Letters from John Hardie to his family, 1917-1918 - Part 2

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back. but all the same I think Fritz got
the worst of the business. At anyrate
the Officers seemed to think that the raid
was a success from a Military point of
view.
On March the 5^th Fritz seemed to be getting
rather angry for all day long he shelled
this sector. Next Night the 6^th things were very
unhealthy until midnight. I happened to
be standing with my ration party outside
the cookhouse getting our loads ready for
the tramp to the line, when over comes
one ^of the finest xx assortments of gass shells
and H.Es. They just skimmed over us and
also the cookhouse, but nobody got hit
for a wonder. Just as things were beginning
to calm down a stray shell found its
way to a dump of heavy barrels which we
call flying pigs. The distance of this dump
was about 150 yards from us, so you can
imagine what the concussion was like
The earth seemed to fairly rock for several
moments. Still our luck still held, not a
7
single person was hit with the flying
fragments which was simply marvelous
considering how the iron rained down
all round us.
On March the 7th we were shelled continuously
all day long, and when we were doing the last
trip with the rations that night the shells
fell all round us. several blew up the
trolly line just behind.
I forgot to mention that the Authorities
expect the enemy to make an attempt
shortly to break our line here and try to
reach the coast. This I consider a matter
of impossibility after seeing the way
the countryside is fortified. The guns stand
almost wheel to wheel and there are
several lines of them, all well concealed.
Also there are machine guns built into
solid concrete everywhere and at several
places there are large dugouts where it is
possible to hide Battalions of Soldiers.
One of these places is called the Cat-a-combs
and really is like a city under ground 

8
Late on the night of the 7^th we were releived by
the 21^st Battalion and went back several
miles to our old camp not far from
Armentieres. We are now supposed to be
going back to a place near Boulonge for
a long spell away from the line.
You see although we are out of the extreme front
line we are still constantly shelled, in fact
the big shells land miles further beyond
and the enemy planes bomb every other
night. Our camp here is situated about
half a mile from a very large ammunition
dump. Altogether it covers about twenty acres
that is including railway lines and
trolley lins. You can get anything here
from a rifle bullet to a fifteen inch shell
and ^in one part of the yard the eighteen pounder
shells are stacked up fifteen feet high.
Every night the light train takes a full
load of iron rations up to dead-horse-corner
from where it is distributed to the different
Battaries. I forgot to mention that I have
spent several days on this dump before
9
entering the line doing guard duty
and had the pleasure of being shelled, but
as Fritz was shooting worse than ever
everything passed off alright.
On the morning of the 8^th  of March a rumour
reached me that W. Woods was in the camp
next door to ours, and when our Sargent
wasn't looking I sneaked over , but was
unlucky enough to find him on parade.
Anyway I had the pleasure of seeing him
and he me.
In the afternoon we received word that
the Battalion was going away for that long
looked for spell away from the line
Anyway we marched to Steenwreck
Station that evening and entrained in
dinkum Railway Carriages this time
Sometime about midnight we arrived
at "Derves" and after the usual amount
of swearing and jostling started on the
march again. Do you know a battalion
of troops which has just been roused
out of a train always puts me in 

10
mind of a flock of sheep. They are all bleating
and pushing one another about and don't seem
to know why they are doing it.
After marching about five miles and getting
lost several times we arrived at our billets
and in about two shakes all forgot about the
war. When we did awake it was to learn
that breakfast was na-poo through the
rations getting bogged somewhere. And that
state of affairs continued until next morning
by which time we were all ready to turn
cannibal. To make matters worse the Froggies
are all rationed and it was a matter of
impossibility to buy any food.
anyway we broke our fast next morning
March 9^th but were only fit to lie in the
shade afterwards.
I liked the county very much after that
shell torn desolate, waste. It is scarcely
possible to describe how beautiful it
seemed to me. The road winds round a
very steep hill ^from our billet and down into the valley
where nestles the Village of "Cremarest"
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Everything was so beautifully green and the sun
shone down so bright that it seemed like
paradise to me. Ah people ought to be happy
and who live in places like this away from
all that slaughter and destruction.
Two Companys of the Battalion, were billited
at the place I mentioned and the other two
were with Head-quarters Staff at "Bellebrune"
a Village two miles away.
We had a glorious time here although the
whole time was taken up with practice for
another offensive.
On the night of the 20^th of March we could
see the glare from the guns on the battle line
We all knew that something important
was about to take place but didn't know
which side was the aggressor.
March 21^st The Officers seemed uneasy and
several despatch riders came to the camp today
and it is easy to see that something is wrong
At nine Oclock that night we got orders to
be ready for the road at any moment.
The German Army was furiously attacking 

12
right from the coast to the Somme.
I may state tell you that I thought the enemy
had about one chance in a hundred of
breaking the line anywhere between Paschendaele 
and "Armentieres"
On Friday morning the 22^nd we were still in the
same place, but all the camp gear was away
by sunrise. We were kept standing about all
day and just as the sun was going down
our marching orders arrived. Then the bugle sounded
the fall in and in about five minutes the
column was on the road.
I don't think I will ever forget that night march
The Battalion was well over strength and all
the boys were in great condition. The Unit
never looked better and both the Colonel
and the Major showed that they were
proud of it.
The air was full of smoke from the guns
which we could hear continually although
at the closest point was sixty miles away.
Well on in the night the weather turned very
cold and whenever we were halted for a spell
13
the wind seemed to go right through us.
One man collapsed about midnight but as
he was naturally a weakling, it was to be
expected. About two Oclock in the morning
we were halted near a railway, and as
there didn't appear to be any likelihood of a move
for a while the good doers found some
brushwood to warm the rest of the troops
The band struck up. Keep the home fires
burning and every one had a jolly half
hour or so. Then a move was made to the train
where we were trucked in the usual horse
boxes. 50 men to the box this time
When our box was filled to overflowing one of
the officers wanted to know was there room
for any more, and of course one of the wags
shouted out there was room for another 50.
At Nine Oclock on the morning of the 23^rd we
detrained at "Abeele" after a very cramped and
most uncomfortable journey most of the lads
were very cross in fact it wasn't safe to
look sideways. Our Platoon Officer tried to
hurry one chap up but got consigned to 

14
blazes, least that is the destination I thought
was mentioned, but I believe Mr Dorney
must be deaf at times for he didn't attempt
to follow instructions.
Anyway we were marched up near "Poperinghe”
to a place called "Watteau" and went into
billets until next morning the 24^th. About
daylight we marched out again, and were
picked up by motor lorries on the main
road. Eventually we were joined by the
rest of the 3^rd Division, and I can tell you
it was some sight. The string of lorries
seemed to be miles long, in fact I couldn't
see either end as our Battalion, appeared
to be in the centre. Well anyway the Division
was transported so through Abeele, Steenwerck
Hazebrouck, to "Wallon Cappel", from where the
march was resumed on through Sersus.
I don't know where the other units went to but
our Battalion camped outside "Lynde".
The weather by now had turned very hot
and the boys rebelled on the last stage of the
march. After a short spell one of the Officers
15

said how is it now boys. you know the
sooner we get on the move, the sooner we will
be finished. And everyone fell in without
a word. We had a couple of days rest at Lynde
waiting for further instructions. The Authorities
don't seem to know what to do with us. I really
believe that Fritz has got them thinking.
Anyway the Colonel seems very uneasy.
We marched out again at two Oclock on the morning
of the 26^th in drizling rain passed through
"Morebacque” and reached "Steenbeque” before
daylight where we were held up waiting for
the train. As usual the boys commandered
everything in sight that would burn, to
warm the troops while waiting. The string
of fires along that road put me in mind
of clearing on the old farm at home.
just as dawn was begining to break the train
arrived and in about five minutes we were
packed in the usual horse boxes.
The train travelled through some lovely
country, and about midday we drew into
"Doullens" a fairly large town, which was 

16
in a very battered state. As we were drawing
into the town we noticed that the roads were
badly congested with traffic both military
and civillian. Anyway we weren't long
in ignorance of the cause of the confession.
for no sooner had the last man detrained
when we were ordered to load our rifles
and prepare for action. Mr. Dorney told
us that word had just come in that the
German Cavalry were two Kilometeres out
along the road towards "Arras". Enemy planes
have been here and ^were very busy last night
by all appearences. There was a very large
Hospital train fully loaded just preparing
to leave and all the civillian population was
on the move. Women and children were crying
and scurrying about as though they didn't know
where to go. People in Australia have no idea
what war  is like or how much these poor
French people refugees have suffered.
Our Major (the mad major we have 

nicknamed him) walked into the R.T.Os office
to get orders, and got the fright of his life
17
or so he said on comming back to the Battalion
it appears he went bouncing right into
Sir Douglas Haig and his staff who were
holding a confab.
I believe the Major was dumbfounded but
Sir Douglas just asked him his business.
About twelve Oclock the Battalion marched out
as we thought to engage the enemy along the
Arras Road but all that we met was flying
refugees. runaway Tommies, broken up artillery
and disabled motor vehicles, which were being
towed by motor lorries. All the people had
that hunted, hopeless look  on their faces.
Old and young, rich and poor, were all
on the same footing, and were carring  bundles
most likely containing their most cherished
belongings. It was a most pitifull sight and
I don't think I will forget it till my dying day.
Well our march continued on through
Merricourt and many other large towns
and all we saw was refugees and flying 
Tommies belonging to the Fifth army
which seems to have absolutely crumpled 

18
up. Just at dusk we halted for tea and
a spell. Tea consisted of bully beef, army
biscuits, and water still we were very
glad of it. After about an hours rest the
march was resumed and we descended 
the hills and into a large town which
was held by the remnants of some
Canadian unit.
It looked a beautiful place in the
moonlight and seemed to be surrounded
my mountains, as after passing through
we found it hard going marching up.
The road wound round the hillside
on one side the rocks seemed to be hanging
over us, and on the other appeared to be
almost a straight drop into the valley below.
and do you know that when reaching
the top we found flat, open country.
Just after getting onto level country
we met the Royal Scots who had engaged
Fritz earlier in the day and stopped
his gallop. You just ought to have heard
the comments, and compliments
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that were exchanged by the two units
while passing.
About midnight we halted in a village
and on a signboard I read. Pas-de-Antois
but I don't know wheather  that was the
name of it or not, but this I do know
the first enemy shell went whining
over the road here.
Except for ten minutes every hour we
had been on the move eleven solid
hours. full marching order. So you can
imagine how long it took us to settle
down once we were told to camp.
Four Oclock in the morning (27^th of March)
the Bugle sounded get out of bed, then along
comes the Sergent full marching order
in twenty minutes was the cry.
Oh you ought to have heard the language
when the boys understood what was
wanted, still a soldier doesn't as a rule
need long to complete his tiole toilet,
and everyone was out on the road
within the time allowed. 

20
In the grey light of dawn. we were met by
a convoy of motor busses which took us down
towards Albert. About 9 Oclock we were
issued with the days rattions which I'm
ashamed to say we consumed on the
spot. The Busses dropped us here as we
were rather close to the new line and stray
shells were falling around.
After another bit of a march we were
halted behind a steep embankment
to prepare for battle. You see usually
when going into the line we shed a lot
of our gear, and always have a church
parade which is attended by those
who wish. This was just outside
a Village called Healy.
In about half an hour most of the
battalion was out grub hunting and
quite a lot of us were successful in
locating food fit for the troops to
eat. and during the afternoon one
of the latest reinforcements shot himself
through the foot, so as to get out of
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going into the line wasn't the old "doc"
mad. He wouldn't allow the stretcher
bearers to attend to him, but commanded
them to throw him by the roadside
and leave him battle for himself.
About four Oclock in the afternoon we
marched through "Healy" and turned in
towards the noise but were pulled up
at "Rivermonte" Here we found the
streets barracaded with waggons and carts
(all overturned of course) and farm
inplements of every description.
It appears that Fritz attacked at dawn
and all but got this position. The people
had the tables set for breakfast but had
to fly and leave everything, but anyway
everything came in very handy for the
hungry troops after dark.
We took over the trenches from a battalion
of the Royal Illinskillins which was only
28 strong. These men. (for there is no doubt
about it they were men) had been in the
line the best part of a month and xxxx 

22

it was these few who had driven the
enemy back this morning.
One officer and 27 privates against hordes
of Germans. I don't No wonder they Germans
never won the war.
Just about Sundown we caught a glimse
of a great column of Infantry marching
over the hills behind us and at ∧by dusk
we could see that more than another
Austral Brigade was coming up to support,
I found out afterwards that this was the
fourth division of A.I.F.
About midnight the Royal Illinskillins were
sent back to relieve us and we were hurriedly
marched on down the bank of a river, which
I beleive was the Somme.
We arrived a a large town at Sunrise
where we were halted for breakfast and
do you know several cows ^which had been following
us the collumn were now milked by the boys.
Instead of having water to drink we had
fresh milk for once.
After an hours halt the march was 

23
resumed and we arrived at the large town of
"Corbie" about twelve Oclock. We were a long
time in marching through it. and were
billited in some little low buildings on
the bank of the Somme. We were now told
that the Battalion would have twenty
four hours rest which was badly needed
by everyone but unfortunately very few were
allowed to enjoy it. No rest for the wicked I
guess. We had no sooner had a wash and a
shave and made our beds when those iron
foundries came visiting and I'm sorry to
say during the afternoon we had several killed
and wounded.
In the wee small hours we were again sorted out
and hurried into a position somewhere behind
Hammel. It had been raining and I can
assure you it wasn't over pleasant in those
muddy fields anyway our services weren't
required and about daylight we were
withdrawn to "Bonnay", a small Village
on the opposite side of the river to "Corbie".
It appears that our other billits were blown sky 

24
up just after we had been so unceremoniously
bundled out, for once we were glad the old
Sergent was of an impatient disposition.
About ten Oclock in the morning a party
went out with an Officer to look for fowls
and pigs (for even soldiers must eat)
and any ^way I'm able to say that their efforts
were crowned with success,
My word some of the men were having high
times plenty of shampaygne and some of them
were struting about with top hats instead of
their tin lids. some actually had the
cheek to wear civvy overcoats.
At dark we moved out and formed up on
the brow of a hill but were hurriedly recalled
and were marched further south.
This was good Friday the 29^th of March 1918.
Some time during the night we struck the
village of "Cachy" and were allowed to shelter
in the deserted buildings till daylight.
I may state that all along the road we saw
gun pits but not one gun in position
and a chap out of the Royal Artillery
25
afterwards told me that they couldn't leave
their guns in position at night as they didn't
know where Fritz was.
In the morning while we were having
breakfast a squadron of hun planes came over
and one of our cheeky scouts couldn't resist
having a smack of them, but of cause
he came off second best, and was driven
down. He did, what is known as the
tumbling nose dive, until his only about
fifty feet from terra firma then he
straightened out and planed down
just like a bird alighting.
About ten minutes afterwards Fritz started
to shell us. some of the H.Es struck the building
my platoon was in, some more landed in
the back yard and wounded a mule.
The Commander then gave the order to take
to the open fields and scatter but before
this manuvre was carried out shrapnell
shells fairly rained on the Village.
one burst just above me but a motor lorrie
which was standing alongside got most of