Diary transcript of Reginald Harriman Heywood, 1917 -1918 - Part 10

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very unfortunate when you can't hit it with your immediate
superiors, especially in a tin top show like the A.A.V.C.
where everythig depends on working together. I may say that
there's probably not a more competent man in th A.I.F. than
Bill, but in the matter of ways and means we don't quite see
eye to eye. I can't help it.
15.2.18. Got a "Please explain" from Hqrs: but I'm not going to
commit myself on paper if I can help it. If Bill would take me
up to the unit in question I'd say all I know, but these little
paper wars are no good to me. I've got to state in black and
white that so-and-so is a liar, and he'll reply that I'm two 
liars and so on. At the end of some months one of us will drop
out and the correspondence will cease with a note to the effect
that no further evidence is available. Doesn't get you anywhere
does it ?
Called in and lunched at Kemmel with Locky - can see myself
a pretty consistent visitor over there. By the way not all
the good fellows are in teh 4th Divn. We discussed the probabilities
of making a living apres, and if the Govt. turn us
down Locky and I are very keen on raising hens. A Doc - a good
fellow too - who had taken a stroll down from the line greatly
favours the suit pressing business. Jimmie blew in after dinner
and engaged the col. Tovell and Thomson in a cut throat game
of Bridge, so I joined the low boys at Poker.
16.2.18. Bill having changed the A.A.V.C. into a sort of Salvage
Corps, I spent the morning poking around looking for empty tins
&c. The only pleasing item was the exist of a Fritz 'plane
from a terrible height. Our 'planes seem to fly very high
indeed and dwell there on Fritz.
Things seem to be livening up considerably especially
in the matter of artlillery fire.
17.2.18. Very frosty nights and perfect weather thro' the day.
Dressed myself after dinner - even to the belt and gas-bag,
which was fortunate as I was walking along the road and

passed a car containing Bill and another. I threw Bill a bit
of a rough salute but he halted the car and waved me back. The
other was the D.D.V.S. Col. E. A. Kendall and he gave me the
glad hand and was very nice. Bill was also decidedly nice.
In the evening Maj. Tovell brought a couple of bottles of
vin over to Madames and we had some evening. Unfortunately
Madam had had a couple of whiskies and a glass of rum and about
a pint of wine finished her. However she danced with and without
the Major and indulged in several sorts of heathen amusements,
but finally we had to carry her up the stairs and dump her on
her bed, pull off her boots and leave her to it.

/ 91
18.2.18. 4th Bde. are going into the line again about Wed. and
for probably 16 days, so I will be taking up my abode with
Jimmie again.
Madame looked very subdued this morning and a couple of
black eyes don't improve her appearance.
Passed a hideous night in which at once time or another
everything there is was left off,from bombs to barrages. A

bomb landed in the 14th Camp next door but luckily was a dud.
Those are the first 'planes I'ver heard since we came up here.
I don't think I'd like to be over Fritz's side altogether
even our scouting 'planes carry bombs now, every 'plane that
goes up unloads a few over Hunland. He's very sick of gas too
and simultaneously with the destruction of the Mannheim chemical
works (which resulted in fearful scenes for miles around so
we are told) the Geneva Red Cross suggested that no more gas
should be used by the belligerents. Even our 18 prs send it
over to him now and the noise of his bells and gongs and whistles
&c. is a treat to listen to. For every shell he sends over
he gets quite two shells back.
19.2.18. Col. Brockman (W.A.) returned to-day and as he's senior
Battn. Commander. Col. McSharry has gone back to the 15th. Col
Mac is a real top notcher, but Col. Brockman is also right up
to the mark. Its easy to see why this is a pretty good Bde.
with the Brig. and Battn.Commanders like Cols. MacSharry,
Brockman and Durrant.
Saw exit another Fritz to-day. I must mention it as the
circumstances were exceptional. He didn't have as much chance
as a snow-ball in hell as three of our planes circled round him
and each as it passed over him fired his machine gun into the
Fritz who finally came down at the door of the 13th Dressing
station. That's 34 Fritzs down in 2 days.
20.2.18. Said So-long to the boys who are off up into the line again
Hope Fritz doesn't start the rough stuff till they get back -
tho' that would be just about the poor old 4th Bde's luck.
Its nice to know that the Btn. in the line is looked on by
G.H.Q. as so much cat's meat when things start to happen - isn't
it? Likewise if its anything like what is more or less expected
the Bde. would just about be non-est.
Of course I'm left behind with the duds so have come back
to the Mobile to live - despite a pressing invitation from Madam
to honour her with my company.
Jimmie is in good trim in spite of his declaring that he
is rapidly becoming demented, and take it from me the Mobile isn't
the /

/ 92
the worst place in the world to be.
21.2.18. Didn't hear anything special in the way of strafe last
night - so I hope the 4th took over from the 12th without anything
untoward happening.
In the afternoon Jimmie and I journeyed up to the top of 
Kemmel mount, which is the highest point in Flanders. There's a
fine view from the top, whence can be seen Lille, Armentieres,
Messines, Ypres, comines and many miles od country around these
places. On a fine day the Channel can be seen and some of the
larger Belgian towns, but there was a ground mist to-day. with
the glasses one could see Fritz's trains and other forms of
activity behind his lines. Could also see some of Fritz's shells
landing around what I would take to be about Lock 8 where Bde.
Hqrs are.
Wound up an eventful day by pulling out three teeth for
Antoinette, or in spite of Antoinette perhaps. They were only
first teeth and with a suspicion of cocaine she thinks I'm some
dentist.
22.2.18. Spent the day over at Kemmel, the early part with the man
with the iron jaw and Tuck and the latter part with Ike Mandsley,
who took me to the 5th Divnl. Officers Club and entertained me
royally.
Ike is just the same old stick and is a fund of information,
chiefly re O.Ms.
Got a letter from Blob, as usual undated and unaddressed,
but I gathered that he will be in Blighty and leaving again about
Ma 5 so very reluctantly I crept down and saw Bill. He was most
affable and has consented to let me go over about the 2nd of Mar.
Of course tho' he made me feeel he was doing me a great favour.
24.25/ Days on which absolutely nothing happened. Fritz hasn't
2/18.started the rough stuff in earnest yet, and our bombing and other
'planes are still giving him a very rough spin, while we seldom
even hear a Boch over in this particular area.
Little Mac's knee is still very bad and he has visions of
going home - what a cruel fate.
Bill appears to have mucked things up again, and it now
looks as tho' I'm going to miss seeing Mr Blob - and as tho' all
my other arrangements are going fut.
Jimmies and I are weighted down in extremis with gloom.
There's too much red tape and too little veterinary work for us.

/ 93
26.2.18. To the general round of excitements was that of having
my photo taken on Dick by an enterprising tho' misguided Belgian
dame. As can be seen she's no Sutcliffe and Akers Ltd. In fact
she's done everything that a photographer shouldn't have done,
with disastrous tho' interesting and quaint results. I must admit
too that her subject was a difficult one to treat.
A Fritz came over to-day and did a bit of blind bombing
thro' the clouds - that will tell you that Fritz in the air at
present has got the wind up.
27.2.18. Got an early start this morn: put on my tin hat and gaspirator
and went to the war - eventually arriving at Bde. Hqrs.
Lock 8 after a somewhat rocky passage.
Everything was still quiet up there and I saw only
about a dozen shells come over. One of them made Dick and me hump
our backs tho', but I expect an old hand would have been very
much amused at our antics.
All the heads were pretty well, tho' Arthur was running
grave risks by having a bath. Tweedie and Kerr were busy baiting
him and he was putting up a good defence with a poker. Kerr
assures me that the pack is in good form but the rats are very
scarce.
I'm tired of waiting for Bill's approval of my leave so
asked Tweedie for the pass for Mar 3 to the 17th, and what's more
came away with it in my pocket.
The Divn. is to move out in two days' time - the 1st
Div. taking over.
Capt. E.P. Barbour (1st Div) called in to-day and I reminded
him of the time we had at Mrs. Larking's when the Sydney
Grammar played the school cricket in 1910.
28.2.18. Did nothing to-day bar send in the returns - the Bdes being
on the move. Besides, it seems to be a point of honour to do
nothing for a day or two prior to going on leave, which reminds
me that I think I'll float off tomorrow and spend a day at Calais.
I hope that they will be dud nights in Calais - a man would be
terribly stiff to get knocked in Calais wouldn't he?
Madam is apparently quite sad at losing me and now has 
the water on for me tro have a bath, so I must hop it,
The Bde. are moving to Wellington Camp which is only a 
hop step and a jump away, and Jimmie has a grievance as he will
be "resting" about 2 kilos closer to the line than at present.

94
[ ].3.18. With Snowy out ahead  with my bag and acting as a patrol
rode past Div. a day ahead of the game into Bailleul where I
found that the 11 a.m. train had this day been changed to 4.10
pm. aren't these trains the limit?
Killed time and cash at the Church Army hut and the
Officer's Club at Bailleul and finally got under way arriving at
Calais after quite a rapid journey at 7 p.m.
In the train I met my old friend L. Migno who is now with
the 3rd Div. Col.Abbot who is a member of the N.S.W. State Parlt.
was also on board - en route for Australia.
Of course they landed us at Fontoinettes but unfortunately I
was able to pilot the party thro' the rain and absolute dark which 
now reigns around Calais to the Hotel Sauvage Rue Royale.
[ ].3.18. Saw Estelle and did some shopping and then hopped it for the
Aust.Vety.Hospital. Fortunately I was overtaken by one of their
lorries so got out toute suite. The place is greatly improved
and full up with horses.
The original crowd are still there and all well except
Rowley Dowling who is off to Australia. Robbie and Cook have also
tacked themselves on permanently apparently.
They've got huts all all sorts of gadgets and are very comfortable
but with all its disadvantages I'd rather be at the war.
As the boat is supposed to leave in the morn: early I returned to
Calais in the eve: and found that sailings had been cancelled to-day.
Spent another night at the Sauvage.
[ ].3.18.Rescued the M.L.O.from a deep trance and was informed that
the morning boat was cut out but if I returned at midday he would
let me know if there was to be an afternoon boat.
I thought it would be wise to remove myself somewhere close
to the said M.L.Os, and accordingly moved myself to the Hotel
Terminus which must have been some inn in pre-war days.
Finding that sailings were all cancelled for the day, I again
had the good fortune to encounter the lorry and spent the remainder
of the day at the A.A.V.H.
On returning to the Terminus I find that we are to embark at
8 a.m. tomorrow but I'm getting sceptical.
[ ].3.18. Got on the move early and after indulging in the queue habit
for a while got on board a much camouflaged steamer. It was quite
like old times to have to put on a lifebelt again but the trip was
uneventful tho' cold and cheerless.

95
After 1½ hrs run we arrived at Dover and the London train
started tout suite landing us at Victoria at 1.45 p.m.
Chartered a taxi and called on Mr. Treadaway but found no
news of Mr. Blob, so I made for the Strand palace and in the
midst of an harangue at the enquiry office I was accosted by the
said gentleman, who is much the same as ever.
I had to go to the Jermyn Court for a room, but otherwise
lived at the Strand Palace. Together we visited A.I.F.Hqrs.
Mrs. Larking, and Berkeleys, and after dinner the "Maid of the
Mountains".
5.3.18. Was awakened at 10.20 a.m. by Blob who informed me that I
had missed breakfast and that I would need meat cards and sugar
cards and all sorts of things.
Lunched at the Strand palace, did a bit of shopping and
spent the afternoon with Mrs Larking.
Had dinner with Blob and Sister Cave and then we met Iris
Merrett and Mrs Sturdee.
I took the Kiddie back to Paddington - a way out in the
bush - and saw her on her train for Harefield and then joined the
young blood, Iris and co. in a box at "the Boy", one of Barry's
plays and very good.
6.3.18. Again awakened by Mr. Blob and informed that breakfast was
a thing of the past - this is a brilliant idea, as it saves 3/-
per time. Mr. Blob informs me that his application for 2 days
extension of leave - to see the only relative he has encountered
for 2½ years has been turned down, so we discussed the advisability
of going in and telling the A.P.M. off and both being returned to
stock,
Lunched and spent the afternoon at Mrs. Larking's dining
again with Mr. Blob, and then we went to see Brewsters Millions.
I can remember Uncle Phil taking us to Brewsters Millions
on the strength of old Benedict winning the Mentone Cup - I hardly
like to say how many years ago.
7.3.18. Arose betimes and indulged in 3/- worth of breakfast. Then
handed over a couple of pieces of oak to a saddler to make me a
pair of hunting crops. They should make a good pair, one from
the organ of Ypres Cathedral and one from the altar of Albert.
Found the faithful Mr. Blob awaiting my return and together
we went and met Sister Cave, whom we jointly took to lunch, "A
little Bit of Fluff", to dinner and then "the Bing Boys on Broadway"

96
Finally we had to escort her to Marylebone and put her in

a train bound for Harefield. About this time a few Fritz's

came over and our movements about the underground were

somewhat hampered by the 1000s of dagos and others that

rush down into the tubes but it was a very tame show.
Returned to the Strand Palace at 12.45 a.m. and Mr.

Blob and I had a little farewell over a bottle of wine with

the result that I had to share his single bed for the night.
8.3.18 Commandeered a taxi and said farewell to Mr. Blob

at Victoria about 7a.m and then returned to the Jermyn
Court to catch up with my sleep.
From now on this is a tangle.

 

/ 97
[ ].3.18. I was in London when this narrative tailed off and now I've
come back to the earth with a thump. Had the time of my giddy
young life in England but all those things I intended to do and
see are on the scrapheap of the unfulfilled - the theatres and
such like are too much for me - and only went out of the heart of 

London twice, both times to the Aust. Hospital at Harefield Park.

Still I did see something of London and the following theatres  - 

Maid of the Mountains, Brewster's Millions, The Boy, The Bing Boys

on Broadway, A little bit of Fluff, Arlette (twice), Pamela, Yes
Uncle, A box of tricks, The Lilac Domino win.The London theatres

will pass any old time. I also wandered round the picture galleries

and curiosity shops and secured a grand picture of poor old

Victor Trumper taken in 1902. Also found one of London's famous

equine photographers who showed me many interesting pictures, but

at the prices he mentioned the only thing I could take was the 

catalogue. His pictures don't come up to Sutcliffe and Akers anyhow.

The shops and restaurants are also right up to W.F.A. but

the attendants seem to suffer from chronic trance - the slowest

things on this little old planet. The whole city is one large head

waiter - that spoils it. Then there are the tram, bus and underground

systems, to say nothing of their wonderful railways - gee !

if they only had somewhere to show them off. I was beginning to get

quite expert at finding my ways round the under-world, but 14 days

is a very short time. Yes in spite of the tip-hunting sharks and

the Marble Arch its a wonderful place. The Marble Arch, if they'd

only built it over a creek or anywhere but where it is !

There was only the one raid, and as I've said before that was 

a tame affair from my point of view, tho' if I'd lived in Warwick

Ave: I'd probably have thought otherwise - Fritz uses terribly heavy

stuff. Another place to come in for attention was the Cricket

Ground at Lords.

I was very sorry when old Blob returned to France on Friday

8th, but that's the way of things, and I moved my headquarters to

121 Victoria St. S.W. where Mrs Larking had very kindly invited me.

Both she and Lesley Mac were very good to me, and made it a real

home. Unfortunately Ron wasn't on leave but I saw his very fine

collection of souvenirs, he must be quite an expert ratter. Eric

was nominally at home but is engaged (lately) and very little in  

evidence. When he is in on view he is very much the same as of autrefois.

Elsa has grown up out of all knowledge and is a pretty and

accomplished young woman, and still ready for a spar always, verbal

or literal. She greatly disapproves of my taste as regards art,

chiefly on account of my purchasing a picture entitled "Galora".

Amongst others I saw in London were Adrian Burbridge who has

recovered from his accident and who belongs to 2nd D.A.C. refcts:

 

/98

and Ernie Cameron of the "Same Old". Ran into Ade. quite by

accident, he happened to be in London on 10 days' leave. Ernie C.

is a little stouter and looking in the pink.

Swaine and Adeney made me a couple of lovely riding crops -

one from the organ of Ypres Cathedral (the shorter one) and the

other from the Altar of Albert. Mr. Treadaway has kindly taken

charge of most of my effects including shell cases from Le Sars

(5.9) and Lock 8 (77 anti-tank) sketch book photos. a flower pot

out of the Cloth Hall, and little cup and saucer out of an old

French chateau (the remains) and numerous souvenirs of Calais and

Bailleul. Lesley Mac has the riding crops and my negatives.

On Monday 18th left Victoria at 8.30 a.m. with Major Samson,

and we arrived at Dover about 10.30 to find that all the water had

run out of the harbour. Accordingly we put in the day there - the

quaintest and most old fashioned of places. We finally arrived at

Calais about 6 p.m. after being escorted by destroyers and a sea

'plane to say nothing of a derigible or two in the distance.

The boats were crowded and we were lucky to find a bunck at

the Hotel du Commerce - rough but honest. On Tues: morning we

reported to the R.T.C. Fontinettes and were told to get into the

front portion of a train some ½ mile long but luck still favoured

us and we got seats in a 2nd class carriage.

Everything went alright tho' slowly till we got near Hazebrouck

which Fritz was shelling, so we had to go on a long detour

and did not reach Bailleul till 2 p.m. (Hazebrouck is 23 mls from

the line).

Snowy was at the station to meet me with Dick and the news

that the Boch was also shelling Bailleul - a shell being just about

due. Sammy insisted on having dinner in Bailleul, so I gave Snowy

my bag and he got away tout-suite. We had dinner at the officers'

club in peace and then left the Major, I bound for the mobile and

he for the 4th Bde. I hardly recognized parts of Bailleul but

eventually arrived at the new Mobile Camp in Buller lines without

mishap.

Jimmy gave a hearty welcome, and the news that the Boch

has run wild and plastering the whole district with shells, pelting

bi stuff at Kemmel, La Clytte, Dranoutre, Bailleul, Poperinge and 

all round.

The Mobile seems to be not quite so unfortunately placed as

usual, and out hut tho' it might be regarded at home as a sort of

swagman's shelter, is a real home especially as we have two gaudy

and comfortable arm chairs salvaged from Armentieres. The chairs

decided me and I'm not going to join the Bde. just yet a bit.

Gave Jimmy a detailed account of my leave and then settled

down to listen to the whine of the too frequent shells, and the 

re-action

99

re-action of returning to this from a life of luxury and ease in 
London.

Bill dropped in this morning, and fortunately found us 
both up, and later Sgt.Williams came over with a bundle of memos 
and absurdities of similar nature, but they must give me a week 
or so to recuperate.

[ ].3.18. Fritz continues his blind and indiscriminate shelling and 
is making life hardly worth living. To-day on the way over to Locre 
to see the 13th Bde., I saw plenty evidence of his efforts and was a

unpleasantly close to two big ones. One landed on the road right 
ahead of me and killed four horses in a wagon, the three men were 
also hit. One horse was blown quite 150 yards. They made me 
feel very shaky anyhow.

Dined with the 26th A.A.S.C. and afterwards called on the 
7th A.A.S.C. where we were muchly entertained by Lt.Butcher's 
account of his leave to Paris, Nice and Italy. Also met Lt.Frank 
Mattocks who was at Park House when I was there. His share of 
the evening's entertainment was provided with his violin accompanied 
by Capt.Walsh (mandolin) and the said Butcher (tin whistle) 
and numerous minor instruments.

The Boch kept us awake most of the night with gas shells 
and high shrapnel etc. but I heard our people pour a terrible lot 
of gas into him.

[ ].3.18. Still making a welter of it with the shells and we spent a 
considerable portion of the day watching Bailleul falling into 
ruins. There were 60 horses killed yesterday near that corner I 
spoke of.

If the war progresses at this pace, soon there won't be any 
infantry, it will be all 'planes and artillery with a few A.S.C. 
to cart the necessary and they'll have to go about camouflaged as 
forests or pink smells or something. Speaking of 'planes reminds 
me that I saw 3 flights of Dolphins to-day - our new 'planes which 
can do about 150 mls per hour on the level and carry 3 machine guns.

Saw Bobby Phillips who was looking well on the road.

Had a couple of try outs this morning and decided to ride 
Dick in the Brigade Hack race on Tues: next. He's got a good turn 
of speed and gave Sgt. Williams' mare a lot of weight and a beating 
over a couple of furlongs. If he'd done any work lately I'd fancy 
him very much but the old scoundrel did nothing while I was in 
England.

I wish the course was in a healthier place than Neuve Eglise
tho' the 13th Bde. had to leave there last night and the 15th also 
had some casualties.