Local News

This Week in World War One, 14 December 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14 DECEMBER 1917

 

 

HAPPY REUNION ON BERWICK STATION PLATFORM

 

The committee delegates who each night meet the last north bound train at Berwick, and on behalf of laudable institution which provide meals for soldiers and sailors coming off a long train journey, looks after the men’s welfare, have many strange experiences.

On Wednesday evening when Mr Thos. Boal, Mr Abbott and Mr Geo. Dryden were on duty as the train came in two K.O.S.B. men were happily re-united after having enlisted, trained, fought, and became casualty together.

“As the first lad came off the train, “said Mr Boal, “a K.O.S.B. lad came along, and we asked where he was going.” “To the Barracks, “he answered. “Then you better have a bite of supper before you go.”

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 1636-10-013

Just then a Northern Cyclist came along, and he also was offered and accepted hospitality. Two other lads came along, and on one of them catching sight of the first lad, shouted “Hullo, Tom, old man; fancy meeting you here.”

The company adjourned to partake of a short repast, and as they talked the conversation brought out that these two lads had known each other before they joined up, had trained, were sent to France- had been treated at the same dressing station.

“Where did you get your blighty?” asked Mr Boal. “We were about Ypres with the –th then.”

“My friend here has a son who was with you as an officer and was wounded there.”

“What’s the name?” asked both lads.

“Lieut. Abbott,” said Mr Boal.

“Abbott,” shouted both lads, “why, he was our platoon officer.”

Truly the world is a small place after all.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Amongst local Volunteers the Battalion Shoot which will likely take place on the miniature range at Berwick is creating a good deal of interest. Eight men will be selected from each platoon to shoot off and the best eight shots out of the thirty two competitors will be selected to represent the Company when the Battalion Shoot comes off. Now is the time for local marksmen to uphold the name of the Borough. Another competition coming off is one of efficiency. All platoons will compete, and the best platoon of the local Company will meet the best of other companies in the Battalion. The most efficient platoon of the Battalion will be then chosen to meet the best platoon of Battalions in the Northern Command.

 

WAR NEWS

 

BERWICK LAD WOUNDED

Private Albert Richardson

We are sorry to hear that Private Albert Richardson, K.O.S.B., son of Councillor Peter Richardson, Church Street, Berwick, has been wounded in action. He has already been wounded once. Enlisting in the early stages of 1916 he was trained at Duddingston and drafted to France. In civil life he was employed as a grocer.

BERWICK MAN KILLED

We are sorry to learn that Private Walter Robson, K.O.S.B., son of Mrs Robson, Church St., Berwick, has been killed in action. He enlisted in the early stages of the war and was only a short time ago on leave. In civil life he was employed as a slaughterman at the Shambles, Berwick. The deepest sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement.

TWEEDMOUTH LAD KILLED

Private Robert Stokoe

We regret to announce that Mr Thos. Stokoe, 66 Shielfield Terrace, Tweedmouth, has received word that his second and remaining son, Private Robert Stokoe, East Lancs., has been killed in action on November 28th. What makes it all the more sad is that only three months have elapsed since his brother, Private Jas. Stokoe was killed. Both these lads were worthy pupils of Mr Peacock, Boys’ National School, Tweedmouth.

Private Robert Stokoe in civilian life was a traveller for William Redpath and Son, and was very popular with everyone he came in contact with in and around the Berwick district. He was three times rejected before Lord Derby’s scheme came out, and subsequently he joined up in the Northumberland Fusiliers, but after ten days’ training he was discharged. In February of this year he joined up wih the Royal Scots Fusiliers (Labour Battalion) with whom after four weeks training he proceeded to France. After nine months work at the front he was transferred first to the H.L.I., and then to the East Lancs., with whom he met his death. He was a brave, generous, loving, cheerful young man, one of the very best. His letters home were always cheerful, and he was always “sticking it” well. The greatest sympathy will be felt for Mr and Mrs Thos. Stokoe and family on this second sad bereavement.

This Week in World War One, 30 November 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30 NOVEMBER 1917

 

WAR NEWS

LOCAL LADS ON LEAVE FROM THE

BATTLEFRONT AND TRAINING CENTRES

 

James Burgon, Army veterinary Corps, horse-shoer, who resides with his parents at 29 Low Greens, Berwick, arrived home on Thursday morning, 29th November, on a fortnight’s leave. Suffering from a poisoned hand some folks have concluded that he has been wounded, but happily this is not the case. Private Burgon has seen three years’ service, and was a blacksmith with Messrs Caverhill. He is a son of Mr Alick Burgon, motor ferryman.

Lance-Corporal W. Macdonald, Australians, son of Mr Henry Macdonald, formerly a baker in Castlegate, and a well-known oarsman on the Tweed in his young days, broke his journey at Berwick on Wednesday to make a few calls upon old friends. He has just come out of Hospital, this being the 2 time he has been wounded. After being wounded on the last occasion he was for a time at a Hospital in France where Nurse K. Mackay, daughter of Surgeon Major W. B. Mackay, C. M. G., is ministering.

A team of the 2nd Field Ambulance inside a makeshift hospital during World War One. Photograph taken between 1917 and 1918 in France, by Henry Armytage Sanders. © National Library NZ (No known copyright restrictions). Wikimedia Commons.

He was there during the period when the Hospital was bombarded by hostile aircraft, and his one regret is that time did not permit of his calling upon the brave lady’s mother. Lance-Corporal Macdonald served for some years in the Royal Navy, and was one of the crew of H.M.S. Berwick, when the 5th Cruiser Squadron visited this port. He with the other members of the family had been some time in Australia when war broke out, and along with his brother Henry he came to the help of the Motherland. We wish him the best of luck for the future.

We are pleased to see Driver Dick Pringle home on his first leave, he has been 10 months in the army and he has enjoyed his holiday amongst his friends. He is a native of Tweedmouth. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Mr Scott, Branxton Allotments. Driver Pringle has had two brothers in the army, one being killed and the other in France in the Tank Corps. Driver Pringle has two brothers-in-laws serving also. Driver Pringle is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Pringle, Murton, Berwick-on-Tweed.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

A social evening was held in the Mitchell memorial Hall, on Tuesday evening, under the auspices of Mr M. Ross’s Bible Class, for the purpose of providing the funds to supply comforts to serving members. Mr Ross presided, and a number of the local clergy and social workers attended. An interesting programme was gone through and occasion was taken to present the prizes o those members who had attended regularly. During the evening a silver collection was taken as a result of which about £4 will be devoted to the object in view. A few friends generously sent in 130 pair of socks which are to be distributed to the 120 Class lads serving with the colours at home and abroad. The following were awarded prizes for having made the highest possible number of attendance:- A.D. Watt, James Lee, Charles Wright, James D. Wakenshaw, James Young, Thomas Piercy, Joseph Gray, James Walkenshaw, R. Smith, John Walkenshaw, and Wm. Tait. Those awarded prizes only having missed on one occasion were, George Young, G. Hunter, G. White, Arthur Paxton, Robert Stirling, S. Longbone, and Joseph Simpson.

Excellent and fascinating films are being shown at the Queen’s Rooms, Berwick, this week. The pictures are being exhibited clearly and steadily as is now a feature of the management. On Friday and Saturday first there is to be a stirring drama, the “Mystery of the Seven Chests,” and also “Rescued by Wireless,” showing the marvellous utility of Marconi’s invention. On Monday and Tuesday the film will be “The Queen’s Double,” and “Boy Scouts be Prepared.” The later film has been screened in all the leading picture halls, and should powerfully appeal to all our local boy scouts. A children’s matinee will take place on Saturday afternoon at 2.30.

 

MILITARY TRIBUNALS

CONDITION OF EXEMPTION NOT CARRIED OUT

 

The following men, who had been granted exemption on condition they became efficient Volunteers, and who had not done so, were then called before the Tribunal.

William Bell and William Swinney, employed as potmen at the Spittal Chemical Works, stated that when their work was finished they were so exhausted as sometimes to be hardly able to walk home. They were doing four men’s work, and it was work of a most ardous nature.

Taken later, a photograph of the Spittal Chemical Works where both William Bell and William Swinney worked in 1917. Both men were brought to a tribunal for failing to become efficient volunteers. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1887-23-7.

The Military Representative – Do you know that in case of invasion you men would be sent into the country with the women and children, and men of 55 would be fighting to protect you? You are immensely better off than if we were sending you to France.

They were ordered to become efficient Volunteers, otherwise their exemption would be cancelled.

James Bryson stated he had joined the Volunteers, but Dr Fraser had ordered him to stop drilling at once. Adjourned for medical examination.

The case of Thomas Mark was adjourned to see if he was drilling regularly as a Volunteer before next Tribunal. The Military representative said that it was quite possible Mark would be in the army before next Tribunal as his exemption was really cancelled through the condition of exemption not being compiled with.

Norman Todd and William Unthank were also informed that if they did not join the Volunteers, and become efficient, their exemption would be cancelled.

 

WOOLER

 

The arrangements for the Free Gift Sale to be held in aid of the British Farmers Red Cross Fund are now well advanced.

British Red Cross Ambulance in French service, Northern France. © SMU Central University Libraries (No known copyright restrictions). Wikimedia Commons.

The Wooler Volunteer detachment were engaged in various exercises in the Drill Hall on Sunday morning. The detachment was inspected by Major Graham, O.C. of the Battalion, the previous day, when this officer expressed his pleasure at all he saw.

A Volunteer detachment is being formed under favourable conditions at Ford.

The weekly house-to-house collection in aid of the Wooler War Depot for the weeks Nov. 16th and 23rd realised £1 10s and £1 5s respectively.

It is reported that Corporal C. Carr, son of Mr Alex. Carr, Wooler, now in hospital, has been awarded the Military Medal.

The Volunteers are holding a whist drive and dance on Friday evening next in the Drill Hall in aid of the local War Workers’ Depot.

This Week in World War One, 2 November 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2 NOVEMBER 1917

 

 

BELFORD LAD MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE

 

 

We are deeply grieved to have to report that Sergt. Ernest Falla, third son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Falla, North Bank, Belford, has fallen at the post of duty in France. Prior to enlisting this young fellow was employed as footman with Mr Graham, Cartin, Carluke, Scotland, and had a most comfortable place, but his sense of duty to his King and Country was Treasurer, Mr J. Brand, Bank of Liverpool, call for help was given, so on September 3rd, 1914, he enlisted into the H.L.I., and soon after was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and later to South African Infantry Brigade. On May the 10th, 1915, he sailed for France, and with the exception of one leave in January last has been doing his best to beat the Huns since that time. He won his stripes on the battlefield, and that is sufficient proof of the excellent way his duties have been performed. Ernest was a smart pleasant lad, and his loss is greatly mourned, and widespread sympathy is expressed for the bereaved relatives.

RECRUITING CHANGES

 

As has already been announced by the Minister of National Service, Great Britain will, for the purpose of recruiting, be divided into 10 regions, at the head of each there will be a civilian Director of Recruiting.

The Director for Scotland is Mr C.D. Murray, K.C., and his region will include the whole of Scotland, except the town of Berwick. Mr Murray is a well-known advocate at the Scottish Bar.

The Director for the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, Durham, and Westmorland, with the Cleveland District of Yorkshire, and Berwick, is Mr D. H. L. Young, a member of the firm of Messrs James Templeton and Co., of Glasgow. He has had experience of administration of the Military Service Acts as a member of an appeal tribunal.

THE NEW CATEGORIES

According to an Army Council Instruction just issued by the War Office, it has been decided to abolish the distinction between categories B and C in the classification of men by categories. As to men fit for service overseas in categories lower than A, the Instruction points out that this will be provided for by special medical examination when the men are required to proceed abroad. The new classification comes into force on November 1.

Category A is for men fit for general service in any theatre of war, from the point of training, as well as good physical and mental condition, and who are able to stand active service work.

Category B will consist of those who are not fit for general service, but will do for home service. There are three sections in B (i.) men fit for field units (at home only) or garrison duty (ii.) in labour units, (iii.) sedentary work.

These are followed in the Instruction by category D for men who may be deemed temporarily unfit for service in categories A or B, but who are likely to become fit within six months.

Category E provides for those who are unfit for services in categories A or B, and who are not likely to become fit in six months.

Category B (iii.), it should be added, also comprises those who, if skilled tradesmen, are able to work at their trades.

Category D is temporary, so far as reserve units are concerned, and a man in a higher category will automatically come under D3, if under medical or dental treatment, rejoining his original category until transferred either upwards or downwards, as the case may be, by the medical officer or travelling medical board.

 

AGRICULTURE

 

WOMEN AND SCHOOL CHILDREN HELP

 

This year real service has been rendered in work of this class by school children, also women. Many of the rural school boards have risen well to the occasion this year in the way of granting leave. Farmers generally are grateful, not only for the assistance which they have got in this way, but also for the help which women and soldiers have rendered. Many increased their potato area this year to meet as far as possible national necessity, and it is not easy seeing how the crop could have been handled but for the extra help that has been obtained in this way.

 

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The marriage which has been arranged between Lieut. Cecil Olcher Fedden, 22nd Punjabis attached to the Royal Flying Corps, eldest son of Mr F. Player Fedden, Glenthorpe, Barnet, and Miss Shena Lennox Fraser, eldest daughter of Colonel C. l. Fraser, V.D., Berwick, will take place quietly on Monday, 3rd December, in Berwick Parish Church. Lieut. Fedden has seen a good deal of active service, and fought on the Indian frontier in 1911 in the Abor expedition.

Berwick Parish Church. © John Box – Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives website.

He was fourteen months in Mesopotamia at the beginning of the present war, being badly wounded at the battle of Ctesiphon. He made his escape out of Kut the day before it was besieged – 3rd December, 1915. Miss Fraser is well known for her good work in Berwick and district. She acted as Secretary for the Berwickshire Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Family Association and worked enthusiastically for the cause, while she also took an active interest in her work as a member of the local War Pensions Committee.

 

D.S.M. FOR HOLY ISLAND MAN

A.B. Robert Lilburn

 

We are pleased to announce that the Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded to Able Seaman Robert Lilburn, R.N.R., for bravery in saving the lives of the crew of a mined ship in December last. Seaman Lilburn, who is a Holy Island man, and a son of the late Mr James Lilburn, who was drowned many years ago at the Island under distressing circumstances when piloting a steamboat into the harbour, has seen two years’ service with the mine sweeping sections of the Fleet, and has been regularly at sea since then. In civil life he followed the calling of a fisherman. His many friends will heartily congratulate him upon the honour just awarded.

HOLY ISLAND

 

Gallant Lifeboatmen – A pleasing ceremony took place at Holy Island. Mr A. Logan, of Berwick, acting on behalf of the Swedish Government, presented handsome cups to Coxwain George Cromarty and Second Coxwain Thomas Kyle, and a sum of £2 to each of the crew of the Holy Island No.2 Lifeboat, for the rescue of the crew of the Swedish barque Jolani, in Nov. 1916.

An early photograph of the Holy Island lifeboat crew, pictured left to right are Tom Kyle, John Markwell, George Cromarty, Tom Stevenson and Robert Henderson. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 2421-018.

The rescue took place under exceptional difficulties, the wind blowing a gale from the east. The two coxswains expressed their thanks to Mr Logan, and through him to the Swedish Government, Mr Kyle declaring that all the members of the crew had done equally well. On the suggestion of Mr Logan a collection was taken for the Royal Lifeboat Institution, to which all responded heartily.

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