Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 25^th November

My dearest Maz

I have two most welcome letters to thank you for this week, to say nothing of the Argosy and other papers which I was delighted with.  Your letters dated 16 and 20 Nov.  yes, in the last ECS I received I looked hard for something other than just the ‘proceedings’ report on the Aldermans’ rejection but in vain, I’m afraid Hervey must have been bitten by the Socialist bug, a very great pity isn’t it?  I laughed like anything at the cutting Eileen sent me about how a wife should look after a husband who is having to swat for an exam – very appropriate!  I have had a really frightful week and every night have had to put in a spot of over-time – I think this coming week will be worse and I shall be very thankful when Monday 3 Dec arrives and with it my G3 back from leave – one rather brighter aspect was the arrival back off leave of Martin Bunch yesterday which means I don’t have to go direct to the Chief of Staff with my queries, a procedure which I don’t mind but a lot of time is wasted trying to get in to see him.  He very kindly took me over in his car on Tuesday afternoon to Wuppertal (about an hour’s run from here) to see BAOR play the Army in England at Rugger, a friend of mine, Maurice Daly, with whom I do a lot of business was playing and he scored both our tries, BAOR lost16-10.  He is an Irish inter-national.  Yesterday morning feeling sick of the sight of the office I played truant and went over to Solingen in search of scissors – I trumped up a very good excuse to be in the area but as bad luck would have it I had a minor breakdown on the way and didn’t get to Solingen until 11.30, but arrived at the Chamber of Commerce just before closing time.  As still worse luck would have it the days quota of scissors had been sold, but I shall do my very best to go there again, certainly before I get back on leave and by hook or by crook the scissors will be got.  I haven’t seen any films this week and my only two evenings entertainment have consisted of ‘farewell’ parties at the Officers’ Club, one on Tuesday night for Nigel Raban who has ‘wangled’ his release under class C (hardship), the other on Thursday night to say farewell to two of our Dutch Liaison Officers, both of whom have been in our Mass for a long time – the food on both occasions was almost identical – champagne and oysters plus lemon, soup, mushroom vol au vent, steak etc, fruit salad and coffee!  Not too bad.  Apart from these four ‘incidents’ during the week it’s been work, work and still more work and I’ve even had to bring things back to the Mess to do – still it’s not for much longer now.  My course, believe it or not, has been postponed yet again, now it starts on January 13^th (??) – so my leave has been brought forward very slightly ‘til the 16^th December, there are certain to be one or two days postponement so I expect and hope to be home on the 18^th, all being well I should get 3 extra days for Xmas and plus one or two extra days for bad weather, should be home for a fortnight – then I hear they really are trying to speed up officers’ releases and from what I gather from usually reliable sources I ought with any luck to be out by mid March, a very cheering prospect.  I do hope old John gets back for Christmas, it will be good to see him again – you’ve no idea how I’m longing for the festive season, and what a festive one it we’ll make it too, and how much I’m longing to see you again – it seems ages since August doesn’t it?  Eileen tells me Vi has asked you and us to go there on Christmas evening and what with the tuck at no 5 for lunch the day promises to be packed with hilarity and amusement.  Yes there will be so much to talk about and so much to see both at no 5 and 9 which is new since I was last home, to say nothing of the new, silent limousine.  I’m having a very quiet day today, a couple of hours work this morning, sleep this afternoon and after supper tonight I’m going to see a film called ‘The Song of Bernadette’ which I believe is very good.  Roll on Xmas, 4 weeks time, my love to Pari and Elli, much love, Maz dear, and God bless you

            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 26 NO 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Nov 25^th 1945 rec Nov 28^th 1945 (17)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

“A” Coy

5^th Leicester Reg^t

Bishops Stortford

21/11/14

Rev^d T.W. Walters

Rev^d Sir,

            Having a few moments to spare I thought I would send you a few lines, because I know you will be interested with our movements.

            Last week was a rather busy week on Saturday I was on guard at the “General’s” office from 4 pm to Sunday 6 pm.  We were granted a special day’s pass on Monday, and as I left for home on Sunday evening.  We reached Leicester at 8.30 & were told by the railway people that they had received a telegram to say we were to return at once, so home was then out of the question.  We were only on the station 10 minutes before we left again for Luton.  When we got there we were told to pack everything up & it was 2 o’clock before we got too bed.

Were up again at 4 & fell in at 6.45 to march to Ware.  We were posted rearguard to the Division & so had the opportunity of seeing the whole procession, it took 2½ hours to pass by.

We had a tiring journey behind the Transport wagons because the horses required resting every few miles, in fact at 8 o’clock at night we had too leave about 30 wagons on the roadside.

We reached Ware just about 11.0 pm, & only went 27 miles, so we were 16¼ hours with our complete pack on, never having it off a minute & all we had to eat was a bit of bread & cheese which was supposed to be for lunch.

I stood it fairly well, but many we absolutely worn out & fell in the street like logs when we halted.

We had a rest all the next day & on Wednesday marched to Bishops Stortford, 11 miles which we did very easily.

We do not know how long we shall be here or where our destination will be.

I have got a very nice billet here with a retired farmer.

I hope you & family are keeping in good health altho I suppose the wintry weather will try you a little.

            Must now close with very kind regards to yourself & Mrs Walters & also please remember me to all our members

            Yrs obediently

AW Hanson

                        Lc/Cpl

                        No 2346

In envelope addressed to Rev^d T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester.

Letter postmarked BISHOPS STORTFORD 21 NO 14.

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 18^th November 45

My dearest Maz

 Today saw the arrival of your most interesting letter written on Monday – many thanks.  The very thought of that large fat and brown Turk makes my mouth water and your kind invitation to partake of its riches are accepted nem con.  I do hope I really do get back for the 25^th – as things are it’s a snip but you know what the army is and one never can tell!  I will do ‘me level’ to get some scissors for you, it shouldn’t be difficult provided I can get out to the place where they come from – leave it to me.  I was most interested in the curt and horribly official letter which included – pro tem, all Pari’s work for the town and I thought his reply was an excellent one, I wonder if it is read out at the Council meeting, if not it certainly should be, and would cause many an uncomfortable hour for the Reds.  I gather from a letter I had today from Eileen that Lampard wrote to Pari, but what’s the use in writing a conscience saver after the ‘foul deed is done’, the time for that sort of thing is before and let it prevent a chicken-hearted action.  I thought Hervey’s article ‘The price of power’ was a very good one and I shall be interested to see his comments after the election of the Aldermen – he must realise at last what a first class wop he’s been.

Since my last letter to you my only three items of interest to report are 2 games of hockey and a film which I saw last night, for the rest I’ve been extremely busy and am likely to be far more so this next fortnight as my G3, Leonard Olney went off on leave yesterday and his was a pretty full-time job which I now have to cope with besides my own.  I shall be very thankful when the 2^nd December comes because then my course at Paderborn will only be a week ahead, and when that is over the next stop, to make a rhyme, is Dover!  I’m just longing for Christmas more than I can say, and from what I gather about officers demob there is every chance of my being OUT for good in March, which will be only 10 weeks or so after my leave ends – super show.  Our first game of hockey was on Wednesday afternoon when we beat the General Hospital 3-2, a rotten game with our side much below strength.  Today’s game, a friendly, was as good as the Wednesday one was bad, it was quite the best game we have had here this season, and we were very unlucky to loose 4-3 to HQ BAOR – the very numerous spectators, it was a lovely afternoon, got their money’s worth alright – the game was very fast and clean.  We were 1-1 at half time then 2-1 and 3-2 down then 3-3 with 4 minutes to go, and just before the end their inside left obviously kicked the ball, everyone saw it except the umpire who allowed the defender to go on and score – rather tough.  I scored both our last 2 goals, a couple of real pile drivers – it was great fun and we all had tea in the Officers’ Club afterwards – we had had lunch there.  The Chief of Staff – yes, he plays, wasn’t in very good form, though he thoroughly enjoyed it and entered into the spirit of the things.

Last night I saw the film which you saw some time ago ‘Mr Skeffington’ – after rather a hard week I was in the mood to enjoy anything and though I didn’t think a lot of the story, I thought the acting, especially Claude Rains, was first class.  Your cake is a magnificent one – I was on duty on Friday night and took two slices up with me – I am being very Aunt Maudish with it though and still have half of it left – for my exclusive use!  Maz dear, I must away now – I’m so longing to see you again – only 5 weeks to go, bash on Father Time, my love to Pari and Elli, much love to you

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

P.S – I’m longing for a ride in the new car!  Very pansy it sounds.

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 19 NO 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Nov 18^th 1945 rec Nov 21^st 1945 (16)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEAD QUARTERS,

SANDHILL CAMP. LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL.

18^th NOVEMBER, 1915.

1001 – COMMAND OF BRIGADE –

            Reference Brigade Order No. 976 dated 11^th November, 1915, Brigadier-General T.P.B. Ternan, C.M.G., D.S.O., resumed command of the Brigade from this date.

1002– DIVINE SERVICE –

            Troops of the 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade will parade for Divine Service on Sunday 24^th inst – as follows:-

CHURCH OF ENGLAND   9-30 a.m. 1^st Bn. Tyneside Scottish)        Battalion

(20^th (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)             Canteen

10-15 a.m. 2^nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish)     Battalion

(21^st Bn. Northd. Fus.)                   Canteen

10 a.m. 3^rd Bn. Tyneside Scottish)            Y.M.C.A.

            (22^nd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)            Hut

10-45 a.m. 4^th Bn. Tyneside Scottish)      Y.M.C.A.

(23^rd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)             Hut.

ROMAN CATHOLICS         8-15 a.m. in Y.M.C.A. Hut between Nos 14 and 15

Camps.

PRESBYTERIANS              9 a.m. in Y.M.C.A. Hut between Nos. 14 and 15

Camps.

            WESLEYANS and

            UNITED BOARD                  9 a.m. in Wesleyan Hut in No. 5 Camp.

1003 – DIVISIONAL EXERCISE –

            Reference Divisional Order No. 530 dated 17^th instant, the Officer, 2 Non-commissioned Officers and 20 men from each Battalion will report to Captain Bulman, “G” range, at 9 a.m. to-morrow, the 19^th inst.

1004 – DIVISIONAL ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Order No. 530 dated 17^th November, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

Brigade-Major, 102nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

NOTICE.

            It is notified for general information that the Tyneside Scottish Committee are compiling a History of the Brigade, which will be printed at the end of the War.  The Committee are anxious to make the volume as complete as possible and to include photographs of the Brigade and Battalions on parade.

The Photographers, Messrs Bacon & Son, will attend at Sandhill Camp on Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st instant.  Battalions will parade for this purpose in marching order, Scale “A”, in line of close column of companies – vide Plate VIa, Ceremonial 1912, Provisional Amendments.  Companies to be sized and equalized.  Bands to be on right of Battalions.

No 4564 9 Plat C Coy 3/5 Leicesters, Belton Park, Grantham Lincs.

Nov 14^th 015

Dear Rev Walters,

            Knowing that you always delight in hearing from the “Boys in Khaki” I once again take the pleasure of writing to you, because I feel honoured in being counted as one of your friends.

            Friendship is a valuable asset in life, & especially among soldiers.  One always finds the spirit of comradeship among soldiers; it is really remarkable how they cling to each other.

            I suppose the reason is this: – That unless one helps the other, there is no help at all.  Nothing to my mind, humanly speaking, tells in the life of a soldier so much as his knowing that all are comrades together.  The men whom I am with are often concerned about great questions.  Some ask great questions such as the following.

IS God dead?  If not – why the calamity of war, & the cause of tyranny?  Why does God permit the nations of the earth to destroy each other?

            Sir, Such are the questions asked, and they need answering; a soldier needs to be guided, & helped, because I find out this; – That once such questions are asked, there is a wavering of faith, a relaxation of the “Home-spirit” & a disposition to do evil.

            Soldiers are not saints by any means, (any more than Parsons are)

            No one knows the inner life of the soldier save be of the same community; and if the outer world knew, there would be a revelation such as would make mothers weep, & break the hearts of sweethearts.

            Sir, what is the reason?  Just this: – They think that the cruel discipline which they have to experiences outside the bounds of human feeling, they seem to have the idea that the agony they bear, & the sacrifice they make is greater than the agony & the sacrifice of the Cross

            The “Great Comrade of Life” is left out of the account & when He is left out men wonder in darkness, & experience a disgust with soldier life which is most appalling.

            Sir, my point is this: – I have never known a real Christian soldier to grumble or to doubt. No.  He smile at the storm; laughs at adversity, looks up when the heavens are black; & even remembers “That there is one who share all our sorrows & bears a part in our joys.  There is agony in stern discipline, but the agony is willingly bourn when one realises that the nation needs the best we can give & that can never be given where there is doubt & distrust.

            What a great fight this is.  And what a glorious spirit we are putting into the fight.  The day of victory has already dawned, & everywhere soldiers are preparing with the civil community to strike a smashing blow at the foes of progress & peace.

            We cannot have peace till war has ceased nor can we enjoy the beauty of a glorious sunset if clouds obscure our vision.  But peace will come.  The enemy will be crushed & Europe liberated from the “Dragon of Hell” who seeks to bind all in his clutches.

            I am very proud to say that the spirit of our soldiers is magnificent, & my only regret is – That the Christian Spirit is not so good.  Many lack the sweet Spirit of Home & the smile of loved ones & I suppose that is the reason.  Still we find the Master’s saying holds good.  Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.  We bear our burden with patience, & if needs be we willingly lay down our lives to defend the honour of right, & to bring a lasting peace to our beloved England.

“The strife will not be long.  This day the noise of battle.  The next the victor’s song.”

            And mark you Sir, We shall sing the victory song, & we hope to share in a glorious home coming when we shall make the arches of our old Parish church ring with our songs of thanksgiving.

            In the meantime.  Pray for our men.  And in the words of our popular song I would say –

“Keep the home-fires burning, while your hearts are yearning

When the boys are far away, they think of home.

There’s a silver lining, through the dark clouds shining

 Turn the dark clouds inside out, till the boys come home.

There is something seems to whisper that the day cannot be far

The silver moon seems smiling, there’s a twinkle in each star

Is it autumn or in winter that the joyful news will be

When war will cease & all be peace & we again be free

I think I have written enough.

Trusting that you are well.  I remain

            Yours respectfully

            PTER J.W. Brotherhood

S.P. Excuse scribble – do we have to write where we can & often under bad conditions.

                        J.W.B.

In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters, Vicar of Whitwick, Whitwick Vicarage, Leicestershire.

Letter postmarked Grantham 3 PM 16 Nov 15.

On Y.M.C.A H.M. Forces on Active Service headed notepaper.

Nov 14^th 1915

P.O. A.J. Wilson

Reply to M. Coy T Res Bat B3 lines R.N.D.

Stationed at Blandford Camp

Dorsetshire.

Dear Sir,

            Just a line to let you know that I have moved to Blandford Camp and I met with John Heighton there, I was Leading Seaman befor I left the Palace and also P.T.I. but I was made acting P.O. which means Petty Officer, and I have started on my new work on Saturday last and I think I shall be allright down here, there is 3 of us come down here from Whitwick and one goes away next Sunday and that is John Heighton he sends his best love to all at home has he his by my saide at time of writing, I will be able to go down to your town, and I will do so as soon as I can for it is not so far away from here.  I will have to close now as it is neer to P.O. time.

I remain yours

P.O. A.J. Wilson, P.T.I.

7 Res Batt. B 3 Lines.

Bland ford Camp

Dorsetshire.

There is no envelope with this letter.

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Tuesday 13^th November ‘45

My dearest Maz

 When I got back to the mess last night I found your wonderful cake waiting for me.  I sampled a piece before I went to bed and I can truthfully say it is one, if not the, of the best ever, it’s a real beauty – thank you so very much, Maz dear, and thank you also for your anniversary letter which couldn’t have been better timed, it came on Friday 9^th just before I set out on the long journey to Brussels – again many thanks – I think you really are safe to say that this will be the last anniversary we shall not be together for, I hope and pray it is.  Then today more news from you and a lovely bundle of papers – most gratefully received, but your news had the same effect on me as the actual hearing of it had on you, I saw red at once, in the double meaning of the word.  Poor old Pari, I can see him so well, completely dignified absolutely unruffled, but no one can see his labours, his time and money, spent on his town, swept aside but an unscrupulous, ungrateful, cowardly lot of – well I won’t say it, without feeling bitterly hurt – they are cowards because there must have been many who voted against him who had no desire to do so, but whose hearts if they have any are ruled by the whip, and what a crooked whip it is.  I feel very sorry, too, for Percy Sanders and Blomfield, both men who have given much for the benefit of all, no I felt and feel just as you do about it, but it’s no good crying over spilt milk and one must bide ones time, it will come alright, when one can fight their ideals which just won’t turn out the way they want in practice.  I had such nice letters from Pari and Elli on the 9^th and tomorrow night will see me penning a long letter to Pari and one to Elli later on in the week.  The trip to Brussels was great fun and the match a thoroughly good and enjoyable one – we were beaten 2-1, but no-one minds being beaten when the game is even and played cleanly and in a good spirit.  Sunday just couldn’t have been a worse day, it just poured all the morning and never looked like stopping, it didn’t!  they had ‘billed’ the game and civilians were charger 30 francs to watch, and considering the frightful day, the crowd of between 2-300 was an amazingly good one.  The game was very fast despite the fact that the ground was very boggy and one of the circles was under water – it didn’t make it any easier for the inside forwards, and I was completely ‘done’ after the game after trying to ‘tackle back’ and keep up at the same time – I was quite satisfied with my game and the whole team didn’t do at all badly against a team which included 6 or 7 internationals – on a dryer ground I think our methods would have been more successful, as it was we were 0-0 at half time, and then had the waterlogged circle to play into – our inside right scored the goal about 10 minutes from the end.  The journey back and forth to Brussels was a nightmare, 15 ½ hours in the train going and 15 hours coming back, and the carriages weren’t heated!

We got to Brussels at 9.30 am on Saturday and after a late breakfast and a shave I went up to the Avenue Louise where Germaine and Maurice were expecting me and after lunch we went to the Golf Club where I met and played a round with two most charming men, Wasscher and his son.  He is the Wasscher and Watson tennis man, and his son is the coming Belgian best-ever – already no 2 in Belgium and only 24 – a very nice boy, quiet and completely unaffected.  Needless to say I had a very early night on Saturday and slept right in on Sunday morning.  As I say it was a very good trip, though the weather couldn’t have been more unkind to us, and when I got back here yesterday there was snow on the ground and a snowstorm raging.  Am I longing for Christmas? Yessir! and am I longing to see you again?  Yessiree!  Much love to you, Maz dear, and to Pari and Elli, many thanks again for that wizard cake.

            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 14 NO 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Nov 13^th 1945 rec Nov 17^th 1945 (15)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C.H. INNES HOPKINS

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEAD QUARTERS,

SANDHILL CAMP.

LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL.

11^th NOVEMBER, 1915.

976 – TEMPORARY COMMAND OF BRIGADE –

            Brigadier-General T.P.B. Ternan, C.M.G., D.S.O., having proceeded on leave – the temporary Command of the Brigade devolves on Lieutenant-Colonel C.H. Innes Hopkins, 1^st Bn. Tyneside Scottish (20^th (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers).

977 – CHAPLAIN – ROMAN CATHOLIC – APPOINTMENT OF –

            The Revd. J. McHardy has been appointed Roman Catholic Chaplain to this Brigade from November 5^th, 1915.

Authority, War Office letter Clergy/General Number/4223 dated 27^th October, 1915.

He will be attached for rations and quarters to the 2^nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish (21^st (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers).

978– DIVINE SERVICE –

            Troops of the 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade will parade for Divine Service on Sunday, 14^th November, 1915, as follows:-

CHURCH OF ENGLAND   9-30 a.m. 1^st Bn. Tyneside Scottish )       Battalion

(20^th (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)              Canteen

10-15 a.m. 2^nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish )    Battalion

(21^st Bn. Northd. Fus. )                   Canteen

10 a.m. 3^rd Bn. Tyneside Scottish )           Y.M.C.A.

            (22^nd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)             Hut

10-45 a.m. 4^th Bn. Tyneside Scottish )     Y.M.C.A.

(23^rd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)             Hut.

ROMAN CATHOLICS         8-30 a.m. in the Church Hut near No. 10 Camp.

PRESBYTERIANS              9 a.m. in Y.M.C.A. Hut between Nos. 14 and 15

Camps.

            WESLEYANS and

            UNITED BOARD                  9 a.m. in Wesleyan Hut in No. 5 Camp.

979 – OUT OF BOUNDS –

            The arable land on the South side of the Longbridge Deverill/Sutton Veny road opposite Nos 10, 11, 14 and 15 Camps is Out of Bounds for Troops.

980 – RIFLES – “SERVICE”, “E.Y.” and “D.P.” –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 498 dated 10^th inst., reports are to be rendered to Brigade Head Quarters forthwith.

981 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 496, 497 and 498 dated 10^th November, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,  102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.