Starting this journal, here in a cold dark Kings Cross train station, waiting for my final connection for home still miles away in Hartlepool.  It is hard to for me to imagine that it was only yesterday morning, I was still in those dreadful trenches, so far away in France.

We had been relieved in the trenches late on the Sunday morning by our old friends the 12th DELI.  I had made my way out wearily but with an extra eagerness, that extra eagerness to get out, that comes from the knowledge that you are due a leave, a home leave.  I collected all that I needed from our billets, and went for a much-needed bath, shave and change of clothes.  After bathing, almost cutting my throat with a blunt razor blade (must try to get good supply of new ones), and donning a fresh clean uniform, I felt a different person altogether.

I made my way up to the transport field and was astonished by how much, even better I felt, after receiving two hundred francs and a pass for England from Major Walker.  The rest of Sunday was spent in transit though France to the coast, catching up on lost sleep whenever possible.

The channel crossing on Monday was mostly uneventful but bitterly cold, although the sea was relatively well behaved for the time of year.  Passed away the time by chatting to others going on leave and also those walking wounded who were fit enough to talk.  Heard some really horrific stories from the front but fortunately most of the talk was of what was going happen once they were home and what they were going to do, see family, meet up with old friends, drinks with the lads, etc.

Delayed in Folkston because of Zeppelin action, all very frustrating when all you want to do is get home to your loving wife and children. 

Here in London the delays have been just as bad, Zeppelins again.

A raid by six Zeppelins over East Anglia and the Midlands that day killed 70 (29 men, 26 women and 15children), and injured another 113 (44 men, 50 women and 19 children), all of the dead and all but one of the injured were civilians.

I have been well looked after while I have been waiting, I have been fed and supplied with continuous hot drinks, from various religious organisations.  I have also been given packets of cigarettes and chocolate from complete strangers, wishing to welcome home the brave fighting troops.  Managed to change most of my Francs for real money in the station, before eventually leaving for home at 3.45am.

1 FEB TUESDAY

Got into Hartlepool at 11.30am, over two days after leaving France and about five months since the last time I was home.  The familiar sight of St. Hilda,s church, the harbour and even the coal staithes and docks all look unbelievably magnificent.  I think at this point, after over two days of travelling, I was probably more tired than when I had set off  but the thought of seeing Jane, baby Jim and little Meg again was all that was keeping me going.  Much the same way as that thought had been keeping me going for the last five months in France.

Spent the rest of the afternoon hugging, laughing, crying, talking about anything and nothing, and asking and answering all manner of questions, until sleep eventually caught up with me after tea.

Later that night I went to see a review at the palladium, although not exceptional it was far superior to anything in France (well anything in France anywhere near where I’ve been), and it felt good to be doing something normal again for a change.

2 FEB WEDNESDAY

There is so much to catch up on.  Spent all day at home with Jane and the children, it is so good to be together again and Jane looks wonderful, especially as she is five months pregnant.  It is also good to be eating normally again, normal food, at normal times, hot food with plenty of hot sweet tea, food that you know what it is your eating.

Other members of the family and lots friends popped in and out during the afternoon, far too many to mention by name.   Everybody wanted to know everything and anything that had happened to me since I had last been home, there is so much interest in the war.  They had me telling stories all afternoon, until I was hoarse, and we were eventually left alone to have our tea.

That evening I took Jane and the kids over to West Hartlepool to see Dick Whittington at the Empire.  There’s nothing like a good pantomime to cheer every one up, its so good to see the young ones enjoy themselves, especially at times like these. 

3 FEB THURSDAY

Today, even though it was bitterly cold, after dinner we all went for a walk around the croft, all those familiar, friendly faces and everybody wanted to shake me by the hand or pat me on the back.  So many questions about the war, we could have been there all day but eventually we managed to escape down to the fish quay.  Got a nice piece of cod off Jane’s uncle for tea.  Remembered about razor blades so we made a detour on to Northgate to get some and got a couple of extra packets for the lads back in France.

Put the children to bed early and had a quiet night in, sat in front of the fire, still caching up on all that I have missed while away in France.

4 FEB FRIDAY

Weather changed today, started raining but I was not going to let that get me down.  Took little Meg to Port Clarence to visit my sisters Meg and Jem.  Funny, not so long ago a journey of that length seemed to be to the far side of the world, not any more though, well not to me anyway, to little Meg though it was still a big adventure.

While there, we went to see the new Transporter Bridge across the river Tees, what a magnificent structure, truly an incredible feat of modern engineering.  If you haven’t seen it it’s almost impossible to describe, it’s massive, hundreds of feet high, a section of the road actually moves across the river suspended by long cables from the bridge high above, like a ferry flying across the river.  Meg and I had to have a go, so we flew over the Tees to Middlesbrough and back again.

Night out with Syd and some of the other lads, its a long time since we had a night out together, quite a few other servicemen out, in and around the many ail houses in town.  It is hard to buy a drink for yourself when you are out in uniform, as everyone wants to buy one for you. The Navy seems to be out in force tonight, all drunk and all singing but who can blame them.  After all, it can’t be any better at sea than it is in the trenches, especially when its freezing cold and also these lads are only on shore leave, not at home with there families, as I am.

5 FEB SATURDAY

Went round to visit the folks on the morning.

Syd called round to see us in the afternoon, then together with Jane we all went down to Allison's the jewelers, to get me a new wrist watch, to replace one that I lost in France some months ago.  Got quite a good watch fairly cheep and the jeweler said that it’s supposed to be “practically indestructible”, just right for the trenches.

Tonight visited Old Boys Rugby club and the Grand for a few drinks.  Old Boys was heaving and I took some stick in there though, playing for the Seamen’s rugby team as I do, but the good beer and familiar friendly company made it all worthwhile.

Bed early though, back to France tomorrow.

6 FEB SUNDAY

What a Sunday no lie in for me, up at 4am had breakfast with Jane, wasn’t in much of a mood for eating but its a very long journey back and it could be quite a long time before I got my next hot meal.

Said a tearful good-bye and made my way to the station, walking along Northgate in the pouring rain carrying a full kit bag.  A kit bag loaded up with sandwiches for the journey and other necessities unobtainable in France, the razor blades for instance.

Back in France, arriving at the camp in Boulogne at 2.30am and managed to get my head down for the night in a hut near to the wireless station, very tired, so the noise from the station personnel did not bother me at all.

8 FEB TUESDAY

After a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs at the Y M, I took the opportunity to go for a walk around the town of Boulogne.  Boulogne is not unlike other coastal towns of the same size, in England or France, its funny how the towns in France are not very different from the ones back home.  Back to the Y M for a huge dinner before leaving for Steenwerck at 7.45pm, to rejoin my old company.

The French train carriages seem very dirty and uncomfortable after traveling in England, in fact the carriages are so uncomfortable it is impossible to get any rest or sleep at all on the long journey back to the front tonight.

9 FEB WEDNESDAY

Arrived in Steenwerck about two this morning (I always seem to be arriving in places and looking for somewhere to sleep in the middle of the night) thankfully I got a ride up to the transport field, where I eventually managed to get some sleep in a barn, real luxury after the train.

Up early, fed, then marched up to the billet, not a long march, the lads were all glad to see me back, there has been a few casualties, while I have been away but thankfully, nothing too serious.

Just got settled in when the shelling started, now I really know that leave is really over and I am really back.  Kept our heads down, the shelling didn’t last long but it was fairly heavy, heard later that W Stoker was wounded, do not know how bad though.

10 FEB THURSDAY

Still in the same billet as yesterday, quite comfortable, dry and draught free, the shelling started again midmorning, not as heavy as yesterday though.  I felt a little better when I discovered there were no casualties.

Went on Headquarters guard after the shelling, all quiet up at Headquarters, Headquarters are not like our billets, there are in a big house and are very clean.  Nothing to do, so I took the opportunity to write a letter to Jane, was it only Sunday this week that I last saw her.

11 FEB FRIDAY

Still on Headquarters guard and its raining again, nothing much doing in our quarter but it’s not as quiet everywhere.  Up at headquarters we watched the Germans bombard Erquinghem and Bac-St-Maur, could see quite well from our position.  Seems strange to just stand and watch and not be able to do anything to help the poor sods down there.  Relieved of Headquarters guard this afternoon and rejoined the rest of the company.

Met Ginger later, started chatting about home and got a bit depressed, Ginger hasn’t been home for ages.  Cheered ourselves up by having a big feed together, think I may have eaten too much but its best to eat good whenever you get the opportunity, field rations are not quite what they are made out to be and often in the trenches they are very scarce.

12 FEB SATURDAY

Said good-bye to Corporal Readmen this morning, he is off to join No5 company.  Eight new drafts came in as replacements this afternoon, the usual assortment, some loud and brash, others quiet and nervous.  I felt sorry for all of them, it doesn’t mater what they think its going to be like, they couldn’t possibly know just how bad it really is here.  Well it didn’t take long for them to find out, we got shelled out of our billets twice in two hours, what a baptism of fire for the new boys, luckily when it was all over, we are all still here. 

Later that night, along with the new boys, we took over in the trenches from the 12th, things are quieting down, no more shelling for now.

Heard that my old mate George Stout was wounded in the arm today, he has been taken to the field hospital for treatment, hope he is not injured too bad.                         

13 FEB. SUNDAY

A week since I left home to travel back to France, only one week gone and already it seems like an eternity.  Sat here in this trench, I wonder if anyone, who has not been through the trench experience themselves, can understand just how much pressure we are under and just how frightening all of this, really is. 

The shelling started again this afternoon, very rough, most of it was away to the left of us though.  Hope Corporal Readmen is all right, as it was No5 Company on our left who took a real hammering today and had six casualties.

The one bright spot of today, was getting a letter from Aunt Rose, nice to hear from her, as I did not get to see her last week, must write back soon.

14 FEB MONDAY

The area as a whole has been quiet today, but unfortunately, not for us.  There was a bit of a panic when a shell exploded just down the trench from our position, the blast knocked me off my feet, I had heard and seen the damn thing coming but had had no time at all to react.  By the time I got back to my feet, there were people were scattered all over the trench and there was debris everywhere.  The dust in the air, mixed with the smell of the explosive mixed with the ever-present smell of the dead, was almost choking.  My ears are still ringing from the noise of the explosion, these things are loud enough but when it is that close, its unimaginable.

Two of the lads were wounded, do not know who yet, but I think one of them, was the lad that we had sniping for us, in fact, that could be who the shell was meant for.  Thankfully, the word from the field hospital is that they are only slightly injured and they are going to be all right.  The rest of us had to spend the remainder of the day working hard, cleaning out and rebuilding the damage done to the trench.

I managed to break the glass in my new “practically indestructible” watch sometime today, must have been when I was blown over, or perhaps it was just while I was working on the trench.

15 FEB TUESDAY

Carter and Hays were the two lads wounded in yesterdays explosion, latest word from the field hospital is that they were not badly injured and should be back up the front soon, I can’t help wondering whether that last bit of information is good news or not. 

The weather took a turn for the worse this morning, wind and rain at first, followed by snow and sleet in the afternoon.  The trench is not in a bad condition though, it is still dry and the weather has cleared up tonight, although it is still very cold.

16 FEB WEDNESDAY

It has been quiet around our trench today for a change, although it’s not quiet everywhere along our front, there’s quite a bit going on to the right and left of us.  The sky has been lighting up on both sides of us way into the night, so there is not much chance of any sleep tonight with all that noise going on.

17 FEB THURSDAY

Eventually relieved late in the day by the 12th and after some friendly banter between our lads and theirs, we made our way out of the trenches to a bivouac some way back from the front, wondering if all of the 12th would still be there when we relieve them in a few days.

What a relieve it is to be able to relax for a while.  Received some news of George Stout, he’s got a Blighty and has been shipped out to a Hospital back home, hope he’s well again soon.  I will have to write to him as soon as I find out which hospital he has gone to.

Got letter and newspapers from Jane tonight.  I do not know how me and the other lads would cope here without our contact with home, so the regular mail we get from home is a godsend.  I would reckon the main topic of conversation between us lads, whenever, we get a spare minute, is the news that we have got from home.  Any news at all, news about Grandad, Uncle Tommy, little Johnny, news about the weather, news of friends, news of the dogs bad leg, the news papers themselves, it all help take your mind off the war and anything that dose that is always welcome.

18 FEB FRIDAY

Had a nice quiet relaxing day in the bivouac, spent much of the time watching the heavier than normal aeroplane activity.  Amazing things those aeroplanes, I had only ever seen one or two before I enlisted and now I think I could watch them all day but I do not know if I would fancy going up in one though.  It is only thirteen years since the first aeroplane flight and now there are hundreds of them.  I eventually stopped watching when the rain started to teem down.

Got paid 15 francs today but there’s nowhere to spend it though, well not without getting wet anyway, might have a walk out tomorrow, if the weather improves.

19 FEB SATURDAY

Sitting in my bivouac watching aeroplanes was getting a little bit boring by the afternoon and as the weather had dried up somewhat.  I decided I would go and dig out Jim Robinson to see if he fancied a walk in to the town.  Found him in his bivouac, sitting, getting bored just like I had been, so it didn’t take much to talk him into going for a walk down into Erquinghem town.  Erquinghem had been quite badly damaged by the bombardment I had watched from headquarters on the night of the 11th but fortunately, despite the bombardment, quite a lot of Erquinghem is still standing.

The devastation in parts of France and Belgium is so unbelievable, that I do not think it is possible for the people back home to imagine just how bad the destruction of the area around the front line actually is.  Some of the places that are still called towns are in fact just piles of rubble, with the odd wall still standing here and there, some don’t even have that much.  Even more unrecognisable, are the places we are sometime sent to called woods, as the trees are long gone and all that is left to show that a wood was once there, are a few splintered stumps dotted around the open fields.  I cannot imagine the area of the front line ever recovering from what we have done to it.

20 FEB SUNDAY

Aeroplanes at it again all day, quite a lot of them up there, getting used to them by now, watching there antics is not such a novelty as it was two days ago, although they are still fascinating.

Went down to Erquinghem with Jim again, to get a new glass put in my watch.  We had found a place the previous day, where a little old French watch maker, had promised to have a new glass ready for me by the next afternoon.  The glass was fitted in no time at all and the watch now looks as good as new.

Tonight mounted an all night guard at headquarters, (complete with a new glass in my watch) where I discovered that sergeant Burns is under arrest, not sure what for yet.

21 FEB MONDAY

Dismounted the guard at 7am and took over as orderly sergeant.  Relived in the bivouac by the 15th Royal Scots and moved off to new bivouacs at Hall-O-Beau, looks like we will not be relieving the 12th in the trenches after all.

Still have not been able to find out what sergeant Burns has done.

22 FEB TUESDAY

Quiet time, took the opportunity to write some letters, its nice to have the time to be able to catch up my correspondence.  Wrote to Jane, Aunt Alice, Aunt Rose, my sister Meg, and Syd.

23 FEB WEDNESDAY

The weather is deteriorating and getting colder, there was a frost last night and now it is snowing.

The latest news on sergeant Burns, is that, he has been remanded for court martial, somebody must know what he’s supposed to have done but nobody is saying of sure, I get the impression that he was drunk on duty though.

24 FEB THURSDAY

The early morning parade was late this morning, it is still frosty and is snowing on and off.  Was in the orderly room most of the day, lots of reading to catch up on, got newspapers and a letter from Jane, also got a letter and some more newspapers from Syd. 

25 FEB FRIDAY

Relived in Steenwerck by the 4th and marched along the road to Sailly-sur-la-Lys, where we relived the 3rd at Rue de Quiray.  We are in Canvas bivouacs and the weather is turning very nasty, there is a heavy frost and now it has started snowing, it is so cold, I do not think I will get much sleep to night.

26 FEB SATURDAY

Left the cold bivouacs at Rue de Quiray and Sailly for Morbecque at 10am, Sailly to Morbecque is quite a long march, someone said it’s about 20 kilometres, I think that’s about 12 miles, it does not sound as far in miles.  On the march we passed through Estaires, where we encountered the 19th DLI going the other way, there was quite a lot of friendly banter between us.  Eventually arrived at our billets at 8pm, had some food then straight to bed.

27 FEB SUNDAY

The billets are actually between Morbecque and Hazebrouck, we had a rest day after yesterdays march, still plenty of snow about.

28 FEB MONDAY

Early morning parades started again today, there was also a forenoon parade as well, but we were allowed some rest in the afternoon.  Although the weather is still very cold, the thaw has set in.

29 FEB TUESDAY

After the early morning parade, we got orders to move out, eventually left the billet at 1.30pm and marched to the station at Morbecque.  Boarded the train at 4pm, traveling this way is better than marching, not very comfortable but still better than marching, in fact, any form of transport is better than marching.  Arrived in the station at Calonne-Ricouart at 7.30pm then marched up to the billet in Auchel, the billet is in the Rue de Ecole.

There was just enough time before lights out, for me and Jim Robinson to have a quick scout about the area, found somewhere to get something to eat and when we went inside we found that Ginger had got there before us.  The three of us had a good feed and a small libation, in honor of the splendid food, before walked back to the billet together and despite the cold, all feeling rather warm inside, not a bad way to spend this years extra day.

1 MAR WEDNESDAY

Things quiet in Auchel, although there was some excitement, there was a football match played today, the13th were involved so I went to support them.  Although the match was a bit scrappy and the pitch was not very level, the game itself was a very close affair indeed. It was end-to-end stuff, with it all level, at one apiece at the end of the first half.  The second half was fiercely contested, with the13th eventually losing out, by the odd goal in five, the referee took some stick over a penalty decision that he didn’t give, which left us walking around Auchel shouting “referee!” at anyone for no apparent reason at all.  Although it could have been the bottle of vin blanc that we had during the game.  I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing, even though I am a Rugby man myself and judging by the amount of noise they made, the rest of the rather large crowd also seemed to enjoy the match.

2 MAR THURSDAY

Pay day, 15 francs that is about 12/6.  Went to a French cinema in Auchel tonight with a couple of the lads.  The cinema was a scruffy, stuffy, smoky hole, full of noisy louts, who sang songs during the whole show.  Tried shouting “referee!” but it didn’t do any good, still Charlie Chaplin was funny anyway and it all helps take your mind of the war for a time and again any thing that does that, can’t be bad.

Just enough time for a quick drink afterwards, before getting back for another good nights sleep.

3 MAR FRIDAY

A German airplane dropped a bomb on Auchel early this morning, I heard the noise it made but did not see the damage it did.  I can see Airplanes becoming quite a nuance in this war, fly in drop a bomb and fly straight back out, damage done and with little chance of being hit.

Wet snow coming down again today.  Relieved of orderly sergeant by sergeant Watson on the afternoon.

Got letters from Jane, George Stout and Aunt Rose today.  George is in the Northumberland war hospital, he writes, that all of the nurses are so beautiful and that he has fallen in love with most of them since his arrival (he certainly knows how to make you envious).  He also says that he is eating good food and sleeping well in a most comfortable bed with crisp clean sheets.  He finished by wishing me well and asking me to keep him informed of all of the latest news from the front and of how the lads are doing.  Aunt Rose sent me some razor blades, what luxury, new razor blades, as I have mentioned before, razor blades are much sort after around here, must write and thank her soon.

4 MAR SATURDAY

No parade this morning, there has been plenty of wet snow coming down all day.

Sergeant Burns has been stripped of his rank, for being drunk on duty.

Sergeant A Shearer transferred to B Company and had J Green returned to us Carter and Hays (the two lads wounded on the 14th of February) came back from hospital, not a lucky as George Stout then.

Went for another walk around the town tonight, Auchel is a typical colliery village, not unlike those back home in the north east, in and around the Durham coalfield.  Got a birthday card for little Meg and had a look round for a little present for her.

Later tonight I wrote a letter to George Stout in the Northumberland hospital, I told him how bad the weather is over here and how he is better off, well out of it, although the way he got out of here, could have been under slightly better circumstances.  I told him all about Cater and Hays and how I had broken the glass in my watch, I told him about the football match and of how much he would have enjoyed it, I also told him that he is a jammy so and so and that we are all jealous.  I also took the opportunity tonight to write to Jane and to Aunt Rose, to thank her for the razor blades.

5 MAR SUNDAY

This morning we assembled for church parade, but when we got there, the church was full, so we about turned and marched back to camp.  Seemed to be all marching today, after the morning march to church there was a route march in the afternoon.

Went back to the cinema tonight, its still a scruffy hole and it was the same Charlie Chaplin film.  Not all bad today though, I got a parcel from Plymouth today.

6 MAR MONDAY

Plenty of snow about again today.

There was a big snowball fight near the aerodrome this morning, with us against ‘D’ company.  Great fun, running about and making lots of noise, rather cold though and who can tell who wins a snowball fight.  Tried throwing a few snowballs at the airplanes, without any successes though, they must be higher up than they look.

In the afternoon, it was back to business as usual, with instruction in grenade and bomb throwing (just what we had been doing all morning).  Tonight my arm is aching with all that throwing, I may never be able to play darts or lift a pint again.

7 MAR TUESDAY

Snow still here, did a route march and bayonet drill in the snow, bayonet drill was not as interesting as yesterdays snowball fight and somehow it was much, much colder.

We are under orders to move tonight.  It was Shrove Tuesday today but there were no pancakes for us, probably because of the movement orders.

8 MAR WEDNESDAY

We left Auchel at 8.30 to march, in the snow, over the hills to Hermin.  Arrived at about 12 after a long and difficult march, my feet are really bad (freezing cold, wet and aching).  We relieved the French in some old barns.  I was just glad to get my boots off and warm my feet up.

9 MAR THURSDAY

The Barns and surrounding area were filthy after the French, we spent most of the day hard at work cleaning and patching the place up, to try and make it a bit more comfortable and weatherproof.

Jim Robinson and I had a prowl around the area on the afternoon, looking for French or better German souvenirs.  Found a French beret, it is a bit tatty and mucky but it should clean up and be worth something.  Also found a German ammunition clip, that must be worth at least a couple of francs.  Quite a few of the lads collect souvenirs and the officers always seem to be ready to give a couple of francs for an interesting piece.

Remembered to send the birthday card that I had bought in Auchel last Saturday for little Meg, she will be four on Monday. 

Tonight it is still snowing but at least after our efforts, the barns now keep out the weather and are relatively warm.

10 MAR FRIDAY

Morning parade followed by skirmishing and a charge snowball fight against the 7th and 8th, beat them easily, after all we had had some practice.

When out with Jim again latter but there were no more souvenirs to be found.

Got a parcel from Jane and a letter from my sister Meg tonight.

11 MAR SATURDAY

Still plenty of snow about today, route marching in the afternoon.  Saw John West, an old friend during the march, just in passing though and did not get a chance to speak to him, as we were going in opposite directions.

We all assembled for a speech from the General in the afternoon, I could not hear much of what he was saying though, as we were hanging about at the back.  Anyway, when you have heard one General speak, you have heard them all.  The newer boys, who had never heard or probably even seen a General before, were at the front.

Got another parcel from Plymouth and a letter from George Stout, nice to here from him again so soon.  He appears to be on the mend, he got my letter and says the weather is not much better at home, also that he would like me to write again soon.

12 MAR SUNDAY

No church parade again this morning

Went for a stroll though Hermin with Jim Robinson. We walked as far as the artillery billet and had a bit of crack and a cup of tea with Fat Almond and the other artillery lads.  We spent quite some time there, this, as it happens, turned out to be a bad move, as it started to snow heavily, wet snow and we had to walk all the way back to our barn.  By the time we got back, we were soaking wet but thankfully, there was a blazing fire and another cup of hot tea waiting for us when we got back,

13 MAR MONDAY

Warmer today, which was good, as we had to do a route march early this morning.  On the march, we practiced a new method of giving orders on rout marches, we had to respond to whistled signals rather than verbal orders.  The march was followed by company drill and then physical exercises (don’t they think we get enough exercise already).

There was no parade this afternoon so I took the opportunity to catch up on some reading.  I was expecting a letter from Jane today but nothing came, its little Meg’s fourth birthday today, wish I was home to share it with her.  Yet another birthday missed, yet another year missed, who knows how old our children will be before all of this is over and we are home with them again for good.  There is also the new baby on the way and there is probably no chance at all of being home before the birth.

14 MAR TUESDAY

Doing manual exercises again today, followed by a whistle halt rout march, you would think we would get more rest.

Took a cross-country route into Houdain with Jim Robinson tonight, Houdain is a larger town that Hermin.  In Houdain the estaminets were full of British soldiers, we managed to find one that was not quite as full as the others, where we had a large plate of egg and chips with a huge piece of bread and a bottle of vin blanc, all followed by a coffee with a nip of cognac.  We were a bit late rolling back to our billet, traveling on foot cross-country is a lot easier when its light and you haven’t had a drink or two.

But on the way back, we did manage to stumble across a French rifle partially buried in the mud, which, when its cleaned up, should be worth more than all the other stuff we’ve found put together.

15 MAR WEDNESDAY

At it again today, marching and exercising.  Afterwards we all trouped off for a bathing parade, its nice to feel clean again.  Practiced throwing bombs this afternoon, Jim and I had a bit of a competition to see who could throw the farthest, I won. 

Tonight I sold the French rifle (which had cleaned up quite nicely) to Captain Blake, for 15 francs and the German ammunition clip to Lieutenant Oliphant for 2 francs.  Quite a profitable night and I was right about the rifle being worth something.

16 MAR THURSDAY

Left Hermin this morning for Bouvigny, another colliery town like Auchel, we arrived about midday, Bouvigny is a lot closer to the front, and we will probably be back in soon.

Went for a walk down town tonight, it looks just like the colliery towns back home just outside my hometown of Hartlepool.  Bouvigny looks like a decent place judging by what I have seen so far.  Found a small eating-house, that was obviously used by the enlisted men, nice and cheap, with good-sized portions and large glasses for the beer.

17 MAR FRIDAY

What a luxury, we went for another bath up at the colliery this morning, two baths in three days, whatever next. 

After bathing, we were joined by another new draft before moving out of Bouvigny in the afternoon for Calonne.  Calonne is yet another mining village or what is left of a mining village.  Took over the French trenches later in the afternoon.  The trenches are among the houses, most made using parts of what was left of the old house walls.  Thankfully all quiet tonight .

18 MAR SATURDAY

Plenty of work here for the 13th (as usual), trenches to build and repair.  Keeping our heads down as there is quite a bit of grenade throwing going on around us.  Two men from the 14th were wounded today and a brick thrown up by a shell burst hit private Daly, he is only bruised though.

There is a nice field kitchen in the village, good food after a hard day work is just what you need for a good nights sleep, trouble is you do not get sleep in the trenches.

19 MAR SUNDAY

The Shelling has been very lively today, Potter was wounded early on and taken away to the field hospital.  ‘A’ company had a go at bombing the Germans, with some success.  After dark, I went out on patrol through the wire into No Mans Land with the Captain and Jim Robinson.  I say after dark but it was a full moon, not bad for seeing what we were doing and where we were going but not that good for not being noticed by the Germans.

Always on the look out for souvenirs, we found a German haversack in a bombed out trench.  When the Captain examined the haversack, he found it contained some papers, he said that they might be important and that we should get them back pretty dam quick.  Therefore, we started back towards the gap in the wire.

On our way back to our trenches, a German patrol, probably out doing the same sort of thing as we were, opened fire on us and we had to make a run for it.  We managed to get down behind a low wall, and into a shell hole, quite a bit of luck for us that that particular bit of wall was still standing, as it gave us an advantage.

Made our getaway by throwing a few grenades each over the wall and then making a quick run for the gap in the wire, while the Germans still had there heads down.  Thankfully, we all got back in one piece, much shaken but also very excited.

The captain wasted no time at all and took the papers straight up to HQ, leaving Jim and I to tell of our adventure.  The lads had heard all of the commotion out in No Mans Land, the shots and grenades exploding but had not seen a thing, until we came running in.

Too exited to sleep, but reading a letter from my sister Meg, about life back home, has helped to bring me back down to earth a little

20 MAR MONDAY

Germans shelling all day today, the shelling managed to smash up two bays in the trench, which meant more work for us.  Spent most of the daylight hours like this, doing running repairs to the trenches damaged by the shelling

Bit of a rough night, out on a bombing affair with Jim Robinson again, we appear to be getting the better of the Germans, although J Allen was killed tonight while out on a similar patrol

21 MAR TUESDAY

The German shelling is still going on, the trench was hit yet again this morning and Daly was wounded for a second time, in four days, not his lucky week.  We were relived late in the afternoon by the 12th.

Back in the village of Calonne in a comfortable billet.  Got a parcel from aunt Alice, containing some cake and biscuits, its funny how popular one can become among ones roommates and in such a short space of time, the time it takes to open a parcel in fact.

Went out on a working party tonight, I managed to get separated from the others and was very late finding my way back, I was quite worried for a while, actually I think worried could be a bit of an under statement and I do not want that experience again.

22 MAR WEDNESDAY

Got a letter from Jane, she says that little Meg loved her birthday card and wants to know when her daddy is coming home, wouldn’t we all like to know the answer to that question?  Ginger is home on leave.  Things fairly quiet all day, no working party on so, I spent the day resting and writing a reply to Jane and little Meg.

23 MAR THURSDAY

Things quiet again today, weather has also been rather fine.  Featonby returned to duty today, I could not even remember what he was away for.

Out on a working party tonight, I always keep a close eye on the others now, after the other night I do not want to get separated again.  Got full rations for tomorrow, no biscuits though, I don’t think that they should give us rations the day before, as it is too much of a temptation for some of the lads, who get stuck in as soon as they get them, and then spend the next day trying to cadge food from anyone soft enough to part with it.

24 MAR FRIDAY

Sutherland went observing this morning, I fancy a go at that, instead I have to go on a working party as usual.  There is a fair amount of artillery activity, the York’s took some stick, I saw a few of there wounded coming down from the front.

The rations for tomorrow are pretty poor, only one loaf of bread per section.

25 MAR SATURDAY

Mail came in early this morning but no letters for me today though. 

The airplanes were up again this morning and there has been lots of machine gun fire going on.  Out on another working party this afternoon, followed by instructions for the working of the platoon.

This evening we handed over our comfortable billets to the 11th Northumberland Fusiliers, then we ourselves relieved the 12th in the trenches (so we eventually did get to relieve the12th in the trenches again).

26 MAR SUNDAY

Rough in the trenches today, intense shelling, day and night, we are in reserve for a place called Barlin, I think.

27 MAR MONDAY

Still rough, shelling still intense, one dropped on No8, what a mess, J L Jones and one other I don’t know died, sergeant Rutherford and two others were wounded.

I am a bit down tonight, I does not matter how many times you lose someone in the company, it still gets to you.  I think the day it does stops affecting you will be the day that you have given up and stopped being human.

28 MAR TUESDAY

Shelling still on but not quite a heavy, no casualties today, although a bay was blown in on No8.  Two men were trapped but we got them out without injures.

K Dickson went on a pass today, another lucky blighter, like Ginger, it makes you want to go home even more than usual though, very depressing.

29 MAR WEDNESDAY

Shelling about the same as yesterday, but we now have the added nuisance of enemy snipers.  P Hall was nearly caught by one, he was having a quick look over the top, some people never learn, no harm done this time though.

Relieved at about 6pm by the 12th, they said that they haven’t been able to get much rest while they have been out, with the amount of the working parties they’ve been on, coupled with the noise of the shelling.  Told them not to expect any rest here in the trench, warned them about the snipers and to keep their head down.

Moved out of the trench and up to a different billet away in Bully.

30 MAR THURSDAY

The billets in Bully are in houses, here the Germans have shelled the barn where the Battalion Headquarters were and sadly the Battalion Commander was killed.

Met an airman early tonight, who informed me that they are only left with half a company after there losses and I though that they would be fairly safe up there out of the way, but apparently that’s not so.

Out on a working party tonight, the lads of the 12th were right, there is no rest for us.

31 MAR FRIDAY

There was plenty of airplane activity today, since my conversation yesterday evening, I have a newfound respect for airmen.

Got a parcel from Jane this afternoon and I suddenly find that I am the most popular corporal in the billet again, and that I also have so many friends.

No rest though, out on working party again tonight, along with all my friends.

1 APR SATURDAY

A huge mine exploded on our right and then ‘C’ battery were shelled.

I saw one of our planes brought down today, by a sort of shrapnel shell that the Germans are using against the airplanes.  It makes it all very dangerous for us, as we are liable to be hit by falling bits, but not as dangerous as it is for the airman, he was killed.

Met Fat Almond from ‘C’ battery, he said that most of their equipment had been destroyed and that they had taken a lot of casualties. 

2 APR SUNDAY

Went to my first church parade for quite a few weeks today, the service was held in the ruins of what had once been a school.  There were rather a lot of troops packed into the building.  We had grand weather for the service, which was just as well, as there wasn’t much left of the school’s roof.  The bright sunlight shone through what was left of the roof, where the remains of the broken rafters, cast strange eerie shadows over the congregation and floor.

There was lots of artillery activity throughout the day, movements as well as firing, probably replacements coming in for the stuff destroyed in Fat Almond’s battery yesterday.  There was also plenty of airplane activity all day.

Just as last week, we were relived of our billets by the 11th Northumberland Fusiliers, and then we marched up to the trenches and relived the 12th, same people, same trenches only difference being the billets we were in.

Tonight, I’ve just finished reading a letter from Aunt Rose and I am not feeling too good, I think that I may have a touch of influenza coming on.

3 APR MONDAY

Well we’re back in the trenches again but at least the weather is grand and its been fairly quiet on the whole.

Jim Robinson and a couple of the others went out on patrol with the captain tonight and came back with a prisoner, a Bosche Captain none the less.  I didn’t get chance to speak to him (Jim that is not the German), as I was sent out on a working party.

Still not feeling very well.

4 APR TUESDAY

Managed to get a minute with Jim this afternoon, to ask him about last night.  It seem that their patrol had been sent out to find out what they could about the Germans who were in, and to take a prisoner, if it was possible.  They had made there way over to the enemy front line under cover of the new moon and whatever other shelter there was in no man’s land.  They managed to slip into a trench supplying a lookout sap and came up into the sap behind the German lookouts.  As they rushed into the sap the presence of a German officer in there was a quite unexpected bonus for them.  In the dark and the confusion that followed they managed to “silence the lookouts” (Jim’s words not mine) and make off with the officer, who they promptly marched back to our trenches, while there were no lookouts to spot them.

Poor Jim had the wind up tonight, luckily for him, tonight’s bombing party was off.  Bit windy myself and still not very well but still out on a working party as the previous night anyway, its also rather cold tonight. 

Something big seems to be on up Loos way.

5 APR WEDNESDAY

Between stand to and stand down today, there was quiet a bit of activity behind the German lines, their working parties seemed to be digging another new trench or doing alterations the old ones.  So every time they got a little bit careless and stuck a head up for too long, we took a few pot shots at them, this helped to slow down their work rate.  It also made up for all of the sniping that has been going on against us whenever we try to do any work.  I had several attempts myself and eventual managed to pop one, this quietened them down for a while.  It also strangely made me feel better for a while.

No bombing parties on tonight, I am glad as I still feel out of sorts and its rather cold. 

Its on again over Loos way.

6 APR THURSDAY

Had  a few shells over this morning at about 6 o’clock, they certainly like to make sure that you’re awake.  I was glad that it was our last day in as I am very, very tired, there is not much chance to get any rest at all.  Relived by the 12th at 3 o’clock this afternoon, not much banter between us, I think that the pressure is starting to get to us all.

Took over billets in Calonne, still not very well, and completely knackered.  After a wash and some hot food tonight, some of the lads had a good singsong that helped liven me up a little.  The mail as also arrived although sadly there is none for me this time.

We were told that three of ‘C’ company had been killed today and that two of them had been Corporals.

7 APR FRIDAY

Still not very well, was sick this morning and went to see the MD, he said that there is nothing much wrong (if your not actually dead or pumping blood all over the place, then there is nothing much wrong with you). 

On guard duty this afternoon, had a good look around Brigade Command, it seems to me that its all Sergeants and Corporals running the place. 

Out on the usual type of working party tonight under sergeant Fawcett, good man Fawcett.

Feeling worse tonight, I’ll be glad to get to my bed.

8 APR SATURDAY

Still feeling a bit seedy all day and hearing the J H Merryman was killed this morning hasn’t helped.  A letter from Jane cheered me a little, with all the news of the children and family.

9 APR SUNDAY

No church parade, out on working party instead, then on Guard again this afternoon.

My health is not getting any better.  Got a parcel from Plymouth, things like this parcel and the letters from home, are the only things keeping me going at the moment.

10 APR MONDAY

Big stuff on somewhere, we can hear that from here. 

Some smoke bombs came over later (the word had gone out that it was only smoke and not gas, so there was no panic).  Not many casualties in the division. N J about the worst. 

The whole company out on a working party tonight assisting the Northumberland Fusiliers.

11 APR TUESDAY

Much quieter today, relived in the billets by the Northumberland Fusiliers and took over in the trenches from the 12th, nothing much new there then.

12 APR WEDNESDAY

Fritz has been fairly quiet today, there seems to be a new lot in over there, probably still finding their feet.

Still felling a bit seedy, its over a week now since I first started to feel unwell, I am still managing to do all of my duties though.

13 APR THURSDAY

Second day in, Fritz has sent a few over today, they must be getting settled in.  One of the shells hit just to the right of me, about 50 yards down the trench.  A Nicholl was killed by the explosion, what a mess, there wasn’t much left of him, and two of the other lads were buried and had to be dug out, thankfully they are all right but they are both shocked to hell.  We all worked very hard to get the repairs done to the trench walls.

My health is not much better, have been doing a lot of digging and carrying, and I am also very depressed.  Bob Simmons was close to today’s incident and is suffering badly from shell shock, I hope he snaps out of it soon, also the two lads who were buried are not quite with it yet.  Said a pray for all of them tonight.

14 APR FRIDAY

Reported sick this morning, with pains in my side, I was in agony walking.  Still on duty though, Fritz has been quit again today, which is just as well as I can’t move about to well at all.

15 APR SATURDAY

Eventually relived by the 12th tonight, about time too.  Moved out to billets in Bully but only with the help of the lads, as I am still in a lot of pain trying to walk.  I must have looked like one of the wounded coming in. 

In the same billets as last time we were here in Bully.  I am properly warn out after this latest tour in the trenches, I have been ill the whole time in, tonight I am so tired that a can’t even be bothered to go for something to eat.  All I want is a good nights sleep.

16 APR SUNDAY

Palm Sunday, had a church parade in the same ruined school as last time, I wonder what has happened to all of the children that once used it.  We still see kids about from time to time but not many.  Said many prays today, and added a new one, for the children of this war, there are going to be an awful lot of kids without dads after this is all over.  Here in France, there will also be a lot of orphans, I suppose that it is going the be same for the Germans as well.

Wrote a letter to Jane after church, asking her especially about the children. 

Feeling slightly better than yesterday, managing to get about a little bit better, that is without help, although it is sill painful.  Not much doing today in regards to the fritzies, although I did see a couple of shrapnel shells burst about two miles away, nasty things.

17 APR MONDAY

Was permitted to miss out on the working parties today, thankfully and was allowed to have a rest. 

Got a new uniform.  

18 APR TUESDAY

Feeling better today after my rest, which is a good job, as we were up early, packed up and moved out to Coupigny by 6am.  Went straight onto a working party of about 60 men at Coupigny station and worked straight through to 4.30pm in the drizzly rain.  We’ve been filling in holes and fixing up the tracks (at one time we used to be infantry men but now it seem, that for the majority of the time, that we are now engineers).  Got to our billets in wooden huts at about 5pm.

Took over a Orderly Sergeant again tonight.

19 APR WEDNESDAY

Weather unsettled today, stayed in the huts most of  the time, there is plenty of room in here for a change and I have one all to myself.  My hut isn’t very comfortable so I’ve been trying to improve things a little, I’ve got the fire going and I’ve got some candles to light the place up.

This afternoon I got a letter from Jane, the family are all well.

Ginger got back from his leave tonight, he arrived wringing wet, got him dried and changed before he caught his death of cold.  Ginger warmed himself up by the fire, while I made him a cup of tea and heated up some stew, left over from supper.  Ginger stayed in my hut last night, we’ll find him somewhere tomorrow, anyway I wanted to know all about his leave.

20 APR THURSDAY

Weathers A bit finer today, at least its stopped raining.  Nothing much doing during the day but there's a big working party out tonight, all of the sergeants are out ,except the Orderly Sergeant and the Division Orderly Sergeant.  Aren’t I lucky, It gives me another chance for a rest to allow me to get back on my feet properly.

This evening I got a letter from my sister Meg.

21 APR FRIDAY

Good Friday, the company are all resting today.  Bath parade this afternoon followed by pay after tea.

Raining tonight, Ginger was in with me again, I got a parcel from Jane and lots of newspapers.  The parcel contained stuff for Easter, me and Ginger had a hard-boiled egg each followed by an orange each, all washed down with some brandy, that Ginger had brought in with him. Then we had another brandy while we read and discussed the papers.

22 APR SATURDAY

Weather still wet and everything is getting damp, so I’ve got the fire going tonight, to try and dry out some of my thing.  Some new officers came in today, all look clean, young, smart, and keen.  J Archer and Corporal Campion also rejoined the Company today,

23 APR SUNDAY

Not much of an Easter Sunday and no church parade, instead a working party of 100 men went out today in buses.  Still Orderly Sergeant, so I missed out again.  The weather is much better, today and its started to dry up at last.

There is lots of airplane activity going on again, it must be caused by the improvement in the weather, that makes the airplanes very much like the insects that they so resemble. 

Out on a march later this afternoon, we almost marched though an area were machine-gun practice was going on, the young officer in charge of the march got a real good roasting.

I am feeling much better tonight, the rest and the warm billet over the last couple of days has helped no end.

24 APR MONDAY

Not much of a bank holiday, we out on another big working party, in buses again.  Not lucky enough to miss out again today, there were about 65 of us this time.  The buses almost shake you to bits but its still better that marching.  The railway station had been shelled early this morning and was in a mess.  We had only just got the station back to normal on the 17th, it took all day to get the repairs done again. 

There were lots of airplanes over today mostly ours, one or two brave (or lost) enemy ones went by as well.

A new draft arrived this evening, not all new boys although there was one old hand among them.

25 APR TUESDAY

The railway station was shelled again today, the transport system is in chaos, there are working parties out at the station but fortunately, not us for a change.

The weather is much warmer and the airplane activity has increased, in what appears to be proportional to the weather, finer weather more airplanes.  There are more of them up there than I imagined we ever had, they are like frantic wasps darting about here and there, up and down, to-an-fro, they’re all over the sky.

Ginger asked if l wanted to go to the pictures with him tonight but I didn’t fancy it, I stayed in the hut and had a bit of crack with Fat Almond, who reckons, we’ll be on the move again soon.

26 APR WEDNESDAY

Early this morning was spent preparing to leave Coupigny, not a bad guess by Fatty.  We marched up to the staging huts at Barlin, where we boarded the train, for Pernes (presumably the station at Coupigny must be still out of commission).  We passed trough Bruay about 4.30pm but it was about another two hours before we arrived at Pernes.  Got to our billets in some barns about 7pm, the barns turned out to be quite comfortable.

27 APR THURSDAY

Out this morning on another 100 man working party, doing all sorts of jobs, mainly digging. 

Relived of Orderly Sergeant by Corporal Campion at 4pm and went straight onto bomb guard with the rest of ‘B’ company.

Tonight I went to the cinema with Ginger, looked for Jim, to see if he wanted to come with us but he was out on a working party.  We went for a couple of drinks afterwards, just to help us get to sleep, as if we needed any help sleeping.

28 APR FRIDAY

Got inoculated by the doctor this afternoon, not very painful.

Had to go over to ‘C’ company for an enquiry about an incident that happened while I was Orderly Sergeant, there may by a more formal enquiry later.  W Calvert rejoined us today but Corporal Craddock has gone AWOL.

Cinema tonight with Ginger, Ginger loves his pictures and he would go every night if he could, drink again afterwards.

29 APR SATURDAY

Resting today after inoculation, not a bad day but no mail though.

30 APR SUNDAY

No church parade yet again.  Managed to miss out on the working parties again and overall things are fairly quiet at the moment.

Got a letter and papers from Jane today.  On Easter Sunday the Sinn Feiners seized the post office in Dublin, don’t they know that there is a war on and we can try to sort their problems out once we have seen off the Germans, together.

1 MAY MONDAY                                                                        

Missed the working party again, had to give evidence at the Blacklock enquiry.  Then on guard duty at Headquarters with the 47th Londoners

An old Frenchman came in the Guard post this evening, and talked to me for quite a long while, we didn’t understand much of what each other was saying, we got little bits of it but we seemed to understand what each other meant.  When he eventually left he looked quite happy and he gave me a penny.

2 MAY TUESDAY

On guard duty again all day, the weather is really fine and improving all the time.  The General decided that the Old Headquarters guard were no good and sent them all back to their own outfits.

There was a parade this afternoon and even though the weather in getting better, we had only just got back under cover, when a huge thunder storm broke.  The storm only lasted for half an hour, between 3.30 and 4.00pm, not very long but the thunder was really loud (louder than the bombardments) and the rain came down in sheets.

Got relived of guard duty at Headquarters after the storm and had a fairly quiet night.

3 MAY WEDNESDAY

Quite a grand morning after yesterdays storm, everything seems so fresh, all of the lads are out on working parties but not me.

Alan Graham has been sent for court marital.

4 MAY THURSDAY

Market day in Pernes today but as yesterday, all the lads were out on the working parties, so I went to the market on my own.  I had a good walk around the stalls and bought a rather nice silk kerchief for Jane.  Then I had a spot of dinner in a cafe, followed by coffee and a liqueur, this is the life, or it could be, one day perhaps. 

5 MAY WEDNESDAY

Good job yesterday was quiet, as we were up early this morning and left Pernes at 5.30am.  We set of for Reclinghem on foot, a very long route march, about 25k, and the weather was not favorable for marching, it was blazing hot.  The heat has been affecting us all, me Ginger and Jim all had to fall out twice during the march, we eventually arrived in Reclingham properly fatigued at 1.00pm.

6 MAY SATURDAY

Reclinghem is a small village, very similar to Hermin, where we were in March and coincidentally we arrived there after a long march as well.

Still worn out after yesterdays march.  Made Court Orderly for the court martial of Alan Graham, the rest of the Company are on manoeuvres.      BLOBING

Spent the night with Readman, we had a bit of a walk out in the village and had a little drink, the village was very busy tonight.

Got some mail today, a letter from Syd (the rebels in Dublin have surrendered, lets hope that’s the end of that) and a letter from Jane.  The baby is due any time now, I should be at home with her, not stuck over here, so far away.

7 MAY SUNDAY

Still no church parade, last one was Palm Sunday, I think. Got my chance to go scouting today.

A fine quiet night, Jim Readman and I went back in to the village for a couple more drinks and a bit of friendly banter.

8 MAY MONDAY

Blobing and scouting

It started raining this afternoon, we did a bit of marching and company drill, and got rather wet.  Captain White returned to us today and took over command.

blobing

Out in the village again tonight with Jim, I am rather enjoying these nights out, good company, good wine (the beer is dreadful) descent conversation and a chance to forget it all for an hour or so. After all there is not much else to enjoy over here.

9 MAY TUESDAY

Still wet today and my boots are leaking. need some new ones.  nobody interested in going out in the rain so I had a quiet night in.

10 MAY WEDNESDAY

Battalion day, the General spoke to us all in the afternoon, he congratulated the Battalion for all of the work that we have been doing and expressed his hope that we would keep it up.  After the General had gone, the drinking houses were put out of bounds for two days because of all of the drunks (something must have happened in the village last night when we did not get out), what nice way to say thank-you to the lads.

Tonight the weather is improving, good job with these boots, although with the bars and eating houses out of bounds there is nowhere to go.  Ginger came over and we had a bottle of wine, over a game of cards, Ginger now owes me a full pack of ciggs.

11 MAY THURSDAY

Brigade day, out scouting early.  There was a rifle inspection this afternoon , by the Armourer, he was pleased overall but some of the lads are on charges.

Eventually starting to feel like my old self again, my health is picking up and I also feel better in spirit than I have done for a long time, I think it could be the relaxed atmosphere here in Reclinghem.

Stayed in again tonight as everywhere is still out of bounds, got on with my letter writing.

12 MAY FRIDAY

Today the weather was fine, although it was also rather close.  Had some scout training under Corporal Clarke, he seems to think that I am doing very well at it.  Nice start to the afternoon, had a bath and then got paid, a lot of good getting paid is when everywhere you can spend your money is out of bounds. 

Then the Master Armourer did a rifle inspection, yesterday must have been just a rehearsal for today.  Even later we had a lecture on the effects of the gases Chlorine and Phosgene, I have already seen what gas can do and its not nice.

Relaxing tonight Got a letter and parcel from Jane, had some cake and read the newspapers.  The leaders of the Irish rebellion have been shot, I only hope that this doesn’t turn them into martyrs and escalate the troubles.

13 MAY SATURDAY

Weather turned wet again today but I’ve got my got my new boots, and wouldn’t you know it we went out on a route march as well, my feet are killing me, I should have worn my old leaky boots.

The weather didn’t stop the lads having another football match later this afternoon, our lot ‘B’ company against ‘D’ Company.  Plenty of shouting going on again, a lad standing next to me from Blackhall, reckons that, if the players had a ball each, then they wouldn’t have to run about as much, he then walked of and disappeared back into his billet. 

Tonight as we still can not go in the village, we had a game of house organized for us, I played but without any success.  Got hold of some Yank ciggs from one of ‘D’ company, he got them off one of the Canadians and there are not that bad.

14 MAY SUNDAY

Its now raining quite hard, manoeuvres were canceled for the day, so we had yet another rifle inspection and a long route march with full pack instead, just for fun

Had a nice quiet walk out by myself tonight, quite a lot to think about, the baby id due anytime  now and I can not be there, as if it wasn't depressing enough over here already. .

16 MAY TUESDAY

Still in our billets in Reclinghem, been here quite a long time, so I would think we will be moving on soon. 

On a nice warm day, we practised attacking from trenches, not something you want to do in anger. 

Later on the afternoon I had time to read a bit more of my book and it's quite good.

Good news today, I have a another baby boy, born in the 14th, thankfully both he and Jane are well, thank god.  Had a little drink with a few of the lads tonight to celebrate, only wish I could be at home with all the family instead though.  So for the last few day that I have been worrying about the birth and it was all over and done with.   I will have to get a letter off as soon as I can.

18 MAY THURSDAY

Under orders to leave, we’ve had quite a good time away from the front and besides the route marches, manoeuvres, and drills we’ve had a fair rest as well.

Third fine day in a row, so after a bathing parade, I rolled up my great coat and blankets, and I am going to sleep with no covers on tonight, even though I do feel a cold coming on.

19 MAY FRIDAY

Up early and left Reclinghem at 4.00am to march the 25k back to Pernes.  We arrived at Pernes train  station at about 11pm, and boarded a train for Barlin.  On arriving in Barlin we found that we had to march a further 5k to Coupigny, to the same wooded huts that we had left on the 26th of April. 

I am properly worn out, I think this cold has something to do with it and my feet are all skinned as well, I still need to work in these new boots.

20 MAY SATURDAY

A fine day in Coupigny resting but under orders to go up to the trenches.  Relived by ‘C’ company of the East Lancs this evening and moved out for the trenches in Air Noulette at 19.30. 

The lads of the East Lancs were in a bad way, as the Lancashire battalions had been in the thick of it for the last week near Vimy.  Before we moved out there was time for the lads of the Lancs to relate the story of their last few days in.  They had been given the task of taking two groups of mine craters, in the region of La Folie farm to the south west of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, from which, the Germans were keeping a close watch on the British trenches.  To do this the Lancs had tunneled under the old mine craters and planted new mines, then after a bombardment to send the Germans scuttling into their beep dugouts the mines were exploded.  The resulting massive, volcanic like upheaval, caused by the three mines, exploding as one, sent a horrible mound of earth, smoke and fragments of men towering into the air.  The North Lancs advanced and took, consolidated and held the new craters, for two days before a German counter attack recaptured one of the craters, only for the brave Lancs to retake it again two days later.  During all this time the Lancs had been under the most intense bombardment, including, as well as the heavies, machinegun fire, trench mortars and rifle grenades, of course the Lancs had replied in kind.  Their losses had been horrendous, as were the German losses, they told us of the frantic shouts of the German survivors of the mines, buried in their dugouts, and of how it was impossible to dig them out, because of the constant bombardment.  As they told of their trials and tribulations, the battle is still going on, back at the craters.

Tonight we are in reserve in the village, on duty as a ration party and thankfully, for now, not part of it all.

21 MAY SUNDAY

Had a very good sleep last night, but woken by very heavy enemy bombardment early this morning.  This went on until abut 11am and then it was calm for a few hours.  The quiet was eventually shattered early this afternoon, when a very heavy German bombardment started again and carried on into the evening. 

All hell let loose at one point when the gas alarm went in, as gas bombs dropped on Vimy.  Working on the ration party running rations up to the line, is very hard work, especially with a gas mask on.  Some of the gas came our way and my eyes are sore but it seems that it was only some sort of smoke and not a dangerous gas.  Our lads charged this evening, but word is, on the whole we are losing ground gained over the last week and the sky was lit up with shrapnel shells tonight.

22 MAY MONDAY

Still in the billets in the village ready for anything.  Another bombardment on, lasting all through the night, quite big stuff, our batteries pummeled the Germans who are dug in, in our old front line position. 

Missed the ration party, and we all had a sing song in the billet, which helped drown out the noise of the shelling.

23 MAY TUESDAY

Quiet morning went round the trenches with the ration party, most of the troops are pretty quiet, just took there rations and said nothing, they seem dirty, hungry and very tired, so there is nothing new there. 

Nearly got caught in the bombardment coming out of the line, the bombardment went on all afternoon.  A shell narrowly missed our billet and we had two minor casualties in the company.  Things quietened back down late tonight and there were no more working parties, so we all got some rest.

24 MAY WEDNESDAY

On the morning we all prepared ourselves for another bombardment and we weren’t disappointed, it started late morning.  Then it started to rain in the afternoon. 

Reading the newspapers on the afternoon and apparently the government have passed a Daylight Saving bill, the mind boggles, if they save daylight, what they will keep it in and what will they do with it, once they’ve got it?  The news of this bill caused some hilarity among the lads, discussing ways of saving and using light.  We’ve all had a good laugh making silly suggestions, you could keep it in a bank, were it would be nice and safe, or would it, we’ve all heard of daylight robbery, or perhaps you could stuff it in your mattress (now that would be very comfortable as it would be so light).  They could collect it all together and then ship it to France in enormous balloons, then at night let it out slowly so we can see to write our letters home.  Or they could connect the balloons to pipes which would then go to all the trenches, so that when you want some light, all you have to do is, open a tap.  Seriously, they do give these bills some funny names, there must be some thing that doesn’t sound as silly as, Daylight Saving.  Well is kept us amused for a while anyway.

29 MAY MONDAY

Still in huts.  Most of the company out on a working party but luckily I missed it, so I had a bit read and a nap in afternoon.  Once again it was a very quiet night.

30 MAY TUESDAY

Wet when we got up but it was fine after breakfast in time for a parade followed by company drills.  We are getting ready to go back in the trenches.

Late in the afternoon we were relieved by the 12th and set off for the line.  The trenches were different to the usual and we were only about 50 yard for Fritz, thankfully we had a relatively quite first night.

31 MAY WEDNESDAY

At the moment the trenches we are in are just to the left of Vimy, it was quiet last night and during the morning but things kicked off in the late afternoon.

Today was my first experience with Rum Jars (jars of rum marked S. R. D. Special Ration Distribution, or some time known as Seldom Reaches Destination), spirits to help with the terrors of the trenches and going over the top, I was almost knocked over in the rush.

There was a lot of fighting with rifles and rifle grenades, sergeant Fawcett was killed today. 

1 JUNE THURSDAY

The bombardment started very early this morning.  Explosion close to the sap caused a lot of damage to the trench and the dugout started to cave-in on us and we had to make a run for it.  We had no time to collect any belongings just run with our rifles, afterward the sap was completely filled and the trench to it was batters flat.  I lost my parcel from Jane, my haversack and all my water but we were all uninjured.

The bombardment continued into the night.

By the end of this day there would be 57,470 British casualties, including 19,240 killed and 35,493 wounded.  By the end of the campaign in five months time on November the 19th, this casualty figure would rise to 419,654.

The big push is on, early this morning the sound of the seemingly relentless bombardment ceased and we moved out to a new position somewhere still well back from the front line.  We then had our usual morning inspection, just like any other day.  The afternoon of this fine warm day, was spent with us ready all packed up and under orders to move out.  The waiting about for something to happen is unbearable, you could actually feel the tension in the air.

We eventually marched off at about 9pm, it took us three hours to get to our next position wherever we are.  I for one am properly worn out, I think the tension of the day has taken it out of all of us, we used our bags as beds to get whatever sleep we could.

2 JUL SUNDAY

Warmer than yesterday, still well back from the front.  Volunteered for church service this morning, a lot of people seem to be saying their prayers today.  Today was much the same as yesterday, under orders to move all day, eventually moving out at 9pm for another three hour march.  I think that we are getting close to the front, there is something in the air, I can’t explain what though, we passed the 22nd along the way.  Our bivouac is cold and the grass is wet, I don’t expect that anyone is getting much sleep tonight.

3 JUL MONDAY

Woke early after a poor sleep, our bivouacked are close to the 22nd and we are under orders to move.  Waiting about again all day, plenty of movement going on all around us, shifted up another mile or two this evening and bivouacked for the night.

4 JUL TUESDAY

The bivouacs are just behind the front line in Bécourt wood.  We waited all morning for orders to go up. this afternoon we eventually got our orders and went up to the front, on arrival we were not required and came back down again. There has been a large thunder storm and we are all drenched.

The word is that we are taking an appalling amount of casualties, whole Brigades wiped out, even rumors that whole Division have gone, although that is hard to imagine and there is nothing official.

Saw a lot of German prisoners being brought down during the day.

5 JUL WEDNESDAY

Back in our bivouacs, still damp.  Quiet enough day for us (even though it is the fifth day of the offensive), even got a parcel from Jane, there was a nice piece of fruit cake and some boiled sweets, along with a letter.  Got all packed up to shift out but have been delayed for the night.

Ernest Clarke went home on leave today, lucky blighter, I wish it was me. 

6 JUL THURSDAY

68 Brigade eventually received orders to shift up to the front early tonight as relief for 69 Brigade, I think that we are in Round Wood.

Went on a carrying party with a days rations, we carried ammunition and bombs up to Triangle Trench for our old friends the 12th, who had occupied the trench earlier in the night, unopposed.  Stayed in with them all night, nothing much to do except dodge shells.  The Germans have been shelling our line quite heavily all day.

7 JUL FRIDAY

Still in the line tonight, with no rations or water and now its raining quite hard.  The 12th have moved out to assist the 11th Northumberland Fusiliers in taking Bailiff Wood.

We had been sent back down as there was nothing for us to do but when we got back to the bivouac, we were told to about turn and to head back into the line.  On the march back we were drenched again in another heavy rain storm.

8 JUL SATURDAY

Still in the trenches and have been messed about all day but we have got food and water.  The Germans have been shelling along our line again all day, and there have been plenty of casualties, as there is very little cover here.

We got ready to go over but it was canceled due to the heavy shelling, although we are tied down, there are other attacks going on all around us.

9 JUL SUNDAY

We have moved forward to a different trench and the shelling is much worse, we have been digging in trying to make ourselves a little more secure but we are still taking casualties.

The 12th eventually took Bailiff Wood after there second attempt today, they had been shelled out by our own artillery after there first attempt.

10 JUL MONDAY

The battle for Contalmaison still raging today, with the 8th and 9th Green Howards leading the attack.  We were due to back up the 11th West Yorks in there flank attack from Bailiff Wood but our assistance was not required.  We have been shelled all day, so spent all our time digging deeper in.

Tonight we are waiting to be relieved, short on rations again, I suppose its because we should have been out of here by now.

11 JUL TUESDAY

Relieved early this morning by the Camerons of First Brigade, in their kilts, a man in a skirt never looked better than the one who says “I’ll tak over from here sonny”.  We headed out and made our way to Albert and luckily, we managed, to get out without any additionally casualties.

In Albert, met some lads from Hartlepool and had a bit of crack with them over some delicious hot food.  After having been fed and watered I was very tired, so I wished the lads luck and went off to my billet.

Tonight my nerves are shattered, although our company did not actually go over the top this time, we were shelled almost entirely the whole time we were in and have again witnessed things that no one should ever have to see.  I have lost a couple of friends over the last few days and tonight my thoughts and prayers go out to their families, as well as my own.

12 JUL WEDNESDAY

Had a good nights sleep, the first for about six days.  We are in reserve in Albert and are still dodging shells.  Had to take to the cellars this afternoon and are back to living off biscuits and bully beef.

Tonight we moved a short distance out of Albert, and slept in some more cellars.

13 JUL THURSDAY

Another good nights sleep.  In reserve and under orders to move out.  Got scattered again by the shelling, so we were back down in the cellars this afternoon.  Went out again tonight its blowing a gale and its not to warm in the cellars.  There is a big bombardment on again.

14 JUL FRIDAY

This morning we were still just outside Albert, standing to.  Latter we moved up to a new position closer to the front, tough going but there is no shelling going on here.

Had some pancakes in a French house there not at all bad, met up with Ginger, he never seems to be far away from food.

No news from home for well over a week now.

15 JUL SATURDAY

Up early and got ready to move off again, shifted back up about 8.  We are in the old German front line trenches to the west of Contalmaison.  There has been a huge German bombardment all night.

Before we went back up today, I heard rumors of a peace conference, but its not the first time that I’ve heard that rumor and it will not, with all probability, be the last time either.  But for tonight anyway, I’ve got my fingers crossed, just in case.

16 JUL SUNDAY

Thankfully the shelling stopped today.  The rest of  ‘D’ company were shifted out today but I was left behind to help ‘C’ company in the old German support trenches.  Had a good mooch around but there’s not much in the way of souvenirs.  Out on a working party with ‘C’ company tonight, we got shelled and Black has the wind up

17 JUL MONDAY

Still in the support lines in Contalmaison with ‘C’ company.  Went up into the front line, south of Pozieres, to help establish bombing ports for the Munsters, ready for there next advance.  Luckily there was no shelling.

It was a pretty lively night and there were dozens of dead Germans lying about the place, the dug outs are all full.

18 JUL TUESDAY

Moved out of the front line trench early this morning, just before the Munsters started there advance.  Rather them than me, but they take with them our best wishes and all our prays.

Joined up back with ‘D’ company again and had to dig in to the south of Pozieres, Boagey has been wounded.  Pozieres is a proper stronghold and could put up some fierce resistance.  Just got nicely settled down when the shelling started up again, The shelling was very heavy indeed, things are getting rather warm.  Luckily nobody in the company has been injured today.

I’m a bit down tonight, our relief is late again and we have had no mail for ages

19 JUL WEDNESDAY

Was beginning to get a bit weary this morning, we had, had no rest last night and we were still digging in but at least there was no shelling then.

Fierce shelling started later, just before we were relived by the Australians, the diggers, as they call themselves, were as jovial and friendly as ever, in spite of the shelling going on all around us.  They don’t appear to go much on ceremony, its just, come on mate get yer bum out of here.

Getting out is not as quite as simple as it seems, you have to follow the right trenches and sunken roads or you could end up back up the front again.  Getting out today was complicated by the fact that, not only did we have to keep our heads down dodging shells but there was also, a teargas attack.  I nearly choked before I got my mask on, its even harder to find your way out with a gas mask on, so altogether, it was a bit lively getting out today.

Tonight we are in bivouacs in Albert, were hopefully we can get some much needed sleep.

20 JUL THURSDAY

I did get a goods nights sleep but we were up early as Albert was shelled this morning.  We left Albert early this afternoon for a 10k march to Franvillers, arriving about 5pm.

Franvillers is well back from the front, and its been a lovely hot day with nice a clear sky.  As soon as I got settled in, I set of to look for Readman and we went off for a feed together.

Bed early for a good nights sleep.

21 JUL FRIDAY

Wonderful morning , weather as yesterday and I got to go on a bathing parade.  After my bath and with a thorough change of uniform and because there was nothing else to do, I set out looking for food again.  After feeding, I had a bit of a crack with John West about going home and about going back to work, and so on.  Then a new draft arrived, looking fresh, the rest of us look thoroughly warn out.

Tonight I am really fed up with everything, and after such a good start to the day, I think I have actually depressed myself.  Too many thoughts of home, no mail for days, the poor young draft, perhaps I will feel better after a good nights sleep.

22 JUL SATURDAY

There was an inspection by the Commanding Officer this morning, before a short route march (they must think that we have had enough rest), followed by a quiet afternoon.

We are packed up again and under one hours notice to go back up, another new draft joined us during the afternoon.

Had a walk out later after another big feed (I said it before you eat big whenever you get the chance).  When I got back, there was a letter from Jane and some newspapers from home waiting for me.  Tonight I am feeling a lot better within myself.

23 JUL SUNDAY

There was a Brigade church parade this morning, followed by a rallying speech by the General, with news of our successes, etc. (there was no information on any failures or on the amount of casualties we have taken).

Another short route march in the afternoon (the officers don’t like to think that we are doing nothing).

Went and had another feed before lights out and am a bit out of fettle at bed time.

24 JUL MONDAY

There was supposed to be a company parade, with gym and pack drill this morning but because of a mixup we had a soft morning instead.

Had a short route march on the afternoon in the warm and tonight I went for a short walk with Cavell.

25 JUL TUESDAY

Up early today, to get ready for an inspection by the Corps General at 11.30am, we were stood for two hours with full pack.  Its a good job the weather is a lot cooler today than it has been.

Sewed my stripes onto a fresh uniform this evening and went out for a walk, heard that Pozieres is taking a battering from a bombardment, glad we got out of there. No mail today.

26 JUL WEDNESDAY

Left Franvillers at 9am arriving at the bivouac field about midday, rested for part of the afternoon before leaving for the reserve trenches at 5pm.  Took over the reserve trenches from the Munsters at 6pm.  The trench was in good order, so no work to do, fairly quiet tonight, there is a bit of fire going on the front line.

27 JUL THURSDAY

We were in the trench all day, very quiet, expecting to go into the front line.  The 12th relived us in our trench and we moved up to relive the 10th Northumberland Fusiliers in the front line, at about 8pm.  The trench was strafed tonight but nobody was hurt.  The rations are satisfactory but we are very short of water and today has been the hottest day so far, this year.

28 JUL FRIDAY

We were on a bombing strafe with the Australians, a very lively day.  Still short of water and we are strictly rationed.

Relived by the 10th Duke of Wellingtons at 8.30pm, we were shelled all of the way out and again in our billets in the village, all rather exiting.

29 JUL SATURDAY

Back in Albert today, rather warm again.  Fritz (Fritz is this weeks name for the Germans, everyone in the company is using it now) sent a few shells over this afternoon, no damage done though.

Got newspapers from home and had a game of house this evening (I do not like house), tonight I feel properly out of sorts.

30 JUL SUNDAY

Quiet morning, with the usual parades.  Fritz shelled Albert again today and as yesterday, there was little damage done.  Stood to for a gas attack, which did not come. 

Waiting patiently for letters and still not very well.

31 JUL MONDAY

Marching and physical drills this morning, before marching off for a bath parade.

There was another football match this evening ‘D’ verses ‘B’, I didn’t stay for the whole game as I still feel very weary, ‘B’ managed to win though, even without my support. 

Fritz sent a few more over again tonight.

1 AUG TUESDAY

Quiet morning, felt a little better, so I had a good breakfast, as I knew we would be moving out today.  Got our orders to pack up in the afternoon and moved out to Contalmaison, were we relived the duke of Wellington’s and went into reserve.

A few shells came over during the night, there was no damage. but I got very little sleep.

We were under orders to move up as the advance started.  Eventually moved up to the vicinity of High Wood, attached to the 47th London Division.  Arrived tired out and fed up, we had to make our own bivouacs.  Today there has been quite a battle going on, shelling, bombing, tanks the lot, must try to get some sleep, who knows what we may have to do tomorrow.

The new, heavy armoured cars (TANKS), were used in the advance, for the first time ever today.

16 SEP SATURDAY

We were roused early this morning, fed and moved off to the trenches, in reserve for carrying parties. 

Tonight we have been carrying bombs up to the front line, the battle is still raging, and we  have had quite a rough time of it.

17 SEP SUNDAY

We are still in the trenches, resting during the day and on carrying parties by night.  I have really got the wind up. its very hairy moving about the front line carrying bombs and we are taking some casualties.

18 SEP MONDAY

Much the same as the previous two days, there’s a lot of selling going on and we have moved up to support more closely the front line.

19 SEP TUESDAY

Out on bombing skirmishes, we were doing quite well and were forcing the enemy well back but we were eventually stopped and forced back a short way ourselves before being relived by a Brigade of the 1st Division.  We eagerly moved out and made our way back to the bivouac field, for a rest in our tents.  ‘B’ company are not back with us as I write, they were not with us when we went bombing earlier, and must still be in.

20 SEP WEDNESDAY

‘B’ company came in this morning in a right state, properly cut up, they had had trouble coming out.

We have been put on cleaning up and have been parading this afternoon.  I am properly sickened, we have just been in the thick of it for four days and instead of a rest, we get drills.

21 SEP THURSDAY

Still in the tents, still doing physical drills and parades.  I am very fed up and I’ve had no mail for ages.

22 SEP FRIDAY

Still here, still fed up and now out of fettle.

23 SEP SATURDAY

We are back in the support trenches and I an still fed up.  There is a new bombardment on to our right.

24 SEP SUNDAY

Still in the support trenches, to the right of the Bapame road (about three kilometers further north than we were at the beginning of August), between Martinpuich and Courcelette.

25 SEP MONDAY

Today I saw our tanks in action, its not often that the action can be seen from the support trenches.  Our Division the 23rd had the aid of two tanks for their advance on the western end of Twenty Sixth Avenue.  Watching from the support trench, we saw the tanks set of from Gun Pit Road, followed closely by our old friends the 10th Northumberland Fusiliers.  One tank didn’t get very far before ditching and as the other one came over the crest, the Germans started to shell it.  This barrage on the tank and the attacking Northumberlands caused the action to be halted and the10th had to fall back.  A bombing raid on Twenty Sixth  Avenue from the trench to the west of Martinpuich Mill also failed.  The 10th Northumberland Fusiliers were badly cut up and took an awful lot of casualties, they were carrying their wounded out, as they moved passed us, going down.

I have kept myself occupy tonight, to help take my mind of the terrible things I’ve seen today, its been very quiet in the trench, I think that everyone is doing the same sort of thing as me.

26 SEP TUESDAY

Got relieved but had a very hard time coming out, there was shelling going on and a couple of shrapnel shells burst above us.  The Captain and the Sergeant Major were wounded so I had to take over command and lead us out.  Garbutt was also wounded along with young Hepworth, who we had to carry out as far as the first field hospital.  The rest of us got back uninjured but shattered and all I wanted to do was get my head down but first I had to report in.

By the time I got back, the lads had eaten and were settled into their tents but there was a brew on, and they had brought me some stew back from the field kitchen.  The stew, which could only be described as, filling, was washed down with a wonderful, hot, mug of tea, before eventually getting settled in myself.  Hoping to get some news from home tomorrow.

Said a pray tonight for our wounded, and also for the lads of the 10th Northumberland Fusiliers. 

27 SEP WEDNESDAY

Back in tents back doing parades, all in all this is a fairly rotten place.  There is nowhere to get anything and the field kitchen is not much cop.

We been informed that Garbutt has been taken away to hospital and that tragically, young Hepworth had dyed from his wounds.  The good news though is that the Captain and the Sergeant Major are not badly injured.

Still no news from home and now its started raining.

28 SEP THURSDAY

I see that its the Jewish new year today, its now the year 5677, that must mean that Jesus was born in 4761?

Nothing much doing, usual drill plus an arms inspection.  Had a short walk but there is nowhere to go.

29 SEP FRIDAY

Same routine as yesterday, then out on working parties in the wind and very heavy rain

30 SEP SATURDAY