Welcome to The Bay Museum Website

The Bay Museum is a friendly museum situated on Canvey Island. Based in a degaussing station, it now offers a wealth of artefacts, books and displays focusing on both local and world military history focused on the First and Second World Wars. Open from 10am till mid-afternoon on Sundays, the museum is run by our volunteers who always warmly welcome visitors and are willing to impart their knowledge. They can also help you research your own family military histories and have extensive experience of visiting battlefields and cemeteries. Our website contains information about visiting the museum as well as archiving wartime records that we regularly transcribe online.

THE BAY MUSEUM AND RESEARCH FACILITY

CHARITY NUMBER 1204193

TRUSTEES

CHAIRMAN: D. THORNDIKE  VICE CHAIRS: J. HARRIS & A. REED  SECRETARY: G. BAKER  TREASURER: M. DANIELL

THE BAY MUSEUM

WINTER OPENING

2026/2027

The last Summer opening of The Bay Museum will be on Sunday 27th September 2026.  Thereafter the Museum will be open on one Sunday each month until April 2027.

The Sundays the museum will be open will be Sunday 18th October, Sunday 8th November and Sunday 6th December 2026.  The opening dates in 2027 will be Sunday 10th January, 7th February and 7th March 2027. 

The Museum will reopen on Sunday 4th April 2027 and on each subsequent Sunday until the end of September 2027.

Diary of 2/4th Battalion The Border Regiment

1916

5th September 1916.  Inspection of the Battalion at Chamiari Camp by Brigadier-General H. Isacke, C.M.G., Director of Military Training India.

8th September 1916.  Inspection of the Peshawar Detachment by the G.O.C. 1st (Peshawar) Infantry Brigade.

12th September 1916.  Inspection of the Battalion at Chamiari Camp by the Northern Army Commander, Lieut.-General Sir A.A. Barrett, G.C.B., K.C.S.I.

Captains W.C.S. Angus and R. Hargreaves proceeded to Mesopotamia, and were attached to the 1/5th East Kents.

15th September 1916.  Detachment ordered to be held in readiness to proceed to Aden for attachment to the 1/4th Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.  This order was subsequently countermanded.

LIST OF OFFICER CASUALTIES.

Rank & Name.                                  Nature of Casualty.                          Date.

Capt. C.H. Ker                                              Killed                                      13-9-14.

Capt. R. McCloughin                                       -:-                                       13-9-14.

Major C.C. Onslow                                      Wounded                             13-9-14.

Capt. F.H. Edwards                                          -:-                                       12-9-14.

Lt J.H. Mayne                                                    -:-                                       12-9-14.

Lt H. Courtnay                                                   -:-                                       13-9-14

Lt W.W. Wagstaff                             Wounded & Prisoner of W.             26-8-14.

Capt. J. McM. Milling                                  Wounded                              24-8-14.

Lt. C.E.G. Shearman                                       -:-                                       24-8-14.

Major E.I de.S. Thorpe                                     -:-                                       13-10-14.

Lt. J.R. Shippey                                                -:-                                       13-10-14.

Lt. C.C. Stafford                                           Killed                                     13-10-14.

Lt. V.C. Downs                                 Wounded & Missing                        13-10-14.

Lt. C.E. Goff                                                  Missing                                  13-10-14.     

Lt. E.A.J. Edwards                                       Wounded                              15-10-14.

Lt. L.W. Rendell                               Died of Wounds                               16-10-14.

Lt. Walker                                                      Wounded                              16-10-14.

2/Lt. Charlton                                               Killed                                      26-10-14.

Lt. Litchfield                                      Wounded & Missing                        13-10-14.

Capt. H.F. Gale                                                 -:-                                       30-10-14.

Lt. W. St.J. Coventry                                   Missing                                  18-10-14.

Lt. Graves                                                      Killed                                      18-10-14.

Capt. Harding                                                    -:-                                         7-11-14.

Capt. J.C. Monteith                                     Wounded                                9-11-14.

Lt. Garrod                                                           -:-                                       11-11-14.  tick

Lt. Bartram                                                          -:-                                         5-12-14.  tick

Capt. B.I. Orlebar                                         Killed                                        15-1-15.  tick

Lt. Landon                                                          -:-                                         15-2-15.

Capt. R. Ratcliffe                                         Wounded                                25-2-15.

Capt. L.H.G. Andrews                                      -:-                                           8-3-15.

Capt. C.A. Ogden                                             -:-                                         11-3-15.

Lt. J.H. Moxley                                              Killed                                        12-3-15.

Lt. A.H. Stratford                                          Wounded                                11-3-15.

Lt. R.H. Shears                                                 -:-                                         13-3-15.

Lt. A.C. Curtis                                                    -:-                                         13-3-15.

Lt. S. Tabor                                                       -:-                                         25-3-15.

2/Lt. C.S. Kirch                                             Killed                                        20-4-15.

2/Lt. E.L. Kellie                                                  -:-                                         20-4-15.

2/Lt. J.T.B. Darbishire                                 Wounded                                19-4-15.

Lt. J.B. Webb                                                Killed                                        20-4-15.

2/Lt. H.W. Ogilvie                                         Wounded                                20-4-15.

Major W. Allason                                             -:-                                           7-11-14.

             “                                                            -:-                                         21-54-15.

Lt. Col W. Allason, D.S.O.                              -:-                                            3-9-16.

Capt J.J. Moyse                                              -:-                                          20-4-15.

 2/Lt. C. Kennedy                                            -:-                                          20-4-15.

Lt. C.L.M. Scott                                                 -:-                                        21-4-15.

2/Lt. W.E. Cannon                                           -:-                                        20-4-15.

2/Lt. R.H. Fawcett                                        Killed                                      26-4-15.  tick      Capt. S.A. Gledstanes                Died of Wounds                                 7-5-15.  tick

Lt. T.R.J. Mulligan                                       Wounded                              10-6-15.  tick

Lt. E.W. Coulson-Mayne                                -:-                                        10-6-15.  tick

2/Lt. R.M.D. Harvey                                     Killed                                      20-4-15.

2/Lt. J.B. Knight                                                -:-                                       20-4-15.

Lt. E.A. Hopkins                                                -:-                                          5-5-15.  tick

Lt. F. Whittemore                                         Wounded                                5-5-15.  tick

         “                                                             Killed                                      29-2-16.  tick

Lt. L.J. Jones                                                Wounded                              19-5-15.   tick

Lt. A.N.W. Powell                                             -:-                                       13-5-15.  tick

Lt. A.H. Pearse                                                  -:-                                       26-6-15.  tick

2/Lt. P.F. Hart                                                    -:-                                         1-7-15.  tick

Lt. R.E.G. Cecil                                                 -:-                                       26-5-15.  tick

        “                                                              Killed                                      11-7-15.   tick

2/Lt. H.J. West                                              Wounded                              1-10-15.  tick

           “                                                                -:-                                         4-9-16. 

2/Lt. W.A. Shaw                                                -:-                                       3-10-15.  tick

2/Lt. C.A. Cook                                             Killed                                      11-3-15.  tick

2/Lt. P. Vyvyan                                             Wounded                              31-3-16.  tick

Lt. E.A. Rex                                                        -:-                                         5-4-16.  tick

Lt. R.C. Green                                  Died of Wounds                               17-5-16.  tick

Capt. H.W.M. Tollemache              Shell Shock                                        5-6-16.  tick

2/Lt. E.G.B. Millson                                     Killed                                      18-6-16.  tick

2/Lt. R.K. Wright                                           Wounded                              20-6-16.  tick

Lt. M. Milton                                                       -:-                                       24-7-16.

 Capt H.P.C. Burton                                    Killed                                      27-7-16.

2/Lt. A.C. Hayhoe                                             -:-                                       27-7-16.

2/Lt. A.C. Holland                                             -:-                                       27-7-16.

Capt. F.V. Parker                                         Wounded                              27-7-16.

Lt. E.A. Rex                                                        -:-                                       27-7-16.

2/Lt. F.D.W. Illingworth                                    -:-                                       27-7-16.

2/Lt. N.D. Wemyss                           Wounded & Missing                        27-7-16.

Lt. C.J. Hunter                                              Wounded                              27-7-16.

Lt. O.D. Roeber                                                 -:-                                       27-7-16.

Capt. H. Williams                                              -:-                                       31-7-16.

2/Lt. A.N. Marshall                                       Killed                                      31-7-16.

Capt. W.R. Nottidge                        Wounded & Shell S.                        31-7-16.

2/Lt. C.P. Mattey                                           Wounded                               31-7-16.

2/Lt. D.N. Gaussen                          Died of Wounds                                 2-8-16.

2/Lt. R.J. Haye                                             Wounded                              31-7-16.

2/Lt. O.D. Roeber                             Wounded & Shell S.                        31-7-16.

2/Lt. S.G. Mulligan                                      Wounded                              31-7-16.

2/Lt. E.H. Gudgeon                                          -:-                                       31-7-16.

2/Lt. K.C.J. Jones                                             -:-                                       31-7-16.

Capt. W.H.L. Barnett                                        -:-                                       31-7-16.

         “                                                                  -:-                                         4-9-16.

Lt. G. Sherry                                     Died of Wounds                               26-7-16.

2/Lt. S.C.W. Newman                                 Wounded                                1-8-16.

Major N.W. Lawder                                      Killed                                        4-9-16.

Lt. A.J. Howard                                                  -:-                                         4-9-16.

Lt. A. Topley                                                  Wounded                                4-9-16.

Lt. H.F. Graves                                                  -:-                                         4-9-16.

Lt. V.S. Sanders                                           Killed                                        4-9-16.

2/Lt. E.A. Hague                                          Wounded                                4-9-16.

2/Lt. P.A. Gibbons                                       Wounded                                4-9-16.

2/Lt. H.C. Covell                                                -:-                                         4-9-16.

2/Lt. W. Rankin                                Shell Shock                                        3-9-16.

2/Lt. J.H. Banyard                                        Killed                                        3-9-16.

2/Lt. D.A. Lardner                                             -:-                                         4-9-16.

2/Lt. D.F. Howard                                         Wounded                                4-9-16.

2/Lt. P.G. Smith                                                 -:-                                         4-9-16.

2/Lt. C. Blake                                                Killed                                        4-9-16.

2/Lt. B.C. Williams                           Shell Shock                                        3-9-16.

2/Lt. C.A.J. Piercy                                        Wounded                              25-9-16.

2/Lt. D.B. Candy                              Died of Wounds                               25-9-16.

2/Lt. J.M. Stanton                                        Wounded                              25-9-16.

2/Lt. B.J. Scott                                                   -:-                                       25-9-16.

Lt. G. de C. Millais                                           -:-                                       25-9-16.

2/Lt. A.W. Matson                                             -:-                                       25-9-16.

Capt. J. Macready                                             -:-                                       7-11-14.

Lt. J.S. Davenport                                             -:-                                       7-11-14.

Casualties taking place while I was away from the Bn have been ticked off.

No 40 INFANTRY BASE DEPOT

To:- 2nd Lieut Commins B.T.

            10/ R West Kent Regiment.

            You will report to the R.T.O. NEW SIDINGS 2.10 pm on 30.9.16, who will instruct you to proceed by the 2.40 pm train 30.9.16 1916, to join your UNIT, 41st DIVISION 4th ARMY.

W.J. Gryles

MAJOR,

ETAPLES.

Commanding No. 40 INFANTRY BASE DEPOT.

30/9/16.

Letter from Alan King to Harry R King dated 30th September 1916.

France

September 30th 1916

My dear Harry,

Yours and Mother’s of the 24th to hand last night.  I have replied to Mother’s.  Since you wrote Ethel will have had my letter of course.  I think I wrote Mother as soon as I came out of the trenches so she should have had it when you had mine if not before.  Very likely they didn’t send it on at once from Cardiff.  Her letter anyway was by no means as full as yours.  We took our gas helmets in our satchels which hang round our necks but there was no occasion to use them fortunately.  I think the wind was in our favour also.  One night in our bay we all started asking each other if their eyes were watering & smarting.  All the eyes were so Fritz had evidently put a tear shell some distance away.  I couldn’t understand it as it was after the attack & there could be no gain in their causing us such mild discomfort.  Of course we wore our Steel Helmets.  I know of no cases where they were beneficial but there were many surely.  A fellow was telling me he saw one of those shields you see advertised pierced by a bullet & the owner dead.  You will read in the newspapers all we are allowed to tell you about the Tanks.  We call them “Caterpillars” or did.  They are immense armoured cars & very strong.  Our first battle was theirs also.  When we were advancing we kept on turning our heads to have a look at them.  Our curiosity was very great.  We had heard so many rumours about them which we didn’t believe till a week or so before the battle.  I don’t really know how I felt throughout the affair.  I think I considered myself very fortunate, was rather uneasy at times but in good spirits on the whole.  Whilst consolidating in the captured trenches I had three games of draughts with my section sergeant & won during two heavy bombardments much to the other fellow’s amusements.  Of course I thought a lot of home.  We have had spasms of very good & very bad weather.  When it’s wet it’s fearfully cold, otherwise it is quite warm.  I have not seen a newspaper for some days but there are rumours of further successes which I hope are genuine.  Rogers suddenly disappeared one day.  I heard the following day he was in hospital with a breakdown.  Today I heard he was expected to come out about five days ago.  On Monday so many of us from the battalion were sent to guard German prisoners at a camp some distance away from the rest of the batt.  Hundreds of them have passed through the camp & almost all of them seem pleased to be out of it.  They are said to give themselves up in hundreds.  Amongst them has been *** **** officers.  One was a fearful blood.  He wanted a “mantle” as it was cold, then a carriage to take him to his next destination as he disliked walking far.  Several speak English perfectly.  They give us buttons for cigarettes as souvenirs.  Consequently to a large extent they are buttonless & we have few cigarettes.  The blood said we were very young soldiers but very good ones.  They all agree our artillery is very accurate too!  Dickinson & Rogers (if he came out of hospital) are with the remainder of the batt so I have no more news of them.  Being here means some delay in correspondence.  Four of us however have made a fine dug-out & have a camp fire & hot supper every evening.  A soldier soon becomes expert in cooking bacon, making tea, coffee & cocoa.  I “went sick” with my ankle this morning with this result: – “N.Y.D. swelling, Excused Duty”.  N.Y.D. I said meant “Not yet dead” & with the rest it sounds rather funny.  I suppose it is “not yet diagnosed”.  I can’t understand it.  It’s not at all painful unless I run about or jerk it.  Most of our fellows have applied a second time for commissions seem very likely to get them.  Dickson & I have not.  Rogers has. 

With love to Ethel & best wishes to you.  I had better close remaining,

            Yours

                        Alan

Many Happy Returns.

On Active Service envelope addressed to Harry R King, Esq., 38, Glen Hilda, Park Avenue, Worcester.  Ansd 8/10/16.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICEH.13 1 OC 16.  Hexagonal Passed Field Censor 3630 cachet.  Signed E.E. Tam***

South African Infantry.

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher 2       Account ESA No 1 Bordon Period 30-9-1916

REPORT of the Quarterly Inspection of Stores on inventory in the Quebec, St Lucia Barracks Martinique at Bordon Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the Between 10th & 15th day of March 1916

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
2 1 51 2 1 1 20 4 1 2 36 96 8 39 39  Basins Wass Enamel 14 Bath *** Bedstead Bk    “      No IV Bins Asbs Movable Boards Black M.I. Boards Inventory Millboard doz Bowls Hand “     Mix Pudding Boxes Salt 7 lbs. Brooms Brass Has       “           “ Handles  doz Brushes Flue 5’ 6”    “        so Hand    “        “ Long Blocks  doz       Carried forward1-0 12-2 1-6-6 18-9 4.4 10.5 1-5 -11 3-6 1-1 2-3 2-11 2-4½ 5 2-6    67 1             4     1         782 12 11 17 4 10 2 3 3 2 1 3 19 16 8       170 2 6 6 4 5 4¼ 8 6 2 0 4 0 3 1½       3¾  39   2 8 8 7 1 3 45 2 1 3 77 17 2Brought forward Brushes Sc Long each       Clamps Brushes Soap Hand     “    “ Long Head      “    “   “ Handles doz    “ Whitewash 9 lbs Chairs Arm Lt Oak      “  R Room      “ Windsor Cleavers 2’1” Colander Steel 10”      “     Tin 10½ “ Collars Hd Stable Dishes Baking 17” Dumbbells 4 lbs     Carried forward  5 ¼   2-11 4-9 2 ½ 1-0 3-6-9 11-3 4-6 5-4 1-2 4-1 11-9 4-1 3½  78       1     3 1 10     45   3       14717 17   5 18 1 7 6 13 2 10 1 12 4 9       83 ¾ 0 ¾   10 0 5 0 9 9 6 8 2 3 9 5 7     5½

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the St Lucia, Quebec, Martinique Bks at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                           191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
  5 8 7 72 32 3 1 2 2 1 2 8 47 2    Brought forward Easels School Pins  doz Fenders 3’3 With B Parr      “      “ Without B Parr     “   C C each Flags MG Red 4’ x 3’    “     Poles 10’ Forks Agricultural    “    Carrying    “    Cooks    “    Stable M II Forms Soldiers 4’    “         “ 6’ L.P. Funnels Tin 1 Pint     Carried forward  6-4 6½ 4-3 2-7  2-6 2-3 2-3 2-3 1-5½ 9½ 1-3½ 10-0 9-4 5½147 1   1 9 4             4 21       1908 11   9 6 0 6 2 4 2 0 2 0 18       155½ 8 4¼ 9 0 0 9 3 6 11 9½ 7 0 8 11     7½  2 1 9   1 4 1 48 1 1 6 1 3 2 1    Brought forward Glasses Toilet 17½       “            “    13¼ Gratings 200 18’ x 2’6” each Gauges Bicycle Guards Fire Hang Hammers Claw 24 oz Hangers Gt Coat Imp But Knives Cult     “ Choppers Meat Jackets Fenc Canvas Kettle Tea 10 Qrts    “         “     4     “    “         “     2      “ Knives Carving   Carried forward  4-8 3-3 Sq Yds 8 13-4 -10 1-11 2-2½ 3 1-4½ 1-7 12-6 4-10 2-8 1-9½ 2-11190       6             3           20315 9 3   0   7 2 12 1 1 15 4 8 3 2   87¼ 4 3   0 10 8 2½ 0 4½ 7 0 10 0 7 11   2¼

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the St Lucia, Quebec, Martinique Bks at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                           191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
  2 1 2 5 1 25 25 17 2   2 6 6 2 3Brought forward Machines minc Small Lantern tin Glass Sides Machines Weighing 28 lbs Masks Bay Fighting Small Maps Bordon 25 x 16 Maps ****   “  Handles each Maps Aldershot ea Muskets Bay Fencing MS Short    “ Stocks M II Pads Fenc Body Canvas Pails Slop Pans Frying 10¼ Pins Rolling   Carried forward  6-3 2-9 15-2 15-9 2-0½ 1-4 3 3-6   1-1-0 2-2 6-0 4-3 7d 4203     1 3   1   2   2   1 1       2208 12 2 10 18 2 13 6 19   2 4 16 5 1 1   32¼ 6 9 4 9 0½ 4 3 6   0 4 0 6 2 0   7¾  3 1 4 1 9 3 1 79 2 15 1 2 1    Brought forward Pokers Officers   “ Brass Handled Pots Cooking Oval 6 Gall   “ Watering Large Rests Aim No 1 Saws Butchers Bone Scoops Drain M II comp Sheets “U” Shovels M.S.     “ Stable   “ Universal Scuttles Coal Iron Sieves Cinder       Carried forward  8½ 1-1 6-11 2-3 11-9 3-9 5-4 1-0 4¼ 1-8 1-7½ 6-3 2-8220     1   5     3   1             2343 2 1 7 2 5 11 5 19   5 1 12 2       07¾ 1½ 1 8 3 9 3 4 0 8½ 0 7½ 6 8       7¼

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the St Lucia, Quebec, Martinique Bks at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                           191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
  £.s.d.£.s.d.
  3 1 1 2 1 6 1 10 1 39 1 7 1    Brought forward Spoons Gravy each Stand Wheel Nose prs Swol Cell Stretchers Amb pillows Table Octagonal 2’11” Tables Officers   “ R Room    “ Soldiers 6’ Tops   “    “ 4’ “   “ Trestle LP   “ Writing Oak Tins Seed Tongs officers           Carried forward  6 3-9 1 4½ 4-3 2-18-3 1-8-6 1-13-6 12-0 7-4 2-0 1-11-9 9 1-7234         2 8 1 6   3 1               2600 1 3 1 8 18 11 13 0 7 18 11 5 1           27¼ 6 9 4½ 6 3 0 6 0 4 0 9 3 7           4¾   1 1 3 3 3 1   35   1 2 1 1 1 6   6  Brought forward Towels Horse Tubs Ablution    “    IG Urine    “    Wash 8 Galls Weights IR 14 lbs Table Bill Comp Irons      “       “    Balls Bone       “    Spirit Level   “     Billiard Cues   “       “    Butt 9’0”   “       “ Half 7’6”   “    Tills    “ Rests Cushion each   “  warmers “   Carried forward  2-8 4-9 4-5 2-7 2-3   Set of 3 15/9 2-3½ 1-1 3-10 3-5 1-6-6 1-11½ set of 6 1-2-3    260               9         1       1   2742 2 4 13 7 6     3 2 2 3 3 6 11     2   184¾ 8 9 3 9 9     9 3½ 2 10 5 6 9     3   0¼

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the St Lucia, Quebec, Martinique Bks at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                           191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
  3   1       1411 247 2858 2 1Brought forward Tables Bill Warmers Pocket Set of 3     “      Rests Long       Blankets GS Cases Bolsters LP   “       Palliasses LP Covers Mat Offrs Pillows Feather     Carried forward    12-3 3-5       10-0 7 2-7 1-8 6-4      274             705 7 369         135818   12 3       10 4 3 3 6     00¼   3 5       0 1 2 4 4     7¼    654 420 1 1Brought forward Basins Soup GS each Plates Dinner GS doz Measures Glass 10 dms        “              “     4 dms       Deduct 15% of £51-6-0. Total value of crockery on charge for 77 days       Total  3 ¾ 2-3 1-2 81358 8 3       1370       1       13690 17 18 1     18       12       57 ¼ 1½ 9 2 8   3¾       5½       10½ 

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the …..at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Officers Mess Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                                   191..

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
1 3 3 14 2 82 9 2 21 1 3 1 1 4 3Basins Soup each Bottles Water Toilet     “     with Glass Candlesticks EW Bowls Sugar Bdj Cups Bkfst  doz     “    Coffee doz     “     Egg doz     “     Tea Decanters Claret        “        1 Quart Dish Bkfst Covers Bdj 9”     “    Butter Covers     “    *** Covers     “     “   Bodies   Carried forward9 3¾ 1-4 7½ 7 4-8 3-1 1-9 2-11 5-4 4-3 9½ 9½ 1-6 1-6          1                     4    4 8 1 11 2   5 5 12     6 4   59 11¼ 0 9 2 10¾ 3¾ 3½ 1¼ 4 9 9½ 9½ 0 6   4½  5 2   142 10 3 80 5 5 5 47 12 47 1 2Brought forward Dish Meal Enm Bdj 16”     “    Jam   Glasses Beer      “     Champagne      “     Claret      “     Finger      “     Flower 10      “         “        8      “          “       6      “     Liqueur      “     Sherry      “     Port      “     Soda Water Jugs Beer 5 Pts     Total  3-11 8½ doz 4-0 4-7 4-4 6-4 5-4 4-3 3-9 3-2 3-5 3-5 5-10 10½    4       2     2                     115 19 1   7 3 1 2 2 1 1 12 3 13   1     174½ 7 5   4 9¾ 1 2¾ 2¾ 9¼ 6¾ 4¾ 5 4½ 5¾ 9     9¾

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the …..at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Officers Mess Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                                   191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
  4 6 1 1 92 17 21 14 10 1 17 63 7 4  Brought forward Jugs Beer 3 pts     “   Milk Large Bdj     “   Glass Tank Pails IBE Plates Dinner Bdj doz Plates Bkfst   doz       “    Soup      “      Tart
     “    Ice Pots Coffee Em 2 Pts Saucers Bkfst Bdj doz        “     Tea or Coffee doz Stands Menu                 “ Tureens En Sauce ***     Carried forward		  1-9 11 1-9 4-9 5-4 4-3 5-4 4-9 7-6 8½ 3-6 2-5 1-7 8½  11         2                       1717 7 5 1 4 0 6 9 5 6   4 12 11 2     179¾ 0 6 9 9 10½ 04 4 6½ 3 8½ 11½ 8¼ 1 10     1¼  4 6 1 1 1 2 1 2   7 3 1 1 1 1Brought forward Tureens Sauce ****      “           “      Stanos Tumblers Toilet doz Baskets Knife Boards Pastry **** Jap Sugar    “   Coffee Curtains Ref 2¼ yds x 1 each       «        Loops each   Dishes Baking Steel Drawers Chest of bak ***** Flour     “ Sugar Kettle Tea 4 Qts     Total  1-5 6 ½ 2-4½ 5-1 3-6 2-1½ 1-1   13-6 9½ 1-6½ 3-14-3 6½ 5¼ 2-817                 1     3           2417 5 3   5 3 4 1   7 5 4 14     2     151¼ 8 3 2½ 1 6 3 1   0 6½ 7½ 3 6½ 5¼ 8     2½

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the …..at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Officers Mess Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                                   191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
  1 1 2 13 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1    Brought forward Machines Knife Cleaning       “        Weigh 28 lbs Mowers Border     “        David      “    Jelly 1 Pint Pan Saute 9’   “   Stem Copper 6 Pins Rolling Saws Tenon 14” ***** Gravy Conical Weights Brass 2 oz doz       “          “      1  “       “          “      ½   “       “          “      ¼   “         Carried forward  1-8-6 15-2 5-0 6 5-4 5-4 6-2 4 1-8 1-0 4-0 3-0 2-5 1-724 1                                   2915 8 15 10 6 16 5 6   1 1                 62½ 6 2 0 6 0 4 2 4 8 0 4 3 2½ 1½         9½   6 8 8 9 11 11 4 8 5 5 2 3  Brought forward WHS Jap Basins    “    dish soap covers    “       “   drainers    “       “   dishes    “      Pots Chamber    “      Ewers    “     Trays Brush WOSMI Basins    “    dish soap drains    “       “      “     dish    “    Pots Chamber    “    Holders T Brush   Deduct 15% of £62-12-0 (whole value of glass & crockery on charge) for 77 days  1-0 2¾ 2¼ 2¼ 8 1-0 5¾ 1-3 2¾ 3 9 4¼                                    1   29  6 1 1 1 7 11 1 10 1 1 1 1         19   13  0 10 6 8¼ 4 0 11 0 1¾ 3 6 0¾         7   5¼

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the …..at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Sergts Mess on the                           191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
54 4 1 43 6 1 81 42 24   1 2 2 1 1  Cups Tea Enm White doz Dish Veg Covers each Jugs Milk Plain Plates Soup  doz Pots Mustard Glass each Salt Cellar Glass Oval Saucers Tea Plain  doz Tumblers ¾ Pint       “      Spirit        doz   Bins Ash Movable  each Brush Sc Hand     “     Long Comp     “    Sweep Long  “ Bowls Hand   Carried forward1-2 5 4¼ 2-7 8 6½ 11 2-1½ 1-3   4-4 5 10¾ 4-11¼ 11                                25 1   9 4   6 7 2   4   1 4     103 8 4¼ 3 0 6½ 2¼ 5¼ 6   4 10 9½ 11¼ 11   0  6 2 4 2 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1  Brought forward  Chairs Winsor Colanders Steel 10” Dish Baking Fenders CC     est Forms LP Forks Table MS Small      “    Toasting Hods Coal Mops Complete Kettles Tea 10 Qts Saucepan 6 gls ST       “           2  “  ST  4-6 1-2 4-1 2-6 9-4 2-10 1-6 1-11½ 1-7 4-10 1-11½ 1-02 1       1                     710 7 2 16 5 17   1 1 1 4 1 1       11– 0 4 4 0 4 5½ 6 11½ 7 10 11½ 0       3½

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the …..at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Sergts Mess on the                           191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
   Brought forward   Deduct 15% of £8-3-0 total value of crockery etc on charge 77 days   Carried forward 7           711       5   63½       2   1½ Brought forward     761½  

Army Form P. 1956

Issue Voucher          Account                     Period            191.

REPORT of the       Inspection of Stores on inventory in the St Lucia, Quebec, Malplaquet Bks at   Stores lost, destroyed, or damaged, and chargeable to the Reserve Battn S.A. Infantry on the                           191.

Stores Lost or DestroyedStores Damaged etc
Number of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.AmountNumber of ArticlesArticlesRate s.  d.Amount
£.s.d.£.s.d.
     Brought forward   Sheets 1 to 5 Barracks   Sheets 6 to 8 Officers Mess   Sheets 9 to 10 Sergts Mess     Carried forward     1369       29     7     1406    5       13     6     5    10¼       5¼     1½     5   Crockery & Glass £52-2-0¼ Other stores     £1358-6-9¼                                   £1410-8-9¼   One quarters value assessed except crockery & glass  Deduct ¾ of £1358-6-9¼       1406                 1018     3875                 15     105                 –     5

I certify that the cost of making good the above Deficiencies and Damages is as detailed in the above Statement.

Date  11th April 1916                                                                        (sgd)  H.G. Ward Lt. A.S.C. for Capt.

                                                                                                                        Officer in charge of Barracks

Letter to Rev Walters from C Cavendish

Sept 27 – 1916

B.E.F.

France

Dear Sir,

            I write these few Lines to you hoping to find you all quite well as it leaves me at present & to ask you to do me a kindness by Enquiring in to my Affair & to let me know why my wife’s money as been Stopped as I knowed Nothing about it till Now & what she as been doing to get it Stopped, as her Sister thinks I know but I know Nothing about it I have not had a letter from my wife since the 25th of June 1916 & to Enquire about the Money being Stopped see If you can get some Money A bit for the children if you want anything more ask Mrs Hill your Neighbour & she will give you A footing to work on as I am Ignorant of anything being Carried at home I have been in France 11 months Now & don’t know how Long I shall be before I can get A leaf so I hope you will look into it & let me know as soon as possible so I think I have Siad all this time & Remain yours Faithfully

Pte C. Cavendish No 4179

10 Platoon C Coy.

5th Leicester Regt.

B.E.F.

France.

In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Whitwick, Leicester.   England.

Letter postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE *** 28 SP 16

PASSED BY CENSOR 2574 hexagonal cachet in red.

Notebooks of W. Allason.

All the notebooks were written on the right hand page and additions, photos, cartoons or other documents were added to the left hand page.

27th Sept. 1916.        We had another fine day and the tension was considerably relaxed.  We moved to the Citadel where the men were in huts.  A heavy thunderstorm arose on the way and the men got wet through.  A number of fires were lit to try & get warm when suddenly there were a series of crashes.  A bombing airplane overhead.  An incendiary bomb was dropped which lighted up all around.  We had 3 killed and 18 wounded.  A very unpleasant reminder of our proximity to the front line.

28th Sept.       Lord Cavan commanding the Corps complemented all C.O.’s on the action.

Glued into the opposite page is a series of complementary messages as follows:-

1st BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT.                                                           5th Division

G.B. 978

The G.O.C. wishes to thank all ranks in the Division for their magnificent conduct yesterday.

In spite of their heavy losses in previous actions and the hardships which they have endured during the recent bad weather they have shown that their spirit is as good as ever.

No task is too hard for the 5th Division.

(signed) R.A. CURRIE, Lieut. Colonel,

General Staff, 5th Division.

5th Division

26th September, 1916.

————————–

To 1st BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT.                                                      15th Infy. Bde.

G.299

Following from Army Commander aaa  Begins aaa

Please convey to Guards, 6th, 5th, and 56th Divisions my thanks for and admiration of the excellent manner in which they carried out their attacks to-day  aaa Special credit is due to 5th Division who have already undertaken two prolonged and successful offensives since July 20th aaa  My warmest thanks to yourself and 14th Corps Staff for the able and thorough manner in which the operations have been controlled and directed aaa Ends. aaa

(Signed) W.P. BROOKS, Captain,

26/9/16

Sept. 28th, 1916.  Bde. Major, 15th Bde.

————————-

To 1st BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT                                                      15th Inf. Bde.

G.281

Following from General CAVAN begins aaa

Hearty thanks and sincere congratulations to you all aaa

A very fine achievement splendidly executed aaa  Ends aaa

(Signed) W.P. BROOKS, Captain,

26/9/16

Sept. 28th, 1916.  Bde. Major, 15th Bde.

————————-

29th Sept. 1916.        We had a six mile march and then entrained for Longpre in cattle trucks.  The train was an hour late in starting otherwise we should have missed the motor which was bringing our kits and food and which got stuck in the mud.  Billets in Longpre proved a great difficulty.  I went round myself with the Adjutant to various houses “all full up” finally I went to the place we had previously supped.  The same story.  “But I am an old acquaintance”.  “Oh that is another matter I will come down”.  I then had four excellent beds placed at my disposal.  The last lot of officers passing through had left the place very dirty, had not said “thank you” for having their wet garments dried and pressed and had not paid them for the billet.  They were probably Australians.  We had received similar complaints before.

30th Sept.       We stayed on the next day, there was a presentation of medal ribbons by Gen. ….

On the opposite page is stuck in a duplicated letter from General Rawlinson.  It reads:-

Fourth Army No. 359 (G)

5th Division.

The conspicuous part that has been taken by the 5th Division in the Battle of the SOMME reflects the highest credit on the Division as a whole, and I desire to express to every Officer, N.C.O. and man my congratulations and warmest thanks.

The heavy fighting in DELVILLE WOOD and LONGUEVAL, the attack and capture of the FALFEMONT FARM line and LEUZE WOOD, and finally the storming of MORVAL, are feats of arms seldom equalled in the annals of the British Army.  They constitute a record of unvarying success which it has been the lot of few Divisions to attain, and the gallantry, valour, and endurance of all ranks have been wholly admirable.

The work of the Divisional Artillery in establishing the barrages and supporting the Infantry attacks is deserving of the highest praise and proves that a very high standard of training has been reached.

It is a matter of great regret to me that the Division is leaving the Fourth Army, but after three strenuous periods in the battle front they have more than earned a rest.

In wishing all ranks good fortune for the future, I trust I may one day have this fine Division again under my command.

Rawlinson

General

H.Q. Fourth Army,

Commanding Fourth Army.

30th September, 1916.

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.

To – O.C.

            3rd R.W. Kent Regiment.

Sender’s Number.                            Day of Month.

C.C.2481                                   25/9/16

Order the following Officers to join the British Armies in France AAA.  They should report personally to the Assistant Embarkation Commandant Folkestone on Friday 29th instant not later than 11 a.m. and if passing through London should travel by the train leaving Charing Cross at 9-37 a.m. on that date AAA.

            2nd Lieutenant          J.D. Ward.

         “                      S. L. Noakes

         “                      C.W. Loudoun

         “                         F.R. Hogbin

         “                      J.N. Mothersell

         “                      A.K. Harding

         “                      F.E.E. Norris

         “                      B.T. Commins

         “                      F. Squire

         “                      G. Radcliffe

         “                      J.H. Ashton

         “                      B.W. Ashworth

         “                      R. Watson

         “                      H. Croneen

         “                      G.G. Samuel

         “                      H.W.B. Bothemley

AAA.  Letter follows. AAA  Authority W.O. letter 121/Drafts/3077. A.G. 4A, 23-9-16

From Headquarters

1st T. & M.R. Bde.

Certified true copy.

W.A. Waring 2nd Lieut.

A/Adjutant, 3rd Bn. R.W. Kent Regt.

Fort Darland,

Chatham.

27/9/1916

LIST OF OFFICER CASUALTIES.

Rank & Name.                                  Nature of Casualty.                          Date.

Capt. C.H. Ker                                              Killed                                      13-9-14.

Capt. R. McCloughin                                       -:-                                       13-9-14.

Major C.C. Onslow                                      Wounded                             13-9-14.

Capt. F.H. Edwards                                          -:-                                       12-9-14.

Lt J.H. Mayne                                                    -:-                                       12-9-14.

Lt H. Courtnay                                                   -:-                                       13-9-14

Lt W.W. Wagstaff                             Wounded & Prisoner of W.             26-8-14.

Capt. J. McM. Milling                                  Wounded                              24-8-14.

Lt. C.E.G. Shearman                                       -:-                                       24-8-14.

Major E.I de.S. Thorpe                                     -:-                                       13-10-14.

Lt. J.R. Shippey                                                -:-                                       13-10-14.

Lt. C.C. Stafford                                           Killed                                     13-10-14.

Lt. V.C. Downs                                 Wounded & Missing                        13-10-14.

Lt. C.E. Goff                                                  Missing                                  13-10-14.     

Lt. E.A.J. Edwards                                       Wounded                              15-10-14.

Lt. L.W. Rendell                               Died of Wounds                               16-10-14.

Lt. Walker                                                      Wounded                              16-10-14.

2/Lt. Charlton                                               Killed                                      26-10-14.

Lt. Litchfield                                      Wounded & Missing                        13-10-14.

Capt. H.F. Gale                                                 -:-                                       30-10-14.

Lt. W. St.J. Coventry                                   Missing                                  18-10-14.

Lt. Graves                                                      Killed                                      18-10-14.

Capt. Harding                                                    -:-                                         7-11-14.

Capt. J.C. Monteith                                     Wounded                                9-11-14.

Lt. Garrod                                                           -:-                                       11-11-14.  tick

Lt. Bartram                                                          -:-                                         5-12-14.  tick

Capt. B.I. Orlebar                                         Killed                                        15-1-15.  tick

Lt. Landon                                                          -:-                                         15-2-15.

Capt. R. Ratcliffe                                         Wounded                                25-2-15.

Capt. L.H.G. Andrews                                      -:-                                           8-3-15.

Capt. C.A. Ogden                                             -:-                                         11-3-15.

Lt. J.H. Moxley                                              Killed                                        12-3-15.

Lt. A.H. Stratford                                          Wounded                                11-3-15.

Lt. R.H. Shears                                                 -:-                                         13-3-15.

Lt. A.C. Curtis                                                    -:-                                         13-3-15.

Lt. S. Tabor                                                       -:-                                         25-3-15.

2/Lt. C.S. Kirch                                             Killed                                        20-4-15.

2/Lt. E.L. Kellie                                                  -:-                                         20-4-15.

2/Lt. J.T.B. Darbishire                                 Wounded                                19-4-15.

Lt. J.B. Webb                                                Killed                                        20-4-15.

2/Lt. H.W. Ogilvie                                         Wounded                                20-4-15.

Major W. Allason                                             -:-                                           7-11-14.

             “                                                            -:-                                         21-54-15.

Lt. Col W. Allason, D.S.O.                              -:-                                            3-9-16.

Capt J.J. Moyse                                              -:-                                          20-4-15.

 2/Lt. C. Kennedy                                            -:-                                          20-4-15.

Lt. C.L.M. Scott                                                 -:-                                        21-4-15.

2/Lt. W.E. Cannon                                           -:-                                        20-4-15.

2/Lt. R.H. Fawcett                                        Killed                                      26-4-15.  tick      Capt. S.A. Gledstanes                Died of Wounds                                 7-5-15.  tick

Lt. T.R.J. Mulligan                                       Wounded                              10-6-15.  tick

Lt. E.W. Coulson-Mayne                                -:-                                        10-6-15.  tick

2/Lt. R.M.D. Harvey                                     Killed                                      20-4-15.

2/Lt. J.B. Knight                                                -:-                                       20-4-15.

Lt. E.A. Hopkins                                                -:-                                          5-5-15.  tick

Lt. F. Whittemore                                         Wounded                                5-5-15.  tick

         “                                                             Killed                                      29-2-16.  tick

Lt. L.J. Jones                                                Wounded                              19-5-15.   tick

Lt. A.N.W. Powell                                             -:-                                       13-5-15.  tick

Lt. A.H. Pearse                                                  -:-                                       26-6-15.  tick

2/Lt. P.F. Hart                                                    -:-                                         1-7-15.  tick

Lt. R.E.G. Cecil                                                 -:-                                       26-5-15.  tick

        “                                                              Killed                                      11-7-15.   tick

2/Lt. H.J. West                                              Wounded                              1-10-15.  tick

           “                                                                -:-                                         4-9-16. 

2/Lt. W.A. Shaw                                                -:-                                       3-10-15.  tick

2/Lt. C.A. Cook                                             Killed                                      11-3-15.  tick

2/Lt. P. Vyvyan                                             Wounded                              31-3-16.  tick

Lt. E.A. Rex                                                        -:-                                         5-4-16.  tick

Lt. R.C. Green                                  Died of Wounds                               17-5-16.  tick

Capt. H.W.M. Tollemache              Shell Shock                                        5-6-16.  tick

2/Lt. E.G.B. Millson                                     Killed                                      18-6-16.  tick

2/Lt. R.K. Wright                                           Wounded                              20-6-16.  tick

Lt. M. Milton                                                       -:-                                       24-7-16.

 Capt H.P.C. Burton                                    Killed                                      27-7-16.

2/Lt. A.C. Hayhoe                                             -:-                                       27-7-16.

2/Lt. A.C. Holland                                             -:-                                       27-7-16.

Capt. F.V. Parker                                         Wounded                              27-7-16.

Lt. E.A. Rex                                                        -:-                                       27-7-16.

2/Lt. F.D.W. Illingworth                                    -:-                                       27-7-16.

2/Lt. N.D. Wemyss                           Wounded & Missing                        27-7-16.

Lt. C.J. Hunter                                              Wounded                              27-7-16.

Lt. O.D. Roeber                                                 -:-                                       27-7-16.

Capt. H. Williams                                              -:-                                       31-7-16.

2/Lt. A.N. Marshall                                       Killed                                      31-7-16.

Capt. W.R. Nottidge                        Wounded & Shell S.                        31-7-16.

2/Lt. C.P. Mattey                                           Wounded                               31-7-16.

2/Lt. D.N. Gaussen                          Died of Wounds                                 2-8-16.

2/Lt. R.J. Haye                                             Wounded                              31-7-16.

2/Lt. O.D. Roeber                             Wounded & Shell S.                        31-7-16.

2/Lt. S.G. Mulligan                                      Wounded                              31-7-16.

2/Lt. E.H. Gudgeon                                          -:-                                       31-7-16.

2/Lt. K.C.J. Jones                                             -:-                                       31-7-16.

Capt. W.H.L. Barnett                                        -:-                                       31-7-16.

         “                                                                  -:-                                         4-9-16.

Lt. G. Sherry                                     Died of Wounds                               26-7-16.

2/Lt. S.C.W. Newman                                 Wounded                                1-8-16.

Major N.W. Lawder                                      Killed                                        4-9-16.

Lt. A.J. Howard                                                  -:-                                         4-9-16.

Lt. A. Topley                                                  Wounded                                4-9-16.

Lt. H.F. Graves                                                  -:-                                         4-9-16.

Lt. V.S. Sanders                                           Killed                                        4-9-16.

2/Lt. E.A. Hague                                          Wounded                                4-9-16.

2/Lt. P.A. Gibbons                                       Wounded                                4-9-16.

2/Lt. H.C. Covell                                                -:-                                         4-9-16.

2/Lt. W. Rankin                                Shell Shock                                        3-9-16.

2/Lt. J.H. Banyard                                        Killed                                        3-9-16.

2/Lt. D.A. Lardner                                             -:-                                         4-9-16.

2/Lt. D.F. Howard                                         Wounded                                4-9-16.

2/Lt. P.G. Smith                                                 -:-                                         4-9-16.

2/Lt. C. Blake                                                Killed                                        4-9-16.

2/Lt. B.C. Williams                           Shell Shock                                        3-9-16.

2/Lt. C.A.J. Piercy                                        Wounded                              25-9-16.

2/Lt. D.B. Candy                              Died of Wounds                               25-9-16.

2/Lt. J.M. Stanton                                        Wounded                              25-9-16.

2/Lt. B.J. Scott                                                   -:-                                       25-9-16.

Lt. G. de C. Millais                                           -:-                                       25-9-16.

2/Lt. A.W. Matson                                             -:-                                       25-9-16.

Capt. J. Macready                                             -:-                                       7-11-14.

Lt. J.S. Davenport                                             -:-                                       7-11-14.

Casualties taking place while I was away from the Bn have been ticked off.