The Letters of Major General Price Davies VC, CB, CMG, DSO E-Book

Peter Robinson

• Herausgeber: The History Press
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 591

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2013

Beschreibung

The new series of Spellmount Military Memoirs provides rare and sought-after texts for the collector of classic historical works, together with rigorously selected personal narratives never before in print – destined to become classics in their own right. Llewelyn Alberic Emilius Price-Davies was awarded the Victoria Cross when serving with the King's Royal Rifle Corps during the Second Boer War. He went on to serve as Divisional Corps liasion officer in 1914-15, his correspondence offers a rare insight into the changing face of the British Army at this time. In 1916 he took over the 113th Brigade, in a New Army Division 38th (Welsh). The first major test was on the Somme at Mametz Wood, where the divisional commander was sacked. He describes this famous fight and eventual capture of the wood in dramatic detail. Once again in the thick of the fighting at Pilckem Ridge in 1917 on the first day of Third Ypres, his letters show the importance of this battle's success. In 1918 he travelled to Italy, where his diaries reveal for the first time how the Allied Command functioned in this theatre. His constant correspondence with his brother-in-law Henry Wilson, the C.I.G.S., is a unique insight into British Army High Command and this legendary Field Marshal. This rare collection of letters offers a broad and detailed insight into the First World War that will fascinate any enthusiast.

Leseprobe

Contents

Title Page

Introduction

Timeline

One         1914

Two         1915

Three       1916

Four         1917

Five         1918

Epilogue

Bibliography

Copyright

Plates

Introduction

Major General Llewellyn Alberic Emilius Price-DaviesVC, CB, CMG, DSO1

These letters and diary entries reveal a unique testimony to one man’s journey through the First World War, and a great insight into the changes that took place within the British Army at that time. The officer corps of 1914 was made up of people who were very familiar with each other, or, as the French might say, ‘pays de connaissance’. The letters reveal a great deal about the war into which they were thrust, seen through the words and thoughts of an officer steeped in the culture of the Old Army – Major General Llewellyn Alberic Emilius Price-Davies.2 The diaries have been used to supplement the letters where they have been of interest.3

I have shown his career path up to the beginning of the First World War and his personal background in order to lay a foundation for what is to follow. The correspondence is almost entirely to his wife, Miss Eileen Geraldine Edith née Wilson, who was from an Anglo-Irish family of Currygrane, Edgworthstone, Ireland. They married on 6 August 1906. She was the sister of the future Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson, who was later gunned down by Irish Republicans outside his house at 36 Eaton Place in London on Thursday 22 June 1922.

Major General Price-Davies VC went to the same school in Marlborough as his brother-in-law, and whereas Wilson joined the Rifle Brigade, Price-Davies entered King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Price-Davies was also a student of Wilson’s when he attended the Staff College Course at Camberley during 1908–09. Both served in South Africa, and were at the War Office when the First World War started.

I have been faithful in my rendition of both the diary entries and letters, and have not altered the text or changed the punctuation.4 The letters are addressed to his wife, unless otherwise marked. I have tried to identify as many people mentioned therein as possible, and cross-referenced them in endnotes. I have done my best with the handwriting, but on occasion have been defeated, so any errors are mine and mine alone. I am grateful to Colonel Nick Lock OBE for information regarding officers of Royal Welch Fusiliers who served in the Great War. Finally, Major General Price-Davies VC was known by his contemporaries as ‘Mary’; I have been unable to find the reason for this nickname or when it began, but it is in keeping with the period as so many officers did have curious epithets, often relating to their schooldays or service training.

Timeline

Llewellyn Alberic Emilius Price-Davies

Born:

30 June 1878, Chirbury, Shropshire

Educated:

Marlborough 1892–94Sandhurst

Nickname:

‘Mary’

Regiment:

Kings Royal Rifle Corps2nd Lieutenant 23 February 1890

Promoted:

Lieutenant 1899

1899–1902:

South Africa. Price-Davies served in thefollowing actions during the Second Boer War

Relief column for Ladysmith

Present at the Battle of Colenso, 15 December 1899

Served in operations in the Natal, 17–24 January 1900

Present at Spion Kop, 24 January 1900

Served operations in Natal, 5–7 February 1900 (present at Val Kranz)

Served operations in Natal, 14–25 February 1900 (present at Tugela Heights & Pieter’s Hill)

Served in operations Natal, March–June 1900 (present at Laing’s Nek)

Transvaal, January–August 1901

Served operations in Zululand Natal frontier, September 1901

Served Transvaal and Orange River, April–May 1902

Price-Davies was Mentioned in Despatches (MID) twice (London Gazette (LG) 20 January 1900 and 8 February 1901). He was also awarded the DSO for his services during the conflict (LG 19 April 1901).

During the latter part of the war, while serving in the mounted infantry, Price-Davies was wounded slightly on 17 Sept 1901. It was at Blood River Poort, a river southwards and to the west of Schurweberg in Natal, where General Botha defeated the column under the command of Lieutenant Colonel H. de la P. Gough. The citation for the award of his VC reads:

At Blood River Poort, South Africa on the 17th September 1901, when the Boers overwhelmed the right of the British column, and some four hundred of them galloping round the flank and rear of the two guns, riding up to the drivers (who were trying to get the guns away) and calling upon them to surrender, Lieutenant Price-Davies, hearing an order to fire upon the charging Boers, at once drew his revolver and dashed upon them in a most gallant and desperate attempt to rescue the guns. He was immediately shot and knocked off his horse, but was not mortally wounded although he had ridden to what seemed like certain death without a moment’s hesitation.

(LG 29 November 1901)

Although he was severely wounded on 26 January 1902, he recovered to attend the presentation by Lord Kitchener on 8 June 1902, a fine day in Pretoria, in front of the government buildings:

Those to get the V.C’s are on the left of it amongst the houses. The square is crowded with troops & civilians & all the windows are occupied. First of all 12 nurses get the Red Cross, then I have to go up leading the VC’s Standing in front of K my deeds are read out & the K puts my VC on & rams the pin into me.5

Wounded:

Twice described as ‘slightly and seriously’Captain, 7 January 1902

Decoration:

Queens South Africa Medal & 5 ClaspsKings South Africa medal & 3 clasps

Date of marriage:

Married Henry Wilson’s sister, Eileen,on 6 August l906

1906–7:

Adjutant 24 Battalion, Mounted InfantrySchool, South Africa

1908–9:

Staff College (psc)

1910 March – June:

Naval War Course, Portsmouth

6

1910–12

Brigade Major Irish Command

1912–14

GSO 3, War Office, London

1914 August

GSO 3. France, BEF Liaison Officer,2nd Division

1914 September – 1915 March:

GSO 2

Promoted:

Major, 1 September 19151915 March – November 1915. GSO 2

Promoted:

Lt Colonel (Brevet) 1 January 1916

1915 November – 1917 October:

Temporary Brigadier General, France GOC113th Infantry Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division

1917 October – 1918 March:

Brigade Commander Home Forces

1918 April 3 – 11 April:

Brigade Commander, France

Promoted:

Colonel (Brevet) 3 June 19181918 April – November. Special Employed(liaison Officer) Temporary Major General

Mentioned in Despatches:

London Gazette

19/10/14; 1/1/16; 4/1/17;11/12/17

1918–19:

President of the Standing Committee ofEnquiry regarding Prisoners of War

Promoted:

Substantive Colonel 2 June 1919

1920–30:

ADC to King George V

1920–24:

Assistant Adjutant-General, AldershotCommand

1924–27:

Commanded the 145th Infantry Brigade

1927–30:

Assistant Adjutant and Quarter MasterGeneral, Gibralter. (acting Local Brigadier)

13 July 1933:

Hon. Major General

1933–48:

Member of the Hon. Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms

1940–45:

Battalion Commander, Upper Thames Patrol(Home Guard)

Decorations:

Legion du Honour 4th Class; Order ofSt Maurice and St Lazarus, 3rd Class (Italy)1914 Star and Clasp; British War Medal andVictory Medal, VC, CB, CMG, DSO

Date of death:

26 December 1965. Sonning, Berkshire

NOTES

1    LG 5 March 1900. Hugh Arthur Lewis Price-Davies serving in 14th Middlesex Regt was given permission to add Davies to the surname; his father had petitioned for this change in 1880. This officer also served as a captain in the Egyptian Campaign with the RWF (Royal Welch Fusiliers). Captain Charles Stafford Price-Davies served in KRRC (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) in France and Belgium, and later in Macedonia and Turkey. He was awarded an MC.

2    I am grateful to the Trustees of the Imperial War Museum for permission to use this correspondence.

3    I am grateful to the Trustees of the National Army Museum for permission to use this correspondence and to Mr Nigel Steel who pointed me in the right direction.

4    Colonel R.J.L. Ogilby established the Army Museums OgilbyTrust in September 1954. Its purpose was to support regimental army museums by providing expert assistance. It was the stimulus of the trustees that lead to the foundation of the National Army Museum. I am very grateful to Professor Ian F.W. Beckett for the information about the existence of these diaries.

5    Diary entry for Sunday 8 June 1902.

6    I am grateful to Dr J. Moretz for this information.

One

1914

In the months leading up to the First World War, Price-Davies’ diaries reflect the social life of a comfortable, married, middle-ranking officer. He and his wife go to the country and visit friends and relatives, and attend local point-to-point races. Tennis appears to be a passion and is played more as the year progresses, in particular with Henry Wilson at the Hurlingham Club.1 Price-Davies attends the House of Commons in February to hear Lloyd George and records that he was ‘quite brisk at times’. He dines with Heywood at King’s Guard, St James’ Palace and records: ‘a great experience, introduced to Pryce Jones.’2 They also go to Aintree for the Grand National in March, where they walk the course and bet on Trianon III, which came in second; ‘they enjoyed it immensely.’ In April, they go to ‘Ponting’s’ lecture and cinematograph presentation of the ‘Scott Expedition’, which was ‘most interesting one feels as if one might never complain of any hardships after what they have been through’.3

They attend church regularly on Sundays, although they vary attendance at Chester Square, the Brompton, Cranleigh Gardens and St Margaret’s, Westminster. Price-Davies records in May that Thompson Capper has been promoted major general, ‘at last’. At this time he writes, ‘Henry went to the polo, an International Team was beaten by Hurlingham! So they are going to have a new team.’ He returns to his old school for the funeral of a master, Mr Richardson, and records ‘he was a good friend & a great loss to the school’. He attends the regimental dinner and sits between Prialux4 and Saunders,5 and stays with Stuart-Wortley.6 During these months, Price-Davies and his wife go to the Albert Hall for concerts, attend the army tournament and the theatre. They see Pygmalion, which was ‘excellent’, as well as the Land of Promise (with Irene Vandebergh and Geoffrey Teale). In June they see Alexandra Carlisle in Driven and record her acting as ‘splendid’.7 Price-Davies also goes to see the Cavalry Club who were beaten by ‘Old Cantabs’ in the final of the Championship Cup. On Monday 22 June, a holiday for the king’s birthday, he attends the Trooping of the Colour: ‘had my photo taken.’ Sport appears to be an important part of his life and he attends the Eton and Harrow game at Lords, and goes to Winchester to see the 60th (KRRC) play the Rifle Brigade. The Rifle Brigade have a ‘Good side’, and he enjoys listening to ‘the Old Boys talking about old times’ there. After dinner, ‘Oxley,8 Tavish9 & I go up to the depot where we see Reggie Beauchamp, Gerald & others.’

Price-Davies, the man

Price-Davies was very much a Victorian who believed in service and duty for one’s country, and joining the Army was a latent expression of this. He was educated at both Marlborough and Sandhurst, which reflects the social stratum from which he came. His time in South Africa before the outbreak of the second Boer War was one of routine interrupted by searching for a good polo pony. Although in this war he was both ‘slightly and seriously’ injured there can be no doubting his courage which was recognised by the award of the Victoria Cross. In 1906 he marries Eileen Wilson and leads a comfortable life of a young officer with posting to South Africa, Ireland and eventually the MOD in London. In these years he also passes the prestigious Staff College Course and attends the Royal Naval Command course. Both these events mark him out as a potential senior officer who was well connected both through his Regiment and his brother in law Henry Wilson.

During the war he undergoes a great deal of soul searching regarding the work that he undertakes and is deeply aware that having not commanded his own battalion that he lacks leadership skills. Once again while in command of his brigade during 1916–17 he shows time and again that he has the courage to be right where he should be commanding his men. However, after two years in command the stress undoubtedly has the effect of undermining his resolve and he received a home posting at his own request.

The last year of the war we see him agonising over his relationship with Lord Cavan where he acts as Liaison officer between him and the new CIGS Henry Wilson. Once again he has to lead a very diplomatic path which reveals how careful he has to be in resolving issues with much more senior commanders. His time spent with the Italians displays how charismatic they are and how temperamental to deal with. His working relationship reveals how he has been able to combine both his professional and social abilities and the same time passing back information gained from the Italians which ensued that the strategic plans were kept up to date with the current reality in theatre.

The Ulster Crisis10

Ulster11 dominates the entries beginning in January 1914 with a reference about North Ulster; on 10 January Price-Davies discusses the matter with Henry Wilson, stating ‘Doyle a sound man which pleases me I think we must not fight Ulster if we feel we ought not to, though fear the consequences of our actions.’ By the 26th he records, ‘Stapleton tells me that Plunkett has a plan to compromise Home Rule which he is trying to get accepted I hope he will succeed.’ On 5 February he goes to a meeting chaired by Leo Maze: ‘I never heard any speaker who impressed me as much with his earnestness. He clearly showed the feeling now existing in Ulster.’ Henry Wilson goes off to Belfast and ‘he is impressed with the earnestness of the Ulster people’. On 9 March Price-Davies records: ‘A fateful day for the government as it announces their clauses for the Home Rule Bill which turn out to be each county can vote whether they wish to be excluded or not but only for 6 years. Unionist & Ulster will not accept this.’ By 11 March ‘Henry comes back after meetings at York & Leeds’. On the 12th he dines with George Cory at the Chatham Club with about sixty people where George Long addresses them on the Ulster Question, after which he takes part in a discussion ‘but does not add a great deal to the controversy’.12

By 13 March: ‘I walk with Henry things are very depressing Sir J French seems to have quite collapsed & given way to the politicians. Is there no end to this rotten state of affairs.’13 On 21 March Price-Davies spends the weekend in Worcester and writes of ‘Great excitement in the papers today. Reported resignations of Hubert Gough & other Officers at Curragh & Dublin & moves of troops.’ By 23 March: ‘Details of the resignations. The Government I think tried a bit of bluff but failed. This should shake them in their determination to use the army against Ulster.’ On the 24th: ‘George Cory to lunch who talks to us about the crisis & see Henry after lunch. War Office still rather excited about it but General Staff held together & helped Hubert Gough for all they were worth & won.’ Later, however, there is a slight hesitation: ‘fear that harm to the army over this crisis is great but the government is entirely to blame.’ On 26 March Price-Davies records ‘Henry tells us Sir J F & Ewart have resigned’, but a day later he details:

Sir J F & Ewart have not given their final decision about resigning I think the best is for them to resign & for the matter to end there. This army has shown it will not fight over Ulster & the fact that the government has repudiated the guarantee matters little to us except to those who gave in, Sir John Bryant, the less said the better.14

On Tuesday 31 March Price-Davies notes:

What a surprise yesterday when it was given out that Asquith is to be new war minister. I walk to & from the WO with Henry. He seems in good spirits but thinks we have not heard the end of the business yet. Sir J French & Sir Ewart resigned yesterday I wonder who will succeed them.15

The following day: ‘I walk home with Henry, Sir Charles Douglas is to be the CIGS I am glad as we might have had Nicholson or Ian Hamilton.’ On 4 April: ‘Henry comes in, no Adjutant General yet.’ The next day, Saturday: ‘General protest in the park I met J. Gough on the way up he was in a fearful rage at the way the government has handled Ulster & the Army. The meeting was most loyal & impressive.’ By 10 April: ‘The Ulster Council publish revelations regarding the Govt plan to coerce Ulster.’ On Saturday 25 April: ‘Another excitement Ulster have landed they say 70,000 rifles & 5,000,000 rounds of ammunition.’ He then records on 8 May: ‘Govt don’t seem to know what to do?’

This record of entries regarding Ulster reflects the position of the pre-war army; whether his views reflect those of all officers is open to question.

On 5 May Price-Davies recorded that ‘Budget means another £5 a year income duty off me’, and on 27 May: ‘I saw Hubert Gough for a short time J. G. has had an operation but is going on alright.’16 By June, it appears that the crisis was over and he resumes his social life; playing tennis and attending various functions from regimental dinners to going to the theatre. He records that, at this time, Henry Wilson travels to France. On 11 June Price-Davies goes to Winchester for a Staff exercise: ‘Up early & start at 7.15 with White, we have to run the 2nd Division. An interesting day.’ And the following day, ‘I get up at 2am & we have a busy time till the exercise finishes at 9am. Conference at 1.45pm.’ On 20 June he attends the Staff college dinner: ‘We had a great gathering of our term.’ Come the end of July, they are in Spennymore, Durham: ‘I go with Rex in their car to see Miners Demonstration, a great procession with many bands. Hear Richardson speak. Tennis in afternoon.’17

It is not until the 28 July that Price-Davies records:

We go to London about 4.15 I make a call at the W.O. to hear if there is any further War News but Henry & Col Harper are out I went to Aldershot (Queens Hotel) at 8pm.18 Harrington in Hotel, they go to a ‘Ladies Farewell dinner’ given by 1st Bn to General W Davies.

On 29 July:

Went to 2nd Div HQ & I went with letters to Gen Perceval in afternoon. Had tea with Major Harrington. Come back after dinner with very bad War news the precautionary period has started. Henry is up he has no further news. It’s thought that if Russia mobilizes it will bring in Germany France & England.

On the 30th, ‘Go out to 2nd Div for today. War news still bad I go to Hawley’, and the following day ‘Got back at 4pm. Came back in motor with Sir A. Murray.’19

On 1 August Price-Davies was still at the Queens Hotel, Aldershot: ‘Everyone talks as if we must have War. Gilly says they are all very pessimistic at the W.O. thinking the Govt means to back out of helping France if Germany sends an ultimatum to Russia & France.’20 On 2 August: ‘Germany declares war on Russia. France mobilizes. We return to London to find I had been wired for.’ By 3 August:

Events pass so quickly that it is hard to write today (Wed) what happened on Monday. There seems to be an absence of alarm & panic though some people are excited & laying in large stocks of food. Also bank holiday extended to Thursday (inclusive) we cannot get money. The Govt has appeared to us soldiers as weak & not to be behaving honourable towards France. They have a difficult task bothered as they are by a lot of peace at any price people. We do not commence mobilization until Wed & even then it is not certain we go over to France. The effect is a gradual process rushing into War at once has undoubtedly been to consolidate the nation & to stop the Peace Party. I leave the W.O. on Wed.

London, 6 August 1914, Thursday: ‘They say the Germans have been taken aback against Liege but one must not accept these rumours too readily. No news of the fleet.’ On 7 August: ‘3rd day of mobilization. Go to Aldershot & form 2nd Div HQ. General Munro has taken over command.’21

Mobilization

The 2nd Division was part of the Aldershot command under Lt General Douglas Haig,22 who received orders to mobilize on the afternoon of 4 August. The division was commanded by Major General C.C. Munro CB, which was part of 1st Corps. Mobilization proceeded rapidly with 6th Brigade being ready by midnight on 7/8 August. The following night the 5th Brigade and the 4th Guards, as well as Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and the Divisional Train, also reported complete. Between 12–13 August the infantry brigades embarked for France from Southampton. At 6 a.m. on 15 August the Divisional HQ left Aldershot, reaching Le Havre between 16–18 August. The DHQ entrained for Wassigny, arriving early on the morning of 19 August. By 22 August, it had taken up a position on the line of La Longueville.

Price-Davies’ letters and diary entries23 begin at the start of this journey; he had taken up his post as staff officer grade 3 (GSO 3), with the 2nd Division.24

8.8.14

Queens Hotel

Seems to be alright about Liege & now we hear that the Germans have lost a cavalry division I seem to be busy all day in the office but seem to do little good.

10.8.14

Kitchener seems to be rubbing everyone up the wrong way at W.O.25 His plan of taking Officers from the BEF to make another Army is madness.

11.8.14

Gen Perceval goes off with Advance party.26 King comes round the troops who cheer him.

12.8.14

Got up at 1.30 and went to Farnborough to see some of the 6th Brigade off, saw 2 train loads of S Staffs & 3 of our own 1st Bn. Everything went alright & I was relieved by Colonel White.27 By coincidence a train containing ½ Bn of 2 Bn came along main line (entrained at Frimley) followed behind by ½ Bn 1st.

15.8.14

SS Minneapolis

Entrain 6, embark 2am Southampton & leaves 11.30am. Anchors off Le Harve for night.

15.8.14

My own darling28

SS Minneapolis

This is a fine ship, it is a cattle boat but has 64 cabins. If the Germans get us now there would be a howl! HQ of 2 Divs. And the Cavalry Div. We got down about 8 but did not start till 11.30. Taking the taxis on board delayed us a lot I don’t know why but they are very dour about it. We nearly went without lunch. Rothwell had to persuade the ships people to feed us.29 It is raining now and has been since 11am I wonder where we shall go to. Darling I still see your little face as you said goodbye, may God give you strength to stand this trial.

At the docks one large placard read ‘I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to tender to the men employed fitting and coaling transports their Lords grateful thanks for their splendid work’.

16.8.14

My own darling

We have had a long day, reveille at 2.30am, breakfast 3.30am alongside at 4 & busy till lunchtime to get wagons off. Arrangements might have been better and it poured till about 10am. We delayed a long time because we had to wait for a floating crane which took out taxis & wagons out and put them in a lighter and they had to be taken out again on to the quay. Rather laborious considering we were alongside at 12.30 the men manning the engine went to lunch for an hour! The next thing was that the cavalry walked into the hotel allocated to us for billets and we had to go to a very inferior place. In fact to several places we are very scattered nearly a mile from our men & servants & much further from where taxis are. The taxis are in the ASC store I have never seen such a wonderful shed in my life very nearly a 1000ft long. The men are in the cotton sheds. All day we have been running around in taxis. The trams take us free.

I saw some of our men with local girls who were decorating them with roses. I am in a room with Gort,30 Col. White has been seedy & we feared it was appendicitis.

17.8.14

My own darling

I have a censors stamp so with luck this won’t be opened though of course I shall play the game. I am very fit & getting on alright so far but we shall be glad to get the Division together again. We are much scattered here when we landed & it is a difficult place to find ones way about. I go with the motor tomorrow which is very lucky. It is strange seeing our sentries walking alongside a French one.

Interpreters are a mixed blessing. Colonel White who is not well wanted a whisked egg in hot milk and brandy. The interpreter gave the order wrong I heard him but did not want to interrupt & he got no milk at all. Then a tiny jug was brought but in the end he got it all right.

Gort and I sleep in the same room. Very glad I brought my bath I had a good tub today. The general is full of energy & very fit. Put pyjamas on last night the general said I had not reached the age limit for wearing them!

18.8.14 (In the train)

Last night some of us dined in the club the British Consul was there, he was continually being sent for some reason or another. He had 3 fellows billeted on him & was told to take 3 more & had no place to put them. We tried to pay for our rooms in the hotel but we were told ‘le ville’ would pay. We were up at 4 & they got us coffee & off we went to the station. Henry may talk about his French friends if he likes but he may as well keep quiet about their railway arrangements as far as the transport of troops is concerned.31 We had to entrain from the ground level using ramps. The horses were put in cattle trucks facing the engine one end of the train & with their heads facing inwards. It is not a good plan at all as it does not facilitate watering & feeding. Saddles and 2 men per truck are between the 2 rows of horses & the horses are kept from moving by their head ropes being attached to the rings in the roof. 3 horses fell off the ramp going up, my chestnut mare amongst them. She sat down violently & her tail looks badly bent & I expect she will be stiff.

The trucks and wagons have openings at the side no simple end boarding like we have at home and it is a job measuring the wagon. I superintended the work of putting wagons in, one truck was so rotten that the Major nearly went through the floor and we had to send in planks to put underneath. The men travel in the cattle trucks fitted with benches. We have 1st Class carriages 5 in this compartment.

All the French people are delighted to see us & little children come up and I shook one by the hand. We get very little news now the French papers are bad. We have just been cheered up a wayside station where the crowd of enthusiastic people gave us flowers, cigarettes etc.

18.8.14

Wassigny

Detrain at Wassigny 2.15am. A fine bit of country rather like England enclosed & prosperous.

20.8.14

I was very busy yesterday went on reconnaissance with a French officer. We went like the wind & killed a chicken. Rothwell has a dear old motherly lady looking after him. The last thing at night she opened a cupboard & took out a jerry remarking ‘la vase de nuit!’

22.8.14

We have had little sleep since coming over. Last night I got 3 hours so as we got into our billets early I went to lie down at 3pm, but was woken up at 3.15 to go to meet Johnny G,32 Col Carden,33 Major Ready,34 & I went in a Daimler & took a taxi to follow in case we had to do a reconnaissance. We took a wrong turn & had to pull up, whereupon the taxi rammed us & punctured our petrol tank & we had to work the pressure pump all the way. When we got there we were told we were to march at once! I had a chat with old friends in the 1st Div. Today. Poor Jourdain has gone sick with pleurisy & has to be left in a French house. The people here are wonderful I saw a woman with a basket of eggs today, giving them all away to the men and they run out of houses with wine and beer for them. So far I have seen no drunkenness at all.

22.8.14

Pont sur Sambe

March Longeville – Hargollie. Got a series of contradictory orders which are very harassing.

Sunday 23.8.14

March 3am to Genly & find 3rd Division in position. Go to billets but we are soon moved out again to take up position as the enemy was advancing. This was the Battle of Mons we were really hardly engaged as whole of 6th Bde were shelled but suffered no casualties Guards Bde had some.

24.8.14

Retreat commences at 4.45am. Infantry very tired & march discipline bad. Germans do not pursue vigorously.

25.8.14

Marolles

Return again 6th Bde rear guard. A scare in the afternoon that the Germans were between Wassigny & Landrecies & we are attacked at Marolles. Infantry under arms all night. What a splendid fight the Guards put up killing 800 Germans.

26.8.14

3.30am Retreat again Connaught Rangers got into trouble & lost a lot of men. Nothing but French troops everywhere cursing us & crowding all the roads I got lost & stay the night with some French soldiers.

27.8.14

Off at 4am again a critical day rear guard under pressure.

28.8.14

My hopes were frustrated as I was woken ¼ to 1 to be told we were to march at once. My friend the saddler with whom I lodged made me some coffee before starting. Since then we have been busy marching. We have seen a lot of French reserve formation. They seem to prefer to march through one village from both ends at once.

28.8.14

Cervies

March at 4 to Legunes where we hope for a little peace.

29.8.14

We have been very busy lately & 4 hours sleep is a long night you should see us writing orders were very sleepy it would make you laugh. Everyone very well and cheery. The men are wonderful they have done tremendous marches & even when quite exhausted & don’t grumble & are quite civil when spoken to. Servants might like Players Navy Cut tobacco strong.

29.8.14

Cervies

A day of rest after 143 miles in 9 days.

30.8.14

Just resting under some trees. Had some coffee in a cottage & got to bed last night at 3.15 & up at 5.45 & all the time I was being disturbed by people being called. My horses are quite a success the chestnut mare a regular little lady & evidently has been a favourite. The second is stronger but greener but has a good mouth. The third is a wild beast when you get on and tries to leave the other horses and plunges forward to the great danger of all within reach. It has been a very hot day & the infantry felt it very much.

I have seen the little man twice & Hereward and the good battalion in the march there were many old mounted infantry faces.35 We were told officially of the success of the fleet. How very plucky going into German waters.

Sunday 30.8.14

Cervies

Retreat order to beyond Soissons but the day was too hot & we could not get so far as Soissons.

31.8.14

Langone

Retreat over the Aisne.

Tuesday 1.9.14

Thury

March at 4. Fight at Village Cotterets in woods. Guards put up a good show. Very fine sight the guns being brought out of action under heavy fire.36 General Scott Kerr & Coe hit, Colonel Thomas killed we hear.37

2.9.14

My own darling

A great date we rounded up 340 Germans. The Germans appear to have behaved well on the whole to the inhabitants but have absolutely ransacked deserted houses & have taken all the wine they can find. It is just 9 & we have not had dinner yet. We live a queer life. Reggie Ward & Bonham Carter were slightly injured today.38

3.9.14

My own darling

You know now I suppose how we pushed forward to Mons & how 5th Div got a rough time of it. We hardly fired a shot except the guns & lost few casualties. The 6th Brigade was under shellfire all afternoon and never lost a man. Then we turned and retreated, the Germans were not rigorous in their pursuit but it made us very tired going along like that till at last we got a rest day. But before that we had a show at Landrecies where the Germans attacked the Guards Brigade & 850 dead Germans were counted on the ground. That’s the sort of stuff for them!

It is too sad seeing all the people fleeing from this country & and village after village is deserted. Col. Gordon had got a brigade and leaves us, Heywood is to be his Brigade Major I wonder how they will get on.39 We have had some really scorching weather. How’s K’s Army getting on?

5.9.14

Colonel Gordon has gone to command 19th Bde.40 We are to get Whigham instead.41 ‘Johnnie’ has worked like a slave and does most of the general staff work but he is very irritable at times, gets quite excited. He is not the only one however, ‘Arthur’ has been very queer at times quite unhinges as Mrs Tim (Harrington) would say. The greatest disappointment has been ‘Flower’ who has really broken down & wants a rest badly.42

Our cavalry seem to be having show in this war & to be distinguishing themselves. An Officer in one regiment killed 3 Uhlans with his sword & there were many more stories but they have not gone madly charging about the country & have used their rifles a lot.43

5.9.14

Fontenay

Reach end of retirement. We are in a fine chateaux, have a bath, lovely peaches in the garden.

6.9.14

Rigny

Advance very slowly.

7.9.14

Col. Percival on reconnaissance at 5.30am but I was late & after 3 ½ hours never caught him up.44 It was very annoying I was on duty last night and had to take orders out, got back at 12 & lay down but at 1am I had to go out again with orders, to bed at 2.30 & up again 5.30. This is the way we have to live.

I have not seen Hubert Gough yet though he has been quite near.45 His Bde Major told us yesterday they were ‘helping themselves to Germans’. Hugh said Henry was very tired I am sure many things have been a great disappointment to him.46

We have had excellent French wine during our travels even in small places. Nearly all or motors over here have gone bust. It is largely due to having to move at a walk in the columns. I should like to tell you about yesterdays little fight but must not I suppose. It was rather a good little fight in some ways. Today has been rather disappointing as we hung round a good deal but the news appears to be good. Dalton now is a Colonel and is here as Assistant Director of Medical Services rather funny having been in Dublin together.47 We are waiting for orders it is now 11pm so I shall be late going to bed.

One of the prisoners was a waiter at the Savoy I forgot to tell you that the waiter was surprised by a sergeant whose sister is employed at the Savoy. Fancy them meeting like that. I had to go out to find a man a place to sleep in. We usually sleep in a barn or the floor of a room with straw. I have one or two tame fleas but we sleep soundly. Geoffrey Makins has arrived out here I saw him today.48

9.9.14

Domplan

A disappointing day cross the Marne at Charly & halt for a long time with 6th Bde in advance guard.

10.9.14

Clevillon

Fine capture of 340 by 6th Bde (chiefly by 1st Bn) at Hautevenes.

Saturday 12.9.14

Courcelles

Across the Vesle at Blaine. Bridge at Concelles broken. Get into billets late. We are in a fine chateaux. Heavy rain all night most depressing I am up all night delivering orders & we went to inspect the bridge at Pont Arcy & find it destroyed.

13.9.14

I hope Whigham will come out soon as Percival does not get enough sleep.49 He drops off in the middle of writing orders. Last night we were in a fine chateau, tonight in a farmhouse. Taffy asks about German atrocities I think in these parts they have behaved fairly well. They have taken all the eatables & wine & ransacked empty houses but they have treated the people properly. There was a case the other day where 2 women were bayoneted & there was certainly a story at Mons. They put the inhabitants in front of them when they attacked us. The papers seem to be in the lowest depths of despair. I wonder what the Navy are doing? Isn’t it extraordinary that we have complete command of the sea. I wonder is it true about the Russians.50

The General is naughty & will not sleep & I am anxious lest he should breakdown. Everyone is better since the retreat stopped. That retreat was humiliating to us in this Division as we had hardly been employed but we now know the reason for it but you can imagine what we felt like. The Germans did not press the pursuit & they try to do their battles with artillery. Our 1st Brigade had a little show the other day & came out of it very well. The Germans say our men are such good shots much better than the French.

Sunday 13.9.14

Viel Cucy

Crossed the Aisne with AG but Division remains on the south side.

14.9.14

Viermeil

Passage of the Aisne quite a battle. Guards Brigade on the left put up a good fight & we are repeatedly attacked. Enemy must have lost a lot of & we take about 150 prisoners and lose some of them after disarming them. We get a HE shell into the street close to our HQ which created great stir.51

15.9.12

We have been having a big battle yesterday & today & the troops have done splendidly. The 1st Brigade have their tails up. They say they can easily take on the Germans Infantry at 3 to 1. Yesterday 9 riflemen had a pile of 30 dead in front of them without losing one man. Now it is much quieter & I hope we get on. General Percival is splendid a fine soldier. One of my French attaches had a shell through both windows of his car yesterday rather a shock for him.

Move our HQ to a poultry farm. The enemy don’t care much about attacking us again but we get a good dose of shell from him. We bombarded the enemy for half an hour in the evening.

17.9.12

The nights are getting cold now but the problem is that one seldom gets ones kit & one cannot carry a whole lot of stuff on ones horses. I cannot talk of casualties which have not appeared in the papers, very sad about George Morris.52 I have not seen the little man in ages I wonder if there is any news of Stapleton? It is a great thing that the Goodlady is with you, thank her for her letter & tell her write again later.53

One French attaché has disappeared since his car was bust up. One fellow in the Guards was in a great state as he was reported killed though perfectly alright. Funny how these mistakes occur. No sign of Whigham, Cavan is to command the Guards brigade I think he is a good man.54

18.9.14

We are just waiting to move to our HQ to a more comfortable place. We are very short of accommodation especially for the officers. I had letters from Tim Harrington, he seems to be alright. I saw Beau Nesbitt today he has come out from home.55 I have this beastly War Diary to keep which distracts me.

Sad poor Dalton getting wounded he got caught by shells & was rather bad. Lord Cavan arrived you remember he commanded Guards Brigade on manoeuvres last year.

19.9.14

We have had some good fighting here & German infantry won’t face us at present they have had a good hiding. The 2nd Brigade had heavy losses poor Jackson, Bond,56 Thompson & 4 others you don’t know killed & 50 others wounded.57

Sunday 20.9.14

We had an attack today & there was a little confusion as some troops were driven back (Worcester & Connaught) but it all came right. Gilbean was killed I am very sorry he was a fine fellow. I go to Col. Westmacott.58 General Haking was hit about 1pm.59

21.9.14

News is good tonight & we are in high spirits I really think our Division has done awfully well & the spirit of the infantry is wonderful. Rothwell telling stories tonight after dinner about a man in his regiment had one shot to go to hit the target to get his proficiency pay. He shut his eyes & pulled the trigger & the bullet ricocheted into spruce ‘holy Jesus’ said he ‘look at my proficiency pay leaping down the range like a b....y kangaroo’. Another time a militiaman, the Captain had been lecturing on defiles & at the end of his ovation asked the Company if they understood what a defile was. They with one voice answered him that they did, so the Captain chose a man and asked to explain what a defile was ‘Sure I don’t know Captain unless it is two men from D Company’ loud laughter. I saw young Brannon a day or two ago he seemed very well.60

21.9.14

I have had a busy morning starting at 6 & returning at 12.39 I went to 5th Bde, 3rd Bde (Welsh Regt) & to 6th Bde, & the Kings trenches. The enemy are shelling but there seems to be little rifle fire today. Round the Kings trenches is a mass of liquid mud. Most unhealthy I should say.

22.9.14

I was on duty last night & had a disturbed night but I had a wash and changed my underclothes for the second time since the War began! The mess has just got 1,000 cigarettes so you could stop sending cigarettes for a fortnight anyway. There is a conference on here now.

Whigham is here and very well I think he should run the show well. I saw Walter Down & Alan Paley just the same as ever.61 General Munro very well & in good spirits.

The sappers have made wonderful bridges to replace the ones the French destroyed when they retired.

23.9.14

The R.B. 3rd Bn are here I tried to see them but had no time. Sherwood Foresters here. Royal Fusiliers here too. I saw Fowler Butler who commands them.62 The same as ever I had a letter from Charles Deedes63 asking for details of Jenkinson death I will send him a line.64

General Davies65 has gone home to command some of ‘K’s’ [Kitchener’s] New Army I have lately been writing accounts of battles that is rather a business as one continually gets interrupted & sent on some job or other.

We all get on very well on staff. We have a great man to run the mess as mess Sgt. He came out as a chauffeur but when his car bust up he got a new car with French drivers & our mess Sgt went sick & we took this man in. He drives a motor badly but he is full of energy & enterprise & runs the mess well. I fear the price of messing will go up there is always that tendency in a campaign.

The spirit of the men is marvellous they know they can beat the German Infantry in spite of all the grousing about the superiority of the German rifle.

24.9.14

Such a day would you believe it both 1st & 2nd Bn’s within 20 minutes ride from here I had tea with 1st Bn & found lots of 2nd Bn there so went back with them to their place. They seem to know that Jackson & Bond are both dead. They had a tremendous fight shooting away at 30 yds, it is very sad about the casualties I am so sorry for the poor wives. I saw Hereward today & he took a letter to post for me. He seemed cheery about the situation. We have been very quiet lately the Germans have had enough of us for the present. Eric Foljambe66 well & in great spirits also Young, Brown well too, Williams, Kay, Curry, Leith, Chico & others.67

I do think it is too awful about Rheims cathedral & does seem a terrible thing to go & blow it up with shells like that. I expect our Hotel caught it too. Sullivan68 our Provost Marshall is a queer card, he is a great musician & has played in concerts and played at the same place as Margaret Cooper, and conducted his regimental band in front of the King. We had lovely melons tonight from Paris. We live like fighting cocks.

Thursday 24.9.14

Had a long day in office writing accounts of the battle.69 J. Gough told me Henry had asked if I could be spared to go to GHQ I must go if I am asked but it goes against the grain now that the regiment has lost so many officers & Kay & Williams have given up their jobs to go to the 2nd Bn.70

25.9.14

Irvine one of our Doctors came back today he has had an exciting adventure.71 Captured by the Germans he escaped & for days had to dodge the German columns. At last he had to cross a railway every inch of which was guarded by sentries. There was nothing for but to walk boldly passed the sentries, which he did & was lucky as tow trains were at the level crossing & the sentries were talking to people on the train. Some of the guards looked after him as he went up the road, but didn’t fire. He got to Lille where there was a hospital, they put him in a motor pulled the blinds put up a red cross flag & motored him to Dunkirk & he returned to London, a good performance.

26.9.14

We are all well Rothwell was hit in the leg this morning but it is not serious. I believe I saw Charles Grant. He had been hit twice in the arm but was alright & doing duty. Today we had a lovely morning dodging shells. Last night there was artillery fire ours & Germans at intervals all night but it takes a lot to keep me awake now I drop off very quickly.

27.9.14

Sir John French has been over here to see the men who got DSO’s & DCM’s. He made a great speech but his audience was only staff officers, our despatch riders, telephonists & our servants. No sign yet of Farmer Davies brother who is to relieve me. Looking through some old orders I see Johnson went to 19th Brigade as Bde. Major. As Heywood is BM of that Bde something must have happened. I have been hard at work at my War Diary to get it squared up for Davies.

Winston Churchill was here today, he wore Trinity House uniform, leather boots & a coat British warm.72 You never saw such a sight I don’t hold with these people coming out & treating the war as a show, sightseeing. Terrible thing those cruisers being sunk we must get level with the Germans somehow.

We caught two Germans today in a haystack where they had been living for a week or 10 days coming down at night. They did not look very bold warriors. General Munro says he gets fever if he sleeps too much! A queer notion I think. Most of the staff have a touch of mild fever, and colds so far I have been lucky.

28.9.14

We are just waiting for Seagrave73 to come Cherry74 has taken the car to Corps HQ to fetch him. Farmer Davies brother is not to come at all as he has gone back to brigade. I heard such a piece of news today I am to be liaison officer to Hubert Gough75 I don’t quite know all it means but I shall live partly at GHQ where I shall see Henry & partly with 2nd cavalry div. where I shall be with General Gough.

I see Capt. Berners was killed on the 12th the day the Brigade did so well.76 General Perceval, was with them that day commanding the Guards brigade.77

I expect I shall be at GHQ tomorrow, my horses will go by road about 25 miles & I shall motor with my kit. Last night was a horrid night I was on duty when heavy firing began. Old Munro gets fussy as usual & had us all out including the paymaster & ordnance officer! Our kits were packed & put on the wagon. And there we were all standing in the road for 2 hours. Finally we went to bed when the firing ceased I went over to 1st Div. & found only George Paley up, he was on duty & all the time the firing was against the French some way on our right.78

Poor Green married that Camberley girl was shot dead today.79 Very foolishly he exposed himself at RB trenches where the snipers are only 150x away & was hit just above the heart.

Colonel Stewart commands a battery here. In fact quite a lot of Staff College professors are here, the two Percivals, Whigham, J. Gough, Jeudwine, the latter two are at Corps HQ.80

They don’t seem to be able to get a successor for me. First it was Farmer Davies brother then he asked to go back to his old brigade, & Seagrave was kicked out & came here & arrived last night I spent all day moving from 6.45–1200 taking him around. Then a wire arrived tonight timed at 8.30 to say Seagrave was to go to 17th Brigade as Brigade Major & we heard that Omanney was to come here.81 Now another message timed at 8.30 to say that this was not settled. So I go to GHQ to spy out the land & post letters & come back here. My horses are well now. The mare is full of beans it is nice to feel her fit & fresh under me. Today I saw the RB they were very nice to me. I at last saw the great Jullundar.82

The old man got his foot run over by a runaway cart and is laid up. Alexander says Green was absolutely foolhardy, would not listen when they told him there were snipers about. The news seems to be good tonight but we cannot count on an advance for a bit. Charles Grant is Bde Major 3rd Brigade and Robin Gant is to be Bde Major of 5th Brigade.

1.10.14

I am not sure if I told you of my visit to GHQ or not I motored over to see what I could find out. I walk into a room and there they all were of the old W.O. the lot it seemed strange. Uncle,83 Charles, Hereward, Evans, Bowdler,84 Farmer, Kyshe, Hare and Ma Johnson.

Things have been very peaceful here lately, we have lovely wood fires in the Office & mess, and there is plenty of wood. The poor men must be very cold without blankets & some without greatcoats but they do what they can with straw.

2.10.14

Here I am in Henry’s room. Very happy being with him just had dinner & champagne & off now on a night jaunt with Charles Deedes. So funny seeing Ernest bringing soup at dinner in uniform. I shall be very busy which is good Baker-Carr late RB is to be my chauffer.85 Henry is off somewhere tonight.

3.10.14

Had a long talk with Tommy today he has such a bad cold.86 We were all waiting for Henry to come back. I had to go off to Douglas Haig’s & 1st & 2nd Div. Hereward is sampling some chewing gum, this gives us much amusement. Saw P.T. today just the same also Tavish.87

Henry was perfectly sweet when he came to dinner last night he said ‘It is nice to see you Mary’ & he has shown me all his usual consideration sending me off to his room to write to you. Charles Deedes and I went on a jaunt last night to see Hubert Gough. He was of course tucked away where we had a job to find him. I went to Gough this morning & I had a long talk with him. He is full of spirits & left all our generals without a shred of character or reputation.

I had a nice room allotted to me but when I was away fetching my kit a flying Officer came & bagged it. Now I am in ‘la vieux mansion’, the good ladies are very solicitous of my welfare but the room is not so nice as the other having no table. They were anxious to make all English & French soldiers comfortable.

Poor Uncle Edwards son Dick was killed in Pegasus, wasn’t that the ship taken on by the German ship in Africa!88

4.10.14

Fere en Tardenois

Last night came back through Compeigne & Soissons, the Germans have made rather a mess of the latter. The woods in these parts are lovely wish I could tell you all but I am afraid I cannot. Had a bath today & a shave in hot water. They made me 2nd grade which I presume increases my pay. Tommie will be over soon I have great difficulty in getting all the information I want to take out to Hubert I dare say I will get better at it.

5.10.14

Start at 9am & catch Cavalry Division at Thennes, south of Amiens & don’t find Gough for a bit so do not start back until 4pm. Chain breaks just passed Montidier & a French ambulance charabanc driver comes to our assistance but it is dark before we start again having 60 miles to do. The road is full of lorries & two of them get stuck & blocked the road necessitating a detour.

6.10.14

Go to stay the night in rear with Gough or perhaps return tomorrow according to circumstance. We all appear to have had rather an adventure yesterday Baker-Carr suggested a certain road home I doubted whether we could use it but he assured me that Farmer Davies had been along it which was not the case. It appears the road runs between the French & Germans & BC assures me now that in one place the German trenches were only 150 yds away! But fancy the French allowing us to go along! I expect they thought it was quite natural of these mad Englishmen.

7.10.14

A long day up at 5, coffee, bread & butter then went back to GHQ calling at Gough’s on way. Arrived at GHQ 10.30 & left again at 12.45pm. The other chain broke less than 3 miles from Gough’s HQ about 5pm. Go back to my hotel at 9pm & had a great dinner. I must tell you about yesterday. We didn’t leave GHQ till 2pm and got to Gough’s at 6 & came to this town arriving at the Hotel de Ville 8.45pm & get our billet de lodgement. Baker-Carr & I. First the Commander of the Guard showed me into a room & left me there with 2 men. After a bit 3 more came in & said I must go to the ‘other side’. I was conducted by a soldier who met a civilian. We wanted the best hotel of course but it was full. Our friend had to get someone else. Meanwhile a soldier came in with the same trouble. Then the town clerk arrived & our friend returned with a long story which appeared to be sad news that all the places were taken. There was however, the Hotel de Pomme but that was not a good hotel. I interposed to say that all we wanted was a bed & that the sooner we got it the better so we came here. It was a good hotel usually frequented by horse dealers! It is simple and clean & good omelettes & excellent brandy.

Hubert Gough is splendid & it is so grand being with him. On my return to GHQ I was ushered into Sir John French so you see I am a person of some importance. As a matter of fact I was lucky to get this job & I think it will suit me well but I do hope I will manage it properly.

8.10.14

Abbeville

A late morning go out to Gough in a French car. Lunch at Hotel du Rheim. See Cathedral start back with BC at 3.30pm. Hanging about Abbeville trying to get started to go to Gough again. Dinner Hotel du Boef at 10.30 Colonel Greenly comes so I don’t have to go out.89

9.10.14

I saw Tim Harington today tell Mrs Tim he is very well & full of life.90 Hereward and I had an excellent breakfast in a little café this morning, as our mess was not running. You ask me what my work is? I am backward & forwards in the motor taking information & orders & bringing back information I also take out letters & parcels & newspapers. Gough has got the 2nd Division. The only thing I want is a compass, there are some very nice ones, which float in a liquid & go in a case on ones belt, the latter is essential.

10.10.14

Abbeville

Gough at Fontes N of St. Hilare. I had to go & find out the situation of 2nd Corps for him.

11.10.14

Abbeville

From Gough in last night’s billets then go to C. in C. at Bethune & then back to Gough S of Aire. Had to wait for him & started back after dark.

12.10.14

Abbeville

Baker Carr gone to Paris. Have another car allotted get to Gough beyond Hasbrouck at 1pm & then to C in C at Bethune. Some fighting going on but not very serious. Returning to Gough to see him take Mont des Gats.91

13.10.14

Some busy days Gough has been a long way from GHQ & so I have not been back till 8.45, the night before last & 9.15 last night. Then dinner, then we have to report to Sir John French after which it is 11pm & bed time as I get up at 6.30am. The weather has been perfect from my point of view if it had not been for the dust but it must be very cold at night for the men who have to sleep out. BC went to Paris yesterday to get some chains for motor & so I had a scratch lad to drive me. He drove me very well. I am very interested in my work but it is difficult sometimes Gough expects a lot of news & there is very often nothing. Weekly Times not coming now I only had one copy I think you might stop it & send one ordinary Times I can take it into Gough he always asks for papers.

I heard Burners was killed in a white flag business & am practically certain that is wrong. It may have happened in an incident which I shall now narrate. The Guards Brigade captured 150 prisoners & in spite of what the Officers could do the men insisted on getting up and going to them. Whilst so engaged another German attack came up & fixed on the prisoners & all, it may have been at that time that Berners was killed. I shall try to find out when I can.