First World War

This Week in World War One, 31 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31 MAY 1918

 

SON OF A FORMER BERWICK MINISTER HEAVILY FINED

FOR MAKING STATEMENTS DISPARGING THE ARMY

 

Messrs Headley Bros., publishers, of Oxford Street, London, and the Rev. Joseph Davison Manners Rorke, of Boxhill, a native of Berwick, and son of the Rev. Jospeh Rorke, formerly minister of Church Street E.P. Church, Berwick, were summoned at the Marlborough St. Police Court on Thursday last, the former as publisher and the latter as editor of the publication called “The Venturer”, in the March issue of which were statements likely to prejudice recruiting and discipline of his Majesty’s Forces.

Marlborough Street Magistrates Court where the case relating to the publication “The Venturer” was heard in 1918. It is now the Courthouse Hotel. © Author: Mark Hillary. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

After Sir Archibald Bodkin, for the prosecution, had read extracts which he contended were likely to create a bad impression and to prejudice recruiting and discipline, the defendant Rorke said he accepted full responsibility as editor of “The Venturer,” though he did not write the article, and had no intention whatever of prejudicing recruiting or disparaging the Army.

Counsel for Messrs Headley said they were merely publishers of “The Venturer,” did not know its contents, and accepted no responsibility.

The magistrates, in fining Messrs Headley £100 and £5 costs, said they should have exercised more vigilance to see they were not made the instruments for dissemination of such noxious matter. Mr Rorke would have to go to prison for three months in the second division.

Defendant’s father protested that his son had no such intention as that ascribed to him.

Mr Mead latter recalled the defendant, and on an undertaking that he would not publish anything prejudicial to recruiting or discipline substituted a fine of £50 for imprisonment and allowed seven days for payment of the fine.

LOCAL NEWS

Anyone holding an exemption certificate from military service can only be granted renewal by the tribunal if he applies for it fourteen days before the expiry of the present period of exemption.

On June 1st the price for early potatoes will drop from 4d to 3½ per lb. A fortnight ago before the maximum prices came into force 10d to 1s 3d a pound was being asked for new potatoes in the London shops. Fair quantities were available at these prices, but with the sudden fall to 4d supplies seemed to disappear.

There has been a spurt in Berwick as in other places in the purchase of War Bonds, £685 was subscribed for the week ending May 18, and May 25, although a short week with the Banks closing on Whit-Monday, realise £3127. The full weekly quota is £6530.

We understand it is probable that a Standing Musketry Camp will be held in connection with the local Volunteer Battalion. Should this mature, it will commence about the middle of June at Morpeth, and the following three weeks will be held at Berwick. It is anticipated that the proposed camp will stimulate interest amongst those efficient in shooting, and also amongst the recruits, and a good attendance is anticipated. The efficient men will be asked to fire their annual musketry course, and recruits will do their efficiency tests. Those attending the camp for twenty-four hours will be provided with accommodation and rations. Free railway warrants will be provided for those attending. This camp, of course, has no connection with the annual camp.

Her many friends were glad to see Miss Marjory C. Holmes, daughter of Mrs Holmes, of Bridge Street, back to Berwick last week from Russia, where she has had an adventurous time. She is unwilling at the moment to speak of her adventures, but anyone who has watched what has lately been happening in Russia, where there have been scenes similar to those in the French Revolution, when the nobles were killed in their beds and dragged out into the open street, sometimes naked, will be able to realise something of what she has passed through.

May 1st, 1918. The demonstration took place on Palace Square in Petrograd, in front of the Winter Palace. Unknown photographer. © Author: The Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Library. No known copyright exists.

She was in Petrograd at the time of the first Revolution, and later she left Kieff only three days before the Germans entered. She has been thirteen weeks travelling home, by way of Moscow, Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, Japan, and Canada, and the United States. Miss Holmes is one of those typical English visitors to foreign countries, seemingly unable to miss danger spots, and ready only too soon to return to them.

No. 4 Platoon, B Coy., having bee adjudged the best platoon of the 5th V.B., Northumberland Regt., went to Newcastle on Sunday last to compete with the best of other Battalions. Having to be on Parade at 10 a.m., in Newcastle meant, for the Berwick men, being away by the 6.5 a.m. train, no slight handicap this in such a competition. The Berwick men competed second, and right worthily upheld the honour of the Company and Battalion to which they belong. Everything they were asked to do was done in quite a professional manner. Words of commendation were freely expressed by the officers standing round. More than one said: “This platoon will not be beaten.” Lieut. Campbell was in great form. Cool and collected, his words of command came out clear and sharp, and his men responded admirably. Each N.C.O. was called out in turn. No.4 Platoon is fortunate in possessing non-coms, like Sergeants How, Young, Mace and Corporal Evans, and those who know them will know they were not beaten by any other non-coms. The Berwick Platoon was placed second, two points down, and when the journey is taken into consideration, and the going on to parade so soon after arrival in Newcastle, the result is highly creditable. Lieut. Campbell has worked hard for the last three weeks to get his men up to the top hole. He has been able seconded by his non-coms, and no words of praise are sufficient for the men, who turned up night after night to be “put through it.” Lieut. Campbell was congratulated by the principal officers present on the efficient state of his platoon.

SEAHOUSES

We hear little of the brave and daring deeds done by the minesweeping and patrol craft of our coasts. One such matter of local interest has recently been made public. For brave work in a mine field in August, 1916, Captain S.B. Ward, of H.M.S. Minesweeper St. Leonards 462, was recently decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace, with the Distinguished Service Cross. Later the gallant Captain was presented by the inhabitants of Hartlepool with a marble clock, and a cheque for £20 for himself and a gold locket and chain for his wife. The circumstance is of local interest because of the fact the Seaman Geo. Richardson (Scotty), son of Mr and Mrs George Richardson, Seahouses, formed one of the crew which for some reason numbered only five instead of twelve or fourteen. Each member of the crew also received a beautifully designed medal in silver with gold centre bearing his initials. Mr Richardson’s medal being inscribed “Present to Geo. Richardson, for conspicuous bravery in a minefield, August, 1916, by Councillor C.T. Watson, Mayor of Hartlepool.” We congratulate the young Seaman in the distinguished honour.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A DESERTER

Richard Edwards, a pioneer belonging to the Royal Engineers, appeared on a charge of having been a deserter from a Special Gas Company of the R.E., France, since November 6th, 1917. He pleaded guilty.

The Chief Constable said this man belonged to Berwick, and was here on leave from the Front on October. He failed to rejoin his unit at the expiry of his leave on 6th November, and there had been enquiries made about him on two occasions by the Military Authorities. It became known on Sunday morning that he was in the town, he having arrived from Middlesborough, where he had been working, and on his person, when arrested, was found a return ticket to that place. Sergeant Wilson and P.C. Lindsay went to his house at Church Road. The Sergeant went to the front door and knocked, and Lindsay was sent round to the back to prevent the man escaping. As their Worships would hear, Lindsay arrested the man as he was trying to escape over a wall at the rear of the house. The wife of accused denied to the police that he was in the house, and later said it was not likely she was going to give her husband away.

Sergt. Wilson, giving evidence, said he knocked on the door of Edwards’ house in Church Road, and the wife answered, saying she would open after putting on her clothes. After two or three minutes and on hearing a noise as if the man was preparing to make his escape by the back door, Lindsay went round to the back door. Mrs Edwards then opened the door and denied that her husband was in the house. At that time witness heard Lindsay shout, and on going round found that he had got Edwards.

P.C. Lindsay corroborated, and stated that he arrested accused as he was coming over a six foot wall. Accused admitted being a deserter, and said he was glad it was all over.

The Bench remanded accused in custody pending the handing over to the military.

 

 

This Week in World War One, 17 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17 MAY 1918

 

War News

BERWICK MAN AWARDED M.M.

Another hero has to be added to the already large list of Berwickers who have performed deeds of valour during the present war. Mrs Dunlop, 47 West Street, Berwick, has received intimation that her husband, Private William Dunlop, K.O.S.B., has been awarded the Military medal, along with a parchment certificate which reads as follows :- “28831 Private Wm. Dunlop, K.O.S. Borderers.

The Military Medal, awarded to Private William Dunlop, K.O.S.B., from Berwick

 

I have read with much pleasure the report of your Regimental Commander and Brigade Commander regarding your gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on the 11th April, 1918, near Neuf Berquin, and have ordered your name and deed to be entered in the record of the – Division – D.E. Cayley, Major-General Commanding.

Private Dunlop was called up as a Reservist and served with the Division at the Retreat of Mons. He was wounded in 1915, and was invalided to this country, and after convalescence he did garrison duty at Inohkeith, Inchgarvie, Kirkcaldy and Leith. Returning to Duddingston Camp he was then passed “A1” and proceeding with a draft of the K.O.S.B.’s to France he joined the – th Division, to which he is still attached. This Division has been seen much heavy fighting, having been at the Gallipoli, 1915-16. At the evacuation of the Peninsula they came to France, and were present at the Somme 1916-17, Arras, 1917, Ypres, 1917, Cambrai 1917.

Private Dunlop was home time expired at the beginning of the present year on a month’s furlough. We heartily congratulate him on the distinction he has won. He was for some time working at Scremerston Colliery, and thereafter was a salmon fisher with Berwick Salmon Coy. He is a son of Mr Andrew Dunlop, Church St., Berwick.

 

BELFORD OFFICER WINS MILITARY CROSS

It was quite a pleasure to us to learn some little time ago that Second Lieutenant Wm. Hall, eldest surviving son of Mr and Mrs Richard Hall, High Street, Belford, had been awarded the Military Cross. We would at once have recorded the fact but were forbidden. It has, however, now appeared in a military journal and the words culled from it are as follows: – “He dis-great courage in hand to hand fighting in an attack, personally killing many of the enemy, and led his platoon to their objective. Throughout many hours fighting he rendered his battalion valuable service.” Personally we are proud to know the gallant Lieutenant, and heartily congratulate him. Lieut. Hall has lost two brothers in France, and that fact is sufficient to fire any fellow with the spirit of a man in him to lay out as many Huns as he possibly can whenever an opportunity presents itself. Some time ago he was sent to Italy, and is still there. We hope he is safe and well, and may continue to be till the Central Powers are beaten.

 

Lieut N. S. Craig’s Gallantry

STIRRING STORY OF BRAVERY IN FACE OF THE ENEMY

Some weeks ago it gave us pleasure to record the award of the Military Cross to Second-Lieut. N.S. Craig, Royal Scots, son of Mr N.M. Craig chemist, Berwick, and the official account of the action which earned the decoration now published brings to light a story of true British pluck and daring.

The following is the official record:-

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a counter-attack. When ordered to gain touch with the unit on his right, he led his men forward over the open in daylight under intense machine gun fire, and occupied the ground immediately in rear of the original outpost position. He then went forward alone in full view of the enemy, reconnoitered the position, and found that it was not occupied by the enemy. He returned, and moving about in the open still under heavy fire, established his men in good positions. Later, when ordered to withdraw, he sent his men back in small parties, and was himself the last to leave. He rendered most valuable service in clearing up the situation. Throughout the whole operation he showed great coolness under fire, and by his courage and contempt of danger, set a magnificent example to his men.

Second Lieutenant Craig has now been allowed leave to continue his medical studies at Edinburgh University, and his many friends will, we are sure, wish him many years of life to wear his coveted distinction.

 

THE CROIX DE GUERRE FOR A WOOLER LAD

Mr and Mrs Brodie of Ramsay’s Lane, Wooler, have had a further communication from their son Sergeant Marcus Brodie that he is to obtain the above French decoration for conspicuous gallantry displayed at the battle of Cambria. It appears that when the British were being pressed back Sergt. Brodie gathered a handful of men together and held the enemy in check for ten hours until assistance arrived. The Croix de Guerre is somewhat similar to our Victoria Cross and serves certain privileges with it. We heartily congratulate Marcus on his well-earned honour and hope to see him back amongst us at no distant date wearing his highly prized and coveted decoration.

 

MEAT COUPONS VALUE INCREASED

As from May 12 and until further notice the meat coupon will be available for the purchase of 6d worth of butcher’s meat instead of 5d worth as hitherto.

Up to May 5th the public were able by using their coupons on their meat cards to obtain 1s 3d worth of butcher’s meat weekly. On May 5th this quantity was reduced to 10d worth by the reduction of the number of coupons that might be used for buying butcher’s meat from three to two. The present concession, by enabling the public to buy 1s worth of butcher’s meat weekly, compensates in part for the reduction of the number of coupons that may be used for that purpose.

 

 

 

This Week in World War One, 3 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3 MAY 1918

WAR NEWS

FORMER SCREMERSTON SOLDIER WOUNDED

We regret to hear that Bombadier Esau Wilkinson, who for many years resided in Scremerston, a nephew of Mr and Mrs Younger, East Allerdean, has been wounded and is now in Bolton Hospital, Lancs. Bomb. Wilkinson was knocked out by a wound in the head and right hand while carrying a wounded comrade. The shell which knocked him over was responsible for the death of three other men. He joined the R.F.A. in the early stages of the war and has seen some heavy fighting since going out to France three years ago.

FORMER ROYAL SCOTS WOUNDED AND GASSED

News has been received by a friend in Berwick, that Sergeant George Gardiner, Machine Gun Corps. Late Royal Scots, has been wounded and gassed in the big offensive.

British troops blinded by tear gas in 1918. © Author: Thomas Keith Aitken (Second Lieutenant). This photograph Q11586 is from the collections of the Imperial War Museums (collection no. 1900-22).

BERWICK SOLDIER A PRISONER

Lance Corpl. James Roughhead.

Information has been received by Sergt. Wm Purves, K.O.S.B., that his nephew, Lance-Corpl. James Roughead, Durham Light Infantry is a prisoner of war in a German Camp. Lance Corpl Roughead was at one time a member of the M.C. Section of the local Territorials, but had severed his connection prior to the war. In civil life he was employed as a stone mason.

 

BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

CARE OF SOLDIERS’ CHILDREN

A circular, enclosing resolution, from the Farlington Boarding Out Committee on the lack of supervision of our sailors and soldiers children was submitted in which they invited the cooperation of the Guardians to bring the matter before the Local Government Board. It was alleged that there were large numbers of children boarded out at the present moment without adequate supervision, and the circular advocated the appointment of trained women inspectors and visitors. In the course of a discussion the Chairman said there was a strong animus against allowing such children to come under Guardians’ care, and he thought it was a foolish sentimental feeling. It was agreed to remit the matter for further consideration to the Boarding Out Committee.

 

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

Mr and Mrs William Moffat, 18 Middle Street, Spittal, have received news from their son, Private John Moffat, Royal Scots, that he has been wounded in the thigh, during the recent heavy fighting, and is now in hospital at Sheffield, Private Moffat joined up early in the war and has had a long spell in France, this being the third time he has been wounded. Prior to the war he was a pitman. Another brother, William, joined the Northumberland Fusiliers at the outbreak of war and has seen a lot of severe fighting. He also has been wounded twice, and is at present serving in France with the Staffordshires.

Mrs King, 13 West Street, Spital, has received official information that her husband, Private John King, Royal Scots Fusiliers, is missing. Before going to France, private King was stationed at Berwick for a considerable time, and was attached to “A” Company, Royal Scots. We trust Mrs King (who was formerly Miss Wales, daughter of the late Mr John wales, painter, Spittal) may soon hear good news regarding her husband.

Mrs O’Connor, 20 Middle Street, Spittal, has received information from her husband, Private Robert O’Connor, Northumberland Fusiliers, that he has been taken prisoner by the Germans and is now interned at Limburg.

Pictured is the WW1 prisoner of war camp at Limburg, where Private Robert O’Connor, Northumberland Fusiliers was interned.

The German offensive is still being actively carried on, which makes it impossible for any of our soldier lads to get home on leave. Thanks to our Navy’s supremacy on the sea, the German Fleet do not feel inclined to come out and try a Tussle. For the time being this enables the Navy men to have a great advantage with regard to leave over their soldier comrades. This week we are glad to see Seaman David Scott and Jos. Elliott, R.N.R., spending a few days at home. Both seem to be enjoying the best of health. In civil life Seaman Scott’s occupation was that of cooper, while Seaman Elliott was a fine fisherman, being one of the crew of a Spittal coble

Seaman Thomas Martin, R.N.R., who is engaged in the dangerous work of minesweeping off the East Coast, is, we notice, having a few days’ leave at home. He joined up in January, 1915, and during his long spell of service has had some exciting experiences. Before the war Seaman Martin was a fisherman.

Seaman John Moody, R.N.R., son of Mr Robt. Moody, West Street, Spittal, is having a few days’ leave from his active duties. We are glad to know he is enjoying the best of health.

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