A fine morning but rain later in day. We get an issue of jersey, scarf and gloves. Word from Mrs B Smith to say her cousin has died in a London Hospital from wounds received at the front. She was in time to see the end. Half my letters which I send are censored severely by being torn and obliteration.
Wednesday 3 November 1915
A cold but lovely morning.
Bells are ringing out the Churches for prayers for the dead soldiers of the Allies.
Smoke helmets are called in. Why? Very cold at night.
Two parcels came, one from Starkey and other from Draycot of Derby.
*Smoke Helmet – An early British gas mask used during WWI to protect against German gas attacks. They were very simply designed consisting of flannel bags soaked in glycerin and sodium thiosulphate with a small rectangular window for visibility.
Tuesday 2 November 1915
Battalion parade in full marching order for attack.
It rains very heavy all day.
I visit Headquarters and see Private Rawsthorne.
Monday 1 November 1915
Raining hard, all parades cancelled. Transport horses rub up against our barn wall and – it tumbles down!!
Company Sergeant Major Patterson (Distinguished Service Medal) is reduced to Sergeant by trial. Field General Court Martial
Sergeant Stevens gets severe reprimand for taking apples off trees and ground.
Sunday 31 October 1915
Church parade at 9:30 for C of E Lance Corporal Lightbody holds service in a barn. Well attended. Hymn singing, prayers and lessons.
Saturday 30 October 1915 – fair
All passes into Amiens are stopped by order of Brigadier General. Too many absentees and drunks etc.
Kit inspection for the troops.
The Battalion was paraded for promulgation of a Field General Court Martial.
The prisoner Private 1832 Brennirs, or Bremner. Crime was desertion whilst on Active Service.
Sentence. Death.
Sentence Commuted to 10 years imprisonment hard labor.
* Promulgation – The act of formally proclaiming or declaring a new statutory or administrative law/doctrine after its enactment; in this case, of declaring the sitting of the Court Martial.
Friday 29 October 1915
Raining all day. Lots of mud and cold.
The troops are allowed passes into Amiens pro ratio 5 per platoon.
The troops go out on a field day in full marching order. Attacking.
Thursday 28 October 1915
The troops parade for three drills. It rained heavy all night and the rain came thro’ the holes in the roof of our filthy stable billet.
Wednesday 27 October 1915
I obtain a pass to go to Amiens from 2 pm till midnight.
Start at 2 pm on a 9 kilometer tramp. Arrive at Amiens at 3:15 pm. Visit the Cathedral. The Exterior front is guarded against destruction by airship bombs by thousands of sandbags piled up. The interior is very pretty and richly embellished.
In center of Cathedral is a casket (transparent) which contains a piece of bone of St. John the Baptist. Quite a few effigies but not equal to English Cathedral specimens and quantity.
The High Altar is the best ever seen. Very mystic, golden candlesticks and other ornaments. At back of altar is a piece of work representing the sun behind the clouds and cherubims among them. Golden rods represent the sun’s rays. A dove is suspended from the ceiling and hangs amidst the clouds.
Some good tracing work and carving , a treasure house of Flemish glass Azure blue etc.
*Amiens – At the start of the war Amiens was an advance base for the British army. It was captured by the Germans for a short while in 1914 but taken back by the French soon after. It was an important rail hub due to its proximity to the western front. During the final year of the war it became an important target for the Germans and their inability to capture it helped lead to their eventual defeat.
Tuesday 26 October 1915
An early parade is ordered at 6:45 for physical exercise. Oh! Most of the troops report sick to the doctor.
2 drills a day whilst we stay here of 2 hours a drill. 10 to 12 and 2 to 4 pm.
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