Sunday, 31st January 1915

Robert Cresswell, the ex-policeman who had been promoted Corporal (see 12^th November) was ‘severely reprimanded’ having been found gambling in his billet at Finchampsted. The witnesses to the offence were CSM Harry Dewhirst (see 29^th January) and Cresswell’s fellow Settle recruit, George Jellett (see 7^th September).

Saturday, 30th January 1915

Jonathan Kendall Smith, who had died at Connaught Hospital on 25^th January, was buried at Weston (All Saints) Churchyard.

Friday, 29th January 1915

Having spent six days in Connaught Hospital being treated for deafness, Robert Newhouse (see 24^th January) was discharged, with a note in his records that there had been no improvement in his condition. Lt. Stones of the RAMC recommended that Newhouse should be discharged from the Army.

Harry Dewhirst, Company Sergeant Major to Tunstill’s Company, was formally appointed Warrant Officer Class II. Although not one of Tunstill’s recruits, he was one of the ex-regular NCO’s who had been posted to the new Battalion in the Autumn of 1914 (see 18^th September 1914).

CQMS John Kearns (see 24^th September 1915) was promoted Company Sergeant Major, ‘B’ Company.

Thursday, 28th January 1915

Tunstill's Company remained in training at Eversley.

Wednesday, 27th January 1915

Tunstill's Company remained in training at Eversley.

LCpl. William Alfred Walmsley Gaunt (see 12^th December 1914) was promoted Corporal.

Tuesday, 26th January 1915

Pte. Joseph Hanson (see 24^th November 1914) was formally discharged from the Army as, “Mentally deficient and not likely to become a good soldier”.

The concerns expressed by J.B. Priestley about the scattered nature of the billeting arrangements in the Camberley area (see 25^th January) were reflected upon also by 2Lt. Robert Stewart Skinner Ingram, (see 30^th October 1914) in a letter home to his parents in which he also commented on the death of Pte. Jonathan Kendall Smith (see 25^th January).

(Notepaper headed:
Bannisters
Finchampstead
Berks)

c/o J.W. Martin Esq.

My Darling Mother and Father

We got out here yesterday afternoon after about a 13 mile march. Only one of my men asked to drop out on the way. One of mine died of pneumonia last Monday (ie yesterday) at 2.30 am in hospital. Very sorry indeed as he was doing quite well, though slow. As in the last billets, I seem to have struck a very good egg again. Three of us are here. Unfortunately it’s over a mile from my Company, so have hired a bike from the local blacksmith. 

As soon as I hear that Tom will be at the Priory next Saturday night, I’ll apply for the night off. 

Love to the family.

Your ever loving son.

Robert

(Ingram and two of his fellow officers were billeted with Mr. James Wentworth Martin, a retired public works department manager).

Pte. William McEvoy (see 26^th December 1914) was reported as being absent without leave; he would return on 2^nd February. The nature of his punishment is unknown.

Pte. Tom Pickles, who had earlier created quite a stir over his comments about conditions at Frensham (see 16^th October 1914), was confined to barracks for three days, having been absent from roll call at 12.30pm parade at Eversley.

Saturday, 23rd January 1915

Tunstill's Company remained in training at Camberley.