BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 AUGUST 1918
Grandson of Holy Island Man’s Heroic Act
GIVES LIFE BLOOD FOR COMRADE
The war has produced many acts of heroism and gallantry. Among Britain’s citizen Army are found thousands of men with no outstanding characteristics but with the same stout heart and firm spirit, who reck not the danger when a comrade is to be dragged back from the grave. A story which has reached us gives further evidence of this fact. The hero of the episode is a young Northumberland Fusilier, who, literally, gave his life blood in order that a “chum” from overseas might regain his strength. That the effort was in vain is the only sad incident in the whole, which is bright with the steadfast courage shown.
Lance-Corporal John Markwell, Northumberland Fusiliers, grandson of Mr Ralph Markwell, Holy Island, Beal, and Private J. Hempshill, a son of Mrs Hempshill, 12 East Thomas St., Edinburgh, were lying in adjacent beds in a base hospital in France. Private Hempshill was severely wounded, and had lost an extra ordinary amount of blood, so much so, in fact, that the doctors came to the conclusion that unless some new life-giving fluid could be transfused from another living person the soldier would certainly die. Markwell, on being asked if he would submit to having some of his blood transfused, at once acceded, and this plan was at once carried out. The blood was removed from Markwell’s right arm to the left arm of Hemshill, but the operation had apparently been delayed too long, as success did not attend the efforts of the doctors. Hempshill died shortly afterwards, but before he passed away he asked that due recognition should be made of the heroic act of Lance Corporal Markwell. Almost his last statement was a request that a record of the incident should be published in the “Edinburgh Evening News.”
Lance-Corporal Markwell, it may be added, is at present in hospital in this country, and is making good progress. In writing to the mother of the deceased soldier he put the story in a nutshell, and expresses volumes when he modestly says, “I did my best.” No one could have done more.
BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS
THURSDAY
Before the Mayor, Alex. Darling, Chas. Morgan, T. Purves, and R. Boston, Esqrs.
THEFT OF SOAP
George Edward Wardle, Robert Patterson, and James Douglas, privates in the K.O.S.B., were charged, on remand, with having, on Saturday, stolen twenty two bars of soap, valued 14s, from a store in the yard of Mr John Stoddart, grocer, 84 High Street. The circumstances were fully reported at Monday’s Court, and to-day defendants all pleaded guilty, Capt. Collingwood was present and watched the proceedings.
John D. Patterson, a boy employed by Mr Stoddart, and P.C. Wm. Watt again gave similar evidence to that tendered at last Court. The soap, the latter said, was a considerable distance from the entrance door of the store, and could only have been taken by someone going right into the premises.
Capt. Collingwood said that two of the defendants had a clean sheet, while some minor fault was against the third man; but on the whole the defendants had given the military authorities no trouble.
Defendants each attributed their condition to the effects of taking drink.
The Mayor said that the Bench were very sorry to see the defendants in their present position, which was a very serious one. They took into consideration that the defendants had served their country and been wounded, and would therefore deal leniently by imposing a fine of 10s each, or seven days’ imprisonment. This was the first case of its kind which had come before the Court, and it was hoped it would act as an adequate warning, as shopkeepers and others must be protected from conduct of this kind. The fines were paid.
LOCAL NEWS
The demonstration of hooliganism and violence given by five soldiers, who, as reported in our columns of page 4, created a great disturbance on the Spittal Motor Ferry boat last Friday night, has made people in the town furiously to think of what protection is afforded from these “roughs.” Evidently as the police did not see the occurrence happen they are powerless to bring a case unless the assaulted parties issue summons.
In a case of this kind no private individual cares to summon the offenders who in all probability would have their revenge as only “Redskins” can take it. Surely there is a kink in the law which forces one to come into the lime light of police court proceedings with the off chance of getting “done in” later, to protect oneself from having the experience of “kipper slapping” and rowdyism. The military no doubt will punish the offenders, but the feeling in the town is that a few months “hard labour” would do the culprits a considerable amount of good.
BERWICK TRIBUNALS
HAIRDRESSER TO SERVE
William D. McColgan, hairdresser, Hide Hill, Berwick, described as a Grade 1 man, was an application by the National Service Representative for withdrawal of the existing exemption, as he was not doing national work, and might be more usefully employed in some branch of the Army.
Mr McColgan stated that this was entirely a one man business, and he urged that exemption should be continued owing to domestic circumstances and a young family of four. He was in grade B2 last time.
The Tribunal decided that he should serve, but that he should not be called up till the end of September.
A LOW GRADED MAN
William Johnston (31) rope and twine spinner, residing in Coxon’s Lane, and employed by Mrs Wilson, Castlegate, was a Grade III, man. He had been fourteen years in her employment, and claimed on occupational grounds that he was useful in supplying the fishing industry, and in making material that was used in munitions. The only other man employed was about seventy years of age.
The National Service Representative – In view of this man’s grade and occupation I am not prepared to oppose his exemption.
The Tribunal accordingly allowed three months’ exemption.
BERWICK COMPANY CHURCH LADS’ BRIGADE
KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS CADETS
This Company went into camp at Warkworth for the August Bank Holiday week. Berwick lads were attached to “D” Company, along with Blyth Company. About 400 lads were in camp under Cadet Lieut. Col. W. H. Arring.
The camp was conducted on lines of strict military discipline as the following account of the daily routine shows.
Saturday, the day of arrival, the lads were placed in their tents and acquainted with their camp duties.
Sunday, the battalion marched down to Warkworth Church at 7a.m., and a large number of the lads partook of the Holy Communion, the service being conducted by the Bishop of Newcastle. At 11 a.m. a short service was held in camp, and in the afternoon there was a drum head service with an address by the Bishop.
The lads contributed liberally to the collection in aid of the Church Army Hut Work in France.
Daily reveille at 6 a.m., fall in at 6.30 for a short march and physical drill, breakfast at 8 a.m., C.O.’s parade at 10.30, consisting of company drill and battalion movements, dinner 1 p.m., after which the lads were free for the day. Excepting those who were detailed for guard, etc. tea at 4.30, and “light out” at 11 p.m.
A very noticeable feature in camp was the three minutes silence after reveille and lights out were sounded. The interval being devoted to prayers.
Wednesday was devoted to the Battalion sports, and Thursday was largely occupied with the inspection. The inspecting officer, who we understand came from the Tyne Garrison, and was sent by the General of the Northern Command, spoke highly of the smartness of the lads and complimented them on the way they marched past. He afterwards inspected the camp and was present at the distribution of prizes by Miss Deuchar.
On Friday everyone was busy doing his share in striking camp and leaving the field clean and tidy. Berwick boys arrived home on Friday afternoon, after having spent a most enjoyable and instructive week.
The Company, which will resume drills in September, bids fair, under the capable leadership of Lieut. R. D. Harvey to add lustre to its already noble history. Recruits will be enrolled any Wednesday evening at the Boy’s School, Ravensdowne.