Terrell, Frederick Leopold – January 1917
1 January 1917
Another New Year opened, and finds me in London where I arrived this morning at 10 a m. Put up at A.I.F. WARCHEST CLUB. … Felt rather run down so had a quiet day, and left the sight of smokey, foggy London to be seen later…
2 January
Exceptionally fine morning for this time in this year …. Went for a walk to Westminster Abbey and just arrived in time to hear the service… it is simply splendid though the sand bags have been placed round…
3 January
did not get up until late, had breakfast and then went up to see the guards change, and then along the Strand it is a busy part of the world… In evening went to Wyndham’s Theatre …
5 January
Had a good walk round all day… in afternoon went Bethnal Green to see my mates sister and gave her a glad surprise. In the evening went to Holborn to the Theatre where I spent a nice night …
9 January
Turned out at 8.30 a.m. to find it had been snowing again had a walk round … in afternoon wrote letters and posted same with my two years diaries, and souvenir from France.
10 January
My last free day in London. Did a little shopping in morning. In afternoon went to Piccadilly, and after tea went to Lyons Corner House…
11 January
… I made myself to Waterloo station where I entrained … arrived at Southhampton at 7.20. Boarded boat which was waiting on us left at 10 P.M for Le Havre.
13 January
… left rest camp for Le Havre station at 9 a m and moved out of Havre station at 10.30 a m to go through another weary 24 hours train ride…
14 January
Arrived in Albert to find I had to walk all the way to the position, where I arrived at 3 oclock. to again experience slush and mud. Had to turn into wet Blankets.
15 January
… Went over F.L.T. Line. …
17 January
During night had a heavy fall of snow about 6 inches Thermometer 32 deg [F]. It is very pretty, and would not be bad in any other conditions but war where one is exposed to all elements
18 January
Turned out at 3.45 a m and did shift on Phone, still snowing …
20 January
Still a very cold and frost still continues, plenty of work and shorthanded with it. Received letters from Clara & one from England …
23 January
Early this morning had 22 degrees [F] and all the water was frozen to a depth of 5 inches…
24 January
Turned out at 4.30 a m to do shift on Phone …I could not put my boots on because they were frozen hard …
28 January
Left Montanban at 9.15 a.m, on track for a rest passed through Albert on route billeted at Frechencourt after 16 miles march in the snow. Had to sleep in a well ventilated barn for the night, weather exceedingly cold
30 January
We are preparing to move out again…Took up billet in a French Chateau which is a very fine place…
31 January
Had a cold day running line from one Chateau to another, which connects Battery to H.Q. during afternoon wired up electric bells into Officers mess. Turned in at 8.30 not feeling very well.
Diary of Frederick Leopold Terrell
