2/6^th Bn. The Sherwood Foresters

SUMMARY

25/2/17                        Left HURDCOTT, SALISBURY PLAIN. – ENTRAINED at  FOVANT.  Left FOLKESTONE for BOULOGNE.

31/3/17                        Attacked and captured villages of VENDELLES and JEANCOURT.

27/4/17                        Attack on HARGICOURT QUARRY and Cologne Farm.   Quarries captured and line consolidated.   Total casualties 11 Offrs & 250 O.R.s.

9/5/17                          Inspected by Lt. Gen. Sir W.P. Pultney, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., D.S.O. Comdg. III Corps, who expressed his appreciation of the smart appearance of the Battalion.

26/9/17                        Attacked at YPRES – Objective D.14.d.3.6 (incl) to GRAFENSTAFEL ROAD (Excl).  Objective was reached and held.  Total casualties 11 Offs. &220 Other Ranks.

1/12/17                        Enemy attacked heavily near LA VACQUERIE.  Battn. attached to 20^th Division.   Total casualties 3 Offs. & 130 Other Ranks.

5/2/18                          Inspected by Lt. Gen. Sir A. Haldane K.C.B., D.S.O. Commdg VI Corps.

21/3/18                        Battn. occupied U.14. (57C).  Heavy enemy Barrage on front line from 5.0. a.m. to 9.30. a.m.  Enemy attacked very heavily at 9.30. a.m.  Total Casualties  30 Offs  650 Other Ranks.

30/3/18                        Visit by H.M. the King whilst Battn. was stationed CAMBLIGNEUL.

14/4/18                        Battn in front line in front MONT KEMEL when enemy attacked.  Enemy held until line relieved by 28^th FRENCH Division.  Total Casualties  6 Offs. & 220 Other Ranks.

7/5/18                          Battn. became a Training Cadre.  20 Offs. And 690 Other Ranks despatched to Base, whilst at ST OMER.

9/7/18                          Received notification that 2/6^th Bn. The Sherwood Foresters was to be disbanded.

Envelope to E. Hammond, 9 Countess St. Davenport Stockport.

Field Post Office 110 17 August 1918. Passed by Censor 613 Signed G.G. Hammond

16 8 18

My dear Father & Mother

I am writing to you this week because I suppose Gladys will be staying with Hilda just now.  I hope she has a good time.  Well it is ages since I had an opportunity of writing you a letter but I have been moving about quite a lot lately and have had very little time but I will answer all the letters now.  Apparently the last time I wrote anything like a letter was about a month ago when I was playing at being soldiers with the Yanks.  You know simply because I happened to write a decent letter well Gladys must needs be sarcastic and ask if I have been using fullers earth as a main ********.  Does Gladys still write to me every Sunday for her letters have been very irregular of late which is no doubt due to the stress of work in the food control office.  I suppose Ma has read the Wipers Times by now.  I was awfully amused at them myself most of it is so realistic especially when you know what the conditions out here are like.  I can just imagine Pa unpacking that supplies kit.  I suppose he hacked that canvass unmercifully and Ma sorting out the doubtfully clean garments.  I don’t know exactly what you think of the Kemps business but presumably whilst everything was for the best and it’s no use worrying in fact I would not have cared to go into partnership with **** if, judging from Kemp’s letter he is so mean.  I am sorry to hear the 10/- I thought Pa would have a little burst with nearly all went in paying for my kit but I must send something along for both your birthdays as soon as I have the chance.  I would have loved to have seen Glad in the office.  There is one thing if ever I do come on leave again she will be able to put me wise with regard to my ration card.  Since I have received so many supplicative not to *** *** to the RAF.  I have decided to wait a little while and see what happens of course the RAF is about the cushiest & safest job going but perhaps I am better on the ground.  I had no idea I possessed a second cousin in the RAF one does feel surprised to know we were represented in that branch of the service.  How is old Gus progressing I owe him a letter and hope to write off a little correspondence now.

I hope he has not been writing home for ***** O Govts again.  Has old *** gone yet.  He will look a great herb in khaki.  I suppose Julia Leah is forming *** next.  I am sorry to hear Ma has had a bad cough but in her last letter Glad said it was much better.  However never mind I will perhaps be home sometime before long and will cheer you up a bit.  **** the war new jolly good the old Boche is finally getting it in the neck.  I bet this war doesn’t last more than a further 3 years.  What do you think?  It’s like you to sit in the drawing room and watch the crowds of people running for shelter from the storm.  I remember Ma used to find much amusement from it.  I would have loved to have seen Pa cleaning out the cellar.  I suppose he had **** best **** in the gar***, that used to be his very first effort I would love to have some new potatoes especially just now when I think I have made a great meal if I have half an onion & a tin of Bully.  Well not quite so bad as that.  Is Bill ever going to get married.  I don’t think he will, the old dog.  I am going to call on him just next time I come on leave.  I have examined the cream laid note paper Ma brought as a bargain and can’t say it appeared to have been a huge success I would advise buying ordinary note paper next time it may be better I am pleased to hear that MA has been to see you.  I suppose she looks much older now.  Dolly’s husband seems to be a bit of a slacker don’t you I think either that or he is very lucky.  I hope Frank gets his commission.  I would advise him not to try for the infantry but don’t suppose he will have much choice.  I would love to have seen the typing Gladys did in her letter I told you if it was no better than some **** when I was in the orderly room some time ago he *** have some difficulty in reading it.  If not too bad when I come on leave I will play Pa at bowls provided there is some liquid refreshment obtainable.  Gladys seems to be putting quite a lot of time in at Morris just lately.  Does she get any tennis there?  I have been thinking that after the war we will buy a plot of ground and have it laid as a tennis court.  I might also persuade Ma to play croquet.

I am delighted to hear Will will not be called up just yet two of us away from home is quite enough.  I am now coming to the last letter Glad wrote since receiving which many changes have taken place.  I am now once more a lieutenant so don’t forgot to address my letter accordingly we have absorbed by the 1/7^th so my address now is just 7^th Manchester &c of course it was impossible for me to keep my other pip as all the officers are permanent rank I am 2^nd in command of a company and perfectly happy having such a good crowd fortunately.  I knew most of the officers in Southport so it is almost like being home from home.  Naturally at first it was a bit upsetting but I am quite the **** now.  There is practically no prospect of promotion as you will understand as there are at least 14 senior to myself however it doesn’t matter much, all the other captains who came have lost a pip also so it rather helps things.  You will be sorry to hear Bollon was being sent home sick but was unfortunately sunk in the Wolta and drowned, and I am the only one left now who came out in the advance party so I can’t grumble.  Naturally I shall do my best to get a captaincy again but as I have remarked I am very junior.  You would have a great time with Bill at home.  I wish I could have been with you but perhaps the war will be over by next year.  I am in great form at present but wish Pa would refrain from talking of new potatoes & green peas as it makes me feel hungry.  Yes I quite believe Gladys Grimshaw would be surprised to receive two letters from me within 4 months.  I am afraid it will be some time before she receives another though.  By the way Edgar won the MC about a week before we joined this Bn.  He is in great form.  Bill was quite right it was a bit of a shock to have to start walking about with a pack on my back again after I had been used to riding a horse but no doubt it will do me a lot of good.  I would simply hate to develop a paunch like he had the last time I saw him.  I suppose the food control will be a state of chaos since Gladys’ departure.  She will almost be fitted to take over Clayton’s job soon.  Then perhaps I will able to touch her for a fiver or two.  I have not forgotten to send the cheque for the birthday but if I don’t in my next letter remind me for my cheque book is not available just now.  I hope you get away for some holidays soon before the weather breaks.  It is too hot for anything here and I am going about in a thin white shirt and underpants until the cool of the evening.  I am A1 just now but until recently kept having slight attacks of trench fever.  I can see Ma will have her hands full after this war if ever I have a serious attack she may be hot stuff on surviving mumps but I bet she can’t insist on me taking castor oil to cure trench fever.  Gladys insists in her letter I am “fed up” she never made such a mistake in all her life.  I am in great form but wouldn’t mind a few days at home.  Still when I do come I only over feed so even being here has its advantages.

Now I wanted you to do a bit of business for me. Cigarettes are very scarce just now in fact I haven’t had a decent cigarette for week so I want you to ask old Harding to send me some out.  The sort I used to have before with GH or he may sell them by the lb but I want him to send me cigarettes monthly at the rate of 400 per month.  Tell him to get them from bond as they are much cheaper so I believe and will you please send me 50 out yourself immediately and tell him to send the 400 at the beginning of every month.  I want you to pay for them to begin with and once I know the price I can send him a cheque direct but it won’t waste any time if you pay for the just lot and I will send a cheque as soon as I know what you have paid.  This is all now it will take you hours to read this and I am not in arrears now.  Well don’t forget the address and write as soon as possible send the cigs.(50) by the same post.  Fondest love to all.  Hope to be on leave soon

Your loving son

George

Letter to Rev. R.M. Laporte Payne 16 Aug 1918

Macedonia

Aug 16/18

Dear Sir,

A man named Fred Bowman of 14 Castle Way, North Finchley has been to see me about his home affairs.  He seems in a very depressed and disturbed state of mind and tells me he has not heard from his wife for many weeks.

It appears that last year he obtained leave on compassionate grounds but when he arrived home he forgave his wife the trouble she had caused and left her in his home with two children.

Can you please let me know if the woman is still at the above address, and if not where she is thought to be?

The man is specially concerned about his two children, one of whom is delicate.

I am the C of E Chaplain at the 37^th General Serbian Hospital, Salonika Forces where the man is under treatment for malaria.

I shall be glad of any information you may be able to give me.

Yours sincerely

1. Sellors C.F.

P.S. I am writing to a Dr. Lorke opposite Woodhouse Rd to ask him if he can see the little boy and report.  J.S.

14.8.18

BEF

Dear F & M

Just a line to say I am jogging along just nicely.  The news just lately has been very extra and if we keep it up much longer I can see this blinking war coming to an early end.  In fact I thought of asking Par to book a few turkeys for Christmas from the farmers round Woodford ways.  Was glad to hear you have had visitors including Boley Bill.  Has he lost his onetime curly locks yet.  Suppose Aunt MA is looking quite an elderly matron by now.  It’s just the sort of weather for holidays have you made up your mind where to go yet.  When does Gladys resume her studies suppose she has developed into quite a business girl during the recess.  Has Par seen anything of Gill lately had a PC from Fred Minshall the other day he seems to be having a good time beyond suffering from the terrific heat.  How’s my dawg getting along does he still make a halt at the principal hotel doors.  I hope you have broken him off such a bad habit otherwise he will be bringing discredit on his master.

Well I think this is about all this time.

Hope you are all keeping well

Let me know where Geo gets to

Cheerho  Fred

Spr Hammond RE 62210

G35/4

5^th C.M.R. Battalion

M.44/3

Officer Commanding

9^th Cdn Field Artillery

I wish to express my appreciation for the splendid manner in which the section under the command of Lieut E. PHILPOTT which was attached to my battalion during our attack on August 9^th 1918, was handled.

Lieut PHILPOTT was well forward and in constant touch with the situation, and at all times had his section in a position to open fire promptly on indicated and opportunity targets.  He afforded us the greatest support, and in my opinion proved himself to be a most courageous, energetic and efficient officer.

(sgd)………….Major

O.C. 5^th C.M.R. Batt’n

13.8.18

Letter

Headquarters,

Machine Gun Training Centre,

GRANTHAM

13.8.18

MACHINE GUN CORPS PRISONER OF WAR FUND.

Dear Sir,

Ref Pte. A.A. Smith 142678

Attached please find Coupon which please hand on to the above Prisoner’s next of kin to enable them to forward Personal Parcel, the contents of which must strictly conform to the list of articles shewn on the circular letter already sent, or the whole may be confiscated.

Shall be pleased to receive a regular monthly subscription of 10/- but if 15/- per month could be sent this being the cost of one of the new size parcels, one parcel per month could be sent in his Father’s name, otherwise I must ask him to inform him in his letters to what extent he is helping.

Yours faithfully

*****  Capt. Hon Treas. M.G.C. P.O.W. Fund

To Mr Smith, “Manorfield” 100 Arcadian Gardens, Bowes Park, N.22.

E.F.C.

OFFICERS REST HOUSE

AND MESS

10/8/18

My dear dad,

Many thanks for your letters & also for receipting the refund from Vickery’s. I have sent them a formal receipt. We sent the students away yesterday & I am taking a day off today.  It has only consisted in having a good lunch so far & a whiskey & soda, which beverage I have not tasted since I left home.  I well remember bucking about how easy it was to get out here when I was home.  Well there hasn’t             been a drop in the mess since, I went back & the shortage is likely to continue I believe.  Well, what do you think of the news.  Pretty hot isn’t it?  I fancy the Boche has caught a proper draught this time.  I shouldn’t be a bit surprised to see us finish this year on about the same pitch on which we began it.  Then will be the opportunity of our propagandists.  I don’t believe the German people will stand for much more.  I see in the paper that that S London crowd are going to be hotted up.  I don’t know much about it, but it seems a pretty scandalous business.  Perhaps I shouldn’t think it quite so scandalous if I had a few of the original 6d shares.  I wonder if there will be an honest enquiry into the whole thing.  I suppose this time next week you will be on your way to Scotland.  I hope you have a good time & decent weather.  Take care of yourself & don’t get a chill.  Will you be up there for a week.  I will address letters to Turf Hotel Dawell as usual, unless I hear to the contrary.  I suppose you have invited the Food Controller to count the herd!  I have no news for you dad.  Tout va bien here.

With my best love

Your loving son

Geoff.

POSTKARTE

Kriegsgefangenensendung

Senders address

Name Smith Christian name Alfred

Rank Private. Camp No. E.K. 6

Regiment 53^rd M.G.C.  Regtl No 27521

Camp of Friedrichsfeld near Wesel.

Mr. T. Smith

100 Arcadian Gardens,

Wood Green.

London North England.

Aug 5^th 18

Friedrichsfeld My Dear Father,

We have just got a post-card issue so I thought I would send you the first one to know how you are I hope in the best of health & still smiling I have written to Albert this same post so he will let you know all the news which is real good this time as we received our first parcel last Friday cannot tell you all about it here. We are expecting letters soon which you can bet will be very welcome.  Glad to say I am A 1 so Cheerio.  With much love from your devoted Son.

Postcard from MACHINE GUN CORPS PRISONERS OF WAR FUND

7/8/18

Re Pte. A.A. Smith

In reply to yours of the 5^th inst we have pleasure in enclosing herewith our standard letter for your information re parcels.  Please give the above mans M. Gun Corps No we think it should be 142687.

Letter

Headquarters,

Machine Gun Training Centre,

GRANTHAM

13.8.18

MACHINE GUN CORPS PRISONER OF WAR FUND.

Dear Sir,

Ref Pte. A.A. Smith 142678

Attached please find Coupon which please hand on to the above Prisoner’s next of kin to enable them to forward Personal Parcel, the contents of which must strictly conform to the list of articles shewn on the circular letter already sent, or the whole may be confiscated.

Shall be pleased to receive a regular monthly subscription of 10/- but if 15/- per month could be sent this being the cost of one of the new size parcels, one parcel per month could be sent in his Father’s name, otherwise I must ask him to inform him in his letters to what extent he is helping.

Yours faithfully

*****  Capt. Hon Treas. M.G.C. P.O.W. Fund

To Mr Smith, “Manorfield” 100 Arcadian Gardens, Bowes Park, N.22.

Postcard from MACHINE GUN CORPS PRISONERS OF WAR FUND

7/8/18

Re Pte. A.A. Smith

In reply to yours of the 5^th inst we have pleasure in enclosing herewith our standard letter for your information re parcels.  Please give the above mans M. Gun Corps No we think it should be 142687.

6.8.18

BEF

Dear F & M

Just a line to let you know I am still alive and kicking along merrily.  Had an afternoon out the other day went to see the Army Horse show and riding exhibitions met several fellows I knew including Tommy Earlam so spent a nice time together.  Otherwise there is nothing to report beyond that we had a special service to commemorate the 4^th aniversiary of the war at which our Div Band played.  So what with beer at 2 francs a bottle and the religious influence at work I shall probably finish up if not in the RAF at least a sky pilot.  Suppose Par has plenty to do now he has lost so many men.  Hope the allotment is bearing a good return.  Would like to give the proceeds a good caneing.  I sometimes wonder what Lamb green peas & mint sauce would be like for a change.  Still we don’t do at all bad altho a change goes down well which I get occasionally.  The War News is very extra just now there still seems a good chance of it finishing before very long everyone is very hopeful out here and the effect of our success must have a gloomy effect on the Boche.  Well I think this is all this time not heard from Jack lately I suppose his skins pulled for about the 8^th time ere this.

Cheerho

Gussie

Hammond Spr. 62210 RE