Berwick Board of Guardians

This Week in World War One, 3 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3 MAY 1918

WAR NEWS

FORMER SCREMERSTON SOLDIER WOUNDED

We regret to hear that Bombadier Esau Wilkinson, who for many years resided in Scremerston, a nephew of Mr and Mrs Younger, East Allerdean, has been wounded and is now in Bolton Hospital, Lancs. Bomb. Wilkinson was knocked out by a wound in the head and right hand while carrying a wounded comrade. The shell which knocked him over was responsible for the death of three other men. He joined the R.F.A. in the early stages of the war and has seen some heavy fighting since going out to France three years ago.

FORMER ROYAL SCOTS WOUNDED AND GASSED

News has been received by a friend in Berwick, that Sergeant George Gardiner, Machine Gun Corps. Late Royal Scots, has been wounded and gassed in the big offensive.

British troops blinded by tear gas in 1918. © Author: Thomas Keith Aitken (Second Lieutenant). This photograph Q11586 is from the collections of the Imperial War Museums (collection no. 1900-22).

BERWICK SOLDIER A PRISONER

Lance Corpl. James Roughhead.

Information has been received by Sergt. Wm Purves, K.O.S.B., that his nephew, Lance-Corpl. James Roughead, Durham Light Infantry is a prisoner of war in a German Camp. Lance Corpl Roughead was at one time a member of the M.C. Section of the local Territorials, but had severed his connection prior to the war. In civil life he was employed as a stone mason.

 

BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

CARE OF SOLDIERS’ CHILDREN

A circular, enclosing resolution, from the Farlington Boarding Out Committee on the lack of supervision of our sailors and soldiers children was submitted in which they invited the cooperation of the Guardians to bring the matter before the Local Government Board. It was alleged that there were large numbers of children boarded out at the present moment without adequate supervision, and the circular advocated the appointment of trained women inspectors and visitors. In the course of a discussion the Chairman said there was a strong animus against allowing such children to come under Guardians’ care, and he thought it was a foolish sentimental feeling. It was agreed to remit the matter for further consideration to the Boarding Out Committee.

 

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

Mr and Mrs William Moffat, 18 Middle Street, Spittal, have received news from their son, Private John Moffat, Royal Scots, that he has been wounded in the thigh, during the recent heavy fighting, and is now in hospital at Sheffield, Private Moffat joined up early in the war and has had a long spell in France, this being the third time he has been wounded. Prior to the war he was a pitman. Another brother, William, joined the Northumberland Fusiliers at the outbreak of war and has seen a lot of severe fighting. He also has been wounded twice, and is at present serving in France with the Staffordshires.

Mrs King, 13 West Street, Spital, has received official information that her husband, Private John King, Royal Scots Fusiliers, is missing. Before going to France, private King was stationed at Berwick for a considerable time, and was attached to “A” Company, Royal Scots. We trust Mrs King (who was formerly Miss Wales, daughter of the late Mr John wales, painter, Spittal) may soon hear good news regarding her husband.

Mrs O’Connor, 20 Middle Street, Spittal, has received information from her husband, Private Robert O’Connor, Northumberland Fusiliers, that he has been taken prisoner by the Germans and is now interned at Limburg.

Pictured is the WW1 prisoner of war camp at Limburg, where Private Robert O’Connor, Northumberland Fusiliers was interned.

The German offensive is still being actively carried on, which makes it impossible for any of our soldier lads to get home on leave. Thanks to our Navy’s supremacy on the sea, the German Fleet do not feel inclined to come out and try a Tussle. For the time being this enables the Navy men to have a great advantage with regard to leave over their soldier comrades. This week we are glad to see Seaman David Scott and Jos. Elliott, R.N.R., spending a few days at home. Both seem to be enjoying the best of health. In civil life Seaman Scott’s occupation was that of cooper, while Seaman Elliott was a fine fisherman, being one of the crew of a Spittal coble

Seaman Thomas Martin, R.N.R., who is engaged in the dangerous work of minesweeping off the East Coast, is, we notice, having a few days’ leave at home. He joined up in January, 1915, and during his long spell of service has had some exciting experiences. Before the war Seaman Martin was a fisherman.

Seaman John Moody, R.N.R., son of Mr Robt. Moody, West Street, Spittal, is having a few days’ leave from his active duties. We are glad to know he is enjoying the best of health.

This Week in World War One, 25 August 1916

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 AUGUST 1916

 

THE FREEMEN’S ACADEMY

 

It is hoped that the Freemen may give an attentive ear and serious consideration to the timeous and admirable suggestion made by Mr Charles Forsyth as to opening he Corporation Academy to a wider circle of fee paying pupils. It is when one contrasts the finely equipped elementary schools – palatial to a degree, which have been erected in many of the larger towns in Scotland, and the concentration and co-ordination of educational institutions, which a few years ago were run as separate units, that one realises how far Berwick is behind the times. Let some of the Berwick people visit a reasonably sized Scottish town and inspect the facilities and benefits which the children there enjoy, and he will return to the Border town a little crestfallen.

Statue of Andrew Carnegie, Pittencrieff Park, Chambers Street, Dunfermline, Fife. © userkilnburn wikimedia commons.
Statue of Andrew Carnegie, Pittencrieff Park, Chambers Street, Dunfermline, Fife. © userkilnburn wikimedia commons.

 

The days of educational institutions run for one particular class is a thing of the past – the desire is to extend educational facilities in all directions. Mr Andrew Carnegie, in opening the Scottish Universities to poor students, has emphasised this, and has proved a national benefactor. The Freemen need not for a moment think they are running any risks if they act on the commendable suggestion Mr Forsyth makes; but, on the other hand, if the Corporation School is maintained for a small section of pupils, which is getting more attenuated each year, it will tend to bring deserved public criticism on what may be genuinely regarded as a scandal.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The N.F. and the V.C. – The Northumberland Fusiliers, whose curious notion that they were not eligible for the V.C. has just been removed by the War Office, are one of the British regiments in existence, and have a bewildering wealth of distinctions. Well do they deserve their nickname of the “Fighting Fifth” ( “the ever-fighting, never-failing Fifth”), for since their baptism of fire at Maestricht, two centuries and a quarter ago, they have been in the thick of it in almost all our wars, and boast no fewer than 18 battle honours. For an amazing feat at Wilhelmstahl, when they took double their own number of enemy prisoners, the Fifth were granted the very rare honour of a third colour, and for another exploit they are privileged to wear roses in their caps on St. George’s Day.

Northumberland Fusiliers at Thiepval Sept 1916 © Brooks, Ernest (Lt) - Imperial War Museum - IWM_Q_1349
Northumberland Fusiliers at Thiepval Sept 1916 © Brooks, Ernest (Lt) – Imperial War Museum – IWM_Q_1349

 

The erroneous impression that no Victoria Cross can be gained by the Northumberland Fusiliers used to be an actual fact in the case of the Brigade of Guards. When the medal was instituted it was not everywhere received in the spirit intended. The Guards’ officers decided that all men in the brigade were equally brave; this crystallised into a tradition, with the result that no recommendations for the V.C. were ever forwarded to Headquarters from a Guards regiment. But with new men came new manners, and now the Guards as well as the “Fighting Fifth” stand an equal chance with the rest of the Army.

The War Hospital Supply Depot in Bridge Street, Berwick, will open to the public on Saturday first, when everyone should take the opportunity of seeing the great work done here for our wounded soldiers and sailors.

 

BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

HOW THE WAR AFFECTS US

 

A meeting of the Berwick Board of Guardians was held in the Board Room of the Workhouse on Monday. Mr James Mowitt (chairman) presided, and other members present were Miss A. E. Henderson, Mrs J. G. Willits, the Rev. Robert Leggat, the Rev. W. M. Smythe, Dr Wm. Smyth, Mr James Chisholm, Mr Geo. W. Glahome, mr Thomas Aird, Mr George Morrison, Mr F. Richardson, Mr Geo. A. Turnbull, Capt. J. C. Collingwood, Mr John R. Wood, Mr Ed. Waugh, Mr Mathew C. Robertson, Mr Aaron D. Morton, Mr James H. Armstrong, Mr George R. Lumsden, Mr Robert Boston, and Mr John A. Stewart; also attending Mr Robert Smith, acting clerk, and Mr A. H. Banks, Workhouse master.

SOLDIER AND SAILOR LUNATICS

The Plymouh Guardians forwarded the following letter:-

Dear Sir,

           Soldier and Sailor Lunatics.

Since the outbreak of war, a number of lunatic soldiers and sailors have been transferred to the Borough asylum and made chargeable to the poor rates of this Incorporation under the provisions of the Army Annual Act, section 91. The Guardians are of opinion that it is highly improbable that more than a small proportion of the men in question, would have become lunatics, had It not been for the stress and strain of the war, and under the circumstances, they consider that their maintenance should be a national and not a local charge. They also consider it is very undesirable that men whose mental facilities have become deranged while serving their country, should be classified as pauper lunatics, and are, therefore, urging the Association of Poor Law Unions of England and Wales to take whatever action they may deem advisable, either by deputation or representations in Parliament, with the object of bring about such alteration in the law, as shall remove from the statute book, the provision which enables soldiers and sailors on their discharge from the army and navy as lunatics, to be made a charge upon the poor rates. The Guardians will be glad to hear that your Board are prepared to support them in this matter and that they will instruct their Association Representatives accordingly.

Yours truly, W.H. DAVY

Clerk to the Guardians.

Captain Collingwood, Mr Richardson, and Mr Armstrong supported the terms of the letter, and I was unanimously agreed to approve of same.

This Week in World War One, 21 January 1916

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21 JANUARY 1916

 

CONCERT BY BEAL SCHOOL CHILDREN

 

A very interesting musical exhibition was given by the pupils of the Beal School on Friday afternoon the whole performance testifying to the careful tuition imparted by the head teacher, Mr W. F. Blackham, and his assistant, Miss M. Reid. Since his appointment Mr Blackham has evinced much zeal and careful attention in the discharge of his responsible duties, and the result was that the short musical programme was most capably sustained on Friday, adding a pleasurable feeling in the minds of the distinguished ladies of the district, who graced the proceedings with their presence. Mrs Leyland, Haggerston Castle, presided, and there were also present, the Hon. Lady Lambton, Miss Joan Leyland, Mrs Patinson, Lowlyn, and Mr M. A. Coates, estate agent.

A recent photograph of the former Schoolhouse at Beal.
A recent photograph of the former Schoolhouse at Beal.

 

These gave several dainty and beautiful prizes of books, knitting cases, work baskets, etc., to the pupils who had gained distinction in their studies. Mr Blackham said he was sure that they were all very pleased to be present on that occasion to receive these prizes, and they meant more than their actual value to the successful pupils. Some might be disappointed, but he hoped those who had not been able to secure a prize would go away in the resolve and determination that they would obtain one next year. By doing so they would help themselves, and lead to better results in the school next year. (Applause.) He had received an apology from the Vicar, the Rev. W. C. Harris, who had kindly sent two prizes.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Concert –  A Concert organised by Mr Ferguson was held in the Archbold Hall, Wooler, in aid of British prisoners in Germany. The hall was crowded, most of the leading families in the district being represented. The performers were Miss K. Vincent, Mrs C. E. Brown, Mr W, Adamson, and Captain Collingwood, also the Pom Pom Pierrots, consisting of Mrs Collingwod, Miss Collingwood, Miss Ivy Fenwick, Miss Walker, Capt. Collingwood, and Mr Ferguson. The accompanists were Miss Vincent, Mr Smith, and Mr Ferguson. The proceeds amounted to about £24, the event being a great success.

Archbold Hall, Wooler (c) Berwick Record Office
Archbold Hall, Wooler (c) Berwick Record Office Ref: BRO 0426-1225

 

Mr George Lumsden, who has completed 50 years as a member of Berwick Board of Guardians and Norham, and Islandshires Rural District Council, is in his 78th year, and one of the oldest active cyclists on the Borders. For 34 years he farmed Shoreswood Farm, near Norham; and in his younger days was a keen hunting man. He can remember the last person – a woman – in Berwick stocks.

 

BERWICK AND LORD DERBY’S SCHEME

Arrangements for New Groups

 

Active arrangements are being made in Berwick for the accommodation of the new groups about to be called up under Lord Derby’s scheme. It is understood that the Royal Scots occupying the huts on the Parade will be transferred to various halls in the town, and that the new recruits will be accommodated in the vacated huts. The mobilisation of the new men should materially add to the number of soldiers in Berwick. Some 200 turned up at the Barracks on Thursday and were dispatched to their various regiments in the course of the day. A further number of recruits were expected to arrive for the K.O.S.B. by train on Thursday night.

Fuller's engraving of Berwick Barracks 1799. BRO 1637-04 (c) Berwick Record Office.
Fuller’s engraving of Berwick Barracks 1799.  (c) Berwick Record Office. Ref: BRO 1637-04

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

At Berwick Petty Sessions on Friday, before Messrs A. L. Miller (presiding) and A. J. Dodds, Mark Rutherford, an ex Police Superintendent, was charged with unlawfully wounding his wife, Isabella Rutherford on the previous day at lodgings at 17 Dock Road, Tweedmouth.

The Chief Constable explained that it was a case of unlawfully wounding, and he would ask for a remand until Thursday.

The complainer gave evidence to effect that the defendant struck her on the left hand side of the head with a walking stick. He had been drinking for some time past, and they had quarrelled. There was a large knob on the head of the stick, and a doctor had to be called to dress the wounds.

Police Sergeants Wilson and Moore also gave evidence as to apprehending the accused on the charge, the defendant being conveyed to the Police Station in a cart.

Mrs Colthard gave evidence to the fact that the defendant and his wife had been lodging in her house at 17 Dock Road and that she heard them quarrelling on the day mentioned.

The accused was remanded till Thursday morning.

 

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