BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
12th APRIL, 1915.
233 – Acting Brigade Compensation Officer –
Lieutenant A.P. Ker is appointed Acting Brigade Compensation Officer from this date.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
11th APRIL, 1915.
231 – Acting Brigade Machine Gun Officer –
With reference to Brigade Order 214, dated 1st April, 1915, the appointment of Lieutenant J.W.E. Murray should read Acting Brigade Machine Gun Officer.
232 – Strength –
Captain F.T.V. Dunne, having been transferred to the Scottish Command on the 29th ultimo, is struck off the strength of the Brigade from that date.
Authority, War Office telegram, 538, A.G. 4, dated 29th March, 1915.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
10th APRIL, 1915.
226 – District Court-Martial –
The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 203 of 29th of March, 1915, of which Major G.H. Gardner (2nd Battalion Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.
227 – District Court-Martial –
The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 204 of 29th of March, 1915, of which Major E.K. Purnell (4th Battalion, Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.
228 – District Court-Martial –
The details of officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room, (1st Battalion, Tyneside Scottish), Alnwick, at 10-30 a.m., on the 12th day of April, 1915, for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused person named in the margin:-
PRESIDENT
Major G.H. Gardner, 2nd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish.
MEMBERS
A Captain from the 1st Battalion Tyneside Scottish.
A Captain from the 2nd 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., 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.
Officers Commanding 1st and 2nd Battalions, (Tyneside Scottish), will each detail three officers to attend for instructional purposes.
In the margin. No. 33 Pte. Chas. Frank Coates, 20th (S.) Btn, Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Scottish) and No. 1096 Pte. W. Gordon, 21st (S.) Btn, Northumberland Fusiliers (2nd Tyneside Scottish).
229 – Cookery Course –
With reference to Northern Command Order 547 of 8th April, 1915, an amended return will be forwarded by Commanding Officers to Brigade Headquarters as early as possible.
230 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –
SURRENDER OF BILLETS AND HIRED BUILDINGS –
With reference to Command Order No. 137, of 1st February, 1915, the following further instructions are issued for guidance:-
In view of the large number of buildings that will shortly be vacated, and the simultaneous demands on the time of the Royal Engineer Staff and the Command Land Agents, special assistance has been obtained for the purpose of dealing with questions of building dilapidations.
Firms have been retained to undertake the necessary duties under the instruction of local Officers, at fees not exceeding £3 3s. per diem, for each Surveyor employed, up to a total of 3½ % of the total assessment in each case.
A list is given below of these Firms, together with the areas in which they will normally work.
General Officers Commanding Divisions, Garrisons, Districts, and Brigades will take immediate steps to requisition the services of such Firms as may be necessary, endeavouring to give each firm a fair proportion of the work as far as practicable.
An Officer belonging to the Troops in occupation of the buildings should be present when the assessment by the Valuer is being carried out. In assessing dilapidations a note should be made of the sum fairly chargeable to the Troops as Barrack Damages.
The attention of Valuers should be drawn to paragraph 7 (h), of War Office letter, General Number 16/3238 (Q.M.G.F.a), dated 16th March, 1915, copies of which have been issued.
Reports shewing the amounts arranged and settled, the portions thereof chargeable to the Troops, and the names and addresses of persons to whom payment is due, should be rendered to Command Headquarters without delay. If any individual case should arise in which the compensation amounts to over £500, or in which the fee paid to one Valuer in respect of one claim exceeds £100, an immediate report, with full particulars, should be made to this Office for covering sanction.
Lists of all buildings, giving the dates of surrender, containing fittings which are the property of the War Department, should be sent without delay to the Commanding Royal Engineers of Districts concerned.
List of Firms with Areas in which they will normally work:-
County of Northumberland J.M. Clark, Haltwhistle.
Thos. Armstrong, Hawthorn Terrace
Newcastle-on-Tyne
County of Durham and North Riding of Yorkshire
J.D. Wallis, 57, King Street, Manchester.
R.E. Hersfall, 22a, Commercial Street,
Halifax.
East Riding of Yorkshire W.H. Wellstead, Princes Dock Chambers,
Hull.
J. Bilson, 23, Parliament Street, Hull.
City of York E.S. Cox, 3, New Street, York.
J.H. Hall, 1, Cooper Street, Manchester.
West Riding of Yorkshire (excluding Harrogate)
G.H. Leather, North British Buildings, East
Parade, Leeds.
C.J. Fox, 7, Rawson Street, Halifax.
Harrogate G. Renton, 3, Princes Square, Harrogate.
H.S. Batey, 51, South King Street,
Manchester.
Counties of Leicester, Rutland, and Lincoln.
C.W. Tindall, Wainfleet, Lincolnshire.
Counties of Nottingham and Derby.
Wooley & Wigram, Collingham,
Nottinghamshire.
NOTE. – The above distribution should be adhered to unless exigencies arise which render variation imperative.
(C.E.). Northern Command Order No.538.
CHECK OF RATIONS –
Officers Commanding Units will in future, commencing with the March account, render Army Form F. 743 with their Pay and Mess Book to the Regimental Paymaster, instead of to the Local Auditor.
Authority, War Office letter No. 12/Finance/209 (Q.M.G.F.a), dated 1st April, 1915.
C.R. 51728 (C.P.). Northern Command Order No.539.
LATRINE BUCKETS –
All Units in possession of Latrine Buckets will, on proceeding to Camp, take these Buckets with them. The Bucket System of Latrines will be universally employed throughout the Command.
C.R.N.C. 48688 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.541.
MILITARY PRISONS –
Owing to the present lack of accommodation at the Military Prison, Woking, it has been arranged that soldiers sentenced to imprisonment (with or without hard labour) and to be discharged with ignominy, will be received into local Civil Prisons. Instructions should be issued to all concerned.
The Local Civil Prisons in the Northern Command are:-
Derby, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Newcastle, Northallerton, Nottingham, Stafford, Wakefield.
Authority, War Office letter No. 23/Eastern/184 (A.G. 3), dated 5th April, 1915.
C.R. 52213 (A.). Northern Command Order No.544.
ADDITIONAL PAY – TEMPORARY CLERKS –
It has been decided that authorities for the issue of additional pay under Article 908 Royal Warrant for Pay, etc., shall be subject to review every two months.
Authorities already over two months old will be at once submitted to these Headquarters for review, and only authorities will be submitted at the expiration of two months from date of grant.
Officers under whom the soldiers concerned are employed will arrange accordingly, and will submit their recommendations with each case submitted.
Every effort should be made to dispense with these temporary clerks as soon as possible.
C.R. 52285 (A.). Northern Command Order No.545.
CLOTHING – GREAT COATS –
With reference to the Instructions “regarding the issue of Clothing” and “Necessaries during Mobilization,” dated 1st March, 1915, it is notified for information that the date up to which man are no longer physically fit for Service are allowed free issue of Civilian Great Coat is extended to 30th April, inclusive.
Authority, War Office telegram, dated 6th April, 1915.
C.R.N.C. 52155 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.546.
COOKERY COURSE –
With reference to Command Order No. 378, dated 15th March, 1915, owing to the heavy pressure of work at the School of Cookery, Aldershot, no candidates for training as company cooks can be accepted, but only N.C.O.’s who are to be appointed to the position of master cook. The training of company cooks should be carried out under regimental arrangements.
Amended returns shewing N.C.O.’s recommended for the course should be rendered to Command Headquarters as soon as possible.
C.R.N.C. 41428 (I.A.S.). Northern Command Order No.547.
SURRENDER OF BILLETS AND HIRED BUILDINGS –
With reference to Command Order No. 538 of 7th instant, the following firms should be added to list, viz:-
County of Northumberland Taylor & Son, St. John Street, Newcastle.
Counties of Leicester, Rutland, and Lincoln
R. Armistead, 10, Booth Street, Bradford.
The following amendments should be made, viz: – Paragraph 7, line 1, for 7 (h) read 7 (b).
Northern Command Order No.549.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
9th APRIL, 1915.
222 – Signalling – Course of –
The Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers who have been selected to undergo a course of instruction in signalling at Alnwick will report to the Brigade Signalling Officer, Lieutenant S. MacDonald (4th Battalion, Tyneside Scottish) at the Headquarters of the 20th (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Scottish) at 11-30 a.m. on Monday, the 12th inst.
The Officer and Non-Commissioned Officers of the 3rd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish, will be attached to the 1st Battalion, Tyneside Scottish.
The Officer and Non-Commissioned Officers of the 4th Battalion, Tyneside Scottish, will be attached to the 2nd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish.
Officers to bring their camp kit with them.
Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to bring the following with them:-
Copy of Signalling Regulations.
1 Large Blue Flag. 1 Large White Flag.
1 Small Blue Flag. 1 Small White Flag.
Note Books.
223 – Signalling Equipment – Indents for –
Officers Commanding Units will send in an indent as early as possible to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, to complete the following signalling appliances as laid down below:-
Large Flags, White and Blue 36
Poles 60
Small Flags, White 36
Small Flags, Blue 36
Poles 140
The authority to be quoted on the indent is: – C.R.N.C.47870 (G.), dated 6th April 1915.
Arrangements are being made at Brigade Headquarters for the local purchase, in addition to the above, for each of the following:-
Dummy Keys 4.
Vibrator 1.
224 – Brigade Signalling Officer –
Lieutenant S. MacDonald, 23rd (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4th Tyneside Scottish) is appointed Acting Brigade Signalling Officer. He will be attached to the 20th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Scottish) until further orders.
225 – Signalling Classes – Formation of –
Commanding Officers of Battalions will each form as early as possible a class consisting of at least 1 Officer, 36 Non-Commissioned Officers and Men for the purpose of instruction in signalling with flags, dummy keys, and vibrator.
Classes already formed will be increased to the numbers given above.
As a temporary measure an Officer with, if possible, some previous knowledge of signalling should be appointed Acting Battalion Signalling Officer.
As soon as the Brigade Course of Instruction in Signalling referred to in Brigade Order No. 222 of this date has been completed, a more qualified Officer who has attended the course will be available to take up the appointment of Battalion Signalling Officer.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
8th APRIL, 1915.
221 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –
“LONDON GAZETTE”
The following extracts from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, 30th March, 1915, are published for information:-
The Northumberland Fusiliers –
23rd Battalion, 4th Tyneside Scottish – T.A. Anderson to be temporary Captain. Dated 27th February, 1915.
Alexandra, Princess of Wales’ Own (Yorkshire Regiment) –
12th Battalion (Tees-side, Pioneers). – Charles Christopher Forster to be temporary Lieutenant. Dated 9th February, 1915.
The undermentioned to be temporary Second-Lieutenants. Dated 10th February, 1915.
Joseph Currer Busfield Longbotham.
Thomas Kenneth Gordon Ridley.
Stewart Gordon Ridley.
George Chapman Cuthbertson.
Stuart Marmaduke Cairns. Dated 17th February, 1915.
The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Friday, 2nd April, 1915, are published for information:-
The Northumberland Fusiliers –
21st Battalion (2nd Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second-Lieutenants: –
Hilton Robert Telford. Dated 30th January, 1915.
Frederick Vincent Bell. Dated 1st February, 1915.
Cedric Hunton Daggett. Dated 20th March, 1915.
22nd Battalion (3rd Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second-Lieutenants:-
Guy Osborne Lion. Dated 15th March, 1915.
Thomas Hall Waugh. Dated 18th March, 1915.
Northern Command Order No.517.
GYMNASTIC STAFF INSTRUCTORS –
C.R.N.C. 47549 (A.). Northern Command Order No.518.
DETENTION BARRACKS –
The Detention Barrack, Doncaster, accepts soldiers to undergo detention for any period over 7 days and under 35 days, also accommodation is provided temporarily for men for longer periods while awaiting accommodation at Aldershot or York.
Applications should be made to the Assistant Provost Marshal, No. 5, South Parade, Doncaster.
C.R.N.C. No. 48890 (A.). Northern Command Order No.519.
ACCOUNTS –
The Adjutant-General of the British Army in the Field has reported that many holders of Imprest Accounts are not aware of the proper procedure to be adopted in dealing with their Accounts and Acquaintance Rolls.
Full instructions on these matters are contained in the pamphlet “How to Pay a Company,” issued with Army Order 29, of 1915, a general distribution of which was made during the month of January last.
Steps must be taken to ensure that all Officers leaving this country are provided with a copy of the pamphlet in question.
Authority, 121/Finance/204 (Accounts 1 B.), dated 29th March, 1915.
C.R.N.C. 51284 (A.). Northern Command Order No.520.
CORRESPONDENCE – POSTAGE TO BE PREPAID –
The attention of all concerned is directed to Command Order No. 297, dated 1st March, 1915, which has not been observed in many cases.
C.R. No. 45649 (A.). Northern Command Order No.521.
COMMAND AND ADDITIONAL PAY –
The issue of command pay under Article 248 (d) to Officers of Royal Engineers commanding certain other formations is under consideration.
Authority, War Office Letter N33/Central/272 (F.2.), dated 10th March, 1915.
While adjustments need not be made in respect of Adjutant’s pay, this order does not cancel the retrospect effect of the instructions issued in paragraphs (1) and (2) of the War Office Letter quoted with regard to issues of Command pay and second-in-command pay.
Authority, War Office Letter No. 48/Infantry/1024 (F.2.), dated 10th March, 1915.
C.R.N.C. 45245 (A.).
Extra Duty Pay at a uniform rate of 1/6 (one shilling and sixpence) a day may be issued to Officers performing the duties of Acting-Adjutants of Infantry Regimental Depots from the same date.
The grant of such extra duty pay is for such period as the pressure of work renders the appointment of an acting adjutant necessary.
Authority, War Office Letter No. 48/Infantry/975 (F.2), dated 5th February, 1915.
C.R. 42744 (C.P.). Northern Command Order No.522.
CLASSIFICATION AND MINIATURE RANGES – SUPPLY OF STORES – PROCEDURE –
With reference to the supply of Targets and other range stores for Classification and Miniature Ranges, Officers in charge of Ranges or Officer Commanding Units must demand all such articles from the Officer in charge, Royal Engineer Stores, Infantry Barracks, York.
See Command Orders No. 1606, of 14th November, 1914, and No. 2, of 1st January, 1915.
No bills for such articles when irregularly purchased can be passed.
This Order is to be republished in all Divisional Brigade and Regimental Orders.
(C.E.). Northern Command Order No.523.
SPECTACLES – ISSUE OF –
It is notified for the information of all concerned that steel spectacles fitted with spherical glasses (both convex and concave) may be issued at the public expense during the period of the War to all soldiers whose eyesight is defective and whose vision and efficiency will, in the opinion of the Medical Officer be thereby improved.
(2). Such spectacles, if accidentally broken or lost, may be replaced at the public expense, on the recommendation of the Medical Officer, whether provided in the first instance by the soldier himself or by the public.
(3). Every soldier requiring spectacles with spherical glasses for the improvement of his vision will be provided with a duplicate pair before proceeding Overseas on active service.
(4). Spectacles with cylindrical glasses will not be issued.
(5). Arrangements are being made with the contractors to supply:-
(a). Steel spectacle frames (with curl sides) in six fittings, in cases.
(b) Interchangeable spherical glasses of the following strengths, in pairs, both convex and concave: 0.25. 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50. 1.75, 2.0.
(c). Screwdrivers with instructions for fixing glasses in frames.
The following are the Centres at which glasses will be issued:-
No. 1 Northern General Hospital, Armstrong College, Newcastle.
No. 2. “ “ “ Beckett’s Park, Leeds.
No. 3. “ “ “ Collegiate Hall, Sheffield.
No. 4. “ “ “ Wragby Road, Lincoln.
No. 5. “ “ “ Victoria Road, Leicester.
York Military Hospital, Fulford Road, York.
S.M.O. Tyne Garrison, 2, St. Alban’s Place, Tynemouth.
S.M.O. Humber Garrison, Royal Station Hotel, Hull.
S.M.O. Tees Garrison, Orchard House, Clarence Road, West Hartlepool.
Authority, War Office Letter, No. 24/Western/141 (A.M.D. 3), 31st March, 1915.
C.R.N.C. 51459 (M.). Northern Command Order No.524.
HIRED BUILDINGS – NOTICE OF DETERMINATION OF TENANCY –
In view of the near approach of the Camping season General Officers Commanding Divisions, Garrisons, Districts, and Brigades, 4th and 5th New Armies, will be responsible that due notice of determination of tenancy is given to lessors and that the houses are surrendered to the landlords on vacation by the troops. Particular care should be given to give timely notice in the case of Agreements providing for one month’s notice to be given. Attention is invited to Command Order No. 137 of 1915.
Notice to determine hirings sent by letter is not safe without acknowledgement in writing of receipt of notice. Failing such acknowledgement personal service should be effected.
A report in duplicate should be rendered as soon as possible to Headquarters, Northern Command, showing the buildings to be vacated, the date of probable vacation, and the date up to which rent is payable by the War Department. At the same time the names should be furnished of local firms who are considered competent to assess structural damages, and can be recommended to carry out this duty in the event of the staff for Engineer Services not being available.
(D.B.O.) Northern Command Order No.526.
RATION ALLOWANCE –
The Regulations are being amended accordingly.
Authority, War Office Letter, 53/General No./5288 (Q.M.G.F.a), dated 31st March, 1915.
C.R. 51373 (C.P.). Northern Command Order No.529.
EQUIPMENT – INFANTRY – PATTERN 1914 – TALLOW FOR CLEANING AND PRESERVATION OF –
(Reprinted from Command Orders No. 160 of 4th February, 1915)
It has been decided that tallow, in the proportion of two ounces per set per month should be demanded from the Ordnance Department by Units in possession of 1914 Infantry Equipment for the cleaning and preservation of the leather portions. It is desirable that tallow should be applied at once, and Indents should be forwarded to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, as early as possible.
C.R.N.C. 38549/42 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.531.
SURPLUS STORES NOT TO BE RETAINED –
The attention of all Commanding Officers is drawn to the necessity for immediately returning to the Army Ordnance Department all stores not being used.
A large number of issues have also been made of stores probably required for a short time only, and these should not be retained if not in use. Camp equipment of all sorts is also included in this Order.
C.R.N.C. 40756 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.532.
CAMP EQUIPMENT –
It is notified for information of all concerned that Camp Equipment issued to Troops in this Command will be brought to account in the equipment ledger of the Unit in the same manner as ordinary stores. No Camp Accounts, A. Form G. 973, will be supplied under present circumstances.
C.R.N.C. 38787/5 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.535.
MESS ALLOWANCES –
With reference to Army Order 429, of 1914, paragraph 1 (b), and Army Order 60, of 1915, it has been decided that a further initial grant of 30/- (thirty shillings) in aid of the formation of officers’ messes may be drawn for each officer on the strength of the Unit on the 30th April, 1915, in excess of the War Establishment of the Unit.
Claims in respect of subsequent increases in strength will be adjusted monthly in arrear as in the case of Reserve Regiments of Cavalry.
Authority, War Office Letter 103/General Number/1376 (F.2), dated 2nd April, 1915.
C.R.N.C. 47772 (Q.). Extract from Northern Command Order No.536.
CHECK ON IRREGULAR ENLISTMENTS –
It having been brought to notice that certain men have absented themselves with a view to enlisting into the Naval Brigade and some Irish Regiments, it is suggested that all Recruiting Agencies should be instructed, now that the influx of recruits is not so great, to investigate more closely the previous careers of those offering themselves for enlistment with a view to checking this irregularity.
I.R. 5th April, 1915.
C.R. 50773 (I.R.). Northern Command Order No.537.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
5th APRIL, 1915.
219 – Official Correspondence –
Officers Commanding Units will be good enough to give attention to King’s Regulations, para. 1845. Correspondence will be carried on in minute form – each minute being correctly numbered.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
3rd APRIL, 1915.
217 – Northern Command Order –
The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Order No. 514 of the 1st April, 1915.
218 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –
CORRESPONDENCE –
With reference to Northern Command Order No. 52, dated 11th January, 1915, correspondence intended for the Command Paymaster, Northern Command, should be addressed “Hollycroft,” Wenlock Terrace, and not to Headquarters.
(A.) Northern Command Order, No.510.
PISTOL AMMUNITION OF CERTAIN DATES ON CHARGE –
With reference to Command Order No. 260, 23/2/15, it is pointed out that Returns have not been received by Ordnance Officer, Selby, from all units in the Command. Units who have not already done so will now render such Returns as soon as possible.
“Nil” Returns to be rendered if no Ammunition of the dates specified is on charge.
C.R.N.C. No. 44698 (O.S). Northern Command Order No.511.
STORES – LOSSES OF –
Demands are constantly being received for “Tugs”, with nuts. No. 17 draught pole,” to replace losses. This should not happen if the nuts are properly screwed up with a spanner – they have probably been screwed up by hand in the cases where loss has occurred.
The attention of all concerned is drawn to the necessity for screwing up tightly.
Authority, P. 2/H. 93/666, dated 29th March, 1915.
C.R.N.C. No. 51111 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.512.
STORES – PRICES OF –
The undermentioned price is published for information:-
INFANTRY EQUIPMENT, PATTERN 1914.
Slings rifle 2s 7d. each.
Authority, 51/15 (Q.M.G.F.b), dated War Office, 29th March, 1915.
C.R.N.C. No. 49336 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.513.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
2nd APRIL, 1915.
216 – Inoculation – Depot Companies –
Medical Officers attached to Units will be responsible that the Inoculation against Enteric Fever of the Depot Companies of their respective Battalions is carried out as soon as possible.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
Notice.
The Brigade Committee Stores, Newcastle-on-Tyne, will be closed on Monday, 5th, and at mid-day on Tuesday, 6th inst.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,
1st APRIL, 1915.
214 – Machine Gun Section –
Battalion Machine Gun Sections will be formed at once, but the Non-Commissioned Officers and men will remain attached to their own Company for pay and discipline. They will, however, be accommodated and mess together and form a separate unit for instructional purposes.
Commanding Officers will arrange that pending the issue of guns, the machine gun section is given instruction as far as possible in the general use and capabilities of the gun.
The attention of Commanding Officers is called to “Infantry Training” 1914, Section 8. and Musketry Regulations, Chapter X.
The names of the Officers selected for Battalion Machine Gun Section will be forwarded to these headquarters.
The undermentioned Officer is appointed Brigade Machine Gun Officer:
Lieutenant J.W.E. Murray.
21st (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2nd Tyneside Scottish).
He will supervise the Battalions and Brigade Machine Gun Training.
Officers Commanding Units will each detail the following to form the Battalion Machine Gun Section and its Reserves:
2 Subalterns.
2 Sergeants.
2 Corporals.
30 Privates.
The Non-Commissioned Officers and Men selected should be young, intelligent, and active, and of very good eyesight.
215 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –
“LONDON GAZETTE”
The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 26th March, 1915, are published for information:
The Northumberland Fusiliers –
20th Battalion (1st Tyneside Scottish). – Albert Edward Kerr to be temporary Lieutenant. Dated 5th March, 1915.
22nd Battalion (3rd Tyneside Scottish). – Walter Lamb to be temporary Second Lieutenant. Dated 18th November, 1914.
23rd Battalion (4th Tyneside Scottish). – Arthur Octavius Terry to be temporary Lieutenant. Dated 22nd February, 1915.
Northern Command Order No.495.
RETURN OF UNSERVICABLE STORES TPO A.O.D. –
The attention of Officers Commanding is drawn to the instructions contained in Paragraph 54 E.R. Part I, and Paragraph 25 E.R., Part III, regarding the procedure to be followed in returning equipment to Store. In no case should condemned Stores be returned to the Ordnance Depot, York, without the previous sanction of the C.O.O. being obtained.
C.R.N.C. 50791 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.497.
CHEVRONS –
With reference to the Command Order Number 51, dated 9th January, 1915, notifying the inclusion of a canvas suit in the scale of clothing for Pioneer Battalions, it has been decided that chevrons for canvas frocks will be supplied for wear on the right arm only. Indents to be submitted to the Ordnance Officer in Charge. Clothing Depot, Carlton Street Store, York, accordingly.
Authority, War Office Letter No. 54/Infantry/1258 (R.A.C.D.), dated 26th March, 1915.
C.R.N.C. 40087/6 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No.498.
STATIONARY PURCHASES –
The attention of all concerned is directed to the limitations imposed on the Allowance Regulations on the local purchase of articles of Stationary (including Typewriting Machines, duplicating apparatus, and india-rubber stamps) and on local printing.
During the rapid formation of many new Units last autumn the necessity for such local purchases no doubt arose in certain instances, but the necessity has now ceased and local purchases should not be resorted to.
The prohibition of local purchase extends to Official Text Books and Drill Books. Ample stocks of these are available to meet demands from all entitled to them as a free issue, and the Controller of H.M. Stationary Office has notified that he will be unable to continue to authorise the refund of any money spent in the purchase of these books.
Authority, War Office Letter No. 26/2807 (C.2a.), dated 20th March, 1915.
C.R.N.C. 49818 (A.). Northern Command Order No.499.
ALLOWANCES –
With reference to Army Orders 428 and 496 of 1914, the following three cases not covered by the Army Orders referred to will be dealt with as detailed below:-
In cases (1) and (2), the consolidated allowance of 2/- will be drawn, unless the man is messed regimentally, when lodging allowance will be issuable.
In case (3), allowances will be drawn as for a married man under the general provisions of Army Order 428/1914. (Issues during Sick furlough in cases (2) and (3) are already provided for in Army Order 496/14).
Authority, War Letter No. 46/234 (Q.M.G.F.a), dated 20th March, 1915.
C.R. 50400 (C.P.). Northern Command Order No.503.
BILLETING OFFICERS AND ALLOWANCES –
In reference to paragraph 6 of Army Order 337, dated 27th August, and paragraph 493, Allowance Regulations, the following considerations govern the billeting of and the issue to Officers of Field and Lodging Allowances in particular instances.
As a rule, when their men are billeted, Regimental and other Officers should also be billeted.
When circumstances render it necessary or desirable to allot to them accommodation in unfurnished premises, and they are not in receipt of consolidated pay, they may draw Field Allowance. When no such arrangements have been made for their accommodation, and they are not under canvas or billeted, they may draw Lodging Allowance (if not in receipt of consolidated pay).
If accommodation in barracks or in furnished hired premises is available for them, they may not receive either Lodging or Field Allowance.
In no case can billeting money be paid to an officer as an allowance. Vide Command Order 364 of the 12th instant. For an officer to pay the money to his wife would be merely to evade the spirit of that order.
Officers on consolidated pay may nor draw Field Allowance. Vide Regulations quoted in the first paragraph of this order.
C.R.N.C. 46049 (Q.). Northern Command Order No.504.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,
Brigade-Major, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.
(Italy)
The Italian Campaign was seen as a sideshow after D-Day, when the Allies turned their focus on the Western Front. For those involved it was a long punishing struggle. Beginning on the 6th April 1945, the Spring 1945 offensive was given the code name Operation Grapeshot. The winter of 1944-45 was harsh resulting in stalemate and the Allies and German forces were unable to progress. When the offensive began over 600,000 Germans of Army Group “C” defended the Lombardy Plain in northern Italy. They were attacked by over one million Allies of the 18th Army Group. The German Army Group “C” was made up of German and the Italian Social Republican troops. The Allied 18th Army Group consisted of troops from the U.K. and Commonwealth, the U.S., Poland, Italy plus the Italian Resistance, Brazil, New Zealand and South Africa. On the 9th April 1945, Allied troops launched a major attack from Ravena, not far from the east coast, northwest toward Ferrara. After a three-day battle Montese, a town in the province of Moderna, was liberated by Brazilian troops on the 17th April 1945. Bologna, west of Ravena, was encircled by U.S. and Polish forces on the 21st April 1945. The German commanders realised their position was impossible and sued for peace on the 24th April 1945. By the 29th April 1945 the Germans had signed the surrender terms. On the 2nd May 1945 the cease-fire was completed and the long Italian campaign has ended.
In July 1943 Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was deposed by the Fascist Party and King Vittorio Emanual III. He was arrested and held prisoner in the mountains. Hitler’s forces rescued him. Following the liberation of Rome by the Allies, on the 27th April 1945, and the war almost over Mussolini and his mistress Claretta Petacci attempted to escape to Switzerland. The intention was to board a plane and escape to Spain, but were stopped and identified by communist partisans. On the 28th April 1945, Mussolini and Petacci. together with their 15 aides, were shot. Their bodies were loaded into a van and driven to Milan where they were hung upside down from the roof of a service station. As dictator during the Second World War, he overstretched his forces and eventually killed by his own people. The Italian masses greeted Mussolini’s death without regret. Mussolini had promised his people Roman glory, but his megalomania overcame his common sense, bringing them only war and misery.
(Germany)
As a part of the Battle of Berlin, the last major assault on the entrenched defences of city, was the Battle of Seelow Heights. The three-day battle was fought from the 16th to the 19th April 1945 when nearly one million Soviet troops engaged in the bitterest fighting against approximately 110,000 German defenders. Spreading back from the Heights toward Berlin, theGermans had built three defensive lines. Each line consisted of a network of trenches and bunkers, anti-tank ditches and anti-tank gun emplacements. Over half a million shells were fired from approximately 9,000 Soviet artillery pieces in the first thirty minutes of 16th April 1945. Over the next three days both sides suffered heavy losses and by the close of the 19th April 1945 the German defences had effectively ceased to exist.
With the western Allies and Red Army rapidly advancing toward Berlin, Fuhrer Adolf Hitler’s celebration was subdued for his 56th birthday on the 20th April 1945. By this time Hitler was in residence full time in the Fuhrerbunker in central Berlin. He accepted the congratulations of his personal staff and later with some of his circle of Nazi leaders. These included Hermann Goering, Joseph Goebbels, Heinrich Himmler and Martin Bormann, who all offered their obligatory congratulations. In the afternoon, in the ruined gardens of the Reich Chancellery, he awarded Iron Crosses to boy soldiers of the Hitler Youth who were fighting the Red Army on the front line.
With the Allies approaching Berlin from the west and the Red Army approaching from the east, for Germany, the war was coming to a rapid ending. By the 27th March 1945, British-U.S. forces had been held up at the Battle of the Bulge and not crossed the Rhine River. Approaching from the east the Red Army was approximately 40 miles (64 km) from Berlin. Supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower sent a telegram to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, that the Allies would halt at the Elbe River. By this action the Allies allowed the Red Army to take Berlin.
Hitler ordered his commanders to counter-attack and destroy the Belarusian Front of the Soviet Army on the 21st April 1945. Upon hearing the following day that the attack did not take place he went into an immediate rage accusing his commanders of incompetence and treachery. He ended, with a first-time declaration, that the war was lost. Realising there was nowhere for him to go he announced he would stay in Berlin until the end then commit suicide rather than be captured alive.
Luftwaffe chief Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring, had in 1941 been named as Hitler’s successor. Having learnt of the announcement he sent a telegram to Hitler on the 26th April 1945, requesting the agreement be honoured and that he would take over the leadership of the Reich. Hitler was convinced by his secretary Martin Bormann that Goring’s telegram was an attempt to overthrow the Fuhrer. Hitler’s response was that unless Goring resigned with the loss of all his powers he would be executed. Later that day Hitler sacked Goring and was consequently relieved of all his powers. Having done so Hitler promptly issued the order for Goringto be arrested. –
The encirclement of Berlin was completed on the 24th April 1945 when the Belarusian and Ukrainian forces of the Soviet Army linked up.
With the Americans advancing from the west and the Soviets advancing from the east, Germany was effectively divided in two on what became known as Elbe Day. The Americans crossed the Elbe River on the 26th April 1945 and met with the Soviet forces at Torgau, south-east of Belin. Arrangements had been made for the “Handshake of Torgau” to be photographed of the two commanders on the 27th April 1945. With the taking of the handshake photograph it confirmed the encirclement of Berlin was complete. On the same day, the America, British, French and Soviet governments simultaneously released statements with regard to the determination for the complete destruction of the Third Reich.
Nero Decree, or the scorched earth policy, was issued by Hitler on the 19th March 1945. The decree required all German infrastructure destroyed to prevent the Allies using the facilities as they penetrated deeper into Germany. Hitler placed the responsibility for carrying out the decree to his Minister of Armaments and War Production, Albert Speer. Apparently, Speer was appalled by the plan and deliberately did not carry out the order. Having by then lost faith in Hitler, as he considered the Fuhrer to have become insane, Speer requested he was given exclusive power to implement the plan to carry out the decree. Hitler was completely unaware of this until Speer met him on the.23rd April 1945 during his last ever meeting with Hiter. It would appear Hitler went into a rage saying another Nazi leader had let him down, but Hitler did allow Speer to leave the Berlin Fuhrerbunker.
Himmler who had left Berlin on Hitler’s birthday, was attempting to negotiate a surrender with the western Allies on the 24th April 1945. Hitler discovered, on the 28th April 1945, Himmler’s involvement, and he immediately ordered the arrest of Himmler for what he considered to be treason.
Built in March 1938, Dacau was one of the first and longest running concentration camps in Germany. Located in Bavaria, 10 miles (16 km) north west of Munich, Dacau was originally intended to inter Hitler’s Pollical opponents. The camp developed, by the Gestapo SS, into part of the “Final Solution” of the extermination of the Jewish race. On the 29th April 1945 the U.S. Army troops liberated Dacau to find the conditions in the camp to be horrendous, despite the attempt by the Nazi’s to destroy the evidence.
Lee Miller, the U.S. female front-line war correspondent heard that Dacua had been liberated and she wished to record the events. The only problem was that she and her colleague, photographer Dave Scherman, were in Nuremberg, 105 miles (168 km) north of Munich. Driving through the night, in Scherman’s acquired 1937 Chevrolet, they reached Dacau, located on the outskirts of Munich. Upon arrival at the concentration camp they were unprepared for the horrible conditions they encountered. The squalor, the stench of the dead bodies, but the most abiding horror was the starved, broken bodies of the survivors. They left Dacau “gulping for air”, wishing to cover a battle, but in the centre of Munich there was little fighting to report. They were given permission by the U.S. military to use Prinzregentplaz 16, Hitler’s Munich Residence, as a temporary billet. Wishing to wash off the stench of Dacau, her instinctive response was to take a bath in Hitler’s bathtub. Lee placed a framed photograph of Hitler to one side of the bath and placed her muddy boots on the mat. Scherman took a photograph of Lee sitting in the bath, which eventually became the most iconic shot of his career. Ironically it was the 30th April 1945 the photograph was taken, the same day that Hitler committed suicide. Lee continued to report on military events until the end of the war.
With Germany virtually defeated and the Reich Chancellery besieged, Hitler married Eva Braun in the early hours after midnight on the 29th April 1945. When he heard that Mussolini had been executed it was thought Hitler was determined not to be captured. With Soviet troops approaching, Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide on the 30thApril 1945. He shot himself in the head and she bit into a cyanide capsule. As per Hitler’s instructions their bodies were taken into the garden, doused with petrol and set on fire. Grand Admiral Karl Donitz and Joseph Goebbels assumed the role of Hitler’s head of state and chancellor respectively.
(Pacific)
Operation Ten-Go was the last major Japanese naval operation in the Pacific. The largest battleship in the world, the Japanese battleship Yamato and nine other Japanese vessels sailed from Japan on the 6th April 1945. The Japanese vessels sailed south toward Okinawa and were shadowed by U.S. submarines and flying boat reconnaissance aircraft. Opposing the Japanese battleship and escorting ships were eleven aircraft carriers, 49 assorted naval vessels and 388 aircraft. On the morning of the 7th April 1945, armed with torpedoes and bombs, 280 U.S. aircraft were launched from the carriers. Around mid-day they located the Japanese and methodically attacked Yamato and accompanying ships as the Japanese had no air cover. At around 14.30 Yamato capsized and began to sink and a few minutes later blew up as internal fires had reached the main magazines. The Japanese Army had promised an attack against the U.S. naval fleet at Okinawa during the battle. Approximately 115 aircraft, mainly kamikaze, attacked the U.S. ships. None of the ships were sunk, although moderate damage was inflicted on two and severe damage inflicted on another ship. Approximately 100 Japanese aircraft were lost in the attack. In addition, the Japanese casualties were over 4,000 sailors killed, six ships including Yamato sunk, and one destroyer severely damaged. For the U.S. forces they suffered 97 killed, 132 wounded, ten plus aircraft destroyed, three ships and 52 aircraft damaged.
The tactics for further aerial raids on Tokyo had changed since the last raids in March 1945. The bombers attacked at night and at lower altitude rather than daylight raids and higher altitudes. The Nakajima aircraft factory was bombed twice on separate raids. The first was on the 2nd April 1945 with 100 B-29 bombers attacking. On the second raid 101 B-29s bombed the factory again on the 7th April 1945. On the 3rd April 1945 68 B-29s attacked the urban areas of Tokyo and principally the Koizumi aircraft factory. The final attack of the month was on the 13th April 1945 when 329 B-29s bombed the arsenal area of the city.
(Other Theatres)
In America Franklin D. Roosevelt was the longest serving President of the United States of America. He served for four terms from 1933 until 1945. He was stricken with polio in 1921 and paralysed from the waist down. He fought to regain the use of his legs and was able to walk a little with his legs encased in leg braces and the aid of a cane. Most of the time he was in a wheelchair. His health had started to decline since 1940, mainly due to the fact he was chain smoker which gradually led to heart and blood circulatory problems. Returning to the United States from the Yalta Conference in February 1945, he looked old, thin and frail which shocked many of his fellow Americans. To enable him to rest before another conference in Warm Springs, Geogia, he departed on the 29th March 1945. While sitting for a portrait during the morning of 12th April 1945, he stated “I have a terrible headache”. Immediately after saying that he slumped forward unconscious in his wheelchair, and was carried into his bedroom. Roosevelt died in the afternoon at 3.35 pm and his attending cardiologist diagnosed Intracerebral Haemorrhage, a form of stroke. He was 63 years old. Roosevelt’s deputy Harry Truman became President Truman. Roosevelt’s flag-draped coffin was loaded onto the Presidential Train the following morning for the trip back to Washington. Instead of a full state funeral, as was tradition, a smaller ceremony was proposed as the USA was still at war. His remains were placed in the White House East Room when a simple funeral was held on the 14th April 1945. In attendance were his family, government officials and foreign ambassadors. Roosevelt was transported by train from Washington to his birthplace of Hyde Park, New York and on the 15th April 1945 he was buried. During the 30-day mourning period Germany had surrendered, but the now President Truman ordered all flags to remain at half-mast. Upon being re-elected for his fourth term of office, Roosevelt knew his health was deteriorating. He later admitted that at the end of the war he would resign in favour of his deputy Harry Truman.
In the German-occupied Netherlands Allied air forces commenced Operation Manna and Operation Chowhound. The operations were humanitarian food drops to relieve the Dutch famine of 1944-45. During the last ten days of the European war, British Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and Polish Air Force attached to the RAF, began dropping 7,000 tonnes of food into the still Nazi-occupied Netherlands on the 29th April 1945. Mana ended on the 7th May 1945. Operation Chowhound began on the 1st May 1945.
The Bay Museum & Research Facility 