Berwick

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31 OCTOBER, 1919

by

MILITARY NOTES

TO CELEBRATE THE PASSING OF THE VOLUNTEERS

Captain C. L. Fraser, V.D., commanding “B” (Berwick) Company, 4th Northumberland Fusiliers (Vols.), is organising a dinner and smoking concert for all ranks of the Company for Thursday, (6th November, as a wind-up to the movement in the town.

SECOND STAR

In the 4th Bn., K.O.S.B. (T.F.), 2nd Lieut. W. C. Crozier is announced in “London Gazette” as promoted Lieutenant.

DEATH OF A VETERAN FUSILIER

FORMERLY INSTRUCTOR AT BELFORD AND CHATTON

Many inhabitants of North Tyne and Glendale will be sorry to hear of the death of Sergeant-Instructor R. Biddlecombe (“Dick” as he was more familiarly called), who passed away in his 72nd year at Stort Hill, Bishop Stortford.

Dick Biddlecombe joined the 5th Fusiliers about 1867-8, and was finally discharged in 1899, after a total service of 32 years, 13 of which were served as an Instructor with the 1st V.B.N. Fusiliers, 12 years with “I” Company at Corbridge, and 1 year with “C” Company at Belford and Chatton.

A man of splendid physique, robust health, and of powerful build, Dick Biddlecombe never failed to do his duty, and, no matter what the weather, he always made the long journeys to his outlying sections up North Tyne, and in Glendale, and thereby gained the confidence and respect of both officers and men with when he served. He was the possessor of the Afghan and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.

Sergt. Instructor Biddlecombe was buried at Great Haileybury Churchyard, on the 17th October, Major H. Perry, R.A.F., formerly Sergt.-Major 1st V.B.N. Fusiliers, being the sole representative of his old comrades at the funeral.

The deceased leaves a widow and three daughters, who are totally unprovided for, to mourn the loss of a good husband, and father, who was also a splendid type of what a Fusilier should be.

LOCAL NEWS

Alnwick Urban District Council entertained the Duke of Northumberland to luncheon on Monday on the occasion of the Town’s welcome to returned soldiers. At the luncheon, Mr R. Henderson, the Chairman, referred to the rumour that the Duke was likely to become Viceroy of India. The Duke, responding, gave the assurance that there was no truth in the rumour. The climate of Northumberland could hardly be described that day as extremely good, but it was quite good enough for him, and he intended to remain there.

At 12 o’clock on Saturday while George Easton was driving a motor car from Spittal to Berwick the steering gear went wrong while near the Carr Rock. The car swerved and dashed over the wall on to the shore, where it turned over.

Early image of the Carr Rock Ref: NRO 683-10-104

The glass wind screen was smashed, but the car was little the worse and was hauled back to the roadway later and taken to Berwick. The driver escaped without injury.

About five o’clock on Saturday morning a railway smash took place on the North-Eastern Railway line on the embankment near the Tunnel, Tweedmouth. An N.B. goods train was run into by a North-Eastern engine and van, with the result that two waggons were derailed and the “down” line blocked.

The former Tweedmouth North signal cabin was situated just south from where the N.B. goods train was run into by a North Eastern engine and van

The breakdown gang was soon on the scene and the work of clearing the line was carried out with expedition. Traffic was again running over the line at ten o’clock.

BERWICK COUNTY COURT

BERWICK MAN SUED FOR RENT OF A CONDEMNED HOUSE

William Denholm hay, secretary of the Craigmillar Brewery, Edinburgh, sued Alexander Kilgour, Cobbler, Hide Hill, Berwick, for the sum of £6 8s 8d, being amount charged for rent for half-year of a house in Castlegate, portion of rates payable, and the expense incurred in replacing gas brackets removed.

Mr. H. R. Peters appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Kilgour conducted his own defence.

Mr Peters, in outlining the case, said the sum sued for was for the half-years rent to 12th May, 1919, and the proportion of rates payable by the tenant, £5 15s; and also the expenses incurred by the landlord in renewing the gas brackets, which had been taken away by Kilgour, this being 13s 8d. On making an examination of the place after defendant left, he discovered that Kilgour had removed all the brackets from every room except an upstairs room.

Judge Greenwell – You are therefore not in a position to throw much light on the subject. (Laughter).

Mr Peters – A portion of the gas piping had the appearance of having been cut away in the passage.

The Judge – They were not the tenant’s fittings.

Mr Peters – No. It was quite clear they had been taken off. I wrote to the defender, but I got no reply. He had not paid the rent which was still owing.

Defendant – I would just like to say I entered this house in August, 14 years ago. There were then no gas fittings in the house, and I was forced to burn a paraffin lamp. Later I put in the gas brackets at my own expense, and also a meter. The brackets are my own property and this is the bill (handling a receipted account up to the Judge) which I paid to Mr Cairns.

The Judge – What have you to say to this, Mr Peters?

Mr Peters – I cannot go back 14 years.

The Judge – From what defendant has told us, the fittings are certainly his. Now, Mr Kilgour, will you tell us why you refuse to pay the rest?

Defendant – The reason I refuse to pay the rent is that in 1915 my boy contracted diphtheria, owing to the conditions at the house, and was sent to hospital. I laid the case before the late Mr Macadam, Sanitary Inspector. I had spoken to Mr Peters several times before his about the house, but he would do nothing. I might mention that the drain was inside the house.

Judge Greenwell – There is nothing in that which would affect the claim.

Defendant – The Sanitary Authority condemned the house, and Mr Peters got a letter saying the house was condemned. I got notice to quit; but at the time I could not get a house, and I had to remain in occupation.

The Judge – That does not absolve you from paying rent.

Defendant – Am I supposed to pay the rent when the house was condemned?

The Judge – Yes, you lived in it, and you will therefore have to pay the rent for it.

Mr Peters – He is out of the house now.

Defendant – I would never refuse to pay rent to any landlord, but this house was condemned. I could not get another house, and I would not turn my wife and child into the street when it was condemned.

The Judge – That was your misfortune in not being able to get another house; but so long as you occupied it you are liable for the rent I must give judgement for plaintiff for the rent and rates, £5 15s, payment to be made at the rate of 10s per month.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17 OCTOBER 1919

by

WELCOME HOME AT FORD

LORD JOICEY PRESIDES AT MEMORABLE GATHERING

EX-SERVICE MEN RECEIVE HANDSOME MEMENTO

Over a hundred ex-service men were welcomed home by the parish officers of Ford on Friday evening, when in addition to an excellent supper, each man was presented with a handsome frame memento from Lord Joicey and family, and a high class concert given by Mr Jno. M. Dudgeon and his party from Berwick assisted by Mr. J. C. Collingwood in his famous “coster” numbers.

The old school, famous for its biblical paintings by Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford, was tastefully decorated with the Union Jack and Allied flags, while on the tables set round the room a supper was spread calculated to please the most fastidious.

Lord Joicey presided, and was accompanied by his son, Lieut-Col, the Hon. H. L. Jociey, D.S.O., and members of the Committee and friends. Willing hands of ladies ministered to the wants of the men, and there was abundance of everything, served up in a first class orders. Beer and mineral waters were served at the supper, while at the concert which followed there was the “tot” with which to honour the toasts and abundance of cigarettes.

FORD CASTLE REF: BRO 0017

Supper having been cleared away, and the loyal toast of the King having been proposed by Lord Joicey, the toast list was embarked upon the items being interspersed by musical numbers provided by Mr Dudgeon and party.

THE FORCES

Lord Joicey was accorded a great reception on rising to move the toast of the Imperial Forces. His Lordship having referred to the magnificent services rendered by all branches of the Service, said we owed a great debt of gratitude to the Navy, which had kept our trade routes open. They often heard the House of Lords referred to as a body effete, but he wished to tell them that if it had not been for the House of Lords the Declaration of London would have been agreed to, and we would not have had a Navy able to do half the work which our navy had done in the war. (Cheers). They could never express what they owed to the Army, to the five million men who had never faltered in taking their stand against the attacks of an army which had been preparing for the last thirty years. (Applause). The Army well deserved the encomeums heaped upon it, not only the regulars, but volunteers of all classes. It was the great capacity shown by these people in connection with the army that enabled us to find ourselves in the comfortable state we did today. (Loud cheers).

Col. Joicey, who replied, spoke of the enormous sacrifices of mothers, fathers, and wives at home. Many would remember when the Germans launched their dastardly gas attack in 1915. Then even the stoutest hearts “over there” were rather up against it. It was then that they found doctors and chemists of this country endeavouring to meet this unlooked for situation. It was then that thanks to the devoted women of England that gas masks were supplied in 36 hours. (Cheers). That was the spirit of those at home. (Cheers). It was grand (renewed cheers). Col. Joicey then referred to the excellent fighting qualities of the British soldier. He hoped that the noble spirit shown by all in the war would be carried right through in the days of peace. (Applause).

LOCAL NEWS

The enterprising firm of Ford’s Garage and Cycle Co., Ltd., of Berwick-on-Tweed and Alnwick, who recently took possession of the Red Lion Hotel, have now made it into one of the most up-to-date garages and repair shops in the North.

The Lion garage can just be seen on the far right of this early 20th century photograph taken of Marygate. It was the home to Ford’s Garage and Cycle Co., Ltd.  REF: BRO 1506-009

As will be seen from our advertising columns, they have been appointed authorised dealers in Ford cars and replacement parts for the Parliamentary Division of Berwick-on-Tweed, and with the splendidly equipped workshops and efficient staff of mechanics which they have at their disposal, they are in a position to undertake any repair.

TWEEDMOUTH

We have heard a very pertinent comment on the site favoured for the Tweedmouth War Memorial, viz., the railed-in plot at the Tweedmouth end of the Bridge. Is the Committee taking the new bridge into account? It would be a pity for the memorial to be hidden away under the new bridge, and when the new bridge is erected there will surely be a better site available.

The Tweedmouth War Memorial Fund now stands at over £420, among the latest contributions being £10 from Sir F. D. Blake, Bart., M. P. The architectural plans of the proposed monument and site are ready, and the scheme is being pressed well forward. Despite Berwick’s chilling reception to the proposal to hold a Flag Day in aid of the Memorials in the Borough, Tweedmouth has determined to stick to its plan, and arrangements for a Flag Day on Saturday, 25th October, are now well in hand.

W.A.A.C.’S DEMOBILISED

The members of the Q.M.A.A. Corps, some of whom have been in Berwick since the corps first came to town in 1917, have been demobilised, and are leaving today (Thursday) for their homes. Drawn from a wide district the girls who came from Edinburgh headquarters, will now be scattered all over the country, no two girls going to exactly the same place. They are very sorry to leave, and speak highly of the kindness they have received from the people of Berwick. During their stay, under the command of their officer, Miss Fiddes, they have led a most active life, and yet have found time to run several concerts in aid of various charities. They have spent a very happy time in the town, and will be greatly missed.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3 OCTOBER 1919

by

THE RAILWAY STRIKE

Another lightning strike has temporarily paralysed the transport of the country, and the Government are taking drastic measures to cope with the situation. At ten o’clock on Friday night the North-Eastern men of all grades except the officials of Goods and passenger departments and clerks ceased work and by midnight traffic was suspended on the North-British Railway in a like measure.

The strike has the full approval of the A.S.L.E. and F. and N. U. R. (and is, in fact, the first authorised strike since 1911), and we believe that prior to the stoppage of work the officials of the Union received instructions to inform all drivers and firemen that engines should be uncoupled and left in good order safely housed in the sheds.

TRAINS LEFT ANYWHERE

This was carried out to the letter so far as engines were concerned, but rolling stock was left in all conceivable positions on the line, on main lines and over bridges and culverts. A goods and empty carriage train was left on the bridge at Highgate, Tweedmouth, the driver and fireman uncoupling and proceeding back to the sheds to book off. We are informed that one driver brought his train back to Tweedmouth from Newcastle for the sole reason that he wanted home himself, while another for the same reason brought back herring workers who had got as far south as Chathill and were likely to be stranded.

North-British men at Berwick were cut to a man, some of the men in the lower grades who for years have never missed a day at work being as enthusiastic on the strike “stunt” as youngsters.

An early 20th century image of a locomotive at Tweedmouth Goods Yard, which could have possibly been housed there during the strike. REF: Bro 2349-35-002

STRANDED PASSENGERS

A detachment of troops from Archangel and a dauntless band of fisher lassies from Cockenzie proceeding south to the herring curing were amongst the stranded travellers at Berwick. The soldiers were taken charge of by the military authorities and on Monday morning they were kept fit by having a march out. The fisher girls took their troubles with the true philosophical spirt of the Scotch fisher folk and they were looked after by Mr D. M. Rosie, Fishery Officer, who received every assistance from the Mayor and Sheriff. Accompanying the girls were one or two male fish workers, who with the aid of a pair of Bagpipes and Berwick ale, got themselves into an amiable frame of mind.

The girls were housed in lodgings in the town and left on Wednesday morning for the south, their passage being guaranteed by the Railway Company on trains driven by Inspectors.

Many other people found themselves stranded, but happily they were all able to get houseroom in the Borough.

LOCAL NEWS

Large audiences have visited the Playhouse during the past week, and have been charmed with the programme provided. Sergt. Learmonte, K.O.S.B., has been enthusiastically received in his vocal numbers, but we have heard him in much better voice. For next week a fine programme is promised, and the management are endeavouring to have the films forward in time, though this is a matter of difficulty, owing to the strike. From Monday to Wednesday there will be screened the thrilling drama, “The House of Silence,” in which features Wallace Reid, a star of the film world. The story is full of interest, and depicts a wealthy clubman being called to a mystery house, where murder has been done, and who, assuming the role of detective, probes the mystery at the risk of his life. “Tainted Lives” is another powerful picture well worth seeing. From Thursday to the end of the week there will be screened “Only a Girl,” a sensational story of the Gold Country. A pleasing film is also shown, entitled “The Eye of Envy,” a film away from the ordinary. There will be the usual comedies, and the vocal interlude will be provided by Miss Willins, a pleasing soprano.

AUTUMN HOLIDAY

Whatever may have been the feeling of the inhabitants of Berwick, cut off from the beauty spots of the district, towards the strikes, there was no bloodshed, however, and the Autumn Holiday passed off without any outstanding incident.

In the forenoon, those who were abroad in the upperpart of the town, were greatly amused by the reception given to those running the trains from Edinburgh by the strikers. Ironic cheers were raised, and the non-strikers in the crowd were greatly tickled when the firemen responded to the ovation by dancing a jig on the footplate.

The “aero mail,” too, caused a sensation and the pilot was loudly cheered by the younger children as he circled low over the housetops.

The pleasure grounds at Norham and Velvet Hall were deserted in comparison with former years, and there being no other option left to holiday-makers than to stay at home, they made the best of the day there.

The river was busy, and beaches at Spittal and Berwick, too, had their quotas, though the chill wind kept many from spending an afternoon by the sea. On the golf course there was a field day players of various grades of proficiency being out, lustily driving the “gutta” round the course, or losing the ball in the rough.

REF: BRO 426-879

Those who were imbued with the sporting instinct were amply catered for. There were football matches at Union Park, Pier Field, and on the Stanks, where spectators were treated to exhibitions of goal-scoring rather than science. At Pier Field also Berwick Hockey Club had a good turn-out for its first practice.

Many, we learn, spent the day in their gardens and allotments, spending their holiday in the most profitable way they knew. Motors were busy during the day, but not for joy-riding, and heavy motor lorries throbbed through the streets going north and south.

MILITARY NOTES

BERWICK TERRIER’S MEDAL

Congratulations to Lance-Corporal George Weatherburn, late of the 7th N.F., who has been awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal for over 12 years’ service with the Territorial Force. A keen territorial in pre-war days, he volunteered for service in 1914, and went overseas with the 7th N. F., with whom he had a good spell of active service. A railwayman in civil life he transferred to the L.E. (Railway Ordnance Depot), and till the end of the campaign was soldering on board an engine, Lance-Corpl. Weatherburn was asked by the Record Office whether he would have his medal sent by post or presented by a parade of troops, and he modestly chose the former course.

HONOURED BY FRENCH PRESIDENT

Lieut-Colonel A. J. Foster, C.M.G., C.B.E., a former Northumberland Militia officer, has been appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour by the French President. Colonel Foster commanded the 4th battalion Northumberland Fusiliers when they proceeded to France and until he was invalided home, being mentioned in despatches three times. He is now Assistant Controller in the Ministry of Munitions.

MACHINE GUNNERS RE-UNION

It is intended to have a Reunion Supper and concert in connection with the machine gunners from Berwick and Belford districts, who originally went overseas with the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers (T. F.) and who eventually were transferred to the machine Gun Corps. Major F. B. Cowen, M.C., has the arrangements in hand, and is being assisted by Sergt. T. H. Grey and Pte. C. Bradford. The anniversary of the armistice – a Tuesday – has been selected as the evening for the event.

+ More