FEBRUARY 1916 - BEHIND THE LINES

Tuesday 1st

The Day for going up has come round once again. Had a bonne dinner to day. Pork chops, Pommes der terres, Xmas pudding & blanc mange. Aeroplane dropped bombs in the vicinity of this place to day. Moved off at 5 o’clock. Packs carried to Les Brebis. In support Sap 6. Same place as we have been in before.

Wednesday 2nd

How quiet is has been to day. Quieter than we have ever had it before up this part. Able to have a little game of cards.

Thursday 3rd

Still fairly quiet. Quite a change. Had to go & fetch the water after dinner. At Maroc they told me that I had to go into Bully Grenay for it. We go up the front line to night. As usual A Platoon stands the zig. From all accounts it is not a very pleasant show. Only 30 yds from the Germans. But we have got a good dug out. That is something.

Friday 4th

Got the fire going before it was light. We have to keep very low in this trench. So far it has been quiet enough. Hope it gets no noisier. On patrol duty from 6 to 9. Rained slightly and made the trench very sticky.

Saturday 5th

We are still having it fairly quiet. Jolly thankful for it too. I leave here at 4 o’clock. Am going on a bombing course for 8 days. When I reach the S.Ms dug out I find that the course has been cancelled as we are leaving the Div. So I packed up for nothing. Patrol from 6 to 9. Fancy we have discovered the Germans mining.

Sunday 6th

Still keeps quiet. Being relieved to night. Relief did not come in until about 10 o’clock. Going into support. As soon as we got there we heard that we were only staying there 3 hrs. So made some tea & opened our parcels and had a spread. Tried to have a sleep but no go.

Monday 7th

Had us up at 3.30, but what a time we were in getting out. Only just managed to get through Maroc by dark. Breakfast at Les Brebis. Marched to Vaudricourt. Had to call at the Chateau for the C.G to have a look at us. What a fine time the others have had at Vaudricourt. It is a fine place. Busy cleaning up equipment & buttons, so had not much chance to go out

Tuesday 8th

Inspection by the General at 12 o’clock. Of course beforehand we had to have a few prelims. Rained a bit. He made a speech & bid us good bye. The rest of the day we had free. Paid a visit to the house we visited when we were here before. Had a fine sleep last night. Spent the evening at un estamient.

Wednesday 9th

Should have been up at 4 AM but overslept until 5 AM. Then had to bustle about. Our tea & bacon got kicked over. Left Vaudricourt at 8 AM & marched to Bethune. Cattle trucks for carriages. Had a fire in the truck. Made some water hot in a water bottle to make some tea. I went to take the cork out and steam all blew in my face. Luckily we had some vasaline handy. It gave me what o for a bit. Left the train at Pont Remy. Then had a 6 mile march. And what a march. Over a desolate dreary country. ½ past 8 when we arrived here tired & hungry. We soon procured some grub.

Thursday 10th

Turned 8 before we got up this morning. Breakfast about 10. Then cleaning up billets & rifle & billet inspection. The name of this place is Airaines. My face is not as bad this morning. Must consider myself lucky. What a game trotting up the street full Pack after tea. We have change our billet. Not as well off this time. Got to put up with the S.Ms presence & his banjo. Got back to night & found that the S.M had removed his presence.

Friday 11th

Busy this morning scrubbing equipment. Raining hard. Had a game of cannon in a Café with Arthur. He beat me. The Sgts shifted their quarters this afternoon so we collared their place. Got paid after tea. Then spent the evening in the Café.

Paid 20 francs - Airanes

Saturday 12th

Another busy day. Got to do our equipment with Blanco now. We manage it eventually. Then cleaning up brass for tomorrow’s parade. Warned for guard then the order cancelled. Bridgy gets it in my place.

Sunday 13th

On Picquet duty at ¼ to 9. Then take equipment to pieces ready for Church Parade. Belt & sidearms & smoke Helmet. Service in the M/sex’s recreation room. Not bad. Spent the evening playing cards. A draft arrived for us today.

Monday 14th

Started work this morning. Parade from 9 to 12. Then from 2 to 3. Changed billets again. We have got the draft mixed in with us now so go back to the 4 Platoons. I am still No 2. We are in the cinema now. A concert was given by the H.2 Pierott troupe in the cinema. It was jolly good.

Tuesday 15th

Start work on the daft today. They are intermingled with the old boys. They didn’t expect to do drills out here. They want to get up into the trenches but when they get there they will be glad to get back. Lecture after dinner on care of arms. Refreshing my memory. Spent the evening in the café at the front of our billet. Quite nice people there. Had a bonne dinner. Pork chop, Pommes der terres frit & beans.

Wednesday 16th

Running Parade 7 to 7.30 then busy getting out various information for the Brigade. Very wet morning they took us out drilling in it from 11 to 12. Lecture from 2 to 3 by the S.M. Then we got paid. That was the most important feature of the day. Spent the evening as usual.

Paid 20 francs - Airaines

Thursday 17th

Up with the larks & out running. Had a route march of 2 hrs duration. Grand country. It should do us a world of good. Blow all the smells off of us. Another lecture in the afternoon on Gas etc. Spent the evening as usual. I shall miss my bed mate to night. He is on Guard to night.

Friday 18th

Had our usual run. After breakfast it set in wet so we did some drill in our billet. But we went out in it for an hour 11 to 12 for company drill. After dinner the draft was inspected by some General. I had to superintend the bathing of some of the old boys. The bath was a wooden coffin box arrangement. It caused some mess. A hand of cards in the Café brought the evening to a close.

Saturday 19th

On parade at ¼ to 8 for a bath. Only two mile to march. When we got there found that there was no clean clothes for us. Kit inspection when we got back. Saturday afternoon off. So spend the afternoon lying about generally. Right half Batt played left half Batt. Right half won. I was not selected. A fine football pitch we have got. Right on top of the hills. Evening spent as before in our café.

Sunday 20th

Church parade at 10 o’clock. Spent the afternoon writing letters. A company played C company at football. I did not play but we won. For a change passed the evening reading. It has been a lovely day.

Monday 21st

Same old rigmarole this morning. Spend the morning shouting. My platoon on picket to day. Gas helmet practice after dinner. We play B Cpy football this afternoon. I turn out and score a goal. We won 3 to 1. Commence my duties as orderly Sgt. No reading in bed this week.

Tuesday 22nd

Spent the morning instructing the draft how to dig trenches. They did very well. Route march after dinner. Officers v men at football this afternoon. Snow stopped the match the Officers leading by 1 to 0. Turned very cold.

Wednesday 23rd

Route march this morning. Full marching order. Back at 12 0’clock. Lovely country. Snow all about. Very hilly. Sweaty feet inspection after dinner.

Thursday 24th

No entry

Paid 30 francs – Airaines

Friday 25th

Changed Billets. Another draft joined us. S.M. Godfrey joined us again. Had to get packed up all in a hurry. Rumours that we were going up but it came to nothing.

Saturday 26th

Inspection off owing to the weather. On fatigue party cleaning snow of the roads from the baths to Longprés. Concert in the evening by the Jovilians. Very good.

Sunday 27th

Up at 5 AM. Rushing about getting packed up. On the move at 8.30. Marched through Longprés Flixcourt to St Ouen. Got a bed in a private house. What a treat for us.

Monday 28th

Had a fine sleep. Two hours drill this morning. Last night of my duties. Inspection tomorrow.

Tuesday 29th

Inspected by the General of our Brigade. Turned out a lovely morning. Hand over at 1 o’clock today. N.C.Os parade at 2.30 under the S.M.

JUNE 1916 - PREPARING FOR THE BIG PUSH

Thursday 1st

Had 2 hrs drill this morning. Same old thing. Rifle exercises by numbers. Had the afternoon off. Another roll to day. Played the men at football this evening and reversed the result. We won by 1 to 0. Had a cold bath after. It was fine.

Friday 2nd

Spent an easy day to day. I had no working parties or parades to do. So had a short country ramble. Sgt Hawke rejoined us this afternoon & has been posted to No 3 Platoon. Had a good supper to night of rabbit & peaches & custard.

Saturday 3rd

Another working party this morning. Near Souastre digging a trench for telephone wires. I attend. Afternoon free except for a rifle inspection & a bit more about smoke helmets. Played the transport at football after tea & beat them by 3 to 1. Not much of a game. I played left back. Start cleaning up for guard on the morrow.

Sunday 4th

On Guard to day at Henu. Left St Amand at 9 o’clock & reached Henu at 9.45. Relieved Johnny Fox. Some guard judging by the noise. Am guarding the General of the division & the chateau where he hangs out. Cushy guard. Nothing doing. Very windy in the night.

Monday 5th

Dawn broke very cloudy & later on it commenced to rain but cleared up before I was relieved. Sgt West relieved me. He arrived before I was ready. But I soon got ready and we changed in style. Were paid after dinner & we celebrated it by a good supper. Sausages & tomatoe sauce & mashed potatoes. Peaches & Custard & Vin Blanc. Played the Privates of our Coy at football after tea. After an hours played the score was 1 each. We played an extra ½ hour but could not alter the score.

Tuesday 6th

Working party up the quarries at Henu. All day affair. When we got there it started raining so we sheltered. We made several attempts to start work by owing to the rain we had to pack up at dinner time. Cleared up after dinner. Played the Sigs after tea. A good game. We lost by 2 to 1. Only had 9 men first half. I played back.

Wednesday 7th

Working party on the cable trench this morning. Rather dull day. About 12.30 down came the soup so we packed up. Fine again by the time we got back. At 5.30 the batt. Paraded to see the presentation of cards to those men who distinguished themselves on the working party. Cpl Beach was the only one in A Coy. Had a bath to night.

Thursday 8th

Visit the Quarries to day to a little work. Had a stroll round and found a lovely little glade. Like the Goyt valley. Rather showery.

Friday 9th

Again visit the Quarries. Had a stroll round the woods & got lost, were away 1 ½ hrs. Went out to dinner. Had hot rolls, fried eggs & coffee. Played C Coy at football to night. Very unsatisfactory game. We lost 3 to 1. I again played back.

Saturday 10th

No working party to day. We go out to night instead. So one or two paltry parades arranged. But Bridge came over to inspect Gas Helmets & it raining heavily parades got cancelled. Cleared up a bit before we went out on the working party. To the left of the Corderoy track where we are working Cable track. Very quiet & Got slightly wet.

Sunday 11th

Had breakfast in bed ! this morning. Got up at 11.30 then the S.M had to lecture us at 12 o’clock. That lasted an hour then we got the news to be on parade at 1.30. Had to rush about to gratify the whim of a pompous monied Ld Mayor of London. After standing on parade for 3 hrs & he not turning up we chucked the game up. Off out again to night at 6.30. Same place. Very quiet.

Monday 12th

Got in at 2AM. Had some custard & tea. Roused up at 8AM for rolls draw rations etc. Those that have not been out do not care a scrap about the sleep of those that have. What a Whit Monday to be remembered. Rained nearly all day. Started raining again when we started on our working party. About 11 o’clock it was a soaker. Packed up at 11.30. What a game coming home. Could hardly keep our feet. The worst working party I have been on.

Tuesday 13th

Got back about 2AM drenched. But the worse the conditions are the better the spirit of the men. We were singing all the way home. And it was raining hard & pitch dark. When we got in we heard that we are out again to night. We had been dwelling on false hopes. Could not get up until 10.30 as we were having our clothes dried. Kit inspection at 2 o’clock. I touched lucky and did not go out on working party to night. Plenty of rain to day.

Wednesday 14th

Nothing to do until 2.30 PM. Then I took 80 men down to the baths at Sailly. When we got their found that they had shifted but eventually found the place. Got back in time for pay. Then went and had supper at an estamient. No working party at all to night. At 11 o’clock the time was advanced one hour.

Thursday 15th

We have been done out of an hours sleep. Got up at ½ past 5 & really it was ½ past 4. All on a working party to day at Sailly. Making a cutting for a light railway. The rain keeps off. Knocked off at 3 o’clock. Got back about 5PM. At 6.30 feet & Gas Helmet inspection. It seems funny going to bed while it is still light. The boys are not used to it yet. They kept roaming about after 9 o’clock.

Friday 16th

Working party today in F.S.M.O. I touch lucky being B.O.S. But spend a busy morning inspecting billets. We leave St Amand at 2 o’clock. Lovely wooded country we march through. Arrive at St Halloy about 5 o’clock. Billeted in huts. Some of the others arrive at 7 o’clock & some at 8 o’clock. Got to bed at 10PM. Cold sleeping.

Saturday 17th

Florrie’s Birthday. Spent to day inspecting models of the German line about Hebuterne. Also took the platoon over them. That kept us occupied until 6PM. Then had tea & visited the canteen. Uproar in the middle of the night. A few of the CSM & 2 M Sgts got well oiled and came in our hut. Our Quarter slung one of them out. At the finish we had to fetch our Officers to them. So did not get much sleep.

Sunday 18th

Still doing working parties. Start out at 7.30 for Pas. F.S.M.O without packs. Lovely little town is Pas. Right in the middle of a forest & down in a valley. Loading up logs. Had a few drinks after tea. About 8 PM we saw an aeroplane fight. Very exciting. We brought him down.

Monday 19th

I have a days holiday to day. So lay in until 9.30. After dinner we had to go to the baths at Pas. Jolly fine bath. The band played us back. Got back about 6 PM.

Tuesday 20th

Another holiday to day. Rev at 5AM. But we don’t get up until 7AM. At 10 we have to over the trenches again. Pay after dinner. Then I cleaned up for Guard. Had to turn out once to the smouldering ruins, but soon settled that.

Wednesday 21st

Had a fire going all night so did not worry about the cold. The Coy moved off at 6AM. I follow at 2 PM. Another moving day. Dismissed the Guard at 2PM. Then I took my men on to Maunolicourt where the Coy was unloading trains. Immense RE stores there. Had a high tea Lettuce, Peaches & Cherries & biscuits. Left there about 6PM reaching Henu at 7.30. But were not allowed to go into the village.

Thursday 22nd

Had a longer lay in this morning getting up at about 8.30 instead of 6.30. Lovely warm day. Had a stroll down to the village before dinner. On the move again before 4 o’clock. Marched to Sailly. Reached there about 7PM. Billeted there for the night.

Friday 23rd

Very Hot first thing. Aeroplanes very active. This afternoon we had a heavy thunder storm. It came down in sheets. The thunder was continuous. Never heard anything like it before. Cleared up by tea time. Nothing doing to night, so had a bit of a sing song. Rained again in the night & wakened me by dripping on me. So I had to shift my bed.

Saturday 24th

The Guns woke me up a bit earlier this morning. Mixed weather we are having to day. Sunshine & rain. Judging by the row I should think that they have started the bombardment. Had a game of cards this afternoon. Aeroplanes have been busy in the fine intervals. Expect Charlie White is enjoying himself down in Rouen by now. Still Strafeing Hard.

Sunday 25th

During the night our billet was shelled. It caused a commotion in the dark. Unfortunately poor old No 3 Platoon got all the casualties. 2 killed & 3 Wounded. Sgt Hawke wounded. This morning we shifted our billets to higher up the road, & later on the boys left the billet for the trench where they intend to stop. Working party to night, but I did not go out Up the line somewhere.

Monday 26th

Sgt Dwyer left us this morning. Got a Police job I believe. It is not too bad where we are now, but the boys still prefer the trench. Had to do 20 minutes rifle drill after dinner in the orchard. The cooker left us to night but they left the Dicksee’s behind. Bad headache to night. Rained heavily.

Tuesday 27th

Still putting up with the row. We made a feint smoke attack this morning. After dinner had to go up to the front line on a working party. Didn’t fancy going over the Corderoy track, but we managed it alright. Cleaning out the Communication trenches. Some of them were knee deep in water. Coming back our guns weren’t half speaking. I was glad to get back to Sailly. Wasn’t half in a state.

Wednesday 28th

More rain. We paraded at 2 o’clock ready to proceed to Hebuterne, but the order came up telling us to stand by. Postponed for 24 hrs I believe owing to the wet. Later on we get orders for a working party. 2 Sgts wanted. I am unlucky for I click. Cleaning up communication trenches. Work from 10 to 2. Our guns were busy during the night. The Huns did not reply much. Got back about 4AM. Wet feet.

Thursday 29th

Did not get up until 11 o’clock. More working parties but I get let off to night. Not Sorry either. Some of our bombers go out on a bombing raid. Two out of my platoon do not return. 1 gets wounded the other is missing. It was a lovely night up the line I believe.

Friday 30th

Same old row continues. I write home & send some money to Mother. Working party ordered, the next minute it is cancelled. On parade at 5 PM ready to move up to Hebuterne. Turned out lovely after dinner. We had another Gas Helmet inspection. Left Sailly about 7 PM & occupied trenches at Hebuterne just behind the road. Busy drawing extra ammo etc & dishing some out. Could not sleep as we did not have our coats with us.

JULY 1916 - SOMME AND A BLIGHTY

Saturday 1st

At 6.30 the bombardment opened. It continued until 8AM. And didn’t they go it. Soon after 8 we started for the front line. Didn’t we have at time going up the Communication trench. A job to get along. Could not make much head way with our job. Which was carrying RE Stores over to the Hun front line. Between 10 & 11 I caught a fragment of a shell right on the bridge of the nose. So two of my chaps take me down to the dressing station. Then I went to Couin then Henu. Slept there until 12 o’clock.

Sunday 2nd

Motor ride to Marlincourt to the casualty clearing station. All particulars taken again. Had a sleep there. Then we boarded the hospital train at 12 o’clock, bound for an unknown destination. Had dinner & tea en route. At about 6 o’clock we arrive at our destination which is Le Tréport. A fine seaside place, 2nd Canadian Hospital which is on top of the cliffs. All partic taken again. Then off to the baths & a suit of blue given us.

Monday 3rd

What a treat it was to get into a nice clean bed. I did not want to get up this morning. Lovely day. Had a walk on the cliffs. It is indeed a lovely place. Saw Bill Groves. I have to go & draw my Khaki. A sign for Blighty they say. Hope so. At 7.30 we leave in Motors for Dieppe. About an hours run from Le Tréport. A nice ride. Soon after we got here it rained heavily.

Tuesday 4th

What a dead & alive place to be stuck in. Absolutely nothing here. Nothing to do. Nothing to read. Nowhere to go. Should not like to be here long. We keep worrying as to what they are going to do with us. After tea they brought us some novels round. Still no news of their intentions.

Wednesday 5th

The Doctor has been round taking information & marking our cards. Is it for Blighty I wonder. After tea we hear that 67 are going away to-morrow. So must possess ourselves with patience & await the morrow.

Thursday 6th

Last nights order cancelled. Rotten grub we are getting. 1 slice of bread & butter only for tea. Breakfast porridge extra. No sweets after dinner. Still no news of shifting. We are all as miserable as anything here.

Dieppe – The Beach and Casino at bathing time

The message on the back of the card reads:

My Dearest “Bob”,
The cross on the opposite side is where I stayed when at Dieppe. But we could not see the view on the card.
Much Love, Walter

Friday 7th

Rain again to day. The doctor has been round again & this time I am marked for the base, so must give up all hopes of Blighty now. What rotten luck getting sent to this place. A lot of chaps are going to the base tomorrow. Wonder whether I am one. The ladies from the Y.M.C.A. in town gave a concert this afternoon. It was like the opening overture of music hall or a Picture Palace.

Saturday 8th

Three parties going away to day & I am not one of them. Still got to amuse myself here. Only 4 left in our tent now. After tea we get shifted into a ward. I regret the day they sent me from Le Tréport. I walked as far as the barbed wire bordering the road, but was told I was not allowed there. It should be called a prison instead of a hospital. A turn up the trenches would do the R.A.M.C. chaps a lot of good.

Sunday 9th

Still dragging out my miserable existence here. How much longer I wonder. It is lovely weather & I have a longing for England. Especially after reading about the Hospital trains & the slightly wounded in London Hospitals. Had a short service just before tea.

Monday 10th

Another party left here to-day bound for somewhere but I still remain. Had a little game of cricket this afternoon. The weather still keeps lovely. Had a letter from Mother to-day. That’s better.

Tuesday 11th

Same old round to day. Nothing doing except another medical inspection in which I got an R put against my name. No cigs to day.

Wednesday 12th

Still the same old monotonous round. Some more going out tomorrow I believe. I hear that I am being released to-morrow. Was able to buy some fags to day.

Thursday 13th

At last the eventful day arrives when I shall go from this place. Left Dieppe at 1 0’clock & reached Rouen about 4 o’clock. Much better here. Y.M.C.A Hut. More livelier indeed.

The 3rd Battalion, City of London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers had passed through Rouen earlier in the war. The message on the back of the card reads:

3rd City of London, British Expeditionary Force, France
My dear Florrie,
What do you think of Rouen. We had to march over the Bridge in the picture. Lovely weather. On the move again.
Much Love, Walter



Friday 14th

Another inspection this morning. They say that an O on the card stands for Blighty. Well I have been through it & have got my card marked with an O. Must wait patiently now for future developments. Was inspected by the C.O. & had our cards taken away, but heard nothing further.

Saturday 15th

They woke us up at 5 o’clock & told us that we have to parade for Blighty. So we did not mind that awakening. We jolly soon got ready. Left Rouen Station at 8.30 AM & got to Le Havre at 1.30 PM. Went straight on to the boat. Had a good tea consisting of 2 eggs. What a change. Turned in about 10. Slept in the top bunk. Doing it in grand style. Left Le Havre about midnight. The boat we are on is called the “Landfrancs”.

Sunday 16th

Outside Netley Hospital about 10 o’clock. Then had to lay to, to wait for the tide. Disembarked about 4 PM. Left Southampton about 4.30. Through Salisbury & Bath right through to Newport where we arrived about 7.30. What a reception we received at Newport from the people as we walked from the station to the trams. Made me quite nervous. It is a very large Hospital. I don’t suppose we shall be here long.

Monday 17th

Up early. Very nice sisters in our ward. Doctor came round this morning & put us on the transfer list. Expected to go out after dinner but it didn’t come off . So went & played Billiards. Bed at 9’oclock.

Tuesday 18th

Get permission to go out to day. As we were going out the gate a Sgt asked if we would like a motor ride. Of course we accepted. When we arrived at the house we found that we had to stay to tea. Had a splendid tea. One of the chaps evidently took the mustard pot for the pepper box, but unfortunately none came out. We played tennis, bowls & cards & had a shooting competition. Arrived back about 8.30 after a delightful outing. Should have gone to the Empire, but did not mind missing that.

Wednesday 19th

Had a stroll round Newport after dinner. Not a bad town. After tea went into Belle Vue Park. Rather a nice park.

Thursday 20th

Went & rested in the park for an hour after dinner. It was very hot. Another invitation out to tea. Had a splendid spread at a restaurant. Sing song after. Knocked off about 7.

Friday 21st

Walking along Commercial St this afternoon I met Mr Griffiths. The gentleman who entertained us to tea the other afternoon. He showed me over his factory. Making army shirts etc. And after I had tea with him. Spent an interesting afternoon.

Saturday 22nd

Had a trim up this afternoon & just a short stroll round the Park. Nothing doing to-day.

Sunday 23rd

Out to tea again. Went to Mr Hunt & had a very nice tea. Then turned in. Heard the news that I am going to a Convalescent home tomorrow.

Monday 24th

It took all morning to draw my clothes & kit. Leave here at 2PM., for convalescent home Caerphilly. Reached there about 3.30. Had a splendid tea for a start off. Keep later hours now. Lights out at 11PM. It is a lovely place here.

Tuesday 25th

Have made a good change. WE don’t have to get up until 7AM. We are making a good start. Afternoon out this afternoon. Going to Lady (space left here) at St Fagan. Caught the 1.17 train to Cardiff & then motored the rest of the way. Lovely place. Plenty of us there. Music. Different competitions. And a splendid tea. Raspberries & cream. Back to the hospital at 7.30 tired out.

Wednesday 26th

Had a stroll around the village after dinner. Visited the ruins of the old castle & found it very interesting. Not at all a bad little village.

Thursday 27th

Had a thunderstorm after dinner so was not able to go out. But managed to get out later for an hour.

Friday 28th

No entry

Saturday 29th

Went out to tea to-day. We went to Nantcarn about 3 miles from here. Had a splendid tea. After tea sports. I won the egg & spoon race. 2/- better off. It was a lovely spot.

Sunday 30th

Went to Church this morning. It was a treat to hear the organ again. In the evening we had a short service in the hospital.

Monday 31st

Amused ourselves by playing cricket this morning on the golf links.