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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

15^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

121 – Physical Training – Instructional Course of –

            With reference to War Office letter numbered 20/Gen. No./3128 A.G.2A, dated the 4^th September 1914, it is notified for information that the Sixth Instructional Course will finish on the 26^th inst., and that the Seventh Instructional Course for Assistant Instructors in Physical Training will commence at the Headquarter Gymnasium, Aldershot, at 9 a.m. on the 2^nd March, 1915.

1. Non-Commissioned Officers from Out-stations should be despatched in time to report by 9-30 p.m. on 1^st March, 1915.
2. Officers Commanding Units desirous of sending candidates must inform the Inspector of Gymnasia direct not later than the 20^th inst., the NUMBER they wish to send.  They will be notified as soon as possible after the 20^th inst. the number which can be accepted for the course.
3. Candidates selected should be Non-Commissioned Officers who are quick, intelligent, and active, of at least fair education, have sufficient force of character to make instructors, and been passed as medically fit to undergo the course.
4. Candidates from Out-stations will be messed on their ration allowance and accommodated in the Headquarter Gymnasium.  They should bring one blanket with them.
5. Documents should not be forwarded unless specially called for, and it will not be necessary to furnish warrants for the return journey.
6. Army Form N.1510 will not be required, but pay will be issued at the following weekly rates – unless the Inspector of Gymnasia is notified otherwise: – Sergeants, 19s. 10d.; Corporals, 11s. 6d.; Paid Lance Corporals, 8s. 9d.; other Ranks, 7s.
7. The Eighth Instructional Course of 21 Working Days will commence on 7^th April, 1915, at 9 a.m.

Authority, C.R.N.C. No. 43528/A.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

14^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

120 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

            The following extracts from a Second Supplement to the “London Gazette”, of Friday, the 5^th day of February, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish), Leslie Robinson Raimes to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th December, 1914.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). The dates of the appointment of the undermentioned officers are as now shown, and not as stated in the “Gazettes” of 6^th and 18^th January, 1915:-

Temporary Captain and Adjutant Richard H. T. Jobson.  Dated 21^st

November, 1914.

Temporary Lieutenant Dudley C. Laing.  Dated 14^th November, 1914.

Temporary Lieutenant John P. Foster.  Dated 18^th November, 1914.

Temporary Lieutenant Henry Sibbet.  Dated 18^th November, 1914.

Temporary Quartermaster and Honorary Lieutenant Robson W. Rotherford.

 Dated 13^th November, 1914.

Temporary Second Lieutenant Alfred R. Carr.  Dated 19^th November, 1914.

The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants.  Dated 7^th December, 1914:-

            George Robert Purdy.

George William Atkinson.

Matthew Young.

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned temporary Second Lieutenants to be temporary Lieutenants.  Dated 8^th January, 1915:-

Robert B.T. Pinkney.

Arthur L. Young.

Percy Bickerton to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  (Dated 29^th December, 1914)

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

William McIntosh.  Dated 15^th December, 1914.

G. Charlton.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

The undermentioned temporary Lieutenants to be temporary Captains.  Dated 8^th January, 1915.

Dudley C. Laing.

John P. Forster.

Henry Sibbit.

Godfrey H. Williams.

The undermentioned temporary Second Lieutenants to be temporary Lieutenants:-

David H. Bibby.

G. Charlton.

Northern Command Order No. 198.

MUSKETRY INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT –

Command Order No. 183, of the 9^th instant, is cancelled in so far as it refers to tripods.

A large supply has now been received by the Ordnance Department.  Indents should be submitted to C.O.O., York, immediately.

Northern Command Order No. 197.

INOCULATION AGAINST ENTERIC FEVER –

With reference to Command Order No. 156, dated February 4^th, 1915, it is published for the information of all concerned that in future all men who have been inoculated against Enteric Fever will, except in cases of urgent emergency, be struck off all duties for 48 hours immediately after inoculation, and arrangements should be made for accommodation to be set aside in which the men can lie down and be quiet during this period.

Authority, War Office letter No. 24/Gen. No./3567 (A.G.3.a.) dated 6^th February, 1915.

Northern Command Order No. 199.

HUTMENTS – STORES –

In connection with the hutments that have been, are being, or are to be erected for the accommodation of the New Armies, etc., approval has been given for the local provision of ash-bins for cook-houses in hutment camps, where separate dining-huts are not provided, in the following proportions:-

Per Company Cook-house            1

Per Battalion Cook-house              4

For Camps where dining-huts have been provided it is not proposed to increase the present scale of ash-bins viz., 1 per 4 huts, allowed under Hutment Schedule No. 1, but arrangements should be made to distribute them so as to have a certain number near the dining-huts and cook-houses where they are most urgently needed.

Authority, 57/General Number/4063 (Q.M.G.9), dated War Office, 8^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 43126 (O.S.). Northern Command Order No. 200.

RECRUITS – DISCHARGE OF, ON MEDICAL GROUNDS –

It is notified for the information of all concerned that no man under Three Month’s service is in future to be discharged on Medical grounds, under paragraph 392, sub-paragraph (111), King’s Regulations, without the approval of The Medical Inspector of Recruits, Northern Command.

Authority, War Office telegram No. 1812 (A.G.2.B.), dated 11^th February, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.201.

SERVANT ALLOWANCE –

In reference to Command Order No. 1794, of the 19^th December last, it has been decided that where the scale of batmen laid down in War Establishment provides a less number of servants than is laid down in the Allowance Regulations, the issue of Servant Allowance will be limited to the War Establishment Scale, and will be subject to the conditions laid down in the Command Order above quoted.

Authority, War Office letter No. 48/General Number/3382 (F.2.), dated 2^nd February, 1915.

C.R. No. 30732/16 (Q).  Northern Command Order No.202.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

The following narrative of the fighting on the Canal is issued for the benefit of the Battalions at EL KUBRI, which it is understood have received no authentic news of the fighting on Feb 3^rd or how the rest of the Brigade fared.

Report of Fighting on Canal.

February 2^nd to 4^th 1915.

KANTARA. (Qantara)

            Early on the morning of the 3^rd an attack was made on our outposts which was repulsed, the enemy retreating leaving 15 killed & wounded & forty unwounded.  Later in the day a partial attack was made from the S.E. but the enemy was stopped 1200 yards from the position.

EL FERDAN

            At EL FERDAN, were the 13^th Regt Coy. lay & two platoons of the 1^st Regt were stationed, the enemy made an attack.  At ** a.m. a Turkish Battery of 4 small guns opened fire on the Signal Station, finding the range immediately, they hit the buildings several times.  At this juncture H.M.S. “Clio” came up & silenced the batteries.  Though she was hit three times in so doing the action was over at 1 p.m.

BATTERY POST.

            North of ISMAILIA at the BATTERY POST, there were two platoons of the 12^th Nelson Regt. Coy.  These men were not actually fired on.  But the battery on their left was shelled.  Later in the day this post was relieved by two platoons of the 3^rd Auckland Regt. Coy.  These platoons were shelled on their way out to the post but suffered no casualties.

ISMAILIA FERRY.

            By ISMAILIA FERRY POST, where the 2^nd South Canterbury Coy were stationed under Major Grant as general reserve, the enemy were found to be entrenching about ½ a mile to the East at Daylight.  Two Battalions opened fire & the enemy’s guns engaged the “Hardinge” “Requiem” & our Mountain Artillery.  Though no regular attack was made intermittent shelling continued throughout the day.  The New Zealand Platoons actually saw no fighting, but they were exposed to shell fire throughout the day.  Some of the shells fired at this point fell within half a mile of the ground where the Auckland & Canterbury Battalions were encamped.

The shipping on Lake TIMSAH was subjected to shell fire during the day & also the outskirts of ISMAILIA at various points.

During the night of the 3^rd a half hearted attack was made, after which the enemy withdrew the bulk of their forces to KATAIB & KHEIL.

TOUSSUM (Tussum) and SERAPEUM.

            At daylight on the 3^rd the enemy were found to be close to TOUSSUM & SERAPEUM & their guns opened fire on both posts.  At the latter post, where our ships & artillery engaged the enemy, there were two platoons of the 12^th Nelson Regt. Coy under Major Brereton, who took up outposts at 5 p.m. on the night of the 2^nd on the West bank of the Canal.  On his right was a battery of the Lancashire Artillery, & on his left the 62^nd Punjabi Infantry.  All was quiet until 3.20 a.m. when heavy machine gun fire from the enemy commenced to our North.  At this time there was no fire to the New Zealanders front.  The Punjabis were reinforced with 30 of our men, who on arrival at once commenced opening fire at a party of Turks attempting to cross the Canal in boats, which movement they effectively stopped.  At this the enemy retreated & entrenched on the Eastern bank under our fire.  Many of the enemy tried to retreat but were stopped by our fire.  We were helped by enfilading fire from the rest of the two platoons on our right, who had the command of the enemy’s trenches for a distance of 1200 yards.  There were three distinct attempts made to cross the Canal at this point, all of which failed.

            A counter attack by the 62^nd Punjabis about midday produced considerable results.

Early in the afternoon orders were received to close on the 22^nd Brigade Headquarters.  During this move Pte. Ham was severely wounded & afterwards succumbed to his wounds.  The only other New Zealand casualty was that of Sergt. Williams who was slightly wounded by Shrapnel.  Outpost duty was resumed at 5 p.m.  No more fighting took place except for persistent sniping.  The enemy having retired leaving many dead & nearly 300 prisoners.

On the morning of the 4^th troops from SERAPEUM captured some 150 of the enemy, who were still entrenched on the Canal bank some 1½ miles S. of TOUSSUM, after having been treacherously fired on, the white flag having been raised & signs of surrender made.

During the day H.M.S. “Swiftsure” “Clio” & “Hardinge” the French ships “Requin” & “D’Entrcasteaux” as well as torpedo boats & launches engaged the enemy & rendered valuable assistance.  The “Hardinge” was struck by two 6” shells, & had ten men wounded.  The “Swiftsure” had one man killed.  Military casualties during the day were: – British Officers, killed 1, – wounded 4.  British, Indian & Egyptian rank & file killed 17 wounded 79.  The enemy along the canal at all points attacked, appear to muster in all some 12,000 men, & at least 6 Batteries.  One 6” gun was also located, which is thought to have been silenced by the “Requiem”.

Throughout the fighting two companies were always kept ready to leave camp at a moment’s notice to reinforce any position where they might be required.

Over 500 of the enemy were buried by our troops & afterwards of 500 are prisoners in our hands.  It is calculated that on a basis of 3 wounded to 1 killed, the enemy must have suffered a loss of at least 1500 wounded, making total casualties of between 2500 & 3000.  The enemy is now in retreat all along the line; whether they will make another **** not yet be determined.  It has been ascertained that General Dzermal Pasha was present during the action with a number of German officers, one of whom has been killed.

On February 5^th a message of congratulation on the 3 days fighting was received from the General Officer Commanding in Chief & Lord Kitchener.

A.C. Temperley Major

Brigade Major

N.Z. Infantry Brigade

ISMAILIA

Feb 12^th 1915.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

12^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

117 – Canteens –

            Until further orders all Canteens will be closed at 9 p.m. daily for the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor.

Authority, C.R.N.C. Number 43165 (a), dated February 11^th, 1915.

118 – Dental Treatment –

It has now been arranged that all N.C.O’s and Men of this Brigade requiring dental treatment can be so treated at the Dental Hospital, Newcastle-on-Tyne, free of charge so far as the soldier is concerned.

The Dental Hospital will be open at 2p.m. daily on every afternoon of the week excepting Saturdays and Sundays.  The accommodation (20 chairs) admits of 50 men being treated each afternoon.  A party of 50 men will be marched down daily until further orders to the Hospital, commencing Wednesday the 17^th inst., so as to arrive punctually at 2 p.m.  Dr. Maclay, the Convenor of the Medical Sub-committee, Tyneside Scottish Brigade, will inform the Medical Officer of each Battalion on what day the men of their Battalion should attend.

Each Medical Officer of a Battalion will at once hold the necessary dental inspection and make out a list of all men who require dental treatment.

Each man who is sent to the Dental Hospital for treatment will be given a card, which he will hand to the dental surgeon who attends him.  This card will show the man’s number, rank, name, and Battalion.  The dental surgeon who deals with the case will fill in on the card the details as to the work done, and he will retain the card, which will be the voucher to enable the fees to be subsequently drawn from the Military Authorities.

The work at the Dental Hospital will be restricted to:-

1. Extraction, with or without local anaesthetic, as the patient may prefer. and
2. Fillings.

Dentures will not be supplied.

119 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

MESS ALLOWANCE –

With reference to Army Order 429 of 1914, it has been decided that Mess Allowance at the rate of £6 (Six pounds) a year may be drawn by Battalions of Infantry in respect of each officer in excess of 30 (thirty) who is a member of the mess on the last day of the month.

Authority, War Office letter No. 103/General Number/1351 (F.2), dated 3^rd February, 1915.

C.R. No 42407 (Q.).

PAYMENT OF MEN ON FURLOUGH, Etc.

            Several cases have recently come to light in which Company officers have sent advances to men on furlough and have remitted the balances due to discharged soldiers by cheque.  This practice is contrary to regulations and has caused, in many cases, considerable inconvenience to the men, as they have found great difficulty in cashing the cheques.

The attention of all concerned is directed to paragraph 8 of the “Instructions relating to Pay Duties,” issued with Army Order dated 19^th August, 1914, with regard to payments to soldiers on furlough, and to paragraph 5 of Circular Letter No. 30/General Number/5023 of the 18^th ultimo, circulated to Officers Commanding, and paragraph 8 of the “Instructions as to how to pay a Company,” issued with Special Army Order XXIX., of the 29^th ultimo, with regard to the remittance of the balances due to discharged soldiers.  All such payments should invariably be made by Money Order.

Authority, War Office letter No. 30/General Number/5048 (Accounts 1.b.), dated 13^th January, 1915.

C.R. No. 40198/2/2 (C.P.).

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

11^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

113 – Officers, R.A.M.C. –

The following Officers of the R.A.M.C. have been attached for duty to Battalions as shewn below:-

21^st (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers –

(2^nd Tyneside Scottish) Lieutenant R.B. Macfie.

22^nd (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers –

(3^rd Tyneside Scottish)  Lieutenant F.J. Henry.

23^rd (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers –

(4^th Tyneside Scottish) Lieutenant J.P. Evers.

114 – Discipline –

            In future men charged with being absent without leave for a period exceeding 48 hours will be dealt with by Commanding Officers, and not by Company Commanders.

115 – Telephones –

1. It has been decided to add Telephones, when available to the equipment of Infantry battalions, and the signallers of these units should be trained in their use.
2. For the efficient use of this equipment, battalion and company signallers must be instructed in the following:-

(a). Mechanism of portable telephones and methods of effecting adjustment and minor repairs to the same.

(b). Transmission by telephone of written messages as laid down in Training Manual, Signalling, Part 11., paragraph 100.

(c). Laying and maintaining lines of enamelled wire.

(d). Sending and reading messages on the buzzer at the rate of 8 words per minute.

• Instruction should be carried out to as great an extent as may be practicable with the assistance of Divisional Signal Companies, and, pending the issue of practice buzzers to Infantry battalions, instruction in the Morse alphabet should be carried out with the small flag.  A pamphlet giving instruction as to the use of the telephone equipment is being issued to all concerned.
• 12  Discs and 2 Lamps, electric, signalling, will be added to the equipment of Infantry battalions.  All battalion and company signallers, will be trained in the use of Discs when available, and the battalion signallers in the use of the electric signalling lamps.

Authority, War Office letter 44/393/M.T.2, dated February 6^th, 1915.

      With reference to the forgoing Officers Commanding Battalions will indent of the Chief Ordnance Officer, Northern Command, York, for the Signalling stores required, and will report to this office what steps they are taking to give effect to the order.

116 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

MUSKETRY INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT –

It has come to notice that many Units in the Command are still very short of sand-bags, tripods and eye-discs.

Attention is directed to Command Orders No. 1 of January 1^st, and No. 85 of January 21^st, authorising local purchase of these articles up to an allowance of 40, 32 and 50 per Infantry Battalion, and to half of those number by Mounted Units.  Immediate steps should be taken by units to obtain them.

This order is to be repeated in all Divisional, Brigade, and Garrison Orders.

Indents for eye-discs should be sent in at once to the Honorary Secretary, Tyneside Scottish Committee.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extract from the Fourth Supplement to the “London Gazette”, of Tuesday, the 2^nd February, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

David J.H. Simpson, dated 1^st January, 1915.

John W.E, Murray, dated 2^nd January, 1915.

William L. Hill, dated 3^rd January, 1915.

John G. Harrison, dated 5^th January, 1915.

Thomas Macintyre, dated 5^th January, 1915.

John M. Charlton, dated 6^th January, 1915.

George Robertson, dated 7^th January, 1915.

TRAVELLING WITHOUT TICKETS –

All soldiers on pass wishing to travel by rail must present A.F.O. 1800, signed by an Officer, on applying for tickets at the Railway Booking Offices.

Any soldier travelling by rail not in possession of a pass, or proper ticket, and who has not sufficient money to pay his fare, will be removed from the train at the nearest railway station at which he can be handed over to the military authorities.

Further and more detailed instructions are being sent out to all Commanding Officers through the usual channels.

Northern Command Order No. 185.

SICK FURLOUGH – CASES ADMITTED FROM –

Cases are frequently occurring of N.C.O’s and men being admitted to various Hospitals whilst on Sick Furlough, where the particulars of such admissions are not reported to the Officers Commanding or Officers in Charge Records, concerned.

Whenever a N.C.O. or Man is admitted to Hospital while on Furlough, the casualty should be at once reported to either the Officer Commanding or the Officer in Charge Records concerned, by the Officer in Charge of the Hospital.

Northern Command Order No. 186.

NECESSARIES –

The inclusion of the following additional items in the scale of necessaries for all soldiers of the Regular Forces other than those serving with the Expeditionary Force have been approved:-

                        Brush, blacking                                1

                        Brush, brass                                      1

Brush, clothes                                  1

Brush, polishing                               1

Button, brass                                     1

Wax polish, tin of                             1

            Indents for requirements may accordingly be put forward on the Clothing Depot supplying the district, but part-worn articles available in store should be first utilised in preference to new issues.  Similarly stocks of blacking available should be taken in to use before wax polish is supplied.

Articles of the description above referred to in the possession of soldiers proceeding to join the Expeditionary Force should be withdrawn from the men and returned to store for re-issue.

Authority, War Office letter, 54/General Number/1568 (R.A.C.D.), dated 6^th February 1915.

C.R. No. 42841(O.S.)  Northern Command Order No. 188.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

NOTICE.

Soldiers of the Jewish Faith – Leave for Festivals.

            Soldiers of the Jewish Faith should, if the exigencies of the Service permit, be granted facilities during the year – 5675 – 1915, to observe the following Sacred Festivals:-

*Passover, 4 days, March 30 and 31; April 5and 6

  Pentecost, 2 days, May 19 and 20.

  New Year, 2 days September 9 and 10.

  Day of Atonement, 1 day September 18.

  Tabernacles, 4days, September 23, 24 and 30, and October 1.

*NOTE. – 30^th and 31^st March – Leave to get away to be in time for Service about 6 p.m. on 29^th March 1915.

Authority, War Office letter No. 111/Gen. No./1087 (A.D.4a), dated 31^st January, 1915.

C.R. No. 42133 (A).

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

10^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

109 – Contractors’ Accounts – Settlement of –

            As there appears to have been some misapprehension and want of uniformity as regards the action to be taken in connection with the payment of the accounts of contractors who supply cooked meals to the Non-commissioned Officers and Men in billets, in future the following method will be adopted and must be strictly adhered to.

Officers Commanding Companies will keep a daily roll showing the exact number of Non-commissioned Officers and Men of their Company present at each meal – Breakfast, Dinner, and Tea.  This roll will be signed daily by the Officer Commanding Company and by the Contractor’s agent as correct.  These rolls will be handed into the Orderly Room at the end of each month, and a statement will be compiled showing the total number of each meal provided by the Contractor for the Battalion for the month, and will be forwarded by the Officer Commanding Unit to the Hon. Treasurer, Colonel Johnstone Wallace, Tyneside Scottish Committee, for settlement.

Officers Commanding Battalions will cease to draw money from the Command Paymaster, Northern Command, York, for the purpose of paying Catering Contractors.  All such payments will in future be made by the Hon. Treasurer, Tyneside Scottish Committee.

In the case of Battalions in camp at Alnwick who are purchasing uncooked provisions, all bills on this account will be rendered at the end of each month signed by the Commanding Officer, as correct, to the Hon. Treasurer, Tyneside Scottish Committee, for settlement.

In order that no delay may take place in paying outstanding accounts due to Contractors, Commanding Officers will at once put themselves in communication with the Hon. Treasurer, Tyneside Scottish Committee, and supply the information required to enable an early settlement to be made.

110 –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to the following copy of War Office telegram, dated 8^th instant:-

“7783 Q.M.G.2.  All men allowed to proceed on leave prior to embarkation for Expeditionary Force may be allowed to travel on Warrant provided that they have not already received a similar indulgence.”

C.R.N.C. No. 43111.

111 –

The following War Office letter, dated February 5^th, 1915, is circulated for the information of Officers Commanding Units:-

“With reference to War Office circular letter No. 14/General Number/5514 (Q.M.G.F.a), of 7^th October, 1914, I am directed to inform you that it has been decided that free warrants, to enable relatives to attend funerals of soldiers, may be given under the provisions of the above circular, to the relatives of those who die while serving in the United Kingdom, during the period of the War, equally with those of soldiers who die from illness or wounds contracted while serving on the Continent.

I am to add that the heading of Army Form O. 1801A will be amended accordingly at the next reprint.”

W.O.14/Railways/4062 (Q.M.G.2).

C.R.N.C. 39007/1/14 Q.

112 –

AMMUNITION – MINIATURE –

It has been brought to notice that some Units have not carried out their Miniature Rifle practices, and in explanation it has been asserted that the Ammunition could not be obtained from the Army Ordnance Department.

It is pointed out there is no shortage of Miniature Ammunition, and Units should indent regularly for their requirements.

C.R. No. 38222/12/8 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order No. 174.

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONS – TEMPORARY ARMY, SPECIAL RESERVE, AND TERRITORIAL FORCE – MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF –

It is notified for information that candidates for commissions in the Temporary Army, Special Reserve, and Territorial Force, must sign Form M.T. 360 and hand same to the Medical Officer examining them as to their physical fitness for military service.  After the examination this form will be returned to the candidate, who will forward it to the War Office with his application for a commission.

Authority, War Office letter No. 29901/1 (A.M.D.3). dated 3^rd February, 1915.

C.R. No. 38935 (S.T.).  Northern Command Order No. 175.

VOYAGE RATIONS FOR OFFICERS JOINING EXPEDITIONARY FORCE –

With reference to Command Order 1672, of the 27^th November, 1914, in future voyage rations will not be issued to individual Officers proceeding to the Expeditionary Force.

Authority, War Office letter No. 121/Supplies/158 (Q.M.G.5), dated 4^th February 1915.

C.R. No. 42477 (M.S.).  Northern Command Order No. 177.

MOBILIZATION STORE TABLES, AND EQUIPPING NEW ARMIES –

With reference to Command Order No. 1810, dated 22^nd December, 1914, it is notified for information that the mobilization store tables for the units of the New Armies will be issued to all concerned at an early date.

On receipt, the equipments of Units of the 1^st New Army should be completed in accordance with those tables as early as possible.  Instructions regarding the completion of the equipments of the other New Armies will be issued later.

Authority, War Office letter No. 121/2618 (Q.M.G.10), dated 3^rd February, 1915.

C.R. No. 40391/2 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No. 179.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

8^th FEBRUARY, 1915.

108 – Care of Feet –

The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Circular Number 2, issued today.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

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.