| December 12th 1916 |
...Landed Le Havre
|
| December 25th 1916 |
...Started up line on lorry.
|
December 29th 1916
|
...Arrived Guillemont.
There
is then a gap in the diary in which nothing was recorded. The next
entry follows still under the date of December 19th 1916 but clearly
now in late March or early April 1917. From what follows, the previous
two entries were written retrospectively simply to bring things up to
date, hence the lack of detail in these entries.
...Leaving
three months later, stopped first night at Bray. Marched to Pozieres,
had four days rest there leaving at night in snow storm for Roupy,
after long hours and much work, found guns were out of range, moved
next day to Savy, had 3 casualties here and 1 gun knocked out. Birch died of wounds.
|
| April 10th 1917 |
....Sent to ammunition dump at Douilly.
|
| May 11th 1917 |
...Returning spent night at Foreste.
|
| |
Curiously
he seems to have spent ten days at the ammunition dump at Douilly,
there is no mention what he did while he was there. Foreste is about 3
km from Douilly on the road to St.Quentin.
|
| May 12th 1917 |
...Ordered to Vaux for artillery course
|
| May 13th 1917 |
...Had day in Amiens, visited photographer.
|
| May 19th 1917 |
...Completed first week at school, not too bad.Walked to Amiens and saw cathedral : found it fine and interesting.
|
| May 26th 1917 |
...Visited Amiens got photos, Amiens not too bad but "plenty fatigue"
|
| June 1st 1917 |
...Morning exam, managed nicely, hope it will lead to a rise.
Watched T.Mortar(trench mortar)barrage, felt very thankful I was not aninfantryman, concert in the evening.
|
| June 2nd 1917 |
...Returning to Btty. ( Battery) spent day in Amiens, night at Peronne la Chapellette.
|
| June 3rd 1917 |
...Hung up at Roselle.
|
June 4th
1917 |
...Arrived back, found battery in new position : more work close to Havrincourt wood Metz en Couture.
|
June 13th
1917 |
...W.Wheeler left for Blighty to take up Commission. I am now in charge of No.2.
|
June 27th
1917 |
...Stepped into an old German latrine. Whew ! Horrible!
|
June 30th
1917 |
...Moved
into position in Havrincourt wood last night. Feel about as strong as a
rat this morning. There will be a second "do" tonight.
|
July 7th
1917 |
...Had a near "do" yesterday, being shelled with 8" armour piercing. Was
very thankful to receive order to clear the battery. B.C. Post (battery command post) had a very close thing, I hope Fritz hasn't found our range.
I embraced "Mother Earth" last night as close as I have ever done. Did
not altogether fancy going back to battery when "He" had finished but
we finished the night quietly humping shells and filling shell holes.
We came through with only two cases of shell shock. Am feeling very
thankful to Almighty God that all is well with me.
|
July 8th
1917 |
...Received the order to clear, pull out 3 and 4 guns.
|
July 9th
1917 |
...Fired a final 28 rounds on 1 and 2 guns then pulled out, packed up and proceeded to Fins
|
July 10th
1917 |
...Fritz
has been shelling the Btty position this morning. How fortunate we were
that bad weather conditions prevailed during our moving. God is good.
|
July 11th
1917 |
...Started
our journey this morning, Ervillers our destination via Bapaume,
arrived a little sore and weary, spent night in stable, same as at Fins.
|
July 12th
1917 |
...Started
off for Hermaville via Arras, walked to Arras arriving footsore and
weary reached Hermaville almost mid-day feeling a bit sick, spent night
in huts.
|
July 13th
1917 |
...Received sudden orders for 2pm everybody riding this time.Arrived at Noeux about 8, billet in huts.
|
July 14th
1917 |
...Spent
day in the town, stopping here until position prepared. Went up with
digging party all night. Raining the whole time, how nice !
|
July 16th
1917 |
...Went into position at night.
|
July 29th
1917 |
...An unlucky shot caught No.3 last night, killed two and wounded three,
only one of the detachment escaped. The way shells dropped one wonders
at times if "they" know we are here. Bdr.Rowley and Dare move the death
casualties.
|
July 31st
1917 |
...Dear Annie's birthday. How I would love to see and to cheer her. Had
our first experience of tear shells this morning, whilst unloading
shells, what a fright it gave us, we needed no encouragement to double
for our helmets but no harm was done.
|
August 6th
1917 |
...Went
up to Loos yesterday digging new position, for we are expecting to
advance, after working all day in one spot, I heard that a German
sniper had his gun laid on that spot, another mercy !
|
August 7th
1917 |
...Day off duty today, been into Bethune, nothing striking but made a change.
|
August 18th
1917 |
...Came
out on rest last night, to Bethune, after the most nerve trying
fortnight in our experience, 3 of our guns being knocked out with
direct hits, the whole of their detachment with them, our two worst
experiences were carrying ammunition under shellfire, to keep our two
guns in action during the push of the Canadians around Lens. And going
back into action on No.2 after No.1 had been knocked out, what a night
it was, we were expecting our turn any minute, but he left us
alone thank God.We were a thankful crowd that boarded those lorries
to come away, we had had sufficient.
On 15 August 1917, the Battle for Hill 70 began, near Loos. The 46th North Midland Division was in the thick of the fighting, with the Canadian Corps to its south, and 216 Siege Battery was fully involved in support of the assaulting troops.
|
August 28th
1917 |
...After
10 days rest and change at Bethune, we came back to Maroc, about 40
under strength, and took over the two guns of 331 Btty., was not
feeling keen about coming back, but the rest did us good, our nerves
were all the steadier for it, found Maroc a little quieter than when we
left.
(Promoted Corporal, to date from Aug. 15/17)
|
| September 2nd 1917 |
...Have
been shelled out of 331's position this morning luckily we were put
under cover, so that no-one was hurt, when he quietened, we came down
on to our other two guns in the new position whilst Fritz completed his
work, which he did, for it was a terrible sight that met our eyes upon
returning for ammunition the next day, No.3 gun was smashed to pieces,
and the place was tore up everywhere, he must have been using 11 inch
on it.
|
| September 5th 1917 |
...Had
a terrible experience last night Fritz set up a barrage all around us
with shells of every description, including gas , shells were falling
like rain, to top it off we got action S.O.S and had to turn out on to
our gun in the midst of it, remained in action for one hour, with gas
helmets on, shells dropping all around the whole time, and not one of
us touched. What a mercy. Murphy told me this morning he intended
recommending me to the Major for the way I behaved.
|
| September 6th 1917 |
...Was
complemented by the Major this morning, I wonder if anything will come
of it. If ever medals were won, they were won that night.
|
| September 15th 1917 |
...Received orders to report at Mazingarbe headquarters, and go on a gas course, rotten luck.
Arrived Lillers 11 p.m. and entered my first billet, an estaminet, we were put to sleep on the top floor near the roof.
|
| September 16th 1917 |
...Day
occupied in lectures, gas helmet drill, and passing through two gas
chambers, I am not interested in it a bit. Stepped out to tea and had a
look round. Landlady has two boys about 6 and 9 who smoke and
drink beer like a man, the two girls swear just like the British tommy.
The moral influences seem very bad here.
Maudie's birthday today, how thankful I am that she is not being brought up like these children.
|
| September 19th 1917 |
...On my way back, just heard the news we are digging our position in Loos, cheerful.
|
| September 22nd 1917 |
...Had
to shift our billets yesterday, for Fritz had been busy ranging on
them. Thats three positions and three different billets we have
occupied since being in Maroc.
|
| September 24th 1917 |
...No.2 detachment got knocked out last night, with an unlucky shot, 2 killed 3 wounded.
|
| October28th 1917 |
...I hear we are going to move up North shortly, probably in two days time, may it never come off. We shall see. |
| November 1st 1917 |
...Have received the good news that we are not moving, we are all pleased as Punch.
|
| November 5th 1917 |
...We are altering the angle and rebuilding the pit, had the thankless task of burying a fresh one of the H.L.I (Highland Light Infantry) which we came across .He had been buried in 1915.
|
| November 8th 1917 |
...Received definate news we are going to Italy probably which means
no leave for us. Hard luck, I should have been among the first dozen.
Am feeling very disappointed.
|
| November 9th 1917 |
...Arrived Neaux-les-Mines during early hours, going on tonight.
|
| November 9th 1917 |
...Arrived Bapaume, moving on tonight.
|
| November 12th 1917 |
...Arrived Aizecourt. Hear we are going into position from here, so it is not Italy after all. I am thankful for that much.
|
| November 13th 1917 |
...Arrived Villers Guislain, after trying time at Aizecourt.
|
| November 20th 1917 |
...Took part in a strafe, had it easy for nothing came back, hear the lads did well.
|
| December 1st 1917 |
...It
was a near thing with us yesterday, Fritz opened out a strafe at
daybreak just after we had taken over the guns, and immediately rushed
our front line and came right on, within an hour and a half we received
order to dismantle breech and run for it which we did in quick time for
Fritz and his aeroplanes were well after us, the air seemed full of
aeroplanes which flew low and turned their machine guns on us time
after time, several of our men were knocked out in this way, but I got
through thank God. I did'nt know I was a cross country runner before. I
hope the same never happens again for it is not nice to leave guns and
everything behind and scatter like a lot of sheep.
|
| December 2nd 1917 |
...Went into action at Saulcourt with two guns, no stores, no kit, had damn all.
After about a fortnight moved to new position nearer Rialton, to the right of Hendecourt.
|
| January 8th 1918 |
...Battery
moved out to Peronne on rest. I came on a week afterwards, expected to
hear something about my going on leave, but there is nothing doing just
yet, but I have not long to wait if all goes well. Hurrah!
|
| January 23rd 1918 |
...Moving
back to the old position today. Have received the hint from Tuson
(?) that my leave is due before the end of the month.
|
| January 27th 1918 |
...Started off on leave this evening from Peronne.
|
| February 15th 1918 |
...Arrived back off leave. Fed up.
|
| February 18th 1918 |
...Am off to O.P. (observation post) tonight, for first time.
Upon returning from leave, I found Btty. had moved to Metz (near Haveringcourt Wood) two days after I left them.
|
|
| |
Details of the opening and subsequent days of this offensive are meticulously described in Martin Middlebrook's "The Kaiser's Battle".
Lynn MacDonald's "To the last Man Spring 1918" also gives many first hand accounts of the battle from soldiers on both sides.
"Steel Wind" Colonel Georg Bruchmuller and the Birth of Modern Artillery by David T Zabecki provides a technical background of the German artillery tactics in the opening phases of the battle.
Albert Lewis had his own personal story to tell, one which tells of
rapid flight, leaving guns behind and a general sense of chaos as the
German advance was pressed home. He describes the opening days of
the battle, first by simply noting the movements of 216 Siege Battery
and then, presumably during a lull in the fighting (many days after the
opening phase), he proceeds to describe in detail what happened . His
detailed description of the opening phase of the battle is written after the diary entry for March 29th. It is important to point this out to
the reader in order to avoid any possible confusion. The whole of
the month of March was a frantic and trying time for the Battery
and he clearly felt it necessary to write about it in detail when
things quietened down. In keeping with the spirit of the diary I have
left this entry where he placed it.
|
| March 21st 1918 |
...Fritz
offensive opened, we moved back to Lieramont at night. Left Lieramont
at the run about tea-time same day. Went to Moislains pulled out
next morning, leaving two guns behind, came to another position in
Clery district, fired a few rounds (we cleared then returned again,
being shelled second time), but Fritz soon spotted us and put a few
rounds into us, we soon cleared to a position a short distance back.
After firing about three rounds we pulled out and went into a position
near Bray. Spent night and day here firing about 900 rounds, then
pulled out and went into position between Bray and Corbie, out of range
here, then went to Bouzencourt (?) arriving afternoon of 27th,
moved to position two miles in front of village, left here March 29th
for position on outskirts of Heilly, near Corbie.
|
| |
The
next passage in the diary is a description of his activities during the
first days of the German Offensive. It is presented exactly as written
in the diary.
|
| |
...(
The opening of the Hun offensive was a foggy morning ideal for his
purpose, the strafing was not very severe at Heudicourt, although he
sent some big stuff across with plenty of gas amongst it. I was
fortunate in missing the worst of it, not being on duty that night, for
it is an uncomfortable business manning your gun in the dark with
respirators on, especially when there is fog to contend with as
well, it was far from pleasant even when I took over at eight o'clock,
it was as much as I could do to find my way in the fog from the billet
to the guns but the danger was not very great for he was dropping them
well plus and minus, about 9 or 10 o'clock we were able to take off our
respirators and the fog began to lift so making easier going, but we
were kept very busy, firing on numerous switches until about four in
the afternoon when the left section, our three guns got the order to
pull out, this we did and left the village at dusk for Lieramont where
we straightaway pulled in, and collected our stores, this occupied us
until two in the morning, when we turned in about 18 of us in one
cellar, was on the gun again about six o'clock the next morning laying
out lines of fire, commenced firing about 11 o'clock, continuing until
sudden orders came to pull out in the afternoon, we got three guns away
by the lorries, the remaining three were hauled out of the village to
the top of the slope, there to await their F.W.Ds. (?)When these
arrived one was sent to the village to pick up the remaining stores, I
with the others went down to see to the loading, just as we got started Pemberton came running up with the order to run for it, which we did right quick, thus my second kit got lost.
Had a very close shave at our first position at Clery near
Suzanne, Fritz dropped about 6 rounds in the btty. One landed
within 10 yds of me, a 5.9, luckily on soft earth, there was the
usual shower of muck, but I was untouched. Again when on the road to
Bray , a 5.9 gun shell dropped on the road side exactly between the
lorry I was in and the next following, I was sitting at the back of my
lorry with my legs hanging over the back, yet nothing touched me, or
any of the others. These were about the nearest escapes I have had
since coming out, and they both happened on the same day. I felt very
thankful to God that night.)
|
| April 24th 1918 |
...Fritz
opened out this morning mixing plenty of gas with it as usual. I
had the luck to be off duty again so escaped the worst of it, but I
turned out about 6 o'clock to lend a hand on my gun, for they were in
difficulty over pulling out, we afterwards received the order to
relieve the detachments which we did, Fritz continued his shelling but
we were alright on my gun, but our slip trench was very useful at
times. Our total was 29 casualties including gas cases. J. Holmes received his final knock out, poor chap.
|
| April 26th 1918 |
...Fisher has just sent round enquiring my full name, what's on now I wonder.
|
| |
For
some reason the next entry is dated April 24th 1918. It may be a simple
error but it is presented as written. It is likely that the date should
have been written 29th April.
|
| April 24th 1918 |
...Lieut.Murphy got his knock out through the accidental firing of a Lewis gun by Lieut. Prescott in the X.C. post (?), the bullet passing clean through him in one
side and out the other. The battery will be better without him.
|
| April 30th 1918 |
...Our new Major arrived. Major Carter, quite a young chap but I hope will be a great improvement upon Hood.
|
| April 30th 1918 |
...Was
sent for by Lieut. Fisher today, he informed me that I had been awarded
the M.Medal, for my work on the 24th. He congratulated me, and we drank
one another's health, wished one another luck and parted the best of
friends. I wonder what Annie will say to this, will she believe me now
when I say I am "taking care"?
|
| May 11th 1918 |
...Had
an unpleasant surprise this evening when I saw Major Hood
strolling around the mess, looking as pleased as a puppy with two
tails. Our luck is out, for I hear he has come to stop. Curse him.
|
| May 12th 1918 |
...Put up my M.Medal ribbon today. Rydings gave it to me.
|
| May 13th 1918 |
...Received congratulations from Major, he said it was a distinction which I had several times previously deserved.
|
| |
A well needed rest
|
| May 19th 1918 |
...Pulling
out tonight, going on rest with the Brigade. Was pleased to get out of
the village safely for the place was crowded with lorries. Spent night
(what remained of it) at Camon. |
| May 20th 1918 |
...Moved on to Hangest-s-Somme remained the night here.
|
| May 21st 1918 |
...Travelled to Huchenneville.
|
| May 22nd 1918 |
...Had bathing parade today. Find this a very quiet spot, do not know if we are going to stay or not.
|
| May 23rd 1918 |
...Moved on to Hallencourt, a fair sized place but quiet, there are a few cafes about so it will suit the troops better
|
| May 25th 1918 |
...Had a trip to Abbeville today it made a change, but there is nothing of special importance about the place.
|
| May 29th 1918 |
...The
battery was inspected by the General (?) today and congratulated for
their work of the 24th April. I thought we should be presented with our
ribbons but it did not come off.
|
| |
Back to the line
|
| June 7th 1918 |
...Commenced
our journey up to the line again this morning, spending the night at
Hangest. Am not longing to return for our stay in Hallencourt has been
one of our best fortnights in France.
|
| June 8th 1918 |
...Arrived Poulainville, we remain here three days, as we are ordered back before our time.
|
| June 13th 1918 |
...First
two guns moved in, I went with them. We are relieving 245 Btty., on the
road between Heilly and Bonnay, position not too bad. Our billets are
back at Franvillers this time.
|
| June 18th 1918 |
...Did a day at the O.P (observation post) yesterday, was pleased to find everything quiet, but it was not so
interesting as I anticipated, for there was practically nothing moving
to be seen.
|
| June 20th 1918 |
...Had a dip in the Ancre this morning when coming off duty, it was a bit cold but I feel better for it.
|
| July 2nd 1918 |
...Was
having a time this evening in the billet at Franvillers with Corben,
Emery and Myers, when our people suddenly opened out on the left, our
music very quickly ceased whilst we ascertained whether it was Fritz
commencing his long expected offensive, after experiences such as we
have had its striking the feeling that goes through one upon the
commencement of an attack such as we suddenly get. But we soon settled
down again when we knew that it was only our people making a bid for
Albert.
|
| July 4th 1918 |
...Had
a stunt on this morning for the district around Hamel, it went off well
as far as our strafing was concerned, lasting about two hours, from 3,
till 5 a.m. we had nothing sent back around us.
|
| July 5th 1918 |
...Reported our troops advanced 11/2
miles deep capturing about 1400 prisoners not too bad, but I hear the
Australians made their usual mistake in one place by running into our
own barrage.
|
| July 6th 1918 |
...Have
received Croydon Advert. from Annie today, which contains notice of my
having received the M.M., it seems to have created a mild sensation at
home. I am pleased that the news did not have the reverse effect and
put the wind up Annie, about my taking risks, as I was afraid it would
do, for one cannot avoid taking risks at this game.
|
| August 3rd 1918 |
...After
having a quiet time during the last fortnight as a quiet section
we pulled out and went into position at Mericourt village, in the
Chateau grounds, found a good deal of traffic on the road for all the
artillery is moving up, there seems to be a move on the way, for Jerry
does not appear to be making much of a show here just now, there are
even reports of his evacuating some of this front. That is alright as
far as it goes but I would much rather see him fought out of it.
|
| August 11th 1918 |
...The
stunt came off on the 8th, it was an easy thing for us, and also
successful, we have made a series of pushes since, consequently we are
out of range now. Four guns have gone further up, our two pull out
tonight, destination Morlancourt I hear.
We had a
plane dropping bombs very close on the night of the 9th, put the wind
up us a bit but there was nobody touched, although they were busy with
their bombs and machine guns while it lasted. The other two sections
are at Buire-sur-Ancre.
Sgt.Rydings lost his eye through a splinter from one of the bombs
during one of the night raids.
|
| |
Again there seems to be some confusion about dates. The next entry is dated the same as the previous one.
|
| August 11th 1918 |
...Our two guns moved up by the side of the other four , on the road side, between Buire and Treux, not Morlancourt.
|
| August 22nd 1918 |
...A
small stunt occured this morning, our people being after Meaulte and
positions round about, I believe they got what they were after, it was
a soft thing for us as far as we were concerned there was no
retaliation, just a little gas floating round, but not
sufficiently bad to use respirators for.
|
| August 23rd 1918 |
...Pulled out and went to a position the other side of Morlancourt, went
into action immediately by joining in a stunt at 1 a.m., which
apparently went well for our men. Centre section came up the night
previous to us, Left sections came up on the night of the 24th going
about 500yds to the front.
|
| August 25th 1918 |
...Captain
Pemberton tells me this morning that we are out of range by about 5000
yds owing to Fritz retiring, so we shall not stop here much longer.
|
| August 26th 1918 |
...We
came up a little further last night, taking up a position in "Happy
Valley" on the Bray road, we did the journey up just before dusk, so we
had no adventures on the way, but there would have been trouble had we
attempted it after dark, for there were numerous shell-holes to be
negotiated, the Centre Section did come up after dark and a rough
journey they had, taking them 5 hrs. to cover the distance we
accomplished in 11/2 hrs. They got stuck on numerous occasions.
|
| August 27th 1918 |
...We
appear to have done some effective firing on this part, for nearly all
the shell holes appear to be caused by our fire. Fritz had a strong
point up by where the railway crosses the road which must have
caused our men a little trouble, for there are numerous bodies
lying about, both ours and Boche, and machine guns and kit in every
direction. A few cavalry horses are here too, the place not only looks
unhealthy but smells unhealthy too. I have had a walk round but
cannot find any souvenirs worth mentioning.
|
| August 28th 1918 |
...We are not doing much firing here, although well within range, took part in one small stunt here this morning.
|
| August 29th 1918 |
...Took
part in another small affair this morning, now my two guns have pulled
out and gone to the front of Suzanne, my relief have gone up with them.
The 60 pdrs have taken our lorries so we are using their horses now.
|
| August 30th 1918 |
...Moved onto Hem siding where we repeated the same programme and now are out of range again.
|
| September 2nd 1918 |
...Went into position close to Clery.
|
| September 4th 1918 |
...Went into position between Allaines and Moislains got a sharp 10 mins strafing here, I was busy digging myself a bivvy
in the bank at the time, so immediately took cover, two shells fell on
the edge of the bank within 2ft of my dugout. Stanly got wounded in the
hand, in the next dugout to mine and one of the signallers also got a
piece in the leg, otherwise we all escaped.
Those of us off duty were sent into some huts in Allaines for the night, but nothing further happened.
|
| September 6th 1918 |
...Took up position in front of Templeux -la-Fosse last night did a stunt this morning which has put us out of range again.
Moving out again this afternoon. Moved on to Villers Faucon .
|
| September 16th 1918 |
...Went into position between Villers Faucon and St.Emilie.
|
| September 19th 1918 |
...Had
a bad premature on No.2 last night, it blew half the bore away, and
smashed things up generally. Wright and "Dicky" Bird were killed
outright. Lieut.Slaughter and five others wounded including two of my
men viz., Cookson and J.Heap. It was a wonder that more were not hit
for it was a bad burst, I am feeling very grateful to God for his care.
|
| September 21st 1918 |
...Moved
on to Templeux-le-Guerard, Fritz put the wind up us on the way, for he
commenced bombing a battery near the road, just as we were passing,
needless to say we did not delay our journey.
(Whilst in the last position I saw the unusual incident of one of our
planes being brought down by an ordinary H.E. shell, a 4.5, it appeared
a perfect K.O, immediately bursting and blowing the machine to pieces,
it was the only incident of its kind that I have seen so far.)
|
| September 25th 1918 |
...Moved
into position last night between Rialton and Pozieres. There were
thousands of Yanks going up the line last night, there appears to be
something coming off shortly.
|
| October 1st 1918 |
...Went forward in front of Villers-Guislain.
|
| October 3rd 1918 |
...Took
a walk over to Villers- Guislain yesterday, found three 5.9's in a
sunken road the battery looked to have had a bad time from our shell
fire. Three of our guns were still in the village, badly smashed.
When I got back to the billets, found the battery under orders to move,
going south.
|
| October 4th 1918 |
...Came to Estrees on left of St.Quentin, last night.
|
| October 8th 1918 |
...Opened
out this morning, entirely successful, I believe it was on a wide
front. We have been getting casualties here, about 15 up to now through
Jerry's harassing fire. Captain Pemberton killed, Tom Dean wounded, 1
gnr killed. He opened out 5.9 gunfire on us for a time, I and my
detachment came through unhurt thank God.
|
| October 9th 1918 |
...Went
3 or 4 Kilos forward yesterday. We had a warm experience from bombing
just after we pulled in, lasting from dusk until about midnight, the
planes were doing journey after journey, and dropping them all around
us, yet we escaped, but we were lucky in being off the road.
|
| October 10th 1918 |
...Went
forward into Maretz last night, but I found them out of range upon
taking over this morning, and soon received orders to go to Honnechy
with Prescott to prepare new position, just after reaching new
position, Fritz dropped a shell right on the road fairly close, so I
immediately cleared the youngsters round about that had turned out with
their flags to welcome us, I had just finished this when the second one
dropped and I got a piece of it. Not bad enough for Blighty I am
afraid, but enough to give me a rest for a week or two.
|
 |
| |
|
| |
Here the
diary ends except for some notes in the back which list gun crews and
his financial expenditure. He notes that on the 31st of March he was in
credit by the princely sum of £20 : 4s : 2d
|
The Gun Crews of 216 SB
As recorded in the back of the diary. |
Page1.
Sgt.Lewis
gnr.Cookson
gnr.Stanley X
Bdr.Parrott
gnr.Dewdrey
gnr.Howerd X
gnr.Reeves
Bdr. Greenbank X
Cpl.Dilmot
gnr.Geake
Page2.
Spare Nos.
Etheridge, Beynon, Blake X, Payne, Smith X, Bray X, dick, Draper
No. 5
Sgt.Emery
gnr.Scott
gnr.Garlick
Bdr.Dickace......this name is not clearly written could be Dicksse
gnr.Pearce
gnr.Stainsby
gnr.Daniels
gnr.Rae
gnr.Japp
Page3
No.6 2210 ?
Cpl. Stewart
gnr.Baldwin
gnr.Wright
gnr.Adams
gnr.Ga(i)llard
gnr.Painter
gnr.Robinson
gnr.Pickles
bdr.Howard
Page4
Top of page the following info which I do not understand.
Torch.no.227356 (Each number has been struck out)
Torch no.140837
No.3 2210
No.4 2756
No.5 1790
No.6 2414
1790
Sgt.Lewis
gnr.Allen
gnr.Cookson
gnr.Heap
gnr.Dewdrey
gnr.Reeves
gnr.Merrett
gnr.Jones
Cpl.Dilmot
Page5
Cpl.Much
gnr.Stanley
gnr.Stevenson
gnr.Davies
gnr.Baxter
gnr.Rooney
gnr.Eddington
gnr.Anderson
Cpl.Pickard
This is all there is, some of the names appear in the diary as KIA, there is no list of officers. |
