More through a WWI Journal

Tomorrow is our day of remembrance. 

today i thought i'd share a few more entries from my husband's great-great uncle 

(i finally figured out the connection)

Tues Dec 7 1915

Physical drill - examination of different positions offloading & unloading. Kneeling- lying & standing - sight tests- & finger pressure tests.

Sat Dec 25 (he is staying at the home of his girlfriend's family)

Xmas Day - wretched weather. Performed the duties of housemaid & was told that i did tolerably well. On Xmas morning in the kitchen I put the ring on D's finger - went to bed about 2.30AM

Mon Jan 10 1916

Physical drill - followed by C.O's inspection - bayonet fighting. - warned for draft.

Tues Jan 11 

List of names for draft confirmed.  E, H myself on same.  C.O's inspection. Bayonet fighting.

Thurs Feb 3

Bro H went with 26th Batt draft to the front - only 6 went out of our Company & he was one.

Fri Feb 11

My weekend pass to London cancelled owing to draft being called.  30 men for the 26th Batt & 20 for the 2nd & 4th Batts. I am one of the thirty.

Thurs Feb 24

Felt very queer (sick).  Stayed in- but no one went out on parades very much.  At night about 8:30 some of us had orders to dress in Skeleton order with rifle & await orders.  We found that all the camps around had had the same orders.  We were given 5 rounds live ammunition apiece.  When stationed on our various beats we were informed the nature of our beat.  We were to halt everybody - the idea being that German spies were expected in disguise either to obtain information of our camps or else to do material damage with bombs etc.  The night was clear & frosty & we were all pretty cold. - at reveille the next morning we were off & had the next day off.

he developed a nasty cough and ear infection after this night and was in the Medical Hut.

Wed Mar 8

Weather still cold - much snow falling.  had ear syringed again.  feel very week but eating a little.  Early this morning about 2:30AM our whole company No.2 went to the front.  They went to Southampton via Harve.  Thus I am left behind - that is with the exception of some who were too old to go - and a Sergeant who is sick here & a M.G.   I am told i have been transferred to the 32nd Batt at Risborough Barracks.