World War One

This Week in World War One, 22 September 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22 SEPTEMBER 1916

 

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

 

Thomas Howe Pattison (37), sign writer and master painter, residing at 12 Parade, Berwick, appealed on the ground of serious hardship. He would have to close if he was taken, and the military allowance would not maintain his wife and family. All his capital had been placed in the business, and in asking him to serve they asked for his home, business, and all. He was willing to do something if he obtained a place in some munition work or corps where the pay would be sufficient to maintain his wife and family. He had been three years established in business; he was a native of Berwick, having learned the trade with his father. After that he worked in Newcastle, returning to Berwick and opening his present business. He had been passed for field service at home.- Mr Hogarth: You are exactly in the same position as other painters that have been asked to serve – Mr Pattison: I don’t exactly understand what you mean by saying that.- The appeal was dismissed.

Linotype Advert

 

Samuel Gibson (18), Tweedmouth, linotype operator, “Advertiser” Office, was appealed for by Mr H. R. Smail, on the ground of serious hardship, and that Gibson’s services were indispensable. The case was heard in private, and the Chairman announced that the members had decided to grant exemption till 31st December. He could apply to the Tribunal again, but they hoped that in the meantime he would do the utmost to obtain a substitute.

 

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Early Closing of Shops – The special attention of the public is drawn to an advertisement intimating the early closing of all business premises in Berwick from Monday, 2nd October. Commencing on that date, shops will shut on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 6p.m., on Saturdays at eight p.m. This will continue until the 1st of March. His Worship the Mayor also trusts that the public will assist in every way possible in the obscuration of all lights during the coming winter. No further warnings are to issued by the police, and in the future severe sentences are to be imposed for failing to observe the regulations which are so necessary at the present time.

 

Postage of Papers to the United States of America – We regret to inform our subscribers for whom we post the “Berwick Advertiser” and the “Berwickshire Advertiser” to the United States of America that owing to the restrictions made by the War Office, London, we cannot continue posting these papers except through an agent, making the cost to be 3d in place of 2d for each paper.

 

CAMPS LIBRARY

 

Further contributions of books, magazines, illustrated papers, etc., have been received at the Custom House – the local depot for this institution during the last week from Mrs R. Sidey and Mrs J. Simpson, Tweedmouth, Miss Grey, High Street; Mr Wilson, 32 Woolmarket; and a 5th lot from Mrs Cleasby Taylor, Bridge Street; also packing cases from the Tweedmouth Co-operative Society. Mr Toohey, collector of customs and excise, wishes to express thanks for same on behalf of the Central Committee, and state he hopes to be daily recipient of much needed lots of books and other suitable reading matter to forward for distribution amongst our sorely tried but brave warriors by flood and field, and their faithful devoted friends and nurses in camps at home and abroad – where so many harassed minds urgently need “something to read” to soothe and tone them up, and give away any tendency to downheartedness, for which in the light of every day happenings recently we have no excuse as the boys are “doing their bit” like true Britons; so also let those who can spare or procure and give “something to read” for the lads, do their bit and support the Camps Library during the period of the war.

 

FOOD PRICES AND STRIKE THREATS

 

Sir, – At that period of the war when Government allowances were settled on the dependants of those who had joined up, the amount was fixed on the basis of what was being lost to the home, by the withdrawal of the male supporters. This, you may be sure, after all official enquiries had been exhausted, was the bare minimum and was also in accordance with the existing food prices, which were then about normal.

Since then food prices have gone up 50 or 60 per cent., with the prospect of still further advances, which may be considerably augmented by the reported potato crop in many districts. Now Sir, the men fighting out there for their 1s 2d a day, part of which they ungrudgingly send home, know how hard it is on dependants under the present conditions, owing to the inflated prices, to meet the ever increasing demands, yet they are helpless to bring about a better and fairer state of things, by asking for their dependants an enchanced Government allowance, equivalent to the rise in prices.

 

World War One 'Breaches of the Rationing Order' poster. © This artistic work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain. Wikimedia Commons.
World War One ‘Breaches of the Rationing Order’ poster. © This artistic work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain. Wikimedia Commons.

 

What would the Empire, the Allies, or the world, think, or say, or do, if these men now doing so well on the different fronts, were to demand 10s per week advance on their dependants allowances, and back it up by the threat to throw up their hands in the face of all enemy attacks, unless their demands were conceded on a certain date, – What would they say or do, I ask? By all means get a strong move on against the unjustitable high prices of food, against the unscrupulous exploiters of the poor, and against the apparent apathy of the Government in the whole acute crisis.

But for heaven’s sake let us do nothing at present, that would for one moment embarrass or foil the magnificent spirit of self sacrifice, we are daily witnessing on the Somme and elsewhere. Our sacrifice, great as it may be at home, is small indeed, compared with that being exercised by those hewers who are making indelible history out there for our sakes at home.

Keep at the Government workers! get redress that shall benefit the nation at large, not a small section only; consolidate your positions, and reserve your fighting tactics till after the Germans have been beaten, and the others fighters from France and all over, shall throw in their lot with you, to destroy that element in our midst which has been making fortunes from the hardships of the poor.

Yours sincerely

THOMAS GREY

Tweedmouth

 

 

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT FOR THE FLEET

 

Mrs M. Askew, Ladykirk, Norham, hon. Secretary to the local branch of the Vegetables Products Committee, has received a letter dated 11th September, from Commodore E. S. Alexander Sinclair. H.M.S, Galatea, also a letter dated 12th September, from the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. Inconstant, and a letter dated 11th Sept. from the Fleet Paymaster (P.M. Coldaugh) of the Victualling Store, H.M. Dockyard, Rosyth, all of which thank that lady for supplies of fruits and vegetables sent for distribution to the men of the Fleet, and which have been very much appreciated.

HMS Galatea, the flagship of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron under Commodore E.S. Alexander-Sinclair. © HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide. Wikimedia Commons.
HMS Galatea, the flagship of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron under Commodore E.S. Alexander-Sinclair. © HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide. Wikimedia Commons.

 

The local committee will be very glad to receive donations of vegetables and fruit, which are to be forwarded to the headquarters, Town Hall, Berwick on Saturdays. All who desire to send such gifts to the gallant men of the navy can have same forwarded free of charge by the railway companies. A generous response is appealed for. The Boy Scouts are going round with their cart to ask for gifts of vegetables. One turnip or cabbage from everyone would be most acceptable.

This Week in World War One, 25 August 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 AUGUST 1916

 

THE FREEMEN’S ACADEMY

 

It is hoped that the Freemen may give an attentive ear and serious consideration to the timeous and admirable suggestion made by Mr Charles Forsyth as to opening he Corporation Academy to a wider circle of fee paying pupils. It is when one contrasts the finely equipped elementary schools – palatial to a degree, which have been erected in many of the larger towns in Scotland, and the concentration and co-ordination of educational institutions, which a few years ago were run as separate units, that one realises how far Berwick is behind the times. Let some of the Berwick people visit a reasonably sized Scottish town and inspect the facilities and benefits which the children there enjoy, and he will return to the Border town a little crestfallen.

Statue of Andrew Carnegie, Pittencrieff Park, Chambers Street, Dunfermline, Fife. © userkilnburn wikimedia commons.
Statue of Andrew Carnegie, Pittencrieff Park, Chambers Street, Dunfermline, Fife. © userkilnburn wikimedia commons.

 

The days of educational institutions run for one particular class is a thing of the past – the desire is to extend educational facilities in all directions. Mr Andrew Carnegie, in opening the Scottish Universities to poor students, has emphasised this, and has proved a national benefactor. The Freemen need not for a moment think they are running any risks if they act on the commendable suggestion Mr Forsyth makes; but, on the other hand, if the Corporation School is maintained for a small section of pupils, which is getting more attenuated each year, it will tend to bring deserved public criticism on what may be genuinely regarded as a scandal.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The N.F. and the V.C. – The Northumberland Fusiliers, whose curious notion that they were not eligible for the V.C. has just been removed by the War Office, are one of the British regiments in existence, and have a bewildering wealth of distinctions. Well do they deserve their nickname of the “Fighting Fifth” ( “the ever-fighting, never-failing Fifth”), for since their baptism of fire at Maestricht, two centuries and a quarter ago, they have been in the thick of it in almost all our wars, and boast no fewer than 18 battle honours. For an amazing feat at Wilhelmstahl, when they took double their own number of enemy prisoners, the Fifth were granted the very rare honour of a third colour, and for another exploit they are privileged to wear roses in their caps on St. George’s Day.

Northumberland Fusiliers at Thiepval Sept 1916 © Brooks, Ernest (Lt) - Imperial War Museum - IWM_Q_1349
Northumberland Fusiliers at Thiepval Sept 1916 © Brooks, Ernest (Lt) – Imperial War Museum – IWM_Q_1349

 

The erroneous impression that no Victoria Cross can be gained by the Northumberland Fusiliers used to be an actual fact in the case of the Brigade of Guards. When the medal was instituted it was not everywhere received in the spirit intended. The Guards’ officers decided that all men in the brigade were equally brave; this crystallised into a tradition, with the result that no recommendations for the V.C. were ever forwarded to Headquarters from a Guards regiment. But with new men came new manners, and now the Guards as well as the “Fighting Fifth” stand an equal chance with the rest of the Army.

The War Hospital Supply Depot in Bridge Street, Berwick, will open to the public on Saturday first, when everyone should take the opportunity of seeing the great work done here for our wounded soldiers and sailors.

 

BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

HOW THE WAR AFFECTS US

 

A meeting of the Berwick Board of Guardians was held in the Board Room of the Workhouse on Monday. Mr James Mowitt (chairman) presided, and other members present were Miss A. E. Henderson, Mrs J. G. Willits, the Rev. Robert Leggat, the Rev. W. M. Smythe, Dr Wm. Smyth, Mr James Chisholm, Mr Geo. W. Glahome, mr Thomas Aird, Mr George Morrison, Mr F. Richardson, Mr Geo. A. Turnbull, Capt. J. C. Collingwood, Mr John R. Wood, Mr Ed. Waugh, Mr Mathew C. Robertson, Mr Aaron D. Morton, Mr James H. Armstrong, Mr George R. Lumsden, Mr Robert Boston, and Mr John A. Stewart; also attending Mr Robert Smith, acting clerk, and Mr A. H. Banks, Workhouse master.

SOLDIER AND SAILOR LUNATICS

The Plymouh Guardians forwarded the following letter:-

Dear Sir,

           Soldier and Sailor Lunatics.

Since the outbreak of war, a number of lunatic soldiers and sailors have been transferred to the Borough asylum and made chargeable to the poor rates of this Incorporation under the provisions of the Army Annual Act, section 91. The Guardians are of opinion that it is highly improbable that more than a small proportion of the men in question, would have become lunatics, had It not been for the stress and strain of the war, and under the circumstances, they consider that their maintenance should be a national and not a local charge. They also consider it is very undesirable that men whose mental facilities have become deranged while serving their country, should be classified as pauper lunatics, and are, therefore, urging the Association of Poor Law Unions of England and Wales to take whatever action they may deem advisable, either by deputation or representations in Parliament, with the object of bring about such alteration in the law, as shall remove from the statute book, the provision which enables soldiers and sailors on their discharge from the army and navy as lunatics, to be made a charge upon the poor rates. The Guardians will be glad to hear that your Board are prepared to support them in this matter and that they will instruct their Association Representatives accordingly.

Yours truly, W.H. DAVY

Clerk to the Guardians.

Captain Collingwood, Mr Richardson, and Mr Armstrong supported the terms of the letter, and I was unanimously agreed to approve of same.

This Week in World War One, 11 August 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 AUGUST 1916

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Another Rescue at Spittal Beach – On Friday forenoon, while Miss Ballanine, belonging to Selkirk, was bathing at Spittal sands she got into difficulties, and was being carried out when her perilous condition was observed by John Little, telegraph clerk, Hawick, who at once swam to her assistance. He succeeded in bringing her ashore. The lady was considerably exhausted, and was conveyed home to her lodgings at Rosebank Cottage, where she gradually recovered.

Very early 20th century photograph of Spittal Promenade, a similar scene Miss Ballantine from Selkirk, would have encountered on the day of her rescue. © Berwick Record Office.
Very early 20th century photograph of Spittal Promenade, a similar scene Miss Ballantine from Selkirk, would have encountered on the day of her rescue. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Railwaymens’ Excursion – On Sunday last the N.E.R. Locomotive employees at Tweedmouth, together with a few friends, to the number of 28, journeyed to Rothbury by motor char-a-banc for their annual outing.The outward journey, leaving Tweedmouh a 9 o’clock, was through Belford, Alnwick, and across the country via Long Framlington, Rothbury being reached at 1 o’clock, after a pleasant journey through the rugged beauties of the heart of Northumberland. Dinner was waiting at the Turks Head Hotel, and everyones appetite being in superb order after the invigorating drive, ample justice was done to the good things laid before them, and every man rose from the table satisfied. After 3 hours go-as-you-please, through the beautiful inland town, the homeward journey was commenced shortly after 4 o’clock, the route home being via Whittingham, Glanton, Wooler, and Ancroft.

The scenery from Rothbury to Whittingham is simply enchanting, easily defying description, and Northumbrians have reason to be proud of their country, its equal in rugged beauty being hard to find, especially at this time of year. A short halt was made at Wooler, and the inner man refreshed, after which the last stage of the journey was commenced, Tweedmouth being reached shortly after 9 p.m. The excursion was a complete success from every point of view, the greatest harmony and cordiality prevailing throughout the day amongst the entire company, the arrangements for the comfort of all were perfect, and worked as successfully and smoothly as did the motor, he manipulation of which, on the circuitous switch back roads it had to travel with a full load, called forth the admiration of all.

Berwick's first bus owned by Adam Logan (1913/1914). A similar such vehicle would have transported the NER Locomotive employees on their journey to Rothbury. Indeed it may have been the bus! © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-37-005.
Berwick’s first bus owned by Adam Logan (1913/1914). A similar such vehicle would have transported the NER Locomotive employees on their journey to Rothbury. Indeed it may have been the bus! © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-37-005.

 

Ladies Good Work for the Wounded – A very interesting exhibition was held on Thursday afternoon in premises in Bridge Street, Berwick, of all kinds of nursing and other appliances for the comfort of our wounded soldiers. Lady Dalywell and a number of other prominent lady workers were in attendance, all busily engaged in their various departments in forwarding the humane work they have so much at heart. During the day the premises were visited by a number of the prominent citizens, who were much impressed with the multifarious articles which have been prepared by the dexterous and busy fingers of the ladies. The workers in their dainty white costumes as they industriously pursued their labours with the needle or flitted about the various rooms were a sweet and interesting spectacle, agreeably harmonising with the bright and luxuriant sun shine that is now prevailing at this midsummer period of the year.

Man Dies from Heat Stroke – An inquest touching the death of Robert Gibson, 51 Walkergate, was held by Coroner Wm. Weatherhead and a jury in the Town Hall, Berwick, on Monday. From evidence led it appeared that the deceased had been at Holy Island on Saturday, 5th August, and returned home about 5 p.m. He complained of the heat, and having sat down at the table to eat a meal, suddenly complained of a pain in his chest. After having rested he again sat down at the table, but almost immediately slipped from his chair, to the floor, when it was found that he had expired. After Dr C. L. Fraser had stated death to have been caused by heart failure following upon heat stroke, the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. The Coroner remarked that this was the first case of death from heat stroke, he had investigated in the Borough is his time, nor had he heard of his father before him having such a case.

Refreshments for Soldiers and Sailors – The scheme originated by Lady Clementine Waring, Mrs Milne Home, and Mrs Fraser Bate, and worked by the Committee of Berwick Army and Navy Recreation Rooms, – whereby Soldiers and Sailors arriving at Berwick and requiring to break the journey, are provided with refreshments free of charge, continues to be a great boon to our gallant defenders. The month of July has again passed all previous records, no less than 250 men having been provided for. When it was sated that since its inauguration at the beginning of December this scheme has provided for some 1400 men there can be no doubt that it has fully justified its existence.

Lady Clementine Waring was the wife of Major Walter Waring, Liberal MP for Banff, who fought in the war. She converted their home (pictured), Lennel House, Coldstream, Berwickshire into a convalescent home for officers and did a great deal to support the needs of the soldiers. © Unknown.

Lady Clementine Waring was the wife of Major Walter Waring, Liberal MP for Banff, who fought in the war. She converted their home (pictured), Lennel House, Coldstream, Berwickshire into a convalescent home for officers and did a great deal to support the needs of the soldiers.

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