Diary of Herbert Alexander Affleck, 1916 - Part 9

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Part of Quest:
Diaries of Herbert Alexander Affleck - 1914-17
Subject:
  • War Diaries
Status:
Finalised
Accession number:
RCDIG0000536
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

JUIN TI. Mont- 2826 Shower Bionaged at Spcncwilher Left bivonac about 10.0 ar via Towtencout to Harsenville ouaced in village camped for nightear.A Heard heavy firing up at line all night also towards Albee to bngland nection d lethes from n1 from Rora Combes Kage slop mac.I from Couss Mat 0 from t bears Alexanding TOLL 1816 31 DAYS tuie, I. WEDNESDAN UURORES At. Haiponvill tell mydday moved it half hours notice towards yeriing lie things quieter fire ballons upobserving- Our Received parcel from J Millers also peper from thon Numbersf aroplancs passed yover ours 9. Our arti- aircas in action eaily morn Pasken numbers of motel Passed thro 1 leset Narcines Hedanville. Sowzincourt pulled into wagon wise to albeut Albet to La Bousclle went up thro Homiies, early on mori tok over fo it 20- pavour seize Brigade
TOLFHunious Lanventk Month-1916 that a took at cater 110 dee Fie SO TAURSDAN 202101 bigge di Near da Boiselle. Aak & Village gi position in first line. Ielman Menches pits very cude a mass afartillery agound is 4460ls Hew 4.5, Ilarger at Bad in wood 16 navor at Albert also 12 on ailway also 75n close landy tteon truckes in back of bock We have 25 Rute ballons upobserving icounited so accoptances up is well e opened fire evening Leation firl minute sight left alternately (rections kept fire up, thro night other guns firing 181681 DaS Ta alert du rght aed Je ERIDAT16 AX E gun pit. at Ja. Baissell still onsection firing lenghtened out. towards evering to 2 muter kept i i.M.F had turn at every number ben+ Attack on Pozicres supposed to come off tonight Oie beys to attact backed up by Guard. due Tt some sleep when able umminition up in our wayons from Albeert aw one of our places come down behind our lines after action with enemy maching que fim kench ad damge Tater our Vickers F brought down teen occupints sillect, our chaps escaped, so ballons upon also timber of planes
7th Month-1916 SUIY i fo Recived 22 SATURDAVl 204-162 Arme Tenc gun pit keptp fire thro wast + thro out day wtible put out of action fars butfer not wiiking correctly. Huns shall road occasionly he gets more back than he sends over. Big guns chief orbaid Pozieres, our objectin one of our places came down miskap. Stant to be tonight. fantry moving up gied up till tonight about ounds ence started lopse to be O. Pskelled today action tonrgh Our gen out of action assisted A oub Action. 12. sbered JoIN 1818-3177278 + IH B SUNDATTEOBIO disfect and on gi pid near De Boisel Weassested A sub, last nght macke fired rounds our infartry attacked sorieres H tck half of villdge & redd it, a lot af mind casualities; the usual fir carried or afterwardo My. 184 saw a number of Serman prisoners being taken. to rear officers anyst she lot some weeds some good stamp Had a look in dny out near 29 crater dead in some work had a look at 60w. field, thus taw 4 ca quiet, Hhell3. 106
1024 7 Momp 1916 1316 31 Pa7S JOLL Fine tie D n 1 E25,TUESDAYI(2O7,159 Near La Boisslee in pit Somine distrct. B sub pit ecicired a letter sery the gen taken to wworkshops also parcel from home at reas to be repaired dates res. 4 Jme. 27. May Entofaction nogin We waited last nigh assisted A sub i courter atack did not come, opened tis Recisoed two letters from at 3.30 pr to absest taken englaid one from renand soation of Pozceo dent Amingat one B appered to b it rom Fracie Parkis night before, attack succesful Pegures in our lands demain attacked maser prmation afternoo suc repulsed. On fatigue affice Augent leave firng at fior ae this eveniing oted fB cad hom day
JULY 7th Month- 1916 FTe WMN I MS L Somsins district B. Sub Dit nothing doing all day but Hatigues thrphed misty Dallons up. plancs aco Our gun returns from shops in action again, Dsubs taken to behops; Firing all night on stunt 4rds gim fire at indewels. Feok a s hour shift has alest wearing boy halmet JULY 1916-31 Days Fue ETORSDNEL SPPSOT In somnie distrct near Albert at La Boisselle On duty B out pit firring all day at intervals urtil 6. pr handed over to C sub Iaction twice in evening tent op t village had a lood avound got some showl also convined knniows about S Dwv relieving no here w Tuf. about
JULY 7th Month- 1916 telare naur end of Drefist Thre ES FRIDATTiS sine D Somie district raas B sul p Albert. things fairly quiet Hens pat a few over.9 Heavy pows put in at oid rear sopend fire, saw shills Havelling tho are mail supposed to Clo omoeroe for Aushalia Cloud pose to sky on right probable are Ally nino explodes 115 Ballons ap oir dud no ricult, heavy bonbardnent on right afterdaik xceived one letter from from B.H.D. 13 June coased prin 11.15 pm started 12.14 pr 1 supposed dimp blew ups 1818 31 121S1 Yesterday 564 Fie 20 SATURDAF W21-165 district near Abbert, I Bisal oing's pairly quiet g stunt last aid not seen from yes toosweces altho did not faie infirely Huns pat a few over. fost of accoplanes up. several are ducts counted. 23 Kisc Dallon of Allies in air at once Huss sent over gos stelt had tto wear felnets till it blen over:- Heavy guis firiig over head a bit of a stunt about 11 p evering shells hit cordite bchind heavy gen 60lt.
JUEF 7th Month- 1916 Dortn Fue 30. SUNDAY A 212-154 dispict Fus Albert B subn action about wbefore din yaus prtisobat hit a hcaseinea watencais a aber depst 12 irig at Heins, they retalliated feebly whigbang sobacco issue day andupto date sut mess p wens to canteen other side Fricourts Wgod tall fou houly stet Abit of a stunt tnight On guaid night 9t.40 chupt TEULY 1916-31 Days T 213163 In to district near Albert B. sub Things fairly quiet arbut of action during nnight last and afternoon. Hur planes Reinforcements over. Du ent-movnng to3 ses- Tuesda A x obet at 100 pr 39n Went over to Fa Boissetle village with GoidanB Heavy Bty all rear-moved to right rearout of appeciently yew line. Hunsdid not reply much remoue re being relieved wil popucation supposed to be sevuring to Albert
AUGUST 8th Month- 1916 Water Yme 1 August TUESDAYO✓ 214- 152 Fr. Sord Slishirk hear alleant Fied Brigades alo Things fairly quiet. Hems sent affew ower Posted 14 post cards ecordin other boo Hims caught 2 Dgt 1 Bong pilted &2 gurs wounded ro 22d Bhyalong side 8 ampust Hhou stant till aan stant at 3.022 A. & AUGUST 1916-31) Days 119 War Lice 2WEDNESDAN 215-151 on somine distrct near albert Writing letter home also Aint tannue. number of planes up also ballows heard Clayton hon for morse on Auoplane scont or contact wen to sec contalmaion had a look tho visiage, raw Mamely Woods oficies daicount & Wood Ja Roissell Williers from hill over from Bhy saw ceptured nateial, also 77.mm gi anmunition, reference to inscription on give at back of this 4 pot stert
AUGUST 8th Month- 19161 FWatm SITHURSDAYETITO Fre nshick near Albevt No stet last night except 4 her am up from W.S Hens sent a fewoue during night D. Dub had pems causedby right fitting shells Pa pese of phell snt 664 mackoon Ourcoub on Anty foush pater & mysey walked I Bly Mault to dery get some occar for mess dong wald n Lesult pt. Biddle nit not bartly 1916—31. Days AUGUST L A MEINI wo manis Aiskict Ycar Albeect of our aioplanes throught 2. Huns m to captne swondwill hill tonight expect stirt unt commenced about just dark fired so do attack touccenful. 47 p su ur had a preinatue caught stewart o heeped to carry o waet to diessing station ent Patterson tot o head the t mush hope if or him l of Demprey not badly bt
Sthe Month— 1916 AUGUST 1916—341Days SURUSN was SESATURDAN III 218-148 tie SISUNDATIAEISI Iue Samuie diskict vear Somnie district Rangage gully. A Boise Alfeit & In relieving 4 hr Hunt dhing acu saw some of 14 By-heard bens machines up, must have spotted us, as shell that Lindsay was inn Eageand paples inquired for him. S.9. cane over after dark Du supposed to be at 24t Bty had a closeshave t raples. Daw Jack Pect haff dog reen with shell copporal, 34is secmed well phock Vcollabone bioka a away, shells landed close they g relieved to us, one out in front of csal officer of 22nd Bhy woinded at O.P. 1n. F.O.O Went down wts deep angont for might Smith Tarker changed Brown gretuined from M. station with Plaisted & Duker Htill rumours about being Downing went to M. eli cyed rrigade mentioned in dispatches

JULY 7th Month - 1916 
Showery 18 TUESDAY 200 - 166 
Bivouaced at  
Puchevilliers 
Left bivouac about 10.0am  
via Foutencourt to 
Harpenville bivouaced 
in village camped for 
night near M.T. A.S.C 
Heard heavy firing  
up at line all night 
also towards Albert 
section  In England↓ 
received letters from  
home 5, 1 from Rosa Combes 
also large envelope  
of old ones, 2 from Cousin 
Mat & one from S Sears 
at Alexandria 
  
1916 - 31 Days JULY 
Fine 19 WEDNESDAY 201 - 165 
At Harpenville. 
till midday. Moved  
off at half. hours notice 
towards firing line. 
things quieter. five 
ballons up observing - ours -  
Received parcel from J. Millers. 
also paper from home 
{numbers of areoplanes passed 
{over ours, 9. Our anti- 
{aircraft in action early morn 
Passed numbers of motor 
lorries etc, Passed thro' xxxxxx 
Varennes, He'dauville, Bouzincourt 
to Albert. pulled into wagon line 
went up thro' Albert to La Boisselle. 
took over from Tommies early on morn 
of 20th . Saw our seige Brigade

 

JULY Numerous Souvenirs 7th Month - 1916 
Had a look at crater 110 deep bigger dia 
Fine 20 THURSDAY 202 - 164  
Near La Boiselle Crater & village 
In gun position in first 
line German trenches 
pits very crude 
a mass of artillery 
around us 4.7, 60 lbs 
How. 4.5, 9.2 larger at back rear in   
wood, 6" naval at Albert 
also 12" on railway, also 75 mm 
close handy. Note on trenches in  
back of book. We have 21 Kite 
ballons up observing counted 
20 areoplanes up as well. 
We opened fire afternoon evening 8.45 
Section fire 1 minute right 
& left alternately (sections,) 
kept fire up, thro night others 
guns firing
  
1916 - 31 Days Gas alert during night fired JULY 
Fine 21 FRIDAY 203 - 163 A.X. 
In gun pit B at La Boisselle 
still on section firing 
lenghtened out towards evening 
to 2 minutes kept it up in X s 
Took aim at every number bar I. 
Attack on Pozieres supposed to come 
off tonight. Our boys to attack 
backed up by Guards Div. 
Got some sleep when able 
Ammunition up in our wagons  
from Albert. Saw one of our planes 
come down behind our lines after 
action with enemy machine 
gun from trench did damage 
Later our Vickers .F. brought down 
Hun, occupants killed, our chaps 
escaped. 20 ballons up our also 
number of planes.

 

JULY 7th Month - 1916 
Recieved paper from home. 
Fine 22 SATURDAY 204 - 162  
In gun pit 
Kept up fire thro' night & 
thro' out day until put out 
of action thro' buffer not 
working correctly. 
Huns shell road occasionly. 
he gets more back than he 
sends over. Big guns chiefly 
bombard Pozieres. our objective 
One of our planes came down 
mishap. Stunt to be tonight  
infantry moving up. 
Fired up till tonight about 
rounds since started 
O.P shelled today. Hope to be in 
action tonight 
Our gun out of action 
assisted A sub. action 12.30pm
  
1916 - 31 Days  JULY 
Village stormed 
twice by Tommies 
Fine 23 SUNDAY 205 - 161 
In Somme district 
In gun pit near La Boiselle 
We assisted A sub last night 
in action fired rounds 
our infantry attacked 
Pozieres & took half of  
village and held it, a lot of minor 
casualities, the usual fire 
carried on afterwards by Bty. 
Saw a number of German 
prisoners being taken to rear 
officers amongst one lot, x some  
weeds some good stamp - 
Had a look in dug outs near 
Crater, dead in some, great 
work had a look at 60 lbs  
& 4.7 xxx field, Huns fairly 
quiet, shell 3.6" cal 9" yard

 

JULY 7th Month - 1916 
cold night assisted A sub 
Fine  24 MONDAY 206 - 160 
Near La Boiselle in pit 
Recieved a letter Elsie 
Also 1 parcel from home 
dates res 4 June 27 May 
We waited last night  
for counter attack 
did not come, opened fire 
at 3.30 p.m. to assist taking 
remaining position of Pozieres 
3rd Bde supposed to take it. 1st & 3rd  
night before, attack succesful 
Pozieres in our hands, Germans 
attacked in open formation afternoon 
suc. repulsed. On fatigue officers 
dugout heavy firing at front  
line this evening 
Posted p.s. card home 
today.
  
1916 - 31 Days JULY 
Fine 25 TUESDAY 207 - 159 
In Somme district. B sub pit 
Our gun taken to workshops  
at rear to be repaired 
Out of action no gun - 
assisted A sub - 
Recieved two letters from 
England one from 
Aunt Annie & one  
from Gracie Parkins

 

JULY 7th Month - 1916 
Fine 
26 WEDNESDAY 208 - 158 
In Somme District 
B. sub pit -  
Nothing doing all day 
but fatigues 
Atmosphere misty 
no ballons up. 
Planes up in scores 
Our gun returns from 
shops, in action 
again. D sub's taken 
to shops, firing all 
night on stunt 4 rds 
gun fire at intervals 
Took a 3 hour shift 
Gas alert wearing box 
helmets
  
1916 - 31 Days JULY 
Fine  27 THURSDAY 209- 157 
In Somme district near 
Albert at La Boisselle 
B sub pit - On duty 
firing all day at intervals 
until 6p.m. handed over 
to C sub. 
In action twice in evening 
Went over to village & 
had a look around got 
some shovels also souvenirs 
Rumours about 2nd Div 
relieving us here. 
2nd Div Inf. about

 

JULY 7th Month - 1916 
We are near end of British Line  
Fine 28 FRIDAY 210 - 156  
In Somme district near 
Albert 
In B sub pit - 
Things fairly quiet 
Huns put a few over 9.2 
Heavy howz put in at our 
rear, opend fire, saw 
shells travelling thro air 
Mail supposed to close  
tomorrow for Australia   
Cloud rose to sky on right 
probably an Ally mine exploded 
15 Ballons up. air duel no 
result, heavy bombardment 
on right - after dark. 
Recieved one letter from home 
B.N.D. 13th June. Ceased firing 
11.15p.m. started 12.14pm. 
20rds  1 hr) 
  
Supposed dump. blew up  
1916 - 31 Days yesterday JULY 
Fine 29 SATURDAY 211 - 155 
In Somme district near 
Albert In B. sub. 
Things fairly quiet 
Stunt last night did not 
seem from afar too successful    
altho' did not fail intirely 
Huns put a few over. 
Host of areoplanes up. 
several air duels, 
counted 23 Kite ballons 
of Allies in air at once 
Huns sent over gas shells 
had to wear helmets 
till it blew over - 
Heavy guns firing over-head 
A bit of a stunt about 11p.m. 
enemy shells hit cordite 
behind heavy gun 60 lbs

 

JULY 7th Month - 1916 
Fine & warm 30 SUNDAY 212 - 154 
In Somme district Albert 
B. sub in action about 
3 a.m also before dinner 
Huns put some back 
hit a horse in rear in  
water cart at water depot 
12" firing at Huns. they 
retaliated feebly whizbangs 
Tobacco issue day. 
Paid up to date sub mess a/c 
Went to canteen other side 
of Fricourt Wood. 
Had a four hourly stunt - 
a bit of a stunt during night 
On guard night, 9 to 10 
shift
  
1916 - 31 Days JULY 
Fine 31 MONDAY 213 - 153 
In Somme district near 
Albert B sub. 
Things fairly quiet a bit 
of action during night, last, 
and afternoon. Hun planes 
over. Reinforcements 
to 2nd Div Inf moving 
up -  
A.X stunt at 10.0pm & 3 a.m Tuesday 
Went over to La Boisselle 
village with Jordan. B 
Heavy Bty at rear moved 
to right - rear out of apparently 
zero line. Huns did not reply 
much. 
Rumour re being relieved 
Civil population supposed to 
be returning to Albert.

 

AUGUST  8th Month - 1916 
Fine & Warm
1 August TUESDAY 214 - 152 
In Somme district -  
near Albert 
Fired Brigade salvo. 
Things fairly quiet 
Huns sent a few over. 
Posted 14 post cards 
record in other book. 
Huns caught 2 Bgts 1 Bosch 
killed & 2 gnrs wounded 
in 22nd Bty alongside 
of our position. 
4 hour stunt till 1 a.m. 
stunt at 3 a.m. A. X.
  
1916 - 31 Days  AUGUST   
Fine & Warm 2 WEDNESDAY 215 - 151 
In Somme district near 
Albert. 
Writing letter home also 
Aunt Fannie. 
Number of planes up also  
ballons heard Claxton horn 
for morse on Areoplane 
scout or contact 
Went to see Contalmaison 
had a look thro' village, saw 
Mametz Wood, Pozieres, 
Fricourt & Wood, La Boisselle 
& Ovilliers from hill 
over from Bty saw captured  
material, also 77m.m. gun  
& ammunition, reference to 
inscription on gun at back of this 
book. 4 hour stunt 

 

AUGUST 8th Month - 1916 
Fine & Warm 3 THURSDAY  216 - 150 
In Somme district near 
Albert 
No stunt last night except 
4 hr am. up from W. L.  
Huns sent a few over during 
night. 
D sub had proms caused by  
tight fitting shells. Saw 
piece of shell with land 
marks on it. 
Our sub on duty tonight. 
Foster & myself walked to  
Mecact Mc'ault to try & 
get some scran for 
mess, long walk no 
result. 
Capt Biddle. hit not badly
  
1916 - 31 Days AUGUST 
Fine 4 FRIDAY  217 - 149 
In Somme district near 
Albert. 
3 of our Aeroplanes brought 
down 2 huns - 
2nd Div to capture windmill 
hill tonight expect stunt - 
Stunt commenced about  
9p.m. just dark fired 80 rds 
attack successful. 4.7 to our 
rear had a premature caught 
Bdr Stewart helped to carry 
him back to dressing station  
Lieut Patterson hit in head & chest 
not much hope for him also 
Sprook Dempsey not badly hit.

 

AUGUST  8th Month - 1916 
Fine & Warm  5 SATURDAY  218 - 148 
In Somme district 
Sangage gully. La Boiselle 
4 hr stunt during day 
Huns machines up. Must 
have spotted us, as shells 
5.9 came over after dark. 
24th Bty had a close shave as 
half doz men with shell 
shock.  1 collar bone broken sent 
away. Shells landed close 
to us, one out in front of C sub. 
Went down into deep dug out for 
night. Smith & Parker changed 
with Plaisted & Duker 
Browning went to M.T.
  
1916 - 31 Days  AUGUST 
Fine 6 SUNDAY 219 - 147 
In Somme district near  
Albert 
5th Div relieving 2nd 
saw some of 14th Bn. heard 
that Lindsay was in England 
or Staples. inquired for him. 
1st Div supposed to be at 
Staples. Saw Jack Peck 
Corporal. 3 frs seemed well 
being relieved. 
Officer of 22nd Bty wounded  
at O.P. or F.O.O. 
Browning returned from M.T.  
station 
Still rumours about being  
relieved 
21st Brigade mentioned in 
dispatches.

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