Local News

This Week in World War One, 31 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31 MAY 1918

 

SON OF A FORMER BERWICK MINISTER HEAVILY FINED

FOR MAKING STATEMENTS DISPARGING THE ARMY

 

Messrs Headley Bros., publishers, of Oxford Street, London, and the Rev. Joseph Davison Manners Rorke, of Boxhill, a native of Berwick, and son of the Rev. Jospeh Rorke, formerly minister of Church Street E.P. Church, Berwick, were summoned at the Marlborough St. Police Court on Thursday last, the former as publisher and the latter as editor of the publication called “The Venturer”, in the March issue of which were statements likely to prejudice recruiting and discipline of his Majesty’s Forces.

Marlborough Street Magistrates Court where the case relating to the publication “The Venturer” was heard in 1918. It is now the Courthouse Hotel. © Author: Mark Hillary. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

After Sir Archibald Bodkin, for the prosecution, had read extracts which he contended were likely to create a bad impression and to prejudice recruiting and discipline, the defendant Rorke said he accepted full responsibility as editor of “The Venturer,” though he did not write the article, and had no intention whatever of prejudicing recruiting or disparaging the Army.

Counsel for Messrs Headley said they were merely publishers of “The Venturer,” did not know its contents, and accepted no responsibility.

The magistrates, in fining Messrs Headley £100 and £5 costs, said they should have exercised more vigilance to see they were not made the instruments for dissemination of such noxious matter. Mr Rorke would have to go to prison for three months in the second division.

Defendant’s father protested that his son had no such intention as that ascribed to him.

Mr Mead latter recalled the defendant, and on an undertaking that he would not publish anything prejudicial to recruiting or discipline substituted a fine of £50 for imprisonment and allowed seven days for payment of the fine.

LOCAL NEWS

Anyone holding an exemption certificate from military service can only be granted renewal by the tribunal if he applies for it fourteen days before the expiry of the present period of exemption.

On June 1st the price for early potatoes will drop from 4d to 3½ per lb. A fortnight ago before the maximum prices came into force 10d to 1s 3d a pound was being asked for new potatoes in the London shops. Fair quantities were available at these prices, but with the sudden fall to 4d supplies seemed to disappear.

There has been a spurt in Berwick as in other places in the purchase of War Bonds, £685 was subscribed for the week ending May 18, and May 25, although a short week with the Banks closing on Whit-Monday, realise £3127. The full weekly quota is £6530.

We understand it is probable that a Standing Musketry Camp will be held in connection with the local Volunteer Battalion. Should this mature, it will commence about the middle of June at Morpeth, and the following three weeks will be held at Berwick. It is anticipated that the proposed camp will stimulate interest amongst those efficient in shooting, and also amongst the recruits, and a good attendance is anticipated. The efficient men will be asked to fire their annual musketry course, and recruits will do their efficiency tests. Those attending the camp for twenty-four hours will be provided with accommodation and rations. Free railway warrants will be provided for those attending. This camp, of course, has no connection with the annual camp.

Her many friends were glad to see Miss Marjory C. Holmes, daughter of Mrs Holmes, of Bridge Street, back to Berwick last week from Russia, where she has had an adventurous time. She is unwilling at the moment to speak of her adventures, but anyone who has watched what has lately been happening in Russia, where there have been scenes similar to those in the French Revolution, when the nobles were killed in their beds and dragged out into the open street, sometimes naked, will be able to realise something of what she has passed through.

May 1st, 1918. The demonstration took place on Palace Square in Petrograd, in front of the Winter Palace. Unknown photographer. © Author: The Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Library. No known copyright exists.

She was in Petrograd at the time of the first Revolution, and later she left Kieff only three days before the Germans entered. She has been thirteen weeks travelling home, by way of Moscow, Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, Japan, and Canada, and the United States. Miss Holmes is one of those typical English visitors to foreign countries, seemingly unable to miss danger spots, and ready only too soon to return to them.

No. 4 Platoon, B Coy., having bee adjudged the best platoon of the 5th V.B., Northumberland Regt., went to Newcastle on Sunday last to compete with the best of other Battalions. Having to be on Parade at 10 a.m., in Newcastle meant, for the Berwick men, being away by the 6.5 a.m. train, no slight handicap this in such a competition. The Berwick men competed second, and right worthily upheld the honour of the Company and Battalion to which they belong. Everything they were asked to do was done in quite a professional manner. Words of commendation were freely expressed by the officers standing round. More than one said: “This platoon will not be beaten.” Lieut. Campbell was in great form. Cool and collected, his words of command came out clear and sharp, and his men responded admirably. Each N.C.O. was called out in turn. No.4 Platoon is fortunate in possessing non-coms, like Sergeants How, Young, Mace and Corporal Evans, and those who know them will know they were not beaten by any other non-coms. The Berwick Platoon was placed second, two points down, and when the journey is taken into consideration, and the going on to parade so soon after arrival in Newcastle, the result is highly creditable. Lieut. Campbell has worked hard for the last three weeks to get his men up to the top hole. He has been able seconded by his non-coms, and no words of praise are sufficient for the men, who turned up night after night to be “put through it.” Lieut. Campbell was congratulated by the principal officers present on the efficient state of his platoon.

SEAHOUSES

We hear little of the brave and daring deeds done by the minesweeping and patrol craft of our coasts. One such matter of local interest has recently been made public. For brave work in a mine field in August, 1916, Captain S.B. Ward, of H.M.S. Minesweeper St. Leonards 462, was recently decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace, with the Distinguished Service Cross. Later the gallant Captain was presented by the inhabitants of Hartlepool with a marble clock, and a cheque for £20 for himself and a gold locket and chain for his wife. The circumstance is of local interest because of the fact the Seaman Geo. Richardson (Scotty), son of Mr and Mrs George Richardson, Seahouses, formed one of the crew which for some reason numbered only five instead of twelve or fourteen. Each member of the crew also received a beautifully designed medal in silver with gold centre bearing his initials. Mr Richardson’s medal being inscribed “Present to Geo. Richardson, for conspicuous bravery in a minefield, August, 1916, by Councillor C.T. Watson, Mayor of Hartlepool.” We congratulate the young Seaman in the distinguished honour.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A DESERTER

Richard Edwards, a pioneer belonging to the Royal Engineers, appeared on a charge of having been a deserter from a Special Gas Company of the R.E., France, since November 6th, 1917. He pleaded guilty.

The Chief Constable said this man belonged to Berwick, and was here on leave from the Front on October. He failed to rejoin his unit at the expiry of his leave on 6th November, and there had been enquiries made about him on two occasions by the Military Authorities. It became known on Sunday morning that he was in the town, he having arrived from Middlesborough, where he had been working, and on his person, when arrested, was found a return ticket to that place. Sergeant Wilson and P.C. Lindsay went to his house at Church Road. The Sergeant went to the front door and knocked, and Lindsay was sent round to the back to prevent the man escaping. As their Worships would hear, Lindsay arrested the man as he was trying to escape over a wall at the rear of the house. The wife of accused denied to the police that he was in the house, and later said it was not likely she was going to give her husband away.

Sergt. Wilson, giving evidence, said he knocked on the door of Edwards’ house in Church Road, and the wife answered, saying she would open after putting on her clothes. After two or three minutes and on hearing a noise as if the man was preparing to make his escape by the back door, Lindsay went round to the back door. Mrs Edwards then opened the door and denied that her husband was in the house. At that time witness heard Lindsay shout, and on going round found that he had got Edwards.

P.C. Lindsay corroborated, and stated that he arrested accused as he was coming over a six foot wall. Accused admitted being a deserter, and said he was glad it was all over.

The Bench remanded accused in custody pending the handing over to the military.

 

 

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.

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