Copy No………..

4/5^th Bn LOYAL N. LANCASHIRE REGIMENT OPERATION

NO 1.

————————-

Reference Trench Map

RADINGHEM 1/10,000

36 .S.W. 2. (Edition 6D)

12^th May 1917.

OPERATIONS.          On Z day a raiding party will raid the enemy trenches with the                                object of obtaining an identification.

OBJECTIVE.             Enemy’s Front Line Trench at N.11.a.45.63.

RAIDING PARTY.   The composition of the Raiding Party will be:-

O.C. Raid (Lieut. T. Hollis)

3 Officers & 30 Other Ranks,

who will be disposed of as follows:-

ASSAULT PARTY

1 Officer & 8 Other Ranks.

BLOCKING PARTY

1 Officer & 6 Other Ranks.

COVERING PARTY

1 Officer & 10 Other Ranks.

O.C. RAID

with 2 Signallers & 4 Other Ranks.

TRENCH GARRISON.         {The Officers and Other Ranks detailed will be                                                       {disposed of according to normal trench dispositions.         Delete                          {The front line opposite the raid will be cleared of                                                       {troops with the exception of             those concerned in the                                           {enterprise.

The garrison will be on the alert and will be prepared to cover                                  the withdrawal of the raiders, and to assist the return of the                                           wounded and prisoners.

DISTINGUISHING MARKS.          Officers’ will wear men’s equipment with one                                   stars sewn on to each shoulder strap.

IDENTIFICATION.  All means of identification will be removed from the members                                of the Raiding Party.  Faces of all the party will be blackened.

HEADQUARTERS.  The Headquarters of the O.C. Raid will be at the old Signal                                                 Station at N.5.c.05.05.

SIGNAL COMMUNICATION.  The O.C. Brigade Signals will arrange to lay a                                        special wire from the Right Company Front Line Signal Station                          to the Headquarters of the O.C. Raid.

O.C. Raid will then be in telephonic communication as                                             follows:-

(a) with Artillery Battery Headquarters at H.K.23. in the event                                of requiting co-operation.

(b) With Battalion Headquarters in the event of requiring                                         Artillery Support for counter Battery work.

SIGNAL FOR RECALL.  Several short blasts on a whistle given by O.C. Blocking                                  Party for recall if and when considered necessary.

ARTILLERY.                        All available Artillery will be “standing to” from 10 p.m. until                                 the operation is completed.

In the event of the O.C. Raid requiring Artillery co-operation to                              cover the withdrawal of the Raiding Party, one Battery of                                           Artillery will open fire with shrapnel on points:-

(a) N11.a.9.9. to N.5.d.30.15.

(b) N.10.b.70.35. to N.10.b.9.4.

for the purpose of keeping down enemy Machine Gun fire.

In the event of an enemy Artillery Barrage, the remainder of the                              available Artillery will be utilized for counter Battery work.

MACHINE GUNS.    The 170^th Machine Gun Company will support the raid by                                        bringing short bursts of indirect fire to bear at intervals in the                                     rear of the enemy Front and Support Lines, and thus assist in                                  covering the approach of the Raiding Party.

LEWIS GUNS.          3 Lewis Guns between N.10.b.85.97. and N.5.d.0.6. will also                                  co-operate if required by sweeping the Enemy Lines on either                           flank of NED TRENCH.  This co-operation will be secured by                          means of a message by runner to the Lewis Gun Team 20x                                       to right of Raid Headquarters; this gun opening fire being the                          signal for the guns on the left to co-operate.

CODE WORDS.        For Artillery Co-operation                – SHRAPNEL.

For Artillery Counter Battery Work   – GO.

Raid Successful                                 – BOLTON.

Raid Unsuccessful                              – DISAPOINTED.

Raid Postponed                                  – HOPE.

Casualties -NONE                              – THANKFUL.

Casualties – 1 to 5                               – SORRY.

Casualties – 6 to 10                             – GRIEF.

SIGNALS.      In the event of telephonic communication breaking down Signal Lights                  will be used as follows:-

Artillery Co-operation (1 Battery)

Artillery Counter Battery Work.

MEDICAL.    Four Stretcher Bearers will be in the Front Line at N.5.c.05.05. and                         four at N.5.c.08.23.

The Medical Officer will be in attendance at CONVENT AVENUE                       Aid Post.

The route from the Front Line to the Aid Post will be via FLAG                             ALLEY & Support Line.

REPORT.        The O.C. Raid and other Officers will report to Battalion Headquarters                  on completion of the raid.

APPENDIXES.          Further details are appended herewith, A, B & C, for                                               information of all.

S.O.S. SIGNALS.      The S.O.S. Signal will be made inoperative in the following                          trench sectors N.10.5, N.4.1, N.5.1 during the period of the                                                 raid.

Watches to be synchronised at 9 p.m. by units concerned.

Captain,

Acting Adjutant.

4/5^th Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regt.

Issued at………………1917 to:-

Copy No. 1.    H.Q.  170^th Infantry Brigade.

2. Q. 285^th Brigade R.F.A.
3. C. Raid.
4. Q. 4/5^th Bn. L.N. Lancashire Regt.

APPENDIX ‘A’

Details of the troops to be employed will be as follows:-

PARTY.                      COMPOSITION                                            TASK

Officers     Other Ranks.

11. 1                      8                      To enter blind trench at                                                                                               N.11.a.17.58. work along trench                                                                                in an Easterly direction, enter the                                                                            enemy front line at N.11.a.32.55.,                                                                              and surprise sentry group located                                                                               at N.11.a.45.63.

11. 1                      6                      Follow same route as ‘A’ as far                                                                                  as N.11.a.32.55., where they will                                                                               remain to prevent assault party                                                                           being attacked in rear.  The last                                                                                  man to pass through the gap in                                                                                   the enemy’s wire will lay a white                                                                               tape to facilitate withdrawal.

11. 1                      10                    To lie up in dead ground at or                                                                                    about N.11.a.15.67.

The several parties will leave our trenches at N.5.c.05.05., and will proceed across NO MAN’S LAND by the route shown on the sketch attached – Appendix in the following order Covering Party, Assault Party, Block Party.

APPENDIX ‘B’

The following equipment will be worn by each man:-

ASSAULT PARTY.

No 1. Rifle and bayonet, 3 Mills Bombs, 20 rounds spare ammunition.

2. Revolver, Knob-kerry, 2 Mills Bombs.
3.       do.            do.                     do
4. Revolver,  Bomb Waistcoat, 6 Mills Bombs.
5. O.C. Assault – Revolver, 2 Mills Bombs.
6. Same as No. 4.
7. Same as No. 1.
8. Same as No. 1.
9. Same as No. 1.

‘B’ BLOCKING PARTY.

No 1. O.C. Party – Revolver, 6 Mills Bombs and Whistle.

2. Rifle and bayonet, 6 Mills Bombs, 20 rounds spare ammunition.
3.                                                    do.
4.                                                   do.
5. Rifle and bayonet, Grenades Cup Attachment, 8 No. 23 Rifle Grenades.
6.                                                    do.

‘C’ COVERING PARTY.

No.1. Rifle and bayonet, 2 Mills Bombs, 30 rounds spare ammunition.

2.                                        do.
3.                                        do.
4.                                        do.
5.                                        do.
6. O.C. Party – Revolver, 2 Mills Bombs.
7. Same as No. 1.
8.                do.
9.                do.
10.                do.
11.                do.

Appendix ‘C’ is Map.

6649 Pte F.W. Springett

D Company 1^ST Platoon

22^nd Training Reserve

St. Albans

Herts

May 12^th 1917

My Dear Brother,

I received your most welcome letter on Tuesday.  I was pleased to hear you were quite well, as I am still A1 at present.  The weather here is absolutely grand, in fact it is quite hot enough marching about.

Well Sid I have had over a week under canvas now it is not so bad after the first night or two.  The first night is rotten but it gets better according as the nights go on.  Dear Sid they keep us jolly busy, in fact I haven’t been up the town this week.  We have a rotten Sergt Major and he gives us a job every night.  On Wednesday we went trench digging again, that is some job.  Thursday we went for a route march, about 14 miles.  It was jolly hot and the roads were dusty.  I felt as if I wanted a wash when I came back.  We get plenty of Bayonet Fighting and squad drills but we know all that now, so we get on alright.  It is very rare that I get checked about anything, if you keep yourself clean and tidy and do what your told, you don’t go far wrong.  I do hope you don’t have to do this bally job, it is rotten and no mistake.  Still I don’t mind it so much now, I am just getting used to it.  I have been joined up 2 months now.

Glad you liked the photo, Mother thinks it very nice, in fact they all do. It does not look much like getting a leave for Whitsun as spotted fever has broken out in A Company and they are camping close to us.  Still perhaps I shall have a good try.  Well Sid I could do with another donation as you call it, as I have just spent the last one.  Thanks very much it is good of you.  Nobody knows what it is like only them that are in it.

Money comes in very handy in this army and I can assure you I will not spend it without a cause. It comes in very handy to buy a supper with and a “drink” when you want one Dear Sid I don’t think I have any more to say this time so I will close.

From your

Affec Brother

Frank

Excuse writing. I’m in a hurry – Keep smiling

In cover addressed to Mr. S.K. Springett, 29 Bath Road, Dartford, Kent.

Postmarked ST ALBANS 8.15 PM 12 MAY 1917

A.A. Laporte Payne letter to Muriel 11 May 1917

France.

May 11^th 1917

My dearest,

After a year and a month in the line we are out for a so called rest. In reality – at least for me – it is not much of a rest.  I get up for early morning stables at 6 a.m. & what with watering and feed takes an hour & a half.  Exercise at 9. lasts until midday stables & so on throughout the day.  But still it is a relief to get away.  It has taken us three days to get clear and arrive here and we are billeted in a farm on the outskirts of a delightful forest.  You can imagine what it is like now with the trees coming out and full of spring flowers.  There are lots of tracks through it so we have plenty of places for exercising the horses. The weather is glorious and very hot.  I suppose you have the same.  Judging from your letter you must be having a very good time indeed.  The lovely long one of the 7^th has just arrived.  Thank you so much for it.  What a lot of things you manage to do; and last Monday seemed to be nothing else than accidents.  I am very glad they did not happen to you.

We arrived here quite safely without a great deal of trouble. I came with the wagons, horses and staff.  One G.S. wagon deposited most of our kit on the road – it was so overloaded.  One telephonist who had not been on a horse for about 9 months managed to slip off his horse which escaped for a short time – and one horse cast a shoe – otherwise we arrived safely but very hot and tired about 7.30 p.m.  I was alone.  The Doctor turned up later and the Adjutant still later.  The Colonel has gone away on leave – so we are having a good time.

My mare is at the moment tied up in a pond, all the horses are looking wonderfully well. I am very sorry to hear about Patsey.

It was just about this time last year that we went up into the line for the Somme show – do you remember?  Even then we had 3 weeks out of the line that time.  I don’t expect we shall get anything like so long this time.

I am so glad that matters are so much better at home now. You know what I mean.  I felt very guilty being more or less the cause of it.  But I am glad it is better now for your sake.  Why do girls sit in the sun and get horribly burnt?  It is not pretty you know now, is it?  And as for a brown V it is perfectly disgusting!  Don’t forget to lose it before I come home on leave again – next winter!

Thank you for the very amusing verse by the old lady, and also your letter which enclosed it. I am getting very behind hand with my correspondence again, alas!  If things get worse I shall have to take to the useful Field Service Post Card – but that is only when ‘in extremis’.  Give my love to Mrs Cross.  I am glad she is having such a good time.  Please give my kindest regards to Mr Cross.

This letter is, I am afraid, very disjointed. There is very little news I can tell you and all I really want to say is the same thing every time.  I was just going to write it – but I can’t; it looks so cold written – but you know what I mean.

Are you storing up kisses for my return. I hope so.

I must close now darling,

With all my love & kisses

Ever your

Archie.

A.A. Laporte Payne letter to Muriel 7 May 1917.

Belgium.

May 7^th 1917

My own darling,

Your letter of the 3^rd has just arrived by this evening’s mail and you do not seem to have received my letter which was intended for your birthday – you are a dear forgiving little girl to write me such a nice letter without scolding me; but weren’t you just a tiny bit (perhaps more) angry with me for being so wicked as to miss the day.

I do wish you had not to spend a solitary evening. How I do grudge all this lost time.  I don’t spend solitary evenings at all now.  For the past four nights we have spent most of the time in the cellar – the Colonel, 4 officers signallers etc.  The Boche has been making a horrible nuisance of himself and has occupied his nights and ours shelling our roads and billets.  The net result is that neither side get any rest and as my wires get badly cut by shell fire it usually means that the linesmen and myself are tramping the country side mending them.

The days have been glorious, but the weather has just turned and it has started to rain. It looks very bad tonight.

My days have been spent almost anywhere within a radius of 30 miles. The mare is getting rather weary.  I am afraid I am a bit of a brute.  She is a much more comfortable ride than any other horse on the Headquarters Staff and so she gets a lot of work – poor old thing.

You seem to be tremendously busy too. It is much better to have too much to do than too little as it makes the time go so quickly.

I was very amused to hear about Mr Paice but am very sorry to hear of the cold he got as a consequence of his adventure.

Darling if in ‘those’ days I thought you cared a ‘twopenny dam’ do you think I should have written snubby letters; though certainly I never dreamt that they were snubby at all – I was always frightened of saying too much or being too bold and so getting choked off.

What a nuisance it is that they are stopping corn for the horses. I did not know of it until you mentioned it in your letter.  You won’t get much more riding now I suppose.

We are on the move again and tomorrow will see us clear of this place I hope. Everything is very uncertain at present.  We are in the midst of packing again – we are getting quite expert at the game now.  You will soon be thinking of making a move and become a farm labourer.  I think it is very good of you to do it – but you must not get too tired, young lady.  How is Mrs Cross enjoying her holiday with Mrs Lowe?  She ought to have a good rest.

Finchley is the same as ever no doubt. Is there any tennis yet?  I suppose you have not had any.  I was asked to go and play with a French family who have a place behind the lines and a hard court but I could not go.  Imagine playing tennis within the sound of guns.

Well, darling, how does it feel like to be engaged? I suppose you feel horribly tied and bound.  It makes no difference to me because I was just as much in love with you before as I am now after – if you can understand what I mean.

You have never been on the continent have you? I wonder if I shall be able one day to take you off all on our own through west Europe – we might leave Germany & Austria out – say Paris & a few other places & Italy.  Wouldn’t it be glorious.  I must not think of such things or I shall go silly.

Please forgive this paper. I have run out of writing paper for the time being – until I can get into a town to buy some more.

In my last letter I returned your programme. I hope you received it alright.

I must close now or you will be getting tired of my scrawl.

With all my love darling

And heaps of kisses

Ever your

Archie.

May 7^th 17

Dear Father

I am writing to thank you for your very welcome letters, & parcel received this afternoon.

The cake, & biscuits are fine & I am very glad you sent some more of that chocolate I meant to ask you to do so; the other articles are all very useful including the smokes.  The calves foot jelly was very nice, but there is not very much taste with it I prefer what you have sent or jam.

I am glad Nell & Bill are well, also Ciss it must be looking very nice up the river now should just like to be there. The weather has been very hot here although it looks rather stormy to-night.

No doubt you received my letter asking you for some money; a ten shilling note would be very acceptable as I am stony until pay day it will come through alright if you register it. I am glad you sent the parcel on first, as they are always welcome especially now more so than money as we are still in camp with only a canteen to purchase anything at & they have a very small supply have not seen an inhabited village for weeks now but I believe we shall be going back into civilization very soon & the money will be useful then.

One gets on a variety of jobs in the army we have been on working parties since we have been here; one day in the trenches working on dug-outs & the rest of the time unloading railway trucks it’s a dirty job but I would rather do that than parades.

Well I think I must finish now as it is nearly time to turn in. 8.50 P.M.

Glad you are all well in the best of health pleased to say I am feeling very well.

With much love

From your devoted

Son

Report on Operations from 19-4-17 to 6-5-17

Ref Maps

62C NE

62B NW

Special Map

During the morning of 19-4-17 the 178 Light Trench Mortar Battery relieved the 177 Light Trench Mortar Battery with Headquarters in HESBECOURT and four guns behind the main line of resistance running through L.33, L.27, L.21, L.16 and L.10 (Sheet 62C N.E.)

These guns were situated at about:-

1. L.16.a.40.50
2. L.16.a.45.50
3. L.10.c.70.10
4. L.10.c.70.05

Two guns were held in reserve at Headquarters, the remaining two being at the School.

From 19-4-17 to 6-5-17 the above positions were improved by digging a communication trench between Nos 1 and 2 guns and the construction of dugouts and ammunition recesses. Two further emplacements were also constructed behind the main line of resistance at about L.16.C.30.24 and L.16.C.30.15.

On the night of 27/28 April after the attack on POLOGNE FARM and the QUARRY in L.5.d. at the request of the 2/6 Notts & Derby Regt a gun was placed in position al L.12.c.2.7. to protect the right flank of the above regiment and cover the valley in L.12.c. and the sunken road. This position was purely defensive and the gun was not fired.

During the night of 28/29 April one gun was placed in position at L.5.b.85.35. to support the bombing block which had been established at L.5.b.9.4. by the 2/8 Notts & Derby Regt on the night of 27/28 April. This gun was registered on the continuation of the old German front line trench in L.5.b. at a range of 150 yards with yellow cartridge.

During the night of 29/30 April one gun was moved from the main line of resistance and placed in position at L.5.b.85.55. It was registered on a new German trench (NEW TRENCH) in L.6.a. which was known to be held, at a range of 360 yards.  During the same night bursts were fired at the junction of NEW Trench with the continuation of the old German front line trench in L.6.c [ENFILADE TRENCH].

At 7.45 pm 1-5-17 twelve rounds were fired at NEW TRENCH and seven direct hits were obtained. Parties of men were observed to run away along the trench.

At 6 pm 2/5/17 another gun was moved from the main line of resistance and placed at L.5.b.7.4. in a shell hole deepened and improved to make an emplacement. This gun was registered on the UNNAMED FARM at the cross roads at L.6.a.10.

During the night of 2/3 May a bombing party covered by our mortars pushed forward and erected a permanent block at the point where the ENFILADE trench meets the sunken road at about L.6.a.15.45. A number of enemy bombs at the junction of ENFILADE trench and NEW trench were destroyed by our stokes fire at the same time.

During the same night the gun from L.12.c.2.7 was advanced and dug in on the lip of the QUARRY at L.5.d.8.4. to fire on COLOGNE FARM in support of the attack on the following night.  The men of the battery not in the line acted as a carrying party for ammunition for this gun.

An advanced ammunition dump was formed under the quarry bank at L.10.a.4.6.

On the night 3/4 May the 2/5 Notts & Derby Regt attacked COLOGNE FARM and MALAKOFF FARM 1and the officers of the 178 LTMB took command in the line as per attached copy of Operation Order No. 5.

During the attack all guns fired as per above order with good effect.

On the right where the attack failed to reach its objective the retirement from No mans land was covered by the guns under 2^nd Lieut. A.A. DICKSON the men of the Battery not in the line carried up a further supply of ammunition to this gun.

The attack on the left was successful and both objectives were taken. Heavy enemy casualties were observed in NEW trench next morning due to our stokes fire.

At 6 A.M. 4-5-17 2^nd Lieut H.P.GRIEVES was withdrawn from the left sector into rest billets leaving 2^nd Lieut. C.D.B. BOYS in command of the three guns.

Throughout the 4^th May NEW trench was kept under observation and several enemy working parties were shelled and dispersed.  At 10 am a sniper was located at L.6.b.15.95. and killed by our fire.

During the afternoon the farm at L.6.a.1.0. was shelled with 10 rounds and then occupied by a post from the 2/8 Notts & Derby Regt.

At 9 pm 4-5-17 the enemy put down a very heavy barrage of all varieties of shell from L.5.b.9.0 to F.29.d.9.0. and made a counter attack on the positions gained by us the previous night. The post at L.6.a10 was compelled to withdraw and our men EAST of MALAKOFF FARM driven in.

During the retirement an enemy machine gun was observed to be firing from the junction of NEW trench and ENFILADE trench. This was blown up by a stokes shell.

During the night of 5/6 an intermittent bombardment of the unnamed farm and NEW trench was kept up by our mortars.

At 12.30 pm 5-6-17 our machine gunners reported an enemy machine gun at L.6.c.5.2 firing at an aeroplane.

The gun under 2/Lt DICKSON was brought into action and direct hits obtained. The machine gun was observed to be completely destroyed.

During the night of the 5/6 May 2/Lt DICKSON moved his gun to a position at about L.5.d.9.1 and at 3.45 am 6-5-17 rapid fire was opened on the German trench at L.12.a.2.8. where new earth had been noticed. A working party was caught by our fire and several casualties inflicted.  In the morning the trench was observed to have been greatly damaged.

During the whole of the above operations approximately 325 stokes shells were fired.

The accuracy of the shooting was good.

Very few misfires occurred and as far as could be observed only 3 shells failed to explode during the whole time.

At 9 pm 6-5-17 the Battery was relieved by the 176 Light Trench Mortar Battery.

In the field

7-5-17

R.S. PRATT CAPT.

COMMDG 178 BDE. TRENCH MORTAR BATT.

A.A. Laporte Payne letter to Muriel 4 May 1917

Belgium.

May 4^th 1917

Dearest,

Another delightful long letter from you cheered me up tremendously this morning. Thank you so much for it.  I must try and answer it before I go out because I do not know when I shall be back again tonight.

Mrs Cross I suppose has left for her holiday with Mrs Lowe and you are alone at home during the day. Don’t I just wish I were there too.

So you got a letter from Reggie. I am glad he wrote soon.  I knew he would, because I know he likes you very much.

I hope the entertainment of our crowd went off alright on your birthday. It is very unkind of you to say that about not liking to play when I am there.  I shall make you play and sing a lot next time – instead of our usual occupation!

Last night was a perfect night. It made me quite homesick.  I wish I could have been with you.  It would have been delightful.  Instead of that we were called up in the middle of the night as the Boche was trying to do things he should not do from our point of view.

I am returning your programme. Thank you very much for it.  doesn’t “Joe” look awful in the photo.  The Colonel has suggested having the officers of the Brigade taken in a group.  I said not if it appeared in the Tatler as the Nth Brigade somewhere in France.

It is getting extraordinarily hot here. It is about time I started sleeping outside.  Unfortunately we can’t get any bathing alas!

I do hope you are keeping well and cheerful. You will be going away soon I suppose and living on the land.  Mind you take care of yourself – you belong to someone else now and you are answerable to him!

Have you had any more riding lately? I generally have to go somewhere everyday on horseback.  I don’t think the mare likes this hot weather.  Have congratulatory letters finished coming in yet?  I hope so.  It is so trying having to reply to them.  So you heard from Humphrey.  How amusing.  I suppose the poor boy’s pride is hurt.

But see what he has lost through me – poor fellow. I must get off now or I shall be late.

Please give my kindest regards to Mrs Cross,

With all my love darling

And as many paper kisses as you can want, and many more in thought

Ever your

Archie.

A.A. Laporte Payne letter to Muriel 2 May 1917

Belgium.

May 2^nd 1917

Dearest mine,

The Boche is making a horrid noise, it is very hot, there is a lot to be done, everybody is out and things generally annoy me, so I am writing to you to soothe my weary nerves. Thank you so much for your letter and programme of your concert – and what a large one too! – what about the shortage of paper?!  I was glad to see it and I will return it in a day or so when I have had some time to read it.  Really I must treat you with more respect, lady mine, (if of course I do not treat you with enough already) – “The examination which all new applicants have to pass has been made sufficiently severe to ensure the admission of only competent players!!”

How are you feeling after rising to such dizzy heights and after your strenuous exertions on the concert platform. I have been spending a lot of time on platforms – gun-platforms – of a horribly rubbly nature, and made of broken bricks – and generally choosing and making battery positions.  I spent the whole morning at it – and the Boche saw our working parties and was rude enough to put over some shrapnel – happily no one was hurt and it was hot in the sun.  I had delirium and raved about rivers & punts & ices, & flannels – and girls in white & all that sort of thing – what a contrast, dust, railways, guns, oil, smell, shell-holes, khaki, etc and shady rivers etc and you!  Isn’t it enough to send any one silly let alone me.

I am so sorry you are being worried with all those congratulatory letters – never mind – you must find it very hard to pretend that you are to be congratulated – poor little girl – the word which looks like a blot is meant to be HARD. The only letters you don’t seem to get are ones from me.  I am sorry Mr Cross could say “I hope you have now heard from your traveller”.  Well in apportioning blame give the Boche some for bringing me to France.

You are quite right paper kisses are not so satisfying as real ones. However much I may like them you will have a rest now.

I hope the weather will keep like this. It is glorious and I manage to be out a good part of the day – and I try and rush the office work in order to do what I have to do out in the day light.

We are in a most interesting and famous part of the line and I am very glad we are here. I am getting quite burnt, and my appetite is enormous.  I have never felt so well.  The mare is looking fine and she sends you her love.  The Colonel is casting covetous eyes on her, and also on my groom.  I shall never forgive him if he asks for them for I can’t refuse.

We managed to get some salad made to day which was very good. There is an extra officer in the mess now – he is the camouflage officer – do you know what that means/  I suppose you do.

You can always be “my little devil” if you want to be. I think you are a little bit of a one – at least I hope so – I hate namby-pamby ones.

I trust you are being a good little girl though in my absence. I am being horribly good out here – partly of course because I can’t be anything else – of course I say naughty things at times but that must be forgiven me under the plea of extenuating circumstances.

I hope you are not unhappy now – you were the tiniest little bit when I was at home I know the cause but I hope the cause has now quite vanished.

I am a member of a Field General Court Martial tomorrow ten miles away, so my day will probably be fully occupied.

I hope you are all keeping well.

With all my love darling,

And many kisses.

Yours

Archie.

P.S. I hope you received my tardy birthday letter and the one I wrote on May 1

Message form to Muriel

To M. Cross Benchfield, Church End, Finchley London N 3.

Best wishes.

A.A. Laporte Payne Lieut R.F.A.

Censor cachet Passed Field Censor 4072.

LAPORTE-PAYNE

A.A. Laporte Payne

Lieut

R.F.A.

175 Brigade R & A HdQrs.

Letter to Muriel 1 May 1917

Belgium

May 1^st 1917

Dearest mine,

Thank you so very much for your lovely letter of April 27^th which has just arrived.  I am afraid mine of the 28^th will not have arrived to-day.  Please forgive.  The fault of the delay in the post is nor in England.  It is this end.  The army postmen and the Field Post Office send on letters when they think they will and not otherwise.  Knowing you would not hear from me to-day I tried to send a wire but there is some beastly new procedure and ‘Signals’ refused to take it.  I should have had to send it into the censor at a town some way away and then send it by the French civilian telegraphs – and now it is too late.  So please forgive darling.

We are in the line again and working hard. It is quite like the Somme again – firing all day & night.  I spent the morning going round battery positions and in the afternoon at the O.Ps.

Today has been glorious, the weather is just perfect – a fitting day for your birthday. I wish I could have been with you.  Just think of the delight of having you alone in a punt somewhere on the Thames.  That is something to look forward to isn’t it?

How did the concert go off? I shall want to hear all about it in your next letter.

I am so sorry to hear about Mrs Lowe’s burst boiler. She must get it mended soon so that Mrs Cross can visit her.  It will do Mrs Cross a lot of good to have a change and a rest.

Thank you so much for the cigarettes you sent me. Now please young lady you must not send me any more cigarettes.  They are getting much too expensive and it will do me a lot of good to go without.  You have been much too kind and however nice it may be for me to receive them I think you ought to stop, don’t you?

How are you keeping? Fit and well I hope and enjoying this beautiful weather.  It is a pity isn’t it that in such weather we have to be out here trying to murder one another.  It is quite a July day to day and I got horribly hot and tired tramping round this morning in a tin hat and a box respirator hanging round my neck and field glasses on the other side.

How is Mrs Cross? I suppose Mr. Cross is still away up north and having a quiet time.

Have you been riding lately? I have given my horse a rest the last 3 days as she was very tired after that midnight journey.

Our new headquarters are not bad and the wagon lines are quite close only about 15 minutes walk away.

I must close now, darling, but I will try and write a proper letter to you tomorrow.

With all my love darling

And many kisses

Yours

Archie.