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1
6.30-7.30 gun drill
7.30-8.30 breakfast
8.30-9 rifle drill
9.-9.30 semaphore.
9.30-10.30 gun drill
10.30-11
11pm-12 map reading
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4 1917
Feb 10th. Out this morning exercising
horses. Big stable <del>p</del> inspection. The
harness looked splendid today as
the boys had spent considerable
time and energy on it.
Feb 11th. (Sunday) Weather
cool but fair. Snow on the ground
miss church parade. This afternoon
we went on a long exercise ride.
I took the sub out and we went
to Hankley Common over the hills
and home via Elstead.
We received sad news this
morning. Fred Gisborne, or
'Gizzy' as we knew him, died in
hospital from bronchial pneumonia
It cast a gloom over the hut.
Feb 12th. Weather milder. The
thaw has set in and the pipes are
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3
broken and the water <del>was</del> <sup>is</sup> spouting
all over the place this morning.
The water has been shut off. We
have had a bath for several
weeks and have no chance of
getting one.
Feb 13th. Weather cool. Out
on an exercise ride this morning.
This afternoon the funeral of
poor 'Gizzy' took place. It was
a sad bunch of boys who went
down to see the last remains
laid in their resting place. The
gun carriage was drawn by a
beautiful team of jet black
horses. He was buried in the
soldiers' cemetery.
Feb 14th. Weather cool. Left
camp at 3pm in full marching
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order and with order to dig in
and stay in until 10pm. I took
the sub out with a headquarter
party. The party went ahead and
selected a place for action. We
made about 3 miles and then
picked up the party. We cross<del>ing</del><sup>ed</sup>
a stream and went into a good
position, put up our horse lines
and got the cook in operation.
The gunners started in to dig
the gun pit.
At 6 we knocked off for
supper, mulligan etc, and then
waded into our work again.
By the lantern's misty light we
dug deep and then banked our
walls with sods. Our 'sub'[?]
worked like a bee adjusting
sods, etc.
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5
At 10.30 we came to the conclusion
that it was time to quit
so we hop about and got our
teams harnessed up and hooked
in. It was a very black night
and the drivers had a great
time in the woods negotiating
their way.
Feb 15th. Weather cool. Out
at 9.30 to complete our dug-out
and run in our gun. We got
the pit and then dug two
[1 word] holes, one for ammunition
and the other for our sleeping
quarters. We got our gun in and
went into action. We had our
dinner in the open.
We left for camp at 3.30
and got in at <del>6</del> 5.45 and
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received orders for myself and
six men to go on stable picquet.
Went on at 7pm.
Feb 16th. Weather cool.
On picquet. One of the sargeant
wanted one of the picquet to steal
hay for him. He was under the
weather and when the picquet refused
he said:
'Well I'll show you how
to get a bale.'
He went to the other end
of the sub and turn a bale out
and then called the picquet.
'see that,' he said,
'that's how to do it.'
No lights on picquet.
Power station wrecked by fire.
Off picquet at 7 pm.
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7
Feb 17th. Regular Saturday
inspections.
Feb 18th. (Sunday) Weather
mild. On exercise ride this
afternoon.
Feb 19th-21st. Examinations
Feb 22nd. Weather fine. The
whole day was devoted to harness
cleaning. The division is to be
inspected tomorrow by Brig-Gen
Hughes. It evidently will be a great
turn out as all the batteries are
getting things into fine shape.
We worked right through to
'lights out'
Feb 23rd. Weather clear
and fine although crisp. We
were up at 5.30 and groomed
our horses and threw on the
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harness. After a hasty breakfast
we hooked in and were
ready for inspection. The battery
looked splendid, the steel and
leather being in fine shape. The
major complimented our sub.
We used our head chains for
the first time.
At 8.30 we moved off and
lined up on Hankley Common
in review order. After a lot of
ceremony we were inspected and
then the B-5[?] took the salute
as we marched past. We made
some hard passaging passing
the saluting base and the dust
caps were dented in. We then
marched home
Feb 24th. Weather fine
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9
Regular Saturday fatigues.
Feb 25 Sunday) Weather
fine. Nothing doing
Feb 26th. Weather fine.
More examinations.
Feb 27th. Weather beautiful
nothing doing. At noon we all
sat out in front of the hut. It
was a delightful spring day.
We had our picture taken.
The boys have formed
a sling-shot club and are
going after pheasants, rabbits
and other game with a hope of
increasing our supply of eats.
We are also setting traps.
Feb 28th. Weather fine. The
last day of another month and
still in England. Nothing
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doing.
March 1st. Weather fine.
Spent most of the day getting
ready for our big sports which
are to come off late this month.
We have off horses a casualty
and have to put in no 1's horse.
Then we have the gun wheel a
casualty and the pole and
the wheel team. It is good
training as well as excellent
sport.
March 2nd. Out all day
in the cold on a brigade turnout.
March 3rd. Weather fine.
Saturday fatigues.
March 4th. Sunday) Nothing
doing. out to concert at Godalming
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11
tonight.
March 5th. Weather fine.
We received great news today.
<del>We</del> The quarantine was lifted
and we are free. This morning we
had the first bath we had had
for five weeks.
One of our drivers, Percy
Matein[?] was seriously hurt this
morning. He was thrown and
dragged and received a fractured
skull and other serious injuries.
We were sorry to hear of his
injury. He was a good kid.
March 6th. Weather
changing. Nothing doing.
March 7th. Getting a
real taste of March. The
famous English East winds
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are sure howling. Snow is in
the air.
March 8th. Snowing. Went
into action in a wood. Right
section used as a sacrifice
section. Were just having lunch
when the order came down
'Prepare to advance' We had to
leave our meals and harness
up, hook in and beat it. We
took up a new position in a
swamp and engaged the
enemy who was being forced
by the frontal fire of the
remainder of the brigade. We
turned an enfilade fire on him
March 9th. Snowing hard.
Weather very cold. It takes a
lot of courage to wash these
morning.
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13
Hauled cinders from Godalming
this morning. Harness cleaning
this afternoon.
March 10th. Weather
moderate. Most of the right
action left at 9 am for
Hazlemere (8 miles) to haul in
cinders. The boys were pretty
sore at having to go as it
rob them of their Saturday
afternoon. I stayed in to witness
the taking down of a gun.
At 2 pm Bill Newton
and I motored to Guildford
and took in the show. 'The two
Little Vagabonds,' After that
we had supper at Brell's and
then met a couple of friends
and went to the movies.
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We had a late supper and
unfortunately missed the train
by 3 minutes. We couldn't get
a taxi and thought we were
face to face with a walk
home. But fortunately there
was a 10.26 train and we
got to Godalming at 10.48.
Then we had to walk
to camp, a hot, stuffy walk.
We reached camp about 3/4
of an hour late, but everything
was jake.
The boys got home from
Hazlemere at 5 pm wet through
and their harness covered in
rust. They got caught in a bad
rain storm.
March 11th. Weather wet
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15
Went on first church parade
in England.
This afternoon I went to
tea at Mr Humphries. I made
a contract with him to supply
us with cinders and he invited
me out today. It was quite enjoyable.
Went to Congregational
church tonight.
March 12th Weather
wet. We had a battering parade
this morning and a pay parade
this afternoon.
March 13th. Weather
fair. Practicing for sports
today.
March 14th. Weather
fine. Had our battery sports
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this morning and everything
went fine. We had our casualty
race, S.O.S. race, changing
gun wheels, tug-of-war,
wrestling. The victors are to
compete with the winners of
the other three batteries in
the brigade sports.
March 15th. Weather fine
more sports.
Decided to get out a
battery paper so gun working
hard. as I have been made
editor of it
Bill Newton and I went
to Guildford and saw the
variety show. It was good.
Got home OK.
March 16th& 17th. Weather
fine. Practicing for sports.
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17
March 18th. Sunday) Went to
Godalming this afternoon had
tea, took in concert and then
went to church.
March 19th Resumed training
for brigade sports which are
coming off tomorrow at Bagmore
Common.
March 20th. Weather fine
Left camp at 8.30 am with the
whole battery, cook and grub.
We put up our horse lines on
the outskirts of the common
and the cooks started on dinner
while we got ready for the
sports.
Our boys won the driving
test, but lost the casualty race
through the slipping of a quick
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release after having the rase won.
We lost the tug-of-war after
having the other team within
six-inches of the mark. It
was a great day. As a little
variety the 61st introduced a
wild west show. They had an
old prairie schooner and
six horses. The Indians
raided it and the cowboys
came to their relief and they
summoned the R.N.W.M.P.
Then we had a bucking contest.
It just reminded one of
how to see the western stuff.
We caplined many of the
honors and returned to camp
at 6pm.
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19
March 21st. Weather fine
Went to Godalming this morning
to see about our paper.
This afternoon we had our
first lesson in using the gas
helmet. We put them on and
walked and doubled with
them on for about 4 minutes.
We had a rotten taste in our
mouth after the test. Then
spent some time changing gun
wheels.
March 22nd. Weather
fine. Duty battery. Everybody
on some job or another. I was
in charge of the coal fatigue
and was as black as a coin
when I got through.
This afternoon I went on
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divisional guard and am on
for 24 hours.
March 23rd. Weather
fine. On guard. Nothing
startling.
Was relieved on guard
at 2 pm. to go in the gun-
wheel changing competition.
We entered the test with
very little practice but did
it in 40 3/5 seconds a rattling
good time. The 18. pounders
which have an advantage
over us, was in 36 seconds.
We then went over to
see the casualty race on which
was waged [pound] 100. In the
brigade sports our team lost
through a <del>g</del> quick release giving
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21
way, and a wager was made
that we could beat the 66th.
It was a hard test and the
boys had a week to train. The
officers and men bet high.
The test was the best two out
of three. The 66th won and tonight
we are all broke.
After the race I went to
Hankley Common for jumping.
March 24th. Weather
fine. Went to Godalming this
morning re battery paper.
This afternoon the
divisional sports were held
<del>and</del> on Hankley Common and
quite a bunch of the boys went
out. Changed huts today.
I went to Guildford
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with Bill Newton at 2pm.
by motor. we <del>p</del> roamed the
town and took in the sight,
the Old Castle of King John.
We had supper in the old
cafe and after tea went to
the Royal Theatre and were just
buying tickets when a major
came in and orders us back
to camp at once. We went out
and to another show and
again there was a call for
all Canadians to return
to Witley. We went out and
as there was no train to
Milford until 9.48 pm we
went to a cafe to eat.
We then headed for the depot
and caught the train,
arriving home O.K.
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23
We found that all the
troops in England had been
ordered to rejoin their units.
One report had it that the
4th Division had <del>to</del> gone
under in France, another
that the Germans had invaded
England and that the
Zeppelins had come and
that there was a naval engagement.
We are standing
by.
March 25th. Sunday)
Weather cloudy. Went to Communion.
Went on as battery orderly
for the week at 10am.
We are confined to our
lines for the whole day and
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have no orders. [1 word] T.P.O Common speaks[?]
<del>Last we</del> This evening
we had a splendid entertainment
in the mess room. A concert party
was performing in Godalming
but when everyone was C.Bd we
got it changed to camp. The
Royal Artillery band played
and was exceptionally fine. There
were some very talented actors and
actresses
Monday, March 26th. Weather
fine. C.B. still on. It looks
like a move as we have orders
to discard all surplus kit.
I have three kit bags full of
junk and am having quite a
time discarding.
At 5 pm. we received
(Seven fellows up for office for being
absent Saturday night)
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25
orders that the C.B. was lifted
much to the joy of all concerned.
March 27th. Weather
cold but fine. This morning we
had a mobilization parade
and the battery was ready to
move off to France. We had our
fed and hay on the wagons
all our personal kit and we
sure had some load. We didn't
go to France, however, and returned
to our lines. I had two
haversacks, bandoliers, water
bottle and a dozen and one
things around my neck and
on my saddle.
Weighed today. 158 lbs.
March 28th. Weather
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cold and wet. Went to Godalming
to see about battery paper.
The battery had another mobilization
parade today.
March 29th. Weather
cold. Nothing doing.
March 30th. Weather
cold. Battery parade. Went into
action this morning and played
baseball this afternoon.
March 31st. When we
awoke this morning there were
two inches of snow on the ground.
Then it rained.
Today we were informed
that Guildford was out of bounds.
It was rather tough.
<del>March</del> April 1st. Sunday)
It snowed again last night and
the place is white this morning
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27
April 2nd. Snowing again this
morning. The time of 'Reveille'
has been put on until 5.30 am.
and we arose this morning to find
the shades of night just passing.
We had to whitewash the
stables today and this afternoon
had an exercise ride.
April 3rd. Duty battery.
Fierce snowstorms. Was L[?].C.O.
in charge of manure dump.
During the morning the sun
sent out and for a few hours
it was beautiful. The birds
were singing and the vast Pirrie
estate was a grand spectacle.
The trails of the rabbit were
quite discernible.
The battery went out on
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parade and got caught in
a vile snow storm during the
afternoon and the boys were
wet through when they reached
camp and the harness and
vehicles were in an awful mess.
It was the worse day we have
had in England. In places the
teams were up to their bellies
in mud. To make matters worse
the cook cart got lost in the
storm and there was no grub.
The 'O-Pip' came out today
and made a great hit.
We are selling 2000 copies
April 4th. Weather fair
Gas drill this morning. Falignes[?]
this afternoon.
April 6th. (Good Friday)
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29
At 5.10 last evening left for
London on two days' leave. Reached
London at 7.30. Put up at the
Union Jack club. Saw a bit of
the town last night. Had a good
sleep <del>April 6th. Had a</del> in a
[1 word] bed between sheets and
believe me it was O.K. Got up
at 8.30 this morning and it was
snowing like the dickens. It
was rotten <del>but</del> as we had no
coats. We decided to go to
Cambridge and made a bolt
for the tube and reached the
Liverpool station only to find
that we missed the train.
We then phoned some
friends in Wandsworth Common
and got a bid for a meal.
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We took the train and found
quite a fashion home. We went
in and sat before a big roaring
fire <del>and</del> in soft arm-chairs.
I had a game of billiards with
the old man and Percy and I
got in well with the mother and
two fine looking daughters.
During the afternoon ladies
bedecked in diamonds came
visiting. We had afternoon tea
and at 9pm had a chicken
dinner. Boys! oh Boys! some class
Returned to London at
11pm.
April 7th. Snowing. Walked
along the [1 word] and
caught cc.co train back to
camp, arriving back in time
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31
for lunch. Then went to
Godalming and had a good
time.
April 8th. Easter Sunday) Last
night the day light saving system
went into effect and the clock
went ahead half an hour.
That meant we arise now at
4.30.
Wet and snowy today.
Church parade this morning
and went ot communion.
Sir Robert Borden
visited the camp today and
gave a lecture in the cinema
plase.
Went to Godalming tonight
and <del>had</del> heard a grand
concert at which Borden again
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spoke.
April 9th. (Easter Monday)
Snowing again. Weather damnable.
We were inspected today by Sir
R. Borden and gave exhibitions
in skill and won some words
of praise.
Had our bath this afternoon.
Were issued with steel
helmets, gas helmets and
identification discs.
April 10th. Snowing again.
Went our on a battery parade
wearing our tin helmets for
the first time and looked like
a lot of little Japs and Chinks.
We got caught in a blizzard
and were nearly snowed in.
It was really interesting.
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33
April 11th. Snowing still.
Fatigues all day.
April 12th. Snowing still. Woke
up and found 1 1/2 inches of snow on
the ground although it was fine
when we rolled in last night.
Where is the poet who wrote
'Oh to be in England now that
Spring is here.'
On our parade on Tuesday
our S.C. left us to wander home
while he spooned with a jane
at the Pride of the Valley.
Spent the afternoon on
our harness getting ready for
an inspection by the Duke of
Connaught.
April 13th. Whole day
devoted to cleaning harness and
vehicles.
April 14th. Inspected by
the Duke fo Connaught. Infantry
and artillery all paraded
before his royal highness. It
was a grand sight.
Our sargeant has been
taken to the hospital suspected
of having diphtheria. We hope
we don't get quarantined as
we have had enough of it.
There are now 1400 troop quarantined.
At one time there were
over 4500 troops quarantined
but this has been rapidly
cut down as a result of the
new regulations
April 15th. Sunday) Fair
day. Was unable to get out
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35
today as I am on Mouse Hill
picquet tonight. I had an
interesting time as we were
put on the Wirley beat.[?]
We took up a position at
the Star Inn and it was
amusing to see the people
getting their booze. First
there was an old lady
with a jug; then a lady
with a bottle in a bag, being
not quite so bold; then
followed a man with <del>a</del>
the head of a bottle sticking
out of his coat pocket
and then a chap and his
wife. It is funny. They have
a private bar, a public
bar, bottle and jug department
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and one other. There
is plenty of booze consummed.
April 16th. Weather fair.
Quiet this morning. Went to
Guildford this afternoon to
get my [1 word] fixed; had three
fitted.
new food regulations
in effect. One cannot get a
square meal outside. I got
a slaid[?] in with the waitress
and got two meals, getting
separate slips. You can't
have this and you can't have
that.
April 17th. Weather fine.
This was the first fine day
we have had for weeks and
I think Spring is at last here
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37
We are beginning to feel better
at any rate.
The boys are going to
the ranges to fire then [1 word]
courses. Forty boys are
going each day.
April 18-19. Weather
fine Nothing doing
April 20th. Weather
fine. Went to the ranges at
Mytchett, Aldershot to
try my skill. I was high
shot out of 300, getting
83 out of 105. My scores
were.
Grouping 20
200 yards 18
Rapid fire 13
300 yards 16
400 yards 16.
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Got back at 6pm
and went to <del>the ranges</del> to
<del>fire</del> battery dance held at
the Burrough Hall, Godalming. It was a grand
affair and there were some
grand dames. We quit
dancing at 12 pm and
got home at 1 am.
April 21st. Reveille
came too soon. All dead
tired. Fine day. Went to
Godalming and had big
meal and saw a show.
Regular Saturday insepctions
April 22nd. Sunday)
Gun-layering this morning.
Exercise ride. Went to
Godalmig and had my first
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39
boating in England on the
River Wey. It was grand.
Went to concert this evening.
April 23rd. Weather
fine. Sent to a gas school
this morning for four days.
Got leave to go to Guildford
to see deutist; teetle jake
now. Had some good meals.
More food restrictions.
Home in good time.
April 24th. Weather
beautiful. Mounted parade
this morning.
Attended gas school
and went through weeping
gas. Its a queer sensation.
First we went through it
with our goggles on and
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then took them off. The
stuff smells like pineapples.
It smarts[?] in your
nose and makes you blind,
and the tears just pour
down your face. One you
get in the fresh air you
are alright.
Having instruction in
the box respirator, gas
helmet and gases.
April 25th. Weather
fine. On gas again today. Spent
all morning on gas helmet and
respirator drill. This afternoon
we went through the 'death
chamber' where there was
1-2000 enough to kill you
in five minutes. Things looked
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41
Damned interesting for a few
minutes. First a stretcher was
carried up and then one of
the chaps was sent back
for some ammonia pills in
case anything alarming happened.
We adjusted our helmets
and filed into the 'death
chamber'. We packed in and
remained in 'gas' for five
minutes. You get a funny
smell and taste. We got out
in the fresh air after awhile
without any casualties.
Went to Godalming tonight
to <del>sele</del> celebrate Bill
Newton's birthday. We had
a great time and a big meal.
April 26th. Weather
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beautiful. At gas school
again. Experimented with
smoke bombs today, the
red phosphorus bomb and
the plain smoke bomb made
of gun powder and [illegible]
rasin.
This afternoon we had
final work with respirator
and afterwards examination.
Went to Godalming tonight
for a square meal.
Rations are getting very short
now. Nothing but little bits of
nothing.
April 27th. Weather fine
Duty battery. [1 word] drill N.C.O.
and have one prisoner. On
duty till 9 am. Battery out digging
in.
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43
April 28th. Weather beautiful.
Left camp early this morning
and went to our gun pits
to complete them. It was so
warm that we stripped to the
waist and are now nicely
sunburnt. We had to dig in
about 3 feet and made our walls
of sandbags. This did not prove
a success as one of the walls
caved in owing to the undermining
of <del>one of the walls</del> the
foundations. We then cut poles
and built up a wall and placed
sand bags on top of them.
All around the gun pit
we have planted trees and
shrubs and on top to make
our concealment all the more
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secure we stretch a net and
threw leather on it, thereby
making it appear like the
rest of the grounds. We placed
our wagon in another pit <del>on</del>
under a big tree. Our dug out
is roomy and there is no
danger of it toppling in.
We returned to camp
late in the afternoon and most
of us turned in early as we
were tired.
April 29th. (Sunday)
Weather delightful. Boys went
out to complete dug out this
morning.
I was fortunate in
missing the digging and
went to Stovell's farm, Shackleford
to bring in one of the boys.
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45
It was a great morning for a
ride. There were plenty of signs
of Spring. The birds were
singing beautifully the hedge
shrubs and trees were taking
on a coat of green and the
fields were a delightful green.
Old 'Happy' seemed to know it
was Spring and he pranced
about like a two-year old and
I must confess I felt the
same way.
I went through Milford
and Eashing and saw
some fine country. After getting
my message through I returned
to camp.
This afternoon went to
Witley.
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At 7.30 this evening
we went to stables and got
harnessed up and then <del>f</del>
proceeded to the gun park.
We moved off at 9.30. It was
a fine night, the moon showing
brightly in the western sky.
About 11 pm we reached our
positions and proceeded to
get our guns and wagons in.
We had to dig in a traversing
arc and touch up a few things.
After getting our line of fire
about 2 am we threw our blankets
on the grounds. and went to sleep.
We were troubled by frequent
visit from a 'sub' who
finally fell through the roof
of the Headquarters' dugout
and we were relieved of his
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47
presence.
April 30th We had an alarm at
4.30 and had to stand by.
All threw the day we were
cloging[?] away, firing '97
rounds all told.
We had aeroplane
scouts out and <del>we</del> when the
only aeroplane of the day
passed overhead, our sentry
was asleep. We saved his
scalp by sounding the
alarm.
It was very warm and
we managed to get in a
sleep or two during the day.
At lunch time four of us
ducked off to the Pride of the
Valley to get something to
[end page]
[start page]
eat, as our rations have been
pretty slim. We were overtaken
by the general and after considerable
questioning were
directed back to camp.
We were just going to
supper when we got the
order to 'stand to' and
fire two rounds of salvo.
At 10pm our relief
came up from the wagon lines.
I took my crew back to the
wagon lines and we threw
our blankets behind the houses
and went off the dreamland
about 12.30. <del>up</del>
May 1st. Up at 6am.
Stables. Had a good breakfast.
Weather very warm.
[end page]
[start page]
49
Harness cleaning all morning.
Everyone seeking shelter
from the sun and also from
the N.C.O.'s so as to have a
sleep.
Was informed at noon
that I was down for divisional
ground tonight. Left for camp
at 2pm.
This will make my
third night on duty without
having my clothes off. I can
see little sleep tonight.
The division was due
to return to camp tonight
but is staying [crossed out] out until
tomorrow.
May 2nd. Weather fine.
On guard, mounted at 6 pm
[end page]
[start page]
yesterday. Had to mount all
sentries and am kind of
[crossed out] tired today.
Came off guard at
6.10 pm.
The boys returned to
camp at 4.10 pm. [crossed out] dirty and
dusty. They had to fight fire
all day. The charge from one
of the guns ignited the
leather and <del>there</del> the
place went up in a blaze.
We fought the fire for about
six hours and finally got
it under control. The fire was
within 15 feet of the guns
at one time. It would have
made a nice mess if it had.
May 3rd. Weather very
[end page]
[start page]
51
dry. Had exercise ride.
Attended the funeral of
one of our cooks. Jim Frame,
who died at Bramshott on
Sunday morning from pneumonia.
He is the fifth Victoria
boy to die the others being,
Mitchell, Liddell, Eaton
and Gisborne. He leaves a
wife and four children. We
always called him <del>al</del> a lo[?]
Frame.
May 4th. Up at 5 am.
Weather fine. Went out on an
all day parade. I acted as
R.O. and F.O.O. we took
up a covered position I
had an easy time at the F.O.O.
We went through some pretty
[end page]
[start page]
country on the way. Through
valleys of primroses, lakes
in which the swans delighted,
and beautiful shady lanes.
At the F.O.O. we had a
ground stretch of land on
all sides; The trees with
their variegated foliage, the
great stretches of farm land
with the crops just coming
up and the cattle grazing
peaceful in the fields. This
is a great country in Springtime.
We struck a fine farm
house on the way and managed
to secure a fine feed
of eggs, milk, pancakes,
cakes and bread and butter.
In the afternoon we continued
[end page]
[start page]
53
operations. Returned to camp
at 4.30pm.
May 5th. Weather fine
Inspections as usual this
morning. Went to Godalming
about 'O.Pip'.
May 6th (Sunday) Weather
fine. Out on an all day grazing
parade. No rest for the wicked.
We left camp at 8.30 am for
Stovell's farm and the horses
grazed until 3pm. We did
nothing but lay around and
sleep and write. Too Tired To
go to Sunday concert at
Godalming.
May 7th. Weather fine
Nothing startling.
May 8th. Weather fine.
[end page]
[start page]
Little doing this morning.
Went out this afternoon
with Mr Chatwin. Went to
Godalming then to Guildford.
Had tea and returned to
camp at 7.30 pm via Compton
where I saw Sir Isaac
Watts famous at gallery.
May 9th. Weather
beautiful. Find it a hard
job to get up at 5 am. Eyes
seemed glued together.
Had afternoon off to
work on 'O.Pip'.
May 10th. Weather fine.
Went to Godalming this
morning to get three loads
of cinders.
Had afternoon off on
[end page]
[start page]
55
'O.Pip' and went to town this evening.
This morning the O.M.[?]
called in all barrack store
blankets and as a consequence
we have to sleep with
only two. Service conditions!
Went to Godalming tonight.
May 11th. Weather very
warm. Sweat like fool and
try to shirls[?] all the work we
can. Everyone is called a
Scrimshanker.
Had three hours gun
drill this morning.
Boys going through
gas this afternoon.
Had a beautiful view
[end page]
[start page]
this afternoon from the
little knoll in the gun park.
The whole landscape was
beautiful. The towns of Witley,
Milford and Godalming
nestled in amongst the green
trees. The fields looked so
fruitful and green and the
whole place seemed at
peace. God spare this
Garden of Eden from being
torn <del>fro</del> by shot and hell.
Boys went through gas
today.
May 12th. Weather fine.
At 10 am I left with the
right section horse to pasture
them over the week-end in
Godalming. On the way out a
[end page]
[start page]
57
six-horse team ran away and
threw two of the drivers, cutting
one of the boys. Two of the horses
were badly mangled and were
shot on returning to camp.
Later in the day a third horse
had to be shot and another
is in a bad way.
We pastured the
horses in a ten-acre field, on
which all the fine residences
backed. During the afternoon we
made the acquaintence of a
pretty jane who afterwards
turned out to be married and
also a bunch of kiddies, whom
we rode around on horseback.
We laid in a stock of
beans, cakes and fruit and
[end page]
[start page]
turned in. I slept in a chicken
house, although the most of the
other spread their blankets in
the open.
May 13th Sunday)
There was no 'Reveille' this
morning. We got up at 8.30.
The children were over early
to play. It was very hot
today.
One of the neighbors
sent us over three boiled eggs
apiece and for brunch we had a
huge [1 word] pie and custard.
I was invited out for
supper. We have all the tea we
want to eat.
We had to feed the horses
up with oats this evening and
[end page]
[start page]
59
had a fierce time getting their
nose bags off. We had a
young lady out for a ride this
morning and she took an
awful spill. Slept in the
chicken house again. No fleas!
May 14th. Weather warm.
Up at 5am. to get horses caught
and saddled up and ready to
return to camp. We left at
6.30 am and were back at camp
at 7.15 am.
Went on cookhouse for
the week. Some job. 'O-Pip'
came out tonight.
May 15th. Weather cloudy.
On cookhouse. Nothing doing.
'O-Pips' selling like
hotcakes, 1,000 sold at noon.
May 16th. Weather
threatening. Had first shower
for several weeks.
This afternoon a captain
from London went through the
cook house and found fault
with nearly everything. Course
I guess he has to find fault
or he wouldn't have a job.
Found some crusts of bread in
the swill can and proceeded
to give a long lecture on
economy in war time.
Went to Godalming
this evening to Mrs.Sturgeon.[?]
Had a fine time.
May 17th. Raining hard:
Plenty of inspections of cook-
house, colonel and captains, etc
[end page]
[start page]
61
going through.
May 18th. Weather cloudy.
On cookhouse. Nothing doing.
May 19th. Weather wet
On cookhouse. Boys busy
getting harness in shape for
inspection. Heavy downpour
of rain tonight. Good thing
for crops.
May 20th. Weather
wet. <del>Re Best</del> <sup>[illegible]</sup> the harness was
not in A 1 condition for inspection
yesterday the boys
were kept in yesterday afternoon
and again this morning
they had to set to work on
the steel and leather. The
Officer Commanding made an
inspection this morning.
[end page]
[start page]
Sunday seems a favorite day
for inspections.
Went to Godalming this
afternoon and took in concert.
May 21st. Terrific rain
last night with heavy thunder
storm. Returned to duty this
morning. <del>On</del> Duty battery and
everyone is on something. I
landed another guard.
Mounted at 7.20 pm, a
rotten hour as it spoils
two nights.
May 22nd Weather
cloudy. Still on guard.
Monotonous job. Nothing
exciting.
Were informed this
afternoon that we are duty
battery again tomorrow, as
[end page]
[start page]
63
the 61st is going on a [1 word].
Came off guard at 8 pm.
Went to the 'Pines' and
had a heavy feed. Grub is
very poor and all the meals
would not make a square
one. There's so much hash.
They put the meat through a
mincer so as to make it go
farther. We are continuously
getting talks on economy,
but if they don't soon give
us something to eat we will
soon cave in. All grease
has to be saved in order to
win the war. Oh! Boys its
some war! And we still
stay in England. I hope
they soon get the 'subs'.
[end page]
[start page]
May 23rd. Weather
fine. Duty battery. I am
extra drill N.C.O. for the
<del>week</del> day. No prisoners
escaped. They're too wise.
If they got large they might
starve.
Went to Godalming
to Mrs. Sturgeon's and had
a nice time. Got caught
in a rain storm on the
way home and experienced
that weird feeling of having
riverlets running down my
back. I was drenched
when I got to camp.
This is the eighth monthly
anniversary of our landing
in England. Having good
time.
[end page]
[start page]
65
May 24th. Empire day.
Light rain this morning.
'Reveille' at 6.30 am. Regular
holiday. Only had morning
stables.
Went to see divisional
football championship,
which was won by the infantry.
This afternoon the
divisional sports were held at
the Recreation Grounds at
Godalming and there was a
huge crowd there. The sports
were grand. Percy and I took
took Mr and Mrs. Sturgeon and
the miss Peto[?] there. We went
to Sturgeon's for tea and
then back to the Rec.[?] to see
the boxing bouts which were
[end page]
[start page]
good.
It was a good holiday.
May 25th. Weather fine.
Spring cleaning now in progress.
Painting and white wash.
[illegible] huts, cleaning up weeds
and fixing up windows and
stables.
All afternoon cleaning
harness in preparation for
inspection.
Some of the huts look
like chicken houses.
Changed blankets today
for some dirty old rags. Hope
they soon get these subs.
This is a hell of a way.
May 26th. Weather fine
Had regular inspection.
<del>pea</del>
[end page]
[start page]
67
Harness in good shape. Went
to Godalming and had a
pleasant time. Met the
Smith girls tonight.
May 27th. Sunday.
Weather very warm. Church
parade. Went on as escort
for defaulter this afternoon.
May 28th. Weather
fine. Was before court martial
this morning with the saddles.
Stood at attention for 45
minutes and nearly dropped.
This is Whit Monday
and we had a half holiday.
I went to Godalming after
being relieved on duty and
had tea with Mrs.Peto.[?].
Had a jake time. This is a
[end page]
[start page]
great day in England and
there is plenty to do despite
the fact that there is a war
on.
May 29th. Weather fine.
Promulgation of court martial.
Pay parade, a welcomed
relief. Sent out with ms.
Mc.Laren[?] to make a
reconnaisance of a certain
wood six miles from
camp. We left at 1.10 pm
and went through some
fine country. Elstead, Frenham,
Wrecclesham. We were caught
in a thunderstorm and got
wet to the hide. We couldn't
get accomodation at any
of the inns on the roads and
[end page]
[start page]
69
had to proceed to Farnham
to put up for the night. I
stabled the horses and
they were so hungry they
eat their bedding. I was
ravishly hungry and <del>eat</del>
ate a huge meal. I had
a swell room and a King's
bed to sleep in. One of the
sargeants came in and
pulled the other corporal
and I out of the bed shortly
after midnight.
We were up at 7 am
Wednesday May 30th. and
had another big meal and
set out at 8 am to complete
our reconnaisance.
We proceeded through
[end page]
[start page]
a very dense wood and
saw some of the conservation
scheme. Returned to camp
at noon. Had a great time.
May 31st. Weather
fine. Out on a driving parade
and went into action. Cleaned
harness this afternoon.
June 1st. Weather
cool. Grazing parade this
morning. Went through gas
with box respirator this
afternoon.
The grub is very lean.
We are all complaining. Everyone
is lean.
The horses are getting
plenty to eat and their new
coats are coming on. They
are beginning to look fine
[end page]
[start page]
71
June 2nd. Weather fine.
Razzled around today as we
are to have a big inspection.
Our harness was in grand
shape.
But as usual when
you have your stable and
harness in good shape the
inspection did not come off.
The red caps came around
after we had covered up our
harness. If our harness
had been dirty they would
have been around O.K.
I put in for a pass
yesterday for six days for
the purpose of proceeding
to Plymouth to see my
cousins home from the North
[end page]
[start page]
and Mediterranean Seas
I got 3 1/2 days. Commencing
at 4 pm today. However, I
got an early train and was
in London at 4.15.
I met Cousin Charlie
and had tea with him and
then had a walk through
Hyde Park and down Piccadilly.
We reached Paddington
station at 12.20 and we
interviewed the guard and
for a tip of two-bob he saw
that I had a compartment
all to myself and also a
cup of tea.
June 3rd. Sunday/awoke
at 4.30 am as I was very
cold. I lay on the seat and
the place was so cold I
[end page]
[start page]
73
awoke.
We reached Plymouth
at 7.30 am and I went to
Uncle Harry at 8.30 for breakfast.
Then I went to Uncle
Ned's and over to Cremyll.
Had lunch and supper at
Maker Lodge. Then went to
Hoc[?] Lake and on to Cawsand.
Spent the night at Hoc[?] Lake.
Things in Devon look
beautiful. The hills and
valleys are green and the
gardens are fine. There are
plenty of allotments and
there are plenty of potatoes.
The greeting now is not
'how are you', but, 'how are you
potatoes'.
[end page]
[start page]
A submarine was off here
and the four mine sweepers.
torpedo boats and mystery
ships <del>can</del> were running about.
One night a sub saved 28
mines off her which were
gathered in by the sweepers.
Its a great sight to see things
sweeping and tearing about
June 4th. Had a
good sleep. Up at 8.30 am.
Was going to Paignton and
had an invitation to a picnic
but Winnie <del>ws</del> and I decided
to go to Plymouth and had a
great time, chicken dinner
saw the hydroplanes, attended
a concert on the pier and
saw a thousand and one kids
[end page]
[start page]
75
in swimming. It was a dockyard
holiday and the Hoc[?]
was crowded.
The weather was terribly
hoy.
We returned to Cremyll
and went and saw Uncle Jim
and Rolland and I arranged
to go to Plymouth for the
evening. I stumbled up the
hill to [1 word] about 3/4 mile
it seemed like 50, and then
had supper and later rolled
down 1/2 mile of hill <del>and</del> to
Hoc[?] Lake and got my haversack.
Then back to pick up
Rolland and off we went. We
took in the show 'Les contes
de Corneville', at the Royal
[end page]
[start page]
Theatre, which was very good.
We missed the last boat to
Cremyll so plunged along
a tough district and then
caught the police boat at
11.30. Had supper and then
to bed.
June 5th. Had a fine
sleep. More sheets and
mattresses.
Up at 8.30. Weather
very warm. Went to Uncle Harrys'
and then off to catch the special
for London. I just put my foot
on the running boards as the
train pulled out.
We passed through Newton
Abbot, Totnes, Dawlish
Teignmouth and Exeter. Off
Teignmouth saw a steamer
[end page]
[start page]
77
which had been torpedoed.
Nothing startling happened
on the run up and we
pulled into Paddington at
5.20 exactly 4.40 hours
doing 227 miles.
I took in Hyde Park
during the evening and caught
the 10.35 train for Witley
arriving at 11.30. In camp
at midnight.
June 6th. Luckily for
me the battery was out on a
[1 word] so I slept in until
8 am. It was satisfaction.
I got orders to join the battery
at Frensham Pond and did
so at noon after a hot ride.
The battery had a
[end page]
[start page]
fine position alongside the
pond under the trees. Had a
swim in the pond tonight the
first one in England. It was
fine too. Went in to Frensham
tonight and had a fine time,
taking in the mariners and
Holly Bush pubs which were
the rendezvous for the boys.
June <del>2</del> 7th. Weather cool.
Last night it rained a bit
hard and many got wet to the
hide. I slept under a canopy
of ground sheets and was
fine. Some of the boys got good
and wet.
Today we went out on
a drill order parade. After
we got in we were informed
[end page]
[start page]
79
that there would be an inspection
of harness at 1pm. There
was no chance to clean it.
Its peculiar how some of the
officers estimate the ability
and speed of the boys. To
bring in a battery with the
harness covered in dust and
expect the boys to have it
ready for inspection <del>was</del>
<del>something</del> inside an hour
was something almost impossible.
As a result our
half holiday was queered
and we had to clean harness.
Went to Frensham
again tonight after a swim.
<del>Ma</del> June 8th. Weather
warm. Out on a mounted
[end page]
[start page]
parade this morning. Swam
the horses in the pond this
afternoon for the benefit of
the officers and had some
great sport. It was hardly
deep enough and the boys
came out smothered in mud.
Tonight went through
Lady Comlie's[?] magnificent
home and garden and
saw the beautiful rhododendruns,
strawberries, fruit
trees, etc. The house was
splendid. Then we went to
the old church at Frensham
which was built in 1226.
It is covered with ivy and
is supposed to have a subterranean
passage to the
church in Guilford some distance
[end page]
[start page]
81
away.
Some of the boys went
fishing on the stream and
just landed a 15-inch trout,
when the game-warden came
along and a hasty retreat
was made but not without
<del>a</del> the fish.
June 9th. Weather
warm. Broke camp at 12
and pulled out at 12.30
for camp, arriving home at
3.30. We figured on getting
out of stable earlier but
our S.C. said there would
be an inspection at 5.15
and made us get on with
our harness. And the inspection
never came off. Can anyone
[end page]
[start page]
wonder at the boys using
a language which is
not allowed in society
circles.
Went to Godalming
tonight.
Jun 10th (Sunday)
Weather very warm. Went on
guard at 5.30 pm.
Jun 11th. Weather warm.
On guard all day. Came
off at 5.30 pm.
Jun 12th. Weather
warm. Nothing doing today.
This afternoon the sky
clouded up and a great
storm came on. The thunder
was bad and the lightning
very bright. One bolt struck
[end page]
[start page]
83
a tree nearby. The rain came
down in torrents. In Godalming
they think there must
have been a cloud brust for
the place was unindated,
many first floors having
been flooding.
Jun 13th. Weather
fine. Spent the whole day
working on the 'O-Pip.'
This evening I went to
Godalming to visit the
Sturgeon's and met Rex,
their son who was home on
leave. Had a pleasant evening.
Jan 14th. Weather
fine. On 'O-Pip' again. This
afternoon I rode to [1 word]
[end page]
[start page]
and visited Mrs Henderson.
It was a beautiful ride
through the elm covered
lanes. She has a beautiful
home and plenty of land.
I played tennis in the
afternoon, had tea and then
some more tennis then dinner.
It was some meal.' [1 word]
said. Got back to camp at
10.30pm.
June 15th. Weather
fine. On 'O-Pip' all day.
Went to Godalming this
afternoon. cycled to Guildford
this evening with
Alex Goldie and went on
the river for an hour in
a cause. Then went up town
and had strawberries and
[end page]
[start page]
85
cream and had some eats.
We then cycled back to
camp.
Jan 16th. Weather
very hot. Working in shirt
and had a fine display of
harness for the regular
Saturday inspection. Stayed
in this afternoon.
Jan 17th. (Sunday)
Weather very warm. Left on
8.50 train for London. Terribly
hot. 88 in the shade. Went
to Hyde Park in the afternoon
had strawberries and cream
and went to witnessed a
big demonstration by the
railroad men. It was hazy
and we could hear the
end page]
[start page]
drone[?] of engines overhead
and everyone thought there was
an air raid. However, nothing
happened so it must have
been one of our own.
Returned to camp at
11 pm.
June 18th. Weather hot
On 'O-Pip' all day.
Strawberries again tonight
June 19th. On 'OPip'
weather fine. Strawberries.
June 20th. Weather hot
On 'O-Pip'
June 21st Weather hot.
On 'O-Pip.' went to Godalming.
This is the longest day.
Went to Godalming to miss
Peto's and had a nice time.
All the boys are sick with
[end page]
[start page]
87
'tummy' aches. The grub is
terrible and getting fierce.
This evening the 66th. boys
buried a plate of hash, having
a regular funeral procession.
June 22nd. Weather
<del>w</del> cool. Cold in bed last
night. Nothing doing. Went
to Godalming this afternoon
and got caught in a
thunder storm. Stayed in
tonight.
June 23rd. Weather
cool. Nothing doing today.
June 24th. Weather
cool. Nothing startling. Went
to Mrs. Sturgeon's and had a
pleasant time. Regular
Sunday doing, church parade.
[end page]
[start page]
June 25th. At 9.30
this morning we moved off
from our gun park for Petworth
We were told we would not
return to our camp as it was
to be taken over by the Reserve
from Shorncliffe. There is
even a rumor that we are going
to France but there's little
likelyhood of that.
We had a hot time. It
was 1/4 miles and the horses
sweat considerably. We
halted half way and had
lunch. A couple of skirts came
along and we had a yarn and
passed the time pleasantly.
We moved on at
2 pm and reached Petworth
at 4.30. We formed line and
[end page]
[start page]
89
immediately struck our horse
lines. I was battery orderly
so missed a great deal of
the hard work.
Percy and I made
our beds right behind the
horses.
June 26th. Weather
fine. Up at 5.30. Saw the
hound packs out with
their trainers. The trainers
have wonderful control
over their packs, which consists
of 50 hounds. They
know each dog by name and
when one strays they snap the
whip and bring the wanderer
back. They are 600 head of
deer on the estate and we
[end page]
[start page]
hope for a little venison before
we go back. No chance to
swim here and our washing is
very restricted.
Went to Petworth, a
very ancient place, and had
a jake meal for 10 [1 word].
There was a big fight
in town between some civies and
our boys. It was pay day and
booze was the cause. There was
plenty of excitement.
June 27th. Nothing
startling today. Plenty of
fellows for office. Shot one of
our horses, which had its leg
broken by a kick.
June 28th. Weather
cool. Played tennis this afternoon
with Prior[?] and won 6-1
6-1 from Hayman and Alex
[end page]
[start page]
91
Goldie. Things looked bad
when we rolled into bed in
the open.
June 29th A day of
days. At midnight a light
rain fell and at 3 am it
was raining furiously. Then
it thundered and lightning
like the dickens. We were
drenched. Our boots were
full of water, our blankets
saturated. In the hollow
under the trees, where many of
the boys slept there was a
regular tidal wave. The place
was unindated. Some of
the boys remained in their
blankets and defied the rain:
others crept under the trees
[end page]
[start page]
and enjoyed the drip-drip
drip and cursed their luck.
They stood there until 'Reveille'
and it was a sad crowd that
fell in. Some fell in with their
helmets on; others without
boots.
The horse lines were
in an awful mess and we
had to change them:
One of the sargeants
did not fall in at 'Reveille'
parade and was reported
'absent'. He was up to office
and got a supreme [1 word]
out from the captain. His
excuse was that his clothes
were wet. Poor creature.
At 11 am I left to
[end page]
[start page]
93
return to Witley and made the
14 miles in a regular rain storm.
It only drenched me further.
I made the trip in two hours.
I was lucky in finding
a fire in the hut and got dried
out. I started to get ready to
Woolwich on the morrow.
June 30th. No 'Reveille'
today. Up and ready. Pulled
out at 10.30 for Woolwich.
Arrived at London 2.30
and Woolwich at 3.30.
Was assigned to room in
Cambridge Barracks and
belong to Class 19. Have
beds to sleep in, gas. Everything
jake.
Went down town tonight
[end page]
[start page]
and was greatly struck by
the pink-dealers[?] on the
street, the tremendous mob
and crush on the streets and
the hospitality of the girls.
They come along and talk to
you with an invitation or
introduction. Most of them
are [1 word]-workers and
as they are making plenty of
money dress like millionairs'
daughters.
July 1st. (Dominion
Day and Sunday) Quiet
day and went out for a
walk to Plumstead and
along by the Arsenal.
July 2nd. Started on
my six-weeks' course. Some
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95
rustling although they haven't
sped up yet. There was a
serious fire in the Arsenal
today. Plenty of smoking
hanging about. Were issued
with midnight passes today.
so Farley and I christened
ours by getting in at midnight.
It was some night
Got lost in Plumstead.
July 3rd. Another
razzler today. Got an
introduction to physical
jerks and they sure razzled
the tar out of us in the
gym. Had the misfortune to
start on a stroll tonight
and wound up in Grenwich,
(5 miles away) where the time
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is made. In at midnight.
July 4th. Air raid
warning was issued and they
bundled us into the basement.
The Huns[?] didn't get this far
having been cut off at Harwick.
Still it broke our morning.
Stepped around again today.
Had an outing tonight.
July 5th. It was
another hard one today.
Four hours' gun drill off
the bat and then had the
physical jerks thrown in.
Our muscles are beginning to
tighten up.
July 6th. Easy day.
Had three hours' map reading
[1 word] our map reading teacher,
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97
is our shelter and port in
a storm. If it wasn't for
him I think we'd drop.
July 7th. Weather
fine. We were just returning
from rifle drill at 10 am.
when we got got the air
raid alarm. We were ushered
into the basement but managed
to creep out as we wanted
to see the fun. We did too.
Hovering over London was a
large fleet of Hun planes
and the shells were <del>bus</del>
bursting all around them,
but never a hit. After 15
minutes over the town they
headed for Woolwich and
we saw them pass right
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over <del>the</del> our heads. Twenty
of them. They looked fine. Our
little machines were right
after them and we witnessed
several <del>seg</del> duels. The noise
of the anti-air craft guns
was deafening. Finally they
passed out of sight and
we resumed our duties.
At 11 am we knocked
off and got our passes for
London, which expire at midnight
tomorrow. Caught a
bus at 1 pm and reached
London at 2pm. Saw Charlie
and then went to Ludgate
Circus and saw some of the
damage done by the raid.
Went to 'Seven Days'
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99
Leave' at the Lyceum. It was
very good. Got to bed at
Ambrosden House at midnight.
July 8th (Sunday)
Raining. Went to Bartholomew
Close and saw the damage
done by the planes. It was
not bad considering the
size of the fleet. Also went
to Billingsgate.
At noon went to
Forrest Gate and spent the
day with Uncle Bill. Had
nice time.
Returned to London
at midnight.
July 9th. Off on our
second week in a cloud of
dust. Plenty of gun drill,
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rifle drill, marching, etc.
We pray every day and night
for rain or an air raid so
that we might have a
respite from our arduous
duties.
July 10th. Another
hard day. Jerks are our
down-fall. Had some fun
in map reading today. A
fellow named Well can't
see through a thing. Finally
got arguing with teacher .
and referring to eating
<del>suas</del> susage made of
horseflesh Well said 'you
can't tell a suasage[?] by his
overcoat'.
July 11th. Weather warm
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101
Another razzle. We are as
stiff as boards. We get up
at 6, have first parade
at 6.30 and have breakfast
at 7.30. It consists of
a slice of bacon and a cup
of tea and two slices of
bread. Lunch is good, but
the supper poor. Sometimes
we have bread and dripping.
July 12th Weather
very warm. Sweat on gun
drill. Jerks very bad. Old
Cohen had an argument
with Well today over a
bugle call.
Orderly sargeant today.
Stayed in tonight for the first
time.
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July 13th. Weather
fine. This morning we spent
two hours on a map reading
exam. It was a cinch.
Weeks are beginning
to pass rapidly and all
that worries us is our hour's
physical jerks, which
<del>sh</del> sure stiffen us up.
July 14th. Weather
fair. Off at 10.30 and got
ready for our week-end leave.
At 2 pm we went to
the Woolwich Arsenal and
saw some interesting sight.
There was a 'Bean Feast'
on so we escaped the
smiles of the many girl who
work there. We saw the new
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103
6 and 8-inch howitzer built
on the recuperative[?] system.
We saw two German guns
captured by the Canadians
at Vimy Ridge. We also
saw a Russian field gun.
It is a wonderful place.
Caught the 53A bus
at 3.30 for London and
arrived safe and sound.
Went to Maple Leaf Club and
had supper at Strand Corner
House. Went to London Pavillion
and saw rotten revue. Some
funny sights on streets.
July 15th. Weather
fine. Did not get up until
10.30. Had lunch up town. Was
going to Wandsworth Common
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but met Evan McMillan at
Victoria Station. Heavy rains.
this afternoon. Went to
Regent's Park with Kelly
and Farley and got caught
in rain squall on lake.
Returned to Barracks
at 11 pm. (Sunday)
July 16th. Weather warm.
Spent the worst hour I have
had in the army this morning.
Between 9 and 10 we had to
wear our gas respirators. They
were clamped on our faces
and we did foot drill, etc.
and brought all the curses
down on the heads of the powers
that be.
We got our marks for
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105
map reading and I got 100
marks. There were three of us
with possibles[?]
July 17th. Weather hot.
We went to Shooter's Hill this
morning and passed our gas
tests. Went through chlorine
and tear gas.
Got in at 11 tonight
and there was a grand sight
in the skies. The searchlights
were playing about in the
heavens. There were hundreds
of them it seemed and the
place was like day.
July 18th. Weather
very wet. We managed to have
an easy time as a result, spending
the time inside at lectures.
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We put in a hot time in the
afternoon.
Went to Deptford tonight
and saw 'Razzle-Dazzle'
revue at the Empire. It was good.
Got in at midnight.
July 19th. Weather fine.
Plenty of gun drill and hot
work. Nothing startling. One
fellow had his hand crushed
in the trail, another got hit
in the head and I had my
leg jammed between the wheel
of the wagon and the broke-arm.
Fortunately I got a clear before
things got too tight.
July 20th. Weather
fine. Plenty of gun drill today.
We were returning the guns
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107
to the sheds tonight when one
got away. We have a bad
hill to go down with a sharp
turn at the bottom and although
we have been warned
to walk with the guns, we
usually let them out and
make the corner at the
trot. We were leading with our
guns and the Australians
were bringing theirs in rear.
I was on our brake and
happened to looked around. The
brake on the Australians' gun<del>s</del>
had failed to work. It came
down on us. The pole went
over my head and I just managed
to jump clear and pull
the Australian, who was on the
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pole, out. The guns came together
with a thud and a
few things broke. We were lucky
getting clear.
July 21st. Weather warm.
Knocked off at 10.30 this morning
with kind regards to the
S.M. Went to the Arsenal this
afternoon and saw the guns
turned out. We saw the 15-inch
[1 word] which take three weeks
to bore; the 15-inch shells, the
wiring of guns, pressing, moulding,
etc. Did not go to London today.
Spent the evening around town.
Introduced to two munition girls
who told us about T.N.T. the
munition girls <del>spend</del> <sup>earn</sup> from [pound] 4 to
[pound] 5 a week and spend it all.
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109
July 22nd. Weather fine
Up at 7.30 in time for breakfast
At 8.30 the air raid signals
were given and we were locked
in. The Huns did not get
this far reaching Harwich.
Went to London at 10.30
am and out to Wandsworth
Common and saw the walls[?]
Had fine time. Back at midnight
July 23rd. Weather fine.
Getting lots of details: on our
fourth week. Went to Peckham
to see movie show. Tower
Theatre is a dandy house.
Home at midnight.
July 24th. Weather fine.
Plenty to do. Got out of physical
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jerks. Showed my Cast[?]
certificate. Things were getting
too strenuous so I dropped
out. They double you around
until your shirt feels as
though it had come out of a
wash tub.
July 25th & July 26th.
Nothing startling. Went to see
'Under Two Flags' at the
Artillery Theatre on 26th. Was
very good.
July 27th. Weather fine.
Same old routine. Went to
Lewisham tonight to a new
movie house. It was good.
(Deptford)
July 28th. Weather hot.
Knocked off at 10.30 and
left for London at 2 pm
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111
Went to ball game at Lord's
Oval, It John's Wood between
Canadians and Americans.
Saw Brownie on Strand
and had tea at Strand
Corner House and then went
to 'Suzzette' at the Globe.
It was good. Also met
Bob Yates on the Strand.
Had late supper at Corner
House and went to bed at
midnight. Our stopping at
Hexall's hotel. July 29th Sunday)
Arose at 10.30 to find
London well awake and the
sun shining. Had breakfast
and then lunch at 1.30
after writing several letters.
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Were going to Hampton Court
this afternoon but it rained
hard. After supper at the
Corner House I returned
to Woolwich. Turned in
early.
July 30th. Weather fine.
Starting on fifth week and
are on exams. The S.M.
examined us today and
things are beginning to slacken
up. Weather doubtful tonight
so stayed in.
July 31st. Weather very
wet. No outside drilling. All
lectures and no drilling. Things
jake. Examined this afternoon
by our class officer
and got through OK.
Went to the Artillary Theatre
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113
<del>last night</del> tonight and saw
'The Mikado'. It was very
good. In at midnight.
Aug 1st. Another month
starts. Heavy rains. Continued
having <del>lell</del> lectures and
re drilling. That's what we
want only we wish it would
clear up in the evenings.
Aug 2nd. Heavy rains
More lectures and re drilling
by S.M. Having fairly soft
time and hope the rain continues
for awhile. The S.M.
passed us out in gun drill
this afternoon.
Aug 3rd. Weather cleared
up. Were examined by Mr.Todd
this afternoon and had to
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detail misfire.
Aug 4th. Anniversary
of outbreak of war. Weather
doubtful. Nothing startling
this morning.
Left at noon for Cambridge.
Got caught in a terrible
deluge. Was on top of a bus
and thought I would be washed[?]
off. Caught 2.35 train for
Cambridge. I never saw such
a crowd in my life as there
was at Liverpool street station.
There was a tremendous
jam. Monday is a bank holiday
and everyone is pulling
out for somewhere or another
They had to run a second train
and then added another
section to the second one.
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115
We passed through terrific
rain and the whole country
seemed flooded. Reached Cambridge
at <del>5</del> 4.15 and was
met by Mrs. Kent and taken to
her home, where I had tea Then
took a stroll through the
town and saw the famous
university. Also saw King
College Chapel famous in
the days of Oliver Cromwell.
It is a beautiful place.
The windows are magnificent
and the story is told of the
time Cromwell converted the
church into a stable. The
windows had previously been
removed and buried and
Cromwell was anxious to
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learn of their whereabouts. He
found a boy who knew and
questioned him. When the lad
refused to tell him Cromwell
had him killed. Had a
late supper and then crawled
into one of these beds we
read about in the army. one
you settle a foot in when
you get in. I slept fine
Aug 5th Sunday) Weather
fine. Went all over Cambridge
University with Mr. Kent and
saw the Bridge of sighs, the
ancient buildings, the magnificent
flower gardens, the old
courts and the beautiful trees
and lanes. Had splendid
meals and also had some
fine pickings in the garden
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117
locating an A1 plum tree.
Left Cambridge at
5.8 and had a slow run to
London. The rains had
caused bad landslides in
many places and our tracks
were blocked several times.
The rains were feice and the
place is flooded. We reached
London at 7.15. Had
supper at Lyons. Met harry
Waterson, and two other
Victoria boys. and a couple
of friends from Woolwich.
Returned to Woolwich
by tram and had a pleasant
but tiresome ride. Had a
great time when I got back.
(Fellows bawling out L and Reg[?]
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and trouble brewed)
Aug 6th. Its Monday
morning and the start of our
last week. The weather is
very warm.
Had a half holiday
and slipped up and saw
Charlie and had a pleasant
time. Went to Hyde Park.
Aug 7th. Weather very
hot. Prespire on our [1 word] now.
was examined this morning
by the major and detailed
'Cease firing.' Everything O.K.
Nothing to worry about now.
Aug 8th. Weather warm.
The Colonials are loafing
fairly well this week and
we are not killing ourselves
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119
by any news. Nothing startling.
Aug 9th. Shirking all
day. We celebrated the closing
of the class tonight by a banquet
at the Shakespeare
Hotel. We entertained the
S.M. and the sargeant
instructors. There were 17 of
us. The meal was excellent
and there was a volume of
booze. The Australians were
out to get the S.M. stewed
and they succeeded.
He went the limit. The waitresses
had a hard time
keeping up with the
supply of booze. At 9
o'clock we moved off to
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the Hippodrome, some staggered
there. We had front
seats in the show and
kidded the actors and
acresses and made more fun
than they did themselves.
One of the sargeant stood up
and started to detail
'misfire'. There was some fun.
I got home at 2 am.
The S.M. told us a
story about a Bomb, who was
promoted to a corporal to be
<del>get</del> go<sup>od</sup> ridance, they promoted
a sargeant for similar
reasons. When he returned
from India and France the
first man he had to salute
was Lieut. This chap when
senior mail orderly, reveived
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121
a letter marked 'Urgent' for
the major. He had the only
had horse in the battery and
collided with the major's
house, worth [pound] 800, and
killed it. Another time he
charged into the major's
leut. upset the table and
spoiled things. The major
belted the chap all over.
Aug 10th. Friday. This
is the last day. Had easy
time. Dodged our drill
all day.
Had a hard time
with a new corporal [1 word]
marker and counted him
out. He was an efficious[?]
bloke. At 5 o'clock we
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returned the guns and
our course was finished.
Aug 11th. Weather
fine. Up at 7.30 in time for
breakfast Only wish we were
here another few days to
clean up the corporal m.m.
At 9.30 we took leave
of our instructors, received
our passes and warrants
and hit it for London. We
had a great sing-song on
the trains and gave the
people something to
think about on the station.
Bomb Sandhouse
and I took a train from
Victoria for Eastbourne, arriving
there at 2 pm. We put up
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123
at the Albion hotel. and
had quite a time getting
a room. For a time we had
visions of a bed on the
sands.
Put in a pleasant
evening on the promenade
which is three miles long.
The beach is rocky. <del>we</del> This
is a very stylish place and
there are plenty of tarts[?].
Aug 12th. Weather fine.
Got up at 9.30. Had some
fun while in bed. When we
went to bed I shot up the
blind and our bed was only
12 feet from the road and
the people could see us
asleep as they passed and
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for a time we were confused
as to all the laughter. It
was soon self evident.
After breakfast we
strolled along the pier and
met Sergt Marley in the
afternoon. Went down to his
mother-in-law met his
wife and family and had
tea. Returned to hotel and
had another feed. The
sea air makes one hungry.
We saw the air ships which
hunt the submarines and
Hastings; also Pevensey.
where the battle of Hastings
was fought.
Aug 13th. Fine day.
Left Eastbourne at 11.40
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125
and made Victoria at 1.36.
I went to the Strand
Corner House and met 'Pink'
his sister and Forrest
Shaw. Had supper with them
and a good time.
Returned to Witley at
8.30, arriving in camp at
10pm. to be informed that I
had to go on a mounted
parade in the morning and
'Reveille' was to be at 4 am.
Aug 14th. Weather
cloudy. 'Reveille' 4 am. Some
change from Cambridge
Barracks. Left parade
grounds at 7.30 for
Hankley Common to be inspected
by the Duke of
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Connaught. While lined up
a deadly down pour of
rain came up, but we were
not allowed to put on our
coats. We were drenched to
the hide. We marched past
in a terrible squall.
Returned to camp at
12.30 and was informed
that I would be inoculated
at 3 pm. So I got my
shot and have 48 hours
off and am supposed to
stay in my lines. Had a
telegram from Mrs. Henderson
writing me out to supper.
I was met at the 'Y' and
taken <del>to the</del> in a taxi to
Hascombe. Went to church
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127
service in a quaint little
church and then had an
elegant supper and some
fine music. Left for camp
in a taxi and arrived at
11 pm. My arm is pretty stiff.
Aug 15th. Weather
fine. Didn't get up at
'Reveille', laid in.
Everyone is talking about
getting away. It seems as
though we will pull out for
the 'Promised Land' about
the first of the week.
Aug 16th.
[end page]
Item is the fourth of eight diaries written by Archie Wills during World War I and describes Wills' experience at Witley Camp as well as his training at Woolwich, both located in England between February and August 1917. Wills describes the daily life of the soldiers at the Witley training camp, which consisted of parades and field exercises. The men are trained in the use of gas helmets. The diary illustrates the hardships endured by the soldiers, such as the wet and cold weather, lack of baths due to broken pipes and freezing temperatures and insufficient rations. During their spare time the men explore the surrounding areas and socialize with the locals. By March 13th Wills and two of his friends begin the publication of their paper "O-Pip", releasing the first volume in April 1917. By the end of June Wills begins a 6-week training course in Woolwich. He returns to Witley camp on August 13th 1917. People mentioned include: Goldie, James Alexander; Newton, William; Gisborne, Frederick; Arthur, Prince, Duke of Connaught, 1850-1942; Borden, Robert L., Sir, 1854-1937; Hughes, Garnet Burk;