Northumberland Fusiliers

This Week in World War One, 8 September 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 SEPTEMBER 1916

 

TWEEDSIDE POET HONOURED

BY

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH POETRY

 

Thomas Grey, poet. © Unknown Newcastle-upon-Tyne Photographic Studio
Thomas Grey, poet. © Unknown Newcastle-upon-Tyne Photographic Studio

 

It is with pleasure we announce the election of Mr Thomas Grey, Church Road, Tweedmouth, as a Fellow of the International Institute of British Poetry, and we are sure our readers will join us in congratulating one who has been a regular contributor to our columns upon the well-deserved honour which has come to him unsought.

The Institute was founded in April of this year. Dr Chas. F. Forshaw, F.R.S.I., being the prime mover in the matter and the actual founder of the Institute. The idea of such an Institute had long been with him a cherished ambition, and this year being the Tercentenary of the death of Shakespeare and also the Tercentenary of the death of Cervantes and the centenary of the birth of Charlotte Bronte, he determined to carry it into execution. His experience as an anthologist of more than a generation’s standing had brought him into communication with thousands of poets in all walks of life and with fully a thousand he came into personal contact. Had it not been for the war, the Institute would have made greater progress, but it is safe to say that few could, by their unaided influence, have secured a more representative list of literateurs. The aims of the Institute are many and conducive to human happiness, elevation, learning, and interesting occupation, and full particulars and privileges of Fellowship may be obtained by applicants suitable for election, on application to our worthy townsman, Mr Grey.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

TUESDAY

Before David Herriot and Thomas Wilson, Esquires.

 ABSENTEE FROM THE ARMY

James A. Dixon (39), private, 7th N.F., was charged with being an absentee from the Army. He pleaded guilty.

Chief Constable Nicholson explained that a telegram had been received from the officer commanding the Company in which accused was serving to apprehend him, and he was found on the Parade by Constable Spiers.

Constable Spiers deponed that he me the accused on the Parade a 2.45 on the previous day and charged him with being an absentee. The accused replied that he had been waiting in Berwick for a railway pass to take him to his Company, but it had never came.

Chief Constable Nicholson said if the accused had applied to him he would have supplied him with a pass. There had, however, been a considerable amount of trouble with this man.

In answer to Mr Herriot the accused said he was under Major Gillespie’s command. He had been a fortnight out of the hospital at Newcastle, and came to Berwick, where he had been a week.

It was agreed to remand the accused, pending the arrival of a military escort, and to recommend Constable Spiers to the usual award of 5s for apprehending the prisoner.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Wreck on the Farnes.- The Norwegian steamer Gustav Vigeland was totally wrecked on the Knavestone Rock, Farne Islands early on Tuesday morning during a northerly gale. The whole of the crew, 21 in number, were landed at Seahouses, 12 by the North Sunderland lifeboat and nine by the Holy Island lifeboat. On landing the crew were taken charge of by the local agent of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society, and lodged at the Bamburgh Castle Hotel in the care of Mrs Cuthbertson. The vessel was 1,336 tons net register, owned by Messrs Ellingson and Johnannsen, Bergen, and in the charge of Captain N. J. Nielsen. She was timber laden from Archangel to London. Since December, 1914, North Sunderland lifeboat Foster Fawsett has saved 75 lives. The crew left for Newcastle yesterday on their way home.

Piper Laidlaw, V.C. – On Saturday last the inmates of the Glendale Union Workhouse were entertained by Piper Laidlaw, V.C., who is a present spending a well-earned holiday at his home in Doddington village.

An early photograph of Doddington village in Northumberland, where Piper Laidlaw,lived in 1916. © NRO 5176-33
An early photograph of Doddington village in Northumberland, where Piper Laidlaw,lived in 1916. © NRO 5176-33

 

The company were assembled in the Dining Room, where the gallant piper delighted his audience with selections on the bagpipes and his racy and cheery remarks were equally appreciated. Mr Allan supplemented the soldier’s efforts with selections on the violin. An aged inmate (75 years old), danced a hornpipe in a manner which was really wonderful for one of his age. Miss M. Allan then danced the Highland Fling in excellent style. Piper Laidlaw also visited the sick wards speaking a few kindly words to each patient. Mrs Laidlaw and four children were also present. Mr Fanthorpe (master) proposed a vote of thanks to Piper Laidlaw and the others for their presence, and so kindly entertaining them. Hearty cheers were then given for the Loos hero, his visit having given great delight to all the inmates.

 

THE LATE LIEUT.-COL. FORSTER, FORMERLY OF SANSON SEAL

 

The death is announced a Brunswick House, Exmouh, at the age of 76 of Lieut-Colonel James Edward Forster, formerly of Sanson Seal, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The late Colonel Forster, a member of an old Berwick family, was born at Berwick-on-Tweed (of which Borough he was a freeman) on 4th 1840, and received his commission as an Ensign in the 3rd Regiment of foot (the Buffs) on 18th March, 1858. He became Lieutenant in June 1862, Captain in August, 1867, and Major in January 1831.

Coat of Arms of The Buffs as inscribed on a grave in Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.
Coat of Arms of The Buffs as inscribed on a grave in Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.

 

He served with the regiment in Malta, Gibraltar, the West Indies, Ireland, India, Natal and Singapore, and retired with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel, in September 1881.

He was on active service with the 2nd Battalion throughout the Zulu Campaign in South Africa in 1879, being  present at the battle of Inzeyane and in Elkowe, during the investment there of the late Major General Sir Charles Pearson’s force.

Colonel Forster was mentioned in despatches for his services in that campaign, and received the South African Medal (1879) with clasp.

On retiring from the Army, Colonel Forster resided for a time a Sanson Seal, of which he was owner, but subsequently made his home a Exmouth, where he died.

His departure from the town, as well as that of his sisters, Mr Riddell and Miss Forster, was a considerable loss to the community. He late Colonel’s family was one well known for its beneficence, and all his life Colonel Forster remained a liberal contributor to some of the  most deserving institutions in Berwick. As a landlord he was considerate and just, and his interest in all that appertained to the well-being of his farming tenants was never-failing. He was a fine type of squire, sportsman and citizen, and he came to his end as he wished, his mental activity unabated, and, although suffering from effects of a recent illness, still able to take his part in the circle of friendship which was his in the seaside town in which he was so well known.

This Week in World War One, 25 August 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 AUGUST 1916

 

THE FREEMEN’S ACADEMY

 

It is hoped that the Freemen may give an attentive ear and serious consideration to the timeous and admirable suggestion made by Mr Charles Forsyth as to opening he Corporation Academy to a wider circle of fee paying pupils. It is when one contrasts the finely equipped elementary schools – palatial to a degree, which have been erected in many of the larger towns in Scotland, and the concentration and co-ordination of educational institutions, which a few years ago were run as separate units, that one realises how far Berwick is behind the times. Let some of the Berwick people visit a reasonably sized Scottish town and inspect the facilities and benefits which the children there enjoy, and he will return to the Border town a little crestfallen.

Statue of Andrew Carnegie, Pittencrieff Park, Chambers Street, Dunfermline, Fife. © userkilnburn wikimedia commons.
Statue of Andrew Carnegie, Pittencrieff Park, Chambers Street, Dunfermline, Fife. © userkilnburn wikimedia commons.

 

The days of educational institutions run for one particular class is a thing of the past – the desire is to extend educational facilities in all directions. Mr Andrew Carnegie, in opening the Scottish Universities to poor students, has emphasised this, and has proved a national benefactor. The Freemen need not for a moment think they are running any risks if they act on the commendable suggestion Mr Forsyth makes; but, on the other hand, if the Corporation School is maintained for a small section of pupils, which is getting more attenuated each year, it will tend to bring deserved public criticism on what may be genuinely regarded as a scandal.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The N.F. and the V.C. – The Northumberland Fusiliers, whose curious notion that they were not eligible for the V.C. has just been removed by the War Office, are one of the British regiments in existence, and have a bewildering wealth of distinctions. Well do they deserve their nickname of the “Fighting Fifth” ( “the ever-fighting, never-failing Fifth”), for since their baptism of fire at Maestricht, two centuries and a quarter ago, they have been in the thick of it in almost all our wars, and boast no fewer than 18 battle honours. For an amazing feat at Wilhelmstahl, when they took double their own number of enemy prisoners, the Fifth were granted the very rare honour of a third colour, and for another exploit they are privileged to wear roses in their caps on St. George’s Day.

Northumberland Fusiliers at Thiepval Sept 1916 © Brooks, Ernest (Lt) - Imperial War Museum - IWM_Q_1349
Northumberland Fusiliers at Thiepval Sept 1916 © Brooks, Ernest (Lt) – Imperial War Museum – IWM_Q_1349

 

The erroneous impression that no Victoria Cross can be gained by the Northumberland Fusiliers used to be an actual fact in the case of the Brigade of Guards. When the medal was instituted it was not everywhere received in the spirit intended. The Guards’ officers decided that all men in the brigade were equally brave; this crystallised into a tradition, with the result that no recommendations for the V.C. were ever forwarded to Headquarters from a Guards regiment. But with new men came new manners, and now the Guards as well as the “Fighting Fifth” stand an equal chance with the rest of the Army.

The War Hospital Supply Depot in Bridge Street, Berwick, will open to the public on Saturday first, when everyone should take the opportunity of seeing the great work done here for our wounded soldiers and sailors.

 

BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

HOW THE WAR AFFECTS US

 

A meeting of the Berwick Board of Guardians was held in the Board Room of the Workhouse on Monday. Mr James Mowitt (chairman) presided, and other members present were Miss A. E. Henderson, Mrs J. G. Willits, the Rev. Robert Leggat, the Rev. W. M. Smythe, Dr Wm. Smyth, Mr James Chisholm, Mr Geo. W. Glahome, mr Thomas Aird, Mr George Morrison, Mr F. Richardson, Mr Geo. A. Turnbull, Capt. J. C. Collingwood, Mr John R. Wood, Mr Ed. Waugh, Mr Mathew C. Robertson, Mr Aaron D. Morton, Mr James H. Armstrong, Mr George R. Lumsden, Mr Robert Boston, and Mr John A. Stewart; also attending Mr Robert Smith, acting clerk, and Mr A. H. Banks, Workhouse master.

SOLDIER AND SAILOR LUNATICS

The Plymouh Guardians forwarded the following letter:-

Dear Sir,

           Soldier and Sailor Lunatics.

Since the outbreak of war, a number of lunatic soldiers and sailors have been transferred to the Borough asylum and made chargeable to the poor rates of this Incorporation under the provisions of the Army Annual Act, section 91. The Guardians are of opinion that it is highly improbable that more than a small proportion of the men in question, would have become lunatics, had It not been for the stress and strain of the war, and under the circumstances, they consider that their maintenance should be a national and not a local charge. They also consider it is very undesirable that men whose mental facilities have become deranged while serving their country, should be classified as pauper lunatics, and are, therefore, urging the Association of Poor Law Unions of England and Wales to take whatever action they may deem advisable, either by deputation or representations in Parliament, with the object of bring about such alteration in the law, as shall remove from the statute book, the provision which enables soldiers and sailors on their discharge from the army and navy as lunatics, to be made a charge upon the poor rates. The Guardians will be glad to hear that your Board are prepared to support them in this matter and that they will instruct their Association Representatives accordingly.

Yours truly, W.H. DAVY

Clerk to the Guardians.

Captain Collingwood, Mr Richardson, and Mr Armstrong supported the terms of the letter, and I was unanimously agreed to approve of same.

This Week in World War One, 26 November 1915

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 NOVEMBER 1915

 

SEAHOUSES

 Coble in Peril

 

What might have proved a serious accident occurred to a coble named The Jeannies, owned by Mr George Fawcus, Seahouses, and others. While returning from the fishing ground under sail at about five miles per hour, the coble suddenly struck some submerged wreckage. The wreckage went through two planks, causing the coble to fill in about five minutes. The coble had about 50 stones of fish on board, and but for the fact that it was “air-boxed,” the occupants would probably have been drowned. The accident was witnessed by the coble Briton’s Pride, owned by William Rutter, who at once proceeded to give assistance. Fawcus’ crew of four were taken on board the Briton’s Pride, and they and the damaged coble were safely brought to North Sunderland Harbour. The two crews managed between them to save 20 stones of fish.

Entrance to North Sunderland Harbour, Seahouses. Phil Champion, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Entrance to North Sunderland Harbour, Seahouses. Phil Champion, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

 

 

“NORTHUMBRIANS’ OWN DAY.”

 LOCAL SOLDIERS AND SAILORS TO BENEFIT

 

NPG x83873; Alan Ian Percy, 8th Duke of Northumberland by Alexander Bassano

Alan Ian Percy, 8th Duke of Northumberland (1880-1930), in a Grenadier Guards uniform, photographed by Alexander Bassano before 1913 (Date of Bassano’s death). Licensed under Wikimedia Commons, National Portrait gallery –  PD-US (over 100 years old).

 

“Northumbrians’ Own Day,” is to be celebrated on Saturday throughout the county of

Northumberland, and only the generosity of the public is needed to make the undertaking a complete success. The emblem on this occasion will be an artistic medallion, on which is figured in relief one of the Fusiliers advancing with a fixed bayonet, and bearing the inscription, “Strike hard, Northumbrians.” and the date “1915.” The medallion, neatly cased in plush, is to be presented as a souvenir to the helpers who assist with the sale of these mementoes. “Northumbrians’ Own Day” is under the patronage of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, K.G., Earl Grey, Viscount Allendale, Viscount Ridley, Lord Armstrong, and Lord Joicey, and a host of other notable and distinguished gentlemen of the North Country. The committee earnestly appeal for subscriptions, however small, knowing that this special Christmas effort on behalf of our soldiers and sailors can only be the great success hoped for through the generosity of all. A number of subscriptions have been received, including a cheque for £200, from His Grace the Duke of Northumberland. Cheques and postal orders should be crossed “Northumbrians’ Own Day” Barclay’s Bank, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. Mr Leonard Dalrymple is the chief organiser, Mr Fred Sutcliffe the hon. Treasurer, and Mr George Harcourt the hon. secretary, the central headquarters being at the Westgate Picture House, Newcastle.

 

HOLY ISLAND AND THE WAR

 

Holy Island is doing its share of work during the present time of anxiety and stress. Although the population is small, nearly all the eligible men are engaged in working for the country, either as mine sweepers or in the Army. Amongst others who have left is the schoolmaster, Lieut. Hollingsworth. He departed from the island with the best wishes of all for his welfare, accompanied by a rousing cheer from the Scouts and school children assembling to wish him good luck and a safe return after the war is over.

 

GRACE DARLING’S CENTENARY

 

There seems to be some conflict of evidence regarding the birth of Grace Horsley Darling, if one is to depend upon the veracity of the official guide to Holy Island. It is there stated that she was born on December 17th, 1815, and that she was one of a family of seven.

Darling Family Grave, St Aidan's Churchyard
Darling Family Grave, St Aidan’s Churchyard.

The grave is the resting place of Grace and several of her family members. The headstone is a copy of the original which has been preserved and is on display in the nearby Grace Darling museum.

On the other hand it would appear from more authoritative sources that the birth of the heroine is recorded as 24th November, 1815, and it would be interesting to learn how this discrepancy has occurred. It is unnecessary to enter into any lengthened story regarding the devotion and heroism of the famous daughter of the lighthouse keeper of the Longstone. It is familiar to all from their childhood days, and more particularly so in this part of Northumberland. Suffice it say that the recue from the S.S. Forfarshire which left Hull for Dundee on 5th September, 1838, took place on the morning of the 7th of that month. With the assistance of her father, Grace Darling in a frail coble, succeeded in rescuing five of the crew and four passengers. As is well known the heroine is buried at Bamburgh, where a handsome monument surmounts the grave.

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