Major P.C. Benham

G Branch

HQ I Corps District

B.L.A..

Sunday 22 July 45

My dearest Maz,

This will be my last letter to you until I return which I hope will be on Thursday. –  On Monday and again yesterday there was a day’s postponement on account of gales in the channel so instead of getting home on Wednesday I’m now not due back until Friday, but Charles is going a day before me and, as there is no check up on the date you leave here (one gets the same length of time in England) I shall go back with him, leaving here on Wednesday.  There’s a terrific wind blowing today and I only hope and pray it won’t cause another day’s postponement.

I was delighted during the week to hear all your news in your letters dated 13^th and 17^th.  When was Teenie married – I imagine it must have been yesterday – I’m sorry to have missed yet another wedding.  I hope old John gets back while I’m home – he will probably look like a nigger I should think and will no doubt have some most interesting stories to tell.

This week seems to have gone past fairly quickly and I’ve had several evenings out.  On Wednesday evening Charles and I went to the Cinema where we saw ‘Together Again’ – Irene Dunn and Charles Boyer, well worth seeing and good entertainment.  On Thursday I gave a small dinner party, the guest of honour being Dick Carrick, who was at Uppingham with me and is in one of our Divs, Charles and Trevor Harrison (my G’s) were the others.  On Friday I was also at the Officers’ Club, this time as Trevor’s guest, he was celebrating his birthday.  Oh! and I forgot to mention that on Monday night I had dinner with George Holden, now a Major, he was the chap I came on leave with last time.  It was a guest night in his mess and a very enjoyable evening we had too.  So my week has been a fairly gay one, and during office hours, except for Monday, not such a hectic one as usual.  The pressure of work has died down considerably.  I’ve had a really lazy day today so far, this morning after breakfast at 9 ocl I wandered out for a short walk and then sat around in the mess reading yesterdays papers.  This afternoon shame on me, but it was not pleasant outside, I retired to my room where I spent a couple of hours on my bed alternately reading and snoozing!  Charles and I are going out later to see a film – I’m told it’s quite amusing, and so will end a quiet and restful day.  Yes, I do so hope the weather is good when I’m home, Eileen hasn’t booked up anywhere, and I’m very pleased – I gave her a free hand in that direction – I think the odd day or two out is much better, don’t you?  I’m longing to have a bang at a tennis ball – heaven knows what I shall be like – it’s two years since I touched a racquet.  Well Maz I must away and will give you any further news when we meet on Thursday.  My love to Pari and Elli.  I’m longing to see you again – only 4 more days.  Much love

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 23 JY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.          

On front of envelope Written July 22^nd 1945 rec July 26^th 1945.         (27)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

22^nd July, 1915.

536 – Electric Light and Pumping Plant – Personnel –

            The Officer-in-Charge, Electric Light and Pumping Plant, will take the necessary steps to relieve as early as possible the men at present employed under him, by “Home Service” men from the Detachment in Newcastle.  The men thus relieved will return to duty with their units.  The “Home Service” men referred to will rejoin the Depot Company of their former Battalion.

537– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

COURSES – MACHINE GUN –

Command Order No. 825, of 19^th May last, is re-published for the information of newly-formed Units, and those who have recently arrived in the Command.

The following General Machine Gun Course will, in future, be substituted for all machine gun courses previously authorised.

2. The course will be fired by Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and men of service machine gun sections belonging to the following Units:-

New Armies.

3. Reserve machine gun sections will not fire the course, but detachments will be thoroughly instructed in mechanism drill, etc.

4. No man who has already fired a complete course will carry out the General Machine Gun Course, and men who have commenced a course previously approved will complete it.

5. The following table shows the number of fully-trained machine gunners who will fire the course, and must be maintained in Regiments or Battalions:-

                        Unit.                Officers.  Sergeants.  Corporals.  Privates.

New Armies (Infantry Battalion):-       

Service Section                                      1               2                      1              24

Reserve Section (a)                               1               2                      1              24

• See paragraph 3.

In draft producing Units the personnel of machine gunners will always be maintained, and as men are drafted others must at once take their place, who will fire the course as soon as they are considered fit to do so.

Commanding Officers must have a certain number of partly-trained men always in readiness to take the places of machine gunners who are drafted out of the section.

6. AMMUNITION. – 300 rounds per Officer, Non-commissioned Officer, and man of service gun sections.

New Armies                                       Mark VII.

Ammunition allotted to machine gun sections is not to be expended for rifle firing.

7. Machine gunners of New Army Battalions other than 2^nd Reserve Battalions will not commence the course until authority is given to do so.

GENERAL MACHINE GUN COURSE

Part I.                                      Part II.

Rounds Allotted   Practice 1.- Grouping                        10       “       2.- Single shot, traversing   10       “       3.- Application                     20       “       4.-  Vertical, searching        20       “       5.-  (Omitted) Additional Practice. – Swing traverse    30         Repetition                                 20   110

(Range 400 yards for all practices except Practice 14) Time     Rounds Seconds.   allotted Practice 7.- Ranging               –              20       “       8.- (Omitted)       “       *9.-  Application        20            30       “       *10.-  Traversing       50            60       “       11.-  (Omitted)       “       12.-  (Omitted)       “       13.-  Observation     –               20       “       14.- Fire at successive positions (range 600 yds. to 200 yds.)                  40   Total                                                     170 Part I                                                     110 Part II                                                    170 Surplus for repetition of indifferent shots, to be pooled and used at the discretion of the Commanding Officer                               20   Grand Total                                            300

* Classification Practices.

NOTES

Part I.

1. Additional Practice. – For trench warfare, and against dense targets at close range, the “Swinging Traverse” has been found necessary.  It in no way replaces the method of traversing by automatic tapping, which should still be considered the normal method.  The swinging traverse is taught by teaching a man to traverse a machine gun instructional target evenly and smoothly in about 6 seconds.

——————————–

Part II.

• Practice 10. – It will be necessary to shorten the target, as 40 rounds less are allowed for in this practice.  This will be done by using two 10-feet screens instead of three.  Spaces will be 20 inches.
• Practice 13. – (a) If a field firing range is not available.  Practice II will be substituted for this practice.

(b). –Observation should be taken by three parties, left, right, and centre, who should change round after each firer.  Section Officers should ascertain that each man has observed from each position.

• Practice 14. – 10 rounds will be fired at each of the four distances laid down in Musketry Regulations.  These rounds will be “spaced out” before commencing the practice, and the firer will proceed to the next range on completing his 10 rounds, whether he has secured a hit or not.

Classification.

• Machine gunners will be classified upon the results which they obtain in Practices 9 and 10, General Machine Gun Course, as follows:-

To be classified as a “1^st Class Gunner”             50 points.

To be classified as a “Qualified Gunner”             25     “

            Points will be allotted in the classification practices on the same basis of scoring as laid down in paragraph 647, Musketry Regulations, Part I., 1909, (reprint) 1914.

Authority, War Office letter Number 9/General Number/4976 (M.T. 2), dated 14^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 58693 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order No.1316.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Third Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 16^th July, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Second Lieutenant Wilfred G.C. Lambert, from 15th (Reserve) Battalion, to be temporary Second Lieutenant.   Dated 5^th July, 1915.

Alexandra, Princess of Wales’ Own (Yorkshire Regiment)–

12^th Battalion (Tees-side Pioneers). – Arthur William Alcock to be temporary Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th July, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.1319.

DUMMY HAND GRENADES –

            An issue of 20 Dummy Mills Hand Grenades per Infantry Unit will shortly be made.  Indents should be submitted at once to Chief Ordnance Officer, York, and issues will be made in the following order of precedence.  All drafts finding Units Infantry of the 4^th New Army, of the Territorial Force Divisions, and unallotted Infantry Units.

C.R.N.C. 72755 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No. 1327.

538– Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1321, 1323, 1324, 1325, and 1326 of 21^st July, 1915, and to Notice of same date.

539 – Disinfectants – N.C.I. Powder Vermijelli –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.1326 of 21^st July, 1915, Officers Commanding Units will take necessary action.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

21^st July, 1915.

532 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned in Brigade Order No. 526 of 19^th July, 1915, will re-assemble at the Court- Martial Room, The Havens, North Demesne, Alnwick, on Thursday, 22^nd July, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by a District Court-Martial the accused person named in the margin:-

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

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank,” Alnwick.

The Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd (S.) Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 23/1111, Pte. Thomas Wallace, 23^rd (S.) Battn, Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

533 – Accoutrements – Instructions Re –

            The following instructions from Divisional Headquarters are published for information and necessary action.

The General Officer Commanding, 34^th Division, wishes all waterbottles to be worn filled, and kept filled when men are on duty (in marching order).

He has noticed that many waterbottles are at present worn too low, and wishes this to be rectified.

When the entrenching implement is carried this is to be worn at the back of the man, and not as at present at the side under the waterbottle.  It is to be kept well up, that is to say, close to the waistbelt.  34/Div/346.

534 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is directed to Northern Command Orders 1308 and 1314 of 20^th July, 1915.

535 – Divisional Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Order No. 4 of 20^th July, 1915, circulated herewith.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

20^th July, 1915.

527 – District Court-Martial –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 526 of 19^th July, 1915, the accused person marginally named will also be tried by this Court.

In the margin.  No. 21/114 Corpl. E. Fenwick, 21^st (S.) Btn, Northd. Fus. (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

528 – Musketry Forms and Books –

            The following Army Forms and Books will be kept by all Battalions when firing the Musketry Course approved to be carried out:-

Army Forms.                                                 Army Books.

            B. 62.  Collective Field Pracs. Register.   99 (Company Commanders Ammn. Diary).

B. 68.  Grouping Practice Register.

            B. 189.  Company Commanders Roll      100 (Asst. Adjt. Ammn. Diary).

            B. 190.  Butt Register.

            B. 192.  Company Annual Return.

Vide Musketry Regulations, 1914, Part I., Ch. 9.

Indents for a supply of these Forms and Books should be made by Officers Commanding Units direct, to the Secretary, War Office.

Authority, War Office letter 54/General Number/1908 (M.T. 2), dated 10^th May, 1915.

529– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

MUSKETRY –

            Command Order No. 592, dated 16^th April, 1915, is re-published for the information of 3^rd Line and Newly-formed Units:-

1. Under the present conditions, the aim of all musketry practice on the open range should be to instruct.
2. During the classification practices, Part III., General Musketry Course (Table “B,” Appendix I., Musketry Regulations, Part I., 1909 (reprint 1914), paragraph 483 (vii) need not be strictly adhered to, as judicious coaching in the case of indifferent shots will prevent a waste of ammunition.

As little assistance as possible should however, be given, and men should be made to think out the reason of their mistakes for themselves.

• Paragraph 477 (i), (ii.), and (iii.) need not be carried out, in order that instructional work in other Units may not be hampered by Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and men being employed on musketry fatigues.  On the other hand, suitable arrangements must be made to ensure that marking is strictly, accurately and quickly carried out, and that proper supervision by Officers and N.C.O.’s is maintained in the Butts.

Authority, War Office letter 104/General Number/3632 M.T. 2), dated 14^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 53551 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order No.1289.

DEPOT COMPANIES – 4^th NEW ARMY –

            With reference to Command Order No. 1228, paragraph (1), it should be noted that until instructions for the organisation of Depot Companies of locally-raised Battalions have been issued, the appointment and promotion of Warrant Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of these Companies will be controlled by the Officer Commanding their original Battalions.

Authority, War Office letter No. 18/General Number/2562 (A.G. 1), dated 15^th July, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 69069 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.1296.

FORAGE AND ANIMAL ACCOUNTS – PERIOD FOR CLOSING –

            With reference to Command Order No. 1229, of 1915, Officers Commanding Units will note that their forage and animal accounts should be closed on the 30^th July, 1915, and in future rendered for the pay list periods.

C.R.N.C. No. 69222 (S.T.).  Northern Command Order No.1299.

IMPREST ACCOUNTS – SUB-ACCOUNTANTS OTHER THAN COMPANY, ETC., COMMANDERS –

            With reference to paragraph 331, Financial Instructions, the attention of all concerned is called to the necessity of rendering their Imprest Accounts promptly.

Imprest Accounts should be rendered so as to reach the Command Paymaster by the Tuesday following the last Friday in each month.

(C.P.)  Northern Command Order No.1303.

MOVEMENT OF BAGGAGE AND STORES BY TROOP TRAINS –

1. The following instructions will be carried out in all moves by rail:-
2. All ranks will entrain under Field Service conditions, carrying greatcoats, arms, personal equipment, ammunition (100 rounds per man) as detailed in Regulations.
3. All first line and train transport vehicles entrained will be fully loaded with the authorised load, which is not to be exceeded.
4. Saddle Blankets will be carried on horses.
5. Horses will be entrained, saddled, or harnessed unless orders to the contrary are issued.
6. Iron rations will not be taken.
7. Accommodation in troop trains will be provided at Government expense for:-
8. Baggage (in addition to what is carried on transport vehicles), on the following scale:-

Officers ….    …        …        …        …        …        1½ cwt.

W.O.’s, N.C.O.’s, and Men …        …        …        1½ cwt for three men.

• For such additional blankets, ammunition, and Army Ordnance Stores as may be ordered to be carried by rail.
• Application for baggage accommodation on all troop trains will, therefore, include:-
• Only such mobilisation equipment, stores, etc., for which first line or train Transport does not exist.
• Additional baggage, stores, etc., under paragraph 2 (b), giving in detail how the amount is arrived at.

Baggage accommodation will not be applied for on account of such ammunition, equipment, stores, etc., as are carried in transport wagons.

Units in possession of baggage, for which authorisation in accordance with paragraph 2 has not been obtained, will make their own arrangements for its conveyance by ordinary train service, defraying the cost regimentally.

• This order is not applicable to emergency moves for defence purposes.

(“Q”) Northern Command Order No.1305.

530 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is directed to Northern Command Orders 1291 and 1294 of 19^th July, 1915.

531 – Movement of Baggage and Stores by Troop Trains –

            With reference to Northern Command Order 1305, dated 19^th July, 1915, Officers Commanding Battalions will take particular note, in order that upon the move of the Brigade to Ripon, no misunderstandings as to the quantities of baggage to be taken in Troop Trains may arise.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

19^th July, 1915.

526 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Court-Martial Room, the Haven, North Demesne, Alnwick, on 21^st July, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

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

MEMBERS

A Captain, 20^th (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish.)

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

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

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd (S.) Battalions, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Tyneside Scottish.) will each detail three officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 21/939 Corpl. Welch, 21^st (S.) Btn, Northd. Fus. (2^nd Tyneside Scottish); No. 22/1440, Pte. E. Newton, 22^nd S.) Btn, Northd. Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish); No. 20979, Pte. (L/Cpl.) William Wardale, 12^th (S.) Bn. Yorkshire Regt. (Tees-dale Pioneers).

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

18^th July, 1915.

521 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 494 of 11^th July, 1915, of which Lieut.-Colonel P. Dunbar Stuart, 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

522– Musketry Instruction – Course of –

            Brigade Order No. 517 of July 17^th, 1915, is cancelled and the following substituted:-

            Officers Commanding Units will arrange to place one Platoon (including all Brigade, Garrison and Regimental employ) daily, commencing at 8-45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20^th, at the disposal of Captain Bulman, Brigade Musketry Officer.  These Platoons will parade on the Pastures between “B” and “C” Camps.

The hours of instruction will be:-

From 9 a.m. to 12-30 p.m.

and     From 2 o’clock to 4-30 p.m.

There will be no musketry on Friday afternoons, Friday morning and Saturday

morning counting as one day.  Platoons will be armed with the short service rifle and bayonet, and should bring with them as many Aiming Rests, Aim-correctors, and Eye-Discs as possible.

Company Commanders and Seconds-in-Command of Companies will attend while one of the Platoons of their Companies is under instruction.  Supernumerary Officers will attend with the Platoon to which they are attached.  All Officers under instruction will be armed in similar manner to the rank and file.

All Non-commissioned Officers of the Brigade in possession of Musketry Certificates will report to Captain Bulman outside the Guard Room of the 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) at 9 a.m. on Monday next, the 19^th instant.

523 – Screens – Casualty – Indents for –

            Officers Commanding Units will forward indents, with as little delay as possible, to the

                        D.A.D.O.S.

                                    34^th Division,

                                                RIPON.

            for 40 casualty screens.

Authority, War Office letter 54/General Number/1965 (Q.M.G. 9), dated 13^th July, 1915.

524 – Ammunition – Equipment (Mark VI, S.A.A.) –

            Officers Commanding Units will arrange to hand over their Equipment Ammunition (Mark VI., S.A.A.) to the Officer Commanding, Grouped Depot Companies, the day prior to the move of the Brigade to Ripon, for transmission to the D.A.D.O.S., Newcastle Area, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

525 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

SUPPLY OF MOBILIZATION TABLES –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to the following:-

The first supply of Mobilization Store Table will be obtained from the A.D.O.S., Northern Command, but Officers Commanding are responsible for keeping up, by demand upon the Chief Ordnance Officer of their area, any further supplies that may be required after the first supply of a new edition has been received.

Command Order No. 840, dated 20^th May, 1915, is hereby cancelled.

C.R.N.C. No. 59307 (O.F.).  Northern Command Order No.1287.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

17^th July, 1915.

515 – Corrigenda –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 506, of July 16^th, 1915, for “vide” read “by” and for “draughts” read “drafts”.

516 – Brigade Musketry Officer – Attachment of –

            Captain H. Bulman having reported his arrival on the 16^th inst is attached to the Brigade as Brigade Musketry Officer from that date.  He will be attached to the 20^th (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) for quarters.

517 – Musketry –

            Officers Commanding Units will arrange to place one Company (including all Brigade, Garrison and Regimental employ) daily at the disposal of Captain Bulman, Musketry Staff Officer who is now attached to the Brigade.

The Company so detailed will be struck off all other duty.  The following is the allotment of days on which Battalions will supply a Company for Musketry:-

July 19^th, 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd. 20^th (S) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish.)

July 23^rd, 24^th, 26^th and 27^th. 21^st (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish.)

July 28^th, 29^th, 30^th and 31^st. 22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish.)

August 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th. 23^rd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish.)

            All Non-commissioned Officers of the Brigade in possession of Musketry Certificates will report to Captain Bulman at the Orderly Room, 20^th (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) at 9 a.m. on Monday next, 19^th instant.

518 – Establishment – N.C.O.’S and Men Detached – Supernumerary to –

            It is notified for information that all Non-commissioned Officers and men detached for duty at Divisional or Brigade Headquarters are to be considered as supernumerary to establishment of Battalions.

519– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

LONDON GAZETTE –

The following extracts from the London Gazette of Tuesday, 13^th July, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:-

Alexander Sim.  Dated 9^th June, 1915.

Andrew Hatch Jarman.  Dated 10^th June, 1915.

William Norman Richards.  Dated 12^th June, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – William Norman Collings to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 19^th May, 1915.

Alexandra, Princess of Wales’ Own (Yorkshire Regiment).  12^th Battalion (Tees-side Pioneers). –

Frederick Reeh Taylor to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th May, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.1278.

520 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order No. 1279 of July 16^th, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

A Captain, 21^st (S.)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

16^th July, 1915.

506 – Grouped Depot Companies –

            Officers Commanding Units will at once take steps to fill up their Battalions to the New Establishment given in Brigade Order No. 496, dated 11^th instant – vide drafts from the Depot Companies.

The Depot Companies of each Battalion will then be handed over to Colonel V.M. Stockley, who has been appointed to the Command of the combined Depot Companies, Tyneside Scottish Brigade.

2 Captains and 4 Subaltern Officers will be detailed for duty with each Depot Company.  The remainder of the Officers, excluding those temporarily serving with the Home Service men in Newcastle, will remain with their own Battalions.

As soon as the first Depot Company of each Unit is completed, the second Depot Company will be formed, and Officers Commanding Units will on receiving a notification to this effect from the Officer Commanding the combined Depot Companies, arrange to detail the proper complement of Officers required for second Depot Companies.

It must be borne in mind that the Depot Companies will be required to find draughts for their own Battalions in the Field.  It is, therefore, important, in selecting Officers and Non-commissioned Officers for duty with these Companies, that they must be suitable in all respects as regards imparting instruction.

507– Command 21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) –

            Lieutenant-Colonel P.C. Dunbar Stuart, 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) will, in accordance with the orders of the Divisional Commander, take over Command of the 21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) from Colonel V.M. Stockley forthwith, pending confirmation of the appointment by the War Office.

508 – Badges Cap and Shoulder –

            It having come to the notice of the General Officer Commanding that a considerable number of the new issue of cap and shoulder badges are now missing, with a very detrimental result to the appearance of the Battalions on parade, Commanding Officers and Officers Commanding Companies and Platoons will impress upon the men that they will be held responsible for the badges issued to them.  During War time badges to replace those lost and given away cannot be easily obtained – the labour in making badges can be much more usefully employed.  Disciplinary action will in future be taken in all cases of selling or giving away a badge.

509 – Boots – Greasing of –

            In future men’s boots will not be polished with blacking but well greased, in order to keep them in a thoroughly serviceable condition.

510 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

BAYONET FIGHTING EQUIPMENT –

            Indents should be submitted to the Chief Ordnance Officers of the areas in which Units are serving for Bayonet Fighting Equipment to complete Units in Northern Command to the authorised scales.  Issues will then be made from time to time as stocks admit.

Authority, War Office letter No. 54/Infantry/1296 (Q.M.G 9), dated 9^th July, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 70618 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.1275.

511 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1273 and 1276 of 15^th July, 1915.

512 – Extracts from Divisional Orders –

TRANSPORT –

Draught horses in G.S. wagons should not move out of a walk.

The practice of men riding on wagons other than the driver and a man under instruction is strictly forbidden.

Division Order No. 2, dated 15^th July, 1915.

513 – Divisional Order – Attention called to –

The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Order No. 1, of 15^th July,1915.

514 – Bounds –

            The following Tyne Garrison Order is published for information:-

“BOUNDS,”

North Eastern Railway Station,

Newcastle-on-Tyne.

The Central Station of the North Eastern Railwayat Newcastle-on-Tyne is placed out of bounds for soldiers not on a duty entailing their presence there, and those travelling from or arriving at Newcastle Station by train.  Soldiers proceeding by train will, as soon as they have obtained their railway ticket, go at once to the platform from which their train leaves.  Soldiers arriving by train will leave the Station premises without delay.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

Major P.C. Benham

G Branch

HQ I Corps District

B.L.A..

Sunday 15 July 45

My dearest Maz,

Another week has just slipped by bringing with it, inter alia, the great news about the flat, great news because I was so hoping that something might turn up before my next leave so that Eileen and I can go and have a good look round it before she goes there for good at the end of August – it’s all very exciting and it sounds from all accounts an absolute piece of cake – I’m just longing to see it – and the price for these days seems amazingly reasonable.

My week has been quite a varied one, from the actual work point of view it can never be described as particularly interesting – Monday probably was as good as most I’ve had out here – I was given rather an important job to do which meant visiting two of our HQ’s and the time limit meant only one thing namely that an air trip was necessary.  I flew from here to one HQ – from there to the second and then back – it was a perfect day and the journey took us over some lovely country (I was in an Auster – one of the Artillery spotting planes) and also most interesting sight over the Ruhr.  The first stop was Bad Godesberg of Chamberlain fame, where I had a super lunch with the General and the menu – not for my benefit but their usual – was lovely salmon mayonnaise, rissoles, creamed spinach, heart of lettuce, garden ps and new spuds – apricot jelly, strawberries and real thick cream, coffee and real cream, they do themselves very well.  I will tell you more about it when I see you.  I had tea the other day with John Stevens, he goes on leave the day before I do but I hope to meet him for a drink when I’m back – I wonder if John Leaning will be back – I do so hope he is.

On Thursday I found myself on night duty and as I was meal relief officer on Wednesday I wasn’t able to get out in the evening.  Yesterday evening I went over to a guest night in another mess but did nothing but chat and have myself fairly plentifully supplied from the running buffet and the bar – I left at about 11 ocl as I was feeling a bit weary.  My dear the heat these last few days – I’ve never known anything like it – today has been a real scorcher and I’ve made the most of it.  Tim Roberts, Charles and I set off at 11.30 am for the Mohne Lake on which we spent a solid 4 hours canoeing and sunbathing – the whole day I’ve been clad in an open necked shirt, khaki shorts and stockings (and I’ve rather fancied myself in the rig-out.  We took a sandwich lunch with us and had tea in the officers’ club, a very good tea it was too.  When I got back I had a good bath and have now just had my dinner – I wisely kept my shirt on most of the afternoon but my knees got properly ‘burnt’ and tingle like anything – still it was a great day.

I never thanked you for your long and interesting letter of the 10^th – many thanks – I was very pleased to hear that Louisa is better – it sounds as though it will be some time before Clacton is back on its feet again.

Only 10 more days now and I shall be back once again in the Borough – I shall also be back for the announcing of the result of the General Election – should I be prepared to coo and ring a bell or cheer and wave my blue favour?  The latter I rather think.  Yes it’s a great thought that I shall soon be back and I’m longing to see you again – yes, a game of tennis is most certainly indicated.  I hope the weather is fine.

All this sun today has made me feel very sleepy so I must away to bed.  My love to Par and Elli, my love to you and God bless,

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 16 JY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.          

On front of envelope Written July 15^th 1945 rec July 19^th 1945.          (26)

July 1915

Kempton Park (1914 Sep to Nov)

Sutton (1914 December)

Woldingham 1916 (Jan to June)

Clipstone (July)

Perham Down (August Oct)

France 1915 Nov to March

Gailes 1916 April to June

Bromley 1916 July

Aldershot 1916 August

Clapham 1916 December

Care of Arms.

Daily Cleaning.

Wipe inside & outside action with an oily rag & leave bore oily.  Remove oil from bore & re-oil once a week.

Cleaning before firing Blank.  All action wiped with oily rag & all traces of oil removed from bore taking care to leave bore quite dry.

Cleaning after firing Ball.  Remove all superficial fouling.  Pour 2 or 3 quarts of boiling water through bore from breech to muzzle.  Stand to drain & then thoroughly dry.  Allow to slightly cool & then lubricate.  Remove oil & relubricate every alternative day for 10 days.

Cleaning after Firing Blank.  Thoroughly remove superficial fouling & oil the bore.  Repeat this the following day & resume daily cleaning.

Pull through.

Top loop for gauze if required.

2ng loop for flannelette

3^rd loop for extracting in case of a jam.

Always pull through from breech to muzzle, taking care that cord does not rub against muzzle as this causes rifle to become bell mouthed or cord worn making rifle inaccurate.

When cleaning flannelette fits bore tightly, but when oiling use slightly smaller piece.

Use regulation flannelette only, about 4 x 2 inches

—-//—–

3 Rules for firing.

• Rifle to be held upright.
• Top of foresight to be in a level with shoulders of back sight.
• Disengaged eye must be kept shut.

Aiming Instruction.

Sequence of Instruction.

• Explain aiming & sights.  Teach adjustment of sights.
• Explain rules of aiming & show correct aim.  Make men aim, check & explain errors.  Give reasons for regulation sight & aiming at bottom centre of mark.
• Test by Triangle of Error.
• Rapidity of aim.
• Aiming at Service Targets
• Long range sights.

——//——

Reasons for Regulation or full sight.

• Less likely to vary amount of fore-sight.
• Facilitates a rapid aim.
• Rifle so sighted.

Reasons for aiming at 6 o’clock.

• Whole object in view.
• Better for disappearing targets.
• Rifle so sighted.
• Better for observation.
• Overcomes tendency of men to shoot high.

Movement Table.

Man walking           1 ft per 100 yds.

   “    running            2 ft   “   100 yds.

   “   horse trotting    3 ft   “   100 yds.

   “        “    galloping 4 ft  “   100 yds.

Limit for man = 300 yds.

     “    “  horse = 500 yds.

Trigger Pressing.

Sequence to be observed.

• Give short lecture on importance of Trigger P.
• Ascertain that men can work forefinger without moving rest of the hand.
• Explain the grip of the rifle with right hand.
• Point out the necessity of always using first joint of index finger & pressing lower part of trigger.
• Show the 2 pressures by overhand method. 

1^st pressure = 3 to 4 lbs. 

2^nd       “       = 5  “  6 lbs.

• Point out necessity of   holding breath on taking 2^nd pressure & declaring point of aim.

Foundation of Fire Discipline.

For above instructor needs as follows

• Knowledge of Subject.
• Ability to impart knowledge.
• Patience.
• Ability to detect faults.

N.B. Squads should not be more than 8 or 10 men.

General System of Teaching.

• Explanation.
• Illustration.
• Imitation.
• Participation.
• Interrogation or Criticism.

Always teach by force of example than by word of command.  Words of command should rarely be used.  Teach & not drill.  Position of teacher 5 paces from right front.  Never touch a man in corrections.

Sequence of Instruction.

• Inspection of Arms.
• Formation in open squad.
• Point out aiming mark.
• Point out your own target.
• Explain position about to teach.
• Show position complete.
• Teach loading & unloading positions.
• Explain reasons.
• Adjustment of sights.
• Show adjoining position in explanation & always use sequence such as starting from the muzzle down to Butt & then from head to feet.

Common faults in all positions.

• Eyes not on the mark.
• Rifle not gripped with both hands.
• Eye too close to cocking piece.
• Whole of forefinger round the trigger.
• Varying position of butt in shoulder.
• Head inclined sideways.
• Bolt not drawn back fully.

How to rectify No. 3 in prone position

• Make man draw his chin in.
• Raise the butt in the shoulder.
• Make him lie straight behind the rifle.
• If this all fails, give him a rifle with longer butt.

Visual Training.

At 400 yds a man will appear the size of the blade of the foresight M1 rifle  M3 rifle 600 yds.

Judging distances & how to carry them out.

Explain various ways of Judging distances make men learn the unit of measure.

4 methods of Judging D.

• By unit of measure.
• By appearance of object.
• By comparison with known objects.
• Place men at known ranges to show heights of men at these distances, also to demonstrate visibility of different positions of height, light ground & back ground.

Anything which tends to show up this object will tend to underestimate the range such as: –

• Sun behind firer.
• Object & back ground of different colours.
• Object & back ground large & distinct.
• Clear light.  If ground is flat with no detail an idea of nearness is conveyed.

Practice men on distances up to 800 yards.

Leader & scouts up to 1400.

• Close study of ground & use of ground.
• Suitable formations of men.
• Night training.
• Neutral tint of uniforms & smokeless powder.
• Misuse of glasses.

These are used in a wrong manner, such as in a large expanse of ground which limits only the vision.

Glasses should be used thus

• For searching particular piece of ground.
• Confirming the eyesight.

Sequence of Visual Instruction.

            “Boer”

B stands for Barracks.

• Lectures in Barracks.
• Space void
• Military vocabulary.
• Training in landscape targets.

O = open country.

• Make men pick out & describe certain positions
• Send out men to fire blank & move about.
• Make squads in positions locate each other.

E. Examination of ground.

R = Recognition.

Programme of Instruction.

• Grouping Practice
• Application
• Snap shooting & moving targets.
• Observation practice.  All the above constitute for individual firing.
• Trailing leader in duties of fire direction & control.
• Training men in duties of fire discipline

This means firing a number of rounds at a well defined aiming mark without alteration of sights or point of aim.

……………………..

Some groups & what they mean.

A widely scattered group indicates unsteadiness.

A High group shows tendency to flinch.

A low left indicates jerking of trigger.

Analysis of faults.

Rats

            R.  Rifle.

            A.  Aim.

            T. Trigger Pressure.

            S. Sights.

Application

i.e. Applying shots to definite mark.

Snap Shooting.

At first use figure targets 4 to 6 seconds.  Figure of man 4 inches high is similar to that of man 400 yds.

As each man reaches a firing point the instructor should question him as to the other elevations needed & allowance for wind.

Remind him to declare his point of aim.

Duties during firing.

Instructor should watch the fire & not the target.  Refrain from speaking till shot is fired.  Watch for the following faults.

• Loss of grip.
• Eyes & face
• Position of Butt.
• Trigger Pressure.

Duties after firing.

Call on man to declare his point of aim & when result is signalled, ask him to explain cause of error.

Distance in yds	Mild Wind	Fresh Wind	Strong Wind
500 yds 1000 yds 1500  “ 2000 “	2 ft 3 yds 6 yds 12 yds	4 ft 6 yds 12 yds 24 yds	6 ft 9 yds 18 yds 36 yds

Tests of Elementary Training.

These tests should be carried out after preliminary training & before a man fires.

Objects of Tests.

• To make certain a man is fit to fire on the range.
• Provide a means of keeping men fit.
• A definite standard is given, which men must reach in their own time if necessary.

These tests are divided up as follows.

• Oral Tests
• Inspection.
• Standard.

Other important tests are

• Rapidity of loading.
•      “         “  aiming
•      “         “  firing.

Oral Tests.

• Care of Arms & Ammunition.  Few questions should be put to each man.
• Description of natural objects.

Each man is called upon separately to describe 1 or 2 objects in landscape.  A question as to size, shape or colour & Unit of measure should be asked.

General Theoretical Knowledge.

A few questions be put to each man regarding the object & reason for various details.

Inspection Tests.

• Firing Position.

Each man should be inspected in all positions & existence if any of any of the following faults should be noted in a book for promotion in future tests.

• Firing from left shoulder.
• Eye near the cocking piece or thumb too near the bolt.
• The grip on either hand .
• Excessive Constraint.
• Finger round trigger when in loading position.

Oral

• Care of Arms & Ammunition.
• Description of objects & military Vocab.
• Theoretical Knowledge.

Inspection.

• Firing Position.
• Preparation of cover.
• Fire Discipline.
• Passing of messages.

Standard.

• Eyesight.
• Recognition of targets
• Judging distances
• Adjustment of sights (3 seconds)
• Knowledge of Regulation aim.
• Trigger Pressure.
• Aiming off wind and movement.
• Rapidity of aim.
•        “       “  loading.

Lecture on Fire.

In war Fire is everything.  It is therefore essential, that every leader should see that the firer of his unit is used to the best possible advantage.  To make this possible fire discipline control & fire orders should first be taught as an instructional exercise & then should be combined with all the field training that is carried out.  Remember that people only do in war that which has become a habit in peace.  So that to get these subjects properly carried out in war time, they must be constantly practiced in peace.

Fire Orders.

• Fire organization order.  For special cover, given by higher commander to Artillery, Machine Gun & special detailed bodies of infantry.
• Fire direction orders.  These are orders given by the commander of 2 or more units, but do not include the executive command to fire.  These should, however contain the range, because the higher command is usually in touch with range finders.
• Fire control orders.  These orders are given by commanders who actually give orders to fire.

The range is first given

• Once the sights are adjusted, men need not look from target.
• Men having set their sights can concentrate their whole attention on recognising the target.
• Men having been trained in distance judging.  The knowledge of the range enables them to limit the area to be searched.

Kinds of Fire.

• Concentration. When all the rifles are pointed at one mark.
• Distribution. (used up to 600 yds)
• Maximum.  When each man fires directly at his own front.
• Partial (exceed 600 yds)  When sections or platoons fire between 2 given points.