World War One

This Week in World War One, 23 August 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 AUGUST 1918

 

Grandson of Holy Island Man’s Heroic Act

GIVES LIFE BLOOD FOR COMRADE

The war has produced many acts of heroism and gallantry. Among Britain’s citizen Army are found thousands of men with no outstanding characteristics but with the same stout heart and firm spirit, who reck not the danger when a comrade is to be dragged back from the grave. A story which has reached us gives further evidence of this fact. The hero of the episode is a young Northumberland Fusilier, who, literally, gave his life blood in order that a “chum” from overseas might regain his strength. That the effort was in vain is the only sad incident in the whole, which is bright with the steadfast courage shown.

Lance-Corporal John Markwell, Northumberland Fusiliers, grandson of Mr Ralph Markwell, Holy Island, Beal, and Private J. Hempshill, a son of Mrs Hempshill, 12 East Thomas St., Edinburgh, were lying in adjacent beds in a base hospital in France. Private Hempshill was severely wounded, and had lost an extra ordinary amount of blood, so much so, in fact, that the doctors came to the conclusion that unless some new life-giving fluid could be transfused from another living person the soldier would certainly die. Markwell, on being asked if he would submit to having some of his blood transfused, at once acceded, and this plan was at once carried out. The blood was removed from Markwell’s right arm to the left arm of Hemshill, but the operation had apparently been delayed too long, as success did not attend the efforts of the doctors. Hempshill died shortly afterwards, but before he passed away he asked that due recognition should be made of the heroic act of Lance Corporal Markwell. Almost his last statement was a request that a record of the incident should be published in the “Edinburgh Evening News.”

Lance-Corporal Markwell, it may be added, is at present in hospital in this country, and is making good progress. In writing to the mother of the deceased soldier he put the story in a nutshell, and expresses volumes when he modestly says, “I did my best.” No one could have done more.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before the Mayor, Alex. Darling, Chas. Morgan, T. Purves, and R. Boston, Esqrs.

THEFT OF SOAP

George Edward Wardle, Robert Patterson, and James Douglas, privates in the K.O.S.B., were charged, on remand, with having, on Saturday, stolen twenty two bars of soap, valued 14s, from a store in the yard of Mr John Stoddart, grocer, 84 High Street. The circumstances were fully reported at Monday’s Court, and to-day defendants all pleaded guilty, Capt. Collingwood was present and watched the proceedings.

John D. Patterson, a boy employed by Mr Stoddart, and P.C. Wm. Watt again gave similar evidence to that tendered at last Court. The soap, the latter said, was a considerable distance from the entrance door of the store, and could only have been taken by someone going right into the premises.

Capt. Collingwood said that two of the defendants had a clean sheet, while some minor fault was against the third man; but on the whole the defendants had given the military authorities no trouble.

Defendants each attributed their condition to the effects of taking drink.

The Mayor said that the Bench were very sorry to see the defendants in their present position, which was a very serious one. They took into consideration that the defendants had served their country and been wounded, and would therefore deal leniently by imposing a fine of 10s each, or seven days’ imprisonment. This was the first case of its kind which had come before the Court, and it was hoped it would act as an adequate warning, as shopkeepers and others must be protected from conduct of this kind. The fines were paid.

LOCAL NEWS

The demonstration of hooliganism and violence given by five soldiers, who, as reported in our columns of page 4, created a great disturbance on the Spittal Motor Ferry boat last Friday night, has made people in the town furiously to think of what protection is afforded from these “roughs.” Evidently as the police did not see the occurrence happen they are powerless to bring a case unless the assaulted parties issue summons.

(c) Berwick Record Office BRO 1887-2-4 Spittal Ferry

In a case of this kind no private individual cares to summon the offenders who in all probability would have their revenge as only “Redskins” can take it. Surely there is a kink in the law which forces one to come into the lime light of police court proceedings with the off chance of getting “done in” later, to protect oneself from having the experience of “kipper slapping” and rowdyism. The military no doubt will punish the offenders, but the feeling in the town is that a few months “hard labour” would do the culprits a considerable amount of good.

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

HAIRDRESSER TO SERVE

William D. McColgan, hairdresser, Hide Hill, Berwick, described as a Grade 1 man, was an application by the National Service Representative for withdrawal of the existing exemption, as he was not doing national work, and might be more usefully employed in some branch of the Army.

Mr McColgan stated that this was entirely a one man business, and he urged that exemption should be continued owing to domestic circumstances and a young family of four. He was in grade B2 last time.

The Tribunal decided that he should serve, but that he should not be called up till the end of September.

A LOW GRADED MAN

William Johnston (31) rope and twine spinner, residing in Coxon’s Lane, and employed by Mrs Wilson, Castlegate, was a Grade III, man. He had been fourteen years in her employment, and claimed on occupational grounds that he was useful in supplying the fishing industry, and in making material that was used in munitions. The only other man employed was about seventy years of age.

The National Service Representative – In view of this man’s grade and occupation I am not prepared to oppose his exemption.

The Tribunal accordingly allowed three months’ exemption.

 

BERWICK COMPANY CHURCH LADS’ BRIGADE

KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS CADETS

 

This Company went into camp at Warkworth for the August Bank Holiday week. Berwick lads were attached to “D” Company, along with Blyth Company. About 400 lads were in camp under Cadet Lieut. Col. W. H. Arring.

The camp was conducted on lines of strict military discipline as the following account of the daily routine shows.

Saturday, the day of arrival, the lads were placed in their tents and acquainted with their camp duties.

Sunday, the battalion marched down to Warkworth Church at 7a.m., and a large number of the lads partook of the Holy Communion, the service being conducted by the Bishop of Newcastle. At 11 a.m. a short service was held in camp, and in the afternoon there was a drum head service with an address by the Bishop.

Warworth Church © Mick Knapton. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.

The lads contributed liberally to the collection in aid of the Church Army Hut Work in France.

Daily reveille at 6 a.m., fall in at 6.30 for a short march and physical drill, breakfast at 8 a.m., C.O.’s parade at 10.30, consisting of company drill and battalion movements, dinner 1 p.m., after which the lads were free for the day. Excepting those who were detailed for guard, etc. tea at 4.30, and “light out” at 11 p.m.

A very noticeable feature in camp was the three minutes silence after reveille and lights out were sounded. The interval being devoted to prayers.

Wednesday was devoted to the Battalion sports, and Thursday was largely occupied with the inspection. The inspecting officer, who we understand came from the Tyne Garrison, and was sent by the General of the Northern Command, spoke highly of the smartness of the lads and complimented them on the way they marched past. He afterwards inspected the camp and was present at the distribution of prizes by Miss Deuchar.

On Friday everyone was busy doing his share in striking camp and leaving the field clean and tidy. Berwick boys arrived home on Friday afternoon, after having spent a most enjoyable and instructive week.

The Company, which will resume drills in September, bids fair, under the capable leadership of Lieut. R. D. Harvey to add lustre to its already noble history. Recruits will be enrolled any Wednesday evening at the Boy’s School, Ravensdowne.

 

This Week in World War One, 9 August 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 AUGUST 1918

 

FOOTBALLS FOR THE 7TH

 

The following letter has been received from Major Smail at the Front thanking Miss Cowen and Miss Herriot for the footballs for which they have collected subscriptions. We also publish a list of subscriptions; others are promised and the list is still open.

Friday, 2nd August, 1918.

Dear Miss Cowen and Miss Herriot, The footballs you so kindly raised subscriptions for duly arrived on Monday. They just arrived in the nick of time as most of ours were on their last legs, having been repaired several times. I kept one for my Company and sent the other three up to Battalions Headquarters for distribution to the other Companies. The C.O. (Lieut. Col. Liddell, M.C.) is much delighted that Berwick has remembered its own Battalion again. He told me on my return to the Battalion that the Guild of Aid was one of the few organisations in North Northumberland which seemed to remember the existence of the battalion. If, as I hope, you will keep this effort going, we will be more than ever indebted to the inhabitants of the old place. You have no idea how much pleasure the lads out here get out of a football. Besides pleasure it is good for their physical fitness.

Be sure you convey adequately to the subscribers our warmest thanks for their generosity. We are much indebted to you for undertaking the Secretarial duties. I am awfully glad you took the hint I gave you in this matter and so promptly too. I know lots of people would like to do something for the men out here, but have not much idea of what to send them. They can take it from me that they cannot do better than support your next appeal for funds.- Yours sincerely, H . R. SMAIL, Major.

 

NURSE KATE BISHOP RECIEVES

ROYAL RED CROSS DECORATION

Nurse Kate Bishop, daughter of Mr John Bishop, hon, Curator, Berwick Museum attended a Buckingham Palace on Wednesday week, when an investiture was held by His Majesty the King. The King in pinning on the decoration of the Royal Red Cross, warmly commended Miss Bishop on her bravery in the French hospitals, which were in May and June bombed by hostile air craft, and trusted she would long be spared to wear it.

Miss Bishop received her education at the Girls’ High School, and later went to Darlington Training College. She was keenly interested in V.A.D. work and found time to take this up while engaged as a school teacher at Bedlington. Fully qualified as a V.A.D. sister she offered her services some three years ago, and was almost immediately sent to France. At one of the large hospitals, known to every soldier who has come down from the “line” with a “Blightly,” her experiences have been of a varied character.

During the time she has been in France she has assisted in the nursing of many local soldiers and officers. After having endured the ordeal of repeated attack by cowardly air pilots and bombers, during which time the nurses and wounded were often compelled at night time to seek shelter in dug-outs in proximity to the Hospital, Miss Bishop was allowed a respite from her duties. She has spent most of the time in her native town of Berwick, where she has received the hearty congratulations and good wishes of a large circle of friends.

We trust Nurse Bishop will have an enjoyable time in Old Berwick, and that she will have many years of life after the war is over in which to wear her decoration.

 

LOCAL NEWS

Lord Armstrong suggests organised wild fruit picking by tame pickers, such as members of the Guild of War Agricultural Helpers, Boy Scouts and school children under control, and ask landowners to allow such pickers access to their hedges.

Volunteers in Section A, B, and C, if certified by the officer commanding their unit as being engaged whole time on agricultural work, may be relieved from attending half the prescribed number of drills during July, August, and Sept.

The Tweed salmon net fishing has again been very poor, and the only thing which can effect an improvement is a good spate. The sooner this comes the better, as the season is getting on. Fish continue to sell at the controlled figure, 3s per lb.

A leek planting competition took place at the Garden of Meadow House, Tweedmouth, on Wednesday last, the event being watched with considerable interest, Mr T. Steel, Berwick, was the prize-winner, planting 1800 leeks per hour, and the runner up was Mr Henderby, Spring Gardens, who put in 1600 in the same time.

The August Holiday was celebrated fairly quietly in the town, the restrictions on railway and motor travelling having had their effect. A goodly number however found their way to Mordington, where a Red Cross Fete afforded numerous and varied attractions. Others spent the day at the seaside, while a fairly representative crowd from Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal sought an afternoon’s relaxation in peaceful Norham and picturesque Horncliffe.

Horncliffe Mill © Berwick Record Office – BRO 426 1121.

In the afternoon those about High Street were kept in fits of laughter for a time by the realistic antics of a Red Cross performer from Mordington, who on his “fiery steed” cantered about soliciting donations to the Red Cross Funds. Much amusement was caused when the “steed” slashed out in lifelike manner at those who did not contribute.

 

SCREMERSTON

A war memorial service was held at Scremerston Church on Sunday. There was a good attendance of members and others. The officers and men of the Volunteer Battalion at Seahouses were also present. The sermon was preached by the Rev. E. L. Owen, Vicar of St. Andrew’s Newcastle, in the absence of Mr Lightfoot, owing to illness.

Home for a few days is Private Bert Roberts, Duke of Wellingtons, Town, Farm. This young lad has been twice wounded and has another brother serving.

Pleased to see home on a well-earned leave Capt. J. E. Carr, of Heatherytops, who has come from the Italian theatre of operations. He is looking remarkably well in spite of the arduous campaigning he has gone through since taking his commission. Captain Carr received his commission in the early stages of the war, and has served in France. We trust he will have a very pleasant holiday.

Sec. Lieut. Jas. Jobling, R.N., who formerly was joint tenant with his brother of Scremerston Town Farm, is home on a well-earned leave. He is serving in one of H.M. Submarines, but looks as fresh as the proverbial daisy. We trust he will have a good time before returning to duty.

WW1 British E-class submarine HMS E3, sunk on 18 October 1914. This highlights the dangers Sec. Lieut. Jas. Jobling from Scremerston, who served as a submariner in 1918 faced along with his fellow comrades in WW1. © No known copyright.

 

BELFORD DISTRICT

INTERESTING PROCESSION

Sunday being the anniversary of Britain’s entry in to the war, services befitting the occasion were held in St. Mary’s Church, Belford. In the morning the Church was crowded. This was owing to the great procession which marched from the billets in High Street and took its place in the pews set a set apart for it. First in the procession were a detachment of the L.V.R. at present quartered in the village. Next came the Land Army, then the members of the V.A.D. behind were the Girl Guides, then the Boy Scouts, and after them were the Comrades of The Great War, and members of the Rechabites brought up the rear. The Vicar preached an interesting and impressive sermon from 1st Peter, 5th chapter, 10th verse. Hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung.

This Week in World War One, 26 July 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 JULY 1918

 

COMRADES OF THE GREAT WAR

 

At a general meeting of the Berwick Post of the Comrades of the Great War it was reported that no fewer than 117 pension cases had been dealt with during the last fortnight, 15 successes being achieved in each week. Thirty-eight applications for employment had been placed in situations. Since last meeting the membership had increased by 47, making a total of 85 members to date. It was resolved to inaugurate a Shilling Fund to provide soldiers’ gifts to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the war. A collection taken in the hall realised £1. A dozen names were handed in of those willing to act as volunteers during War Charities Week. The Committee of the Navy and Army Recreation Rooms have kindly offered the use of the Rooms to all Comrades and ex-service men. Headquarters recommend that Sunday, 4th August, should be observed as Comrades’ Sunday by means of Church parades, decoration of war shrines, etc. It was thought that a Church parade would be the most fitting ceremony, but it was decided to postpone the matter until after meeting in Council Chamber. A Women’s Committee is to be formed for the Berwick district, and all who may wish to associate themselves with this are invited to communicate with the local Secretary.

 

LOCAL NEWS

Nurse Katie Mackay, daughter of Dr and Mrs Mackay, Castlegate, Berwick, is home on a well-earned leave from France, where for some years she has been engaged in a large hospital not far behind the lines. She suffered from indifferent health some time ago, but we are glad to report that she appears now to have recovered. We trust Miss Mackay will have a pleasant holiday.

The Dome Hospital [Brighton 1915], showing some of the 689 beds in the whole hospital. These beautiful seaside palaces were converted into hospitals for Indian troops, and were fitted with every modern convenience. © HMSO – Copyright expired.
Berwick’s Waste Paper Week is now in full swing and judging of the enthusiasm my [sic] the convener, Mrs Alex. Steven, Stecarven, and her willing helpers the event should prove an unbounded success. Funds raised will go to swell the general fund of War Charities Week, which will be held later. Mr Tait, Hide Hill, has kindly placed a depot at the disposal of the local section and from Tuesday, when the week opened, Boy Scouts, under the supervision of Mr Peter Learmouth, Berwick, called round the various areas with horse and van to take up the consignments of jars, bottles and waste paper. Valuable help has also been given by Mr Willits, Ravensdowne. Already a goodly sum is assured and no less than 200 jam jars have been sold to Mr Henderby, market gardener. As the Waste Paper Week does not end until July 30th it is hoped all who have waste paper, etc., lying about will notify the Ladies Committee on duty at the Depot, Hide Hill, when arrangements will be made to have the consignments collected.

 

BERWICK AVIATOR ESCAPES FROM GERMANY

 

Second Lieut. Robert Grechan Carr. Royal Air Force, son of Mr Robert Carr, of the Elms, Berwick, who was taken prisoner by the enemy on June 21 when over the German lines, has escaped and re-joined the unit. He received his education at Mill Hill School, and was gazetted a year ago on his eighteenth birthday.

A WW1 Martinsyde Elephant Type G100 fighter aircraft pictured in 1917. © Copyright expired

 

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

 

Pleased to see home on hospital leave, Priv. William Walkenshaw, Royal Scots, West End, Tweedmouth. This young lad has been in the Army twelve years, and has served for over eight years in India and Egypt. His Battalion came from Egypt to France in the winter of 1914, and he took part in some of the severe battles in the early stages of the War. After some months in France he was wounded, and was then invalided home to England. After being in this country for some months, and on being declared fit, he was sent back to France. He was again wounded, rather severely this time, and was sent  to hospital at Armstrong’s College, Newcastle. We are pleased to say he is improving, and trust that he will have an enjoyable holiday in his native place.

Mrs Makins, Blakewell Road, Tweedmouth, has received official information that her son, Lance-Corporal Stanley Makins, N.F., who was reported missing some months ago, is now presumed to have been killed. He joined the 7th N.F. about three years ago, and after doing a few months’ training in this country went out to France. He was there for some months when he was wounded, and after being invalided home to this country and being certified fit again he was once more sent out to France. He took part in the most of the engagements that his battalion was engaged in. Other two brothers are serving in France. Their late father, Mr Makins, was a prominent member of the old Berwick Volunteer Artillery, and was for many years Q.M. Sergeant. We extend to Mrs Makins our sincere sympathy in this, their sad bereavement.

We are pleased to learn that C.S.M. Albert Lamb of the Canadians, and son of Mrs Lamb, Church Road, Tweedmouth, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for valuable services rendered on the field of battle.

© Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

We congratulate him on this noteworthy achievement. In his younger days he was a seafaring man, and has gone through the whole routine of the merchant service. Latterly he has been in Canada, and it was from there he joined the colours. He has seen much service in France, and his rank and decoration prove him be a soldier of some distinction. Good luck to him.

 

TWEEDMOUTH FEAST

 

Now practically shorn of all its former glory, Tweedmouth Feast comes and goes without occasioning more than a passing reference. This year there were few stalls round the stance at West End, while a small round about tried its best to create a little of the gala spirit. The spirit, however was dead-dead as last year’s rhubarb, and it was only the younger generation, and a few visitors, who participated in the amusement offered.

The Volunteer Sports in the afternoon drew together a large crowd, and reminded one somewhat of old times.

Many people from the Tyneside and munition centres spent their Feast quietly in their native place and remarks were frequently made that the “good old times,” or as some would call them, the “bad old times,” were gone never to return.

A band performance at Spittal on the Sunday had to be abandoned owing to inclement weather.

The appointment of Food Controllers, who have fixed the price of salmon out of the reach of the average working man, caused in many cases, this succulent item of fare to be absent from the table, in contrast to former years, when no spread was complete without it.

 

SPITTAL NOTES

 

Many of the Spittal people will remember Willie Lamb, who emigrated to Canada a few years ago. This week we have him enjoying a few days leave with his uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs Jobson, St. Helens Terrace, Spittal, before he proceeds to the front. He joined up before he was 18, and has lately been training with the Canadians in the South of England. He looks a hardy type of soldier and will, we are sure, give a good account of himself when he gets into action against Fritz.

 

 

 

 

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