Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1914

 

 

General Frederick C. Heath-Caldwell. Aged 56

Records of the Heath Family Vol 2

Just prior to the outbreak of the war, I was promoted Major-General, and was commanding the Scottish Coast Defences. In the midst of mobilising and providing for the large influx of troops I received sudden orders to go to the War Office, to take up the appointment of Director of Military Training, which I held until the appointment was abolished in January, 1916.

 

The duties of Director of  Military Training were very heavy; they involved the organisation of the training, and the distribution of the training personnel and material for the Kitchener Armies which were being raised, the organisation of schools, such as Artillery, Machine Gun, Musketry, Bombing, and numbers of other schools, the training of re-inforcements, and training of officers.

 

During the twelve months, no less than 45,000 young officers were collected by my department, and provision made for their training.

Letter -

From Martin F. Heath-Caldwell (aged 22)

to his brother Cuthbert Heath-Caldwell

 

RA Mess
Rollestone Camp
Amesbury
Thursday Evening, May 13 1914?

My Dear Cuthbert

I always seem to leave my scribble to you till the last moment, in fact, I expect this will be too late to catch the last post. 

 

We finished our practice today with a "brigade day" The &ldots; was very pleased with the &ldots; performance on Tuesday & I think the Brigade did pretty well today.  The weather had been bloody, but then we had such a splendid week to begin with that we cannot well complain. 

 

Tomorrow one of the batteries of the 5th brigade are &ldots; to troop off for the purpose of experimenting as to the observation of fire by aeroplanes - so I think we shall have a fairly slack day.  Lately life has been a bit strenuous.  We start trekking back on Saturday, staying at Trenton on Sunday - as we may not march on a Sunday. 

 

I am writing after dinner.  It is very cosy in here - a good many people playing cards.  The &ldots; & majors do it for action - we always have a game of poker on.  However I think it is rather a mistake to play every evening as some people do.  Of course it is possible to be a little expensive - though one usually seems to keep about even on the whole. 

 

The first night I was roped in at Aldershot I ended up about 11 shillings down, but have since recovered it!  I & John Tucker mobiked over to Portsmouth last Saturday.  Awfully pretty run then by Salisbury, Romsey, and Botely.  Found a host of cousins there, all rather owlish after prolonged ball dancing. 

 

Under the "Skippency" of Phil Crofton we went for a sail on Spithead on Sunday afternoon.  John Tucker was violently ill which rather cast a gloom on the proceedings, & his bad example had a deteriorating effect on me & I didn't feel very happy coming back. 

 

We had some adventures coming back here at night.  I &ldots; missed the hindquarters of a horse which was &ldots; the road near here.  One could not see him till right onto him.  John, according to his account, went slap into the animal - though I am inclined to think the bank, as the horse was not hurt.  Anyhow there was a crash and I hailed a passing car & put him into it & hid the bike behind the hedge where it was recovered by his servant next morning & having cursed the orderly on the horse proceeded without further incident. 

 

Of course the silly ass with a shying horse ought never to have been riding along the road at night.  He could have easily rode along the fields at the side.  John was all right next morning &ldots; shaken rather & his knee knocked.  I am brigade orderly officer today & my first job is to go around the horses & turn out the guard sometime during the night.  The &ldots; no pleasant job on a wet night.  It took me an hour last time.

So no more now.
Yours etc
Martin

 

Martin Heath-Caldwell

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The Scotsman

Friday 15 May 1914

Care of Soldiers' and Sailors' Families.

The annual meeting of the East Scottish Branch of the Soldier' and Sailors' Families Assocation was held in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh, yesterday - Lady Mackenzie, president in the chair. The annual report showed that the number of cases dealt with during 1913 was 110, of which 91 were wives and 19 widows or other dependents. The children belonging to these cases were 268.  - - -continutes - - 

Brigadier- General Heath-Caldwell C.B., in seconding spoke of the difficulty soldiers who had married  "off the strength" had in providing for their families,a nd said that in Edinburgh there were forty families living on 14s. or 15s. per week. 

The Very Rev. Dean Wilson emphasized the necessity of keeping up the fund in case of possible emergencies  - - continues - - -

 

 

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Captain C.H. Heath-Caldwell RN. Aged 25

 

June, 1913-August,1914.  In command of armed launch Miner in Persian Gulf.  Two days after declaration of war, I left Muscat for Bombay. 

 

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Friday 15th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Both slow mails arrived in morning watch.  Nothing much of interest in my mail.  Coaled ship 12 tons.  8 new native ratings & some stores arrived by mail.  Left at noon.  Anchored 7.15pm about in 10 fathoms about one cable from beach off Ras Sheikh Mumd.  Found several dhows at anchor, watering.  Landed & examined well watered seemed fairly good, although only about 150 yards from sea. 
 
Saturday 16th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Commenced watering 5.45am.  Employing all hands and bringing off about ¼ ton in bulk in each boat.  Knocked off at noon having taken 2 ½ tons boiler water.  Afterwards proceeded leisurely around Musandam & hove to for night about five miles East of Quoins.
 
Sunday 17th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Closed coast about ten miles to Southward of Sirik about 10am.  Proceeded slow to Northward turned at 3.0pm and anchored off village (Bandarun) to Northwards of Guru.  Landed and visited village, usual selection of mud huts.  Saw plenty of doves, shot two & one partridge.  Hear that Mr Hajji has gone to meet Mirza Khan at Rudbar.
 
Monday 18th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Sighted Fox 3.45pm.  Went alongside & remained till 9.0pm, hove to for night.  
 
Tuesday 19th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Landed to southward of Kuhistak before breakfast after gazelle.  Saw none but there were plenty of partridges.  Anchored for night off South East end of Larak.
 
Wednesday 20th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Landed 5.0am.  Saw one gazelle chased him for a long way, but did not get close enough for a shot.  Called at Quoin Island and anchored Khor Kauir for night.  Karanja came in and we dined on board. 
 
Thursday 21st May 1914 - HMS Miner
Picked up Quoin Island mail and anchored Henjam 3.30pm.  Went alongside Fox for water.  Dined with S.N.O. Received English mail.
  
Friday 22nd May 1914 - HMS Miner
Coaled ship am.  10pm left for Jask, weather good.
 
Saturday 23rd May 1914 - HMS Miner
Arrived Jask 8.0pm South West wind.  Landed and visited O.C. Troops.  Picked up one and a half buckets full of garfish, which had jumped into the boat. 
 
Sunday 24th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Left Jask 5.0am.  Hove to for night off Dimaniyat Island.
 
Monday 25th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Anchored off Barka 1.0am.  Called on Wali in evening, and walked out to the ruined fort and scene of battle.  Beyond the ruins themselves, & a few holes in the ground evidently caused by projectiles also several broken date palms, there was nothing much of interest. 

 

Our job here was to emulate Sherlock Holmes & find out the dhow of noted gun runners, Dillwoh and Khodabash by name.  The interpreter discovered that Dillwoh was owner & Khodabash nakoda of a bedan which which had left for Muscat three days previously.  My orders were to if possible identify Khodabash & his dhow and if possible capture them, whether they were running arms or not.

 

Extreme heat at Barka, thermometer being never lower than 97 during our stay, most of the time over 100.
 
Tuesday 26th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Remained at Barka.
 
Wednesday 27th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Left Barka 10.0am arrived Muscat about 5.30pm.  Interpreter discovered that Khodabash had been here, but had left for destination unknown. 
 
Thursday 28th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Sphinx & Mashona arrived from Bombay.  S.N.O. (Captain Hayes-Sadler) received telegram from C.in.C. saying launches to be reduced & asking which should be the first to be.  Reply Miner & she requires a refit.  However it remains to be seen whether they will be rash enough to send us down until monsoon is over. 

 

There has been a tragedy since we were last in Muscat.  C a merchant about 40 and a very good fellow was engaged to Miss L sister of an official resident in Muscat.  One evening C strolled into L's house and broke off the engagement.  As the situation would be impossible in a small place like Muscat, L & his sister went up to Bushire for a week. 

 

The evening after their return C shot himself.  There seems no doubt at all that he had gone off his head.  As he had spent 10 years in Muscat, I am hardly surprised (though he had gone home for a few months every 3 years).
 
Friday 29th May 1914 - HMS Miner
Khodabash apparently left about three days ago after discharging wood here.  We left Muscat 1.0pm, an anchored off Sib (Seeb) about 5.0pm.  Landed interpreter.  A very fertile looking spot.  Bin picked up a friend who said he had come from Muscat in K's bedan.  We gave him a passage to Barka as he stated that K had gone there & that he was afterwards going on to As Suwait (As Suwayq). 

 

Arrived off Barka about 10.30pm having darkened ship.  Attempted to land Bin & his friend but boat was fired on so they returned.
 
Saturday 30th May 1914 - HMS Miner

Landed Bin & his friend am.  Latter turned out to be rather a fraud, no news of K.  Left for As Suwait 9.30am, & anchored there 3.30pm.  A large fort here very similar to Barka.  Inhabitants seemed friendly.  No news of K.  Anchored about 3 cables from shore in 2 fathoms.  Very damp & sticky, light Easterly breeze.  
 
Sunday 31st May 1914 - HMS Miner       

18 Months in the Gulf
Returned to Barka and anchored off Baluchi village.  Discovered Khodabash's badan hauled up on beach, a very old boat.


Monday 1st June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Still at Barka.  Landed at 4.30am and walked out beyond the ruined fort.  About five hundred yards beyond it are the remains of stone & mud buildings, also destroyed by shell fire. There are also a few holes in ground evidently caused by shells and several broken date palms. 

 

The country round here should be rather pleasant in the cold weather.  There is a belt of palms from ½ a mile to a mile wide most of the way along the coast.  Amongst these are gardens where they grow onions and a kind of clover (lucerne I believe it is called).  Behind the palms a sandy plain stretches for about 10 miles to the mountains.  Vegetation consisting principally of various kinds of thorn.
 
Tuesday 2nd June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Landed in evening and walked round town.  Midnight left for Muscat.

 

 

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Chelmsford Chronicle

Friday 2 June 1914

 

With the Services.

 

The King's birthday was celebrated at Colchester by a review of the troops on the Abbey Field before Brigadier-General Heath C.B., and staff. The troops on parade included the 113th, 114th,and the 115th Battery R.F.A., the West Yorkshire Regt., the Durham Light Infantry, the Gordon Highlanders, the Scottish Rifles and the 4th Hussars.

 

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Diary of Cmdr C.H.Heath-Caldwell continues...

 

 

Wednesday 3rd June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Arrived Muscat 6.0am.  Found Odin there broken down.  Dressed ship and Odin fired King's birthday salute at noon. 

 

Landed in afternoon.  Found Little sick of a fever.  Visited Syed Theyab and the Sultan, latter was as usual most affiable and talked away for about half and hour.  Mail as usual, one of the Barka photographs in the paper, but of course the accompanying remarks were lies.  Filled up with coal & boiler water and left for Barka at 6.30pm.
 
Thursday 4th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Anchored Barka am.  Interpreter ashore all day.  Interpreter having engaged a private spy had Khodabash (the lad we are after) pointed out to him.  His badan which was hauled up had drawing pins removed (Drawing pins having been S.N.O.'s bright idea for identifying the dhow). 
 
Friday 5th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Very hot day 108° in shade on after bridge.  Interpreter brought off a native who stated that his sister, a manumilted slave, had been recaptured about two years ago by a Baluchi named Dadan.  He had complained to British Consul at Muscat who had given him letters to Walis (town chiefs) of three towns, ordering them to catch Dadan and send him to Muscat for trial.  The Wali of Masna had torn up the letters and refused to take action. 

 

The complainant informed me that Dadan was now in Barka.  Told Bin to take them both to Wali  & tell man to make complaint there. Dadan was clapped in to gaol & is to be sent to Muscat at first opportunity. 

 
Saturday 6th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Landed am & visited Wali about slave case.  Midnight left for Muscat.
 
Sunday 7th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Arrived Muscat am.  Very hot, temperature at night about 112° dry.  Pelorus arrived am.
 
Monday 8th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Launched with Benn, and said goodbye to Little & his sister who are off to Gilghit.  
Left at 10.0pm for Jaskh & Henjam at ½ hours notice.
 
Tuesday 9th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Much cooler.  Anchored Jaskh 8.0pm.  Mr Webber landed with letters.  Left for Henjam 10pm.
 
Wednesday 10th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Arrived Henjam pm with mails for Spinx, Mashona & Karanja.  No sign of any of them.  
Much cooler here.
 
Thursday 11th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Alert, Karanja & Mashona arrived in forenoon.  Alert made the usual fuss (he is an awful panicy ass) and afterwards left, after making all sorts of hot-air signals.  Palmer & Alleyse dined with me, all gunners dined in Mashona. 
Cuthbert became good friends with E.M.Palmer and in 1919 married his sister Violet Palmer.
 
Friday 12th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Wired for instructions.  Mashona left.
 
Saturday 13th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Sphinx arrived & gave us drinking water.  Discovered that our sailing orders had gone adrift, and that we should have been back at Muscat by now, however it was as much Alert's fault as ours.  Left for Muscat.
 
Sunday 14th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Getting hotter as we close Muscat.
 
Monday 15th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Arrived Muscat am.  Anchored off gap and secured stern to shore.  Coaled ship.  
Minto in Muscat.  S.N.O. much annoyed over the wireless.  Finally sent to sea 2.30 to test gear.  Met Fox at 1.0am in mid-ocean, and transferred wireless rating. 
Orders to proceed to Barka & water from Odin.
 
Tuesday 16th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Arrived Barka 8.0am.  Secured alongside Odin until 3.0pm taking in BW.  
Very cheery lot in Odin.  3.0pm left for Henjam.
 
Thursday 18th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Arrived at Henjam with Minto.
 
Friday 19th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Commenced refit, hauled up on beach.  
 
Tuesday 23rd June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Hauled off beach.
 
Thursday 25th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Hemelryk & Miskin (both from Minto) and I started off on 48 hours picnic, the object being to try and shoot a gazelle.  We borrowed Minto's steamboat & landed at a place about 5 miles North West of Henjam.  Taking Bin & Hemelryk's boy with us, also a 180lb tent which H had secured.  Spent Friday forenoon on camels to West of camp but saw nothing. 

Returned on Saturday afternoon.  Total bag, 2 pideons, 2 doves and one see see partridge.  The whole business was rather uncomfortable, but of course had its humerous side, but of course it was a complete change to the ordinary Henjam life and we all got a certain amount of exercise out of it. 

 

  

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The Scotsman

 

Saturday 27 June 1914

 

Service Institute Opened in Edinburgh.

 

General Sir J. Spencer Ewart on the National Reserve.Lieutenant-General Sir J. Spencer Ewart, K.C.B., A.D.C., Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Scotland, opened yesterday the new Naval and Military Institute in Guthrie Street, Edinburgh.

 

The Institute, which has already been described in our columns, is for the benefit of ex-Service men resident in Edinburgh. Lord Provost Inches presided over the opening proceedings, and, besides Lieutenant-General Ewart, the company included Brigadier-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell, C.B.,; Brigadier-General F. Wintour, C.B.,; Sir John M. Clark and Lady Clark, Sir William Haldane, Sir Robert Cranston - - -(continues) - - - 

Concert in the Institute Hall

On the occasion of the opening of the Naval and Military Institute a concert was held in the evening in the hall of the Institute. There was a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen present. Brigadier-General Heath-Caldwell presided in the absence of Lieutenant-General Sir J.S. Ewart, K.C.B., A.D.C., who was called to London and among other present were Miss Haldane, LL.D., Lady Grainger Stewart, Lady Gibson, and Mr James Clark, K.C., C.B. An enjoyable programme was submitted and at an interval a brief address was delivered by Miss Haldane- - - -(continues) - - - 

 

 

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Sunday 28th June 1914 - HMS Miner  
Refitting.  Landed in evening and walked to top of hill where there was a good breeze.  
On way back observed a curious stone circle about 24 foot radius (near conspicuous tree on high ground).
 
On June 28th 1914 the Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, was assasinated in Serajevo, capital of Bosnia.  This was shortly to spark off World War I.

  

 

Wednesday 1st July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Minto left pm to meet Fox off Sheikh Shuab.
 
Thursday 2nd July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Karanja & Elephanta arrived.
 
Friday 3rd July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Mail steamer arrived pm, but our mail was missing.  Sailed over to Kishu, saw one flamingo but he got up long before we got close to him & went off like an airoplane, his head streatched out in front and his legs behind in an absolutely straight line.
 
Saturday 4th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Damp foggy & rather unpleasant day.  pm went for a long walk round South East side of island.  SS Ginqua anchored in harbour with plant for Salak oil wells.  I have been feeling decidedly mouldy lately but 5 grains of quinine daily for the last three days has worked wonders.  Shall not be sorry when my time is up.
 
Saturday 4th to Monday 13th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
At Henjam refitting.  No mail last week as the B1 SS Dhorka broke down between Bombay and Karachi.
 

 

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Broad Arrow

 

Friday 10 July 1914

 

Second Lieutenant M.F. Heath-Caldwell R.F.A., attached 117th Battalion has been posted to the 117th Batt. 

 

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The Scotsman 

 

Saturday 11 July 1914

 

Scottish Military Notes

 

Brigadier-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell, C.B., commanding the Scottish Coast Defences, has been selected for promotion to Major-General in a vacancy that will occur on the 11th July. He will consequently vacate his present appointment by the 11th October.- - - -(continues)  - - -

 

Memoranda.Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) F.C. Heath-Caldwell, Commanding Scottish Coast Defences, to be Major-General vice Spens.

 

 

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Edinburgh Evening News

 

Monday 13 July 1914

 

Scottish Military Notes.

 

Brigadier-General Heath-Caldwell C.B., commanding the Scottish Coast Defences at Edinburgh has been formally promoted to the rank of Major-General in place of Major-General J. Spens C.B. who has taken his retired pay.

 

General Heath-Caldwell takes command of the Lowland Territorial Division

 

 

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The Scotsman 

Tuesday 14 July 1914

Command of the Scottish Coast Defences

Colonel H.L. Gardiner, Commandant of the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness, is to succeed Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B., in command of the Scottish Defences, Forth, Clyde, Tay, and Aberdeen.

 

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Diary of Lt. Cmdr C. H. Heath-Caldwell contnues

 

Wednesday 15th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Unsuccessful steam trial am.  Alongside the Minto being patched up all night.  Departed this life Dixie R.I.P. (the dog that ate the fish hooks)

 

 

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Globe      (and Army and Navy Gazette - 18 July 1914)

 

Wednesday 15 July 1914

 

Colonel H. Caldwell to Assume Command.Colonel H.L.Gardiner, Commandant of the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness, has been appointed to command the Scottish Coast Defences in succession to Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell, C.B.

 

Major-General F.C.Heath-Caldwell C.B., whose promotion to that rank has been gazetted, joined the Royal Engineers in January, 1877, and took part in the Egyptian campaign of 1882, being present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir. He was with the Soudan Expedition of 1885, taking part in the action at Hasheen and  the affair at Tamai, for which he received the brevet of major.

 

He was Brigade Major and Secretary of the School of Military Engineering at Chatham from July 1894, to June 1899, when he went to South Africa as a Special Service Officer, and remained there throughout the war, serving principally on the Staff.

 

General Heath was Assistant-Adjutant-General for Royal Engineers at the War Office from 1906 to 1908, and Inspector of Royal Engineers from 1908 to 1913, when, after a few months on half-pay, he was appointed to command the Scottish Coast Defences.

 

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JULY 15, 1914.

 

 

I hope the promotion of Brigadier-General Heath-Caldwell, commanding the Scottish Coast Defences, to be Major General does not mean the permanent supercession of Brigadier-General Charles McGrigor, who is one place above him on the seniority list, and who has an exceptionally good record in peace and war. 

 

General Heath-Caldwell is in his fifty-seventh year, and unless he got the present vacancy caused by the retirement of Major-General Spene he might not get another chance of promotion before coming under Article 568 of the Royal Warrant, but on his public form his claims to promotion are hardly equal to those of General McGrigor, whose antecedent career fully justifies his advancement to substantive general's rank. 

 

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Diary of Lt. Cmdr C.H. Heath-Caldwell continues...
 
Thursday 16th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Minto left.  Wired to S.N.O. reporting ready for sea.
 
Friday 17th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Odin arrived.  No orders for us.

 

 

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Broad Arrow

 

Friday 17 July 1914

 

Military Notes.

 

Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B., Commanding Scottish Defences, who has recently been promoted to his present rank, vice Major-General J.Spens C.B., joined the Royal Engineers in January 1877, and reached the rank of lieutenant-colonel in April 1903.

 

He was Brigade-Major and Secretary of School of Engineering from July 1894 to June 1899; Assistant-Adjutant-General for Royal Engineers at Army headquarters from July 1906 to September 1908; and Inspector of Royal Engineers from October 1908 to March 1913.

 

His war service included the Egyptian Expedition of 1882; the Soudan Expedition of 1885; and the South African War of 1899-1902. He has been twice mentioned in despatches. He is the son of the late Admiral Sir Leopold George Heath K.C.B., and was born in 1858. In 1889 he married Constance Mary, daughter of Colonel H. Helsham-Jones, late R.E. He assumed the additional name of Caldwell under the will of his great-uncle, James Stamford Caldwell

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Diary of Lt. Cmdr. C.H. Heath-Caldwell contnues...
 
Saturday 18th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Alert came in on her way to Bombay via Muscat.  We got two mails together this week.  Besides the usual letters I got following books.  Burton's Pilgrimage to Medina, Kipling's songs from books and Brownes Religious Medici, the latter on Goldsmiths recommendation. 

 

Orders came for Odin to take us and Karanja up to the Chiru beat, which was what I had been hoping for.
 
Sunday 19th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
All our hope dashed to the ground as orders came for Odin, Karanja & Miner to go to Mekram pather.  Coaled in afternoon & proceeded about five pm the Odin & Karanja to follow the next day.  Moderately comfortable passage.
 
Monday 20th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Passed Farkh 3.30pm.
 
Tuesday 21st July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Anchored pm off Gurdin.  No shelter very heavy swell.  Not uncomfortable.
 
Wednesday 22nd July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Met Odin pm.  Anchored off Galy.  Same as last night.
 
Thursday 23rd July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Hell of a day, making for Charlur.  Finally anchored 8.0pm in an exposed position in 
Chahlur bay.  Rolling literally gunwhales under all night.  Not a wink of sleep.
 
Friday 24th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Anchored off Chahlur village am.  Still rolling but more comfortable.  
Minto arrived about 8.0am.  Cooler.

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 Edingburgh Evening News

Thursday 23 July 1914

Full Programme at Stobs Camp.

All the Territorial Battalions at Stobs Camp had full programmes today, and Brigadier-General Kays visited each in turn. Brigadier-General Heath-Caldwell's Scottish Coast Defences Commander, being also present. The weather was showery in the morning, but the rain soon passed off. The 4th Royal Scots under the command of Colonel Younger, marched to the Barnes district where they were employed digging trenches.

 

 

The Scotsman 

 

24 July 1914

 

Territorial Camps - The Lothian Infantry Brigade at Stobs.

 

The battalions of the Lothian Infantry Brigade had a busy day at Stobs yesterday, when the weather was for the most part favourable, and the various movements were carried out in a creditable way.

 

It was a dull morning with some rain in the forenoon, but it cleared about midday. Colonel H.F. Kays, the Brigade Commander, accompanied by Captain W.G. Neilson D.S.O., Brigade Major, visited the different battalions while on duty, and Colonel F.C.Heath-Caldwel C.B., the Officer Commanding the Scottish Coast Defences, concluded his three days' visit to Stobs.

 

 

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 Hawick Express

 

Friday 24 July 1914

 

Territorials at Camp

 

For more than a couple of hours on Sunday forenoon a scene of much animation attended the departure of Edinburgh Territorials from Waverley Station. The majority were for Stobs Camp, for which six special trains were dispatched with 108 officers and 2300 men. - - - (continues)- - - 

 

Exceedingly warm weather was experienced at Stobs Camp on Tuesday. Not a few of the Territorials were fatigued with their duties in the great heat, and those who were without their tunics had the best of it. Some had to fall out while on the march or at operations in the fields, but considering the large number who were out the wonder was that the number was not larger. General Sir J. Spencer Ewart, K.C.B., the General Officer commanding the Scottish Forces, made a tour of inspection of the different battalions of the Lothian Infantry Brigade, accompanied by Colonel H.F. Kays, the Brigade Commander, and Brigadier-General F. C. Heath-Caldwell, C.B., the officer commanding the Scottish Coast Defences, also paid a visit.- - - (continues) -- - 

 

The battalions had a busy day yesterday, when the weather was for the most part favourable, and the various movements were carried out in a creditable way. It was dull in the morning, with some rain in the forenoon, but it cleared about midday. Colonel H.F. Kays, the Brigade Commander, accompanied by Captain W.G. Neilson D.S.O.,Brigade Major visited the different battalions while on duty, and Colonel F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B., the Officer Commanding the Scottish Coast Defences, concluded his three days' visit to Stobs.

 

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Diary of Lt. Cmdr C.H.Heath-Caldwell continues....

Saturday 25th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Astern of Minto.  Watering & coaling from cutter.
 
Monday 27th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Started for beat under escort of Minto.  Beat shifted to Sadaich to Mardain.  
Heavy swell and moderate sea.  Spent night with kedge anchor out.
 
Tuesday 28th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Cooling very ill in morning.  Made forJareh arriving 8.0pm where we found Karanja.  
 
Tuesday 28th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Heard that war is declared between Austria & Russia.

 

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The Scotsman

 Tuesday 28 July 1914

 

The Forth Defences - Work of City of Edinburgh (Fortress).

Royal Engineers, who have been under canvas since the 18th inst. at Carlingnose, North Queensferry, have been carrying out engineering works on the Forth defences under excellent weather conditions.

 

The Works Company were engaged last week in the construction of various types of fire trenches with overhead cover, gun pits, barrel piers, &c., and in practising demolitions and fourgasse, while a suspension bridge, to carry infantry in file, was erected over a valley 250 feet wide by 60 feet deep. 

The unit was inspected in its technical work by the Inspector-General of Royal Engineers - Brigadier-General Fowke, R.E., who was accompanied by the Commanding Royal Engineer of the Forth Defences - Lieutenant-Colonel Livingstone C.M.G., R.E. The Inspector General expressed himself as highly pleased with the work performed and with the smart appearance of all ranks. The unit will be inspected this week at Inchkeith and Carlingnose by the Coast Defence Commander, Major-General Heath-Caldwell C.B.

 

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Diary of Lt.Cmdr Cuthbert H. Heath-Caldwell continues...

 

 
Wednesday 29th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Remaining at anchor & cook is very weak.
 
Thursday 30th July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Alleyne and I dined with Major Lay & Maltby of Rajputs.
 
Friday 31st July 1914 - HMS Miner 
Minto arrived unexpectedly.  Orders for all launches to proceed to Muscat forth with.  
8.0pm Passed Sphinx steering for Bombay. 

 

---

 

Hampshire Telegraph

 

Friday 31 July 1914

 

Scottish Coast Defences.

 

Colonel H.L. Gardiner, Commandant of the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness, who is to take charge of the Scottish Coast Defence in the place of Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B., entered the Royal Artillery in 1879, and took part in the Afghan War of that year, in the defence of Kandahar, and the battle of September 1st. He was mentioned in despatches, and received the medal with clasp.

 

 

 

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Diary fo Lt. Cmdr. C.H. Heath-Caldwell continues...

 

Saturday 1st August 1914 - HMS Miner 
Karanja sighted at daylight.  Set 10 miles to Eastward.  Arrived Muscat 2.0pm.  
Find Fox has left, Odin S.N.O. and war is imminent.
 
Sunday 2nd August 1914 - HMS Miner 
Germany & Russia at war.
 
Monday 3rd August 1914
Germany crossed French frontier.
 
Tuesday 4th August 1914 - HMS Miner 
Strained relation.
 
Wednesday 5th August 1914 - HMS Miner 
11.30 Hear war with Germany commenced.  Proceeded for Quoins to stop German tramp.  Cleared for action.
 
Thursday 6th August 1914 - HMS Miner 
Wireless signal from Odin to return to Muscat.
 
Friday 7th August 1914 - HMS Miner 
Arrived Muscat.
 
Saturday 8th August 1914 - HMS Minto
Dismantled Karanja & Miner, left for Bombay in Minto.  Passage fair considering time of year.
 
Wednesday 12th August 1914 - HMS Minto
Arrived Bombay am.  Remained in Minto.  No ship told off to attend at office of S.O. armed auxilaries a scene of absolute chaos.  Flagship arrived. 
 

continues...

2^nd Lt Martin Heath-Caldwell Aged 21

 

He received his commission in RFA, December 19th, 1913, and went out with the 1st Division from Aldershot in August, 1914, as a 2nd Lieutenant in No 117 RFA.  He served in that battery until January, 1915, when he obtained his jacket, and served in the Chestnut Troop, RHA (Royal Horse Artillery), until killed in action on May 16th, 1915, near Richebourg L'Abone.  He is buried in Bethune Cemetery, and subsequently mentioned in despatches.

Major-General Sir Gerard M. Heath, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.,

On the outbreak of war, I was on leave in South Africa, where I had held the appointment of Brigadier General, General Staff, under Sir Reginald Hall. Soon after the declaration of war, I became an Inspector of Recruiting in England, in connection with the raising of Kitchener's Armies, and subsequently Inspector of Royal Engineers in England. In May, 1915, I went to France as Chief Engineer of the 2nd corps under Sir Chas. Ferguson; we were then strictly on the "defensive;" trench warfare prevailed, and my duties were almost entirely devoted to supervising the construction of lines of defence and their maintenance. My beat extended at one time from Armentieres to Ypres.

Capt. Leopold C. Heath, Surrey Yeomanry. Aged 20

It was towards the end of July, 1914, that I left Cambridge for the annual fortnightly Camp of the Surrey Q.M.R.'s Yeomanry at Bordon. It had been arranged that he Division with which we were camping should start their training at Bordon and then march to Hamilton Camp, Salisbury Plain. Rumour has it that a dispute had arisen among the powers that be, as to whether it was possible for a Territorial Division to accomplish a march of this length. The General commanding this Division had then offered to prove that it could be done. By the time, however, that this had been accomplished the authorities were far too preoccupied with other more important matters to take any notice of it, so that the whole thing fell rather flat!

 

After a day or two at Bordon we started off on our march, and eventually arrived at Salisbury Plain. Things were by now too unsettled for any definite arrangements to be made, so no camp was pitched (we had arrived about mid-day). We soon had orders to proceed to Amesbury Station and there entrain for London. On arrival, we found a good part of the Division there before us, so had to wait - all night! Raining hard and no cover anywhere. Some of the men managed to get shelter under the wagons, and a large tarpaulin was found for the officers. This was comparatively comfortable until we suddenly heard shouts of "Whoa!" so, thinking that a horse had got loose, we all got up. It proved, however, to be a false alarm, so we returned to the tarpaulin. We did not get much peace, however, for the "Whoa" business was repeated about every half hour through the night, and every time it happened the tarpaulin seemed to rise in the air of its own accord as we all got up for fear of being trodden on. It must have been an amusing sight to anyone watching.

 

It was, I suppose, about midnight when the Adjutant came over to us with a telegram ordering us to mobilise. This was about the first definite order we had had that day. We were all soaked through, but nevertheless thankful when daylight arrived, and we started looking around to see if we could find any food, as we had no rations. Presently our Squadron Leader appeared with some whisky which was most welcome, although each man got only a desert spoonful. Presently the same gentleman reappeared with several cases of suet puddings, commandeered in the parcels office. The field kitchen, worked by paraffin, was soon set going. At last our puddings, the first food we had had for about 18 hours, were ready.

 

Being ordered to entrain, we proceeded on our journey to London. On arriving, the Regiment was split up, each Squadron going to their own Headquarters. As Machine Gun Officer, I was attached, with my men, to "C" Squadron, whose Headquarters were at Croydon. The days spent there were bustle from beginning to end. Recruits had to be sworn in, equipment collected and so forth. While there, a suggestion was made that my old car should be converted for carrying machine guns. I at once had it sent down to Croydon. With the help of my Sergeant and some of my men, designs were got out and (Page 40) that the work entrusted to a local coachbuilder. The car looked very different when completed, and it seemed to be approved at Headquarters.

 

We spent about ten days at Croydon and then moved off to Maidstone. The Squadron went by road and I followed a day or two after with the car. It was quite a procession. I had a motor cyclist in front and another behind, and the car itself, complete with guns, ammunition, etc., my Sergeant and myself in front, and two men behind.

 

At Maidstone I got my men billeted in an inn. Later on, I was told to join "C" Squadron at Preston Hall, a large house about two miles out. We arrived there rather late at night, so after having got the men settled, I decided to sleep in the car. It was one of the most uncomfortable nights I have spent, cramped up in the driving seat. Next day, I got a room at the house where the officers of the Squadron were all being lavishly entertained by the owner.

Diary of Lt.Cmdr C.H.Heath-Caldwell continues...

Thursday 13th August 1914 - Bombay
Minto came into dock.  Transferred my belongings to Yacht Club.  
Position in office desperate.  Appointed to Dalhousie.
 
Friday 14th August 1914 - Bombay
Managed to get a temporary servant.
 
Saturday 15th August 1914 - Bombay
Still fiddling around in office.  Dufferin, & Harding are supposed to be ready for sea.  
Native ratings in Minto are objecting as all their leave has been stopped.
 
Tuesday 18th August 1914 - Bombay
Dufferin & Minto left today.  Dalhousie is supposed to have left Aden yesterday.  We are getting very little news of the war.  Presumably out expeditionary force is in Belgium.  I think Bombay is a beastly place.  Loafing about the club seems to be about the only occupation & the sandflies are the absolute limit.

 

---

The Scotsman

Saturday 22 August 1914

National Relief Fund - Edinburgh Subscriptions - Second List.---- (long list)Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B. - - £10.0.0

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From August 20th to 31st 1914 the British Expeditionary force landed in France under Sir John French and suffered heavy casualties at the Battle of Mons.
 

Diary of Lt.Cmdr Cuthbert H. Heath-Caldwell continues...

Monday 24th August 1914 - Bombay
Swiftsure, Hardinge & Convoy sailed.  Nothing doing.
 
Tuesday 25th August 1914 - Bombay
Dalhousie arrived this morning.  This really is quite the most desperate business possible.  Here I am after kicking my heals for a fortnight in this detestable place, my ship actually in dock & to commision tomorrow.  I don't know yet whether or not I am first lieut, (probably not) bar myself and Palmer who is in command apparently no one knows what officers or men are going to the ship. 

 

If we meet anything hostile, nothing but a miracale can save us, as we can't even run away.  All sorts of wild rumours are going but I believe several hostile ships are loose.  One fleet of transports has left and several others are getting ready, but they seem to be keeping the destination secret very successfully.
 
Wednesday 26th August 1914 - Bombay
Went on board Dalhousie.  She has come over from Aden with an executive & one egineer officer.  They must have had the devil of a time.
 
From 27th to 28th August 1914 the British and German fleets met in the Battle of Heligoland.


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Diary of Genesta Heath, aged 15 (Lady Genesta Hamilton)

 

17^th August 1914

At Anstie we are living very simply with only three servants. It is perfectly comfortable and much more peaceful. But of course the house is not so well kept as before. There are troops everywhere; they commandeer vehicles and have taken over orphanages, Christ’s Hospital and the horses. In London they camp in Hyde Park. On the Continent there have only been skirmishes so far, but a battle is expected soon. There are a million men on each side and the battle front stretches over 250 miles. It will be the biggest battle in our history. People say that the war may last any length of time, from three weeks to three years.

 

My brother Griggs has joined his regiment. The Surrey Yeomanry, and at present is in England, but longing, as they all do, to go to the front. My cousin Fred Heath has joined up, and cousin Martin Heath-Caldwell is already at the front. Uncle Fred (MG Frederick C. Heath-Caldwell) has been given command of Coast Defence in Scotland. Uncle Gerard (General Sir Gerard Heath) has been told not to go back to South Africa, as he may be needed here. They are both general in the Royal Engineers. Uncle Herbert (Admiral Sir Herbert Heath) is needed at Portsmouth and so cannot go to the war; he is an admiral. Both he and Uncle Gerard have been knighted.

 

17^th August 1914

This morning we went to the Grenadier Guards camp outside the Palace, and then the Horseguards Parade, where there is a recruiting office. We heard cheering and just caught sight of Winston Churchill. We also saw (at least Mother thought it was) Lord Kitchener in uniform. Several companies of troops have been marching under our windows (Park Lane). The recruits swarm in, but there are still many loafers who would be better in the army.

This afternoon we went on top of a bus, which was fun. We ran up to the City and there me Hal Gore Brown, back from Burma, who has joined the army. He said his brother Eric has volunteered for the front and is now a captain in the Post Office Rifles. Their sister Dot and her nurses here have gone overseas.

 

19^th August 1914

The French have taken another town in Alsace, Saarburg. Mother stopped there once for lunch but did not like the look of it, so went on. That was in the spring of this year.

Eric Gore Brown dropped in today. He looked so thin, poor chap – I don’t believe he has enough to eat. Still, ‘a la guerre comme a la guerre.’ He took us to see his quarters. The men were sleeping on the floor and I couldn’t tell the difference between them and their kit. They have a great deal to carry on their backs, besides a heavy rifle. Their rifle magazines hold five bullets and are loaded in the usual way, but Eric says the guns kick hard on firing.

Our family is doing well. Out of eight cousins, seven are serving: Raymond and Fred, Cuthbert and Martin, Griggs, Steward and Billy. I am surprised Leo doesn’t go. [I heard later that he was medically unfit.]

The great battle has started. The Germans are trying to crash through the Belgian defences, but the Belgians are stubbornly holding on.

 

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Diary of Lt.Cmdr C.H.Heath-Caldwell continues...

Tuesday 1st September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie - Bombay
Came out of the basin.  Chasing dockyard mateys round.  The 6 pounder Nordenfeldts look very antique as indeed they are.  I expect that they will tear the deck up as soon as they are eased off.  Have only had one mail since leaving the gulf. 
 
Friday 4th September 1914- HMS Dalhousie - Bombay
We have one RIM Lieut, two absolutely green subs & myself.  RN and RNR seamen a P.O. and a sergent.  Discovered this morning that none of the foresights fit, also that the night sights are supplied for Hotchkis guns and consequently require considerable alteration. 

Have had considerable trouble with my servants.  The first one got tight and rushed out of the Yacht Club brandishing a rifle, first having obtained a considerable advance of pay from me.  The next one considered himself too good to scrub out my cabin.  As far as I know the only loot he went off with was my dirty washing.  Now I have taken of the saloon boy. 

We have had no war news worth having.  
 
On 5th September 1914 the Germans captured Rheims.  The Battle of the Marne occurred 5th to 9th September.  Trench warefare began on Aisne salient 13th September.
 
Saturday 12th September 1914- HMS Dalhousie - Bombay
The dockyard are a hopeless crowd particularly the constructors department.  We went out for our gun trials today & on the whole things were satisfactory, both subs made rather a mess of things due to their inexperience.  Swiftsure arrived pm. 

 

We have heard no news of the Konigsberg nor have we really heard anything much about the naval situation.  After much flapping around succeeded in collecting three letters from Pincher and a mail of sorts.  Last letter from Pincher dated August 6th.  Apparently he was just off with his battery (117th) with
1st Division of the Expeditionary force.  Here we are to leave for Gulf tomorrow.
  
Sunday 13th September 1914- HMS Dalhousie - Bombay
Left about noon.  Flag Captain & Lt g (Switurebank) of flagship came & had a look around.  Flagship also sent a considerable quantity of gun cotton etc for demolution work. 
They also sent a leading seamen ST.
 
Monday 14th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Ran into tail end of a cyclone about 2.30am.  A most poisonous morning watch raining and blowing like hell, most frightful squalls.  Most of the RIM crowd are seasick, in fact Lane is about the only survivor.  I don't know what we should do without him. 

 

A good many of the natives etc are trying it on & sculking.  They will have to be bought up with a round turn to start with.  The ship is in a rotten condition.  Decks leak & a lot of the provisions are spoilt. 
All the wiring is badly put in and directly it came on to rain there were earths everywhere.  

The dockyard drilled a hole in ships side to secure a rung of sea gangway & forgot to put 
a bolt in.  Only one instance of their criminal slackness.
 
Thursday 17th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Arrived at Muscat, a place I had hoped never to see again.  Found the Mashona there, Palmer rather sick of life, but he bucked up a bit when he heard what a rotten time we had been having.  Discharged Angele to the hospital with fever.  In evening four of us went round to Dar Sait in the Mashona, rode out to Bahl Fellage and played a most strenuous game of hockey.  Dined with the Benns.
 
Friday 18th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
After coaling played tennis.  Left for Bushire in the early evening.  Life is rather strenuous just now, trying to install some idea of gunnery into the heads of untrained men (& what is more difficult) officers.  Also keeping morning walks & first day.
 
Sunday 20th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Passed Kais & Sheikh Shuab in morning.  Petty officer Smith & Sergt Langmaid are invaluable.  Don't know what I should do without them.  Hope to get off some aiming rifle in a day of two.
 
Monday 21st September 1914 War Time - HMS Dalhousie
Anchored off Bushire about 8.0am.  Carried out aiming rifle pm.
 
Tuesday 22nd September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Shifted berth to Reshire.  Carried out some more aiming rifle practice.  Left at midnight for Mahommera.  Had a struggle with our wireless.  The two operators being soldiers, seem to have broken up most of the instruments.  Two men came off from the shore & patched things up.
 
Wednesday 23rd September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Arrived at outer bar about noon and anchored off the Odin at 6.0pm.  They all seemed pretty fed up as they have been standing by to fight the Turks for 10 days and there is nothing doing.  Find this rather a trying job.  Hear that Pegams has been put out of action by Kingsburg. 
 
Thursday 24th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Left Mahommera about 3.30 for Abadam.  Wrote a letter asking to be relieved on the grounds that I have spent two years in the Gulf.  This dago crew is too trying for anything.  East Indies station seems a pretty rotten show all round.  After all it is my own fault.  I applied to come out to this beastly hole.  If only they pay off this old bus there ought to be a pretty good chance of getting to some other station. 

 

One ought not to criticize one's superiors, but it does seem a wicked waste of time & money to have commissioned an old tub like this.  About the only bright spot in the whole show is that Palmer is behaving very well, & running the show as far as possible as it should be, but I wouldn't take on his job for anything. 
 
Friday 25th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie - at Abadan
Captain Brown 17 men of 102nd Grenadiers joined from Lawrence.  Which ship left at 10.0am for Bushire.  Went to general quarters am.  No Reuters & no news of mail.
 
Saturday 26th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Mail passed in afternoon.  There were four letters for the ship, amongst them one from Pincher dated August 15th, evening before he left for the front.  (Pincher, Cuthbert's brother Martin, was killed in action in France the following May).  Everyone getting more & more bored.  Nothing doing at all, and damnably hot all day.  Hear that Aboukir, Hague & Creasy have been sunk by German submarine. 
 
Sunday 27th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
A very dull day, & very hot.  The Odin passed pm bound for the outer bar, and Reshire.  Played tennis pm.
 
Monday 28th September 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Spent forenoon away in whaler trying to pass two AB's for leading seaman.  Espiegle passed up river pm.  Brown & Co had a teafyit.  Received letter via Espiegle from Mother dated 25th August. 

 

My exertions in Bombay Post Office seem to have born fruit after all, as no one else has received a letter since we have been here.  Last night wireless operator thinks he heard three German ships.  Two hostile German warships supposed to have been seen off Bombay on 25th.  Hear that Hague, Creasy & Aboukir have been sunk in North Sea.
 

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. - HMS Dalhousie
Usual routine lying off Abadan, playing tennis as a rule before breakfast.  Temperature about 92 in shade all day.  Goes down to about 70° at night & in early morning.  Hear Mashona is to be paid off. 
 
Saturday 3rd October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie at Abadan.
Ride before breakfast with Macpherson (Chief) on ponies belonging to oil people.  
After breakfast went up to Mahommerah with Brown (102nd Grenadiers) in steamboat.  Lunched in Espiegle.  Afterwards went on to the Anglo Persian Oil Company's place and stayed about half an hour.  No news to speak of.
 
Tuesday 6th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Same old routine, tennis on one's day off.  The mail arrived yesterday & I got my missing papers & letters from 5th August to 8th September.  The Turks are supposed to have been active once more, and taken four guns and 150 more men down to Tao.  There are supposed to be two German officers with them. 

 

Heard that Enden has been playing hell with the shipping in Bay of Bengal.  Skipper gave the obstreporous Bhandarin five days cells which upset him very much as he thought he would only have the old Indian Marine trick of half a days pay or something of that sort.  Sailors went round the oil works yesterday and one of them suceeded in getting half tight and going to sleep on watch on his return. 
 
Wednesday 7th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie at Abadan
Situation up here supposed to be getting serious.  Spent most of day getting up canvas gear etc as protection against rifle fire.  In afternoon a Turkish officer (Captain of the Marinarice) boarded the Espiegle (anchored off Mahommera) & protested against presence in Turkish waters. 

 

We were warned by WT that he would most probably board us.  About (5.0pm) an hour later he appeared in the white motor launch (armed with two machine guns) and as he appeared to be making heavy weather of anchoring we sent dingy to offer assistance.  

He came on board and gave Captain letter written in broken English protesting against our presence and asking us to leave the river within 24 hours.  He was refered to Espiegle.  Espiegle refered to C in C.  This makes the fifth protest as I understand they have boarded the Odin twice & Espiegle twice with same protest. 

 

I understand that they also object to our using the wireless but we don't take much notice of it.  The Vali of Basra has also informed Espiegle that any man of war attempting to enter the river after this evening will be fired at by Tao.  Leave is stopped & we are standing by in case of attack, but I shall be very much surprised if anything happens.  All leave stops.
 
 
Thursday 8th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Got some more sandbags up this forenoon.  No more news except I understand three more battleships and an old cruiser are expected on the station.  No futher news of Emden or Konigsburg.  It certainly looks as if the political people have made a bit of a bloomer in sending us up here at all.  The whole show is very boring as we can't even go ashore now.
 
Friday 9th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Intercepted message says "situation easier".  What a parcel of old women they all are.  Feeling lack of exercise so swallowed a bursting charge last night.  Kept an OOW last night in case of attack.  Hear that Russian troops have landed in France via Archangel & Aberdeen.
 
Saturday 10th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Situation supposed to be easier.  Received orders to leave for Bushire on another job, ie organising look out stations in the Gulf in case any of the German cruisers who are loose come up this way.  Hear that Drake of Edinbough is after the Emden.
 
Sunday 11th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Left am for Bushire, stood by to be fired at going down the river, but nothing happened.  Turks are building an earthwork off Kabda Point, and have placed four field guns in a line in an exposed position near Tao.  Stopped and communicated with Odin.  
 
Monday 12th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Arrived Bushire am.  Found no coal ready as telegraphic communication with Mahommerah was interupted for 24 hours owing to natives having stolen telegraph poles.  Shifted berth to Reshira.  Called on Knoxes pm. 
 
Tuesday 13th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Shifted berth to Bushire.  Coaled ship and embarked eight soldiers for Tanb Island lookout.  7.0pm left for Taub, 9.0 hit and sank a bagglo but saved crew. 
 
Thursday 15th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Arrived Linga am.  Landed shipwrecked dhow's crew of about thirteen men.  They were proceeding from Sur to Basra with a German cargo.  Proceeded about noon; passed Henjam about 6pm.  Darkened ship.
 
Friday 16th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Arrived at Jask am.  Got a copy of convoy orders and a "very secret" telegram.  Left pm.
 
Saturday 17th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Arrived Henjam am and embarked Maltby and half a dozen more sepoys.  A buzz here that Emden or Konigsberg was seen off Musandam on 14th.  Left for Tanb and arrived about four pm, using South-East anchorage.  Landed sepoys for lookout service.  Landed a seinis party but only caught thirteen garfish.  Left at nine pm for Little Quoin Island.
 
Sunday 18th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Off Quoin Island at 6.0am.  Very slight Kaus blowing.  Although landing should have been easy enough if ship had been handled with a little more dash we did not get sepoys ashore & boat hoisted till 11.30.  There seemed to be a little too much over caution in certain quarters.  This of course tallies with my previous experiences of "Indian Marine Tradition".  (A thoughly rotten show that wastes quite a number of fellows, some of whom are & most of whom would be, good officers if given a chance).  The lookout business is of very doubtful utility as it is quite impossible to keep in visual signal touch with five inch helio's.  It is 36 miles from Quoins to to Henjam.  30 from Quoins to Tanb.
 
 
Monday 18th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Took a military signalman to Quoins afterwards.  Carried out practice firing seven rounds to each gun.  Range 2500 to 1000 yards.  Taking everything into consideration, I suppose the firing wasn't so bad,  but we got no hits.  PM returned to Henjam to see if there were any telegrams for us.  Afterwards left for rendezvous twenty miles south of Jaskh.
 
Tuesday 19th (20th) October 1914 - Dalhousie - Persian Gulf
Arrived Rendezvous 10.00am.  Carried out two hours aiming rifle.  About noon one transport turned up, from Eastward and shortly afterwards Ocean arrived with four more in tow. 

Took station four cables on starboard bow of Ocean.  Transport Unthus astern.  It was bought home to us all (ie C.O. and myself) what a thoroughly rotten business this R.I.M. show is. We have one QS who is not much use and two hopeless lasrar signalmen.  I have also put three AB's on to the signal staff.  They all seem pretty hopeless, also it isn't safe to leave the two sub's on the bridge alone, they are so slow and useless. 

 

About midnight Ocean told us to go and look for a transport alleged to have broken her eccentric shaft.  After turning everyone out and getting ready to tow lame duck started off at a great pace & we found great difficulty in catching her.  She also steadily refused to answer signals.
 
Wednesday 21st - Friday 23rd October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Anchored in Bahrein harbour with convoy of five transports containing D force and Sir P.Z. Cox.  Ocean remaining outside until convoy was reported safely anchored.  Our wireless has once more been repaired by the Ocean.  Our two mililary operators are not much use.  Telegram that troops are not to be disembarked pending further orders. 
 
Saturday 24th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie-  Bahrein
Mashona arrived after breakfast, with the old lot on board.  Apparently they took the Karanja to Bombay, and had twelve hours there, returning by mail to join Mashona at Muscat and bring her up to Bahrein.  Mail arrived, a letter from father for me.  Telegram from Ocean to say that she is returning to Bahrein.  We proceeded outside showing masthead lights for Ocean to anchor on.  Searchlight and masthead light broken down.
 
Sunday 25th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie -  Bahrein to Bushire
Captain went over to breakfast with Captain Hayes-Sadler (SNO) of the Ocean.  

After breakfast went over and saw Carslake and Ley (PMO of Triumph when I was there).  Proceeded inside to confer with Sir P. Cox.  Came out again about sunset and and lay off Exmouth & retrieved bits of our searchlight. 

 

About 9.0pm left for Bushire in order to try and get communication between Force D and the outside world, a necessity which seems to have been entirely overlooked by the authorities.  In fact they seem to have made a pretty good muddle all round.  They have very little food and apparently no arrangements have been made to disembark them.
 
 
Monday 26th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Anchored Bushire 2.0pm.  Found sheaves of "clear the line" telegrams waiting, got one or two off.  The latest scare is that Turks are going to lay mines in the Shatt-al Arab.  His Majesty's Government have informed Constantinople that they will consider any attempt to lay mines in the Shatt-al Arab as an act of open hostility.  Atmosphere is very bad, but wireless got one or two messages through. 

 

Saw Goldsmith's promotion to Commander for Heligoland fight in today's Reuters.  Bought a black and white Jaskh ring from Bin for Rials 30.
 
Tuesday 27th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Rather a rotten day.  Sheaves of telegrams going both ways, bad weather.  Finally about 8.0pm Williams announced that the wireless had broken down.  After a terrible panic which gave master Angell a splendid chance of displaying his hopeless incompetence, and during which we started off for Bahrein they discovered that the wireless was alright again.  Anchored again about 1.0am.
 
Wednesday 28th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Nothing much doing.  Wireless working very badly.
 
Thursday 29th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Wireless working intermittently.
 
Friday 30th October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Down mail arrived.  Sent off all the overdue telegrams to Bahrein.  Wireless working intermittently.  Amoungst other news, hear that Germans have invaded Portuguese territory of Angola.  Turks have attacked Russians in Black Sea.  "Now we shan't be long".  Coaling at Bushire.  Amongst other bright things done by the Indian Government, they wired to P.R. telling him to send 1000 tons of coal to Bahrein, how not stated.
 
Saturday 31st October 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
11.0pm Long Admiralty telegram arrived to commence hostilities with Turkey.  At same time we heard that Turks had sunk two ships in the river above Mahommerah.  To the last moment the Turks seem to have protested that they did not mean to go to war.  Ocean is to proceed with convoy to Tao.  Dalhousie to remain at Bushire to act as a Post Office until Tao is taken.
 

Sunday 1st November 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Naturally expected to hear of something doing.  Not a bit of it.  Nothing seems to have happened.  As far as we know Ocean & expedition have not moved from Bahrein. 

 

We have received orders to get five river pilots.  Telegram from Bombay to Ocean saying that I am to go in command of Miner.  Am getting everything packed but hardly expect that Miner will get up here, as I believe they have neither charts, men, coal, water or Engine Room stores.
 
On 1st November 1914 the Germans defeated the British in the Battle of Coronel.
 
Monday 2nd November 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Left midnight to meet Ocean off Kharag, took up tug Garmsir.
 
Tuesday 3rd November 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Joined Ocean.
 
On 5th November 1914 Britain declared war against Turkey and annexed Cyprus.
 
Friday 6th November 1914 - HMS Dalhousie
Combined attack on Tao by Odin, Sirdar, Mashona & troops.  No British casualties.  Odin hit twice by projectiles.  
 
Saturday 7th November 1914 - HMS Dalhousie 
Miner arrived pm with Mr Gain in command.  Got a few stores in.
  
Sunday 8th November 1914 - HMS Miner
Commisioned Miner with a crew from Ocean.  Took in stores, coaled & anchored for night between outer & inner bars.
 
Monday 9th November 1914 - HMS Miner
Proceeded up river.  Joined Espiegle about 4.0pm in bend of river above Abadan.  Flotilla consists of:

HMS Espiegle, Captain Nunn (Wilfrid Nunn, later author of Tigris Gunboats) 
HMS Odin, Captain Wason 
HMS Louis Pelly, flying S.O. pendant (Captain Hayes Sadler) armed with two 3 pounder & a maxim

(Government Yacht Lewis Pelly)
HMS Miner, CH Heath-Caldwell, one 12 pounder 8 cwt one maxim
HMS Mashona, (Palmer) one 3 pounder & one maxim
HMS Garmsir, (Elks RNR) one 12 pounder 8cwt
HMS Espiegle has had one or two scraps.  Three men wounded.
 
Tuesday 10th November 1914 - HMS Miner
Went alongside at Aberdan & picked up a few iron plates & some sandbags.  Dined in Mashona.
 
Wednesday 11th November 1914 - HMS Miner
Left Abadan at daylight.  Heard a good deal of firing, apparently soldiers were attacked by Turks.  Fired 6 rounds at retreating Turks.  Espiegle fired several rounds.  Achored off Aberdan end of camp to protect it.  There was no attack.  Casualties in this mornings attack, Major Duckett 1A died of wounds.  One subaltern and 25 men wounded.  Turkish loses unknown but must have been considerable.
 
Thursday 12th November 1914 - HMS Miner
Proceeded to Ocean to take fiwts had most uncomfortable night as Kaus was blowing.  
Went ashore on way out.  
 
Friday. Returned to Tao. 

Saturday at Tao. 

Sunday returned to Abadan.  Took in more sandbags and repaired engines.  Monday. Finished repairs. Troops attacked Turkish trenches.
 
Tuesday 17th November 1914 - HMS Miner
Coaled and left for Tao. Attack on Turkish Police Station.  In Monday's attack we had one officer killed and one officer and eight men wounded.  Miner at Tao.  Troops attacked Turkish trenches below Mohommerah, lost eight killed and 30 wounded on Monday. 

 

They carried the trenches but did not remain there so Turks came back next day.  On Wednesday they attacked and carried the Turkish trenches, our casualties being about 40 killed and 300 wounded.  The only Naval casualties so far being three wounded in the Espeigle. 

We returned from Tao on Thursday and anchored off Espeigle about a mile and a half below Mohommera.  Nothing doing except a night attack on our camp, in which Turks seem to have lost about 80 men.
 
Friday 20th November 1914 - HMS Miner
There was to have been an attack on Turkish position this morning, but apparently they have all bolted up to Amara.  Our progress has been so damnably slow all through.
 
Wednesday 25th November 1914 - HMS Miner
7.0am.  Started in company with Espeigle, Odin & Mashona up river.  Odin 8 knots soon left us behind.  About 11.30 heard firing ahead.  About noon caught them up, just above Swabe and five miles South of Kurna (the junction of the Tigris and Euphrates).

 

Enemy entrenched in neighbourhood of Turkish Governor's house and well concealed.  Both sloops were ashore.  Odin smashed up her rudder and boss of one propeller.  Mashona also hit obstruction (iron barge) and made hole in her bottom. 

 

We fired 60 rounds during day and pretty well smashed up house.  Have heard since that Turks had 500 casualties, probably much exaggerated.  Marmaris was sighted about 6 miles ahead, we were in 9 feet of water most of the time. 
 
Monday 30th November 1914 - HMS Miner
Went ashore in entrance of boat channel, stuck there four or five hours.
 
Friday 10th December 1914 - HMS Miner
There has been so much doing lately that I have not had much time to write this up.  

On 25th November we carried out a Naval reconnaisance off Kuma, Espeigle, Odin, Mashona & Miner taking part.  Enemy opened fire from Kuma and on one occasion very nearly hit us.  They were firing most of the day. 

 

Fired 33 common & 23 shrapnel, and knocked about the house at Kurna a bit.  Went back that night.  Odin & Mashona both hit obstruction, one making hole in bottom, whilst Odin damaged her rudder. 

 

On 3rd December we left Basra with Espeigle, Odin, Lawrence, Lewis Pelly and Shaitan, two battalions of N.I. one double company Norfolks, two field guns left in river steamers shortly afterwards.  They also mounted two field guns in each of the two river steamers, Blosse Lynch and Midijes. 

 

There was a good deal of firing on both sides and & Lawrence was hit once or twice.  We did nothing much till about two thirty when we were sent on ahead to support troops, Shaitan & Lewis Pelly following.  There was a perfect hail of shrapnel bullets and twelve pounder went out of action owing to recoil cylinder leaking & becoming empty. 

 

When we got our nose round point, range about 900 yards a shot got us in engine room, just below waterline & burst half in coal bunker and half in engine room, severely wounding Stoker PO Jones and Stoker Lacy.  Ship immeadiately began to fill. 

 

About the same time another shell cut the after fall of starboard boat and burst several chunkes coming into the cabin.  Apparently one or two other shells hit the side but bounced off without bursting, there was such a hail of bullets & bits and such a beastly row the whole time, added to which we only had about six inches of water to spare that it was difficult to know exactly what was happening. 

 

Finally we got back & beached her ahead of the Espeigle, who temporarily repaired leak.  Stoker PO Jones did very well by sticking to the engines and finally drew fires.  We got water pumped out by five pm & started to raise steam.  Shortly after dark, enemy again opened fire, I think at Espiegle anyway they nearly hit us.  We got off shortly afterwards and anchored astern of Odin for night whilst they put a patch on the hole. 
 

The troops carried position on left bank of Tigris taking two guns, but they retired before dark leaving one gun.  This was the fellow who opened fire after dark.

 

Saturday 5 December 1914 - HMS Miner
The next day 5th, we went down to Basra to fill up with ammunition & coal leaving at 4.0am on 6th. 

 

Sunday 6 December 1914 - HMS Miner

On the 6th there was nothing much doing except a reconnaisance by both sides as we were waiting for more troops from Basra. 

 

Monday 7 December 1914 - HMS Miner

On Monday 7th we had another go.  Shaitan, Louis Pelly & ourselves.  We had a lot more rifle fire this time as we were nearer the left bank of the river, two casualties O.S. Gibson fatally wounded, Mr Gain, gunner hit in leg.  This time we were up there for about two hours within 800 to 1000 yards of the enemy's guns, most of whom we temporarily silenced.  The Shaitan was badly smashed, a shell coming straight though her bridge though her Captain (one Elks Lt Com RNR and a very gallant fellow) hit the wheel taking off the coxwain's hand.  They got her back principally owing to the Gunner's Mate who took charge.  We all had some narrow squeaks as there were bullets every where. 

 

By this time our troops had taken cover on the left bank of the river and were bivouacked higher up.  They crossed the Tigris about a mile and a half up, three fellows swiming the river under fire to bring the dhows across. 

 

Tuesday 8 December 1914 - HMS Miner

On Tuesday 8th the two battalions crossed the Tigris and attacked Kurna from its own side.  They got pretty close but retired and bivouacked for the night.  About midnight I was called and informed that there was something coming down river.  We went to action stations and saw a steam boat fully lighted with an extra brilliant white light in addition to her steaming light making the devil of a noise up at the bend.  She came down very slowly and stopped off Espiegle.  We heard next morning that it was a flag of truce to discuss the surrender of Kurna. 

 

9 December 1914- HMS Miner

Wednesday 9th.  Anchored off Kurna.  Managed to get two very decent rifles, also the clinometer of a Turkish gun.  Wondered round the place & found four guns.  All the houses were loopholed and there were trenches everywhere.  It seems nothing short of a miracle that we are all alive.

 

End of dairy.