Churchill-Smith, James – Feburary 1916
February 1
Up early and withdrew Outposts at daybreak and posted day Observation Posts. Changed into Short trousers during day & wore the long stockings Mum gave me, Very nice.
February 3
… Nice warm day, digging as usual – feeling fit. Bridge with C.O., Lory & McCann at night – lost, but enjoyed myself very much.
February 4
Very warm day. Still on trenches. Capt. Herbert informs me I have been Gazetted a Lieutenant in Australia…
February 5
… Strong wind during morning with sand blowing in all directions – rotten. Tried to rain about 1 p.m. but nearly unsuccessful… Orderly Officer from 5 pm. Carial (No 9 Ptn) shot top of his left thumb off. – carelessness…
February 6
… Turks only 30 miles away from Canal…
February 7
… Still entrenching…
February 10
On Court–Martial (Pte Dodd) as evidence…
February 11
Returned from Outposts at 7 am… Entrenching stopped – no reason given Court of Enquiry during day re absentees Rumoured Turks abandoning Egyptian attack on account of Germany not fulfilling her obligations in not sending troops & money to Turkey.
February 12
Recd letters from Dad & Girlie. Sorry to hear of poor Grandpa’s death, but I have no doubt that it is best both for his & others sake…
February 14
Recd letters (2) from Kate, and one from Mum, also paper cuttings from Father.
Court of Enquiry morning & afternoon. Read Mum’s & Kate’s letters on outposts.
February 15
Believe dear Mother’s birthday – God bless her; hope she is well & not worrying…
February 16
… Feeling disappointed a little:– News of 10,000 British surrounded and surrendered at Mesopotamia, also of new divisions being formed, which means that I shall be sent somewhere from some of my men… Anyhow I shall see how things turn out.
February 17
Regret to hear of Mr Moss’s death – they all have my deepest sympathy. Started digging on new firing line. Noel over to dinner with us. Splitting up of Company is rather disappointing – men rather upset, so am I.
February 18
… Waiting patiently to see where I am to be sent. French aeroplane passed over camp very low down at about 11 00 a.m. Advised 300 Turks reconnoitring our front.
February 19
…Turks patrols reported very close. Received nice big parcel from Mum.
February 20
Church Parade 10 a.m… Believe I’m going to new Battn. – hope so…
February 22
… Word through that change over takes place on Sunday next. Wrote to dear Mum & Kate.
February 24
… Promoted to Lieut todays Battn. Orders. List No 26 to date 20/2/16.
February 25
… Digging as usual; last day with my dear men of No 12 Platoon – regret very much having to leave them but have no doubt that it is for the best. Have got a sort of affection for each & every man; they are all good fellows. Hope to meet them again some day.
February 27
Recd letter from Kate, Mum & Dad. Left Rail head by electric train at ¼ to 11, arrived Canal. Rested & bathed in Canal… Left Serapena by train for Tel el Kebir at 3.15 p.m. Arrived Tel el Kebir about 6.30 p.m.
February 28
Visited 32nd Bttn. for lunch. …Received photos from Kodaks – very good. Sent Cable home re change of address.
Diary of James Churchill-Smith
