Churchill-Smith, James – February 1918
February 1
Nice day again, but heavy fog during morning. Tactical exercise during morning. Received cake from dear Kate; wrote her.
February 2
Musketry during morning. Left North Camp by 2.3 p.m. train arriving at Waterloo about 3.15 p.m. Went to “Yes, Uncle!” with Mattie at night. Stayed at Regents Palace. Cabled Dad. Major du Moulin returned from Hospital.
February 3
Up about 11 a.m. Lunch at Ausa. Club. Wrote to dear Mum & Tom. Met Hancock, Mills & Christophers over on leave. Returned by 10.15 p.m. train. Capt. Saunders to Hospital – bronchitis.
February 4
Dull day with light rain. Musketry & Topography during morning – very interesting. Very interesting lecture at 5.30 p.m. in Prince Consorts Library on “The Strategic Geography of the Great Powers” by Mr. Vaughan Cornish D Sc. F.R.G.S. FG.S &c. Bed early.
February 5
…Musketry at Ranges during morning – very interesting. Went for a ride in an aeroplane (F.E. 2B.) “Pusher” – up about 600 ft., misty in the air, very pleasant. Lecture at night on “Duties of a Q.M.” by Capt. & Q.M.
W. Fowler M.C. – Black Watch Regt. Very pleased to learn dear old Charlie Moule has been awarded an M.C. – well earned.
February 9
Nice day. Lunch with Murray Fowler & Chris Dinner with Mona & Theatre (“Arlette”) at night – Winifred Barnes as “Arlette” is perfectly sweet, & her singing is the lovliest I’ve ever heard. Murray informed me I’ve been made an Hon. Capt in the C.M.F. & to be favourably considered for Brevet Majority upon obtaining substantive rank of Capt – for services rendered. (now 2/Lt, Prov Lt, Hon Capt) Cabled for ?20 through Scarfes.
February 10
Met Col. Jacob & Tom at Russell Hotel, and had lunch with them & Chris at Regents. Met Murray in afternoon; dined with Jacque & Murray at Piccadilly Hotel. Home by 10.15 p.m. train. Very sorry to hear of Mc.Dermott (51st) being severely wounded – do hope he gets over it alright.
February 11
Coy. Training during morning. Two lectures today:- Both very good:- 12.15 p.m. Brig. Gen. Hall on Staff & Reg. Officers. 5.30 p.m. Mjr. Gore. Browne on “Artillery”. Bed late owing to evening problem. Received letters from Frances, H Kay, Chris Swaffer & Col. Salisbury. Wrote to Frances & Chris.
February 12
Dull day. Tactical exercise all day from 10 a.m. returning at 4.30 p.m. – very interesting. Excellent lecture on “Artillery” by Major Gore. Browne at 9 a.m.
February 14
Dull day. At Rifle Range during morning – shooting good. Skating in afternoon at Club. A most interesting lecture on “German War Aims, the causes of the War, and Dangers of a Premature Peace: by Col. The Earl of Denbigh C.V.O. at 5.30 p.m. in P. C. Library. Wrote dear Kate.
February 15
Dull day. Received letter from Ida. Wrote Ida and Gordon Cornish. Very interesting lecture by Col. V. G. W. Kell C.B. Intelligence Branch, War Office on “Counter Espionage” at 5.30 p.m. in P. C. Library.
February 16
Caught 2.3 p.m. train to London and met Murray Fowler at “Carlton Hotel at 5 p.m. “Maid of the Mountain’s” at night with Murray & Jack Mc.Call. Air raid warning at 10 p.m. – very funny.
February 18
Nice day. Visited school of Cookery during morning. Lecture by Gen. Marshall on “Raids”. Received letters from dear Mum, Kate (2) & Ida. Lecture in P. C. Libraryby professor Adkins on “The Balkan Tangle” at 5.30 p.m..
February 19
Wrote dear Mum, Kate & Dad, Mrs Hewish, Aunt Ada & Girlie & wired Ida. Lovely day – really Australian. Another lecture by Professor Adkins in P. C. Library at 5.30 p.m. – “What Belgium means to us”. – very interesting and instructive.
February 21
Nice fine day. Ranges during morning. Received letters from Myrtle Galliford & Charlie B. Wrote Toddy, Myrtle, Lettie Larsson, W. L. Ware, Charlie Baring, Sgt Harper & Lt W. White. Lecture at night on “Questions of rank” by Lt Col. J. T. I. Bosanquet of War Office. Wrote dear Dad.
February 22
Tactical exercise at at Sandhurst – returned at 4.30 p.m.
February 23
London by 2.25 p.m. Colonial dinner at night at Holborn Restaurant, followed by Theatre (“The Boy”) – Gen. Marshall & Col. Blewitt present as guests – very enjoyable time. Stayed at Jermyn Court with Charlie Willcox.
February 25
Nice fine day. Tactical exercise during morning. Recd ?20 from dear Mum through Scarfes. Recd letters from Padre Walden & Paul G. Wrote Lanyons, & Ida & sent Post Card to dear Kate. Good lecture on “Serbia” by Mjr Goodden at 5.30 p.m. in Detention Barracks.
February 26
Fine early morning – dull afterwards. Recd. letter from Chris & replied. Lecture in P. C. Library at 5.30 p.m. by the Master of Balliol on “Economic and Industrial reconstruction.
February 28
Fine day. Battalion Training at Norris Bridge during morning .Skating at Club in afternoon. Lecture in P. C. Library at 5.30 p.m. by Lt. Col. Earl Percy on “The present situations on all fronts” – very true, but rather dull. Wrote Ida.
Diary of James Churchill-Smith
