Local News

This Week in World War One, 23 March 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 MARCH 1917

 

WAR NEWS

TWEEDMOUTH LAD’S SERVICE

 

Alexander Gladstone, son of Mr and Mrs Gladstone, Falloden Terrace, Tweedmouth, and grandson of the late highly respected Thomas Brown, N.E.R. engine driver, Tweedmouth, who met with a tragic end at Goswick some ten years ago. He is 20 years of age, was a territorial, and was mobilised with the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers in August, 1914, put in his time at Gosforth and Cambois, and went with the battalion to France in April, 1915. He was in the fateful battle St. Julien, and was wounded at St. Eloi after which he was confined to hospital for six weeks. For 15 months he was orderly and stretcher bearer under our esteemed townsman, Dr Mackay, was also a pupil under the doctor in the N.E.R. Ambulance Corps, and won 1st class honours in competitions in same. He has since leaving the Ambulance Section of the Northumberland Fusiliers been 8 months in the transport of the same battalion and has been absent from home for 15 months without leave. We wish him continued good luck and safe home, as he has like many others, some terrible experiences to his credit, although he is so young. Previous to the war he was a fireman with the N.E.R. Co.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Thanks. – The Committees of the Berwick Ladies’ District Nursing Association, and the Berwick-on-Tweed Prisoners of War Fund, would like to take this opportunity of rending their very grateful thanks to Mr Dudgeon and his concert party for the handsome sum of £38, which has been equally divided between them. These committees feel assured that they and the public generally, owe these friends a debt of gratitude, not only for the very acceptable addition to the funds of both Associations, but for a most enjoyable and successful evening’s entertainment. The Committee of the Prisoners of War Fund would like, at the same time, to thank those friends who so successfully organised a concert at Spittal for their friends, and to the promoters of other entertainments, sales of work, etc., who have so generously given of their takings for the Prisoners.

Camp Gardens – Hutments and Barracks. – A Scottish Command Order states – Attention is drawn to the urgent need of making the most of every source of food and of supplementing the messing of the troops with a variety of vegetables grown on the spot. A proportion of the vegetables necessary for the men can, in the majority of hutment camps and barracks, be grown in plots adjacent to the lines, and the attention of Command Officers is drawn to the need of prompt action.

Presentation at the Barracks. – On Monday evening an interesting presentation was made in the Sergeants’ Mess at the Berwick Barracks, when Sergt. W. Tait, of the K.O.S.B., was presented with a handsome marble clock and a pair of bronze side ornaments on the occasion of his marriage which took place on Thursday, 22nd inst.

(C) BRO 1636-8-22 Berwick Barracks

 

The presentation was made in a neat and appropriate speech by Sergt. Major J. B. Westle on behalf of the members and honorary members of the Sergeants Mess at the Depot, and was suitably acknowledged by the gallant recipient. Sergt. Tait has 23 years service, has been twice at the front, and has been twice wounded. He was a time-expired soldier, and re-joined his old regiment at the call of duty. He is native of Glasgow. The gifts were supplied by Messrs Ross, jewellers, Bridge Street, Berwick.

 

GRAND CONCERT

 

ON BEHALF OF
BERWICK NURSING ASSOCIATION
AND
PRISONERS OF WAR FUND

 

A crowded house met in the Queen’s Rooms, Berwick, on Thursday, March 15th, to enjoy a concert of unusual excellence given by local amateur artistes of undoubted ability.

The Chairman, Captain C.B. Balfour of Newton Don, Kelso, who spoke of the excellent work done by the nurses, drew special attention to the fact that the professional nurses had not only their own work to do, but were engaged besides in the training of novices which it added greatly to their labours.

Group of nurses taken in Northern France, probably c 1916. Source: Unsung heroes – World War 1 nurses. © Licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

 

Captain Balfour was of opinion that our prisoners of war were in great need of help and sympathy. His own son had been a civilian prisoner in Germany since war broke out and, bad as the lot of the civilian prisoner had been we could be sure that the lot of the soldier prisoner was worse. Before the concert opened Captain Balfour said that many of the artistes were well known to him. They had come to Newton Don once every month for more than a year, and he assured the audience that if their services were as much appreciated in Berwick as they are at Newton Don, a great treat was in store for them. (Applause).

Considerable changes had to be made. Private Bell, we regret to say, is in hospital, Lance Cpl. Henderson was indisposed, and Sgt. Clark had a bad throat. The absence of these skilled soldier artistes was much regretted, but their places were ably filled by Mrs R. H. Wilkinson (piano) and Mr James Winram, the celebrated Scottish violinist from Edinburgh, whose services were fortunately secured.

The concert opened with an instrumental trio – Mr Winram, violin; Private C. Irwin, “cello; Mrs R. H. Wilkinson, piano. It was seen at once that all three were expert musicians who acquitted themselves with as much ease and facility as if they had been playing together for years.

 

ARRIVAL OF SOLDIER SUBSTITUTES AT BERWICK

 

 In nearly all cases of farm labourers, passed for general service, which have come before recent Tribunals at Berwick, the men have been ordered to serve when a suitable substitute could be found. Then the young ploughman, or shepherd, or carter has been allowed to return to his work, and nothing further has happened. Now, however, things have begun to happen. A week ago a contingent of 120 soldiers came to Berwick, nearly all men who have been doing their bit in France, and who now, because they are wounded, or for some other reason, have been placed in the C2 category. They have been ploughmen, carters, joiners, general labourers, and poultry farmers in civil life, and are as alert and keen a set of men as one could wish to see, all as eager to do their part in providing food for the people as they were eager in other days to help to keep the enemy from our shores. They are drawn from different regiments, among them are a very considerable number of Lancashire and Yorkshire men. The officer in charge is a qualified and experienced agriculturist.

19/20th Century Bondagers at work (c) BRO 1894-30

 

Many farmers who came to the market on Saturday said they had heard rumours of the arrival of the substitutes, but had no definite information about them. They seemed much relieved to find so many men, among them who had had experience in agriculture, and find that arrangements were in the hands of an officer with such splendid agricultural qualifications. The chief objection raised by local farmers to the substitution scheme was, “Where are these men to be housed? The farm cottages are too small to cope with even one extra person”. Another farmer, hearing this objection, took a more cheerful view. “Surely that is not a difficulty we need trouble about” he said. “I am sure we can rig up something quite as comfortable as many a billet for our ploughmen substitutes, even if we can’t provide them all with cottages.”

 

 

This Week in World War One, 9 March 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 MARCH 1917

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Local Minister and the Food Problem. – In compliance with the recommendation of the Food Controller the Rev. John Macaskill, M.A., on Sunday in Wallace Green Church, Berwick, directed the attention of the congregation to the circular letter he had received regarding voluntary rationing. To the young people present he delivered a short but most interesting address based on the words, “Gathering up the fragments.” He showed how much food could be saved if each was to take care of the small pieces of bread that were over at meal times, and how great this waste amounted to in the aggregate. The same lesson applied to the diligent use of time. People often remarked how clever such and such a person was, but the explanation of this was to be found in the fact the individual alluded to made proper use of his odd moments in improving and storing his mind with useful knowledge. The reverend gentleman’s subsequent sermon was in a similar theme, and in concluding he pointed out that no doubt after the war habits of thrift of a bygone generation would be inculcated. Some might be inclined to think that we would lose the habits of hospitality for which our nation had been known. While restraints were good we must see that in the end it did not deprive us of our open handedness and our willingness to share the good things of life with others, cultivating and social fellowship which we remembered as one of life’s assets.

The “Tanks” at the Playhouse. – This week the film on exhibition is the “Fools of Fate,” The variety part is sustained by Miss B. Wright, contralto vocalist, in scena song and gipsy

“The Battle of the Somme” (1916 British film) – Source: Yorkshire Evening Post – Author: British government

encampment. There should be a great desire on the public’s part to witness the film on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, as it is one which attracts attention everywhere. “The Battle of the Ancre and the Advance of the Tanks” will prove the most in spiriting war picture the world has ever seen. It is a noble and wonderful record of the great autumn battle, and is even more interesting than the world-famous picture “The Battle of the Somme.” The pictures have been taken on the actual battlefield, and contain nothing whatever in the nature of faked or made-up scenes. The film is divided into four parts, and the boldness of the forward dash, and the manner in which the Tanks arrived to upset the German calculations are all shown in these wonderful pictures, which in the wealth of their subject excel anything the world has ever seen. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the film is to be “The Miracle of Youth.” It is a picture version of the famous novel by Bret Harte, with Hobart Bosworth in the title role. The characters portrayed are exceptionally fine, the settings and photography being magnificent. Carino, the boy violinist, should prove an excellent variety programme, as he is a master of this sweet instrument.

Speed of Military Motor Vehicles – an order by the Scottish Command states:- With reference to the W.O. Letter, 92/2508 (A.G.3), dated 4th February 1915 (Command Order No. 309, dated 9th February 1915), attention has been drawn to the increasing number of fatal street accidents caused by Government cars or privately-owned cars driven by officers and men in uniform, and it is desired to impress on all ranks that the local speed rates must be strictly observed when travelling on duty. Special arrangements have been made for authorising cars to proceed at a speed in excess of the legal limit in case of extreme military urgency by the issue of a special written authority, and it is solely under this condition that any deviation in excess of the normal speed rates is permissible. Should any omission to observe this order render an officer or man liable to prosecution by the police authorities, and subsequently conviction, they will themselves pay any fines which may be incurred. The attention of all A.S.C. M.T. drivers should be drawn to paragraphs 6 to 10, appendix 27, Army Service Corps Regimental Standing Orders.

 

BAMBURGH

 

German Claims Descent from Grace Darling  –  At Liverpool a charge of making a false statement was preferred against Weximilian Eugene Backhans (37), and alleged German who posed as a Belgian. A detective stated that prisoner married an English woman 14 years ago, and claimed that his wife was a descendant of Grace Darling. There were three children. Before the war the prisoner was known as a German, and had boasted of what Germany could do to England. Evidence was given by an hotel manager and a waiter, who had known and worked with accused, that he was undoubtedly a German. The latter witness added he knew accused to be German, and once gave him a thrashing, “Only as recently as January, “said witness. “I met him. I am in the Volunteers, and said to him: Haven’t the interned you yet? I’ll see that they do. I’m not going to do volunteering if your at large.” Accused contended that he was born at Ostend. The magistrate said accused must go to gaol for three months.

 

FOOD RESTRICTIONS IN WORKHOUSE

 

The Local Government Board recommended that selection of rations be made involving the consumption of smaller quantities of flour, meat, and sugar, and a list of alternative articles substituted could be revised with the assistance of the medical officer. No dietary tables which appeared in excess of the Food Controller’s recommendations was to remain in force after 31st March. The relief in kind to the outdoor poor was also to be revised, while allowances to officers were to be a matter of arrangement between them and the Guardians.

Shown in the top right of this recipe book, is the WW1 Barley Bread recipe.

 

Mr Banks, Workhouse master, said that in the matter of meat, sugar, and flour, they were already within the Controller’s standard. The Medical Officer had pointed out the difficulties in getting substitutes in some instances, but he agreed that barley should take the place of flour bread. He had communicated with the baker, and he had promised to send up samples of barley bread. It was stated by the baker that he could make 1 lb. loves of barley, and if this suggestion was carried out it would bring down the allowances of bread to 4 lb. 2 ozs, per week.

In answer to Mr Peacocke the Master said that the children got fed according to individual requirements.

It was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the Master and the Medical Officer.

This Week in World War One, 9 February 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 FEBRUARY 1917

 

BERWICK SOLDIER WHO HAS EARNED DISTINCTION

 

 

We have favoured with the above recent photo of Rough Riding Sergeant Mathew McConville Burke, Royal Field Artillery, who has been awarded, as already briefly reported, the Russian Order of the 4th Class of St. George. We understand he has also been awarded a Serbian Order for meritorious service in the field. When he was Corporal prior to the outbreak of war, he was a prominent Fencing Instructor to the troops. He was seen considerable service on several fronts, and is a well-known and popular figure in the borough. Sergeant Burke, who in his early soldering days was for a long period trumpeter on the Artillery Permanent Staff at Berwick, is the son of Mrs Rose Ann Burke, West End, Tweedmouth. He married an estimable young lady, who will be well-known to Berwick readers, a grand-daughter of the late Mr Patrick Davis, West Street, Berwick.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The Playhouse – This week the film will be “A Butterfly on the Wheel”, from the play by E. C. Hemmerde and Francis Neilson, in five reels. When produced at the Globe theatre in 1911 it achieved an instantaneous success, being revived later at the Queen’s theatre, where it enjoyed an equal measure of popularity. There is an excellent and captivating variety entertainment. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the film will be entitled “Jimmy,” by John Strange Winter. It reflects British life with a fidelity unknown, breathes the home spirit, and the story is told amid correct surroundings.

Lobby card for the American film “A Butterfly on the Wheel” (1915). © Schubert Films (Pre-1923) – Wikimedia Commons.

 

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of next week the picture will be “Hesperia, the Lady of the Camellias”, a masterly version of one of Dumas novels. It is the most famous love story written in modern times. The attention of the public is specially directed to another film also to be shown on the same evenings – “How to Help Tommy.” It has been specially authorised by the War Office showing the work of the Voluntary Organisation Department. The film shows how every class and age is helping to provide comforts for the men who are fighting. The Boy Scouts will make a collection at the door of each house in aid of the local work. Genie Glenn, a dainty comedienne and refined soprano vocalist, will provide an excellent variety programme.

Free meals for Soldiers and Sailors. – The Committee in charge of the fund for providing free meals for soldiers and sailors who are compelled to remain overnight at Berwick owing to lack of train connections, deserve the highest praise for the work which has already been accomplished. The fund, which was inaugurated by Lady Clementine Waring of Lennel, and Mrs Fraser Bate, Bassendean, has up to the end of January, 1917, provided no less than 3,135 free meals.

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

 

Nightly a patrol meet the last train from the south, and after the wants of the man or men coming by such train have been cared for, a bed is found for the night, and next morning before leaving, breakfast is provided. In this good work the railway officials give great assistance in seeing that any man “stranded” for the night is looked after. Naturally, such an organisation as this costs a considerable amount of money to keep in working order, and when it is remembered that the men who benefit and appreciate its efforts are soldiers and sailors mostly from Northumberland and Berwickshire, it has a greater claim to the support of the public. We trust that the work of the Committee will continue in the future to bring cheer and comfort to our serving men as it has done in the past.

 

LOCAL SOLDIER’S LITERARY EFFORT

 

The other day, somewhere in France, a grand competition was inaugurated by the Y.M.C.A. workers at a large centre. Prizes were offered for the best love letter, for the best poem modelled on “John Gilpin”, written about the Y.M.C.A., and for the best ten minutes speech. Great interest was taken in the competitions, and there were many entries, and great excitement reigned in the huts as the day for the declaration of results drew near. The first prize in each class was won by a Berwick man, Leslie P. Gleig, Royal Engineers, for the best following poems, and for a brilliant ten minutes speech on “The Mule.”

Sapper Leslie F Gleig, the subject of our sketch came to Berwick from Newcastle some six years ago, and was employed as a plumber and gas fitter with N.E. Railway, he having served the company from his days of apprenticeship. He is a fluent speaker, and in the Socialist cause did yeoman service on platform and in the work of organisation. His work as secretary to the local branch of the I. L.P. has been greatly appreciated, while in the Berwick Debating Society he earned for himself an honoured place. For many years he was a member of the Newcastle Chess Club, and was an enthusiastic follower of the game. From the outbreak of war he was anxious to enlist, but it was only in December 1915 that the Company agreed to liberate him, he then enlisting in the Royal Engineers. His training was done in Yorkshire, and while there he won the certificate and bronze medal of the Royal Life Saving Society for the rescue from drowning test, only one other man in the Battalion winning this.

The following is the “love letter” which earned the prizes for Sapper Gleig:-

Dear lady, in that land across the sea,

Which I for duty’s sake have left awhile,

This loving letter that I send to thee,

Perchancer may draw a tear or win a smile.

Which of these tributes, sweet, would be my choice

I know not, for thy tender smile of yore

When I did greet thee, made my heart rejoice

And lose itself in loving more and more.

But if a tear should dim those eyes so kind,

At thought of me far travelled from thy side,

And if some sadness shall o’ercast the mind,

Because our destinies are thus divide,

That tear to me a greater price would bear

Than wealth of sparking jewels, rich and rare.

For I do treasure every fleeting thought

My gracious lady does on me bestow,

None other can supplant her, there is nought

Of inspiration that I do not owe

To that sweet mistress of my soul, for i

Unworthy though I am to be her slave,

Do yet among all men my head bear high;

For that she deigned accept the love I gave,

Dear sweetheart mine, my love can ne’er be tod,

It is a well of happiness and trust.

A treasure house of joy as pure as gold,

Hat in the fire of life will never rust;

Much honoured I, that I thy name may sign

Thy favoured lover true, as thou art mine.

 

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