Constance (Connie) Ruth Leathart was born on 7 December 1903 in Low Fell, Gateshead. In 1925 Connie started flying lessons at Newcastle Aero Club and is said to have written her name as “C. R. Leathart” on the application form in order to disguise her gender. She had her first flying lesson in the aeroplane Novocastria [G-EBLX] in September 1925 and her Pilot’s Log Book records that she was in the air for 15 minutes. On 24 February 1926 her log book states that she conducted her first solo flight but she unfortunately crashed on landing. Connie was resilient and was back in the air again on 1 March for a 30 minute flight. In 1927 she received her flying licence and became the first British female pilot outside London to achieve this, and was one of only 20 female pilots in the UK overall.
Connie became part of a group of flying socialites and participated successfully in many air races both in this country and throughout Europe. Her photograph albums contain numerous photographs to support this. Her talent was evident from an early stage. In June 1927 the publication ‘The Aeroplane’ reported on a Newcastle Race Meeting. It was noted that there was no race for women that day so there was no chance of seeing “Newcastle’s own Aviatress, Miss Leathart, in the air which was a pity, for good judges say that this sporting little lady looks like being really as good as a good mere-male pilot.”
In the late 1920’s Connie set up and ran Cramlington Aircraft Ltd. with her lifelong friend Walter Leslie Runciman (later Viscount Runciman). Their aircraft repair business repaired and overhauled aircrafts and many that they serviced were flown in competitions such as the Kings Cup and the London to Newcastle Race. Connie and Walter were very close friends and her albums have numerous photographs of them together. In one of the shots she classes the pair of them as “Brothers”.
Connie had a few frightening experiences when flying! In April 1930, when landing at Cramlington she had a narrow escape when her plane crashed and overturned. The plane was badly damaged but she escaped unhurt. Witnesses reported that it had struck the ground nose first and turned a complete somersault. She had flown from London and due to foggy conditions near Cramlington, she misjudged the distance from the ground and made a bumpy landing which resulted in the accident. In 1931, she also escaped injury when her plane crashed near Munich. These experiences did not deter her and in 1939, when working in the map department at Bristol Airport, she applied to join the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). During her time with them she achieved the ATA rank of Flight Captain, flying heavy bombers as well as fighters to airfields in many countries. Her final log book, held by Northumberland Archives covers the years 1943-1956 and states that her total flying time as a pilot to date was 1283 hours and 30 minutes.
After the Second World War, Connie went to work with the United Nations on relief efforts in the Mediterranean. As a UN special representative she helped distribute food and medical supplies. In 1950 she received an award of merit from the International Union of Child Welfare. She reluctantly gave up flying in 1956 and devoted her life to farming a small number of animals at Little Bavington in Northumberland. Her farm accounts show that she owned heifers, bullocks and sheep. She also cared for two rescue donkeys.
Connie’s early photograph albums from 1923-1926 contain many images of friends and family enjoying holidays in the Scottish Highlands, Italy, Cornwall and France. They also highlight her love of horses and the hunt. It is in her latter albums covering the period 1927-1944 that her true passion and dedication to aviation is evident. Connie died on 4 November 1993 aged 89 and is buried in Thockrington churchyard.
Below are three of the aircraft owned by this remarkable lady.
Trooper J. Bainbridge, N.H., West End, Tweedmouth is home on a few days leave. Prior to enlistment he was employed in the grocery department, Tweedside Co-operative Stores. His brother Ted, is also serving.
We are pleased to see home from France on a few days leave, Pte. John Patterson, K.O.S.B., attached to R.S. He was wounded in the hand some time ago, his photo appeared in our columns at that time. Pte. Patterson has been 15 months in France. We wish him the best of luck.
Corporal R. Blackhall, N.F., West End is here on a few days leave. Previous to enlisting he was employed by the Border Brewery Coy.
Private John Wood, H.L.I., here from France on a few days’ leave, has been once wounded. Previous to enlistment he was employed by the Maypole Diary Company at Berwick.
Another local lad home on leave from France this week is Private Thomas Short, who resides in Kiln Hill, Tweedmouth. He joined the N.F. about two years ago, and after training at Alnwick proceed to France. He is now in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Previous to enlistment he was employed at the pipe factory, Tweedmouth. His brother George who is a Sergeant in the N.F. is training Volunteers at Hull.
Lance-Corporal J. Burgon, 18 Kiln Hill, whom we reported last week as being home on short leave is in the 2nd Gordon Highlanders, and not in the K.O.S.B.’s The gallant Corporal is a splendid athlete, and is the proud possessor of five silver cups which testify to his prowess in the field of sport. He is no less keen in the discharge of his military duties, and on three occasions has received the thanks of his commanding officer for distinguishing himself by good service in the field.
Lance-Corporal James Dowens, A. and S. Highlanders, Berwick has spent a short leave in his native town before leaving for Oxford, where he will sit for his examinations for a commission. He was in Africa when war broke out and left a splendid position to come home and enlist. Twelve months ago he was wounded in action, after having been some four months in France, and since then he has been in hospital. We wish him the best of luck.
THE PASSING OF HARRY DEMEE
A TRUE SON OF THE SEA
Our many readers will be sorry to hear of the death of Harry Demee, one of the oldest and best known characters about this town of Berwick-on-Tweed. Young and old, rich and poor, all knew Harry.
He was a sailor by profession, but his connection with the sea, however, was not confined to coasting, for in his younger days he visited Europe, Asia, Africa, and America and filled all the positions on board shop, from cabin boy to skipper.
Many old Berwickers will remember him one of the crew of the Clippers, and steward on board the steamboat which traded between Berwick and London.
Since retirement from the sea he has led a very active life. For many years he was a well-known figure on the ferry between Berwick and Spittal.
In winter time when the “Soup Kitchen” was called into being, Harry was there as cook.
As Church Officer at Chapel Street Church he was favourite with parson and layman alike, and had a cheery remark for all, and the bairns who attended the Sunday School all knew “Old Harry.”
For the last two years he has acted as green keeper for the Working Men’s Bowling Club, and many of the players who frequent the sunny spot in Upper Ravensdowne will recall his yarns told in a way which defied all imitation.
MILITARY WEDDING AT BERWICK
LIEUT. FEDDEN, R. F.C.- MISS SHENA FRASER.
The marriage was solemnised in the Parish Church, Berwick, on Wednesday, between Lieut. Cecil Olcher Fedden, 22nd Punjabis, att. Royal Flying Corps, son of Mr F. Player Fedden, Glenthorpe, Barnet, and Miss Shena Lennox Fraser, eldest daughter of Lieut-Colonel C. l. Fraser (T.) R.A.M.C., J.P., Elder House, Ravensdowne, Berwick.
Pictured is Elder House, Ravensdowne, Berwick, the residence of the bride Shena Lennox Fraser.
The happy event had been fixed to take place on Monday, 3rd December, but owing to the bridegroom, having been offered an important appointment abroad, matters were arranged within the short period of twenty-four hours.
The ceremony was performed by the Vicar of Berwick, the Rev. R. W. de la Hey, and there were a great many friends and well-wishers present.
The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming. She wore an under dress of gold tissue, with an overdress of champagne georgette with a deep pan velvet border of the same colour. She also wore a veil with a deep border of gold lace, with a gold band fitting tightly to the forehead, and carried a bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums, presented by Mrs Adam Darling, Bondington, Berwick.
The bridesmaid was Miss N. Fraser (sister), and she was dressed in jade green georgette.
The bridegroom, who was in uniform of his unit, was attended by Lieut. Swanston, K.O.S.B., who acted as best man.
The mother of the bride was dressed in grey georgette with coloured sash, while Mrs St. John, cousin of the bride, was dressed in cerise georgette.
Mr Ballantyne, organist of Wallace Green Church, presided at the organ, and gave an excellent rendering of the customary wedding music, whike the hymns, “Love Divine,” and “O Perfect Love,” were sung.
Amongst those present were observed Mrs Adam Darling, the Rev. R.C. Inglis and Lieut. Robert Inglis (who is home on leave), Miss Clay (Ravensdowne), Mrs T. Darling, Miss Darling, Misses Darling-Robertson, Mrs de la Hey, Misses Alder (Halidon), Mrs and Miss McCreath, Mrs Macaky, Miss Pearson, Mrs Riddell, Miss Robertson, Mrs Worsdell, Miss E.F. Smail, Miss Dunlop, etc., etc.
The bridegroom’s presents to the bridesmaids were silver chain bags.
The happy couple left by the 3.9 train for York. The bridegroom, we understand, has been granted ten days’ leave subject to cancellation if his services are required sooner.
The bride’s going away dress was a long champagne coloured coat trimmed with sable fur, while she also wore a brown velvet hat to match, with Russian sable furs, the gift of her mother.
A number of friends accorded a hearty send-off and expressed their good wishes for the future happiness of the couple.
Mrs Fedden will be “At Home” at Elder House, Berwick, on the 28th, 29th, and 40th November.
IN MEMORIAM
ANDERSON – In loving remembrance of Private W. Anderson, N.F., who was killed in action on November 14th, 1916, aged 22 years and three months.
In the prime of life I was cut off,
No longer could I stay,
Because it was my Saviour’s will
To call me hence away.
No sin, no care can reach him now,
An angel’s crown is on his brow;
He’s reached the ransomed joyful band
Whose home is in the better land.
Ever remembered by his sister-in-law, Mrs T. Anderson, Fenham Hill.
ATHEY – In loving memory of Lance-Corporal J.W. Athey, aged 22 years, who was killed in action in France, November 17th, 1916, the only son of Mr and Mrs Athey, Beal Station.
Although his face we cannot see, his voice we cannot hear,
We often sit and think of him, and shed a silent tear;
Friends may think that we have forgot him,
when at times we are apt to smile,
Little knowing what grief is hidden beneath the surface all the while.
Ever remembered by his loving father and mother and sisters.
DIGGLE – In loving memory of James, the dearly beloved husband of Euphemia Diggle (nee Curle), who died November 17th, 1916.
One lonely year has passed away
Since my dear husband was called away,
And, oh, the pain it was severe
For I little thought death was so near.
When I took around our lonely house
And see his vacant chair,
Where he used to sit with his listening ear
Until I told him all my cares.
But now he is gone, my heard is sad,
Through this dark world I tread,
But methinks I can see how he is waiting for me
In the beautiful land on high.
Sadly missed by his sorrowing wife and family and eldest son, Eddie, in France-Brinkburn, Pauperhaugh.
We are deeply grieved to have to report that Sergt. Ernest Falla, third son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Falla, North Bank, Belford, has fallen at the post of duty in France. Prior to enlisting this young fellow was employed as footman with Mr Graham, Cartin, Carluke, Scotland, and had a most comfortable place, but his sense of duty to his King and Country was Treasurer, Mr J. Brand, Bank of Liverpool, call for help was given, so on September 3rd, 1914, he enlisted into the H.L.I., and soon after was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and later to South African Infantry Brigade. On May the 10th, 1915, he sailed for France, and with the exception of one leave in January last has been doing his best to beat the Huns since that time. He won his stripes on the battlefield, and that is sufficient proof of the excellent way his duties have been performed. Ernest was a smart pleasant lad, and his loss is greatly mourned, and widespread sympathy is expressed for the bereaved relatives.
RECRUITING CHANGES
As has already been announced by the Minister of National Service, Great Britain will, for the purpose of recruiting, be divided into 10 regions, at the head of each there will be a civilian Director of Recruiting.
The Director for Scotland is Mr C.D. Murray, K.C., and his region will include the whole of Scotland, except the town of Berwick. Mr Murray is a well-known advocate at the Scottish Bar.
The Director for the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, Durham, and Westmorland, with the Cleveland District of Yorkshire, and Berwick, is Mr D. H. L. Young, a member of the firm of Messrs James Templeton and Co., of Glasgow. He has had experience of administration of the Military Service Acts as a member of an appeal tribunal.
THE NEW CATEGORIES
According to an Army Council Instruction just issued by the War Office, it has been decided to abolish the distinction between categories B and C in the classification of men by categories. As to men fit for service overseas in categories lower than A, the Instruction points out that this will be provided for by special medical examination when the men are required to proceed abroad. The new classification comes into force on November 1.
Category A is for men fit for general service in any theatre of war, from the point of training, as well as good physical and mental condition, and who are able to stand active service work.
Category B will consist of those who are not fit for general service, but will do for home service. There are three sections in B (i.) men fit for field units (at home only) or garrison duty (ii.) in labour units, (iii.) sedentary work.
These are followed in the Instruction by category D for men who may be deemed temporarily unfit for service in categories A or B, but who are likely to become fit within six months.
Category E provides for those who are unfit for services in categories A or B, and who are not likely to become fit in six months.
Category B (iii.), it should be added, also comprises those who, if skilled tradesmen, are able to work at their trades.
Category D is temporary, so far as reserve units are concerned, and a man in a higher category will automatically come under D3, if under medical or dental treatment, rejoining his original category until transferred either upwards or downwards, as the case may be, by the medical officer or travelling medical board.
AGRICULTURE
WOMEN AND SCHOOL CHILDREN HELP
This year real service has been rendered in work of this class by school children, also women. Many of the rural school boards have risen well to the occasion this year in the way of granting leave. Farmers generally are grateful, not only for the assistance which they have got in this way, but also for the help which women and soldiers have rendered. Many increased their potato area this year to meet as far as possible national necessity, and it is not easy seeing how the crop could have been handled but for the extra help that has been obtained in this way.
LOCAL NEWS
The marriage which has been arranged between Lieut. Cecil Olcher Fedden, 22nd Punjabis attached to the Royal Flying Corps, eldest son of Mr F. Player Fedden, Glenthorpe, Barnet, and Miss Shena Lennox Fraser, eldest daughter of Colonel C. l. Fraser, V.D., Berwick, will take place quietly on Monday, 3rd December, in Berwick Parish Church. Lieut. Fedden has seen a good deal of active service, and fought on the Indian frontier in 1911 in the Abor expedition.
He was fourteen months in Mesopotamia at the beginning of the present war, being badly wounded at the battle of Ctesiphon. He made his escape out of Kut the day before it was besieged – 3rd December, 1915. Miss Fraser is well known for her good work in Berwick and district. She acted as Secretary for the Berwickshire Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Family Association and worked enthusiastically for the cause, while she also took an active interest in her work as a member of the local War Pensions Committee.
D.S.M. FOR HOLY ISLAND MAN
A.B. Robert Lilburn
We are pleased to announce that the Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded to Able Seaman Robert Lilburn, R.N.R., for bravery in saving the lives of the crew of a mined ship in December last. Seaman Lilburn, who is a Holy Island man, and a son of the late Mr James Lilburn, who was drowned many years ago at the Island under distressing circumstances when piloting a steamboat into the harbour, has seen two years’ service with the mine sweeping sections of the Fleet, and has been regularly at sea since then. In civil life he followed the calling of a fisherman. His many friends will heartily congratulate him upon the honour just awarded.
HOLY ISLAND
Gallant Lifeboatmen – A pleasing ceremony took place at Holy Island. Mr A. Logan, of Berwick, acting on behalf of the Swedish Government, presented handsome cups to Coxwain George Cromarty and Second Coxwain Thomas Kyle, and a sum of £2 to each of the crew of the Holy Island No.2 Lifeboat, for the rescue of the crew of the Swedish barque Jolani, in Nov. 1916.
The rescue took place under exceptional difficulties, the wind blowing a gale from the east. The two coxswains expressed their thanks to Mr Logan, and through him to the Swedish Government, Mr Kyle declaring that all the members of the crew had done equally well. On the suggestion of Mr Logan a collection was taken for the Royal Lifeboat Institution, to which all responded heartily.
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