AUGUST 1914 - ROWING BOATS, GOD & THE KAISER

Saturday 1st

Went down to Edmonton again. Turned out wet so I & Bill went to the Tottenham Palace. Not up to much.

Sunday 2nd

Went down to Edmonton again. Had tea at Ern’s. After tea went to Waltham Cross on the train. Rained heavily after we got there. Stayed at Edmonton all night ready for going to Yarmouth.

Monday 3rd

Got there ½ past 10. Went to Lowestoft on Steamer. Left there 8 o’clock. Liverpool St 2.25. Home about 4 o’clock. The weather was lovely.

Tuesday 4th

Up at 1 o’clock. War declared on Germany this evening. Lively doing up west.

Wednesday 5th

Wet day.

Friday 7th

Out of work again. Finished up for the G.S.B. rare lot finished.

Saturday 8th

Went to Branch meeting finished up with discussing the war.

Sunday 9th

Had a walk in Regents Park this afternoon. How contrary the Atheists are. First they say there is no God & then they blame God & the Kaiser for the War. Ethel returned from her holidays. Had a good time.

Monday 10th

Heard from Florrie. All up with our holiday which we planned to spend in Derbyshire. P Plant gone to Netley Hospital with the Ambulance. T Young also gone.

Thursday 13th

Left for Romiley at 10.5. Arrived at 3 o’clock. Lovely day. Had a walk round the Acqueduct in the evening.

Friday 14th

Saw J Walker this morning. Roused him out also this afternoon. Woodlands in the evening.

Saturday 15th

Just started raining. Had a walk round & saw Tom at 10 o’clock. Went round to Canon Moore’s. Saw Florrie at 3 o’clock & had a walk round with her. Ditto in the evening.

Sunday 16th

Had a stroll with J Walker round the Golf Links. Walk with Florrie in the afternoon. Chapel at night. After a walk through the wood.

Monday 17th

We all went up to 17 Oakwood Rd this morning. Had dinner there. Wrote to P Plant. Walk in the afternoon & also in the evening.

Tuesday 18th

Paid a visit to Matlock. Quite charmed with the place. So spent a lovely day there. Went over High Tor. Florrie treated me to a pair of slippers for my Birthday & also made me 3 Pr Socks

Wednesday 19th

I & Florrie did not go out until the evening. I had tea with her. Sorry to say I was a bit awkward but it did not last very long.

Thursday 20th

Took Florrie to Belle Vue. Went for a row on the lake & gave Florrie a lesson in rowing.

Friday 21st

Walked to Marple Lakes. A little rain this afternoon. Took Florrie for an hours row on Marple Lake.

Saturday 22nd

Last day of Florrie’s holidays. Took her to the pictures at Woodley in the evening.

Sunday 23rd

Called at Woodlands before dinner. Had dinner & tea at 17 Oakwood Rd. I & Ben went over the Low after dinner. Went to Chapel & then I & Florrie had our last walk & said our farewells.

Monday 24th

Caught the 10 to 10 home & landed at ½ past two.

Wednesday 26th

Rained hard until dinner time. Down in the dumps. Called on Uncle John. Called on J Bishop but he was out.

Thursday 27th

P.C. from Florrie so made things look a lot brighter. Waited in for John but he did not turn up. Intended going to Tottenham but on the way met John so did not go.

Friday 28th

It doesn’t seem much good looking for work.

Saturday 29th

Went down to Tottenham & saw A. Allen. Stayed to Supper. Wrote to F. Lovely day.

Sunday 30th

Went over P.H. Fields. Saw Redhouse. Listened to Anderson J.L.P. In the evening went round L.M.R. Lovely day.

Monday 31st

Looking for work again. Called round on G Prosser’s.

SEPTEMBER 1914 - TOO SMALL TO FIGHT

Tuesday 1st

I & Brassington met T. Sears. So went & had a drink with him at the Bone House. Satyed there from ¼ to 10 until ½ past 2. Tommy paying for all drinks. He is too generous over his drinks.

Wednesday 2nd

Brass & Hunt got a start at Naval Military Club. Lucky chap. I didn’t have a look in.

Thursday 3rd

Saw J Bishop. Walked home by Regents Park. Saw the recruits drilling there. J.B. came & had tea with me then we went & joined the S.J.A.B. first aid classes at the Y.M.C.A.

Friday 4th

Met B Powton. Had a walk round after work but no good. Flo came up. Special meeting at Branch over the 9d an hour.

Saturday 5th

Out at 6 o’clock looking for work but no luck. First Aid class to night. Bandaging. Very interesting.

Sunday 6th

Did not go out until after tea. Then went round L.M.R. again. Still having lovely weather.

Monday 7th

Met B Powton & walked as far as the Strand with him. Coming back met S Spurdon. Nothing stirring.

Wednesday 9th

Went & saw Uncle John in the afternoon & had tea there then went on to Edmonton & saw Ern. Stayed about 1 ½. Ern had to out soon after I got there.

Thursday 10th

Ambulance again to-night.

Friday 11th

Rained in the morning but fine in the afternoon.

Saturday 12th

Drawing out of work pay. Rained this afternoon. Ambulance in the evening.

Sunday 13th

I, Mother & Ethel went over to Mr Smith after dinner. Had tea there. Weather fairly good.

Monday 14th

Started another weeks hunting. Not tall enough to join the Army.

Wednesday 16th

Went over Bull & Bush with Franklin. Nothing doing yet.

Thursday 17th

Rain this morning so upset my arrangements. Ambulance class.

Friday 18th

Started work on my own. Doing a flat. 9hrs.

Saturday 19th

5hrs

Sunday 20th

Did not go out to day until about ½ past 8. Rained at intervals. 2 ½ hrs.

Monday 21st

10 ½ hrs

Thursday 24th

Ambulance class lecture.

Friday 25th

Finished my job.

Saturday 26th

Ambulance class practice.

Sunday 27th

Went down to Edmonton to Ern’s had tea there. Went to the Aloazer with Bill.

Monday 28th

Round Hampstead & Grdn City but no good.

Tuesday 29th

Ambulance meeting. Test Exam.

OCTOBER 1914 - FALSE TEETH

Thursday 1st

Said goodbye to Oseney Crescent. Removed to New Southgate. Ambulance Exam. Did alright I think.

Friday 2nd

Busy laying the Oilcloth

Sunday 4th

Sent club off to night to Mr Timperley. P.O. for 8/- Numbers E56 106 311 & E56 106 312. Also wrote to P. Plant & T Young at Netley.

Thursday 8th

Ambulance meeting.

Sunday 11th

Ern & Flo came over. Hearth Stone warming

Monday 12th

Tried to get in the R.A.M.C. but was too late. Full up when I applied.

Tuesday 13th

Tried to join the Army but was rejected owing to having false teeth.

Thursday 15th

Ambulance meeting.

Saturday 17th

No work yet. Met B Green had not seen him for about 8 years. He told me E Lavery was married at last.

Saturday 24th

I & Ron went to the pictures

Sunday 25th

Went to S Green’s to tea. He is married.

Thursday 29th

I & C Jenkins walked to Enfield Lock to try & get work. We neither knew where it was so we enjoyed it after a fashion. Never again.

Saturday 31st

Went & saw about joining the Territorials. The 11th Batt. County of London. Training at White City. Expect to join Monday.

NOVEMBER 1914 - SPRING FLOWERS

Friday 6th

After all this long time started work this afternoon. Am on the Bank Staff at Cater Paterson’s. Passing rich on 24/- a week. All night work.

Saturday 7th

Did not get home until about 8 o’clock was working right from 3 o’clock.

Sunday 8th

Had a walk down to Ern’s after tea.

Monday 9th

Bought a few bulbs for the garden. 1 Doz Narcisus Pheasant Eye & 1 Doz Scille Blue snowdrops. Planted them after Dinner. Did not start work until 5 o’clock. Bought a pair of Boots 8/11.

Wednesday 11th

Bought a Doz Daffodils & planted them.

Saturday 14th

Finished at 11 o’clock

Sunday 15th

Went down to Ern’s after tea. Had a walk round Hornsey before tea. Started work at ½ past 1.

Monday 16th

Had to go over the garden City this morning re Co partnership stock. Had another 1/6 added to my account.

Wednesday 18th

Bought a Doz tulips (Scarlet Cardinals Hat) & 4 (Le immaculate) white & 1 Hyacinth Blue.

Saturday 21st

Removed my money from the Co partnership Stock. 4/6. Finished at 8 o’clock quite early.

Sunday 22nd

Had a walk down Tottenham after tea & called on A. Allen but he was out so did not stop out late.

Monday 23rd

5 o’clock start to day. I wonder how we shall get on this week. Expect to get either the sack or overtime.

This was the last entry for 1914

1915

No diary for 1915 exists.

   

Having tried unsuccessfully to enlist in 1914, Walter eventually joined up on 11 January 1915 and was quickly promoted to Lance Corporal in February.  Sailing from Southampton on 9 May, he landed in France the following day.

Here he was seconded to the 1st Battalion and probably saw action at the Battles of Festubert (May) and Loos (September and October)

It seems that stature and teeth were no longer an issue.

JANUARY 1916 - IN THE LINE, WHIZ BANGS & SHELL SHOCK

Saturday 1st 

Saw the New Year in under different circumstances this time. Working in the trenches when the change took place. We wished one another the old wish. We gave the Huns a few New Year gifts. Heard that the Huns had captured that connecting trench we had been digging at the hairpin when they blew up that mine. Started digging another new trench up Chapel Alley. Nice & quiet for a wonder. 

Sunday 2nd 

Had a walk up to Noyelles after dinner shopping. Brought Wally Vine back with us. He was back from leave. He brought some Port wine back with him. Quiet a treat to taste it once again. Same old job tonight but it was not so quiet. Turned out a wet night. 

Monday 3rd 

At dinner time news came that we were being relieve & going back to Noyelles at 3 o’clock. So we had to rush about & get packed up. Ted and his pals had a narrow escape this morning. A coal box knocked down their house. They could not find one of them, Chambers, I am afraid he has gone. Ted was properly shaken up. Found Bridge at Noyelles & went & slept in his hut. 

Follow the link to view the Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorative certificate for Private George Henry Chambers Private George Henry Chambers | War Casualty Details 729507 | CWGC 

Tuesday 4th 

Should have journeyed by motor busses this morning, but our sgt. messed up and so we missed them. For a while we were like the song. We marched here & we marched there. At last we set off on our destination on Shanks pony. Billeted the night at Houchin. We Cpls & the sgt got a fine billet. Had a rare old time in the evening. There is a large camp there. 

Wednesday 5th 

On the move again about 3.30 About a 5 mile march to Les Brebis where we were billeted for the night. Not a bad town. Arrived here about 6.30 Visited a few café’s after tea but we had not got much money. I have run across a chap I know at last. Same name as myself. I worked with him at Eydon Hall & had visited him occasionally. I was pleased to meet an old acquaintance. The sgt. has been wondering where his Cpls Co have got to. 

Thursday 6th 

Living in hopes of being paid, but we are doomed to disappointment. Another kit inspection. Had a look round the mine which is close to our billet. Was initiated into the mysteries of Solo Whist & Bridge today. Quite interested in it. In the evening tried crib. 

Friday 7th Played cards nearly all day today. Of course Bridge. What a fishy evening. We went out shopping, but had not got much money. So we knocked off 8 red herrings. It is a scream schemeing how to raise the wind to get a drink. But we are quite enjoying the experience. It provides us with much fun. 

Saturday 8th

Had our red herrings for breakfast. Not bad. Moved up to the trenches at 4 o’clock. What a sight lay before us on the march. Impossible to describe it. It must have been a pretty part around here before the war. Went through the ruined villages of Bully, Grenay & Maroc. In reserve trenches. Got a fine dugout. Went out raiding other dugouts. Found some furniture & a good mirror. We found it a bit draughty.

   

Sunday 9th 

Not much stirring. Bit of a strafeing going on. Had a game of crib. Had to go to Les Brebis after dinner to be questioned about munition work. Nothing doing though. All a wash out. The choir got going tonight. Hymns etc. In the midst of it in walked Bill Coe back from leave. He got a cheer. He brought back a bottle of whiskey. Livened the school up. Turned 10 before we quietened down. 

Monday 10th 

As soon as we get settled down in a comfortable place we have to shift. Off to the front line to night on top of a slag heap. Going up we fancied we were mountaineers. A draughty show. We could very well do without being perched up so high in the world. 

Tuesday 11th 

What strange places we get put on. Here we are perched up on top of a slag heap. We hold half and the “Huns” hold the rest. We have no dugouts. Simply a covered in trench. When we try & pack down at night first comes an R.E’s working party through, then bombers etc etc. And of course we get kicked & trampled on. Went without dinner today. Saving it until tomorrow & then we’ll have a blow out. A draughty show up here. On duty from 9 to 12 A.M. & 12 to 3 midnight. 

Wednesday 12th Could not obtain much rest during the night. Working parties backwards & forwards & kicking & treading on us. Discuss amongst ourselves the possibility of getting relieved. Got well strafed at mid-day. Extra specials bombs & shells. When it was all over we looked more like miners. Haynes & Peck got buried just as they had finished making dinner. They managed to get out unaided & rescued the dinner as well. We said good bye to the slack heap at 10 o’clock. We didn’t want it. Went back into supports. Then had to be a carrying party. Turned in at 4 A.M. 

Thursday 13th 

Cooked our own breakfast this morning & much we appreciated it. We stood to this morning in bed. Bridgy cooked the dinner. He smacked the meat about a bit & fried it. It wasn’t as bad. Just commencing tea and two of the Hun’s extra special rum jar came over. They sounded near hear but they were a decent way off. Our dugout is called the Shoo Inn & we have got the sign up. A very large shoe nailed up. 

Friday 14th 

Had a good breakfast. Beaucoup Bacon. I & Bridge made a fine stew. A trench mix up. But the boys quite enjoyed it. I was the stoker. Relieved tonight at 7.30 Had a good game of cards while waiting for the relief. Back in reserve now at the Garden City. It has been a fine place. We got a bit of a reception by shells when coming in. Shrapnel. Went out exploring & found several useful articles. Got a stock of wood in & made ourselves comfortable. Sat round the fire until 12 0’clock. 

Saturday 15th 

Our school had five parcels last night so we can have a right royal feast. Had a good wash shave & brush up. Hot water. First wash for 4 days. Had a good spread for dinner so didn’t want much tea. After tea played solo whist & crib. Went out & replenished our stock of wood. The rest of the boys are trying to get Bill Coe drunk on rum. Burning the midnight oil again. 

Sunday 16th 

I acted the Mary Ann this morning. Bacon & sausage & fried bread for breakfast. Jim had to leave at dinner time to go billeting. Packed up this afternoon & then cut a few idiotic capers. Left the Garden city at Maroc about 5 o’clock. When we got to Les Brebis we put our packs on a motor lorry. Then we had a tidy march to Fond Sain. It appears to be a quiet place. Bridge went out and raised the wind. 5 fr to the good now. Pommes der terres supper. 

Monday 17th 

How nice the people here are. As soon as I got up this morning the dame opposite wanted to know if we wanted any coal. At course we jumped at the offer. Played the 23rd at football this afternoon. We won by 4-1. Quite a laughable match. Conducted the band after tea. A short rehearsal. C-White has raised the wind tonight. Went into the maison opposite and finished up with having a French lesson. Trés bien. Invited to go tomorrow. Hot Vin Rouge & beaucoup sugar before retiring. 

Tuesday 18th 

Bridge & White & A Young had to go on a working party mending roads. But they were back by dinner time. We passed the time away kicking the ball about until we busted it. Paid this afternoon. A niggardly 10 fr. Had a luxury for tea. Jam tarts. Spent the evening in a café. Played Beach at solo patience. Then returned & had supper in the Old Lady’s opposite. A good wind up. Nearly broke. Paid 10 francs – In the Field Sauce, bread & cakes 3fr, Drinks 2fr 

Wednesday 19th 

Wally Vine is leaving us today. Sorry he is going in away. He is the sort of chap anyone would be proud to know. We all drank his health in hot Vin Rouge & sent him off with the best of wishes, & a verse of Auld Lang Syne. We shall miss him. Spent the evening in the house opposite. Playing cards & improving my knowledge of French. Our last night here. Vin Rouge 2fr 5c, Bread, cakes & onions, 3fr 5c 

Thursday 20th Another bath down the goal mine. A decent one too. A new change. Had some French Soup for tea at the old Ladys opposite. On the move up at 3.30. Had our packs carried to Les Brebis. We picked them up there. Marched right up the Loos Rd to the trenches. We are in support. Got a fair dugout. Wet night. 

Friday 21st 

Commence our standing to & standing down again. About 11 o’clock before we had breakfast. It has been fairly quiet here today. Had a stroll down to H Qtrs with Shrapnel Helmets. 

Saturday 22nd 

Able to enjoy a little charcoal fire today. It looks more easy. Everybody has got wind up about mines. Passed the afternoon away playing solo. 

Sunday 23rd Had to stand to this morning at 1 o’clock. We exploded a mine at 2 o’clock. I think we occupied the crater alright. It was a fairly quiet night considering. A quieter day than I expected it to be. Had a visit from Ted. No working party. 

Monday 24th 

I am the Cpls cook. So I get their tea ready while they are standing too. We go up to the front line to night for 4 days. The change was made alright.

Tuesday 25th 

Not many dug outs in our section of the line. A rotten front line. We are enfilated by Whiz Bangs. We got pretty well strafed today. I am not feeling up to the mark. 

Wednesday 26th 

Still being strafed pretty well. Had one or two Whiz Bangs on top of our dug out. But it stood it alright. Went and saw the Doctor to night, but he sent me back with some pills. Nuralgia I’ve got. My nerves seem very jumpy. 

Thursday 27th 

The Kaiser’s birthday. And haven’t they strafed us. Plenty of wind up flying about. I go to see the Doctor again to night. Evidently he thinks I am trying to kid him, but far from it. My nerves seem completely gone. He sent me round to the Bomb cellar to stop for the night. 

Friday 28th

Did not get much rest. Not a very enviable place to be in a bomb cellar. Plenty of shells dropping near here. So it was not much quieter than the trenches. The huns dropped weeping shells at Maroc. We could feel the effects of them when we went through. We were relieved to night. I got out a bit earlier than the company. Waited at Les Brebis for them. Our packs were carried. 

Saturday 29th 

Did not reach our billets until 1 o’clock. They put us in a fresh billet. We didn’t like that. So as soon as we could we got our old billet back again. That pleased the old lady. As soon as we had cleaned ourselves up we had to go out on a working party. Making a road. But we didn’t do much work. Bombing one another with our patent bomb gun. 

Sunday 30th 

Church Parade this morning. First Sunday out for quite a long time. Paid again this afternoon. Returned & played cards. Solo whist. Had a jolly good tea. My nuralgia is no better, so I stay in. The others go out and & return slightly elevated. Paid 20 francs – In the Field Pickles 1fr 9c 

Monday 31st 

Working party but I am not on it. Baths this morning. Went & listened to the sweet strains of a band after dinner. The 21st band. Stayed in after tea. On guard to night. “Thy sentinel am I” (in bed).

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.

MARCH 1916 - ON THE MARCH

Wednesday 1st

Promotions out today. I get another rise. L/Sgt now. Parade again after dinner under the S.M. Got our stripes up today & so escape going on guard. Got a jolly decent billet. The old man where we live showed us over the factory where he worked. It is a string, cord & rope factory. Very large place. Very interesting. It is surprising what processing it has to go through before it becomes a finished product.

Thursday 2nd

Extended order drill today. Encore this afternoon under the tudorship of the S.M. Had some good meals today. Our first experience of a Sgts mess. In the dark going after some supper I went sprawling over a heap of mud lying in the road. Needless to say I returned without the supper.

Friday 3rd

Still on extended order. Same after dinner only a bit stiffer. Doubling over ploughed fields. Sgt Wright got reduced to Cpl today. Another payday. Pretty frequent lately.

Paid 30 francs – St Ouen

Saturday 4th

More extended drill. Had an afternoon off this afternoon. Went round to Beache’s show & played solo in the evening. Paid a visit to the factory but got turned out as we had no permission. Had our Photo’s taken together.

Sunday 5th

Church Parade at 10 o’clock. Had a bath after dinner in our diggings. Spent the evening round the fire.

Monday 6th

Batt route march. Set out at 9 o’clock. On the way we did blobbing. Blobbed 4 times. Over ploughed fields. No bon in full pack. Orders to night that we have got to sleep in the billets with the men. So good bye to bed.

Tuesday 7th (Shrove Tuesday)

B.O.S to day. So I miss all parades. Had to take the defaulters this afternoon. Two hrs route march. Then had to be outside the Or Room for them to answer to me. So I got fairly stung. Forgot all about our pancakes.

Wednesday 8th

More extended Order drill. Picked up plenty of mud. At it again after dinner. Rehearsing for the morrow. A Coy stick it well. Still sleeping on the hard hard floor.

Thursday 9th

Made two practice attacks this morning. Covered ourselves in mud but not much glory. Had the afternoon off so we went for our Photos. Found that they had come out rotten so we sit again. Where we have our mess they made some pancakes today so they gave us some. So we kept up the old custom if it was a day or so late.







Friday 10th

Woke up to find snow on the ground. Usual game. Another practice attack, but no lying down this time. S.M’s parade this afternoon. Got paid again to night.

Paid 20 francs – St Ouen

Saturday 11th

The Capt got the S.M to drill us this morning so we spent all the morning on drill instead of doing a 2 hrs route march as arranged. Had the afternoon off. Busy in the evening as we are shifting to-morrow. I went to see Grandma & she bid me adieu in French Fashion.

Sunday 12th

Up at 5 AM. Busy getting packed up. Bid adieu to our French Hosts. They were quite affected. Almost to tears. On the move at 9 AM. Through Canaples. Up hills. What a march. It was quite a Spring day. Billeted in a large farm. Resting 4 days here. The name if this place is Beauval.

Monday 13th

Soon made a start on drill. Out this morning at 9 until 12 o’clock. Extended order. Getting up and down practice. Lovely day. Quite like Spring.

Tuesday 14th

Up early this morning, packing up getting ready for another move. What a march. 14 miles & to finish up with we had to go up a fairly steep hill. With the Officer walking by the side shouting left right. Got on our nerves. We got to our fresh billets somewhere about 3 o’clock. It is only a little Hamlet set out of sight amongst the trees. No shops.

Wednesday 15th

Turned us into road sweepers to day, Shifting all the mud and digging drains. Had the afternoon off. Had a lovely walk after tea. I quite enjoyed it. We went into Rebreuviette to get some Quaker Oats. It is a lovely sight round here. We are having Spring weather now.

Thursday 16th

Should have done a route march but orders came through for a working party to dig some bombing trenches at Rebreuviette. Lovely day. Did 4 hrs work. Had the afternoon off.

Friday 17th

N.C.Os parade this morning. Working party this afternoon. Same job. Another new draft joined us today. Some of the old chaps returned. The R.S.M. partook of some of my biscuits from Deganwy

Saturday 18th

Went to an exhibition this morning. A demonstration of a German fire attack. It was a very interesting. The machine was one captured from the Germans at Hooge. After-dinner we did some more extended order attacking. Finished up in the rain. Got paid after tea.

Paid 25 francs - Canottement

Sunday 19th

Church Parade at 11 o'clock. After dinner I & Charlie White went out on pass. We went to Frevent. Had a nice time. Nice walk about 5 miles. I bought a wristwatch 25 Frs. It has been a lovely day. Leave has started again.

Monday 20th

Tactical exercises today watched by the Brigadier. Covered about 3 miles across country in Full Pack. Very interesting. On Picquet to night.

Tuesday 21st

Full pack route march. Did about 9 miles. Took over Or. Sgt at 1 o’clock. Arthur Young goes on leave to morrow morning.

Wednesday 22nd

What a lark. Arthur Young misses his train and has to stay a day in Frevent. No S.M’s Parade. Rather damp.

Thursday 23rd

Batt Route march. The same journey as the other day only reversed. But this time we lost ourselves & therefore we were out until 1 o’clock. No further Parades. A bit colder.

Friday 24th

Woke up this morning and found about 3” of snow on the ground. But it did not put a stop to our tactical exercises. Still in extended order work. More sliding down deep ravines.

Saturday 25th

What a joke. What a scream. Have been wandering round this bit of France with a gun on our shoulders. Like a lot of Cook’s tourist. You will notice this etc. Afternoon off.

Sunday 26th

Church Parade in our barn owing to the wet. I got told off by the Captain for not telling him the alteration of orders. Our Coy played the champion Coy of the Brig cup the 7 M/sex Semi final. Unfortunately we lost 3 to 2. Good game.

Paid 20 francs - Canottement

Monday 27th

More tactical exercises. To day more interesting. C-Coy were the enemy. We the attackers. Of course we won. To night when taking orders my name was read out for leave. What a shock. Am going on Wednesday all being well. Wet day.

Tuesday 28th

Special operation orders to day. Each company had to meet at a certain village (Magnicourt) at a certain time. Coy Commander had to arrange his own time for starting. As usual we had a good trot round. S.Ms parade after dinner. I handed over Or Sgt to J Norman & jolly glad too.

Wednesday 29th

The S.M took the company this morning. N.C.Os in the afternoon. I should have gone on leave to night, but am disappointed. The port keeps being closed.

Thursday 30th

Easy morning this morning. I have got a guard on this afternoon. On Brigade dump way down Rebreuviette. I don’t know what they want to send me for. It is nothing. Only minding ration waggons in the road. Have heard that I am going on leave to morrow night.

Friday 31st

Managed to get a few hours kip. Lovely morning. Missed the Brigade attack. Off at last. No turning back this time. Got to Frevent about 9.15. Put up in a hut for the night.

APRIL 1916 - BLIGHTY AND BACK

Saturday 1st 

Up early this morning. Had café & eggs in the Hotel du nord. Entrained at 6 o’clock. Started at 6.30. The train journey was like the usual run of train journeys. Got to Le Havre at 10 o’clock. Was not long in getting on the boat. I slept through the voyage. Pretty smooth I believe.

Sunday 2nd 

Blighty at last. In dock about 7.30. Had a good run up to town. Got home about 11.30. Wasn’t they all surprised. After dinner, I, Mother & Ethel went down to Ern’s & spent the rest of the day there. Coming back we heard bombs, but saw no Zepps. 

Monday 3rd 

Paid a visit to the Army Pay Office. Then went to the Coliseum. In the evening called on Charlie. He was in the midst of moving. 

Tuesday 4th 

Caught the 10 A.M train for Romiley. Got to Chinley & found no connection for Romiley until 5PM. So went on to M/chester & caught the train from London Rd. Got to Romiley about 5PM. Had one of the usual old times walks. 

Wednesday 5th 

Should have gone to see Tom but I missed the train. So called on Mr Thompson & Mr Townsend. After dinner went to Handforth to see Ben, but he had gone to Alderley Edge. So we went in vain. Tea at Stockport & went to pictures. 

Thursday 6th 

Went & saw Tom this morning. He looks pretty bad. Ben got the afternoon off so was able to see him. Missed my train so came on the midnight mail. 

Friday 7th 

Arrived in St Pancras about 6.45. Got home at 7.30. Wet morning but turned out nice later on. Had dinner at Aunt Emily’s, then went down to Ern’s, but found Flo out. Had tea round at Mrs Markwells. I gave Bundy a look up. 

Saturday 8th 

Went & saw Wally Vine this morning at his office. Returned & did not go out any more. Ern & Flo came over & stayed the night. 

Sunday 9th 

My last Sunday in Angleterre. Time soon goes. Busy packing up. Left home at 2.30. Ern & Flo & Ethel & Lottie came & see me off. Left Waterloo at 4 o’clock. Got to S/ton about 6.30. Went straight on the boat. A fine big boat. Left at 7.30. When we got out of the Solent I turned down below for a sleep. We all had to wear life belts. 

Monday 10th 

Le Havre at 2 o’clock. Then entrained & left there at 5.30. Lovely morning. We are all much quieter going back than when we were coming. Arrived in Frévent at 8.45. Spent the night in the rest camp. Soon went off to sleep. 

Tuesday 11th 

Up at 6.45. Had breakfast in the Café du Nord. Fried Eggs. Rejoined the Batt at 10.30. The others gave me a warm welcome. Found that J. Norman had sprained his ankle. Lecture by the R.S.M on how to keep an Orderly Book. Wet day. 

Wednesday 12th 

On Gymnastic instruction this morning. Rained nearly all day. Spent the afternoon writing & the evening playing cards. 

Thursday 13th 

On Gymnastic instruction again this morning. Busy dodging in and out of the canteen owing to the rain. Arrival of the draft to day. 

Friday 14th 

Same routine this morning. Very interesting. S.M parade after dinner until 3 P.M. Stayed in after tea. Draft on Parade on their own under the S.M. 

Saturday 15th 

B.O.S to day. Spent the morning visiting billets & looking at dinners. Played the R.F.A at football this afternoon. Lost by 3 to 1. Good game. Paid 20 francs - Canottement 

Sunday 16th 

Church Parade at 11 o’clock. Drums turn out for the first time. Made the affair quite swanky. Our coy is playing the rest of the Batt at football this afternoon. I cry off and proceed to Frévent with Charlie White. Nearly spent out. 

Monday 17th 

Woke up and found it raining heavily. Gym class postponed. Went on the S.Ms parade in loose order ready for gym inst but got ticked off. Went to practice bayonet sticking but the weather was against us. 

Tuesday 18th 

Gym Inst in the canteen owing to the wet. The others went on a route march in it. I take over Or Sgt & had a long string of defaulters. 

Wednesday 19th 

Rained practically all day but it did not stop the run in the morning. Bayonet fighting in the rain & slush. Nothing doing this afternoon. Had the drill Instructor to dinner. Provided him with chicken etc. 

Thursday 20th 

Spent the morning on the range. I had a pot but did not do much. Very showery. Draft on parade on their own this afternoon. 

Friday 21st (Good Friday) 

Only did an hours drill this morning. Church parade in the afternoon. Draft was inspected by the G.O.C. Turned out very wet after Church Parade so duties mounted under Coy arrangements. 

Saturday 22nd 

Rained practically all day long. Road cleaning again this morning. Most of the Coy went to the baths but I could not go. 

Sunday 23rd (Easter Sunday & St George’s Day) 

Church Parade & a short route march as well. We had the drums leading, so we did it in style. The flutes led the singing. Turned out a lovely day. 

Monday 24th 

Lovely warm day. Spent our Easter Monday morning doing a route march. N.C.Os parade for a dress rehearsal of falling in with the drums. A most note worthy day. Duties mounted with the drums. And then the drums marched the duties round the village. The fame of our S.M will surely spread all over France. I suppose that soon we shall do everything to the sound of the rat tat & roll. Night operations from 8 to 9. Not much done. 

Tuesday 25th 

In charge of a fatigue party. Lovely warm day. The heat made me feel very tired. On the S.M parade. I handed over Or Sgt at dinner time and not sorry. Night Ops again. S.M gone on leave. 

Wednesday 26th 

Still keeps very warm. A bit of all sorts this morning. Went down to the baths this afternoon. No night ops to night. Instead a lecture a lecture on an interesting stunt we are doing to morrow. 

Thursday 27th 

Up at 5 o’clock & on the road at 7 AM. Today our interesting stunt comes off. A prize is offered to the best Coy. Our Coy is last and by the time we had done our 900 yds we were like a grease spot. It was hot & full pack as well. However we did not do so bad, but did not win the prize. Night ops to night. I don’t feel up to the mark to night. Went in the woods & tried to loose ourselves but it did not come off. 

Friday 28th 

Busy on the range to-day. At 7 o’clock practised the fall in by the drum under the S.M. On the range after dinner as well. Finished with a competition in rapid firing. I did not do so bad. 27 rounds I got off & registered 25 hits in two minutes. Night ops again to night. 

Saturday 29th 

 On Brigade Dump Guard this afternoon so strike oil and miss the Batt route march this morning. Still glorious weather. Bivouac out tonight. Get a good fire going so was jolly cosy. Got paid before leaving for guard. Kept awake by reading a novel. Paid 20 francs - Canottement 

Sunday 30th Had a few winks from 1.30 to 6. Then packed up and had a wash. Heard the cuckoo this morning for the first time. It is lovely out. I & Jim had a stroll down to Frévent after dinner. Had a nice time down there.

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.

AUGUST 1916 - RECUPERATION

Tuesday 1st

Another medical inspection to-day but nothing come of it.

Wednesday 2nd

Entertained to a concert to night. A Welsh choir. It was very good indeed.

Thursday 3rd

Another concert to night. Talent provided by Lady Tateom. We had some good singing. We moved from the extension to the expansion to day.

Friday 4th

No entry

Saturday 5th

Mother & Ethel turned up at 7.30

Sunday 6th

No entry

Monday 7th

Managed to get as far as Pengarth. Not bad.

Tuesday 8th

No entry

Wednesday 9th

Went to Roath Park. Took Ethel for a row on the lake. Got marked out to day.

Thursday 10th

No entry

Friday 11th

Invited out to Hengoed this afternoon to tea. Spent a pleasant time.

Saturday 12th

Mother & Ethel left. My papers have not arrived yet. Rained to night.

Sunday 13th

Still no papers so I go to Church.

Monday 14th

Papers have arrived but I cannot go until to morrow.

Tuesday 15th

Said my good byes & left the Hospital at 8.30

Wednesday 16th

Spent the day down at Edmonton.

Thursday 17th

Caught the 10 o’clock train for Romiley. Arrived there at 3 & found all well.

Friday 18th

Had tea at Howards.

Saturday 19th

Had our Photos taken at Stockport then went on to Tom Youngs.

Sgt Walter Davis & Miss Florrie Buxton

Sunday 20th

Had a good long walk after dinner. Went to Chapel at night. It was quite like old times.

Monday 21st

Caught the midnight back to London. Mabel & Ada saw me off at Romiley. Was sorry to leave.

Tuesday 22nd

Arrived home about 7AM. Had to stand up all the way from Marple to Derby. So was tired come the afternoon. Went and saw Charlie after tea.

Wednesday 23rd

Spent the day down at Edmonton. Called for Ethel at Markwells. Pretty late when we arrived home.

Thursday 24th

Did not go any where to day. Had the hump.

Friday 25th

Left home again bound for Seaford. Rained hard. Jolly big camp. All huts.

Saturday 26th

Went before the doctor to be grouped. After dinner had a stroll down to the sea front.

Sunday 27th

Church Parade in the arena. I am in No 4 group.

Monday 28th

Depot parade at 8.10 fall in to the drum. Was classified for gyms this afternoon. Class D 11.15 every morning.

Tuesday 29th

Rained to day so no parades. Met Sid Hall.

Wednesday 30th

Wet morning so depot parade off.

Thursday 31st

Took a party of group 5 down to the beach. So spent the evening down there. Have met several of the old Batt down here.

SEPTEMBER 1916 - REHABILITATION

Friday 1st

My first appearance on Gym Parade. It is a bit of scream. Pay day to day. Drew 10/-

Saturday 2nd

It is a treat to be finished with depot parades for a day. Glad to get a rest from such ceremony. Took a stroll down to the sea front after tea.

Sunday 3rd

After Church Parade we had a bit of a thunderstorm. But it blew over after dinner but the rest of the day it has been very windy.

Monday 4th

Rained to night. I got slightly wet. So returned & went into the Sgts mess & spent the evening playing solo whist.

Tuesday 5th

On Picquet to day. Running around from morning to night.

Wednesday 6th

Tried to learn dancing to night but did not make much of a success at it.

Thursday 7th

No entry

Friday 8th

Sgts dance to night. I went & stayed about 4 hrs. Got back soon after 12 o’clock. They kept the dancing up until 2 o’clock.

Saturday 9th

Met Ethel & Lottie after dinner. After tea I took them for a walk. Went to the top of the hill on the road to Alfriston. From the hill had a lovely view over the valley.

Sunday 10th

I went to Brighton to day. Got a pass until midnight. Saw them off at 7.30 then returned home. The char a banc broke down when we reached Newhaven. So I did not get back very early.

This was the final entry for 1916

1917 - K.A.R.

No diary exists for 1917 but postcards sent in that year show that Walter was serving in East Africa with the King's Africa Rifles.

Durban 2/9/17



My Dear Florrie,

We are here having a short rest in Durban. It feels good to be on land again. Don't you think that they put up some splendid buildings out here. I can tell you they look fine. I am sure you would enjoy a visit to these parts. It's very nice out here & I am enjoying the change immensely. We are still having fine weather. Hope you are keeping quite well.

Much love.

Walter x

JANUARY 1918 - LOST IN AFRICA

Tuesday 1st

Should have that started treking again, but I have got to a bad attack of fever so I stay in bed. The commandant goes off about it.

Wednesday 2nd

Managed to make a start on this morning, but it is a job to get along. I was glad to reach the next camp which was Surunu.

Thursday 3rd

Off again at daybreak. 7 miles to do to reach ?????? After midday made another start but the C.G. of the P.Batt fetched me back as we had not sufficient rations.

Friday 4th

Waiting for rations now. Anyhow can do with the rest.

Tuesday 8th

Arrived at the Batt.

FEBRUARY 1918 - MALARIA

Thursday 7th

Made a start this morning for Songea so said farewell to The Cliffs. I tried to walk but could not do much in that line. When we reached camp I had a fever on me again.

Friday 8th

Not much better but made a start. Had to do nearly all the journey in a Mishilla. Got caught in a storm & I got soaked.

Saturday 9th

Still feeling pretty rotten.

Sunday 10th

Shall be glad when we reach Songea. I don't feel up to much.

Monday 11th

Arrived Songea about 3 P.M. What a stroll to finish with. Admitted into hospital with malaria.

Tuesday 12th

Feeling better today.

Wednesday 13th

Up again today.

Thursday 14th

I am up but am not feeling any to ground. Later temperature going up so go to bed.

Friday 15th

Temperature going up so stay in bed. Things are looking back. Here that I have got Enteric. Wind up.

Saturday 16th

Still feeling very bad & awfully weak. They start putting injections into me.

Sunday 17th

No better. Orders that I must not sit up in bed at all nor leave it.

Monday 18th

No better. Net

Tuesday 19th

No better.

Wednesday 20th

No better. Can't smoke, can't read, can't eat.

Sunday 24th

Beginning to feel a little better. Hope the worst is over now.

MARCH 1918 - THROUGH TANGANYIKA

Thursday 14th

At last. I get up today. Thankful to leave my bed. But what a job to walk. It is like starting all over again.

Friday 15th

Not many patients left now.

Sunday 17th

Had a visit from Ward & Robinson. Quite cheery.

Monday 18th

Getting stronger every day.

Wednesday 20th

Left Songea to day en route for Zomba. Went by ambulance car. Stayed for the night at Lipumba about 60 mls away. The journey has knocked me up.

Thursday 21st

Not feeling too grand so stay in hospital for the day. Met J Baldock. He is down with fever. It is quite a pretty spot here.

Friday 22nd

I am having a good rest here but shall be glad to continue my journey now.

Saturday 23rd

On the road again. 50 miles through mountainous country. Some ride. But rained before we reached Mlamba Bay and the car skidded. Had to put the chains on.

Memo

Our last stage before reaching the lake was quite wild country. In places we drop 4 or 5000 ft in about 4 miles.

Sunday 24th

Landed in hospital again. Treated quite well. Good skoff !

Monday 25th

What they site the lake is. Like being at the sea side. It is 360 miles long and 50 wide.

Tuesday 26th

Commence another stage. My first trip across the lake. The boat rocks as if we were upon the ocean. I feel pretty rotten.

Wednesday 27th

A lovely trip. Mountains each side. Reached the Bar about 5 PM and our trip across the lake is over. What a night with the mosquitoes.

Thursday 28th

Up early anxious to leave this place. Changed cars twice, once at a river and again at Ft Johnson. Left there about noon & arrived in Zomba about 5 PM. A journey of 80 miles.

Friday 29th (Good Friday)

Went up to hospital to report & they kept us. But it is a good hospital. ½ way up a mountain & a lovely view over the country.

Saturday 30th

I wish I had been in this hospital all through my illness. Good staff & the best of attention.

Memo

My ride from the Bar to Zomba I shall not forget in a hurry. The driver simply made the car fly along. I got quite nervous.

APRIL 1918 - IN LIVINGSTONE'S FOOTSTEPS

Monday 1st (Easter Monday)

Easter eggs today

Thursday 4th

This afternoon went before a board. I got through very easily. After wards we went down to the K.A.R. Depot to stay until we know the result.

Friday 5th

Pretty slow here. Go to bed after dinner.

Tuesday 9th

Saw Cpt. Allen today.

Wednesday 10th

Ha Ha the result is out & I leave tomorrow for S. Africa.

Thursday 11th

What excitement. Report at the Detail camp at 9AM to go to Limbe but find no cars to take us so have to wit until 2PM. This time we were not disappointed.

Friday 12th

Entrained at Limbe station at 7.30AM. Spire Highlands Rly. Bananne’s cheap. Scenery pretty. Arrived in Port Hearald about 4PM & went straight on to the boat. Made a start but at night anchored.

Saturday 13th

Started again at daylight. Made various stops to load up firewood. It is some trip. No shelter & no where to sleep.

Memo

Our mode of travelling was a steamer with a barge lashed to either side. But what a sight the river was. Country was flooded for miles. Native villages standing on what was once banks made it a scene of desolation. Very pretty at the beginning.

Sunday 14th

Off again at daybreak. Put in at a village soon after breakfast for more wood. After we had started I learnt the name of the place which was Chapatie & that Livingstone’s wife is buried there.

Monday 15th

Landed at Chinde about 8AM. Had breakfast & lunch at the famous Murray Hotel. Stayed here a few hrs & had a look round the town. Portuguese. Boarded the “Hoo” at 5PM.

Tuesday 16th

Arrived at Beira at 1.30PM. Does not look so bad from the sea. Prevented from landing to day owing to a crowd ashore going it too strong.

Wednesday 17th

Landed about 9AM. ½ the batch left by the mid-day train but I have to wait for the next. Staying at the Grand Hotel. A very nice restroom here.

Thursday 18th

Had a stroll round the town. Visited the Indian shops & amused myself by looking at their goods. Spent a good part of the time in the Rest Room.

Friday 19th

Most of the chaps left this morning for up the line so we have plenty of room now. We feel quite lost.

Saturday 20th

Same old round. Rest room & Bridge. It is hot here & my word there is some mosquitoes.










The Bridge at Beira

The message on the back of the card reads:

My dearest “Bob”,
The bridge at Beira. We wended our way across the bridge on our way to the Station & so paid our farewell to Beira. Best of love. Yours as ever. Walter xx

Memo

Beira is practically composed of “Pubs” or cafes I suppose they call them. There are one or two decent shops.

Sunday 21st

Nothing doing today. Even the rest room is closed. Entrained at 2PM. Had our slight snack at Villa Machado where we stopped for an hour.

Monday 22nd

Had a good breakfast at Umtali. 25 miles further on we came to the Odizi River. Had to walk over the bridge & entrain the other side. Meals in the dining saloon now. Left Odizi at 2 PM.

Tuesday 23rd

Arrived in Salisbury about 3 AM. Had a stroll round the town. Quite a good town & decent shops. A fine Restroom where they dispense lovely cakes & tea. Was taken out to lunch & also given a box of fruit. Left at 1 PM.

Wednesday 24th

Arrived Bulawayo 7 AM. Visited the town in the American fashion. Not a bad town. Well laid out. The Ladies as usual treated us splendidly. Left at 9 AM.

Thursday 25th

Arrived Mafeking about 10 AM. Ladies awaiting with tea & cake, fruit & cigs. Left at 10.30 AM. More tea & cakes at Krugendrop. Arrived at Jo’burg at 9 PM. More coffee & cakes. Left at 9.30 arrived at Pretoria about 11 PM.

Friday 26th

Got to the hospital about 12 PM. Thirsty. Had to be vaccinated first. Busy getting Blues etc to day. Quite a dull show.

Saturday 27th

Had to give my kit in to day. They are sending me on a months leave. Some mistake. Arrived at station midday but train does not leave until 7.20 PM so had a look round town.

Memo

Not too bad Pretoria. Some fine buildings etc. Am glad I have had the opportunity of doing this trip. Seen some fine scenes.

Burgher Park, Pretoria

The message on the back of the card reads:

My dear Florrie,
How would you like a stroll around this park. No doubt we should dub it pretty. Hope you are quite well. Fondest love. Yours Walter xx

Sunday 28th

Running through Natal now. Familiar names Glencoe, Ladysmith etc. Arrived in Durban about 8.15 PM. Put up at a boarding house.

Monday 29th

Went to the A & N Institute & made arrangements about going on a farm. Called at 50 Clarence Rd & they prevailed upon me to stay.

Tuesday 30th

Went out to dinner round Avondale Rd. Spent a very nice evening.