Fatality

“This Week in World War One, 14 July 1916

08/03/201815/07/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14 JULY 1916

EARLDOM FOR SIR EDWARD GREY

No Change in Foreign Secretaryship

Sir Edward Grey © No known rights on publication. Wikimedia Commons.

We are in receipt the following telegram from the Official Press Bureau :-

The King has been pleased to confer the dignity of an Earldom of the United Kingdom on the Right Hon. Sir Edward Grey, Bart., K.G., M.P.

The King has been pleased to approve of the appointment of the Right Hon. Lloyd George, M.P., to be Secretary of State for War.

In consequence of Sir E. Grey’s elevation to the Peerage, not more than four of the five Secretaries of State will have seats in the House of Commons.

SIR EDWARD’S NEW TITLE

It is stated that Sir Edward Grey will on his elevation to the peerage take the title of earl Grey of Falloden, which will sufficiently distinguish him from other “Greys” in the peerage – Earl Grey, Lord Grey de Ruthyn, and Viscount Grey de Wilton. Foreign affairs in the Commons will now be in the exclusive charge of Lord Robert Cecil, and the Government is fortunate in having an Under-Secretary in that office who not only commands the confidence of the House and impresses all at Westminster by his knowledge, ability, and efficiency, but who from the fact that he is a member of the Cabinet will be able to speak authoritatively upon foreign questions. The arrangement therefore is highly convenirnt alike for the Commons and the Government, although sincere regret is expressed at the departure of Sir Edward from an Assembly in which he has sat for over thirty years. Sir Edward’s indifferent health, however, has been a cause of anxiety to his friends. His eyes still trouble him, and it is hoped that with less exacting Parliamentary duties the change will prove physically beneficial to him.

LOCAL NEWS

New Teacher for National School. – At a meeting of managers of Berwick Boys’ National School, held on Tuesday, to consider the appointment of a certificated assistant, in room of Mr Thos. Lindsay, who retired lately, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Miss Dover to the vacant post. The new teacher is a daughter of Mr Dover, King’s Arms, Berwick.

Derelict Salmon Cobles. – Two fishing cobles, painted black with blue, gunwales each 15 feet long, have been washed up on the foreshore one mile north of Goswick Railway Station. They have been placed in safety, and are now in custody of the Receiver of Wreck. These boats probably came down the Tweed with the heavy floods of last week-end.

Tweed Salmon Coble. © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1944-1-1936-9.

Herring Fishing Report, Berwick, 12th July. – The herring fishing for the past week was light in the northern ports of the district, and of a total for the week of 5481 crans less than 1000 were landed at theses ports, the remainder being landed at North Shields. The principal fishing grounds have been south of the Farne Islands, the usual grounds off this coast having yielded very poor results so far. With the exception of Friday night, which was very foggy, the weather was favourable for fishing. A break in the fishing was also caused by the news of 8 herring boats having been sunk on Thursday night by a German submarine. Only a few crews proceeded to sea on the following night, and otherwise many boats did not go the usual distance off shore. Several crews are adding small boats as parts of their outfits, in case of eventualities. The total catch to 8th inst. is now 21,654 crans, as compared with 2115 crans in 1915, and 69,437 in 1914. The quality was but fair, and prices mostly 50s to 70s per cran. At North Shields averages of 17 and 25 crans have been landed this week, and 7 and 12 at Eyemouth, Berwick lightly fished. Today 8 boats averaged 7 crans, highest shot 16 crans.

Herring boats© Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-25-4.

SAD FLYING FATALITY

On Wednesday last about 12.30 p.m. a very lamentable accident befell two army aviators while flying on the East Coast, the observer being killed and the pilot badly injured. The machine was first observed by farm workers on an outlying farm, to be approaching rather low and evidently having engine trouble. The intention apparently was to land, but the spectators were horrified to see the craft suddenly nose-dive. Hurrying to the spot it was found the observer (Mr Barrie) had almost ceased to breathe, while the pilot (Mr Hambly) was also suffering from injuries of a severe nature. All that was possible was done for the unfortunate men, Mr Barrie, however, only surviving a few moments. The other occupant, we are glad to learn, is doing as well as can be expected. The remains of the deceased officer were removed for internment during Friday. The machine was destroyed.

BERWICK COMPENSATION CASES

A meeting of the Northumberland Licensing Committee, sitting as the Compensation Authority, was held at the Moot Hall, Newcastle, on Monday. Mr G. D. Atkinson Clark presiding, to consider the question of compensation in respect of four Berwick licenses, the licenses of which had been taken away. The houses were the Coble Inn, Low Greens (of which the registered owners are the Tweed Brewery), the Pack Horse Inn, Church Street, the White Swan Inn, Castlegate, and the Railway Inn, Main Street, Tweedmouth, of which the Border Brewery were the registered owners. Mr W. Weatherhead (Berwick) appeared for the owners in each case. A claim for £590 was put in with respect to the Coble Inn. The Bench offered £510, and that sum was accepted. The tenant’s compensation was put at £50. The other three houses were sent to the Inland Revenue for settlement. The compensation claimed in respect of the three houses was – Pack Horse, £3,733; White Swan, 32,909, Railway Inn, £4,233.

This Week in World War One, 10 December 1915

08/03/201811/12/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 10 DECEMBER 1915

WOOLER FREE GIFT SALE

The arrangements for the above sale, in aid of Red Cross and Relief Funds, to be held at Wooler Auction Mart, on Wednesday, 22^nd Dec., are now well advanced. A very hearty response has been made to the appeal, and would be contributors are reminded that notice of their gifts should be forwarded to the secretary (Mr R. S. G. Thompson, Auction Offices, Glanton), not later than Saturday first, the 11^th December, as inclusion in the catalogue cannot be guaranteed after the date. To the present time the contributions include 6 fat and store cattle, about 140 fat and store sheep, fat and keeping pigs, a donkey, fat and stock poultry, dogs, potatoes, oats, feeding stuffs, sheep dip, seeds, farm implements and harness, and a large quantity of domestic and other useful articles. The catalogue, price 3d, can be had on application to the Secretary, or can be purchased on the day of the sale.

The sale will open by Mrs Burdon of Wooperton, and the Hon. F. W. Lambton of Fenton will be chairman. Present indications point to very successful sale, and the committee will be able to hand over a goodly sum, which will be supplemented by many handsome donations already advised, to the various worthy objects which they are supporting.

BERWICK GIRL ACCIDENTLY SHOT IN LEG BY A SENTRY ON THE OLD BRIDGE

An accident took place on the Old Bridge, Berwick, on Sunday night about 6.40 pm., Nora Loft, a young woman residing at 25 Ravensdown being badly wounded in the leg above the knee by a bullet from the rifle of a sentry.

Berwick upon Tweed, Old Bridge — The photograph above shows the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where the accidental shooting of Miss Loft took place. © Berwick Record Office.

It appears that about 6.40 James Edward Allan, Post Office, Chatton, left the town in charge of a motor car by way of the Old Bridge, and upon reaching the sentry box on the top of the rise was challenged by one of the sentries on duty there. Two men were upon duty, they being Private McLary and Private W. Fortin, and on Mr Allan’s car approaching, McLary challenged it and called upon them to halt. It is stated that the challenge was given three times, but the car failed to draw up, and McLary immediately the car had passed fired apparently with the intention of hitting the back tyre.

Berwick Infirmary and Dispensary (built 1840), as it would have looked when Miss Loft was taken there to have her gunshot wound treated in 1915. © Berwick Record Office.

Miss Loft, who was on the footpath on the opposite side of the bridge, received the bullet in her leg about the knee the bone being broken by the force of impact. Assistance was at once rendered to the unfortunate young woman, and she was placed in the car and driven to the Infirmary by Mr Allan, and under the care of Sergeant McRobb, her wound receiving the attention of Dr C. L. Fraser upon arrival at the institution. We understand that Miss Loft’s condition has improved over night.

RESULT OF BERWICK SOLDIER’S OVER INDULGENCE

The Coroner has concluded his enquiry at York into the circumstances attending the death of Mr Wm. Kelsey (35), of 14 Armstrong Avenue, Newcastle, managing director of the Hylton Forge, Sunderland, who died from a bullet wound received whilst travelling in the 2.20 pm East Coast express from King’s Cross to Edinburgh, between Doncaster and Selby. In connection with the occurrence the police detained Private J. D. Tait, 3^rd Coldstream Guards whose home is at Berwick-on-Tweed, and who was returning from France on a few days leave. Tait is alleged to have fired the fatal shot whilst showing his rifle to the occupants of one compartment. The bullet passed through the rear partition and struck the deceased, who was in the next compartment, in the arm and chest, severing important arteries, and he died in the York County Hospital the same day. It appears that Tait was drunk, and had a bottle of whiskey which was frequently passed round on the journey. Tait ultimately got up, took his rifle from the rack, pulled the bolt back, and closed it again, and the weapon immediately went off. The bullet passed through the back of the compartment above the seat. The Coroner, Mr J R Wood, in summing up, said the only question in that regrettable occurrence was whether there was culpable negligence on the part of Tait. The jury found a verdict of “Death from misadventure”, the Foreman adding: As this is not the first case of this kind the jury are strongly of opinion that all ammunition should be taken from every soldier before leaving for home. They also desire to express their sympathy with the relative of Mr Kelsy. Mr Straker said the relatives of the deceased had already personally expressed their sympathy with Tait, in the sad position in which he was placed. The Coroner said he was very glad the jury had seen their way to take the view they had. All he would say to Tait was “Follow the example of your King.” Tait returned with the police to Selby where it is understood he will be discharged from custody.

RAPHAEL TUCK’S CHRISTMAS SPECIALITIES

Once more Messrs Tuck have issued a fine collection of highly artistic novelties, comprising a varied array of Christmas and New Year Cards, Christmas Autograph Stationery, Calendars, Gift Books, Toy Books for the children, Art Novelties and Christmas Postcards of every description.

A Christmas postcard showing a group of soldiers on the march in World War One. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

In face of the many difficulties with which the art printer is confronted at the present time, Messrs Tuck have made a most remarkable effort to upload the reputation which has been worthily won in seasons past. British art, British enterprise, and true British perseverance has resulted in a production of art novelties which equal if they do not excel the many lovely cards of former years. A special series of Patriotic Christmas Cards in keeping with the spirit of the times is also introduced, an important feature throughout the entire collection being the appropriate greetings and wording suitable not only to the period of peace and goodwill but mindful in its chastened note of the sacrifices which this World’s War has entailed upon the Nation.

This Week in World War One, 10 November 1915

08/03/201820/11/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 NOVEMBER 1915

BERWICK’S OLDEST DOCTOR DIES

The Late Dr Daniel Heagerty

We regret to record the death, after a short illness, which occurred on Sunday, of Dr Daniel Heagerty, M.D., Medical Officer of Health for the Borough of Berwick-on-Tweed. The deceased was a native of Passage West, County Cork, Ireland, and was 76 years of age. The late Doctor was registered as a medical practitioner on May 30th, 1867, and was a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh, 1867), and also a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh, 1867). For some time deceased practised in Prudhoe, and also in Bellingham. He came to Berwick 35 years ago when he purchased the practice and house of the late Dr Davidson at Tweedmouth, and five years later he succeeded the late Dr Fluker as medical officer to the Borough and also to Berwick Board of Guardians. Dr Heagerty in politics was a Unionist, and was one of the original Directors of Berwick Unionist Club. He was also an old official of Berwick Bowling Club, and a member of St. David’s Lodge of Freemasons, Berwick.

The late Doctor was married twice, and of the first marriage there were two sons and a daughter, Maude, who is married. The eldest son served his apprenticeship with Mr W. Carr, chemist in the shop now occupied by Mr N.M. Craig in High Street. *The other son was apprenticed to Mr Jas. Stevenson, architect, Berwick, but afterwards went on to the stage. Of the second marriage there is one son, who is at present serving with the Northern Cyclist.

The Doctor was known to a wide circle of friends and his sudden removal has come with surprise and regret. We are sure the sympathy of our many readers will be extended to the relatives in their sad bereavement.

*The other son mentioned in the article above, was Travers John Heagerty, born in Prudhoe, Northumberland, on the 5th of March, 1874. Travers took the stage name Henry Travers, and went on to become a highly successful actor, making his Broadway debut in 1901. He died in Hollywood, California, on the 18th October, 1965, aged 91.

BILLIARDS

Match at Etal

An interesting billiard match was played at Etal on November 6th, when the wounded Tommies quartered at the Manor there played a returned match with Milfield. As will be seen from the appended list of scores, the soldiers showed that they could play billiards as well as fight. The game opened by a very closely contested trial of strength between Private Evans and Mr Wilkinson, in which the latter proved victorious only by 6. The next game resulted in a win by Private Squires over Mr Stothart by 30 points, but the Milfieldonians were far from being disheartened, seeing that their champion, P.C. Hurst, on whom their hopes they fixed, had yet his turn to come. He played next, having as opponent Private Neal. The latter proved much his superior, and the gallant policeman was only able to add a paltry 32 points as against a 100 to the soldiers’ scores. After this the Tommies had not much fear as to the result, for Private Swinburn met Mr Steel in the next game ended in another victory for the Tommies by 44 points. Then came Corporal Walker, who easily beat Mr Waugh by a majority of 54, and the last of all was played by Private Haldane and Mr Brown, in which the victors’ man proved a little successful and won by 14 points. The final scores were:-

Soldiers, 580; Milfieldonians, 404

After the game the visitors were entertained to tae by their victors, thanks to the kindness at the Manor Hospital of the Commandant, Miss Grey.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Heroic Lifeboat Rescue at Berwick

Sir – I wish through the medium of your columns to make public the deep sense of gratitude the crew of the Lifeboat feel towards their comrades of Spittal who so gallantly came to their assistance last Wednesday morning. Four or five times had the Lifeboat tried to make the harbour, both under sails and oars, and each time was she washed out by the spate on to the Bar. The men were spent with fatigue, cold and wet to the skin, and had little strength left. When the ferry boat was seen to leave Spittal, a last effort was made, this time under double banked oars, to get closer to the pier.

Image 8 - Lifeboat - RNLB Matthew Simpson - Left to Right - Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough. — Image 8 – Lifeboat – RNLB Matthew Simpson – Left to Right – Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.

The Spittal men laid their plans with skill and acted with daring that one could only admire and inwardly applaud. They were determined to get a line to the Lifeboat at the risk of their lives, and they did it. All honour to them! I have reported their brave conduct to the proper quarters, and do not doubt they will be suitably rewarded. The names of the men who were in the ferry boat are as follows: – Prideaux Emery, John Patterson, Barty Lough, Robert Laidlaw, John Wilks (“Laffan”), and Thomas Johnston. On the Pier, Johnston Crombie and William Emery,- Believe me, yours truly,

C.L. FRASER, Hon. Sec.

DANGERS OF BERWICK’S UNFENCED WALLS

A Fatal Fall at Cattle Market

Borough Coroner Wm. Weatherhead and a jury held an inquest on Friday afternoon in the Board Room of the Workhouse, Berwick, concerning the circumstances attending the death of Gordon Kenward, District Valuer of the Inland Revenue, Berwick.

BA-U10-2 SHEET , 1852 cropped. Pictured above the layout of the Berwick Workhouse, where the inquest on Gordon Kenward was held in the Board Room (centre of image). © Berwick Record Office.

Nelson Kenward of Waldron, Sussex, farmer, whose deposition was taken at the deceased’s house identified the body as that of his son, aged 30 years.

Leonard Purdoe, of Berwick-on-Tweed, surveyor, said he knew deceased well, and left his house with him on Sunday, 31st October, about 8.30pm. They went down the street, and he left him nearly opposite the Red Lion Hotel about 8.40.

James Alexander Miller, insurance inspector, said he saw deceased in the Red Lion on the Sunday night mentioned. They both left the hotel about 9.25pm. Deceased said good night to witness in the High Street and proceeded homewards. That was in the archway of the Red Lion. Deceased then went up the High Street. There was no mud on his clothes then.

Robert Renton, N.B. Railway goods checker, deponed that he was proceeding home about ten o’clock on the Sunday night mentioned. As he was passing the Cattle Market his eye caught something lying inside the market grounds about twenty feet from the gate and below the Ramparts. He went for the Police and P.C. Crombie returned with him to the spot. Crombie climbed over the railing, and it was discovered it was a man that was on the ground. The ambulance was summoned by a man named Marshall, and witness proceeded to get the key of the gate, Crombie remaining beside the body.

Police Constable Walter Crombie said the last witness came for him about 10.15pm at the top of West Street. From what he told him he (witness) went to the Cattle Market, climbed over the railing, and found Kenward about 18 feet from the gate. He was lying on his right hand side about four or five feet from the wall. He was bleeding from a wound above the left eye, and one on the right side of the head. The deceased got up on his feet and walked with his assistance to a sand bin. Before that witness had sent for the ambulance and the key for the gate of the Market. The ambulance removed the deceased home. Deceased’s clothes were covered with mud. When witness returned to the Market he found near to where deceased was discovered two handfuls of grass and moss.

By the Jury – Deceased asked witness where he was. Witness told him asking how he got there,. Deceased replied “I don’t know.” He wanted to walk home but could not do so.

Dr Taylor, Berwick, deponed that he saw the deceased between 1 and 2 on the morning of 1st November. He found a wound below the left jaw, another on the left eyelid, and a large excariation on the left cheek. There was a small wound on the right side of the scalp. He was partially conscious, and next day lapsed into complete unconsciousness, never regaining consciousness. Death occurred on Thursday, 11th inst., in the afternoon. The cause of death was, in witness’ opinion, severe concussion of the brain, arising from the injuries sustained through the fall.

A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

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