Walter Draycott’s Great War Chronicle
North Vancouver Museum & Archives
Sergt. Baker returns from leave.
35,000 men are stranded at Folkestone on a/c of fog, etc. in Channel.
We shoot up the enemy at Vimy.
*Folkestone was an important port in the First World War with approximately 10 million troops and others, including nurses, passing through the harbour. Some were troops embarking to serve on the Western Front and others were troops returning home because they had leave or were wounded
L/c Vivian does not show up all day
Gave Vancouver papers to Soldier Club
To cinema house in evening by self unaccompanied.
Zeppelin over Shorncliffe and Folkestone.
*German Airship Raids – August 1915 saw a renewed effort in German airship raids on England. On August 9th and 10th four Zeppelins were sent to bomb London, none however were able to reach the intended target and one airship was taken down by British defences.
Paraded before Medical Doctors for fitness to go to Army Ordnance Corps at Ashford, Kent.
To D.A.A.G[Deputy Assistant Adjutant General] Office with papers.
To Folkestone at 7:15 and walk back to camp, arrive at 9:20. I escort Miss Cornewall to Rectory.
Send £3 to Mrs E. Rawsthorne of 49 Deane Road, Kensington, Liverpool, and £4.10 to Miss K. Hustwayte of Risley Co. Derby. The above was money left by Private Hustwayte and Lance Corporal Rawsthorne for me to forward.
I also send [kitting?] to Mrs Rawsthorne and one to my bro’ Harry for myself. I go to Folkestone with Private Thomas. I visit the Fisherfolk and have chat with them. Back to camp at 11:35.
To Folkestone with Private Riley in evening and return at 10:45 pm.
The Germans in South West Africa surrender to Botha.
To Folkestone in evening with Private Riley.
*The South West Africa Campaign – During the beginning of WWI South Africa shared a border with the German colony of South West Africa, (now Namibia). The Prime Minister of South Africa, Louis Botha, assured London that their military could defend themselves against a German invasion. In early 1915 there were a few skirmishes along the border of the two countries. Later in the year South African forces invaded the German colony pushing German troops back. On July 1th 1915 German forces in the north-west made a stand at Otavi but were forced to surrender on July 9th.
Making a post office box for Officers.
To Shorncliffe and Folkestone in evening and made purchases.
Back to camp at 8:30 pm
Went to Folkestone with Private Riley. Home at 10 pm.
Up at 6:30 am, breakfast at 7 am. Parade before doctor at 7:30. He recommends me to a Medical Board for next week. Parade at 9 and walk down to the beach. Back to Barracks at 12 noon, after sunning ourselves. At 1:30 pm take a walk with Lance Corporal Simmons to Folkestone. Had tea there and return at 6 pm.
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