No 8 Platoon

“B” Company

15^th Batt C of London Regt

2^nd London Division

4^th Infantry Brigade

21/5/15

Dear Dada,

            Recd the big parcel last night just after we were relieved from the trenches.  It was a fine assortment & we enjoyed it immensely.  Yesterday was the 11^th day we have been at the trenches & everyday 11 day without having our boots or equipment off.  Today is the first day we have tasted bread since Sunday the 9^th inst when we went into the trenches or breastworks.  All we had was Bully, biscuits, tea (with milk sugar etc) a little bacon & a smell of jam.  Am now in a small village just over a mile from our trenches & unless our Brigade are relieved by another Brigade today will probably be up at the breastworks again tonight.  As you have no doubt seen in the newspapers we are now in possession of the G breastworks which we used to fire at a few days.  The regulars just on our left captured the German trenches opposite theirs & gained the breastworks opposite our breastworks by bombing along.  The G artillery seems somewhat worn down as they have been constantly shelling us with little damage.  The Company I am in are very lucky as each time we have been relieved the relieving company had some killed & wounded but our fellows got off with scratches & bruises by shrapnel etc. e.g. the day before yesterday our company had 2 bruised by falling sandbags (knocked down by fiz-bang), & the co who relieved us had 2 killed & 12 wounded.  One of the fellows I saw on a stretcher I think Dinny knows as he was in his old Company.  There are some ghastly sights out here, but I will not try to describe them.  After being under shell fire for the last 11 days we are now somewhat indifferent to it.  Just on our right the Germans exploded a mine which was meant to blow up part of a trench manned by Guardsmen but it fell short & only killed one man.  Following the explosion the Gs made a half hearted attack & were consequently shot down.

Our battn have a lot of G equipment rifles etc, in its possession, which were left in the once G breastworks.  Some of our fellows have got G spiked helmet but I cannot get one yet.  If I manage to obtain one I shall send it home.  Yesterday our company had the most thrilling & narrow escapes since we have been here.  We were in support to the breastworks in some ruined houses about noon when the Huns started shelling us.  I was in a house, in another room of which was a sergeant & a pte when the first shell struck the corner of the house.  Fortunately no one was struck by pieces of the shell but the sergeant was terribly bruised by a ton of bricks which fell on his back.  I thought the whole house was coming down on me, but escaped through being in a corner & got smothered in brick dust & splinters of everything.  The G shelled us for about 20 mins knocking houses down etc & I think we are lucky at having no casualties because the Battn who relieved us at that place had several casualties there that evening.  We picked up several of the shells & gave them to an artillery officer who told us they were 50 pounders.  The shells were made in 1915, so we presume the Huns have not too much ammunition.  We are all tired as whilst in the trenches one is lucky if he has time to sleep.

            Your letter of the 14^th was so interesting that several fellows have read it, & Val nearly choked himself with laughter when he read it especially about the bread, buns, scones & cakes were thrown out amongst the aristocracy of Custom House.

Val sends his regards to yourself & Mick.  We are still enjoying ourselves we will be glad when it is over.

Your loving son Eddie.

P.T.O.

Would you mind telling Len Knight that am sorry have not had a chance to reply but will after I have had some rest if we don’t return to the breastworks.  With remembrances to Mrs Knight  E.B.

P.S. Should like a pair of socks & also Loofa socks.  E 

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

21^st MAY, 1915.

342– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from a Supplement to “London Gazette” of Friday, 14^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

Ernest H.S. White, from 20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish).  Dated 14^th March, 1915. John W.E. Murray.  Dated 15^th March, 1915.

John G. Harrison.  Dated 16^th March. 1915.

The undermentioned temporary Second Lieutenants to be temporary Lieutenants:-

Arthur V. Curry.  Dated 15^th March, 1915.

John C. Williams.  Dated 16^th March, 1915.

Arthur S. Wells.  Dated 17^th March, 1915.

Edward Charles Lingwood to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 18^th April, 1915.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Lieutenant John McClay, from 20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish), to be temporary Captain.  Dated 13^th March, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Lieutenant Thomas B. Coull, from 20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish), to be temporary Captain.  Dated 13^th March, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.816.

343 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 817, 818, 819, and 821 of May 18^th, 1915; 825, 826, and 827 of 19^th May, 1915; and 830, 832, 834, 837, 838, 839, 840, 841 of 20^th May, 1915.

344 – Chiropodists – Training of New Armies –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 817 of May 18^th, 1915, Officers Commanding Units should take the necessary steps to carry out this order as soon as possible.

345 – Courses – Machine Gun –

With reference to Northern Command Order No. 825, dated 19th May, 1915, further instructions will be issued later.

346 – Stores for Hutted Camps –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 827, dated 19th May, 1915, the Tyneside Scottish Committee have been requested to take the necessary action.

347 – Daily Messing Account –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 830, dated 20^th May, 1915, Officers Commanding will submit applications for copies to these Headquarters without delay.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

22^nd MAY, 1915.

348 – Special Command Order –

BY MAJOR-GENERAL H.M. LAWSON, C.B, COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF,

NORTHERN COMMAND.

HEADQUARTERS, YORK,

THURSDAY, 20^th MAY, 1915.

Inspection by His Majesty the King.

            The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief has been directed by His Majesty the King to express to Major-General B. Burton, C.B., and to the troops who paraded under his command on the Town Moor, Newcastle, to-day, his complete satisfaction with all the arrangements made in connection with the Parade, and with the physical fitness and smart soldierly bearing of the troops.

His Majesty noted with pleasure the progress made by all ranks of the Royal Artillery, the Scottish Horse, and of the Territorial Units and the locally raised Infantry Brigades, drawn from the Counties of Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire, which indicates an earnest intention to fit themselves for the duties which lie before them.

His Majesty was further pleased to have an opportunity of noting the smart appearance of the Officers’ Training Corps and the National Volunteers.

His Majesty also expressed his appreciation of the excellent arrangements made for the care of the sick and wounded at the 1^st Northern General Hospital and at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

N. LAKE. Brigadier-General,

i/c Administration Northern Command.

349 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 337 of May 16^th, 1915, of which Lieutenant-Colonel P. Dunbar Stuart, 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

350 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room of the 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) on the 25^th May, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Major G.H. Gardner, 21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish.)

MEMBERS

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

A Captain, 21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

The accused will be warned, and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd (S.) Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 1315 Pte. Peter Lancaster 23^rd (S.) Btn, Northd Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) and No. 1387 Pte. David Reed, 22^nd (S.) Btn, Northd Fus (3^rd Tyneside Scottish).

351 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

BRIGADE MACHINE GUN OFFICERS –

            The Brigade Machine Gun Officer will, in future, be seconded in Cavalry, Mounted, and Infantry Brigades.    

Authority, War Office letter 100/General Number/2340 (S.D. 2), dated 17^th May, 1915.

            With reference to the above Order, Brigade Commanders will forward names of Officers recommended for this appointment.  No name is to be submitted unless the Officer in question has qualified at a School of Musketry in Machine Gunnery.

Recommendations must show date and place of qualification.

C.R.N.C. No. 59337 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order No.843.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 18^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Captain Edward E. McClintock to be temporary Major.  Dated 1^st May, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Captains:-

Temporary Lieutenant Francis C.A. Nicholls.  Dated 1^st March, 1915.

Temporary Quartermaster and Honorary Lieutenant Charles Y. Adamson.   Dated 15^th March, 1915.

Temporary Lieutenant Frank Milburn.  Dated 22^nd March, 1915.

The following extracts from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 18^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – George Eric Cope to be Second Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th April, 1915.

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish). – Carl Norton Levin to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 26^th April, 1915.

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

Arthur Douglas Gibson.  Dated 7^th April, 1915.

Albert Bruce Cosgrove.  Dated 9^th April, 1915.

John Clemson Whitaker.  Dated 9^th April, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.844.

352 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 849 and 850 of 21^st May, 1915.

353 – Special Command Order –

            Commanding Officers will take steps to have the Special Command Order read to their Battalions.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

18^th MAY, 1915.

340 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Second Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 11^th May, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Harold Kenneth Gibson to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.803.

PATMENTS FROM ARMY FUNDS –

            The issue of gold should be restricted within the narrowest limits, and all Officers should note that in making issues of pay to soldiers, or wages, etc., to civilians, full use should be made of Treasury Notes.

            No excuse regarding difficulty of handling or extra time involved in payments will be accepted as a reason for the continued use of gold.

Authority, War Office letter General Number 6/5170 (Accounts 1.A.), dated 27/4/15.

C.R.N.C. No. 55718 (C.P.).  Northern Command Order No.805.

341 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 806, 807, and 812 of 17^th May, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

16/5/15

Pte. E.J. Byrne

No. 8 Platoon

“B” Company

15^th Batt C of L Regt

140^th Brigade

47^th Division

B.E.F.

Dear Dada & Mickie,

            In the first place I must acknowledge the receipt of registered letter containing 20/-.  Thanks very much.  It will be greatly needed after this action is over.  Am glad to hear that Mick has done so well in his exam.

            I suppose you know all about the move made last Sunday (9^th).  The attack began again very early this morning & is going on splendidly.  Am writing this in ruined house just in front of our field guns (about 3 batteries) which have been firing ever since dawn.  Shrapnel is bursting all around & a few of us have had slight wounds but nothing serious, although up at the breastworks we have had several casualties.  I had better start at the beginning & tell you what has happened.  In the 1^st place the French made their great attack just on our right & advanced several miles on the 8^th.  At 3 a.m. on the Sunday morning we occupied some reserve trenches to a part of the firing line to be held while our troops advanced on our left & took the G. trenches.  During this our artillery bombarded the G trenches with great gusto & made the earth shake all over.  Of course we had our ears plugged up with cotton wool as the terrific noise if ears are unprotected, causes them to bleed.  We had only four or five shells over.  The next day we occupied some redoubts (like very small sandbag forts) which are to be held at all costs.  From then till last night have not had more than 3 hrs sleep, so you will not be surprised to hear that we slept through the bombardment this morning until we were woke up to stand by & be prepared to move any moment, at 7 a.m.  The most exciting time was last Thursday when about 7 p.m. we had orders to yell cheer & fire rapid into the G. trenches.  No doubt we scared the Huns out of their lives with this noise and fusillade of bullets.  Just as we started the din our troops on the right about 900 yds away exploded a mine & blew part of a G. trench sky high.  The debris went about 40 feet in the air.  During the last three days I have fired at least 350 rounds, as each day we let them have rapid.  Have burnt my left hand where I touched Val’s barrel after ceasing rapid.  During the day we fire only through loop holes but at night over the parapet.  We know where to fire as a rifle flash is very distinct, as is that of a field gun.  While we were up at the breastworks we had dozens of “Fiz-bangs” come over.  They are about 6 pounders & did not do very much damage beyond 2 or 3 wounds, parapet blown in, in three places & plonking some dirt & small pieces of shell in two mess-tins of tea Val & I had just made.  I counted the paces to the shell hole & made it 24.  It was convenient for burying our rubbish.

            You cannot imagine what a beautiful sight is a night in the trenches.  Flares going up every minute & lighting up the whole country round.  There are too many things to describe, & although all of us are looking forward to the end of the war, most of us are glad that we have seen what we have.  Having been at the trenches since last Sunday we have been living on Bully, biscuits & jam.  We got our water by digging a well managed to get “the post”.  Our mess of four fellows was lucky as two of them had parcels, which helped us through.  The most desirable things are cocoa & milk (combined – like you sent some time ago) and chocolate.  The newspaper idea is very good & they will be jolly welcome.  We are now in a zone that is all ruins so that we cannot purchase anything even bread.  That reminds me the other day we made some tea with water served out by the Quarter Master.  We drank the tea & all remarked that it was a rotten taste & afterwards found it was a solution of bicarbonate of soda used for soaking our respirators which we all carry.  It did not do any harm.

            I don’t think I have told you that we have an order to grow moustaches.

            Have just seen a batch of G. prisoners go by.

            Must close now

            Yr loving son

            Eddie

P.T.O.

To look at the dirty back I presume. E.B.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

16^th MAY, 1915.

336 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 319 of the 9^th May, 1915, of which Major E.K. Purnell, 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

337 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room, 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish), Alnwick, on the 17^th May, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Lt.-Col. P. Dunbar Stuart, 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish.)

MEMBERS

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

A Captain, 21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish.)

The accused will be warned, and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

The Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd (S.) Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 1040 Pte. John Forrester 20^th (S.) Btn, Northd. Fus (1^st Tyneside Scottish), No. 1217 Corporal R. Bainbridge 20^th (S.) Btn, Northd. Fus. (1^st Tyneside Scottish) and No. 1217. Pte M. Sinclair, 21^st (S.) Btn, Northd. Fus. (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

338 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

ALLOWANCES TO ACTING CHAPLAINS –

            With reference to Command Order 648 of the 24^th April, it is notified that any temporary Chaplains who are in receipt of a rate of pay in excess of 10/- a day may have the option of retaining their existing emoluments without the allowances specified in the Command Order above mentioned, or of drawing pay at 10/- a day with the allowances specified by that Order.

The allowances under the Order in question may be admitted from the 8^th April inclusive, but not for any earlier period.   

Authority, War Office letter Clergy/General Number/4424 (Q.M.G.F. a), dated 10^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 45751 (Q.).  Northern Command Order No.802.

339 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 797 and 800 of 15^th May, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

15^th MAY, 1915.

334 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 783, 784 and 792 of 14^th May 1915.

335 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

SENIOR OFFICERS’ COURSE – SCHOOL OF MUSKETRY, STRENSALL –

            With reference to Command Order 738 of the 7^th instant, the following Officers have been withdrawn from and added to those selected to attend the Senior Officers’ Course at the School of Musketry, Strensall, from the 17^th to the 22^nd May, 1915, inclusive:-

WITHDRAWN

Lieut.-Colonel J.C. Campbell, 23^rd Northumberland Fusiliers.

Captain A.G. Niven, 21^st Northumberland Fusiliers.

ADDED

Lieut.-Colonel H.W. Becher, 12^th Yorkshire Regiment.

Northern Command Order No.785.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts are published for information:-

From the Second Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 7^th May, 1915:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – Alan Edwin Middleton to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th April. 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Percy George Hall to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 26^th March. 1915.

            From the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 11^th May, 1915:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – William Worthington Sanby to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 27^th April. 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Albert Richmond Hunter to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 28^th April. 1915.

Northern Command Order No.787.

DISCIPLINE – TROOPS TRAVELLING BY RAIL –

Command Order No.1260 of the 15^th September is re-published for general information:-

With reference to Command Order No.1063, dated 22^nd August, 1914, two cases of serious injury have been reported due to bottles being thrown from troop trains.  All troops travelling by rail should be warned against this practice.  This Command Order should be re-published in all Divisional, Brigade, and Regimental Orders.

Authority, War Office letter Q.M.G. 2, dated 12^th September, 1914.

C.R.N.C. No. 57666 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.791.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

NOTICE.

Cross-Country Competitions.

Battalion and Company Cross-Country Championships will be held at Gosforth Park on Saturday, the 29^th May, at 3-15 p.m., open to all Units in the North-Eastern District, i.e. Berwick, Northumberland, Durham, North Riding of Yorkshire.

A Company may enter one or more teams, 15 men to run, 10 to count.  The Company Championship will be won by the team whose first ten men finish with the lowest aggregate of points.

The Battalion Championship will be won by the team whose first 20 men finish with the lowest aggregate of points.

A silver shield is provided for the Champion Battalion.

A set of 10 gold medals for the Champion Company.

Ten silver-enamelled medals for the Second Company.

Ten silver medals for the third Company.

Ten bronze medals for the fourth Company.

A gold medal for the first man home.

Medals also for the second and third men home.

These events are being organised and the prizes presented by the North-Eastern Counties Cross-Country Association.

Entry forms and all particulars can be obtained from the President, Mr. W.T. Rainbow, 15, New Bridge Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne.  Telephone 607 Central.

It is hoped later on to hold a similar meeting, of which due notice will be given, to find the Champion Team of the whole of the Northern Command.

The G.O.C. i/c authorises the issue of Railway Warrants for all bona-fide competitors as an encouragement to physical training.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

14^th MAY, 1915.

330 – Acting Senior Medical Officer – Appointment of –

            Lieutenant R.B. Macfie, R.A.M.C., will act as Senior Medical Officer, Alnwick, until further orders.

Authority, C.R.N.C. 58278, dated 12^th May, 1915.

331 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 774 and 776 of 13^th May, 1915.

332 – School of Telephony –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.774, the Officer Commanding the 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) will detail one Non-commissioned Officer to attend this course.

333 – Manual of Military Hygiene – Issue of –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.763, Officers Commanding Units will forward to these Headquarters a return shewing the number of copies of the Manual of Elementary Military Hygiene required for distribution in their Units.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

NOTICE.

Issue has been made of a large number of Marquees for the use of troops in place of Circular Tents; these Marquees will split unless care is taken to slacken off the ropes when the Marquee is wet.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

13^th MAY, 1915.

327 – District Court-Martial –

            The details of Officers as mentioned in Brigade Order 319 of 9^th May, 1915 will re-assemble at the Orderly Room, 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish), Alnwick, on Friday, 14^th May, 1915 at 11 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin.

The accused will be warned, and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

The Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd (S.) Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 49 Pte. A MacDonald 21st (S.) Btn, Northd Fus (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) and No. 1108 Sergt. Alexander Wallace 21^st (S.) Btn, Northd Fus (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

328 – Officers – R.A.M.C. –

            The following Officer of the R.A.M.C. has been attached for duty to the Battalion shewn below:-

23^rd (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Lieutenant J. Muirhead.

329 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 768 and 722 of 12^th May, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

12^th MAY, 1915.

326 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

RESULTS OF 6^th VICKERS MACHINE GUN AND 19^th RIFLE COURSES –

            The undermentioned Officers and N.C.O.’s qualified at the following Courses held at the School of Musketry, Strensall:-

RESULTS OF THE 10^th RIFLE PARTY, 5^th TO 21^st APRIL, 1915.

OFFICERS

2^nd Lieut. Shapley, A.E. 23^rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

N.C.O.’s.

123, Sergt. Cain, W., 21^st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

457, Sergt. Porter, R., 20th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

1084, Corporal Carlyon, H., 23^rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

Northern Command Order No.759.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Friday, 7^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – George Cecil Buck to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 14^th November, 1914.

From a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 7^th May, 1915.

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Sydney Herbert Matthews to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th March, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.760.

POSTAL SERVICES –

            The Army Council have had under their consideration the question of the delivery of soldiers’ letters when men are in billets.  Owing to the frequent changes of billets, and the difficulty of re-direction, it is considered that letters should be delivered according to the King’s Regulations, whenever possible, and it is understood that this course is preferable from the point of view of the Postal Authorities.  The Council have therefore notified the Postmaster-General that, when letters are addressed to a man serving in a Unit and that Unit is designated in the address, the delivery should be according to the rules laid down in King’s Regulations; Article 1369 to 1371 if, however, a letter is addressed to an individual at a given address and no Unit is mentioned on the envelope, the letter should be delivered to the address named on the envelope.

Authority, War Office letter 26/2838 (C. 2), dated 5^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 57396 (M.).  Northern Command Order No.762.

MANUAL OF ELEMENTARY MILITARY HYGINE – ISSUE OF –

            It is proposed to make an issue of the “Manual of Elementary Military Hygiene” to men of the New Armies now undergoing instruction in Sanitary and Water Duties.

Commanding Officers will forward, as soon as possible, a statement showing the total number of copies required for distribution in their Units.

Authority, War Office letter No. 40/General Number/273 (A.M.D. 1), dated 7^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 57762 (M.).  Northern Command Order No.763.

HORSES RECEIPTS FOR –

            It is reported that in many cases considerable difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the necessary receipts for remounts consigned to Units or formations.

In some cases the remounts are consigned to the General Officer Commanding a Division, in others to a Brigade or Units, as best suits the case in each instance – in any case the receipt rendered to the consignor is due from the consignee and not from the Units to which the consignee may distribute.

The consignee should sign and return the receipt without delay.

Authority, War Office letter 1418 (Q.M.G.), dated 8^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 57589 (R.).  Northern Command Order No. 767.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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