Overview of Service
1916
Left Ripon
Arr S’hpton
Dep “Archangel”
Arr Rouen
Dep Rouen
Arr Saulty
Arr Bienvillers
Dep Bienvillers
Arr Foncquevillers
Dep Foncquevillers
Arr Bienvillers
Dep Bienvillers
Arr La Cauchie
Dep La Cauchie
Arr Grouches
Dep Grouches
Arr Bienvillers
Tue
Wed
Wed
Thur
Sun
Mon
Tue
Sat
Sat
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
Sun
Sun
Wed
Wed
07.00pm
01.00pm
08.00pm
09.00am
04.00pm
12.30pm
09.00am
Rest
Rest
Rest
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 20
Aug 21
Aug 22
Oct 7
Oct 7
Oct 16
Oct 16
Nov 27
Nov 27
Dec 3
Dec 3
Dec 20
Dec 20
1917
Dep Bienvillers
Fri
Mar 9
Arr Biez Wood (Rear) Fri
Mar 9
Not sure if I have this location right as it’s not a very readable entry. The date seems to match a
German withdrawal in the area though.
Dep Biez Wood
Mon
Mar 19
Arr St Amand
Mon
WL
Mar 19
Dep St Amand
Mon
WL
Mar 19
Arr Coullemont
Mon
Rest
Mar 19
Dep Coullemont
Fri
Rest
Mar 23
Arr Berneville
Fri
Rest
Mar 23
Dep Berneville
Wed
Rest
Mar 28
Arr Nr Arras
Wed
Mar 28
(Between Achicourt and Beaurains via Dainville)
Start of Battle of Arras
Apr 9
Arr Front of Beaurains Mon
Apr 9
Dep Front of Beaurains Thu
Apr 12
Arr Wancourt
Thu
Apr 12
Dep Wancourt
Tues
Apr 17
Arr Ronville
Tues
WL
Apr 17
th
Diary entry for April 17 says ‘moving to Achicourt (Ronville) tonight’
Dep Ronville
WL
Apr 22
Arr RT Rear Monchy
Apr 22
I think this is probably Monchy-Le-Preux
Dep RT Rear Monchy
Apr 27
Arr Ronville
WL
Apr 27
Dep Ronville
Apr 29
Arr Berneville
Rest
Apr 29
Dep Berneville
May 1
Arr Wancourt
Act
Dep Wancourt
Arr Tilloy
WL
I think this is probably Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines
Dep Tilloy
Arr Berneville
Rest
End of Battle of Arras
Dep Berneville
Rest
Arr Frevent
En route
Dep Frevent
En route
Arr Reninghelst
Went into hospital
Arr No8 Boulogne
Arr No14 Boulogne
Left No 14 Boulogne
Arr Croydon
(Started out of bed June 30th)
Arr Shirley
Con Camp
Dep Shirley
Con Camp
May 1
May 4
May 4
May 5
May 5
May 16
May 23
May 23
May 24
May 25
June 1
June 6
June 17
July 7
July 17
July 30
Oct 1
Postings and Inoculations
?/3rd North Bde
Bty Mar 6 1916
Transferred to 3/2 North Mid Mar 27th 1916
Inoculated Mar 28 1916
Inoculated Aug 5 1916
Inoculated Aug 13 1916
Transferred Sig Section May 28th 1916
Postings and Pay
Posted to 1st Battery as from Mar 6th
Pay
N.M
N.M
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
June
Req
“
Mar
“
Mar
Apr
“
“
“
May
17
24
31
7
14
21
28
5
12
19
26
6th to 10th
25-31
8-0
8-0
Nil
8-0
8-0
8-0
9-0
8-0
8-0
8-0
9-0
Mar
“
Transferred 27th Mar 3/2 N.M.
Transferred 28 May S. School
Inoculated Mar 28 1916
5 Days
7“
Travel to Front
Left Ripon for abroad Aug 15th 1916 7.0pm
1-Op 16th SS Archangel left 8-pm 16th
Arr Rouen Thur 9.0 am 17 Aug
Left Base Aug 20th Dep Rouen 4.0pm Sunday
First heard sound of guns midnight 20th
Arrived Saulty Larbhat 12.30 pm 21/8/16 Mon
Diary Entries
(?)
=
?????? =
Xxxxxxx =
Xxxxxxx =
Entry not clear
Can’t read entry at all
Name replaced
Entries for same date taken from 232 Brigade War Diaries
1916
Monday Aug 21
Stayed & slept at wagon lines 21/8/16 then rode up to Battery on morning of 22nd at La
Cauchie
LA CAUCHIE: Sports were held by this Brigade at LA CAUCHIE including a jumping
competition open to all officers of the Division.
Tuesday Aug 22
Arrived Bienvilliers au Bois D/232 Battery (Derbyshire) 9.0am 22/8/16 Tues
Instruction
Called at OP, heard first shots fired from Battery (Telephone Room). Not so bad as expected
Awake most of the night with machine gun fire. Shots very close at OP
One page entry
D Derby Battery
232 Brigade
BEF
France
rd
Aug 23 1916 Wed
Took first duty 4.0am Telephone Room. Battery rather strange at first gradually got
accustomed (weather fine since arrival in France)
Aug 24th Thur
W Fine
Off duty. Visited OP line with linesman had several pieces(?) fall near
Aug 25 Friday
Wrote A all up to this
Wrote Annie & Add
Friday Aug 25th 16
At OP, quiet time. Wrote A & Add(?) Quite a sight on leaving; star shells and machine gun
fire.
Read up DL
Saturday Aug 26th 16
Slight showers. Read D.L. up to date. ????? ????? away. Nothing of importance.
Sun Aug 27th
Funniest Sunday ever spent(?) (all days are alike here) Off day but had to go to trenches with
Linesman. First glimpse of trench life. Some heavy showers.
Mon Aug 28 /16
Wrote Martha (1.0am) & George
OP very very quiet indeed
Commencement of re-organisation – Half Right Section of C/232 transferred to A/232 – Half
Left Section of C/232 transferred to B/232
Tues Aug 29
Tel Room. Awful day. Utterly incapable of controlling excitement.
Thunderstorm
POMMIER: Remaining half sections of C/232 were transferred to A/232 and B/232
respectively.
At 4pm. Bde H.Q. took over command of Right Group.
Lt Col. L.G.Gisbourne CMG transferred from 233 Bde to command 232 Bde R.F.A. – 2/Lt
A.F.Dufton 233 Bde transferred to 232 Bde. – Major F.J.Wrottesley C/232 transferred to
D/230. Capt W.S.Pearmon Smith C/233 Bde transferred to 232 Bde. – Lt C.E.Hickman
returned from Artillery Course – Capt G.D.wilson transferred from 233 Bde to 232 Bde. – Lt
J.M. Joyce transferred from 233 Bde to D/232 Bde. – Lt S.H.Burra D/232 rejoined unit from
Artillery Course – Right Group bombardment carried out with 0.0.18.
Wed Aug 30th
Off duty; wet. Wrote A. Firing at night awfully excited.
Capt G.M.Rambaut rejoined A/232 after evacuation to England. Lt. T.W.Cave to Divl. Artillery
School on Course – Lt. M.S.Windle to Divl Artillery School on Course – Right Group
bombarded German trenches. Infantry reported wire not sufficiently cut – Wire not being
cut enough Infantry raiding party did not start.
Appendix C.R.A 772
28th /29th August
Re-organization of Divisional Artillery.
Owing to orders having been received that all 18-pdr Batteries should be turned into 6 gun
Batteries instead of 4, and no extra guns being given to the Division to do it with, the 232nd
Brigade was turned into two 6 gun Batteries, and one Battery of 4 Howitzers instead of three
4 gun 18-pdr Batteries and one Battery of 4 Howitzers.
This necessitated one 18-pdr Battery being split up.
Orders were received from Headquarters, Divisional Artillery, that C.Battery or the old “6th”
Staffs Battery must be split up which was done accordingly. Major F.J.WROTTESLEY, the B.C.
being transferred to 230th Brigade to command a Battery, Lt. G.V.FABER and Lt. T.W.CAVE
transferred to A/232 Battery with the Right Section – Lt.N.C.CROMBIE and Lt. C.E.HICKMAN
being transferred to B/232 Battery with the Left Section. All surplus stores, vehicles and
harness were returned.
The 233rd Brigade being split up between the 230th and 231st Brigades to complete them to
three 18-pdr Batteries, which left the 232nd Brigade with the Headquarters of the old 233rd
Brigade. Personnel and horse of which were sent to D.Battery, surplus vehicles and stores
being returned to Ordnance.
Lt. Col. L.G.GISBORNE C.M.G was posted to the Command of the re-organized 232nd Brigade
and Lt. A.F.DUFTON was posted as Orderly Officer.
Temporary Lt. Col. F.H.MEYNELL relinquished the rank of Lt.Col. and again took command of
A/232 Battery. Temporary Capt. J.G.ANSON relinquished his rank of Capt. And remained
with A/232 Battery
Sd. Lionel Gisborne, Lt. Col.
Commanding 232nd Brigade R.F.A
5.9.16
Thur Aug 31
OP quiet until 6.0pm when heavy bombardment took place. Huns replied only feebly.
Wrote Mr Kell. Quite all right at OP during bom’ment
Heavy Bom 11 to 11.30pm – in bed(?) – Huns replied but only feebly
Friday Sep 1.16
Fairly quiet until 2pm when No 1 action given for registering by K.B.S.
Not quite at home yet regarding excitement during firing & busy times.
Weather fine
Nothing to report.
Sat Sep 2.16
Off day but as usual not much “off” about it having to go to support trenches (Never Ending
?????) with F.O.O to register – went at 10.0 am back 4.0 pm. No dinner. Bath, bought bread.
Weather fine.
Firing from 6-0pm to 11.30pm but at registered target.
137 Inf Brigade raided enemys line capturing 4 prisoners and killing 15 Germans – The
Centre Group covered the party with great success, assisted by the Right Group.
Sunday Sep 3rd
At OP very, very quiet. Heavy bom’t to right of line lasting all previous night & all day; we did
not take part. Reported in newspaper following day.
Wrote A . L . Bella
Grand sight on leaving OP lights etc from enemy position. Bomb’t said to have been very
successful. Not a bit like Sunday. Met Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx on way from OP
2/Lt. Middleton went to hospital sick otherwise nothing to report.
Mon Sept 4
Battery duty. Rain. Fairly easy day. Gramophone in gun pit at night.
At 9.30 p.m. Trench Mortars bombarded Salient W.23.b and W.24.a (Ref. RANSART
1.100,1000) – A/232 assisted with covering fire.
Tues Sep 5
Off duty. Intended calling on Xxxxxx but Major stated C Battery split up – spent day lounging
about. Weather fair with some slight showers.
From 10 p.m to 10.30 p.m. enemys trench railways and dumps were bombarded – there was
no retaliation – otherwise nothing to report..
Wed Sep 6th
At OP. Awfully quiet only 5 rds fired. Wrote A, H Eves &H Lumming, T Sewell
Weather fine.
2/Lt. Windle rejoined from Divl. School – day passed quietly – Nothing to report.
Thur Sep 7th
Telephone room. Very Quiet day: 4 rds fired. Weather fine. Several Fokkers over observing
fire. Some part of village shelled.
2/Lts. Edwards, Windle, Priestly and Chatfield were posted to 56th Division – otherwise
nothing to report.
Fri Sep 8th
Day off but not very much “off” about it. Performed exactly same duties as linesman (reeled
wire and went out on MA line such a long way 1.30 to 6.0pm) but still had to do my own
duty at 8pm. Mad about it – not fair working all days. Got back to find nothing for tea
neither butter nor jam. Could not get a £1 note changed so could not buy anything at all.
Heavy firing still to right of us. Whilst on MA line saw machine gun which plays so much at
night. Push (new method of clearing barbed wire) expected to come off tonight but did not
do so. Had first decent sleep on this turn 10pm to 1.0am. Weather very warm.
Push evidently came off, firing 18 pdrs very heavy on sector 2.0 to 3.0am; we did not take
part however.
2/Lt. Leafe posted to Trench Mortars.
Sat Sep 9th
O.P. Wrote L. Very very quiet indeed. Other batteries fired heavily during afternoon. Stayed
up for tea 1 at time. Weather fine.
At 2.am gaps were cut in enemys wire at four places on the Right Group front, 18-pdr
Batteries fired on enemys front and support lines – The wire was cut by means of gas pipes
charged with Ammonal – The 18-pdr fire objective was to kill Germans who were alarmed by
the explosions and who had come out of their dug-outs to man their trenches – At 4 p.m. till
5.pm. A/232 and B/232 gave covering fire for the Trench Mortars firing at irregular intervals
on the enemys front and support trenches – The 91st Siege Battery (9.2) engaged MONCHY
Church at the same time.
Sun Sept 10th
Telephone Room. Certainly not like Sunday; not even a service of any description. Weather
very thick during morning but got out fine afterwards. Duty 4 to 8 – 12 to 4. Had first
priority test come thro just as I was relieving Xxxxxxx for a few minutes. It(?) got over all
right. First letter : fr A
Nothing to report
Mon Sept 11
Off day:
Went out at 7am to dig for break in N8(?) line but tapped in to another so were back by 8.30
– rest of day to myself for a change. Lovely pcl fr A – grand
Bath – weather fine
Said she’d only rec’d letters No’s 1 & 4 & that the one I rec’d today was the 10th sent by her;
letters & pcls at Base, am writing about them.
No firing on our turn generally quiet all day. Saw aeroplane at midnight – carried two head
lights rather a weird scene.
Ten O.R (surplus) were posted to D.A.C.
Tues Sep 12
OP very quiet indeed – hardly a sound along the whole line during morning. In afternoon we
fired about 30 rounds fr OP – felt quite all right re excitement
Wrote A. H Ball & Base.
Firing on the Somme which had not been heard yesterday resumed 5pm tonight
Tea at OP
Weather fine but dull at intervals
Such a cheery letter fr A dated 6 & 7th
Letter fr L & 2 pcls
Replied
B.S.M. Blines returned from a month’s leave.
Wed Aug (sic) 13
Tel Room
Duty noon to 4 very busy with messages Alf had quiet time. Mad with Xxxxxxxx regarding
fixing of station call list – would not put it near phone. Felt miserable & wished it were all
over – homesick.
Lovely letters from A & Martha – re shield (?)
Wrote M.
Nothing to report.
Thur Aug (sic) 14
Off duty. Cleaned signal lamps & billet during morning – major came in billet twice and
complained generally about things. Quiet afternoon writing to A. Game of football 6 to 7 –
got a wrench.
Duty at 8pm & expected strafe but did not come off – they had one during afternoon. Things
quiet generally – still homesick feeling with me. Pcl books fr A & pcl of powder etc from
Martha.
Nothing to report.
Fri Sep 15
OP very quiet day, no firing. Getting fed up with Xxx’s dominating supercilious manner of
addressing me. Weather fine.
Major Meynell went on leave.
Sat Sept 16th
Tel Room. Fairly easy morning but registered by K.B.S in afternoon. Then fired from OP part
of which I had on my own & managed all right not being unduly excited after once getting
started. Got good terms with X after giving him a few gentle hints.
Letter & newspapers fr A
Weather fine.
Nothing to report.
Sun Sept 17th
Odd day which was all right only had inspection. Bathed. One of A & L letters from Base –
still hope of receiving the others now – delighted.
Weather fine but rained heavily at midnight.
No firing but day man had some. Huns shelled the village slightly – saw a chap being assisted
down the road.
Not a bit like Sunday.
Wrote A & L & Ria
Major went away
Major Newton and Capt Rambaut went on Arty. Course (3rd Army).
Mon Sept 18
Continued raining since Sun midnight. OP duty very quiet indeed – nothing doing. Got wet
thro going down and coming up at dinner time.
Wrote George & another page to Annie.
Firing commenced on right after having been quiet since Friday.
We did no firing.
Letters from A & J Bull. Letter fr Mr Johnson. Wrote George & replied Mr Johnson.
Fair when we left OP
Nothing to report.
Tues Sep 19
Tel Room. Rained all night up to 11.0 am. Fairly quiet day.
Strafe heavy – 11.10 to mid by us. In bed but awake – not alarmed
Letter Fr Mr Kell. George & fr Base. 3 Fr A. Aug 30, Sept 3 & camphor powder.
Capt Pearman Smith went to the 41st Division to take command of a Battery.
Wed Sep 20th
Off Day – all day. Inspection nothing of importance – weather dull & rained heavily at night
9.0pm. Fire in tel room at night – bit of a nuisance.
Nothing to report.
Thur Sept 21
OP absolutely nothing doing weather dull – some rain – trench very bad.
Wrote A
3L fr A Sep 3 Aug 25 Sep 17 & P6th16(?) L fr H Eves Aug 27, Ethel Sep 16 L George Aug 25
Alice Aug 28
This Group extended its front to E.28 Central taking over the zone of the Northern Group of
the 33rd Division – Left Section D/232 relieved D/230, A/231 moving further South – The
Group then became the Centre Group composed of A/232, A/231, B/232 and D/232 – Lt.
Pearman Smith went to hospital.
Fri Sep 22nd
Tel Room. Month today since I arrived here. Very quiet up to 3 pm then we got it hot –
messages & enquiries re operation order; moving across road. ?????? disconnected all the
time. Order to go to bed with clothes on.
Pcl powder etc rec’d fr A – Base.
Weather fine AFUWT
As for 21st.
Saturday Sep 23rd
Off day but as usual got plenty to do – pulled guns out then had to go to OP with Xxxx & Xxx
Xxxxxxxxxx at Hannescamp – got wet thro. Trench to OP in shocking condition. Went out at
12 retd 6.0 pm – registering. Fortunately weather fine.
Pcl biscuits socks & powder fr Annie: pleased as I was cleaned out
AFUWT.
Very much short staffed, haven’t slightest notion where we go tomorrow.
Nothing to report.
Sunday Sep 24th
New parapet at OP fr 9.0 to 2.0pm then finished for day – quiet time nothing of importance
3 letters fr A – weather lovely
Nothing to report.
Mon Sep 25th
Tel Room. Fairly easy day up to 3.0pm then very busy. Registered by aeroplane also fired
Lovely weather
Letter fr A
Major Meynell returned from leave otherwise nothing to report.
Tues Sep 26th
Day off – as usual duty at No 1 gun WX position during heavy retaliation by us on Boche. We
had evidently been attacking as message came thro that night that we had taken
Gueudecourt with 2000 prisoners.
Weather delightful – letter fr A. Wrote Alex & Bella
A bit down during afternoon & evening chiefly on account of X mannerisms. Old hands say
bombardment worst they’d heard – lasted just over an hour – we were not in the thick of it
but took part.
Nothing to report.
Wed Sep 27th
Out with Mr Xxxxxxx from noon to 7.0pm trying to find wire from Z.C (Lulu Lane) to register.
Had gruelling(?) time on the line but failed to get thro. Had tea & went to bed.
Some slight showers.
Nothing to report.
Thu Sept 28
X decided I should take 8 to 12 turn also that I should not turn out until 8.0 am but I refused
– am fed up with his ways and mannerisms. Had a gruelling(?) time OP to 8.0pm various
wires people wanting & firing at WX – otherwise quiet.
Lovely letter fr A (S’cond) she was going to Seaham, I was indeed pleased.
Weather fine but rained a little 6.0pm
Pcl fr Home (Miss Halls toffee) X quite friendly tonight
Nothing to report.
Friday Sep 29th
Off day. Rained all day so stayed in billet & wrote L fr Miss Hall & Martha. Letter fr Martha.
Nothing of importance.
Enemy shelled FONQUEVILLIERS between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. – This Group retaliated on
ESSARTS, otherwise day passed quietly.
Sat Sep 30
At OP (ZG) 9 to 1.0pm. Nothing doing. Trenches F.O.O 6.30 5-30 am. Called for Xxxxxx about
3.30 am first since we took over this job. Lot of trouble to get battery. Inf adj annoyed – left
5.45 am
Enemy trench mortars were very active both day and night from MONCHY direction our
Batteries engaged them each time they opened fire – otherwise nothing to report.
Oct 1st
Battery duty. Busy time – messages 5 am to noon. Afternoon & evening fairly quiet.
X fired fr WX during afternoon.
Passed dead man on stretcher in trenches – my first experience.
Counting of words etc(?) on messages commenced – nuisance.
L & packet cigs from Willie
Delightful weather.
Clock put back one hour.
Pcl fr Home (Tongue Bella; nuts Annie) lovely.
Nothing to report.
Mon Oct 2nd
Off day. Not anything to do this time – rained all day. Wrote Ria, Bella & L & Mr Kell. Long
letter from Ethel, replied.
Nothing to report.
Tues Oct 3rd
Battery 8.0pm 2nd to 4.0 am 3rd afterwards OP. ZG. Fine now – 1.0 to 5.0pm with Mr Xxxx
then Sgt Xxxxx came up. Nothing doing & had a very quiet day indeed. Gramophone in billet
at night. Altogether had a very pleasant day. Fine after 1.0pm. Letter fr A & JB & papers fr
Martha.
Lt. Crombie went on leave.
Wed Oct 4th
Battery 4 to 8. 12 to 4
Rather quiet. X in one of his nasty moods. Rained practically all day. Rumours we’re moving.
Wrote A. Had scrap with X told him he’d been antagonistic towards me since I came – never
attempted to assist during very busy period & would give me no advice as to how to word
messages to group regarding hostile(?) shelling.
Bed immediately finished
Nothing to report.
Thur Oct 5th
Off day. Went to Pommier(?) with Bdr Xxxxxx for wire then fired from WX. Battery duty 8 to
12.0 pm.
Weather fine.
Felt disappointed when no mail for me.
We straffed 11.30 to mid. Inf went but found no one there.
Rained heavily at night.
We fired 100 GF.
The 138 Bde carried out a raid on the Enemy’s lines near MONCHY, the trenches were
entered at 11.30 p.m. on finding no trace of life in the enemy’s lines they returned. One
officer and one O.R. were slightly wounded – the Centre Group gave covering fire to trench
mortar bombardment during afternoon B/232 cutting two gaps in the enemy’s wire, also
during the afternoon. Bombardment of enemy’s trenches was also carried out during the
raid – The 230 Bde came to POMMIER taking part there. Bde. H.Q. – A/231 and right section
D/232 started making new positions West of FONQUEVILLIERS.
Friday Oct 6th
ZG,OP 10 am to 2.30pm. Our 18 pdrs straffed very heavily all morning several killed on
Foncquevillers Rd. Decided to return to Battery via Hannescamp. Great bustle preparing to
move to Foncquevillers.
Letters fr A. George & Mr Johnson.
Bed 10.30
Weather fine. Wrote note to A & L re change – move
A/231 left this Group coming under the 33rd Division – B/232 extended in zone to the point
of the By Z being the Southern limit of the new Zone for Centre Group – Right section D/232
went to new position West of FONQUEVILLIERS.
Sat Oct 7th
Battery duty 8 to noon 4 to 8 pm. Morning quiet afternoon rather busy. Left Bienvillers for
Foncquevillers 8.0 pm. Mud almost up to knees. Sleep in tiny dug-out which isn’t half long
enough.
Letter fr A & Alex. Pcl from Home.
Weather wet at intervals.
Nothing to report.
Sunday Oct 8th
Busy all day on telephone & our own dug out at new position – mud galore but enjoyed the
change immensely. Sniper sent a few bullets over top of dug out.
L from Bessie
Weather – showers at intervals
Preparing for bom’bmt
Enemy shelled BERLES doing very little damage considering the length of time they shelled.
Monday Oct 9th
Trench digging etc – duty 4 to 10 pm.
Weather fine.
L from A
Nothing of importance except perhaps that Fritz sent quite a number of shells over our little
dug-out. Did not sleep very well. First real experience of being under shell fire – close up - &
it’s not very pleasant.
At 10 a.m. this Group shortened its line the Southern most point being E.11.d.6.9.
(FONQUEVILLIERS 1/100,000).
Tuesday Oct 10th
Duty – no telephone duty as X went to OP but I carried wire with Cpl Xxxxxx to Thorpe St
trench – bed at 9-0 pm in fresh dug-out with Xxxxxxxx. Slept a little better than in other dugout. Several shells over.
Weather delightful.
L from Elsie (CSEC) & pcl from A – pastries(?), cake etc
Nothing to report except A/232 and D/232 were badly shelled.
WEDNESDAY OCT 11th
Duty 10am – 2 pm 10 pm to 2.0 am. Quiet time in telephone room. Whilst having nap in
afternoon several shells came over one of which wounded 4 of A sub(?) gunners – did not
know until about ½ hour afterwards altho only about 4 yds away. Rather a warm time of it
during shelling – don’t like it a bit. All very decent chaps who were wounded.
Made new will. Hope Annie will understand & appreciate the alterations. Would have liked
to have explained more fully but circumstances & conditions on active service are against
me.
Nothing to report except A/232 and D/232 were badly shelled.
Thur Oct 12th
Duty 2 to 6pm. Quiet – nothing of importance.
A combined bombardment with Stokes Mortars and Divl. Arty (18-pdrs) was carried out
during the night – No retaliation from the enemy.
Fri Oct 13th
OP duty – went up 1.0 pm but returned 2.30 pm to trace line back to battery so that we
should know it X.X & myself. Huns bumped Fonkque heavily during morning also both sides
shelling heavily whist going to & returning from OP. Did not shell at night as they had done
the previous nights.
L fr A & Martha. Wrote A & L in dug out
Major Newton and Capt. Rambaut returned from Artillery Course – Lt. Crombie returned
from leave – On both the 13th and 14th BERLES was very heavily shelled all the morning –
A/232 detached section moving to new position at W.14.d.30.70 during the night of 13/14th
Sat Oct 14th
Battery duty 6 to 10 am 2 to 4 pm
Day spent improving floor of tel hut. Hun sent one or two shells over at night but things very
very quiet generally.
Expected Martha’s pcl would have arrived tonight but it didn’t – very much disappointed.
Had a cup of tea 8.0 am in tel room.
No mail
Weather dull but fair.
As for 13th.
Sun Oct 15th
Battery 6 to 10 pm (possibly am as pm doesn’t fit with next entry)
Trench digging & trench board carrying during morning. Telephone room fr 2 to 10 pm
Felt homesick about 6.0 pm just going on phone & pictured them at home going to Church &
felt downhearted – wish it were all over. Disappointed Martha’s pcl not arrived. Letters fr A
& Bella also registered letter cont’g locket fr A – delighted with photo – am putting it on
tonight.
Huns fairly quiet – good number of planes over.
Weather fine with one or two showers at intervals.
Nothing to report except Major Lee and Capt. Haslam went to 3rd Army Artillery School
15.10.16.
Mon Oct 16th
Should have been OP duty but 1st Battery took it. Carried trench boards, the order came that
we had to return to Bienvillers. Reeled wire in then carried ammunition getting to Bienvillers
8.30 am.
Fine night but one heavy shower of rain.
Just getting settled down – only one drawback – OP such a long way & always being
crumped.
Pcl & ????? fr home addressed by A. Real hard day
As for 15th.
Tues Oct 17th
OP duty (Monchy) 1.0 pm to 5.0 pm my colleague is now X Xxxx & I’m not sorry as the other
was getting on my nerves. Now sleeping in ????? of gun pit – think we shall be comfortable.
Safer there as our previous billet has been very badly shelled.
Very wet night.
Letters fr A. G. Ethel, Ria and ?
Wrote Ria & Lizzie
A/231 and right section D/232 re-joined this Group which then became right group covering
from E.11.b.55.30 to W.23.d.4.45 (MONCHY Salient).
Wed Oct 18th
B’ty 10-2pm 2.0 am to 6.0 am
Busy all day arranging dug out – think we shall be very comfortable – at least my bed will be
– if only we stay. On parade 2.0 pm – marching – first for several months.
Weather fine. Letter fr G & pcl fr A. Wrote G. M. &A 2.0 am
The 138 Infy Bde raided enemy’s lines in two places at 8.30 p.m. returning at 9.5 p.m. with
one German Helmet and a few other trophies, suffering very few casualties themselves –
The Centre Group gave covering fire to Trench Mortars during the afternoon and assisted
the raid by placing an effective barrage on trenches East of the two points of entry.
Thur Oct 19
Bty 2am to 6.0 am – 6 pm to 10 pm
Rained incessantly all Wed night & during today – dug out very wet. Nailed corrugated iron
on roof as rain was coming in very badly. Parade 9.0 am & got practically wet thro – weather
wretched. Paid 10 francs.
Letter fr A
No fire when we got in at 10.0pm – annoyed but ignored them. Still raining badly at 10 pm
Capt. Armitage returned from attachment at 43 C.C.S. – A/232 and D/232 did much damage
to enemy’s new work in W.29.b.
Friday Oct 20th
OP 7 am to 1.30 pm
Slept fairly well in dug-out but not much room to move about to get dressed. Lovely clear
frosty morning – first sign of frost. Two months today since I left base. Had Quaker oats for
supper enjoyed them immensely.
Wrote H Eves, Mima(?), Mr Gouge, M Johnson
Weather lovely. L fr Alice & Elsie.
Nothing to report.
Sat Oct 21
Bty 6 to 10 am 10pm to 2 am
Very quiet day. Supper in tel room – cocoa etc
Wrote A & L
Lovely weather.
Rumours we’re going to Somme shortly
2nd Lt. Perkins went on a Third Army heavy Trench Mortar course.
Sun Oct 22nd
Tel Room. 2 to 6 pm
Wretched time – lines down & faint. MB for Xxxxxx. At it fr 2 to 6 continuous – glad when it
was over. Q Oats for supper. Could not post A & L letters for want of envelopes.
L fr A. Lovey weather.
Lt. Nichols was transferred to a unit in England – Lt. Burn took over duties of Town Mayor LA
CAUCHIE.
Mon Oct 23rd
OP 1 to 5 pm
Nothing doing. Add’ envelopes to G cont’g will.
Weather dull & hazy
Nothing to report.
Tues Oct 24th
Bty 10 to 2 pm 2am to 6 am
Very quiet during morning. Football match during afternoon – glad I didn’t play such
wretched day. Believe I’ve got a little cold. Miserable in tel room at night – no fire. Posted
letters to A & L dated 21st – notepaper issue.
Pcl from home also letter fr Ethel & photo of Elsie.
Rained practically all day.
Nothing to report.
Wed Oct 25th
Bty 6 to 10pm Busy OP to 6.0pm then fairly quiet. Felt a bit off colour – sickly feeling due to
slight cold I think.
Wretched day – rain
Medical inspection. Wrote L
Nothing to report.
Thur Oct 26th
OP first turn. Both to be up here in future. Nothing to do.
Letter fr A, H Eves & Elsie also SW. Wrote A & Mr Kell. Weather fine. Had gramophone in
dug-out but it was kept going too long (midnight) & we had to be up at 6 am
Letters fr Elsie, H Eves & Note & envelopes A
Capt. Salt went on leave.
Fri Oct 27
Bty 6 to 10 am. Very quiet
Busy all afternoon fixing up stove
Bty 10 pm to 2 am
Letter fr A. Weather wretched – rain. Wrote L.
Col. Gisborne went on leave – Mayor Meynell took command of the Right Group – D/512
How Bty joined the Bde commanded by Capt. Houghton and was met by the Adjutant at
DOULIENS Station at 5 a.m. Lt. Donovan and 2/Lts White, Agar and Anderson also came with
D/512 Battery.
Sat Oct 28th
Bty 2 to 6 pm. Two inspections 9 am & 2.0 pm on a/c of untidy turn out. Very quiet time on
duty. Felt off again – pain in chest & stomach rather bad. Weather still very bad – rain.
Had good night’s rest.
2/Lt. Perkins returned from Trench Mortar School.
Sun Oct 29th
OP – late turn. Very quiet time. Bed 8.0 pm
Wretched weather – still raining.
Wrote A. No mail. Green envelope issued. ????? issued.
Lt. Anson and 2/Lt. Arkwright went to Divl. Arty School.
Mon Oct 30
Bty 10 to 2 pm – 2 to 6 am
Very quiet morning turn. In bed from 2.30 to 10.15 pm overslept. Still raining wretchedly.
Letter fr George. Expected letter fr A also 2 pcls but not arrived yet.
Transport said to have been sunk, wonder if this accounts for delay.
One sub-section of D/512 was attached to D/230 and on sub-section to D/231 for
instruction; two sub-sections of D/232 for the same purpose – Major Kent took command of
the Right Group.
Tues Oct 31st
Bty 6 to 10 pm. Fairly quiet.
Wrote George 3 am Green envelope with WILL
Letters fr A also pcl & Mr Kell
Had spray(?) bath
Weather fine after 9.0 am
Nothing to report.
Wed Nov 1st
OP first turn – nothing doing all day.
In bed by 8.0 pm. Long letter fr Ethel. Wrote A.
Weather fine but dull.
Nothing to report.
Thur Nov 2nd
Bty 6 to 10 am 10pm to 2.0 am
Very quiet. To OP as guide for Mr Xxxxxx 10 to 11.30. Feeling of general “downness” with me
all day. Bed 5 to 9 pm. Took washing to new place in village.
Lovely pcl indeed fr Home. Thought it had gone to bottom of sea.
Ltr fr A. Weather fine with slight showers.
Nothing to report.
Fri Nov 3rd
Bty 2 to 6 pm – very quiet indeed. Pay
Letters fr G. M. R & A
Wrote L. Weather fine
Enemy put four 4.2 gun shells into POMMIER doing no damage – One of our aeroplanes
came down in enemys lines at about 3.55 p.m. B/232 gave our airman time to get clear then
fired 40 rounds rapid into area where plane fell – D/512 given the name of C/232, sent one
section into action with D/232 (right section) and their other section went into action with
D/231.
Sat Nov 4th
OP. Took late turn arrived about 9.30. Xxxxxx came down at 10.30 & back at 2.30 (??????) so
had firing all the afternoon to myself. Capt of new Battery very nice to fire with and all went
off very well indeed.
Wrote A & M
Bed 8.0pm. Weather lovely & fine
At 4.30 p.m. Hostile aeroplane dropped two bombs into BIENVILLIERS doing no damage,
otherwise nothing to report.
Sun Nov 5th
Bty 10 am to 2.0 pm. Fairly busy morning but enjoyed it – firing too. New phone makes a
huge difference. Boys played football match in afternoon. Strong wind drying ground lovely.
Letter fr A
Bty duty 10 pm
M.G.R.A. went round Right Group O.Ps.
Mon Nov 6th
Bty 2 to 6 am 6 to 10 pm
Easy day – very quiet. Thought we were commencing 6 hour shifts with new battery but
disappointed – Major put his foot down.
Medical inspection
Some rain in early morning & continued at intervals all day ground as bad as ever.
Letter from M Johnson. Martha’s pcl not arrived – disappointed.
Wrote Ria asking for mac
POMMIER was shelled.
Tues Nov 7th
OP first turn. Very quiet indeed. Wrote A. Wretched weather rained heavily all day got very
wet coming from OP. No mail.
Ditto. One civilian killed, 2 soldiers wounded.
Wed Nov 8th
Bty 6 to 10 am – quiet – fired 2 rds. Should have been on night duty but in orders that I was
attached to detachment to report 7.0 pm when I was detailed for duty at alternative gun
position at 8.0 am
Weather still very bad.
Still no mail
Ditto. No damage done.
Lt. Col. Gisborne and Capt Salt returned from leave.
Thur Nov 9th
Digging at alternative position & in heavy bombardment during afternoon (12 inch guns
close by) very heavy indeed. Got back at 5.30 pm & detailed for duty in telephone room for
10 pm. Took first turn (Xxxxxxxxx going to RTX) Lovely weather.
Pcl fr Martha had been on way for 8 days and arrived fr LX
Still no mail arrived
On duty with Xxxxxxxxx for first time 10 to 2 am
D/232 and A/231 engaged a 77 m.m. Battery located in the South of ADINFER Wood –
Enemy shelled our tracks around BIENVILLIERS – we retaliated on tracks E. of MONCHY.
Fri Nov 10th
Bty 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 pm
Firing for an hour during afternoon otherwise quiet. New man a ?????
L from A also powder. Pcl fr L & Mima
Weather lovely & fine
Lizzies pcl very much damaged.
Alice’s photo very good
Not yet opened Mima’s pcl as my box is now full.
Enemy again shelled our tracks round BIENVILLIERS we again retaliated on the MONCHY
tracks, otherwise nothing to report.
Sat Nov 11th
Bty 8-10; 12 to 2pm. Exceptionally busy with messages & 2 priority calls. Managed A1.
Opened Mima’s pcl which was a real lovely one. Had walk to RTX with Xxxxxxxx – think I
should be all right there.
Wrote Mima & L
Weather fine but thick fog during afternoon.
Quaker oats for supper.
Nothing to report.
Sun Nov 12th
O.P. first – very quiet day indeed. Only fired 3 rds.
Wrote A
Weather fine – sun shine
L fr G. Tapioca for supper
Nothing to report.
Mon Nov 13
Bty 6-10 am 10pm to 2.0 am
Very quiet morning indeed.
Letters fr A (2) G & Alice
Weather fine
At 2.40 a.m. Gas was discharged from our Left Section, the enemys trenches and tracks were
shelled – C/232 left the Right Group – Left section D/232 moved to Right section D/232
BIENVILLIERS – Right section D/230 joined this Group. Otherwise nothing to report.
Tues Nov 14
Bty 6 to 10pm Fairly quiet. Firing when we can ????? & cont’d for an hour. Priority 5.30 Bty 2
Rd GF
Exceptionally quiet afterwards. 2 reports of victories – 3500 prisoners
Wrote G. L & A & pcl from home with letter fr Willie
Weather fine
Too much in pcl indeed asking people to send too much. Had not expected this one. A’s pcl
evidently gone astray.
Nothing to report.
Wed Nov 15
Bty 8 to 10 am 12 to 2.0pm
Keen frost in morning. Manning 2 OP’s today. Quiet morning – short shoot CA.
Willie will be donning khaki today – good luck to him !!!
Wrote Willie
Nothing to report.
Thur Nov 16
OP second turn
Quiet day – fired 4 Rds
Weather fine – keen frost all day. Met Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx in village; got quite a surprise. Hope I
may see him again just to have a crack.
Wrote A
Bombardment of enemy trenches and tramways.
Friday Nov 17
OP = CA all day. Nothing to do but we were whizz-banged practically all day (1 on top & 1 in
door way). Got back 5.0pm & to crown all they sent 150 gas (tear) shells into village 9.0 to
10.30. One hit telephone room and we had to put on our helmets. First time I’d had the gas
– baptism.
Duty 2.0 am to 6.0 am = Bty
Weather – keen frost all day
Nothing to report concerning operations. Lt H.D.Ryder proceeded to 46th D.A. School for
Course – Lt. F.M.Joyce rejoined Bde from VII Corps H.O. and took over duties of Adjutant. Lt.
Ryder on Course
Sat Nov 18th
Bty 2 to 6 pm Very quiet indeed. Marching order inspection. Major went to Wagon Lines.
Snow fell (first) during morning rained & was wretched at night. Paid 20 francs
No mail today
Wrote L, Martha & H Ball
Capt Xxxxxxxx seems very nice
Nothing to report.
Sun Nov 19th
Bty 6 to 10 am
Very quiet morning – Test ?????.
Weather very dull & mud again very bad
Bed after tea – got up had soup & QOats & then back again.
Letters fr A Mr Kell & Ria (mack)
Soup & Q oats for supper
Lovely mack arrived from Ria – delighted with it.
Right Group 46th D.A. becomes Left Group 48th D.A. and is composed of A/231, B/232,
D/232.
Mon Nov 20
OP first turn. Very busy Xx Xxxxxxxx fired in morning 15 Rds. Capt fired during afternoon. Bty
fire & orders given very quickly – much too fast.
Evening spent in dug-out. No supper.
Xxxxx at M.B. Bed 9.30pm
Weather fine
Letter & gloves from A
Wrote Ria & Mr Kell
Nothing to report.
Tues Nov 21
Off all day – night duty 10pm to 2.0am. Got trench cooker at canteen. Finished A’s letter
after dinner then went to bed at 2.30.
Supper – Fried eggs, Q oats & café au lait
Letter fr A & Ethel
Weather foggy
Enemy shelled the vicinity of BIENVILLIERS.
Wed Nov 22
Bty 2 to 6 – Wrote L early morning. Fired quite a lot during afternoon afterwards very quiet
indeed. Some time since things were as peaceful – no firing by Boche probably owing to the
fact that 12 inch have gone or been dismantled.
Supper Q Oats, peaches & custard & cocoa
Letters fr Elsie & M Johnson
Replied to Mat
Nothing to report.
Thur Nov 23
Bty 10 – 2 pm – Quiet morning – fired 9 rds on forward gun.
Huns active between 5 & 6 am
Lovely weather.
Supper soup, tapioca & cocoa
Letters fr A & George
Enemy attempted to find Y Sector, all batteries fired on S.O.S. lines.
Fri Nov 24
OP second turn. Very quiet indeed, no firing
Had soup provided there for dinner – enjoyed it. A treat.
Weather fine during morning slight drizzle during afternoon.
Wrote A & George (wreath)
A/231 doing wire cutting for projected raid on enemy trenches.
Sat Nov 25
Off duty. Bty 2 – 6 am. Very wet day – cleaned out dug-out. Rumours we’re going out of
action – hope not!!
Huns sent over large number of gas shells just as we were going on duty – we replied with 5
Rds G.F.
Bed all afternoon & evening – sing song in DQ at night
P 6 from M.
Projected raid cancelled – Received orders as to relief of Group by Left Group 49th D.A.
Sun Nov 26
Bty 6-10 pm. Rained until 2.0pm. Very quiet. Moving W Lines tomorrow. Felt rather “down”
today unable to say for what particular reason.
One section of A/231 and B/232 relieved by sections of A/245 and B/245 and went into
action, A/231 at R.13.c.7.6., B/232 at W.3.c.8.0 – One section D/232 relieved by one section
D/245 and proceeded to Wagon Lines.
Mon Nov 27
Left Bienvillers – arrived wagon Lines La Cauchie stables afternoon. Very cold in hut at night
– its work morning to night here. No mail.
Weather fine
Remaining section A/231 and B/232 relieved by remaining sections A/245 and B/245 and
went into action, A/231 one gun at R.13.d.83.08, two guns Q.18.d.90.10, one gun R.13.c.7.6.
B/232 at W.3.c.8.0 and W.14.d.14.75, remaining section D/232 relieved by remaining section
D/245 and proceeded to Wagon Lines – H.Q. relieved by H.Q. 245 Bde and proceeded to LA
CAUCHIE.
Tues Nov 28
Exercising 6.30 – 7.30. Visual 9-15 to 11.0 am. F.S.M.O parade. Stables till 1.0pm. Visual ;
Stables till tea. Pay and appointments served out. Bed 8.30pm. Pcl fr A
LA CAUCHIE: Nothing to report.
Wed Nov 29
Exercising before breakfast. FSMO Parade. Visual. Stables & Visual & stables
Letter fr A & ODM & JB
Weather fine
Received VII Corps Order No. 49 re bombardment.
Thur Nov 30
Bty Staff day – fearful rush – passed off all right
Received orders re relief of 46th D.A. by 30th D.A. – Group and Battery commanders of
relieving group came over to view positions, etc. – VII Corps order 49 postponed.
Fri Dec 1st
Left for Grouches. Stables etc
Wrote R & A
Lt. Ryder rejoined Bde from D.A.Course – 1st Section of Batteries moved to new area – 2/Lt.
Birch joined the Bde.
Sat Dec 2
Stables etc & packing up. Letter fr Alice & Ethel also pcl fr A
Nothing to report.
Sun Dec 3rd
Left La Cauchie for Grouches passing thro Larbret etc & along the famous Arras Road.
Mounted – some trouble on mounting. Dead tired at night. Billeted in barn.
Did not forget anniversary of my dear father’s death.
AFUWA
Weather fine but cold
Bde H.Q and remaining sections of the Batteries moved to CROUCHES having been relieved
by 149 Bde.
Mon Dec 4th
Stables etc & clearing away generally.
Letter fr Ria. Weather lovely & fine. Rather a nice place this nestling amongst the hills.
GROUCHES: Nothing to report – Batteries spent the day cleaning up Billets, etc.
Tues Dec 5
Usual stables etc. Practiced marching past in morning & marched past Col afternoon.
Attending guard at night – did not sleep at all – very drafty.
R letters fr A one from M
Batteries practiced the march past in the morning and again in the afternoon as a Brigade.
Wed Dec 6
On guard. Nothing unusual.
Letter fr George & papers fr A
G.O.C. presented ribbons to the Div. Arty the following belonged to this Bde:- No. 1294 Cpl
Rollo W.C., No. 919 Cpl Walker J., No. 1202 Cpl Waldron L.V., No. 1350 Br. Glover C.H., No.
1844 Pte Pryer W.J. (R.A.M.C. ATTACHED) – The following were not at the G.O.Cs. parade
but have been awarded the Military Medal – No. 1449 Sergt Stokes F.W., No. 889 Sergt
Vickery T.W., No. 872 Br. Robinson A.H. – The following officers joined this Brigade :- 2/Lt.
D.Chippendale – 2/Lt. W.C.Hanson – 2/lLt. A.H.Levy.
Thur Dec 7th
On guard. RF. Afternoon
Cleaning(?) appointments.
Weather dull. Letter fr A Pcl fr Bella. Wrote M.G. A & L
Batteries started training – Working party of 1 officer and 10 O.R. of B/232 went up to
POMMIER to prepare gun positions.
Frid Dec 8th
Route march – mounted – rush as usual. Easy afternoon.
Some rain.
Letter fr Bella & Ethel
Wrote Bella
Nothing to report.
Sat Dec 9
Stableman – wet thro almost.
Letter fr & wrote A
Two sections of B/232 went into action N.E. of POMMIER their Wagon Lines at PAS.
Sun Dec 10th
Church parade, pay & afternoon off.
Weather miserable – rain & cold
Wrote L
B/232 Ammunition Wagons and teams returned to GROUCHES as there was no
accommodation for them at PAS.
Mon Dec 11th
Battery staff day enjoyed it
Weather fine in morning but rained during afternoon.
Pcl fr the girls & letter fr A also pcl
Nothing to report.
Tues Dec 12
Rode to Lechuch as horseholder to Xxxxxxxxx. Rain & sleet whole journey. Oilskin most
useful. Guard 3.0pm – weather now fine.
Wrote Girls & Lizzie 2.0 am
Nothing to report.
Wed Dec 13th
Guard. Nothing of importance. Weather miserable. Boys had half holiday.
The G.O.C., R.A. gave a lecture on Discipline – Lt. Ryder went on leave.
Thur Dec 14th
Nothing of importance. Weather cold & rain. Letter fr Mima & A
Nothing to report.
Frid Dec 15th
Nothing of importance. Letter fr G & A. Wet weather.
Nothing to report.
Sat Dec 16th
Bty Staff day – easy time. Wagon lines – Xmas dinner.
Weather fine but cold. Bed 8.0pm
Wrote L. G Bessie & Mrs R
Brigade field day, all batteries on Parade with skeleton staff – A. and D. Batteries gave Xmas
dinner to men.
Sun Dec 17
Nothing of importance. Wrote A. weather cold. Letter fr Mrs Kell, Annie & pcl fr Mima
C.R.A. gave lecture to officers and N.C.O’s on employment of Artillery. Received orders re
relief of 49th D.A. by 46th D.A.
Mon Dec 18
Bty Staff morning – guard 3-0pm. Weather fine. Papers fr Mat J
Bde and Battery Commanders proceeded to H.Q. 247 Bde R.F.A at BIENVILLERS to
reconnoitre Battery positions.
Tues Dec 19th
Guard until 3-0pm. Weather fine. Packed up ready for moving next day.
Pcl from L & M also letter from M
Both Xmas pcls
Nothing to report.
Wed Dec 20
Left Grauches for Bienvillers. Awful time with cycle packed with kit etc. Anxious time getting
parcels smuggled thro but managed all right.
Lovely frosty day
Billeted in cellar – not bad
One section of all Batteries relieved one section of all batteries of 247 Bde R.F.A.
Thur Dec 21st
OP ZK & BY for 24 hours from noon.
Wrote L. Martha & Mima
Rained all day. Boche active practically all day
????? fr BY at 6-0pm – hot time coming down – had to double thro Hannescamp. Shell thro
C sub pit
Remain section of all batteries relieved remaining sections of 247 Bde – Bde Commander
took over command of line at 12 noon – H.Q. at BIENVILLERS.
Frid Dec 22nd
Bty 2- to 10 pm – 6 to 10.
Fired during afternoon – registering.
Boche replied on our left
Nothing exciting for us.
Letter fr A, Alice and Diary fr J Gouge.
Weather bad – rain
BIENVILLERS: Lt. C.H.Arkwright proceeded on short leave to England – Lt. Hickman and Lt.
Anson rejoined Bde from 3rd Army Arty School.
Sat Dec 23
OP (CE) First duty. Quiet day there but battery shelled heavily. Wretched weather.
Pcl fr A. Wrote A
C.R.A. commenced daily conference at Bde H.Q.
Sun Dec 24th
Off duty – Bty 10-5pm (2-6am)
Moved fr cellar to house. Sorry to have to move. Bty preparing new positions after having
been shelled again.
Weather fine until night
Letter fr A & George
Nothing to report.
Mon Dec 25th
Xmas day 2 to 10pm
Tests all day – quite busy
Rain. Wrote A long letter
Nice tea, tongue, peaches & cream
Nothing to report.
Tues Dec 26
Busy time at Bty 10 to 2 pm
Weather bad.
Boche bumped at night
Letter fr A & Willie
Cards fr Harry, Bella & Mima
Pcls fr Home
Lt. J.G.Anson proceeded on short leave to England.
Wed Dec 27th
OP (CA) all day. Rough time my mate & myself had on lines practically all – succeeded in
getting thro at last.
OP shelled by Whizz Bangs & hot time generally.
Glad to get back.
Trenches in awful state.
Lt. H.D.Ryder returned from leave.
Thur Dec 28th
Bty 10 to 2 am. Washed clothes in morning. Quiet time at btry
Wrote R.M. willie & L – green env
Letter fr Elsie
Enemy attempted to raid the trenches on the front of the Group on our right between 3 and
4 a.m. – Major B.Lee proceeded to England for Course at LARKHILL.
Fri Dec 29th
Bty 2-10 (6-10) fired during afternoon. Otherwise quiet.
A’s birthday – no mail. Rain
Nothing to report.
Sat Dec 30th
Bty 6-2 (6-10) Busy time.
Very wet
Btn HQrs all night
No mail
Nothing to report.
Sun Dec 31
OP all day. Trenches in shocking condition – up to hips in mud & water. OP flooded – had to
use RGA.
Letter fr A. Card fr the girls.
Boys singing in billet New Years Eve.
Weather dull but no rain.
Nothing to report.
Last of rather an eventful year – hope I may be home before the New Year is very old
Diary Entries
1917
Mon Jan 1
Boche rang in the New Year at 12-30am with a furious bomd’t – 5-9; 4.2 & OB, all ran to
cellar in shirts. Several shells fell just outside billet.
Bty 10 to 6 (2-4). Very quiet time. Soup & coffee. latter at 2.0 am
Weather dull – some rain
Letters fr A. Alice & G
Major Meynell and Cap. Armitage R.A.M.C. awarded the D.S.O. – B.S.M Sayer A. awarded
the D.C.M. – Auth. Lon. Gazette New Years Honours 1917.
Tue Jan 2
Bty 2 to 10 (2-6) Fired during afternoon. Village shelled heavily 6-11pm. Very hot time
indeed. Had to dash for billet when 2 came over as we were on our way.
Soup & coffee in tel room for supper, shells dropping all round whilst having it.
Weather dull. No mail
Re-organization of Arty commenced C/232 being split up, right section being transferred to
D/230 left section to D/231 – Capt. Houghton, 2/Lts. Anderson and Agar being posted to
D/231, Lt. Donovan and 2/Lt. White being posted to D/230 – Lt. A.F.Dufton proceeded on
leave.
Wed Jan 3
Bty 6-2pm (10-2) Fairly busy morning – fired 80 rds fr OP
Q Oats & custard supper. Nothing of note
No mail. Wet
C/247 Battery posted to 232 Bde R.F.A and relieved B/232 in action, B/232 taking up new
position W. of FONQUEVILLIERS, one section D/247 posted to D/232 – D/232 took over
position of old C/232. The following officers were posted to this Bde from 247 R.F.A. :- Major
W. Howson, Capt A.H.Haynes, Lt. S.J.Blake, 2/Lt. G.D.Brunbton, 2/Lt. T.R.Ibbotson, 2/Lt.
S.Harvey. A portion of 46 D.A.C and a portion of 49 D.A.C were transferred to this Bde to
form a Bde Amm. Column with the following officers:- (Gap here with no names)
The Bde now consists of A.B.C. Batteries (6,18-pdrs) D.Battery (6,4.5” Hows) and Amm. Col.
Thu Jan 4
O.P. Very quiet day indeed – no firing.
New section arrived – 6 gun bty
Wet. Trenches still very bad.
Letters fr A & Ethel
Lt. F.Perkins returned from leave.
Fri Jan 5
Bty old position 6-2 (6-10) took over new positions C&Q last night. On duty 6am to 10pm
owing to various works in connection with change. Fairly quiet at this ????? RX. Fired 70 Rds.
Heavies active; Boche feeble.
Wrote A
Wrote L. Weather dull & rain – fine during afternoon
2/Lt. C.H.Arkwright returned from leave.
Sat Jan 6
Off duty till 6.0pm – duty 6 pm to 6.0pm tomorrow. Spent day washing various things &
cleaning up generally. We had good straf during morning. Very quiet indeed on duty – lovely
moonlight night. Xxxxxxxx went on leave. Soup supper. Changed £1 note.
Weather dull – some rain. No letters – keenly disappointed.
Bombardment of enemy com. Trenches took place by 46th D.A. and VII Corps H.A.
Sun Jan 7
Bty – old position all day. Very quiet morning. Read DL up to date. Several planes up during
early morning in the dark. Very quiet day indeed with only 2 guns here tho we move to new
position tonight where there is every prospect of plenty work.
Wrote H.Eves & Mat J. Letter fr George. Weather fine
Lt. H.Ryder proceeded to H.Q. 46th D.A. for attachment.
Memo
Rather an exciting week especially Mon & Tues. Glad we are leaving this position as it is a
real hot spot. Gunners nicknamed it “The pepper box” on account of numerous shell holes.
Mon Jan 8
Bty 2-10 (2-6) New position (KR36)
Fairly quiet time. Moved to cellar again – cosy.
No mail – keenly disappointed
Weather bad again – snow & sleet at night
2/Lt. Stevens joined the Bde and was posted to B/232.
Tue Jan9
Bty 6-2 (6-10)
Ordinarily busy – no firing
Telephone dug out very wet – expect to move
Weather dull – some rain
Tapioca for supper; Xxxxxx & I alone in cellar – quite comfy. Letter fr A. Wrote G & A
46th D.A. carried out first part of 46th D.A. O.O. No 127 bombardment of enemy tracks,
dumps and trench railways.
Wed Jan 10
Off duty till 10.0pm. Nothing of importance during day. Fairly heavy straf by us last night
(mid-night). Had steam bath. Bdr Xxxxxx went on leave.
Weather fine. No mail again – very disappointed indeed. Wrote L
Group received two aeroplane calls for guns firing – D.A. carried out second part of O.O No
127 – Capt. Haynes C/232 returned from leave.
Thu Jan 11
Bty 2-10 on duty whole time; working with Xxxxxx as Xxxxxx went to OPX for a week –
awfully sorry to lose him if only for a time. Quiet time except for ½ hour with aeroplane
targets
Moved to new telephone room in cellar
Still no mail. Rations very bad – missed pcls very much. Weather bad.
Nothing to report.
Fri Jan 12
Bty 6-2 on duty whole time – Xxxxxx not up to much. New telephone room all right. Had
fairly busy morning. Tapioca for supper. Going to sleep at guns (CX) tonight. Weather bad at
intervals – some snow. Still no mail – feel it acutely.
B.Battery dispersed large enemy working party computed at 400 men causing casualties – Dr
Deuchar killed – Sgt. Withers, Gnrs. Cullen, Evans and Clegg wounded.
Sat Jan 13
Shell hit cook-house last night (9-30) killing Xxxxxx & wounding Sgt Xxxxxxx & 2 others – had
hot time in village. Walked to St Amand re range finder. We had a jolly good straf today (400
rds) Hun quiet at night – sending very few over but hit mess.
Weather – some snow. Letters fr M & A. Wrote M & A
Lts. Hickman and Crombie proceeded to be medically examined for R.F.A. – C. and D.
Batteries carried out bombardment of enemys trenches in accordance with C.R.A. O.O No.
130 – it was believed that Gas Cylinders were broken and D/232 continued bombardment
during afternoon – Enemy shelled BIENVILLERS hitting D/232 Officers mess
Sun Jan 14
Bty 2-10 (6-10) Fairly quiet day
We retaliated together with Heavies on the Boche at night. WB beside our cellar but I was
on duty. Xxxxxx came back fr OPX
Weather dull
Letter fr A replied. Pcl (ham) fr home
Lt. R.P.Pockney joined Bde for six days course attached to B/232 – Enemy again shelled
BIENVILLERS between 6 and 10.30 p.m.
Memo
This village getting very hot at nights – Boches bump it regularly each night. Had hot time all
the week.
Sgt Xxxxxxx & Gnr Xxxxxxx killed.
Mon Jan 15
Second anniversary of the death of my dear Mother – God rest her soul in peace!!!
Bty 6-2 (10-2) Very quiet morning – visibility bad. Nothing of importance.
Q Oats & custard for supper
Wrote L. Weather fine.
Bde and Battery Commanders proceeded to report to C.R.A. 14th Div at WARLUS to
reconnoitre new positions – D/232 fired successfully on enemy party inflicting several
casualties – Lt. Ackroyd returned from leave.
Tue Jan 16
Bty 10.0pm (2-6) Very quiet day. Night duty very quiet too. Weather very cold.
No mail again
Q Oats & custard for supper.
Boche did not shell at night
Lt. Dufton returned from leave – quiet day.
Wed Jan 17
Bty 2-10pm First covering of snow commenced early morning – now about 6” deep
Went off duty 5.0pm feeling a bit seedy.
Boche again did not bump village: evidently Sunday’s straf cooled him down a little.
Lt. Dufton went to hospital – Lt. Ryder returned Div. Arty. H.Q. – Capt Salt went on Arty
Course in England – Capt Shaw went on leave.
Thu Jan 18
Bty 6-2 (10-2) Still snowing slightly. Moving to telephone cellar to sleep – officer coming into
ours. We had little straf at night. Boche replied only feebly.
Letter fr A & Mat Johnson
Weather cold – snow lying.
2/Lts. Jones and Davenport were attached to this Bde – Lt. Joyce went on leave – The 46th
D.A. bombarded enemy roads and tracks during the night.
Fri Jan 19
Off day – duty 10-0pm tonight (2-6)
Nothing of importance – very quiet indeed
Snow still firm
Letter fr A (also pcl) & Alice
Wrote A.R.L & Mat Johnson
Nothing to report except very hard frost set in.
Sat Jan 20
Bty 2-10 (6-10)
Quiet time generally – nothing of importance. Packed up in readiness for straf somewhere
but it is postponed – glad!!
Weather fine but cold.
No mail again
Capt. Haynes and Lt. Hay went to hospital – 2/Lt Birch returned from leave – quiet day –
2/Lt. Pockney returned to England.
Sun Jan 21
Bty 6-2 (6-10)
Busy morning shooting
Bath in afternoon & took washing
Letters fr Ethel & George latter not very cheery
Nothing to report.
Memo
Week rather quiet generally & nothing of much importance.
Got all packed up on Sat to move to ? for straf but it was cancelled for a time – very pleased
too.
Village not shelled very much this week.
Mon Jan 22
Off day
Bty 10.0pm tonight. Nothing doing today – very quiet. Straffing rather heavily on our right.
No mail again. Slight showers of snow
Lt. Wilson returned from leave – quiet day.
Tue Jan 23
Snow on tues presented a lovely scene this morning
Bty 2-10 (2-6)
Rather quiet again. Boche bumped village again. Another list re Rly’men came out – hope
something comes of it this time.
Wrote G&L. Weather fine tho cold. Still no mail.
Nothing to report.
Wed Jan 24
Bty 6-2 (10-2) List re Rly’men gone in.
Nothing of importance
Weather cold but fine
Letter & papers fr A
Enemy roads and tracks were shelled – otherwise a quiet day.
Thu Jan 25
Off day
On duty 10.0pm tonight
Only 3 names gone to HQ re Rly’men: mine not on – keenly disappointed. Shame only 3
names should be sent in out of about 70
Nothing of importance
Pcl fr home
Nothing to report.
Fri Jan 26
Bty 2-10 (6-10)
Nothing of importance
Weather fine but still very cold – snow not yet commenced to disappear. Still no mail.
Lt. Brunton went on leave – quiet day.
Sat Jan 27
OP KX27
Quiet. Awfully cold up there.
Aeroplane brought down.
Pcl & letter fr A; letters fr Mrs Robson & Elsie
Weather same.
Kaisers birthday but nothing special happened.
Nothing to report.
Sun Jan 28
Off duty – on 10-0pm tonight
Searching for wood practically all day.
One biscuit for tea: nothing of importance
Weather same as last few days – very cold
No mail again. Wrote A.
Lt. Col. Gisborne went on leave – quiet day – Major Lee returned from leave.
Memo
Very quiet week indeed – nothing of importance to record.
Ever so please to have Mrs Robson’s letter on Sat.
Mon Jan 29
Bty 2-10 (6-10) Rations bad; breakfast 1 biscuit; dinner bread; tea 2 biscuits.
Very quiet
Weather same as usual – very cold indeed.
Pcl fr home
Nothing to report.
Tue Jan 30
Bty 6-2 (6-10)
Very quiet day. Rations still bad. Slight showers of snow.
Letters fr M. A & R Watkin
1 Biscuit for breakfast 2 for dinner
Nothing to report.
Wed Jan 31
OP. Quiet. Very cold up there. No tea: Rations nil
Slight snow showers
Wrote R ?????
Quiet day – we bombarded enemy roads and tracks during the night.
Thu Feb 1
Off day
Very quiet – duty 10.0pm (10-2)
Biscuits for breakfast
Letter & papers fr A – replied
Wrote L & Mr Kell. Weather fine.
We bombarded enemy trenches just N. of GOMICOURT otherwise quiet day.
Fri Feb 2
Bty 2-10 (2-6) Quiet. Nothing of importance.
Change of partners to take effect from tomorrow. I go to OPX
Weather fine. No mail
Nothing to report.
Sat Feb 3
Took duty at new OPX
Very quiet time on night duty but oh so terribly cold – no fire
Weather cold
Letter fr A
2/Lt. Borden was posted to this Bde and 2/Lt. Parker attached from D.A.C. – This Group
extended its line – B/232 leaving the Group and C/232 (6 guns) D/231 (2 guns) came into the
Group.
Sun Feb 4
Still at OPX & still very cold. Nothing of importance.
Weather fine but very cold
Wrote A
Nothing to report.
Memo
Very quiet week nothing of importance except change of partners tho I have not worked
with my new man yet owing to being at OPX
Rations bad during week.
Mon Feb 5
Still at OPX
Another quiet day. Soft time here & comfortable now we’ve got a coke fire.
Letters fr A & Alice
Lt. F.M. Joyce returned from leave.
Tue Feb 6
OPX
Quiet
Weather fine & still very cold
Wrote R&L
Lt. Blake went on leave.
Wed Feb 7
OPX
Very quiet. No mail
Weather fine but still cold.
Wrote A
Lt. Crombie went on a signalling course – Enemy artillery very active.
Thu Feb 8
OPX
Quiet
Weather bitterly cold.
Letters fr A. Willie & George latter not very cheerful again
Lt. Dufton returned from hospital – We bombarded MONCHY Salient.
Fri Feb 9
OPX Very quiet
Cold – coke would not burn & everything & everybody miserable. Went to bed 6.0pm (duty
2.0 am)
No mail.
Weather still intensely cold.
Lt. Crombie returned from Signalling Course.
Sat Feb 10
OPX Very quiet day indeed
Weather still cold
Ltr fr A. Pcl fr M
Nothing to report.
Sun Feb 11
OPX Again very quiet
Wrote W. George, Martha & A
Lt. Crombie proceeded to R.F.A. – Lt. Trevitaick joined the Bde – Enemy shelled Dump in ST.
CROSS ST. in the evening – We replied on Dump in E.12.a.
Memo
Very quiet week indeed up here – rather in the nature of a holiday tho cold at times as the
coke is very poor & often refuses to burn.
Rations very good on the whole
Mon Feb 12
OPX Quiet. Nothing of note.
Slight cold & sore throat.
Weather still cold. No mail
Bombarded enemy roads and tracks during night 12/13th – Col. Gisborne returned from
leave.
Tue Feb 13
OPX Again very quiet. Nothing of note
Throat still sore – slight cough
Ltr fr A. M & Alice
Enemy shelled our supports N. of HANNESCAMPS – we replied on his supports S. of
MONCHY.
Wed Feb 14
OPX Again very quiet
Cold over so much better
No mail. Still cold.
Enemy shelled Battn. H.Q. in SHELL ST. - We replied on his Battn H.Q. S. of MONCHY. – A/232
provided covering fire for 18-pdr gun and 6” How firing a test.
Thu Feb 15
OPX very quiet. Got stove in OPX – very cosy now.
Weather not so cold
Wrote A. M & L
No entry for Feb 15th.
Fri Feb 16
OPX
We were quiet as usual but Hun very active with his TM during day.
Gas alarm.
Change in weather – thaw
L fr A. R & Mat Johnson
Capt Salt returned from Arty. Course in England – Enemy gas shelled LIVERPOOL ST. at
9.p.m. and GAS 21 received from 138 Inf Bde as the wind was unfavourable for a hostile gas
attack, the situation was soon determined. – Retaliation for the hostile shelling was carried
out at 10 p.m.
Sat Feb 17
OPX Again very quiet.
Weather foggy
Wrote A. Letters fr Ethel. G&H Eves & M
Battery Commanders proceeded to BEAUMETZ to reconnoitre positions under 49th D.A.
Sun Feb 18
OPX Again very quiet
Weather foggy
Pcl fr home
Nothing to report.
Memo
Another exceptionally quiet week with nothing of importance to record
Mon Feb 19
OPX Again everything very quiet
Weather foggy
No mail
Lt. Hickman bitten by a horse and sent to C.C.S. – Lt Joyce leaves Brigade for 18th Corps
Ammunition Park.
Tue Feb 20
OPX Ditto
Weather foggy
Letters fr A
Nothing to report.
Wed Feb 21
OPX
Caught Fritz coming over early morning – strafed
Afterwards very quiet
Weather foggy
No mail
At 3.15 a.m. this Brigade receives call Assist X – B.C.D.Batteries fired for about an hour and a
quarter – No actual raid – probably prevented by our artillery fire – M.O. returns from
hospital.
Thu Feb 22
OPX Again very quiet
Ltr fr A. Weather still foggy
Nothing to report.
Fri Feb 23
OPX Again very quiet
Weather still foggy
Ltr fr Mima. Wrote A
Nothing to report.
Sat Feb 24
OPX Quiet
Still foggy
No mail
2/Lt. Lund joins the Brigade.
Sun Feb 25
OPX
Good news about ????? being evacuated last night
Quiet during day
Fairly heavy strafe at night & all morning (26th)
Weather still foggy. Ltrs fr M. A. & G. Pcls Mima & L (fruit)
At 11.30 p.m. – Shoot on roads and tracks commenced.
Memo
Another very quiet week here – nothing of importance to record
Mon Feb 26
OPX
Both sides rather active
Lovely clear day. Pcl fr A
Shoot on roads and tracks continued until 6 a.m. and repeated later during the day.
Tue Feb 27
OPX Rather quiet again
Wrote A. M & L
Weather fine. Ltr fr A pcl fr M
Nothing to report.
Wed Feb 28
News came thro early this morning that we had walked into Gommecourt last night.
Expecting further evacuations.
Quiet
Weather fine
No mail
GOMMECOURT occupied by us during the night 28/1st.
Thu Mar 1
OPX Another quiet day
Lovely weather Ltr fr A & Willie
At 8.30 pm Huns dropped about 20 shells, whiz-bangs at 4.25 into BIENVILLERS, otherwise
nothing to report – A/232 move a second gun to their forward position at HANNESCAMPS.
Fri Mar 2
OPX Quiet as far as we were concerned. Boche evidently preparing to retire. Z observed to
be on fire. Several successes thro on phone
Weather; fog morning fine afterwards. Ltr fr A & Willie
Huns again dropped about 20 shells into BIENVILLERS at 9.30 pm. – From 3.30 till 4.30 pm
D/232 shelled S.W. side of PIGEON WOOD.
Sat Mar 3
OPX
Quiet day
Ltr fr G wrote Mat J & Willie
Weather same as yesterday
From 3 p.m. till 4 p.m. D/232 shelled Big Z – Huns again sent a few shells into BIENVILLERS
from 10 p.m. – Remaining guns of A/232 moved to positions of forward sections in
HANNESCAMPS.
Sun Mar 4
OPX Great excitement over successes. Pigeon Wood said to have been occupied by us today.
Received word that I am being relieved tomorrow. Awfully sorry as I have had a real easy
time
Weather fine. Z still burning Ltr fr A. M. & Ethel wrote A.
2/Lt Hunt joined the Brigade posted to B/232 – B/232 and C/232 moved forward at night to
new positions in HANNESCAMPS – Huns gradually retreating N.E. of GOMMECOURT.
Memo
Quiet week so far as OPX concerned but great successes on our front. Boche retired from
Gommecourt, Pigeon Wood etc
Batteries moving up
Ever so sorry to leave OPX as I have had a very easy month.
Mon Mar 5
Rtd to Bty
Off duty. Fall of snow last night
Further successes thro
No mail. Weather fine. Wrote M L & A (Green env)
BRAYELLE Farm, RETTENOY Farm, BEIZ Wood clear of the Huns – ESSARTS – BUCQUOY Road
shelled by our Batteries – Tracks shelled at night.
Tue Mar 6
Off duty till 10.0pm then to CX
Very quiet day & night
Weather fine
A/Capt Pierce and Lts. Woods, Davies and Simpson joined the Brigade – Lt. Col. Gisbourne
reconnoitred new position for C/232 in E.28.c.10.70 Section of C/232 moved to new position
at night.
Wed Mar 7
CX 2.0pm to 10.0pm
Considerable firing
Weather fine but cold. No mail
Lt. Col. Gisborne reconnoitred positions for 3, 18-pdr and one How. Battery in E.30.c and
E.29.b – Remainder of C/232 moved up to position of forward section at night.
Thu Mar 8
CX
8 to 2.0pm
No firing – very quiet
Weather cold slight snow showers
L & pcl fr A
Bombardment carried out by batteries of this Brigade in support of operation by infantry
against KITE COPSE.
Fri Mar 9
Moving tonight
Snow today. Every prospect of rough time. Arrived Biez Wood safely: out all night laying wire
– had rough time.
Wrote A L fr M Weather frosty
Section of A/232 moved forward to late positions of C/232 in HANNESCAMPS – Two sections
of D/232 moved forward to Howitzer position in E.30.c – Section of C/232 moved up to
E.30.c.
Sat Mar 10
Odd jobs. Boche strafed heavily all day – hot spot this.
Slept in bivouac – dead tired
Ltrs fr G & Ria, frost going
Remaining guns of C/232 moved forward to E.30.c – Roads and tracks in GOMMECOURT
shelled by whiz-bang Battery – 2/Lt. Todd Jones joined the brigade.
Sun Mar 11
Pigeon Wood OP got strafed badly.
Both sides strafed heavily all day. Slept in Boche dug-out & very pleased too
Rations bad
Ltr fr A Ground very heavy
GOMMECOURT: Bde H.Q. moved to GOMMECOURT – A/232 move up section of guns to
forward position – Roads and tracks in and around GOMMECOURT again shelled by whizbang Battery.
Memo
Busy week & very hot time
Mon Mar 12
Off duty but fixing up Telephone room all day. Ground simply awful. Boche strafed Pigeon &
Biez woods terribly. We are likely to have warm time here before we leave. Strafe at night
Duty 2 to 6am. No mail. Rain. Nothing for tea only piece of cheese and cup of tea
C/232 commences wire cutting in front of BUCQUOY GRABEN – Portion of RETTENOY
GRABEN taken by infantry after bombardment in which 232 Bde Batteries took part – Tracks
again shelled by Huns.
Tue Mar 13
Bty 2-10pm
Heavy strafing during afternoon. Gnr Xxxxx killed in Pigeon Wood
Major came back minus boots
Wrote A. M & G Weather fine
C/232 continue wire cutting – Practice barrage carried out by 232 Bde in conjunction with
other Artillery – Heavies bombarded trenches around BUCQUOY from 10 to 10.30 in
preparation for attack – Tracks shelled by Huns.
Wed Mar 14
Bty 6-2 pm
Quiet time. BHQ all night. Very cold & hungry – no tea
Rations still bad
Some rain
Ltr fr A & Alice
At 1 a.m. Attack on BUCQUOY carried out by 46th and 7th Divisions with Divl. And Corps
Artillery in support – Infantry entered trenches to consolidate – Light bad in the morning but
wire cutting continued by C/232 in the afternoon – KITE COPSE occupied at night by our
infantry patrols – A/232 move remaining section forward to new position – Tracks shelled by
Huns.
Thu Mar 15
No OP duty – working on dug-out & laid BHQ line.
Weather fine. Nothing of importance
Wrote A & L Pcl fr L
Roads and tracks into ESSARTS shelled by this Brigade – C/232 continues wire cutting.
Fri Mar 16
Bty 10.0 pm Quiet day – nothing of note
No mail. Weather fine
BUCQUOY defences bombarded by Corps Heavies between 5 and 5.20 p.m. – Practice
barrage carried out by Divl Arty, C/232 taking part. Hun retired from ESSARTS and BUCQUOY
during the night 16/17th.
Sat Mar 17
Bty 2-10 pm Great excitement again over Boche falling back.
Bapaume taken. Essarts, Monchy, Bucquoy etc evacuated
Used flags today
Several places burning
Weather fine. No mail
Hun evacuated DOUCHY, AYETTE and ABLAINGEVILLE during the night 17/18th.
Sun Mar 18
Bty 6-2
Walked into Essarts sight seeing.
Going out of action tonight. Our scouts unable to come in touch with Boche.
Weather fine.
No mail
Batteries withdrawn to ST AMOND – 2/Lt. Richmond joined the Brigade.
Memo
Plenty of excitement & good news this week tho we had rather a rough time
Mon Mar 19
Set off for St Amand at 2.0 am arrived 5.0 am. Left again for Coulliemont at 2.30 arrived
8.0pm. Rained most of the way – wretched. Rode on latter journey
Via Gaudiempre, Wallincourt & Humbercourt
L fr A. Bella & George. Pcl Fr A
Brigade moved to COULIEMONT to the 14th Division.
Tue Mar 20
Harness cleaning etc
Wretched weather – sleet & rain
No mail
COULIEMONT: In rest – nothing to report.
Wed Mar 21
First of spring
Harness cleaning & stables
Moving tomorrow
Weather fairly fine
No mail – unable to post any letters
Nothing to report
Thu Mar 22
Wagon washing etc
Weather wretched – snow & rain
No mail. Rough time
Nothing to report.
Fri Mar 23
Left Coullemont – stayed behind to clean up. Reveille 3.30 am
Arrived Berneville.
Very cold
Brigade moved to BERNEVILLE – C/232 detached and moved to WAILLY under 56th Div. – Bde
H.Q. established in ARRAS.
Sat Mar 24
Wagon Lines – left behind here; only 6 telephonists gone up to guns today
Weather very cold – winds
Ltr fr A(2) Alice & M
ARRAS: Work on position begun.
Sun Mar 25
Stables generally
Lovely weather
Ltr fr A. G. & Ria
Each Battery moved up 3 guns into position at night.
Memo
Week of real hard work – moving etc
Weather very cold too
Sorry I’ve been unable to write any letters. Rations awful – often no tea.
Mon Mar 26
Stables generally. Weather awful – rain & snow & bitterly cold. No tea again.
No mail
B. and D. Batteries took up their remaining guns.
Tue Mar 27
Stables again. Weather still very bad. Got a cold.
Pcl fr Martha & what a treat to get something to eat.
2/Lt. S.H.Burra took over as Orderly Officer from 2/Lt. Hanson who returned to A.Battery –
A.Battery took up their remaining guns.
Wed Mar 28
Arrived at gun position near Arras. Worked on dug-out. Living in wonderful cave.
Via Dainville etc
Some shelling by 5.9 Hows. On the football ground near H.Q. in course of afternoon.
Thu Mar 29
OP duty. Another rough time – got drenched thro then shelled out.
Wrote A. Ria & M.
Again no mail. Wretched weather
2/Lts. Ackroyd and Birch rejoined from Third Army School.
Fri Mar 30
Off day. Duty 10.0pm
In cave all day. Concert at night which I enjoyed immensely.
Welcome pcl fr home
2/Lt. Perkins rejoined from Trench Mortars and posted to C. Battery.
Sat Mar 31
Bty 2-10 pm. Nothing of importance
Some showers rain otherwise fair.
No mail
Nothing to report.
Sun Apr 1
Nothing of importance. Bty 6-2pm
Weather fine but cold.
Wrote L. pcl fr home Ltr fr G.E.M & MJ
Enemy aeroplane brought down one of our Scouts near Bde H.Q.
Memo
Glad to get up to guns since when I’ve not had near such a rough time as at wagon lines.
Rations shocking for weeks now. Wonder when there’s going to be an improvement
Mon Apr 2
OP very quiet. Nothing of importance
Wretched weather – wind, rain & snow.
Wrote L.G.M & MJ & A. Ltr fr A pcl fr Mrs Kell
RONVILLE: The Bde moved to Battle H.Q. in the caves at RONVILLE sharing a mess with 124
A.F.A Brigade (Lt. Col. Maddocks C.M.G.)
D/48 R.F.A. (14th Division) grouped with the Brigade as Group II of the 14th Div. Arty (C/232
with 56th Div. on the right)
Tue Apr 3
Bty 10.0pm Quiet. Left cave & as usual had to go back again.
Wrote Mrs Kell
No mail. Weather dull & some rain
Nothing to report.
Wed Apr 4
Bty 2-10pm Strafing going on all day.
One of our planes brought down – was there immediately after.
No mail. Weather fair
Preliminary bombardment of Battle of ARRAS began – The Brigade engaged as follows – 18pdrs searching and sweeping all communications and keeping gaps in the wire open – 4.5
Hows. bombarding trenches, road and track junctions.
Thu Apr 5
Bty 6-2 pm
We took part in fierce b’dment. Little retaliation.
Glorious weather.
Ltr fr A
W. Day.
Fri Apr 6
OP 1-6 pm Quiet but got wet to the skin coming down otherwise nothing of note. Strafe still
going on
Ltr fr A. Lovely box fr M
X. Day
Sat Apr 7
Bty 10.0pm to 6.0am
Heavy bomb’m’t all day – very severe at night. Had my first glimpse of tanks – saw 3 go up
the line at 10.0pm & went right close to them but could not examine owing to darkness.
No mail. Weather fine. Wrote A.M & L
X plus 1 Day (additional to the original scheme).
Sun Apr 8
Bty 2-10pm. Fierce bd’ment still going on. We sent 8 ????? gas shell at night. Several dumps
up behind. Little retaliation.
Glorious weather
No mail
Y. Day. 4.5” Hows. Engaged part of the time bombarding with gas shell enemy batteries in
the 3rd Divl. Area (to the North)
Memo
Week of strafing & doing very well. Hardly any retaliation.
Mon Apr 9
Start of Battle of Arras
Bty 6-2. Infty went over (fierce bd’ment) & gained all objectives also on our left
Moved up in front of Beaurains at 3.0pm. Visual signalling at night. Iron rations
Fine day tho stormy at night snow rain.
Ghastly sight on road side.
Z. Day. – The 14th Divl. Infantry carried the Blue line without much opposition, assaulting at
7.40 a.m. – Lt. Moore D/48 and 2/Lt. Hunt B/232 acted as Brigade F.O.Os. and sent back
valuable information – Sixteen tanks assisted the Infantry but most of these did not
penetrate much farther than “The Harp” owing to the rapidity of the advance – On the
capture of this line the Corps Cavalry moved up and were in readiness behind TELEGRAPH
HILL (M.12.a) but were not used as the Brown line was not at first carried owing to machine
guns in the sunken road in N.15.d – At the second assault the Infantry penetrated into the
Western portion of the Brown line and this line was completely carried on the night 9th/10th
– On the capture of the Blue line the Group moved forward to positions W. of TELEGRAPH
HILL – Wagon Lines moved from BERNEVILLE to the Citadel ARRAS – About 400 prisoners
reported captured by the 14th Divn. One being taken on TELEGRAPH HILL by the Brigade
F.O.O. – Our casualties in the capture of the Blue line very slight and relatively slight for the
whole of the operations – The enemy appeared to be taken by surprise and had in the line
troops that were suffering from the effects of the preliminary bombardment.
Tue Apr 10
Still visual station. Visited scene of latest battle. Horrible sight – dead all over.
Weather very erratic – snow & rain. Infty again gained objectives. Capture of large numbers
of prisoners & guns during offensive.
Iron rations. Ltr fr Elsie pcl A
TELEGRAPH HILL: Brigade H.Q. moved to TELEGRAPH HILL – D/46 Battery attached to the
Group – Weather conditions very bad.
Wed Apr 11
OP Nothing so far as Bty concerned.
Success everywhere except Wancourt – Infantry held up. Cavalry busy. Heaps of prisoners –
very young
Weather awful – snowstorm. Nothing to eat since dinner.
Ltr fr G Ria & A
Cavalry patrols pushed forward and infantry occupied WANCOURT and MONCHY LE PREUX –
The Group moved forward to positions in N.22 and N.15 near WANCOURT – Bde H.Q.
established there in an old German gun position.
Thu Apr 12
Moved to Wancourt – wretched position. Tel room in shell hole; on night duty.
Took Wancourt last night. News still good.
Weather still bad – rain
Nothing to eat or drink at cookhouse all day
Contents of haversack stolen
WANCOURT/RONVILLE: The Group assisted the 3rd Divn in an attack on GUEMAPPE at 5.30
p.m. – This was unsuccessful as the enemy observed the attacking infantry moving forward
in the open country S.E. of MONCHY and opened fire on them 20 minutes before the
bombardment was timed to begin – They were also caught by machine gun fire from
advanced German trenches S. of LA BERGERE (N.12) – Enemy artillery barrage much heavier
than on the 9th inst. – A few casualties were caused by 4.2 How. Shells among the Batteries
of the Group – The positions being so very advanced it is probable that gun flashes were
observed from the high ground near BOIS DU VERT – The Batteries were engaged in
bombarding first the Northern and subsequently the Southern outskirts of GUEMAPPE.
Fri Apr 13
Fairly quiet up to tea time then Inf sent over in front of Wancourt; we bomb’d heavily & Hun
bumped us heavily – hottest time in my career.
Failed to take objective
Weather cold but fine. Rations awful no water no tea only biscuits
A quiet day – Considerable casualties caused to the enemy in advanced trench S. of LA
BERGERE (see 12th inst) – B/232 were able to fire on this with open sights and had some
satisfactory shooting with the Howitzer Batteries – Observation was easy from Bde. H.Q.
Sat Apr 14
Bty 6-2 We bomd’d early this morning not a great deal of strafing.
Hun aeroplanes extremely active – one of ours down.
Weather fine.
The 14th Divn. In conjunction with the Division on the right (56th) and the Corps on the left
attempted a general advance towards the SENSEE River – The bombardment commenced at
5.30 a.m. 2/Lt. Levy went forward as F.O.O for the II Group – The 14th Divl. Infantry were
unable to advance owing to M.G. fire mostly from GUEMAPPE and though a small advance
was made they never gained possession of the high ground to the S.E. of WANCOURT – In
the evening the line held was approximately from COJEUL River due south down the central
line of the N.24 as far as the 90 metre contour, then following along the contour to the S.W.
the top of the ridge remaining in enemy hands (Ref. France 51.B S.W. 1/20,000) The village
of GUEMAPPE was not attacked this day as it had appeared so strongly held on the day
when it had previously been attacked – The machine guns reported in the village were
engaged in the course of the day by D/232 and were silenced but there were still guns firing
over the crest from the S.E. which could not be located – The infantry had a considerable
number of casualties mostly slight wounds – the 50th Divn. relieved 14th Divn.
Sun Apr 15
Bty 2.0pm Considerable strafing on & round position. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxx wounded.
Very hot & we had to run for it
Rain. Ltr fr A. Alice. Martha & George
WANCOURT: At 11 a.m. and 12 noon a few salvoes were fired by 77 m.m. Battery at the
road near the Battery positions and H.Q. causing a few casualties – The 3rd Division again
attempted to occupy GUEMAPPE but found it strongly held – 50th Divn. occupied German
trench on the ridge in N.24.d taking one prisoner and held this as an advanced trench (Our
Heavy Artillery now moved to forward positions)
Memo
Hot time & rough generally – sleeping in trenches.
Weather very bad
Still on iron rations - BB & biscuits.
Wish we were safely out of this.
Mon Apr 16
Bty 2-10
Fairly quiet until night 8-0pm when we received SOS. Terrific strafe. Boche took trench but
we got it back following morning.
Dreadful rain storm at night
Ltr fr A
At 8.15 p.m. the enemy attacked and captured this trench – A general S.O.S Signal was given
– The enemy did not penetrate our main line of defence.
Tue Apr 17
Boche strafed round about us early this morning & again in afternoon. Moving to Achicourt
(Ronville) tonight. Worked all day on dug-out – for nothing
Dreadful day – rain
Strafed as we came out. No mail
In the early morning the track running near H.Q. was shelled at intervals for about 3 hours
by a 77 m.m. Battery – A counter-attack on the trench lost on the night of 16/17th was
organized by the 50th Division and took place at 12 noon – 232 Bde II Group and 250 Bde
formed a barrage – The attack was successful with small casualties – A few prisoners taken –
This night the 232 Bde and all Batteries moved out of action. The Bde H.Q. and A.B.D.
Batteries to Wagon Lines at RONVILLE and C. Battery at AGNY – A little shelling by 77 m.m.
Battery before the teams were clear but no casualties.
Wed Apr 18
Cleaning telephone stores
Boche still strafs this place
Met X. Xxxxxxxx
Rain all day
No mail
The 232 Bde came under the 15th Division and VI Corps.
Thu Apr 19
Did nothing all day – quite a change
Had bath – needed it very badly.
Pcl fr Home – lovely – Ltr fr A. W & E
Lovely weather
Still on iron rations
Positions in new area reconnoitred by Lt. Col. Gisborne – C. Battery rejoined at RONVILLE
Fri Apr 20
Sick lines
Three guns went up (RT of Monchy) tonight
Weather fine
All Batteries moved into position half their guns – B.C.D. Batteries near CAMBRAI Road
immediately N.E. of LES FOSSES – A. Battery W. of old German trenches (Brown line) in
N.11.a.
Sat Apr 21
Sick lines & orderly in cave
Bread for breakfast – first for about 10 days
Lovely weather. Wrote M. L & A
All Batteries moved up remaining guns – H.Q. moved and established in old German dugouts on TILLOY-WANCOURT Road about N.*.a.3.8.
Sun Apr 22
Came up to guns RT Rear of Monchy – rough time coming the road.
Made dug-out – went to C Bty for visual at 8-0pm
TILLOY-WANCOURT ROAD: Batteries registering.
Memo
Mixed time as detailed
Weather improved
This last position worst of any yet
Mon Apr 23
In trenches 4.0am to 8.0pm during heavy b’d’ment – terrible time
Infty went over but I think little was gained. Boche got too much arty. This place worst of any
yet.
Lovely weather. Ltr fr G
Thanked God I came thro it safely
Third and First Armies offensive resumed – 232 Bde detailed as “Reserve Sub-Group” in
liaison with 46th Infantry Brigade (Reserve Bde) and allotted special tasks chiefly keeping
down M.G. fire during attack – Capt Ackroyd acting as Liaison Officer at Infantry Bde H.Q. –
44th and 45th Inf. Bdes. attacked at 4.45 a.m. – First objective carried without difficulty
except that the right Bde was held up between GUEMAPPE and CAVALRY FARM – The
enemy counter-attacked very strongly along the valley of the COJEUL at 12 noon and retook
GUEMAPPE – At the same time they pushed back the 15th Division from the first objective
(the Blue Line) on the E. of the Divl. front and retook from the 50th Divn. on the right the
high ground S. of GUEMAPPE – The exact position of the 15th Divl. Infantry after this counterattack very difficult to ascertain owing to the communication breaking but it is clear that the
counter-attack was only completely successful actually in the COJEUL VALLEY and on the 50th
Divl. front – The left Brigade of the 15th Divn. still held the greater part of the first objective
on the left (in 0.8.a) whence the line ran S.W. between GUEMAPPE and WANCOURT – The
counter-attack developed just when the infantry should according to the programme have
been advancing to attack the second objective and it was impossible to get communication
with our Artillery in time to stop the attack as nearly all wires were broken by shell fire – the
F.O.Os of the 232 Bde were however of great assistance in preventing the full development
of the counter-attack on the left of the Divl. front by turning the Batteries on to the enemy
in the open. – Lt. Trevethick and 2/Lt. Perkins acted as F.O.Os. attached to the right and left
Inf. Bdes respectively – the former pushed forward with the attacking Infantry and was killed
– His place was taken by 2/Lt. Chippendale. At 6 p.m. the 46th Inf. Bde. Attacked and re-took
GUEMAPPE and the whole of the Blue line – Capt. Ackroyd moved forward from TILLOY with
the Bde H.Q. as Liaison Officer – During this day the 232 Brigade had 17 casualties including
Major Salt wounded and Lt. Tevethick killed – A. Battery moved forward to position near LES
FOSSES at mid-day – Capt Haslam took over command of C/232.
Tue Apr 24
Bty 10-6am
Heavy strafing all day
Bdr Xxxxxxx killed
Weather fine
During the night 23/24th the enemy again counter-attacked in great force and re-took the
greater part of the Blue Line – He did not retake GUEMAPPE nor did he at any point push our
line back to the positions held before the advance on the morning of the 23rd inst – Our
exact line impossible to ascertain – At 4 p.m. the 15th Division again attacked and captured
the whole Blue Line except CAVALRY FARM – They suffered heavy casualties – Some of our
Siege Guns reported as shooting very short – During these operations the 232 bde were
engaged in shooting day and night on roads E. of Blue line.
Wed Apr 25
Bty 2-10pm
Strafing as usual. Very heavy last night
Weather fine
Ltr fr A
At mid-day we still held whole of the Blue line except CAVALRY FARM – 232 Bde engaged in
shelling roads near VIS EN ARTOIS to prevent the enemy massing for counter-attack – All
night shelling roads behind enemy lines.
Thu Apr 26
Bty 6-2
Boche strafed us most of last night & all day today.
Cannot understand non arrival of parcels
Weather fine
All Batteries of the Bde still shelling roads at intervals – At 10.30 the Batteries were heavily
shelled by 5.9 How. Battery and this continued till 6.20 p.m. when the shelling was
temporarily stopped by a concentration of Heavy Artillery – At 10.33 p.m. CAVALRY FARM
was again attacked and taken by our Infantry but subsequently lost – The enemy appeared
to open a barrage at 10.32 just before our guns started – The S.O.S was sent up twice in the
night 26/27th at 3 and 5 a.m. and on each occasion our Batteries were heavily shelled with
5.9s – D/232 lost one officer wounded and 4 telephonists and 2 gunners killed and 1 gunner
wounded – 500 rounds of their ammunition detonated and one How. was completely
destroyed – 2/Lt. Tod Jones was wounded in the neck – In the course of the day a big
ammunition dump in ARRAS was set on fire – One man of the Brigade was killed in RONVILLE
by an 8” shell from the dump.
Fri Apr 27
We started strafe last night (10.0pm) boche retaliated & at about 4.0am ammunition was
blown up & telephone dug-out blown in. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx killed. Got
terrible shock in our dug-out – ran out with only trousers on (in midst of shelling) to deep
dug-out. Major sent me to W.L – touch of nerves. Awful time – worst of my career. Ltr fr
Alice & M – pcl
All Batteries still engaged night and day shelling roads and tracks behind enemy lines –
Shelling with 5.9s. on the Battery positions continued – At about 10 p.m. the enemy counterattacked on the front of the Division on our left and shelled our Battery positions very
heavily – Capt Haslam, 2/Lt Davenport and 2/Lt. Wilden killed Capt. Armitage R.A.M.C
wounded.
Sat Apr 28
In bed all day at W Lines
Xxxxxxxx wounded, Xxxxxxxx killed at guns
Rumours of guns coming out tonight
Pcl fr Home - ?????
A comparatively quiet day on our front – 56th Divn. started relieving 15th Divn in the line – All
the 232 Bde Batteries were withdrawn tonight to Wagon Lines – 2/Lt. Birch wounded.
Sun Apr 29
Left Ronville (WL) arrived Berneville
Lovely weather
The Brigade moved into rest billets at BERNEVILLE
Memo
Most awful week
Mon Apr 30
Stables generally
Half day
Glorious weather
Nothing to report – Total casualties to the 232 Bde since the 23rd inst as follows:- Officers
killed: Capt. Haslam, Lt. Trevethick 2/Lts Davenport and Wilden – 4 – Other ranks killed 24 –
Officers wounded Major Salt, Capt Armitage R.A.M.C. 2/Lts Tod Jones and Birch – 4 Other
ranks wounded 41 – Total killed 28 wounded 45.
Tue May 1
Left Berneville for Wancourt – action. Arrived safely – not too bad
Working on our own – 2 guns only
Weather delightful
BERNEVILLE: Four guns of A.Battery (Major Meynell) 4 guns of C.Battery (Capt. Ackroyd) and
a section of D.Battery (2/Lt. Arkwright) moved up into action near WANCOURT – These guns
came under Groups of the 56th Division tactically – H.Q. did not move.
Wed May 2
Rather quiet. Gas shell over at night
Weather still lovely
Major Meynell wounded – 2/Lts. Hodgkins, Mott and Hodge (at 3rd Army School) posted to
A.Battery.
Thu May 3
Strafe came off this morning – not a success. Fritz C attacked at night. More gas shell.
Pcl (razor) fr Home
Nothing to report.
Fri May 4
Fairly quiet tho a great deal of gas shell over.
Moving to W.L. Tilloy tonight
Glorious weather
Batteries came out of action to rest at BERNEVILLE.
Sat May 5
Left Tilloy this morning – arrived Berneville 10.0am
Half day – boxing contest
New boots, what a relief
Lovely weather
Nothing to report.
Sun May 6
Stables & visual
Sports during afternoon
Met Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Weather cold (wind) but fine
Nothing to report.
Memo
Not bad week on the whole.
Weather lovely.
Mon May 7
Stables & signalling
Weather fine
Remittance
Major Salt rejoined the Brigade and took over A.Battery.
Tue May 8
Stables & signalling
Wet
Nothing to report.
Wed May 9
Ditto
Lovely day
Pcl fr home & L fr A
Nothing to report.
Thu May 10
Bty gun drill. Instruction range finder
Lovely weather still
Ltr fr Mrs R – replied
Nothing to report.
Fri May 11
Stables & signalling
Lovely bath
Glorious weather
2/Lt. Biddlecomb joined and posted to B.Battery.
Sat May 12
Harness inspection & sports.
Lovely being here with the weather so beautiful
Ltr fr Ria – replied
Nothing to report.
Sun May 13
Church Parade & half day holiday
Weather still lovely
Nothing to report.
Memo
Quite an easy week & weather just lovely
Quite a change from the last time we were here.
Fewer letters than usual.
Mon May 14
Bty Staff – rather enjoyed it this time; lovely morning
Did practically nothing in afternoon
Heavy showers of rain
Major Rambaut rejoined the Brigade took command of A.Battery – Major Salt took
command of C.Battery – Scheme of daily training commenced.
Tue May 15
Visual signalling & stables
Some rain
Major Pearman Smith rejoined the Brigade and took command of B.Battery – Major Salt
rejoined from hospital.
Wed May 16 End of Battle of Arras
Bty gun drill. Afternoon off. Concert at night
Nothing to report.
Thu May 17
Visual & stables as usual
Some rain
2/Lt. Chippendale awarded the M.C.
Fri May 18
Route march – cycled
Nothing of importance
Fine
The following officers joined the Brigade 2/Lts. Hodgkins and Hodge (from 3rd Army School)
2/Lts. Binney, Tearve, Todd, Stirling and Miller (from England).
Sat May 19
Stables etc. Half day off.
Fine
Nothing to report.
Sun May 20
Church parade. Half day.
Rumours of moving
Fine
Capt. Armitage D.S.O., R.A.M.C., Capt. Hickman and Lt. Ryder granted 3 days special leave to
Paris.
Memo
Very quiet week
Mon May 21
Bty Staff – fine morning & enjoyed it; commenced to rain & we came back 1.0pm
Rained rest of day
Major Pearman Smith, 2/Lts. Arkwright, Ibbetson, M.C. granted 3 days special leave to
BOULOGNE SUR MER.
Tue May 22
Rained all day
Packed up ready for moving tomorrow
2/Lts. Oldershaw and Evans joined the Bde and posted to A. and D. Batteries.
Wed May 23
Left Berneville – walked – arrd Frevent via Avesnes 6.0pm. Feet rather sore.
On guard
Lovely day but wet at night
Awfully tired & foot sore; walked about 18 miles
Bde moved to a new billeting area near FREVENT and detrained at GODEWAERSVELDE
moving to Wagon Lines near WESTOUTRE under 19th Divn. and IX Corps.
Thu May 24
Left Frevent via St Pol. Entrained Frevent 4.0pm. Enjoyed journey, lovely scenery
Arrived ????? 2.0 am – detrained
No entry.
Fri May 25
Detrained & walked to Reninghelst again very tired. Rested 7.0am to noon.
Just over Belgian border.
Lovely weather. Built bivouac
Lt. Col. Gisborne and Battery Commanders reconnoitred new positions.
Sat May 26
Stable & half holiday
Weather still lovely
The officers granted special leave on the 20th and 21st rejoined.
Sun May 27
Church parade – half holiday. Had bathe. Belgian scenery much nicer than what we saw in
France
Weather lovely & warm.
Working party went to position this morning
Brigade church parade taken by Major Railton C.F. Senior Chaplain 19th Divn. at Bde Wagon
Lines.
Memo
Week mostly employed in travelling
Mon May 28
Stables etc. Half day holiday
Fine
B.Battery moved into action near DICKEBUSCH Lake.
Tue May 29
Guns went into action this afternoon. I expect to go up later.
Half holiday
The remaining batteries moved into action – H.Q. moved forward to a farmhouse about 500
yards behind the Batteries – A/88 and B/88 came under the Bde for tactical purposes, the
whole 6 Batteries forming “C” Sub-group of the Left Group 19th D.A. – The Group being
commanded by Lt. Col. Tovey R.F.A.
Wed May 30
Stables etc
Bath
Some shelling by enemy on trenches in the early afternoon and at night.
Thu May 31
Stables etc
Felt a bit off colour & went to bed after tea
A very quiet day as regards hostile shelling.
Fri Jun 1
Admitted hospital Reninghelst – trench fever.
Temp 103
Sat Jun 2
Hospital – milk diet
Sun Jun 3
Hospital – put on full diet but feel awfully weak
Memo
Quiet week
Mon Jun 4
Arrived D.R.S
Temp 102
Tue Jun 5
Left D.R.S arrived CCS (Canadian) NR POPERINGHE
Left for base by train same morning
Wed Jun 6
Bed
Arrived Boulogne No 8 Stationary Hospital. 5.0 am
One for Blighty
Temp 97 – 100
Thu Jun 7
Bed. Chicken diet.
Three for Blighty today
Thunderstorm last night
Lovely beds – nice cool sheets
Nurses lovely & kind
Fri Jun 8
Bed
Sat Jun 9
Bed
Sun Jun 10
Bed
Memo
No entry
Mon Jun 11
Bed
Tue Jun 12
Bed
98.4 – 99.8
Wed Jun 13
Bed
97.8 – 98.4
Thu Jun 14
Bed
99.2 – 98.8
Fri Jun 15
Bed. Blood test
98.4 – 99
Sat Jun 16
Xxxxxxxx & mate went to No 18
98 - 99
Sun Jun 17
Moved to No 14 Stationary. Ever so sorry to leave – like leaving home again.
Nurse Xxxxxxxxxx ever so nice
Slept very little
Weather still exceedingly hot
Memo
Awfully nice time at No 8
Deeply moved on leaving
Mon Jun 18
Bed. 2nd Blood test & medical inspection. Slight thunderstorm
97.4 – 98.6
Tue Jun 19
Bed
97 – 98
Slight thunderstorm
Wed Jun 20
Bed
98 – 98.6
Heavy rainstorm afternoon
Thu Jun 21
Bed
98 – 98.4
Fri Jun 22
Bed
Rain
98 – 97.4
Sat Jun 23
Bed. 2nd Blood test No 14
Fine. 97.6 98
Sun Jun 24
Bed
7 Letters fr Bty
Fine. 98 – 98.4
Memo
No entry
Mon Jun 25
Bed. Up for first time 1hr
Fine 97 – 98
Tue Jun 26
Bed. 2nd time up
Fine. 98 – 98
Wed Jun 27
Bed. 3rd time up
Fine. 98 – 98.6
Thu Jun 28
Bed (up) 3rd Blood test at No 14
Fine. Thunderstorm at night. 98 – 98.6
Fri Jun 29
Bed (up)
Fine. 98 98.4
Sat Jun 30
Joy of Joys – moved to Enteric Ward. Have prayed for this – granted at last. Thank God.
This means Blighty !!!!!
Sun Jul 1
31st Birthday. Marked up for England: not a bad birthday present. “Clinical Enteric Group”
Rain practically all day
Memo
Most notable event in career took place this week. i.e marked Blighty
Mon Jul 2
Nothing unusual. 3 chaps sailed today
Fine
Tue Jul 3
Nothing of importance
Lovely weather
Wed Jul 4
Saw Queen as she passed Hospital in her car.
Weather dull – some rain
Thu Jul 5
Nothing of importance
Fine
Fri Jul 6
Nothing of importance
Fine
Sat Jul 7
Left Bolougne 11-0 am (St David) arr Dover 2.0pm. Dep 4.0 arr Croydon 6.0pm. Good voyage
& fine. Regret very much having to leave No 14 where we’d been most happy. Addington
Park Hospital not to be compared with it.
Fine.. Got “greys”
Sun Jul 8
Very little sleep last night. Not in love with this place.
Rained practically all day
Memo
Chief event – leaving No 14 : Very very sorry to leave.
Mon Jul 9
Another almost sleepless night. Hut all day – rained until 6.0pm. Still longing to be back at
No 14
Tue Jul 10
Strolled around ground.
Very very quiet. U Test
Fine
Wed Jul 11
Concert in Hall at night. Pas Test
Rec’d letter from G. 2/- Pay office
Lovely weather
Thu Jul 12
Woolwich for dental treatment. Spent day at Plumstead. Left 8.0am arr back 7.0pm
Lovely weather
Fri Jul 13
Quiet day. Welcome letter from Xxxxx.
Cigs from Ria.
Lovely weather
Sat Jul 14
Xxxxx spent day with me enjoyed his company a treat
Lovely weather
Sun Jul 15
Quiet day – letter writing
A Church service in village at night
No mail
Some slight showers
Memo
Quiet week
Mon Jul 16
Hut orderly. Quiet as usual
No mail
Some rain
Tue Jul 17
Quiet – bath & game of crocket in afternoon
U.T.
Lovely & warm
Wed Jul 18
Very wet all day. Outing cancelled.
Dance in House
P.T.
Thu Jul 19
Quiet – nothing of importance
Lovely day
Fri Jul 20
Quiet – Pictures at night in House
Bath
Lovely day
Sat Jul 21
Fine
Sun Jul 22
H. Eves & Xxxxx to see me.
Lovely weather
Memo
Quiet week
Mon Jul 23
Quiet
Some slight showers
Tue Jul 24
Quiet
Fine
Wed Jul 25
Garden Party Shirley (Shirley Enteric Depot, near Addington Park, opened in March 1917) –
enjoyed it immensely
Lovely weather
Thu Jul 26
Quiet
Transferred to House – ward 21
Lovely weather
Fri Jul 27
Lovely weather
Sat Jul 28
Lovely weather
Sun Jul 29
Wet at night
Memo
Garden Party only item of importance
Mon Jul 30
Transferred to Shirley Con Camp
Raining when we arrived
Blankets & bed boards a disagreeable change
Tue Jul 31
Lectures. Beastly place : no JM or any place to go when it rains.
Bombs etc
Rained all day
Wed Aug 1
Lectures all day. Musketry & Gas
Fitted out with clothing
Paid 3/Rained all day again
Thu Aug 2
QM fatigue
Still raining
Fri Aug 3
Croydon at night : determined to go out – got wet thro
Paid 4/Rained dreadfully
Sat Aug 4
Croydon afternoon – slow walk back
Rained up to noon fine afterwards
Sun Aug 5
Quiet – Church parade
Fine
Memo
No entry
Mon Aug 6
Lovely weather but no holiday for us. Fatigue until 6.0pm
Rec letter fr George & ?????
Tue Aug 7
Quiet
Croydon at night for soap etc
Fine
Wed Aug 8
On guard
Thu Aug 9
Off duty
Fri Aug 10
Quiet
Sat Aug 11
Croydon at night – met Xxxxx quite unexpectedly, had supper together
Sun Aug 12
Fine
Memo
Fine generally
Mon Aug 13
Fine
Tue Aug 14
Quiet. Went to Palace & spent 2 hrs with Xxxxxx
Showery
Wed Aug 15
Sports
Showery all day – fine at night
Thu Aug 16
Medical inspection
Fine
Fri Aug 17
Moved to B Coy
Walked to Croydon
Showery
Sat Aug 18
Went to Palace, met Xxxxxx then to Victoria & met Willie also met X Xxxx quite
unexpectedly.
Lovely weather tho heavy rain morning
Sun Aug 19
Lovely weather
Memo
No entry
Mon Aug 20
Fine
Tue Aug 21
Fine
Wed Aug 22
Sports Croydon afternoon – not up to much as usual
Glorious weather
Thu Aug 23
Some rain
Fri Aug 24
Fine
Sat Aug 25
Croydon at night
Fine
Sun Aug 26
At Woolwich – enjoyed outing.
Rained all afternoon & evening
Watch fr Xxxxxx
Memo
Quiet week weather changeable
Mon Aug 27
Showery
Tue Aug 28
Rain all day
Wed Aug 29
Fine after dinner
Thu Aug 30
Wet. Rec pcl fr L
Fri Aug 31
Fine at night
Sat Sep 1
Croydon – night
Fine
Sun Sep 2
Hunting Huns in wood
Fine
Memo
Wet most of week
Mon Sep 3
Fine
Tue Sep 4
Fine
Wed Sep 5
Heavy thunderstorm comm’d 8.0pm
Thu Sep 6
Dull all day very wet at night
Fri Sep 7
Fine
Sat Sep 8
Palace
Fine
Sun Sep 9
No entry
Memo
No entry
Mon Sep 10
No entry
Tue Sep 11
No entry
Wed Sep 12
No entry
Thu Sep 13
No entry
Fri Sep 14
No entry
Sat Sep 15
No entry
Sun Sep 16
No entry
Memo
No entry
Mon Sep 17
Clock put back at 2.0 am
Tue Sep 18
No entry
Wed Sep 19
No entry
Thu Sep 20
No entry
Fri Sep 21
No entry
Sat Sep 22
No entry
Sun Sep 23
No entry
Memo
No entry
Mon Sep 24
Air raid – London
In Picture Theatre at time
Tue Sep 25
Another raid – quite near – Penge
Wed Sep 26
Went to see Xxxxxx but he was out
Thu Sep 27
Another raid
Fri Sep 28
Still another raid
Sat Sep 29
Very heavy raid, passed over camp. Heard machines & machine gun fire. In town when alarm
given. People very much scared.
Lovely moonlight night
Sun Sep 30
Packed up ready for home
Memo
A week of air raids
Glossary and Miscellaneous Information
D.R.S
F.O.O.
F.S.M.O
K.B.S
M.G.R.A
OP
TM
Divisional Rest Station
Forward Observation Officer
Field Service Marching Order – equipment carried by Infantrymen
Kite Balloon Section
Major General Royal Artillery
Observation Post
Trench Mortar
232 Brigade Royal Field Artillery
Information from my Great War Forum post where details have been provided from records in the
National Archives in WO 95/5499 covering allocation of various units during the war:Became Army Brigade 3rd January 1917. Previously with 46th Division
“A”, “B”, “C” Batteries 18 Pdrs
“D” Battery 4.5” Howitzers