Diary of Second Lieutenant Harold Gordon Cornell- 1916-1917- Part 3

in remaining with the fitters, but 

it is doubtful now, whether I should

have anything to gain by returning

to them, seeing that I have lost

my month's training. However Crawford,

expressed himself quite willing to

coach me; the question is open

for the present, as I want to see how

I stand in the wireless section.

In the evening with Hayles & Lynes, we

I slipped down to the village,

(South Carlton), where I enjoyed a wash

& shave (these luxuries being unobtainable

in camp) supper & a read at the

Y.M.C.A. which occupied the best part

of a 2 storey stone cottage.

Thursday 15th This morning, I was

detailed for water fatigue, my

work consisting in, accompanying the

driver of the lorry (Barkell) to Barton

for water. We made 4 trips in

all, & were finished about 3pm.

so that I had the remainder of

the afternoon in which to clean up

myself. Most of our section have been

on guard, yesterday & today, so I expect

my turn will come tomorrow.

Lincoln was mostly ice & snow when

we arrived but it has been thawing

fast ever since & today the mud &

water are everywhere. The funeral

of Hansell took place this afternoon,

most of the squadron attending.

At early parade this morning, the C.O.

& the O.Cs of Flights were all present,

& took charge. Consequently we had to

be out very promptly. We hope they

will not appear too frequently.

Tonight, I brought my washing down to

S.C., afterwards visiting the Y.M.C.A.

to write letters.

Friday Spent the day afternoon mostly in the

hangars, assisting to clean one of

our new planes. and to the Y.M.C.A.

at night.

For the morning I acted as hut orderly.

During the day, the news came out

that, 2 N.C.O. observers were required

for each flight, & applications were

called for. About 8 of "C" Flight

applied including myself & we are to

parade before Capt Brown tomorrow.

Capt Brown told me today, that as

I have had a course in wireless

I stand no chance of being transferred

to the fitters.

Saturday Feb 17th. This morning I was

back on the planes, which is certainly

better work than laying asphalt.

At early parade, I was remustered

with Headquarters. Paraded before

Capt. Brown., but owing to my transfer

he refused to take my application

& sent me over to Lieut Ross, the O.C.

of H'qrs. The latter told me to

write a app. stating my qualifications

& to accompany it with a report

on some imaginary village stating

all features of military interest,

facilities for wireless, telegraphs &c.

At afternoon parade I was warned

for guard, so left the hangars at

3 p.m. to get ready.

Sunday Feb 18^th I wrote my app.

for N.C.O. observer while on guard, &

handed it in. I believe over 50 have

applied, & have no hopes myself of being

accepted. The 24 hours guard passed

off smoothly enough; there was a

good fire at the two posts away from

the guardroom. A kit inspection

was held during the afternoon, so we

all had to leave the guardroom to

get ready. Finished guard at 5 pm.

& went down after tea to the village.

Monday Feb 19^th This morning I was

marched off with the hangar party,

& set to work on the roller. Can't

say we did much work, though

sufficient to keep ourselves warm. Visited

the "Blue Bird" during the morning; it is

really a great institution. Just after

11a.m. Corp Scott, came into the hangars

in search of an electrical man, &

sent me up to the S.M. Dennis told

me to report to Corporal Sidebottom

at the Powerstation, and I discovered

on arrival that I had dropped on

a really good job. It seems that the

power station is nearly complete, & that

the contractors are to hand over the

control very shortly to the 45th & 69^th

Squadrons. Hence a man from the 45^th

& myself have been sent down for

instruction, & I expect will run the

plant afterwards. At present, the job

is being looked after by the Corporal,

who belongs to the Working Party, which

is removing to Farnborough on Monday.

The plant consists of 2 35H.P. Piston

Semi-diesel Oil Engines, driving by

belt 20 K.W. Phoenix generators comp

wound, with auxiliary coils: The plant is

being installed by Dick, Kerr & Co. The

engineer & electrician were down during

the afternoon & one set was run. The

generators, showed very low insulation

res,on the megger; so fires are to be

lit to dry the place out. Only absence

of fuel, prevented us being kept on

during the night to feed the fires.

I saw the S.M. after work, & arranged

to be exempt from other duties. I will

be glad to hold on to this job, till

I see how things are shaping outside.

Went down to the Rooms for a wash

& shave, & brought home the washing.

Tuesday Jan 20th. It has been raining

most of today, so the camp is if

possible worse than before, the mud is

over one's boots everywhere. There was

no early parade but a roll call in

the huts instead. I went down to

the station immediately after breakfast

Tuesday cont. & spent a very comfortable

day; We ran one set most of the day &

the 2nd during the afternoon. Picked

up several points about the job &

had some practice at starting the sets.

I believe I was detailed for guard,

this afternoon, but apparently they

found a substitute when I did not

turn up. C Stopped work at 5-10 p.m.

& made for the Y.M. after tea.

Today they were asking for applications for

N.C.O. pilots.

Wednesday Today applications closed for

pilots, I did not apply. I find that

the pilots will be commissioned men, &

will be in training for 5 months, so

will not accompany the squadron. This

evening we worked on till 9 p.m. to supply

lights to the hangars.

Thursday The list of observers appeared

in tonights orders,Chivers, Ainsworth,

Millington, Prettyman, Hughes, Barkell & Reid.

I have heard nothing further regarding my

application. I have been thinking that as

there are now two vacancies for electricians

it might be advisable for me to apply, &

perhaps be transferred back to "C" Flight

with Ted. At the station we worked on

till 8-20, then closed down owing to

shortage of paraffin (???) leaving the hangars

in rather a fix as they had two machines

down. Yesterday morning, I attended

early morning parade, (7a.m.), & consequently

had no spare time before coming to the

station at 8. My name was taken (with

several others) for leaving a pair of dirty

boots with my kit for inspection. This

morning at 11, we were paraded before

our O.C. Mr Ross, but beyond a very mild

admonition, nothing was said or done,

otherwise I should have protested, as I had

the best of excuses. Last evening after

work, I called in the S.M. & obtained

permission to be absent from early morning

all parades; an acceptable privilege

Friday Feb 23rd. We did not run the plant

at all during the day owing to lack of

paraffin, but 3 barrels came in during

the afternoon. As I was leaving

the dining hall at midday, Col Scott met

me with the news that the C.O. wanted me at

once; I slipped off my overalls & dressed as fast

as possible & with 2 others was marched down.

But the C.O. was already otherwise engaged so we

were dismissed till 2-15 when the C.O would have

finished dinner. I spent the time trying

to make myself presentable. At 2-15 we were

again dismissed til 3-15 as the C.O. was not

back. The other 2 were being paraded

regarding their applications for pilots but

of course I had not applied. I was paraded

by the S.M, & the C.O called for the results reports

of the Wireless School, which had apparently

arrived. On referring to it, he found my speed

was only 10 words a minute & asked the reason.

Of course I explained. Asked two or three

questions regarding my previous experience,

& period of teaching at the S.M.B; my age;

whether I understood the Starting Transmitter

& dismissed me. I am at a loss to know

what is at bottom of this. Some think I am

picked for observer, but I know observers & pilots

are limited to single men. Benjamin

assures me that the S.M. told him, I was to

be made wireless sergeant, but that again

is most improbable considering my low speed.

However time will show. I remained

away from the station til after tea as it

was late. The sets were running when I returned.

While Harry Bacon was at tea, & the contractor's

electrician & I were at working, wiring the

spare set as a motor, the other set pulled

up. I had a breathless half hour, etc

getting the other set running, as belt was

off, dynamo unwired, air pressure down,

& blow lamps out. However we got going at

last. We feared a hot crankshaft, in the

other set, but it seems all right. I visited

the Blue Bird for a can of tea & cakes, which

I brought back for supper. Our spare engine

had been shut down a full hour, & I

was shaving, when a terrific explosion

occurred in the silencer; it alarmed the

whole camp, who thought the Zeps had arrived.

I cannot arrive at any sound conclusion as

to the cause; there does not appear to

be any damage done, & the noise was far

greater outside than inside, while the

sky was lighted up by the flame, so I am 

told. The authorities are getting

extremely severe with the men. Denman

who had been on leave & arrived at Lincoln

at 11 pm, remained in town overnight

instead of reporting at camp before midnight

Reported at midday next day, & was crimed,

12 hours A.W.L., awarded 10 days detention, forfeit

one day's pay. I should take care to be back

in time.

Saturday Feb 24th. Nothing unusual

occurred at the station today; the

No 2 engine appeared to be no worse

after yesterday's explosion, about which

we have heard a great deal today,

as it "put the wind up" everyone in camp.

Ted arrived back from Waddington

during the morning with the rest of the

fitters; he seems perfectly well & fit;

we did not start the sets in the station

till evening & stopped at 10 p.m. secured

excellent regulation in No 2 set by

retarding the jet, & reducing it to a minimum but it is necessary

to keep a hot blow lamp in position

the whole time. During the day several

reports reached me, that Foster Woods

was to be Sgt, & myself Cpl of the Wireless,

& it duly appeared in the orders tonight;

that then is the explanation of my visit

to the C.O., but my appointment has been

a big surprise to me, (& also to many

of the others) because of my low speed.

I know that many disappointed men

are very bitter about it, as they attribute

my promotion to influence. I am inclined

to think that our promotions were

practically decided on before we left for

Farnborough as Woods & I were the only two

who were before the O in C of Wireless (Mr. [[E?]])

for 23rd Wing. Also there was probably

something behind that letter which Lt Ross

wrote me from when in Farnborough.

regarding sigs. allowances. I sincerely hope

Woods & I will get on together; we were

not always the best of friends at the School.

Sunday 25th Feb.  I put in a quiet day

at the Station, writing letters most of the

time. We did not start the machines

till 4pm & they ran without trouble till

we shut down at 10p.m.I did not bother

with the Corporals mess, as I preferred to

wait till I got rid of my overalls.

Monday 26th Feb.  I decided to apply for

a pass into town; as compensation for

my late nights. Spoke to Dennis

before breakfast & he quite approved, we

wrote app. for leave from 9 till 4.

It was 11 a.m. before I was paraded before

Ross however, & he made no objections. In

the meantime, Dennis had sent for me &

relieved me of my job in the power station;

so I was relieved from the "necessity of

returning early. I start to tramp in,

but got a lift right into Lincoln in the

Major's car which caught up with me. Had

a shave & a hair cut which I badly needed.

Then dinner; had some new chevrons sewn

on at a shop on the way to the Cathedral.

Had a look through the C. & took a photo

outside, then found my way back to the Y.M.C.A.

for a hot bath, the first for weeks & looked

in at Mr. Dring, the Sec, before leaving &

received an unexpected invitation from

Mrs Winpenny to attend a tea at the

Cong.Church at 6 p.m. Found about 200 or more

soldiers there myself the only Australian,

so was quite a feature of the evening. Introduced

to Colonel Blizzard the C.O. Remained

The teas was the best food I have had

since leaving Australia. Remained on

gu at the concert for a while, in company

with 2 Miss Inghams, rather nice girls.

Was invited by Mr & Mrs Maver for tea on

Sunday. Walked home & reached camp

about 9-15 Another concert was in progress

at camp; & I greatly enjoyed the finish. It

was first class. Ended a very pleasant

day.

Tuesday Feb 27th  Fell in for parade this

morning before breakfast. Spent the

morning reca in charge of a fatigue party

removing timber, with a long break to

received pay £(1-15). My present allowance is

2/6 per day, but that will have to be reduced

or Millie will suffer. For the afternoon,

we set about rigging up a wireless

station, riveting aerial, & putting down

earth plates; Harold Bate has taken over

my job at the P. Station tonight. While

having tea I was warned that I was

Station Orderly Corporal for the next

24 hours.

Wed Feb 28th.  The job of S.O.C. proved very

tame. Sat in the office all last night &

wrote letters. J.B instructed me to

appear in the morning armed with a belt

& cane, but no duties cropped up during the

day except the job of accompanying the C.O.

N.O., S.M. , & S.O.S. round the camp to

make an inspection. I was simply an

ornament. About 2pm JB decided I

needed some exercise, so hunted up

a fatigue party of 5 for me, with

instructions to dig a soakage pit 6x6x6,

at rear of the officers mess. We jogged

on steadily & got down about 2ft by knock

off time. Wandered into the village at 

night with Ted & Hayles.

Thursday.  The soak-pit has occupied me

all day, but was complete at 4-30. Put

in a good deal of work myself, & my soft

hands are blistered in consequence. On

reading station orders tonight I found I

was down again for S.O.. so have brought

my books etc down before the S.M.s fire.

Friday. Spent most of today in the S.M's room.

Cpl. Miller was to be S.O.S. but as he was

going on leave, I took over his duties, &

executed the O.O. round on inspection.

A very decent young fellow, Lieut Brown.

I again blew a whistle for him at the

dinner hour inspection, after which he

announced that he was flying that

afternoon, so would not be about. So I was

free. About 4pm, I made out for town, just

in time to escape guard, for which they

were looking for me at 4.30. Met Ted in town,

& later a couple of his friends with whom we

spent a pleasant hour before tramping back.

Saturday Registered letter arrived for me

today from Fred. H. Contained £2, as a gift,

very good of F. but I can only accept as a loan.

Spent morning in charge of fatigue shifting timber,

also till 3 pm. in afternoon, when we disappeared,

having completed job. I walked into town

about 5-15, & was back by 9 pm. getting a

lift in a car. Called on Mrs Maver & told 

her I would be in next evening.

Sunday March 4th. This morning Sgt. F. Woods

ill with pleurisy & removed to hospital,

leaving me in charge of wireless. Saw

Lieut Marriott, Wireless Officer & received

instructions re fitting up of 4 planes with

wireless, also instructional school for officers

&c. &c. Kept busy all day, between jobs

& wireless station, where we had a good

day, receiving good report from Eiffel Tower,

& fair from Cologne & Poldher. Read also

to come on guard at 4-30pm. but that is

a light job, though it has prevented me

keeping my appointment tonight. Expect

F.W. will be off duty 2 or 3 weeks. This may

interfere with my obtaining leave.

Monday Mar. 5th. The pleasant weather

of the last few weeks days changed

suddenly yesterday & hear  bitterly cold

winds sprang up, all night it snowed,

& the guards had a cheerless time. This

morning, most of the corporals mess room

was covered with snow (forms, floor, tables).

I spent most of today outside guard room

attending to wireless duties. Messages received

were much weaker as expected. Obtained

6 buzzer sets from 45.R.S. for practice purposes.

Spent this evening in M.T. office on wireless work.

Monday March 12th. The events of the last

week, I have been far too busy to

set down previously, so must write now

what I can remember. Tuesday morning,

received instructions to arrange buzzer

class for officers & observers. Correct hut was

unfinished, so hunted round & found

vacant rooms in the officers' quarters, which

I appropriated. Contrived to wire a few

forms & the following day, as I failed to

find a table, annexed a door from the

officers mess & set it up on trestles.

Tuesday was a bitterly cold day, an icy,

driving wind all day which seemed to cut

through one. Wednesday much the same

with plenty of snow. Saturday was milder

but turned out very wet in the evening.

Sunday & Mon. pleasant, but muddy underfoot.

Wanting a stove badly for the wireless station,

we removed rer one from the incomplete

buzzer hut & installed it ourselves, with

beneficial results. The contractors to went 

to market when they missed it & it took

them some time to locate it again.

Tuesday night, we had a bathing parade in

spite of the cold, but very few men could be

found. I took down the 2nd lorry with

only 3 men. I think it was Wednesday that

the M.T. Sergeant, - Downing was put under

open arrest, through some trouble occurring in

a hotel where he was found after lights out.

closing time. The case looks pretty bad &

he is still awaiting a D.C.M. The duties

of a/Fld. Sgt. devolved on Cpl Berkin; he

was on dental leave on Thursday, so

I had to take charge, & again on Sunday

& Monday, as he was ill. this trebling of

the duties, has made my life extremely

busy. During the week, the mechanics