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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

6^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

104 – Men Medically Unfit – Discharge of –

Considerable loss has accrued to the Public owing to the enlistment in this Brigade of men subsequently found to be medically unfit for service.  In many cases such men have been maintained at the public expense for some months before their cases have been referred to this Office.

In future to insure that only men of sound physique shall join the Brigade, Officers Commanding Units will be held responsible that every recruit who may be sent to join his Battalion is thoroughly overhauled by the Doctor attached to the Unit.  An application for the discharge of any man (vide King’s Regulations, para. 392) found to be unfit will be forwarded without loss of time to this office.

Men who have once been attested cannot be discharged except by the authority laid down.

Steps have already been taken which, it is hoped will ensure the medical examination of men prior to attestation being much more strictly carried out than has hitherto been the case.

105 –Razors – Supply of –

A supply of razors is now available from the Ordnance Store.  Officers Commanding Units will forward indents without loss of time for the full number required to Chief Ordnance Officer, Northern Command Office, York.

106 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” the following extracts from the Supplement to the “London Gazette” dated Friday 29^th January, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned temporary Lieutenants to be temporary Captains.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

Edwin Graham

Gerald O. Laing.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) – Utrick Alexander to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 6^th January, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish) – John George Todd to be temporary Captain.  Dated 31^st December, 1914.  (Substituted for the notification which appeared in the “Gazette” of 25^th January,1915.)

RECRUITS – DENTAL TREATMENT –

It is pointed out that recruits who would, except for defective teeth, be in all respects fit for General Service in the Army, and are prepared to undergo dental treatment, but cannot keep themselves whilst out of work and in the dentist’s hands, may, if the Medical Officer is of opinion that with dental treatment this defect can be remedied, be attested and final approval deferred until they are pronounced by the examining Medical Officer as in every respect physically fit for service in the Army.

C.R.N.C. No. 41919/M.  Northern Command Order No. 155.

Extracts from Northern Command Orders continued –

INOCULATION AGAINST ENTERIC FEVER.

Reference Order No. 1819, dated 23^rd December, 1914, it has come to notice that in some instances men are given 48 hours’ leave immediately after Inoculation.

This is not the intention of the order, and the practice must cease.

All cases after Inoculation should be given light duty or struck off duty altogether for 48 hours, but must remain in Barracks or Billets, and be under the immediate observation of the Medical Officer.

There is no objection to leave being granted for 48 hours after the period of observation has elapsed.

Northern Command Order No. 156.

SICKNESS – WHILE ON LEAVE

It has been brought to notice that paragraph 1323 King’s Regulations is not being complied with, and bills for various amounts are being received from Civil Medical Practitioners for attendance on Soldiers at Stations where there are either Military Hospitals or Military Medical Officers.

Commanding Officers should draw the attention of all concerned to the Regulations.

In future no bills will be passed for Medical Attendance on Soldiers at Stations where Military treatment is available.

Northern Command Order No. 157.

EQUIPMENT – INFANTRY – PATTERN 1914 – TALLOW FOR CLEANING AND PRESERVATION OF –

It has been decided that Tallow in the proportion of two ounces per set per month should be demanded from the Army Ordnance Department by Units in possession of 1914 Infantry Equipment for the cleaning and preservation of the Leather portions.  It is desirable the Tallow should be applied at once.  Indents should be forwarded to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, as early as possible.

C.R.N.C. No. 38594/42/O.S. Northern Command Order No. 160.

CLOTHING POLICE – EMPLOYED AS DRILL INSTRUCTORS –

It has been decided that Police Instructors rejoining the Police Force should return all clothing etc., to Store, with the exception of one pair of boots, which may be retained.

Authority, A.C.D./5 R.D./1015, dated 1^st February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 41980/A.  Northern Command Order No. 161.

DRESS –

Where Inspections are held in inclement weather, Great Coats should be worn.

Authority, War Office letter No. 940/G.M.G.7, dated 1^st February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 41980/A.   Northern Command Order No. 162.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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