This Week in World War One, 5 May 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 MAY 1916

 

BERWICK BOUNDS RIDING

Quiet Ceremony

 

For the 308th 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.
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 2nd, 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., 4th 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.

This Week in World War One, 7 April 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7 APRIL 1916

 

 BERWICK LIFEBOAT- MEN IN LONDON

Feted and honoured by the R.N.L.B.I.

 

It was no small honour that was shown to Berwick in London on March 29th. At Caxton Hall, Westminster the annual meeting of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was held, and a very large and distinguished company met to hear the yearly report of work done by the Lifeboats, and also to grant awards to Coxswains who had specially done meritorious service.

Image 8 - Lifeboat - RNLB Matthew Simpson - Left to Right - Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.
Image 8 – Lifeboat – RNLB Matthew Simpson – Left to Right – Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.

 

On the platform were the Right Hon. The Earl of Plymouth, P.C., C.B.,- Chairman; the Right hon. The Earl Waldergrave, P.C. the Right Hon. the Lord Sydenham, G.C.S.I., G.C.M.G., G.C.I.E.,; the Rev. Hugh B. Chapman, chaplain to the Savoy, and Lt. Col. Fraser, V.D., R.A.M.C. (T.)

After the report had been read and adopted, Coxwain James Jamieson of the Berwick Lifeboat, and Lt. Col. Fraser were asked to stand while the record of their service was read to the meeting. This was done and great applause followed, which was renewed when Jamieson faced the meeting wearing his medals. He thanked the Chairman and those present in a few well-chosen words. Lieut. Col. Fraser also received an ovation when he appeared before the chairman, and was most cordially congratulated.

 

BAD CASE OF CRUELTY TO A HORSE

Berwick Petty Sessions

 

Joseph L. Ayton, Berwick, grocer, was charged with allowing a horse to be wrought on the 18th March, while suffering from sores on the back, Robert Lyons, Berwick, carter, a boy, was also charged with cruelly working the horse at Tweedmouth. Inspector Robinson of the S.P.C.A. prosecuted.

J Ayton grocer's shop in Walkergate Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Courtesy of Berwick Record Office. BRO 1944-1-1408-2.
J Ayton grocer’s shop in Walkergate Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Courtesy of Berwick Record Office. BRO 1944-1-1408-2.

 

Sergt. McRobb said on the Saturday mentioned he was on duty with Sergeant Wilson. He saw that there was something wrong with the horse, and on examining its back he found a very bad wound which went into the back bone. The saddle was resting on the wound. It was the worst case he had ever seen. He asked the driver if he saw the wound, when he yoked the horse, and he replied that the employer (Joseph L. Ayton) put on the harness. No one could have yoked the horse without seeing the wound.

Sergt. Wilson said that it was a very bad case. There were two wounds, one of them as large as a 5s piece, which went to the bone.

Inspector Robinson said that he examined the animal. It was a black gelding. There were two very bad wounds, one on each side of the back. They were deep wounds and full of matter, inflamed and tender to the touch, and the animal must have suffered great pain. Ayton, the employer, admitted it had two sores, and that he was looking out for a place to send it to.

Joseph L. Ayton, owner of the horse, said he knew there were two sores on the animal’s back and that he was looking for a place to send it to. The horse had been treated by a vet., who gave some ointment to put on the sores, and said it would soon be all right.

Cross-examined – The horse went round the district. He knew that the animal had a bad back, and that it was not in the best condition.

The Bench bound over Lyons to be of good behaviour for the next six months. Ayton was fined £3.

 

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

 

BAKER’S CLAIM

John M. Dudgeon, baker, appeared on the ground that he was a partner of a firm of contractors to the army and navy, and that he was under obligation to work every day in the week to execute these.

The British Army on the Home Front, 1914 - 1918. A baker in a field bakery. Author Nicholls, Horace (Photographer)
The British Army on the Home Front, 1914 – 1918. A baker in a field bakery. Author Nicholls, Horace (Photographer)

 

In answer to Mr Hogarth, the appellant said if his firm had no Government contracts he would be quite prepared to go. He was not only in a certified occupation, but he was personally responsible for turning out 400 loaves daily to the army alone.

It was agreed to grant exemption so long as the appellant remained in his present employment.

 

MOTOR DRIVERS CASE

Andrew Hogg (27), 18 Ness Street, was claimed by the British Petroleum Company on the ground that his services were indispensable to the Company.

In answer to questions it appeared that the Company supplied contracts to the army, and that a condition was that the oil must be delivered to them. Although badges and other stars had been issued to certain workmen doing this kind of work the Company’s men had somehow been always missed out. The appellant was required for the working of the three depots of the company at Berwick, Burnmouth, and Eyemouth.

It was agreed that the appellant should be asked to serve.

 

A CONVENIENT CALLING

John Purves (39), Mordington, foreman market gardner, was claimed by his employer, Andrew Ironside, on the ground that his services were indispensable.

In answer to Mr Hogarth it was stated by Mr Ironside that Purves had been in his employment some five weeks.

Mr Hogarth – It is suggested that this man has come to you for shelter, by getting into reversed occupation.

Mr Ironside – I don’t think that is the case. I would not have taken him if I could have got another, and I applied to the Labour Exchange both for men and women

The Chairman said that the decision of the Tribunal was that they saw no reason why the appellant should not be called upon to serve.

This Week in World War One, 24 March 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 24 MARCH 1916

 

ROLL OF HONOUR

“Advertiser” Men Serving Their King and Country

 

Private JOHN STRAFFEN, London Regiment.

Corporal HECTOR JACKSON, Royal Scots.

Sapper JOHN R NOBLE, Royal Engineers.

Private JOHN BROGAN, Northern Cyclists.

Corporal ROBERT M. LEYDEN, 7th N.F.

Sergeant CHAS. N. NOBLE, 7th N.F.

Private JOHN M. JOHNSTON, R.A.M.C.

Private GEORGE RUTHERFORD, 7th N.F.

Private JOHN M.BURTON, Motor Transport.

Lance-Corporal EDWARD F. S. HARVEY, 7th N.F.

Captain HENRY R. SMAIL, 7th N.F.

Enlisted under Group System:-

KERR MIDDLEMISS, ROBERT M. BRUCE

Rejected:-

JAMES M. ROBERTS, JAMES M. FRIAR.

On Munition Work – THOMAS KENNEDY.

 

Berwick Advertiser, 24 March 1916 Ralph Dodds & Son Advert
Berwick Advertiser, 24 March 1916 Ralph Dodds & Son Advert

 

DEATH OF EX-SUPERINTENDENT

JOHN GARDEN, BERWICK

 

24 March 1916 Death of Ex Superintendant John Garden Image

It is with deep feelings of regret that we record the death of Ex-superintendent John Garden, Berwick, the sad event having taken place at his house in Scots Place, in the early part of Monday afternoon. For some considerable time the deceased gentleman has been far from his usual health, and a more acute stage having been reached within the past few weeks, he became slowly weaker, and passed peacefully away. Mr Garden was a prominent figure at one time in the town, his duties of Chief Constable keeping him more or less in the public eye. In later years, after retiring from this office, he devoted much of his leisure to the services of the community, by giving of his best to the deliberations and exacting Committee Work of the Board of Guardians. The office of Chief Constable is one not altogether calculated to make a man at all popular, but in the person of the late gentleman there was one who could, be charitable in his views upon men, merciful when such might perchance help an erring brother, and stern when following up a clue to the detection of serious crime. These traits of character won for him the respect and esteem of all, and he retired from his official position, it may be truly said, without an enemy in the town or district, and accepted as a trusted friend by all classes. The sympathy of all goes out to the family in this their sore bereavement.

 

BELFORD

A row of Miners Cottages, Pit Village, Beamish Museum. © Bill Henderson, 2013. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0.
A row of Miners Cottages, Pit Village, Beamish Museum. © Bill Henderson, 2013. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0.

Golden Wedding. – Mr and Mrs Robert Donaldson, of the Miners’ Homes, Broomhill, celebrated their golden wedding on Monday last. The worthy old couple were married at Belford on the 13th March, 1866. The husband belonged to North Sunderland, and his wife, then Isabella Younger, to Shawdon Woodhouse. Mr Donaldson was afterwards employed as a miner till about twenty years ago, when his health failed, and he and his wife became residents of the Miners’ Homes at Broomhill. They had a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom four sons and four daughters are living. The old people were warmly congratulated upon the attainment of their golden wedding, and a nice little present will be made to them in honour of the event. Mr and Mrs Donaldson have 22 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Two of his sons are serving with the colours, and the others reside at Radcliffe and Amble respectively. There are surviving four generations on the female side, and three generations on the male side.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

After 30 Years’ Service – The death occurred at his house, 4 Deputy Row, Scremerston, on Tuesday, of Mr Henry Patterson, colliery weigh-man, for thirty years in the employ of the Scremerston Coal Company. Mr Patterson has been in failing health for some time, and although death came rather suddenly in the end the melancholy event was not unlooked for.

BRO 0515-211 (SCREMERSTON) (c) Berwick Record Office
BRO 0515-211 (SCREMERSTON) (c) Berwick Record Office

 

The deceased was at one time a prominent member of Berwick Parish Church Choir, and since going to reside at Scremerson, he has been actively associated with the church there, being a sidesman and later being appointed peoples warden. He was associated with the old volunteer movement in the Borough, and was also a member of the now defunct Tweedside Rowing Club. He was also a member of the local lodge of Oddfellows.