Churchill-Smith, James – October 1918
October -1
Nice fine day, slightly chilly at times. Very enjoyable game of tennis in afternoon with G.O.C., Lade, Churcher & Lec. Brig. Gen Leane & Capt Varley called during afternoon, & played tennis with us. Saw 51st Bn. on route march during morning, & watched 49th Bn. training. Guest night at Mess – Cols. Whitham & Coaster, Majors Rowe & Fowler present also 51st Orchestra – very enjoyable. Good news of Bulgaria giving in.
-2
Fine morning, dull afternoon, but played tennis. Called at 59th Bn during morning, also Brigade School. Good news of French push east & west of Rheims. Since yesterday 21,000 prisoners counted. Bulgarians handed over all ships & Railways – Turkey next I should say. Good-byee Germany !!! Bridge at night with G.O.C. & others…
October -3
Good games of tennis today. …News of more scrapping round St Quentin by French & west of it by the Australian’s 2nd Div. have had a hard scrap yesterday took 21 Off 652 O.R prisoners. Tanks reported blown up by land mines & whippets unable to cross all Hun trenches owing to width.
-4
Dull day. Tennis in afternoon – very enjoyable. News through of Turkey giving in; everybody quite excited about it. Austria in about 3 weeks time, I should say, then Goodbye to Germany. Bridge at night with G.O.C., Bennett & the Interpreter…
October -5
Fine day Around inspecting 50th & 51st Bn Transports during morning, also 49th Bn on route march… Sports during afternoon, then back home for tennis. Bridge at night.
-6
Dull day, but no rain. … News through of Germany & Austria asking for an Armistice – up them!!! Church Parade at 9.30 a.m. at Aerodrome. French lady called re having been robbed of 15000 francs at Ferrieres last night – muster parade of 50th held & all strays arrested in villages – enquiry to be held on 2 men of 50th – suspects.
October -7
… Enquiry at 10 a.m. on 50th suspects re robbery. General at dinner at Division. Bridge afternoon & evening…
October -9
Fair day – threatening at times, but fortunately no rain. Sports commenced at 11 a.m. with athletic events & at 2 10 p.m. with equestrian. Very enjoyable day; my old Coy. horse “Winchester” (Dick) won the Flag Race. Nurses present from Abbeville & a few French folk. Lt. Sims to dinner & bridge afterwards.
10
Round to 49th & 51st Bns. during morning with the General…
12
G.O.C.’s 4th Div. inspection of Brigade cancelled; Bns. on route marches. Recd letters from dear Mum (3), Kate, Dad, Bert, Hewish, Mrs. Swift, Aunt Mary, and Toddy. Wrote dear Mum, Kate, Dad, & Aunt Mary Campbell & sent souvenirs (Rheims Cathedral picture) to dear Mum. Heavy rain in afternoon and during night.
October 13
Dull day with light drizzle. Gen. Herring left by car in morning on leave: – Col. Witham (temp comm. 4th Bgde) to come over & take charge. I left Bn. in afternoon for 50th Bn as Murray Fowler is going on leave. Good news in paper of Peace talk and advances. …
14
Route march in morning. Fine day. Padre Golt (attached temp. with Y.M.C.A.) entertained the Bn. during afternoon – very enjoyable.
October 15
My birthday – getting old. (24 yrs.)…
16
Wrote Lily Mc. and Rafferty & Calver (enc. Cheque) Recd. letter from Mona & new diary from dear Dad – O.K. Dull day, but no rain.
October 17
Fine day. Bn. on route march during morning. Attended meeting At Bde re Sports at 10.30 a.m. – remained to lunch…
18
Fine day. Got tooth filled in afternoon. Good news through of capture of Lille, Douai, & Ostend. Bridge at night with Crase, Harding & Sims. Sports meeting at 5.30 p.m. Recd 1919 diary from dear Dad – O.K.
October 19
Fine day; heavy fog during early morning. Football in afternoon “A” Team V “B” Team. Good news through of occupation of Tourcoing & Roubaix.
20
Dull day with occasional light showers Church Parade & Holy Communion in morning. Wrote dear Mum, & Kate, & Dad, also Joyce Johnston. More good news through. Huns have evacuated the whole of the Flanders coast, & we now occupy it…
October 23
Fine day. Bn. road race – 4½ miles – in afternoon; 15 entries per Platoon – won by No 8 Platoon, “B” Coy. highest aggregate points. Winner Pte Quigley (of Prospect) “B” Coy. 2nd Pte Wilson, P.H. “D” Coy. Am getting very fat & have had to get my tunic let out – and this is war!!!…
26
Dull day. Football in afternoon: –
51st Bn 7 goals 6 behinds
50th “ 4 “ 6 “
28
Bn route march during morning. Out with C.O. & Coy. Commdrs in afternoon reconnoitring ground for Bn. Attack scheme tomorrow. Up till 12 mid. Writing out Orders & Instructions.
October 29
Bn. Attack scheme between Guignemicourt & Bovelles during morning. G.O.C. Bde present. – fair. All Officers & N.C.O’s out in afternoon going over attack again in skeleton formation. Sent Xmas Cards issued to men of Bn. to dear Mum, Kate, Dad & Sid.
30
C.O. left for Camiers M.G. school so I took over command of the Bn. Capt. Wilson left for Australia furlough. Bn. Parade in afternoon as practice for tomorrow – turnout good.Bgde lecture (Off & N.C.O.’s) at Guignemicourt at 3 p.m. on “Artillery.”
October 31
Brigade formed up on 49th Bn parade ground between Guignemicourt & Clairy at 10 a.m. & were inspected by Gen. MacLagan, G.O.C. 4th Aust. Div. Verdict on 50th Bn – “very satisfactory” March past at conclusion of inspection. Football in afternoon “A” V “B” Team.
Diary of James Churchill-Smith
