Diaries of William Edward Peach 1915-1918 - Part 7

57

1917

Tuesday 30th January

Another draft left hut for Z company. Took over job of 
Hut Corporal. Dental parade in afternoon. Troops rather 
merry at night. Got letter from Stan from Lack Hill.

Wednesday 31st

Off parade all day. Company paid in afternoon, 
consequently great fun in hut at night. Got my plate 
from dentist. Received a parcel from Glad. Everything 
in good order.

Thursday 1st February

All pay books handed in for Audit purposes. Got letters 
from Miss Kemp, Lena, Lil S, Aunt Nell, Bessie, Flo, Aunt 
Eliza, Stan, Sylvia (2). Weather keeping fine but cold. 
Got a letter from Tom among my bundle.

Friday 2nd

Very heavy frost in morning. Nice fine day.

Saturday 3rd

Up for classification. Marked B1 A4. Did not go out at 
all, all day.

Sunday 4th

Went to the Methodist Church at night. One of our own 
Chaplains preaching. Mail closed for Australia.

Monday 5th

Went before S.M.O. and marked "fit" for Z company. Up 
before Orderly Rooms for neglect of duty. Case 
dismissed. Had a go in with orderly corporal at night.

58

1917

Tuesday 6th February

Fill in in morning with kits ready for Z company. Went 
before dentist for inspection of teeth. Marked O.K. 
Marched across to other camp in afternoon and put in K 
company (Hut E18). Took over job as Hut Corporal. Went 
to picture theatre at night.

Wednesday 7th

Lovely day. On dental parade in morning. Had three 
teeth filled.

Thursday 8th

Most of the boys in hut on guard. Met Dave at dinner time. 
Of course we had quite a lot to tell one another. Went 
out for a stroll together in the evening and then to 
picture theatre at night. 

Friday 9th

Weather keeping nice. Fine, mornings very cold. Dave 
and I went for a good long walk together in the evening. 
Had a good chat about old times etc. Put in application 
for transfer to Signal Engineers. Do not hold out much 
hope of getting same. Met chap (J Turner) late of 
Beechworth, also J Mazes late Beechworth Railway Station 
and R.H. Harrison of Xmastown and Chiltern.

Saturday 10th

Got a bundle of mail from Oll, Vera, Uncle Jack, 
Charlotte, Auntie Maggie, Chas Palmer (2), Ruby, Mollie, 
Venie and Stan. Dave and I out for a long stroll in 
afternoon.

Sunday 11th

Up before R.S.M. for insolence to Sgt. Came off best as 
usual. Lofty and I went for walk to Corfe Castle in 
afternoon. Too tired to go to church at night. Dave got 
a parcel from home.

59

1917

Monday 12th February

Dave and I out as usual for our morning and evening 
stroll. Home early at night.

Tuesday 13th

Out for morning and evening stroll. Went to picture 
theatre with Dave at night. Show not too bad.

Wednesday 14th

On sick parade with knee (to be painted with iodine for 
three days). Out for a stroll in afternoon. Went to 
concert in Y.M.C.A. with Dave at night. Got a good mail. 
Letters from Mum, Lil, Oll (2), Vera, Grace, Jean and 
Mary McG.

Thursday 15th

Warned for draft to Perham. Messing about all day 
getting new pay books etc. Had row with Q.M. over 
clothing equipment etc. Dave and I went to Empire 
Theatre at night.

Friday 16th

Got fixed up with W.M. Now fully equipped. Back into 
harness once again. Left Warehan for Perham Downs about 
midday. Travelled via Southampton, and Anover Junction 
arriving at Tidworth about 6 p.m. First appearances of 
Salisbury Plains not too brilliant. Over ankle deep in 
mud. Snow still lying about in places. After a lot of 
messing about, roll call, etc. put into Hut 34, No. 4 
Camp. Met several old 7th Battalion Company. Heavy rain 
fell during night. 

Saturday 17th

Morning taken up with medical and dental inspections. 
Had afternoon off. 

60

1917

Sunday 18th February

Muster parade. All formed in square and inspected by 
Major Gen. Sir Newton Moore. About a dozen of the lads 
received their decorations. D.C.M's and M.Ms. Finished 
morning parade with march past. Both Perham bands 
present. Issued with shortages etc. after dinner. Went 
into         to try and get car out to Lark Hill but as none 
available had to put off trip.

Monday 19th

Had rifle again for first time since left France. Had a 
couple of shots on Miniature rifle range.

Tuesday 20th

Getting broken in to the old game once again. Went to 
concert in No 4 canteen at night. Met a chap named 
Harrap of Rosedale (nephew of Charlie Hillman of 
Acheron).

Wednesday 21st

On Bull Ring instruction. Harrap and I went to play in 
Garrison Theatre. Very good show. Had a good feed while 
we were in Tidworth.

Thursday 22nd

1st Division all paid in morning. Most of the lads out 
on the spree at night.

Friday 23rd

Got letters from Dave and Stan. On duty as corporal to 
isolation guard. Things went on very nicely till about 7 
p.m. and then the fun started. Sergeant a bit on the 
tight side and finished up at midnight with having to be 
almost lifted into Guard room He landed back covered 
with mud from feet to head. Bigger number of prisoners 
drunk and several of the guard. One of the guard put in 
clink for leaving his post and giving insolence to C.O. 
Another sentry too drunk to do his post. (Sgt. Wallie 
Ross, 5th Battalion in charge of guard). Did not get a 
chance to lie down till 4 a.m. and was up again at 5 a.m.

61

1917

Saturday 24th February

Dismounted guard at 9.30 a.m. Up as witness at Orderly 
Rooms at 10 a.m. Not called as witness. Prisoner got 28 
days 2nd F.P. Went into Ludgershall to try and hire a 
car to go to Larks Hill. Boards blocked so hard no luck. 
Met same fate at Tidworth Decided to foot it so set out 
about 2.30 p.m. Landed at destination (about 11 miles) 
at 5.30 p.m. Found Stan alright. Went to picture show 
at night. Slept with him over night. Met Albert Martin 
late Alexandra also Miss Fordyce's brother.

Sunday 25th

Stand and I about together all morning. Tried to get our 
photos taken together, but no luck. Stan came along road 
with me as far as Bulford. Unable to get a car. Started 
on walk home at 3.30 p.m. Got home about 6 p.m. Put 
under open arrest for being AWL. Warned for overseas 
draft.

Monday 26th

Off duties all day on account of open arrest. Up to 
C.O.'s orderly room as witness to Sgt. Ross (Case 
dismissed). Up before O.C. myself. Remanded till 2 p.m.

Heard no more of case during afternoon. Wrote last 
letters from England at night. Having lovely weather 
now.

Tuesday 27th

Out on parade in morning. Got off an hour early to get 
packed up ready for France. Inspected by Colonel at 2 
p.m. Fell in again at 8.30 p.m. ready to move off. Left 
Tidworth Station (by train) about 10 p.m. Band played us 
out to tune of "Old Lang Syne". Sent couple of registered 
packets/badges and diary home. Nice fine day.

62

1917

Wednesday 28th February

Arrived at Folkestone at 3 a.m. Billeted in terrace of 
houses along by beach till later in the morning. Met 
Stan again. Went for stroll along the rocky beach. Went 
on board about 11 a.m. and landed at Boulogne at 12.45. 
Travelled on the "Invicta". Stan crossed channel at same 
time but on different boat. Marched to rest camp near 
Wireless Station on arrival at Boulogne. Very stiff 
march up steep hill. Camp orders were that we were to be 
confined to camp, but as soon as tea was over, a big mob 
of us rushed the fence, passed the picket, and off down 
the town. Another crowd formed themselves up in fours 
and marched straight up through the gate. Had a good 
look all round the town and landed back to camp about 10 
p.m.

Thursday, 1st March

Got down to station about 10 a.m. en route for Etaples 
but train did not leave till noon. Travelled as usual in 
1st class cattle trucks. Nice fine day so half of the 
crowd got out and climbed on to roof. Issued with rifles 
etc. at the "hickory", on arrival at camp. Met Jim 
Milroy and several other 7th Battalion boys that I knew. 
Jim - company Sgt. Major of our details. Played at 
Euchre party in mess hut at night. 

Friday 2nd

New draft inspected by CO of camp in morning. Mounted 
guard at 4 p.m. Two Corporals on the guard so had a very 
easy time of it. 

Saturday 3rd

On guard till 5 p.m. Stan and I went to concert in mess hut 
at night.

Sunday 4th

Cold morning but lovely day. Church parade at 9 a.m. 
Went for walk into Etaples at night. Attended service 
in Y.M.C.A. hall at night.

63

1917

Monday 5th March

Heavy fall of snow in early morning. Settled to depth of 
about 3 inches. Had hair cut by camp barber. Had to 
trim it up with pen knife after they had finished with 
it. On segregation picquet at night.

Tuesday 6th

Out for a route march in morning. Had afternoon off. 
Stan and I together at Y.M.C.A. writing letters at night.

Wednesday 7th

Off duty all morning and afternoon. Mounted Depot Guard 
at 5 p.m. Had a very easy time of it. No prisoners in 
clink so had 15 men to do one post. No need to get up 

during night to relieve them, so had a good sleep.

Thursday 8th

Woke up to find ground white with snow. Snowing 
frequently during day. Draft left in early morning for 
up the line. Started away covered with snow. On guard 
till 5 p.m. Stan and I went to concert given by "The 
Batchelors" Royal Fusiliers in 3rd Div. Mess room. Very 
good turn out. Was warned for next draft leaving here. 

Friday 9th

More snow falling. Had final medical inspection. Had  a 
good steam bath. Out for a march in the snow in the 
afternoon. Got letters from Mum, Oll, Daisy, Aunts 
Nellie, Flo and Maggie, also one for Mollie and Ida. 
Spent night writing.

Saturday 10th

Issued with shortages. Now ready to to up line. Had a 
day off. Met Jim Milroy. Tells me he is leaving for 
Marseilles, en route for Australia at midnight. Went to 
a concert with Stan in Mess Hut at night, "The Somme 
Samples" party.

64

1917

Sunday 11th March

Lovely day. C.O's inspection of draft after dinner. 2nd 
Division Band out giving us a few selections. Met 
Maurice Holman. Stan and I knocking about all afternoon 
and evening.

Monday 12th

Reveille at 5 a.m. Left camp for station full packs up 
at 7.30 a.m. Left Etaples at 9 a.m. arrived at Albert 
3.30 p.m. Travelled via Abbeville and Amiens. Country 
looking very wet, water lying about everywhere. Spent 
night in Reinforcement Camp, just out of Albert. Albert 
looking much different to when I saw it last. No sign of 
guns or shells anywhere. Met Dan Ryan.

Tuesday 13th

Left camp about 9 a.m. and marched to camp at Fricourt 
Farm. Battalion camped about a mile away from us. Got 
issued with our Box Respirators and went through Gas 
chamber. Several of the lads went for a walk over to the 
battalion. Brought back a bundle of letters (from Fred) 
for me. They were from Mum 3, Oll, Jean 2, Daisy 3, 
Vera, Lil, Grandpa, Glad 2, Auntie Mary, Mollie, Lena 2, 
Vera Robb, Ida Cookson, Bessie and Imilda.

Wednesday 14th

Wet day. Mud very bad. Took party of 26, details across 
to Dernancourt to join up Battalion (6 mile march). Got 
a great welcome from the old boys. Had a good talk with 
Fred about my travels in England etc.

Thursday 15th

Put on the parade ground doing a bit of drill. Fred and 
I went for a stroll down the street night.

Friday 16th

Parade as usual. Practising taking trenches, charging 
and so on. Stayed in at night and wrote a few letters.

65

1917

Saturday 17th March

St. Patrick's day. Football match in afternoon between A 
and B boys, and C and D Company. Easy victory for A and 
B. Got a parcel from Jean.

Sunday 18th

Church parade in morning. Afternoon to ourselves. Got a 
parcel from Oll.

Monday 19th

Cut on parade in morning. Had afternoon off. Took over 
duties of R.O.C. at 5 p.m.

Tuesday 20th

R.O.C. nothing much doing. Had an easy day of it. 
Dismounted duties at 5 p.m. Great rejoicing at news of 
Bapaume.

Wednesday 21st

Put on parade ground in morning. Packed up all our 
belongings and were ready for the track" at 1.30 p.m.

Marched to, and took up new billets at Buire.

Thursday 22nd

Heavy fall of snow in early morning. Snowing on and off 
all day. Very cold wind blowing. Drilling all day out 
in the snow. Had a look around the town in the evening.

Friday 23rd

Out on the parade ground doing a bit of Battalion drill 
(taking trenches, etc.). Met Clarrie Jose in evening. 
Just got back from rest camp.

Saturday 24th

Biting cold wind. Ordinary parade in morning and bathing 
parade after dinner. Pay day. On billet guard at night.

66

1917

Sunday 25th March

Lovely day. Doing nothing all day. Met Harry Battesby. 
Just back from rest camp.

Monday 26th

Wet day. Had lecture in billets (re Court Martials by 
O.C.). On brigade guard from 5.30 p.m. Met Joe Walton 
and had a good chat with him.

Tuesday 27th

On brigade guard all day. Indifferent kind of day. 
Snow, hail, rain and sunshine. Fred and I went around to 
a French joint at night and got a good feed of eggs. 
Woke up in morning and found I had nearly lost my voice.

Wednesday 28th

Lost my voice altogether. Chaps taking it as a great 
joke. got a letter each from Dave and Nurse Smith 
(N.W.H.). Omitted mail received on 23rd, viz. Parcel 
each from Lil and Mum, letters from Lil 3, Daisy, Oll, 
Vera Robb, Flo, Glad, Sammy, Aunt Nell, Imilda, Lil 
Smith.

Thursday 29th

Still no voice. Feeling a bit off colour so went on sick 
parade. Out taking trenches etc. all day. Got a 
terrible drenching with the rain. Received a letter from 
Stan.

Friday 30th

Learning to talk once again. Out for a sham Brigade 
Stint (taking Amiens Rd) all morning. In afternoon had 
practice firing rifle grenades. Got another soaking with 
rain. Had letter from Charlotte.

Saturday 31st

Solid morning's drill. Out from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Practicing Brigade attack on Dermacourt. Had afternoon 
off.