1915

16^th February 1915. Captain V.S. Jones, 4 officers, and 167 other ranks proceeded to Fleetwood to provide the guards on the Arsenal and the Harbour.

22^nd February 1915.  The Battalion was asked to volunteer for service in Burmah.  Practically every man volunteered, but owing to a considerable number being too young for Foreign Service, only 767 N.C.O.’s and men were available.  Japanese rifles had been received with which to arm the Battalion.  These were, however, never issued, and Lee-Enfield Mark 1* rifles were substituted.  Owing to the previous shortage of rifles, and the necessity of using a certain number for guard duties, very few men had fired on an open range, except some of those transferred from Sittingbourne, and a small number who were exercised at Fleetwood.

28^th February 1915.  Captain F.W. Halton, T.D., promoted Major and appointed Second in Command.  Lieut. H. Thompson appointed Adjutant.

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

Book 2

This book commences Night 15 – 16 Feb 1915 and is obviously a continuation of an earlier volume, not part of this series.

miles deep at least in the firing line trenches.  The two supports were in places knee deep and only constant pumping kept the water down.  The men had no shelter from the weather and the firing line trenches suffered much from enfilade fire.  There was an apology of a wire entanglement to our front but the chief safeguard against attack was the swampy nature of the ground.  The Germans were very much top dog in sniping by day anything showing above the parapet attracted fire.  It was impossible to get from our trench to the other or back to the supports until dark.  The trenches on our left held by D Coy were even worse and the gum boots available had all been given to them.  Our predecessors had evidently given up all idea of improving the trenches and passed the hours they were there in abject hopeless misery.  On an average they had asked for 100 sandbags a night to replace those shot away.

16^th Feb. 1915.         I demanded 2000 nightly and had the parapets thickened, traverses and shelters built after the surface slush had been removed and many hundred empty sandbags which had rotted away where they had been first thrown down, had been cleared away, we came upon a lot of floor boards.  Pulling up these and digging through about two feet of evil smelling rubbish we came to the original soil.  After making small channels leading to sump pits which could be easily drained out the boards were replaced.  From that time on the men were dry-shod in the trenches.  Our example infected by degrees the rest of the Bde and soon the trenches became fairly good.  A number of sniping posts were also constructed and we began to stop the Germans having it all their own way.  I arranged that the men should be in three reliefs by night No 1 lookout, No 2 waiting man No 3 working party.  This prevented any chance of surprise and ensured a third of the men working all night.

On the opposite page is a sketch map showing the position near Wulverghem.

They got what sleep they could during the day.  Close to the barbed wire in the intervals between the parapets listening posts were dug in.  They were relieved every three hours during the night and withdrawn by day.  Landon was killed the previous day in 13 trench while glancing over the parapet about 3 p.m.  I was holding 10 B, 11 A, 11 B and the two support trenches.  I arrived with a cold in the head but by getting wet up to my waist and remaining wet for 3 days the cold was driven away.  There was a good bit of shelling by the Germans during the day and the trenches on our left caught it.  Two English aeroplanes tried to chase off a German but it was like two owls after a swallow.  The German darted too & fro where she liked.

17^th Feb. 1915.         Work was continued throughout the night I noticed that about three seconds after every German flare there was a rapid burst of fire.  Arguing that to fire the Germans must be exposing themselves I ordered all the lookout men to fire a round in the direction of every flare sent up and then take cover before the German bullets could reach them.  It seemed to have a good effect.  They shelled my group of trenches during the morning.  One shell burst right in my right hand trench but caused no casualties.

On the opposite page a Bainsfather cartoon “The Innocent Abroad” of a shelter.  It has been annotated “Just like my shelter.”

18^th Feb. 1915.         We were ordered to stay a third night in the trenches.  I proposed changing round the men who had been in the worst trenches with others but Sg^t. Newsome asked if he might be allowed to stay on as he hoped with another 24 hrs work to make his trench quite habitable.  Once let our men understand what requires doing and they are splendid.  Cp^l. Puddifoot with 3 men crawled out in the dark to try & round up some snipers.  Cp^l. Dunton found our wire had been cut and repaired it.  Going my rounds at night I got stuck in one trench sinking in up to my thighs.  My orderly was able to help me out.  We walked about with long poles to feel for Jack Johnson holes.  There were generally a good many loose bullets about and as we were on the crest of a slight ridge we must have shown up against the skyline.  It is extraordinary how little sleep one can do with.  After 3 nights without any I found a two hours doze quite sufficient.  No rations arrived for us on the 3^rd day and then we heard that there would be no relief again.  It had been raining for 48 hrs on end.

19^th Feb.1915.          However about midnight a Coy of the Dorsets came to take over and we marched back to the little farm house we had been in on the 12^th & 13^th where the shelling occurred.  The 25^th British Indian Division at Ypres had been badly mauled and they wanted to bring them down to our part of the world where it was comparatively peaceful and send us up to take their place.  This required a certain amount of management – thus instead of a rest of 8 days – we were kept on 3 days over our time and then had 3 days rest at Dranoutre before returning for a spell of five days.  In Dranoutre we were to be ready to move off always in ½ an hour but a canvas bath had come out for me and I was able to get a good wash.

20^th Feb. 1915.         We remained on in the little farm house making up for arrears of sleep and that evening marched to Dranouter or rather some very dirty farm houses beyond it.  Our mess was in an Estaminet, the meals being cooked in the room we fed in, on a small stove.

21^st & 22^nd     We remained there the next two days and then marched back to R.E. farm, close behind the firing line, by 8 p.m. 

23^rd Feb. 1915.         D Coy was in “Burnt farm” close by.  A and B in the firing line. 

24^th Feb 1915.           We stayed there the next day and the following evening took over 11A, 11B and the two supports.  Half the company had been in a redoubt behind the line on the two previous days so they not much rest.  Had the Germans rushed our front trenches they might have been on us within five minutes.  I had agitated at once to have the farm prepared for defence.  This was now being done by the R.E.  Just as we were marching off Cap^t. Ratcliffe was brought in.  Shot in the stomach (he recovered).  No work had been done to the trenches since we were last there except that the wooden cases of the ammⁿ boxes we had carried up had been burnt for firewood thus exposing the cartridges to the weather.  I sent in a report.  The trenches were filthy tho’ we had left them clean.  I arranged for a certain proportion of hand grenades to be prepared for use only leaving the safety pin to be drawn.  Previously it had been the custom to have a box of them somewhere, the detonators (probably the wrong size) somewhere else and nobody told off in charge.  If there had been a German attack none of them could have been used.

25^th Feb. 1915.         During the night there was a full moon and a sharp frost.  It seemed as light as day and going from trench to trench in the open to see how the work was progressing was no fun.  The Germans were about 300 yds off.

On the opposite page is a Bainsfather cartoon cut from Bystander.

26^th Feb. 1915.         I got my feet very wet.  The Germans pitched a couple of shell 25 & 50 yard from the trench I was in, otherwise all was quiet. 

27^th Feb. 1915.         During the night my listening patrols reported the Germans working in the open.  All the men were lined up ready and then I made a succession of flares burst right over them.  The men opened rapid fire and the Germans ran for cover.  During the day I was sitting in my bomb proof trying to warm my toes with a charcoal brazier when – bang – bang bang – a rapid succession of rifle shots sounded inside my bomb proof.  It was not easy to extract myself as the opening was very narrow but I muscled and pulled away the barrier.  An old battered ammunition tin was propping it up and this on examination proved to contain between 200 & 300 rounds a fortunate escape.  The following evening we were relieved and marched back to Bailleul.  I intended marching the whole way for exercise and to get rid of an attack of dysentery but after 3 miles I nearly fainted.  Luckily my horse was there and I managed to mount.  Arriving at Bailleul I could not stand and had to be taken into the nearest billet.  Here the D^r. gave me some medicine and next morning I was nearly all right again.

28^th Feb. 1915.         My toes were a little frost bitten but in the course of a few weeks that wore off.  It is curious how all the inhabitants seem to be wearing army clothing.  My landlady tells me there is a large sale of mens’ boots.  A man issued with a new pair will sell them and go on wearing his old ones.  I personally saw every article issued to my men and made certain the discarded clothing was worn out and returned any surplus to the Q^r Master.  The best boots were handed over to the Shoemaker Sg^t for repair.  The next time the Bⁿ went to the trenches.  He of course had his hands full while in Billets.  By this many hundred boots which would otherwise have been thrown away were saved.  Instead of going into the Grapperies again the men were put into dirty lofts.  The proprietor of the hothouses was claiming several hundred thousand francs indemnification if our men were to be kept there any longer as he wanted to start the vines in heat.  The French always billeted their men in schools & private houses, we never allowed men into private houses.  Major Roche went off on leave & I became Senior Major.

REPORT OF A FORCED MARCH MADE BY OCCUPANTS

OF STALAG LUFT 7. GERMANY.

On January 17^th 1945 at approximately 11 a.m. we received notice of one hour in which to pack our kit and be ready to leave the camp by marching.  At the same time we were informed by Ober Feldwebel Frank that for every one man who fell out of the column on the march, five men would be shot.  This order was never given in writing.

The start was postponed until 3.30 a.m. on Jan 19^th.  During the interval 68 sick men were evacuated to the civilian Slag at Kreigberg, and, we believe were later taken to Stalag 344 at Lansdorf.

Each man was provided with two and a half days marching rations, before leaving.  When the march began on Jan 19^th no transport was provided for any sick who might have fallen out on the march, and the only medical equipment carried, was that carried by the M.O. and three sanitators on their backs.

DETAILS OF MARCH.

Jan 19^th.  Left Bankau and marched to Winterfeld, a distance of 28 Km’s.  This was done under extremely trying weather conditions and severe cold.  The only accommodation at Winterfeld was small barns.

Jan 20^th.  Marched from Winterfeld to Karlsruhe arriving at 10 a.m.  We set off at 5 a.m. and marched a distance of 12 Kms.  At Karlsruhe, we were housed in an abandoned brick factory.  Here for the first time we were provided with 2 field kitchens with which to cook for 1,550 men.  Each kitchen was actually capable of cooking food for 200 men.  The M.O. was also provided with a horse and cart for transport of the sick.  The cart was big enough to hold 6 sitting cases.  Half a cup of coffee (ersatz) per man was provided and after a rest period of 11 hours we were again ordered to move.  The Camp Leader and the M.O. protested against further marching until the men were adequately rested and fed.  We were told by the German Abwehr Officer that it was an order, and must be complied with.  The same night we left Karlsruhe and marched to Schonfeld, arriving at 9 a.m. on Jan 21^st, covering a distance of 42 Kms.  The conditions during the night were extreme, the temperature being -13 degrees centigrade.  The M.O.’s wagon was filled after the first 5 Kms, and from then onwards men were being picked up on the road sides in a collapsed and frozen state, and it was only by sheer will power that they were able to finish the march.  After crossing the River Oder, a distance of 34 Kms, from Karlsruhe.  We were told that we would be accommodated, and that no move would be made for 2 days.

Jan 21^st.  At Schonfeld we were accommodated in the cow sheds and barns of a farm.  A room was provided at Lassen for the sick.  Rations issued were about 100 grams of biscuits per man, and half a cup of coffee.

Jan 22^nd.  At 3 a.m. orders were given by the Germans to prepare to march off at once.  It was dark and there was some delay in getting the men out from their sleeping quarters, because they could not find their baggage.  The guards were thereupon marched into the quarters and discharged their firearms.  The column was marching again by 5 a.m.  23 men, it was ascertained at this stage, were lost, and their whereabouts are unknown.  They may have been left behind asleep, or they may have escaped.  Also 31 men were evacuated (we believe) to Lamsdorf, but nothing further has been heard of them.  We marched to Jenkwitz, a distance of 24 Kms and were housed at a farm in barns.  Here we were issued with a total of 114 kms of fat, 46 tins of meat barley, and peas.  Soup was issued, the ration being about a quarter of a litre per man.  No bread was issued.

Jan 23^rd.  Left Jenkwitz at 8 a.m. and marched to Wassen.  20 kms.

Jan 24^th.  We were rested a day at Wassen, sleeping in barns.  The revier was in a cowshed.  31 sick were evacuated to Sagan.  400 loaves of bread issued.

Jan 25^th.  Left Wassen at 4 a.m. for Heidersdorf and covered 30 Kms.

Jan 26^th.  Spent the day at Heidersdorf.  Issued with 600 loaves of bread, to last for two days.

Jan 27th.  Left Heidersdorf and marched 19 kms to Pfaffendorf, where we arrived at night.

Jan 28^th.  Left Pfaffendorf for Standorf at 5 a.m. and marched a distance of 21 Kms.  Issued with 24 cartons knackebrot, 150 kgms oats, 45 kgms margarine and 50 kgms of sugar.  22 sick were evacuated at Schweidnitz, and eventually reached Sagan.

Jan 29^th.  Left Standorf at 6 p.m. and marched to Peterwitz a distance of 22 kms, where we arrived at 4 a.m. the following day.  This march was carried out in darkness under extreme conditions.  With a blizzard blowing the whole time.  The men arrived at Peterwitz in an utterly exhausted condition.  Before leaving Standorf we were promised that we would have to march no further as transport would be supplied at Peterwitz. 104 kgms of meat were issued, 1 sack of salt, 25 kgms of coffee, and 100 kgms barley.

Jan 30^th.  At Peterwitz, 30 men from Stalag 344, who had been left without guards joined our column.  296 loaves of bread were issued, 50 kgms oats and 35.5 kgms of margarine.

Jan 31^st.  We spent this day at Peterwitz.  We were told we would have to march to Goldberg before we got transport.  300 kgms of oats were issued, 50 kgms coffee and 40 Kgms of margarine.

Feb 1^st.  Marched from Peterwitz to Pransvitz, a distance of 12 Kms.  We remained at Pransvitz form Feb 1^st to the 5^th.  On Feb 1^st we were issued with 680 loaves of bread and 37.5 Kgms of margarine.  On Feb 3^rd we were issued with 112.5 kgms of margarine, 250 loaves, 100 kgms sugar, 200 Kgms of flour and 150 kgms barley.  On Feb 4^th the issue was 250 loaves.

At night on Feb 4^th the German Commandant (Oberst Leutenant Behr) visited the farm and read out an order from O.K.W. to the effect that 5 men were to be released, and would be liberated at the first opportunity.  The reason for this we could not understand.

Feb 5^th.  Before leaving we were issued with 500 loaves of bread, 95 kgms of margarine and 530 tins of meat.  We were marched from Pransvitz to Goldberg a distance of 8 kms.  On arrival at Goldberg we were put into cattle trucks 55 men to a truck.  By this time there were numerous cases of dysentery and facilities for men to attend to personal hygiene were inadequate.  The majority had no water on the train for two days.  When men were allowed out of the trucks to relieve themselves, the guards ordered them back inside again, and we had to be continually getting permission for them to be allowed out.  We were on the train from the morning of the 5^th Feb to the morning of the 8^th Feb.  Before commencing this journey we were issued with 1/3 of a loaf to last for 2 days.

The total distance marched was 240 kms.

SUMMARY

As a result of the march and the deplorable conditions, the morale of the men is extremely low.  They are suffering from an extreme degree of malnutrition, and, at present, an outbreak of dysentery.  There are numerous cases of frostbite, and other minor ailments.  They are quite unfit for any further moving.  Food and better conditions are urgently required.  We left Bankau with no Red X supplies, and throughout the march all rations were short issued.  The most outstanding being bread.  Which amounts to 2,924 loaves.

There is a map of the route taken on the last page.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

26^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

143 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 132, of February 21^st, 1915, of which Major P.B. Norris (3^rd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

144– District Court-Martial –

            The details of officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room, All Saints’ Hall, Linden Roar, Gosforth, 10-30 a.m., on the 1^st day of March, for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Major E.K. Purnell, 4^th Battalion, Tyneside Scottish.

MEMBERS

A Captain of the 1^st Battalion Tyneside Scottish.

A Captain of the 2^nd Battalion Tyneside Scottish.

The accused will be warned, and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

Officers Commanding 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Battalions (Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 1451, Pte. J.T. Jackson, 23^rd Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish), and No. 1388, Pte. J. Sparks, 23^rd (Ser.) Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

145 – Stores – Local Purchase of –

            With reference to Northern Command Memo. No. C.R.N.C. 38485/1/5(G) of 24^th inst. (copies of which have been issued to all units) Officers Commanding will forward without delay to this office a list of the articles referred in para. 3 which they are unable to obtain from Ordnance Stores.  Arrangements will be made in this office to purchase locally.

146 – Expenditure –Hitherto unauthorized –

            In future Commanding Officers will forward to Brigade Headquarters all recommendations which entail expenditure not hitherto authorised.

Such recommendations will on no account be forwarded direct to the Tyneside Scottish Committee.

147 – Army Orders –

            The attention of Commanding Officers is called to the following Army Orders:-

Army Order 54, of 1915 (Appendix) –

“War establishment of an Infantry Battalion,” which authorizes certain increases in Establishment.

The note (b) in column of remarks does not apply, at present to the Battalions of this Brigade.

Army Order 68, of 1915 –

Arms and equipment of Officers.

Army Order 75, of 1915 –

Pay.  “How a soldier should get his pay.”

148 – Depot Companies – Transfer to –

            Officers Commanding Battalions will take immediate steps to transfer to their Depot Companies the following, who will be shewn as “extra to establishment.”

1. All N.C.O’s and men found by the Medical Inspector of Recruits, Northern Command, to be unfit for service in the field, but fit for home service.
2. All enlisted boys under the age of 19.  All vacancies thus caused in the Headquarter Companies will be at once filled up by drafts from Depot Companies.

149 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

BILLS FOR SUPPLIES – METHOD OF PASSING FOR PAYMENT –

It has been brought to notice that much inconvenience and delay has been caused both in the office of the Command Paymaster and this office, on account of bills for supplies, etc., obtained by local purchase not being properly endorsed before transmitting same for payment.

It should be noted for future guidance that such bills should be marked “Special Purchase – No Contract,” and when there is no Headquarter authority same must be obtained before passing the bills for payment in accordance with Command Order 1622, dated 16^th November, 1914, to which attention is drawn.

Bills for supplies obtained under contract, and bills for supplies the offers for which though not under contract have already been actually approved under Headquarter authority, do not require any further approval, but the authority, i.e., the Command Headquarter number and date must be inserted on bills before transmission to Command Paymaster, Northern Command, York.

C.R. No. 45286 (S.T.).  Northern Command Order No.265.

BADGES OF RANK – WARRANT OFFICERS, CLASS II –

For the present the badge of rank of Warrant Officers Class II., remain as they were before the publication of Army Order 70 of 1915.

Authority, War Office letter No. 54/General No./1801 (Q.M.G.7), dated 13^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 43000 (A).  Northern Command Order No.266.

MOBILIZATION STORES TABLES – AMENDMENTS TO –

The following amendment is to be made to all copies of Mobilization Store Tables detailed:-

Army Form G. 1098 – 3, Headquarters of an Infantry Brigade.

Army Form G. 1098 – 3A, Headquarters of an Infantry Brigade (T.F.)

Army Form G. 1098 – 112, Headquarters of an Infantry Brigade (New Armies)

Insert under Section No. 27:-

Pistols, signal, Very cartridge, 6*

*Cartridges will not form part of unit equipment, but will be issued overseas as required.

Authority, War Office letter No. 121/Stores/915 (Q.M.G.10), dated 17^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 44616 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.273.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

NOTICE.

            On and after the 27^th instant the Headquarters of the 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade will be –

“ALNBANK”

ALNWICK.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

25^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

142 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

            The following extracts are published for information:-

            From the Second Supplement to the “London Gazette”, of Friday, the 12^th February, 1915 –

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish), Stanley James Elliott to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), William Travers to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 11^th January, 1915.

From a Supplement to the “London Gazette”, of Friday, the 19^th February, 1915 –

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), Ernest Arthur Scott to be temporary Captain.  Dated 28^th December, 1914.

The undermentioned to be temporary Lieutenants:-

Wallace Marrs.  Dated 7^th November, 1914.

Temporary Second Lieutenant William Travers.  Dated 18^th January, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish), Temporary Captain Stanley H. Mackintosh to be Adjutant.  Dated 21^st December, 1914.

The undermentioned to be temporary Lieutenants:-

Hector Fraser Whitehead.  Dated 22^nd December, 1914.

Thomas Ward.  Dated 6^th January, 1915.

The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:-

Alfred Edwin Shapley.  Dated 6^th January, 1915.

Frederick Oswald Dunn.  Dated 12^th January, 1915.

MARCH DISCIPLINE –

In view of the fact that reports have recently been received of several accidents caused by motor vehicles being driven into troops whilst on the march at night, War Office letter 114/Gen. No./5099 (M.T.2), dated 2^nd May, 1912, is re-published for the information of all concerned:-

“When troops are moving at night or in foggy weather, whether they are in tactical formation or not, they should invariably throw out an advanced and rear guard of at least two or three men at such a distance from the main body as will ensure due notice of the proximity of troops being given to the drivers of motor vehicles.  This distance should not be less than 100 yards.”

Authority, War Office letter No. 114/Misc./3564 (M.T.2.), dated 2^nd February, 1915.

C.R. No. 27254.  Northern Command Order No.259.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

24^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

140 – Dentures – Supply of –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 118, of the 12^th inst.  Dentures may now be supplied (free to the soldier) as laid down in Northern Command Order No. 139, of February 1^st, 1915, but in order to prevent unnecessary expense to the public, dentures will only be issued to men of good character and who will be able to utilize them at a reasonably early date.

In cases where extraction of teeth on a large scale is necessary, it will probably be found that the state of the gums will prevent the fitting of dentures for some months.  In such cases dentures will not be supplied.

Men of indifferent character will not be supplied with dentures.  The procedure will be as follows:-

When a man on visiting the Dental Surgery is recommended by a Dental Surgeon for a supply of dentures a note will be sent to the Officer Commanding the Battalion to which the man belongs, by the Dental Surgeon concerned, to that effect, stating –

1. The action it is proposed to take.
2. The time required before the dentures can be fixed.
3. The cost.

Should the Officer Commanding the Battalions consider the case meets with the foregoing conditions he will notify the Dental Surgeon that the work may be proceeded with or, if the expense involved will be over £3, refer the case to Brigade Headquarters for reference to the Commander-in-Chief.

141 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

HOSPITAL STOPPAGES –

With reference to Command Order No. 1139, of 31^st August, 1914, it has been decided that the operations of paragraph 73 (a), Allowance Regulations, shall not apply to soldiers in the field admitted to hospital on account of venereal disease.  Such cases will accordingly come under 73 (c), Allowance Regulations, for the future.

Authority, War Office letter No. 121/Finance/137 (F.2.), dated 20^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 44842 (S.T.).  Northern Command Order No.251

BAYONET FIGHTING EQUIPMENT –

With reference to Command Orders Nos. 1837, of 29^th December, 1914, 14 of 2^nd January, 1915, and 170, of 6^th February, 1915, approval has been given for the local provision and issue of sacks for thrusting practices being further extended to all units of the Regular, Special Reserve, and Territorial Force armed with Rifles and Sword Bayonets not in possession of Bayonet Fighting Equipment, in the proportion of 10 per. cent of their strength (but not to exceed 150 per unit).

Authority, War Office letter No. 54/Infantry/1101 (Q.M.G.9), dated 17^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 38467/4/2 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.254.

HORSES TRAVELLING IN TRUCKS –

It has come to notice that in some cases when open Railway Trucks are used for the conveyance of horses the tarpaulins provided by the Railway Authorities are placed on the same side as the horses’ heads, thereby causing lack of air.

Arrangements should be made when entraining horses that the side of the truck which the horses face should be left open.

Authority, Remount Circular No. 24, dated 19^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 44777, 20^th February, 1915.  Northern Command Order No.255.

BOOTS, ANKLE – PATTERNS OF –

            Notified for information of all concerned that in order to distinguish the various patterns of ankle boots now being issued to the troops, the following nomenclature has been decided upon:-

Boots ankle “B” and “N.P.”

These are regulation pattern army boots and will be known as “Boots ankle regulation.”  All men proceeding to join the Expeditionary Force must have 1 pair of this pattern, vide Command Order No. 55, dated 11^th January, 1915.

Trade Patterns.

No. 1 trade pattern will be known as “Boots ankle Standard No. 1.

No 2 trade pattern will be known as “Boots ankle trade No. 2.”

Other trade boots will be known as “other trade patterns.”

Authority, War Office letter, A.C.D./Boots/10 (R.A.C.D.), dated 18^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 44617 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.256.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

23^rd FEBRUARY, 1915.

136 – Recruits –

            Officers Commanding Units will forward to this Office by first post on Saturdays the number of recruits enlisted in the Battalion under their Command other than those passing through ordinary Recruiting Offices and borne on the lists of the Recruiting Offices as submitted through the O.C. District.

137 – Musketry –

            Attention is called to the following, issued with to-day’s orders (6 copies per Battalion):-

1. Syllabus of Recruits’ Musketry.
2. Orders in connection with fire action – and use of landscape targets.

138 – Identity Discs –

            Officers Commanding Units should at once indent on Chief Ordnance Officer, Northern Command, York, for Identity Discs.

139 – Clothing –

            As soon as the original issue to Battalions of clothing and necessaries, sanctioned by the War Office, has been completed by the Brigade Committee no further issues will be made by the Committee.

Officers Commanding Battalions will then submit the usual indents and size rolls for all clothing required as replacements to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York.

Officers Commanding Battalions are reminded that the following are now obtainable at the Brigade Store:-

                        Putties.

Socks.

Shirts.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

22^nd FEBRUARY, 1915.

135 – District Court-Martial –

            The details of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room, 21^st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), Tilley’s Rooms, Market Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on the 24^th February, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused person named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Major F.B. Lewis, 2^nd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish.

MEMBERS

A Captain (2^nd Battalion Tyneside Scottish).

A Captain (1^st Battalion Tyneside Scottish).

The accused will be warned and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, 18, Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Officers Commanding 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Battalions, Tyneside Scottish will each detail three officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 1385 Pte. Wm. Stewart, 20^th Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

21^st FEBRUARY, 1915.

132 – District Court-Martial –

            The details of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room, 22^nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) Newburn, on the 23^rd February, 1915, at 10-15 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused person named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Major P.B. Norris, 22^nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish).

MEMBERS

Captain from 21^st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

Captain from 23^rd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

The accused will be warned and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, 18, Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Officers Commanding Units will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 1450 Pte. John Butler Milburn, 22^nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish).

133 – Bands –

            Musical Instruments on the scale laid down for a battalion in Equipment Regulations, Part 2, Section 1, table 18, will be allowed for service battalions of the New Armies.  Indents should be submitted forthwith, and issues will be made as instruments become available.

            It must, however, be clearly understood that no establishment of sergeant drummers, buglers, or drummers will be allowed, and that men employed as such must not be taken away from their training as soldiers to be trained as musicians.

            Soldiers employed as buglers and drummers should as far as possible be selected from men who have had previous experience of the instruments they are to use, and any further training as musicians undergone by these men must be additional to the training as soldiers given to them in common with all other fighting men of their battalions.

Authority, 114/Infantry/1412 (A.G.1).

C.R.N.C. 45053/1/14.

134 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette,” dated Tuesday, 16^th February, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st (Service) Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), Francis Ball Lewis to be temporary Major.  Dated 25^th January, 1915.

ESCORTS TO SOLDIERS SENTENCED TO DETENTION –

It has been brought to the notice of the Army Council that instances have occurred of soldiers sentenced to detention having been marched, handcuffed, under escorts, through public thoroughfares from railway stations to detention barracks.

The enquiries instituted by the Council indicate that this procedure has been due to a misunderstanding on the part of various Commanding Officers in reading the Regulations on the subject.  The attention of all concerned is directed to the instructions contained in paragraphs 640 and 641 of the King’s Regulations, which must be strictly complied with in future.

Authority, War Office letter No. 105/Miscellaneous/349 (A.G.3), dated 18^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 44585.  Northern Command Order No.243.

INFANTRY BATTALIONS – HEADQUARTERS AND MACHINE GUN SECTION – PAY AND MESS BOOK –

            Attention has been drawn to a case in which it was proposed that a separate Pay and Mess Book should be kept for soldiers serving with the Headquarters and Machine Gun Section of an Infantry Battalion.  Soldiers so serving should continue to be attached for pay purposes to one of the companies of the battalion, and their names shown in the Pay and Mess Book of that company.

Authority, War Office letter No. 30/Infantry/2110 (Accounts I.B.), dated 11^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 43622.  Northern Command Order No.244.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

Mit luft Post

Kriegsgefangenenpost

Postkarte                  

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 33

No UK Postmark. 

An                   Mrs. E. Wilkinson                            Stamp PASSED P.W.  9180

Gebuhrenfrei!

                                    Empfangsort:  1068 Bury Rd.

                                    Strasse: Breightmet Bolton

                                    Land;              LANCASHIRE ENGLAND.

Absender:

Vor und Zuname:

Sgt. E. Wilkinson.

Gefangennummer: 136.L.7

Lager-Bezeichnung:

            Stalag. Luft 3.

Deutschland (Allemagne)

W

Kriegsgefangenenlager.                                                                             Datum: 18.12.44

Sweetheart.  Just a few lines to say that I am still keeping fit, and I hope that you are the same.  I got three letters from you last week, and one from Ivy.  I hope that you have had more mail from me by now, I have been writing two letters, and four cards each month.

 This is all for now Darling look after yourself.  I love you.  Give my love to your mother.  Yours ever 

Ernest

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