January 1
We started another year. Got up this morning at 9.30 but decided not to do anything, so
spending the day in the dugout. The news came across this morning that Jerry had tried to
get to Hulluch Tunnels, but had one reached our barb wire. Givenchy seems to be having a
lot of trouble, the lights are very poor. Newton and Ayres have gone over to see what is
wrong. Our people are pasting Jerry with trench mortars pretty heavy just now. Ayres and
Newton came back, with rations. Givenchy having magneto trouble.
January 2
Nobby Hopkins and Wright came into the dugout at 2 am this morning and kept kicking up a
row till 3 and I had to tell them off to some order. Marriott and Hollingsworth went to
the Barts job. Newton and myself finished Wilsons. Jerry put up a strafe from 9.15 till 10
am. Put an entrance in at Munster burying three machine gunners. Newton went out to try
and get them out. Nobby Clarke tells me the officer is looking for the Australian
Tunnellers so Newton must have taken complete charge. There was two men killed, one got
away light. They had to heave off as a lot of timber is pinning them by the legs. One man
jumped down a vertical shaft 35' deep and broke his ankle. I think the strafe was a bluff
for somewhere else.
January 3
I suppose Norm [Hughie’s brother] knows what France is like now and I'll bet he
doesn't think too much of it.
January 4
Went to Noeux this morning. Viv Downie came out to relieve me to go on leave, but had to
refuse. He was in Scotland. He had a good time while there. Harry Curtis our erstwhile
S.M. was caught in Poperinghe. Tom Dowling came back from Blighty. Downie tells me he had
all the swank and bounce in the world. Jimmy Franklyn is concerned in it. Curtis and Jimmy
got away with £150. Dowling has been faking the acquittance rolls. Been putting 10 franks
in pay book and 40 in roll. Caught in Blighty with three passes from such a date to (no
date at all). Put up for desertion and very nearly got away with it. Court Martials come
up tomorrow. They should get lively time of it.
January 5
Still in Noeux. Piper was coming out today. Didn't come as arranged. Downie should have
gone back to HQ. Marriott and Ayres walked back to trenches 3 am this morning.
January 6
Came up this morning with Newton. Hollingsworth up last night. Gun pasting Jerry.
Robertsons knocked in last night. Jerry put up a beautiful Minnie strafe from 3 pm 'till
6. Do not know what he is up to. Suppose he is body snatching again. Knocked the support
line flat. Much more damage in Reserve than front. One place between Robinsons and Wilsons
30' deep. The main lateral in to tune of 40' (approximately 15 sets). Hulluch running
right half, Givenchy the left. Struck fine officer (42 Div) one of the finest I've met in
France from English regiment.
January 7
Had them out at 7.30 this morning. Ayres and Marriott went to Barts. Newton and I to where
lateral is in. They have not holed through yet. Two of the Hulluch boys over this
afternoon. Hobbs takes Buckingham's (on leave). Hobbs some boom. Told them to go back and
tell him, he had enough to look after his own job and not take the wind and send men out
to another job. Downie took over paybooks to HQ on account of faked rolls. Morse has £150
pay in his book. I'm told all the officers are putting £25 in each to help him out. Ruff
170 draftsman being recalled Patented Gas arrangement.
January 8
Marriott, Ayres to Barts. Myself and Hollingsworth to Blow Miners have put in two sets
since it happened, 48 hours. Could do more myself in three hours. Old Gadget pretty mad.
The Bosche put in two listening Tees badly. Closs in today, Lloyd George's peace terms in
paper. By what he said I'm wondering why England came into the war, Ayres and Newton
dopey. Want to sleep whole time. Closs saying Lieut. Woods is trying to get Hollingsworth
absorbed by 170. Downie landed out with two men (Doyle and Clarke) to take out Barts
engines. Downie saying Hollingsworth has to go. Ayres and Hollingsworth had to go to Old
Kent as lights have been out all day (blown fuses).
January 9
Newton and myself went to lateral (blown in). Cannot get through yet. Came back and went
down to give Downie a hand with engines. God alone knows what some of these chaps would do
if they never had someone else to rely on. Marriott and Newton did most of the bullocking.
Viv could not even make arrangement for mules to pull him down. Eventually we got them
away and we (Munster) came back. After being home for an hour one of our Saville Row
Tunnel Wardens to say lights were out. Marriott and Newton went down. Wire broke.
January 10
Newton and myself went to main lateral which is knocked in and was told Robertsons was in
darkness, but as main lateral is in on the north of tunnel also it is impossible to get
Juice through. The first appears to be more of a blown (mine) to me than anything else.
Hollingsworth and Ayres went to Barts to pull out cable which has to come down now that
engines have been taken out. Downie and his two men left at 2.30 pm to load engines at
Vermelles. No water in tanks today. Jerry bumping a bit today.
January 11
Marriott and Ayres went down to Barts side. Pulled out one length of cable. Newton and
myself went to Robinsons. Found we were able to get in between the two falls. Got the
mains clear of any stuff on them. Found the leads supplying Robinsons were broken off and
had been shorting. Mended this and got the line connected up, but found Givenchy had cut
out. Went up further and found Mills was out blown fuse. Got to Old Kent and sent message
through signals that mains were cleared. Jerry put up a strafe at Cambrin dump. Did not do
very much damage. The main lateral appears to me as if Jerry has got in over on the top
and has blown down and caught the gallery. The water tanks are out of action again and we
have to bring the water from Wilsons, where they have a well. Givenchy cut in about 6
o'clock.
January 12
The miners could not hold the top at Robinsons and so brought the top and sides in with it
with the result that Hulluch was running half and Givenchy the other. Robinsons was out
for 10 hours. Hollingsworth and Marriott went to Saville Row. Pulled out all the 7/16th
cable from the old engine room. Ayres and myself went to Old Kent, we found about 40 lamps
out. While here, Mr Rogers 170 Coy officer said something about 25, but I did not know
what he meant and told him so.
January 13
Up all last night. Had another fall last night near Robinsons. Broke the mains in two
places. Could do no good, got back at 9 o'clock this morning so hopped in to bed. At half
past 11, Charlie Walker came over with Jack Nancarrow and Scotty Parker. Don't know what
he wanted. He told me that a chap called Doyle was coming to take Hollingsworth's place,
who is being absorbed by 170 Coy. This Doyle has only just come back from doing 56 days'
FP in Wandsworth I have heard of him and he is believed to be one of the worst characters
in the Coy. This was Walker's first trip to see me since he got his rise (Staff Sergeant).
Managed to get Givenchy on at 7.30 pm tonight. The lights are showing up pretty bright.
Marriott reakons he can't sing. The motor lorry which came out to take engines away has
been held up on account of roads thawing. The 170 Coy have been getting strafed to some
order in Noeux. Their camp has come under some artillery fire at different times, but the
climax was reached yesterday when he put seven huts out of existence and catching the rest
of it on fire. They are moving No. 3 Section to Bethune and the rest are moving somewhere
else, excepting HQ and No. 2 Section who are staying in the camp. This is like the heads
with Red Tape, the camp should have been moved months ago!
January 14
Harry Ayres went to Noeux. Newton and myself went to the Brickstacks, found several new
lights that we did not know were there. Main gallery is still impassable, but the cable
are not damaged. Hollingsworth went to Saville Row.
January 15
Newton and myself went to Brickstacks again today. Givenchy is running anyhow. Marriott
went to Saville Row. Munster fuses blew about 12 o'clock tonight. A terminal light was
shorting and a lamp guard was also doing the same. No rations up last night or tonight,
but made a complaint to Mr Barclay, so presume something will come out tomorrow. Some
clothes came out from Hazebrouck.
January 16
Marriott and myself went to Brickstacks, everything o.k. Hollingsworth went to Saville
Row. Had a letter from home stating money had been sent me. Have not heard anything about
it up to date. Doyle and Ayres came up tonight.
Givenchy still running very bad. The main lateral (sides) have started to come in where
the top has been in. Have not heard nothing re: Hollingsworth leaving the job, but the
sooner the better, as he's a pest where he is with me. Jerry has been shelling Noeux
pretty heavily again. Headquarters are still there. Beaucoup rations up tonight.
January 17
Hollingsworth reported back to 170 Coy today and am now short of any men, who they every
procured. Thank the Lord! Went to Saville Rd with Harry Ayres, Newton and Marriott went to
Old Kent Rd. Givenchy still running anyhow. Magneto trouble still I believe.
January 18
Went to Brickstacks. There is about 3' of water in Coldstrearn Tunnel and its bon. In low
lateral leaving to Old Kent, mud is well over the ankle. The trenches are in an awful
mess. This is on account of no revetting have been put up and so the clay sides are
falling in.
January 19
Ayres and myself went to Saville Row end. Found a joint had been made and taped up with
sandbag strings. Didn't forget to be rude to some of them. Newton and Doyle went to
Brickstacks. They were showing the whole of a Stokes trench mortar and also fired a few
rounds over at the Bosche.
January 20
Marriott and myself went to Old Kent side. Found lateral in an awful condition. From Mills
Tunnel to Old Kent is pretty. Along Coldstream to No. 12 Brickstack there is at least two
feet of water. No. 1 Section are making a sniping base to same stack. Doyle and Ayres went
to Saville Row. They found the fuses in the Quarry blown out to a dugout coming in. Newton
crook. About 6, Doyle and Newton went out to Churchill Cut to find a first aide post as
Doyle knows some of the boys in the line. 42nd Div. They were in Egypt.
January 21
Doyle and Marriott went to Barts side today, they wired up a new dugout, which No. 2 has
made for themselves. Put three lights in. When Newton and Doyle were at Givenchy last
night, they were asked to break a coupling this side of Old Kent Road. They did this and
when Givenchy cut in, they petered out very quick, so they connected Hulluch up again.
Newton and myself went to Brickstacks and found a beautiful light there, Givenchy lads had
been down and broken the coupling. Left a note to say who it was. We put two lights at No.
3 Brickstacks. The 11th Div relieved to 46th in this tunnel yesterday morning and last
night took a prisoner, one of the 32nd Prussian Guard, who have just come from
the Russian front.
January 22
Ayres and Marriott went to Cambrin dump to see if any lamps were there but there was
nothing there for us. Newton and myself went to Old Kent Rd. Givenchy is running that far.
Hulluch taking the rest of the load. While in Old Kent we met Morse, Walker and Wigzel. It
appears as if one of the engines had broken down completely so with two engines they have
enough without us on. We are putting a pump in Coldstream as there is about 3' of water m
the tunnel. They are just beginning to take a Jerry. This present system is rotten. When
the idea is first mooted, I turned the idea down. Now they talk of installing my system.
January 23
Hollingsworth slept up here last night. He was up before any of us and got the breakfast
on. Ayres and myself went to Barts job. Found cable saturated with water in Vigo St. Doyle
and Newton went to Old Kent, they found the lights had been out since "Stand To"
4.45 pm last evening. It appears Jerry landed two shells on it at that time. They sent a
telegram to Givenchy telling them because once we do repairs over the top, the Givenchy
crowd will swing it on to us always. This measly crowd to whom we are attached forgot
purposely to bring our rations up tonight. Had to send a couple of men down to the dump
for them.
January 24
Marriott and myself went to Barts side everything jackaloo. Main gallery squeezing in and
it appears to me as if the miners do not know how to stop it. Barts gallery is knocked in
just up from 170 Coy officers' dugout. Doyle and Ayres went to Givenchy but they had
another engine broken down which had been replaced by one I took away from them more than
12 months ago.
January 25
Newton and Doyle went down today. They should have been back tonight but have not yet
turned up. They will get our pay books. Marriott and myself wired up a 6" Stokes
position which has to be firing by the 27th. Preparing for the Kaiser's
Birthday. No rations with Push Party. Ayres and Marriott gone to the dump. No. 3 Section's
cook took them up to me. Have been mixed up with section's rations. Any amount of activity
in the air today and also tonight. Both sides very busy indeed.
January 26
Newton and Doyle came up very early this morning and brought a big mail for me with them
and I found out the money had been sent but do not know where. Ayres and myself came out
to Noeux-les-Mines. I rang Hazebrouck and told them I was ready to go on leave. Jerry put
over four shells today.
January 27
I shall stay down here 'till I hear when I'm to kick off for Blighty. About 10.30 tonight
Jerry had the audacity to come down to within 50' of the huts here and open up with his
machine gun. He again did it somewhere around 1 o'clock. This time he chased an engine on
the railway line. I'll bet he put the breeze up the driver and fire man. It is the first
time that ever I've had the wind up proper! I don't mind his bombs, there is only one or
two at the most of them, but I bar machine gun fire.
January 28
Piper out today. Shall be going on leave on the 4th February. Morgan is taking
over from me. At present he is at Loos.
January 29
Morgan came over today, he will be going up on the 1st.
January 30 – 31
Still in Noeux-les-Mines. 15,000 prisoners. Italians getting some of their own back.
February 1
Still in Noeux-les-Mines.
February 2
Walked from Noeux-les-Mines to Bethune to catch train for Hazebrouck. Arrived 3.30. Blair
is Billet Sergeant. Works in 2nd Army Workshop.
February 3
Nancarrow Jack came back from Blighty this morning. Says the place is not too bad at all.
Seems to think the war will finish inside three months. I hope he is right, but I'm
doubtful.
February 4
Left Hazebrouck this morning for Calais. Caught the boat at 12 pm and landed in Dover at 2
pm. Hit Horseferry Rd about 4 o'clock and had a change of clothes and got away from them
about 5. Stayed at the Strand Palace for the first night. Wired Norm stating that I had
hit Blighty.
[Horseferry Road was the administrative HQ of the AIF. It runs down to the Thames at
Lambeth Bridge, about 400 metres upstream from the Houses of Parliament].
February 5
Stayed in London today and tonight met Chalmers. Went out to Belverdere with him and
stayed a few days with him. He had a few away from work.
February 6
Went and had a look at the Revue called "Bubbly". It was not too bad at all but
I do not go nap on the Revues.
February 7 - 15
Going around having a look at the different places of interest. Saw the King and Queen and
Prince of Wales at the opening of Parliament on Tuesday, 12th. Met Norm on
Friday night, 15th He hardly knew me! He has filled out a bit but is still the
same old stick.
February 16
Norm and myself had a good tour around. Went to several different shows together. On the
18th we booked two seats for Chu Chin Chow, but the show did not get on the
boards. On the 16th Jerry was over London on a raid, they dropped a couple of
bombs pretty close to Woolwich Arsenal, killing several people. He was also over on the
Sunday and Monday nights as well, so I thought I was back at the war.
February 19
Back to France. Norm came down to Victoria Station at 7.30 am, as I had to be going back
to France. This was the only day I felt a bit down. We got away from the station about 8
am and landed at Dover. Got on the boat at 2 o'clock and hit Calais at 4 pm. Marched up to
the No. 6 Rest Camp. Got up at 11 in the might to catch a train up to Hazebrouck.
February 20
Got to Hazebrouck at 5.30 this morning and had a couple of hours sleep. Reported to Office
at 10.30 am and found I was due for inoculation against Para Typhoid which gave us 48
hours excused all duty.
February 21 - 22
Still knocking about Hazebrouck. Asked today to be sent out to the line.
February 23
Left Hazebrouck for Noeux-les-Mines. Going to 170 Coy again. Landed out at 10.30 am. Shall
be going up in a couple of days' time. While passing Bethune I noticed Jerry had been
tickling the place up to some order. The people here seem to have the breeze up to some
order over this coming German offensive.
February 24
Still in Noeux-les-Mines. Shall be going up tomorrow morning.
February 25
Dave Morgan came up to see me this morning before I came up. Got up with No. 2 Section and
walked through to Munster. They have the galleries cleaned up pretty well.
February 26
Dave Morgan came up this morning. Doyle and myself went to Old Kent. Found everything o.k.
February 27
Marriott and myself went to Old Kent and Coldstream, got an Austin pump working, but she
did not seem to make much impression on the water, this is a gallery and five listening
Tees full to the head tress.
February 28
Time is flying. Marriott and myself went to Old Kent and get on to pump again. We got it
away at 12 noon and left it in charge of one of 170 RE's listeners. When we got back to
Munster found Charlie Walker was out. Morgan went to Saville Row. At 7.30 pm Doyle and
myself went over to the pump again and found it running Tres Bien.
March 1
Marriott went to Saville Rd, Doyle and myself took Walker out to pump. The chap who was
looking after it had just stopped, but she had taken the water down a foot, which is
approx. 20,000 gallons. On going up to see how delivery was going, I found the weight of
water had knocked a trench in, much better than if a trench mortar shell had hit it.
Haven't heard from Norm since I came back from Blighty.
March 2
Doyle and myself went to Old Kent and found the water had come down about a foot. Not much
for 12 hours' pumping. Marriott went to Saville Row.
March 3
Marriott and myself went to Old Kent and found pump. Water had gone down another foot. We
then dropped the pump down another 3' and then found the pump would not throw to the top
of the parapet. So we had to put another length of suction and increase the lift and
reduce the head. We eventually got it away o.k. Dave Morgan went to Saville Row. Wrote to
Lam tonight.
March 4
Met Charlie Calf and P J Smith from Givenchy at Old Kent and they told us Arthur Wigzell
had been wounded, having an eye knocked out. Went to Newton Gun and watched them putting
6" over to him. Ted Newton landed up this morning. Came back from Blighty.
March 5
Newton and myself went to Old Kent. I told them to put more delivery on but they would not
do it so pump is standing idle. Doyle and Dave Morgan went to Cambrin. Johnny was shelling
the place last night. Newton gave the sleeping dugout a regular cleaning up, and not
before it was wanted. Got my pen back yesterday, also a lot of mail from home. It was not
bad at all.
March 6
Newton and myself went to Old Kent. Pump still standing. Doyle and Marriott went to
Saville Row.
March 7
Doyle and myself went to Old Kent. We put two new lights in Robertsons. Dave Morgan and
Marriott went to Saville. They met a Brig. General who wanted to know when some new lights
were going to be put in Vigo St.
March 8
Doyle and myself went down to Saville Row and the Quarries. Found a Newton gun position
ready to wire up. Newton went to Brickstacks, Morgan went down to Noeux. Three of us went
back to Quarry and wired it up.
March 9
Marriott, Newton and myself went to Saville Row and Vigo St. rim new 7/16th mains through
the whole lot. We tapped on about 43 lights and finished up about 9 pm.
March 10
Doyle went to Saville Row end. Marriott went to Brickstacks. I had a day off. This
afternoon Johnny got a bit vicious and was pounding pretty heavily. The boys seem to think
the Bosche is going to bring something off by way of an attack.
March 11
Newton and myself went to Noeux-les-Mines. No. 2 section have been relieved on dugout work
by No. 3 section. Met Dave Morgan as he was coming up by second lorry. Johnny is getting
very unpleasant with the shelling around Vermelles.
March 12
Newton and myself walked into Bethune this morning and walked back. This is about five
miles from Noeux. Johnny was over about 8 o'clock and brought two of our balloons down. I
believe we brought the machine down before he reached his own lines. Met George Williams
tonight.
March 13
Still in Noeux. Johnny has been pasting Vermelles and Philosophe with big stuff. Been
searching for our batteries I suppose. Newton went sick this morning. Sent to hospital.
Serg. Johns went a bit mad this afternoon firing his revolver in the hut.
March 14
Johnny is still sending heavy stuff into the villages as far as Sailly Labrouse. Still
searching for our guns. Met our late WO of No. 6 Tunnelling Coy, Rogers. He spent time in
Blighty. We give the Germans some shells during the night time.
March 15
Went to Robinsons to have a look at some dugouts. Marriott went for rations. Doyle went
out to go to Ypres to see his brother. There was a man killed and another wounded at the
entrance of Munster.
March 16
Dave Morgan and myself went through to Robinsons and put in five new lights. One of 170
Attached men was killed at Marlybone Tunnel this morning. Main lateral knocked in between
Munster and Quarry, about eight settings coming in.
March 17
Marriott and myself went to Old Kent. Light out in No. 11 Brickstack. Broken cable.
Marriott and Dave have to go to Barts for rations. Newton gunners say Johnny may be over
on a raid in the morning as the wire is cut in two places. "Wind Up" about gas.
March 18
Dave Morgan went to Old Kent and while there found that two metal filament lamps had been
replaced by two carbon filament. Coldstream was out. Cause blown fuses. Mills was out,
same cause. I went to Saville Row and pulled out all our wire that was not in use. Main
lateral knocked in between Munster and Quarry tunnels.
March 19
Went to Quarries and Saville Row. Marriott went to Old Kent Rd. Last night they sent up a
sandbag full of papers for me. Ted Newton reported back from hospital today. Doyle came
back from visiting his brother at Ypres.
March 20
Dave and Ted went to Old Kent. Marriott and myself went to Saville Row end. When we
arrived back found that Morse and Piper had been out. They have received three complaints
in a week that lights were out. This job knows nothing about it. This present system,
which is in here now, is a failure and the heads do not know which way to get out of it.
Newton started an argument about the capabilities of the different sports of Australians.
Mostly Vics on this Job. This lasted about four hours. Honours even. Johnny strafing and
sending over gas shells.
March 21
Charlie Walker here before we were out of bed. He came out to debit AIF War Book. Some of
us were on leave when it was being canvassed for so did not get the opportunity of
procuring one. He told us that a report had reached HQ that only one man was up on this
Job at one time. Flatly Refuted. Ayres came back from leave today. Norm wrote a couple of
days ago, stating he may be coming away shortly and he would receive leave. "Did I
have any money". "Yes, £5 sending him £2/10 of it".
March 22
At 12.10 last night, Johnny opened up with a very heavy barrage. Newton was doing some
writing, the rest of us being in bed, so we had to hop out quick. Left Dave Morgan and the
rest to look after an entrance to our dugout and Newton and myself went up to the front
line. On the road up, we met an Infantry Sergeant who wanted to know where some bombs were
as there were none up at the tunnel post, so we installed ourselves as bomb carriers, when
we had a stock up, I had a look round to see if all entrances were guarded and found three
that were not held so I watched them respectively until Newton sent men along. Johnny held
our front line entrance for a while but eventually mizzeled off. He got back to the
officers' dugout in the reserve line and took two batmen back with him. He rounded up all
the men in the front line, taking 20 men back with him, killing another and taking 8
prisoners. His barrage was between our front and reserve lines. I thought that we would
have a bit of a scrap with him, but he was too shrewd to come down the tunnel. Doyle went
to Old Kent. Newton and myself went to Saville Row. Morgan and Marriott went out this
morning. Larry Doyle came home and says "Johnny made an attack at St Quintin but had
only reached our front line losing many prisoners and many killed". There is
something fishy about this raid last night. Too many prisoners being taken.
March 23
Ayres and myself went to Saville Row, Newton went to Old Kent. We have been told that
Johnny may attack on Monday morning. The night of the raid he knocked out a few down at
the reserve line. Have been a bit crook tonight.
March 24
Newton and myself went to Saville Row way everything Jack. Doyle and Ayres went to Old
Kent. Things very quiet here. Everyone very much awake.
March 25
Newton and myself went to Saville Row everything Jake, Marriott came up tonight. Things
quiet, same as last night. When we went for rations, saw Jock Robertsons of No. 2 Section.
What to do.
March 26
Percy Piper out today, want some more lights up somewhere around Old Kent. What a beaut
Fritz has put up on Paris, somewhere around 75 miles. Some gun.
March 27
When Piper was out yesterday he told us to wire and light up Crater Post somewhere in the
Brickstacks. I suppose it is over near where the Givenchy crowd have their pumps in. Today
Marriott and Ayres went over to Brickstacks. Found fuses blown in Mills Tunnel. We shall
be going down the other tonight.
March 28
Dave and Harry went to Old Kent. Marriott and myself went to Saville Row. We wired up
another tunnel entrance from a front line post. There are some very conflicting reports
coming up from scene of present battle which started on the 21st but we are now
holding him I think.
March 29
Harry and myself went to Saville Row. Ted and Dave went to Old Kent. The news came up
tonight that we have turned him at Albert and have regained immense booty gains,
the report is we have knocked him back two miles. I hope it is correct. I think this
battle is the finish of any big hostilities anyhow. Let us sincerely hope so.
March 30
Dave and Marriott went to Old Kent. Everything o.k. Newton and myself went to Barts. While
reading the paper in No. 2 section's dugout, Hulluch hit the voltage up, result blew out
12 lamps. Marriott, Newton and myself went to Barts with Wilson to have a look at their
gun position. They have a fine place.
March 31
Ayres and Marriott went to Old Kent. Newton and myself went to Saville Row. No news of big
battle coming up. In the evening, Dave, Newton and myself went for rations and found one
of the wires pulled away from the coupling, could not find who did it.
April 1
Another month gone past and the biggest battle in history is taking place. Marriott and
myself went to Saville Row. Dave and Harry went to Old Kent.
Three raiding parties going out tonight some time. Found signals had tapped on to terminal
light at Munster Steps, put up on us during the night. They had rather a good scheme
working and deserved better luck, but they should put it up on new chaps at this kind of
work.
April 2
Harry and Newton went to Old Kent. I was feeling very weary, so did not go out. Newton and
myself went for rations in the evening, got a bundle of letters. God alone knows where
they have been! This morning, I am, some of the boys were to go on a raid, but when they
got to Johnny's wire with a Bangalore torpedo, they found it was too thick to get it
under, so had to give over the idea. When they were coming back he got on to them with a
machine gun wounding three and killing one.
April 3
Still doing the rounds. Big battle still on. Johnny is certainly loosing a large number of
men.
April 4
Things still the same.
April 5
Ayres and myself went out to Noeux-les-Mines.
Missed bus down.
April 6
Johnny opened up with a barrage this morning, up around Givenchy.
April 7
Repeat
April 8
The bombardment died down a little this morning.
April 9
We got up and caught a lorry to new camp at Verquin and from there caught a bus for the
trenches.
April 10
Knocked Marlybone Tunnel in Givenchy. Engines have not been on for a few days past. Came
on this morning at 12 o'clock.
April 11
Things fairly quiet but our guns are giving him no respite, keeping at him all the time.
Believe he took Merville and Bailleul, when he opened up with his Flanders push.
April 12
Still travelling the mains on the job. Don't know how long Johnny will allow us to keep it
up.
April 13
Repeat yesterday. Found Mill Tunnel knocked in. Coldstream and Old Kent.
April 14
Same as yesterday. Old Kent still coming in.
April 15-23
Repeat yesterday. Been some heaving fighting, up around Givenchy. On the 20th Johnny
raided at Mill Tunnel killing five of our men and we got the same number of his. On his
men we found two Iron Crosses so they must have been special troops.
April 24
Charlie Walker out today. He has been down south (Arras). We lost eight plants up north.
Nancarrow, Geydon and Charlie Calf are missing from Givenchy job, so they have a new
personnel.
April 25 - 26
Nothing unusual doing. Am expecting a plant now. Have been in 170 Company's new camp at
Verquin. This is just behind Bethune, right on top of a hill, these people have the wind
up, proper!
April 27
Brought a 17 hp Aster set out tonight and proceeded to Cambrin dump, where we put it on
the light railway for the tunnel. Working all night. Three new chaps came out with it.
McLean, McDonald and Murphy.
April 28
Had the pleasure of erecting this engine and then having to turn it round. This was after
my telling Piper that she wanted to be turned around. Three men were buried at Old Kent
the other day. All killed.
April 29 - May 5
Johnny put over gas a couple of times. Everything else normal.
May 6
Broken flange for water delivery on Aster. Nothing unusual.
May 7 - 14
Any amount of wind owing to our people sweating on Johnny coming over. Ran a big end on
bearing tonight, the trouble being someone had smashed an electric globe in the crank case
and neglected to remove several pieces.
May 15
Met Austin set at Cambril tonight and brought it up the line. Working all night.
May 16
Got new set away this afternoon. She runs fairly well.
May 17
Found generator bearing had moved half way around, causing some heat and we were very
lucky to find out. More good luck than good management.
May 18
Nothing unusual. Things fairly well. Losing polarity pretty often.
May 19
Sent new big end out. Pin on crank worn and they sent out a half round 2nd cut
to file it up with. Should be turned. Shall have to do the iob with emery paper.
May 20
Nothing unusual. McLean and Marriott reported to HQ Verquin for Bethune fire.
May 21
Aster working o.k.
May 22
The lads went on a raid. Took five prisoners. Left three with him. Had 20 wounded.
May 23
Nothing much doing.
May 24
Doyle, Fernandez and Cain relieved Morgan, Newton and Marriott. Gone back for a spell.
May 25
Trouble with both engines. Also polarity. Getting things fixed up.
May 26
Everything running. Good Oh!!! Shall go out tomorrow if nothing goes wrong.
May 27
Came out to Verquin this morning and went into Bethune. I got a bag of files and
different, also helped to get a piano.
May 28
The town of Bethune is knocked about considerable. Nothing much of the houses left. There
are some fine souvenirs in the place, shall try to get a few of them.
May 29
Went to Bethune tonight, but the souvenirs are much too heavy to carry away. There is some
fine china and silverware of all descriptions there.
May 30
Nothing of any consequence doing. Johnny put the Verquin camp out of mess today, put HE 32
and gas shells into it. We had to sleep in the wood just over from the camp. Not so bad
either.
May 31
Shifting to Labuissiere, a few Yanks billeted down this way, the country is very pretty
indeed, all hills and valleys with the different villages at the bottom.
June 1
Johnny seems to be going pretty well down south. Getting well away with it.
June 2
Built a fine bivouac and made four beds today in the wood we are in so didn't do too bad.
Shall be going up in the morning.
June 3
Came up trenches this morning, everything going on well. On the road up Johnny was well
over our line with his planes very low, only five of them. He must have been searching for
our batteries.
June 4
Johnny pretty busy all night and all day with his guns, putting over gas for about an
hour. Division is get windy.
June 5
Johnny pretty quiet, our guns have been giving him some stick all day. The Glosters are
going over tonight. A very heavy bombardment now on (10 pm). Going on 'till 10.45.
June 6
The Glosters took four prisoners last night, supposed to have killed numerous Germans who
wouldn't come out of their dugout.
June 7
The Infantry told us that Johnny was going to attack last night, but he never, so they say
it is sure tonight.
I think it is breeze more than anything. He won't get crowded out, if he does come over.
June 8
Received a telegram to be at 170 Coys HQ at midday tomorrow for purpose of proceeding to
Assinghem, our HQ.
June 9
The lorry picked us up at 5.30pm and we then went to 251 RE 37 and picked Downie up and
then beat it for home, after passing Auchel we got away from where he has been shelling
Auchel, is at least 20 klms away from the line. The drive down was beautiful, nicely
wooded hills and valleys most of the way. Arrived in at 10 pm.
June 10
Downie and myself went to a place called Lumbres, in the afternoon we went to a cricket
match at Hallines, walked home. This is lovely country and wouldn't mind putting in a few
months here.
June 11
Shall report sick tomorrow morning as I'm not feeling, or have not been too good for
somewhere near three months. What with Johnny's artillery preparation and the gas he was
sending over at the time, I got a month full or two of it.
June 12
In hospital today. Not so bad. The doctor gave me a good overhauling.
June 24
Been in bed up 'till today. Shall try and get out tomorrow. The papers are full of the
Austrian offensive and the way we or our people have held him up. The Austrian food
situation seems to be very critical, but I'm sceptical of the most part of it.
June 25
Reported back for duty this morning. Norfolk told me to take things easy. I'm just
wondering if they are going to take a Jerry and give me a spell. Blair tells me that he
put in an application for a Commission a few days before Sergeant Sinclair, but the Major
is going to push Sinclair's through and is allowing his to drop through. Sergeant Marsh is
now Acting QM38 Sergeant to this Company. Suppose I shall be going back to the line in a
day or so. Had a bit of an argument with regards to the morale of the British troops.
Should the Bosche keep on pushing he has the British army at his mercy, because it has
been proved that on more than one occasion they have broken and run during these
offensives. Just for example, the five Australian Divies were rushed down in front of
Amiens. Johnny found out and pushed up north, result being Aussie 1st Div
rushed back and on the motor lorries this was stuck up in big letters "Stand and
Fight Tommie, The Australians Will Be Here Shortly". I think this proves conclusively
how near a thing it was during the first three Bosche drives. So much for that but I must
look up. On the 21st March 5th British Army ran and would not stand up to it.
Result being widely known over the world now. The Yanks are pouring into this country
pretty fast.
June 26
Nothing doing out of the ordinary run of things.
June 27
Had a short note from Norm. He seems to be doing fairly. Sergeant Sinclair has gone out to
Munster to put baffling plates into stop engine using such a large quantity of oil.
June 28
RAP DAY today. Some of the boys got pretty drunk and called Moody and The Adjutant some
nice names. Woody (SM) hardly knew what to do.
June 29
Doyle got 28 days for last night's lot and sent to do his time. There were two others who
received the same time but were allowed to do it in the shop.
June 30
Had to take on Sergeant of the Guard today. They would not put one of their old hands on
it. Heard today that Marriott was well in the running for a military medal. This is very
rotten as he is a very windy fellow and the man who was sent with him (McLean) has been in
the country about 18 months longer than him. He is a mason so probably that accounts for
it!
July 1
Was to go to Winerause today but held over 'till tomorrow.
July 2
Got paid today, left Assinghem today immediately after dinner. On drawing 100 Franc I was
11/3- in debt. Old Norfolk came down with us. The weather was lovely. Came away in a
lorry, went through Lumbres and on the main Lille, Boulongne Road, not a bad drive down
but very dirty. Arrived at the rest camp about 4 o'clock. The camp is situated between
Amblilluse and Audreselles.
July 3
They had formed a sergeants' mess before we arrived. Sergeants Whitewell and Walker also
17 men came down.
July 4
Went into Boulogne this afternoon and saw Jim Binney at the Star Boring Plant. They have a
fine job down here.
July 5
The water is Tres Bon and not too much undercurrent. The only thing wrong is there is no
surf.
July 6
Went for a walk to Cap Gris-Nez, about a kilometre the other side of Wirmerause. There is
an old fort here.
July 7
Put most of today in at the beach. This morning there was an aeroplane flew over and gave
a wonderful exhibition of flying. Machines now are safer than motor cars.
July 8 - 12
Nothing much of any consequence doing. Johnny has not brought off his offensive yet. Wish
he would get a move on. Just to see what happens, this is going to be one of the decisive
things of the war and it can go any way at all but if we knock Johnny back it is Napoo
fini for him.
July 13
Still at the rest camp. A big crowd marched out last night. Suppose I shall be going
tomorrow.
July 14
No lorry came down today. The papers say Johnny has started another push down south of
Rheims on a 55 mile front and had got a trouncing up.
July 15
There was a beautiful thunder storm this morning accompanied by rain. It ran through the
tent in a little stream. The lorry came down for us this afternoon. It was a beautiful day
and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip back to Assinghem. It is inclined to be hilly around
this district and the road runs over the top of most of them and looking down into the
green fields below was very nice indeed. There were some very quaint and pretty villages
in some of the valleys. Came up through Harlettes and Lumbires to Assinghem. Warned to
take over Billet Sergeant. Later was warned to proceed to the trenches.
July 16
Left Assinghem in Bose car with Lieut. Anderson, Denton, Bailey. Got to Labuissiere where
we have a mechanical digger. They decided to change Bailey for Masewell who was here. At
this place 170 Coy used to billet but have now shifted. Went to Noeux-les-Mines (No. 3
Aust). Masewell and myself waited about four hours here. Picked the Bose car up again and
set out to find 170 Coy. Eventually found them at a wood near Maisnel-La-Ruitz.
July 17
Met Jack Penn who got back from Blighty about a month ago. They spent a month in hospital
and five recuperating. McLean came in just now. He tells me the boys are not too satisfied
with the way Morgan is handling them up here. Tells me he is making them line up and wait
for orders before going on their rounds of the morning.
July 18
The papers seem pretty optimistic about this new big stunt of Johnny's coming to an
unnatural death. Hope their surmises prove correct.
July 19
Came up to the trenches this morning with Masewell. Found Austin running. Morgan reported
job ok. Found only one of the old hands left. Went to Barts Side this afternoon with Burn.
Fuses blown in Barts. Started up Aster. She is worse than when I left. Knocking much more.
July 20
Went to Brickstacks with Morgan. Found things pretty Jake. This Sussex are up to hop-over
at 12.15.
July 21
Sussex went over but took no prisoners. They brought back four machine guns, never seen
too many live Huns. We had four killed and 15 wounded. Morgan and Page went out this
morning.
July 22
McLean and Rees came up from Maisnel-La-Rultz where 170 Coy are now billeted. Rees and
myself went to Saville Row. The SWB went over at Brickstacks tonight, 14 of them and only
six succeeded in getting back.
July 23
Running a bit short of oil. Wired away for some. Dan McLaughlin and Paddy Long came up the
line today. Have been at a school in Fruges. Rees and myself went to Hulluch and borrowed
two tins of oil. Talk about sweat crawling through low galleries!
July 24
Fry and myself went out this morning. On the way down, seen a building knocked down and
several carcasses of horses that had been killed by a bomb at five. Morgan and Page did
not go back 'fill tonight.
July 25
Wired away for more oil. Captain Barclay offered me a Clyno Motor Cycle. It has the back
sprocket broken but could easily be fixed up.
July 26
The SM gave me a wire, stating Morgan and Woolfe were to be picked up the following day.
Sent up for them. Fry and myself went out tonight and sapped some Pomme-Au-Terre. When I
got home Morgan had come down without Woolfe.
[Pomme-Au-Terre – good old fashioned Australian spuds].
July 27
Got out of bed at 5 o'clock this morning to catch lorry. Walking up from Annequin to
Munster, the bag of spuds got heavy. Just as we got in the trenches one of our 'planes
flew over at about 100'. Some shrapnel was flying about as Jerry was shelling pretty
severely at this 'plane. Woolfe left before we hit the dugout.
July 28
Things going smoothly. Very quiet here. Hardly a shell coming over. I think both sides
have the "wind up".
July 29
No. 1 cylinder on Austin missing pretty badly. Shall go over tappets when it closes down.
The driver on tonight (Maxwell) could not get Aster to start up. Some things men don't
know.
July 30
Went over tappets on Austin and shortened valve stroke a bit. Made all the difference. Had
all the load for a while tonight. Hullich must have got a wrong polarity some how.
July 31
Page and myself went over to Brickstacks and found a power of trouble. Some bird had been
tapping on lights leaving bare wires everywhere. Took us four hours to put right. Jack
Fernandez came up tonight. Only landed back from Boulonge last night. The RE40 have
blocked up all front line entrances to the system of tunnels.
August 1
Page and Fernandez went to Saville Row telling an officer about the colonial life. Johnny
putting over gas shells tonight. Serg. Millars' brother was gassed by one of them. He is
in the Black Watch. They couldn't start up Aster. Trouble in carburettor. Pilot jet locked
up.
August 2
It has been raining all day and the trenches are pretty sticky. Page and Fernandez went
over to Old Kent. McLean went sick but got medicine and duty.
August 3
McLean and Burns went out this morning. Page and myself went over to Wilson's. There was a
broken wire there. Johnny putting over gas. Piper's out today just returned from leave. He
didn't know Bailey had been taken away. He is going to try and get Aster replaced.
August 4
This is the start of at least the finish of the fourth year of the war and I hope it will
be the last. Things are very quiet here today. McLean sent up a note to say there was a
crime awaiting Rees from the Red Caps at 170 Coy orderly room.
August 5
Did not go out on line. Rubber couplings came up from HQ. Washed a complete change as the
vermin was a bit wild.
August 6
Rees and myself went around to Barts. Cut off about 16 lamps. Maxwell and myself had a
argument on HP of petrol and steam. Things seem to be going pretty well down south.
August 7
McLean and Burns came back from Maisnel this morning. Rees went out for four days. Page
and Burns went around to Old Kent. The Jocks are going over tomorrow morning.
August 8 – 10
The Jocks went over and never seen any Jerries over there. McLean and Burns came back on
the 10th. Had some trouble with the Aster tonight. Had to take up the big ends on both
cranks. When we tried to start up, found jet of carburettor chopped.
August 11
Got the plant running Jake this morning. Run for three hours. On starting up tonight the
manifold became red hot. Had to take carburettor down again and eventually got away about
five on the 12th.
August 12
Went to Maisnel today. Fry went out yesterday. McLean came out with me. Had to report to
Verquin to be picked up by our Bose car.
August 13
Stayed in Maisnel all day. Johnny over tonight bombing somewhere near Bruay.
August 14
Fry and myself went to Bruay, today had a look at an aerodrome. Seen a 'plane come down
and smash herself up. Johnny over bombing again tonight. Dropped one in the camp. No one
wounded but one lad shell-shocked.
August 15
Came up the line this morning and found Aster running at 6k. Jim Page tells me that Aster
is going Jake. The Welsh went over at 10.30 this morning.
August 16
Fernandez and Rees went across to Saville Row today. Welsh are going over to a crater and
waiting there until Johnny brings his troops up to man the post. Had a letter from Norm
today. He has been wounded in the left side. In 22nd General Hospital. Morgan
has left this job and gone down south to the Somme. Johnny got well onto the 3rd
Australian Camp on the 11th. Killed five and wounded nine of them.
August 17
Started to take Austin down this morning. Piper came out this afternoon. Fry to go on
leave on Monday. Working all day. This engine is very dirty. Big End No. 2 cylinder very
slack.
August 18
Finished Austin at 6 o'clock this morning. The water pump is not too good. She isn't
pumping at all. Couldn't sleep too well today.
August 19
Fry went out this morning. No petrol came up last night and tonight. The push party have
been sent back to their batts. There has been a big strafe on the left. The news came
through today that we had pushed at Outtershank and taken 400 prisoners. Also that we have
pushed at Merville.
August 20
The Aster giving trouble on starting up. Found trouble in the magneto. Had a very jolly
evening. Everybody in a good temper. Divisions changing over 16th taking over
from the 1st.
August 21
Fernandez and Rees went to Brickstacks. 16th came in today. Some of them were
in a very bad condition, they had a proper creasing up on the road up. Austin giving
trouble this morning. Carburettor trouble.
August 22
Piper came out today. Had Austin down when he landed here. There has been a pretty heavy
strafe away down on the right. Happened about 3 this morning.
August 23
The strafe is still on down on the right. They are going over in the morning at Givenchy.
Sent Fernandez out to get pump for Austin, brought it up to the dump and they (170 mob)
left it there.
August 24
Walker out today, Burns and Page are to go down to Minse on Monday. There has been a fair
amount of shelling today. Woolfe and myself was out and getting some potatoes when Fritz
spotted out and he sent about 50 over in quick order, made us move some!
August 25
Took the Aster down today. Took up one big end. They sent a double issue of rum up tonight
and there was some joy.
August 26
There is a very consistent bombardment on today, the guns behind us here are going to beat
the hand, seem to be firing away on the right somewhere. Have been going all day long.
Fuses blown in Saville Row, Rees and myself went down and fixed them up. Charlie Walker
was saying Morse had just come back from his month.
August 27
Fritz was straffing pretty heavy last night. He is getting a bit busier than usual here
and I think it's wind with him. Page and Burns went out yesterday to go to Boulogne Rest
Camp. Walker was saying that they are going to take me in for a spell shortly. Something
is going to happen surely.
August 28
Have been expecting McLean up today but he did not get up here. Fernandez too over engine
driving in place of Page.
August 29
McLean came up this morning with Lithgow and Taylor. Lithgow is knick-named Piccaninny on
account of his youthfulness. Has been in France two years and only just celebrated his 19th
birthday about a fortnight ago.
August 30
Taylor on driving today. Masewell on starting up Austin found the crank case full of water
so we had to find out where it was getting into the case, went and took all cylinders down
but could find nothing wrong. Eventually we found the trouble, it was in the pump, she was
pulling the water through to driving shaft of the pump.
August 31
Slept all day long but getting towards night I began to cough a lot, don't know what's
wrong. There is quite a lot of good news from down south.
September 1
Things going pretty well today. We are going to put gas projectors over to him tonight.
These things are put over much similar to a trench mortar shell.
September 2
McLean and Woolfe went out to Annequin for rhubarb. Pick and myself went to Barts.
Everything Jake. On getting home found Fernandez missing. He was eventually found buried
in a latrine. Shall try for a congratulation for Pick and Taylor, both kids. Johnny
shelling pretty heavily when these two and Maxwell went out and dug him out. He was not
hurt very badly if all reports be true. McLean and Lionel put up a fine tea tonight. This
division never put over gas last night but at 3.30 Maxwell was on shift. Came in with a
"stand-to" as Johnny was over and at 4.30 we tried to advance our lines, and you
never saw anything like it in the whole of your life! One great big mess. One platoon of
Black Watch got over and could not get back.
September 3
Went out to Maisnel with Rees. Seen a couple of people knocking around Cambrin Village.
Got paid about 5 o'clock.
September 4
McLean sent a wire to say that Piccaninny and Maxwell had been gassed and were in
hospital.
September 5
Rees and myself came back this morning and found that Morse and Piper had been out and
Morse had roared about the engine room generally. He told McLean that we had to follow the
infantry over. The Black Watch went over this morning and about 3 o'clock Johnny decided
to knock them back which he did with about three men. They lost about 60 men on the road
back.
September 6
Piper out today and brought Darkie Davis up with him to have a look at the big end on No.
2 on Austin.
September 7
Two new men came out this morning, a couple called Hillman and Christenson. Woolfe and
myself went to Barts this morning. Davis going on with Austin. Had some trouble at
Coldstream with blown fuses, could not find the trouble so had to cut half the lights.
September 8
Hillman and myself went over to Coldstream today. Things pretty quiet up that way. Johnny
brought down one of our contact aeroplanes.
September 9
Hillman and myself went to Barts. Taylor and myself went over to Coldstream to have a look
at this aeroplane but he had a gun playing across the spot. Fry came back today. Rees went
out today.
September 10
Went to Coldstream with Hillman. The K.R.R.C. went forward a little today.
September 11
Calms and Page came up tonight. The Welsh went over and took another line of trenches.
Johnny is going back in his own time. They are just keeping in touch with them.
September 12
Took Cairns up to the aeroplane to see if we could get the magnetos but could not unscrew
the nuts. Woolfe and McLean went out to Maisnel.
September 13
Chrissen came up today, Aster giving a fair amount of trouble.
September 14
Aster run a big end tonight. Sent to Assinghem for another. Fry took it out.
September 15
Charlie Walker brought big end out this morning. Taylor and myself erected it and gave her
a kick off about 11.30 tonight. Woolfe and McLean came back tonight. Johnny putting a lot
of gas in Auchy.
September 16
Fry came back this morning.
September 17
Bill Cairns and myself went to Old Kent. Found everything o.k.
September 18
Woolfe and Cairns went to Saville Row and everything Jake there although not too many
troops knocking about.
September 19
Jack Taylor and myself went out to Maisnel Les Rultz today. Got paid. Went and had a bath.
Went for a walk to Barlin.
September 20
Heard today that Charlie Walker was out yesterday. Taylor and myself went to Bruay.
September 21
We went across to Bruay this afternoon and the military police pinched us for being in the
town without a pass. Rushed us before the APM who rang up 170 Coy to see if they had any
Australians attached to them. They then let us go after taking our name and number and all
particulars.
September 22
Went to Barlin this afternoon. This is a mining town. Last night we went to a show in
Maisnel. They gave a pretty good turn conjuring.
September 23
Came up the line this morning. Found everything Jake. There was a chap pretty near dead
through drinking a jar of rum. They just saved his life by getting him to a doctor who
very soon had the poison on the road out of him.
September 24
McLean went out this morning to procure some stuff for the mess. Cairns and myself went
over to the Brickstacks. The push in Palestine will just about finish the Turks.
September 25
Went to Robinson's and fixed up a light in a battalion HQ. The magneto giving trouble on
the Aster. Worked at it all day and could not get a spark from it. Went over to Wilson's
and sent a wire to HQ for a fibre extension piece.
September 26
Changed the field magnets on the magneto and she kicked off Jake. The carburettor then
gave a little trouble which McLean eventually overcame.
September 27
Things going fairly well. Good news this morning. Palestine and Macedonian fronts which
should materially help to finish the war. News of a French victory at St Quintin with
13,000 prisoners.
September 28
Had visitors this morning before I was out of bed. Young, Ayres, Jim Loughrey and McMurry
came over.
September 29
Page and myself went to Barts. Fry went out to Maisnel. McLean on driving. Woolfe crook.
September 30
Page and myself went to Brickfields. There was two aeroplanes flying over Johnny's line
about 10' above his trenches. The RIF went over this morning and took 52 prisoners but
believe they were knocked back.
October 1
Went to Saville Row with McLean and dug up the bag of potatoes. Went over and had another
scrounge about his trenches, nothing doing in our line over his 4th line.
October 2
Page and myself went over to Auchy and had a look around but nothing doing. The artillery
are moving up. Gerry evacuated behind La Bassee at 4 am this morning.
October 3
Page and myself went over to an aeroplane that came down near the Brickstacks and got two
carburettors and two magnetos. Not such a bad haul. Someone had been and very nearly
spoiled both the magnetos. Charlie Walker went out today. The Bosh have set fire to
Salome.
October 4
Page, Taylor and myself went out scrounging this morning. We visited three aeroplanes that
had come down during the past four years, could get nothing off of any use. Went into La
Bassee but the place is all knocked to pieces. He has several places mined over there.
Some very fine dugouts along the canal bank. When we came back found that Piper had been
out. Apparently they had heard something about our Bruay stunt.
October 5
McLean and myself went out to Maisnel Les Ruitz and had a bath. Tried to buy some
cigarettes and tobacco but there was very little procurable. Heard today that George Hogg
was getting his commission. Came up by ration lorry tonight and as the weather is fairly
cold we thoroughly enjoyed the tea that was on.
October 6
Went for a walk to the Slag Heap. Came across several of Jerry's pill boxes.
October 7
McLean and myself went for a walk to Salome, this is about three miles in front of La
Bassee. The fortification along the canal bank are marvels of engineering in their way,
mostly pill boxes built of reinforced concrete. The town of La Bassee has not one single
house that has not been knocked about in some way. All the corners of the different
streets have been mined and blown up. One of the sights of the war and it's wonderful to
me why Johnny went back on his own accord. We should never have been able to take this or
these places by direct assault. Piper was out today. Brought some oil and also a crime
sheet. Don't know what the heads intend to do. They may try to bring me a cropper but
shall try and make them go.
October 8
The 3rd Australian Mining Company took over the sector this morning in place of
170th Coy. Suppose we shall become attached to them now.
October 9
Page went to Noeux-les-Mines today to fix up about rations and petrol. He was told Captain
Morris would be taking charge of the sector.
October 10
McLean and myself went out looking for last night's rations, but could not find anything
out about them. The news has come through today that Cambria had been taken. There are two
CCS in Cambrin village. Saw a few of the nurses today.
October 11
Some good news in the paper today. Doing a bit of rifle shooting.
October 12
A couple of nurses up passed our job today so it must be about time we put stamps on our
letters.
October 13
McLean and myself went over to Vermelles job. Raining pretty hard. Went up and had a look
at a Steel Tree that is standing as an observation post.
October 14
Chrissen and Woolfe went out this morning for a few days. Luke Olsen came just after they
had left. Fry and Chrissen to go in. Changed him a Burbury for another coat.
October 16
McLean went out to Noeux-les-Mines to buy stuff for the mess. Borrowed my coat and Woolfe
claimed it. Left it with Woolfe. Charlie Walker out.
October 17
We shall probably start running 17 hours a day shortly. A runner has just been up to get
all the attached infantry back to their Company. The peace proposals seem to have come a
horrible cropper.
Woolfe came back from Noeux. Jack LeRoy came out to get Taylor.
October 180
Woolfe and myself walked to Noeux for rations as none came up. Went and had a look at a
patient digger. Scorgi I/C just been made an SS. Walked back Vermelles to Bill Davis's
job. Found Cairns there. Hulluch cut out at 11 o'clock. Great war news!
October 19
McLean went out this morning, got back about 10.30 tonight. Reakons he has been up as far
as Lille in a suburb called Loos. Says the people say Fritz treated them pretty well.
October 20
Cairns and myself went over for rations. None there so went to Givenchy and saw Bill
Millar. Met McLean as we were coming back. He went to Vermelles and found Givenchy's and
our rations were there.
October 21
I went to Vermelles and got our rations. Cut out all lights on my circuit, the exception
of Munster Tunnel. Can close down any time, as Hulluch can get 200 volts up to here with
no other load on.
October 22
Bill Cairns went to Vermelles for rations. While he was there Piper came in. Cairns came
back and told me that we were going to pull out. Piper came up here and told us to pull
out. Starting at the Brickfields first.
October 23
Woolfe, Page, Cairns and myself went to Brickstacks and started to rip the job out. Page
and myself down Marlybone and Old Kent, Woolfe and Cairns on Engine Room and Coldstream
Tunnels.
October 24
The same four on the job today. Have pulled everything out back as far as Mill Tunnel.
Have very nearly a three ton load now. Are now getting our rations from 50 CCS which is in
Cambria. They are some rations! The best ever I've had in France.
October 25 - 31
Still pulling job out. Four new men came out last Monday. Viollette, Vickery, Mood and
Forsyth.
November 1 - 6
Still pulling out. Brought both engines up to the top. Raining the past two days. Some
rumours of an armistice being sent to Fritz. Hope he accepts them.
November 7
Lorry out today. Sent engines in. Another one for tomorrow. Piper out. McLean, Woolfe,
Cairns and Page to go to Vermelles to give Bill Davies a hand out.
November 8
Lorry came out, loaded up and went to our HQ at a place called Maroeuil. This is about 6
kms behind Arras, rather a dismal looking place. We are billeted in what used to be a
sugar manufacturing place.
November 9
Blair came in from La Bassee tonight. I went to Vermelles with the lorry. Davies had let
the engine fall down the vent shaft breaking governor gear and breaking the back cover of
the generator. All the brush gear was smashed, also the rockies.
November 10
Still at Maroeuil. They are assembling the Aster I brought in to send to Montigily.
November 11
The news came through last night that Johnny was going to accept the Armistice terms. All
the joy bells were ringing for miles around! There was a particularly severe bombardment
on this morning.
November 12
Blair went on leave this morning.
November 13
Marsh had a wire last night to say that his wife was very ill. He went on special leave
this morning.
November 14
Downie came back from Assinghem this morning. Sinclair pretty crook, went to hospital.
November 15
Harry Quince pretty crook this morning. The 'flu seems to be getting amongst them.
November 16
Harry Quince went to hospital this morning. Charlie Scorgio came back from Blighty today.
Reckons they had a fine time on the 11th.
November 17
Bill Davies and myself went into Arras today. It has been considerably knocked about but
not so much as Bethune. The cathedral is a ruin but has been a beautiful building. The
town is built in squares and these have suffered.
November 18
Downie had to go to Montigny-en-Gohelle to take over Aster set. I'm now Billet Sergeant.
Don't know for how long.
November 19
Moody crook today. I'm playing cards 'till past midnight.
November 20
Slept in this morning. Never woke troops up until after seven. Moody came on parade this
morning and roared a treat! Bad liver, I think. He hasn't said anything to me yet. Suppose
my turn will be next.
November 21
Things going along quietly. Three men a day going on leave.
November 22
Still doing my duty for King and Country. A good number of our chaps down with the 'flu.
November 23
Three deaths from the 'flu amongst our chaps.
November 24
The surrendering of the German fleet seems to be progressing most favourably.
November 25
Still in the Billet Sergeant's job. Nothing much doing.
November 26
The only objection I've got to this job is that I have to get up too early in the morning.
November 27
Still going well.
November 28
Blank entry until the following year. |
