George Ryan’s letter home dated 18 Mar 1915

9^th Middlesex

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

18 Mar 1915

 

Dear M & F,

 

I’ve received your letters of Feb 12 & 19. I received quite a batch of letters with your first one last Saturday.  One from Charlie Soper at Malta, one from the office, one from the landlady at Sittingbourne & one from Cousin William at Holt.  I’ve also received a few papers from Holt.  I don’t remember seeing “Cousin William” unless it was that he came over from Uncle Tom’s some time ago.  I suppose nobody else is likely to write from there; perhaps you had better let me know who’s who in case.

 

We’ve practically finished our firing now. We expect to go to Darjeeling some time next week, so I am going to Calcutta this afternoon if I can get a pass, as we might not have the chance again for a little time.

 

Well I suppose we are out here till October now, as there’s no signs of moving, in spite of the rumours.

 

The 2^nd partner at the office has got a commission in the Navy & the Governor’s son has joined the Army so there’s only the Gov, & Mr Walker left.

 

I’m surprised at the cost of the W.D. League’s uniforms, they must be very swanky things. They only ought to cost half that amount, 20/- at the most, from any army contractor, in large quantities.

 

Hoping you are all well,

Love to all,

George

 

Dear Ma,

Thanks very much for the tales about my naughty sisters. Lets have some more.  I’m surprised at May, I thought she knew better.  She hasn’t got me to look after her.

G

 

Dick-Cunyngham letter to wife dated 15 March 1915 on black edged notepaper.

 

March 15^th.

My own darling one,

 

You do write such darling letters. I love the story that Freddie has got, bar settling down to work that night at St. Quentin and doing a bit of Staff work for F.W.  I didn’t know I had done anything more than anyone else – I shall be amused to hear your description of Seely, I wonder if you will remember that I got him to take Pancake Allan away in his motor-car from Bavai.  There has been some heavy fighting North of us – went on all last night, incessant firing & rifle fire heavier at 3 a.m. when I got up & telephoned down to the trenches.  But I’ve really had 2 good night’s rest lately – and rather less to do by day – we are going off on our tour in 40 minutes time.  Hope it will be quieter than last time when we had to take to ‘dug-outs’.

 

They are building us a Hutment Bde Hd Qrs later on, so we shan’t have these daily moves – today just as we had finished lunch a shell went over the house and landed beside the road about 100 yrds down – the vet officer who hates shells was just leaving the house at the time & came running back for the cellar – they put 9 in altogether & 3 failed to explode. One hit the church & knocked the S chancel to pieces, Geoff and I had a look at it just now.  The priest and some nuns were trying to save some coloured figures – it is sad to see churches knocked about & this one has some rather nice oak panelling & pictures.  I wonder they don’t remove everything.

 

How killing about Neil – what is he doing at Camberley – such a place to settle in for the poor boy unless he is with Godfrey’s relations. Must write to Godfrey some time – really disgraceful I’ve never written him a line.

 

I enclose a bill which please pay if you have enough & when I tell you cap has arrived and is satisfactory.

 

Never heard anything about Dickie & Eva going to Warminster – and a house – how exciting – shall I come home & help train the new Army! Daniell in Seaforth’s has gone.

 

My chilblains are now small blue & black bruises the size of a shilling and are very tender in the mornings – or whenever I put on or take off my boots. Find my old field boots the most comfortable by day but must try and wear the Norwegians for the mud tonight – my feet are warmer now so I may get into them easier.

 

Woke up deaf in left ear this morning so uncomfy, still deaf now – perhaps ride will shake it up.

 

There isn’t any news much – more activity all round coming with the spring, new moon tonight, one looks forward to moonlight nights as then we can walk round in comfort, it’s no fun on a pitch black night- shall be home for dinner about 10 p.m. tonight I expect, anyhow there ought not to be any more work & I have written my usual letter.

 

I am so glad you enjoyed your little jaunt in Town, you richly deserved it – will you now think about joining a Lady’s Club in Town, I feel you would have somewhere go to when you go up where you could be comfy – I never did like you rushing about, lunching at Stewart’s etc & having no rest. Think of it, darling will you – must go and change for trenches – old coat etc.

 

All my love my precious one & god keep you both safe & give you the strength to bear all your anxieties.

 

Ever your own loving Hubby

Jimmie

 

With black edged envelope addressed to Mrs Dick Cunyngham, Heslington, Croft Rd. Crowborough, England.  Passed by Censor No 1354.  Signed Dick Cunyngham.  Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 14 dated 16 MR 15

Report of Drifters off Syra 14 March 1919

 

Lieut. R.H. Palmer R.N.V.R.

D “Northesk” II 2022

Syra

March 14 1919

Captain K.

H.M.S. “Pyramus”

Mudros.

 

Sir,

 

I have the honour to report that the letter given to me to deliver to Lieut Berkeley of H.M.T. “Eva Wales” has been undelivered owing to “Eva Wales” having sailed before my arrival.

 

On arrival at Syra at 1300 today I reported to S.N.O. and also informed him I had this letter to deliver.

 

I was told that Eva Wales had left Syra with the other Trawlers on the previous day & as there is no ferry between Syra & Malta I am returning the letter to you.

 

We arrived at Syra without incident although the speed maintained only averaged 7 Knots; this was due to three factors: –

The dirtiness of the bottoms of Northesk & Prime, the heavy load of stores in the holds of Hopeful & Comely and that we had very heavy weather from DORO to Syra.

I have the honour to be Sir

R.H.P.

“A” Form

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

 

To        Camp Comdt.

 

Senders Number                     Day of Month             In reply to Number     AAA

IG 632                                                 14

 

Fifth Army reports they have consolidated brickfields at N.2.A.5.5. AAA Trench H.31.B.0.3. to H.32.D.2.7. occupied by us AAA Line West of G.23.C.3.0. now runs West to G.22.C.8.1. North to G.22.A.5.3., G.22.A.0.7., G.21. Central Railways in G.20. central AAA Post established at F.26.D.3015. AAA ends.

 

From: TRUMPET

Place:

Time: 11/40 am

(Sd) K.M. Leader Lieut G.S.

Signature of Addressee

 

14 March 1917

 

 

Letter to Rev. R.M. Laporte Payne 11 March 1919

 

Oval stamp of 707^th M.T. Company

No 4151. Date 11.3.19.

Army Service Corps.

Rev Laporte Payne,

Christ’s Church,

1. Finchley,

London W.

 

Sir,

 

M2/203809 Pte Bowman F.W.

 

The above mentioned man, whom I understand is known to you, and who is presently serving in the unit under my command, has made application to me for compassionate leave in order that he may be able to proceed to the United Kingdom for the purpose of putting his home affairs in order.

 

From the documentary evidence which he has produced, it would appear that the relations existing between he and his wife are rather unsatisfactory at present. There does not appear, however, to be any neglect on the part of his wife, so far as the children are concerned, and, in the absence of definite proof, of such neglect, there is little hope of his application for leave being granted at present.

 

If it is not encroaching on more important business, I shall be obliged if you will kindly make enquiries and let me know as early as possible what exactly is the position of affairs and in what state the home is being kept.

 

Pte Bowman’s home address is 14 Castle Way, N. Finchley W.

 

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Signature unreadable Major R.A.S.C.

 

In the Field,                                                                O.C. 707 M.T. Coy., R.A.S.C.

11/3/19

George Ryan’s letter home dated 11 Mar 1915

1945 “D” Co

9^th Middx

Barrackpore

Bengal.

11 Mar 1915

 

Dear M & F,

 

Our letters have not arrived here yet this week. I expect we shall get them to-morrow.

 

We have not finished our firing yet; we even went last Sunday; we’ve got a day off to day though. We have been getting up at 5.0 & leaving here at 7.0 a.m. but now we are not going to start until the afternoon, 2.30.  I’ve been getting on pretty fair but none of us “recruits” will get proficiency pay until we’ve done 2 years service.

 

Myself & a dozen or so others of this company are going up to the hills shortly. The major doctor came round & inspected us last Saturday & picked out a few of us, the younger ones chiefly & one or two that didn’t look up to the mark.  We expect to go to Lebon, Darjeeling, that’s the summer station for “troops” in this part of India.  By all accounts it’s a very nice place.  They say we are going on the first of next month; I can’t say how long we shall be there.  C.A.S. is going too.  You had better continue to write here for the present.  It’s a nuisance getting our letters a day later than everybody else, it’s bad enough when the mail’s late.

 

According to the papers we shall get another mail in here next Monday as well as the one expected to-morrow, as a mail boat is due in at Bombay to-morrow morning.

 

How’s my “old iron”. I suppose it’s alright.  It’s not worth while trying to sell it I suppose.  I shouldn’t get anywhere near what its worth.  You might set the back wheel in motion now & again, by giving the pedals a turn or two; say once a month. Don’t touch the front wheel because of the cyclometer.  The front wheel, too, only tell me what the cyclometer stands at before you touch it.

 

Hope you are all well,

Love to all,

Y^r loving son

George

P.T.O.

 

About the front wheel on the bike, dad. I was forgetting you was so handy with the screw-driver.  If you unscrew the “cyclometer – striker”, it’s a little thing on one or the spokes that catches the cyclometer, the cyclometer will not work.  It might not come right off, but you’ll be able to turn it so that it doen’t strike.  No need to take the bike down to do it.

 

 

 

Report of Drifters off Mudros 6 March 1919

 

C.O.

D “Northesk” II (91)

Mudros.

March 6/19

Navigating Officer

H.M.S. “Europa”

 

It is requested that as I am leaving for England in a few days with a Division of Drifters, that my Standard Compass may be repaired & adjusted before sailing.

 

This compass has been out of action since my taking over command of Northesk but it is almost essential in such a long voyage as I am now undertaking.

 

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.

 

Camp Comdt.
SECRET. 20th Division No. G.762.
FORCAST OF PROBABLE DISPOSITIONS IN CASE OF AN ADVANCE.
1. The advance to be reckoned with is an advance by short bounds from one enemy trench system to another.
The advance of the Division will probably be in a N.E. direction, and will include, as the first step, a move towards the LE TRANSLOY Line, viz: – SUN TRENCH, MOON TRENCH, STAR TRENCH, and the village of LE TRANSLOY. The next bound would be to the BARASTRE – ROCQUIGNY line. The first advance would carry our line forward about 800 – 1,000 yards, while the second step would be one of about 2,500 yards, beyond the LE TRANSLOY Line.

2. Some of the factors which will regulate the rate of the advance are:-
(i) The reconstruction of roads and railways (both light and ordinary) with a view to bringing up supplies and material.
(ii) Ability to bring forward guns to support the advance.
(iii) The resistance offered by the enemy.
The factors under (i) and (ii) are known quantities as regards the present fighting area. The resistance of the enemy may be counted on to be energetic, and it may therefore be assumed that the rate of progression will be slow.

3. On the 7th instant, Brigades will have been reformed into their proper groupings, and it is proposed, unless orders to the contrary are received, to advance with whichever two Brigades happen to be in the line, the Brigade from CARNCY being kept in Reserve.

4. The action of the two forward Brigades will consist in sending out strong fighting patrols, to their front, within the Divisional limits defined by the Corps, and to keep touch with the retiring enemy and occupy all evacuated trenches. It is most important that at this stage, lateral communication between these patrols be maintained. Divisional orders will define the spheres within which patrols of each Brigade will operate.

5. The Headquarters of Formations will move forward to new positions as soon as the LE TRANSLOY line has been occupied. These will be as follows:-
Divl: H.Qrs (including H.Qrs R.A. & R.E.) to GUILLEMONT.
Reserve Brigade to GUILLEMONT.
Bde in MORVAL Sector to dugouts T.12.a.60.75.
Bde in LESBOEUFS Sector to “ T.5.c.45.25.
Bn. H.Qrs of above 2 Bdes to most suitable dugouts in our own
front line or the enemy’s front line, according to the position of their Battns.
2nd Echelon Divl: H.Qrs. to BRIQUETERIE.
Should the advance continue to the BARASTRE – ROCQUIGNY line, “G” Branch, Divisional Headquarters, moves to the Left Brigade H.Qrs. in T.6.a., while both leading Brigade H.Qrs move to suitable positions in the LE TRASNOY line, and Battalion H.Qrs to selected points in rear of their units between the LE TRASNOY and BARASTRE – ROCQUIGNY lines.

6. Unless orders are received to the contrary, units will advance at their trench strengths. The personnel not with units and not required for Works Battalion or other Corps work, will move with the transport which will follow up the advance, under orders to be issued by “Q”. The personnel with the transport will be considered to be the 50% reinforcements to be kept out of the fight in accordance with O.B. 1635 (Instructions for the training of Divisions for Offensive Action). The extra regimentally employed men to return to units when advance begins, will probably be those attached to Tunnelling Coys, Hutting Coy. and to those units whose existence has become necessary through Trench warfare.

7. Troops advancing over the occupied area cannot count on any accommodation beyond that which may be found in evacuated dugouts which have not been destroyed by the enemy, and may therefore have to bivouac in the open. “Q” Branch are ascertaining what tent squares (bivouacs) will be available.
Until the roads have been repaired, rations, water, tools, ammunition etc., will have to be carried by the troops themselves, with the assistance of pack-animals. Pack-animals will not be able to proceed usually beyond Battalion Headquarters.
The transport lines would probably be advanced to the neighbourhood of GUILLEMONT and GINCHY as soon as the move commences, and sites for these are to be reconnoitred now by Transport Officers, the reconnaissance being co-ordinated by “Q”.

8. The most suitable map to be used by troops will be sheet 57c. S.W., 1/20,000.

9. When the advance commences, the S.A.A. Section D.A.C. will come under the control of “Q” and will be at once moved to GUILLEMONT, the proposed site for transport lines being selected beforehand.

10. Tool carts will be filled up to mobilization scale at D.A.D.O.S. dumps, under orders from “Q”.
11. Details as regards disposal of stores, equipment to be worn, transport arrangements etc. will be issued by “Q” in due course.
T. McN. Haskard
Lieut. Col.
General Staff, 20th Division.
5th March, 1917.

Copies to:-
C.R.A.
C.R.E.
59th Inf. Bde.
60th Inf. Bde.
61st Inf. Bde.
11th Durham L.I.
A.D.M.S.
A.D.V.S.
Divl Train.
Signals.
A.A. & Q.M.G.
A.P.M.
Camp Commandant.
XIV Corps “G” (for information).

George Ryan’s letter home dated 3 Mar 1915

9^th Middx

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

3 Mar 1915

 

Dear M & F,

 

Thanks very much for your letters of Feb 4. Sorry to hear about C. Closh.  I saw a letter he had written home in the W. Chronicle a few weeks ago.  I expect you saw it.  I should think he’ll be home for a few days when he comes out of hospital.

 

Well we didn’t go into camp at Jaffapore after all. We marched there & back each day.  Yesterday we went in our shirt sleeves, but we wore our equipment just the same.  We have not gone to-day; we’ve got to stay in barracks as the Viceroy is in or near Calcutta & we might be wanted as guard during the next few days.

 

I’ve only done 20 rounds of my firing, out of 200, so it will be a fortnight or 3 weeks before we are finished. This is not the test though.  I’m only firing the course I ought to have fired at Hythe before we left England.  None of us will get any extra pay however well we do.

 

I had a very bad cold on Mon & Tues & my eyes ached a bit through being out on the range all day, so I went down & saw the Doctor. He gave me a dose of something for my cold which brought it out very quickly.  I was blowing my nose every 5 min y’day but to-day I felt nothing of it at all.  He gave me some lotion for my eyes & advised me to get a pair of tinted glasses to wear while we are on the range.

 

Hope dad has still got something to do. By the papers it seems there’s a great demand for labour but I suppose it’s for skilled labour of a different nature to dads.

 

Trusting this will find you all well,

Y^r affectionate son,

George

 

SECRET.

Copy No 20.

 

ORDER OF BATTLE.

———————————

 

20^TH (LIGHT) DIVISION.

 

General Staff

2^nd March, 1918.

 

 

G.O.C.                                    Major-General W. DOUGLAS SMITH, C.B.

A.D.C.                                                Capt. G.H.GILBEY, M.C.

A.D.C.                                                Capt G.A. GRIEG.

 

G.S. BRANCH.

 

G.S.O. 1                                 Bt. Lieut-Col J. McD. HASKARD, D.S.O.

G.S.O. 2                                 Major P.P. BUDGE, D.S.O.

G.S.O. 3                                 Capt. W.M. OZANE.

Int. Officer                              2/Lt. G.M. MORIER, R.G.A.

 

A.A. & Q.M.G’s BRANCH.

 

A.A. & Q.M.G.                        Lieut-Col. H.G.B. MILLER, D.S.O., M.C.

D.A.A.G.                                 Major W.O. TIMES, M.C.

D.A.Q.M.G.                            Major L.C.C. OWEN.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES & DEPTS.

 

A.D.M.S.                                Col. B.F. WINGATE, D.S.O.

D.A.D.M.S.                            Capt. A.C. HAMMOND SEARLE, M.C.

D.A.D.V.S.                             Major T. LISHMAN.

D.A.D.O.S.                             Capt. J. McGOWN, M.C.

 

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS.

 

A.P.M.                                    Major J.E.B. MARTIN, C.V.O.

S.C.F. C/E.                            Rev. J.H. McKEW, M.C.

Div. Bombing Officer.          Capt J.E.G. SMITH, M.C. 7^th Somerset L.I.

Div. Gas Offr,                        Lt. E.G. LAWFORD, R.E.

D.G.O.                                    Lt. H. PAYN-le-SUEUR, R.F.A.

French Liaison Officer       Aspirant G. BERGEREY

Traffic Control                       2/Lt. S.Q. SERVANTE.

Claims Officer                       Capt. C.W.V. WEBB, M.C.

Div. Depot Bn.                      Lt. J.H. BRANDEN POWELL.

S.S.O.                                     Major J.G.L. SOAMES.

 

 

 

H.QRS. DIVL. ARTILLERY.

 

Commander.                         Brig-General H.W.A. CHRISTIE, C.M.G., R.A.

Bde. Major                             Major A.G. CUNNINGHAM, M.C., R.A.

Staff Capt.                             Capt. C. FRANCIS.

Staff Lieut.                             Lieut. K.B. POTTER, M.C.

 

91^st Bde. R.F.A.

 

Commander.                         Lieut Col. A.E. ERSKINE, D.S.O.

A/91                                        A/Major H.P.B. POER.

B/91                                        A/Major H.B. BUCKLEY, M.C.

C/91                                        A/Major H.PRICE-WILLIAMS, M.C.

D/91                                        A/Major E.G. EARLE, D.S.O.

 

 

92^nd Bde. R.F.A.

 

Commander.                         Major G.R. BALSTON.

A/92                                        A/Maj. F. BUTCHER.

B/92                                        A/Maj. S.R. REYNOLDS.

C/92                                        A/Maj. W. LAING, M.C.

D/92                                        A/Maj. T.H. HOLLAND, M.C.

 

Div. Ammunition Column.

 

O.C.                                        Lieut Col. J.R. FOSTER.

Adjutant.                                Capt. R.H. DENMAN, M.C.

 

TRENCH MORTAR BATTERIES.

 

D.T.M.O.

X/20 T.M.B.                            A/Capt. G.S. GRANT.

Y/20 T.M.B.                            A/Capt. J. NEILL.

 

ROYAL ENGINEERS.

 

C.R.E.                                                Lieut. Col. E.M. NEWELL, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                Capt. H.W. COALES, M.C.

 

83^rd Field Coy. R.E.

O.C.                                        Major I.W. MASSIE, M.C.

84^th Field Coy. R.E.

O.C.                                        Major P.G. NORMAN, M.C.

96^th Field Coy. R.E.

O.C.                                        Major P.F. STORY, D.S.O.

20^th Div. Signal Coy. R.E.

O.C.                                        Major A.G. BRACE, M.C.

 

 

 

INFANTRY.

 

59^th Infantry Brigade.

 

Commander.                         Brig-General H.H.G. HYSLOP, D.S.O.

Bde. Major.                            Capt. H.H. DE LAESSOE, M.C.

Staff Capt.                             Capt. J. COWAN, M.C.

Bde. T.M. Bty.                        Capt. S.A. SMITH, M.C.

 

2^nd Scottish Rifles.

O.C.                                        A/Lt. Col. H.C.H. SMITH, D.S.O

Adjutant.                                A/Capt. D.P. WRIGHT.

 

11^th K.R.R.C.

O.C.                                        Lieut Col. G.K. PRIAULX, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                Capt. A. FORDE NUTTING

 

11^th R.B.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. A.E. COTTON, D.S.O.

Adjutant                                 Capt. T.J.B. BOSVILE, M.C.

 

60^th Infantry Brigade.

 

Commander.                         Brig-General F.J. DUNCAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.

Bde. Major.                            Bt. Major A.E. SANDERSON.

Staff Captain.                       Captain G. VISCOUNT ERLEIGH.

Bde. T.M. Bty.                        Lieut. R. FISCHEL.

 

6^th K.S.L.I.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. H.E. WELCH, D.S.O.

Adjutant                                 A/Capt. F.A.H. STANIER.

 

12^th K.R.R.C.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. L.G. MOORE, D.S.O.

Adjutant                                 A/Capt. C.F. BAXTER.

 

12^th R.B.

O.C.                                        Bt. Lieut. Col. A.F.C. MACLACHLAN, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                Capt. C.W. TAIT, M.C.

 

61^st Infantry Brigade.

 

Commander.                         Brig-General J.K. COCHRANE.

Bde. Major.                            Capt. E.P. COMBE, M.C.

Staff Captain.                       Capt. C.W.V. WEBB, M.C.

Bde. T.M. Bty.                        A/Capt. W.A. HILL.

 

12^th King’s (L’pool) Regt.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. A.N. VINCE, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                Capt. J.E.B. PLUMMER.

 

7^th Somerset L.I.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. C.J. TROYTE-BULLOCK, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                A/Capt. P.E.E. CHAPPELL, D.C.M.

 

7^th Duke of Cornwall’s L.I.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. H.G.R. BURGES-SHORT, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                Capt. F.W. ALLAN, M.C.

 

DIVISIONAL TROOPS.

 

Pioneer Bn. 11^th Durham L.I.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. G. HAYES, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                Capt. G.H. TOLLIT.

 

Divl. M.G. Battn.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. H.L. RILEY, D.S.O.

Adjutant.                                Lieut. A.M. CROMPTON.

 

Divisional Train.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. R.H.F. STANDEN.

A/Adjutant.                            Capt. C.S. MASCHMEYER.

 

60^th Field Ambulance.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. A.C. OSBURN, D.S.O.

 

61^st Field Ambulance.

O.C.                                        Lieut. Col. F. McLENNAN.

 

62^nd Field Ambulance.

O.C.                                        A/Lieut. Col. G.H. STACK.

 

32^nd Mob. Vet. Section.

O.C.                                        Capt. J.B. WELHAM.

 

Salvage Coy.                       Lt. S. DELAHAY.

 

Divl. Employment Coy.

O.C.                                        Major R.F. HIGGINS.