Up at 8:30 am, etc.
To Birmingham and Library returned at 4 pm.
Wednesday 27 January 1915 – mild
Up at 8:30 am. Breakfast at 9 am sent letters to Harry, Ernest, Maud, Mr. and Mrs. Burrows, Oxford, Mrs. George Draycot. Cyril calls at 2:30 pm after an intro’ to my cousin and Dr. White. We have interesting chat. We have tea at 4:30 pm and I leave with Cyril at 5 pm for Birmingham. Dine with him at Pitman’s Hotel and return to Wylde Green at 9:30 pm. Bed at 10:30 pm
Tuesday 26 January 1915 – mild
Parade at 9 am and receive transport later to Birmingham on sick furlough for one month. Also receive 10 shillings from the Hospital Office.
Take leave of all sisters in Ward 6 and leave Oxford by 11:20 train. Met a Mr. Burden of Dilham Stoke-on-Trent, he bought cake and tea for me at Banbury and conducted me across Birmingham. Arrive at Wylde Green at 1:30 pm and met by Sophie at the Station. Sent Telegram to Cyril Green at Birmingham he telephones in for appointment. Introduced to Sophie ’s husband Doctor White
Monday 25 January 1915
Our Atlantic fleet sinks a German Battleship the “Blucher” 15,500 tons which cost 1 ½ million pounds to build. They were on way to raid England. The Hospital Authorities expect raids by Zeppelins and are preparing for them.
*The Battle of Dogger Bank – After the German Navy’s initial success raiding the British coastline in December of 1914, German forces attempted to initiate another raid in late January 1915. British warships however intercepted the Germans on January 24th 1914 at Dogger Bank, a large sandbank in the North Sea. Outnumbered, the German cruisers attempted to flee but the British ships caught up and sunk the SMS Blucher. The rest of the German boats however were able to escape.
Sunday 24 January 1915
To Church at “St Peters in the East” Oxford. Reverend Skrine officiating – partook of my 1st Communion in Khaki uniform. After service I am conducted to the crypt, an historical place under the church St Peter dates back to 1200. Am back in hospital at 1 pm. Evensong in hospital at 6:30 pm and service by Reverend Skrine of St. Peters-in-the-East
Saturday 23 January 1915 – mild
Received a reply from Depot Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry at Lidworth regarding clothing. Mrs. Isobel Burrows calls and brings grapes. At 4 pm I am Confirmed in Chapel by Bishop Mitchinson, Master of Pembroke College.
Friday 22 January 1915 – snow and rain
The Mater sends a cake and jam. In afternoon, to Eye Hospital on Walton St. Eyes tested by Captain Ward, Eye Specialist. Left at 3:45 pm (arrive there at 2:15).
To Madam Isobel M. Burrows of Norham House, and Norham Gardens to tea on invitation. Arrive at 4 pm met Mr Burrows, Mrs Burrows and other ladies. Magnificent apartment. Gee! It’s great to be rich. Left at 5 pm in a cab provided by my host and hostess. Their only son is a prisoner in Germany. Mr Burrows is a cousin of Admiral Jellicoe.
*John Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe – A British Royal Navy officer who fought in the Egyptian war and the Boxer Rebellion. He commanded the Grand Fleet (the main fleet of the Royal Navy) during WWI and served as First Sea Lord until he was removed from the position in 1917 due to his pessimism about Britain’s chances to defeat German U-boats.
Thursday 21 January 1915
In bed all day with severe headaches
Wednesday 20 January 1915
Harry’s Birthday. 29 years of age. Letters from Harry and Sophie White and two from Bessie of Lynn Creek B.C. There are German Zeppelins over Yarmouth and Sandringham. They drop bombs killing many people and damaging property. On leave from 2 till 5 pm. Sent papers off.
Visited the Cathedral of Christ Church. The Bodleian Library, Divinity Hall, Convocation Hall, and Chancellors Court. Back to hospital at 4:30 pm.
*Zeppelins were used by the German Army and Navy during WWI for reconnaissance and bombing missions. The Zeppelins had to be flown at very high altitudes to be effective as they were susceptible to damage by ground fire. Their vulnerability and high altitude flight were to blame for limited success in bombing missions. The first bombing raid by Zeppelins on England took place on the night of January 19th 1914. Zeppelins L3 and L4 had intended to attack Humberside but were thwarted by strong winds. They instead bombed Great Yarmouth and Sheringham
Tuesday 19 January 1915
More letters. Maud of Seagrave. Cyril of Birmingham. Harry of Liverpool.
Sophie White of the Gables etc;
I obtain a pass to go into Oxford from 2 till 5 pm. Back again at 4:30 pm