Diary of Herbert Vincent Reynolds, 1916-1917 - Part 6

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
RCDIG0001014
Difficulty:
3

Page 1 / 10

The day berteen very salf bat fire Has sonladown tor the Carly has ethr fortheng g to Hetch a whect f OVEMBER 19ICabout yf him on oal may shpe NOVEMBER 1916 ao Gathbarage fire agas fatoe our liges near the advance a tn by the Encory. but very few chealtus reculted the sd dives are returing Honsgh SUNDAY 12 TIOKSNT T6 2ist after Trinity Iwweat down to the recbitation I had a bath & a change of clothing can About 2am a patient came down from the Advance port & ony squed carried him dowing one of our squnds were reat up to help oarry a neumber of wounces to were expected, but the lobr say it was for alean trough ne gota fow things at the conteen & repulled a hadt o f about o vaused Felept in the drating In & got a bit of sleep between hips, about event down to the village at Beire bet there was not much to logst 6 om a patient same down & aetook him doan About an the Pen of the 12th. Relewent throughned ithere 12casiswent thingh. I taok on thingt aboutsam. About 7. 3oam a heaay bange firas hadep b on or pengine to theath of these Paenth whaled umengitalles fora sheo his onny fron agarcen n MONDAY 13 FRIDAY 17 1 There were as ocaaltees curing theing it about ye soam a heavy berags fire so as fet I have been on duty with the sanitary fetigal Asday, allaning eir the enem line you o piae Aboutwan & sges of the re Pld And releived alload up the camp. egds but nine I went up) directed teacluving agds to the advance itn About ope theeneny frot sove shells veryclose to our position me being an incendary shell Things have been rather givet today the day has been rather dult but fine; TUESDAVII4 SATURDAY 18 About Canocrachlley, began a heavy bomberdment of the enemys lines & it kept We went for a march along the amiens rot for about sar= up for a couple of his Wehad a moct for breakfold& left Eactolers afran miles this afternoon the day has been extrenly cold back to Longanal through Deloil wood at picted up the remainder of the 28th. the ground was covered by now this morning. Ambs & haddinsar. A shell blus upone of our beoonoie killed on of the 3th. He and lad 23 piinens about 11 am. 19 prismngrs came down about 10 30am We marched off about s frm arong at the andreuing a tn about o Sohntat ecortel D panedithrough WEDNESDAY 15 Memo. tetarediont at goin g foreaded al 8 2o nedy to more off the sambs mored off Sawards Albert haied through there a marched along the Amiens not, The 1st o Ant bearere weat into carses bbissaas about e ailes from Albert, afterding we marched to the Any ac resl etationa Baure wher we got paid se got awark & were sold to come tomorrow for a bath. Ol
NOVEMBER 1916 SUNDAY 19 2and after Trinity The day has been nather fine; I had leave to vuit Ameens toclay d with a mate sedout for the restitation where we got our hars it about gain, we gota ride= ther had to wall about smills before getting a lift in enoth a noterwagg in to which took ao right in to the city about spmn we epsent the day looking around the its but mowt of the shops were closed we inspected the cathederal & had a good look shronghit. MONDAY 20 We done an has equad will his morning & this afternoon was marched into Albert to the canteen & then diemissed I got aside backing notersag TUESDAY 2I Wegot orders very suddenly Homors off at 8 soan we packed up & marched to the Ang resotation at Buiae Then trough the village & thrugh Demincoust encelte & wwhat remains of Bevordel, To the nen drewing t& &C. R8 where a had dines & connence work inediately after I was detailed off to Grant & fir lids on refule bosset WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 1916 THURSDAY 23 I goterders to pack my ket report at the orderly roo theis morning along with another chap we were sent then to report at the Angaerlaw mill at Mealte to work on ambalance trucks for the light railway at the line. FRIDAY 24 We set to work on the framework of which they are soled affaire & we nanaged to get one together by knock off fire 250 pitys are employed here making duck boards SATURDAY 25 Spent an exkenly badnight, reported at rich parade & pat of fdaty I has been raining mnear all days Memo.
405 NOVEMBER 1816 SUNDAY 26 23rd after Trinity I reported again at sich parsale at the 15th Flot Arb & rs at put off suty for the day. It has theen raining near all the night & has been Adtherwet Mroagh the day. MONDAY-27 We had a heary fror Tismorning & a hary fogalso what did not lift Hill near dimertine I went down to the mill d clone a bit today The ar tllerg has been very aotis along the front during the day TUESDAY 28 I have been working all day at the mill, part of the buildings are being chifted & are being rebaild into one large building A perty of the 3r bett have been brought ofs to do night was making duch boards WEDNESDAY 20 I knocked off wor fearly I went down to the 8R8 at Brendel to see the mates got a fas eha rations we are extrenely short of them bere. NOV-DEC. 1916 THURSDAY 30 S. Andrew Spent the day at themill. FRIDAYI DEC. We had a heary froed thee morning & it has been exhemely solde all day I worked down at the mill this morning but was feeling very crook & tarred in afterdinner. SATURDAVI2 ) Hary froet & exhremely cold have been making duck loarets Fwent down to the C.R.S. at Becordle after tea get a pair of bonadian Snow boots issaed alio gree onvelape Received a letters from home TMemo.
DECEMBER 1916 DECEMBER 1916 SUNDAY3 THURSDAV-7 ist in Advent thereante nomes othrough the oight again. We have to fut money My mate I went down to the Anyac reclavingt at Bure shemonding steme doan herein one angual playing canes it as our powt is vble where we got haid had dinner at the canp& then got on a notor wingonsad to the oning wnhe occasionally shells the moinity a My sgned were catled out ee far as Levier mill where I got a skongs of underclathes &a bath Received of the suring in at about 1120per to take a patient down we brought back two Lletters & konas and from another also a letter from Wasboine Got orders to report too Thenations Ay soandimerron. MONPATY FAISANS Packest afor reforted to te amhool b t hat Becorlle at 9 roam aemarchedoff.] anegned are cook for the stay Igabug & got the tieatfo alout or so afabout i ream reached the colecting drning station at Longer val aboutd e had a cten for dinner & a mibl prdding for ery thereis mothing Hods ap those thes kind &we have plenty of nations whah is anusual, & haue pon where we got belleded the new How hads which have been arrected them living rather well ay Gelaenddom fn the nations tonight I rear improvements have been ade he since we were here last a light oai voy runs into the stn from the line now Mel WaNitchel today, He day has Oheen a fincine my butchave trabled me in themasel TUESDAVI5 SATURDAV9 C Things are very quiet recospendement ofour Aime tolaying bridge othereport anvy comfortable night pasked ap what we wall not requise ap a the line isour packs afores then dratent about ro ue moved off at we are enhemely lueby that ther drevery fineases lately parsed through Longsivel 2 Deboil wood & went night out to the Tact e as the harf is in an exhremely but retippey condition. obeasing it from there my sed with two others were sent in to the advince fan we carried one patient down about hm one wven down earlier. The grand it fallope slispery for carliing one WEDNESDAY 6 47 Memo. Hyon have omitted to order you things have been entrendly gwit there were no aaree during the night new Diary for rorg it would be well to do so NOW perent dsappeintment Ofercued a times eard from Lena Stonee. He are nather cncnped in our day out a mates I fixed up a bunp witf two sheatehers to dag.
DECEMBER 1916 DECEMBER 1916 THURSDAYIA SUNDAY 10 and in Advent this place is very eald after our old digont. He fell in at gun Peuie Hlaving mothing sle to do we played bridge olo whit near fruton duly witl iny equad taking pakents down to the hain about three all day. News to the effect that Buchareet has fallen came along quarters of a mile away at the Quarry. Wehave to carry the patient about eoyds to Salay. a light tranway Ahea puch the truck to within about 300 yds of the collecting nd then cvrry the patient. Weare working ex hrehifts & 24 off Exerial activty this morning one enemgplane was firced sown. Artillery in bott reced has been extrlnely active al day, afout of frm my squad carried a patient down, d on FRIDAYIs oue return with the sations and bn extemity war seore the enemg were shelling the valley with High calibye, artiller Wedid not have much work through the night & got a little sleep. Mysgaed are cooks for thoday. I got out about 8.30 0m & got broakfart of at gam we were releived bason & steal, there was a heavy frort this morning, the day Broke with every procpedt of a beautifulday, but if soon came over oloudy + later comense to rain Acheat her case same down about gan a f erty wandered into the enemye lines 1 lest ought & only ogeot buapou t o/ 14. I received a knas cake & pudding along witf a letter Pfear kalf. Wehad a high class dimer of staffed atul roact potators ronions. There ws gred SATURDAY16 TUESDAN 12 We clarted al9 an & then had a fair amount of worg a largenumber It snowed elightly during the night. ws easuathies came through H I did not surn out till dinner tims. At about yom thearkillery got of hench fat rreconing through. It has been ensuing o oday a lettl buisy & shells wereflyingever where net flareswent up from th eneing We had our t nas padding for te with hinmed quinces & mayona sauce. WEDNESDAY 13 Memo. We had no cares through the night. At about pm we were releived I made our way back to the Longawel dressing Ntation where we got into a Foad shat for the night.
DECEMBER 1916 SUNDAY 171 6 3rd in Advent There were about so cheakher cases went through yesterdayd up til gain this noming whenewe were releived MONDAY 18 Wentondity at examuation hut at 9am TUESDAY19 a rather severe froe this morning, we had a very cary night. Light falls of andw fell this afterroon WEDNESDAY 20 Ember Day The ground was quite white this morning) a heavy froet followed ithe ene the greand s ar hard as a brick. An enemy gan opened fore at about soan +1 continued all my eght for a Rile almedday, three huets were destroyed in a cmpover the gully of focite. DECEMBER 1916 THURSDAY 2I S. Thomas Tumedout, at yom got breakfast &ewens to Selville wood on wood fatigal we collected a load of firewood & landed it into a G. Saagon which brought it To our camp thenwe were firnihed for the day. Itramed a good bi this morning continued throughout the day. PAIDAVSE It has been raining near all the morning but it cleased up after diner I was rather fine this evening. I reported on sick paraal & was put of f sut fa the day & to get my throat painted. This evening two heavyganson th railway chilled for a toutan hour numer ous accoplanes of ourswvere cireling round this evening. SATURDAY 23 I was pason proquel duty to keep un authorised persons from coming through the comp The wind has been blowing all day done a good deal of damage to different places, it has been raining off on through the Lay, Eachman hada bos cmed to him ambring comfort from the was chect fand. Memo.
15 DECEMBER 1916U DECEMBER 1916 THURSDAY-28 TSUNDAY 24 Holy Innocents oth in Advent Peace Sunda I have been working un the chalt quarry all the moring We had a fairly cary night of it. A number of enemy acroplanes have been up ethis morning. Letaing Early this morning an explais digging Lamps of shalf for paths in the comp: several enemy of come kird occurred away fowards our left. acroplanes were over this moring. This afternoon Fwees working "on a drain which is being any through the camp Sewarees the morthealt in the mnemystires putenduty taking patient to the Quarry dimp uptill mednight we Noop 1s Statche patients AV 25 FRIDAV 29 Christmas Day Things have been nather quet through the night only iion heatchersac We epent a very miserable Xmas day, a more mierableone could no came down. an enemy gan has been cending shells very close to our canpall be imagined there was as little work done as poccible Tepent the morning night several exploded right in the camp but done no damage. A party of si playing oarder the afternoon soloquising over the fire Curdimer consisted of of aswent down to the baths a toNealle by the 30 hein from the Quarry Ireland plain Ntow followed by the duff a sall amount of fraits d other sormed asuff by the 5 30 hain from Meralte Asday Oar heavy guns have been very varlent to us along with unwearable clating, The day has been eold rather bbos [The eneny havibuen chelling oue fron blinesr soffort all day Alopm sbofysine active all day especially alabout y pm when a huge sef Potion appear SATURDAY 30 TUESDAY 126 Bex There were no eaces came down through the night at all At grom we were releev e o Phiftis to be worked noe Curold hut collapied lastevening A tained near allnight from upn tocan. a few ofses went down to see one of the enemys Sekells that did not exploce, last wednesday, it is amaval armoar persing gin shell & resenbles a huge-bulle MAnAI WEDNESDAY 27 S. John, Evan.
DEC. 1916-TAN. 1917 SUNDAYSID ist after Christmas Our old evacuation thut was pulled down today & we have to get in the Coffeeetall wait MONDAY I JAN. 1917 Circumcision. Bank Holiday in Scotland We had a very excy night. I did not have a tipdurng the night. I spent the day n bed unill fea time wen on duly at 8 frm TUESDAV.2 The onemy have been sending onr one heavys hells to sry Asband has been playing seleations during the aftersoon overin a comp abeat 3ongds away. WEDNESDAY 3 JANUARY 1917 TTORSPNY4 I had one hip down to the railway with yatcent cuving the night we wereable ito sull the rewbline & go night to te Leesing :atnoisor. FEIANS Things were fairly amisduring the night Enemy ansily have been our todey. Asabout 1030si ackeneting gen opened fire dropped w hells in the voinity of our camp. SATURDAY 6 piphan The enemy gun ceased fire at avoot midnight & when the hair returned at about sm things were fanly auat Tevent down the live to the rsth. Ilmb & coming back we had to carry ouriticatateres blankets half way, it was rnowing rather heavely when we were coing back l about gai sether chaps) I gooen an atbulance & returned No Buire which we reached at about 2po We 9at positions in a bent Nos Btines. Aiemo.
4057 MEMORANDA Sunday 87t spent the morning aleaning up a lines Therest of the beare -arrived from Lengenval this afternoon Spinka very cold night wwe had an extremely heary ford, the day has been rather fine Monday 8 Spent the nomning cleaning up a lines & the afternoon cleaning uparound the Denatore I met H Elliot this evening. Sheday has been rather cold. Tusday 9th I have been claying duct bards today, a Herrific bombardng has been in progress almost all day & the previous night in the direction of Theboal. I epent the evening with a few makes at a concert at Merricolord which is run by the Austalian comforts funde. Nianerdlan 6h I went tocsiek parace this morning & was put offauty. The bombardment has been as entense as ever + has been continui 15 MEMORANDA Thursday 1 et I have been rearing unhabtions of Ding Eo for my coold Othree tomes a day. Friday 18 geceved part from mastey have been Peported again at not paradle & iokoote to contrave the Areatment & was put or leght duty. I was guin the gol of taterabe for a few days. Saturday We were paid aoday I drew so fir. Sunday 14 Iwent down to Heelly will a mate for a walk his afternoon & a partyafus went in to Rebement this Eenny & bought a sudartians at the As canten there we got a cupply of Queker oats forbreakfull of a morning recue parcel from Melley
MEMORANDA 155 Tieent to the concertat Mmeercourt this evening te whow was not auch a goodsone os wholast Pan th Furrday 16 I was sput on fixing up a new pack store this morning Wednesday 11th Tgoblenve to areet Amiens? a mate & Peent down d caught a train alsrricourt Rebernons station. There was a very heavy ben arment going on early this momig. The ground was oorea with enow this morning & has been fallng a llday. Thursday 18 The ground has been covered with andwall day again have been working fitting up the new pack atore Aoday, Daring the demer hour a large party of us went out for a heretee wegat one hare MEMORANDA Finellay 19th te had ra eary frart this morning < frchedp the gos in the new pot ictore la Peve ux letteres from aust & one from Mr. Key

The day been very dull but fine I was sent down tor the Factory troop stn for thorny
sq to fetch two sheets of iron about 7 pm on our way back a
violent barage fire was flat over our lines near the advance stn by the enemy.
but very few casualities resulted the 4th divn are relieving tonight.
NOVEMBER 1916
SUNDAY 12
21st after Trinity
About 2 am a patient came down from the Advance post & my squad carried him down, one
of our squads were sent up to help carry a number of wounded who were expected, but the bomb raid was
repelled & we had 5k and about 5 wounded. I slept in the dressing stn & got a bit of sleep between trips, about
6 am a patient came down & we took him down. About 8 am the Gen of the 12th Bgde went through as under

12 cases went through. I took one through about 8am. About 7. 30am a heavy barage fire was put up by
our 18 pndr guns to the nth of Flers, I went & colected some vegetables for a stew this morning from a garden near Van.
MONDAY 13
There were no casualties during the night about 7.30am a heavy barage fire was put
over the enemys lines by our 18 pndrs About 10am 3 sqds of the NZ Fld Amb releived all our
sqds but mine I went up & directed the relieving sqds to the advance stn. About 1pm
the enemy put some shells very close to our position one being an incendary shell.
Things have been rather quiet today the day has been rather dull but fine.
TUESDAY 14
About 6am our artillery, began a heavy bombardment of the enemys lines & it kept
up for a couple of hrs We had a snack for breakfast & left East Flers at 8am. I made
back to Longeval through Deloit wood where we picked up the remainder of the 23rd
Ambs & had dinner. A shell blew up one of our bivouacs & killed one of the 13th Fld Amb lads.
3 prisoners about 11 am. 19 prisoners came down about 10.30am We marched off about 1 pm
& passed through   arriving at the main dressing stn about 5.30pm at Becoudel
WEDNESDAY 15
We turned out at 7 am & paraded at 8.30 ready to move off the 3 ambs moved off
towards Albert passed through there & marched along the Amiens rd, The 1st Fld
Amb bearers went into canvas bivouacs about 2 miles from Albert. After dinner
we marched to the Anzac rest station at Buire where we got paid we got
a wash & were told to come tomorrow for a bath. 

NOVEMBER 1916
THURSDAY 16
I went down to the rest station & had a bath & a change of clothing can't
say it was too clean though we got a few things at the canteen &
went down to the village at Buire but there was not much to be got
there
FRIDAY 17
I have been on duty with the sanitary fatigue today, cleaning
up the camp.
SATURDAY 18
We went for a march along the Amiens rd for about two
miles this afternoon. the day has been extremely cold
the ground was covered by snow this morning.
Memo. 

 

NOVEMBER 1916
SUNDAY 19
22nd after Trinity
The day has been rather fine. I had leave to visit Amiens today & with
a mate set out for the rest station where we got our pass at about 9am, we got a ride in
a motor waggon in to   then had to walk about 3 miles before getting a lift in another
which took us right in to the city about 1pm we spent the day looking around
the sts but most of the shops were closed we inspected the cathederal
& had a good look through it.
MONDAY 20
We done an hrs squad drill this morning & this afternoon was marched into
Albert to the canteen & then dismissed I got a ride back on a motor waggon
TUESDAY 21
We got orders very suddenly to move off at 8.30 am we packed up & marched to the Anzac
rest station at Buire then through the village & through Demincourt Mealte &
what remains of Boondol, to the main dressing stn & CRS where a had dinner & commenced
work immediately after I was detailed off to paint & fix lids on refuse boxes.
WEDNESDAY 22
NOVEMBER 1916
THURSDAY 23
I got orders to pack my kit & report at the orderly room this morning along
with another chap we were sent then to report at the Anzac Saw
mill at Mealte to work on ambulance trucks for the light
railway at the line.
FRIDAY 24
We set to work on the framework of a truck they are solid affairs
& we managed to get one together by knock off time. 250 fritzs are
employed here making duck boards.
SATURDAY 25
Spent an extremely bad night. Reported at sick parade & put off duty
It has been raining near all day
Memo.
 

 

NOVEMBER 1916
SUNDAY 26
23rd after Trinity
I reported again at sick parade at the 15th Fld Amb. & was put
off duty for the day. It has been raining near all the night & has been
rather wet through the day.
MONDAY . 27
We had a heavy frost this morning & a heavy fog also which did not lift
till near dinnertime I went down to the mill & done a bit today. The
artillery has been very active along the front during the day
TUESDAY 28
I have been working all day at the mill, part of the buildings are
being shifted & are being rebuilt into one large building. A party of the
31st batt have been brought up to do night work making duck boards
WEDNESDAY 29
I knocked off work early & went down to the CRS at Becordel to see the
mates got a few extra rations we are extremely short of them here.
 NOV. - DEC. 1916
THURSDAY 30
S. Andrew
Spent the day at the mill.
FRIDAY 1 DEC.
We had a heavy frost this morning & it has been extremely cold all day
I worked down at the mill this morning but was feeling very crook & turned in
after dinner.
SATURDAY 2
Heavy frost & extremely cold have been making duck boards I went down
to the CRS at Becordle after tea & got a pair of Canadian Snow boots
issued also a green  envelope. Received 4 letters from home.
Memo.
 

 

DECEMBER 1916
SUNDAY 3
1st in Advent
My mate I went down to the Anzac rest camps at Buire this morning
where we got paid we had dinner at the camp & then got on a motor wagon & rode
as far as Levier mill where I got a change of underclothes & a bath. Received
two letters & Xmas card from mother also a letter from Wasborne Got orders to report back
by 10 am tomorrow.
MONDAY 4
Packed up & reported to the amb at CRS at Becordle at 9.30am we marched off
at about 10.30 am reached the colecting dressing station at Langerval about
1 pm where we got billeted in the new  Bow huts which have been created
Great improvements have been made here since we were here last a light rail
way runs into the stn from the line now. Met W Mitchel today. The day has
been a fine one my boots have troubled me in the march.
TUESDAY 5
We spent a very comfortable night & packed up what we will not require up
at the line in our packs & stored themin a tent About 8.30 we moved off &
passed through Longeuval & Delvil wood & went right out to the Last L'Estle
dressing stn from there my sqd with two others were sent on to the advance
stn we carried one patient down about 6 pm. one went down earlier. The
ground is fairly slippery for carrying over.
WEDNESDAY 6
Things have been extremely quiet there were no cases during the night
Received a Xmas card from Lena Stones. We are rather cramped in our dug
out a mate & I fixed up a bunk with two stretchers today.
 

DECEMBER 1916
THURSDAY 7
There were nasties through the night again. We have to put in our
time down here in our dugout playing cards etc. as our position is visible
to the enemy & he occasionally shells the vicinity My squad were called out
after turning in at about 11.00 pm to take a patient down. we brought back
the rations.
FRIDAY 8
My squad are cook for the day I got up & got the breakfast about 8.30am
we had a stew for dinner & a milk pudding for tea, there is nothing to do up
here this time & we have plenty of rations which is unusual, & have
been living rather well. My sqd went down for the rations tonight
SATURDAY 9
Things are very quiet we spend most of our time playing bridge
etc we are extremely lucky that there are very few cases lately
at the track is in an extremely bad & slippery condition.
Memo.
If you have omitted to order your
new Diary for 1917 it would be well to do so NOW
to prevent disappointment
 

 

DECEMBER 1916
SUNDAY 10
2nd in Advent
Having nothing else to do we played bridge & solo whist near
all day. News to the effect that Bucharest has fallen came along
today.
MONDAY 11
aerial activity this morning one enemy plane was forced down. Artillery on both sides
has been extremely active all day, about of 4 pm my squad carried a patient down, & on
our return with the rations had an extremely warm time the enemy were shelling the
valley with high calibre artillery.
My squad are cooks for the day. I got out about 8.30am & got breakfast of
bacon & steak, there was a heavy frost this morning, the day broke with
every prospect of a beautiful day, but it soon came over cloudy & later commenced
to rain. As treats to her case same down about 9 am,  a ration party wandered into the enemys lines
last night & only 8 got back out of 14. I received a Xmas cake & pudding along with a letter
from Kath. We had a high class dinner of stuffed & roast potatoes & onions. There was great
TUESDAY 12
It snowed slightly during the night. No casualties came through
We I did not turn out till dinner time. At about 7 pm the artillery got 
buisy & shells were flying everywhere red flares went up from the enemy.
We had our Xmas pudding for tea with tinned quinces & mayena sauce.
WEDNESDAY 13
We had no cases through the night. At about 1 pm we were releived
& made our way back to the Longeuval dressing station where we got into a Bow
hut for the night.
 DECEMBER 1916
THURSDAY 14
This place is very cold after our old dug out. We fell in at 9 am I was
put on duty with my squad taking patients down to the train about three
quarters of a mile away at the Quarry. We have to carry the patient about 200yds to
a light tramway then push the truck to within about 300 yds of the collecting stn &
then carry the patients. We are working 24 hr shifts & 24 off.
FRIDAY 15
We did not have much work through the night & got a little sleep.
At 9 am we were releived.
SATURDAY 16
We started at 9 am & then had a fair amount of work a large number
of trench foot coming through. It has been snowing today a little
Memo.
 

 

DECEMBER 1916
SUNDAY 17
3rd in Advent
There were about 20 streatcher cases went through yesterday & up till
9 am this morning when we were releived
MONDAY 18
Went on duty at evacuation hut at 9 am
TUESDAY19
A rather severe frost this morning, we had a very easy night.
Light falls of snow fell this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 20
Ember Day
The ground was quite white this morning & a heavy frost followed the snow
the ground was as hard as a brick. An enemy gun opened fire at about 10am &
continued all day except for a while at midday. Three huts were destroyed
in a camp over the gully opposite.
DECEMBER 1916
THURSDAY 2I
S. Thomas
Turned out at 9 am got breakfast & went to Delville wood on wood fatigue
we collected a load of firewood & loaded it into a GS wagon which brought it
to our camp then we were finished for the day. It rained a good bit
this morning. & continued throughout the day.
FRIDAY 22
It has been raining near all the morning but it cleared up after dinner
& was rather fine this evening. I reported on sick parade & was put off duty
for the day & to get my throat painted. This evening two heavy guns on the
railway shelled for about an hour numerous aeroplanes of ours were
circling round this evening.
SATURDAY 23
I was pot on piquet duty to keep unauthorised persons from
coming through the camp The wind has been blowing all day &
done a good deal of damage to different places, it has been raining
off & on through the day. Each man had a box issued to him containing
comforts from the war chest fund.
Memo.
 

 

DECEMBER 1916
SUNDAY 24
4th in Advent. Peace Sunday
I have been working in the chalk quarry all the morning
digging lumps of chalk for paths in the camp. several enemy
aeroplanes were over this morning. This afternoon I was working
on a drain which is being dug through the camp
 MONDAY 25
Christmas Day
We spent a very miserable Xmas day, a more miserable one could not
be imagined There was as little work done as possible I spent the morning
playing cards & the afternoon coloquising over the fire. Our dinner consisted of
plain stew followed by the duff a small amount of fruits & other tinned stuff
was sent to us along with unwearable clothing. The day has been cold & rather blowy.
The enemy have been shelling our front lines & supports all day At 5pm 16 of us were
put on duty taking patient to the quarry dump up till midnight we
took 13 streatcher patients down
TUESDAY 26
S. Stephen BOXING DAY
At 9 am we were relieved. A 12 hour shift is to be worked now
from 8 pm to 8 am. A few of us went down to see one of the enemys
shells that did not explode, last wednesday, it is a naval armour
piercing 9 in shell & resembles a huge bullet
WEDNESDAY 27
S. John, Evan.
 DECEMBER 1916
THURSDAY 28
Holy Innocents'
We had a fairly easy night of it. A number of enemy aeroplanes have
been up this morning. Last evening Early this morning an explosion
of some kind occurred away towards our left.
towards the north east in the enemys lines
FRIDAY 29
Things have been rather quiet through the night only two streatcher cases
came down. An enemy gun has been sending shells very close to our camp all
night several exploded right in the camp but done no damage. A party of six
of us went down to the baths at Mialte by the 12 30 train from the Quarry & returned
by the 5 30 train from  Meaulte  today Our heavy guns have been very
active all day especially at about 7 pm when a huge reflection appeared
SATURDAY 30
There were no cases came down through the night at all.
Our old hut collapsed last evening it rained near all night
Memo.
 

 

DEC. 1916-JAN. 1917
SUNDAY 31
1st after Christmas
Our old evacuation hut was pulled down today & we have
to get in the Coffee stall & wait.
MONDAY 1 JAN. 1917
Circumcision. Bank Holiday in Scotland
We had a very early night. I did not have a trip during
the night. I spent the day in bed until tea time & went
on duty at 8 pm.
TUESDAY 2
The enemy have been sending over some heavy shells today
A band has been playing selections during the afternoon
over in a camp about 300 yds away.
WEDNESDAY 3
JANUARY 1917
THURSDAY 4
I had one trip down to the railway with patients during the
night we were able to use the new line & go right to the dressing
station
FRIDAY 5
Things were fairly quiet during the night. Enemy aircraft
have been over today. At about 10 30 pm an enemy
gun opened fire & dropped shells in the vicinity of
our camp.
SATURDAY 6
Epiphany
The enemy gun ceased fire at about midnight & when the train
returned at about 1 pm things were fairly quiet. I went down
the line to the 13th F Amb & coming back we had to carry our streatcher
blankets half way it was snowing rather heavily when we were coming
back At about 9 am 4 other chaps & I got in an ambulance
& returned to Buire which we reached at about 2pm. We got
positions in a tent Nos 3 B lines.
Memo.
 

 

MEMORANDA
Sunday 8 7th
Spent the morning cleaning up A lines The rest of the bearers
arrived from Longeuval this afternoon Spent a very cold
night we had an extremely heavy frost, the day has been
rather fine
Monday 8th
Spent the morning cleaning up A lines & the afternoon cleaning
up around the Q M store. I met H Elliot this evening.
The day has been rather cold.
Tuesday 9th
I have been laying duck boards today. A terrific bombarding
has been in progress almost all day & the previous night in the
direction of Thebual. I spent the evening with a few mates at a concert
at Merricourt which is run by the Australian comforts funds.
Wednesday 10th
I went to sick parade this morning & was put off duty. The
bombardment has been as intense as ever & has been continuous
 MEMORANDA
Thursday 11th
I have been receiving steam inhalations of Benz Co for my
cold three times a day.
Friday 12
Received parcel from Mr Key
I have been Reported again at sick parade & instructed
to continue the treatment & was put on light duty. I
was given the job of hut ordelie for a few days.
Saturday 13
We were paid today I drew 30 frs.
Sunday 14th
I went down to xxx xxxxxxx Heilly with a mate
for a walk his afternoon & a party of us went into
Ribemont this evening & bought a few articals at the ATf
canteen there we got a supply of Quaker oats for breakfast
of a morning Received parcel from Mr Kay.
 

 

MEMORANDA
15th
I went to the concert at Merricourt this evening the
show was not such a good one as the last Recital
Tuesday 16th
I was put on fixing up a new pack store this morning
Wednesday 17th
I got leave to visit Amiens & a mate & I went down & caught a train
at Merricourt Ribermont station. There was a very heavy bombardment
going on early this morning. The ground was covered
with snow this morning & has been falling all day.
Thursday 18th
The ground has been covered with snow all day again I
have been working fitting up the new pack store today. During
the dinner hour a large party of us went out for a hare chase
we got one hare.
 MEMORANDA
Friday 19th
We had a heavy frost this morning
I xxx xxxx finished up the job in the new pack store today
recieved six letteres from Aust & one from Mr Key.
 

 
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