THE RAILWAY STRIKE

Another lightning strike has temporarily paralysed the transport of the country, and the Government are taking drastic measures to cope with the situation. At ten o’clock on Friday night the North-Eastern men of all grades except the officials of Goods and passenger departments and clerks ceased work and by midnight traffic was suspended on the North-British Railway in a like measure.

The strike has the full approval of the A.S.L.E. and F. and N. U. R. (and is, in fact, the first authorised strike since 1911), and we believe that prior to the stoppage of work the officials of the Union received instructions to inform all drivers and firemen that engines should be uncoupled and left in good order safely housed in the sheds.

TRAINS LEFT ANYWHERE

This was carried out to the letter so far as engines were concerned, but rolling stock was left in all conceivable positions on the line, on main lines and over bridges and culverts. A goods and empty carriage train was left on the bridge at Highgate, Tweedmouth, the driver and fireman uncoupling and proceeding back to the sheds to book off. We are informed that one driver brought his train back to Tweedmouth from Newcastle for the sole reason that he wanted home himself, while another for the same reason brought back herring workers who had got as far south as Chathill and were likely to be stranded.

North-British men at Berwick were cut to a man, some of the men in the lower grades who for years have never missed a day at work being as enthusiastic on the strike “stunt” as youngsters.

An early 20th century image of a locomotive at Tweedmouth Goods Yard, which could have possibly been housed there during the strike. REF: Bro 2349-35-002

STRANDED PASSENGERS

A detachment of troops from Archangel and a dauntless band of fisher lassies from Cockenzie proceeding south to the herring curing were amongst the stranded travellers at Berwick. The soldiers were taken charge of by the military authorities and on Monday morning they were kept fit by having a march out. The fisher girls took their troubles with the true philosophical spirt of the Scotch fisher folk and they were looked after by Mr D. M. Rosie, Fishery Officer, who received every assistance from the Mayor and Sheriff. Accompanying the girls were one or two male fish workers, who with the aid of a pair of Bagpipes and Berwick ale, got themselves into an amiable frame of mind.

The girls were housed in lodgings in the town and left on Wednesday morning for the south, their passage being guaranteed by the Railway Company on trains driven by Inspectors.

Many other people found themselves stranded, but happily they were all able to get houseroom in the Borough.

LOCAL NEWS

Large audiences have visited the Playhouse during the past week, and have been charmed with the programme provided. Sergt. Learmonte, K.O.S.B., has been enthusiastically received in his vocal numbers, but we have heard him in much better voice. For next week a fine programme is promised, and the management are endeavouring to have the films forward in time, though this is a matter of difficulty, owing to the strike. From Monday to Wednesday there will be screened the thrilling drama, “The House of Silence,” in which features Wallace Reid, a star of the film world. The story is full of interest, and depicts a wealthy clubman being called to a mystery house, where murder has been done, and who, assuming the role of detective, probes the mystery at the risk of his life. “Tainted Lives” is another powerful picture well worth seeing. From Thursday to the end of the week there will be screened “Only a Girl,” a sensational story of the Gold Country. A pleasing film is also shown, entitled “The Eye of Envy,” a film away from the ordinary. There will be the usual comedies, and the vocal interlude will be provided by Miss Willins, a pleasing soprano.

AUTUMN HOLIDAY

Whatever may have been the feeling of the inhabitants of Berwick, cut off from the beauty spots of the district, towards the strikes, there was no bloodshed, however, and the Autumn Holiday passed off without any outstanding incident.

In the forenoon, those who were abroad in the upperpart of the town, were greatly amused by the reception given to those running the trains from Edinburgh by the strikers. Ironic cheers were raised, and the non-strikers in the crowd were greatly tickled when the firemen responded to the ovation by dancing a jig on the footplate.

The “aero mail,” too, caused a sensation and the pilot was loudly cheered by the younger children as he circled low over the housetops.

The pleasure grounds at Norham and Velvet Hall were deserted in comparison with former years, and there being no other option left to holiday-makers than to stay at home, they made the best of the day there.

The river was busy, and beaches at Spittal and Berwick, too, had their quotas, though the chill wind kept many from spending an afternoon by the sea. On the golf course there was a field day players of various grades of proficiency being out, lustily driving the “gutta” round the course, or losing the ball in the rough.

Those who were imbued with the sporting instinct were amply catered for. There were football matches at Union Park, Pier Field, and on the Stanks, where spectators were treated to exhibitions of goal-scoring rather than science. At Pier Field also Berwick Hockey Club had a good turn-out for its first practice.

Many, we learn, spent the day in their gardens and allotments, spending their holiday in the most profitable way they knew. Motors were busy during the day, but not for joy-riding, and heavy motor lorries throbbed through the streets going north and south.

MILITARY NOTES

BERWICK TERRIER’S MEDAL

Congratulations to Lance-Corporal George Weatherburn, late of the 7th N.F., who has been awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal for over 12 years’ service with the Territorial Force. A keen territorial in pre-war days, he volunteered for service in 1914, and went overseas with the 7th N. F., with whom he had a good spell of active service. A railwayman in civil life he transferred to the L.E. (Railway Ordnance Depot), and till the end of the campaign was soldering on board an engine, Lance-Corpl. Weatherburn was asked by the Record Office whether he would have his medal sent by post or presented by a parade of troops, and he modestly chose the former course.

HONOURED BY FRENCH PRESIDENT

Lieut-Colonel A. J. Foster, C.M.G., C.B.E., a former Northumberland Militia officer, has been appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour by the French President. Colonel Foster commanded the 4th battalion Northumberland Fusiliers when they proceeded to France and until he was invalided home, being mentioned in despatches three times. He is now Assistant Controller in the Ministry of Munitions.

MACHINE GUNNERS RE-UNION

It is intended to have a Reunion Supper and concert in connection with the machine gunners from Berwick and Belford districts, who originally went overseas with the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers (T. F.) and who eventually were transferred to the machine Gun Corps. Major F. B. Cowen, M.C., has the arrangements in hand, and is being assisted by Sergt. T. H. Grey and Pte. C. Bradford. The anniversary of the armistice – a Tuesday – has been selected as the evening for the event.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1915

BERWICK BOY SCOUTS FIELD DAY

On Midsummer Holiday Berwick-upon-Tweed Boy Scouts had a combined outing to Chain Bridge. The patrols from Tweedmouth and Spittal joined Berwick boys at Headquarters, Palace Green, where arrangements were completed for the march. Headed by a patrol leader bearing the Troop

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Boy Scout

flag, the procession passed through the town and made quite a good show, the treck-cart party coming up close behind, and being followed by the Cyclist Scouts.

After a halt at Cantie’s the troop resumed their march and reached Chain Bridge in time to have bathing parade before dinner. The afternoon was pleasantly spent, and after tea, a football match, Berwick versus Tweedmouth and Spittal, was played off, resulting in a victory for the latter.

The weather was glorious up to this point, but the thunder-storm which broke as the boys were on their way to Velvet Hall Station literally put the damper on them. However, they were very happy, and quite enjoyed the day’s outing.

Altogether, 134 boys were present at the outing, the Scoutmasters in charge being Messrs Clements, Turnbull, Moore and Edward Smith. Mr T. Boal very kindly acted as Scoutmaster for the day, and to him and to Mr Bell, farmer, Bankhead, who kindly placed a field at the disposal of the Scouts, as well as to Mr T. C. Smith, Castle Terrace, who provided prizes, the thanks of the Scouts’ Association are heartily tendered.

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Playhouse Advert — Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915,
Playhouse Advert

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP

On Tuesday afternoon the children attending the E.P. Church, Tweedmouth, had their annual trip to Greenlaw Farm, Foulden. The farmer, Mr James Renton, and family, seem to look forward to the coming of the children and their friends with pleasure, and to find special delight in making preparations for their entertainment. As the long procession of carts, kindly supplied by Messrs Peter Edgar, Camphill; David and James Renton, Spittal Hall; Mrs Marshall, Tweedmouth; Mr Cowe, Baldersbury; and Mrs Waite, Castlehill, passed along the youngsters broke away from the monotony and depression of the time-making all within reach of their voices forget for a little the worries and anxieties of the war. Once on the field there was a rush to the liberty to scamper and play and amuse themselves without restraint. After tea, served by the teachers, the games and races were resumed with vigour, and kept going till a few loud claps of thunder intimated that it was time to quit. Before leaving, to show how much they felt indebted to Mr and Mrs Renton and family for the invitation to their place, for the milk they supplied for the tea, and for their kindness and efforts to make the trip a success, three hearty cheers were given. The return journey, after a most enjoyable afternoon in the open, was completed without a mishap. The teachers beg to thank very sincerely Mr P. Edgar for his assistance on the field; Mr P. Boston for the use of the infuser; the ladies who gave the nuts and sweets; those who provided the carts, and all who contributed towards the children’s enjoyment.

LOCAL OFFICER WOUNDED

Lieut F.W Smail

Mr H.R. Smail, proprietor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” received word by telegram on Wednesday evening that his second son, Lieut. F.W. Smail had been wounded on Monday, but the nature of the wound is not stated.

Lieut. Smail was educated at Berwick Grammar School and Loretto School, Musselburgh, and afterwards was a student farmer. A year or two ago he entered the tenancy of Linton Burnfoot Farm, Kelso. A year before the outbreak of war he was a trooper in the Lothians and Border Horse, and from that regiment he transferred to the 7^th N.F. as second lieutenant. He was keen and enthusiastic in the discharge of his duties, and before the 7^th N.F. left for the front he was promoted 1^st Lieutenant. His eldest brother, Captain H. R. Smail, is in the same regiment.

A letter we have received as we go to press states that Lieut. Smail was caught by a sniper while in the trenches at night. The bullet struck him on the back of the head, and he was carried from the trench unconscious. The wound is described as serious.

Lieut F.W Smail Dies From His Wounds

Berwick Cemetery, North Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, where 1st Lieutenant Frank Weddell Smail is buried

SMAIL, Lt. Frank Weddell. “D” Coy. 1st/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 1st Dec., 1915 of wounds received near Wulverghem on 27th June. Age 23. Son of Henry Richardson Smail, of Berwick-on-Tweed. A.C. 412. Acknowledgement – Grave Registration Documents-Registers – CWGC

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3 OCTOBER 1919