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Went the Day Well?
by Lionel Reid Hall
(For more information about this article go to the 14th August 2016 Blog)
Letters home from the Trenches, 1917
Posted Folkestone. 25th February 1917
Troop Train 2.05 pm
My dear Mother and Daddy,
The train is shaking rather badly, so I can’t write very much.
Don’t worry about me in the least, I am perfectly happy. I have all my equipment and I have quite enough money.
The following is most important, first would you send a cheque for £2, made out to Miss Edith Stisted and address it to Auchendinny House, Milton Bridge, Midlothian.
I went down there several times, and finally this morning, came to the conclusion that I could do with a bit more money and Edith made out the cheque for me.
Also……
My last few days here were extraordinary happy. I saw a great many of my friends. I saw the Stisteds every day. ….. I also saw Benjy several times. She had written in the book she gave me, “To Bobby, in memory of the wonderful 3rd, from Benjy.”
This refers to Feb 3rd, when we had our little show. I taxied down to say Goodbye today.
I had a big dinner party at the Patersons – about 20 of us. It was rather a rag, but I had to leave to catch the last bus, just when they began dancing.
I spent a most amusing time at the Pitmans last evening. Mrs Pitman was almost affectionate and took a long time saying Goodbye. Olivia gave me her practically undivided attention, from 4:30 until 6, which was kind. We had rather an amusing time together.
I also spent a very jolly hour and a half with Lady Clarke. It was too late to see the latest arrival. Of course I have also seen a crowd of other people, several new friends, including Mrs Natby, wife of our senior major of the 3rd Battn.
The Battn was also very nice, the Colonel said Goodbye awfully nicely and said he had tried to keep me back but had failed.
Bussel was also very nice, as also Northy and C Carlton, the Majors. Old Captain Salmond and Balfour Stisted were all awfully decent. I didn’t see Francis or Clarke. Hugo and Cowan were both extremely nice.
I am travelling down in a troop train with Blackwood and McBraine who are taking over a draft to France.
Now don’t you worry, I am extraordinary happy. Ever since I have got definite orders I have felt horribly bucked with myself, I suddenly seemed to lose all worry. I suppose it is some special help which we all get in France.
I think I have got a decent chance of getting out to the 2nd Battn which is a glorious Battn, filled with only the very best.
If you don’t hear from me for a bit, it’s because I am very busy. Never worry. If anything happens you will hear soon enough. No news is good news.
Posted Folkestone 11 PM 25th February 1917
Folkestone 9PM
My boat leaves in an hour from now. I’m not quite sure where my valise is but I expect it will turn up all right. My address for the next few days is almost sure to be 21st I.D.B., Etaples. So a letter would be very thankfully received. But don’t enclose anything in it as I am not absolutely certain of the address.
I sent Douglas a tea cup and saucer with the Edinburgh arms on it. I think it is rather a nice one. Give my love to him. I’ve scribbled a line to Kim. I’m very sorry I couldn’t see him but it was impossible.
Now don’t worry about me. I shalln’t be in the firing line for weeks probably; and you know we are all just as safe wherever we are. Circumstances make no difference really.
25th February 1917
Boulogne
This is just to say I’ve arrived here all serene and for a wonder brought all my kit with me so far. I leave for Etaples at 6 pm tonight or thereabouts; probably it will be about 9 before we start. I shall then remain there for a little while, before moving up to the lines.
I feel quite bucked with myself. I don’t think I could ever have stuck remaining at Glencorse after I was 19. But it was nice of the C.O. to say that he had tried to keep me.
I saw my first annual confidential report on myself the other day. In the remarks column, Bussel put, “Ought to make a very good officer.” This no doubt was meant kindly; but it struck me there was an uncalled element of futurity.
Had a very simple crossing. We passed within a few yards of a French submarine which was interesting.
By the way, I have found those photographs……...
Well send a line to 21st I.D.B. if you have time.
(This letter was examined by the Base Censor.)
26th February 1917
Etaples
Here I am in Etaples, about the last place I shall be able to mention by name for a little while. By the way, it is 20th I.D.B. not 21st as I had thought.
Had rather a comical night, indeed a comical day as well.
I got down to Folkestone about 4am. I had a bath and shave, found my kit after some difficulty, and then went across. Blackwood and McBraine had to take their men in the other boat. However, I saw them again in Boulogne.
In Boulogne I did a bit of shopping. I saw Shearman there.
In the evening I came on here. The train took exactly three hours to do the 15 miles. But I travelled down with a very good fellow in the West Kents. I forget his name. I slept last night in a tent. My kit was down at the station. I got hold of three sopping wet blankets and wrapped myself up on them. I thanked Heaven for my beautiful trench coat with the three linings. It rained all night. But we kept the tent open and the fresh air kept out the rheumatism. I was a little cold but am none the worse. In fact, I think a slight cold I had got was checked. I shall have my valise tonight but I sigh when I muse when next I shall sleep in pyjamas. I expect we shall be able to do this when we are behind the lines.
I shall be here about four days. After that I move up. I may be put into a wire school for a month before going into the lines; but I hope not. Probably I shall get a job as Sig. Off. sooner or later. I think I have everything I want. My greatest difficulty is to keep my feet and legs warm when lying down. My coat and beautiful waistcoat will keep any cold off my body, but my legs are apt to get a tiny chilly; I am very glad I got those excellent pants, they are twice as thick as ordinary ones and all wool.
I have great hopes of getting to the 2nd Battn. I shall be able to tell you my Battn. If I manage this my address will be 2nd Battn., The Royal Scots, B.E.F. Don’t put 2nd Royal Scots; this is dreadfully wrong!
My tent is next door to a large internal combustion engine. The noise takes a little getting used to but it is a convenient guide for identifying my tent. You cannot imagine the size of the camp.
This is a lovely summer’s day.
This afternoon my friend and I are going down to Paris Plage in a train. It will be lovely today I expect; do you know the place? I wonder if Nina or Mrs Hill are here. I don’t quite know how to ask or who to ask.
My new tin hat is a glorious spectacle and quite comfortable. I shall look quite war-like soon.
I have an excellent little batman here, as far as I can make out, he is a Scot in an Irish Regiment. He employs his leisure in walking about the Lines with a stick and is altogether very superior.
20th I.B.D. Etaples.
I have had a very jolly time so far. Blackwood and McBraine turned up last night and slept in my tent. We were four in the tent all on the floor. However, I have got all my kit up now and can sleep in pyjamas which is a great comfort.
I love this place for several things. It is so happy go lucky. One thing I miss and that is women friends. However, the latter are a great obstacle to hard work; also I am certain to get lots and lots of letters from them.
Blackwood seems to think I have an excellent chance of getting the 2nd Battn. It’s just about the best Battn. in France, so I hope I shall. I’ve heard nothing about posting as yet.
How goes the family? I have heard nothing yet; but I expect the letters take a long time. I believe we get letters through very well at the Front.
You will be relieved to hear that my letters will be quite private as I censor them myself. They are liable to be opened at the Base I believe; but the chances are a thousand to one against and besides the people at the Base have no personal connection with me so it doesn’t make any difference if they read my letters or not.
How goes the family? It was rather sudden the way in which I rushed off. But somehow I really feel it’s the best way. You see I saw you all just before, and the time we had together was not spoilt by the knowledge that I was leaving directly after because we didn’t know. It was very annoying missing Kim. However, it couldn’t be helped. I was rushed to an extraordinary degree.
I was sorry I had to borrow the £2 from Edith Sti. but she didn’t mind……
Have had an interesting day. We went down a sort of tunnel built up with oil tins. This tunnel was filled with asphyxiating gases. Of course we wore helmets. Then we went through some lachrymatory gas without any protection. My eyes streamed but the smell would have been rather nice if it hadn’t been quite so strong – like essence of pear. Then we played about with smoke bombs.
I went to Paris Plage with a friend yesterday afternoon. It is a topping little place. There is a beautiful “front” running for about a mile along the sea, and all the houses are built in different ways and all quaint; some are built of brick of every shade of red from purple to orange. Others are of wood and painted in quaint shades. All the wood work etc. is painted in harmony with the various colours of brick. The whole effect is simply lovely – so unlike anything I have ever seen before. We had a jolly little tea at a place where they sold things they called “scones”!
I had a rather amusing conversation with one or two shopkeepers.
Must close as I several letters I must write and I am tired.
(Posted 01.03.1917)
2nd March 1917
9.15 am. Somewhere in France.
I’m on my way to the Front in a huge troop train. As usual I’ve been lucky. I’ve got hold of a 2nd class carriage and there are only four of us in it – all good fellows.
I’ve been posted to the 11th Battn. so my address will probably be 11th Royal Scots, B.E.F. that is all. However, I may not be up to the Lines for a week or two. I’ll write in a day or so and let you know. Perhaps it would be better not to write until I tell you.
Have unfortunately lost my muffler. I’m afraid it was stolen out of my tent in the 20th I.D.B. Perhaps you could send me another when I get up to the Lines.
Now don’t worry about me the least little bit. It’s an extraordinary thing, before I went out I used to worry a little now and then, but now quite suddenly everything seems to have become simple.
Of course I don’t know how I shall feel when I get to the Lines but at present I haven’t the slightest apprehension. I sleep well and never dream. You know I feel sure we get a lot of extra help out here. One is never given anything to do without the means to do it. This may seem awful cant, but I tell it you because I honestly believe it and I think it will comfort you.
I daresay I shall be back home very soon, they send one back for very little things, I narrowly missed a strafe of a bomb the other day.
France is looking topping. The weather is so beautiful, perfect for us and we are smashing up Brother Bosche quite well now.
I’m joining the Battn with Paton, a very old friend of mine and a fellow I like very much. Of course I should have liked the 2nd Battn. but there are several wash-outs there. The 11th is part of the “first hundred thousand” and I believe an excellent crowd.
I love being here. The men are splendid, quite different from what they are in “Blighty”. The French too are awfully nice.
There doesn’t seem much to say. Of course I can’t tell you where I am going up to. One has to be all the more careful since one censors one’s own letters.
It was awfully jolly seeing Blackwood here. He has always been a very special friend of mine.
I know – at least I think I know – at least two of the men in the 11th, who are both quite good fellows. I shall probably find I know others when I get out there.
By the way, I’ve lost my blue patrol… Can’t think what I have done with it. Of course I don’t want it out here, but I should like to trace it if I can.
I did not manage to trace Nina. I was rather busy at the Camp. But I don’t think she was there at all. I must write to her home address and find out where she is. I believe Winnie Paterson is coming over too. Benjy is not strong enough.
We are passing through a very pretty part of the country, quaint villages and pretty country.
Later. Have been waiting about one and half hours in a station. It is quite possible we shall wait another ten hours. However, we have plenty of food and are quite cheerful. It is very warm over here at present.
I shall not be able to get this off at present as our letters may not go through a private post.
This station is most amusing. There are British, French, Portuguese, sort of Chinese devils and every other nationality all mixed up talking their own funny lingoes. This is a most entertaining Country.
Well I’ll leave this open in case there is anything to add later.
Much love to the Family, and my very kind regards to Mrs Broome.
3rd March 1917
11th Royal Scots. B.E.F.
After some difficulty have found my Battn. Most excellent reception, writing later.
5th March 1917
This is really the first time I’ve had the chance of writing a decent letter.
It is a little difficult to give you much news because the nature of one’s work is secret – one’s place is secret and everything else is secret.
However, I can tell you that at the present moment and for the next few days I am as safe as you are and I don’t think I’m telling any secrets when I say that they usually keep new fellows in the quiet for a month or so – I leave it at that.
Secondly I am extremely comfortable and happy here. We are fed sumptuously. We have Company messes – 5 or 6 elaborate courses at dinner – all sorts of dates, raisins, etc. There are nine of us in the Coy. all good fellows. The Coy. O.C. called Brown is an excellent fellow – very efficient and very decent.
I haven’t got a Platoon at present, I’m a sort of understudy to a fellow called Thomas, a Winchester man who knows the Youngers well – was at school with Jock, Benjy’s brother. His Father runs a preparatory school near Edinburgh. Thomas is an excellent person. Lunn is also in the Coy. Wnd in Comm. I knew him well at Glencorse, he is also a topping fellow. The Col. – Croft by name, is a Regular with a D.S.O with a bar. He was very nice to Paton and me when we arrived. Loftus, the Adjutant was once Serg. Maj. He seems an excellent fellow. The 2nd in C. is Errington, whose wife I know. She is Mrs Sandford’s daughter.
The 11th Battn. is the senior Battn. in the “1st Hundred Thousand” and a splendid Battn. – probably the best in the Reg.
Before I go on any further, don’t expect letters coming regularly. It takes some days for them to come as you can seem from the date of this. Also you can’t very well write when you are in the Trenches.
The drawback to the place is the weather. It’s extraordinary cold during the night. Can you send a good muffler? It was beastly having the other stolen but I couldn’t help it. Also some very warm mittens preferably with gauntlets. I don’t think there’s time to make them. I should like them as soon as possible. For the rest, socks are wanted all the time – also some Horlick Milk Tablets – excellent things. I get my chocolate here; it is very good in France – also cigarettes, so don’t worry about them. But cakes and things are most welcome – but not essential as we are fed very well. By the way, if you ever do send cigarettes, I like Players, or any cheap American ones. The others are too strong for the amount we smoke. But, as I say, Cigs are cheaper out here and so don’t send any.
How are all the Family, give my love to them all. I haven’t got much news. Life is great out here. The chances of getting Blighty one are far greater than anything worse, and besides, as I am always saying, I am just as safe in the Trenches as you are in Huddlesford. When our time comes, it comes. So cheer Oh, Pip-pip, and Yo-ho for the Bosche with a hole in the back.
Well, I’ll write again before very long, but don’t expect regular letters.
7th March 1917
11th Royal Scots, B.E.F.
Two letters dated the 2nd and 3rd respectively arrived today; also the one from Edith. I am glad you read it. Never scruple to read any of my letters if you would like to.
First of all, for business.
- I have found my muffler, so don’t send another. If you have done so it will be quite useful.
- The mittens wanted rather badly: please may they be warm and woolly. They need not be waterproof. I shall wear them underneath my rubber gloves which are rather cold.
- All such food as nice cakes, jam and things for mess very useful. Everything is common property in the Coy mess and so I should naturally like to contribute my share. Chocolate of course is most useful but apt to be selfish. Don’t spend much; I have plenty of money. Our mess is sumptuous, 5 course dinners – most elaborate and every luxury like Camambun etc. (how do you spell it?).
To answer your letters, yes I should much appreciate Punch and Public Opinion.
I always like to hear about the garden. I think you scheme for the Village excellent both in theory and practice.
No my letters are not delayed by censor, I do it all myself.
You speak of discomforts, so far they are only one in number. It’s beastly cold, but I keep myself quite warm. I have such topping garments and lots of blankets. Fellows were most kind in lending me things before my kit came out. Selfishness is entirely eliminated in France. This is one of the great lessons we learn out here – selfishness and snobbery are absolutely cut out.
It is very kind of you to send the (censored).
It hasn’t arrived yet, but things nearly always come sooner or later.
Yes, I remember about Mrs Ditmus, I am so glad.
I am quite happy out here. The fellows are a splendid crowd. Of course I haven’t had the experience of the Front yet. Again let me remind you, there will often be a break in my letters for a week or so. You will know the reason. If anything happens to me, you will know soon enough.
I am rather sorry I missed the Opera season in Edinburgh. I was rather looking forward to it. Otherwise I think I am much better out here. The only trouble is I feel sure you will be worrying about me. Please try not to worry too much. Trench life is a hundred times preferable to that of a year or so ago. Moreover, I shan’t do much the first month or so probably.
One gets to know the men much better out here. Some of their letters are rather pathetic. They have to rough it rather badly in the ranks.
Excuse this very scrappy letter. It is so difficult to write an interesting letter when one can’t tell any news.
Write as often as possible. One depends on letters out here to a greater extent than people realise at home.
Much love to Douglas and Kim.
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F.
I am sending a line tonight as I shall be very busy tomorrow. Awfully sorry but post is just going out. Had a very successful day, all sorts of sports and things.
Thanks for your card today, so glad you saw Kim.
(Posted 11th March 1917).
9th March 1917
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F. France.
I sit down to answer five letters from you Mother and one from you Daddy. They have all arrived within 24 hours. I hope they will come more regularly now I have a proper address.
First of all as far as possible do write a short note every day. There is only one post a day and that comes after tea when letters are most welcome.
The parcel has not arrived to date. Could you send something rather special in parcels now and then. You see fellows get things like homemade oatcake – anything you can’t get here and it becomes the common property of the Coy mess – 9 of us, and I should naturally like to supply me share. A little oatmeal for porridge is a terrific blessing if it can be got – but anything will do.
For goodness sake don’t worry about me. They keep us fairly safe at first – moreover about 80% of the casualties are only wounded.
I should very much like to have Punch; also Public Opinion or any other paper for that matter.
As for books, one or two would be very nice to have. I can get novels here, but could you send me something of Thackery or Anthony Troloppe – something quiet and amusing.
Thank you very much for attending to my landlady’s letter. I don’t think I have any of her towels, in fact I am almost certain I haven’t, but of course I can’t swear.
It might amuse me to see Raffy’s letter. I am glad it was settled about Edith Stisted. I haven’t heard from her family yet. I have heard from Benjy and Miss Wyer, I think that is all since I have been out.
Rather amusing about Captain Capper, I hardly know him. Margarine dupes nearly everyone nowadays.
A stylo pen would be invaluable, I should be infinitely obliged for one.
How nice for you being able to meet Kim. I must write to him soon.
Yes, it is rather cold here. Socks will be most useful, also woolly gloves or mittens.
No, Blackwood went back, but he’ll be out again very soon to stay.
There is a signalling officer here already, I may perhaps succeed him some day.
Please send the Forsyth account to me, I shall have loads of money to pay it by the end of the month.
That finishes your letters.
Now here is a little secret. I don’t think I need scruple in letting you know. As far as I can see, I shall not be in the trenches more than about 4 days in the next 3 or 4 weeks….
I am enjoying life here very much. It is very cold but my clothes are excellent in every respect bar gloves. The rubber gloves have not proved much of a success; too cold.
One rather misses ones Sundays here. One works just the same. Last Sunday I thought it was Saturday and never realised my mistake until the morning after. I never know what day of the week it is now.
But we are a very cheerful crowd – officers and men. We play all sorts of children’s games with the men. There is something wonderfully pathetic about the private soldier in France. He is just a child, sometimes querulous but always trustful. Their letters are always full of kisses x x x – and odd expressions of endearment. Of course I read a great many of them, censoring.
People have been awfully kind. I can count on letters from a great many people, mostly girls so that always keeps me cheery. Moreover, my life has been so happy that I sometimes spend hours on the march, etc, dreaming about people and incidents; it is an extraordinary help being able to live on one’s past. Of course there is usually “lots of the present” to live in.
Much love to all.
11th March 1917
11th The R.S. B.E.F.
We expected to march today but have been given a day of rest instead. I was rather relieved as we have been working rather hard last week. For the next ten days or so, I shall have my own Platoon, the leading one in the Battn at the moment.
We have been having too much ceremonial lately we have been inspected by Haig and some of the Brgde have been decorated by the Corps Comm. The weather is not suitable for ceremonial. It is much warmer this morning and afternoon. I am rather glad, as I shall have a short spell in the trenches in a day or two.
Miss Gribbell has sent me a very nice little flask which may prove very useful and Raffy asks what kind of food I like, so no doubt I shall be well fed.
Your parcel has not arrived to date, I mean the one containing the “Sanctuary” you said you were sending…
About my letters, please….
Don’t worry about my going into the trenches. We are on an extremely quiet part of the line, moreover everything is going swimmingly over here and we are very cheerful.
We had some rather amusing sports yesterday, including an inter-Battn football competition for which two pigs large and small respectively were given as prizes; the latter were drawn up in a cart in the midst of the massed pipe band of the Bgde and the two winning teams, 1st and 2nd had to remove their own prizes. This caused much amusement to all concerned with the solitary exception of the pigs themselves, who, not being Scottish, could hardly be expected to have so keen a sense of humour as ourselves.
B Coy consumed a whole case of whiskey in the Officers’ mess last night to celebrate their impending departure. Considering all things, I think it was as well that the departure was put off a day. Messing here is wonderfully good and quite moderate, I ought to be saving a little more soon………………
We are a very jolly little crowd here, Brown the O.C. Coy is an Oxford man, and Lunn 2nd in comm, a Cambridge man.
All the other fellows are very nice indeed without exception.
Very much love to all.
P.S. Letters often get delayed a week or more so don’t worry if there are gaps.
12th March 1917
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F.
Received your letter of the 7th today. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy getting your letters so often. It is such a help. The parcel containing the “Sanctuary” etc also arrived. I must have a look at the book tonight. The chocolate was delicious and disappeared within two minutes after it arrived. You see there were seven of us. You must not be appalled at this. All parcels coming in here are the common property of the Coy mess. Selfishness seems to be practically unknown. Ever since I have been out here I have been devouring other people’s parcels. I am sorry the postage is so high. It is rather a shame.
We eat a great deal of choc here but it is easy to get. Perhaps you could send some of those Horlick milk tablets they are excellent. The cocoa will be exceedingly useful as well.
You will remember the woolly gloves or mittens won’t you. Another thing I rather want is a light waterproof for marching etc. Only rather less than half our time is spent in the trenches and when we are training, my trench coat is rather too heavy to carry. Something really very light and inexpensive. Please send the bill to me. Also please send all socks you can. We use an extraordinary number of pairs and I could do with more.
I have had an excellent day. We started marching at 7.30 am and went on for 15 miles, with only three five minute halts, arriving here at 12.30. Since we all wore very heavy packs, equipment and gas respirators not to speak of steel helmets, I think we did rather well. Thanks to excellent boots and my present splendid health, I feel as fresh as a lily after it. My feet were not in the slightest sore and I am not very tired. Tomorrow I shall be in the rear part of the trenches. It is very quiet part of the line, and we shall not be in the front part of the line at present. I am very much looking forward to it – an interesting experience. Don’t worry, the Hun is awfully nervous at present and there are hardly any casualties in the part of the line at present. This is a fact.
I have obtained my signalling certificate, it arrived today. This means that I ought to be signalling officer sometime in the future. We have got one here at present.
You would very much like to meet some of the fellows here – a most topping crowd of officers, the “C” Coy. officers (there are 8 of us) make one happy family with Brown as a sort of Father and head – he is quite delightful, Ainsley, one of the whiskey people, is a charming man, he has travelled a great deal. Winchester, a lawyer, is quite delightful, Thomas, a Winchester man, (don’t confuse the man’s name with the school) is an excellent fellow. Lynn is also a topping old thing. Edwards, our mess president, feeds us like kings. Smith is a very amusing Scot, and there you have the happy family.
Later
Just received six letters including:
- Yours.
- Two from Lady Clerke, she has taken to calling me Bobby and seems rather fond of me.
- A very nice one from Mrs Stisted.
- A jolly one from Edith Stisted, who signs herself Edith, after the manner of the Bell family.
- A long one from Mrs MacPherson, another Edinburgh friend of mine.
Mrs Stisted is sending cakes. Raffy asks what I want, so I ought to get some food. It is such a help having so many friends who think a little of me when I am not there.
I enjoy the 3rd line very much indeed. I suppose it will become boring in time but at present it is most interesting. I stood in the open today, directing my section in their places in a redoubt. The Hun was straffing with shrapnel. None burst within about 500 yards of me, but the noise was considerable and the stuff burst in the air like a huge rocket – quite thrilling it was.
When our own guns fire, they knock the dug-outs like a stone.
There is a bit of a straffe on now, right away in the distance. I have just been out to look at it. It is just like a great firework display.
I hear from your letter that you are sending another muffler to me; I have found my old one, but another will be very useful. Choc., Cigarettes and biscuits I can easily get here. But everything is very welcome. The daily letter is an enormous help.
Letter must go.
13th March 1917
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F.
I am in a dug out shared by three others, Lunn Edwards and a third in another Coy. I am about 600 yards behind the front line – well out of range of most of the trench mortars.
It is quite fascinating. The shells come whistling over us and you can see them burst. Fortunately, they are practically all ours, the Hun seems very dispirited. I am told that the casualties for the whole division are often nil for a whole tour in the trenches.
I have just had a glorious meal in the Coy. H.Q. dug out. It started with slices of sausage (German) with ham, fat slices wrapped round. This was followed by delicious soup and then tinned salmon, bread, jam and cheese, and tea. It was rather good for a scratch luncheon I think. We always get five course dinners.
Just before luncheon, a large rat had squint at us through a little window in the dug-out. We removed him with stones.
It is quite safe here. I spend a part of my time in the open. The trenches are very muddy in places and it is better to get out on top.
I honestly mean it when I say that these 3rd lines are very nearly as safe as Huddlesford – and the front line isn’t much more dangerous.
There is a Town just behind the lines. It was one of those wrecked in 1915. All is ruin. The Cathedral, huge but desolate, various factories, through which the lines actually pass. You can see great engines and dynamos all rusty and still with no roof over them. It is all rather weird, but awfully interesting.
Love.
14th March 1917
11th The Royal Scots, B.E.F.
I have no parade until after tea today so I will start a letter now. I am taking a working party out tonight – it ought to be rather sport. I expect we shall be in by about 10.
I spent a good night wrapped up in a coat and many sand bags – tons of them; they are such warm things. This morning, after a breakfast of porridge, cream, bacon, egg, bread and marmalade, I had a good wash in warm water, shaved and strolled here to write letters.
I am now in Coy Hdrs.
It is great fun in the 3rd line, as long as you are: 1) in good health, 2) have lots of food, 3) ditto clothing – trench life several hundred yards from the Hun is anything but unpleasant. Thanks to a persevering mess president, and the many parcels we get – you see there are about seven of us (six at the moment, one is on special duty) we feed like Kings. My clothes are all I could want save that I could do with more socks. Luckily it is very warm at present.
It also makes such a difference having such a topping Coy Cr. He does everything in his power for us. Lunn, the 2nd in Command is an old friend of mine, while all the others are excellent med. In my platoon I have a very excellent Serg., reduced to ranks for drunkenness, risen again by pure capability, his worth his weight in gold; and also one of my Corporals is a gem.
Feary, my Plat. Serg. is also invaluable – he used to have terrible “blinds” too. These fellows who get drunk are always excellent N.C.O.s. It is the same with some officers. I rather think this applies especially to the Scottish.
There is a bit of straffing going on but really nothing much. I have been watching some of our shells bursting in the Bosch lines. First you hear the bang of the gun behind our lines, then the whistle of the shell going over, then you see a flash and a great cloud of smoke. Several seconds afterwards, a crash like a house falling down, immediately followed by a weird humming sound; this last are the fragments which travel a great distance. It is quite fascinating. At night time, the sky is lit up like lightening. But I was not in the least disturbed in my sleep.
In a day or two we shall go up into the front line. It will only be for about five days and then we get over a fortnight rest right behind the lines. Very likely we shall have scarcely a single casualty.
I will leave this open and perhaps finish it this afternoon.
4.10. Nothing else been happening this day, except some big bangs at a comparative distance.
Love to all.
Undated
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F.
I am in a dug out right up in the thick of it. Nothing very terrible doing. By the time you get this, we shall be resting.
Thank you very much for the delightful parcel. I think perhaps the cocoa, tea and oxo are not quite so necessary as we get fed her with loads of all these things. The cakes were delicious and much appreciated, chocolate most useful, we eat a great deal out here. Muffler just what I wanted. Peppermint particularly useful; could do with more when next you send. But on the whole, I think a few cakes and things are more useful than the tin food. It was an excellent parcel.
How would you like to see a straffe between 36 aeroplanes at once – some sight I can tell you.
This dug-out if very dark and I am using an electric torch.
Don’t worry about me. The shells and things don’t seem to frighten me somehow, I am quite happy. It is great sport. Much love.
15th March 1917
11th Btn The Royal Scots.
My working party last night proved a wash-out. We went to the rendez-vous but the R.E. we were to meet, never turned up. So I took my sheep back again to their no little pleasure.
There is an 18 pounder battery just behind my dug-out, it seems to have lost its head altogether this afternoon, bang, bang all the time, and I hear the shells leaving the air over my head. The Boche hardly sends over a single shell. One landed about two hundred yards away just now. But I have never seen one nearer.
We had great excitement with a rat last night at dinner in Coy H.Q. dug-out; it was one of these lonely little souls that seek protection, it scrambled up several peoples’ legs, up Winchester’s back, and finally nearly on Ainslie’s lap; this made us thoroughly nervy; so we place a candle on the floor beneath the table and for the rest of the meal kept one furtive eye on our boots.
The mud is not quite so bad today and it keeps as warm as toast, it is such a help.
When you get this, I shall probably be in the front line. However, I only stay there four days and then I shall not be in it again for many weeks in all probability. Don’t worry, this is quite a quiet bit of line, I don’t think anybody will be touched at all.
I have now found the mitten I had lost, however if you have already sent some gloves, they will be most useful.
As I was writing this, a Bosch aeroplane was sailing high up above my head, I went out and watched it against the blue sky, we suddenly saw little puffs of white smoke all around it, this was our anti-aircraft guns, we got pretty near once or twice, but it got away. The Bosch is getting a little bored and has sent over a few indiscriminate wizz bangs – quite futile.
Just been out again – there are two batches of our buzz planes four in a squad. The Bosches are firing at them with so far, no result.
It is a glorious afternoon, sunny and still. It is quite fascinating watching the straffing, it is wonderful how little damage seems to be done.
There is a Town here and sometimes you have a house tumbling down. The Bosch likes knocking houses down. It is all very fascinating but I suppose it will begin to pall in time.
I am perfectly comfortable, well and happy.
Undated
11th Royal Scots B.E.F.
I got two letters by last night’s post one dated 9th and the other 11th. Thanks very much for both.
It was very kind of Mrs Broome to make me a shirt. The things have not yet arrived, but I expect they will turn up soon.
I’m glad you heard from Mrs Stisted. She had always been most extraordinarily kind to me.
I’m glad to hear about the photograph being a success, I could do with six to send to Scotland if you could let me have them. It makes something to write about. It is very difficult to know what to say in some of my letters as my news is so restricted.
We are having lovely weather, warm and fine. It is great weather for aeroplanes. I have seen them fighting together up in the air, sometimes twenty together.
I’m not sure if pork pie will keep. If you send things out of tins, don’t send more than enough for about seven people for about one meal, as the rats are rather a nuisance.
You ask me what I like, first and foremost socks, then bull’s eyes would be rather nice I think; something to suck. Horlick milk tablets are excellent. Compressed soups in little cardboard boxes are very useful for the soup course at dinner. Biscuits and choc. we can get here. A tin of Bovril tablets might prove a great boon, tinned cream is very useful, also quaker outs or better still, oatmeal for porridge. But don’t buy a lot of things. We do very well out here. Of course cakes, homemade are a treat.
I should be most grateful for a stylo pen and a bottle of ink in a wooden protecting case.
Don’t expect much in the way of letters for the next day or so because I shall be very busy indeed. I don’t propose to tell you much of what I am doing in the trenches. It isn’t very interesting and it might be censorable. Suffice it to say that I have met with several of the Bosche’s instruments of war and am nevertheless enjoying myself.
Sometimes one feels frightened – all of us do. But it is only just when the danger is present. One never thinks of things before they come and I always forget them more or less directly they are over. They immediately become jokes and we tell them as good stories. I can’t say I am very keen on machine guns. They make an unpleasant noise.
I am glad to hear that Mrs Broome has finished with Walsall, it sounds a beastly place.
Yes, I would much rather have a short note every day than two long ones a week.
Have had a very long letter from Auntie Kit, which I will send on ……
Also a lengthy and quite delightful letter from Marjorie Sidgwick. She speaks in terms of affection …… But if only she could realise that France is not the embodiment of Milton’s Hell and Greek Gehenna, what a lot of pain she would save herself.
I make no pretence that I enjoy being potted at by Bosche machine guns – in fact I thoroughly object – but they don’t worry me one quarter as much as they do Marjorie Sidgwick who is 80 miles out of their range, or more.
Her eldest brother got a D.S.O., so that’s a good thing ……
I went round a big ruined city last night. It presents a sight I shall never forget. You cannot imagine the devastation that the great guns work. The streets might well supply a practical example of the “Valley of the Shadow”. Some of the buildings were once very fine.
But all these sad things tone down into harmless phantoms when we gather round the brazier in the Coy H.Q. dug out. I wish you could see us. Some on beds, some on boxes, some on chairs, dressed in weird ways and spattered with mud. Under the table lies a big dog whom we picked up masterless that afternoon. You cannot see across the dug-out for the smoke of the wood fire, but at the far end a rat is chirruping like birds in nesting time. He is fairly tame, is the rat. I think one could soon teach him to eat out of the hand.
Love to all.
18th March 1917
11th The Royal Scots B.E.F.
Sorry yesterday’s letter did not get off, but there will be two today instead.
Yours of the 12th just arrived. Grieves ear stoppers sound entertaining. Can’t say the noise worries me much at present; but it may get worse. No we are not supplied with them. For papers I should much appreciate Punch and anything else you can send. Also if you could sometimes send one or two copies of “John Bull”, Answers and any magazines, the men will be most grateful to you and to me. They get rather a thin time of it, poor fellows.
Yes, I like Errington. He is away for a month for so at present, but I daresay, he will be nice when he comes back. He is 2nd in command here and may soon be C.O. He is an excellent fellow.
No, the mud is not very bad. The trenches really are not so bad. Not half so bad as you imagine. There are no unpleasant things lying about as one sometimes imagines there are.
Yes, I know Ella Errington. She is a jolly little thing. Miss Sandford was very kind to me at Glen corse. I wrote to her the other day.
You say “Tell me everything”. Do you want me shot? But there is not really much to tell. Your own papers tell you how well everything is going. The officers have quite a good time of it. It is the man that suffer.
I don’t know that I mind shells very much. They are clean sort of things.
By the time you get this, we shall probably be in a rest camp.
By the way remember to send me that bill from Forsyth.
Do you think you could get me a sort of summer unlined waterproof of the Burberry type, perhaps something lighter than a Burberry? It is for marching with. You see we are only in the trenches for a small part of our time.
My love to the Family and Mrs Broom.
22nd March 1917
11th R.S. B.E.F.
Just a line to say I’m quite safe, although I’ve been through rather a trying experience. Several of my friends have been killed in the business, which is sad.
I feel so tired today that I can’t write any more. Please send socks as soon as possible.
Much love.
24th March 1917
11th R.S. B.E.F.
I’m out of the trenches for a little while now so that is all right. Don’t think I haven’t been thinking of you all this time, but I’ve been having all sorts of adventures. I’ve patrolled in No Man’s Land three nights. This is more or less safe – sounds much worse that it is and doesn’t worry me much.
Had a fairly hot time the other day. Brown, Lunn and Paton were most unfortunately killed and Winchester is wounded. I had a fairly easy time until the evacuation, when I had to wait for the last. After that, Thomas, a few others and I took in wounded. They sniped at us for a bit and we got shelled a lot. Thomas took them in – one man – right out of No Man’s Land and he ought to get the M.C. I only helped with them in a crater and in our saps – but it was pretty beastly. We are recommending the two men who helped us, for the Military Medal. The M.O. was very grateful I think as the stretcher bearers were very busy. One heavy shell fell within a few feet of us and each thought the other killed. We were smothered in soil and stuff and that was all.
I am telling you this because I think it may comfort you to know that I had a chance of helping to do something. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t half so bad as it sounds but I think the C.O. and M.O. were pleased and I know you will be to hear that.
Your splendid cake arrived last night; what a lovely cake. The hankies and socks were simply invaluable. I had no hankies at the time and my socks were rather wet.
Mrs Stisted has sent me an enormous Selkirk Bannock and a charming long letter. It is nice to have friends like that. Also long letters from Mrs Pitman, Olivia who is sending me a parcel, Edith Sidgwick also sending parcel and Raffy, who sent oat cake.
Thank you very much for all you long letters. Sometimes I felt rather bored in the front line. I don’t feel frightened for myself, but it is sad to lose one’s friends. Besides everything is wet in bad weather and that is depressing. You can’t imagine how I love to get the letters.
I do hope Daddy won’t have to go away.
Please thank Douglas very much for his splendid letter. I will answer it soon.
Much love.
P.S. Except for a bit of a cold I am quite well and very happy. The officers and men are so splendid.
Later.
After writing this, it struck me it appeared too war-like altogether. But I believe you like to know what I really do, and it’s no good pretending we do nothing in the front line. All the Generals and the rest of the Bde. are bucked with us and sympathise in our losses which were due to certain unfortunate circumstances.
I am perfectly happy and the only trouble is a touch of cold and cough, the latter doesn’t hurt a bit.
It may also comfort you to know that I have practically no fear out here. It is not bravery, it is simply an unexplainable fact. I have been half buried by shells bursting within a few yards but I am probably very busy at the time and so don’t notice it. Perhaps this will comfort you to know, but it really isn’t bravery, it is simply the help we get to do the needful. My only trouble of any importance is wet feet. We sometimes paddle in six inches of wet mud and no boots will keep that out. This it is “socks and socks” every time. They are the supreme thing. Socks and cakes. The cake was perfectly delicious. It is lasting about 48 hours. Everybody thinks it top hole.
Much love.
26th March 1917
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F.
I am afraid you must think I have been neglecting you rather badly, but I’ve been so busy. Thank you very much for all the letters and parcels. The pen is proving most useful as you can see.
I’ve been very lucky lately. Olivia Pitman sent me a large box of oatcake, some perfect guava jelly and some lovely dairy butter. The Youngers sent shortbread, Raffy oatcakes, Mrs Stisted that lovely cake and then above all your parcel. Your cake has been appreciated more than anything else we have had sent out yet. I think seed is really the best. It vanished in no time.
I am behind the lines now. I find they usually keep Sundays as a day of rest when possible. I got to Communion yesterday which was an excellent thing.
The Col. is most awfully pleased with us. He said the circumstances of our affair were the most trying he had ever seen in his life, and he an old regular. I don’t suppose I shall ever see such a business in my life again. But it is great to have been through it. Everybody is making quite a lot of us over it.
You will be glad to hear that although my feet were wet for ten days off and on, I never had a touch of rheumatism. Of course I was very weary towards the end. But on my honour, although I went through a very fair proportion of the Hun’s pranks, I don’t think this life is as bad as it is painted. I was only in the thick of things for three days, barring two night patrols and working parties, which are comparatively safe. If one keeps one’s wits about one, No Man’s Land is as healthy a place as anywhere during the night time.
It looks as though I should be safe for a good while now. I am afraid I gave the wrong impression to you at first; it was not intentional, I had no idea I was in for a scrap.
Thanks awfully for getting the coat, I expect it will arrive in a day or so.
I do hope you won’t have to leave Daddy. No I’m afraid lines of c. might lead to rheumatic fever. You can’t stand this business after about 40. It is the boys of 19 and 20 who stand it best.
I am awfully interested about your farming stunt Mother. Do tell me all about it.
I’ve had a letter from Mrs Pitman and Olivia and also a very nice long one from Mrs Younger. It is nice having so many friends. Besides, their parcels are most useful. We get loads of oatcake, short bread, haggis and the like.
My only sorrow here is the loss of my friends. Little Paton died a hero, leading a handful of men against a Bosche bombing post. He was killed without pain, I believe. Nearly every officer and man deserved an award. It was simply magnificent and we gave old Fritz something to think about.
Very much love. I am going out to hear the Div’l Band.
27th March 1917
11th R.S. B.E.F.
My letters seem very skimpy just now, I am afraid. But I am so busy and I have so little news.
It has come as rather a shock, the possibility of your going abroad, Daddy. I do hope you will be able to stay at home. Lines of Communication mean R.T.O. jobs and M.L.O. jobs chiefly I think; that is to do with the trains and the landing of Troops.
I am afraid you would find it awfully tiring and not a very congenial job. On the other hand, it would be a great nuisance if you have to go to India.
I don’t think the war is going on for so very much longer and it would be a disadvantage having to go so far. I do hope something satisfactory will happen.
I am quite well again now. My cough has practically gone altogether and I am feeling as fit as a fiddle.
I wonder if I frightened you much in my last two or three letters. I was rather overwrought by the want of sleep and probably exaggerated things a lot. Nothing much happened really.
I am having an excellent time here. We have a certain amount of work but nice long undisturbed nights which are such a blessing. We have quite amusing messes together at night.
The colonel and M.O have both become much more friendly since the straffe as I managed to help the latter a little. The M.O. and I are becoming great friends. Thomas is also a topping man. He was at Winchester with Jock Younger. All the rest are rippers.
I had rather a funny experience the other night. I was passing about twenty feet behind one of our heavies, a 6” or 9.2”, when it went off. The blow back hit me smack in the face. For a moment I almost thought the shell had gone out the wrong way.
People are being very kind sending letters and parcels. Raffy’s letter was a scream. I’ve never seen such glorious rot in all my life. But it shows good feeling.
Mrs Stisted sends charming letters. Isn’t she perfectly delightful. She treats me just like a son. It was also rather jolly of Olivia to send such a topping parcel – Olivia Pitman that is.
Our Second in Command is Sir George Campbell. He is and adventurer by profession, a gentleman by instincts and a remarkably good fellow. He jokes and asses about with the subalterns and is immensely popular. Errington is away at present. I believe he has gone sick, poor man. He is so nice.
Love to all.
29th March 1917
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F.
I got your letter dated the 22nd yesterday evening I will answer it in detail first of all.
Don’t worry about when I am in the trenches and when I’m out because it really makes very little difference. I am out for some days now.
One pair of socks at the time will do splendidly. Don’t buy socks, it isn’t worth the expense. I’ve got enough to go on with but could do with more. You say you’ve sent more on. I’ve received one pair so far. But Mrs Pitman and Edith Sidgwick are also so sending socks so don’t buy socks.
The oatmeal arrived today. The waterproof has not arrived yet. But please don’t spend too much on me. Remember I’ve got plenty of money and can buy things. But I think the cake is as important as anything. Another seed like the last would give immense pleasure. Thank you very much for ordering the papers.
The letter from Cox will be a receipt for a South African cheque I cashed for a soldier out here.
Thank you very much for sending on the note and extract from Mrs Stisted’s letter. I hope you may meet her some day. You would like her so much.
Don’t do yourself in by doing too much work in the fields. It is terribly tiring on the back, planting for any length of time.
Everybody says how cold it is at home. I never noticed it too cold out here. The mud is our chief enemy. Today it is raining hard, but the parade is cancelled.
Some day soon I hope to be back with you having one of those lunches at Seagraves. What fun it will be.
The meeting in Lichfield sounds rather painful. War saving certificates are hardly appetising even when served up by an ex butler.
As usual I have very little news. We had rather a good concert her last night in which a R.A.M.C. Corporal made quite a captivating girl.
By the way I sent some things back wrapped up in a canvas bath. My kit was too heavy. But I ought not to have sent that towel. Could you send me another rough towel as soon as possible?
I am afraid I haven’t thanked you properly for your parcels. The one with tooth brush etc. came when I was rather busy. The things were most useful.
Later. Your letter of the 21st just arrived. Also parcel containing coat and socks and Miss Smith’s mittens. Everything was most useful. The coat was just what I wanted. I shall probably be sending my trench coat back soon. I have borrowed an ink bill for this pen. It seems rather efficacious; the socks too are delightful to have. No it is not cold here.
Yes, I got the muffler, that is the camel’s hair one, I believe one of Daddy’s. I am so sorry, I thought I had acknowledged it.
Thank you for Mrs Gordon Watson’s letter (not Lennex). As I have already said, you may open any letter of mine you like and read it.
May I have six of the photographs or rather seven.
My love to Douglas and the rest of the Family.
I wrote to the former yesterday.
31st March 1917
11th The Royal Scots. B.E.F.
Thank you very much indeed for the letters and also the parcel containing soup, bull’s eyes, socks and gloves etc. which has just arrived. It was most welcome.
I think perhaps I shall not want any more cocoa or Horlick’s milk stuff. The Mess president looks after that sort of thing. However, they will be made excellent use of.
I am not filling my pen with ink tablet for your letter because: 1) I am in a great hurry; 2) I rather think pen is leaking.
I have been helping to look after working parties building a railway the last day or two. I’m with Winchester, a topping man. Today a R.G.A. Corporal thought we were spies on his guns and brought up one of the R.G.A. officers. The fact is, while the men are working, we have hardly anything to do, they being under the R.E. men, so we stroll about looking at the guns firing. However, it ended with whiskey all round in the R.G.A. mess, so it didn’t’ prove such a bad business after all.
I have been trying to get a bath today. I’ve only had two since I’ve been in France. I couldn’t manage it, but hope for better luck tomorrow.
I have really very little news. I got a topping parcel from Edin. yesterday, containing short-bread, soups and sausages. Have not the faintest idea who sent it. I get a lot of parcels form Edin and some are difficult to trace. I believe Mrs Stisted is sending things again. She is wonderfully kind.
The coat is excellent. I think I shall be sending my trench coat soon. It has as terrible tear in it. Besides it is getting warm now.
I do hope you are all well and happy at home. Don’t worry about me, because I am quite all right. I can’t tell you for certain, but I don’t think I shall be in the front line for several weeks.
Another parcel of chocs. just arrived from Gramma!
I’ve heard from Nina and Auntie Kit. I’m afraid Nina is feeling a bit fed with things. She doesn’t actually say so, but I can read between the lines. I do admire her for it.
Much love.
11th April 1917
11th R.S. B.E.F.
Very many happy returns of the day Mother dear. I’ve not been on action so far, but I’m with the Battn now. The most terrific affair in the World in progress. I am at the moment staying in a Hun dug-out. Food splendid and all going strong.
Thank you so much for the parcels. Excuse these short and few letters but the World is upside down.
Don’t be alarmed about pauses of several days without letters. If anything happens to me you will know soon enough from W.O.
Am getting lots of letters and parcels.
Much love.
15th April 1917
Lichfield.
O.H.M.S.
War Office. London. Handed in 1.35pm. Received 2.52 pm.
Captain Hall. The Barracks. Lichfield.
Regret to inform you 2nd Liet L.R. Hall 1st attached Royal Scots admitted 14 General Hospital Boulogne April thirteenth with gunshot wound left thigh and left knee severe will send any further news.
Secretary War Office.
Undated
14 General Hospital, Boulogne.
I’ve managed it just nicely this time. I’ve got one through the upper thigh and a small smack below the left knee.
Don’t be alarmed. I’m not bad. No bones touched and apparently everything quite clean. Apart from some stiffness I’ve suffered very little pain. I’m on ordinary diet and have lost very little blood.
I think I ought to get over to England tomorrow. But there are such crowds of us and one can’t be certain to a day or so. Meanwhile I am looked after like a prince in a jolly little room with one other fellow. The other fellow is rather a depressing case. I’m fed sumptuously. The Nurses and Doctors are all bricks. Fortunately, the wounds hardly hurt at all when dressed. The thigh one was very lucky. A machine gun bullet entered within an inch of my hip, went through about six inches of soft flesh and came out again. It looks as clean as anything could be. The other was a spent bit of shrapnel and is apparently only superficial.
Just think of it, several months of Blighty, in a day or so. Probably I shall never see this War again.
I am in a bit Hotel on the top of a hill overlooking the sea, a lovely place.
Excuse beastly writing. I’m lying on my back as my left leg (both wounds there) is as stiff as a poker.
Much love to all.
Thank God for my escape.
17th April 1917
Lichfield. 5.45 am.
Paddington. Handed in 9.50. Received 1.50.
Hall. Huddlesford House, Lichfield.
Arrived safe, comfortable and happy at American Hospital, 98 Lancaster Gate. Please send little money immediately writing. Bobbie.
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