First World War

This Week in World War One, 19 April 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 APRIL 1918

 

WAR NEWS

TWEEDMOUTH SOLDIER KILLED

It was with profound regret that we learn of the death in action on 23rd March, of Signaller T. W. Logan, Hussars, son of Mr and Mrs George Logan, Railway Buildings, Tweedmouth. The official news only arrived on Sunday last, but for some weeks his parents had been anxious as to his safety. Signaller Logan who was 24 years of age was a quiet studious lad, taking a keen interest in Continuation Class Education where he succeeded in taking his eighty words speed certificate in Shorthand and also became proficient in book-keeping. He received his schooling under Mr John Peacock, Tweedmouth, and then went to the Tweedside Co-Operative Society as a draper, which trade he followed up to the time of his enlistment in January, 1915. He was trained at Stocksfield and York, and later was stationed at Titworth. Proceeding into France with his regiment, he was later invalided home and again being classed fit for service, was drafted to the front again in October last year. The news of his end will come as a blow to the many friends who loved and respected him, and to the bereaved parents the deepest sympathy is extended.

 

BERWICK OFFICER WOUNDED AND MISSING

Lieut. W. Leonard Ward-Davis

 

We are sorry to hear that information has come to Mr and Mrs Ward-Davis, North Terrace, Berwick that their son, Lieut. W. L. Ward-Davis, Kings Royal Rifles, has been wounded in the recent fighting and is missing. In view of the fact that several companies of regiments holding the line were overwhelmed by the German onrush, there is every reason to hope that this gallant young officer has been taken prisoner and we trust reassuring news will be received by his parents soon.

Lieut. Davis joined up as a private on reaching the age of eighteen and proceeded to France in 1916, being wounded six weeks later by slight gunshot in the face. Recovering at a Base hospital in France, he was soon back in the line again and was later sent to this country to go through a course preparatory to taking a commission. He received his commission in the summer of last year, and has since then seen heavy work in France. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a clerk in the Commercial Bank, Berwick, and was educated at Berwick Grammar School.

 

LOCAL NEWS

The Playhouse continues to attract large audiences and maintains its reputation for the fine class and variety of its films. “The Saints Adventure” is the novel title of this week’s film. It depicts the life story of an American pastor. He is appointed to one of the most fashionable New York Churches, whose assets exceed half a million pounds, and its charity balls are a society function. Charlie Chaplin also appears in his inimitable Comedy “The Vagabond”. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday a charming and entertaining comedy entitled “Skinner’s Bubble” is to be filmed. It is a sequel to the one which was recently screened “Skinner’s Dress Suit,” which raised him from the humble position of cashier to that of junior partner. An out and out bluffer the new picture shows Skinner imagining that he can become a Napoleon of the industrial world by starting on his own account. It is then that the partners decide that it would be a tremendous mistake in letting so valuable a person as Skinner go out of the firm. It so happens that just as Skinner is preparing to file his bankruptcy papers, and confess himself a most miserable failure; the partners make him a staggering offer to rejoin their firm. Excellent variety articles are found in Halbert, ventriloquist, and De Lil, illusionist, who are complete in their acts and tricks.

 

SCREMERSTON

We are pleased to see home on a well-earned rest after having been wounded for the third time, Lance-Corporal Thos. Robertson, of Scremerston Hill Farm, Scremerston. We wish him a pleasant holiday.

All men taken by Ballot at Scremerston Colliery last week have passed the medical Board, and are off to Catterick.

An early image of Scremertson Colliery © Northumberland Archives Berwick, BRO 515-209.

Private John Mowitt, N.F., has been home at Scremerston Old Colliery on hospital leave for ten days, he having been in hospital in England for the last four months suffering with his chest and feet. Mowitt has been twice in France, and has seen some fighting, notably Paschendaal. Previous to joining the Army he was an old Territorial, and worked as a miner at Scremerston Colliery. He is married, has a wife and two children.

 

TILLMOUTH

The children of the school, under the tutorship of Mr and Mrs Rathbone, gave a most varied and interesting evening on Friday last of song and play. Sir Francis Blake was in the chair, and in his opening remarks alluded to the high place the school had taken in War Savings Fund and of the good work done in the district in connection with the war. In conclusion Sir Francis said we were here at the invitation of teachers and children to show us parents what is being done to bring out the individuality of the child, as after all when school days are over the confidence of our own individuality was a great factor. For two hours the crowded school were treated to a most delightful programme and to pick out any child for special mention would be unfair. A silver collection was made, and a sum of £8 10s 11d was forthcoming, which Mr Rathbone is handing over to Blind Soldiers’ Children Fund. Expenses were nil, owing to the kindness of a few friends, to whom our thanks are due for putting up stage and carting seats. Special thanks are due to the children for their enthusiasm in their training and also to Mr and Mrs Rathbone for the care and trouble taken. The success of performers will no doubt be ample reward for their kindness in providing such a treat for the district.

This Week in World War One, 5 April 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 APRIL 1918

 

MILITARY CROSS FOR BERWICK OFFICER

Second Lieut: N. S. Craig

 

We have pleasure in announcing that the Military Cross has been awarded to Sec. Lieut. N.S. Craig, Royal Scots, son of Mr Nicol M. Craig, chemist, Berwick, and Mrs Craig, Castle Terrace, and we are sure all will join with us in congratulating this gallant young officer on the award which has come to him for gallant work in the field. Lieutenant Craig, who was a medical student at Edinburgh University, was attached to the Officers Training Corps there before joining up. He proceeded to Gailes for training, and was gazetted to the 2-10th Royal Scots in April, 1917, being later transferred to another battalion for service in France. He has our heartiest congratulations and good wishes for his future in the Country’s service.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Ex Corporal Graham, D.C.M., son of Mr Graham, baker, Castlegate, has been made the recipient of a handsome silver rose bowl from the Woodhorn Colliery Coy., in appreciation of the gallant act which earned the award for Distinguished Conduct in the field. Ex Corpl. Graham is now discharged, having lost his foot as a result of a bomb explosion, but is able to get about quite well on his artificial limb, and is now engaged in driving an electrically controlled engine at the Ashington Pits.

An interesting display in ambulance work, Morse signalling, and physical exercises, by the members of the Berwick Scout’s Evening Classes took place in the Drill Hall, Ravensdowne, on Thursday evening. The Mayor presided, and here were also present Mrs Plenderleith, Rev. R.C. Inglis, Mr G. H. Ballard, Mr T. M. Morrison, Mr Geo. Stewart, Mr Wm, J. Dixon and Mr James Stevenson. The programme, which was carried out under the direction of Scout Master E. W. Turnbull, consisted of a display given by three classes which have been taught during the winter under the auspices of the Education Committee.

(c) Graham Robson http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

 

The first part consisted of semaphore signalling taught by Leading Boatman Sparrow; this was followed by ambulance and stretcher drill, taught by Nurse Anthoney; and physical drill and other exercises, taught by Lance-Corporal John Mace Short and stimulating addresses were delivered by the mayor and Mr Dixon, and a presentation was made to Scout Alexander Stevenson, Ravensdowne, for best attendance and diligence. This consisted of two handsome volumes- one on Scottish Character, and the other the New Testament, these being kindly gifted by Mr G. Lindsay Hilson, Kenmore Bank, Jedburgh.

Twenty six lads of the Berwick Parish Church C.L.B. Corps (affiliated to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps) under the command of Lieut. R. Harvey, paraded on Easter Monday for a trip to Horncliffe. The lads, who looked quite smart in their new khaki uniforms, spent a most enjoyable day with manoeuvres and games.

Berwick Parish Church. © John Box – Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives website.

This old establishment company of the Church Lads Brigade is now recognised by the War Office as a regular cadet company; and we are glad to note the increasing strength and efficiency of the company under the able command of Lieut. R. Harvey, assisted by Sergeant Instruct or Johnson, both of whom have been discharged from the army after severe wounds. It is proposed to have a Church Parade on Sunday at 10.45.

This Week in World War One, 22 March 1918

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LOCAL NEWS

 

An interesting and enjoyable dance arranged by the warrant officers, staff sergeants and sergeants at the K.O.S.B. Depot, took place in the Gymnasium Hall at the Berwick Barracks on Friday evening. There were some sixty couples present. Dancing commenced a eight o’clock to excellent music supplied by the orchestra under the leadership of Mr Wilson; the duties of M.C. being efficiently discharged by Sergeant J. Wallace. Besides a representative attendance of the K.O.S.B. Depot there was also a considerable number of officers, warrant officers and sergeants present from other regiments in the vicinity. The W.A.A.C. attended, and lent material assistance in the purveying of the refreshments. The interior of the Gymnasium was very efficiently decorated under the supervision of Sergeant Kater, while the perfect state of the floor greatly contributed to the enjoyment of the dance which was kept up till 3 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Information was received by Mrs David Borthwick, Low Greens, on Saturday that her son Seaman James Borthwick R.N.R. was lying seriously ill in Haslar Hospital Gosport. Mr David Borthwick the father of the lad was absent at the time, being at a southern port, and Mrs Borthwick and Mr Henry Cowe at once proceeded to visit the lad.

Haslar Hospital in Gosport (now closed). © Gordon James Brown, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

We now learn that news has come that Seaman Borthwick is progressing favourably after an attack of inflammation and we are sure we express the hope of his many friends when we wish him to soon be well and fit again. It is only a month ago since Seaman Borthwick joined up on attaining the required years of age, and it is believed that the changed conditions of life have been responsible for his illness. He is a fine lad, and a great favourite with all, and we trust although his life in the sea Service has started under unfavourable circumstances that he will yet prove a credit to the service and an honour to the family to which he belongs.

 

NORHAM

 

A flag day was held on Saturday in aid of Irish Regiments and their prisoners of war. The arrangements were carried out by Miss Head and the sum of over £3 was collected. The young ladies taking up the duty of the sale of flags etc., were Misses Rose Cowe, E. Young, Jean Smith, M Reid, R Muckle and E Foreman.

Lambing is now in full swing in the Norham District, and given favourable weather, this year should prove a very much better one both for ewes and their lambs.

There has been a very good run of salmon on the reaches of the Tweed at Norham lately and several gentlemen visiting the district and local residents have had good sport with the rod and line. Trout are not in the best of condition, but are improving rapidly and in this department of the gentle art, some excellent sport should be available soon.

We are sorry to learn that up to the present no news has come to hand concerning the fate of Second-Lieut, F. Gartside-Tippinge, Royal Flying Corps, only son of Captain Tippinge and Mrs Tippinge of Morris Hall. Lieut Tippinge has been missing since October last, when certain units of a flight failed to return to the base in France after a raid over the enemy lines.

An early Royal Flying Corps recruitment poster.

 

Extensive enquiries have been made but without result, and the sympathy of all goes out to the parents in their anxious time. Lieut. Tippinge who was studying for the Army joined the R.F.A., in the first instance and was later transferred to the R.F.C., where he successfully passed his course. He was only a short time in France before being posted missing.

 

GOSWICK

 

Good progress is being made with the new loop line between Goswick and Beal and we understand when the work is finished the gangs engaged will be transferred to the Belford area, a loop line being contemplated between that station and Grag Mill.

A gentleman who had recently occasion to visit the district has remarked on the excellent possibilities of Goswick as a summer resort and watering place.

© Hill Walker, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

The beach has not its equal in Northumberland, while there is the splendid natural golf course to provide a draw. A small “Hydro” and some boarding houses are all that are required to complete the stock-in-trade of a summer resort, and it is urged that here is indeed room for someone with capital to boom Goswick after the war.

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