Berwick

This Week in World War One, 13 August 1915

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 13 AUGUST 1915

 

DEAD HERO’S LETTER

Life in the Trenches.

 

The following is a copy of a letter by Lance-Corporal J. Frater, 4th K.O.S.B., Ayton, who was killed at the Dardanelles on 12th July. It was written on the 28th June:-

            Dear Father, – We have just got back to the rest camp after being five days in the firing line. Everything in the firing line is different from what I expected it to be. In the first place I always thought the trenches would be at least eighty yards apart, and that half of that distance would be covered with wire entanglement, but the trench that we were in was originally a Turkish fire trench, and when they retired they just moved into the communication trench, therefore their trench actually ran into ours. The end was blocked up with sandbags, but still they creep up and throw in hand grenades. Of course, our boys can deal with them the same way. Well, to give you an idea of life in the trenches, I will give you an ordinary day in the first line. Whenever it gets dark every man stands to and fixes his bayonet, and after a while if nothing brisk is going on every second man can rest (nobody is allowed to rest), but, of course, they take turn about, one hour on and one off. If anything is noticed they send up a star shell. It lights up the whole place, but it shows your position to the enemy just the same as you see their’s, (sic) so everybody has to keep out of sight.

WW1 trench in Gommecourt, France - Source UBC Library
WW1 trench in Gommecourt, France – Source UBC Library

Of course, some of the sentries can have a shot if there is anything to be seen. Well, just after dawn everybody has to be on the look out, and after it is daylight bayonets are unfixed and one man in six is on sentry. The rest can sleep, but there is food, water and ammunition to be brought in, and as you have all your cooking to do, you don’t get much rest. Of course, that is on a quiet day. You might have to be firing both day and night. The second night we were in our tanks advanced a little, and thinking we were going to do the same the Turks kept up a rapid fire the whole night. We went into the trenches as if it was an everyday occurrence. Nobody was excited when we were fired on for the first time. You would have thought that everybody wanted to fire, but still I never saw anybody fire unless he had something to fire at. The enemy’s snipers were a bit troublesome at times, and got some of our chaps, but a good many snipers were sent to the happy hunting grounds. The casualties in our Platoon, No. 3, Bob Wilson of Coldingham was wounded, and Lance-Corporal Ford (Sergt. Ford’s brother was killed. John Mack was wounded by a shell the second day we were here. All the Ayton chaps are all right so far. I will have to close now. When replying, enclose a sheet of writing paper and an envelope, and please write soon.

                        I remain,

                                    Your loving son,

                                                J. FRATER.

LOCAL NEWS

 

Saved by Motor Boat – On Monday evening a small boy, four years old, named Warnach, and residing in Palace Street, Berwick, while playing near the edge of the Quay fell into the Tweed.

Spowart ferry landing and Spittal - Berwick Record Office BRO 1887-2-4
Spowart ferry landing and Spittal – Berwick Record Office BRO 1887-2-4

After being in the water for some time he was observed by Mr Phillip Spowart, owner of the Berwick and Spittal motor boat ferry service who, with one of his boats, immediately went to the boy’s assistance and pulled him out of the river in an exhausted condition. After receiving treatment the boy proceeded to his home little the worse for his immersion.

Propaganda Poster
Propaganda Poster

 

Suspicion as to Lady Spy –

On Wednesday an English lady, presently on holiday at Wooler, aroused the suspicions of the authorities by taking sketches of the old bridge from the Tweedmouth side of the river. It is understood that at the same time she stupidly indulged in making some enquiries as to the military dispositions of the troops and this had the effect of strengthening the suspicions of the police. On being taken to the police station the lady was able to give a satisfactory explanation of her movements, as well as regarding her personality, and she was not detained for any lengthened period. The incident however, should not be without its warning to others to be careful, and not attempt to take drawings in prohibited areas, especially in the vicinity of harbours close to the east coast.

 

FOULDEN

 

The inhabitants of Foulden were very pleased to have a visit of two Belgian soldiers straight from the front, a few days ago, one of them having spent some time in Foulden House hospital, and this being the other’s first trip to bonnie Scotland. He has had nine months in the trenches without receiving a scratch. The other one, since leaving Foulden, had got a bayonet wound in the wrist but is now quite better. They are both in perfect health, and in no way cast down. It is very gratifying to think any little kindness shown them while in hospital has been fully appreciated in their hurried trip to see old friends again. They got a most hearty welcome, and what with motor trips and cycle runs, tea and dinner parties, they more than enjoyed it, and will carry back with them sweet memories of their recent visit. They came on the 27th July and left on the 31st, with the promise of coming back again at some future date.

This Week in World War One, 6 August 1915

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

 BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 AUGUST 1915

 

 ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR

 

It is a year this week since Berwick was all in an excitement and hub-bub caused by the declaration of war against Germany. Well do we remember the stirring street scenes at the assembly of our brave Territorials and Naval Reserve men. Who, too, does not at the same time vividly recall the financial panic, followed by the Government extending the August Bank holiday, and closing the banks throughout the land for three days. Those opening incidents are now alas mere insignificant details in the subsequent titanic struggle that has since been waged night and day in the trenches. They loomed no doubt largely in our eyes at the moment giving a hazy portent of the upheaval, but without in any way affording a reasonable idea of the duration of the conflict.

Berwick’s Response to the Anniversary

In common with almost every town and village in the kingdom, an open-air public meeting to mark the anniversary of the war took place in front of the Town Hall, Berwick, on Wednesday evening. His Worship the Mayor (Mr Thomas Wilson) assisted by the other speakers taking part in the proceedings, admirably voiced the feelings of the assembled multitude who heartily responded to the loyal and patriotic sentiments which were uttered. There is no doubt that the inflexible determination of every one after such a year of tremendous struggle and sacrifice is to see an end once and for all to the military aggression which has threatened Europe and the world for years past. The accomplishment will call for many more acts of heroism and self-denial, but the same dauntless courage which brought us through the hard campaigns of the Indian Mutiny and the Crimean War still lives in the hearts of Britain today. The end may not be in sight, but each day that that passes brings the certainty of victory nearer and the downfall of a hideous and brutal military despotism the more certain. The more recruits who come forward to take the places of those who have to go to the actual scene of hostilities with the greater celerity will the day of deliverance come; and, of course, all classes can assist the Government by practising economy and placing every spare penny into the War Loan.

bAdvertiser 6 Aug 1915 Don't Swear Dunlop Advert resized
Berwick Advertiser 6 August 1915, Don’t Swear Dunlop Advert.

 HERRING FISHING AT BERWICK AND THE COAST

 Berwick, 4th August

Before giving the results of the herring fishing for the past week, it may be as well to state briefly what was done in the early part of the season. In April the order was issued that drift net fishing was only allowed within the three mile limit by boats under 40 feet overall. As fishing with the first class boats either by net or great line – it being a first necessity to catch herrings for prosecuting the latter fishing – was now out of the question, the outlook for the fishermen in the district was far from promising. However, within a few days of the above order, arrangements were made by which seventeen of the Eyemouth steam drifters with their crews were engaged for Admiralty work. Those who remained at home began to turn their attention to small line fishing, so that by the middle of May there were forty-seven crews working from the stations of St. Abbs, Eyemouth, and Burnmouth. Mussel bait was obtained from Clyde district, and the scene on the Eyemouth quay at the distribution of the mussels was reminiscent of about twenty years ago when haddock fishing was the principal industry in the locality. Shortly after this trails were made at the herring fishing, first one boat and next week twelve boats, each week adding to the number until by the end of June there were over sixty boats fishing from Eyemouth. The local men hired boats of a suitable size from Cockenzie and other Leith ports, others who could not procure boats remained at the lines. Of the above number there were thirty-six local crews, and others from Firth of Forth ports.

 

BRO 426/669 Fishing Fleet, Berwick Harbour early 1900s
BRO 426/669 Fishing Fleet,
Berwick Harbour early 1900s

 

But the proverb about giving an inch and taking an ell (sic) was exemplified in the case of the fishermen. They soon began to go beyond the three mile limit, until at last the authorities had to interfere and put a stop to it, and consequently few herrings were landed at Eyemouth during the first three weeks of July. The catch for June was about 1700 crans, representing a value of over £5000, the prices ranging from 45s to 130s per cran. Indivdual crews earned from £50 to about £500 for the month. During the past week a few local crews have been fishing along the coast from the Farne islands to North Shileds. The number of boats fishing was twenty motor and five sail. The landings were – Eyemouth, 137 crans; Berwick, 15; North Sunderland, 77; and North Shields, 207 crans. There were also 165 crans of trawled herrings landed at the last named port, maing the total for the week 601 crans of the value of £2400. Prices were from 50s in 132s per cran. The highest shot was 35 crans by a motor boat at Eyemouth.

 

LOCAL NEWS

War Memorial, Castlegate, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Copyright J Thomas - (cropped image) Creative Commons Licence 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0).
War Memorial, Castlegate,
Berwick-upon-Tweed.
© J Thomas – (cropped image) Creative Commons Licence 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0).

MILITARY FUNERAL– On Friday afternoon the funeral of Private  *Wm. H. Stevenson, of the 7th N.F., second son of Mrs Margaret and the late Mr Wm. H. Stevenson, late of Church Street, took place to the Berwick Cemetery. The coffin arrived with the afternoon train from the south, and this was witnessed by a very large crowd of sympathetic spectators who lined the approaches and route. A detachment of the local Territorials with pipe band acted as a military escort, bestowing full military honours to the departed soldier. The coffin was covered by the Union Jack, and a number of very pretty wreathes were sent by friends. A short religious service took place in the chapel at the cemetery, and the committal service was read over the grave. The firing of three volleys and the sounding of the Last Post marked the close of a singularly touching funeral.

* The above report should read Private Robert Richmond Stephenson and not as Private Wm. H. Stevenson. The correct information appears on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website: Robert Richmond Stephenson, Private, service no; 2177, date of death 27th July aged 26 years.

Pictured above the war memorial in Berwick, on which the name of Northumberland Fusilier, Robert Richmond Stephenson appears.

 

This Week in World War One, 30 July 1915

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30 JULY 1915

 

HARBOUR REVENUE AND THE WAR

INADVISABILITY OF PUBLIC DISCUSSION

 

The restriction on East Coast shipping are being more forcibly impressed upon the ratepayers of our own immediate district by the short discussion which occurred at the Berwick Town Council meeting on Tuesday evening. The inability of the local Harbour Commissioners to meet the interest on a by no means large bond is sufficient testimony to the decline in shipping during the past year at the port of Berwick. It was a state of matters which no one contemplated this time last year, and it is satisfactory to learn, despite the intense difficulties placed on shipping and fishing, the trade at the harbour shows a tendancy to revive these last few weeks. There is no doubt whatever that with the advent of normal times activities at the harbour will resume their natural condition, and that the interest, temporarily advanced by the Town Council as guarantors to the bond, will be duly refunded. In the unusual circumstances the Town Council had no alternative but to meet the payment of the interest, and there is no reason why there should be any feeling in the community over what is only a very small item emanating out of the war. The appeal made by Alderman Short to regard the discussion as private might very well have seriously occurred to the Council earlier. Had the Council been unanimous in Committee, as they were to all extents and purposes in public, the whole matter could have been quite easily adjusted. In these strenuous days when every encouraging little item is faithfully served up to the reading public of the enemy on the other side of the  North Sea, the less said about decadent sea ports on the east Coast the better. It is a line of action which would have undoubtedly met with the approval of the naval and military authorities who keep a very strict censor on items of such a nature. It may occur to the Council of Borough on the East Coast that there are other things quite as essential to safeguard as bright lights. A spoken word, and an admission on the part of a responsible body such as a Town Council that one of the ports is in a temporary insolvent condition is a grave enough concession indeed, and, garnished and magnified by Tuetonic ingenuity, it can be translated into language out of all proportion to the actual facts. But there is no use lamenting over spilt milk, though it may, and certainly ought to be, a warning to responsible authorities to exercise every degree of care and caution in these eventful days.

 

Berwick Advertiser 30 July 1915. J Smith Advert
Berwick Advertiser 30 July 1915. J Smith Advert

 

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Belford Church – the church has been enriched by the placing of two finely executed stained glass windows. They are, what is known in architecture, as the early English period, and are lancet in shape. In one window is an illustration of “Charity,” which is depicted by a large figure under richly-coloured canopy work, and standing on an ornamental base, with the following inscription: – “Erected

Belford Church © Copyright Peter Taylor - Creative Commons Licence.
Belford Church © Copyright Peter Taylor – Creative Commons Licence.

 

by her brother-in-law, the Vicar of Belford, in loving memory of Racheal Smale McLeish, a devoted church worker, who died on December 14th, 1914; aged 58 years.” In the other window is a figure of St. Cecilia in the act of playing an organ, being patron of music, with the following inscription:-“Erected by her father, the Vicar of Belford, in loving memory of his beloved daughter Helen Katharine Ogilvie Robertson, who died on January 11th, 1914, aged 37 years.” The windows were designed and executed by Messrs G. J. Bagnley and Son, artists in stained glass, Newcastle.

 

 

CROSS-COUNTRY

Splendid Military Run at Berwick

Thirty-Three Regiments Represented

 

The military cross-country race at Berwick on Saturday proved an eminently successful gathering, and the commontion and stir it occasioned in the ancient Borough will be an event to be remembered as an outstanding incident in the annals of the Great War. The weather was showery, and, though the ground was heavy underfoot, a more ideal summer afternoon could not have been desired. The thousands of spectators who lined the fine vantage ground on the overlooking Walls, as well as on the more expansive meadow where the race started and finished, were enabled to witness the ceremony under most comfortable atmospheric conditions. A sharp shower fell at the conclusion of the subsequent recruiting meeting, but it was short in duration, and it did not interfere with the pleasure of the spectators in witnessing the completion of a most interesting and finely contested race. No one could but be impressed with the sight of so many hundreds of fine specimens of young

WW1 Gymanastics at Aldershot.
WW1 Gymnastics wearing their competitors costume at Aldershot.

fellows in the perfect bloom of physical strength and manhood, all too, trained in the use of arms, and ready and willing to do their bit whenever the opportunity came. As they marched in gymnastic costume, in perfect swing and unison of step to the captivating strains of the pipe music to take up their allotted positions at the starting point it was a singularly charming spectacle. Not a few of the competitors felt the inspiration of the familiar Highland reels, and gave vent to their itch of foot by indulging in brief spells of a dance. To the thinking spectator there came a pang of intense regret to know of a certainty that so many splendid specimens of athletic manhood would ere many weeks were over have to face the terrible scenes of havoc and bloodshed which are being enacted on the plains of Flanders. The arrangements of the committee in charge were admirable. There was ample convenience for so many competitors dressing and preparing for the race, several large tents having been erected, while the course was well mapped out with flags. The start was given by Colonel Peterkin, and though at the finish there was great excitement and some crushing ample room was allowed to the runners to reach the goal.

The presentation of prizes by Colonel Peterkin in the evening in the Corn Exchange along with tea to the competitors was a scene of much enthusiasm and good hearted fellowship. The memory of the great race, and the stir and bustle it created in the streets will be pleasantly remembered by all the citizens, and the only feeling of regret is that so poor a response was made to the recruiting efforts at so imposing a military display.

 

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