BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

27^th JULY, 1915.

557– District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned in Brigade Order No. 550 of 25^th July, 1915, will re-assemble at the Court- Martial Room, The Havens, North Demesne, Alnwick, on Thursday, 29^th July, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons 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. 1576 Pte. George Appleton, 21^st (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) and 1585 Pte. Thomas Ramsey Tait, 22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish. 

558 – Electric Plant – Personnel –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 536, dated 22^nd July, 1915, the “Home Service” men therein referred to will not “rejoin” the Depot Company of their former Battalion, but will be attached only as laid down in Brigade Order No. 541, dated 23^rd July, 1915.

559 Army Form B 230 – Amended Rendering of –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Circular dated 25^th July, 1915, concerning Army Form B 230.

Officers Commanding Units will forward to Brigade Headquarters any recommendations that they may wish to put forward regarding the employment of Home Service men in lieu of Foreign Service men now on regimental employ.

560 – Absence Without Leave –

TO BE READ TO ALL UNITS ON PARADE.

            The Brigade Commander regrets to notice that a certain small number of men are still shewn in each Battalion as “absent without leave.”

            Officers Commanding Units will personally explain to their Battalion on parade that in view of the urgent need for pressing on the training of the Brigade as quickly as possible in order to allow of its proceeding to the Front at an early date in a thoroughly efficient condition, every day’s training is of great value and any loss of training time due to absence without leave is a very serious matter.  A man who at this time absents himself from his Battalion is not only wasting the opportunities now afforded to him for learning the work which he will have to carry out shortly in the face of the enemy, but is damaging the reputation and efficiency of his Battalion and casting a slur on the Brigade as a whole, and will be dealt with accordingly.

The Brigade Commander trusts that it will not be necessary to again refer to this question.

561– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

RATIONS – ISSUE OF –

            Owing to the danger of Meat going bad during hot weather, double issues on Saturday for consumption on Sundays and Mondays must cease, and issues must be made either on Sundays, or early on Monday morning, as may be found most convenient.

            Any cases in which, owing to lack of Railway facilities, compliance with this order is impossible, should be referred by the Supply Officers concerned to Command Headquarters for instructions.

(S.T.)  Northern Command Order No.1374.

562 – Command Order – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order No. 1375 of 26^th July, 1915.

563 – Divisional Orders – Attention Called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 26 and 27 of 26^th July, 1915.

564 – Discharges – Return of –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 28 of 26^th July, 1915, the return therein referred to will be forwarded to Brigade Headquarters on the 28^th instant.

565 – Deserters – Return of –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 29 of 26^th July, 1915, returns for the preceding week are to be forwarded to Brigade Headquarters on Wednesdays.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

REPORT OF A FORCED MARCH MADE BY OCCUPANTS

OF STALAG LUFT 7. GERMANY.

On January 17^th 1945 at approximately 11 a.m. we received notice of one hour in which to pack our kit and be ready to leave the camp by marching.  At the same time we were informed by Ober Feldwebel Frank that for every one man who fell out of the column on the march, five men would be shot.  This order was never given in writing.

The start was postponed until 3.30 a.m. on Jan 19^th.  During the interval 68 sick men were evacuated to the civilian Slag at Kreigberg, and, we believe were later taken to Stalag 344 at Lansdorf.

Each man was provided with two and a half days marching rations, before leaving.  When the march began on Jan 19^th no transport was provided for any sick who might have fallen out on the march, and the only medical equipment carried, was that carried by the M.O. and three sanitators on their backs.

DETAILS OF MARCH.

Jan 19^th.  Left Bankau and marched to Winterfeld, a distance of 28 Km’s.  This was done under extremely trying weather conditions and severe cold.  The only accommodation at Winterfeld was small barns.

Jan 20^th.  Marched from Winterfeld to Karlsruhe arriving at 10 a.m.  We set off at 5 a.m. and marched a distance of 12 Kms.  At Karlsruhe, we were housed in an abandoned brick factory.  Here for the first time we were provided with 2 field kitchens with which to cook for 1,550 men.  Each kitchen was actually capable of cooking food for 200 men.  The M.O. was also provided with a horse and cart for transport of the sick.  The cart was big enough to hold 6 sitting cases.  Half a cup of coffee (ersatz) per man was provided and after a rest period of 11 hours we were again ordered to move.  The Camp Leader and the M.O. protested against further marching until the men were adequately rested and fed.  We were told by the German Abwehr Officer that it was an order, and must be complied with.  The same night we left Karlsruhe and marched to Schonfeld, arriving at 9 a.m. on Jan 21^st, covering a distance of 42 Kms.  The conditions during the night were extreme, the temperature being -13 degrees centigrade.  The M.O.’s wagon was filled after the first 5 Kms, and from then onwards men were being picked up on the road sides in a collapsed and frozen state, and it was only by sheer will power that they were able to finish the march.  After crossing the River Oder, a distance of 34 Kms, from Karlsruhe.  We were told that we would be accommodated, and that no move would be made for 2 days.

Jan 21^st.  At Schonfeld we were accommodated in the cow sheds and barns of a farm.  A room was provided at Lassen for the sick.  Rations issued were about 100 grams of biscuits per man, and half a cup of coffee.

Jan 22^nd.  At 3 a.m. orders were given by the Germans to prepare to march off at once.  It was dark and there was some delay in getting the men out from their sleeping quarters, because they could not find their baggage.  The guards were thereupon marched into the quarters and discharged their firearms.  The column was marching again by 5 a.m.  23 men, it was ascertained at this stage, were lost, and their whereabouts are unknown.  They may have been left behind asleep, or they may have escaped.  Also 31 men were evacuated (we believe) to Lamsdorf, but nothing further has been heard of them.  We marched to Jenkwitz, a distance of 24 Kms and were housed at a farm in barns.  Here we were issued with a total of 114 kms of fat, 46 tins of meat barley, and peas.  Soup was issued, the ration being about a quarter of a litre per man.  No bread was issued.

Jan 23^rd.  Left Jenkwitz at 8 a.m. and marched to Wassen.  20 kms.

Jan 24^th.  We were rested a day at Wassen, sleeping in barns.  The revier was in a cowshed.  31 sick were evacuated to Sagan.  400 loaves of bread issued.

Jan 25^th.  Left Wassen at 4 a.m. for Heidersdorf and covered 30 Kms.

Jan 26^th.  Spent the day at Heidersdorf.  Issued with 600 loaves of bread, to last for two days.

Jan 27th.  Left Heidersdorf and marched 19 kms to Pfaffendorf, where we arrived at night.

Jan 28^th.  Left Pfaffendorf for Standorf at 5 a.m. and marched a distance of 21 Kms.  Issued with 24 cartons knackebrot, 150 kgms oats, 45 kgms margarine and 50 kgms of sugar.  22 sick were evacuated at Schweidnitz, and eventually reached Sagan.

Jan 29^th.  Left Standorf at 6 p.m. and marched to Peterwitz a distance of 22 kms, where we arrived at 4 a.m. the following day.  This march was carried out in darkness under extreme conditions.  With a blizzard blowing the whole time.  The men arrived at Peterwitz in an utterly exhausted condition.  Before leaving Standorf we were promised that we would have to march no further as transport would be supplied at Peterwitz. 104 kgms of meat were issued, 1 sack of salt, 25 kgms of coffee, and 100 kgms barley.

Jan 30^th.  At Peterwitz, 30 men from Stalag 344, who had been left without guards joined our column.  296 loaves of bread were issued, 50 kgms oats and 35.5 kgms of margarine.

Jan 31^st.  We spent this day at Peterwitz.  We were told we would have to march to Goldberg before we got transport.  300 kgms of oats were issued, 50 kgms coffee and 40 Kgms of margarine.

Feb 1^st.  Marched from Peterwitz to Pransvitz, a distance of 12 Kms.  We remained at Pransvitz form Feb 1^st to the 5^th.  On Feb 1^st we were issued with 680 loaves of bread and 37.5 Kgms of margarine.  On Feb 3^rd we were issued with 112.5 kgms of margarine, 250 loaves, 100 kgms sugar, 200 Kgms of flour and 150 kgms barley.  On Feb 4^th the issue was 250 loaves.

At night on Feb 4^th the German Commandant (Oberst Leutenant Behr) visited the farm and read out an order from O.K.W. to the effect that 5 men were to be released, and would be liberated at the first opportunity.  The reason for this we could not understand.

Feb 5^th.  Before leaving we were issued with 500 loaves of bread, 95 kgms of margarine and 530 tins of meat.  We were marched from Pransvitz to Goldberg a distance of 8 kms.  On arrival at Goldberg we were put into cattle trucks 55 men to a truck.  By this time there were numerous cases of dysentery and facilities for men to attend to personal hygiene were inadequate.  The majority had no water on the train for two days.  When men were allowed out of the trucks to relieve themselves, the guards ordered them back inside again, and we had to be continually getting permission for them to be allowed out.  We were on the train from the morning of the 5^th Feb to the morning of the 8^th Feb.  Before commencing this journey we were issued with 1/3 of a loaf to last for 2 days.

The total distance marched was 240 kms.

SUMMARY

As a result of the march and the deplorable conditions, the morale of the men is extremely low.  They are suffering from an extreme degree of malnutrition, and, at present, an outbreak of dysentery.  There are numerous cases of frostbite, and other minor ailments.  They are quite unfit for any further moving.  Food and better conditions are urgently required.  We left Bankau with no Red X supplies, and throughout the march all rations were short issued.  The most outstanding being bread.  Which amounts to 2,924 loaves.

There is a map of the route taken on the last page.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

25^th JULY, 1915.

549 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 526 of 19^th July, 1915, of which Major P.B. Norris, 22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish.) was President, is hereby dissolved.

550 – District Dourt-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Court-Martial Room, the Haven, North Demesne, Alnwick, on the 27^th July, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by a District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Major E.K. Purnell, 23^rd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th 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 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. 21/898 Pte. G.J. Wilkinson, 21^st (S.) Batt, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish); No. 21/1153 Private. Jos. Wilkinson 21^st (S) Batt, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish); No. 23/1522 Pte. William Nicholson 23^rd S) Batn, Northd. Fus. (4^th Tyneside Scottish); No. 20975, Pte. J.T. Rodden, 12^th (S.) Battalion, Yorkshire Regt. (Tees-side Pioneers).

551 – Musketry –

            The move of the Brigade to Ripon is cancelled.  Under present arrangements the Brigade will on 10^th August commence firing Part 1 and 2 Musketry Course as follows:-

                                                At Hornsea                1,500 men at a time.

At Whitburn                 500 men at a time.

Detailed orders in this connection will be issued later.

552– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Second Supplement to the  “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 20^th July, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Lieutenant Albert E. Kerr to be temporary Captain, and to be Adjutant, vice temporary Captain J.S. Miller.  Dated 30^th June, 1915.

553 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is directed to Northern Command Orders 1351 and 1354 of 24^th July, 1915.

554 – Candidates for Commissions – Examination of –

            The attention of Medical Officers is directed to Northern Command Order 1356 of 24^th July, 1915.

555 – Extracts from Divisional Orders –

RETURN –

            All Units in the Division will send to Divisional Headquarters not later than 1^st August, 1915, a nominal roll of all the Jewish soldiers under their command.

Divisional Order No. 23.  24/7/1915

556 – Soldiers – Jewish Persuasion – Nominal Roll –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 23 of 24^th July, 1915, Officers Commanding Units will forward nominal rolls to these Headquarters, without delay.

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,

24^th JULY, 1915.

547– Brigade Dental Clinic –

            It is notified for information that the Dental Clinic, Newcastle-on-Tyne, will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, the 2^nd and 3^rd August.  No men will therefore be sent for treatments on those dates.

548– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

RESULTS OF THE 14^th RIFLE COURSE –

            The undermentioned Non-commissioned Officers qualified at the 14^th Rifle Course, Strensall, 17^th June to 3^rd July, 1915:-

No. 595, Sergt. Taylor, W.H., 21st (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.

No. 1058, Sergt. Oliver, J., 22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.

No. 1066, Sergt. Patterson-Muir, J., 22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland

Fusiliers.

No. 1318, Sergt. Teasdale, W.R., 23^rd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusilier.

Northern Command Order No.1338.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, 20^th July, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Joseph Charles Piegrome to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th June, 1915.

The following extracts from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, 20^th July, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – Stuart Osborne Prest to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 12^th July, 1915.

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants, dated 3^rd July, 1915:-.

                        Edmund Farmaner Bowkett,

Ernest Day Kidd.

Northern Command Order No.1340.

HORSE SHOES – SUPPLY OF –

            A stock of Machine-made Shoes has now been received by Army Ordnance Department, and Units concerned should submit demands for their requirements to the C.O.O.’s York, Ripon, or Richmond.

Local shoeing is not to be resorted to except in cases where Army Ordnance Department is not in a position to supply the size of shoes required.

C.R.N.C. No. 73073 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order 1343.

DISCHARGES –

It should be distinctly understood that all applications for Discharges must be submitted to Command Headquarters for decision.

Authority, War Office Telegram: A.G. 14, dated 14^th July, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 66037 (A.1.).  Northern Command Order No.1345.

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,

23^rd JULY, 1915.

540 – Correspondence –

            All original communications emanating from Officers Commanding Units to Brigade Headquarters, will in future, be forwarded in duplicate.

541 – Home Service Companies –

            With reference to Brigade Order No 393, of 7^th June 1915, the men forming the “Home Service” Battalion now quartered in Newcastle, will remain there until further orders, and will be formed into four Companies according to their original Battalions.  These will be designated “Home Service” Companies, and will for purposes of pay be attached to their respective Battalions Depot Company from the 24^th inst.  These “Home Service” men will accordingly be struck off the strength of their original Service or Depot Company from the date mentioned.

They will not be absorbed into any Depot Company.

For disciplinary and administrative purposes the “Home Service” Companies will form part of the Command of the Officer Commanding Grouped Depot Companies.  The Officers doing duty with the “Home Service” Companies are to be considered as temporarily attached only.

542 – N.C.O.’s and Men temporarily released from Military Duty –

            All Non-commissioned Officers and men of the Service Companies temporarily released from their military duty to take up civil employment, will be transferred without delay to their respective Depot Companies.  Their documents will be handed over to the Officer Commanding Grouped Depot Companies, and they will remain supernumerary to the establishment of the Depot Companies.

543– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

MUSKETRY – GENERAL COURSE –

            Command Order No 1317 of the 21^st inst. is cancelled, and the following substituted: – With reference to Command Order No. 967 of June 8^th, Note “B,” the practice to be omitted is practice 11 (eleven), Part II, and not 2 (two) Part I.

(G.M.) Northern Command Order No.1331.

544 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is directed to Northern Command Orders 1333, 1334, 1336, and 1337 of 22^nd July, 1915.

545 – School of Cookery – Northern Command –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.1334 of 22^nd July, 1915, Officers Commanding Units will take this opportunity of getting their Company Cooks trained.

546 – Horse Rugs –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.1137 of 22^nd July, 1915, Officers Commanding Units will, before returning their horse rugs to the Ordnance Depot, York, apply to the Senior Medical Officer, the Brigade, for the use of Brigade Disinfector.       

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 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.