BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

9^th APRIL, 1915.

222 – Signalling – Course of –

            The Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers who have been selected to undergo a course of instruction in signalling at Alnwick will report to the Brigade Signalling Officer, Lieutenant S. MacDonald (4^th Battalion, Tyneside Scottish) at the Headquarters of the 20^th (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) at 11-30 a.m. on Monday, the 12^th inst.

The Officer and Non-Commissioned Officers of the 3^rd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish, will be attached to the 1^st Battalion, Tyneside Scottish.

The Officer and Non-Commissioned Officers of the 4^th Battalion, Tyneside Scottish, will be attached to the 2^nd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish.

Officers to bring their camp kit with them.

Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to bring the following with them:-

Copy of Signalling Regulations.

1 Large Blue Flag.  1 Large White Flag.

1 Small Blue Flag.  1 Small White Flag.

Note Books.

223 – Signalling Equipment – Indents for –

            Officers Commanding Units will send in an indent as early as possible to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, to complete the following signalling appliances as laid down below:-

Large Flags, White and Blue         36

Poles                                                  60

Small Flags, White                          36

Small Flags, Blue                            36

Poles                                                  140

The authority to be quoted on the indent is: – C.R.N.C.47870 (G.), dated 6^th April 1915.

Arrangements are being made at Brigade Headquarters for the local purchase, in addition to the above, for each of the following:-

Dummy Keys                                    4.

Vibrator                                              1.

224 – Brigade Signalling Officer –

            Lieutenant S. MacDonald, 23^rd (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) is appointed Acting Brigade Signalling Officer.  He will be attached to the 20^th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) until further orders.

225 – Signalling Classes – Formation of –

            Commanding Officers of Battalions will each form as early as possible a class consisting of at least 1 Officer, 36 Non-Commissioned Officers and Men for the purpose of instruction in signalling with flags, dummy keys, and vibrator.

Classes already formed will be increased to the numbers given above.

As a temporary measure an Officer with, if possible, some previous knowledge of signalling should be appointed Acting Battalion Signalling Officer.

As soon as the Brigade Course of Instruction in Signalling referred to in Brigade Order No. 222 of this date has been completed, a more qualified Officer who has attended the course will be available to take up the appointment of Battalion Signalling Officer.

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,

8^th APRIL, 1915.

221 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE”

            The following extracts from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, 30^th March, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

23^rd Battalion, 4^th Tyneside Scottish – T.A. Anderson to be temporary Captain.  Dated 27^th February, 1915.

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

12^th Battalion (Tees-side, Pioneers). – Charles Christopher Forster to be temporary Lieutenant.  Dated 9^th February, 1915.

The undermentioned to be temporary Second-Lieutenants.  Dated 10^th February, 1915.

                        Joseph Currer Busfield Longbotham.

Thomas Kenneth Gordon Ridley.

Stewart Gordon Ridley.

George Chapman Cuthbertson.

Stuart Marmaduke Cairns.  Dated 17^th February, 1915.

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

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second-Lieutenants: –

Hilton Robert Telford.  Dated 30^th January, 1915.

Frederick Vincent Bell.  Dated 1^st February, 1915.

Cedric Hunton Daggett.  Dated 20^th March, 1915.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second-Lieutenants:-

Guy Osborne Lion.  Dated 15^th March, 1915.

Thomas Hall Waugh.  Dated 18^th March, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.517.

GYMNASTIC STAFF INSTRUCTORS –

1. “In the event of Army Gymnastic Staff Instructors being guilty of Misconduct the offence and award should be forwarded at once to the Inspector of Gymnasia, Headquarters Gymnasium, Aldershot.”
2. “Army Gymnastic Staff Instructors attacked Unit will not be moved to other Units except by order of the Inspector of Gymnasia.”

C.R.N.C. 47549 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.518.

DETENTION BARRACKS –

            The Detention Barrack, Doncaster, accepts soldiers to undergo detention for any period over 7 days and under 35 days, also accommodation is provided temporarily for men for longer periods while awaiting accommodation at Aldershot or York.

            Applications should be made to the Assistant Provost Marshal, No. 5, South Parade, Doncaster.

C.R.N.C. No. 48890 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.519.

ACCOUNTS –

            The Adjutant-General of the British Army in the Field has reported that many holders of Imprest Accounts are not aware of the proper procedure to be adopted in dealing with their Accounts and Acquaintance Rolls.

Full instructions on these matters are contained in the pamphlet “How to Pay a Company,” issued with Army Order 29, of 1915, a general distribution of which was made during the month of January last.

Steps must be taken to ensure that all Officers leaving this country are provided with a copy of the pamphlet in question.

Authority, 121/Finance/204 (Accounts 1 B.), dated 29^th March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 51284 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.520.

CORRESPONDENCE – POSTAGE TO BE PREPAID –

            The attention of all concerned is directed to Command Order No. 297, dated 1^st March, 1915, which has not been observed in many cases.

C.R. No. 45649 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.521.

COMMAND AND ADDITIONAL PAY –

1. With reference to Command Order No. 455, dated 24^th March, 1915, it has been decided to extend the issue of command pay at the 5/- rate, under Article 248 (d) Royal Warrant, to all Lieutenant-Colonels of Royal Engineers Commanding Divisional Engineers in Divisions of the Regular Army, including the New Armies, and of the Territorial Force at home and abroad.  The issue will commence from the date on which the division in each case reaches or reached its total War Establishment, viz., 3 Field Companies, 1 Divisional Signal Company and Headquarters, irrespective of whether each rank or Unit is up to its own individual establishment, and will continue for the duration of the war only.

The issue of command pay under Article 248 (d) to Officers of Royal Engineers commanding certain other formations is under consideration.

Authority, War Office Letter N33/Central/272 (F.2.), dated 10^th March, 1915.

• Where sums in excess of the 2/- a day provided for in Command Order No. 455, dated 24^th March, 1915, for the Adjutant or Acting-Adjutant of an Infantry Battalion in process of formation up to 25% of the establishment have been issued, they should be allowed against Army Funds.

While adjustments need not be made in respect of Adjutant’s pay, this order does not cancel the retrospect effect of the instructions issued in paragraphs (1) and (2) of the War Office Letter quoted with regard to issues of Command pay and second-in-command pay.

Authority, War Office Letter No. 48/Infantry/1024 (F.2.), dated 10^th March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 45245 (A.).

• Command Pay at a uniform rate of 2/- (two shillings) a day may be issued to Officers Commanding Infantry Depots, as from 5^th February, 1915, until further notice.

Extra Duty Pay at a uniform rate of 1/6 (one shilling and sixpence) a day may be issued to Officers performing the duties of Acting-Adjutants of Infantry Regimental Depots from the same date.

The grant of such extra duty pay is for such period as the pressure of work renders the appointment of an acting adjutant necessary.

Authority, War Office Letter No. 48/Infantry/975 (F.2), dated 5^th February, 1915.

C.R. 42744 (C.P.).  Northern Command Order No.522.

CLASSIFICATION AND MINIATURE RANGES – SUPPLY OF STORES – PROCEDURE –

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

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

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

This Order is to be republished in all Divisional Brigade and Regimental Orders.

(C.E.). Northern Command Order No.523.

SPECTACLES – ISSUE OF –

            It is notified for the information of all concerned that steel spectacles fitted with spherical glasses (both convex and concave) may be issued at the public expense during the period of the War to all soldiers whose eyesight is defective and whose vision and efficiency will, in the opinion of the Medical Officer be thereby improved.

(2).  Such spectacles, if accidentally broken or lost, may be replaced at the public expense, on the recommendation of the Medical Officer, whether provided in the first instance by the soldier himself or by the public.

(3).  Every soldier requiring spectacles with spherical glasses for the improvement of his vision will be provided with a duplicate pair before proceeding Overseas on active service.

(4). Spectacles with cylindrical glasses will not be issued.

(5). Arrangements are being made with the contractors to supply:-

(a). Steel spectacle frames (with curl sides) in six fittings, in cases.

(b) Interchangeable spherical glasses of the following strengths, in pairs, both convex and concave: 0.25. 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50. 1.75, 2.0.

(c). Screwdrivers with instructions for fixing glasses in frames.

The following are the Centres at which glasses will be issued:-

No. 1 Northern General Hospital, Armstrong College, Newcastle.

No. 2.        “            “             “       Beckett’s Park, Leeds.

No. 3.        “            “             “        Collegiate Hall, Sheffield.

No. 4.        “            “             “       Wragby Road, Lincoln.

No. 5.        “            “             “       Victoria Road, Leicester.

York Military Hospital, Fulford Road, York.

S.M.O. Tyne Garrison, 2, St. Alban’s Place, Tynemouth.

S.M.O. Humber Garrison, Royal Station Hotel, Hull.

S.M.O. Tees Garrison, Orchard House, Clarence Road, West Hartlepool.

Authority, War Office Letter, No. 24/Western/141 (A.M.D. 3), 31^st March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 51459 (M.).  Northern Command Order No.524.

HIRED BUILDINGS – NOTICE OF DETERMINATION OF TENANCY –

            In view of the near approach of the Camping season General Officers Commanding Divisions, Garrisons, Districts, and Brigades, 4^th and 5^th New Armies, will be responsible that due notice of determination of tenancy is given to lessors and that the houses are surrendered to the landlords on vacation by the troops.  Particular care should be given to give timely notice in the case of Agreements providing for one month’s notice to be given.  Attention is invited to Command Order No. 137 of 1915.

            Notice to determine hirings sent by letter is not safe without acknowledgement in writing of receipt of notice.  Failing such acknowledgement personal service should be effected.

            A report in duplicate should be rendered as soon as possible to Headquarters, Northern Command, showing the buildings to be vacated, the date of probable vacation, and the date up to which rent is payable by the War Department.  At the same time the names should be furnished of local firms who are considered competent to assess structural damages, and can be recommended to carry out this duty in the event of the staff for Engineer Services not being available.

(D.B.O.)  Northern Command Order No.526.

RATION ALLOWANCE –

1. As some doubt appears to exist as to the conditions under which ration allowance admissible under paragraph 39 (c) of the Allowance Regulations for men on ordinary leave, pass or furlough is payable, it is notified for general information that such allowance is payable in advance for each day for which pay is issuable under the provisions of Article 976 of the Pay Warrant and the Army Council’s instructions thereon. 

The Regulations are being amended accordingly.

• Care will be taken that rations in kind are not drawn in addition to the cash allowance.
• The allowance admissible will be at the current Army rate (now 1/9) so long as ordinary furlough is only given for quite short periods.  Further instructions will be issued as to this when necessary.  (Ration allowance for men on sick furlough is provided for in Army Order 496 of 1914.)

Authority, War Office Letter, 53/General No./5288 (Q.M.G.F.a), dated 31^st March, 1915.

C.R. 51373 (C.P.).  Northern Command Order No.529.

EQUIPMENT – INFANTRY – PATTERN 1914 – TALLOW FOR CLEANING AND PRESERVATION OF –

            (Reprinted from Command Orders No. 160 of 4^th February, 1915)

It has been decided that tallow, in the proportion of two ounces per set per month should be demanded from the Ordnance Department by Units in possession of 1914 Infantry Equipment for the cleaning and preservation of the leather portions.  It is desirable that tallow should be applied at once, and Indents should be forwarded to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, as early as possible.

C.R.N.C. 38549/42 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.531.

SURPLUS STORES NOT TO BE RETAINED –

            The attention of all Commanding Officers is drawn to the necessity for immediately returning to the Army Ordnance Department all stores not being used.

A large number of issues have also been made of stores probably required for a short time only, and these should not be retained if not in use.  Camp equipment of all sorts is also included in this Order.

C.R.N.C. 40756 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.532.

CAMP EQUIPMENT –

            It is notified for information of all concerned that Camp Equipment issued to Troops in this Command will be brought to account in the equipment ledger of the Unit in the same manner as ordinary stores.  No Camp Accounts, A. Form G. 973, will be supplied under present circumstances.

C.R.N.C. 38787/5 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.535.

MESS ALLOWANCES –

            With reference to Army Order 429, of 1914, paragraph 1 (b), and Army Order 60, of 1915, it has been decided that a further initial grant of 30/- (thirty shillings) in aid of the formation of officers’ messes may be drawn for each officer on the strength of the Unit on the 30^th April, 1915, in excess of the War Establishment of the Unit.

Claims in respect of subsequent increases in strength will be adjusted monthly in arrear as in the case of Reserve Regiments of Cavalry.

Authority, War Office Letter 103/General Number/1376 (F.2), dated 2^nd April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 47772 (Q.).  Extract from Northern Command Order No.536.

CHECK ON IRREGULAR ENLISTMENTS –

            It having been brought to notice that certain men have absented themselves with a view to enlisting into the Naval Brigade and some Irish Regiments, it is suggested that all Recruiting Agencies should be instructed, now that the influx of recruits is not so great, to investigate more closely the previous careers of those offering themselves for enlistment with a view to checking this irregularity.

I.R. 5^th April, 1915.

C.R. 50773 (I.R.).  Northern Command Order No.537.

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,

5^th APRIL, 1915.

219 – Official Correspondence –

            Officers Commanding Units will be good enough to give attention to King’s Regulations, para. 1845.  Correspondence will be carried on in minute form – each minute being correctly numbered.

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,

3^rd APRIL, 1915.

217 – Northern Command Order –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Order No. 514 of the 1^st April, 1915.

218 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

CORRESPONDENCE –

With reference to Northern Command Order No. 52, dated 11^th January, 1915, correspondence intended for the Command Paymaster, Northern Command, should be addressed “Hollycroft,” Wenlock Terrace, and not to Headquarters.

(A.) Northern Command Order, No.510.

PISTOL AMMUNITION OF CERTAIN DATES ON CHARGE –

With reference to Command Order No. 260, 23/2/15, it is pointed out that Returns have not been received by Ordnance Officer, Selby, from all units in the Command.  Units who have not already done so will now render such Returns as soon as possible.

“Nil” Returns to be rendered if no Ammunition of the dates specified is on charge.

C.R.N.C. No. 44698 (O.S).  Northern Command Order No.511.

STORES – LOSSES OF –

            Demands are constantly being received for “Tugs”, with nuts. No. 17 draught pole,” to replace losses.  This should not happen if the nuts are properly screwed up with a spanner – they have probably been screwed up by hand in the cases where loss has occurred.

            The attention of all concerned is drawn to the necessity for screwing up tightly.

 Authority, P. 2/H. 93/666, dated 29^th March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 51111 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.512.

STORES – PRICES OF –

            The undermentioned price is published for information:-

INFANTRY EQUIPMENT, PATTERN 1914.

                        Slings rifle                 2s 7d. each.

Authority, 51/15 (Q.M.G.F.b), dated War Office, 29^th March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 49336 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.513.

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,

2^nd APRIL, 1915.

216 – Inoculation – Depot Companies –

            Medical Officers attached to Units will be responsible that the Inoculation against Enteric Fever of the Depot Companies of their respective Battalions is carried out as soon as possible.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

Notice.

The Brigade Committee Stores, Newcastle-on-Tyne, will be closed on Monday, 5^th, and at mid-day on Tuesday, 6^th inst.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

1^st APRIL, 1915.

214 – Machine Gun Section –

            Battalion Machine Gun Sections will be formed at once, but the Non-Commissioned Officers and men will remain attached to their own Company for pay and discipline.  They will, however, be accommodated and mess together and form a separate unit for instructional purposes.

Commanding Officers will arrange that pending the issue of guns, the machine gun section is given instruction as far as possible in the general use and capabilities of the gun.

The attention of Commanding Officers is called to “Infantry Training” 1914, Section 8. and Musketry Regulations, Chapter X.

The names of the Officers selected for Battalion Machine Gun Section will be forwarded to these headquarters.

The undermentioned Officer is appointed Brigade Machine Gun Officer:

Lieutenant J.W.E. Murray.

21^st (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

He will supervise the Battalions and Brigade Machine Gun Training.

Officers Commanding Units will each detail the following to form the Battalion Machine Gun Section and its Reserves:

2 Subalterns.

2 Sergeants.

2 Corporals.

30 Privates.

The Non-Commissioned Officers and Men selected should be young, intelligent, and active, and of very good eyesight.

215 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE”

            The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 26^th March, 1915, are published for information:

The Northumberland Fusiliers – 

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). –  Albert Edward Kerr to be temporary Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th March, 1915.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Walter Lamb to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 18^th November, 1914.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Arthur Octavius Terry to be temporary Lieutenant.  Dated 22^nd February, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.495.

RETURN OF UNSERVICABLE STORES TPO A.O.D. –

            The attention of Officers Commanding is drawn to the instructions contained in Paragraph 54 E.R. Part I, and Paragraph 25 E.R., Part III, regarding the procedure to be followed in returning equipment to Store.  In no case should condemned Stores be returned to the Ordnance Depot, York, without the previous sanction of the C.O.O. being obtained.

C.R.N.C. 50791 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.497.

CHEVRONS –

            With reference to the Command Order Number 51, dated 9^th January, 1915, notifying the inclusion of a canvas suit in the scale of clothing for Pioneer Battalions, it has been decided that chevrons for canvas frocks will be supplied for wear on the right arm only.  Indents to be submitted to the Ordnance Officer in Charge.  Clothing Depot, Carlton Street Store, York, accordingly.

Authority, War Office Letter No. 54/Infantry/1258 (R.A.C.D.), dated 26^th March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 40087/6 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.498.

STATIONARY PURCHASES –

            The attention of all concerned is directed to the limitations imposed on the Allowance Regulations on the local purchase of articles of Stationary (including Typewriting Machines, duplicating apparatus, and india-rubber stamps) and on local printing.

During the rapid formation of many new Units last autumn the necessity for such local purchases no doubt arose in certain instances, but the necessity has now ceased and local purchases should not be resorted to.

The prohibition of local purchase extends to Official Text Books and Drill Books.  Ample stocks of these are available to meet demands from all entitled to them as a free issue, and the Controller of H.M. Stationary Office has notified that he will be unable to continue to authorise the refund of any money spent in the purchase of these books.

Authority, War Office Letter No. 26/2807 (C.2a.), dated 20^th March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 49818 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.499.

ALLOWANCES –

            With reference to Army Orders 428 and 496 of 1914, the following three cases not covered by the Army Orders referred to will be dealt with as detailed below:-

1. The case of an unmarried man, with dependents, as in paragraph 2 (a) of Army Order 440/14, who is living at home on duty or on sick furlough;
2. The case of a soldier for whose children separation allowance is being drawn at the motherless rate, who is living at home and doing duty.
3. The case of a unmarried man, with dependents as in paragraph 2 (b) of the Army Order 440/1914, who is living at home doing duty.

In cases (1) and (2), the consolidated allowance of 2/- will be drawn, unless the man is messed regimentally, when lodging allowance will be issuable.

      In case (3), allowances will be drawn as for a married man under the general provisions of Army Order 428/1914.  (Issues during Sick furlough in cases (2) and (3) are already provided for in Army Order 496/14).

Authority, War Letter No. 46/234 (Q.M.G.F.a), dated 20^th March, 1915.

C.R. 50400 (C.P.).  Northern Command Order No.503.

BILLETING OFFICERS AND ALLOWANCES –

            In reference to paragraph 6 of Army Order 337, dated 27^th August, and paragraph 493, Allowance Regulations, the following considerations govern the billeting of and the issue to Officers of Field and Lodging Allowances in particular instances.

As a rule, when their men are billeted, Regimental and other Officers should also be billeted.

When circumstances render it necessary or desirable to allot to them accommodation in unfurnished premises, and they are not in receipt of consolidated pay, they may draw Field Allowance.  When no such arrangements have been made for their accommodation, and they are not under canvas or billeted, they may draw Lodging Allowance (if not in receipt of consolidated pay).

If accommodation in barracks or in furnished hired premises is available for them, they may not receive either Lodging or Field Allowance.

In no case can billeting money be paid to an officer as an allowance.  Vide Command Order 364 of the 12^th instant.  For an officer to pay the money to his wife would be merely to evade the spirit of that order.

Officers on consolidated pay may nor draw Field Allowance.  Vide Regulations quoted in the first paragraph of this order.

C.R.N.C. 46049 (Q.).  Northern Command Order No.504.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

Dick-Cunyngham letter to wife dated 29 Apr 1915
Thursday 29th
My own darling one,

Two dear long letters from you yesterday dated 25th, yes one has been busy but although the actual fighting has not been near us, we have come in for a good measure of bombardment of the Salient. No the little farm house has not been hit yet, nearest within about 6 yards, but bits often come back and hit the roof.

One is getting a little tired of incessant banging all day long and it seems such a sin, on such perfect days, to be sitting in trenches ‘potting’ at one another & shelling every corner where anyone may be all day and night.

At last I was able to get out last night & went with Th on a tour of inspection and I am glad to say since our last visit there has been some very good work done so now I hope we shall carry on at a greater pace, things have been slow, for we have all our reserves out digging on other lines.

One longs to be in a peaceful clime these lovely days – a nice country walk with my darlings & Fritz (how is he) just perfect peace and happiness.

Darling One I think it would be quite a good idea for you all 3 to join hands in a house. Somehow Wimbledon reminds me of the Clark family and I can never imagine you there. I think I shall have to come home and help you chose. I am glad you are going to remain with Edie & I really think Gertie would love to join you both – What a nice establishment it would be. I should appoint you financial advisor, and treasurer.

Well, day’s work must be arranged. So no more will try & write to Charlie but tell him I think it is perfectly sweet of him to have given us those things from the Old House.

My eyes are practically all right again only a little bit red – Darling only want a tin of Colegate’s Violet Talc powder, so nice after a bath in a greasy wooden tub!

Much quieter today scarcely a gun firing at the present moment.

All my love my precious one,
Ever yr devoted Hubby
Jimmie

With black edged envelope addressed to Mrs J. Dick Cunyngham, Heslington, Croft Road. Crowborough, England. Signed Dick Cunyngham. Passed by Censor No 73 cachet. Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 15 dated 29 AP 15. Marked On Active Service.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 15 April 1915

1945. ‘D’ Co

9^th Middx

Barrackpore

Bengal

India.

15 April 1915

 

Dear M & F,

 

Your letter of March 18^th received.  Glad to hear Dad has been a bit busy but I suppose it won’t last long.  Hope his feet are better.

 

I had a letter from Bert this week; he must be having a jolly rough time. He doesn’t seem to think the war will be over just yet, not before next Christmas, he says.  I suppose they discuss it every other day in the trenches the same as we do here.  I think I’ve told you before that I’ve got a rupee (1^s/4^d) bet on with another fellow that it’s over by Oct 31^st.  I hope I shall win it.

 

Well we are going to Darjeeling at last, 19 of us from this Co. We leave here to-morrow, Wed 14. (I’m writing this Tues 13^th).  It will be a change for us.  We’ve got to put on warm clothing! & take 2 extra blankets.  The temperature up there is about 45^o whereas it was over 100^o here yesterday.  So I expect we shall feel pretty cold the first few days.

 

I’m sending some photographs by this mail. They are only groups taken at Dinapore & as I don’t want to cart them up to Darjeeling I’m sending them home.  I would have sent them long ago only I’ve been going to have some done of myself alone but have not done so yet.  I was going to send them all to-gether.  I will tell you what the groups are next week & whether there’s anybody else you know in them.  They are at the bottom of my box at present.

 

Hope you are all well.

Yr loving son

George

 

Thank May for her letter of 18 Mar. Will answer it next week.

 

They are ¼^d stamps on the envelope.  P.C.s go for ¼^d out here, letters ½^d (Inland)

 

P.T.O.

 

Just turned out photographs. They are not up to much, not worth sending in fact but as I’ve paid for them I might as well send them.  The big one & the P.C.s is No 1 Section, (my section) & the other is just an odd group.  I enclose the P.C.s.  C.A.S. is in both of them.  The chap sitting on the form on the extreme left of the Section photo was the one that was billeted with me in Sittingbourne.  G.W.R.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 8 Apr 1915

Barrackpore

Bengal

India.

8 April 1915

 

Dear M & F,

 

Your letter of March 12^th received.  I sent my insurance card to the Society about the 2^nd or 3^rd week we were here so they must have got it soon after sending that notice.

 

I have not come across any place where I could get a parrot; but you need not reckon on me bringing one of those things home. I don’t suppose we could if we wanted too.  We shall have quite enough to manage as it is.  As our Colour Serg^t says this is not a tea-party, we are out here as soldiers.

 

We are at Ishapore again this week on guard. There’s no upper floor to the guard-room so we find it very hot.  It is a job to get any sleep at night time.  We generally have a couple of hours sleep in the afternoon, that is if we are not on duty.  It’s too hot to do anything else.  It’s very nice this morning as I write this, on the bank of the river Hooghly; the one place where it’s a bit cool here.  There’s a nice breeze blowing.

 

I went to Calcutta again last Sat.  It’s a treat to see a little of town life now & again.  We had a ride round in a 1^st class garrey as far as St Paul’s Cathedral.  We had a look in there; it’s a fine building but very small for a Cathedral.  We came across an English watch maker so I’ve left my watch with him to be mended.  It’s going to cost me 5 or 6 “chips” (7/- or 8/-).

 

I think we shall go to Darjeeling next week I hope so at any rate.

 

I had some more papers from Holt this week.

 

Hoping you are all well.

Your affec son

George

Letter to Rev. R.M. Laporte Payne April 15

 

 

Dear Sir,                                                                                                          April 15

 

As I am of opinion that you will interest yourself on my behalf, I am asking if you could kindly send a Lady worker in the district to pay a visit to my wife or call yourself, as I have just received a letter from home, which does not leave one feeling very comfortable, and I am sure it is a letter one does not wish to receive in times, such as are at the present. I have a little boy who had rickets but my wife does not tell me anything as regards how he is going on, and I am very anxious to know, so if you could write a letter to me on behalf of my wife, I shall esteem it a great favour as my time out here is none too pleasant & my wife fails to give me any news that would be of interest to me.  There is no doubt that this will cause her to be offended but I feel I am compelled to do it owing to the uneasy state of my mind.  I received your card at the beginning of the year and I think I acknowledged it.  I am enclosing her letter for you to see, and when she gets to know what I have done no doubt I shall receive fewer letters still.  My present address is 34^th M.A.C. Salonica Forces No. 203809 late 91^st A.A.  I will now close thanking you in anticipation, Believe me to be

Yours very truly

 

Pte F. Bowman

 

Home address, 14 Castle Way.