King's Own Scottish Borderers Archives - Page 2 of 3

This Week in World War One, 2 June 1916

08/03/201803/06/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2 JUNE 1916

BERWICK FAIR

Berwick Fair, which was opened at noon on Friday in the quaint and recognised fashion obtaining for so many years, was, by general consent, regarded as one of the most attenuated in street stall representation that has been witnessed. Nevertheless the Fair was a centre of great attraction, and on Saturday the streets of the town were thronged by large numbers of country visitors. Ideal summer weather prevailed on Friday and Saturday, materially contributing to the comfort of the strangers and the general success of the Fair.

Early 1900s photograph shows people selling their wares on the High Street. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 0017 — Early 1900s photograph shows people selling their wares on the High Street. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 0017

The east side of High Street was, as usual, set apart for the stalls. There was the customary strong representation of china merchants, who had a large and varied collection of all kinds of ware. There were a few hardware stalls some flower stalls, and one dealer in cheap jewellery. The latter by his artful and enticing manners did quite a big business. The Parade was occupied, as usual, by a number of travelling shows, the principal item being the electric roundabouts and cake walk. The showmen, with an eye to business, doubled the penny charge on the Saturday afternoon for these amusements. Despite the big advance a large trade was experienced, and this was increased in the evening when the prices returned to the normal charge. Accompanying these amusements were a number of side booths having an allurement for those who wished to have a venture in making money. The odds were always against them, however, the keepers of the booths coming out on top to the discomfiture of their numerous patrons. The streets of the borough were packed by crowds till a late hour in the evening.

HEIR TO WED. LIEUT C.D. LEYLAND – MISS SYLVIA COTTERELL

BAdvertiser 2 June 1916 Heir to Wed Lieut C D leyland — Berwick Advertiser 2 June 1916 Heir to Wed Lieut C D leyland

An interesting engagement is that just announced between Christopher Leyland, 1st Life Guards, and Miss Sylvia Cotterell. Mr Leyland comes of the Northumbrian family of Haggerston, of which the Naylor Leyland are an offshoot, and is heir to Haggerston Castle. The Bride to be is Miss Cotterell, who is not yet 20, is eldest of the three daughters of Sir John Cotterell, 4^th Bart., of Garnons. He married in 1896 Lady Evelyn Gordon Lennon, daughter of the Duke of Richmond.

LOCAL NEWS

Although racing machines are not built for general road use it is remarkable evidence to the strength of the Raleigh that Mr David Murtrie, of Woodend, South Mt. Vernon, Glasgow, is able to write that he has ridden his Raleigh racer 12,000 miles on track and road in two years, and he has never had to adjust a bearing or spend anything on renewals, except tyres, and the machine is “running sweeter than ever.”

Council’s Good Wishes to Young Recruit – A well-known young gentleman in the person of Mr Wm. Blakey, acting Sergeant-at- Mace, has enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders, and left to join the regiment at Fort George on Thursday.

View of the barracks at Fort George. © Cp111 - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. — View of the barracks at Fort George. © Cp111 – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

At a meeting of the Town Council on Wednesday afternoon the Mayor made a pleasant and happy reference to the step Mr Blakey was taking, and wished him the best of good health and success in the profession of arms which he was able to enter upon. He also alluded to the service which his father had rendered as Sergeant-at-Mace to the Council as well as previously in the same historic Highland regiment that his son was joining. Since his father had been recalled to the colours the son had continued to discharge the duties faithfully and well, and he had always been most willing and obliging (Applause). In the Council’s name he wished young Mr Blakey all success, resting assured whether he was called to the front or not he would worthily maintain the traditions of the old Border town, and remember his connection with the Council. They sent him off with the best of good wishes (Applause). Mr Blakely, in a word, replied thanking the Council for their kind greetings.

The document signed by Queen Anne and Sir Robert Walpole concerning the pay of the 25th Foot (now the King’s Own Scottish Borderers), from April to June, 1708, which was given to the Church Army in aid of its war work, is being bought by a Scottish brigadier-general for presentation to his old regiment, the headquarters of which are at Berwick.

This Week in World War One, 24 December 1915

08/03/201825/12/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 24 DECEMBER 1915

FAILING TO EDUCATE

Jane Williamson, widow, Berwick, was charged with having failed to send her son John, aged 10 years, to school, as required by law. She pleaded guilty.

Mr Thos. Barker, School Attendance Officer, said the boy was a pupil at the Roman Catholic School, when he did attend, but which was not often. He had made 22 attendances out of 144, therefore being no fewer than 122 times absent. The boy was neglected by the mother, and since October 15 he had not attended school once.

Accused made a statement that she had been frequently out of the town and had visited Edinburgh several times to see her daughter who was in the Infirmary there.

Mr Barker said the case had been four times before the Education Committee prior to proceedings being taken.

The Chief Constable having been asked by the bench to state what he knew of the boy, said the mother went about the countryside collecting old clothes and selling plants. The boy was simply running about wild and the mother evidently thought she could put everyone at defiance.

Mr McCreath (who presided in the absence of the Mayor) – Have you anything to say. This is something horrid, neglecting your child like this.

Accused replied that she had nothing further to say.

In passing sentence of 7s 6d, or seven days, Mr McCreath said she must really consider her child in a matter of this kind. She must see that the boy in future went regularly to school, and should her case ever come up before the Bench again she would be more severely dealt with.

FROM THE TRENCHES TO FREEDOM

On Wednesday morning, Corpl Chas Mace, 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, third son of Mr Charles Mace, joiner and undertaker, Berwick, was admitted to the Freedom of the Burgh. Corporal Mace is home at present upon short leave from the front and took this opportunity of entering the Freedom. The Mayor, Ald. J W Plenderleith in welcoming Corporal Mace said he had already earned promotion in the regiment to which he belonged, and they hoped that might soon be still further advanced, also that in any vocation in life to which he might be called, be it civil or military, he should continue to uphold the traditions of the ancient Burgh.

PIPER LAIDLAW, V C.

Loos Hero’s Welcome in Northumberland

Piper Daniel Logan Laidlaw, V.C., the first Berwickshire native and the first member of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers to win the V.C. in the war, was received with much enthusiasm on the occasion of his return from hospital to his home at Doddington. Before leaving Wooler Station he took the opportunity to urge on the crowd assembled the need for more men, so that the Germans might be pushed back in France at the earliest possible moment.

Under the village Cross at Doddington the vicar (Rev. J. G. Shotton) presented an address of welcome.

The Hon. F. W. Lambton of Fenton, formerly of the Coldstream Guards, said Piper Laidlaw had shown not only valour, but also initiative and touch of genius which enabled a man to do the right thing at the right moment. Initiative was one of the symptoms of the true soldier which we wanted to see encouraged and from his own experience in the Army he knew how much the men appreciated it.

After thanking the inhabitants for the address, Piper Laidlaw was carried shoulder high to his own cottage. His wife and four children accompanied him.

All the residents of the village were entertained to tea and a concert, at which Piper Laidlaw played on the pipes “Blue Bonnets over the Border,” with which he rallied his comrades at Loos, and “Standard on the Braes of Mar” with which he accompanied their charge.

Piper Laidlaw is a native of Swinton, Berwickshire, and on his homeward journey to Doddington, he was welcomed by his aged parents, who now live at Whittingham.

PRESENTATION OF LIFEBOAT AWARDS

Postponement of Ceremonial

The ceremonial, under the auspices of the Berwick Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, of presenting the silver medal to James Jamieson, second coxswain of the Berwick Lifeboat, and who acted as coxswain on the occasion of saving 6 lives from the motor boat, Redhead on Wednesday , November 10th last., the monetary awards to the members of the crew and the Spittal fishermen, who so gallantly assisted in getting the lifeboat into the harbour, as well as a vote of thanks on vellum to the Hon. Secretary, Dr C.L. Fraser, for acting as second coxswain, was to have taken place in Berwick Playhouse on Thursday afternoon (23d instant).

Image 8 - Lifeboat - RNLB Matthew Simpson - Left to Right - Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough. — RNLB Matthew Simpson – Left to Right – Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Not known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.

At the last moment, however, it was decided to postpone the function owing to the limited attendance of the public due to the fact that with the approach of Christmas, there was no usual half holiday.

This Week in World War One, 18 June 1915

08/03/201819/06/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 JUNE 1915

NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS PRISONERS

Lady Allendale has received numerous postcards and letters from prisoners interned in Germany, acknowledging parcels sent to them, for which they are most grateful.

One prisoner, writing from Munster, Westphalia, asks for cocoa, sugar, milk, Golden Syrup, Hovis bread, Woodbines, and soap. He says he is only allowed to write two letters a month, so, if this regulation applies to other prisoners, this will account for parcels not being acknowledged regularly.

Lady Allendale understands that at some of the prisons luxuries are not allowed. Therefore, it is advisable only to send such articles of food as bread (brown is best), biscuits, butter, dripping, cocoa, and milk. Anything in the way of luxuries, such as sweets, chocolate, and cakes, are liable to be confiscated.

Poster National Egg Collection for the wounded

WOOLER

FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS: On Sunday afternoon last a united missionary and egg service was held in the Archbold Hall at which there was a good attendance. The Rev. H. Proctor gave an interesting address on mission work in West Africa where he had laboured for some years. All were invited to bring fresh eggs to be sent to the British Red Cross Society for our wounded soldiers and sailors. A collection was also taken in aid of missionary work. The Rev. N. Reid was chairman. At the united service on Sunday in the Archbold Hall, nearly 500 eggs were collected for the wounded soldiers and sailors, and over £3 was taken for the Missionary cause.

BERWICK PUBLIC BOWLING GREEN OPENED

A Splendid Acquisition to the Town

The outcome of the enterprise and labour of a number of the working men in Berwick was witnessed at the Old Bowling Green, Ravesdowne, on Monday evening, when the Mayor (Mr Thomas Wilson) opened the Berwick Public Bowling Green. The mayor was accompanied by the Sheriff (Mr E. W. Stiles), Mr D.H.W. Askew, Castle Hills, Mr H. G. McCreath, Mr J. Elder, Dr C. L. Fraser, Rev. R. C. Inglis and the Secretary of the Club, Mr A. Carstairs. There was a large attendance to witness the opening ceremony.

Area marked as Former Tennis Court, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. 1900's — Area marked as Former Tennis Court, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. 1900’s

The proposal to have a public Bowling Green in Berwick has been afoot for some time and to expedite the matter a public meeting was called in the Town Hall where it was decided to canvas the town for subscriptions. A good sum of money was obtained but not of a sufficient amount to enable a green to be laid out, for the outbreak of war in a great measure stopped the flow of subscriptions. A splendid opportunity was afforded the Committee when the old bowling green behind the barracks was advertised to be let, and the Committee have entered into a five years lease. This green was where the Berwick Bowling Club first started and it was vacant for some time after that club laid out their green at the Stanks. Later it was occupied for bowls by the officers of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, but latterly the ground has been utilised for playing of tennis. The turf is in a good state of preservation, and with a little care and attention the surface will soon be made quite suitable for playing. Its condition on Monday evening was excellent considering the short time spent in improving it.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MOVEMENT

Mr Jos. Seals, in calling upon the Mayor to declare the green open, said: – The origin of this movement took place some few months ago. Berwick Town Council was approached with a view to providing as they do in other towns, a public bowling green to be within the financial reach of the working classes. Owing to their having so much in hand they found it impossible to carry out what was required. The Mayor kindly suggested that a public meeting be called, and from that meeting we have this green. We commenced to canvas the town for subscriptions to assist financially and as far as we went the town responded right nobly, but owing to the war we had necessity to cease asking for subscriptions owing to the very large number of necessities that had arisen from the war. The matter then lay for some time until it was seen in the papers that the green was to be let. A committee meeting was called and without hesitation it was decoded to take the green and bring the matter to a successful issue to the best of our ability. We still have a need for more financial support but we have sufficient confidence in the public spirit of the Borough to know that that need will be supplied. We propose in some way to make arrangements for allowing the different bodies of soldiers in the town to play on the green. We should like to let them play free but as that would be killing the goose which lays the golden egg, we will meet them in the best way we can. I have great pleasure in calling upon the Mayor to open this green, and I may add that we have had assistance from the beginning and our success in a very large measure is due to him. (Applause)

THE GREEN OPENED

The Mayor said: let me congratulate this Committee of Berwick Public Green for having done such a great work as this. I have much pleasure in declaring the green open and I hope it will be taken advantage of by the working class. (Loud applause)

The Mayor, thereafter played the first bowl and was followed by the Sheriff, Mr Askew, and Mr. McCreath.

Play was free to visitors for the evening and a most enjoyable game was played.

FUNDS FOR THE QUEEN’S NURSES

SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS HELP

Royal Scots…………………..1 Berwick Rovers…………………..0

Without doubt a larger crowd has never gathered at the Stanks, Berwick, than that which viewed the match on Thursday evening between the 2/10^th Royal Scots, and Berwick Rovers, at which a collection was taken in aid of the funds of the Berwick Queen’s Nurses. By kind permission of Colonel Peterkin, the Royal Scots Piper Band paraded the principal street before the match, and drew large

The Stanks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Grazing sheep, 1900s. Ref: BRO 2103-6-32 — The Stanks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Grazing sheep, 1900s Ref: BRO 2103-6-32

crowds to the venue of play. Collectors were busy amongst the crowd during the match, and the excellent sum of £8 10s was realised. The arrangements for the match were in the hands of Mr. A. A. Crisp, High Street, Berwick. The teams chosen were: Royal Scots-Corpl. Hill ( Queensferry St Andrew’s); Lance Corpl. Hay (Wemyss Athletic) and Pte.Trupe ( Juvenile); Corpl. Anderson ( Juvenile), Pte.Valentine ( Bathgate Primrose), and Pte.Preston ( Bathgate), Sergt. Brown (Armadale Rangers), Corpl. Jameison (Vale of Grange), Pte. McIver (Juvenile), and Pte. Middleton (Linlithgow Rose.) Berwick Rovers- W. Ferguson; R.T. Tait and E.N.Fenby; D.Redfearn, H. Burgon, J.Paul; J. Weatherburn, C. Barth, A. Weatherburn, G. Mofatt, and J. Scobie.

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