Field Service Post Card.

I am quite well.

A.W. Hanson  29/4/1915

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE I.M.  30 AP 15.

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

Field Service Post Card.

I am quite well.

A.W. Hanson  18/4/15

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 1.M.  19 AP 15.

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

1915

1^st April 1915.  Arrived at Poona.  Met at Ghorpuri Siding by Brigadier-General H.T. Brooking, C.B., and the officers of the 2/4^th Wiltshire Regiment, who kindly sent their band to play the Battalion into the station.  Stationed in Ghorpuri Barracks.  Lieut. P.L. Corban-Lucas and 40 other ranks of the 1^st Battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment were attached to the Battalion as an instructional party.  The month of April was spent in company training and preliminary musketry, officers and N.C.O.’s being sent to Schools of Instruction at Quetta, Pachmari, and Satara.

29^th April 1915.  The Battalion was inspected by Major-General C.G. Donald, Inspector of the Territorial Force in India.

30^th April 1915.  The Battalion took part in the Brigade parade for the presentation of medals by Brigadier-General H.T. Brooking, C.B., to the 102^nd K.E.O. Grenadiers, lately returned from Muscat.

All the notebooks were written on the right hand page and additions, photos, cartoons or other documents were added to the left hand page.

Book 3.

1^st April.         During the last 72 hrs in the trenches we had remade 500 yards of front trench, constructing numerous splinterproofs, 14 sniping posts, 10 bomb proofs, 40 yards of new support trench, 200 yards of new communication trench & put out much barbed wire.  All this was done by less than 500 men.  I had a novel in my pack to read in any spare time, needless to say it was not opened.  Still it was the most enjoyable time we had yet had.  The night we marched off the Norfolk Adj was killed.  Poor Frost the Cheshire Adj had been killed the day before.  They had both been with their Regts since Mons.  The men spent the day having baths and generally cleaning up.

2^nd April.        Another peaceful day.  I gave a couple of lectures to Officers.

3^rd April.         The Bishop of London addressed the troops, in the afternoon I rode to Poperinghe for lunch and tea.  I was reminded by a newspaper article of a visit I paid to the Irish convent at Ypres on March 22^nd.  A Scotch Territorial Reg^t was quartered there and in a search for “Souvenirs” had broken open and ransacked all the cupboards.  Nuns clothing and sacred vestments were lying pell-mell on the floor, large four poster beds had been thrown down on to the chapel floor and were being broken up for firewood.  The old custodian (the nuns had all departed) with tears in his eyes begged me to stop it.  I could only recommend him to apply to the Town Major but he said that was useless, he had done so many times but all that happened was that a Gendarme would come round with a notebook.  I told him to try again.  His only other remedy was to complain to the G.O.C. of the Town Major.

4^th April.         A quiet day, rode into Poperinghe for lunch.  A Zeppelin was said to have passed over our huts and dropped bombs killing 2 civilians further on.

5^th April.         The following evening after a downpour lasting all day we marched into Ypres, the Coy Officers & men being accommodated in the Cavalry barracks.  The C.O., Adj, Doctor & myself being in a house in the Honde straat.  My room was very dark as planks had been put up in place of the shattered windows but I had a bed to sleep on.  The rooms below were used as an Officers Mess.  The Huns had destroyed the house next door the previous day,

6^th April          and in the morning they dropped two high explosive shells into a house three doors off.  Fortunately it was unoccupied.  I walked round the ramparts in the afternoon.  They remain in their mediaeval state, very few houses beyond the moat, large casemates underneath the ramparts giving ample protection in case of bombardment.  The old sally ports were choked up with rubbish.  Many of the large trees had been blown down by shell fire.  In the morning I was President of a F.G.C.M.

7^th April.         About 8 a.m. there were a series of loud crashes.  One shell struck the house next door and filled the air with dust and plaster.  Another couple demolished a house three doors off.  Others dropped into the adjoining street.  The total casualties amounted to over 60 killed and wounded within a radius of 50 yards.  A distinctly unhealthy locality.  We were not sorry to get orders to move that night.

Instead of going into the trenches we were sent back to Renninghest here the men were in huts which were in a regular quagmire.  The Coy Officers were in the same place only the Reg^t Staff had bed rooms.  Mine was a tiny attic above a place where “officers were washed”.  The great advantage being the amount of hot water one could get for a bath.  The Officers Mess was made in an Estaminet close by.

On the opposite page is a newspaper cutting.

5^th April.         The reason of our not going into the trenches was because the men of the original 25^th Div. were considered to be fit to take their place in the line again (they had been somewhere down south resting for the last month).  They were now to take over the trenches held by the French to the north.  This is where the Germans made their gas attack a fortnight later and gained some miles of ground, so the 25^th Div have been unfortunate.  An order was published by Sir John French stating how well the 25^th Division had been doing of late, but of course it referred to the 15^th, 13^th & 9^th Bdes called the 25^th Div for the time being.  In his Despatch of April 7^th he said that on the extreme left of the British line a considerable superiority had been gained over the enemy by sniping methods.  This could only have referred to us.  The French General on our left made some very favourable comments on our work and methods and evidently much preferred us to our predecessors.  My knowledge of French was of great value in ensuring cooperation.

We now came back into the 5^th Div under Gen Bulfin and the line was re-divided up.  Some old foils had been found lying about in the Cavalry Barracks with these we managed to get a fair amount of exercise.  Kennedy being an expert man-at-arms took us on in turn.

On the opposite page is a Bainsfather cartoon “The Dud Shell – Or the Fuze-Top Collector” this has been annotated “Col Griffin found two men of the Q.V.R. doing this outside H.Q. dugout except that they were using a**** to heave the fuze and a lot of powder was lying loose and close bye.  They said they got good prices for the empty shells in Ypres.

9^th April.         There was a snowstorm in the morning but it cleared up later.  I had another bout with the foils and went for a ride.  There was very heavy firing all night but as an old woman put it “The nearest point German guns can reach is an hour’s march.  Poperinghe a mile further back still has since been heavily shelled so her confidence was misplaced.

10^th April.       A beautifully fine day cold with a high wind which dried up the country wonderfully.  We marched off in the afternoon halted in Ypres for tea and then took up the line 48 to 56.  Headquarters was in a large dug out in the railway cutting built by the R.E. proof against H.E. shells but pitch dark so a lamp had to be burning day and night.  The atmosphere was very thick and the telephone operators kept up a constant chatter.  Three bunks were arranged which were occupied by The C.O. Adj: and myself.  Later on I had a window built somewhat after the fashion of an area window.  It gave us fresh air and light.

On the opposite page is a sketch map of the H.Q. dug out in the railway cutting.

The trenches were very fair but as usual there were only splinter proofs for the Officers.  A communication trench 9 feet deep and 200 yards long had been dug by our predecessors the Q.V.R.  It only was broad enough for one man at a time.  Our first work was to provide passing places and then widen it to enable stretchers to be taken down.

11^th April.       My first walk round the trenches held by the Bn at dawn took me 3 hours, there was a great deal to arrange for.  During the day I went round another five times in fact only sat down for meals.  Two Generals came up and the Bde Major and Machine Gun Officer also required personally conducted tours.  We were told that Hill 60 was to be blown up shortly and that we had been specially selected to make the arrangements and rush the hill.  (This was afterwards altered as the Div Commander wanted to have perfectly fresh troops for it). 

On the opposite page is a Bairnsfather cartoon “They’ve evidently seen me”.  This shows an Artillery Observer up a chimney out of which a shell has removed half.  Underneath is written “There was a tall chimney stack close behind us near Zillebeke used as an observation post for gunners.  The Germans regularly shot at it and once took some bricks out.  The observer hastily slid down”.

In the afternoon a Gunner Major Athy came up with his subaltern to “register” i.e. to fire a few rounds to get the exact range of the German trenches.  The Gunners of the 25^th Division who knew the ground had been taken away when the Division was broken up and our own gunners of the 5^th Division had taken their place but were quite new to the ground.  Gunners once they know the ground should be left where they are unless a move is imperative.  To change them just before an attack is suicidal except of course for a mobile reserve which should be pushed from point to point to reinforce the guns already there.  The result of the change was that every battery had to register as it arrived thus attracting retaliatory fire which considerably impeded the work necessary preparatory to the attack and causing aeroplane reconnaissances to be made to discover the reasons for such unwarranted activity.

I went forward with Major Athy to show him the best places to observe from an operator with telephone wire accompanied us.  In 45 Edwards joined us and from the extreme salient we began to observe through periscopes the first two shells were too far over so he ordered “shorten fifty”.   The operator said “They have fired” and we all observed the German trench expecting to see the shell burst over it within a couple of seconds “Whump” a crash and we were covered with earth, the shell had burst behind us.  I looked up the four others were motionless & I thought I was the only survivor.  However they were all right except the Major who was breathing his last with a shrapnel bullet through the head.  The operator told the battery to cease fire and he was carried back.  Before going up we had complained that our Gunners had dropped a number of shells into our trenches and he had said that we might be quite sure they would not do it while he was up.  It was really a subaltern’s job to report the results but he was a very keen and energetic Officer.  We heard afterwards that it was the fault of the fuze many of which now cannot be relied upon owing probably to the greater output and less supervision in the workshops.  During the day some six bodies were reburied.  There had been very severe fighting on the hill in November and many men had been buried in the actual trench with a few inches of earth over them, in other cases in making a new trench a number of bodies would be met with.  It became our daily task to rebury a few men and to put up small wooden crosses to mark the spot.

On the opposite page are two photographs of the bomb proofs in the railway cutting.  Under one is written Very large bomb proof with 2 entrances which I designed as a hospital dressing station hundreds of wounds were afterwards dressed.

12^th April.       We continued the work of making bomb proofs in the railway cutting splinter proofs in all the trenches and opening out and draining new communication trenches, this went on day and night.  During the afternoon a German aeroplane tried to drop a bomb in the railway cutting but missed it by quite 100 yards.  Our Gunners dropped two shells into our trenches but there were no casualties.  As I was walking round with the C.O. and Adj near 42 – the Germans must have spotted us from opposite 45 as they favoured us with a succession of whizz bangs.  We took shelter in the Officers dug out but were far from happy there as they kept it up for some minutes and were remarkably close.  During the night the Germans or rather Saxons threw over a couple of messages to which I made a suitable reply the following night in German.  Gen. Northey came up to see how the work was progressing and had a portion of the parapet blown down by a field gun just before we reached the spot.  If anybody with a staff cap on came near the front trenches it always seemed to attract shell fire. 

On the opposite page is a piece of typescript saying

GERMAN PEACE OVERTURES

The following is a translation of two letters which were tied round stones and thrown into our trenchers last night by the Germans:-

“Dear honoured Comrades;

As this war has now been going on for about nine months, and whole villages with their inhabitants have been devastated, it is now high time to put a stop to it.  We are all tired of this savage life, and you must be too.  Our dear wives and children await and long for our return and yours must do the same.  Hoping that we may do some good by this. We remain with friendly greetings.

The Germans.

Sapping Party,

11^th April 1915.

Dear French, English and Comrades,

It is now just about time you stopped all this, for I think you will soon have had enough of your war.  Our losses are great and yours must be three times as big.  Every day it gets finer, and it would be better if we could be at home with our wives and children, who are waiting every day for us as yours are waiting for you.  Let us have peace on Earth before the cherry blossom comes out, but the sooner the better.  Or do you want to go on sitting for ever in these damned trenches.

With friendly greetings

The Germans.

To try and equalize the evident disparity in losses, our men this morning shot three or four Germans in the trench from which the above letters were thrown.

13^th April.       During the day I mapped out a maze of old disused trenches and had several remarkably narrow shaves from German whizz bangs while doing so.  Two struck the ground within ten yards of me.  I think we could be seen from the caterpillar, anyway we took shelter in an old French dug out.  They are very lavish with these shells. 

On the opposite page is a sketch map of the trenches in this area.

Below is written We had about 600 men holding from 38 to 46 of these 400 men were in the front trenches and only 200 in support available for fatigues.  These had to bring up rations for the men in the trenches that took 100 men two hours then bringing up ammn took the remaining 100 men another two hours daily as ample supplies had to be accumulated.  In spite of this the work shown in red was done between the 10^th and 21^st of April.  In violet is shown the work done be fatigue parties of other Reg^ts.

Gen. Northey again went round the front trenches.  When we came to 45 Cannon informed us that he had just been badly had by the Saxons.  Two of them jumped over their parapet and began digging, he being only just out thought they were digging a grave and told our men not to fire.  Presently ropes were passed out to them but instead of a coffin the wheels of a gun appeared over the parapet.  Our men then opened fire but the gun was in position and shortly afterwards firing at point blank range our parapet at that point was demolished.  We answered back as best we could with rifle grenades and dropped six near the gun.  Some damage must have been done as a German Officer was seen to shake his fist at us and bob down again but the gun was a thorn in the flesh for several days.  Each morning blowing to pieces the parapet which had been rebuilt during the night.

14^th April.       I continued mapping out the trenches and in one which had not been used for months (X) found a dead Frenchman and an Englishman lying just as they had been shot down.  Two of the “missing”.  In the morning the Germans dropped a regular hail of shrapnel over the “green field”.  I only just reached shelter in time a number of bullets struck the ruined wall behind which I had taken cover.

In the evening passing down a communication trench a whizz bang passed over, I sat down hurriedly, another carried away the built up parapet over my head nearly deafening me.  Then there was a succession of seven others.  As fire works they were not bad – a blinding flash then the report.  In the dark they certainly look very effective.

15^th April.       We had great difficulty in draining H & K communication trenches owing to springs.  Barrels were procured and let into the ground as sump pits then boarded over.

In places new trenches had to be dug as the water percolated through at such a rate once you got down two feet.

Daily working parties now came up from the 14^th Bde to assist in reconstructing the old French dug outs in the Larch wood and to improve the disused trenches A & B and prolong 42a.  They also demolished and broke into pieces the size of a tennis ball the brick walls of farm at L.  These were put into sandbags.  The idea was to have 5000 ready so that the moment the hill was taken a supporting party could carry them forward and build them up into a parapet.

They would stop a bullet and be comparatively light to carry.  In the actual event only about 1000 were taken forward.  A large pattern sandbag had been sent up which made them very heavy when filled and altho’ perhaps effective against rifle bullets they were a positive disadvantage under shell fire as their fragments went flying in every direction when struck.  In the morning while shaving just outside the Headquarters Bomb proof the Germans sent over a quantity of shell which brought down a regular hail of splinters through the trees.  We had five men wounded close by.

16^th April.       At dusk and dawn we continued bringing material from Zillebeke to complete our bomb & splinter proofs.  Double the work could always be done when it was light enough to see a little and yet dark enough so as not to be seen from the enemy lines.  As a rule at these hours there was far less firing but it required judgement since a working party if spotted from the German trenches might receive heavy punishment before they could get under cover.  Fortunately a mist generally prolonged the time we could work.  I went over all the trenches with an Engineer Officer to place notice boards and gave him several copies of my map.  The only one they had was hopelessly inaccurate as I pointed out walking round.  That evening I was sent back to the Reformatory (the place I had been taken to when wounded in Nov.) to make arrangements for billeting two Coys which with H.Q. were to be there on the 17^th so as to make room for the 13^th Bde in the trenches.  The Huns greeted my departure with a few shells.  There was no cover near and the splinters came uncomfortably close.  I fixed up the necessary arrangements choosing the cells for the Officers and a superintendant’s house for the Mess. 

17^th April. The two Coys arrived about 5 a.m. the reliefs having been very late. 

A few days before the buildings had been heavily shelled but as it happened there were only a few Gunners there and no lives were lost tho’ much damage was done.

In the morning I went out with Col. Griffith to discover the best way to get up to the trenches by day.  It was not easy as the ground was overlooked from two directions.  At 7 o’clock we found ourselves on the square tower of the Reformatory with several Gunner observation officers. 

On the opposite page is a sketch of the First explosion on Hill 60.

It was just getting dark.  The low ridge of Hill 60 was clearly outlined against the sky.  Suddenly a huge black cloud rose from the centre of the hill.  Ten seconds later a yellow flame and another volcanic eruption while the sound of the first explosion came back to us two other mines were sprung at 10 and 20 seconds interval but meanwhile all the guns began to speak and the peaceful evening became an inferno.  Flashes of our bursting shells beyond the ridge could be plainly seen but soon the German guns began to reply and shells bursting round the tower made it advisable to seek shelter.  It was also time for dinner and it is never safe to miss a meal when you may be drawn into battle at any moment.  It was a great relief to see the explosion since for days we had known that the Germans were also mining, at one point their gallery was within 3 feet of ours and there was the double danger of their running into our gallery and the possibility of their mine going off first.  They had already exploded one mine which had caused heavy casualties among the 9^th Lancers in November.  The French had exploded an ineffective mine in December, the British at the same time exploding one under the German trenches.  The Monmouth Territorials, R.E. were responsible for our mining and being all trained coal miners did most excellent work.  In this branch I think we do better than the Germans.  The men worked noiselessly lying on their backs and getting the earth out with their feet “stamping”.  We dined in the superintendants house with a most infernal din going on outside.  A battery had taken up its position close behind us and were firing over the house.  The flashes were clearly visible from the German lines and they fired back.  Every minute the house might be destroyed by one of their shells.  To add to the music a gramophone had been found in one of the rooms and was turned on.

Firing continued with intervals throughout the night.  We were held ready to move at 10 minutes notice.

18^th April.       Next morning we heard that all was not well.  The Germans had retaken most of the hill.  There was to be a counter attack at 7 p.m. when all the guns were to cooperate.  The two Coys in the Reformatory were to move forward to the Larch wood in readiness to support.  At 4 p.m. the order was received to send the men forward in driblets taking advantage of the cover afforded by hedgerows.  We soon found ourselves mixed up with the East Surreys who had orders to proceed as far as the Zillebeke dam.  This caused some delay as when they halted our men behind also halted and I had to go back a long way to bring them along.  The Germans who could see us quite plainly opened heavy fire and among other things set a barn on fire which was filed of wounded.

The first Coy reached the Larch wood in time but D Coy was still a mile away when the attack started.

The German reply was to smother the ground behind the position with shells.  I had dropped back to hurry on the last sections of D Coy, now the head stopped.  I ran forward and found Kennedy had halted them in a ditch as there was a series of bursting of shell between us and the Larch wood.  Our orders were to get there by six o’clock, it was already past seven and we might be required at any moment. 

I led way on and we got under shelter with but little loss.  We were getting a good many gas shells which were almost blinding in their effect and made breathing difficult.

The shelling continued all night.  We heard that the West Ridings had retaken the hill with heavy losses.  Gen        now proposed to withdraw his Brigade handing over the position to Col. Griffith who in addition to the Bedfords was to have the East Surreys under his orders.

19^th April.       I went up the hill about 4 a.m. to take over the trenches and relieve the West Ridings.  It was a veritable shambles, the craters were full of wounded men some of whom had been there since the night of the 17^th.  The German trenches were very narrow and the relief was difficult to manage as there were very few places where two men could pass.  Owing to the danger of a counter attack I dared not evacuate any portion until some of our men were available.  I decided to hold it with 4 platoons (C & D Coys 2 each) (the West Ridings had 4 Coys) and gave instructions as to making new communication trenches, evacuating the wounded and pushing bomb parties up the communication trenches leading to the German line.  I also made a careful sketch of the position occasionally breaking off to bind up a wound or give water to a wounded man.

On the opposite page is the sketch referred to in the text, entitled “Careful copy of sketch showing position of craters and new trenches.”

The shelling continued in a modified way Kelly of D Coy Kirch of C Coy were killed besides 100 other casualties.  I had several shaves and once thought I was hit in the arm but it was only a clod of earth thrown up by a H.E. shell.  There were a lot of German bombs in sacks mostly of the cricket ball type with a friction tube.  There were also several of the hair brush & star fish variety.  I had a look at two mine shafts and a very fine bomb proof used as an Artillery Observation Station.

Our sappers went down our mine shafts to see if they could be made any further use of.  Two men were asphyxiated.

Later on I examined two Artillery Officers and several men taken prisoner before sending them back and obtained some valuable information.  The men had respirators done up in waterproof cases they appeared to be of horse hair impregnated with some slimy substance.  That evening the East Surrey took over 38 to 43 and the line LP with two Coys.  Their other two were to relieve them the next day.  They belonged to the 14^th Bde and came up fresh from Reserve whereas we had been up since 10^th April. 

On the opposite page is some text in a much older hand than the main text and virtually unreadable.

We went back to the Railway cutting and 42.

20^th April.       Next morning Col Griffith asked me to go round the trenches and see how the East Surreys were getting on.  All the German rifles, hand grenades etc were to be taken back.  I had a long chat with their C.O. & also met Roupell again who came in to report.  All was quiet and work proceeding satisfactorily.  I got back to lunch about 2 o’clock.  Soon afterwards the Ball began with a terrific bombardment after some two hours of this a telephone message came down asking for reinforcements from the East Surreys.  Moyse was told to take his company, immediately afterwards the telephone wire was cut.  An orderly brought down a message to say that the C.O., Adj and all the senior Officers of the East Surreys were killed or wounded could an Officer be sent up to take charge.  Col Griffith asked me to go.  The cutting was a blaze of bursting shells.  I made a run for it and reached the beginning of the long communication trench at E.  This was absolutely blocked with Cap^t Moyse’s Coy trying to get up and a quantity of wounded on stretchers trying to get down.  There was nothing for it but to make another dash in the open to the far end near 38.  Here I posted a sentry with orders to prevent any wounded man going back and also recalled those already in the con trench.  By this means I got the reinforcements through and only just in time.

On the opposite page are two newspaper cuttings referring to Sec. Lieut. Benjamin Handley Geary and Lieut. George Rowland Patrick Roupell of the 1^st East Surrey Regiment being awarded the V.C. in this action.

Roupell wounded in several places told me that the East Surreys were practically wiped out, a very few were still holding out at L when he left.  I asked him to take up the leading platoon of ours to reinforce.  This he did then went back to have his wounds dressed.  I recommended Roupell for his good work, somebody else sent in his name for V.C. 

A sapper Lt. Westland also led up reinforcing parties until he was wounded by a bomb.

He returned later on and then found the East Surreys had withdrawn to 46 and somewhere in reserve, he stayed with them there until relieved.  Two Coys of the East Surrey were to have taken over the front trenches that night and certainly they ought to have reinforced their first two before we did but after losing their senior officers they withdrew leaving us to do all the fighting.

On the opposite page are three newspaper cuttings referring to the Hill 60 action.

They had 200 casualties and were given three V.C.’s.  The Bedfords lost 400 killed & wounded and got nothing.  I thought there were none of the East Surreys left they so completely effaced themselves.  Towards dawn Capt Green informed me that he had found some of them in 46.  They knew where to find me but never reported where they were tho’ they knew I was in charge.

I made my headquarters at T where I was best able to direct reinforcements & supplies and receive & send off reports thence I made my way up and down the trenches at intervals during the night to see how things were progressing.  I was about 60 yards from the front trench on the right of the hill and 80 yards from the left front trench.

I told off Cap^t Green to be responsible for the left section M K and Cap^t Edwards for the right section O P they were to see that repairs to the trenches were uninterrupted and report at intervals how things were going.  The trenches were hardly recognisable and in some cases could no longer be said to exist.  H had been levelled altogether and machine guns from Zwartelen and the Caterpillar enfiladed and took our lines in reverse.

On the opposite page is a newspaper cutting with a plan showing Hill 60 and the area.  It is annotated “Red blob shows where I made my headquarters during the night T in large scale sketch.”

The bombardment continued throughout the night petrol was squirted over and some gas shells were used but a slight breeze prevented our being incommoded.  Requests for reinforcements and more ammunition and bombs were continuous.  First the Germans got in at L then they were driven out – by morning they were back again.  Here it was that Webb was heard to say just before he was killed “It will be a glorious death.”  A German prisoner was brought back to me caught as he was trying to throw a grenade.  I sent Kennedy’s Coy to hold and improve the trench M L which could not, as it was, be used as a fire trench.  He did great work throwing hand grenades until hit in the leg (amputated later).  Ogilvie of A Coy lost his hand at the same time.  Knight of C and Harvey of B were also killed up there during the night.  Cap^t Moyse until wounded about dawn was with his Company holding the line about P.  Darbishire was hit in the lungs & Cameron also wounded up there.  Reinforcements could not keep pace with the casualties and every moment I dreaded a general assault.  Some Liverpool Terriers who had come up on fatigue I ordered to hold 39 & 40 which were denuded of troops and required much repair.  Some Territorial Engineers I also kept in readiness. 

On the opposite page is a Message and Signals form with a message addressed to Major Allason dated 21.4.15.  it says “I sent you up 30 boxes S.A.A. & 4 boxes of grenades some time ago. 6 more boxes of grenades & 6 boxes S.A.A. have just gone up.  See some get to left of hill 60.

1 Company Q.V.R. is now starting to help you.  There are apparently a large number of men in front line trenches.  Send some up to assist left of hill 60.

O.C. Bedfords 12.15a.m.

Annotated next to this message is “All their men the ammn and the grenades had been used up when this message arrived.  36 boxes of ammn were fired off in no time.

21^st April.       About midnight the pressure at P became bad and at 1.30 a.m. a message came through that the Germans had taken that bit.  At the same moment Major Lees arrived with a Company of the Q.V.R’s.  I did not know what officers remained alive opposite P so asked Major Lees to take up his Coy and with the balance of our men retake the trench.  He told me that they had come up without bayonets being told they were only wanted for fatigue.  I said that in the dark the Germans would never know.  Our men up there would go first.  He agreed and about half an hour later the message came that they were back in the trenches.  He was killed soon after.

On the opposite page are cuttings regarding the award of five V.C.s.  In one case there is an annotation regarding Lieut Wooley “Apparently his Capt and one subaltern were also killed.  Cap^t Moyse was within a few yards of Wooley at P on the right of hill 60 all night and Cap^t Edwards was also up there until the reliefs took place.  My headquarters were only 60 yards back.  Lt. Pullane was at O and Capt Green, also unwounded, was on the left of the hill till relieved.  I have no doubt Wooley did good work.

 I made my headquarters a sorting station for bombs we had about six different varieties and the detonators were in separate boxes and would only fit their own type.  Most of the grenades were in screwed down boxes.  Attempts to open these with an entrenching tool and jack knives proved unavailing but fortunately I had a screwdriver in my knife which quite saved the situation.  The grenades as soon as prepared were sent up to the front trench and there were constant demands for more.  Between two and three a.m. there was a slight lull in the proceedings and I sent down to ask for some food but before any came a fresh burst of fire occurred and suddenly I saw the whole of our front line coming back in a wave.  I called on all the men at work in 49 and 50 to fix bayonets and counter attack.  It stopped the retirement but the Germans had now brought up field guns to the Caterpillar and Zwartelen and were blowing our parapets down six feet at a time.  It was pitiful to see the men throw up their arms and fall back dead.  Others at once filled the gap and continued to fire on the guns and the enemy.  I asked our gunners to afford us some support but the wires had been cut by artillery fire during the night and it was an hour before they opened fire.  (It ought to be done within 5 minutes).  All machine guns  had been removed from the Dump so we were left to extricate ourselves as best we could.  Meanwhile an overwhelming machine gun & rifle fire was concentrated on the hill and numerous bomb attacks made.  About 4.30 a.m. a Coy of the Devons arrived this eased matters considerably and on our guns opening fire the German shelling decreased.  We were running out of bombs and ammunition was very short so I thought best not to endeavour to get back into the front line until some supplies were up as it might provoke a general assault. 

On the opposite page is a Message and Signals sheet with a message addressed to Major Allason, dated 21.4.15 saying “Please see Major Radcliffe 1^st Devons with sufficient bombs **** who is now in command of 1^st line and tell him arrange immediate attack with fresh troops on left of hill 60.  Would suggest that a Company 1^st Devons should meet the case.  Immediate action necessary.  Am sending up more bombs at once, & 6 R. Fus, bomb throwers (about 60) are already with you. Chas B. Griffith Lt. Col. 7.10 a.m. Commanding Section

About 7.30 a.m. Major Radcliffe came up with a second Coy of the Devons, he was senior to me and was to take charge.  He suddenly vanished but reappeared 20 minutes later with his head bandaged (having been hit meanwhile).  We agreed that there was no good object in attacking the front trench until a good supply of bombs were available.  Some 60 “bomb throwers” of the 5^th Fusiliers had come up without bombs and without an officer.  We were holding the crest of the hill only 20 yards behind the front trench.  I went round the trenches with Radcliffe and was returning from the crater R through 38 when wounded in the right thigh by a shell.  He bound up the wound and, one of my men coming along just then, left me to take charge on the hill.

With assistance I managed to get down the long communication trench.  This had been in places quite knocked in and made level with the ground tho’ it had been 9 feet deep.  Work had been continued on it during the night but the damage done by shell fire is almost incredible.  At the cutting a stretcher took me to the Dressing Station (see photo) and thence, after making my report to Col. Griffith, I was carried on a stretcher about two miles to a motor ambulance which took me to the Field Ambulance beyond Ypres.  Here I had some food (the first for 24hrs) and was taken on to Poperinghe.  Here my wound was dressed and that evening I was sent by train to Boulogne

22^nd April.      I was taken to No. 7 General about 4 a.m. and put in a room with Major Tyndall (shot in the spine).

23^rd April.       I remained there that day & next afternoon sailed in the St. Andrew to Dover arriving at Grosvenor Gdns at 10.30 p.m.

On the opposite page are two cuttings on the capture of Hill 60.

To come back to what happened on the morning of 17^th April on the hill after we left A Coy was left holding 38 and B Coy 45 their job was to remain on in the trenches whatever happened.  So big a charge had never before been used in a mine and the Engineers were not sure what would happen.

The West Kents and K.O.Y.L.I. were to rush the hill immediately after the last explosion.  The K.O.S.B’s were in support and the West Ridings in reserve a little way back.  The Liverpool Terriers were to carry up sand bags behind the attacking force and help dig new communicating trenches forward to the Hill.  All passed off satisfactorily the Germans were stupefied and only one casualty occurred.  The work of entrenching proceeded gaily.  At midnight the K.O.S.B’s came up to take over the front trenches and during the confusion incident on handing over the Germans attacked and drove them back with very heavy losses.  A K.O.S.B. Officer told me that he had to go right back to the guns before they could be got to open fire, the wires had been cut during the evening bombardment and not repaired.  He told me that the West Kents and K.O.Y.L.I. had also suffered severely.  At 6 p.m. on the 18^th April the West Ridings attacked (when our two Coys were brought up from the Reformatory) but failed to regain the whole of the ground beyond the far crater on our left.  The Zwartelen trenches could have been taken with the greatest of ease when the explosions took place.  Leaving the Germans there was absolutely fatal.

On the next few pages are newspaper cuttings from The Times.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

29^th APRIL, 1915.

279 – Waterproof Sheets – Issue of –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 252, dated 19^th April, 1915, it is notified for the information of Officers Commanding Units that instructions have now been received that waterproof sheets will only be issued to troops going into camps under canvas.

No issue will, therefore, be made to Depot Companies accommodated in marquees.

280 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

CARTRIDGE CASES –

            Fired cases cartridge empty .303” and empty Ammunition packages should be sent direct to the Ordnance Officer, Selby.  All packages to be properly labelled, shewing Unit and Station from which consigned.

C.R.N.C. 55506 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No. 660.

EQUIPMENT – HUTMENTS –

            With reference to Command Order No. 633, of 22^nd April, 1915, it has now been decided that worn-out articles should not, in any case, be returned to the nearest Army Service Corps Barrack Store, but should always be disposed of on the spot to the best advantage for the benefit of the public.

C.R.N.C. 38117/148/2 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.659.

CONDITIONS OF TRANSFER TO ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS (NEW ARMY) FOR DUTY AS ARMOURER DURING THE PERIOD OF THE WAR –

            Application will be submitted through the soldier’s Commanding Officer.  Recommendations on behalf of Non-commissioned Officers and men of New Armies or Territorial Force Units not below the age of 21 years, who have the necessary qualifications and clean conduct sheets, should be forwarded to the Officer Commanding, Army Ordnance Corps, Red Barracks, Woolwich, together with Army Form B. 241.

            Trade testimonials should be forwarded with the application, or reference given to the firms from which they can be obtained.

            Qualifications. – Experience in the gun trade as action filer or employment at similar work (but “checkers” or “stockers” i.e. those with a knowledge of wood work only, are ineligible.)

A Fitter who can be classified at least as “good” or other artificer in metals who is competent in the use of the file, and accustomed to fitting and adjusting small parts of mechanism.

Probation. – On selection, the soldier will undergo a period of probation at Enfield and Woolwich.  During the first period of instruction at either place, on being reported as likely to become an efficient Armourer, the probationer will be transferred (or, in the case of Territorial Force candidates, discharged and re-attested for the Army Ordnance Corp New Army), and appointed Armourer Privates at 2/6 per diem, with effect from the date of the report.  If reported otherwise, the probationer will be returned to this Unit.  On completion of the probation, the soldier, if reported satisfactory, and available for duty as such, will be appointed Armourer Sergeant at 3/6 per diem.

(To be reproduced in all Divisional, Station, and Regimental Orders)

C.R.N.C. 55223 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.661.

CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS – ESTABLISHMENT OF LABORITORIES –

            It is notified for the information of all concerned that, for Cerebro-Spinal Fever investigation purposes, the Northern Command has been divided into areas as given below, with a Laboratory and Bacteriologist allotted to each.

No.	Area.	Laboratory.	Bacteriologist
1	Northumberland and Durham	Bacteriological Laboratory, College of Medicine, Newcastle-on-Tyne.	Major Hutchens, R.A.M.C.
2	East and North Ridings of Yorkshire	Northern Command Laboratory, Military Hospital, York.	Lt. MacMahon,  R.A.M.C.
3	West Riding, Yorkshire	No. 2 Northern General Hospital, Leeds.	Capt. Vining,  R.A.M.C.
4	North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, i.e. south of a line drawn through  Todmorton, Halifax, Dewsbury, Wakefield, Pontefract, and Selby, north of a line from Leek (Staffs.) to Norton Disney (Notts.)	University Laboratory, Sheffield.	Major Dean,  R.A.M.C.
5	South Derbyshire and South Nottinghamshire.  This area will also include Staffordshire until further notice.	County Laboratory, County Major Barwise, R.A.M.C. Offices, St. Mary’s Gate Derby.	Major Barwise,  R.A.M.C.
6	Lincolnshire	No. 4 Northern General Hospital, Lincoln.	Capt. Winter,  R.A.M.C.
7	Leicester and Rutland	No. 5 Northern General Hospital, Leicester.	Capt. Clare,  R.A.M.C.

(M.) Northern Command Order No.662.

LIGHTS ON VEHICLES, MOTOR CARS AND BICYCLES –

            Attention is called to the following extracts from an Order made by the Home Secretary which applies to all the prohibited areas i.e., parts of Northumberland, Durham, the North and East Ridings, and Lincolnshire, as well as certain inland districts, Cities, and Boroughs.

Any necessary lamps may be purchased locally; the bills should be sent in to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York.

EXTRACTS

The lights carried on motor cars and other vehicles shall not be of greater brightness than is necessary for the public safety.

Any person who shall cause or permit any vehicle during the period for which this Order applies, to travel in any street, highway, or road to which the public have access, shall provide such vehicle with a lamp or lamps in proper working order, and so constructed and capable of being so attached as when lighted to display to the rear a red light visible for a reasonable distance; and every person driving or being in charge of any such vehicle during such period as aforesaid shall keep such lamp or lamps properly trimmed, lighted, and attached.

For the purpose of this order the word ‘Vehicle’ shall include any bicycle, tricycle, or velocipede.

C.R.N.C. No. 53685 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.666.

COMMAND ORDERS –

1. With reference to Northern Command Order No. 603, dated 17/4/15, it cannot be too clearly laid down that the responsibility for receiving Command Orders rests with the Commanding Officers, and on them alone.  If not in receipt of these orders, application should at once at once be made through the channels indicated in the order quoted above.

(The “Commanding Officer” here referred to is he who commands a “unit” as defined in King’s Regulations – Page XV.)

This order, together with N.C.O 603, dated 17/4/15, is to be re-published in all Divisional, Garrison, District, and Brigade Orders.

• General and other Officers Commanding at (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) of N.C.O No. 603, dated 17/4/15, will render to Command Headquarters on the 1^st and 15^th of each month an amended list showing:-
• Units, etc., to whom issue is being made.
• Numbers issued in each case.

(C.R.)  Northern Command Order No.668.

COOKERY COURSE –

            With reference to Command Order No. 547, dated 8^th April, 1915, a further Class will shortly be formed at the School of Cookery, Aldershot.  The names of N.C.O.’s recommended for the course should be rendered to Command Headquarters as soon as possible.

Those units who have a master cook, or who have N.C.O.’s at present in training at Aldershot, should not apply, and only N.C.O.’s who are to be appointed to the position of master cook should be recommended.

Attention is drawn to Army Order No. 448 of 1914.

C.R.N.C. No. 41428 (I.A.S.).  Northern Command Order No.669.

FIELD RATIONS – EQUIVALENTS –

            With reference to Command Order 569 of 12^th April, 1915, on further consideration, it has been decided that, where oatmeal is drawn as a ration equivalent, it shall be issued not as a substitute for flour, but in substitution of bread in the following proportions:-

Oatmeal         2oz. = Bread 4 oz.

Authority, War Office letter 53/Scottish/398 (Q.M.G. 6), dated 26^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 52862 (S.T.).  Northern Command Order No.670.

BARRACK DETENTION ROOMS –

            Application for Certificates under paragraph 650 King’s Regulations for Barrack Detention Rooms, attached to Guard Rooms of New Huts which have been erected, for sentences of detention up to 168 hours, will be forwarded to Command Headquarters in every case.

Authority, War Office letter No. 23/Southern/212 (A.G.3), dated 23^rd April, 1915.

C.R. No. 55401 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.673.

SPECTACLES – ISSUE OF –

            In order to secure uniformity regarding disposal of Soldiers who are suffering from simple errors of refraction, which can be corrected by the aid of glasses, and with reference to Command Order No. 524, dated 6^th April, 1915, it is not proposed to lower the standard of vision, but to allow lenses to improve vision which is up to standard, but less than normal.

Authority, War Office letter No. 24/General Number/3751 (A.M.D.2), dated 20^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 51459/M.  Northern Command Order No.674.

281 – Equipment – Hutments –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 660, dated 27^th April 1915, a report in each case to Brigade Headquarters will be made by Officers Commanding Units as to the disposal of articles referred to.

282 – Transfer to Army Ordnance Corps –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 661, dated 27^th April, 1915, the names of Non-commissioned Officers and men are to be forwarded to Brigade Headquarters at once.

283 – Lamps – Purchase of –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 666, dated 28^th April, 1915, no purchase of lamps will take place until approval has been received in each case from Brigade Headquarters.

284 – Cookery Course –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 669, dated April 28^th, 1915, Officers Commanding Units will forward to Brigade Headquarters names of Non-commissioned Officers recommended to attend the Course as soon as possible.

285 – Barrack Detention Rooms –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 673, dated April 28^th, 1915, the necessary application will be forwarded by Officers Commanding Units to Brigade Headquarters without delay.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

NOTICE.

The Military Cross-Country Championship for the North-Eastern Counties will be held on the Newcastle Town Moor on Saturday, May 29^th.  teams representing Battalions will probably consist of 30 men with 20 to count.

Teams to represent the N.E. District in the forthcoming Northern Command Championship will be selected as a result of their positions in this event.

The General Officer Commanding hopes that each unit of the Brigade will send at least one team to compete.

Further particulars will be notified later.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

27^th APRIL, 1915.

270 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned in Brigade Order No. 255 will re-assemble at the Orderly Room of the 22^nd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish), Newburn, on Wednesday, April 28^th, for the purpose of trying by a 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., 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

Officers Commanding 22^nd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish), will detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 436 Pte. Laurence Henderson Drysdale 22^nd (S.) Bn, Northd Fus (3^rd Tyneside Scottish).

271 – Preserved Rations – Indents for –

            Officers Commanding Units will at once indent on Officer Commanding, Army Service Corps, Tyne Garrison, Fenham Barracks, Newcastle-on-Tyne, for one day’s complete Preserved Ration (preserved meat, biscuits, and groceries) for the total strength of their Battalion.

These rations will only be consumed in case of emergency as one day’s complete rations, in which case the amount consumed should be accounted for by Units concerned by receipted Army Book 55.  The Indents are to be marked “Reserve Rations” in red ink.

Authority, C.R.N.C. 54328/S.T., dated York, 22^nd April, 1915.

272 – Rifle Course – Strensall.

            A Rifle Course of instruction will be held at the School of Musketry, Strensall, from the 10^th May, 1915, to the 26^th May, 1915.

There will be a vacancy for one Non-Commissioned Officer from 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Tyneside Scottish), and 12^th Yorkshire Regiment (Tees-side Pioneers).

For further particulars please see “Instructions for the Assembling of Courses” circulated herewith.

273 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

COMMAND SCHOOL OF TELEPHONY –

            Instructions for the assembling of classes for the Northern Command School of Military Telephony, Tynemouth, are published as an annexure to these Orders.

The attention of all Officers and N.C.O.’s attending these classes should be drawn to the instructions contained therein.

Northern Command Order No. 649.

TELEPHONE COURSE –

            The first course at the School of Telephony, Tynemouth, will commence on Monday, May 3^rd.  vacancies have been allotted as follows:-

Officers          N.C.O.’s

123^rd Infantry Brigade                1                    1

C.R.N.C. No. 54790 (G.).  Northern Command Order No.650.

HIRED BUILDINGS – REPORT OF DATE OF SURRENDER –

            With reference to Command Order No. 526, General Officers Commanding Divisions, Garrisons, Districts, and Brigades will report as soon as possible to Command Headquarters:-

1. Date of vacation of all hired premises.
2. Date up to which rent is payable.

(D.B.O.)  Northern Command Order No. 651.

LECTURES ON THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH –

            The attention of all concerned is drawn to Command Order No. 313, dated 3^rd March, 1915.

Commanding Officers of Units who have not yet taken advantage of the facilities for placing this most important subject before troops, should do so with as little delay as possible.  Communications should be addressed to  Major T. Wardrop Griffiths, ,R.A.M.C. (T.), Organizing Secretary, 43, Park Square, Leeds.

(M.)  Northern Command Order No. 652.

PHYSICAL TRAINING –

            All young Officers and N.C.O.’s are expected to train with the men of their respective platoons or sections, and classes for Officers and N.C.O.’s should be formed under the Sergeant-Instructor to enable them to instruct their men at a later date in the “Special Tables” and in Bayonet fighting.

C.R.N.C. No. 55103 (A.).  Northern Command Order No. 654.

DISCHARGE – NOT LIKELY TO BECOME EFFICIENT –

            It has come to notice that recruits recommended for discharge on Army Form B 204 are sent to their homes on furlough pending discharge.

This practice must cease, as these men must be seen by the Medical Inspector of Recruits before their discharge can be approved.

(M)  Northern Command Order No. 655.

DISCHARGES – RECRUITS MEDICALLY UNFIT –

            With reference to King’s Regulations, paragraph 392, iii., (c) and (cc), it is notified for the information of all concerned that a Recruit will be considered, for the purpose of discharge, to come within the periods of Three and Six Months respectively, if A.F. B 240, “cause of objection” is signed and dated by the Medical Officer bringing forward the case, within these periods.  There must be no undue delay in forwarding the application for discharge to the proper authority.

(M.)  Northern Command Order No. 656.

CORRIGENDA –

            Command Order No. 625, dated 21^st April, 1915 – Line 2, for “Blythe” read “Hythe.”

C.R.N.C. No 53753 (A.).  Northern Command Order No. 657.

274 – Command School of Telephony –

            With reference to Northern Command Orders 649 and 650, dated 26^th April, 1915, the following will be detailed to attend the Course referred to:-

 20^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) – 1 Officer.

21^st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers ( 2^ndTyneside Scottish) – 1 Non-Commissioned Officer.

275 – Course of Telephony –

            The attention of Commanding Officers is called to Northern Command Circular issued with Northern Command Order 649 – “School of Military Telephony, Tynemouth” – Instructions for the Assembling of Classes.

276 – Lectures on the Preservation of Health –

            The attention of Commanding Officers is called to Northern Command Order 652 of April 26^th, 1915.  Early action is to be taken.

277 – Physical Training  –

With reference to Northern Command Order 654 – “Physical Training” – Commanding Officers will report to Brigade Headquarters the steps they have taken in this connection.

278 – Attachment –

            The R.A.M.C. orderlies now attached to the V.A.D. Hospital will in future be attached to the 20th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) for pay and discipline.        

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

26^th APRIL, 1915.

269 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

ALLOWANCES TO ACTING CHAPLAINS –

            With reference to Command Order 316, dated 4^th of March, and to War Office letter, of the 24^th February, 1915, Clergy/General Number/4155 (Q.M.G. F.a), the issue, during the period of the War, to Clergymen gazetted as temporary Chaplains to the Forces, 4^th Class, of lodging and fuel, and light allowances, has been approved in cases where they are not accommodated in public quarters or billets, or in receipt of field allowance.

            The first paragraph of the letter referred to above will be regarded as modified accordingly.           

Authority, War Office Letter Clergy/General Number/4224 (Q.M.G. F.a), dated 17^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 45751 (Q.).  Northern Command Order No.648.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

25^th APRIL, 1915.

266 – Dentures – Supply of

            With reference to Brigade Order 140 of 24^th February, 1915, last line, delete words after “Brigade Headquarters.”

Authority can now be given by General Officer Commanding Brigade.

267 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of officers as mentioned in Brigade Order 245 of 17^th inst. will re-assemble at the Orderly Room, 20^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Battalion, Tyneside Scottish) at 10-30 a.m. for the trial of the person marginally named.

In the margin.  No. 11 Company Sergeant Major Nicholas Hunter, 20^th (S) Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

268 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

SENIOR OFFICERS’ COURSE – SCHOOL OF MUSKETRY, STRENSALL –

            The following Officer has been selected to attend a Senior Officer’s Course, which will be held at the School of Musketry, Strensall, from 28^th April to the 1^st May inclusive:- Lieutenant-Colonel A.P.A. Elphinstone, 22^nd Northumberland Fusiliers.

Accommodation will be provided at the Station Hotel, York.

Detention allowance at the rate of 10/6 a day has been sanctioned.

            C.R. No. 52819 (G.M.). Northern Command Order 636.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

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

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – John Lawrence Collins to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 18^th March, 1915.

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

12^th Battalion (Tees-side Pioneers). – Edgar William Dobinson to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 28^th March, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.638.

COMMISSIONS – TERRITORIAL FORCE – DECLARATION ON ARMY FORM E 536.

            The declaration on page 2, Army Form E is not necessary in cases of Candidates for Commissions in the Territorial Force, who have served in the past in the Officers’ Training Corps, and are now serving in the ranks.

Authority, War Office letter No. 9/33/33 (T.F. 1), dated 20^th April, 1915.

C.R. No. 50682 (M.S.).  Northern Command Order No.463.

PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE FIELD –

            As photographic cameras are not allowed to be in the possession of Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, or men while serving with the British Army in the Field, on no account are such to be taken by any unit or reinforcing draft when proceeding overseas.

Authority, War Office letter No. 121/Press/88 (A.G. 3), dated 19^th April, 1915.

C.R. No. 50682 (M.S.).  Northern Command Order No.643.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

24^th APRIL, 1915.

263 – Routine –

            In future and until further orders, the following hours will be adopted throughout the Brigade:-

                        Reveille                     6-0 a.m.

                        Breakfast                   7-0 a.m.

                        Orderly Room           7-45 a.m.

Physical Training     8-0 to 8-40 a.m.

Battalion Parade      9-0 a.m.

264 – Clothing and Equipment – Drawing of –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 187, the Commanding Officers of those Units which have now been completed with clothing and equipment will cease to send their Quartermasters to the Brigade Store.

265 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

PHYSICAL TRAINING –

            The following is published for the information of all concerned: – “Unless the men have had something substantial to eat before parade, no form of Physical Training should be done in the early morning, or until half-an-hour after breakfast and dinner.

(G.) Northern Command Order No.629.

RESTRICTION OF LIGHTING – BARRACKS, HOSPITALS, BILLETS –

            Whenever an order has been made by the Home Secretary for the diminution of public and private lighting, as has been done in prohibited areas, and in certain large cities and towns, it is necessary that the inside lights in barracks and hired buildings in which troops are quartered should be shaded or obscured so that no bright light is shed outside.

In order to avoid the heavy expenditure entailed by a general provision of blinds, it is considered that in the majority of cases it will suffice to fit each light with a shade and screen, of some cheap and opaque material, so arranged as to prevent direct rays of light from falling on the windows.  Where essential, blinds may be provided.  Such work as may be necessary will be carried out by the Royal Engineers on requisition from Commanding Officers, aided by military labour as far as practicable.

It has been arranged that in the event of warning of an aircraft raid, that all lights, both public and private, shall be extinguished by the civil authorities.  When this occurs only such light as is absolutely necessary, in case troops are called upon to move, should be maintained.

The attention of all Officers Commanding is drawn to this matter, both because it is undesirable that the law affecting the civil population should be disregarded by the military, and because leaving buildings in  military occupation lighted would, by contrast, make these buildings the more likely to be attacked.

C.R.N.C. 54173 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.631.

EQUIPMENT – HUTMENTS –

            It has been decided that equipment which may be actually and necessarily required for upkeep or replacements in the hutments of “local” Battalions should be obtained by local purchase, on the most reasonable terms that can be arranged.

            The worn-out articles should be returned to the nearest Army Service Corps Barracks Store or disposed of on the spot, whichever may be the more advantageous to the public.

Authority, War Office letter No. 57/General Number/4170 (Q.M.G. 9), dated 19^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 38177/148/2 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.633.

With reference to this order, all application for such purposes will be referred to these Headquarters.  No purchases will be made by Officers Commanding Units until the necessary authority has been obtained.

MEDICAL ATTENDANCE –

            Cases have been brought to notice in which N.C.O.’s and men of Units where Civil Medical Practitioners are employed are granted leave to proceed to their homes when ill, in some instances to receive operative treatment, in others medical treatment the result being that large bills are incurred.

This practice must cease at once.

Commanding Officers granting leave in such cases will be held responsible for all expenses in connection therewith.

The proper procedure to adopt is: – (1) To send such cases to nearest Military or Territorial Force General Hospital for treatment; (2) where cases are too ill to travel they should be admitted to the nearest Civil Hospital, and application made to Headquarters, Northern Command, for covering authority.  Number, rank, name, unit, and cost of maintenance of patient must be stated.

(M.)  Northern Command Order No.634.

MOTOR CARS – SPEED LIMITS –

            It has recently been brought to notice that Drivers of Motor Cars and Motor Cycles proceeding on duty have travelled at an excessive speed, especially when passing through towns and villages.

It must be clearly understood that on no account must the normal speed rates be exceeded, except where the transmission of the order, or other communication, as quickly as possible, is of urgent importance on military grounds, and even then the messenger must be in possession of a written authority signed by a Staff or other superior Officer, i.e., an Officer not below field rank, who should inform the messenger of the military urgency of each case.

Authority, War Office letters No. 92/2508 (A.G. 3), dated 4^th February, 1915, and No. 92/2521 (C. 2.), dated 16^th April, 1915.

C.R. 42665 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.635.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

23^rd APRIL, 1915.

261 – District Court-Martial –

            The person marginally named will also be tried by the District Court-Martial directed to assemble by Brigade Orders 245 and 256.

In the margin.  No. 593, Pte. G.H. Watson 21^st Btn, Northd Fus (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

262 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Second Supplement to the  “London Gazette” of Friday, the 16^th April, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Hugh Gunn to be temporary Captain.  Dated 1^st April, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.619.         

CASKS –

            All Units in the Command will return to Ordnance Officer, York, all Casks, Vat, in their possession.  They are urgently required for return to Woolwich.

C.R.N.C. 49583 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.623.

N.C.O. AND MEN EMPLOYED WITH HEADQUARTERS UNITS –

            All Non-Commissioned Officers and men employed with Headquarter Units or posted to fill vacancies in the Establishment of Headquarter Units, will be held supernumerary to the Establishment of the Unit from which they are drawn.

Authority, War Office letter 9/South Notts. Yeomanry/37 (A.G. 1), dated 30^th March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 53763 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.624.

GLOVES AND MITTS – WOOLEN –

            The issue of Gloves or Mitts, Woollen, to Recruits on enlistment, or to men on re-enlistment, will cease forthwith. 

Gloves or Mitts will not be taken by Drafts or Units proceeding to join the Expeditionary Force (Command Order No. 224, dated 16^th February, 1915, to be amended accordingly).

Authority, Telegram 1148 (Q.M.G. 7), dated War Office, 19^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 43196 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.626.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.