Military

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 21ST JUNE 1923

DEATH OF JOHN DICKSON

The death took place on Friday night at his residence in West End, Tweedmouth, of Mr John Dickson, a native of Edinburgh, but a resident of Tweedmouth for 23 years. Deceased, a butcher to trade, was an ex-Cameron Highlander, before coming to Berwick, and was engaged for some years with an imported meat firm in High Street, Berwick. When war broke out in 1914 he joined the KOSB.’s straight away on the 9th of August, and was soon on the Western Front, taking part in many important engagements, as he also did in Russia before the termination of the loop drawn out campaign. He was once gassed, and on another occasion had both feet frozen, and used to think even with these troubles, that he had come through the great ordeal very fortunate compared to thousands of others. Since demobilisation he has been less fortunate in keeping himself in regular employment, and at one time signed on to go with the Government War Graves Department, where bodies were being exhumed on the open battlefields and decently interred in specially prepared cemeteries, where it is now possible for relatives of deceased to go and find the graves of their dear ones. Mr Dickson was there 12 months, the full period of his engagement. He also served for some time at the KOSB. Depot in the Barracks, cutting and distributing meat rations to the soldiers. Latterly he found employment with the L. and N.E.R. Coy. at Tweedmouth, as a mason’s labourer, but with many others was discharged some time ago under the plea of economy, and redundancy of staff. Although only in his 44th year he has had a very chequered career, but proved himself a straight Britisher all through, willing to fight for the Empire, or work for an honest living whenever opportunities presented themselves either way, but like so many of our ex-service me, the privilege to work was often denied him. He was married to the 3rd daughter of the late Wm. Dryden, West End, Tweedmouth, the famous oarsman who rowed at Tweedmouth Feast Regatta for 50 years and was presented with a beautiful clock from the late Ald. Robt. Marshall, to commemorate his Jubilee as an oarsman on the Tweed. For some time past he has been in failing health, and seven weeks ago he took to bed, and never again rallied, death taking place as stated above on Friday night last from heart failure. Deceased was interred on Monday afternoon in Tweedmouth Cemetery, with full military honours. A detachment of KOSB from the Depot were present, comprising firing party, pall bearers, pipers and following party, while the coffin was covered with the Union Jack. There was also a large following of the general public, amongst them being many ex-service men. Amongst the relatives were deceased’s father, brother and sister, from Edinburgh, Mr Robt. Lowe, Mr John. Murray (Brothers-in-law), Mr Wm. Murray (East Ord), Mr Wm. Murray, jun., Mr John Murray, jun., Mr John Brigham carried out the duties of undertaker; while Rev, P. G. Peacocke, Vicar, officiated at the burial. Deceased leaves behind a widow and family of 5, 2 of whom are still at school; and to the bereaved ones we now tender our sincere sympathy in their sad loss.

BERWICK BARRACKS ACCIDENT

WELL-KNOWN INSTRUCTOR INJURED

On Tuesday, while C.S.M. Brisbane, K.O.S.B., was instructing recruits in the Gymnasium at Berwick Barracks, and was demonstrating the back heel kick from a high bar, he slipped and fell to the ground, landing on his head. He was rendered unconscious for some time. The medical Officer examined him, and it is

Fuller’s engraving of Berwick Barracks 1799. BRO 1637-04

satisfactory to learn that no bones are broken. It will be some time before C.S.M. Brisbane is out and about again. He came from the 2nd Batt. To the Depot in April, 1922, and is a fine soldier. He id well-known golfer on Berwick Town Course. We wish for him speedy and complete recovery.

TWEEDMOUTH GETS MORE HOUSES

Good progress is now being made with the erection of the new houses on the site at the top of Sunnyside, Tweedmouth, on Berwick and Scremerston-road. The scheme, which originated with Capt. J. Evelyn Carr, is designed to augment the housing facilities in the Borough, by private enterprise. A site, capable of accommodating 8 houses, has been purchased, and 2 houses are at present being erected, and will be ready at an early date.

The accommodation of the houses is: Living room, scullery, pantry, coal house, bathroom, and 3 bedrooms. Each house has a veranda and is fitted with hot and cold water. The living room is 16 feet by 12 feet 6 ins. The houses are made of rock faced blockers to the sill course and rough cast above. They have a coronet projecting over the eaves, and the roofs are tiled.

The view the site commands is an admirable one, and will, it is expected, appeal both to Berwick people and workers at Scremerston. All the fittings in the houses will be of the latest design, and everything is planned out for the convenience of the housewife.

The houses will be of the non-parlour type and, we understand, will qualify for the Government subsidy. If that is the case they will be cheap houses for the purchasers

Contractors for the scheme are: Builders, Messrs P. Whitlie and Sons; plasterer, Mr D. Watson; plumber, Mr Staple; painter, Mr Little. Messrs Patterson and Gray are the architects.

SAM LEWIS AND MR LAMBETON

SAM LEWIS

Sam Lewis, the great money-lender, once did a very considerate thing for Hon. Geo. Lambton- he had him arrested and lodged for 24 hours in Holloway Gaol. Mr Lambton naturally did not at the time realise the act was prompted by a friendly spirit. But 2 years later he learned the motive. Rather against his inclination he had been going to Canada to start a new course of life, and Lewis, his principal creditor, on learning this, had him stopped at Liverpool, and made it a condition of his release that he should promise not to leave England. Thus Mr Lambton was restored to a racing career- to the subsequent gratification of all lovers.

MR LAMBTON

Mr Lambton, who is brother of Hon. F. W. Lambton, Fenton, Wooler, tells what Mr Lewis, and “Why he had Me Arrested,” Mr Lambton says – Mr Lewis played very important part in my life, as one action of his probably altered the whole course of it. At last, the time had come when I was stone broke with no money left. No man was ever so fortunate in an elder brother as I was , but there was a limit even to his endurance, and after having saved me many times in my financial difficulties he arranged that I should go out to Canada, where my uncle, Lord Lansdowne, was Governor-General, as a member of his staff, so that my affairs could be straightened out and myself settled down to a more useful life. On the afternoon of my departure for Liverpool to join the boat I was arrested and taken to Holloway Gaol in the suit of Mr Lewis, who was my principal creditor, under the law of “Ne exeat regno.” After 24 hours I was released on giving my word that I would not leave England, so my Canadian trip was knocked on the head. At the time I was greatly surprised at Lewis’s action and thought he had behaved badly, and it was not till 2 years later that he told me the true history of the affair.

Ford Castle, Ref: BRO 426-1025

It was this on hearing the rumour that I was being sent to Canada he went to Marcus Beresford (a member of Waterford Family, who once owned Ford Castle, Berwick), who was a great friend of mine, and asked him if it was true and also if I really wanted to go myself. Marcus said yes, but that I hated the idea of leaving England, and that in his opinion I was quite unsuited to the life that I was intended to lead there, so Sam said, “Well, I shall stop him going, but it must be a secret between us two,” and until Sam told Marcus never breathed a word to me.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH FEBRUARY 1921

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MILITARY NOTES

Competition for Lady Armstrong’s Cup

It has been found impossible, owing principally to the expense involved, to run a football competition for the above trophy, which was recently presented to the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers. Instead to save travelling it was decided to put the trophy for competition in connection with the miniature range competition at present being run. Competing platoon teams will thus fire on their own ranges and neutral referees have been chosen to see that the conditions are fulfilled to the letter. For this purpose Major Smail, Jobling, Booth, and Capt. And Quartermaster Price have been selected. The competition commences tonight (Friday) at the Drill Hall, Berwick, when 13 Platoon will shoot No. 14. 

The former Drill Hall in Ravensdowne, Berwick, which was used for the Lady Armstrong Cup in 1921.  © Copyright: Graham Robson, Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0).

CADETS’ DANCE 

To augment the funds of the Berwick Company, Northumberland Fusiliers’ Cadets, it has been decided to promote a dance, and the date fixed is Thursday, March 10th. C.S.M. Tilley and C.Q.M.S. Boal are undertaking the duties of Joint Secretaries, and the services of the following have been secured to act on the Committee, viz.:- Major H. R. Smail (chairman), Capts. F. B. Cowen, M.C., E. H. Crow, E. D. Mackay, A. J. Kennington, and D. Hebenton, Sergts. H. G. Patterson, Ridpeath,  M.M., and R. J. Swanston, D. C. M., and Messrs M. H. Blackett, A. C. A. Steven, and A. A. Crisp. 

DEPOT NOTES 

C.S.M. McClennan, M.C., D.C.M., formerly of the Depot, Berwick, and lately of Dumfries, who is under orders for India, has been made the recipient of a handsome silver spirit flask from the officers, N.C.O.’s, and men of the territorials there. Mrs McClennan, who is a Berwick lady, received at the same time a silver purse. We understand C.S.M. McClennan will be at Berwick Depot for a short period of duty before going aboard. 

A draft of 39 men are leaving the barracks on Thursday (today) to join the details of the battalion at Devonport. 

Gen. Sir Francis Davies, G.O.C. in C. of the Scottish Command, will visit the Depot, Berwick, on Tuesday next, and hold an inspection. 

On Friday next Major-General Robertson, the G.O.C. the Lowland Division, will also pay a visit of inspection to the Depot. 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

His Father’s Maintenance

John Thompson, 75 Middle Street, Spittal, a stoker, was asked by Berwick Guardians to show reason that, he being of sufficient means, and being the son of Matthew Thompson, now an inmate of Berwick union, why he should not maintain his father. He did not appear. 

Mr Peters, appearing for the Guardians, said the man had been paying under a verbal agreement to the Guardians, and his payments had been very irregular. This was the reason the case had been brought. A return of his wages had been secured from his employers at the gas Works, and this, up to the 20th January, showed that he had been earning on an average £5 1s per week. He was a married man, with a wife and three of a family, the eldest of whom was 14 years of age. The cost of his father’s maintenance in the Workhouse was 15s 2d per week. The verbal agreement under which the man had previously paid, was based on a much smaller rate of earnings. He had then agreed voluntarily to pay 4s weekly, and he now asked that the Bench fix the amount which they thought he could reasonably be expected to pay. Ordered to pay 6s per week and court costs. 

NORHAM & ISLANDSHIRES RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

The District Roads The Best In the County

The Surveyor then submitted his report and estimated on the amount of road material required during the ensuing year. The report was as follows:- 

The season that is closing has not been a favorable one for road upkeep. The changing conditions and more exacting nature of the traffic on our highways makes it imperative to approach the maintenance problem in a different manner to that adopted years ago, when motoring and motor haulage was not so great the nature of this traffic is greatly increasing, and the roads occupy a place of great importance in the industrial life of the district. The quantities given in this estimate are the very minimum required, and I trust in the forth coming season there will be a better supply available than there has been for some time past. Regarding the method of application of material, I beg to suggest that the Council continue to make and use tarred chips upon the roads now being thus treated. This method gives us a very good wearing surface that suits all traffic. As instructed by you, I carried out some short stretches of tar painting as an experiment. From my observations of what was done, I find that as a preservative of the road surface it is certainly good. For motor car, motor haulage, and motor char-a-banc traffic it is of the utmost benefit. It is beneficial in the saving of the machine or car, and it is beneficial to the comfort of the users through the surface being fairly smooth. It is also a benefit to those having to keep up and pay the cost of maintaining a road, in the fact that the tar painting increases the life of a road. Of course, I would point out that a good road is smooth, and that it is an important matter in a district such as this. Tar painting makes a road smoother than before painting: It is becoming recognised generally as an economical method of road preservation, and I would not like the Council to altogether discard tar panting because of its chances of getting slippery a few days in the year. My opinion is the benefits outweigh the occasional inconveniences. I would suggest that I treat the matter in an experimental manner for another season. 

Ruston Proctor steam roller No. 38591.  A similar steam roller would have been used in the tar painting of the roads under the control of Norham & Ilandshires Rural District Council, in 1921.  © Copyright: Geni, Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 4.0).

The total quantity of stones estimated to be required is 5550 cubic yards, and 750 tons ¾ in. chips and dust. 

In reply to Mr Wood, the Surveyor said these estimated quantities were 500 cubic yards up on those of last year, the extra material being for the Duddo, Grindon Bridge, Ord and Sandbanks (Scremerston) roads. It was agreed to forward the quantities required to Mr Hogg, Kyloe Quarry, and get his estimates. At present the chips are taken from Kyloe to the Norham depot to be treated with tar, and the suggestion was made by Miss Greet that a tar depot might be made at Kyloe to save the expense of carting the chips likely to be required for use on road in the Kyloe area to Norham and back. Mr Wood agreed it was ridiculous to take the chips to Norham for tar treatment and then bring them back to Kyloe, but he suggested, with the approval of the council, that they wait Mr Hogg’s reply before taking any step in the matter. 

Mr Collingwood thought that the roads treated with tar chips were excellent and far away in advance of the roads kept up by the County Council, whose roads were a disgrace to the County. 

Mr Wood – The roads in this district are the best in the County. 

SPORT

Badminton

BERWICK V. NEWCASTLE

The Officers’ 7th N.F. Club played their most important match so far this season on Saturday last, when they tried their strength against the Newcastle Club, and came successfully through the test, beating the visitors by 9 matches to 7, 19 sets to 18, and 469 games to 394. The Newcastle Club were handicapped by having a man short over the 4 couples. Their strongest couple were Professor Hounte and Mrs Davidson, who played with fine combination, and beat all the Berwick couples, though Miss Mackay and R. Bishop succeeding in taking them to 3 sets. The visitors adopted different tactics, standing more on a level in the courts than the home couples, whose combination was, on the whole, good, one player guarding the back line and the other playing well up. The Newcastle ladies placed their shots more skillfully than the Berwick ladies. Berwick’s strongest couples were Mrs J. E. Carr and the Rev. J. H. Cutherbertson, and Miss Mackay and R. Bishop, each couple winning 3 out of the 4 matches played, Mr Cuthbertson, playing well forward, specialised in tricky shots at the net, combining well with Mrs Carr, who was as steady as a rock on the back line. Miss Mackay and R. Bishop also played a well-combined game, the former hitting with vigour from the back line, and the latter getting in a record number of brilliant “smash” shots that were quite unreturnable. Miss Caverhill and J. A. Herriot played steadily, but Dr Caverhill was not up to his usual form, though his partner, Mrs Fedden, played a steady game at the net. Ther was quite a crowd of spectators in the gallery, and after the match friendly games were also played between the teams. 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 MARCH 1920

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BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

MONDAY

Before T. M. Morrison and Thos. Purves, Esqs.

George Davis, a private in the K.O.S.B., appeared charged with being an absentee from Bangor Military Hospital. He admitted coming on a visit to his wife, but when the Clerk asked him if he admitted being an absentee, he replied “I admit nothing.”

P.C. Robson gave evidence of having apprehended Davis at his house in Church Street, where he admitted having come away from Bangour without permission.

He was remanded to await an escort.

The old hospital buildings at Bangour, taken in 2014. © Copyright: Kim Traynor, and licensed for reuse under This Creative Commons License  –   Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic    

Cissie Gormley, single woman, Chapel St. Berwick was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Chapel Street on Saturday night. She pleaded guilty.

Sergt. Smith proved the case, and four previous convictions having been put in, the Bench imposed a penalty of 10s 6d or 10 days, warning accused that if she came back again she would be sent to prison without the option of a fine.

PROPERTY SALE

WATERLOO HOTEL GOES FOR £3,200

On Wednesday Mr H. M. Young, of Messrs Millers, offered for sale 5 lots of property, within the Long Room, Corn Exchange, before a good attendance, including a large representation of the Berwick Cycling Club, who were naturally interested in the sale of their club premises. Mr J. Gray, solicitor, represented their interests. The conditions of sale were read by Mr Mitchell from Messrs Keenlyside and Forster, Newcastle, solicitors for the vendors.

The first lot consisted of the Waterloo Hotel, High Street, the two front shops occupied by the Singer’s Sewing Machine Company, and others, and the stone built hall at the rear, occupied by Berwick Cycling Club, all let a rental of £175.

BRO 426-322b

In his opening remarks for this lot Mr Young stated that the future prosperity of the  old town was assured, as despite rumours to  the contrary, the new bridge was to be begun soon, and the harbour was to be developed. There was a great demand in Berwick for first class hotel such as the Waterloo.

Bidding started at £1,500 and rose to £2,600 by bids of £100 when £50 bids were taken. The lot was ultimately knocked down to Mr J. Ewart for £3,200. Bidding was very slow.

Lot 2 consisting of the Freehold shop and dwelling house, 37 and 39 West Street, received no bids and was withdrawn. Lot 3, consisting of freehold shop and house, 33 West Street, had only one bid of £200 and was withdrawn. These two lots were then put up together, but receiving no offers were withdrawn.

Lot 4, 15 Chapel Street, a stone-built tenement opened at £40 and advancing very cautiously latterly by £2 bids, was knocked down to Mr J. Ewart at £82.

Lot 5, consisting of garden ground 720 square yards, running parallel to Scots Place, found a purchaser at £190 in Mr J. Cairns, bidding starting at £100 and rising fairly easily by 50 bids.

LOCAL NEWS

On St. Patrick’s night Berwick United F.C. Lancer Party held a special dance in the Good Templar Hall. Seventy couples tripped the light fantastic toe to the strains of the splendid orchestra under the conductorship of Mr Fred Stott. The responsible duties of M.C. were most efficiently carried out by Mr R. C. Jeffrey. The arrangements of the dance were, as usual, in the capable hands of the President of the Club. Mr A. A. Crisp, to whom, without a doubt much of the success of the evening was due. On this occasion he was ably assisted by Mr Anderson, Mr C. Pattison, Mr G. V. Nicholson and the following players: – T. Purves, B. Younger and H. Burgon. Special thanks are due to Mrs Henry, Mrs Kraft, Mrs Hood, Mrs Hunter, Miss Murray and Miss J. Casey for the efficient manner in which the duties in connection with the supper were carried through. The company present voted this to be the more successful dance of the series, no doubt owing to the introduction of the latest dances held under the auspices of Berwick United F.C.

ST. AIDAN’S CHURCH

Use was made last Sunday for the first time of the Individual Cup at Communion by the congregation of St. Aidan’s Church. The outfit has been purchased by voluntary subscriptions and presented to the congregation. This is now the third outfit for the Communion service possessed by St. Aidan’s people. One is on loan to a congregation in the Newcastle Presbytery. The one lately in use was presented some years ago to the congregation by Mr Whitehead, of West Hartlepool. The plates of the latter outfit are still used along with the new service, which consists of a number of trays of polished aluminium, each of which contains twenty-four crystal cups. Each cup fits exactly into a secure receptacle on the tray so as to avoid overturning. The tray is passed from hand to hand; each person partakes of the contents of the cup quietly and reverently and then replaces it in its place on the tray, which is passed on. Very convenient handles make the trays easy to pass from hand to hand. Furthermore, the bread is cut by a slicer into cubes, which ensures a minimum of handling. The arrangements for the day were in the capable hands of the Mayor, as Session Clerk, who had cards printed, assigning every elder his specific duty. Mr Alex. Robertson, Northumberland Avenue, acted as treasurer for the fund, and was largely instrumental in bringing this innovation into being.

MANY GOALS

BERWICK, 9; K.O.S.B., 2.

At their first venture in a match, the K.O.S.B.’s went down rather badly, but we hope they will not be discouraged thereby. They gave a most creditable display at forward and halfback, but the rear division was not fast enough to hold the nippy Berwick forwards. Thus the game was a discouraging one for the soldiers’ forwards to play while the halves were overworked. The score 5 -1 at the interval.

For the winners, Fish had one very good save. He had little to do, as Veitch was particularly safe. Smith was the pick of the halves, while at forward Hogarth was the star. All others of the quintette played well individually, though the combination left something to be desired at times. Hogarth had five of the goals, and the other forwards had one each.

The most prominent players for the Depot were Sergt. Dmr. Abott, who covered more ground than any two other players and played a sound game too; Sergt. Leslie, another of the halves; Lieut. Lewis, who was in capital form both as dribbler and shot; Staff- Sergt.- Major Lockyer, who combined well with him; also Sergt. Bell and Capt. Ogilvie, both of whom gave useful assistance throughout. The whole team was nippy in the first half, but fell off later. We hope to see some young blood introduced and coached for the return game – when Berwick would have to go all out for a win.

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