Archie Wills diary volume 3, September 1916 - February 1917
Description:
Item is the third of eight diaries written by Archie Wills during World War I. The diary covers the period from September 1916 to February 1917: starting with his departure from Petawawa Ontario, his travel to Halifax, Atlantic crossing on the troopship Cameronia, and arrival and training at Witley and Lark Hill camps, England.
He describes the interactions of the soldiers with the local residents and excursions to London and Devonport. Wills' diary illustrates the hardship of camp life in increasingly cold and wet weather and the limited food rations. The diary includes descriptions of gun drills, exercise training, map reading courses, guard duty and caring for horses. Wills writes about significant events including zeppelin raids, an influenza epidemic, and the deaths of two soldiers. In 1917 his battalion is divided and soldiers are sent to the 51st and 58th. People mentioned include: F. C. Mason, H. L. Bowden, H. L. Innes, Stanley F. Hancock, Hugh Kelly, C. H. Webb, George Lomas.
Subjects:
World War, 1914-1918; Wills, Archie
Date:
1916-1917
Title-Alternative:
Volume 3: my life in the army by Archie H. Wills. Sept. 22 to Feb 9, 1917. England Witley, Aldershot, Salisbury Plains.
Collection:
Archie H. Wills fonds
Location(s):
England--Aldershot; England--Salisbury Plain; England--Witley
People Depicted:
Wills, Archie; Mason, F. C.; Bowden, H. L.; Innis, James; Hancock, Stanley Foster.; Kelly, Hugh M.; Webb, C. H.; Lomas, George;