1915
12th November 1915. “B” and “D” Companies, under the command of Major G.H. Heelis, who was posted to this Battalion from the 1/4th The Border Regiment, proceeded to Kirkee as the British Infantry Detachment, in relief of the 2/4th Wiltshire Regiment.
29th November 1915. Headquarters and “A” “C” Companies left Poona for Kamptee, Central Provinces.
30th November 1915. “B” and “D” Companies, under Major G.H. Heelis, left Kirkee for Allahabad.
Stamp of TF Record Office London From
From J E Beesley
Officer i/c I.F. Records London
To J.E. Beesley Esq.
4 London Wall Bldgs. E.C.
30th Nov 1915 Dec 3rd 1915
I wish to remind you that you
have not yet acknowledged the
receipt of a discharge Certificate re
No 2600 Pte. R.M. Beesley
28th London Regt, forwarded to
you on his behalf on the 19th inst.
Will you please do so?
N.M.P. Hay Capt. for C.O.
Territorial Force Records
LONDON.
With OHMS Envelope addressed to J.E. Beesley, Esq., Far Cross Bank, Kendal, Westmoreland. Postmarked London 19 NO 15.
No 2346 L/Cpl A.W. Hanson
Orderly Room.
1/5th Bn Leicester Regt
Sawbridgeworth.
Revd T.W. Walters.
Revd Sir,
Just a few lines before we leave England, because it may be a long time before I get a chance out at the Front to write.
We expect to move away on or about Tuesday next, and I have been detailed to go out with the Troops and act as Orderly Room clerk the other two clerks are staying behind here for some time and will eventually go to the Headquarter Office at the Base, so that I shall be on my own in the office near the Firing Line.
I expect it will mean a lot of work for me to do, but still when I have got in to the run of things out there it will come quite easy.
Will you please let Miss Roulston have my copy of the Mens Service report, and she will take it home for me.
I trust that you and Mrs Walters will keep in the best of health, and I hope it may not be long before the War is over and we shall once more all meet again.
If it is not asking too much I should like Hymn No 595. Holy Father, in Thy mercy, sung in Church for me the next two Sunday evenings.
With very kind regards to Mrs Walters & yourself.
I remain,
Yrs obediently
Albert Will
There is no envelope with this letter.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A.P.A. ELPHINSTONE,
COMMANDING 102nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEAD QUARTERS,
SANDHILL CAMP. LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL.
29th NOVEMBER, 1915.
1041 – TEMPORARY COMMAND OF BRIGADE –
Brigadier-General T.P.B. Ternan, C.M.G., D.S.O., having proceeded on leave – the temporary Command of the Brigade devolves on Lieutenant-Colonel A.P.A. Elphinstone, 3rd Bn. Tyneside Scottish (22nd (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers).
1042 – DIVISIONAL EXERCISE –
At the Divisional Exercise 30:11:1915, at the 10 minute halts, all men are to fall out and remove their equipment, and the loads on pack mules are to be taken off.
1043 – EXTRACTS FROM SALISBURY TRAINING CENTRE ORDERS–
27:11:1915.
“London Gazette” –
The following extracts from the Third Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 23rd of November, 1915, is published for information:-
The Northumberland Fusiliers; –
23rd (Service) Battalion (4th Tyneside Scottish). – Major William Lyle (Special Reserve, The Lancashire Fusiliers) to command a Battalion, and to be temporary Lieutenant-Colonel vice J.C. Campbell vacated, dated 24th November, 1915.
Salisbury Training Centre Order No. 1188.
1044 – SALISBURY TRAINING CENTRE ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –
The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Salisbury Training Centre Orders 1192 and 1193 dated 27th November, 1915.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,
Brigade-Major, 102nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
COMMANDING 102nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEAD QUARTERS,
SANDHILL CAMP. LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL.
18th NOVEMBER, 1915.
1001 – COMMAND OF BRIGADE –
Reference Brigade Order No. 976 dated 11th November, 1915, Brigadier-General T.P.B. Ternan, C.M.G., D.S.O., resumed command of the Brigade from this date.
1002– DIVINE SERVICE –
Troops of the 102nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade will parade for Divine Service on Sunday 24th inst – as follows:-
CHURCH OF ENGLAND 9-30 a.m. 1st Bn. Tyneside Scottish) Battalion
(20th (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.) Canteen
10-15 a.m. 2nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish) Battalion
(21st Bn. Northd. Fus.) Canteen
10 a.m. 3rd Bn. Tyneside Scottish) Y.M.C.A.
(22nd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.) Hut
10-45 a.m. 4th Bn. Tyneside Scottish) Y.M.C.A.
(23rd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.) Hut.
ROMAN CATHOLICS 8-15 a.m. in Y.M.C.A. Hut between Nos 14 and 15
Camps.
PRESBYTERIANS 9 a.m. in Y.M.C.A. Hut between Nos. 14 and 15
Camps.
WESLEYANS and
UNITED BOARD 9 a.m. in Wesleyan Hut in No. 5 Camp.
1003 – DIVISIONAL EXERCISE –
Reference Divisional Order No. 530 dated 17th instant, the Officer, 2 Non-commissioned Officers and 20 men from each Battalion will report to Captain Bulman, “G” range, at 9 a.m. to-morrow, the 19th inst.
1004 – DIVISIONAL ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –
The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Order No. 530 dated 17th November, 1915.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,
Brigade-Major, 102nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
NOTICE.
It is notified for general information that the Tyneside Scottish Committee are compiling a History of the Brigade, which will be printed at the end of the War. The Committee are anxious to make the volume as complete as possible and to include photographs of the Brigade and Battalions on parade.
The Photographers, Messrs Bacon & Son, will attend at Sandhill Camp on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st instant. Battalions will parade for this purpose in marching order, Scale “A”, in line of close column of companies – vide Plate VIa, Ceremonial 1912, Provisional Amendments. Companies to be sized and equalized. Bands to be on right of Battalions.
No 4564 9 Plat C Coy 3/5 Leicesters, Belton Park, Grantham Lincs.
Nov 14th 015
Dear Rev Walters,
Knowing that you always delight in hearing from the “Boys in Khaki” I once again take the pleasure of writing to you, because I feel honoured in being counted as one of your friends.
Friendship is a valuable asset in life, & especially among soldiers. One always finds the spirit of comradeship among soldiers; it is really remarkable how they cling to each other.
I suppose the reason is this: – That unless one helps the other, there is no help at all. Nothing to my mind, humanly speaking, tells in the life of a soldier so much as his knowing that all are comrades together. The men whom I am with are often concerned about great questions. Some ask great questions such as the following.
IS God dead? If not – why the calamity of war, & the cause of tyranny? Why does God permit the nations of the earth to destroy each other?
Sir, Such are the questions asked, and they need answering; a soldier needs to be guided, & helped, because I find out this; – That once such questions are asked, there is a wavering of faith, a relaxation of the “Home-spirit” & a disposition to do evil.
Soldiers are not saints by any means, (any more than Parsons are)
No one knows the inner life of the soldier save be of the same community; and if the outer world knew, there would be a revelation such as would make mothers weep, & break the hearts of sweethearts.
Sir, what is the reason? Just this: – They think that the cruel discipline which they have to experiences outside the bounds of human feeling, they seem to have the idea that the agony they bear, & the sacrifice they make is greater than the agony & the sacrifice of the Cross
The “Great Comrade of Life” is left out of the account & when He is left out men wonder in darkness, & experience a disgust with soldier life which is most appalling.
Sir, my point is this: – I have never known a real Christian soldier to grumble or to doubt. No. He smile at the storm; laughs at adversity, looks up when the heavens are black; & even remembers “That there is one who share all our sorrows & bears a part in our joys. There is agony in stern discipline, but the agony is willingly bourn when one realises that the nation needs the best we can give & that can never be given where there is doubt & distrust.
What a great fight this is. And what a glorious spirit we are putting into the fight. The day of victory has already dawned, & everywhere soldiers are preparing with the civil community to strike a smashing blow at the foes of progress & peace.
We cannot have peace till war has ceased nor can we enjoy the beauty of a glorious sunset if clouds obscure our vision. But peace will come. The enemy will be crushed & Europe liberated from the “Dragon of Hell” who seeks to bind all in his clutches.
I am very proud to say that the spirit of our soldiers is magnificent, & my only regret is – That the Christian Spirit is not so good. Many lack the sweet Spirit of Home & the smile of loved ones & I suppose that is the reason. Still we find the Master’s saying holds good. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. We bear our burden with patience, & if needs be we willingly lay down our lives to defend the honour of right, & to bring a lasting peace to our beloved England.
“The strife will not be long. This day the noise of battle. The next the victor’s song.”
And mark you Sir, We shall sing the victory song, & we hope to share in a glorious home coming when we shall make the arches of our old Parish church ring with our songs of thanksgiving.
In the meantime. Pray for our men. And in the words of our popular song I would say –
“Keep the home-fires burning, while your hearts are yearning
When the boys are far away, they think of home.
There’s a silver lining, through the dark clouds shining
Turn the dark clouds inside out, till the boys come home.
There is something seems to whisper that the day cannot be far
The silver moon seems smiling, there’s a twinkle in each star
Is it autumn or in winter that the joyful news will be
When war will cease & all be peace & we again be free
I think I have written enough.
Trusting that you are well. I remain
Yours respectfully
PTER J.W. Brotherhood
S.P. Excuse scribble – do we have to write where we can & often under bad conditions.
J.W.B.
In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters, Vicar of Whitwick, Whitwick Vicarage, Leicestershire.
Letter postmarked Grantham 3 PM 16 Nov 15.
On Y.M.C.A H.M. Forces on Active Service headed notepaper.
Nov 14th 1915
P.O. A.J. Wilson
Reply to M. Coy T Res Bat B3 lines R.N.D.
Stationed at Blandford Camp
Dorsetshire.
Dear Sir,
Just a line to let you know that I have moved to Blandford Camp and I met with John Heighton there, I was Leading Seaman befor I left the Palace and also P.T.I. but I was made acting P.O. which means Petty Officer, and I have started on my new work on Saturday last and I think I shall be allright down here, there is 3 of us come down here from Whitwick and one goes away next Sunday and that is John Heighton he sends his best love to all at home has he his by my saide at time of writing, I will be able to go down to your town, and I will do so as soon as I can for it is not so far away from here. I will have to close now as it is neer to P.O. time.
I remain yours
P.O. A.J. Wilson, P.T.I.
7 Res Batt. B 3 Lines.
Bland ford Camp
Dorsetshire.
There is no envelope with this letter.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C.H. INNES HOPKINS
COMMANDING 102nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
HEAD QUARTERS,
SANDHILL CAMP.
LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL.
11th NOVEMBER, 1915.
976 – TEMPORARY COMMAND OF BRIGADE –
Brigadier-General T.P.B. Ternan, C.M.G., D.S.O., having proceeded on leave – the temporary Command of the Brigade devolves on Lieutenant-Colonel C.H. Innes Hopkins, 1st Bn. Tyneside Scottish (20th (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers).
977 – CHAPLAIN – ROMAN CATHOLIC – APPOINTMENT OF –
The Revd. J. McHardy has been appointed Roman Catholic Chaplain to this Brigade from November 5th, 1915.
Authority, War Office letter Clergy/General Number/4223 dated 27th October, 1915.
He will be attached for rations and quarters to the 2nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish (21st (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers).
978– DIVINE SERVICE –
Troops of the 102nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade will parade for Divine Service on Sunday, 14th November, 1915, as follows:-
CHURCH OF ENGLAND 9-30 a.m. 1st Bn. Tyneside Scottish ) Battalion
(20th (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.) Canteen
10-15 a.m. 2nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish ) Battalion
(21st Bn. Northd. Fus. ) Canteen
10 a.m. 3rd Bn. Tyneside Scottish ) Y.M.C.A.
(22nd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.) Hut
10-45 a.m. 4th Bn. Tyneside Scottish ) Y.M.C.A.
(23rd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.) Hut.
ROMAN CATHOLICS 8-30 a.m. in the Church Hut near No. 10 Camp.
PRESBYTERIANS 9 a.m. in Y.M.C.A. Hut between Nos. 14 and 15
Camps.
WESLEYANS and
UNITED BOARD 9 a.m. in Wesleyan Hut in No. 5 Camp.
979 – OUT OF BOUNDS –
The arable land on the South side of the Longbridge Deverill/Sutton Veny road opposite Nos 10, 11, 14 and 15 Camps is Out of Bounds for Troops.
980 – RIFLES – “SERVICE”, “E.Y.” and “D.P.” –
With reference to Divisional Order No. 498 dated 10th inst., reports are to be rendered to Brigade Head Quarters forthwith.
981 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –
The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 496, 497 and 498 dated 10th November, 1915.
T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,
BRIGADE-MAJOR, 102nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.
Pte J.A. Moult 13302 B Coy
8th Leicesters B.E.F.
Wed Nov 10th
Dear Sir,
I think it my duty to write you these few lines letting you know I am going on alright out here and am in the pink of condition. We are still trying to overthrow these creatures who are trying to rule the world and I hope before long we succeed in our act. I think it was very rotten in the murdering of Nurse Cavell. But I think that before long we shall catch the napping. We have got a very nice chaplin in out Batt he comes in the firing line and gives us cigarettes regardless of his own cost even when the shells are flying around. When Mr Mackenzie was vicar of Whitwick I was in the Church Choir 4 years and Dad was Choirmaster and captain of bell ringers for a long while but I daresay you have seen his name on the tablet against the vestry. I’m pleased to tell you I had a Church Magazine sent me whilst in the firing line by my old friend Mr John Pawson and I was very pleased with it. Sir will you tell Mr Bastard I received his letter alright and I will answer it as soon as I get the chance. I saw you had a memorial service in respect of my old chum H. Hurst he was along with me out here and I was very sorry to part from him, he was one of my best pals. Sir would you kindly remember me to Mr Rawson as I shall have to close now hoping these few lines find you all at home in the best of health as it leaves me at present.
Yours most sincerely
Pte. J.A. Moult
In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Leicester Rd, Whitwick, Leicestershire. England.
Letter postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE ****. NO 12 15.
PASSED BY CENSOR 1950 in triangular cachet in red.
On Y.M.C.A. with His Majesty’s Fleet headed notepaper.
Nov 10th 1915
Address Reply to Blandford Camp Dorset
c/o Mrs Amos Allen
home address 32 Silver Street Whitwick
Dear Sir,
Just a line hoping to find you all well at Whitwick as it leaves me A1at present, Dear Sir I am leaving the Palace tomorrow Thursday and going to Blandford, and I am going as a P.T.I. there to which means Physical Training Instructor of the R.N.D. Camp down there I have been rated to Leading Seaman and second Class Instructor which is the first step in my new undertaking and I hope to come off at the Top – if I can do so, I will write as soon as I get there tomorrow night Thursday so that you may have my new address, I hope things are going on well at the old Church, and I see that in the times you have a nice Plate put up in remembrance of my old Pal E. Tugby as we where old scoll palls, and I hope to be with you for 7 days at Xmass or New Years, Dear Sir remember me to all kind friends at home. I will have to close now wishing you good night from one of the Mens Service Boys
Alfred John Wilson
P.T.I., R.N.D. Camp
Blandford
Dorsetshere.
In Y.M.C.A. envelope addressed to The Rev T.W. Walters M.A. Leicester Rd, Whitwick, Leicestershire.
Postmarked NORWOOD S.E. 10 NOV 15. And on back of envelope COALVILLE LEICESTER 11 NO 15.
The Bay Museum & Research Facility 