This Week in World War One, 4 October 1918

05/10/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4 OCTOBER 1918

FETE DAY A THE BARRACKS

SPLENDID EFFORT ON BEHALF OF PRISONERS OF WAR FUND

It is quite a pleasure to visit Berwick Barracks now that the Medical Board does not insist upon “civies” showing off their good points in their birthday suits, and on Thursday afternoon the attractions offered at the Fete which had been organised were sufficient to repay all the discomfort suffered here under the Review of Exceptions Act. True there were the same old faces, the man who looked at your calling up notice, the man who sent you hunting upstairs for your medical history, the one who ushered you into the chamber of horrors, even the obliging clerk who made out your discharge and the gem of an officer who signed it, but they were all different and smiling serenely, looking as if it was a pleasure to welcome one, instead of a painful duty. Major McAlester, D.S.O., the popular C.O., was early about amongst his officers, men and helpers, and to the credit of all be it said that everything ran well up to the time table.

The afternoon, so far as weather was concerned, might have been better, there being a chilliness in the air, a factor which of course must be expected at this time of year. This in a way, we believe, affected the attendance somewhat, for there might well have been a much larger turnout for so deserving an object. A pleasing splash of colour was given to the grim old Barrack Square by the Guard, who were for the occasion in the red and tartan full dress uniform with Balmoral bonnets. It was quite a change to sea this after having become so used to the dull khaki, and the Mons ribbon on the breasts of some of these men showed that they had done their bit with the “Old Bills.”

WAR MEDALS AND RELICS EXHIBITON

In the Officers Mess in charge of Miss Bishop, assisted by Major Parkinson and Major McAlester, D.S.O., who described the exhibits, a fine collection of War Medals, Orders, and War Relics were on view. Amongst the medals shown were the V.C.’s awarded to C.S.M.’s Skinner and Grimbaldstone and Piper Laidlaw.

Piper Laidlaw’s medals on display at the National Museum of Scotland. © Author: Kernel Saunters – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

There were also on view Serbian Decorations, Belgian Croix de Guerre, French Crois de Guerre and Orders, Stars, and Decorations awarded to men of the K.O.S.B.’s in former wars. Round the walls were hung the new, and also the battle torn colours of the various battalions of the Borderers, while the machine Guns of the 6th Battalion proved a centre of great interest. The war relics comprised practically everything which could be picked up on the battlefield or behind the lines, and there were many valuable and interesting curios in the collection.

In a Barrack Room, “Tommie’s Home” could be seen at the modest sum of twopence, clean and tidy, and laid out just as it would have been for a General’s Inspection. Many visited this side attraction during the afternoon, and the smart and trim appearance of the rooms were favourably commented upon.

WAR NEWS

SPECIALLY MENTIONED

We are pleased to record that Lieut. Commander Willits, R.N.R., son of Mr H. W. Willits, has been specially mentioned in Despatches for escort, convoy and patrol work. He was in Australia when war broke out and on coming home was given the command of one of H.M. Torpedo Boats. He is now in command of a Destroyer and has seen much service on the French and Belgian Coasts.

BERWICK NEWSAGENT KILLED IN ACTION

Private William Hay

It is with deep regret that we record the death in action of Private Wm. Hay, K.O.S.B., husband of Mrs Hay, newsagent, Church Street, and son of Mr William Hay, baker and merchant, Berwick. The first news of this sad occurrence was conveyed in a letter from a comrade and this was confirmed by the official notice which arrived later.

“Willie” hay, as he was familiarly called in the town was a favourite with all who knew him. A thorough business man he built up a most successful newsagent’s enterprise many years before the war, and practically we might say after he had left school. He found time, however, to indulge in sport, and in the position of goalkeeper assisted Berwick Rangers and other teams in medal competitions. A good sport and a friend all will be sorry to lose, he will be missed in the year which are to come.

He enlisted under the Derby Scheme and after being allowed a little time to make business arrangements, joined up in the K.O.S.B. With that regiment he served in the Eastern Theatre of war, and along with him for a time was Private Robt. Clark, who in civil life was a newsagent at Tweedmouth.

We are sure we voice the feelings of our readers when we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his widow, in her great sorrow, and to his father.

LOCAL NEWS

A postcard has been received by Mr Johnson, West End, Tweedmouth from his son, Private T.S. Johnson, King’s Own London Regiment, who is a prisoner at Stammlager, Germany, returning thanks to the Mayoress (Mrs Plenderleith) for having sent him a parcel of food and comforts. We are glad to learn that Private Johnson is keeping well and hope he soon will be clear of confinement.

Stammlager Prison, where Private T. S. Johnson, of the King’s Own London Regiment, was held as a prisoner in WW1. © Author: LutzBruno. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

In the town on leave after having been for a long time in hospital recovering from wounds, we observe Sergeant Lawrence Simmon of the Black Watch, enjoying a leave. He has seen considerable service on the western front during his military career, and as he has done his bit we rust it will be a long time yet, if ever, when he again returns to the front.

HORNCLIFFE

Mr John Christison, second son of Mr Alex. Christison, India, and grandson of the late Ald. H. L. Christison, J.P., of Berwick, has had an unfortunate experience. He was in a Linconshire regiment, and after being invalided out was proceeding to India to take up a position there when the boat upon which he was travelling was torpedoed 200 miles from land. Mr Christison has lost everything, and is now back at Horncliffe staying with his aunt, Miss Turner.

This Week in World War One, 6 September 1918

07/09/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERITISER, 6 SEPTEMBER 1918

WAR NEWS

MILITARY MEDAL FOR TWEEDMOUTH SOLDIER

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Corpl. James Weddell, N.F., son of Mr and Mrs Weddell, 116 Main Street, Tweedmouth, on his having been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field in Italy.

The official record says: – “During a raid on the enemy trenches this N.C.O. led his section with great coolness and skill, materially assisting in bombing the enemy lines and dug-outs and bringing back prisoners.”

Corpl. Weddell, who in civil life was a fireman on the N.E. Railway, was a territorial prior to the war and was mobilised in 1914. He took part in the battle of St. Julien, and subsequent engagements and has been twice wounded. He was sent from France with the expeditionary force to Italy, and has seen some heavy fighting there. Corpl. Weddell has not had leave for a long time, but we understand it will be long before he is allowed a short respite from fighting, and will be able to spend a leave at his home.

BERWICK WAR CHARITIES WEEK

Thursday

GALA DAY IN THE CRICKET FIELD

SPLENDID PROGRAMME OF SPORTS, FOLLOWED BY SPECTACULAR EVENTS

SIR FRANCIS BLAKE PRESENTS PRIZES

Berwick Cricket Field, the scene of many a stirring encounter in the old days before the war, when the Athletic Festival was one of the events of the year, bore some semblance to its former glory on Thursday last, when under the auspices of Berwick War Charities Week a grand Athletic Festival and Carnival was held.

Beautiful weather favoured the event, and a very large and animated gathering was early in attendance and dotted in groups round the various side attractions set out round the field. One might reasonably say that all Berwick and its wife was there, and the holiday spirit was in the atmosphere.

On the old Hockey ground the “Aerial Railway or Suspension Wire,” which proved such an unbounded success at Scremerston, had been erected, and young and old, fair maidens, dark maidens, and maidens of uncertain age, along with the few specimens of the male sex remaining, were to be seen enjoying the flight through space.

A Fish Pond proved as usual a draw, and at this popular side show Miss Molly Cowen officiated in pleasing manner. Houp-la the modern method of legalised robbery, claimed its votaries, and Mrs Collingwood, Miss Walker, Miss and Master Collingwood, Miss Erskine and Miss Calder had a busy afternoon in attempting to satisfy their clients. Black Cat mascots were also sold during the day by Mrs Wm. R. McCreath and Miss McCreath. Away to the north side of the field the lusty voice of Mr Robertson, Ladyrig, Kelso, could be heard soliciting patronage for the exhilarating exercise of “ Downing the Kaiser,” and having a shot at “Old Aunt Sally.”

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

THE NEEDS OF NEWSPAPERS

Archd. F. Carstairs (39) grade 3 man, 66 Church Street, Berwick, newspaper machine man in the “Advertiser” Office, and also working with Mr Grieve, printer, was a case in which exemption was sought on the ground that if he was taken there would be no man left to print the newspaper, Carstairs at the present time being only a half-time man, and sharing his hours of labour between the “Advertiser” Office and Mr Grieve’s office.

The above case was taken along with that of Kerr Middlemiss (28) married, 52 West End, Tweedmouth, linotype operator, “Advertiser” Office, who also asked for a continuation of his expiring exemption. It was explained in the application that the office staff was so reduced that the charge of the lino’ machines depended on Middlemiss, who worked along with a lad who had not yet technical knowledge of the machines. It was pleaded in view of the importance which the Government attached to a newspapers that it was in the national interests Middlemiss should remain.

A row of linotype machines at the Berwick Advertiser office in Marygate, in the mid twentieth century.

In answer to Mr Herriot it was explained by Mr H.S. Hamilton, Editor and Manager of the “Advertiser,” that Carstairs had only been a short time in the employ of the firm. They were exceedingly fortunate in getting him on the last machine man leaving. Although he served his time in the “Advertiser” Mr Grieve had a prior claim to his services, and at present Carstairs divided his time between the two offices.

The national Service Representative said that in view of Carstairs grade and his occupation he did not oppose the claim for exemption.

It was agreed to allow three months’ exemption.

Consideration was then given to the case of Middlemiss, and the National Service Representative stated that his information was that this man, although he had received notification to be further medically examined on 4th June, had not reported himself. Middlemiss had since received further notice on 6th August to report himself.

Mr Hamilton stated that as one who was in daily communication with Middlemiss he was quite convinced that no call to present himself had reached him. There was not the slightest objection on the part of Middlemiss to be examined; he was positive the call to report himself had never reached Middelmiss. Mr Hamilton also explained that Middlemiss was a volunteer, and while he could not say that he was technically efficient he knew he was a very good shot.

The National Service Representative – I am perfectly aware such mistakes have occurred in many instances, and in such circumstances agree that Middlemiss should now report himself for medical examination.

It was then agreed to adjourn for further medical examination.

LOCAL NEWS

It will be remembered that Mr John Bishop got up a subscription some time ago for a skeleton for the use of the V.A.D.’s. He had the brilliant idea of making a sideshow of it at the War Relics Exhibition, and advertised it as “the thinnest man in Berwick – a result of rations.” One visitor, we hear, ungrasped his cash, and marched in, and saw only a tall, aristocratic figure, with his hat slightly on one side, who seemed to be saying, “Pass me not, pass me not!” The subscriber suspecting nothing, marched out again, and said at any rate he had done his duty.

Mr and Mrs Alexander McLeman celebrated their golden wedding on September 1st having been married on September 1st,1868, at the Parish Church, Ayton. Mr McLeman was well known on the Borders, where he was in business as a saddler in Castlegate, Berwick, 20 years ago. The old couple enjoy good health and have a family of nine, three daughters and six sons – John, Robert, Lons, David, on active service in France; William on National War Work; and Alexander, jr., in business as a saddler in Gateshead, holding Government contracts for saddlery, 26 grandchildren, three grandsons on active service; one grandson, James McLeman, killed in action while serving with Berwick Company of N.F.’s. Their present address is 50 Sunderland Road, Gateshead, where they have received many congratulations.

In view of the coming shortage of coal many people in country districts will go back to the moors for peat, which at one time was quite commonly burnt on the Borders. It has a most pleasant and characteristic smell, and is to be found in North Northumberland and in the Ford, Barmoor and low lying ground in the fen and hill districts. It is also found in Berwickshire at Gordon and Greenlaw, and practically the whole of the Lammermoor district.

Loading a peat cart in Westhay, Somerset in 1905. A similar scene would have taken place in Northumberland in 1918. © Photograph by A E Hasse of Balidon, York. Wikipedia Commons.

The peat burns brightly as long as no pot is put on it to press it down. For cooking, pots and pans are suspended from a “sway” or “swee,” an iron arm on a swivel, which is built into the fireplace. Many of the old fireplaces in the town of Berwick have these and we remember seeing one in excellent preservation when a new fireplace was being put in and a large ingle nook discovered in the “Hen and Chickens” Sandgate.

SPECIAL CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT

A special programme of pictures was screened at the Queen’s Rooms, on Saturday, at both houses. The hall is entirely under new management, who have made their debut at Berwick in a right worthy manner by giving the entire proceeds of both entertainments to the War Charity Week Funds. The entertainments were arranged by Mrs P. Cowe, and Mr J. Strachan, Conveners for Monday, assisted by Nurse Anthoney, Convener for Saturday of War Charity Week. At both houses Mr Wilson, the Sheriff, thanked the management in the name of the Committee and said they were deeply indebted for their generosity. He announced that the sum of £9 5s had been raised, which would go to swell the grand total. Mr Cooper replied in the name of Mr A. Lindsay, one of the partners of the new firm, and a nephew of the late Mr Mather. The management have also kindly lent the hall for this afternoon’s entertainment (Thursday) when the Waxworks and Concert will be repeated. We wish the new firm every success.

This Week in World War One, 23 August 1918

24/08/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 AUGUST 1918

Grandson of Holy Island Man’s Heroic Act

GIVES LIFE BLOOD FOR COMRADE

The war has produced many acts of heroism and gallantry. Among Britain’s citizen Army are found thousands of men with no outstanding characteristics but with the same stout heart and firm spirit, who reck not the danger when a comrade is to be dragged back from the grave. A story which has reached us gives further evidence of this fact. The hero of the episode is a young Northumberland Fusilier, who, literally, gave his life blood in order that a “chum” from overseas might regain his strength. That the effort was in vain is the only sad incident in the whole, which is bright with the steadfast courage shown.

Lance-Corporal John Markwell, Northumberland Fusiliers, grandson of Mr Ralph Markwell, Holy Island, Beal, and Private J. Hempshill, a son of Mrs Hempshill, 12 East Thomas St., Edinburgh, were lying in adjacent beds in a base hospital in France. Private Hempshill was severely wounded, and had lost an extra ordinary amount of blood, so much so, in fact, that the doctors came to the conclusion that unless some new life-giving fluid could be transfused from another living person the soldier would certainly die. Markwell, on being asked if he would submit to having some of his blood transfused, at once acceded, and this plan was at once carried out. The blood was removed from Markwell’s right arm to the left arm of Hemshill, but the operation had apparently been delayed too long, as success did not attend the efforts of the doctors. Hempshill died shortly afterwards, but before he passed away he asked that due recognition should be made of the heroic act of Lance Corporal Markwell. Almost his last statement was a request that a record of the incident should be published in the “Edinburgh Evening News.”

Lance-Corporal Markwell, it may be added, is at present in hospital in this country, and is making good progress. In writing to the mother of the deceased soldier he put the story in a nutshell, and expresses volumes when he modestly says, “I did my best.” No one could have done more.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before the Mayor, Alex. Darling, Chas. Morgan, T. Purves, and R. Boston, Esqrs.

THEFT OF SOAP

George Edward Wardle, Robert Patterson, and James Douglas, privates in the K.O.S.B., were charged, on remand, with having, on Saturday, stolen twenty two bars of soap, valued 14s, from a store in the yard of Mr John Stoddart, grocer, 84 High Street. The circumstances were fully reported at Monday’s Court, and to-day defendants all pleaded guilty, Capt. Collingwood was present and watched the proceedings.

John D. Patterson, a boy employed by Mr Stoddart, and P.C. Wm. Watt again gave similar evidence to that tendered at last Court. The soap, the latter said, was a considerable distance from the entrance door of the store, and could only have been taken by someone going right into the premises.

Capt. Collingwood said that two of the defendants had a clean sheet, while some minor fault was against the third man; but on the whole the defendants had given the military authorities no trouble.

Defendants each attributed their condition to the effects of taking drink.

The Mayor said that the Bench were very sorry to see the defendants in their present position, which was a very serious one. They took into consideration that the defendants had served their country and been wounded, and would therefore deal leniently by imposing a fine of 10s each, or seven days’ imprisonment. This was the first case of its kind which had come before the Court, and it was hoped it would act as an adequate warning, as shopkeepers and others must be protected from conduct of this kind. The fines were paid.

LOCAL NEWS

The demonstration of hooliganism and violence given by five soldiers, who, as reported in our columns of page 4, created a great disturbance on the Spittal Motor Ferry boat last Friday night, has made people in the town furiously to think of what protection is afforded from these “roughs.” Evidently as the police did not see the occurrence happen they are powerless to bring a case unless the assaulted parties issue summons.

(c) Berwick Record Office BRO 1887-2-4 Spittal Ferry

In a case of this kind no private individual cares to summon the offenders who in all probability would have their revenge as only “Redskins” can take it. Surely there is a kink in the law which forces one to come into the lime light of police court proceedings with the off chance of getting “done in” later, to protect oneself from having the experience of “kipper slapping” and rowdyism. The military no doubt will punish the offenders, but the feeling in the town is that a few months “hard labour” would do the culprits a considerable amount of good.

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

HAIRDRESSER TO SERVE

William D. McColgan, hairdresser, Hide Hill, Berwick, described as a Grade 1 man, was an application by the National Service Representative for withdrawal of the existing exemption, as he was not doing national work, and might be more usefully employed in some branch of the Army.

Mr McColgan stated that this was entirely a one man business, and he urged that exemption should be continued owing to domestic circumstances and a young family of four. He was in grade B2 last time.

The Tribunal decided that he should serve, but that he should not be called up till the end of September.

A LOW GRADED MAN

William Johnston (31) rope and twine spinner, residing in Coxon’s Lane, and employed by Mrs Wilson, Castlegate, was a Grade III, man. He had been fourteen years in her employment, and claimed on occupational grounds that he was useful in supplying the fishing industry, and in making material that was used in munitions. The only other man employed was about seventy years of age.

The National Service Representative – In view of this man’s grade and occupation I am not prepared to oppose his exemption.

The Tribunal accordingly allowed three months’ exemption.

BERWICK COMPANY CHURCH LADS’ BRIGADE

KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS CADETS

This Company went into camp at Warkworth for the August Bank Holiday week. Berwick lads were attached to “D” Company, along with Blyth Company. About 400 lads were in camp under Cadet Lieut. Col. W. H. Arring.

The camp was conducted on lines of strict military discipline as the following account of the daily routine shows.

Saturday, the day of arrival, the lads were placed in their tents and acquainted with their camp duties.

Sunday, the battalion marched down to Warkworth Church at 7a.m., and a large number of the lads partook of the Holy Communion, the service being conducted by the Bishop of Newcastle. At 11 a.m. a short service was held in camp, and in the afternoon there was a drum head service with an address by the Bishop.

Warworth Church © Mick Knapton. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.

The lads contributed liberally to the collection in aid of the Church Army Hut Work in France.

Daily reveille at 6 a.m., fall in at 6.30 for a short march and physical drill, breakfast at 8 a.m., C.O.’s parade at 10.30, consisting of company drill and battalion movements, dinner 1 p.m., after which the lads were free for the day. Excepting those who were detailed for guard, etc. tea at 4.30, and “light out” at 11 p.m.

A very noticeable feature in camp was the three minutes silence after reveille and lights out were sounded. The interval being devoted to prayers.

Wednesday was devoted to the Battalion sports, and Thursday was largely occupied with the inspection. The inspecting officer, who we understand came from the Tyne Garrison, and was sent by the General of the Northern Command, spoke highly of the smartness of the lads and complimented them on the way they marched past. He afterwards inspected the camp and was present at the distribution of prizes by Miss Deuchar.

On Friday everyone was busy doing his share in striking camp and leaving the field clean and tidy. Berwick boys arrived home on Friday afternoon, after having spent a most enjoyable and instructive week.

The Company, which will resume drills in September, bids fair, under the capable leadership of Lieut. R. D. Harvey to add lustre to its already noble history. Recruits will be enrolled any Wednesday evening at the Boy’s School, Ravensdowne.

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