AD22/2/49/4/2 Edgar Frederick Newton ’s War Page | 1

Copy Precognition Anent Complaint of Edgar P. Newton.

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Bellsbrae, , 30th September, 1914.

EDGAR FREDERICK NEWTON (49). I reside at 43 Lime Street, London.

I spent a short fishing holiday in Shetland in September, 1910, and lodged with Mrs Anderson, Fairview, Northroe.

I rented rooms at Bellsbrae, Whalsay from Mr James Shearer for the months of August, September, and October last year. I spent most of the time fishing for sea trout, and occasionally set longlines. I used a boat belonging to Robert Nicolson, . Shearer went with me as sailing master.

This year I left London for Shetland on 18th July, travelling from Liverpool, from when I took a passage in a Langlands boat to Stromness, and thence by the S.S. “St. Ninian” to from where I crossed to . I travelled from Lerwick to Whalsay by J.W. Robertson’s motor launch “Thora” and arrived there on 22nd July, where I again occupied rooms I had had from Shearer the previous summer.

Shearer hired for me the decked fishing boat “Traveller” from Alexander Duthie, fisherman, Lerwick, with which I proposed to fish for sea trout in the Voes in Shetland. I again employed Shearer as my sailing master and as crew William Wishart, Symbister and Willie Poleson who lives with Shearer. I sometimes employed John Irvine, Symbister and Shearer’s brother Magnus in place of William Wishart. I/

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I have a lad Frank Davidson, who is employed at the Boy Scout Headquarters, 116 Queen Victoria Street, with me. He always accompanied my crew and myself in the boat.

The first trip we made was a day or two after the war broke out. When off Leveneep Head, Lunnasting we heard the noise of firing, and as my crew thought their women folks might be alarmed we decided to go back to Whalsay.

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I subsequently made trips with the “Traveller” to Garths Voe, , Laxo Voe, Lunnasting and Dales Voe, Tingwall. Each trip lasted two or three days and I usually employed the time in these Voes fishing with a rod. When at Garths Voe we were on shore and purchased some eggs &c. from a man named Sinclair.

I visited Lerwick with my boat “Traveller” on 4th September and remained there about three hours. I bought some newspapers, and afterwards had lunch at the Queen’s Hotel. While at Lerwick I met Duthie, who gave me some smoked fish, and shortly after my return to Whalsay I wrote requesting him to furnish me with a regular supply of fish. A few days afterwards I got a letter from Duthie to the effect that at that time he did not have any fish. He also mentioned in his letter that I had been reported to Colonel Evans as a spy.

I at once wrote to Colonel Evans enclosing my card and mentioned the information Duthie had given me. I never received a reply. I think that letter was written 8th September but I am not sure as to the date – it might have been as late as the 13th inst.

On 14th September a motor-boat, flying the White Ensign came to Whalsay. A gentleman wearing naval uniform and a man in plain clothes whom I ascertained was named Grierson were evidently in charge of the motor boat. The gentleman in/

[page 3] in uniform said he desired to examine my boat “Traveller”. I gave him permission readily, and he examined the boat. He said to me “What about these photographs you have taken in Lerwick.” I said I have never taken a photograph in my life.

The lad Davidson has a small camera with which he has taken photographs of this house and of the boat “Traveller”, but he left the camera here when we went to Lerwick.

The naval officer was quite polite when he examined the boat.

The following day I wrote the letter of complaint to F.J. Tennant, Under Secretary of State for War, who is a personal friend of mine.

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I strongly object to being accused of being a spy and of the implication that Shearer, who was fully conversant of my movements, would have harboured me if I had been such, and I am desirous that the names of Colonel Evans’ informants should be obtained. Truth.

(Signed) Edgar F. Newton.

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[page 4] Bellsbrae, Whalsay, 30 Septr. 1914.

JAMES SHEARER (47) I am a Commission Agent and live here. I served 25 years in the R.N.R., and am Chairman of the School Board and Parish Council of Nesting, Lunnasting, Whalsay and Skerries.

I have a lease of my holding from Mr. Bruce of Symbister.

Mr. Newton held rooms in my house for the months of August, September and October last year, and this year he arranged to rent the rooms for the like period.

He arrived here on 22nd July and on the 31st of that month I and Alexander Duthie brought the boat “Traveller”, which I had hired for him from Duthie, to Whalsay.

Last year Mr Newton employed a Whalsay boat the “Watch Palmer” with which he went fishing. I always went with him as sailing master. This year I was employed in the same capacity. In addition to myself we had in the boat Willie Poleson, who lives with me.

Poleson and I together with Frank Davidson were the regular crew of the “Traveller”, but we always engaged another man. We have had John Irvine, Slateness, Whalsay, Magnus Shearer, Cleat and William Wishart, Hillhead, all of Whalsay.

We made the first voyage in the “Traveller” a day or so after the declaration of war. We left for Laxo Voe, but on reaching Leveneep head we heard the noise of firing to seaward, and as some of the crew thought their women folks might be anxious they wished to go back, which we did. John Irvine was with us that day. About the beginning of the following week we went for a sail. We sailed down between and/

[page 4] and Whalsay and passed the back of Linga in the direction of Stavaness, Nesting and thence back to Symbister.

Our next trip was to Garths Voe, Delting. We left Whalsay on a Tuesday forenoon, and in the afternoon got to Voe. I mistook the entrance of Garths Voe, which runs off , and sailed up to near the head of Sullom Voe, where we anchored of Haggrista. We blew

Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WP [email protected]. AD22/2/49/4/2 Edgar Frederick Newton Shetland’s War Page | 5 a horn and a man came off. We asked whether we were at Garth and for Thomas Laurenson whom I knew. He informed us of our correct position. We lay there all night, and on the following morning proceeded to Garths Voe, where we got Thomas Laurenson’s small boat, from which Mr Newton fished all that and the following day. We returned to Whalsay on Friday. While at Garth Mr. Newton, Frank Davidson and I were ashore several times. Poleson and Wishart went to Firth for provisions.

None of the people we met ever asked who were or what we were doing, except when off Voxter Voe we passed James Hay, whom I knew, and he asked the name of our boat, which was given.

We went to Garth again the following week being away from Tuesday to Friday. Mr. Newton fished from Laurenson’s boat on Tuesday evening and all day on Wednesday and Thursday.

I and other members of the crew were frequently on shore, and nobody asked who we were. They could easily see Mr. Newton fishing from the small boat.

We made a trip to Garth the following week. My brother Magnus was in place of Wishart on that trip. Mr. Newton fished/

[page 6] fished as formerly, and none of the people we met ashore asking anything regarding us.

We afterwards visited Laxo Voe twice but did not remain overnight. While there we had the use of a small boat from Thomas Jamieson, Laxo, whom we had met when Mr. Newton fished there last year. Poleson and my brother were ashore at Laxo. On both occasions Mr. Newton fished from the small boat.

On one occasion we visited Bellister, Nesting and while there Laurence Morrison, Bellister came off to us. I was acquainted with him. We were all ashore at Hunter’s shop, but nobody asked us who we were. I am well known there.

On 4th Septr. we sailed to Lerwick. My brother was the hand that trip.

We arrived at Mitchell’s Station, North Ness and moored the boat there about 1 p.m.

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I called at the Post Office and saw the Postmaster, to whom I made a proposal to take the Whalsay mail back with us, but he informed me that he had no power to give it to me. I think I gave him the name of my boat. I was also at the Newsroom, the Victoria Refreshment Rooms, the North of and Town and Country Bank, and the Drill Hall, where I saw a nephew of mine, Magnus Shearer, who was on duty there.

Davidson was in company with Mr. Newton. Poleson and my brother were strolling about the town.

Nobody made any enquiries at me as to what I was doing. I did not take any photos.

We left Lerwick about 4.30 p.m. The wind fell soft, and we got to Whalsay only about 1 a.m. next morning.

The following week we went to Dales Voe, Tingwall, where we spent a night. We were ashore for a short time/

[page 7] time. My brother and Poleson met some men who were gathering mussels. Duthie was amongst them.

When at Lerwick Duthie had met us at the North Ness and advised Mr. Newton to go to Dales Voe.

On 13th instant Mr. Newton read me a letter which he had received from Duthie, who mentioned that he (Newton) was being suspected of being a spy and had been reported as such to Col. Evans. I was surprised to hear this.

Realising that if this had been the case, I would have been liable to severe penalties, and resenting the imputation that I would lodge a spy, I wrote on 14th Septr. the letter of which I produce a copy to Col. Evans, which was posted about 8 a.m. that day.

About 2 p.m. the same day a gentleman wearing a naval uniform and Mr Grierson called at my house and asked my wife for me, leaving instructions for me to call for them immediately on my return at Mr Bruce’s house where they said they were going. My wife told me this when I came back to the house about 2.10 p.m. I went to Mr Bruce’s but on arrival there I

Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WP [email protected]. AD22/2/49/4/2 Edgar Frederick Newton Shetland’s War Page | 7 found that they had left and gone towards , where the “Traveller” was lying. I went towards the Voe and met the gentlemen in naval uniform, whom I afterwards learned was Lieut. Foster, and Mr Grierson whom I knew, in plain clothes. I asked Mr Grierson whether he wished to see me, and he said he did. He asked me to come off the “Traveller” but I told him Mr. Newton had the key of the cabin, which I would require to get if they desired to get into it.

I went to the house and brought Mr Newton. He and I accompanied Foster and Grierson to the “Traveller” where Foster searched all the boat.

When walking up from the beach in company with Foster and Grierson I explained to them who Mr Newton was, and as to the absurdity of his being a spy. Grierson was often here while Mr. Newton stayed with me last year, and must/

[page 8] must have known of him. Grierson said to me that they had information that he had taken photos, of either “trenches” or “territorials”, I forget which, when he was in Lerwick.

I said that was all nonsense, and asked whether they wished to search the house, but Foster said that would be exceeding his instructions as these only extended to a search of the boat. I read to Foster the copy of my letter to Col. Evans, and shewed him the press copy.

I happened to be in Lerwick on 19th inst. and called on Col. Evans at the Queen’s Hotel. He asked me, on my surname being announced by the boots, whether I was any relation to James Shearer. I told him that was my name. I explained to him that I was on the waiting list for an R.N.R. pension, and that I was willing to do duty to relieve an R.N.R. man at the watch tower in Whalsay. He said he would take my name but could not give any guarantee that I would be accepted.

He then asked me what I thought about Mr. Newton now. I said “What do you mean, sir”. He said “Do you think he is a spy?” I said I did not, and he said “Will you bet on it?” I said I would, and he replied to the effect that if he was not a spy why to the devil did he not put up his blinds (Mr. Newton both last year and this has been in the habit of keeping his window blinds down all day). I explained that Mr. Newton was here three months last year, and he said he did not care a damn how many years he had been.

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While discussing Mr. Newton Col. Evans said what was the reason that when going to Laxo we always anchored over the cable. I explained to him that we never anchored there, and stated that if he had any information to that effect it was erroneous.

In the course of the conversation he passed a remark to the effect if he was not a spy he should not go about and/

[page 9] and act in such a stupid manner.

Mr Newton is well known in Whalsay. Truth.

(Signed) James Shearer.

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[page 10] Symbister, Whalsay, 30 Septr. 1914.

FRANK DAVIDSON (17) I am employed at the Boy Scout Headquarters as an orderly to Sir R. Baden Powell. For this and two previous years I have been with Mr. Newton on his holiday, in 1912 to Iceland, and last year and this year to Shetland.

I was in the boat every time Mr Newton went out this year.

Before we went to Lerwick on 4th Septr. we made three trips to Garths Voe and were twice at Laxo, and we were two or three times out for a sail about Whalsay Sound, and on one occasion visited Bellister, Nesting.

I never met anyone at Garths Voe except Thos. Laurenson.

I was in Mr Newton’s company all the time he was at Lerwick on 4th September. He called at a newsagents shop and we then went to the Queen’s Hotel for lunch.

Neither Mr Newton or I had anything carrying, and neither of us took any photos.

I am not positive but I rather think Mr. Newton wrote to Col. Evans by the same post as Shearer’s letter went.

Mr. Newton is well known in Whalsay, and no one has ever made any enquiry as to what we were doing. I think everybody knew Mr. Newton was fishing.

We were never challenged by any military or coastguard sentries when cruising about.

I have a camera, and have taken a few photos of this house and our boat. I did not have the camera in Lerwick. Truth. (Signed) F.R. Davidson

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[page 11] Symbister, Whalsay, 30 Septr. 1914.

WILLIAM WISHART (49) I am a fisherman and live at Hillhead, Whalsay.

I occasionally met Mr. Newton on the road at Whalsay and exchanged greetings last year. I knew that he lodged with Shearer and that he was engaged trout fishing. This fact was well known in Whalsay. Last year he used a small Shetland model boat.

This year he arrived here about the end of July, and again lodged with Shearer. This season he had a decked boat named “Traveller” on which he went for fishing cruises.

I made two trips as a hand on this boat during the month of August. We were at Garths Voe on each of these occasions, and each trip extended from Tuesday to Friday.

On the first occasion we missed the entrance to Garths Voe and sailed up Sullom Voe to opposite Haggersta, where we anchored for the night. In response to a sound signal a man came off, who gave the name Williamson and who told us our exact whereabouts.

We went to Garth the following morning, where we got Thomas Laurenson’s small boat, from which Mr. Newton fished with a rod all that and the following day. I was ashore there, and Willie Poleson and I went to Firth for messages. We met several people about Garth, but no one asked us who we were or what we were doing and no one in the shop at Firth (C.R. Hughson’s) asked us any questions.

There are only three or four neighbours at Garth, and anyone passing along the shore could have seen Mr. Newton fishing from the small boat.

The second trip I was ashore also but no one made any enquiries at me.

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I made a third trip with Mr. Newton to Garth, from 16th to 18th inst., and while ashore at Garth I met Constable Sutherland, , who enquired of me what Mr. Newton was doing in Garths Voe. I told him he was trout fishing, and the Constable appeared satisfied.

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In the afternoon of Monday 14th inst. we started from North Voe, Whalsay to go to Laxo Voe, but the wind fell away when we were in past Leveneep head, and we therefore turned back. On that trip Mr. Newton told us that he understood he was accused of being a spy, and that on that forenoon a naval officer had searched his boat. I was surprised to hear that.

I know this Island and its inhabitants thoroughly, and I don’t think there is anyone in Whalsay who does not know that Mr Newton has been going about fishing during this and the previous autumn.

There are three R.N.R. men on watch at the Wart of Cleat, Whalsay. They are James Johnson, Walter Leask, and Laurence Irvine, all belonging to Whalsay, and known to me. I think they must have been known that Mr. Newton lodged in Whalsay and went about fishing. In going out Whalsay Sound our boat can easily be seen from the Wart hill. None of these men ever made any enquiries at me in regard to Mr. Newton.

Davidson had a camera with which he often took photos of our boat and members of the crew. These were taken at Garths Voe and on the “Traveller”, and I do not think he could have been observed from the shore.

I cannot think of any person resident in Whalsay who could reasonably have thought that Mr. Newton was engaged otherwise than in fishing.

When/

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When I came back from our trips I told anybody who asked me where I had been to, and any other new [s] such as the success or otherwise which Newton had had fishing. Truth. (Signed) William Wishart.

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Symbister, Whalsay, 30 Septr. 1914.

WILLIAM GEORGE POLESON (19) I am a fisherman, and have been brought up by James Shearer, with whom I still live.

I was at the fishing last year, but knew that Mr. Newton was lodging with Shearer.

Since Mr. Newton’s arrival this year I have been accompanying him in the “Traveller” on fishing cruises.

We made four trips to Garths Voe. Wishart was with us on three of these, and Magnus Shearer on the fourth. Mr. Newton always fished from a small boat, and could have been twice to Laxo Voe and once to Dales Voe, on fishing expeditions. We have also had two or three sailing trips, on one of which we went in to Bellister. No one ever made any enquiry at me as to what Mr. Newton was doing.

I accompanied Mr. Newton to Lerwick on 4th Septr. and was in company with Magnus Shearer, when we were ashore about three hours. We visited several shops, and nobody ever asked what we were at Lerwick about. The boat was left moored at Mitchell’s fishcuring station at North Ness. Neither Magnus Shearer or I took any photographs.

I know the three R.N.R. men stationed at Wart Hill. I think they must know Mr. Newton was here fishing last year, and that he has been similarly engaged this fall. That fact was well known in Whalsay.

Last year and this Mr. Newton has been in the habit of keeping his windows blinded during the day as well as at nights, and both last year and this several people commented to me on this peculiarity. I have never heard any one suggest that they had any suspicions or him, but merely that they regarded it as a peculiar habit or eccentricity.

I/

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I do not know anyone in Whalsay who could reasonably have thought that Mr. Newton was a spy or reported him as being a suspicious person.

We were three times at Garths Voe, twice at Laxo, once at Bellister and one or two sailing trips through Whalsay Sound before we went to Lerwick on 4th September. After that we made the trip to Dales Voe and another voyage to Garths and set out on a trip to Laxo which was abandoned on account of the wind falling away.

We never anchored over the cable leading from Whalsay to Nesting.

I was ashore at Laxo and Dales Voe, and at Laxo spoke with Robert Hunter, who was passing with a van, and whom Shearer knew, and at Dales Voe to Alex. Duthie, who was there gathering mussels. Truth.

(Signed) William G. Poleson.

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[page 16] Symbister, 30th Septr. 1914.

ROBERT TAIT NICOLSON (46) I am a shopman to Hay & Coy. at Symbister.

I first met Mr. Newton in the month of August last year, when he hired my boat the “Watch Palmer” for trout and line fishing. James Shearer, with whom he lodges, always accompanied him when he went on fishing cruises.

He came back to Whalsay about the end of July last and again lodged with Shearer. He hired my boat again but has only used it twice when fishing for mack[e]rel in Whalsay Sound. I knew he had a decked boat “Traveller”, which he kept in North Voe. I often saw it going out and coming in Whalsay Sound, and I learned from the crew in general conversation that Mr. Newton used the boat for fishing.

Mr. Newton kept his blinds down all day last year and this, and people used to comment on it as a pecul[i]arity.

After the war broke out I heard several people saying that Mr. Newton was a spy, and that he was going about laying mines. I cannot recollect any person in particular whom I heard say that. It appeared to be a general rumour. I believed it to be baseless, and contradicted it whenever heard. I am of opinion that the rumour originated through some one making a remark in fun to the effect that Newton was a spy, and it gained credence as it was passed along. I often heard men in the shop mention the matter but they always treated it in a jocular fashion. The rumour was current since a few days after the outbreak of war, and is still going. I never heard anyone saying he was going to report Mr. Newton to the authorities, and have no idea whether he was ever so reported. Truth.

(Signed) R.T. Nicolson

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Symbister, 1st October, 1914.

JOHN JAMIESON IRVINE (32) I am a fisherman and live at Saltness, Whalsay.

This year I was three trips with Mr. Newton in his boat “Traveller”. The first trip we started for Laxo, but when off Leveneep head we heard the noise of firing to seaward, and thinking our women folks might be anxious we put back. This was on 6th August. I think the other two trips were on the two following days. On the first of these we went up to Laxo, Lunnasting, Mr Newton did not fish. We remained about half an hour. I think Mr. Newton did not have fishing tackle with him that day. He said he was going to see whether he was aware of any trout.

The following day we went for a sailing cruise round the island of Linga and called in at Bellister, Nesting, where the boat was anchored for about an hour. Mr. Newton and the crew were ashore. A Capt. Morrison came off with a small boat when we anchored, and he took us ashore, where we spoke to him for a short time, while Shearer visited Hunter’s shop. Morrison did not enquire as to what we were doing.

I knew Mr. Newton was with Shearer last year, and that he cruised around fishing. I thought he was similarly engaged this year, and I never had any suspicions of him being a spy.

Mr. Newton never associated with anybody in the Island, and after the war broke out and reports of the captures of spies began to appear in the newspapers several people enquired at me as to whether I thought Mr. Newton was a German, as he was constantly going about with the boat. A number of the people who enquired at me were old women, but I cannot recollect any person in particular. Nearly every person I met had the rumour, some believing it, and others treating the/

[page18] the matter as a joke. I heard a report that he was laying mines, which I think is likely to have originated with someone making the remark in fun.

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I always told anybody who asking me [sic] regarding the matter that I never saw anything suspicious in Mr. Newton’s behaviour. He was in the habit of keeping his blinds down all day and the people commented on this fact as being suspicious.

Shortly after I first heard the rumour Shearer remarked to me one day that the people in Whalsay had got a rumour that Mr. Newton was a spy, and that he wished someone would go and tell him as he (Mr. Newton) would give them a surprise.

At the time the rumour originated the people were rather in a panic, and I am of opinion that the rumour started from the fact that no one knew Mr Newton and that he was going about in a boat, living in the house with his blinds down and never associating with anyone except the man went with him in the boat. I do not think the rumour was started with any intention of injuring Shearer or Mr Newton.

I never heard Mr Bruce speaking about Newton. It was always the common people that I heard the rumour from.

I met Mr Grierson and a gentleman in naval uniform, whom he said was Lieut. Foster, at Symbister on 14th Septr. and Mr Grierson questioned me regarding Newton’s movements. He asked me questions similar to those now put to me by the P.F.D. Truth.

(Signed) John G. Irvine [sic]

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[page 19]

Symbister, 1 October, 1914.

JOHN SCOTT NICOLSON (75) I am a Manager for Hay & Coy., Merchants and Sub- Postmaster, at Whalsay. After the war broke out I heard several men discussing as to whether Mr Newton was a spy. I never paid any heed to these remarks as I never thought there was anything in it. It appeared to be a common rumour, as I often heard it mentioned in the shop and about the business premises that he was a spy.

Mr. Newton never associated with anyone, and I have heard that he kept his blinds down all day. This was mentioned often in my hearing as an indication that he was a spy. Truth.

(Signed) John S. Nicolson.

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[page 20]

Symbister, 1 October, 1914.

ALEXANDER JARDINE (50) I am a storeman to Hay and Coy, and live here and am constantly moving about among the people coming to the shop and arranging and departing by the steamer. Shortly after the declaration of war a rumour became current amongst the people here that Mr Newton was a spy. I cannot remember whom I heard say it first.

The majority appeared to treat the matter as a joke; but I frequently heard it discussed.

I think it arose from the fact that he kept his blinds down all day, never mixed with any one and was constantly going about with his boat.

People frequently remarked to me in a jocular way “Have you seen the spy to-day?” Truth.

(Signed) Alexr. Jardine.

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[page 21]

Whalsay, 1st October, 1914.

GEORGE IRVINE (47) I am Clerk to the Parish Council and live at Symbister.

I spoke to Mr Newton once or twice when he was here last year, and again this fall. I understand he was going about fishing cruises.

Since shortly after the outbreak of war there has been a rumour here that Mr Newton was a spy. I never believed it. The first I heard of it was from William Poleson. I overheard some one at the pier, I don’t remember whom, say to Poleson “Are you going north today?” Poleson replied “Yes we are going to lay mines.” I said in a general way that one should be careful not to make remarks of that kind, even in joke, in these times. Poleson said something to the effect that Mr Newton and his crew were reported to be doing that sort of thing. I said I had never heard that. That was about the middle of August.

Since then I have heard many people talking about Newton being a spy, generally as I thought in jocular way. I never met anyone who appeared to believe the rumour.

I have heard Mr Bruce talking about the rumour, but he always treated the matter as a joke and evidently did not believe there was any truth in it. Truth.

(Signed) Geo. G. Irvine.

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[page 22]

Whalsay 1 October, 1914.

RECOMPEARED WILLIAM GEORGE POLESON. (examined on public road)

My statement that I never heard any suspicions of Mr Newton is not correct. When I made that statement I omitted to mention that rumour has been current in Whalsay since shortly after the outbreak of war, that he was a spy. I even heard the rumour that he and his crew of the “Traveller” were laying mines. The rumour was general amongst the people but many evidently regarded it as a joke. I remember someone (I forget whom) asking me at the pier one day about the middle of August whether we were going north that day and my replying in joke “Yes we [are] going to lay mines.” I remember George Irvine cautioning me not to make remarks of that nature even in fun. I had heard the rumour that Mr Newton was a spy shortly before then.

(Intd.) W.W., P.F.D.

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Symbister, 1 October, 1914.

RECOMPEARED JAMES SHEARER. About the middle of August I heard a rumour amongst the men in the island that Mr. Newton was suspected of being a spy. I did not acquaint Mr Newton of this as I thought it might annoy him. I thought the rumour so absurd that I considered it would die out in a short time. I have heard Willie Poleson say that he had heard the rumour. We passed Territorial Camps at , Mossbank and at Sound. Davidson never photographed them. Truth.

(Signed) James Shearer.

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LERWICK, 2nd October, 1914.

ALEXANDER DUTHIE (58) I am a fisherman and live at Fleet Street, Lerwick.

In the month of May James Shearer, Whalsay, arranged to hire my boat “Traveller” for the months of August, September and October. He said that it was wanted by a gentleman coming from London who wishes it for fishing and pleasure.

Shearer, who was employed in Lerwick during the summer, and a gentleman called on me about the end of July to see the “Traveller.”

Shearer and I sailed the boat to Whalsay on 31st July, where she was anchored in a bay – I don’t know the name – at Whalsay. I saw the gentleman who was to use the boat, and whom Shearer told me was Newton.

I remember Mr Newton and his crew landing at Mitchell’s station in the beginning of September, and my meeting them there and giving Mr Newton some smoked fish.

A day or so afterward I got a letter from Mr Newton requesting me to send him more fish.

Very shortly after this two Boy Scouts called at my house and informed me that Col. Evans wished to see me at Fort Charlotte. I went to the Fort with them, and met Col. Evans and a naval officer, whom I understood is Mr Blundell, Chief Officer of the Coastguard.

The naval officer asked whether I had a boat at Whalsay. I said I did. He enquired who was she lent to, I informed him that I had hired her to James Shearer. I then said “Do you think he is a spy?” He said “We are informed so.” I said I did not think the gentleman who used the boat was a spy. He said “Do you know that the boat has been to Dales Voe?” I said yes I saw her there one day when I was gathering mussels. I told the officer I was responsible for her being there, as I had advised Mr Newton/

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Newton when I saw him in Lerwick the previous week that he should try fishing in Dales Voe, as I had often seen trout jumping there. The officers appeared to know that Mr. Newton had

Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WP [email protected]. AD22/2/49/4/2 Edgar Frederick Newton Shetland’s War Page | 23 been to Lerwick with the “Traveller.” He said to me that the Whalsay folks were not all of my opinion.

I waited until Col. Evans, who at the time was paying men, was disengaged, and the Col. then proceeded to examine me regarding the boat and as to her being in Dales Voe. I gave the same replies as those I had made to the naval officer. He then asked me whether I knew anything of Mr Newton, and I told him I did not, but that I always thought he was a gentleman. The Col. said “Why is he always going about amongst the Islands?” I said I considered he was on pleasure trips and fishing. The Col. said “Oh” You’re no good to me” I replied “I cannot help that sir”, and went away.

A day or so after this I had occasion to write Mr. Newton regarding some fish I was to send, and I mentioned in my letter the interview I had had with Col. Evans and the naval officer. Truth and I cannot see to write.

(Signed) William Williamson, P.F.D.

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LERWICK, 3rd October, 1914.

GIFFORD GRAY, Superintendent Zetland County Police.

On 14th September I was summoned to see Col. Evans at Queens Hotel. The Col. stated that he had received information that a man named Newton, who lived in Whalsay with a man called Shearer, was going about the Voes in Shetland with a small boat, that he believed Newton was tampering or intended to tamper with telegraph cables, that he had information to the effect that Newton was expected to be in Sullom Voe the following day, and requested me to instruct my local officer to watch the movements of Newton’s boat there. The following day I wired Constable Sutherland, Brae, as follows “Small boat reported proceeding to Sullom Voe today watch her movements and report.” Subsequently the Constable reported that he watched the movements of the boat, and that she was engaged in trout fishing.

Since the outbreak of the war there has been almost a panic in the country districts of Shetland in regard to spies. There are eight Government Land Valuers in the County at present, and severals of these have been suspected and reported as spies or suspicious persons. Three have applied to me and received a letter attesting their bona fides so that they may not be molested and hampered in their work.

At present any person moving about a country district who is not known to the inhabitantas is liable to be accused of being a suspicious person. Truth. (Signed) Gifford Gray.

Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WP [email protected].