Wedding

This Week in World War One, 25 January 1918

08/03/201826/01/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 JANUARY 1918

War News

MILITARY CROSS FOR K.O.S.B. OFFICER

Second Lieutenant A. McCall

Second Lieutenant A. McCall, K.O.S.B. who was wounded on 31st July, near Ypres, and subsequently died in hospital in France, was awarded the Military Cross. The following is the official account of the act of gallantry for which the decoration was awarded:-

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the other officers of his company had become casualties, he took command and led them with the greatest gallantry and skill during the severe fighting which ensued, returning after the capture of each strong point and collecting more men, whom he led forward. While doing this gallant work, he fell severely wounded in the head, having materially assisted in the capture of the position.

Lieut. McCall was the elder son of Hon. Sheriff-Substitute M. McCall, British Linen Bank House. He obtained his commission in the K.O.S.B., in June, 1916, and went to France in April of last year.

The Military Cross was recently presented to Sheriff Mccall, as next-of-kin to the late Lieut, MCCall, by Colonel Maclaren of the K.O.S.B., at Berwick.

NEW REPORTED PRISONER

Private W. J. Dalgleish

The anxiously awaited news reached Mrs Dalgleish, West End, Tweedmouth, last Thursday that her husband, Private Wm. Joseph Dalglesih, N.F., who was reported in December to have been missing since 26th October, is now stated to be a prisoner of war in Germany. Private Dalgleish joined up at Alnwick on 16th June, 1915, and proceeded in to France in Nov. 1916. We trust that he will return safe and well to his native town, when the war is over.

LOCAL NEWS

Large queues outside the grocers’ shops were distressing sight in Berwick on Saturday. A drenching rain was falling during the greater part of the day and the miserable conditions were intensified by the unfortunate people having to stand ankle deep in snow slush. So bad were the conditions that in two instances women through exposure and excitement fainted and had to receive attention.

Berwick Advertiser 25 Jan 1918 Advert Food Control

Fair supplies of bacon were to be had in some of the shops while margarine which had been scarce commodity during the greater part of the day, was in better supply in the evening, a consignment having arrived late in the afternoon. It is to be sincerely hoped that sights like that of Saturday will never again be allowed to take place, and they could be prevented if a system of equal rationing, not only of butter, margarine, bacon, tea and cheese, but of butcher meat, was immediately introduced. The situation demands immediate and drastic action, but it should not be out with the power of the local Food Control Committee to grapple with the problem quickly and effectively.

Former pupils of the Berwick Grammar School will be pleased to know that Mr Jones (who acted as a modern language master from 1907 to 1913) is still in the pink after two years’ service with the Royal Engineers in France. Mr J. N. Peace, B.A., junior master, is still on active service and feeling fit. We are sure that the “Old Boy’s” will wish them both continued good luck. No less than fifty copies of the School Magazine were sent by the pupils to former pupils at the front last year.

The sudden thaw after the phenomenal spell of frost has produced a scene on the River Tweed which has not been equalled for many years. Ice and snow piles which had gathered on the floes were on the evening tide of Sunday night, being swept to sea by the swollen stream, in considerable quantities. On Monday forenoon the sight presented to the onlooker was not likely soon to be forgotten, and more closely resembled an arctic scene than anything else. As far as the eye could reach a mixture of pack ice, snow and tree trunks was spread over the surface of the river.

(c) Berwick Record Office. Children sledging, River Tweed in the background.

About ten thirty, fishermen on the Quay observed a large tree root being carried down to the sea. Running backwards and forwards and evidently alarmed at their plight two rabbits were seen. The poor creatures had evidently been foraging for food on the tree trunk when it broke away further up the river. The state of the river made it impossible for boatmen to attempt then capture and it is possible that the luckless bunnies would meet a sailor’s end in the choppy waters at the harbour mouth. At the mouth of the river the ice pack presented an almost unparalleled sight when meeting with the breakers rolling over the bar. As each succeeding sea rolling in it met the ever increasing volume of ice and water and an almost straight wall of water was set up, just as one party remarked “like the Red Sea when the Israelites passed through.” The grinding and crashing of the ice was heard for a considerable way from the riverside.

A very pretty and quiet wedding took place in Wallace Green Church on Monday 21st inst the contracting parties being Sergt J. R. Young, R. F. C., eldest son of Mr and Mrs George Young, Christon Bank, and Mary eldest daughter of James MacNab, J. P. and Mrs Macnab, Station House, Tweedmouth. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. J. Macaskill, M. A., minister. The bride was given away by her father and had her sister Miss L. MacNab and Miss Young for maids.

St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Bill Henderson, Creative Commons Licence.

The groomsmen were Cpl C. Johnstone N.H., cousin of bridegroom, just home from France the same morning, who has twice been taken prisoner by the Germans, and Mr Williams of North Shields. The bride was dressed in grey Gaba dine trimmed with mole stole and hat to match, the maids wore mole coloured coat frocks and black silk hats. The happy couple left for Retford by 6.40pm Express, where Sergt Young is at present stationed he having been sent back to this country for duty after nearly three years in France. Another brother of Sergt Young is in Italy also in the R.F.C. Both families have given of their best for our Country’s cause. The bride’s travelling dress was of navy blue. At the close of the wedding a reception was held at the home of the bride’s father.

This Week in World War One, 21 October 1916

08/03/201821/10/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21 OCTOBER 1916

HOLY ISLAND

Friends familiar with Holy Island are often struck with the fact of the longivity of the natives, but it is rare even in this parish to meet with a couple who can celebrate their “diamond wedding.” Such, however, is the case of John Stevenson, who married Alice Watson on October 11^th, 1856. A conversation with this old couple reveals many interesting incidents of local history. Born at Holy Island on June 27^th, 1830, John Stevenson has lived during the reigns of four sovereigns and five vicars; he can recall a visit to Wooler Fair at the age of 8 years, where he saw the stage coach change horses for Edinburgh; whilst some years afterwards he helped in the transformation of modern life by preparing the railway line to Berwick, the wages being 9s per week.

At this time the line was laid as far as Belford. Though a great part of his life was spent fishing he had a varied career, including a month spent on a man-of-war during the Russian War. For 39 years he acted as Church verger and gravedigger, but gave up this work in 1909 owing to advancing age. Mrs Stevenson was born at Felkington in May, 1834, so that there will probably be very few indeed who can remember her as Alice Watson. It is said that this interesting couple was the last but one to be married at Lamberton Toll. Both Mr and Mrs Stevenson are enjoying remarkably good health considering their advanced ages, and all who knew them will rejoice to know they are spending their declining years on Lindisfarne – the “Isle of Rest.”

THE TERRITORAL FORCE ASSOCIATION

COL. SIR R. WALDIE GRIFFITH has sent the following for communication to the Press: – The Territorial Force Associations of Roxburgh, Berwick, and Selkirkshires have been again approached as to the possibility of raising a Volunteer Corps in their Area, and it is considered advisable to explain the conditions and duties to be undertaken on enrolment.

The Volunteer Battalion will be formed under the same conditions of service as the former Battalions of the above mentioned Counties, but there will be no allowance for uniform. Drill etc., will be carried on as was done by the Volunteers of the Border Counties in civilian clothes, but, as Field Marshal Lord French foreshadowed in a speech the other day, arms and equipment may be supplied free but, as this will cost a great deal, it could only be given to men who would give some guarantee of continuing their services till the end of the War. Men, however, who do not feel they can give this guarantee, should enrol for such service as they can render. 200 sets of equipment are already promised to approved Corps by Royal Letter.

Men Suitable for Enrolment.

The men suitable for enrolment are:-

Men over 17 years of age.
Men declared medically unfit for Military service, but fit for ordinary work.
National Reservists fit for Home Service.
Men exempted by the Tribunals from service in the Army.

Duties of Enrolled Volunteers.

The duty of enrolled Volunteers will be to perfect themselves as far as possible in Drill, Rifle Shooting, and other Military duties during the Winter months in Public Halls, etc., Miniature Rifle Shooting, Squad Drill, Rifle Exercises, etc. lectures will also be given on Drill, Discipline, Trench Fighting, and all Military subjects.

LOCAL NEWS

A Runaway Horse. – About 8.30 on Wednesday morning, while Gordon McLean, hawker, was driving a pony and float down Sandgate to the quay the animal got restive and bolted. McLean was unable to pull up. A man named Moses Davidson, who jumped from the vehicle was slightly injured. McLean also leaped off and received some injuries. The front of the trap was knocked clean out by the horse rearing and kicking. The animal was fortunately stopped before it reached the edge of the quay.

Two Germans Escape from Scottish Camp. – Two German prisoners escaped on Wednesday forenoon from a camp in Peeblesshire. One is about 30 years of age, and the other slightly older. Both are men of about five feet six inches. One is clean shaven, and the other has a short beard. They were dressed alike in grey corduroy suits, with blue patches on the back and similar patches on the trousers; may have grey overcoats, or may be in naval uniform. Both men speak a little English with a German accent.

Motor Transport Collides. – On Thursday morning, while Norris Townend, residing at 12 South Moor, Halifax, was driving a motor transport in Bridge Street, Berwick, the wheel side slipped while taking the corner of Hide Hill. The vehicle came into violent contact with the door of Mr Prentice, seed merchant’s office, doing considerable damage to the stone work. The waggon was a heavy vehicle belonging to Messrs Alder and Mackay, Edinburgh, and it was also slightly damaged.

BRO 0426-355 Hide Hill, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Tweedmouth Young Mens’ Bible Class. – A memorial service for fallen comrades was held in the Kiln Hill Hall on Sunday last. There were present – Rev. M. Thompson, Rev. R. Leggat, Major McGill, Mr John peacock, Mr A. Martin, Mr and Mrs Anderson, Mr Robert Sidey, and a large gathering of members and friends. The Sheriff presided. After the opening hymn and scripture lesson, and whilst the congregation stood, the Secretary read the roll of members who have answered the call of King and Country and are still serving, numbering 112; also the roll of comrades who have fallen in battle numbering 21. Major McGill gave a most appropriate address to the lads, and Mr Peacock most feelingly addressed those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, while Mr John Moor of the Y.M.C.A. Huts, rendered that beautiful solo “Shadows.” The singing of the Glory Song brought a most solemn and yet inspiring meeting to a close.

NORHAM

Local lady’s Fine Work in France. – On account of her splendid work amongst our men at the front, both at the base and up the lines, Miss Katherine Vincent, the eminent Newcastle singer, wife of Dr Paxton, of Norham, presently a surgeon with the fleet has been asked to prolong her stay in France for the duration of the war. In eleven weeks Miss Vincent has organised the given, with her two lady friends, Miss Marguerite Godfry, of Stroud, and Miss Mollie Eadie, of Glasgow, more than 100 concerts acting in the capacity of singer, violinist, and pianist.

This Week in World War One, 5 May 1916

08/03/201806/05/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 MAY 1916

BERWICK BOUNDS RIDING

Quiet Ceremony

For the 308^th time the customary riding of Berwick Bounds took place on Monday. Few gentlemen made the round of the marches by conveyance, but there was again a fair proportion of equestrians, the number only being one short from that of last year. At twelve o’clock the procession led off from the parade, where a large concourse of spectators had assembled to witness the gathering, by way of Cowport Gate to the Magdalene Field and Jingling Bridge, when they struck the main road. The conveyances followed the usual route by way of Church Street, High Street, Castlegate, and North Road. Arriving at Whitadder Bridge the company were provided with a liberal refreshment, and the usual ceremonies were gone through. The company arrived back during the afternoon, and a halt being called in front of the Town Hall, the mayor briefly returned his thanks to all who had completed the circuit.

The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge - © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018. — The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge – © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018.

The horsemen were as follows:- Mr John Cameron, Vetinary Surgeon, Berwick; Mr R. Buchannan, Berwick; Master Moffat, West Edge; Capt. J. C. Collingwood and Miss Collingwood.

There also rode in the conveyances – His Worship the Mayor (Ald. J. W. Plenderleith), Sheriff Matthew Ross, Councillor Thos. Wilson, Mr Jas. Gibson, Acting Town Clerk; and Mr Johnston, Sergeant-at-Mace- first carriage. Ald. Maclagan, Mr H. W. Willits, Councillor Brewis, Councillor W. J. Dixon, Chief Constable Nicholson, Councillor F. Richardson, Councillor W. Richardson, Ald. H. Greenwood, and Mr Blaikie, jun., acting Sergeant-at-Mace – second carriage. Mr Robert Jeffrey and Private Albert Richardson – third carriage. Five cyclists also started out upon the round.

This year it was agreed that owing to the exceptional period of national stress through which we are passing, the no Bounds Dinner be held. It need not, however, be inferred that the absence of the customary spread had anything at all to do with the small attendance present.

OFFICER AND PRIVATE

BADLY INJURED BY GRENADE AT BELFORD

A most unfortunate and serious accident took place at Belford in the early hours of Tuesday evening in which a Lieutenant and a Private of the Northern Cyclists quartered in the district were involved. It appears that the officer was in charge of a small section a little way out of the village and was instructing the men in the art of grenade throwing. In the meantime, it is inadvisable to record how the unfortunate event occurred, but we may state that for some accidental reason a grenade exploded near to the Private and the Lieutenant, both of whom sustained wounds of an extensive and serious character. They were removed with all speed to Alnwick Infirmary, where, up to the time of writing, the lie in a rather critical condition. The sad occurrence cast quite a gloom over the village, where both the unfortunate men were well known. The hope is freely expressed on all hands that science may be able to alleviate their sever suffering.

LOCAL NEWS

Accident to a Well Known Butcher – The many friends of Mr Shiel Dods butcher, Berwick, will learn with regret that he met with a nasty accident on Monday morning at his slaughter house, Tweedmouth. He had been dispatching and weighing sheep for the London market, when in turning to leave his foot slipped, and he was brought to the ground with a nasty jerk. It was thought at first that he had broken his leg, but on being examined by Dr C. L. Fraser, it was discovered that the sinew of his right leg had been snapped. He was removed home to his residence in High Street. It is understood while the injury to Mr Dods is not of a serious character, it has been decided to remove him to the Infirmary, where a slight operation will be performed. A specialist may be called in to assist.

A recent photograph showing Berwick Infirmary. © Rod Allday, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

Ambulance Aid in time Emergency – Our readers will probably be interested and gratified to learn that arrangements have been made for coping with any circumstances which require ambulance assistance in times of emergency during the war. In consequence of a recent meeting held between representatives of the Infirmary, the Chief Constable, and officials of the two local ambulance organisations, and subsequently with the Chief Scout Master, the following arrangements have been made. By courtesy of the parties interested three stations will be available: (1) for Berwick, “The Infirmary, “ (2) for Tweedmouth, “The Mitchell Memorial Hall” in Kiln Hill and (3) for Spittal. “The Police Station” at Spittal. As soon as occasion arises, and if sufficient warning be given, a staff of ambulance workers will immediately proceed to each of these stations, and boy scouts will, also, be detailed to each station to act as messengers and orderlies. Steps have been taken to furnish each station with the necessary appliances, and it is hoped by these means that, in the unhappy event of first aid being required, ample assistance will be forthcoming.

WEDDING BELLS IN WAR TIME

Pretty Ceremony at Ford

On Tuesday, May 2^nd, at Ford Parish Church, Northumberland, the marriage took place of the Rev. T. J. Parry, temporary chaplain at the Front, second son of Mr James Parry of Halesworth, Suffolk, and Miss Betty Neligan, eldest daughter of the Right Rev. Bishop Neligan, D.D., and Mrs Neligan of Ford Rectory, Northumberland.

The ceremony was performed by Bishop Neligan, the father of the bride, and was choral. The Church was most tastefully decorated with flowers, kindly given by Lord Joicey, from the gardens of Ford Castle.

The bride who walked up the aisle on the arm of her brother, Cadet M. D. M. Neligan, R.N., was given away by her mother, who wore a pale grey dress of liberty silk and chiffon and a black hat.

The bride was charmingly dressed in a white liberty crepe de chine gown with a simple train and tulle veil, and carried a beautiful bouquet of white flowers. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Helen Neligan (sister) and Miss Joan Ackland (cousin), whose pretty dresses were shell pink liberty crepe de chine with black picture hats and wreaths of forget-me-nots. They carried lovely bouquets of pink carnations and silver chain bags, the gift of the bridegroom.

The best man was Captain Parry, D.S.O., 4^th Suffolk Regiment, brother of the bridegroom. Both he and his brother were in service khaki uniforms.

The charming bouquets were made by Mr Jackson, head gardener of Ford Castle.

Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal estate. © N T Stobbs - Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license. — Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal Estate. © N T Stobbs – Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

The Church was filled with friends and parishioners, including Lord Joicey, the Hon. Marguerite Joicey, and Mrs Macray, grandmother of the bride. All the friends assembled at the Rectory afterwards, when a presentation was made by Lord Joicey and Mr Gray, on behalf of the parishioners of Ford Parish of a very handsome pair of tall silver candlesticks. The presents included many handsome cheques.

The happy couple left later in a motor for St. Mary’s Loch, where the short honeymoon will be spent before the bridegroom returns to the Front. The bride’s going away dress was a dark blue gabardine coat and skirt with pale chiffon blouse and black straw hat with pale blue flowers.

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