This Week in World War One

This Week in World War One, 12 July 1918

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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.

 

© Imperial War Museum.

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, 28 June 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 28 JUNE 1918

 

Comrades of the Great War

MEETING OF BERWICK BRANCH

 

The first general meeting of the Berwick Branch of the Comrades of the Great War was held on Tuesday evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, when Mr John Thornton presided over a fair attendance.

The Chairman, in a short address, said that the reason of forming a branch was with the object of assisting others who were not so well off as themselves. The Association was non-political, as no wise soldier liked politics. A gratifying feature was that they had many members of Parliament and titled persons identifying themselves with the Association, and working for the ex-soldier. He was pleased to say fifteen members had joined since last meeting, so that they were now over 50, and that was not a bad beginning for three weeks, but they wanted far more in Berwick and district. He did not think the Association was one which would flatten out once the war was finished, and it was to be world-wide in its aims and objects.

 

Comrades of the Great War badge. © David Power, NonComercial-ShareAlike 1.0.

 

There had been a campaign started in the general press at large to assist the ex-soldier, but he held that these efforts intended to do very little and he criticised the action of several prominent newspapers, as well as a member of parliament and others, who pretended to answer queries with the object of assisting the ex-soldier. The Association would only take up a case after it had been considered by the local War Pensions Committee. All who knew of deserving cases should state the circumstances as concisely as possible to the Secretary, Mr R. St. G. Tait, and a special printed form would be supplied to assist in filling in the necessary particulars. He mentioned also that Mr James Gibson, clerk to the local Pensions Committee, would only be too pleased to have any assistance in dealing with the too numerous cases placed in his hands. Mr Gibson had told him that three-fourths of his time was wasted in travelling from one house to another seeking information. Amid applause he intimated that he had received the first local donation to the funds. This was a cheque for £1 1s from Major Alex. Steven.

Mr C. Judge suggested that it would be a good thing to advertise appealing for funds.

It was announced that the Berwick Branch have fought and won their first case- a discharged Berwick soldier having received a calling-up notice to rejoin the colours. The local branch took the matter up: result-soldier notified by wire- “calling-up notice cancelled-exemption following.

 

BERWICK MILITARY TRIBUNALS

 

A NEWSPAPER EDITOR

Henry Smail Hamilton (42), Grade 11., editor and newspaper manager, residing at 4 Ravensdowne, Berwick, was a new case in which the man appealed on the ground of indispensability. A letter in support of this was read from Major H.R. Smail, N.F., explaining that Mr Hamilton had sole charge of the “Advertiser” Office, and was quite indispensable. If appellant had not gone into the business it would have been necessary for him  Major Smail) to have returned to civil life, and now that he (Major Smail) had again gone on active service, it was all the more necessary to have Mr Hamilton in charge of the office.

The National Service Representative said he had no remarks to make.

Three months’ exemption was granted.

A BUSY TAILOR

Ralph Crammond (37), a Grade 111. man, tailor, formerly of Horncliffe, now employed by Messrs Paxton and Purves, Ltd., Berwick, was stated to be largely engaged in military work at the present time; and that the firm had only half of their former staff at a time which was now the height of the season. The firm was exceedingly busy, and had the greatest difficulty in completing orders. This was the firm’s first appeal, and it was hoped the Tribunal would take a favourable view and grant exemption. The man was married, and had a wife and two children, nine and eleven years respectively.

Mr Herriot- Is it competent to grant exemption on occupational grounds?

The National Service Representative – I am not quite certain; certainly it is not competent to grant exemption to a Grade 1 man.

In view of the low category three months’ exemption was granted.

 

 

 

CAPTAINCY AND BAR TO MILITARY CROSS

FOR LIEUT. IAN MACKAY

 

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Capt. Ian Mackay, M.C., R.F.A., on his having gained his third “pip.” We are also informed that Captain Mackay has been awarded a bar to his Military Cross for gallantry in the field.

Captain Mackay who is the eldest son of Dr. W. B. Mackay, C.M.G., enlisted in the early stages of the war and after having done his course with the O.T.C. was gazetted to the R.F.A. He has had some trying experiences in France and for gallantry in the field was awarded the M.C. two years ago. On one occasion last year he was buried by falling debris in an advanced gun pit, but happily escaped without injury. His experience of the front has varied from the sea to the Somme and that he has come through it all is a matter for congratulation. We trust he will advance still further in the honoured Corps to which he belongs and that he may long be spared to wear his decoration. His younger brother, Lieut. Eric Mackay, is in the R.A.F., and was recently in the town on a short leave.

 

SPITTAL SCHOOL MASTER KILLED IN ACTION

 

As we announced on June 14th Captain John Martin Tate was killed in action on May 27th. Mr Tate was a Bachelor of Science of Durham University and on the outbreak of war was an assistant master in Spittal Council School. Early in 1915 he obtained a commission as second lieutenant in the 14th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and soon afterwards was sent to France where he has taken part in most of the great struggles on the western front. During his three years as a soldier he has practically spent the whole time in fighting and strenuous work in France.

A year ago, on reaching the rank of Captain, Tate married a Newcastle lady, who occasionally visited Spittal and from whom we are able to give particulars of the gallant soldier’s death contained in a letter written to Mrs Tate by the Lieut. Colonel of the regiment. He says:- I regret more than I can tell you to have to write that your husband was killed in action on the 27th May. I know only too well that I can say little to soften the blow, but I say that death was instantaneous and that the manner of it was splendid and up to the highest traditions of the British Army. He and his men were surrounded and they counter-attacked the Hun repeatedly against terrific odds three times and on the last occasion your husband was killed leading his men. It was splendid and beyond praise. I miss and shall miss him; he was a friend as well as a perfect officer and was admired, respected, and loved by all. His courage and devotion to duty was of the highest order and I could and did always rely on him and never once did he fail. He would undoubtedly have gone far. He has been with me since 1915 and I cannot tell you how much his loss means to me. He was a husband to be proud of. The whole Battalion, or what are left of us, mourn his loss and cherish his memory.

His many friends in Spittal and especially the scholars and teachers of Spittal Council School regret the loss of a young man of marked ability who endeared himself to all during his short stay amongst them. To Mrs Tate they all express their deepest sympathy.

 

 

BERWICK FOOD CONTROL COMMITTEE

 

At the meeting last Monday, various transfers of ration cards were agreed to including one where the purchaser on account of removal wished to transfer from Berwick to Tweedmouth tradesmen.

Tea which is rationed in Berwick will not be rationed nationally when the new scheme books come into force on July 14. It is however possible to use a spare leaf in the book for this purpose, and the Berwick Food Control Committee is applying for power to increase the ration for tea to 2ozs. per head. Belford is not included in this application and will have to apply specially if it is thought desirable.

An application for an additional ration of butcher meat on medical grounds was agreed to.

The question of a supply of butcher meat for visitors to the Borough during the summer was brought before the Committee, and after consideration, it was agreed that the Chairman should call upon the Food Commissioner when in Newcastle to ascertain if some arrangement could not be made whereby an extra supply could be allocated for the summer visitors.

This Week in World War One, 31 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31 MAY 1918

 

SON OF A FORMER BERWICK MINISTER HEAVILY FINED

FOR MAKING STATEMENTS DISPARGING THE ARMY

 

Messrs Headley Bros., publishers, of Oxford Street, London, and the Rev. Joseph Davison Manners Rorke, of Boxhill, a native of Berwick, and son of the Rev. Jospeh Rorke, formerly minister of Church Street E.P. Church, Berwick, were summoned at the Marlborough St. Police Court on Thursday last, the former as publisher and the latter as editor of the publication called “The Venturer”, in the March issue of which were statements likely to prejudice recruiting and discipline of his Majesty’s Forces.

Marlborough Street Magistrates Court where the case relating to the publication “The Venturer” was heard in 1918. It is now the Courthouse Hotel. © Author: Mark Hillary. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

After Sir Archibald Bodkin, for the prosecution, had read extracts which he contended were likely to create a bad impression and to prejudice recruiting and discipline, the defendant Rorke said he accepted full responsibility as editor of “The Venturer,” though he did not write the article, and had no intention whatever of prejudicing recruiting or disparaging the Army.

Counsel for Messrs Headley said they were merely publishers of “The Venturer,” did not know its contents, and accepted no responsibility.

The magistrates, in fining Messrs Headley £100 and £5 costs, said they should have exercised more vigilance to see they were not made the instruments for dissemination of such noxious matter. Mr Rorke would have to go to prison for three months in the second division.

Defendant’s father protested that his son had no such intention as that ascribed to him.

Mr Mead latter recalled the defendant, and on an undertaking that he would not publish anything prejudicial to recruiting or discipline substituted a fine of £50 for imprisonment and allowed seven days for payment of the fine.

LOCAL NEWS

Anyone holding an exemption certificate from military service can only be granted renewal by the tribunal if he applies for it fourteen days before the expiry of the present period of exemption.

On June 1st the price for early potatoes will drop from 4d to 3½ per lb. A fortnight ago before the maximum prices came into force 10d to 1s 3d a pound was being asked for new potatoes in the London shops. Fair quantities were available at these prices, but with the sudden fall to 4d supplies seemed to disappear.

There has been a spurt in Berwick as in other places in the purchase of War Bonds, £685 was subscribed for the week ending May 18, and May 25, although a short week with the Banks closing on Whit-Monday, realise £3127. The full weekly quota is £6530.

We understand it is probable that a Standing Musketry Camp will be held in connection with the local Volunteer Battalion. Should this mature, it will commence about the middle of June at Morpeth, and the following three weeks will be held at Berwick. It is anticipated that the proposed camp will stimulate interest amongst those efficient in shooting, and also amongst the recruits, and a good attendance is anticipated. The efficient men will be asked to fire their annual musketry course, and recruits will do their efficiency tests. Those attending the camp for twenty-four hours will be provided with accommodation and rations. Free railway warrants will be provided for those attending. This camp, of course, has no connection with the annual camp.

Her many friends were glad to see Miss Marjory C. Holmes, daughter of Mrs Holmes, of Bridge Street, back to Berwick last week from Russia, where she has had an adventurous time. She is unwilling at the moment to speak of her adventures, but anyone who has watched what has lately been happening in Russia, where there have been scenes similar to those in the French Revolution, when the nobles were killed in their beds and dragged out into the open street, sometimes naked, will be able to realise something of what she has passed through.

May 1st, 1918. The demonstration took place on Palace Square in Petrograd, in front of the Winter Palace. Unknown photographer. © Author: The Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Library. No known copyright exists.

She was in Petrograd at the time of the first Revolution, and later she left Kieff only three days before the Germans entered. She has been thirteen weeks travelling home, by way of Moscow, Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, Japan, and Canada, and the United States. Miss Holmes is one of those typical English visitors to foreign countries, seemingly unable to miss danger spots, and ready only too soon to return to them.

No. 4 Platoon, B Coy., having bee adjudged the best platoon of the 5th V.B., Northumberland Regt., went to Newcastle on Sunday last to compete with the best of other Battalions. Having to be on Parade at 10 a.m., in Newcastle meant, for the Berwick men, being away by the 6.5 a.m. train, no slight handicap this in such a competition. The Berwick men competed second, and right worthily upheld the honour of the Company and Battalion to which they belong. Everything they were asked to do was done in quite a professional manner. Words of commendation were freely expressed by the officers standing round. More than one said: “This platoon will not be beaten.” Lieut. Campbell was in great form. Cool and collected, his words of command came out clear and sharp, and his men responded admirably. Each N.C.O. was called out in turn. No.4 Platoon is fortunate in possessing non-coms, like Sergeants How, Young, Mace and Corporal Evans, and those who know them will know they were not beaten by any other non-coms. The Berwick Platoon was placed second, two points down, and when the journey is taken into consideration, and the going on to parade so soon after arrival in Newcastle, the result is highly creditable. Lieut. Campbell has worked hard for the last three weeks to get his men up to the top hole. He has been able seconded by his non-coms, and no words of praise are sufficient for the men, who turned up night after night to be “put through it.” Lieut. Campbell was congratulated by the principal officers present on the efficient state of his platoon.

SEAHOUSES

We hear little of the brave and daring deeds done by the minesweeping and patrol craft of our coasts. One such matter of local interest has recently been made public. For brave work in a mine field in August, 1916, Captain S.B. Ward, of H.M.S. Minesweeper St. Leonards 462, was recently decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace, with the Distinguished Service Cross. Later the gallant Captain was presented by the inhabitants of Hartlepool with a marble clock, and a cheque for £20 for himself and a gold locket and chain for his wife. The circumstance is of local interest because of the fact the Seaman Geo. Richardson (Scotty), son of Mr and Mrs George Richardson, Seahouses, formed one of the crew which for some reason numbered only five instead of twelve or fourteen. Each member of the crew also received a beautifully designed medal in silver with gold centre bearing his initials. Mr Richardson’s medal being inscribed “Present to Geo. Richardson, for conspicuous bravery in a minefield, August, 1916, by Councillor C.T. Watson, Mayor of Hartlepool.” We congratulate the young Seaman in the distinguished honour.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A DESERTER

Richard Edwards, a pioneer belonging to the Royal Engineers, appeared on a charge of having been a deserter from a Special Gas Company of the R.E., France, since November 6th, 1917. He pleaded guilty.

The Chief Constable said this man belonged to Berwick, and was here on leave from the Front on October. He failed to rejoin his unit at the expiry of his leave on 6th November, and there had been enquiries made about him on two occasions by the Military Authorities. It became known on Sunday morning that he was in the town, he having arrived from Middlesborough, where he had been working, and on his person, when arrested, was found a return ticket to that place. Sergeant Wilson and P.C. Lindsay went to his house at Church Road. The Sergeant went to the front door and knocked, and Lindsay was sent round to the back to prevent the man escaping. As their Worships would hear, Lindsay arrested the man as he was trying to escape over a wall at the rear of the house. The wife of accused denied to the police that he was in the house, and later said it was not likely she was going to give her husband away.

Sergt. Wilson, giving evidence, said he knocked on the door of Edwards’ house in Church Road, and the wife answered, saying she would open after putting on her clothes. After two or three minutes and on hearing a noise as if the man was preparing to make his escape by the back door, Lindsay went round to the back door. Mrs Edwards then opened the door and denied that her husband was in the house. At that time witness heard Lindsay shout, and on going round found that he had got Edwards.

P.C. Lindsay corroborated, and stated that he arrested accused as he was coming over a six foot wall. Accused admitted being a deserter, and said he was glad it was all over.

The Bench remanded accused in custody pending the handing over to the military.

 

 

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