This Week in World War One, 13 December 1918

14/12/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 13 DECEMBER 1918

PROPOSED WAR MEMORIAL

A well-attended meeting was held in the Archbold Hall on Thursday evening last, at which the question of establishing some permanent memorial in memory of the Wooler men who have fallen in the war, was considered. Mr F. R. Padley was in the chair, and he thought all would be of one opinion that there should be some memorial to commemorate the fallen. They had nothing cut and dried to lay before the meeting, and thought they should first of all decide whether it was desired to have a memorial. Mr G. Gallon moved that a memorial be taken in hand. This was seconded by Mr J. Rule, and carried unanimously. The next thing considered was whether it should only be for Wooler parish or to include all places within a radius of four miles, similar to the S. and S. Fund, when the latter plan was decided upon. The committee was next discussed, when it was decided to elect a new committee independent to the Sailors and Soldiers Fund Committee, with a separate fund.

Wooler War Memorial,Tower Hill, beside the remains of the fortified stone tower built in the 16th century. © wfmillar, Tower Hill, Wooler. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

The following committee of 17 was then appointed: – Messrs J. Beattie, R. Bell, J. Hogg, W. L. Leach, G. Strother, W. Bone, the Rev. Dr. Bowick, MrsLillico, G. Thompson, Planation House; W. Dixon, Mrs T. brown, Mr R. Hinson, jun., R. Jeffrey, Haugh Head, Mrs Hogg, Houston, Fenton; J. Nesbit, Doddington,and J. Knox with Mr J. Beattie as convener. The next thing was suggestions as to what form the memorial should take, when the following were mentioned :- a monument,a peel of bells, extension and improvement of the Mechanics’ Institute, chapel for the churchyard, home of rest for sailors and soldiers. Mr J. Scott moved that the settlement be deferred until the committee saw what financial support they were likely to receive, which was agreed to. The committee will then call another public meeting to decide on the form of the memorial. The chairman, who throughout handled the meeting with tact and ability, said they had had a most harmonious meeting, and trusted the committee would get to work, and that they would be successful in their efforts to obtain a fitting memorial to commemorate their brothers and sons, and hoped that the public would respond liberally. A vote of thanks to Mr Padley for his services in the chair brought the proceedings to a close.

LOCAL NEWS

In the days before the war salmon poaching on Tweedside was carried on stealthily, as bailiffs were sure to be on the look-out for offenders. During the past two or three years their watch has been less strict and it is now a common sight in towns up the River Tweed to see men and women aided by boys, helping themselves to salmon in broad daylight. Recently there has been a great run of salmon on the Tweed, and some exciting scenes have been witnessed, and numerous salmon extracted from the river in ways a true-born angler would not approve.

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

Private James Coulthard, son of Mr and Mrs Wm. Coulthard, Shore House, Tweedmouth, arrived home on Tuesday. James joined up very early in the war, while still considerably under military age, but he was determined to do something for his country. He soon found himself in France and has since taken his full share in many stiff engagements. He was taken prisoner during the great March offensive, while doing duty with the 21st M.G.C., 14th Division.

The Calais lighthouse is a landing light. It is a navigational aid for ships entering the port, and a landmark for those who cross in the Pas-de-Calais Strait, the busiest in the world. Private James Coulthard would have likely witnessed it on his return home to Tweedmouth in 1918. © Ottaviani Serge.

They were completely outnumbered and were compelled to give in. Then their troubles began as they were compelled to carry to safety their own and the German wounded. Next day they were sent off to the lines, very little food was given them and they were subjected to the most cruel treatment while at work, and had to march a distance of seven and a half miles twice a day. Their work was anything but pleasant, being chiefly that of burying the dead. They were then removed to Alsace and had the honour of being the first to arrive in that province, but the journey of 48 hours had been too much for many of them,nearly 70 per cent dying on the journey. After the signing of the Armistice food became more plentiful. He came away from Metz, travelling through France to Calais, then across Channel to Dover, landing home on Tuesday morning. Tweedmouth should be proud of such lads as “Jimmy.”

SCREMERSTON

Sergt. Wm. Mowitt, Duke of Wellington Regt. is home on fourteen days’ leave from France. He joined up in 1915, and has been about three years in France, and has been wounded and gassed in that period in the fighting on the Western front. He was an employee of Scremerston Colliery before enlistment.

Home on fourteen days’ leave, Private Wm. Spence, A.S.C.He has been in the Army about two years, and has been close on one and a half years in France. We extend to both soldiers a hearty welcome and hope they may enjoy a well-earned rest.

LOWICK

We are pleased to report that news has come to hand of the return to England of Private Andrew Lyall, Lowick, who has been a prisoner of war in Germany. He is a son of Mr and Mrs A. Lyall, Farm Cottages. We hope we may soon see him in Lowick, and hear what he has to tell about his treatment in the hands of the Huns.

Another prisoner of war has arrived home at Bowsden, private Bryan Hills, who has been in the hands of the Huns for some time. We hope he will benefit from his two months’ leave in his native place.

This Week in World War One, 12 July 1918

13/07/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 12 JULY 1918

WAR NEWS

Good News of Berwick Officer

SEC.LIEUT.ROBT. G. CARR, R.A.F.

A PRISONER

News has been received by Mr and Mrs Robert Carr, The Elms, Berwick, that their eldest son, Second Lieut. Robert Greenhan Carr, R.A.F., posted missing on 21st June, 1918, is a prisoner of war in Germany and is well. The news has come as a great relief to the family.

Second Lieut.Carr received his education at Barnard Castle and Mill Hill Schools, and at the latter place was a member of the Officers Training Corps. He took his commission on his 18th birthday, and after only two weeks service in France, he was posted missing.

FORMER LOWICK SOLDIER MISSING

Private Peter Renwick.

We regret to hear that Private Peter Renwick, Northumberland Fusiliers, eldest son of Mr Gordon Renwick and Mrs Renwick, 152 Pont Street, Hirst, Ashington, has been posted missing on the 27th May. Prior to settling down at Hirst the family resided in Lowick.

WITH THE N.F.FOOTBALL TEAM IN

FRANCE

The football team of the local battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers has had a series of engagements lately. Within the last three weeks they have played seven matches, winning six and drawing one. In one of these matches won the opposition were particularly strong, three of the players (including Percy Dawson of Hearts of Midlothian and Blackburn Rovers fame) being well-known in first class football.

We understand the team has not won the Divisional Football Competition on two occasions, as previously reported. On one occasion only they reached the Final, when they were extremely unlucky to lose by odd goal in three.

BERWICK SERGEANT PRESUMED KILLED

Sergeant John Cleghorn.

Information has been received by Mrs Cleghorn, that her husband, Sergeant John Cleghorn, Northumberland Fusiliers, posted missing on the 16th August, 1917, must now be presumed to have been killed on or since that date.

Sergt. Clegorn, who was the son-in-law of Coxswain and Mrs Jamieson, Low Greens, had the splendid record of six years’ service in India, and later at the Dardenelles. He was wounded whilst serving in France in 1915, and on his recovery was sent out to Serbia. Prior to joining the army he was employed as a carter with Messrs Gray, builders, Berwick.

LOCAL NEWS

Ration books are now being distributed and come into use in Berwick on the 18th, when the current coupon cards are exhausted. Should anyone fail to receive this book by the end of the week, he should apply to the Local Food Committee, who can issue emergency cards for one week.

Arrangements are being made to send footballs to the 7th N.F. at the front, and it is hoped to send four footballs a quarter. The first four are already an order. Subscriptions will be gratefully received by Miss Mollie Cowen or Miss Jean Herriot.

On Saturday the Mayor and Mayoress received in the Council Chambers of the Townhall, gifts of silver on the occasion of the Silver Wedding of the King and Queen. There was a display of bunting outside the hall entrance and flowers also were introduced in the scheme of decoration.

Early 1900s photograph of Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Berwick Record Office, BRO 1636-3-16

The mayor was present during the day, wearing his chain of office and there was also in attendance the acting Town Clerk and Mr Clements. The gifts were of a varied description including antique bracelets, ornaments, fruit dishes and medallions, but the majority of the gifts were in sealed envelopes and packages. Numerous envelopes containing coin of the Realm were handed in.

A continuance of the Musketry Camp in connection with the training and instruction of the Berwick and district Volunteers took place last weekend. Contingents were present from Rothbury, Rock and Rennington under Capt. Gibson Smith and Lieut. Howie from Rothbury, while the instructional staff was the same as last week. Recruits fired in the morning, and efficients mostly from Berwick Company in the afternoon. Recruits were passed out for drill by Lieuts. Anderson and Mills. Capt. Ridley was in charge of the musketry. The ladies of the V.A.D. again very kindly gave their services in the cooking, this being superintended by Nurse Commandant Anthony, Berwick. On Tuesday night the men of the Hotchkiss Machine Gun section fired their course, when it is very pleasing to report that out of the ten men in the team nine passed first class, and the other one also was found to be efficient. On Saturday the Belford Company visit Berwick to be put through their firing and drill exercises.

NORHAM

Mrs Wm. Askew, Ladykirk, the organiser for the Norham and Ladykirk district National Egg Collection for our wounded soldiers and sailors, has had sent to London, 1138 eggs collected during the months of April, May and June. Towards this number Norham contributed 108, Ladykirk 276, Swinton 365, and Simprim 389. Although eggs are dear, yet our wounded soldiers and sailors should receive a little consideration, especially from the keepers of poultry. Eggs form the principal diet of many of our wounded lads, and there is an earnest appeal for more every day from the hospitals both abroad and at home. Will those who are able do their best to answer that appeal. Eggs may be sent any Tuesday afternoon to the War Hospital Supply Depot, the Old School, Norham, which is a collecting station for the Norham District. Contributions will also be thankfully received from those unable to send eggs.

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

Private Grierson Wilson of the Canadians is home to Main Street, Tweedmouth, on four days’ leave. He is a son of Mrs and the late Mr John Wilson, sculptor, Tweedmouth, and emigrated to Canada some 11 years ago. His life since arriving in Toronto, has not been a bed of roses, and he is not afraid to tell the reason why. Much of his latter time has been spent in the service of the Canadian Pacific Steamship lines, trading principally between Canadian Ports, and Japan, China, and Russia. His story is worth listening to. He enlisted some three months ago into the Canadians, and is now training in the South of England. Pte. Safford Wilson of the Australians, his brother, made the supreme sacrifice in France some time ago, a young man of exceptional character and abilities. Another brother at home, William, went through the Boer War, and is now on a two months exemption, before joining up again. He at present carries on the sculptor’s business of his deceased father.

This Week in World War One, 14 June 1918

15/06/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14 JUNE 1918

WAR NEWS

PRIVATE PETER WAITE A PRISONER

We are glad to hear that news has come to hand that Private Peter Waite, nephew of Councillor Robson, Duns, reported missing since 11th April, is now a prisoner of war in Germany. This soldier who was only 19 five days before the above date was serving his apprenticeship as a draper with his uncle, and was called to the army in June last, when he was first of all in the H.L.I., and afterwards transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He spent a few days’ leave in Berwick-on-Tweed and Duns before crossing to France on 30th March. His grandmother, Mrs Robson, resides in Berwick, and his mother is presently serving with Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps in the South of England. Private Waite’s elder brother was killed in action in France about eighteen months ago.

LOWICK

We regret to announce that Mr. G. Trotter of Beal Farm, Beal, has received word that his son, Private R. J. Trotter, whose photo we produce, has been wounded in the left leg and right shoulder, and is now recovering from his wounds in West Didsbury Military Hospital. Private R. Trotter joined a Training Reserve in January, 1917 and went to France in July, 1917. After having been there about a month he developed an attack of bronchial pneumonia and was sent over to Edmonton War Hospital, London, in August. After having recovered and received more training, he was again sent to France, this time with the West Yorks in January, 1918, and while out there was transferred to another Battalion and remained with them until wounded on May 27th, 1918. Private Trotter, being of a very quiet disposition, was respected and liked by all his chums. Prior to enlistment he was employed as a farm servant on the farm of Mr Davidson, Beal.

TWEEDMOUTH

Mr and Mrs Gray, Seton House, West End, Tweedmouth, have received a letter from their son-in-law, L. Cpl. E. Pilmer, informing them of the death of their eldest son, Signaller Jas. Gray, N.F. he states that he was killed by a sniper. His brother-in-law was with him when he was killed. Signaller Gray joined up over three years ago, and after doing some months’ training in this country he was drafted out to France. He had been there for over two years, and had been home once on leave during that time. He was of a very quiet disposition, and one who was highly respected by all whom he came in contact with. His younger brother, George, was killed in France over two and a half years ago. Previous to enlisting he was employed as a gardener, having served his apprenticeship with Mr Anderson, East Ord. We extend to Mr and Mrs Gray and family our deepest sympathy in this sad bereavement that has befallen them.

SCREMERSTON

The news was received in Scremerston by his relatives that Sergt. Wm. Mowitt, Duke of Wellingtons, has been gassed and sent to the Base Hospital. Sergeant Mowitt, who resides at Deputy Row, has been once wounded before and before joining up worked at Scremerston Colliery as a weighman. His sister is a teacher at Scremerston School.

LOCAL NEWS

About a dozen signallers of the Northern Cyclists, under the command of Lieut. Meek, attended morning service at Scremerston Church on Sunday last. The service was taken by Mr Peacock, Diocesan lay reader, in the absence of the Vicar, who is again under medical treatment in the hands of Dr Chas. Fraser.

British cyclists passing through the ruined village of Brie, Somme, France. © Ernest Brooks. This is photograph Q 1868 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums. Crown copyright expired.

Captain D. R. Herriot, Northumberland Fusiliers, the youngest of the three sons serving of Mr David Herriot, Sanson Seal, who has been in hospital suffering from slight gunshot wound in the jaw, is progressing favourably, though not yet out of hospital. He was educated at Cargilfield, Fetes, and Cains College, Cambridge, and is still an undergraduate and mathematical scholar of Cains. He distinguished himself highly both in the class room and cricket field at School and college, and at the commencement of war got his commission in “The Fighting Fifth,” and was wound in the second battle of Ypres in April, 1915.

Fettes College, Edinburgh, where Captain D. R. Herriot, received part of his education. © Author: Stephen C. Dickson. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

At a quiet family gathering on June 1st the golden wedding of Mr and Mrs Joseph Redfearn, Parade, Berwick, was celebrated. Fifty years ago in the Parish Church, the couple were united in matrimony by the Vicar (Mr Rowe), and there have been eleven of a family, seven of whom survive. Prior to her marriage, Mrs Redfearn was a Miss Margaret Yeaman. Mr Redfearn was by occupation a cabinetmaker, and worked with Mr Patterson, who at one time had businesses in Bridge Street and Hide Hill. A piccolo player of repute, he was one of the original members of the now defunct Mechanics Band, and he also was a member of the old Berwick Volunteer Artillery Band. Mr Redfearn joined the Artillery in 1860, and took part in many big gun and carbine shoots. He was the first member of the Volunteers to win the Commercial Travellers’ Cup, and he has also a treasured possession, a gold scarf pin, presented by the father of the late Duke of Northumberland, for big gun shooting. We trust Mr and Mrs Redfearn will be spared to spend many more years of happy married life.

HORNCLIFFE

A correspondent informs us that even the birds of the air are becoming a little exasperated with the food restrictions. At Horncliffe, or at least about half a mile above the village, up stream, he witnessed a short engagement between a crow and a big seagull over a small piece of war bread which some angler had let fall by the riverside. The crow had found the prize first and was pecking vigorously at the indigestible stuff when the seagull which was circling over a neighbouring cliff observed that there was something going past him. He immediately swooped down on the crow which showed a reluctance to leave its legitimate find, crouching back over the disputes piece of bread with outspread wings and open beak. The seagull continued to set up a most appalling noise, screaming and turning just over head, and evidently this proved too much for the nerves of the crow, which ultimately evacuated the position before the superior strength of the enemy. We must say, it has been reported to us from other sources, chiefly at the seaside, that gulls are becoming very quarrelsome amongst themselves in the last year or so, whenever food is thrown to them.

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