George Ryan’s letter home dated 7 Feb 1917

On headed notepaper with regimental crest 9^th Middlesex Regt.

Kakul

Nr Abbottabad

India.

7 Feb 1917

Dear Mother,

Many thanks for your letters of Jan 3^rd & 10^th, the latter addressed to Hasan Abdal.  Shall be glad to hear from May & Edie again.  You have mentioned about them writing for two weeks in succession, so I ought to hear from them next mail.  May used to say, the third time is never like the rest.

I am very sorry to hear Cousin Ellen does not improve at all, & that she has had to go to the Infirmary. I’m sure she was too much for you to look after.

I also heard from Mr. Walker last week. He mentions about your letter to him & asks what he is to do, so I suppose he never received my letter.  I shall write to him next week, & will let you know what I tell him to do.  Well I don’t think there’s anything of interest to tell you this week.  The weather has been very fine the last week; just like it is in May at home.  I am still on the Pioneer Staff, keeping my hand in at paste dabbing, & paper-hanging, tell Dad.

I am sending the Jan No of our magazine. I don’t think it improves much.  I should think it’s rather hard for people outside the Battalion to understand some parts of it.  What’s your opinion?

Hoping you are all well; I’m in the pink.

Fondest love to all from

Yr affectionate son

George

P.S. In case last weeks mail goes to the bottom of the sea, I will repeat one thing that I said & that’s “In future please address letters to Rawal Pindi, until I alter it again”.

P.P.S. I meant to have told you the “latest” which is that we are going down to Lahore, very shortly, into the 3^rd Div.

Letter to H.A. Titcomb 5 February 1919

Copies to be made for uncle HAT.

February 5^th 1919

Sergeant Major H.A. Titcomb,

R.A.F. Repatriation Records,

43 St. Cross Road,

WINCHESTER.

Dear Titcomb,

I saw Trenchard on Sunday and he expressed himself as amazed to hear of your history. He was not aware that you had been refused a Commission.  I have heard from him today and understand that you will get your release in a few days time.  If things should not go satisfactorily please let me know.

I understood from you that you do want to get out but are in no hurry; should the results of my efforts be more rapid than you anticipated do not be sufficiently quixotic to decline, because then you might stay there for years & years. I understand that the demobilisers have got to demobilise everybody and everything, including the regimental mascots, before their own turn comes.

Yours very truly,

Not named here.

Report of Drifters off Mudros 1 February 1919

C.O.

D “Northesk” II No 2022

Mudros.

Feb 4/19

Fleet Paymaster

Sir,

I beg to advise the following changes in the personnel of my crew;-

Wm. Gault   1^st Engn. discharged to Tr. 391.  Oceanic II.

J.D. Stevens Trimmer         “         to Dr. 2505. “Favourite”

F.O. Curtis, Dk Hd Gr.       “         to Tr. 391 “Oceanic II”

1. Mulligan Dk Hd             “ to “    “           “

L.J. Whittle Dk Hd Sig     “         to Tr. 288. Dinorah

1. Robertson Dk Hd Hydro “       to Tr. 391 Oceanic II.

E.J. Soanes       “    “       “  “           to  “     “          “

S.G. Duke Tel                     “          to Dr. 748 “Floandi”

J.W. Lambourne Tel           “          to Tr   — Gillygate

All noon Feb 1^st 1919

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.

Report of Drifters off Mudros 4 February 1919

C.O.

D “Northesk” II No 2022

Mudros.

Feb 4 1919

Fleet Paymaster.

H.M.S. “Europa”

Sir,

I beg to report the following changes in the personnel of my crew;-

391. Gordon   Engn. reported for duty from Tr. 391. “Oceanic II”.
392. Hoyle Trimmer         “ “ “     “     Dr. 2505. “Favourite”
393. Smith, O.S. Hyd       “ “ “     “     Tr. 391 “Oceanic II”
394. Reynolds Dk Hd       “ “ “     “       “    “           “
395. Kirkham O.S.          “ “ “     “     Tr. 288. Dinorah
396. Hall Dk Hd                 “ “ “     “     Tr. 391 “Oceanic II”.
397. Banham Dk Hd “ “       “      “       “     “          “

S.J. Williams Tel           “       “        “    “     Dr. 748 “Floandi”

J.H. Clement Tel           “       “        “     “    Tr   — Gillygate

All noon Feb 1^st 1919

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.

Notes for Entrainment at Havre.

———————-

1. O.C. Units will receive instructions from Base Commandant’s office as to the “Point” of entrainment and the hour at which it commences. They should reconnoitre their route and arrange that the unit does dot arrive more than 30 minutes before the time.

1. They will see that all lettering on vehicles showing unit to which they belong is pasted out.
2. See that waterbottles are filled as there is no drinking water for men at the “Points”. (Horses can however be watered.)
3. Detail a ration party as ordered.
4. (Ration for all “Points” except 6 are drawn at Point 4. Rations for Point 6 are drawn at the W end of the Platform.)
5. Send a representative of unit to assist in allotment of trucks, etc. he should arrive 15 minutes before unit.
6. Caution their men and especially the advanced party that no equipment, etc., is to be taken off or arms piled on arrival at “Point” except at the place indicated by the R.T.O.
7. Ensure that cooking pots, also canvass water buckets and “breast ropes” (for horse trucks) are handy on arrival at “Point.”
8. The following are suitable for “breast ropes” (see next para.): –

1. Drag-ropes – two per truck.
2. Built-up picketing ropes – 4 per truck.
3. Spare heads ropes – 2 per truck.
4. Only if enough of these are not available should special rope be procured from the Ordnance, 26ft per truck of 8 horses.

1. Trucks must be sanded previous to placing horses in them.Eight horses are placed in a truck, four aside facing one another. They are secured by the head-ropes to rings in the roof and also be breast ropes.Two men will then be detailed to travel in the truck, one of whom must constantly remain with the horses.
2. As each truck-load is boxed, the harness, forage, and buckets are placed in the centre in the space between the breast ropes, and doors closed to within a foot.
3. Harness should never be removed until R.T.O. indicates the place where it is to be taken off.
4. The O.C. Train will be responsible that –

1. Railway regulations are complied with, and that the running of trains and Railway services is not interfered with.
2. No one travels on roofs or steps of carriages or in the guards brakes.
3. There is no smoking in horse-trucks.
4. A piquet is detailed with orders to detrain at every halt to prevent men leaving the train. A report to be made to R.T.O. that this has been done. If number of troop trucks in considerable, half the piquet should travel in front part of train and half in rear.
5. Men attempting to leave the train should be severely dealt with.
6. A guard is posted on the door of any refreshment room en route to prevent men entering.

1. HIGGINS, Captain G. HENEAGE, Major

D.A.Q.M.G.                                        D.A.D.R.T.

Havre

February 1916

—————————————————————

Army Printing & Stationary Services, 471, 1,000, 7-16.

———————-

1. O.C. Units will receive instructions from Base Commandant’s office as to the “Point” of entrainment and the hour at which it commences. They should reconnoitre their route and arrange that the unit does dot arrive more than 30 minutes before the time.

1. They will see that all lettering on vehicles showing unit to which they belong is pasted out.
2. See that waterbottles are filled as there is no drinking water for men at the “Points”. (Horses can however be watered.)
3. Detail a ration party as ordered.
4. (Ration for all “Points” except 6 are drawn at Point 4. Rations for Point 6 are drawn at the W end of the Platform.)
5. Send a representative of unit to assist in allotment of trucks, etc. he should arrive 15 minutes before unit.
6. Caution their men and especially the advanced party that no equipment, etc., is to be taken off or arms piled on arrival at “Point” except at the place indicated by the R.T.O.
7. Ensure that cooking pots, also canvass water buckets and “breast ropes” (for horse trucks) are handy on arrival at “Point.”
8. The following are suitable for “breast ropes” (see next para.): –

1. Drag-ropes – two per truck.
2. Built-up picketing ropes – 4 per truck.
3. Spare heads ropes – 2 per truck.
4. Only if enough of these are not available should special rope be procured from the Ordnance, 26ft per truck of 8 horses.

1. Trucks must be sanded previous to placing horses in them.Eight horses are placed in a truck, four aside facing one another. They are secured by the head-ropes to rings in the roof and also be breast ropes.Two men will then be detailed to travel in the truck, one of whom must constantly remain with the horses.
2. As each truck-load is boxed, the harness, forage, and buckets are placed in the centre in the space between the breast ropes, and doors closed to within a foot.
3. Harness should never be removed until R.T.O. indicates the place where it is to be taken off.
4. The O.C. Train will be responsible that –

1. Railway regulations are complied with, and that the running of trains and Railway services is not interfered with.
2. No one travels on roofs or steps of carriages or in the guards brakes.
3. There is no smoking in horse-trucks.
4. A piquet is detailed with orders to detrain at every halt to prevent men leaving the train. A report to be made to R.T.O. that this has been done. If number of troop trucks in considerable, half the piquet should travel in front part of train and half in rear.
5. Men attempting to leave the train should be severely dealt with.
6. A guard is posted on the door of any refreshment room en route to prevent men entering.

1. HIGGINS, Captain G. HENEAGE, Major

D.A.Q.M.G.                                        D.A.D.R.T.

Havre

February 1916

—————————————————————

Army Printing & Stationary Services, 471, 1,000, 7-16.

Motor Permit 1 February 1919

G.P.18913 A

WAR OFFICE

The undersigned…Miss Dillon L.

(description)…MOTOR DRIVER GROVE PARK TRANSPORT & WORKSHOPS COMPANY

being employed on Active Service, is hereby authorised by the Secretary of State for War to drive a motor car, lorry or bicycle, when on Government duty.

1. Maude

Secretary of the War Office

Blank

Signature of Holder

Available from 1-2-19 to 31-2-19

On reverse

J.W. Linford 2^nd Lt

1. i/c Transport Section.

For O.C. Transport & Workshop Coy.

Honours & Awards 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade January 1919

APPENDIX TO WAR DIARY….. MONTH OF JANUARY 1919

HONOURS & AWARDS. For month of JANUARY 1919

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER

No                             Rank.                 Name                 Unit                                                 Action for which recommended

Major            THOMPSON E.V.    33^rd Battery CFA                 For courage and devotion to duty.  As a Battery Commander, this Officer has constantly exhibited the greatest courage and resource on many occasions and under heavy shell fire, inspiring all ranks under his Command with the utmost confidence in his judgements and decisions.

During the Battles of AMIENS and ARRAS he exhibited the highest qualities throughout for coolness and accurate judgement under the most trying conditions.  His untiring energy and splendid example being at all times of the greatest value to the Service.

No                             Rank.                  Name                   Unit                                                    Action for which recommended

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

301289                Gunner.      McDONALD  J.A.  36^th. Battery CFA          For bravery and devotion to duty near VIS-EN-ARTOIS.

Gunner McDONALD J.A. was a Member of “C” Gun Detachment engaged in cutting wire on the DROCOURT-QUEANT Switch on 1^st. September preparatory to the battle of September 2^nd.  His Section Commander and No 1 were killed and one of his gun crew mortally wounded.  He helped carry the dying and wounded men to a sheltered spot and then went back to his gun and continued running it alone until assistance was detailed to him.  Though continually shaken up he continued at his work.  His fearlessness and devotion to duty set an example to all his comrades and on this occasion was the means of keeping them steady and the guns firing regularly until the task was completed.

No                             Rank.                   Name                   Unit                                                   Action for which recommended

MERITORORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

91432                     B.Q.M.S.       DOBSON  H.T.   31^st. Battery CFA        For consistent good work and devotion to duty.  During the Amiens Battle he was frequently in charge of the Rear Wagon Lines besides carrying out his duties as Q.M.S.  During the ARRAS Battle he always personally escorted the rations to the guns, thereby rendering great assistance to the Officers.

BELGIUM CROIX DE GUERRE

300618                Bdr.                       LOMAX O.T. 33^rd. Battery CFA       For conspicuous gallantry and disregard of personal danger in the vicinity of INCHY on September 27^th 1918.  During the advance on the morning of September 27^th 1918, the Battery came under intense shell fire on a road leading into INCHY, and a Gunner was severely wounded.  Bdr Lomax volunteered to stay with the wounded man.  After dressing his wounds he carried him to a place of safety and went in search of assistance.  During the whole of this time he was under the most intense shell fire but he succeeded in getting the wounded man to a Dressing Station.

After getting the wounded man to a Dressing Station Gnr Lomax reported back to the gun and carried on.  His utter disregard of danger and prompt action undoubtedly saved the man’s life.

WAR DIARY Of 9^th CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

From JANUARY 1919 – To JANUARY 31^st 1919

DENDERWINDEKE 1.1.19            Brigade continued the march to the LILLE – TOURNAI Area from VELSENBEEK to DENDERWINDEKE arriving at the latter place at 1230 hours.

NEDERBRACKEL     2.1.19           Brigade resumed its march to the entraining Area and arrived at NEDERBRACKEL at 1300 hours.

RENAIX                       3.1.19           The Brigade continued the march and reached RENAIX at 11.30 hours.

KAIN LA TOMBE    4.1.19              In accordance with orders received Brigade marched to KAIN LA TOMBE Area.  H.Q. and the 33^rd. and 45^th. Batteries were billeted in LA TOMBE, and 31^st. and 36^th. Batteries were billeted in KAIN.

5.1.19           Parades of all the Batteries were addressed by Brig-General STEWART, DSO, C.R.A., prior to his leaving for CANADA.  Lieut-Col COGHLAN and Capt. FLEET returned from Corps Headquarters in GERMANY.  Col Coghlan proceeded on leave to U.K. and Capt Fleet was attached to the Brigade.

6.1.19            Batteries busy settling down, fixing up billets and wagon lines.

7.1.19            Bath Parades for all Batteries, the baths being located in TOURNAI.

8.1.19            The regular routine of training was carried on.  Lieut INCH, 31^st. Battery CFA proceeded on leave to U.K.

9.1.19            A Field General Courts Martial was held at 3^rd. C.D.A.C. H.Q.,  A meeting of the Sports Committee was held and Field selected for Football Games.  Orders were received that the 3^rd. C.D.A. would probably move back to RENAIX on account of the difficulty of obtaining billets for all the 3^rd. C.D.A.

RENAIX                      10.1.19         3^rd. C.D.A. moved from KAIN LA TOMBE Area to RENAIX.

• Batteries were occupied in arranging billets and Horse lines.

RENAIX                       12.1.19         Church Parades were held for Protestants at 0915 hours and for R.C.s at 1000 hours in the Church RENAIX. Meeting of Sports Committee was held at Bde. H.Q. and schedule for week drawn up.

13.1.19                    Lieut KINGSTON proceeded on leave to PARIS.  Football match between 33^rd. and 36^th. Batteries which resulted in a win for 36^th. Battery by 6 – 0.

14.1.19                    Bath Parade for all Batteries during the morning.  The C.R.A. inspected the wagon Lines between 0900 and 1000 hours.

15.1.19                    Batteries carried on with the regular routine. Physical Training, Exercise Rides, Harness Cleaning etc.  Dentist who was to be attached to the Brigade reported, and began inspection of men’s teeth.

16.1.19                    The G.O.C. 3^rd. Canadian Division addressed the Officers of the 3^rd. C.D.A. during the morning.  A Football Team selected from the 9^th Brigade played the Labour Corps, the latter loosing by 3 – 1.

17.1.19                    Medical Board arrived at Noon and about 150 men of the different Batteries were examined during the afternoon.  31^st. Battery won the Championship of the Brigade Football League, defeating the 36^th. Battery by 1 – 0.

18.1.19                    The C.R.A. inspected the wagon lines of the Batteries. The proposed inspection by the Corps Commander was Cancelled. Medical Inspection of all ranks was carried on.  Lieut-Col Coghlan returned from U.K. leave and Major Durkee reported back to the 10^th. Brigade.

19.1.19                    Church Parades for some of the Batteries. Medical Examination was carried on.

20.1.19                    Usual Routine. Educational Classes were recommenced.  The following Supernumerary Officers left the Brigade to proceed to CANADA. – Lieut A.B. MANNING, Lieut A.E.C. KNIGHT, Lieut M.H.NEVILLE, Lieut W.E.CRASSIE, Lieut H.E.PEPLER.

21.1.19                    The regular routine, Harness cleaning, Exercise Rides & P.T. etc, was carried on.

22.1.19                    The 9^th. Brigade C.F.A. defeated the 10^th. Brigade C.F.A. in a game of football by a score of 5 – 0.  Educational Classes were discontinued owing to the difficulty of obtaining coal for Class rooms.

23.1.19                    Capt. R. Fleet who had been attached to the 36^th. Battery reported to the 38^th. Battery Nothing of importance outside the regular routine.

RENAIX                       24.1.19        The ”Dumbells” Concert Party arrived in Town and at night put on the first of the intended three performances.  36^th. Battery held a Dance in one of the School Rooms.

25.1.19                    During the morning all the horses and mules of the Brigade were inoculated by the A.D.V.S. for Glanders.  Lieut. C.D. ROWE M.C, proceeded to report to the 48^th. Battery, 1^st. C.D.A. to take up duties of Captain.  Staff Captain ”Q”, 3^rd. C.D.A. held a conference with all the Battery Commanders and Adjutant, for the purpose of discussing the handing over of equipment and stores.  The ”Dumbells” Concert Party gave another performance.

26.1.19                    Church Parade for ”Other Denominations” at 0915 hours in the Harmonie Hall and for R.C.s in the Stone Church at 1000 hours.  In accordance with the Demobilization Scheme, the first party, to return to CANADA with their families, proceeded to ENGLAND on 14 days leave at the expiration of which they will report to C.A.R.D WITLEY.

27.1.19                    Captain MacKINNON of the Canadian Chaplain Service delivered a lecture in the morning on ”SAFEGUARDS OF CIVILIZATION”.  The Dumbells Concert Party gave another performance in the Evening.

28.1.19                    Brigades turned in all Special Stores which were taken to the Base. Another lecture was given by Capt MacKINNON in the morning and also one in the afternoon.  The ”Dumbells Concert party gave their last performance in RENAIX.  In the evening the Officers of 3^rd. C.D.A. held a dance in Harmonie Hall.

29.1.19                    Auditors visited Brigade and inspected all Books, Accounts etc of the Batteries. Orders were received that the Brigade would turn in all Stores, vehicles, Equipment etc on the morrow consequently Batteries were busy packing Stores equipment etc.  Elementary Classes recommenced in the morning.

30.1.19                    At about 0900 hours Batteries marched independently to KAIN Area where they were billeted for the night.  Lieut Kingston returned from “On Leave”.

31.1.19                    Batteries continued their march to BAISIEUX, where they will turn in all Equipment, Stores, Vehicles etc, after which they return to KAIN area for the night.  Boxing bouts took place in the recreation room next to the baths.

Fred T. Coghlan Lieut-Colonel

Commanding 9^th. Canadian Artillery Brigade

Strength of 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade January 1919

APPENDIX                                         WAR DIARY                     JANUARY 1919

9^th. CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

STRENGTH DECREASE

Cause                                                        Officers                                   O. Rs

Invalided Sick to ENGLAND

(Lieut H.H. STERNS)                                         1

Transferred

(Lt. CD CROWE (MC) to 1^st CDA)                    1                                            2

To CANADA                                                       5                                          10

Lieut AB MANNING

Lieut AEG KNIGHT

Lieut J A LOY

Lieut WE GRASSIE

Lieut H NEVILLE

To ENGLAND                                                                                                16

Died of Sickness                                                                                                 1

To C A R D BORDEN Eng                                                                              3

To C C R C                                                                                                         2

Hospital over 7 days                                                                                         39

Total                              7                                             73

STRENGTH INCREASE

Transferred                                                                                                         2

C C R C                                                                                                            22

Total                                                                                                            24

Officers                        Other Ranks

EFFECTIVE STRENGTH DECEMBER 31^st       35                                         840

Decrease                                                                    7                                          73

28                                       767

Reinforcements etc                                                 –                                          24

EFFECTIVE STRENGTH JANUARY 31^st              28                                        791

Honours & Awards 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade January 1919

APPENDIX TO WAR DIARY—- MONTH OF JANUARY 1919

9^th CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

NOMINAL ROLL

HONOURS & AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER

(M)ajor               E.V. THOMPSON                 33^rd  BATTERY C.F.A.

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

301289         Gunner  J.A. McDONALD                  36^th Battery C.F.A.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

91432         B.Q.M.S    H.T. DOBSON                          31^st. Battery C.F.A.

BELGIUM CROIX DE GUERRE

300618        Bdr.           O.T. LOMAX                       33^rd Battery C.F.A.