Category Archives: 1916

Pte. A. Walker 22288 letter 10 May 1916

France

Wed May 10 1916

 

My Dear Nell,

 

Just a few lines to let you know I am getting on alright. We arrived quite safe after a good voyage.

Have been on the move since we landed & are now within sound of the guns.

We had about 15 mile march yesterday in the rain & of course got rather wet by the time we finished. On top of that the transport is lost their way & we had no breakfast this morning.

At present we are “amusing” ourselves in a barn.  We found it rather cold last night as we had no blankets.  We are having mostly Bully Beef & Biscuits & have only had Bread once since we have been here.

We have had rain every day except the first so you can guess what the weather is like. So much rain is owing to the firing of the guns.  They break the clouds & of course we get it alright.

With regards to France I don’t think much of it.  The majority of roads are made of large cobbles and are rather bumpy which is not very nice for the feet on a march.

Well Dear haven’t any more to say so must close.

I remain

Your loving

Alf

 

Pte. A. Walker 22288

3rd Platoon A Coy

32nd Royal Fusiliers

B.E.F.

France

 

With cover to Miss N. Pilgrim

161 Abbey Rd

Barking

S.X.

England

Marked F.P.O. 124 My 11 16

Between Meteren & Baileul

Alf Smith’s letter 9 May 1916

Y.M.C.A headed notepaper.

Pte. A.A. Smith

No 27521

Reply to “C” Company 12th Bat Essex Regt

Stationed at Dovercourt

 

May 9 1916

 

Dear Father

 

I was very pleased to receive your letter.

We are having a shocking time now; went under canvas on Monday sleeping 12 in a tent it has been raining ever since.  I should be very glad of another parcel; but please leave it until you hear from me again; we are so cramped up even a box of matches takes up a lot of room perhaps we shall be able to arrange things a little better soon.

There does not seem much chance of getting a pass yet.  We have all had a good try but they treat us worse than pigs.

Cannot stop to write more now.

Glad to say I am quite well & hope you all are the same.

 

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf

War Diary Headquarters 55th W. Lancs Divisional Artillery Apr 1916

WAR DIARY

Of

 

Headquarters 55th W. Lancs Divisional Artillery

 

From 1st April 1916 to 30th April 1916

 

April 1st 8.30 a.m.   8th Lancs How Bty fired on active hostile battery X.10.c.60.24 getting direct hits on 3 emplacements – 2 explosions – aeroplane observation.  10th & 11th Lancs Batteries Kept fired salvoes of shrapnel during the night to prevent removal of guns.

3 p.m.        Centre Group carried out bombardment in accordance with attached – result not very satisfactory – barrier was not completely breached.                                                                                       Appendix I

2nd       1.30 p.m.      WAILLY was heavily shelled –

3 p.m.         6 H.A.G. – 6” Hows – 8” How – 9.2” Hows 2 4.7 batteries – 1 60 pr battery-

D.A. – 5 18 pr batteries – and – 2 4.5 How Batteries retaliated on FICHEUX.

6 p.m.         18 prs again fired on FICHEUX for further shelling of WAILLY – results satisfactory –

3rd         3 p.m.         Bombardment in accordance with Appendix II – Result most satisfactory – the 9.2” How levelled the house to the ground.  The enemy retaliated at 4 p.m. on BRETENCOURT – in reply to this 6th H.A.G. 2 4.7 batteries 1 60 pr battery, 2 8″ Hows, 1 9.2” How with French heavy guns responded on HENDECOURT

5.45 p.m.     55 D.A. 3 4.5 How batteries – 2 18 pr batteries responded on HENDECOURT.

There was some further retaliation to which 2 4.5” How batteries made instant reply.             Appendix II

3/4th     After dark    Relief of 68th by A/123rd and 88th by D/124th Batteries in accordance with Order No 15 as amended by Order No 18.     Appendix III.

4/5th     After dark    Section 12th Lancs Bty from Right to Left Group to form 6 gun bty with A/123rd.                         Appendix IV

5th        11 a.m.        Relief of 14th Bde H.Q. and B.A.C. by Section 123rd B.A.C. completed –

6th        6 p.m.         For 4.2” How fire on F Sector. R/4 W.L. and 7th Lancs How Bty replied on German front line opposite trenches 184 -194.

8th         2 p.m.          BELLACOURT heavily shelled – 60 4.2” How fired into 7th Lancs Bty position

3.15 p.m.     Chastisement on BOIRY.  3.15 p.m. with 7 4.5” Hows 8 – 4.7” guns 4 120 mm French – This concluded hostile activity

9th       12.10 p.m.    BEAUMETZ heavily shelled – about 120 7.7, 10.5 and 15.0 cm shells.  Casualties besides 2horses and some cows killed 2 men slightly wounded.

9th           3 p.m.       Chastisement of BOIRY as on the previous afternoon.  This concluded the day’s activity.

12th         4 p.m.       Bombardment in accordance with Appendix 5.  Result as far as could be observed satisfactory – Raining – but 9.2 Hows obtained direct hits.                                                                                      Appendix V

13th         9.55 p.m.   Hostile aeroplane dropped 2 bombs outside BEAUMETZ and one near BASSEUX.

17th         4 p.m.        Wire cutting at X.3.b.5.8 ½ by Section 3rd Lancs Bty from R.32.a.2.9 – Guns shot well but the wire was not completely cut – it was at least 30 x in depth.  On conclusion the section was withdrawn just in time to avoid retaliation of 5.9”’s at 5.15 p.m. and returned to its battery after dark.                     Appendix VI

18th         2a.m.         18 prs centre group and Howitzers cooperated in a successful raid on enemy front line R.34.b. by 8th L’pool (Irish).  Fire was well directed and helped to make the operation successful.

19th         3 p.m.        Retaliation on FICHEUX for shelling WAILLY – H.A.G. fired 71 rds in 3 minutes and 5 18 pr batteries and 2 Howitzer Batteries cooperated.

19-20th

20-21st                      Reliefs in accordance with Operation Order No 21.                                                              Appendix VII

24th                          5.45 hostile aeroplane dropped a bomb on 7th Bty wagon lines near MONCHIET killing 3 horses – 10 others had to be destroyed owing to injuries – No men injured –

3 p.m.         8” How fired in accordance with G.O. 24 – getting 5 rds into the sap – 3 rds into German wire – 2 rds into our own wire (not unexpected) and 4 blinds.  The result most satisfactory – infantry much pleased.                                                                                                                                               Appendix VIII

5 p.m.         Wire cutting in accordance with Order 22.                                                                   Appendix IX

26th       5.15 a.m.     Aircraft dropped 2 bombs near BELLACOURT H.A.G. retaliated 6 a.m.

27th       6-73 a.m.    A & B/125th heavily shelled by 5.9” How – no casualties to personnel – 1 gun A/125 dial sight (No 7) and shield damaged – (out of action) – Ranging by aeroplane –

3 p.m.        6” How on saps opposite F Sector.

Hostile aeroplanes very active and observation balloons watching and observing fire.

30th         6 a.m.       166th Inf – took over extra front in accordance with Appendix X.

Orders received for artillery to cover this line from May 6th.

Period 24-27th marked by hostile counter battery activity – observation balloons up in all directions and aircraft observing.  No batteries were knocked out and only one gun (mentioned above) damaged – 14th Bty preparing a new position.

  1. Bueson

Major

B.M. 55 D.A.

1st May 1916

MAY 1916

MAY 1916

 

On the 1st May 1916, British summer time was introduced as a “daylight saving” measure. By moving the clock forward by one hour, considerable saving of coal was able to be achieved. Daylight would revert back to Greenwich Mean Time in October.

 

In Dublin, after the “Easter Rising”, the general feeling was of indignation with the rebels being jeered at and pelted with rotten fruit. Much of the centre of Dublin had been severely damaged and 300 civilians had been killed, with martial law remaining in place. Nearly half of the 3,000 men arrested had been released but of the remainder, 1,800 were imprisoned in Britain and 100 were sentenced to death for treason. The executions began on 3rd May 1916 and continued until the 12th May, by which time 15 rebels had been shot.

The British commander, General Maxwell had refused to listen to anyone, but, public outrage towards the sentences forced the decision to halt further executions.

 

On the 9th May 1916, Britain and France refined the Sykes-Picot agreement where both countries extend their influence with regard to the partition of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the Great War.

 

A contract was agreed on the 14th May 1916, where by China would supply 50,000 labourers to the French to serve as non-military personnel. The role of the labourers was tasked to carrying out essential work to support the front line troops. In 1916 China was not a belligerent nation and its people were not allowed to participate in fighting, but as a labour force it allowed the French and later the British to fill their manpower shortage caused by the horrendous casualties of the war.

 

Austrian troops attacked the Italian mountain positions in the Trentino on the 15th May 1916. This action took the Italians by surprise leading to the Austrians seizing Asiago and Arserio on the 31st May 1916. The Italians withdrew southwards, forcing the Austrian forces to over stretch their supply lines over difficult terrain. The arrival of Italian reinforcements and a successful counter-attack halted the Austrian offensive completely, and the action ended on the 7th June 1916 without a breakthrough.

 

21st May 1916 saw the implementation of British summer time meaning the clocks went forward one hour allowing the evenings to remain light for longer.

 

The German forces launched an attack at Vimy Ridge near Arras on 21st May 1916. The British Expeditionary Force had recently taken over from the French. Prior to the offensive German artillery had been shelling the British front line and communication lines. In four hours the Germans had fired 70,000 shells into British lines, and their infantry easily over-ran the British front line, taking many prisoners. A British counter-attack on the 23rd May 1916, with the Germans still controlling the High ground, Vimy Ridge.

 

Universal conscription was extended on the 25th May 1916. The original Act was introduced by British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith in January 1916, specifying that men from 18 to 41 years old were liable to be called up for military service in the army. The exception being married men, widowers with children, naval personnel, ministers of religion and members of reserved occupations.

A second Act was introduced on 25th May 1916, extending military service to married men, but any objectors could apply to a local Military Service Tribunal. This tribunal was in a position to grant exceptions from service.

Due to political considerations the Act did not extend to Ireland, which was then part of the United Kingdom. The Irish employed voluntary recruitment throughout the war.

 

The Battle of Jutland was the only major naval battle of the war. On the 31st May 1916, the German and British navies finally faced each other off the coast of Jutland in the North Sea. The respective navies were commanded by Vice-Admiral Reinhard Scheer for the German fleet and Admiral Jellicoe for the British fleet The Germans were unaware the British had access to their secret codes and had intercepted the signals detailing the operation. The previous day Jellicoe had sailed the Grand Fleet from Scapa Flow to rendezvous with Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty. Scheer realised his fleet was not in a position to engage the entire British fleet and devised a plan to lure Beatty’s battlecruiser squadron out of Rosyth. Instead of chasing Vice-Admiral Franz Hipper’s relatively small German force, Beatty’s fleet steamed toward the main German force stationed fifty miles off the coast of Scotland. Sooner than the Germans expected Beatty engaged with Hipper’s small force and was successfully drawn towards the main German fleet, losing two battlecruisers in the engagement. Beatty turned his ships back towards the main British force, with the German fleet in hot pursuit. When the Germans came face to face with the main British fleet, Jellicoe ordered his ships to form a line to fire relentless broadsides at the German vessels. Scheer, concerned he might lose his entire force, ordered his ships to retire. The two sides engaged each other again later that evening, Scheer’s force was able to avoid the British line in the dark. The Germans made their way back to port, despite Jellicoe having positioned some of his ships to cut off the German retreat.

The Battle of Jutland was not a victory for either side, despite the British suffering greater loss of life and ships. German High Seas Fleet never again challenged the Royal Navy and was to remain penned up in its ports for the remainder of the war.

Sixteen year old John (Jack) Travis Cornwall was a Boy First Class sailor on HMS Chester. His duty was to help sight Chester’s forward 5.5” guns. At approximately 5.30pm Chester came under heavy fire and all the forward gun crew except Cornwall were killed. Cornwall stayed by the destroyed gun for 15 minutes, although severely wounded in the chest. HMS Chester retired from the action and Cornwall died in Grimsby General Hospital on 2nd June 1916, and was buried in a pauper’s grave. His body was exhumed and reburied with full military honours, after the story of his actions caught the public interest. Jack Cornwall was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Jutland.

 

——————————————————————

 

The Balkans

 

26/27th May 1916. The German/Bulgarian forces invaded and occupied Fort Rupel, part of neutral Greek territory. The surrender on the 27th May 1916 of Fort Rupel was one of the darkest pages of Greek history.

 

——————————————————————

 

Verdun

 

On the 1st May 1916, Robert Georges Nivelle was appointed as commander of the French Second Army to replace Phillipe Petain. Neville was a very capable commander and organiser of field artillery at regimental and divisional levels. Petain’s defensive policies had saved Verdun from being captured but Nivelle was expected go on the offensive.

 

The Germans began another attack on the 3rd May 1916 against the west bank of the Meuse. This time the Germans gained the advantage.

 

On the 6th May 1916 the Germans had gained control of Cote 304, one of the two French hills they had been striving to capture since early March. The Germans had achieved a solid position northwest of Verdun.

 

End of May 1916. The Germans finally cleared the hills of Le Mort Homme of all French troops, completing the taking of the summit of the hills northwest of Verdun.

 

 

 

WAR DIARY of 2/Lt. Alfred Benjamin STREET April 1916

WAR DIARY of 2/Lt. Alfred Benjamin STREET April 1916

48 SIEGE BATTERY RGA

 

1st April. Sat.  Weather same.  Left Half marched to Kubri to see position taken up by Right Half.  Returned by lorry from Kubri Ry Bridge.  In the afternoon Hill and I biked to Kilo. 145 and had a bathe.  Meade King went to hospital with jaundice.

 

2nd April. Sunday.  Weather same.  Took Church Parade as Camp and Btty Ord Off.  Rode over to Shallafa after lunch to put up board on site for gun.

 

3rd April. Monday.  Weather same. After breakfast biked to Shallufa to see R.E.s about fencing in our gun positions, arranged it and returned for lunch.  Had orders to proceed to France which pleased everybody very much.  Melville returned from Alexandria and the 4 47s arr’d at the station but owing to our orders to move we did not unload them.  Langford returned from Hospital.

 

4th April. Tuesday.  Weather same.  Loading up shell all the m’ning and finished doing so in the afternoon.  Right Half returned from Kubri.

 

5th April. Wed.  Weather same.  Preparing guns and lorries for travelling and telling off men to lorries, kit inspection.  Mail in.

 

6th April. Thursday.  Weather same.  Reveille at 5.0 a.m.  Took a party down to the station at 7.0 a.m. to carry on with the loading, returned to Camp at 11.0 for dinner and then back to the train which left at 1.30p.m.  Had a good journey and reached Alexandria (Gabbari) at 1.30 a.m. were left alone till 5.0 a.m.

 

7th April. Friday Weather same.  Began to turn out of the train about 5.0 a.m. but did not leave station for Gabbari A Camp till 10.30.  Quite comfortable in Camp and a good Mess.  Went up into the town in the afternoon to cash a cheque.  Dined in Camp and afterwards went with Hill to the docks to see if the Motorcycles had been unloaded.

 

 

8th April. Sat.  Weather same. Battery paraded at 9.0a.m. to embark on the Caledonian leaving 5 men with me also Hill and 10 A.S.C.  Went down to the docks with Hill and began loading up on the Edlington, a Hull Collier.  After putting all the guns in they took the Beds and Howitzers out again to put them between decks.  Got the Caterpillars on board and also 2 belonging to 42 Siege.

 

9th April. Sunday.  Weather same.  After seeing about Rations and Cooking arrangements for the men got down to the Docks about 10.30.  Loading lorries most of the day.  Spent afternoon in Camp and then went to St. Mark’s to Church.  Met Hill afterwards and dined at an Italian restaurant.

 

10th April. Monday.  Weather same.  Went down to the docks soon after 9.0 with Hill.  Continued getting lorries on board and then ammunition.  Went to Mustapha with Hill before lunch.  Gr Lyle turned up from hospital at Suez.  The Navy started mounting a 4.7 gun aft.  Had tea with Hill at Grotti’s and dined in Camp.  Went to Tawa’s and brought a scarf for Judith also a Baluchistan Rug for home.

 

11th April. Tuesday.  Weather same.  Moved from Camp and embarked on board ship.  Continued loading Lorries and Ammunition.

 

12th April. Wednesday.  Weather same.  Officially embarked, tea being first meal.  Meade King turned up from Hospital at Suez, took him up to the Main Guard and to Embarkation Office and then to the Magantic on which he embarked.  Continued loading Amm: and Pipes also the Beds and Howitzers in No 3 between decks and the Cars.

 

13th April. Thursday.  Weather unpleasant due to a Hamsheen, some rain and windy.  Strolled around the Native quarter with Hill in the afternoon and brought some bracelets and anklets, most amusing time.  After tea on board took the Capt to the Pictures at the Iris at 6.0  Heavy rain after returning on board.  1 R.G.A. and 1 A.S.C. turned up from Hosp at Suez.

 

14th April. Friday.  Still fairly windy but fine.  With assistance of two tugs left Quay No 10 and anchored in the outer harbour.  Rigged up accommodation for the men on the top of No. 3 Hold by a tarpaulin stretched over the derrick booms, several slept in lorries.

 

15th April. Sat.  Less wind but still a fresh breeze.  Pilot came on board and we got away at 9.0.  The Pilot did not come outside the harbour and we followed the Tug out.  Our escort a new mine layer followed us out.  Had done 21 miles by midday.  There was a fair swell and she rolled a little.  Hill and one or two others were a bit sea sick.  Sunny day.

 

16th April. Sunday.  Still a fresh breeze with a swell, Hill recovered after dinner several others still bad.  About 4.0 p.m. our escort turned round and left us without saying a word and we had expected him to accompany us all the way.  Saw a patrol about 6.0 p.m. who asked our name.  Passed between Casso Island and Cape Sidaro, the E. extremity of Candia at nightfall and altered course along the N coast of Candia (Crete).

 

17th April. Monday.  Still a fresh breeze from the W.  Saw several ships during the day and passed a patrol towards evening.  Passed C. Spado, the W. extremity of Candia and through the Cerigo channel at nightfall.  Several heavy squalls during the night with lightning and thunder.  Progress slow.

 

18th April. Tuesday.  Still a fresh breeze veered slightly to N.  Bright and sunny day.  Progress slow 115 miles for 24 hrs to midday.  Passed a trawler patrol about 9.0a.m. and 6.0 p.m.  Rolling and pitching a fair amount.  SS Baton passed in the morning, steaming alongside another tramp all day.  We drew ahead at dark.  Squalls again at night.

 

19th April. Wednesday.  Fresh breeze sunny fine day.  Wind went down and ran into calm sea about dusk.  Saw a warship on the horizon at sun set.  170 miles to noon, with calm sea.  Speed increased to 9-10 knots.  Lovely fine moonlight night.

 

20th Ap. Thursday.  Dropped anchor in St. Paulo Bay Malta at dawn and received orders to proceed at 7.30am.  French TB passed at 9.0 a.m. and a French Cruiser overhauled us at dusk.  Passed Pantelleria at 7.0 p.m.  Day’s run 209.  Calm, no wind cloudy.  Passed Cape Bon at 11.30. p.m.

 

21st Ap. Friday.  Fine day dull and cloudy, light breeze.  Passed C. Pietro S.W. of Sardinia at 7.0p.m.  245 miles.

 

22nd April. Sat.  Sunny m’ning with light breeze, cloudy over in the afternoon and the wind freshened causing her to roll a bit.  Saw the Titan light at 6.0 p.m. and the Iles d’Hyeres after midday.235 miles to noon.

 

23rd April. Easter Sunday.  Gale from N.W. from afternoon of 22nd.  Very slow progress.  Very rough night, ship turned right round once, rolling heavily.  Picked up Pilot outside Marseilles and came to anchor in outer harbour at 2.0 p.m.  Pilot stayed on board.  Fairly sunny day.

 

24th April. Monday.  Fine sunny day.  Fresh breeze.  The Capt., Pilot & Hill went ashore at 7.0 a.m.  Capt. returned at noon.  Pilot came off at 4.0 p.m. and took us in to a berth.  Heard that the rest of the Btty had gone on.  Cabled home and to Judith.

 

25th April. Tuesday.  Lovely sunny day.  Started unloading.  Various M.L.O.s etc. came on board and all seemed very nice. Sgt. Lew went to Hosp:  Went ashore with the Capt and Hill, dined at the Novelty and to a Cinema afterwards.

 

26th April. Wed.  Weather same. Continued unloading.  Went to the Paymaster obtained money for the men and paid them.  The Capt and I went ashore, Hill and Hay joined us and we dined at the Basso.

 

27th April. Thursday.  Weather same.  Continued unloading.  Went ashore with the Capt. in the evening, dined at The Novelty and to the Palais Crystal afterwards, quote a good show.

 

28th April. Friday.  Weather same.  Continued unloading.  Loaded up a train consisting of all the transports except Caterpillars.  Also loaded most of the guns and Caterpillars on to trucks.  Capt., Hill and I went ashore, dined at the Novelty and went to a Revue at the Cassino afterwards.  Left Hill at the Station at 12.0 mid’t.  His train was due to leave at 1.12 a.m.

 

29th April. Saturday.  Weather same but dull.  Finished unloading ship and made up train.  The ship left at 10.0p.m. for Cette [Sete] for coal.  We disembarked and slept in the hanger for the night.

 

30th April Sunday Weather same. Left by train at 10.0p.m. without our caterpillars and guns and the 25th Heavy Battery with 33 horses.  Nearly missed the train owing to barley and oats for the horses not having been drawn from store.  Very pretty country but it rained during the evening.  At Orange hot tea with rum was provided by the French.

H.E. WITTY Apr 1916

H.E. WITTY Apr 1916

18th SIEGE BATTERY R.G.A.

  1. Section

 

1st April 1916.  Saturday.  Counter-battery work – fired 23 rounds with aeroplane observation.  Early shoot excellent – remainder indifferent.  Finished 1.30 pm.  At close one shell fell 200 yds beyond gun near railway line.  On reaching billets 62 shells fell in wood nearest 18 yds from gun.  One fell in R.F.A. horse lines 30 yds from boys playing footer.  4.2 battery again.  Letters from Renie and Scott.  Answered.

 

2nd April 1916.  Sunday.  Gun position shelled again.  Engine draws gun from position into safety.  NO MAIL.  Church parade in camp.  At Garden Street O.P. with Gill.  Left Camp at 8 A.M. walked to Reigersburg via Elverdinge & Brielen.  Repaired 4 Siege line near Chateau.  Found break near 43rd dug-out.  Crossed Yser Canal and mended two breaks in trenches.  Abnormally clear day.  German positions well seen.  Very quiet in front of YPRES.  Had narrow escape at E., a piece of shell passing between our heads – from a high ex shell in our rear.  Reached O.P. 12.30 and landed back 4 pm.

 

3rd April 1916.  Monday.  On duty – nothing doing – preparation for the great bombardment – (1) laying line to O.P.s (2) unloading shell (3) preparing dummy guns.  Fritz paid us no attention as we were not firing – lovely day temp 70o.  Parcel from Renie.  Ans.  On night duty.  Had a bath – read “Shanghaied”, “39 Steps” “A Moment’s Error” (Marchmont).

 

4th April 1916.  Tuesday.  OFF DUTY – finished 9 A.M.  Grand Bombardment fired 61 rds – broke up German trenches & demolished MOUSETRAP FARM.  On battery in the afternoon – little retaliation.  Very cold today.  No MAIL. Bottrill at O.P. narrow escape from an HZ11.  Signs complemented on the excellency of the line. Col praises F.O.P. work.

 

5th April 1916.  Wednesday.  On battery.  2nd day of bombardment – 89 Rds – splendid results.  German retaliation – no casualties – in action from 9 A.M. to 5 p.m. MAIL – Letters Hilda & Kathie.  ANS.  Lovely warm day – chilly at night.

 

6th April 1916.  Thursday.  Turned out at 4.30 A.M. with Cundrole to go to SPINNEY HOUSE O.P. with Mr Campbell – Travelled in car to Pioneer Corner – Huns very active – shelled battery in front of O.P. with Gas and Explosive shells which fell within 200 yds of O.P.  Finished 5.30 P.M.  Returned to Camp.  Passed through Elverdinge which was being shelled – NO MAIL – Battery shelled with 5.9s no damage.

 

7th April 1916. Friday.  Relaying Hd Qrs O.P. line to No 1 GUN in morning.  Road & rest camp shelled in afternoon (broke our wire which I repaired).   Shelled the gun with 5.9.  Inspected the line under shell fire.  Letters R. Mag (pc).  Papers (O.H.) Scott.  ANS.

 

 

8th April 1916.  Saturday.  Turned out early – walked along the line to REIGERSBERG with Shippen.  Tapped in at 43rd dug out and got the order C.I.  Reached camp just before dinner.  On the whole things very quiet.  Took in line from Garden St. to REIGERSBERG.  Gun drawn out of action.  Two dummies substituted in the wood to draw enemy fire.  Very successful.  Letters Gladys & Scott.  ANS.

 

9th April 1916. Passion Sunday.  On duty – fine day – in action with No 2 GUN air observation – Gun position shelled 50 shells.  Leggett wounded – Letters from Bee re Norman’s operation and R.  Ans – wrote Mother – sent R a pc **** her tomorrow – On night duty.  Read Shrewsbury.

 

10th April 1916. Monday.  Off duty – shelled by 5.9’s at 7 a.m. – broke all lines in neighbourhood of gun.  Repaired same under shell fire – seeking “souvenirs” in afternoon – Letters Frank, M and Gilbert.  ANS.  Wrote Renie.  Lovely sunny day.  Skelton sees me in morning.  Excellent shooting 12 O.K.s in 16 Rounds.

 

11th April 1916.  Tuesday.  Cold, wet, miserable.  Nothing doing – playing Bridge in morning.  Reading in afternoon.  On line after tea. Letters Miss Road, J.B. (O.H.) Ans.  No shelling.

 

12th April 1916.  Wednesday.  Turned out early to inspect line to 4 Siege – laid new line there with Bottrill – Incessant rain – returned Noon – got into bed – had to turn out again as line broken – tapped in at DIRTY BUCKET CORNER – found break in wood – returned tea – wet through – in bed.  Letters R., N.J., Scott.  ANS.

 

13th April 1916. Thursday.  On R.E. lines in morning.  Nothing doing in afternoon – very cold and windy – intermittent showers – Letters from home, Ma, Kathie (with photograph) and J. Robinson.  Mags from home also.  Very quiet – nothing doing – too windy for action.

 

14th April 1916. Friday.  Cleaning side car in morning.  Also connecting O.P. exchange with battery – nothing doing in afternoon – NO MAIL.

 

15th April 1916. Saturday.  Turned out at 4.15 am motored to PIONEER CORNER and then walked to SPINNEY HOUSE.  On duty there till 6 Sunday morning – very quiet on the whole – Letters sent up by car in evening when O-O was relieved.  Letters Peg, Alice, Mrs Proudfoot, Gilbert.  ANS.  With Hughes – very cold night.  Relieved by 4 Siege.  Came back in car.

 

16th April 1916.  Palm Sunday.  Humour of Fritz signalling from aeroplane “Hurrah” when strafing our dummy gun.  Returned in car from O.P. 7 a.m. – Huns sent over 200 (5.9 shells) near NO 1 GUN position – much damage in wood – cartridge recess fired but DUMMY and shells untouched.  Rendered position untenable – taking in line from this position – Line badly damaged.  NO MAIL.

 

17th April 1916.  Monday.  On duty – very quiet – battery played R.F.A. and beat them 6-1.  Visit of A/Corps Commander – Pcl from R.  (ANS).  GILL & Cardwell at O.P. (Canal Bank).  No strafing – no guns in action – cold with rain.

18th April 1916.  Tuesday.  OFF DUTY – very wet and stormy.  Read “In raiment white” (Quex).  Nothing doing.  Wrote John Bull on C.O.  Letter from R.  ANS. To be despatched tomorrow.

 

19th April 1916.  Wednesday.  Cold and showery.  Reeling wire in morning and burying cable – Same in afternoon.  Very quiet altogether – Letters N.T. ANS.  Sent off R’s & John Bull’s letters.  Night alarm – great activity round St. Eloi – guns called into action – laying lines to old No 1 position.  No firing.

 

20th April 1916. Thursday.  Burying line from 4 Siege – sunny but cold and windy.  Departure of 90th A.C. R.F.A.  Reeling wire in afternoon – Letters Gladys, home, S.C from Scott.  Nothing doing – no firing.  ANS correspondence.

 

21st April 1916.  Good Friday.  Turned out at 5 A.M. on battery – strafed Fritz – 86 Rds – little retaliation – NEAREST 100 yds – many ‘duds’.  Excellent shooting especially on HIGH COMMAND redoubt.  Bolt on O.P. (2 a.m.)  Letters R.S. & paper from home.  ANS.  16 5.9 shells near No 1 last night.

 

22nd April 1916.  Saturday.  On duty during the day – constant rain therefore nothing doing – on night duty also – Read “The Unnamed” (Quex).  Learnt from 14 Corps that Skelton left a week ago for “Somewhere”.  NOMAIL.

 

23rd April 1916.  Easter Sunday.  Fritz sends souvenirs over all day at intervals – no damage – aircraft very active – shell cases fall in camp – one through Sgts hut – Pages’ narrow escape – off duty – Letter from Frank (Ans – asked for necessaries).   Reading BUTOR CHAPERON (Williamson).

 

24th April 1916.  Monday.  At O.P. – Turned out at 3.45 a.m. & left camp for C.A. at 5 a.m. with Mallins – Huns heavy shelling of all batteries especially Dawson’s Corner with incendiary shells.  Camp shelled all the night unceasingly & No 2 put out of action in morning – 300 shells in one day – No 1 Magazine exploded – Interview with General Wardrop at O.P.  NO MAIL – Glorious day – very warm.

 

25th April 1916.  Tuesday.  Left O.P. at 6.30 and walked back to camp after waiting at PIONEER Corner for “the car that never came” for 1 hour.  Arrived about 9 a.m. – lovely weather continues – Read BUTOR CHAPERON, “The One Before” and “Lieutenant etc” (By Sapper).  Yesterday “Pop” bombed early this morning.  Off duty – Gun got away 4 A.M. to be done up.  No shelling today.  NO MAIL – Very fine.

 

26th April 1916.  Wednesday.  Awakened 6.20 a.m by shell dropping in front of Officer’s Mess which was demolished the same shot killing Mr. Dyke instantly.   Frost wounded – only casualties – Camp shelled for 3 hrs with 5.9 and 4.2 – many huts demolished, cookhouse destroyed etc.  Exodus in pyjamas, stocking feet, men minus coats, hats etc – great excitement.  Splendid bursts and good shooting – Glorious fine day – breakfasted in a farm house (coffee and a slice of bread and butter). Dined at H. Qrs off bread and bully – tea same place.  In action from emergency position in afternoon – aeroplane shoot enemy shelled old positions – Gill at O.P. Campbell (vice Dyke) at Canal Bank.  Letters R., Home, Gilbert.  ANS.  R. others with F.P.C.  After tea went to RENINGLOST in lorries (8 miles) to be present at Mr. Dyke’s interment.  Buried at dusk – very impressive and very sad.

27th April 1916.  Thursday.  Had a good night at HD QRS in hut – laid a line to Evergenay Pn and new HD. QRS – out all day – others busy removing remains of camp to new pn. – Excellent site in every way – Letters Kathie, Alice, Ma, N.T., Home (papers).  ANS.  Slept in open – very fine day.

 

28th April 1916.  Friday.  Had a splendid night – fresh air treatment fine.  Out in morning with BOTT connecting up Emergency Pn to CX and CG4 – Lines smashed to pieces – tedious work.  Weather excellent.  Mr. Mallins appointed O.O.  NO MAIL.

 

29th April 1916.  Saturday.  On duty with Arrowsmith – lovely day.  In action – fired 12 shots counter-battery work – On night duty – “went off” for five minutes – Capt walked in at 1 a.m. and found me in the land of nod – Explanations – let off owing to long hours.  Results in shortening of telephone hours – Bombardment near St. Eloi – very intensive.  John Bull from R.

 

30th April 1916.  Low Sunday.  Glorious day – off duty – Kit inspection at 11 a.m. – much missing attributed to “shell fire” – Letter from R.  ANS.

A.G. Richardson’s Diary April 1916

A.G. Richardson’s Diary April 1916

Pernois.

Saturday 1st April 1916:          Rose at 7 am.  Went for rations to Canaples.  On Clarkson’s bike & returned at 1 pm.  Lovely day – Had a “sunbathe”.

Sunday 2nd April 1916:           Went to Havernas for rations at 10.30 am.  Beautiful day.  Went into woods with Eagle.

Monday 3rd April 1916:          Went to Havernas for rations.  On Guard.  Nice night.

Tuesday 4th April 1916:          Went for rations to Havernas at 11.30 am & returned at 3 pm.

Wednesday 5th April 1916:     Went to AMIENS with Jock Hutson on bikes.  Arrived there at 10.30 am & spent a lovely day there.  Saw Cathedral etc.  Returned at 6 pm.  Brought 2 Gramophone Records.  Got lost on way back.  Arrived back at 9.15 pm.

Thursday 6th April 1916:         Rose at 8 am & went for rations at 10 am in Heavens. On guard at night.

Friday 7th April 1916:             Rose at 8 am & went for rations at Heavens.  Returned at 3 pm.

Saturday 8th April 1916:         Went for a lovely ride on horseback with Geof Stead right up to the source of River Nievre at Montrelet, to seek out places for fly-fishing for P.H.W.  Grand time – Saw a heron & Jay.  Returned at 3.30 pm.

Sunday 9th April 1916:            Lovely day.  Rose at 5 am & went fishing with Capt. Walker from Canaples, Halloy, to Pernois.  Nothing doing.  Went for rations at 11 am.

Monday 10th April 1916:        Went to Heavens for rations at 10 am & returned at 2 pm.  On Wagon Lines guard at 6 pm.

Tuesday 11th April 1916:        On guard all day at wagon park with Cecil Forsythe.  Spent a jolly good day.

Wednesday 12th April 1916:   Rose at 8 am.  Nose bled nearly all morning.  Had a day off.

Thursday 13th April 1916:       Rose at 8 am & had breakfast at 9.  Rations at Havernas 11.30 am.  Back at 2 pm.  Spent rest of day in the house.

Friday 14th April 1916:           Rose at 8 am & had ham & eggs.  Went to Havernas for rations.  On H.Q. guard 24 hours!

Saturday 15th April 1916:       On H.Q. guard.  Spent day listening to gramophone, reading & writing.  Went for doctor at 11 pm – him to attend sick lady near our billets.

Sunday 16th April 1916:          Rose at 8.30 am & had good breakfast of bacon & eggs. Went to St. Leger-les-Domart for Capt. Walker for vegetables, oranges etc on bike.  Went to Canaples.  Nice ramble in woods with Tommy Dean & Cecil.  Lovely day.

Monday 17th April 1916:        Rose at 8.30 am.  Went to Havernas for rations & returned at 2.30 pm.

Tuesday 18th April 1916:        Went to Havernas for rations.

Wednesday 19th April 1916:   Went to Havernas for rations.

 

 

Thursday 20th April 1916:       Went to Havernas for rations.

Friday 21st April 1916:            x On H.Q. Guard.  Woodrup caught napping at 6.30 am by Lieut Jackson – he was without his rifle on duty!  Both of us put under arrest.  I was held “responsible” – Woodrup had only been mounted half an hour.

Saturday 22nd April 1916:       Went to Havernas for rations.  Brought up before Capt Walker & remanded for the Colonel.  Lovely day.

Sunday 23rd April 1916:          Went to Holy Communion at 12 noon.  Lovely day.

Monday 24th April 1916:        Brought up before the Colonel on charge of “Neglect of duty whilst in charge of a guard”!  Mock trial.  1. No evidence.  2. No defence.  3. Capt Walker never spoke a word in my favour. Stripped – unjust verdict.

Tuesday 25th April 1916:        The Colonel goes on leave.  I made an appeal to H.Q. & made written evidence & facts.  Adjt sees me – he could not do anything until the Col comes back.

Wednesday 26th April 1916:   Signalling with Officers & S.M. Sherman in morning & 1st Sect Sigs in aft.  On guard as gunner.

Thursday 27th April 1916:       Interview with the Adjt (Lieut J.C. Scott).  He says he will do his best for me.  Advises me to have a G.C.M.

Friday 28th April 1916:           Signalling with the Officers in morning & 1st Sect sigs in afternoon.

Saturday 29th April 1916:       Signalling with the officers in morning & 1st Sect sigs in afternoon.

Sunday 30th April 1916:          Church parade 10 am.  Lovely Day.   Nice ramble in woods.

Another Alf Smith undated letter

 

Pte. A Smith

No 27521

C Co12th Batt

Essex Regt

Dovercourt

 

Undated

 

Dear Father

 

Many thanks for your letter.  I am very pleased to receive some news from home.  I had a letter from Albert by the same post.

I am getting along very well.  We have had plenty of drilling, & marching it is more like being back at school again.  Today we were vaccinated.  I believe the next performance is inoculation.

I should be very pleased to see you Father; but I do not think it would be worth your while to come down.  For one reason I do not know how long we are here for, & it is useless to ask; you know nothing in the army until you are told to pack up your kit & depart & another thing one has to hold your own with soldiers.  I hope to get some leaf (leave) in about a month’s time.

You ought to see the way we feed; it is more like feeding a lot of wilde beasts you have to fight for it.

We have some very happy times in the Y.M.C.A. hut concerts & only soldiers are allowed.  I spend every evening round here it is too dark outside.

We had a church parade on Sunday to Harwich.

I have some very nice friends here.

It has been very windy & wet here today.

I shall have plenty to tell you when I come home it is quite an experience.

Well I think I must conclude. With much love to Jess, Ethel & yourself.

Remember me to all enquiring friends.

 

Your devoted

Son

Alf

Alf Smith’s letter

Pte. A Smith

No 27521

“C” Co 12th Batt

Essex Regt

Dovercourt

Undated

 

Dear Father

 

I thought you would be glad to have another letter from me to let you know how things are going.

Everything is going on alright have got quite used to the life now; & no doubt being out in the open so much does one a lot of good; but for all that I shall be jolly glad to get out of it.

It has been grand weather down here just like summer until yesterday it was rather dull.  Dovercourt is not much of a place to spend a holiday; there are only a few shops & only one picture palace.  We are not allowed to go anywhere only Harwich so you can guess one gets rather sick of the place.

What do you think of the recent Zepp raids?  That was a bit of luck bringing one down.  When they are about we are called up by the corporal & supposed to stay up until he lets us know everything is alright; but that doesn’t trouble me.  I went to bed as usual; one night I only took my boots off.  I do not know the idea but I believe it is to assist in case of fires or anything like that.

We were vaccinated last Tuesday week & on Monday we had to go to the hospital to see if they had taken. As the majority of mens arms were bad we have been excused duty for two days you can bet that was a great surprise it gave me quite a shock; so I am enjoying myself alright at present.  My arm is alright but drilling & rifle practice has not allowed the places to heal.

Perhaps you would like to know how we spend our time; we are up at 6 o/c have breakfast; coming back & get ready for parade at 8-45 drill until dinner time & the same until tea time finish about 5 o/c. We have to be in by 9 P.M. then go to bed.  It is jolly early for me but there is nothing else to do.  On Saturdays we are supposed to finish at 2 P.M. & Sundays after church parade; but you never know when they are going to call upon you for guard or other duties they have always got you here.

If you care to come down I should be very pleased to see you; but nothing is certain in this game. They tell you nothing of what you are going to do.  I do not think we shall remain here very long.

When you write please mention when you will be away as we get very little notice as regards leaf (leave) & I should then know how to arrange it. They are only granting 24 hours at present which is not very long; so I thought if I went to Southend & could let you know in time you could come down there.

One of my mates with me had several parcels of cakes &c sent him so we have been alright for home made pastries they are very nice too I can tell you.

I know you do not like letter writing but shall be glad to have a few lines when you get a chance.

I think I have told you all news now so must conclude.

Hoping you are all well

With much love

Your devoted

Son Alf

T.N.B. Cree R.N. 22 Apr 1916

Midshipman’s Journal

T.N.B. Cree R.N.

 

H.M.S. MINSTREL                                                               At MALTA

 

 

April 22nd        Expect crowd on board.  Am relieved to say they did not come.  Starkey however passes thro’ and blows on board.  Going home sick.  Crawl round in afternoon to endeavour to get ????.  Fetch up at Equal Callway too sharply.  Have tea with him and go ashore with him and ????.  Return on board up at Egment and play whiskey poker at which I loose nothing and win nothing.