Archie Wills diary volume 5, August - November, 1917


Description:
Item is the fifth of eight diaries written by Archie Wills during World War I. This volume includes entries from August to November, 1917 and describe Wills' journey from the training camp at Witley, England to France and his battlefield experiences in and near Arras. His diary describes in detail the daily routine of the soldiers during their first weeks in France, and later on in the battlefield. He comments on the insufficient food rations, and living situation. Wills' diary illustrates the hardship and brutality of the war in the trenches, fire exchanges, the soldiers' sleep deprivation and the physical strain of constantly moving. Wills comments on the impact of the war on the local population: farm houses destroyed by shells; and the bombardment of Hersin which results in the deaths of several young women working in a laundry. He additionally describes preparing the Christmas issue of the O-Pip in autumn of 1917. The entries for November 15th to December 30th, 1917 are located at the end of Volume 6. Locations: Arras, Hersin People mentioned: Percy Mattin, Harry Macdearmid, H.E. Hunt, James Alexander Goldie, Herbert L. Bowden, William Smith, Andrew Clarke, Major-General Edward Morrison
Subjects:
World War, 1914-1918; Wills, Archie
Date:
1917
Title-Alternative:
Volume 5: my life in the army by Archie H. Wills. Aug. 16 to Dec. 31 [sic]. France.
Location(s):
England--Witley; France--Arras

Page Title:
AR394_WAH_03_14_01_001
Transcript:
[start page] Volume 5. My Life in the Army. France..Aug.16 to Dec.31. [end page]

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