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

Lord Henry Scott was commanding the Bde from 28^th of June to the 8^th of July, 1916, so I commanded the Bn.

On the 13^th of July 1916 a wire came to say I had been selected to command an Inf Bn and was to report at Belle Eglise on the 14^th.  I started at 7.15 a.m. there appeared to be only one Belle Eglise this was west of Paris, the station master obligingly made out my time table via Calais and Paris.  I reached Abbeville at midnight and Paris at 5.55 a.m.  Here I had to report to the A.P.M. driving there & back right through Paris in a taxi.  I saw the preparations being made for the ‘Quatorze Juillet’.  There were no British troops at Belle Eglise so I went on to Beauvais where I had lunch and then proceeded to Abancourt where I found an R.T.O.  He explained that Belle Eglise was the name for the new railhead just constructed, travelling in guards vans and on the tenders of two engines I at last reached there about midnight on the 14^th.  A Sergt Major kindly surrendered his bunk to me – there was no other accommodation – a phone message was sent through to the Reserve Army.

On the opposite page is a photograph of Major Allason, Lieutenant Tophy, Captain Barrett and the French Translator De Rosen.

A car appeared about 11 a.m. to take me to Bareuil on the way I met the 1^st Bn heard that Col Onslow had a Bde and at once phoned the Mil Sec^ry requesting that I might be appointed to them.

Barueil proved to be a Dump of officers awaiting appointment to command B^ns meanwhile they were to be employed instructing “young officers” the first batch of these arrived that evening before any provision could possibly be made for them.  About 150 hungry officers were asking for breakfast next morning and were told to use their emergency rations.  This most of them had considered a superfluous addition to the weight they were already carrying so their faces fell.  By dint of borrowing we managed to get them some biscuit and tea but the idea of going to school again did not please them especially those with ten years previous service.

On the opposite page is a newspaper cutting of a map of the Somme area.

A car turned up about midday to take me to the 1^st Bⁿ. 

Took over command of 1^st Bn. 16/7/16.  I joined them at Lahoussoye and took over command from Major Lawder. 

17 July. 1916.           Next day we marched to Ville sur Corbie half the men were under canvass the remainder in billets.  Hearing the 2^nd Bn was close I rode over, Douglas was in temporary command.

On the opposite page newspaper cuttings on the Battle of the Somme.

18^th July. 1916.         The Bde Staff and C.O.’s motored up to view the German line the last bit was done on foot.  Gen. Onslow came over to see us.

19^th July. 1916.         We again motored up and viewed another part of the German line.  The B^ns marched up under 2^nd in Command.

20^th July.1916.          to Pommiers Redoubt.  We had a view of two air-fights in which a Bosh and an English machine were shot down, one came down in flames.

21^st July.        The maze of trenches was well provided with deep dug outs.  In exploring one of these 5 dead Germans were found apparently overcome by our gas.

22 July. 1916.           I went forward with Coy Officers to German 2^nd line west of Longueval.  We returned via Montauban the roads were clear but not a house remained standing.  We opened a heavy bombardment it continued like the rattle of an express train while an occasional 15 inch shell passing over gave the impression of the train passing under a bridge.

On the opposite page are two photographs of groups of officers outside a chateau.

23 July. 1916.           Our assistance was suddenly called for at 6 a.m. but the orders were countermanded soon after we had started.

24 July. 1916.           The Bⁿ. was ordered to occupy line to the east of High Wood and work towards switch trench. Seven Forward posts were constructed during night Lt. Sherry was killed at dawn by a sniper from near Longueval.

25^th July. 1916.         We were relieved and returned to Pommiers redoubt.

26^th July. 1916.         Orders were received about 9 p.m. to proceed to trenches south of Longueval prior to making an attack.  I had previously reconnoitred the ground with Coy Commanders and received verbal preliminary orders about 7 p.m.  As gas shells were reported to be falling freely in the valley we halted until about 2 a.m.

On the opposite page is a sketch plan of the area between Longueval and High Wood.

27^th July. 1916.         It was then said to be better so we started.  The further we got the thicker the shells fell until in the darkness it seemed as if half the Bⁿ would be wiped out.  They came down like hail.  There was a sickly sweet smell about so I halted to adjust gas masks.  With these on one could see nothing and it was impossible to advance so they had to be removed and we chanced it.

On the opposite page is a group photograph outside a chateau.

Fortunately there were very few casualties Capt. Parker was wounded & there were a few gas cases. 

The trenches we were to have occupied on arrival were found to be full of Warwicks so it was necessary to get the men into what shelter remained.  My Bⁿ H.Q. were occupied as a dressing station by the Norfolks and soon after the Warwick C.O. also appeared there.

Fortunately he had with him a copy of the attack orders which I had not received & I was just able to communicate them to the Coy Commanders in time.  The Barrage lines had been altered and the commencement of the bombardment advanced two hours.  We only just got under cover in time.

On the opposite page is a sketch plan of the Longueval area.

About half an hour before Zero the Norfolks reported that owing to very heavy casualties they would be unable to take their second objective.  I therefore decided to reinforce with my two leading companies, pass through and take the 3^rd objective with my two rear ones at the same time I asked the Warwicks to take my place and informed the Bde what I was doing.  I went forward myself to make sure the change in orders reached the leading coys and to put those following on the right road.  After a little delay I found the Norfolk headquarters in an old German cellar at X and informed Col Stone of the action taken.  To the east of North Road the Norfolks took their 1^st objective and were held up by a redoubt.  Pressing on with our right company they took the 2^nd objective and 100 prisoners.  Our right rear coy in turn passed through and reached the 3^rd objective, on the way Lt. Dyson’s platoon stormed a house & took 32 prisoners, linking up with the Division Royal Fusiliers on our right.  A German counter attack was driven off soon after reaching objective.  A considerable number of prisoners were taken.  These consisted of Brandenburghers including their Reg^tal Commander.  I directed that prisoners were to be used to carry back wounded, owing to this the prisoners eventually landed up in the next Corps’ cage much to the annoyance of our Corps Commander.  I believe this to be the first time prisoners were freely used for this purpose.

On the opposite page are two photographs outside a chateau.

On the west of North Road the Norfolks failed to take the 1^st objective owing to machine gun fire.  My leading left coy coming forward found them in the trenches waiting.  There was no room for our men so they very hurriedly had to dig in behind, the rear left coy coming up in turn, had to do the same.  They could not tell how long it would be before the Norfolks succeeded in taking the 1^st objective after which it would be their job to take the 2^nd and 3^rd.  Trench mortars were sent for to deal with the machine guns but owing to casualties never came into action.  The Norfolk bombers took one house but could not advance further.

On the opposite page is a photograph outside a chateau.

In the meanwhile we were having very severe casualties in the trenches about Y. 4 Officers 160 Other Ranks out of 10 Officers 342 men in the two Coys, and finally I ordered the 2 Coys to withdraw to Bⁿ H.Q. where they were more sheltered.  Communication throughout the operations was very difficult and chiefly by runner tho’ a telephone wire to Bⁿ H.Q. proved fairly reliable.  I remained throughout the operations in the cellar at X.

Capt Burton and Lts Hayhoe, Weymes and Holland were killed.  Lts. Rea, Milton, Illingworth and Hunter wounded, 303 men out of 23 Officers 807 men.

28^th July.        We were relieved about 9 a.m. and returned to Pommier redoubt.

29^th July.        At 6.45 p.m. the Bⁿ was suddenly called for but after marching a mile we were told we could return.

On the opposite page are two photographs of groups outside the chateau.  In addition is written “About 3a.m. a big crump smashed in both entrances to the cellar burying a number of people, fortunately we were able to dig ourselves out before the air became unbreathable, there were some 30 individuals there.

30^th July. 1916.         Reorganisation and training was continued.

31^st July. 1916.         We were suddenly called upon to reinforce at Longueval about 9 a.m. It was being heavily bombarded when we arrived the situation was distinctly involved the troops we were to relieve could not be found.  We pushed up to the orchard and got in touch with the troops on our right.  The shelling continued intense all day, men were continually being buried by shells, the troops on our right in Delville Wood withdrew, there were local counter attacks.  Our casualties were severe 11 Officers 188 O.R. but we held on.

On the opposite page is a typed expression of thanks.  It reads:-

15^th Infy Bde.

1^st Bedfords

            The Brigadier-General Commanding wishes to express to all ranks of the Brigade his great admiration at the magnificent manner in which they captured the Village of LONGUEVAL yesterday.

To the 1^st NORFOLK Regiment and the 1^st BEDFORDSHIRE Regiment and some of the 16^th ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Regiment, who were able to get into the enemy with the bayonet, he offers his heartiest congratulations.  He knows it is what they have been waiting and wishing for for many months.

The 1^st CHESHIRE Regiment made a most gallant and determined effort to reach their objective and failed through no fault of their own.

The way in which our Troops behaved under the subsequent heavy bombardment was worthy of the best traditions of the British Army.

The Brigade captured 4 Officers and 159 other ranks.

W. Tryrrell Brooks Captain.

Brigade Major, 15^th Infantry Brigade

28/7/1916

Pte C Priest 10080

A Compy 6 Leics Regt.

British Expeditionary force.

Dear Sir,

            Just a few lines to you to tell you that I got your kind letter and was very pleased with it and I am please to think that you will do your best for my wife.  I have seen one or to of the lads and I gave them your best wishes to them and they was please to here from you and hoping you are in the best of elfe. 

Dear Sir I am always pleased when I am out of the tranches for we have had 4 days rain and it is ofal and I shall be glad when it is all over so I can come home again and I am always sinsing those lovely hums and I hope the lord will look over us and bring us back safe and I shall soon be going in the trenches again but I hope I shall come out of them all right and I send my best Wishes to all in Whitwick Church and I should like to see them myself so I think that is all this time from yours truly Mr C Priest and please write back.

In envelope addressed to the Rev T.W. Walters, Vicar of Whitwick, Leicestershire.  England.  Readdressed to 8 Kilvey Terrace, St. Thomas Swansea.

Letter postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 2* Date unreadable also on back of envelope COALVILLE LEICESTER 4 NO 15.

PASSED BY CENSOR *038 in hexagonal cachet in red.

1^st Bedfordshire Regiment.

26/7/16.          The Battalion left its Bivouacs at Pommiers Redoubt and marched to

11.15. p.m.    Brigade advanced H.Q.; there, owing to very heavy barrage of poison

gas shells in the valley, the Battalion halted for two hours.  The barrage was still intense but a fresh wind made advance possible, and only two cases of gas poisoning have been reported.  Shell fire was moderately severe in the valley and increased as the old German Second Line Trenches were approached.

27/7/16.          (Capt. Parker, wounded)

3.50 a.m.        Battalion arrived in position of assembly in German Second Line

                        Trenches and improved cover.

5.50 a.m.       Operation Orders received and communicated to Company

                        Commanders.

7.0 a.m.          A, and B, Companies in accordance with orders, left to take up their

                        position in Reserve trenches at LONGUEVAL. 

7.40. a.m.       Report received from O.C., 1^st Norfolks, that, owing to heavy shell fire

                        he required assistance.

8.20 a.m.        O.C. 1^st Bedfordshire Regt., arrived at Headquarters 1^st Norfolk Regt.,

in Longueval – having arranged for A and B Companies to assault the second line in conjunction with Norfolks and for C and D Companies to pass through and take third line.  O.C. 16^th Royal Warwickshire Regt., was requested to occupy front line trenches when these were vacated by C and D Companies.  A and B Coys., had at 7.30 a.m., occupied first line at E, and reserve trenchers at B.

8.40 a.m.        C Coy arrived at E)

D Coy arrived at B) and A Coy., pushed across towards German Redoubt at F., where the two leading Norfolk Coys., were being held up.  (100 prisoners surrendered here)

Lieut Fyson with his platoon attacked house at G., and took 32 prisoners.

9.5 a.m.          “C” Coy., advanced across Princes Street but were held up by Machine

Gun fire from house at Cross Roads (1).  This house was taken by a party of Norfolk bombers.  At the same time, two platoons of A Coy., reached position marked H and K, near Flers Road, where they were in touch with the Royal Fusiliers on their right.  A German counter-attack was met with Lewis Gun and Rifle fire, the estimated enemy casualties being 50.  Several small posts were observed on the ridge, apparently protected by wire.

9.30 a.m.        C Coy., crossed Princes Street and took up a position parallel with

North Street, joining up the two leading Norfolk Companies.  They were unable to progress further owing to heavy machine gun fire from Duke Street.  They consolidated their positions.

1 Officer and 30 men went forward from B Coy., at C., to reinforce a Coy., of Norfolks at A.  This Company was held up by machine gun fire from direction of Duke Street, and was unable to advance.  Stokes Mortar Battery was asked to co-operate but did not come into action.  Later heavy artillery was asked to bombard this post.  While awaiting this, and the opportunity to advance, B and D Coys., endeavoured to improve their cover under a hurricane bombardment.  Casualties in these two Coys. –

“B” Coy. – 2 Officers & 54 Other Ranks out of 5 Officers & 166 Other Ranks.

“D” Coy. – 2 Officers & 106 Other Ranks out of 5 Officers & 176 Other Ranks.

6.30 p.m.        Royal Fusiliers on right, owing to heavy shell fire, retired, and our line

at K & H, was slightly withdrawn to cover exposed flank.

7.0 p.m.          “B” Coy., received orders to retire to German Second Line trenches,

leaving one platoon to hold line at A.  A similar order was sent to “D” Coy., but did not reach there and

8.0 p.m.          a second order was sent at 8.0 p.m.

9.0 p.m.          “C” Coy., tried to establish itself on East side of North St., but had to

withdraw.  They consolidated in touch with Norfolks and the South Staffords of 2^nd Division.

28/7/16.

6. a.m.            1/D.C.L.I., and 1/E. Surreys arrived and took over the line and the

Battalion withdrew to Pommiers Redoubt.

The total casualties were 9 Officers & 303 Other Ranks out of 23 Officers and 807 Other Ranks.

Remained in Pommiers Redoubt all day, reorganizing Battalion.

29/7/16.          As above.

30/7/16.

6.45 p.m.        Orders received to reinforce in Longueval.  2/K.O.S.Bs., holding line. 

1/R.W. Kents in support.  Leading platoon moved off at 6.53 p.m., and reached Longueval at 7.45 p.m., relieving 1/R.W. Kents.

10.12 p.m.     O.C. 2/K.O.S.Bs., reported that his men were retiring from line

S.11.d.9/5 to S.11.c.5/8.  “A” & “C” Coys., were directed to proceed with guides of K.O.S.Bs., to hold and consolidate this line.   “B” & “D” Coys., were directed to hold line S.11.d.9/5., to S.17.b.0/9.  It was proposed to withdraw K.O.S.Bs., into reserve at dawn.

11.45 p.m.     Message received by O.C., K.O.S.Bs., that Gordons, 5^th Division, were

in Sunken Road and that  .K.O.S.Bs., were to bomb towards them.

31/7/16.

12.10 a.m.     Enemy started intense bombardment.

12.45 a.m.     Orderly returned from “A” & “C” Coys., and reported K.O.S.B., guides

could not show them the way up to front line.  O’s. C. “A” & “C” Coys., were instructed to establish themselves on the line B.C.D.E. (S.11.d.4/8 to S.11.c.5/5) and to send out patrols to ascertain if any K.O.S.Bs., were holding forward line.

2.30 a.m.        All Coys., reported heavy casualties (2 Officers killed and several

wounded).  “B” & “D” Coys., reported themselves to be in position as ordered from S.11.d.5/5., to S.17.b.0/9.

Two wounded prisoners were taken by “A” Coy.  Reinforcements had been asked for at 10.54 a.m.  O.C. “D” Coy., reported that he had been able to get in touch with the Division on his right.

O.C. “C” Coy., reported that owing to mist, darkness and shell fire it was impossible to recognise the line B.C.D.E., and that he was in touch with K.O.S.s., and would establish himself in the forward position at dawn.  Telephone communication established between Bn., H.Q., and front line.

6.25 a.m.        Orders received from Bde., to relieve K.O.S.Bs., who were to move into

reserve.  O.C. “C” Coy., reported by telephone that his patrols were unable to get forward – two machine guns enfilading North Street and heavy sniping from his front.

Companies were now as follows:- “D” Coy., from Piccadilly to North Street on Duke Street, “B” Coy., continuing this line into Delville Wood.  “A” Coy., cross roads North St./Flers Rd., to Orchard.  “C” Coy., in support of “A” Coy., with refused flank about S.11.d.8/3., and two platoons North of Flers Rd., about S.11.d.4/4.  “C” Coy., were still endeavouring to gain touch with 2^nd Division.  The positions taken up could be seen from the opposite ridge and any movement attracted heavy shell fire.  There was also considerable sniping from the direction of Flers Rd.

6.0. p.m.         1/Norfolk Regt., arrived and relieved 2/K.O.S.Bs., and the forward

Bedford Coys., who were moved back to reserve position E. of Church.

10.30. p.m.    1/Cheshire Regt., arrived and relief of 1/Bedfs: R., was completed by

midnight.  1/Bedfs: R., returned to Pommiers Redoubt.

11. p.m.          A patrol from “C” Coy., trying to get into touch with 2^nd Division

approached the German line in North of Delville Wood and attracted a big burst of fire.

Casualties 10 Officers and 188 Other Ranks.

C.R.A.C. 8*819 (Q)                          (COPY)

O.C. South African Reserves.

            I forward herewith correspondence and barrack damage claims against the South African Infantry as under:-

March out of the 4^th S.A. Inf.

from Bordon on the 29/12/15 ………….       £164.4.11

inspection held between 10 – 15

March 1916 in Quebec, St Lucia

and Martinique Barracks……………………. £387.10-5

you will see by the correspondence that the charges against the 4^th S.A. Infantry in the first instance amounted to £643.3.3, but certain surpluses having been disclosed this was reduced to £541.17.7.  This sum was subsequently written down to £164-4-11 the value at time of loss.

As the amount was still considered to be unduly large it was decided to hold a check of all barrack furniture on charge of South African Reserves and this disclosed a deficiency amounting to £1406.5.5  This again was written down to ¼ value, viz, £387-10-5, this being the assessed value at time of loss.

The deficiencies disclosed by the inspection held in March were arrived at by comparing the numbers of the various articles of barrack equipment actually seen, counted and taken over by the Reserve Regiment on the 29^th December 1915, with the numbers actually seen and counted at the inspection.

I should be glad to know how it is proposed to adjust the matter.

(Signed) W. Butler Jordon (?) Major,

for Lt. Colonel,

A.Q.M.G., A.C.

Aldershot,

30/7/16.

4^TH SOUTH AFRICAN INFANTRY.

marching out of Bordon 29/12/15.

£164-4-11

Points raised by O.C. units                                              Explanation of O. i/c. Barracks.

in charge

1. 4^th Battalion South African                     1.  Advance parties of 3^rd Battn South African

Infantry arrived at Bordon on                      Infantry took over Quebec Bks on behalf of

14-10-15.  The Quartermaster on              the 4^th Bn. S.A. Inf. on 11-10-15 the Officers

arrival at camp found all in darkness,       In charge being Lieut: J.G. Baker & 2^nd. Lieut

some of the huts without locks and           D.M. Abel, 3^rd S.A. Inf.  It is therefore not the

open and other huts closed:  A few           case as stated by O.C.4^th Bn. S.A. Inf that a

days afterwards it was ascertained           N.C.O. took over.  The Bks were regularly

that an N.C.O. of the 3^rd S.A. Inf. had       handed over, in my presence, from the

taken over Barracks on our behalf            outgoing unit, the 4th Bn. S.A. Infy.

some days before our arrival.  To

understand the Imperial Barrack Nomenclature it requires an experienced officer.  It was later      found that much of what gear was then in rooms was transferred from one hut to another.  In endeavouring to make check of all Barrack Furniture the Qr. Mr. found many deficiencies but O. i/c Bks. held himself covered by the handing over to a representative of the Brigade – a N.C.O.

                                                                         2. Lists were prepared of articles actually in       

                                                                        Bks. in presence of outgoing and incoming

                                                                        units and the O. i/c Bks.  The lists were

                                                                        compared and one list retained by each party

                                                                        after signature by the other two parties.  The

                                                                        incoming unit therefore had a complete

                                                                        record of Bk. stores taken over, the outgoing

                                                                                         a similar record of the stores handed over and

                                                                                       the O i/c Bks also retained his record of the

                                                                                         transaction.  This took place when the 4^th S.A.

                                                                                       Inf took over from the 12^th Royal Irish Rifles

                                                                                       and again when the 4^th Regt S.A. Inf, handed

                                                                                         over to the Res. Bns. S.A. Inf., such lists

                                                                                       having been modified by any issues from, or

                                                                                          returns to store.

              3. An inspection was carried out on 3-1-16. 

             The deficiencies were so large that I received

             orders to make complete inspection.

             This was done 17-2-16.  This inspection

             enabled me to reduce deficiencies to

             £541-17-7.

• Furniture in Officers’ rooms was              

removed from one room to another

for comfort and it was therefore found impossible to re-adjust furniture to the various rooms in  accordance with                                                                               2.  See Note I (para 3.)

Barrack Officers Schedule.  To get matter squared  up, a Full list of all furniture in Officers’ Quarters was rendered  to the Barrack Officer and it was found that in almost every instance we held more than the B.O. had shown against us and yet Officers’ tables, chairs, etc are noted as missing.                              

           Quite possible that if an inventory were        See Note I (para 3)

taken of what each hut or room should have, as per B.O., deficiencies would be found in some against surpluses in others.

                                                                                    See Note I (para 3)

On the mobilized part of the Rgt. leaving on 28-12-15 some 460 Officers and men were left in Quebec Barracks and these were transferred to Martinique Barracks.  Undoubtedly a great number of small things, such as brooms, Scrubbing brushes, and Butcher’s Implements and Cooks utensils were transferred with them.

• In taking the items Brooms, Mops       3. Brooms, Mops and Scrubbing  

Scrubbing brushes, etc, these are             Brushes stated to be expendable  

are expendable and any serviceable        are not  expendable and if

           ones would be taken with the men            unserviceable should have been

           to Martinique Barracks.                              exchanged.  The marching out

inspection on

                                                                         3-1-16 of all Barracks covered removals to

                                                                         Martinique Bks.

4.Sand Bags were drawn and used in the     4. Does not appear to be a reason

Training Trenches.                                            for the deficiency.

5.Cooks Implements – Nine were taken        5. Almost invariably the case that

      with the Regiment as full mobilization            Cooks take the knives, etc, away when going

      equipment had been drawn just prior             overseas in spite of frequent warning not to

to departure.                                                       do so.  In any case, the deficient

articles have not been found.

6.Bedding.  Item incorrect.                   6. Sheets charged for are ground sheets

No sheets were in any of the huts.     for musketry purposes.

7. Blankets.  All blankets found     7. 459 blankets, 100 bolsters and unstated

in the huts on arrival were sent     number of mattresses said to have been

to the Medical Authorities for         sent to “Medical” Authorities and not

disinfection, the bulk being             returned and 113 cases pailliasse

verminous.  From the                      stated to have been burnt by Medical

number it would seem to refer       Officer.  I knew nothing of transactions

to the one extra blanket per man until 29-5-16, moreover, dirty blankets taken

drawn by the Regiment which       over by the 4^th S.A.I. were not used by them

was returned by mobilized             but clean blankets drawn from store 12-10-

portion but retained by the             15.  The S.M.O. informs me that units

460 left behind and taken by         invariably remove bedding etc, immediately

them to Martinique.                         after disinfection, and there is no instance

                                                                        in which this rule has been departed from.

Bolsters.  Many sent with the

bedding (Biscuits, Coir) to

the disinfectors and not

returned.

8. Cases, Bolster – None in           8. 50 taken over on arrival.

Bks on our occupation.                   500 issued on 15/10/15: – 104 gathered up

after unit left, 93 returned later by Res Bn leaving 353 deficient.

• Cases, Palliasse – Burnt           ) See 7.

with straw contents, on

order of Medical Officer

on becoming verminous.

1. Barrack Furniture –

Generally explained above,           10. Barrack Furniture.

but to take larger items:-

            a Barrows, Stable.  Only 2              a. 3 handed over, 4 issued 26:10:15 2 on

received and these were                18:11:15, total 9.  None returned to store,

returned to E.S.A.                            5 handed in on march out of unit leaving

before leaving.                                 4 deficient.

b  Bedsteads, Barrack.  These      b. Agree could not be taken overseas but

Boxes, Soldiers could not be         Bedsteads were left lying about in pieces

taken away.  If number quoted      during units occupation of Barracks, having

as missing is genuinely missing    apparently been thrown out when floor

they are presumably at                   space per man was reduced.  Many boxes,

Martinique.                                        Soldiers were used as firewood and Lt.

Ward saw soldiers boxes being used to fill in trenches on the eastward edge of Quebec Barracks.

c. Forms & Tables. – These           c. These articles were commonly used as

could not have been taken             firewood, particularly the local pattern with

away.   Unexplainable unless        wooden trestles and legs.

removed to other barracks.

d. Rests, Tripod M I Sets and        d. Number of charge 28.

Rests Rifle Firing.  Left in use        handed over on march out 13.

of details.                                           Deficiency

e. Basins, Soup & Plates,               Basins, Soup & Plates, dinner :- Taken over

dinner.  Although each hut             from 12^th Royal Irish Rifles

was supposed to be equipped,                 238 basins

there were not more than 200                    747 plates

of each in the whole lines when                1672 basins from Bk Store

huts were taken over.  From                      1042 plates    “      “     “

the indents put forward by us

on arrival it would seem that

Barracks were practically bare

of these items.  No doubt

many were broken but numbers

quoted are absurd.

11. Sergeants’ Mess:- On occupation      11. The Sergeants’ Mess was fully equipped

Sergeants Mess was bare with                 on 12/10/15 at public expense with carvers, exception of one iron pot.                                      Table knives, forks, spoons, table wear, etc

There is some mistake in this                    and the inference appears conclusive that

debit.  The Sergeants purchased              the Sergeants’ Mess took this cutlery away

Cups and Saucers themselves                  with them on marching out.

 and provided their own cutlery.

12. Officers’ Mess;:- This was in               12.  See Note I

occupation by Officers left                          (See copy of Capt Mowatt’s minute)

behind with details and on                         

closing Quebec Barracks                          

possibly some of the gear                         

was removed to Officers’

Mess at St. Lucia or

Martinique.

Captain Mowatt, Res.

Bn. S.A. Infantry at Bordon

could advise on this point

and the definite loss he arrived at.

13. It was impossible to leave

my Qr. Mr. behind to hand over

Bks. and the only other Officer

who had any knowledge of Qr.

Mrs. work had been sent to

Aldershot as acting Qr. Mr.

of drafts for Reserve Battalion.

There is no doubt that irregularities

from the B.O’s point of view, in gear

being removed from one building to

another, would account for a lot of                        See note 1 (para 3) and note 3

discrepancies and further a percentage

of the expendable articles almost

unserviceable in rooms, would in the

early days of cleaning be thrown aside.

Some consideration should be given for a Colonial Volunteer Regiment on first arrival in England and ignorance of Barrack Regulations by Officers and N.C.Os and although minor losses undoubtedly occurred from the statement rendered, at this date, it is uncertain how to arrive at them.

May the sanction of the G.O.C. be obtained to write off the debit which has arisen chiefly from book entries and not through genuine loss or damage.

COPY.

From Capt. Mowat.

To … Officer i/c Barracks,  Bordon.

Bordon.

8^th July, 1916.

Re Deficiencies Quebec Barracks.

                                                                                                                                                       The South African Scottish left Quebec Barracks for overseas on 29^th December, 1915.  The Reserve Company was left behind but was transferred to Martinique Barracks on 30^th December.  A Guard was left in Quebec Barracks but in spite of the guard many of the small articles deficient were in my opinion removed to other Barracks.  It was within my knowledge that soldiers boxes were removed to other barracks especially at night.  This was possible owing to the interval which elapsed between the vacation of the barracks and the taking of the inventory.  Regarding the burning of soldiers boxes as fuel I have no knowledge of such an occurrence and can not admit that it took place.  With regard to bedsteads, I know that many broken bedsteads were lying outside the bungalows on the arrival of the Regiment.

                                                                                                                               (Sgd.) G. Mowat, Captain.

O.C. “K” Company,

4^th South African Infantry.

France

29 July 16

My Dear Mr Walters,

            I got your most welcome yesterday (Friday) I am pleased to get a line from all who I know any time, and I do my best to answer all I can.  I am now attached to the 9^th Essex, in C Company and I am in the machine gun section.  I am getting on very well with my new work but I will be pleased to come back to the old life.  I am glad to think you still think of me at the Band of Hope + temperance Society meetings and I still have the pleasure of being a member of both.  You do not think far wrong, our batt is in reserve and we are lying just behind the line.  I am not with Jim now, the only Whitwick chap here is Albert Eagles from the gas works.  I see very little of him as we are in different sections. I believe he is a bomber.  I hope God will give me luck to get through safely, then I hope to do some service again to you and our church.  I have only been to one Church Parade in France that was last Sunday, it did seem strange to have a service with the guns and all the din of war (we were only about a hour’s walk from the firing line so I was told) after the quiet services we used to have in our old church.  Please remember me to all.  I am in the best of health and spirits, hoping you and your family the same.  Well I think this is all this time

From

Yours sincerely

J.W. Weston.

Pte J.W. Weston 25739

C Company L.M.G.S.

9 Essex

B.E.F.

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

Letter postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 13.  30 JY16.

PASSED BY CENSOR 1968 in hexagonal cachet in red.

22812 Rfn W.J.C. Brown

C Co 24^th (R) KRR

North Camp

Cambois Nr Blyth

Northumberland

July 28 1916

My dear M^r Walters,

            As I have a half hour to spare, I feel that I cannot spend it to any better advantage than by writing to you.

            Since I wrote to you last little of importance has happened, and days have passed with their usual monotony.  I have now been in the Army twelve weeks and have passed through my preliminary drills which certainly were very monotonous and wearying, but which however have to be experienced.  I also have “fired my course” returning to the camp here from the Ranges at Whitley Bay two weeks ago.  The weather condition during the fortnight there were not at all favourable, but we had to make the best of the circumstances prevailing, Whitley is quite an attractive sea-side resort frequented by Novocastrians to a great extent, and, our stay there provided us with quite a pleasant change from our usual routine here.  We were very sorry to turn our backs on Whitley.  I expect to have my bombing course during the next few weeks, then my first and final leave of six days, after which I can prepare for “yonder” as it is called in the camp.  I am greatly looking forward to my visit home, as I believe, my people are doing.  Unluckily, the leave is restricted here to a great extent, and only 36 hours are allowed to us, and that short time would be of little or no use to me as I am about 250 miles from home, and the train service is very poor from Blyth to Coalville.

The battalion is at full strength now, and is composed partly of Londoners and partly of Northerners.  The different countrymen agree exceedingly well together and practically the only grievance among the Londoners is that they have been sent so far from home and are not allowed sufficient leave to enable them to get home.  The majority of them are married men.  The battalion is a reserve one and drafts are sent from it as they are required.  About seventy men have been sent to date, and we are expecting that a draft will be sent out almost every week.

We have a very fine set of officers both commissioned & non-commissioned, and many of them have experienced warfare on one front or another, and so we get a very good training from men who have had practical experience, and who know what will be expected of us.

Our chaplain is quite a thorough man and quite popular amongst us.  He carries out his work in a very able manner.  There has already been one confirmation for us soldiers in the district, and there is to be another one on Tuesday next by the Bishop of Newcastle in Blyth.

The weather has improved greatly this last week, and the camp has dried up after the long spell of wet weather we have experienced.  We are all very pleased it has done so, as it was beginning to smell very unhealthy, and would have caused sickness amongst us had it continued very much longer.

I trust that everything is going well at Whitwick and that you are enjoying the best of health.

With very kindest thoughts

believe me

Sincerely & respectfully yours

Cecil Brown

P.S. I shall be pleased to receive a magazine for August if you have one to spare.

In envelope addressed to The Rev T.W. Walters, Whitwick, Lester.

Letter postmarked BLYTH 29 JY 16. 11.15 AM.

27 July 1916

Telephone 7538 Victoria

5, Vincent Square Mansions,

Westminster,

S.W.

Dear Colonel Purcell,

I was so sorry not to find Mrs Purcell at home yesterday when I called.  I hope she will call to see me when she is in London.

I hope I made it clear to you that I did not come to make enquiries into your administration but to ascertain whether the War Office were providing properly for the S. Africans.  Who *** all the *** *** come from a hot to a cold country & that they receive so little pay.

Therefore I did not come so much to tell you what I had been doing – but to find out – if I could – from yourself – whether you were satisfied with the arrangements.

After seeing you I saw some other men of the Scottish (well educated & *****) who said that nothing could be better than the food itself – but it was quite spoiled in the cooking & that I ought to have been there at dinner time to see it.  This *** *** I am reporting to yourself not to the War Office.

They also told me that the Quebec Barracks – where I went – was *** quite recently & *** it was the Alexandra Park Bks which were **** **** that the soldiers had been & some was still there – but that all the men were now being moved into ** Quebec & that men would be sent to the Alexandra until the men came from “German” East.

So – if again S. Africans are sent to the Alexandra again I shall complain to the War Office – as that will be their doing not yours.

Many thanks for the kindness with which you received me

Yours sincerely

Marian T Mason.

In envelope addressed to Colonel Purcell S. African Forces Bordon Hants.  Postmarked LONDON S.W.  3.15 P.M.  27 JUL 16.

Flanders

July 27^th 1916

My dear Harry,

I received Ethel’s parcel and letter on the 25^th.  There were no letters that day.  Yours came yesterday.  I sent Ethel a postcard yesterday which will probably arrive at the same time as this letter.  This is the first opportunity I have of writing and thanking you for the parcel.  The butter arrived in the pink of condition and at a very opportune moment.  The cake disappeared so quickly that there is no doubt as to its popularity.  The books, toothbrushes & ginger are all coming in very handy.  It was very sensible indeed of you to take the twelve days.  I hope you both have a decent little holiday.  If the weather is the same as ours you couldn’t have it better.  There must be no doubt about your going to the sea side.  Go.  This time I am in the front line and we have had a warmer time of it.  There has been any amount of shell activity.  Rifle grenades, which have a small danger zone, have been very common.  Trench mortars I believe they have visited us once daily.  They are huge things and as dangerous as the largest of shells.  They are very high explosives & vary from 15 lbs to 200 lbs. I think.  When they are coming over we get out of our dug-outs & watch for their arrival.  I believe trench mortars are the only things you can see coming over.  They look like tremendous black sausages.  Aerial torpedoes and Silent Lizzies also abound.  The former have three explosions.  We send a little stuff over & get quick returns.  Fritz & Co are very cute.  They send one or two trench mortars & we are out of our dug-outs when they start rifle grenades, silent lizzies and the torpedoes – quite a shell salad.  A rifle grenade burst on the wall opposite our dug-out entrance, pushed one of our chaps right inside &  shook up the other two.  I was on duty elsewhere at the time & didn’t have any as close as that.  Of course every one of us has a tale of a bit of shell being only a few inches off & other narrow escapes.  I’ve had a couple of rifle grenade bits rather close myself.  The middle of last night however was the tit-bit.  I am not allowed to say what we did but anyway it resulted in a very hot bombardment.  The light from explosion flashes, star shells, signals & smoke made it like daytime.  There is no doubt we upset them considerably.  We were very affectionately disposed towards the bottom of the trenches.  I was on duty all day yesterday also almost all night so I am very tired this morning.  How did you find out where Bernard was?  I guessed that is where he would be.  I am wondering if you have any idea of our locality.  I tell Mother very little & often mention things to you that I might tell her but which escape my mind at the time I write, so tell her if there is anything you think she would like to know.  Whilst we were out last time three of us went to a town very close to our camp & followed your advice by having a bottle of rattling champagne between us.  Needless to say we like it very much.  We had a meal there, each bought an aluminium ring made from part of a German shell & several other things in the eating line.  We did champagne in style by having cigars at the same time & propose a similar outing at a very early date.  The last time I heard from Mother – four or five days ago – she was at Ross and seemed quite well.  Olive was still away at Neyland.  The Colonel caused a notice to be issued to each company about commissions.  If you eventually obtain a commission four & a half months have passed since you applied for it.  The next five lines in the original are censored out.  The applicant has to be prepared to spend a couple of months in a Young Officers School & pass examinations.  The next three lines in the original are censored out.  Now what do you think of it?   Very few people want to be left half an hour longer in the army than possible; although I suppose it’s O.K. in peace times.  What on earth is to prevent a man resigning his commission?  How can they?  I suppose they would make you swear volumes.  I have not applied yet but I expect I shall.  It is said that in the event of nearly everyone applying it is most probable we would be turned into an O.T.C.  Now I will write a few lines to Ethel & wish you goodbye

            Yours as ever,

                        Alan.

My dear Ethel,

Thank you very much for the parcel.  I have told Harry it arrived in perfect trim.  The writing pad affair is great.  We had an extra pocket made in our tunics & it was then discovered it was useless for the purpose intended, namely of carrying the second gas helmet, and the wallet just fits the pocket nicely.  I don’t care if the ginger is good for me, I like it.  Very few of my chums like it but I make them have some now & then.  It was a great pity the screen went.  You must swot up the prices of everything in future.  Still you don’t want to have to cart out more furniture than you can help until you are fixed up, although, on the other hand, antiques are rarer in England by long chalks.  From time to time I see a few odds and ends that I think I would like over here but I don’t seem to think they are much good & in any case it is impossible for me to get anything & store it or send it home.  There are any amount of things you ladies would find handy in the household such as casseroles, fruit preserving jars & all sorts of sticks that cannot be obtained in England.  In many little ways I have noticed but forgotten they have an advantage over us.  I wonder where you are going.  I do hope it’s a decent place near Cardiff.  Would you like to be in a small county town or a fairly large town?  In several of the French shops the proprietors have to be beaten down & whether they know we soldiers know it or not I don’t know.  If I want a thing I give them whatever they ask.  I am not at all keen on haggling with a French dame on something that costs a franc.  I was very amused the other day.  A fellow in some other battalion went into a shop for some tooth paste & I heard the lady say one franc four-pence.  The chap hum and har’d & finally offered her seven-pence halfpenny.  The lady explained that as the article cost one franc two-pence she was far from accepting his offer.  Consequently there was no business.  Another time we were in a shop trying to get a ring to fit one of us & we were speaking in (our own) French & every ring was tried on but one couldn’t be found to fit so we said we were sorry & suddenly the demoiselle jerked out “Nothing doing” in a very comical fashion.  She showed us a helmet her forefather had won in some battle some years ago.  At a “bijouterie” (jewellers) an article would be purchased for one franc.  In a little shop the same article cost one franc two pence.  In such a case we told the old dame that we had bought a similar thing cheaper & she said where.  We told her & she replied “Oh! yes, at the jeweller’s.”  She has to go there for the purchase.  They don’t seem to have our retail & wholesale way at all.

Well, I think I have come to the continued in our next part, so must close remaining with much love,

            Yours affectionately,

                        Alan.

On Active Service envelope addressed to Mr & Mrs. H. R King, Munmore, Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin.  Ans^d 6/8/16.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 28 JY 16.  Hexagonal Passed Field Censor 3274 cachet.  Signature of front probably W.G. Shaw.

W.P. Heyworth

———————————–

Parapet Pipes

and

Rubber and Connections being used in the trenches.

25.7.16

Sec	Fourway	Twoway	Single	Para pipe	Remarks
43	52	2	2	55
44	52	2	2	55
46	52	2	2	55	Connections given require 56 *** pipes
47	52	2	2	55
48	52	2	2	55
29	52	2	2	55
Total	312	12	12	330

V. Lefebure

Capt RE

Note on back:- Sap 15 to Right Flank of Angres I will not be reoccupied until Lt Beesley has reported it clear to O.C. Right Company at the latter’s H.Q.

AIR RAIDS.

Instructions for O’s. C. Trains.

In the case of the “ALARM” being given whilst the train is still in this yard, the O.C., Train will instruct all men to detrain and double to the fields beyond the Y.M.C.A. Rest Camp at the end of the Triage.

No attempt to rejoin the train must be made until the “ALL CLEAR” signal is given.

Os. C., train are responsible that the men are kept together as much as possible and that they all rejoin the train at the same time.

FRENCH ALARM.  All lights go out and all traffic ceases.

BRITISH      “         Several shots fired from A.A. guns.

Abbeville.      ALL CLEAR Bell tolling in the Town.

D.K. C****

Major

D.A.D.R.T.

———————————–

Receiver 20 14 watches

Nos

26700F                      17862F

26085F                      18686F

23554F

26230F                      Number struck through.

21930F                      Number struck through.

25842F                      Number struck through.

18081F                      Number struck through.

23631F                      Number struck through.

23313F                      Number struck through.

23553F

25820F

18303F

22/9/16                       R.M. Beesley 2/Lt. R.E.

——————————-

ALL SERVICES

Inventory of Plant, Tools, Instruments &c issued

for use on the Works (or Record of Requisition).

46 Section

Received 20/8/16

Description

57 Fourways, 2 twoways 2 singleways

Parapet pipes Straight 55 bends 52

                        Tools

25 Box Keys DE

27 Universal with ***

8 L Keys

1 Y    “

2 S.E   “

12 Clamps

85 Staples

                        Signature unreadable

                        23/8/16

France Thursday

27^th July 1916

My Dear Harry & Ethel,

            I received your two letters today & am getting an answer ready for post tomorrow.  With regard to the lady in question you will remember that towns often bear ladies’ names.

            I received your parcel the day I posted my last letter but as we are now allowed to post only one letter per day I was not able to let you know I had received it before.  I am glad to say it arrived in very good order and I thank you all very much indeed.  I am now writing on the paper you sent & smoking your cigarettes.  About the lemonade – there was no sugar with the mixture & as I can’t get any here I had to do without.  It was rather bitter but certainly quenched the thirst.

            We are still fairly active here and I hope to hear of some good results shortly, and as you say if the cavalry had a good chance we might get some interesting reading.

            I today received a letter from Alan, he appears to be making periodical visits to the trenches, but unless he is concerned in a “push” or “show” the danger is not so very great.  A lot of the infantry say that would not have our job at any price, as after a spell in the trenches they do get a rest.  Alan apparently gets plenty of opportunities of spending money as there are canteens and shops of a sort in his vicinity, but such conveniences do not reach us, neither is there any sign of a Y.M.C.A.  We certainly did start a canteen of our own in a tent but a stray shell some weeks ago blew it sky high & since then it has withered away (the canteen I mean).  The worst of it is that I have plenty of money (about 40 francs and a pound note) which I am dying to burn.

            I should imagine that the Germans did expect to hold their positions for ever judging by the solidity of their dugouts, but for myself I don’t like their system of such deep dugouts (some of them I believe go down as far as 30 ft) as there is the danger of getting buried in case a shell hits the roof, which has happened in many cases.

            You are certainly getting on very rapidly now and in another week or two should hear where your new post will take you.  I hope however your holiday will not be interrupted and that you will have a good time at Rush.  When we witnessed the cavalry manoeuvres there some years ago it certainly did not strike me that I should ever be playing that game.  I am glad you are getting better weather and hope it will hold up for your holiday.  There are all sorts of insects here but not too troublesome.  Our present dugouts though are overrun with rats and mice.

            With regard to the question of destiny (? identity)I can only say that you can say what you like in your letters – mine are censored.  I did not mean Ada or anyone I met in Ireland.  Think hard.

            I can quite understand and your trouble in finding something to write about but my position is worse as I am full of information that I am bursting to impart but have to restrain myself.  I have very nearly filled four pages which I hope will satisfy you but I am very much afraid of the quality.

            Yours,

                        Bernard.

In envelope addressed to Mr & Mrs Harry R King, Esq., Munmore, Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin. Ireland.  Ans^d 6.8.16

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE T.47.  30 JY 16.  Hexagonal PASSED FIELD CENSOR 3447.  Signed J.W. England.