12.4.16

Dear M & P

Just a line to show I am gogging along as usual.  I received your parcel the other day my word what a fine cake it looked too nice to cut it.  also the roll it made me think of having tea at home on a Sunday which as you know was very seldom.  I am on night work tonight & have just finished the chocolate off.  It arrived in perfect condition I think Par will make a joiner after all.  I would liked to have seen him hammering the wood.  I can fancy him opening the drawer and looking for the most fierce hammer to accomplish his handiwork.  When is it glueing night or upholstering night.  Does Par still try his agility on my bicycle or is it na poo by now.  I had a letter card from Geo the other day.  I see he’s changed his billet but doesn’t think he will be across here.  He says he can’t get leave owing to an epidemic of measles.  You might let me know when the restriction is over altho I suppose I’ll know before you.  Still if I should be fortunate enough to get leave before long it would be rather hard lines seeing that we live so far out and never go into the place.  The weather is more settled now and we even find time to have a walk just to get a breather.  There’s a good article by the same author who wrote the First Hundred Thousand in March’s issue of Blackwood’s Magazine entitled “Carry On”.  To us it strikes us as very good you might see it in the library.  There is nothing really exciting at present and we have to be so careful nowadays that war happenings are not allowed in letters.  The idea at present seems to be that we shall soon be in rest billets or somewhere else in France for my own part I am quite content here – I suppose the Zepps still haunt the people at home.  Fancy the bounders getting to Scotland anyway I don’t think they will find Countess St as it isn’t on the German map – The Germans don’t seem to be putting the fear of God into anybody now I think they’ve about run their cable.  What’s behind Holland’s latest move I suppose the bosche think they could just about manage her.  No doubt Mr Potts can answer that question Eh Gladys – I suppose Gladys is getting quite feminine now there are no males in the house I suppose she’s as powerful and important as Miss Sewell in the eyes of the younger ones.  I hope you are all keeping OK as I am in the pink myself.  Hope that dawg of mine is behaving himself if I had him out here he’d have to carry my kit as they make all the doggies work in this country.  Well its just 4.30 am and breaking day the birds are beginning to sing & this is the time when we have to be on the watch so bye bye for the present.  I suppose I shall be 30 anne by the time you get this still I am feeling younger than I did before La Guerre began.  So cheeroh

Gussie De Gribit

Field Service Post Card FPO T.9  I am quite well   Fred  24.4.16

2/7 Bn Manchester Regt

Sobaron Barracks

Colchester

9.4.16

Dear Gladys

As we commence another spasm of special training next week I am seizing the present opportunity of writing to you.  I am awfully sorry about the leave but as you will see it is essential I should apply otherwise it will be so much longer before I can get leave again.  I went to Clacton-on-Sea yesterday.  It is rather a decent place but very quiet at the present time.  All the front has been placed in a state of defence and it is very interesting to walk along the promenade.

The week before I went to Brightlingsea it is very small and seems to do a fair amount of shipping.  We had a most exciting time as we arrived to walk to a place called St. Osyth’s – there is a beautiful priory there.  We had to go across a ferry and were rowed over by some sea scouts, after we had walked some distance we were pulled up by some sentries and taken to village where we were examined.  Finally on the way back we nearly missed the train and from what Edys says my attempt to row across the ferry was the limit.

I am awfully busy at present, drawing maps and writing lectures.  I don’t know how long we are going to stay here but apart from visiting the historical places there is not much to do.  I will buy a local guide and send it on to you, also the copy of the magazine you asked me to send.  There is a weekly magazine published also, if you wish I will send you one every week.  Now dear, do write me a long letter, your last was most interesting, only for the beastly measles I should most likely be spending a happy time with you next week but one – however I shall apply for more leave as soon as possible.  I had a letter from Dolly yesterday they want me to go over, I may go soon.  I have some pc of myself.  I will send you one if you wish, but the house will be full of my photos.  I was so glad to hear that your speech was a success.  You are becoming quite a nut.  I am simply longing for the day when I shall be able to swank about my sister at “Owens”.  I may get there myself some day.

Well Gladys I have no more time at present, do write soon.

Fondest love to all

Your loving brother George

Pte. A Smith

No 27521

“C” Co12^th Batt

Essex Regt

Dovercourt

April 8 16

Dear Father

Thank you very much for parcel received this afternoon; the lid was broken slightly but everything was there according to your list.  You could not have thought of anything better to send; they are absolutely what I want.  It is the first parcel I have received so it was all the more welcome.

I am getting along very nicely.  It is just like summer here now am getting quite brown with this weather.  I should think it will be very nice at Farnham this week I wish I was with you.

I can handle a rifle all right now have not had any firing yet. We had a lecture on bomb throwing the other day; it makes you feel very comfortable when you are told the damage such small things can do.

I sent the income tax form away. I put my private address at Southend I thought it best to do that as my business address was there.  If they send a cheque I can sign it & forward it on to you but I do not expect they will hurry themselves.

I have been able to find out more about getting leave. It has been stopped until this week owing to men exceeding the time which was 48 hours they have reduced it to 24 now so we have got to suffer for what others have done it is a bit rough.  You cannot claim leave until you have been here 1 month which will make it Easter for me, so you can bet I shall put in for it & hope to get it then or as soon after as possible; of course you have to take your turn.

Well Father I have not anymore news to tell you. I expect you think I have been writing rather long letters lately.

Please remember me to Ciss & Charlie & all at Farnham tell Ciss I believe I owe her a letter I will write in a day or two.

Mind you are not nabbed for a soldier while you are at Aldershot because I reckon you would make a jolly fine colonel.

Well au revoir

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf

P.S. Did you think to take the number on that form in case we have to write again for it?  I quite forgot to do so; but it doesn’t matter as we can get over that alright.

2/7 Bn Manchester Regt

Sobaron Barracks

Colchester

6-4-16

Dear Mother

I am sorry I was unable to write on Sunday but we had been on a weeks special training and consequently I have not had much time for writing.  Last week we were out for 4 nights looking for the Zepps. I saw one bomb drop, it lit the whole place up.  However it did no damage.  Now as regards leave, I am forbidden to go on leave to Stockport or the surrounding district as there is an epidemic of measles, I am going to proceed to Knebworth for a day.  Then go to Southport for a day and then return, my idea is that if I only have 3 days leave I shall be able to get more when the epidemic is over and then I can go home for perhaps 3 days.  I am not at all sure I shall get leave as we are on special training again next week.  However I think it is the last thing I can do as the longer I delay my leave the longer it will be before I get any more.

Colchester is a most interesting place as the Roman’s left a number of relics behind.  These have been placed in the castle and can be viewed there.  You know, Mother dear, I am most disappointed at not being able to come home.  I had purposely left my application until Easter so I could see Will at home.  However it can’t be helped.

I am only writing this short note now as I am due on parade in a few minutes.  I will write on Sunday.

Fondest love to all

George

33 Steeple St
6.4.16
Dear Ted & Mary & Gladys
I was pleased to receive your letter, and to know that the dear lads were alright. I hope you are all well and free from cold. I have got through nicely considering the weather has been so rough it has been fierce here up to a week ago. I thought of you. They have had the same London way.
I had a letter from M.A. saying now the weather was a bit better they were terrified with the Zepps. When one has been sighted they are all made aware, and everybody gets ready and dare not go to bed until they have cleared off. She says it was 3.30 on Saturday morning and 3.30 on Monday morning before they got the news that they were cleared, so that they could go to bed. She could hear the noise of the bombs and the people that were out could see the shrapnel flying. From what I hear and according to the papers we may expect something desperate the middle of this month. Anyway I believe the Germans are already beaten whether the war be long or short. I had a letter from Will. He says they are all well except himself, coming from night school when it was so rough the beginning of last week he caught a chill, and so had to lie up for a few days. He speaks strongly about the slackers. He thinks it a shame that men should go and sacrifice everything and so many shirking about doing nothing.
He says he has a letter from George also his photograph in his officer’s uniform. Fred Cotterell is afraid he may have to go, he can’t very well get exemption with the mill being closed down, twill mean a great difference in his income.
Please give my love to all the dear boys. I am very sorry to say Willis is thinking of going. I thought we were going to keep him on this side. Now tis quite bedtime. Good night and God bless you all.
My love to all
Hannah
I received the note alright with thanks.

Pte. A Smith

No 27521

“C” Co12^th Batt

Essex Regt

Dovercourt

April 5^th 16

Dear Father

Thank you very much for letter just received.  I posted yours about 1 hour before.  Also for mentioning about sending a cake that is absolutely what I do want now.

You will have to address it the same as the letters because nothing is allowed to be delivered at our billets.  They all have to go to the army depot.  It will come through quite alright if you pack it up well & tie a label on it.

It will make a nice change going to Farnham I hope you will enjoy yourself, remember me to them all down there.

You might let me have a post-card when you are going away because leave is like everything else in the army you do not know until the last minute so in case I did not have time to write I should know what to do because it would not be worth my coming home if you are away.

I will not forget to post that form away I am glad you got it filled in.

Well Father I will not trouble with any more long letters now.

Just waiting for the concert to start at the YMCA.

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf

4-4-16

Dear Mar & Pa

Just a line to say I am OK just gogging along nice and quietly.  Still enjoy a bed with coffee at intervals.  The weather is more like summer in fact we are beginning to throw off muffs, mittens, flannels, fur coats and the like and look less like esquimaux – I heard and see from the picture papers that there was a heavy blizzard over England followed by another air raid glad that one of the Zepps was ticked off even the Daily Mail tried to be cheerful – I had a letter from Will the other day.  I suppose its shook a few of the married men up.  Still the more men we have the sooner it will be over & I think they have had a good rest & plenty of time to prepare.  Fancy it’s a year ago since first we made our way over here so we are quite old soldiers now.  I might possibly get leave this summer with a bit of luck.  Has Geo had any leave lately – when I came out here I thought I should be able to speak French but I fancy I’ve learn more Scotch than French.  There’s rather a good true tale.  A Jock was had up before the Colonel for a small offence.  The Col said – “Did you do so and so?”  Pte “Oui”  “Alright you will have 21 days C.B. compre”.  How’s my dog going on give him extra rations on the 15^th to celebrate my 30 anne – Hope Gladys is filling that noddle of hers with plenty of compre & pulls her exam off with flying colours – I’ve not decided yet whether that button’s German or French.  I understand it’s German but the French also have some like it.  Well I think this is all for at present.  Hoping your all well just waiting for the Derbyles now to finish La Guerre for us.

Cheeroh  Gussie

SECRET   J23

Stamp of 82^nd Brigade

Royal Field Artillery

3.4.16

Report on WIRE

Front Line

A to C}

D to F  }          Wire old but in good repair, on posts mixed with knife rests

H to K}

L to M}

C to D            Same kind as above but indifferent in quality and quantity.

At J Posts on long (5 or 6 ft) & sloping outwards.

From PERONNE AV (RCF.17.c).

A to H             Visible, 4 thin strips of wire only.

A’ to B’           Visible.

C’ to D’           Visible.

O to P              Visible old & scattered.

R to S              Visible old, both sides of trench.

S to T              Visible old but good.

U to V             Strong line of wire.

Q to G                          do

Y to Z             on bank of sunken road.

East of Z very strong line.

Second line wire behind B.E.F. visible but not just at B.

From ANNEXE B (F.17.D.88) and O.P. 104^th & 105^th batteries (F.18.C.54)

A somewhat closer view to the above is obtained but the valley running up from G.H toward MONTAUBAN is obscured and very little wire between 1^st & 2^nd line of trenches can be seen as it is obscured by the parapet of the front trench.

From O.P. A/151 (A.13.D.11)

I to K              Visible

From O.P. D/148 (A.14.D.72)

L to M             Visible

L’ to M’          Wire old but good

W to X                        Strong line now being made with new wood posts

From our Front line trenches.

The wire of the German front line trench can be observed except at G.H.

From I to K a particularly good view is obtained from an old snipers post shewn on map.

1. Thorp Lt. Col. R.A.

Cmd Left Group.

2.4.16

Confidential

WAR DIARY

Of

Headquarters 55^th Divisional Artillery

From 1^st March 1916 – To 31^st March 1916

Place       Date    Hour                                                Summary of Events and Information

March 1^st – 3^rd             Moves in accordance with Operation Order s 7 & 8 and relief of 2^nd N Midland F.A. Bde completed by 14^th Bde R.F.A. (68^th and 88^th Batteries) from 4^th Division.

4^th         4 pm               Bombardment of BLOCK HOUSE 2b.

5/6^th                             Moves in accordance with Operation Order No 9.  B/85^th Bty moving to cover Left Sector and 4^th N Midland How F.A. Bde marching to FREVENT to rejoin 46th Division.

6/7^th                             Section 12^th Lancs Bty to forward position at R.31.c.3.2. to enfilade.  Operation Order No 10

8/9^th                             Section 9^th Lancs Bty to forward position R.21.c.8.0.

8^th                                Moves to B.A.C.s at SOMBRIN.

11^th                              Bombardment of BLAIRVELLE Wood – considerable damage done and result reported most satisfactory by R.F.C.

15^th                              9^th and 8^th Lancs Batteries placed at disposal of 6^th H.A.G. for counter battery work and linked direct with O.C. 39^th Heavy Bde R.G.A. at BEAUMETZ.

15^th                              Arrangements made for use of code word “CUBE” to bring enfilade sections into action on adjoining fronts.

16^th     11.45 am         Bombardment of N.W. Corner of BLAIRVILLE – operation order no 13.

17^th       9 pm              Section 9^th Lancs Bty to forward position at WAILY R.22.d.17 to enfilade.

17^th     10 pm              R Battery/ 4^th Lancs F.A. Bde (Howitzers) *** B Battery 85^th F.A. Bde vacated position occupied by sections at R.9.a.9.3 and concentrated at R.9.b.5.5.

21^st                              Instructions for relief of 14^th Bde by batteries from 37^th Div received.

25^th                              Bombardment of LES TROIS MAISONS (X.2.b.7.3. – X2.b.9.1.1 ½).  In accordance with Operation Order No 14.  effect obtained was good.  The enemy parapet was breached at several points.  Possibly better effect would have been obtained by making the bombardment more deliberate and leaving batteries to carry out their task singly by time table instead of simultaneously.

27^th   11.45 am            Orders for relief of 14^th Bde issued.

28^th   10 am                 Orders for relief of 14^th Bde postponed owing to unfavourable weather.

30^th   7 am                  Bombardment of House X.3.d.8.9. in BLAIRVILLE.  Results most disappointing probably due to bad light in early morning which made observation very difficult.  8” probably obtained a direct hit.  Otherwise little damage visible.  G.O.C. 55^th Division decided to repeat at an early date under improved conditions.

29^th                              Visit of Commander-in-Chief and G.O.C. Third Army – G.R.A. attended at Div HQ 2 pm.

1. Benon

Major

Bde Major 55^th D.A.