Berwick Petty Sessions

This Week in World War One, 23 August 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 AUGUST 1918

 

Grandson of Holy Island Man’s Heroic Act

GIVES LIFE BLOOD FOR COMRADE

The war has produced many acts of heroism and gallantry. Among Britain’s citizen Army are found thousands of men with no outstanding characteristics but with the same stout heart and firm spirit, who reck not the danger when a comrade is to be dragged back from the grave. A story which has reached us gives further evidence of this fact. The hero of the episode is a young Northumberland Fusilier, who, literally, gave his life blood in order that a “chum” from overseas might regain his strength. That the effort was in vain is the only sad incident in the whole, which is bright with the steadfast courage shown.

Lance-Corporal John Markwell, Northumberland Fusiliers, grandson of Mr Ralph Markwell, Holy Island, Beal, and Private J. Hempshill, a son of Mrs Hempshill, 12 East Thomas St., Edinburgh, were lying in adjacent beds in a base hospital in France. Private Hempshill was severely wounded, and had lost an extra ordinary amount of blood, so much so, in fact, that the doctors came to the conclusion that unless some new life-giving fluid could be transfused from another living person the soldier would certainly die. Markwell, on being asked if he would submit to having some of his blood transfused, at once acceded, and this plan was at once carried out. The blood was removed from Markwell’s right arm to the left arm of Hemshill, but the operation had apparently been delayed too long, as success did not attend the efforts of the doctors. Hempshill died shortly afterwards, but before he passed away he asked that due recognition should be made of the heroic act of Lance Corporal Markwell. Almost his last statement was a request that a record of the incident should be published in the “Edinburgh Evening News.”

Lance-Corporal Markwell, it may be added, is at present in hospital in this country, and is making good progress. In writing to the mother of the deceased soldier he put the story in a nutshell, and expresses volumes when he modestly says, “I did my best.” No one could have done more.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before the Mayor, Alex. Darling, Chas. Morgan, T. Purves, and R. Boston, Esqrs.

THEFT OF SOAP

George Edward Wardle, Robert Patterson, and James Douglas, privates in the K.O.S.B., were charged, on remand, with having, on Saturday, stolen twenty two bars of soap, valued 14s, from a store in the yard of Mr John Stoddart, grocer, 84 High Street. The circumstances were fully reported at Monday’s Court, and to-day defendants all pleaded guilty, Capt. Collingwood was present and watched the proceedings.

John D. Patterson, a boy employed by Mr Stoddart, and P.C. Wm. Watt again gave similar evidence to that tendered at last Court. The soap, the latter said, was a considerable distance from the entrance door of the store, and could only have been taken by someone going right into the premises.

Capt. Collingwood said that two of the defendants had a clean sheet, while some minor fault was against the third man; but on the whole the defendants had given the military authorities no trouble.

Defendants each attributed their condition to the effects of taking drink.

The Mayor said that the Bench were very sorry to see the defendants in their present position, which was a very serious one. They took into consideration that the defendants had served their country and been wounded, and would therefore deal leniently by imposing a fine of 10s each, or seven days’ imprisonment. This was the first case of its kind which had come before the Court, and it was hoped it would act as an adequate warning, as shopkeepers and others must be protected from conduct of this kind. The fines were paid.

LOCAL NEWS

The demonstration of hooliganism and violence given by five soldiers, who, as reported in our columns of page 4, created a great disturbance on the Spittal Motor Ferry boat last Friday night, has made people in the town furiously to think of what protection is afforded from these “roughs.” Evidently as the police did not see the occurrence happen they are powerless to bring a case unless the assaulted parties issue summons.

(c) Berwick Record Office BRO 1887-2-4 Spittal Ferry

In a case of this kind no private individual cares to summon the offenders who in all probability would have their revenge as only “Redskins” can take it. Surely there is a kink in the law which forces one to come into the lime light of police court proceedings with the off chance of getting “done in” later, to protect oneself from having the experience of “kipper slapping” and rowdyism. The military no doubt will punish the offenders, but the feeling in the town is that a few months “hard labour” would do the culprits a considerable amount of good.

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

HAIRDRESSER TO SERVE

William D. McColgan, hairdresser, Hide Hill, Berwick, described as a Grade 1 man, was an application by the National Service Representative for withdrawal of the existing exemption, as he was not doing national work, and might be more usefully employed in some branch of the Army.

Mr McColgan stated that this was entirely a one man business, and he urged that exemption should be continued owing to domestic circumstances and a young family of four. He was in grade B2 last time.

The Tribunal decided that he should serve, but that he should not be called up till the end of September.

A LOW GRADED MAN

William Johnston (31) rope and twine spinner, residing in Coxon’s Lane, and employed by Mrs Wilson, Castlegate, was a Grade III, man. He had been fourteen years in her employment, and claimed on occupational grounds that he was useful in supplying the fishing industry, and in making material that was used in munitions. The only other man employed was about seventy years of age.

The National Service Representative – In view of this man’s grade and occupation I am not prepared to oppose his exemption.

The Tribunal accordingly allowed three months’ exemption.

 

BERWICK COMPANY CHURCH LADS’ BRIGADE

KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS CADETS

 

This Company went into camp at Warkworth for the August Bank Holiday week. Berwick lads were attached to “D” Company, along with Blyth Company. About 400 lads were in camp under Cadet Lieut. Col. W. H. Arring.

The camp was conducted on lines of strict military discipline as the following account of the daily routine shows.

Saturday, the day of arrival, the lads were placed in their tents and acquainted with their camp duties.

Sunday, the battalion marched down to Warkworth Church at 7a.m., and a large number of the lads partook of the Holy Communion, the service being conducted by the Bishop of Newcastle. At 11 a.m. a short service was held in camp, and in the afternoon there was a drum head service with an address by the Bishop.

Warworth Church © Mick Knapton. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.

The lads contributed liberally to the collection in aid of the Church Army Hut Work in France.

Daily reveille at 6 a.m., fall in at 6.30 for a short march and physical drill, breakfast at 8 a.m., C.O.’s parade at 10.30, consisting of company drill and battalion movements, dinner 1 p.m., after which the lads were free for the day. Excepting those who were detailed for guard, etc. tea at 4.30, and “light out” at 11 p.m.

A very noticeable feature in camp was the three minutes silence after reveille and lights out were sounded. The interval being devoted to prayers.

Wednesday was devoted to the Battalion sports, and Thursday was largely occupied with the inspection. The inspecting officer, who we understand came from the Tyne Garrison, and was sent by the General of the Northern Command, spoke highly of the smartness of the lads and complimented them on the way they marched past. He afterwards inspected the camp and was present at the distribution of prizes by Miss Deuchar.

On Friday everyone was busy doing his share in striking camp and leaving the field clean and tidy. Berwick boys arrived home on Friday afternoon, after having spent a most enjoyable and instructive week.

The Company, which will resume drills in September, bids fair, under the capable leadership of Lieut. R. D. Harvey to add lustre to its already noble history. Recruits will be enrolled any Wednesday evening at the Boy’s School, Ravensdowne.

 

This Week in World War One, 31 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31 MAY 1918

 

SON OF A FORMER BERWICK MINISTER HEAVILY FINED

FOR MAKING STATEMENTS DISPARGING THE ARMY

 

Messrs Headley Bros., publishers, of Oxford Street, London, and the Rev. Joseph Davison Manners Rorke, of Boxhill, a native of Berwick, and son of the Rev. Jospeh Rorke, formerly minister of Church Street E.P. Church, Berwick, were summoned at the Marlborough St. Police Court on Thursday last, the former as publisher and the latter as editor of the publication called “The Venturer”, in the March issue of which were statements likely to prejudice recruiting and discipline of his Majesty’s Forces.

Marlborough Street Magistrates Court where the case relating to the publication “The Venturer” was heard in 1918. It is now the Courthouse Hotel. © Author: Mark Hillary. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

After Sir Archibald Bodkin, for the prosecution, had read extracts which he contended were likely to create a bad impression and to prejudice recruiting and discipline, the defendant Rorke said he accepted full responsibility as editor of “The Venturer,” though he did not write the article, and had no intention whatever of prejudicing recruiting or disparaging the Army.

Counsel for Messrs Headley said they were merely publishers of “The Venturer,” did not know its contents, and accepted no responsibility.

The magistrates, in fining Messrs Headley £100 and £5 costs, said they should have exercised more vigilance to see they were not made the instruments for dissemination of such noxious matter. Mr Rorke would have to go to prison for three months in the second division.

Defendant’s father protested that his son had no such intention as that ascribed to him.

Mr Mead latter recalled the defendant, and on an undertaking that he would not publish anything prejudicial to recruiting or discipline substituted a fine of £50 for imprisonment and allowed seven days for payment of the fine.

LOCAL NEWS

Anyone holding an exemption certificate from military service can only be granted renewal by the tribunal if he applies for it fourteen days before the expiry of the present period of exemption.

On June 1st the price for early potatoes will drop from 4d to 3½ per lb. A fortnight ago before the maximum prices came into force 10d to 1s 3d a pound was being asked for new potatoes in the London shops. Fair quantities were available at these prices, but with the sudden fall to 4d supplies seemed to disappear.

There has been a spurt in Berwick as in other places in the purchase of War Bonds, £685 was subscribed for the week ending May 18, and May 25, although a short week with the Banks closing on Whit-Monday, realise £3127. The full weekly quota is £6530.

We understand it is probable that a Standing Musketry Camp will be held in connection with the local Volunteer Battalion. Should this mature, it will commence about the middle of June at Morpeth, and the following three weeks will be held at Berwick. It is anticipated that the proposed camp will stimulate interest amongst those efficient in shooting, and also amongst the recruits, and a good attendance is anticipated. The efficient men will be asked to fire their annual musketry course, and recruits will do their efficiency tests. Those attending the camp for twenty-four hours will be provided with accommodation and rations. Free railway warrants will be provided for those attending. This camp, of course, has no connection with the annual camp.

Her many friends were glad to see Miss Marjory C. Holmes, daughter of Mrs Holmes, of Bridge Street, back to Berwick last week from Russia, where she has had an adventurous time. She is unwilling at the moment to speak of her adventures, but anyone who has watched what has lately been happening in Russia, where there have been scenes similar to those in the French Revolution, when the nobles were killed in their beds and dragged out into the open street, sometimes naked, will be able to realise something of what she has passed through.

May 1st, 1918. The demonstration took place on Palace Square in Petrograd, in front of the Winter Palace. Unknown photographer. © Author: The Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Library. No known copyright exists.

She was in Petrograd at the time of the first Revolution, and later she left Kieff only three days before the Germans entered. She has been thirteen weeks travelling home, by way of Moscow, Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, Japan, and Canada, and the United States. Miss Holmes is one of those typical English visitors to foreign countries, seemingly unable to miss danger spots, and ready only too soon to return to them.

No. 4 Platoon, B Coy., having bee adjudged the best platoon of the 5th V.B., Northumberland Regt., went to Newcastle on Sunday last to compete with the best of other Battalions. Having to be on Parade at 10 a.m., in Newcastle meant, for the Berwick men, being away by the 6.5 a.m. train, no slight handicap this in such a competition. The Berwick men competed second, and right worthily upheld the honour of the Company and Battalion to which they belong. Everything they were asked to do was done in quite a professional manner. Words of commendation were freely expressed by the officers standing round. More than one said: “This platoon will not be beaten.” Lieut. Campbell was in great form. Cool and collected, his words of command came out clear and sharp, and his men responded admirably. Each N.C.O. was called out in turn. No.4 Platoon is fortunate in possessing non-coms, like Sergeants How, Young, Mace and Corporal Evans, and those who know them will know they were not beaten by any other non-coms. The Berwick Platoon was placed second, two points down, and when the journey is taken into consideration, and the going on to parade so soon after arrival in Newcastle, the result is highly creditable. Lieut. Campbell has worked hard for the last three weeks to get his men up to the top hole. He has been able seconded by his non-coms, and no words of praise are sufficient for the men, who turned up night after night to be “put through it.” Lieut. Campbell was congratulated by the principal officers present on the efficient state of his platoon.

SEAHOUSES

We hear little of the brave and daring deeds done by the minesweeping and patrol craft of our coasts. One such matter of local interest has recently been made public. For brave work in a mine field in August, 1916, Captain S.B. Ward, of H.M.S. Minesweeper St. Leonards 462, was recently decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace, with the Distinguished Service Cross. Later the gallant Captain was presented by the inhabitants of Hartlepool with a marble clock, and a cheque for £20 for himself and a gold locket and chain for his wife. The circumstance is of local interest because of the fact the Seaman Geo. Richardson (Scotty), son of Mr and Mrs George Richardson, Seahouses, formed one of the crew which for some reason numbered only five instead of twelve or fourteen. Each member of the crew also received a beautifully designed medal in silver with gold centre bearing his initials. Mr Richardson’s medal being inscribed “Present to Geo. Richardson, for conspicuous bravery in a minefield, August, 1916, by Councillor C.T. Watson, Mayor of Hartlepool.” We congratulate the young Seaman in the distinguished honour.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A DESERTER

Richard Edwards, a pioneer belonging to the Royal Engineers, appeared on a charge of having been a deserter from a Special Gas Company of the R.E., France, since November 6th, 1917. He pleaded guilty.

The Chief Constable said this man belonged to Berwick, and was here on leave from the Front on October. He failed to rejoin his unit at the expiry of his leave on 6th November, and there had been enquiries made about him on two occasions by the Military Authorities. It became known on Sunday morning that he was in the town, he having arrived from Middlesborough, where he had been working, and on his person, when arrested, was found a return ticket to that place. Sergeant Wilson and P.C. Lindsay went to his house at Church Road. The Sergeant went to the front door and knocked, and Lindsay was sent round to the back to prevent the man escaping. As their Worships would hear, Lindsay arrested the man as he was trying to escape over a wall at the rear of the house. The wife of accused denied to the police that he was in the house, and later said it was not likely she was going to give her husband away.

Sergt. Wilson, giving evidence, said he knocked on the door of Edwards’ house in Church Road, and the wife answered, saying she would open after putting on her clothes. After two or three minutes and on hearing a noise as if the man was preparing to make his escape by the back door, Lindsay went round to the back door. Mrs Edwards then opened the door and denied that her husband was in the house. At that time witness heard Lindsay shout, and on going round found that he had got Edwards.

P.C. Lindsay corroborated, and stated that he arrested accused as he was coming over a six foot wall. Accused admitted being a deserter, and said he was glad it was all over.

The Bench remanded accused in custody pending the handing over to the military.

 

 

This Week in World War One, 8 March 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 MARCH 1918

 

BELFORD HIRING

 

There was a large gathering of farmers and farm servants at Belford hirings on Wednesday but comparatively speaking; the amount of hiring done was not great, owing to the strong desire on the servants’ part to have very high wages and the desire on the farmers’ part to keep wages within what they considered reasonable bounds. Several engagements were effected at wages ranging from 35s per week to 38s, and in a few instances £2 weekly was received by really good men; lads were engaged at a few shillings per week less. In all cases the usual perquisites were received. Female farm workers were engaged at £1 and 25s weekly. There was a general scarcity of food supplies for the visitors. There was little or no meat, and the few pies the bakers had prepared were speedily sold out. One of the public houses had ample beer supplies, and did a large business.

LOCAL NEWS

 

Arrangements are now possible for the formation of Depots of German prisoners in different parts of the county who will be available for agricultural work, and enquiries are now being made as to the extent to which farmers will desire to take advantage of such labour if provided.

This photograph shows the role of women working in the fields at that time, flax pulling at Selby, Yorkshire: Scottish, English, Irish and Belgian girl farm workers, and a Japanese student at work in the fields. Wikimedia Commons.

In future an applicant for exemption will only have to appear before the Tribunal when the National Service Representative objects to his appeal. Otherwise he will get his exemption automatically. The concession is a little late in coming, but it will still save a good deal of time being wasted.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

At Berwick Petty Sessions on Thursday 7th March, John Dudgeon, baker, Walkergate was convicted of having used over twenty five per cent of imported flour in making of loaves in contravention of the Food Controller’s Regulations. The defence was that bread was baked on the half sponge system which obtains in Scotland, and was also affected by the temperature of the particular day on which it was manufactured. The police on the other hand, produced local master bakers to disprove this; holding that if white bread of this nature could be made at Berwick it would be sold in other towns as it would command a ready sale. The Chief Constable stated that he had on several occasions warned Mr Dudgeon as to the risk he was running in continuing to ignore the regulations, and was latterly forced to adopt proceedings. The Bench found defendant guilty, and imposed a fine of £5.

NORHAM AND ISLANDSHIRES RURAL DISTRICT

MEAT RATIONING

 

MEAT CARDS are being posted this week to all Persons who were resident in the above District on 5th October last, and registered under the Sugar Scheme.

Persons who have removed into this District since that date must make application to me for a Card by TUESDAY, the 12th instant, stating names and ages of the Household.

W.T. KENNEDY

Executive Officer

Norham-on-Tweed,

March 7th, 1918

 

RURAL DISTRICT OF GLENDALE

FOOD DISTRIBUTION SCHEME

RATIONING OF MEAT, TEA, BUTTER AND MARGARINE, BACON AND CHEESE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the above Scheme will come into force in the Glendale Rural District on the 25th March 1918, after which date supplies of MEAT, TEA, BUTER and  MARGERINE, BACON, and CHEESE, will only be procurable on production of a Food Card and from a retailer with whom the holder of the card is registered.

Cards will be issued to all Individuals, and any who have not received cards by 15th March should make immediate application to the Food Office.

ALL RETAILERS of the above mentioned Foodstuffs and all owners of Hotels, etc., will required to be registered, and must apply for Application Forms for Registration by March 11th.

WILLIAM BONE

Executive officer

Registry Office

WOOLER, 5th March 1918.

 

MEETING OF FRIENDS IN FRANCE

 

We are pleased to learn that letters have come to hand from Lieut. Wm. Gregson, R.F.C., son of the late Mr John Gregson, formerly editor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” and Mrs Gregson, High St. Berwick, stating that he has undergone an operation and has luckily retained his foot which was badly wounded, and that he was soon hopes to be well enough to be sent across to “Blightly”.

A French Red Cross train WW1. © Author: Paul Thompson, Wikimedia Commons.

Lieut. Gregson says he had just arrived at the rail head at a Casualty Clearing station, when he looked up and saw Private A. E. Constable of Berwick. Both recognised each other instantly and at the Clearing Station a good talk about Berwick and old times took place. Private Constable is serving on the Red Cross Ambulance Train.

Private Constable writing home says, “I was assisting to carry a Flying Officer, when I found I was carrying that old friend Wm. Gregson of Berwick. He recognised me at once and quoted a line of Juvenal. He had a pretty painful wound, but is one of our most cheery patients and is very anxious to talk about Berwick. Private Constable also writes that not long ago he came across the 7th N.F., and saw Lieut. Stiles, Lieut. Herriott and  Major A. H. M. Weddell.

 

SCREMERSTON

 

A farm servant employed at Heatherytops, when following his occupation, fell from a cart and broke some of his ribs. We understand he is making progress towards recovery.

We understand the annual Egg service will be held in the Parish Church on Easter Sunday and in view of the need for eggs in our hospitals gifts of these will be most thankfully received.

We learn that a ballot of men employed at Scremerston Colliery, under provisions of the Man Power Bill, took place on Wednesday.

An early image of Scremertson Colliery © Northumberland Archives Berwick, BRO 515-209.

 

Little progress appears to be made with the Volunteer movement in the village, and there are only a few men taking part in the drills held at the Old Institute. One cannot help thinking it would be better for men who have the time to join the Volunteers before the next comb out takes place.

The Hope of Coldstream members (17) visited the Scremerston Lodge on Monday night. The Hope of Coldstream is a Lodge recently re-started, and they owe the re-start to the Hope of Scremerston, which was incidental in sending their present Chief Templar, Bro. W. Logan, who went to Coldstream a few months ago. Along with Sister Black he managed to get a few members together, and they have at the present 54. The Coldstream members filled the offices, and supplied the programme, which was very much enjoyed. The Scremerston Lodge provided them with a light refreshment before they proceeded on their way home.

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