Terrell, Frederick Leopold – May 1917

1 May
It is reported that the 46^TH & 47^TH Batteries had a warm time today in Noreuil Gully, which has been named by the Australians as death Gulley…

4 May
Heavy bombardment started early last night and seemed something hellish judging by the Gun fire which could be heard quite plainly from Bapuame, The infantry went across in 6 waves, and judging by the number of wounded passing to C.C.S [casualty clearing station] we had heavy casualties but for all that we gained our objective

5 May
Last night we had a deal of excitement caused by a hun airiplane which came over Bapuame dropping bombs, and results of his exploit over our wagon lines ended in 2 of our Officers being killed…

6 May
Moved Camp yesterday afternoon… Last night we had severe thunderstorm, but today is splendid and bands have been playing all day.

7 May
… Had another visit from our hunish friend last, and dropped some more bombs, but not vicinity of our camp…We are expecting to move out again shortly.

8 May
A heavy bombardment on again tonight… These counter attacks are costing the Germans a great number of lives and to no purpose for our boys still remain firm …

9 May
All day long it rained and the day on the whole was miserable…A heavy bombardment on again tonight Fritz counter attacked 3 times …

10 May
Today a beautiful day and everything going splendid, received 2 letters from Clara … Went to bed early well pleased with myself…

12 May
Moved off at 9.50 a.m for the first stage of our trek to Frechencourt. Arrived at, Spring Garden Camp, Sausage Gulley, Pozieres, Spent a nice night, had definite news regarding Ted Ladd he is buried not far from the above camp, and died on the 7^TH April. We have had close on three months action this and very hot to

13 May
Turned out at 4 a m a lovely morning and everything looking splendid. passed through Albert on our way and led out on to Amiens road which is now a picture as this is an ancient old Roman Road, and on one side is Fruit trees which are all in blossom and on the other Elms, Maples, Ash It is quite a pleasure to be alive in such beautiful surroundings

14 May
Arrived Frechencourt at 7 P M yesterday covering 23 Kilometers for the day. It is quite a pleasure to be out amongst good surroundings and away from the sound of shells.

19 May
Paraded before General Birdwood, … We are in the dark as to where we are going. but one may depend on it that we are going into another hot shop, Where we will have to do a lot of dirty work…

21 May
Turned out at 3.30 a.m saddled up and left Frechencourt …proceeded on through Ameins, Etaples, Bologne, Calais. Arrived in Bailleul at 1.30 a.m and had to detrain … at day break for a waggon Line 2 kilos NTH of Steinwerk [Steenwerck], after having breakfast …

23 May
A lovely day, all going well. Received letter from Aunt Olive, Clara, Mother. Clara’s letter was very disappointing…

24 May
Still keeping fine and are preparing to move into action…

25 May
At 6 oclock this morning the 47^TH Battery had 2 guns blown out and a large ammunition dump, All told Fritz put 400 rounds into a space not 200 yds in diameter…

28 May
The weather still keeps fine and it’s a pleasure to be alive in such weather. A heavy bombardment raging…

30 May
A lovely day things going well. Left waggon lines at 7 P.M to help carry ammunition to the pits arrived dump at Ploegsteert at 9.30 P.M and at Battery position at 11. P.M Leiut. Ross wounded today and gunner Smith had forehead grazed by falling beam his mate sitting next to him was killed with same beam falling

… Had a terrible lot of gas shells put over last night about 300

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