All Quiet on the Front

Well chums its all quiet on the front. It makes a change from the mayhem of Shell Trap Farm and the gas attacks and then Pilkem. Me and the battalion are still in the Auchonvillers area. I last wrote around the 25th of August. Since then we have been in the front line from the 25th until the 2nd of September and then again from the 9th up until now. We were relieved last night by the Royal Irish Fusiliers. We are now doing more or less 8 day stints, 8 in the line then 8 out. This is twice what it was before but I musn't grumble its comparitively quiet around these parts.

Our stint in the trenches starting on the 25th passed with a only a few casualties, on the 31st some rifle and hand grenades were fired into our trenches and six men were wounded.

On the 29th of August one company of the 8th Battalion of the East Lancashires joined for instruction in trench duties. Our boys are old hands, or should I say whats left of our old boys are. The East Lancs stayed with us for a couple of days and left quite happy. Poor sods I thought, its as quiet as anything in these parts, wait until they go to Ypres, they wont know whats hit them.

On the 2nd of September we were relieved by the Royal Irish Fusiliers and we marched to billets at Acheux. Quite a bit of a march. Whilst we were in billets there was a general reorganisation and refitting of the battalion. We are still suffering from the effects of Pilkem two months on. We also had working parties on the reserve and support line trenches.

On the 9th we marched to Auchonvillers again and then relieved the Royal Irish Fusiliers in the trenches. This time in the trenches it was very quiet. There has been the odd shells but nothing to worry about. A rifle grenade landed in the trench on the 14th and killed 1 man and wounded 4 others but other than that there hasn't been much bother at all.

We've been spending all our time carrying out repair work and improvements to the trenches. We've also drained and improved the communication trenches. We've done some quite good work and the improvements we have made are quite tremendous.

I've got a copy of a map of the area.

Auchonvillers with Hun Trenches shown 

This map shows the Hun trenches but not ours. We don't want the Hun to know our disposition. You'll see that the Hun trenches run North/South and by a place called Beaumont Hamel. The trenches we have been occupying are just to the north of Auchonvillers.

This next map shows a larger section of the area.

Auchonvillers, Forceville and Acheux

You will be able to see Forceville to the West and then Acheux further to the West. These are the two places where we have been staying in billets.

The last time I wrote I said that I would copy sections of the pamphlet we had for the Minden Day celebrations. Unfortunately I've lost it. Instead I've got a copy of a leaflet we had for a concert night we had in Le Touquet. Hopefully this will be ok. It gives you an idea of the homestyle entertainment that we sometimes put on to keep our morale up.

 

I've also copied one of my letters back home, I've attached it as a document to the right hand side of this blog. In this I wrote to my brother Bill. I mention my brother George's wife who lives in Leigh, Lancashire. I'd stayed with them when I joined up. My brother George has sadly died in action, I'm not sure where this happened, I did write to his commanding officer asking for more information but never got anything back. George's wife hasn't had any further information either, just a letter to say he was killed in action.

In the letter I also refer to many of my extended family who live in the Rotherham and Barnsley area.

I also relate to my brother Bill how I was with Jacky Lynn on that fateful day when the Hun gassed us and Jacky let them have it with his maxim.

I've aso heard that some furlough might be coming our way but as I say in the letter none has been forthcoming.

Anyway chums were now in billets in Forceville. I'm hoping we'll get another 8 days out of the line. Knowing our luck it may turn back to the usual 4 out and then 4 in.

I'll say goodbye for now. Hoping you are all well as I am.

Albert x 

Minden Day

Well chums three things to update you on, where I currently am and what has been happening recently, and the Minden Day celebrations.

At present myself and the battallion are in the front line trenches at Auchonvillers. We've been here sine the 19th of August. Quite a long stint this time but it hasn't been too bad. C Company were mightily shelled yesterday evening and had 1 man killed and 11 wounded. Other than that it has been fairly quiet. I've heard we are set to stay here for another few days yet. Crickey I thought, the army must be short of men if they are keeping us few in the fron line, we still aren't up to strength!

The last time I wrote  was the 14th of August, I seem to have got out of the habit of writing about our exploits each week. I must make an effort to rectify this.

During the period of the 14th to the 19th were were billeted at Forceville. We had quite a relaxing time interspersed with inspections, reorganisations and route marches. Then on the 18th we relieved the Kings Own and took over in the front lines once more. Since then we have been going about carrying repairs and renovation together with constructing new dug outs and trench work. We're quite a dab hand at it us old boys, the new chaps don't know their arse from their elbow, we are having to teach them everything.

There's been the occasional shelling but other than that we haven't been troubled by the Hun. I'll settle for this quiet life any day. The amount of muck and bullets I've been through is enough to last a lifetime.

Anyway chums onto more happier times; Minden Day.

For those of you not in the know, Minden Day is named after the Battle of Minden that took place on August the 1st 1759. It was fought between the armies France on one side and Britain, Hannover and Prussia on the other. it was part of the Seven Years War, a major conflict between Britain and France that took place on many different continents including Europe and the Americas.

It seems funny to think that the French were our enemies and the Hun were our allies, its the opposite way around in this flaming war!

The French had captured the fortified town of Minden and us the British together with the Hannoverians and Prussians marched forward to kick him out. There were about 9,000 British soldiers in the field and six regiments marched forwards to take on the French. The 20th of Foot, now the Lancashire Fusiliers, were one of them.

We, the British, were the front troops and main body to take on the French. We marched forward following a mistaken order and everyone thought the regiments would be annihlated by the French Cavalry but they were wrong. Three cavalry charges were repulsed and the lads marched on to victory. Over 7,000 French were killed. It was a major victory for us.

Whilst our brave boys were marching into battle they passed through German gardens full of roses which they picked and put on their tunics and hats. So every Minden Day, the 1st of August, we wear a rose on in our cap in honour of these men and celebrate this victory.

So chums on the 1st of August we duly carried out our celebration. This wasn't long after we had come out of the trenches after we had fought the battle of Pilkem and lost lots of our pals. We weren't really in the mood but to honour those brave chaps of years ago and those of recent times we mustered ourselves and put on a good show.

We were told that Major Blencowe was seriously considering toning down the celebrations and not wearing the roses so as not to upset the French but the tradition got the better of him and he passed the order to don the roses and wear them with pride.

The day commenced with a service in a woods, this was well within shelling distance of the Hun but he left us unmolested that day.We then had dinner. This was various meats, vegetables and then fruit. Major Bowes and our Doctor had travelled to Amiens the previous day to try and purchase as much as possible but there wasn't much to be had. Nevertheless we had a hearty feast. To wash our food down there was a barrel of beer per Company. Not a lot but better than nothing, it was all to be had.

At 4:00pm we retired to the woods again to a place where a clearing had been made. We were going to take part in some sports. The clearing was large enough to allow the game to take place and small enough to allow the spectators to be covered by the trees. This was most advantageous as it prevented the Huns aeroplanes from spotting us.

The main event was the Ramparts Race. This was about 1 mile in length, it was twice round the woods and then down the road in front of the spectators. Private Greenwood of D company won and Sergeant Baines and Lance-Corporal Masters came second and third. These were both of C company. There were two novel yacht races that gave us great amusement. We also had a Tug of War. This is always the most favoured event by the men and everyone cheered the teams most fervently. Of course my company won this. when it comes to pure strength you can't beat us.

I've copied the results of the Minden Day Sports Events below. As you can see D Company won the most honours and carried off the day.

Minden Day Sports Results 1915

Far from being the finish for the day there was the IV Division Band who had come over from Acheaux to entertain us. They put on a stirring rendition of all our pomp and circumstance tunes as well as some of our marching songs which we duly joined in with. Then to top it all there was a show by the world famous Follies. This was much appreciate by all and well applauded. we all showed our gratitude to these young ladies for entertaining us. They were a sight to behold.

We then celebrated the end of the day in traditional style by toasting our fallen pals and fellow soldiers. Its tradition that the youngest officer on Minden day has to eat his rose however on this Minden Day our officers decided they would all do this. Only Major Blencowe, Major Baines, Captain Salt and Lieutenant Best Dunkley were exempt. In honour and remembrance most of the men also ate their rose, yours truly was amongst them.

So we then retired to bed. Our stomachs were full, we'd had a joyous and raucous time at the sports and then some stirring tunes from the band. The Follies had made our hearts flutter and they were a sight to behold. We had toasted our fallen and fellow soldiers. The day was now complete. I fell into a deep sleep that night.

I have a copy of the Minden Day pamphlet. I'm going to keep at as a reminder of this day. If I get chance I'll copy some of the pages for you to see.

So chums even though it was a period of sorrow for the Battalion we were still able to put on a good show and for a time forget where we were or what we had gone through. It was a great morale booster and came at a time when we were at rock bottom.Since then we have all moved on and now we are back in the front line albeit in not so hot an area.

I'll write to you next week and if i get chance I'll send some copies from the Minden Day pamphlet.

All the best

Albert x

A Well Deserved Rest

Well chums I haven't put pen to paper for two weeks now. Myself and the Battalion have been at rest since the Pilkem Saga. Boy was that a rum old do and did we deserve a rest? You bet.

When I last wrote to you it was from our billets in Proven. I had just described the last couple of days of the battle at Pilkem and our leaving there on the 10th. Well folks since then we have been moving about a bit, from one set of billets to another. We've also been on light duties in reserve trenches, not surprising considering the considerable loss of men the battalion has suffered. I'll now bring you up to date on everything.

After the battle of Pilkem the roll call showed that we had suffered tremendous casualties. We went into this battle with 22 officers and 780 men. At the roll call there were 5 officers and 400 men. Of the missing men, 73 had been killed, 20 others died of their wounds, 13 men were unaccounted for and 274 were wounded. This was another complete devastation of the battalion and it came just two months after the Hun gas attack had all but wiped the battalion out. By my reckoning over the last three months there has been about 1,500 casualties. That's the best part of two Battalions lost. Bloody astounding. And bloody amazing that I'm still here!

The officers killed were as follows:

Captain Smyth

Lieutenant Simpson

Lieutenant Pickering

2nd Lieutenant Kelly

Lieutenant Breckell

2nd Lieutenant Breckell

2nd Lieutenant Stanwell

2nd Lieutenant Nairne (died of wounds)

2nd Lieutenant Charleston (died of wounds)

Officers wounded:

Lieutenant Colonel Griffin DSO

Captain Spooner DSO

Lieutenant Appleby

2 Lieutenant A S MacIver

2 Lieutenant C B Johnson

2 Lieutenant E E W Grainger

2 Lieutenant A S Wase-Rogers

2 Lieutenant Mason

The thing to note about all the deaths is the fact that most of the men were either blown to bits, buried by the earth thrown up by shells or left in the open because we couldnt retrieve them. During the height of the fighting there wasn't time to deal with the dead, only the wounded. Consequently later on in lulls of the battle some men who were seen to be killed earlier could no longer be found or their bodies be pieced together, only their deaths were recorded. It saddens me to think we had to leave our fellow soldiers on the battle field, but what could we do? Chaps such as Captain Smyth was seen to be killed but he was never recovered for burial. As far as I know his grave is in the front line trenches of Pilkem.

Captain Smyth

I've reckoned that 80% of the dead at Pilkem were never recovered. Their graves are that now hallowed ground. Hard fought for and hard won. I hope it was worth the price. I hope that it never has to be fought over again.

Well chums another interesting fact is that during the fighting we went through over 8,000 Mills Bombs. That's an astounding amount. I hardly doubt it because I was lobbing as many at Fritz as I could get hold of. It was the only way to stop him from overrunning us at times.

Well on the 10th we bade farewell to Pilkem and went to Proven where we stayed for several days. We must have put up a good show at Pilkem because on the 13th we were inspected by Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert C O Plumer, he's the Commander of the 2nd Army. He's as pretty high as you can go in the top brass ranks. Then to our amazement we were inspected by Field Marshall John French. Now there isn't any higher than that unless Kitchener turns up.

General Sir Herbert Plumer

Sir John French, Commander in Chief

I can tell you chums we were proud to bursting point with such high ranking officers coming to see us. We turned out in great style and were all spik and span, spit and polish. The brass marched down the line stopping to inspect men and ask polite questions. There was only 400 of us and we were still licking our wounds but we stood proud and tall to represent our fallen mates. This Pilkem action must have been a good news story for the generals and we were chuffed to feel the thanks being shown to us by all.

We stayed at Proven for 10 days having a good old rest. Other than the top brass inspections we were left to recuperate and please ourselves what we did. The weather was fine, it was warm and sunny. We took our time in anything we did, it was a time of leisure. We weren't in a hurry to do anything and we weren't in the mood either. Too many good blokes had been lost in the Pilkem battle. Captain Smyth was at the front from the start of the war. I knew him from the 3rd Battalion. He was now gone. It really hits you when some of the old timers go. I'm one of the few remaining. I'm not intending to go anywhere except home, alive and in one piece!

On the 21st of July we marched to Godewaersvelde where we boarded a troop train to Doullens. The train set off at 4:30pm and we arrived at 12:30am. We then marched to Authieule where we bivouaced for a few hours and then we marched on to billets at Forceville. This village seems to be in the middle of France but even so there are trenches here with the Hun not far away.

On the 23rd we were put to work on moving munitions from stores up to the trenches. Then on the 24th we had a visit from another top brass. General Charles Monro, the Commander of the 3rd Army, came and inspected us. By eck we've now had three commanders come and visit us, all we need now us Haig and Kithchener to pay a visit and then we'll have had the lot.

Sir Charles Monro

On the 25th and 26th we had general inspections and route marches. It seemed to me that the army was getting us back into shape to go about making war again. On well I suppose we can't sit on our bums for too long.

I shouldn't have spoken too soon should I, on the 27th we route marched to Mailly Maillet. Upon arriving yours truly and the machine gunners were sent into the reserve trenches at a place we nicknamed ocean villas, the French name is Auchenvillers. I though to myself, easing us back in are they?

On the 28th we had some bad news, Capt W Tyrrel RAMC was detached from the battalion and we had a new RAMC attached, Lieutenant J Roberts RAMC. I'll fondly remember Capt Tyrrell, he was a great bloke, I wish him all the best in wherever he is off to.

Captain W Tyrrell RAMC

On the 29th we received 170 new men and 7 Officers. Fresh blokes from Blighty. Then on the 31st we had another two officers and 95 men join us. Our ranks were filling up quickly once again.

We held Minden Day on the 1st of August, it was a fantastic day of fun and celebration. It was a much needed day of frivolity and high jinx, and a change from the mundane billet life or the life threatening stints in the trenches. I'll write about it in my next post. 

On the 2nd of August we were once more put into the front lines. We relieved the kings own in trenches just north of Auchenvillers. I was fortunate, my Company, B Company, was put into the reserve trenches.

Between the 3rd and 9th we were in the trenches engaged in general improvement work. We were improving the parapets and repairing and building wire entanglements. It was very quiet and there was little activity on both sides regarding shelling, sniping or bombing.

On the 10th we were relieved by the Kings Own and we marched to billets in Forceville again. That's were we are now. 

Since the 11th we have been reorganising, receiving instruction and carrying out route marches. I suppose it's all to lick the new boys into shape.

Well chums that brings you up to date. I'm safe and sound in billets some distance from the front and thats where I want to stay. I'll write to you about the Minden Day festivities next week unless I have some other pressing news to bring you. 

So once more its goodbye from me, 

Albert x

Pilkem - Relieved - 8th of July

Well chums its time for my final instalment of the Pilkem Saga.

The last time I wrote to you I left the story at 9:00pm on the 7th of July. My Regiment and fellow pals had been on the receiving end of a continual horrendous shelling and frontal assaults over the top by the Hun. We had survived everything he had thrown at us and repulsed all his attacks. It had taken a tremendous toll on my fellow soldiers and we had dead, dying and wounded all around us. There was a constant stream of stretcher bearers and medical officers dashing around. Up on top there was plenty of dead and dying Hun. Nobody was coming for them except a 5.9 inch shell from their own artillery!

But the darkness hours were coming now, would we survive the night?

Well chums the Hun kept up his horrendous shelling that night and never left off once to make an attack. So you could say we were safe, if you could call it that bearing in mind we were in the midst of the biggest bombardment ever seen by the British military!

There was still the shored up Trench that ran straight on into Fritz's where the Hun kept up his bombing and sometimes attacks over the top. We bombed him likewise and any head that appeared over the top of the barracade or Trench was well and truly blown off.

We had ran out of food and water by this time but owing to the shelling and Fritz's antics by the barricade we didn't notice. We hadn't time to think about filling our stomachs or making a brew, we were too busy fighting or sheltering.

The only food we wanted was Mills bombs. We had got the hang of these beauties by now. They were mighty effective and mighty is the key word. They blew huge holes in the Huns lines and were effective over a 30 yard area. Hundreds were brought up to us and as fast as we got them we let Fritz have them.

This is a picture of a Mills Bomb next to one of our hand made jam tin bombs.

Mills Bomb next to a Jam Tin Bomb

Things had got so hot in the centre of our lines that Lieutenant G C Martin, leading a Platoon of D Company, had decided to Sap forward from our lines to get away from the Hun shelling. They dug their way some 10 yards forward and hastily created a new Trench. They then sat quite untroubled in the new Trench as the Hun blasted to smithereens the old Trench were they had been. Fritz hadn't noticed their switch and honed in on the coordinates he had for what was his old front line.

During the night the horrendous shelling went on and several times the Hun rushed the barricade at the end of our Trench. Each time we repulsed him with plenty of Mills Bombs and some good old Rifle fire.

Morning eventually came and at about 9:00am we thought the Hun was amassing to do a frontal attack again. Our artillery gave him a bashing and changed his mind. Then at 10:00am they started moving to right and amassing on our right flank. The artillery gave him another bashing and he decided the better of attacking us.

The day wore on with shelling, fighting down the saps, bomb fights, sniping, shooting and machine gunning. There's was no let up. I can tell you folks I was completely worn out. I hadn't eaten any proper food since the evening of the 6th. I'd had some bully beef and some biscuits but that was it.

In the early afternoon the Hun let off a massive salvo of shelling upon us. This time he wass really going for it. The shelling was so bad that the battalion HQ had to be moved to the far side of the canal. We knew what was coming, another attack.

We were well stocked up with bombs and ammo so when the lull in the shelling came we were up and out on Trench sides. The Hun duly came on and we let him have it with all we had. There was withering machine gun fire laid down by our gunners and the artillery blasted their front line trenchs. We laid down a blanket of bombs and bullets. The poor bloody Hun fell in swaithes. He didn't get near our positions and after the first few had been despatched none followed up, the artillery was cutting them to pieces.

So another attack had been repulsed but after two days of almost continuous fighting we were absolutely knackered.

Then at about 9:00pm we heard we were going to be relieved. The 1st Hampshire's were going to take over. It couldn't have come at a better time, I couldn't have kept the fight up much longer.

At 9:30pm the changeover was done. As we clambered and scrambled out of what was now a complete shambles I couldn't help but feel sorry for those blokes coming in. There wasn't any real Trench systems along the front any more, just some shattered few hundred metres of earth. In fact in some places the trench system no longer existed and there was just some pockets of trenches. This made it impossible to communicate down the line!

There was also dead bodies and other bits all over the place. It was like a butchers shop in some sections.

When we got out of the trenches we found out that it was only my Company and D Company that had been releived from the front line. We had been in the hottest and most contested part of the trench system. We had endured the most savage and prolonged fighting and it had taken its toll on our numbers. The top brass had seen this and decided it was time to change us before our numbers had got too few or before what was left of us collapsed from fatigue.

We marched down to a farm near Elverdinghe where we were able to get some good hot scoff and some long awaited sleep. When we awoke the next day we washed and then took up guard duties on the surrounding roads.

Our chums in C Company were moved back to the support trenches and A Company was left in position on the right hand side of the front line. Both these were then relieved by the York's and Lancs on the evening of the 9th. Instead of joining us at the farm it had been decided to retire us all further behind the front. The brass had decided to transport us lot  in B and D Company by motor buses, a rare treat! A and C Company had to route march.

We all rendezvoused in a field near Poperinghe. We had bivouced the night there but A and C Companies arrived at 6:00 am. They were given some good hot scoff and time to rest and recoup. Then at 5:00pm we all packed up and marched off for Proven. We had a rare old surprise when we arrived there. The incumbent Regiment had turned out and presented arms as we marched in. This was in tribute of our fine defence of the trenches at Pilkem. I can tell you chum I was as proud as Punch as we marched in there, head held high and chest pumped out. To get a tribute from your fellow soldiers is a rare honour and we warmly welcomed it with all due pride and swagger.

So chums thus ended the Pilkem Saga. It had taken a huge toll on the battalion. So much so that we have now been out of the front line since then and I don't think we'll be going back any time soon. I'll bring you up to date the next time I write to you, giving details of the status of the battalion and what has happened to us since the 10th of July.

Bye for now,

Proud as Punch, Albert x

Pilkem - Bloody Carnage - Afternoon of the 7th July

Hi chums, sorry about not writing sooner but I've been out of sorts following the Pilkem battle. I'm getting myself sorted out now and putting myself back on the horse again as you could say.

Well the rest of the Pilkem story is as harrowing as the first part. I last wrote to you about the 7th and how we were in the Trenches getting bombarded by the Hun and repulsing an attack. Well chums it got worse!

After the attack of 3:20 pm, that we repulsed, the Hun continued shelling us. We kept our heads down in the dugout. Then some time later we started to hear shouting, the shouting of our pals further up the trench. It seemed pretty frantic and desperate shouting, a pleading for help. Not the sort from injured men but the sort that was shouting for assistance to do a job. Bloody hell its a shout to arms to help repulse the Hun again.

We shot out of the dugout to see what was happening. The shelling was still going on but we could make out the some of our pals were in a scrap with the Hun. They were in a sap further down the line. The Hun had broken in and they were fighting hand to hand. We rushed to help them.

As we arrived it was a scene of complete mayhem. There was our blokes grappling with the Hun. There were bodies all over, injured men and dead men. Bullets and bombs were whistling all over the place. Explosions, smoke and showers of steel and muck were flying all over.

I got my new Mills bombs out and started throwing them for all I was worth. I was aiming beyond the fray into the Hun area, any that were following up would get smashed by my bombs. Some of my fellow mates had brought bombs up with them but they hadn't familiarized themselves with the weapon. Some threw them without arming them and others armed them but waited too long before throwing so that they went off over head or too near for comfort.

We'd previously had Rifle grenades but these Mills Bombs were hand thrown grenades. They had a pin on them that you pulled out to arm them. There was a lever that you held down to stop the fuse from working. Once you let go of the lever the fuse was set off. Several seconds later the bomb went off.

 I'd familiarized myself with them and knew what was what, but a lot of my fellow soldiers hadn't and it had a devastating effect. Some poor chaps further back got blown up by one going off because the bomber had pulled the pin but hadn't hold the handle down, he kept it too long before deciding to throw it. Some bombs went off overhead and showered both the Hun and our men with hot steel. Some exploded nearby and sent everyone flying. It was a tragic farce. Had it not been for our men and the Hun being on top of each other it would have been disastrous just for us. As it was both got injured equally.

I shouted to my chums to hold the lever down, pull the plug and then throw. The chaps soon got the idea, they had to otherwise they were dead. Unfortunately many men that day died because of not knowing how to handle this new bomb.

Once we got the bomb sorted and lobbed quite a few over into the advancing Hun it had a devastating affect upon them. My fellow mates got stuck into those that were left in our part of the sap. Some men of C Company turned up to assist us. HQ had sent them when they saw what was happening. Our artillery also opened up on the Huns at the end of the sap. We retreated into our own trenches, the shelling by our artillery was becoming too dangerous.

We had to leave some of our blokes there. They were dead and we couldn't do anything for them. The poor buggers were now going to have their bodies smashed to bits by our own artillery. What a bloody war.

We retired to our dugout. The Hun was incessantly shelling us. He was mightily sore about us having taken his trenches and repulsing his attacks.

The day wore on, the Hun was trying to blast us out and grind us down but we weren't having it. Many more times that day he tried to rush our lines. He went mainly for the centre where D Company was. He attempted full frontal assaults. It seemed like madness to me.

The Hun gave us warning that an attack was coming by switching to shelling us with shrapnel and firing shells into our rear lines. As soon as the shrapnel stopped we were up and out shooting and bombing for all we were worth. Our machine gunners joined in and the artillery blasted the Hun front lines. It was withering fire and the Hun was repulsed each time.

We used so many bombs that we had to have many supplies brought up to us during the day. The chaps that did so we're brave soles. The Hun hadn't let up with his shelling so they were likely to be blown to kingdom come if they got hit by a shell or a well aimed bullet.

We had further attacks by the Hun. He came over the barricade at the end of our Trench. This is where it continued straight into their Trench. It was grisly hand to hand fighting each time and we used plenty of bombs to repulse him. He returned our favour and hurled many a bomb into our Trench. It was complete carnage at times with the bodies of the dead that littered the trench being blown apart. There were bits of men flying high in the air, chunks of flesh here and there and arms, legs and heads scattered across the terrain. I truly though I was in hell.

It was only 9:00pm on the 7th. I felt like it had been an eternity. Maybe I was in hell, maybe I was dead and this was purgatory. I wasnt that lucky, I was still alive and I had the night to look forward to!

Well chums I'll continue this saga over the next few days. If you are wondering where I am now, I'm in a place called Forceville. The battalion moved here on the 22nd. We haven't been in the front line since Pilkem. Were not that much of a fighting force at the moment. Pilkem has devastated our numbers.

So chums I bid you farewell again and speak to you soon,

Albert x

Pilkem - Slaughter in the Trenches - 7th July

Its been somewhat a hard time for me recollecting the story of Pilkem. To remember it is to go through it again. I've not been able to put pen to paper to write to you but I must do this. I need to tell this story for those who won't be coming back so they aren't forgotten.

Well chums we were stood to all night on the 6/7th of July awaiting the Hun to attack us. We were in their Trench and lots of their pals had been killed, we knew it wouldn't be long before they tried to take it back. I was in the closest part of the Trench to their front line. This map shows the Trench systems and closeness.

Pilkem Trenches held by 2LF 7th July 1915

As you can see my Battalion was holding the captured Hun Trench that is coloured in yellow. My platoon was at the northern end of this trench. You can see that the Trench system is one continuous line going north from our trench to the Huns. As sure as eggs are eggs he was going to attack down this line.

Sure enough during the small hours of the morning, just as it was getting light, the Hun attacked. He came down the three saps leading into our trenches. These are the one connected to our Trench in the North and the other two that cross the road from the east. If you zoom in on the map you can see these.

Well chums we were waiting for them with baited breath, just as the light was starting to break a volley of bombs came over the barricade that was constructed across the end of the trench.  I dived for cover around a bend and then grabbed some of the bombs we had. The Huns bombs went off with blinding flashes and a deafening noise. Tons of earth shot up and showered all around me and my chums. We then heard the Huns battle cries and he started to mount the parapet of the trench. We let go with a volley of fire and then threw our bombs over into his Trench to kill anyone following up the assault. There must have been a dozen or so Hun charging down the trench towards us, some were charging across the tops. Half our men were letting rip with their rifles whilst the other half were throwing bombs for all we were worth. I'm a bombardier so I let them have it with several bombs. Some into the front of our Trench and others over the barricade at the end into theirs.

It went in for what seemed to be an age. Our boys were getting into them with bayonets I was following up and hurling bombs for all I was worth. Machine gunners opened up on the Hun coming over the tops. There was bullets, blades and bombs all over the place. Grunts, screams and cries filled the air and were interjected with flashes and deafening bangs. It was raining showers of earth, bullet cases and shrapnel.

Finally the Hun stopped coming and it all went quiet. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it would burst out of my chest. I was breathing heavy as though I had just done a mile long dash. All my chums were crouched in the trench listening for the Hun coming again.

As we paused there in anticipation of the next assault I became aware of the groans of my fallen pals and injured Hun in and around our Trench. We retrieved our men but left the Hun. If another assault came we didn't want to get caught off guard whilst helping the enemy!

The minutes passed by but no further attack came. We made good the damage to the trench and removed the dead and injured Hun within it. Those out on top were left. We weren't going to risk getting killed to going out there.

We had used a tremendous amount of bombs so a runner was despatched to get more brought up.

We had quite a few dead and injured in the Hun attack. It was mainly all the new boys the ones that had joined us since the gassing in May. I didn't know them that much, I hadn't got to know them, but my heart went out to their loved ones. I didn't think much about the Hun. I'd seen him do many evil deeds and didn't much care for him.

By now it was early morning and the sun was well up. It was unusually quiet, we didn't think it would be like this.

Some bombs arrived following our earlier request but to our surprise it was a new sort called a Mills Bomb. We hadn't used this before and so I decided to familiarise myself with it.

I managed to get some scoff and a brew in the morning, we had half the men on stand to and the other half feeding themselves. We then swapped around.

At about 11:30am the Hun opened a barrage of shells on us. My god the whole place shook and rumbled. He was firing across the whole area. Me and my mates clambered into a hastily repaired dugout. The shells were landing all around us. With each whoosh and crump the ground shuddered and exploded. Showers of earth fell down into the trench. I was scared stiff that either we would get a direct hit or be buried alive.

During this barrage the HQ on the canal bank was hit. It had been unscathed for many a week before and had served well for other battalions but the Hun had managed to find it today. The top brass were all present in the HQ and were completely bowled over by the last. Colonel Griffin, Captain Spooner and Lieutenant Appleby all got injured. Lieutenant Charleston got severely injured and died two days later. The injuries to Lieutenant Appleby caused him to be blinded.

The injuries to this party would have been much greater had not been for Captain Spooner. The blast had set fire to a box of hand grenades. With great courage and despite his injuries he picked the box up and then hurled it into the canal. He therby saved them all from further harm or death.

The heavy shelling of our lines continued all day. My god it was terrifying but after an hour or so one got somewhat used to it. I thought if they haven't got me by now they aren't going to. I continued to huddle in the dugout with my mates whilst Fritz pulverized all around us. None of us moved from our little shelter, for all we knew everyone around us was dead. I thought no one could survive this bombardment.

Then at 3:00pm the shelling stopped. We sat in the dugout for a while listening. I couldn't hear a bloody thing. I thought I must have gone deaf from all the blasts. Then as me and pals were about to climb out shrapnel shells started bursting overhead. We dived back and huddled together once again in our shelter.

The shells were mainly bursting over the support and reserve Trench lines. We knew what was coming next, Fritz was going to charge us. He was blasting the rearguard to pieces so that he could deal with us alone. Knowing what was coming me and my mates steeled ourselves. We knew where I supply of bombs and bullets were so once the shrapnel shells stopped we were going to dash there and arm ourselves to the teeth. That's if the ammo was still there and not blown away or buried!

After about 20 minutes the shrapnel shells stopped, that was our signal to make a mad dash for the ammo. We jumped out of the dugout and ran for all we were worth. As we did so another thought crossed my mind, what if we were all that was left of our battalion, just half as dozen of us to take on the might of the Hun. Bloody hell I thought.

As we ran down the trench, well down the shambles that was the trench, I became aware of other scampering figures. Cripes, the Hun was already upon us. We all started to bring our rifles to bare but then when we focused we realised it was our fellow soldiers. Others had survived the battering.

As quick as a flash we reached the area where the bombs were but couldnt see anything, the area had been knocked about a bit. We scrambled in the loose piles of earth, scrabbling about and digging with our hands. We hit lucky, boxes, it was boxes of bombs. More boxes of ammunition were found and we crammed as much into our pockets and packs and ran back down the trench. We were now ready for the Hun.

Our artillery now opened up. There was whooshes as our shells went overhead and slammed into the Huns trenches blowing him apart. The shout went up that the Hun was attacking across no man's land. We let him have it with everything we had, bombs, mortars and bullets. It was mayhem again but this time we were causing it.

We couldn't see the Hun but we knew he was there. Our artillery was blasting away making sure he was pinned down. They could see the Hun lines better than us and we're firing all along the front whilst the Hun was attempting to assault us. Then after what could have only been 10 minutes our artillery stopped. The Hun had withdrawn and what was left of him returned to his own lines. I was surprised that he could be repulsed so easily but on reflection there was still plenty of my chums alive and we let him have it.

Then it started up again, the bombardment of our lines. It was back to the dugout with all haste.

So it continued for the rest of that day.

I'll continue this recount of this Pilkem saga in my next post. The battalion is in Proven at present but tomorrow we're on the move. Hopefully it's out of the front for a long rest. We need it, I need it.

I'll post again in a couple of days from the new billets.

Albert (nine lives) Kyte x

Pilkem - The Build Up - 6th June

Well Chums the Story of the 2 Lancs Fusiliers Pilkem Battle starts on the 6th of July with the attack of the Rifle Brigade and the Somersetshire Light Infantry on the Hun lines to the east of the Yser Canal just to the North of Ypres. This map of 1914 Shows the area.

Yser Canal 1914

The actual area of the attack was just to the North of the number 13 in the middle of the above map.  This area is shown in the aerial photo I posted yesterday. I also have this captured Hun hand drawn map of the trenches of this area.

Hun Yser Trench Map July 6th 1915

Our front line on the morning of the 6th was the line next to the canal at the bottom of the map where the word Kanal is printed on it. You can also see this on yesterday's aerial photo.

Well chums the action started very early in the morning of the 6th with the shelling of the Hun front and reserve lines. This continued until about 6:30am when the Rifle Brigade and Somersets attacked the Hun front line. They were helped by a field gun that had been taken up right into the line. This had been rafted over the Yser and then manhandled to a position that was just 60 Yards from the Hun.

The attack was a resounding success. The field gun played its part by blowing in a sap head that would have seriously held up the attack. In fact the gunners charged forward with the Infantry and ended up being some of the first into the Hun front line!

The Hun front line was totally captured and held. However it was overlooked by the Hun further up at Pilkem and was heavily shelled by them. The Hun also mounted 3 counter attacks during the day to try and recapture the Trench. They were held off but the RBs and Somersets had heavy casualties. This is where we came in.

Knowing that the first troops would suffer heavily we were drafted to the 11th Brigade to support them. It was decided that we should relieve them on the evening of the 6th. We would also be complemented by two Companies and machine guns of the 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

Our Commanding Officer, Colonel Griffin, the adjutant and four commanding officers moved up first to take over the trenches. They surveyed them from a cottage in Boesinghe and then moved down to the Battalion HQ in a dugout by the canal. We then moved up.

The scene was one of complete mayhem. As we crossed the Yser we we passed men of the RB and Somersets coming out. They were all shook up, bloodied and injured. There were men dragging themselves along and others carried on stretchers. The number of injured was too many to count. I felt sorry for the poor chaps but they were out of it, it was our turn to take the Hun on now.

As I crossed a pontoon bridge there were fatigue parties carrying stores across and to my astonishment a field gun was being manhandled across. I didn't know it at the time but this was the one used in the initial attack.

There were many parties carrying full barbed wire tressles for the front line, men in gas masks for fear of a gas attack, others carrying munitions. All were concentrated in a 200 yard stretch of the canal. If the Hun landed some shells in the area many a man would be killed. He was however quite reserved only firing the occasional shell that didnt land anywhere near, we were lucky!

When I reached the front trenches it as a scene of complete carnage. There were dead bodies lying all around. The parapets had been blown away and good many of the men also. There were bits of men all over, bodies with arms, legs and heads missing. There was also the odd arm or leg here or there. It was an abominable scene. One couldn't help but look, but if you did it made you more nervous of what could be. I put up my defences, get busy I told myself, don't give yourself time to think, dont look, just crack on.

We moved into the captured Hun trenches, my company, B Company, occupied the far left. This is the most northern part if you look at the map. Our commander was Captain Blencowe.

A Company occupied The far right under Captain Appleby, D company under Captain Smyth was in the centre and C Company under Captain Salt was in reserve in what was originally the British front line Trench. This was 50 yards behind the new front line.

The Warwickshire with some Hampshire's were in reserve on either side of the Yser Canal bank.

The change over and move into the new front line went quite smoothly and with little harrasment from the Hun. I surveyed our new Trench. It had some hastily prepared firing steps and the parapet had been crudely fashioned. Everything had previously faced the other way. There were sandbags quickly thrown up to secure areas. Most of the dugouts were smashed in and the Trench was very narrow.

My Battalion now occupied the whole of the new front line, it was some 450 yards long and I was in the northern part, the part closest to the Hun!

These sketched maps made by the Rifle Brigade show the layout of the trenches before and after. It gives you an idea of the ground we were holding and how close the Hun was.

RB Sketch of Pilkem Trenches July 6th 1915

This next Sketch shows the trenches in more detail and shows my Battalions positions. As I said early I was in the northern part nearest the Hun lines!

Pilkem Trenches held by 2LF 7th July 1915

It was 3:00am when we finally got settled in and stood to in the trench awaiting a Hun counter attack. I was in absolute trepidation but as I said early, keep busy so as not to think on. I cleaned my Rifle, checked my grenades, familiarized myself with the layout of the new Trench. I wanted to know every nook and cranny so that if the Hun infiltrated I could protect myself as best I could and fight him off.

So chums that was the prelude to one of my longest nights and days.

I'll post the next installment in two days time. The whole shooting match. See you then,

Albert x

Days of Reckoning - Pilkem

Albert is still here chums, I'm in one piece and safe and sound at last. My God I thought I'd been through hell and seen the worst that man can do to fellow man but the attack on Pilkem Ridge was utter carnage. It was hand to hand fighting, bombs, bullets, bayonets and anything else that came to hand.

I last wrote to you on the 6th, the day we were moving up to provide support for an attack on the Hun line by the Rifle Brigade and the Somersetshire Light Infantry. Well chums I ended up, my Battalion ended up, right in the middle of it, taking on the Hun face to face in the same trenches. What a bloody caper it was.

I've not been of good sorts following the attack, the battalion ended up being decimated again. We went in with almost a full strength battalion and came out with 17 Officers and 380 other ranks dead, wounded or missing. We had only just got back up to strength after the gas attacks of May. We went in with 22 Officers and 780 other ranks. This jaunt to Pilkem has cut the battalion in half! That's a second time in the space of two months! Some good blokes and pals of mine have met their end.

Well chums I've licked my wounds and I'm ready to tell the story of Pilkem. I'm at rest  with whats left of the battalion at a place called Proven. How apt is that? We've certainly proven ourselves at Pilkem! Over the next few days I'll post the prelude, the battle and then the aftermath.

I feel incredibly lucky, I've now survived two major devastations of the battalion. God knows how I've managed it.

Well chums to start the ball rolling our top brass were told of the transfer of the battalion to the 11th Brigade for the attack on Pilkem well before the rest of us. Whilst we were at  rest in early June at Vlamertinghe our senior officers were informed. Our numbers were built up from that date to enable us to be an effective fighting force.

On the 4th and 5th of July all the officers and platoon sergeants were moved up to the 11th Brigade Headquarters. They travelled in G. S. Waggons and had a pretty bumpy ride on the cobbled Belgium roads. Guides were allocated to them and they were then taken up to see the trenches. At this time they were in a pretty good condition. There was said to be smell of gas in the air due to some gas shells having been fired into this are by the Hun on the previous day.

Having surveyed the lay of the land and the nature of the trenches the senior officers attended a top brass meeting where plans for the attack were discussed. They then returned with the platoon sergeants to meet us at Elverdinghe on the 6th. This is when we were informed of our destiny.

So chums I'll write tomorrow of our move into the front trenches and the lead up to the  bloody battle. I have an aerial photo of the trenches, this is it.

Pilkem Trenches 1915

The canal can be seen on the left and the British front line is bottom left to the right of the canal. It's the white line with 4 branches to the left leading to the canal and 2 to the right into no man's land. I'll try and get a map excerpt showing the same area and put in my next post.

I'll say goodbye until tomorrow,

Albert x

On The Move - Again

Well chums were on the move again. I haven't wrote recently because for the last 4 days we have been on moving around. We've now reached our final destination and know what were up to. It's a hot one again!

The last time I wrote we were in the 2nd line trenches at La Belle Alliance. This is one mile to the north of Ypres and is alongside a farm of that name. I have a map showing its location in relation to the Ypres canal.

La Belle Alliance

I'm not sure why its called that. The name is actually that of an inn just south of Brussels near to where the battle of Waterloo took place. It's where Wellington and the allied commanders met after the battle in which Napoleon was defeated. Someone in these parts must have known their history and decided to name this farm the same.

Well we rested here until the 28th until we relieved the Essex Regiment in the front line. We had two chaps wounded during this changeover. In the front lines we were shelled, sniped on and mortared. We had four men killed and nine wounded during this stint. We also went on patrol over the top making repairs and trying to catch any Hun that was also out there.

Our stint ended on the 1st of July but not before some heavy shelling. The reserve and support trenches took the brunt of it but we had some land in the front trenches. The parapets were blown away and we had three men injured. We had to make good the damage to the trench.

We were relieved by the Essex Regiment and then marched to a rest camp that is 2 miles N.E. of Poperinghe. We stayed there on the 2nd to the 4th in bivouacs. We had 50 men join us whilst there and we underwent a reorganisation. During the last two months we have more or less had the whole battalion lost to death and injury and then replaced with new men. The brass decided to reorganise to make us fighting fit. We then went on parade and had an inspection.

Then on the 5th we marched off again. This time we marched to Elverdinghe. It's only a couple of miles from Poperinghe but we were nevertheless moved there. We bivouaced in the woods. Like most places around here it has a Chateau, so chums I'm posting the postcards of it for you.

Elverdinghe Château

It has quite a beautiful lake at the front of the propert too.

Elverdinghe Château

It's quite an idyllic place. In all this devastation that is going on its a little piece of heaven. I can't help thinking this is going to be the calm before the storm.

Today I've learnt what our next move is going to be. We are going to be giving assistance to an attack on the Hun lines by the 11th Brigade. We've been told that today the Rifle Brigade and the Somersetshire Light Infantry have attacked the Hun trench line to the south of Pilkem along the canal bank. We are going to give all assistance necessary and are to move up tonight. It almost certainly means we will be going over the top, the full battalion.

So chums my bags are packed and I'm ready for the off. I'm not sure what this jaunt will bring me but this will be the second time I've now been ordered to advance on the Hun lines. The other time was in May when we tried to give assistance when the Hun launched a gas attack on the 24th. We didn't get ten yards under the withering fire!

So chums I wish you goodbye and I hope to write to you after this frightful event, that's if I'm still here! I've been in the middle of this mayhem so long now it's almost normal to be in a battle. I've got my fears and worries but its not like when I first arrived. So chums hopefully goodbye for now.

Albert x

No Escape From The Front

Well chums this week has been straight forward. The same as usual. We've been at the front again doing our bit for king and country. It's becoming quite normal for me. I feel as though I've been in this bloody war all my life and its all I know!

We changed over with the Essex Regiment and went straight into our regular routine in the trenches. Two of our blokes got wounded on the first day, the 19th of June. They got their ticket back to blighty. Some of the blokes are half wishing they could get a ticket back but knowing what rotten luck there is out here they may end up with half their head blown away! I'd rather go back in one piece or not at all, I can't bear to think of the lives some of the injured blokes are going to have. Some have had there legs blown off or amputated. I can't bear the thought of not being able to walk or run about. I can tell you chums I keep out of danger as much as I can.

Its getting to the point where some of the men can't face the front anymore and look for all sorts of excuses to get away or stay behind. Some even resort to injuring themselves and then get put in the infirmary. But if the top brass suspect or find anything out then they are put on a charge that could be quite serious, cowardice in the face of the enemy. Such blokes are dicing with death. If found out then they would be put before a firing squad.

We recently heard how one of our chums met such an end. His name was Herbert Chase. He had recently come back to the battalion after serving a sentence for desertion. In August of 1914 when the Regiment first came to France he absconded but he was subsequently found and placed under arrest. He then escaped before being sentenced in October 1914. He was then found again and arrested again. This time he didnt escape.

In a court martial he was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Back then deserters weren't treated so harsh but now, with such death and devastation in the trenches, the top brass have decided its a capital offence punished by firing squad. They fear that everyone would desert if the punishment wasn't harsh.

Anyway Herbert served some of his time and on the 6th of May he was returned to the battalion under the suspension of sentence act. This act was passed so that men could be returned to their units so that the numbers at the front was kept up, that they could redeem themselves, and that deliberate acts to get out of the front line did not achieve this.

So Herbert joined us again soon after his release. He served relatively well but during the gas attack of the 24th of May he went missing. Those of us that had gone through the first gas attack dealt with this attack with little problem. We are also some 800 yards or more behind the front line in the reserve trenches and the gas wasn't that effective.

Private Herbert had absconded once again though. He was found near Vlamertinghe and claimed he couldn't remember what had happened. He then said he was suffering from gas. He was taken to a dressing station but the Medical Officer who examined him couldn't find anything wrong with him. Others at the dressing station who knew him also stated he appeared unaffected and normal. He was sent back to a mustering point for the battalion with others that had been gassed but were passed fit for service.

Herbert was duly placed under arrest for desertion and tried. This was his third such dereliction of duty. He was shot at dawn on the 12th of June at San Sixtus.

So chums there's no escape from the front unless it's in a wooden box, but you get interred here, or by being injured in the line of duty. If it's neither of these then here you stay until the Hun is beaten. That seems like my lot!

Well as for the rest of the time in the front line this weekend we lost two men and had 3 injured. On the 23rd We were relieved by the Essex Regiment and moved into the 2nd line trenches at La Belle Alliance. Whilst here Capt A.H. Spooner rejoined the battalion.

That is where I am now, in the 2nd line trenches.

I've written that letter to our Georges commanding officer. I'm hoping to find out more about our Georges death. I hope it wasn't as bad as some of the agonising deaths I've seen befell some blokes here. I hope it was quick. Better still not at all but if your time is up a quick death is the best. We'll see what his officer has to say.

Well chums that's it from the front this week, I hope to be here to write to you again next week,

 Albert x

Another Week Done

Well chums that's another week gone at the front. I can tell you I've not been too well since I've heard of my brothers death. It got me down a bit but I've picked myself up now.

I got the news last week. I received a letter from home that told me of his death. It's terrible news. What makes it worse is that he's not been married long and his wife is expecting a baby. The poor bairn will grow up not knowing him. It's terrible.

My brother, George, was in the Royal Welsh Regiment. He joined up before me, in 1911. He enjoyed the army, its what made me join up in 1913.

I received letter from my Dad and a copy of the report from his Corporal. It stated that he was killed on the 6th of may. His platoon were in an engagement with the enemy and unfortunately he was shot and died. It stated the usual facts that he was a brave sole, well liked by the men and a credit to our family. It said he fought with great courage and was on a special mission when his platoon got overrun by the Hun. It stated that he died from gunshot wounds.

I'm going to write a letter to his commander to get more information and find out where his last resting place is. I hope to visit it one day and pay my respects. He was a good bloke George, he was my older brother. I'll make sure his bairn knows of him and won't miss out, its the least I can do.

Well chums as for life at the front we relieved the French on the 6th and had a pretty normal time in the trenches other than the duration. We came out on the 15th, aye we were in there for 9 days, I couldnt believe it. We had had 5 men killed and 20 wounded in that time. At the beginning of the stint we were heavily shelled and then at the end we were getting sniped on. All the killed were sniped and all but 6 of the wounded were also sniped.

Our numbers were going down again but during this stint we had five 2nd Lieutenants and fifty men men join. The 2nd Lieutenants were A.S. Maciver, R.L. Breckell, L.C. Billington, R.C. Mason and W.E. Nairne.

When we came out on the 15th we were relieved by the Royal Warwick Regiment, our pals from Vlamertinghe. Unfortunately one of our chaps got picked off by a sniper during the changeover. Poor bugger, he must have thought he was getting out of danger only to get his life snatched away just as he was reaching safety.

Well chums we didn't go to Vlamertinghe, we marched off in a different direction to pastures new. This time it was to the Chateau Trois Tours in Brielen.

So were getting a grand tour of Belgium. Join up and see the world chums. Well at least Belgium. Oh and get to dodge some bombs, bullets and shells whilst trying to shoot some shady characters. What more could you want.

Well folks heres some snaps of the Château, it looks grand doesn't it.

Château Trois Tours

I have another one of the back of the place, this is it.

Château Trois Tours Back View

2nd Lieutenant E. R. Kelly joined us whilst we were at the Château. Of course we weren't staying in the place, were were in bivouacs again.

Well chums there's no rest for the wicked so today we've had our orders that tomorrow were going back to the front. A lovely life isn't it, we were in for 9 days and out for 3, now we're going back!

Well chums I must leave you now. Here's hoping all's well and I'm here to write to you again next week.

God bless,

Albert x

Back to the Job

Well chums I thought we were going to have a nice rest in Vlamertinghe but just as we had got settled into our new surrounds we received orders to move back to the front to relieve a French Battalion. That was on the 6th of June.

Before I update you ast my current position I'll give you the details on Vlamertinge.

We arrived in Vlamertinghe on the 31st of may and set up our bivouac. We were in the grounds of a chateau. It was the Divisional HQ. It was grand place. I put a photo of it in my last post but I have some better ones here.

Vlamertinghe Château

This is another looking at it face on.

Vlamertinge Château

We set up camp amongst the large chestnut trees in the extensive grounds of the chateau and set about cleaning and repairing our kit. This is also a regular resting or billeting area for other battalions at the front. The Royal Warwickshire Regiment bivouac here also.

There's a cracking field kitchen serving up some good grub and like our time at Armentieres there's a baths setup in an old brewery so we can get a good wash.

Our bivouac, or tent, is quite plain, we just have a piece of rectangular canvas that has a pole at the front and back end. They are quite quick and easy to put up and give you cover from light rain but if a gail blows then you've had it. Mind you its the start of summer now so the weather isn't that bad. This snap shows two tents with belongings laid out to dry. Its not too clear though.

Bivouac in Fields

This second snap shows one of the men getting a wash in the open. When we don't go to the baths this is how we wash. You can see the chaps tent behind him. He has secured it with some sturdy wooden poles and branches.

Getting a Wash in the Field

Well chums we were in Vlamertinge until the 6th. It was 6 days of bliss. During the day we had drills, route marches and then gymnastics. In the evenings we went to the estaminets in the town. We weren't allowed much time and the number of estaminets were limited but we had en enjoyable time.

On the 6th we were given our marching order, back to the front it was. We relieved the French Zouaves in the front line to the left of Ypres. Its quite a warm spot. We have been heavily shelled every day.

2nd lieutenant MacIver joined us on the 6th. He didn't bring much luck with him, we've had six blokes injured by shelling yesterday and then today one man got wounded by a sniper.

Well chums were back on the job and with the reinforcements and replacements that we've received over the last few weeks were getting back up to strength. I should imagine were now fulltime back in the front line.

I'm not sure when I'm going to see blighty again, I miss the old place. I've just had some bad news from home, our George has been killed. He was at the front with his regiment and they sustained a heavy attack. George was killed and his commanding officer wrote home letting his wife know. I'm going to try and find out what happened. Its hit me worse than the Hun has. He has a bairn on the way who will never know him. What a bloody war.

Albert  x

Hold the Line

Well chums time flies, its been a week since I last posted. We had just fought off another dastardly Hun gas attack last time. Well since then we have been holding the line.

We fell back to create a new line along the trench called French Switch which was some 1,000 yards behind Shell Trap Farm, our original line. Our new reserve line was now 1,000 yards behind this at Irish Farm.

The result of the gas attack on the 2nd of May was 20 Officers gassed, 23 other ranks died, 31 missing, 76 wounded, and 579 suffering from gas poisoning. That's 709 ordinary ranks out of action! The gas attack of the 24th resulted in only 1 Officer and 12 other ranks killed, and 2 Officers and 70 other ranks wounded. We didn't have any gas casualties. We had learnt the lesson of using a gas mask.

Well chums although the battalion had been decimated by the original gas attack we received quite a few replacements and reinforcements in very rapid time. Between the 9th and 13th of May we've had 158 men join us. On the the 16th/17th of May we received 201 men. On the 22nd of May we had 4 Officers from the 3rd North Staffordshires and 255 men join us. Then on the 27th we had another 139 men join us. So chums that makes 753 men of ordinary rank. Not a bad replacement rate, over 700 men in 4 weeks. That means yours truly is one of the few originals. The battalion has been replaced twice over now and I'm still here. Some may say I'm lucky but I'd rather be in blighty.

I have a couple of snaps for you. The first is the hero of the hour, Jacky Lynn, our machine gunner.

Private John Lynn

Here he is with his maxim gun. Boy did he swing that into action on the 2nd. He's a real hero.

This next snap is of our medical officer, Captain Tyrell.

Captain W. Tyrell RAM Corps

Captain Tyrell barked the order out for us to wet our handkerchiefs, with pee! He then ran down the line oiling our guns so we could keep rapid fire up. He's a great bloke.

So chums to bring you up to date, our movements since the second gas attack on the 24th have been to the Divisional reserve line on the canal bank on the 26th, then on the 28th we relieved the Essex Regiment just north of Irish Farm. Yesterday we were relieved by the Warwickshire's and we then retired to the Divisional Reserve near Vlamertinge. In the past week we've lost another two men killed and had 36 wounded. Most of these were new chaps. Can you imagine it, you sign up, do your training, get sent out to the front and then get put back on the next boat home because you've got wounded. I can't complain because some of the injuries are horrific. Poor blighters.

This map shows the location of Irish Farm in relation to Shell Trap Farm. The top brass have decided to rename Shell Trap to Mouse Trap Farm because of the bad image Shell Trap brings. I don't know why they bothered as the Hun now has it.

Irish Farm - Shell Trap Farm (Mouse Trap farm)

Shell Trap Farm is top right of square 22, now called Mouse Trap Farm. Our front lines are marked by a dotted blue line north east of Irish Farm, this is top left of square 27. The Hun lines are in red.

You can see all the ground the Hun has won through using his infernal mustard gas. Its absolutely despicable. Well chums we've now held him in check and we have some effective defence against the gas. I've heard we're getting even better gas protection, some proper masks to totally block out the gas. I'll believe it when I see it.

Today we moved to some new grand accommodation. The chateau at Vlamertinge. Sounds great doesn't it except were not staying in it, we are bivouacing in the grounds of it. I'm not bothered as we're out of the front lines again. Its also not too bad weatherwise at the moment. I might be able to stretch out in the sun.

This is a photo of the chateau. Looks grand doesn't it.

Vlamertinghe Chateau

Well chums I'm hoping we stay here a while, its very peaceful. I doubt if it will be for long though.

So goodbye for now chums. I'll write to you in a weeks time.

Albert x