Diary, Introduction and Notes copyright 2013 Evelyn and Christopher Wilcock and the heirs of Reginald Pridmore. This Diary is put on line as a primary source for historians. It must not be downloaded, reproduced or sold for profit.
Introduction
Among the papers and photographs left in the officer’s tin trunk belonging to my grandfather, Lt Col. Francis West, was a hand written copy of the diary kept by one of his artillery officers, Reggie Pridmore, while serving on the Western front in 1915 and 1916. Pridmore was a celebrated Olympic hockey player and played county cricket for Warwickshire. He served in the 5th Rugby battery of the 4th South Midland Howitzer Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery until Spring 1916 when he was transferred with his Battery to 241 Brigade. He was killed in action on 13th March 1918, just after the promotion which gave him command of a Battery in 240 Brigade.
We felt it incumbent on us to transcribe the diary we inherited and to make it available as a source for historians. In trying to identify the people mentioned in it, we have depended greatly on work done by Derek J. Driscoll and Dennis Corbett, researchers respectively of the 1st and 2nd South Midlands Brigades (240 and 241 Brigades) of the Royal Field Artillery. We have also received invaluable help from many members of the Great War Forum. We have appreciated in particular the encouragement, information and suggestions given by Prof. Dick Flory, who generously shared his expertise on officers in the British Artillery of the First World war and spent much time assisting us with the footnotes. We must thank also Colin W. Taylor for information on the Gloucester Regiment, Alan Tucker for help with the Warwickshire Regiment and Kate Wills for her knowledge of concert parties for the troops. There are other friends, scholars and Forum members too numerous to mention, but without their support, this task would have been beyond us.
Reginald George Pridmore was born on 29 April 1886 in Handsworth, the only son of George William Pridmore, and his wife Sarah Louisa, nee Bailey. Reginald had two younger sisters, Madge and Constance, one of whom may have transcribed this field diary left by her brother. It was probably passed to my grandmother as a valuable source for her projected history of the 4th South Midland Brigade. Neither the original manuscript of the diary nor any continuation for 1917 have been found.
Reginald Pridmore was educated at Bedford School, a private boarding school for boys, later known as Elstow, and while there he served three years in the school Army Cadet force. Bedford School was well known for its sport, and Pridmore shone as a sportsman. He played for the England hockey team in the Olympics of 1908, scoring what remained for a long time the highest number of individual goals and thus securing the gold medal for England. Pridmore was also a cricketer, and from 1909 he played first-class cricket as a right-hand batsman for Warwickshire. He also played golf.
In the 1911 census Reggie Pridmore’s occupation was listed as Art metal worker, like his father who was a metal trader and art metal worker. By 1914 when Pridmore joined the army, he gave his profession as stockbroker. He is referred to by Frank West as partner of Cecil Fowler, a fellow officer, who was recorded in the census of 1911 as a colliery agent.
Reginald Pridmore enlisted on the outbreak of war in August 1914, and he was commissioned as 2nd Lt. on 17th September 1914, on the recommendation of Frank West. Pridmore played the piano and was in demand as an accompanist at the front, clearly a welcome addition to the Brigade. Pridmore served with the 5th Rugby Battery of 4th South Midland Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery until the artillery reorganisation of May 1916 when, along with his Howitzer battery, he was transferred to another South Midland Brigade, 240 Brigade from Gloucestershire, serving in its C Battery during the Battle of the Somme. In October 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery as a forward observation officer. In November 1917, the 240 and 241 South Midland Brigades of the Royal Field Artillery were sent south to the Italian front to reinforce the Italian forces following their defeat at Caporetto. Pridmore was promoted to Major and had just been given command of a Battery of 241 Brigade when he was killed in action on 13 March 1918 near the Piave River, Arcade. The death was reported by the Officer Commanding 240 Brigade. Pridmore is buried in Giavera British Cemetery.
Pridmore died unmarried and his sisters married but were childless. Every effort has been made to trace their heirs or his copyright owner, but without success. This transcription, introduction and notes are copyright Evelyn and Christopher Wilcock and the family of Reginald Pridmore.
Major Reginald George Pridmore, M.C. 1886-1918
The War Diary of Reginald Pridmore M.C.
The manuscript diary covering March 1915 to the end of 1916 was left among the papers of Col. Francis West. It is possibly a transcription made in 1923, handwritten in pen and ink on unbound sheets of lined paper. It is here transcribed to a computer file, hopefully without too many errors. Obvious minor slips in the text have been corrected. Proper names of places and people have been edited for consistency. Some punctuation has been added or omitted.
Monday. March 29, 1915.
Great Baddow [Essex]
All preparations made for leaving at night. Bed 11 p.m.
Tuesday. March 30th 1915
Coventry (4th Battery) left Great Baddow @t 1:30 a.m. and Chelmsford @ 3:35 a.m.
We (5th Rugby Battery) left Great Baddow by sections --
My section paraded @ Mascalls 2 am and left Chelmsford @t 5:35 a.m., with one sub section of the 4th Battery under Hayes. The column left Chelmsford @ 7:35 a.m. and the Headquarters staff, Dr, and left section 5th Battery left @ 9:35 a.m. (with Anderson and Leather).
I arrived Southampton about 11 a.m. We at once detrained and watered horses on dock platform.
Remounts were issued to us immediately for any horses that were either ill from colds or placed hors de combat by kicks re our journey. We immediately shipped all horses, guns, wagons over to the transport "Courtfield" (4900 tonnes). Officers then lunched on board with the R. G. A. officers already there. We left Southampton about 6 p.m.
Wednesday March 31st 1915
After a quiet crossing we arrived off Havre about 4:30 a.m. I had developed a heavy cold overnight and returned to my bunk about 6 p.m. I slept well but did not perspire, and woke feeling very seedy. We took some time to get into the docks and commenced to disembark about 10 a.m. It took two and a half to three hours to completely finished the task. We eventually moved off as a Brigade about 4:30 p.m. The docks at Havre are very big, and it took some considerable time to get clear of them. The streets were very difficult for horses (cobbles and tramlines). We had one or two tumbles. Havre itself is a fine place and the residential quarters quite pretty. We marched about five miles from the dock station, the last two miles being uphill and reached a rest camp at about 6:30 p.m. It was right on top of the cliffs and a very cold wind blowing. We got the camp fixed up just before dark. Officers and men all slept in tents. Officers all went out and found a small cafe where we dined quite well. Leather and I shared a tent and took great pains to make ourselves very warm for the night, with the result we both felt thoroughly comfortable and slept well.
Thursday April 1st 1915.
The 4th Battery left camp very early -- moving off at 5:30 a.m. We had Stables at 6:15 a.m. And moved off at 8:30 a.m. It was a beautiful morning and everyone was in the best of spirits. I felt very much better, although my cold had not yet disappeared. We arrived at Havre Goods station, and prepared to entrain. I took a party and drew rations. The train left at 2:19 p.m. We travelled very slowly, arrived at Rouen about 5:30 p.m. and had our first halt for refreshments and watering and feeding horses at 7 p.m. I slept fairly well during the night.
Friday April 2nd
We were given further information at St Omer and came through Hazebrugge (Hazebrouck) (where we saw one or two wounded soldiers on stretchers being carried into the station) to railhead at Steenwercke. We detrained under the supervision of R.T.O.s [Railway Transport Officers] and assisted by the ASC [Army Service Corps]. About 2.0 p.m. we moved off by road and arrived at a farmhouse near Nieppe and Armentières (our destination) about 3:45 p.m. We made camp and then took things easy.
Saturday April 3rd
I was Brigade Orderly on Friday night, and particularly noticed when turning out guard the star shells of the Germans (flares) all round us. Firing continued all night.
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6:15 a.m. Stables
9:30 a.m. Horse exercise
11 a.m. Rifle and harness cleaning
11:30 a.m. Stables
1 p.m. Lunch
3.00 p.m. Standing gun drill and harness cleaning
5 p.m. Stables
6:30 p.m. Guard - piquet mount.
Walked into Nieppe in the evening and bought one or two things. Bed about 10 p.m.
Sunday April 4th
Easter Sunday
Stables 6:30 a.m.
Church Parade 7:50 a.m. It was a unique service. The padre had fixed up some boards in one of the barns for an altar. All men were drawn up outside the barn and padre appeared in a cassock and surplice. We had two hymns and a few prayers and then who ever wish stayed for Communion. All officers and about 60 men stopped which was very creditable.
About 10:15 a.m. the Major took Capt[ain] Anderson and myself to see the two observation posts and also the gun positions and our new billets. The latter were just behind Ploegsteert woods. The first observation post is a large ruined Chateau (which originally belonged to Mr Hennessy and cost £5000 to build). It is on the top of Hill 63 in full view of the enemy. I shall try to get a photo. We climbed up two ladders and numerous stairs and at last got near the roof and into a small room in which sandbags have had been arranged and through which you observe. German lines are about 700 - 800 yards away. We stayed there are about half an hour, but saw no sign of life anywhere. It's a peculiar feeling knowing the trenches in full of men on the alert, and yet you can see none of them.
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We descended and walked over to the second observation post -- a loft in a barn -- holes have been cut in the thatch for observation purposes. Messines is about a mile away and all in front are German trenches. Both these posts are open to rifle and shell fire, but from what we learn the Germans do not waste any more shells than necessary at the moment.
When the infantry were being relieved from our trenches the enemy carry on a heavy rifle fire, and then it's quite unpleasant and also occasional chance shells drop all round. We had left our horses in the wood at "Hyde Park Corner". Several graves are about this district and all are beautifully kept. We are taking up position occupied at present by the North Midlands (How.) F.A.[Field Artillery]
We arrived back at Camp about 2 p.m.
2. 30 p.m. Harness cleaning.
4 p.m. Stables.
6:30 p.m. Guard and piquet mount
and I afterwards walked into the village
Bed about 9:30 p.m.
Monday April 5.
Water horses 6:15 a.m.
Horse exercise 6:45 a.m.
Feed on return 8 a.m.
Breakfast 8:15 a.m.
Stables 9 a.m.
10 a.m. Packing up and harness cleaning.
11:30 a.m. Stables –
1 p.m. dinner
2.30 p.m. Packing up and harness cleaning.
3:30 p.m. Stables
6:30 p.m. Move off to position in firing line.
It was horribly wet all day and by the time we were loaded up ready to move, the field was in an awful state. However we eventually got out alright and went through Nieppe about 6:30 p.m. It was pitch dark by 7:30 p.m. and heavy rain coupled with the shocking roads made travelling very unpleasant. However our fellows drove well and we arrived without mishaps. The horse lines are about one mile behind gun positions. Their standing places are built up of broken bricks which is a great blessing as the mud round about reaches to your knees. It was a difficult and mighty unpleasant task to get the gun in in the pitch darkness, but our men worked well and we did it in quick time. Afterwards I walked back to see horses were all right, and arrived at our billet which is very good about 9:30 p.m. thoroughly wet through and ready for supper and bed.
Tuesday April 6 1915.
6 a.m. Went down to gun position with gunners and commenced covering up wheel tracks and general renovating and cleaning up. Went up to a forward observation hut (occupied by a Major Ward) to obtain a sight of Messines church. At 1:30 p.m. relieved Leather at the Chateau observation post -- bitterly cold wind and was very glad to return to billet about 4:45 p.m. At 6.30 received news to shell La Petite Douve farm or rather ruins just in front of German trenches at Messines. The Major went up to observe from the "Spy House". It was very dark and raining so observation was difficult. However we fired six shells from D gun and Colonel and Major were highly delighted with the laying. I turned out to visit guard at 9:30 p.m. Afterwards bed.
Wednesday April 7th 1923 [sic]
The 4th Battery took up their position overnight. I came up to the "Spy House" @ 8 a.m. Things very quiet. At 10.05 a.m. I was writing out lines on the map. Bdr [Bombardier] G. and Dr [Driver] Coy (telephonists) were observing when the Germans started shelling the "Spy House" with "Little Willy" -- the first shell burst just outside the cottage, so we dashed downstairs and into the dug out at the back. Luckily we got in before the next shell which fell over us. The cottage was not hit, but the dug out had one shell on top of it, (luckily it was strong enough) and several just round. One shell fell at the entrance, but providentially did not explode, we saw it lying there as we came out. They fired 15 shells, five of which did not explode. We remained in the dug out about 15 minutes, and then as the shelling had apparently ceased I returned to the hut, and telephoned the battery to know if I might return. The reply was in the affirmative so we packed up our traps and came away, none the worse for wear, but quite excited at being under fire. I did not feel nervous only excited, and it was impossible to realise that there was any real danger. About 12:15 p.m. the Major received instructions to register night lines, and divided to do so for "A" and "B" guns. He took Anderson and Bombardier G. and went up to the Chateau to observe -- I stayed with the battery to fire my section. After the first shell from "A" gun we got one correction from the Major and then "ceasefire". After trying to get at him on the telephone for many minutes we decided to send a telephonist up to see what had happened, but soon afterwards they appeared. The Germans had commenced to shell them immediately our first shell burst. They at once dashed downstairs, and into the cellar. The third shell fired by the enemy hit the Chateau and filled the cellar with dust, so they made a dash down the drive and into the road not a moment too soon. The Germans fired about 15 shells. Five or six of which hit the Chateau. The remainder burst in the gardens and round about. Our observation wing was blown to pieces and the place completely wrecked. Leather and I walked up afterwards tried to recover the telephone left there, but of course could not find it. The holes made by the shells were enormous approximately 12 ft wide (diameter) by six ft deep and great chunks of earth were thrown in all directions also trees and bricks. Three shells fell in the drive so our men were very lucky. As both our observation stations were scuppered in one morning we were in a sad plight as we could not fire our guns without observing. Shall look for somewhere else tomorrow. The German artillery were very active today apparently firing at all possible observation places. Major Ward fired his 18 pdr battery in position just us [sic], very hastily in reply and I think did good work. His observation hut has escaped up to the present. We were lucky not have any casualties. Altogether it was quite an exciting day for novices!
The 4th Battery fired 12 shells today registering (Right Section) -- Left Section under Mark Field are at Le Gheer.
Feel very tired so shall go to bed immediately after dinner, which is just coming in. The infantry were very pleased with our firing last night.
Thursday April 8, 1915
Took things easier in the morning -- stayed with the battery. Relieved Leather @ Spy House
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at 1:30 p.m. Fired three rounds onto communication trench of enemy below Messines. First was over and the other two fell into the trench. We were registering in case of an attack when it is our duty to shell communication trenches so that they cannot bring up reinforcements. Left hut with Major at 4.14 p.m. but met General (C.R.A.) [Commander Royal Artillery] who required someone to stay in hut until 7.00 p.m. so I came back. Nothing to report. After dinner I went over to the R. Irish Fusiliers’ mess to a concert and played one or two accompaniments. The infantry fighting in front of us are the Seaforths, RIF Rifle Brigade, Warwickshire Regiment, Argyle and Sutherland, Somersets, Somerset L.I., L R B [London Rifle Brigade], Berkshire I. The major received orders to sleep in observation hut all night.
Friday April 9th 1915
Got up at 4.30 a.m. and went down to guns, but Major could not observe owing to mist so firing was postponed. There was very heavy artillery rifle firing during last night, fortunately on our left. At 8.30 a.m. Major and Leather ranged onto Avenue Farm using "B" gun and firing nine rounds. I came up to "Spy House" at 12.00 noon relieving Leather. At 3.30 p.m. Anderson joined me and we fired and registering service (4 rounds) onto another communication trench. In the afternoon there was a big artillery duel. Our 18 pounders have been going strong for some days, and apparently the Germans tried to locate them with heavy guns after sending up an aeroplane to report. However, their shells all fell short and wide. We pounded Messines with a 9.2 inch Howitzer during the afternoon. I left hut at 7.00 p.m. being relieved by Anderson. Major Fowler and Vallancey came to dinner. Leather relieved
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Anderson at 9.30 p.m. and spent night in hut. At midnight I was suddenly called up, as we had received an urgent message from the Seaforths for assistance -- German rifle and shell fire was intense.
The 18 pounders and ourselves fired onto our respective lines and things at once quietened up. And we were able to return to bed. Three or four aeroplanes were up today and it was a very pretty sight seeing the shrapnel from anti-aircraft guns bursting all round them - apparently none of them were hit.
Saturday April 10th 1915
Got up at 6:15 a.m. had breakfast and then relieved Leather at "Spy House" at 9.40 a. m. German heavy battery began to shell over us apparently well to our left - but could not observe the position. At 10.20 a. m. received information from Major that aeroplane had observed them yesterday about 0326 b/s [?] and we were going to fire six rounds at them. As it was over Messines I could not observe, but saw smoke from our bursting shells, and all on the line intended. Hope we woke 'em up. At any rate they've not fired since then. Infantry very quiet today up to the present. Had a slack afternoon. Went up to the hut at 9.30 p.m. Slept night there and very cold. Heavy rifle firing all night particularly at 4.0 a.m..
Sunday April 11th 1915.
A beautiful morning. Anderson relieved me at "Spy Hut" at 7 a.m. and I was glad of my breakfast when I got back to the billet. I took Church Parade at 9.10 a.m.. and we marched to Headquarters where the service was held. It took place in
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a farmyard and the hens and calves joined in both prayers and hymns. Afterwards I waited at Headquarters where are our wagon lines and horses for midday stables. The horses look very poor at the moment probably caused by bad weather, being in the open and no hay. About 10.30 a.m. whilst we were all chatting in the farmyard, three shrapnel burst about 250 yards behind us. No one warned, but in about five minutes an orderly came along for the doctor. Apparently the shells burst over the 135th Battery horse lines and wounded eight men and killed three horses and wounded 10. No further shelling took place. Captain Anderson had caught a man and woman around the "Spy Hut" and put them under arrest. I got hold of M. Billot -- our interpreter -- at Headquarters and brought him along to interrogate them at our billet. We found them in a cellar both very frightened and the man who looked very ill -- in a state of collapse. Apparently they used to live in the "Spy Hut" and had gone there to see if they could get any of their furniture out. They said they thought it was safe to do so. Good heavens! They told us they now lived in Ploegsteert and we walked back to prove this. It was correct so we went indoors to see the papers of the husband who is a prisoner of war in Germany. (The man with the woman was her brother, a poor half witted fellow). Everything seemed all right so after giving them a good telling off for coming out of bounds and threatening them with all sorts of horrible death of they did it again, we left them. The house was occupied by the parents of the woman, and her five small children. She only gets two fcs [francs] per day from the French government. Seven and half [centimes] for herself, and two and half per head for her children so she's not "well off". In the afternoon while Leather was at the "Spy House" the Germans shelled him out twice. They also shelled the Chateau again. The engineers blew up a house close by our billet -- we wanted bricks for the roads and it was a fine sight. I tried to get a photo of the second explosion. We received a call from the officers of 7th Warwick including Caldicott and Earnshaw about teatime. The aeroplanes were up all day long, and it was quite entertaining to see the shrapnel bursting all round them. Without actually winging them. I came up to the hut for the "Dog watch" at 7 p.m. about 8 p.m. I noticed that the German star shells were not being fired over our trenches, but were falling behind Messines. There was also a rumbling like wheels over cobbles from there, so I concluded that they were moving transport, guns or troops, and reported so to the Major. He reported to Headquarters and we fired one round battery fire one second into the road behind Messines (firing from the map). It was very fine see the flash as each shell went off although of course we could not tell if we had done any good. I was relieved at 9.30 p.m. by Anderson. A 10.15 p.m. Col. Elton the adjutant and Earnshaw (7th Warwick's) called @ billet for a drink. The rest of the officers were in the trenches in front of us. The adjutant had heard that our shells had scuppered their transport but I think it was only a rumour -- very fine weather.
Monday April 12th.
Leather relieved Anderson at 7 a.m. at the "Spy House" and I went down to the guns. The Major joined Leather at 8.30 A. M. and we fired several registering rounds from "D" Gun. Shortly afterwards the German's began shelling the 135th [Battery R.F.A.] horse line and all round about there pretty heavily, but luckily our people have moved all their horses are good way further back overnight so no harm was done. However it was too near our horse lines to be pleasant and headquarters telephoned us to give them a round of gunfire. We had been told the approx. position of guns by aeroplane report so we blazed off at somewhere behind Messines. The enemy continued to search the country fairly thoroughly luckily well over the battery. At 1.30 p.m. I relieved Leather at the hut. Everything was abnormally quiet, both artillery and rifle fire. At 2 p.m. the (our) 18 pds [pounders] began firing occasional shells all round particularly in the direction of Wameton Ch. At 3.30 p.m. the Germans commenced to shell our front-line trenches (shrapnel). Our 18 pounders replied effectively. I reported this to the Major and apparently the R.I.F. [Royal Irish Fusiliers] telephoned up for help at the same time so we fired a round of gunfire at La Petite Douve. The Germans replied on our trenches with their heavy guns, and we carried on, firing 26 shells in all with excellent effect. At any rate they stopped. It was a fine sight seeing the enormous bursts about 800 yards in front of the hut. I had quite an exciting afternoon. One of our guns (D) was put out of action either by a premature burst of one of our shells, or else by one of the enemy', but luckily no one was injured although pieces of shell were found all round. Everything was very quiet again after the bombardment, no rifle or gunfire at all. I was relieved by Anderson at 7 p.m. The Major complimented me on my firing at the battery, and later in the evening we received a telephone message from the Colonel the R.I.F. saying "very many thanks for your efficient help" which pleased us very much. We also heard a confirmation of the report that we scuppered their transport last night, and a rumour that we put two of their guns out of action but don't believe this -- the 5th, 6th and 7th Warwick's went into the trenches here tonight. One [our?] divisional territorial infantry are relieving all the regulars here, and we shall fight as a division -- good luck to them and us. I understand Malin called this evening when he was on his way into the trenches but could not wait to see me. Very fine weather.
Tuesday April 13th 1915.
Anderson8 reported an abnormally quiet night during the "dog watch" and [as?] did Leather when I relieved at 7.30 a.m. this morning. A desultory rifle fire is going on but otherwise things very quiet. Things remain quiet. It is now 9, I have gone to round to the back of the cottage and am sitting on a box. It is a typical spring day, rather on the cold side for sitting about. The hedges are all beginning to look green, and just next to me against the cottage wall are some wall flowers. The buds are almost full now. Primroses, cowslips and primulas are in full bloom out here. I should think this is a very pretty place in peace time.
The Coventry Battery (Right Section) are apparently quite busy this morning.
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A German war balloon (captive for observation) is up again this morning.
This sort of shape -- ordinary yellow silk bag. [sketch to the right]
A shell has just come over here, so I think I must go inside and observe. Things quite quiet when I left. During the afternoon the Germans shelled the farm buildings in front of the observation hut, but without much effect. I went to the hut again at 9.15 p.m. and slept there, -- nothing to report.
Wednesday April 14th 1915.
Anderson relieved me at 7.30 a.m. and I was very glad to get back to breakfast. It is always very cold up there and my feet were freezing by 2 a.m. and got worse from then onwards. I forgot to note that yesterday afternoon I called and saw Morris Davies who is Lance Corporal in the 6th Warwick's. Called and saw Malin this morning. This [their?] billet is only 50 yards from ours. Afterwards I took midday stables. At 2 p.m. started out with Major Nickalls and Fowler on horses to see football match [Rugby football] at Nieppe 4th division versus South Midland Division. We had a very strong side -- mostly Gloucesters including R.W. Poulton and Deakin (Moseley) and after a good match won by seventeen points to nil. Quite 7 or 8 generals were present, and heaps of officers and Tommies. I should think a crowd of about 3,000. It did seem extraordinary with the biggest war on record going on all round and only about a couple of miles away. I wish the Germans could have seen it, they would have been annoyed! I took the "dog watch" at the hut.
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In the evening, felt very tired and glad to get to bed about eleven p.m.. At 11.30 p.m. there was particularly heavy gunfire well away on our left, and I shall be interested to know what happened there.
Thursday April 15th 1915
Ranged on Pottere [sic] Farm in the morning. A very quiet day. I went up to the hut in the afternoon. Called and saw Malin in the morning. Fine day.
Friday April 16th 1915.
Very quiet all day. I went up to the hut in the morning. Malin came into tea. The 6th Warwick's went into trenches tonight. Beautiful weather.
Saturday April 17th 1915.
Went up to hut in the morning. Was sniped at when coming away from hut. Played football (Soccer) Gunners v. Drivers. I played for Gunners, we won 3- 2. I scored twice. Caldicott and Earnshaw came into tea. Saw George Sutton. Germans shelled all observation positions in the afternoon. Put 24 shells at "Spy House", but did not actually hit it. Leather was up observing. I went up at 9.15 p.m. and slept there, lovely weather.
Sunday April 18th 1915
Had a quiet slack all morning. Beautiful weather. Played soccer for Battery versus E Company 7th Warwicks. Draw 3 all. Sutton and Bushill called in the afternoon. I had tea with them. Went up to the hut for "Dog Watch". Things very quiet. Fired some ranging rounds.
Monday April 19 1915.
Very slack day. Nothing to report. Beautiful weather.
Tuesday April 20th 1915
Very slack day. Nothing to report. Moved right section guns to new position. Slept at Spy House.. Beautiful weather.
Wednesday April 21st 1915
Very fine day. Germans shelled Chateau poor shooting more shells falling near Spy House than Chateau. No damage done. Saw two German soldiers walking about in open quite unconcerned. Think they had been observing their artillery fire.
Thursday April 22nd 1915.
Beautiful weather. Went to Le Gheer in the afternoon to observe. Dangerous place. Two other officers there observing. German trenches about 250 yards away. Registered right lines for right section which has now been moved to new position in Ploegsteert Wood about 1 1/4 miles from left section. Slept in a dug out in gun position.
Friday April 23rd 1915
Beautiful day. Germans shelled round the Chateau in the morning. In the evening I went to Le Gheer to observe for three days taking 2 telephonists and my servant. The house is an old Estaminet which has been battered to pieces by shell and rifle fire, but has been made bullet proof in most places by sandbags. Had quite a good night’s sleep.
Saturday April 24th 1915
Beautiful day. Very little doing. Played piquet and poker at odd intervals. Officers already here were relieved by two others. They are 125th and 126th batteries.
Sunday April 25th 1915
Beautiful day. Nothing much doing. Fairly heavy artillery duel for about an hour in the afternoon.
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Observed an anti aircraft battery firing on one of our aeroplanes in the evening. Reported it. Went into the first line trenches about 9.30 p.m. to have a look round. A certain amount of sniping went on during the day and night, several bullets hitting the house.
Monday 26 April 1915
Beautiful weather. Things very quiet. Saw aeroplane apparently hit -- drop about 2,000 feet very quickly, but pilot got control about 100 ft from ground, and managed to get away all right. We were all very pleased as he was riddled with rifle bullets as he neared the ground. German snipers busy all day. Played poker in the evening.
Tuesday 27 April 1915
Beautiful weather. Things very quiet. Saw aeroplane duel in the afternoon. British versus Germans. The former flew well above latter and drove him downwards with machine-gun fire. He came very low and wobbled a good deal but managed to recover and get into his own lines. Very interesting and the pace the British machine developed was extraordinary. There's no doubt we ‘ve got ‘em beat in the air. I cannot understand why we are not firing down here and making some sort of demonstration to attract their attention and troops down from beyond Ypres. We are all very fed up and worried as we think it must be that we are very short of munitions of war. The line to the north of Ypres was broken by the Germans owing to the French Territorials who were holding that piece of line
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running like rabbits for about 7 miles Curse them! We had dispatched 2 cavalry divisions and the 11th and 12th Infantry Brigades to try and drive them back. Also some artillery. We are afraid that the Germans will mass all their reinforcements at that point unless we make a counter demonstration somewhere round here. In the ordinary way these reinforcements would have come down St Michiel Way. However must be patient as our Generals know better than we do, but it does seem nonsense not letting us do anything as our guns are much more effective than 18 pounders which blaze away as usual. It was beautiful in the woods today and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I returned to Le Gheer in the morning. Slept in my dugout with the Right section guns.
Wednesday April 28 1915
Received my birthday letters from home. Perfect weather and blazing hot. Slacked. around with the guns all day, and had a perfect holiday -- German artillery rather active. Slept in dugout.
Thursday April 29th 1915
My birthday also Colonel West’s. Gorgeous day. No clouds and a perfect sky. Blazing hot. Had a swim in the morning in a splendid pool I discovered. Slacked round the gun position in the morning. In the afternoon rode to Armentières. Just as I arrived outside Ploegsteert they started shelling the town with 5.9 howitzers. They fired ten rounds and although they made big holes in the ground practically no
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damage was done to property, and no lives lost, although the town was full of soldiers and civilians. I waited about 300 yards away until shelling finished and then rode on. Several bits of shell fell over us. I called at the 29th Brigade R.F.A. headquarters, and saw Colonel Brock who was a Major in a Battery at Coventry. I then rode on and got to Le Bizet just as they were shelling that place but luckily no shells fell as I went through, although two houses in the main street was set alight two minutes before I arrived. When I reached Armentières I found they were shelling that place, but nobody worried at all. I went and had tea at a good cafe there meeting two men I knew, and after buying some wine rode home to Ploegsteert having a drink at the 126th Battery billet on my way. Slept in Dugout.
Friday April 30th 1915.
Another beautiful day. Bathed in the morning. Heard that the officer who was nearly brought down when flying on Monday last was killed. It is a wonderful story of heroism. He flew to Cambrai and descended to 300 feet to drop bombs on the station. After dropping some he was subjected to very heavy rifle fire, but got away all right and came back safely although one bullet had gone through his thigh -- as far as Messines. Then something went wrong with his engine, and he came down as I described on Monday, to within about 100 feet of the ground. His machine was then riddled with bullet holes and he got a piece of shrapnel in the stomach, but stuck to his job, and managed to get his engine working again just in time, and actually flew back to headquarters at Bailleul and made his report to the General and then died. The Commander-in-Chief describes it as one of the bravest acts ever performed, and I, and all the other people round here fully agree. His name was 2nd Lt. Rhodes Moorhouse -- God rest his soul, he was a brave gentleman. The Bosches shelled the Chateau and the road from it to Hyde Park Corner very heavily this afternoon -- nearly 100 shells -- but no one was injured. although some infantry on the road had narrow escapes. I watched shelling from Right section gun position -- about 300 yards away and it was quite interesting. One of the shells burst in a soldier’s grave and made a big hole and broke the rail round it (Sergeant Muddle of the 2nd Lancs.). I filled it up again as well as possible. One or two also burst round the Red Cross house but luckily did no damage. I came down to Le Gheer in the evening relieving Anderson. Was sniped at on the road between East Lanc's house and the observation station, so dodged into the wood. Quiet night.
Saturday May 1st 1915
Quiet morning and very hot again. In the afternoon Germans shelled Essex Farm -- about half a mile behind us -- setting it alight. In all they fired 50 shells -- sniping machine-guns also rather active, but no damage done. Quiet night.
Sunday May 2nd 1915.
Dull morning and colder, looks like raining. Exceptionally quiet except for casual sniping. No hostile artillery fire heard, or observed for the first time since we came out. Also practically none of our guns fired, the only exception being when one of the
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officers observing here, fired a few rounds at some Germans working in their trenches. Cannot understand what the lull is for, unless everyone is respecting the Sabbath. Very unlikely.
Monday May 3rd 1915
Very quiet morning and afternoon. No hostile artillery fire heard or observed. Very fine day and hot. Anderson relieved me in the evening. Heard that the Germans were firing all along the crest of the hill and put several very near the billet. It rained in the evening and my night at the dug out was not particularly pleasant, although I slept well as usual! Rained all night.
Tuesday May 4th 1915.
Very hot and fine after the rain. Nothing doing in the morning. In the afternoon the Right Section fired eight rounds at La Truie Farm, Anderson observing. The laying was not very good. Rained again about 5:30 p.m.. Respirators issued.
Wednesday May 5th 1915.
Very sultry. Working at Right section all morning and afternoon. Germans shelled crest of hill heavily (as usual). Fired two rounds at Le Gheer Communication Trench.
Thursday May 6 th 1915
Fine day. Worked at Right section all morning and afternoon. Rode into Nieppe to get five pounds from field cashier. Relieved Anderson at Le Gheer in the evening. R. W. Poulton buried at side of Ploegsteert road, saw funeral, very impressive. Quiet night.
Friday May 7th 1915
Heard news that the Germans had recaptured Hill 60, mainly with aid of poisonous gases.
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Beautiful day and very quiet. Rumoured that an attack is to [be] made all along the line tomorrow. Later news is that attack postponed till Sunday and that we are only making demonstration along here to keep Germans busy and so assist real movement. Got telephone laid into infantry trenches.
Saturday May 8th 1915
Fairly quiet around here. Went into the trenches for most of the day. Anderson came up in the evening. Germans shelled Estaminet and buildings round. Also rode to Ploegsteert from Le Gheer, but little damage done except several telephone wires broken including ours to the trenches. Went out and found break with telephonist and mended it all right. Sniping rather heavy. All ready for tomorrow's "do". Heard “Lusitania” sunk by German submarine.
Sunday May 9th 1915
Got up at 2 a.m. and went down to trenches with my telephonist. Everything quiet. My observation corner was subject to a cross rifle fire from the Bosch [sic], so infantry officer informed me with glee! Borrowed periscope from Anderson. Infantry "stood to" at 3:30 a.m. G.F. guns commenced shelling at 4:30 a.m. and at same moment mine was exploded by us at Le Touquet and attack commenced all along the line. We fired "Hows" at 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at first line trench parapet fairly successfully. I had been observing for a few minutes when a "sniper" put a bullet through periscope, luckily without breaking glass. About 7 a.m. machine-guns got going also heavy and sustained rifle fire, but the
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Germans made practically no reply. The trench mortars and so on [sic] during the day. I joined in rapid rifle firing, over the parapet at one stage in proceedings, but my most interesting time was spent watching trench mortars, and observing for them. They’re the most crude but effective machine of destruction I've seen. One of our 18 pounder batteries whilst firing dropped 1 shell plump into our front trench and blew out a heap of sandbags. I was about ten yards away. The luck was that it passed between the heads of two men who were sitting down smoking leaning against the wall of the trench – four of them were there altogether, and this burst and though the shock knocked them all down and covered them with lumps of clay out of sandbags, no one was injured at all by the shell -- practically a miracle, I think. In the evening I fired (Hows) at Loophole Farm but something went wrong with the gun. I heard afterwards there was very much play in wheels -- and she could not keep the line which was very annoying. The firing was kept up by artillery till 7 p.m. and by machine-gun and rifle all night. Germans made really no reply all day and I think they were surprised and a bit frightened. We had very few casualties. Germans shelled Ploegsteert church and set fire to half a dozen houses roundabout it. I had one or two near things, such as shell bursting in road about 30 seconds before I went past the identical spot
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but nothing to speak about. I understand our real attack prospered greatly and that the French have advanced practically all along the line. Hope it is true -- I think that had we wished to advance we could easily have broken through, although you never know. Brodutt [Brodribb] relieved me at 9:45 p.m. and I arrived at billet at 10:45 p.m. very tired and glad to get to sleep. Lovely weather.
Monday May 10 1915
A beautiful morning. Everything very quiet after yesterday's burst. Nothing doing. Went to dinner with 126th battery at 7 p.m.. Played “poker” afterwards. Lost. They (29 Brigade) left here for the north of Ypres at 1. 30 am. Long ride and they did not expect to arrive at destination until 9 a.m.. Canadian Art [artillery] -- are taking up their position and attachment to our S. M. division. They have come down from the fighting round Ypres and are pretty glad of the rest. I quite enjoyed observing from Le Gheer with the 125th and 126th officers. Curiously enough Major Lloyd -- who was at Murren with Hart Davies and myself -- is in command of 125th battery and Col. Brock -- who was Major in Coventry - of the 29th Brigade. The 126th officers are Major Ballingall, -- a Scotchman, Captain Nicker, Lt Ellis, Lt. Richards, and 2nd Lt Gubbins and attached to them from the New Army 2nd Lt Gill. 125th Battery, Major Lloyd, Captain Maskell, Lt. Read , 2nd Lt. Wilkinson, and I don't know the other subalterns.
Tuesday May 11th 1915
Another perfect day. Went down to gun position morning and afternoon and had a quiet time
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Bath and bed at 10:30 p.m.. Fowler came over to lunch and tea.
Wednesday May 12th 1915
Beautiful day. B gun fired 16 rounds in afternoon with great success hitting trenches eleven times in 12 shots. Quiet day. Slept at gun position in evening.
Thursday May 13th 1915.
Very wet day. Went down to gun position in morning, but could do little owing to the rain. "A" gun fired eight rounds in the evening. I rode into Nieppe in the afternoon to get the pay. After dinner three of us went out to try and shoot a sniper but so none [sic] -- only got very wet.
Friday May 14th 1915.
Raining hard again this morning. Left section fired at 9 a.m. at Petit Douve trenches. Afterwards walked down to Right Section. Picked a lot of liebre [?] out of Chateau grounds. Weather cleared about 1 p.m. and day finished fine but with cold wind. Stayed indoors during afternoon.
Saturday May 15th 1915.
Went down to horse lines for harness inspection by Colonel [ and?] Major at 10 a.m.. Afterwards commenced altering gun pit. Fine day, but cold. Felt queer in the afternoon so had a lie down. We played 4th battery at their billet, at football. 4th battery won by two goals to one. Came up to relieve Anderson at Le Gheer in the evening. Canadian observing officers are here. Heard heavy rifle firing on our right about 9:30 p.m. and this continued until I went to sleep.
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Sunday May 16th 1915.
Went down to trenches in the morning. 4th Gloucester's were in again. Received message that 1st Army were attacking on our right and doing well. Very little doing here all day. Beautiful weather. General Ross Johnson called at O. P. [Observation Post] also Colonel West. Chandler was with the General.
Monday May 17th 1915.
Raining hard. Heavy gunfire continuing on our right presumably round La Bassée. Very quiet day. Rained all day.
Tuesday May 18th 1915.
Rained all night and we got pretty wet as the "bedroom" is far from rain proof. Very dull and drizzly all day. The Canadians were relieved by the 50th Brigade (New Army). One of the subalterns named Barton has a brother at Elstow. Exceptionally quiet all day. Wyley relieved me at 6:30 p.m. Slept at billet.
Wednesday May 19th 1915.
Wet day. Two subalterns from the new army are attached to us for a fortnight's training. Very little doing all day.
Thursday May 20th 1915.
Fine day. Rode over to see the 4th Battery officers at their billet (Le Bizet) in the afternoon. Had tea there and afterwards went with Fowler and Vallancey to Armentières. Had sundry drinks and returned to their billet for dinner. Arrived home about 11 p.m..
Friday May 21st 1915.
Fine day, very warm, Right section fired eight rounds in the morning. Afterwards "Bosch" shelled wood and shells fell in front and behind of gun position. I think they were searching for us.
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(4.2” howitzer). In the afternoon they shelled Chateau and ridge of hill. Got to bed at 9:30 p.m.. Heavy artillery fire heard to South during night. Bushill called after tea. 7th Warwicks have had rather heavy casualties (15 killed 50 wounded).
Saturday May 22nd 1915.
Beautiful morning little doing. In the morning Right section fired eight rounds at trenches nearly Le Gheer. Right section fired in the afternoon. In the evening “Bosch” woke up and shelled along ridge with 5.9 shells. Have evidently brought new battery up to Messines. During the night our 18 pounders were very active.
Sunday May 21st 1915.
Whit Sunday. Perfect weather. German aeroplane came over early flying quite low (about 3000 feet). Hope he has not spotted gun position. In the morning George [Sutton] and I went for a walk round Chateau gardens. Several good observation places there. Afterwards went up to see the new Right section alternate position near Ploegsteert. At midday went up to Spy House to observe left section firing. After lunch slacked till tea time. After tea walked with George and Taylor to Le Gheer to observe Right section fire three rounds. 1st round very effective, 2nd fairly so, 3rd short. Walked back and felt quite tired when we got in as its about three miles each way and not easy walking. Saw civilian arrested as spy outside Ploegsteert church. Forget me nots are in great profusion about here and frogs in millions --! During the morning eight German shells (4.2) is fell around our Right section position, but although there were
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a lot of 7th Warwicks walking about there, no one was hurt.
Monday May 24th 1915.
Beautiful morning. Went with Leather down to the first line trenches in front of Messines. At present occupied by 7th and 5th Warwicks. Fearfully hot. Saw Caldicote and Earnshaw down there, 7th trenches were shelled whilst we were there, but no casualties. Felt done up at lunchtime. R.F.C. [Royal Flying Corps] put up wireless installation at our billet and left section fired with aeroplane observation corrections being made by wireless. Quite interesting.
Tuesday May 25th 1915.
Left section fired with aeroplane observation. Very hot again. In the evening I went to Le Gheer and relieved George. Two "Kitches" subalterns observing there. Got to bed early.
Wednesday May 26 1915.
Another hot day. Things very quiet. Left section fired with aeroplane observation. Slacked at Le Gheer all day.
Thursday May 27th 1915.
Complete change in weather, very cold and dull. Left section fired with aeroplane observer. Medical officer called at Le Gheer and I made arrangements to have refuse buried in the wood. Fatigue of two men from each battery dug hole in wood. Had tea with 4th Gloc.. Germans shelled round our billet with 4.2 Hows -- unfortunately, Gnr Dunbar was killed, shell bursting about four yards from him. No other casualties, although many shells fell very close.
Friday May 28th.
Cold day, but not so bad as yesterday.
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Gunner Dunbar buried in field opposite billet. Rev. McNulty officiated. Very quiet all day. George relieved me at Le Gheer. Left section fired in the evening. German shelled round billet again in the morning.
Saturday May 29th 1915.
Fine day, sunny but windy. Went up to Right section new position. Men have worked very well and the two gun positions are practically completed. One is an imitation hayrick well built up inside with sandbags, the other is under a broken down barn also well sandbagged. Left section fired -- the evening.
Sunday May 30th 1915.
Went up to new position in the morning. Beautiful weather. Called at the 4th Gloc. billet at Touquet Berthe and lunched with them. Went to Right section guns in the afternoon but no firing. Aeroplane observed for left section.
Monday May 31st 1915.
George and I went up to Le Gheer with the Colonel in the morning to observe. I observed Right section fire on Loophole Farm from infantry trenches. Man was shot in the head and killed just next to where I was. It gives me quite a shock when there is no real attack or battle in progress, but teaches us to keep our heads down. Had lunch with headquarters. Afterwards slacked until 6 p.m. when I rode up to the new position to see how things were going. Beautiful weather.
Tuesday June 1st.
George and I rode to La Crèche to A.S.C. [Army Service Corps] Headquarters. Lovely morning. Came back through Nieppe.
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After lunch I walked down to new gun position and Right section. Slacked around there for the afternoon. After tea Left section fired at German anti-aircraft gun (located by the infantry) but we do not know result of shooting. Also put three rounds into Petite Douve. At 8:45 p.m. went down to Right section to get wagon and timber [sic] in position. Bed after bath about 10 p.m..
Wednesday June 2nd 1915.
Beautiful morning. Went to Right Section guns and new position. Afterwards rode into Nieppe to get some money from Field Cashier (125 francs) . Paid Leather mess bill to date (37 francs.40). Paid both my servants to date. Have also paid £1 for whisky to be credited to my next mess account. George and Taylor returned to England having finished their course with us. Anderson went up to Le Gheer.
Thursday June 3rd 1915.
Beautiful morning got up at 5:30 a.m. and took horse exercise. Rode into Ploegsteert to see the major re billetting certificate. In the afternoon went up to the trenches to fire. Left section -- satisfactory shooting. Afterwards rode towards Neuve Eglise for the Major. Fowler and Vallancey came into dinner. Chatty evening. Glad to get to bed at 11:30 p.m..
Friday June 4th 1915.
Dull morning and cooler. Got up at 6 a.m. and took horse exercise. Felt rather tired after late night. Went up to Le Gheer at 2 p.m. and fired Right section at wall in birdcage. Fairly effective shooting. Remained at Le Gheer relieving Anderson. Walked to Touquet Berthe and met Clarke and Norman Ashdown who motored over. Very hot afternoon and evening. Went to bed early.
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Saturday June 5th 1915.
Very hot day. Nothing doing . Went to bed about 11 p.m.. After going round infantry trenches with Barton.
Sunday June 6 1915.
Receive telephone message to stand to at 12.05 a.m. as mine would be exploded under "Birdcage". Col arrived at 1 a.m. and time for explosion was fixed for 2.30 a.m.. At 2 a.m. we received notice that explosion was postponed until 5.30 a.m. so we tried to get to sleep, but mosquitoes effectively prevented me from doing so. The Right Section had to stand to from 12 midnight onwards. It was a misty morning, but got very warm as time wore on. At 9.30 a.m. we were told that the mine would be fired 20 minutes after three rockets had been sent up behind Ploegsteert. These were reported seen at 10 a.m. and we all got quite interested after that. I was watching the spot in the Birdcage very intently through glasses from 10.20 onwards and at 10.21 a.m. the ground seemed to heave right up and then there was a terrific rumbling, burst sandbags and debris were thrown up about 60 ft high over a front of 100 yards by 30 yards. Immediately the mine fired we commenced shelling the second parapet of Birdcage and the 18 pounders also joined in. Also the Germans with shells, rifles and machine guns and quite a pretty noise ensued for about 15 minutes. When the mine was fired the house we were in rocked for two or three seconds. Two and a half tons of gunpowder was used. After 15 minutes interval we turned on to their communication trenches and obtained several direct hits.
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About an hour afterwards the Germans sent working parties into the Birdcage to repair the damage to front trench. The 18 pounders’ telephones had all been broken by hostile shellfire and the colonel would not let us fire at them, so I went down to the infantry trench to put them on the spot. They could not see the working party owing to the high parapet, but I told them the spot, and they turned two machine guns and three snipers onto it at odd intervals to make things unpleasant for the Bosch. At 2:30 p.m. I rang up the Major and explained that considerable work had been done by them and at last obtained permission to fire two rounds. The day was intensely hot and the charges had warmed up with the result that the first shell 100 yards over and the second 15 yards short, the line being right. The working party had disappeared and I was stopped from firing any more. They reappeared soon afterwards and at 3. 30 p.m. I was told I might if necessary fire four more rounds. The very first shell fell absolutely slap among them and wiped them out. No further movement was observed in that spot for the rest of the day. This round of ours appeared in the III Corps summary two days later, and I give a copy of orders herewith. [lacking] Things were quiet for the rest of the day. At dusk Barton and I went into the trenches and went out with a party who were firing rifle grenades. Got to bed about 11 p.m..
Monday June 7th 1915.
Very hot day and quiet. I was relieved by Wyley at 8:15 p.m. and returned to the billet.
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Tuesday June 8th 1915.
Very hot day. Rode to La Crèche, Nieppe and Armentières in the morning. Slacked round in the afternoon. At 5:30 p.m. went to Le Gheer with Anderson and adjutant to arrange for usual signalling in case of telephone breakdown. The battery played 5th Warwicks at soccer. Results draw one all. two 7th Warwick officers called in for the evening.
Wednesday June 9th 1915.
Very hot and dull day. Went towards Le Gheer in the morning to supervise burying of telephone wires. Forgot to mention that yesterday we were very lucky in dodging hostile shellfire on the way to Le Gheer. Some infantry walking behind us had several killed and wounded. In the afternoon the enemy shelled our left section from position putting three into the spot, one through dug out of Right section and two between guns. They searched towards our billet and put several within 50 yards of same -- luckily no one was touched. Hubert Field called to see us. Men’s smoking concert in the evening (fourth since we've been here). Very sultry night with occasional heavy showers.
Thursday June 10th 1915.
7 a.m. Germans exploded a mine at Le Gheer but it was badly laid and did not the slightest damage, no portion of trench or man being touched at the same time they shelled the wood and Ploegsteert road very heavily in all about 400 shells, but no damage (except to houses) was done. We did not reply to their fire, but prepared for an attack, which however did not materialise.
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Right Section fired 4 rounds at Loophole Farm. Dull very sultry and showery day. Went up to Le Gheer and fired nine rounds at Loophole Farm in the afternoon. Unsatisfactory shoot. Called at Right Section guns on the way back. Anderson went up to Le Gheer. Nice afternoon.
Friday June 11 th 1915
Beautiful day. Went up to horse lines in the morning. Very unsatisfactory state of things. Made complaints to Major. Went to tea with George Sutton in the afternoon. Germans shelled over the ridge and put 3 into left section position, and several near billet (4.2). Right section fired at man seen round guns, but missed him and he got away (11 p.m.).
Saturday June 12th 1915
Beautiful day. Went to Right section in morning. Took stock of ammunition, and generally woke up the sergeants. Afterwards wandered round Chateau and trenches to try and find position to observe Ferme de la Croix. In the afternoon went up to "Spy House" with Brodribb and had another look round. At 6 p.m. went up to observe trenches (Messines side) with Col. and Adjutant. Fired Right section (15) at store house. Bad shooting.
Sunday June 13th 1915.
Beautiful morning. Went down to Right section in the morning. Went up to Le Gheer to relieve Anderson at 5:30 p.m.. Two new "Kitch" subalterns there observing .
Monday June 14th 1915.
Woke up suddenly at 2. 15 a.m. with house shaking, and very heavy machine gun and rifle fire and also shell fire. Rang up office and reported same to Major, and also rang infantry to see if everything all right. Germans had exploded mine in same place as previous one. No damage done to trenches or infantry, but 12 sappers buried owing to fall of earth. Ten were recovered alive (2 after 20 hours) but 2 were still there and afraid will be dead when found. The ”hate" lasted about 20 minutes. Major was pleased with our quickness in reporting and also accuracy of report. Went down into trenches immediately things quiet and had a look
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at mine crater. Afterwards returned to bed. Beautiful morning. Not too hot -- quiet day.
Tuesday June 15th 1915.
Beautiful day, and quiet except for snipers who seem more active just now. In the evening the 5th and 7th Warwicks relieved the Gloucesters in the trenches in front of Le Gheer. Starting making dug out (had three men up from the battery) behind communicating barrier from Estaminet du Commerce to Un Gheer Estaminet. These Kitchener officers and men are the limit. They lack manners and are very bad gunners. Went into the trench in the evening and saw George Sutton. Germans fired a lot of rifle grenades without doing any harm.
Wednesday June 16th 1915.
Got up at three a.m. as it was my turn on duty. Everything very quiet. Beautiful morning. Did a couple of hours digging at dug out between 5.00 a.m. and 7 a.m. and also another hour during the morning. At mid day fired eight rounds, 7 at houses " Pont Rouge” and one round at Loophole Farm. Obtain good registration at first target and blew up one house. Anderson relieved me at 6.00 p.m. and I was called for at billet by car (Ashdown driving, sent by Clark to fetch me to dinner with them.) Thoroughly enjoyed ride and had good meal and pleasant evening. Slept at their billet.
Thursday June 17th 1915.
Ashdown drove [me] back to Ploegsteert at 7 a.m.. Felt rather cheap. Went down to Right section in morning and slacked around. Stayed in billet all the afternoon. Edgar Saunders came in to tea. Beautiful day, not too hot.
Friday June 18th 1915.
Walked round in the morning. Called at right section. Slacked round billet in the afternoon. Beautiful day. [see also continued below]
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Saturday June 19th 1915.
Beautiful day went up to relieve Anderson at Le Gheer at 10 A.M. Col and adjutant came up there and we shot up Long Barn Farm and Duriez Fme. Successful shoot. Enemy turned machine-gun onto observing station during shooting which was most unpleasant. Luckily no one was hit. In the evening they again turned it on to us. Looks as if observation station discovered, but I think they take it for infantry headquarters. Wyley relieved me at 6.30 p.m. Major Nickalls went on leave at 3.30 p.m..
Sunday June 20th 1915.
Edgar Saunders came to stay with us for a week.
Friday June 18 (cont'd) [sic in mss.]
9.30 p.m. received instructions we should be required to assist infantry in the early morning. I went down to Right section to sleep there. At 2.30 a.m. were all told to stand to and fired 2 rounds, but that was all as the infantry show was off..
Went up to horse lines in the morning and down to Right section. Played cricket in the evening. Beautiful day.
[probably continues Sunday June 20th]
Went down to Right section in the morning Received notice that we were to move right section back to original position. Played cricket in the evening. Wykeham and Lucas came to tea. Beautiful day. And 10 p.m. moved guns etc. Finished work about 11.45. Quite tired..
Monday June 21st 1915.
Went up to Spy House in morning from 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. Went up there again at 10 p.m. and slept night. Beautiful day.
Tuesday June 22nd 1915.
Went up to Le Gheer with Saunders. Met Col and adjutant there also Fowler and Vallancey. The Estaminet communication trench had been heavily shelled on Sunday last so it certainly looks as though I was lucky to get out when I did, as during my whole observing there I was not shelled! To watch 4th battery firing I took Edgar [Saunders] down to infantry trenches. Enemy shelled Estaminet in retaliation, but not heavily. Saw Chatterley and Crockford in trenches – also C.T. Morris Davies --. Went back to Estaminet and fired 4 rounds for 4th Battery and 6 for 5th Battery. Very hot morning. Walked back to headquarters and had lunch there. Relieved Leather at "Spy House" at 3.45 p.m. Enemy shelled all round us at 6.30 p.m. with 5.9 howitzer (5 shells in all) and 3 universal 4.2 burst right above the cottage as we were leaving. Found 2 fuzes [sic].
Wednesday June 21st 1915.
Cooler morning very delightful. Went up to Spy House from 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Col Saunders and Leather came up at (sic) fired at “Store House”, Tilleul and some cross roads with Nos 1 and 2 guns. Good laying . Battery played 6th Glosters at cricket, won by 11 runs. Padré called -- heard news that we were to move “down south” in a couple of days’ time. Slept at Spy House.
Thursday June 24th 1915.
Sultry morning. Went up to horse lines in morning Spy House in afternoon. Subaltern arrived from howitzer battery (Canadian Division) to look round position with view to taking over from us. Quiet day. About 12 midnight "Boche”
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attempted to take Worcester trenches in front of Petit Douve, but were unsuccessful. We had 30 casualties. Theirs unknown.
Friday June 25th 1915.
Wet day. Very heavy showers Went up to "Spy House" at 10 a.m. Situation very quiet. Leather relieved me about 5 p.m. Showed Ferguson (Canada sub.) the way into the trenches. Major Nickalls returned.
Saturday June 26th 1915.
Fine day. Went up to "Spy House" at 3.30 p.m. for last time. In the morning went up to see battery firing at trenches La Petite Douve. Afterwards went up to horse lines. The battery left gun position at 9 p.m.. We "tripped" as a brigade to just outside Bailleul arriving about 2.30 a.m.. We camped in a big field, and after fixing up everything (horse lines feed water etc) turned in about 3.30 a.m. I slept very well till about 7.0 a.m.
Sunday June 27th 1915.
Went round church old building. Fine oak work. . Showery day and very heavy rain. Rode into Baillent in the morning and had a look round, also for tea in the afternoon. We moved off at 8.30 p.m. and arrived at Vieux-Berquin about 10 p.m. Camped in field and got to sleep about 11.15 p.m.. Slept well till about 6.30 a.m.
Monday June 28th 1915.
Came through Merville during trek. My horse “Tommy” lame . Dull morning. Wandered around the village went into church -- modern building but artistic, black marble floor to chancel and fine pulpit. One or two shell holes in roof but little damage done to fabric. Rained during day. Moved off at 6 p.m. and had interesting trip passing through several pretty villages
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one of which was Indian Cavalry Division H.Q.. Country well timbered and much like home. General Nicholson watched brigade pass at one point and paid us a high compliment as to our horses, harness and driving. Arrived at Robecq about 10.45 p.m. about 12 miles. Slept on floor in farmhouse.
Tuesday June 29th 1915.
Walked into Robecq with Saunders in the morning and had bottle of "Phiz". Much enjoyed! Very hot morning, I had a sleep in the afternoon. Moved off at 7.00 p.m. Another good march, and General Nickolson and Ross Johnson both watched us at different points en route and were again thoroughly well pleased with us. The latter is who is our C.R.A. [Commander Royal Artillery] considers us easily most efficient brigade in division. I was in charge of transport. "Tommy" went very stiffly, but finished the distance all right. We passed through Lillers en route. Arrived at Ferfay about eleven p.m. and parked teams and wagons in beautiful spot. Got to bed in billet in village. I had mattress on floor and clean sheets! Untold luxury.
Wednesday June 30th 1915.
Got up and took horses to water at 6.30 a.m.. Watering place is a power station and water is purified by machinery from deep well. Very good water for drinking, but most difficult spot for watering and each stable will take fully two hours. Had breakfast at small house in village. Well cooked and most satisfying! Took midday stables and messed round camp. Took afternoon stables. In the evening and during day had many drinks and visitors, but finished sober! Several collieries in the district, which seems hard-working and clean. There is a fine view of the surrounding country and towards fighting
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line (La Bassée way). We can see as far as weather permits. I should say well into hostile country. Fighting line about 15 miles away. There is a flying Squadron just near here, and also some Moroccan troops billetted just outside village and a few French troops. The former are extraordinary fellows, and very unclean and undisciplined, vastly different to our Indian troops who are magnificent in every respect. I was greatly struck by their splendid physique and faces.
Thursday July 1st 1915
Beautiful weather. Had a slack day. Went over and looked at colliery. Took midday stables. Got gun park and gun wagons all cleaned up. Played "poker" at 4th battery billet in the evening and won 91 francs.
Friday July 2nd 1915.
Took all stables. General and Ross Johnson inspected camp and again expressed his pleasure at our smartness and good discipline. Good for us. In the afternoon I rode over to a neighbouring village with Anderson, Saunders, and Biollet. And had pukka "bath"! First since leaving England and very much enjoyed. Baths are at colliery. In the evening had fairly heavy "carouse" but finished quite strong!
Saturday July 3rd 1915
Took stables all day. Had Driving drill (Brigade parade) in morning. Fearfully hot day. Several people came into lunch.
Sunday July 4th 1915.
Very hot day. Kit inspection in morning. Slacked about remainder of day and evening. Read book called "Tommy Carteret" by J. M. Forman which I thoroughly enjoyed. About 9.45 p.m. Driver Sutton (Brodribb's servant) shot himself and died
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immediately. There is no doubt he committed suicide. He was a moody lad, and I think a little bit "daft".
Monday July 5th 1915
Drill order at nine a.m. I took early stables. Gen. Fanshawe and staff inspected battery at nine a.m. and Staff Major watched our manoeuvres and was apparently pleased with us. I was on Court of Enquiry over Sutton's death at 11 a.m.. Took afternoon stables.
Tuesday July 6th 1915.
Rode into Lillers in the morning with several others. Very hot day. At 5.30 officers and staffs left for practice manoeuvres with infantry. About five miles to our destination. Windy evening and much colder. Some rain. Parked horses and went up with Leather too lay telephone wires. At 10 p.m. rode up to take our position as F.O.O. [forward observation officer] in imaginary front trench. Miserable night and proceedings as far as artillery concerned a perfect farce. Ended at 4 a.m..
Wednesday July 7th 1915.
4.00 a.m. Rode back to where horses billetted, feeling very tired. Got some coffee and food. Arrived back about eight a.m.. Went to bed till 12.30 p.m.. Took afternoon stables. Had early night. Heard that Kitchener was to inspect us in the morning but later news was that only the infantry were to be reviewed.
Thursday July 8th 1915.
Very windy day but fine. Full marching order in the morning. The country round here is very attractive, well wooded, slightly hilly. Rode into Lillers in the afternoon. Had heavy evening with Anderson.
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Friday July 9th 1915.
Fine day and very hot. Drill order in the morning (4 guns 8 wagons). Took watering and stables. Watering place is about two and a half miles away, so it is a long job. Went to bed early.
Saturday July 10th 1915.
Fine day. Kit inspection. Stables.
Sunday July 11th 1915.
Fine day, some rain. Church and stables.
Monday July 12th 1915.
Took stables, received orders at midday that half of each battery was to leave at 1. 30 p.m. for firing line near La Bassée in portion of line just taken over from the French. Left section, staff and Major, Anderson and Leather all went leaving me behind with my section, the general idea being that we should follow on with remainder of 4th Bty and A.C. tomorrow. Late that night Major Bowles called at 4th Battery Mess and told us we should not move until the night of 14th-15th. Hot day.
Tuesday July 13th 1915.
First thing in morning -- at stables -- learned that we were not to move at all, but that the half battery that left yesterday would rejoin us at once here. Major turned up before breakfast and was very tired, having had no sleep at all, the distance to front they were supposed take over being 20 miles from here. The guns got into position about 1. 30 a.m. and were at once told they must get out again and be 10 miles away before dawn! They got no rest at all until 4.30 a.m. when the men slept till 9.30 a.m. and then resumed trek home. They arrived about 2 p.m. Both horses and men thoroughly tired out, as can be imagined after being on the move
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for 24 hours covering practically 45 miles. We did stables for them and took on all duties. Apparently the whole move was a bad mix up on part of IV Corps C.O. as the 2nd London division had only just got into that position.
Wednesday July 14th 1915.
Had stables late and an easy morning. Went for a ride with Hayes in the afternoon. Great day of celebrat[ion] among the French commemorating "taking of Bastille". Heavy rain from afternoon onwards. Paid Kendall to date and also washing bill. Played poker, won about 240 francs.
Thursday July 15th 1915.
Drill order at nine a.m.. Took "A" sub gun and wagon out on brigade scheme. Beautiful day and manoeuvred in perfect country. Got back after stables about 1.45 p.m.. Gen Fanshawe called at gun park about 4 p.m. and told Anderson we should be moving by train in the few days and going south. Great conjectures as to where we are destined for some say the Dardanelles. I wonder. Played poker and won 45 francs. My luck is in at the moment.
Friday July 16th 1915.
Beautiful morning drill orders (B brigade) as yesterday. Took "B" Gun and wagon. Returned about 1 p.m.. Had hot bath at colliery in afternoon. Felt rather cheap. Bed early.
Saturday July 17th 1915.
Beautiful day. Took "C" gun out for battery drill order. Acted as BC [Battery Commander] in same position as on Thursday. Got into action quickly. Rode into Lillers in the afternoon. Played poker won £16. Exceptional luck! Had fair quantity to drink.
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Sunday July 18th 1915.
Fine day general clean up of camp etc. Took stables, heavy rain at night.
Monday July 19th 1915.
Very fine day. 4th Battery left Ferfay at eleven a.m. entrained at Lillers and left there at 5.30 p.m.. We moved off at 3.30 p.m. arrived Lillers station at 4.45 p.m. and were all ready to depart at 6 p.m.. Watered horses and said "fare well" with a drink at the corner café. Afterwards dined at Café du Commerce at 7 p.m.. Cheery meal. Train left at 8.20 p.m.. Felt very tired, but got little sleep in train. Horse fell out of train (goodness knows how!) at Fouquereuil and by a wonderful bit of luck was not injured. We were travelling about 10 miles an hour. Sent driver responsible (A. S. C.) [Army Service Corps] to walk horse back to Lillers and report to R.T.O. [Railway Transport Officer], about 10 miles tramp and quite dark! Train passed through St Pol and Doullens and we arrived at our destination Mondicourt at 3.30 a.m. Detrained in 50 minutes and were out of station yard, quite good work. Marched to Thièvres about five miles and camped there. Watered horses in river. Beautiful water, fast flowing and quite a treat after the former difficulties of watering. Had wash and shave and felt much better. Also good breakfast. Dozed most of the day. Bathed during the morning. Saw Gwiston and McDowell (friend of Mitchell at Allesley and knew Malin and all the others quite well). They are with King Edward's horse billetted in Thièvres. Beautiful evening. Took things easy.
Wednesday July 21st 1915.
Felt very fit after good night's rest. Took early stables. Beautiful day. Packed up
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and moved about one mile near to Authie. Good camp. All the division are here, and we are to take over piece of line from the French. The 4th division, 48th division and a "Kitch" division are formed into a new Army Corps, I think intended to be the "Crack" one. It is supposed to be the pick of regular army, territorial, and new army. Good for us!! Our field gunners have got the new 18 pounder guns, which is a blessing.
Thursday July 22nd 1915.
Beautiful morning. Standing gun drill at nine a.m. Nothing much to do. Rained hard in the afternoon and continued all night. I got very wet and my valise, rug etc were ringing wet..
Friday July 23rd 1915.
Took early stables. 126th battery were watering there when I arrived at bridge. Saw Gill and after horses were watered walked to their camp and saw the officers (Gubbon, Major Ballingall and Captain Archer). Richards has been home since they left Le Gheer with sprained knee. Ellis has been promoted to Captain and is attached to 134th Battery. In the afternoon walked into Thièvres with adjutant and doctor and called on 126th battery. Quiet day and fine with occasional showers.
Saturday July 24th 1915.
Usual routine. Showery day. Leather, Anderson and Major went up to see new firing line position and working party went up to dig guns pits.
Sunday July 25th 1915.
I went up to new position at 8.30 a.m.. Men had worked well and pits were well
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advanced. Passed through Sailly au Bois on way up. We are situated in an orchard, plentifully stocked with apple trees just behind village of Hébuterne. The village has been very heavily shelled and is in ruins, particularly the church which I should like to get a photo of. However troops are quartered there. Apparently there has been heavy fighting here at odd times, as the Germans held the village up to a few months ago, when the French drove them out, and a few weeks ago captured about 1500 yards of trenches, which have not yet been properly consolidated with the result that our infantry are not anxious that we should raise any "hate" for a short time. I did some "looting" (permitted) in the village obtaining chairs, tables, glasses and very many useful things. We are living in a dugout which was built as a gun pit by the French. With a fair amount of labour it should make quite a good spot. I slept in the open after dining with the 4th Battery and playing a piano (very poor condition) at our H. G. S. billet in Hébuterne. Wet day and night, but slept fairly well. Only 2 gun pits are being dug as we’re only allowed one section up at a time.
Monday July 26th 1915.
Went down into trenches in the morning. Saw Sutton and Caldicott. The communication trenches are excellent, but firing trenches very poor. There are some wonderful
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shell proof dugouts in the trenches as below.
German and French both shelled fairly heavily last night, and also today. Leather and Major came over in the morning. In the evening went to see observation station with Vallancey and Wyley. Germans shelled us heavily with 5.9s while we were there, but we got into strong dugouts and were all right. Guns came up at 10.30 p.m. and were put into (Left Section) guns pits. Rainy day. 4th Battery messed with us and Nickalls, Fowler and self slept on floor in dugout.
Tuesday July 27th 1915.
Heavy rain at times. Went up to observation station and round trenches in the morning with Major Fowler. Gun pits nearly finished. Slept on floor of dugout. Worked in dugout.
Wednesday July 28 1915.
Heavy rain at times -- slack day. 4th Battery fired a few registering rounds. Nothing doing. One or two aeroplanes (hostile) got heavily shelled by our new anti-aircraft guns. Fairly good shooting.. Lovely sunset. Worked in our dugout.
Thursday July 29 1915
Coventry fired
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Beautiful morning. Rode over to see Anderson at horse lines in the afternoon. Had tea there.
Friday July 30th 1915.
Fine day, relieved Leather at observation post in trenches at 1.30 p.m.. Stayed there till 7 p.m.. Very uninteresting. French did some excellent shooting on German first-line trenches with the "75s" . Coventry battery fired. Worked in dugout.
Saturday July 31st 1915.
Beautiful day. Went up to observe at 9 a.m. Leather relieved me at 1.30 p.m.. Had slack afternoon. 4th Battery fired. Worked in dugout.
Sunday August 1st 1915.
Worked in dug out in morning. Relieved Leather observing at 1.30 p.m. Fairly brisk shelling of our trenches by the Germans. Only four men slightly wounded. Fairly hot day.
Monday August 2nd 1915.
Heard "Pimple" and Wigg killed. Went up to observe at 9 a.m... Leather relieved me at 1.30 p.m. Worked in dug out in afternoon.
Tuesday August 1st 1915.
Worked in dug out relieved Leather at 1.30 p.m.. Went to dinner with H. G. S.. Very wet day and trenches (particularly communication trench) up to the calves in mud and water. Very uncomfortable. Heard S. H. Shoveller wounded.
Wednesday August 4th 1915.
Wet day. Worked in dugout until 11 a.m. when went up to observe for two hours. Worked in dugout in afternoon. Trenches in awful state.
Thursday August 5th 1915.
Fairly fine day. Some rain. Worked in dugout all morning. Went up to observe at 4 p.m..
Friday August 6th 1915.
Wet morning. Worked in dugout. Wet all day. Got portion of roof on second room. Observed
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from 11 - 1. Padre and Edgar [Saunders] came to lunch. Heard of P. Collins death.
Saturday August 7th.
Wet day. Worked in dugout all morning and part of afternoon. Lucas came to lunch. Observed from O. P. in afternoon. Three H. E. [high explosive] burst very close. Got "A" gun into position at 10.30 p.m..
Sunday August 8th.
Commenced work in "A" and "B" guns pits. Fine day. Got "A" gun pit ready for firing by 1.30 p.m.. Went up with the Major to register lines given us by 4th Battery, and also communication trench. Shooting was most excellent, the gun answering to all corrections, even 15’. It has evidently been well "tuned up" at the Ordnance Workshops. Fairly smashed up "Sans Nom” Farm. Very hot afternoon. Three H. E. burst close to O. P.. Rode into Authie (about seven miles) in the evening. Had dinner with the D.A.C. Arrived back about 11.45 p.m..
Monday August 9th.
Went up to observe four shots at German working party, but unfortunately they were just out of range. Line excellent. Sultry morning. Working on gun pits. Observed in afternoon. Registered line in "Sans Noir” [sic, could be Sans Nom.] with "B" gun. Worked out line and should have hit target plump first shot, but by some foolish error the layer was 10 degrees wrong. However second shot was target. Terrific thunderstorm in the evening, very vivid lightning. Dugout was flooded out, and dripped rain from roof all night.
Tuesday August 10th.
Fine day and good drying breeze. Observed in morning. Slack in afternoon. Worked in gun pits.
Wednesday August 11th
Went down to gun position in morning. "B" gun
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fired 13 rounds at machine-gun. [gap in mss line] and fort. Very good shooting. Fine day. Observed in afternoon. Our machine-guns active in evening. Two hostile aeroplanes up. Collett came into dinner.
Thursday August 12th 1915.
Observed in morning. Slacked in afternoon. Fine day.
Friday August 13th 1915.
Major fired "A" gun in morning. Observed in afternoon.
Saturday August 14th 1915.
Observed in morning. Rode to horse lines with Anderson in afternoon. Had tea with Column [Ammo column]. Fowler went on leave.
Sunday August 15th 1915.
Had shoot in morning (fired at hostile battery). Observed in afternoon. Mottram’s 21st birthday. Nine of us dined at 4th Battery billet to celebrate. Very good evening and excellent dinner. Menu -- Melon. Soup. Salmon mayonnaise. Cutlets and peas. Veal. Apple tart. Devilled kidney savory. Desert Coffee. Nine bottles of champagne. Leather attached to H. G. S. for week. Lucas came to us from D.A.C.
Monday August 16th 1915.
Observed in morning. Shot up Louvière Farm. Fine day. In the evening fired at front trench. Excellent shooting.
Tuesday August 17th 1915.
Fine morning. In the afternoon had very heavy storm and trenches were flooded. Willy and I registered two targets – dug out stood to wet fairly well. Col. came to dinner.
Wednesday August 18th 1915.
Went up to observe, but came back early to work out lines on map with Major. In the afternoon fired about 20 rounds at front line trenches very successfully. Used Cook for first-time. Shell travels very slowly and is quite easily followed by naked eye.
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very heavy storm in the evening and dugout flooded, and roof dripped rain all night. Dr came to dinner.
Thursday August 19th 1915.
Guy Lucas observed in the morning. I fired about 20 rounds "Cook" at front line trenches in the afternoon. Dull in the morning, but lovely afternoon and evening. Edgar [Saunders] came to lunch.
Friday August 20th 1915.
Observed in morning. Germans shelled Hébuterne in afternoon, so we replied with left section into Gommecourt. Also fired at hostile gun position Bois de Biez. Had dinner with 4th Battery.
Saturday August 21st 1915.
Had stiff neck. Guy observed in morning. Fine morning. In the afternoon had half holiday and rode into Acheux with Guy and saw "Follies”, excellent show. Met Ellis and Read there, now both captains. Fine evening and enjoyable ride home. Anderson went on leave.
Sunday August 22nd 1915.
Fine morning went up to observe at 11 a.m.. Padre came to lunch.
Monday August 23rd 1915.
Observed in afternoon. Paid Kendall 10 francs also Goode 10 francs. Hot day. Rode to wagon lines in evening.
Tuesday August 24th 1915
Observed in morning. "Kitch" subaltern by name Hesketh -- was attached to us for fortnight. Guy and I went to Acheux "Follies" and purchased groceries etc. for men at Field canteen. Lovely day. Machine-gun "hate" at night.
Wednesday August 25th 1915.
Hot day -- observed in morning.
Thursday August 26th 1915.
Hot day. Observed part of morning. Padre and Major Bowles came to lunch.
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Friday August 27th 1915.
Hot day. Rode to wagon lines with Hesketh. Observed in afternoon.
Saturday August 28th 1915.
Observed in morning. In afternoon about 10 Labour MPs visited us. Showed them gun pits and also took them to trenches and fired at Sans Nom farm for their benefit. Impressed upon them necessity for more shells. Arthur Henderson was among them. Heavy rain at night.
Sunday August 29th 1915.
Quite cool and fine morning. Guy Lucas returned to D. A. C.. Bassett (2 / 4th S. M. Brigade) joined us for fortnight’s attachment.
Monday August 13th 1915.
Usual routine. Some rain. Went to see "Follies".
Tuesday August 31st 1915.
Usual routine, some rain.
Wednesday September 1st 1915.
Usual routine, fine.
Thursday September 2nd 1915.
Usual routine. Rode to Acheux with Captain Anderson and afterwards dined with ammunition column..
Friday September 3rd 1915.
Usual routine. Wet day. German shelled around trench I observed from. One 8.2 - no damage done. Went with Col. to inspect position for new guns pits. Walked to Foncquevillers in morning. Took some photos.
Saturday September 4th 1915.
Commenced work on new pits. Fine day. Usual routine.
Sunday September 5th 1915.
Usual routine. Felt rather queer in afternoon.
Monday September 16th 1915.
Usual routine. Beautiful day.
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Tuesday September 7th 1915.
Usual routine. Major went to Amiens. Beautiful day. Fair amount of hostile artillery fire in evening to which we replied. Leather returned.
Wednesday September 8th 1915.
Usual routine. Major's 40th birthday. All the officers in the Brigade dined at 4th Battery billet. Very good dinner and cheery evening. Beautiful day.
Thursday September 9th 1915.
Usual routine. Beautiful day.
Friday September 10th 1915.
Usual routine. Beautiful day.
Saturday September 11th 1915.
Usual routine. Beautiful day. Heard all "leave" cancelled throughout the army. Rumours that a big move is to take place. German guns active.
Sunday September 12th 1915.
Rode to wagon lines. Attended Church Parade. Lunched with Ammunition column,. Beautiful day. Artillery active.
Monday September 13th 1915.
Usual routine. Beautiful day. Registered four near targets.
Tuesday September 14th 1915.
Dull morning and some rain. Wet night. Usual routine.
Wednesday September 15th 1915.
Beautiful morning. Rode down to wagon lines and took driving drill. Very enjoyable. Captain Kidd came with me. Got back to lunch. Usual routine.
Thursday September 16th 1915.
Beautiful day, usual routine.
Friday September 17th 1915.
Beautiful day. Usual routine.
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Saturday September 18th 1915.
Usual routine. Beautiful day.
Sunday September 19th 1915.
Beautiful day. Usual routine.
Monday September 20th 1915.
Beautiful day. Heard news that attack was likely to be made by us. Usual routine.
Tuesday September 21st 1915.
Much excitement when we heard that attack was to be made by us in a day or so. All worked hard getting everything ready and we have to be ready for a big advance. Beautiful day. All guns in divisions fired two rounds gunfire at 3 p.m. and one round at 3:30 p.m.. Saw stretcher parties in enemy’s lines so evidently our shooting did some good. Germans retaliated at 6 p.m. with gunfire from all guns, but luckily we had no casualties at all. Quiet night. Beautiful day.
Wednesday September 22nd 1915.
Beautiful morning. "Kitch" subaltern named Barlow attached for fortnight’s instruction -- he looks like having a lively time. Well, good luck to us all. I hope to goodness the attack is successful. I understand that the main attacks will be delivered north of Arras and towards Verdun. Men had an easy day.
Thursday September 21st 1915.
Commenced artillery demonstration at 3:30 p.m.. The Brigade fired 100 rounds, our battery firing 70. Germans replied on village at rear of fighting line. Our Field guns very active. Big noise. Fine day, but rained in evening.
Friday September 24th 1915.
Demonstration continued at 2:30 p.m.. Heavier than yesterday. Germans replied occasionally.
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on trenches and principally on villages in rear. We fired 70 rounds per Battery. Field guns very active ,wire cutting etc. Dull day and very wet at times.
Saturday September 25th 1915.
Dull morning. We fired 20 rounds with Right section at 2 p.m. also Left section. Fired 10 later in the day. Also 9 in evening. Things quieter than previous day. Heard news that 1st Army had commenced attack on Lens and advanced 1 ½ miles on a three-mile front, but generally speaking attack not so successful as we hoped. Wet night. Ist Army captured 1700 prisoners and 4 guns.
Sunday September 26th 1915.
Very misty morning. Fired 4 rounds at Rattemoy Farm at 7 a.m.. I fired 16 rounds at Pt [point] 862 with Right Section just before lunch. Both guns shot well particularly "B" and I got eleven very effective shots. One completely destroyed a dug out in the front trench and timber was thrown all over the place. In the afternoon we fired a further 15 rounds. Once again the gun drill was excellent and much further damage was done, in fact the trenches in that neighbourhood for about 100 yards are practically wiped out. We fired a section, and also at same spot at 11 p.m. in case they had a working [party] out repairing damage. Beautiful weather in afternoon. No further news of 1st Army.
Monday September 27th 1915.
French advance reported to be proceeding satisfactorily. Fine morning. Good news of 1st Army advances (1st, 2nd and 3rd London (T) 47th Division) Loos captured and general advance of about two miles on five mile front. Nothing doing here. We did not fire.
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Tuesday September 28th 1915.
Great French victory in Champagne and our army consolidating their new positions. Very quiet here and no firing.
Wednesday September 29th 1915.
Very quiet here and no firing. Germans shelled trenches heavily from 1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m..
Thursday September 30th 1915.
Very quiet here. No firing.
Friday October 1st 1915.
Very quiet here, no firing.
Saturday October 2nd 1915.
Very quiet. Fired ten rounds at Rattemoy Farm and 10 rounds into Gommecourt Wood at 6 a.m.. No further firing. Germans very active working in their reserve trenches.
Sunday October 3rd 1915.
Rode down to wagon lines. Went to Church parade. Stayed lunch with Column. Beautiful day. Very quiet. Col. Harman and Major Davidge (7th. Worcesters) came in to dinner.
Monday October 4th 1915.
Quiet day. Wet. No firing.
Tuesday October 5th 1915.
Quiet day -- fine no firing. Our dugout and the surrounding orchards are very unhealthy these times as the enemy are doing a lot of rifle and machine-gun firing, and we get any quantities of "overs" whizzing past, much too close to be pleasant.
Wednesday October 6th 1915.
Wet day. In evening we had a sudden rifle and machine-gun hate on the part of the enemy lasting about 2 hours. All roads were very unhealthy and the Major and I returning from 4th Battery billet were very lucky not to be hit. We had
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no casualties, but the infantry had about 17 wounded. All guns and infantry retaliated at 10:15 p.m.. Three minutes rapid rifle fire over parapet. I hope "Boche" got all he gave.
Thursday October 7th.
Came down to wagon lines at Authie-St Leger for a week, changing places with Anderson. I expect it will be very dull, but still it’s a change from the firing line; and the country round about here is beautiful. Rode over to the D.A.C at Thièvres for dinner. Very good dinner, afterwards played piano and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Stayed the night with them and slept in a bed and had a "hot water bottle"!
Friday October 8th
Rode back to wagon lines at 9 a.m.. Took driving drill. Beautiful day. The valley is really lovely, the poplars are all a rich golden colour, and in many other cases the leaves are just changing and we get a wonderful blend of autumnal tints. The 3rd Brigade A.C. have their horse lines on the side of the hill and against a wood and it is most picturesque. The whole place is most peaceful. Daily routine practically the same as when we were in England.
Saturday October 9th.
Rode to Sailly and got money from Field Cashier in order to pay the men. Fine day.
Sunday October 10th.
Attended Church Parade. In evening rode over to the D.A.C and dined there. Beautiful day. Feeling very fit. Lunch with 3rd Brigade A.C.
Monday October 11th
Vallancey and I rode over to see about some timber. Met Captain Saunders and rode into Bus with him. Had good canter back and took Driving drill. Major came down at mid day stables, and said
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I was wanted back at Hébuterne, so returned with him.
Tuesday October 12th.
Went up to see new gun pits, and generally slacked around. Went up observing in the afternoon. Wet day.
Wednesday October 13th.
Rode into Bus to see Field Cashier and then to horse lines. Lunched with 3rd Brigade A.C. Wet morning. Paid men at 2.15 p.m.. Afterwards cantered back to Hébuterne. Farewell dinner to Brodribb at 4th Battery billet, as he goes on leave tomorrow and gets married on Saturday. Amusing evening. I wrote a verse to the tune of "Little grey home in the West" which went quite well --
There is a dear little girl in the West
And we know she is one of the best
And if only we dare, tried to make her to care,
We should feel that we ranked with the Blessed
But old Broddribb has beaten us all
And on Friday he answers the call
So with lip and with lung
Tho we’re all slightly sprung
Let us wish him whole heaps of the best.
We had the "D" Sub "choir" in, and they were quite good. One of their original verses to the tune of
"I want to go to old Idaho"
"We want to go to dear old Blighty 0!
To see our girlies too
We want to spoon
And have a honeymoon
Like other "swaddies" do
We want to hold her in our loving arms
And see her bright eyes shine
You've leave to go to Blighty 0!
So hurry along
And then I might get mine.”
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We presented him with a cheque for £11 odd from the Brigade for a wedding present.
Thursday October 14th
Brodribb called in the morning and we “split a bottle". After lunch Major and I rode down to wagon lines via new gun pits at Sailly. Had a drink at the ammunition Column. Weather fine, but heavy mist in evening. Brought up two horses and saddlery and also my groom up to Hébuterne and stabled them at the Battery office.
Friday October 15th
Very misty day. Went up to C.O. in morning, but observation practically impossible. Did some work to the O. P. and cut down various weeds and grasses which were rather obstructing the view.
Saturday October 16th.
Very misty day. Went up to new Right section pits, observed in afternoon. Nothing doing, except that "Bosche" was active with Minenwerfer in Gommecourt Wood and rather worried our infantry. We shelled the wood in the hope of finding the gun. The shells of this infernal machine weigh 210lbs, the major portion of which weight is the high explosive, as the case is quite thin. We think the range must be up to 100 yards, and it’s very difficult to locate gun as there is practically no report when it is fired. The explosion when shell bursts is absolutely terrific and thoroughly terrifying if one is anywhere near. The only lucky thing is that it travels through the air slowly and one can hear and see it coming, and get under shelter, although if it hits a "dug out" there is no more "dug out". The Boches shelled Hébuterne and Sailly heavily in the afternoon and one shell burst in our stables and wounded three horses including "Zulu” my black, who got many bits of shell in the neck and head, however I think he will soon be all right again.
Sunday October 17th 1915.
Misty day. Our new Right section pits practically finished. We have shifted about 500 - 600 tons of earth so it's been no easy task, but they are fine gun pits. We had a big "hate" against their Minenwerfer firing forty rounds into Gommecourt Wood and I hope did some good.
Monday October 18th 1915.
I went to C.O. in the morning and although slightly misty early on the sun soon cleared things up and it was quite pleasant. Germans fired at barricade trenches and brickyards fairly heavily. In the afternoon we had a demonstration arranged for 3:30 p.m. and at 2:45 p.m. I was just going up to the trenches with the Major to observe when the enemy commenced shelling with 5.9, and continued until 4:10 p.m.. Between 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. they fired no less than 450 of these shells on to first line trenches between barricade and C.O. (about 200 yards) and absolutely flattened our trench and blew in all dugouts. It was quite the heaviest shelling there has been since we arrived out here and mighty unpleasant while it lasted. Bassett and the telephonist in CO got into our dugout there, and luckily were not hit, although one shell knocked down the parapet two yards from them and one burst in the middle of the observing station ricochetted off without bursting! The Major and I had quite a perilous trip up to the "altar" from where we were to observe our own shooting. Big splinters of shell were falling in the communication trenches all the time and one missed the Major by about
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an inch. When we reached the altar no telephonist had arrived from C.O., so I went down to find out why. It was not at all pleasant as the shelling was then at its height, but I luckily got there and back safely. Telephonist had apparently started from there, but got rather "cold feet" and taken shelter in a dug out for a short time. He had arrived at the altar when I got back as had Corporal Jesson and another telephonist sent up from the battery. The Boches were also heavily shelling the Brickyards and other portions of our lines, so the noise was pretty deafening. The Major made me keep under cover whilst he observed our firing. Wonderful to relate, although several men had their dug outs blown in on top of them, there was not a single casualty. The damage done by enemies to trenches will take about a week to put right. What their object was we did not know, as obviously they are not preparing to attack here. Probably it was retaliation for our "do" about three weeks ago. From 3:50 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. the "Boches" fired about 50 rounds 4.2 "universal" on the same piece of trench (from the direction of Serre) and rather smashed up the wire. The Minenwerfer had been active during the day, and we fired with many rounds into Gommecourt Wood. In the evening I walked up to Foncquevillers to try to locate it but it did not fire again.
Tuesday October 19th.
Beautiful morning with quite a cold "snap" in the air. Stayed round dugout all the morning as all others were out. Went up to new Right section pits in the afternoon
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quiet day. Walked to Foncquevillers with Captain Anderson.
Wednesday 20th October 1915.
Misty morning. Rode into Sailly in the early morning about some timber. In the evening got guns into Right section -- new pits. Quick work.
Thursday October 21st 1915.
Went to gun position and worked out lines etc. In the afternoon registered guns on Sans Nom Farm. Shooting not very satisfactory. Trafalgar Day. Fowler and Jack came in to dinner.
Friday October 22nd.
Went to Foncquevillers to observe at 9 a.m.. Had lunch up there with "Malin". Quiet day but sniping very heavy as trenches were much closer than on the Hébuterne front. Beautiful weather. Returned to dug out at 5:30 p.m. Felt rather queer and had an early night.
Saturday October 23rd.
Beautiful morning.
My diary was neglected from this date until my return from leave on November 11th 1915. I had a very enjoyable leave going home via Havre and Southampton. Slow journey but anticipation of leave helped to pass the time. Arrived London (Waterloo) at 7:15 a.m. Friday morning November 5th. Left Waterloo 4 p.m. November 11th. Very bad crossing and poor accommodation on boat. I was one of five out of 100 officers who was not sick. Very tedious railway journey 17 hours. from Havre to Louvencourt . Arrived at dugout at 10 p.m. November 12th.
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Saturday November 13th 1915.
Dull and cold day. Went up observing in the morning. During my absence the wet weather had played the dickens with the trenches and gun pits- the former were indescribable – all dug outs have fallen in and the sides of communication trenches and parapets and parados of firing trenches and in many cases the clay mud is about 2 feet deep and the trenches practically impassable. The walls of my new gun pits and men's dug out have fallen in and the place is in an awful state. Quiet day no firing. In the afternoon walked up to Right section pits. Quiet evening. Many selections from the gramophone which arrived during my absence. Anderson and Fowler went into Amiens.
Sunday November 14th.
Fine day. Sunny but cold. Bassett and I walked up to the trenches at 11 a.m. and observed for our Right section shooting up trenches near Louvière Farm. Walked up to the Right section in the afternoon. Met Marchetti (used to be interpreter to Clark's Battery) and brought him into tea. Nice little man, now on the Staff of Heavy Artillery Reserve. They have just brought up behind us two 4 gun batteries of 9.2 s, one battery eight inch, one battery six inch, one 15 inch gun and one12 inch gun so we’re very strong in artillery especially as we now have attached to the Division one 60 pounder battery, one 4.7 battery and one 6 inch siege battery. Poor look out for the Boche if he gets uppish! Quiet evening.
Monday November 15th.
Quiet day. Walked up to Right section new pits in the morning. Cold and dull. Fired 12 rounds at Minenwerfer in Gommecourt. Had tea with H.G.S..
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Tuesday November 16th.
Heavy fall of snow overnight. Second Lieutenant R. W. S. Withers joined us from our third line. Went for a ride in the afternoon. Had good gallop on "Tommy". Got back at 3 p.m. as there was a general bombardment arranged for that time. We were not participating, as I believe we have a shortage of five inch How ammunition. Captain Anderson went down to the horse lines. We all dined with 4th Battery.
Wednesday November 17th 1915.
Colonel West and Bassett went on leave. Fowler became O.C. Brigade. Cold day, but fine. Observed morning and the afternoon. Saw Graham ([space]) at Foncquevillers. We all dined with 4th Battery.
Thursday November 18th 1915.
Minenwerfer fired from top end of wood so Major fired 4 rounds. Went up to Right section new pits. Awfully difficult to do any work as the ground is in such a wet state. Observed in the afternoon -- very misty and cold day.
Friday November 19th 1915.
Usual routine.
Saturday November 20th 1915.
Sunday November 21st 1915.
Monday November 22nd 1915.
Observed in the morning. Went for a ride in the afternoon. Heavy bombardment by our guns of Louvière farm and district. Dull day. 4th Battery came round in the evening.
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Tuesday November 23rd 1915.
Observed in the morning. Rode over to Acheux in afternoon with Aubrey Chaplin who had come over to lunch with us. Called at R. A. H. Q. at Lus [probably Bus] on my way back, and had tea there. Also called at wagon lines and saw Anderson. Got back to dug out about 7:30 p.m.. Long ride and very cold. Quiet evening.
Wednesday November 24th 1915.
Cold day. Ordinary routine. Went to 4th Battery mess for dinner. Farewell dinner as they go out to Arquèves for a month’s rest tomorrow night. Jolly evening. Anderson returned to gun position. Maj. Nickalls became O.C. Brigade until Colonel West returns. Rode into Sailly in the afternoon with Nickalls and Fowler and had some "Phiz"!
Thursday November 25th 1915.
Cold day, but fine, except for occasional snow. Heavy bombardment by 9.2 inch and 6 inch and 18 pounders at front of Gommecourt wood. Fine sight. At 1 a.m. 6th Gloucesters sent out bombing party of 100 men. Fifty remained in reserve and two parties of 25 advanced up to German trenches near Gommecourt Fort. Right-hand party were held up by German wire and heavily bombed. Other party entered trenches near Fort and bombed, bayonetted and shot about 100 men. Minimum estimate of killed forty men, two officers. One prisoner taken. Our 18 pounders gave excellent support to the attack, and Germans retaliated with their artillery, but we only had one casualty Captain Irvine being killed. Bad luck as he was to go on leave tomorrow. Our casualties in the assault were two officers wounded and two men killed and 18 wounded. The party got back safely after a most successful assault.
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Friday November 26th 1915.
Bassett returned from leave. Maj. Nickalls went on leave. Captain Lewis (4th Gloc) came into tea and dinner. I had a drink at their H G [?Q] in the morning. Fine day. Very cold. Went round to see 6th Gloc. after their assault last night. Everyone very pleased about. Quiet day. Saw many wounded being carried away from German lines during the morning. 10th London battery took over from 4th Battery last night. Pretty rotten crowd! The prisoner captured by Gloucesters yesterday stated that the front of Gommecourt wood was held at night and day by one and a half companies of infantry. Our men discovered that the Redoubt in south corner (where they attacked) was connected up with men's dug outs by subterranean passages, so that in case of a fight all men could hold this post. Apparently our sappers intended to blow it up, but owing to the fact that they were with the party who got held up in the wire, they did not get in to do so. Understand that Lieutenant Price, who led the party which got into trench, did excellent work accounting for 15 men by himself. He was wounded just at the finish. He was the first into the enemy trench and last out. Good work. The Germans used one or two gas shells when retaliating, but they did no harm although the smell was unpleasant. They put one 4.2 inch straight into our observing station but luckily none of us were there.
Saturday November 27th 1915.
Cold morning but fine. Went up to Right section gun pits. Captain Grey 10th London battery and Lieutenant Fowler called into tea. Felt rather seedy.
Sunday November 28th 1915.
Cold day and wet. Felt very seedy. Observed in
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afternoon, 10th London battery firing. Trenches bad.
Monday November 29th 1915.
Went to bed seedy. Willie [Anderson] had a couple of "Laggis" [Haggis] sent him, so invited the Dr in to dinner. The "Laggis" quite good. Had a temperature. In spite of feeling seedy, quite a good evening.
Tuesday November 30th 1915.
Miserable day. Stayed in bed all day and felt quite queer.
Wednesday December 1st
Wet day, stayed in dug out all day.
Thursday December 2nd 1915.
Wet day.
[space in mss]
Sunday December 5th.
Went up to C.O. observing. Trenches in hopeless condition. At 11 a.m. went to Foncquevillers to observe. Rained most of the day . Withers came up to relieve me at 2 p.m.. But Colonel wished me to stay up in case we had to fire on Minenwerfer . At 2.15 p.m. Minenwerfer commenced firing. Two guns fired and the shells fell within fifty yards of us. I turned our Left section guns onto the spot they were apparently firing from, and I think eventually shut them up. They fired eight rounds. We fired 20 rounds. "Minnie" really is a terrifying weapon. However we had no casualties although it was unpleasant for us as each shell came over exactly on our line, but luckily "plus". Communication trench between Hébuterne and Foncquevillers is impassable so we now travel via the plain. I reported to headquarters when I got back, and as I was wet through hurried back
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to the dugout to get a complete change.
Monday December 6th.
Had quiet morning. In the afternoon relieved Withers at Foncquevillers.
Minenwerfer opened at about 3:30 p.m. firing from point about 400 yards from observation post and in direct line for us. I was able to see the flashes of the gun, and of course watched each shell the whole way. I got Left section onto the spot quickly and fired 37 rounds, 20 of which must have practically hit "Minnie". She fired 18 rounds in all, so for about an hour we had quite a battle royal. We were again lucky not to get hit as shells fell all round O.P.. The infantry are absolutely terrified of this gun, and certainly the explosion of the shell is terrific and has big moral effect on troops. It simply poured with rain all the afternoon and I got soaking wet. Got back about 6 p.m.. Went and had bath and got a complete change. Afterwards reported shoot to HQ.
Tuesday December 7th.
Went observing at Foncquevillers in the morning. Quiet time. They fired about 16 rifle grenades near the barricade. Withers relieved me. Had quiet evening. Second Lieutenant Burke was attached to us for a fortnight. He seems very decent lad and a "gentleman" a change from our usual "attachments". Ma.j Nickalls returned from leave.
Wednesday December 8th 1915.
Went up to Foncquevillers observing in the morning. Nothing doing. In the afternoon Maj. and Burke went up there to fire at barricade. "Minnie" opened whilst they were there and fired about six rounds.
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fine day for a change, but rained again in the evening.
Thursday December 9th.
Major made me go to bed in the morning as my cough was very bad. Felt rather seedy in the evening. Wet day.
Friday December 10th
stayed in bed most of the day, and indoors the rest. Cough bad..
Saturday December 11th
Captain Anderson went on leave. I stayed in all day. Wet day.
Sunday December 12th
Day of hate. Both sides shelled quite heavily. Maj., Colonel, and Burke went up to Foncquevillers in the afternoon and "Minnie" opened near them. They apparently got "cold feet" and took to cover as quickly as possible. However we fired on registered lines and probably did a lot of damage. We fired 64 rounds in all. I had to stay in bed most of the day, but felt a little better.
Monday December 13th
Fired 15 rounds from "roving" Gun (A) and 15 from Left section. Retaliation for "Minnie". Fine day and cold. Very welcome change. Dr Davidson decided I ought to go away from a week's rest, so at 6 p.m. I left Hébuterne in motor ambulance for field hospital at Louvaincourt, arriving there about 7 p.m.. Several officers convalescing there. It's really a splendid place. An old Chateau with all pictures and furniture still remaining. I dined in the billiard room and afterwards played a rubber of bridge. Fine fire. Then to bed. My cough was troublesome last thing.
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Tuesday December 14th
Cough troublesome all-night. Very frosty morning. Had to stay in my room until mid day. Amused ourselves on billiard table, gramophone etc until midday. [sic.]
Wednesday December 15th
Cough troublesome all night, but felt quite fit in myself. Usual day indoors.
Thursday December 16th
Crockford and Davidson went back to duty. Padre called. 48th divisional band played outside Chateau. Quite good.
Friday December 17th
Wet day. Caldicote came in here. Cough better.
Saturday December 18th
Cough much better. Dr Davidson called in the evening and took me out to dine with him at the Café du Centre. He is going on leave.
Sunday December 19th.
Cough rapidly disappearing. Went for a walk in the morning. Very cold, but beautifully fine.
Monday December 20th.
Return to Sailly by car at 11 a.m. and walked back to the battery after having a drink with the 5th Sussex. Stayed in dug out all the afternoon. Wet day.
Tuesday December 21st.
Inspected dugouts, gun pits and billets in the morning. Went up to observe in afternoon. Had big shoot at Gommecourt cemetery and second line trenches firing 80 rounds. Most successful. Colonel watched and said it was about the best shot he had seen out here. Wet day.
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Wednesday December 22nd
Willie Anderson returned last night and went down to wagon lines this morning. Stayed in dugout all day as Major was away. Wet day and things very quiet. Lloyd came into tea.
Thursday December 23rd
Went up to Right section pits in the morning. In the afternoon went to Foncquevillers and fired 80 rounds at trenches along Gommecourt Wood. After a few rounds Minenwerfer started and broke our telephone wire after I had fired 33 rounds. No communication with Battery, but Major carried on, and we had quite a good shoot. Called and saw Malin in Foncquevillers .
Friday December 24th
In the afternoon went up with Colonel and fired 33 rounds at trenches round Sans Nom farm. Quite good shoot to begin with, but finished poorly. Observed from S.T. Withers was "Minnied" directly we left and had a narrow squeak.. Our retaliation fire was good and shut up "Minnie".
Saturday December 25th Christmas Day.
Attended Communion service at Brigade H.G. at 12:30 p.m.. Battery fired at "Minnie" whilst we were at service. Afterwards went to midday meal with the 4th Battery. Maj Bowles and Padre also present. Had fine spread and did ourselves well. Bassett and I dashed away at 2 p.m. to fire 80 rounds at Pt .862. Rained hard during the afternoon, but we had a moderately successful shoot. Observed from S.T. 4th Battery came to supper with us in the evening. Cold meal.
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Sunday December 26th Boxing Day.
Stay indoors in the morning. Rode down to wagon lines in the afternoon. Had tea with Anderson at column mess.
Monday December 27th 1915
In the afternoon went up to observe at RP with the Colonel and fired 45 rounds at German sap and front line trench. Good shoot. Bassett and Withers fired 30 rounds at trenches near cemetery. Germans replied heavily today, and it really is to be expected as we have absolutely “strafed” them all the week, the brigade having fired over 700 rounds. Got horribly wet and muddy getting to RP as the trench in one place for about 100 yards was over knee deep in mud.. We have now finished our heavy lyddite and have only 40lb shell and different charges. Hear that we had to have the new gun practically at once.
Tuesday December 28th 1915.
Seven German planes came over this morning and dropped bombs behind the lines. No damage done. The anti-aircraft "Pom Poms" we are using are brutes as over 50% of the shells do not detonate until they hit the ground and of course they fall all over the place. Seven just missed our dug out and cookhouse! Stayed at dug out at all day as Major was at wagon lines. Fired 20 rounds retaliating on "Minnie”. Had nine blinds. Brigade dined at 4th Battery billet in evening. Very good meal as menu shows. Thoroughly jovial evening.
Wednesday December 29th 1915.
Stayed in dugout all morning waiting for aeroplane to observe but nothing doing. Several German planes up and one dropped bombs
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on Sailly. Withers fired 41 rounds at trenches along Gommecourt wood. Good shoot. Stayed in all afternoon also waiting for plane which again disappointed. I think it was too dull for observer to see. Fired 12 rounds in afternoon. Colonel Brown, Fowler, Captain Collett and 5th Gloucester ‘s Padre came in to tea. Germans and ourselves had big "strafe" all day long. Our 9.2” and 8” howitzers joined us. 4th Battery fired 100 rounds. Quite a good hate. Dull day.
Thursday December 30th.
Cold and dull morning. Major went to wagon lines, so I stayed in dugout in morning. In the afternoon went up to register several targets for shoot tomorrow. Light very bad. In the evening went into Sailly. Maj Fowler to dinner with “D” company 5th Sussex. Good evening.
Friday December 31st.
Cold and raw morning. Wet afternoon. At midday pre-arranged bombardment of enemy first, second and third line trenches carried out. We fired 96 rounds and 10 in retaliation for Minenwerfer . 9.2 in Hows and 8 inch Hows joined in. Quite a good "strafe". Marchetti came in to lunch.
1916.
Saturday January 1st, 1916.
Wet day and very dull. Saw the New Year in at 4th Battery billet C company. 5th Sussex officers came up to wish us well at mid night. Sailly heavily shelled during the afternoon and Bassett had very narrow escape 5.9 inch shell bursting 5 yards from him. He was riding "Tommy", and the horse was slightly wounded. Nothing serious. Dined at 4th Battery billet.
Sunday January 2nd.
Wet day. Observed in the morning also afternoon. Fired a few rounds and we also "strafed" Minenwerfer (30 rounds).Things generally very quiet.
Monday January 3rd.
Fine day, rode down to wagon lines for lunch. left Sailly in motor bus at 3.20 p.m to go in Div tour with 30 other officers of the Division. Stayed night at Louvencourt. Poor billet and rotten bed. Slept in small room with two other officers.
Tuesday January 4th.
Lecture on Gas by Colonel, Brigade office at 6p.m. Left Louvencourt at 8:30 a.m.and went to Doullens. Saw Pack train unloading and had lecture. Then visited A.S.C. H.Q. outside Doullens; then to Thièvres, lecture from Colonel Brown [sic] D.A.C. Then to Authie to see Ordnance Dump. Went to "Follies" in the evening. Dull and wet day. Dinner on return.
Wednesday January 5th.
Called at 6 a.m. Saw lorries from Doullens load up on to G.S. wagons at 6.45 - 7.30 a.m. Afterwards lecture by A.S.C.train; [Army Serice Corps training] colonel. Then lecture by Colonel Barling at Officers' Rest. Visited Rest for men. At 2:30 p.m.arrived at Bus (Div HQ) and had several lectures from staff officers.
Page 2.
Returned to Sailly about 6.15 p.m. Had drink with "C" company -- Sussex. Dull day and wet. Return to dugout for dinner.
Thursday January 6th.
Wet and dull day. Mild. Went up to Foncquevillers to look for Minenwerfer with officer from 8" Howitzer but "Minnie" did not fire. Two of our 4.5" guns arrived, and we said goodbye to our old 5" Hows. 12th Night.
Friday January 7th.
Went up to Sans [?] trench to look at target we have to shoot up this afternoon. Went up to shoot at 2 p.m., but the heavy rain made observation impossible, so the Divisional "strafe" arranged was postponed until tomorrow. Very wet day. Bushill and Murray came in to tea. .
Saturday January 8th.
Fine, cold day. Divisional stunt in the afternoon. I fired 44 rounds from RX with old guns. Not satisfactory.
Sunday January 9th.
Dull and cold day. Remained in dug out all the morning. In the afternoon went up to shoot with Col. and Major. Satisfactory registration. Gun shot beautifully and detachment worked well. 4th Battery nearly scuppered us, as their 1st round hit big tree in our orchard and went off with tremendous explosion, breaking windows of dugout and doing much damage to wagons etc. Luckily we were all in dugout.
Monday January 10th.
Dull and cold day. Gun drill with new
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guns. In the afternoon fired 18 rounds registering three targets. From new O.P.. Had 11 Blinds. Fuze No 44. Dined at 4th Battery in the evening. Bushill came over.
Tuesday January 11th
Went observing at Foncquevillers and registered left section guns. Cold day and wet.
Wednesday January 12th.
Left Hébuterne with Collett at 7:20 a.m. Rode to Sailly and joined Bus there and party of officers. Went to Corps H.Q. Marieux. Had several lectures afterwards went up to Flying Ground and looked round planes. Three officers got a ride. Drove to Doullens for lunch. Wet day. Collett and Baderch called at dugout.
Thursday January 13th.
Fine day. Very windy. Maj. and Withers fired on trenches at Foncquevillers. Enemy shelled observation station heavily in return (about 150 shells), but luckily no one was hurt.
Friday January 14th.
Fine and cold day. Observed in morning. Registered in the afternoon with Bassett. Things quiet. Wrote contribution "Minnie" to 5th Glos. Gazette.
Saturday January 15th.
Rode into Sailly to see the Field Cashier. Dull day.
Sunday January 16th.
Dull day. Went up to observe in the afternoon. Right section gun pits in the morning. Anderson and Withers fired at Rossignol and La Louvière registering
Page 4.
Monday January 17th.
Dull day. Cold and rain. Observed in morning. Fired 6 rounds at corner of B. [Bois] Rossignol. Quiet afternoon and evening.
Tuesday January 18th.
Observed in morning. Mild day, but dull and drizzly. Misty. Anderson fired 22 rounds in afternoon. Had lunch at H.Q. Heard that Captain Jesson had been awarded the D.C.M. Very pleased. Col. and both Majors recommended in dispatches. Quiet evening. Had Jesson into dug out to drink his health.
Wednesday January 19th.
Fine day, plenty of sun and spring-like. In the morning observed with Col. and Major. Observed in afternoon. Weather colder. Lecture by Col. in evening. Much aeroplane activity.
Thursday January 20th.
Poor Jesson was killed by a stray bullet at 7 a.m. Everybody very upset. Funeral at 4 p.m. Went observing in the afternoon. Fine day sun, but windy and cold.
Friday January 21st.
Observed in the morning. Helms came here in the afternoon. In the evening Major Fowler and I went to dinner with C company, Sussex Rgt at Sailly. Played poker afterwards. Dull day.
Saturday January 22nd.
Came down to the wagon lines for 4 days. Quite a nice day. In the evening Maj. Fowler and I rode to Thièvres to see some boxing. Very good show, afterwards dined with D.A.C. Col. Brown's birthday. Excellent dinner. Music afterwards. Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Stunt at gun position. Battery fired 137 rounds and did some excellent shooting.
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Sunday January 23rd.
Usual work at Wagon lines. Saw Saunders in the morning. In the afternoon Major rode down and I went in to Authie and had a drink with him. After dinner I played poker at 3rd Brig and Col [Column] mess. Bad evening. Beautiful day.
Monday January 24th.
Dull day. Rained all the afternoon. Usual work. In the afternoon 4th S.M. Brig. played 6th Glosters in the Fanshawe Cup. They won 2-0 after a splendid game. Over 2,000 spectators. Went over to see the “Curios” at Bus in the evening. They are very good and will soon equal the “Follies”.
Tuesday January 25th.
Germans bombarded us very heavily last night and we had to send three loads of ammunition at 4 a.m. They also made small attack and entered our first lines at one point capturing a Lewis gun. Beautiful day.
Wednesday January 26th.
Beautiful day. Rode over to Doullens in the morning. Lunched at the “Quatre Fils”. Met two fellows who went shopping with me. Bought a lot of things including boots. Called at D.A.C. for tea on my way back. Went out to dinner with the 3rd Am Col. Played Bridge. Good evening.
Thursday January 27th
Major rode down at midday. I rode back with him in the evening. Anderson’s birthday. Had a splendid dinner.
Friday January 28th.
Major went down to take over A.C. for a fortnight. I observed in the afternoon. Mark Field came over to take charge of Battery
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for a fortnight. Had gas alarm in the evening, and all wore helmets for about half an hour. Fired several rounds.
Saturday January 29th.
In the morning went round to H.Q. with Mark. Heard there was to be an “enterprise” all along the line commencing 2.30 a.m. tomorrow morning. Went up to Foncquevillers to arrange wire a special observation post. Got back to lunch at 3 p.m. Had 2 hours sleep and at 1.15 a.m. went up to O.P. with Bdr Battson. 5th Warwicks could not attack owing to thick mist, but 6th Gloucesters and 8th Worcesters all went out. Unfortunately mist hampered them, and they did not enter enemy trenches. We fired heavily into Gommecourt Wood. All divisional artillery active. Got to bed at 6 a.m. Very tired. Gas alarm in the morning.
Sunday January 30th.
Slept fairly late. Had slack day. Dull and misty. Went ratting in the afternoon – Good sport. Quiet evening. Gas alarm in afternoon.
Monday January 31st.
Dull and cold day. Went observing in the morning. Fired 6 rounds registering new right line for “C” gun. 4th Battery billet hit by shell and one man killed and one wounded. Bassett returned from wagon lines . Quiet afternoon.
Tuesday February 1st.
Beautiful day. I observed in the morning . Things quiet. Anderson and Mark fired 80 rounds on enemy trenches in front of Foncquevillers.
Wednesday February 2nd
Went observing at S.T. [not identified] in morning. Quiet day. Found spot from where we could see
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along wood road into Gommecourt village. Quiet afternoon. Fine day, cold.
Thursday February 3rd
Went up to Foncquevillers in the morning. Shot up two targets, pointed out by the infantry. Fine day, cold.
Friday February 4th.
Wet morning. Stayed in dugout. In the afternoon weather cleared, and we had swell stunt. Afterwards I had an excellent shoot at fort edge of Gommecourt Wood where work was being done. Completely smashed up timber and also portion of trench. Also fired a few rounds during evening and night.
Beautiful morning. Stayed around dugout in the morning. In the afternoon observed. Saw working party and timber in German trench in Gommecourt Wood, so turned on them and had a most successful shoot, completely smashing up timber and playing havoc with trench and dugout. Gun shot beautifully. Very good day for observing.
Sunday February 6th.
Went up observing in the morning. Shot at working party in wood and dispersed them, first shell bursting only 10 yards away. No further work observed. Beautiful day. Stayed indoors during afternoon. Went over to 4th Battery billet after dinner and played Cheap poker. Duncan and Lloyd there. “D” Battery from 37th Div attached to our brigade until the end of war.
Monday February 7th.
Rode down to Wagon lines through Bus
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with Fowler. Beautiful morning, but dull and wet in the afternoon. New battery came down to wagon lines. Observed in the afternoon. Mark had a most successful shoot at machine gun emplacement and completely smashed it up and also badly damaged another. Our machine gun turned on to this spot at odd intervals during night.
Tuesday February 8th.
Fine day. Went up to Foncquevillers with Bassett and Col. in the morning to see some new gun pits we may have to take over. They are a fine job and I shall be glad to go there if required. Germans had a heavy "hate" all round, to which we replied. I think they've got some additional artillery up. One or two casualties in the division. Anderson obtained direct hit on trench mortar. Two engineers and one infantryman killed.
Wednesday February 9th.
Beautiful day. Observed in morning. German artillery very active and bombarded Hébuterne and reserve and first-line trenches heavily all day. Luckily no casualties, although they must have put over quite 3,000 shells of all sorts. Infantry "very windy". Went to dinner with H. G. S. and playing bridge afterwards. Infantry Sgt.Major killed and several other casualties.
Thursday February 10.
Fine day. Froze hard all last night. Germans very active again, and shelled Hébuterne very heavily. We retaliated on Serre, Puisieux and Gommecourt. Walked up to right section pits in the morning. Observed in afternoon. Large number of aeroplanes up. One or two small tussles. We had shoot with aeroplane observation. 5 machine-gunners killed, and
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one wounded. (Gun knocked out) Lieutenant Bingen (5th Sussex) and an officer in the Bucks killed by 5.9 inch shell.
Friday February 11
Wet day and miserable. Observed in the morning. German artillery again active. Our telephone wire broken in six places. We are doing practically no retaliation, I cannot understand why. Total casualties for the last four days shelling, amount to about 15 killed (2 officers) and a lot of wounded (including 1 officer). It's getting a bit serious, and we are having awful hard luck as practically all the shelling is unobserved. It is estimated Germans have fired 10,000 shells since Tuesday morning. Infantry Sgt Major killed.
Saturday February 12th.
Rode down to wagon lines to lunch with Major. Afterwards rode over to Authie and had tea with D. A. C.. Got back to billet about 6 p.m. Fine day. German activity less than the past few days, but still fairly heavy.
Sunday February 13.
Rode down to wagon lines with Major Fowler. Had lunch at Column Mess. Germans shelled Hébuterne heavily at 10 a.m. Went to Louvencourt in evening. Had dinner with A.S. train HQ. Good evening Slept in Louvencourt.
Monday's February 14th.
Caught 5:45 a.m. train from Louvencourt station.
Tuesday February 15.
Leave Havre. Arrive London about 11 a.m. Bath shave etc, and then go to city. Get some money and if possible see way to Wellings and Wallis. Lunch with M. Scala Theatre or Queens Hall. Tea and dinner.
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Wednesday February 16.
Call and see Miss Atkins. Meet Madge. Lunch with Marjorie and Gladys. Tea with Madge. Dinner with Phil and Edith. Home. Meet Madge at 12:30 p.m.at Hatchetts Restaurant.
Thursday February 17
Leave.
Friday February 18
Leave.
Saturday February 19th.
Leave
Sunday February 20th.
Leave.
Monday February 21st.
Leave.
Tuesday February 22nd.
Left Waterloo at 4 p.m. Left Southampton 7:30 p.m. Got to sleep in berth.
Wednesday February 23rd.
Very cold night. Arrived Havre at 2a.m. and entrained. Snowing hard. Cold journey. Arrived Louvencourt 9:30 p.m. Motor lorry to Authie. Roads absolutely frozen stiff, so was I. Had a drink with 1st Brigade A. C.. Slept on brick floor.
Thursday February 24.
A ride in motor car from Authie to Sailly, and on to Hébuterne. Found Anderson had gone to Anti-Aircraft course, and Major temporarily in charge of Brigade, so I am temporarily O.C . Battery. Things very quiet out here at present practically no shelling, I suppose owing to the snow. Dined with H. Q. S.. Lunch with 4th Battery.
Friday February 25th 1916.
Very heavy fall of snow all day, and freezing hard. Observation practically impossible
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Saturday February 26th 1916.
Nothing doing.
Sunday February 27th 1916.
Snow. Nothing doing.
Monday February 28th 1916.
Snow. Nothing doing.
Tuesday February 29th 1916.
Very cold. Nothing doing.
Wednesday March 1st 1916.
Cold day. Nothing doing.
Thursday March 2nd 1916.
Fine day. Heavy thaw, trenches awful. Nothing doing.
Friday March 1st 1916.
Cold day. Nothing doing.
Saturday March 4 1916.
Snowed hard all day long. I went up in the afternoon to try and observe, but found it impossible so came in again. Dull day. Things very quiet.
Sunday March 5th 1916.
Snowed during night, but fine day with plenty of sunshine. Went to Communion service in HQ cellar. About 1 p.m. German's heavily shelled old gun pits on the plain with 5.9 inch Hows., putting over about 300 rounds quickly. Luckily the pits are not occupied and no damage was done. Browett and I walked up to see the damage afterwards. Had a bath.
Monday March 6th.
Heavy snow overnight and during the morning. Afterwards beautifully fine. Went observing in the morning and had some interesting shooting. Quiet day. In the afternoon went up to Sonis trench with Major, and fired a few rounds.
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Tuesday March 7th.
Heavy frost overnight. Nice morning. Went up to look round the front with Major. Rode into Bayencourt to get some things from Canteen. Had Right section in to a smoking concert in the evening. Quite amusing.
Wednesday March 8th.
Cold day and snow. Observed in afternoon. Prepared estimate for timber etc for new gun pits.
Thursday March 9th.
Cold day and some snow. Did drawings for new pits, plans etc.
Friday March 10th.
Dull and cold day. Went observing in the morning. Fired at M.G. [machine gun] Bad shooting. Stayed indoors in the afternoon. Left section came in to the dug out for a smoking concert in the evening. Leather came in to dinner. Send [sic] sketches for new pits to C. R. E.. [Commander Royal Engineers]
Saturday March 11th.
Dull and cold day. Went up to new pits in morning and did a little digging. Stayed in the dug out during afternoon. In the evening heard heavy firing for several hours some few miles to our south.
Sunday March 12th.
Beautiful day. Warm and sunshine. Went up to Right section pits in the morning also inspected ammunition. Stayed at dug out all afternoon. Brodribb, Jack and Lucas came in for dinner.
Monday March 13th
Beautiful day. Warm and sunshine. Observed in the morning, and had some shooting.
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"Boche" strafed round O.P. rather heavily. A D.A.C. man attached to us for digging was killed and Gunner Lauriston wounded by shell from 18 pounder battery. Premature. Damned bad luck.
Tuesday March 14th.
Fine day went up to new pits in the morning. Observed in afternoon. Did some shooting. 4th Battery had premature which killed one of the detachment and wounded another. Rotten luck.
Wednesday March 15th.
4th Battery man wounded by shrapnel. Rode over to Colincamps for a Court Martial. Lunch with Gloucester artillery HQ. Beautiful afternoon.
Thursday March 16th.
Rode down to wagon lines in afternoon to arrange about collecting timber from Sailly tomorrow -- Friday.
Friday March 17th.
Rode into Sailly at 7 a.m. to take charge of timber collecting party. Stayed there till tea time. Lunched with 5th Glos. Collected 14 wagon loads of timber for new pits and delivered them. Fine day.
Saturday March 18th.
Stayed in dug out during morning. Fine day. Observed in afternoon. At 6:15 p.m. observed for some trench shoot (F.G. and How.) on Chemin Creux, good effort. Had previously had some shooting around the South East corner of Gommecourt Wood. Germans strafed fairly heavily all day long.
Sunday March 19th.
About 2 a.m. Germans commenced heavy bombardment of our front particularly around Chemin Creux. Battery stood to
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and commenced firing steadily. I got my horse and gallopped to the wagon lines getting there in about 30 minutes (6 1/2 miles). Got ammunition up to guns by 4 a.m.. Major very pleased. Stunt then over. Germans got into our trenches just south of Chemin Creux, but did little harm. Quiet day. Rode into Sailly to see about timber.
Monday March 20th.
Rode into Sailly about timber in the morning. Observed in the afternoon. Weather got dull and coldish with some rain. I wounded a German (riding a tricycle) with a round of shrapnel. Went to 4th Battery to dinner.
Tuesday March 21st.
Stayed in dug out during morning. Heaps to do. Major rode down to wagon lines. Col. Cossart called. Eric Green came over in the afternoon and stayed the night. Pleased to see him again. Very quiet day.
Wednesday March 22nd.
Felt very queer in the morning. Saw Doctor and was ordered down to wagon lines to go to bed for a while. Walked into Sailly with Eric Green, had lunch with him and then rode into St Leger. Very annoyed at having to miss the Divisional stunt arranged for tonight. Felt very seedy in the evening. High temp. [sic].
Thursday March 21st.
Hear 8th Warwicks entered trenches and did some good work, also brought back two prisoners. 5th Gloucester could not get through the wire. Germans
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retaliated heavily to our shellfire. Major Nickalls went home for a month's leave. Hayes promoted to be Captain 5th Battery in place of Willie Anderson who has got staff trench mortar job. I felt better this morning, but very queer again in the evening. Stayed in bed all day.
Friday March 24th.
Snowing hard. Had very bad night, neuralgia and high temperature. Stayed in bed all day. Felt better in the evening. Bassett came in on his way home on leave, but it was cancelled before he could get any further which was rotten luck.
Saturday March 25th.
Had good night and felt very much better, although cold and cough still very bad. Got up about mid day. Walked up to Battery office and Horse lines with Hayes. Fairly fine day but rather cold.
Sunday March 26th.
Fine morning. My cold still very heavy. Some rain, but plenty of sunshine later. Several people called into lunch and tea. Nothing doing.
Monday March 27th.
Went up to horse lines. Fine day, but cold. Eric Green came over to lunch and paid me 175 francs as I had won the Grand National sweep (Vermouth). Col. and Doctor also lunched with us. Had "Phizz". Bassett and Selby-Lowndes went on leave. Had dinner with us. More phizz and a cheery evening. Rained during afternoon.
Thursday March 28th.
Windy and cold day. Went up to horse lines. Afterwards rode up to Hébuterne.
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Lunched at Dug out. Rode back about 5 p.m.. Met Captain Fowler in Sailly and had a drink at their billet. Very quiet on the front for the past week.
Wednesday March 29th.
Cold morning, but fine. Went up to horse lines with Vet. Inoculated against typhoid (third time) Stayed indoors remainder of day. Developed high temperature in the evening and went to bed. Had several bad hours.
Thursday March 30th.
Woke up with fever gone, but feeling very cheap. Got up after breakfast and went up to stables. Took things easy during the day, as I did not feel too well. Beautiful day.
Friday March 31st.
Beautiful day. Took stables. Had a drink with officers of Captive Balloon at Coigneux. Withers and Major Fowler called in the afternoon. Still feel a bit shaky, but very much better.
Saturday April 1st, 1916.
Rode into Authie at 9:15 a.m. Met Eric Green and motored to Abbeville with him -- about 32 miles. Beautiful day and the ride was delightful. Had most enjoyable day. Left Abbeville at 5:15 p.m. and got back to St Leger about 7.45 p.m. Called at Doullens. The Australians (from Egypt) are just arriving at Abbeville. They look fine fellows. Felt very much better today. Said Goodbye to Captain Fowler as West Riding gunners are joining their division.
Sunday April 2nd.
Beautiful day and quite hot. Took stables
page 17.
in the morning. 4th and 5th battery at soccer in the afternoon. I returned to gun position at tea time. Bucks had patrol badly knocked about (four killed and several wounded).
Monday April 3rd.
Beautiful day. Leave cancelled again. Observed in morning. Two sergeants of the Oxford wounded by shell burst quite close to me. Walked over to “D" Battery new pits and right section pits in the afternoon. Very hot day. Seventy-five degrees mid day. Went to dinner with Collet (now Major) at "Keep Cottage".
Tuesday April 4th.
Felt rather cheap. Observed in morning. Quiet afternoon. Walked up to gun pits. Dull day and cold.
Wednesday April 5th.
Observed in afternoon. Walked round gun pits in morning. Fine but cold.
Thursday April 6th.
Observed in morning. Dull and cold. Anderson came to lunch. Walked to Foncquevillers with him and had tea with Malin. Withers went on leave. Germans had stunt in front of Serre. Heavy bombardment for one and a half hours.
Friday April 7th.
Observed in morning. 5.9 shells fell heavily round O.P.. Dull but fine day. Cold.
Saturday April 8th.
Observed in morning. Bassett returned from leave. Rode down to Div. Art HQ in afternoon and had tea there. General wants Bassett as A.D.C. Had dinner with 4th Battery billet to celebrate our anniversary at the front. Only ten of the original number left with Brigade. Fine day but cold.
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Sunday April 9th.
Inspected ammunition at gun position. Fine day, observed in the afternoon. Germans strafed Hébuterne with 5.9 inch. One burst in ruined cottage where six men were feeding, but only wounded two. Wonderful escape particularly as house fell down on top of them. Vallancey came in to dinner. Bassett went as A.D.C. to General.
Monday April 10th.
Went observing. Fine day. Walked along new trench 800 yards morning, which carries our line 250 yards nearer the Boche and was dug and wired in 6 hours last night. 1,300 men were out, 700 digging, 400 wiring and 200 covering. Really wonderful piece of work, and only one killed and about 20 wounded. Enemy plane photographed it this morning. Hayes inoculated. I walked up to R. K. pits in the evening. Gamble called.
Tuesday April 11th.
Wet morning. Spencer observed. I stayed in dug out.
Wednesday April 12th.
Rained in afternoon. Fired at hostile T.M. [trench mortar] with success.
Thursday April 13th
Bombardier Rixom slightly wounded by hostile T. M. Lucky to get off as lightly as he did. Fine day. Observed in morning.
Friday April 14th.
Remained indoors all morning. Observed in afternoon. Cold and windy day. Some rain. Enemy trench howitzer again
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opened fire on O.P. One shell burst right in entrance to dug out, but just missed Redmayne. Replied and got two direct hits in three rounds on spot. German artillery very active at night, also Minenwerfer. Fired 50 rounds at night. Eighteen pounders fired 200 per battery, quite a fair stunt.
Saturday April 15th.
Observed from 6.45 a.m. till 8 a.m.. Quiet morning. Observed in the afternoon. Hostile trench howitzer started again in evening so put 20 rounds at it quickly. 18 pounders also fired and as the shoot was most successful, feel sure we've done pretty considerable damage and probably knocked out T. M. also fired six rounds (one blind) at Minnie and apparently all were absolutely on the spot. Enemy active at night so we fired forty rounds gun fire.
Sunday April 16th.
Wet day. Observed in morning. Sniped a sniper successfully with shrapnel. Fine afternoon, walked round gun position. New pit progressing well. Wet night. German artillery fairly active all night.
Monday April 17th
Wet morning. Observed from 6.30 a.m. till breakfast. Sniped German working party, knocked two men out and blew officer’s cap off. They ran like blazes. Collected cash at Sailly, and lunched with 5th Sussex. Wet afternoon. R.X. moved
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out with guns at 9 p.m. and went down to wagon lines. I went with them. Did not get to bed till one a.m.. Wet night.
Tuesday April 18th.
Wet day. No drill order in morning. Took stables.
Wednesday April 19th.
Wet morning. Took drill order and attended stables.
Thursday April 20th.
Took drill order in morning. Whilst at watering my horse fell over backwards with me, and cut my chin and gave me several bruises. Had chin sewn up. In the evening was inoculated against tetanus. Dull day.
Friday April 21st.
Walked up to watch drill order. My back very sore from inoculation. Felt queer in the afternoon and had high temperature. Wet day.
Saturday April 22nd.
Stayed in bed until the evening. Col. Brown came into dinner. Very wet day.
Sunday April 23rd.
Returned to gun position. Fine day. R.X. returned to gun position. Captain Saunders now temporary O.C. and Lowe attached. Spencer and Withers at wagon lines.
Monday April 24th.
Fine day, Observed in morning. Went up to R.R [X?] in afternoon.
Tuesday April 25th.
Beautiful day. Observed before breakfast. Lowe went up with me. Went up to R. X. Went to dinner with 4th Battery. German artillery active. I had lucky escape. A 7.7” H.E. bursting just outside O.P. and
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one piece hit me on chest, but luckily pocketbook stopped it from entering flesh.
Wednesday April 26th.
Beautiful day. Observed in afternoon. Enemy artillery very active. Commenced digging brigade garden! Trees are all getting very green and country beginning to look quite nice. The "rash" was troublesome again. German artillery active during night.
Thursday April 27th.
Beautiful day. Went up to new pits in morning and helped in the work. Hostile 5.9 inch battery heavily shelled 2nd Gloucester position. One gun pit knocked about, but gun intact and no casualties. 157 rounds fired. German artillery active all day. 6th Gloster. officer killed by 7.7 inch H.E. near to O.P.. Observed in the afternoon., and did some firing.
Friday April 28th.
Beautiful day. 3rd Battery heavily shelled by 5.9 in. About 250 shells. No casualties and no damage done. I observed in morning. Germans active.
Saturday April 29th.
My second birthday at the front. Celebrated it lunchtime. Observed in morning. Beautiful day. Went up to new pits in the afternoon. Germans active. Heavy fighting on our right during night.
Sunday April 30th.
Beautiful day. Observed in afternoon. Checked ammunition in morning.
Monday May 1st, 1916.
Beautiful day. Heavy strafe by 29th and 31st Divisions on our right at 11 p.m., but unsuccessful. Germans shelled our front heavily, but although we "stood to" for 1 1/2 hours we did
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not fire. I went into Sailly to get cash. Had lunch with 5th Gloucesters. Met Streatfield and Lloyd and others and had some "phizz".
Tuesday May 2nd.
Beautiful day. Went down to wagon lines to Court of Enquiry. Returned to gun position for lunch. Major Nickalls returned to battery. I observed in afternoon. Fairly quiet day.
Wednesday May 3rd.
Fine day and hot. Captain Sanderson left battery to take over command of Brigade horses. Col. and I observed in morning and went up to R.X. pits in afternoon. Aeroplane shoot and fired rather a lot during day.
Thursday May 4th.
Fine day and hot. Bombardier Cox killed at L.X. position by shrapnel. A splendid fellow and one we cannot spare. Everyone very upset. I observed in morning. Funeral in evening. Very oppressive.
Friday May 5th.
Wet day. Went up to observe before breakfast. 8th Middlesex and 4th London have relieved our divisional infantry on piece of front, and 46th division have relieved Warwick's on Foncquevillers front. Understand 4th Division are coming into our Corps gain. 5th Gloucester and Oxfords still in, but understand whole division including artillery will go out for about ten days’ rest in turns. Looks like business. Aeroplane shoot in afternoon.
Saturday May 6.
Colder day and windy. Observed in morning. Called at 5th Gloucester billet in evening and borrowed a gramophone. Captain Priday came into dinner. Quiet day. Left section relieved from "D" battery pits and went down to wagon lines.
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Sunday May 7th.
Dull morning with slight drizzle. Checked ammunition at gun position.
Monday May 8th
Tenth London battery came in. Fourth battery went out to rest at wagon lines for a fortnight. R. X moved into new pits. I worked out night lines for them.
Tuesday May 9th.
Register for new position, and hit target, first shot. Very satisfactory. L.X. came up from wagon lines and into new pits with their guns. We are now firing over Creux [added over] Serres, so I have got to learn it.
Wednesday May 10th
Went up to observe at three a.m.. Misty morning.
Thursday May 11th.
Usual routine.
Friday May 12th.
Usual routine.
Saturday May 13th
Usual routine.
Sunday May 14th.
Caught bus at Bus at 8 a.m.. Motored to Havernas for fortnight's course at 4th Army Junior school (artillery). Fine day. About 50 officers on course. Billeted in tents (3 in each) pretty place. Col. Lavant addressed officers at 8.30 p.m.
Monday May 15th.
Wet all day. Several parades cancelled. Had lectures at 9.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 2.15 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m., Physical drill 6.30 p.m., Lecture 8.30 p.m..
Tuesday May 16th .
Beautiful day and very hot. Physical drill 7 a.m.. Battery driving drill 8.45 a.m. Mar reconnaissance 10.30 a.m.. Puff ranging 11.30 a.m.
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Miniature range 2 p.m.
Gun drill 3.30 p.m.
Lecture 5.30 p.m.
Physical drill 6.30 p.m..
Lecture 8.30 p.m..
Wednesday May 17th.
Beautiful day and very hot. Physical drill 7 a.m.. Mounted parade 8.45 a.m.. Map reconnaissance. Inspected harness and stables 11.30 a.m., Miniature ranging 2 p.m. Gun drill 3.30 p.m.. Lecture 5.30 p.m.. Physical drill 6.30 p.m.. Lecture 8.30 p.m..
Thursday May 18th.
Beautiful day. Very hot. Physical drill 7 a.m.. Mounted parade (Major's) 8.45 a.m.. Puff ranging 11 a.m.. Miniature range 2.15 p.m.. Gun drill 3.30 p.m.. Lecture 5.30 p.m.. Physical drill 6.30 p.m.. Lecture 8.30 p.m..
Friday May 19th 1916
Beautiful day. Very hot. Physical drill 7 a.m.. Mounted parade (Major's) 8.45 a.m.. Puff ranging 11 a.m.. Gun drill 2. 15 p.m.. Lecture 5.30 p.m.. Physical drill 6.30 p.m.. Lecture 8.30 p.m..
Saturday May 20th 1916.
Beautiful day. Very hot. Physical drill 7 a.m.. Mounted parade (Major's) 8.45 a.m.. Puff ranging 11 a.m.. Miniature range 2.15 p.m.. Gun drill 3.30 p.m.. Lecture 5.30 p.m.. Physical drill 6.30 p.m.. Making up notes 8.30 p.m..
Sunday May 21st 1916.
Beautiful day, very hot. Had slack morning and afternoon. No parades. Lectures at 5.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.. Divisional band played during
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afternoon. Physical drill 6.30 p.m..
Monday May 22nd.
Usual daily routine. Hot day.
Tuesday May 23rd.
Beautiful day. Usual routine.
Wednesday May 24th.
Dull day and heavy rain for a few hours. Usual routine. Puff ranging exam.
Thursday May 25th.
Fine day. Usual routine.
Friday May 26th
Beautiful day. Had examinations during morning. Visiting Amiens to see Camouflage Studio. Examination in evening. 200th anniversary of Royal Regiment of Artillery.
Saturday May 27th.
Exams in morning. Left Havernas at 2.30 p.m. and came by motor bus. Lengthy run to St Leger where battery is now training. Officers living in tents. We are now "D" battery 241 Brigade under Col Colville.
Sunday May 28th
Fine day. Full church parade for all Divisional artillery. Band present. I was orderly officer and got at 4.30 a.m.. Called at K. B. S. [Kite Balloon Section] in the afternoon. Went up to Sailly and borrowed piano from Benson. We gave concert in the evening at which most officers of Div artillery turned up. Divisional band played and Basil sang heaps of songs for us. I played accompaniment for him.
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Monday May 29th.
Fine day battery drill order and 6.30 a.m.. My harness is splendid and horses begin to look very fit. Had dinner with K.B.S. Lecture by Col Colville at 6.00 p.m..
Tuesday May 30th.
Fine day. Got up at 4.30 a.m. and took early stables. Battery drill order in morning at 6.30 a.m.. Usual routine all day.
Wednesday May 31st.
Fine day, but windy and cold. Battery drill order in morning. Usual routine.
Thursday June 1st, 1916.
Got up at 5.30 a.m.. Had driving drill parade 6.30 a.m - 8.30 a.m.. I was orderly officer for the day. Worked hard and felt very tired in evening. Beautiful day.
Friday June 2nd.
Fine day. Rode up to Sailly and Hébuterne with Hayes in morning to see about various additions to "Earls Court". Met Edgar Page’s brother at Balloon Section. Saw Morris Davies. The plain between Coigneux and Hébuterne is stiff with guns and gun pits. Lunched with K.B.S. [Kite BalloonSection].
Saturday June 3rd.
Fine day, but very windy. Staff despite parade in morning. Played cricket in the evening. General "strafe" all along the front
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at midnight "celebrating King's birthday. German trenches entered in several places. Played cricket with the men.
Sunday June 4th.
Dull day. Windy and cold. Staff dismounted recognaissance in morning. Quiet afternoon and evening.
Monday June 5th.
Wet morning and windy. With rode up to Sailly at 6 a.m. relieving Hayes and took charge of digging parties. Walked to Hébuterne and lunched there. Dined with B company Sussex with whom I shall mess.
Tuesday June 6th.
Very wet night and all morning. Work impossible. Men and myself got drenched to the skin. I changed at mid day. Fine afternoon and work continued. Hayes came up again so I returned to St Leger.
Wednesday June 7th.
Weather still windy and cold. Inspection of horses at 4 p.m. "B." Sub won major’s prize of 100 francs. I gave 20 francs for driver showing best pair. Driver Healey won although judges were undecided between him and driver Dyer. Horses really looked splendid, and harness is practically perfect. Played cricket for battery at 2 p.m. and football for Right section versus Left section in the evening. We won 4 nil. I got rather bad kick on top of foot. Three guests in to dinner.
Page 28.
Thursday June 8th.
Fine morning but windy. My foot very swollen and painful. Went up to gun pits in morning. Observed in afternoon. Wet at night.
Friday June 9th.
Wet day and miserable. Observed in morning. Went up to pits in the afternoon. Slept there at night. Dumped 450 rounds ammunition. Then worked until 12.30 a.m..
Saturday June 10th.
Wet day. Cold and miserable. Roads and trenches in horrible state. Some shooting. At night dumped 960 rounds at gun pits. Then worked till 4.30 a.m..
Sunday June 11th
Observed before breakfast. Dull and wet morning – brighter later on. Went up to gun pits till lunch -- observed in afternoon with Major. Did some shooting. Wet night. Slept at guns. Dumped further 546 [or 476] rounds at pits. Got to bed at 1 a.m.. The work is awfully heavy for the men just now (also officers) and I shall be really glad when we have finished all preparations.
Monday June 12th.
Rain all day and very cold and miserable. Trenches and roads in an awful condition. Really heartbreaking weather and particularly at this time when everyone is working all hours getting gun pits and shell dumps finished and generally making ready for the "Push". I observed in morning and evening. More ammunition dump at pits during night. I fired at and
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knocked out hostile observations slit.
Tuesday June 13th.
Rained all last night. I observed from 5.30 a.m. till breakfast. Fine, but cold and big wind. Miserably wet remainder of day. "Tommy" my pony was hit by M.G. bullet whilst grazing in Orchard and had to be shot. Poor little man, I loved him, and I'd had him 20 months. Completed dumping of ammunition at gun pits (3,200 rounds). I slept at gun position. Roads etc in horrible state.
Wednesday June 14th.
Wet morning, but fine that later on. Horribly cold all day stop I observed in afternoon and evening. Moved out of our dugout (which we have occupied since July 25th 1915) and went to live at gun pits. "D" battery and 4th battery took over dugout from us. Nothing yet arranged as regards accommodation at gun position so pretty uncomfortable, especially with the bad weather. Did some good shooting.
Thursday June 15th.
Observed in morning. Cold and very windy. Slept at O.P.F. at night. Did some shooting.
Friday June 16th.
Had day off. Rode down to wagon lines. Had lunch and tea with K.B.S. [Kite Balloon Section] Went up in balloon in the afternoon. Novel experience. High wind blowing. Rather misty day. Stayed up an hour and felt very ill after about 50 minutes, but was not sick, which was quite good work.
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Had dinner with Willie Anderson. Afterwards rode back to Hébuterne. Fine day but windy.
Saturday June 17th.
I observed at O. P. F. in the morning. Fine day but windy. Many German planes over. Went down to St Leger to play accompaniments for Basil Hallam at "Curios" concert. After dined with K.B.S. at Couin. Bunny [?] Jones was running the concert, which was quite good. Hayes mentioned in dispatches. Captain Wyckeham and myself were last two names to go through from Division Art. and were passed over. Better luck next time.
Sunday June 18th.
Fine day, but windy and cold. I observed from O. P. F. in morning. In afternoon Major and I went up to O.P.F. and did some registering. I did some work on map in the evening. Many German planes over and some good "scraps". We brought one of them down at Sartum. [?Souastre] I slept at O.P.F. Called and saw --.
Monday June 19th.
Dull and cold today. Observed with Major from O. P. T. in morning. Did some registering, but high wind against accurate shooting. In the afternoon walked into Sailly with Major to see adjutant. Had farewell bottle with Madame as all habitants are being cleared out of village tomorrow. Wet afternoon. Many aeroplanes ( Boche and ours) up in evening. One of our planes brought down.
Tuesday June 20th.
Changeable day. Generally signed. I did a lot of registering from O. P. T. and O. P. F. on
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our "battle" zone, firing 60 rounds. Things normal. O. P. F. finished during last night. You can see very well, but the head cover is rather obvious. One of our planes brought down between Serre and Puisieux. He had been looping the loop several times over the Boche lines.
Wednesday June 21st.
Fine warm morning, but rather unsettled look. Went up to observe from O. P. T.. Fired with Major. In afternoon fired from O. P. F. -- good light. Slept at O. P. F. at night.
Thursday June 22nd.
Beautiful day. Quite warm and sunny. Had easy day. Hayes and Major did some registering. Had church service and Communion at gun position.
Friday June 21st.
Fine morning. I went up to O P. T. and tested wires. In the afternoon had terrific storm and gale of wind. Roads and pits flooded. Water about six inches deep in our dug out. The three balloons belonging to 8 Corps were blown away. Our own balloon luckily came down just near our gun position. We deflated her and covered her up before the Boche had time to see her. One of the others (with two occupants) came down in our lines at Arras. The other one (empty) went over to Germany! Plenty of work to do as the big battle commences tomorrow.
Saturday June 24th .
Preliminary bombardment commenced. I got
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up at 3:45 a.m. and went up to O. P. T.. Major went to O. P. F. . Shot all morning till 1.30 p.m. when I returned to battery. Heavy strafe going on all round. German retaliation feeble, but they did some good counter-battery work. Battery just in front of us smashed up. Our number three gun put out of action by a premature. Corporal Hipwell, Bombardier Smith and Gunner Seaton all wounded fairly badly. Rotten luck all ways. We fired at odd intervals during evening and night. Fired in all 560 rounds during day and night. Got to bed at 1 a.m. very tired. Replenished ammunition.
Sunday June 25th 1916.
Second day of bombardment. Got up at 6.30 a.m.. Went up to O. P. F. and observed with the Major. Light very good and fine day. Heavy strafe. Boche did a lot of counter battery work. In the afternoon we brought down two German balloons, one in flames by bomb dropping from aeroplanes. Fired 560 rounds during day and night. Division on our left have Gommecourt Wood a hell of a towelling during morning. Heavys strafed Puisieux. Heard that another Boche balloon had been brought down and also an aeroplane. Walked to Sailly to obtain tomorrow's orders from Goup Headquarters. Shrapnel bullet (from premature 18 pounder) missed my head by a few inches. Replenished ammunition.
Monday June 26th.
Third day of bombardment. Went up to O. P. F. in morning. Fired 150 rounds. We sent over gas at 10.15 a.m.. Wonderful sight. Furious firing all along the line. Boche retaliated very heavily on our front and made quite good shooting. Our 15 How fired
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into Serre, and there was a lot of big gun shooting at villages behind German lines. Fine day. Stayed at guns in the afternoon. Fired 560 rounds during the day and night. Replenished ammunition. Had premature from number 4 gun. Hayes, Withers and myself were standing in direct line of fire about 30 yards away and had very lucky escape. Gunner Packwood slightly wounded also infantryman who was about 50 yards away. Luckily none of the detachment were hurt.
Tuesday June 27.
Fourth day of bombardment. Went up to O. P. F. and 4.a.m. to observe. Fired for 1 1/2 hours steadily. At 2 a.m. Warwicks tried raid, but were not successful owing to M. G. and wire. Wet day. Came down from O. P. F. at 12 o'clock. Had slack afternoon. 31st Division sent over gas. Walked tot Sailly to obtain tomorrow's orders. Had a look round French 75 inch and new 6 inch guns. Fired 560 rounds during day and night. New gun came up to replace number 3 gun, put out of action on Saturday -- quick work. Replenished ammunition.
Wednesday June 28.
Fifth day of bombardment. Went up to O. P. F. at 5:45 a.m.. Fired all guns from 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. (20 minutes interval). Heavy mist after first ten minutes and quite impossible to see shooting. At 2 a.m. we fired 226 rounds supporting raid by Warwick's, but unfortunately they were unable to get through enemy wire. Dull day. But generally fine. Hayes, Withers and Major did some shooting during day. Fired 654 rounds. Heard that attack due tomorrow is postponed
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till Saturday. I had easy day (and wanted it). Replenished ammunition and filled up establishment of lacrimatory shells (585).
Thursday June 29th.
Sixth day of bombardment. Stayed at guns pits all day. Usual strafe. We had some good shooting. Fired 560 rounds. Replenished. Fine day, but cold.
Friday June 30th.
Seventh day of bombardment. Fine day with strong drying wind. I went up to O. P. F. with Major. Had an intense bombardment for 45 minutes. Afterwards I walked round to O.P.Q and fired Serre from there and lunched there. Hallam and Dorman and Jack Nickalls came in for tea. Learned that attack would commence tomorrow. Hope to goodness it is successful. Fired 560 rounds. Replenished leaving us with 484 rounds per gun and 585 S. K. shells for battery. I slept at O. P. A. being group orderly officer. Germans rather windy in front of Serre.
Saturday July 1st, 1916.
Lovely day. The day. Got up at 4.30 a.m.. German artillery active on our first-line trenches. Major came up to O. P. F. at 6.35 a.m.. We opened intense bombardment at the time and at 7.30 a.m. infantry attacked on all fronts. 31st Division went in in front of us and got three lines of trenches, but were soon driven back again to our own lines. German artillery barrage was wonderful. 56th Division took Gommecourt Wood, but late in
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the evening were driven out again. Saw some wonderful, but horrible things (1) London Scottish running across open under terrible shell fire. (2) wounded man -- lying as dead -- in front of Serre trenches after lying there five hours crawled back to our lines (100 yards) in 35 minutes (3) German counter-attack which was quickly repulsed by artillery fire. Hébuterne (Fowler’s old billet) in flames. Germans shot at our wounded lying in the open and also used white flag. During morning we captured over 400 prisoners from Gommecourt. No further news yet come in. Battery fired about 1,600 rounds.
Sunday July 2nd.
Beautiful day. After yesterday's fighting everything very quiet today and practically no shelling. The news coming through is very scanty and not good. We have apparently lost all ground captured except just in the far south of the battle. Our losses are very heavy. London Scottish lost about 650 men and the Rangers about the same. 31st Division also lost very heavily. There are about 100 dead lying in front of Serre front line trenches. We are all wondering what the next move will be. 6th and 8th Warwicks (attached to 43th Division) for the battle lost 1,100 men and 43 officers, but fought magnificently. In all cases we could not hold trenches owing to it being impossible to get up ammunition owing to the German artillery barrage. We had two bombardments today at 3.30 and 6:30 p.m.. The enemy
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heavily shelled Hébuterne during the morning. I stayed at gun position all day. Germans sent over lachrymatory shells in the evening which was very unpleasant.
Monday July 3rd.
Another quiet day. Beautifully fine. One of our fighting planes brought down near Louvière farm. Pilot and observer were observed get up and run away. Aeroplane was shelled by our artillery. Heard today that 29th Division lost 6,000 men in the assault. I observed in the morning. Artillery fired one of their gun positions. Aeroplanes dropped flame bombs on their balloons. Quiet afternoon and evening. We got one of their balloons with flame bombs. 8th and 10th Corps now form 5th Army. Heard that we are shortening the attacking front, making northern defensive line the river Ancre instead of Gommecourt. We did not fire a single round during day and night.
Tuesday July 4th
Very heavy storm during last night. Dug out flooded. Beautiful morning, very hot. Everything very quiet. Went up to O. P. F. in morning. Withers went to Doullens and wagon lines. In the afternoon I rode down to Couin and had tea and dinner with K. B. S.. Withers joined me there. My horse (Major's chestnut) strayed away whilst we were at dinner and at present cannot be found. Have sent notice of it to Divisional Artillery; Boche was shelling Sailly as Withers and I rode back, and we had very narrow
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escape from a 5.9 inch. Bombardment at various times of the day. Also smoke.
Wednesday July 5th.
Unsettled day. Usual routine. Things generally quiet. Went to dinner with 10th London Battery. Night firing (100 rounds) Boche shelled plain heavily at night as usual.
Thursday July 6th.
Fine day. Usual routine. Infantry now carry out reconnaissance raids each night. Several wounded men are managing to crawl back to our lines. Poor devils they must have had a time. Night firing (80 rounds). Things generally quiet. Boche shelled Hébuterne heavily.
Friday July 7th.
Dull morning. We fired 300 rounds from 7.45 a.m. top 8.50 a.m. taking part in a general bombardment. Smoke was also used. Misty morning. I observed in afternoon, but little doing. Got very wet owing to heavy storms. Dug out and trenches in bad state. Major Collett called. Did some night firing.
Saturday July 8th
Fine day and windy. I observed at O. P. F. in morning. Hayes and Major rode over to Mailly to see new position and arrange about taking over. The Battery in is 31st Division: but both their artillery and infantry are moving out and our infantry are extending to take over their front and we are moving along to cover them. The district round Mailly is very pretty. We get a splendid view of Beaumont
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Hamel and Thiepval, also all places as far north has Gommecourt. Withers had dinner party to celebrate his 20th birthday which is tomorrow. Things generally fairly quiet. Mother’s birthday.
Sunday July 9th.
Beautiful day. Hayes and I walked over to Mailly-Maillet pits to arrange about taking over. Afterwards went up to new O. P. where I stayed until 9 p.m.. 4th Division infantry observers were with me 3.00 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Germans heavily shelled our trenches. Smoke was sent over by us during the day. I could see a lot of fighting going on around Thiepval, but don't know what happened. Battery came into new position and took over other batteries guns. Gun pits small and very badly built, but officers’ dug out really splendid. One main dining and writing room with two bedrooms leading off at one end and kitchen at other end. Skylight and window and walls covered with white cloth. Quite the best we've ever seen.
Monday July 10th
Beautiful morning, stayed at gun position. In the afternoon wandered round the district. Walked to Auchonvillers and then to Mailly-Maillet . Quite a good walk. Hayes blew the breeches off a Boche with one shot. The batteries I observed with at Le Gheer when we first came out have their O. P. only a few yards from ours. Rather nice meeting them
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again. Things generally quiet. Fired 20 rounds at night. Withers went up to O. P. for three days.
Tuesday July 11th.
Dull and cold morning. Stayed at gun position. In the evening called at 126 and 127 batteries (4th Division). Saw Read and Gill who observed with me at Le Gheer last year. Fired 20 rounds at night. Various small bombardments during day.
Wednesday July 12th.
Dull and cold day. Very windy. Stayed at gun position in morning. In the afternoon Major and I went down the trenches to see new O. P.. Got absolutely waterlogged - over the knees in certain places, and the mud was awful. Called and saw Withers on the way back. Did fair amount of shooting day and night. Heavy firing round Thiepval district at night. 4th Division arrested spy in the trenches, who was pretending to be inspector of M. M. G. [medium machine gun] sections.
Thursday July 13th.
Cold and windy morning. Stayed at gun position till evening. Bombardment at 6 p.m.. I went up to O. P. to relieve Withers and do three days’ duty. Several "strafes" during night. Did some shooting at German infantry South East of Serre. Put wind up them.
Friday July 14th.
Dull morning and slight drizzle. Got up 2.55 a.m. to watch general bombardment along whole front. Fine sight. 4th Division and ourselves sent over gas and smoke. Germans
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retaliated fairly heavily. 4th Army to continue advance in the South. Heard news, good progress has been made. Germans heavillly shelled O. P. with 5.9 obtaining three direct hits. We had marvellous escape from first one which burst less than a yard from me. They got over 90 in all. Did some work repairing things at night.
Saturday July 15th.
Beautiful day. Things generally quiet. I went down to see the infantry in front of us. The 38th Division has now relieved our infantry. The Welsh Fusiliers are close to us just having come up from the south where they took Mametz Wood. Their casualties were 18 officers and 400 men which is fairly light as things go nowadays. Two of our aeroplanes brought down, but in our lines. Withers went to live at battery HQ for three days doing Brigade Liaison officer.
Sunday July 16th.
Beautiful morning, but dull later on. Things quiet here. Had good news of attack further south, and greatly hope we shall be sent down to assist our infantry in a day or so. Here our cavalry (17th Lancers) got through and rounded up some Germans (killed 17, prisoners 45). First-time cavalry employed since trench warfare started. Hurrah! Returned to battery, Hayes going up to O. P.. Walked over to see Read in the evening. Got very wet. Bombardier Rixon [Rixom] wounded at O. P. by 5.9 splinter. "Blighty".
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Monday July 17th.
Dull day. Rode down to wagon lines. Had lunch with Anderson. Saw Col Brown, Major Fowler, Padre and Wykeham. Rode back about 7 p.m.. Called at K.B.S . Quiet day. No further news through from south.
Tuesday July 18th.
Dull and wet day. Stayed at gun position. Quiet day. Nothing much doing.
Wednesday July 19th
Beautiful day. Very hot. Major and I rode to Courcelles [Courcelles-au-Bois] and motor bus from there to see new positions we are taking over in front of Albert. Walked from Albert to Aveluy wood. O. P. at top of highest tree, very obvious and most uncomfortable. Walked back to our gun pits. Hot work. The church at Albert is a wonderful slight with the gilded statue of "Virgin holding child on top of spire leaning over at more than 90 degrees owing to shell fire. The legendary belief is that when it falls, peace will be declared. Heard later that we are to take over different gun position nearer Ovillers and La Boiselle for the attack on Pozières. We are relieving the 12th Division gunners and are being relieved by 38th Division gunners.
Thursday July 20th.
Beautiful day. Went down to wagon lines in morning to see about billets for gunners and officers also [who] come down tonight. Rode to Section to get some cash. Lunched with Anderson. Had tea with Dorling. Withers and I dined with K.B.S. Bassett came in. Had
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to work until 1 a.m. as we leave early tomorrow morning. Beautiful day. 5th Gloucester's attempted to capture line of trenches in front of Pozières, but failed.
Friday July 21st.
Got up at 3 a.m.. Battery moved off at 5 a.m. Major and I came down by motor bus. Walked from Albert to new gun position. The mass of guns here is marvellous, practically every inch of the country being covered. Four 8” and 4 9.2” are in the open just behind us. Went up to observe at former O. P. in old German trenches at La Boisselle. The havoc brought by our shellfire is indescribable. Our troops are right up against Pozières and everyone ignores the enemy and the whole district of Ovillers and La Boisell is covered with men walking about in the open. It's a wonderful sight. Saw a mine crater simply tremendous. Our divisional infantry and the Anzacs are in front of Pozières. Glad to be with them again. Glorious weather. The amount of material lying about is colossal. Got to bed feeling rather tired.
Saturday July 22nd.
Fine day. Major and I went up to La Boisselle O. P. in the morning, relieving Hayes. German artillery very active all day. Had a pretty narrow escape from 5.9 inch splinter. Walked up trenches towards Pozières. Full of our dead. Revolting sight and smell. Glad to come away. Came down from O. P. at 5 p.m.. Our heavies shelled Pozières heavily. Heard that Anzacs and 48th Division were to attack at dawn. Preliminary bombardment
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commenced at 8.30 p.m.. Fine day and plenty of sunshine. Went to bed at 11 p.m..
Sunday July 23rd.
Pozières fighting. Went up to O. P. at 3 a.m.. Our Division and Anzacs attacked trenches at Pozières at dawn and were successful in capturing a lot of trenches and most of the village. Oxfords and Berks held up by M.G. in one spot, so we all turned onto it at 6 a.m. and were successful in knocking it out. When they attacked at 6.25 a.m. they had the trench in a few minutes and 60 Germans ran out holding up their hands. All things considered casualties very light in this attack. Our men were consolidating trenches all day long. I returned to Battery at 11 a.m. and in the evening went up to O. P. to be on duty all night. Plenty of Germans prisoners came in. Fine day, but cold. 6th Gloucester's got rather badly cut up during attack.
Monday July 24th.
Was up all night observing. Anzacs took some more trenches at 4 a.m.. Germans heavily shelled Pozières all day and tried counter-attack which failed. 48th Division extended their captured trenches and consolidated them. I was relieved at O. P. at 10.30 a.m. and returned to Battery feeling rather tired. We captured some more prisoners. Germans heavily bombarded Pozières at night. We did a lot of night firing. Went to bed at 11 p.m.. Fine day but cold with north wind.
Tuesday July 25th.
Got up at seven a.m. and was very busy on telephone
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all morning, as Germans counter attacking Pozières. They put up a terrific bombardment, but heard that attack failed and Anzacs have captured some more of their trenches. The Berks accounted for a bombing party last night. Went up to observe in the afternoon, but nothing much doing. The shelling of Pozières this morning was the heaviest we've seen, but the Anzacs instead of being smashed by it, made further advances. Did some night shooting. Anzacs captured a lot more prisoners. We now hold the whole of Pozières and neighbouring trenches. Our fellows also captured several more trenches.
Wednesday July 26th.
Fine but cold. German artillery fairly quiet all morning. Went up to observe and had a walk round as infantry have now advanced too far for us to reach them from our present position, so that we are not shooting today. We move up to Mash Valley (between the la Boisselle and Ovillers) tomorrow morning. Large number of guns are going forward. Walked over to look at enormous mine crater, the biggest along the whole front. About 100 yards across by 100 feet deep. Sausage Valley full of 60 pounders 4.7 inch guns and the Anzacs simply swarm there. One 60 pounder had a premature just as I was walking in front and badly wounded four Australians, but luckily missed everyone else. Three men were horribly wounded.
Thursday July 27th.
Got up at 5.30 a.m.. Moved guns up to Mash
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Valley at 6.30 a.m. Luckily it was a misty morning otherwise we should have been seen going up on the Albert Bapaume road. Worked all day making little shelters (not shell proof) for the men and ourselves. The 12th Division artillery are relieving us and we are being relieved by the Battery we took over from a week ago. Gloriously hot day. All our divisional artillery have moved up to Mash Valley, which is stiff with guns . Heavy dew.
Saturday July 29th.
Got up at 2.30 a.m.. Moved off at 4.30 a.m.. Beautiful morning and gloriously hot day. Watered at Louvencourt. Afterwards did direct to Amplier near Doullens where we are to stay the night. Bathed in river in the afternoon. In the evening I cycled in to Doullens and had dinner at the "Quatre Fils". Bed at 10.30 p.m.. Everyone very glad to be going out for a rest. Horses stood the trek quite well.
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Sunday July 30th.
Glorious morning. Left Amplier at 9 a.m.. Watered at Hem. Next stop Domart, for watering then to St Ouen where we are stopping for a while. Long trek about 20 miles and the great heat made it very difficult for horses and men. All officers are billeted in the town very comfortably. People seem quite glad to see us (for a change). All our divisional artillery and some Australians are here for the rest. Dined at Café which we are making our mess. Very good dinner and very reasonable. Got to bed at 11 p.m. but although clean sheets and pillow I could not sleep for a long time and much preferred being out of doors.
Monday July 31st.
Got up at 6 a.m. and took morning stables. Beautiful day and blazing hot. Hayes, Spencer and myself rode over to Hangest station and caught train to Amiens, with Mark Field, Vallancey and several others. Had really splendid dinner at Restaurant Godbert. I think one of the very best I've ever had. Did not get back to St Ouen till 4 a.m. owing to train from Amiens being about 1 1/2 hours late. Good evening. Willie Anderson heard his brother Charlie has been killed. Very sorry.
Tuesday August 1st 1916.
Another beautiful day. Very hot. Arrived at Hangest at 2.30 a.m. and rode horse back to St Ouen. Got to bed at 4 a.m. Got up at 8.30 a.m.. At 10.30 a.m. went in grooming class for officers also at 4:15 p.m.. Sweated quarts. Had bath at Factory in the village. Had tea with "A." Battery. Quiet evening and bed
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about 11 p.m..
Wednesday Aug. 2nd
Took early morning stables. General inspected horses at 10.15 a.m. I took midday stables. Rode on bicycle to Hangest and caught train to Abbeville. Fearfully hot day. Lunched at Abbeville. Caught 4.40 p.m. train from Abbeville through Noyelles to Le Crotoy, a pretty little sea side place. Spent very good evening there and had dinner at Hotel de la Marne. The tide was out so could not bathe. French flying school there. Saw good looking English girl in train and managed to speak to her. Her name is Lady Bridget Coke. Drove from Le Crotoy to Noyelles in trap and caught 11.20 train. My bicycle punctured immediately after leaving Hangest station so Hayes and I walked home (5 ¾ miles). Arrived about 3a.m. feeling horribly tired. Hayes and Withers spent day with me.
Thursday Aug. 3rd
Blazing hot day. Had slack time . In the evening we had 16 to dinner with us most of whom had been officers in the 5th Battery since War broke out and the others personal friends. Jolly good dinner and thoroughly enjoyable evening for everyone. Got to bed at 11.30 p.m. (Lady Bridget Coke is a daughter of the Earl of Leicester).
Friday Aug. 4th.
Beautiful day, very hot. Major and I cycled to Abbeville nearly 20 miles and lunched there. Afterwards got to Noyelles and then by a wee trap to St Valery. A most amusing ride. Wandered about St Valery.
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Quaint old place . Saw Lady Bridget Coke and went to their house for dinner- thoroughly enjoyed female society after so many months without it. Had to catch train back to Noyelles on the run. Very dangerous, but we both did it alright and eventually found that we were the only passengers! Got through alright from Noyelles and arrived Hangest about 1.30 a.m. Cycled home. Quite tired but thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Saturday Aug. 5th
Fine day. Got up at 4.15 a.m. Drill order at 5.45 a.m. until 8 a.m. Very tired and humpy as only had 1 ½ hours sleep and did not take my clothes off. Was Brigade Orderly Officer and also Battery Orderly Officer. Hayes went to Abbeville and Withers and Bassett to Amiens. Worked hard with horses and in lines all day. Mounted Brigade guard in the evening and turned them out during the night. Very hot day and was awfully tired all the time.
Sunday Aug. 6th
Very hot day. Church parade at 9.30 a.m. all batteries attended . Took midday stables . In the evening rode to Hangest and caught 7.5 train to Abbeville. Had dinner and stayed the night at Hotel de France. Got to bed about 10 p.m. Saw Chittenden and had drink with him. Took over new charger in place of old Zulu who goes to Spencer. Real nice horse, but rather small for me when on march, but excellent for hacking about on.
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Monday Aug. 7th 1916
Got up at 8 a.m. Hired motor car and went to Cayeux. Passed through St Valery and saw the Cokes. Lady Bridget came to Cayeux with me and had lunch. Returned to St Valery in car at 2.30p.m. Walked around with her till 4.30 p.m. when she went to Y.M.C.A. tent. I had a sea bathe and afterwards went down to the hut and stayed there until 8p.m. when the Cokes motored me back to Abbeville. Had dinner at the “Tete Boeuf”. Caught last train to Hangest where horses met me, arrived 2.30 a.m. Beautiful weather.
Tuesday Aug. 8th
Very hot day. Got up at 8a.m. Went down to horse lines and took midday stables. Busy clearing up etc all afternoon as we move away tomorrow. Watched 240th Brigade boxing competition. Had rheumatism in my shoulders. Went to bed at 10.30 p.m. Heard poor Reggie Melly killed.
Wednesday Aug 9th.
Div. Artillery left St Ouen. We moved off at 10.30 a.m. and arrived at Amplier at 7p.m. Very hot, long and dusty trek. Rheumatism in my shoulder rather bad. Slept in open. Horses stood march splendidly and not one fell out or had shoe come off. About 32 mile trek.
Thursday Aug. 10th
Wet morning, but nothing very bad and cleared up later on. Was Battery orderly so stayed in lines all day. My rheumatism rather unpleasant especially when I wake up in the morning and start dressing.
Friday Aug 11th.
Beautiful day. Did a little fishing at odd
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times. Withers and I managed to catch a really nice trout (3/4 lb) between us and had him for dinner. Hayes got broken up in landing a good ‘un and I only half hooked one and he got off. Altogether quite good fun and much better than any of the others had. Used cheese as bait. Major Nickalls went down to position in Mash Valley to arrange various things re taking over from same battery as before. Turned into bed about 10.30 p.m.
Saturday Aug. 12th
Beautiful morning and very hot day. Left Amplier at 8.30 a.m. and trekked to our old wagon lines near Bouzincourt. Badly arranged march as there were no watering arrangements. The valley is crowded with troops mainly artillery. After tea I walked over to hear Divisional Band and met Major Collett there. Had dinner with him at 5th Gloucester HQ Mess. Hear that Mash Valley has been badly strafed lately and a good many men knocked out. Last night 1 officer was killed and 4 wounded including Capt Sutherland who was up there taking over. The shell came straight into the dugout and knocked the head off one of their servants. They apparently shell with a 4.1 gun. We move up there tomorrow morning at 6.30a.m.
Sunday Aug. 13th
Some rain in the morning. Went up to Mash Valley gun position in the morning and took over from D / 62 Batt. 12th Div had big stunt last night and captured Ridge Trench which is very important strategically. I went up to observe north of Ovillers in the morning and stayed up till tea time. Hot day and trenches very smelly although cleaning up has been fairly well done wherever
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possible. Germans heavily bombarded “Ridge Trench” and we expect will counter-attack there. Our infantry relieved 12th Division. Lt Desborough (D/62) staying with us till tomorrow. Had a cheery evening and did plenty of shooting. I stayed up all night. About midnight heard that enemy had recaptured Ridge Trench.
Monday Aug. 14th. [date in margin of mss]
We kept on with steady firing until 4.15 a.m. when we stopped for an hour. From 5.15 a.m. to 5.27 a.m. went to battery fire 7 1/2 secs [sic] and I believe our infantry counter-attacked and got back some of the lost trench. I got to bed at 6.a.m. and got up again at 10.30 a.m. feeling fairly fit. Dull day and some rain about 2 p.m.. Germans very heavily bombarded our trenches N of Pozieres and it looks as though further counter-attack contemplated. Quite an appreciable amount of trenches have been captured since we were last in this spot. We are endeavouring to recover Ridge Trench tonight but our battery and group are only firing if called upon. The 4th Berks lost heavily last night. Poor Ackroyd was killed and 8 other officers. Germans use Red Cross flag each day I think to bring up food and re-enforce the front lines.
Tuesday Aug 15th
Unsettled weather, with heavy showers. Our people got back the whole of Ridge Trench and also a bit more. Observed during morning and watched their moving about in the open within 75 yards of Germans. A bombing party raided a trench at 11.15 a.m. and we saw the whole thing – even to the bombs in the air – through the telescope. The Germans soon appeared in strength
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in the trench and nothing further happened. Col Brown and Willy Anderson came up to tea and lunch. Felt very depressed all day and don’t quite know why, although I think the smell of dead in the trenches and the sight of rotting bodies covered in loathsome flies is enough to get on one’s nerves in time. Another small attack fixed for tonight. I went to bed at 10.30 p.m.
Wednesday Aug. 16th
Got up at 3.30 a.m. relieving Major on the phone. We fired 30 rounds an hour all night long on a communication trench. Apparently our infantry got the trench, but could not hold it. Beautiful morning, fresh and clean. I relieved Spencer at O.P. until 5.20 p.m. Saw Germans using open C.T. [communication trench] and got on to them with 4 other batteries. Withers saw about 150 of them afterwards and six batteries got on to them causing great damage. Went to bed at 10.30 p.m. as we were given a night free from firing. Occasional showers. Our 8” and 9.2” hows fired intense fire for hours in the afternoon. Wonderful sight.
Thursday Aug. 17th
Went up to the O.P. at 7 a.m. Beautiful morning, sunny and fresh. Fairly quiet morning. German aeroplane hit by our anti-aircraft guns and burst into flames falling about 10,000 feet. Wonderful sight! I expect the occupants were roasted to death before they reached the ground. Poor devils. Went for a walk to Pozieres during the evening but did not get right up as the Germans started very heavy bombardment. Was caught by very heavy shower and got
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wet through. The dead are still lying about on the main road and are a ghastly sight and smell. Several German burying and stretcher parties working under Red Cross flag. Their casualties must be very heavy. Received S.O.S. signal at 10.30 p.m. and opened intense fire. Don’t know what is happening at present. Fine but showery.
Friday Aug. 18th
Went up to O.P. at 6.30 a.m.. Fine morning. Did some good shooting. Registered targets along trench for the afternoon attack. Went down to trench and then came up to O.P. again at 3p.m. Attack commenced at 5p.m. and was a fine sight. The 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Warwicks carried it out. The 6th Warwicks went over in two waves and the first wave were practically across the open before our artillery barrage opened. The Germans did not get a machine gun to work on either wave and they got through with practically no casualties. They did splendidly and I saw the Germans surrendering in big numbers. We gained our objectives and took 400 prisoners, altogether it was most successful. The night was spent in consolidating trench won. The artillery fire was terrific and very accurate.
Saturday Aug. 19th
Congratulatory message received from Corps, Div and Anzac Generals. Further progress made by bombing parties. I observed in the morning and it was very interesting watching various local scraps in the trenches. The reinforcements (Derbys) are a pitiful lot and its all our infantry can do to get them to fight. Blast ‘em. Showery
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morning. Germans holding trench 79 strongly all day. In the evening I walked round some of the captured trenches with Vallancey and Redmayne and collected some souvenirs. Enemy shelling them fairly heavily. One man killed by 5.9 (and left lying in trench) just before I passed the spot. Smell in trenches pretty bad.
Sunday Aug. 20th
Beautiful morning . Went observing at lunch time. Corps Commander and Corps Art. Commander with General Ward came round to inspect gun position. He congratulated Major and all of us very heartily on our shooting, in fact said all the nicest things imaginable. I observed until 7p.m. and the Germans shelled very heavily on our left during the evening. One 5.9” burst near us and lifted a dead man right up and threw bits of him all about the place . The stench was awful. Two shells burst very close and smothered us all with dust and splinters. Saw no Germans in the trenches, but expect they’re lying doggo. Hayes went back to D/240 and Spencer went to trench mortars. I became acting captain of the battery, and Mathieson and Newman joined us as subalterns. Got to bed at 11p.m. Heavy firing during night and we captured a bit more trench.
Monday Aug. 21st
Beautiful morning. Went up to observe. At midday 6th Glocs and 7th Worcs went over the parapet to take trench 79. Both waves got to the trench without mishap but found the Germans in great strength. However they reached and kept pt 79, but I believe had many casualties in the trench
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fighting. I saw the German snipers kill four outside the trench, but these were all the casualties obtained outside. Our shell fire must have accounted for a lot of them. Germans put up very heavy artillery barrage, but luckily no shells fell in my bit of trench. I was relieved at 1.30p.m. A small party of 8th Worcs dashed across at 3p.m., but were caught by M.G. fire and and were practically wiped out. In the evening (6p.m.) the 144th Brigade (4th and 6th Glos and 7th and 8th Worcs) attacked and captured two lines of trenches towards Thiepval . Very fine sight and very few casualties. Altogether a hard and exciting day.
Tuesday August 22nd.
Six Gloc. suffered heavily yesterday. We captured 170 prisoners. Enemy bombed us out of a small portion of trench at 5 a.m., but counter bombing attack which continued all morning drove them out again. I observed in morning and did some good shooting at Germans in the open. I think we scuppered a few. Beautiful day. Understand from the infantry officers that the Derby recruits are the limit and absolutely unreliable – the Swines.
Wednesday August 23rd.
Fine day. Stayed at gun position in the morning. At 1 p.m. went up to observe. 3 p.m. Oxford and Bucks's attacked trench 79 and others. Artillery barrage perfect, but Germans in very big strength and altho’ we got into the trench alright, could not hold it. Very hard fighting indeed. German artillery very active. Hostile aeroplanes flying low all morning and as a result our gun position
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was heavily shelled by "Jack Johnson" all day and evening. Shells burst all round us missing gun and dug out by feet. Major's dug out smashed by shell and all his kit destroyed. Also several others. By the grace of God no one was touched. Think we shall have to evacuate position and must say I don't like going to bed tonight! We have no cover at all from shells except galv: iron roofs.
Thursday August 24th.
Slept like a top last night, the Huns having ceased shelling us at about 9.30 p.m.. Beautiful morning. Went up to the O. P. Things fairly quiet. Registered for attack in the afternoon. Saw Major Collett and had a drink with him. They (5th Gloc.) come into the line tonight. Went up to O. P. again with the Major in the afternoon. At 4.10 p.m. artillery barrage opened and 25th Divisional infantry went over the top. Splendid sight as the wind blew the smoke away from us and we could see everything very distinctly. They got into the third-line trench (Hindenburg) which was their objective with practically no loss and some very severe hand-to-hand fighting took place with bomb and bayonet. We watched about 150 prisoners come back across the open and saw several Germans bayoneted just outside their trenches. A mine was exploded by us. In all our fighting here we have had the Prussian Guards against us. Yesterday the enemy blew up two ammunition dumps in Authie? Wood. Huge explosions.
Friday August 25th.
Beautiful morning. Rode down to the wagon line in the morning and then on to Sentus {?Souastre}
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to withdraw cash and afterwards to St Leger to see the K. B. S.. Was very upset indeed to find that poor Basil Hallam had been killed day or so ago. The balloon broke away whilst he and Moxon were in it, and they had to jump out with the parachutes. Moxon got down safely but very shaken and shocked and has gone to hospital. Poor Hallam apparently slipped out of the straps and fell 2,000 feet. It's very sad indeed. I had lunch there and rode back immediately after. Got back to gun position at 4.30 p.m.. I had ridden about 25 miles and felt fairly tired as it was a very oppressive day. Fairly quiet day. Beach Thomas in the "Daily Mail" referring to our attacks at Thiepval supported by artillery who have set a model for attacks. Germans shelled wagon lines killing seven men and 18 horses luckily not belonging to our battery.
Saturday August 26th.
Fine day but showery. Went up to observe at 7 a.m.. Had some shooting. Germans counter-attacked yesterday afternoon, but were unable to get through our barrage. Fairly quiet morning. General Fanshawe was up in trenches. Stayed at gun position in the afternoon. Col. Brown and Fowler called. In the afternoon some of the 25th Division infantry attacked without any artillery support. Very risky work, but they apparently got over all right, but do not know what actually happened. Beach Thomas in the Daily Mail has a wonderful report of two attacks of ours, one by the Warwick Brigade and the other by the Glos. and Worcs. Brigades. No higher praise has ever been given to any troops since the beginning
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of the war. Still felt rather seedy. Had lunch with Major Collett and Lieutenant Winterbotham in trenches.
Sunday August 27th.
Showery day. I stayed at gun position all morning and afternoon. At 5.15 p.m. went up to the O. P.. At 7 p.m. our infantry (143rd and 145th Brigades) attacked certain trenches and went across splendidly. Most objectives were gained, but Germans held out strongly in one place and when light got too bad to see were still there. Hear poor Winterbotham was killed during the attack. Germans hit our O.P. with a 5.9 and we all had a marvellous escape as the shell fell only a foot from us. During the night we captured the Germans who were holding out during the evening and completed the capture of the objective. We took prisoners 1 officer 71 men and one M.G.. (all Prussian Guards).
Monday August 28th.
Fine morning, but showery. Stayed at position until 4 p.m. when we moved away to new position in Aveluy, I believe to take part in partial attack on Thiepval and St Pierre Division. Good gun pits, but one has been destroyed by shell fire. It was quite a job getting the guns in as we are in the middle of the wood. Batteries all round us. The 17th Siege Battery invited us to mess with them whilst there and we gladly accepted as there is no dugout available for a mess of our own, and the men are sleeping in the guns pits. Divisional infantry relieved today, and I believe have gone to Bus.
Tuesday August 29th.
Roumania joins allies. Dull and stuffy day. One of
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our aeroplanes brought down by one of theirs in turn one of our fighters brought him down, so all square. General Ward and Bassett came to gun position. General very affable. In the afternoon Major and I went up and registered a few points. It looks a very difficult piece of front to advance on and the wire and trenches look practically untouched particularly after the ones we have seen recently. Very heavy storm in the afternoon and we both got absolutely wet through. Wet night. We are observing from trench which is very wet already so will be awful later on, but hope we are only here for a few days. Lord (who was in Coventry some years ago) is in a Battery next us and called to see us. He tells me Meldon has been wounded twice. Roumania declared war on Austria and Germany.
Wednesday August 30th.
Very wet and cold morning. Went up to observe at 6 a.m. The trench is over a foot deep in water and my feet were wet as a consequence. Nothing doing. Only stayed there till 8 a.m. when I came in for breakfast. Roads and trenches in dreadful state. Went up to O.P. in the afternoon. Miserable day all day. Very quiet
Thursday August 31st.
Fine day. Major and I went up to O.P. to do some shooting. Bad light. Had slack day, in fact up to the present time there has been nothing to do in this position. Col. Cossart called at gun position in the evening.
Friday September 1st, 1916.
Fine morning. Went up to O.P. at 11.30 – to do some shooting. Good light. In the afternoon aeroplane came over to observe for us, but
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very unsatisfactory. Gunner Hughes wounded by shrapnel, but luckily only through the hand. Quiet day and slack.
Saturday September 2nd.
Dull morning. Bombardier Gilks wounded by shrapnel premature from 18 pounder battery behind us. He was asleep at the time. Nothing serious. Withers and I rode down to wagon lines and then on to Warloy for lunch. Large numbers of German prisoners working in Senlis Warloy Road, and all looked quite contented. Major did some registering in the evening.
Sunday September 3rd.
I got up 4 a.m. and went up to O. P. 39th and 49th and 25th Division attacked North of Thiepval at 5.10 a.m.. Heavy artillery barrage. Attack unsuccessful although they got into trenches without any trouble. 49th gave a rotten show and we all think funked badly and as a result their casualties were heavy. We heavily shelled several parties of Germans during the day and I think did some damage. French and ourselves, further south had very successful attack. Dull day and some rain. Had concert for the men in the evening.
Monday September 4th.
Germans shelled Aveluy Wood heavily with lachrimatory shells during the night. Three burst close to "A” guns pit and Gunner Fenton was wounded, but I do not think seriously. Altogether there were 21 casualties in the wood. Had slack day. Col Colville and Col Lord Wynford called at guns. Very heavy rain in the evening which continued all night. Quiet day. Have had a rotten time lately with mosquitoes and my face
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is all shapes and sizes.
Tuesday September 5th.
Fine morning, but wet later on. I went up to O. P. after lunch and had a little shooting, but light very bad. Huns shelled aeroplanes which came down a few days ago about 200 yards behind our O. P. Very unpleasant for us! German artillery active on counter battery work and did a good deal of damage.
Wednesday September 6th
Beautiful day. Major fired 70 rounds from No 2 gun at MG emplacement in the morning. Good shoot. Received orders to evacuate gun position, leaving guns and a guard, and go down to wagon lines for a few days. We were all clear by 6:30 p.m. Have secured plenty of tents and lorries so everyone is quite comfortable. I saw Chandler during the day.
Thursday September 7th.
Beautiful day. Had slack time. Went for a ride to Senlis in the afternoon. Had tea with Anderson. General Ward called and asked me to dinner at Divisional Artillery HQ. Good meal. Col.Cossart, Col. Brown, Major Fowler and Hayes called at our Mess. Last night Germans put 5,000 gas shells in Aveluy Wood, very many of which fell around our position. German aeroplanes active.
Friday September 8th.
Beautiful day. Quiet morning. In the afternoon we had some sports. Played football at 2 p.m. then driving competition, officers in the wheel of each team. Mathieson won in B sub team. I was a close second in D sub. Wrestling on
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horseback for the men won by "B" sub. Five furlong flat race for officers won by Major Nickalls with Matheson second (riding my horse (Sweetheart) and myself about a neck away, third on Pozières. We all started badly except the Major. The whole afternoon was quite good fun. Major's birthday. Several guests in to dinner in the evening. Quite cheery.
Saturday September 9th.
Beautiful day. Had slack morning. In the afternoon Mathieson and I started off on bicycles to go to Amiens. Managed to pick up motor lorries on the Road, and saved ourselves a good deal of work. Eventually a French officer gave us a lift in his car from Querrieu to Amiens. We left bicycles at Querrieu. Had dinner and stayed the night at Hotel de Rhine [sic] however place packed with Staff and cavalry and also French officers.
Sunday September 10th.
Mathieson and I caught train from Amiens to St Valéry. Had lunch at hotel there, and then called on the Cokes. Had tea and dinner with them. Caught last train back to Amiens arriving there at 1.30 a.m. Enjoyable day.
Monday September 11th .
Got up at 6.30 a.m. Caught train to Albert Road then walked short distance when we were overtaken by some cars one of which gave us a lift. They were carrying some Canadian (civilians) from British Columbia to the Canadian division which is now just outside Albert. They had come all that way to canvas votes! Got back to camp about 10.15 a.m.. Slack afternoon.
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Rceived notice we should be going into action again shortly.
Tuesday September 12th.
Unsettled day. Received orders to register trench for forthcoming attack, so went up to Ovillers (our old O. P.) and did so. Enemy put 5.9 shell within a yard of where I was standing. We got smothered with dirt but no one was hurt. The trench has been heavily shelled since we were last up. Went to dinner with HQ 243 Brigade (Col West) at Bouzincourt.
Wednesday's September 13th.
Unsettled day. Stayed at wagon lines morning and afternoon. Went to tea with Fowler and after rode up to guns and endeavoured to observe shooting at trench we have to register, but light was too bad to see properly. Went to dinner with D / 242. Heavy rain at night.
Thursday September 14th.
Beautiful morning. Cold and fresh. Stayed at wagon lines in morning. Went up to guns in afternoon. Registered fresh targets from observation tree. (Very high and owing to wind very unpleasant). Fowler was up there with me. Had tea at 17th S Battery [Siege Battery] mess. After went up tree again to observe. At 6:30 p.m. 11th Division attacked S.E. of Thiepval and were quite successful gaining all their objectives including the Wunderwerk. Bombardment was quite good. Saw German balloon come down in flames having been bombed by one of our aeroplanes. Dined at 7th Siege. Received orders to get our guns out of action and be ready to move off from wagon lines at 6.30 a.m..
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I rode down to wagon lines at 4 p.m. to arrange matters. Cold night.
Friday September 15th.
Got up at 3.30 a.m. and was busy getting everything ready to move at 6. 30 a.m. as we may be called on to move at half an hour’s notice. Did not get off until 3 p.m. Had very slow march to Albert as the roads are simply packed with traffic. Camped for night just off the Albert Bapaume Road near to Albert. No further movement orders yet through, although I understand we are to go forward with the advance if successful. Beautiful day, but it is getting very cold at night. Saw two big batches of German prisoners, also saw “caterpillars" for the first time. They are wonderful machines. One carries 2 six pounder Hotchkiss guns and one M.G. and the other carries five M.G. Nothing but a direct hit from H.E. shell can knock them out. One of them I saw went over this morning and showed many bullet marks.
Saturday September 16th.
Beautiful morning. Very fresh. Still no movement orders as I am told that there is no room to put the battery in. The rest of the Brigade are up near Pozières. Had very slack day. Two batches of Hun prisoners passed us. Hear that our infantry have done very well again. Yesterday I understand we captured Martinpuich, part of Courcelette, Flers and captured 2,000 prisoners also several guns. The caterpillars went over yesterday and again this morning and did splendid work. They must be horrible things to fight against.
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Apparently none of them were destroyed by shell fire. They can climb slope of 60 degrees and clear eight foot trench. Practically nothing can stop them.
Sunday September 17th.
Beautiful day. Some more German prisoners passed us. Several bands playing round here and infantry are now marching to and from trenches with them. I'm sure it cheers the men up at lot. Received orders to go up and dig gun emplacements. Took 30 men up in the afternoon. The position chosen is just near Pozières cemetery. Everywhere is stiff with guns. Very heavy shelling all afternoon and evening by both sides, particularly at 7 p.m. and I suppose an attack was launched one way or another. German barrage was very close to us, and several of the men got rather "windy" as there was no cover. However we had no casualties. We have at last taken Mouquet Farm. Returned to wagon lines at 8.30 p.m. It started to rain about 9 p.m. and continued all night. All horses tested for "glanders". Hope we are free.
Monday September 18th.
Heavy rain continues and everything very unpleasant. Working party went up to continue making emplacements at 5 a.m.. I took two G.S. wagons and went to Bécourt Wood to collect corrugated and timber from R.E. dump, afterwards took it up to the gun position, very difficult journey and the men up there are absolutely wet through. We got back with the wagons about 4:30 p.m. also soaked. I got a change all right. Heard the news that I had been awarded the
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Military Cross. Very pleased. Captain Anderson came in to dinner and we celebrated! Rained hard all day. Boche shelled just behind us each night, but quite safe.
Tuesday September 19th.
Still raining, but cleared up later. Poor Bill Wyley killed, also Major Brown and Vallancey wounded seriously. Shell hit them when they were walking about near gun position. Real bad news. Working party went up to the guns at 5 a.m.. I went up with Mathieson to gun positions at night taking up R.X. guns and ammunition. Roads in fearful condition -- had a lot of trouble. Going over narrow and slippery bridge two horses fell into trench. Got them out safely, but Sergeant Heath got badly trodden on. "A" gun went into shell hole and took a lot of man handling out. Wagon and limber also slipped off bridge. After several other tumbles we eventually finished up at 4.30 a.m. Mathieson and I slept in open. Of course it was wet and we had a very poor time. Maj. Nickalls went to bed with a temperature.
Wednesday September 20th.
Woke up wet through. Made myself some tea and got some breakfast from the cookhouse and felt quite all right. General Ward came round and congratulated us on the work we had done. I returned to the position in the evening, after registering R.X. gun from Ovillers [mis transcribed in mss] in the afternoon. The gun position is a very dangerous one. We had a lot of shrapnel over, several bursting just over number 4 pit. Luckily no one hurt. Maj. Nickalls went away to stay at a few days with the General, so I was left in charge of Battery.
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Dull day, but generally fine.
Thursday September 21st.
Newman went up to gun position. Unsettled day with good drying wind. I rode up to guns at 3:30 p.m. for an hour. In the evening rode to Bouzincourt to try and find Col Cossart, but he has moved to the Usna Redoubt. Called at Divisional Artillery headquarters and saw Maj Nickalls and Bassett. General Ward also came in. Rode back to wagon lines for dinner. Afterwards walked up to Usna Redoubt to see Cossart.. German shells set fire to large ammunition dump at La Boiselle and destroyed millions of small arms ammunition and thousands of shells. Terrifying sight. We stood watching it and a man next to me was hit by a piece of shell and had his leg broken. We were lucky not to be hit.
Friday September 22nd.
Beautiful day with good drying wind. Withers went up to guns in morning. I called at Brigade HQ for orders. Sent three horses (suspected glanders) to Candas for treatment. Withers and I took up left section guns and six loads ammunition in the evening. Unfortunately enemy counter-attacked just when we got to gun position, and we had very tricky two hours, but fortunately no one injured. Men stood the test well. Got back to wagon lines at 10:15 p.m. tired, but contented!
Saturday September 23rd.
Beautiful day. Rode up to Ovillers O.P. in the morning. Lunched at gun position. Withers and Mathieson with signallers and gun dettachments went up this morning. Observed and registered guns in afternoon. German artillery fairly quiet. It is wonderful the way our troops keep making good roads
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as we advance, and most praiseworthy. Our heavy artillery active. Dumped 1,700 rounds at gun pits. Maj. Nickalls called to see me. He returns to Battery tomorrow.
Sunday September 24th .
Major returned to battery about 9 a.m.. We walked up to Brigade HQ in the morning. After lunch we rode up to gun position and went to observe shooting of Zollern Redoubt from Skyline trench. Deadly place. Were heavilly shelled by 15 cm one of which burst about two feet in front of me as I was lying on parapet using periscope. Lucky escape. Very glad to get back safely. Fine day. Newman went up to guns. Col Brown and Maj. Fowler had lunch with us. Our wagon lines shelled at lunchtime, so decided to move nearer Usna Redoubt. Luckily no one was injured, although one shell fell among the men and cabooses. Canadian battery had 23 horses killed by one shell last night.
Monday September 25th.
Major and I called on Col. Cossart. After lunch we went up to Ovillers O.P. and registered battery on various points. Good shooting. Selby Lowndes shot a brace of partridges and presented them to ours. Withers had dinner with us, and returned to gun position afterwards. Beautiful day.
Tuesday September 26th.
Rode over to Senlis to field cashier in the morning. Beautiful weather very hot. At 10:35 p.m. 18th, 11th and 1st Canadian division attacked from Thiepval to nea Courcelette. Attack successful everywhere and three lines of trenches gained, but enemy still hold part of Stuff and Schwaben redoubts. We captured about
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1,500 prisoners. Maj. observed for the show and says it was a fine sight. We captured Thiepval in 15 minutes. I think the Hun morale is on the wane, thank goodness. I stayed at HQ till evening taking messages. Luckily our battery position was not shelled. Big push south at the same time. Went up to see Col Cossart after dinner and then on to see Maj. Daniell to arrange about tomorrow's reconnaissance.
Wednesday September 27th 1916.
Got up at 6 a.m.. Rode up to guns. Left there at 8 a.m. with Captain Haynes and Lieutenant Coleman to go on officers reconnaissance and try find O. P. in Zollern trench (captured from the enemy yesterday). Very nasty job as there is practically no cover anywhere. Heaps of dead lying around. Glad to say we got back safely. No possible observation post there. In the afternoon 11th Division attacked captured Stuff redoubt and also some trenches left handed of it. I relieved Major at O.P. at 5 p.m. and saw a good many German prisoners brought in. We now use them as stretcher bearers for bringing in German wounded. Showery day. Hun aeroplane flew over us at night and dropped five bombs. No damage done. Streatfield is now out again and called to see us. Understand that Huns were in Zollern Redoubt whilst we were in Zollern trench this morning. Glad I didn't know!
Thursday September 28th.
Fine day. In the morning I went as a reconnaissance up the Thiepval Valley to look out for possible forward gun positions. Went into the trenches we have just captured. Luckily Hun barrage was not too close. Made my
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report to Col Cossart and lunched at HQ. At 1 p.m. 18th division attacked Schwaben Redoubt and I believe captured it. It is a very strong point. Went up to O. P. at 5 p.m. relieving the Major. The Canadians are to attack Hessian trench R.H. of Stuff redoubt, but no news as to how they have got on. Col West killed in the Bapaume road whilst riding up to Pozières. We seem to be having our bad time . Everyone very sorry.
Friday September 29th 1916.
Raining during the morning. Col West buried at Aveluy Cemetery. The General and lots of other officers present. We had three volleys fired and "The Last Post". Wet day. I went up to the trenches in the afternoon. Walked round "Joseph" trench and brought back one or two souvenirs. Guns are now in position in the Thiepval valley (possible owing to the ridge being captured) and a road is being made leading right up to Stuff Redoubt. Canadian attacked on our right at midday. Have not heard result. Germans counter-attacked Stuff Redoubt at 3 p.m. and put up a very heavy barrage. There has been heavy artillery fire from both sides since then, but I don't know what has happened. We did not get the whole of Schwaben Rdoubt yesterday. Our right section moves out this evening. We are going back to Foncquevillers!!!
Saturday September 30th 1916.
Left section moved out of gun position. German artillery active. Furness and Barker wounded also three horses. A fairly quiet day. I rode over and collected some guns from a battery
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who are relieving us. We are leaving ours in the position. Went to Col Browns and played roulette. Lost!
Sunday October 1st 1916.
Slack day. Fine. Had dinner with Mark Field. Maj went to Col Browns.
Monday October 2nd.
Rode off with Leather to fix up billets at Warlincourt where we are to spend a day or so. Pouring wet day, and all ground in terrible state. Found 5th Gloucesters there and arranged to billet with Col Collett and H.Q. Battery came along later and we were all fixed up by 7 p.m., but under wretched conditions. However had thoroughly cheerful evening and thoroughly enjoyed being in a dry room and seeing a fire again. Maj Fowler called about 11 p.m. and stayed the night.
Tuesday October 1st, 1916.
Dull day. Rode to Chateau La Haye, and inspected new gun pits with the Major. Working party on them. Very good position and decent dug outs. Had big dinner with 5th Gloucesters in the evening. Fowler came along. Cheery meal.
Wednesday October 4th.
Wet day. Received leave warrant unexpectedly and left Saulty station at 7 p.m.. Waited on Abbeville station for three hours in the middle of the night.
Thursday October 5th.
Had breakfast and lunch at Boulogne. Boat left 4.10 p.m. arrived London at 9 p.m.. Stayed at Waldorf Hotel with boy named Eyton in Rifle Brigade (Shaw’s company). Went and saw part of the "Bing Boys" . Quite amusing.
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Went into City and saw Wayte. Went to "Battle of the Somme” in the afternoon.
Saturday October 7th.
Golf dinner. Arrived Coventry about 2.30 p.m.. Leave.
Sunday October 8th.
Went to church. Played golf. Leave.
Monday October 9th.
Leave.
Tuesday October 10th.
Dinner at the Herberts with Jepson and Bobby Burns. Leave.
Wednesday October 11th.
Went to Rugby and had lunch and tea with Mrs Nickalls. Dinner with Mrs Davidson and then Hippodrome. Leave.
Thursday October 12th.
Went to Birmingham and saw Furney. Leave.
Friday October 13th.
Took family to dinner at "Craven Arms". Leave.
Saturday October 14th.
Dinner at RAC with Warner.
Sunday October 15th.
Caught 7,50 a.m. from Victoria. Father, Uncle Albert and Bob Loveitt saw me off. Spent three hours in Folkestone. Beautiful morning. Arrived Boulogne at 3 p.m.. Slept during the crossing. Had tea and dinner at Boulogne. Left there at 9.05 p.m.. Arrived Abbeville at midnight.
Monday October 16th.
Slept at YMCA Abbeville. Left Abbeville at 10:30 a.m.. Arrived Warlincourt at 4 p.m.. Very slow travelling. Got lift on motor lorry to Henu. Found divisional HQ there and had tea and dinner and slept there. Divisional band played during dinner. Heard Maj Nickalls has gone on
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leave and Mathieson on a course. Walked to Gaudienpré during the evening to see our wagon lines. I am temporarily in charge of Battery.
Tuesday October 17th.
Called at 5th Glos. billet before leaving Hen. Saw Collett and Helms. Rode up to guns about mid day. Only Withers & Newman running the battery. Maj. Fowler called also Col Colville. Went up to O.P. with Withers in the afternoon. Quiet evening.
Wednesday October 18th.
Cold day. District very wet. Went up to O.P. with Withers in the afternoon and did some registering. Met Banbury and had tea at their mess. Afterwards rode into Sailly to see Col Colville and discuss matters with him. Very dark night and had rotten job getting back to Battery. Got in about 8:20 p.m. after a very hard day. Quiet evening.
Thursday October 19th.
Wet day and miserable. In the afternoon I went up to O.P. Z . with Withers to try and register from there. But found line engaged and after waiting there for 2 1/2 hours, the light was so bad that it was impossible to shoot. Felt very fed up with things. Quiet evening. Met Col Colville, Maj Fowler called.
Friday October 20th.
Went up to observe from O.P. Z at 9 a.m. [crossed out - district very wet.] Beautiful day but bitterly cold and high wind. Did some registering -- also from O.P. H.. Germans heavily shelled lane out of Hébuterne and nearly got Newman and his telephonist
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and lookout man. We just missed it. Met Maj. Fowler. Withers went down to wagon lines during the afternoon. Quiet evening. Enemy put over gas about 1 a.m. but it did not come our way.
Saturday October 21st.
Beautiful day, but very cold and high wind. Stayed at gun position all day. Had a small bombardment in the morning for ten minutes. Understand we are attacking further south. Quiet evening.
Sunday October 22nd.
Fine day. Sunny but cold with high wind. Went up to observe and register in the morning. Came down at 2 p.m.. German artillery very active afternoon and evening. Large numbers of gas shells fell all around the place and Fowler had one of his men gassed. He was very bad and we sent him to hospital. I went to dinner with Fowler and we had quite a hot time, hundreds of shells falling all around. We had to wear our helmets for about an hour and walk about half a mile in them, which was rather rotten. Apparently the Huns tried to attack from Gommecourt Wood, but were caught by our M.G. fire and wiped out.
Monday October 23rd.
Dull day. Misty all day. Had slack time as impossible to observe. Heard man gassed yesterday is dead.
Tuesday October 24th.
Went up to O.P. to observe in the morning. Did some registering. Wet day and windy. Slack evening.
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Wednesday October 25th.
Walked into Sailly for conference at Brigade Headquarters at 9 a.m.. Afterwards showed Col Colville round various O.P.s. Germans heavilly shelled battery position with 15 cm but luckily no one was hit. Nearly 200 rounds. "A" dugout had direct hit on it, but all men were in the other pits. Wet day and very windy. Enemy artillery active.
Thursday October 26th.
Major returned from leave. I stayed in with him during the afternoon. Fowler called. Wet day and very high wind.
Friday October 27th.
Wet day and very high wind. Rode into Sailly at 9 a.m. with the Major to see Col Colville. Had slack day as it was hopeless trying to observe.
Saturday October 28th.
Wet day and windy. Our gun position heavily shelled, but luckily no one was injured. About 190 15 cm. I went up to O.P. Z. with major to register. Also O.P.Q. Lines worked out very well. Hébuterne heavily shelled and we had a most unpleasant walk through the village. Went to dinner with Fowler.
Sunday October 29th.
Cold and wet day with strong wind. Remained at gun position all day. Major went down to wagon lines. Fair amount of correspondence to get through. Withers and I moved into dry and comfortable dug out as sleeping quarters.
Monday October 30th.
Rode down to wagon lines in the morning and shall live there for some time.
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Pas seems quite a nice little place, and I hope to be comfortable. Messed and slept in hut with Mottram and Sellars (A and Batteries). Very wet day. Our horses are temporarily in the open, worse luck, whilst cold standings are being made up. Divisional band played in the village in the afternoon. Dined at the local hotel. Quite a fair dinner.
Tuesday October 31st.
Very unsettled day and plenty of rain. Spent day at wagon lines. Rode up to see Wykeham re one or two things in the morning. Bassett came down in the afternoon. Had tea with him at the hotel. Had bath. Moved into comfortable rooms for messing and sleeping. Have got a "pukka bed". Got most of Battery horses under temporary cover.
Wednesday November 1st, 1916.
Wet all day. Worked in repairing horse standings. In the afternoon rode over to Orville and had tea at a French house there. Invitation from a Frenchman I met in Pas. Dined at the local hotel. All our horses now under cover.
Thursday November 2nd.
Wet morning. Stayed at wagon lines. Fine afternoon and evening. Withers came down to tea and dinner. Greenslade to tea. Bassett also called.
Friday November 3rd.
During the following fortnight I carried out usual daily routine at wagon lines. Purchased 12,500 kilos of hay for Brigade from farmers in Humbercourt. Had considerable difficulty in buying until price advanced
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from 85 francs to 90 francs per thousand kilos. Sent five G.S. wagons over every morning to collect hay. Went out to dinner several times with VII Corps supply train and once with Hubert Field at Pommera. Weather very miserable and windy, and had rather a difficulty over horses and we were turned out whilst standings being repaired. However ours looked very fit. Horse rugs issued. Went up to dinner at battery position one night. We attacked north of Ancre and captured Beaumont Hamel part of Grandecourt but failed again in front of Serre. Captured 7,000 prisoners -- splendid work considering the awful conditions. Large numbers of German prisoners live just next to our wagon lines, and are I understand splendid workmen. We employ them at the R.E. workshops and on the roads. Two of them come from Rugby. One was a waiter at the George Hotel for eight years and the other worked next to one of our sergeants at the BTH!!
Thursday November 16th
Very cold day, but beautifully fine.
Friday November 17th
Very cold day. Hard frost and strong wind. Motored to Abbeville in the morning. Met Lady Bridget. Lunched at Hotel de France. Walked up to hospital with Lady B. Left Abbeville at 4:30 p.m. and arrived at Pas at 6.15 p.m.. Horribly cold. Quiet evening. Collected hay in Humbercourt.
Saturday November 18th.
Snowed during the night. Cold morning
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with a slight drizzle. Stayed at wagon lines all day. Fresh attack carried out at 6 a.m.. Up to the present the only news is that one Division has captured 1,000 prisoners. Mathieson returned to battery. Took Morse class. Collected hay from Humbercourt.
Sunday November 19th.
Very fine day. Attended Communion service. Rode over to Humbercourt to take delivery of more hay. This completes my purchases.. Gen. Percival (49th Division G.O.C.) and General Ward inspected horses. Congratulated me on ours, which were the best in the Brigade.
Monday November 20th.
Stayed at wagon lines all day. Newman came down for lunch tea and dinner. I took Morse class.
Tuesday November 21st.
Fine day, stayed at wagon lines. In the afternoon drove over to Warlincourt to see supply office re hay. Rather dull afternoon. Took Morse class.
Wednesday November 22nd.
Fine day. Stayed at lines in morning. Motored to Doullens with Col Brown in the afternoon. Did some shopping.
Thursday November 23rd.
Fine day. Rode up to H.Q. at Sailly in the morning and saw adjutant. All wagons and limbers filled up at new refilling point near Coigneux. Attended Communion service at 2:30 p.m..
Friday November 24th.
Dull day and rain during afternoon. Continued all night. I stayed at wagon
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lines all day. Had to turn out of our mess and billets. I managed to secure another bedroom and we fixed up a mess all right. Felt rather seedy. Heard news "Britannia" (hospital ship) our largest liner had been torpedoed and sunk. (50,000 tonnes) 1,100 odd saved, 50 drowned. Germans continue to swamp Romania, worse luck.
Saturday November 25th.
Very wet day. Stayed at wagon lines. Felt rather seedy and had stiff neck.
Sunday November 26th.
Dull day. R.X. relieved from guns and came down to wagon lines. Mathieson & Newman came down with them. Had busy day fixing up billets etc. Felt a little better.
Monday November 27th
Dull day. R.X. came down to wagon lines in the evening. Maj. Nickalls took a nasty toss off his horse through pitching into a shell hole when leaving battery position and was rather queer when he arrived. Mathieson, & Newman and I had dinner at the local pub.
Tuesday November 28th.
Major better again in the morning, except a nasty black eye. Worked hard all day getting everything packed up ready for move tomorrow. Dull and wet day. We messed with "A" battery.
Wednesday November 29th.
Left Pas at 7.30 a.m. and trecked to Mezerolles through Doullens. Very cold, but fine day. Our turnout was in all ways excellent and march discipline good. Long trek. We arrived at dusk about 4:30 p.m.. Very
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comfortable billets for officers and men. Maj Nickalls left for a fortnight’s course in England, so I shall be temporarily in charge of Battery.
Thursday November 30th.
Stayed the day at Mezerolles and took things easy. Got harness and wagons well cleaned again. Played football in afternoon. Went to tea with Col Colville. Early move tomorrow.
Friday December 1st, 1916
Left Mezerolles at 6:40 a.m.. Reveille at 3:45 a.m.. We got away well to time and our turnout was in every way excellent. Long trek to Villers Bocage (about 25 kilo[m]s), but made excellent time and arrived there about 1:30 p.m.. Horses in the open. Bitterly cold day but fine. Officers and men in good billets.
Saturday December 2nd.
Left Villers Bocage at mid day for Molliens-au-Bois. Short trek. Fine but very cold. Rotten village and everyone has bad billets. Horse standings quite impossible. Mathieson & I cycled to Amiens for dinner at the “Godbert”. Splendid meal. Very tiring ride back and felt dead beat. About nine miles each way and bad roads.
Sunday December 3rd.
Stayed the day at Moliens-au-Bois. Played football in the afternoon. Dull day. B.C.s’ conference at 7:30 p.m.. Obtained particulars about tomorrow. Got to bed early. Shall be glad to leave this village.
Monday December 4th.
Left Moliens at 9 a.m. in bus with other B.C. s Right section under Mathieson
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started at 8 a.m. Long trek. We arrived at Fricourt at 1 p.m. and at once went up to Battery position we are taking over at Matinpuich. The village is of course completely ruined and the country very desolate. Took over from D/104. Played bridge with them in the evening. Too misty to observe but went up to see O. P.. Played bridge in the evening. Mathieson & R.X. gunners arrived at position about 7.0 p.m. relieving D/104 R.X.. Comfortable German dugouts for officers and men. Guns very worn and dirty. The mud at wagon lines beggars description and is up to the horses’ bellies. About three per battery per week are killed by getting stuck in the mud.
Tuesday December 5th.
Went up to the O.P. with Major Grove and did some shooting, but light very poor. Withers and left section arrived at guns about 7.0 p.m. and the other battery left position. Dull day and very misty some rain.
Wednesday December 6th.
Dull day. Light very bad and observation impossible. Did some blind shooting. Col Colville and Maj. McFarlane called at dug out. I walked around Martinpuich with Withers. Enemy must have been caught very badly here as the amount of stones and timber left about is enormous. Also many Batteres have been knocked out and the wrecked guns and ammunition lie all over the place. One 5.9 How. battery was knocked out within 50 yards of our guns. Two
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ruined tanks are here also.
Thursday December 7th.
In the morning went round to Infantry battalion and Company H.Q. with Mathieson. Saw J. Stafford. Went on to forward O. P. past Le Sars and Destremont Farm. Nasty walk to and fro as it is necessary to go over the open in full view of the enemy for some distance at about 100 yards range. Luckily Boche was quiet. Misty and wet day. Got back to lunch to 3.0 p.m.. Mathieson went as liaison officer to infantry for 24 hours. Withers seedy and stayed in bed all day. Major Macfarlane temporary O.C. Brigade in place of Col Colville -- (on leave).
Friday December 8th.
Went up to the forward O.P. with Chandler and registered Gallwitz trench. Luckily Boche was quiet again. It was very wet and cold. Got back to lunch at dug out about 3 p.m.. Went out to tea with D/40 Brigade 1st Division and played bridge until dinner time. Wet and miserable day. Misty.
Saturday December 9th.
Wet and cold day. Went up to Le Sars with Chandler and Maj McFarlane. To observe. Rather dangerous district. Up to our knees in mud and it rained all time. Was nearly frozen as we were onserving for five hours.. Light bad. It was a real treat to get a change on when I got back to the dug out.
Sunday December 10th .
Dull day and misty. Mathieson & I went up to near Le Sars to try and do some shooting, but only just managed to see one
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target which we fired at. Withers and I walked over to Canadian position (where we are taking over ammunition) in the afternoon. Hun artillery continue very active.
Monday December 11th.
Fine morning. Very cold and rather difficult land mist. Great aeroplane activity. One Boche plane forced down. Withers and I went up to rear O.P. and did some registering. Withers went up to Battalion headquarters as Brigade Liaison Officer.
Tuesday December 12th.
Dull day. Too misty to observe. Maj. McFarlane came in at lunchtime. Fowler and Brodribb and Maj Thompson called in afternoon. First two stopped to play bridge during evening. Our position shelled during last night. No damage done. Snowed during last night. Withers returned to battery.
Wednesday December 13th.
Dull day. In the morning went up to find new O.P. in front of Courcelette. Maj Thompson went with me. Very dangerous as Courcelette and all round about is very heavily shelled. We had a most unpleasant time, as 5.9 inch and 77s were falling all round and there are no proper trenches. Also we had to go across open for a good way. Very glad to get back safely. Withers went up to other O.P. to register M.G.. He had some narrow squeaks. Still on iron rations. Our position shelled during last night and some ammunition scattered about, but no damage done.
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Thursday December 14th.
Too misty for observation. Enemy shelled around gun position. Maj Fowler called, also Brodribb. Busy arranging for handing over to C/242 tomorrow.
Friday December 15th.
Withers & LX left in the morning and will wait at wagon lines until tomorrow when relief completed. Very dull day and cold. Went up to O. P. in the morning and did some shooting. Too dull to see in afternoon. C/242 sent two officers to gun position to take over, also men and NCOs. Track through gun position heavily shelled during night and one officer and 30 men of 15th Division were killed and wounded. One man left lying about 50 yards from guns until midday. Hard luck for them.
Saturday December 16th.
Completed handing over and left Martinpuich about 10.45 a.m. Joined Mathieson & R.X. at wagon lines and rode on with him to Behencourt where we are to rest. Decent billet. Very cold and wet day. Horses in the open. Men undercover but not very good. Had tea at cafe with H.Q.. Our late wagon lines are really terrible. Feet deep in mud.
Sunday December 17th.
Had quiet day. Very cold. Harness cleaning and stables.
Monday December 18th
Dull day, and very cold. Usual routine. Harness cleaning and stables. Maj Thompson (acting CO Brigade) and Captain Hobson (adjutant) came in to dinner. Cheery evening. Mathieson
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went to Amiens on shopping expedition.
Tuesday December 19th.
Very cold day. Got up at 6.30 a.m. and took early stables. Acted as orderly officer. Had tea with H.Q. Usual routine. Men’s feet very bad. Gaunt came into dinner.
Wednesday December 20th.
Beautiful day. Hard frost and brilliant sunshine. Took N.C.O.s ride in morning. Withers and I then rode over to Amiens to buy various things for Christmas. Had lunch at Godbert. Prices of everything very high. Quite an enjoyable day. Got back at 8 p.m.. About 12 miles each way.
Thursday December 21st.
Beautiful day. Withers and I rode over to Amiens on shopping expedition. Lunch at Godbert. Rode back about 6 p.m.. after quite a busy day. Brought Turkey etc for Bigade dinner and several things for the men.
Friday December 22nd.
Major returned to battery. Called at brigade HQ with him. Had quiet day. Played bridge in the evening.
Saturday December 21st.
Withers and I went over to Amiens in motor lorry. Had lunch at "Godbert". Did some more shopping. Got lift back as far as Pont Noyelles in our R.A.M.C. car. Walk from there to Behencourt. Fine day. Padre Brown joined the mess for a few days.
Sunday December 24th.
Played football for battery against A/241. Rotten ground, very wet and heavy. They beat as easily by 5 - 2. Pearce (now Captain D.A.C.) came in to tea.
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Monday December 25th.
Fine day. Took Communion in the morning. Was very busy arranging for Brigade dinner which was held at mid day at our billet. Col Colville and 23 other officers present. Quite successful. Had a lot of songs afterwards. R.X. Christmas dinner in the evening at men’s billet. Took piano down there and played accompaniments for them. Quite a good show.
Tuesday December 26th.
Dull day. Had a slack time. R. X. and L.X. at football in afternoon. L.X. won. L.X. Christmas dinner in the evening. Quite successful. Some rain. Padre returned to 242 Brigade at Contalmaison.
Wednesday December 27th.
Very nice day. Misty, cold but quite fine. Cold rather bad. Had quiet morning. Went to a bombing demonstration in afternoon. In the evening went to dinner at B/241 mess. Very good meal and cheery evening. Sat up late with Major.
Thursday December 28th.
Felt rather seedy and had bad headache. I think owing to bad whiskey!! Lecture at Brigade H.Q. at 6 p.m.. When to dinner with No 2 section D.A.C. at Frechencourt. Cheery evening. Played piano afterwards. Interpreter played violin quite well. Wet night.
Friday December 29th.
Dull day and wet. Took battery staff parade in morning. Lecture at 6 p.m. at brigade HQ. Quiet evening
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Saturday December 30th.
Major and Withers with L. X went off in motor bus to take over at Martinpuich from D/240. Mathieson and I had quiet day packing up. Padre Brown & Spencer (who is attached to D/240) stayed night with us. Played bridge in the evening.
Sunday December 31st.
Moved off from Behencourt at 8 a.m.. Arrived wagon lines, Contalmaison about 2 p.m.. Men in huts. Mud terrible. Slept in hut with T. M. officers. Right section went up to gun position under Mathieson. I am staying at wagon lines for a week. Dull day. Dined with Sankey B/241 in the evening.
Then follows a two-page memorandum on the deaths of Tommy his horse, men, men wounded and decorations etc. Some initials and names are mis-copied.
In Loving memory
of
“Tommy”
(officer’s charger)
“D” Bty 241 Bde R.F.A.
Killed in action (Hebuterne)
June 13th 1916
“All creatures great and small
The Lord God loves them all”
1916
Casualties Killed
Jan 20th Cpl. R. W Jesson D.C.M.
May 4th Bdr. Cox
Wounded
March 13th Gr. W. Lauriston
April 12th Bdr. Rixon
June 24th Cpl. Hipwell
Gr. Seaton
Bdr. Smith
June 25th Gr. Packwood
July 16th Bdr. Rixon (2nd time)
Sept. 1st Gr. Hughes
Sept 2nd Bdr. Gilks
Sept. 4th Gr. Fenton
Honours
D.C.M.
Cpl. Jesson (dead)
Military Medal
Gr. S. Bosworth (for good work on July 1st)
Dr. G. Redmayne
Mentioned in Despatches
Major C.P. Nickalls Gr. Fowler
Lt. M. S. Hayes Dr. Healey (1st Jan 1917)
Gr. Bosworth Col F. C. West killed
Page 89, page 2 of Memoranda
Major C. Fowler
J.H. Leather Lt. 1/1/17
2nd Lt. S.E. Rogers (formerly Bdr. in our battery now S.L.I.)
Military Cross
R.G. Pridmore Lt.
M.S. Hayes Capt.
Duncan Davidson Dr. }
H. Wykeham Capt. } 1/1/17
H. H. Vallancey Capt. (wounded) }
D. S. O.
Major E. Kidd (killed)
Wounded
Dr. Furness
Dr. Barker
Burial places
Col. F. C. West Aveluy Cemetery
Lt. W.R.F.Wyley Aveluy Cemetery
Gr. Dunbar Court d’reve Ime (?) Ploegsteert
Cpl. R. Jesson Hebuterne Cemetery
Bdr. E. Cox Hebuterne Cemetery
On July 1st we fired 580 lachrymatory shells
1915 killed
Gr. Dunbar
2nd Lt. H. E. Britton, formerly Gunner in our battery
Lt Laverock ( ? cd be Loverock) (Wounded)
Major G.E. Kidd (former adjutant)
Memoranda with the diary of R.G. Pridmore, pp 88 and 89 of 1916