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

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.

SECRET

Copy No……………

Ref Map

AMIENS 17

1/100,000

9^TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

Operational Order 152-3

2^nd of August 1918

1. The 9^th Brigade C.F.A. will march tonight August 2^nd/3^rd from present billets to billets in VERS-BACOEUL Area. Starting Point will be Crossroads ¼ mile South of “S” in SALOUL.       Units will pass the Starting Point as follows:-

Bde Hdqrs & 31^st Btty  9.30 p.m.

33^rd Battery                  9.35 p.m.

45^th Battery                   9.40 p.m.

36^th Battery                   9.45 p.m.

1. Route will be: – SALOUEL – SALEUX – VERS BACOEUL.

1. 20 yards distance between Brigade Headquarters and 31^st Battery and 100 yards between batteries will be maintained.

1. Men may ride conforming to Brigade Standing Orders.

1. No halts will be made.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE

Lieutenant

Adjt 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade

Copies to:-

31^st Battery C.F.A.

33^rd Battery C.F.A.

45^th Battery C.F.A.

36^th Battery C.F.A.

R.S.M. Bde Hdqrs

WAR DIARY of 20 Siege Battery for July 1918

Place       Date    Hour                                                Summary of Events and Information

JULY                                                        Battery in 44 (S.A.) Bde RGA.  (Lt. Col H.BLEW DSO) under I Corps H.A. (Brig Gen F.G. MAUNSELL CB CMG)

1^st                    Officers of the Battery

Lt. (A/Major) J.C. THOMPSON M.C. (SR)

Lt. A/CAPT A.A. HANHART (SR)

Lt. H.L. PAUL (TF)

Lt. E.B. LOACH (SR)

Lt. R.G. PERCIVAL (SR)

²/Lt. F.W. DAVIS (SR)

²/Lt.C.H. BATEMAN (SR)

²/Lt. W.H. CHAPMAN (SR)

²/Lt. B.W. TURNBULL (SR)

²/Lt. E.O. DAVIES (SR)

²/Lt. A.E. COCKFIELD (SR)

[²/Lt. H.E.WELLS R.F.A. attd]

Battery on Rest at RUITZ with guns in position near HOUCHIN 13000 yds from line.

3^rd                             Major THOMPSON went to I Corps H.A. Counter Battery Officer.

7^{th                    2}/Lt. F.W. DAVIS left on PARIS leave.

9^{th                    2}/Lt. W.H. CHAPMAN left on ordinary leave to UK.

12^{th                  2}/Lt. A.E. COCKFIELD arrived at Billets on return off leave to UK.

14^{th                  2}/Lt. C.H. BATEMAN left on ordinary leave to UK.

17^th                  2 Lt. E.O. DAVIES left for 1^st Army Artillery School.

18^th                  Lt. F.W. DAVIES arrived from PARIS LEAVE.

21^st                  Lt. H.L. PAUL left for 1^st Army Artillery School Course.

24^th                  Sgt Biggs accidentally hit on range and subsequently died from wounds.

25^{th                  2}/Lt. W.H. CHAPMAN returned from leave to UK.

25^th                  Musketry Competition at FROISSART range.

29^th                  Lt. E.B. LOACH proceeded on GAS course.

30^th                  Lt. BATEMAN returned from leave to UK.

One Section relieve 193 Siege Bty at LABOURSE in situ under 2^nd Lts TURNBULL and COCKFIELD.