Churchill-Smith, James – September 1916
September 1
Went up … to reconnoitre Toms Cut trench & others. Place exceptionally muddy. Got bad attack of back-ache (Kidney trouble – the same old thing), felt very bad up to night time. M.O. gave me some medicine.
September 2
Left with … few scouts for Kay dump – reconnoitred trenches. After sundown went with … couple of men & commenced to peg & tape out Park Lane from Kay trench; heavily shelled when done about 100 yds. so retired & went around to right of Park Lane via Toms Cut,& Box Lane & commenced to peg & tape out from there. Shelled some of the time but at last joined up the two tapes – thank goodness the job is finished…
September 3
11 p.m. 2nd Battn. arrived safely & took tools & went to Park Lane.
Took ½ “B” Coy to main road for tools. Germans used “Tier” & other Gas Shells. Had exceptionally bad headache. … Stunt started at 5.10 a.m. 51st Battn took Mouquet farm, 52nd on their left & 49th further on left, 50th reserve in Park Lane
September 4
Left with C.O. & Adj. at 6.15 a.m.; “… All relieved by Canadians. Had breakfast with 51st at Wire trench – feel fairly weak but not as bad as last time. Hot bath in afternoon. – feel very nice. “D” Coys casualties 4 killed 4 wounded. Rum issue at night – men happy. Heavy bombardment at night.
September 6
Battn. left Albert at 9.15 a.m. and marched to Warley arriving at about 12 noon. Very nice warm day. Sent cable through the Base, London, to Dad :– “Well. Love Kate all”.
September 7
… arrived at Amplier at about 2 p.m.; nice warm day & fine for marching. Men given leave to Township…
September 10
Disinfection parade for men at 8.30 a.m. – then Church Parade Sent 2 parcels to Kate (3 spoons & 1 spoon & book)
September 11
Bgde. parade in morning cancelled, so 50th had a route march. Recd parcel from dear Mum also papers.
September 12
Nice day. Went for ride with Tom English in afternoon to Steenvoorde returning for dinner…
September 15
Attended Lecture & demonstration of new Gas Helmet at Brigade Headquarters. – met Brigadier on road home and had a chat. Nice fine day. Dined at Major Herbert’s – his 29th birthday – had an enjoyable time.
September 16
Route march (about 7 miles) in morning. Afternoon – Inspection & Washing Parade. Nice day.
September 17
Capts Armitage & Moule & C.Q.M.S. Oliver & others left for leave to England – lucky devils…
September 18
… Lecture at 7.30 p.m. by C.O. on “Officers duties in the firing line”. Music & songs followed…
September 20
Lecture at 7.30 p.m. at Hdqrs by Capt Wilton – tactical use of Machine Gun. – very good…
September 23
To St Omer in afternoon with Capt Loutit, Todd, Wilton & Gordon Campbell. – had photo taken. (laughed just as much as when I had photo taken with dear old Sid & Ned.) Recd nice big useful parcel from dear Kate.
September 25
… in papers that 2 Zepps brought down – hurrah. Hot bath at Y.M.C.A…
September 28 1916
Proceeded to Rifle Range at 8.15 a.m. to act as O.C.Range for Battn. Finished at 4.45 p.m.
Concert at 7 p.m. by “Dominos” – men from St Omer garrison – very good indeed & much appreciated.
September 29
… Football in afternoon :– “C” Coy V “D” Coy. Scores “D” Coy 4 goals 7 behinds. “C” Coy 1 goal 2 behinds. Very good game…
Diary of James Churchill-Smith
