BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

11^th MAY, 1915.

324 – Dry Canteens – Establishment of –

            Officers Commanding Units who have not hitherto done so will arrange for the establishment of a Dry Canteen in their Battalion Lines as early as possible.

325 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 754 and 756 of 10^th May, 1915.

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,

9^th MAY, 1915.

318 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 290 of 1^st May, 1915, of which Major P.B. Norris, 22^nd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

319 – District Court-Martial –

            The details of officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room, 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish), Alnwick, on the 11^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 E.K. Purnell. 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

MEMBERS

A Captain of the 22^nd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish.)

A Captain of the 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish.)

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

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

Officers Commanding 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Battalions, Tyneside Scottish will each detail three officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 245 Pte. James Hood, 21^st (S. Btn, Northd Fus (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), No. 422 Pte. Frank Cunningham, 22^nd (S.) Btn. Northd Fus (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) and No. 20975 Pte. J.T. Rodden, 12^th (S.) Battalion Yorkshire Regt (Teesside Pioneers).

320 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

TELEPHONE COURSE –

            The Second Officers’ Course at the School of Telephony, Tynemouth, will commence on Monday, May 17^th.  vacancies have been allotted as follows: – 123^rd Brigade, 2 Officers.

C.R.N.C. 54790 (G.).  Northern Command Order No.748.

 “LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Third Supplement to the  “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 4^th May, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st Battalion 2^nd Tyneside Scottish. – Percy Reay Bell to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 12^th February, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.749.

COMPLAINTS – REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES –

            Attention is drawn to Command Order 168 of the 6^th February, 1915, with reference to complaints and applications by serving soldiers being addressed direct to the War Office.  The Army Council point out that the irregularity still continues, and direct that it be at once discontinued and that the provisions of paragraph 439, King’s Regulations, which should be fully explained to the men in each Unit, must be strictly adhered to.

            Anonymous letters are strictly forbidden.

Authority, War Office letter 105/General Number/1939 (A.G. 1), dated 5^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 42225 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.752.

321 – Telephone Course –

            With reference to Northern Command Order 748, the Officer Commanding 22^nd and 23^rd (S.) Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd and 4^th Tyneside Scottish.)will each detail one Officer to attend this course.

322 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Order No. 750 of 8^th May, 1915.

323 – Command Orders – Republishing of –

            With reference to Command Order No. 752, Officers Commanding Units will republish this order in their Battalion orders.

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 MAY, 1915.

314– Daily Parade – Men excused from –

            The General Officer Commanding has noticed that Commanding Officers in some instances are in the habit of excusing a totally unnecessary large number of men from the 9 o’clock daily parade, whereby valuable training time is being wasted.

Commanding Officers will exercise the greatest care in this connection and will take immediate steps to reduce the numbers of men so excused to an absolute minimum.  No man, whatever his employment may be, is to be allowed to be absent from parade, unless such a course is absolutely necessary.

Officers’ Servants and Grooms, excepting one per Company, will invariably attend parade.  A minimum number only of other employed men will be excused parade.

Officers Commanding Units will forward to Brigade Headquarters by 10 a.m. on Monday, the 10^th inst., a detailed list showing the numbers of Non-commissioned Officers and Men who they propose to excuse from the 9 a.m. daily parade.

315 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

DETENTION BARRACKS –

            The Detention Barracks at York Castle and Wakefield are allocated to the troops in this Command, and soldiers who may be sentenced to Detention should not be sent to Detention Barracks outside Northern Command.

Authority, War Office Letter No. 23/Northern/171 (A.G. 3.), dated 3/5/15.

C.R.N.C. No. 47101 (a.).  Northern Command Order No.734.

SENIOR OFFICERS’ COURSE – SCHOOL OF MUSKETRY, STRENSALL –

            The following Officers have been selected to attend the 6^th Senior Officers’ Course, which will be held at the School of Musketry, Strensall, from the 17^th to 22^nd May inclusive:-

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

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

Accommodation will be provided at the Station Hotel, York.

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

C.R.N.C. No. 54465 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order No.738.

MUSKETRY PAMPHLETS –

            Additional copies, in pamphlet form, of the précis issued to Officers and N.C.O.’s attending Rifle Courses at the School of Musketry, Strensall, can now be obtained by Units or individuals direct from the Yorkshire Printing Company, Hull Road, York, on payment.

(G.M.).  Northern Command Order No.739.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 4^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – George Munro Ross to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 8^th April, 1915.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – John Scott to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 19^th April, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.740.

316 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 737 and 744 of 7^th May, 1915.

317 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Medical Officers is drawn to Northern Command Order No. 746 of 7^th May, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

NOTICE.

            The following is an extract from a letter received from the President of the North-Eastern Counties Cross Country Association addressed to the General Officer Commanding 123^rd Brigade, dated 4^th May, 1915:-

            “We have now definitely fixed our Military Cross-Country Championship, for the 29^th inst., at Gosforth Park.  The race will take the form of a Battalion Championship, for which a handsome Shield will be awarded, and an inter-Company Team Race, medals being awarded to the first three teams, and also to the first three men ‘home’.

A Company may enter one or more teams, and may run up to 15 men, the first ten only to count for the Company Team race.  The Championship will be awarded to the Battalion whose first 20 men (irrespective of the Companies they belong to) finish with the smallest aggregate of points.

It is our desire – as it is that of the York authorities – that every Unit in the district shall be represented at this gathering, and I trust that it may be possible for you to arrange for at least one team from each Company attached to each Battalion in your Command.

I have been asked in some quarters as to the means of securing proper outfits for the men.  This outfit should consist of rubber soled shoes, running vests, and shorts.  In quantities these can be bought at a cost of 4/- per man, and I think the Officers have provided same, in many cases, out of regimental or other funds over which they seem to have control.

I hope that what we are doing meets with your approval, and beg to say that if in any way I can be of assistance I shall be pleased to hear from you.  There is, of course, just nice time for the men to train for the Championship, being more or less physically fit; they only need a few training runs to enable them to face the starter quite as prepared as any of the other teams can be.

It you think a supply of the enclosed handbill would be of any assistance, I should be glad to let you have a supply.”

With reference to the foregoing, the General Officer Commanding wishes Commanding Officers to give teams who are competing the necessary facilities for carrying out the few training runs suggested.

One Team of 30 per Battalion will be trained.

It is regretted that a greater number of teams cannot be entered owing to the expense involved. The expense of outfit should be paid out of Regimental Funds.

Winton

Bournemouth

Hants

May 6^th /15

Dear Albert,

We had a letter from your Mother yesterday telling us that you had been wounded & giving your address so thought I would drop you a line or two to try & cheer you up a bit.  I can assure you that we were all very sorry to hear the bad news and sincerely hope it is not very serious & trust you are getting on as well as can be expected & hope you will soon be out of Hospital when you get well enough perhaps they will send you to some convalescent home or better still let you go home till you are quite well again let us hope that there will be no need for you to go to the front again for it must be terrible out there.  I am glad to say that we are all fairly well you Aunt & Cousin Eva sends their love & sympathy to you hoping you will soon be well again & we shall all be only to pleased to have a line from you when you are able to write.  Dear Albert I must tell you that we have been quite lively down here this last winter we have had over twenty thousand troops billeted in Bournemouth for nearly six months but I am sorry to say that they are nearly all gone for they have done the town a lot of good & it seems very dull now that they are gone.

            I do not think there is any special news to tell you now.  Bournemouth is about the same as it was when you were here so will close with best love from us all wishing you all good luck & a speedy recovery from your

            Affete Uncle

            W.E. Wells

P.S. I expect your Mother will send us news of you if you are unable to write

. W.W.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

5^th MAY, 1915.

305 – Lecture –

            Captain E.V.H. Chatterton, The Royal Irish Rifles, will deliver a lecture at the Picture House, Alnwick, to-morrow (Thursday), 6^th instant, at 3-30 p.m.  all Officers and Non-commissioned Officers not on duty will attend.

306 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extract from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Friday, 30^th April, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

Walter Lamb, William Davis, Alfred Ernest Carr, George William Atkinson, Edgar Roscoe, William McIntosh, Herbert Hamilton Amos, William M. Herries.

. Northern Command Order No.706.

BILLETING – RATES FOR FORAGE –

            It is notified for the information of all concerned that the following amendment to the Army Act, contained in the Army (Annual) Act, received the Royal Assent on the 16^th March last:-

ARMY (ANNUAL) ACT

SCHEULES

The maximum price to be paid to the keeper of a victuallying house for the provision of “Stable room and ten pounds of oats, twelve pounds of hay, and eight pounds of straw per day for each horse” shall be increased from one shilling and ninepence to two shillings per day.

Authority, War Office letter 105/General Number/1995 (C.2), dated 24^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 55403 (Q.).  Northern Command Order No.708.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUPPLY OF STORES –

            Attention is again called to the frequency with which applications for supply of Stores and ordinary routine correspondence are forwarded to Headquarters, Northern Command.

Much unnecessary correspondence is caused thereby.

All such communications should be addressed to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, under paragraph 18, Equipment Regulations, Part I.

C.R.N.C. No. 46388 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.711.

HORSES – DETRAINING OF –

            It has been brought to notice that it not infrequently occurs that remounts consigned to Units are not immediately unloaded.

            Not only is this bad for the horse, but it also unduly detains rolling stock that is in urgent request.

Horses should be unloaded by consignees as soon as possible after arrival, at any hour of the day or night; in order to facilitate this it is most important that consignors shall inform consignees of the probable hour at which the horses will arrive, and every endeavour should be made to obtain this information from the authorities at the station of despatch.

Authority, War Office letter, No. R/1315 (Q.M.G. 4), dated 29^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 56096 (R.).  Northern Command Order No.712.

RETURN OF STORES AND CLOTHING TO A.O. DEPT –

            It has been found necessary to re-print Command Order No. 223, dated 16^th February, 1915.

223 (Re-printed.)

            Considerable difficulty and delay in dealing with consignments are being experienced by the Army Ordnance Department on account of Units when returning Stores and Clothing to York not observing the instructions issued to Units by Chief Ordnance Officer, York, that packages be clearly marked with:-

1. Name of Unit returning.
2. Voucher number on which the Stores are charged.
3. Contents.

and also that a packing note detailing the contents be placed in each package.

Clothing and necessaries should be packed and vouchered separately to other Ordnance Stores.

Owing to the quantity of Stores which are received at the Ordnance Depot at the present time, unless these conditions are observed, it is most difficult to deal with receipts.

Particular attention is to be given to carrying out the above directions.

C.R.N.C. 56460 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.713.

TRAVELLING EXPENSES – CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONS –

            Candidates for Temporary Commissions, or Commissions in the Special Reserve in the Royal Artillery, are not entitled to travelling or other expenses in connection with their journeys, to or from London, although undertaken in compliance with instructions they may have received to report themselves at the War Office.

Authority, War Office letter 100/Artillery/1473 (A.G. 6), dated 15^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 54686 (Q.).  Northern Command Order No.715.

DAMAGES –

            Several Complaints and Claims have been received throughout the Command in respect of Hay and Corn Stacks being climbed on to for the purpose of signalling, resulting in damage to the thatch, and letting wet into the Stack.

In future, on no account are Stacks of any description to be used for this purpose.

Northern Command Order No. 717.

COOKING IN CAMPS –

            As about half the meat ration is fit for roasting, and the remainder better utilized for stewing, all Units should have ovens sufficient to roast meat for half their numbers daily.

As there are at present no Aldershot ovens available with the Army Ordnance Department, York, ground ovens should be improvised on the principles laid down in pages 65 to 67, Manual of Military Cooking.  Small charges necessarily incurred for bricks and sheet iron or barrels for the purpose will be sanctioned.

Attention is called to the desirability of instructing some men each day in mess tin cooking while in camps.

C.R.N.C. No. 56639 (I.A.S.).  Northern Command Order No.719.

WASTE OF BREAD –

            It has been found by experience that as a rule 1lb. of bread per man per day is ample; some Units now average ¾lb. only.  Great saving is effected by distributing bread for each meal cut in slices, instead of loaves.  Equivalents for the saving may be drawn in flour, rice, oatmeal, or biscuit.

Units may purchase locally a sufficient number of bread slicers, not exceeding one per company or battery, a serviceable pattern can be obtained for about 15s. if there are no regimental funds available, the bills should be submitted through the proper channels to the A.O.D.

C.R.N.C. No. 56639 (I.A.S.).  Northern Command Order No.720.

SURPLUS STORES NOT TO BE RETAINED –

            The attention of all Commanding Officers is called 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. 40576 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.722

307 – Northern Command Order –

The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order 718 of May 4^th, 1915.

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,

4^th MAY, 1915.

302 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officer as mentioned in Brigade Order 290 will re-assemble at the Orderly Room of the 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) on the 6^th May, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court Martial the accused person named in the margin.

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

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 123^rd (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. 1040 Private, John Forrester 20^th (S. Btn, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

303 – Brigade Depot – Formation of –

            A Brigade Depot will be formed and will be quartered at Tilley’s Rooms, Market Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne.  This Depot will consist of two Officers, all Home Service Men (other than Band boys), and a proportion of selected N.C.O.’s from each Battalion.  All recruits enlisted at Newcastle and District for Battalions of this Brigade will be temporarily housed at Tilley’s Rooms, and sent out to Alnwick weekly, every Saturday.

The following Officers will be detailed for duty with the Brigade Depot:-

21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) – 1 Captain.

22^nd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) – 1 Subaltern.

Until further orders all recruits will be drafted to the 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) to complete establishment.

304 – War Office Letters –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to War Office Letter No. 91/Infantry/780 (A.G. 1), dated 18^th April, 1915, and 105/General Number /1995 (C. 2), dated 24^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 54313/A. 

C.R.N.C. No. 55403/A. 

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 MAY, 1915.

298 – Cap and Shoulder Badges – Issue of –

            A free issue of men’s cap and shoulder badges for 1,350 men per Battalion is now being made to all Battalions of the Tyneside Scottish Brigade.

The 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) will be completed first, the other Battalions in succession.

After the initial issue has been made, Non-commissioned Officers and men will have to replace any loss on payment.  In order to enable this to be done the Tyneside Scottish Committee have agreed to send to each Quartermaster’s Store at a later date 500 cap badges and 500 sets of shoulder badges.  These will, therefore, be kept in the Quartermasters Store by each Unit for issue on payment only.

The Officers Commanding Units will be responsible that the sums received for issues on payment are remitted monthly to the Hon. Secretary, Tyneside Scottish Committee.

299 – Bands –

             At the request of the Hospital Authorities, in future, no bands will play in the vicinity of the V.A. Hospital at Alnwick.

Officers Commanding Battalions will take steps to ensure that this order is most carefully adhered to.

300 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, 27^th April, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Percy Henry Satchwell to be temporary Second-Lieutenant.   Dated 7^th April, 1915.

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

12^th Battalion (Tees-side Pioneers). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second-Lieutenants:-

Norman Cox-Walker.  Dated 18^th March, 1915.

William Connal Macfarlane.  Dated 18^th March, 1915.

Raymond Cooke Taylor.  Dated 23^rd March, 1915.

Arthur Barrowcliff.  Dated 11^th April, 1915

Northern Command Order No.698.

DETENTION BARRACKS –

            The Military Detention Barrack situated in the Civil Prison at Wakefield was opened for the reception of soldiers sentenced to detention on the 28^th April, 1915.

Captain R.C. Hamilton, 3^rd Reserve Battalion, the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, has been appointed Commandant, 2^nd Class, under Article 454 of the Royal Warrant.

Applications for admission should be addressed to the Commandant, Military Detention Barracks, Wakefield.

Authority, War Office letter No. 23/Northern/171 (A.G. 3), dated 26^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No.47101 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.700.

DETENTION BARRACKS – COMMITTALS TO –

            It has been brought to notice that soldiers, in numerous instances, are committed to Detention Barracks with money and valuables, such as Watches, etc., in their possession.  As this is contrary to the provisions of Para. 652 (A) King’s Regulations, such steps must be taken as will ensure that the instructions contained in that paragraph are carried out.

Authority, War Office letter No. 23/General Number/2617 (A.G. 3), dated 27/4/15.

C.R.N.C. No. 55854 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.701.

301 – Command Orders – Attention Called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order No. 696, dated 1^st May, 1915.

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 MAY, 1915.

295 – District Court-Martial –

            The accused persons marginally named will be tried by District Court-Martial directed to assemble by Brigade Order 290.

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

In the margin.  No. 147 Pte. A. Faircloth, 21^st (S.) Btn., Northd Fus (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) and No. 828 Pte. J.T. Detcheon, 21^st (S.) Btn., Northd Fus (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

296 – Out of Bounds –

            The following farms are placed out of bounds for training purposes: – Foxton, Broom House, Golden Moor, and Water House.

297 – Vaccination –

            Medical Officers attached to Units will begin to vaccinate Non-Commissioned Officers and Men as soon as possible.

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,

1^st MAY, 1915.

287 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 245 of 17^th April, 1915, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Dunbar Stuart, 20^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

288 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 246, of 17^th April, 1915, of which Major P.B. Norris, 22^nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

289 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 255 of 21^st April, 1915, of which Major E.K. Purnell, 23^rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers  (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

290 – District Court-Martial –

            The details of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room, 20^th (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish), Alnwick, on the 3^rd May, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Major P.B. Norris, 22^nd (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, (3^rd Tyneside Scottish).

MEMBERS

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

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

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

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 123^rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

            The Officers Commanding 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Battalions, Tyneside Scottish, will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 1078, Pte. Henry Lowden, 20th (S.) Btn, Northd. Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) and No. 1307, Pte. A.E. Havelock, 21^st (S) Btn., Northd. Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

291 – Routine –

            Retreat will be sounded from this date at 7-15 p.m.

292 – Signalling Class –

            With reference to Brigade Orders 222 and 224, dated April 9^th, the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers therein mentioned will rejoin their own Units from this date, but will attend the Class as previously.

293 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

BICYCLES –

            With reference to Command Order Number 320, dated 4^th March, 1915, in which it is stated that only service pattern bicycles are suitable for service overseas, and authorising Units to be equipped with that machine when ordered to proceed there, it is directed that in the case of the New Armies, effect should be given to this instruction as soon as possible after the receipt of instructions to demand mobilisation equipments.

Authority, War Office letter 57/Aldershot/8858 (A.3), dated 26^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 38021/15/6 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.681.

DISCHARGES –

            The wording to be used in the case of men discharged under paragraph 392 (iii). (c), and paragraph 392 (iii.), (c.c.), King’s Regulations, is “Not likely to become an efficient soldier (on Medical grounds).”

In the case of men discharged under paragraph 392 (iii.), (c), the words “on Medical grounds” will only be added when applicable.

Authority, War Office letter No. A.G. 2 B./3184, dated 21^st April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 53762 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.683.

TRANSPORT OFFICERS – EXTRA DUTY PAY –

            For the period of the War, Extra Duty Pay at 1/- (one shilling) a day may be issued to Officers acting as regimental transport officers in regiments of Cavalry and Infantry of the Regular or Territorial Forces when such Units are in possession of at least fifty per cent. Of the animals laid down in their War Establishments for transport, the full rate of 2/- (two shillings), under Article 277, Pay Warrant, being issuable only when the complete equipment of animals and vehicles has been supplied.

In the case of Reserve Battalions for which no fixed transport establishment is laid down, the 1/- or 2/- may be given according as the number of transport animals in charge corresponds to the number for which 1/- or 2/- is given for a Regular Battalion.

 War Office letter 48/Infantry/1141 F.2, dated 23^rd April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 55218 (C.P.).  Northern Command Order No.684.

ADJUTANTS – APPOINTMENT OF MAJORS –

            If, during the continuance of the War, it should be found necessary to utilize the services of Majors as Adjutants, the rates of pay provided in the Pay Warrant in addition to regimental pay of their rank will be issuable.  In those arms for which the Pay Warrant provides different rates for Captains and Lieutenants who are appointed Adjutants payment to a Major holding the appointment should be made at the rate for a Captain.

War Office letter, 48/Artillery/5927 (F.2), dated 24^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 55539 (C.P.).  Northern Command Order No.687.

SOLDIERS SENTENCED TO DETENTION –

            The committal to police cells, or to a civil prison, of a soldier who has been awarded Detention is contrary to Section 63 (1) of the Army Act, and must not be resorted to except where a part of such civil prison has been set aside for use as a Detention Barrack.

Authority, War Office letter, No. 105/General No./1998 (A.G. 3), dated 25^th April, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 55532 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.691.

OFFICERS ON CONSOLIDATED PAY IN TEMPORARY HUTMENTS –

            It has been decided that temporary Hutments should not be regarded as public quarters within the meaning of paragraph 3 of Army Order No. 337 of 1914.

Authority, War Office Letter General Number 16/3263 (J.M.G. 1), dated 26/4/15.

C.R.N.C. No. 55659 (Q.).  Northern Command Order No.693.

294 – Northern Command Orders – Attention Called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 677, 678, 680,688 of April 29^th and 694 and the Notice of April 30^th, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

 

Extracted from

 

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda & Correspondence

—————–

 

1915

 

May 4 1915.

Shoeburyness

“…… We had a sort of (picnic) to-day. It consisted in tramping along dusty roads, carrying glasses, compasses, maps, directors etc., climbing up church towers, and locating places.  It was rather interesting but very hot and thirsty work.  It is a wonder our instructor got back at all as every one wanted him to have a pint at the village pub.  I managed to finish my paper on Sunday night after I got back and verified my calculations on Monday morning, so I was alright.  Several men missed the last train back and had to arrive with the milk in the morning.  Our instructor here is a very interesting man.  He was a non-commissioned officer in the famous “L” Battery R.H.A., which was blown to pieces by the Germans.  He and two others continued to serve their gun when every other gun was out of action, and the other men killed or wounded, for which he and two others got the V.C. and commissions.  He was badly wounded by the back burst of a high explosive shell ….

Thursday night is guest night with band, generally a lively time. (We have to honour the King in Mess Port!

 

May 12 1915.

 

After a strenuous morning riding, afternoon at gunnery, evening at lectures, we went out at 9 o’clock for gun-pit digging all night….. We returned this morning at eight.

 

Sunday May 15 1915.

R.P.

B.A.C. 83^rd Brigade R.F.A.

Heytesbury House

Heytesbury

Wilts

 

I arrived this afternoon with Dexter, and found that the whole of the officers of the 18^th Division were quartered in Heytesbury House.  The surroundings are lovely, but the house is bare and much too overcrowded.

The Commandant of the Shoeburyness School of Gunnery has just been appointed Colonel Commanding our Brigade.

 

Thursday May 20 1915.

 

Somewhere on Salisbury Plain.

 

“I am sitting in a haystack surrounded by the muddy plain. We are on a field day with the infantry…..  yesterday the whole 18^th Division went on a divisional route march, and General Maxse inspected us.  As far as I can make out it was for the benefit of the ladies (wives of the generals and staff).  See what I command sort of show,…..very boring for the (regimental officers and men and a day wasted.

 

The weather has been truly awful. I have never seen such mud.  Thick chalky soup, almost up to one’s knees.  The horses and men are never dry.  You can imagine what it is like with the huts not yet finished.  No stables and the horses in open lines.

 

Our new Colonel had arrived and dined in Mess last night. He is going to lecture to us every night on gunnery…..

Heytesbury House is the residence of Baron Heytesbury. The only furniture they have left are some awful family portraits and one or two broken chairs.  Otherwise the place is empty and very dirty.  There is a great crowd in the house.  I am lucky as I am in a room with the adjutant and the Colonel’s galloper.  The mess is very badly run, so we are enjoying ourselves.

 

Opposite here is a large wood, and on either side are high mounds, old tumuli, which probably contain the bones of British warriors. The only sounds are larks singing and gunners snoring.  This American harness is very rotten, and is always breaking.  Fancy having to go to America for our harness.

 

Some of the men are looking for what they call “nesties”. The usual instinct for hunting something.  The language is a bit thick at times, but they are not bad chaps, very willing, though sometimes very stupid.  The second in command of this Brigade is a priceless major, and he affords endless amusement because he can’t ride at all.  He is very tall with long legs that hang down and dangle as he rides.  He sits hunched up over the withers of his horse, and is quite incapable of controlling it.  He backed into the General the other day, who was furious.  The funny part is that when the battery goes into action and his horse takes fright at the noise, as it generally does, he is sure to be taken off to the rear, and as his battery staff have to follow him everywhere and keep him in sight, it is probable that the whole lot will be missing at the critical moment.  They have put off our firing practice for a week, owing probably to the wet.