War News

This Week in World War One, 1 November 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 1 NOVEMBER 1918

 

Berwick Officer Severely Wounded

LIEUT. ALF. M. HUFFAM

 

We regret that we are not able to record much improvement in the condition of Lieut. Alf. Huffam, West Riding Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Huffam, 119 High Street, Berwick, who was admitted on the 12th October to a Casualty Clearing Station in France, suffering from a wound in the face, and a severe wound in the back.

His brother has written home stating that though his condition has not shown much improvement, he is cheery and seems determined to get well again. We earnestly trust this determination will pull him through, and that next reports will be favourable.

Liuet. Huffam; who in civil life was a coach builder in Berwick, enlisted in the earliest stages of the war in the local battalion of the N.F. After training, he proceeded to France and came safely through the Second Battle of Ypres, and subsequent operations at Hooge, and on the Somme. He was recommended for a commission, and about a year ago was gazetted to the West Riding Regt. Since then he has seen heavy fighting, and has been mentioned in despatches. His younger brother made the supreme sacrifice last year, and other two brothers are in the N.F. Lieut. Huffam’s father was for over twenty-one years with the Royal Highlanders, and on leaving the Army was for some years a Volunteer Instructor.

The many friends of the wounded officer, especially those with whom he has associated in the Baptist Church Bible Class, wish him a speedy and thorough recovery.

War News

Military Cross for Berwick Officer

SEC. LT. JOHN STUART HARVEY

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Lieut. John Stuart Harvey, Worcesters, second son of Mr and Mrs S. G. Harvey, Railway Street, on his being awarded

A WW1 Military Cross similar to that awarded to Lieut. Stuart Harvey.

the Military Cross for gallantry.

Lieut. Harvey joined up in 1915 as a private in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and was recommended for a commission before proceeding to France with his

regiment. After service in France he was brought home to undergo his course, and was later gazetted to the Worcesters. He took part in the masterly retreat conducted during the German offensive in March last, and when the record of how he earned his decoration is published, we believe it will be for gallantry there.

Lieut. Harvey served his apprenticeship with Messrs Johnston and Darling, Berwick, but at the time of his enlistment, he was on the staff of Messr Donaldson and Company, seedsmen, Edinburgh. We trust he will be long spared to wear his honour.

 

War News

Mrs Sutherland, Berwick, has received the following letter from a friend of her late husband, Sergt, Laurie Sutherland.

Dear Mrs Sutherland, – I want to just write you a note about your husband. You will longer this have received word from the War Office as it has taken me a long time to find out particulars about him. He was up with me moving the battery forward on the night of the 30th Sept., and was unfortunately wounded by a mine going off on the road. I had left him but a few minutes to go on with some other lorries and did not know of the occurrence until he had been dressed and taken to hospital by the other men with him. As we have been moving forward every day I have not been able to get any news of him until I got an official note of his death three days afterwards on a hospital train.Those with him said that they did not think he was dangerously wounded and his death has come as a great shock to us all. He was not only one of the best sergeants that I have ever known, but as a man he was the finest that it has ever been my good fortune to work with. He was liked and respected by everyone. All this sense of loss that we feel is nothing compared to your irreparable loss, and I and all his old comrades wish me to send you their deepest sympathy. He has died as he always worked, so that the children of today and of tomorrow may not know the awfulness of war. It is, I know, but poor consolation to you and to his little girl of whom he so often spoke, but he has not died in vain. He leaves behind the splendid memory of a great hearted man. Please accept most sincere sympathy in your terrible loss. Yours very truly, FRED RANDALL.

 

SPITTAL COUNCIL SCHOOL

CHILDREN’S SALE OF WORK ON BEHALF

OF WAR CHARITIES WEEK

 

A successful Sale of Work organised by the scholars of Spittal Council School under the guidance of their teachers, took place in the school on Saturday afternoon. A big crowd of parents and others interested in the School made a lively scene, the Central Hall being quite filled.

The various stalls were as follows:-

Work Stall – Mrs Clements, Mrs Burn, Miss Lee.

Doll Stall – Jenny Martin, Agnes White, Barbara Wood.

Golliwogs, Beads, toys – Roberta Johnson

Guessing Stall – Two chickens, a cheese, two cakes, etc – Ella Martin

China and Glass Ware – Miss Dickinson

Jumble Stall – Miss Millar, Eta Dumble

Dip – Lizzie Johnson

Vegetable Stall – John Rutherford, Robt.Wood, Matthew Holburn, Alex. Patterson, William McLeod.

Door Keeper – Miss J. Wood

Parisian Tea Rooms – Miss Noble, Miss Johnson, Miss Borthwick, Miss Wolfe.

Mrs J. Campbell made the tea and was of great help. The largest of the classrooms made a delightful tea room.

Spittal School
Spittal School in the early 20th Century.

We were specially amused with the boys in charge of the Vegetable Stall. This was not a sum to work, it was not even playing at shops; it was real buying and selling. A customer appears, goods are displayed, real weights and measures and scales are used, real money is handed over and there is no discount.

The most optimistic expected to draw about £5 and we can imagine how surprised and delighted all were when the headmaster, Mr T. W. G. Borthwick announced that the nett proceeds amounted to £25. The parents and inhabitants of Spittal deserve the greatest praise for having given of their best and spared no expense to enable their children to do credit to their school in the various efforts to make “Children’s Day” a success.

Local News

The collection of plumstones and nut shells organised by the Patriotic Fund and kindly assisted by local grocers and greengrocers, is about to be sent to Government headquarters. Any contributions should be handed in without delay, and will be thankfully received. The proceeds, as our readers are aware, are used in the manufacture of gas masks, and the object should therefore appeal strongly to those who appreciated the value of such protectors of the lives of our men in the trenches.

Under sad circumstances the death has occurred of Mrs Reap, married quarters, wife of Private J. W. Reap, K.O.S.B., at present on active service. Mrs Reap, who is a daughter of Mrs Lough, West Street, died suddenly after a short illness, and leaves a family of seven children. Unfortunately the relations found it impossible to get into touch with Private Reap, and although funeral arrangements were delayed until Saturday, 19th, he was not present, and as yet no word had been received from him.

This Week in World War One, 4 October 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4 OCTOBER 1918

 

FETE DAY A THE BARRACKS

SPLENDID EFFORT ON BEHALF OF PRISONERS OF WAR FUND

 

It is quite a pleasure to visit Berwick Barracks now that the Medical Board does not insist upon “civies” showing off their good points in their birthday suits, and on Thursday afternoon the attractions offered at the Fete which had been organised were sufficient to repay all the discomfort suffered here under the Review of Exceptions Act. True there were the same old faces, the man who looked at your calling up notice, the man who sent you hunting upstairs for your medical history, the one who ushered you into the chamber of horrors, even the obliging clerk who made out your discharge and the gem of an officer who signed it, but they were all different and smiling serenely, looking as if it was a pleasure to welcome one, instead of a painful duty. Major McAlester, D.S.O., the popular C.O., was early about amongst his officers, men and helpers, and to the credit of all be it said that everything ran well up to the time table.

The afternoon, so far as weather was concerned, might have been better, there being a chilliness in the air, a factor which of course must be expected at this time of year. This in a way, we believe, affected the attendance somewhat, for there might well have been a much larger turnout for so deserving an object. A pleasing splash of colour was given to the grim old Barrack Square by the Guard, who were for the occasion in the red and tartan full dress uniform with Balmoral bonnets. It was quite a change to sea this after having become so used to the dull khaki, and the Mons ribbon on the breasts of some of these men showed that they had done their bit with the “Old Bills.”

WAR MEDALS AND RELICS EXHIBITON

In the Officers Mess in charge of Miss Bishop, assisted by Major Parkinson and Major McAlester, D.S.O., who described the exhibits, a fine collection of War Medals, Orders, and War Relics were on view. Amongst the medals shown were the V.C.’s awarded to C.S.M.’s Skinner and Grimbaldstone and Piper Laidlaw.

Piper Laidlaw’s medals on display at the National Museum of Scotland. © Author: Kernel Saunters – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

There were also on view Serbian Decorations, Belgian Croix de Guerre, French Crois de Guerre and Orders, Stars, and Decorations awarded to men of the K.O.S.B.’s in former wars.  Round the walls were hung the new, and also the battle torn colours of the various battalions of the Borderers, while the machine Guns of the 6th Battalion proved a centre of great interest. The war relics comprised practically everything which could be picked up on the battlefield or behind the lines, and there were many valuable and interesting curios in the collection.

In a Barrack Room, “Tommie’s Home” could be seen at the modest sum of twopence, clean and tidy, and laid out just as it would have been for a General’s Inspection. Many visited this side attraction during the afternoon, and the smart and trim appearance of the rooms were favourably commented upon.

 

WAR NEWS

 

SPECIALLY MENTIONED

 

We are pleased to record that Lieut. Commander Willits, R.N.R., son of Mr H. W. Willits, has been specially mentioned in Despatches for escort, convoy and patrol work. He was in Australia when war broke out and on coming home was given the command of one of H.M. Torpedo Boats. He is now in command of a Destroyer and has seen much service on the French and Belgian Coasts.

 

BERWICK NEWSAGENT KILLED IN ACTION

Private William Hay

 

It is with deep regret that we record the death in action of Private Wm. Hay, K.O.S.B., husband of Mrs Hay, newsagent, Church Street, and son of Mr William Hay, baker and merchant, Berwick. The first news of this sad occurrence was conveyed in a letter from a comrade and this was confirmed by the official notice which arrived later.

“Willie” hay, as he was familiarly called in the town was a favourite with all who knew him. A thorough business man he built up a most successful newsagent’s enterprise many years before the war, and practically we might say after he had left school. He found time, however, to indulge in sport, and in the position of goalkeeper assisted Berwick Rangers and other teams in medal competitions. A good sport and a friend all will be sorry to lose, he will be missed in the year which are to come.

He enlisted under the Derby Scheme and after being allowed a little time to make business arrangements, joined up in the K.O.S.B. With that regiment he served in the Eastern Theatre of war, and along with him for a time was Private Robt. Clark, who in civil life was a newsagent at Tweedmouth.

We are sure we voice the feelings of our readers when we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his widow, in her great sorrow, and to his father.

 

LOCAL NEWS

A postcard has been received by Mr Johnson, West End, Tweedmouth from his son, Private T.S. Johnson, King’s Own London Regiment, who is a prisoner at Stammlager, Germany, returning thanks to the Mayoress (Mrs Plenderleith) for having sent him a parcel of food and comforts. We are glad to learn that Private Johnson is keeping well and hope he soon will be clear of confinement.

Stammlager Prison, where Private T. S. Johnson, of the King’s Own London Regiment, was held as a prisoner in WW1. © Author: LutzBruno. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

 

In the town on leave after having been for a long time in hospital recovering from wounds, we observe Sergeant Lawrence Simmon of the Black Watch, enjoying a leave. He has seen considerable service on the western front during his military career, and as he has done his bit we rust it will be a long time yet, if ever, when he again returns to the front.

HORNCLIFFE

Mr John Christison, second son of Mr Alex. Christison, India, and grandson of the late Ald. H. L. Christison, J.P., of Berwick, has had an unfortunate experience. He was in a Linconshire regiment, and after being invalided out was proceeding to India to take up a position there when the boat upon which he was travelling was torpedoed 200 miles from land. Mr Christison has lost everything, and is now back at Horncliffe staying with his aunt, Miss Turner.

 

This Week in World War One, 6 September 1918

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BERWICK ADVERITISER, 6 SEPTEMBER 1918

 

WAR NEWS

MILITARY MEDAL FOR TWEEDMOUTH SOLDIER

 

 

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Corpl. James Weddell, N.F., son of Mr and Mrs Weddell, 116 Main Street, Tweedmouth, on his having been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field in Italy.

The official record says: – “During a raid on the enemy trenches this N.C.O. led his section with great coolness and skill, materially assisting in bombing the enemy lines and dug-outs and bringing back prisoners.”

Corpl. Weddell, who in civil life was a fireman on the N.E. Railway, was a territorial prior to the war and was mobilised in 1914. He took part in the battle of St. Julien, and subsequent engagements and has been twice wounded. He was sent from France with the expeditionary force to Italy, and has seen some heavy fighting there. Corpl. Weddell has not had leave for a long time, but we understand it will be long before he is allowed a short respite from fighting, and will be able to spend a leave at his home.

 

BERWICK WAR CHARITIES WEEK

Thursday

GALA DAY IN THE CRICKET FIELD

SPLENDID PROGRAMME OF SPORTS, FOLLOWED BY SPECTACULAR EVENTS

SIR FRANCIS BLAKE PRESENTS PRIZES

 

Berwick Cricket Field, the scene of many a stirring encounter in the old days before the war, when the Athletic Festival was one of the events of the year, bore some semblance to its former glory on Thursday last, when under the auspices of Berwick War Charities Week a grand Athletic Festival and Carnival was held.

Beautiful weather favoured the event, and a very large and animated gathering was early in attendance and dotted in groups round the various side attractions set out round the field. One might reasonably say that all Berwick and its wife was there, and the holiday spirit was in the atmosphere.

On the old Hockey ground the “Aerial Railway or Suspension Wire,” which proved such an unbounded success at Scremerston, had been erected, and young and old, fair maidens, dark maidens, and maidens of uncertain age, along with the few specimens of the male sex remaining, were to be seen enjoying the flight through space.

A Fish Pond proved as usual a draw, and at this popular side show Miss Molly Cowen officiated in pleasing manner. Houp-la the modern method of legalised robbery, claimed its votaries, and Mrs Collingwood, Miss Walker, Miss and Master Collingwood, Miss Erskine and Miss Calder had a busy afternoon in attempting to satisfy their clients. Black Cat mascots were also sold during the day by Mrs Wm. R. McCreath and Miss McCreath. Away to the north side of the field the lusty voice of Mr Robertson, Ladyrig, Kelso, could be heard soliciting patronage for the exhilarating exercise of “ Downing the Kaiser,” and having a shot at “Old Aunt Sally.”

 

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

THE NEEDS OF NEWSPAPERS

 

Archd. F. Carstairs (39) grade 3 man, 66 Church Street, Berwick, newspaper machine man in the “Advertiser” Office, and also working with Mr Grieve, printer, was a case in which exemption was sought on the ground that if he was taken there would be no man left to print the newspaper, Carstairs at the present time being only a half-time man, and sharing his hours of labour between the “Advertiser” Office and Mr Grieve’s office.

The above case was taken along with that of Kerr Middlemiss (28) married, 52 West End, Tweedmouth, linotype operator, “Advertiser” Office, who also asked for a continuation of his expiring exemption. It was explained in the application that the office staff was so reduced that the charge of the lino’ machines depended on Middlemiss, who worked along with a lad who had not yet technical knowledge of the machines. It was pleaded in view of the importance which the Government attached to a newspapers that it was in the national interests Middlemiss should remain.

A row of linotype machines at the Berwick Advertiser office in Marygate, in the mid twentieth century.

In answer to Mr Herriot it was explained by Mr H.S. Hamilton, Editor and Manager of the “Advertiser,” that Carstairs had only been a short time in the employ of the firm. They were exceedingly fortunate in getting him on the last machine man leaving. Although he served his time in the “Advertiser” Mr Grieve  had a prior claim to his services, and at present Carstairs divided his time between the two offices.

The national Service Representative said that in view of Carstairs grade and his occupation he did not oppose the claim for exemption.

It was agreed to allow three months’ exemption.

Consideration was then given to the case of Middlemiss, and the National Service Representative stated that his information was that this man, although he had received notification to be further medically examined on 4th June, had not reported himself. Middlemiss had since received further notice on 6th August to report himself.

Mr Hamilton stated that as one who was in daily communication with Middlemiss he was quite convinced that no call to present himself had reached him. There was not the slightest objection on the part of Middlemiss to be examined; he was positive the call to report himself had never reached Middelmiss. Mr Hamilton also explained that Middlemiss was a volunteer, and while he could not say that he was technically efficient he knew he was a very good shot.

The National Service Representative – I am perfectly aware such mistakes have occurred in many instances, and in such circumstances agree that Middlemiss should now report himself for medical examination.

It was then agreed to adjourn for further medical examination.

LOCAL NEWS

It will be remembered that Mr John Bishop got up a subscription some time ago for a skeleton for the use of the V.A.D.’s. He had the brilliant idea of making a sideshow of it at the War Relics Exhibition, and advertised it as “the thinnest man in Berwick – a result of rations.” One visitor, we hear, ungrasped his cash, and marched in, and saw only a tall, aristocratic figure, with his hat slightly on one side, who seemed to be saying, “Pass me not, pass me not!” The subscriber suspecting nothing, marched out again, and said at any rate he had done his duty.

Mr and Mrs Alexander McLeman celebrated their golden wedding on September 1st having been married on September 1st,1868, at the Parish Church, Ayton. Mr McLeman was well known on the Borders, where he was in business as a saddler in Castlegate, Berwick, 20 years ago. The old couple enjoy good health and have a family of nine, three daughters and six sons – John, Robert, Lons, David, on active service in France; William on National War Work; and Alexander, jr., in business as a saddler in Gateshead, holding Government contracts for saddlery, 26 grandchildren, three grandsons on active service; one grandson, James McLeman, killed in action while serving with Berwick Company of N.F.’s. Their present address is 50 Sunderland Road, Gateshead, where they have received many congratulations.

In view of the coming shortage of coal many people in country districts will go back to the moors for peat, which at one time was quite commonly burnt on the Borders. It has a most pleasant and characteristic smell, and is to be found in North Northumberland and in the Ford, Barmoor and low lying ground in the fen and hill districts. It is also found in Berwickshire at Gordon and Greenlaw, and practically the whole of the Lammermoor district.

Loading a peat cart in Westhay, Somerset in 1905. A similar scene would have taken place in Northumberland in 1918. © Photograph by A E Hasse of Balidon, York. Wikipedia Commons.

The peat burns brightly as long as no pot is put on it to press it down. For cooking, pots and pans are suspended from a “sway” or “swee,” an iron arm on a swivel, which is built into the fireplace. Many of the old fireplaces in the town of Berwick have these and we remember seeing one in excellent preservation when a new fireplace was being put in and a large ingle nook discovered in the “Hen and Chickens” Sandgate.

SPECIAL CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT

A special programme of pictures was screened at the Queen’s Rooms, on Saturday, at both houses. The hall is entirely under new management, who have made their debut at Berwick in a right worthy manner by giving the entire proceeds of both entertainments to the War Charity Week Funds. The entertainments were arranged by Mrs P. Cowe, and Mr J. Strachan, Conveners for Monday, assisted by Nurse Anthoney, Convener for Saturday of War Charity Week. At both houses Mr Wilson, the Sheriff, thanked the management in the name of the Committee and said they were deeply indebted for their generosity. He announced that the sum of £9 5s had been raised, which would go to swell the grand total. Mr Cooper replied in the name of Mr A. Lindsay, one of the partners of the new firm, and a nephew of the late Mr Mather. The management have also kindly lent the hall for this afternoon’s entertainment (Thursday) when the Waxworks and Concert will be repeated. We wish the new firm every success.

 

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