BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

11th 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:-

21st (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

22nd (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

23rd (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

114Discipline

            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.

115Telephones

  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 6th, 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.

116Extracts 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 1st, and No. 85 of January 21st, 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 2nd February, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas Macintyre, dated 5th January, 1915.

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

George Robertson, dated 7th 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 6th February 1915.

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

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 123rd (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. – 30th and 31st March – Leave to get away to be in time for Service about 6 p.m. on 29th March 1915.

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

C.R. No. 42133 (A).

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

10th 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 8th 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 5th, 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 7th 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 3rd 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 27th 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 4th 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 22nd 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 1st 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 3rd February, 1915.

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

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

8th FEBRUARY, 1915.

108Care of Feet

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

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

7th FEBRUARY, 1915.

107Extracts from Northern Command Orders

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette” dated Tuesday 2nd February, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers

22nd Battalion (3rd Tyneside Scottish) – David Houghton Bibby to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7th January, 1915.

23rd Battalion (4th Tyneside Scottish), Stanley Hugh Macintosh to be Captain.  Dated 21st December, 1914.

            The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:-

John Hylton Patterson.  Dated 16th December, 1914.

Thomas Emmanuel Heron.  Dated 19th 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, 30th 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 15th 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 30th January, 1915 (C.2.a.).

C.R. No. 41857.  Northern Command Order No. 165.

Extracts from Northern Command Orderscontinued

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, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

NOTICE.

            It is reported that a man enlisted in the 5th Recruiting Area, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on the 30th 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.)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

6th FEBRUARY, 1915.

104Men 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.

105Razors 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.

106Extracts from Northern Command Orders

“LONDON GAZETTE” the following extracts from the Supplement to the “London Gazette” dated Friday 29th January, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers

20th Battalion (1st Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned temporary Lieutenants to be temporary Captains.  Dated 7th January, 1915.

Edwin Graham

Gerald O. Laing.

22nd Battalion (3rd Tyneside Scottish) – Utrick Alexander to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 6th January, 1915.

23rd Battalion (4th Tyneside Scottish) – John George Todd to be temporary Captain.  Dated 31st December, 1914.  (Substituted for the notification which appeared in the “Gazette” of 25th 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 23rd 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 1st 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 1st February, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 41980/A.   Northern Command Order No. 162.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

Ornate Royal Coat of Arms.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

5th 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, 123rd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

Ornate Royal Coat of Arms.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 123rd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

4th February, 1915.

95 – Officiating Clergyman – Appointment of –

            The undermentioned gentleman has been appointed Officiating Clergyman to the Brigade:-

The Rev. H.G. Attwater.

Authority, C.R.N.C. 13/297/100/A., dated 30th January, 1915.

96 – Demands for Stationary.  The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to War Office letter 26/2720 C.2., circulated herewith.

97 – Men Medically Unfit – Nominal Rolls of all men who have been attested and subsequently rejected as medically unfit, are to be forwarded to this Office with as little delay as possible.  The place and date of attestation and the name of the Doctor who made the initial medical examination, should be stated.

98 – Billets – Care of Bedding, etc. – The following procedure with reference to blankets and palliasses is to be observed:- (1) Blankets are to be taken out daily and well shaken before being folded up.  (2) Palliasses are to be aired in the open several hours at a time during each week as weather permits.  They should be shaken and the straw changed once every month.  The old straw is to be burnt.

99 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extract from the Second Supplement to the “London Gazette,” dated Tuesday, the 26th January 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

23rd Battalion (4th Tyneside Scottish), Captain John C. Campbell, 5th Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles, to command the Battalion and to be temporary Lieutenant-Colonel.  Dated 27th November, 1914.

SOLDIERS COMMITTED TO DETENTION BARRACKS – INCOMPLETE KIT – it has been brought to notice that men who are committed to Detention Barracks arrive there with incomplete kits, and, in a large number of cases, even without a change of washing.

It is essential that men should be in possession of change of clothing, as well as their other kit, and considerable trouble and expense are incurred in writing to units for the deficient article.

Every soldier committed to Detention Barracks should take with him clothing and necessaries, completed to Active Service scale, and articles of equipment as provided in paragraph 646 King’s Regulations, where such latter are in possession of the man.

Authority, War Office letter No. 23/Southern/201 (A.G.3), dated 27th January, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 41493/A.  Northern Command Order No. 145.

Extracts from Northern Command Orders- continued –

SURPLUS STORES NOT TO BE RETAINED.

The attention of all Commanding Officers is drawn to the necessity for immediately returning to the Army Ordnance Department all stores not being used.

A large number of issues have also been made of stores probably required for a short time only, and these should not be retained if not in use.  Camp equipment of all sorts is also included in this order.

C.R.N.C. No. 40756/O.S.  Northern Command Order No. 147.

SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION, CHELSEA – All ball ammunition will be collected from Non-Commissioned Officers before they are sent to join the School of Instruction, Chelsea.

ANTI-TYPHOID INOCULATION

The following Enteric Fever statistics are published for general information.

This order should be re-published in Divisional, Brigade, Garrison and Regimental Orders:-

“Of the first 421 cases of Typhoid Fever in the present campaign amongst British troops, 305 were of men who were not inoculated.  In the 421 cases there have been 35 deaths.  Of these deaths 34 were men who had not been inoculated within two years.  Only one death occurred among patients who were inoculated, and that man had only been inoculated once…”

In view of this unanswerable evidence, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is confident that no soldier with the welfare of his country at heart will hesitate to be inoculated.

Those who do not accept this simple prevention are furthering the interests of the enemy, as well as becoming a source of danger to their comrades.

C.R. No. 42006 (M)  Northern Command Order No. 149.

CLOTHING AND NECESSARIES –

With reference to Command Order Number 1853, dated the 31st December, 1914, it has been decided that, in the case of units raised by individuals or municipalities all renewals of clothing and necessaries after the initial issue is completed will be obtained from Army stocks.

Commanding Officers will obtain their requirements as directed in Army Order 373 of 1914, and issues to soldiers will be governed by the instructions in the same Army Order.

Repairs to clothing and boots will be carried out as laid down for the Territorial Force in Army Order 335 of 1914.

Authority, 54/General No. /1775 (Q.M.G.7), dated War Office, 27th January, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 38987/6/3 (O.S.) Northern Command Order No. 150.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

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

Diary of 2/4th Battalion The Border Regiment

1915

5th January 1915.  A draft of 30 men arrived from the Depot at Kendal.

12th January 1915.  The Battalion together with the remainder of the Brigade was inspected by Lieut.-General Sir R. Pole-Carew, K.C.B., Inspector-General of the Territorial Force, and on the 15th a special Brigade Order was published congratulating all units of the Brigade on their satisfactory appearance at the inspection.

22nd January 1915.  A draft of 17 men arrived from the Depot at Kendal.

29th January 1915.  A draft of 53 men arrived from the Depot at Kendal, completing the strength of the Battalion.

            In January the Battalion was asked to supply a draft to the 5th Battalion The Border Regiment proceeding to France, but the request was finally cancelled.

(Translation of a German Document)

VII Corps H.Q., PHALEMPIN, 25-12-14.

THE CAPTURE OF THE ENGLISH POSITION EAST OF FESTUBERT on 20-12-14

The front of attack was about 900 metres wide, situated on a flat ridge which commands the ground east and west of it.  About 50 metres behind the position was a well-built English cover trench.  Between the first line and the cover trench, and parallel to them, runs a natural ditch, which had not been touched.  The position of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 57th Infantry Regiment was about 80 – 150 metres in front of the enemy’s firing line.

Here, as well as in the neighbouring sectors, saps had been dug out from our line to within, in places, 3 metres of the enemy’s position.  The enemy, who were very active in throwing hand grenades, had forced us to cover in our sapheads.  He himself had made no saps in the region of the attack.

From the 10 sapheads in the zone of attack, mines were laid under the enemy’s trenches, each charged with 50 kilograms of explosive.  To ensure the ignition of the mines, the attack was arranged for 9 a.m. so that the leads could be tested by the Company Commander and his second in command and that any improvements which appeared necessary could be made by day-light.  A mine was also laid under a house held by the enemy on the right of the front of attack (Quinque Rue) and was charged with 300 kilograms (660 lb.) of explosive.

All the telephone communications were manned to ensure the neighbouring sectors commencing the attack simultaneously in the event of their being any delay in the explosion.  Actually, the explosion did not take place till 10.25 in the morning owing to special difficulties in connection with one of the leads.  When it was reported to the senior pioneer officer on the front of attack that all the mines were ready, he had three flare signals fired simultaneously.  This signal was only meant for the pioneers who then fired all the mines including the one under the house in the Quinque Rue.  At the same time a number of “Minenwerfer” directed their fire on to the cover trench.

The explosion was the signal for the attack, which was carried out as follows by the 2nd & 3rd Battalions of the 57th Infantry Regiment, the 2nd and 3rd Companies of the 7th Pioneer Regiment (less 2 sections) and the 1st Battalion of the 19th Pioneer Regiment (less 1 company).

A storming party of half a section of infantry with 12 pioneers was in readiness in each of the 10 saps.  They rushed into the enemy’s trench, searched it for mines, and cleared it with hand grenades and incendiary torches (Brandrohren).

A second storming party (in strength, a section of infantry between every 2 saps) rushed simultaneously across the open from their own position on both sides of the saps (sortie steps had been prepared for this) and reached the cover trench behind the enemy’s position.

A third party – a company from each battalion – occupied our own trench in case of counter-attack.

A working party in reserve – the remaining sections of the six attacking companies with pioneer detachments and materials for providing cover (shields, sandbags, etc.) – followed the attacking party into the enemy’s cover trench for the purpose of reconstructing this into a new position facing west.  Every battalion had therefore sent forward three companies in echelon for the attack and retained one in rear for holding our original position against counter-attacks.

Up to the moment of the explosion, the allotment of targets and the task of the artillery remained the same as they had been on the previous days, so as not to excite the attention of the enemy.

Not until the mines were fired were the neighbouring sectors to engage the enemy by increased fire action.  Use was to be made of any advantages which appeared obtainable.  The medium “minenwerfer” were to attack the enemy’s machine guns, which were dug in and arranged for flanking fire into the neighbouring sector to the left.  The field artillery was to shell the enemy’s approaches.  The 21 cm mortar battery was to subdue the enemy’s artillery and machine guns, which were intended to afford flanking fire from positions known to us in the village of GIVENCHY; 3 batteries of heavy field howitzers were held in readiness to return the fire of any new hostile batteries which might come into action.

The whole operations was carried out according to plan.  The 10 mines exploded simultaneously.  With the help of the over-powering effect produced by them, our attacking parties, who had immediately rushed forward, succeeded in getting into the enemy’s cover trench with few losses, and took up a position there.  The enemy, English and Indians, who fled from the position suffered heavy losses.

The forces in both neighbouring sectors joined in the attack, for the most part by means of a charge across the open, which led to the capture of so-called “Heckenhaus” in the Rue de Caillaux and of the English position east of GIVENCHY.  On the previous day the “Heckenhaus” had been destroyed by a heavy “Minenwerfer”; on the day of the attack gaps were made in the wire entanglement round it by means of two mines, each with 50 kilogram (110 lb) charge, and its garrison was rendered “ripe for attacking” (sturmreif) by two rounds from the “Minenwerfer” being directed on to the ruins of the “Heckenhaus”.

 The effect of the attacks on the enemy were such that he immediately brought up the 9th Indian Cavalry Brigade which was in reserve near BETHUNE and part of the 142nd French Territorial Regiment and “alarmed” the 1st Infantry Division (English) which belonged to his Army reserve and was in the vicinity of HAZEBROUCK.  This division was brought up by rail and motor to BETHUNE and used for heavy counter-attacks on the 20th, 21st and 22nd, all of which were repulsed with heavy losses.

Six machine guns and eleven small trench mortars were captured and 1* officers and 815 men taken prisoner.  According to a reliable estimate, over 3,000 of the enemy lay dead upon the battlefield.

In the dug-outs of the trench which was destroyed by the mines, a large number of Indian corpses was found still sitting: they had apparently been suffocated.  In view of the success we obtained, our own losses in the actual assault (10 officers and 452 men wounded, now in the hospitals of the Army Corps, 459 slightly wounded, and about 250 killed) were not great and in the attack itself they were inappreciable.  Apart from the bravery of the troops, success was due to the minute and detailed tactical preparation by both the infantry and the pioneers and to the accurately timed co-ordination of the mines, “Minenwerfer”, infantry assault and artillery fire.

A plan was for a moment considered for drawing the enemy into his front trenches by increasing our fire before exploding the mines, and thus attracting larger bodies of the enemy over the mines.  This, however, was discarded because it was feared that we should, in consequence, meet with so much opposition to our attack against the front trenches as would delay us from penetrating into the cover trench, which was our objective.  Also, we wished to avoid attracting the enemy’s attention prematurely.

(Signed) v. CLAER,

General Officer Commanding.

Letter from Mildred Aldrich.

La Creste, Huiry

Couilly (S. et M.)

Esbly.

Dec 9 1914.

Commander

Bedfordshire L.I.

British Expeditionary Force

Sir.

From around September 3 to sunrise September 4, on the eve of the Battle on the Marne I had a picket guard from your regiment (Capt Edwards’ Company) in the road about my house, and although I did not know one of the men by name, I feel a personal interest in them and feel like trying to send a greeting to the brave boys so far away from home at Christmas time.  I am sending a package of cigarettes, some chocolate and playing cards which I ask you to add to your Christmas ** in memory of the days when they came here and of the trying days that followed, where from my garden I watched the battle between Panchard and Barry on the opposite bank of the Marne.  You will know how to distribute my humble little offering and pardon me sir, I am sorry for troubling you.  I wish I could sent a personal greeting to every one of the boys who lives to remember his visit back here, after the retreat, – & for that matter to every man in the field.

            Sincerely yours

                        Mildred Aldrich.