William Mattison - War Diaries
1915
June 9th 1915
Left Stansted for France at 5 am. Arrived at Southampton 2.30 pm Left by transport boat for Havre 6.30 pm
June 10th
Arrived at Havre Harbour 6 am, unloaded at 12 am and stayed the night, just outside the town, in a rest camp.
June 11th
Left Le Havre station in Cattle trucks 40 men in each.
June 12th Hazebroud
Arrived at the (above) 5.30 after 20 hours ride, unloaded straight away and went to Rectveldt, a little village in Flanders, close to Warmhoudt.
June 15th
Was inspected by Sir John French with the rest of the Brigade 15th or 19th Hussars.
June 18th
Inspected by the Brigadiers.
June 22nd
4 am 17 shells flew over us and dropped in (cassel)
August 1st
Went on a two days scheme, had one night at Mardyke, a little village close to Dunkirque on the coast.
August 5th
Went to Elvertinghas (?) a little village close to Ypres trench digging. The village was completely smashed by German artillery……Garrison Artillery close too.
August 15th
Walked into Ypres and went through the cathedral, just got out in time to miss……
August 20th
Was relieved by the other half of the section.
Sept. 2nd
Went to Elverd….bring part of the section back about 34 kilos both ways.
Sept 5th
Went again and brought the remainder, …. of these back, the whole of the Div having relieved.
Sept 10th
Went again to Mardyke for long range firing on the sands.
Sept 18th
Brigade M G Sports our Detachment getting 2nd for quickest into action 2nd for driving, 2nd for single jumping and 3rd for alarm race.
Sept 20th
Two new guns to the detachment making four in all.
Sept 22nd
Making ready for a move.
Sept 23rd
Moved off from Reitveldt 9.30 pm, and stopped at 4 am 24th at Bilques
Sept 24th
Move off at 6.00 pm until 10.30 pm and stopped at Enquin.
Sept 25th
Moved off at 12 am until 10 pm, raining all the way to Vandricourt.
Sept 26th
Standing too, about 600 German prisoners passed by from Loo’s battle.
Sept 29th
Moved back a little on to higher ground near an aerodrome, in the same parish.
Oct 1st
Moved farther back to Lozenham
Oct 4th
Moved again to Telviin Pelfort
Oct 6th
Moved to the next village Lairees
Oct 19th
Moved again to Roquetoire, horses in stables and men in billets for the first time.
November 17th
Moved again to Desvres, about 17 Kils from Boulogne.
Dec 30th
Left Desvres dismounted, for the trenches had six hrs in cattle trucks and unloaded at Anjel 3 kil from Bethune
1916
Jan 2nd 1916
Marched on foot to Sailly La Bourse, about 15 kils.
Jan 5th
Went into the trenches for four days, very quiet, and very cold.
Jan 9th
Returned to Sailly La Bourse, fit to drop.
Jan 11th
Was inspected by the General, to see all trench mud was off.
Jan 14th
Back to the trenches our position in brown trench shells flying around, repaired dug out, knocked in by trench morter. The rest of the time in one team relived another, from front line to …… and vice-versa.
Jan 17th
One team had a narrow escape, trench morter dropping on their dug out, but luckily not powerful enough to knock it in.
Jan 18th
In reserve doing indirect fire, sending death to the rear of the Germans trenches, we received a few shells in answer, very close but no casualties, in our but 10 hussars wounded.
Jan 20th
No 2 Gun Team dug out was blown in, and all equipment smashed, but luckily no one was inside. Was relieved by the 3rd Brigade, Life guards relived us, and we returned to Sailly La Bourse.
Jan 26th
Returned to the trenches again and relieved the N.S.Y. in support front line Guns had a warm welcome, lost four men killed and one wounded the same night, dug out blown in , and moved. We move up to reserve line to reinforce during the night was nearly frozen with cold.
Jan 27th
Kaisers birthday and lively bombardment we had in the reserve, and Danger King killed in the front line, and the rest of his Team went to the hospital with shellshock. Our Team relived a team in front line and had to build up a new emplacement and parapet in the dark.
Jan 31st
Back in Support, worked on Danger Kings grave in Vermelles, and made it look decent.
Feb 1st
Returned to Sailly La Bourse about 1 pm, and went to Pictures at night.
Feb 7th
Back to the trenches again, and relived on another as usual.
Feb 12th
Was relieved by infantry, and we returned for the last time to Sailly La Bourse.
Feb 13th
Returned to Desvres by cattle trucks, had a hearty welcome from the chaps who were left with the horses, and the civilian population.
Feb 14th
A lecture by our Colonel complemented us on the good work we did in the trenches.
Feb 23rd
The three M.G. detachments made into a Squad, 19th H Com Officer, 19th H Ser May practically regular soldiers now, and more strict discipline.
March 18th
6.30 P…. to move in the morning for the trenches.
March 19th
The Squad moved off at 9.15 am mounted, stayed the first night at Therouam (?)
March 20th
Moved off again at 9 am and stopped at L’ecleme about 2 miles from Lillers.
April 16th
Left L’ecleme by bus for the trenches, started in the support line, at a position called Port Arther on Neuve Chapelle front.
April 18th
Relieved the 19th Hussars at the front line.
April 21st
The first casualty Pte. Amor killed (sniped)
April 24th
Second party relieved us from the trenches we returned to the horses.
May 1st
Trenches again, another ride in the old London buses, three men to each gun. M.G.C. just from England
May 5th
A few return to L’ecleme 1 for one.
May 11th
The rest of the Squad return to the horses!
May 13th
Left Le’eleme for Desvres again, stopped the night at Floyeques, soaking rained nearly all the way.
May 14th
Arrived back at Desvres, the men in the same billets but the horses the other end of the town.
May 23rd
Moved our horses on the lines to Courset, about 4 kil from Desvres.
June 24th
Left Courset for the Somme gap, at 7.00 pm and travelled until 4 am and pegged down at Noyelles passed through Montreul.
June 25th 1916
Left again at 10 pm to 6 am pegged down at Ailly, passed through Abbeville.
June 26th 1916
Left at 9 pm stopped at 1 am at St. Léger les Domart.
June 27th
Left again at 11 pm until 5.30 am half the column took the wrong road most of the fellows asleep on their horses. Stopped in Querrieur pouring hard, slept in a puddle.
July 1st 1916
Went to Bresle, about 3 kil from Albert, stood too, waiting to go through, returned to Querrieu at night not wanted.
July 2nd 1916
Poured all day, up to our knees in mud and water.
July 5th 1916
Left Querrieu, and come farther back to make room for Infantry as the fighting soldiers came back to Longpres passing through Amiens.
July 11th 1916
Left Longpres for Querrieu, again started at 9 pm got there at 7.20 am.
Diary no. 2 – Feb 1916
Was relieved from the trenches at Vermelle by the Infantry.
Left the trenches at 5 am.
Feb 19th Sun
Returned to Desvres by cattle trucks arriving there about 10 pm
Feb 23rd
The three gun sections of the brigade made into a squad, a regular officer and a regular Ser Maj in charge a little discipline.
March 18th
Had orders at 8pm to be ready to move the next morning at 9 am.
Mar 19th
The Squad moved off at 9.15 am, a party cleared up and left at 11.15 am pretty lively and joined the Squad at Thersonne, where we stayed the night.
March 20th
Left Thersonne at 7 am and took billets at Le Cleme 4 kils from Lillers.
April 7th
Left for the trenches on the Neuve Chappelle Front at Richburgh district att 35 Div Bantams Ordinary coset of teams relieving one another.
April 21st
The first casualty Pt. Amore killed (sniped)
Diary continues as Diary 1 until
July 13th (1916)
Moved further up, left at 6pm and stopped at Buire-sur-Aneze at 9.30, stood too, in case we should be wanted.
July 27th
Returned to cavalry not wanted.
Aug 9th 1916
Moved again, back this time, stayed the night at Long
Aug 10th
Off again, pegged down at Gamaches, close to Le Treport.
Aug 13th 1916
Had a day on the sands, put our horses up at Waigarne.
Aug 15th
Had another day at Le Treport, had a good time, and went by train.
Sept. 6th
Left Gamaches for another gap and stopped the first night at Bourngcourt.
Sept. 7th
Off again and stopped at Davus.
Sept. 14th
Moved off from Davus to Carnoy valley, close to a Battery of Big guns. All the Brigade together.
Sept. 15th
Standing too, first Div. to go through. Stood too for two days.
Sept 17th
Moved back again to Davus.
Sept. 18th
Poured all day and night, several horses had to be dug out of the mud, standing on marshy ground.
Sept. 19th
Moved the lines, nearly the horses stuck in the mud.
Sept. 22nd
Left Davus, stopped the first night at Conie-Soye second at… and arrived in Galametz on the 25th.
Oct. 18th
I went into hospital at St. Pol, Ho. 12 Stationary with my knee J.C.F
Oct. 22nd
Was evacuated to No. 4 General at Carniers, started from At. Pol station about 11 am arrived at Carniers 11 pm.
Oct. 27th
Was discharged from hospital to No. 6 Conval (?) camp at Etaples.
Oct. 30th
Was sent to detail Camp, to be sent to the base next day.
Oct. 31st
Entrained at Etaples Station for Rouen in Cattle trucks.
Nov. 1st
Arrived at Rouen Station at about 2 pm then reported to no. 5 General Base Depot Cur Base.
Nov 12th
Left Rouen for the Squad again in cattle trucks
Nov 13th
Arrived at Lamer (Somer) and stayed the night there.
Nov 14th
Rejoined the Squad again at Cremarest 2 kils from Desvres.
Nov 17th
Promoted L. Cpl.
Dec 3rd
Went on leave, rode to Boulogne mounted, left at about 2 pm for Folkestone and arriving at Victoria 6.30 stayed the night at Kentish Town.
Dec. 12th
Left home for France again, stayed the night at S.J. (?)
Dec. 13th
Entrained at Victoria at 7.30 am at Boulogne at noon and stayed the night at the rest camp.
Dec. 14th
Had a good Xmas, plenty to eat and drink; played truant and stayed the night in Desvres.
1917
JAN 2nd 1917 Diary 3 also 1917 entries in brackets
Left Cremarest to Bourthes for better billets, about 12 kils from Desvres.
Jan 30th
Part of the Squad with guns went up the line to Loo’s. Mols. M.G. with them. I was left behind with influenza (tem. 103).
(part of the Squad left for the Trenches, some M M, G with them I was taken bad with influenza the morning they went tem 103)
Feb 13th
A party of us for the line to relive a few of the fellows, stayed the night in St. Omer Barracks. (about 12 of us, went to as relive party, about the same number came back, we stayed the night at St. Omer barracks.)
Feb 14th
Arrived at La Brebby our dump at noon, had two hrs rest, then marched into the trenches at Maroc, a little to the right of Loo’s. Four casualties, under a fierce strafe from Fritz. (Arrived at La Brebby our dump at about 12 noon, had dinner and then went straight into the trenches at Maroc just to the right of Loo’s, for men wounded the first night in fierce strafe.)
Mar 5th
Left the trenches the whole of the Squad, and stayed the night in La Brebby had 17 days on the line, some had 40 days. (Left the trenches the whole of the Squad, and stayed the night at La Brebby, was in the trenches 17 days without a rest, some fellows had a month and no rest.)
Mar 6th
Returned to Bourthes by Lorries, about 7 hours ride, my first sight of Portuguese on the road. (Returned to Bourthes by Motor bus, about 7 hours ride saw the first lot of Portuguese Troops on our way back)
April 6th
Left Bourthes for Arras push stayed the night at
Apr 9th
Move again to Aubigny, plenty of mud, pegged out for first time 1917. (Lovely day)
April 10th
Snowed all day.
April 16th
Moved back from Aubigny to Vacquerie
(April 18th 1917 – Rumours of moving again)
April 19th
Moved to Rougefoy in wrong area, about 8 kils from Treuent. (Moved about four kil. To Rougefoy was in another regiments area at Vacquerie.)
May 3rd
Moved from Rougefoy to Legny-Sur-Canche to make room for Infantry.
May 4th
Slept in the open, too hot in the barn? Cleaning all day for Div show. (cleaning like blazes for a competition)
May 7th
Squad Competition, me no. 5 came second.
May 10th
Show cancelled all the cleaning for nothing.
May 13th
Reveille 4 am left 7 am stopped the night at Pernes.
May 14th
Reveille 4.30 am. Left Pernes and stopped the night at La Besivridure.
May 17th
One party left for the line walked from la Bavriere to Vermelles the dump. (the same as our dump was in 15 months previous)
May 18th
Went into the line our first position was Dudley dump in front of the City in St. Elere. Gun dug out was in a tunnel, the tunnel all lit up with electricity, miles of passages in (every) direction. Fritz sent us plenty of Mineworkers and ariel shells for the first night. (Our dug out, all lit up electricity, amongst a maze of passages. Took over from the 71st Infantry. MG.Cy my position being Dudley Dump, the most advanced position, about 200 yards from the G.F. Line (German Front) Plenty of Mineworkers and arial. ? the first night, some pretty close.)
19th May
Bombing raid on our right by our own fellows. (Quiet days and night, a little Bombing raid a little to our right. Lived on Bread or biscuits and jam, and water, since coming to this position not allowed a fire)
20th May
Gun Artillery shelled City St.-Elau heard Germans shouting. (Our artillery strafed a village just ????, could hear G shout. Changed position with No.6. Dug out very low and muggy. Minnies flying over from the left and right from ? to 4 pm. Fired 100 rounds at the Hun between 10 – 10.30)
May 21st
Changed positions, came out of the Tunnel, and a little farther back. Minnies all round us. We fired 1000 rounds at night.
May 23rd
Minnies and Whisbangs all round us as Avi just us. (Had some shells drop very close, mostly Minnies and Whisbangs. Watched an air duel over our lines)
May 24th
Changed positions with Moles M.G. we went back to our dump in reserve, in Vermelles Brewery. (Motor M.G. relieved us and we returned to Vermelles Brewery.)
May 25
Practising bomb throwing and practised raiding the German lines at night until 1 am. (Was picked out for a bombing raid by the Squad. Practising bomb throwing and a general rehearsal for the raid. Got to bed 1 am 26th.)
May 26th
(11.30 am practising for the raid to 1 pm) 11.30 pm Over the Top through our wire, 10 bombs on my back, revolver in one hand clubbed stick in the other, could hear Germans working in their trench, but got no farther, came in again at 1 am – 27th (11.30 pm Over the Top crawled through our own wire with 10 bombs loaded revolver and cogged ? headed cudgel kept getting hung in our barbed wire, got in position after a struggle. Could hear Germans ? ? Returned at 1 am got back to bed at 3.30 am 27th).
27th May
Over the Top again at 12 pm. Germans sent Gas over at 1.45 am. The Major got gassed and two men. Returned again at 2 am – 28th to our positions, got the guns ready and put up a barrage with the artillery for a raid by infantry, each Gun fired 2200 rounds. The artillery put up a smoke barrage, fine sight. Returned at six to the Brewery dead tired, had Breakfast went to bed and slept until 2.30 pm. (Over the Top again at 12 pm. Returned at 2 pm. Germans sent gas cloud over at 1.45. Major Settle got gassed, he had no box helmet, after we came in all men went to gun positions and at 5 o’clock put up a barrage for the ? Foresters who made a raid on the German Front Line. 12 machine guns firing each gun firing 2200 rounds. Artillery put up a smoke barrage, returned to V. Brewery had breakfast, got to bed 9 am dead tired, awoke at 2.30)
29th May
4 per Gun relived, went back to the horses, they had moved to Annegan 1 kil from Bethune. (was relieved 4 per gun, relief parties returned to the horses at An)
May 30th
Settled down to general routine 3 horses each.
June 4th
Moved to La Gorgue 1 kil from Estaires to be handy in case Portuguese returned. (moved to La Gorgue, 1 K from Estaires, what for I don’t know)
June 11th
Returned to Annegion (?)
June 18th
A part of the squad left for the trenches at Lens (Trench party left for Lens frontier)
June 19th
Another party 12 men went to a training to practise for a raid with on Lens. (Another party of 12 men went to a training school, to get ready to take part in a big raid coming off by the Buffs on Lens)
(26th June 1917)
(Buffs raided the enemy trenches some of our fellows taking part in it. A very rough time they had.)
July 3rd
Trench party returned – 10 casualties Leiut. Sower killed, 2CP wounded and 6 gassed and 1 shell shock. (Trench party returned 10 casualties. 1 officer killed Leiut. Gower, 8 Cpl Cooper 1 other wounded and 6 gassed and 1 shell shock.)
July 7th
Another party for the trenches at Loo’s.
July 8th 1917
Went up for a stafe on the night of 7th and 8. Came back to reserve at La Brebby without firing a shot. (One party for the trenches at Loos amongst them. Went into the trenches for a strafe this morning.)
(July 9th 1917)
(Didn’t fire a shot, the two teams of the No.5 returned to La Brebies the dump)
July 10th 1917
La Brebby shelled and six men killed, a lot of horses and mules killed. (La Brebis shelled by German heavies. About six men killed. Several mules and horses killed 2 wounded of the Canadians the night previous.)
July 11th 1917
Relieved another Team on Loos Crussier 1500 yards from the Germans. 1 fellow of the other Team wounded in the head with a piece of Bomb playing with them just before we relieved them. (Relieved the two teams of No.4 sub-section. My guns position on the top of Loo’s Grassier. 1500 yards from German front line. One Fellow wounded of No.4 just before our section relieved them.)
(12th July 1917)
(A few shells near but nothing to be alarmed about)
July 14th
Canadians relived us left the trenches 11 pm walked to La Brebby 5 kills got there about 1 am, waited about 2 hrs for Motor Buses, then went straight back to Annigin arriving about 5 am 15th.
(15th July 1917)
(Came back from the trenches)
July 16th 1917
Left Annezin to Estaires to back the Portuguese up again.
(Left Annegin, and went to Estaires, rumours were to back the Portuguese up.)
(27th August 1917)
(Left Estaires to trek back to winter billets, stopped the first night at very rough weather)
Aug 28th 1917
Left Estaires for winter billets eventually arriving at Lefaux after three days trek. A little village 3 kils from Etaples Infantry Base.
(stopped the 2nd night wind and rain terrible)
(August 29th 1917)
(Found billets at Lefaux a little scattered village near the sea. About 3 kils Etaples base depot, and 4 kils from Camiers M G base)
Sept 2nd
Went to Horse Show at Paris-Plage, a pretty seaside place. (for a couple of hours)
Sept 9th
Went to Horse Show at Paris-Plage. English, French, Belgian and Portuguese horses competing. Came back to find infantry at Etaples Rioting, caused through M.P. (Military Police) shooting a Jock.
(Went to horse show at Paris Plage, on coming through Etaples we met a great crowd rioting rushing (?) about of M.F.P’s one or two had fired on N.Z. soldiers)
(Mon 10th Sept 1917)
(Rioting still on)
Sept. 11th
Order to pack saddles and stand too, in case rioting got worse.
(order to stand too, in case we were needed for Etaples, to quell the mob)
(Sept 12th)
(Still under orders)
(13th Sept. 1917)
(still under orders)
Sept. 14th 1917
Stood down rioting finished. (stood down 12 noon)
(Sept. 15th)
(I had orders to go to La Gorgue to fetch a pump we left behind. Four days journey.)
Sept 17th
Went from Etaples to Estaires by train to fetch a pump left behind by Squad. Slept the night in our old billet.
(Left Etaples and arrived at La Gorgue 6pm had the night in our old billet.)
Sept 18th
Found the pump and lost my blankets and rations. French children stole them. Left Estaires and stayed the night in Bethune.
(Found the pump I came for and lost my blanket ground sheets and worst of all the rest of my 4 days rations.
(French kids stole them). Left La Gorgue for Etaples 2 pm stopped the night at Bethune.)
Sept. 19th
Left Bethune Station 3.30 pm arrived Etaples 11.30 pm in a cattle truck, got back to Le Faux 1 am 20th.
Sept 21st
Went to Div. sports. Had a good day out.
(Went to Div. Athletic sports had a good day out.)
Oct 6th
Left Lefaux 9 am and stopped at Longfosse just out of Desvres went into Desvres at night, to see the old people, and they got us all drunk, rolled back about 11 pm.
(Left Lefaux about 9 am for Ypres front, stayed the first night at Longfosse, about 2 kil from Desvres, walked into Desvres, returned about 11 pm. All Desvres welcomed us.)
Oct 7th
Moved again to Lurques never found what we went for.
(Started again at 8 am went through Desvres, the Town seemed to turn out to watch us pass, stayed the night at Lurques.)
(Oct 8th Monday)
(Waiting order.)
(Oct. 9th)
(Expecting to move farther up in the morning of the 10th.)
Oct 11th
Moved back to Le Faux stopped on our way back for one night at Longfosse.
Oct 14th
Moved again to fresh billet to Montcavrel.
(Packed up to move again to fresh billets.)
(15th Oct 1917)
(Moved to Recques.)
(16th Oct. 1917)
(Moved again to next village Montcavrel. Recques not big enough to hold all the Squadron.)
(24th October 1917)
(Found a ? bed)
Nov 8th (Thurs)
Brigade Route March.
(Brigade march past. Orders to move on Sat.)
Nov 10th
Left Montcavrel, and stopped the night at Auben-St.-Vincent.
Nov 11th
Moved again to
(off again 10.30 stopped at )
Nov 12th
(Moved again at 10.30)
Stopped the night at St. Gralien
Nov 13th
March in the dark, stopped at Chippilly about midnight.
Nov 14th
Marched again in the dark pegged down at La Mesnil a ruined village.
Nov 19th
Reveille 10.30 pm moved off at 2 am 20th saddled up by the light of fires. Marched to Fins arriving just after day break.
Nov 20th
Stood too all day and moved up to Metz.
Nov 21st
Stood too all day, left our horses at between Marcains and Ribicourt, went into the lines at night, over the canal locks at Lamen, Germans were nearly all round, didn’t know until we had come out. Had the Germans attacked, we should have been trapped on their (side) of the canal. Quiet night, slept in a German billet they had evacuated the day previous, found several souvenirs.
(Stood too nearly all day and went into the trenches after dark to relieve the 2nd Brigade.)
Nov 22nd
Left the canal bank at about 11 am to our horses and moved them back to Metz.
(Left the trenches about 11 am, back to our horses and moved back to Metz.)
Nov 23rd
Stood too all day, went up the line again at night, tried to sleep in bunk holes on the bank of on Grainecourt-Mourne road after a lot of marching about.
Nov 24th
Went farther up and dug positions just off the Bapaume Carnbrac main road close to a Sugar Factory, and 400 yards from Bourbon Wood. Had a rough, the E. Cls directed the fire of their Artillery on to us. One Sergt. killed and one man wounded. Cleared out of those positions, at dusk and started to dig more on the other side of Sugar Factory, nearly all of us knocked up.
Nov 25th
Was relieved by Inf (never was more pleased) M.g. at night and marched back to Flesquieres, shelled on the way.
Nov 26th
Left Flesquieres in the afternoon and marched back to Metz.
Nov 27th
Reveille 4 am, woke up to find about 2 inches of snow over us and lying in a puddle, never more cold or miserable in my life. Burned nearly all the hay to get a fire. Moved at 7.30 for Froissy 2 kils from Bray. Pouring with rain from reveille to moving off. Saddles either in water or smothered in mud. An issue was given us help saddle up, and the saddles were soon on.
Nov 30th
Order to pack saddles 12 noon. Order to get saddled as soon as possible 12.15. (Rumours were)Germans broke through at Geaugecourt. Moved at 1.30 pm at a trot stopped at Roisel and stood too. Slept with our heads under our saddles.
Dec 1st
Stood too all day.
Dec 2nd
Went into the line close to Ephey, at night, walked about the rest of the night to keep warm, freezing hard.
(Moved up again and into the line, slept in railway bank, about 200 yards from Eppy.)
Dec 3rd
Dug position in an open field, in case the Germans broke through again.
(Dug gun positions just over the railway, in case of a German attack, cold frosty night.)
Dec 4th
Relieved by the 5th Squadron (M.G.C.) and marched back to Roisel here bell tents were put up for us.
Dec 11th 1917
Warned off to go as galloper with the digging party but sprained my knee just as I was going to mount. The fellow who went in my place took my horse and got him wounded. German planes dropped bombs amongst them.
Dec 12th
Returned with the horses to Froissy.
(Left two Gun Trains at Roisel.)
Dec 14th
Went into Divisional Rest Station at Cappy.
16th Dec 1917)
(Gun Teams returned from Roisel.)
Dec 17th
Returned to the Squad Guns Team returned from Roisel.
Dec 18th
Ordered to move, but cancelled owing to condition of road, all ice. Cancelled for two days.
Dec 20th
Moved off at 8.30 walking and leading our horses, roads too bad to ride. Took us five hours to go twelve mile, one or two accidents half the horses slipped over. Stopped at La Mesnil.
(Roads like glass.)
Dec 23rd
Made Ante Aircraft position on a tree stump, and was guard all day. I and R.C.
Dec 26th
Ante aircraft all day, (a decent Xmas under the Cir, but) the most dismal Xmas I’ve ever spent.
1918
Jan 9th 1918
Went on Ante Aircraft duty at Div HQ billeted with M.M.D. at Peronne.
Jan 14th
Squad went up to the trenches, left us on div HQ struck luck for once, plenty eat and not much to do, a change from the Squad.
Jan 29th
Was relived off div H.Q. had the three easiest weeks of my soldiering and plenty to eat. Returned to the Squad at La Mesnil.
Feb 4th
Home on leave.
Feb 18th
14 days extension.
end of Diary 2
Diary 3 “The Boy Scouts Notebook and Diary”
Also covers 1917 so have added details or other entries into above
Diary 4
March 26th 1918
Left home for France again after nearly 3 weeks in England. Stayed the night in London.
27th March
Left Victoria at 8 am arrived at Folkestone about 10 am, and went to No. 1 rest Camp. Stayed here two days.
29th March
Crossed over to Boulogne very rough sea. Fed the fishes. Arriving at Boulogne R.A. band played us to Rest Camp.
31st March (Easter Sunday)
Left Boulogne Station in cattle trucks about 11 am and arrived at Canaples at 1.30 am April 1st and marched to B Echelon of 1st Cav, Div, about 4 kils. Arrived about 2.30 am. Marched off with 3 horses each at 12 noon to join the remainder of Squad at Daours. Only about half our horses left and 50 casualties mostly killed on ?
2nd April
What was left of the Squad came out of the trenches.
3rd April
Moved back to Amiens.
10th April
Left Amiens at 1.30 pm and arriving at Remaismil about 10.20 pm. Believed to be going to La Basse front when Germans broke through.
11th April
Left Remaisnil for Frevent arriving about 8 pm.
12th April
Left Frevent about 2 pm and trekked to Auchy Bois close to Pernes arriving at 10.30 pm
May 12 – 18th
Hard Training
19th May (Whit Sunday)
Moved from Auchy-au-Bois to the next village, Neponche in Birociac’s.
Tues 21st May
Left Eledonchal at 9 am and stopped at Auchy Cayeux at 1.30 pm
22nd May
Moved again at 8 am to le Ponchel near Auxi-Le Chateau.
23rd May – 4th June
Hard Training
5th June
Begun practising for sports after 6.30 pm.
14th July
Left Leponchel at 8.30 am for Thievres arriving at 3 pm about 5 kils from Doullens.
20th July
Left Thievres and moved to Mezerolles 6 kil the of Doullens.
28th July
Moved again to the next village for better billets Le Meillard.
August 5th (Bank Holiday)
Night Marching. Left Le Meillard 11 pm and marched to Pernois arriving at 3.30 am.
6th August Tues
Moved off again at 9.30 pm. Stopped at Longre-L Amines at 1.30 am 7/8/18.
8th August
(Hundreds of tanks and aeroplanes and 3 divs of cavalry with Canadians & N.Z.)
Advanced to along the Amiens Paerona railway to Caise about 15 kils all objectives reach by 2.30 pm very few casualties, galloped through machine gun fire at 2.30. In the trenches all night. Breakfast at 3.30 pm no chance. (?)
9th August
Standing too, nearly all day followed up to close to Cra? and went in the trenches at night. Galloped through shellfire in the afternoon.
10th August
Came out of trenches at 5 am and went a little way back to Caise for a rest. Saddled up and moved off at 5 pm. Germans counter attacking Chalers (?) but returned an hour later, and had a nights rest, the first for six night. At 9.30 pm German planes came over every night and dropped about 100 bombs all around us.
(nights of 11 – 13th)
(German planes over every night plenty of bombs very near.)
11th August
I saw the worst sights of my life and smelt the worst stench, hundreds of dead horses and men, a good amount having laid and rooted from GC4 most ?
12th August
Moved from Caise Wood at 9 pm to go back. German planes over and dropped bombs causing a lot of casualties amongst the 15 Hus. And 9th Ambulance, only one ambulance wagon left.
13th August
Move again to the other side of Carmon and about 2 kils from Amiens. Plenty good bathing and boating on the Somme marshes.
16th August
Night march from 8 pm to 3 am, moved to Longuevillette about 5 kils from Doullens.
18th August
Left Longuevillette by night and stopped at Theirures, ready for the push for Bapaume.
20th August
Moved up by night and waited in front of Gommecourt all day, not wanted, so returned to Amplier about 8 pm.
22nd August
Moved from Amplier to Orville, for Div HQ to get in.
23rd August
Div standing too, to go up the line. Reported sick with diarrhoea was sent into 21st C.C.S at Wavans 2 kils from Aux Le Chateau.
27th August
Was evacuated from 21st CCS with Dysentry. Left at 1 pm and went to Boulogne arrived at no. 14 Stationary at 8 am the following stretcher case.
29th August
Marked blighty. Left the hos at 3 pm got on boat at 4.30 off at 8.30 on to Ambulance train. Arrived at Birmingham hos at 5 am the following morning.
June 9th 1915
Left Stansted for France at 5 am. Arrived at Southampton 2.30 pm Left by transport boat for Havre 6.30 pm
June 10th
Arrived at Havre Harbour 6 am, unloaded at 12 am and stayed the night, just outside the town, in a rest camp.
June 11th
Left Le Havre station in Cattle trucks 40 men in each.
June 12th Hazebroud
Arrived at the (above) 5.30 after 20 hours ride, unloaded straight away and went to Rectveldt, a little village in Flanders, close to Warmhoudt.
June 15th
Was inspected by Sir John French with the rest of the Brigade 15th or 19th Hussars.
June 18th
Inspected by the Brigadiers.
June 22nd
4 am 17 shells flew over us and dropped in (cassel)
August 1st
Went on a two days scheme, had one night at Mardyke, a little village close to Dunkirque on the coast.
August 5th
Went to Elvertinghas (?) a little village close to Ypres trench digging. The village was completely smashed by German artillery……Garrison Artillery close too.
August 15th
Walked into Ypres and went through the cathedral, just got out in time to miss……
August 20th
Was relieved by the other half of the section.
Sept. 2nd
Went to Elverd….bring part of the section back about 34 kilos both ways.
Sept 5th
Went again and brought the remainder, …. of these back, the whole of the Div having relieved.
Sept 10th
Went again to Mardyke for long range firing on the sands.
Sept 18th
Brigade M G Sports our Detachment getting 2nd for quickest into action 2nd for driving, 2nd for single jumping and 3rd for alarm race.
Sept 20th
Two new guns to the detachment making four in all.
Sept 22nd
Making ready for a move.
Sept 23rd
Moved off from Reitveldt 9.30 pm, and stopped at 4 am 24th at Bilques
Sept 24th
Move off at 6.00 pm until 10.30 pm and stopped at Enquin.
Sept 25th
Moved off at 12 am until 10 pm, raining all the way to Vandricourt.
Sept 26th
Standing too, about 600 German prisoners passed by from Loo’s battle.
Sept 29th
Moved back a little on to higher ground near an aerodrome, in the same parish.
Oct 1st
Moved farther back to Lozenham
Oct 4th
Moved again to Telviin Pelfort
Oct 6th
Moved to the next village Lairees
Oct 19th
Moved again to Roquetoire, horses in stables and men in billets for the first time.
November 17th
Moved again to Desvres, about 17 Kils from Boulogne.
Dec 30th
Left Desvres dismounted, for the trenches had six hrs in cattle trucks and unloaded at Anjel 3 kil from Bethune
1916
Jan 2nd 1916
Marched on foot to Sailly La Bourse, about 15 kils.
Jan 5th
Went into the trenches for four days, very quiet, and very cold.
Jan 9th
Returned to Sailly La Bourse, fit to drop.
Jan 11th
Was inspected by the General, to see all trench mud was off.
Jan 14th
Back to the trenches our position in brown trench shells flying around, repaired dug out, knocked in by trench morter. The rest of the time in one team relived another, from front line to …… and vice-versa.
Jan 17th
One team had a narrow escape, trench morter dropping on their dug out, but luckily not powerful enough to knock it in.
Jan 18th
In reserve doing indirect fire, sending death to the rear of the Germans trenches, we received a few shells in answer, very close but no casualties, in our but 10 hussars wounded.
Jan 20th
No 2 Gun Team dug out was blown in, and all equipment smashed, but luckily no one was inside. Was relieved by the 3rd Brigade, Life guards relived us, and we returned to Sailly La Bourse.
Jan 26th
Returned to the trenches again and relieved the N.S.Y. in support front line Guns had a warm welcome, lost four men killed and one wounded the same night, dug out blown in , and moved. We move up to reserve line to reinforce during the night was nearly frozen with cold.
Jan 27th
Kaisers birthday and lively bombardment we had in the reserve, and Danger King killed in the front line, and the rest of his Team went to the hospital with shellshock. Our Team relived a team in front line and had to build up a new emplacement and parapet in the dark.
Jan 31st
Back in Support, worked on Danger Kings grave in Vermelles, and made it look decent.
Feb 1st
Returned to Sailly La Bourse about 1 pm, and went to Pictures at night.
Feb 7th
Back to the trenches again, and relived on another as usual.
Feb 12th
Was relieved by infantry, and we returned for the last time to Sailly La Bourse.
Feb 13th
Returned to Desvres by cattle trucks, had a hearty welcome from the chaps who were left with the horses, and the civilian population.
Feb 14th
A lecture by our Colonel complemented us on the good work we did in the trenches.
Feb 23rd
The three M.G. detachments made into a Squad, 19th H Com Officer, 19th H Ser May practically regular soldiers now, and more strict discipline.
March 18th
6.30 P…. to move in the morning for the trenches.
March 19th
The Squad moved off at 9.15 am mounted, stayed the first night at Therouam (?)
March 20th
Moved off again at 9 am and stopped at L’ecleme about 2 miles from Lillers.
April 16th
Left L’ecleme by bus for the trenches, started in the support line, at a position called Port Arther on Neuve Chapelle front.
April 18th
Relieved the 19th Hussars at the front line.
April 21st
The first casualty Pte. Amor killed (sniped)
April 24th
Second party relieved us from the trenches we returned to the horses.
May 1st
Trenches again, another ride in the old London buses, three men to each gun. M.G.C. just from England
May 5th
A few return to L’ecleme 1 for one.
May 11th
The rest of the Squad return to the horses!
May 13th
Left Le’eleme for Desvres again, stopped the night at Floyeques, soaking rained nearly all the way.
May 14th
Arrived back at Desvres, the men in the same billets but the horses the other end of the town.
May 23rd
Moved our horses on the lines to Courset, about 4 kil from Desvres.
June 24th
Left Courset for the Somme gap, at 7.00 pm and travelled until 4 am and pegged down at Noyelles passed through Montreul.
June 25th 1916
Left again at 10 pm to 6 am pegged down at Ailly, passed through Abbeville.
June 26th 1916
Left at 9 pm stopped at 1 am at St. Léger les Domart.
June 27th
Left again at 11 pm until 5.30 am half the column took the wrong road most of the fellows asleep on their horses. Stopped in Querrieur pouring hard, slept in a puddle.
July 1st 1916
Went to Bresle, about 3 kil from Albert, stood too, waiting to go through, returned to Querrieu at night not wanted.
July 2nd 1916
Poured all day, up to our knees in mud and water.
July 5th 1916
Left Querrieu, and come farther back to make room for Infantry as the fighting soldiers came back to Longpres passing through Amiens.
July 11th 1916
Left Longpres for Querrieu, again started at 9 pm got there at 7.20 am.
Diary no. 2 – Feb 1916
Was relieved from the trenches at Vermelle by the Infantry.
Left the trenches at 5 am.
Feb 19th Sun
Returned to Desvres by cattle trucks arriving there about 10 pm
Feb 23rd
The three gun sections of the brigade made into a squad, a regular officer and a regular Ser Maj in charge a little discipline.
March 18th
Had orders at 8pm to be ready to move the next morning at 9 am.
Mar 19th
The Squad moved off at 9.15 am, a party cleared up and left at 11.15 am pretty lively and joined the Squad at Thersonne, where we stayed the night.
March 20th
Left Thersonne at 7 am and took billets at Le Cleme 4 kils from Lillers.
April 7th
Left for the trenches on the Neuve Chappelle Front at Richburgh district att 35 Div Bantams Ordinary coset of teams relieving one another.
April 21st
The first casualty Pt. Amore killed (sniped)
Diary continues as Diary 1 until
July 13th (1916)
Moved further up, left at 6pm and stopped at Buire-sur-Aneze at 9.30, stood too, in case we should be wanted.
July 27th
Returned to cavalry not wanted.
Aug 9th 1916
Moved again, back this time, stayed the night at Long
Aug 10th
Off again, pegged down at Gamaches, close to Le Treport.
Aug 13th 1916
Had a day on the sands, put our horses up at Waigarne.
Aug 15th
Had another day at Le Treport, had a good time, and went by train.
Sept. 6th
Left Gamaches for another gap and stopped the first night at Bourngcourt.
Sept. 7th
Off again and stopped at Davus.
Sept. 14th
Moved off from Davus to Carnoy valley, close to a Battery of Big guns. All the Brigade together.
Sept. 15th
Standing too, first Div. to go through. Stood too for two days.
Sept 17th
Moved back again to Davus.
Sept. 18th
Poured all day and night, several horses had to be dug out of the mud, standing on marshy ground.
Sept. 19th
Moved the lines, nearly the horses stuck in the mud.
Sept. 22nd
Left Davus, stopped the first night at Conie-Soye second at… and arrived in Galametz on the 25th.
Oct. 18th
I went into hospital at St. Pol, Ho. 12 Stationary with my knee J.C.F
Oct. 22nd
Was evacuated to No. 4 General at Carniers, started from At. Pol station about 11 am arrived at Carniers 11 pm.
Oct. 27th
Was discharged from hospital to No. 6 Conval (?) camp at Etaples.
Oct. 30th
Was sent to detail Camp, to be sent to the base next day.
Oct. 31st
Entrained at Etaples Station for Rouen in Cattle trucks.
Nov. 1st
Arrived at Rouen Station at about 2 pm then reported to no. 5 General Base Depot Cur Base.
Nov 12th
Left Rouen for the Squad again in cattle trucks
Nov 13th
Arrived at Lamer (Somer) and stayed the night there.
Nov 14th
Rejoined the Squad again at Cremarest 2 kils from Desvres.
Nov 17th
Promoted L. Cpl.
Dec 3rd
Went on leave, rode to Boulogne mounted, left at about 2 pm for Folkestone and arriving at Victoria 6.30 stayed the night at Kentish Town.
Dec. 12th
Left home for France again, stayed the night at S.J. (?)
Dec. 13th
Entrained at Victoria at 7.30 am at Boulogne at noon and stayed the night at the rest camp.
Dec. 14th
Had a good Xmas, plenty to eat and drink; played truant and stayed the night in Desvres.
1917
JAN 2nd 1917 Diary 3 also 1917 entries in brackets
Left Cremarest to Bourthes for better billets, about 12 kils from Desvres.
Jan 30th
Part of the Squad with guns went up the line to Loo’s. Mols. M.G. with them. I was left behind with influenza (tem. 103).
(part of the Squad left for the Trenches, some M M, G with them I was taken bad with influenza the morning they went tem 103)
Feb 13th
A party of us for the line to relive a few of the fellows, stayed the night in St. Omer Barracks. (about 12 of us, went to as relive party, about the same number came back, we stayed the night at St. Omer barracks.)
Feb 14th
Arrived at La Brebby our dump at noon, had two hrs rest, then marched into the trenches at Maroc, a little to the right of Loo’s. Four casualties, under a fierce strafe from Fritz. (Arrived at La Brebby our dump at about 12 noon, had dinner and then went straight into the trenches at Maroc just to the right of Loo’s, for men wounded the first night in fierce strafe.)
Mar 5th
Left the trenches the whole of the Squad, and stayed the night in La Brebby had 17 days on the line, some had 40 days. (Left the trenches the whole of the Squad, and stayed the night at La Brebby, was in the trenches 17 days without a rest, some fellows had a month and no rest.)
Mar 6th
Returned to Bourthes by Lorries, about 7 hours ride, my first sight of Portuguese on the road. (Returned to Bourthes by Motor bus, about 7 hours ride saw the first lot of Portuguese Troops on our way back)
April 6th
Left Bourthes for Arras push stayed the night at
Apr 9th
Move again to Aubigny, plenty of mud, pegged out for first time 1917. (Lovely day)
April 10th
Snowed all day.
April 16th
Moved back from Aubigny to Vacquerie
(April 18th 1917 – Rumours of moving again)
April 19th
Moved to Rougefoy in wrong area, about 8 kils from Treuent. (Moved about four kil. To Rougefoy was in another regiments area at Vacquerie.)
May 3rd
Moved from Rougefoy to Legny-Sur-Canche to make room for Infantry.
May 4th
Slept in the open, too hot in the barn? Cleaning all day for Div show. (cleaning like blazes for a competition)
May 7th
Squad Competition, me no. 5 came second.
May 10th
Show cancelled all the cleaning for nothing.
May 13th
Reveille 4 am left 7 am stopped the night at Pernes.
May 14th
Reveille 4.30 am. Left Pernes and stopped the night at La Besivridure.
May 17th
One party left for the line walked from la Bavriere to Vermelles the dump. (the same as our dump was in 15 months previous)
May 18th
Went into the line our first position was Dudley dump in front of the City in St. Elere. Gun dug out was in a tunnel, the tunnel all lit up with electricity, miles of passages in (every) direction. Fritz sent us plenty of Mineworkers and ariel shells for the first night. (Our dug out, all lit up electricity, amongst a maze of passages. Took over from the 71st Infantry. MG.Cy my position being Dudley Dump, the most advanced position, about 200 yards from the G.F. Line (German Front) Plenty of Mineworkers and arial. ? the first night, some pretty close.)
19th May
Bombing raid on our right by our own fellows. (Quiet days and night, a little Bombing raid a little to our right. Lived on Bread or biscuits and jam, and water, since coming to this position not allowed a fire)
20th May
Gun Artillery shelled City St.-Elau heard Germans shouting. (Our artillery strafed a village just ????, could hear G shout. Changed position with No.6. Dug out very low and muggy. Minnies flying over from the left and right from ? to 4 pm. Fired 100 rounds at the Hun between 10 – 10.30)
May 21st
Changed positions, came out of the Tunnel, and a little farther back. Minnies all round us. We fired 1000 rounds at night.
May 23rd
Minnies and Whisbangs all round us as Avi just us. (Had some shells drop very close, mostly Minnies and Whisbangs. Watched an air duel over our lines)
May 24th
Changed positions with Moles M.G. we went back to our dump in reserve, in Vermelles Brewery. (Motor M.G. relieved us and we returned to Vermelles Brewery.)
May 25
Practising bomb throwing and practised raiding the German lines at night until 1 am. (Was picked out for a bombing raid by the Squad. Practising bomb throwing and a general rehearsal for the raid. Got to bed 1 am 26th.)
May 26th
(11.30 am practising for the raid to 1 pm) 11.30 pm Over the Top through our wire, 10 bombs on my back, revolver in one hand clubbed stick in the other, could hear Germans working in their trench, but got no farther, came in again at 1 am – 27th (11.30 pm Over the Top crawled through our own wire with 10 bombs loaded revolver and cogged ? headed cudgel kept getting hung in our barbed wire, got in position after a struggle. Could hear Germans ? ? Returned at 1 am got back to bed at 3.30 am 27th).
27th May
Over the Top again at 12 pm. Germans sent Gas over at 1.45 am. The Major got gassed and two men. Returned again at 2 am – 28th to our positions, got the guns ready and put up a barrage with the artillery for a raid by infantry, each Gun fired 2200 rounds. The artillery put up a smoke barrage, fine sight. Returned at six to the Brewery dead tired, had Breakfast went to bed and slept until 2.30 pm. (Over the Top again at 12 pm. Returned at 2 pm. Germans sent gas cloud over at 1.45. Major Settle got gassed, he had no box helmet, after we came in all men went to gun positions and at 5 o’clock put up a barrage for the ? Foresters who made a raid on the German Front Line. 12 machine guns firing each gun firing 2200 rounds. Artillery put up a smoke barrage, returned to V. Brewery had breakfast, got to bed 9 am dead tired, awoke at 2.30)
29th May
4 per Gun relived, went back to the horses, they had moved to Annegan 1 kil from Bethune. (was relieved 4 per gun, relief parties returned to the horses at An)
May 30th
Settled down to general routine 3 horses each.
June 4th
Moved to La Gorgue 1 kil from Estaires to be handy in case Portuguese returned. (moved to La Gorgue, 1 K from Estaires, what for I don’t know)
June 11th
Returned to Annegion (?)
June 18th
A part of the squad left for the trenches at Lens (Trench party left for Lens frontier)
June 19th
Another party 12 men went to a training to practise for a raid with on Lens. (Another party of 12 men went to a training school, to get ready to take part in a big raid coming off by the Buffs on Lens)
(26th June 1917)
(Buffs raided the enemy trenches some of our fellows taking part in it. A very rough time they had.)
July 3rd
Trench party returned – 10 casualties Leiut. Sower killed, 2CP wounded and 6 gassed and 1 shell shock. (Trench party returned 10 casualties. 1 officer killed Leiut. Gower, 8 Cpl Cooper 1 other wounded and 6 gassed and 1 shell shock.)
July 7th
Another party for the trenches at Loo’s.
July 8th 1917
Went up for a stafe on the night of 7th and 8. Came back to reserve at La Brebby without firing a shot. (One party for the trenches at Loos amongst them. Went into the trenches for a strafe this morning.)
(July 9th 1917)
(Didn’t fire a shot, the two teams of the No.5 returned to La Brebies the dump)
July 10th 1917
La Brebby shelled and six men killed, a lot of horses and mules killed. (La Brebis shelled by German heavies. About six men killed. Several mules and horses killed 2 wounded of the Canadians the night previous.)
July 11th 1917
Relieved another Team on Loos Crussier 1500 yards from the Germans. 1 fellow of the other Team wounded in the head with a piece of Bomb playing with them just before we relieved them. (Relieved the two teams of No.4 sub-section. My guns position on the top of Loo’s Grassier. 1500 yards from German front line. One Fellow wounded of No.4 just before our section relieved them.)
(12th July 1917)
(A few shells near but nothing to be alarmed about)
July 14th
Canadians relived us left the trenches 11 pm walked to La Brebby 5 kills got there about 1 am, waited about 2 hrs for Motor Buses, then went straight back to Annigin arriving about 5 am 15th.
(15th July 1917)
(Came back from the trenches)
July 16th 1917
Left Annezin to Estaires to back the Portuguese up again.
(Left Annegin, and went to Estaires, rumours were to back the Portuguese up.)
(27th August 1917)
(Left Estaires to trek back to winter billets, stopped the first night at very rough weather)
Aug 28th 1917
Left Estaires for winter billets eventually arriving at Lefaux after three days trek. A little village 3 kils from Etaples Infantry Base.
(stopped the 2nd night wind and rain terrible)
(August 29th 1917)
(Found billets at Lefaux a little scattered village near the sea. About 3 kils Etaples base depot, and 4 kils from Camiers M G base)
Sept 2nd
Went to Horse Show at Paris-Plage, a pretty seaside place. (for a couple of hours)
Sept 9th
Went to Horse Show at Paris-Plage. English, French, Belgian and Portuguese horses competing. Came back to find infantry at Etaples Rioting, caused through M.P. (Military Police) shooting a Jock.
(Went to horse show at Paris Plage, on coming through Etaples we met a great crowd rioting rushing (?) about of M.F.P’s one or two had fired on N.Z. soldiers)
(Mon 10th Sept 1917)
(Rioting still on)
Sept. 11th
Order to pack saddles and stand too, in case rioting got worse.
(order to stand too, in case we were needed for Etaples, to quell the mob)
(Sept 12th)
(Still under orders)
(13th Sept. 1917)
(still under orders)
Sept. 14th 1917
Stood down rioting finished. (stood down 12 noon)
(Sept. 15th)
(I had orders to go to La Gorgue to fetch a pump we left behind. Four days journey.)
Sept 17th
Went from Etaples to Estaires by train to fetch a pump left behind by Squad. Slept the night in our old billet.
(Left Etaples and arrived at La Gorgue 6pm had the night in our old billet.)
Sept 18th
Found the pump and lost my blankets and rations. French children stole them. Left Estaires and stayed the night in Bethune.
(Found the pump I came for and lost my blanket ground sheets and worst of all the rest of my 4 days rations.
(French kids stole them). Left La Gorgue for Etaples 2 pm stopped the night at Bethune.)
Sept. 19th
Left Bethune Station 3.30 pm arrived Etaples 11.30 pm in a cattle truck, got back to Le Faux 1 am 20th.
Sept 21st
Went to Div. sports. Had a good day out.
(Went to Div. Athletic sports had a good day out.)
Oct 6th
Left Lefaux 9 am and stopped at Longfosse just out of Desvres went into Desvres at night, to see the old people, and they got us all drunk, rolled back about 11 pm.
(Left Lefaux about 9 am for Ypres front, stayed the first night at Longfosse, about 2 kil from Desvres, walked into Desvres, returned about 11 pm. All Desvres welcomed us.)
Oct 7th
Moved again to Lurques never found what we went for.
(Started again at 8 am went through Desvres, the Town seemed to turn out to watch us pass, stayed the night at Lurques.)
(Oct 8th Monday)
(Waiting order.)
(Oct. 9th)
(Expecting to move farther up in the morning of the 10th.)
Oct 11th
Moved back to Le Faux stopped on our way back for one night at Longfosse.
Oct 14th
Moved again to fresh billet to Montcavrel.
(Packed up to move again to fresh billets.)
(15th Oct 1917)
(Moved to Recques.)
(16th Oct. 1917)
(Moved again to next village Montcavrel. Recques not big enough to hold all the Squadron.)
(24th October 1917)
(Found a ? bed)
Nov 8th (Thurs)
Brigade Route March.
(Brigade march past. Orders to move on Sat.)
Nov 10th
Left Montcavrel, and stopped the night at Auben-St.-Vincent.
Nov 11th
Moved again to
(off again 10.30 stopped at )
Nov 12th
(Moved again at 10.30)
Stopped the night at St. Gralien
Nov 13th
March in the dark, stopped at Chippilly about midnight.
Nov 14th
Marched again in the dark pegged down at La Mesnil a ruined village.
Nov 19th
Reveille 10.30 pm moved off at 2 am 20th saddled up by the light of fires. Marched to Fins arriving just after day break.
Nov 20th
Stood too all day and moved up to Metz.
Nov 21st
Stood too all day, left our horses at between Marcains and Ribicourt, went into the lines at night, over the canal locks at Lamen, Germans were nearly all round, didn’t know until we had come out. Had the Germans attacked, we should have been trapped on their (side) of the canal. Quiet night, slept in a German billet they had evacuated the day previous, found several souvenirs.
(Stood too nearly all day and went into the trenches after dark to relieve the 2nd Brigade.)
Nov 22nd
Left the canal bank at about 11 am to our horses and moved them back to Metz.
(Left the trenches about 11 am, back to our horses and moved back to Metz.)
Nov 23rd
Stood too all day, went up the line again at night, tried to sleep in bunk holes on the bank of on Grainecourt-Mourne road after a lot of marching about.
Nov 24th
Went farther up and dug positions just off the Bapaume Carnbrac main road close to a Sugar Factory, and 400 yards from Bourbon Wood. Had a rough, the E. Cls directed the fire of their Artillery on to us. One Sergt. killed and one man wounded. Cleared out of those positions, at dusk and started to dig more on the other side of Sugar Factory, nearly all of us knocked up.
Nov 25th
Was relieved by Inf (never was more pleased) M.g. at night and marched back to Flesquieres, shelled on the way.
Nov 26th
Left Flesquieres in the afternoon and marched back to Metz.
Nov 27th
Reveille 4 am, woke up to find about 2 inches of snow over us and lying in a puddle, never more cold or miserable in my life. Burned nearly all the hay to get a fire. Moved at 7.30 for Froissy 2 kils from Bray. Pouring with rain from reveille to moving off. Saddles either in water or smothered in mud. An issue was given us help saddle up, and the saddles were soon on.
Nov 30th
Order to pack saddles 12 noon. Order to get saddled as soon as possible 12.15. (Rumours were)Germans broke through at Geaugecourt. Moved at 1.30 pm at a trot stopped at Roisel and stood too. Slept with our heads under our saddles.
Dec 1st
Stood too all day.
Dec 2nd
Went into the line close to Ephey, at night, walked about the rest of the night to keep warm, freezing hard.
(Moved up again and into the line, slept in railway bank, about 200 yards from Eppy.)
Dec 3rd
Dug position in an open field, in case the Germans broke through again.
(Dug gun positions just over the railway, in case of a German attack, cold frosty night.)
Dec 4th
Relieved by the 5th Squadron (M.G.C.) and marched back to Roisel here bell tents were put up for us.
Dec 11th 1917
Warned off to go as galloper with the digging party but sprained my knee just as I was going to mount. The fellow who went in my place took my horse and got him wounded. German planes dropped bombs amongst them.
Dec 12th
Returned with the horses to Froissy.
(Left two Gun Trains at Roisel.)
Dec 14th
Went into Divisional Rest Station at Cappy.
16th Dec 1917)
(Gun Teams returned from Roisel.)
Dec 17th
Returned to the Squad Guns Team returned from Roisel.
Dec 18th
Ordered to move, but cancelled owing to condition of road, all ice. Cancelled for two days.
Dec 20th
Moved off at 8.30 walking and leading our horses, roads too bad to ride. Took us five hours to go twelve mile, one or two accidents half the horses slipped over. Stopped at La Mesnil.
(Roads like glass.)
Dec 23rd
Made Ante Aircraft position on a tree stump, and was guard all day. I and R.C.
Dec 26th
Ante aircraft all day, (a decent Xmas under the Cir, but) the most dismal Xmas I’ve ever spent.
1918
Jan 9th 1918
Went on Ante Aircraft duty at Div HQ billeted with M.M.D. at Peronne.
Jan 14th
Squad went up to the trenches, left us on div HQ struck luck for once, plenty eat and not much to do, a change from the Squad.
Jan 29th
Was relived off div H.Q. had the three easiest weeks of my soldiering and plenty to eat. Returned to the Squad at La Mesnil.
Feb 4th
Home on leave.
Feb 18th
14 days extension.
end of Diary 2
Diary 3 “The Boy Scouts Notebook and Diary”
Also covers 1917 so have added details or other entries into above
Diary 4
March 26th 1918
Left home for France again after nearly 3 weeks in England. Stayed the night in London.
27th March
Left Victoria at 8 am arrived at Folkestone about 10 am, and went to No. 1 rest Camp. Stayed here two days.
29th March
Crossed over to Boulogne very rough sea. Fed the fishes. Arriving at Boulogne R.A. band played us to Rest Camp.
31st March (Easter Sunday)
Left Boulogne Station in cattle trucks about 11 am and arrived at Canaples at 1.30 am April 1st and marched to B Echelon of 1st Cav, Div, about 4 kils. Arrived about 2.30 am. Marched off with 3 horses each at 12 noon to join the remainder of Squad at Daours. Only about half our horses left and 50 casualties mostly killed on ?
2nd April
What was left of the Squad came out of the trenches.
3rd April
Moved back to Amiens.
10th April
Left Amiens at 1.30 pm and arriving at Remaismil about 10.20 pm. Believed to be going to La Basse front when Germans broke through.
11th April
Left Remaisnil for Frevent arriving about 8 pm.
12th April
Left Frevent about 2 pm and trekked to Auchy Bois close to Pernes arriving at 10.30 pm
May 12 – 18th
Hard Training
19th May (Whit Sunday)
Moved from Auchy-au-Bois to the next village, Neponche in Birociac’s.
Tues 21st May
Left Eledonchal at 9 am and stopped at Auchy Cayeux at 1.30 pm
22nd May
Moved again at 8 am to le Ponchel near Auxi-Le Chateau.
23rd May – 4th June
Hard Training
5th June
Begun practising for sports after 6.30 pm.
14th July
Left Leponchel at 8.30 am for Thievres arriving at 3 pm about 5 kils from Doullens.
20th July
Left Thievres and moved to Mezerolles 6 kil the of Doullens.
28th July
Moved again to the next village for better billets Le Meillard.
August 5th (Bank Holiday)
Night Marching. Left Le Meillard 11 pm and marched to Pernois arriving at 3.30 am.
6th August Tues
Moved off again at 9.30 pm. Stopped at Longre-L Amines at 1.30 am 7/8/18.
8th August
(Hundreds of tanks and aeroplanes and 3 divs of cavalry with Canadians & N.Z.)
Advanced to along the Amiens Paerona railway to Caise about 15 kils all objectives reach by 2.30 pm very few casualties, galloped through machine gun fire at 2.30. In the trenches all night. Breakfast at 3.30 pm no chance. (?)
9th August
Standing too, nearly all day followed up to close to Cra? and went in the trenches at night. Galloped through shellfire in the afternoon.
10th August
Came out of trenches at 5 am and went a little way back to Caise for a rest. Saddled up and moved off at 5 pm. Germans counter attacking Chalers (?) but returned an hour later, and had a nights rest, the first for six night. At 9.30 pm German planes came over every night and dropped about 100 bombs all around us.
(nights of 11 – 13th)
(German planes over every night plenty of bombs very near.)
11th August
I saw the worst sights of my life and smelt the worst stench, hundreds of dead horses and men, a good amount having laid and rooted from GC4 most ?
12th August
Moved from Caise Wood at 9 pm to go back. German planes over and dropped bombs causing a lot of casualties amongst the 15 Hus. And 9th Ambulance, only one ambulance wagon left.
13th August
Move again to the other side of Carmon and about 2 kils from Amiens. Plenty good bathing and boating on the Somme marshes.
16th August
Night march from 8 pm to 3 am, moved to Longuevillette about 5 kils from Doullens.
18th August
Left Longuevillette by night and stopped at Theirures, ready for the push for Bapaume.
20th August
Moved up by night and waited in front of Gommecourt all day, not wanted, so returned to Amplier about 8 pm.
22nd August
Moved from Amplier to Orville, for Div HQ to get in.
23rd August
Div standing too, to go up the line. Reported sick with diarrhoea was sent into 21st C.C.S at Wavans 2 kils from Aux Le Chateau.
27th August
Was evacuated from 21st CCS with Dysentry. Left at 1 pm and went to Boulogne arrived at no. 14 Stationary at 8 am the following stretcher case.
29th August
Marked blighty. Left the hos at 3 pm got on boat at 4.30 off at 8.30 on to Ambulance train. Arrived at Birmingham hos at 5 am the following morning.