This Week in World War One, 4 October 1918

05/10/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4 OCTOBER 1918

FETE DAY A THE BARRACKS

SPLENDID EFFORT ON BEHALF OF PRISONERS OF WAR FUND

It is quite a pleasure to visit Berwick Barracks now that the Medical Board does not insist upon “civies” showing off their good points in their birthday suits, and on Thursday afternoon the attractions offered at the Fete which had been organised were sufficient to repay all the discomfort suffered here under the Review of Exceptions Act. True there were the same old faces, the man who looked at your calling up notice, the man who sent you hunting upstairs for your medical history, the one who ushered you into the chamber of horrors, even the obliging clerk who made out your discharge and the gem of an officer who signed it, but they were all different and smiling serenely, looking as if it was a pleasure to welcome one, instead of a painful duty. Major McAlester, D.S.O., the popular C.O., was early about amongst his officers, men and helpers, and to the credit of all be it said that everything ran well up to the time table.

The afternoon, so far as weather was concerned, might have been better, there being a chilliness in the air, a factor which of course must be expected at this time of year. This in a way, we believe, affected the attendance somewhat, for there might well have been a much larger turnout for so deserving an object. A pleasing splash of colour was given to the grim old Barrack Square by the Guard, who were for the occasion in the red and tartan full dress uniform with Balmoral bonnets. It was quite a change to sea this after having become so used to the dull khaki, and the Mons ribbon on the breasts of some of these men showed that they had done their bit with the “Old Bills.”

WAR MEDALS AND RELICS EXHIBITON

In the Officers Mess in charge of Miss Bishop, assisted by Major Parkinson and Major McAlester, D.S.O., who described the exhibits, a fine collection of War Medals, Orders, and War Relics were on view. Amongst the medals shown were the V.C.’s awarded to C.S.M.’s Skinner and Grimbaldstone and Piper Laidlaw.

Piper Laidlaw’s medals on display at the National Museum of Scotland. © Author: Kernel Saunters – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

There were also on view Serbian Decorations, Belgian Croix de Guerre, French Crois de Guerre and Orders, Stars, and Decorations awarded to men of the K.O.S.B.’s in former wars. Round the walls were hung the new, and also the battle torn colours of the various battalions of the Borderers, while the machine Guns of the 6th Battalion proved a centre of great interest. The war relics comprised practically everything which could be picked up on the battlefield or behind the lines, and there were many valuable and interesting curios in the collection.

In a Barrack Room, “Tommie’s Home” could be seen at the modest sum of twopence, clean and tidy, and laid out just as it would have been for a General’s Inspection. Many visited this side attraction during the afternoon, and the smart and trim appearance of the rooms were favourably commented upon.

WAR NEWS

SPECIALLY MENTIONED

We are pleased to record that Lieut. Commander Willits, R.N.R., son of Mr H. W. Willits, has been specially mentioned in Despatches for escort, convoy and patrol work. He was in Australia when war broke out and on coming home was given the command of one of H.M. Torpedo Boats. He is now in command of a Destroyer and has seen much service on the French and Belgian Coasts.

BERWICK NEWSAGENT KILLED IN ACTION

Private William Hay

It is with deep regret that we record the death in action of Private Wm. Hay, K.O.S.B., husband of Mrs Hay, newsagent, Church Street, and son of Mr William Hay, baker and merchant, Berwick. The first news of this sad occurrence was conveyed in a letter from a comrade and this was confirmed by the official notice which arrived later.

“Willie” hay, as he was familiarly called in the town was a favourite with all who knew him. A thorough business man he built up a most successful newsagent’s enterprise many years before the war, and practically we might say after he had left school. He found time, however, to indulge in sport, and in the position of goalkeeper assisted Berwick Rangers and other teams in medal competitions. A good sport and a friend all will be sorry to lose, he will be missed in the year which are to come.

He enlisted under the Derby Scheme and after being allowed a little time to make business arrangements, joined up in the K.O.S.B. With that regiment he served in the Eastern Theatre of war, and along with him for a time was Private Robt. Clark, who in civil life was a newsagent at Tweedmouth.

We are sure we voice the feelings of our readers when we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his widow, in her great sorrow, and to his father.

LOCAL NEWS

A postcard has been received by Mr Johnson, West End, Tweedmouth from his son, Private T.S. Johnson, King’s Own London Regiment, who is a prisoner at Stammlager, Germany, returning thanks to the Mayoress (Mrs Plenderleith) for having sent him a parcel of food and comforts. We are glad to learn that Private Johnson is keeping well and hope he soon will be clear of confinement.

Stammlager Prison, where Private T. S. Johnson, of the King’s Own London Regiment, was held as a prisoner in WW1. © Author: LutzBruno. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

In the town on leave after having been for a long time in hospital recovering from wounds, we observe Sergeant Lawrence Simmon of the Black Watch, enjoying a leave. He has seen considerable service on the western front during his military career, and as he has done his bit we rust it will be a long time yet, if ever, when he again returns to the front.

HORNCLIFFE

Mr John Christison, second son of Mr Alex. Christison, India, and grandson of the late Ald. H. L. Christison, J.P., of Berwick, has had an unfortunate experience. He was in a Linconshire regiment, and after being invalided out was proceeding to India to take up a position there when the boat upon which he was travelling was torpedoed 200 miles from land. Mr Christison has lost everything, and is now back at Horncliffe staying with his aunt, Miss Turner.

This Week in World War One, 20 September 1918

20/09/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 20 SEPTEMBER 1918

The Late Lieut Clements

GERMANS ERECT CROSS TO UNKNOWN HERO

We sincerely regret to learn that Mrs Clements, Spa Well Villas, Spittal, has received the sad news that her husband, Lieut. R. C. Clements, N.F., who was previously reported missing, is now reported to have been killed in action. Lieut. Clements joined up early in the war and had considerable service in France as an N.C.O. with the N.F.’s before receiving his commission. He had only been at the Front a few months on the second occasion when he was called to make the supreme sacrifice. Local people will remember what an enthusiast he was in many branches of sport with which he was so prominently connected. The scholars at Spittal Council School (where he served so ably as assistant master) will be sorry to know that he who cared so much for their welfare has had to pay the great price for the liberty they enjoy. We extend to Mrs Clements and her little daughter our deepest sympathy in their most distressing time.

TRIBUTE BY MR BORTHWICK, SPITTAL

Mr T. W. G. Borthwick, headmaster of Spittal Council School, has forwarded us the following particulars regarding Lieut. Clements:-

The news of the death of Mr Robt. Clements, Second Lieut., N.F., was received with regret and sorrow all over the district. In Spittal, especially, where he lived and was so well known, respected and loved, the sad event was the only subject of conversation, evoking universal sympathy for Mrs Clements and her little daughter in their great bereavement. A little more than a month ago Mrs Clements was informed that her husband had been transferred to an Irish Regiment, and later the news came that on August 8th, the first day of the great advance, he was missing.

BRO 1828-1 Lieutenant R.C.Clements bottom right.

He had gone out on a scouting expedition accompanied by three of his men and none had returned. As our troops were advancing, the general opinion was that the whole party had been made prisoners. On Friday night, Mrs Clements received letters from the Colonel and two officers who state that when the regiment arrived at the village of Vieux Berguin the bodies of the three men who accompanied Mr Clements were found lying beside a grave in a secluded corner of the village. Over the grave was the inscription “To an unknown Hero.” The officers opened the grave and found the body of Mr Clements. Death, they say, must have been instantaneous as the head was badly shattered by a bullet, but the badges and other tokens showed without doubt that Mr Clements had been buried here by the Germans. The body was reverently re-interred in the little cemetery of Vieux Berguin.

His brother officers speak of him as a brave and fearless soldier, and this is proved by the fact that Mr Clements had penetrated into the German lines much further than anyone expected.

The death of Mr Clements is a very great loss. Goodhearted, generous, cheerful, full of humour and at the same time gentle and sympathetic, no wonder everybody liked him. To the many hundreds of boys who have had the privilege of being his pupils he was more than a teacher. They worshipped the very ground he walked on; waited to escort him home from school at night, and hung around his house door to walk down to school with him in the morning. They clung to him like needles to a magnet. What shall I say of him as a teacher? Mr Clements was a man of great natural ability and his initiative and individuality were great assets.

The whole community in Spittal mourns his loss; many were moved to tears when they heard of his death.

Mr Clements was the oldest of three assistants who have served in this school. The two younger men, Mr Roy Hunter, and Mr John M. Tate, both university graduates and fine men have been killed. They were not so well known as Mr Clements, but their memory is held in loving respect by all who were associated with them.

I had hoped that Mr Clements might have been spared to us, but all three are lying out there on the field of honour in France, three brilliant young men whose memories will be cherished by their colleagues and hundreds of older scholars of Spittal Council School.

After his death, Robert’s wife Minnie and their daughter, Nancy stayed in Spittal. Minnie continued to teach at Spittal School which their daughter also attended. Nancy won a scholarship and eventually moved away from the area. However, in the 1970s, she returned to Spittal. In 1982, she presented Spittal School with the Clements Cup in memory of her parents and the family’s long connection with the school

LOCAL NEWS

Captain R. C. Richardson was decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday week with the Military Cross. He has had a month at Aldershot, and at the end of a fortnight’s leave expects to go to France.

The Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded to Lieut. William Douglas Baird Thompson, M.C., D.L.I., for having showed great courage and determination in holding the line, which was the left flank of the battalion, and not in touch with any other unit, beating back every attempt of the enemy to advance. After dusk he restored the situation by his energy and fearlessness. Lieut. Thompson is the son of Mr Wm. Thompson, shipping agent, Newcastle, and grandson of the late Mr and Mrs Richard Thompson, Cheswick Farm, Goswick. Mrs R. Thompson was a Miss Fawcus of Charlton.

BELFORD

Mrs Cuthbert, High Street, Belford, has received official news that her only son, Priv. R. Cuthbert, has been wounded and gassed and admitted into hospital in Birmingham. In civil life he was a butcher employed by his mother, and on attaining his 18th year joined the colours. He put in a few months training, and afterwards sailed for France in the beginning of this year. He has our best wishes for an early and satisfactory recovery.

Private John Scrowether, husband of Mrs Scrowether, West Street, Belford, has now spent four long years in a German prison camp. Jack was an old soldier and was called up at the outbreak of war, and was sent to France almost immediately. He took part in all the early battles of the war, and fought till taken prisoner in the battle of the Aisne. He is going on well and by his photo looks exceedingly well, through having had to work very hard. He has our best wishes for an early return

This Week in World War One, 6 September 1918

07/09/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERITISER, 6 SEPTEMBER 1918

WAR NEWS

MILITARY MEDAL FOR TWEEDMOUTH SOLDIER

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Corpl. James Weddell, N.F., son of Mr and Mrs Weddell, 116 Main Street, Tweedmouth, on his having been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field in Italy.

The official record says: – “During a raid on the enemy trenches this N.C.O. led his section with great coolness and skill, materially assisting in bombing the enemy lines and dug-outs and bringing back prisoners.”

Corpl. Weddell, who in civil life was a fireman on the N.E. Railway, was a territorial prior to the war and was mobilised in 1914. He took part in the battle of St. Julien, and subsequent engagements and has been twice wounded. He was sent from France with the expeditionary force to Italy, and has seen some heavy fighting there. Corpl. Weddell has not had leave for a long time, but we understand it will be long before he is allowed a short respite from fighting, and will be able to spend a leave at his home.

BERWICK WAR CHARITIES WEEK

Thursday

GALA DAY IN THE CRICKET FIELD

SPLENDID PROGRAMME OF SPORTS, FOLLOWED BY SPECTACULAR EVENTS

SIR FRANCIS BLAKE PRESENTS PRIZES

Berwick Cricket Field, the scene of many a stirring encounter in the old days before the war, when the Athletic Festival was one of the events of the year, bore some semblance to its former glory on Thursday last, when under the auspices of Berwick War Charities Week a grand Athletic Festival and Carnival was held.

Beautiful weather favoured the event, and a very large and animated gathering was early in attendance and dotted in groups round the various side attractions set out round the field. One might reasonably say that all Berwick and its wife was there, and the holiday spirit was in the atmosphere.

On the old Hockey ground the “Aerial Railway or Suspension Wire,” which proved such an unbounded success at Scremerston, had been erected, and young and old, fair maidens, dark maidens, and maidens of uncertain age, along with the few specimens of the male sex remaining, were to be seen enjoying the flight through space.

A Fish Pond proved as usual a draw, and at this popular side show Miss Molly Cowen officiated in pleasing manner. Houp-la the modern method of legalised robbery, claimed its votaries, and Mrs Collingwood, Miss Walker, Miss and Master Collingwood, Miss Erskine and Miss Calder had a busy afternoon in attempting to satisfy their clients. Black Cat mascots were also sold during the day by Mrs Wm. R. McCreath and Miss McCreath. Away to the north side of the field the lusty voice of Mr Robertson, Ladyrig, Kelso, could be heard soliciting patronage for the exhilarating exercise of “ Downing the Kaiser,” and having a shot at “Old Aunt Sally.”

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

THE NEEDS OF NEWSPAPERS

Archd. F. Carstairs (39) grade 3 man, 66 Church Street, Berwick, newspaper machine man in the “Advertiser” Office, and also working with Mr Grieve, printer, was a case in which exemption was sought on the ground that if he was taken there would be no man left to print the newspaper, Carstairs at the present time being only a half-time man, and sharing his hours of labour between the “Advertiser” Office and Mr Grieve’s office.

The above case was taken along with that of Kerr Middlemiss (28) married, 52 West End, Tweedmouth, linotype operator, “Advertiser” Office, who also asked for a continuation of his expiring exemption. It was explained in the application that the office staff was so reduced that the charge of the lino’ machines depended on Middlemiss, who worked along with a lad who had not yet technical knowledge of the machines. It was pleaded in view of the importance which the Government attached to a newspapers that it was in the national interests Middlemiss should remain.

A row of linotype machines at the Berwick Advertiser office in Marygate, in the mid twentieth century.

In answer to Mr Herriot it was explained by Mr H.S. Hamilton, Editor and Manager of the “Advertiser,” that Carstairs had only been a short time in the employ of the firm. They were exceedingly fortunate in getting him on the last machine man leaving. Although he served his time in the “Advertiser” Mr Grieve had a prior claim to his services, and at present Carstairs divided his time between the two offices.

The national Service Representative said that in view of Carstairs grade and his occupation he did not oppose the claim for exemption.

It was agreed to allow three months’ exemption.

Consideration was then given to the case of Middlemiss, and the National Service Representative stated that his information was that this man, although he had received notification to be further medically examined on 4th June, had not reported himself. Middlemiss had since received further notice on 6th August to report himself.

Mr Hamilton stated that as one who was in daily communication with Middlemiss he was quite convinced that no call to present himself had reached him. There was not the slightest objection on the part of Middlemiss to be examined; he was positive the call to report himself had never reached Middelmiss. Mr Hamilton also explained that Middlemiss was a volunteer, and while he could not say that he was technically efficient he knew he was a very good shot.

The National Service Representative – I am perfectly aware such mistakes have occurred in many instances, and in such circumstances agree that Middlemiss should now report himself for medical examination.

It was then agreed to adjourn for further medical examination.

LOCAL NEWS

It will be remembered that Mr John Bishop got up a subscription some time ago for a skeleton for the use of the V.A.D.’s. He had the brilliant idea of making a sideshow of it at the War Relics Exhibition, and advertised it as “the thinnest man in Berwick – a result of rations.” One visitor, we hear, ungrasped his cash, and marched in, and saw only a tall, aristocratic figure, with his hat slightly on one side, who seemed to be saying, “Pass me not, pass me not!” The subscriber suspecting nothing, marched out again, and said at any rate he had done his duty.

Mr and Mrs Alexander McLeman celebrated their golden wedding on September 1st having been married on September 1st,1868, at the Parish Church, Ayton. Mr McLeman was well known on the Borders, where he was in business as a saddler in Castlegate, Berwick, 20 years ago. The old couple enjoy good health and have a family of nine, three daughters and six sons – John, Robert, Lons, David, on active service in France; William on National War Work; and Alexander, jr., in business as a saddler in Gateshead, holding Government contracts for saddlery, 26 grandchildren, three grandsons on active service; one grandson, James McLeman, killed in action while serving with Berwick Company of N.F.’s. Their present address is 50 Sunderland Road, Gateshead, where they have received many congratulations.

In view of the coming shortage of coal many people in country districts will go back to the moors for peat, which at one time was quite commonly burnt on the Borders. It has a most pleasant and characteristic smell, and is to be found in North Northumberland and in the Ford, Barmoor and low lying ground in the fen and hill districts. It is also found in Berwickshire at Gordon and Greenlaw, and practically the whole of the Lammermoor district.

Loading a peat cart in Westhay, Somerset in 1905. A similar scene would have taken place in Northumberland in 1918. © Photograph by A E Hasse of Balidon, York. Wikipedia Commons.

The peat burns brightly as long as no pot is put on it to press it down. For cooking, pots and pans are suspended from a “sway” or “swee,” an iron arm on a swivel, which is built into the fireplace. Many of the old fireplaces in the town of Berwick have these and we remember seeing one in excellent preservation when a new fireplace was being put in and a large ingle nook discovered in the “Hen and Chickens” Sandgate.

SPECIAL CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT

A special programme of pictures was screened at the Queen’s Rooms, on Saturday, at both houses. The hall is entirely under new management, who have made their debut at Berwick in a right worthy manner by giving the entire proceeds of both entertainments to the War Charity Week Funds. The entertainments were arranged by Mrs P. Cowe, and Mr J. Strachan, Conveners for Monday, assisted by Nurse Anthoney, Convener for Saturday of War Charity Week. At both houses Mr Wilson, the Sheriff, thanked the management in the name of the Committee and said they were deeply indebted for their generosity. He announced that the sum of £9 5s had been raised, which would go to swell the grand total. Mr Cooper replied in the name of Mr A. Lindsay, one of the partners of the new firm, and a nephew of the late Mr Mather. The management have also kindly lent the hall for this afternoon’s entertainment (Thursday) when the Waxworks and Concert will be repeated. We wish the new firm every success.

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