Frank Swannell Diaries: Part I
Diaries of Frank Cyril Swannell Learn more.
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BC Archives MS-0392 - Box 1, Volume 4-5
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(b) The hour of 12 will be followed by "noon" or "midnight" written in words. A night will be described thus: "night 29/30 Sept" or "night 30 Sept./1 Oct."
(c) The use of Roman numerals in signal messages is forbidden. Important numbers should be written in words. In messages which are to be signalled the letters AAA should be used for a full stop.
(d) Names of places and persons will be written in block capitals, e.g., LONDON and must be spelt exactly as given on the map in use. Care is necessary to prevent misunderstanding resulting from the existence of two or more places of the same name.
(e) If a map is referred to, the one used must be specified unless this is already provided for in standing orders. The position of places will, as a rule, be denoted either by naming the map squares (if any) in which they appear, or by the points of the compass, e.g., "wood, 600 yds. S.E. of TETSWORTH," or by compass bearings, e.g., "hill 1,500 yds. true bearing 272° from CHOBHAM, C.H.," or by description, e.g., "cross roads ½ mile S.W. of second E in HASELEY," the letter indicated being underlined. A road is best indicated by naming a sufficient number of places on it to prevent the possibility of mistake.
(f) Positions are to be described from right to left looking in the direction of the enemy. The terms "right" or "left" are used in describing river banks, it being assumed that the writer is looking down stream. With this exception ambiguous terms such as "before," behind," "front," etc., must not be used. If the term "Right" (or "Left") is applied to our own forces in retirement it is always to be understood that it refers to the original "Right" (or "Left") flank when facing the enemy.
(g) When bearings are given they will always be true bearings, and this should be stated.
(h) In naming units from which a portion is excluded, the unit will be named and the words "less........." added.
(i) If the report or message refers to troops reaching a place at a certain time, it is assumed that the head of the main body is meant, unless otherwise stated.
(j) A copy of messages sent will be kept by the sender, the copy and original being endorsed with the method and hour of issue, e.g., "Pte. X. to Bde. Maj. Fourth Inf. Bde. at 8 p.m." "Flag signal to First Gordons at 9 a.m."
BC Archives, MS-0392 Box 1 Volume 4 / FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS / Diary and enclosures, 1915.