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Saturday 1st April
Battalion paraded at 9.30 for rehearsal of Brigade day. As I am orderly I am not on parade. Beautiful warm day.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 2nd April
Quiet day. On Station.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Divine Service Parades.
Monday 3rd April
On parade in forenoon. Walk at night. Have contracted a bad cold.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements. Battalion inspected near Durton by Corps Commander.
Tuesday 4th April
Usual day. Very nice day. Still sore throat.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Wednesday 5th April
Getting rid of sore throat. Have been attending Doctor.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 6th April
On station. Went to Hersin with message at 6 am. Nice journey over very mountainous but pretty journey by Rauchicourt, Maisnil and Barlin.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 7th April
Busy in forenoon packing panniers perparatory to moving. Burmingham back. Went on station at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements. Working party of 300 men found.
Saturday 8th April
Have almost lost cold. Nice weather. Packing kit for tomorrow's move.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 9th April
Paraded at 10 am for march to station at CALONNE entrained to AIRE and marched 22 kilometres to RECLINGHEM.
BWD: Battalion moved to RECLINGHEM. M arch route LA COMTE to CALONNE ; Train route AIRE to RECLINGHEM.
Monday 10th April
Battalion manoeuvres.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Tue 11th April
Battalion manoeuvres.
BWD: Brigade field day. Draft of 1 Officer and 100 Ordinary Ranks arrived.
Wednesday 12th April
Battalion manoeuvres dismissed. Went into billet at ENQUIN.
BWD: Battalion paraded for Brigade Manoeuvres which were abandoned owing to inclement weather and then proceeded to billets at ENQUIN-LES-MINES.
Thursday 13th April
Marched to Aire and entrained for CALONNE from which place we marched from. To CHAMBLAIN CHATELAIN 300 yards away. Found billet in large shed.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at CAMLAIN – CHATELAIN. March route ENQUIN to AIRE. Train route AIRE to CALONNE, march route CALONNE to CAMLAIN-CHATELAIN.
Friday 14th April
Paraded at 9 for visual signalling. Again at 2.30 for helio practice. On signal station at 7.30 pm until morning. Papers from home.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 15th April
Nice morning. I returned from Signal station. Cold. Leave stopped.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 16th April
Church parade followed by pay. Lay in sunshine two hours in afternoon then went for a nice tea in café.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Divine Service Parades.
Monday 17th April
Parade in forenoon. Paraded at 2 pm and entrained at CALONNE for HERSIN and marched to huts. Pouring rain, arrived soaked.
BWD: Battalion moved to BOIS DE NOULETTE, march route CAMBLAIN-CHATELAIN to CALONNE Station; train route CALONNE to HERSIN; march route HERSIN to BOIS DE NOULETTE.
Tuesday 18th April
Laying various lines, wet weather. Nothing doing.
BWD: Battalion in reserve, carrying and working parties provided. Draft of 1 Officer arrived.
Wednesday 19th April
On signal station in morning. Wrote home, still raining. On duty again at night.
BWD: Battalion in reserve, carrying and working parties provided.
Thursday 20th April
Parade at 9 for flag drill all forenoon. Afternoon parade, rifle drill. Lamps 7.30. Wrote home. Somewhat better weather.
BWD: Battalion in reserve, carrying and working parties provided.
Friday 21st April
Nice day. Packing up kit to move into trenches. Germans sent 50/60 shells about 200 yards over our position. No damage. Left at 5.45 for old trench position, arrived wet and tired 8.30 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in SOUCHEZ 2 section on right.
Saturday 22nd April
On phone from 3 am to 7 morning and at night. Line quiet, scarcely any shelling.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 1 Officer arrived.
Sunday 23rd April
On lines all day with Burningham. Nothing much doing. Went to dumps for water. On phone at 11 pm to 3 am. Have written a letter to Meg. Too tired and sleepy to write any more.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Monday 24th April
Telephone 11 to 3 quiet day. Heavy rifle, machine gun and bomb fire in evening on our right. Probably a small engagement. Letter from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Tuesday 25th April
On duty at phone. Very quiet. Came out at 12.30 am.
BWD: Battalion relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C and proceeded to BOUVIGNY on night of 25th to 26th April.
Wednesday 26th April
In billets at 4 am sun shining went to bed and slept until 2 pm. Laying wires in afternoon.
BWD: Battalion in billets at BOUVIGNY, providing working and carrying parties.
Thursday 27th April
Gas attacks on left at VERMELLES and LOOS. No serious consequences.
BWD: Battalion in billets at BOUVIGNY, providing working and carrying parties.
Friday 28th April
More gas at HULLVEN and south. Beautiful weather.
BWD: Battalion in billets at BOUVIGNY, providing working and carrying parties.
Saturday 29th April
Very warm – had bath in morning and in afternoon pay. On duty at 6 pm. Wrote home to and to F.M.R. Trenches again at 10 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in SOUCHEZ 2 section on night of 29th - 30th April. Battalion on left 2nd Ox and Bucks Light Infantry; Battalion on right 1st Royal Berks.
Sunday 30 April
Hot. Bosch is very alert and in afternoon right sector suffered heavy strafing. Quiet at night. Letter from home and Flinders.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Monday 1st May 1916
Quiet in morning but strafing with shrapnel in our sector. Parcel from home.
Impressions from the Front
1 – before going into the trenches everyone seems very happy and all sing and be merry.
2- when entering trenches no-one cares a bit for shells or death.
3- leave is the only bright spot in the whole thing, everyone looks forward to it and no one wants to come back.
4- “And I believe in the fullest measure.
That even a strong man's heart could hold
in all the tales of heavenly pleasure.
By poets sung or prophets told.
For, in the joy of your shy sweet kisses.
Your pulsing touch and your languid sigh
I am filled and thrilled with better blisses.
Than ever were claimed for souls on high”
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 60 Ordinary Ranks received.
Tuesday 2nd May 1916
Out at 5.30 on line. Saw aeroplane duel with machine guns. At night right sector was heavily strafed. Probably the Heights of Vimy.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 1 Officer received.
Wednesday 3rd May 1916
Heavy shelling (enemy's) during forenoon. HQ shelled and trench damaged. All line of communication broken. Strafing in afternoon. Came out out of trenches at night and billeted again at BOIS L. The huts are inconvenient as there are no facilities for buying stores of any kind. Everything looks well with the coming of Spring.
BWD: Battalion relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C and proceeded to BOIS DE NOULETTE on night of 3rd and 4th May.
Thursday 4th May 1916
Rested during forenoon. On signal station for 24 hours from 10 am. Wrote home.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 5th May
Still glorious weather. Nothing much doing.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements, carrying and working parties provided. Draft of 28 men arrived.
Saturday 6th May
Cleaning and overhauling telephones all forenoon. Cycled to stores at Hersin in afternoon with Moir. Nice day.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements, carrying and working parties provided.
Sunday 7th May
On cleaning phones again in forenoon. Packing up for trenches during afternoon. Left huts at 8.30 for same trench section. Wrote home. Some rain today.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 12 men received.
Monday 8th May
On phone from 3 to 7 am. All quiet. Bombardment of right section in late afternoon. Received parcel.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Tuesday 9th May
On line work during day. Slight bombardment during forenoon. Usual telephone duty at night.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Wednesday 10th May
Usual trench day. Relieved by 2nd Northamptons at 11 pm. Left trenches and walked to PETIT-SAINS.
BWD: Battalion relieved by 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment and moved to billets at FOSSE 10.
Thursday 11th May
Marched from Petit-Sains to DIVION arriving at 5 pm.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at DIVION. Draft of 60 men arrived.
Friday 12th May
Quiet day. Slight showers, rain. Billet orderly.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Saturday 13th May
Moir gone on leave. At QM Stores in afternoon for new trousers. 2 o'clock telephone station. Parcel from home. Letter from Mais.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Sunday 14th May
Dull Morning. Very quiet during afternoon and evening. 500 yards of trenches North of Loos captured by Germans.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Monday 15th May
On station for 24 hours. Went to Divisional Theatre in evening during time off. Very good.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Tuesday 16th May
Battalion out on field day. Very hot weather.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Wednesday 17th May
Battalion again out, firing in ranges. Heights of Vimy captured by Lancashire Fusiliers. This position is on our right of our trench sector at LORETTE. Very hot.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Thursday 18th May
Grenf and I out in afternoon with glasses and map. Saw aeroplanes descend and ascend. After dark saw aero with head lights. Went to Divisional Cinema with Burningham.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Friday 19th May
Battalion route march.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Saturday 20th May
Brigade Field day
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Sunday 21st May
Left DIVION for PETIT-SAINS arriving in afternoon. Gas attack on local front. At 11.50 pm motor lorries arrived and took us to GOUY-SERVINS where we bivouacked for remainder of night. VIMY RIDGE being attacked.
BWD: Battalion moved to FOSSE 10 and BOIS DE LA HAIE and bivouacked for night of 21st/22nd May at latter place.
Monday 22nd May
Moved up to VILLERS-AUX-BOIS and stayed here for the night.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at VILLERS AU BOIS.
Tuesday 23rd May
Moved into trenches south of SOUCHEZ and occupied line of CABARET ROUGE. Heavy barrage.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in support line at BERTHONVAL 2 section of trenches.
Wednesday 24th May
Still in reserve line.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in support line at BERTHONVAL 2. Draft of 11 Ordinary Ranks arrived
Thursday 25th May
Orderly. Signalling duties, still in support line.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in support line at BERTHONVAL 2.
Friday 26th May
Prepared to move into front line trenches. Started off 9 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2. Draft of 1 Officer arrived.
Saturday 27th May
Quiet.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2.
Sunday 28th May
Quiet, White on leave.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2.
Monday 29th May
Artillery activity.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2.
Tuesday 30th May
Moved out of trenches to CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
BWD: Battalion relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C and moved to billets at CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
Wednesday 31st May
In billets and comfortable,
BWD: Battalion in billets at CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
Thursday 1st June
Parades as usual . Mr Barnett takes over temporarily as Mr Bull on leave.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements. Reinforcements: 2nd Lt C A Moore joined Battalion for duty.
Friday 2nd June
On signal station. Moved to other billets in same village.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements in the morning. Battalion moved from Hutments into billets in CAMBLAIN L'ABBE during afternoon and evening. .
Saturday 3rd June
On reconnaissance with Officer and Burningham. Promoted Lance Corporal (unpaid).
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 4th June
On signal station. Nice weather. Parcel from home.
BWD: Parades for Divine Services. Working Parties 350 strong were dispatched for work in the trenches. 2 men accidentally wounded.
Monday 5th June
Parade at 9 for “N A“ reading. Rain at intervals.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements. Reinforcements:- 2nd Lt A S Gardner and 2nd Lt F C Coppin and 2 Ordinary Ranks.
Tuesday 6th June
Parades as usual. Went out on reconnaissance with Mr Barnett and Burningham.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Wednesday 7th June
Parades for N A reading and in afternoon station work.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 8th June
Station duty for 24 hours.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 9th June
N. A . reading and off all afternoon.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 10th June
On station. Mover up to trenches at SOUCHEZ. En route we passed CARENCY which is in ruins. The village of Souchez is razed with not a wall or building standing 3 feet above ground.
BWD: Battalion relieved 17th Middlesex Battalion in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION on night of 10th - 11th June 1916. Reinforcements 30 Ordinary Ranks.
Sunday 11th June
On phone 12 to 2 am, again at 10 to 2 pm. Looked at Souchez through glasses.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Monday 12th June
On lines. Boches very quiet today. Letters from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Tuesday 13th June
Occassional shelling. Laid new lines to reserve. Parcel received from home. Cigarettes received from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Wednesday 14th June
Quiet day relieved by 1st Kings Royal Rifle Regiment in evening. Took up support position on duty. 11pm Daylight Saving Time in France = 12 pm.
BWD: Battalion on relief by 1st K R R C, relieved 1st Royal Berks (Support battalion) on night of 14th - 15th June.
Thursday 15th June
Easy morning. Slight bombardment in afternoon. Mine blown on our sector at 7.30 pm. Very quiet after. Sent letter home. Leave allotment now 2 per Battalion every 4 days.
BWD: Battalion in support line.
Friday 16th June
Occasional shrapnel. Gas alert on. Bombing encounters in early morning.
BWD: Battalion in support line.
Saturday 17th June
Busy reeling up wire for taking into line trenches. Huge Russian victories over Austrians. Moved into trenches this evening.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION on night of 17th - 18th June. Reinforcements 30 Ordinary Ranks.
Sunday 18th June
Quiet day. Parcel from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Monday 19th June
Due for course in signalling. Left trenches in afternoon to report.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Tuesday 20th June
Reported in forenoon to 4th Army Corps Signal School at RANCHICOURT. Baths in afternoon. Nice place.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Wednesday 21st June
Parade 7.15 am for physical drill – off 7.30. Parade 8.30 to 10 lecture. 10 to 12.30 flag stations. Dinner. Parade 2 to 5 for instrument repairs – D Mark 3 . Free 'till 9 roll-coll. Lights out at 10 pm.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION. Lt Col. H A Vernon wounded and Major H V Pirie assumed command of battalion.
Thursday 22nd June
Parades as usual. 10 am cable work. 2 pm buzzer test at 25 w.p.m. 1 (unable to make out)
BWD: Battalion relived by 1st K R R C and proceeded to billets at VILLERS AU BOIS on night of 22nd - 23rd June.
Friday 23rd June
Usual. 10 am instrument repairs E Lamps. 2 pm Heliograph. Heavy bombardment from the direction of Vimy commenced at noon.
BWD: Battalion in billets.
Saturday 24th June
Morning parade 10 am. Marched to village of HERMIN for long-distance helio and large flag. Heavy rain fall. 2 pm. Cable reeling and line work. Bombardment continuous – very heavy at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 25th June
Morning parade. Medical Inspection at 10 am. Put in pass for La Comte which is 2 miles away. Didn't go as it rained.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Divine Services held.
Monday 26th June
Parades as usual. Instrument repairs at 2 pm. Helio and flag at GAUCHIN-LE-GAL 2½ kilometres in evening. Paid 30 Francs.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Working and carrying parties provided.
Tuesday 27th June
Letter from home forwarded from Battalion. 10 am cable work, running through cable and cable cart explained. Baths. Wrote letters in evening.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at ESTREE CAUCHIE. Reinforcements of 2 Officers and 40 Ordinary Ranks received.
Wednesday 28th June
10 am went BRUAY with three others to lay cable from exchange to station. Had dinner there. Back to billets at 5 pm. Phillips came from Divisional Signal School to see me.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 29th June
10 am Flags and using aeroplane lamps for the first time. 2 pm Instrument repairs. Studying electricity and writing in evening.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements. Carrying and working parties provided.
Friday 30th June
10 am Cable tests. 2 pm Buzzer. Went to Hermin in evening to see Phillips. Heavy bombardment.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements. Carrying and working parties provided.
Battalion paraded at 9.30 for rehearsal of Brigade day. As I am orderly I am not on parade. Beautiful warm day.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 2nd April
Quiet day. On Station.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Divine Service Parades.
Monday 3rd April
On parade in forenoon. Walk at night. Have contracted a bad cold.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements. Battalion inspected near Durton by Corps Commander.
Tuesday 4th April
Usual day. Very nice day. Still sore throat.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Wednesday 5th April
Getting rid of sore throat. Have been attending Doctor.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 6th April
On station. Went to Hersin with message at 6 am. Nice journey over very mountainous but pretty journey by Rauchicourt, Maisnil and Barlin.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 7th April
Busy in forenoon packing panniers perparatory to moving. Burmingham back. Went on station at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements. Working party of 300 men found.
Saturday 8th April
Have almost lost cold. Nice weather. Packing kit for tomorrow's move.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 9th April
Paraded at 10 am for march to station at CALONNE entrained to AIRE and marched 22 kilometres to RECLINGHEM.
BWD: Battalion moved to RECLINGHEM. M arch route LA COMTE to CALONNE ; Train route AIRE to RECLINGHEM.
Monday 10th April
Battalion manoeuvres.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Tue 11th April
Battalion manoeuvres.
BWD: Brigade field day. Draft of 1 Officer and 100 Ordinary Ranks arrived.
Wednesday 12th April
Battalion manoeuvres dismissed. Went into billet at ENQUIN.
BWD: Battalion paraded for Brigade Manoeuvres which were abandoned owing to inclement weather and then proceeded to billets at ENQUIN-LES-MINES.
Thursday 13th April
Marched to Aire and entrained for CALONNE from which place we marched from. To CHAMBLAIN CHATELAIN 300 yards away. Found billet in large shed.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at CAMLAIN – CHATELAIN. March route ENQUIN to AIRE. Train route AIRE to CALONNE, march route CALONNE to CAMLAIN-CHATELAIN.
Friday 14th April
Paraded at 9 for visual signalling. Again at 2.30 for helio practice. On signal station at 7.30 pm until morning. Papers from home.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 15th April
Nice morning. I returned from Signal station. Cold. Leave stopped.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 16th April
Church parade followed by pay. Lay in sunshine two hours in afternoon then went for a nice tea in café.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Divine Service Parades.
Monday 17th April
Parade in forenoon. Paraded at 2 pm and entrained at CALONNE for HERSIN and marched to huts. Pouring rain, arrived soaked.
BWD: Battalion moved to BOIS DE NOULETTE, march route CAMBLAIN-CHATELAIN to CALONNE Station; train route CALONNE to HERSIN; march route HERSIN to BOIS DE NOULETTE.
Tuesday 18th April
Laying various lines, wet weather. Nothing doing.
BWD: Battalion in reserve, carrying and working parties provided. Draft of 1 Officer arrived.
Wednesday 19th April
On signal station in morning. Wrote home, still raining. On duty again at night.
BWD: Battalion in reserve, carrying and working parties provided.
Thursday 20th April
Parade at 9 for flag drill all forenoon. Afternoon parade, rifle drill. Lamps 7.30. Wrote home. Somewhat better weather.
BWD: Battalion in reserve, carrying and working parties provided.
Friday 21st April
Nice day. Packing up kit to move into trenches. Germans sent 50/60 shells about 200 yards over our position. No damage. Left at 5.45 for old trench position, arrived wet and tired 8.30 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in SOUCHEZ 2 section on right.
Saturday 22nd April
On phone from 3 am to 7 morning and at night. Line quiet, scarcely any shelling.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 1 Officer arrived.
Sunday 23rd April
On lines all day with Burningham. Nothing much doing. Went to dumps for water. On phone at 11 pm to 3 am. Have written a letter to Meg. Too tired and sleepy to write any more.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Monday 24th April
Telephone 11 to 3 quiet day. Heavy rifle, machine gun and bomb fire in evening on our right. Probably a small engagement. Letter from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Tuesday 25th April
On duty at phone. Very quiet. Came out at 12.30 am.
BWD: Battalion relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C and proceeded to BOUVIGNY on night of 25th to 26th April.
Wednesday 26th April
In billets at 4 am sun shining went to bed and slept until 2 pm. Laying wires in afternoon.
BWD: Battalion in billets at BOUVIGNY, providing working and carrying parties.
Thursday 27th April
Gas attacks on left at VERMELLES and LOOS. No serious consequences.
BWD: Battalion in billets at BOUVIGNY, providing working and carrying parties.
Friday 28th April
More gas at HULLVEN and south. Beautiful weather.
BWD: Battalion in billets at BOUVIGNY, providing working and carrying parties.
Saturday 29th April
Very warm – had bath in morning and in afternoon pay. On duty at 6 pm. Wrote home to and to F.M.R. Trenches again at 10 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in SOUCHEZ 2 section on night of 29th - 30th April. Battalion on left 2nd Ox and Bucks Light Infantry; Battalion on right 1st Royal Berks.
Sunday 30 April
Hot. Bosch is very alert and in afternoon right sector suffered heavy strafing. Quiet at night. Letter from home and Flinders.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Monday 1st May 1916
Quiet in morning but strafing with shrapnel in our sector. Parcel from home.
Impressions from the Front
1 – before going into the trenches everyone seems very happy and all sing and be merry.
2- when entering trenches no-one cares a bit for shells or death.
3- leave is the only bright spot in the whole thing, everyone looks forward to it and no one wants to come back.
4- “And I believe in the fullest measure.
That even a strong man's heart could hold
in all the tales of heavenly pleasure.
By poets sung or prophets told.
For, in the joy of your shy sweet kisses.
Your pulsing touch and your languid sigh
I am filled and thrilled with better blisses.
Than ever were claimed for souls on high”
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 60 Ordinary Ranks received.
Tuesday 2nd May 1916
Out at 5.30 on line. Saw aeroplane duel with machine guns. At night right sector was heavily strafed. Probably the Heights of Vimy.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 1 Officer received.
Wednesday 3rd May 1916
Heavy shelling (enemy's) during forenoon. HQ shelled and trench damaged. All line of communication broken. Strafing in afternoon. Came out out of trenches at night and billeted again at BOIS L. The huts are inconvenient as there are no facilities for buying stores of any kind. Everything looks well with the coming of Spring.
BWD: Battalion relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C and proceeded to BOIS DE NOULETTE on night of 3rd and 4th May.
Thursday 4th May 1916
Rested during forenoon. On signal station for 24 hours from 10 am. Wrote home.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 5th May
Still glorious weather. Nothing much doing.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements, carrying and working parties provided. Draft of 28 men arrived.
Saturday 6th May
Cleaning and overhauling telephones all forenoon. Cycled to stores at Hersin in afternoon with Moir. Nice day.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements, carrying and working parties provided.
Sunday 7th May
On cleaning phones again in forenoon. Packing up for trenches during afternoon. Left huts at 8.30 for same trench section. Wrote home. Some rain today.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in SOUCHEZ 2 section. Draft of 12 men received.
Monday 8th May
On phone from 3 to 7 am. All quiet. Bombardment of right section in late afternoon. Received parcel.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Tuesday 9th May
On line work during day. Slight bombardment during forenoon. Usual telephone duty at night.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, SOUCHEZ 2 section.
Wednesday 10th May
Usual trench day. Relieved by 2nd Northamptons at 11 pm. Left trenches and walked to PETIT-SAINS.
BWD: Battalion relieved by 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment and moved to billets at FOSSE 10.
Thursday 11th May
Marched from Petit-Sains to DIVION arriving at 5 pm.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at DIVION. Draft of 60 men arrived.
Friday 12th May
Quiet day. Slight showers, rain. Billet orderly.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Saturday 13th May
Moir gone on leave. At QM Stores in afternoon for new trousers. 2 o'clock telephone station. Parcel from home. Letter from Mais.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Sunday 14th May
Dull Morning. Very quiet during afternoon and evening. 500 yards of trenches North of Loos captured by Germans.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Monday 15th May
On station for 24 hours. Went to Divisional Theatre in evening during time off. Very good.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Tuesday 16th May
Battalion out on field day. Very hot weather.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Wednesday 17th May
Battalion again out, firing in ranges. Heights of Vimy captured by Lancashire Fusiliers. This position is on our right of our trench sector at LORETTE. Very hot.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Thursday 18th May
Grenf and I out in afternoon with glasses and map. Saw aeroplanes descend and ascend. After dark saw aero with head lights. Went to Divisional Cinema with Burningham.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Friday 19th May
Battalion route march.
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Saturday 20th May
Brigade Field day
BWD: Battalion in billets at DIVION; working and carrying parties provided.
Sunday 21st May
Left DIVION for PETIT-SAINS arriving in afternoon. Gas attack on local front. At 11.50 pm motor lorries arrived and took us to GOUY-SERVINS where we bivouacked for remainder of night. VIMY RIDGE being attacked.
BWD: Battalion moved to FOSSE 10 and BOIS DE LA HAIE and bivouacked for night of 21st/22nd May at latter place.
Monday 22nd May
Moved up to VILLERS-AUX-BOIS and stayed here for the night.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at VILLERS AU BOIS.
Tuesday 23rd May
Moved into trenches south of SOUCHEZ and occupied line of CABARET ROUGE. Heavy barrage.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in support line at BERTHONVAL 2 section of trenches.
Wednesday 24th May
Still in reserve line.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in support line at BERTHONVAL 2. Draft of 11 Ordinary Ranks arrived
Thursday 25th May
Orderly. Signalling duties, still in support line.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in support line at BERTHONVAL 2.
Friday 26th May
Prepared to move into front line trenches. Started off 9 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2. Draft of 1 Officer arrived.
Saturday 27th May
Quiet.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2.
Sunday 28th May
Quiet, White on leave.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2.
Monday 29th May
Artillery activity.
BWD: Battalion in trenches, in firing line of BERTHONVAL 2.
Tuesday 30th May
Moved out of trenches to CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
BWD: Battalion relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C and moved to billets at CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
Wednesday 31st May
In billets and comfortable,
BWD: Battalion in billets at CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
Thursday 1st June
Parades as usual . Mr Barnett takes over temporarily as Mr Bull on leave.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements. Reinforcements: 2nd Lt C A Moore joined Battalion for duty.
Friday 2nd June
On signal station. Moved to other billets in same village.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements in the morning. Battalion moved from Hutments into billets in CAMBLAIN L'ABBE during afternoon and evening. .
Saturday 3rd June
On reconnaissance with Officer and Burningham. Promoted Lance Corporal (unpaid).
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 4th June
On signal station. Nice weather. Parcel from home.
BWD: Parades for Divine Services. Working Parties 350 strong were dispatched for work in the trenches. 2 men accidentally wounded.
Monday 5th June
Parade at 9 for “N A“ reading. Rain at intervals.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements. Reinforcements:- 2nd Lt A S Gardner and 2nd Lt F C Coppin and 2 Ordinary Ranks.
Tuesday 6th June
Parades as usual. Went out on reconnaissance with Mr Barnett and Burningham.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Wednesday 7th June
Parades for N A reading and in afternoon station work.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 8th June
Station duty for 24 hours.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 9th June
N. A . reading and off all afternoon.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 10th June
On station. Mover up to trenches at SOUCHEZ. En route we passed CARENCY which is in ruins. The village of Souchez is razed with not a wall or building standing 3 feet above ground.
BWD: Battalion relieved 17th Middlesex Battalion in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION on night of 10th - 11th June 1916. Reinforcements 30 Ordinary Ranks.
Sunday 11th June
On phone 12 to 2 am, again at 10 to 2 pm. Looked at Souchez through glasses.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Monday 12th June
On lines. Boches very quiet today. Letters from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Tuesday 13th June
Occassional shelling. Laid new lines to reserve. Parcel received from home. Cigarettes received from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Wednesday 14th June
Quiet day relieved by 1st Kings Royal Rifle Regiment in evening. Took up support position on duty. 11pm Daylight Saving Time in France = 12 pm.
BWD: Battalion on relief by 1st K R R C, relieved 1st Royal Berks (Support battalion) on night of 14th - 15th June.
Thursday 15th June
Easy morning. Slight bombardment in afternoon. Mine blown on our sector at 7.30 pm. Very quiet after. Sent letter home. Leave allotment now 2 per Battalion every 4 days.
BWD: Battalion in support line.
Friday 16th June
Occasional shrapnel. Gas alert on. Bombing encounters in early morning.
BWD: Battalion in support line.
Saturday 17th June
Busy reeling up wire for taking into line trenches. Huge Russian victories over Austrians. Moved into trenches this evening.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R C in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION on night of 17th - 18th June. Reinforcements 30 Ordinary Ranks.
Sunday 18th June
Quiet day. Parcel from home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Monday 19th June
Due for course in signalling. Left trenches in afternoon to report.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Tuesday 20th June
Reported in forenoon to 4th Army Corps Signal School at RANCHICOURT. Baths in afternoon. Nice place.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION.
Wednesday 21st June
Parade 7.15 am for physical drill – off 7.30. Parade 8.30 to 10 lecture. 10 to 12.30 flag stations. Dinner. Parade 2 to 5 for instrument repairs – D Mark 3 . Free 'till 9 roll-coll. Lights out at 10 pm.
BWD: Battalion in trenches in CARENCY LEFT SUB-SECTION. Lt Col. H A Vernon wounded and Major H V Pirie assumed command of battalion.
Thursday 22nd June
Parades as usual. 10 am cable work. 2 pm buzzer test at 25 w.p.m. 1 (unable to make out)
BWD: Battalion relived by 1st K R R C and proceeded to billets at VILLERS AU BOIS on night of 22nd - 23rd June.
Friday 23rd June
Usual. 10 am instrument repairs E Lamps. 2 pm Heliograph. Heavy bombardment from the direction of Vimy commenced at noon.
BWD: Battalion in billets.
Saturday 24th June
Morning parade 10 am. Marched to village of HERMIN for long-distance helio and large flag. Heavy rain fall. 2 pm. Cable reeling and line work. Bombardment continuous – very heavy at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 25th June
Morning parade. Medical Inspection at 10 am. Put in pass for La Comte which is 2 miles away. Didn't go as it rained.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Divine Services held.
Monday 26th June
Parades as usual. Instrument repairs at 2 pm. Helio and flag at GAUCHIN-LE-GAL 2½ kilometres in evening. Paid 30 Francs.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Working and carrying parties provided.
Tuesday 27th June
Letter from home forwarded from Battalion. 10 am cable work, running through cable and cable cart explained. Baths. Wrote letters in evening.
BWD: Battalion moved to billets at ESTREE CAUCHIE. Reinforcements of 2 Officers and 40 Ordinary Ranks received.
Wednesday 28th June
10 am went BRUAY with three others to lay cable from exchange to station. Had dinner there. Back to billets at 5 pm. Phillips came from Divisional Signal School to see me.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 29th June
10 am Flags and using aeroplane lamps for the first time. 2 pm Instrument repairs. Studying electricity and writing in evening.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements. Carrying and working parties provided.
Friday 30th June
10 am Cable tests. 2 pm Buzzer. Went to Hermin in evening to see Phillips. Heavy bombardment.
BWD: Battalion in billets. Parades under Company arrangements. Carrying and working parties provided.