World War One

This Week in World War One, 17 November 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17 NOVEMBER 1916

 

LOWICK’S HEAVY TOLL

 

The inhabitants of Lowick and the near vicinity have reason to remember these last two months, because the horrors of the great war has never been brought so closely, when five of its gallant young lads have since September, paid the extreme sacrifice by giving their lives in the great struggle for existence. Although they did not reside in the village, their homes were so near that a great deal of their leisured time was spent in it. They all had most of their schooling in the village schools, and it seems but yesterday since we remember them playing in the streets. We have watched them grow from youth to manhood, and also when they went forth at the call of duty, loyal to the core, and thoroughly determined to assist the motherland to conquer and defeat the treacherous enemy who has steeped Europe in blood. In the days to come Lowick will be proud of her heroes and proud of the noble sacrifices they have made. Today there is nothing but sorrow and anguish, and the sympathy of the whole village and district, where they were so well known, goes out to the bereaved parents.

BRO 1550-017 Lowick War Memorial
BRO 1550-017 Lowick War Memorial

 

Lance Corporal G. Stothart, son of Mr T. Stothart, Hetton Lime Works farm was the first to fall, and following closely on the fateful 15th September, private R. Foster, son of Mr R. Forster, Commercial Hotel, Lowick, and then Private James Fairbairn paid the toll. The photos and careers of these lads have already appeared in the “Advertiser,” and its it with great regret we publish this week the photos of Private T. Young and Lance Corporal W. C. Milburn, who fill soldiers’ graves.

 

COMPLAINT AGAINST GREEDY FARMERS

 

Glendale,

November 14th, 1916

 

Sir, – I trust you will permit me a little space in your valuable paper, in order to bring to the notice of the public at large, the mean manner some farmers in the neighbourhood of Wooler are treating their men of eligible age for the Army. As is well known, when any man is engaged to a farmer for the ensuing year, the wage agreed upon is partly made up with extras, for instances- so many potatoes, corn, etc., and it is the custom, when the potatoes are lifted, for the man to receive the quantity agreed upon at once.

Glendale Area, Northumberland-john-box

Glendale Area, Northumberland (c) John Box

Instead of doing that, these farmers in the case of those military age, are keeping back several bags of potatoes in case they lose their services in January. This, sir, is what only can be termed “the limit of meanness, “ and have these same farmers lost anything by the war? Most emphatically – No! Rather they have gained, judging by all appearances. These few farmers, and we may be thankful that upon the whole they are in the minority, if they have a spark of decency left, will surely act in a sportsman-like manner and give their men their due at once. A few bags of potatoes surely won’t ruin these farmers, but it does mean a lot to the working man who has a hard struggle to make ends meet, especially in these times.

I am, yours etc.,

FAIRPLAY.

LOCAL NEWS

 

Russia’s Day – A handsomely carved mahogany, gilt, and enamelled bed plate is on exhibition in the window of Mr R. Robertson, guilder, etc., Hide Hill, Berwick. It is intended that this handsome plate, which symbolises the Borough seal and arms, and contains on a scroll a suitable inscription in Russian, should be affixed to the Berwick bed, which was gifted to Petrograd Hospital as a result of Russia’s Day collections in Berwick on April 15th, 1916. The plate bears the following inscription in Russian, “The gift of Berwick on Tweed to Petrograd.” The medallion plate was carved and decorated at the expense of the Committee of Berwick European War Relief Fund.

Efficacy of the “Berwick Advertiser.” – Just the other week the “Advertiser” was the means of bringing two local soldiers together in a ward at Wharncliffe Military Hospital, Sheffield. A Berwick lad had just finished reading his weekly copy when a cheery North country voice hailed him. The paper had caught the eye of a Scremerston lad, also an inmate of the Hospital, and with the readiness of the “Tommy” a friendship was soon set up. Not only, however, in the hospital and training camp can the “Advertiser” be found, but out in France within sound of the guns it is passed round amongst Border men as a general and personal message from home.

Interesting Connection with Berwick. – A paragraph which appears in a Newcastle daily paper this week, recalls an interesting connection with the ancient Border town. The paragraph alluded to refers to the destruction of illicit distilleries a hundred years ago, and is as follows: – On Saturday all the illegal distilleries on the islands in Loch Lomond were destroyed by the boats and crews of the Prince of Wales revenue cutter, and the new revenue boat stations at Luss. These distilleries have been wrought for years back and have employed above a hundred persons. It should be mentioned that Captain John Turner Curry was in command of the Prince of Wales revenue cutter referred to, and that he was a freeman and native of Berwick. It was he who built the house on the ramparts known as the Lions, and which is such a familiar edifice when viewed from the meadows or cliffs.

Mayor’s Sunday – Following the time honoured custom, the Mayor (Ald. J. W. Plenderleith) and the Sheriff (Mr Matthew Ross) attended divine service in the Holy Trinity Church, Berwick, on Sunday. There was a fair attendance of Aldermen, Councillors, officials and prominent townsmen present at the Town Hall, and at ten fifteen the gathering, headed by the Sergeants-at-Mace, marched in procession to the place of worship.

Berwick Parish Church (c) John Box
Berwick Parish Church (c) John Box

 

A large and representative congregation was present in the church, and listened to a most able and instructive address by the Vicar of Berwick (Rev. R. W. de la Hey). Seventeen pupils from the Boys’ National School were present and answered the customary questions from the Catechism. The boys examined in their knowledge were Andrew Fife, John Hay, Robert Henderson, George Henderson, Robert Jamieson, Peter Jameison, John Kerr, James Leitch, Wm. McCallum, Duncan McCallum, Wilfred Patterson, William Piercy, Edward Rutherford, John Scott, William Skelly, Frank Stothart and Geo. Swinbank. After the service the company returned to the Town Hall, when the Mayor in a few well-chosen words, thanked all for the pleasure of their company.

This Week in World War One, 21 October 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

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 11th, 1856. A conversation with this old couple reveals many interesting incidents of local history. Born at Holy Island on June 27th, 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.

BRO 0017-4B-5 Holy Island Church
BRO 0017-4B-5 Holy Island Church

 

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.

Volunteer Training Corps Uniform
Volunteer Training Corps Uniform

 

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
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, 6 October 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 OCTOBER 1916

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

A Naval Offender – Edward Hay, leading seaman, H.M. motor launch, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Church Street. He admitted that he was only drunk. P.C. Spiers said the offence took place at eleven o’clock. Prisoner said he had no ship and no home to go home to, and began to get abusive. – Sergeant Wilson corroborated. – Captain Norman said the whole world owed much to the noble service accused belonged to, and he hoped it would be a warning to him not to come there again.

Drunk and Disorderly – Catherine Lovelle, Berwick, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. She said she had been left a widow 18 months ago, had never applied to the Guardians for relief, and if she had made a mistake she had suffered for it. The Chief Constable said there were 15 previous convictions. These commenced in 1885, but she had not been before the Court since 8th January, 1913. Fined 5s or seven days, and a fortnight allowed to pay.

William Wood, temperance hotel keeper, High Street, was charged with having failed to obscure his window lights on the 26th Sept. He pleaded not guilty. Sergt. McRobb gave evidence as to the offence. The lights came from the back premises and witness was accompanied by P.C. Spiers. It was a white-washed yard, and the light shone very bright. When defendant’s attention was called to the matter he would not listen to the witness, remarking that he could prove different. The lights were reduced before defendant came out.

BRO 1250-93 WOOD'S HOTEL, 1959
BRO 1250-93 WOOD’S HOTEL, 1959

 

– Defendant repudiated this, saying he could prove differently. – P.C. Spiers corroborated, and said one window had no blind at all. – Defendant, addressing the Bench, said that the offence had been very much exaggerated. – The Chief Constable said that the defendant had been already admonished. He had no desire to be vindictive and he admitted Mr Wood might have a difficulty in superintending his lights in such a business as he was engaged. – Capt. Norman said defendant had no exercised the care he should have, and he would be fined 25s. Defendant explained that on one occasion the offence complained of was caused by a gentleman who was undressing and going to bed. The gentleman had opened the window, causing the blind to flutter. – The Chief Constable said in such a case the gentleman complained of would be summoned.

 

RAILWAY CARRIAGES

 

Mr Smith referred to how strictly we were watched at home and abroad in regard to lights shown a night while all the time at night the railway carriages came along showing quite a glare from the door window. It was absurd for the railway company to order blinds down while having the centre window without any blinds. If any passenger did not shut down the side blinds they were liable to a fine, and yet there were only two-thirds blinded and one third of the carriage a blaze, as that part was opposite the lamps. He thought it ridiculous that the public should be put under these regulations so well enforced on the streets and respecting their houses, and yet these express rains from Edinburgh a blaze of light passing their homes. The whole country was illuminated by the light from trains. It was a shame and disgrace that these rains should go up and down the country in these times so brilliant.

The Chairman – You cannot expect much consistency in Government regulations.

Mr Smith urged the sending of a petition against the bright lights on trains.

Mr Westgarth felt, as did also the Chairman that as good a purpose would be served by the matter being ventilated through the Press. The matter then dropped and his concluded the business.

CHESWICK

 

The children of the above school subscribe, four shillings and seven pence towards the

Jack-Cornwell-VC-aged-16-was-fatally-wounded-by-shrapnel-aboard-HMS-Chester
Jack-Cornwell-VC-aged-16-was-fatally-wounded-by-shrapnel-aboard-HMS-Chester

“Jack Cornwell Memorial” on Thursday, September 21st, 1916. I will be remembered the

boy, Jack Cornwell was in the Battle of Jutland, and though losing his life, his heroism will be long remembered. Collections have also been made by the scholars for the National Sailors’ Society, 34 Prince Street, Bristol, a society doing useful work for our sailors. The names of those who volunteered for collecting cards are as follows:- Robert Glahome, Cheswick Farm, 10s; James McLeod, Oxford, 16s 6d; Elizabeth Wedderburn, Goswick Station, 5s 3d; James R. Ferry, Sandbanks, 8s 8d; Robert Johnson, Sandbanks, 5s 3d; James Black, Berryburn, 11s 3d; Joseph White, New Haggerston Smithy, 6s; John Henderson, Cheswick Farm, 6s; Joan Grahamslaw, Windmill Hill Farm, 5; John Turner, Berryburn, 14s; Jane Jackson, Windmill Hill Farm, 5s 3d. The total amount collected, £4 13s 2d, has been duly forwarded to the Secretary.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The Playhouse. – The  great attraction at the Playhouse this weekend is the exhibition of the great official war film, “The Battle of the Somme,” which the Playhouse management somme-film-adhave secured at great cost. “The Battle of the Somme” is the greatest moving picture in the world, the greatest that has ever been produced. Where ever it is shown it should make an end in the minds of men to the pretentions of pompous princes who have long claimed the right as the “All Highest” to doom their fellow creatures to suffering and destruction for the gratification of their mad ambitions. It is impossible to believe that the world will ever forget this picture. Its impressions will never fade from the memory of this generation. Men who see it will never talk lightly of war again. In this picture the world will obtain some idea of what it costs in human suffering to put down the “Devil’s Domination.” The doors are being opened 15 minutes earlier to allow all seats to be secured previous to commencement. The final episode in the great Trans-Atlantic film, “Greed” will be shown in the earlier half of next week, and it will be accompanied by another powerful drama – “The Vindication.” On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday next week there will be shown “The Wandering Jew, “ a powerful adaptation of Eugene Sue’s world renowned novel and play. The variety entertainment will be supplied by Harry Drew, the famous Welsh Basso in his monologue and vocal – “Over Forty

 

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