Walter Draycott’s Great War Chronicle
North Vancouver Museum & Archives
The 6th Field Company
The Royal Engineers (6th), the Army Service & Medical Corps, the 6th Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifle Regiment leave at 5 pm for Valcartier. P. Quebec for the war after examination. Mr. Ed Hughes entrains with this contingent.
I work on Keith Road Schools during the day.
Working on Keith Road School. Receive letter from Mrs. Graham.
British troops are now engaged fighting the Germans at Namur Belgium & have heavy losses. The French also lose heavily. The Austrians lose 15,000 killed & 30,000 wounded in one battle.
At Neat’s during the evening.
Working on Keith Road School. Receive my Family Herald & Weekly Star from Montreal (1st copy).
Japan declares war against Germany.
The 1st engagement of English troops with the Germans is at Namur Belgium. I go to Neats in evening chatting with Lilian & Mr. Neat. Stayed until 11 pm.
*Namur, Belgium – A major target for the Germans during WWI as it was on their planned route into France. On August 21st 1914 the Germans bombarded the town without notice and it was occupied by German troops until the end of WWI.
To Rice Lake Rifle Range with Doctor McMane, Mr. J. Barker & others made 33 score at 200 yards. To church in evening after being at supper with the Neate family. I sit in choir 1st time. A pathetic farewell is given to Mr Ed Hughes at Neate’s. All family are in tears.
To work on Keith Road School in morning. In afternoon I to Vancouver & met Hugh Neill at the Ferry Wharf. “We go to the C.P.R. Depot & see the 72nd Highland Regiment off to the war. (via Valcartier, Quebec) They left at 3:30 pm.” To Quirt’s & chat awhile. I leave Hugh at 5:30 pm & go to Theobald’s, where I have late dinner. Afterwards to Quirt’s (7:30 pm). Myrtle is not at home. I say good-bye to Mrs. & children & leave for Rex Theatre. Home to Lynn Valley at 10 pm.
*The 72nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, were part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI. They were mobilized out of Vancouver, and fought in France and Flanders though the entirety of WWI.
POPE PIUS X DIES
At work on Keith Road School
Honorable Mr Young Minister of Education opens the school.
In evening to choir practice
Presented bouquet of flowers to Mr. N.J Thompson
Home at 10:30 pm
No papers as yet. I work on house in morning.
Belgians [sic., should read Germans] occupy Brussels. In evening 8 pm to St. Clements Hall to attend Congregational meeting. Very interesting & some good business done.
My embarkation papers have not arrived. I work on house in morning. At 2:30 pm take car for Hollyburn, West Vancouver to join St. Clements Annual picnic. Arrive at 4:30 pm.
Mr. Callow & self go in for a bathe. All had a good time & home at 8:30 pm. I to Neat’s, then home at 10:30 pm.
Laying off on account of receiving my Papers. I wait anxiously all day but do not get them.
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