This Week in World War One, 24 August 1917

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 24 AUGUST 1917

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Berwick Runner’s Success – Sergeant Robert Burton, R.E., Tweedmouth, has recently competed in Army Sports Meeting, in the open half mile and open quarter, and entered a team of 4 for re-lay race; and managed to bag the two races, and also help the team to pull off the re-lay. He also had the pleasure of winning the prize presented by the General for the individual champion of the meeting, so, altogether, he has every reason to be quite pleased with his afternoon’s work. Hearty congratulations to Sergeant Burton, our Border Champion, who is the son of Mr Burton, Tweedmouth. Sergeant Burton married the daughter of Mrs Alex. Lounton, Hawick, and formerly of Tweedmouth.

Music at Railway Station – A few evenings ago, residents in the vicinity of Berwick Station were charmed with selections played on an English concertina by a passenger in the 8.45pm Edinburgh to Newcastle express. Crowds on the Railway Bridge listened to a musical treat, the like of which it is not customary to hear outside of music hall circles. What left a deep impression on the assembly was the fact that the musician was an Australian soldier, who, poor fellow, had lost his sight in the war. Although destined to live in perpetual darkness, here was this brave lad still doing his bit to cheer comrades returning to the battlefield.

Soldiers at Berwick Railway Station WW1, some of whom appear top be Australian. (c) BRO 2349-52-001

Those who were privileged to see and hear his efforts to promote good cheer, will not marvel that such spirits remain unquenched by the hellish rain of high explosives in Flanders.

Morris Dances – On behalf of Berwick Patriotic Fund the pupils of Mrs Wilkinson, Spittal Council School, gave on Thursday, at Bell Tower School, Berwick, their clever display of Morris, Old English, and National Dances, which were recently such a great success at Spittal that many people were unable to obtain seats. There were two performances, at 3pm and 6pm. Dancing is now strongly recommended by Board of education as a part of the course in physical exercise for girls, and all who saw the display came away full of unstinted praise and appreciation.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before D. Herriot, T. Purves, Chas. Forsyth, and D. H. W. Askew, Esqs.

 

OBTAINING TOO MUCH SUGAR

 

Euphemia Whitelaw, Loughend, Berwick, married woman, was charged with having between 4th and 11th June made a false statement and thereby obtaining a quantity of sugar from Messrs Renton, merchants, Berwick.

R.W. Smeaton, Inspector of Weights and Measures, deponed that he examined the books of Messrs Renton, merchants, and found that the defendant had applied for one cwt. of sugar from that firm. She obtained 56 lbs. As witness thought this was rather a large quantity, he examined defendant’s garden to ascertain what fruit bushes she possessed. The sugar was supplied under orders of the Sugar Commissioners for preserving purposes. He found that there were no fruit bushes in the garden, and she admitted that she had received the sugar all right. The form issued by the Sugar Commissioners, and signed by defendant, bore a declaration which had to be signed that the sugar was to be used for preserving purposes and only for fruit grown by herself.

Mr Murray, foreman to Messrs Renton, proved that the defendant received four stones of sugar, but admitted that she only signed on one occasion for two stones. He filled in the declaration for the sugar at the defendant’s dictation.

Defendant said that Mr Murray told her to put down her name for 112 lbs so that she would be sure to get as much as she wanted. She admitted she had no fruit bushes, but hoped that Messrs Renton would see their way clear to give her six stones.

On oath she stated that she wrote a letter to London to the Secretary of the Sugar Commission, in which she stated that, while not a fruit grower, she received supplies of fruit every year, and it would be very unfortunate if she did not obtain the sugar. She made sufficient jam to last her from one season to the following. If the Secretary saw his way to give her six stones she would be much obliged.

Mr Herriot said that the Bench found the defendant guilty, but would deal with her leniently for more reasons than one. She would be fined 10s only, but they would like to give this warning that if any further cases came up they would be very much more severely treated. Another reason for leniency was that the bench were not quite satisfied with the conduct of Messrs Renton and Company in this case. It seemed to the Bench that to a certain extent the defendant had been led into the fault she had committed.

 

THEFT OF HERRINGS AT THE QUAY

 

Three schoolboys were charged with the larceny of a quantity of herrings, value 1s, from a box on the quay the property of Robert Croan, fish buyer, on 21st August. They pleaded not guilty.

It appeared that there had been many complaints of thefts of this nature from the quay, that the police were greatly annoyed by this, and so numerous were the offences that it would require a constable specially appointed to patrol the harbour to watch such juveniles.

(c) BRO 1636-5-10 Berwick Quayside 1905

For the defence a herring fisher named John Brown, deponed that he had given the boys a dozen of herring and mackerel. He could not say that such thefts had been numerous, but was quite willing to believe that there had been complaints. He pointed out also that after herrings had been a time in a box there appeared to be less than were originally put in owing to the fish sinking down. He had eighteen years’ experience as a herring fisher.

The Bench found the charge proved and bound the defendants over for the next three months under the probation officer, and the parents would have to pay 5s costs each. The Bench were sorry to learn of these complaints, and gave warning that the next offender might be birched.

This Week in World War One, 29 October 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 29 OCTOBER 1915

 

REGRETTABLE SCENE AT BERWICK STATION

Ejection of recruiting sergeant

 

The ejection of a recruiting sergeant, dressed in full khaki uniform, and with the familiar bunch of coloured ribbons flowing from his cap, caused an unpleasant and regrettable scene at Berwick Station on Wednesday evening. He was a tall middle aged soldier with grey hair, bound south in a corridor train. The temporary loss of his pass was the cause of all the trouble the possessor having mislaid it amid quite a large collection of clothing which he carried. Had the soldier left the carriage quietly it would have been all right, but this he declined to do. He persisted in having another futile search for the missing ticket, and as the express could not wait he was requested to leave the compartment. This he was in no mind to do, and forcibly resisted. The station master ultimately entered the compartment, and with the assistance of other officials, succeeded in forcing the muscular warrior out, all his belongings being heaped on to the platform. It would have fared ill perhaps with Berwick’s stationmaster had he not had assistance at hand, as the brawny fellow in khaki was thoroughly aroused, and made an abortive effort to lay violent hands on whom he considered responsible for his ejectment.

Berwick Railway Station during World War One (c) Berwick Record Office
Berwick Railway Station during World War One (c) Berwick Record Office

 

Retreating, however, behind the open carriage door, and exclaiming to the discomfited soldier “stand off,” the stationmaster was able to elude the attentions of the angry soldier, and meanwhile some of the other station officials came in between. As the express glided out of the station on its southward journey the soldier found quite a number of sympathisers. “Aye,” exclaimed one woman, “that’s the way they treat the men that are asked to die for us.” The soldier, assisted by some boys, commenced to examine the contents of his luggage, chief attention being concentrated upon the contents of the kit bag which each man in the army possesses. After a short search a woman observed what she took to be the pass, and fortunately it turned out to be the much required parchment. It is much to be regretted that such a scene should be witnessed, and our correspondent thinks it might have been avoided had a little more tact and thoughtfulness been displayed. Would it not have been sufficient  to have taken the name, address, and number of the gallant sergeant, wired to the next station where tickets are examined, and thus allowed him a chance of securing his temporarily lost ticket while en route? It seems incredible to think of such a deplorable incident occurring when the Government has taken over the charge of the railways. The station officials, no doubt, have a difficult task to perform, and, it is understood they have received strict instructions to allow no man in khaki to travel who cannot produce a pass. They were, therefore, presumably strictly carrying out the instruction laid down for their observance.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

FEMALE ATTENDANTS WANTED for the Northumberland County Asylum, Morpeth. Applicants must be in good bodily health, not less than 5ft. 5in in height, and able to read and write. Wages begin at £19 5s per annum, with board, lodging, uniform and washing.  Applications, stating age and height, to be addressed to the Medical Superintendent.  At least two thoroughly satisfactory references as to character required; one must be from last employer. The appointment will be made subject to the provisions of the Asylums Officers’ Superannuation Act, 1909.

 

KNOCKED DOWN BY A MOTOR CAR. A rather serious accident befell Mrs Robertson, Spittal, while she was crossing the Old Bridge on Friday evening about 7.30. It appears that she was crossing from one side of the Bridge to the other pushing a perambulator containing her baby, when she was suddenly knocked down by a car driven by Mr D. Atkinson, dentist Berwick, and she was severely injured about the head. The child was knocked out of the perambulator but marvellously escaped being injured. Mrs Robertson was rendered unconscious and was conveyed in the car by Mr Atkinson to the Infirmary. She had recovered so far on Wednesday as to be removed to her father’s Mr John Renwick, Walkergate, Berwick. Mrs Robertson’s husband is serving at the front.

View of Royal Border Bridge and The Old Bridge

 

ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

MOTOR CYCLING –  A motor cyclist who has put in a lengthy spell on active service in France writes : – The Dunlop tyres, extra heavy, 26 by 2½  by 2¼ , are doing splendid work, and on most of the machines the original tyres are still in use. The average mileage is at least 8000, traversed over terrible roads, yet the treads are still perfect. The back tyres are nearly as good as the front, due, no doubt, to the chain-cumbelt drive, which is the most flexible drive in use, and largely accounts for the excellent service done by the Dunlop belts, some of the originals being still on. This last point is one of great interest, possibly of debate.

 

 

 

 

 

This Week in World War One, 22 October 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22 OCTOBER 1915

 

LITTLE GIRL DROWNED AT BERWICK

A Sad Story at the New Road

 

Borough Coroner Wm. Weatherhead and a jury held an enquiry in the Town Hall, Berwick on Wednesday afternoon into the circumstances attending the death of Lilian Thomson, three years of age, daughter of William Thomson, licensed victualler, Anglers’ Arms, Castlegate who was found drowned in the Tweed on Tuesday.

William Thomson, father of deceased, deponed that the child was in the habit of going out by itself. She was generally accompanied by a little dog- a terrier. He never heard of her wandering down to the New Road before the body was brought home about 12.30 on Tuesday afternoon.

Joseph Payne, 47 West Street, message boy with Mr Shiel Dods, butcher, deponed that he knew the deceased girl. He saw her above Scotsgate about ten minutes to eleven in the forenoon on Tuesday near the drinking fountain. She had a little black and white dog with her. She held out her hand to him, and he gave her a piece of apple to give to the dog. Witness told her to go home. He could not make out what she said, but she came down the street and turned into the road leading to Bankhill, the dog being with her.

The New Road (a popular walk beside the River Tweed), Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 0426-119
The New Road (a popular walk beside the River Tweed), Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 0426-119

 

James Handeyside, retired engine driver, deponed he was walking on the New Road with Mr David Leggat on Tuesday forenoon. They were walking very slowly, and when near the Conqueror’s Well he noticed, near the steps leading to the shore what he thought to be a bladder floating in the water. He stopped and remarked the circumstances to his companion, Mr Leggat. He went forward to the edge of the water, and thought he saw a leg of a child, but he could not see the head. The tide was about full. He too off his topcoat and hat, went down the steps, and waded into the water fetching the body out. A woman assisted him to take the body up the steps as he was afraid of slipping. The body when he first saw it was about fourteen feet past the steps, near to the boathouse. When going down the steps he observed the child’s shoes and stockings.

By the father – he took the body out in two minutes from the time of first observing it.

Witness further stated that he saw the little white dog afterwards.

Mr Leggat corroborated, and said he proceeded to Dr Taylor’s house immediately for medical assistance.

Dr John Taylor said he was called upon about ten minutes to twelve, and went to the New

Berwick Rowing Club Boat House where the body was discovered. BRO 0426-440
Berwick Rowing Club Boat House where the body was discovered. BRO 0426-440

Road. He saw the body at the steps already mentioned. It was lying on the grass at the side of the roadway. He examined it. There did not appear to be any bruises. The mouth and nose were full of froth, and life was quite extinct. He saw the little dog, which was wet up to the shoulders.

In answer to the father he said no amount of rubbing would have restored life as the child was dead, and was so before he arrived.

In answer to the jury, Mr Handeyside said he made efforts to restore animation, and did what he could to expel the water from the lungs. He had in early life received lessons in first-aid.

The Coroner said it was manifest that the child had been a considerable time in the water before it was observed, as it had floated down the stream a bit. It was a very sad case. It was conjectural that the child had taken of  its boots to wash the dog.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

 

BILLIARDS MATCH AT FORD

 

A team of six chosen from the soldiers at Etal Manor Red Cross Hospital “fought an engagement” with a team from the members of the Ford Reading Room on the afternoon of Saturday, 16th October. The Ford men having the advantage of “ground” carried off the honours of the day by 120 points. The victors then proceeded to treat their opponents to most generous hospitality. For an invitation had been given to all the soldiers (26) at Manor to be the guests at tea, of the following members Messrs W. Gray, W.P. Calder, J. H. Binks, W. Glass, Russell, Smith, Steel, Waters. During the afternoon whist was indulged in by the non-players The Hon. Secretary announced before the close of play that in the future all the soldiers at the Manor were to consider themselves hon. members of the Ford Reading Room. For this privilege our thanks are due to Lord Joicey, Bishop Neligan, and all the members of the Reading Room. Due to the kindness of the Committee a match was played a short time ago at Ford, between the soldiers and a team from Wooler. On that occasion the Right Rev. Bishop Neligan kindly provided tea for all the soldiers.

                                           Etal                                         Ford

 Pte. Glossop            49                     W. Glass                    100

Pte. Swinbourne      47                    W. P. Calder              100

Sgt. Sly                   100                   Mr Russell                  73

Pte. Squires            100                   H. Sanderson             87

Pte. Ramsley           59                    J. Waters                   100

Pte. Carlton             85                    J.H. Binks                  100

HARVEST THANKSGIVING

 

On Thursday evening a harvest thanks-giving service was held in the Kiln Hill Mitchell Memorial Hall, Tweedmouth. The hall was crowded, the platform being tastefully decorated with fruit and flowers. Addresses were given by Messrs McBain and Caldwell. Solos were sung by the Sisters of the Faith Mission, and by the choir, under the leadership of Mr Anderson. Mr Mark Anderson presided at the organ.

 

SUGGESTION FOR SOLDIERS ARRIVING AT BERWICK STATION

 

Sir, – I have seen a letter from the front, written by one of our Territorials in which the following passage occurs – “You might keep me going now in shirts and socks – thick warm ones of both. We do a lot of night work now, and it’s very cold o’ nights here, and besides we often get wet feet. “

The writer of that letter will now have received his first shirts and socks from home, but – here is one of the reasons of your being troubled with this letter – there must be many of our lads at the front who need them as much, but who cannot get them. Can nothing be done to supply their urgent needs by those at home who are comfortable and safe throught the sacrifices of these lads?

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 1636-10-013
Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 1636-10-013

 

Another matter occurs to me as requiring attention. I am told that nearly every morning soldiers arrive at Berwick Station by the 4.30 train. Is it the wish of the people of Berwick that these men, who have come forward to fight for US, should hang about Berwick Station for a few hours on these cold, bleak mornings without a cup of tea or coffee and a bite to eat? I don’t think so Mr Editor. I am inclined to think better of Berwick people than that, and some way of managing it can surely be found if we are willing to pay for it.

Hoping something may be done and that right soon,

I am, yours, etc.,

BERWICUS