To Cassel on a bike. Passed Mount des Recolets. Beautiful scenery. Had tea @ café. Visited Porte de Dunkerque and Casino on top of the hill. Lovely view from here of the surrounding country. Casino used as a wireless station. A monument is erected in memory of the battles which were fought in the vicinity for the liberation of France, etc. Philip bro’ to king of France & away back to 1400. Visit the Church. Very old. Bells outside the tower. Return to Steenvoorde 6 PM.
Monday 23 August 1915
On the way to France
Friday 20 August 1915
Left again for France
Departure put off
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.
Thursday 1 July 1915 – dull
On the Roll for the draft for France.
Medically inspected again and found fit.
Men badly needed, some of the men in the draft are not fit to go back again. Slept out in the airy stables.
Sunday 15 November 1914 – snow & later rain
Boarded train at 2:15 am. Train crowded with people for Old Country. Wrote letters & postcards to Bessie, the Neats, Wagstaffes & Haswell’s & Esdailes & Barker Boys.
Had a noisey lot on train – naturally.
Standing room only for some from Ft. Wm. to Sudbury.
The rumour is Lord Roberts died in France.
*Field Marshal Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts – A British Military officer, Lord Roberts fought in the Indian Mutiny, the second Afghan war, the Boer War and was the last Commander-in-Chief of the Forces before the position was abolished in 1904. Lord Roberts was known as one of the most successful commanders of the 19th century. He died of pneumonia in France on November 14th 1914 while visiting Indian troops.
Tuesday 15 September 1914 – cloudy
Germans are committing terribly atrocities in Belgium & France.
To work at Keith Road School all day
Hugh Neill calls at night & plays cards with Charles & myself.
*The Rape of Belgium – During the occupation of Belgium German troops were accused of killing civilians en masse on multiple occasions as well as destroying large amounts of civilian property. The events were quickly used as anti-German propaganda in England and North America and referred to as the Rape of Belgium.
Monday 24 August – fine & warm
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.
Tuesday 4 August 1914 – very hot
Great Britain declares war against Germany 11 o’clock pm Aug: 4th
All Europe is now in arms
England, France, Russia, against Germany, Austria-Hungary
Charles pays $10 to Mills for furniture etc.
Friday 31 July 1914 – very hot
Worked all day on Keith Road School and laid off work in evening for good.
Charles is still out of work.
Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia are mobilising for war.
