remembering... through WWI diary.

my husband, the kids and i were visiting his grandma a few weeks ago.

grandpa passed away in 2010 and now grandma was packing to make a big move from ON to BC.

she asked my husband if he'd be interested in the diaries of his...

um...

great uncle?

the diary was written by his grandpa's uncle.

9 small notebooks, recording daily his life as a soldier in WW1.

He was born in England, 

came to Canada (24yrs old) and headed back to England (31yrs old) as a soldier.

grandma and grandpa typed it all out and printed it up- to make it easier to read.

there are photos, poems, sketches, letters. 

and the original notebooks.

it is quite fascinating.

i have not read it all but i have read about a month's worth of entries so far.

the entries begin Tuesday Sept 21 1915 as he boarded the 'Troop Train' in Saskatoon, SK.  

the diaries end when he leaves England to return to Canada Dec 17, 1918.  

there is one notebook missing.

As this month is a month of remembrance i am hoping to read through this diary.  

take some time and read about this man.  

his family.  

the sacrifices.  

the honest thoughts about what was happening.

i have decided to share one part with you today.  

just a small excerpt.

Sun Oct 17 1915

We did not have to turn out till 7.0 A.M. this morning - quite a treat after the 5.0A.M turn out.  My friend thinks he'll get killed before he reaches France.  After dinner today he reposed himself for a forty winks on somebody's bed when without a warning a rifle came down from the rack over-head striking my friend on the left side of his fore-head.  Nobody heard the rifle fall, or the murmur of the complaint - but when i saw him he appeared a little dazed with his hand up to his brow.  I asked him what he was thinking about.  I was thinking what to say, he said.  What was it?  Only about the rifle that fell on my head.  the thing was really too comical. - of course we laughed.  We have had two unfortunate accidents.  Sargeant Clarke of NO.8 platoon whilst on guard fell down a manhole and hurt his spine - he has since died.  We had a grand Church parade this morning - about 4,800 men formed up on the parade ground led by two bands.  Spent rest of the day quietly.  Had a little singing with fellow who plays piano well.  Heard very good sermon at Y.M.C.A entitled "Angles at Mons".  The speaker gave us some remarkable references from some soldiers who were in that memorial retreat.  These men infer that they actually saw angels.  Some like St. Michael - others like St. George & others like a man clothed in long white robes.

Wed. Oct 20 1915

Physical exercise.  Officers inspection. Company drill.  Bayonet exercise.  Route marching and trench digging.

Fri Oct 22 1915

Parade in full marching order for route march & field day.  We had a hard day.  Being the forces attacked we had to retreat & at the same time keep our company intact.  We must have done well - because we received excellent compliments from our Captain.  Have just arrived home from march & had a very great surprise- Dear Bro. A.  R.N (Royal Navy) was there to meet me whom i hadn't seen for 10 years.  Tonight is all bustle & excitement - & my two brothers H & E together with A are all ready to go on leave- five days.  Have arrived in London - it's been 6 1/2 years since i saw dear old London.  Stayed at Berkley Square, Maple Leaf CLub.

These are a few of the entries as he is still in training.  

as i read i may share more of his story with you.

the men and women who gave their lives in the wars were men and women like me and you.

they had brothers, sisters, moms, dads, children, wives, husbands...

many lost lives. 

many lost loved ones.

these notebook entries remind me of that.

let's remember the sacrifices given.

being brave is standing strong even when you want to turn and run.