Peacemaker,” a comedy in one act, by E. M. Bryant.

 Characters:-

Elizabeth Lavender            Mrs Waldron

       Joyce Harford                    Miss Sissy Dodds

   Dr Burton                         Mr G. P. Boyd

  Richard Harford                    Rev. J.R. Bentley

     Parsons                              Miss Katie Mackay

Scene – Elizabeth Lavender’s Flat in Kensington.

 GOD SAVE THE KING