Terrell, Frederick Leopold – July 1916
2 July
Had a nice day today went out on the lines and did repairs to same
3 July
… Left our position on Lille Rd. at 3.30 P.M and passed in through Armentiers to a place near on 4 miles away
4 July
Turned out at 9 a.m. only having a few hours’ sleep… had a near go last night whilst on my way to I.T. having shells bursting over me.
5 July
still at Fluebaux went out on the lines and did a bit. Had a gas alarm in the night …
7 July
Had a busy day, laying a line from our head quarters to our waggons lines which are about 2 mile away.
8 July
Went out and inspected lines, at 9.45 P.M had to go out and lay a loop line on account of shell fire
11 July
Went to observation station today. had the chance of seeing the damage our guns did to the German trenches they were in a confused mass, sandbags scattered everywhere
12 July
… Had a very easy day until 3.30 P.M when we received orders to pack up and be ready to move off…
13 July
…Packed up and was on the move again at 9.30 to another position 5½ miles away, passed Clarence but did not have the chance of speaking to him
16 July
Have not had such a trying time at war as today.
18 July
last night was the first nights good sleep I have had for 72 hours…. Had run over lines this morning
19 July
The day of great events for the 8 infantry Brigade Aus. Bombardment started at 11 am. and continued until 3 P.M when the infantry charged and was doing well until 12.30 PM when they retired back.
20 July
This morning found the 8TH Brigade back in the same spot as when they left, and many men short. no mans land was a terrible sight dead and dying everywhere.
21 July
there are still many wounded laying out in no mans land and are craving for water …
22 and 23 July
Was working at 1.30a m bed at 2.30 a m, turned out again at 8.a.m. had a rest all day until 4P.M when I had to get a move left our firing position at 3 a m arrived at horse lines at 6.30 am had breakfast and left again for a new billet 5 miles off
24
… went to Sailly Baths where I had my first cleanser since arriving in France have been in fairly lively action for 27 days.
25 July
Had riding lessons this morning, and are expecting to be in the firing line again in a day or two. … Wrote letters to Clara & mother …
26 July
Turned out at 5.30 a m . went through physical training which is part of our daily routine… received parcel of socks from Mother…
27 July
Things going fairly well plenty of work doing though we are supposed to be resting…
30 July
Had church parade in morning. This is the first Sunday we have had
31 July
On sick list again. have septic sores on my hands again these are the only things I am troubled with and are due to no vegetables
Diary of Frederick Leopold Terrell
