Wednesday, February 10, 1915
OWING to wire calling me back from leave, left
Watford by 7:51 train, catching the 9:10 from
Victoria to Crowboro’. Left Crowboro’ by
6:03 for Southampton after a fine send-off from rest of
Battalion. Arrived Southampton at 11 P. M. and spent
a good night on floor of board school in the town.
Thursday, February 11, 1915
Morning spent in having hair cut short and a nice hot
bath—just to make sure that anyway I leave England
clean. Afternoon we marched to Army Stores and drew
new rifles and bayonets. In the evening sported 3d at
a local cinema. Another good night on school floor.
Friday, February 12, 1915
Stood by till 12 noon all ready to embark, and then
told owing to submarines in Channel we could not get
away. Hung about Southampton all afternoon and
did a music hall in evening. Shall be glad to get a
move on, although Southampton people are very kind.
Saturday, February 13, 1915
Fred Karno’s army again! Stood by all morning,
then told no chance of going to-day and dismissed till
roll call at 9:30. Had a game of billiards after drawing
ten bob from local Donald Currie Office, and
just going to have tea when told to return to schools
at once as we were just off. Hurried back and
stood by for an hour, and then dismissed again. Did
another picture show in evening, but spent a rotten
night owing to toothache and squash through more
troops coming in.
Sunday, February 14, 1915
Off at last! Told definitely we embark at 12 noon
and actually did so, but did not leave quay until 6.
The whole way down Southampton water we were
covered with searchlights, and then picked up an
escort of destroyers who saw us safely across. But
what a voyage! About 8:30 I found myself wedged
with others into stable with horses a few yards away.
Ship, a cargo boat and rolled like hell! Any amount of
men ill but thank goodness I kept fit. Eventually
dozed off about 11:30.
Monday, February, 15, 1915
Made my way out of stable to find ship lying off
Havre at about 6:30 A. M. Eventually docked at 12
noon and then transferred to another and smaller ship
for our journey up the Seine. Very surprised at the
size of docks at Havre. The town looked very pretty
from the ship and should have liked a short time
ashore, but nothing doing! Turned in at 8 o’clock,
but horses made such a row could not sleep. Walked
round ship whilst we left harbour and anchored in
mouth of river, ready for our trip to Rouen in morning.
Finally fell asleep on a form in men’s quarters
and slept fairly well.
Tuesday, February 16, 1915
Up at 6:30 and luckily got a cup of coffee from ship’s
cook. Have lived on bully beef and biscuits since
leaving Southampton, so coffee was properly appreciated.
Started our voyage up the Seine at 9 o’clock.
When we left Southampton, we had over 1000 troops
on board; all left at Havre except our 100 and 50
Artists Rifles, so we are a merry little crowd. The
trip up the river was simply great. Glorious day and
the scenery ripping the whole way. Arrived at Rouen
about 5:30 but stayed on board the night. Slept on
the mess-room table and had a good night.
Wednesday, February 17, 1915
Left the boat at 8 o’clock and had a 5-mile march
to reach camp. Poured the whole way, so our first
footing on French soil was hardly encouraging. Arrived
at camp and put eleven in each hut (or tent),
and then, thank God, breakfast turned up. Tea,
bread and jam—and didn’t it go down well! Another
medical inspection and kit finally examined; rest of
day to ourselves. Did a cinema in evening and had a
good night in tent.
Thursday, February 18, 1915
Up at 7 o’clock, and, after an inspection by some
General “cove” or other, had day to ourselves. Did
cinema again in evening. Hear we are off to trenches
to-morrow. Now it’s so near, I’m very keen on getting
there and hope it comes off.
Friday, February 19, 1915
No luck! Stood by all day and no orders came out.
Should like some work to do, as hanging about in tent
tends to make me liverish, humpy and irritable.
Saturday, February 20, 1915
Work in earnest. On road making and mud shifting
from 7:15 to 4 o’clock. Got a grand wash in the
evening and felt happy and fit once more.
Sunday, February 21, 1915
Rifle inspection only. Rest of day to ourselves.
No further orders and once again we show our capabilities
at standing by. Awful job to get water to
wash with, and the feeling of filthiness is positively
appalling.
Monday, February 22, 1915
Nothing all day beyond rifle inspection in morning.
Told off for not shaving. Inter alia, the trials of a
voluntary soldier, consist of making fires without
wood and shaving without water.
Tuesday, February 23, 1915
Off to the trenches at last. Paraded at 2 o’clock
and marched to Rouen Station. Tremendous train
with all sorts and conditions of troops. Rotten carriages,
a bit worse than the third class on G. E. suburban
trains. Left Rouen 5:50 P. M. and arrived Bailleul
11:30 A. M. February 24, 1915. Detrained to the
sound of artillery.
Wednesday, February 24, 1915
Joined up with the First Battalion and met many
old chums from Crowboro’, just back from trenches
on a few days’ rest. Attached to “B” Coy, and
billeted in a barn over a cow shed and pig sty. Had
a grand night’s rest; woken up once or twice by the
guns which seemed horribly close. Now in Belgium
and disgusted at the state of the peasants and hovels
in which they live. No idea of cleanliness and seem
to revel in dirt. Was present at a search for live
stock by party back from trench; several captures
witnessed, and have now some idea of what is to
come.
Thursday, February 25, 1915
Rifle inspection followed by a hot bath in a brewery
tub and a change of linen. What luck! and what a
lovely clean feeling. In the evening letters from home
turned up; four from Jim, one from Mother, and p.c.
from Tick. All are well and I’m much relieved at
hearing after three weeks.
Friday, February 26, 1915
Nothing on to-day so spent afternoon and evening
in Bailleul. Guns rather noisy to-day but otherwise
things fairly quiet.
Saturday, February 27, 1915
Ordered to parade to march to trenches at 4:30.
Understand we are going in for eight days, four each
in firing and support trenches. Arrived in firing
trench at 9:30. Cold, wet night, and continually
sniped at during last mile. Relieved Cheshires in
trenches opposite Messines Ridge, and just to encourage
us, Williams and I, who were together in
a lookout, were told by a sergeant we were in one
of the most dangerous parts of the line, as they had
had eight casualties there during the day. Surprised
at the calm way in which we both took this;
and we spent the night on watch, hour in and hour
out, without being worried beyond a few sniper
shots.
Sunday, February 28, 1915
A very interesting day. In the morning had a
glorious view of an English airman shelled by anti-aircraft
gun. In the afternoon had my first taste of
shell fire, but the Germans are not good at it and did
very little damage.
Monday, March 1, 1915
Sunday night was a perfect beast. Cold and wet
and snipers very busy. As for to-day, my first real
feeling of funk. A shell burst on parapet just in front
of me and gave me a bad shaking. Upset me for about
a quarter of an hour, but kept it to myself and pulled
myself together again. In the evening, while fetching
water, a man shot down three yards from us. Also
rather upsetting but kept my head this time. Reached
support trenches about 10 o’clock, and had a ripping
sleep safe from snipers and fairly so from shells.
Tuesday, March 2, 1915
Nice calm day to-day in redoubt behind firing
line. Nothing to do all day but sleep and did that very
well indeed. Worked all night in cutting down hedge
so as not to affect fire in case of attack—rotten job,
and sniped at all the time.
Wednesday, March 3, 1915
Another calm day. In the afternoon watched
German shells smashing into a village about one half
mile from redoubt. Very interesting and a sight never
to be forgotten. Thank Heaven, the people had gone.
Returned to firing line at night.
Thursday, March 4, 1915
On Sunday the 28th I wrote the Germans are not
much good with their shells. I now beg their pardon.
The beasts shelled us with heavy guns from 7
in the morning until dusk, and I sincerely hope I
never have a similar experience. It’s a horrible nerve
racking job and I felt it pretty badly, but everyone
was the same, so there is no need to blame myself.
No sleep all day and all night; I did lookout hour
in and hour out.
Friday, March 5, 1915
A fairly calm day after yesterday, but in early
morning surprise fusillade from Germans. Machine
guns and heavy rifle fire. Gave them plenty back and
they soon stopped. Returned to redoubt at night
absolutely done to the world.
Saturday, March 6, 1915
My twenty-fourth birthday. Woke at 2 P. M. and
felt much better for long sleep. Wrote Jim and Mother,
and spent afternoon chatting and generally lazing.
On guard from 7 to 9 in evening and 1 to 3 early Sunday
morning.
Sunday, March 7, 1915
A quiet day in dugout. Found it hard to sleep
owing to heavy artillery fire. Should really return to
billets to-night but ordered to remain as supports.
At 7 P. M. I and fifteen others ordered to proceed to
firing lines. There for three hours during which time I
was on listening patrol—a particularly nervy and
rotten job. Arrived back in dugouts about midnight.
Monday, March 8, 1915
Very quiet day in dugout and had a good sleep.
Worked all night on fatigue, and returned to supporting
line at dawn.
Tuesday, March 9, 1915
Stood by all day, and at night received joyful news
to return to billets. Reached them at midnight, and
relief at being out of all danger for the present cannot
be overestimated.
Wednesday, March 10, 1915
Slept on well into the day. In evening walked into
village of Dresouke and had a good wash, shave, and
meal. Ye Gods!
Thursday, March 11, 1915
Busy all day on various fatigues. We come from
trenches for what is called a “rest.” I should like to
know what the Army Authorities call “work.”
Friday, March 12, 1915
Marched into Bailleul and took up fresh billets in
another barn. Very glad to see some really respectable
people, and the barn for a change happened to
be nice and clean.
Saturday, March 13, 1915
Morning spent in physical and bayonet drill, and
in the afternoon had a bath and change of linen.
Very nice indeed, and after a good meal spent evening
in recreation-room.
Sunday, March 14, 1915
Ye Gods! what a day; turned out at 5 A. M. and left
billets in full marching order for unknown destination
at 9. Marched all morning over an awful cobbled
road and bivouacked in wheatfield all afternoon.
In evening marched to trenches about four miles to
the north of Armentieres. Got right to firing line to
find we were not expected and not wanted. Here we
are twelve or thirteen miles from billets and done to
the wide. Spent two hours lying on the road whilst
an empty farm was found which we reached about
midnight. Went straight off to sleep, and never
remember feeling as whacked before.
Monday, March 15, 1915
Spent day in farm waiting for further orders, and
at 8 P. M. once more marched to trenches. Placed in
supports in what once was a village—now not a whole
house standing. I and six others put into a small
coal cellar of a house of which one wall is now standing.
Spent night on guard. Plenty of snipers about and
grenades fairly frequent, but no shells.
Tuesday, March 16, 1915
Quiet day in cellar. Only two shells over, but no harm
done. Evening on guard again similar to last night.
Wednesday, March 17, 1915
Another day in cellar. Slept most of the time and
only a few shells over. In evening relieved by Dublin
Fusiliers, and started on our return march to Bailleul
about 9 o’clock. Reached our billets at 1:30 A. M. Thursday
morning, very, very fagged. That beastly cobbled
road is too awful, and everyone felt whacked,
although the total distance marched could not have
been more than twelve miles.
Thursday, March 18, 1915
Up about 10 o’clock and spent morning cleaning up
once more. In evening had a good meal in town and
retired early, fairly happy once more.
Friday, March 19, 1915
Rifle and equipment inspection in morning; afternoon
and evening to ourselves. Toothache very bad
all day and glad to stay in billets.
Saturday, March 20, 1915
Route march in morning and spent afternoon sharpening
Company’s bayonets. In the evening visited
cinema open for first time in Bailleul to-night. Very
good show and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sunday, March 21, 1915
On guard all day outside billets. Very uninteresting
and monotonous except for mild excitement caused
by a German Taube appearing over town. Too high
up for effectual rifle fire and it soon cleared off.
Monday, March 22, 1915
A most interesting march to that poor ill-fated
town of Ypres, twelve miles—the whole way lying a
little behind the firing line. Flying machines galore—two
heavily but ineffectually shelled by the Germans.
Ypres in shocking condition. Quartered in Belgian
barracks, roof of which has been smashed in in many
places. Don’t feel particularly safe as town is still
shelled daily, but here’s hoping our luck will stand.
Tuesday, March 23, 1915
Had a stroll round Ypres and returned horribly
depressed. Most beautiful buildings absolutely ruined,
and town is one mass of ruins. A few people still living
there, mainly proprietors of cafés, etc., otherwise
streets deserted. Two shells fell into town to-day
but happily missed the barracks.
Wednesday, March 24, 1915
Told to be ready for forty-eight hours in trenches to-night.
Spent day making necessary preparations, and
at 8 o’clock started for what perhaps is most important
point of British lines. Our Company attached to Kings
Own Scottish Borderers—a fine regiment and awfully
decent chaps. Reached supports about 10. Terrific
rifle fire but we got through with only nine casualties.
Thursday, March 25, 1915
Hard at work before dawn improving dugouts,
and, as snipers left off at daybreak and we were in
dead ground, were allowed to stroll about during day.
Heavily shelled for about an hour from 10 to 11,
during which time we laid low. At work during night
improving roads, turning in at 4:30 A. M.
Friday, March 26, 1915
Went to sleep in dugout about 7:30 after a good
drink of hot bovril. Slept well till noon when woke
up to heavy shell fire. Laid low till dusk when shelling
ceased, and we left for our return to billets at 8:15
P. M. Arrived at camp at 10:30 P. M. and once more
thankful at coming through all right.
Saturday, March 27, 1915
Up late, and having no parades took things easily.
Afternoon had a game of footer and thoroughly enjoyed
the exercise.
Sunday, March 28, 1915
Police duty from 7 to 8, 10 to 12, and 4 to 5. Very
quiet and no arrests made.
Monday, March 29, 1915
Paraded in morning for drill and bayonet exercise.
In the afternoon walked to Popperinghe and had a very
good time. Fine place untouched by shells, and found
a shop where they sold English tea—what a luxury!
Tuesday, March 30, 1915
Joy of joys! Ordered to parade for a bath. First
one since the March 13th, and it was very welcome.
Am now decidedly “Itchy Koo” and am so ashamed
of it, but am afraid it cannot be avoided.
Wednesday, March 31, 1915
Marched from camp back into the barracks at
Ypres, and understand we are now once more standing
by and will go into trenches on Friday evening.
Thursday, April 1, 1915
Bayonet drill, etc., in morning. Town shelled during
day. One in barracks but not much damage.
Friday, April 2, 1915
Not going to trenches to-night owing to dangerous
roads when carrying on relief. Instead we are to do
five days straight off from Monday next. Quiet day,
nothing doing beyond fatigue work, attended Morning
Service for first time since leaving England.
Saturday, April 3, 1915
Town again shelled during day. More civilians
killed but barracks again escape. Drill and fatigues
only. In afternoon attended service conducted by
Bishop of London. Short but very nice service.
Sunday, April 4, 1915
Church in morning. Quiet all day till 9, when I
went up to trenches on digging fatigue. Got to bed
about 2:30 and jolly glad to lie in on Monday morning.
Monday, April 5, 1915
Up late, and spent day getting ready for our trip
to trenches. Left barracks at 6:45 and carried out
relief at 9 P. M. Very busy night. Continual deliberate
fire and, oh, how it rained! No cover whatever and
we’ve got this for five days. Ye Gods!
Tuesday, April 6, 1915
Rained on and off whole day. Impossible to sleep
owing to rain and shells. Feel very despondent and
miserable, but long time to go yet so must stick
it. Another busy night and more rain. Am now
properly soaked, so it does not matter if it pours all
the time.
Wednesday, April 7, 1915
Weather slightly better, but still plenty of rain on
and off. Artillery active, otherwise day fairly quiet.
Periscope very useful indeed. Night very busy indeed,
continued rifle and artillery fire. Several narrow
escapes whilst searching German lines. Twice covered
with sand from shots in bags to my right and left.
Thursday, April 8, 1915
Thank goodness! decided improvement in weather.
One or two hail showers but not much rain. Wind
very cold, and, by jove! it’s hard to sleep. Quiet day
but another busy night. Spoiled so far as I am concerned
by violent toothache; must see a dentist after
this spell, without fail.
Friday, April 9, 1915
No sleep all day owing to toothache. Hard luck
as day comparatively quiet—very little shell fire from
either side. Night again very busy but glad of the
work as helps me to forget the pain.
Saturday, April 10, 1915
Relief coming to-night and arn’t I glad. Slept
a couple of hours in morning and again in afternoon.
Artillery busy once more. Bedfords turned
up, 11:30, so we got away about 12; reached camp
1:30. Had a cup of tea and asleep at once. Another
spell got through and so far not touched. Thank
Heaven for my luck!
Sunday, April 11, 1915
Woke at 2 P. M. Had a wash and shave and feel
fine once more. Spent evening writing letters and going
to make most of rest.
Monday, April 12, 1915
Paraded sick and doctor gives me pills for toothache.
What a fool! Shall keep at him till he sends me to
a dentist. Visited by a Zeppelin during night. Dropped
six bombs, nearest two hundred yards from camp.
Enormous holes but no damage. Our luck in again!
Tuesday, April 13, 1915
Received more pills from doctor. Nearly called him
a fool. Had a lazy afternoon, and no sign of Zeppelins.
Wednesday, April 14, 1915
More pills in morning. Afternoon footer match
between Ninth and Twelfth battalions. We lost 2-0.
Played very well together; jolly good side—the Twelfth—and
it was a good game.
Thursday, April 15, 1915
More pills. Have now sufficient for a shop, but
shall stick at him till I get it out.
Friday, April 16, 1915
Hurrah! Told to go to hospital at Popperinghe
and see the dentist. Jolly nice chap and tooth soon
out. Pretty painful job, but expected that, and am so
glad to get it out. Spent afternoon in town, and
back at camp at 7:30. Quite a successful day.
Saturday, April 17, 1915
Drill in morning and afternoon, standing by ready
to leave camp at one hour’s notice, owing to attack to be
made on trenches and hill outside Ypres. Tremendous
bombardment commenced by our artillery at 7 P. M.
Kept up all night, and must have given the Huns hell!
Sunday, April 18, 1915
Turned out at 7 and told we leave for reserve line
at 8 to support our Brigade, in view of expected
counter-attack—our attack on their trenches having
been successful.
Monday, April 19, 1915
Germans started our game of artillery bombardment,
and gave it us hot all day. Understand they
counter-attacked twice but were repulsed. Not
moved out of reserve line.
Tuesday, April 20, 1915
Our chaps getting it hot all day, and at 6 P. M. we
were moved up to firing line under perfect torrent of
shells, shrapnel, and machine guns—most awful hour
ever experienced and nerves absolutely gone. Two of
our companies have had very hot time, losing many
men. Luckily we did not have quite so many casualties.
At dawn moved back into supports, our
position being taken over by regulars. I pray I may
never have a similar experience. Too ghastly even
to write about.
Wednesday, April 21, 1915
Laid in supports all day. Situation apparently
died down a bit, but we are staying here through night.
Thursday, April 22, 1915
Relieved and returned to billets. Had not been
there ten minutes before to our horror we saw French
retreating on our left in a panic. Battalion rallied and
dug trench prepared to do our best. At 12 midnight
informed that Canadians had saved situation, but
French trenches still in hands of enemy. Our Brigade
told off to retake them.
Friday, April, 23, 1915
Moved to new position north of Ypres, and trenches
retaken by Kings Own Scottish Borderers and West
Kents, we acting as supports. Stayed all night making
fatigue journeys to firing line, and oh! how I should
like some sleep.
Saturday, April 24, 1915
Hurried off to another part of line where Germans
had also broken through. Journey made under
terrific shell fire and half Battalion is now gone.
Position taken up in reserve trenches to be held at all
costs. Very exciting but keeping calm and cool.
Never prayed so fervently before, but am quite prepared
to face whatever is to come and, please God,
we shall stop them. Shell fire is awful.
Sunday, April 25, 1915
Reinforcements up at dawn and attack in open order
started. At first successful, and then to our horror saw
our chaps retreating in disorder and Germans behind
them a mile to our front. Most awful fifteen minutes
of my life—shells everywhere—men being blown to
pieces, and we unable to help, but bound to wait for
Germans and drive them off. Then our chaps rallied
and to our joy turned the tables, driving them back
into woods and holding them there despite shells and foul
gas bombs. Stayed there all day, shelled whole time.
Evening position unchanged and we must stop here.
Monday, April 26, 1915
At dawn hear more reinforcements are up and we
can go. Thank God, it’s over and the position safe.
Trench strength of Battalion is now 230 rifles which
will show what we have been through (normal strength
about 1000).
Tuesday, April 27, 1915
Spent all day just behind firing line in reserve, and
shall probably be here for some days. But what a
difference a night’s rest does make, and I’m ready to
go forward at any time.
Wednesday, April 28, 1915
Another day spent in reserve. Did nothing much
all day and glad of the quiet. Shells falling pretty
close to billet, but none near enough to hurt.
Thursday, April 29, 1915
Ordered to return to trenches and left at 7 P. M.
Arrived firing line at 10 P. M. and spent night on watch.
Nothing much doing; just a little sniping, and they
got a pal of mine through the neck a few yards from
me. Blackguards!
Friday, April 30, 1915
Shelled from early morning to late at night. Another
rotten experience, and am rapidly developing
that awful complaint of “shellitis.” If no attack
at dusk we are to be relieved, so here’s hoping they
keep away from us.
Saturday, May 1, 1915
We were relieved during night and marched some
way from trenches into a wood, where we are to stay
for a day or two. Rigged up a covering of twigs, etc.,
and slept during day. Sing-song in evening and feeling
a bit more cheerful.
Sunday, May 2, 1915
Quiet day but called out at night owing to German
attack. Laid in reserve trenches all night and returned
to woods at dawn.
Monday, May 3, 1915
Slept during day and once more called out at night
owing to another German attack. Reserve trenches
again all night, but once more attack repulsed and
returned to woods.
Tuesday, May 4, 1915
Actually off for rest at last, and marched five miles
from Ypres to a village where we spent night. Understand
we continue our journey in morning.
Wednesday, May 5, 1915
What jolly hard luck we are having. Hill Sixty lost
last night and we are to return to Ypres to help in counter-attack.
Marched all day back in boiling sun and
spent night just behind firing line. Understand we go
in to-morrow. Rather dread it, but it’s got to be done.
Thursday, May 6, 1915
Spent day in dugout whilst troops gathered
together for to-night’s attack. Eight from our Company
picked out to do nothing else but carry up
ammunition as our men advance. Moved up to
Hill Sixty at dusk, and at 2:30 A. M. attack commenced.
Carried up ammunition with another chap right up
to advance trenches. Terribly hot fire from machine
guns and whiz-bangs, and rather a terrible experience.
Stuck it till my partner overcome by gas. Helped him
to dressing station, and then gave a hand helping down
wounded. Poor devils, but what pluck most of them
have got. Turned in at 5 A. M. after hearing attack
partially successful.
Friday, May 7, 1915
Day in reserve ready for any counter-attack but none
came off. Night on fatigue work: carrying sand bags,
etc., to firing line. Off duty at 3 A. M., and moved back
nearer Ypres, but are still in reserve. Adjutant killed
this morning: fine soldier and great loss to the Battalion.
Saturday, May 8, 1915
Another day in reserve and night on fatigue, but
was lucky in not having to go to trenches. Fetched
rations and filled water bottles only.
Sunday, May 9, 1915
Firing line again, this time digging communication
trench and repairing parapets where knocked
down by shells. Wonderful view of Ypres on fire in
three places and rapidly spreading.
Monday, May 10, 1915
Carried up rations to West Lancshires. Awful
job—sacks very heavy. Man in front of me shot in
chest coming away. Carried him into cover and
fetched stretcher bearers.
Tuesday, May 11, 1915
Sand bags to firing line after spending quiet day.
Our dugouts shelled during day and three men hit.
Wednesday, May 12, 1915
Good news! We are to be relieved to-night. Left
dugouts at 10:30 and reached camp at 5 A. M. weary
and happy.
Thursday, May 13, 1915, to Thursday, May 20, 1915
Most enjoyable week’s rest in camp at Locre. Did
nothing of any importance and heard no guns and
had no shells over. Felt all the better for it, but has
gone all too quickly.
Friday, May 21, 1915
Moved to huts nearer firing line and once more
in sound of guns. Rotten!
Saturday, May 22, 1915
Moved further up into dugouts and are now back
in line once more.
Sunday, May 23, 1915
Quiet day, but hard at work all night. Germans attacked
2 A. M. Monday morning and used gas. Horrible
stuff. On our way to dugouts had fifteen in front of me
knocked out by a shell. Awful sight and very upsetting.
Monday, May 24, 1915
Quiet day spent in recovering from effects of gas.
Hard at work again all night.
Tuesday, May 25, 1915
Remarks of yesterday apply to to-day. Hope this
comparative calm continues whilst we are up.
Wednesday, May 26, 1915
Shelled on way to dugouts, early morning, with
shrapnel but luckily no casualties. Evening left
dugouts for fire trenches at St. Eloi. Arrived at midnight
and relieved the Liverpool Scottish. Quiet night.
Thursday and Friday, May 27, 1915, and May 28, 1915
Two quiet days in trenches. Nothing doing
beyond sniping. Friday evening we left trenches
for reserve line in a wood.
Saturday and Sunday, May 29, 1915, and May 30, 1915
Two lazy days in wood. On Saturday night carried
rations to trenches, and on Sunday returned to
trenches for another spell.
Monday, May 31, 1915
Tuesday, June 1, 1915
Wednesday, June 2, 1915
Thursday, June 3, 1915
Four days on detached post connecting Queen
Victoria Rifles with West Kents. Thursday night
returned to supporting line about two hundred yards
behind fire trenches.
Friday and Saturday, June 4, 1915, and June 5, 1915
On fatigue duty in supports; both days improving
communication trench. Returned to woods Saturday
night.
Sunday and Monday, June 6, 1915, and June 7, 1915
Two days spent in reserve in woods. Quite enjoyed
the rest from bullets and shells.
Tuesday, June 8, 1915
Wednesday, June 9, 1915
Thursday, June 10, 1915
Friday, June 11, 1915
Four days spent in fire trenches. Nothing doing
much beyond sniping, except last two days when
we were shelled by pretty heavy stuff. Not much
damage done.
June 24, 1915
Mrs. Stubbs:
Dear Madam: In answer to your inquiry by telegram,
I regret to inform you that Rifleman Stubbs,
B. C. No. 2655, was wounded by shell fire on Tuesday,
June 22, and has, we are deeply sorry to say, since
passed away, having succumbed to his injuries.
His death is much lamented by his officers and comrades,
two of whom were wounded by the same shell,
one rather seriously.
Deeply sympathizing with you in your terrible loss,
I am,
Yours sincerely,
No. 66, M. Brown, Co. Q. M. S.
British Expeditionary Force
June 29, 1915
Dear Mrs. Stubbs:
This is to convey to you my sincere sympathy in
the death of your son, Pr. Stubbs, who died from
wounds received last Tuesday. His death was most
unfortunate, a large German shell falling right in our
trench, severely wounding your son and two others;
when I saw your son’s wound (a severe gash on the
scalp), I was sure that there was very little hope of his
recovery and I was surprised that he survived so long.
Mercifully he was quite unconscious all the time, and
so, I think, suffered no pain.
Although he did not come out with the battalion in
November, he joined, I think, with the first draft and
so has been through all the heavy work we have done.
I am sure you will be glad to know what a good soldier
he was, and that he was always cheerful and did his
work well during the hardships of the winter months.
You may be sure his loss will be felt very deeply
both by myself and by the rest of the platoon. But
take comfort in this, that he died a noble soldier’s
death in a magnificent cause.
Again assuring you of my deep sympathy, I am,
Yours very sincerely,
P. S. Houghton, 2nd. Lt.
O. C. No. 8 Platoon,
Q. V. R.
Never the lotus closes, never the wild fowl wake,
But a soul goes out on the East-wind that died for England’s sake—
Man or woman or suckling, mother or bride or maid—
Because on the bones of the English the English Flag is stayed.
PRINTED BY R. R. DONNELLEY
AND SONS COMPANY, AT THE
LAKESIDE PRESS : CHICAGO
