“H” Company

———————–

Enclosed notes are for favour of your remarks, please.  They are intended only as a guide to your Section Officers.

I shall appreciate any suggestions that you may make and shall incorporate same in notes to be issued to all Companies.

Please return, with your notes written in the margin, by 4 p.m. on Monday.

P.H. Sanders

MAJOR R.E.

COMMANDING No 2 BATTALION

SPECIAL BRIGADE R.E.

25/3/16

NOTES TO SECTION COMMANDERS

———————————————–

Section Commanders:-

(1).  Are responsible for the proper training of every N.C.O. and man in their Sections.  Particular attention must be given to all matters affecting discipline, saluting under various conditions, addressing Officers, technical training etc.

(2) Should know each man personally and keep a complete record of each man’s qualifications and history.

(3). Should  be present the whole time that their Sections are on parade or at work, and must inform their O.C. should anything prevent them from so doing.

(4). Should establish mutual sympathy between themselves and their men, but should at all times maintain the strictest discipline.

(5). Should make every effort to be smart and energetic.  Sections reflect the shortcomings of their Commanders and will probably exaggerate them.  Special attention should be given to the training of N.C.O’s as they are primarily responsible for the individual training of men.

(6). Should give especial attention to those men who are backward, and should not hesitate to give extra drill or special work to men who are backward in any subject.

(6) (7). Are responsible that every man is properly and fully equipped.

NOTES ON TRAINING.

—————————–

1. INFANTRY TRAINING.

———————————-

Special R.E. Units are required to perform very little Infantry Drill, but this must be well done.  All movements must be performed smartly.  When this is not done, the Command “As you were” must be given and the movement repeated until satisfaction is given.

Any N.C.O. or man who is awkward must be given extra drill until the trouble is overcome.

Special attention must be given to saluting under various conditions, addressing Officers, guard duties, etc.  The organization of a Unit is judged by the manner in which such details are carried out.

Company Drill will be carried out on the Battalion Parade Ground and every formality will be strictly observed.  N.C.O.’s will not dismiss a parade or stand a party at ease when an Officer is present, without first asking permission.  A junior Officer will act similarly in the presence of a senior Officer.  At least one Coy drill per week will be held on Battn parade ground on day allotted for the purpose.

All formations will march at attention when passing through the main streets of any town or village ***** or GHQ – also when passing sentries or other troops.

When parades are ordered for any particular hour, all ranks should be on the parade ground in sufficient time for the parade to be reported all present and correct punctually at the specified time.

• MAP READING AND SKETCHING.

————————————————-

This will include:-

• Indication of position by squares, or other means when the map is not squared.
• Setting a map and locating actual position on map.
• Compass bearings – true and magnetic.  Magnetic variation.
• Contours and visibility of one place from another.
• Conventional signs.
• Rough sketching of surrounding country, trench surveys, etc.  Distances may be roughly estimated by pacing – and care should be taken to regulate the length of a pace to either 30 inches or one yard – the latter being preferable.

• MESSAGES.

——————–

Carrying verbal messages by individuals and by relays.  Messages to be increased in length after practice.  Messages must be repeated to sender by the messenger before the latter leaves.

Practice in passing messages, about letting off gas, along line of trenches.  Systems of Orderlies from Section Commanders to men arranged as for actual discharge e.g., Two orderlies sent with message, one passing from right to left, the other from left to right.

Writing official messages with all necessary detail.

• NIGHT WORK.

———————

Night operations will be preceded by a lecture in which the exact nature of the work will be explained, and men will, as a rule, be taken over the ground in daylight.

Training will be individual and collective.

Visibility at a distance of striking a match or smoking a cigarette.

Audibility of sounds.

Marching by stars and compass.

Companies will practice carrying cylinders, making connections etc in the dark.

Company Commanders will organise complete schemes approximating to actual service operations to include:-

• Loading of cylinders into Lorry.
• Unloading and slinging at dump.
• Making ready emplacements.
• Carrying and placing cylinders.
• Making connections.
• Clearing emplacements for reception of cylinders.
• Organising guides and orderlies.
• A circuitous route should be chosen – preferably passing through another Coy’s trenches and guides detailed.

Companies may borrow all cylinders from other Companies for the purpose.

Complete operation orders should be issued and should be submitted to C.O. for perusal.

• CYLINDER WORK.

—————————

• Construction and detail of valves, stuffing box, connections etc.
• Connecting up complete apparatus with all possible variations.
• Testing connections (N.B. – When screw clamp is used, it must not near spigots)
• Changing and fixing washers.
• Examination of cylinders before taking into line.
• Placing of pipes according to distance of enemy trenches and wind
• If enemy trenches are very near, place pipes slightly across the wind so as to get a quicker distribution.
• If wind is oblique, a better direction may be obtained by placing pipes obliquely across wind.
• Treatment of Duds.  The “sticking” of the spindle may be due to two causes:-
• The top washer of the stuffing box becomes fixed and requires easing (Most frequent cause)
• The screw threads may become corroded.  This does not often occur and is due to the access of moisture to the parts.  It is not easy to overcome this fault as the spindle may break before it yields.  A little oil should be dropped into stopping stuffing box and jet.  As a rule, however, oil should not be used except as a last extremity.
• Leaky Cylinders.  Stuffing box cap should be removed with caution and top washer eased, when spindle may be able to be tightened.  If fault cannot be located and leak persists, cylinder should be buried.
• Leaky Connections.  If occurs before action takes place, connection should be carefully cleaned and remade.  If during action, try to stop by mud or clay.  Connections will be tested by a force pump which will be supplied for the purpose.  Instruction should be given in stopping leaks which may occur during action viz by use of clamps, mud, clay, or strips of cloth or sandbag soaked in solution.  Thanks.
• It is suggested that, in addition to the general training of every man in wiring on connections, 3 men per section should be specially detailed for this purpose, so that they may be always available, as experts, in emergency.

• LECTURES.

——————

Lectures should be short and frequent and may be repeated at intervals, especially those on Discipline and Routine.  The following suggestions may be useful:-

DISCIPLINE. Difference between raw recruit and well trained soldier: Esprit de corps: Smartness in dress and general bearing: Orders – careful attention to and execution: Saluting and addressing Officers: Hours for estaminets: Spirits strictly forbidden: Bad effects: Reporting on arrival.

BILLETS  Duties of N.C.O. and Man: Hygiene and sanitation: Disposal of Refuse: General cleanliness and tidiness: Reporting sick: Precautions against lice, etc.

PARADES. Punctuality, Dress, Assembling, Dismissing, Behaviour.

FIRST AID. Treatment of wounds: iodine: Stopping of bleeding – pressure points: Use of First Aid Dressings.  Lecture on care of feet.  Yes thanks

SPECIAL WORK. Systematic attention to details: Notes as to preparation of emplacements – measurements.  Carrying and placing (special care to have jet outwards.)  Work and responsibility of maintenance parties.  Points to be noticed in going into action, during action and after action.  Observations to be made during these periods.  Individual responsibility – when and how to be exercised.  Illustrations and examples from previous attacks.  Necessity for absolute secrecy.

ARMS  Care and use of.

• WET WEATHER WORK.

———————————-

Any of Lectures as per List.

Revolver Drill, snapping, etc.

Physical Drill.  No doubling before breakfast.

Helmet Drill.

Cleaning and inspection of kit, equipment and arms.

Signalling, especially Morse

Knotting and Lashing.

• COMPANY ROUTE MARCHES.

The full days route march Company Route Marches will be carried out according to the following programme:- on day allotted

• Early parade will be omitted.
• Billets will be cleared up and everything made ready for moving to new billets, except that straw or palliasses will not be removed but will be tidied up and left neatly arranged.
• One blanket and waterproof sheet will be properly folded and carried by each man with his full kit and equipment.  All winter clothing and extra blankets will be neatly folded and left in billets.
• Cookhouses will be cleared up, dixies cleaned and stored ready for removal.
• Billets will be carefully inspected by Section Commanders before Sections vacate billets.
• The Company will assemble in full marching order on the Battalion Parade Ground by 10 a.m. and will be reported all present and correct to Battalion Head Quarters.  Short marches with full marching order.  2 hrs at most.  Long marches i.e. from 10.0 to 3.0 in light marching preferable for training men & not so dangerous.  Agreed.
• Companies will march off by Sections with 100 yds interval.  This interval will be maintained as far as possible.  Connecting files will be dropped.  Company Route Marches.  Battalion Route Marches all men must halt at exactly the same time & march off again at the agreed time.  Company interval.
• Company Commanders will exercise full discretion in all details including distance marched, halts, etc.
• One billet orderly will remain in each billet, and the Company Orderly Sergeant, will be left in charge of Company area.  He will conduct the Battalion Orderly Officer round the billets during the absence of the Company.
• Companies will return to billets not earlier than 3 p.m. and arrangements will be made to draw rations on return.  One Company Route March, with practice in evacuating billets will be carried out each week.  The actual duration of the march is left entirely to the discretion of the Coy Comdr.  The exercise will be progressive.
• Route marches of one or two hours duration will be carried out 2 or 3 times a week for the benefit of new men.
• C.Q.M’s should be prepared with a statement of Rations req^d, also with a list of deficiencies (if any) in iron rations, ammunition, equipment &c.  This list should be handed in to Battn Q.M. Stores, as early as possible, on morning of march.

NOTES ON MARCH DISCIPLINE.

————————————————

• Strict march discipline will be observed throughout route marches.
• The step should be rather slow and should be kept as uniform as possible.
• Men should keep well to the right of the road, and should not straggle.  Flank men should be changed if side of road is bad.
• No smoking or drinking should be allowed whilst actually marching, but halts may be frequent.  O’sC will use their own discretion in the matter during halts.
• No smoking or drinking without consent of O.C. whether halted or marching.  Agreed.
• All ranks should be warned to take especial care of their feet, and frequent inspections should be made after route marches.
• Practice should be given, during Route Marches in putting on helmets at short notice.  At a given signal, Coys should be halted and helmets adjusted the time being checked.

24 March 1916.

Rev^d T.W. Walters

Rev^d Sir,

            Just a few lines to let you know I am still quite well and fit.  I am having a quite time here and am very busy.  I should like to ask you a favour, if it is not too much.  I am thinking of applying for a Commission, and should like a character from you, and I wonder whether you have a friend who could use his influence to give me a push.  I ask this because the Unit I wish to try for, requires a lot of getting in.

I should like a reply from you as early as possible and then I can send the papers to you.

I hope you are all in good health.  Must close with very kind regards to Mrs Walters & yourself.

Yours obediently

Albert Will.

In an envelope addressed to Rev^d T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester, Angleterre

Letter postmarked ARMY P. O. * B . 24 MAR 16.

PASSED FIELD CENSOR 1541 in hexagonal cachet in purple.

No 4564 Pte J.W. Brotherhood Signalling Sec 3/5 Leicester

Church Hall

Nottingham Rd

Old Basford

Notts.

March 15^th 016

Dear Rev Walters,

            The morning was dark, & the mist hung over the hills like a Pall.  The birds were silent, & only here & there one could hear the screeching of the owl & the bark of the fox.

            It was 3-30 in the morning when the soldiers of the Billet were awakened by the cry: – “Men, its 3-30, & time you was dressing, breakfast is at 4 ock.

Some had slept & slowly awakened; others had not slept at all, but had spent the evening in chatting together, perhaps thinking it would be their last opportunity.

Eventually all are dressed, & then they assemble together & then march off to have their last Breakfast on English Soil before proceeding to the front.  It was a beautiful repast; quite appetising; some were enjoying it, & asking for more, others seemed to be thinking, they were musing over their plates, & the vacant look on many faces gave one the impression that they were thinking about home & sweethearts that were shortly to be left behind.

Breakfast over, & the men march off one by one to the Billet; everyone seemed flushed with excitement, & spoke in subdued tones as they walked along the streets.

Ah!  Many had not known the horrors of the battlefield & longeth to get away; others were not so eager, they had known of the trials of warfare during past days, & had witnessed the Carnage of the Battlefield.

Ah me!  How wonderful & varied men are; but experience seems to teach many lessons; and tempers the life.

Every man is now at his post fully dressed; the roll is called, & every man responds to his name, which is indeed a glorious testimony to the men who are going to battle.

Not a shirker is found among them.  There are men of between 30 and 40 years of age, & there are youths who have only seen 17 & 18 summers, such blushing youths, they seem almost too tender & young to be taken to a Foreign Country; they almost need the tender care of the Mother a little longer.  Still, here they stand, magnificent specimens of English humanity, full of muscle, blood, & life, revealing a wonderful spirit of Patriotism.

All of a sudden a voice rings out loud and clear: – “Men, you are going to do your duty on the Battlefield.  I wish you God-speed, & the best of Luck, & I ask you to uphold the honored reputation of your Regiment.”  It is the voice of the C.O., Lieut-Col Goward; a true soldier & a gentleman.  Everyone there seems moved.  Thoughts are running deep & strong; yet the men respond with a spirited Hip Hip Hoorah.

The men are then given a few moments liberty, & then they obey the command “Attention” – Form Fours, Right”.  Every man is in his position like clockwork; the Band then takes up its position, & the command is given, “Quick March”.

The men then marched off to the strains of a Martial Song.  The music was inspiring & heavenly; & it seemed to impart a sweet fragrance to the morning air.  It is wonderful how music effects men.  It effected these man, & they marched as they had never marched before; & as the marches they sang:-

“Pack all your troubles in your old Kit Bag,

And smile, smile, smile

While you’ve a Lucifer to light your Fag,

Smile boys, that’s the style

What’s the use of worrying,

It never was worth while

So, pack all your troubles in your old Kit Bag

And smile, smile, smile.

What a fine marching song, a song that is calculated to arouse enthusiasm even in the breasts of the sad.  Thus with that song on their lips these men march 1½ miles to the station with footsteps firm & strong.

To me, they seemed like an host marching out of the still darkness of the night ready to meet the foe at the break of day.

On they come, a surging mass of humanity, every man fully equipped, & a score of hoarse throats resounds the cry – “Are we downhearted?”  Only to be answered back in the English Spirit “No”.

It is a wonderful sight to see a marching army.  Such a sight seems to remove doubt & fear, & inspires confidence & trust.

England’s soldier sons are truly wonderful men.  They may well be termed heroes, because heroes they are.

Finally they reach the Station with a great crowd following.  They descend the station steps, & their awaiting then is the train to convey them to their new surroundings.

They enter the carriages, throw off their Packs & then surge around the windows to bid their friends Adieu.

It is a wonderful & touching sight to see soldiers wishing their friends & pals adieu.  Here & there were handshakes such as never had been experienced before.  First one would say “Well Bill, Good Morning, I hope to soon meet you again.”  Another would say in the true Local Brogue “Well Jack, Good Luck to you, & keep your pecker up” truly wonderful sentiments.

I went up & down the platform, & first one & then the other would grasp my hand as they said – We soon hope to meet you again, so long.  How optimistic!

But Sir, I’ll tell what I found during those moments of waiting.  There were hearts that were beating & throbbing; pulses that were quickened, lips that quivered, hands that trembled; & eyes that were wet with tears.  Mark you, they were not downhearted.  No! because I felt the parting as much as they did.

Ah! It may be they were thinking of home, & of the many friends they were leaving behind, & also of their soldier pals whom they had learned to love & respect.  When pals have gone, life for a time seems cheerless.  It is a wonderful sight to see men entrain for the front.

Every man is now ready for moving off.  The Guard gives his signal to the Driver of the train; the steam is applied, & slowly it moves along carrying brave & wonderful men to battle.

And as the train passes on as many as can take a farewell glance of the faces & the place they have learned to love.

We hope to meet such men again; & we wish them God-speed, & pray that they have strength & courage to do their duty, & then after having done their duty, to return once more to the Land that nourished them, & the homes that have reared & blessed them.

Such Sir, are my simple views of a Draft leaving for the Front.  The 3/5 Leicesters are truly upholding their reputation.

I am pleased to say that I am well, & more than that, I am enjoying such a spiritual experience that my soul is lifted up to God.  My services are in constant demand at Bulwell, both for singing & speaking, & I have been asked by the Nonconformist Chaplain to our Batt to preach a special Sermon at his Church.  I am telling you this because I know that you are following my career very closely.

I have not met Pte Haynes as yet, he is at Bulwell Hall which is 3 miles from my Billet, yet as you say, there are undesirable companions in the army, & if I can see him I will.

I trust that you & your family are well, & my prayers are that God may abundantly bless your work.  You have a terrible responsibility as a minister of God, & I do sincerely pray that you will win great & glorious victories for the Lord.

In conclusion I would say: – “The Lord watch between thee & me, & between my house & thy house forever.”

From your sincere friend

J.W. Brotherhood.

S.P. I thank you very much for your help to my mother)

In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters M.A., Whitwick Vicarage, Leicestershire.

Letter postmarked NOTTINGHAM 15 MAR 16 8.30 PM.

Y.M.C.A. Postcard

From Pte J.W. Brotherhood, 1/5^th Leics Regt A Coy.

No reply please.

Dear Rev Walters,  Have arrived safely at Southampton & expect sailing for France on Monday.

I do ask for your prayers & the prayers of the Men’s class.  May God speed you in your work.

            From your sincere friend

            J.W. Brotherhood.

No reply.

Card addressed Rev T.W. Walters M.A., Vicar of Whitwick, Whitwick, Leicestershire.

Letter postmarked SOUTHAMPTON APL 8 16 9 PM.

On Y.M.C.A. headed notepaper.

March 11 1916

Reply to 7 Company 3^rd Bat Leicestershire Regt

Stationed at Patrington

Nr Hull.

Dear Vicar,

            You will think I have been a long time writing but I have been very busy.  I hope you and your wife and family are well in health + spirits.  We are getting some very miserable weather here.  It is very rough here I expect it is because the land is so flat, we have not a lot of hills like you have at Whitwick.  We have about 2000 men here and most of them are Churchmen.  Last Sunday we had a Church Parade we filled the church and then there were enough left to almost fill the Y.M.C.A. hut where a service was held as well.  I hope the Zepps did not upset your services last Sunday.  I heard enough of them as they destroyed a village close to us.  Please remember me to the Band of Hope.  I think of our church about 8 o’clock every Sunday and am with you in mind if not in person.  And I shell think of you at men’s service.  I will now try to tell you were we are.  Partington lies about 18 miles from Hull, 3 or 4 miles from the North Sea on one side 4 or 5 miles from the Humber on the other side and Spurn Head lies about 8 to 10 miles before us so you will see we are on coast defence.  We have plenty of rifles + ammunition ready in case the Germans make an attempt.  I am sorry to have to close so soon but I have no more paper.

I am

Yours faithfully

J.W. Weston

Pte J.W. Weston No 25739

7 Compy 3^rd Batt

Leicestershire Reg

Patrington

Nr Hull.

In envelope addressed to Rev. T.W. Walters, Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester.  Letter postmarked PATRINGTON HULL 12 MR 16.

Headquarters,

Northern Command,

York.

9^th March, 1916.

My dear Kentish,

The Commander-in-Chief wishes me to say that he hopes you will come to York as soon as possible and stay with him.  Please therefore come as soon as possible.

            Yours ever,

                        GJS

Lieut Colonel R.J. Kentish D.S.O.

Army & Navy Club,

Pall Mall,

London S.W.

All the notebooks were written on the right hand page and additions, photos, cartoons or other documents were added to the left hand page.4

Inside front cover printed 4. Week-End Leave.  As some misunderstanding appears to exist regarding the period of ordinary week-end leave it is published for information that the period will be from after pay-parade on Friday afternoon until 11.30 p.m. on Thursday night.  Money in lieu of rations will therefore only be paid for Saturday, Sunday Monday and Tuesday.

12^th write Bn Order of 9^th March 1916 at Kemmel Park.  It shows how “Voluntary recruiting” was botched up to the great detriment of training when men were most urgently required at the front.

Also on this page is a photograph of Maj. Gen. Stevens Com 5^th Div at Bde Horse Show.