BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

30^th MAY, 1915.

366 – Irregular Discharges –

            It having been brought to the notice of the General Officer Commanding that soldiers have in some instances been discharged from the Service by Officers Commanding Units in an irregular manner without authority for so doing, Commanding Officers will, in future, be careful to comply strictly with the Regulations.  No discharges whatever will be carried out until authorized in due course by the proper authority.

367 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts are published for information:-

From the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 25^th May, 1915,

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:-

Percy Arthur Ross.  Dated 20^th April, 1915.

Ivor William Makepeace.  Dated 23^rd April 1915.

Lionel Louis Clerici Tucker.  Dated 24^th April, 1915.

David Bertram Peters.  Dated 25^th April, 1915.

Alexandra, Princess of Wales’ Own (Yorkshire Regiment)–

12^th Battalion (Tees-side Pioneers). – Temporary Captain E.H. Alexander, from General List, to be temporary Captain.  Dated 14^th May, 1915.

            From a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 25^th May, 1915,

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Roland John Pankerd to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 15^th May, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.892.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts are published for information:-

From the Second Supplement “London Gazette” of Friday, the 14^th of May, 1915,

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – Thomas Smith Crichton to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th May, 1915.

From the Third Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 25^th of May, 1915:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:-

John Donaldson.  Dated 21^st April, 1915.

Bertrand Percy Whillis.  Dated 22^nd April, 1915.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – William Brown Hall to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th April, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.903.

ABSENTEES – REPORTS AS TO REJOINING –

            It has been brought to the notice of the Army Council, by the Editor of the “Police Gazette,” that the number of notifications received by him as to men who have rejoined their Units from absence, or for any other reason, have become immune from apprehension by the civil police, only average slightly over 7 per cent. of the numbers previously reported to him as liable to arrest.  It would appear from this that the provisions of paragraph 516 of the King’s Regulations are not being complied with in all cases.

The attention of all Officers Commanding Units is directed to the paragraph in question, and the provisions contained therein must be strictly complied with in every instance.

Authority, War Office letter No. 108/General Number/1767 (A.G. 3), dated 26^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 60731 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.897.

DISCIPLINE – TROOPS TRAVELLING BY RAIL –

            Attention is again directed to the instructions re-published in Command Order No. 791 of the 14^th May, 1915.  Troops travelling by rail must be warned of the danger of throwing empty bottles from the carriages of trains, as this dangerous practice has lately very much increased.  This Order, warning troops of the danger to railwaymen by this practice, will be re-published throughout the Command, in all Divisional, Brigade, and Regimental Orders, and troops moving by rail will be specially cautioned when entraining.

Authority, War Office letter No. 14/Railways/4548 (Q.M.G. 2), dated 25^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 60525 (A.).  Northern Command Order No.898.

REAR TAIL LIGHTS ON BICYCLES –

            In order to comply with requirements of the Defence of the Realm Act, all Bicycles must be equipped with a Rear Tail Light at night, and therefore indents for the number of Lamps required, with brackets to fit on the rear spindle, must be forwarded to the Chief Ordnance Officer, York, at once

Authority, War Office letter No. 57/General Number/4298 (A. 3), dated 25^th May, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 53685 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.899.

ARMY ORDER.

            The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is pleased to direct the publication of the following Order for the information of all ranks:-

WAR OFFICE,

27^th May, 1915.

 “XVIII – CASUALTY TO TRANSPORT ‘WAYFARER’. – The Secretary of State for War desired to place on record his warm appreciation of the gallant conduct and devotion to duty displayed by Major R.A. Richardson, and the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Men of the 1^st Warwickshire Yeomanry, on the occasion of a torpedo attack on the transport ‘Wayfarer’ on the 11^th April, 1915.

Through the prompt action of Major Richardson, and the marked efficiency of the officers and men under his command, only five lives were lost out of a total of 189 men, and all the horses, 763 in number, were brought safely to shore.

The Secretary of State for War is proud of the behaviour of the troops, and regards it as a good example of the advantages of subordination and strict discipline.

The Secretary of State for War cannot close this Order without expressing his admiration of the coolness and courage of Captain David G. Gownie and the Officers and crew of the transport ‘Wayfarer’”

By Command of the Army Council.

368 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 893 and 900 of May 28^th, 1915, and 902 of May 29^th, 1915.

369 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Medical Officers in charge of Units is drawn to Northern Command Order No.901 of 28^th May, 1915.

370 – Rear Tail Lights on Bicycles –

Reference to Command Order No.899 of 28^th May, 1915, Officers Commanding Units will forward necessary indents as early as possible.

WALLACE MARRS, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

29^th MAY, 1915.

364 – Irregular Expenditure –

            It is notified for the information of Commanding Officers that the Brigade Committee have intimated that the Committee will cease to be responsible for any expenditure by units not authorized by Regulation – incurred after 31^st instant.  All accounts for any such expenditure incurred prior to that date must be made up and rendered direct to the Chairman of the combined Tyneside Scottish & Irish Brigades Committee, 23, Dean Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, without delay – and no further bills will be forwarded to the Committee.

In future no expenditure whatever unauthorized by Regulation will be incurred without reference to Brigade Headquarters.

The existing arrangements for repairs of boots will hold good until further orders.

365 – Stretchers –

            Officers Commanding Battalions not already in possession of stretchers will forward indents to complete without delay to

Chief Ordnance Officer,

York,

under Para. 365, Equipment Regulations, Part 1.

WALLACE MARRS, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

28^th MAY, 1915.

362 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

RESULTS OF THE 11^th RIFLE COURSE –

            The undermentioned Non-commissioned Officer qualified at the 11^th Rifle Course, held at the School of Musketry, Strensall, from the 22^nd April to the 8^th May, 1915:-

637, Lance-Corporal Robson, C., 20^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

Northern Command Order No.884.

363 – Command Orders –Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 886 and 887 of May27^th, 1915.

WALLACE MARRS, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

POST OFFICE

TELEGRAM

                                                                                                Postmark Bolton 27 May 45.

83 6.30 service priority Bham 20

Mrs. E. Wilkinson 1068 Bury Rd Breightmet Bolton Lancs.

Arrived safely home in couple of days all my love Ernest.    CT 1068

With Post Office Telegram Priority envelope addressed to Mrs Wilkinson.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

27^th MAY, 1915.

357 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

RUNNING TRAINING –

            The Superintendant of Gymnasia has called attention to the fact that the instructions as regards running training laid down in paragraphs 309 to 321, Manual of Physical Training, are in many cases not sufficiently followed.

In many cases the exercises are made too severe and not sufficiently progressive, and in many cases the instructions in paragraph 319 as to not running before breakfast are disregarded.

General Officers Commanding are requested to issue such orders as they think advisable to correct these faults in training.

Disregard of the instructions laid down often causes heart strain, and the training, improperly carried out, is actually harmful in many cases, instead of beneficial.

C.R.N.C. No. 48597 (G.).  Northern Command Order No.863.

RETURNS – ARMY GYMNASTIC STAFF –

            All Instructors to the Army Gymnastic Staff attached to Units will render a return to the Superintendant of Gymnasia, Fulford Barracks, York, every Monday, showing the number of hours employed during the past week and the number of Officers, N.C.O.’s, and Men under training day by day.

C.R.N.C. No. 59925.  Northern Command Order No.866.

STORES – CARE AND CUSTODY OF –

            The attention of every Commanding Officers in charge of Government Stores is directed to the necessity for exercising due care for their safety and custody, for which duty he is held accountable under paragraph 100 of the King’s Regulations.

C.R.N.C. No. 47408 (O.S.).  Northern Command Order No.870.

358 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 868, 871, 872, 876, 878, and 881 of May 26^th, 1915.

359 – Horses – Issues of to Units 4^th and 5^th New Armies –

            With reference to Northern Command Order 871 of the 26^th instant, Officers Commanding Units will forward without delay to Brigade Headquarters indents for the horses required, including the transport light draught and pack horses referred to.

360 – Stores for Hutments –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.876, Officers Commanding Units will indent accordingly.

361 – Bayonet Fighting Equipment –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.878, Officers Commanding Units will indent accordingly.

WALLACE MARRS, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

NOTICE.

            The Honorary Secretary, Tyneside Scottish Brigade Committee, has notified that Silver Badges (Officers’) are now ready, and can be obtained from him.

Commanding Officers will inform him of the number required, and at the same time forward remittance.  Price of badge is 5s. 4d.

+

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Germany

24.5.45.

Sweetheart,

Just a few lines, to say that I am keeping in the best of health, and am looking forward to seeing you soon, and it cannot be too soon for me.  This waiting is getting to be rather a bind.  We are all waiting very impatiently for the time when we take off from here, and we are on the last stage of our journey to England.  What a thrill it will be, to see the coast looming up on the horizon.

The Americans are looking after us very well.  It is quite a change to get good well cooked food, and white bread, which goes down very well, after the black stuff, which I have had to eat for the last thirteen months.

I am going about here, with a couple of lads from Lancashire, one was born at Bury and his folks now live a Marton, Nr, Blackpool, and the other one comes from St. Helens.  They have both been down over three and a half years.

I hope that everything is alright with you, and that you are keeping O.K. and looking after yourself, and your mother is doing the same.  Give her my best love.  Also give my regards to all at Prestwich that is if you ever see them now.  Give my regards to Uncle Arthur, Aunt Ethel and Ivy.  Tell Uncle Arthur that I hope soon to be having another drink with him in the Black Horse before long.  Give my best wishes to Aunt Clara, and all at 1066, and to all at Little Lever if you go down there.

This is all for now Darling so I will say Cheerio and God Bless you.  I love you

Yours forever

Ernest

xxxxxxx

With cover addressed to Mrs. E. Wilkinson, 1068 Bury Road, Breightmet, Boulton,

Lancs. England.  U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE MAY 25 1945 postmark on envelope.  On top of envelope F/Sgt E. Wilkinson 2211329 As Below.

G Branch

HQ I Brit Corps

B.L.A..

Thursday 24 May 45

My dearest Maz,

            Since my letter to you last Wednesday I’ve had 2 most interesting ones from you, dated 15^th and 18^th, a consignment of DF baccy and a whole host of VE maps.  I was very disappointed not to see your photo in the ECS,I had hoped there might have been an insert of Mrs GCB, ex-Mayoress ‘giving a snappy eyes left in front of the saluting base’!  Many thanks for the Thanksgiving Service Pamphlet, a good souvenir.  What very tough luck on Louisa catching the scarlet fever, I hope, as Elli would say, it doesn’t leave any ill effects.

I don’t know whether your weather has been like ours this last week – cold and very Aprilified – some terrific thunderstorms, long periods of sun and terrific rains.  Without  any exaggeration I haven’t been further than 200 yds of my mess or office this passed week and have had little or no time in which to relax, read or write.  Another G3 arrived yesterday which will be a help, he is the first of the 3 who we are short of (if you see what I mean!) – all work and no exercise make Pete a dull boy and that’s just how I feel now – still it can’t go on at this pitch for much longer – I hope.

I had a very nice letter from Bill the other day but in it he imparted the news that Eileen and I had got to be out of the flat by 24^th June.  My first reaction was one of absolute fury at old man Pawsey but there is obviously nothing one can do about it and there is no doubt that now the danger is past it won’t matter a tuppeny damn whether one was away from home and all that means during the war or whether one was a ‘conchie’ – but it did strike me as being a bit early for that sort of thing – but on second thoughts I rather agree with Eileen that it was a bit too small, not much because wherever we live of necessity it must be small, still it was small and there were those absolutely frightful specimens of humanity (?) overhead, real shockers.  For so long my dreams of the future had rather centred round the flat and it was always somewhere where we would make a start and I must admit that I’m still a bit peeved about it, more on principle than anything else – wouldn’t you feel the same?

My only diversion from work of any sort has been a trip last night to a special cinema show at 9.30 for the officers, the film room is only 150 yards away so Charles and I decided to go not having the slightest idea what the film was.  It turned out to be some Spanish dame named Carmen Miranda and the title of the film I can’t even remember – any film however bad would have been enjoyable and we had a few good laughs, the news was good and so was the cartoon.  Most of the laughter during the big film came in places where we weren’t meant to laugh and vice versa.  Maz dear, I must slip back to the office just to see if there is anything needing attention and then I’m aiming at an early night.  So very many thanks for the baccy, those excellent mags and your letters – I’m longing to see you again and hope it may be soon.  My love Pari and Elli – much love

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

P.S.  My writing paper getting very low and I should be most grateful if you could send me a ‘tablet’!  P

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 25 MY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.          

On front of envelope Written May 24^th 1945 rec May 28^th  1945.        (20)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

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

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

23^rd MAY, 1915.

354 – District Court-Martial –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 350 of 22^nd May, 1915, the person named will also be tried by this Court.

In the margin.  No. 1024 Pte. G. Tones 22^nd (S.) Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish)

355 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

COURSE – MACHINE GUN –

            Results of 7th Machine Gun Course held at the School of Musketry, Strensall, from 22^nd April to the 12^th May, 1915.

The following qualified as Brigade Machine Gun Officers:-

Lieutenant Murray, J.W.E., 21^st Northumberland Fusiliers.

The above Officer is also capable of using the Barr and Stroud Range Finder.

C.R.N.C. No. 59896 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order 852.

BLANK AMMUNITION –

            Approval had been given for the following allowance of small arm blank ammunition to be issued for training purposes:-

1. Infantry of Divisions of IV. New Army.      ]
2. 2^nd Reserve Infantry Brigades.                  ] 40 rounds per man.
3. 3^rd Line Units of the Territorial Force.       ]

Authority, War Office letter 54/General Number/1902, A.  (M.T 2), dated 18^th May, 1915.

With reference to the above order, indents are to be submitted to the O.O., Selby, forthwith.

C.R.N.C. No. 59549 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order 853

SCHOOL OF COOKERY – ALDERSHOT –

            The Commandant, School of Cookery, Aldershot, notifies that the intended class for the 3^rd of June is postponed.

C.R.N.C. No. 41428 (I.Q.M. G.S.).  Northern Command Order 855.

FIELD RATIONS – REDUCTION OF –

1. With reference to Army Order No. 396 of 1914, in order to make further provision for varying the dietary of units at the discretion of their Commanding Officers, it has been decided that from the 22^nd May, 1915, inclusive, an additional cash allowance of 1½ d per diem will be issued in lieu of the following portions of the ration now drawn by troops at home, viz:-

¼ lb. Bread.

1 oz. Cheese.

1 oz. Jam.

• From the above date the modified field service scale of rations issuable at home in kind will be as follows:-

1 lb. Fresh Meat, or 1 lb. (nominal) Preserved Meat.

1 lb. Bread, or ¾ lb. Biscuit, or 1 lb. Flour.

2 ozs. Bacon.

½ oz. Tea.

2 ozs. Sugar.

½ oz Salt.

1-20 oz Mustard.

1. oz Pepper.

• When this ration is drawn, a cash allowance of 5½ d. a day will be issuable.  It will be drawn by the Officer Commanding on the basis of the number of rations drawn in kind, and will be expended by him solely on messing.  A full record of the messing will be shown in Army Book 48, and a separate cash record of the allowance will be kept regimentally.

The reduced ration will be drawn by all units in the Command from the

      29^th May, 1915, inclusive.

Authority, Special Army Order, dated 13^th May, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.860

356 – Blank Ammunition  – Indents for –

            Officers Commanding Units will indent on the Ordnance Officer, Selby, for Blank Ammunition mentioned in Brigade Order No. 355 (Northern Command Order No.853) forthwith.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

On Y.M.C.A. notepaper.

Reply to Y.M.C.A. Tent Woolsington Park Camp, Nr Newcastle Northumberland.

May 22^nd 1915

Dear Rev Walters,

            I have great pleasure in accepting the invitation mentioned in Mr Bakers’ letter viz that you would be very pleased to have a letter from me.  First of all, I must say that the mens’ service was to me a positive delight, & the memories of those services are still delightful.

The work of the Y.M.C.A. is indeed a glorious work, & involves great responsibilities.  It is remarkable how the soldiers appreciate any little kindness shown to them.  Many of them have now left for home for their holidays and how delighted they seemed to be.  The one thought of home appeals to them.

It is Whitsuntide and I pray that this festival may bring great delight to you.  May it be a festival of the outpouring of the Spirit of God upon you & your parishioners.  For I consider that the need of the age is; “To be filled with the Holy Ghost.  And dear Vicar, my sincere prayer is That the command of God may find a complete fulfilment both in your soul, & the souls of those to whom you minister.

And now, in conclusion, I retain a happy memory of the last mens’ service which it was my privilege to attend and the one thought that cheers me, is, that you are praying for me, & that the sympathy of the members of the mens’ service is extended to me.

I do pray for you, remembering the promise, that whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will do it.  and what do I ask God for?  Just this.

“The Lord of Peace himself give you peace by all means.  The Lord bless thee; keep thee; the Lord make his face to shine upon thee; & the Lord lift his countenance upon thee, & give thee peace.

I am Rev Sir,

Your very respectful

J.W. Brotherhood

There is no envelope with this letter.

Germany.

21.5.45.

Darling,

            Just a few lines to say that I am quire O.K. and I am hoping to be home in a few days.

            We were handed over to the Americans by the Russians yesterday, and we are now just waiting for aircraft, to bring us to England.  It was good to see those Yankee trucks waiting for us at the Elbe, and to know that at last we were on the way home.

We were liberated by the Russians just a month ago yesterday and they did the best that they could for us under the circumstances.  They treated us very well.

Well Dear, I hope that every thing is alright with you, that you are keeping in good health.  I also hope that Mam is keeping well too.  Give her my love.

Lloyd and Nobby are here, and they are both well.  Nobby was at Stalag III A when we arrived there in February.  By the way Lloyd has got his commission he is now a Pilot Officer, Mac also got his.  So I am left the only N.C.O., in what is left of the crew.

I hope that you are still keeping in touch with Betty, tell her I will be coming to see her when I get home.  Also if you have heard from Mrs. Keep, that is Eric’s Mother, tell her I will be coming to see her too.

Well Sweetheart I think that this is all for now, I will tell you more when I see you.  Order a pint for me at the “Bull”.  Give my regards to all.

I will close with all my love to you Darling.

Yours forever

Ernest

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

P.S. I love you.