August 2nd 1914 - 23rd Sept 1917

Thank You

2011-12-17T10:46:00.001Z

These diaries have now gone into storage, to keep them safe and are very much still with the family!

Thank you for all your feedback and kind words, it was such an honour to have these to read, investigate and relive.

Never forget what they sacrificed for us from the beginning and if you'd like to continue to help, please visit the Royal British Legion and give, give, give:

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

R.I.P.

January 1st - 9th 1915

2010-04-12T11:34:00.002+01:00

January 1st 1915. Friday.

Nothing to do now. Appealed to Major Parr, but he said, the list had been send in to headquarters and could not be altered. Swore that Sergt Risley had dropped me for this, had an awful row with him and wished him to the devil and nearly got put in the guardroom over it. Down in the dumps.

January 2nd. Saturday.

Life with a new battalion. Relived at 4. My last dealings with 4th. Fell in with them but then got slung out and said goodbye to all, many cheers. They marched off at 6:30, destination unknown. Felt heartbreak. Were told we would be eventually following them, then home in a fortnights time, am doubtful. Marched to St. Georges at 5 and reports to 2/4th. Met one of two old 4th fellows that I know. Found out that 2nd, 3rd and 4th batts had left. Had to sleep on a stone floor, with no bed.

January 3rd. (Saturday, Crossed Out) Sunday.

Hanging around the barracks all day. Were treated rotten and got hardly any food. Slept on floor again, but with two blankets this time.

January 4th. Monday.

Medical exam. Passed fit for service. Had argument with Major Parr. Appointed to our companies, I go to 'B' under Capt. Parkhouse, an 1/4th Officer who was left at home.

January 5th. Tuesday

Served with new equipment and arms, also a bed. Col. Dunfee spoke to us and said we were to behave as gentlemen, thus practically insinuating we were rogues. Put in room B4 and soon settled down.

January 6th. Wednesday

On barracks once more. Very easy time for us fellows, as the new lot are not so far advanced as we are. Easy time, nothing new. Having much better food though!

January 7th. Thursday

Room cleaning, off all parades. Inspection at two then finished. So passed time away, writing letters home.

January 8th. Friday.

We have a new instructor. Buch (?) Cox R.G.A. Under him all day for bayonet fighting and physical exercise. Rather strenuous work.

January 9th. Saturday.

Early morning exercise under Cox, rest of morning under Capt. (?) and Lieut Edwards, who were left behind with us. Paid 8/6. Then took all the fellows to Valetta.

December 26th - 31st 1914

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December 26th - Saturday

We all have thick heads, did not get to bed till after 1am. Mounted guard at 6 again till 9. Did not feel up to it. Head is spinning, I am half asleep.

December 27th - Sunday

A strong rumour about leaving Malta for England. Off guard at 09:30. Went to the Dublin Bar with our Irish friends. Lieutenant Long treats us to 1/- each. Had a real good feed followed by a sing song. Got back to barracks at 10:30pm.

December 28th - Monday

Told to pack our kits before mounting guard, on the usual post at night. Relived by 1st Batt. at 12:30. Had dinner and then marched off to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay at 2:30. Had own tea on arrival, were examined by Major Parr and passed alright. Happy as sandboys.

December 29th - Tuesday

Handed in our drills and helmets. Everybody is completely rigged out in (can't read due to smudge) and small kit. Big Xmas mail in, was fairly lucky about 10 letters and parcels.

December 30th - Wednesday

Marched to St. Georges and handed in old equipment and arms. Done over 20 miles. Taken before Major Parr when I got back with the other fellows and we were told we could not go. No exam.

Would not accept it, made a complaint and had awful row that night with Gen. Sgt.

December 31st - Thursday

Checking stores all day, tables, forms, lamps, tents, blankets & accoutrements. Others handed their kits in, I were out away, mine refused. Felt miserable & wild & vicious in turn. Went and appealed to Capt Saunders but he could not help me.

Christmas Day 1914

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December 25^th Friday 1914

Christmas Day.

My first away from home.

At break of day all churches ring their bells and at the same time had a very severe rainstorm and got drenched, not very cheerful, but still it soon cleared and our spirits restored.

Off guard at 9.00am. Paid 7/-. Spratts biscuits, jam and tea for dinner.

We all clubbed round 1/- each to have a good time. Sgt Cornwall and Deakins work hard all day to give us a good feed.

Dinner at 5.30pm. Menu Roast Turkey with stuffing, Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Greens boiled and baked potatoes, followed by the customary pudding with brandy sauce. Tables then cleared by defaulters.

Alfresco smoking concert afterwards. Plenty of cigars, cigarettes, beer, minerals and fruit to be had.

Each man was presented with a Regimental Pipe and Pouch with crest and 1/6 lb Navy tobacco.

Concert finished at 11.00pm and then we went out to Gospicun and finished the evening there.

December 19th to Christmas Eve 1914

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December 19^th Saturday

Off guard at 9.30am. Paid 7/- and waited for dinner. Directly afterwards all of us crossed the harbour by ferry, all happy as sand boys up to any devilry. Went round the bay and bought various little odds and ends. Finished the evening in the wine shops.

December 20^th Sunday

On guard as usual, know my beat like a book, also regular passers by. Prisoners have a singsong, supposed to be Kaiser’s b’day and did not pack up till 2.00am.

December 21^st Monday

Off duty at 9.30am, as there was nothing to do all day, Gael and I went down to the docks and looked over some of the warships being repaired there.

December 22^nd Tuesday

Usual guard again, Maltese are building us stone guard rooms, to replaced the damaged tents. Raining cats and dogs, but we managed to keep a bit dry.

December 23^rd Wednesday

Off at 9.30am. Small mail in, I got a parcel from home and a few letters, also another parcel from Mrs Causton.

December 24^th Thursday

Christmas Eve. On No 5 Guard this time. In the middle of English quarter a Scots woman gives us some jugs of cocoa to warm us up. Germans have another night of revelling. Their hard lot does not seem to trouble them. The natives stay up all night and march all round the town, singing accompanied by banjos and violins.

December 15th - 18th 1914

2009-08-03T15:09:00.000+01:00

December 15^th Tuesday

Off guard at 9.00am. Had a rifle inspection 1 hour later. Could do as we pleased for the rest of the day. So made a tour of the town and shops.

December 16^th Wednesday

Same guard as before. Nearly all 3^rd Batt men are Prisoners baggage guard. 200 cartloads came in. Sure sign that the Navy is still knocking about. Rained hard during the night and got drenched to the skin. We are worse off than the prisoners who have better food and beds.

December 17^th Thursday

85 Prisoners, Germans, Turks and Austrians brought in, but majority are Germans off a liner. Have got the Commander and some of the crew of the ‘Exden(tbc)’ here. Unlucky again, not relieved till 6.00pm.

December 18^th Friday

On at the usual guard at 9.00am. Am quite used to my post on gate now. The English people here lend us newspapers. A characteristic Eastern evening, myriads of stars, lovely and cool.

December 10th - 14th 1914

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December 10^th Thursday

All of us were attached to ‘C’ Coy. Marched to Vendala, under Capt Ving Bariles in 4 hours. Just missed a guard that night. C Coy Colour Seraf breaks his leg. We relieved ‘H’ Company and will do guard on alternate days with the 3^rd Batt. Established myself in No 1 Room St Pauls Bastion with Buglers Jul and Reullier. First time we have ever been in barracks.

December 11^th Friday

20 of us under Lieut Lang escorted 26 German and Austrian Prisoners from compound to a French warship and handed them over to the Froggies. Maltese hiss and spit at prisoners.

Changed our quarters to St Johns Bastion. Settled down with L/Cpl Bruce and Pte Galé. Proper beds to sleep in. Mattress, pillow, 2 sheets and 3 blankets. Have got 2 rooms to ourselves.

Racks, lockers, table forms, lamps and fireplaces in fact everything necessary.

December 12^th Saturday

Mounted guard at 9.00am and relieved 3^rd Batt men from No 4 Exterior Sentry group. Life sentry. Don’t think there is any chance of escape for Prisoners. Orders are ‘shoot on sight’.

December 13^th Sunday

More Prisoners came in, so were unfortunate and did not get relieved till 2.00pm. Washed and changed and then went out to enjoy ourselves in Gospicun. Plenty of English people.

December 14^th Monday

On No 6 guard this time, which is on the other side of Compound and much better. All of enclosure borders the town so we slip off to shops when nobody is about. Made friends with English folk. Prefer this place at any time.

December 1914 - 1st - 9th

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December 1914

December 1^st Tuesday

Life is a bit dull and monotonous here. Am on fatigue all day. Cleaning up the place and washing up Company’s crockery.

December 2^nd Wednesday

Met others from Melleha and then marched to Syabia and open an enfiladed attack on the village and cross roads over hills. Ghain Qutuna again. Got drenched by rough sea.

December 3^rd Thursday

Off guard at 6.00am. Put straight on to fatigues again washing and sweeping up all day. Think of nothing else but fruit, went out and know where to find melons, figs etc, so had to take advantage of it. Winkworth got 28 days prison, asleep on guard.

December 4^th Friday

Marched to Melleha and done a mornings trench digging. Hambarton fell into a quicksand but we managed to get him out safely. Took steaks, onions and potatoes with us and had to cook them ourselves for dinner. Each had to be tested before consumption. Paid 7/- when we got back and then went to Cala Mistra. Guard at 5.00pm. Moonlight night.

December 5^th Saturday

Messing about in general all day, went for a stroll in afternoon down to St Pauls Bay. After retreat Capt Saunders stood a singsong to all in Palace in honour of his Captaincy. Plenty of cigarettes, cigars, eatables, beer and mineral waters to be had. Spent a very jolly evening all together, in fact, went to bed feeling dead beat.

December 6^th Sunday

Lieut Pyfer conducts Church Service, afterwards, Pratt, MacPherson, Ryan and I went to view the Maltese Artillery fortifications at Ghain Qutuna, which command the Melleha Bay. On guard there at 5.00pm.

December 7^th Monday

Left behind to look after tents, had a bathe, went looking for shells and then done a bit of fishing with Maltese, also visited a Cave where the natives live, quite cosy and homely it seems to be. Relieved at 6.00pm. Then went to town.

December 8^th Tuesday

Marched to Melleha at 8.30am and then done nothing but hang about all day. Marched back for dinner at 12. Ghain Qutuna guard again. A monotonous life.

December 9^th Wednesday

Has been an awfully rough and windy night. Feeling dead tired. No rest at all. While on fatigue, 14 of us get orders to pack and join 14 others from Melleha with Sergt Cornwall then proceed to headquarters for orders. Done 4 ½ miles in an hour. Found my lost kitbag.

November 23rd - 30th 1914

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November 23^rd Monday

Now firing at 400 yards, obtained 14 and snapshooting at figure target. Got 3 hits. Busy all evening letter writing.

November 24^th Tuesday

Application of 5 rounds kneeling at 300 yards, obt 14 points and 15 rounds rapid at 300, obt 32 points in the morning. On the range again in afternoon. 5 rounds at 500. Got 15 points.

November 25^th Wednesday

5 rounds at 600 and got 11 points. Finished our Course. Pass 185 obt 108. 1^st Class Shot. Packing up for detachment.

November 26^th Thursday

H Coy under Capt Arthur went away to guard prisoners at Veradale. Left ½ ‘G’ Coy went to |Melleha and right half went to Selmon Palace. Lost my kit. On guard at Calla Mistra at 5.00pm. To get to our guard, which was a strip of sand on the shore and overlooked by a very steep hill, we had to descend by means of a narrow stairway cut out of the rock, known as the Devils Stairway and made by the Scottish Rifles from a height of 867 ft.

November 27^th Friday

Had to stay behind and look after all Gov. Property till the next guard relieved me at 6.00pm. So read books and wrote letters all day. Saw a Maltese catch on Octopus. Got paid 11/-. When I got back I had a tuck in, then went to sleep in a decent bed and roof overhead.

November 28^th Saturday

Marched to Melleha in the morning and done 2 hours skirmishing. Took over a new guard from Maltese at Ghain Qutusa and lost ourselves in trying to find it. A rough night.

November 29^th Sunday

Back at the Palace at 6.00am and because it’s a fine day I am put on fire piquet. Am not supposed to go out but could not resist the temptation, so went into Melleha.

November 30^th Monday

Went to Melleha again and done some more skirmishing and am on the same guard as before at 5.00pm. Have found a short cut to it now via a farm and the Maltese Artillery Fort Melleha Bay. Felt a bit mischievous on route, so we dropped over a wall and quietly borrowed some lovely grapes, pomegranates and oranges. Caught a wild cat and a snake in evening. Capt Saunders pays us a midnight visit.

November 16th - 22nd 1914

2009-07-01T15:25:00.002+01:00

November 16^th Monday

We commence our Course of Instruction. Application firing of 5 rounds at 300 yards. Done rotten. 14 out of 20. Raining cats and dogs. Rest of day marking at the butts.

November 17^th Tuesday

Fired 7 rounds rapid in 45 secs at 300 yards, 19 out of 28. Am on butt duty every day now. Markers have to fire first in the morning. Have to keep our nuts low.

November 18^th Wednesday

Raining like the devil, but have to fire just the same, 5 rounds application at 300 yards. Got wet through while firing and only managed 9 points.

November 19^th Thursday

Snap shooting at Silhouette Figure at 300 yards with 4 secs exposure. Got 3 hits. Finished of Instructional Course. Not so well this time. Got 56 out of 88.

November 20^th Friday

Duff men tried again. Am behinds the butts all day and had a fairly easy time, especially under Capt M.F.P. Paid 7/-. Spent the evening in Recreation Room.

November 21^st Saturday

Started our Standard Test and were told that those passing 1^st Class would get 3d a day extra. Grouping of 5 rounds at 100 yards, 8-inch group, 20 out of 25.

November 22^nd Sunday

Served out with new drill suits. Church parade is washed out, but we have a ceremonial parade in memory of Lord Roberts. Got a big mail in. Plenty of letters for me. Rather lucky this time.

November 9th - 15th 1914

2009-06-30T16:18:00.001+01:00

November 9^th Monday

Started our Qualification Test. Had to do Harmonization of Sights at 1200 yards, 25 yards range. Very easy test. All correct.

November 10^th Tuesday

Grouping of 3 shots at 25 yards. Got a 1 inch group. Not at all bad.

November 11th Wednesday

Grouping of 5 rounds at 100 yards. Got an 8 inch group. 20 pints, possible 25.

November 12^th Thursday

Fired 5 rounds on application at 200 yards off, 17 out of 20 points. Am doing very well up to the present.

November 13^th Friday

Sharp shooting 5 rounds at 200 yards off. 16 out of 20. Paid 7. -. Firing is a bit of a strain so spent evening in Camp.

November 14^th Saturday

Rapid Firing at 200 yards, 8 rounds in 45 secs. Obtained 22 points out of 32. Total 75 out of 87. Passed Qualification Test.

November 15^th Sunday

Church Service in Mess at 11.00am. Our Harvest Festival Parson from Garrison Church, The service has the Hymns ‘We plough the fields and scatter, The Sower went forth sowing and now thank we all our God’. Collection from Red X. Collected over £11.00.

November 1st - 8th 1914 - Learning Weapons & Sport

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NB: Take note that they were enlisted as a Machine Gunner and others in similar roles, yet they had never really fired anything before. I think the overwhelming madness of the WW1 was the sheer amount of information and things that they just didn't know. Imagine going into a war in the modern era with limited military intelligence. Back then, they just did it because that's what you meant to do. They did also find time for football though, of course!

November 1914

November 1^st Sunday

Church parade as usual. Got a mail up and considered myself lucky to get a few letters from home.

November 2^nd Monday

Started to learn field firing at disappearing targets and taking cover.

November 3^rd Tuesday

Now they have put us on Rapid firing, which is loading, firing and unloading 15 rounds in 1 minute. Fairly easy.

November 4^th Wednesday

Went on to Range and had a test in Visual training. Managed to find 5 out of 7 targets.

November 5^th Thursday

Marched over to Melleha Ridge and had our test on judging distance. Done fairly well. Only had 10% of error.

November 6^th Friday

Had our test in Rapid loading. Had to load, take ammunition out of pouches and close them up each time, and unload 90 rounds in a minute. Done it in 57 secs. Paid 7/-. G Coy played C Coy at cricket. Beat them by 6 wickets.

November 7^th Saturday

Nothing much to do now before firing. Just revising a bit and had to explain everything ourselves. That afternoon ‘G’ Coy played ‘C’ Coy at football and won 3-1.

November 8^th Sunday

Church Service at 6.00am. Went to St Pauls Bay after dinner and had my usual weekly bust up. Of course I have to mix with civilians here, especially the females. Our 1^st Batt pitches camp close by.

October 30th & 31st 1914

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October 30^th Friday

Half day off to-day. Had to revise all the particular things that were taught in the week. Paid 11/- which includes a months kit pay. Went over to Melleha in afternoon to see some Maltese friends.

October 31^st Saturday

Rifle inspection at 9.00am, followed by a kit inspection at 10.00am. Quite an easy day for us. After dinner found a quiet spot to have a pleasant siesta in.

October 22nd - 29th 1914

2009-06-10T16:42:00.000+01:00

October 22nd Thursday

Paraded at 7.30am for route march and officers experiments in map reading etc. Marched as far as the Victoria Lines and then came back via the coast and over the h.lb. Back at 12.00 noon. Finished for rest of day. Done 10 miles.

October 23rd Friday

Went over the hills towards Melleha Ridge and had instruction in judging distances up to 800 yards. Aiming drill all the afternoon. Paid 7/- and had a tuck in.

October 24th Saturday

Plenty to do this morning. General Revision. Parts and care of arms, aiming drill and judging distance. Went for a walk over hills after dinner.

October 25th Sunday

Church parade at 6.45am. Went to bathe afterwards. Had some photos done on the rocks. Bought some more lace and silks for the folks at home. Then messed about for the rest of the day.

October 26th Monday

Musketry instruction all day. Learnt all there is to be taught about the kneeling positions. Stayed in all evening to write letter and send my silks home.

October 27th Tuesday

Instruction in the lying prone position. A mans legs must be stretched out so correctly behind him, and yet they tell us to make ourselves comfortable.

October 28th Wednesday

Practicing sniping and snapshooting, also we are told to use our eyes and notice anything that is uncommon.

October 29th Thursday

Instruction in trigger pressing. This appears to the casual onlooker to be the simplest thing, but if you do not take great care you will pull your shot off target.

October 15th - 21st - The Heat

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October 15^th Thursday

A chap in ‘H’ Coy is knocked over. His head is turned by the sun. Later on he is sent to England. Eyesight is ruined. Came out of Hospital and put on light duty.

October 16^th Friday

Am feeling much better now. Resume duties tomorrow. Busied myself with cleaning my bayonet up which is now rusty.

October 17^th Saturday

Lost my purse with 6/6 in it, also the pair of gold cuff links that Annie gave me before the war. Wild as a devil. It is raining cats and dogs. Parades impossible. Got swamped out, mud and slosh galore.

October 18^th Sunday

Church Parade at 6.30am. As I was practically broke to the wide, it was no use for me to go out. Stayed in Camp all day and wrote more letters.

October 19^th Monday

Started to be instructed in the new Army Musketry Course by Sergeant Instructor Stacey (Royal Marines). First thing we learn is Standing Position.

October 20^th Tuesday

6 hours instruction on parts of a rifle and care of arms. This is much more interesting and preferable to drill.

October 21^st Wednesday

Adjutants Parade at 6.30am. Then went on the Naval Range and had instruction and visual training that is finding hidden objects representing snipers

October 5th - 14th 1914 - Don't Stare At The Sun -

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October 5^th Monday

Drilling all day long. Adjutants parade at 9.00am. Writing letters home all evening.

October 6^th Tuesday

Physical exercise in morning and Coy training afterwards. Drill is getting awfully monotonous. Had another swim.

October 7^th Wednesday

Cos Parade at 9.00am. Have got to hold our hands up and not move or else on the crime. Am put on night guard at Casaba Ridge Outpost so missed afternoon parade. Had to guard the coast from a narrow ledge in the side of a steep cliff. 2 hours in 12. Plenty of dew and mosquitoes.

October 8^th Thursday

After guard we got a whole day off. That is from the time we dismount, sunrise 6.00am. Wrote to all the folks at home and then read books etc.

October 9^th Friday

Usual routine in morning but no parades in afternoon. Paid 10/-. Bought some real Maltese lace and sent it to 7 Doost and others. Cannot understand why I don’t hear from home.

October 10^th Saturday

Half day off again. Had a swim in afternoon. Am on St. Pauls Bay guard tonight. Duty patrol on road round the bay. 2 hours in 12. Nothing easier. Kings Regulations read to us.

October 11^th Sunday

Off duty all day. Was paid 10/- kit pay, that is for having to complete private kit. As I was pretty flush I went down to Valletta again. Made the most of my time and enjoyed myself. Had a feed. Maltese girls are pretty but they make one wild being so coy like all Southerners.

October 13^th Tuesday

We have a heat wave, it’s 112° in the shade. Strained my eyes in the sun. Nearly blind. Can’t understand it.

October 14^th Wednesday

Admitted to Camp Hospital. Eyes bathed with lotions. The hot sun knocks a lot of chaps over. No encouragement to us.

October 1914

2009-05-31T23:29:00.000+01:00

October 1914

October 1^st Thursday

Am a bit lazy so stayed in bed nearly all morning. Pain has gone so has swelling. The commencement of the Maltese winter. As the bungalow by the sea is now rigged up as a recreation room, I spend my evening there. Mostly for book reading.

October 2^nd Friday

156 of ‘G’ Coy went six. Major Parr said he would put us all on the crime. But after dodging the first two parades, we had to do the others. Paid 7/-

October 3^rd Saturday

Only two parades today as it is our half day off. Stayed in sea all afternoon and devoted the evening to card playing.

October 4^th Sunday

Church Parade at 6.30am. Rest of the day to ourselves. So I and 8 others got a pass and walked to Notabile and there caught a train on the light Railway to Valletta. Had a jolly fine time with the boys. Explored the place as well as we could. Looked round the bazaars and then spent the evening in the wine shops.

Sept 26th - 30th 1914 - Lord Lucan Inspection

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September 26^th Saturday

Governor General and Lord Lucan visit Camp Armourers inspections of arms in afternoon.

September 27^th Sunday

Medicine and Duty today. Church parade in Mess huts at 9.00am. Army Chaplain conducts the Service. Had a clean up and then went out to enjoy myself at St. Pauls Bay. Had a glorious time.

September 28^th Monday

Started to do drills and parades again. Sergt Major takes us for physical drill from 6.00am – 7.00am. Adjutants parade 9.00am – 10.45am. Company training 11.00am – 12.30pm, and lectures etc 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Quite enough for one day. Gave my weary limbs a cooking in the sea after tea.

September 29^th Tuesday

Brigadier General Lord Lucan inspects the camp and troops at 10.00am and says he is satisfied with our display. After dinner they wanted to inoculate us, but we did not like the idea, we all refused at first, but after the Colonel Majors Coy Officer and Adjutant spoke to us, we gave in, but I believe old Parr gave us an extra dose.

September 30^th Wednesday

Have got 8 hours sick leave for this. Arm is rather painful. Amused myself writing letters

Sept 19th - 25th 1917. Boils, Mosquitoes & 1st Birthday Away from Home...

2009-05-19T20:24:00.004+01:00

September 19^th Saturday

Doing drill all day up till 3.00pm and then on for guard. Mounted at 5.00pm on the Coast Station, Eagle Bay. RGA men in charge of outpost telephone station here. Got wet through with the dew. Many fellows were bitten by mosquitoes.

September 20^th Sunday

Have got a lovely boil on my neck. Can’t move my head. First I’ve had in my life. So went sick with it and struck lucky. Am now excused all duties.

September 21^st Monday

Had my neck fomented, then mouched about all day. Took RGA operators food down to them to pass time away.

September 22^nd Tuesday

Had boil cut and core squeezed out. A bit of a relief for me. Some Electric French submarines came into St. Pauls Bay and a party of Froggies visit the Palace and try to make themselves understood a bit. Showed them round and drank each others health.

September 23^rd Wednesday

My first birthday away from home. No presents, letters, cards or anything. Am awfully disappointed. Relieved by ‘F’ Coy and go back to Ghain Tuffieha. As I felt rotten I traveled in Red Cross van.

September 24^th Thursday

Went on Sick List, I don’t like Major Parr’s treatment, he’s too fidgety for me. Nothing to do all day so wrote a few letters.

September 25^th Friday

Everyone excused parades today, why I don’t know. We get an extra 2d per day here to pay for extra cleaning material etc.

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Dan Notes: Quite possibly on the waiting list as information came through, in one of the phases: The Battles of Ypres 1917 ("Third Ypres")...

September 14th - 18th 1917 Life in Malta

2009-05-18T19:40:00.001+01:00

Life in Malta

September 14^th Monday

Reveille at 4.00am. Breakfast of bully beef, biscuits and pickles at 5.00am. Landed by tenders and lighters on Misida Wharf at 6.00am. Whole battalion marched off in light marching order at 9.30am, carrying one days rations. Passed batches of Royal Warwick’s, Middlesex, W. Yorks Regts on the road. We marched via St. Georges and St. Pauls Bay. Had a rest for 1 hour at Midday near to Artillery ranges. Arrived at Ghain Tufficha at 4.30pm 15 ½ miles – nearly killed me in the hot sun. Had a fish tea in the canteen. Made friends with native soldiers.

September 15^th Tuesday

Drew our kits in the morning. In afternoon had a bathe in the big bay. G and H Companies got orders for detachment some distance further on.

September 16^th Wednesday

G and H boys dress new drill clothing. Got a good fit myself, but some fellows have to put tucks in theirs. We marched off at 22.30am. H Coy under Capt Arthur went to Melleha Bay, and G Coy relieved the Maltese Militia at Selmun Palace, which used to be one of the old Kinds of Malta castle, but is now a telephone and lookout station. Inside the Palace is a small RC church which is used by the natives. The old castle had to be thoroughly disinfected and cleaned out before we could live in it. No dinner or tea. Lived for rest of day on grapes, melons and pomegranates, which are very cheap.

September 17^th Thursday

4 parades a day with awful grub. All we’ve had today is bread and tea without sugar and milk and tea, cold meat and bread for dinner. Feeling starved, so made it up with grapes and figs.

September 18^th Friday

Routine as yesterday and no extra grub. Am learning what it is to have pangs of hunger. Messrs Dickinson start a canteen here. First payment of 14/- in Malta. Want to bathe that evening in Eagle Bay. Very nice and cool.

September 4th - 13th - Leaving, Aboard Ship and Malta

2009-05-16T17:04:00.002+01:00

September 4^th Friday

Very soon after mid-night, we had to stand, and to, and then marched off, band playing and the waiting crowds cheering us. The crowds lined the streets as far as Moorgate Street, here and there you could see people recognize, and rush to bid him farewell. We had our rifles and packs, also our kitbags. Many of the pedestrians carried our kits for us.

Arrived at Waterloo at 2.00am, and there we found another large crowd waiting for us. Right and left half battalion boarded separate trains and left Waterloo amid great cheers at 4.00am. We traveled in a 2^nd class corridor train. All the early risers along the route gave us cheers as we passed through the stations.

We stopped at Winchester and there bought some papers and breakfast. We made a decent journey and eventually arrived at Southampton Quay at 7.30am.

Disentrained and then crossed the platform to where a huge ocean liner was laying, boarded her and found that she was the HMT Galician which I have already mentioned. Immediately handed arms and equipment into armoury and drew hammocks and blankets.

We are the first troops to board this vessel. She impressed me very much. After being quartered, we had breakfast, which consisted of curry meat, tea, bread and butter. Then I had a nose round and in doing so missed a chance of going into town to dispatch telegrams. This ship has plenty of deck space. Dinner at 12 – Irish stew and rice pudding. Went on deck to sun myself and noticed that, there are many other vessels, laden with troops. We were towed out, whilst having tea, and then made way under our own steam. The rocking sensation appeals to me. The Isle of Wight have in sight. We hung off there all night.

September 5^th Saturday

Aboard Ship

Woke up to find the ship under weigh, also there are 6 other ships with us, one a cattle boat, and the other 5 troop-ships. Arrived off Plymouth about midday, and there picked up our escort HMS Ocean, making a convoy of 8 ships altogether. We soon passed the Eddystone Lighthouse which was our last sight of Old England.

A heavy sea is running and already many fellows are feeling the effects of it, but I am as right as rain. Went to bed at 8.00pm and slept like a top. The first time I have ever slept in a hammock. Steel helmets issued out.

September 6^th Sunday

Up at 5.00am. Had breakfast at 7.30am. Curry and pickles, tea, bread and butter. Church Service on deck at 11.00am. Ships Master conducts the Service. Stew and current duff for dinner. Am feeling like a sailor, no signs of sickness yet. Nothing but other vessels in sight except gulls which circle round us.

September 7^th Monday

The food aboard is fairly good. Had two parades in the morning, one for roll-call and another for fire-drill with life-belts. Sighted a lighthouse off the coast of France in the afternoon. Our escort stops a strange liner but finds all is well.

September 8^th Tuesday

Food as usual. Roll call at 11.00am. Sighted Cape Finistere about midday and passed it about 2 hours later. Saw some curious vessels off coast, very interesting to us.

September 9^th Wednesday

During the day we passed a few outlying points of Portugal. Major Parr (RAMC) and the ships Surgeon examine us to see if any of us are diseased. Soon after sunset we sighted lights of Spain and could also see Northern Africa.

September 10^th Thursday

Spent the night on deck, very cool. We touched Gib at 2.00am. Tender brings small mail alongside. We only stopped there for an hour, or so – was unable to get a good view of the ‘Rock’. Was very lucky – got a nice letter from Nancy. Left other vessels behind. Some deck sports had been arranged and were held in the afternoon – wrestling on poles and tub ducking, also an all round boxing contest, all weights, for anyone aboard. First 2 rounds.

September 11^th Friday

We sighted Algiers in morning and it appeared to be a very pretty place. Later on we came quite close to the shore and could see everything easily with the naked eye. Country is very hilly and sandy. Very little vegetation about, hardly any trees, in fact practically barren. The Semi-Final and Final Bouts of Boxing contest were fought that evening. Corpl Harring won middleweight. F Coy. Pte Morris beat Harry Bass and Coy in heavyweight champ. Thus the highest award went to the 3^rd baff man. By the way I have forgotten to mention that we have 1 Coy RAMC and 2 Companies 3^rd RF aboard with us.

September 12^th Saturday

We arrived off Tunis in the morning which is much the same sort of place as Algiers. Saw the town of Tripoli, a pretty little town which is in a valley below the hills by the shore. Homesteads few and far between. Later that day we made for open sea.

September 13^th Sunday

Sighted islands early in the morning and Malta about 11.00am. Pilot came aboard just outside harbour and steered us safely in. Dropped anchor in the Marisa Moscatto Harbour at 2.00pm. Immediately after we had scouring with the tide, the ship was surrounded by native hawkers in dghaisa’s or bombeats who sold cheap cigarettes and fruit. Amused ourselves in tossing money overboard for the ‘boys’ to dive after. The large town and surroundings look rather quaint and pretty. There are 8 French warships in Port here. Busy for the rest of the day unloading stores etc.

Hey

2009-05-03T16:15:00.002+01:00

Post from Dan here, just saying we'll be back up and running soon. Just a complete lack of internet crisis happening! Thanks For Reading :)

September 3rd 1914. Leaving England

2009-04-24T15:23:00.000+01:00

September 3^rd Thursday

Went and had a bathe in the Hornsey Road Baths and then went down to the Seven Sisters and Holloway Roads, to make various purchases such as socks and shirts which were necessary. Went home and made myself presentable and then had dinner. After that said good-bye to all for the last time and then rushed off to report at Headquarters, was ½ hour late but did not care. Crowds of people are waiting outside barracks, weeping and trying to get a last sight of their relatives. As is usual many of the old soldiers were drinking hard.

After roll-call and being checked we were allowed out for 2 hours, but I did not go home again, so my chums and I went to find a teashop and had a light tea. Then explored the back streets of City Road to pass the time away. barracks at 5.00pm. About 8.00pm Capt Stilwell and Lieut Stanham (Officers of G Company) bid us goodbye as they had other work to do, and then handed over command to Lieut Saunders.

Companies paraded and lay down in long lines, waiting to move. In the meantime, they gave us bread and jam to eat.

September 1914

2009-04-19T13:12:00.002+01:00

September 1^st Tuesday

Had a medical exam that afternoon I passed alright. Am supposed to be 19 to go, but I managed to spruce them. Home again at 3.00pm. Washed and dressed then went off to Thornton Heath. Went to Cadets Drill Hall and bade farewell to all the old friends. Had a fine time with them all. Lodged at Doust's.

September 2^nd Wednesday

Had a nice breakfast and took a nice wreath down to the graves at 9.00am. Hilda accompanied me to Croydon to make purchases. Said goodbye to B. Doust and Fred Caurton, also Aunt Polly. Then returned home and cleaned up to report myself as usual.

Brigadier General Lord Lucan, Commander of the 1^st London Infantry Brigade made a speech and said that the Brigade was to relieve the regular troops at Malta. Then went home again. Paid a visit to the firm D & Co. Said au revoir to Misses Berry and cousins and Mr Jay our warehouseman. After that went off to see Tottenham Hotspur play their first match of the season against Everton, who won 3-1. Home to tea. Then went off to Collins Mosic Hall Islington and heard a man give his experiences of the first Naval Actions. Union Castle Liner ‘Galician’ captured by German Cruiser Wilhelm der Grosse and then recaptured by HMS ‘Highflyer’. Wound up the evenings enjoyment by going to 2^nd House Finsbury Park Empire and got home at 1.00pm just after closing time.

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

2009-04-16T20:41:00.001+01:00

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 -

2009-04-15T22:02:00.005+01:00

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

2009-04-13T16:06:00.002+01:00

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

15th - 19th August 1914 -Spies... -

2009-04-10T00:23:00.001+01:00

August 15^th Saturday

About 10.00pm Sentry reports signaling. 2 shots are fired at us, but we replied with 3 rounds rapid. Unfortunately did not capture the culprits.

August 16^th Sunday

We are paid another £2.00. Stockers girl comes down in afternoon and so we had another party.

August 17^th Monday

As I am flush I sent £2.00 home, but have not had a single letter from anyone. Awfully disappointed. Made another visit to Randall’s and then had tea in a little teashop in town.

August 18^th Tuesday

Was paid the remaining £1.00 of the bounty and so I sent that home. We are now quite pally with everyone here, especially the maids from the big houses.

August 19^th Wednesday

Went into Alton and bought a watch also a razor.

Had a surprise on return, a spy is knocking about, and we are to be on the watch. Strange to say at 11.00pm the patrol disturbed a man on the line, who ran for his life across a field to the road and then raced off on a motor bike. We were unlucky.

August 11th - 14th 1914 - Thanks & Gratitude

2009-04-09T00:10:00.001+01:00

August 11^th Tuesday

An American millionaire Mr Morgan, is very kind, the ladies maids bring us fruit, tea and soup each day. They come to us in a motor at midday with soup and again at teatime with baskets of fruit also tea.

They are very kind to us. We are in love with them all.

August 12^th Wednesday

We are awfully lucky here. Everybody is ready to help us. Some friendly people who pass us every morning stop their car to give us newspapers and chat, also Sir John Knightley sends up his housemaid with fruit and lemonade. Of course, we made her stay in our little shanty to team, and had a pleasant time on the whole. Absolutely enjoying ourselves here.

August 13^th Thursday

Harry Clark and I went down to Alton to make purchases. This is a splendid little town and is noted for its breweries.

August 14^th Friday

A housemaid comes in again, stayed to tea, whilst halfway through our meal, Capt. Hamilton arrived with pay of 6/- each, of course we were a bit flurried, but he said he did not mind and then joined the party, much to our amusement, but later Harry and I took her home.

August 8th, 9th and 10th 1914 - Food & Money -

2009-04-08T00:12:00.000+01:00

August 8^th Saturday

Dried our clothes over the fire in morning and then had a good breakfast of thick toast, tea and kippers.

Then my chum Harry Clark and S are told to report to next outpost for orders. On arriving there, I had to wait, no dinner, so went out for a time to find some, got drenched with rain, but a farmers wife took us in and fed us. About 2.00pm we were told to report ourselves at Cattle Creek (near outpost) for instruction.

Whilst waiting there I received my first payment in the Army of 5/-. About 4 o’clock we moved still further down to Mill Court and there made ourselves comfortable in a platelayers hut. With other, our duty here is to guard 2 bridges and patrol ¼ mile of line. We are quite close to the River Wey.

August 9^th Sunday

During the morning Capt. Hamilton paid us £2.00 each, part of our £5.00 mobilization pay. Have quite settled down to work. My hours are 11.00 midday and the same midnight.

August 10^th Monday

We all set out to visit Holybourne, Randall’s stores made a good stop and there I bought my first pair of hobnailed boots. Between us we bought enough delicacies to last us a week. This is a pretty village.

August 5th, 6th and 7th 1914 - Early Days -

2009-04-07T00:03:00.000+01:00

August 5^th Wednesday

Clark, Saunders and myself, do Platform guards and Patrol. Remainder do all fatigues and carry rations, but Walker is very kind to us, sent us plenty of apples etc. Train after train comes through to Borden Camp with Reservists from all parts, also Artillery and Cavalry are rushed through to Southampton.

August 6^th Thursday

A big batch of recruits and ex-service men arrive to reinforce us, also Capt Hamilton. A Reserve Territorial Officer. We have been living on Bully Beef biscuits, kippers and cheese up till now. But tonight a supply of meat and bread arrives.

August 7^th Friday

6 others and myself are moved further down the line to S. Bule’s Nursery. Came under Capt. Lloyd. Took up our duties right away. We spent our night on a bundle of hay in the hayloft. Then it commenced to rain and of course I got wet through whilst on Sentry.

August 3rd and 4th, 1914

2009-04-05T20:54:00.000+01:00

August 3^rd Monday

Major Burnett then spoke to us and said that serious things had occurred and in consequence, we should be confined to barracks. Then we all laid down to sleep on some coconut mats, making ourselves as comfortable as possible under the circumstances feeling tired and hungry.

In the morning we were told that we were mobilized and were given 100 rounds of ammunition each, and also had what little food there was to be had, which was a leaf each, ¼ pot of jam and water.

August 4^th Tuesday

Shortly after 12 midnight we marched through the city to Waterloo Station again with as much secrecy as possible, but still crowds of people lined the streets to see us depart. We entrained at 1.30pm and were sent off in different directions, batches of men being dropped at each station en route to a distance of 60 miles.

I was put off with some 50 others at Bentley Hants, about 45 miles S.W. There 5 finished that nights rest on a platform seat. We took over control of the railway at 8.00am. Sentry groups and outposts were sent out on trolley cars as far as Alton (M line) and Borden (B line) I had to stay on the station and do guard over Property.

Life in England

2009-04-05T13:59:00.000+01:00

On August 2^nd 1914, the 4^th London Regt, Royal Fusiliers (TF) went to Wareham Dorset, for their annual 15 days training.

We left Waterloo at 9.30am and had a pleasant journey on the LSWR and eventually arrived at the camp at 1.45pm.

No sooner than we had begun to get settled down, we had to stand to arms and then got orders to pack up immediately. As soon as this was accomplished we all partook of a hurried meal of Bully Beef, bread and cheese and pickles.

Shortly afterwards we were once more on the road. Naturally this action caused great excitement amongst us.

Then we entrained to return to our Headquarters at Shaftsbury Street City Road EC. where we arrived in batches long after midnight.