Edith Elizabeth Appleton Diaries - Volume 1
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This covers the period 5
April 1915 to 29 May 1915.
Image from the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps website page on WW1: http://www.qaranc.co.uk/qaimns.php |
This volume comprises just 19 typed pages, starting at page 112 - part way through the entry for 5 April 1915 and ending with three lines of the entry for 9 April. The first 111 pages are missing and sadly we have no information about them. After two more missing pages (113 and 114) the diary starts with just one word from the entry for 13 April (page 115) and continues until page 132 which ends part way through 29 May 1915.
Given that there are 111 pages missing it is likely that Edie's diaries began in 1914. The only other clue as to precisely when she first went to France is an entry in Volume 4 for Sunday 8 December 1918 which begins: 'This morning reminded me - of 1914 - the morning we arrived in Ostend.' Presumably she meant it was an anniversary which would indicate that Edie’s service in Europe began on 8 December 1914 but we do not – yet – know exactly when she was posted to Royal Army Medical Corps Casualty Clearing Station 3. (See http://www.1914-1918.net/ccs.htm.)
CCS 3 is listed as being at the following locations during the course of the war: Hazebrouck Aug 1914 - Apr 1915; Poperinghe Apr 1915 - May 1915; Bailleul May 1915 - Mar 1916; St Ouen Apr 1916 - May 1916; Puchevillers May 1916 - Mar 1917; Aveluy Mar 1917 - Apr 1917; Grevillers Apr 1917 - Mar 1918; Gezaincourt Mar 1918 - Sep 1918; Beaulencourt Sep 1918 - Oct 1918; Caudry Nov 1918 - Feb 1919
Near Ypres, 1915
April 5th (?) [As
noted above, this typed volume has the first 111 pages missing and
starts on page 112 with this part entry for – presumably - 5th
April, although the date is missing]
…answering each other’s ravings. One of them tells us he has been killed
and does his mother know. Certainly death will be no stranger to him,
when he comes in a day or two — or perhaps to-night. 3 ops. - 2
trephines and an arm. A field ambulance at Ypres was shelled last night,
2 orderlies killed, and 10 wounded, some fatally all the patients were
transferred to us. So we have been very busy to-day.
[April] 6th 2 cases in the theatre, heavy convoy in and out, worked in wards this morning. Gave the little orphans a tea this afternoon. We laid the tables for them. They came in and we came after, and as we entered they struck up “God save the King” in French. Then the eldest girl make us a little speech. Then they fed and we poured out tea for them, then they gave us a little concert, “Vive ‘l’Angleterre! Vive la France!” three cheers, all over, very happy — on duty again. Have not been out for 3 days, firstly because of much work, and partly weather, rainy and windy, not good for caps and tempers.
[April] 7th Very busy day, going hard in theatre and wards until nearly 9 this evening. Very tired.
[April] 8th Busy day, but only 1 case in theatre. Men who came in convoy to-day were in a terrible state of nervous collapse, a great many of them having been blown up in their trenches. Went for a walk after tea with Latham.
[April] 9th Heavy convoy, bad cases, I am off for 1 hour, to go back this evening, 2 cases (heads) for theatre. Many of to-day’s wounded were shot in the stomach in several cases, the bullet went in…
[As noted above, this typed volume has the next two pages (113 and 114) missing. Page 115 starts with just one word for – presumably – 13th April.]
[April] 13th …day!
[April] 14th A Zeppelin was reported heading this way, but we have heard this morning that it has gone south. Off duty this evening, went for a walk and then looked over the College, where we are to move to to-morrow. No operations. Heavy convoy in and out and another convoy in since. Our Sgt. Major has got his promotion, and is now Mr Eanright.
[April] 15th Quieter day. Taking over College to-morrow. There was a tremendous heavy bombardment last night. It only lasted three quarters of an hour, but it was impossible to sleep through the noise. I saw at my window and watched it all, gun flashes, ground lights and searchlights. It was all over by about 12.30. I heard to-day that it was covering our troops’ advance.
[April] 16th Moved into the College, better in some ways, worse in others than the Benedictine; theatre not nearly so good. Not off all day. Heavy convoy in and out and another in. Hear that a Zeppelin that was sighted two night[s] ago dropped bombs on Bailleul, near the Sisters Qrs. No one hurt luckily. Am rather tired with charing all odd moments of the day.
[April] 17th A taube that flew over here early this morning was shot down a little way away, the pilot killed and the observer taken prisoner, he was walked through the town, wearing an iron X. More taubes this evening. At present there is a big attack being made by our men, somewhere near Ypres, and a very big move and much flashing is going on too. It has been a frightfully busy day again, only 2 operations, an amputation and appendix.
[April] 18th Sunday Our men made an attack last night, we heard the heavy firing (in fact it shook the houses) that covered their advance - in 3 mins. they had taken a trench and 13 prisoners 2 officers. The whole work of the night - was - a hill of importance blown up - arms and legs of men flung high - and into our own trenches - 6 lines of trenches taken and 2,000 prisoners. The Germans made a counter attack, and killed and wounded nearly 1,000 of our men, we have had over 600 through our hospital to-day, badly wounded, and fearfully collapsed, some who have been out since Aug. say it is quite the worst time they have had. We went on duty at 5.30 a.m. and stayed on till 9 p.m. I missed tea and dinner, because we were too busy in the theatre, but I came straight to bed and am having dinner from the officers mess brought up to me, and enjoying it very much. It has been a sad day in the theatre and a terribly tiring one. Amputation of arms and legs, and insides cut and packed in. Sir A. Boulby did one operation, another visitor another, to give our men a rest. Dr. Parbury from Sharnbrook came in once for one of them. Am very tired.
[April] 19th The same as yesterday, only more; we have had more patients two heavy train loads and have been receiving all the time. Ypres is too dangerous so we get them brought in only a few hours after they are wounded. Theatre has been going from 9 a.m. I don’t know how many cases. One a young officer had both feet cut off, he was walking in Ypres and a shell struck him, he died soon after.
[April] 20th Frantic day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. one long rush of badly wounded being admitted, 3 train loads have been evacuated. It is a wicked war. Officers and men - many so blown to bits that they just come in to die, many straight to the theatre for amputation of limb or limbs - or to have their insides - which have been blown out - replaced - and made a little more comfortable for the few hours left to them. The big ward is agonised groans and pleadings all the time and we feel we don’t know where to start for the hundreds of things to be done at once. Ypres is very much ruined and heaps of dead, English, French and Belgian are lying about in the square and all about the town. We hear the Germans have given up the hope of taking Ypres so they have decided to utterly destroy it. Now as I am to go on duty again at 6 a.m. I think I will sleep if possible.
[April] 21st Another frantic day, on duty from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. First in S. ward then in theatre for the rest of the day. I don’t know how any operations we had, lost count after 5 o’c. chiefly amputations. All the wounded are coming from Ypres and Hill 60, where wholesale murder seems to be going on, we have had 2,508 through in the 6 days.
[April] 22nd Not such a busy day, but we hear there is bad news to-night. Our trenches are being shelled with poisoned bombs which is forcing us to retire, and if so, where will it stop! As No. 5 O. C. is in working order we have had a much lighter day, but we all feel very tired in mind as well as body. Taubes have been over here twice to-day; the first one dropped bombs and the second at dusk dropped lights, probably showing their own people where our guns are. They were fired at but not hit. Only 3 cases in theatre to-day, 2 heads, and an eye (Mr. Anderson). Tremendous firing going on. 2 Sisters, 2 M.O’s and 5 orderlies arrived to-day to try and help us over the rush, just when its all over! [Ed: This first use of poison gas on the Western Front flags the opening of the Second Battle of Ypres. For background information, see: http://www.firstworldwar.com/weaponry/gas.htm]
[April] 24th I did not go to bed yesterday, was in the theatre till early this morning, then bed[d]ed until 6 a.m. The war is raging terribly and fearfully. Shells! I can think of nothing properly. Wounded have been streaming in all the time, we have been strongly reinforced with Sisters, Doctors and Orderlies and still have to work night and day as fast as we can to keep pace or try to. It is a terrifying battle.
[April] 25th The same as yesterday. Busy and terrible.
[April] 26th Heavily bombarded again. 17 inch shells falling close round us.
[April] 28th
We were so much under fire on Sat, Sun and Mon that on Monday night we
evacuated all but a few patients who were unfit to move and we (nurses)
were ordered to clear out in half an hour, we were packed off at about
11.30 p.m. for St. Omer. Just as we were leaving the town, there were 2
more enormous explosions. We were not anxious to be sent away and told
the authorities that we would rather stay, and since we had no choice,
we could not help a feeling of gratitude, as we were whirled in a racing
car out of the firing line. The first big shell fell quite close to our
hospital, and the air was so thick with red dust, bits and smoke that we
could not see out of our windows. We had operations on at the time and
it was a little difficult for us all to go on as usual. After the first
shock, we tried to become used to the 5 minutely explosions of a big
shell close to us, but it was difficult and my knees did shake. One
feeling which was strong in me at the time was that I knew people at
home were …[Ed. A passage of the typed manuscript has been erased at
this point] and if it were all right for us to live we should be as
safe as …[ Ed. A passage of the typed manuscript has been erased at
this point] We arrived at St. Omer at 2.0 a.m. a party of 20
refugees, were put up in a ward for the night, found stretchers and
blankets all prepared for us. We did not sleep much, we were all too
newly from it. Next morning we were returned to Hazebrouck, where we
spent a muddly day, wondering what was going to happen next, and
anxiously waiting for news of Poperinghe and our M.O. We hear to-day
that the place is still being shelled, and that our unit No. 3 C.O. is
being moved to Bailleul to-morrow where we are to join it.
So to-day just for one day, after the fortnight of practically working
night and day, we are having a rest, and at the time of writing we are
in a beautiful wood just outside Hazebrouck, where we are going to have
a picnic tea. It is very restful not to hear the roar of the guns so
loud and near, but we know it is going on and our hearts are with the
brave Tommies who are “sticking it” in the trenches.
The day we had Jack Johnsons sent amongst us, an old Jesuit priest was
very good to me and some of the others. He told us that if it were our
lot to die, it would he an honourable death, and told us a very humble
little prayer to use just before we died. I think he went round
comforting every one like it.
We are in very comfortable Qrs. here (Hazebrouck) 3 of us, the dear old
landlady brings our breakfasts up to us, we go out for lunch, tea in the
woods, supper a scratch meal in our rooms. It seems a long time ago we
came, but after all it is only 2 days. To-day we shall if all is well,
move on to join our unit at Bailleul.
[April] 30th Still at Hazebrouck, we were supposed to rejoin our unit at Bailleul to-day, but a wire came from the C.O. saying billets were unavailable. Miss W. S. and Wheatley have gone to see if they can find any, and the rest of us are enjoying a thoroughly idle day. A great change from the past rush, when we went to bed at about 1 a.m. and came on duty a few hours later, to work on about 20 hrs. and so on. We hear from the R.C. padre that we left Pop. only just in time, when we left there was a hole in one roof and many windows broken, but soon after the shells started falling right on the building and damaged it badly. Luckily all orderlies and everyone were safely out before the shells fell. The weather is glorious to-day, we took lunch to some delightful woods and lazed and read and wrote there until 3 p.m. then came back to see if there were any fresh orders for us, but there were not. So we had tea and are now all reading or writing again. The house I am staying in is on the road to Ypres, and every night about 50 of the biggest lorries laden with ammunition and goods race past, taking supplies to the batteries and men in the trenches. It is a risky job and they always do it in the dark, because the Germans have a view of the road and shell it all the time, hoping to destroy our supplies &c. As it is the road between our lines and Ypres is strewn with dead horses and smashed carts. Now I am going to repack my kit for the 100th time. It is very trying living packed up, …[ Ed. A passage of the typed manuscript has been erased at this point]
2nd May We settled our wards and things to-day, we have one wing of a lunatic asylum, room enough to accommodate about 500 patients, the first of whom have just arrived, and the night nurses are up to look after them. Last night we were billetted in various parts of the town (Bailleul) and to-night we are sleeping at the asylum, our rooms are tiny, with high barred windows. Mine is minute, but has a pleasant outlook, over the aviation ground. The news today was not cheerful and from the roar of guns a big attack has been made to-day. Let us only hope our men have done well. I was grieved to read of a Zeppelin raid over Bury, and am longing to hear if it upset Mother.
[May] 3rd Still no letter from you.
[May] 4th … [Ed. A passage of the typed manuscript has been erased at this point] To-day has not been remarkable, 2 cases in the theatre. We are in such a state of “jump” that when a cork flew out of the stout bottle with a pop in our midst to-day, we all nearly fell through the grass. We have found a new mess room only about 5 minutes away, which is vastly better than 1/2 an hour.
[May] 5th
Very busy day, 5 cases in theatre and wards and wards full of gas
poisoning cases. They are fearfully sad to see. The slight ones look
rather like pneumonia, and the bad ones are terrible, the poor things
are blue and gasping, lungs full of fluid, and not able to cough it up.
6 have died of it in one ward alone, to-day. I hear with sorrow that we
have lost Hill 60 to-day, owing to our men being poisoned by gas. I also
hear that we borrowed turbenite from the French and fired 4 rounds of it
yesterday. Have not heard the result. I made myself a lovely table
yesterday, about the size of the big round one in your bedroom at St.
Augustine’s Road. There is a good deal of firing going on to-night, if
only we could do really well and make the Germans ask for peace! We had
a wounded German in yesterday, great cruel strong brute.
The lunatics in the Asylum have been very noisy to-day, yelling and
screaming and stamping about.
[May] 6th Quiet day. This gas poisoning is a horrible business, a man told me to-day that it came like water out of a spout, a greenish yellow colour, some up trenches, and the men are killed at once and lie in heaps. It is only those who get less of it that are able to get away at all, and many of them die, it is most pitiful and painful to see them.
7th May Quietish day, about 12 minor cases in the theatre, no big ones. Monsieur le Directeur has made us a great offer, we may use the lunatics’ bath room twice a week, for one hour, which means 4 of us bathing at one time, there are 4 baths in one room. I don’t fancy bathing in company, but as I have not sat in water deeper than 1 inch since last year the temptation to go is great. I think 4 of us will try it tomorrow and see what can be done in the way of screens.
[May] 8th Quiet day, but we are expecting a rush. There has been so much fighting, all our heavy guns have been in action, and there has been a more violent German attack than ever before, North of Ypres. Hear the Lusitania has been torpedoed, with 1,500 people on hoard, wonder what America will say to that. Latham’s cousin who is in command of some R.E.s quite near here, called for her this afternoon in a little one horse country cart, and took her to cricket and tea and a band, invited me, but we cannot two get away for the whole afternoon; 3 of us went to another part of the asylum this morning at 7, and had a BATH - deep! Up to our necks in water - glorious! The first time for months and months! A dear old nun came trotting in when I was in my bath, felt to see the water was right heat, thought the bath was too full and pulled the plug by a patent in the floor, I was sitting on the hole where the water runs away and was sucked hard into it! I think I hear a convoy arriving now.
[May] 9th
A day of most terrible fighting; our casualties are very heavy they say,
those of the enemy are heavier. Looking out of my window to-night I saw
a fearful and wonderful sight - a clear moonless, starlight night, a
strong cold wind. All along the ridge of hills which forms my horizon to
ESE and NE was a continual sparkle and flash of light and the loud roar
of guns. These are the star signal light-flashes from the guns, and
searchlights going continuously. Letter from Mother telling me of the
death of 3 officers and 2 men of the Buffs - I knew quite well - the one
I feel saddest about is Pte Ernest Wanstall. He cleaned our boots when
he was quite a tiny - then grew big enough to take a place as chicken
boy to a farmer’s wife, then he ran away and enlisted in the R.M.L.I.
and came home a week later in his uniform, a funny little object, but
the joy of his mother; she grew more and more proud of him as he filled
out and was drilled into a fine upright fellow, so he progressed and was
always the same nice, shy boy, very devoted to all of us. Now he is shot
dead somewhere in France!
I hear Italy has declared war. We have had a very busy day, 3 convoys in
and out and a heavy one is arriving now.
I had to “assist” with a head operation to-day, and in the middle Sir A.
B. and Sir Arbuthnot Lane came in to watch!
[May] 10th Not quite such a busy day, only 1 operation. News is mixed one minute good the next not so good, very tired.
[May] 11th Excellent news of French progress hope it is true. Slack day only 1 operation and no convoy in - one out. Off duty this evening. Glorious sunset in the W. looking like glory and perfect peace. In the East - heavy guns - and flashlights and dark clouds of war! For the first time I saw one of our aeroplanes being fired at - quaint! When it is us firing at their machines one’s only fear is that they won’t be hit, but when it is us being fired at it looked as if every shot will.
[May] 12th
I think I won’t write about to-day, it has been quite the last word in
exasperation. Theatre not busy, but the wards overfull of very ill men -
about 150 all clamouring for drinks and mouth washes, about 20 not
allowed to swallow anything at all, clamoured loudest of all. Then a
heavy convoy of very badly wounded were poured in upon us and later
another convoy of wounded not so bad then the theatre again, then more
dressings in the ward, then thank goodness an evacuation! and the poor
old things were off on their homeward journey again and we were left -
beaten and worn out.
Rainy - busy - heavy firing - Frantic fighting going on at Ypres and
many badly wounded Cameronians, Horse Guards, Lancers in - 1 op. Officer
- very tired and late.
[May] 14th
7 a.m. All the other 3 have gone for a bath, as we were on duty
until past 10 p.m. I prefer for once in a way not to hurry so I am not
going to. Still pouring - guns going - shall dress slowly now.
10 p.m. Busy day, fine weather, sunny and cold, big convoy in 2
Germans and 2 Indians amongst them. I was not busy after tea, so
strolled in the garden and first watched 2 of our aeroplanes flying
boldly and daringly over the G. lines. They rose from the aerodrome and
flew straight to the G’s lines and were at once fired at - circled
round, came back and flew over again and were again fired at. I watched
the shells bursting, happily they all did well below the aeroplanes.
Next I watched the sunset, which was beautiful a rich golden one. I
usually watch it while we are at dinner, we have our door which leads to
the garden open, and from my place at table I always get a picture of
country and sunsets of all colours and shades. The birds are all now in
full song, thrushes specially noticeable. The country is most
interesting and less flat than at Pop.
[May] 15th Rather less busy day. Went to town this morning, took laundry in to-night. Biggish convoy in, and many very badly wounded. The lilac is in full bloom and the garden and country lovely.
[May] 16th
2 p.m. Slackest day we have had for a long time. 2 of us went off
duty this morning and went for a walk to most charming country. Sat on a
tree stump and ate chocolate and biscuits. Views all round very charming
and the glass skylights on some of the houses in the towns sparkling
like diamonds. An aeroplane flew over us close down over our heads, and
the observer waved to us, so we did to him, wish he would give us a lift
one day.
I could tell you many tales of our patients, but they are so thick on
the ground it is hard to choose. Light headedness has done a great
kindness to one man now in the ward. His head is smashed and he will
most probably die. He called to me just now and asked if he might see
his wife once more before she went away, he said “I saw her and three of
the children this morning, but I want to see her again,” I said
“Certainly he might” and he went off to sleep quite contentedly. I
remarked to him that it was very happy for him to have seen them, and he
said, “Oh! It was! It was heaven.” He quite believes they were here,
poor thing! One poor youngster was brought in yesterday stone cold - no
pulse - perfectly sensible and horribly badly wounded. He just loved all
that was done for him, his warm, clean clothes and hot bottles, and hot
drinks, and pleaded not to be sent away with the others. I promised he
shouldn’t be. He smiled very sweetly and went happily to sleep, and
never woke in this world.
Some deaths are so calm and happy, others just the reverse. We had one
poor lad - a Cameron Highlander - with a bullet in his lung, which could
not be extracted, and every breath was an agony. He was in for 2 days in
agony every minute of the time he was not under the influence of
morphia. He died an agonised death, struggling hard for each breath, and
with almost his last breath he said “I’m glad my mother can’t see me, it
would drive her mad.” A young officer died the other day, shot in the
stomach, he was in for 2 days and very cheery, thinking he would soon be
home in England. When he found he was not getting better his one desire
was for his mother, he said “Do send for her, I can’t hold out much
longer.”
But enough of this morbid side of things - they all die brave. War news
is much better.
[May] 17th Fairly busy day. Convoy in at 10 a.m. and driblets all day. No train, so we had a full hospital all day. I was on duty in No. 2 ward most of the morning. Had one case in the theatre a young officer with both legs very badly wounded and bones broken. 3 Zeppelins passed over close by at 4.30 a.m. the night people watched them, one was going very slowly and looked as if it had been hit. Our aeroplanes were up and after them and signalled to the next aerodrome to do the same, I only hope they were brought down. No off duty time. News if true is good.
18.5.15 Quiet day. Candle just going out.
[May] 19th
Ypres is dead - a silent town of broken and burnt houses and destroyed
streets - unburied bodies lie all about the place a scene of utter
desolation. A few of our Military police are stationed there and an
occasional shell comes over - otherwise all is finished. A Padre who
drove through there yesterday told me about it.
We have had a very quiet day only admitted a few sick, but by the sound
of things wounded are coming now.
10 p.m. A man who was brought in 3 days ago shot in the spine has
been dying by inches - nay sixteenths of inches ever since and is not
dead yet. His brain and abdominal muscles are the only unparalysed parts
of him now. I was off duty this afternoon and went for a walk with Miss
L. in the rain - and much mud - most refreshing after being indoors so
long. Guns are firing hard again to-night.
[May] 20th
Admitted 2 convoys during the night, so ward was full when we went on
duty, evacuated at 12. Slack since, no theatre, off in the afternoon
went for country walk with L. Sat in hot sun and read paper and my Omar
Kyaam. It was lovely, lots of birds singing, aeroplanes flying about,
buttercups and daisies full out. I have heard for the second time that
Italy has declared war. The aeroplanes look like great live birds - they
squat on the ground, then rise, and soar high and skim about and in a
few moments dive to earth again and settle - then off again. It only
takes them a few moments to reach the German lines, and they seem to fly
there, see what they want to and home again, then go to spy out
something else. I am going to bed now.
The spine man died this evening; his brain was the last thing to lose
its senses. I have never known a more sad and slow death, poor man he
was talking to me about an hour before he died.
[May] 21st
Quietish day, patients chiefly medical owing to the weather came in in
driblets, and we still have in about a dozen abdominals, some getting
better, some dear cheerful brave things - dying slowly. Whenever I have
a very ill patient generally abdominal, I always give him my
handkerchief, a clean one, I don’t know why but they love to have it.
When I gave it to one to-day he said he hoped he would not be sent on
from here. I was like a mother to him! poor thing and only because I
gave him a handkerchief.
We went for a walk in the rain this morning towards where “Grandmama” is
hidden - spitting fire like a fury - at the Germans. Bed now.
[May] 22nd There is vivid lightning and thunder and heavy gun fire and flashes, and the half moon shining to-night a queer mixture of things, peaceful and terrible. The ward was quite full when we went on duty this morning, but we evacuated early, and have not taken in since. Gloriously hot day. Off in the afternoon, fetched washing then sat in lilac patches until tea time.
[May] 24th
Col. Bewley came to tea, and told us that Bailleul is to be shelled in 3
days time. I felt frightened at the thought but do try to make myself
realise that God is over all and can stop it, or keep us safe or do just
what He likes. Only 13 patients in until this evening, all very trying
ones, terribly fidgety. We are now taking in.
3 p.m. In bed for night duty. Ugh!
[May] 25th
Had quite the busiest night imaginable. The Germans poisoned hundreds of
our men yesterday, and we had our hospital full, and emptied and over
filled again at once. Men lying on stretchers in the garden, and thick
in the grass, even filled a patch known as the duck pond. The cases
inside were very bad indeed, and died like poor flies all night. We
evacuated at 2 a.m. and promptly filled to such an extent that I had 163
in a ward supposed to take 60, as well as 16 very bad officers and 3
ward sitters.
“I cannot - cannot cannot” said the dying boy “Ye canna - what?” asked
O’Neill the Irish orderly, “I cannot…pray” repeated the boy. “Ah thry…”
persuaded O’Neill, “twill make ye barra” (better). Quite true I listened
to it all.
Bathed in the asylum, went to breakfast, was invited to a drive but had
to decline owing to inclination for bed.
[May] 26th
Another very busy night. Found ward quite full of wounds to be changed
and dressed, and all demanding drinks every 5 minutes. To
complete things we evacuated 150 at 2.30 a.m. and at 4 filled and over
filled again, with badly wounded, so had the double dose of changing &c.
Two taubes and a Zeppelin passed over us last night, we think the Zep.
must have dropped an incendiary bomb a little way off behind the trees,
about 2 miles perhaps, we saw a huge flare of fire in the sky. Came off
at 8.30 and found Col. — little cart waiting to take us for a drive. We
went for 2 hours, all round by Locre, Rein-something &c. and saw
countless columns of artillery, R.G.A., R.F.A., R.H.A. I suppose all
going to the front.
People found us rather an unusual sight and stared and saluted and some
went so far as to cheer. Home at 11 and now in bed.
[May] 27th Quiet night. Went for drive, gramophone now playing in Officers Ward which I want to listen to. You would love the music.
[May] 28th We saw another huge blaze of fire over towards the German lines last night, but have not heard what it was. An awful accident happened near here yesterday afternoon, one of our own hand grenades factories blew up by accident, more than 1,000 many civilians and some Tommies were killed and we had in the wounded. One died in the night, they were horribly badly wounded. We heard the explosion at 5 p.m. and hopped out of bed to see what we could, and saw a huge column of grey smoke, solid and high in the air. Busy night, small convoys coming all the time. This morning after a bath at the Asylum we walked into the town and bought things. Feel news in general very depressing, we don’t seem to be gaining anything at all, but we must take what comes to us after doing our best. Another ship lost the Dardanelles too! Wish the war was over and we had won.
[May] 29th 1 a.m. I should just like to describe my surroundings. You know we are in the asylum, a huge building on the top of a high hill, overlooking pretty country. Well now - I have spent the last hour standing on a table in the bunk, looking at the night, the full moon is facing this way, slowly setting in a sky brilliant with stars and softened by a few light clouds. The land all looks black, hills and trees standing silhouetted clear against the sky, the horizon is alive, with the battle rockets are shooting up, guns firing, and the star lights - that shew up where the trenches are, shoot up and float gracefully down. I can distinctly hear rifle fire too - crackling in the distance. Inside the asylum I can hear the peaceful slumber of the officers orderly, there are only two sick officers and they are all right, so I shall not wake him up. Peace reigns. I have only 6 patients down stairs, and they are all fast asleep, either from healthy tiredness or from the kind…
As mentioned at the beginning, this typed volume ends abruptly at this point and we have no idea how many pages are missing. Volume 2 starts just eight weeks later on 25 July 1915 with the words “Just back from 10 perfect days leave…” so the missing pages probably cover a period of about six weeks or less.
If anyone reading this website knows the location of the missing pages or any later volumes - perhaps in a secondhand bookshop or even in a museum collection - we would dearly love to hear from you; please contact Dick Robinson at dick@gardencottage.org.uk