Churchill-Smith, James – July 1918
July -1
… Feeling very much better today. One of our planes brought down behind VAIRE WOOD in flames. Talk of big stunt on 4th July; believe there are a few Yanks in rear of us. Lt Fraser wounded on patrol at night – one man killed…
July -3
Arrived at our sector of Aubigny line … Recd letters from dear Kate, Dad, Pat Mc., Girlie, Jeanne, Joyce J., W. L. Ware & Roy Hurcombe.
-4
4th Bgde & others hopped over at 3 am. from Bouzencourt to Villers Brettoneux. Barrage looked well from Aubigny line especially the phosphorous shells. Over 1200 prisoners taken & several M.G.’s. Wrote dear Kate, dad, Joyce J., Girlie, Pat Mc. & Eugene Scott.
July -5
Fine warm day. Recd letters from dear Mum (3), Dad (3), Kate (2), Sid (2), W. L. Ware, Iris Galliford, Maudie Harris, Girlie, & F.Gill. Transferred from “D” Coy to Bn. Hqrs…
July -7
Not much sleep last night – feeling very tired. Over at 45th Bn. Hqrs. with Tom re stunt during afternoon. Heavy shelling of front & support lines during day by enemy – a few casualties.
-8
Barrage opened up at 12.15 a.m. … 50th were to go out at 12 mid. But were late & suffered a few casualties through enemy barrage. Enemy fire on front line at about 10.30 p.m. in reply to our barrage…
July -9
… Up round line during early morning. Battn. sector much quieter today.
-10
Round line during early morning … Patrol came upon a German Post & “Scuppered” it – 2 Germans killed, 1 wounded, 1 prisoner. Dunhill wounded on left cheek by a piece of one of our Mills Grenades…
July 11
Dull day with occasional rain. Occasional enemy shelling near Bn. Hdqrs. during late afternoon & night – fair amount of gas shells about 9.30 p.m. onwards –very unpleasant. Relieved by 40th Bn. at night. Total casualties during tour :- 6 killed , 16 wounded, 13 gassed, 15 Hospital = 50.
12
Relief complete by 1.15 a.m. – Bn. Hqrs arrived at Mills, Daours at about 3 a.m. Coys. to Aubigny line. Must record the very excellent meal Lt Craven provided for us upon our arrival at Daours – 6 courses, and very acceptable. Had lovely swim in Canal after an excellent sleep.
July 13
Battn. left Daours at 6 a.m. arriving at Camon at about 9 a.m. Made arrangements with Y.M.C.A. in afternoon re entertainments &c for men – Committee appointed &c…
14
Dull day with light occasional rain. Church Parade 10 a.m. Col…Formed Sports & Entertainment Committee for benefit of men.
July 15
Dull day. On Court of Enquiry at 13th Ausn Light Horse Regt Hdqrs during day – …. Impromptu Concert at Y.M.C.A at night – very good.
16
Heavy thunderstorm during morning…
18
Awakened at 12 mid. by hearing “Fire” Call on the bugle – the billet two doors down from mine was well alight – got it under hand by 1 a.m. & out by 2 a.m. Court of Enquiry at 11.30 a.m. on 2 “Missing” men. Hot morning, cooler in afternoon. … Boxing at Y.M.C.A. at night
July 19
Warm day. Rowing on canal during most of day. Reported to Brigade Hdqrs about 6 p.m.as Bgde Major Trainee &c.
20
Lovely swim first thing this morning. Warm day, but rather windy, rain in afternoon…
July 21
Church Parade 49th Bn. 11 a.m with Brig & Staff. 50th Bn swimming carnival at Baths in afternoon. Guest night Mess…
July 23
Dull day with rain during morning. Went to Abbeville by motor lorry with Jim London, Sims, Joe Waine & Doc, in morning, returning at midnight – most glorious time. Met Sister Nicholls & others at 3rd A.G.H. and dined with them at Hotel de France. Recd letter from Paul G. & plenty of papers from W. L. Ware & home.
24
Changeable day – occasional sunshine and rain. … Preliminary orders out re 13th Bgde relieving 14th Bgde in front line.
July 25
Wrote to dear Kate, Estella Hall, & Madame Malfait Went to Heilly to 14th Bgde Hdqrs re relief during morning. “Smart Set” at night – very nice. Relief of 14th Bgde cancelled.
July 27
Dull day. Pongo Clarke to dinner….bombing by enemy planes in vicinity of Hdqrs (Rivery) about midnight…
July 29
… General Staff up looking over new sector during morning – we are taking over from the French in a few days time on right of Villers Brettoneux….
30
Fine warm day. Rash very bad. Conference of C.O’s during afternoon.
July 31
Fine day. Rash still bad – hope I can get it better in time to do the line tour. …Bgde nucleus reserve took up its quarters at Hospice, Rivery, during afternoon.
Diary of James Churchill-Smith
