Berwick Advertiser

This Week in World War One, 16 July 1915

08/03/201817/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 16 JULY 1915

BERWICK GRAMMAR SCHOOL SPORTS

Under ideal weather conditions Berwick Grammar School held their annual school sports in the Pier Field on Thursday afternoon. There was a large attendance of parents and friends and the various events were keenly contested. The Rev. R. C. Inglis and Mr A. L. Miller acted as judges and the two house masters, Mr Pearce and Mr Woodcock officiated as starters and handicappers. At the conclusion of the sports the prizes were presented to the successful competitors by Commander F. M. Norman, R.N., in the unavoidable absence of the Mayoress (Mrs T. Wilson). Before presenting the prizes Captain Norman said he had for many years presented the prizes to the boys in school, but this was the first time he had had the privilege and honour of presenting the prizes at the annual school sports. He had to congratulate them on the splendid weather they had during the afternoon, and he was sure it had been a pleasure to all to watch the various events. It was of inestimable benefit to the boys to take part in such games, and he hoped that it would help them to become good citizens and soldiers. It gave him great pleasure to announce that no less than 100 old boys of the school had their names inscribed on the roll of honour, and were serving their King and Country. (Applause.)

Old Grammar School Building, Palace Street East, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Photograph taken in August 1952. — Old Grammar School Building, Palace Street East, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Photograph © Barbara Carr and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

In presenting the prizes, Captain Norman referred to the fact that the first prize for the Cross Country Run had been presented by Pte. T. Boal, 7^th N.F., who was at present serving in the trenches. Private Boal was last year the winner of the Norman Challenge Bowl, and it was gratifying to know that, while he was in France, he had not forgot his old school. He hoped Pte. Boal would be spared to come back amongst them. (Applause.) Mr A. L. Miller proposed a hearty vote of thanks to captain Norman for presenting the prizes. The name of Captain Norman had been long associated with the school, and he was sure that wherever and whenever old boys and present pupils thought of Berwick Grammar School, they would always remember Captain Norman, who had taken such a kindly interest in them. (Applause.) The boys gave three hearty cheers for Captain Norman, and the singing of “God Save the King” brought the proceedings to a close.

Postscript: the above article refers to a Pte. T. Boal, 7th N.F., this should have read Pte. J.E. Boal who was later promoted to Corporal 7th Northumberland Fusiliers. The T. Boal mentioned in the article was his father.

Corporal John Edgar Boal 7th Northumberland Fusiliers

BOAL, Cpl. John Edgar, 2074, M.M. 7^th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, attd. 149^th T.M. Bty. Accidently killed 8^th Dec., 1916. Age 20. Son of Thomas W. and Lily Boal, of 12, West St., Berwick-upon-Tweed. Educated at Berwick Grammar School. The notice below shows the presentation of the Military Medal to Mr Thomas. W. Boal, father of the late Corporal John Edgar Boal dated 14th April 1917.

Presentation of Military Medal to J E Boal. Reference no: D13-1-83-001

GOLDEN WEDDING AT SPITTAL

A worthy old Spittal couple in the persons of George Elliott, fisherman, residing in Gibson’s Row, and his good lady celebrated the 50^th anniversary of their marriage on Monday, and were the recipients of many presents and congratulations from their family and friends.

The family of George Elliott from the 1901 Census:

Name: George Elliott

Age: 56

Spouse: Jane Elliott

Birth Place: Northumberland, Spittal

Civil parish: Tweedmouth

Ecclesiastical parish: Spittal St John the Evangelist

County/Island: Northumberland

Registration district: Berwick

Household Members:

George Elliott aged 56, occupation fisherman. Jane Elliott aged 56. Richard Elliott aged 27, occupation fisherman. George Elliott aged 25, occupation Salmon fisher. Joseph Elliott aged 16, occupation labourer. Thomas Elliott aged 13, Ellen Elliott aged 23 and Isabella Elliott aged 19, occupation Clay Pipe Moulder,

The family of George Elliott from the 1911 Census:

Name: George Elliott

Age: 65

Birth Place: Tweedmouth, Northumberland, England

Civil parish: Tweedmouth

County/Island: Northumberland

Street Address; 6B East St, Spittal, Berwick

Marital status: Married

Occupation: Fisherman

Registration district: Berwick

Household Members:

George Elliott aged 65, occupation fisherman. Jane Elliott aged 65. Joseph Elliott aged 26, occupation fisherman. Thomas Elliott aged 23, occupation Cooper, Herring Curing.

EGG SUNDAY IN SPITTAL

Magnificent collection

1,153 Eggs as a gift for the Wounded

What may very truly be described as a “unique service,” was held on Sunday last in the Congregational Church, Spittal, when an effort to procure eggs for the use of the wounded soldiers quartered in the Borough was brought to a most successful issue. The special service was held in the evening when a crowded congregation, gathered for worship, which was conducted by the minister of the Church, the Rev. Frederick T. Williams. The praise portion first celebrated was fittingly rendered by the choir of the Church, and included the anthems, “Blessed is he that Considereth the Poor”, and “The Lord is Almighty” Mr J. N. Peace, B.A., also contributed a solo. Immediately preceding the hymn “We give Thee but Thine Own, “ the Minister said he thought that would be the most fitting moment in the service to express his sense of gratitude for the magnificent response which had been made to his appeal. In a very appropriate manner he said:- “My dear friends, let me at this point in the service express my sincere thanks for the truly magnificent manner in which you have responded to my appeal. You have far exceeded my expectations, but then you have been constantly doing that during the term of my pastorate in this place. I know you are all wondering and some of you have been making various calculations as to the number of eggs which you see so nicely displayed in the front of the Church. Including those brought to the service this evening I have received no less than eleven hundred and fifty-three. Truly a generous gift from loving hearts. Why have you done this? The answer comes very readily. I know the one all compelling motive which has moved you. True there are one or two motives of a secondary nature. I know you like to do your best for every appeal made by the Church. I know you like to encourage the man who for the time being is your minister; and you have never given me cause for greater thankfulness than you have today, and I am proud of you; but these considerations do not constitute the chief reason why you have done this thing. You have done it, because you have husbands, sons, brothers, sweethearts serving at the Front. Some of them have been wounded and they are lying in hospitals in different parts of England, and you know that our countrymen in every town and village are doing what they can to minister to their comfort. As you would like them treated as you know they are being treated, even so you are seeking to do for those in your own midst who having given themselves for their country’s service, have returned stricken from the field of battle. God bless you everyone, and in the name of those for whom your gifts are intended please accept my heartfelt thanks.

After the hymn had been sung a suitable prayer was offered, and then the Reverend gentleman preached a most appropriate sermon…

This Week in World War One, 9 July 1915

08/03/201810/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9th JULY 1915

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FOR BERWICK LAD

Trumpeter William. J. Brett, 72nd Battery of the Royal Field Artillery

Congratulations to Trumpeter Wm. J. Brett, 72^nd Battery of the Royal Field Artillery, who has, through his bravery, been recommended for the Distinguished Service Medal. Trumpeter Brett is the youngest son of Barrack Warden P. Brett, K.O.S.B. Berwick, and Mrs Brett, Wellington Cottage, Quay Walls. Trumpeter Brett, who is only 18 years of age, joined the Royal Field Artillery, about three years ago. He has been at the front since the beginning of the war, and last Friday arrived home on four days leave. On the way home he was informed by his officer that he had been recommended for the D.S.M. for the following brave action:- Trumpeter Brett was out on field telephone service and from his point of observation he saw three companies of Germans a little over a mile away quickly advancing towards his battery. Very pluckily Trumpeter Brett remained at his post until he got word through to his officer that the Germans were approaching. A gun was quickly mounted at a level crossing and the German companies were practically wiped out. Had it not been for his promptitude and pluck in remaining to send the message in all likelihood his battery would have been taken by surprise, the consequences of which can be imagined. Mr and Mrs Brett have good reason to be proud of the achievement of their youngest son. Their eldest son, Gunner P.J.G. Brett, is stationed at Jahasi, India, with the 79^th Battery of the R.F.A. It is interesting to note that Trumpeter Brett’s paternal grandfather, who was in an Irish regiment, held the Crimean Medal; while his maternal grandfather, who served for 37 years in the East Surreys and Border Regiment, held the Maori Medal. Trumpeter Brett left for the Front on Monday at midnight, and we wish him good luck and a safe return.

CAMPS LIBRARY

Mr Toohey, Customs Office, Berwick, has received the following letter from the Hon. Mrs Eva Armstrong, secretary of the Camps Library:- “Thank you so very much for your kind letter. We are most grateful to you for all the books you are sending us, and for the great help you give us by receiving and dispatching these. I think you will probably get a good many books from Lady Clementine Waring, so if you will forward them to us we shall be much obliged. I think it is an excellent idea to have advised the local scouts that you are receiving books for us through the medium of the Press, and I am sure they will be glad to send you any they collect.” Mr Toohey begs to thank the following for gifts of books:- Lady Clementine Waring, Lennel; Mrs F.W. Wilsden, The Elms, Berwick; Mr R.A. Donaldson, 25 East Street, Berwick; and Mrs Matheson, 3 Devon Terrace, Berwick. Further gifts of books will be gratefully received at the Customs Office, Berwick.

Berwick Advertiser James Dunlop & Son Advert — Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915, James Dunlop & Son Advert

WHAT WOMEN CAN MAKE AT HOME

Pretty Dress that Looks Well and Costs Little

Everybody is talking about saving and investing, chiefly in connection with the new and evidently popular War Loan, but many, thrifty housewives and sensible girls are investing 6½d each week in our deservedly popular paper patterns which not only enable them to make pretty and serviceable garments at home, but to save money on the cost of buying ready-to-wear things which so far as cut

Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915. — Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915, Summer Frock

and style go, are not to be compared with the same articles built on the lines of our patterns at home.

A pretty idea for a summer frock will be found in sketch No.1587. Quite a number of pretty dresses this season are made of deep embroidery flouncing of voile, muslin, or lace, and the effect is always dainty and charming. No doubt the full skirts have defeated the demand for flouncing and the consequent charm or our new frocks. But a little change has been evolved in the design here presented, by placing the flouncing, with prettily gathered heading, on a well shaped upper skirt part. This is a good idea for it takes away the bulk of material which to the full length flounce skirt, and which is not becoming to all figures.

The material for the bodice and upper skirt should correspond in texture with the flouncing of the lower skirt. Plain voiles and crepes can be obtained which will “go” with flouncing of these materials, also plain lawns and muslins for embroidery cotton goods. The quantities for the realisation of our pretty design are as follows:- Of 18 to 20 inch flouncing, 3 yards; of plain double width material, 3 yards-this being apportioned in this way, 1½ yards for the bodice, and 1½ yards for the upper skirt.

This Week in World War One, 2nd July 1915

08/03/201803/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1915

BERWICK BOY SCOUTS FIELD DAY

On Midsummer Holiday Berwick-upon-Tweed Boy Scouts had a combined outing to Chain Bridge. The patrols from Tweedmouth and Spittal joined Berwick boys at Headquarters, Palace Green, where arrangements were completed for the march. Headed by a patrol leader bearing the Troop

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Boy Scout

flag, the procession passed through the town and made quite a good show, the treck-cart party coming up close behind, and being followed by the Cyclist Scouts.

After a halt at Cantie’s the troop resumed their march and reached Chain Bridge in time to have bathing parade before dinner. The afternoon was pleasantly spent, and after tea, a football match, Berwick versus Tweedmouth and Spittal, was played off, resulting in a victory for the latter.

The weather was glorious up to this point, but the thunder-storm which broke as the boys were on their way to Velvet Hall Station literally put the damper on them. However, they were very happy, and quite enjoyed the day’s outing.

Altogether, 134 boys were present at the outing, the Scoutmasters in charge being Messrs Clements, Turnbull, Moore and Edward Smith. Mr T. Boal very kindly acted as Scoutmaster for the day, and to him and to Mr Bell, farmer, Bankhead, who kindly placed a field at the disposal of the Scouts, as well as to Mr T. C. Smith, Castle Terrace, who provided prizes, the thanks of the Scouts’ Association are heartily tendered.

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Playhouse Advert — Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915,
Playhouse Advert

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP

On Tuesday afternoon the children attending the E.P. Church, Tweedmouth, had their annual trip to Greenlaw Farm, Foulden. The farmer, Mr James Renton, and family, seem to look forward to the coming of the children and their friends with pleasure, and to find special delight in making preparations for their entertainment. As the long procession of carts, kindly supplied by Messrs Peter Edgar, Camphill; David and James Renton, Spittal Hall; Mrs Marshall, Tweedmouth; Mr Cowe, Baldersbury; and Mrs Waite, Castlehill, passed along the youngsters broke away from the monotony and depression of the time-making all within reach of their voices forget for a little the worries and anxieties of the war. Once on the field there was a rush to the liberty to scamper and play and amuse themselves without restraint. After tea, served by the teachers, the games and races were resumed with vigour, and kept going till a few loud claps of thunder intimated that it was time to quit. Before leaving, to show how much they felt indebted to Mr and Mrs Renton and family for the invitation to their place, for the milk they supplied for the tea, and for their kindness and efforts to make the trip a success, three hearty cheers were given. The return journey, after a most enjoyable afternoon in the open, was completed without a mishap. The teachers beg to thank very sincerely Mr P. Edgar for his assistance on the field; Mr P. Boston for the use of the infuser; the ladies who gave the nuts and sweets; those who provided the carts, and all who contributed towards the children’s enjoyment.

LOCAL OFFICER WOUNDED

Lieut F.W Smail

Mr H.R. Smail, proprietor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” received word by telegram on Wednesday evening that his second son, Lieut. F.W. Smail had been wounded on Monday, but the nature of the wound is not stated.

Lieut. Smail was educated at Berwick Grammar School and Loretto School, Musselburgh, and afterwards was a student farmer. A year or two ago he entered the tenancy of Linton Burnfoot Farm, Kelso. A year before the outbreak of war he was a trooper in the Lothians and Border Horse, and from that regiment he transferred to the 7^th N.F. as second lieutenant. He was keen and enthusiastic in the discharge of his duties, and before the 7^th N.F. left for the front he was promoted 1^st Lieutenant. His eldest brother, Captain H. R. Smail, is in the same regiment.

A letter we have received as we go to press states that Lieut. Smail was caught by a sniper while in the trenches at night. The bullet struck him on the back of the head, and he was carried from the trench unconscious. The wound is described as serious.

Lieut F.W Smail Dies From His Wounds

Berwick Cemetery, North Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, where 1st Lieutenant Frank Weddell Smail is buried

SMAIL, Lt. Frank Weddell. “D” Coy. 1st/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 1st Dec., 1915 of wounds received near Wulverghem on 27th June. Age 23. Son of Henry Richardson Smail, of Berwick-on-Tweed. A.C. 412. Acknowledgement – Grave Registration Documents-Registers – CWGC

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