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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

15^th MARCH, 1915.

174 – Command of Brigade –

            Brigadier-General T.P.B. Ternan, C.M.G., D.S.O., resumes Command of the Brigade from 14^th inst.

175 – Officiating Clergyman – Death of –

            The death of the Rev. H.G. Attwater, Officiating Clergyman to the Brigade, is announced with regret.

176 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

MINIATURE RIFLE COURSE –

The attention of all concerned is directed to the draft of the new Miniature Rifle Course, copies of which have been forwarded to Headquarters of Formations for distribution.

It will be fired by all Units throughout the Command from this date onwards.

This Order has to be repeated in Division, Brigade, Garrison, and Regimental Orders.

(G.M.) Northern Command Order No.367.

RATIONS – RATION MONEY –

1. ACCOUNTS. – The method of accounting for the cash allowance of 4d. per man per diem referred to in Army Order 396, of 1914, is found to vary considerably. 

To rectify this, all Units should be directed to make use of the latest print of Army Book 48, which is to be compiled in periods corresponding with the Pay and Mess Sheets.  The books should also be completed as indicated by the various headings, shewing the diet provided each day and the ingredients used, whether they be either free issues or purchases.

A supply of these books can be obtained on application to this office.

• CREDIT BALANCES – Instances have occurred where unduly large sums of money have been accumulated as cash credits; especially is this the case where the full subsistence allowance of cash has been issued.  In no instance should the balances in hand exceed 4d per head.
• MISUSE OF RATION MONEY – Cases have been brought to notice where large sums of money have been spent in the purchase of plant, stoves etc.; this is not permissible.
• WASTE OF BREAD – Waste of bread is becoming a serious matter, and calls for constant supervision on the part of Commanding Officers over the messing arrangements of their Units.  It does not appear to be fully understood that if, in some Units, the Army ration provides more bread than is required, flour for cooking purposes can be drawn in lieu of a portion of bread ration.

Authority, W. O. Letter No. 53/Gen. No./5257 (Q.M.G. 6), dated 3^rd March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 47044 (I.A.S.).  Northern Command Order No.368.

LODGING ALLOWANCE –

            As it appears that some misunderstanding exists with regard to paragraph (d) of Army Order 501, of 1914, it is notified that the intention of this paragraph is that Officers should not receive lodging allowance for their families under paragraph 286, Allowance Regulations, or free accommodation for their families, in public quarters, and draw in addition, for the same period, the allowances authorised by Army Order 501 of 1914.  Otherwise the same service would be paid for or (provided) twice over.  Where, however, Lodging and Fuel and Light Allowances would be admissible under Army Order 501, of 1914, they may be drawn instead of Lodging Allowance, under paragraph 286 (a) or (b), Army Regulations.

In the case of Officers on consolidated pay, as the issue of field allowance is more advantageous to the Officer, it is notified that there will be no objection to this allowance being drawn from the date authorised in paragraph (c), of Army Order 501, of 1914, less any sum which has been drawn as Lodging Allowance by him since that date.

Authority, W.O. 14/Misc./171 (Q.M.G.F.a), dated March 5^th, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 47151 (D.B.O.).  Northern Command Order No.370.

CORRESPONDENCE – CLOTHING DEPOT, YORK –

            It is notified for information that all correspondence for the Army Ordnance Department Clothing Depot, York, should be addressed to the Ordnance Officer i/c Clothing Depot, Carlton Street, Store, York, and care should be taken that all consignments are sent to the same address clearly marked.

(O.S.) Northern Command Order No.372.

OVER ISSUES OF FUEL – TROOPS IN HIRED BUILDINGS OR BILLETS –

With reference to Command Order No. 1774, of 1914, any fuel consumed in excess of the quantity authorised should be reported to the Officer Commanding, Army Service Corps of the District or Formation concerned at the end of each month for incorporation on the form laid down in Appendix II, Regulations for Supply, Transport and Barrack Services, and submission to Headquarters for authority for remission of charges for overdrawals.  The reasons necessitating the overdrawal should be fully stated in each case.

This does not apply to troops quartered in barracks overdrawals by which will be dealt with under paragraph 36 Regulations for supply, Transport and Barrack Services, in the usual way.

(D.B.O.)  Northern Command Order No.373.

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, ALNWICK,

14^th MARCH, 1915.

172 – Equipment Supply of –

            It appears that in spite of a supply of equipment for units of this Brigade being available in the Committee Store, there is still a shortage in certain units.  Commanding Officers must keep themselves in touch with the Store Keeper with a view to drawing equipment immediately it becomes available.

It is most important that the equipping of the various Battalions should be completed at the earliest possible date.

173 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

EMERGENCY WORKS –

            With a view to reducing as much as possible the inconvenience to farmers and others, and compensation for disturbance and damage, trenches occupying portions of grass fields, not otherwise required for Military purposes, should, whenever practicable, be enclosed by temporary post and wire fences to enable the remainder of the field to be used for grazing purposes without risk of damage to stock.  In a similar manner, hedges or fences which have been removed should be replaced by temporary post and wire fence.

Commanders of Fortress and Coast areas will at once take the requisite action.

Expenditure will be charged against Vote X, Part I, Adapting Defences.

Northern Command Order No.357.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 9^th March, 1915, are published for information:

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish) – Colin Campbell to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th February, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish) – Simon Macdonald to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 26^th January, 1915.

AIMING DISCS –

In future the “Aiming Discs” referred to in paragraph 207, Musketry Regulations, Part I (reprint 1914), should be provided with an extension one-third of an inch long, at the upper end of the disc, with which to measure the longest side of the triangle of error.

These can be obtained by local purchase from Messrs. McQueen and Son, Galashiels, Scotland; or Messrs. Ralston and Co., 17, North Wallace Street, Glasgow.

84/J/1943 (F.W.1)

C.R. 44067(C.E.). 

Northern Command Order No.365.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C.H. INNES HOPKINS,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

13^th MARCH, 1915.

171 – District Court Martial –

            The District Court Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 144 of 26^th February, 1915, of which Major E.K. Purnell (4^th Battalion, Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C.H. INNES HOPKINS,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

11^th MARCH, 1915.

169 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

MAP READING –

            Officers Commanding field formations should make every endeavour to utilise the services of any available Army Schoolmasters near their Stations for the instruction of young officers and non-commissioned officers in elementary map reading.

C.R.N.C. 46671. (G). Northern Command Order No.347.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts are published for information:-

From the Fourth Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 2^nd of March, 1915:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) – John Laing, late Captain, 7^th Battalion, to be temporary Captain.  Dated 11^th February, 1915.

Robert Graham Melrose to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 25^th January, 1915.

From the “London Gazette” of the 5^th March, 1915:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish) – The appointment to a temporary Captaincy of Edward E. McClintock, notified in the “Gazette” of 30^th November, 1914, is antedated to the 26^th October, 1914.

From a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 5^th March, 1915:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish) – Temporary Lieutenant and Adjutant J.S. Miller to be temporary Captain.  Dated 8^th January, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.349.

HOSPITAL STOPPAGES – ACCOUNTING FOR –

            Owing to remissions of stoppages, diet accounts of Hospitals are not in every case supported by the acknowledgement portion of A.F.O. 1643 showing the number of days a soldier was dieted.

As the acknowledgement portion of the form is required to support the Hospital Supply Account, the procedure laid down in paragraph 81, Allowance Regulation, 1914, should be followed in all cases of soldiers admitted to Hospital, and the acknowledgement portion forwarded the Local Auditor with the Diet Account.

In cases where no stoppage is required, A.F.O.1643 should be suitably amended by the Regimental Paymaster.

Authority, War Office letter No. 121/Finance/178 (Q.M.G.F.a.), dated 3^rd March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. 38188/S.T.  Northern Command Order No.351.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

NOTICE.

The following is a description of an absentee from the 3^rd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.

DESCRIPTION OF NO. 11396, PRIVATE WILLIAM MURRAY.

            Born at Higham, near Rochester, Kent.

Present Age. – 34 years 9 months.

Attested at Winchester, 1^st September, 1914.

Height – 5ft. 6in.

Complexion – Fresh.

Hair. – Fair.

Eyes. – Grey.

Marks – Design of Flags and “LOVE” on chest.  Snake Geisha, Horse-shoe on right fore-arm.  Butterfly, Eagle and Dagger on right and Basket of Flowers left calf.  Centipede right calf.

This man has, during his absence without leave, obtained Railway Warrants from various Military centres, and on the plea of his being on sick furlough and having a large sum to his credit, obtained financial aid from a Help Society.  If arrested communication should be made to the Officer Commanding 3^rd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buchinghamshire Light Infantry, Cambridge Barracks, Portsmouth.  Last heard of at Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.

C.R.46778 (a)

BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C.H. INNES HOPKINS,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

10^th MARCH, 1915.

168 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

FIRE ORDERS PAMPHLET –

Numerous applications have been received for further copies of this pamphlet.  These can be obtained on payment from the Yorkshire Printing Company, Hull Road, York.

Will units kindly send in orders as soon as possible to the Manager?

Northern Command Order No.337.

LEAVE WARRANTS – CHANGE OF STATIONS –

It has been decided that in cases where a unit changes its station while officers or men are on leave a warrant may be issued from the home of the officer or man concerned to the new station.  In the event of the change of station having been arranged before the officer or man proceeds on leave, it will not be necessary to issue Army Form O.1799 or O.180, as a single ticket will only be required for the outward journey on leave, which should be paid for by the passenger.

Authority, War Office letter No. 14/General Number/5540 (Q.M.G.2.), dated 5^th March, 1915.

C.R. No. 46903.  Northern Command Order No.342.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C.H. INNES HOPKINS,

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

8^th MARCH, 1915.

166 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 135 of 22^nd February, 1915, of which Major F.B. Lewis (2^nd Battalion, Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

167 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

            The following extract from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Friday, the 26^th of February, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers.

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish). – Herbert Charles Lunn to be temporary Lieutenant.  Dated 2^nd February, 1915.

SEPARATION ALLOWANCE –

            The question has been raised as to whether the stoppage of Separation Allowance under paragraph 113 (e) and (h), Allowance Regulations, should apply during the present war in the cases of admission of soldiers’ wives and children into Military Families’ Hospitals or Civil Hospitals, and that it has been decided as follows:-

1. Where the wives and families are in barracks, there is no reason for departing from the present regulations.
2. In other cases, any necessary hospital treatment will ordinarily be obtained by the wives and families by the usual civil means, and no payment from public funds will be made for such treatment in view of the fact that Separation Allowance is being drawn.  In the few cases in which the wives and families on the married establishment may possibly be admitted into a military hospital, Separation Allowance may be continued, but an abatement will be made in respect of hospital treatment and maintenance at the rate of 6d. a day.

Authority, War Office letter No. 46/70 (Q.M.G.F.a.), dated 26^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 45846, Northern Command Order No.336.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

NOTICE.

It is notified for information that the address of the Deputy Assistant Director of Remounts, No. 2 Remount Circle, is 16, New Walk Terrace, not Headquarters, Northern Command.

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

COMMANDING 123^rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

7^th MARCH, 1915.

163 – Command – Temporary – of Brigade –

            Brigadier General Trevor Ternan, C.M.G., D.S.O., having proceeded to-day to York, in accordance with Northern Command Order 314 of the 4^th inst., the Command of the Brigade temporarily devolves on Lieutenant-Colonel C.H. Innes Hopkins, 20^th (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

164 – Northern Command Order –

The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Order No. 330.

165 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

NECESSARIES –

            It has been decided that the following additional items in the scale of necessaries for all soldiers enlisted in units raised by individuals or municipalities will be provided by the Army Ordnance Department:-

Brush, blacking                    1

    “       brass                         1

    “       clothes                      1

    “       polishing                  1

Button, brass                         1

Wax polish, tin of                 1

Indents for requirements to be put forward to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, by units concerned.

Authority, A.C.D./Manch/673 (Q.M.G.7), dated 1^st March, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 46405/O.S.  Northern Command Order No.328.

CHAPLAINS –

It is notified for information that in view of the pending moves of the New Army Divisions it has been decided that Chaplains at present attached to Brigades should continue to serve with the same Brigades, and should accompany them on transfer to other stations.

Authority, War Office letter No. Clergy/General Number/4185 (Chaplains), dated 27^th February, 1915.

C.R.N. C. No. 45991 (M.S.).  Northern Command Order No.329.

DISCHARGE DOCUMENTS –

            It had been brought to the notice of the War Office that the completion of discharges of men by Officers in Charge of Records is much delayed through the following reasons:-

1. Mistakes in documents prepared by units.
2. Failure to close the mens’ accounts, the men being only partially paid up, and the final settlement of the balance left in abeyance.
3. Neglect of units to send Part II Orders weekly to Officer in Charge of Records, in conformity with paragraph 1890 King’s Regulations.
4. Delay in replying to queries from the Record Officer.

Commanding Officers should accelerate as far as possible the preparation of

all documents etc., of men due for discharge, in order that their discharge may be carried out without undue delay.

            It is very desirable, in the interests of the Army generally, as well as of units themselves, that men should not be sent back to civil life labouring under a sense of dissatisfaction at their treatment by the Military Authorities.

Authority, War Office letter No. 35/Gen. No./1450 (A.G.2.B.), dated 26/2/15.

C.R. No. 45993 (A).  Northern Command Order No.331.

COMMISSIONS FROM THE RANKS –

            It is notified for information that the very large number of names that have been submitted with a view to promotion to commissions from the ranks is far in excess of the number of commissions that can be allotted.

Selections have been made, and instructions will shortly be issued regarding the disposal of those Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers whose promotions have been approved.  Those who have not yet been selected will be considered from time to time as opportunities offer, and it is requested that no further recommendations may be forwarded unless very special reasons can be given in support of any individual case.

It is observed that in certain cases Non-Commissioned Officers have been recommended because their juniors have already been selected.  In no case, however, is this a valid reason for recommendation, which should be based solely on each man’s individual merits.

Authority, War Office letter No. 100/General Number/1492 (M.S.I.), dated 27^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 46035 (M.S.).  Northern Command Order No.332.

INSPECTION OF HIRED BUILDINGS –

            General Officers Commanding Divisions, Garrisons, Districts, and Brigades, 4^th and 5^th New Armies, will be responsible that a thorough inspection of all hired buildings, etc., occupied or used by troops under their command, is made weekly for the purpose of assessing all damages that may be reasonably considered as chargeable against the troops under their command.  Steps should immediately be taken to make good all such damages regimentally.

Northern Command Order No.333.

With reference to the above Order, Officers Commanding Units will render a report to this Office by first post on Mondays. 

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, ALNWICK,

6^th MARCH, 1915.

161 – Clothing – Immediate Issue of, on Joining –

            The War Office point out in circular letter 54/General Number/Q.M.G.7/, dated 3^rd March, 1915, that in spite of constant and frequent communications having been made emphasising the necessity of completing troops with Service dress, the weekly reports received show invariably a number of men without Service dress.

The attention of O.C. Units of this Brigade has on previous occasions been drawn to this matter.  Officers Commanding Battalions will at once take steps to ensure that every man on the day of joining their Battalion is immediately clothed in Service Dress.  This order is to be rigidly carried out.  To ensure this being done without fail a sufficient stock of surplus clothing (and necessaries) will be kept in the Quarter Master stores both with the Headquarters of the Unit and with the Depot Company.

Should the Brigade Storekeeper be unable to supply at once the clothing, the Commanding Officer concerned will be held personally responsible that an indent is immediately forwarded to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, for the supply required.  Should the stores be unobtainable from York, a report to that effect will be made to this office.

162 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

PERISCOPES – ISSUE OF –

            It has been decided to issue Periscopes, on the scale of 12 per Infantry Battalion, to all units of the New Armies and Territorial Force proceeding to the Continent of Europe.

The mobilization store table for these units, as detailed below, should be amended by inserting the above item under Section No. 15 B. and the equipments adjusted accordingly.

Army Form G. 1098-110, dated January, 1915.

Army Form G1098-43A, dated February, 1915.

Authority, 84/W/6063 (Q.M.GF. 10), dated War Office, 27^th February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 46157(O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.315.

AMENDMENTS –

The following amendment should be made to Army Form G/1096-34 Inventory Form for Wagons G.S. Special 14 feet long:-

Under sub heading of “Spare Parts” –

Insert Blocks, brake (Front 2, Rear 2), in seat box.

Brake Bars will be allowed spare at the rate of 5 per cent., but these items will not be mentioned on the inventory.  For purpose of Indents. The nomenclature of this store is:-

“Bar, brake wagon G.S. special, 14 feet long.”

Authority, 57/3/4503 (A.3), dated War Office 27^th February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 46144 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order, No.317.

BICYCLES –

            It has been decided that only the Service patterns Bicycle is suitable for service overseas, and that when units are ordered to proceed there, they may be so equipped.

Non-service machines are suitable for Home service, and any displaced by the issue of Service patterns should either be returned to store or passed to the Reserve Unit as directed in Command Order No. 252, dated 22^nd February, 1915.

Authority, 57/Aldershot/8858 (A.3.), dated War Office, 27^th February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 38021/15/6 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.320.

APPLICATION FOR SUPPLY OF STORES –

            Attention is again called to the frequency with which application 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 Ordinance Officer, York, under paragraph 18, Equipment Regulations, Part 1.

C.R.N.C. No. 46388 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.321.

ALLOTMENTS OF PAY – DEPENDANTS OF SOLDIERS –

            It is notified to all concerned that in all cases where a soldier offers an Allotment of Pay on A.F.O. 1838 in support of an application for Separation Allowance for a dependant under Army Order 440/14, the Officer Commanding should take steps to regulate the cash issues to the soldier in accordance with the amount allotted from the date of application (or date of  enlistment of [if] application is made within 10 days of that date).           

Authority, War Office letter No. 46/203 (Accounts 3 c), dated 24/2/15.

C.R.N.C. No. 45374.  Northern Command Order No.323.

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, ALNWICK,

5^th MARCH, 1915.

156 – Increased Accommodation –

            No schools, halls, or other buildings at present occupied by Battalions of this Brigade are to be evacuated without written orders from this office.  Commanding Officers of Units will take immediate steps to ensure that in no case whatever is an allowance of space of less than 30 super feet per man available.  Should it be found after measurement that further accommodation is required, application will be at once made by telephone to this office.

157 – Medical Aid on Furlough –

            The following extract from War Office letter is published for information:-

“A soldier on furlough who requires medical aid must apply, either in person or otherwise, to the nearest military hospital if he resides within two miles of the hospital.

“If he resides outside the radius of two miles, he may apply to a civilian medical practitioner.  The soldier must report the employment of the civilian doctor to his Commanding Officer by letter immediately.”

Authority, W.O. letter No. 93/1056 (F.2.), dated 23^rd February, 1915.

158 – Attachment –

In accordance with orders received the Unit named below will be attached to this Brigade from this date:-

12^th (Service) Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Tees-side).

Authority 20 – General No. – 3592 (A.G.I.)

159 – Arms – Issue of –

            An issue of M.L.E. rifles to the Battalions of this Brigade will be made as follows:-

600 per Battalion.

Sword bayonets, pattern ’88 will be issued in similar numbers.

Officers Commanding Units will submit indents at once to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, showing the rifles and bayonets (if any) of this description already in possession, and demanding balance to complete.

Authority, telegram, O.1494 (A.D.O.S.) Northern Command.

160 – Barbed Wire –

            Officers Commanding Units will indent on the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, without loss of time, for barbed wire required for (practice purposes) entanglements.

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, ALNWICK,

4^th MARCH, 1915.

153 – Infectious Diseases – Weekly Return of –

            Attention is again drawn to Northern Command Order No. 216 of 1915, and returns will be posted without fail so as to reach this office by first post on Friday.  “Nil” returns to be rendered when no cases have occurred.

154 – Soap – Supplies of –

             Officers Commanding Units will indent on the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, for the necessary supplies of soap, sanctioned, as a first issue, sanctioned under Para. 380, Equipment Regulations, Part 1, 1912.

For subsequent issues see Northern Command Order No. 224.

155 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE”

The following extract from the Third Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 23^rd of February, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers

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

Joseph B. Cubey.  Dated 1^st January, 1915.

Creassey R. Longhurst.  Dated 2^nd January, 1915.

Frank Milburn.  Dated 4^th January, 1915.

Henry D. Whittaker.  Dated 5^th January, 1915.

Sydney Smith.  Dated 6^th January, 1915.

Russell Phillips.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

Henry A. Bolton.  Dated 8^th January, 1915.

Robert J. Dougal.  Dated 9^th January, 1915.

John H. Patterson.  Dated 11^th January, 1915.

AMMUNITION – BLANK –

It is notified for information of all concerned that the issue of blank ammunition for IV. and V. New Army Units cannot at present be Authorised, but the matter is receiving full consideration.

Authority, 54/General Number/1799 (M.T.2.), dated 23^rd February, 1915.

C.R. No. 45127 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.306.

EXCHANGE OF FRENCH NOTES –

It is notified for information that arrangements have been made with the General Post Office for the acceptance and exchange at any Post Office in the United Kingdom, of French Notes sent or brought Home by soldiers from France.

The rate of exchange is 9 ½ d. (ninepence halfpenny) per franc.

Notices should be posted in all Military Hospitals to the above effect.

Northern Command Order No.310.

HORSES – DESPATCH OF FROM REMOUNT DEPOTS –

1. It is notified for information that Remount Depots are experiencing great inconvenience owing to units wiring to say that they are not ready to take animals that are despatched to them.
2. No animals are issued to units unless intimation has been received from the units or from the Divisional or Brigade Commanders concerned that they are ready for horses.  The number of horses and mules in various Remount Depots is very great, and the number coming and going to be dealt with is such that the organisation can only be handled if they are issued at once in accordance with orders received or co-ordinated from the War Office.  I am, therefore, to say that Remount Depot Commanders have been informed that the first and last communication that should pass between them and the unit to which they are issuing horses is a telegram from the Depot saying that the animals have been despatched and stating probable time of their arrival.
3. Commanding Officers are directed to revive the horses sent to them, and if they have any objections to make to communicate them to Command Headquarters, and not to Deputy Assistant Director of Remounts of Circles or to Depot Superintendents.
4. All applications for horses should be forwarded to Command Headquarters, stating in the case of horses for Officers their weight and height.  The name of the station to which horses should be consigned must always be stated.

Authority, War Office letter No. R.1418 (Q.M.G.4.), dated 26^th February, 1915.

C.R. No. 46034 (R.).  Northern Command Order No.312.

LECTURES ON PRESERVATION OF HEALTH –

Arrangements have been made for lectures to be given to the Troops in all Garrisons on “Preservation of Health.”

Commanding Officers should communicate with Major T. Wardrop Griffith, Royal Army Medical Corps (T), Organizing Secretary, 43, Park Square, Leeds, stating date and hour when it will be convenient for their men to be lectured, when arrangements will be made accordingly by Major Griffith.

Northern Command Order No.313

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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