First World War

This Week in World War One, 3 November 1916

08/03/201804/11/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3 NOVEMBER 1916

BERWICK SCOUT HONOURED

In our issue of Friday, August 11^th, the following notice appeared regarding a brave action by a local Boy Scout:-

On Wednesday afternoon, while playing on the jetty at Berwick Quay, a little boy named Alex. Marshall stumbled and fell into the water. Fortunately, George Hawkins, younger son of Mr W. Hawkins, Hide Hill, who was close at hand, gallantly plunged in and succeeded in bringing the boy safely ashore.

In so few sentences was a gallant rescue made known to the public, but we are pleased now to report that Scott Hawkins’ gallant deed has found its reward. He has earned by his conduct the testimonial of the Royal Humane Society (in vellum), and in addition has been awarded the Medal of Merit and Certificate of the Scouts Association. Scout Hawkins on that memorable autumn day entered the water to the rescue of a boy, six years his junior, minus his blouse alone, and it was then that his knowledge of Life Saving stood him in good stead. A member of No. 3 troop (Scoutmaster E. W. Turnbull), the young hero received his instruction in life saving under Assistant Scoutmaster Edmond Smith. We heartily congratulate him upon his brave action, and the honours which have come to him, and trust his example may be followed by every one of his comrades who have qualified in life saving, and who find themselves in a similar position. We understand a public presentation will take place at a later date.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

SATURDAY

Before D. H. W. Askew, Esq., and Thomas Wilson, Esq.

An Old Offender. – Robert Clarance Gilchrist, labourer, (43), Berwick, an old offender, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Marygate on Friday night, and further with breaking a window, the property of Mr Burgon, fish and chip merchant, High Street. Mr Burgon gave evidence, and P.C. Crombie proved the case. Defendant on his own behalf said they had no idea what he had to stand. He was willing to join the Army – that was his own regiment, the Coldstream Guards – but he would prefer to wait until after Sunday, as there was a harvest festival on that day. (Laughter.) he was sentenced to two months imprisonment.

THURSDAY.

Before His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs T. M. Morrison, A/ Darling, C. Forsyth, Dr Fraser, V.D., Thomas Wilson, A.J. Dodds, T. Purves, R. Boston, and Walter Hogarth.

COMMUNICATION NAVAL INFORMATION.

Robert Dicknson, Wallace Green, Berwick, was charged with haying on 28^th September, contravened the Defence of the Realm Act by imparting certain naval information. The indictment bore that on that date he, without lawful authority, did communicate information with respect to the movements, number and description of certain of H.M. ships, and which was of such a nature as to be calculated to be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy.

Defendant – I admit the charge…………………….

Mr Dickinson then addressed the Bench, and said as the agent for the prosecution had stated the letter was written to no German emissary to injure his country. It was written to a younger brother, a chief engineer in marine service, and who now wore the medal and clasp for the South African campaign. During the present war his brother had sailed in ships conveying troops to and from different countries. At the present moment he was in H.M. service. Enclosed with the letter was one from an orphan niece, and he thoughtlessly added some rumours and gossip which he thought would be of interest to the service in which his brother was engaged. These rumours everyone had heard more or less since the war had started. Whether the news was true or not his brother could judge. The assurance was given that the British Navy was being maintained at high water mark, and likely to keep the ocean highway clear of the enemy. He asked them to think of his sailor brother engaged in the active defence of his country, who did not hear from the homeland for months of an interval at a time. Cut off as he was in this way, all news was welcome, and to be interesting and cheering were the only objects he had in forwarding the letter. The letter was addressed in no secret manner, but in the usual official way………….

The Bench afterwards retired, and on returning the Mayor said they were exceedingly sorry to see defendant in such an unfortunate position. It was a very serious offence, and the Regulations had been expressly framed for the protection of our country in these perilous days. The defendant had pleaded guilty to the charge, and although he had not been actuated with any malicious or unpatriotic motives in the eyes of the law it was a serious matter. The Bench were desirous to take a most lenient view, but the fine could not be less than one of £10 with £11 18s 10d of costs, the alternative being six weeks’ imprisonment.

BIRDGE GUARD’S MASCOT

We have pleasure in publishing this week a photo of Private William Marsdon, Royal Defence Corps, a native of Rothbury, along with a pet fox which is the mascot of the section stationed at Berwick. The fox was brought as a cub from Rothbury, and is now almost thoroughly domesticated. Private Marsdon, who has been with the Defence Corps since the outbreak of war, and prior to the present conflict took part in the South African War. His eldest son, Gunner John Marsdon is presently in France with the Royal Garrison Artillery.

GLENDALE NOTES

WOOLER

Lighting. – Now that Mr Scott is busy putting in plant for supplying electricity for lighting purposes it may be interesting to note that gas was first introduced into Wooler so far back as 1846, and the street lamps were put up the following year.

Both the day schools in the town have been closed this week so that the elder boys and girls might assist in potato gathering. We don’t know how many have taken advantage of it, but the weather during the week-end was deplorable but a marked improvement took place on Tuesday, only the land must still be in a very saturated condition. There is a wonderful variation in the crops. Some have an excellent crop and wonderfully free from disease, while others are an absolute failure.

The Black Bull is the nearest white painted building on the left of the photograph. An old gas lamp can be seen on the right. © BRO 426-1228

Free Gift Sale. – At a meeting held in the Black Bull Hotel on Monday with Mr A. Riddell in the chair, arrangements were made for the proposed Free Gift Sale to be held at Wooler Mart. It was decided to hold it on Wednesday, 20^th December, in aid of the British Farmers’ Red Cross Fund and Agricultural Relief of the Allies Fund. It was arranged to have block test competitions on the day of sale. The committee are practically the same as last year with a few additions for Wooler.

This Week in World War One, 22 September 1916

08/03/201823/09/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22 SEPTEMBER 1916

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

Thomas Howe Pattison (37), sign writer and master painter, residing at 12 Parade, Berwick, appealed on the ground of serious hardship. He would have to close if he was taken, and the military allowance would not maintain his wife and family. All his capital had been placed in the business, and in asking him to serve they asked for his home, business, and all. He was willing to do something if he obtained a place in some munition work or corps where the pay would be sufficient to maintain his wife and family. He had been three years established in business; he was a native of Berwick, having learned the trade with his father. After that he worked in Newcastle, returning to Berwick and opening his present business. He had been passed for field service at home.- Mr Hogarth: You are exactly in the same position as other painters that have been asked to serve – Mr Pattison: I don’t exactly understand what you mean by saying that.- The appeal was dismissed.

Samuel Gibson (18), Tweedmouth, linotype operator, “Advertiser” Office, was appealed for by Mr H. R. Smail, on the ground of serious hardship, and that Gibson’s services were indispensable. The case was heard in private, and the Chairman announced that the members had decided to grant exemption till 31^st December. He could apply to the Tribunal again, but they hoped that in the meantime he would do the utmost to obtain a substitute.

LOCAL NEWS

Early Closing of Shops – The special attention of the public is drawn to an advertisement intimating the early closing of all business premises in Berwick from Monday, 2^nd October. Commencing on that date, shops will shut on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 6p.m., on Saturdays at eight p.m. This will continue until the 1^st of March. His Worship the Mayor also trusts that the public will assist in every way possible in the obscuration of all lights during the coming winter. No further warnings are to issued by the police, and in the future severe sentences are to be imposed for failing to observe the regulations which are so necessary at the present time.

Postage of Papers to the United States of America – We regret to inform our subscribers for whom we post the “Berwick Advertiser” and the “Berwickshire Advertiser” to the United States of America that owing to the restrictions made by the War Office, London, we cannot continue posting these papers except through an agent, making the cost to be 3d in place of 2d for each paper.

CAMPS LIBRARY

Further contributions of books, magazines, illustrated papers, etc., have been received at the Custom House – the local depot for this institution during the last week from Mrs R. Sidey and Mrs J. Simpson, Tweedmouth, Miss Grey, High Street; Mr Wilson, 32 Woolmarket; and a 5^th lot from Mrs Cleasby Taylor, Bridge Street; also packing cases from the Tweedmouth Co-operative Society. Mr Toohey, collector of customs and excise, wishes to express thanks for same on behalf of the Central Committee, and state he hopes to be daily recipient of much needed lots of books and other suitable reading matter to forward for distribution amongst our sorely tried but brave warriors by flood and field, and their faithful devoted friends and nurses in camps at home and abroad – where so many harassed minds urgently need “something to read” to soothe and tone them up, and give away any tendency to downheartedness, for which in the light of every day happenings recently we have no excuse as the boys are “doing their bit” like true Britons; so also let those who can spare or procure and give “something to read” for the lads, do their bit and support the Camps Library during the period of the war.

FOOD PRICES AND STRIKE THREATS

Sir, – At that period of the war when Government allowances were settled on the dependants of those who had joined up, the amount was fixed on the basis of what was being lost to the home, by the withdrawal of the male supporters. This, you may be sure, after all official enquiries had been exhausted, was the bare minimum and was also in accordance with the existing food prices, which were then about normal.

Since then food prices have gone up 50 or 60 per cent., with the prospect of still further advances, which may be considerably augmented by the reported potato crop in many districts. Now Sir, the men fighting out there for their 1s 2d a day, part of which they ungrudgingly send home, know how hard it is on dependants under the present conditions, owing to the inflated prices, to meet the ever increasing demands, yet they are helpless to bring about a better and fairer state of things, by asking for their dependants an enchanced Government allowance, equivalent to the rise in prices.

World War One 'Breaches of the Rationing Order' poster. © This artistic work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain. Wikimedia Commons. — World War One ‘Breaches of the Rationing Order’ poster. © This artistic work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain. Wikimedia Commons.

What would the Empire, the Allies, or the world, think, or say, or do, if these men now doing so well on the different fronts, were to demand 10s per week advance on their dependants allowances, and back it up by the threat to throw up their hands in the face of all enemy attacks, unless their demands were conceded on a certain date, – What would they say or do, I ask? By all means get a strong move on against the unjustitable high prices of food, against the unscrupulous exploiters of the poor, and against the apparent apathy of the Government in the whole acute crisis.

But for heaven’s sake let us do nothing at present, that would for one moment embarrass or foil the magnificent spirit of self sacrifice, we are daily witnessing on the Somme and elsewhere. Our sacrifice, great as it may be at home, is small indeed, compared with that being exercised by those hewers who are making indelible history out there for our sakes at home.

Keep at the Government workers! get redress that shall benefit the nation at large, not a small section only; consolidate your positions, and reserve your fighting tactics till after the Germans have been beaten, and the others fighters from France and all over, shall throw in their lot with you, to destroy that element in our midst which has been making fortunes from the hardships of the poor.

Yours sincerely

THOMAS GREY

Tweedmouth

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT FOR THE FLEET

Mrs M. Askew, Ladykirk, Norham, hon. Secretary to the local branch of the Vegetables Products Committee, has received a letter dated 11^th September, from Commodore E. S. Alexander Sinclair. H.M.S, Galatea, also a letter dated 12^th September, from the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. Inconstant, and a letter dated 11^th Sept. from the Fleet Paymaster (P.M. Coldaugh) of the Victualling Store, H.M. Dockyard, Rosyth, all of which thank that lady for supplies of fruits and vegetables sent for distribution to the men of the Fleet, and which have been very much appreciated.

HMS Galatea, the flagship of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron under Commodore E.S. Alexander-Sinclair. © HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide. Wikimedia Commons.

The local committee will be very glad to receive donations of vegetables and fruit, which are to be forwarded to the headquarters, Town Hall, Berwick on Saturdays. All who desire to send such gifts to the gallant men of the navy can have same forwarded free of charge by the railway companies. A generous response is appealed for. The Boy Scouts are going round with their cart to ask for gifts of vegetables. One turnip or cabbage from everyone would be most acceptable.

This Week in World War One, 28 July 1916

08/03/201829/07/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 28 JULY 1916

100 NOT OUT BERWICK LADY’S RECORD

We have pleasure in publishing today a most interesting group photo of four generations of an old Berwick family. The subject of our sketch is Mrs Jane Heslop, widow of the late Mr Thomas Heslop, who, although she has reached the 100^th milestone in her life’s journey retains a mind alert and keen, though time has brought with its march bodily frailty. On Thursday she received the congratulations of a large number of friends and relatives who were mostly present in person to celebrate the unique event. We trust that Mrs Heslop will yet have years granted to her in the pleasant company of her own kith and kin.

Mrs Jane Heslop, who resides with her daughter, Mrs Chambers, 47 West Percy Street, North Shields, was widowed some 30 years ago. Her husband was Thomas Heslop, at one time employed by Messrs Cowe, grocers, High Street, Berwick, and later with the Berwick Salmon Fisheries Company, under the late Mr George Paulin. Mrs Heslop, who is now mostly confined to bed, still evinces a great interest in the progress of the war, and up to a year ago she was able to do a considerable amount of light housework. Having lived in the time of Waterloo she often speaks of the prices to which foodstuffs rose and compares the rises with those of the present time. She left Berwick about twelve years ago, going to reside wither daughter, who has given her every care and attention, and prior to her leaving the Border town she lived for many years at Well Close Square. She was the oldest member of the United Free Church, Berwick, and we understand that her minister, Rev. R. C. Inglis (who was a trusted friend of the old lady), had signified his intention of being present at the interesting celebration on Thursday. Illness was recently the misfortune of the old dame, but we are glad to learn she has now quite recovered. Mrs Heslop is a member of an old Border family of name Burns (who are believed to be of descent from Scotland’s bard), and time has proved the family to be a long lived race. Two of her nephews were well known on the Borders – Ex Provost Burns, Coldstream, and Mr Burns, Tweedmouth formerly of Greenlawalls. Her sister resides in South Shields, and is now 98 years of age. Six of a family were born to Mrs Heslop, two of whom died young. Two daughters and one son still survive, but the other, Mr Edward Heslop, a genial and respected townsman, died some six years ago.

The photo, which we publish, has the subject of our sketch as the central figure, with her daughter, Mrs Chambers, on the left, and her granddaughter, Mrs Scott, and her little great-grandson on the right.

LOCAL NEWS

Tweedmouth Feast – The anniversary of Tweedmouth Feast was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, which in ordinary times is the great day of the year. It is the time of the year when Tweedsiders from the busy hives of industry on Tyneside and Wearside, and indeed throughout the country, re-visit their old homes and have their annual re-unions. But the war has made a great change in this annual event. There has been no sports or regattas held these past two years. But for a few shows and roundabouts on the Green at Tweedmouth West End this year, no one would really know that a great anniversary was being celebrated. The holiday was observed, the shops closing at 1 o’clock, although there seemed to be a doubt whether business was to be suspended or not. The Banks did not observe the half-holiday. The weather was of a delightful character throughout.

Brilliant Success of a Spittal Schoolboy – The report of the results of the recent Scholarship Examination for the County of Northumberland sates that 1196 candidates were examined from 192 schools. The names of the first ten successful pupils are arranged in order of merit. We congratulate John Cringle, of Spittal Council School, whose name stands third on the list. Such a high position out of nearly twelve hundred candidates reflects great credit on the Borough. Mr T. W. G. Borthwick, the headmaster, has good reason to feel proud of Spittal Council School, and the brilliant success of his pupil. Last year Spittal school took first, second, and fifth places in order of merit among the local candidates.

Children line up in the school playground of Spittal School in the early 1900s, with the headmaster and civic party. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1887-50-3. — Children line up in the school playground of Spittal School in the early 1900s, with the Headmaster and Civic Party. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1887-50-3.

THUNDERSTORM IN BERWICK

HIGH STREET HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

A severe thunderstorm, accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning, passed over Berwick on Thursday evening. At the back of six o’clock the storm seemed to be at its height and at 6.20 the thunder and lightning were particularly impressive and awesome. A ball of fire exploded, accompanied with a deafening report, at this time, the lightning striking a chimney top of the tenement in the High Street occupied by Messrs John Stodart, grocers and wine merchants. The top of the chimney top was completely shattered, the debris flying over the roof of the adjacent higher tenement which enters Golden Square. Torrential rain afterwards fell, and the storm seemed to gradually moderate.

John Stoddart, Grocers, Wines & Spirits premises in Golden Square which was struck by lightning, is shown in this early 1900s photograph. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1506-010.

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