Belford

This Week in World War One, 28 December 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 28 DECEMBER 1917

 

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

HOME ON LEAVE

 

Sergeant Frank Swinney, N.F., is home for a 14 days’ leave from the Front. He is looking well in spite of the hardships he has endured. He went out with his regiment in April, 1915, as private, has been wounded twice, and has earned his promotion in the field.

We notice cadets Tom Burn and R. C. Clements also home; the former well known as one of our foremost footballers, and the other our late Boy Scouts’ Leader and Schoolmaster in Spittal Council School.

Lance-Corporal Borthwick is also here from the front. In his avocation as a postman he is well-known. He is married to a daughter of Mr R. Gladstone of West Street, Spittal.

Private J. Boston, son of Mr R. Boston of Forge Cottages is home for Christmas, also Seaman Jas. Johnston, one of the crew of the (will we call it the Spittal ship) the Macedonia.

 

BELFORD AND DISTRICT

ON LEAVE FROM FRANCE

 

We are pleased to see an old friend in the person of Private Thomas Ryan, West Street, Belford, enjoying his leave at present. Tom has been 13 months in France and has had some rough experiences, being wounded in the right arm and right leg on one occasion. His photo and brief sketch of movements appeared in these columns in November last. He has our very best wishes for the future.

Corporal E. Fenwick, M.M., eldest son of Mr and Mrs Fenwick, Middleton, Belford, is a present enjoying his 14 days’ leave from France. Our young friend is looking exceedingly well to have spent 14 months in the firing line. A brief sketch of his career and photo appeared in these columns in June last. We wish him a continuance of his past good luck.

It is quite a pleasure to see Private Edmund Henry, 4th son of Mr and Mrs Henry, Plantation Farm, Belford, enjoying a few days leave prior to going overseas with his regiment, East Yorks. Edmund enlisted shortly after attaining his 18th birthday, and has been in training since. Our young friend is looking well and appears to have increased in height and width since joining up. He has our best wishes for his future welfare.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

An entertainment was given in the Playhouse on Monday afternoon to 1000 school children, whose fathers or brothers are serving, or have served, in the Army or navy during the present war.

© Berwick Record Office, BRO-1250-123.

The idea originated with County Alderman Thomas Darling, who collected the necessary funds from his friends. A series of pictures was shown, and a conjurer gave a display. Needless to say, the young folks were delighted. After the singing of the National Anthem, Mr Willits moved a vote of thanks to Mr Darling and the other donors, and expressed the pleasure that the treat would give, not only to the children, but to the brave men who are fighting for us.

Towards midnight on Christmas Eve, the crew of Berwick Lifeboat were summoned for the purpose of placing on board their boats in the bay, four members of the crew who had come ashore in small boats and were unable to reach their crafts owing to the heavy sea which had suddenly arisen.

Image 8 – Lifeboat – RNLB Matthew Simpson – Left to Right – Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.

 

The lifeboat went to the mouth of the river, and found that the craft had disappeared, but they were just in time to rescue two members of the crew who had been left in charge of their own boat, which had broken adrift, and would in a minute or two more have been swamped by the tremendous sea. Unfortunately, the lifeboat was a good deal damaged by the sinking boat being hurled against its side with great force. The men left by rail to rejoin their boat in the Firth of Forth.

Last week we reported a police case where boys in the K.O.S.B. Band raided Mr Crisp’s tobacconist shop. It came out that one of the boys, Laubauch, a lad of under sixteen, had already had no less than ten charges of theft against him. We believe that the theft of the motor car was nothing more than the boy going off in the car for a joy ride, and stepping out into the owner’s arms when he returned. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment in all. It is worth considering if the boy has been benefited by his previous punishment, because, if not, there should be some better way found of turning him into an honest citizen. We don’t profess to be able to say what that method should be but the present method of punishing the boy at any rate does not seem very successful.

 

THE K.O.S.B. BARRACKS

 

At the Barracks the Corporals and men of the K.O.S.B. were entertained to a Christmas dinner and in the absence of Lieut. Colonel Maclaren, Major Robertson Glasgow, delivered a short address, being accompanied by Major F. Villiers, Adjutant, and Lieut. Hart. Mr Robertson, Glasgow expressed the hope that the great conflict would be ended before they again met for Christmas. He was pleased to meet so many non coms and men some of whom had gained from one to five badges, and had lent a hand in holding back the initial effort of the German avalanche. At the close, hearty cheers were given for all the officers and a most pleasant time was spent.

 

COL. PETERKIN AND THE WAR LOAN

 

The Royal Scots were entertained to dinner in the Dining Hut on the Parade, according to regimental custom. The men were waited upon by the warrant officers and sergeants of the Battalion. The fare reflected great credit upon the Quarter-Master Staff, the Sergeant Cook and his assistants. The Royal Scots orchestra was present, and discoursed popular airs while dinner was in progress. Col. Peterkin with his officers paid a visit to the Dining Hut, and in a few brief remarks spoke of the exemplary record the Battalion had maintained since mobilisation.

The huts on the Parade at Berwick. In one of these (The Dining Hut), the Royal Scots were entertained. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-149-1.

 

Each new year had shown a clean sheet, and he trusted this would be maintained on the present occasion. He was proud to tell them that in connection with the War Loan they had beaten the Brigade hollow in regard to the amount subscribed. The figures showed the 2-10th Royal Scots with £155 7s 6d to their credit, or over £70 more than the next highest in the Battalion. (Applause).They had all done well, but he had no doubt that the well could have been made better. He was sure that money was sometimes spent carelessly by the men that could have been put to a better purpose in the War Loan. (Applause). He concluded by wishing them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (Applause).The men gave cheers for Col. Peterkin and the other officers, singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” The officers paid a similar visit to the Sergeant’s Mess.

This Week in World War One, 19 October 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 OCTOBER 1917

 

FROM TRENCHES TO HOMELAND

 

LOCAL LADS ON LEAVE FROM THE
BATTLEFRONT AND TRAINING CENTRES

 

Private Fred Laidlaw, Black Watch, Station Cottages, Tweedmouth, is presently home on a few days’ leave. Two of his brothers serving in the same regiment have fallen in the war.

Private George Skelly, R.F.A., Man Street, Tweedmouth, is home from France on a well earned leave. Before joining up he was employed by the G.P.O. on the Royal Mail van. His brother James is serving in the Northumberland Fusliers.

Another Tweedmouth lad home on leave from France is Private William Colthard, Dock Road. He joined the Northern Cyclists shortly after the outbreak of war. Private Colthard was employed by the Scremerston Colliery Company as a miner previous to enlisting.

British bicycle troops Brie, Somme March 1917 (c) Author: Ernest Brooks.

We are pleased to see home on leave, Private James Fairbairn, Black Watch. He resides at Falloden Terrace, Tweedmouth.

Corporal Harry Mason, K.O.S.B, is home on leave this week from France. He has come through some heavy fighting, and has been on active service practically since war began. He is looking hale and hearty despite having been wounded four times. He resides in West End, Tweedmouth. We wish him the best of luck.

Priv. Yourston, Main Street, Tweemouth, is among those home on a few days’ leave. He is in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and gained the D.C.M. about a year ago.

Delighted to see among us this week, Articifer Alexander Arnott, R.N., who is home for a few days’ leave from his strenuous duties. His parents reside in Blakewell Road, Tweedmouth. Previous to enlisting he was employed with Messrs Wm. Elder and Sons, implement makers, Berwick.

Private Joseph Clark, Tyneside Scottish, Parliament Close, Tweedmouth is home from France on leave. He joined the Northern Cyclists shortly after the outbreak of war. Previous to enlistment he was employed at Tweed Saw Mills.

May the best of luck attend Shoeing-Smith G.S. Lindsay, Royal Canadian Dragoons, who has been with us enjoying his well-earned ten days leave. Altogether he has been in France two and a half years. Good luck to this young fellow who is looking so healthy, and may he return all safe when peace is proclaimed.

Artificer G. Younger, Knowe Head, Tweedmouth is home on leave. Two of his brothers have fallen in the war. He was employed by the Scremerston Colliery Company as a miner.

Pleased to see Seaman Robert Havery, Berwick, home on leave for a few days, looking fit and well. He enlisted shortly after war broke out into the R.N.R. Previous to that he was employed by the N.E.R.

 

A NORHAM HERO

 

Private Wm. Burns of the K.O.S.B., son of Mr and Mrs Wm. Burns, Norham, has again been wounded, for the fifth time. He got his right leg blown off by the knee. He has been in France four times, suffering once from rheumatism in feet and legs, and got to Blighty for a time for arrest; his other wounds were not serious enough to send him home. He volunteered at the outbreak of war in August 1914. We wish him a speedy recovery.

British official photographs from the Western Front (c) Author: Ernest Brooks, National Library of Scotland. Source Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

“Lodon Opinion” for October 20th, gives us this extract from German Wireless :- “Whilst operating in the North Sea (no date given, one of our gallant submarines successfully attacked and dispersed a large cargo of monkey nuts” There is a full page picture of the Commanders of the submarine, one with his binoculars to his eyes surveying a sea of nuts extending almost as far as from Holy Island to Coldingham.

Probate of the will of the late Mr Henry Richardson Smail, proprietor of the “Berwick Advertiser” and “Berwickshire Advertiser” newspapers, Berwick-upon-Tweed, has been granted to his executors, Messrs Thomas Purves and Alexander Darling, of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Mr Frank P. Hamilton, of Darlington. The Testator’s estate has been sworn at £16,192 13s 10d gross, and, subject to a gift of £500 to his sister, Miss E.F. Smail, passes to the Testator’s son, Major H.R. Smail, 7th Northumberland Fusiliers (T.F.).

 

BELFORD AND DISTRICT NEWS

BELFORD

 

The many friends in Belford of Private Wm. Hilton (Billy) will be grieved to learn that he is wounded and a prisoner in Germany. On Saturday last, Mr Sanderson, West Street, Belford, received a post card presumably from a chum of Billy’s informing him of the sad events. The postal address given on card is Geldrieben den, Strenlager Wake, Germany, and the unfortunate little boy’s number is 23396. We are taking the liberty of giving the full address as some charitably disposed person may be anxious to send him a parcel. He is a native of Leicester, but spent 9 months in Belford in Signalling Section of Northern Cyclists, and went to France three or four months ago, was transferred to R.O.Y.L.I. He was a great favourite with the lads of his Company as well as with many of the villagers. We tender our sympathy and wish he may have a quick recovery and early return to Blighty

 

 

This Week in World War One, 15 December 1916

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 15 DECEMBER 1916

 

WAR NEWS

 

PROMISING CAREER ENDED

BERWICK MILITARY MEDALIST KILLED

 

Corprl J.E.Boal

It is with deep regret that we announce today the death of Corpl. J. E. Boal, N.F, only sonof Mr Thos. Boal, West Street, killed in action in France while engaged at the Trench Mortar School, behind the lines. The deceased lad was at the opening of a brilliant career when war cast its pall over the homes of Europe. Every honour which the Berwick Grammar School could offer, be it scholastic or athletic, he secured by ability which was recognised by all in the school, which has lost one more from its glorious roll of honour. Only so recently as October it was a pleasure to us to record the wining of the Military Medal by this gallant lad, and the fact that he had accepted a commission and was expected to arrive home at any time, has bought a deeper sadness with his untimely death. Corpl. Boal was a student at Skerry’s College, Newcastle, when war broke out, and he immediately left his studies and enlisted. His record of army service has been as excellent as when at school, and with the sorrowing father and family in this over whelming loss we are sure all most deeply sympathise.

The following is the letter received this morning:-

Trench Mortar Battery

9th December

Dear Mr Boal,

It is with the very deepest regret that I write to tell you of your son’s death. He was killed today, at a Trench Mortar School behind the lines, together with two of my officers, and six men of the battery. I was wounded myself and have not yet got over the shock that the loss of such grand men gave me, so I trust you will excuse this very short and disjointed letter. I only trust that you will be given strength to hear this terrible blow, and I hope if consolation is possible at such a time that you may derive a little from knowing that your son is buried in a village cemetery, and that his grave will be under the care of the good French people of the village. I will write you again in a few days, when I have had time to recover from this terrible blow, but please write me if there is anything you wish me to do. With my heart-felt sympathy.

I am

Yours sincerely,

L.S. Thomson, Capt.

 

LOCAL NEWS

© Berwick Record Office, BRO 1894-29.

 

Farm Labour in Berwick District. – In view of the recent hiring fairs, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have obtained specially full reports on the subject of labour. In the Lothians skilled labour is unobtainable, and in Berwick, Roxburgh, and Selkirk, where little regular hiring is done at this season, great difficulty has been found in filling vacancies. The wages of foremen in Fife are reckoned at £75 per annum, including perquisites, while in the Lothians ploughmen get 30s a week, with allowances, and women 20s.

 

 

Fatal Burning Accident. – About 12.30pm on Tuesday an unusual and fatal burning accident occurred at 61 Castlegate, Berwick. Mrs Thompson, wife of James Thompson, Army Ordinance Corps, stationed in England, went into a neighbour’s house on an errand, leaving her child, Blanc Rena Alice Thompson, nine months, sitting in a chair on a rug in front of the fire. When she returned a few minutes later she discovered the child’s clothing and night dress to be on fire, which she immediately extinguished. It was found that the infant had been burned on the legs and lower part of the body, and it was speedily removed to the Infirmary, where it was attended to by Dr Maclagan. Despite all that could be done for it the little sufferer died on Wednesday. It is supposed that the child’s clothing was ignited by a spark from the fire.

Berwick-upon-Tweed Infirmary HB1-68 (c) Berwick Record Office

 

Belford and District News

BELFORD

 

On Sunday evening last a memorial service was held in the Presbyterian Church, Belford, in memory of the young soldier Private W. Anderson, who has given his life for his country. The minister, the Rev. J. Miller, preached a most impressive sermon from Psalms 46, verses 1-6, the subject being entitled “The Song of Faith in the Season of Sorrow.” Private Howard of the Northern Cyclists sang very feelingly “O Dry Those Tears.” The Church was crowded.

Disquieting News. – news was received by someone in the district about the beginning of last week that Private William Anderson, son of Mr and Mrs Anderson, of Easington Grange, Belford, had died in a hospital in France from wounds received in battle. At the time of writing the parents of the brave young lad have had no definite information from any source, but we regret to say they are inclined to believe the rumour will be correct.

 

SEAHOUSES

 

George Clark Relief Fund. – The Hon. Treasurer has received a further sum of ten shillings to this fund from Mr Wm. Chisam, Yetlington. Mr Chisam, who recently lost a son in France, says – “I have, unfortunately, no one in the trenches to send a Christmas parcel to now, so George is welcome to the “mite” that would probably have gone elsewhere under other circumstances.” He adds very truly, – “Our damaged fighting men should not have to depend on charity, they have a right to due support, and I hope the new Government will get it.

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