Went for digging parade to Bois Grenier from 8 am till 2 pm. 5 miles to travel there and 5 back. Went to Armentiéres in evening. Little shelling by Huns but more by us. Visited some friends of a friend of ours at Place Victor-Hugo.
Archives for September 2015
Wednesday 8 September 1915 – fine
Princess Pats hold sports. Received letter from Reverend N.J Thompson. I go to Nieppe. Am entertained to tea by some French ladies into afternoon. They are from Ypres, Lille and Armentiéres.
Tuesday 7 September 1915 – fine
The Battalion of Princess Pats hold sports all day. I go to Erquinghem.
Monday 6 September 1915 –fine
Parade in morning and at 6:30 pm for digging trenches. Arrived back at firing line at Bois Grenier and dug trench near a big farm. Maxim and rifle fire going at it all night. None of our men were hit. Back to billet at 12 midnight.
Sunday 5 September 1915 – rain, opens up dull
Church Parade at 10:15 am. Afternoon Wallach, Brozem, Driscoll and self went to Erquinghem, Armentiéres and Nieppe. Had a repast in Armentiéres consisting of Frittes, eggs, olive oil and cafe au lait. Our hostess surprised Englishman not drinking coffee, as one of our fellows refused. Came to a café in Armentiéres where the rank and file are not allowed to buy nor eat there. ‘Twas entirely reserved for officers! I experience great difficulty in getting Lifebouy or any disinfectant soap.
Saturday 4 September 1915 – rain
Parade as usual. Obtained a pass to enter Armentiéres, Nieppe and Erquinghem. Just came out of Church at Armentiéres when shell burst overhead and then 2 minutes afterwards. People were in the Church praying and as immovable as statues. Two beautiful marble statues in the church – the Virgin and a righteous figure. Lots of buildings demolished but people still remain in the building. Had to carry rifle. No one hurt.
Friday 3 September 1915 – rain
Parade at 7:30. Physical drill. Parade at 9:30 route march. 2 pm lecture. Received parcel from Seagrave and very acceptable.
Thursday 2 September 1915 – rain
Up at 5:30 am little sleep. Stuffy. Paraded and posted to 9 Section 15 Platoon No. 4 Company. Heavy cannonading around Armentiéres.
Wednesday 1 September 1915
Stop and disembark at Roadside. March at good rate past Steenwerck to Erquinghem about 4 or 5 miles. Arrive in camp 2:30 pm. See [bed?] faces. Cannonading heavy star shells numerous in front and around Armentiéres. A few showers.
