Field Service Post Card.

I am quite well.

Letter follows at first opportunity.

A.W. Hanson L/Sergt. 

25/10/15

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 138.  25 OC 15.

Card  addressed to Rev^d T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester.  Angleterre.

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.

25^th OCTOBER, 1915.

927 – LECTURE –

            All Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers of the Brigade will attend a lecture by the D.A.D.M.S. 34^th Division, on “Medical arrangements in the Field” on Friday, 29^th October, 1915, at 5 p.m. in the Recreation Room of the 20^th (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

928 – EQUIPMENT –

            In view of the new issue of equipment which will be made to all units – vide Divisional Order No. 411 dated 24^th inst. – Brigade Order No. 917 dated 23^rd October, 1915, in so far as it affects repairs is to be considered as cancelled.

929 – SALISBURY TRAINING CENTRE ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Salisbury Training Centre Orders 1,004 and 1,005 dated 23^rd October, 1915.

930 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 410, and 411 dated 24^th October, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

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

On back of last sheet O.C., C Coy.

Oct 24^th

Dear Alan,

Many thanks for your “Welcome” letter of Sept 13^th, (excuse the joke), but I was waiting to impart some news which will no doubt be of much interest to you, or I should have replied earlier.  Get ready for the shock.  Last Thursday, Oct 21^st at 1-15 p.m., Percival James Turner arrived on this planet, the name being a sort of compliment to the brothers Turner, now operating in France.  To the best of my knowledge both the wife and youngster are making good progress.  They are in good hands and quite comfortable, so I’m relieved of much anxiety on that score, but am very eager to get home to see them and hope to do so before Xmas.  Am very glad it was a boy, so now we have the ideal family, and at that, we must put the lid on.  Have nothing else much in the way of news, things have been very quiet on the portion of the line we are holding, and our work has been chiefly concerned with the sick and minor accidents.  So far, I have not been granted the pay to which I am fully entitled as a dispenser, but am still living in hopes.  Am keeping very fit and well, and in the “circs”, have nothing much to grouse about, as we get some excellent recreation in the shape of football, which makes a most desirable break in the monotony.  Glad to hear Dick is getting on well, have you discovered where he is operating? should very much like to meet him.  I did not know Ernie was “spliced”, extend to him my “congrats” and also remark that I shall expect to hear in the future that he has a similar announcement to make to the one which opened this epistle.  Glad to hear you had a good holiday, I can imagine you must be exceedingly busy now owing to the shortage of men, and it’s quite obvious the pressure will increase daily, but cheer up, it will keep you out of mischief.  By that, I mean, you won’t have much time to think about following in Ernie’s footsteps.  I last heard from Perce on Oct 7^th, and he was then quite OK, but he has had a very hot time, his battalion being very much concerned in the recent activity in the Hulluch region.  Must now cease, hoping this will find you as well as ever.  Kindest regards from Yours to a cinder, Jim.

In envelope marked On Active Service, addressed to Mr A. Beesley, 28 Tower Rd, West Hill, Dartford, Kent England.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE H.7. OC 25 15, triangular stamp PASSED BY CENSOR No1944, signature of V.A.L. Mallet.

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.

23^rd OCTOBER, 1915.

915 – DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room of the 22^nd (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) No. 14 Camp, Sandhill Camp, Longbridge Deverill, on the 25^th October, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin (and such other person or persons as may be brought before them)

PRESIDENT

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

MEMBERS

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

A Captain, 21^st (S.) Battalion, Northd. 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, Sandhill Camp, Longbridge Deverill, Near Warminster.

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. 21/1217 PTE. MATTHEW SINCLAIR. 21^st (S.) Battn, Northd. Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish); No. 22/1622, L/CPL THOS. HENRY GALLANT, 22^nd (S) Battn. Northd. Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish); No. 23/1308 PTE. .MATTHEW YOUNG 23^rd (S) Battn. Northd. Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

916 – R.A.M.C. ORDERLY OFFICERS –

            The following is the detail of R.A.M.C. Officers for week ending OCTOBER 30^th, 1915:-

SUNDAY OCT. 24^th.                        Lt. E.B.G. CALVERT.          CAMP NO. 12.

MONDAY OCT. 25^th                        Lt. R.B. MACFIE                  CAMP NO. 11.

TUESDAY OCT. 26^th                       Lt. J. MUIRHEAD                 CAMP NO. 15.

WEDNESDAY OCT. 27^th                Lt. E.B.G. CALVERT.          CAMP NO. 12.

THURSDAY OCT. 28^th                   Lt. F.J. HENRY                    CAMP NO. 14.

FRIDAY OCT 29^th.                           Lt. R.B. MACFIE                  CAMP NO. 11.

SATURDAY OCT 30^th.                    Lt. J. MUIRHEAD                 CAMP NO. 15.

These Officers will be on duty from Reveille on the day mentioned till Reveille on the following day.

917 – EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING –

                        The Brigade Commander again calls the attention of Commanding Officers to the following points:-

There are still in each Battalion a number of men who are not yet in possession of a new suit of khaki.  Every man must be in possession of a new suit which is the only suit which he will take overseas.

Some of the “Service” Boots are – in the opinion of the Brigade Commander – being worn for too long a period.  On no account must these boots be worn for longer than will ensure easy wear.  One week’s wear is usually considered sufficient.

Some of the packs in each unit are in want of repair – such repair should be carried out at once.  Should repairs of an extensive character be necessary, new packs must be indented for.  Officers Commanding Battalions, Companies and Platoons must understand clearly that they are responsible that every man’s equipment is maintained in thoroughly good repair ready for service abroad.

The turn out generally speaking of certain units leaves much to be desired.

The helves of the entrenching tools must be kept clean and the metal tops polished.

Officers Commanding Units will be good enough to give personal attention by periodical parades of their transport in order to ensure that the orders regarding fit of the harness and polish of the chains, etc., etc., are complied with.  At least one transport parade a week for inspection by the Commanding Officer will be held.

Covers of water bottles are in many cases worn out.  In such cases new water bottles should be indented for and the old ones returned to the Ordnance Store.

Officers Commanding Machine Gun Sections will be held responsible for the turn out of their Sections.

The Transport of the Machine Gun Sections will be under the orders of the Battalion Transport Officer, except when the sections are training.

918 – SALISBURY TRAINING CENTRE ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Salisbury Training Centre Order No. 1,001 dated 22^nd October, 1915.

919 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 398, and 399 dated 22^nd October, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

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

On back of last sheet O.C., C Coy.

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.

22^nd OCTOBER, 1915.

908 – DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 900 of 18^th October, 1915, will re-assemble at the Orderly Room of the 21^st (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) No. 12 Camp, Sandhill, Longbridge Deverill, at 10 a.m. 23^rd October, 1915, for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused person named in the margin (and such other person or persons as may be brought before them)

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, Sandhill Camp, Longbridge Deverill, Near Warminster.

In the margin: – No. 23/21 SGT. ALEXANDER MOONEY, 23^rd (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

909– 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   10 a.m. on the Parade Ground in No. 11 Camp.).

ROMAN CATHOLICS         10-15 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.

Markers for Church of England Troops to report to Brigade Major on the above ground at 9-45 a.m.

910 – DUTIES –

            The Battalion on duty for week ending October 30^th, 1915:-

20^th (S.) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

next for duty: –

21^st (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

911 – OFFICERS’ REVOLVER COURSE –

            “D” Range is allotted to units of this Brigade during the week ending October 30^th, 1915, for Officers’ Revolver Course Practices.

912 – BRIGADE GRENADIER OFFICER –

            2^nd Lieutenant D. Mathieson, 20th (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) will act as Brigade Grenadier Officer until further orders in addition to his other duties.

The attention of this Officer is called to Divisional Order No. 390 of 21^st October, 1915.

913 – THEFT OF MOTOR CAR –

            The attention of Commanding Officers is called to the Notices at the end of Salisbury Training Centre Orders dated 21^st instant.

With reference to the last Notice – inquiries will be made in each unit and a report will be forwarded to Brigade Head Quarters that such an inquiry has been made on or before the 24^th instant.

914 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 389, 390, 391, and 392 dated 21^st October, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

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

On back of last sheet O.C., C Coy.

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 21 October 1945

My dearest Maz

 My week with 2 Group came to an end yesterday and I was back here just before lunch to find two most welcome letters from you and three lots of papers, also the ECS.  Many thanks, Maz, for the letters and literature.  I was most interested to hear of the various alterations to No 5 and look forward to seeing the ‘new’ drawing and morning rooms – how very grand the advert re the sale was – I loved the boost they gave it by saying ‘the property of a major’!  I hope the sale was a success, also I shall be most interested to hear how much the various odds and ends which Eileen put in will fetch – I’m afraid the prices are going down a bit now.  I hope you have recovered from the visits of the Airies and Mrs Carter and know how thankful you must feel now your duty has been done!  My week has been an amazing one, and during one period of 24 hours I visited France, Belgium, Holland and Germany!  On Monday I went over to 2 Group HQ where I spent the night before flying down in an Anson on Tuesday morning to one of their 3 wings in Brussels.  We were some time taking off owing to engine trouble but eventually got there at 1 ocl.  That afternoon I spent on an exercise and after a night in the Palace Hotel (the Hamoir’s are still in Zoute!) flew down to another Wing at Cambrai on Wednesday afternoon, it is about 75 miles from Brussels and it took us 15 mins! but we were in one of the faster twin engine jobs, that lovely machine, the Mosquito.  After seeing round the station and being introduced to the various bosses I saw a really excellent film at the station cinema, the film of ***** book ‘The Keys of the Kingdom’, excellent I thought.  I flew back to Brussels on Thursday evening, with a formation of 8 other Mosquitoes and again spent the night at the Palace, as the RAF are very short of accommodation, suited me!  Then I flew back to 2 Group on Friday afternoon, again in an Anson, touching down near Breda to pick up a passenger, and arrived at Gutersloh just after tea.  My main reason for getting back yesterday was to play in a league hockey game but on my arrival found it had been postponed! instead I found myself very busy up to 6 ocl – Nigel and I went to see a most amusing film yesterday evening, it didn’t sound a bit good, but we rearly laughed our bloomin’ ‘eads orf, it was called ‘Junior Miss’, I wonder if you’ve seen it?  Yesterday, and it was the same all the week, was perfect here, no cloud, no wind and very warm, today when I was really looking forward to a fine day it has been cold and wet.  I went up to the office for an hour this morning and after doing a few odd jobs after lunch had an hour’s very solid shut-eye!  Have just finished a most interesting tea.  I see from the ECS that Ernest has got to fight ‘Bolshie’ Lampard in the local bi-election I don’t know if one can be liable to forfeit ones deposit but if it is possible I hope the Lampard does!  I shall be most interested to hear the results.  After dinner and to prevent boredom I’m going to see a film called ‘Czarina’ with T. Bankhead in it – I don’t expect it will much good but you never know.  The thought of my next leave is an ever present one now and we shall very soon be in November – I am longing to be back again – I fear any ‘dreams of a pin-stripe Christmas’ permanent pin-stripe have gone completely by the board, the position is more confused than ever now as a result of twit Isaacs latest statement.  Please thank Pari very much for his last letter, he seems to be getting well dug-in at the office again, also the Elli for his, my love to them both.  Am longing to see you again, Maz dear, much love to 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 22 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Oct 21^st 1945 rec Oct 24^th 1945 (11)

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.

21^st OCTOBER, 1915.

906 – FURLOUGH – TIME TABLE –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 895 of 16^th October, 1915, the following is the time table of trains:-

FIRST TRAIN:

Leaves WARMINSTER 7-40 p.m., Friday, 22^nd October, 1915, and will take the following numbers:-

N.C.O.’s & Men.

21^st (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers (2^nd TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                  364

22^nd (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers (3^rd TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                  216

The first return train will leave NEWCASTLE-on-TYNE at 10-30 p.m. on Wednesday, 27^th inst., and will arrive at WARMINSTER at 9-15 a.m. on 28^th inst.

****

SECOND TRAIN:

Leaves WARMINSTER 8-10 p.m., Friday, 22^nd October, 1915, and will take the following numbers:-

N.C.O.’s & Men.

20^th (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers (1^st TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                   341

23^rd (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers (4^th TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                   273

The second return train will leave NEWCASTLE-on-TYNE at 10-55 p.m. on Wednesday, 27^th inst., and will arrive at WARMINSTER at 9-55 a.m. on 28^th inst.

****

Officers Commanding 21^st (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) and 22^nd (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) will impress on the men proceeding by the first train the necessity for returning by the first train – to prevent undue over crowding in the second train.

907 – DIVISIONAL ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Order No. 385 dated 20^th October, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

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

On back of sheet O.C., C Coy.

On YMCA headed notepaper.

Oct 20^th 1915

Address Reply to 4 Batt B. Coy

Name Alfred John Wilson.  Official No. 950.

Att P.T.I. Class c/o Y.M.C.A.

ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION

CRYSTAL PALACE

LONDON S.E.

Dear Sir,

            Just a line to let you know that I am still all right and in the best of health hoping this letter finds you all well at home. I dare say you have all read of the Zepps coming over our way, and we all had a good view of them to and we saw some good Shotting at them as every shot that was fired at them was so neer to them that we thourght they were going to fetch them down. I went to see what they done in one Place and it is at Croydon and this Place is only 2½ miles from us, and it was there where they killed some little Children you should have seen what a mess it made of the Street where it dropped 2 of the bombs it was just a week tonight since they came and about the same time as I am writing this letter when they called us all out in the grounds, and I was writing home at the time but when we first whent out we seen the best of them as the searchlights where playing on them so nice and you could see them so plain, remember me to all at home and tell them I oftern think of them when we go to Church on Sunday morning at 7 and at 10.⁴⁰ so we go to 2 services and sometimes I go to one out side the Palace to.  I will have to close wishing you all good night hopping we may sleep in Peace to night and allways till the end of this war.

I remain

Yours ever

Alfred John Wilson

I am going on first raite in the P.T.I. Class will write as soon as I pass which I think I shall do.  I had one of our boys to see me this morning and he saide that he had tea with you last week and he wishes to be remembered to you and says he will send you a Photo in my next letter.

There is no envelope with this letter.

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.

20^th OCTOBER, 1915.

901 – LECTURE –

            All Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers of the Brigade will attend a lecture and demonstration by Lieutenant R.B. Macfie, R.A.M.C., on the use of Anti-Gas Helmets on Thursday next the 28^th inst. at the Recreation Room of the 21^st (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) at 6 p.m.

902 – SALISBURY TRAINING CENTRE ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Salisbury Training Centre Order No. 981 of 18^th October, 1915.

903– DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders numbers 376 of 18^th inst 380 and 381 of 19^th inst.

904 – CAPS – SERVICE DRESS –

            Reference Divisional Order No. 378 of the 19^th inst., Officers Commanding Units will take the necessary action forthwith and report to Brigade Head Quarters action taken.

905 – CLOTHING –

            Reference to Divisional Order No. 379 of 1*th inst., Officers Commanding Units will take the necessary action forthwith.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

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

On back of sheet O.C., C Coy.