Charles Commins & Co.

Chartered Accountants

50, Cannon Street,

London E.C.

Telephones: City 523 & 524.

Telegrams: SCRUTISTIC

CANNON, LONDON.

15^th July 1915

No. 142, Private B.T. Comins,

C. Company,

16^th Middlesex Regiment,

Clipstone Park, Notts.

Dear Sir,

Herewith we beg to hand you copy of letter received from Colonel Wellesley in respect of your brother who was injured on the 12^th inst.

Yours faithfully,

CHARLES COMINS & CO.

                        Initialled

COPY.

July 12^th

Dear Mr. Comins,

I am sorry to have to tell you that your son was wounded yesterday – but fortunately the wound is only slight, and the Medical Officer tells me that he ought only to be laid up for a very few days.  He was in the Trenches as Forward Officer with the Infantry, when a German high-explosive shell burst near him and wounded him and also an Infantry Officer and a Private.  He was hit in three places, on the face, arm and leg, but thank God all the wounds are slight.

I saw him almost immediately afterwards and he was very plucky about it and quite cheerful – and was able to walk back to the Dressing Station.  He is now at the Field Ambulance near here, and I hope that he will soon be back with us again.

Your son is getting on very well indeed in his Battery: we are lucky in the Brigade in having so many Officers who are so keen about their work.

Things are fairly quiet in this part of the front at present, but of course we are always kept busy!

With best wishes,

Yours very truly,

(Signed) R.C.C. WELLESLEY,

(Lt. Colonel, R.F.A.)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

15^th JULY, 1915.

504 – Grenadiers – Training of –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to the “Memorandum on the Training and Employment of Grenadiers” issued with these orders.  The necessary steps will be taken as regards the selection and training of Officers and Men forthwith.

505– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Third Supplement to the  London Gazette of Friday, the 9^th of July, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Captain John W.E. Murray is transferred to the General List for service as a Brigade Machine-gun Officer.  Dated 19^th June, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Ernest Harington Hawes to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 19^th May, 1915.

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,

14^th July, 1915.

501 – Dummy Cartridges – Indents for –

            Officers Commanding Units will forward to these Headquarters without delay indents on the Chief Ordnance Officer, Ripon, for 2,500 Dummy Cartridges.

502– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extract from the Second Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 9^th July, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – James Muir Robson to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 2^nd June, 1915.

MUSKETRY –

            Command Orders Nos. 477 and 784, dated 27^th March, 1915, and 14^th May, 1915, respectively, are re-published for the information of 3^rd Line and Newly-Formed Units.

1. MUSKETRY FORMS – The following Army Forms and Books will be kept by Reserve Cavalry Regiments, Yeomanry Regiments, Royal Engineer Field Companies and Signal Units, and all Infantry Battalions throughout the Command 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., Chapter IX.

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

(G.M.)

• AIMING MARK – GROUPING –

For all Units firing with Mark VI. ammunition from the long rifle sighted for Mark VII. ammunition, the centre of the bull’s-eye will in future be placed six inches below the centre of the second class instructional target, and not on its centre as hitherto.

This aiming mark is only to be used for the grouping practices at 100 yards, viz., Practices 1 and 2 of Part I and the first practice of Part III of the General Musketry Course.  For all other practices no alteration is to be made in the existing aiming marks or targets.

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

C.R.N.C. No. 53183 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order No.1252.

CLOTHING –

            Officers Commanding Units raised by individuals or Municipalities will report to Headquarters, Northern Command, York, not later than 18^th July, 1915, whether they are cognisant of, and in possession of Command Orders Nos. 150, of 2^nd February, and 912, of 30^th M ay, 1915.

            The number of this Order to be quoted.

C.R.N.C. 38987/6/2 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.1259.

TRANSFERS – DOCUMENTS –

            The greatest care must be taken to ensure that documents of men transferred are completed in every respect, and that notification is sent to the new Unit of date and hour of arrival of all details.

C.R.N.C. No. 67878 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.1261.

503 –Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1256 and 1263 of 13^th July, 1915.

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,

13^th July, 1915.

498 – District Court-Martial –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 495, dated 11^th July, 1915, the accused persons marginally named will also be tried by this Court.

In the margin.  No. 21/247 Pte. W.F. Weatherett., 21^st (S.) Btn, Northd. Fus. (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), No 21/814 Corporal Thomas Turner, 21^st (S.) Btn, Northd. Fus. (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), and No. 22/1519, Pte. James Twist, 22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northd. Fus. (3^rd Tyneside Scottish),

499– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

APPOINTMENT – STAFF –

            Captain and Temporary Major C.J.H. Gardner, 21^st (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, has been appointed D.A.A.G., Northern Command, with effect from the 30^th June, 1915, vice Major C.S. Simonds, R.G.A., appointed to Command the County Palatine Divisional Artillery.

 (M.S.)  Northern Command Order No.1242.

500 – Command Order – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order No. 1248 of 12^th July, 1915.

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..

Thursday 12 Jul 45

My dearest Maz,

This is just a wee ‘interim’ note to tell you how delighted I was on Tuesday to receive the good news about the flat and to hear your other topics of interest.  Yes I am very relieved indeed to know that something has been fixed and I can’t thank you enough for all the trouble you have taken – you did exactly the right thing.  All being well Eileen will have viewed the premises today and I’m longing to hear what she says about it.  Your description was excellent – if it’s only half as good as that it will be first class.

Sorry this is so short but it is written in some haste – All my news on Sunday.  Much love, Maz dear, here’s to the 25^th – only another 12 days –

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 13 JY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.          

On front of envelope Written July 12^th 1945 rec July 16^th 1945.          (25)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

11^th July, 1915.

493 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 470 of 5^th July, 1915, of which Major A.G. Niven, 21^st (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), was President, is hereby dissolved.

494 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at Tilley’s Rooms, Market Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Wednesday, July 14^th, 1915, at 10-30 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Lieut.-Colonel P. Dunbar Stuart, 20^th (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish.)

MEMBERS

A Captain, 22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish.)

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

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

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

            The Officer Commanding 12^th (S.) Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment will detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 22677, Pte. Albert Johnson, 12^th (S.) Battalion, Yorkshire Regt. (Tees-side Pioneers).   No 23/275 Private John Armstrong, 23^rd (S.) Btn. North Fus (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

495 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned in Brigade Order No. 494 of 11^th July, 1915, will re-assemble at the Court- Martial Room, The Havens, North Demesne, Alnwick, on Thursday, 15^th July, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by 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.) Battalion, 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. 23/292, Pte. William Knox, (S.) 23^rd Battalion. North Fus (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

496– War Establishments – New Armies –

            In future the establishment during training of an Infantry Battalion, New Army, will be as follows:-

Officers, 30; Warrant Officers and Sergeants, 54; Rank and File, 1,016.  Total, all ranks 1,100.

            To this number of Officers will be added such supernumerary officers as may be or have been appointed to the Unit.

The above figures do not include Reserve Companies, the establishment of which will remain as at present.

“1^st Reinforcements” are abolished.        

Authority, War Office letter 20/Infantry/710 A.G.1, dated 9^th June, 1915.

497 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order 1239 of 10^th July, 1915.

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,

10^th July, 1915.

489 – Blankets –

            With reference to the impending move of the Brigade to Ripon – it is notified for information that the blankets at present on charge of units for the strength proceeding should be taken with the Battalions.

Authority, A.D.O.S., N.C., 47881, D. 120 dated 9^th July, 1915.

490 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order No. 1228 of 9^th July, 1915.

491 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Medical Officers is called to Northern Command Orders No. 1231 and 1232 of 9^th July, 1915.

492– Depot Companies of Local Battalions 4^th New Army –

             With reference to Northern Command Order 1228 dated 9^th inst – upon the departure of the Brigade from Alnwick at a date to be fixed later, the Depot Companies of the four Battalions will be concentrated under the Command of the Senior Officer of those Companies pending the appointment of an officer selected to Command, and will be quartered in “D” Camp, Alnwick.

The “Home Service Battalion” now quartered in Newcastle will remain there until further orders.

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,

9^th July, 1915.

485 – Musketry Training Equipment –

URGENT –

            Officers Commanding Units of the Brigade (not attached Units) will forward as early as possible to the:-

D.A.D.O.S.

Headquarters,

34^th Division,

RIPON.

indents, if not already forwarded, for all articles required to complete the whole of the Stores, Equipment, etc., shewn on A.F.G. 1098, “Mobilization Store Tables,” less that portion of the Stores, etc., now held by the Unit.  These indents are urgently required.

486– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Second Supplement to the  “London Gazette” of Friday, 2^nd July, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

Sydney Cameron Cook-Watson.  Dated 26^th April, 1915.

Clement Stanley Binns.  Dated 5^th May, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Roderick MacDonald to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 27^th April, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.1215.

BUZZERS –

            With reference to Command Order No. 1205, dated 7^th July, 1915, Units of the 31^st, 32^nd, 34^th, and 35^th Divisions should now submit their indents for the Buzzers authorised by Command Order No. 1199, dated 6^th July, 1915, to the C.O.O. of their area.

(O.S.)  Northern Command Order No.1222.

CLASSIFICATION AND MINIATURE RANGES – SUPPLY OF STORES – PROCEDURE –

            Command Order No. 523, dated 6^th April, 1915, is re-published for the information of all Units lately arrived in the Command.

 “With reference to the supply of Targets and other Range Stores for Classification and Miniature Ranges, Officers in charge of Ranges or Officers Commanding Units must demand all such articles from the Officer in Charge, Royal Engineer Stores, Infantry Barracks, York.

“See Command Orders No 1606, of 14^th November, 1914, and No. 2 of 1^st January, 1915,

No bills for such articles when irregularly purchased can be passed.

This Order is to be re-published in all Divisional, Brigade, and Regimental Orders.”

Indents for Range Stores should be sent in one week in advance of requirements.

(C.E.)  Northern Command Order No.1224.

487 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1213, 1218, 1219, 1221, and 1223 of 8^th July, 1915.

488 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order 1213, dated July 8^th, 1915, and to Northern Command Order 1224 of same date.  It will be observed that indents required to complete miniature range equipment are to be forwarded to:-

Officer-in-Charge,

Royal Engineer Stores,

Infantry Barracks,

YORK

All indents for Ordnance Stores will, in future, be forwarded to the

D.A.D.O.S.,

Headquarters,

34^th Division,

RIPON.

and not as hitherto to Chief Ordnance Officer, York.

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 8 July 45

My dearest Maz,

I got slightly worried on Tuesday when your letter of the 29^th arrived reporting no sign of the letter I had written on the 24^th – but I was re-assured yesterday when I heard from you that it had eventually turned up – what a long time it had taken to come but as you say the reason must have been that the Base Censor – very base, had been at it – a most unusual thing as they take only one or two at random from the thousands that pass through their hands.  Many thanks, Maz dear for your letters and also for the profusion of excellent reading matter which arrived during the week – Picture Post, Readers Digest etc etc – all most gratefully received.  I was most interested to hear of Clifford King’s ‘civvy suiting’ it all sounds very superior and pansy.  I wonder if there is any chance of Pari being out by the time I get home on the 25^th?  It would be grand if he is.  I also look forward to a game of tennis when I’m back – I haven’t hit a ball now for two years and feel really keen on having a whack.

The week has gone by very quickly and I’ve had 3 evenings ‘out’ – the first on Monday when I went to the Officers’ Club for the farewell party of a friend of mine (release group 6) we had a very jolly evening.  On Wednesday I brought Tim Roberts back for an early dinner and afterwards we went along to see the ENSA show; we had been told how frightful it was but I must admit that I’ve seen many worse.  The compere was alleged to have been Jack Buchanan’s understudy – quite possible but it must have been in JB’s very early days! – he was one of the pansiest chaps I’ve seen for many a long day – excellent false teeth, crimped greying hair a tail coat and white tie and ‘Mutt and Geoff’ with cellophane wrapping on his lapel – we got a lot of fun out of him.  I’ve got a feeling that he thought we were laughing at his jokes!

Last night Charles and I went to see a film called ‘Music for Millions’, very sloppy in parts but with some excellent music and humour.  I enjoyed it a lot.  Otherwise the week has just been work – very busy but being away each night at 7.30 makes a big difference and having Sunday off is an absolute Godsend.  This afternoon Tim Roberts and I took a car out to the Mohne Dam which is about an hour’s run from here and the scene of that great exploit, still very apparent, for which Guy Gibson got his VC.  It was a lovely afternoon and we each had a cause out on the lake for about an hour and a half.  Afterwards we ‘made’ a really good tea at a sort of officers’ club place which they are starting.

Many thanks for sending on the photos – they really weren’t too bad, but might have been better I think, the best were the one of you and Sandy, Eileen holding stick, and Sandy!  I have sent them back to her.  She seems to be getting very excited at the thought of her forthcoming release, so should I be if mine was as near as hers.  I wish they would hurry ours up a bit though I’m afraid there is little likelihood of that happening.  In just one day over a fortnight’s time my journey homeward will have started and am I looking forward to it?  Yessir.  I very much doubt if I shall be able to get to Harwich this time as I don’t think the Harwich route is still open – later on I believe they are going to use the route from the Hook to Harwich.

I finished the last piece of that wonderful cake the other day, it had been well eked out, it really was a beauty.  I won’t send the tin back as I shall be coming back so soon, I will bring it when I come.  I haven’t been able to do much scrounging recently for stamps, there just hasn’t been a chance though I keep a constant look-out for anything that’s going.  Well, little Maz, I must away now to have a bath which is now being got ready for me – I can’t get over old Williams going to Pages for his house selling – a very bad show I call it.  Please give my love to Pari and Elli.  I’m so longing to see you again on the 25^th all being well.  Much love

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 9 JY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.          

On front of envelope Written July 8^th 1945 rec July 11^th 1945. (25)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

8^th July, 1915.

480 – Correspondence –

            It is notified for information that Divisional Headquarters are at 3 Princess Terrace, Ripon and that any correspondence which has hitherto been sent to Headquarters, Northern Command direct will in future be sent to Divisional Headquarters.

Authority No. 34 Div/109

481 – Reserve Rations – Handing over of –

            As soon as definite orders as to the date of the move of the Brigade to Ripon have been given – Officers Commanding Units will hand over to the Supply Officer, Alnwick, the one days Reserve Rations now on charge.

482 – Extracts from Command Orders –

LONDON GAZETTE –

The following extracts from a supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, the 2^nd of July, 1915, is published for information:-

Staff Captain –

Temporary Captain W. Marrs, 21^st (Service) Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), The Northumberland Fusiliers, and to be transferred to the General List.  Dated 13^th May, 1915.

Northern Command Order No. 1197.

BUZZERS –

            Practice Buzzers have been approved for issue to the Units, etc., as shewn in the statement below.

The Buzzers required for the Units in Northern Command should be demanded by indent from the Chief Ordnance Officer, York.

——————————————————————————–

Unit                                                                 Buzzers approved for issue.

Infantry

30^th to 35^th Divisions (78 Battalions), per Battalion                                1.

Authority, War Office letter No. 57/Woolwich/4245 (F.W. 4a), dated 30^th June, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 68501, (OS.).  Northern Command Order No.1199.

MINIATURE RIFLE COURSE-

            In order to provide a larger target surface than the present 1^st Class Elementary Target affords, in Practices Nos. 1 and 2, “Grouping” Part I., of the Miniature Range Course, a 2^nd Class Elementary Target will be substituted.  This target is slightly than the present 2^nd Class Elementary Target which is still to be used in Practice I., Part II.  The new target will be issued with the “sets” of miniature targets from the R.E. Stores, York, when the existing 1^st Class Target is exhausted.

C.R.N.C. 334/19 (G.M.). Northern Command Order No. 1203.

483 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1198 of 6^th July, 1915, and 1205, 1207, 1211, of 7^th July, 1915.

484 – Buzzers –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order 1199 – indents to be forwarded accordingly.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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