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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

7^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

107 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette” dated Tuesday 2^nd February, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) – David Houghton Bibby to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish), Stanley Hugh Macintosh to be Captain.  Dated 21^st December, 1914.

            The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:-

John Hylton Patterson.  Dated 16^th December, 1914.

Thomas Emmanuel Heron.  Dated 19^th December, 1914.

RAZORS – ALLOWANCE IN LIEU OF, TO RECRUITS –

It has been decided that, owing to the shortage of razors, to sanction the payment of 1/- (one shilling) to each recruit enlisted after the date of this circular who is in possession of a satisfactory razor for his own use.

The payment of the shilling will be considered equivalent to the issue of a razor in kind, and no further free issue will be made in those cases where the allowance has been paid until after the razor provided by the soldier is unserviceable, from fair wear.  A record will be maintained of all men who receive a shilling instead of a razor under this authority, and a note will be made on the transfer clothing statements when men are sent from depots to units.

The charge will be made in Form 3 of the Pay and Mess Book, supported by a certificate from the Officer Commanding the Company, etc., that each of the men to whom the 1/- has been paid was in possession of a satisfactory razor.

This circular does not apply to soldiers of the Territorial Force.

Authority, dated War Office, 30^th January, 1915, 54/General Number/1756 (Q.M.G.7).

C.R.N.C. No. 41902/O.S.  Northern Command Order No. 164.

INSURANCE CARDS, ARMY – SUPPLY OF –

With reference to the issue of the National Health Insurance Card, Class B (Army Card), for the current half-year, a distribution is being made by this Department direct to Units, and it is consequently unnecessary for Units to make application.  If, however, any Units have not received a supply of cards by 15^th February, 1915, they should notify the War Office accordingly in writing.  Telegrams should not be used.

Indents are still being received for the card for the last half-year period.  Any supplies of this card still required should be indented for in writing without delay.

Indents carelessly made out without indication whether the card for the first half of 1915 or the last half of 1914 are required are being received.  It is important that exact particulars be given in making indents.

Authority, War Office letter, dated 30^th January, 1915 (C.2.a.).

C.R. No. 41857.  Northern Command Order No. 165.

Extracts from Northern Command Orders –continued –

PAYMENT OF N.C. OFFICERS ATTENDING THE SCHOOL OF MUSKETRY, STRENSALL –

            Units from which N.C.O’s are drawn to attend courses of Instruction at the School of Musketry, Strensall, must either arrange to pay these N.C.O’s in advance or forward same addressed personally under Registered Cover, cases having occurred where money has been lost owing to having been addressed personally under ordinary postage.

Northern Command Order No. 171.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

NOTICE.

            It is reported that a man enlisted in the 5^th Recruiting Area, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on the 30^th ult., under the name of John Henry Harris, for the R.F.A., and was given a Railway Warrant to proceed to Glasgow.

From information received yesterday there is reason to believe Harris is passing from one Recruiting Officer to the other, enlisting for a Unit, to join which he has to travel by rail, and thereby obtains travelling allowance in addition to one day’s pay.

Harris was dressed at the time of enlistment as a sailor, wearing the usual blue jersey.  Age from 25 to 30; Height, 5 ft. 8½ in.; Chest 39 in., exp 3 in.; Weight, 140 lbs.; Hair, light brown; Eyes, grey-blue; Complexion, fair; Clean shaven.

The O.C. R.F.A. Depot, Glasgow, wires that Harris has not joined there.

C.R.N.C. No. 42186 (L.R.)

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

6^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

104 – Men Medically Unfit – Discharge of –

Considerable loss has accrued to the Public owing to the enlistment in this Brigade of men subsequently found to be medically unfit for service.  In many cases such men have been maintained at the public expense for some months before their cases have been referred to this Office.

In future to insure that only men of sound physique shall join the Brigade, Officers Commanding Units will be held responsible that every recruit who may be sent to join his Battalion is thoroughly overhauled by the Doctor attached to the Unit.  An application for the discharge of any man (vide King’s Regulations, para. 392) found to be unfit will be forwarded without loss of time to this office.

Men who have once been attested cannot be discharged except by the authority laid down.

Steps have already been taken which, it is hoped will ensure the medical examination of men prior to attestation being much more strictly carried out than has hitherto been the case.

105 –Razors – Supply of –

A supply of razors is now available from the Ordnance Store.  Officers Commanding Units will forward indents without loss of time for the full number required to Chief Ordnance Officer, Northern Command Office, York.

106 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” the following extracts from the Supplement to the “London Gazette” dated Friday 29^th January, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned temporary Lieutenants to be temporary Captains.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

Edwin Graham

Gerald O. Laing.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) – Utrick Alexander to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 6^th January, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish) – John George Todd to be temporary Captain.  Dated 31^st December, 1914.  (Substituted for the notification which appeared in the “Gazette” of 25^th January,1915.)

RECRUITS – DENTAL TREATMENT –

It is pointed out that recruits who would, except for defective teeth, be in all respects fit for General Service in the Army, and are prepared to undergo dental treatment, but cannot keep themselves whilst out of work and in the dentist’s hands, may, if the Medical Officer is of opinion that with dental treatment this defect can be remedied, be attested and final approval deferred until they are pronounced by the examining Medical Officer as in every respect physically fit for service in the Army.

C.R.N.C. No. 41919/M.  Northern Command Order No. 155.

Extracts from Northern Command Orders continued –

INOCULATION AGAINST ENTERIC FEVER.

Reference Order No. 1819, dated 23^rd December, 1914, it has come to notice that in some instances men are given 48 hours’ leave immediately after Inoculation.

This is not the intention of the order, and the practice must cease.

All cases after Inoculation should be given light duty or struck off duty altogether for 48 hours, but must remain in Barracks or Billets, and be under the immediate observation of the Medical Officer.

There is no objection to leave being granted for 48 hours after the period of observation has elapsed.

Northern Command Order No. 156.

SICKNESS – WHILE ON LEAVE

It has been brought to notice that paragraph 1323 King’s Regulations is not being complied with, and bills for various amounts are being received from Civil Medical Practitioners for attendance on Soldiers at Stations where there are either Military Hospitals or Military Medical Officers.

Commanding Officers should draw the attention of all concerned to the Regulations.

In future no bills will be passed for Medical Attendance on Soldiers at Stations where Military treatment is available.

Northern Command Order No. 157.

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

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

C.R.N.C. No. 38594/42/O.S. Northern Command Order No. 160.

CLOTHING POLICE – EMPLOYED AS DRILL INSTRUCTORS –

It has been decided that Police Instructors rejoining the Police Force should return all clothing etc., to Store, with the exception of one pair of boots, which may be retained.

Authority, A.C.D./5 R.D./1015, dated 1^st February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 41980/A.  Northern Command Order No. 161.

DRESS –

Where Inspections are held in inclement weather, Great Coats should be worn.

Authority, War Office letter No. 940/G.M.G.7, dated 1^st February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 41980/A.   Northern Command Order No. 162.

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, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

5^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

100. Entrenching Tools–

200 Picks and 200 Shovels per Battalion may now be indented for from the Chief Ordnance Officer, York.  Indents should be forwarded at once.

101. Signalling Equipment–

The following Signalling Equipment, pre Battalion can now be indented for from the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, and should be demanded at once.

Cases, message book                                    5

Flags, signal, army –

Blur, 2 feet square                             48

White, with stripe 2 feet square       58

Poles, 3 feet 6 inches                     158

            Compasses, prismatic                                     5

Cases,             do                                             5

102. Diet Sheets–

Officers Commanding Units will arrange with Contractors for weekly diet sheets to be submitted to them in advance, for approval.  Copies of the sheets will invariably be posted up in prominent positions outside the Billets, one copy to be forwarded to this Office.

103. Medals–

Commanding Officers will cause nominal rolls to be prepared of all ranks in their Units in possession of medals.  A copy of the roll to be sent to this Office.  The roll should show for what campaign the medal was granted.

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, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

4^th February, 1915.

95 – Officiating Clergyman – Appointment of –

            The undermentioned gentleman has been appointed Officiating Clergyman to the Brigade:-

The Rev. H.G. Attwater.

Authority, C.R.N.C. 13/297/100/A., dated 30^th January, 1915.

96 – Demands for Stationary.  The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to War Office letter 26/2720 C.2., circulated herewith.

97 – Men Medically Unfit – Nominal Rolls of all men who have been attested and subsequently rejected as medically unfit, are to be forwarded to this Office with as little delay as possible.  The place and date of attestation and the name of the Doctor who made the initial medical examination, should be stated.

98 – Billets – Care of Bedding, etc. – The following procedure with reference to blankets and palliasses is to be observed:- (1) Blankets are to be taken out daily and well shaken before being folded up.  (2) Palliasses are to be aired in the open several hours at a time during each week as weather permits.  They should be shaken and the straw changed once every month.  The old straw is to be burnt.

99 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extract from the Second Supplement to the “London Gazette,” dated Tuesday, the 26^th January 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish), Captain John C. Campbell, 5^th Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles, to command the Battalion and to be temporary Lieutenant-Colonel.  Dated 27^th November, 1914.

SOLDIERS COMMITTED TO DETENTION BARRACKS – INCOMPLETE KIT – it has been brought to notice that men who are committed to Detention Barracks arrive there with incomplete kits, and, in a large number of cases, even without a change of washing.

It is essential that men should be in possession of change of clothing, as well as their other kit, and considerable trouble and expense are incurred in writing to units for the deficient article.

Every soldier committed to Detention Barracks should take with him clothing and necessaries, completed to Active Service scale, and articles of equipment as provided in paragraph 646 King’s Regulations, where such latter are in possession of the man.

Authority, War Office letter No. 23/Southern/201 (A.G.3), dated 27^th January, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 41493/A.  Northern Command Order No. 145.

Extracts from Northern Command Orders- continued –

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. No. 40756/O.S.  Northern Command Order No. 147.

SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION, CHELSEA – All ball ammunition will be collected from Non-Commissioned Officers before they are sent to join the School of Instruction, Chelsea.

ANTI-TYPHOID INOCULATION

The following Enteric Fever statistics are published for general information.

This order should be re-published in Divisional, Brigade, Garrison and Regimental Orders:-

“Of the first 421 cases of Typhoid Fever in the present campaign amongst British troops, 305 were of men who were not inoculated.  In the 421 cases there have been 35 deaths.  Of these deaths 34 were men who had not been inoculated within two years.  Only one death occurred among patients who were inoculated, and that man had only been inoculated once…”

In view of this unanswerable evidence, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is confident that no soldier with the welfare of his country at heart will hesitate to be inoculated.

Those who do not accept this simple prevention are furthering the interests of the enemy, as well as becoming a source of danger to their comrades.

C.R. No. 42006 (M)  Northern Command Order No. 149.

CLOTHING AND NECESSARIES –

With reference to Command Order Number 1853, dated the 31^st December, 1914, it has been decided that, in the case of units raised by individuals or municipalities all renewals of clothing and necessaries after the initial issue is completed will be obtained from Army stocks.

Commanding Officers will obtain their requirements as directed in Army Order 373 of 1914, and issues to soldiers will be governed by the instructions in the same Army Order.

Repairs to clothing and boots will be carried out as laid down for the Territorial Force in Army Order 335 of 1914.

Authority, 54/General No. /1775 (Q.M.G.7), dated War Office, 27^th January, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 38987/6/3 (O.S.) Northern Command Order No. 150.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

Gerald Benham’s notes from diaries

22 Feb. 1915 Ian Spailing’s funeral.

TRANSLATION OF A GERMAN DIVISIONAL ORDER.

REGARDING THE IMPROVEMENT OF FIRST LINE DEFENCE.

14. I.D.

No. 1.441                                                                                        MARQUILLIES, 27-2-15

The inspection of the position of the Division (14^th) by H.E. the General Commanding VII Corps, the Chief of the Corps Staff, and myself, leads me to make the following remarks:-

1. It must be clearly understood by everybody down to the last man in the company that shelter-trenches fully capable of use as fire-trenches must be made 50 to 100 metres behind the front line. Wherever possible the construction of these shelter-trenches should go hand-in-hand with that of the front line defences. Wherever this is not possible on account of standing water or the backward condition of the front line defences, the construction of these shelter-trenches should be taken in hand as soon as possible.I repeat emphatically that the front line must be held in all circumstances. When a commander voluntarily gives up a portion of the front line he exposes the adjoining sections to the danger of being outflanked and forced to surrender. This commander therefore takes upon himself more responsibility than he is entitled to.
2. I do not in the least underestimate the moral effect of a bombardment of the front line previous to an attack. The shelter-trenches are to be used from time to time for the occasional relief of the troops occupying the front line, to avoid heavy losses. There is the danger, however, that a reoccupation of the position in order to beat off an attack may become impossible when troops are withdrawn to a flank, or that a sudden change of fire-direction on the part of the enemy on to the densely occupied trenches on either flank, may cause heavy losses and intensify the moral; effect on the troops.
3. Considering my very clear instructions of 5^th February, Section 1, No. 300 (secret) paragraph 1 of the final remarks, I cannot understand how an officer commanding a battalion sector could tell the Corps Commander that he proposed to take up a position behind the front line, giving as a reason that his front line was too weakly held and not sufficiently fortified.
4. The instructions of 5-2-15, Section 1, No. 300 (secret), concerning the completion of the positions, have not been sufficiently carried out. The following details are noticeable: the parapets in many places are too low and too weak. There are not sufficient traverses or parados.
5. In many places banquettes are wanting, and a continuous firing line is not arranged for though these could have been provided long ago with little trouble. The possibilities of flanking fire have not been thought of sufficiently. Shelters on the rear side of the trench unless protected by at least 3 metres of earth are to be at once removed. Entrances to shelters are to be traversed.
6. Greater energy must be shown in pumping water out of the trenches and communication-trenches by means of the small pumps, the position of which should be occasionally changed. I further draw the attention of officers in charge of sectors to the necessity of pumping out old trenches and communications, which will save the labour of constructing extensive new ones.
8. Troops should not be content with a fairly dry trench, but should ensure that trenches and communication-trenches are kept entirely free of water, so that further rainfall may not lead to a dangerous state of affairs. Whenever the trench has been pumped dry, digging must continue in order to strengthen the parapet, especially in cases where the sole of the trench is on ground level.
9. I quite realise that great exertions are demanded of the troops, but I have noticed in many instances that the necessity for this amount of work is not sufficiently appreciated. In order to employ the available labour to the best advantage, the following procedure should be observed:- The forces holding the front line trenches are at full strength and must remain so. Any difference, exceeding 100 men, between the fighting strength and the strength shown on the ration return is not justifiable and should not exist. I draw the attention of Commanding Officers to this, and request them to prevent the unnecessary detailing of men for various duties which are not authorized by superior authority. Company Commanders and Colour Sergeants are to be strictly supervised in this matter.Section 1, No. 330). Company Commanders have, against my express orders, kept every loophole occupied and have ordered their men to fire every half hour or “every now and again”; this is an inadmissible alteration of my orders, and if it occurs again I shall have to take disciplinary action. Where these practices continue there is no possibility of sufficient work being done. It depends upon local conditions whether work on the first line trenches is best carried out by day or night. A good deal of work, construction of banquettes, levelling of ground, etc., can be carried out by day.Reserves when used as working parties, are to be at full fighting strength. Complaints have been made to the Corps Commander about the lack of material in the front trenches; this lack of material is mainly due to the fact that the materials were not indented for in time. Indents should be sent in some time ahead, as the Pioneer Parks are frequently unable to cope with demands at short notice.I expect strict compliance with my orders of 5-2-15, Section 1, No 300 (secret), and rely on officers in charge of Battalion Sectors to see that they are carried out.(Sd.) Von DitfurthSent to :-  14^th F.A.B.
11. Hauptmann Bindernagel
12. 79^th Infantry Brigade            11^th Jaeger and 2^nd Coy. 19^th Pioneer Btn.
13. 27^th Infantry Brigade for Regiments and Companies and 3^rd Company 7^th Pioneer Btn.
14. (Lt. Gen. Comdg. 14^th Divn.)
16. Battalion Commanders, and not their representatives who temporarily occupy posts in the front line, are responsible for the effective completion and repair of the trenches in their Battalion Sector.
17. It is the special duty of the Battalion sector Commander to see that repairing and building material is brought up into the front line in good time. The men detailed for this are not to be drawn from the troops in the first line trenches, but from reserves of each sector.
18. The troops in the front line are there for working purposes in the first instance; only a few posts are needed for the observation of the enemy and they should not fire unnecessarily (see special Divnl. Orders 8^th February,

George Ryan’s letter home dated 25 Feb 1915

9^th Middlesex

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

25 Feb 1915

Dear M & F,

Thanks for your letter dated Jan 28^th.  I received the Text Book from Mr Ayerst by the same mail.

I note that you’ve sold a pair of my shoes.

I think we are going to Jaffapore in a day or two’s time to do our firing. It’s 2 or 3 miles from here.  I expect we shall be there 2 or 3 weeks.  We shall live under canvas.  I’m not looking forward to it; it will be very hot out on the range, & the light is so strong, very trying to the eyes.

I went to Calcutta yesterday afternoon with C.A.S.  We had a nice time except that it was rather short.  You want a week there really to see the place properly, only of course, you want the “brass” & that’s the stuff we don’t see much of out here.  What little we do get, nearly all goes on grub – suppers, jam etc.  By the way jam is 8^d a 1^lb tin, marmalade 7½ ^d.

Calcutta seemed a little bit like home, electric trams, motor cars etc but the majority of the population is black.  We went to a music hall in the evening, but we only saw pictures.  I suppose they only have variety turns now & again.  The house was practically empty.  We got a rupee seat half price – 8^d.  we got back to Barracks just after 11.0.

They are still sticking to the rumour that we are leaving India next month.  In fact they say now that Kitchener stated in Parliament that all T. were to be withdrawn from India.  But of course you’ll know more about that than we do; you get more reliable news.  If we are going to move we ought to have been told officially by now.

Hoping you are all well,

Love to all,

George

I suppose you see Cousin Ellen now & again & tell her all the news. I have not written to her since we landed.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 18 Feb 1915

1945 “D” Co

9^th Middlesex

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

18 Feb 1915

Dear May,

Thanks very much for your letter of 21 Jan with the photo enclosed.

Yes. I got the parcel safely as I’ve already written.  The things were in as good condition as when they left you, thanks to the tin box.  It’s the only safe way of sending things out here.  A fellow received a parcel; or rather the remains of one, this week in a cardboard box.  The contents, what was left of them, mince-pies, cake etc, were all smashed & some cigarettes were damaged.

Guard here is about the same as at Dinapore, in fact they say the Magazine post is worse. I have not been on that post myself yet.  There’s a native village just behind it.  There’s generally a row going on there from 8 – 10 p.m.  After that of course the jackals & hyenas insist on giving their “concert” gratis, & there are dozens of fire-flies about, they look like small stars floating about.

My watch dropped off my bed the other day; it’s refused to go since. I’ve been wearing it on my wrist as I can’t wear it on a chain except in my trousers pocket & it takes about a minute to get it out from there, with my tunic & equipment on.  I shall take it to Calcutta when I go but if it’s going to cost much to put right I shall buy a proper wrist watch if I can get one at a reasonable price.

We’ve been digging trenches this week, a very suitable occupation in this climate. It doesn’t suit me, I’ve got a blister on each hand already.  One thing about it if I can’t get a job as clerk when I come back I might stand a chance as “Sanitary Inspector” or a Road digger or something of that sort.

Has the “egg hand” seen you home yet. I wish I was able to come & meet you; you would be able to say then that your brother was waiting for you.

Yr loving brother

George

George Ryan’s letter home dated 18 Feb 1915

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

18 Feb 1915

Dear Edie,

Thanks for your letter dated 14 Jan which I received last Friday, 12^th Feb, a day after the mail had gone out.

We are beginning to settle down here now. It seems to get hotter every day, but we are still working hard.

We’ve seen a few snakes since we came here, only small ones though. Another fellow & I killed one a few days ago, it was 20” long& as thick as your finger.

Hope you are getting on with the piano I wish I had the chance of keeping on with it. I expect I shall have forgot nearly all I ever knew by the time I’m able to start again.

I have not written to you before as I don’t suppose it matters who I write to, I suppose each letter goes round the house just the same.

Remember me to Mr. Clark,

Yr loving brother

George

George Ryan’s letter home dated 18 Feb 1915
Barrackpore
Bengal.
India.
18 Feb 1915

Dear M & F,

Thanks for your letter of 14 Jan. I’ve acknowledged each one of your letters so perhaps you can tell whether I’ve received them all or not. I know I didn’t receive any for 3 weeks after Christmas but since then I’ve had one each mail either from you or May.

Yes that tale about the bullocks, or rather Buffaloes is quite right. C.S. & I were walking across from one barrack to another. It was a funny thing but just as we got near this heard of buffaloes I said to C.S. “Ump! I don’t like the look of these things.” However we kept on & just as we were passing them one of them ducked down his head & charged at us knocking C.S. over & sending me sprawling. I kept on my legs but neither of us were hurt. They are quite quiet as a rule but both of us have given them a wide berth since.

We’ve been issued out with a hair brush, 2 boot brushes, 1 button brush, clothes brush, a pair of socks, a flannel shirt, a fine sweater & another kit bag. They seem very good things too. The shirt is thinner than what you made but nice & soft & the jersey is a very good one, quite heavy. Perhaps you think it’s not much use out here, but it’s fine to put on after coming back from a route march when you’ve changed your shirt.

There’s a fine church here, much better than the one at Dinapore, better clergyman too, it’s almost like being at home the Sunday Evening service. The vicar has opened an old school-room as a reading room. There’s a good piano there so we have musical evenings. 3 or 4 young ladies sang songs the other night.

I should have thought Mr. C could have taken M. & Edie for 25/-. I asked you in one of my letters what he did about the 10/-, balance of my lessons. I suppose it was in the letter from Aden. I said I expect he kept that as I gave him no notice. I told you not to say anything about it unless he mentioned it.

Glad you are getting a few eggs now. They are cheap here. We get a couple hard-boiled now & again instead of porridge for breakfast & we can buy a couple fried at the supper bar for 6 pice (1 ½ d)

Well I think I’ve done very well this week writing to each of you & saying something different in each.

Hoping you are all well & jogging along alright.
Yr loving son
George