Diary of Second Lieutenant Harold Gordon Cornell- 1916-1917- Part 5
field & I think the experiment will
be successful. The colonel got me to
overhaul his car lighting set, today &
I found things in a bad state. The
colonel seems a very decent chap & a
big improvement on Laraine
Tonight's orders contained the unexpectedly
sudden announcement of my promotion to
Sgt. My luck is phenomenal. Needless
to say I am quite excited. Thompson
becomes 1st a/m, but Knox tells me there
is to be no N/s. Coys. I am very sorry for Reg.
who is one of the best. Orrie Jones
turned up unexpectedly today; he
is 1st Lieut in the 4th Squadron (71st)
& is training at Waddington. He came
over to vote, as today is polling
day, for the Fed, elections. He was
very pleased to see Ted & myself &
seems to be having a very good time.
A pilot on a Sopwith tonight gave
a sensational exhibition of special
nose diving. The first time he
put the the wind up everyone, &
all were looking on in horror waiting
for the sickening crash, when he deftly
righted the machine. The second time
we were all admiration, then he made
a graceful cork, shot off to Scampton
dived again & landed.
A new B.E. lost a wheel in rising &
caused a sensation all the attendants
ran about waving the wheels to
inform the pilot who fortunately saw
them. He landed in his next after
another circuit, luckily escaping
injury as the machine, pulled up
dead,, stood on its head, & almost overturned
& then fell back. The ambulance was
all in readiness but fortunately it was
not needed
Wednesday Shifted into Sgt's Hut, in
evening, visited Sgt's Mess for tea
& found things very decent.
Got the Major's dynamo in the way, commutation
achieved, & connection sweated on.
Another fine day & everything went
smoothly, went to bed at 9-30 being
rather tired.
Thursday Slept in till 6 a.m. today
as I was not called. However no harm
was done. Went into Lincoln on
side-car, for bushes & screws for
Major's dynamo, finally getting them at
Ruston & Proctor's. Worked all afternoon &
till 6 p.m. finishing up the job, but though
dynamo was all right, there was some
fault in the connections so took out
the whole apparatus.
Friday May 4 Another perfect day. Only one
serviceable B.E. this morning & that
crashed at Wadd before midday.
Went in early morning parade this mng.
first time In about a week. Find
meals in the Sgt's mess, quite a
luxury after the men's mess hut.
Had a heated argument with J.B. over
the question of wireless duties verses
fatigues. J.B., was finally vanquished
by my appealing to Ross, so I expect
no more trouble. Will have my
permanent late pass after today.
Had no time to tackle Major's
lighting set today, but Marriott has
found me another set to fix up in
addition. Will probably spend my
week end in camp attending to them
Flying now classes between 12 & 4 p.m
but continues till about 9 p.m. late.
Friday May 11th Have had no leisure
to make entries or write letters
In a week. We have had splendid
weather again, fine every day with
the exception of last evening which
was wet. Saturday evening last
went into town & collected prints
from film of hut & 2 crashes from Boots.
244 prints in all & I have since
had to order over 120 more. Ran into
Hayles & we spent evening together.
Made a few purchases, then visited
Mawers, but everyone was out. Took a
stroll, then visited Picture Theatre.
Afterwards to Arcadia Cafe, where we had
a rather elaborate supper; then took
the Liversedge girls home, & walked
back to camp, arriving just on 1 am.
However it was a splendid evening.
Sunday passed off quietly but I did
not visit town; went to bed early.
Monday evening Lt Ross sent for me &
asked me to take over Headquarters
as Downing had complained that his
hands were already full with the Mess
Mine were too, but I couldn't find
very well dodge it. Asked Ross if
promotion went with it, but he
said that would probably come
later. . However I have not found
the job over troublesome so far.
& there have been no cases for orderly
room. Have now to call reveille
roll call & attend parades, also
drill men at 8 a.m. I suppose
I could drop part of this work
on the others, but so far have
not found it troublesome. Have
met with some opposition at
early roll call, as men are
inclined to lie in, but I think
all will go well now. Tuesday
our first concert was held, great
preparations had been made (tho'
I had no hand in them) & the
thing was a great success.
Last evening walked into Lincoln
& spent a pleasant evening with
Mawers. Have lately started
to give Lt Ross practice in buzzing,
as he intends to graduate. He
gets ½ an hour from 6-30 to 7.
Tuesday May 15th Saturday I took the
afternoon off, and joined Hayles at Liversedges,
whence with Floss & Mr Hartey, & Miss Butt, we
set off to join - big rambling party, which
made for Hartly, about 6 miles from Lincoln
through Darby. Quite a hot day, but the
country looked fine. Arrived just after
five & had tea, remained till 8, & then
walked back to Bracebridge, then by
tram to Lincoln. The evening proved
stormy, & rain set in for a while Hayles & I
were having tea supper at L's. Any amount
of lightning when we went for Edna it headie
We had our coats & put off our beak for home
but after 12-30. Even then we got badly
caught about half way, & had too
shelter behind walls, to get what
protection we could. Both got fairly wet,
but rain stopped afterwards & let us
proceed Reached camp about 1-45
pretty well tired out.
Sunday nothing of importance
happened. remained in camp all day
& had a very full evening at art. observes
we did not lock up till after 9 p.m.
Today reports came through that
the squadron was probably to be
a single seater scouting squadron
a type which would have no
use for either gunner observers or
wireless operators. After tonight's orders
called for applications be would be
pilots & about ¾ of the squadron
is making applications. Ted & myself
among them. Am not very keen
myself, on Millie's account, but am
quite willing to take my chance,
anyway I don't want to be transferred
out of the squadron & separated from
Ted. Harper, one of the first cadets
from 69th, was here the other day, & looped twice in a Avro, quite
a marvellous performance; I think
his success has rather fired our
other lads with ambition.
Friday May 18th. Nothing of importance
has occurred since Tuesday. Yesterday
evening when I visited town, turned
out thoroughly wet. I met Mrs Ball
at 7 pm. & we visited the Palace Theatre
hence to the Arcadia & home, then called
for Hayles at Liversedges, & tramped back
to camp:- fortunately the rain had ceased
Wed. July 11th Have neglected this diary
altogether for two months; other
work seems to have crowded it out.
Soon after we had paraded for pilots,
a number of the applicants were
called up before the major & a
number picked out. I was not
among the number but next day
heard unofficially that my name
was sent in with those recommended.
Heard nothing more about the matter
for several weeks.
Ted & I had two days holiday together
at Oldham and had a very nice
time; at the time I was pretty well
tired out with work & in need of a rest.
Had two short flies in No 61 Sqdn
B.E.'s at odd times.
In wireless work, things have been
moving; Marriott had me going on all
sorts of new stunts, particularly the
photographic picture target. We had to
fix this up temporarily for the visit of
General Salmon to the wing & he was
rather taken with it. The wing got a
very good report & as a result, Marriott
was sent to Canada, as instructor with
others, to form the nucleus of the new
Canadian Flying Corps. His successor
was Lt Allenby, who proved rather more
pushing than Marriott & rather anxious
to build up a reputation from our work.
Cadel Woods came back a couple of weeks
before Marriott left, & expected to get
his commission almost immediately.
Allenby's plans for had a sad knock
out, a couple of weeks ago. On the
evening of Wed, June 27th, word came
through from the Northern group that
all wireless operators (not mechanics)
were to proceed to Farnborough on
July 3rd, & hence overseas, all except
5 who were to return to the
squadron. The major & Allenby
did their best to cancel the order
but were unsuccessful & we found
ourselves at Farnborough last Tuesday
evening. The establishment of the
squadron had been reduced to
include only 5 operators & no
sergeant, but the major said he would
bring me back if possible as supernumerary
I later found he had sent instructions
to the Adjutant, Farnborough that I was
to be among those returned to the Squadron.
The major said that if anything came
through about flying we would be
sent for. At Farnborough were
two other spare wireless operator
sergeants, Fld. Sgt. Nicholl & Sgt Harding
& a number of operators, while another 30
were expected. The S.M. had no instructions
regarding us & we put in a couple of days
on outstation work. The prevailing
rumour was that a wireless squadron of
about 70 operators was to be found under
command of a major.
Friday morning, I suddenly received
notice to report at H'ferry Rd A.I.F. Hqrs.
with Adams, Miller, Smith Ross, Brook, Casey.
Scored passes for the day & warrants & caught
the 9-19. At Hqrs we were excited to
learn that we were the first arrivals
of 120 cadets picked from the 6 Aust.
Squadrons 68,69,70,71,29,30 twenty from each,
We were given ₤8 each f to purchase our
outfits, & leave passes for the week-ends.
We returned to F'bno at night to pack up
our kits, but the I. M refused us permission
to leave next morning, as he had no
orders regarding us. However we left.
without permission & caught the 8-44 train
Were in the middle of our shopping when the
air raid started, & we had a excellent
view of the enemy who passed right in
front of us, without being in any danger.
In the afternoon, inspected the damage done,
at the Port Office & in that neighbourhood.
Ross. Smith & I took rooms at Regent's
Palace Hotel, Piccadilly for the week-end,
Went to Her Majesty's "Chu Chin Chow" Saturday
night. Sunday was wet & I stayed in
all day writing.
Monday morning we spent collecting
our luggage & completing outfits.
Caught 2-32 train to Oxford with the
rest of 69th Sqdn Cadets, & were marched
to Queen's College, where we now have
our residence. Tuesday was filled in
with a series of preliminary lectures
today we started work in earnest.
Todays programme. Reveille 6 a m.
1st Parade 6-45, route march & back
to College
Breakfast 8 am. 2nd Parade 8-30 p.m.
March to Museum, Lecture Map Reading.
9-15 to 10-30 Lecture, Rigging 10-45 -11-45.
Lecture (Prelim) Engines 12-1. Lunch.
Parade 1-45, Lecture Clerget Engines 2-15 -3-30.
Lecture Beardmore Engines 3-45 - 5 pm.
Swimming in River. Dinner Parade 7-50.
Commence Study 9 pm.
Thursday June 12th The programme of
lectures allows us very little spare
time. From 5-30 to dinner parade
we are expected to take recreation
& exercise. So far I have always
gone to the river for a swim. Today
an enormous number of canoes, punts,
& boats were on the river, it being
the weekly half holiday here. Oxford is
a beautiful place especially at this time
of year but not particularly healthy
owing to the very damp atmosphere.
Most of us, myself included have felt
very "dopy" during lecture hours; and I
have contracted rather a bad cold.
Sunday Friday morning fell decidedly
ill, & was obliged to go on sick parade
& miss morning lectures. Turned out
in the afternoon still feeling very
seedy, but was pretty well
recovered next morning. Friday received
cable from Hobart that Millie has now
a daughter. Both well. Went swimming
again yesterday after lectures, & water was
particularly good. Today our parade
till 8-15 Reveille at 7-15 ; quite a pleasant
change
Monday Saturday 21st. On Wednesday morning 40 of
us went to London for medical examination
at the Air Board Offices, Hotel Cecil.
The tests included eyesight, & ability to
recognise colours, hearing, nerves, heart,
and we were examined thoroughly in every
way. I was somewhat afraid that my
cold & indifferent health at the time,
would tell against me, but was
lucky enough to be passed for pilot.
Adams & Ross also passed but the
others did not fare so well. Smith
& Miller being classed temporarily unfit,
& will require ^-re- examination later.
Brook was passed as observer, though
apparently in the best of condition.
I expect it was owing to his
keen eyesight. Casey was turned down
altogether on account of eyesight & heart.
Had most of the afternoon free &
started to hunt up Stan Golding. Dicovered
at A.I.F. Hqrs that he was in A.M.C & now
at Southall 2nd A.A.H, about ½ hrs ride from
Paddington. Arrived there to find he was
on afternoon leave, left note instead.
We caught 9-50 train from Paddington & were
back in college just on midnight. Ted
wrote Thursday from Ealing where he is
having a fortnights' course on synchronising
machine guns. I hope to be with
him in London before we leave here.
When first arrived here we were told to
our surprise that we could expect our
commission at the end of 3 weeks: that
has since proved to have been a
mistake on the part of the R.F.C. people.
Col Reynolds was at the College for dinner
last night, but he made no attempt to
address the cadets.
Friday 27th. Work has progressed
steadily all week, today & Wednesday, we
had to visit the range after 5 p.m. for
machine gun practice: early morning parades
are to now cut out for this last week of
our studies. On Sunday evening took a
canoe on the river with Adams but upset
& had proper ducking. Tunic badly damaged
by indelible pencil & still at cleaners.
"Andy" Fisher & Col Griffith visited us
yesterday & stayed overnight. The H.C.
made us a speech after dinner, but
it amounted to nothing. This morning,
a group photograph was taken of
all the Australian including, Fisher
Reynolds Griffiths. Results pretty good.
Aug 6th. 1917 The exams last
Tuesday & Wednesday passed off almost
without event. Every cadet (except
two passed for Certificate A.
Those two will be given another
chance & "pushed out" in a few days
We hung about through Thursday &
Friday, waiting for news of posting
or leave. I wrote to Oldham,
intending to spend our promised 3
days leave there. Friday midday we
were given leave till Sunday evening,
Time too short to visit Oldham
so went to London instead.
Friday, Regent's Palace Hotel. evening at
Hippodrome Zig-Zog. Sat. morning,
Horseferry Rd; then to Bayswater
to look up Con. Foster who was out.
Left note & after dinner, visited Southall.
2nd A.A.H., & spent afternoon & evening
with Stan Golding. Overnight at
Red Lion, Southall & started next
morning for Bayswater. Found Con home
& remained for dinner. Wandered back
to Paddington in afternoon & struck a
slow train to Oxford arriving at
college 9-30 pm. Now awaiting
news of posting which may arrive
this morning or possibly not for a
couple of days.
Friday Aug 10th 1917.
Monday evening the news postings
came out in orders: Ross, Adams,
Brook, Miller & myself had applied
for Edinburgh, but there was no room
there & we were hopelessly split up.
Ross to Waddington, Adams & Miller to
Northoll, & mt myself to Netheravon
No 24 squadron. Brook was not posted
but would probably be sent to B'lands.
Smith & Leary were still in London, for
which they left on Mon. morning &
were not to be examined till
Wednesday. Miller & myself visited
the Theatre on Monday night.
Tuesday morning we caught the 10-43 train.
from Oxford, proceeding to Netheravon
by way of , Basingstoke, Paton &
Bulford. A lorry took us on four
miles to the camp, on Salisbury plains.
Salisbury is the nearest big town, about
14 miles off. There are 4 squadrons
forming the 4th Wing 7th 8th & 24 (Elem)
& 72 (H.T.). Five of us were posted
to each of the elementary squadrons,
myself with 2 other to "B" Flight No 24.
under Capt Pain. We arrived about
3 p.m. & spent the afternoon reporting
to Wing Adj; Squadron Adj. flight
commanders &c. A great deal of
flying was going in & the squadrons
must have nearly 40 Farmans,
both Shorthorns & Longhorns. There
appeared to be aboit nearly 200 pupils.
The camp is a well built one &
well equipped, & I should say
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