“A” Coy

5^th Leicester Reg^t

Bishops Stortford

21/11/14

Rev^d T.W. Walters

Rev^d Sir,

            Having a few moments to spare I thought I would send you a few lines, because I know you will be interested with our movements.

            Last week was a rather busy week on Saturday I was on guard at the “General’s” office from 4 pm to Sunday 6 pm.  We were granted a special day’s pass on Monday, and as I left for home on Sunday evening.  We reached Leicester at 8.30 & were told by the railway people that they had received a telegram to say we were to return at once, so home was then out of the question.  We were only on the station 10 minutes before we left again for Luton.  When we got there we were told to pack everything up & it was 2 o’clock before we got too bed.

Were up again at 4 & fell in at 6.45 to march to Ware.  We were posted rearguard to the Division & so had the opportunity of seeing the whole procession, it took 2½ hours to pass by.

We had a tiring journey behind the Transport wagons because the horses required resting every few miles, in fact at 8 o’clock at night we had too leave about 30 wagons on the roadside.

We reached Ware just about 11.0 pm, & only went 27 miles, so we were 16¼ hours with our complete pack on, never having it off a minute & all we had to eat was a bit of bread & cheese which was supposed to be for lunch.

I stood it fairly well, but many we absolutely worn out & fell in the street like logs when we halted.

We had a rest all the next day & on Wednesday marched to Bishops Stortford, 11 miles which we did very easily.

We do not know how long we shall be here or where our destination will be.

I have got a very nice billet here with a retired farmer.

I hope you & family are keeping in good health altho I suppose the wintry weather will try you a little.

            Must now close with very kind regards to yourself & Mrs Walters & also please remember me to all our members

            Yrs obediently

AW Hanson

                        Lc/Cpl

                        No 2346

In envelope addressed to Rev^d T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester.

Letter postmarked BISHOPS STORTFORD 21 NO 14.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEAD QUARTERS,

SANDHILL CAMP. LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL.

18^th NOVEMBER, 1915.

1001 – COMMAND OF BRIGADE –

            Reference Brigade Order No. 976 dated 11^th 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 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade will parade for Divine Service on Sunday 24^th inst – as follows:-

CHURCH OF ENGLAND   9-30 a.m. 1^st Bn. Tyneside Scottish)        Battalion

(20^th (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)             Canteen

10-15 a.m. 2^nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish)     Battalion

(21^st Bn. Northd. Fus.)                   Canteen

10 a.m. 3^rd Bn. Tyneside Scottish)            Y.M.C.A.

            (22^nd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)            Hut

10-45 a.m. 4^th Bn. Tyneside Scottish)      Y.M.C.A.

(23^rd (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 17^th 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 19^th inst.

1004 – DIVISIONAL ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Order No. 530 dated 17^th 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 20^th and Sunday 21^st 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 14^th 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 14^th 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 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEAD QUARTERS,

SANDHILL CAMP.

LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL.

11^th 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, 1^st Bn. Tyneside Scottish (20^th (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 5^th, 1915.

Authority, War Office letter Clergy/General Number/4223 dated 27^th October, 1915.

He will be attached for rations and quarters to the 2^nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish (21^st (S) Bn. Northd. Fusiliers).

978– DIVINE SERVICE –

            Troops of the 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade will parade for Divine Service on Sunday, 14^th November, 1915, as follows:-

CHURCH OF ENGLAND   9-30 a.m. 1^st Bn. Tyneside Scottish )       Battalion

(20^th (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)              Canteen

10-15 a.m. 2^nd Bn. Tyneside Scottish )    Battalion

(21^st Bn. Northd. Fus. )                   Canteen

10 a.m. 3^rd Bn. Tyneside Scottish )           Y.M.C.A.

            (22^nd (S) Bn. Northd. Fus.)             Hut

10-45 a.m. 4^th Bn. Tyneside Scottish )     Y.M.C.A.

(23^rd (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 10^th 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 10^th November, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, MAJOR,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,  102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

Pte J.A. Moult 13302 B Coy

8^th Leicesters B.E.F.

Wed Nov 10^th

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 10^th 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.

c/o Mr O’Shea

33 Dale Road

Luton

2/11/14

Rev^d T.W. Walters.

Rev^d Sir,

            Having a few minutes to spare I thought I would send you a few lines.

            My journey back to Luton last Sunday week was not very gay for on top of leaving home & friends I got well wet in the rain.

We had some very stiff days last week & on the Monday evening we had night operations, we left our quarters at 5 o’clock & when we arrived at our destination we had to dig out trenches, which are 2 feet wide & 4.6 feet deep.  At 6.50 I was sent into a turnip field as an enemy-drawer, which means that as soon as the enemy approaches I had to commence rapid firing to make them believe that there were a large number of us together & so get them to come towards us & leave the main part of the company in the trenches unattacked.  I lay on by stomach till 5.15 & was so cold that I could only just manage to get up.  Unfortunately the enemy did not get anywhere near us.

You will no doubt be pleased to hear I have received my first promotion to Lancs Corporal on Wednesday which carries with it extra pay.

On Friday last we had a Sham Fight which I don’t think was quite a success, somehow or other the main army reserves got in the fight first.

When we leave England we shall not be allowed to take anything but what we stand up in, the total weight we shall carry will be 59 lbs 6¾ ozs.

This week I am orderly corporal & have to remain at home all week to take charge of the barracks.

I must now close with kindest regards to Mrs Walters & yourself

Yrs obediently

Albert Will Hanson Lc Cpl

A Coy 5^th Batt Leicester Regt

P.S.  I enclose a photo of myself.  Just heard we shall probably be on the move next week.

There is no envelope with this letter.