Have sudden orders to pack up and move by 6 pm to —-?
Am acting Orderly man for the day. Left Erquinghem at 6:20 pm for Pradelles near Hazebroeck 14 mile march. Arrived about midnight a most miserable march on cursed French roads – cobblestone and ruts, etc. Billeted at “Mayor’s Quarters” in the pig sty and other places “Le Chateau” up east. Rained during the march
Monday 13 September 1915 – fine and hot
On parade in early morning. We had interesting sight. A German aeroplane came over to spy. Our men were hiding in the clouds whilst two British came to his front and rear, another one attacked him from above. They fired their machine gun and the German was hit in the petrol tank. He banked, then rights himself and made for his lines. He was headed off by a British ‘plane and descended into a field. The King’s Royal Rifles were out on a march and the scouts were ordered to surround the ‘plane and take occupants prisoners. As they advanced, the airmen used the machine gun on them killing one of the King’s Royal Rifles. The Hun was then riddled with bullets. The machine was brand new. The observer was killed in the air and was breathing his last when all firing ceased. At 9:30 we did a route march of 5 miles in full marching order. I visited the KRR and transport in evening. Interviewed Corporal Walker in charge of the Scouts, King’s Royal Rifle Corps.
Sunday 12 September 1915 – fine and hot
Attend Church parade in open field with Church of England Chaplain. About 100 attend Communion. Went swimming in canal and saved the life of Captain Griggs from drowning. He had cramp of leg.
Saturday 11 September 1915
On a Battalion Parade to hear and see the Degradation of Corporal…
To Nieppe with Corporal Griggs and made many purchases. Germans and allies bombard heavily.
Friday 10 September 1915 – fine
Am mess Orderly so do not attend parade. Heavy cannonading all night. Witness bombardment of a Taube by our guns. He escapes but injured by shrapnel. To Nieppe for necessaries. Receive packet of Abdulla Cigarettes from Alice [and] Alwyn Browne of [Jamaica].
Etrich Taube – The first type of military airplane to be mass produced in Germany. Taube is German for dove. The Taube was used for almost all military applications prior to World War 1 including fighter, bomber and surveillance. Upon the start of World War 1 the Taube was used much less in military engagements and more for training, as it was quickly replaced by more effective designs.
Thursday 9 September 1915 – fine
Went for digging parade to Bois Grenier from 8 am till 2 pm. 5 miles to travel there and 5 back. Went to Armentiéres in evening. Little shelling by Huns but more by us. Visited some friends of a friend of ours at Place Victor-Hugo.
Wednesday 8 September 1915 – fine
Princess Pats hold sports. Received letter from Reverend N.J Thompson. I go to Nieppe. Am entertained to tea by some French ladies into afternoon. They are from Ypres, Lille and Armentiéres.
Tuesday 7 September 1915 – fine
The Battalion of Princess Pats hold sports all day. I go to Erquinghem.
Monday 6 September 1915 –fine
Parade in morning and at 6:30 pm for digging trenches. Arrived back at firing line at Bois Grenier and dug trench near a big farm. Maxim and rifle fire going at it all night. None of our men were hit. Back to billet at 12 midnight.
Sunday 5 September 1915 – rain, opens up dull
Church Parade at 10:15 am. Afternoon Wallach, Brozem, Driscoll and self went to Erquinghem, Armentiéres and Nieppe. Had a repast in Armentiéres consisting of Frittes, eggs, olive oil and cafe au lait. Our hostess surprised Englishman not drinking coffee, as one of our fellows refused. Came to a café in Armentiéres where the rank and file are not allowed to buy nor eat there. ‘Twas entirely reserved for officers! I experience great difficulty in getting Lifebouy or any disinfectant soap.
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