August 27th - 31st, 1914. - Time to Leave Home

August 27^th Thursday 

Strong rumor is circulating that we are going to move shortly.  Thornby hears of it and discharges himself from hospital.  I went down to meet him and the same nurse drove us back in her car.  Had a fine swim in the Wey.

August 28^th Friday 

In morning all are paid 5/-, at the same time got the order for all G Coy men to pack up, and then report to Bentley Station for orders.  Only Clarke and myself have to go.  Arrived at Bentley about 3.00pm and had to go on to Farnham Surrey.  All of us were then split up amongst the various sentry groups.  Clarke and I are now under Drm Cpt. Smith.  Our quarters are now in a Hop kiln belonging to F. Bide.  Went into town that evening and got a ganger to enlist.  Had tea in town.

August 29^th Saturday

Our duty here is to guard two bridges.  One over the Wey and the other over a road.  Two girls from the town came down to cook our meals.  On duty at 7-11am and 7–11pm.  In afternoon went to town had tea in a cozy teashop.  Had a letter from E. Donst that day. 

August 30^th Sunday

Had a bathe in the Wey.  Farmers wife cooks us a splendid dinner.  Harry and I went on a bus to Aldershot in afternoon.  Had tea in the Soldiers Home.  Then went to see Lord Kitchener inspect the first of his New Army.  Arrived back just in time for guard.

August 31^st Monday

At 6.00am in the morning all were roused and told to pack up and report at station at 9.00am.  Old Sammy Bide carted all our packs and kits to station for us and loaded us up with fruits and sandwiches.  Am sorry to leave the L and SWR.  Liverpool Regt. relieved us.  Entrained at 9.00am for Waterloo.  Rumour about leaving home.  That afternoon Coln Botterill asked us to go to Malta with him.  Only 6 refused.  Then had to sign our papers.  Then had 24 hours leave to say goodbye.  

Gave them all a scare at home.  Had tea and then caught train to Dartford to say goodbye to Arthur, but was disappointed, found that he had ere I went to Sidcup, the boys on the point of retiring to rest.  Stayed there the night.  Said goodbye to them after breakfast.  Aunt Lil accompanied me as far as Eltham on the bus.  Arrived home about 11.00pm.  Had to report at barracks at 12.00.

Wednesday 26th August 1914 - Group Photo -

August 26^th Wednesday

We had our photos taken in a group outside the hut, also separately as a sentry on duty.  In the evening went down and watched the people hop-picking also went out to tea with the baliffs niece at the farm.

August 20th - 25th 1914

August 20^th Thursday

Walker, an old soldier who is in charge, goes off to track the supposed German spy. 

August 21^st Friday

Got a letter from Annie from St Albans also a parcel and PO from home.  Paid 7/-.

August 22^nd Saturday

Got a lot of apples and plums from the villagers and then went out blackberrying.  Got a few lbs, packed all up together and sent them all home.  Went into town in afternoon and bought three sword brooches, one for Annie, one for mum and for the girl.

August 23^rd Sunday 

Thornby is taken very ill, so Harry and I took him to Alton Cottage Hospital.  Nurses were very kind.

Admitted him with touch of fever.  Gypsies and hoppers arrive for hopping season.  We have a busy time in keeping them off the railway, although poor they are kind.

August 24^th Monday

Went down to see Thornby and found he is doing well.  Complaint arrested just in time.  One of the nurses drives me back to Millicourt in her car.

August 25^th Tuesday

Had quite a number of gifts today and went into town with our housemaid friend.20