The
Great War diaries of
John
Bruce Cairnie
z 1915 z
Ë 1915 Ë
transcribed
and annotated by James Bruce
correspondence
to Alan Cairnie [cairnie@cogeco.ca]
BIOGRAPHY
John Bruce Cairnie was born on 22nd. September 1889 in Thurso,
His diary for 1916 will follow in due course.
In October 1917 he sailed to join the 3/4th King’s
African Rifles with the rank of lieutenant. He kept a diary from that time
until January 1919 when he sailed for home. This diary will also be transcribed
soon.
In September 1919 he started his teaching career in Golspie and in October
1921 moved south to
In 1930 he had married Isabella Moodie
and they had a son Alan Bruce Cairnie who moved to
"What
Remembrance Day Means to Me"
by Angus Cairnie, aged 12.
The order comes
from the generals;
The tanks halt, the
only sound is from the gulls.
The shells stop,
the guns are stilled,
The bombs stop blasting,
people remember those killed.
Memories come,
unstoppable as a flood,
Weep, weep and free
the earth of blood,
Tears flow, wash
away the sadness.
Thousands died to
clean the world of badness.
War is the knife,
blood is the lives and peace the tourniquet,
Remember, never
forget and feel the pain as battle lines met.
Love peace and
never let this happen again,
Restrain your anger
and don’t unleash again this pain.
Stop the artillery,
silence the guns.
No need anymore to
slay the Huns.
Call back the tanks,
land the planes,
Time to stop the
advance across the plains.
We’ve stopped
the holocaust,
The massive total
human cost.
The time to mourn
now is best,
More death than we
could have guessed.
So today is the day
that we remember.
Because war can be
a glowing ember,
At the thought of
war we stand aghast,
And Remembrance Day
will always last.
********************************
"Remembrance
Day Essay"
by Malcolm Cairnie, aged 11
A class is sitting in an assembly for Remembrance Day. One kid whispers to another, " What’s this Remembrance Day thing about, anyway?" The other kid replies, " I think it’s something for dead soldiers or something."
True. But that isn’t
the half of it. Remembrance Day is a time to remember the brave men in World
War I and World War II who died fighting against evil and tyranny. Veterans
come, too, to pay their respects to their lost comrades. In World War I, we
fought against
Why do we wear a poppy?
We wear a poppy to honor dead soldiers. Poppies grew on many men’s graves so it was adopted as a Remembrance Day symbol.
Why do we have a moment of silence?
On November 11th the peace treaty for World War I was signed. The minute the order ‘Cease fire’ was given, a silence fell over all. Today we use these two minutes to think about peace.
Why did these men go to war?
There were various reasons. Some went for the salary. Others went for the adventure and excitement. Then some went to be with family and friends. Many went to fight for their country and freedom. Whatever the reason, we can be sure there are more dead soldiers than veterans.
War is a gruesome prospect, and we must always try to find a better way. Most minor conflicts can be settled by negotiations, but sometimes war is necessary. Whatever any soldier does, he or she must only fight for freedom and justice.
So before you go rampaging off to battle, think. Is there anything else we can do to help? Do we have to kill? There is almost always a solution other than violence, and it is up to us to find it.
IN
THE RANKS
The origins of the 5th Seaforths lay in the Sutherland
Highland Rifle Volunteers, raised in Sutherland and
They were mobilised on 4 Aug 14 and together with the 4th (
After a couple of weeks spent improving coastal defences at Cromarty
(which protected the naval base at Invergordon) the brigade moved with the rest
of the division to
The commitment made by TF soldiers pre-war was to serve for home defence
only. On the outbreak of war most men made the additional commitment to serve
overseas although some, for various reasons (age, business or family
commitments, etc.), chose not to.
In Sep 15 a second battalion of the 5th Seaforths was formed,
as it was in all TF regiments. The 'first line' battalion - 1/5 Seaforth - at
Bedford contained men willing to serve overseas; the 'second line' or reserve
battalion - 2/5 Seaforth - at Golspie consisted of men who had not signed the
overseas commitment, were not fit for overseas service and recruits surplus to
the requirements of the first line battalion.
It had always been expected that the TF would require 6 months training
before being fit for overseas operations. In fact, 1/4 Seaforth went overseas
in Nov 14 and 1/4 Camerons in Feb 15, being replaced in the brigade by 1/6 and
1/8 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
TF infantry battalions were, at the outbreak of war, still organised in
eight companies - an organisation little changed from Napoleonic times. Regular
battalions had adopted a four company organisation in 1913.
Judging by his regimental number (3471) John Bruce Cairnie enlisted in
Sep 14. The popular image of men flocking to the colours on 4 Aug 14 isn't
really accurate - the peak of recruiting was actually a few weeks after the
outbreak of war. At the start of the diary he was serving in E Company (the
pre-war Thurso company) as a Lance Sergeant - this was appointment not a rank. His
actual rank was Corporal; a Lance appointment was usually a prelude to further
promotion.
JANUARY
1915
19 Jan 15
Company
drill from
20 Jan 15
Wakened by reveille. Mac lazy as he hadn't been in bed till 2:30 a.m. Route march to Turvey, somehow I felt less fit than usual. The company marched well going out, but coming in when No. 1 section were leading there was no step in it. 20 men on the sick-list this morning, mostly with chest-colds. No cases of measles in our Company today, but one death in 'G'.
The Colonel and Maj Sinclair left for a fortnight at home tonight. Still there is no word of leave for us.
21 Jan 15
Slept in this morning and had a bit of a rush. Black was orderly officer and I think did ditto as I saw him passing down at 8:30 in very squalid and untidy condition. Company drill under Joe Robertson with Ritson in the background and a military funeral in the neat ['over the wall' inserted above last phrase]. Quite cheerful sounds on the pipes.
It rained all afternoon so the NCOs got a lecture from Ritson and Black consisting of reading aloud extracts from 'Notes from the Front'. Ritson seems to have a good grasp of theory at any rate but too excitable.
Margaret and her mother at tea.
Mac got his Corporal strips tonight, dating back to 12th December so he draws a big pay. He's chucking things about in the kitchen now. I am writing this in the lavvy as Jimmie was in our house in one of his frequent states of fed-up-ness.
One death in 'A' today, and I believe 2 in 'H' yesterday.
22 Jan 15
There was nearly a mutiny this morning when the men were told to parade with their equipment which still wringing wet on. The Adjie wouldn't give in but when half the battalion paraded without it he had to send them back for an hour to get great coats. Route-march round by Rinhold and Cleat Hill raining most of the way. I enjoyed it very much.
Afternoon pay and rations. Lecture from Sergt-Major. He thought this about wet equipment - 'a damn good joke'. He insisted on punctuality on parade, which is certainly necessary. Our men aren't smart enough yet at turning out.
Mac
sleeping up in Orderly Room tonight as he got a little slap last night because
Gwyneth had a bad throat - mostly sham I'm thinking. She was alright today and
Pitman was in her room till after
24 Jan 15
Went
to
25 Jan 15
Tonight
I was on Town-picket - the
26 Jan 15
Platoon
drill and bayonet fighting this morning with pack and ammunition. Two of 'C'
Company with about 20 others left this afternoon with ammunition and blankets
for unknown destination. Everybody much excited and much speculation as to
where they are going to and what it may mean for the battalion. Rumours of
After afternoon parade I found myself and 2 of 'C' detailed to go on similar duty. Russell was picked and Jim Matheson. We paraded in 15 minutes, expecting great things and feeling very big. It turned out to be picket duty at Herring Green crossroads with orders to stop all cars and take number, etc. This result of last Zeppelin raid as the airships are thought to have been guided by cars with powerful headlights.
We barricaded the road with carts and took turns - 2hours on and 4 hours off. Not very exciting and very cold, but more exciting than platoon drill. My first experience at sleeping out and none too pleasant, but I think it wouldn't kill me.
27 Jan 15
The Kaiser's Birthday - bless 'im!
Got
into
We
got out to Cardington at
28 Jan 15
We
took up our positions again at
No cars were to be turned back, except officers who hadn't the password. Very little doing - they seem to be avoiding the place.
29 Jan 15
Got
in to
30 Jan 15
I
was helping
Today the new double company system was inaugurated and henceforth we form, along with 'F', the new 'C'. We are all sorry to bid goodbye to the old state of affairs, which seemed to work very well, and in which we were all very happy. We aren't keen on 'F' as they are a pretty rough and coarse crowd, but no doubt will improve on acquaintance.
31 Jan 15
I had made up my mind to get a lot of letters written today, but only managed three. Church Parade in the morning and we got a good sermon from the Cameron chaplain. He always makes an impression and rivets the attention of the men: reminds me in voice and manner of Daniel S Calderwood. In the evening I went to Corn Exchange Concert but was asleep most of the time.
FEBRUARY
1915
01 Feb 15
Paraded under company arrangements - company drill and physical exercises in the forenoon and musketry in afternoon. I find I have forgotten most of the musketry and expect that most of the NCOs are in the same box. I put Davidson onto my squad - he was a musketry instructor.
Ian and I went and had out photographs taken again and I hope they will be more successful than the last. We went to 'Brewster's Millions' with Mrs. Platts. Mac is living up to, if not beyond his pay - a very bad habit. His late hours must tell him sooner or later and if he doesn't chuck them soon I will speak to Mrs. Platts.
02 Feb 15
Parade
at
Soccer match between 'C' and 'D' ended 3 all although we had the best of the game. Got a little writing done tonight but still have heaps to do.
03 Feb 15
Parade
at
In the evening we were at Dr. Bell's for dinner and progressive whist. A lovely house and very hospitable people; especially as they had never seen a lot of us before. There were 20 of us, mostly Englishmen. Bailey and Mac sang. One of the 4th home from the front was there. He's not keen on going back.
04 Feb 15
Today
I was helping Ritson to pay the billets. This is rather monotonous work, only
Ritson's arithmetic is occasionally diverting. What neat, clean house most of
the people keep - 'We're poor but we like to be tidy and comfortable". R.
was in better tune today. Mac, Addie and Jim digging drains all day at
Jim is trying for a commission in one of the Reserve Battalions or more preferably the 5th.
I hear Willie Torrance is not expected to get better - pneumonia. Am very sorry for his mother.
Got a 'permanent' pass till Tuesday from Ritson and went down town. Had an unsatisfactory evening and will not waste another in the same way. Mac is for his first quarter guard tomorrow and I have been coaching him. Had a very cheery letter today from Louise.
05 Feb 15
With Ritson again paying the billets. He bangs into the houses in the most unceremonious fashion, but all over today he wasn't unsympathetic. It's when he is crossed in the least little detail that he loses his rag: and he can't abide to be chaffed.
Jim Miller who was more than half tight and was in seeing Nanna, has somewhat raised my hopes of a commission, but I don't know I want one. I wonder whether Ritson has not an inkling of it and is not trying to get the billeting job shifted onto my shoulders. I wouldn't have it at any price. I hear there are 8 vacancies - Jim says the Colonel has been speaking to him on the QT.
06 Feb 15
More
billet-paying today. I thought that I was going to have the afternoon off but
Ritson was anxious to get on with the work, so we on till
Then I went down town, had tea and went to the Chums and to the Palace, enjoyed myself in a quiet way. The Chums are getting on my nerves: they aren't a bit clever - except for Harold Johnson himself. I can't make out whether he is acting a part of not.
07 Feb 15
Church
parade at
Helped Ritson an hour or two with his books and wasted the afternoon reading a novel.
Wrote home after tea, but didn't give them any idea that leave is starting as we may be disappointed. Escorted Margaret home on my way to the Corn Exchange Concert. I rather like her, but don't know her well enough.
Mac and Gwyneth are downstairs now singing - howling rag tunes and making hideous the Sabbath evening.
08 Feb 15
Billeting again and got a good deal done in the afternoon. At three Ritson had an appointment and that spoiled us.
Went down town and examined
Hockliffe's secondhand bookshop: picked up one or two geological book of an
ancient order. Also A.W. Russell's "World of Life". Had tea and went
to the Whip. The staging rather ambitious but not bad considering the amount of
space at their disposal. Mac is going North on Wednesday and is in
correspondingly good form. Met Scott tonight in
09 Feb 15
Blank
10 Feb 15
Mac left today for seven days leave. Harcus went too. They were very cheery. Ritson and I went down to the station and afterwards to the Empire he standing me in. Not bad but rather vulgar.
Weighed myself at the station: found I have put on nearly a stone since coming down but that is with the kilt instead of trousers. Am now 10st 3 lbs in uniform.
11 Feb 15
Billets all day: am beginning to like the work, and also to be very lazy in the mornings.
Along to Mrs. Campion's at night and played bridge with the girls. They are quite good and I like them. I can't stand complicated girls.
12 Feb 15
Paid the last of the billets today and another rummage with Ritson in Hockliffe's old books, but didn't get anything. Worked in R's billet in the afternoon, arranging the forms. Had a yarn with Mrs. Mortimer.
Nothing doing at night it has been very cold all day, and I haven't got decently warmed up once.
13 Feb 15
A wet rotten day with sleet. Slimed [?] in the Orderly Room most of the morning. In the afternoon played Ellis at Chess and he wiped me: we are about evenly matched - he's probably a little better than me.
After tea, went to The Chums with Ritson - he paying. Programme not bad.
The Colonel interviewed a lot of fellows today, with a view to commissions - in this battalion. He didn't take me, which is either a very hopeful sign - or a hopeless one. I think Ritson is trying to wangle me in for his present job, but he won't manage it.
14 Feb 15
Muggy
and wet. Church parade at
Wrote home; and spent afternoon in Ritson's doing company drill with matches. He has the double company this week as Joe R is on furlough; and he's nervous about it. Went down to Church in the evening but so late. Went to Corn Exchange Concert - quite good. A fine soprano, and Blake of the Camerons.
15 Feb 15
Cold
and bright. Battalion moved off at
In orders tonight, extract from King's Regulations which seems to say we must not shave upper lip - whiskers moderate if any.
Jim had a row with Gwyneth and then with Nanna. How absurd we can all be.
16 Feb 15
Another
magnificent day - the sun is getting quite warm. 'C' marched out to
Down town in the evening for a few necessaries and spent the rest of the time getting my kit packed. I don't feel the least bit excited about going home. Jim cooked some haggis and it's lying heavy on my stomach now.
17 Feb 15
It
turned out wet today - so wet that the battalion didn't go out. I was glad as I
had all my things clean and ready for the journey. We left about
18 - 24 Feb 15
Blank
25 Feb 15
Got
into
Afternoon off.
At
26 Feb 15
Marched out past the Swan Inn, and fought out to Stagsden. A perfect day. George is very keen. Most of the way was through woods with thorny undergrowth. Our section finished up with what appeared to me a very knutty piece of strategy, but the Adjie galloped up and put half of us out of action.
Drew 42/7 today for the last 2 weeks. Am feeling rather depressed today - no doubt a reaction after furlough and even George's presence can't shake it off altogether. Regular fed up with the family.
27 Feb 15
Laurie and I got a swearing from the Adjie today because he saw some of the men scratching their faces when they were at attention. He's getting very snotty about details, so I suppose we'll have to stiffen up too.
Company out in the field above the Cemetery, practicing bayonet charging against sacks of straw. The sacks were set up as an extended line: good fun but not far good as instruction went: not enough ground. George was at musketry instruction in Mod. School Park, and was pretty fed up with standing about.
In the afternoon we went to Rugby Match, and at night George and Ian and I were down town on pass. We had tea in Dudeney & Johnson's; went to the Chums and enjoyed ourselves very much. The 'ass' is very like George. Went to the second house of the Empire.
28 Feb 15
Dreamt last night the Adjie told me he wouldn't recommend me for a commission. I gave him a bit of my mind.
Church parade today at
After dinner Geo, Ian, Addie and I walked out to the Swan, ordered tea and went on round by Stagsden. A perfect day, as clear as any we have had here for a long time.
Coming back from Stagsden we were hailed by the tract-delivering parson, so we took to our heels. He wanted us up to tea - judging from his gesticulations, so went back and explained and received a few tracts. George wild we couldn't accept his invitation, as the daughter seemed 'a peach'.
Tea at the Swan: the landlord rather unpleasant about tossing. Walked home: Geo. sent Addie sprawling.
MARCH
1915
01 Mar 15
Started running drill at
Went down town at
02 Mar 15
Running drill at 7:15. Paying billets with Ritson and Sandy Ross. The latter's services were requisitioned in order that the Captain might be saved the labour of writing out the amended forms.
03 Mar 15
This was to be a divisional day but turned out wet so we turned in. Had a reading in the office, and a short route march in the afternoon round by Oakley and Bromhaw.
At night we were hauled out to a concert nobody wanted to go to. It turned out to be a dancing display by some school kids very good in its way but not the sort of meat and drink the Army wants. One little girl of 9 was a splendid turn - comic songs, etc. and should make her name.
04 Mar 15
Running drill at
Went down town tonight to the Picture-drome. Came back early. Gwyneth has had toothache for the last two or three days and Mac and George have had to take turns at holding her hand.
05 Mar 15
Running drill at 7:15.
Battalion parade at
After tea I wrote home. George and Ian are both 'out' as regards the house and doubt if they will ever smell it again.
06 Mar 15
We had a so-called medical inspection at nine. It consisted of our new M.O. walking briskly along the ranks and studying the men's' boots. At 10 we marched up to Clapham park to get into the trenches again. We had two shifts and Willie was for making us do handling of arms when we came out of the trench. However we marched them to the hedge and sat down. He is probably the most unpopular officer in the battalion now: he used to be the most popular. 'F' Company vow to school him when we get into action.
Jim Miller, Blake and I had
to parade to the Brigade Office at
George and Ian on pass tonight.
07 Mar 15
Church parade at
Black and Howie were in to supper.
08 Mar 15
Running drill at 7:15. Very cold, and snowing slightly. George not on duty yet as he was inoculated on Saturday. Company drill was cancelled and battalion went out for a route march - Milton Ernest, Filimousham, Pavenham, Stevington and Oakley. A splendid day for marching - cold and bracing and blinks of warm sun between the showers of small snow. The buds are on the hedges. The Company marched well today, and with a little care on the part of some NCOs - especially Laurie and M'Adie we would have a good marching coy.
Dinner at
09 Mar 15
Marched out to near Stagsden and did the same scheme as on Thursday's last. This time we were the supports and had a most pleasant cross-country ramble - more like a botanical excursion than a sham fight.
10 Mar 15
Had the parade S_a_ [?] etc. in good time, having been up at 6. Marched out towards Colmworth and division attacked Gordons in direction of in the direction of Milton Ernest. When we just beginning - I was with the supports, the Adjie came and ordered me to take the pack-ponies to the ammunition column.
I managed to catch them up after about an hours march. Then we stood for several hours on the road, very cold. Moved forward and came abreast two batteries in action. No sign of our battalion and I believe the commander of the column had quite lost touch with most of the infantry including ours The 6th lost touch with the 5th and seem to have lost themselves into the bargain.
Had a good march home, fine exhilarating weather. Got in after 4, one of the longest days we've had.
11 Mar 15
With J. Ritson today, working all morning in the Orderly Room. Wonder if I'll take as badly to laboratory work as I do to office work. In the afternoon we paid some outlying billets, in a very lackadaisical state. JJR infects me that way.
Had tea in the pavilion with George and Ian, and Dolly sat and gassed till we were fair fed up. Nanna is jealous. Went down town to the Picture-drome.
Hear Major M'Millan told
Willie of in the mess last night. Willie gets more unpopular every day.
M'Millan told him to look out when he got to
12 Mar 15
Quite a good day, and did practically no work. I was in the Orderly Room till about 10, then went down town and spent the rest of the forenoon looking round the 2nd hand bookshop. Didn't see anything good.
After dinner went with
Ritson and Ian to the Bank and was free at
After tea at 21 I wrote home and found my diary a great help. Black was in practising songs tonight and has settled on 'My Old Shako'. He hasn't got a voice or a temperament for it and woes me playing for him and Gwyneth, I hear they are going to rag Willie.
13 Mar 15
With Ritson in
Concert at night a great success. Black didn't turn up for which I was sincerely thankful. Gwyneth surprised me, singing so well. Cowper of the Groat was down for the occasion and was quite successful in one or two of his songs, though they were of the usual antediluvian order. Willie and Ritson both sang, but very nervous. Willie got a good reception. The Sergt-Major danced the Highland Fling.
14 Mar 15
Church parade at
Went to
15 Mar 15
Went out to Harrowden for field practices. Fifteen rounds per man at ranges from 600 to 300. Disappearing targets up for 35 secs and down for the same. Not very realistic but better than ordinary butt-shooting. Very easy to forget adjustment of sights. Our detail - with Donnie Dunnet, Poll, Laurie, etc had a long way the best score.
Was down town but nothing doing.
16 Mar 15
Divisional practice today -
that of Wednesday 10th revived, with the 6th we held a position E of Milton
Ernest. Whole 5th were out as a screen for the rest of Division.
Willie spoilt it by moving from the right of our company's front to the extreme
left, taking his platoon with him and consequently left a gap through which the
enemy penetrated. Perhaps he wasn't to blame - haven't heard his side of the
matter yet. Anyway we had all to retire in double time and at one point were
almost taken. Not at all a brilliant affair, but very difficult to gauge what
the results would be in the real thing. Got home on
Went down town at night.
Pitman was in tonight saying we are down to move in six weeks time as a
Division. I say# there have already gone over 2 or 3 Territorial Divisions.
Hope we are sent to the
17 Mar 15
Examined some of the empty houses today with Ritson. A good deal of damage done in some cases, but others well looked after. Over at the Park for tea. The Battalion went out at 6 for night marching, but I went down town, having slight neuralgia.
COMMISSIONED
Commissioning in 1915 was a relatively informal affair. Candidates for
regular commissions continued to attend
JBC would have applied for a commission on the standard army form and
been recommended by
Once everything was approved, the only formal procedure was the
announcement of his commissioning in the
It was then up to his regiment to train him - and in early 1915 there was
very little knowledge in the
18 Mar 15
Was just going on parade this morning when Ian and Jim Miller came to tell me I had been gazetted. Miller and Blake are too. I wasn't a bit glad in fact it almost brought tears to my eyes to think that I must give up all my friends. George was very decent and tried to pretend he was glad but I know he isn't. I had to go and put on 'civies' which I had taken care to keep by me. Queer it feels to be in them again. Spent most of the day about the streets and transferring my things to Mrs. Mortimer's where I am to be billeted.
Went to lunch at the Mess with Ritson, and met most of the officers. It is much more free and easy than I had expected. Took a box of cigars up to the office and found Jim Miller carting up 4 bottles of Johnnie Walker. He was well screwed, and would have me go over to the Mess with him which I did until I found him going in the kitchen door, then I made my escape. Am sleeping this last night with George.
19 Mar 15
Breakfast at the Mess and
glad to get decent Scotch porridge and cold milk in my mouth again. Got leave
to go to
Left by the
20 Mar 15
Arrived
Met John Budge and had lunch with him at Miss Cranston's. He's a quaint bird but looking more spruce than I've seen him.
Got Daisy and Tina in at
21 Mar 15
Walked to the Goat Brae with uncle in the forenoon - a blustering day, and a good deal of slushy snow on the roads. Uncle is a very good walking companion. Bob came along in the afternoon and was surprised find Bessie and me here.
22 Mar 15
Cycled down to Donibristle Ho. this morning. A lovely soft day, but colder later on. The country side is pretty just now and wreaths of snow behind the hedges give it extra colour. Found Donald M'Kay superintending the physical exertions of the men. He had a half day off, so I stayed till after tea. They are mounting 2 9.2 [inch] guns on Braefoot Pt. where he will be stationed when they are completed: at present the guns are 3 days overdue having be[en] shipped from Woolwich. Ship not since heard of. Probably another case of false economy. D.W.M. seems well content with his lot, and if he gets obedience from the men I should think it is more by taking it for granted than by exacting it.
Got up to Xgates at
23 Mar 15
It has been a muggy day. Called at Cowdenbeath on my way down and introduced myself to Mr. Bain. Had a long yarn with him during which he frequently went beyond my depth. Had a longish walk with Uncle in the afternoon.
24 Mar 15
Left for
25 Mar 15
Spent the morning looking
for a waterproof, and didn't find one. I am a most undecided person when
hunting for anything like that, and usually start out with no clear idea of
what I want. I ultimately came to the decision, on looking up Land & Water,
to go down and inspect the
Was at Daisy's at
26 Mar 15
Got into Euston at
breakfast time, which meal I got in a little dingy restaurant with marble
topped tables and no table cloths. A lot of others there too, quite decently
dressed, but mostly going in for tea, or hot milk and cake! I couldn't
make it out. Went to look for a waterproof, and spent most of the morning in
that way. Went down
Went out to
Got a train from St.
Pancras about 8 and got into
27 Mar 15
Jim Miller was attached to A, and I to B. "B" was on the miniature range this forenoon and practising fire control with landscape targets, so I hadn't any occasion to make a fool of myself although I felt one with my trews as wide as a divided skirt.
The afternoon I spent
moping about the digs. I was over at 21 for a bit, but George and Ian have gone
to
28 Mar 15
Church parade at
Wrote home in the forenoon and after dinner at Platts I went with Ritson and Mortimer for 18 holes of golf. It was an ideal day and we had a most enjoyable round. I won by one hole, to Ritson's fairly evident disgust, but I think he really was off his game. I don't know whether I did right or wrong to play but I don't see any harm in it, under the circumstances, and this is the only day Mr. Mortimer can get. I like him, he's just like a kid out of school.
29 Mar 15
Another brilliant day.
Marched out about
Invested in a set of chess, but don't believe I'll have much time for it. I haven't been able to do any reading for some time.
30 Mar 15
Divisional practice today
and moved off at
The men are keen and
tractable and I shall do everything I can to keep them so. The difficulty is to
draw the happy medium between Harper's laisey-faire [sic] and Willie's nagging
tactics. We marched home as we came out, with many irritating stops and didn't
get in until
31 Mar 15
Very warm today - the most
summery day we've had yet. Rifle and foot inspection at
Am getting to know W. A. M'Donald, as we are the only officers at present with 'B' and I like him, as every other body does too.
Had hoped to get some letter writing today - to Daisy as I had some cigarettes from her this morning, but got none done. Had a game of chess with Ritson, in which he nearly beat me.
APRIL
1915
01 Apr 15
Was on duty in the butts at
Harrowden today along with Corrigal. We left here at
Black had No.10 platoon on Brigade inlying picket last night and they were nearly all tight. He wasn't quite sober himself I'm told. That's the way to be carrying on just now. No wonder we have a bad name.
02 Apr 15
A total holiday today. Wrote and read in the forenoon. After dinner, Ritson, Mortimer, George and I went out, per taxi, to Clapham golf course and had 18 holes. George was fair excited, and driving a very long, if somewhat erratic ball. It was great to see all his old mannerisms. We all had tea in Mrs. Mortimer's, along with Ian and Addie and some lady friends of the family. We had quite a jolly night. Mrs. Mortimer thinks a lot of George.
03 Apr 15
Wet today, so the Company
didn't parade at all. W.A. M'Donald and I inspected some of the billets, but in
a very perfunctory way. I was Supernumerary Orderly Officer, J.B. Morrison
being Orderly Officer. The duties don't seem to be either onerous or difficult;
and as far as I can gather they are mostly skipped. Morrison seems to be rather
a conscientious cove, although it may have been partly for my benefit. I read
most of the afternoon, and had to spend from
04 Apr 15
Church parade at
We all had tea and supper in 26. George waited till roll-call. I am very sorry for him, he seems so sick of 21, where the gramophone is never quiet, unless it's to give the piano a chance.
05 Apr 15
Divisional sports, and thank goodness a fair and mild, if not a brilliant day. The sports were in the Grammar School grounds and attracted a huge crowd. The crowd, as far as fashion, etc. was considered, was very tame. There were 5th competitors in many of the events and we won the 100 yd (Goddard) and the officers relay race, besides being second in the tug of war and number of other events. All over we had second place, 21 points to 43 of the 8th Argyles. The latter carried off most of the heavy events. The dancing was a treat but the presence of three or 4 professionals knocked all the amateurs out.
After mess sat in the billet where Mr. and Mrs. Ritson, Mrs. Mortimer and her rather pretty niece Miss Monk had foregathered.
06 Apr 15
Divisional exercise today and a most disagreeable day at that. We marched
out the Kempston and Ampthill road and effected a junction with another column
which was on the Cotton End road in Wilshamstead Wood, from which we turned
south and attacked the Gordons at
"B" Coy's concert is on tonight, but I was told off for Brigade Inlying Picquet in Albert Terrace. After several attempts to quieten them the men have at last subsided and quietness reigns. I suspect they have been throwing lemonade bottles through the (closed) windows, but am not certain. I have just had to speak pretty plainly to some of them.
GOLSPIE
JBC spent the next few weeks at Golspie with the 2/5 Seaforth, during
which time he made only one entry in the diary.
On 11 Apr 15 the
Jim Miller was wounded by shellfire on 19 May and evacuated to
On 15 Jun 'C' Company, led by Capt Joe Robertson, took part in an attack
on German trenches which failed in the face of machine-gun fire and uncut
barbed wire. 2 officers and 33 other ranks were killed - many others were
wounded. Among the dead were Sgt Ian M'Millan, Pte George Alexander and 2/Lt
Donnie Dunnet. Capt Joe Robertson, Capt Joseph Ritson and Lt W A M'Donald were
among the wounded.
Sergt-Maj Sutherland and three others won the Distinguished Conduct Medal
bringing in the wounded under fire.
JBC's diary for 15 Jun simply says 'Battle of Festubert'
Shortly after Festubert JBC's mother received the following letter:
__________________________________________________________________________
Private
3472 "C" Coy
1st 5th Sea Hdrs
152nd Infantry Brig
51st (
B. E. France
Friday 25 June
Dear Mrs Cairnie,
You all must have got a great shock when the news of our casualties reached Thurso & especially when you heard of the loss of the two boys you know so well, I can well understand your feelings but I know one gets a great comfort in the knowledge that they have died the most noble and honourable deaths.
Thurso & Wick have suffered heavily as a result of the charge which shall never be forgot by any of the survivors.
Your parcel for poor George came here the other day and was handed to me & I saw by the card that I was meant to share it, I shared with several of the other boys here & let them know who it was for & who it was from.
I wrote a short note to
Bruce the other day, poor Bruce will feel it terribly as George was always
speaking about him & the rare times they used to have together especially in
camp at Reay & I always knew by the way he spoke that they were the best of
chums. I remember him say not very long ago that he was glad Bruce was not out
here.
I'm not to say give
any of the details of the attack as I've begun to hate speaking about it, one
does not realise what chums really are till after they are gone beyond one's
reach.
Nothing more at present, hoping this finds everyone in Thurso in good health.
Believe me,
yours sincerely,
Andrew B Sinclair
___________________________________________________________________________
TO
After the shock of
The need to replace battle casualties and the increasing numbers of
officers required by battalions on active service meant a draft of officers was
sent out from the 2/5th at Golspie. After a farewell dinner in the
Sutherland Arms Hotel, Brora on the evening of 23 Jun 15 JBC left for
JUNE
1915
Barnetson
and I left Golspie at
Breakfasted
at the Strand Palace Hotel and after being photographed, at
Arrived
On
deck shortly before
Char-a-banc up to the Base
Office from which we received orders to proceed
Arrived
This being Sunday there way nothing very much doing in the way of drill. We went down to the town and wandered through the streets, visiting the market which was pretty well packed with country people. We (Barnetson, Suddy, Hamish and I) had some grub at a café - strawberries made up in some sickening sort of way. Saw the Cathedral and most of the older parts of the town, some of it fairly ancient and replete with carved arches and figures in all sorts of corners and attitudes. Had a decent dinner at a restaurant: Hamish inclined to get a bit uproarious. Nearly all the shops were shut. Sat in a café on the river front for a bit and then took the car out to the camp.
After breakfast we walked up to the pine wood about a mile along the road for a lecture by a young Captain who has evidently been out all winter. On the road, and on the sandy bit of plateau between it and the river infantry and cavalry were being drilled. The infantry were in some cases drafts newly come out, in others details, sick, etc. They were fairly getting it rubbed in and smartened up, but it was only for a few hours in the day.
In the evening we went down
to
The
same programme today as yesterday but it came on rain so we returned to camp,
when it cleared up. Harry Lauder's son has joined the camp. In the afternoon we
had revolver shooting at which I was nothing patent. Went down to
Packed
up our stuff, and drew web equipment, etc. from the QM Stores. Left camp at
JULY
1915
Didn't
sleep very well last night, probably because of certain amount of une Slept
from
Major Morrison met us three and conducted us to the transport train where we were entertained to tea by Major Sinclair and James Willie - under the greenwood tree. I was surprised to see the civil population evidently going about their work as usual and children sprawling in the gutter although they are within range of the German lines. Of course all the men are in uniform. The countryside is very flat, rather like some of Bedfordshire, but the crops are getting pretty high and make the country even more difficult. We went on later to the 'Reserve Trenches' in Rue Baceanot.
Breakfast
at 8. The men are up at
Before tea I went up to the firing line and had the first experience of being near shrapnel. Up there it is very quiet and everybody is very comfortable. The trench is of the nature of a redoubt, built of sandbags, over which it is almost certain death to stick your head in daylight. The enemy snipers are very good. I found Adam very happy, in one of the dug-outs.
IN
THE TRENCHES
Some of our batteries were going it strong last night although there was little reply to them. They kept us awake a bit. Went up to the fire trench with Major M'Millan and 6th Sea officer and had a good look over the part we are to occupy. It consists mainly of an old Brit communication trench running at right angles to remainder of our line, joining us up with the A&SHs who are further advanced. From this communication trench, several redoubts have been built at right angles. These we have to hold. Seemingly the Germans gave it to them pretty hot last night with shrapnel and high explosive. They got one of the latter into a fort and smashed a dug-out, the two men inside having miraculous escapes. I found Adam, again as happy as ever, exploring the inside of his kilt for 'Scots Greys' which are very abundant here. After dinner I slept and in the evening got my things ready for going into the trenches. This we did after dusk and I got my platoon in without difficulty, but of course this part is very easy indeed to relieve. We took over and No. 4 Platoon was told off to the reserve trenches.
No.
4 had to furnish visiting patrols and listening patrol as well. I was rather
afraid of the latter but found it quite a simple affair as we didn't go out
far. The night was splendid and beyond desultory rifle fire there was nothing
doing. No casualties in the battalion. Turned in at
Quite a quiet day and little doing. Explored the ground just in front of the Sally Port for a sniping post along with Major M'Millan. It is a great thing to be serving under him. No 4 Platoon moved up to take over the two redoubts this evening. It promises to be more exciting work. Stayed in Z until after stand-to. Nothing much doing. There are 16 Argyle bomb-throwers in Z as well as two sections of my own.
A
fine morning. Had to wait on after stand-to (
At night again the fun started but Y got it worst. I don't know how they hadn't some casualties. Fortunately a lot of the shells didn't explode - duds. Later the Bosches started rapid fire, having spotted a work party of Argyles so we had a hot time, the bullets going cracking overhead. I wasn't excited, but it took some nerve to put my head above the parapet. The Argyles who were with us were a great asset. Donnie Morrison is a very useful and willing man. I'm glad to have him.
Stayed
in Z Redoubt until after
Finlayson
called me at
Slept in the afternoon, censored some letters and went along the line to see Addie. I never feel as sad as when I see poor old Addie's face. I believe 'C' would put up a desperate fight but their spirit is clean gone at present.
Went out on reconnoitring
patrol about
Wakened
by Finlayson at
Were relieved at
Breakfast
about
Nearly
slept in. Had to attend bomb school at
Went bombing this morning and threw some live Bethune bombs. Rather nervy work at first. Slept and wrote May in the afternoon. Big pile of letter to censor. Black and Stalker arrived this afternoon Black to A Coy, Stalker to B.
Put of a lot of rifle grenades - saw a display with trench mortars by Blake - horrid affair.
Took
my platoon into Estaires for a bath and had one myself, along with Blackie.
Fine clean feeling afterwards. This is the first hot bath the battalion has had
since coming out, so they must have needed it. Had to up to the trenches on
fatigue - Black too and it was his first time in the firing line. It was a
splashing wet night and everybody got soaked. Had to lead along about 300 yards
of newly dug, narrow trench in pitch darkness. Worked from
Slept till dinner time. Went up to relieve the 7th Gordons at night. Trenches seemed very strange the first night, getting into them in almost inky darkness. Everyone stood to till dawn, as Major M'Millan believes in doing so the first night.
Blank
Blank
Up at dawn - fine bright morning. Black and I slept spent most of the afternoon potting at a German with the periscope rifle but didn't get him. I saw his head and shoulders - my first German. Two or three times it struck me this was Sunday, but it was hard to remember. It's just like any other day, only the Germans usually send over a few more shells than usual.
In the evening, during Church time at home, I lay and 'imagined' the organ and service. We seem very near home.
Another grand day and just the usual routine of the trenches. Went out at night with L/Cpl Sinclair reconnoitering and was out for 2 hours, looking for disused trenches along our front. Got back about 12 and found the Major getting anxious.
Up at 3 and found Blackie waiting for me to make tea which we did. Grand morning. After breakfast Finlayson and I took bearings for 3 fixed rifles to sweep roads behind German lines. Loopholes are to be built tonight. Both sides were very quiet today, the Germans can be seen carrying long poles through their trenches.
Went along to see 'C' Coy
tonight. Addie in good form and more cheerful than usual. I hear from the
sergeants that George was simply splendid and willing to do anything. A lovely
sunset tonight - great long fiery clouds stretching over the West and overhead
and giving everything a fine glow. Overhead several aeroplanes - they usually
come at dawn or in the evening. Turned in about
Blank
We
leave the trenches tonight so most of the day is spent in cleaning up, etc. It
is always a wearisome day when we are going out as there is no outgoing mail
and therefore no incentive to write. We were relieved by the Indian Division -
a regiment of Sikhs relieved the 5th. They were very quiet about is and weird
looking. I'ld rather fight with them than against. It started raining just
about
Rose
and breakfasted about 12
Inspection
by OC at
Church
Service at headquarters this forenoon. Rev. M'Farlane still hammering away at
the Kaiser: the sniping pretty rotten. Meeting of officers at Bde HQ in
afternoon addressed by Brigadier, revising lessons learned by 3 months
experience. I hope he has learned his lesson. Had to go into La Gorgue
to find road to station and did so on the Major's nag. Went to bed at
ON
THE
In mid July the 51st (
The battalion remained in this area until late 1916, mostly occupying
positions on the River Ancre just north of Albert.
Marched
to La Gorgue station, leaving Merville about
Rose late. Had a bathe in a burn with Black and Finlayson. The water is clean and wholesome, quite unlike what we have seen up north. Concert by 'A' and 'B' Coys at the Girls Seminary. Piano on the steps at front door and men standing or sitting round below the trees. Perfect night.
Reviewed today by General Munro, Commanding 3rd Army. Concert tonight by officers. Great success. Finnie sang splendidly. Another perfect night. Conversazione of officers afterwards in 'B' Coy headquarters, and one of the men doing 'Imitations'.
Drill in forenoon - handling arms, and also bathing parade. Sun very warm. Lot of Kitcheners passed through today. We expected to move today too but cancelled. This is a lovely little village.
Handling
of arms and swim in the morning. Marched off at
Difficult
to get good water here - the stuff we washed in was full of H2S. Hence late
breakfast. Port wine under the trees in the Chateau garden until some of them
were beginning to get merry. Paraded at
Dined with the latter
gentleman and 3 regular officers in a shanty below the bridge. My French very
weak. Went round the post about
AUGUST
1915
07 Aug 15
Nothing worth noting down in the past week. I have been on this post all the time. We did some work during the day - clearing the wood in front of Mound Keep and cleaning up the trenches. At night of course the sentries were on and I had to make a tour of these with the sergeant.
The weather has not been
too good - fair amount of rain and drizzle, but I have been very comfortable in
the hut below the bridge, with first a
Have read 'Captain Maigaret' this week and written a few letters. The time passes very quickly.
08 Aug 15
A fine quiet day, quite Sunday like. Had a glorious bathe, or rather bath in the burn this morning. Afterwards read Study in Scarlet.
Having been living very much in the past, dallying with old memories, but keeping out the later tragic ones. Think it's good occasionally to just take a good look back.
09 Aug 15
Moist
warm day. Too lazy to do any work or to see that the men did any. Glad we're
not in the
10 Aug 15
Thick and misty this morning - no improvement after the thunder. Put the men on to clear out the trenches which are rather muddy. Felt more energetic in the afternoon and wrote two letters. A and B have a joint mess but I don't think it would be well to continue it always. The Bosches are beginning to send over shrapnel occasionally now, and two landed up in the wood tonight not far from one of my groups. Probably there is too much movement in the wood.
11 Aug 15
Another good day. Had a good view of the firing line from trenches on the valley side behind us. The Chateau of Thiepval isn't much of a place now. Had some shrapnel into Authuille tonight and some of us had a rather narrow shave. Argyles had one killed and 1 wounded at the river. A lot of our men there too. We are always very lucky.
12 Aug 15
Blank
13 Aug 15
The Argyles were relieved by the Indian Cavalry Division. These have been in the trenches only about 48 hours since they came out in December. Rather funny to see them losing their companies in the darkness and as I couldn't make myself understood to them I had a bit of a job.
14 Aug 15
The
officers of the ICD came round today - half a dozen majors and captains with
note-books all asking questions. Discovered Leslie who used to be in Chem T
among them. He didn't seem to relish the reminiscences so I left him alone. I
handed over to an officer of the Iniskillings at
Battalion formed up in Bois
d'Aveluy and when it got dusk, took the road through Albert and got to
Buire-sur-l'Ancre about
15 Aug 15
A
fresh awakening this morning: got up about 8 and shaved and washed. Breakfast
in a hired room, and later on
16 Aug 15
The newly joined subs paraded under the Sergeant-Major in transport lines and submitted to public degradation - right turns by numbers. Great indignation, especially on Freegard's part.
17 Aug 15
Drill in the forenoon. After tea had a walk by myself up to the main road and back by Ribermont. Read Gray's Elegy on the way and much of it that was meaningless before was quite clear. Lovely evening.
18 Aug 15
Drill in the forenoon beside the river and after dinner walked over to Bresle to a gas demonstration. In the evening had a stroll up above the village through the cornfields.
19 Aug 15
Football match between men and officers tonight but had to stop in the middle as the ball burst.
20 Aug 15
The
forenoon was spent mostly in spraying respirators and smoke helmets, and also,
on my part, in packing my valise. Left shortly after
Went by Dernancourt to
Moulin du Vivier (Bde H.Q.) and through Albert up to Becourt (Bat. H.Q.) and so
up to the fire-trench. We are taking over from 'A', 7th Gordons. Had supper and
a look round the trenches. Turned in till
21 Aug 15
Up
at
Had a bathe this morning and found myself 'lowsy' in the extreme in spite of my mouslin shirt.
22 Aug 15
Had
a 'snackie' at
Great draw back to these trenches is the lack of proper water supply. All drinking water comes up in water carts at night to B.H.Q. and has to be fetched from there in jars, bottles, tins, etc, by roundabout way. Same with grub and ammunition.
23 Aug 15
This
early breakfast is a good idea and gives a sound basis for beginning the day
on. Up at
24 Aug 15
Splosh
wakened me this morning at 4. Evidently there was a mix up last night and he
was on by himself with the Beds subaltern. I turned out and had a belated
breakfast at 5. 'K's Chaps' had turned in. Saw them at breakfast time. They are
nice [or mice ?] like fellows and ours get on with them all right. In some
places there has been some friction between K's and Terriers, but not here. They
took over all my part of the line after stand-to at
25 Aug 15
It was 5 before I was up this morning owing to some mistake. Another splendid day, and very quiet. The Germans have been busy opposite us these last nights and are sandbagging their trenches. They have the advantage of us in being on the top of the hill. We can't see their support trenches but they can see ours and down to B.H.Q. as well. In the early morning with the sun behind them they have a big advantage in light too, and I wonder they don't do more sniping.
Spent most of the forenoon
in the observation post getting to know their line. Wrote in the afternoon. The
evenings are short after tea now. Stand-to is about
The Russians have had a
naval victory in the
26 Aug 15
We
have been sandbagging the parapet for the last few days to keep the chalk from
falling into the trenches. We have made no loopholes here.
I was on all night and had much trouble in keeping some of the men alert. The 8 hour shift is rather long I think as there are so many fatigues by day.
Splosh singing Harry Lauder in the Mess. He is rather like D.B. except that he can carry a tune.
27 Aug 15
Got
to bed about
Another glorious day - not
a drop of rain since we came in to trenches. Had a wash and a shave in a bowl:
also a hunt and got one of each variety so I'm proving. But I'm very itchy.
Turned in about
Splosh got rather a setback
tonight when playing the veteran up among the
28 Aug 15
Another
fine day, but rather close. Saw two Huns through the periscope and had a pot at
them. In the evening started putting up a loophole, which took from 7 till
Soaked through by the time
were done and the trenches were very bad with water lying in them. Wakened
Splosh at
29 Aug 15
Had quite a comfortable sleep considering. Got up at breakfast time. The loophole is a wee bit low but may do.
My pocketbook was brought
in at
30 Aug 15
Up
at
Black and I on duty at night. It was very cold and we stayed in the mess most of the time, alternately sleeping and writing. Took occasional turns along the line, and tried to locate the underground sounds. We think they must be from some dug-out, or from the trench itself. It hardly seems possible they would drive a mine 350 yards when the lines are much closer elsewhere. Still there must be some explanation of these very high mounds they have thrown up. They can't be from any ordinary trench work.
Wee Willie slept in my bed
till
31 Aug 15
Rose for dinner. Very little doing today. Had a few shots through the loophole, but the earth has been too damp lately for observation to be easy. Sandbags are at an end, so there isn't much work to be done.
The Major was testing the artillery on a point today, and found it took ten minutes for them to open fire, which is rather too long.
'Stand-to' is shortly after
SEPTEMBER
1915
01 Sep 15
Wakened
at
In the afternoon the 7th
Gordons officers came up to take over, so we had a large party at tea. It began
to rain in the afternoon and the trenches were soon in a great muck. It is
always wearisome waiting for the reliefs, and tonight they didn't arrive till
We got down to the foot of
hill 106 after plootering through the mud. Some platoons came down the road,
but I didn't care to take that responsibility. The moon was high by this time,
and we had a good march in although the tail straggled a little at first and I
had to leave three men behind. Arrived at Buire as
'REST'
‘Rest’ for infantry units out of the line was not really an
accurate description of what happened. It was more a matter of continual
fatigues in the trenches and rear areas.
02 Sep 15
Wakened at
Had a letter from Daisy re
rose bowl which appears to have given satisfaction. Dinner and tea at
03 Sep 15
Parade at
04 Sep 15
No parade this forenoon as
another fatigue party of 150 left at
Left with party of 200 men
at
05 Sep 15
Brekker at
Arrived at our new billets
after a very warm but short march. The new place isn't nearly so comfortable as
Buire, but the air is brisker. Finnie and I have a nice room upstairs, with a
motherly old wife to take an interest in us. Had tea at
06 Sep 15
Up at
Had a rest in the afternoon and after tea wrote and went for a stroll. Singing in B Coys tonight, also a case of O.P. Didn't go down.
07 Sep 15
Lovely day again. I was to
have gone on fatigue this forenoon but it was cancelled so we had a bit of a
rest, but not altogether undisturbed as there was a 'non-surprise' alarm at
After tea, went for a stroll up into the corn fields and wrote to May: A glorious sunset. The nights are splendid just now.
08 Sep 15
Breakfast at
Spent the afternoon in my sleeping bag reading and sleeping. After tea went down to Buire on the Major's horse.
09 Sep 15
Splendid day again.
Breakfast at
Lay in most of the day, as
I am rather stiff and have a bit of a cold coming on. Worked after tea at
Fortnum and Mason's accounts with
10 Sep 15
Breakfast at
Right half company played left half this afternoon, resulting in a win for latter by 1-0. Finnie and I played for left half, and Blacko, in a flimsy costume and identity disc played for right. There was too much temper in it, especially on old Stewart's part. The refereeing was strict to excess. Very good game all the same, and although I fell absolutely pegged out I believe it has done my cold good.
Laurie [?] has gone away with some skin trouble, and don't expect he will come back. Watson away to hospital again, this time with his eyes.
BACK
INTO THE LINE
11 Sep 15
Rifle inspection as usual.
Billets had to be cleaned up in the afternoon: have always to keep nagging at
this job. Teas at
The day had been very hot
but it was a grand evening for marching, although road very dusty. They were
taking in the harvest along the roadside, and away in the distance beyond
Albert, the white lines of the trenches could be seen. Got to the rendezvous,
on the other side of the town, at dusk and were met by the guides who led us
up. The communication trench up to the Chateau has been much improved and
drainage arrangements are much better. Still I thought we would never get up to
the top: and beyond the Chateau we had about as far to go again. We were posted
by about
12 Sep 15
Wakened at
One of the Neats in No. 2 was shot through the head while looking over the parapet through his telescope. He was always too daring. His brother was very much cut up.
We are working one officer in firing line here, as we have a small frontage. I was on at night from 10 to 1 so had a decent sleep.
13 Sep 15
Breakfast was a bit late as 'C' Coy is not strong enough for all the fatigues. Poor old 'C' they don't get much consideration - some think too much including Howie.
Got a fatigue party on to sandbagging the trench. There's a tremendous lot of work to be done before the trench will be suitable for winter. Carried on in the afternoon, but had to chuck it when trench mortars started coming over. They were dropping all along our line in No. 4. Fortunately it is possible to see them coming. They came from the left, but weren't of the large type. They were just like Bethune bombs, and turned over and over making a whistling noise which rapidly mounted in strength till it was like an express train coming up. Sometimes the bombs lay for a few seconds but usually they burst immediately they reached the ground. They sent over a lot of rifle grenades.
14 Sep 15
On duty from 1 to 4 and got
in about 10 hours sleep, in spite of Blackie's snoring. No work done on the
trench this morning. About
We took over the left
sector of the line at
And after all we are just holding on and doing no good. Our sentries in the front line are sitting in little holes in the parapet, neither observing nor firing and the Germans are firing our own mines. Everybody talks in whispers and walks on tiptoe.
15 Sep 15
Was on duty from
A bombing party were sent
out tonight to try to jigger up one of the German mines. They threw some bombs
and got back safely but whether they accomplished anything or not we don't
know. We had some hefty trench mortars and rifle grenades back by way of
reaction, some of the
16 Sep 15
Sat in the dug out reading
and writing till
In the afternoon our artillery bombarded the enemy's trenches and tried to demolish the craters between the lines. They fired about 12 huge explosives (2 duds). The company was withdrawn to the reserve line - fortunately as some of the shells were short and made a dickens of a mess of our own trench. The result was that we had to put on fatigue parties to build up and clear our own trenches after our own guns.
17 Sep 15
So hot in the dug-out that I sat outside the door all night, among the rats. Finally lay down and slept for an hour. Very quiet all night.
Had to get the trenches cleared up today to hand them over clean, and must
say
Arrived Henencourt at
18 Sep 15
Breakfast at 10. At 11 marched down to Buire for a wash and a bathe. Very hot and dusty. Had a good bathe. Adjourned to the Pharmacie and helped Splosh with a bottle of Bass. Got back to Buire at 4 and had dinner - Macconochie, and roasted apples. Nothing doing tonight. Had stroll in the moonlight.
19 Sep 15
Another very hot day. Orderly officer today, which I discovered only ten minutes before time for guard-mounting. Company inspected by C.O. in the afternoon and pronounced very good. Don't know what makes them take that badgering tone with the men. Perhaps it's modesty, but I think if Davidson told them they had done well in the trenches they would think more of themselves and of him too.
Church parade at
20 Sep 15
Breakfast
21 Sep 15
Lord Kitchener inspected us
this afternoon before we went into the trenches. He was very red in the face,
and the fellows said worried looking. We marched straight off after the
inspection (
22 Sep 15
Breakfast at
My birthday cake hasn't arrived yet and I'm afraid Mother will be much disappointed when she knows. Still we managed a first class tea with sardines, queen-cakes, currant buns, etc. and later in the evening champagne. We had a fire in the mess and were very nice and cozy. Finnie is grubbing with D Coy to be near H.Q.s.
23 Sep 15
Rather dull and sultry today. Nothing doing all day, except smoking and eating sweeties. After tea, had to go over to Head Qrs. and see to the digging of some dummy trenches. Thunderstorm came on and the men got soaked so they worked hard. The guns have been going it strong today, making a great din in the trees and I hear that La Boisselle has been heavily bombarded by us.
Freegard had a narrow escape last night. Went out with an Argyle officer to take in a flag which the Germans had planted before our line. There was a bomb attached to the stick, and it exploded and killed the other officer. Machine guns were turned on them then.
24 Sep 15
Still raining this morning: the woods were soaking and the road and paths all turned to mud. After breakfast we lit a wood fire in the Mess, and played Bridge till dinner.
Was up at the 6th Seaforth lines with party in the afternoon but didn't wait. The Brigadier is afraid the Germans have gone back as things are very quiet so he wanted Nicolson to take a patrol out in daylight. There is still some rifle fire coming over and a few pip-squeaks. They will likely leave a few machine guns in their front trench up to the very last. Our guns have been giving it to them very hot all day, and the wood has been echoing with the reports.
Gid and Harper in to tea which was rather a spread with sardines and tomato sauce, apple tarts and seed cake.
25 Sep 15
Raining hard all night, and most of the day. Had a fatigue party up to 6th Seaforths, building parapet. 'Davit' in to dinner and tea. He is always so cheery.
Sat in all afternoon and evening with a big wood fire. Our guns have been going strong most of the day and the Germans lying dogo mostly. Good news today. We have broken through on the North. The Germans here are a bit jumpy, and the 6th gave then a bit rapid and a cheer at 'Stand to', which brought a brisk reply.
Finished up the evening with a great argument in the mess, ending up on evolution which the Major strongly opposes.
26 Sep 15
Rather a better day. Got
the dugouts cleaned up. Were relieved at
27 Sep 15
Got up at about
28 Sep 15
Cold and raw. Inspection by
new Divisional General (Harper) as
29 Sep 15
Rather a nasty day. Battn
did an attack on Millencourt. 'A' Coy formed the firing line. Funny that
although the men have all been under fire they wouldn't get down on their
stomachs any better than at
30 Sep 15
Left Henencourt after an
early breakfast for Martinsart, along with Nicolson, to take over at Authuille.
Howie and Barnetson came over on horseback. Arrived at Authuille via Martinsart
and Bois d'Aveluy about
As we came along by Bouzincourt this morning we saw a German aeroplane brought down by a Britisher. Both occupants were killed. There was an immediate rush for souvenirs, and one fellow made off with the machine's 'tail' and though chased by two sentries managed to 'make good'.
October
1915
01 Oct 15
Had a very good sleep in the cellar. The weather seems to have settled down again to another fine spell. Went round to the railway post with the Major after brekker. The Mound Keep is much improved, and a lot of new dugouts have been made.
George Murray and Howie put a stove into the mess in the afternoon and we are now fortified against the cold. The nights are very cold now. Things are very quiet on the line here. Practically no shelling and only very few trench mortars up at the Chateau.
02 Oct 15
Splendid morning and had a bracing wash in the weir - hands and face only. Went over to MacMahon's post in the forenoon. Black and Splosh at breakfast. Steven D in waiting. Splosh ordered by the MO to go to bed as he has been badly for several days.
After dinner we saw a lot of black smoke rising from their direction and it proved to be from the fire Splosh had got lit in the shelters below the bridge. The place was burnt out, the telephone shelter being saved with difficulty. When the Major and I went over Splosh and Black were looking very down in the mouth but the Major's cheery face soon put them to rights. He wasn't in the least put out about it. Blacko lost his greatcoat, magnapole, etc in the conflagration.
03 Oct 15
Another lovely day. On
fatigue at
Sat in all night playing
bridge, etc. I hear today that the
04 Oct 15
Splosh went to hospital
this morning so I had to take his place at the bridge and the new officers
dug-out is a wretched affair. We have decided to have our grub at the Mess.
James Willie and Hamish M'Intosh who had gone to hospital were sent across to
The work at MacMahon's post is going ahead but the Brigadier was round today condemning the roofs of the dug-outs as not being shell-proof. Fortunately they are the work of the Gordons. Heavy bombardment going on to the North.
05 Oct 15
Had a very good sleep in spite of Blacko's snoring. Wrote in the afternoon in the mess. Wet outside. The Court Martial on Dunvegan came off tonight and up to the time I left was 'gey dreich' but I understand it livened up considerably towards the end when George Murray was well canned.
06 Oct 15
Today misty a bit. Made a sketch of Berridale Brae. In the evening played bridge and went with Howie and Black to hunt rats. Not very successful. Stalker came back tonight from St. Omer where he was for machinegun course. Says British are rather downhearted in the North at not having done so well as they hoped. But we must and shall win in the end, however far away that may be, and however few of us live to see it.
07 Oct 15
Better weather today. Captain
Sutherland comes in every day for dinner which is followed by a game of quoits
in the back garden. We are always glad to see his cheery face. More rat hunting
tonight and bridge. French are reported to be going on yet in
08 Oct 15
Nothing doing today. Bridge
as usual after tea. Stalker came back tonight an Howie, Dunvegan and
myself had a rat-hunt on our way home as
09 Oct 15
Thick and misty today. No news of the fighting today. At the Mound Keep for the forenoon. The dugouts are all ready for roofing now if only the corrugated iron would come. The Argyles had their parapet blown in last night, with a number of casualties. The Germans are using very heavy mortars. Fatigue parties of out men were sent up to repair, and evidently to the General's satisfaction as he asked to see Sgt Reid and L/Cpl Keith both of 'C' Coy, today.
10 Oct 15
This turned out to be a fine quiet day. We were relieved tonight by the 8th Black Watch, so most of the day was spent in tidying up. The Major wouldn't play quoits this afternoon, being Sunday. Sat in the dug outs with George M'Kay and Hugh Fraser and others, with a roaring fire and had solos from various singers.
Got a splendid starry night
for marching to billets - the men were in good form and sang most of the way.
The Germans dropped four shrapnel in Aveluy before we reached it, and put some
into Authuille as we left it. There was a lot of transport on the road and a
good deal of noise, so I think they had spotted the relief. Got into
Stenencourt about
11 Oct 15
Breakfast wasn't until
about
12 Oct 15
Early breakfast and left
for Bouzincourt at
13 Oct 15
Route march round by Bresle and Brazieux [?] today. Rather close marching and I was glad I had made up my pack with my air-pillow instead of with heavier stuff. Jock the Post nearly put his fist through it. The autumn tints are on the trees now, and the apples still hanging are russet and brown.
Game of quoits before tea, which came on at five with boiled eggs and curried prawns. Splosh got a huge parcel tonight which turned out to be 100 parti-coloured sandbags. They are to be used for screening the officers' latrine, there being no lack of sandbags here now. Finnie has definitely forsaken us for the H.Q. mess. Heavy bombardment away to the North.
14 Oct 15
Another fatigue this morning to Bouzincourt, the Major, Howie, Blacko, Freegard and myself. Howie and Blackie spent the day in Albert and reappeared in time to march back with us. Fine day to be out. Had dinner when we came back, Martin having risen to the occasion with a boiled meat duff. Tea immediately after, and a shave and then the Concert at the Chateau. The hits of the evening were topical songs for which Splosh was mainly responsible. The Brigadier and the Countess were there.
15 Oct 15
Field day - attacking position other side of Bresle which Finnie and the stretcher bearers had taken up. 'A' Coy was to deliver a flank attack but it was rather late. Very misty and difficult to see what was going on. Slept all afternoon. Second night of the concert wasn't quite so good as first as there was some repetition of last night's songs.
At
One of the Kidds, Brora in at tea tonight. He is with the miners at La Boisselle.
16 Oct 15
Slept in a bit this morning, Capt Morrison, Freegard and self on Court of Inquiry, on man who shot his hand in May. The poor beggar came out with the last draft and is being tried now. Afternoon I spent in lonesome walk round behind the Chateau woods and tried a sketch. Finnie and J.B. Morrison in at tea.
17 Oct 15
Orderly officer and late
for guard mounting. Church Parade at
Sat round the fire all evening having theological arguments, George Murray being especially keen on the 2nd Coming and producing a diagram to illustrate his views. We have got an open fireplace put in, and with a big wood fire blazing on it we can be very comfortable.
18 Oct 15
Fatigue to Bouzincourt
today, reporting time as usual at
19 Oct 15
Left at
20 Oct 15
Supposed to report at
Authuille trenches as
21 Oct 15
Mice kept me awake most of
the night, running over my head, etc. 'A' Coy being in reserve, in
22 Oct 15
Very bright today. Dunvegan came limping down this morning with bad attack of lumbago, and was taken to hospital on a stretcher - pity the bearers. I had to go up to 'B' Coy as Allen and Freegard are the only officers there. Just before I got up, they got a number of trench mortars mixed up with shrapnel - probably to make them keep their head down. One mortar got into the trench and did some damage but nobody hurt.
23 Oct 15
Duty from
24 Oct 15
There was a ring round the moon last night, so I wasn't surprised to find it threatening a break-down this morning. It did break down by the afternoon and the trenches were soon muddy. Had 4 heavy trench mortars over this morning, 2 duds. Nobody hurt and some wire blown down.
Capt. Sutherland in to tea, and Johnnie Morrison, who left for furlough tonight. Had a sacred concert in the Mess, under the baton of George Murra', he being an authority on the psalm tunes as well as many other biblical matters. Nasty wet night. Martin left tonight too. Leave has been doubled, so I expect to go home on about a month's time.
25 Oct 15
Duty
Rather a rotten day, my
feet being wet nearly all the time. Two rifle grenades at
26 Oct 15
Cold, bright and windy morning. A number of trench mortars, mostly small, came over in the morning. In the afternoon some 'oil-cans' fell on the right of the 6th Seaforths. Built an observation post at the top of Sauchiehall St. The Germans put over a couple of T.M.s, as I think they heard us.
Some more came over about
27 Oct 15
Blank
28 Oct 15
Wakened this morning with a
lot of rain on my bed, and a fair cold in my head. Blacko gave me a tot of rum
on which I slept to
About
29 Oct 15
The 8th Argyles, on our right, got it very hot this morning with oilcans, mortars and whizz-bangs. Dry overhead today, but trenches in a bad mess. Saw Addie at the dressing station en route for hospital.
Splosh took out a bombing
party at
Heard later that the Argyles didn't lose a single man although the Germans put over more than 150 mortar bombs - 50 of them oil cans, and a lot of whizz-bangs as well. The Argyles gave them "Are we downhearted? No!" after the fusillade had stopped.
30 Oct 15
Splosh came in at
We were relieved by the
1/7th Gordons. 'B' Coy took the longest to be relieved and it was
31 Oct 15
Slept
till
Finnie and I rode down to Warloy, he to get a motor for the Colonel who is going to hospital today with Lumbago, and I to see Addie. Not finding him there I went back to Millencourt where they told me he had been sent 16 miles down. There are rumours that our division may be sent to Servia. One Corps is said to have gone already, and one division of our Corps to be under orders. Hope I get my leave first.
November
1915
01 Nov 15
Fatigue to Bouzincourt with Capt. Rutherford, Black, Blake and Finnie. The last has been put on fatigues this time. Another rotten day. We all went into Albert at lunch time and had a good feed. The men were fairly wet and no coke to dry themselves with when they get home, but I suppose they manage always to pinch some. 'Dooking apples' and Splosh's Steak and Kidney pudding tonight.
02 Nov 15
OC's
(Major Sinclair) parade at 11 a.m. Drizzling rain and very cold and he
inspected every rifle in the company and didn't find one dirty. Lecture in the
Chateau at
03 Nov 15
Fatigue at Bouzincourt. The Major, Black and Blake. Bright cold day, it seems to have rained itself out last night. It's getting to cold now to loaf about with pleasure, and the temptation to drop into Albert is getting stronger. Splosh has been in bed the last two days with rheumatism and melancholia.
SNIPING
COURSE
A large number of schools - bombing, sniping, musketry, gas, etc - were
established in
Sniping was intimately connected with observation. In the battalion
snipers and 'scouts' were usually gathered into one specialised platoon,
although in the trenches there was little 'scouting' in the sense of mobile
reconnaissance.
The primary role of the snipers was (and is) as counter-snipers, i.e. to
suppress the enemy's snipers and only then to engage targets of opportunity.
The static and routine nature of life in the trenches meant that frequently
visited points (e.g. latrines) could be identified and sniped. Good sniping
established a moral as much as a military ascendancy over the other side.
Sniping was something the
04 Nov 15
Route march by Millencourt, Aliceville, Bresle and Baizieux. Just after getting back I was told to report at Bouzincourt and go by bus to Querrieux for course in telescopic sights.
We had a fine run down in
one of these
05 Nov 15
We started the course at 9 this morning, beginning with a lecture by the sergeant and then onto the range. At night had a lecture of 2 hours from Col Lloyd RAMC on optics, etc. as applied in telescopes, etc. He is DDMS but has evidently shot a lot at Bisley and probably big game too. He is keen on the subject anyway, although it is outside his ordinary work.
We are very well off as regards billets. I have a fine bed with clean white sheets and quilt. The Mess is first class and we get on very well with Madame and all her relatives including M'mselle Louise. This is the first time I have really had a good chance of speaking French. According to the custom, M'mlle Louise's father came to fetch her home. The French people here won't sing - not until 'après la guerre'. Soldiers can sing, but civilians 'non'.
06 Nov 15
Fine
bright morning and we were shooting all day till about
At
BACK
TO THE BATTALION
07 Nov 15
Breakfast
about
Very slow marching to
Aveluy, 8th Argyles being in front and continually halting. German aeroplane
over Aveluy, chased by our guns but got away. We thought she must have spotted
the relief but no shells came over. Relieved the Loyal
08 Nov 15
On
duty till
Geo. Murray has been very energetic all day and has had poor Splosh in a ferment all day about his bomb stores; and then Splosh lay on his back in the bed instead of on his side - the bed being just on the small side for three.
Took out a patrol tonight - Morrison, Peat and Bain. Saw what seemed to be a German patrol but they were too far away and disappeared.
09 Nov 15
Rather a raw day and the men were glad to have their goat-skins. The Brigadier came back so the Major is back to the Company. The Colonel and Adjutant were round this morning playing havoc, and passing on the row they got themselves from the Divisional General. The trenches are in a bad state and the fire-step has all to be revetted.
Had smokies for tea and Capt. Sutherland and Dunvegan were in. It has started to rain.
10 Nov 15
On
duty
The whole place is in a rotten state: the people who let it into disrepair should have been made to spend the winter in it. It is possible now that it will be our part of the line for the winter but we have been told that sort of thing so often that we are sceptical. The men were working most of the day on the trench - draining it, putting in sink pits and cleaning it up but nothing can be done to the dugouts as they require a radical gutting out and can be touched only at night.
They put over a few high-explosives today, evidently meant for our sap-heads but no damage was done. Heavier guns than usual - about 4.7.
Freegard's birthday party.
11 Nov 15
Had a wash and a shave this morning, the first since Saturday. Went up to D Coy with Splosh who was going to see about his bomb-stores. Pitman has been gazetted Captain and has rejoined his company. Howie has come back from leave. Had a very good view of German lines from D, C and B's lines. Our trenches can be very badly enfiladed and crossfire will get worse as the wood gets thinner.
My turn for patrol tonight so Splosh took my turn of duty. However it got so wet that we couldn't go out - the men have no way of drying themselves. The trenches and dugouts are very bad again. The water came through our own, above our heads. Capt Murray slept on the floor.
12 Nov 15
Today it had cleared up a bit. A lot of the trench had come down during the night and the men had to set to and get it cleared. All the sandbagging requires to be done over again. General imprecations against the 154th.
Sgt Gray, L/Cpl Ross and a man
went out on patrol with me. We went out from The Nab at
The Major was relieved to see us back as Capt Murray broke the mirror this morning.
13 Nov 15
Lay
in bed most of the forenoon waiting for my clothes to dry. Black and Stephen D
left this afternoon for a course of instruction at Felincourt, near
Splosh was in very good
form tonight, and talked thirteen to the dozen, beginning with really authentic
ghost stories which he apparently believes. I turned in at
14 Nov 15
On
duty from
After breakfast got our
things packed ready to move down to
The men's dugouts are not sufficient to accommodate them and are in a very bad condition. They are in no state for winter occupation.
Davidie and Stalker came to tea, the latter is to stay here as he has no dugout, so there are five of us sleeping in the mess. Splosh and I occupied the hammocks, Major and Murray the beds and Stalker the floor.
15 Nov 15
The morning found Splosh and me both sleeping on the floor. Splosh began by upsetting the major part of the morning tea. The Major was up first and put the fire on.
During the forenoon, there was a fatigue party up to the fire trench with Splosh in command and the rest of the men were on dugouts and roads in support lines.
Davidie was in to dinner. The Major went to bed at tea-time, feeling chilled a bit. Toast and tinned herring for tea. When we opened the door this morning we found the ground white. Big flakes of snow were falling. It had been raining during the night and the ground was hard beneath but got sloppy as the day wore on.
16 Nov 15
Nearly
3 inches of snow on the ground this morning: no frost. Took fatigue party up to
the 6th Seaforths at
Major M'Millan is rather better today but has been in bed since afternoon. Davidie was in for a short time but couldn't wait for tea as the valley gets very hot at night with machine gun and rifle fire. 'D' Coy had a man shot through the eye while cleaning his rifle. Three days letters arrived after tea and were very welcome. Stalker, Splosh and Murray argued on the subject of freemasonry. Heavy machine gun fire tonight by the Bosche.
17 Nov 15
Snow still lying but no fresh fall. Took fatigue party up to 6th Seaforth to work under Royal Scots. Went round by 'A' Coy to enquire for Splosh's goatskin which has 'disappeared'.
Gid and Dannie Harper came up to tea. We always manage to make toast here. This is the third night the Major has had tea in bed; he is getting the upper hand of the threatened attack of flu. Violent discussion on the war. George Murra' thinks as a Christian, he shouldn't be here. He had us all against him. Moonlight.
18 Nov 15
Got
up at
Took fatigue party up to
No letters this afternoon.
Splosh left this afternoon for
19 Nov 15
Took
fatigue party up to fire trench at
20 Nov 15
Blank
LEAVE
21 Nov 15
Took a fatigue party up to 'B' Company 6th Sea lines, but didn't stay very long.
Started to get my things
ready and get my clothes cleaned. Officer of the 8th Black Watch came up to
take over, and had dinner with us. Went over to headquarters about
Walked up to Bouzincourt
and after some trouble hit on the QM stores where I found Splosh returning from
22 Nov 15
Arrived
at Merincourt about
Arrived Havre about
23 Nov 15
Wakened by the noise of the men, who were packed all along the corridors and on the stairs, getting ready to disembark. At last we got alongside and the officers were allowed ashore first to the audible disgust of some outspoken Tommies.
Got into
Went along
24 Nov 15
The
attendant wakened me at
Had dinner at P.J.s and
then I left to pay a visit at
25 Nov 15
Had
a breakfast basket at
26 Nov 15
David left this morning. May and I saw him off and then went for a walk by the Vic. Visited Mrs.Torrance for a few minutes with Barra, also the Gerrys. Called in on Mrs. Black. Met Daisy Shearer, looking very well. I paid a flying visit too to Mrs. and Capt. Don Manson, along with Capt. Milligan who was up recruiting. After dinner, Mother, May and I walked to Scrabster where we visited first the Wookeys and then the Sinclairs. Back in time for tea.
27 Nov 15
This morning I visited Mrs. Morrison - Donnie Morrison's mother. Had a lesson on the organ from Berta who plays quite well. The pedals are the difficulty. Dinner and then visited Juniper Bank, to cheer up Skinnie's people. After tea we had Maggie, Katie, Janette, Berta, Hannah, Louise, James and Langdon. Quite a merry crowd once we got started going. Visited the 'Rectory' and gave Con all the news of Adam.
28 Nov 15
Walked
round the Vic and down Scrabster road with Father. Back in time for church at
12. Ma, May and I went to
29 Nov 15
Visited
Adam's Auntie this forenoon. She is a cheery body: saw the Gerrys too. This
being the half-holiday, I went a walk as far as Ormlie with Pa and May. Visited
the Manse before tea. Mrs. M'Lennan seemed to think I had neglected them. After
tea I went to Mrs. Torrance's: saw Connie Walker, and visited the rectory where
I found Miss Haig and had a long yarn with her. I find she knows Levy, Harris,
Vickers, etc. Tait was looking rather worried, perhaps because his mother is
ill. M'Kenzie the minister was in to tea. Wandered round by Olrig
30 Nov 15
Cold
and wet. The family came to the station with me: called in at Tottie's on the
way up. Langdon going south to join the 5th Scot. Rifles. A number of people at
the station to see him off. Had his company as far as
December
1915
01 Dec 15
Got into
Arrived Folkstone about 6 p.m. Nearly 600 men on the train and it took a long time before they were satisfactorily housed - there being no boat tonight. Got up to Queen's Hotel and got a bed. Had dinner, picture house and then to bed.
BACK
TO
02 Dec 15
Up at
03 Dec 15
Up about
04 Dec 15
Went round by the fatigue
party on Black Horse Brae where they are improving the road under supervision
of the RE. A number of long waterproof riding capes issued to platoons
yesterday. Went round by MacMahon's post to see Capt. Murray and found the
Major there. Back in time for dinner at which Davit turned up. At
05 Dec 15
Fairly early breakfast -
06 Dec 15
Almost immediately after
breakfast the officers of the 6th Argyles arrived to be shown round so with
that and packing up I was busy all forenoon. After an early dinner Howie and I
went up to Argyles and took over. Trenches not bad but dug-outs are awful and I
don't know how men will be able to live for a week in them. Company arrived,
and also Fred Harper and M'Kenzie. Very dark night and wet. Got orders from
Adjt. to go to Martinsart so made my way down to reserve company ('B') where I
waited for transport and had tea with Pitman and Johnny Paterson. Transport
came about
WITH
THE DUKES
Young officers from
Territorial units were often attached to regular battalions for short periods.
This was usually to gain experience of military administration rather than
operational matters.
JBC spent the end of
1915 attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of
07 Dec 15
Up at
Reported to QM - Major
Ellam and then taken to Mess where found Browning. Lunch and tea there. MGO -
Whittaker arrived on the scene. Rode up to Bronfay about
08 Dec 15
Had a 'cold-douche',
following the example of the MO of the
09 Dec 15
Sat in the orderly room while Capt. Cox disposed of a number of defaulters. A good few of them for insubordination and candid opinions of 'superior officers'. Colonel Bray returned this afternoon from the Corbie rest camp and resumes command.
After tea got a horse, rode down to Bray and went to the Whizzbangs along with a number of the others. Rode back in time for dinner.
Some of the officers of the
14th
10 Dec 15
Walked down to Bray in the
morning for a FGCM. Proceedings rather dry. Lunch at QM's mess and after a
second sederunt [?] walked back to Bronfay. Ripping evening. Tea with the CO
and 2 of the
A company of Warwicks, coming out of the trenches last night were so done up that they couldn't get further than Bronfay where they were put up for the night. Some of them in a state of exhaustion, and rifles absolutely useless with mud.
11 Dec 15
Cold and wet. Packed up, and hung about in the billet. Most unpleasant with the cold and feeling horribly shy about going into the mess. I thought I had got over that sort of thing.
14th Warwickshire arrived in the afternoon with their transport. After tea
we walked over country to Carnoy in the dark. I am to share the Doctor's dugout
- Capt Tobias. It is a tuppenny tube variety and quite spacious. Dinner and a
talk with the Doc after which I began to find my feet. 'Boutard' provided
oysters and an
A 14th Warwick Sgt. brought
in, wounded in the chest says he has had one drink of tea in the 4 days in
trenches and what rations he could borrow from the W. Kents. Their supplies
have been very badly managed. About 16 of the
12 Dec 15
Cold and wet and not
inviting so stayed in all day reading '
13 Dec 15
Frosty this morning and very misty at first but it cleared up later on and a few German 'planes came over. Ours weren't to be seen so probably they were away on a bombing expedition. The Dukes are very partic. about movement when there is a German plane overhead. As the Adjt. and CO were both up in the fire-trench I was left to look after the 'phone and took the opportunity to go through all the files I could find. I think I will get most of my information from the O. Room Sergt.
Afternoon and evening I
spent mostly in reading and writing. The Battn. is going to put in three tube
dug-outs in the front line as should of course have been done long ago, but the
excuse was given that the iron material couldn't be furnished. Funny that the
French have had them for a long time - made in
14 Dec 15
Rose about 8 and had breakfast. Went round two companies lines with the CO. I had fortunately discarded my kilt and done up my shirt-tails with a safety-pin, and it was as well I did so as the mud took me up to the top of my thighs. The trenches aren't quite as bad as I had expected. The fire-trench is quite good in bits but the communications trenches are mostly bad. The mud is on the sticky side and pumps won't lift it. Saw 6 big aeroplanes (French) passing over and believe there were other batches of 6 seen too. Shaved before dinner.
In the afternoon read and
wrote a couple of letters. The CO is thinking of changing the dinner hour to
15 Dec 15
Rather soft this morning,
some snow fell during the night but it turned to sleet. Relieved today by the
14th
The Dr. and I walked to
Bronfay and got horses. I had a frisky little thing and stirrups were too long
so I had rather an unpleasant ride in especially as my hands were so numb with
cold I couldn't hold her in. The mess in Bray very comfortable place with arm
chairs and sofas and a bright fire. Dinner about
16 Dec 15
Went down to the Orderly Room at 9 and sat there most of the forenoon, reading KRs. Spent the evening in my own room at the Manual of Military Law, most of the others being at the Whizzbangs.
17 Dec 15
Orderly room at
18 Dec 15
Had the O.R. mostly to
myself and got a lot of useful information.
19 Dec 15
Fine day. Had a short walk
across the
20 Dec 15
Wakened about
He was rather small, not a
typical Hun, aged 38. Belonged to the 23rd Regt. Said his regiment was mostly
Poles and he was having a hard time with them. Complained that they didn't get
enough to eat, and said that all over
Gave some fairly useful information especially in the evening when he bucked up wonderfully considering he had a bullet in or very near his lung. He belonged to the Landsturm, called up in April, many of his Kamerads were 40 to 46 years old. He was well looked after at the dressing station and although he had some misgivings as to how he would be treated, he was very soon at his ease.
One of the Dukes badly hit tonight.
21 Dec 15
Raining nearly all day. I got up a bit earlier this morning as the CO didn't seem to be impressed by the amount of work I am doing. Went round the front line with him and as I had only on short gum boots I had some difficulty in keeping them on my feet. Trenches are not so bad as last time. Good idea to use brooms to sweep water into sump holes as soon as it falls and before the traffic forms it into mud.
Sat in the Adjt's office and in the mess most of the rest of the day. Has a coke fire in MO's dugout in the evening. Game of chess with the Doctor.
22 Dec 15
Went round some of the
communication trenches with the CO. Not much doing today. Three casualties from
sniping. It was rather a clear morning and the men didn't seem to appreciate
that as some of them got out of the communication trench and were pipped. One
was shot dead trying to bring in a wounded man. Couldn't sit in the dressing
station with three poor fellows moaning: enough to give anybody nerves. Pym
came up to see one of them and the RC Padre to see the other. Both since died.
The Doctor much upset. He goes on leave tonight and ditto the CO. Capt Cox
returned from leave tonight and at
23 Dec 15
Went round the trenches
this morning with Capt. Cox from left to right. In spite of much improvement
there are still places in which the water is up to the top of my thighs and
coming over the gum boots. There are a number of fatigue parties but it is much
easier for these battalions than for ours as they have only 3 coys of 3
platoons each in the firing line. The rest are available for work. Our guns
were shelling a new German trench and their shells were going just overhead.
2Lt Scott was killed at
The battalion was relieved
tonight by the R.W.Kents. Relief complete about
24 Dec 15
Sat in the orderly room most of the morning reading F.S. Regulations Part II. The Doctor and Capt Cox rode into Bray so I was left pretty much on my own. Played Browning at chess. Holsworth getting songs off the gramophone for tomorrow's concert. The evening was quite mild with stars occasionally showing and later on the moon came up.
This time last year Mac was in bed with flu and I was nursing him and writing Xmas cards. I hung up my socks on a couple of nails as I turned in, for the sake of continuity and old associations.
25 Dec 15
Awakened by Capt Cox going
down to church at Bray about
Boutard arrived. After tea, concert in the barn which had been rigged up for the occasion with coloured paper festoons and Chinese lanterns. The men lay about on the floor or stood round about. A piano had been brought up from Bray, and also Boutard's friend who played very well and with much resource as most of the artistes changed their key frequently. Pym read Dicken's Scrooge and illustrated it with lantern slides. Free fight for oranges.
As far as hostilities are concerned this has been an exceptionally quiet day. The Bosche shelled some men moving on the ridge to the left rear of the farm in the afternoon. Divisional General Kavanagh had ordered there was to be nothing in the way of special 'straffing' today.
26 Dec 15
Clear morning. Went over
country to Carnoy with Capt Cox to see K.O.S.B.'s sector. Had a splendid view
of the firing lines and away beyond the German lines, including Mametz. Most
perfect view I have seen. No bullets near us. R.W.Kents had a bombing show last
night, or rather
We spent the afternoon in
decorating the room with coloured paper festoons and Chinese lanterns from the
barn. After tea had a rat hunt with flashlights and Sam. Letter from D.S.
tonight. Dinner at
27 Dec 15
Blank
28 Dec 15
Spent most of the day, which was quite a good one, in the mess. Played the Doc at chess and was beaten once again. Inspected the cookers with him.
29 Dec 15
After having breakfast I bid goodbye to the Dukes and made for Bray where I am to spend the next few days in the orderly room before returning to the 5th. Got a horse at Bronfay and rode in, meeting the Brigadier on the way who seemed amused. Spent remainder of forenoon and afternoon in the Orderly Room. After tea I took a chair up to the Whizzbangs, that being the only way I could get a seat. They had a panto on and I had a good laugh.
30 Dec 15
Spent most of the forenoon in the orderly room with Col. Sergt. Laverack. Went over to Etienne with Browning in the afternoon - in my kilt. My horse was rather frisky and I had much difficulty in passing motors, etc. I went on past Et. along the river bank which is composed of river gravel, very high. Had an extensive view coming back but it was rather misty.
31 Dec 15
Was in the orderly room in the forenoon and afternoon. It commenced raining after tea. The battalion came out of the trenches tonight and therefore we are back to the big mess opposite the Church. Col. Land ? of the 2/4 D.o.W. is with the battalion on a 4 days tour. He was at dinner. The Dukes are reported to be going to the 32nd Division and are very fed up.
Nobody seemed to intend to sit up till 12 so I retired to my bed in the little room above the Post Office where I am now sitting writing this up. Twelve o'clock has just struck and a feeble bell is ringing: There has been some cheering and singing of Auld Land Syne up by the Church and the artillery have just blazed away their New Years greeting as had been pre-arranged.
Last year we were
masquerading in the