This Week in World War One, 12 July 1918

13/07/2018 by Northumberland Archives

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.

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, 14 June 1918

15/06/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14 JUNE 1918

WAR NEWS

PRIVATE PETER WAITE A PRISONER

We are glad to hear that news has come to hand that Private Peter Waite, nephew of Councillor Robson, Duns, reported missing since 11th April, is now a prisoner of war in Germany. This soldier who was only 19 five days before the above date was serving his apprenticeship as a draper with his uncle, and was called to the army in June last, when he was first of all in the H.L.I., and afterwards transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He spent a few days’ leave in Berwick-on-Tweed and Duns before crossing to France on 30th March. His grandmother, Mrs Robson, resides in Berwick, and his mother is presently serving with Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps in the South of England. Private Waite’s elder brother was killed in action in France about eighteen months ago.

LOWICK

We regret to announce that Mr. G. Trotter of Beal Farm, Beal, has received word that his son, Private R. J. Trotter, whose photo we produce, has been wounded in the left leg and right shoulder, and is now recovering from his wounds in West Didsbury Military Hospital. Private R. Trotter joined a Training Reserve in January, 1917 and went to France in July, 1917. After having been there about a month he developed an attack of bronchial pneumonia and was sent over to Edmonton War Hospital, London, in August. After having recovered and received more training, he was again sent to France, this time with the West Yorks in January, 1918, and while out there was transferred to another Battalion and remained with them until wounded on May 27th, 1918. Private Trotter, being of a very quiet disposition, was respected and liked by all his chums. Prior to enlistment he was employed as a farm servant on the farm of Mr Davidson, Beal.

TWEEDMOUTH

Mr and Mrs Gray, Seton House, West End, Tweedmouth, have received a letter from their son-in-law, L. Cpl. E. Pilmer, informing them of the death of their eldest son, Signaller Jas. Gray, N.F. he states that he was killed by a sniper. His brother-in-law was with him when he was killed. Signaller Gray joined up over three years ago, and after doing some months’ training in this country he was drafted out to France. He had been there for over two years, and had been home once on leave during that time. He was of a very quiet disposition, and one who was highly respected by all whom he came in contact with. His younger brother, George, was killed in France over two and a half years ago. Previous to enlisting he was employed as a gardener, having served his apprenticeship with Mr Anderson, East Ord. We extend to Mr and Mrs Gray and family our deepest sympathy in this sad bereavement that has befallen them.

SCREMERSTON

The news was received in Scremerston by his relatives that Sergt. Wm. Mowitt, Duke of Wellingtons, has been gassed and sent to the Base Hospital. Sergeant Mowitt, who resides at Deputy Row, has been once wounded before and before joining up worked at Scremerston Colliery as a weighman. His sister is a teacher at Scremerston School.

LOCAL NEWS

About a dozen signallers of the Northern Cyclists, under the command of Lieut. Meek, attended morning service at Scremerston Church on Sunday last. The service was taken by Mr Peacock, Diocesan lay reader, in the absence of the Vicar, who is again under medical treatment in the hands of Dr Chas. Fraser.

British cyclists passing through the ruined village of Brie, Somme, France. © Ernest Brooks. This is photograph Q 1868 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums. Crown copyright expired.

Captain D. R. Herriot, Northumberland Fusiliers, the youngest of the three sons serving of Mr David Herriot, Sanson Seal, who has been in hospital suffering from slight gunshot wound in the jaw, is progressing favourably, though not yet out of hospital. He was educated at Cargilfield, Fetes, and Cains College, Cambridge, and is still an undergraduate and mathematical scholar of Cains. He distinguished himself highly both in the class room and cricket field at School and college, and at the commencement of war got his commission in “The Fighting Fifth,” and was wound in the second battle of Ypres in April, 1915.

Fettes College, Edinburgh, where Captain D. R. Herriot, received part of his education. © Author: Stephen C. Dickson. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

At a quiet family gathering on June 1st the golden wedding of Mr and Mrs Joseph Redfearn, Parade, Berwick, was celebrated. Fifty years ago in the Parish Church, the couple were united in matrimony by the Vicar (Mr Rowe), and there have been eleven of a family, seven of whom survive. Prior to her marriage, Mrs Redfearn was a Miss Margaret Yeaman. Mr Redfearn was by occupation a cabinetmaker, and worked with Mr Patterson, who at one time had businesses in Bridge Street and Hide Hill. A piccolo player of repute, he was one of the original members of the now defunct Mechanics Band, and he also was a member of the old Berwick Volunteer Artillery Band. Mr Redfearn joined the Artillery in 1860, and took part in many big gun and carbine shoots. He was the first member of the Volunteers to win the Commercial Travellers’ Cup, and he has also a treasured possession, a gold scarf pin, presented by the father of the late Duke of Northumberland, for big gun shooting. We trust Mr and Mrs Redfearn will be spared to spend many more years of happy married life.

HORNCLIFFE

A correspondent informs us that even the birds of the air are becoming a little exasperated with the food restrictions. At Horncliffe, or at least about half a mile above the village, up stream, he witnessed a short engagement between a crow and a big seagull over a small piece of war bread which some angler had let fall by the riverside. The crow had found the prize first and was pecking vigorously at the indigestible stuff when the seagull which was circling over a neighbouring cliff observed that there was something going past him. He immediately swooped down on the crow which showed a reluctance to leave its legitimate find, crouching back over the disputes piece of bread with outspread wings and open beak. The seagull continued to set up a most appalling noise, screaming and turning just over head, and evidently this proved too much for the nerves of the crow, which ultimately evacuated the position before the superior strength of the enemy. We must say, it has been reported to us from other sources, chiefly at the seaside, that gulls are becoming very quarrelsome amongst themselves in the last year or so, whenever food is thrown to them.

This Week in World War One, 17 May 1918

18/05/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17 MAY 1918

War News

BERWICK MAN AWARDED M.M.

Another hero has to be added to the already large list of Berwickers who have performed deeds of valour during the present war. Mrs Dunlop, 47 West Street, Berwick, has received intimation that her husband, Private William Dunlop, K.O.S.B., has been awarded the Military medal, along with a parchment certificate which reads as follows :- “28831 Private Wm. Dunlop, K.O.S. Borderers.

The Military Medal, awarded to Private William Dunlop, K.O.S.B., from Berwick

I have read with much pleasure the report of your Regimental Commander and Brigade Commander regarding your gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on the 11th April, 1918, near Neuf Berquin, and have ordered your name and deed to be entered in the record of the – Division – D.E. Cayley, Major-General Commanding.

Private Dunlop was called up as a Reservist and served with the Division at the Retreat of Mons. He was wounded in 1915, and was invalided to this country, and after convalescence he did garrison duty at Inohkeith, Inchgarvie, Kirkcaldy and Leith. Returning to Duddingston Camp he was then passed “A1” and proceeding with a draft of the K.O.S.B.’s to France he joined the – th Division, to which he is still attached. This Division has been seen much heavy fighting, having been at the Gallipoli, 1915-16. At the evacuation of the Peninsula they came to France, and were present at the Somme 1916-17, Arras, 1917, Ypres, 1917, Cambrai 1917.

Private Dunlop was home time expired at the beginning of the present year on a month’s furlough. We heartily congratulate him on the distinction he has won. He was for some time working at Scremerston Colliery, and thereafter was a salmon fisher with Berwick Salmon Coy. He is a son of Mr Andrew Dunlop, Church St., Berwick.

BELFORD OFFICER WINS MILITARY CROSS

It was quite a pleasure to us to learn some little time ago that Second Lieutenant Wm. Hall, eldest surviving son of Mr and Mrs Richard Hall, High Street, Belford, had been awarded the Military Cross. We would at once have recorded the fact but were forbidden. It has, however, now appeared in a military journal and the words culled from it are as follows: – “He dis-great courage in hand to hand fighting in an attack, personally killing many of the enemy, and led his platoon to their objective. Throughout many hours fighting he rendered his battalion valuable service.” Personally we are proud to know the gallant Lieutenant, and heartily congratulate him. Lieut. Hall has lost two brothers in France, and that fact is sufficient to fire any fellow with the spirit of a man in him to lay out as many Huns as he possibly can whenever an opportunity presents itself. Some time ago he was sent to Italy, and is still there. We hope he is safe and well, and may continue to be till the Central Powers are beaten.

Lieut N. S. Craig’s Gallantry

STIRRING STORY OF BRAVERY IN FACE OF THE ENEMY

Some weeks ago it gave us pleasure to record the award of the Military Cross to Second-Lieut. N.S. Craig, Royal Scots, son of Mr N.M. Craig chemist, Berwick, and the official account of the action which earned the decoration now published brings to light a story of true British pluck and daring.

The following is the official record:-

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a counter-attack. When ordered to gain touch with the unit on his right, he led his men forward over the open in daylight under intense machine gun fire, and occupied the ground immediately in rear of the original outpost position. He then went forward alone in full view of the enemy, reconnoitered the position, and found that it was not occupied by the enemy. He returned, and moving about in the open still under heavy fire, established his men in good positions. Later, when ordered to withdraw, he sent his men back in small parties, and was himself the last to leave. He rendered most valuable service in clearing up the situation. Throughout the whole operation he showed great coolness under fire, and by his courage and contempt of danger, set a magnificent example to his men.

Second Lieutenant Craig has now been allowed leave to continue his medical studies at Edinburgh University, and his many friends will, we are sure, wish him many years of life to wear his coveted distinction.

THE CROIX DE GUERRE FOR A WOOLER LAD

Mr and Mrs Brodie of Ramsay’s Lane, Wooler, have had a further communication from their son Sergeant Marcus Brodie that he is to obtain the above French decoration for conspicuous gallantry displayed at the battle of Cambria. It appears that when the British were being pressed back Sergt. Brodie gathered a handful of men together and held the enemy in check for ten hours until assistance arrived. The Croix de Guerre is somewhat similar to our Victoria Cross and serves certain privileges with it. We heartily congratulate Marcus on his well-earned honour and hope to see him back amongst us at no distant date wearing his highly prized and coveted decoration.

MEAT COUPONS VALUE INCREASED

As from May 12 and until further notice the meat coupon will be available for the purchase of 6d worth of butcher’s meat instead of 5d worth as hitherto.

Up to May 5th the public were able by using their coupons on their meat cards to obtain 1s 3d worth of butcher’s meat weekly. On May 5th this quantity was reduced to 10d worth by the reduction of the number of coupons that might be used for buying butcher’s meat from three to two. The present concession, by enabling the public to buy 1s worth of butcher’s meat weekly, compensates in part for the reduction of the number of coupons that may be used for that purpose.

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