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| | + | <p align="right"> [[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Diaries, Memorials, Personal Reminiscences]] > '''The Great War Diaries - 1915 (5th Seaforths)''' </p><hr> |
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| | <center><font size =6><b>The Great War diaries of | | <center><font size =6><b>The Great War diaries of |
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| | soon.<br><br> | | soon.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>In September 1919 he started his teaching career in Golspie and in October
| + | In September 1919 he started his teaching career in Golspie and in October |
| − | 1921 moved south to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Ayr</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Academy</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. | + | 1921 moved south to Ayr Academy. |
| − | He later moved to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Cumnock</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType><span | + | He later moved to Cumnock Academy where he |
| − | style='font-size:10.0pt'>A</span>cademy</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> where he
| + | |
| | completed his career, retiring in 1953. During his time in Ayrshire he maintained | | completed his career, retiring in 1953. During his time in Ayrshire he maintained |
| | his interest in Thurso by keeping in touch with family and friends and visiting | | his interest in Thurso by keeping in touch with family and friends and visiting |
| − | in the summer. He kept in contact with his comrades in the 5<sup>th</sup> | + | in the summer. He kept in contact with his comrades in the 5th |
| | Seaforths by attending the reunions. He died in 1977, and his pawky sense of | | Seaforths by attending the reunions. He died in 1977, and his pawky sense of |
| − | humour, and warmth of nature are missed by family and all who knew him..</p> | + | humour, and warmth of nature are missed by family and all who knew him.. |
| | + | |
| | + | In 1930 he had married Isabella Moodie |
| | + | and they had a son Alan Bruce Cairnie who moved to Canada |
| | + | in 1967. Two of John Bruce's great-grandsons wrote in 2003, as part of a |
| | + | Royal Canadian Legion competition, the following compositions: |
| | | | |
| − | <p>In 1930 he <span style='font-size:10.0pt'>had </span>married Isabella Moodie | + | <center><font size =4><nowiki>"What |
| − | and they had a son Alan Bruce Cairnie who moved to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>
| + | Remembrance Day Means to Me"</nowiki></font></center><br><br> |
| − | in 1967. Two of John Bruce’s great-grandsons wrote in 2003, as part of a
| + | |
| − | Royal Canadian Legion competition, the following compositions: </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>"What | + | <center>by Angus Cairnie, aged 12.</center><br><br> |
| − | Remembrance Day Means to Me"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'>by Angus Cairnie, aged 12.</p> | + | <blockquote> |
| | + | The order comes |
| | + | from the generals;<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The order comes
| + | The tanks halt, the |
| − | from the generals;<o:p></o:p></span></p> | + | only sound is from the gulls.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The tanks halt, the
| + | The shells stop, |
| − | only sound is from the gulls. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | the guns are stilled,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The shells stop,
| + | The bombs stop blasting, |
| − | the guns are stilled,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | people remember those killed.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The bombs stop blasting,
| + | Memories come, |
| − | people remember those killed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | unstoppable as a flood,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Memories come,
| + | Weep, weep and free |
| − | unstoppable as a flood,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | the earth of blood,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Weep, weep and free
| + | Tears flow, wash |
| − | the earth of blood,<o:p></o:p></span></p> | + | away the sadness.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Tears flow, wash
| + | Thousands died to |
| − | away the sadness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | clean the world of badness.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Thousands died to
| + | War is the knife, |
| − | clean the world of badness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | blood is the lives and peace the tourniquet,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>War is the knife,
| + | Remember, never |
| − | blood is the lives and peace the tourniquet,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | forget and feel the pain as battle lines met.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Remember, never
| + | Love peace and |
| − | forget and feel the pain as battle lines met.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | never let this happen again,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Love peace and
| + | Restrain your anger |
| − | never let this happen again,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | and don't unleash again this pain.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Restrain your anger
| + | Stop the artillery, |
| − | and don’t unleash again this pain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | silence the guns.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Stop the artillery,
| + | No need anymore to |
| − | silence the guns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | slay the Huns.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>No need anymore to
| + | Call back the tanks, |
| − | slay the Huns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | land the planes,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Call back the tanks,
| + | Time to stop the |
| − | land the planes,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | advance across the plains.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Time to stop the
| + | We've stopped |
| − | advance across the plains.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | the holocaust,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>We’ve stopped
| + | The massive total |
| − | the holocaust,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | human cost.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The massive total
| + | The time to mourn |
| − | human cost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | now is best,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The time to mourn
| + | More death than we |
| − | now is best,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | could have guessed.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>More death than we
| + | So today is the day |
| − | could have guessed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | that we remember.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>So today is the day
| + | Because war can be |
| − | that we remember.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | a glowing ember,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Because war can be
| + | At the thought of |
| − | a glowing ember,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | war we stand aghast,<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>At the thought of
| + | And Remembrance Day |
| − | war we stand aghast,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | will always last.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>And Remembrance Day | + | <nowiki>********************************</nowiki></blockquote> |
| − | will always last. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:2.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>********************************
| |
| − | <o:p></o:p></span></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>"Remembrance | + | <center><font size =4><nowiki>"Remembrance |
| − | Day Essay"<o:p></o:p></span></p> | + | Day Essay"</nowiki></font></center><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>by </span>Malcolm | + | <center>by Malcolm<br> |
| − | Cairnie, aged 11</p> | + | Cairnie, aged 11</center><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>A class is sitting in an
| + | A class is sitting in an |
| − | assembly for Remembrance Day. One kid whispers to another, " What’s | + | assembly for Remembrance Day. One kid whispers to another, " What's |
| − | this Remembrance Day thing about, anyway?" The other kid replies, " I | + | this Remembrance Day thing about, anyway? The other kid replies, I |
| − | think it’s something for dead soldiers or something."</p> | + | think it's something for dead soldiers or something.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>True. But that isn’t
| + | True. But that isn't |
| | the half of it. Remembrance Day is a time to remember the brave men in World | | the half of it. Remembrance Day is a time to remember the brave men in World |
| | War I and World War II who died fighting against evil and tyranny. Veterans | | War I and World War II who died fighting against evil and tyranny. Veterans |
| | come, too, to pay their respects to their lost comrades. In World War I, we | | come, too, to pay their respects to their lost comrades. In World War I, we |
| − | fought against <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>. | + | fought against Germany. |
| − | In World War II, we fought the Axis- a group of countries that included <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>, | + | In World War II, we fought the Axis- a group of countries that included Germany, |
| − | <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
| + | Japan, Italy, |
| − | and <st1:country-region><st1:place>Austria</st1:place></st1:country-region>. | + | and Austria. |
| | All of these were formidable enemies, but each time we triumphed. This does not | | All of these were formidable enemies, but each time we triumphed. This does not |
| | take away the terrible reality of millions of deaths on both sides, and war is | | take away the terrible reality of millions of deaths on both sides, and war is |
| | equally horrible no matter who wins. Some questions the little kid in the first | | equally horrible no matter who wins. Some questions the little kid in the first |
| − | paragraph might ask are:</p> | + | paragraph might ask are:<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Why do we wear a poppy?</p>
| + | Why do we wear a poppy?<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>We wear a poppy to honor dead soldiers. Poppies grew on many men’s
| + | We wear a poppy to honor dead soldiers. Poppies grew on many men's |
| − | graves so it was adopted as a Remembrance Day symbol.</p> | + | graves so it was adopted as a Remembrance Day symbol.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Why do we have a moment of silence?</p>
| + | Why do we have a moment of silence?<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>On November 11<sup>th</sup> the peace treaty for World War I was signed. The
| + | On November 11th the peace treaty for World War I was signed. The |
| − | minute the order ‘Cease fire’ was given, a silence fell over all. | + | minute the order 'Cease fire' was given, a silence fell over all. |
| − | Today we use these two minutes to think about peace.</p> | + | Today we use these two minutes to think about peace.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Why did these men go to war?</p>
| + | Why did these men go to war?<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>There were various reasons. Some went for the salary. Others went for the
| + | There were various reasons. Some went for the salary. Others went for the |
| | adventure and excitement. Then some went to be with family and friends. Many | | adventure and excitement. Then some went to be with family and friends. Many |
| | went to fight for their country and freedom. Whatever the reason, we can be | | went to fight for their country and freedom. Whatever the reason, we can be |
| − | sure there are more dead soldiers than veterans. </p> | + | sure there are more dead soldiers than veterans. <br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>War is a gruesome prospect,
| + | War is a gruesome prospect, |
| | and we must always try to find a better way. Most minor conflicts can be | | and we must always try to find a better way. Most minor conflicts can be |
| | settled by negotiations, but sometimes war is necessary. Whatever any soldier | | settled by negotiations, but sometimes war is necessary. Whatever any soldier |
| − | does, he or she must only fight for freedom and justice.</p> | + | does, he or she must only fight for freedom and justice.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>So before you go rampaging off to battle, think. Is there anything else we
| + | So before you go rampaging off to battle, think. Is there anything else we |
| | can do to help? Do we have to kill? There is almost always a solution other | | can do to help? Do we have to kill? There is almost always a solution other |
| − | than violence, and it is up to us to find it.</p> | + | than violence, and it is up to us to find it.<br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>IN | + | <center> <b>IN |
| − | THE RANKS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> | + | THE RANKS</b></center><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>The origins of the 5<sup>th</sup> Seaforths lay in the Sutherland
| + | <i>The origins of the 5th Seaforths lay in the Sutherland |
| − | Highland Rifle Volunteers, raised in Sutherland and </i><st1:place><i>Caithness</i></st1:place><i> | + | Highland Rifle Volunteers, raised in Sutherland and Caithness |
| | in 1859/60 as part of a country wide enthusiasm for part-time soldiering | | in 1859/60 as part of a country wide enthusiasm for part-time soldiering |
| | inspired by fears of French invasion. In 1908 the old volunteer force became | | inspired by fears of French invasion. In 1908 the old volunteer force became |
| − | the Territorial Force and the SHRV became the 5<sup>th</sup> (Sutherland and | + | the Territorial Force and the SHRV became the 5th(Sutherland and |
| − | Caithness Highland) Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders, TF.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | Caithness Highland) Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders, TF.</i> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>They were mobilised on 4 Aug 14 and together with the 4<sup>th</sup> (</i><st1:place><st1:PlaceName><i>Ross</i></st1:PlaceName><i>
| + | <i>They were mobilised on 4 Aug 14 and together with the 4th |
| − | </i><st1:PlaceName><i>Highland</i></st1:PlaceName></st1:place><i>) and 6<sup>th</sup>
| + | (Ross Highland) and 6th |
| − | (Moray) Battalions, Seaforth Highlanders and the 4<sup>th</sup> </i><st1:place><i>Queens</i></st1:place><i> | + | (Moray) Battalions, Seaforth Highlanders and the 4th Queens |
| | Own Cameron Highlanders, from Inverness-shire, they formed the Seaforth and Cameron | | Own Cameron Highlanders, from Inverness-shire, they formed the Seaforth and Cameron |
| − | Brigade of the </i><st1:place><i>Highland</i></st1:place><i> Division.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | Brigade of the Highland Division.</i><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>After a couple of weeks spent improving coastal defences at Cromarty
| + | <i>After a couple of weeks spent improving coastal defences at Cromarty |
| | (which protected the naval base at Invergordon) the brigade moved with the rest | | (which protected the naval base at Invergordon) the brigade moved with the rest |
| − | of the division to </i><st1:City><st1:place><i>Bedford</i></st1:place></st1:City><i>, | + | of the division to Bedford, |
| − | where they were billeted in private houses.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | where they were billeted in private houses.</i><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>The commitment made by TF soldiers pre-war was to serve for home defence
| + | <i>The commitment made by TF soldiers pre-war was to serve for home defence |
| | only. On the outbreak of war most men made the additional commitment to serve | | only. On the outbreak of war most men made the additional commitment to serve |
| | overseas although some, for various reasons (age, business or family | | overseas although some, for various reasons (age, business or family |
| − | commitments, etc.), chose not to.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | commitments, etc.), chose not to.</i><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>In Sep 15 a second battalion of the 5<sup>th</sup> Seaforths was formed,
| + | <i>In Sep 15 a second battalion of the 5th Seaforths was formed, |
| | as it was in all TF regiments. The 'first line' battalion - 1/5 Seaforth - at | | as it was in all TF regiments. The 'first line' battalion - 1/5 Seaforth - at |
| | Bedford contained men willing to serve overseas; the 'second line' or reserve | | Bedford contained men willing to serve overseas; the 'second line' or reserve |
| | battalion - 2/5 Seaforth - at Golspie consisted of men who had not signed the | | battalion - 2/5 Seaforth - at Golspie consisted of men who had not signed the |
| | overseas commitment, were not fit for overseas service and recruits surplus to | | overseas commitment, were not fit for overseas service and recruits surplus to |
| − | the requirements of the first line battalion.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | the requirements of the first line battalion.</i><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>It had always been expected that the TF would require 6 months training
| + | <i>It had always been expected that the TF would require 6 months training |
| | before being fit for overseas operations. In fact, 1/4 Seaforth went overseas | | before being fit for overseas operations. In fact, 1/4 Seaforth went overseas |
| | in Nov 14 and 1/4 Camerons in Feb 15, being replaced in the brigade by 1/6 and | | in Nov 14 and 1/4 Camerons in Feb 15, being replaced in the brigade by 1/6 and |
| − | 1/8 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | 1/8 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.</i><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>TF infantry battalions were, at the outbreak of war, still organised in
| + | <i>TF infantry battalions were, at the outbreak of war, still organised in |
| | eight companies - an organisation little changed from Napoleonic times. Regular | | eight companies - an organisation little changed from Napoleonic times. Regular |
| − | battalions had adopted a four company organisation in 1913.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | battalions had adopted a four company organisation in 1913.</i><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Judging by his regimental number (3471) John Bruce Cairnie enlisted in
| + | <i>Judging by his regimental number (3471) John Bruce Cairnie enlisted in |
| | Sep 14. The popular image of men flocking to the colours on 4 Aug 14 isn't | | Sep 14. The popular image of men flocking to the colours on 4 Aug 14 isn't |
| | really accurate - the peak of recruiting was actually a few weeks after the | | really accurate - the peak of recruiting was actually a few weeks after the |
| Line 252: |
Line 255: |
| | pre-war Thurso company) as a Lance Sergeant - this was appointment not a rank. His | | pre-war Thurso company) as a Lance Sergeant - this was appointment not a rank. His |
| | actual rank was Corporal; a Lance appointment was usually a prelude to further | | actual rank was Corporal; a Lance appointment was usually a prelude to further |
| − | promotion.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | promotion.</i><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>JANUARY | + | <center><b>JANUARY |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> | + | 1915</b></center><br><br> |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>19 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Company drill from 9:30 to 1 p.m. It would get rather feding up if we had much of it. An hour of 'cross-tig' relieved the monotony. In the afternoon, bayonet fighting for NCOs, and then a lecture by Sergt-Major. Very busy all evening and got up to orderly room by 11:30. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Company
| |
| − | drill from <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="9">9:30</st1:time> to <st1:time
| |
| − | Minute="0" Hour="13">1 p.m.</st1:time> It would get rather feding up if we had
| |
| − | much of it. An hour of 'cross-tig' relieved the monotony. In the afternoon,
| |
| − | bayonet fighting for NCOs, and then a lecture by Sergt-Major. Very busy all
| |
| − | evening and got up to orderly room by <st1:time Hour="11" Minute="30">11:30</st1:time>.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>20 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>20 Jan 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Wakened
| |
| − | by reveille. Mac lazy as he hadn't been in bed till 2:30 a.m. Route march to
| |
| − | Turvey, somehow I felt less fit than usual. The company marched well going out,
| |
| − | but coming in when No. 1 section were leading there was no step in it. 20 men
| |
| − | on the sick-list this morning, mostly with chest-colds. No cases of measles in
| |
| − | our Company today, but one death in 'G'. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>The
| + | Wakened by reveille. Mac lazy as he hadn't been in bed till 2:30 a.m. Route march to Turvey, somehow I felt less fit than usual. The company marched well going out, but coming in when No. 1 section were leading there was no step in it. 20 men on the sick-list this morning, mostly with chest-colds. No cases of measles in our Company today, but one death in 'G'. |
| − | Colonel and Maj Sinclair left for a fortnight at home tonight. Still there is
| + | |
| − | no word of leave for us.</p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>21 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Slept
| + | The Colonel and Maj Sinclair left for a fortnight at home tonight. Still there is no word of leave for us. |
| − | in this morning and had a bit of a rush. Black was orderly officer and I think
| + | |
| − | did ditto as I saw him passing down at 8:30 in very squalid and untidy
| + | |
| − | condition. Company drill under Joe Robertson with Ritson in the background and
| + | |
| − | a military funeral in the neat ['over the wall' inserted above last phrase].
| + | |
| − | Quite cheerful sounds on the pipes. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>It rained all afternoon so
| |
| − | the NCOs got a lecture from Ritson and Black consisting of reading aloud
| |
| − | extracts from 'Notes from the Front'. Ritson seems to have a good grasp of
| |
| − | theory at any rate but too excitable.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Margaret | + | <center><b>21 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | and her mother at tea.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Mac
| |
| − | got his Corporal strips tonight, dating back to 12th December so he draws a big
| |
| − | pay. He's chucking things about in the kitchen now. I am writing this in the
| |
| − | lavvy as Jimmie was in our house in one of his frequent states of fed-up-ness.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>One
| + | Slept in this morning and had a bit of a rush. Black was orderly officer and I think did ditto as I saw him passing down at 8:30 in very squalid and untidy condition. Company drill under Joe Robertson with Ritson in the background and a military funeral in the neat ['over the wall' inserted above last phrase]. Quite cheerful sounds on the pipes. |
| − | death in 'A' today, and I believe 2 in 'H' yesterday.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>22 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | It rained all afternoon so the NCOs got a lecture from Ritson and Black consisting of reading aloud extracts from 'Notes from the Front'. Ritson seems to have a good grasp of theory at any rate but too excitable. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>There
| |
| − | was nearly a mutiny this morning when the men were told to parade with their
| |
| − | equipment which still wringing wet on. The Adjie wouldn't give in but when half
| |
| − | the battalion paraded without it he had to send them back for an hour to get
| |
| − | great coats. Route-march round by Rinhold and Cleat Hill raining most of the
| |
| − | way. I enjoyed it very much.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Afternoon
| + | Margaret and her mother at tea. |
| − | pay and rations. Lecture from Sergt-Major. He thought this about wet equipment
| + | |
| − | - 'a damn good joke'. He insisted on punctuality on parade, which is certainly
| + | |
| − | necessary. Our men aren't smart enough yet at turning out. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Mac
| |
| − | sleeping up in Orderly Room tonight as he got a little slap last night because
| |
| − | Gwyneth had a bad throat - mostly sham I'm thinking. She was alright today and
| |
| − | Pitman was in her room till after <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="30">10:30 p.m.</st1:time></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b> <o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Mac got his Corporal strips tonight, dating back to 12th December so he draws a big pay. He's chucking things about in the kitchen now. I am writing this in the lavvy as Jimmie was in our house in one of his frequent states of fed-up-ness. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>24 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Went
| + | One death in 'A' today, and I believe 2 in 'H' yesterday. |
| − | to <st1:City><st1:place>St Paul</st1:place></st1:City>'s Church and <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>English</st1:PlaceName>
| + | |
| − | <st1:PlaceType>Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> boys. Delighted to get my
| + | |
| − | spell of Orderly Sergeant over and so was Mac. Along at tea with Rev Herbert
| + | |
| − | Reid and met Davidson McKenzie and Miss Strang. The former isn't such a great
| + | |
| − | bug as I used to think him, nor as he thinks himself. No side about the Rev
| + | |
| − | Hubert.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>25 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Tonight | + | <center><b>22 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | I was on Town-picket - the <st1:Street><st1:address>High St</st1:address></st1:Street>,
| + | |
| − | with 4 men of 'B' and had a very good time.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>26 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Platoon
| + | There was nearly a mutiny this morning when the men were told to parade with their equipment which still wringing wet on. The Adjie wouldn't give in but when half the battalion paraded without it he had to send them back for an hour to get great coats. Route-march round by Rinhold and Cleat Hill raining most of the way. I enjoyed it very much. |
| − | drill and bayonet fighting this morning with pack and ammunition. Two of 'C'
| + | |
| − | Company with about 20 others left this afternoon with ammunition and blankets
| + | |
| − | for unknown destination. Everybody much excited and much speculation as to | + | |
| − | where they are going to and what it may mean for the battalion. Rumours of <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Edinburgh</st1:PlaceName>
| + | |
| − | <st1:PlaceType>Castle</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> or <st1:place>Inverness</st1:place>.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>After
| |
| − | afternoon parade I found myself and 2 of 'C' detailed to go on similar duty.
| |
| − | Russell was picked and Jim Matheson. We paraded in 15 minutes, expecting great
| |
| − | things and feeling very big. It turned out to be picket duty at Herring Green
| |
| − | crossroads with orders to stop all cars and take number, etc. This result of
| |
| − | last Zeppelin raid as the airships are thought to have been guided by cars with
| |
| − | powerful headlights. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>We
| + | Afternoon pay and rations. Lecture from Sergt-Major. He thought this about wet equipment - 'a damn good joke'. He insisted on punctuality on parade, which is certainly necessary. Our men aren't smart enough yet at turning out. |
| − | barricaded the road with carts and took turns - 2hours on and 4 hours off. Not
| + | |
| − | very exciting and very cold, but more exciting than platoon drill. My first
| + | |
| − | experience at sleeping out and none too pleasant, but I think it wouldn't kill
| + | |
| − | me.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>27 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Mac sleeping up in Orderly Room tonight as he got a little slap last night because Gwyneth had a bad throat - mostly sham I'm thinking. She was alright today and Pitman was in her room till after 10:30 p.m. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>The
| |
| − | Kaiser's Birthday - bless 'im!</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Got | + | <center><b>24 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | into <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> at <st1:time Minute="0"
| + | |
| − | Hour="9">9 a.m.</st1:time> after rather a smart walk. Slept from 10 to 12 and
| + | |
| − | paraded again at 3 for the same duty as yesterday. Mac rather annoyed as I
| + | |
| − | didn't tell him where we were, but he had a pretty good ideal all the same. Our
| + | |
| − | officers say they heard an airship of some sort over <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | last night but nobody seems to have seen it. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>We
| |
| − | got out to Cardington at <st1:time Hour="16" Minute="0">4 p.m.</st1:time> and
| |
| − | took up our quarters this time at the Pub - The Anchor Inn. It is a very cold
| |
| − | night and like snow, but Pitman got tea for us here and if it wasn't for the
| |
| − | skittles we might have a very good time. Tonight we got order to turn back
| |
| − | every motor car or m. bike, so things are soon interesting.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>28 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | We went to St Paul's Church and English Church boys. Delighted to get my spell of Orderly Sergeant over and so was Mac. Along at tea with Rev Herbert Reid and met Davidson McKenzie and Miss Strang. The former isn't such a great bug as I used to think him, nor as he thinks himself. No side about the Rev Hubert. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>We
| |
| − | took up our positions again at <st1:time Hour="16" Minute="30">4:30</st1:time>.
| |
| − | I had from 6 to 8 and 12 to 2. A fine night, coldish but dry. The time passed
| |
| − | very quickly, sitting very comfortably in a cart of straw. Jim getting on my
| |
| − | nerves with his songs or rather his song. He has improved though with the
| |
| − | change of work and under strenuous conditions might be a keen man. Pitman had
| |
| − | to sleep by the roadside as he was the only one who knew the password. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>No cars were to be turned | + | <center><b>25 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | back, except officers who hadn't the password. Very little doing - they seem to
| + | |
| − | be avoiding the place.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>29 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Got
| + | Tonight I was on Town-picket - the High St, with 4 men of 'B' and had a very good time. |
| − | in to <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> at <st1:time Hour="8"
| + | |
| − | Minute="30">8:30</st1:time> and as we got word that our special duty is now at
| + | |
| − | an end we had a free day. I was down town in the morning and again on special
| + | |
| − | pass at night. Went to 'Grumpy' which was very good. The best thing I have seen
| + | |
| − | here so far.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>30 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>I | + | <center><b>26 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | was helping <st1:place>W. Ritson</st1:place> today with the billets as his
| + | |
| − | clerk is on leave. I shouldn't care for his job, or his clerk's either. R. can
| + | |
| − | be very disagreeable when he wants. In the afternoon I played soccer for 'E' v
| + | |
| − | 'G'. We beat them 8-1. It wasn't a great match but I was delighted to be
| + | |
| − | playing football once again. I think I must be as fit now as ever I was.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Today
| |
| − | the new double company system was inaugurated and henceforth we form, along
| |
| − | with 'F', the new 'C'. We are all sorry to bid goodbye to the old state of
| |
| − | affairs, which seemed to work very well, and in which we were all very happy.
| |
| − | We aren't keen on 'F' as they are a pretty rough and coarse crowd, but no doubt
| |
| − | will improve on acquaintance.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>31 Jan 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Platoon drill and bayonet fighting this morning with pack and ammunition. Two of 'C' Company with about 20 others left this afternoon with ammunition and blankets for unknown destination. Everybody much excited and much speculation as to where they are going to and what it may mean for the battalion. Rumours of Edinburgh Castle or Inverness. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>I
| |
| − | had made up my mind to get a lot of letters written today, but only managed
| |
| − | three. Church Parade in the morning and we got a good sermon from the Cameron
| |
| − | chaplain. He always makes an impression and rivets the attention of the men:
| |
| − | reminds me in voice and manner of Daniel S Calderwood. In the evening I went to
| |
| − | Corn Exchange Concert but was asleep most of the time.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>FEBRUARY
| + | After afternoon parade I found myself and 2 of 'C' detailed to go on similar duty. Russell was picked and Jim Matheson. We paraded in 15 minutes, expecting great things and feeling very big. It turned out to be picket duty at Herring Green crossroads with orders to stop all cars and take number, etc. This result of last Zeppelin raid as the airships are thought to have been guided by cars with powerful headlights. |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>01 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Paraded
| + | We barricaded the road with carts and took turns - 2hours on and 4 hours off. Not very exciting and very cold, but more exciting than platoon drill. My first experience at sleeping out and none too pleasant, but I think it wouldn't kill me. |
| − | under company arrangements - company drill and physical exercises in the
| + | |
| − | forenoon and musketry in afternoon. I find I have forgotten most of the
| + | |
| − | musketry and expect that most of the NCOs are in the same box. I put Davidson
| + | |
| − | onto my squad - he was a musketry instructor. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Ian and I went and had out
| |
| − | photographs taken again and I hope they will be more successful than the last.
| |
| − | We went to 'Brewster's Millions' with Mrs. Platts. Mac is living up to, if not
| |
| − | beyond his pay - a very bad habit. His late hours must tell him sooner or later
| |
| − | and if he doesn't chuck them soon I will speak to Mrs. Platts.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>02 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>27 Jan 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Parade
| |
| − | at <st1:time Minute="45" Hour="19">7:45</st1:time>. Marched round by Wilden
| |
| − | Shrubbery and Sevick End with ammunition 120 rounds. Pace very hot and
| |
| − | atmosphere muggy in the extreme. The whole division was on the road and marched
| |
| − | past Sir Ian Hamilton at Goldington Green. We marched past very well and I hope
| |
| − | made a good impression. Kept a perfect step from Goldington to <st1:Street><st1:address>Clarendon
| |
| − | St</st1:address></st1:Street>. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Soccer match between 'C'
| + | The Kaiser's Birthday - bless 'im! |
| − | and 'D' ended 3 all although we had the best of the game. Got a little writing
| + | |
| − | done tonight but still have heaps to do.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>03 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Parade
| + | Got into Bedford at 9 a.m. after rather a smart walk. Slept from 10 to 12 and paraded again at 3 for the same duty as yesterday. Mac rather annoyed as I didn't tell him where we were, but he had a pretty good ideal all the same. Our officers say they heard an airship of some sort over Bedford last night but nobody seems to have seen it. |
| − | at <st1:time Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>, for a concentration route | + | |
| − | march to Sevick Farm. Our company went by Goldington and Water-end. The
| + | |
| − | marching was very good. After we got to Sevick each company went on its own for
| + | |
| − | some extended order work. No. 1 platoon was in reserve, under George Forbes and
| + | |
| − | got wiped out by being too far up and coming under fire in artillery formation.
| + | |
| − | I don't think that my section, of 8 men, would have suffered so severely. </p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In the evening we were at
| |
| − | Dr. Bell's for dinner and progressive whist. A lovely house and very hospitable
| |
| − | people; especially as they had never seen a lot of us before. There were 20 of
| |
| − | us, mostly Englishmen. Bailey and Mac sang. One of the 4th home from the front
| |
| − | was there. He's not keen on going back.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>04 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | We got out to Cardington at 4 p.m. and took up our quarters this time at the Pub - The Anchor Inn. It is a very cold night and like snow, but Pitman got tea for us here and if it wasn't for the skittles we might have a very good time. Tonight we got order to turn back every motor car or m. bike, so things are soon interesting. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Today
| |
| − | I was helping Ritson to pay the billets. This is rather monotonous work, only
| |
| − | Ritson's arithmetic is occasionally diverting. What neat, clean house most of
| |
| − | the people keep - 'We're poor but we like to be tidy and comfortable". R.
| |
| − | was in better tune today. Mac, Addie and Jim digging drains all day at <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Harrowden</st1:PlaceName>
| |
| − | <st1:PlaceType>Range</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, came back dead tired. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Jim is trying for a | + | <center><b>28 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | commission in one of the Reserve Battalions or more preferably the 5th. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>I hear Willie Torrance is
| |
| − | not expected to get better - pneumonia. Am very sorry for his mother. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got a 'permanent' pass till
| + | We took up our positions again at 4:30. I had from 6 to 8 and 12 to 2. A fine night, coldish but dry. The time passed very quickly, sitting very comfortably in a cart of straw. Jim getting on my nerves with his songs or rather his song. He has improved though with the change of work and under strenuous conditions might be a keen man. Pitman had to sleep by the roadside as he was the only one who knew the password. |
| − | Tuesday from Ritson and went down town. Had an unsatisfactory evening and will
| + | |
| − | not waste another in the same way. Mac is for his first quarter guard tomorrow
| + | |
| − | and I have been coaching him. Had a very cheery letter today from Louise.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>05 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>With
| + | No cars were to be turned back, except officers who hadn't the password. Very little doing - they seem to be avoiding the place. |
| − | Ritson again paying the billets. He bangs into the houses in the most
| + | |
| − | unceremonious fashion, but all over today he wasn't unsympathetic. It's when he
| + | |
| − | is crossed in the least little detail that he loses his rag: and he can't abide
| + | |
| − | to be chaffed. </p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Jim Miller who was more
| |
| − | than half tight and was in seeing Nanna, has somewhat raised my hopes of a
| |
| − | commission, but I don't know I want one. I wonder whether Ritson has not an
| |
| − | inkling of it and is not trying to get the billeting job shifted onto my
| |
| − | shoulders. I wouldn't have it at any price. I hear there are 8 vacancies - Jim
| |
| − | says the Colonel has been speaking to him on the QT.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>06 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>29 Jan 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>More
| |
| − | billet-paying today. I thought that I was going to have the afternoon off but
| |
| − | Ritson was anxious to get on with the work, so we on till <st1:time Hour="16"
| |
| − | Minute="0">4 p.m.</st1:time> </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Then I went down town, had
| + | Got in to Bedford at 8:30 and as we got word that our special duty is now at an end we had a free day. I was down town in the morning and again on special pass at night. Went to 'Grumpy' which was very good. The best thing I have seen here so far. |
| − | tea and went to the Chums and to the Palace, enjoyed myself in a quiet way. The
| + | |
| − | Chums are getting on my nerves: they aren't a bit clever - except for Harold
| + | |
| − | Johnson himself. I can't make out whether he is acting a part of not.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>07 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Church | + | <center><b>30 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | parade at <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="35">7:35</st1:time> and didn't move off
| + | |
| − | till <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="20">8:20</st1:time> - absurd. Sermon quite good
| + | |
| − | from the thin man. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Helped Ritson an hour or
| |
| − | two with his books and wasted the afternoon reading a novel.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Wrote
| + | I was helping W. Ritson today with the billets as his clerk is on leave. I shouldn't care for his job, or his clerk's either. R. can be very disagreeable when he wants. In the afternoon I played soccer for 'E' v 'G'. We beat them 8-1. It wasn't a great match but I was delighted to be playing football once again. I think I must be as fit now as ever I was. |
| − | home after tea, but didn't give them any idea that leave is starting as we may
| + | |
| − | be disappointed. Escorted Margaret home on my way to the Corn Exchange Concert. | + | |
| − | I rather like her, but don't know her well enough. </p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Mac and Gwyneth are
| |
| − | downstairs now singing - howling rag tunes and making hideous the Sabbath
| |
| − | evening.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>08 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Today the new double company system was inaugurated and henceforth we form, along with 'F', the new 'C'. We are all sorry to bid goodbye to the old state of affairs, which seemed to work very well, and in which we were all very happy. We aren't keen on 'F' as they are a pretty rough and coarse crowd, but no doubt will improve on acquaintance. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Billeting
| |
| − | again and got a good deal done in the afternoon. At three Ritson had an
| |
| − | appointment and that spoiled us. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went down town and examined | + | <center><b>31 Jan 15</b></center> |
| − | Hockliffe's secondhand bookshop: picked up one or two geological book of an
| + | |
| − | ancient order. Also A.W. Russell's "World of Life". Had tea and went
| + | |
| − | to the Whip. The staging rather ambitious but not bad considering the amount of
| + | |
| − | space at their disposal. Mac is going North on Wednesday and is in
| + | |
| − | correspondingly good form. Met Scott tonight in <st1:Street><st1:address>High
| + | |
| − | St.</st1:address></st1:Street> - of Edin. <st1:place>Battery</st1:place>.
| + | |
| − | He's a L/Cpl in the 4th Gordons.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>09 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Blank</p>
| + | I had made up my mind to get a lot of letters written today, but only managed three. Church Parade in the morning and we got a good sermon from the Cameron chaplain. He always makes an impression and rivets the attention of the men: reminds me in voice and manner of Daniel S Calderwood. In the evening I went to Corn Exchange Concert but was asleep most of the time. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>10 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Mac | + | <center><b>FEBRUARY 1915</b></center> |
| − | left today for seven days leave. Harcus went too. They were very cheery. Ritson
| + | |
| − | and I went down to the station and afterwards to the Empire he standing me in.
| + | |
| − | Not bad but rather vulgar. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Weighed myself at the
| |
| − | station: found I have put on nearly a stone since coming down but that is with
| |
| − | the kilt instead of trousers. Am now 10st 3 lbs in uniform.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>11 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>01 Feb 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Billets
| |
| − | all day: am beginning to like the work, and also to be very lazy in the
| |
| − | mornings.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Along to Mrs. Campion's at
| + | Paraded under company arrangements - company drill and physical exercises in the forenoon and musketry in afternoon. I find I have forgotten most of the musketry and expect that most of the NCOs are in the same box. I put Davidson onto my squad - he was a musketry instructor. |
| − | night and played bridge with the girls. They are quite good and I like them. I
| + | |
| − | can't stand complicated girls.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>12 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Paid
| + | Ian and I went and had out photographs taken again and I hope they will be more successful than the last. We went to 'Brewster's Millions' with Mrs. Platts. Mac is living up to, if not beyond his pay - a very bad habit. His late hours must tell him sooner or later and if he doesn't chuck them soon I will speak to Mrs. Platts. |
| − | the last of the billets today and another rummage with Ritson in Hockliffe's | + | |
| − | old books, but didn't get anything. Worked in R's billet in the afternoon,
| + | |
| − | arranging the forms. Had a yarn with Mrs. Mortimer. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Nothing doing at night it
| |
| − | has been very cold all day, and I haven't got decently warmed up once.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>13 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>02 Feb 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>A
| |
| − | wet rotten day with sleet. Slimed [?] in the Orderly Room most of the morning.
| |
| − | In the afternoon played Ellis at Chess and he wiped me: we are about evenly
| |
| − | matched - he's probably a little better than me. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After tea, went to The
| + | Parade at 7:45. Marched round by Wilden Shrubbery and Sevick End with ammunition 120 rounds. Pace very hot and atmosphere muggy in the extreme. The whole division was on the road and marched past Sir Ian Hamilton at Goldington Green. We marched past very well and I hope made a good impression. Kept a perfect step from Goldington to Clarendon St. |
| − | Chums with Ritson - he paying. Programme not bad. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The Colonel interviewed a
| |
| − | lot of fellows today, with a view to commissions - in this battalion. He didn't
| |
| − | take me, which is either a very hopeful sign - or a hopeless one. I think
| |
| − | Ritson is trying to wangle me in for his present job, but he won't manage it.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>14 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Soccer match between 'C' and 'D' ended 3 all although we had the best of the game. Got a little writing done tonight but still have heaps to do. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Muggy
| |
| − | and wet. Church parade at <st1:time Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>. Got a
| |
| − | very good sermon from the Cameron chaplain. Got a word from Willie for wearing
| |
| − | my khaki hosetops on dress parade. Felt ratty at him. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Wrote home; and spent | + | <center><b>03 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | afternoon in Ritson's doing company drill with matches. He has the double
| + | |
| − | company this week as Joe R is on furlough; and he's nervous about it. Went down
| + | |
| − | to Church in the evening but so late. Went to Corn Exchange Concert - quite
| + | |
| − | good. A fine soprano, and Blake of the Camerons.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>15 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Cold
| + | Parade at 8:45, for a concentration route march to Sevick Farm. Our company went by Goldington and Water-end. The marching was very good. After we got to Sevick each company went on its own for some extended order work. No. 1 platoon was in reserve, under George Forbes and got wiped out by being too far up and coming under fire in artillery formation. I don't think that my section, of 8 men, would have suffered so severely. |
| − | and bright. Battalion moved off at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | and marched out about five miles towards Turvey. From there advanced
| + | |
| − | cross-country in artillery formation for a mile and a half or so. Poll and I
| + | |
| − | had a platoon to ourselves. We finished up with an advance in open order, of a
| + | |
| − | very ragged sort. We badly need training in extended order. Ritson in his | + | |
| − | element, his language too grandiloquent. Some of the fields very soft and
| + | |
| − | claggy. Marched about six miles home and arrived at <st1:time Hour="16"
| + | |
| − | Minute="30">4:30</st1:time>. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In orders tonight, extract
| |
| − | from King's Regulations which seems to say we must not shave upper lip -
| |
| − | whiskers moderate if any. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Jim had a row with Gwyneth
| + | In the evening we were at Dr. Bell's for dinner and progressive whist. A lovely house and very hospitable people; especially as they had never seen a lot of us before. There were 20 of us, mostly Englishmen. Bailey and Mac sang. One of the 4th home from the front was there. He's not keen on going back. |
| − | and then with Nanna. How absurd we can all be.</p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>16 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Another | + | <center><b>04 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | magnificent day - the sun is getting quite warm. 'C' marched out to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Bromham</st1:PlaceName>
| + | |
| − | <st1:PlaceType>Bridge</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and then took up an outpost
| + | |
| − | position to cover it. Had charge of a picket and got on quite well. Willie and
| + | |
| − | Black were the only officers out. We lay down for a couple of hours and then
| + | |
| − | marched round by Stevington and the Stagsden road. The pace was a little hot
| + | |
| − | and even Willie was a little pegged. He doesn't seem to remember we carry more
| + | |
| − | than he does. No one fell out but Addie had blistered feet and no doubt there
| + | |
| − | are others. Got in at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="15">3:30</st1:time>. Most
| + | |
| − | enjoyable and healthy day. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Down town in the evening
| |
| − | for a few necessaries and spent the rest of the time getting my kit packed. I
| |
| − | don't feel the least bit excited about going home. Jim cooked some haggis and
| |
| − | it's lying heavy on my stomach now.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>17 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Today I was helping Ritson to pay the billets. This is rather monotonous work, only Ritson's arithmetic is occasionally diverting. What neat, clean house most of the people keep - 'We're poor but we like to be tidy and comfortable". R. was in better tune today. Mac, Addie and Jim digging drains all day at Harrowden Range, came back dead tired. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>It
| |
| − | turned out wet today - so wet that the battalion didn't go out. I was glad as I
| |
| − | had all my things clean and ready for the journey. We left about <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="8" Minute="0">8 o'clock</st1:time> at night, marching down to the station
| |
| − | in great form and best of spirits.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>18 - 24 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Jim is trying for a commission in one of the Reserve Battalions or more preferably the 5th. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Blank</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>25 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | I hear Willie Torrance is not expected to get better - pneumonia. Am very sorry for his mother. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Got
| |
| − | into <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> about <st1:time
| |
| − | Minute="0" Hour="9">9 a.m.</st1:time> Coming up <st1:Street><st1:address>Clarendon
| |
| − | St</st1:address></st1:Street> we found the remnants of the Company (8)
| |
| − | already paraded and George in the middle of them waving wildly. I had expected him
| |
| − | to be much older looking: instead of that he is just the same as when he went
| |
| − | out. I thought that we would be getting off parade but the Adjie sent for us
| |
| − | and we had to follow up the Company. Drill in close order all morning. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Afternoon off. </p>
| + | Got a 'permanent' pass till Tuesday from Ritson and went down town. Had an unsatisfactory evening and will not waste another in the same way. Mac is for his first quarter guard tomorrow and I have been coaching him. Had a very cheery letter today from Louise. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>At <st1:time Minute="30"
| |
| − | Hour="16">4:30</st1:time> parade for outpost duty. We marched out to Stagsden;
| |
| − | a lovely night , bright moonlight and George and I had plenty to speak about
| |
| − | all the way. We were put out under Harcus, as a screen to the position, and
| |
| − | then withdrawn as the supports. The Colonel came along and said support should
| |
| − | entrench - which I doubt. Pretty cold waiting about, but a stiff march in
| |
| − | warmed us up plenty: me nearly asleep on the march, and glad to get to bed.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>26 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>05 Feb 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Marched
| |
| − | out past the Swan Inn, and fought out to Stagsden. A perfect day. George is
| |
| − | very keen. Most of the way was through woods with thorny undergrowth. Our
| |
| − | section finished up with what appeared to me a very knutty piece of strategy,
| |
| − | but the Adjie galloped up and put half of us out of action. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Drew 42/7 today for the
| + | With Ritson again paying the billets. He bangs into the houses in the most unceremonious fashion, but all over today he wasn't unsympathetic. It's when he is crossed in the least little detail that he loses his rag: and he can't abide to be chaffed. |
| − | last 2 weeks. Am feeling rather depressed today - no doubt a reaction after
| + | |
| − | furlough and even George's presence can't shake it off altogether. Regular fed
| + | |
| − | up with the family.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>27 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Laurie
| + | Jim Miller who was more than half tight and was in seeing Nanna, has somewhat raised my hopes of a commission, but I don't know I want one. I wonder whether Ritson has not an inkling of it and is not trying to get the billeting job shifted onto my shoulders. I wouldn't have it at any price. I hear there are 8 vacancies - Jim says the Colonel has been speaking to him on the QT. |
| − | and I got a swearing from the Adjie today because he saw some of the men | + | |
| − | scratching their faces when they were at attention. He's getting very snotty
| + | |
| − | about details, so I suppose we'll have to stiffen up too. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Company out in the field
| |
| − | above the Cemetery, practicing bayonet charging against sacks of straw. The
| |
| − | sacks were set up as an extended line: good fun but not far good as instruction
| |
| − | went: not enough ground. George was at musketry instruction in Mod. School
| |
| − | Park, and was pretty fed up with standing about. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In the afternoon we went to | + | <center><b>06 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | Rugby Match, and at night George and Ian and I were down town on pass. We had
| + | |
| − | tea in Dudeney & Johnson's; went to the Chums and enjoyed ourselves very
| + | |
| − | much. The 'ass' is very like George. Went to the second house of the Empire.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>28 Feb 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Dreamt
| + | More billet-paying today. I thought that I was going to have the afternoon off but Ritson was anxious to get on with the work, so we on till 4 p.m. |
| − | last night the Adjie told me he wouldn't recommend me for a commission. I gave
| + | |
| − | him a bit of my mind. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Church parade today at <st1:time
| + | Then I went down town, had tea and went to the Chums and to the Palace, enjoyed myself in a quiet way. The Chums are getting on my nerves: they aren't a bit clever - except for Harold Johnson himself. I can't make out whether he is acting a part of not. |
| − | Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>, to the Baptist Chapel. Quite a good
| + | |
| − | sermon on sacrifice: church done up inside like an ice-cream shop. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After dinner Geo, Ian,
| |
| − | Addie and I walked out to the Swan, ordered tea and went on round by Stagsden.
| |
| − | A perfect day, as clear as any we have had here for a long time. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Coming back from Stagsden we were hailed by the tract-delivering parson, so | + | <center><b>07 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | we took to our heels. He wanted us up to tea - judging from his gesticulations,
| + | |
| − | so went back and explained and received a few tracts. George wild we couldn't
| + | |
| − | accept his invitation, as the daughter seemed 'a peach'. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Tea at the Swan: the
| |
| − | landlord rather unpleasant about tossing. Walked home: Geo. sent Addie
| |
| − | sprawling.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>MARCH
| + | Church parade at 7:35 and didn't move off till 8:20 - absurd. Sermon quite good from the thin man. |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>01 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Started running drill at <st1:time
| + | Helped Ritson an hour or two with his books and wasted the afternoon reading a novel. |
| − | Minute="15" Hour="19">7:15</st1:time> this morning, the Sergeant-Major leading.
| + | |
| − | Going on parade at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="45">8:45</st1:time>, Capt Ritson
| + | |
| − | bagged me for billeting staff. I wasn't sorry to go as it made my position
| + | |
| − | secure for tonight. I let him know I wouldn't have his job if I get a
| + | |
| − | commission, and he said M'Intosh in the orderly room would likely be put onto
| + | |
| − | it. So that's all right, and I have my pass. Didn't get a lot of billets done
| + | |
| − | as there were a lot of mistakes owing to furlough, etc.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Went down town at <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="30">6:30</st1:time> as arranged
| |
| − | and saw The Girl from <st1:State><st1:place>Utah</st1:place></st1:State>. It
| |
| − | was about the best thing I have seen here - certainly the best musical comedy.
| |
| − | The actresses were pretty, and almost proper. I like Kitty very much: nice and
| |
| − | quiet.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>02 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Wrote home after tea, but didn't give them any idea that leave is starting as we may be disappointed. Escorted Margaret home on my way to the Corn Exchange Concert. I rather like her, but don't know her well enough. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Running drill at 7:15.
| |
| − | Paying billets with Ritson and Sandy Ross. The latter's services were
| |
| − | requisitioned in order that the Captain might be saved the labour of writing
| |
| − | out the amended forms.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>03 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Mac and Gwyneth are downstairs now singing - howling rag tunes and making hideous the Sabbath evening. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>This was to be a divisional
| |
| − | day but turned out wet so we turned in. Had a reading in the office, and a
| |
| − | short route march in the afternoon round by Oakley and Bromhaw. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>At night we were hauled out | + | <center><b>08 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | to a concert nobody wanted to go to. It turned out to be a dancing display by
| + | |
| − | some school kids very good in its way but not the sort of meat and drink the Army
| + | |
| − | wants. One little girl of 9 was a splendid turn - comic songs, etc. and should
| + | |
| − | make her name.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>04 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Running drill at <st1:time
| + | Billeting again and got a good deal done in the afternoon. At three Ritson had an appointment and that spoiled us. |
| − | Hour="19" Minute="15">7:15</st1:time> paraded in full marching order at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="8" Minute="15">8:15</st1:time>. We marched out to Stagsden and from there
| + | |
| − | advanced cross country towards Stevington, in extended order the whole way. The
| + | |
| − | 6th Seaforth were on our immediate right and we got rather boxed up against the
| + | |
| − | road which was the left flank boundary. Marched in from Stevington, 'C' company
| + | |
| − | next the band. Willie was paying great attention to covering today. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went down town tonight to
| |
| − | the Picture-drome. Came back early. Gwyneth has had toothache for the last two
| |
| − | or three days and Mac and George have had to take turns at holding her hand.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>05 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Went down town and examined Hockliffe's secondhand bookshop: picked up one or two geological book of an ancient order. Also A.W. Russell's "World of Life". Had tea and went to the Whip. The staging rather ambitious but not bad considering the amount of space at their disposal. Mac is going North on Wednesday and is in correspondingly good form. Met Scott tonight in High St. - of Edin. Battery. He's a L/Cpl in the 4th Gordons. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Running drill at 7:15.
| |
| − | Battalion parade at <st1:time Minute="15" Hour="9">9:15</st1:time> for
| |
| − | trenching. We had only to go up above the Cemetery and had a pretty slack day.
| |
| − | Our squad practised entrenching with the small tools - the first time we have
| |
| − | used them. The Brigadier was knocking about. We had 35 minutes to cook and eat
| |
| − | our dinner and were back to work again till after four. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After tea I wrote home. | + | <center><b>09 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | George and Ian are both 'out' as regards the house and doubt if they will ever
| + | |
| − | smell it again.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>06 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We had a so-called medical
| + | Blank |
| − | inspection at nine. It consisted of our new M.O. walking briskly along the
| + | |
| − | ranks and studying the men's' boots. At 10 we marched up to Clapham park to get
| + | |
| − | into the trenches again. We had two shifts and Willie was for making us do
| + | |
| − | handling of arms when we came out of the trench. However we marched them to the
| + | |
| − | hedge and sat down. He is probably the most unpopular officer in the battalion
| + | |
| − | now: he used to be the most popular. 'F' Company vow to school him when we get
| + | |
| − | into action. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Jim Miller, Blake and I had
| |
| − | to parade to the Brigade Office at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | and interviewed the Brigadier. The Brigadier was quite affable and signed our
| |
| − | papers. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><st1:City><st1:place>Cambridge</st1:place></st1:City> | + | <center><b>10 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | played the Highland Division at Rugger this afternoon and got beaten. <st1:City><st1:place>Cambridge</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | had a very poor team they didn't seem to have played much together, and looked
| + | |
| − | rather a rag-a-muffin bunch. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>George and Ian on pass
| |
| − | tonight.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>07 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Mac left today for seven days leave. Harcus went too. They were very cheery. Ritson and I went down to the station and afterwards to the Empire he standing me in. Not bad but rather vulgar. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Church parade at <st1:time
| |
| − | Minute="20" Hour="8">8:20</st1:time>. Good sermon from the new chaplain. The
| |
| − | Camerons have already had some casualties. Took Orderly Sergt's work over for
| |
| − | the day as Laurie was B.O.S. so that I didn't get out of the billeting area.
| |
| − | Wrote Rob Alexander. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Black and Howie were in to
| + | Weighed myself at the station: found I have put on nearly a stone since coming down but that is with the kilt instead of trousers. Am now 10st 3 lbs in uniform. |
| − | supper.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>08 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Running drill at 7:15. Very | + | <center><b>11 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | cold, and snowing slightly. George not on duty yet as he was inoculated on
| + | |
| − | Saturday. Company drill was cancelled and battalion went out for a route march
| + | |
| − | - Milton Ernest, Filimousham, Pavenham, Stevington and Oakley. A splendid day
| + | |
| − | for marching - cold and bracing and blinks of warm sun between the showers of
| + | |
| − | small snow. The buds are on the hedges. The Company marched well today, and
| + | |
| − | with a little care on the part of some NCOs - especially Laurie and M'Adie we
| + | |
| − | would have a good marching coy. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Dinner at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="15" Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time>: afternoon tea in the park and then
| |
| − | again in 21. 'M' arrived this morning to Ian's discomfiture who was in
| |
| − | Gwyneth’s bedroom at the time. He has come from <st1:country-region><st1:place>China</st1:place></st1:country-region>
| |
| − | to join. It will be interesting to watch developments.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>09 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Billets all day: am beginning to like the work, and also to be very lazy in the mornings. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Marched out to near
| |
| − | Stagsden and did the same scheme as on Thursday's last. This time we were the
| |
| − | supports and had a most pleasant cross-country ramble - more like a botanical
| |
| − | excursion than a sham fight.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>10 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Along to Mrs. Campion's at night and played bridge with the girls. They are quite good and I like them. I can't stand complicated girls. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had the parade S_a_ [?]
| |
| − | etc. in good time, having been up at 6. Marched out towards Colmworth and
| |
| − | division attacked Gordons in direction of in the direction of Milton Ernest.
| |
| − | When we just beginning - I was with the supports, the Adjie came and ordered me
| |
| − | to take the pack-ponies to the ammunition column. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>I managed to catch them up | + | <center><b>12 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | after about an hours march. Then we stood for several hours on the road, very
| + | |
| − | cold. Moved forward and came abreast two batteries in action. No sign of our
| + | |
| − | battalion and I believe the commander of the column had quite lost touch with
| + | |
| − | most of the infantry including ours The 6th lost touch with the 5th and seem to
| + | |
| − | have lost themselves into the bargain. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had a good march home, fine
| |
| − | exhilarating weather. Got in after 4, one of the longest days we've had. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>11 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Paid the last of the billets today and another rummage with Ritson in Hockliffe's old books, but didn't get anything. Worked in R's billet in the afternoon, arranging the forms. Had a yarn with Mrs. Mortimer. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>With J. Ritson today,
| |
| − | working all morning in the Orderly Room. Wonder if I'll take as badly to
| |
| − | laboratory work as I do to office work. In the afternoon we paid some outlying
| |
| − | billets, in a very lackadaisical state. JJR infects me that way. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had tea in the pavilion
| + | Nothing doing at night it has been very cold all day, and I haven't got decently warmed up once. |
| − | with George and Ian, and Dolly sat and gassed till we were fair fed up. Nanna
| + | |
| − | is jealous. Went down town to the Picture-drome. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Hear Major M'Millan told
| |
| − | Willie of in the mess last night. Willie gets more unpopular every day.
| |
| − | M'Millan told him to look out when he got to <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>12 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>13 Feb 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Quite a good day, and did
| |
| − | practically no work. I was in the Orderly Room till about 10, then went down
| |
| − | town and spent the rest of the forenoon looking round the 2nd hand bookshop.
| |
| − | Didn't see anything good. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After dinner went with
| + | A wet rotten day with sleet. Slimed [?] in the Orderly Room most of the morning. In the afternoon played Ellis at Chess and he wiped me: we are about evenly matched - he's probably a little better than me. |
| − | Ritson and Ian to the Bank and was free at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="0">3
| + | |
| − | p.m.</st1:time> Had tea in the pavilion. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After tea at 21 I wrote
| |
| − | home and found my diary a great help. Black was in practising songs tonight and
| |
| − | has settled on 'My Old Shako'. He hasn't got a voice or a temperament for it
| |
| − | and woes me playing for him and Gwyneth, I hear they are going to rag Willie.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>13 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | After tea, went to The Chums with Ritson - he paying. Programme not bad. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>With Ritson in <st1:Street><st1:address>Foster
| |
| − | Hill Rd</st1:address></st1:Street> estimating the damage done by the men in
| |
| − | some of the empty houses. A good deal of damage, much of it apparently wilful,
| |
| − | but I believe nothing to what has been the case in some of the Morayshire
| |
| − | billets. Banisters, wainscoting, etc burnt up and marble mantelpieces in
| |
| − | smithereens, but I didn't see any as bad as that. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Concert at night a great
| + | The Colonel interviewed a lot of fellows today, with a view to commissions - in this battalion. He didn't take me, which is either a very hopeful sign - or a hopeless one. I think Ritson is trying to wangle me in for his present job, but he won't manage it. |
| − | success. Black didn't turn up for which I was sincerely thankful. Gwyneth
| + | |
| − | surprised me, singing so well. Cowper of the Groat was down for the occasion
| + | |
| − | and was quite successful in one or two of his songs, though they were of the
| + | |
| − | usual antediluvian order. Willie and Ritson both sang, but very nervous. Willie
| + | |
| − | got a good reception. The Sergt-Major danced the Highland Fling.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>14 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Church parade at <st1:time | + | <center><b>14 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>. A new chaplain this morning and he had a
| + | |
| − | husky throat. Not nearly so much coughing in Church now. Tea in the pavilion
| + | |
| − | relieved the monotony of the day. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went to <st1:City><st1:place>St.
| |
| − | Paul</st1:place></st1:City>'s with George at night and were shown into a
| |
| − | front seat, where our ignorance of the service must have been most apparent.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>15 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Muggy and wet. Church parade at 8:45. Got a very good sermon from the Cameron chaplain. Got a word from Willie for wearing my khaki hosetops on dress parade. Felt ratty at him. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went out to Harrowden for
| |
| − | field practices. Fifteen rounds per man at ranges from 600 to 300. Disappearing
| |
| − | targets up for 35 secs and down for the same. Not very realistic but better
| |
| − | than ordinary butt-shooting. Very easy to forget adjustment of sights. Our
| |
| − | detail - with Donnie Dunnet, Poll, Laurie, etc had a long way the best score. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Was down town but nothing
| + | Wrote home; and spent afternoon in Ritson's doing company drill with matches. He has the double company this week as Joe R is on furlough; and he's nervous about it. Went down to Church in the evening but so late. Went to Corn Exchange Concert - quite good. A fine soprano, and Blake of the Camerons. |
| − | doing.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>16 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Divisional practice today - | + | <center><b>15 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | that of Wednesday 10th revived, with the 6th we held a position E of Milton
| + | |
| − | Ernest. Whole 5<sup>th</sup> were out as a screen for the rest of Division.
| + | |
| − | Willie spoilt it by moving from the right of our company's front to the extreme
| + | |
| − | left, taking his platoon with him and consequently left a gap through which the
| + | |
| − | enemy penetrated. Perhaps he wasn't to blame - haven't heard his side of the
| + | |
| − | matter yet. Anyway we had all to retire in double time and at one point were
| + | |
| − | almost taken. Not at all a brilliant affair, but very difficult to gauge what
| + | |
| − | the results would be in the real thing. Got home on <st1:time Minute="0"
| + | |
| − | Hour="16">four o'clock</st1:time>, pretty hungry. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went down town at night.
| |
| − | Pitman was in tonight saying we are down to move in six weeks time as a
| |
| − | Division. I say# there have already gone over 2 or 3 Territorial Divisions.
| |
| − | Hope we are sent to the <st1:place>Dardanelles</st1:place>.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>17 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Cold and bright. Battalion moved off at 9:30 and marched out about five miles towards Turvey. From there advanced cross-country in artillery formation for a mile and a half or so. Poll and I had a platoon to ourselves. We finished up with an advance in open order, of a very ragged sort. We badly need training in extended order. Ritson in his element, his language too grandiloquent. Some of the fields very soft and claggy. Marched about six miles home and arrived at 4:30. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Examined some of the empty
| |
| − | houses today with Ritson. A good deal of damage done in some cases, but others
| |
| − | well looked after. Over at the Park for tea. The Battalion went out at 6 for
| |
| − | night marching, but I went down town, having slight neuralgia.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>COMMISSIONED<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| + | In orders tonight, extract from King's Regulations which seems to say we must not shave upper lip - whiskers moderate if any. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Commissioning in 1915 was a relatively informal affair. Candidates for
| + | Jim had a row with Gwyneth and then with Nanna. How absurd we can all be. |
| − | regular commissions continued to attend </i><st1:place><i>Sandhurst</i></st1:place><i>,
| + | |
| − | but in the case of the Territorial Force and the units of the 'New Armies'
| + | |
| − | raised since the outbreak of war, there was no centralised selection or
| + | |
| − | training of young officers.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>JBC would have applied for a commission on the standard army form and
| |
| − | been recommended by </i><st1:place><st1:City><i>Lt</i></st1:City><i> </i><st1:State><i>Col</i></st1:State></st1:place><i>
| |
| − | Davidson. He would have been required to produce a copy of his birth
| |
| − | certificate, references as to his standard of education and his moral character
| |
| − | (usually a minister or a JP) and would have been interviewed by his brigade
| |
| − | commander. For the TF, the final approval word at this stage would have been
| |
| − | with the </i><st1:place><st1:PlaceType><i>County</i></st1:PlaceType><i> </i><st1:PlaceName><i>Territorial</i></st1:PlaceName></st1:place><i>
| |
| − | Association in </i><st1:place><i>Caithness</i></st1:place><i> - the group of
| |
| − | local worthies who oversaw the TF units from their area.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Once everything was approved, the only formal procedure was the | + | <center><b>16 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | announcement of his commissioning in the </i><st1:City><st1:place><i>London</i></st1:place></st1:City><i>
| + | |
| − | Gazette. At this point he would have been discharged from the 5<sup>th</sup>
| + | |
| − | Seaforth 'in consequence of being appointed to a commission'.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>It was then up to his regiment to train him - and in early 1915 there was
| |
| − | very little knowledge in the </i><st1:place><i>Highland</i></st1:place><i>
| |
| − | Division of the practicalities of soldiering in </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>France</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>18 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Another magnificent day - the sun is getting quite warm. 'C' marched out to Bromham Bridge and then took up an outpost position to cover it. Had charge of a picket and got on quite well. Willie and Black were the only officers out. We lay down for a couple of hours and then marched round by Stevington and the Stagsden road. The pace was a little hot and even Willie was a little pegged. He doesn't seem to remember we carry more than he does. No one fell out but Addie had blistered feet and no doubt there are others. Got in at 3:30. Most enjoyable and healthy day. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Was just going on parade
| |
| − | this morning when Ian and Jim Miller came to tell me I had been gazetted.
| |
| − | Miller and Blake are too. I wasn't a bit glad in fact it almost brought tears
| |
| − | to my eyes to think that I must give up all my friends. George was very decent
| |
| − | and tried to pretend he was glad but I know he isn't. I had to go and put on
| |
| − | 'civies' which I had taken care to keep by me. Queer it feels to be in them
| |
| − | again. Spent most of the day about the streets and transferring my things to
| |
| − | Mrs. Mortimer's where I am to be billeted. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went to lunch at the Mess
| + | Down town in the evening for a few necessaries and spent the rest of the time getting my kit packed. I don't feel the least bit excited about going home. Jim cooked some haggis and it's lying heavy on my stomach now. |
| − | with Ritson, and met most of the officers. It is much more free and easy than I
| + | |
| − | had expected. Took a box of cigars up to the office and found Jim Miller
| + | |
| − | carting up 4 bottles of Johnnie Walker. He was well screwed, and would have me
| + | |
| − | go over to the Mess with him which I did until I found him going in the kitchen
| + | |
| − | door, then I made my escape. Am sleeping this last night with George.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>19 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast at the Mess and | + | <center><b>17 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | glad to get decent Scotch porridge and cold milk in my mouth again. Got leave
| + | |
| − | to go to <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City> for seven days, so
| + | |
| − | am leaving tonight. Spent a wearisome day, unsettled, half in and half out of
| + | |
| − | 21. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Left by the <st1:time
| |
| − | Minute="13" Hour="9">9:13</st1:time> with Mowat of the Machine Gun. He is
| |
| − | engaged to Mary Stewart. Left him at <st1:place>Rugby</st1:place>. The 4th
| |
| − | Seaforth have been badly cut up, and 4th Camerons also#, so the officers' dance
| |
| − | which was to be tonight is cancelled.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>20 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | It turned out wet today - so wet that the battalion didn't go out. I was glad as I had all my things clean and ready for the journey. We left about 8 o'clock at night, marching down to the station in great form and best of spirits. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Arrived <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | 7:30. Breakfasted at YMCA. Ordered uniform at <st1:City><st1:place>Moore</st1:place></st1:City>,
| |
| − | Taggert's and then started to hunt for Daisy. Found her (out) after an hour and
| |
| − | a half's searching. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Met John Budge and had lunch | + | <center><b>18 - 24 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | with him at Miss Cranston's. He's a quaint bird but looking more spruce than
| + | |
| − | I've seen him. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got Daisy and Tina in at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="14" Minute="30">2:30</st1:time> and we went to tea together and then they
| |
| − | saw me off from Queen's St. Arrived Crossgates and found Bessie here: also the
| |
| − | spring-cleaning.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>21 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Blank |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Walked to the Goat Brae
| |
| − | with uncle in the forenoon - a blustering day, and a good deal of slushy snow
| |
| − | on the roads. Uncle is a very good walking companion. Bob came along in the
| |
| − | afternoon and was surprised find Bessie and me here.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>22 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>25 Feb 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Cycled down to Donibristle
| |
| − | Ho. this morning. A lovely soft day, but colder later on. The country side is
| |
| − | pretty just now and wreaths of snow behind the hedges give it extra colour.
| |
| − | Found Donald M'Kay superintending the physical exertions of the men. He had a
| |
| − | half day off, so I stayed till after tea. They are mounting 2 9.2 [inch] guns
| |
| − | on Braefoot Pt. where he will be stationed when they are completed: at present
| |
| − | the guns are 3 days overdue having be[en] shipped from Woolwich. Ship not since
| |
| − | heard of. Probably another case of false economy. D.W.M. seems well content
| |
| − | with his lot, and if he gets obedience from the men I should think it is more
| |
| − | by taking it for granted than by exacting it. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got up to Xgates at <st1:time
| + | Got into Bedford about 9 a.m. Coming up Clarendon St we found the remnants of the Company (8) already paraded and George in the middle of them waving wildly. I had expected him to be much older looking: instead of that he is just the same as when he went out. I thought that we would be getting off parade but the Adjie sent for us and we had to follow up the Company. Drill in close order all morning. |
| − | Minute="30" Hour="17">5:30</st1:time>, against a stiff breeze and after reconnoitring
| + | |
| − | a few imaginary positions. Went along by car to Lochgelly, with the intention
| + | |
| − | of returning again, but didn't. Had two games of chess with Bob - successfully. | + | |
| − | </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>23 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>It has been a muggy day.
| + | Afternoon off. |
| − | Called at Cowdenbeath on my way down and introduced myself to Mr. Bain. Had a
| + | |
| − | long yarn with him during which he frequently went beyond my depth. Had a
| + | |
| − | longish walk with Uncle in the afternoon.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>24 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Left for <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | At 4:30 parade for outpost duty. We marched out to Stagsden; a lovely night , bright moonlight and George and I had plenty to speak about all the way. We were put out under Harcus, as a screen to the position, and then withdrawn as the supports. The Colonel came along and said support should entrench - which I doubt. Pretty cold waiting about, but a stiff march in warmed us up plenty: me nearly asleep on the march, and glad to get to bed. |
| − | at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="12">12:30</st1:time>. Auntie down seeing me off.
| + | |
| − | She has broadened considerably in her views lately. Met Dorothy Middleton as
| + | |
| − | arranged and had tea. She continues to increase in beauty and Ian will be
| + | |
| − | dashed lucky if he lands her - an idea she <u>appears</u> to pooh-pooh. Had a
| + | |
| − | very nice time with her - went to La Scala and then to The Picture Ho. for
| + | |
| − | coffee. In the former we ran into Connie Soutar and Tina Cameron, who no doubt
| + | |
| − | thought us an ill-assorted couple. D. is companion to a lady out at Bothwell,
| + | |
| − | and has a very leisurely existence. She took herself home about <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time> and I made for the YMCA where I got a room
| + | |
| − | for 2/6 consisting of 4 walls, a bed and a bible! </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>25 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Spent the morning looking | + | <center><b>26 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | for a waterproof, and didn't find one. I am a most undecided person when
| + | |
| − | hunting for anything like that, and usually start out with no clear idea of
| + | |
| − | what I want. I ultimately came to the decision, on looking up Land & Water,
| + | |
| − | to go down and inspect the <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | productions and incidentally visit Vane. Went out to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Randolph</st1:PlaceName>
| + | |
| − | <st1:PlaceType>Gardens</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and found Mary Fargie in.
| + | |
| − | She is small and fat, with a triple chin and a pretty bad <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | accent.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Was at Daisy's at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="16" Minute="30">4:30</st1:time> and we had tea at Miss Rombach's. I paid
| |
| − | a hurried visit to the tailors and then we proceeded to the King's Theatre
| |
| − | where we got seats in the front row of the <st1:Street><st1:address>Upper
| |
| − | Circle</st1:address></st1:Street>. I enjoyed the play very much, all the more
| |
| − | being in their company, and I couldn't help thinking it might be for the last
| |
| − | time. I should have liked to tell D. what she has meant to me but Tina was
| |
| − | there, which was probably just as well.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>26 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Marched out past the Swan Inn, and fought out to Stagsden. A perfect day. George is very keen. Most of the way was through woods with thorny undergrowth. Our section finished up with what appeared to me a very knutty piece of strategy, but the Adjie galloped up and put half of us out of action. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got into Euston at
| |
| − | breakfast time, which meal I got in a little dingy restaurant with marble
| |
| − | topped tables and no table cloths. A lot of others there too, quite decently
| |
| − | dressed, but mostly going in for tea, or hot milk and <u>cake</u>! I couldn't
| |
| − | make it out. Went to look for a waterproof, and spent most of the morning in
| |
| − | that way. Went down <st1:City><st1:place>Whitehall</st1:place></st1:City> and
| |
| − | also called at <st1:Street><st1:address>Jermyn St.</st1:address></st1:Street>
| |
| − | and fixed up with D.S. Kitchen to take over my collection if I don't require
| |
| − | them afterwards. Speaking of Salfeld and Pompekj: he thinks they would both be
| |
| − | officers in the German Army. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went out to <st1:City><st1:place>Edmonton</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | Drew 42/7 today for the last 2 weeks. Am feeling rather depressed today - no doubt a reaction after furlough and even George's presence can't shake it off altogether. Regular fed up with the family. |
| − | and caught Vane just going out. We had tea. Both Vane and Con have the pip, and
| + | |
| − | have no fire or keenness left in them. Probably Vane isn't reading enough, and
| + | |
| − | yet he has plenty time. The house wasn't in such good order either. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got a train from St.
| |
| − | Pancras about 8 and got into <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | about 10. Was up till after 12 trying my uniform on.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>27 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>27 Feb 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Jim Miller was attached to
| |
| − | A, and I to B. "B" was on the miniature range this forenoon and
| |
| − | practising fire control with landscape targets, so I hadn't any occasion to
| |
| − | make a fool of myself although I felt one with my trews as wide as a divided
| |
| − | skirt. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The afternoon I spent
| + | Laurie and I got a swearing from the Adjie today because he saw some of the men scratching their faces when they were at attention. He's getting very snotty about details, so I suppose we'll have to stiffen up too. |
| − | moping about the digs. I was over at 21 for a bit, but George and Ian have gone
| + | |
| − | to <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City> for the weekend.</p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>28 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Church parade at <st1:time
| + | Company out in the field above the Cemetery, practicing bayonet charging against sacks of straw. The sacks were set up as an extended line: good fun but not far good as instruction went: not enough ground. George was at musketry instruction in Mod. School Park, and was pretty fed up with standing about. |
| − | Minute="20" Hour="9">9:20</st1:time>. I got a loan of Captain Ritson's sporran.
| + | |
| − | I had a very bad cough, which I expected would bother me in Church, but I
| + | |
| − | managed to suppress it. Mr. Bain, our Chaplain, can't keep the Germans and
| + | |
| − | their Kaiser out of his sermons. Mowat, Lybster, was next me and trumpeting
| + | |
| − | into my ear. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Wrote home in the forenoon
| |
| − | and after dinner at Platts I went with Ritson and Mortimer for 18 holes of
| |
| − | golf. It was an ideal day and we had a most enjoyable round. I won by one hole,
| |
| − | to Ritson's fairly evident disgust, but I think he really was off his game. I
| |
| − | don't know whether I did right or wrong to play but I don't see any harm in it,
| |
| − | under the circumstances, and this is the only day Mr. Mortimer can get. I like
| |
| − | him, he's just like a kid out of school.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>29 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | In the afternoon we went to Rugby Match, and at night George and Ian and I were down town on pass. We had tea in Dudeney & Johnson's; went to the Chums and enjoyed ourselves very much. The 'ass' is very like George. Went to the second house of the Empire. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Another brilliant day.
| |
| − | Marched out about <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time> to Oakley and
| |
| − | then across country to Tithe Farm and Bury Farm. I had charge of 2 platoons in
| |
| − | the firing line and got on all right except for a slight inclination to get
| |
| − | excited. I must watch that. Ultimately, I was working with one platoon on the
| |
| − | extreme left, as the enemy were trying to work round that flank. This was a
| |
| − | practice day for the stretcher bearers etc., and was the first hard manual work
| |
| − | the pipers have done. The only thing that spoilt the day was waiting on the
| |
| − | roadside for 35 minutes for the band to come along. Got in about <st1:time
| |
| − | Minute="30" Hour="14">2:30</st1:time>. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Invested in a set of chess, | + | <center><b>28 Feb 15</b></center> |
| − | but don't believe I'll have much time for it. I haven't been able to do any
| + | |
| − | reading for some time.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>30 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Divisional practice today
| + | Dreamt last night the Adjie told me he wouldn't recommend me for a commission. I gave him a bit of my mind. |
| − | and moved off at <st1:time Minute="35" Hour="8">8:35</st1:time>, so had early
| + | |
| − | breakfast. Marched out about 8 miles, with many checks and then lay on the side
| + | |
| − | of the road for about an hour and a half. It was quite hot in the sun today. At
| + | |
| − | last we advanced, being in reserve to the Argyles. I was with the supports (of
| + | |
| − | the reserves) so hadn't much to do: but it's a treat to work with "B"
| + | |
| − | Coy. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The men are keen and
| |
| − | tractable and I shall do everything I can to keep them so. The difficulty is to
| |
| − | draw the happy medium between Harper's laisey-faire [sic] and Willie's nagging
| |
| − | tactics. We marched home as we came out, with many irritating stops and didn't
| |
| − | get in until <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> so we were very
| |
| − | hungry. My face is smarting with the cold and the sun.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b> <o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Church parade today at 8:45, to the Baptist Chapel. Quite a good sermon on sacrifice: church done up inside like an ice-cream shop. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>31 Mar 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Very warm today - the most
| + | After dinner Geo, Ian, Addie and I walked out to the Swan, ordered tea and went on round by Stagsden. A perfect day, as clear as any we have had here for a long time. |
| − | summery day we've had yet. Rifle and foot inspection at <st1:time Minute="15"
| + | |
| − | Hour="9">9:15</st1:time>. Musketry and handling of arms from 11 to 1 and again
| + | |
| − | from 2 to 4. During the latter period I took the company for a short time and
| + | |
| − | felt rather nervous. Somehow, they impress me more than 'C' did, partly because
| + | |
| − | the NCOs are older and more experienced men. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Am getting to know W. A.
| |
| − | M'Donald, as we are the only officers at present with 'B' and I like him, as
| |
| − | every other body does too. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had hoped to get some
| + | Coming back from Stagsden we were hailed by the tract-delivering parson, so we took to our heels. He wanted us up to tea - judging from his gesticulations, so went back and explained and received a few tracts. George wild we couldn't accept his invitation, as the daughter seemed 'a peach'. |
| − | letter writing today - to Daisy as I had some cigarettes from her this morning,
| + | |
| − | but got none done. Had a game of chess with Ritson, in which he nearly beat me.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>APRIL
| |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>01 Apr 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Tea at the Swan: the landlord rather unpleasant about tossing. Walked home: Geo. sent Addie sprawling. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Was on duty in the butts at
| |
| − | Harrowden today along with Corrigal. We left here at <st1:time Hour="8"
| |
| − | Minute="15">8:15</st1:time>. Fine dry morning. There is still about 8" of
| |
| − | water in the butts so we had to put on waders, which were not water tight, so I
| |
| − | was mucking about in wet feet all morning, which didn't do my cold any good.
| |
| − | Got home at <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time> and wrote to
| |
| − | Daisy. Pills with Blake at night, he is too good for me, but I am very bad. Was
| |
| − | over at 21 for a little. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Black had No.10 platoon on | + | <center><b>MARCH 1915</b></center> |
| − | Brigade inlying picket last night and they were nearly all tight. He wasn't
| + | |
| − | quite sober himself I'm told. That's the way to be carrying on just now. No
| + | |
| − | wonder we have a bad name.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>02 Apr 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>A total holiday today. | + | <center><b>01 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Wrote and read in the forenoon. After dinner, Ritson, Mortimer, George and I
| + | |
| − | went out, per taxi, to Clapham golf course and had 18 holes. George was fair
| + | |
| − | excited, and driving a very long, if somewhat erratic ball. It was great to see
| + | |
| − | all his old mannerisms. We all had tea in Mrs. Mortimer's, along with Ian and
| + | |
| − | Addie and some lady friends of the family. We had quite a jolly night. Mrs.
| + | |
| − | Mortimer thinks a lot of George.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>03 Apr 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Wet today, so the Company
| + | Started running drill at 7:15 this morning, the Sergeant-Major leading. Going on parade at 8:45, Capt Ritson bagged me for billeting staff. I wasn't sorry to go as it made my position secure for tonight. I let him know I wouldn't have his job if I get a commission, and he said M'Intosh in the orderly room would likely be put onto it. So that's all right, and I have my pass. Didn't get a lot of billets done as there were a lot of mistakes owing to furlough, etc. |
| − | didn't parade at all. W.A. M'Donald and I inspected some of the billets, but in
| + | |
| − | a very perfunctory way. I was Supernumerary Orderly Officer, J.B. Morrison
| + | |
| − | being Orderly Officer. The duties don't seem to be either onerous or difficult;
| + | |
| − | and as far as I can gather they are mostly skipped. Morrison seems to be rather
| + | |
| − | a conscientious cove, although it may have been partly for my benefit. I read
| + | |
| − | most of the afternoon, and had to spend from <st1:time Hour="20" Minute="0">8
| + | |
| − | p.m.</st1:time> onward in the orderly room.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>04 Apr 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Church parade at <st1:time
| + | Went down town at 6:30 as arranged and saw The Girl from Utah. It was about the best thing I have seen here - certainly the best musical comedy. The actresses were pretty, and almost proper. I like Kitty very much: nice and quiet. |
| − | Minute="20" Hour="8">8:20</st1:time>. Mr. Bain again: he covered a large field
| + | |
| − | in his sermon, from Homer upwards. After dinner at 21, to which place I am half
| + | |
| − | thinking of not going back, we went to Biddenham - Capt. Ritson, Mr. Mortimer,
| + | |
| − | George and I and had 18 holes. Ritson and I lost by one hole, a very close
| + | |
| − | match and very enjoyable. George was in good form. A perfect evening. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We all had tea and supper
| |
| − | in 26. George waited till roll-call. I am very sorry for him, he seems so sick
| |
| − | of 21, where the gramophone is never quiet, unless it's to give the piano a
| |
| − | chance.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>05 Apr 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>02 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Divisional sports, and
| |
| − | thank goodness a fair and mild, if not a brilliant day. The sports were in the
| |
| − | Grammar School grounds and attracted a huge crowd. The crowd, as far as
| |
| − | fashion, etc. was considered, was very tame. There were 5th competitors in many
| |
| − | of the events and we won the 100 yd (Goddard) and the officers relay race,
| |
| − | besides being second in the tug of war and number of other events. All over we
| |
| − | had second place, 21 points to 43 of the 8th Argyles. The latter carried off
| |
| − | most of the heavy events. The dancing was a treat but the presence of three or
| |
| − | 4 professionals knocked all the amateurs out. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After mess sat in the
| + | Running drill at 7:15. Paying billets with Ritson and Sandy Ross. The latter's services were requisitioned in order that the Captain might be saved the labour of writing out the amended forms. |
| − | billet where Mr. and Mrs. Ritson, Mrs. Mortimer and her rather pretty niece
| + | |
| − | Miss Monk had foregathered.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>06 Apr 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Divisional exercise today and a most disagreeable day at that. We marched | + | <center><b>03 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | out the Kempston and Ampthill road and effected a junction with another column
| + | |
| − | which was on the Cotton End road in Wilshamstead Wood, from which we turned
| + | |
| − | south and attacked the Gordons at <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Haynes</st1:PlaceName>
| + | |
| − | <st1:PlaceType>Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. The attack went rather
| + | |
| − | rapidly at the centre where we joined the 6th, and I rather foolishly joined in
| + | |
| − | a premature assault which they made. As it was we were in a salient and would
| + | |
| − | have been enfiladed, but thought the movement was general. I must be more
| + | |
| − | careful in future. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>"B" Coy's concert
| |
| − | is on tonight, but I was told off for Brigade Inlying Picquet in Albert
| |
| − | Terrace. After several attempts to quieten them the men have at last subsided
| |
| − | and quietness reigns. I suspect they have been throwing lemonade bottles
| |
| − | through the (closed) windows, but am not certain. I have just had to speak
| |
| − | pretty plainly to some of them.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p>
| + | This was to be a divisional day but turned out wet so we turned in. Had a reading in the office, and a short route march in the afternoon round by Oakley and Bromhaw. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>GOLSPIE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>JBC spent the next few weeks at Golspie with the 2/5 Seaforth, during
| + | At night we were hauled out to a concert nobody wanted to go to. It turned out to be a dancing display by some school kids very good in its way but not the sort of meat and drink the Army wants. One little girl of 9 was a splendid turn - comic songs, etc. and should make her name. |
| − | which time he made only one entry in the diary.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>On 11 Apr 15 the </i><st1:place><i>Highland</i></st1:place><i> Division
| |
| − | was warned to prepare to move to </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>France</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>.
| |
| − | It arrived in </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>France</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>
| |
| − | on 1 May 15 and shortly afterwards was retitled 51<sup>st</sup> (</i><st1:place><i>Highland</i></st1:place><i>)
| |
| − | Division with the brigade became 152<sup>nd</sup> Brigade.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Jim Miller was wounded by shellfire on 19 May and evacuated to </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>UK</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>.<o:p></o:p></i></p> | + | <center><b>04 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>On 15 Jun 'C' Company, led by Capt Joe Robertson, took part in an attack
| |
| − | on German trenches which failed in the face of machine-gun fire and uncut
| |
| − | barbed wire. 2 officers and 33 other ranks were killed - many others were
| |
| − | wounded. Among the dead were Sgt Ian M'Millan, Pte George Alexander and 2/Lt
| |
| − | Donnie Dunnet. Capt Joe Robertson, Capt Joseph Ritson and Lt W A M'Donald were
| |
| − | among the wounded. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Sergt-Maj Sutherland and three others won the Distinguished Conduct Medal
| + | Running drill at 7:15 paraded in full marching order at 8:15. We marched out to Stagsden and from there advanced cross country towards Stevington, in extended order the whole way. The 6th Seaforth were on our immediate right and we got rather boxed up against the road which was the left flank boundary. Marched in from Stevington, 'C' company next the band. Willie was paying great attention to covering today. |
| − | bringing in the wounded under fire. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>JBC's diary for 15 Jun simply says</i> 'Battle of Festubert'</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Shortly after Festubert JBC's mother received the following letter:<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | Went down town tonight to the Picture-drome. Came back early. Gwyneth has had toothache for the last two or three days and Mac and George have had to take turns at holding her hand. |
| | | | |
| − | <p>__________________________________________________________________________</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><u>Private<o:p></o:p></u></p> | + | <center><b>05 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:8.0in'>3472 "C" Coy</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:8.0in'>1<sup>st</sup> 5<sup>th</sup> Sea Hdrs</p>
| + | Running drill at 7:15. Battalion parade at 9:15 for trenching. We had only to go up above the Cemetery and had a pretty slack day. Our squad practised entrenching with the small tools - the first time we have used them. The Brigadier was knocking about. We had 35 minutes to cook and eat our dinner and were back to work again till after four. |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:8.0in'>152<sup>nd</sup> Infantry Brig</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:8.0in'>51<sup>st</sup> (<st1:place>Highland</st1:place>)
| + | After tea I wrote home. George and Ian are both 'out' as regards the house and doubt if they will ever smell it again. |
| − | Division</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p style='margin-left:8.0in'>B. E. France</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Friday 25 June</p> | + | <center><b>06 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Dear Mrs Cairnie,</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span></p>
| + | We had a so-called medical inspection at nine. It consisted of our new M.O. walking briskly along the ranks and studying the men's' boots. At 10 we marched up to Clapham park to get into the trenches again. We had two shifts and Willie was for making us do handling of arms when we came out of the trench. However we marched them to the hedge and sat down. He is probably the most unpopular officer in the battalion now: he used to be the most popular. 'F' Company vow to school him when we get into action. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>You all must
| |
| − | have got a great shock when the news of our casualties reached Thurso &
| |
| − | especially when you heard of the loss of the two boys you know <u>so</u> well,
| |
| − | I can well understand your feelings but I know one gets a great comfort in the
| |
| − | knowledge that they have died the most noble and honourable deaths.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Thurso & Wick have
| + | Jim Miller, Blake and I had to parade to the Brigade Office at 3 p.m. and interviewed the Brigadier. The Brigadier was quite affable and signed our papers. |
| − | suffered heavily as a result of the charge which shall never be forgot by any
| + | |
| − | of the survivors.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Your parcel for poor George
| |
| − | came here the other day and was handed to me & I saw by the card that I was
| |
| − | meant to share it, I shared with several of the other boys here & let them
| |
| − | know who it was for & who it was from.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>I wrote a short note to
| + | Cambridge played the Highland Division at Rugger this afternoon and got beaten. Cambridge had a very poor team they didn't seem to have played much together, and looked rather a rag-a-muffin bunch. |
| − | Bruce the other day, poor Bruce will feel it terribly as George was always
| + | |
| − | speaking about him & the rare times they used to have together especially <s>in</s>
| + | |
| − | camp at Reay & I always knew by the way he spoke that they were the best of
| + | |
| − | chums. I remember him say not very long ago that he was glad Bruce was not out
| + | |
| − | here.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>I'm not to <s>say</s> give
| |
| − | any of the details of the attack as I've begun to hate speaking about it, one
| |
| − | does not realise what chums really are till after they are gone beyond one's
| |
| − | reach.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Nothing more at present, hoping
| + | George and Ian on pass tonight. |
| − | this finds everyone in Thurso in good health.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>Believe me,</p> | + | <center><b>07 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:3'> </span>yours
| |
| − | sincerely,</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:4'> </span>Andrew
| + | Church parade at 8:20. Good sermon from the new chaplain. The Camerons have already had some casualties. Took Orderly Sergt's work over for the day as Laurie was B.O.S. so that I didn't get out of the billeting area. Wrote Rob Alexander. |
| − | B Sinclair </p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p>___________________________________________________________________________</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p>
| + | Black and Howie were in to supper. |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p> | + | <center><b>08 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>TO
| |
| − | </span></u></b><st1:country-region><st1:place><b><u><span style='font-size:
| |
| − | 13.5pt'>FRANCE</span></u></b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b><u><span
| |
| − | style='font-size:13.5pt'><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>After the shock of </i><st1:date Month="6" Day="15" Year="1915"><i>15 Jun
| + | Running drill at 7:15. Very cold, and snowing slightly. George not on duty yet as he was inoculated on Saturday. Company drill was cancelled and battalion went out for a route march - Milton Ernest, Filimousham, Pavenham, Stevington and Oakley. A splendid day for marching - cold and bracing and blinks of warm sun between the showers of small snow. The buds are on the hedges. The Company marched well today, and with a little care on the part of some NCOs - especially Laurie and M'Adie we would have a good marching coy. |
| − | 1915</i></st1:date><i>, 1/5 Seaforth remained in the front line until the 25<sup>th</sup>
| + | |
| − | when they moved to rest billets at La Gorgue (about20Km east of </i><st1:City><st1:place><i>Lille</i></st1:place></st1:City><i>).<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>The need to replace battle casualties and the increasing numbers of
| |
| − | officers required by battalions on active service meant a draft of officers was
| |
| − | sent out from the 2/5<sup>th</sup> at Golspie. After a farewell dinner in the
| |
| − | Sutherland Arms Hotel, Brora on the evening of 23 Jun 15 JBC left for </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>France</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>
| |
| − | the next day.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>JUNE
| + | Dinner at 3 p.m.: afternoon tea in the park and then again in 21. 'M' arrived this morning to Ian's discomfiture who was in Gwyneth’s bedroom at the time. He has come from China to join. It will be interesting to watch developments. |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="6" Day="24"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>24-Jun-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Barnetson | + | <center><b>09 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | and I left Golspie at <st1:time Hour="6" Minute="30">6:30 a.m.</st1:time> Had a
| + | |
| − | grand send off, all the officers and men of the battalion coming to the station
| + | |
| − | to see us off. The journey wasn't exciting, as Barnetson isn't any more of a
| + | |
| − | conversationalist than I, but very pleasant. Saw a number of friends in Edin.
| + | |
| − | including Bob and Bessie. Left at <st1:time Minute="50" Hour="10">10:50</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | for <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>, having picked up
| + | |
| − | Sutherland.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="6" Day="25"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>25-Jun-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Breakfasted
| + | Marched out to near Stagsden and did the same scheme as on Thursday's last. This time we were the supports and had a most pleasant cross-country ramble - more like a botanical excursion than a sham fight. |
| − | at the Strand Palace Hotel and after being photographed, at <st1:City><st1:place>Lafayette</st1:place></st1:City>’s,
| + | |
| − | went and met Vane at Piccadilly. He is looking much better after his
| + | |
| − | route-march to <st1:City><st1:place>Cambridge</st1:place></st1:City>. We
| + | |
| − | shopped, and had lunch at the SPH - eleven of us, including five of us
| + | |
| − | officers. Left Waterloo <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="55">2:55 p.m.</st1:time>,
| + | |
| − | and feeling in very good spirits all of us, but I think the women who are left
| + | |
| − | behind are bravest of all. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Arrived <st1:place>Southampton</st1:place>
| |
| − | about <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> and got our business
| |
| − | done. Leaving tonight late by the Harve packet. A number of civilians crossing
| |
| − | too.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="6" Day="26" | + | <center><b>10 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Year="2015"><b>26-Jun-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>On
| |
| − | deck shortly before <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="8">8 a.m.</st1:time> No land in
| |
| − | sight, but fine breezy sunny morning. Had breakfast and before we were finished
| |
| − | we were inside Harve harbour. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Char-a-banc up to the Base
| + | Had the parade S_a_ [?] etc. in good time, having been up at 6. Marched out towards Colmworth and division attacked Gordons in direction of in the direction of Milton Ernest. When we just beginning - I was with the supports, the Adjie came and ordered me to take the pack-ponies to the ammunition column. |
| − | Office from which we received orders to proceed <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | same afternoon. Had a very enjoyable journey, not much sign of war here, but on
| + | |
| − | the quays were piles of barbed wire and large numbers of transport waggons | + | |
| − | parked. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Arrived <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | about <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30 p.m.</st1:time> and after some
| |
| − | difficulty found our way to the Hotel Angleterre where we found Nicolson and
| |
| − | Paterson eating strawberries. Later went out to the Base Depot where we are to
| |
| − | billet until further orders - in canvas shacks.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="6" Day="27"
| + | I managed to catch them up after about an hours march. Then we stood for several hours on the road, very cold. Moved forward and came abreast two batteries in action. No sign of our battalion and I believe the commander of the column had quite lost touch with most of the infantry including ours The 6th lost touch with the 5th and seem to have lost themselves into the bargain. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>27-Jun-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>This
| |
| − | being Sunday there way nothing very much doing in the way of drill. We went
| |
| − | down to the town and wandered through the streets, visiting the market which
| |
| − | was pretty well packed with country people. We (Barnetson, Suddy, Hamish and I)
| |
| − | had some grub at a café - strawberries made up in some sickening sort of way.
| |
| − | Saw the Cathedral and most of the older parts of the town, some of it fairly
| |
| − | ancient and replete with carved arches and figures in all sorts of corners and
| |
| − | attitudes. Had a decent dinner at a restaurant: Hamish inclined to get a bit
| |
| − | uproarious. Nearly all the shops were shut. Sat in a café on the river front
| |
| − | for a bit and then took the car out to the camp.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="6" Day="28"
| + | Had a good march home, fine exhilarating weather. Got in after 4, one of the longest days we've had. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>28-Jun-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>After
| |
| − | breakfast we walked up to the pine wood about a mile along the road for a
| |
| − | lecture by a young Captain who has evidently been out all winter. On the road,
| |
| − | and on the sandy bit of plateau between it and the river infantry and cavalry
| |
| − | were being drilled. The infantry were in some cases drafts newly come out, in
| |
| − | others details, sick, etc. They were fairly getting it rubbed in and smartened
| |
| − | up, but it was only for a few hours in the day. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In the evening we went down | + | <center><b>11 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | to <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>, Finnie playing football
| + | |
| − | on the way and generally conducting himself like a young child. Barney and he
| + | |
| − | and I thought to go down the river on a steamer but missed it and put it off.
| + | |
| − | We went and had dinner at the Café Normandie. The three of us climbed the chalk
| + | |
| − | hill on the South? side of the town. It rises almost perpendicularly from the
| + | |
| − | side of the river, of which and all the surrounding country especially to the
| + | |
| − | West it commands a magnificent view.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="6" Day="29"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>29-Jun-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>The
| + | With J. Ritson today, working all morning in the Orderly Room. Wonder if I'll take as badly to laboratory work as I do to office work. In the afternoon we paid some outlying billets, in a very lackadaisical state. JJR infects me that way. |
| − | same programme today as yesterday but it came on rain so we returned to camp,
| + | |
| − | when it cleared up. Harry Lauder's son has joined the camp. In the afternoon we
| + | |
| − | had revolver shooting at which I was nothing patent. Went down to <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | tonight again and in time to catch the steamer. We all got aboard and
| + | |
| − | comfortably seated. Just as it was about to leave we sent Suddy to see when it
| + | |
| − | would return. On finding it would come back tomorrow morning we bunked for the
| + | |
| − | quay. Adjourned to the Café Normandie where we found Johnnie Paterson with the
| + | |
| − | news that we are for the road tomorrow. So we had what we thought was to be our
| + | |
| − | last civilised dinner - nothing now but bully beef and biscuits - and celebrated
| + | |
| − | the occasion by having a good feed.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="6" Day="30"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>30-Jun-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Packed
| + | Had tea in the pavilion with George and Ian, and Dolly sat and gassed till we were fair fed up. Nanna is jealous. Went down town to the Picture-drome. |
| − | up our stuff, and drew web equipment, etc. from the QM Stores. Left camp at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Minute="0" Hour="17">5 p.m.</st1:time> The train left at <st1:time Hour="19"
| + | |
| − | Minute="45">7:45 p.m.</st1:time> On board are several drafts of men and a good
| + | |
| − | number of officers. Had a fine view of <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | when crossing the railway bridge, with the sunset in the background.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>JULY
| |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="1"
| + | Hear Major M'Millan told Willie of in the mess last night. Willie gets more unpopular every day. M'Millan told him to look out when he got to France. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>01-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span><s>Didn't
| |
| − | sleep very well last night, probably because of certain amount of une</s> Slept
| |
| − | from <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="22">10</st1:time> to <st1:time Minute="0"
| |
| − | Hour="8">8 a.m.</st1:time> although the train was jolting and bumping at a
| |
| − | fearful rate. We got into Bethune in the afternoon and later detrained at La
| |
| − | Gorgue. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Major Morrison met us three | + | <center><b>12 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | and conducted us to the transport train where we were entertained to tea by
| + | |
| − | Major Sinclair and James Willie - under the greenwood tree. I was surprised to see
| + | |
| − | the civil population evidently going about their work as usual and children
| + | |
| − | sprawling in the gutter although they are within range of the German lines. Of
| + | |
| − | course all the men are in uniform. The countryside is very flat, rather like
| + | |
| − | some of Bedfordshire, but the crops are getting pretty high and make the
| + | |
| − | country even more difficult. We went on later to the 'Reserve Trenches' in Rue
| + | |
| − | Baceanot.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="2"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>02-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Breakfast
| + | Quite a good day, and did practically no work. I was in the Orderly Room till about 10, then went down town and spent the rest of the forenoon looking round the 2nd hand bookshop. Didn't see anything good. |
| − | at 8. The men are up at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30</st1:time> but no
| + | |
| − | parades are held. Rifle inspection at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="9">9:30</st1:time>.
| + | |
| − | I have No 4 Platoon with D. Morrison and Skinnie in it. There is nothing doing
| + | |
| − | - sleep and eat all day and this being Maj M'Millan's birthday we did the
| + | |
| − | latter very well. Went over to 'C' Coy in the forenoon and found Addie,
| + | |
| − | Deuchart and the rest wonderfully hearty. We had a tea party in honour of the
| + | |
| − | Major's birthday, although I think he supplied most of the eatables. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Before tea I went up to the
| |
| − | firing line and had the first experience of being near shrapnel. Up there it is
| |
| − | very quiet and everybody is very comfortable. The trench is of the nature of a
| |
| − | redoubt, built of sandbags, over which it is almost certain death to stick your
| |
| − | head in daylight. The enemy snipers are very good. I found Adam very happy, in
| |
| − | one of the dug-outs.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>IN
| + | After dinner went with Ritson and Ian to the Bank and was free at 3 p.m. Had tea in the pavilion. |
| − | THE TRENCHES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="3"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>03-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Some
| + | After tea at 21 I wrote home and found my diary a great help. Black was in practising songs tonight and has settled on 'My Old Shako'. He hasn't got a voice or a temperament for it and woes me playing for him and Gwyneth, I hear they are going to rag Willie. |
| − | of our batteries were going it strong last night although there was little
| + | |
| − | reply to them. They kept us awake a bit. Went up to the fire trench with Major
| + | |
| − | M'Millan and 6th Sea officer and had a good look over the part we are to
| + | |
| − | occupy. It consists mainly of an old Brit communication trench running at right
| + | |
| − | angles to remainder of our line, joining us up with the A&SHs who are
| + | |
| − | further advanced. From this communication trench, several redoubts have been
| + | |
| − | built at right angles. These we have to hold. Seemingly the Germans gave it to
| + | |
| − | them pretty hot last night with shrapnel and high explosive. They got one of
| + | |
| − | the latter into a fort and smashed a dug-out, the two men inside having
| + | |
| − | miraculous escapes. I found Adam, again as happy as ever, exploring the inside
| + | |
| − | of his kilt for 'Scots Greys' which are very abundant here. After dinner I
| + | |
| − | slept and in the evening got my things ready for going into the trenches. This
| + | |
| − | we did after dusk and I got my platoon in without difficulty, but of course
| + | |
| − | this part is very easy indeed to relieve. We took over and No. 4 Platoon was
| + | |
| − | told off to the reserve trenches.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="4"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>04-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>No. | + | <center><b>13 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | 4 had to furnish visiting patrols and listening patrol as well. I was rather
| + | |
| − | afraid of the latter but found it quite a simple affair as we didn't go out
| + | |
| − | far. The night was splendid and beyond desultory rifle fire there was nothing
| + | |
| − | doing. No casualties in the battalion. Turned in at <st1:time Hour="3"
| + | |
| − | Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> and slept till six. After breakfast wrote a few
| + | |
| − | letters and Adam came along to my dug-out. Am very comfortable. Wrote home in
| + | |
| − | the afternoon and slept a bit.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="5"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>05-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Quite
| + | With Ritson in Foster Hill Rd estimating the damage done by the men in some of the empty houses. A good deal of damage, much of it apparently wilful, but I believe nothing to what has been the case in some of the Morayshire billets. Banisters, wainscoting, etc burnt up and marble mantelpieces in smithereens, but I didn't see any as bad as that. |
| − | a quiet day and little doing. Explored the ground just in front of the Sally
| + | |
| − | Port for a sniping post along with Major M'Millan. It is a great thing to be
| + | |
| − | serving under him. No 4 Platoon moved up to take over the two redoubts this
| + | |
| − | evening. It promises to be more exciting work. Stayed in Z until after
| + | |
| − | stand-to. Nothing much doing. There are 16 Argyle bomb-throwers in Z as well as
| + | |
| − | two sections of my own.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="6"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>06-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>A
| + | Concert at night a great success. Black didn't turn up for which I was sincerely thankful. Gwyneth surprised me, singing so well. Cowper of the Groat was down for the occasion and was quite successful in one or two of his songs, though they were of the usual antediluvian order. Willie and Ritson both sang, but very nervous. Willie got a good reception. The Sergt-Major danced the Highland Fling. |
| − | fine morning. Had to wait on after stand-to (<st1:time Hour="3" Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time>)
| + | |
| − | in case the Briggie comes along. Shaved, breakfasted and to bed. The redoubts
| + | |
| − | were shelled while I slept and one high explosive landed just behind the
| + | |
| − | parados beside the bomb supply. Fortunately they didn't explode. The can get a
| + | |
| − | perfect enfilade on the redoubts so we are going to strengthen the traverses. I
| + | |
| − | went up in the forenoon and underwent the next part of the bombardment which
| + | |
| − | was not so trying as I expected. However the shells weren't coming within 50
| + | |
| − | yards but the splints sang and hummed overhead. I got one wee bit on the leg
| + | |
| − | but only a scratch. It is shrapnel that plays the mischief as regards
| + | |
| − | splinters. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>At night again the fun
| |
| − | started but Y got it worst. I don't know how they hadn't some casualties.
| |
| − | Fortunately a lot of the shells didn't explode - duds. Later the Bosches
| |
| − | started rapid fire, having spotted a work party of Argyles so we had a hot
| |
| − | time, the bullets going cracking overhead. I wasn't excited, but it took some
| |
| − | nerve to put my head above the parapet. The Argyles who were with us were a
| |
| − | great asset. Donnie Morrison is a very useful and willing man. I'm glad to have
| |
| − | him.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="7" | + | <center><b>14 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Year="2015"><b>07-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Stayed
| |
| − | in Z Redoubt until after <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="0">seven a.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | when I came down to HQ and got shaved. It was a pretty quiet day as far as the
| |
| − | redoubts were concerned although they have been searching again for the sap
| |
| − | head. In the afternoon there was fairly heavy bombardment of the rest of the
| |
| − | line but no damage was done. Finlayson took over the redoubts at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="20" Minute="30">8:30 p.m.</st1:time> and I moved<span style='font-family:
| |
| − | Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>my platoon down to the
| |
| − | parapet opposite HQ. Am now fine and near the dug-out and more in the centre of
| |
| − | things. Turned in at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="23">11:30 p.m.</st1:time> so
| |
| − | as to be able to relieve Finlayson at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="3">3 a.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | I hear there was pretty heavy firing after I went to bed but never a thing did
| |
| − | I hear.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="8"
| + | Church parade at 8:45. A new chaplain this morning and he had a husky throat. Not nearly so much coughing in Church now. Tea in the pavilion relieved the monotony of the day. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>08-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Finlayson
| |
| − | called me at <st1:time Hour="3" Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> but as things were
| |
| − | quiet I didn't get up till after 4. Went round the redoubts, shaved and had
| |
| − | breakfast. Pte W Reid of my platoon was shot through the side while working
| |
| − | behind the parapet. He died shortly afterwards. We thought at first it might
| |
| − | have been an accident by a couple of Argyle snipers behind, but as another two
| |
| − | bullets have come into same spot, I am pretty sure it is a German sniper. We
| |
| − | hunted round behind for him unsuccessfully, but they are devilishly cunning. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Slept in the afternoon, censored
| + | Went to St. Paul's with George at night and were shown into a front seat, where our ignorance of the service must have been most apparent. |
| − | some letters and went along the line to see Addie. I never feel as sad as when
| + | |
| − | I see poor old Addie's face. I believe 'C' would put up a desperate fight but
| + | |
| − | their spirit is clean gone at present. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went out on reconnoitring
| |
| − | patrol about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="11">11 a.m.</st1:time> with Sgt J
| |
| − | Fraser and a man. Were out for at least an hour and a half but didn't see or
| |
| − | hear anything. I was quite nervous and 'chattery' before going out but soon
| |
| − | settled down once I was there. We got out a good bit. Went to bed at <st1:time
| |
| − | Minute="20" Hour="1">1:20 a.m.</st1:time> The Germans have been sending over
| |
| − | some big shells today and trench mortars. They are getting onto our new
| |
| − | communication trench.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="9" | + | <center><b>15 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Year="2015"><b>09-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Wakened
| |
| − | by Finlayson at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="3">3 a.m.</st1:time> All quiet. Some
| |
| − | trench mortars came over about breakfast time but did no damage. Lay in a
| |
| − | ruined cottage for a couple of hours with my corporal to see if that sniper
| |
| − | would come out, but no luck. Shells began to come over so we had to shift. Went
| |
| − | out with Finnie and C. Serg. Major Miller and got some shell fuses belonging
| |
| − | behind the lines. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Were relieved at <st1:time
| + | Went out to Harrowden for field practices. Fifteen rounds per man at ranges from 600 to 300. Disappearing targets up for 35 secs and down for the same. Not very realistic but better than ordinary butt-shooting. Very easy to forget adjustment of sights. Our detail - with Donnie Dunnet, Poll, Laurie, etc had a long way the best score. |
| − | Minute="30" Hour="9">9:30</st1:time> by incoming Bde. Nasty jamb getting men in
| + | |
| − | as they had far more than us. If the Germans had sent over some well aimed
| + | |
| − | trench mortars they would have done tremendous execution but they were
| + | |
| − | unaccountably quiet and probably being relieved themselves. Got down to the far
| + | |
| − | end of Laventie without mishap although one bullet made the skin of my back
| + | |
| − | creep. The men got tea and were led to their billets. Then we got to ours and
| + | |
| − | had a grand supper with fried eggs, etc. in the Café Aux Voyageurs. Turned in at
| + | |
| − | <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="13">1 p.m.</st1:time></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="10"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>10-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Breakfast
| + | Was down town but nothing doing. |
| − | about <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> - ham and eggs, sausages,
| + | |
| − | tea, etc quite a good affair, with Steven D in attendance. Company parade at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Minute="0" Hour="11">11 a.m.</st1:time> for inspection by C.O. - rifles,
| + | |
| − | bayonets, shaving, etc. The Colonel was unconsciously particular, as if men
| + | |
| − | carried burnishers in their kit. Slept in the afternoon and wandered down town
| + | |
| − | in the evening with little Willie. Rather colder today. A few shells falling
| + | |
| − | not far away, watched apathetically by the remaining inhabitants from their
| + | |
| − | door-steps.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="11"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>11-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Nearly | + | <center><b>16 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | slept in. Had to attend bomb school at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | for a few days course, but found the instructor had also overslept. Rather old
| + | |
| − | again: a quiet Sunday morning. Walked into Estaires with Howie in the afternoon
| + | |
| − | and had a bath and a good dinner for 3 francs. It was great to get clean again.
| + | |
| − | Got home at <st1:time Minute="15" Hour="9">9:15</st1:time> and found letters
| + | |
| − | and parcels, including a very nice letter from May and cakes, etc from home.
| + | |
| − | Fags from DeCain [?]</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="12"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>12-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Went
| + | Divisional practice today - that of Wednesday 10th revived, with the 6th we held a position E of Milton Ernest. Whole 5th were out as a screen for the rest of Division. Willie spoilt it by moving from the right of our company's front to the extreme left, taking his platoon with him and consequently left a gap through which the enemy penetrated. Perhaps he wasn't to blame - haven't heard his side of the matter yet. Anyway we had all to retire in double time and at one point were almost taken. Not at all a brilliant affair, but very difficult to gauge what the results would be in the real thing. Got home on four o'clock, pretty hungry. |
| − | bombing this morning and threw some live Bethune bombs. Rather nervy work at
| + | |
| − | first. Slept and wrote May in the afternoon. Big pile of letter to censor.
| + | |
| − | Black and Stalker arrived this afternoon Black to A Coy, Stalker to B.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="13"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>13-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Put
| + | Went down town at night. Pitman was in tonight saying we are down to move in six weeks time as a Division. I say# there have already gone over 2 or 3 Territorial Divisions. Hope we are sent to the Dardanelles. |
| − | of a lot of rifle grenades - saw a display with trench mortars by Blake -
| + | |
| − | horrid affair.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="14"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>14-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Took | + | <center><b>17 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | my platoon into Estaires for a bath and had one myself, along with Blackie.
| + | |
| − | Fine clean feeling afterwards. This is the first hot bath the battalion has had
| + | |
| − | since coming out, so they must have needed it. Had to up to the trenches on
| + | |
| − | fatigue - Black too and it was his first time in the firing line. It was a
| + | |
| − | splashing wet night and everybody got soaked. Had to lead along about 300 yards
| + | |
| − | of newly dug, narrow trench in pitch darkness. Worked from <st1:time Minute="0"
| + | |
| − | Hour="23">11</st1:time> to <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="1">1:30 a.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | although the spades wouldn't lift anything - or wouldn't let it down again.
| + | |
| − | Wonder we had no casualties - we are always lucky or is it cautious? Got back
| + | |
| − | about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="3">3 a.m.</st1:time>, the latter part being
| + | |
| − | dry.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="15"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>15-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Slept
| + | Examined some of the empty houses today with Ritson. A good deal of damage done in some cases, but others well looked after. Over at the Park for tea. The Battalion went out at 6 for night marching, but I went down town, having slight neuralgia. |
| − | till dinner time. Went up to relieve the 7th Gordons at night. Trenches seemed
| + | |
| − | very strange the first night, getting into them in almost inky darkness.
| + | |
| − | Everyone stood to till dawn, as Major M'Millan believes in doing so the first
| + | |
| − | night.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="16"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>16-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Blank</p> | + | <center><b>COMMISSIONED</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="17"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>17-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Blank</p>
| + | Commissioning in 1915 was a relatively informal affair. Candidates for regular commissions continued to attend Sandhurst, but in the case of the Territorial Force and the units of the 'New Armies' raised since the outbreak of war, there was no centralised selection or training of young officers. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="18"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>18-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Up
| + | JBC would have applied for a commission on the standard army form and been recommended by Lt Col Davidson. He would have been required to produce a copy of his birth certificate, references as to his standard of education and his moral character (usually a minister or a JP) and would have been interviewed by his brigade commander. For the TF, the final approval word at this stage would have been with the County Territorial Association in Caithness - the group of local worthies who oversaw the TF units from their area. |
| − | at dawn - fine bright morning. Black and I slept spent most of the afternoon
| + | |
| − | potting at a German with the periscope rifle but didn't get him. I saw his head
| + | |
| − | and shoulders - my first German. Two or three times it struck me this was Sunday, | + | |
| − | but it was hard to remember. It's just like any other day, only the Germans
| + | |
| − | usually send over a few more shells than usual. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In the evening, during
| |
| − | Church time at home, I lay and 'imagined' the organ and service. We seem very
| |
| − | near home.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="19"
| + | Once everything was approved, the only formal procedure was the announcement of his commissioning in the London Gazette. At this point he would have been discharged from the 5th Seaforth 'in consequence of being appointed to a commission'. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>19-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Another
| |
| − | grand day and just the usual routine of the trenches. Went out at night with
| |
| − | L/Cpl Sinclair reconnoitering and was out for 2 hours, looking for disused
| |
| − | trenches along our front. Got back about 12 and found the Major getting
| |
| − | anxious.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="20"
| + | It was then up to his regiment to train him - and in early 1915 there was very little knowledge in the Highland Division of the practicalities of soldiering in France. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>20-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Up
| |
| − | at 3 and found Blackie waiting for me to make tea which we did. Grand morning.
| |
| − | After breakfast Finlayson and I took bearings for 3 fixed rifles to sweep roads
| |
| − | behind German lines. Loopholes are to be built tonight. Both sides were very
| |
| − | quiet today, the Germans can be seen carrying long poles through their
| |
| − | trenches. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went along to see 'C' Coy | + | <center><b>18 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | tonight. Addie in good form and more cheerful than usual. I hear from the
| + | |
| − | sergeants that George was simply splendid and willing to do anything. A lovely
| + | |
| − | sunset tonight - great long fiery clouds stretching over the West and overhead
| + | |
| − | and giving everything a fine glow. Overhead several aeroplanes - they usually
| + | |
| − | come at dawn or in the evening. Turned in about <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="10">10:30</st1:time>.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="21"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>21-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Blank</p>
| + | Was just going on parade this morning when Ian and Jim Miller came to tell me I had been gazetted. Miller and Blake are too. I wasn't a bit glad in fact it almost brought tears to my eyes to think that I must give up all my friends. George was very decent and tried to pretend he was glad but I know he isn't. I had to go and put on 'civies' which I had taken care to keep by me. Queer it feels to be in them again. Spent most of the day about the streets and transferring my things to Mrs. Mortimer's where I am to be billeted. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="22"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>22-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>We
| + | Went to lunch at the Mess with Ritson, and met most of the officers. It is much more free and easy than I had expected. Took a box of cigars up to the office and found Jim Miller carting up 4 bottles of Johnnie Walker. He was well screwed, and would have me go over to the Mess with him which I did until I found him going in the kitchen door, then I made my escape. Am sleeping this last night with George. |
| − | leave the trenches tonight so most of the day is spent in cleaning up, etc. It
| + | |
| − | is always a wearisome day when we are going out as there is no outgoing mail | + | |
| − | and therefore no incentive to write. We were relieved by the Indian Division - | + | |
| − | a regiment of Sikhs relieved the 5th. They were very quiet about is and weird | + | |
| − | looking. I'ld rather fight with them than against. It started raining just
| + | |
| − | about <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> and rained steadily
| + | |
| − | till we got to Merville about <st1:time Hour="3" Minute="30">3:30 a.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | Had to stand an hour and a half on the other side Laventie for D Coy which did
| + | |
| − | not turn up even then. Were pretty well soaked. We are out this time without a
| + | |
| − | single casualty in 'A' Coy.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="23"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>23-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Rose | + | <center><b>19 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | and breakfasted about 12 <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="12">midday</st1:time>. Felt
| + | |
| − | rather washed out, as if I had been at a dance last night. Allan had a birthday
| + | |
| − | party which was a great success, especially the smoking concert which followed.
| + | |
| − | Paterson and Dannie were in great form. A perfect, moonlight night.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="24"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>24-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Inspection
| + | Breakfast at the Mess and glad to get decent Scotch porridge and cold milk in my mouth again. Got leave to go to Glasgow for seven days, so am leaving tonight. Spent a wearisome day, unsettled, half in and half out of 21. |
| − | by OC at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="10">10 a.m.</st1:time> - rifle inspection.
| + | |
| − | He was in better cut today. Went into Merville after that and again after
| + | |
| − | dinner. Tried to get a bath but there are only 2 in the town and not
| + | |
| − | accessible. The population wash in the river. Had champagne in the Hotel de
| + | |
| − | Ville, to celebrate Barnetson's gazette.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="25"
| |
| − | Year="2015"><b>25-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Church
| + | Left by the 9:13 with Mowat of the Machine Gun. He is engaged to Mary Stewart. Left him at Rugby. The 4th Seaforth have been badly cut up, and 4th Camerons also#, so the officers' dance which was to be tonight is cancelled. |
| − | Service at headquarters this forenoon. Rev. M'Farlane still hammering away at
| + | |
| − | the Kaiser: the sniping pretty rotten. Meeting of officers at Bde HQ in
| + | |
| − | afternoon addressed by Brigadier, revising lessons learned by 3 months
| + | |
| − | experience. I hope he has learned <u>his</u> lesson. Had to go into La Gorgue
| + | |
| − | to find road to station and did so on the Major's nag. Went to bed at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="20" Minute="30">8:30 p.m.</st1:time>, at least lay down on it, and
| + | |
| − | wakened at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30</st1:time> by Steven D.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>ON
| |
| − | THE </span></u></b><st1:place><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>SOMME</span></u></b></st1:place><b><u><span
| |
| − | style='font-size:13.5pt'><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>In mid July the 51<sup>st</sup> (</i><st1:place><i>Highland</i></st1:place><i>) | + | <center><b>20 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Division moved to the </i><st1:place><i>Somme</i></st1:place><i> region and
| + | |
| − | took over a section of the front line from the French. This was a 'quiet'
| + | |
| − | sector where the division could continue to train. 'Quiet' is relative, but in
| + | |
| − | 1915 the name '</i><st1:place><i>Somme</i></st1:place><i>' carried none of the
| + | |
| − | implications that it would gain after the battles of Jul - Nov 1916. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>The battalion remained in this area until late 1916, mostly occupying
| |
| − | positions on the River Ancre just north of Albert.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="26"
| + | Arrived Glasgow 7:30. Breakfasted at YMCA. Ordered uniform at Moore, Taggert's and then started to hunt for Daisy. Found her (out) after an hour and a half's searching. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>26-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Marched
| |
| − | to La Gorgue station, leaving Merville about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="5">5
| |
| − | a.m.</st1:time> It was raining for the first bit but the sun came out and
| |
| − | dried me. Got aboard - 30 men in each truck and officers in 1st and a few in
| |
| − | 3rd class carriages. Rather a bumpy journey but not too fast to make the bumps
| |
| − | uncomfortable. We made a big detour, round by <st1:City><st1:place>Calais</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | and Abbeville to <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>. At <st1:City><st1:place>Calais</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | we drew up alongside a buffet run by English girls. After <st1:City><st1:place>Calais</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | we ran along the coast and then up the valley of the <st1:place>Somme</st1:place>,
| |
| − | the country improving every mile. Arrived Corbie about <st1:time Hour="22"
| |
| − | Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> and marched 4 miles under a full moon up to the <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | - Albert road. Out billets were at Pont Noyelles.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="27"
| + | Met John Budge and had lunch with him at Miss Cranston's. He's a quaint bird but looking more spruce than I've seen him. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>27-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Rose
| |
| − | late. Had a bathe in a burn with Black and Finlayson. The water is clean and
| |
| − | wholesome, quite unlike what we have seen up north. Concert by 'A' and 'B' Coys
| |
| − | at the Girls Seminary. Piano on the steps at front door and men standing or
| |
| − | sitting round below the trees. Perfect night.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="28"
| + | Got Daisy and Tina in at 2:30 and we went to tea together and then they saw me off from Queen's St. Arrived Crossgates and found Bessie here: also the spring-cleaning. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>28-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Reviewed
| |
| − | today by General Munro, Commanding 3rd Army. Concert tonight by officers. Great
| |
| − | success. Finnie sang splendidly. Another perfect night. Conversazione of
| |
| − | officers afterwards in 'B' Coy headquarters, and one of the men doing
| |
| − | 'Imitations'.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="29" | + | <center><b>21 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Year="2015"><b>29-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Drill
| |
| − | in forenoon - handling arms, and also bathing parade. Sun very warm. Lot of
| |
| − | Kitcheners passed through today. We expected to move today too but cancelled.
| |
| − | This is a lovely little village.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="30"
| + | Walked to the Goat Brae with uncle in the forenoon - a blustering day, and a good deal of slushy snow on the roads. Uncle is a very good walking companion. Bob came along in the afternoon and was surprised find Bessie and me here. |
| − | Year="2015"><b>30-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Handling
| |
| − | of arms and swim in the morning. Marched off at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="17">5
| |
| − | p.m.</st1:time> for new billets up nearer the firing line. Rather warm to
| |
| − | begin with but cooled down as the sun set and after that had a glorious march.
| |
| − | Tea under the trees at the roadside. Then on till <st1:time Minute="30"
| |
| − | Hour="11">11:30</st1:time>. Some of the men were pretty well /----/ up with
| |
| − | soft feet. Got to bed about 12, in an old stable which had been used as <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>French</st1:PlaceName>
| |
| − | <st1:PlaceType>Hospital</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Straw beds and rather
| |
| − | lively. Rose very itchy.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:date Month="7" Day="31" | + | <center><b>22 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Year="2015"><b>31-Jul-15</b></st1:date><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Difficult
| |
| − | to get good water here - the stuff we washed in was full of H2S. Hence late
| |
| − | breakfast. Port wine under the trees in the Chateau garden until some of them
| |
| − | were beginning to get merry. Paraded at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | and marched down into the little valley: the air very thick and close. Through
| |
| − | the wood d'Aveluy, to the ville d'Authuille. My platoon told off to a detached
| |
| − | post on the railway which I took over from a gesticulating Frenchman with the
| |
| − | aid of an interpreter. Very comfortable little place, especially the quartiers
| |
| − | du Commandant. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Dined with the latter
| + | Cycled down to Donibristle Ho. this morning. A lovely soft day, but colder later on. The country side is pretty just now and wreaths of snow behind the hedges give it extra colour. Found Donald M'Kay superintending the physical exertions of the men. He had a half day off, so I stayed till after tea. They are mounting 2 9.2 [inch] guns on Braefoot Pt. where he will be stationed when they are completed: at present the guns are 3 days overdue having be[en] shipped from Woolwich. Ship not since heard of. Probably another case of false economy. D.W.M. seems well content with his lot, and if he gets obedience from the men I should think it is more by taking it for granted than by exacting it. |
| − | gentleman and 3 regular officers in a shanty below the bridge. My French very
| + | |
| − | weak. Went round the post about <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | and found everything OK and the men fraternising splendidly with the French
| + | |
| − | Johnnies.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>AUGUST
| |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>07 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Got up to Xgates at 5:30, against a stiff breeze and after reconnoitring a few imaginary positions. Went along by car to Lochgelly, with the intention of returning again, but didn't. Had two games of chess with Bob - successfully. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Nothing
| |
| − | worth noting down in the past week. I have been on this post all the time. We
| |
| − | did some work during the day - clearing the wood in front of Mound Keep and
| |
| − | cleaning up the trenches. At night of course the sentries were on and I had to
| |
| − | make a tour of these with the sergeant. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The weather has not been | + | <center><b>23 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | too good - fair amount of rain and drizzle, but I have been very comfortable in
| + | |
| − | the hut below the bridge, with first a <st1:City><st1:place>Somerset</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | and then a Hampshire officer as company. I messed in Authuille along with the
| + | |
| − | rest of 'A' and 'B', otherwise I spent all my time here. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Have read 'Captain
| |
| − | Maigaret' this week and written a few letters. The time passes very quickly.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>08 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | It has been a muggy day. Called at Cowdenbeath on my way down and introduced myself to Mr. Bain. Had a long yarn with him during which he frequently went beyond my depth. Had a longish walk with Uncle in the afternoon. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>A
| |
| − | fine quiet day, quite Sunday like. Had a glorious bathe, or rather bath in the
| |
| − | burn this morning. Afterwards read Study in Scarlet. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Having been living very | + | <center><b>24 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | much in the past, dallying with old memories, but keeping out the later tragic
| + | |
| − | ones. Think it's good occasionally to just take a good look back.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>09 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Moist
| + | Left for Glasgow at 12:30. Auntie down seeing me off. She has broadened considerably in her views lately. Met Dorothy Middleton as arranged and had tea. She continues to increase in beauty and Ian will be dashed lucky if he lands her - an idea she appears to pooh-pooh. Had a very nice time with her - went to La Scala and then to The Picture Ho. for coffee. In the former we ran into Connie Soutar and Tina Cameron, who no doubt thought us an ill-assorted couple. D. is companion to a lady out at Bothwell, and has a very leisurely existence. She took herself home about 9:30 and I made for the YMCA where I got a room for 2/6 consisting of 4 walls, a bed and a bible! |
| − | warm day. Too lazy to do any work or to see that the men did any. Glad we're
| + | |
| − | not in the <st1:place>Dardanelles</st1:place>. Have started having rifle
| + | |
| − | inspection every morning and section commanders have one at night. The Bosches
| + | |
| − | are beginning to send over a good many bullets our way so I have altered the
| + | |
| − | route to Authuille, making it exactly the same the French had it. Had a very
| + | |
| − | heavy downpour of rain tonight and a great deal of vivid blue lightening. It
| + | |
| − | was so wet that I didn't visit all the sentries.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>10 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Thick | + | <center><b>25 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | and misty this morning - no improvement after the thunder. Put the men on to
| + | |
| − | clear out the trenches which are rather muddy. Felt more energetic in the
| + | |
| − | afternoon and wrote two letters. A and B have a joint mess but I don't think it
| + | |
| − | would be well to continue it always. The Bosches are beginning to send over
| + | |
| − | shrapnel occasionally now, and two landed up in the wood tonight not far from
| + | |
| − | one of my groups. Probably there is too much movement in the wood.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>11 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Another
| + | Spent the morning looking for a waterproof, and didn't find one. I am a most undecided person when hunting for anything like that, and usually start out with no clear idea of what I want. I ultimately came to the decision, on looking up Land & Water, to go down and inspect the London productions and incidentally visit Vane. Went out to Randolph Gardens and found Mary Fargie in. She is small and fat, with a triple chin and a pretty bad Glasgow accent. |
| − | good day. Had a good view of the firing line from trenches on the valley side
| + | |
| − | behind us. The Chateau of Thiepval isn't much of a place now. Had some shrapnel
| + | |
| − | into Authuille tonight and some of us had a rather narrow shave. Argyles had
| + | |
| − | one killed and 1 wounded at the river. A lot of our men there too. We are
| + | |
| − | always very lucky. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>
| |
| − | has offered peace to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region>
| |
| − | but she has declined. British have taken 1200 yards of trench at Hooge, but it
| |
| − | will be only a very local and probably extremely costly success.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>12 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Was at Daisy's at 4:30 and we had tea at Miss Rombach's. I paid a hurried visit to the tailors and then we proceeded to the King's Theatre where we got seats in the front row of the Upper Circle. I enjoyed the play very much, all the more being in their company, and I couldn't help thinking it might be for the last time. I should have liked to tell D. what she has meant to me but Tina was there, which was probably just as well. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Blank</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p> | + | <center><b>26 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p> </p>
| + | Got into Euston at breakfast time, which meal I got in a little dingy restaurant with marble topped tables and no table cloths. A lot of others there too, quite decently dressed, but mostly going in for tea, or hot milk and cake! I couldn't make it out. Went to look for a waterproof, and spent most of the morning in that way. Went down Whitehall and also called at Jermyn St. and fixed up with D.S. Kitchen to take over my collection if I don't require them afterwards. Speaking of Salfeld and Pompekj: he thinks they would both be officers in the German Army. |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>13 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>The
| + | Went out to Edmonton and caught Vane just going out. We had tea. Both Vane and Con have the pip, and have no fire or keenness left in them. Probably Vane isn't reading enough, and yet he has plenty time. The house wasn't in such good order either. |
| − | Argyles were relieved by the Indian Cavalry Division. These have been in the
| + | |
| − | trenches only about 48 hours since they came out in December. Rather funny to
| + | |
| − | see them losing their companies in the darkness and as I couldn't make myself
| + | |
| − | understood to them I had a bit of a job.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>14 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>The
| + | Got a train from St. Pancras about 8 and got into Bedford about 10. Was up till after 12 trying my uniform on. |
| − | officers of the ICD came round today - half a dozen majors and captains with
| + | |
| − | note-books all asking questions. Discovered Leslie who used to be in Chem T
| + | |
| − | among them. He didn't seem to relish the reminiscences so I left him alone. I
| + | |
| − | handed over to an officer of the Iniskillings at <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="0">6
| + | |
| − | p.m.</st1:time> I was only sorry I couldn't wait to hear about <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
| + | |
| − | from him. He says 'It's a fine country to go on leave in'. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Battalion formed up in Bois
| |
| − | d'Aveluy and when it got dusk, took the road through Albert and got to
| |
| − | Buire-sur-l'Ancre about <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time> No
| |
| − | billets for us officers but it was a fine night, and we got our valises under a
| |
| − | tree, Blacko and I and were soon asleep.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>15 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>27 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>A
| |
| − | fresh awakening this morning: got up about 8 and shaved and washed. Breakfast
| |
| − | in a hired room, and later on <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | got us two nice bedrooms next door to BHQ. The village we are in has not been
| |
| − | touched by the war, so that we are rid for the time being of the depressing
| |
| − | sights of roofless houses. The inhabitants are all in situ. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>16 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Jim Miller was attached to A, and I to B. "B" was on the miniature range this forenoon and practising fire control with landscape targets, so I hadn't any occasion to make a fool of myself although I felt one with my trews as wide as a divided skirt. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>The
| |
| − | newly joined subs paraded under the Sergeant-Major in transport lines and
| |
| − | submitted to public degradation - right turns by numbers. Great indignation,
| |
| − | especially on Freegard's part.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>17 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | The afternoon I spent moping about the digs. I was over at 21 for a bit, but George and Ian have gone to London for the weekend. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Drill
| |
| − | in the forenoon. After tea had a walk by myself up to the main road and back by
| |
| − | Ribermont. Read Gray's Elegy on the way and much of it that was meaningless
| |
| − | before was quite clear. Lovely evening.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>18 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>28 Mar 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Drill
| |
| − | in the forenoon beside the river and after dinner walked over to Bresle to a
| |
| − | gas demonstration. In the evening had a stroll up above the village through the
| |
| − | cornfields.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>19 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Church parade at 9:20. I got a loan of Captain Ritson's sporran. I had a very bad cough, which I expected would bother me in Church, but I managed to suppress it. Mr. Bain, our Chaplain, can't keep the Germans and their Kaiser out of his sermons. Mowat, Lybster, was next me and trumpeting into my ear. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Football
| |
| − | match between men and officers tonight but had to stop in the middle as the
| |
| − | ball burst.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>20 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Wrote home in the forenoon and after dinner at Platts I went with Ritson and Mortimer for 18 holes of golf. It was an ideal day and we had a most enjoyable round. I won by one hole, to Ritson's fairly evident disgust, but I think he really was off his game. I don't know whether I did right or wrong to play but I don't see any harm in it, under the circumstances, and this is the only day Mr. Mortimer can get. I like him, he's just like a kid out of school. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>The
| |
| − | forenoon was spent mostly in spraying respirators and smoke helmets, and also,
| |
| − | on my part, in packing my valise. Left shortly after <st1:time Minute="0"
| |
| − | Hour="15">3 p.m.</st1:time> for the trenches. Had to hoof it with full pack,
| |
| − | and left myself just rather too little time. However the Major and Dunvegan,
| |
| − | coming behind on horseback were late. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Went by Dernancourt to | + | <center><b>29 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | Moulin du Vivier (Bde H.Q.) and through Albert up to Becourt (Bat. H.Q.) and so
| + | |
| − | up to the fire-trench. We are taking over from 'A', 7th Gordons. Had supper and
| + | |
| − | a look round the trenches. Turned in till <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>21 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Up
| + | Another brilliant day. Marched out about 9:30 to Oakley and then across country to Tithe Farm and Bury Farm. I had charge of 2 platoons in the firing line and got on all right except for a slight inclination to get excited. I must watch that. Ultimately, I was working with one platoon on the extreme left, as the enemy were trying to work round that flank. This was a practice day for the stretcher bearers etc., and was the first hard manual work the pipers have done. The only thing that spoilt the day was waiting on the roadside for 35 minutes for the band to come along. Got in about 2:30. |
| − | at <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> and had breakfast. Another look
| + | |
| − | round and then started back to Buire where I arrived at 8.30 and had brekker.
| + | |
| − | Battn. paraded at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="18">6 p.m.</st1:time> At M. du
| + | |
| − | Vivier I was sent back to Buire for the 1/4 guard but managed a byke from
| + | |
| − | Captn. D. Sutherland, and met the guard coming along with transport. Got into
| + | |
| − | the fire trench about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="16">4 o'clock</st1:time>,
| + | |
| − | pretty tired, so turned in. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had a bathe this morning
| |
| − | and found myself 'lowsy' in the extreme in spite of my mouslin shirt. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>22 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Invested in a set of chess, but don't believe I'll have much time for it. I haven't been able to do any reading for some time. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Had
| |
| − | a 'snackie' at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time> Very quiet day,
| |
| − | which I spent mainly in fitting up a dug-out for myself. I have put up a
| |
| − | swinging hammock which won't be so likely to harbour vermin and have partially
| |
| − | latticed the doorway which at present is rather open. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Great draw back to these | + | <center><b>30 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | trenches is the lack of proper water supply. All drinking water comes up in
| + | |
| − | water carts at night to B.H.Q. and has to be fetched from there in jars,
| + | |
| − | bottles, tins, etc, by roundabout way. Same with grub and ammunition.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>23 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>This
| + | Divisional practice today and moved off at 8:35, so had early breakfast. Marched out about 8 miles, with many checks and then lay on the side of the road for about an hour and a half. It was quite hot in the sun today. At last we advanced, being in reserve to the Argyles. I was with the supports (of the reserves) so hadn't much to do: but it's a treat to work with "B" Coy. |
| − | early breakfast is a good idea and gives a sound basis for beginning the day | + | |
| − | on. Up at <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> and spent the morning
| + | |
| − | in making a sketch map of my trenches. The front line is held very lightly and | + | |
| − | think the Germans do the same. A good system of communication trenches leads up
| + | |
| − | to the fire trench and the dug-outs are mainly in the support line. A platoon | + | |
| − | of <st1:City><st1:place>Kitcheners</st1:place></st1:City> (7<sup>th</sup> Beds)
| + | |
| − | is coming up tonight for instruction. Turned in after stand-to.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>24 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Splosh
| + | The men are keen and tractable and I shall do everything I can to keep them so. The difficulty is to draw the happy medium between Harper's laisey-faire [sic] and Willie's nagging tactics. We marched home as we came out, with many irritating stops and didn't get in until 6 p.m. so we were very hungry. My face is smarting with the cold and the sun. |
| − | wakened me this morning at 4. Evidently there was a mix up last night and he
| + | |
| − | was on by himself with the Beds subaltern. I turned out and had a belated
| + | |
| − | breakfast at 5. 'K's Chaps' had turned in. Saw them at breakfast time. They are
| + | |
| − | nice [or mice ?] like fellows and ours get on with them all right. In some
| + | |
| − | places there has been some friction between K's and Terriers, but not here. They
| + | |
| − | took over all my part of the line after stand-to at <st1:time Hour="20"
| + | |
| − | Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time> so I withdrew all my men except 4 sentries.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>25 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>It | + | <center><b>31 Mar 15</b></center> |
| − | was 5 before I was up this morning owing to some mistake. Another splendid day,
| + | |
| − | and very quiet. The Germans have been busy opposite us these last nights and
| + | |
| − | are sandbagging their trenches. They have the advantage of us in being on the
| + | |
| − | top of the hill. We can't see their support trenches but they can see ours and
| + | |
| − | down to B.H.Q. as well. In the early morning with the sun behind them they have
| + | |
| − | a big advantage in light too, and I wonder they don't do more sniping. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Spent most of the forenoon
| |
| − | in the observation post getting to know their line. Wrote in the afternoon. The
| |
| − | evenings are short after tea now. Stand-to is about <st1:time Hour="19"
| |
| − | Minute="30">7.30 p.m.</st1:time> </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The Russians have had a
| + | Very warm today - the most summery day we've had yet. Rifle and foot inspection at 9:15. Musketry and handling of arms from 11 to 1 and again from 2 to 4. During the latter period I took the company for a short time and felt rather nervous. Somehow, they impress me more than 'C' did, partly because the NCOs are older and more experienced men. |
| − | naval victory in the <st1:place><st1:PlaceType>Gulf</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName>Riga</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>26 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>We
| + | Am getting to know W. A. M'Donald, as we are the only officers at present with 'B' and I like him, as every other body does too. |
| − | have been sandbagging the parapet for the last few days to keep the chalk from
| + | |
| − | falling into the trenches. We have made no loopholes here. <st1:City><st1:place>Kitchener</st1:place></st1:City>'s
| + | |
| − | platoon went out last night and were replaced by another of the same battalion.
| + | |
| − | They were spread over all the line, a section to a platoon. We put one of our
| + | |
| − | men to two of theirs for instructional purposes, but I think the instruction
| + | |
| − | mostly took the form of tall tales about 'The Orchard'. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>I was on all night and had
| |
| − | much trouble in keeping some of the men alert. The 8 hour shift is rather long
| |
| − | I think as there are so many fatigues by day. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Splosh singing Harry Lauder
| + | Had hoped to get some letter writing today - to Daisy as I had some cigarettes from her this morning, but got none done. Had a game of chess with Ritson, in which he nearly beat me. |
| − | in the Mess. He is rather like D.B. except that he <u>can</u> carry a tune.</p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>27 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Got | + | <center><b>APRIL 1915</b></center> |
| − | to bed about <st1:time Hour="5" Minute="0">5 a.m.</st1:time> Rose for breakfast
| + | |
| − | at 8, and went back till dinner time. Wrote in afternoon, and made a sketch of
| + | |
| − | German lines showing loopholes. Think it may be of some use to the men. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Another glorious day - not
| |
| − | a drop of rain since we came in to trenches. Had a wash and a shave in a bowl:
| |
| − | also a hunt and got one of each variety so I'm proving. But I'm very itchy.
| |
| − | Turned in about <st1:time Hour="21" Minute="30">9.30 p.m.</st1:time> Finnie and
| |
| − | two Beds' officers are on till <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Splosh got rather a setback | + | <center><b>01 Apr 15</b></center> |
| − | tonight when playing the veteran up among the <st1:place>Queens</st1:place>.
| + | |
| − | The Major gave him rather a hard time when he came back.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>28 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Another
| + | Was on duty in the butts at Harrowden today along with Corrigal. We left here at 8:15. Fine dry morning. There is still about 8" of water in the butts so we had to put on waders, which were not water tight, so I was mucking about in wet feet all morning, which didn't do my cold any good. Got home at 2 p.m. and wrote to Daisy. Pills with Blake at night, he is too good for me, but I am very bad. Was over at 21 for a little. |
| − | fine day, but rather close. Saw two Huns through the periscope and had a pot at
| + | |
| − | them. In the evening started putting up a loophole, which took from 7 till <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time> to finish and it was pouring rain most
| + | |
| − | of the time. No. 4 has very good Lance Corpls, only they do too much work
| + | |
| − | themselves. Seaman and Skinner helped me with the loophole. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Soaked through by the time
| |
| − | were done and the trenches were very bad with water lying in them. Wakened
| |
| − | Splosh at <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="40">12:40 a.m.</st1:time> and turned in
| |
| − | after setting my things to dry all round the dugout</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>29 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Black had No.10 platoon on Brigade inlying picket last night and they were nearly all tight. He wasn't quite sober himself I'm told. That's the way to be carrying on just now. No wonder we have a bad name. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Had
| |
| − | quite a comfortable sleep considering. Got up at breakfast time. The loophole
| |
| − | is a wee bit low but may do. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>My pocketbook was brought | + | <center><b>02 Apr 15</b></center> |
| − | in at <st1:time Hour="6" Minute="0">6 a.m.</st1:time> badly mauled, having been
| + | |
| − | extricated from the debris we threw down last night. Got the things separated
| + | |
| − | out and photos washed, but they won't be quite as good as before. Fortunately
| + | |
| − | it was dry and hot this morning so I got most of my things dried. The trenches
| + | |
| − | wanted a lot of cleaning up, and require some more thorough method of draining.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>30 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Up
| + | A total holiday today. Wrote and read in the forenoon. After dinner, Ritson, Mortimer, George and I went out, per taxi, to Clapham golf course and had 18 holes. George was fair excited, and driving a very long, if somewhat erratic ball. It was great to see all his old mannerisms. We all had tea in Mrs. Mortimer's, along with Ian and Addie and some lady friends of the family. We had quite a jolly night. Mrs. Mortimer thinks a lot of George. |
| − | at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time>, clear and cold as usually
| + | |
| − | in the mornings now. The loophole is a bit improved, but all the wire isn't yet | + | |
| − | cleared away. Artillery tried to get onto a machine gun emplacement, but were
| + | |
| − | far out. Evidently the map is not accurate, or else their shooting is very
| + | |
| − | poor, and the seldom will send up an observation officer. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Black and I on duty at
| |
| − | night. It was very cold and we stayed in the mess most of the time, alternately
| |
| − | sleeping and writing. Took occasional turns along the line, and tried to locate
| |
| − | the underground sounds. We think they must be from some dug-out, or from the
| |
| − | trench itself. It hardly seems possible they would drive a mine 350 yards when
| |
| − | the lines are much closer elsewhere. Still there must be some explanation of
| |
| − | these very high mounds they have thrown up. They can't be from any ordinary
| |
| − | trench work. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Wee Willie slept in my bed | + | <center><b>03 Apr 15</b></center> |
| − | till <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> when we all had breakfast,
| + | |
| − | and fed also Fishy, Stalk and Nic. Thank goodness they kept off Golspie for
| + | |
| − | once.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>31 Aug 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Rose
| + | Wet today, so the Company didn't parade at all. W.A. M'Donald and I inspected some of the billets, but in a very perfunctory way. I was Supernumerary Orderly Officer, J.B. Morrison being Orderly Officer. The duties don't seem to be either onerous or difficult; and as far as I can gather they are mostly skipped. Morrison seems to be rather a conscientious cove, although it may have been partly for my benefit. I read most of the afternoon, and had to spend from 8 p.m. onward in the orderly room. |
| − | for dinner. Very little doing today. Had a few shots through the loophole, but
| + | |
| − | the earth has been too damp lately for observation to be easy. Sandbags are at
| + | |
| − | an end, so there isn't much work to be done. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The Major was testing the
| |
| − | artillery on a point today, and found it took ten minutes for them to open
| |
| − | fire, which is rather too long. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>'Stand-to' is shortly after | + | <center><b>04 Apr 15</b></center> |
| − | <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="0">7 p.m.</st1:time> now. It was very quiet last
| + | |
| − | night. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>SEPTEMBER
| |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>01 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Church parade at 8:20. Mr. Bain again: he covered a large field in his sermon, from Homer upwards. After dinner at 21, to which place I am half thinking of not going back, we went to Biddenham - Capt. Ritson, Mr. Mortimer, George and I and had 18 holes. Ritson and I lost by one hole, a very close match and very enjoyable. George was in good form. A perfect evening. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Wakened
| |
| − | at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time> by Finnie. Cold, clear
| |
| − | morning. I hadn't been in the fire trench a minute when a boy Graham was shot
| |
| − | through the head. Death was instantaneous. It was hard luck, on our last
| |
| − | morning too. We hardly realise how near death is, and yet it doesn't awe us
| |
| − | somehow. You feel that the body isn't everything, and yet there's nothing
| |
| − | religious about the thought. We buried him at <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30</st1:time>,
| |
| − | in a grave dug by his companions. One of the burying party was hit with
| |
| − | shrapnel, on the leg, while returning. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In the afternoon the 7th
| + | We all had tea and supper in 26. George waited till roll-call. I am very sorry for him, he seems so sick of 21, where the gramophone is never quiet, unless it's to give the piano a chance. |
| − | Gordons officers came up to take over, so we had a large party at tea. It began
| + | |
| − | to rain in the afternoon and the trenches were soon in a great muck. It is
| + | |
| − | always wearisome waiting for the reliefs, and tonight they didn't arrive till <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="23" Minute="30">11:30 p.m.</st1:time> They were too smart to need guides
| + | |
| − | so lost their way. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We got down to the foot of
| |
| − | hill 106 after plootering through the mud. Some platoons came down the road,
| |
| − | but I didn't care to take that responsibility. The moon was high by this time,
| |
| − | and we had a good march in although the tail straggled a little at first and I
| |
| − | had to leave three men behind. Arrived at Buire as <st1:time Hour="3" Minute="0">3
| |
| − | a.m.</st1:time> and found <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City>
| |
| − | waiting for us. We subs of 'A' are billeted in the mayor's house and have bed
| |
| − | between two.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>'REST'<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> | + | <center><b>05 Apr 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>‘Rest’ for infantry units out of the line was not really an
| + | Divisional sports, and thank goodness a fair and mild, if not a brilliant day. The sports were in the Grammar School grounds and attracted a huge crowd. The crowd, as far as fashion, etc. was considered, was very tame. There were 5th competitors in many of the events and we won the 100 yd (Goddard) and the officers relay race, besides being second in the tug of war and number of other events. All over we had second place, 21 points to 43 of the 8th Argyles. The latter carried off most of the heavy events. The dancing was a treat but the presence of three or 4 professionals knocked all the amateurs out. |
| − | accurate description of what happened. It was more a matter of continual
| + | |
| − | fatigues in the trenches and rear areas.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>02 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Wakened at <st1:time
| + | After mess sat in the billet where Mr. and Mrs. Ritson, Mrs. Mortimer and her rather pretty niece Miss Monk had foregathered. |
| − | Hour="11" Minute="15">11:15</st1:time> by Ross, who reported breakfast ready.
| + | |
| − | Rose with that 'after the ball' feeling which we always have the night after
| + | |
| − | coming out. It was drizzling in the forenoon but I went for a wash and a bathe.
| + | |
| − | Met Adam who seemed to acquiesce in his engagement. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had a letter from Daisy re
| |
| − | rose bowl which appears to have given satisfaction. Dinner and tea at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time> Had a walk up to the high road in the
| |
| − | twilight.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>03 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>06 Apr 15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Parade at <st1:time Hour="9"
| |
| − | Minute="30">9:30</st1:time>. Blackie, Finnie and I. We had inspection and
| |
| − | physical exercises. Rather cold and raw - too cold for a bathe. Football match
| |
| − | at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time> between right and left
| |
| − | halves of company. Very enjoyable, but not good football: one fellow got his
| |
| − | ankle broken. Very wet tonight. Fatigue party of 150 men up at Bouzincourt all
| |
| − | day, Splosh with them. This is Daisy's wedding day. Long life and happiness to
| |
| − | her and her husband.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>04 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Divisional exercise today and a most disagreeable day at that. We marched out the Kempston and Ampthill road and effected a junction with another column which was on the Cotton End road in Wilshamstead Wood, from which we turned south and attacked the Gordons at Haynes Park. The attack went rather rapidly at the centre where we joined the 6th, and I rather foolishly joined in a premature assault which they made. As it was we were in a salient and would have been enfiladed, but thought the movement was general. I must be more careful in future. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>No parade this forenoon as
| |
| − | another fatigue party of 150 left at <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="0">7 a.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | with Finnie etc. Wrote Bob in the garden. It was a fine forenoon, but wind is
| |
| − | getting cold. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Left with party of 200 men
| + | "B" Coy's concert is on tonight, but I was told off for Brigade Inlying Picquet in Albert Terrace. After several attempts to quieten them the men have at last subsided and quietness reigns. I suspect they have been throwing lemonade bottles through the (closed) windows, but am not certain. I have just had to speak pretty plainly to some of them. |
| − | at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30 p.m.</st1:time> for Albert. We worked
| + | |
| − | on communication trench which leads up to La Boisselle. Line was pretty quiet,
| + | |
| − | except for some heavy explosions - heavy shells and trench mortars. Just a few
| + | |
| − | stray bullets near us. Fortunately it was a grand night, although not too warm.
| + | |
| − | We got back at <st1:time Hour="2" Minute="30">2:30 a.m.</st1:time> after a fine
| + | |
| − | march.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>05 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Brekker at <st1:time | + | <center><b>GOLSPIE</b></center> |
| − | Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> I though to have a fine quiet Sunday and
| + | |
| − | get some letters written, but about 11 o'clock word came that the battn was to
| + | |
| − | shift quarters to Henencourt. This necessitated the fatigue party of 300 men
| + | |
| − | going in full marching order. We packed up after dinner and left at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="16" Minute="0">4 p.m.</st1:time> </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Arrived at our new billets
| |
| − | after a very warm but short march. The new place isn't nearly so comfortable as
| |
| − | Buire, but the air is brisker. Finnie and I have a nice room upstairs, with a
| |
| − | motherly old wife to take an interest in us. Had tea at <st1:time Hour="20"
| |
| − | Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time>, "and so to bed". Some pears I carried
| |
| − | in my haversack today have mucked up my diary, which is rather a humbug.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>06 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | JBC spent the next few weeks at Golspie with the 2/5 Seaforth, during which time he made only one entry in the diary. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Up at <st1:time Hour="5"
| |
| − | Minute="30">5:30 a.m.</st1:time> for breakfast and fatigues. Left with 300 men
| |
| − | and 6 officers for second line trenches between Albert and Bouzincourt. Very
| |
| − | fine morning, the air and the pipes and everything reminded me of <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>,
| |
| − | in fact the difficulty is to realize we are behind the firing line. The country
| |
| − | is splendid and the harvest ready for carting home. The women, children and old
| |
| − | men do the work, mostly early morning, and evening. Worked till after 12 and
| |
| − | got back <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="30">2:30 p.m.</st1:time> The men very
| |
| − | tired, and not fit to work well. There are far too many fatigues here, and
| |
| − | always a long march before and after. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had a rest in the afternoon
| + | On 11 Apr 15 the Highland Division was warned to prepare to move to France. It arrived in France on 1 May 15 and shortly afterwards was retitled 51st (Highland) Division with the brigade became 152nd Brigade. |
| − | and after tea wrote and went for a stroll. Singing in B Coys tonight, also a
| + | |
| − | case of O.P. Didn't go down.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>07 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Lovely day again. I was to
| + | Jim Miller was wounded by shellfire on 19 May and evacuated to UK. |
| − | have gone on fatigue this forenoon but it was cancelled so we had a bit of a
| + | |
| − | rest, but not altogether undisturbed as there was a 'non-surprise' alarm at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="16" Minute="30">4:30 p.m.</st1:time> The battalion turned out pretty
| + | |
| − | smart, even considering they were expecting it; I don't see what good it did -
| + | |
| − | so much 'eye-wash' no doubt. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After tea, went for a
| |
| − | stroll up into the corn fields and wrote to May: A glorious sunset. The nights
| |
| − | are splendid just now.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>08 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | On 15 Jun 'C' Company, led by Capt Joe Robertson, took part in an attack on German trenches which failed in the face of machine-gun fire and uncut barbed wire. 2 officers and 33 other ranks were killed - many others were wounded. Among the dead were Sgt Ian M'Millan, Pte George Alexander and 2/Lt Donnie Dunnet. Capt Joe Robertson, Capt Joseph Ritson and Lt W A M'Donald were among the wounded. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="6" Minute="30">6:30 a.m.</st1:time> and left before eight for work on the
| |
| − | second line defences near Bouzincourt. Capt M'Leod in charge of party. We took
| |
| − | rather a round about way going, and in trying to take a short cut coming back
| |
| − | we ran up against the wire near Millencourt and had to make a big detour to get
| |
| − | round. It was a fair scorcher of a day, and we were glad of any shade to be got
| |
| − | from trees on the wayside, but that was not much. We got in at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time> </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Spent the afternoon in my
| + | Sergt-Maj Sutherland and three others won the Distinguished Conduct Medal bringing in the wounded under fire. |
| − | sleeping bag reading and sleeping. After tea went down to Buire on the Major's
| + | |
| − | horse.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>09 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Splendid day again.
| + | JBC's diary for 15 Jun simply says 'Battle of Festubert' |
| − | Breakfast at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time>, as the fatigue
| + | |
| − | part wasn't in till about 3 a.m. Another left at <st1:time Hour="12" Minute="0">noon</st1:time>,
| + | |
| − | so dinner was at 11. Many who were on last night were on again today. The men
| + | |
| − | are getting footsore. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Lay in most of the day, as
| |
| − | I am rather stiff and have a bit of a cold coming on. Worked after tea at
| |
| − | Fortnum and Mason's accounts with <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City>,
| |
| − | trying to get them squared off but there are several difficulties. We tackled
| |
| − | it again with the help of the Major after they came back but with no greater
| |
| − | success. It can only be a very approximate allocation.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>10 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Shortly after Festubert JBC's mother received the following letter: |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast at <st1:time
| + | __________________________________________________________________________ |
| − | Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> Another splendid day with more air. No
| + | |
| − | fatigue today, but had an inspection parade, under platoon arrangements. Some
| + | |
| − | of the equipment very badly put on. Rifles are usually well kept with the
| + | |
| − | exception of one or two - including Skinnie. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Right half company played
| + | Private |
| − | left half this afternoon, resulting in a win for latter by 1-0. Finnie and I
| + | |
| − | played for left half, and Blacko, in a flimsy costume and identity disc played
| + | |
| − | for right. There was too much temper in it, especially on old Stewart's part.
| + | |
| − | The refereeing was strict to excess. Very good game all the same, and although
| + | |
| − | I fell absolutely pegged out I believe it has done my cold good. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Laurie [?] has gone away
| + | 3472 "C" Coy |
| − | with some skin trouble, and don't expect he will come back. Watson away to
| + | |
| − | hospital again, this time with his eyes.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'> </p>
| + | 1st 5th Sea Hdrs |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>BACK
| + | 152nd Infantry Brig |
| − | INTO THE LINE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>11 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | 51st (Highland) Division |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Rifle inspection as usual.
| + | B. E. France |
| − | Billets had to be cleaned up in the afternoon: have always to keep nagging at
| + | |
| − | this job. Teas at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="30">3:30</st1:time>. Marched off
| + | |
| − | at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time> No. 4 platoon leading. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The day had been very hot
| + | Friday 25 June |
| − | but it was a grand evening for marching, although road very dusty. They were
| + | |
| − | taking in the harvest along the roadside, and away in the distance beyond
| + | |
| − | Albert, the white lines of the trenches could be seen. Got to the rendezvous,
| + | |
| − | on the other side of the town, at dusk and were met by the guides who led us
| + | |
| − | up. The communication trench up to the Chateau has been much improved and
| + | |
| − | drainage arrangements are much better. Still I thought we would never get up to
| + | |
| − | the top: and beyond the Chateau we had about as far to go again. We were posted
| + | |
| − | by about <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 o'clock</st1:time>. Turned in till <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>12 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Dear Mrs Cairnie, |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Wakened at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> and went on duty with Blackie. Splendid
| + | |
| − | morning, the trench especially what is held by No. 4, is in a bad state of
| + | |
| − | repair. We vary from about 200 yards to 100 yards from Germans. Pretty quiet
| + | |
| − | all day - a few trench mortars on the left. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>One of the Neats in No. 2
| + | You all must have got a great shock when the news of our casualties reached Thurso & especially when you heard of the loss of the two boys you know so well, I can well understand your feelings but I know one gets a great comfort in the knowledge that they have died the most noble and honourable deaths. |
| − | was shot through the head while looking over the parapet through his telescope.
| + | |
| − | He was always too daring. His brother was very much cut up. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We are working one officer
| |
| − | in firing line here, as we have a small frontage. I was on at night from 10 to
| |
| − | 1 so had a decent sleep.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>13 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Thurso & Wick have suffered heavily as a result of the charge which shall never be forgot by any of the survivors. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast was a bit late as
| |
| − | 'C' Coy is not strong enough for all the fatigues. Poor old 'C' they don't get
| |
| − | much consideration - some think too much including Howie. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got a fatigue party on to
| + | Your parcel for poor George came here the other day and was handed to me & I saw by the card that I was meant to share it, I shared with several of the other boys here & let them know who it was for & who it was from. |
| − | sandbagging the trench. There's a tremendous lot of work to be done before the
| + | |
| − | trench will be suitable for winter. Carried on in the afternoon, but had to
| + | |
| − | chuck it when trench mortars started coming over. They were dropping all along
| + | |
| − | our line in No. 4. Fortunately it is possible to see them coming. They came
| + | |
| − | from the left, but weren't of the large type. They were just like Bethune
| + | |
| − | bombs, and turned over and over making a whistling noise which rapidly mounted
| + | |
| − | in strength till it was like an express train coming up. Sometimes the bombs
| + | |
| − | lay for a few seconds but usually they burst immediately they reached the ground.
| + | |
| − | They sent over a lot of rifle grenades.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>14 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>On duty from 1 to 4 and got
| + | I wrote a short note to Bruce the other day, poor Bruce will feel it terribly as George was always speaking about him & the rare times they used to have together especially in camp at Reay & I always knew by the way he spoke that they were the best of chums. I remember him say not very long ago that he was glad Bruce was not out here. |
| − | in about 10 hours sleep, in spite of Blackie's snoring. No work done on the
| + | |
| − | trench this morning. About <st1:time Hour="11" Minute="0">11 o'clock</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | the Germans blew up one of our mines and a number of men of the R.E. were
| + | |
| − | gassed. One officer and three men or so were done for. Some Argyles who
| + | |
| − | assisted at the top of the shaft were the worse of the gas too. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We took over the left
| |
| − | sector of the line at <st1:time Hour="16" Minute="0">4 o'clock</st1:time>, changing
| |
| − | over with 'D' Coy. A lot of trench mortars came over just at that time but did
| |
| − | no damage. No. 1 platoon lost a Melvich boy at tea-time - shot through the
| |
| − | parapet and Argyle working party had two killed and 5 wounded at night by a
| |
| − | trench mortar. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>And after all we are just
| + | I'm not to say give any of the details of the attack as I've begun to hate speaking about it, one does not realise what chums really are till after they are gone beyond one's reach. |
| − | holding on and doing no good. Our sentries in the front line are sitting in
| + | |
| − | little holes in the parapet, neither observing nor firing and the Germans are
| + | |
| − | firing our own mines. Everybody talks in whispers and walks on tiptoe.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>15 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Was on duty from <st1:time
| + | Nothing more at present, hoping this finds everyone in Thurso in good health. |
| − | Hour="0" Minute="0">midnight</st1:time> until six. Sat in the dugout and read
| + | |
| − | all the time. Quiet night and no casualties in the Coy. Was round the front
| + | |
| − | line with Blackie. The right is worse than the left. The men are mostly pretty
| + | |
| − | cheery about it, but some are very shaky. We heard today that the big push is
| + | |
| − | to start tomorrow - combined movement by the British and French. That explains
| + | |
| − | the heavy cannonading we have been hearing for the day or two, to our right and
| + | |
| − | left, mainly left. We are evidently not to be in the first push. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>A bombing party were sent
| |
| − | out tonight to try to jigger up one of the German mines. They threw some bombs
| |
| − | and got back safely but whether they accomplished anything or not we don't
| |
| − | know. We had some hefty trench mortars and rifle grenades back by way of
| |
| − | reaction, some of the <st1:place>Bolton</st1:place> boys got badly shaken but
| |
| − | nothing worse happened.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>16 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Believe me, |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Sat in the dug out reading
| + | yours sincerely, |
| − | and writing till <st1:time Hour="5" Minute="0">5a.m.</st1:time> but the
| + | |
| − | atmosphere was stifling and the flies a torment, so I had to get out
| + | |
| − | occasionally. A misty night. Some of the men were a bit nervy, and one of my
| + | |
| − | posts had 'retired' before a series of mortar bombs and rifle grenades. We
| + | |
| − | could see the trench mortars coming quite well with a tail of sparks behind. No
| + | |
| − | casualties. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In the afternoon our
| + | Andrew B Sinclair |
| − | artillery bombarded the enemy's trenches and tried to demolish the craters
| + | |
| − | between the lines. They fired about 12 huge explosives (2 duds). The company
| + | |
| − | was withdrawn to the reserve line - fortunately as some of the shells were
| + | |
| − | short and made a dickens of a mess of our own trench. The result was that we
| + | |
| − | had to put on fatigue parties to build up and clear our own trenches after our
| + | |
| − | own guns.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>17 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | ___________________________________________________________________________ |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>So hot in the dug-out that
| + | |
| − | I sat outside the door all night, among the rats. Finally lay down and slept
| + | |
| − | for an hour. Very quiet all night. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p>Had to get the trenches cleared up today to hand them over clean, and must
| + | |
| − | say <st1:City><st1:place>Kitchener</st1:place></st1:City>'s men are getting
| + | |
| − | them in a much cleaner state than we did. As usual had a tiresome afternoon,
| + | |
| − | but finally the relief arrived before we were quite expecting them. Before I
| + | |
| − | got mine out the trench mortars started and we had rather a hot time. Still, no
| + | |
| − | casualties occurred. After jamming in the trench for a long time we got down to
| + | |
| − | and through Albert, and once over the rise we sat down, glad to be out and on
| + | |
| − | top of the ground. The men were in good spirits and sang a good deal which is
| + | |
| − | unusual at such a time. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Arrived Henencourt at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="22" Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> fairly well fagged out, and made a
| + | |
| − | bee-line for Splosh and Blackie's estaminet where we had a couple of bottles of
| + | |
| − | champagne: then a cup of tea as we had sent the cooks on ahead. Then to bed.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>18 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>TO FRANCE</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast at 10. At 11
| |
| − | marched down to Buire for a wash and a bathe. Very hot and dusty. Had a good
| |
| − | bathe. Adjourned to the Pharmacie and helped Splosh with a bottle of Bass. Got
| |
| − | back to Buire at 4 and had dinner - Macconochie, and roasted apples. Nothing
| |
| − | doing tonight. Had stroll in the moonlight.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>19 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | After the shock of 15 Jun 1915, 1/5 Seaforth remained in the front line until the 25th when they moved to rest billets at La Gorgue (about20Km east of Lille). |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Another very hot day.
| |
| − | Orderly officer today, which I discovered only ten minutes before time for
| |
| − | guard-mounting. Company inspected by C.O. in the afternoon and pronounced very
| |
| − | good. Don't know what makes them take that badgering tone with the men. Perhaps
| |
| − | it's modesty, but I think if Davidson told them they had done well in the
| |
| − | trenches they would think more of themselves and of him too. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Church parade at <st1:time
| + | The need to replace battle casualties and the increasing numbers of officers required by battalions on active service meant a draft of officers was sent out from the 2/5th at Golspie. After a farewell dinner in the Sutherland Arms Hotel, Brora on the evening of 23 Jun 15 JBC left for France the next day. |
| − | Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time>, Herbert Reid preaching on "This
| + | |
| − | Gospel". I walked back to Millencourt with him. He has opened a dry
| + | |
| − | canteen there and sells at home prices. He is in his element there. Had great
| + | |
| − | argument with <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City> and Moy Hall
| + | |
| − | tonight about God and the War, Marriage, etc. and as a consequence felt very
| + | |
| − | restless tonight.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>20 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast <st1:time Hour="6" | + | <center><b>JUNE 1915</b></center> |
| − | Minute="0">6 a.m.</st1:time> To Bouzincourt at <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="15">7:15</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | with fatigue party. Perfect day with a nip in the air. Large fatigue party out,
| + | |
| − | and part of it (Argyles) was spotted and had to quit. Finnie's new job is to
| + | |
| − | take him from us for a bit and he has given up his platoon. James Willie is
| + | |
| − | Divisional Transport Officer. Got a few letters written and am now trying to
| + | |
| − | square up the Mess accounts but it strikes me that somehow I'm running this on
| + | |
| − | my own money.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>21 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Lord Kitchener inspected us | + | <center><b>24-Jun-15</b></center> |
| − | this afternoon before we went into the trenches. He was very red in the face,
| + | |
| − | and the fellows said worried looking. We marched straight off after the
| + | |
| − | inspection (<st1:time Hour="15" Minute="30">3:30 p.m.</st1:time>) to Aveluy,
| + | |
| − | passing through Albert which had just been shelled: the side of a house was
| + | |
| − | lying across the street. Got into our quarters in the Bois d'Authuille about <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="19" Minute="0">7 p.m.</st1:time> Had a late supper as we had some trouble
| + | |
| − | with the mess cart.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>22 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast at <st1:time
| + | Barnetson and I left Golspie at 6:30 a.m. Had a grand send off, all the officers and men of the battalion coming to the station to see us off. The journey wasn't exciting, as Barnetson isn't any more of a conversationalist than I, but very pleasant. Saw a number of friends in Edin. including Bob and Bessie. Left at 10:50 for London, having picked up Sutherland. |
| − | Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> We have a splendid mess with a pergola
| + | |
| − | and verandah outside. This is my birthday and a splendid day too. Splosh and I | + | |
| − | made a set of chessmen out of cardboard and had a game. We haven't managed a
| + | |
| − | wash today - in fact it has been a very lazy day. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>My birthday cake hasn't
| |
| − | arrived yet and I'm afraid Mother will be much disappointed when she knows.
| |
| − | Still we managed a first class tea with sardines, queen-cakes, currant buns,
| |
| − | etc. and later in the evening champagne. We had a fire in the mess and were
| |
| − | very nice and cozy. Finnie is grubbing with D Coy to be near H.Q.s.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>23 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>25-Jun-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Rather dull and sultry
| |
| − | today. Nothing doing all day, except smoking and eating sweeties. After tea,
| |
| − | had to go over to Head Qrs. and see to the digging of some dummy trenches.
| |
| − | Thunderstorm came on and the men got soaked so they worked hard. The guns have
| |
| − | been going it strong today, making a great din in the trees and I hear that La
| |
| − | Boisselle has been heavily bombarded by us. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Freegard had a narrow
| + | Breakfasted at the Strand Palace Hotel and after being photographed, at Lafayette’s, went and met Vane at Piccadilly. He is looking much better after his route-march to Cambridge. We shopped, and had lunch at the SPH - eleven of us, including five of us officers. Left Waterloo 2:55 p.m., and feeling in very good spirits all of us, but I think the women who are left behind are bravest of all. |
| − | escape last night. Went out with an Argyle officer to take in a flag which the
| + | |
| − | Germans had planted before our line. There was a bomb attached to the stick,
| + | |
| − | and it exploded and killed the other officer. Machine guns were turned on them | + | |
| − | then.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>24 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Still raining this morning:
| + | Arrived Southampton about 6 p.m. and got our business done. Leaving tonight late by the Harve packet. A number of civilians crossing too. |
| − | the woods were soaking and the road and paths all turned to mud. After
| + | |
| − | breakfast we lit a wood fire in the Mess, and played Bridge till dinner. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Was up at the 6th Seaforth
| |
| − | lines with party in the afternoon but didn't wait. The Brigadier is afraid the
| |
| − | Germans have gone back as things are very quiet so he wanted Nicolson to take a
| |
| − | patrol out in daylight. There is still some rifle fire coming over and a few
| |
| − | pip-squeaks. They will likely leave a few machine guns in their front trench up
| |
| − | to the very last. Our guns have been giving it to them very hot all day, and
| |
| − | the wood has been echoing with the reports. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Gid and Harper in to tea | + | <center><b>26-Jun-15</b></center> |
| − | which was rather a spread with sardines and tomato sauce, apple tarts and seed
| + | |
| − | cake.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>25 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Raining hard all night, and
| + | On deck shortly before 8 a.m. No land in sight, but fine breezy sunny morning. Had breakfast and before we were finished we were inside Harve harbour. |
| − | most of the day. Had a fatigue party up to 6th Seaforths, building parapet.
| + | |
| − | 'Davit' in to dinner and tea. He is always so cheery. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Sat in all afternoon and
| |
| − | evening with a big wood fire. Our guns have been going strong most of the day
| |
| − | and the Germans lying dogo mostly. Good news today. We have broken through on
| |
| − | the North. The Germans here are a bit jumpy, and the 6th gave then a bit rapid
| |
| − | and a cheer at 'Stand to', which brought a brisk reply. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Finished up the evening
| + | Char-a-banc up to the Base Office from which we received orders to proceed Rouen same afternoon. Had a very enjoyable journey, not much sign of war here, but on the quays were piles of barbed wire and large numbers of transport waggons parked. |
| − | with a great argument in the mess, ending up on evolution which the Major
| + | |
| − | strongly opposes.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>26 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Rather a better day. Got
| + | Arrived Rouen about 5:30 p.m. and after some difficulty found our way to the Hotel Angleterre where we found Nicolson and Paterson eating strawberries. Later went out to the Base Depot where we are to billet until further orders - in canvas shacks. |
| − | the dugouts cleaned up. Were relieved at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | and just after my platoon got clear, some pip-squeaks came over and Black's lot | + | |
| − | had rather a narrow shave. Nobody hit. The road in the wood was very bad, but
| + | |
| − | once we got onto the high road it was grand. Company formed up on the other
| + | |
| − | side of Albert. From there we had the pipes, and the moon came up. There's no
| + | |
| − | time like the march to billets.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>27 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got up at about <st1:time | + | <center><b>27-Jun-15</b></center> |
| − | Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30 a.m.</st1:time> The men were payed in the forenoon,
| + | |
| − | getting only 5 Fr. each, with which they were rather dissatisfied. There was a
| + | |
| − | good deal of drink going at night and rows in several estaminets. Tube helmet
| + | |
| − | parade before dinner.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>28 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Cold and raw. Inspection by
| + | This being Sunday there way nothing very much doing in the way of drill. We went down to the town and wandered through the streets, visiting the market which was pretty well packed with country people. We (Barnetson, Suddy, Hamish and I) had some grub at a café - strawberries made up in some sickening sort of way. Saw the Cathedral and most of the older parts of the town, some of it fairly ancient and replete with carved arches and figures in all sorts of corners and attitudes. Had a decent dinner at a restaurant: Hamish inclined to get a bit uproarious. Nearly all the shops were shut. Sat in a café on the river front for a bit and then took the car out to the camp. |
| − | new Divisional General (Harper) as <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="30">2:30 p.m.</st1:time>,
| + | |
| − | Allason having gone home in bad health. Very cold standing on parade. Short
| + | |
| − | route march followed, round by Bresle and Baizieux. Got in to tea about six,
| + | |
| − | and had a good spread.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>29 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Rather a nasty day. Battn | + | <center><b>28-Jun-15</b></center> |
| − | did an attack on Millencourt. 'A' Coy formed the firing line. Funny that
| + | |
| − | although the men have all been under fire they wouldn't get down on their
| + | |
| − | stomachs any better than at <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>,
| + | |
| − | and movement was pretty slow: it made the thing seem very unreal. Wrote letter
| + | |
| − | all afternoon and at <st1:time Hour="20" Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time> was
| + | |
| − | detailed to report to Martinsart at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | tomorrow morning.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>30 Sep 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Left Henencourt after an
| + | After breakfast we walked up to the pine wood about a mile along the road for a lecture by a young Captain who has evidently been out all winter. On the road, and on the sandy bit of plateau between it and the river infantry and cavalry were being drilled. The infantry were in some cases drafts newly come out, in others details, sick, etc. They were fairly getting it rubbed in and smartened up, but it was only for a few hours in the day. |
| − | early breakfast for Martinsart, along with Nicolson, to take over at Authuille.
| + | |
| − | Howie and Barnetson came over on horseback. Arrived at Authuille via Martinsart
| + | |
| − | and Bois d'Aveluy about <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 a.m.</st1:time> There
| + | |
| − | was a bit of a mix up when the Battalion arrived owing to 'misunderstanding'.
| + | |
| − | Half of 'A' messing with 'D' Coy in the old estaminet. The Major, Murray and I
| + | |
| − | sleeping in the cellar behind the bar, which has been turned into a comfortable
| + | |
| − | bedroom with two beds. Black and Splosh have gone over to the post on the
| + | |
| − | railway, where there are now two platoons. The other two are in the dug-out
| + | |
| − | down below the river bank. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>As we came along by
| |
| − | Bouzincourt this morning we saw a German aeroplane brought down by a Britisher.
| |
| − | Both occupants were killed. There was an immediate rush for souvenirs, and one
| |
| − | fellow made off with the machine's 'tail' and though chased by two sentries
| |
| − | managed to 'make good'.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>October
| + | In the evening we went down to Rouen, Finnie playing football on the way and generally conducting himself like a young child. Barney and he and I thought to go down the river on a steamer but missed it and put it off. We went and had dinner at the Café Normandie. The three of us climbed the chalk hill on the South? side of the town. It rises almost perpendicularly from the side of the river, of which and all the surrounding country especially to the West it commands a magnificent view. |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>01 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had a very good sleep in | + | <center><b>29-Jun-15</b></center> |
| − | the cellar. The weather seems to have settled down again to another fine spell.
| + | |
| − | Went round to the railway post with the Major after brekker. The Mound Keep is
| + | |
| − | much improved, and a lot of new dugouts have been made.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>George Murray and Howie put
| |
| − | a stove into the mess in the afternoon and we are now fortified against the
| |
| − | cold. The nights are very cold now. Things are very quiet on the line here.
| |
| − | Practically no shelling and only very few trench mortars up at the Chateau.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>02 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | The same programme today as yesterday but it came on rain so we returned to camp, when it cleared up. Harry Lauder's son has joined the camp. In the afternoon we had revolver shooting at which I was nothing patent. Went down to Rouen tonight again and in time to catch the steamer. We all got aboard and comfortably seated. Just as it was about to leave we sent Suddy to see when it would return. On finding it would come back tomorrow morning we bunked for the quay. Adjourned to the Café Normandie where we found Johnnie Paterson with the news that we are for the road tomorrow. So we had what we thought was to be our last civilised dinner - nothing now but bully beef and biscuits - and celebrated the occasion by having a good feed. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Splendid morning and had a
| |
| − | bracing wash in the weir - hands and face only. Went over to MacMahon's post in
| |
| − | the forenoon. Black and Splosh at breakfast. Steven D in waiting. Splosh
| |
| − | ordered by the MO to go to bed as he has been badly for several days. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>After dinner we saw a lot | + | <center><b>30-Jun-15</b></center> |
| − | of black smoke rising from their direction and it proved to be from the fire
| + | |
| − | Splosh had got lit in the shelters below the bridge. The place was burnt out,
| + | |
| − | the telephone shelter being saved with difficulty. When the Major and I went
| + | |
| − | over Splosh and Black were looking very down in the mouth but the Major's
| + | |
| − | cheery face soon put them to rights. He wasn't in the least put out about it.
| + | |
| − | Blacko lost his greatcoat, magnapole, etc in the conflagration.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>03 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Another lovely day. On
| + | Packed up our stuff, and drew web equipment, etc. from the QM Stores. Left camp at 5 p.m. The train left at 7:45 p.m. On board are several drafts of men and a good number of officers. Had a fine view of Rouen when crossing the railway bridge, with the sunset in the background. |
| − | fatigue at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time> with party working
| + | |
| − | on drain for water pipe which is to take 2 gallons per man per day to the
| + | |
| − | firing line. It will be a tremendous saving in labour. A German aeroplane came
| + | |
| − | over several times and we had to stop work several times. Shrapnel doesn't seem
| + | |
| − | to be much good against them and I have never seen or heard of a plane being
| + | |
| − | brought down by it. Dinner was sent up. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Sat in all night playing
| |
| − | bridge, etc. I hear today that the <st1:City><st1:place>Kitchener</st1:place></st1:City>'s
| |
| − | lot have withdrawn from the Ilo and Dinhollow trenches at La Boisselle.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>04 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>JULY 1915</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Splosh went to hospital
| |
| − | this morning so I had to take his place at the bridge and the new officers
| |
| − | dug-out is a wretched affair. We have decided to have our grub at the Mess.
| |
| − | James Willie and Hamish M'Intosh who had gone to hospital were sent across to <st1:country-region><st1:place>England</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
| |
| − | probably owing to the hospitals being cleared out for influx of casualties from
| |
| − | the North. We are now 4 officers short. The draft of men (87) arrived late
| |
| − | tonight. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The work at MacMahon's post | + | <center><b>01-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | is going ahead but the Brigadier was round today condemning the roofs of the
| + | |
| − | dug-outs as not being shell-proof. Fortunately they are the work of the
| + | |
| − | Gordons. Heavy bombardment going on to the North.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>05 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had a very good sleep in
| + | Didn't sleep very well last night, probably because of certain amount of une Slept from 10 to 8 a.m. although the train was jolting and bumping at a fearful rate. We got into Bethune in the afternoon and later detrained at La Gorgue. |
| − | spite of Blacko's snoring. Wrote in the afternoon in the mess. Wet outside. The
| + | |
| − | Court Martial on Dunvegan came off tonight and up to the time I left was 'gey
| + | |
| − | dreich' but I understand it livened up considerably towards the end when George
| + | |
| − | Murray was well canned.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>06 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Today misty a bit. Made a
| + | Major Morrison met us three and conducted us to the transport train where we were entertained to tea by Major Sinclair and James Willie - under the greenwood tree. I was surprised to see the civil population evidently going about their work as usual and children sprawling in the gutter although they are within range of the German lines. Of course all the men are in uniform. The countryside is very flat, rather like some of Bedfordshire, but the crops are getting pretty high and make the country even more difficult. We went on later to the 'Reserve Trenches' in Rue Baceanot. |
| − | sketch of Berridale Brae. In the evening played bridge and went with Howie and
| + | |
| − | Black to hunt rats. Not very successful. Stalker came back tonight from St.
| + | |
| − | Omer where he was for machinegun course. Says British are rather downhearted in
| + | |
| − | the North at not having done so well as they hoped. But we must and shall win | + | |
| − | in the end, however far away that may be, and however few of us live to see it.</p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>07 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Better weather today. Captain | + | <center><b>02-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | Sutherland comes in every day for dinner which is followed by a game of quoits
| + | |
| − | in the back garden. We are always glad to see his cheery face. More rat hunting
| + | |
| − | tonight and bridge. French are reported to be going on yet in <st1:State><st1:place>Champagne</st1:place></st1:State>.
| + | |
| − | Dreamt last night of killing rats.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>08 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Nothing doing today. Bridge
| + | Breakfast at 8. The men are up at 5:30 but no parades are held. Rifle inspection at 9:30. I have No 4 Platoon with D. Morrison and Skinnie in it. There is nothing doing - sleep and eat all day and this being Maj M'Millan's birthday we did the latter very well. Went over to 'C' Coy in the forenoon and found Addie, Deuchart and the rest wonderfully hearty. We had a tea party in honour of the Major's birthday, although I think he supplied most of the eatables. |
| − | as usual after tea. <s>Stalker came back tonight an</s> Howie, Dunvegan and
| + | |
| − | myself had a rat-hunt on our way home as <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | It has to stop now though as too many lights are being seen in the village.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>09 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Thick and misty today. No
| + | Before tea I went up to the firing line and had the first experience of being near shrapnel. Up there it is very quiet and everybody is very comfortable. The trench is of the nature of a redoubt, built of sandbags, over which it is almost certain death to stick your head in daylight. The enemy snipers are very good. I found Adam very happy, in one of the dug-outs. |
| − | news of the fighting today. At the Mound Keep for the forenoon. The dugouts are
| + | |
| − | all ready for roofing now if only the corrugated iron would come. The Argyles
| + | |
| − | had their parapet blown in last night, with a number of casualties. The Germans
| + | |
| − | are using very heavy mortars. Fatigue parties of out men were sent up to | + | |
| − | repair, and evidently to the General's satisfaction as he asked to see Sgt Reid
| + | |
| − | and L/Cpl Keith both of 'C' Coy, today.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>10 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>This turned out to be a | + | <center><b>IN THE TRENCHES</b></center> |
| − | fine quiet day. We were relieved tonight by the 8th Black Watch, so most of the
| + | |
| − | day was spent in tidying up. The Major wouldn't play quoits this afternoon,
| + | |
| − | being Sunday. Sat in the dug outs with George M'Kay and Hugh Fraser and others,
| + | |
| − | with a roaring fire and had solos from various singers. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Got a splendid starry night
| |
| − | for marching to billets - the men were in good form and sang most of the way.
| |
| − | The Germans dropped four shrapnel in Aveluy before we reached it, and put some
| |
| − | into Authuille as we left it. There was a lot of transport on the road and a
| |
| − | good deal of noise, so I think they had spotted the relief. Got into
| |
| − | Stenencourt about <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="25">11:25 p.m.</st1:time> Tea was
| |
| − | issued to the men, along with a tot of rum.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>11 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>03-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Breakfast wasn't until
| |
| − | about <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time> this morning. A pleasant
| |
| − | day, but a bit heavy. Loafed about forenoon and afternoon. Bridge at night.
| |
| − | Argument as to why there is an increased % of male children during or after a
| |
| − | big war. The matter was to be referred to the Doc. but he didn't turn up.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>12 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Some of our batteries were going it strong last night although there was little reply to them. They kept us awake a bit. Went up to the fire trench with Major M'Millan and 6th Sea officer and had a good look over the part we are to occupy. It consists mainly of an old Brit communication trench running at right angles to remainder of our line, joining us up with the A&SHs who are further advanced. From this communication trench, several redoubts have been built at right angles. These we have to hold. Seemingly the Germans gave it to them pretty hot last night with shrapnel and high explosive. They got one of the latter into a fort and smashed a dug-out, the two men inside having miraculous escapes. I found Adam, again as happy as ever, exploring the inside of his kilt for 'Scots Greys' which are very abundant here. After dinner I slept and in the evening got my things ready for going into the trenches. This we did after dusk and I got my platoon in without difficulty, but of course this part is very easy indeed to relieve. We took over and No. 4 Platoon was told off to the reserve trenches. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Early breakfast and left
| |
| − | for Bouzincourt at <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="15">7:15 a.m.</st1:time> Got back
| |
| − | 4 p.m. Fine day. Dugouts are now being made 13 feet deep with 5 feet headroom
| |
| − | so that roof is 8' thick. Machine gun emplacements of concrete. Much better
| |
| − | line than the front line. Engineer officer there has only been out here for 3
| |
| − | weeks and is fed up. I think the platoon commander is best off as regards
| |
| − | variety and interest of work. Splosh is to be Bombing Officer. Had a fine tea
| |
| − | of hard boiled eggs and potted head. Parcel for mother and from Bob. Johnnie
| |
| − | Morrison came back today from Bray where he has been getting instruction in
| |
| − | Adjutant's work. George Murray had a few straight words with Thomson, Staff
| |
| − | Capt.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>13 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>04-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Route march round by Bresle
| |
| − | and Brazieux [?] today. Rather close marching and I was glad I had made up my
| |
| − | pack with my air-pillow instead of with heavier stuff. Jock the Post nearly put
| |
| − | his fist through it. The autumn tints are on the trees now, and the apples
| |
| − | still hanging are russet and brown. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Game of quoits before tea,
| + | No. 4 had to furnish visiting patrols and listening patrol as well. I was rather afraid of the latter but found it quite a simple affair as we didn't go out far. The night was splendid and beyond desultory rifle fire there was nothing doing. No casualties in the battalion. Turned in at 3 a.m. and slept till six. After breakfast wrote a few letters and Adam came along to my dug-out. Am very comfortable. Wrote home in the afternoon and slept a bit. |
| − | which came on at five with boiled eggs and curried prawns. Splosh got a huge
| + | |
| − | parcel tonight which turned out to be 100 parti-coloured sandbags. They are to
| + | |
| − | be used for screening the officers' latrine, there being no lack of sandbags
| + | |
| − | here now. Finnie has definitely forsaken us for the H.Q. mess. Heavy
| + | |
| − | bombardment away to the North.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>14 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Another fatigue this | + | <center><b>05-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | morning to Bouzincourt, the Major, Howie, Blacko, Freegard and myself. Howie
| + | |
| − | and Blackie spent the day in Albert and reappeared in time to march back with
| + | |
| − | us. Fine day to be out. Had dinner when we came back, Martin having risen to
| + | |
| − | the occasion with a boiled meat duff. Tea immediately after, and a shave and
| + | |
| − | then the Concert at the Chateau. The hits of the evening were topical songs for
| + | |
| − | which Splosh was mainly responsible. The Brigadier and the Countess were there.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>15 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Field day - attacking
| + | Quite a quiet day and little doing. Explored the ground just in front of the Sally Port for a sniping post along with Major M'Millan. It is a great thing to be serving under him. No 4 Platoon moved up to take over the two redoubts this evening. It promises to be more exciting work. Stayed in Z until after stand-to. Nothing much doing. There are 16 Argyle bomb-throwers in Z as well as two sections of my own. |
| − | position other side of Bresle which Finnie and the stretcher bearers had taken
| + | |
| − | up. 'A' Coy was to deliver a flank attack but it was rather late. Very misty | + | |
| − | and difficult to see what was going on. Slept all afternoon. Second night of
| + | |
| − | the concert wasn't quite so good as first as there was some repetition of last
| + | |
| − | night's songs. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>At <st1:time Hour="23"
| |
| − | Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time> the alarm went, without the least warning. No. 4
| |
| − | Platoon was about the last to turn out. The Adjie was in a screaming and
| |
| − | obscene rage and I only dodged him in the lane by good luck. We were dismissed
| |
| − | about <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="30">12:30 a.m.</st1:time> I hear our battalion
| |
| − | took the longest to turn out but that was partly owing to the orderlies not
| |
| − | being able to be found. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>One of the Kidds, Brora in | + | <center><b>06-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | at tea tonight. He is with the miners at La Boisselle.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>16 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Slept in a bit this
| + | A fine morning. Had to wait on after stand-to (3 a.m.) in case the Briggie comes along. Shaved, breakfasted and to bed. The redoubts were shelled while I slept and one high explosive landed just behind the parados beside the bomb supply. Fortunately they didn't explode. The can get a perfect enfilade on the redoubts so we are going to strengthen the traverses. I went up in the forenoon and underwent the next part of the bombardment which was not so trying as I expected. However the shells weren't coming within 50 yards but the splints sang and hummed overhead. I got one wee bit on the leg but only a scratch. It is shrapnel that plays the mischief as regards splinters. |
| − | morning, Capt Morrison, Freegard and self on Court of Inquiry, on man who shot
| + | |
| − | his hand in May. The poor beggar came out with the last draft and is being
| + | |
| − | tried now. Afternoon I spent in lonesome walk round behind the Chateau woods
| + | |
| − | and tried a sketch. Finnie and J.B. Morrison in at tea.</p> | + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>17 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Orderly officer and late
| + | At night again the fun started but Y got it worst. I don't know how they hadn't some casualties. Fortunately a lot of the shells didn't explode - duds. Later the Bosches started rapid fire, having spotted a work party of Argyles so we had a hot time, the bullets going cracking overhead. I wasn't excited, but it took some nerve to put my head above the parapet. The Argyles who were with us were a great asset. Donnie Morrison is a very useful and willing man. I'm glad to have him. |
| − | for guard mounting. Church Parade at <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 a.m.</st1:time>
| + | |
| − | Got a very good sermon from a strange padre on 'Wherefore this waste?' Misty
| + | |
| − | and cold and service lasted only 1/2 an hour, for which we were glad although
| + | |
| − | we enjoyed what there was of it. O.C.'s parade for A and B at <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="12" Minute="0">12 noon</st1:time>. More rapid than usual. Rest of the day
| + | |
| − | free. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Sat round the fire all <span
| |
| − | style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>evening having theological arguments,
| |
| − | George Murray being especially keen on the 2nd Coming and producing a diagram
| |
| − | to illustrate his views. We have got an open fireplace put in, and with a big
| |
| − | wood fire blazing on it we can be very comfortable.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>18 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>07-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Fatigue to Bouzincourt
| |
| − | today, reporting time as usual at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30 a.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | All the officers went into Albert and had dinner - omelettes, rabbit, etc. The
| |
| − | Café Aux Voyageurs is run by two or three women, who have to take refuge in the
| |
| − | cellars during the almost daily shelling.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>19 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Stayed in Z Redoubt until after seven a.m. when I came down to HQ and got shaved. It was a pretty quiet day as far as the redoubts were concerned although they have been searching again for the sap head. In the afternoon there was fairly heavy bombardment of the rest of the line but no damage was done. Finlayson took over the redoubts at 8:30 p.m. and I moved my platoon down to the parapet opposite HQ. Am now fine and near the dug-out and more in the centre of things. Turned in at 11:30 p.m. so as to be able to relieve Finlayson at 3 a.m. I hear there was pretty heavy firing after I went to bed but never a thing did I hear. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Left at <st1:time Hour="6"
| |
| − | Minute="30">6:30 a.m.</st1:time> for fatigue at Authuille. Cold morning,
| |
| − | especially in the valley of the Ancre where it was pretty thick. Bulgar and
| |
| − | Nicholson and myself, with 180 men. Found when we got to our destination that
| |
| − | we weren't expected and there was no work for us to do. We didn't know whether
| |
| − | to be wild or glad, so were the latter and got back to Henencourt just at
| |
| − | dinner-time. Capt Sutherland brought some salt fish to the Mess, which we had
| |
| − | for supper with Dunvegan, Danny, Gerry, etc.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>20 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>08-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Supposed to report at
| |
| − | Authuille trenches as <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30 a.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | Splosh, Johnnie Paterson and I left about 9 and sauntered into Albert where we
| |
| − | had lunch along with Freegard and Nicholson who had preceded us. We went on
| |
| − | gradually arriving at 7th Gordons about <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | They had had a pretty bad time, 'A' Coy losing 2 officers with a kerosene-can
| |
| − | and both died. The Germans seem to be putting Potas. ferrocyanide into these
| |
| − | cans which produces blood poisoning. The Battn came in about <st1:time Hour="20"
| |
| − | Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time>, and relief was carried out through very
| |
| − | expeditiously and without mishap.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>21 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Finlayson called me at 3 a.m. but as things were quiet I didn't get up till after 4. Went round the redoubts, shaved and had breakfast. Pte W Reid of my platoon was shot through the side while working behind the parapet. He died shortly afterwards. We thought at first it might have been an accident by a couple of Argyle snipers behind, but as another two bullets have come into same spot, I am pretty sure it is a German sniper. We hunted round behind for him unsuccessfully, but they are devilishly cunning. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Mice kept me awake most of
| |
| − | the night, running over my head, etc. 'A' Coy being in reserve, in <st1:Street><st1:address>Paisley
| |
| − | Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, there isn't much for us to do. The Company
| |
| − | is split up into platoons, No. 4 being on the left in support of D Coy. Coy.
| |
| − | Mess in <st1:Street><st1:address>Paisley St</st1:address></st1:Street> where
| |
| − | all the cooking for the battalion is done. Very quiet in the front line. Looks
| |
| − | as if their trench mortars had been knocked out. Retired to my dugout at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time> and had a blazing coal-fire.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>22 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Slept in the afternoon, censored some letters and went along the line to see Addie. I never feel as sad as when I see poor old Addie's face. I believe 'C' would put up a desperate fight but their spirit is clean gone at present. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Very bright today. Dunvegan
| |
| − | came limping down this morning with bad attack of lumbago, and was taken to
| |
| − | hospital on a stretcher - pity the bearers. I had to go up to 'B' Coy as Allen
| |
| − | and Freegard are the only officers there. Just before I got up, they got a
| |
| − | number of trench mortars mixed up with shrapnel - probably to make them keep
| |
| − | their head down. One mortar got into the trench and did some damage but nobody
| |
| − | hurt.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>23 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Went out on reconnoitring patrol about 11 a.m. with Sgt J Fraser and a man. Were out for at least an hour and a half but didn't see or hear anything. I was quite nervous and 'chattery' before going out but soon settled down once I was there. We got out a good bit. Went to bed at 1:20 a.m. The Germans have been sending over some big shells today and trench mortars. They are getting onto our new communication trench. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Duty from <st1:time Hour="3"
| |
| − | Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> to <st1:time Hour="6" Minute="0">6 a.m.</st1:time>
| |
| − | Fine night and very quiet. Germans working hard. General Harper round today,
| |
| − | and made himself very disagreeable. Four light trench mortars and rifle
| |
| − | grenades today.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>24 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>09-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>There was a ring round the
| |
| − | moon last night, so I wasn't surprised to find it threatening a break-down this
| |
| − | morning. It did break down by the afternoon and the trenches were soon muddy.
| |
| − | Had 4 heavy trench mortars over this morning, 2 duds. Nobody hurt and some wire
| |
| − | blown down. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Capt. Sutherland in to tea,
| + | Wakened by Finlayson at 3 a.m. All quiet. Some trench mortars came over about breakfast time but did no damage. Lay in a ruined cottage for a couple of hours with my corporal to see if that sniper would come out, but no luck. Shells began to come over so we had to shift. Went out with Finnie and C. Serg. Major Miller and got some shell fuses belonging behind the lines. |
| − | and Johnnie Morrison, who left for furlough tonight. Had a sacred concert in
| + | |
| − | the Mess, under the baton of George Murra', he being an authority on the psalm
| + | |
| − | tunes as well as many other biblical matters. Nasty wet night. Martin left
| + | |
| − | tonight too. Leave has been doubled, so I expect to go home on about a month's
| + | |
| − | time.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>25 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Duty <st1:time Hour="3"
| + | Were relieved at 9:30 by incoming Bde. Nasty jamb getting men in as they had far more than us. If the Germans had sent over some well aimed trench mortars they would have done tremendous execution but they were unaccountably quiet and probably being relieved themselves. Got down to the far end of Laventie without mishap although one bullet made the skin of my back creep. The men got tea and were led to their billets. Then we got to ours and had a grand supper with fried eggs, etc. in the Café Aux Voyageurs. Turned in at 1 p.m. |
| − | Minute="0">3 a.m. to 6 a.m.</st1:time> It had been raining all night, and
| + | |
| − | Bulgar was swearing at the drops of water which were impinging on his physog.
| + | |
| − | There was a pool on top of me but fortunately I had an oilskin over my blanket.
| + | |
| − | Had to put some chevaux de frise in position and it was rather an awkward job.
| + | |
| − | Breakfast wasn't till about 9. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Rather a rotten day, my
| |
| − | feet being wet nearly all the time. Two rifle grenades at <st1:time Hour="18"
| |
| − | Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> Germans going at their work strong. Suspect they
| |
| − | are driving a mine towards the salient as we have heard tapping tonight.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>26 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>10-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Cold, bright and windy
| |
| − | morning. A number of trench mortars, mostly small, came over in the morning. In
| |
| − | the afternoon some 'oil-cans' fell on the right of the 6th Seaforths. Built an
| |
| − | observation post at the top of Sauchiehall St. The Germans put over a couple of
| |
| − | T.M.s, as I think they heard us. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Some more came over about <st1:time
| + | Breakfast about 8 a.m. - ham and eggs, sausages, tea, etc quite a good affair, with Steven D in attendance. Company parade at 11 a.m. for inspection by C.O. - rifles, bayonets, shaving, etc. The Colonel was unconsciously particular, as if men carried burnishers in their kit. Slept in the afternoon and wandered down town in the evening with little Willie. Rather colder today. A few shells falling not far away, watched apathetically by the remaining inhabitants from their door-steps. |
| − | Hour="21" Minute="0">9 p.m.</st1:time> in answer to our own TM gun, and some of
| + | |
| − | them were fairly heavy. Freegard was hit in the back with a piece that pierced
| + | |
| − | through to his shirt. He was bruised a bit, and the Doc sent him to the
| + | |
| − | hospital. The Colonel has been in good form most of the day. H.Q. are much more
| + | |
| − | affable than used to be the case.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>27 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Blank</p> | + | <center><b>11-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>28 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Wakened this morning with a
| + | Nearly slept in. Had to attend bomb school at 9 a.m. for a few days course, but found the instructor had also overslept. Rather old again: a quiet Sunday morning. Walked into Estaires with Howie in the afternoon and had a bath and a good dinner for 3 francs. It was great to get clean again. Got home at 9:15 and found letters and parcels, including a very nice letter from May and cakes, etc from home. Fags from DeCain [?] |
| − | lot of rain on my bed, and a fair cold in my head. Blacko gave me a tot of rum
| + | |
| − | on which I slept to <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="45">8:45</st1:time>. It was very
| + | |
| − | wet all day and my boots were sodden. Allan kindly let me sleep down at the
| + | |
| − | Mess except to relieve him for meals so by night I was feeling a bit better.
| + | |
| − | Blake and Johnnie P were in to tea and we had the usual feeding of the 5000:
| + | |
| − | our problem isn't so much the feeding though as the seating of them. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>About <st1:time Hour="20"
| |
| − | Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time> we heard that one of 'C' Coys dugouts had fallen
| |
| − | in, and that Addie was buried under it. Thinking it must be about all up with
| |
| − | him I went up to the place, and the Major volunteered to accompany me. We found
| |
| − | Addie in a dugout with Deuchart, having been got out with some bad bruises to
| |
| − | his leg and a pretty bad shaking. The Doctor reported no bones broken. We got
| |
| − | back to the Mess after <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> and
| |
| − | turned in.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>29 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>12-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The 8th Argyles, on our
| |
| − | right, got it very hot this morning with oilcans, mortars and whizz-bangs. Dry
| |
| − | overhead today, but trenches in a bad mess. Saw Addie at the dressing station
| |
| − | en route for hospital. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Splosh took out a bombing
| + | Went bombing this morning and threw some live Bethune bombs. Rather nervy work at first. Slept and wrote May in the afternoon. Big pile of letter to censor. Black and Stalker arrived this afternoon Black to A Coy, Stalker to B. |
| − | party at <st1:time Hour="21" Minute="0">9 p.m.</st1:time> to bomb a German sap
| + | |
| − | out from Hammer Head.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Heard later that the
| |
| − | Argyles didn't lose a single man although the Germans put over more than 150
| |
| − | mortar bombs - 50 of them oil cans, and a lot of whizz-bangs as well. The
| |
| − | Argyles gave them <i>"Are we downhearted? No!"</i> after the
| |
| − | fusillade had stopped.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>30 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p> | + | <center><b>13-Jul-15</b></center> |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Splosh came in at <st1:time
| |
| − | Hour="0" Minute="45">12:45 a.m.</st1:time> having found nothing in the sap.
| |
| − | Spent most of the day trying to get a German sniper. Saw about six Germans
| |
| − | today, some of them in the wood in front of their line. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We were relieved by the
| + | Put of a lot of rifle grenades - saw a display with trench mortars by Blake - horrid affair. |
| − | 1/7th Gordons. 'B' Coy took the longest to be relieved and it was <st1:time
| + | |
| − | Hour="11" Minute="15">11:15</st1:time> before we got to Henencourt. The roads
| + | |
| − | were very muddy especially at Authuille. We were all very glad to get out, and
| + | |
| − | thanked out lucky stars that we hadn't had a scratch except for Freegard's.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>31 Oct 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Slept | + | <center><b>14-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | till <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 a.m.</st1:time> The people at the
| + | |
| − | Mess-room have taken away their stove, so Stephen has to cook in the yard. They
| + | |
| − | are very disagreeable. Nasty raw day and no parades of any sort. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Finnie and I rode down to
| |
| − | Warloy, he to get a motor for the Colonel who is going to hospital today with
| |
| − | Lumbago, and I to see Addie. Not finding him there I went back to Millencourt
| |
| − | where they told me he had been sent 16 miles down. There are rumours that our
| |
| − | division may be sent to Servia. One Corps is said to have gone already, and one
| |
| − | division of our Corps to be under orders. Hope I get my leave first.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>November
| + | Took my platoon into Estaires for a bath and had one myself, along with Blackie. Fine clean feeling afterwards. This is the first hot bath the battalion has had since coming out, so they must have needed it. Had to up to the trenches on fatigue - Black too and it was his first time in the firing line. It was a splashing wet night and everybody got soaked. Had to lead along about 300 yards of newly dug, narrow trench in pitch darkness. Worked from 11 to 1:30 a.m. although the spades wouldn't lift anything - or wouldn't let it down again. Wonder we had no casualties - we are always lucky or is it cautious? Got back about 3 a.m., the latter part being dry. |
| − | 1915<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>01 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Fatigue
| + | 15-Jul-15<center><b></b></center> |
| − | to Bouzincourt with Capt. Rutherford, Black, Blake and Finnie. The last has
| + | |
| − | been put on fatigues this time. Another rotten day. We all went into Albert at
| + | |
| − | lunch time and had a good feed. The men were fairly wet and no coke to dry
| + | |
| − | themselves with when they get home, but I suppose they manage always to pinch
| + | |
| − | some. 'Dooking apples' and Splosh's Steak and Kidney pudding tonight.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>02 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>OC's
| + | Slept till dinner time. Went up to relieve the 7th Gordons at night. Trenches seemed very strange the first night, getting into them in almost inky darkness. Everyone stood to till dawn, as Major M'Millan believes in doing so the first night. |
| − | (Major Sinclair) parade at 11 a.m. Drizzling rain and very cold and he
| + | |
| − | inspected every rifle in the company and didn't find one dirty. Lecture in the
| + | |
| − | Chateau at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time> by Col Stewart of
| + | |
| − | the Division on the attack. Nothing brilliant. Went to bed early. Am reading
| + | |
| − | Buchan's History of the War.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>03 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Fatigue | + | <center><b>16-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | at Bouzincourt. The Major, Black and Blake. Bright cold day, it seems to have rained
| + | |
| − | itself out last night. It's getting to cold now to loaf about with pleasure,
| + | |
| − | and the temptation to drop into Albert is getting stronger. Splosh has been <span
| + | |
| − | style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>in
| + | |
| − | bed the last two days with rheumatism and melancholia.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>SNIPING
| |
| − | COURSE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>A large number of schools - bombing, sniping, musketry, gas, etc - were
| + | Blank |
| − | established in </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>France</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>
| + | |
| − | as the war progressed. These made up for the sometimes skimpy training of units
| + | |
| − | in </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>UK</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>,
| + | |
| − | disseminated new tactics and, unofficially, provided a break from the trenches
| + | |
| − | for officers and men.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Sniping was intimately connected with observation. In the battalion
| |
| − | snipers and 'scouts' were usually gathered into one specialised platoon,
| |
| − | although in the trenches there was little 'scouting' in the sense of mobile
| |
| − | reconnaissance.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>The primary role of the snipers was (and is) as counter-snipers, i.e. to | + | <center><b>17-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | suppress the enemy's snipers and only then to engage targets of opportunity.
| + | |
| − | The static and routine nature of life in the trenches meant that frequently
| + | |
| − | visited points (e.g. latrines) could be identified and sniped. Good sniping
| + | |
| − | established a moral as much as a military ascendancy over the other side.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><i>Sniping was something the </i><st1:place><i>Highland</i></st1:place><i>
| |
| − | Division prided itself on - with many gamekeepers (and poachers) in the ranks
| |
| − | this is not surprising. 'Splosh' celebrates the deeds of 'Sniper </i><st1:City><st1:place><i>Sandy</i></st1:place></st1:City><i>'
| |
| − | (Sgt Alexander M'Donald - KIA Nov 16) with a parody of the popular song 'Sister
| |
| − | Susie's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers' [text to follow]:<o:p></o:p></i></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>04 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Blank |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Route
| |
| − | march by Millencourt, Aliceville, Bresle and Baizieux. Just after getting back
| |
| − | I was told to report at Bouzincourt and go by bus to Querrieux for course in
| |
| − | telescopic sights. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We had a fine run down in | + | <center><b>18-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | one of these <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City> buses. There
| + | |
| − | were 4 officers - Coats, West and King's Own man and about 12 men. Arrived
| + | |
| − | Querrieux about <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30 p.m.</st1:time> and shown
| + | |
| − | our billets. We mess together in little house and are attended to by a French
| + | |
| − | woman whose husband was killed about the beginning of the war. So far as I
| + | |
| − | could make out he was hit in the fighting near the village and died in his own
| + | |
| − | house. She told us of other 'atrocities' too - her father-in-law, a man of 74
| + | |
| − | was mortally wounded while minding his cattle</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>05 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>We
| + | Up at dawn - fine bright morning. Black and I slept spent most of the afternoon potting at a German with the periscope rifle but didn't get him. I saw his head and shoulders - my first German. Two or three times it struck me this was Sunday, but it was hard to remember. It's just like any other day, only the Germans usually send over a few more shells than usual. |
| − | started the course at 9 this morning, beginning with a lecture by the sergeant
| + | |
| − | and then onto the range. At night had a lecture of 2 hours from Col Lloyd RAMC | + | |
| − | on optics, etc. as applied in telescopes, etc. He is DDMS but has evidently
| + | |
| − | shot a lot at Bisley and probably big game too. He is keen on the subject
| + | |
| − | anyway, although it is outside his ordinary work. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We are very well off as
| |
| − | regards billets. I have a fine bed with clean white sheets and quilt. The Mess
| |
| − | is first class and we get on very well with Madame and all her relatives
| |
| − | including M'mselle Louise. This is the first time I have really had a good
| |
| − | chance of speaking French. According to the custom, M'mlle Louise's father came
| |
| − | to fetch her home. The French people here won't sing - not until 'après la
| |
| − | guerre'. Soldiers can sing, but civilians 'non'.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>06 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | In the evening, during Church time at home, I lay and 'imagined' the organ and service. We seem very near home. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Fine
| |
| − | bright morning and we were shooting all day till about <st1:time Hour="15"
| |
| − | Minute="30">3:30</st1:time>. Then a lecture on sniping, loopholes, etc from
| |
| − | Colonel Lloyd himself. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>At <st1:time Hour="17" | + | <center><b>19-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | Minute="30">5:30</st1:time> the bus left with the men and should have taken us
| + | |
| − | too but we got a pass for <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>,
| + | |
| − | and Col. Lloyd lent us his car. We got in there about <st1:time Hour="18"
| + | |
| − | Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> Met <st1:City><st1:place>Davie</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | of <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> on the street and could
| + | |
| − | hardly get rid of him. Strange to be among shops and lights again but the
| + | |
| − | novelty wore off very soon. French Major in the smoking room while we were
| + | |
| − | having chocolate. Very cold run back to Querrieux in the mist. <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
| + | |
| − | is in the French area; all traffic is carefully watched. Hear the civilians
| + | |
| − | have to clear out of Albert on account of spy-fever.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>BACK
| |
| − | TO THE BATTALION<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>07 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Another grand day and just the usual routine of the trenches. Went out at night with L/Cpl Sinclair reconnoitering and was out for 2 hours, looking for disused trenches along our front. Got back about 12 and found the Major getting anxious. |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Breakfast
| |
| − | about <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time>. Then we began to wonder
| |
| − | how we would get back to our billets. We started down the road and hadn't gone
| |
| − | 200 yds when a lorry came along bound for Henencourt and we were all aboard
| |
| − | very quickly. Got there about <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30</st1:time>
| |
| − | and it was just as well we came so early as we found the battalion was going to
| |
| − | the trenches at <st1:time Hour="12" Minute="30">12:30</st1:time>. Major
| |
| − | M'Millan is O/C battalion - the Colonel is acting Brigadier and Sinclair in
| |
| − | hospital. Captn. <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City> returned
| |
| − | this morning. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Very slow marching to | + | <center><b>20-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | Aveluy, 8th Argyles being in front and continually halting. German aeroplane
| + | |
| − | over Aveluy, chased by our guns but got away. We thought she must have spotted
| + | |
| − | the relief but no shells came over. Relieved the Loyal <st1:place>N Lancs</st1:place>.
| + | |
| − | Very little dugout accommodation and had great difficulty in getting the men
| + | |
| − | in. General mix up with the machine guns etc.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>08 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>On
| + | Up at 3 and found Blackie waiting for me to make tea which we did. Grand morning. After breakfast Finlayson and I took bearings for 3 fixed rifles to sweep roads behind German lines. Loopholes are to be built tonight. Both sides were very quiet today, the Germans can be seen carrying long poles through their trenches. |
| − | duty till <st1:time Hour="2" Minute="0">2 a.m.</st1:time> when Blacko took
| + | |
| − | over. Very quiet. Pretty good day. There is a lot of enfilade fire, day and
| + | |
| − | night from both machine guns and rifles. The Germans have a very strong
| + | |
| − | position and are steadily pushing forwards their line by means of saps. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Geo. Murray has been very
| |
| − | energetic all day and has had poor Splosh in a ferment all day about his bomb
| |
| − | stores; and then Splosh lay on his back in the bed instead of on his side - the
| |
| − | bed being just on the small side for three. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Took out a patrol tonight -
| + | Went along to see 'C' Coy tonight. Addie in good form and more cheerful than usual. I hear from the sergeants that George was simply splendid and willing to do anything. A lovely sunset tonight - great long fiery clouds stretching over the West and overhead and giving everything a fine glow. Overhead several aeroplanes - they usually come at dawn or in the evening. Turned in about 10:30. |
| − | Morrison, Peat and Bain. Saw what seemed to be a German patrol but they were
| + | |
| − | too far away and disappeared.</p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>09 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>Rather | + | <center><b>21-Jul-15</b></center> |
| − | a raw day and the men were glad to have their goat-skins. The Brigadier came
| + | |
| − | back so the Major is back to the Company. The Colonel and Adjutant were round
| + | |
| − | this morning playing havoc, and passing on the row they got themselves from the
| + | |
| − | Divisional General. The trenches are in a bad state and the fire-step has all
| + | |
| − | to be revetted. </p>
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Had smokies for tea and
| |
| − | Capt. Sutherland and Dunvegan were in. It has started to rain.</p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p align=center style='text-align:center'><b>10 Nov 15<o:p></o:p></b></p>
| + | Blank |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='font-family:Times'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span>On
| |
| − | duty <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="0">12</st1:time> to <st1:time Hour="3"
| |
| − | Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> Trenches in a great mess as no provision of any
| |
| − | sort had been made by the 154th Bde for drainage. Had to use knee boots to get
| |
| − | along and was up to the knee in places. The men are very wet, especially about
| |
| − | the feet and their dugouts are about as bad as the trench. </p>
| |
| | | | |
| − | <p><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The whole place is in a | + | <center><b>22-Jul-15</b>< |