Made coloured map of Pozieres, Martinpuich district for Intell Officer.
Archives for August 2016
Wednesday 30 August 1916
Rained hard all day.
Monday 28 August 1916
Bombs dropped last night on Poperinghe. I make large panorama of Ypres Salient – the general desires one & the other to be retained at the Ramparts (this later fell into hands of Australians).
Sunday 27 August 1916
Much mail for me to observe. Arranging for maps to be made for our trip down South (Somme).
Saturday 26 August 1916
Make several maps out last night. I take leave of the 11th Brigade and Ypres. Leave the Ramparts and Ypres. Leave for Winnezeele in a storm. Previous to leaving, the enemy absolutely smash up the trenches on observatory ridge. TorTop with minenwerfers (French mortars) The Huns lose heavily. I witness the whole proceedings. Meet the mess cart of 11th Bde & get a ride into Poperinghe Bde Maj Prideaux gives me a note for our Bde Major and a commendation for services. Arr Winnezeele at 4 PM. Left Ypres @ 10 am.
Friday 25 August 1916
At 4 am I am awakened to take 2Lt Fraser-Luckie (Intelligence Officer) to the front line trenches, observation post, etc. we go via Zillebeke Bend & North Shore Road, thro’ Zillebeke & Zillebeke St, Valley Cottages, Maple Copse, Paynesly avenue, past open country to Vigo St in Sanctuary Wood. See many corpses which have lain unburied since June 2nd tis’ hard to discern & identify Vigo Street and Davidson St. We enter top end of Vigo St. & continue to Winnipeg St which we pass along to Tor Top at end of which we observe the enemy country.
Mr Luckie & another officer making notes. We return via Fort St, Vine St, [Dormy?] house, Tuileries, across country (observed from Hill 60), thro’ Promenade Ctr, Zillebeke Bend, Pathways to Ypres & Bde Hqrs. Time 3 ½ hours away. 2Lt Luckie tenders thanks for interesting trip.
The last Canadians depart from Ramparts (signalling). I am the only one left. In evening I have long chat with the Brigade Major Prideaux of the English 11th Brigade. Kurt Vandenberg of PP’s calls for plans of new dugouts. He can wait! General orders.
Thursday 24 August 1916
Making & correcting maps etc.
Enemy very active with H.E & shrapnel. Many aeroplanes & balloons up. Much shelling. Panoramic sketching. 2Lt Fraser-Luckie R.B. asks me to go around the trenches with him @ 4:30 am.
Wednesday 23 August 1916
Making maps, sketches
Tuesday 22 August 1916
Busy handing over maps, sketches, plans, etc. to intell officer.
Monday 21 August 1916 – Rain (showers)
Working on panoramic map & finish it in afternoon. Hangs on wall of General’s room. General MacDonnell says he is very much pleased with it & rendering his thanks. The Bde is relieved @ night. I stay behind to give assistance to 11th brigade (British) 2Lt. Fraser-Luckie intell officer. Capt Fellowes staff Capt (In morning go to front line with L/c White).
