Terrell, Leopold Frederick – June 1916

1 June
received definite orders we were to move off tonight… numerous troop trains passing on the same route as the whole 4 Div are off.

2 June
Arrived at Alexandria 9.30am had 6 hours rest for 48 hours duty and feel pretty well worn out on it embarked at 10.30 a.m. on Caladonian. troops number about 3,000.

3 June
… Sailed at 9.am.

5 and 6 June
Reports to hand, that a naval engagement took place off Denmark, resulting in the enemy suffering very heavily. Also reports that we had a reverse at Ypres loosing 700 yds of trenches. we counter attacked and regained a little of the original ground. In this action 2 off our Generals are reported missing. Had letters this afternoon

9 June
Took up our berth alongside the Quay at 8 a.m Received definite news about Lord Kitcheners death… Disembarked at 4.45 P.M.

10 June
Left Marseilles at 11.40P.M. Arrived at Lyons at 2.30 P.M

11 June
Arrived at Villeneuve St Georges. at 11.15 a.m. Changed trains again at 12.30 P.M just outside Paris, arrived at Acheres at 8.p.m. where we disembarked again. Arrived at Havre at 8.30 a.m this morning after a very rough night, turned in at San Vic at 8.30P.M

13 June
Turned out at 6.30 a.m. Went through Havre at 8.30 a.m. on route march, and it was splendid. There is some lovely scenery about these parts.

14 June
After a very cold night turned out at 6.30 a.m. feeling none the better for my rest. Paraded at 7 a.m. then was dismissed all the morning. Did nothing all day.

16 June
Turned out at 6. a.m and did 2 hours shift. We are all preparing to leave here. Left San Vic at 3 oclock left Havre for the front at 8.20PM

17 June
Passed through Etaples and arrived at a Port De Cologne at 2.45 P.M. Detrained at 9 p.m. march 3 miles to our billets in a farm

19 June 
Turned out at 6 a.m. and mounted duty at 7.45. a.m. and had a fairly slack day…

21 June
Turned out on Parade at 6 a.m. and groomed horses, and fed. Received gas helmets and also orders that some would be moving off. Witnessed 10 Airoplanes being shelled as we are near firing.

23 June
Had very good night was relieved at 6.P.M amidst a heavy down pour of rain. Had very heavy shelling tonight.

24 June
Everywhere is bog and mud on account of the rain. Exercised horses this afternoon.

25 June
Had church service in camp. In afternoon went to a lecture…

27 June
Rose at 2.30 a m and departed from billet at Caestre at 5 a.m. arrived at Armentiers at 9 a m after a fairly decent ride through several towns on the way.

28 June
Took up our new billet in a row of old ruined houses …. Things very quiet, there is a vast difference coming into action here and Galipoli

29 and 30
Turned to at 6 a.m. and went out on the lines which lead right up to first line trenches … 12 P.M. had a bombardment firing 160 rounds each gun turned to at 9 P.m. this morning to hear fritz sending a few 11 inch shells back at us. on lines all day turned in at 10.20PM.

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