Victoria to Vimy The First World War Collections at the University of Victoria Libraries

Archie Wills diary volume 4, Feb. 10 - Aug. 16, 1917

Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_002
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_003
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_004
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_005
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_006
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_007
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_008
Transcript:
[start page] 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. [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_009
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_010
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_011
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_012
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_013
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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) [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_014
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_015
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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) [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_016
Transcript:
[start page] 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. [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_017
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_018
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_019
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_020
Transcript:
[start page] 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. [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_021
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_022
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_023
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_024
Transcript:
[start page] 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. [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_025
Transcript:
[start page] 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]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_026
Transcript:
[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]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_027
Transcript:
[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]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_028
Transcript:
[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]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_029
Transcript:
[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]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_030
Transcript:
[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]


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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_032
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_033
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[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]


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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_035
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_036
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_037
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_038
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_039
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_040
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_041
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_042
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_043
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_044
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_045
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_046
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_047
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[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]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_048
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[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 [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_049
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[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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, [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_050
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[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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' [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_051
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[start page] 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, [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_052
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[start page] 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. [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_053
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[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_054
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[start page] 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. [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_055
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[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_056
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[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_057
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[start page] 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. [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


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AR394_WAH_03_11_04_058
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[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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. [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_059
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_060
Transcript:
[start page] 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[?] [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_061
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_062
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_063
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_064
Transcript:
[start page] 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 [end page] [start page] 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 [end page]


Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_11_04_065
Transcript:
[start page] 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]



Description:
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;
Subjects:
World War, 1914-1918; Wills, Archie
Date:
1917
Title-Alternative:
Volume 4: my life in the army by Archie H. Wills. England, Feb. 10, 1917 - Aug. 16. Ready for France.
Collection:
Archie H. Wills fonds
Location(s):
England--Witley Camp; England--Larkhill Camp; England--Hankley Common; England--Godalming; England--Hazlemere; England--Woolwich;
People Depicted:
Wills, Archie; Goldie, James Alexander; Newton, William; Gisborne, Frederick; Arthur, Prince, Duke of Connaught, 1850-1942; Borden, Robert L., Sir, 1854-1937; Hughes, Garnet Burk;