This Week in World War One, 1 November 1918

02/11/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 1 NOVEMBER 1918

Berwick Officer Severely Wounded

LIEUT. ALF. M. HUFFAM

We regret that we are not able to record much improvement in the condition of Lieut. Alf. Huffam, West Riding Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Huffam, 119 High Street, Berwick, who was admitted on the 12th October to a Casualty Clearing Station in France, suffering from a wound in the face, and a severe wound in the back.

His brother has written home stating that though his condition has not shown much improvement, he is cheery and seems determined to get well again. We earnestly trust this determination will pull him through, and that next reports will be favourable.

Liuet. Huffam; who in civil life was a coach builder in Berwick, enlisted in the earliest stages of the war in the local battalion of the N.F. After training, he proceeded to France and came safely through the Second Battle of Ypres, and subsequent operations at Hooge, and on the Somme. He was recommended for a commission, and about a year ago was gazetted to the West Riding Regt. Since then he has seen heavy fighting, and has been mentioned in despatches. His younger brother made the supreme sacrifice last year, and other two brothers are in the N.F. Lieut. Huffam’s father was for over twenty-one years with the Royal Highlanders, and on leaving the Army was for some years a Volunteer Instructor.

The many friends of the wounded officer, especially those with whom he has associated in the Baptist Church Bible Class, wish him a speedy and thorough recovery.

War News

Military Cross for Berwick Officer

SEC. LT. JOHN STUART HARVEY

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Lieut. John Stuart Harvey, Worcesters, second son of Mr and Mrs S. G. Harvey, Railway Street, on his being awarded

A WW1 Military Cross similar to that awarded to Lieut. Stuart Harvey.

the Military Cross for gallantry.

Lieut. Harvey joined up in 1915 as a private in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and was recommended for a commission before proceeding to France with his

regiment. After service in France he was brought home to undergo his course, and was later gazetted to the Worcesters. He took part in the masterly retreat conducted during the German offensive in March last, and when the record of how he earned his decoration is published, we believe it will be for gallantry there.

Lieut. Harvey served his apprenticeship with Messrs Johnston and Darling, Berwick, but at the time of his enlistment, he was on the staff of Messr Donaldson and Company, seedsmen, Edinburgh. We trust he will be long spared to wear his honour.

War News

Mrs Sutherland, Berwick, has received the following letter from a friend of her late husband, Sergt, Laurie Sutherland.

Dear Mrs Sutherland, – I want to just write you a note about your husband. You will longer this have received word from the War Office as it has taken me a long time to find out particulars about him. He was up with me moving the battery forward on the night of the 30th Sept., and was unfortunately wounded by a mine going off on the road. I had left him but a few minutes to go on with some other lorries and did not know of the occurrence until he had been dressed and taken to hospital by the other men with him. As we have been moving forward every day I have not been able to get any news of him until I got an official note of his death three days afterwards on a hospital train.Those with him said that they did not think he was dangerously wounded and his death has come as a great shock to us all. He was not only one of the best sergeants that I have ever known, but as a man he was the finest that it has ever been my good fortune to work with. He was liked and respected by everyone. All this sense of loss that we feel is nothing compared to your irreparable loss, and I and all his old comrades wish me to send you their deepest sympathy. He has died as he always worked, so that the children of today and of tomorrow may not know the awfulness of war. It is, I know, but poor consolation to you and to his little girl of whom he so often spoke, but he has not died in vain. He leaves behind the splendid memory of a great hearted man. Please accept most sincere sympathy in your terrible loss. Yours very truly, FRED RANDALL.

SPITTAL COUNCIL SCHOOL

CHILDREN’S SALE OF WORK ON BEHALF

OF WAR CHARITIES WEEK

A successful Sale of Work organised by the scholars of Spittal Council School under the guidance of their teachers, took place in the school on Saturday afternoon. A big crowd of parents and others interested in the School made a lively scene, the Central Hall being quite filled.

The various stalls were as follows:-

Work Stall – Mrs Clements, Mrs Burn, Miss Lee.

Doll Stall – Jenny Martin, Agnes White, Barbara Wood.

Golliwogs, Beads, toys – Roberta Johnson

Guessing Stall – Two chickens, a cheese, two cakes, etc – Ella Martin

China and Glass Ware – Miss Dickinson

Jumble Stall – Miss Millar, Eta Dumble

Dip – Lizzie Johnson

Vegetable Stall – John Rutherford, Robt.Wood, Matthew Holburn, Alex. Patterson, William McLeod.

Door Keeper – Miss J. Wood

Parisian Tea Rooms – Miss Noble, Miss Johnson, Miss Borthwick, Miss Wolfe.

Mrs J. Campbell made the tea and was of great help. The largest of the classrooms made a delightful tea room.

Spittal School in the early 20th Century.

We were specially amused with the boys in charge of the Vegetable Stall. This was not a sum to work, it was not even playing at shops; it was real buying and selling. A customer appears, goods are displayed, real weights and measures and scales are used, real money is handed over and there is no discount.

The most optimistic expected to draw about £5 and we can imagine how surprised and delighted all were when the headmaster, Mr T. W. G. Borthwick announced that the nett proceeds amounted to £25. The parents and inhabitants of Spittal deserve the greatest praise for having given of their best and spared no expense to enable their children to do credit to their school in the various efforts to make “Children’s Day” a success.

Local News

The collection of plumstones and nut shells organised by the Patriotic Fund and kindly assisted by local grocers and greengrocers, is about to be sent to Government headquarters. Any contributions should be handed in without delay, and will be thankfully received. The proceeds, as our readers are aware, are used in the manufacture of gas masks, and the object should therefore appeal strongly to those who appreciated the value of such protectors of the lives of our men in the trenches.

Under sad circumstances the death has occurred of Mrs Reap, married quarters, wife of Private J. W. Reap, K.O.S.B., at present on active service. Mrs Reap, who is a daughter of Mrs Lough, West Street, died suddenly after a short illness, and leaves a family of seven children. Unfortunately the relations found it impossible to get into touch with Private Reap, and although funeral arrangements were delayed until Saturday, 19th, he was not present, and as yet no word had been received from him.

This Week in World War One, 4 October 1918

05/10/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4 OCTOBER 1918

FETE DAY A THE BARRACKS

SPLENDID EFFORT ON BEHALF OF PRISONERS OF WAR FUND

It is quite a pleasure to visit Berwick Barracks now that the Medical Board does not insist upon “civies” showing off their good points in their birthday suits, and on Thursday afternoon the attractions offered at the Fete which had been organised were sufficient to repay all the discomfort suffered here under the Review of Exceptions Act. True there were the same old faces, the man who looked at your calling up notice, the man who sent you hunting upstairs for your medical history, the one who ushered you into the chamber of horrors, even the obliging clerk who made out your discharge and the gem of an officer who signed it, but they were all different and smiling serenely, looking as if it was a pleasure to welcome one, instead of a painful duty. Major McAlester, D.S.O., the popular C.O., was early about amongst his officers, men and helpers, and to the credit of all be it said that everything ran well up to the time table.

The afternoon, so far as weather was concerned, might have been better, there being a chilliness in the air, a factor which of course must be expected at this time of year. This in a way, we believe, affected the attendance somewhat, for there might well have been a much larger turnout for so deserving an object. A pleasing splash of colour was given to the grim old Barrack Square by the Guard, who were for the occasion in the red and tartan full dress uniform with Balmoral bonnets. It was quite a change to sea this after having become so used to the dull khaki, and the Mons ribbon on the breasts of some of these men showed that they had done their bit with the “Old Bills.”

WAR MEDALS AND RELICS EXHIBITON

In the Officers Mess in charge of Miss Bishop, assisted by Major Parkinson and Major McAlester, D.S.O., who described the exhibits, a fine collection of War Medals, Orders, and War Relics were on view. Amongst the medals shown were the V.C.’s awarded to C.S.M.’s Skinner and Grimbaldstone and Piper Laidlaw.

Piper Laidlaw’s medals on display at the National Museum of Scotland. © Author: Kernel Saunters – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

There were also on view Serbian Decorations, Belgian Croix de Guerre, French Crois de Guerre and Orders, Stars, and Decorations awarded to men of the K.O.S.B.’s in former wars. Round the walls were hung the new, and also the battle torn colours of the various battalions of the Borderers, while the machine Guns of the 6th Battalion proved a centre of great interest. The war relics comprised practically everything which could be picked up on the battlefield or behind the lines, and there were many valuable and interesting curios in the collection.

In a Barrack Room, “Tommie’s Home” could be seen at the modest sum of twopence, clean and tidy, and laid out just as it would have been for a General’s Inspection. Many visited this side attraction during the afternoon, and the smart and trim appearance of the rooms were favourably commented upon.

WAR NEWS

SPECIALLY MENTIONED

We are pleased to record that Lieut. Commander Willits, R.N.R., son of Mr H. W. Willits, has been specially mentioned in Despatches for escort, convoy and patrol work. He was in Australia when war broke out and on coming home was given the command of one of H.M. Torpedo Boats. He is now in command of a Destroyer and has seen much service on the French and Belgian Coasts.

BERWICK NEWSAGENT KILLED IN ACTION

Private William Hay

It is with deep regret that we record the death in action of Private Wm. Hay, K.O.S.B., husband of Mrs Hay, newsagent, Church Street, and son of Mr William Hay, baker and merchant, Berwick. The first news of this sad occurrence was conveyed in a letter from a comrade and this was confirmed by the official notice which arrived later.

“Willie” hay, as he was familiarly called in the town was a favourite with all who knew him. A thorough business man he built up a most successful newsagent’s enterprise many years before the war, and practically we might say after he had left school. He found time, however, to indulge in sport, and in the position of goalkeeper assisted Berwick Rangers and other teams in medal competitions. A good sport and a friend all will be sorry to lose, he will be missed in the year which are to come.

He enlisted under the Derby Scheme and after being allowed a little time to make business arrangements, joined up in the K.O.S.B. With that regiment he served in the Eastern Theatre of war, and along with him for a time was Private Robt. Clark, who in civil life was a newsagent at Tweedmouth.

We are sure we voice the feelings of our readers when we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his widow, in her great sorrow, and to his father.

LOCAL NEWS

A postcard has been received by Mr Johnson, West End, Tweedmouth from his son, Private T.S. Johnson, King’s Own London Regiment, who is a prisoner at Stammlager, Germany, returning thanks to the Mayoress (Mrs Plenderleith) for having sent him a parcel of food and comforts. We are glad to learn that Private Johnson is keeping well and hope he soon will be clear of confinement.

Stammlager Prison, where Private T. S. Johnson, of the King’s Own London Regiment, was held as a prisoner in WW1. © Author: LutzBruno. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

In the town on leave after having been for a long time in hospital recovering from wounds, we observe Sergeant Lawrence Simmon of the Black Watch, enjoying a leave. He has seen considerable service on the western front during his military career, and as he has done his bit we rust it will be a long time yet, if ever, when he again returns to the front.

HORNCLIFFE

Mr John Christison, second son of Mr Alex. Christison, India, and grandson of the late Ald. H. L. Christison, J.P., of Berwick, has had an unfortunate experience. He was in a Linconshire regiment, and after being invalided out was proceeding to India to take up a position there when the boat upon which he was travelling was torpedoed 200 miles from land. Mr Christison has lost everything, and is now back at Horncliffe staying with his aunt, Miss Turner.

This Week in World War One, 20 September 1918

20/09/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 20 SEPTEMBER 1918

The Late Lieut Clements

GERMANS ERECT CROSS TO UNKNOWN HERO

We sincerely regret to learn that Mrs Clements, Spa Well Villas, Spittal, has received the sad news that her husband, Lieut. R. C. Clements, N.F., who was previously reported missing, is now reported to have been killed in action. Lieut. Clements joined up early in the war and had considerable service in France as an N.C.O. with the N.F.’s before receiving his commission. He had only been at the Front a few months on the second occasion when he was called to make the supreme sacrifice. Local people will remember what an enthusiast he was in many branches of sport with which he was so prominently connected. The scholars at Spittal Council School (where he served so ably as assistant master) will be sorry to know that he who cared so much for their welfare has had to pay the great price for the liberty they enjoy. We extend to Mrs Clements and her little daughter our deepest sympathy in their most distressing time.

TRIBUTE BY MR BORTHWICK, SPITTAL

Mr T. W. G. Borthwick, headmaster of Spittal Council School, has forwarded us the following particulars regarding Lieut. Clements:-

The news of the death of Mr Robt. Clements, Second Lieut., N.F., was received with regret and sorrow all over the district. In Spittal, especially, where he lived and was so well known, respected and loved, the sad event was the only subject of conversation, evoking universal sympathy for Mrs Clements and her little daughter in their great bereavement. A little more than a month ago Mrs Clements was informed that her husband had been transferred to an Irish Regiment, and later the news came that on August 8th, the first day of the great advance, he was missing.

BRO 1828-1 Lieutenant R.C.Clements bottom right.

He had gone out on a scouting expedition accompanied by three of his men and none had returned. As our troops were advancing, the general opinion was that the whole party had been made prisoners. On Friday night, Mrs Clements received letters from the Colonel and two officers who state that when the regiment arrived at the village of Vieux Berguin the bodies of the three men who accompanied Mr Clements were found lying beside a grave in a secluded corner of the village. Over the grave was the inscription “To an unknown Hero.” The officers opened the grave and found the body of Mr Clements. Death, they say, must have been instantaneous as the head was badly shattered by a bullet, but the badges and other tokens showed without doubt that Mr Clements had been buried here by the Germans. The body was reverently re-interred in the little cemetery of Vieux Berguin.

His brother officers speak of him as a brave and fearless soldier, and this is proved by the fact that Mr Clements had penetrated into the German lines much further than anyone expected.

The death of Mr Clements is a very great loss. Goodhearted, generous, cheerful, full of humour and at the same time gentle and sympathetic, no wonder everybody liked him. To the many hundreds of boys who have had the privilege of being his pupils he was more than a teacher. They worshipped the very ground he walked on; waited to escort him home from school at night, and hung around his house door to walk down to school with him in the morning. They clung to him like needles to a magnet. What shall I say of him as a teacher? Mr Clements was a man of great natural ability and his initiative and individuality were great assets.

The whole community in Spittal mourns his loss; many were moved to tears when they heard of his death.

Mr Clements was the oldest of three assistants who have served in this school. The two younger men, Mr Roy Hunter, and Mr John M. Tate, both university graduates and fine men have been killed. They were not so well known as Mr Clements, but their memory is held in loving respect by all who were associated with them.

I had hoped that Mr Clements might have been spared to us, but all three are lying out there on the field of honour in France, three brilliant young men whose memories will be cherished by their colleagues and hundreds of older scholars of Spittal Council School.

After his death, Robert’s wife Minnie and their daughter, Nancy stayed in Spittal. Minnie continued to teach at Spittal School which their daughter also attended. Nancy won a scholarship and eventually moved away from the area. However, in the 1970s, she returned to Spittal. In 1982, she presented Spittal School with the Clements Cup in memory of her parents and the family’s long connection with the school

LOCAL NEWS

Captain R. C. Richardson was decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday week with the Military Cross. He has had a month at Aldershot, and at the end of a fortnight’s leave expects to go to France.

The Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded to Lieut. William Douglas Baird Thompson, M.C., D.L.I., for having showed great courage and determination in holding the line, which was the left flank of the battalion, and not in touch with any other unit, beating back every attempt of the enemy to advance. After dusk he restored the situation by his energy and fearlessness. Lieut. Thompson is the son of Mr Wm. Thompson, shipping agent, Newcastle, and grandson of the late Mr and Mrs Richard Thompson, Cheswick Farm, Goswick. Mrs R. Thompson was a Miss Fawcus of Charlton.

BELFORD

Mrs Cuthbert, High Street, Belford, has received official news that her only son, Priv. R. Cuthbert, has been wounded and gassed and admitted into hospital in Birmingham. In civil life he was a butcher employed by his mother, and on attaining his 18th year joined the colours. He put in a few months training, and afterwards sailed for France in the beginning of this year. He has our best wishes for an early and satisfactory recovery.

Private John Scrowether, husband of Mrs Scrowether, West Street, Belford, has now spent four long years in a German prison camp. Jack was an old soldier and was called up at the outbreak of war, and was sent to France almost immediately. He took part in all the early battles of the war, and fought till taken prisoner in the battle of the Aisne. He is going on well and by his photo looks exceedingly well, through having had to work very hard. He has our best wishes for an early return

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