Category Archives: 1914

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne Nov 1914

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

 

Extracted from

 

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda &

Correspondence

—————–

 

November 1914

 

1

Nov 13th 1914

 

 

Sir,

I desire to apply for leave from 12, noon on Saturday, November, 14th 1914, to midnight on Sunday November, 15th 1914.

I have the honour to be,

Your obedient servant

A.A. LAPRORT Payne

2/Lieut R.F.A.

 

O.C. 260th Battery

R.F.A. Colchester

II

Forwarded and recommended

H.F.T. Blowey

Lieut R.F.A.

O.C. 260th Battery R.F.A.

 

To O.C. 83rd Brigade R.F.A.

Colchester

3

  1. Commanding 260th Battery R.F.A.

Returned. Brigade Order No. 145 has not been complied with

  1. Hanna

Colonel R.F.A.

Commanding 83rd Brigade R.F.A.

Colchester, 13.11.14

 

Monday November 16 1914

R.P.

“Tomorrow I hope to go into a billet. It will only cost me threepence a day over the amount I am allowed for living out, which is 4/9 per day.

 

November 27

 

“We have a new Battery Commander, the last having left for France to join the Royal Flying Corps.

 

My host’s brother, Major Chopping R.A.M.C. has arrived tonight from Ypres for a short holiday of 3 days.  He has told me a great deal of interesting information.  He says that our troops can only hold the Germans for the present, and nothing further.  The men are worn out with constant marching & fighting.

 

I see Huntriss, whom I knew at Salisbury, has been wounded.

 

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne War October 1914

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

 

Extracted from

 

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda &

Correspondence

—————–

 

October1914

 

October 2, 1914

R.P.

Alton,

Links Road,

Epsom

“We have actually been paid, 15 shillings each, a ten shilling note and a five shilling postal order. What a lot of work, drill, and being messed about, for those few shillings.  It is drill all day long with long route marches thrown in, and it gets rather boring, for we have no arms or uniform yet.

 

War Office, Whitehall, S.W.

3.10.14

Dear Payne,

I am sorry you could not find a vacancy in either Middlesex Battalion, but we did our best.

I am sure you were wise to accept a Gunner Commission. You will pick up the riding part of it very soon, and you will make a first class artilleryman.  In a few months, in fact, you will despise all footsloggers!

If you find later you don’t care for the work, you can work a transfer to the Line through your Divisional General.

In haste,

Lancelot Storr.

 

War Office

6.10.14.

Dear Payne,

I think you may get to the front just as soon with R.F.A., and you were wise to accept the offer of a temporary commission. Our casualties in the artillery are very heavy.

The main thing is to get to work as soon as possible.

The rest a Greek quote.

Yours sincerely

Lancelot Storr.

 

112/ARTILLERY/1993. (A.G.6)                                                                   War Office

LONDON S.W.

10th October 1914

 

Sir,

I am directed to inform you, that, on appointment to a temporary Second Lieutenancy in the Royal Field Artillery you have been posted to the 18th Divisional Artillery and should apply in writing at once, to the General Officer Commanding 18th Division Colchester for instructions regarding the unit and the station you are to join.

You should at once communicate your address to your regimental agents, Messrs Cox & Co., 16, Charing Cross, S.W., and keep them informed of any change of address, so that orders may readily be communicated to you.

You are requested to acknowledge the receipt of this letter and to return the attached “NEXT OF KIN” form completed, to the War Office.

I am,

Sir.

Your obedient Servant.

Arthur Young,

Lieut. Colonel,

for Major General,

director of Personal Services.

 

2nd Lieutenant A.A. Laporte Payne

Royal Field Artillery

Christchurch Vicarage,

North Finchley

N.

 

War Office.

Whitehall

S.W.

12.10.14

 

Dear Payne,

 

I think for various reasons you should join the Infantry; that you’re your first posting, and the second posting was evidently made in error. Also, there is the question of finance; although for the period of the war I don’t think one Arm will be more expensive than another.

My own tailors are John Morgan, 5, Albemarle Street; they are good but expensive.  I have also had things made by J and G Ross, 32, Old Bond Street, who are less extortionate and have done me well.

Yours

Lancelot Storr.

 

From, O.C. ROYAL ARTILLERY

18 DIVISION

COLCHESTER

October 13 1914

 

MEMORANDUM,

Ref. your letter dated 12th October 1914.

Will you please join as soon as possible at Colchester.

The uniform necessary for you to have on joining is:-

Cap.

1 Suit Service Dress,

Khaki Shirt,

“     Tie,

Boots and spurs,

Sam Browne belt if possible.

 

H.F. Salt,

Captain, R.F.A.

A/Bde. Major, R.A. 18th Division.

 

FIELD KITS OF MOUNTED SERVICES.

 

  1. WORN BY THE OFFICER.

Boots, field     pair 1.

Braces             “   1.

Cap, service dress, with badge 1.

Disc, identity, with cord.

Socks               pair 1.

Suit, service dress (jacket and riding breeches)

Shirt, drab flannel, with collar 1.

Spurs               pair 1.

Tie, drab                 1.

Underclothing, suit.

 

  1. OTHER PERSONAL EFFECTS.

Books Army Book 155 Field service pocket book.

Cap, comforter (in pocket of greatcoat)

Compass, magnetic, pocket (or prismatic in case)

Cutters, wire (in wallets.) pair

Dressing, field (in skirt of jacket)

Glasses (binoculars or telescope, or both in one case)

Slung from left shoulder or worn on belt

Grease (or Vaseline) in wallets tin 1.

Greatcoat 1. Rolled, 26 ins long behind saddle.

Handkerchief              1

Holdall (in wallets), containing knife, fork and spoon hairbrush and combe, toothbrush, shaving brush and razor.

Knife, clasp, with ring and swivel 1

Matches, box 1.

Soap (in wallets) piece 1.

Socks pair 1.

Towel       1.

Watch (in wrist strap)

Whistle and lanyard.

 

  1. ACCOUTREMENTS.

Belt “Sam Browne” (waist belt, 2 shoulder belts, ammunition pouch and pistol case and sword frog.)

Haversack

Mess-tin

Sword knot

Water-bottle (aluminium) and sling.

 

  1. ARMS.

Pistol (no special pattern, but must carry Government ammunition.) On left side of S.B. belt.

Sword. On nearshoe case, edge to rear.

Scabbard, leather.

 

  1. AMMUNITION.

Cartridges, S.A. ball, pistol, Webley, rounds 12.

 

CARRIED IN TRANSPORT TRAIN.

The total weights (excluding articles in camp kettles) of 50 lbs. for a commanding officer and 35 lbs. for other officers must not be exceeded.

Valise, Wolseley.

Boots, field.

Buckets, canvass

Housewife

Lantern, collapsible with talc sides.

Portfolio with writing materials

Shoes, canvas

Socks

Suit, service dress

Shirt, drab, flannel.

Towels.

Tie, drab.

Underclothing.

 

One Camp Kettle is allowed for every three officers who pack into it each, cup, enamelled plates, enamelled, pots, pepper, salt.

Note. Officers may leave at the base a bullock trunk packed with 100 lbs of personal baggage. This reserve baggage will be forwarded only when it may be deemed convenient to the service by the Commander In Chief.

 

(Scott and Son of 83 Regent Street write that they are making most of the R.A. kits! and offer to supply a drab whipcord service jacket, pair of collar badges and 1 pair stars for £3.15.6 and a Sam Browne Belt complete with holster and pouch for £2.5.6 and a sword, best proved blade with scabbard from five guineas. Field Kit complete for £7.10.0.  Prices for cash, fit and regulation guaranteed.)

 

18th DIVISION

COLCHESTER

 

C.R.A                                      Colonel English

O.C. 83rd Brigade R.F.A.        Major Robertson

260th Battery O.C.                  Gardner.

 

October 19 1914

R.P.

Royal Field Artillery

Colchester

 

“I have arrived here alright, and find my abode in a tent in front of the Gunner Mess. I have already met several men I know, and a friend of Reg’s named Dennis.  The two Dexters are here also.

 

Nov 9th. “still under canvass.”

 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 1914

 

R.P.

 

“In this Division at present there are about 50 Second Lieuts including several Oxford & Cambridge men.

I have been posted to the 260th Battery, and I found it possessed only one officer, a second lieut of two months standing who was in command.  He is usually is away, so I was told to carry on.  I did what I could, which was precious little.  I was horribly embarrassed.

The result is that here I am in command of 270 untrained men, trying to teach them marching drill, about which I know nothing at all. Route marching is easier.  We rise at 6 a.m., and at 7 I go on to the parade ground having previously looked up a few words of command in the book called Field Artillery Training.  Since I arrived two other subalterns have arrived, who know less than I do, if that is possible.  Now I can divide the battery up into two sections, which I hand over to the two subalterns, while I look on and wisely criticise.  Then when I have bucked up sufficient courage I join the two sections and drill the whole battery.

The first morning I was on parade was terrifying, but really most amusing.  I was all alone,  did not know any drill at all.  I used to know a little infantry drill, but this is quite different.

 

So when I wanted to advance my knowledge I marched the men about and when their backs were turned towards me, I secretly looked at the drill book.  Then I gave the next order.  So I learn, if the men do not.  Then one day to my horror General Maxse came past when I was in the midst of perpetrating my deceptions.  I managed to give the battery the order to “eyes right” and then almost collapsed.  Maxse hates subalterns, and gunner subalterns most of all.  I wonder what he thought of it all.  No doubt he made great fun of us over his port at night.  However we mean well, and I would not mind betting he never commanded a battery of men knowing no drill on the first day he put on H.M.s uniform

 

Though there are several horses here, we in our battery have none yet. We are hoping for some soon.  Then we shall have some fun.

 

As there is no accommodation for us in the Officers’ Mess, so another fellow and I have found a very decent family to provide us with three meals a day for one guinea a week each. The meals are quite good, including a four course dinner, three course lunch and breakfast.  We are still in tents, but it is not very cold.

 

Week-end leave is impossible. Colonel English is dead against such relaxations, as the men cannot get away too.  Today I paid the troops, and every day I have to inspect Kit, barrack rooms and tents.  As I do not know in the slightest what to look for I do not suppose my inspections are of much use.

 

Parades are 7 to 8,a.m. 9 to 12.15,p.m.;  2 to 4.15 p.m with a lectures for officers at 5.30 p.m.  Then we are supposed to work at night, but by then we are pretty tired.  The only regular officers here are Colonels commanding Brigades, and then they are dug-outs.  All the rest are new subalterns.

 

The 18th Divisional Artillery is commanded by Colonel English.  There are four Brigades.  Mine is the 83rd under Major Richardson.  Each Brigade is composed of three Batteries.  I am in 260th under Lieut Gardner, a Cambridge man.

 

The batteries are divided “into sections” of two guns each commanded by a subaltern, or four sub sections, each in charge of a sergeant.

 

Tomorrow we hope to start driving drill on our flat feet. It will probably turn into a fearful Harry Tate mess.

 

I can see we shall be here for ages. We require a tremendous amount of training, especially as we are gunners.

 

There is some talk of going into huts at Ipswich, and I shall have to go to Woolwich and Shoeburyness for training.

 

We are being inoculated by batches. My turn is to come.  Well it is all very interesting but bewildering.

 

The life is so strange. I feel like a silly little boy at a vast public school for the first time.  I suppose I shall get used to it some day.

 

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne Sept 1914

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

 

Extracted from

 

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda &

Correspondence

—————–

 

September 1914

 

UNIVERSITIES & PUBLIC SCHOOLS FORCES

ROYAL FUSILIERS

 

EPSOM September, 1914

 

1st Battalion, No 1 Company, Section 4.

 

J.P.D. Clarke.  Sergt.   “Long John”    C.C.C. Camb X

Williams          “Bimph”                                  X

Osborne           “Ossy”

Harry Richards            “Loose Lizzy”

Roland Richards         “Rolly”                                    X

E.C. Collins                 “Lottie”           C.C.C. Camb

P.D. Gilmour Ellis       “Gil”

A.A. Laporte Payne    “Algy”             C.C.C. Camb

 

———————–

 

September 20 1914

R.P.

Sunday

Alton

Links Road

Epsom

“I was first of all billeted in a public house with three other men. When in the town later I met a friend who said he was in a palace, so I got leave from a Special Constable to move there.  On the next day, most unfortunately, we were re-billeted by companies, and we have landed up in a much smaller house and the food is not nearly as good.  But eight of us all friends are billeted together in two adjacent houses.  It is great fun.  I have met several men I know.  There are 3500 of us here now.  I dined out this evening with Richards at the house of friends of his, named Mountain.

 

SEPTEMBER 24th 1914

 

Having obtained leave of absence I called on Major C. Lancelot Storr, Rom 206, War Office, who took details of such qualifications as I had, and said he would do what he could. He informed me that the application from Cambridge University had been mislaid, but that he would put a fresh application for a commission through for me.

 

I obtained leave to go to town by saying that the War Office wanted to interview me. So a full blown private marched boldly into the “Holy of Holies, armed with a sheet of foolscap on which I had set out my name, age, school, University, degree honours, cadet corps service, and the fact that I had been for four weeks or so a private in H.M. Army.

 

I received the advice from an old soldier that “ the thing to do is to make the most of yourself, and not belittle your achievements. Humility does not pay in the army.”

 

 

September 24th 1914

PUBLIC SCHOOL BRIGADE

ROYAL FUSILIERS

 

Private A.A.L. Payne has leave of absence until 10 p.m. September, 24th 1914

 

H.E. Bowes Lyon

O.C. No 1 Company,

No 1 Battalion.

 

 

W.L.P.

“Colonel Griffin ….. is wondering what the War Office have done for you today, and says if you would like a commission in his battalion, the 11th Middlesex Regiment, write to the Officer Commanding this regiment, Hydrabad Barracks, Colchester, and ask for a commission as a 2/Lieut.  State all qualifications.  There is at present one vacancy for a 2nd Lieut. And one or two vacancies in the 12th and 13th Battalions.

Our love to you, my son. May the right decision be clear.  I esteem your prompt response to the call of duty.  The strongest fortress of prayer is yours.

Your affectionate Father.

 

Form M.T. 397                                                                        WAR OFFICE

LONDON, S.W.

25th September 1914

 

Sir,

With reference to your application for appointment to the Special Reserve of Officers, I am directed to inform you that the applications for such appointments already received are far in excess of the vacancies available. It has therefore not been practicable to grant you a commission in the Special Reserve.

I am to say, however, that your name has been placed on a waiting list of candidates for appointment to a temporary regular commission for the period of the war, and you will be duly informed if, and when, there is a vacancy to which you can be appointed.

If you are desirous of taking up such an appointment it will not be necessary for you (or any other person on your behalf) to address any further communication to this Office on the subject. Owing to pressure of work it will not be practicable to reply to such communication if sent.

If, however, you do not wish to be appointed to a temporary regular commission you should at once notify the fact to this Office.

 

I am,

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

  1. Grant, Captain

for Director of Military Training.

 

Secretary of State for War.                                                                 War Office,

Whitehall,

S.W.

25 Sept 1914

 

Dear Mr. Payne,

I have handed your application personally to the Assistant Military Secretary, so I hope you will be fixed up before long. You may have to wait a week or two.

In the meantime, get Major Griffin to apply officially for you to go to him directly you are gazetted and ask him to address the envelope to me by name to save time. Let me hear if you are not fixed up, say, in 3 weeks time.

Very truly yours

  1. Storr.

Colchester

28.9.14

Sir,

As I have no vacancies for officers in my battalion I have forwarded your letter to Colonel Glover, commanding 12th Middlesex Regiment.

Yours faithfully

W.D. Ingle

Lieut. Colonel

Comdg. 11th Middlesex Regt.

 

Form M.T. 426 (M.T. 3)                                                                      WAR OFFICE

LONDON S.W.

30th September, 1914.

Sir,

I am directed to inform you that your application for an appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Regular Army has been received. The Cavalry List is full at present.  Will you kindly state by return if possible, whether you desire to be considered for appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Royal Field Artillery.

Please state exactly what previous military experience you have had and also what standard of riding you have attained. If you have hunted state for how many seasons and with what pack etc.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant

E.B. CLIVE Capt.

for Director of Military Training.

Archie A. Laporte Payne letters home December 1914

Archie A. Laporte Payne letters home December 1914

 

On embossed headed notepaper.

Royal Field Artillery,

Colchester.

R.A. Crest

Dec 9 1914

My dearest Mother & Father,

 

Thank you so very much for your letters and present. It is very good of you to send me those gloves – they are lovely ones and will be most useful.  Your loving wishes & kind thoughts I know I can always have but a birthday I suppose is, more than at other times, a fitting time to express them.  But I don’t like birthdays at all.  They come too soon.  Dr Nostum very kindly remembered me and sent me a box of Bath Buns.  Please thank Maude & Evelyn for their letters.  I will reply sometime.  As you can imagine we are frightfully busy.  I am afraid Christmas will be impossible.  The captain will be away if anybody is – so I shan’t get a look in.  don’t trouble about glasses.  I hope you got my postcard of yesterday.  I have heard from Reggie.  I am glad he is better.  I could not get home over the week end and I am afraid next week will be impossible.  We are one officer short as one of them has left for the front,

 

Thank you very much for the vest I should like a couple of short pants if they can be obtained of the same material. I am glad Evelyn had such a good time at Bath.  I hope she has quite recovered from her bad tooth.

 

I see that Vyvyian is gazetted today in the Times to the R.F.A. I don’t suppose he will come here. He will go to some lower division.  I have written to him.

 

I did not see Mr Tillyers card in your letter. It may have dropped out however.  Don’t send any rubbish through.  The men are rather particular.  I want old Windsors, Strands, Pearsons, & 6d Illustrated papers etc.  I know the sort of stuff some good people think tommies appreciate.

 

Things go much as usual. We have guns but only old 15 pounders & not the ones we ought to have.  The men have got khaki in our battery now and they work much better.

 

I am glad Vyvyan has got someone to knit him a scarf – I am sure he needs one!! ! I wish I had somebody to do likewise for me – Oh, I forgot 92 in the shade!

 

I have got another tunic so I am alright now. I have to get a lot more things before the kit inspection which takes place soon.

 

No more now as dinner is just on & there is no news to tell.

 

Much love to you & all & many thanks for birthday wishes & presents

 

Your affectionate son

Arch

 

On headed notepaper.

 

Royal Field Artillery,

Colchester.

R.A. Crest

Dec 20 1914.

 

My dearest Mother,

 

Everything is alright. Leave, for various reasons which I will not enumerate, has been cancelled until Wednesday next when I hope to get home again.

 

The train was full of angry officers called up from other parts. I was in barracks by 9.45 p.m.  So sorry to give you such a fright but one must expect these things when on active service.  I hope the Congregation did not think the Germans had arrived.

 

Much love. Hope you are all well.

 

Ever

Your affectionate son

Arch

 

Archie A. Laporte Payne letters home November 1914

Archie A. Laporte Payne letters home November 1914

 

On embossed Government notepaper.

 

R.A. Mess

Colchester

 

Monday Nov 1914

 

My dearest Mother & Father,

 

Many thanks for your letters and parcel of washing. I am glad of a silk handkerchief too.  I brought one the other day – a silk one – and then tried to wash it and all the colour came out.  We are as you can imagine very busy.

 

I arrived back safely last Sunday and found things much as usual. The magazines proved very acceptable to the men in barracks.  I have been out riding most days this week.  On Saturday I had four hours in the saddle.  I may have to go to Ipswich after all.  It will be further away from home but it will be nicer there I think.  I do not like Colchester at all.

 

We had church parade yesterday morning as usual. I was in command of our battery.

 

I have called on the Harrises twice lately but they have been out both times.

 

How are things going in Finchley? I hope well.  I am sorry Father has a sore throat.  I hope it is better now, and also Mother’s throat.  I expect Evelyn is enjoying herself in Bath.  Tell Maude to come down here by a cheap train with someone nice if she can get off.  I could see her once or twice during the day.  There is no where to go down here and nothing to do unfortunately.

 

I don’t know when I shall be able to get away again. I enjoyed my last week end very much indeed.  It was all too short though we are still under canvas but I don’t mind it a bit now.  It has been extraordinarily mild although a trifle damp.

 

The news from the front is much better to-day. It rests to a great extent with the Russians I think.

 

If you hear of anyone with a good pair of field glasses – I should be glad of them.

 

Hoping you are all well with much love to you & all

Ever

Your loving son

Archie.

 

 

On embossed headed notepaper.

 

Royal Field Artillery

Colchester.

R.A. Crest.

Monday Nov 16 1914

 

My dearest Mother & Father,

 

I enjoyed my short visit to you very much indeed. I was glad to find you all well and everything going well.  I got back here quite safely and am hard at work again.  Tomorrow I hope to go into a billet.  I find it will only cost me 3d a day over the amount I am allowed for living out which is 4/9 per day.

 

Please tell Maude to give me due notice when she is coming down. Don’t you think she might stay the night here if she came down with somebody?  I can make all arrangements.

 

With much love to you & all.

 

Ever

Your affectionate son

Archie

 

 

On plain notepaper.

R.A. Mess

Colchester.

Nov 27th 1914

My dearest Mother & Father,

 

Thank you very much for your letters and parcel of washing which arrived quite safely. I am so sorry to hear that Eve has been so unwell.  I hope you have better news of her now.

 

Things go much as usual now we have got a new battery commander. The other man having left for France to do Reconnaissance work in the Royal Flying Corps.

 

My host’s brother Major Chopping R.A.M.C. has arrived tonight from Ypres in France for a short holiday of 3 days – for a rest and to get married.  He has been telling me a lot of interesting news from the front.  He says all our men are doing and can do is to hold the Germans for the present.  The men are worn out with constant marching & fighting.

 

I am very sorry you have had all that trouble about a sword. It was very good of you to trouble so much.  It was the fault of those stupid people Kinos.

 

Anyhow I am glad you have got the money back. I shan’t trouble about a sword just at present.  They may be cheaper & better later on.

 

I had dinner at the Harris’ on Wednesday night & took a friend with me. I see some stupid man (probably a slacker) has been criticising the probable granting of a week’s leave about Christmas time.  I wish I could get him here & let my men have a go at him.

 

I am sorry to hear about Mr Sherlock. It is very sad for his sons.  I see Hunters – my Salisbury friend has been wounded at the front.

 

No doubt everything is prospering favourably at Finchley, at least I hope so and that you are all keeping well.

 

The weather is very changeable here. Last night it rained very hard.  I am afraid I can’t get away this week end.  Perhaps it is just as well as it is rather expensive travelling.

 

When does Evelyn come home? I suppose soon now & then it will be Maude’s turn.

 

With much love to you & all.

 

Ever

Your affect son

Archie

Without cover.

 

A.A. Laporte Payne November 1914

A.A. Laporte Payne November 1914

I

Nov 13th 1914

 

 

Sir,

I desire to apply for leave from 12, noon on Saturday, November, 14th 1914, to midnight on Sunday November, 15th 1914.

I have the honour to be,

Your obedient servant

A.A. LAPRORT Payne

2/Lieut R.F.A.

 

O.C. 260th Battery

R.F.A. Colchester

II

Forwarded and recommended

H.F.T. Blowey

Lieut R.F.A.

O.C. 260th Battery R.F.A.

 

To O.C. 83rd Brigade R.F.A.

Colchester

3

  1. Commanding 260th Battery R.F.A.

Returned. Brigade Order No. 145 has not been complied with

  1. Hanna

Colonel R.F.A.

Commanding 83rd Brigade R.F.A.

Colchester, 13.11.14

 

Monday November 16 1914

 

“Tomorrow I hope to go into a billet. It will only cost me threepence a day over the amount I am allowed for living out, which is 4/9 per day.

 

November 27

 

“We have a new Battery Commander, the last having left for France to join the Royal Flying Corps.

 

My host’s brother, Major Chopping R.A.M.C. has arrived tonight from Ypres for a short holiday of 3 days.  He has told me a great deal of interesting information.  He says that our troops can only hold the Germans for the present, and nothing further.  The men are worn out with constant marching & fighting.

 

I see Huntriss, whom I knew at Salisbury, has been wounded.

 

Archie A. Laporte Payne letters home October 1914

Archie A. Laporte Payne letters home October 1914

 

On plain notepaper.

 

Alton

Links Rd

Epsom

 

Oct 2 1914

 

My dearest Mother & Father,

Many thanks for letters & forwarded correspondence. Will you let one know all particulars for Sunday, as I may be able to get off?  I could not last Sunday as I had orderly duty to see to.

 

Yes I should like a pair or so of Hick stockings. Don’t send pyjamas yet.  I am hoping to leave here any day now.

 

We are very busy. We have been paid!!!!  15/- we got each.  What a lot of hard work for a mere nothing!  It was in 10/- note & 5/- postal order.

 

Please give me Reggie’s address in case I can’t get away.

 

I hope you are all well & flourishing. Everything going right.  All here is as usual.  Drill all day long with route marching.  It gets rather boring.  We have no rifles or uniforms yet.

 

With much love to you & all

Ever

Your affectionate son

Archie

P.T.O.

P.S. What does Reg want for his ordination & Maude for her birthday?

 

 

On embossed notepaper.

 

At Alton

Alexandra Park.

Epsom.

 

Oct 5 1914

 

My dearest Mother & Father,

 

Many thanks indeed for your letters and parcel. I have made the stupidest mistake I have ever made in my life.  I had worked it out alright and I was to get to the ordination service on Sunday morning from here.  I left early and got to town with some other men and I took a ticket to Chelmsford instead of Colchester.  I missed the early train but got to Chelmsford at 10.30 of course I soon found out my mistake but there were no more trains to Colchester till late afternoon and I had no money to rattle a can so I had to return to town & went to Uncles for the day.

 

I was most sorry to miss Reggie’s ordination but I was with you all in spirit.  I am glad to hear it went off alright.  I have written to Reggie.  I was very angry at my stupid mistake.  I had Chelmsford in my mind all the time I am afraid.  If I am in England I must go to his priest’s ordination in stead.  Reg must be very glad to be settled.  We have not got our uniforms yet but hope to do so soon.  I wish I could get my commission.  We are still very busy and at the end of the day fairly tired so we retire early.

 

They are putting up the huts here now so I expect we shall be soon getting into them.

 

I hope your harvest went off well & that there were good congregations. If I am gazetted soon I shall come home at once to get uniform etc & have a rest.  I hope I get an artillery commission but it is very doubtful.

 

There is absolutely no news to tell you. Everything goes as usual.  We did some skirmishing this morning & a route march this afternoon.

 

Hoping you are all keeping well with much love to you all.

 

Ever

Your loving son

Archie

 

On embossed headed notepaper.

Royal Field Artillery

Colchester

R.A. Crest.

Oct 19 1914

 

My dearest Mother,

 

Arrived here safely & found my quarters – in tents – everything is overflowing. I have very nice officers over me.  I have met men I know.  One of them is Dennis – a Whitby friend of Reggies.

 

Will you please send me two large towels, a pillow case (perhaps 2) an extra rug – (my own if possible). I shall get on here quite alright.  The two Dexters have got commissions here.  There are several Cambridge men here.

 

Hoping you are all well & flourishing. I am alright here.  The open air will do me good.  I shan’t be under canvass long.

 

Best love

 

Ever

Your loving son

Archie

 

 

On headed notepaper.

 

R.A. Mess

Royal Field Artillery,

Colchester

R.A. Crest.

Friday Oct 23 1914

 

My dearest Mother & Father,

 

Many thanks indeed for your letters & parcels which have all arrived quite safely. The washing and rugs have all come.  I am having quite a good time here.  There are about 50 Sub Lieuts several Cambridge & Oxford men.  We get up about 6. am and I go on parade at 7.  I was posted to the 260 Battery & I found only one officer – a sub Lieut of 2 months training in command in a major’s position.  He usually is away & I was told to carry on – so I am here in command of 270 men for marching drill on parade ground & route marching etc.  since then 2 other subs have turned up & are my juniors & I divide the battery into two sections & they take one each while I watch & then I join them up & drill them together.  You should have seen me the first morning.  I was all alone & did not know any drill at all.  It is quite different to the Infantry drill – so I used to march them about & look at the drill book when the men could not see me & then I gave the next order.  I can get on alright now & teach the 2 new subs – Eh what!  You should have been on parade when General Maxse came past and I gave him the battery salute.  We have no horses yet in our battery – but there are lots here – we hope to have some soon.  There is no accommodation for officers mess so we (one other chap & myself) have found a very nice family to give us three meals a day – for £1-1/- week each – we get splendid meals – 4 course dinner – 3 course lunch & breakfast.  They keep 2 cars.  We are still in tents – but it is not very cold.  I am afraid week ends are impossible yet.  Colonel English is all against them – as the men cannot get off.  Today we paid the men and every day I have to inspect the kit and barrack rooms & tents etc. etc.

 

Some of the officers here are very nice and we get on quite well. Parades are 7 – 8, 9 – 12.15, 2 – 4.15 – lecture for officers at 5.30.  then we are supposed to work at night – but we are pretty tired by that time.  The only old regular officers here are acting Colonels commanding a brigade – all the rest are subs.

 

We are in the 18th Division of artillery under a Brigadier General who is Col. English, divided up into four Brigades under 4 Colonels.  My brigade is the 83rd under Major Richardson.  Each Brigade is composed of 3 Batteries – I am in 260th under Lieut Gardner – an old Cant man.

 

Each Brigade is composed of 2 Sections of 2 guns each with a sub Lieut in comnd of each. Or 4 sub sections of one gun each under a Sergt – so you see I am really acting captain in our battery with 2 subs & 4 Sergts under me – What ho!

 

Tomorrow we hope to start driving drill – all the men are divided into Gunners or Drivers. I don’t want a knitted helmet as I have got one.  I have called on Mr Harris & he has given me a pocket barometer which we have to get – a most expensive one.

 

My cold is alright now & I am feeling very fit.

I have been to the Cups Hotel for a meal. I do hope you are all keeping well.  I must try to get off sometime & see you all.  We shall be here ages and the men will want a lot of knocking into shape.  Some things that happen are most amusing.  There is some talk of going into huts at Ipswich – and I shall have to put in some time at Woolwich & Shoeburyness.  We are all being inoculated by batches.  My turn has nor come yet,

 

With much love to you & all.

 

Ever

Your loving son

Archie

 

Without cover.

 

A.A. Laporte Payne October 1914

 

A.A. Laporte Payne October 1914

October 2, 1914

Alton,

Links Road,

Epsom

“We have actually been paid, 15 shillings each, a ten shilling note and a five shilling postal order. What a lot of work, drill, and being messed about, for those few shillings.  It is drill all day long with long route marches thrown in, and it gets rather boring, for we have no arms or uniform yet.

 

War Office, Whitehall, S.W.

3.10.14

Dear Payne,

I am sorry you could not find a vacancy in either Middlesex Battalion, but we did our best.

I am sure you were wise to accept a Gunner Commission. You will pick up the riding part of it very soon, and you will make a first class artilleryman.  In a few months, in fact, you will despise all footsloggers!

If you find later you don’t care for the work, you can work a transfer to the Line through your Divisional General.

In haste,

Lancelot Storr.

 

War Office

6.10.14.

Dear Payne,

I think you may get to the front just as soon with R.F.A., and you were wise to accept the offer of a temporary commission. Our casualties in the artillery are very heavy.

The main thing is to get to work as soon as possible.

The rest a Greek quote.

Yours sincerely

Lancelot Storr.

 

112/ARTILLERY/1993. (A.G.6)                                                                   War Office

LONDON S.W.

10th October 1914

 

Sir,

I am directed to inform you, that, on appointment to a temporary Second Lieutenancy in the Royal Field Artillery you have been posted to the 18th Divisional Artillery and should apply in writing at once, to the General Officer Commanding 18th Division Colchester for instructions regarding the unit and the station you are to join.

You should at once communicate your address to your regimental agents, Messrs Cox & Co., 16, Charing Cross, S.W., and keep them informed of any change of address, so that orders may readily be communicated to you.

You are requested to acknowledge the receipt of this letter and to return the attached “NEXT OF KIN” form completed, to the War Office.

I am,

Sir.

Your obedient Servant.

Arthur Young,

Lieut. Colonel,

for Major General,

director of Personal Services.

 

2nd Lieutenant A.A. Laporte Payne

Royal Field Artillery

Christchurch Vicarage,

North Finchley

N.

 

War Office.

Whitehall

S.W.

12.10.14

 

Dear Payne,

 

I think for various reasons you should join the Infantry; that you’re your first posting, and the second posting was evidently made in error. Also, there is the question of finance; although for the period of the war I don’t think one Arm will be more expensive than another.

My own tailors are John Morgan, 5, Albemarle Street; they are good but expensive.  I have also had things made by J and G Ross, 32, Old Bond Street, who are less extortionate and have done me well.

Yours

Lancelot Storr.

 

From, O.C. ROYAL ARTILLERY

18 DIVISION

COLCHESTER

October 13 1914

 

MEMORANDUM,

Ref. your letter dated 12th October 1914.

Will you please join as soon as possible at Colchester.

The uniform necessary for you to have on joining is:-

Cap.

1 Suit Service Dress,

Khaki Shirt,

“     Tie,

Boots and spurs,

Sam Browne belt if possible.

 

H.F. Salt,

Captain, R.F.A.

A/Bde. Major, R.A. 18th Division.

 

FIELD KITS OF MOUNTED SERVICES.

 

  1. WORN BY THE OFFICER.

Boots, field     pair 1.

Braces             “   1.

Cap, service dress, with badge 1.

Disc, identity, with cord.

Socks               pair 1.

Suit, service dress (jacket and riding breeches)

Shirt, drab flannel, with collar 1.

Spurs               pair 1.

Tie, drab                 1.

Underclothing, suit.

 

  1. OTHER PERSONAL EFFECTS.

Books Army Book 155 Field service pocket book.

Cap, comforter (in pocket of greatcoat)

Compass, magnetic, pocket (or prismatic in case)

Cutters, wire (in wallets.) pair

Dressing, field (in skirt of jacket)

Glasses (binoculars or telescope, or both in one case)

Slung from left shoulder or worn on belt

Grease (or Vaseline) in wallets tin 1.

Greatcoat 1. Rolled, 26 ins long behind saddle.

Handkerchief              1

Holdall (in wallets), containing knife, fork and spoon hairbrush and combe, toothbrush, shaving brush and razor.

Knife, clasp, with ring and swivel 1

Matches, box 1.

Soap (in wallets) piece 1.

Socks pair 1.

Towel       1.

Watch (in wrist strap)

Whistle and lanyard.

 

  1. ACCOUTREMENTS.

Belt “Sam Browne” (waist belt, 2 shoulder belts, ammunition pouch and pistol case and sword frog.)

Haversack

Mess-tin

Sword knot

Water-bottle (aluminium) and sling.

 

  1. ARMS.

Pistol (no special pattern, but must carry Government ammunition.) On left side of S.B. belt.

Sword. On nearshoe case, edge to rear.

Scabbard, leather.

 

  1. AMMUNITION.

Cartridges, S.A. ball, pistol, Webley, rounds 12.

 

CARRIED IN TRANSPORT TRAIN.

The total weights (excluding articles in camp kettles) of 50 lbs. for a commanding officer and 35 lbs. for other officers must not be exceeded.

Valise, Wolseley.

Boots, field.

Buckets, canvass

Housewife

Lantern, collapsible with talc sides.

Portfolio with writing materials

Shoes, canvas

Socks

Suit, service dress

Shirt, drab, flannel.

Towels.

Tie, drab.

Underclothing.

 

One Camp Kettle is allowed for every three officers who pack into it each, cup, enamelled plates, enamelled, pots, pepper, salt.

Note. Officers may leave at the base a bullock trunk packed with 100 lbs of personal baggage. This reserve baggage will be forwarded only when it may be deemed convenient to the service by the Commander In Chief.

 

(Scott and Son of 83 Regent Street write that they are making most of the R.A. kits! and offer to supply a drab whipcord service jacket, pair of collar badges and 1 pair stars for £3.15.6 and a Sam Browne Belt complete with holster and pouch for £2.5.6 and a sword, best proved blade with scabbard from five guineas. Field Kit complete for £7.10.0.  Prices for cash, fit and regulation guaranteed.)

 

18th DIVISION

COLCHESTER

 

C.R.A                                      Colonel English

O.C. 83rd Brigade R.F.A.        Major Robertson

260th Battery O.C.                  Gardner.

 

October 19 1914

Royal Field Artillery

Colchester

 

“I have arrived here alright, and find my abode in a tent in front of the Gunner Mess. I have already met several men I know, and a friend of Reg’s named Dennis.  The two Dexters are here also.

 

Nov 9th. “still under canvass.”

 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 1914

 

 

 

“In this Division at present there are about 50 Second Lieuts including several Oxford & Cambridge men.

I have been posted to the 260th Battery, and I found it possessed only one officer, a second lieut of two months standing who was in command.  He is usually is away, so I was told to carry on.  I did what I could, which was precious little.  I was horribly embarrassed.

The result is that here I am in command of 270 untrained men, trying to teach them marching drill, about which I know nothing at all. Route marching is easier.  We rise at 6 a.m., and at 7 I go on to the parade ground having previously looked up a few words of command in the book called Field Artillery Training.  Since I arrived two other subalterns have arrived, who know less than I do, if that is possible.  Now I can divide the battery up into two sections, which I hand over to the two subalterns, while I look on and wisely criticise.  Then when I have bucked up sufficient courage I join the two sections and drill the whole battery.

The first morning I was on parade was terrifying, but really most amusing.  I was all alone,  did not know any drill at all.  I used to know a little infantry drill, but this is quite different.

 

So when I wanted to advance my knowledge I marched the men about and when their backs were turned towards me, I secretly looked at the drill book.  Then I gave the next order.  So I learn, if the men do not.  Then one day to my horror General Maxse came past when I was in the midst of perpetrating my deceptions.  I managed to give the battery the order to “eyes right” and then almost collapsed.  Maxse hates subalterns, and gunner subalterns most of all.  I wonder what he thought of it all.  No doubt he made great fun of us over his port at night.  However we mean well, and I would not mind betting he never commanded a battery of men knowing no drill on the first day he put on H.M.s uniform

 

Though there are several horses here, we in our battery have none yet. We are hoping for some soon.  Then we shall have some fun.

 

As there is no accommodation for us in the Officers’ Mess, so another fellow and I have found a very decent family to provide us with three meals a day for one guinea a week each. The meals are quite good, including a four course dinner, three course lunch and breakfast.  We are still in tents, but it is not very cold.

 

Week-end leave is impossible. Colonel English is dead against such relaxations, as the men cannot get away too.  Today I paid the troops, and every day I have to inspect Kit, barrack rooms and tents.  As I do not know in the slightest what to look for I do not suppose my inspections are of much use.

 

Parades are 7 to 8,a.m. 9 to 12.15,p.m.;  2 to 4.15 p.m with a lectures for officers at 5.30 p.m.  Then we are supposed to work at night, but by then we are pretty tired.  The only regular officers here are Colonels commanding Brigades, and then they are dug-outs.  All the rest are new subalterns.

 

The 18th Divisional Artillery is commanded by Colonel English.  There are four Brigades.  Mine is the 83rd under Major Richardson.  Each Brigade is composed of three Batteries.  I am in 260th under Lieut Gardner, a Cambridge man.

 

The batteries are divided “into sections” of two guns each commanded by a subaltern, or four sub sections, each in charge of a sergeant.

 

Tomorrow we hope to start driving drill on our flat feet. It will probably turn into a fearful Harry Tate mess.

 

I can see we shall be here for ages. We require a tremendous amount of training, especially as we are gunners.

 

There is some talk of going into huts at Ipswich, and I shall have to go to Woolwich and Shoeburyness for training.

 

We are being inoculated by batches. My turn is to come.  Well it is all very interesting but bewildering.

 

The life is so strange. I feel like a silly little boy at a vast public school for the first time.  I suppose I shall get used to it some day.

 

 

AA Laporte Payne Sept 1914

EPSOM September, 1914

 

1st Battalion, No 1 Company, Section 4.

 

J.P.D. Clarke.  Sergt.   “Long John”    C.C.C. Camb X

Williams          “Bimph”                                  X

Osborne           “Ossy”

Harry Richards            “Loose Lizzy”

Roland Richards         “Rolly”                                    X

E.C. Collins                 “Lottie”           C.C.C. Camb

P.D. Gilmour Ellis       “Gil”

A.A. Laporte Payne    “Algy”             C.C.C. Camb

 

———————–

 

September 20 1914

 

Sunday

Alton

Links Road

Epsom

“I was first of all billeted in a public house with three other men. When in the town later I met a friend who said he was in a palace, so I got leave from a Special Constable to move there.  On the next day, most unfortunately, we were re-billeted by companies, and we have landed up in a much smaller house and the food is not nearly as good.  But eight of us all friends are billeted together in two adjacent houses.  It is great fun.  I have met several men I know.  There are 3500 of us here now.  I dined out this evening with Richards at the house of friends of his, named Mountain.

 

SEPTEMBER 24th 1914

 

Having obtained leave of absence I called on Major C. Lancelot Storr, Rom 206, War Office, who took details of such qualifications as I had, and said he would do what he could. He informed me that the application from Cambridge University had been mislaid, but that he would put a fresh application for a commission through for me.

 

I obtained leave to go to town by saying that the War Office wanted to interview me. So a full blown private marched boldly into the “Holy of Holies, armed with a sheet of foolscap on which I had set out my name, age, school, University, degree honours, cadet corps service, and the fact that I had been for four weeks or so a private in H.M. Army.

 

I received the advice from an old soldier that “ the thing to do is to make the most of yourself, and not belittle your achievements. Humility does not pay in the army.”

 

 

September 24th 1914

PUBLIC SCHOOL BRIGADE

ROYAL FUSILIERS

 

Private A.A.L. Payne has leave of absence until 10 p.m. September, 24th 1914

 

H.E. Bowes Lyon

O.C. No 1 Company,

No 1 Battalion.

 

 

W.L.P.

“Colonel Griffin ….. is wondering what the War Office have done for you today, and says if you would like a commission in his battalion, the 11th Middlesex Regiment, write to the Officer Commanding this regiment, Hydrabad Barracks, Colchester, and ask for a commission as a 2/Lieut.  State all qualifications.  There is at present one vacancy for a 2nd Lieut. And one or two vacancies in the 12th and 13th Battalions.

Our love to you, my son. May the right decision be clear.  I esteem your prompt response to the call of duty.  The strongest fortress of prayer is yours.

Your affectionate Father.

 

Form M.T. 397                                                                        WAR OFFICE

LONDON, S.W.

25th September 1914

 

Sir,

With reference to your application for appointment to the Special Reserve of Officers, I am directed to inform you that the applications for such appointments already received are far in excess of the vacancies available. It has therefore not been practicable to grant you a commission in the Special Reserve.

I am to say, however, that your name has been placed on a waiting list of candidates for appointment to a temporary regular commission for the period of the war, and you will be duly informed if, and when, there is a vacancy to which you can be appointed.

If you are desirous of taking up such an appointment it will not be necessary for you (or any other person on your behalf) to address any further communication to this Office on the subject. Owing to pressure of work it will not be practicable to reply to such communication if sent.

If, however, you do not wish to be appointed to a temporary regular commission you should at once notify the fact to this Office.

 

I am,

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

  1. Grant, Captain

for Director of Military Training.

 

Secretary of State for War.                                                                 War Office,

Whitehall,

S.W.

25 Sept 1914

 

Dear Mr. Payne,

I have handed your application personally to the Assistant Military Secretary, so I hope you will be fixed up before long. You may have to wait a week or two.

In the meantime, get Major Griffin to apply officially for you to go to him directly you are gazetted and ask him to address the envelope to me by name to save time. Let me hear if you are not fixed up, say, in 3 weeks time.

Very truly yours

  1. Storr.

 

Colchester

28.9.14

Sir,

As I have no vacancies for officers in my battalion I have forwarded your letter to Colonel Glover, commanding 12th Middlesex Regiment.

Yours faithfully

W.D. Ingle

Lieut. Colonel

Comdg. 11th Middlesex Regt.

 

Form M.T. 426 (M.T. 3)                                                                      WAR OFFICE

LONDON S.W.

30th September, 1914.

Sir,

I am directed to inform you that your application for an appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Regular Army has been received. The Cavalry List is full at present.  Will you kindly state by return if possible, whether you desire to be considered for appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Royal Field Artillery.

Please state exactly what previous military experience you have had and also what standard of riding you have attained. If you have hunted state for how many seasons and with what pack etc.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant

E.B. CLIVE Capt.

for Director of Military Training.

 

Archie A. Laporte Payne letter home 20 Sept 1914

Archie A. Laporte Payne letter home 20 Sept 1914

 

On headed notepaper.

 

Christ Church Vicarage,

North Finchley N.

‘Alton’

Lukes Rd

Epsom.

 

Sunday Sept 20 1914.

 

My dearest Mother,

 

Many thanks indeed for your letter and parcel which arrived safely. Thank you for your tie which is just right.  I am sorry you had a bother about the address.  I was first of all billeted in a pub – four men in a smelly little room – I was very bored – when in the town later I met a friend who said he was billeted in a palace – so I got leave from the special constable & went there.  They treated us like lords and my friend & I had a room to ourselves and a bed each.  Next day unfortunately we were all re-billeted by companies – and we have got in a very much smaller place & not nearly such nice food – but eight friends have got together in two houses.  We are up in the morning at 5.30, and we get plenty of work – but it will be rather fun I think.

 

I have met heaps of men I know. There are 3500 of us here now.

 

This afternoon & evening my friend Richards took me to some friends of his who have a gorgeous place here. We had tea & dinner there.  They are very nice.

 

Thank you very much for the really good time I have had at home – but I am glad you let me go off, as I really could not stay at home when everyone is enlisting. I may get a commission yet – but I don’t mind if I don’t now.

 

Will you get me a Vyella shirt Khaki – 10/6 at Army & Navy Stores – detachable shirt collar one and one collar (1/-) collar 15 ½ in – also please send me my Hawkes colour sweater.

 

We get very little time to ourselves – the Parade ground is miles away.

 

Hope you are all well & flourishing

With much love to you all

Ever

Your affectionate son

Archie.