1^st Bedfordshire Regiment.

26/7/16.          The Battalion left its Bivouacs at Pommiers Redoubt and marched to

11.15. p.m.    Brigade advanced H.Q.; there, owing to very heavy barrage of poison

gas shells in the valley, the Battalion halted for two hours.  The barrage was still intense but a fresh wind made advance possible, and only two cases of gas poisoning have been reported.  Shell fire was moderately severe in the valley and increased as the old German Second Line Trenches were approached.

27/7/16.          (Capt. Parker, wounded)

3.50 a.m.        Battalion arrived in position of assembly in German Second Line

                        Trenches and improved cover.

5.50 a.m.       Operation Orders received and communicated to Company

                        Commanders.

7.0 a.m.          A, and B, Companies in accordance with orders, left to take up their

                        position in Reserve trenches at LONGUEVAL. 

7.40. a.m.       Report received from O.C., 1^st Norfolks, that, owing to heavy shell fire

                        he required assistance.

8.20 a.m.        O.C. 1^st Bedfordshire Regt., arrived at Headquarters 1^st Norfolk Regt.,

in Longueval – having arranged for A and B Companies to assault the second line in conjunction with Norfolks and for C and D Companies to pass through and take third line.  O.C. 16^th Royal Warwickshire Regt., was requested to occupy front line trenches when these were vacated by C and D Companies.  A and B Coys., had at 7.30 a.m., occupied first line at E, and reserve trenchers at B.

8.40 a.m.        C Coy arrived at E)

D Coy arrived at B) and A Coy., pushed across towards German Redoubt at F., where the two leading Norfolk Coys., were being held up.  (100 prisoners surrendered here)

Lieut Fyson with his platoon attacked house at G., and took 32 prisoners.

9.5 a.m.          “C” Coy., advanced across Princes Street but were held up by Machine

Gun fire from house at Cross Roads (1).  This house was taken by a party of Norfolk bombers.  At the same time, two platoons of A Coy., reached position marked H and K, near Flers Road, where they were in touch with the Royal Fusiliers on their right.  A German counter-attack was met with Lewis Gun and Rifle fire, the estimated enemy casualties being 50.  Several small posts were observed on the ridge, apparently protected by wire.

9.30 a.m.        C Coy., crossed Princes Street and took up a position parallel with

North Street, joining up the two leading Norfolk Companies.  They were unable to progress further owing to heavy machine gun fire from Duke Street.  They consolidated their positions.

1 Officer and 30 men went forward from B Coy., at C., to reinforce a Coy., of Norfolks at A.  This Company was held up by machine gun fire from direction of Duke Street, and was unable to advance.  Stokes Mortar Battery was asked to co-operate but did not come into action.  Later heavy artillery was asked to bombard this post.  While awaiting this, and the opportunity to advance, B and D Coys., endeavoured to improve their cover under a hurricane bombardment.  Casualties in these two Coys. –

“B” Coy. – 2 Officers & 54 Other Ranks out of 5 Officers & 166 Other Ranks.

“D” Coy. – 2 Officers & 106 Other Ranks out of 5 Officers & 176 Other Ranks.

6.30 p.m.        Royal Fusiliers on right, owing to heavy shell fire, retired, and our line

at K & H, was slightly withdrawn to cover exposed flank.

7.0 p.m.          “B” Coy., received orders to retire to German Second Line trenches,

leaving one platoon to hold line at A.  A similar order was sent to “D” Coy., but did not reach there and

8.0 p.m.          a second order was sent at 8.0 p.m.

9.0 p.m.          “C” Coy., tried to establish itself on East side of North St., but had to

withdraw.  They consolidated in touch with Norfolks and the South Staffords of 2^nd Division.

28/7/16.

6. a.m.            1/D.C.L.I., and 1/E. Surreys arrived and took over the line and the

Battalion withdrew to Pommiers Redoubt.

The total casualties were 9 Officers & 303 Other Ranks out of 23 Officers and 807 Other Ranks.

Remained in Pommiers Redoubt all day, reorganizing Battalion.

29/7/16.          As above.

30/7/16.

6.45 p.m.        Orders received to reinforce in Longueval.  2/K.O.S.Bs., holding line. 

1/R.W. Kents in support.  Leading platoon moved off at 6.53 p.m., and reached Longueval at 7.45 p.m., relieving 1/R.W. Kents.

10.12 p.m.     O.C. 2/K.O.S.Bs., reported that his men were retiring from line

S.11.d.9/5 to S.11.c.5/8.  “A” & “C” Coys., were directed to proceed with guides of K.O.S.Bs., to hold and consolidate this line.   “B” & “D” Coys., were directed to hold line S.11.d.9/5., to S.17.b.0/9.  It was proposed to withdraw K.O.S.Bs., into reserve at dawn.

11.45 p.m.     Message received by O.C., K.O.S.Bs., that Gordons, 5^th Division, were

in Sunken Road and that  .K.O.S.Bs., were to bomb towards them.

31/7/16.

12.10 a.m.     Enemy started intense bombardment.

12.45 a.m.     Orderly returned from “A” & “C” Coys., and reported K.O.S.B., guides

could not show them the way up to front line.  O’s. C. “A” & “C” Coys., were instructed to establish themselves on the line B.C.D.E. (S.11.d.4/8 to S.11.c.5/5) and to send out patrols to ascertain if any K.O.S.Bs., were holding forward line.

2.30 a.m.        All Coys., reported heavy casualties (2 Officers killed and several

wounded).  “B” & “D” Coys., reported themselves to be in position as ordered from S.11.d.5/5., to S.17.b.0/9.

Two wounded prisoners were taken by “A” Coy.  Reinforcements had been asked for at 10.54 a.m.  O.C. “D” Coy., reported that he had been able to get in touch with the Division on his right.

O.C. “C” Coy., reported that owing to mist, darkness and shell fire it was impossible to recognise the line B.C.D.E., and that he was in touch with K.O.S.s., and would establish himself in the forward position at dawn.  Telephone communication established between Bn., H.Q., and front line.

6.25 a.m.        Orders received from Bde., to relieve K.O.S.Bs., who were to move into

reserve.  O.C. “C” Coy., reported by telephone that his patrols were unable to get forward – two machine guns enfilading North Street and heavy sniping from his front.

Companies were now as follows:- “D” Coy., from Piccadilly to North Street on Duke Street, “B” Coy., continuing this line into Delville Wood.  “A” Coy., cross roads North St./Flers Rd., to Orchard.  “C” Coy., in support of “A” Coy., with refused flank about S.11.d.8/3., and two platoons North of Flers Rd., about S.11.d.4/4.  “C” Coy., were still endeavouring to gain touch with 2^nd Division.  The positions taken up could be seen from the opposite ridge and any movement attracted heavy shell fire.  There was also considerable sniping from the direction of Flers Rd.

6.0. p.m.         1/Norfolk Regt., arrived and relieved 2/K.O.S.Bs., and the forward

Bedford Coys., who were moved back to reserve position E. of Church.

10.30. p.m.    1/Cheshire Regt., arrived and relief of 1/Bedfs: R., was completed by

midnight.  1/Bedfs: R., returned to Pommiers Redoubt.

11. p.m.          A patrol from “C” Coy., trying to get into touch with 2^nd Division

approached the German line in North of Delville Wood and attracted a big burst of fire.

Casualties 10 Officers and 188 Other Ranks.

C.R.A.C. 8*819 (Q)                          (COPY)

O.C. South African Reserves.

            I forward herewith correspondence and barrack damage claims against the South African Infantry as under:-

March out of the 4^th S.A. Inf.

from Bordon on the 29/12/15 ………….       £164.4.11

inspection held between 10 – 15

March 1916 in Quebec, St Lucia

and Martinique Barracks……………………. £387.10-5

you will see by the correspondence that the charges against the 4^th S.A. Infantry in the first instance amounted to £643.3.3, but certain surpluses having been disclosed this was reduced to £541.17.7.  This sum was subsequently written down to £164-4-11 the value at time of loss.

As the amount was still considered to be unduly large it was decided to hold a check of all barrack furniture on charge of South African Reserves and this disclosed a deficiency amounting to £1406.5.5  This again was written down to ¼ value, viz, £387-10-5, this being the assessed value at time of loss.

The deficiencies disclosed by the inspection held in March were arrived at by comparing the numbers of the various articles of barrack equipment actually seen, counted and taken over by the Reserve Regiment on the 29^th December 1915, with the numbers actually seen and counted at the inspection.

I should be glad to know how it is proposed to adjust the matter.

(Signed) W. Butler Jordon (?) Major,

for Lt. Colonel,

A.Q.M.G., A.C.

Aldershot,

30/7/16.

4^TH SOUTH AFRICAN INFANTRY.

marching out of Bordon 29/12/15.

£164-4-11

Points raised by O.C. units                                              Explanation of O. i/c. Barracks.

in charge

1. 4^th Battalion South African                     1.  Advance parties of 3^rd Battn South African

Infantry arrived at Bordon on                      Infantry took over Quebec Bks on behalf of

14-10-15.  The Quartermaster on              the 4^th Bn. S.A. Inf. on 11-10-15 the Officers

arrival at camp found all in darkness,       In charge being Lieut: J.G. Baker & 2^nd. Lieut

some of the huts without locks and           D.M. Abel, 3^rd S.A. Inf.  It is therefore not the

open and other huts closed:  A few           case as stated by O.C.4^th Bn. S.A. Inf that a

days afterwards it was ascertained           N.C.O. took over.  The Bks were regularly

that an N.C.O. of the 3^rd S.A. Inf. had       handed over, in my presence, from the

taken over Barracks on our behalf            outgoing unit, the 4th Bn. S.A. Infy.

some days before our arrival.  To

understand the Imperial Barrack Nomenclature it requires an experienced officer.  It was later      found that much of what gear was then in rooms was transferred from one hut to another.  In endeavouring to make check of all Barrack Furniture the Qr. Mr. found many deficiencies but O. i/c Bks. held himself covered by the handing over to a representative of the Brigade – a N.C.O.

                                                                         2. Lists were prepared of articles actually in       

                                                                        Bks. in presence of outgoing and incoming

                                                                        units and the O. i/c Bks.  The lists were

                                                                        compared and one list retained by each party

                                                                        after signature by the other two parties.  The

                                                                        incoming unit therefore had a complete

                                                                        record of Bk. stores taken over, the outgoing

                                                                                         a similar record of the stores handed over and

                                                                                       the O i/c Bks also retained his record of the

                                                                                         transaction.  This took place when the 4^th S.A.

                                                                                       Inf took over from the 12^th Royal Irish Rifles

                                                                                       and again when the 4^th Regt S.A. Inf, handed

                                                                                         over to the Res. Bns. S.A. Inf., such lists

                                                                                       having been modified by any issues from, or

                                                                                          returns to store.

              3. An inspection was carried out on 3-1-16. 

             The deficiencies were so large that I received

             orders to make complete inspection.

             This was done 17-2-16.  This inspection

             enabled me to reduce deficiencies to

             £541-17-7.

• Furniture in Officers’ rooms was              

removed from one room to another

for comfort and it was therefore found impossible to re-adjust furniture to the various rooms in  accordance with                                                                               2.  See Note I (para 3.)

Barrack Officers Schedule.  To get matter squared  up, a Full list of all furniture in Officers’ Quarters was rendered  to the Barrack Officer and it was found that in almost every instance we held more than the B.O. had shown against us and yet Officers’ tables, chairs, etc are noted as missing.                              

           Quite possible that if an inventory were        See Note I (para 3)

taken of what each hut or room should have, as per B.O., deficiencies would be found in some against surpluses in others.

                                                                                    See Note I (para 3)

On the mobilized part of the Rgt. leaving on 28-12-15 some 460 Officers and men were left in Quebec Barracks and these were transferred to Martinique Barracks.  Undoubtedly a great number of small things, such as brooms, Scrubbing brushes, and Butcher’s Implements and Cooks utensils were transferred with them.

• In taking the items Brooms, Mops       3. Brooms, Mops and Scrubbing  

Scrubbing brushes, etc, these are             Brushes stated to be expendable  

are expendable and any serviceable        are not  expendable and if

           ones would be taken with the men            unserviceable should have been

           to Martinique Barracks.                              exchanged.  The marching out

inspection on

                                                                         3-1-16 of all Barracks covered removals to

                                                                         Martinique Bks.

4.Sand Bags were drawn and used in the     4. Does not appear to be a reason

Training Trenches.                                            for the deficiency.

5.Cooks Implements – Nine were taken        5. Almost invariably the case that

      with the Regiment as full mobilization            Cooks take the knives, etc, away when going

      equipment had been drawn just prior             overseas in spite of frequent warning not to

to departure.                                                       do so.  In any case, the deficient

articles have not been found.

6.Bedding.  Item incorrect.                   6. Sheets charged for are ground sheets

No sheets were in any of the huts.     for musketry purposes.

7. Blankets.  All blankets found     7. 459 blankets, 100 bolsters and unstated

in the huts on arrival were sent     number of mattresses said to have been

to the Medical Authorities for         sent to “Medical” Authorities and not

disinfection, the bulk being             returned and 113 cases pailliasse

verminous.  From the                      stated to have been burnt by Medical

number it would seem to refer       Officer.  I knew nothing of transactions

to the one extra blanket per man until 29-5-16, moreover, dirty blankets taken

drawn by the Regiment which       over by the 4^th S.A.I. were not used by them

was returned by mobilized             but clean blankets drawn from store 12-10-

portion but retained by the             15.  The S.M.O. informs me that units

460 left behind and taken by         invariably remove bedding etc, immediately

them to Martinique.                         after disinfection, and there is no instance

                                                                        in which this rule has been departed from.

Bolsters.  Many sent with the

bedding (Biscuits, Coir) to

the disinfectors and not

returned.

8. Cases, Bolster – None in           8. 50 taken over on arrival.

Bks on our occupation.                   500 issued on 15/10/15: – 104 gathered up

after unit left, 93 returned later by Res Bn leaving 353 deficient.

• Cases, Palliasse – Burnt           ) See 7.

with straw contents, on

order of Medical Officer

on becoming verminous.

1. Barrack Furniture –

Generally explained above,           10. Barrack Furniture.

but to take larger items:-

            a Barrows, Stable.  Only 2              a. 3 handed over, 4 issued 26:10:15 2 on

received and these were                18:11:15, total 9.  None returned to store,

returned to E.S.A.                            5 handed in on march out of unit leaving

before leaving.                                 4 deficient.

b  Bedsteads, Barrack.  These      b. Agree could not be taken overseas but

Boxes, Soldiers could not be         Bedsteads were left lying about in pieces

taken away.  If number quoted      during units occupation of Barracks, having

as missing is genuinely missing    apparently been thrown out when floor

they are presumably at                   space per man was reduced.  Many boxes,

Martinique.                                        Soldiers were used as firewood and Lt.

Ward saw soldiers boxes being used to fill in trenches on the eastward edge of Quebec Barracks.

c. Forms & Tables. – These           c. These articles were commonly used as

could not have been taken             firewood, particularly the local pattern with

away.   Unexplainable unless        wooden trestles and legs.

removed to other barracks.

d. Rests, Tripod M I Sets and        d. Number of charge 28.

Rests Rifle Firing.  Left in use        handed over on march out 13.

of details.                                           Deficiency

e. Basins, Soup & Plates,               Basins, Soup & Plates, dinner :- Taken over

dinner.  Although each hut             from 12^th Royal Irish Rifles

was supposed to be equipped,                 238 basins

there were not more than 200                    747 plates

of each in the whole lines when                1672 basins from Bk Store

huts were taken over.  From                      1042 plates    “      “     “

the indents put forward by us

on arrival it would seem that

Barracks were practically bare

of these items.  No doubt

many were broken but numbers

quoted are absurd.

11. Sergeants’ Mess:- On occupation      11. The Sergeants’ Mess was fully equipped

Sergeants Mess was bare with                 on 12/10/15 at public expense with carvers, exception of one iron pot.                                      Table knives, forks, spoons, table wear, etc

There is some mistake in this                    and the inference appears conclusive that

debit.  The Sergeants purchased              the Sergeants’ Mess took this cutlery away

Cups and Saucers themselves                  with them on marching out.

 and provided their own cutlery.

12. Officers’ Mess;:- This was in               12.  See Note I

occupation by Officers left                          (See copy of Capt Mowatt’s minute)

behind with details and on                         

closing Quebec Barracks                          

possibly some of the gear                         

was removed to Officers’

Mess at St. Lucia or

Martinique.

Captain Mowatt, Res.

Bn. S.A. Infantry at Bordon

could advise on this point

and the definite loss he arrived at.

13. It was impossible to leave

my Qr. Mr. behind to hand over

Bks. and the only other Officer

who had any knowledge of Qr.

Mrs. work had been sent to

Aldershot as acting Qr. Mr.

of drafts for Reserve Battalion.

There is no doubt that irregularities

from the B.O’s point of view, in gear

being removed from one building to

another, would account for a lot of                        See note 1 (para 3) and note 3

discrepancies and further a percentage

of the expendable articles almost

unserviceable in rooms, would in the

early days of cleaning be thrown aside.

Some consideration should be given for a Colonial Volunteer Regiment on first arrival in England and ignorance of Barrack Regulations by Officers and N.C.Os and although minor losses undoubtedly occurred from the statement rendered, at this date, it is uncertain how to arrive at them.

May the sanction of the G.O.C. be obtained to write off the debit which has arisen chiefly from book entries and not through genuine loss or damage.

COPY.

From Capt. Mowat.

To … Officer i/c Barracks,  Bordon.

Bordon.

8^th July, 1916.

Re Deficiencies Quebec Barracks.

                                                                                                                                                       The South African Scottish left Quebec Barracks for overseas on 29^th December, 1915.  The Reserve Company was left behind but was transferred to Martinique Barracks on 30^th December.  A Guard was left in Quebec Barracks but in spite of the guard many of the small articles deficient were in my opinion removed to other Barracks.  It was within my knowledge that soldiers boxes were removed to other barracks especially at night.  This was possible owing to the interval which elapsed between the vacation of the barracks and the taking of the inventory.  Regarding the burning of soldiers boxes as fuel I have no knowledge of such an occurrence and can not admit that it took place.  With regard to bedsteads, I know that many broken bedsteads were lying outside the bungalows on the arrival of the Regiment.

                                                                                                                               (Sgd.) G. Mowat, Captain.

O.C. “K” Company,

4^th South African Infantry.

France

29 July 16

My Dear Mr Walters,

            I got your most welcome yesterday (Friday) I am pleased to get a line from all who I know any time, and I do my best to answer all I can.  I am now attached to the 9^th Essex, in C Company and I am in the machine gun section.  I am getting on very well with my new work but I will be pleased to come back to the old life.  I am glad to think you still think of me at the Band of Hope + temperance Society meetings and I still have the pleasure of being a member of both.  You do not think far wrong, our batt is in reserve and we are lying just behind the line.  I am not with Jim now, the only Whitwick chap here is Albert Eagles from the gas works.  I see very little of him as we are in different sections. I believe he is a bomber.  I hope God will give me luck to get through safely, then I hope to do some service again to you and our church.  I have only been to one Church Parade in France that was last Sunday, it did seem strange to have a service with the guns and all the din of war (we were only about a hour’s walk from the firing line so I was told) after the quiet services we used to have in our old church.  Please remember me to all.  I am in the best of health and spirits, hoping you and your family the same.  Well I think this is all this time

From

Yours sincerely

J.W. Weston.

Pte J.W. Weston 25739

C Company L.M.G.S.

9 Essex

B.E.F.

In envelope addressed to Rev. T.W. Walters, Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester.  England.

Letter postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 13.  30 JY16.

PASSED BY CENSOR 1968 in hexagonal cachet in red.

22812 Rfn W.J.C. Brown

C Co 24^th (R) KRR

North Camp

Cambois Nr Blyth

Northumberland

July 28 1916

My dear M^r Walters,

            As I have a half hour to spare, I feel that I cannot spend it to any better advantage than by writing to you.

            Since I wrote to you last little of importance has happened, and days have passed with their usual monotony.  I have now been in the Army twelve weeks and have passed through my preliminary drills which certainly were very monotonous and wearying, but which however have to be experienced.  I also have “fired my course” returning to the camp here from the Ranges at Whitley Bay two weeks ago.  The weather condition during the fortnight there were not at all favourable, but we had to make the best of the circumstances prevailing, Whitley is quite an attractive sea-side resort frequented by Novocastrians to a great extent, and, our stay there provided us with quite a pleasant change from our usual routine here.  We were very sorry to turn our backs on Whitley.  I expect to have my bombing course during the next few weeks, then my first and final leave of six days, after which I can prepare for “yonder” as it is called in the camp.  I am greatly looking forward to my visit home, as I believe, my people are doing.  Unluckily, the leave is restricted here to a great extent, and only 36 hours are allowed to us, and that short time would be of little or no use to me as I am about 250 miles from home, and the train service is very poor from Blyth to Coalville.

The battalion is at full strength now, and is composed partly of Londoners and partly of Northerners.  The different countrymen agree exceedingly well together and practically the only grievance among the Londoners is that they have been sent so far from home and are not allowed sufficient leave to enable them to get home.  The majority of them are married men.  The battalion is a reserve one and drafts are sent from it as they are required.  About seventy men have been sent to date, and we are expecting that a draft will be sent out almost every week.

We have a very fine set of officers both commissioned & non-commissioned, and many of them have experienced warfare on one front or another, and so we get a very good training from men who have had practical experience, and who know what will be expected of us.

Our chaplain is quite a thorough man and quite popular amongst us.  He carries out his work in a very able manner.  There has already been one confirmation for us soldiers in the district, and there is to be another one on Tuesday next by the Bishop of Newcastle in Blyth.

The weather has improved greatly this last week, and the camp has dried up after the long spell of wet weather we have experienced.  We are all very pleased it has done so, as it was beginning to smell very unhealthy, and would have caused sickness amongst us had it continued very much longer.

I trust that everything is going well at Whitwick and that you are enjoying the best of health.

With very kindest thoughts

believe me

Sincerely & respectfully yours

Cecil Brown

P.S. I shall be pleased to receive a magazine for August if you have one to spare.

In envelope addressed to The Rev T.W. Walters, Whitwick, Lester.

Letter postmarked BLYTH 29 JY 16. 11.15 AM.

27 July 1916

Telephone 7538 Victoria

5, Vincent Square Mansions,

Westminster,

S.W.

Dear Colonel Purcell,

I was so sorry not to find Mrs Purcell at home yesterday when I called.  I hope she will call to see me when she is in London.

I hope I made it clear to you that I did not come to make enquiries into your administration but to ascertain whether the War Office were providing properly for the S. Africans.  Who *** all the *** *** come from a hot to a cold country & that they receive so little pay.

Therefore I did not come so much to tell you what I had been doing – but to find out – if I could – from yourself – whether you were satisfied with the arrangements.

After seeing you I saw some other men of the Scottish (well educated & *****) who said that nothing could be better than the food itself – but it was quite spoiled in the cooking & that I ought to have been there at dinner time to see it.  This *** *** I am reporting to yourself not to the War Office.

They also told me that the Quebec Barracks – where I went – was *** quite recently & *** it was the Alexandra Park Bks which were **** **** that the soldiers had been & some was still there – but that all the men were now being moved into ** Quebec & that men would be sent to the Alexandra until the men came from “German” East.

So – if again S. Africans are sent to the Alexandra again I shall complain to the War Office – as that will be their doing not yours.

Many thanks for the kindness with which you received me

Yours sincerely

Marian T Mason.

In envelope addressed to Colonel Purcell S. African Forces Bordon Hants.  Postmarked LONDON S.W.  3.15 P.M.  27 JUL 16.

Flanders

July 27^th 1916

My dear Harry,

I received Ethel’s parcel and letter on the 25^th.  There were no letters that day.  Yours came yesterday.  I sent Ethel a postcard yesterday which will probably arrive at the same time as this letter.  This is the first opportunity I have of writing and thanking you for the parcel.  The butter arrived in the pink of condition and at a very opportune moment.  The cake disappeared so quickly that there is no doubt as to its popularity.  The books, toothbrushes & ginger are all coming in very handy.  It was very sensible indeed of you to take the twelve days.  I hope you both have a decent little holiday.  If the weather is the same as ours you couldn’t have it better.  There must be no doubt about your going to the sea side.  Go.  This time I am in the front line and we have had a warmer time of it.  There has been any amount of shell activity.  Rifle grenades, which have a small danger zone, have been very common.  Trench mortars I believe they have visited us once daily.  They are huge things and as dangerous as the largest of shells.  They are very high explosives & vary from 15 lbs to 200 lbs. I think.  When they are coming over we get out of our dug-outs & watch for their arrival.  I believe trench mortars are the only things you can see coming over.  They look like tremendous black sausages.  Aerial torpedoes and Silent Lizzies also abound.  The former have three explosions.  We send a little stuff over & get quick returns.  Fritz & Co are very cute.  They send one or two trench mortars & we are out of our dug-outs when they start rifle grenades, silent lizzies and the torpedoes – quite a shell salad.  A rifle grenade burst on the wall opposite our dug-out entrance, pushed one of our chaps right inside &  shook up the other two.  I was on duty elsewhere at the time & didn’t have any as close as that.  Of course every one of us has a tale of a bit of shell being only a few inches off & other narrow escapes.  I’ve had a couple of rifle grenade bits rather close myself.  The middle of last night however was the tit-bit.  I am not allowed to say what we did but anyway it resulted in a very hot bombardment.  The light from explosion flashes, star shells, signals & smoke made it like daytime.  There is no doubt we upset them considerably.  We were very affectionately disposed towards the bottom of the trenches.  I was on duty all day yesterday also almost all night so I am very tired this morning.  How did you find out where Bernard was?  I guessed that is where he would be.  I am wondering if you have any idea of our locality.  I tell Mother very little & often mention things to you that I might tell her but which escape my mind at the time I write, so tell her if there is anything you think she would like to know.  Whilst we were out last time three of us went to a town very close to our camp & followed your advice by having a bottle of rattling champagne between us.  Needless to say we like it very much.  We had a meal there, each bought an aluminium ring made from part of a German shell & several other things in the eating line.  We did champagne in style by having cigars at the same time & propose a similar outing at a very early date.  The last time I heard from Mother – four or five days ago – she was at Ross and seemed quite well.  Olive was still away at Neyland.  The Colonel caused a notice to be issued to each company about commissions.  If you eventually obtain a commission four & a half months have passed since you applied for it.  The next five lines in the original are censored out.  The applicant has to be prepared to spend a couple of months in a Young Officers School & pass examinations.  The next three lines in the original are censored out.  Now what do you think of it?   Very few people want to be left half an hour longer in the army than possible; although I suppose it’s O.K. in peace times.  What on earth is to prevent a man resigning his commission?  How can they?  I suppose they would make you swear volumes.  I have not applied yet but I expect I shall.  It is said that in the event of nearly everyone applying it is most probable we would be turned into an O.T.C.  Now I will write a few lines to Ethel & wish you goodbye

            Yours as ever,

                        Alan.

My dear Ethel,

Thank you very much for the parcel.  I have told Harry it arrived in perfect trim.  The writing pad affair is great.  We had an extra pocket made in our tunics & it was then discovered it was useless for the purpose intended, namely of carrying the second gas helmet, and the wallet just fits the pocket nicely.  I don’t care if the ginger is good for me, I like it.  Very few of my chums like it but I make them have some now & then.  It was a great pity the screen went.  You must swot up the prices of everything in future.  Still you don’t want to have to cart out more furniture than you can help until you are fixed up, although, on the other hand, antiques are rarer in England by long chalks.  From time to time I see a few odds and ends that I think I would like over here but I don’t seem to think they are much good & in any case it is impossible for me to get anything & store it or send it home.  There are any amount of things you ladies would find handy in the household such as casseroles, fruit preserving jars & all sorts of sticks that cannot be obtained in England.  In many little ways I have noticed but forgotten they have an advantage over us.  I wonder where you are going.  I do hope it’s a decent place near Cardiff.  Would you like to be in a small county town or a fairly large town?  In several of the French shops the proprietors have to be beaten down & whether they know we soldiers know it or not I don’t know.  If I want a thing I give them whatever they ask.  I am not at all keen on haggling with a French dame on something that costs a franc.  I was very amused the other day.  A fellow in some other battalion went into a shop for some tooth paste & I heard the lady say one franc four-pence.  The chap hum and har’d & finally offered her seven-pence halfpenny.  The lady explained that as the article cost one franc two-pence she was far from accepting his offer.  Consequently there was no business.  Another time we were in a shop trying to get a ring to fit one of us & we were speaking in (our own) French & every ring was tried on but one couldn’t be found to fit so we said we were sorry & suddenly the demoiselle jerked out “Nothing doing” in a very comical fashion.  She showed us a helmet her forefather had won in some battle some years ago.  At a “bijouterie” (jewellers) an article would be purchased for one franc.  In a little shop the same article cost one franc two pence.  In such a case we told the old dame that we had bought a similar thing cheaper & she said where.  We told her & she replied “Oh! yes, at the jeweller’s.”  She has to go there for the purchase.  They don’t seem to have our retail & wholesale way at all.

Well, I think I have come to the continued in our next part, so must close remaining with much love,

            Yours affectionately,

                        Alan.

On Active Service envelope addressed to Mr & Mrs. H. R King, Munmore, Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin.  Ans^d 6/8/16.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 28 JY 16.  Hexagonal Passed Field Censor 3274 cachet.  Signature of front probably W.G. Shaw.

W.P. Heyworth

———————————–

Parapet Pipes

and

Rubber and Connections being used in the trenches.

25.7.16

Sec	Fourway	Twoway	Single	Para pipe	Remarks
43	52	2	2	55
44	52	2	2	55
46	52	2	2	55	Connections given require 56 *** pipes
47	52	2	2	55
48	52	2	2	55
29	52	2	2	55
Total	312	12	12	330

V. Lefebure

Capt RE

Note on back:- Sap 15 to Right Flank of Angres I will not be reoccupied until Lt Beesley has reported it clear to O.C. Right Company at the latter’s H.Q.

AIR RAIDS.

Instructions for O’s. C. Trains.

In the case of the “ALARM” being given whilst the train is still in this yard, the O.C., Train will instruct all men to detrain and double to the fields beyond the Y.M.C.A. Rest Camp at the end of the Triage.

No attempt to rejoin the train must be made until the “ALL CLEAR” signal is given.

Os. C., train are responsible that the men are kept together as much as possible and that they all rejoin the train at the same time.

FRENCH ALARM.  All lights go out and all traffic ceases.

BRITISH      “         Several shots fired from A.A. guns.

Abbeville.      ALL CLEAR Bell tolling in the Town.

D.K. C****

Major

D.A.D.R.T.

———————————–

Receiver 20 14 watches

Nos

26700F                      17862F

26085F                      18686F

23554F

26230F                      Number struck through.

21930F                      Number struck through.

25842F                      Number struck through.

18081F                      Number struck through.

23631F                      Number struck through.

23313F                      Number struck through.

23553F

25820F

18303F

22/9/16                       R.M. Beesley 2/Lt. R.E.

——————————-

ALL SERVICES

Inventory of Plant, Tools, Instruments &c issued

for use on the Works (or Record of Requisition).

46 Section

Received 20/8/16

Description

57 Fourways, 2 twoways 2 singleways

Parapet pipes Straight 55 bends 52

                        Tools

25 Box Keys DE

27 Universal with ***

8 L Keys

1 Y    “

2 S.E   “

12 Clamps

85 Staples

                        Signature unreadable

                        23/8/16

France Thursday

27^th July 1916

My Dear Harry & Ethel,

            I received your two letters today & am getting an answer ready for post tomorrow.  With regard to the lady in question you will remember that towns often bear ladies’ names.

            I received your parcel the day I posted my last letter but as we are now allowed to post only one letter per day I was not able to let you know I had received it before.  I am glad to say it arrived in very good order and I thank you all very much indeed.  I am now writing on the paper you sent & smoking your cigarettes.  About the lemonade – there was no sugar with the mixture & as I can’t get any here I had to do without.  It was rather bitter but certainly quenched the thirst.

            We are still fairly active here and I hope to hear of some good results shortly, and as you say if the cavalry had a good chance we might get some interesting reading.

            I today received a letter from Alan, he appears to be making periodical visits to the trenches, but unless he is concerned in a “push” or “show” the danger is not so very great.  A lot of the infantry say that would not have our job at any price, as after a spell in the trenches they do get a rest.  Alan apparently gets plenty of opportunities of spending money as there are canteens and shops of a sort in his vicinity, but such conveniences do not reach us, neither is there any sign of a Y.M.C.A.  We certainly did start a canteen of our own in a tent but a stray shell some weeks ago blew it sky high & since then it has withered away (the canteen I mean).  The worst of it is that I have plenty of money (about 40 francs and a pound note) which I am dying to burn.

            I should imagine that the Germans did expect to hold their positions for ever judging by the solidity of their dugouts, but for myself I don’t like their system of such deep dugouts (some of them I believe go down as far as 30 ft) as there is the danger of getting buried in case a shell hits the roof, which has happened in many cases.

            You are certainly getting on very rapidly now and in another week or two should hear where your new post will take you.  I hope however your holiday will not be interrupted and that you will have a good time at Rush.  When we witnessed the cavalry manoeuvres there some years ago it certainly did not strike me that I should ever be playing that game.  I am glad you are getting better weather and hope it will hold up for your holiday.  There are all sorts of insects here but not too troublesome.  Our present dugouts though are overrun with rats and mice.

            With regard to the question of destiny (? identity)I can only say that you can say what you like in your letters – mine are censored.  I did not mean Ada or anyone I met in Ireland.  Think hard.

            I can quite understand and your trouble in finding something to write about but my position is worse as I am full of information that I am bursting to impart but have to restrain myself.  I have very nearly filled four pages which I hope will satisfy you but I am very much afraid of the quality.

            Yours,

                        Bernard.

In envelope addressed to Mr & Mrs Harry R King, Esq., Munmore, Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin. Ireland.  Ans^d 6.8.16

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE T.47.  30 JY 16.  Hexagonal PASSED FIELD CENSOR 3447.  Signed J.W. England.

1862 J James

1/5 Leicester Regt

Transport Sec

Dear Mr,

            Just a few lines to say I got your letter, and was very pleased with it, i am going on nicely up to now, i had a letter from Miss Hunt, but i am sending a letter, we are having some rain, but never mind, we can stand it, we are having to keep our eyes open they are shelling in the next field to us, i hope we are going to win, but they are a bit hot some times, all the send there best love to you, and all there Friends, I think this is all this time, i will write again in a other week,

From  A Soldier Friend at the Front.

In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters, Vicar of Whitwick, Leicester Rd, Whitwick, Leicestershire.  England.

Letter postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE T 46  26 JY 15

PASSED BY CENSOR 405 in triangular cachet in red.

25^th July 1916

Operation Orders for Gas Attack of –

1. Section Commanders will ensure that sections are organised into the necessary emplacement crews and orderlies.
2. Sections will parade at 5.45 p.m., ready for transport to trench head.
3. Parade in fighting order.
4. Sections will be inspected and watches synchronised.
5. Spanners and connection accessories will be carried by sections in labelled sandbags.
6. Brassards will be carried, but may not be worn until the front trench is reached.
7. On reaching front line, stores well be distributed, cylinders tested, connections made (finger tight only).
8. Officers will identify their approximate signal dug-out and report their arrival by sending wind message to O.C. COY.
9. Zero will be fixed before proceeding to the line, and discharge will take place without further warning unless wind conditions prove unfavourable.  If no postponement message is received, section commanders will carry on at their own discretion, discharging or not doing so at given zero.
10. As soon after zero as possible a message will be sent to O.C. Coy.

Discharge —-

No discharge —-

• Should no postponement occur, all connections should be made spanner tight at least ½ hour before zero.
• After discharge, or receipt of postponement message, pipes will be disconnected as soon as it is safe to do so (sprayers to be used if discharge has occurred), and will be returned to the dug-out, remaining there under guard detailed by the section commander.
• Wind messages should be forwarded to O.C. Coy., at 9 p.m., 10 p.m., and half hourly afterwards.

All wind messages, and other essential messages should be marked

PRIORITY.

1. The following codes will be used:

Wind Direction:

N  N.N.E. NE  E.N.E  E

0      1       2       3       4

E.S.E  S.E.  S.S.E.  S.

5           6        7       8

S.S.W.  SW  W.S.W.  W

    9       10       11       12

WNW   NW   NNW

   13      14     15

Velocity:  0 – 2 m.p.h A.

     2 – 6 m.p.h. B.

     6 plus          C.

1. Section commanders are entirely responsible for the final order for discharge, which is left entirely to their own discretion.
2. Arrangements for connections, accessories and all material are attached.

• Material –

Connections and parapet pipes –

The amount at the disposal of each section is shown, tabulated.

The whole will be carried in by infantry carrying parties.

Two reliable men (1 cpl.) and two pioneers from each section must parade outside workshops at 12 A.M. to check section material and place it in groups ready for loading .  They must parade again at 1.15 p.m. for loading and will proceed on lorries to trench head and guide infantry parties carrying connections, to their respective sectors.

They will be instructed whether to deposit their stores in a given dug-out or at emplacements.

Spanners and small accessories –

These, at the rate shown tabulated below, will be placed in labelled sandbags and carried up with sections.

Vermorel Sprayers –

These are provided, at the rate of 1 per bay, by Infantry Brigades 188 (&189).  One infantry man will be attached to each bay to work sprayers. 

He must be instructed in his duties.

Other stores, such as double male ends or adjustable wrenches can be drawn against receipt in the workshop.

Return of Spanners etc

being used in the trenches

25.7.16

Section	Universe	Box	Y.S.	L.S.	Clamps	Staples	Extra Staples
43	22	22	11	11	22	77	33
44	32	22	1	11	22	77	33
46	32	22	1	11	22	77	33
47	28	22	5	11	19	77	33
48	32	22	1	11	11	77	33
29	29	22	4	11	11	77	33
Total	175	132	23	66	107	462	198

Bottom of page torn off.