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This Week in World War One, 5 October 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 OCTOBER 1917

 

WAR NEWS

BRAVERY OF A SPITTAL GUNNER

SEAMAN G. AINSLIE RECEIVES AWARD

FROM ADMIRALTY

GALLANT WORK IN MAGAZINE OF

BURNING SHIP

 

It gave us pleasure in January last to record the good work performed by Gunner Geo. Ainslie, R.N.V.R., Spittal, and we are sure our readers will join with us in congratulating him on his latest exploit, which is worthy of the traditions of the noble Service to which he belongs.

The gallant deed was performed in the magazine of a burning ship, and is described in the undernoted letters which have been received by his parents.

He writes under date of August 23rd, as follows. Seaman Ainslie is a born letter-writer, and we give his racy narrative practically as he wrote it:-

Dear Mother and Father and Sisters,

Just a few lines to let you know that we are leaving —– on Wednesday for —– in —–. I hope we go to —– to get taken off this ship – it is a dirty one. If Jane and Nellie goes to France I hope they will have a safe voyage across the English Channel. There was another ship on fire here last night, and it was a very big fire, and they all left the ship just the same as they left our ship. So me and my mate went over to it and tried our best. It was just starting to the magazine when I had to burst the door open, and we got over one hundred rounds of shell out of it. Another two minutes and the ship would have been blown up. I was there from 7 o’clock last night till 12 o’clock, and all the head men here took my name and ship’s address, and I gave them my home address as well, so if anything comes you know what to do with it; and all the head blokes come down this morning again and asked me everything about it, so I told them all, and they said they were going to write to the Admiralty about me saving the ship. The Admiralty has not decided about our ship yet, but when they hear about me again they will be quite pleased as well. I don’t know how I will come on this time, but if I do get to hear I will let you know as soon as I can. So I will draw my short letter to a close. With best love to all from your loving son, George. Good-night all. Write soon, you can tell them all —E—– and the Master – to this address.

 

A later communication dated Sept. 11th, 1917, says:-

Dear Mother and Father and Sisters,

Just a few lines to let you know that I have been rewarded £50 for saving the ship from being blown up. I am getting it on Friday morning, so I will let you know as soon as I get it, and I am getting a new suit of clothes as well, and I have to see the Admiral as well sometime next week. I was all day yesterday at the inquiry about the fire. The Commander sent for me twice yestered.(sic) He said that I had done very good work and I was risking my life to save the ship, he said, and I was at another inquiry to-day as well, and if I don’t come home I will send all the money to you and you can put it away for me. I hope I soon get leave; if so I will bring it home with me. So I will draw my short and sweet letter to a close.

From your ever-loving son,

GEORGE.

Few readers hear of the many brave actions performed by our sailors, and while actions worthy of the highest commendation are of daily occurrence, little is heard of them from the columns of our public prints. Amongst these acts of gallantry the deed of Gunner Ainslie ranks in the forefront.

Leading-Seaman Geo. Ainslie is a son of Mr and Mrs John Ainslie, 52 Middle Street, Spittal, and enlisted in the R.N.V.R. two years past in December, and has seen considerable service. Mr and Mrs Ainslie have two other sons, John and James, serving in the Navy.

Good luck to you, George, and more power to your elbow.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

A march out of the Local Volunteers took place on Sunday last and there was a good turnout. We understand that the smart appearance of the men created a very favourable impression on several who watched the parade, and this it is hoped will produce several recruits. Twenty recruits have been obtained.

An inquest was held on Monday evening by Mr P. M. Henderson, Coroner, on the death of Alice Curry, aged three weeks, the infant daughter of William Curry, of 31 Chapel Street, Berwick. The child’s father, a private in the Scottish Rifles, identified the body. Margaret Hutchison Curry, the mother of the child, said that the baby was alive and in bed with her between three and four on Sunday morning. She had two other children, who were sleeping at the foot of the bed. About eight the same morning she found that the child was lying dead in her arms. The body was quite warm. She did not know what had caused its death, unless it had taken a fit. She had spent the previous day in the house, except that she went to see Father Smythe about the christening of the child. She put the other two children to bed on Saturday evening, and about eight went upstairs to talk with Mrs Houston, a neighbour, and stayed there till ten, having the infant with her all the time. She then returned to her own house and went to bed, being quite sober. Dr Fraser gave evidence that there were no marks of violence on the child, who had apparently died by suffocation, or accidental overlaying. P.C. Watt, who went to 31, Chapel Street at one o’clock on Sunday afternoon, on account of information received, said the mother then appeared to be in a sober condition, and competent to take charge of children. The Jury returned a verdict of natural causes, supervening on suffocation.

 

VEGETABLES FOR THE FLEET

 

Twenty-six hampers of fruit and vegetables have been despatched during September from the Berwick Branch of the Committee for providing vegetables for the Fleet. The following donors are thanked for their gifts of apples, pears, cauliflowers, cabbages, and cucumbers: – The Honble. Mrs Askew Robertson, Ladykirk; Mrs Carmichael, Rosybank; Miss Gilroy, Fair Mount; Miss Gray, Bankhill; Miss Leyland, Haggerston Castle; and Mrs Herriot, Sanson Seal. Vegetables are sent to Rosyth every Saturday and from there are distributed to various flotillas.

Hettie G. Hogarth, Acting Secy.

Photograph of the Rosyth Naval Dockyard taken in 1975. The dockyard is where vegetables from the Berwick Branch of the Committee for providing vegetables for the Fleet were delivered during WW1. © Copyright M J Richardson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

This Week in World War One, 21 September 1917

by

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21 SEPTEMBER 1917

 

WAR NEWS

FROM TRENCHES TO HOMELAND

 

Two brothers in the Northern Cyclist Batt., John and James Scott, residing at Richardson Stead, Scremerston, are spending a few days well-earned leave far from the noise of battle. Both lads joined up shortly after war began, and after training went to France in July, 1916. In civil life they were employed as ploughmen at New Heaton, Cornhill. We trust good luck will attend them.

Private Andrew Scobie, R.G.A., is here on hospital leave. He is the son of Rev. R. Scobie, The Manse, Tweedmouth, and previous to enlistment was employed as a clerk by the Scremerston Coal Company.

We are pleased to see this week on our midst, Private Robert Hendry, N.F., home on  hospital leave, and he is looking fit and well and in the best of spirits. He is the husband of Mrs Hendry, Murton Farm, Berwick.

Lieut. Bart. Turnbull, M.C., Castlegate, Berwick, has been home in the town enjoying a well-earned leave. He returns with our best wishes.

Pleased to see Private Henry Richardson, London Regiment, son of Councillor Peter Richardson, home on a few days leave.

Private George Rutherford, N.F., son of Mr Rutherford, Spittal, and a former employee at the “Advertiser” Office, is spending an all too brief ten days’ leave from France, renewing old acquaintanceship. He returns with our best wishes.

Berwick Advertiser 21 Sept 1917 Advert Grand Evening Concert

MILITARY FUNERAL AT BERWICK

 

The funeral of Lance-Corporal Michael Hynds, K.O.S.B., took place from the Military Hospital, where he died some days ago, to the place of interment at Berwick Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. Military honours were accorded the procession being headed by a firing party and Depot Band, under Bandmaster Wilson. A large gathering lined the route and there was every manifestation of public sympathy.

© Copyright Graham Robson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence, Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 Generic.

The coffin, which was covered by the Union Jack, was borne to its last resting place by a transport lorry. At the graveside the service was conducted by the Rev. Father Smythe. Three volleys were fired over the grave, interspersed with a few bars of “Peace, Perfect Peace,” after which the last post was sounded by the regimental trumpeter.

 

NORHAM

 

Norham War Hospital Supply Depot. – This depot continues doing good work for our wounded soldiers and sailors, and during the last month the following articles have been despatched :- 1160 round swabs, 920 moss dressings, 12 rest pillows, 80 face sponges, 26 tray cloths, 16 towels, 32 jug covers.

The above were sent to Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild, 2 Cavendish Square, London, W.

Other comforts comprising 12 knitted eye pads, 410 eye pads, 240 eye swabs, 114 roller bandages, 6 knitted face cloths, 10 capilines, 2 feather pillows, 8 pairs bed socks, 71 rest cushions were despatched to the 2nd London General Hospital. Also 239 roller bandages were forwarded to Eden Hall Hostel.

The depot has also acted as a collecting station for the National Egg Collection, and since its inception by Mrs W.H. Askew in November, 1915, the following numbers of eggs have been collected :- from November, 1915, to June 1916, 6719; from July, 1916, to December, 1916, 2864; from January, 1917, to August, 1917, 3010, making a total of 12,593 eggs.

The last quarterly statement shows the depot to have £21 11s 7d in the bank, and £2 1s 3d in the treasurer’s hands.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

A complaint has been made to us that one or two of the naval men going along Ness Street, and thence along the Pier, in order to rejoin their ships at night, are sometimes a little inclined to be noisy. This was specially noticeable on Sunday night, and when the men are doing such self-sacrificing work during the day it is a pity that there should be this unnecessary entry on the other side of the account.

© Copyright David Brown and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons License, Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 Generic.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

FRIDAY

Before J. McNab and C. Forsyth, Esqs.

OVERSTAYED THEIR LEAVE

 

Private Edward Simm, K.O.S.B. was charged with being a deserter from his regiment in France, by having overstayed his leave 21 days.

The Chief Constable stated that Simm was apprehended on Saturday and handed over to the military, but they asked the he should be brought before the magistrates, and handed over to an escort by them.

P.C. Smith said that about 9.40 on Saturday, when he was on duty in Marygate, he received information about accused, whereupon he proceed to 1, Narrow Lane, and asked him if he had overstayed his leave. He admitted that this was the case, and was taken to the Police Sstation.

The Chief Constable – The leave ended on August 14th, according to his pass.

Defendant – On the 13th -, sir.

The Chief Constable – Oh, all right, the thirteenth!

Defendant was remanded to await an escort.

Private William Curry, Scottish Rifles, was charged with being a deserter from his regiment in France, having overstayed his leave by 15 days.

The Chief Constable said he had received a note from headquarters that morning asking him to apprehend Curry.

P.C. Crombie said he went to the house of accused in Fraser’s Yard, Chapel Street, and apprehended him. He had a pass showing that his leave had been extended to August 25th.

Defendant – I have been ill, attending hospital and unable to travel.

Mr McNab – Well, are you able to travel now?

Defendant – Oh yes.

Mr McNab – Then that’s all we want. You are remanded to await an escort.

 

This Week in World War One, 4 May 1917

by

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4 MAY 1917

 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

 

WANTED MEN AND WOMEN FOR AMBULANCE WORK

 

Port Hospital,
Berwick-on-Tweed,
May 1st, 1917

 

Sir. – May I appeal through the medium of your paper for men and women to form a V.A.D., in this most northern part of Northumberland. Last Friday evening the members of St. Andrew’s Ambulance Corps., received a visit from the Chief Commissioner for Northumberland (Mr P. B. Palmer). In a very strong appeal Mr Palmer asked for the immediate formation of both a men and a women’s detachment. The need is great. The nearest men’s detachment is at Alnwick. The nearest women’s at Belford. Mr Palmer wants at least 200 men for ambulance work, (and as many women as he can get) between Wansbeck and Tweed. We want all the men and women in Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal and Scremerston who have First Aid or nursing certificates, to volunteer. Others who have not certificates may join on probation.

Berwick is a long way behind in ambulance work, let us have this stigma removed, and get to the front as quickly as possible.

Mr Hetherington, High Street, or Mr J. Richardson, 25 Main Street, Spittal, will receive names of men willing to join. Women may send their names to Miss Noble, 47a Main Road, Spittal or the undersigned.

ANTHONEY

Commandant, St. Andrews Ambulance Corps.

Berwick-on-Tweed Section.

 

MORE COMFORTS WANTED FOR THE SOLDIERS.

 

Hopeville, Castle Terrace,
Berwick-on-Tweed,
May 1st, 1917.

 

Sir,- At the request of the General Committee of the Guild of Aid, I again venture to ask your valuable help, in permitting us to make an appeal through the medium of your paper, to all friends, who are willing and able to help us, in sending out much needed comforts to the men in France, who are so strenuously fighting our battles. We have an urgent request, to send as soon as possible, shirts, socks, towels, (small) and handkerchiefs (dark coloured). Owing to the large demands made upon us lately, we have a very small stock in hand, and would be grateful for any help, however small, towards meeting this request. Our hearts are all too full of the desire to send any crumb of comfort, that we possibly can, to our heroes overseas, to need any appeal, it is quite enough, we know, to state our needs for them, to have them met, we would be glad to have all articles by Tuesday, May 15th, sent either to any member of committee, or to the Town Hall, on Tuesdays, between 2.30 and 3.30. Thanking you for your courtesy.

Yours faithfully

ISABELLA H. PLENDERLIETH,

(President of the Guild)

 

RIDING OF THE BOUNDS

 

 The time honoured custom of riding the Berwick Bounds was duly observed on Tuesday, 1st May, in the usual manner. Fine weather prevailed and the proceedings were much enjoyed. The company assembled at noon at the Parade and proceeded by the customary route.

In the mayor’s carriage there were present – His Worship the Mayor, Mr M. Ross, (the Sheriff) Councillor Thomas Wilson, and the acting Town Clerk ( MR James Gibson).

In a brake there were the following – Alderman G. A. Turnbull, and Councillors Wm. Anderson, T. Bolus, Alex. Darling, Wm. J. Dixon, J. Elder, F. Richardson, and the Chief Constable.

BRO 1944/1/149/1 Riding of the Bounds, Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1952

 

The horseman riders were represented by both youth and age; youth was represented by Master Moffat, Wes Edge, a born horseman, 14 years, and this will be the fifth annual occasion on which he has ridden the Berwick Bounds; and by one who at mature years rode the Bounds 47 years ago, Mr J. Cameron, V.S,. There was also one cyclist soldier from the Borderers, a boy.

At the inn at Canty’s there was a liberal supply of refreshments dispensed, consisting of tea, coffee, biscuits, cheese, and ale.

At the conclusion of the drive home the company drove to the Town Hall before dispersing, when the Mayor in a few words formally thanked the company for their attendance at the function.

DEAD HERO PRAISED BY OFFICERS AND MEN

 

George Murray, N.F., only son of Mr Andrew Murray, formerly groom to Dr Maclagan, Berwick, and now of Akeld, Wooler, has been killed by a snipper. He served his apprenticeship with Mr Mosgrove as a shoemaker and was afterwards employed by the North British Railway Company.

Berwick Advertiser 21 Aug 1914 Mosgroves Advert

 

He was a territorial before the outbreak of war, was 23 years of age, and was in the machine gun section. Very high praise has been received of Private Murray’s soldierly bearing and courage in letters sent both by officers and men.

 

AN INTERESTING LETTER

 

This is an extract from a letter from Sergt., T. H. Grey, Machine Gun Corps., son of Mr Thos. Grey, Tweedmouth, which will be interesting:- “I had to tell you that Tom Davidson was all right, in case his people were inquiring for him, however, five minutes after, he got wounded, so I suppose by this time he is well on his way to Blightly. It was just a few minutes prior to an attack, and we were having a talk about old times before going over the top. I didn’t have the luck to see him again. We have some decent weather this last week, but the week before as you would see by the papers took some enduring. Many a time when we get wet through, we remark that had it been at home in civil life, we would have been following it up with a week in bed, whereas out here we can lie in a shell hole night and day and endure all sorts of  storms, not to mention bombardments. I fancy it must be the excitement that keeps us fit, it must be something out of the ordinary at any rate. We have celebrated our second anniversary in grand style I don’t mean by a great feast or supper, but by taking part in one of the biggest of battles and claimed to have been one of the fiercest, nevertheless it has gained for us a few days rest.

By the way, we had our Red and White roses on St. George’s Day, you see although I am now in the M.G.C., I like to consider myself still in the N.F. Those who were less fortunate than us and got killed that day were buried with their roses still pinned to their uniform. I’m sorry to say one of the unlucky ones was a very intimate friend of mine, being Sergeant in the same section as myself, it was his second anniversary in France too, and he had never until that fateful day, been either wounded or in hospital from any cause; such is the Fate that awaits the soldier on the battlefield.

 

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF A NORHAM LAD

 

Mr T. Robertson, gardener, Birch Hill, Norham, has received a letter from his son, Trooper J. Robertson, of the Royal 10th Hussars, who has been in the thick of the recent fighting in which he relates some stirring events.

The 10th Royal Hussars memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. © Author A Carty. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

It appears that on one occasion some of the cavalry got held up in a village, and were ordered to dismount for action. In the fight Trooper Roberson was blown up into the air, landed in a garden, and wonderful to relate escaped without a scratch. It was a pretty rough time while it lasted and as he says, “We came through it, however, with the loss of a great number of horses most of which were blown up into the air; the number of men killed, I am glad to say was not many.” Trooper Robertson has been in France since August of last year. Previous to joining the colours he was a rabbit catcher, and is well known in the district. He lost a brother, who was in the K.O.S.B. at the battle of the Somme.

 

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