To Newington Church at 11 am after Military Church Parade.
In evening to St Martins Church with Private Riley.
Archives for July 2015
Saturday 10 July 1915
To Folkestone with Private Riley in evening and return at 10:45 pm.
Friday 9 July 1915 – fine
The Germans in South West Africa surrender to Botha.
To Folkestone in evening with Private Riley.
*The South West Africa Campaign – During the beginning of WWI South Africa shared a border with the German colony of South West Africa, (now Namibia). The Prime Minister of South Africa, Louis Botha, assured London that their military could defend themselves against a German invasion. In early 1915 there were a few skirmishes along the border of the two countries. Later in the year South African forces invaded the German colony pushing German troops back. On July 1th 1915 German forces in the north-west made a stand at Otavi but were forced to surrender on July 9th.
Thursday 8 July 1915 – windy and cloudy
Assisting carpenter in morning.
Wrote letters in the morning.
Colonel Buller and Major Gault paid a visit to what remains of Princess Pats.
* Lt Col H.C. Buller – Colonel Buller took command of the regiment after the death of Colonel Farquhar. He was injured during the Second Battle of Ypres and lost an eye but returned to command the regiment in 1916. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Sorrel on June 2nd 1916.
** Lt Col A. Hamilton Gault –Was a driving force behind the creation of the Princess Pat’s. Gault offered the Canadian government 100,000 dollars to help raise and equip the battalion for overseas duties. Upon the formation of the Regiment he was made Major and was second in command. Gault was also wounded during the Second Battle of Ypres and was forced to give up command until he returned in October of 1915. Gault lost a leg during the Battle of Mount Sorrel in 1916 but again returned to the war, eventually commanding the Princess Pats near the end of the WWI.
Wednesday 7 July 1915 – high winds
Making a post office box for Officers.
To Shorncliffe and Folkestone in evening and made purchases.
Back to camp at 8:30 pm
Tuesday 6 July 1915 – showers and windy
The Draft of “Princess Pats” leave for France at 7:30 am. 35 men.
We have a large Muster Parade.
Monday 5 July 1915 – fine
Detailed for Officers Mess all day.
Receive letters from “Happy Starky”.
Russians sink a German Dreadnaught of 13,000 tons in the Baltic.
Lance Corporal MacIntyre is reduced to ranks and given a sentence of 28 days. Crime, insolence to a Non Commissioned Officer.
A company of Princess Pats are poisoned by canned stuff or —?
Sunday 4 July 1915 – very hot
To Newington Church in morning and All Souls. Cheriton in evening with Private Burgess.
Hottest day in the year up to present.
Saturday 3 July 1915 – very hot
Went to Folkestone with Private Riley. Home at 10 pm.
Friday 2 July 1915 – fair
My name is not on list in orders for the front.
Report comes in “Draycot has seen enough service recommend him for long rest”.
