Letter to Miss Dillon 17 February 1919

WAR OFFICE

LONDON S.W. 1

17^th February 1919

All further communications on this

subject should be addressed to – the Secretary

War Office

London S.W. 1

and the following number quoted.

            I desire to place on record my appreciation of the splendid services rendered by all officials and members of the Women’s Legion Motor Drivers during the War.

It is now nearly four years since your President, the Marchioness of Londonderry, first proposed that the services of women should be utilised in connection with the transport services.  The numbers have steadily increased, and to-day you form an important and for the present an indispensable part of the Military organization at Home.  There have been times when it would have been almost impossible to carry on without your valued and ungrudging service.  Knowing, as I do, what this has meant to the Army particularly and to the nation generally, it is a great pleasure to me to be the one to express your country’s appreciation.

I would take this opportunity of saying that in the state of transition from War to Peace conditions your help is still urgently needed, and I appeal confidently for a continuance of your loyal service, trusting that only very urgent grounds will induce you to ask for your release at present.

J.S. Cowans

General

Quartermaster-General to the Forces

To all Officials and Members

of the Women’s Legion Motor Drivers

GD1929    5000    2/19  HWV(P)  H3024

Report of Drifters off Mudros 14 February 1919

C.O.

D “Northesk” II No 2022

Mudros.

Feb 14^th 1919

A.P.Office.

H.M.S. “Europa”

The following changes in the personnel of crew of H.M.D. “Northesk II” No. 2022.

1. Williams Tel discharged to “Europa”
2. Smith O.S.             “ “ “Europa”

Both discharged A.M. Feb 14 1919.

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 11 Feb 1915

9^th Middlesex

Barrackpore

Bengal

India.

11 Feb 1915

Dear M & F,

Thanks very much for the parcel, which I received yesterday. I didn’t expect to get it so soon.  The pudding isn’t the first I’ve tasted this year, but of course it was the best.  Both the pudding & the cake were alright, none the worse for the journey.  The cake smashed up a bit when I cut it, but that’s a sign of good quality isn’t it?  Tell May, as far as I can see, the cherries on top are intact.  The cigarettes are A1 quite a treat, the tobacco ditto repeato.  The handkerchiefs will be very useful, as one or two of my old ones are showing signs of wear, in other words split almost in two.  In fact I’m using one now as a cleaning rag.  Also tell May the piece of rag you put in will come in very handy, she seemed to think it wouldn’t be of much use.  If she would like to know all particulars I’ve torn it in half; one half I’m using as a tea cloth, (I like to wipe my knife & fork etc, myself, then I know it’s done properly) & the other half I wrap my bread in.  (We are given a pound loaf in the morning & have to keep half of it for tea).

I didn’t have to pay any duty on the parcel as I expected. Apparently that new order comes into force, that soldiers pay no duty.

Well, we got back here from Ishapore last Sunday. We had a very easy time there, I would not have minded the job for good if we had had a few things with us, as we had a chance of mixing with the English people a bit, that’s more than we can do here.  I didn’t have a chance of going over the Factories but perhaps I shall next time, if we go again.

We’ve been put through it slightly since we got back here; a four mile run before breakfast, drill, sham battles, etc 9 – 12. Then two afternoons a week we go for a route march at 4.0 p.m.  We went for one on Tuesday, between 7 & 8 miles.  We got back soaked, trousers, tunic & all.  It does take it out of you, it’s too much in the hot sun.

The barracks here are not quite so handy, there’s a second floor to them but the beds are a little more comfortable, the corrugated iron being replaced by interwoven strips of iron.

I forgot to tell May last week I made my first attempt at darning socks – the last week we were in Dinapore. So my socks lasted well, didn’t they.  I made a very good job of it, but I don’t think the darns looked quite so neat as yours.  I couldn’t get on with putting my hand down the sock, so I pushed a tobacco tin down & did it that way.

We have not got the letters here this week yet. The mail boat was 3 days late, then ours will be another day later still as they’ve got to be forwarded on from Dinapore.  It’s a nuisance keep changing our address.  I expect a few weeks after you’ve got this address we shall have shifted again.

Hoping this will find you all well,

Yr loving son

George

This is the last sheet of that lot of paper you gave me I can’t get any more till the canteen opens this afternoon. But I think you will be able to read this alright.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 7 Feb 1917

On headed notepaper with regimental crest 9^th Middlesex Regt.

Kakul

Nr Abbottabad

India.

7 Feb 1917

Dear Mother,

Many thanks for your letters of Jan 3^rd & 10^th, the latter addressed to Hasan Abdal.  Shall be glad to hear from May & Edie again.  You have mentioned about them writing for two weeks in succession, so I ought to hear from them next mail.  May used to say, the third time is never like the rest.

I am very sorry to hear Cousin Ellen does not improve at all, & that she has had to go to the Infirmary. I’m sure she was too much for you to look after.

I also heard from Mr. Walker last week. He mentions about your letter to him & asks what he is to do, so I suppose he never received my letter.  I shall write to him next week, & will let you know what I tell him to do.  Well I don’t think there’s anything of interest to tell you this week.  The weather has been very fine the last week; just like it is in May at home.  I am still on the Pioneer Staff, keeping my hand in at paste dabbing, & paper-hanging, tell Dad.

I am sending the Jan No of our magazine. I don’t think it improves much.  I should think it’s rather hard for people outside the Battalion to understand some parts of it.  What’s your opinion?

Hoping you are all well; I’m in the pink.

Fondest love to all from

Yr affectionate son

George

P.S. In case last weeks mail goes to the bottom of the sea, I will repeat one thing that I said & that’s “In future please address letters to Rawal Pindi, until I alter it again”.

P.P.S. I meant to have told you the “latest” which is that we are going down to Lahore, very shortly, into the 3^rd Div.

Letter to H.A. Titcomb 5 February 1919

Copies to be made for uncle HAT.

February 5^th 1919

Sergeant Major H.A. Titcomb,

R.A.F. Repatriation Records,

43 St. Cross Road,

WINCHESTER.

Dear Titcomb,

I saw Trenchard on Sunday and he expressed himself as amazed to hear of your history. He was not aware that you had been refused a Commission.  I have heard from him today and understand that you will get your release in a few days time.  If things should not go satisfactorily please let me know.

I understood from you that you do want to get out but are in no hurry; should the results of my efforts be more rapid than you anticipated do not be sufficiently quixotic to decline, because then you might stay there for years & years. I understand that the demobilisers have got to demobilise everybody and everything, including the regimental mascots, before their own turn comes.

Yours very truly,

Not named here.

Report of Drifters off Mudros 1 February 1919

C.O.

D “Northesk” II No 2022

Mudros.

Feb 4/19

Fleet Paymaster

Sir,

I beg to advise the following changes in the personnel of my crew;-

Wm. Gault   1^st Engn. discharged to Tr. 391.  Oceanic II.

J.D. Stevens Trimmer         “         to Dr. 2505. “Favourite”

F.O. Curtis, Dk Hd Gr.       “         to Tr. 391 “Oceanic II”

1. Mulligan Dk Hd             “ to “    “           “

L.J. Whittle Dk Hd Sig     “         to Tr. 288. Dinorah

1. Robertson Dk Hd Hydro “       to Tr. 391 Oceanic II.

E.J. Soanes       “    “       “  “           to  “     “          “

S.G. Duke Tel                     “          to Dr. 748 “Floandi”

J.W. Lambourne Tel           “          to Tr   — Gillygate

All noon Feb 1^st 1919

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.

Report of Drifters off Mudros 4 February 1919

C.O.

D “Northesk” II No 2022

Mudros.

Feb 4 1919

Fleet Paymaster.

H.M.S. “Europa”

Sir,

I beg to report the following changes in the personnel of my crew;-

391. Gordon   Engn. reported for duty from Tr. 391. “Oceanic II”.
392. Hoyle Trimmer         “ “ “     “     Dr. 2505. “Favourite”
393. Smith, O.S. Hyd       “ “ “     “     Tr. 391 “Oceanic II”
394. Reynolds Dk Hd       “ “ “     “       “    “           “
395. Kirkham O.S.          “ “ “     “     Tr. 288. Dinorah
396. Hall Dk Hd                 “ “ “     “     Tr. 391 “Oceanic II”.
397. Banham Dk Hd “ “       “      “       “     “          “

S.J. Williams Tel           “       “        “    “     Dr. 748 “Floandi”

J.H. Clement Tel           “       “        “     “    Tr   — Gillygate

All noon Feb 1^st 1919

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.

Notes for Entrainment at Havre.

———————-

1. O.C. Units will receive instructions from Base Commandant’s office as to the “Point” of entrainment and the hour at which it commences. They should reconnoitre their route and arrange that the unit does dot arrive more than 30 minutes before the time.

1. They will see that all lettering on vehicles showing unit to which they belong is pasted out.
2. See that waterbottles are filled as there is no drinking water for men at the “Points”. (Horses can however be watered.)
3. Detail a ration party as ordered.
4. (Ration for all “Points” except 6 are drawn at Point 4. Rations for Point 6 are drawn at the W end of the Platform.)
5. Send a representative of unit to assist in allotment of trucks, etc. he should arrive 15 minutes before unit.
6. Caution their men and especially the advanced party that no equipment, etc., is to be taken off or arms piled on arrival at “Point” except at the place indicated by the R.T.O.
7. Ensure that cooking pots, also canvass water buckets and “breast ropes” (for horse trucks) are handy on arrival at “Point.”
8. The following are suitable for “breast ropes” (see next para.): –

1. Drag-ropes – two per truck.
2. Built-up picketing ropes – 4 per truck.
3. Spare heads ropes – 2 per truck.
4. Only if enough of these are not available should special rope be procured from the Ordnance, 26ft per truck of 8 horses.

1. Trucks must be sanded previous to placing horses in them.Eight horses are placed in a truck, four aside facing one another. They are secured by the head-ropes to rings in the roof and also be breast ropes.Two men will then be detailed to travel in the truck, one of whom must constantly remain with the horses.
2. As each truck-load is boxed, the harness, forage, and buckets are placed in the centre in the space between the breast ropes, and doors closed to within a foot.
3. Harness should never be removed until R.T.O. indicates the place where it is to be taken off.
4. The O.C. Train will be responsible that –

1. Railway regulations are complied with, and that the running of trains and Railway services is not interfered with.
2. No one travels on roofs or steps of carriages or in the guards brakes.
3. There is no smoking in horse-trucks.
4. A piquet is detailed with orders to detrain at every halt to prevent men leaving the train. A report to be made to R.T.O. that this has been done. If number of troop trucks in considerable, half the piquet should travel in front part of train and half in rear.
5. Men attempting to leave the train should be severely dealt with.
6. A guard is posted on the door of any refreshment room en route to prevent men entering.

1. HIGGINS, Captain G. HENEAGE, Major

D.A.Q.M.G.                                        D.A.D.R.T.

Havre

February 1916

—————————————————————

Army Printing & Stationary Services, 471, 1,000, 7-16.

———————-

1. O.C. Units will receive instructions from Base Commandant’s office as to the “Point” of entrainment and the hour at which it commences. They should reconnoitre their route and arrange that the unit does dot arrive more than 30 minutes before the time.

1. They will see that all lettering on vehicles showing unit to which they belong is pasted out.
2. See that waterbottles are filled as there is no drinking water for men at the “Points”. (Horses can however be watered.)
3. Detail a ration party as ordered.
4. (Ration for all “Points” except 6 are drawn at Point 4. Rations for Point 6 are drawn at the W end of the Platform.)
5. Send a representative of unit to assist in allotment of trucks, etc. he should arrive 15 minutes before unit.
6. Caution their men and especially the advanced party that no equipment, etc., is to be taken off or arms piled on arrival at “Point” except at the place indicated by the R.T.O.
7. Ensure that cooking pots, also canvass water buckets and “breast ropes” (for horse trucks) are handy on arrival at “Point.”
8. The following are suitable for “breast ropes” (see next para.): –

1. Drag-ropes – two per truck.
2. Built-up picketing ropes – 4 per truck.
3. Spare heads ropes – 2 per truck.
4. Only if enough of these are not available should special rope be procured from the Ordnance, 26ft per truck of 8 horses.

1. Trucks must be sanded previous to placing horses in them.Eight horses are placed in a truck, four aside facing one another. They are secured by the head-ropes to rings in the roof and also be breast ropes.Two men will then be detailed to travel in the truck, one of whom must constantly remain with the horses.
2. As each truck-load is boxed, the harness, forage, and buckets are placed in the centre in the space between the breast ropes, and doors closed to within a foot.
3. Harness should never be removed until R.T.O. indicates the place where it is to be taken off.
4. The O.C. Train will be responsible that –

1. Railway regulations are complied with, and that the running of trains and Railway services is not interfered with.
2. No one travels on roofs or steps of carriages or in the guards brakes.
3. There is no smoking in horse-trucks.
4. A piquet is detailed with orders to detrain at every halt to prevent men leaving the train. A report to be made to R.T.O. that this has been done. If number of troop trucks in considerable, half the piquet should travel in front part of train and half in rear.
5. Men attempting to leave the train should be severely dealt with.
6. A guard is posted on the door of any refreshment room en route to prevent men entering.

1. HIGGINS, Captain G. HENEAGE, Major

D.A.Q.M.G.                                        D.A.D.R.T.

Havre

February 1916

—————————————————————

Army Printing & Stationary Services, 471, 1,000, 7-16.

Motor Permit 1 February 1919

G.P.18913 A

WAR OFFICE

The undersigned…Miss Dillon L.

(description)…MOTOR DRIVER GROVE PARK TRANSPORT & WORKSHOPS COMPANY

being employed on Active Service, is hereby authorised by the Secretary of State for War to drive a motor car, lorry or bicycle, when on Government duty.

1. Maude

Secretary of the War Office

Blank

Signature of Holder

Available from 1-2-19 to 31-2-19

On reverse

J.W. Linford 2^nd Lt

1. i/c Transport Section.

For O.C. Transport & Workshop Coy.

Honours & Awards 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade January 1919

APPENDIX TO WAR DIARY….. MONTH OF JANUARY 1919

HONOURS & AWARDS. For month of JANUARY 1919

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER

No                             Rank.                 Name                 Unit                                                 Action for which recommended

Major            THOMPSON E.V.    33^rd Battery CFA                 For courage and devotion to duty.  As a Battery Commander, this Officer has constantly exhibited the greatest courage and resource on many occasions and under heavy shell fire, inspiring all ranks under his Command with the utmost confidence in his judgements and decisions.

During the Battles of AMIENS and ARRAS he exhibited the highest qualities throughout for coolness and accurate judgement under the most trying conditions.  His untiring energy and splendid example being at all times of the greatest value to the Service.

No                             Rank.                  Name                   Unit                                                    Action for which recommended

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

301289                Gunner.      McDONALD  J.A.  36^th. Battery CFA          For bravery and devotion to duty near VIS-EN-ARTOIS.

Gunner McDONALD J.A. was a Member of “C” Gun Detachment engaged in cutting wire on the DROCOURT-QUEANT Switch on 1^st. September preparatory to the battle of September 2^nd.  His Section Commander and No 1 were killed and one of his gun crew mortally wounded.  He helped carry the dying and wounded men to a sheltered spot and then went back to his gun and continued running it alone until assistance was detailed to him.  Though continually shaken up he continued at his work.  His fearlessness and devotion to duty set an example to all his comrades and on this occasion was the means of keeping them steady and the guns firing regularly until the task was completed.

No                             Rank.                   Name                   Unit                                                   Action for which recommended

MERITORORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

91432                     B.Q.M.S.       DOBSON  H.T.   31^st. Battery CFA        For consistent good work and devotion to duty.  During the Amiens Battle he was frequently in charge of the Rear Wagon Lines besides carrying out his duties as Q.M.S.  During the ARRAS Battle he always personally escorted the rations to the guns, thereby rendering great assistance to the Officers.

BELGIUM CROIX DE GUERRE

300618                Bdr.                       LOMAX O.T. 33^rd. Battery CFA       For conspicuous gallantry and disregard of personal danger in the vicinity of INCHY on September 27^th 1918.  During the advance on the morning of September 27^th 1918, the Battery came under intense shell fire on a road leading into INCHY, and a Gunner was severely wounded.  Bdr Lomax volunteered to stay with the wounded man.  After dressing his wounds he carried him to a place of safety and went in search of assistance.  During the whole of this time he was under the most intense shell fire but he succeeded in getting the wounded man to a Dressing Station.

After getting the wounded man to a Dressing Station Gnr Lomax reported back to the gun and carried on.  His utter disregard of danger and prompt action undoubtedly saved the man’s life.