This Week in World War One

This Week in World War One, 29 November 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 29 NOVEMBER 1918

 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LEST WE FORGET

 

Sir,- Mr Thomas Grey’s most advocacy, in your issue of 22nd inst., for the erection of a permanent and public memorial to the memory of our brave and noble Tweedmouth heroes, who have given their lives in the cause of right and justice during the terrible world-war just ended must convince everyone that the accomplishment of such a worthy object is highly desirable, and that their names must be engraven in a conspicuous and lasting form so that future generations may honour them and their noble deeds and sacrifices.

HRH the Prince of Wales laying a Wreath at Tweedmouth War Memorial after opening the Royal Border Bridge, 1928. BRO 515/358 (C) Berwick Record Office. The War Memorial was unveiled  October 1920.

 

Mr Grey invites the opinion of Tweedmouth on the subject, and as a humble member of the community, I, for my part, would suggest that a marble, or granite drinking fountain, of suitable and symmetrical size be erected in a conspicuous part of the town (probably in a broad part of Main Street), with the figure which is symbolical of “Victory” on the top of it, and the names of our heroes be engraven on the centre portion. Mr Grey should himself select a committee to take the matter in hand -Yours faithfully. EDWARD BREWIS Tweedmouth, November 25th, 1918.

 

RAILWAYMEN’S VISIT TO THE BATTLEFIELDS

 

On the invitation of the Minister of Munitions, Mr Geo. Dodds, Woolmarket, Berwick, recently visited the battlefields in France along with other representatives of the Railwaymen in the North of England. They were conducted during the tour by Staff Major Lord Greville.

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

On arriving in France the party was initiated into the mysteries of the anti-gas department, supplied with gas masks and shrapnel helmets, and were put through the six different movements of the drill, and then put into a hut filled with gas to test the efficiency of the masks. The first place of interest they visited was an establishment covering any amount of ground and dealing with the salvage of the battlefields from a button to a 15 inch gun. They were taken through the different shops where the bulk of the work is done by German prisoners and Chinese labourers, supervised by our own non-commissioned officers. The system was explained, and it was shown that this factory alone must have saved the country many millions of pounds. In several of the departments French girls are employed but on the day of Mr Dodds’s visit they took French leave and paraded the streets singing ( Mr Dodd’s party being greeted by the British “Hurrah!”) owing to a rumour that Peace had been declared. They proceeded to a bakery busy in supplying the British, French and Belgian troops with bread. Here the Chinese do the labouring, a continuous procession of coolies carrying flour to the troughs, but our own Tommies do the kneading and baking. The output is 400,000 loaves per week.

They also motored out to the largest munition dump in France, the extreme width being ten miles. They were shown the different railway arrangements for dealing with the front line demands, the huge stores capable of holding from 40,000 to 70,000 tons of ammunition each; and the mechanism of each hand grenade and aerial bomb was explained. These bombs range from twenty to 1,660 lbs, and the conductor informed them that an airman dropping one of the latter on to a German Railway Station was forced a thousand feet up into the air by the force of the concussion. The station was of course obliterated.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

On Sunday last Berwick had no supply of gas between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. So many of the men at the works were off with influenza that the Gas Company found this necessary, in order to get up a certain amount of reserve stock to prevent any total collapse of lighting during the week. They considered that the withdrawal of supplies during daylight hours on Sunday would cause the least inconvenience to the public. It is no often the gas supply is cut off in the town, but air-raids made it necessary, and once recently we were without a supply of gas when the company were laying a new main in Tweedmouth.

Miss Doris Dodds, who for the past six months has been working in France as a motor ambulance driver, is back in Berwick this week. The work has been hard, but very interesting; weather conditions were often adverse and night duty frequent, but Miss Dodds has enjoyed her time in France. There were 100 motor drivers in the town where she was stationed, and their duties were to convey the wounded to and from the station to the hospitals, clean down their cars and do all running repairs. A fortnight after arriving in France, Miss Dodds came in for an exciting air raid, when the German aeroplanes, flying low, dropped about 160 bombs in a hospital area of three quarters of a mile, where she was stationed. There were many causalities amongst the patients and orderlies, and some of the sisters were also killed. The town was quite unprepared for this raid, no warnings were given, and there were no dug-outs ready. The next night the motor drivers were ordered to take their cars out to a neighbouring wood, and they slept beside them wrapped in army blankets – none too clean, but what matter so long as they were warm. They had to do this for some time as the raids were continued, and they were ultimately given quarters in a neighbouring village. The Germans excused themselves by pointing out that the hospitals were not flying the Red Cross flag, and they did not know what the buildings were. One of their duties was to motor the sisters an doctors out to the neighbouring woods to sleep till 4 a.m., when they were brought back again to hospital for at least an hour’s rest in a bed before going on duy again. Raids continued to be more or less frequent until the Germans were driven out of Zeebrugge, where they had their base; Miss Dodd’s experiences coincide with those of Miss Bishop, who a few weeks ago gave an interesting paper upon her work in France at the same town where Miss Dodds was stationed. Nurse Katie Mackay was also for a time in a hospital there.

The death has occurred in a Military Hospital in Egypt of Sergeant Pickering, late of the 1st K.O.S.B., husband of Mrs Pickering, 20 West Street, Berwick. He had eighteen years’ service and was at one time stationed at the Depot, Berwick. He proceeded to the Dardanelles with the K.O.S.B. in April, 1915, and being wounded in May he was sent to hospital, later doing garrison duty at Alexandria. He leaves a widow and a son aged three and a half years, whom he has never seen. The deepest sympathy is felt for the widow in her great loss.

The great improvement in street lighting has given satisfaction throughout the town, and even in the less frequented back streets there is now the light of incandescent to lead one in the straight path and help in the safe negotiation of door scrapers. Those who altered their classic features by having arguments with the Maclagan Memorial, Scotsgate and sundry corners during the dark nights of last winter will be relieved to feel that many preventable accidents will now be avoided. The unfortunate part about all the accidents was that the authorities who so rigidly enforced the stygean conditions never suffered casualty.

 

CHRISTMAS MAILS FOR THE BRITISH

ARMIES IN FRANCE, BELGIUM AND ITALY

 

Letters and parcels intended for delivery to the Italian Expeditionary Force and the British Expeditionary Force by Christmas should be posted so as to reach London before the final dates given below:-

Attribution: Europeana 1914-1918 project

Italian Expeditionary Force, Parcels 9th Dec. and  16th Dec.

British Expeditionary Force, Letters 14h Dec. and 16th Dec.

No parcel for either Force will be accepted at any Post Office after 14th December, until 27th December.

This Week in World War One, 15 November 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 15 NOVEMBER 1918

 

HOW THE GOOD NEWS WAS RECEIVED AT BERWICK

 

Last Monday will be long remembered in Berwick. The welcome news that Germany had signed the Armistice began to filter through about 8a.m. on Monday, having been picked up on the coast by wireless. Official word was not received till 11.30am, when Mr Toohey, Customs Officer, first received a wire from the Naval Authorities. This was followed by a wire to the Commanding Officer at the Barracks about 12 noon, and there was great excitement in the town when shortly afterwards the news was officially announced from the Townhall steps. With extreme rapidity flags and bunting that had not seen the light of day for years, were hung out, and a considerable crowd gathered in the High Street, which had a very gay appearance,. It was a beautiful day, and everyone was in high spirits. The Mayor (Ald. Plenderleith) was accompanied by the Sheriff (Mr T. Wilson), Major McAlester, Councillors Bolus and Dixon, Mr D. Herriot, Lieut. and Mrs J.A. McCreath, Chief Constable Nicholson, Mr J. Gibson, Miss Willoby, Miss Greet ( Norham); Mr and Mrs Toohey, etc. Addressing the crowd through a megaphone, the Mayor said; “Ladies and gentlemen, the long wished for and long looked for day has at last arrived. Peace is in sight. A telegram has come announcing that the Armistice has been signed by Germany.” He then called upon Major McAlester to read the telegram.

Major McAlester said – “The following telegram arrived at five minutes to twelve and reads, ‘Armistice signed with Germany. Full advantage of pipes, trumpets and drums to be taken to announce same.’ (Loud and prolonged cheers.) The band of the K.O.S. Borderers then struck up God Save the King.

 

Afterwards Major McAlester said: – “His Worship the Mayor has asked me to allow the band to parade through the streets. I have great pleasure in giving my consent.” The crowd thereafter dispersed, and the band paraded the streets, headed by an aged but exuberant drum-major, and followed by crowds of soldiers, some carried shoulder high together with children carrying flags. We never remember rejoicings when so many children were seen with flags in their hands. It was quite a feature, and where they all sprung from is difficult to say. The shops and works in the town were closed in the afternoon, and the Boy Scout Band paraded the streets.

Long lines of munition workers and Saw Mill girls in trousers also paraded the streets singing and cheering. One was actually seen giving the “Glad eye.”

London, we are told, quite lost its head, but the rejoicings at Berwick though spontaneous and hearty were within limits. In the Strand staff officers were seen on the tops of careering taxis, blowing trumpets, but in Berwick, so far as we could learn, no orders for taxis were given by the K.O.S.B. command, and no trumpets were blown – in public.

COUNTY COURT

The County Court, which was sitting, carried on its work of disposing of a grandfather clock undisturbed by happenings outside, but Judge Greenwell was very jocular, as if he had something up his sleeve.

LIGHTED STREETS

At night, on the suggestion of the mayor, the shading was removed from the street lamps, and lighting restrictions were generally disregarded, the electric are lamps in front of the Picture Houses blazing forth. Bells rung joyous peals, and the town clock, which for four years been silent from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., struck all through the night.

During the evening bands of young people paraded the streets singing snatches of popular songs, accompanied by accordions, concertinas and other instruments, and enjoying the novel sensation of being able to walk about in comfort in the lighted streets. There was no drunkenness in the town, and, unlike celebrations during the Boer War, especially “Mafeking Night,” not a drunk soldier to be seen even as late as 10 p.m.

There were a few fireworks let off in the streets. The window decorations at Messrs W. and A. Johnston and Co.’s shop in High Street were very striking. The window was panelled with red, white and blue muslin, illuminated from behind by electric lights, and small Union Jacks were crossed in the centre of the white panel. Oher shops screened their doorways with Union Jacks, instead of the usual dark curtains prescribed by “Aunt Dora.” Fireworks, especially Chinese squibs and Roman candles, were set off at frequent intervals by the boys in the streets on Wednesday. There was also a bon-fire on Wednesday night on the shore on the Tweedmouth side of the river.

IMPROMPTU SERVICE AT THE PARISH CHURCH

A very impressive service was conducted in the Parish Church by the Rev. R. W. de la Hey, vicar, at 7 p.m. The Vicar had announced this service to a few friends in the forenoon, the word was circulated round the town, and the Church was filled well up to the front. There were special psalms, Mr Robson read a special lesson, the Vicar gave a short address from the chapel steps, and the service closed with the National Anthem.

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

WALLACE GREEN

Here was an informal peace celebration at Wallace Green on Monday night, a very happy choice of subject having been made when the Literary and Debating Society syllabus was drawn up. Mr J. Strachan and Mr W. J. Marshall were leaders in a discussion in the vestry on “The League of Nations,” and were listened to with much interest by an audience, which was very friendly to the scheme. Specially noteworthy was the hearty reception of Viscount Grey’s name. Mr Macaskill, Miss M.C. Holmes, Mr Hamilton, Mr Stowe, Mr Carr, Mr Henderson, Mr Stewart, and Mr Gaul followed, and late in the evening the two leaders replied. The meeting broke up with the National Anthem.

A NIGHT OUT FOR THE R.A.F.

On Tuesday evening the “boys” from Haggerston Aerodrome had a night out. They came in to Berwick siting like monkeys on the top of a large aircraft repair shop motor with two old aeroplane wings strapped on the sides. Singing at the top of their voices and beating a tattoo with sticks upon the aero wings they turned out the cottagers and villagers on the road leading into the town. Mounted on the top of a waggon a soldier controlled a land search light which lit up the streets like broad daylight. The van after passing up High Street stood for a time in front of the Townhall, where a large crowd gathered round to listen to the songs and jokes of the men. The waggon was later taken to the Parade and the men spent a part of the evening in town.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s (c) BRO 426-294

DUNS

Chary in respect of last week’s premature rejoicing, Duns resolved to “maksiccar” before bell ringing. It was well after two o’clock before what was considered indisputable evidence was received, and at once a merry peal rang out from the Town Hall bell. A few flags were hoisted. Special church services were held on Tuesday.

NEWS ON THE FARMS

On the farms the news was received with rejoicing. Many farmers immediately granted a full day’s holiday, and the killing of a pig took place on some steadings. Singing in the fields, an occurrence hardly heard for four years, was general.

This Week in World War One, 18 October 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 OCTOBER 1918

 

FUNERAL OF CAPT. NORMAN

A LARGE AND REPRESENTATIVE FOLLOWING

SERVICE IN ST. MARY’S

 

The funeral of the late Captain Norman took place to Berwick Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, when local gentlemen who had sat with the deceased on public bodies, or had been associated with him in Church, School, and social movements, attended in large numbers to pay their last tribute to a life spent in the public service.

At Cheviot House a large company of mourners had gathered and at two thirty the cortege moved off down Castle Terrace to the Church of St. Mary’s, where a short service was held. The blinds of all residenters on route were drawn during the passing of the cortege while here and there could be seen groups of people in the humble walks of life anxious to pay the last respect they could to one who had been a true friend in life.

Heading the procession was a detachment of the Borough Police Force, under Chief Constable Nicholson, and behind walked the sergeant at Mace (Mr Blakie) carrying the halbert draped in crepe. Following in procession walked the Magistrates and Council, and immediately behind the hearse and mourning coaches were members of the Bible Class which for so many years was conducted at Cheviot House, and then followed the boys of Berwick Grammar School, at which centre the Captain was chairman of Governors.

NEWS FROM THE LADS IN GERMANY

Mrs D. Bryson, Kiln Hill, was cheered this week to receive a post card from her son, Private Dan Bryson, H.L.I., from Gustrow Camp, Germany. He was taken prisoner in the March drive by the Germans, but he is evidently quite happy, and writes that he has some fine fellows in the camp along with him.

A group of allied prisoners at Gustrow POW Camp, Germany, where Private Dan Bryson, H.L.I. was a prisoner. © Expired.

Private Davidson, son of Mrs Davidson, Well Square, who is prisoner at Stammlager, Germany, writes that he has been in hospital, but that he is now much better and hopes to soon be out of the hospital cot.

Private John Dawson, N.F., grandson of Mrs Ogilvie, Well Road, who is a prisoner at Stargard, Germany, has sent a letter card to his grandmother, stating that he is quite well, but would welcome a letter from her every week. The letter card he sends is rather a clever made affair and can be used again by the recipient when replying.

 

A PREMATURE PEACE REPORT AT BERWICK

On Sunday morning, as people were coming out of Church, a report spread like wildfire that Germany had accepted President Wilson’s terms, and peace was to be signed at mid-night. It was said that an official message was on view at the huts. We immediately set out to find if it was true. Ongoing to the huts, there was no notice to be seen, and we were told that it was on view at the Barracks, and ongoing to the Barracks, we were referred back to the huts. The fact of the matter seemed to be that some soldier had out up a notice to the effect at the huts on his own account, and later had taken it down again. We also enquired at the Police Station and at the Post Office, but nothing was known. In the evening, however, definite news came to Berwick, as it well might for the news had been known in London on the Saturday night at ten o’clock.

BRO 1944-1-149-1 CROPPED. The army huts in front of Berwick Barracks, where a soldier prematurely posted President Wilson’s peace terms accepted by Germany. © Berwick Record Office.

 

LOCAL NEWS

On Wednesday morning a Berwick lady was rather surprised to find herself stopped by another lady who was carrying a young baby in the full array of christening clothes. She was even more surprised when she was asked to accept a paper bag containing a piece of cake, a piece of money, and salt. This she did and for the benefit of readers who have not heard of this old custom before, we may say that it is one which is quite usual in some parts of Scotland. When the mother leaves the house to attend Church where the “baptism” is to take place it is lucky if the first person met is fair. The gift of cake, money and salt is then handed over and the future welfare of the child assured. We were permitted to examine the “gift offering” and in so doing the cake broke in two. This we are informed is symbolical of good luck and a double event next time.

Fuel and Lighting economy is responsible for several alterations in church services, St. Andrew’s Church, Berwick, and the English Presbyterian Church, Tweedmouth, are doing away with a second service on Sunday. Wallace Green and the Primitive Methodist Congregations are uniting for a week day services, and Bankhill Church, during the absence of its minister on six months sick leave, is uniting with St. Aidan’s, Church Street. A large number of the Wesleyan Methodists are worshipping with the Primitives, and several are attending Wallace Green, each individual or family deciding entirely for itself.

 

 

 

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