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- 6th (City) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers during the Great War -


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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

6th (City) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers



   6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers was a unit of the Territorial Force with its HQ at St George's Drill Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where Companies A to H were all based. They proceeded to France in April 1915, to join the 149th Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. They took part in the Second Battles of Ypres in 1915 and the Battle of the Somme in 1916, the Arras Offensive where they captured Wancourt Ridge and The Second Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. In 1918 they again saw action on The Somme and Battles of the Lys and Hindenburg Line.

19th of April 1915 Establishing HQs

22nd of April 1915 Germans Attack

22nd of April 1915 Standing by

22nd April 1915 Into Billets

22nd April 1915 Into Billets

23rd of April 1915 Under attack

23rd of April 1915 Troop concentrations

23rd of April 1915 Northunberlands Transferred

23rd of April 1915 Occupying the Line  location map

23rd of April 1915 Divisional Movements

23rd of April 1915 Artillery Placement

23rd Apr 1915 Brigade Moves

23rd April 1915 Orders

23 April 1915 Ordered to Move  Operation Order No24 by Brigadier General J.F. Riddell Commanding Northumberland Brigade Winnezeele 23rd of April 1915

1. The Brigade will move off at once by march route to Brandhoek via Watou and Poperinghe.

2. Troops will move as per margin, the head of the 5th Bn will pass the cross roads at Droglandt at 1.15 pm

  • H.Q. Northumberland Brigade
  • 5th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
  • 6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
  • 7th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
  • 4th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
  • 1st Northumberland Field Coy R.E
  • 1st Northumberland Field Ambulance
  • No 2 Coy A.S.C. Train

3. First line transport will be brigaded under the Senior transport Officer and will follow the Field Coy RE in the order of march of their respective units.

4. Baggage and Supply wagons will join the train.

5. Reports to head of 5th Northumberland Fusiliers.

Issued at 12.45 pm to representatives of units

149th Brigade war diary



24th of April 1915 Reserve Brigades

24th of April 1915 Transfer of Infantry

24th of April 1915 Northumberlands into Reserve

24th of April 1915 Units in position

24th Apr 1915 Brigade Ordered to Move   Operation Order No.2 issued by Brig Gen. Sewerel J. Riddell 149th Bde at Brandhoek. 24/4/15 4:35

1. The Brigade is to move off at once via Vlamertinghe and Ypres to a point about 2 miles east of Ypres.

2. Troops will move as per margin the head of the 4th Btn passing the cross roads just north of the ---- E in Poperinghe at 6 p.m.

  • H.Q.
  • 4th Btn N.F.
  • 6th Btn N.F.
  • 7th Btn N.F.
  • 5th Btn N.F.

3. Machine guns only will accompany units. All other first line transport and blanket wagons will be brigaded under the brigade transport officer and will follow in near the Brigade.

4. Balance of rations in hand should be taken on the man or in Cook's wagon.

5. Reports to head of 4th Btn N.F.

Diary



24th of April 1915 Positions of Northumberland Division  location map

24th April 1915 On the Move

24th April 1915 On the Move  149 Brigade HQ at Brandhoek report "At 3.45 pm Orders received from 5th Corps for Brigade to move via Ypres to Potjze where it will form a corps reserve. 4.35 pm Orders issued for move to Potjze movement to commence at 6 pm 10.30 pm Brigade arrived at Potjze being heavily shelled whist passing through Ypres. Several casualties. Night rainy and cold."

149th Brigade war diary



25th of April 1915 Considerable losses

26th Apr 1915 Operation Order No. 3

26th April 1915 Enemy endeavouring to Break Through

26th of April 1915 Heavy Losses  location map

26th of April 1915 Report on St. Julien  location map

26th Apr 1915 In Action

26th Apr 1915 In Action  Report on the action at St Julien on Monday 26th April 1915

Reference Belgium sheet 28 1/40,000

1. On the morning of the 26th April 1915 the Northumberland Brigade (4th, 5th, 6th & 7th Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers) were concentrated at Wieltje and placed under the orders of the 1st Canadian Division as Reserve. At 10.15 am General Riddell commanding the Northumberland Brigade received orders from the G.O.C 10th Sub Brigade to verify a report received from the 28th Division that the enemy were breaking through the first line trucks in D 13 c & d and to counter attack with whatever force he considered necessary. The 5th Btn Northumberland Fusiliers was directed at 10.45 AM to send forward an officers patrol to verify the report & to proceed with his Battalion to Fortuin with a view to counter attacking if the enemy were discovered breaking through. By 12 noon the officer commanding this Battalion was satisfied that no attempt was being made by the enemy to break through at the place indicated and so his battalion has being heavily shelled to proceed to dig in and remained in the position he had reached and consequently took no part in the subsequent operations.

2 At 1.30 pm operation orders from the 1st Canadian division were received. It will be seen from these orders that the Brigade was to attack St Julien in cooperation with the Lahore Division and one battalion of the 10th Infantry Brigade and that the assault was to take place at 2.5 pm.

The distance from Wieltje to St Julien is approximately 1 3/4 miles and the ground had not previously been reconnoitered by the staff or any of the officers of the Brigade. No information was received or could be obtained as to the actual position of either our own or the enemys trenches nor was it known that the G.H.Q line was strongly wired and that there were only certain places through which the troops would be able to pass.

No communication was ever made with the artillery and no artillery officer got in any way into touch with the Brigade. The time was short, the order to attack being received at 1.30 pm. Nevertheless considering that any failure to attack on the part of the Brigade might seriously hamper the operations General Riddell decided to carry out the orders he had received impossible as they seemed.

By 1.50 pm the Battalions were on the move the 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers attacking with the right Wieltje - St Julien road and the 4th battalion Northumberland Fusiliers with their left on the road. The 7th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers was ordered to follow the 4th bn in the second line.

At 2.5 pm the leading battalions reached the G.H.Q in C22b and C23c and came under very heavy shell and rifle fire. The Battalions deployed on both sides of the Wieltje - St Julien and lost very heavily by not having reconnoitered the openings to the wire entanglements in front of the line of trenches.

However they found places and the advance towards St Julien continued steadily both battalions in the front line suffering heavily from machine gun fire apparently coming from the wood in C17 A on their left flank.

By 2.45 pm both of the leading Battalions had reached the front line of our trenches in C17b and the 7th Battalion had been absorbed in the attack.

At 3.10pm isolated parties of the 6th Northumberlands on the left of the road pushed forward about 250 yards in front of our first line trench and occupied some small trenches from which the enemy had apparently retreated. The 4th and 7th Northumberlands were unable to make any advance. During the whole of this period no signs of the Lahore Division or the battalion of the 10th Brigade had been observed and it was subsequently ascertained that the movement of this battalion had been cancelled although no verification has been sent to the Northumberland Brigade. The culminating point in the advance of the 6th Btn Northumberland Fusiliers was reached at about 3.45pm when unsupported on their left flank and heavily shelled with high explosive shells they were compelled to dig themselves in and remained in possession of the ground they had gained until dusk when they returned to the first line trenches.

At 3.30pm Bigadier general Riddell accompanied by his Brigade Officer left his HQ in C23a and proceeded towards Farm Vanchule in C17d for the purpose of getting into closer touch with his battalion Commanders and was shot through the head 150yards to the south of the farm at 3.45pm. The command devolved to Colonel Foster 4th Northumberland Fusiliers, the senior officer present with the battalions and a message was sent to Col Coles CMS DSO commanding t he 5th Northumberlands informing him of General Riddell's death and that the command of the Brigade had devolved to him.

The position of Colonel Cole's HQ was not actually known and it was not until about 7pm that he arrived at Brigade HQ. Orders had however been issued by Colonel Foster for the battalion to remain where they were until dusk and at 7.30pm Col Coles having ascertained that the services of the Brigade in the first line trench were not required, ordered the troops to return to bivouac at Wieltje.

149th Brigade war diary



26th Apr 1915 Operational Order No. 12

28th April 1915 Operational Order

28th of April 1915 Messages

29th April 1915 Poor Communication

29th of April 1915 Re-grouping

29th April 1915 Working Parties  location map

29th April 1915 Working Parties  Operation Order No 5 by D.S.Brigadier General G.P. Falding D.S.O Commding Northumberland Inf Brigade

1. The Brigade will proceed tonight to dig a line of trench South of the Ypres-Zonnebeck road in I56, I6 a and c and I12.

2. The Brigade will be divided into two reliefs of 900 men each the 4th Bn Northumberland Fusliers (500 men) and the 6th Bn Northumberland Fusliers (400) forming the first relief. The 5th Bn Northumberland Fusliers (600) and the 7th Bn Northumberland Fusliers (300) will form the second relief. The first relief will parade at 8p.m and will be guided to their position by a guide of the 2nd RE Field Squadron Colonel Foster 4th Northumberland Fusliers will be in charge of this relief. The 2nd relief will be ready to move at 11.31 pm under Col Coles 5th Bn Northumberland Fusliers.

3. The 5th Btn Northumberland Fusliers will be relieved in the GHQ line at 8.30 pm by the 2nd Cav: division and will return to bivouac

4. Units will parade for digging in marching order.

5. Surplus men not required for digging will remain in bivouac in charge of an officer to guard kits left behind.

6. Tools will be obtained outside Brigade Headquarters.

7. Battalions after digging will return to bivouac at Wieltje.

8. Brigade H.Q will remain at Wieltje.

149th Brigade war diary



30th April 2015 Digging Parties

1st May 1915 Working Parties

1st May 1915 Orders  location map

1st May 1915 Orders  location map

2nd May 1915 Orders  location map

2nd May 1915 On Stand by  location map

2nd May 1915 On Stand by  149th Brigade HQ reports from Menin Rd.

11.30am. Message from Canadian Division saying that working party ordered to Bellewaard Chateau last night had not arrived & asking for explanation.

1.5pm. Explanation sent to Canadian Div.

2.30pm. Orders received for the Brigade to move to Poperinghe via railway line to I14c thence along road to level crossing I20a - Kruisstraat thence by H16a & H14b & main road to Poperinghe.

3.30pm. Orders issued. 7.30pm. Orders received from Gen. Kavanagh commanding 3rd Cav. Division that the Brigade was to stand by until further order. The Germans have made use of asphyxiating gas & driven out some of our troops from the front line of trenches at St Julien. Information also received that the O.C. 4th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers had been ordered at Weiltje to send forward his Batt. in support of the 3rd Cav. Brigade who had been sent to the front line to replace the troops driven out by poisonous gas.

7.45pm. Units ordered to stand by.

10.50pm. The Germans not apparently advancing, the Brigade was ordered to carry out the movement ordered at 2.30pm.

11pm. Orders issued for the movement. 11.45pm. March to Poperinghe commenced and staff Captain was sent to Weiltje to conduct 4th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers to Poperinghe via St Jean and Ypres.

149th Brigade war diary



3rd of May 1915 Divisional Area Allotted

3rd of May 1915 Orders

3rd May 1915 Wagon Lost

3rd May 1915 Wagon Lost  149 Brigade HQ reports:

5am. Brigade less 4th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers arrived Poperinghe. An uneventful march. A few shells fired at column just at starting, one of which wounded 5 men of the 5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers Night fine & cool. Transport proceeding through Ypres came under heavy fire & suffered some loss the limbered wagon belonging to GHQ with Brigade Majors Confidential dispatch box having had to be abandoned. The box contained B.M's war diary & other confidential papers & censor stamp.

6am. A search party was immediately sent back to Ypres to look for the box and its loss was reported personally to a staff officer 2nd Army. A telegram was also sent to GHQ regarding loss of censor stamp No. 1540.

7am. 4th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers arrived and reported 2 casualties coming through Ypres.

11.30am. Search party sent to Ypres to look for confidential box reported that the wagon had been discovered but that it had evidently been looted of everything it contained.

2pm. Orders received from Northumberland Division for the Brigade to march via Watou to this new area west of and exclusive of that village.

4pm. Orders issued for the Brigade to move at 8pm.

11.30pm. Watou. Brigade arrived and went into billets. HQ in farm house in K---

149th Brigade war diary



4th of May 1915 CinC to address troops

4th May 1915 Parade

4th May 1915 Parade  149th Bridage HQ report from Watou:

7am. Message form Northumberland Division. The C in C will speak to the Brigade at 11.30am.

11.30am. Battalions assembled just west of Brigade HQ and was addressed by C in C in complimentary terms on work they have done during the period they were attached to the Canadian Division.

149th Brigade war diary



7th May 1915 Ready to Move

7th May 1915 Ready to Move  At 8.30am Orders received from the Northumbrian Division that 149th Brigade is to hold itself in readiness to move at two hours notice. At 9am Units informed and instructions issued to the points that the several Battalions are to assemble on receipt of order to move.

149th Brigade war diary



8th May 1915 In Bivouac

8th May 1915 In Bivouac  149th Brigade remained in bivouac in Near Watou.

149th Brigade war diary



9th May 1915 Orders

9th May 1915 Orders  location map

9th May 1915 Ordered to Move  At 10.30pm Orders recieved for 149th Brigade to move by omnibus to the neighbourhood of Brandhoek. At 11pm Orders issued to units in accordance with above.

149th Brigade war diary



10th May 1915 On the Move

10th May 1915 On the Move  At 7:30am. 149 Brigade H.Q. 5th and 6th Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers left billets near Watou in 73 omnibuses.

At 9am. 149 Brigade H.Q. 5th and 6th Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers arrived at cross roads in G5d and marched to bivouac in wood A30a. Day very hot and dusty. Transport did not all get in until 16:30. Was very bad.

149th Brigade war diary



11th May 1915 In Bivouac  location map

12th May 1915 Operation Order No. 12  location map

13th May 1915 On the Move  location map

13th of May 1915 Orders  location map

13th May 1915 Orders  location map

14th May 1915 Orders

14th May 1915 Instruction

14th May 1915 Divisional Reserve  At 11:30am Orders received from 50th Division placing 149th Brigade under the orders of the 4th Division. Brigade Major to report at 4th Division H.Q. for orders.

At 1.30pm In accordance with verbal instruction from 4th Division Battalions of the Brigade were attached as under G.Brigades of the 4th Division. 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers to the 11th Brigade. 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers to the 12th Brigade. 5th Border Reg. to the 10th Brigade. The 6th and 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers had proceeded during the preceding night to join their respective Brigades and orders for the move of the 5th Border Reg. would be issued later in the day also instructions as to the disposal of the remaining two Battalions (4th and 5th Northumberland Fusiliers ) of the Brigade.

At 5.40pm Orders received for movement of 5th Border Regiment One company to report at 1900 with machine gun section to R. Warwick Regiment in chateau grounds H2b. One Company to Argyll and Sutherland in Vlamertinghe. One company to Seaforth in B27A. Orders for more of remaining Companies would be sent next day.

At 5.50pm Orders issued personally to O.C. 5th Border Reg. as to above moves. Orders issued to 4th and 5th Northumberland Fusiliers to supply the following working parties to report at 8pm at level crossing in H11 centre where they would be met by guides. 4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (Party B 200 men with 180 shovels and 20 picks. 5th Battalion N.F. (Party A 150 men with 140 shovels and 10 picks. (Party C 50 men with 45 shovels.) Also at 5.50pm Orders received from 4th Division confirming verbal orders given to Brigade Major at 1.30pm and placing the 4th and 5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers in Divisional reserve under Brigadier General Feilding D.S.O.

At 7pm Orders were issued in accordance with above.

149th Brigade war diary



20th of May 1915 Troop Distribution

20th May 1915 Working Parties and Reorganisation

21st of May 1915 Awards

24th May 1915 On the Move  location map

24th May 1915 On the Move  At 3:50am Orders received from 4th Division for the Brigade to be prepared to move at once if ordered. Enemy using gas.

03:55 4th 6th and 7th Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers, the other two Battalions of the Brigade being detached, were ordered to get ready to march at once.

04:10 Orders received from 4th Division to direct the three Battalions of the Brigade to march at once via Reigersburg Sq. H6B to Canal bank at No 2 Bridge. Commanding officers to ride on and report to G.O.C. 10th Brigade for orders.

04:15 Orders issued in accordance with above.

05:00 7th Battalion moved off via dug outs in B27d to Reigersburg and joined 4th Battalion there. 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers followed 7th Battalion and arrived 06:35.

06:35 4th Battalion received orders to move to canal bank.

06:45 message sent to 10th Brigade to say that both 6th and 7th Battalions had arrived at Reigersburg. Both Battalions remained in dug outs along the railway line H6B.

10:30 O.C. 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers received orders from 10th Brigade to proceed to Canal Bank.

13:30 O.C. 6th Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers received orders from 10th Brigade to proceed to Canal Bank.

H.Q. remained at Reigersburg Chateau until 21:30 when they returned to Hopital Farm.

149th Brigade war diary



25th May 1915 In Support

25th May 1915 In Support

26th May 1915 In the Trenches

27th May 1915 Orders

28th May 1915 Instruction

29th May 1915 Instruction

30th May 1915 Instruction

31st of May 1915 Report

2nd Jun 1915 On the Move

3rd Jun 1915 Training  location map

7th Jun 1915 Recce  location map

8th Jun 1915 Orders

10th Jun 1915 Reliefs  location map

12th of June 1915 Order of Battalions

18th of June 1915 

20th of June 1915 GOC inspection

21st June 1915 149th into billets  location map

20th September 1915 Inspection

22nd September 1915 Smoke

23rd Sep 1915 Reliefs

24th September 1915 Orders  location map

24th September 1915 Programme

25th September 1915 Wind

25th September 1915 

25th September 1915 Patrols

25th September 1915 Orders  location map

26th September 1915 Patrols

27th September 1915 Patrols

16th Oct 1915 The Derby Scheme

25th of October 1915 Quiet

25th October 1915 Orders  location map

26th of October 1915 Quiet

26th October 1915 Orders  location map

1st November 1915 Warnings

2nd November 1915 Ammunition Allotment

3rd of November 1915 

4th November 1915 Training Programme

7th November 1915 Orders Issued

7th November 1915 Reliefs

12th November 1915 On the Move

13th November 1915 Training Programme

1st Dec 1915 Derby Scheme Armlets

2nd December 1915 Orders

11th Sep 1915 Last day of Derby Scheme Recruitment

11th December 1915 Orders

13th December 1915 Reliefs  location map

13th December 1915 Orders  location map

13th December 1915 Order  location map

13st December 1915 Orders  location map

13th December 1915 Reliefs  location map

13th December 1915 Orders  location map

14th December 1915 Course

15th December 1915 Advance Parties

18th December 1915 On the Move

11th May 1915 In Bivouac  149th Brigade are in Bivouac in A.30A.

149th Brigade war diary



7th January 1916 Patrols  location map

10th Jan 1916 Group System Reopens

16th January 1916 Visit

16th January 1916 Reorganisation  location map

24th January 1916 Shelling  location map

25th January 1916 Enemy Active

25th January 1916 Orders  location map

27th January 1916 Patrols

27th January 1916 Snipers, Sausages and Whizz-bangs  location map

29th of January 1916 Machine Gun Emplacements  location map

29th January 1916 Machine Guns  location map

30th January 1916 Snipers  location map

31st January 1916 Casualties

31st January 1916 Enemy Lines  location map

1st February 1916 Enemy Aircraft  location map

2nd February 1916 Aeroplane Photographs  location map

4th February 1916 Reliefs  location map

4th February 1916 Enemy Guns

4th February 1916 Enemy Artillery  location map

5th February 1916 Shelling

5th February 1916 Shelling  location map

5th February 1916 Snipers

5th February 1916 Uniforms

6th February 1916 Orders  location map

7th February 1916 Shelling  location map

7th February 1916 Artillery Active  location map

8th of February 1916 Enemy Active

9th February 1916 Orders  location map

9th of February 1916 Orders

9th February 1916 Artillery Active  location map

9th February 1916 Call Ups

11th February 1916 Warning

11th February 1916 Enemy Active  location map

12th February 1916 Gas Alert  location map

12th February 1916 Quieter  location map

14th February 1916 Bomardment  location map

15th February 1916 Orders  location map

18th of February 1916 Reliefs Complete  location map

21st February 1916 Snow

22nd February 1916 Gas

22nd of February 1916 Machine Guns  location map

23rd February 1916 Warning

24th February 1916 Reliefs

25th February 1916 Dangerous Wind

26th February 1916 Hostile Artillery  location map

28th February 1916 Dummys

28th February 1916 Orders  location map

29th February 1916 Report

29th February 1916 Orders  location map

29th February 1916 Orders  location map

1st March 1916 Orders  location map

1st of March 1916 Bombardment  location map

2nd Mar 1916 Artillery In Action  location map

2nd March 1916 Orders

2nd of March 1916 Bombardment  location map

6th of March 1916 Orders  location map

7th of March 1916 Orders  location map

7th of March 1916 Orders

8th of March 1916 Mining  location map

9th of March 1916 Orders  location map

10th of March 1916 Reliefs Completed  location map

10th of March 1916 Orders  location map

10th of March 1916 Orders  location map

16th of March 1916 Orders  location map

18th of March 1916 Orders  location map

20th of March 1916 Orders  location map

23rd of March 1916 Reliefs  location map

29th of March 1916 Reliefs

29th of March 1916 Orders

31st of March 1916 Orders  location map

1st of April 1916 Moves  location map

1st of April 1916 Orders  location map

3rd of April 1916 Orders  location map

8th Apr 1916 7th Northumberlands Relieved by 6th Btn.

18th Apr 1916 7th Northumberlands Relieved by 6th Btn.

23rd of April 1916 Orders  location map

25th of April 1916 Reliefs  location map

30th of April 1916 Stand To

30th of April 1916 At Rest  location map

1st of May 1916 Orders

14th of May 1916 Training & Sport

18th of May 1916 Orders

20th of May 1916 Orders  location map

28th May 1916 7th Northumberlands Relieve 6th

1st Jun 1916 7th Northumberlands Relieved by 6th Btn.  location map

5th Jun 1916 6th Northumberlands Relieved by 7th Btn.

9th Jun 1916 7th Northumberlands Relieved by 6th Btn.

13th Jun 1916 6th Northumberlands Relieved by 7th Btn.

14th of June 1916 Tinme

17th Jun 1916 7th Northumberlands Relieved by 6th Btn.

21st Jun 1916 6th Northumberlands Relieved by 7th Btn.

25th Jun 1916 Enemy Active

29th Jun 1916 6th Northumberlands Relieved by 7th Btn.

15th Jul 1916 Reliefs Completed

19th of July 1916   location map

1st of August 1916 Gas

2nd of August 1916 Alert

6th of August 1916 Reliefs  location map

8th of August 1916 Reliefs  location map

28th of August 1916 Awards

1st of September 1916 Locations

1st Sep 1916 Flies  location map

2nd Sep 1916 Wet Day  location map

7th Sep 1916 Conference  location map

11th Sep 1916 Return to Duty  location map

13th of September 1916 Instructions  location map

13th of September 1916 Orders  location map

14th Sep 1916 Stretcher Bearers  location map

15th Sep 1916 Attack Made

15th Sep 1916 In Action  location map

16th Sep 1916 Large number of Casualties  location map

17th Sep 1916 Stretcher Bearers  location map

21st Sep 1916 Poor Sanitation  location map

24th of September 1916 Reliefs  location map

24th of September 1916 Orders  location map

25th of September 1916 Attacks  location map

27th of September 1916 Instructions

28th of September 1916 Reliefs

29th Sep 1916 Reliefs

29th of September 1916   location map

29th of September 1916 Orders  location map

29th of September 1916 Orders  location map

30th Sep 1916 Reorganisation

30th of September 1916 Patrols  location map

30th of September 1916 Barrage  location map

30th of September 1916 Orders Amended  location map

2nd of October 1916 Orders

2nd of October 1916 Reliefs

2nd of October 1916 Orders

3rd of October 1916 Reliefs  location map

3rd of October 1916 Congratulations

4th of October 1916 On the March

5th of October 1916 On the March

6th of October 1916 Training

7th of October 1916 Training

8th of October 1916 Rain

9th of October 1916 Working Parties

12th of October 1916 Training

14th of October 1916 Training and Working Parties

15th of October 1916 Exercise

19th of October 1916 Orders  location map

20th of October 1916 Working Parties

22nd of October 1916 Situation

22nd of October 1916 Orders  location map

22nd of October 1916 Signals

23rd of October 1916 Orders

23rd of October 1916 

24th of October 1916 Reliefs

25th of October 1916 Situation  location map

25th of October 1916 Instructions  location map

25th of October 1916 Information Required  location map

26th of October 1916 Orders  location map

26th of October 1916 Orders

28th of October 1916 Orders  location map

28th of October 1916 Appendix  location map

28th of October 1916 Orders

30th of October 1916 Orders  location map

30th of October 1916 Orders  location map

31st of October 1916 Orders

31st of October 1916 Orders  location map

1st of November 1916 Thick Mud  location map

2nd of November 1916 Orders

2nd of November 1916 Instructions

2nd of November 1916 Orders  location map

2nd of November 1916 Shelling  location map

3rd of November 1916 Orders  location map

3rd of November 1916 Reliefs  location map

3rd of November 1916 Orders  location map

4th of November 1916 Secret  location map

5th of November 1916 In Action  location map

6th Nov 1916 Reliefs

11th Nov 1916 Reliefs

14th Nov 1916 In the Trenches

1st of January 1917   location map

7th of February 1917   location map

9th of February 1917 Orders  location map

10th of February 1917 

12th of February 1917   location map

13th of February 1917   location map

28th Feb 1917 Reliefs

15th of April 1917 

27th of April 1917 

10th Jul 1917 Reliefs

2nd of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

3rd of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

3rd of September 1917 Intelligence

4th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

5th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

6th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

7th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

8th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

9th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

9th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

10th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

11th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

12th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

13th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

14th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

15th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

16th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

16th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

17th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

18th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

19th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

20th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

21st of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

22nd of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

22nd of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

23rd of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

24th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

26th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

27th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

28th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

28th of September 1917 Intelligence

29th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

30th of September 1917 Intelligence  location map

1st of October 1917 Intelligence  location map

4th of October 1917 Intelligence  location map

27th of October 1917 Movement  location map

27th of October 1917 Intelligence  location map

28th of October 1917 Intelligence  location map

29th of October 1917 Intelligence  location map

30th of October 1917 Intelligence  location map

31st of October 1917 Intelligence  location map

13th of November 1917 Dispositions  location map

25th of November 1917 Inspection

16th Dec 1917 Reliefs

18th of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

19th of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

19th of December 1917 Intelligence

20th of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

21st of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

22nd of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

23rd of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

24th of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

25th of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

25th of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

26th of December 1917   location map

26th of December 1917 Intelligence  location map

30th of December 1917 Orders

1st of January 1918 

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24th of January 1918 

10th of February 1918 Orders

11th of February 1918 

16th of February 1918 Orders

19th Jun 1918 From the Line

13th of April 1918 Report  location map

1st May 1918 Field Day

13th of May 1918 Shelling

19th of May 1918 Raid

22nd of May 1918 Quiet

27th May 1918 In Action

28th May 1918 Hard Fighting

1st of June 1918 

3rd of June 1918 

5th Jun 1918 Into the Line

21st of June 1918 

23rd Jun 1918 On the Move

29th of June 1918 

14th of October 1918 

If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.





Want to know more about 6th (City) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers?


There are:5618 items tagged 6th (City) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers available in our Library

  These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.


Those known to have served with

6th (City) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Arnold Herbert. Pte.
  • Beach James. Pte. (d.20th Sep 1918)
  • Bridge Arthur Irwin. Pte. (d.26th Apr 1915)
  • Chell Leonard. Pte.
  • Corkin MM. Elsdon. Pte. (d.27th May 1918)
  • Hugill James Herbert. Pte (d.19th Aug 1917)
  • Jobson Thomas. Pte. (d.28th Feb 1917)
  • Joice Edward Turnbull. L/Cpl. (d.2nd Oct 1916)
  • Jones John. Pte. (d.26th Oct 1917)
  • Kurtzman Hyman. Pte. (d.15th September 1916)
  • Martin William. Pte. (d.12th Sep 1916)
  • Mawson James. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1918)
  • Middlemiss Alexander. Pte. (d.2nd November 1914)
  • Pool Henry James. Pte. (d.11th April 1918)
  • Rutherford William. Pte. (d.26th Feb 1919)
  • Seddon James Mason. Pte. (d.3rd Dec 1917)
  • Tranberg Albert Bous. Pte.
  • Turner Frederick. Pte. (d.23rd Oct 1917)
  • Waller Herbert. Pte. (d.26th April 1915)
  • Whitley John Grieveson. Pte. (d.11th April 1918)
  • Young Arthur Stanley. Pte. (d.10th Jun 1915)

All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List

Records of 6th (City) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers from other sources.


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  Pte. Arthur Irwin Bridge 1/6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.26th Apr 1915)

Pte. Arthur Irwin Bridge

Arthur Bridge served with the 6th Northumberland Fusiliers.

Anne Bell






  Pte. William Rutherford 6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.26th Feb 1919)

My great uncle William Rutherford was a self taught artist. I have copy of his diary mentioning various battles. Greenland Hill 6th June, Hargicourt Villeret, (?) Ypres, Poelcappel, Houthoulst Forest, Passendaele Ridge. Then Arras sector between Mouchy and Fontaine. He sustained 5 bullet wounds at Greenland Hill and shrapnel at Ypres. In the German offensive of 21st March, he endured the shelling by Germans of mustard gas shells for 4-5 hours. The brigades then the 34th and 59th divisions combined. He returned to England for operations then returned to camp 23 7.18 and diary ends.

I have copies of his death certificate, some of his artworks. I searched through Newcastle cemetery and found his grave and took pictures. Death certificate says died of pneumonia, syncope few months after war. I believe he might have died from the effects of mustard gas as he has a military headstone.

Janette Constable






  Pte. Leonard Chell 1/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

Leonard Chell was a private in the 1st Platoon, A Company, 1/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He was reported as Missing In Action on 30th of April 1918. He was taken prisoner of war, aged 19, from the Western Front, unwounded, on 27th of May 1918 at Roncy, and went to Langensalza Camp, Germany.

He lived in Staffordshire all his life, and died at the age of 86. He was quite a character to listen to. He was an insurance agent and knew how to talk to people and to hold their attention.

Celia Lindley






  Pte. Thomas Jobson 1st/6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.28th Feb 1917)

Thomas Jobson is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He died at the age of 31, leaving behind a wife, Isabella and two daughters, Elizabeth and Isabel.







  Pte. Henry James Pool 1/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (d.11th April 1918)

Henry Pool served with the 6th Northumberland Fusiliers.

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Robert Pool






  Pte. James Mawson 3rd Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.1st Jul 1918)

My Great Uncle James Mawson joined up in 1916 aged 18. We have no records other than his death certificate dated 1th of July 1918 showing that he committed suicide by drowning in the river Wansbeck near Ashington. He was in the 3rd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Would love to know why. He is listed on all of the local war memorials.

Ian Mawson






  Pte. Albert Bous Tranberg 5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

Albert Tranberg served with the 5th, 6th and 6/8th Battalions, Northumberland Fusiliers

Lesley






  Pte. Hyman Kurtzman 1st/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (d.15th September 1916)

Corporal Hyman Kurtzman, the brother of William Mack DCM. (Family changed name to Coutts/Mack) 1st/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, born at Edinburgh in 1897, was the son of Barnet Maurice Kurtzman, a shoemaker, and Esther Sander Kurtzman, of Ashley Buildings, High Street, Edinburgh, then 71 Rose Street, Glasgow, and later 24 Waverley Buildings, Edinburgh.

He enlisted at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He was killed in action on 15 September 1916, age 19, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

E Wilson






  Pte. Frederick Turner 6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.23rd Oct 1917)

Frederick Turner was the son of William and Mary Turner, of 62, First St., Bensham, Gateshead. He served with the Northumberland Fusiliers 6th Battalion and was executed for desertion on 23rd October 1917, aged 31. He is buried in Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium, Enclosure No.4.

The mass pardon of 306 British Empire soldiers executed for certain offences during the Great War was enacted in section 359 of the Armed Forces Act 2006, which came into effect on royal assent on 8th November 2006.

s flynn






  Pte. James Mason Seddon 1st/6th Btn Northumberland fusilliers (d.3rd Dec 1917)

James Mason Seddon served with the 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

David Seddon






  Pte. James Beach 1/6 Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.20th Sep 1918)

James Beach was my Great-great-uncle. He was the son of William and Rachel Beach, of 9, Letchwell Cottages, Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne. He lived at Letchwell Cottages and was 18 years old in 1914 when he enlisted at Westmoor, Newcastle upon Tyne. To begin with he was in the 5th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, Reg No: 5/2165, and was later moved to the 1/6th 'A' Coy (Territorial) Battalion.

He fought on The Western Front and in August 1916 the 1/6th were transferred to 118th Infantry Brigade, 39th Division. James was only 23 when he died in France and Flanders, tragically, with only a couple of months to go before the war ended. He is buried in Belgium at the Leuze Communal Cemetery. His Roll medal card shows he was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal. When I was small I found a small bible in a drawer at my Grandmother's house and she said it belonged to James. It was stained through with his blood.

Rest in Peace, James.

K Brough






  Pte. Herbert Waller 1/6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.26th April 1915)

Herbert Waller served in the 1st/6th battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in action age 25 on the 26th April 1915. He is remembered at Palmer Cenotaph and Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Panel 8 and 12. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Herbert was born in South Shields 1890, son of John and Jane Ann Waller nee Gibbs of South Shields. In the 1911 census the family were living at 56 Bythesam Street, South Shields with John(61) a dock labourer at ship repairers and his wife of 33 years Jane Ann(59). They had 8 children of whom 6 survived. Only 3 sons are living at this address, John(30), a horse driver at Tyne Docks, Herbert(20) a general labourer at corrugated metals and Robert(14) an errand boy at cabinet makers.

Vin Mullen






  Pte. Arthur Stanley Young 1/6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.10th Jun 1915)

Arthur Stanley Young enlisted Newcastle and served in the 1st/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He died age 24 on the 10th June 1915 and is remembered at Jarrow Library and Ypres(Menin Gate)Memorial. Panel 8 and 12. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Arthur was born in Jarrow 1891, brother of Mrs ML Duncan of 2 Park Villas, Wallsend. In the 1901 census the family is living at 8 Harworth Race with William H Young(55) an engine fitter and Lydia A Young his wife. their daughter Margaret E Young (24) is a music teacher and Arthur Stanley Young is 10 years old.

Vin Mullen






  Pte. Elsdon Corkin MM. 1st/6th Btn Northumberland Fusiliers (d.27th May 1918)

Elsdon Corkin was awarded the Medaille Militaire (France) whilst serving with 1st/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He was aged 22 when died on 27th May 1918. He was born and lived Jarrow. He is listed as Elsdon Corkin age 16 Grocers Apprentice living with his parents John and Annie Corkin and family at 16 Stead Street, Jarrow on the 1911 census. He enlisted in Newcastle.

Elsdon is remembered on the Soissons Memorial.

Vin Mullen






  L/Cpl. Edward Turnbull Joice 1/6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.2nd Oct 1916)

Edward Joice died of woulds on 2nd Oct 1916 and is buried in Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt.

Ticatyboo






  Pte. John Jones 1/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (d.26th Oct 1917)

My uncle, John (Jackie) Jones, was killed at Paschendale on the 26th of October 1917; he was about 18 years old. My father told me about his brother when I was growing up and told me that John was “blown up” and had no known grave. This was sadly all the family ever knew about the loss of this young man.

I began to research my family history in 1998 and tried to find out about this young man. I contacted the War Graves Commission and was able to obtain his service number, date of death, place of death and a copy of the war diary for that day. I was then able to tell my elderly father a bit more about John. In 2006 I saw an article in our local newspaper about a family who had found a letter from World War 1 when they were clearing a relative’s home. The letter was from a young man named Joseph Lawrence informing his family that his brother Sammie Lawrence had been killed. There was also a photograph of Sammie in uniform in the newspaper. The family who found the letter were contacted by someone doing research about the Northumberland Fusiliers; her name is Katie Carr of Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Katie informed them that Sammie was killed on 26 October 1917 at Paschendale!! The same day as John Jones. I contacted Katie and she was able to give me a lot of information. She sent me a copy photograph of the Tynecot memorial showing John’s inscription. She also gave me a copy of the medal card for John showing the Victory Medal.

John was killed on 26th October and the war diary says “during the 26th the Batt. suffered about 20 casualties from shell fire”, we presume John to have been one of these men. Kate was then able to tell me about Sammie Lawrence and that he was buried with two or three others near a place now called Tranquil House, but was then Pascal Farm. The war diary mentions Pacal Farm saying on 27 October the 6th Batt. “Remained in shell holes in the neighbourhood of Pascal Farm”. The battalion suffered about 30 further casualties from shell fire. Kate gave me copies of trench maps too. So we now know more or less where John lies and Kate did say that some of the men had graves but the graves were often lost. For comfort I like to think that John had a grave and may have been with Sammie Lawrence. Of course we will never know.

Lastly I have been able to have John’s name added to the Roll of Honour in the church where he was baptised. I was helped in this by a wonderful man called Thomas Webster who looked after the clock of the church, St. Ann’s on City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. I was taking photographs of the church one day for my family history research when Tommy asked me if I wanted to look inside. We discovered he was born in the same street as my dad’s family and he showed me the Roll of Honour, without John’s name. He then helped me to have the name added and a service of dedication was held for John. They read out his name now every year on the Sunday nearest to the date he died. John was never forgotten by his family and now there is a living memory of this very young man who never came home to his family.

Maureen Maughan






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