Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 4 - Part 9

72 
February 26^th 1919
Came home, out to get some lunch, then poured rain – we came back in a four
wheeler from the station and I went out to Mrs. Edwards. I had never used Lady
Darnley's introduction card till now – found her very, very, kind – gave me several

addresses and asked me to lunch and afternoon tea etc. She is most kind but seems
feeble – never gets out of her chair – all in black – rather deformed fingers as though
she has been a great sufferer from rheumatism – could have given me seats in the
Abbey tomorrow for Princess Patricia's wedding if only I had asked her a week ago­ –
it was too late today – I'm sorry – she has asked me to go to a friends house in
Charlton Terrace – will get seats in the Abbey on Sunday.
Sent her card with me to Lady Harrowby and her daughter gave me several addresses
in Edinburgh and Glasgow – were very nice to me.
Letters from Miss Wilson – no news – Sr. Williams, they seem to be in much the
same condition there.
February 27^th
Went to Terrace Charlton House – Lady Herbert's. – Saw procession – Princess
Patricia's Wedding – King and Queen first – later Princess – 4 white horses – so
pretty – a man riding on one white horse in front and another in uniform in on white
horse behind her carriage – she was in a closed carriage – foggy day – damp.
A huge mass of people lined the way – must have been millions I think – like a huge
sea.
Went to lunch with Scob. then at Trellers? – there, bought a warm coat – not much to
look at – warm though for 2 Pounds 17/6d – frightfully dear – robbery – but you can't
get any article of any sort under these prices – it is dreadful.
Got a proof of the snap taken yesterday – very good indeed really.
Saw Col. Millard – gave me an address of Controller of Mental Cases or Hospitals –
he does not seem to know very much about what they do for after care people – gave
me some addresses – think I got some notes from her before in 1915.
February 28^th
Went to Army and Navy to get coat fitted on – was not ready – such a waste of good
time – saw Sister Duff who is going to St. Dunstans if she can.
Went on to Lady Harrowbys for the party to go to the Royal Stables –Coach etc – 30
were out yesterday at the wedding – a most lovely carved – a most beautifully carved
oak carriage – gilt painted like an old fairy chariot. Used for James .. – Queen
Victoria and King Edwards coronations – 38 tons weight – 111 feet long when 4 grey
horses are in it – very heavy – only goes at a walking pace – footmen walk beside this
coach – 3 on each side – do not ride – lined and upholstered with crimson silk –
wonderful carving – beautifully painted figures on body done by a Dutch painter­ –
men and women etc.
A great many horses – beauties – do not know how they ever use them all, even if
they all went out all day. 

73
February  28^th 1919
Continued: Finished up seeing all these lovely horses, carriages and things – about
4pm the most lovely gold painted Coronation Carriage, only used on great State
occasions – all beautiful carved oak and painted figures of all sorts – Coats of Arms
and so forth on body. Full sized figures of men carved in all attitudes, blowing
trumpets etc.
Went on then with some of the party to a Lady Glover's for afternoon tea. Most
lovely cakes and scones, all home made, more than we've ever had since we came
over.
Scob. went to lecture and I was going home, when I met Mr. Stobo, so we went to the
Automobile Club, looked for Mrs. Stater, could not see her and as it was late, I left.
March 1^st
Went this morning to get fitted for my coat. Lunch at the Army and Navy, then by
train from Waterloo to Hampton Court Palace. Had a walk and then saw the Tapestry
Room. On to Mrs. Scott's rooms, she has rooms the same as Lady Gifford has. They
tell me she is about 90 now and still alive. They were awfully nice, the daughter who
took a woman's hospital out to the war – very interesting.
Not quite an interesting old man, a Colonel Murray, who thought Australians should
be asked whether they would like to march into Berlin, instead of all going home.
Said we were a very nice Unit and so neatly and quietly dressed – he admired our
uniform
Had a nice afternoon - sorry Scob could not go. Returned by 5.40pm train and went
out to Mrs. Edwards about the ticket for the Abbey tomorrow. The poor boy had put it
in the wrong letter box, though the box belonged to this house.
We are to go to Mrs. Edwards for lunch after Church – Sister Stobo and myself.
Letter from Mrs. Rogers asking me to go on 27^th. Letter from Mrs. Porter.
March 2^nd
Sunday: Went to the Abbey, 10am Service very nice, then on to Mrs. Edwards for
lunch. Padre Hume Robertson there, very much at home – nice to see someone you
know.
After lunch, saw Mrs. Edwards who was most thoughtful and kind to us. Made us
promise faithfully that we would return to afternoon tea after St. Martins –in – the
Fields. Very nice service – all soldiers – men and women in uniform – Guards Band.
Most hearty service than Abbey – much nicer. Saw some Australian sisters and was
speaking to some. Very tired – long day.
March 3^rd
Monday: Went to 19 Grosvenor Place for the party to go over the "Evening Standard"
works. A Mrs. Wilkinson was hostess. We went to her rooms in Portman Place after
for tea.
2 S.A. Cadets and a Ceylon Planter (rubber) officer – very much travelled man and
very interesting. 

2/19
RUNNACLEAVE HOTEL,
ILFRACOMBE.
TEL. No. 36.
Dear Madam,
I thank you for
enquiry, & am sending
tariff.
It is not necessary
to book rooms in
advance – simply
write a few days before
saying when you expect
to arrive
Yours Truly
Mrs/ Alice Chow
A reply to Bessie re her hotel reservation when she took leave in March 1919 

74
March 3^rd 1919

Continued: Huge long rolls of paper, 5 miles in length. We were shown all machinery.
All these little plates have letters and writing on. Then they seemed to be put on a
square of very thick paper and the impression taken by putting this through a roller.
Then they put this into another cylinder and pour much boiling burning metal into it,
leave for a few seconds and tum out. Looks like silver faced and all printing. The long
rolls of paper pass over this in some way and the next thing you see is the paper
printed and machinery cutting and folding them up. A man sits down at the bottom
just piling into bundles and others carrying them away. The overseer man gave us a
piece of an old print.
The electricity machinery most wonderful and does so much that you think only
human hands could do.
I wished I could have understood and remembered it much better. Scob. came in 7pm.
March 4^th
Tuesday: Pouring rain – torrents all morning – letter from 4 of the girls who have
found a flat and are very comfortable. I'll go out when I come back – can't go before.
Glad they are comfortable. Jack Porter came to see me on his way to Dartford.
Hope to se them next week. Went to the Lady Mayoress' "At Home" today – no one I
knew turned up but Miss Claridge. Two or three people spoke to me – had tea with
some. Quite a nice time – lovely music, nice tea etc. Lovely paintings and tapestry –
crowded, so could not look around much. Put my name in book – everybody looked
to see - think they had never seen anything quite like me before. One or two told
me they put their names in just after me.
Got home about 6pm. – went to Army and Navy about my costume and paid for it ­–
the cape 25 shillings – 11Pounds-4/6 total. Dreadful price to pay for a uniform.
Little finer now – great fire close by as I came home. A big storehouse. A lady in the
street asked me if I knew how she could get to it as they had all their things from
India stored there. Dense volumes of smoke – no flames there when I passed.
Thousands of people everywhere – you could not get the regular route – many fire
engines out.
March 5^th
Still raining – went to the station to see about tickets, then on to Base P.O. for letters.
Have had none for so long – none there. Terribly wet and dirty – awfully dirty road
and miles of it. Nearly 7 miles when I got home, wet and tired.
March 6^th

Up early. 8.30 , went to Victoria Station. Such a nuisance here - no one to do
anything for you – lift and carry etc yourself - about ¾ mile to walk. However I got
one and arrived at station in good time. Got a good seat and my luggage beside me, so
no more worry.
Arrived in Edinburgh about 8pm. Held up for ½ hour in a tunnel after leaving
London. Some accident to train, thought it was going to be serious, but an American
Engineer man in compartment explained it was alright. 

75
March 6^th 1919
Continued:
She just bumped and stopped dead for about 2 minutes. Every few seconds, another
bump. One lady was very timid – so was I, but I dare not show it. Had to look a
sport even if I did not feel much of a one. Was glad when we did get out into the
light again. It seems that the vacuum and space which joins the carriages had been
improperly fastened and air rushed in when it should not.
A lovely bright , warm day and nice journey otherwise. Had some supper and went to
bed and slept well.
March 7^th
2 telephone messages and a letter for me from some of the people to whom Mrs.
Edwards gave me introduction. She was good. She had written to them, telling them
to come and see me so I hope to see a bit nicely.
Wrote to Lady Douglas – Mrs. Porter and Scob, Bob Dick, Miss Meyers (at the club)
and Em Elliott.
March 8^th
Saturday: Several messages – Mr. Berry – Danish Consul came up in A.M. Sorry,
wife has a cold - she sent him. Took me out for car drive 2/30pm. all around "Arthurs
Seat" – Victoria Hospital etc. then on to Atholl Crescent to his sister for afternoon tea.
Very nice kind, maiden ladies, also a brother – were awfully kind to me. Left about
6pm to meet Mrs. Traice at the Nth. British Station Hotel for dinner. Very nice dinner
– fish, chicken, green beans and several other things, which I'd not had for months
and months.
Wants me to meet her mother – to go up on Tuesday – she will meet me. Came home
with me in a taxi, then got her train. Hopes to go to Melbourne in May.
I might go on the same boat. Lady Dunedin rang up – I was out, said she'd ring again.
March 9^th
Sunday: Went to St. Giles Cathedral. Nice service. Not as good as the last time I was
there. Went to lunch with Miss Berry. Spent most of afternoon, then on to Miss
Barclay for afternoon tea – cousin of the Berrys. All most kind.
Rang up Lady Douglas as she asked, arranged to go to her on Thursday. Going with
Miss Barclay to the Castle tomorrow 1-45pm.
Went to St. George's Church (Dr. Kelon?) an awfully nice service – splendid speaker
– enjoyed it all so much. As soon as they saw me they asked where I would like to sit
and took me up at once – made me most awfully welcome.
Mrs. Berry rang on my return to ask if would go to dinner with them tomorrow at
7/30pm - very nice of them all. 

76
March 10^th 1919
Raining heavily - went to the Castle with Miss Barclay, very interesting old relics and
history. Then to Parliament House building – pictures of celebrated Judges and the
Courts are held here nearby. Barristers etc wait in this hall till their tum comes to go
and plead for their clients. Most lovely ceiling – wood and most beautifully cut beams
– at the end of each seems to be an electric light.
Then on to John Knox 's House – old and very interesting pictures, furniture –
manacles and chains. An iron framework which was put on the head of a brawling
man and one on a talkative woman. Very heavy and a place for the tongue. Then we
had afternoon tea and home.
March 11^th
Went to Inveresk to see Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Traille. Colonel T is in an Australian
Battalion – they expect to go to Aust. in May – hope to go with me. Awfully nice
home and people – dear little girl about 1 year old. Mrs. P is a real good Scotswoman,
one of the old school – most kind and splendid in her home.
Miss Berry rang up to ask me to come to lunch and then go to some picture gallery or
something after.
(letter from Scobie) no letter or message from Bob Dick – I can't understand it – will
ring up later on.
March 12^th
Went to lunch – met Miss Findlay whose brothers house is their club – nice girl to
speak to – her sisters have been doing V.A.D. work. Going to afternoon tea on
Sunday.
Went over the school where they teach cooking, laundry, care of children – in fact
everything. Most interesting. Was asked to write my name in visitors book.
Princess Louise seemed to have been the last, so I boldly wrote lovely Pocock and
Sydney, underneath. Pocock after Louise!!

Then on to the Art Gallery, some lovely old pictures – Rembrandt – Van Dyke and
other famous men.
Then to the Canadian War Photo pictures, which are most beautifully clear and good.
Then to the Parliament Hall – John Knox 's house and back to afternoon tea – going to
Lady Douglas for the day tomorrow.
March 13^th
Spent the day with Lady Douglas – General Douglas came and met me – was very
nice to see them again. He is very aged looking. To Inverleithen?. They are leaving
there though and going near Aberdeen. Such a pretty journey, lovely hills and villages
in the Valley. The river Tweed runs through and much Tweed is made in these parts.
We went up to St. Ronan's Well, of Walter Scott fame. A very old house nearby
which Prince Charlie drove through and the gate was closed after him. They vowed it
would never be opened again until some Crowned Head of Scotland passed through.
It has never been opened since. 

77
March 13^th 1919
Sunshine and snow all day – all these high hills covered with snow, one can
understand when it does not melt as it falls, that it must be feet deep quickly.
Today it was raining and drift, so melted quite soon, except where it lay in certain
parts.
Sending 3 pictures to Scob. by S. Lowe tomorrow – very tired tonight – got home
about 7/30pm.
Letter from Dr. McDouall and 1 from Callan Park also.
March 14^th
Mrs. Berry called – going to lunch on Sunday – hope the car will be alright to take me
out to Forth Bridge and a fine day.
Bought stockings 7/11d per pair - supposed to be warm – feet troublesome, frost bites
of 1915 –16 showing up again, sorry to say. Woollen coms (combination) 22/6d per
pair –frightfully dear – gown 31/6d. So should be warm now. Sent P.O. for 12/6d for
pictures (reg.)
March 15^th
Mrs. Traill met me 10/30, we went to Rosslyn Chapel and castle – awfully interesting
– several hundred years old really, the first piece started in the year 100A.D.
St. Claire, 3rd Prince of Orkney restored some of it in the 14th century – sent book
home. Great carving in stone - all shapes, beautiful old ceiling. Monkey and human
faces and figures outside – never been finished. Castle built on solid mass of rock – 7
floors in all, great height. River Esk flowing at bottom. Moat and old drawbridge as
usual – the latter done away with now – great old Yew tree – great dark shade –
several trees were planted in the same hole – have each grown and thrown out their
own limbs and trunks. (Wish we could have gone more into this place)
Saw all the dungeons where prisoners were kept – just a little hole or 2 or 3 to fire out
of and 1 window. Stone floors – some just natural rock, some rough cobble stones –
one room just as it was centuries ago – of course much of these places were wrecked
during the Reformation period and destroyed.
March 16^th
Sunday: Bob Dick rang up – never got my note – went to St. George
S Church – very nice service, then on to lunch with Mrs. Berry. Some fresh salmon
Mr. B had caught in Perthshire – awfully nice. Then went for a drive in car to Forth
Bridge –most wonderfully built, large bridge. Some ships were in, but very thick
mist, so could not see well.
Then on to the Golf Club to see and had some tea. Quaint old snuffbox, Ram's Head,
very old. Then home again about 4/30 and to Miss Finlay's home to tea. Very nice
home and very kind people, then back home and then to St. Mary' Church. Could not
hear a word or sing the Hymns. The usual drawling singing sort of service. I do like
the hearty Presbyterian service, I must say. 

LETTER FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
20/3/18
Dear Sister Bessie
Sincere
thanks for your nice letter.
I saw yet another of your old
friends in the 60^th yesty.
Hugo Watson, now a Lt Col
& just wounded for the 2nd
time but getting on very well. he
wished to be remembered very
warmly to you  About getting
their majesties signatures I am so

78
March 20^th– 24^th 1919
Left Edinburgh for Glasgow – nice morning – arrived 11am. Torrents of rain, sleet
and snow. Hotel full – could not get a room for day, so went on to Mrs. Porter. Wet
and snow all the time – could not go out very well – although we did, a little.
Went to a soldier's welcome tea party in church room. Beautiful home made cakes
and everything – music – all seemed to enjoy themselves. Had a nice quiet time, cards
and teas.
Alfred Porter came home on Friday for weekend – still in R.F.C. , does not know
what they will do with him – is near Edinburgh now. Gave me a biscuit he got a s a
prisoner of war in Germany. Make a hole in centre, fill with water and they swell up
much. Quite white and nice really.
Very sorry to leave them all, for I suppose I shall never see them again.
Returned to Edinburgh in a most severe snow storm, beautiful though and I never
mind snow a bit. Love it while it is wet, but when melting, is awful slush.
Spent all day Sunday with the Neales, awfully nice – want me so much to wait and
return with them a few months later on. I'd love to but no hope.
Tartan ribbon cards and letters posted, Alice, Jean, Lil Attwater, Billy, Alice
Pinkerton, Ethel and large doll to Dorothy. (E.G's daughter)
Lancaster 2pm – across the river looks like a large castle – very pretty scenery. Bolton
5pm – chiefly factories apparently as far as one can see – then Manchester and on to
Chester. Rang up Mrs. Berry and Mrs. Pearson, thanks for all kindness.
Left by 10am train for Manchester, then to Hale and Mrs. Hanson, an awfully nice
time. Took me everywhere they could in the short time I had.
Over a cotton mill – library and an old Monastery, now a Blue Coat Boys School.
Lovely old things, chairs, tables etc. Wish one could get them to take home – carving
done hundreds of years ago. Interesting Cathedral and other places. I wish I could
remember all. Certainly wherever one goes, the old Monks seemed to know how to
make themselves comfortable and have things about them that would last.
Of course, I dare say, they made other people do the work, like the same profession
do nowadays.
Fine weather in Manchester, very busy industrial place of course, all factories about,
warehouses and business people.
Cotton mill very interesting, just the bales of raw cotton (this from Egypt). How it is
cleaned – A machine sifts all seeds and pieces of any dirt or dust, then on to the other
machine, shuttles flying to and fro like lightning – all filling up so quickly, finer each

time. If a thread breaks in the great row, the whole row stops, just joined, then it
moves of again. The last room the calico is in piles. They only make just the calico

here, that is sold to other mills etc. coloured, bleached and made into any other
material they want. All very interesting, employ about 2000 hands – chiefly girls.
Some men and boys about in some rooms - all barefooted. The guide said the floors
become so slippery. Some looked very pale, sallow, half grown girls. Cannot be very
healthy. I saw their dinners which is cooked and they buy for a reasonable some,

under one shilling, if I remember.
This day, they had roast beef, vegie and rice. I liked the people I met very much, sorry
I had not more time there. Went to Chester for the day, then on to Cornwall. 

79
March 27^th 1919
Left the Grosvenor Chester for 9.40am train for Perranwell – single fare 27/- 1st
compartment – not full. Very pretty scenery – lovely hills, fields and farms. Snow on
some hill tops – warmer – some sunshine, showers, all the way – a long journey, but
very pretty.
Very nice old lady in carriage who insisted on sharing her eggs and bread and butter,
home grown with me, which was a great comfort, as I had not anything but a few of
the sandwiches Martha had given me at Hale the morning before. Could not get a cup
of tea at all.
Lovely scenery after leaving Exeter – much water on one side, like the Hawksbury
River at home a little. Changed at North Road Plymouth, dark there, so I could not see
any more. Changed again at Truro and arrived at Perranwall about 9/30pm.
Car met me, was so glad for there was no way of getting anything – very small quiet
place.
Lovely journey from Chester to Cornwall – very long but not tiring, beautiful hills
around Penrith, 3000 feet above sea level. A man in a car told me he had relations in
Sydney and Melbourne (John Young).
Lovely country, the West Coast, loved every minute of it. Glorious sunshine today,
snow on some of the parts makes it prettier.
Farnworth 2/30pm – big station.
A very lovely old garden and view here at Tregge. Mrs. Rogers awfully kind. Mr. R.
owns a station in Queensland, so feel a little bit at home. Have been going out daily
somewhere, visiting neighbours, afternoon teas and hospital at Truro.
Great hills all about, a pretty view of Falmouth and a creek which is very pretty at
high tide.
April 6^th
Sunday: Did not go to church as I am going to a Quakers meeting at 3pm. – very nice
days now – warm and sunny – like it very much down here – day filled up – not any
idle time, walks, gathering flowers and calls – the day flies, which is so nice.
A Captain Trelawny and his bride here for a few days – relation of the Rogers and the
bride, strange to say, a cousin of the Parker-Jervis, who are now in Cornwall, at the
least the mother and Pearlie. I wish the father and Swynfen were here, I'd love to see
them again. The bride goes to India to live. Mrs. R. suggested sending some flowers
to any friend I had in London.
I sent a lovely box to Mrs. Hood and Mrs. Edwards and sent them this week. They
are so lovely.
I've also arranged to take some eggs, butter and cheese home to our diggings as we
don't get much change. Will give Scob. some
Have been to several neighbours homes, good distance off – Major Harding's wife
and children – nice old home. Sister in law, Mrs. Gilbert – very nice girl – would like
to see her again