Walter Draycott’s Great War Chronicle
North Vancouver Museum & Archives
Lord Kitchener is drowned on board HMS Hampshire. Casts gloom over troops. Had relapse from overstrain & injuries. All the brigade is standing to arms.
*Death of Lord Kitchener- On June 5th 1916 Lord Kitchener, then Secretary of State for War was on the armoured Cruiser HMS Hampshire for a diplomatic mission to Russia. The ship struck a mine laid by a German submarine and 643 out of a crew of 655 died, including Lord Kitchener.
Prince General Galinsky of Russia visits the regiment & inspects it. Band plays Russian national anthem. Our flag is unfurled and flies in the breeze.
Generals Alderson, Plumer & Mercier receive the Prince who has large retinue.
Prince Alexander of Teck also attends.
Our Regt. moves to Brandhoek near Vlamertinge, at night take over huts which were subject to shell fire.
Heavy shelling all night and morning.
Sleeping out. We hear the Germans[sic] have taken Vilna in Russia. Try fishing in River Somme. No luck.
To Vancouver
Sold my 303 & 22 Rifles to Mr Callow for $25.00. Made the transaction on the boat No. 3 Ferry.
To Wagstaffe’s Burnaby & stayed till 6:30 pm. Said goodbye to all. Wish speedy return etc:
Home at 9:30 pm. Had late supper with Mrs & Charles Graham & returned at 11:30 pm.
Turkey is at war with Russia & Great Britain.
Great Britain declares war against Germany 11 o’clock pm Aug: 4th
All Europe is now in arms
England, France, Russia, against Germany, Austria-Hungary
Charles pays $10 to Mills for furniture etc.
Worked all day on Keith Road School and laid off work in evening for good.
Charles is still out of work.
Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia are mobilising for war.
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