R.S.M. Robert Swanston, 7th (Indian) Division, M.G.
Corps, son of Mr and Mrs R. Swanston, Woolmarket, Berwick, has been awarded the
Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in the field, and has been mentioned
in despatches. He was mobilised with the local territorials in 1914, and after
training at Cambois was unable to proceed to France in 1915 with his regiment
owing to an attack of pneumonia. He was very quickly promoted Sergeant, and later
was transferred from the 7th N.F. to the Machine Gun Corps. He was in Dublin in
an armoured car during the Rebellion in 1916.
In July, 1916, he was made Company Sergeant Major, and as
such proceeded to Mesopotamia in charge of his corps. He has been through the
whole of the campaign in Mesopotamia with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force
under General Allenby from July, 1917, to October, 1918. After winning the
D.C.M., he was promoted Regiment Sergeant Major.
No particulars are as yet to hand as to the deed for
which he was awarded this high honour, but it must have been some specially
brave action as his Company Officer was awarded the V.C. in the same
engagement.
R.S.M. Swanston, who has not been home for over three
years, enjoys the life out East. He is at present stationed at Tripoli, in the
Syrian Hills, where he has been acting as demobilisation officer, and has passed
well over 1000 men through his hands.
His father has also been with the Army in France, where he served for three years as a private with the Army Service Corps. He was demobilised this year, and has now returned to his work with Messes Elder and Sons, Castlegate, where his son also worked before the war.
LOCAL NEWS
Easter Monday was celebrated quietly in the town, and there was no excessive travelling, even on the Branch lines. Pic-nic parties round the locality had a good time, and the beach at Spittal, and at the Greens had its votaries.
Youngsters enjoy the pony rides at Spittal beach in this early 20th century image. Similar scenes would be seen on the beach on Easter Monday, 1919. BRO 1887-34-2.
On the Whitadder many anglers were out, but the younger generation of Waltonains saw to it that few likely holes in the river remained unwhipped. Towards evening large crowds were about the street, and the presentation to Lieut. Huffam, V.C. made a suitable ending to a perfect day. The weather was on its best behaviour, which is something to be thankful for nowadays.
We referred last week to the fact that premises in Love Lane, Berwick, had been taken over by a firm interested in the wool industry, and we are now in a position to state that the premises were acquired by Messrs J. Sanderson and Son, skin and wool merchants, Tweedmouth, on behalf of the “Border Counties” Wool Sales Limited,” a company in which Messrs H. Bell and Sons, Ltd., Hexham; Messrs Elliot Maetaggart and Co., Ltd., Mr Woodman, Gallowgate, Newcastle; and other firms are associated. A wool warehouse will be set up, and there will be periodical sales of wool by public auction. In view of the large fleece producing area covered, it is anticipated that a considerable business will be done, not without some advantage to the town and district.
QUEENS ROOMS
There have been splendid audiences at the Queens Rooms Theatre during the week where Royal Raceford the Britian American Wonder in his great magical production has been seen. This turn is well worthy of the “Queens” known record and the audience nightly shows its appreciation. There is also the all popular “Go as you please competition” where several local stars are doing their “stunts.” The final will take place on Friday, and none should miss it.
BELFORD AND DISTRICT
BELFORD
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
On Monday afternoon Mr James Johnson, Headmaster,
Tomlinson’s School, Rothbury, leader of the Rothbury Fife and Drum band,
visited Belford and gave selections of music, which were greatly appreciated by
all who gathered round to listen to the gladdening strains. The artistes are
all boys of Mr Johnson’s school, and great credit it due to him for the excellent
way each one performed his part.
Mr Johnson is a native of Belford, and 50 years ago was a
member of the Belford Fife and Drum band. Mr Dan Joyce is the only other
surviving member of that famous band of fifty years ago.
A silver collection was taken to defray expenses, and any
surplus was to be handed to the Blinded Soldiers’ Fund.
Another of our West End lads home for good is Seaman Gunner Thomas Binney, R.N.R. Being in the Naval Reserve he was called up on August, 1914, and has been most of the time in the neighbourhood of the Orkneys and Iceland. He worked from the “Kirkwall Base for 2½ years. He saw the German submarines futile attempts to break through the British Fleet, and had numerous adventurers while operating from that Base. His part has therefore been a noble one in defence of his country.
Seaman James Binney, a brother, was also a reserve man, and has an equally good record of service. His work during the war has been chiefly that of minesweeping, one of the most dangerous occupations known. On one occasion his boat was rammed and sunk, fortunately all hands were saved. Afterwards he was on a armed drifter working further south in 1918, and until demobilised.
LOCAL NEWS
The laying of the foundation-stone of Berwick Pier, on February 27th, 1810, was an occasion of great interest to the whole population of the north, the “Newcastle Daily Journal” reminds us. The various lodges of Freemasons from the neighbouring towns joined that of Berwick, and together with the County Magistrates and a large concourse of people,
(C) BRO 1636-7-19
marched from the Town Hall to the church. After service they proceeded, attended by a band of music, to lay the foundation-stone. The ceremony was honoured by discharges of cannon from the ramparts and the ships in the harbour, and afterwards the Lodge of St. George held a dinner party in the Town Hall.
The Queen’s Rooms have been a great centre of attraction this week, and the bookings for the Revue, “Hullo! Who Are You? have been excellent. The public have enjoyed the Revue which is brim full of fun, and the chorus singing as well as that of the principals in the catchy songs has been bright and tuneful. One of the great attractions was, of course the new Jazz Dance descriptions of which fill the papers, and which is all the rage at present. The four girls who executed this feat are certainly well versed in the art of graceful dancing.
Carter and King Jazz Orchestra in the early part of the twentieth century. American Jazz was the music that inspired the various types of dance of that period around the globe. Wikimedia Commons.
We are quite sure patrons will welcome a return of the Revue or others on similar lines. For next week the great attraction will be Charlie Chaplin in “Shoulder Arms” a film that has never yet been screened in Berwick. Mr T. Nicolls, ventriloquist is sure to thrill the audience with his clever impersonations. In the end of the week in addition to several good comedies the public will have an opportunity of seeing the sensational film entitled “The Failure”. Messrs Lindsay and McIndee are to be congratulated on their efforts to provide such pleasing performances at the Queen’s.
There has been a great scarcity of coal in Berwick during the last few days. The district is supplied from some eight collieries, but the supplies promised have not been forwarded, and on Tuesday Mr Turnbull went to Newcastle and interviewed Sir Johnston Wallace about getting further supplies from the south. He expresses himself satisfied with the result of his interview and has been promised a further supply of 25 per cent from the southern collieries.
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The embargo on small quantities of coke has been released, and a good deal of coke has therefore been distributed to supplement the coal supply. The threat of a strike amongst the miners may have something to do with the scarcity, as country people have been drawing their full rations. If the strike does occur, there are no reserves in Bewick at present; but in view of the promise for further supplies from the south, the situation in a few days ought to be easier.
BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS
TUESDAY
Before T. M. Morrison, Esq.
Francis McDady, private, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who was
apprehended by the police at Berwick Station on Monday, was charged with being
a deserter from his regiment in France.
He pleaded guilty. The Chief Constable said Private
McDady had travelled up from London, and at Berwick Station it was found he had
no ticket, and for this reason was handed over to the police. He had deserted
from his unit in France in November last, and had been going about ever since.
P.C. Welsh said that at 3.15 on Monday afternoon he received a complaint from Berwick Station, and on proceeding there, defendant was handed over to him by the Stationmaster. The defendant admitted having travelled from London without a ticket. He also said that he had deserted on the 17th November, and from that time up till Sunday last, had wandered about in France. He had crossed by boat on Sunday to Folkestone, where he was apprehended as a deserter. He had, however, managed to escape, and reached London, where he boarded the train on which he travelled to Berwick. Defendant was remanded pending the arrival of an escort.
CHATTON
Mourning and gaiety have had their alternate reigns in
the village this week. The funeral of R. Muckle was very largely attended, but
the laying to his last rest of Private Carr, who, after suffering heavily as
one of our brave defenders, came home only to die of influenza, attracted a
very much larger gathering. There is little doubt that the gassing to which he
was subjected on the battle front weakened the constitution of the noble young
lad.
So far the sadness of the village; yet in these days very
few live with the dead for long. First the Chillingham girls celebrated the
return of their heroes with a dance at the Parish Hall, and then the young
ladies of Chatton followed with a ball in honour of theirs. The days of the
Canadians are numbered, and without the camps what will the ladies do?
The birds are making music and snowdrops and aconites are
looking lovely. But in these racing days who is there to appreciate duly these
signs of coming Spring? “O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His
goodness, and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!”
We extend our heartiest congratulations to Corpl. James Weddell, N.F., son of Mr and Mrs Weddell, 116 Main Street, Tweedmouth, on his having been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field in Italy.
The official record says: – “During a raid on the enemy trenches this N.C.O. led his section with great coolness and skill, materially assisting in bombing the enemy lines and dug-outs and bringing back prisoners.”
Corpl. Weddell, who in civil life was a fireman on the N.E. Railway, was a territorial prior to the war and was mobilised in 1914. He took part in the battle of St. Julien, and subsequent engagements and has been twice wounded. He was sent from France with the expeditionary force to Italy, and has seen some heavy fighting there. Corpl. Weddell has not had leave for a long time, but we understand it will be long before he is allowed a short respite from fighting, and will be able to spend a leave at his home.
BERWICK WAR CHARITIES WEEK
Thursday
GALA DAY IN THE CRICKET FIELD
SPLENDID PROGRAMME OF SPORTS, FOLLOWED BY SPECTACULAR EVENTS
SIR FRANCIS BLAKE PRESENTS PRIZES
Berwick Cricket Field, the scene of many a stirring encounter in the old days before the war, when the Athletic Festival was one of the events of the year, bore some semblance to its former glory on Thursday last, when under the auspices of Berwick War Charities Week a grand Athletic Festival and Carnival was held.
Beautiful weather favoured the event, and a very large and animated gathering was early in attendance and dotted in groups round the various side attractions set out round the field. One might reasonably say that all Berwick and its wife was there, and the holiday spirit was in the atmosphere.
On the old Hockey ground the “Aerial Railway or Suspension Wire,” which proved such an unbounded success at Scremerston, had been erected, and young and old, fair maidens, dark maidens, and maidens of uncertain age, along with the few specimens of the male sex remaining, were to be seen enjoying the flight through space.
A Fish Pond proved as usual a draw, and at this popular side show Miss Molly Cowen officiated in pleasing manner. Houp-la the modern method of legalised robbery, claimed its votaries, and Mrs Collingwood, Miss Walker, Miss and Master Collingwood, Miss Erskine and Miss Calder had a busy afternoon in attempting to satisfy their clients. Black Cat mascots were also sold during the day by Mrs Wm. R. McCreath and Miss McCreath. Away to the north side of the field the lusty voice of Mr Robertson, Ladyrig, Kelso, could be heard soliciting patronage for the exhilarating exercise of “ Downing the Kaiser,” and having a shot at “Old Aunt Sally.”
BERWICK TRIBUNALS
THE NEEDS OF NEWSPAPERS
Archd. F. Carstairs (39) grade 3 man, 66 Church Street, Berwick, newspaper machine man in the “Advertiser” Office, and also working with Mr Grieve, printer, was a case in which exemption was sought on the ground that if he was taken there would be no man left to print the newspaper, Carstairs at the present time being only a half-time man, and sharing his hours of labour between the “Advertiser” Office and Mr Grieve’s office.
The above case was taken along with that of Kerr Middlemiss (28) married, 52 West End, Tweedmouth, linotype operator, “Advertiser” Office, who also asked for a continuation of his expiring exemption. It was explained in the application that the office staff was so reduced that the charge of the lino’ machines depended on Middlemiss, who worked along with a lad who had not yet technical knowledge of the machines. It was pleaded in view of the importance which the Government attached to a newspapers that it was in the national interests Middlemiss should remain.
A row of linotype machines at the Berwick Advertiser office in Marygate, in the mid twentieth century.
In answer to Mr Herriot it was explained by Mr H.S. Hamilton, Editor and Manager of the “Advertiser,” that Carstairs had only been a short time in the employ of the firm. They were exceedingly fortunate in getting him on the last machine man leaving. Although he served his time in the “Advertiser” Mr Grieve had a prior claim to his services, and at present Carstairs divided his time between the two offices.
The national Service Representative said that in view of Carstairs grade and his occupation he did not oppose the claim for exemption.
It was agreed to allow three months’ exemption.
Consideration was then given to the case of Middlemiss, and the National Service Representative stated that his information was that this man, although he had received notification to be further medically examined on 4th June, had not reported himself. Middlemiss had since received further notice on 6th August to report himself.
Mr Hamilton stated that as one who was in daily communication with Middlemiss he was quite convinced that no call to present himself had reached him. There was not the slightest objection on the part of Middlemiss to be examined; he was positive the call to report himself had never reached Middelmiss. Mr Hamilton also explained that Middlemiss was a volunteer, and while he could not say that he was technically efficient he knew he was a very good shot.
The National Service Representative – I am perfectly aware such mistakes have occurred in many instances, and in such circumstances agree that Middlemiss should now report himself for medical examination.
It was then agreed to adjourn for further medical examination.
LOCAL NEWS
It will be remembered that Mr John Bishop got up a subscription some time ago for a skeleton for the use of the V.A.D.’s. He had the brilliant idea of making a sideshow of it at the War Relics Exhibition, and advertised it as “the thinnest man in Berwick – a result of rations.” One visitor, we hear, ungrasped his cash, and marched in, and saw only a tall, aristocratic figure, with his hat slightly on one side, who seemed to be saying, “Pass me not, pass me not!” The subscriber suspecting nothing, marched out again, and said at any rate he had done his duty.
Mr and Mrs Alexander McLeman celebrated their golden wedding on September 1st having been married on September 1st,1868, at the Parish Church, Ayton. Mr McLeman was well known on the Borders, where he was in business as a saddler in Castlegate, Berwick, 20 years ago. The old couple enjoy good health and have a family of nine, three daughters and six sons – John, Robert, Lons, David, on active service in France; William on National War Work; and Alexander, jr., in business as a saddler in Gateshead, holding Government contracts for saddlery, 26 grandchildren, three grandsons on active service; one grandson, James McLeman, killed in action while serving with Berwick Company of N.F.’s. Their present address is 50 Sunderland Road, Gateshead, where they have received many congratulations.
In view of the coming shortage of coal many people in country districts will go back to the moors for peat, which at one time was quite commonly burnt on the Borders. It has a most pleasant and characteristic smell, and is to be found in North Northumberland and in the Ford, Barmoor and low lying ground in the fen and hill districts. It is also found in Berwickshire at Gordon and Greenlaw, and practically the whole of the Lammermoor district.
The peat burns brightly as long as no pot is put on it to press it down. For cooking, pots and pans are suspended from a “sway” or “swee,” an iron arm on a swivel, which is built into the fireplace. Many of the old fireplaces in the town of Berwick have these and we remember seeing one in excellent preservation when a new fireplace was being put in and a large ingle nook discovered in the “Hen and Chickens” Sandgate.
SPECIAL CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT
A special programme of pictures was screened at the Queen’s Rooms, on Saturday, at both houses. The hall is entirely under new management, who have made their debut at Berwick in a right worthy manner by giving the entire proceeds of both entertainments to the War Charity Week Funds. The entertainments were arranged by Mrs P. Cowe, and Mr J. Strachan, Conveners for Monday, assisted by Nurse Anthoney, Convener for Saturday of War Charity Week. At both houses Mr Wilson, the Sheriff, thanked the management in the name of the Committee and said they were deeply indebted for their generosity. He announced that the sum of £9 5s had been raised, which would go to swell the grand total. Mr Cooper replied in the name of Mr A. Lindsay, one of the partners of the new firm, and a nephew of the late Mr Mather. The management have also kindly lent the hall for this afternoon’s entertainment (Thursday) when the Waxworks and Concert will be repeated. We wish the new firm every success.
