Annual Report for the Year 1924
The Committee e beg to present their 59th Annual Report.
There have been no outstanding incidents to chronicle. The usual monthly drills and inspections are nearly all that occurred during the period covered by this Report.
JANUARY 8. – A well attended watch was held when a very strong easterly gale sprang up with hail and sleet showers. The gale abated about 2 a.m. on January 9.
FEBRUARY 12. – A strong south-east gale commenced during the day, and by evening it was blowing hard. A watch was kept during the afternoon and evening but the wind moderated considerably about 11 p.m.
JULY 27. – The Brigade attended a Church Parade in the South Marine Park. This Parade was arranged by the British Legion in memory of those who laid down their lives in the Great War. A very impressive service was conducted by the Rev. F. S. Myers, Vicar of South Moor. The Service was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, many of the Aldermen and Councillors, the Brigade of Field Artillery, the Cadets, Scouts, and other public bodies.
“CHRONICLE CUP”. – The Competition for this Cup was held in the evening of July 30. Our team, under the command of Capt. Oliver, did what was considered a very good performance, such as bringing the Apparatus into action in 50 seconds, bringing a man ashore in 3 mins. 27 secs., stowing the rocket line in 6 mins. 3 secs., restowing the wagon in 8 mins 14 secs., and heaving the cane 29 and 27 yards, gaining 272 points in all, the final result of the competition being Seaton Sluice 1st, Tynemouth 2nd, South Shields 3rd.
AUGUST 22. – Capt. Daintree, R.N., Inspector -General of L.S.A., inspected the gear of the Brigade and expressed himself satisfied. Owing to the time of Capt. Daintree’s visit no muster of the Brigade took place.
OCTOBER 4. – After the usual monthly drill, Long-Service Medals were presented to Deputy Captain Mathews and Brigadesman W.M. Vasey. The presentation was made by Capt. Betts, R.N. Inspector of Coastguards, Brigades and Companies for the Tyne District (Berwick to Hartlepool). In the course of his remarks he said these medals were instituted by H. M. King George the Fifth in 1911 and ordered to be stamped with his medallion, making them King’s Medals. They were to be given for 20 years’ continuous service in Brigades and Companies, such efficient service to consist of regular attendance at drills, keeping watch in stormy weather when necessary, and good conduct generally when called upon for service.
NOVEMBER 15. – The Brigade accompanied the Mayor (Alderman J. G. Winskell) and the Corporation to the usual service at St. Hilda’s Church. The sermon was preached by the Vicar, a large number of townspeople being present.
During the year 1924 the Committee regret to report the deaths of Brigadesmen Charles Riley and James Tait. Charles riley died on the 24th January 1924. He had been our Caretaker for many years, being appointed on 14th January 1907. He was diligent in the performance of his duties and liked and respected by all. The Brigade attended his funeral on the 28th January. James Tait died on the 28th August; he had been in bad health for some considerable time, but was able to attend the July drill. The brigade attended his funeral on the 30th August.