Transcript of diary of Barton [possibly Frank Barton Bongers], 1916
France 21st Jan
Dec. 14 Motored to Ely with Woodley & Mason very nice
afternoon. Mason is an Australian formerly of the 3rd
but now alloted to the 10th. Visited a cathedral
which is far too big for the little old town.
& less than half of the building is now used.
Difficult to drive home in darkness, dense fog.
15th Woke up to find 1 ½ inches of snow
covering the ground - The heaviest fall I
have seen. All candidates for commission
inspected by Major General Braithwaite (whoever
he may be) He had us dashing about doing
co. drill at the double with cakes of snow
sticking to our heels. Then he addressed us
in a "few well chosen words".
16th Called on Capt & Mrs Gregory to say goodbye.
17th Called on Mrs Selwyn in answer to a
letter. A dear old Lady.
18th The much dreaded (by some) war office
exam. Woolly & I had tea & bridge at the
Woodhouses at 53 Jesus Lane
19 Light fall of snow. Farewell singing
in No 5 lecture room. Much merriment
20. Winner given to successful cadets by
The Fellows of Trinity College. Had some
"Audit Ale" which is no obtainable anywhere
else & only drunk at Trin. College
on special occasions.
2
21. Left Cambridge
22 Viewed West Minister Abbey. Much
interested, but many tombs & works of
art covered by sandbags. Luncheon with
Wica at Pall Mall restaurant.
23 Went with Wica to Thornhill, his Mothers
lovely house in Dorset; A mile from gate to
front door between lakes. Two grand pianos
& one smaller in the house.
24 Motored to Eastbury Park where Wica's
sister & brother in law the Farquharsons
live. Fine old house part of the former
residences of the Dukes of Buckingham
It must have been a large place because
the front house is only a wing which
was left when the rest was destroyed
& it is large enough for most people.
Bridge after dinner at Thornhill.
25 Xmas day. Took gun out but saw
nothing to shoot. Billiards after tea.
26 Motored with Wica & Iris Crafton. his
unmarried sister to meet of Blackmore
Vale hounds. We followed sometimes
in car & sometimes on foot. Extraordinary
interest taken by farmers & all inhabitants
of the country side. Music & Bridge in evening
Copy of part of
Bailer's letter for
Will to read & burn
3
27. Returned to London with Wica Mrs Cunningham
Wica's other sister was at Thornhill with David
her son of 2 ½ years. Very heavy fog Train two
hours late. By eight o'clock streets absolutely
empty of wheeled traffic. Extraordinary
smarting of eyes owing to fog. Always
wanted to see a London fog - don't want
to see another. Dinner at the Piccadilly
with Mr & Mrs Woodhouse. Woolly, & his fiancée
"Theodore & Co" afterwards.
28 Lunch at The Berkley with Wica, Malina
at Coliseum with Mrs Irving & his cousin Jim Francis
"Romance" at The Lyric in evening. V. good.
29 Matinee to the Bing Boys with the
Woodhouses, Wolly & Jim Wootton. Left
for Scotland by 11.30 train
30 Arrived in Edinburgh in time for
breakfast. Visited Holyrood & saw all
interesting spots & relics. The Castle & Monastery
31 Went to Forth Bridge, Saw New Year in at
the old Tron Church. Great crowd there
but not very much music.
Mon. Jan 1st Left Edinburgh. Rather pretty
scenery by line along cliffs by sea saw
Berwick, Winlow castle & cathedral &
York Minster in distance. Arrived London
7.30 called on Wica -
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