THE WAR DIARY OF PRIVATE JAMES ARTHUR RAILTON
This is the wartime diary of James Arthur Railton born in Liverpool in 1886. It does not tell us anything of the strategy or tactics if the First World War. It is a day to day description of the life of a private in the Cheshire Regiment from the time of his enlistment up to a point immediately prior to intended front line action in Mesopotamia.
James Railton's original diary is now kept at Cheshire Military Museum at The Castle in Chester
James Railton's original diary is now kept at Cheshire Military Museum at The Castle in Chester
James Arthur Railton
War Diary
War Diary
Mesopotamia
James’s battalion was part of the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force which fought, on a little know Eastern Front in what is now Iraq, against the Turks of the Ottoman Empire who were in alliance with Germany. The Ottoman Empire had been founded 1299. At the height of its power it controlled much of south east Europe, western Asia, northern Africa and the Middle East. By the 19th century it had started to decline. In 1914 the Turks aligned with Germany but two years later the Arabs, advised by T E Lawrence, revolted against them. By the end of the First World War the Empire had collapsed.
The British campaign against the Turks in Mesopotamia was initially to secure oil supplies but evolved into an attempt to start an eastern front in the war with Germany by firstly taking on their Turkish allies. The Turks strongly resisted the British but were eventually overwhelmed. The British and French then decided to take control of the Middle East. This was an acrimonious arrangement and the fallout of the attempt to settle their differences is the root cause of most of the problems in the area today.
The Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force was of 8 Indian Army Divisions and one of the British Army, the 13th Western, which partly moved to and was partly formed in Mesopotamia between 1914 and 1917. There was little success until 1917 when Major General Stanley Maude took command. The Turks were then pushed back but there was no outright victory until the end of the War when the the Armistice was signed.
James was in the 8th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment, part of a reserve that arrived in Mesopotamia to join the main Expeditionary Force in August 1917. Within a few weeks James’s diary shows that they “…arrived below Baghdad”. There are no further entries after that. Maybe troops had been ordered not to keep records while in action and that James took part in operations against the Turks at Jabal Hamrin on 18th to 20th October and 3rd to 6th December 1917 as this is when the 8th Battalion were in action during the period of the gap in the diary. Alternatively, it is possible that this was the time he contracted malaria and that he saw no action. His service record, which may have given some indication as to what he was doing at that time, does not appear to have survived.
Conditions in Mesopotamia defy description. Extremes of temperature of up to 120 degrees F were common which together with a desert that was alternatively arid and flooded, flies, mosquitoes and other vermin all led to appalling levels of sickness and death through disease. At night, during the operations at Jabal Hamrin, the temperature was below freezing with snow on the ground and the men’s water bottles frozen. Under these incredible conditions, units fell short of officers and men. Medical arrangements were minimal, with wounded men spending up to two weeks on boats before reaching any kind of hospital. These factors, plus the unexpectedly determined Turkish resistance, contributed to high casualty rates: 15,000 men were killed in action or later died of wounds, over 51,000 were wounded, 13,000 were taken prisoner or went missing and almost 13,000 died of sickness.
THE WAR DIARY OF PRIVATE JAMES ARTHUR RAILTON
The Diary
Home address: 209 Wheatland Lane, Wallasey, Cheshire
The Cheshire Regiment ( 8TH Cheshires)
4 (R) Battalion / D company
India Expedition. Regimental Number 59678
Called to colours 6am October 4th 1916 at Birkenhead Sessions Court. Proceeded to Chester Castle same day at 12 noon. Billeted in Chester.
Leave evening 6th until morning of 7th.
Left Chester for Eaton Hall camp, sent to D company. Weekend pass after church service from Saturday 12th November to 13th.
Medically examined for India draft on Sunday November 19th.
Sent on Draft Leave from Monday November 20th to 3pm Friday November 24th. Innoculated twice at Park Hall.
28 November 1916
Advanced 10/- . 5pm train.
Arrived Plymouth at 2am. Tea and scone from the Mayoress of Exeter during train journey. Boarded SS Caronia directly after leaving train.
29 November 1916
Nothing eventful. Watching troops embarking. Wrote home.
30 November 1916
Expected to be out at sea on rising tide but found that a cylinder has burst in engine room so could not proceed. Had breakfast and dinner on board and left ship at about 2pm. Stood on the quay till about 5.30pm when we were marched off to a tug close by and taken to Fort Bovison along the coast and landed in small boats, a rather exciting time. Marched to Renney’s Hall near Plymouth (about 2 miles), with full pack and kit bag in the dark. Absolutely jossed on arrival but could get nothing to eat and no bed, not even a light in the hut. Slept on the floor with a couple of blankets.
Friday 1 December 1916
Wrote home. Expected to stop here about 10 days so made myself as comfortable as possible. No parades except roll-call.
Saturday 2 December 1916
Wrote home. No parade in the morning. In afternoon Jones and I walked to Turn chapel and took a small ferry boat to Plymouth, fine place. Had a jolly good tea and got my watch repaired. Went back by train to Turn Chapel then walked back to camp arriving back about 7.30pm when we were told we will be moving tomorrow.
Sunday 3 December 1916
Reveille 3:30 am, breakfast between 4 and 5, awful crush.
Parade in full marching order at 6am and left camp at about 7am.
Marched to Frairy about 3 miles (kit bags on wagon) and took boat to Plymouth where we boarded Empress of Britain at about 10:30 am.
Wrote home.
Quarters just the same as Coronia. Right below forehead, packed like sardines, especially for sleeping accommodation.
Attended an impromptu service in the evening on the deck. Conducted by a private of the RWF, fine singing accompanied by a cornet played by a private of the RWF. Enjoyed service very much.
Monday 4 December 1916
Left quay at 11am and lay in harbour. Nothing eventful.
Tuesday 5 December 1916
Still at anchor (taking water aboard).
Wednesday 6 December 1916
Went alongside quay to coal. Innoculated against cholera at 8pm. Taken ashore for route march (D battalion) arriving back at 6:30. Rather bad during night. Up 3 times, others also affected (went as orderly with Jones, awful time).
Thursday 7 December 1916
Still alongside coaling. Inspection and fire alarm.
Friday 8 December 1916
No sign of moving.
Saturday 9 December 1916
Route marched through Devonport and Plymouth in the morning. Medical inspection afternoon.
Sunday 10 December 1916
Attended service on deck at 11am and 6:30pm.
Monday 11 December 1916
D Battalion taken ashore in the boat to Frairy and marched to Renny hutments again. Arrived about 7pm. Carried kit bag but no equipment.
Hut 13, number 2 camp.
Made double bed and slept with Jones.
Tuesday 12 December 1916
Parade 9:30. Jones and I picked for sanitary police. No parades, only about 1 hours work each morning.
Wednesday 13 December 1916
Usual morning’s work. Got a late pass 12pm.
Jones and I and Smith and Atkinson went to Plymouth. Had tea and went to Palace Theatre. G. Carneys Review. Bubble and Squeak. Arrived back 11pm and a letter was waiting from home with photos in.
Thursday 14 December 1916
Usual morning’s work. Wrote home in the afternoon. Refused our dinner, not fit to eat so had some more given us. Rather better. Football match, lost 4-1. I scored only goal, a beauty.
Friday 15 December 1916
Usual morning’s work. Wrote to Fan and Ida and Jack Carter. Innocated second dose against cholera. Went to concert in YMCA in evening. Lost my jack knife.
Saturday 16 December 1916
Usual morning work. Got ready to go to Plymouth but changed my mind so messed about all day mostly in the hut darning socks etc. Jones took my watch to Plymouth and had it repaired for the second time (no charge). (Everyone stoney broke and no sign of any pay).
Sunday 17 December 1916
Usual morning’s work. Went to church in the YMCA at 11:30. An hour’s service. Also went in the evening at 6:30, very nice service. In afternoon, walked to Fort Bovison with Jones and Smith. This is the fort we marched from with full pack and kit bag on that memorable night when we came ashore off the Coronia (Ivy league).
Monday 18 December 1916
Usual morning’s work. Went for a walk with Jones in the afternoon and to a very good concert in the YMCA in the evening.
Tuesday 19 December 1916
Usual morning’s work. Went for a walk with Jones and to concert in YMCA in evening. Absolutely rotten show. Quite the limit. Received letter from home dated December 13th, also wrote home.
Wednesday 20 December 1916
Usual morning’s work. Never went to dinner today. Jones and I bought cakes in the YMCA and ate them in our hut. Too boisterous to go out in the afternoon. Wrote home and addressed Xmas cards Carrie, Rene, Fan, Ma Jones, Owens, Ida, Carters.
Thursday 21 December 1916
Usual morning’s work (dirty job this morning). Raining and blowing, fine in afternoon, went for a walk with Jones over cliffs. Wrote home.
Friday 22 December 1916
Usual morning’s work (dirty job again). Went to Plymouth in the afternoon after medical inspection. (Doctor questioned me and asked me about rash on my chest). Left camp about 2:30 with Jones, received letter and 10/- from home. 3/- enclosed from Jack. 8d stamps from our Rene and a box of Capstan medium from Jack. Had a good tea at Plymouth and one draft Bass and 3 bottles of Guinness at Jack’s expense. Back at camp about 9pm. Wrote home.
Saturday 23 December 1916
Usual mornings work. Had late pass but did not take advantage of it as we had received orders to pack up and be ready to move in the morning. Wrote a long letter home and one to Jack. (Bath in bucket) Did not go to tea, too busy writing to the wife (my longest letter yet). Tea and mince pies of RFA chaps, a decent lot. Slept on board.
Sunday 24 December 1916
Reveille 5:30. Breakfast supposed to be at 6am, waited until ten to 8 until we were served. Paraded at 9am. Marched off at 9:20 to Turn Chapel Boat to Empress of Britain, on board at about 1pm. Xmas card and letter from Carrie. Card from Rene and Ma and Fanny and letter and card from Ida.
Monday 25 December 1916
Christmas day (alongside quay). Service around 10am. Awful dinner. 3 rotten potatoes and a piece of fat underdone meat and an orange. Not a sign of any Xmas pudding. Felt most miserable all day. Wrote home. (16 men allowed ashore out of our crowd) Went for dinner.
Thursday 26 December 1916
After group round Lt Price told the Cheshires off. He said they hadn’t the slightest idea what discipline was and they were the worst lot in the battalion and that he was bloody well ashamed of them. Still alongside. Paid 8/-. Another 16 passes. Several came back drunk and made an awful noise until well after midnight. Fighting etc.
Wednesday 27 December 1916
Still alongside. Went with Jones for dinner. Stood from 10:45 to 12 o clock. Route marched through Devonport in afternoon, 1:30pm to 4pm. (18 men ashore evening). 26 men for guard. Received letter from home and wrote home. Post tomorrow.
Thursday 28 December 1916
Still alongside. Route march, 9:30 to 11:30 am through Devonport. Got shore pass, 2 til 9pm (ashore with Jones, Massey, Smith) went to pictures in Devenport then “Rossay and Charlie” at the show. Very good. Tea, steak and chips after waiting an hour and a quarter. Sent new year card to Mrs and to Rene. Had one pint of beer, arrived back at 8:40 and 3 letters waiting. Two from home and one from Mrs Carter.
Friday 29 December 1916
Still alongside. Wrote home and to Mrs Carter. Very wet and stormy.
Saturday 30 December 1916
Still alongside. Route march through Devonport 10:30 to 12:30. Medical inspection on deck 2:30 pm. Wrote home and received letter from home.
Sunday 31 December 1916
Still alongside. Received letter from Jack in the morning. Church parade cancelled. Wrote to Jack. Letter from home at tea time, partly answered it. On deck at midnight, not much noise but many up. Plenty of fun in Officer’s smoke room and nearly all of them full up, some very bad. Slide closed in my face. Felt rather sad at twelve thinking of those at home.
Monday 1 January 1917
Still alongside. Route march 10am til 12pm. Pass in afternoon. Received postcards from home. Posted letter I wrote yesterday. Changed p/o for 2/6. Sent postcard to Carrie, Rene and Carters. Had tea, walk and went to Hippodrome. First house Corp Corletts. Several drinks. Back to ship 10pm an hour late. Went to engineer’s room and had a drop of gin then into Fo’ Castle and had a good supper with cream. Turned in 12 o clock. Rumoured we are sailing on Thursday (boot and sock inspection own officers).
Tuesday 2 January 1917
Still alongside. Route march in afternoon 2 til 4. In charge of RFA officer. Rather a rotter. Made us to march to attention on account of bad step and then made us stand to attention for 15 minutes on quay until one of his own men fainted. Officer pulled me up at bottom of gangway for looking round. Received letter from home. 2/6 stamps and wrote back. Slept on deck for first time. Paid 10/-.
Wednesday 3 January 1917
Still alongside coaling. Route march 9 til 11:30 am through Devonport. (3 day leave). Posted letter I wrote yesterday (on route march). Slept on deck, coaling all night.
Thursday 4 January 1917
Still alongside, coal and provisions. Wrote home and sent Ivy leagues. Route march 2 til 3:30 pm. Slept on deck.
Friday 5 January 1917
Still alongside. Finished coaling. Marched to dock yard gates and back in the morning. Paraded with life belts and boots unlaced on deck at 2pm. Left quay at 3:30 and passed break water at 4:30. Porthole immediately above my head glass broke and water pouring in. Could not be repaired. Rather rough for a start accompanied by six destroyers and one light cruiser. Carmania left just ahead of us. No smoking between dusk and dawn and life belts to be carried. Got much rougher as we went on and she pitched a lot, nearly everybody sick. I’m all right up til now. Stayed on deck 12pm and then slept below. Decks in absolute darkness.
Saturday 6 January 1917
Not many for usual morning parade 9:30. Lying all over deck. Had good dinner as very few wanted anything to eat. Emergency parade 2:30 pm. Our deck flooded through port hole. Wireless news says Ivernia sunk in Mediterranean 1st Jan. 130 troops and 30 crew missing. Nearly everybody sick. Slept below. Not sick yet.
Sunday 7 January 1917
Sighted Carmania at daybreak and others later on, also cruiser Shannon. Destroyers left us between 9 and 10am. 7 ships now led by Shannon. Empress of Britain, Coronia, White Star Boat, China Boat – Nestor P&O Boat and two others and Paradis. Slept below. No church parade.
Monday 8 January 1917
Time put back one hour during night. Two parades (hammock parade). Weather about the same. Everyone recovering now from their sea sickness. Our parade ground in bad place. Just aft of Fo’ Castle starboard side. Spray comes right over us. Slept below.
Tuesday 9 January 1917
Time put back twenty minutes. Beautiful morning. Shining and calm sea. Usual morning parade and then medical inspection on deck. Getting much warmer. Speed said to be about 12 knots on account of the other slow ships. All better after their sea sickness. Didn’t affect me in the least. Emergency parade 2:30 pm. Verdict of court marshall read out on deck, on a private in the Black Watch, who forged a pass whilst we were aboard the ship at Devonport. Sentenced to 28 days detention. Slept on Fo’ Castle head but had to get up at 4:45 am as it started to rain.
Wednesday 10 January 1917
Nice morning. Usual am parade 9:30 am. Emergency parade at about 3:45 pm as I was in the midst of shaving. Guarding staircase so that nobody, only those on duty, could pass down 2:45 to 3:30pm. Burial on board Coronia, just astern of us about 4:30pm. Mending trousers and sewing on buttons in evening. Slept on Fo’ Castle head.
Thursday 11 January 1917
Nice morning, very calm sea. Shannon left us at about 7 am as we had been met by another light cruiser said to be the Highflyer which sunk Kaiser von Grosse and which took up the Shannon’s position. Rather hot in the afternoon. Brilliant sunshine. Clock back 10 minutes. Canvas bath erected on our parade ground. One Battalion had bath parade. Boxing on the Fo’ Castle head. Slept on Fo’ Castle. Rained rather heavily during the night but I stopped until 5am. Wrote home to be posted at first stop.
Friday 12 January 1917
Weather still fine (clock back 10 minutes). Rather keen inspection this morning. No parade for our battalion in the afternoon. Others bath parade. Navy chap gave a ventriloqual turn on the Fo’ Castle head. It was a beautiful night and had the best sleep since I came on board.
Saturday 13 January 1917
Up at 5:45am. Same weather. Sighted vessel on horizon, first since we left Devonport. Fever on deck above us which was cleared and the men isolated on the boat deck. Slept on Fo’ Castle. Had a pint of beer, first issue since we left, gave half of it away.
Sunday 14 January 1917
Weather still fine. At church service on deck aft at 11am, afternoon 2:30pm. Evening Prayer at 5:30am – sighted another vessel. Slept on Fo’castle.
Monday 15 January 1917
Weather still fine. Hammock Parade 9:30. More fever on D Deck. All deck isolated on Fo’castle head so my sleeping speck spoiled. F Deck on which we are is the only occupied Forehead and we have to pass through both decks which are supposed to be out of bounds, to reach our quarters. Bath parade for Cheshires at 4pm in canvas bath on deck. Quite enjoyed it. Went to evening service on deck at 5:30pm. Slept on B Deck where Londoners generally sleep as they are now isolated.
Tuesday 16 January 1917
Still good weather. Gargle after Grand Round. Death on board. Buried at 2pm. Concert on deck aft by Officers and men. Very good. At evening service on deck at 5:30pm. Slept on B deck. Dreamt about getting married again. Expecting land tomorrow
Wednesday 17 January 1917
Paraded without tunics. Land in sight during Grand Round after 10am. Anchored at 1:30pm in Freetown Natives alongside in canoes. Naked. In afternoon took shirt and underpants off as it was very hot. Had our helmets issued in afternoon. Slept just aft of Fo’castle. All the ships that came with us anchored here. We started to take water aboard immediately after arrival. Missed evening service. Must admit I forgot. Very hot.
Thursday 18 January 1917
Coaling & taking water aboard. Had a dip after breakfast but was ordered out of the bath by MP as he said it was Sailor’s Day. Gargle after Grand Round. Washing clothes in the afternoon, went to evening service at 5.30 on deck. Some of the isolated sent ashore in the evening. Bosun says we will be here about 18 days. Very hot, sweat pouring off me all day. First time we were allowed to use fresh water for washing clothes. Slept same place. Wearing nothing now but singlet and trousers and boots. No socks.
Friday 19 January 1917
Still coaling and watering. Now surmised we are leaving about Monday. All isolated sent ashore. After Grand Round we had to bring our belongings on the deck until the place was thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed out. Told off for guard this evening but cancelled at last minute. Went to evening service. Several stretcher cases went ashore this morning. Gargle before dinner. Had dinner on Fo’castle head, slept in usual place. In bath, had close crop.
Saturday 20 January 1917
All things brought upon deck again. Still coaling and watering. Very hot. On 24 hour guard. Paraded at 5pm. Dismissed (at service 5.30pm) until 9. On 9-11 canteen guard. Off till 1am, on till 3am. Off till 9, off till 1, finished at 3.
Sunday 21 January 1917
Wrote home after being dismissed. Still coaling etc. Had a dip in morning and attended service. Also evening service. Slept usual place.
Monday 22 January 1917
Orderly today. Sweltering heat all day. Supposed to sail today but put off till tomorrow morning. Went to concert in afternoon and had a dip in the evening. Went to Sunday service, slept in usual place.
Tuesday 23 January 1917
Gargle parade 2pm. Up anchor at 3.30. Same ships as before. In charge of the Auxiliary Cruiser ‘Caronia’ PSNC. At evening service.
Slept in usual place.
Wednesday 24 January 1917
Same parades. Had two dips during the day and the second time I dived in with my wristlet watch on and of course it stopped. Lightening nearly all day and raining. Slept in usual place but was roused at 4:30 am as they were putting up the bath house. Rumoured that Coronia and us almost collided last night.
Thursday 25th January 1917
Same parades. Slept over forehead hatch. No bath today. Sailors only. Supposed to have crossed the line tonight. Evening service.
Friday 26th January 1917
Orderly today. Same parades as usual. Had a bath on mess deck in mess tin in the evening. Officers shaved and pushed in bath. Should reach Cape Town a week today. At evening service. Slept over forehead hatch.
Saturday 27th January 1917
Usual parades. Found on coming on deck after dinner that we had completely changed our course and were steering in exactly the opposite direction. NW instead of SE. Reason unknown. On patrol starboard side of B deck 8 – 10 pm. Stopping smoking and all light. Slept over forehead hatch.
Sunday 28th January 1917
Back to our proper course again this morning. At morning service. Missed afternoon service. Felt very depressed all day as I always do on Sunday. Can see two faces before me all the day. At evening service scotch officer preached. Slept same place.
Monday 29th January 1917
Parade after gargle in the afternoon. Wireless news says Laurentic Whitestar Auxilliary Cruiser has been sunk in the Irish Sea. At evening service. Slept same place.
Tuesday 30th January 1917
After grand round medical inspection and then lecture on the dangers of diseases in India and Mesopotamia and how to avoid them. Slept same place.
Wednesday 31st January 1917
Wrote home and to Jack. To be posted at Cape Town where we expect to arrive Sunday evening or Monday morning. At evening service. Slept usual place but was rather cold during night.
Thursday 1st February 1917
Stormy today and rather cold. No helmets and loose tunics. A lot seasick. My arms are both swollen very much and are very painful through being sunburnt. Orderly today. Wireless news says three women and one man arrested at Derby for conspiring to murder Lloyd George. Slept below.
Friday 2nd February 1917
Still rather rough and wind and bit cold. Boxing contest on A deck. Aft this afternoon. Happy to get a good speck and enjoyed the afternoon very much. At evening service. Expect to arrive at Cape Town Monday morning. Slept below.
Saturday 3rd February 1917
All awnings now taken down. Bath parade in afternoon which I missed as it was rather cold. At evening service. Slept below.
Sunday 4th February 1917
At Holy Communion in orderly room at 8:30. Morning service at 10:30. Evening service at 5:30. Had a bath in Dixis. Changed escort between 6 and 7 tonight. Wireless says America severs diplomatic relations with Germany. Slept below.
Monday 5th February 1917
Land in sight early morning. Dropped anchor in Table Bay about 9:30 am. Boxing competition in afternoon. Went in dock at about 4:30pm. Fine docks just like home. All the ships that came with us docked except the Coronia and she is flying the quarantine flag. Drew our equipment at 9:30. Slept on deck just under Focastle.
Tuesday 6th February 1917
Paraded on quay 8:30. Drill khaki, helmet, belt, brass, water bottle and haversack and towel. Cob and bully beef for rations. Marched off at 9am. I was in first section of fours. Marched through town until 10:30 when to our great surprise we were dismissed for one hour. Went and had cup of tea, meat pie and bought couple of postcards. Mustered again at 11:30 and marched until twelve o clock when we were again dismissed for 2 hours. People very kind to us. I had writing pad and envelopes given to me. Spent last coppers I had on postcard and stamps. Sent to pc s in envelopes home. One to Mrs and one to Jack. Arrived back at ship at 4 o clock dead tired. Could have gone out in evening but was too tired. Expect to be paid tomorrow. No church services aboard while in port.
Wednesday 7th February 1917
Orderly today. Rest. Went ashore as yesterday. Disappointed no pay yet. Borrowed 3/- from Fallas. Washed all my clothes in afternoon and went ashore at 5pm on my own. Went to Sailors Welcome. Tea, cigs and grapes supplied free. Everyone seems very kind to English soldiers. Australians not liked, too rowdy. Walked round town. Really a splendid place, everybody dressed so well and everything so perfectly clean. Sent letter home and 9 pcs - Carrie and Rene, Fanny, Ma, Aunt Polly, Aunt Jane, ?F. Serjeardes, Ida. Stamped some and posted some free at Soldiers Welcome. Bought some and had some given to me. By myself all the night. Felt that I would be content to stay here for the duration. Arrived back at ship about ten o clock dead beat but more contented than I had been since I left England. Warned for guard for tomorrow evening.
Thursday 8th February 1917
Guard and fatigue allowed ashore from 10:30 to 3pm. Went with Jones to seapoint on car. 3d ride. A most beautiful place and a lovely prom. Went to open air bathing pool and was supplied with costume and towel and admission free. Mixed bathing, only a select few in water, very cold. But I enjoyed the flush as it was terribly cold. After coming out, sat on seat outside Mimosa hotel and ate my bread and bully beef and had a drink out of my water bottle. While doing so a lady gave me a packet of 20 cigs, 3 castles. Felt very humble but was very thankful as I was stoney broke. Arrived back at about 3:30 and paraded for guard at 4:30. (No dinner). Only cup of tea. Was on first relief and was stationed at guard room. Rumoured we are sailing tomorrow. All supplied with new hammocks and 2 clean blankets today. Coronia docked this morning. Hospital ship docked close to us ‘Oxfordshire’ of Bibby Line Liverpool. Had a walk around the docks in evening in my 4 hours off. Slept in a cell on the guard room floor, not in usual place.
Friday 9th February 1917
Finished my guard at 1 o clock. Went ashore on my own at 4pm. Had free tea at soldiers welcome. Had a walk around town and on the peer. Sent letter home and one to Jack and pcs to Carrie and to Rene, to Mr and Mrs Shipstone and to Mr Carter and to our Ida. Chap run over by train outside Welcome. Back aboard about 9:30, slept below.
Saturday 10th February 1917
Went for route march in morning and ashore on my own at 3pm to 7pm. Had tea in Government Avenue. Went in museum and art gallery and YMCA. Wrote to Ida and Fan and sent pcs to our Rene and Bob Peel. Slept below.
Sunday 11th February 1917
Church parade ashore for all on ships. Fine sight but could not follow service as we were so far away from Parson. Allowed ashore in afternoon but I stayed aboard and dried some clothes I had washed during week. Went ashore at 6pm and went to service in St George’s cathedral at 7pm. Splendid singing but rather high church. Sermon in the middle of service. Could not hear the parson. Back at ship 9pm. Slept below.
Monday 12th February 1917
Surprised when we cast off at 9am. Waited outside for Coronia. She passed us later and then a cruiser met us and took up the leading position. Ships rolling very much, can hardly keep your feet. Land in sight all day. At evening service. Next port said to be Mauritius. Slept Focastle head with Corporal Corlette
Tuesday 13th February 1917
Medical inspection in the morning. Gargle two o’clock. Gave in equipment again at 3pm. Cruiser left us and we were taken over again by the Orcoma at about 6pm. Now said to be calling at Durban. Seem to be travelling very slowly. Slept same place, thunder and lightning at night.
Wednesday 14th February 1917
Foggy this morning. Orderly today with Fallas. Travelling very slowly on account of fog. Cannot see either the Coronia or Orcoma. Told to wash our khaki drill or else we will not be allowed ashore at Durban. At evening service. Slept below.
Thursday 15th February 1917
Usual parades. Land in sight again this morning. Arrived at Durban and alongside about 7pm. No evening service. Slept below.
Friday 16th February 1917
Ashore at 9am. Went for march through Durban. Dismissed 10:45 to 11:15. Marched back to ship. Route march through town in which thousands of troops took part. Streets lined with people and a boiling hot day. People throwing cigs to troops. Was not lucky enough to get one. Dismissed at 5pm and told to fall in in same place at 10:30pm. Not a word about tea and no pay. Borrowed bob off Fallas. Had tea and cakes then wrote letter to Mrs and sent her and Rene a pc. (Could not write as much as I would have liked as someone was waiting to take my place.) Went to a concert in town hall given by Pierrot troop off Coronia. Came out at half time boarded a car (free) thinking it was going in the direction of the ship but found myself out of the way altogether and had to take car back to town and walk to ship. Arrived back about 9:30 fagged out. Magnificent place, certainly the finest I have ever seen (bar Seacombe). Slept below, awful hot.
Saturday 17th February 1917
Left quay at 6am. Waited in bay for Coronia and escort. No sun today. Broadside wind. Spray coming all over the ship, quite a pleasant change. Paid 10/- embarkation money this afternoon. Paid debts. Said we will arrive in Bombay in about 14 days. At evening service. Wondered what Carrie would think of me if she saw me at 8pm tonight. Sitting on table with only my shirt on putting a patch on the seat of my pants. Talk about “his only pair” it isn’t in it. Slept below. Cruiser left tonight.
Sunday 18th February 1917
Coronia is well ahead this morning. Orcoma not in sight. Sea like a millpond and not a breath of wind. At morning service. At afternoon and evening service. Slept below, not so hot tonight.
Monday 19th February 1917
Rather rough this morning. Coronia on our port side. Spray all over ship. At evening service. Somebody pinched my hammock, slept below.
Tuesday 20th February 1917 (Shrove Tuesday).
Found my hammock on deck at 6am. Fallas orderly today. Medical examination after grand round. Much calmer today. At evening service. Said to be due at Bombay at end of next week. Slept below.
Wednesday 21st February 1917 – Ash Wednesday
Heavy rain this morning and very hot during the day. Kit inspection in afternoon. Operation on purser in orderly room this evening. At evening service. Slept below. Coronia still ahead.
Thursday 22nd February 1917
Usual rounds. At evening service. Slept below.
Friday 23rd February 1917
More rain this morning. Usual parades. At concert on A deck aft for D Battalion given by troupe got up on board. The Nomads. Very good but heat terrific. Hotter than I ever felt it and will get hotter as we cross the line again about Saturday night or Sunday. At evening service.
Saturday 24th February 1917
More rain this morning. Evening service came to an abrupt end on account of rain. Slept below.
Sunday 25th February 1917
Nice weather today. Not too hot on deck. Food getting worse. Absolutely a disgrace. Sour bread and tea was a waste of water. Thank goodness all being well we will be ashore this time next week. At morning, afternoon and evening service. Chaplain spoke very encouraging words at evening service as it is most likely the last Sunday evening service aboard. Went to communion in orderly room at 6:30pm after evening service. The first time I have taken communion in the evening. They would most likely be having tea at home whilst I was at this service. Slept below.
Monday 26th February 1917
Very hot today as we are nearing equator, usual parades. Orderly today with Fallas. Last time this trip I sincerely hope. At evening service, crossed the line today. Slept below.
Tuesday 27th February 1917
Medical inspection after grand round. Not so hot today. Six other regiments drawing their equipment ready to disembark. At evening service. Slept on Focastle.
Wednesday 28th February 1917
Usual parades. Not too hot today. Rumoured today that the captain has said that there is good news waiting for us at Bombay. Lets hope its true. At evening service. Slept on Focastle.
Thursday 1st March 1917
Usual parades. Drew our equipment out this afternoon. Mine was in a shocking state, wet and mouldy had an awful job to get it any way clean. Quite busy all afternoon and evening. Missed evening service cleaning my gear. Slept on the Focastle.
Friday 2nd March 1917
Usual parades AM. Two escorts met us this morning then we travelled very slowly. Went to concert in afternoon. Farewell service on board. Very touching remarks by parson. Slept on Focastle.
Saturday 3rd March 1917
Sighted land at 11am. Orderly today in place of Smith (on guard). Anchored in Bombay 1:30pm. Officer came aboard and told us we are going to Kurla not far from Bombay and read various instructions about looking after our health. (Going ashore Monday). Rumoured we have captured Baghdad. Slept on Form below.
Sunday 4th March 1917
Still at anchor in harbour. Very hot. Wrote part of letter to wife and received seven from her dating from January 5th to January 22nd. Wrote to Jack Jones’ mother and he wrote to Mrs. Had an egg for my tea, the first this year. Bought it from natives alongside ready cooked. No evening service.
Monday 5th March 1917
Had breakfast and dinner on board. Went into Alex OK at 9am. Went ashore at twelve noon and took trainline along quay. Left at 1:20 and arrived Kurla camp about 4 miles from Poona at 7pm.
Not far to march to camp. Large canvas tents, 8 in each. Had tea and went to canteen. Had some sausage and fish. Slept on ground. At Bombay had blanket, towel, soap and packet of cigs given to us.
Tuesday 6th March 1917
All our clothes burnt. Medical inspection, new clothes after bath issued with bedsteads, beds, pillows, sheets, bedstrap and mosquito net splendidly provided for especially after roughing it for so long. Food very good, decent lot in one tent. Jones, Jones, Bell, Green, Lee and myself. Paid 2 chips.
Wednesday 7th March 1917
Reveille 6am. Tea as soon as up. Parade 6:30 sharp. March then physical exercises until 7:30. Breakfast to 9am. O/Cs inspection at 9am to see if our clothes were a proper fit. All measured yesterday before issued. Quite different to the way they issue clothing at home. After inspection, squad drill until 12 noon. Commencing just like raw recruits and not rushed in the least. Officers and NCOs seem quite a decent lot. CO spoke nicely to us and said that if we behaved ourselves we would be made very comfortable. Skill every half hour during drill, standing at ease nearly half the time. Finished at 1 for the day. Finished my letter that I started on the ship and fixed up the tent and made it quite respectable. We really are very comfortable up to now and have nothing to grumble at. Walked to village after sunset. Rather a quaint place and a very peculiar sight to me. Wrote home.
Thursday 8th March 1917
AM same as yesterday. Finished at noon.
Friday 9th March 1917
AM same as yesterday. Paid 3 rupees today.
Saturday 10th March 1917
Picked out of our squad in the morning to go to Poona with a fatigue party but it was a washout so excused parade. Taken to hospital re ears but told to come tomorrow. Medically inspected D3 plus dental. Walked to village in evening.
Sunday 11th March 1917
Church parade at 6:30 am. Kirkee church. Quite a nice church and usual service. At hospital again today at 11:30 but told to come tomorrow at 12:15. Evening service at church.
Monday 12th March 1917
Usual parades. Finished at 11am. Went to hospital again at 12:45. Another washout. Went for a walk with E L Jones after tea in the direction of Poona and then to YMCA to hear gramophone.
Tuesday 13th March 1917
Usual parades. Finished at 11am. 4 men in our tent went sick this morning. JJ Jones to go in hospital tomorrow, bronchitis.
Bell in hospital today, in growing toenail.
Bettely diarrhoea medicine and duty.
Kay, bad ear medicine and duty.
Wrote to Jack in afternoon, letter number 1. Went for a walk with E L Jones in the evening and climbed to top of a hill not far away in evening and had a good view of the camp. Received news today that Baghdad had fallen.
Wednesday 14th march 1917
Physical squad 6 til 8. Finished for day, wrote to Mrs letter number 2. Went for walk with E L Jones after tea quite a long way behind the camp. Saw a snake about 4 ft long killed by native and on the round saw plenty of natives, some of the women very scantily dressed.
Thursday 15 March 1917
Received letters from Carrie. Usual parades. Went to open air concert by Y.M.C.A. in evening. Several ladies and gentlemen sang etc. Officers in white jackets, white shirts, black bow, red sash, blue pants with red stripes. Went to hospital to see young Jones and Bell. Jones going on well, Bell to have operation
Friday 16 March 1917
Went for walk in evening with chaps out of our tent in direction of Poona. Received letter from Jack dated Feb 14. Another drafts arranged this evening.
Saturday 17 March 1917
Usual parades. Walk in evening
Sunday 18 March 1917
Church Parade 6:30am. Started Carrie’s letter No. 3. Went to see young Jones in Hospital and took him for a walk then went to bazaar with E L Jones.
Monday 19 March 1917
Squad drill. Physical Platoon drill and lecture at 6:30pm on diseases etc.
Tuesday 20 March 1917
Physical, Platoon drill, Rifle exercise. Drew overcoats in afternoon. Medical lecture 6:30pm. Wrote to Aunt Polly.
Wednesday 21 March 1917
Physical, Platoon drill, Rifle exercise. Medical lecture 6:30pm. Mail today but no letter for me. Wrote to Jack letter No 2.
Thursday 22 March 1917
Platoon drill. All leather equipment given today. Drew new equipment tonight. Went to hospital to see young Jones and Bell but found they had been sent to Deccan Hospital about 2 miles away.
Friday 23rd March 1917
Physical Squad drill. Extended order. Rifle and Platoon Drill. Posted letter to Mrs. Went to Deccan to see young Jones. Saw cinematic show there, Charlie Shanghaied. Paid 10 Chips
Saturday 24th March 1917
Physical, Foot inspection. Weight 10 stone. Rifle Ex. Pass to Poona with E L Jones.
Sunday 25 March 1917
Church Parade on Drill ground. Recommended for Stripes. Wrote home. Letter 4. Sent 3 PC of Poona. Hockey match. Wilts 3 and Cheshires 2. Evening service in YMCA.
Monday 26 March 1917
Physical. Musketry. Rifle drill. Lecture on March discipline. Hockey match NCOs 3 Officers 1. Wrote to Bob and Pat.
Tuesday 27 March 1917
Early breakfast. 6 mile route march. Foot inspection. Rifle inspection. Went with Leigh to Deccan hospital to see young Jones. Found him much the same. Saw picture Charlie at ……
Wednesday 28 March 1917
Physical. Musketry. Rifle drill. Medical lecture. Started letter to Carrie today. Letter No 5.
Thursday 29 March 1917
Physical. Platoon drill. Musketry. Rifle drill. Equipment fitting. Rec letter from Carrie this evening dated Feb 18th.
Friday 30 March 1917
Rout march. 8 miles. Foot inspection. Rifle inspection. Lecture. Went to Decan Hospital with E L Jones. Lecture. Paid 8 Chips.
Saturday 31 March 1917
Physical. Musketry. Kit inspection. Lecture. Went to village this evening.
Sunday 1 April 1917
Church Parade in open air. Wrote letter home and sent 3 PC. Letter 6. Went to Kinket Hos for watch with E L Jones and then for walk.
Monday 2nd April 1917
Route March before breakfast 6am. Foot inspection, Rifle inspection. Lecture. On parade in evening 5:30 – 6:30
Tuesday 3rd April 1917
Physical. Rifle drill. Musketry. Lecture. Excused evening parade as I gave trial show before officers of RWF (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) for Pierrot Troupe
Wednesday 4th April 1917
Physical. Extended Guard Musketry. Lecture on use of cover (which will be very useful to us in the near future on service in Mesop) Wrote to Jack Letter No 3
Thursday 5 April 1917
Route march about 8 miles. Foot, Tent and Rifle inspection. Went to Bazaar with Smith to arrange for photo tomorrow. Lot of drinks tonight. Paid 6 Chips. Letter 7.
Friday 6 April 1917
Church Parade 6:15. Had photo taken with Smith then had game of billiards in Soldier’s Rest. Great temptation to break TT tonight as my pal E L Jones was going to Mesopotamia at midnight but didn’t give way. Draft left just after midnight.
Saturday 7 April 1917
Physical, Musketry, Kit inspection. Started Krugg off on trial cross country run tonight.
Sunday 8 April 1917
Church Parade 6:15am. Went to Garrison church for 11am service but found that service started at 10am. Went to Deccan with Smith to Deccan in evening to see young Jones and he is being discharged on Tuesday. America declared war on Germany.
Monday 9 April 1917
Physical. Platoon drill. Musketry. Rifle drill in evening 5:30- 6:30pm. First time I had been right hand man for fixing bayonets
Tuesday 10 April 1917
Route March about 8 miles. Foor and Rifle inspection. Received letters from Mrs after march. Dated Feb 25th, March 5th. Started letter home No 8.
Wednesday 11 April 1917
Physical. Musketry. Rifle drill in evening 5:30- 6:30pm.
Thursday 12 April 1917
Physical. Bayonet fighting. Musketry. Draft of 50 men picked for Mesopotamia. I am lucky not to be on as I am D3. Draft said to be leaving Sunday. No evening parade.
Friday 13 April 1917
Physical. Musketry. Musketry lecture. Wrote letter No 9 to Mrs. Gas alarm while being paid at 5pm. No evening parade.
Saturday 14 April 1917
Physical, Bayonet Fighting. Musketry. Re Categorised D3. Walked to Bazaar this evening.
Sunday 15 April 1917
Church Parade as usual. Went to 9:30am service in Garrison Church with Pugh.
Monday 16 April 1917
Bayonet fighting. Musketry. Musketry lecture. Rifle Drill 5:30 – 6:30 pm, shouted out by Johnson.
Tuesday 17 April 1917
Physical. Musketry. Bayonet fighting. Evening manoeuvres.
Wednesday 18 April 1917
Physical. Musketry. Platoon Drill and outposts. No evening parade. Football: C10 0 Somerset 0. Evening concert YMCA.
Thursday 19 April 1017
Physical. Squad and Rifle Drill. Rifle Drill after breakfast for 2 solid hours in the boiling sun enough to kill any man. Cruelty not training. Everybody complaining. Received letter from Mrs.
Friday 20 April 1917
Physical. Musketry. Musketry lecture 5:30 - 6:30pm. No parade on account of cross country run. Cheshire 8 first in. Draft cancelled.
Saturday 21 April 1917
Physical. Platoon drill. Johnson kept us at it until 11:30 instead of 10am. Killing the men. Don’t think they’ll stand him much longer.
Sunday 22 April 1917
Wrote letter No 9. Went to Weslyan Church in evening. Very nice open air service. After service went for Soldier’s tea and cake. Letter from B….. Rd. Jack wounded.
Monday 23 April 1917
Physical. Extended order. Bayonet fighting. Musketry. No parade this evening as I had no rifle. Received Reg letter form Carrie 6/-. Went for a walk to Bazaar in evening. Asked my category and work in civil life by Cpt. Thomas.
Tuesday 24 April 1917
Route March 12 miles. Draft told off for Monday.
Wednesday 25 April 1917
Letter 10. Physical. Musketry. Bayonet fighting. Storm in evening. Tent blown down. No evening parade.
Thursday 26 April 1917
Physical. Musketry. Ran again this afternoon. Night Ops 9 to 10pm.
Friday 27 April 1917
All remaining A men to file their class. Leaving tomorrow. Drafts leaving next Thursday. Physical. Musketry. Musketry lecture 9:15 to 10:45.
Saturday 28 April 1917
Musketry. Musketry lecture. Walk to Bazaar and Pierrot show in evening
Sunday 29 April 1917
Church Parade, Went to Pictures. 1st time since I’ve been here. Surprised at the good show.
Monday 30 April 1917
Physical. Outposts. Rifle drill 4:40 to 5:40. went to pictures again. Reminds me too much of home.
Tuesday 1 May 1917
Route March 6am to 10am. Foot and Rifle inspection. Draft fitted with kit. Picket 8 to 10pm
Wednesday 2 May 1917
Letter 11. Draft leaving tonight. Physical. Musketry. Draft left ( 54) at 9:30. 500 all together from Camp. Some of the chaps came since me. Plenty of drunks. Letter from wife, our Jack, Agnes Carter. Card from Vera Wilts beat Cheshires 3-1.
Thursday 3 May 1917
Changed tents today. Quite quiet in Camp. East morning as Lieut Johnson had conducted draft to Bombay. Finished at 10am and no eveing parade. Another draft from England expected Saturday. I am lucky to be still here.
Friday 4 May 1917
Physical. Musketry. Field practice. One more Rolling cricket pitch in evening. Went to village in evening. Brought two dolls for Rene.
Saturday 5 May 1917
Field tactics. Musketry. Wrote to Agnes Carter. Went to pictures. The Girl from Frisco.
Sunday 6 May 1917
Church Parade at 6am. Went to C of E in evening. Categorised again D3
Monday 7 May 1917
Picked out of early parade by CSM for tomorrow’s guard. Drilled under CSM Baker morning and CSM Mills evening.
Tuesday 8 May 1017
Guard 10am. First guard for B Corps also my first guard. All eyes from CO downwards fixed on us. I was dismissed for being cleanest soldier of guard and was CO’s orderly today 2 hours, tomorrow 1 ¼ hours finish. Quite an honour. Felt quite proud of it. Lots of congratulations.
Wednesday 9 May 1917
Posted letter No 12. CO’s Orderly 8:45am til 10pm. Bayonet fighting 5:30 – 6:30
Thursday 10 May 1917
Chap next to me fainted while on early morning march. Brought him back to camp and he was admitted to Hospital. Fired on miniature range. 5 misses. Chap before me 5 misses, Captain Thomas tried and he also missed so condemned the rifle. Asked if I would learn to play the side drum or flute. Said I didn’t mind. Received letter from Mrs, Sissie and cards from Rene, Mrs and Ma.
Friday 11 May 1917
Usual parades. Went to Kirkee on my own in evening. Bought H…for Carrie
Saturday 12 May 1917
Usual parades. Went to pictures with Kay.
Sunday 13 May 1917
Church Parade and then Holy Communion. Went to Weslyan this evening . Then several hours afterwards tea and cakes. Received letter from Mrs and card from Rene. Started letter 13 to Mrs.
Monday 14 May 1917
Usual parades. Pierrot concert in evening
Tuesday 15 May 1917
Route March this morning. Bayonet fighting evening. Boxing Competition
Wednesday 16 May 1917
Usual parades. Posted letter 13 to wife and one for Fanny and Ida.
Thursday 17 May 1917
Usual parades. Letter from wife and Jack Carter.
Friday 18 May 1917
Usual parades. Pictures in evening
Saturday 19 May 1917
Usual parades. Game of Billiards with Kay
Sunday 20 May 1917
Guard
Monday 21 May 1917
Letter 14. No parade in evening. Felt rotten so turned in at 8pm
Tuesday 22 May 1917
Route March etc this morning
Wednesday 23 May 1917
Usual parades
Thursday 24 May 1917
Usual parades
Friday 25 May 1917
Big night ops in trenches. Both depots. Blank amo
Saturday 26 May 1917
Only Rifle inspection 9am. Made L/Cpl today. Mail in yesterday and today but no letters from home
Whit Sunday 27 May 1917
Church Parade. Went to C of E in evening
Monday 28 May 1917
Usual parades. Thinking of Carrie and Rene all day
Tuesday 29 May 1917
Route March. Min Range. Letter 15
Wednesday 30 May 1917
Dep Orderly Corporal
Thursday 31 May 1917
Usual parades. Min Range
Friday 1 June 1917
Put in A Coy this morning to drill them. Nearly all old soldiers but got through alright. Wrote to Ida and Fanny.
Saturday 2 June 1917
Usual parades
Sunday 3 June 1917
Church Parade am. Went to C of E with Latham and Rowlands
Monday 4 June 1917
General Holiday. King’s Birthday
Tuesday 5 June 1917
Catagorized D3. Went to Ghorpuri this evening. Letter No 16
Wednesday 6 June 1917
Musketry Instruction. Walk in Poona in evening
Thursday 7 June 1917
Range, 15 out of 20. 17 out of 20.
Friday 8 June 1917
Musketry instruction. Poona in evening
Saturday 9 June 1917
Range. Walk to Poona and to pictures in evening
Sunday 10 June 1917
Digging lead. Letter 19. Heavy rain. YMCA in evening
Monday 11 June 1917
Musketry Ins. Wrote to Jack
Tuesday 12 June 1917
Range. Did badly today
Wednesday 13 June 1917
Musketry and Instruction. Wrote to Drinkwater, Fanny and Ida. Tommy ?. Received letter date 11th from Carrie
Thursday 14 June 1917
Range. 8 out of 10. Rapid
Friday 15 June 1917
Musketry instruction. Went to Pictures in evening
Saturday 16 June 1917
Range. I did well. Wrote letter 18
Sunday 17 June 1917
Went to YMCA
Got letter from Carrie. Bob ? & Ida
Monday 18 June 1917
Musketry Instruction. PC from Fanny
Tuesday 19 June 1917
Range . Did very well
Wednesday 20 June 1917
Lift this afternoon. Wet through. Back Kirkut 5pm. Good Tea
Very bad during night
Thursday 21 June 1917
Went on parade but had to fall out. Bad. Went to Doctor. Attend A.
Friday 22 June 1917
Attended Doctor. Med and Duty. Anniversary of wedding. Very miserable
Saturday 23 June 1917
Drilling Squad at 6 in morning. Stopped in pm
Sunday 24 June 1917
Letter no 19. Went to church am
Monday 25 June 1917
Squad and Rifle drill. Physical Exercise. Feeling bad again.
Tuesday 26 June 1917
Attending class for course of Sergeants instruction. Bad all day
Wednesday 27 June 1917
Had to go to Dr this morning. Attend C.
Thursday 28 June 1917
Still Bad
Friday 29 June 1917
Still bad. Received birthday cards from Carrie, Rene and Ma
Saturday 30 June 1917
Detained in Hospital
Sunday 1 July 1917
Out of hospital this am. Much better. Went to church in evening. Received letters from Carrie one with P/O for my birthday
Monday 2 July 1917
Back on parade will class this morning. Have lost a lot of instruction and have not much hope of passing. Went to pictures with Rowlands.
Tuesday 3 July 1917
With class, Physical Bayonet fighting and musketry. Wrote letter 20.
Wednesday 4 July 1917
Usual parades. Went to Government House. Lord & Lady Willington shook hands
Thursday 5 July 1917
Usual parades. Went to pictures
Friday 6 July 1917
Usual parades. Went to Soldiers and Sailors Institute
Saturday 7 July 1017
Coffee Bar, Calp for buckshee supper
Sunday 8 July 1917
Church Parade 10:30. Bishop. Rain stopped sermon. Letter 21.
Monday 9 July 1917
Still on class. About fed up. Soldiers and Sailors with Rowlands in evening
Tuesday 10 July 1917
Class
Wednesday 11 July 1917
Class. My 32 birthday. Had to borrow the price of a pac of fags.
Thursday 12 July 1917
Class
Friday 13 July 1917
Class. Case of smallpox. Examined for vaccination. Reclassified D3 and told to parade with sick on Monday morning to see Spec at Station Hospital. Went to pictures
Saturday 14 July 1917
Letter 22 started it in YMCA and wrote 14 pages. Never went out of camp.
Sunday 15 July 1917
Church parade 10:30am. Service at Garrison Church evening
Monday 16 July 1917
Paraded with sick and went to Station Hospital with others. Told to come Wednesday 2:30pm. Evening parade 4:30 – 5:30. Dickins very drunk tonight
Tuesday 17 July 1917
Class. No evening parade. Letter form Carrie, 1 from brother and 1 from Jack.
Wednesday 18 July 1917
Class and evening parade. Went to Station Hospital in charge of 7 men for ear treatment. Told to come Friday.
Thursday 19 July 1917
Class finished. Exam this morning. Cpl Thomas of Cheshires. Rifle drill detailed Squad. Got nervous and don’t expect I created a very favourable impression. No evening parade
Friday 20 July 1917
Bayonet fighting Instruction before breakfast. Exam continues. Physical Exercise. Bayonet fighting by Lieut Lougheed, Wiltshires. Was so nervous this morning. Think I have done better but have no hope of passing. Absolutely fed up. Station Hospital with 8 men. Parade at 2. Hospital at 3. Saw Major for first time and told to come 8:30 in morning.
Saturday 21 July 1917
No first parade on account of rain. Went to hospital. Major examined my ear and I’m now anxiously awaiting result. Expect to be A1. If so wil be Meso next draft.
Sunday 22 July 1917
Church Parade am. Told by a chap this afternoon that he saw my category marked at Station Hospital as A1. Not a bit surprised. Went to Garrison Church this evening.
Monday 23 July 1917
Examined in Musketry by Lt Thomas
Examined in Platoon Drill by Cpt.
Think I did well in Musketry but very poorly in Platoon drill. Examination finished now and I feel greatly relieved and not particular what result is as it has been altogether too much for me. Although I have learned a lot.
Tuesday 24 July 1917
Paraded with Coy this morning on road making fatigue. No evening parade
Wednesday 25 July 1917
Same as yesterday morning. Told today by chaps out of orderly soon that my category had come through A1.
Thursday 26 July 1917
Same. Changed tents
Friday 27 July 1917
Kit inspection 6:15am. Changed tents again. Finished after breakfast,
Saturday 28 July 1917
Road making fatigue. Started letter 23.
Sunday 29 July 1917
Church Parade am. Wet through. Garrison Church in evening. Concert
Monday 30 July 1917
Road Fatugue . Jones said he thought I was on Draft
Tuesday 31 July 1917
Road Fatigue. Officer 11. Officers 12.
Wednesday 1 August 1917
Road Fatigue
Thursday 2 August 1917
Guard Corporal took native prisoner during night. Very violent.
Friday 3 August 1917
Came off guard 10am. Finished for the day
Saturday 4 August 1917
Intercession service for 4th anniversary of declaration of War. Canteen Corporal.
Sunday 5 August 1917
Church Parade am and went to Communion in Church Tent and to Garrison Church in evening with young Jones for last time.
Monday 6 August 1917
Signed for draft. Wrote to Ida and fanny and Ma and put a bit more to wifes letter. Destroyed all my old letters, a rather painful job. Wrote to Jack and Drinkwaters.
Tuesday 7 August 1917
Issued out with kit for Messop. Jack knife, Mess tin, bedsheet, spine protector, neck protector etc.
Wednesday 8 August 1917
Paraded to mark off for CO’s inspection. Handed all our unnecessary in. Paid 8 Chips
Post letters 2 Carrie, Mother, Tom & Ida, Jack C and Mrs Drinkwater. Marched off at 9:30. Nearly all under influence. I broke my promise and had one or two myself. Train left about 1am
Thursday 9 August 1917
Arrived Bombay about 8:30. Went straight on board Transport Ellanga and sailed before noon. Awful accommodation and no hammocks. Rather rough at night and men lying all about like pigs.
Friday 10 August 1917
Weather still rough
Saturday 11 August 1917
Did 24 hour guard and had an awful time every two hours changing sentries
Sunday 12 August 1917
Weather calmer and all better of their sickness.
Monday 13 August 1917
Saw land this morning. Expect to arrive Bassra tomorrow night
Tuesday 14 August 1917
Lighthouse about midnight, anchored for the night.
Wednesday 15 August 1917
Up river am. Splendid Palm trees all way up either side. Landed in evening and marched to Makena about 3 miles away. Aggot and I slept outside amongst the dust. Baggage Guard.
Thursday 16 August 1917
CO inspection. Medical inspection (Shave). I wrote home
Friday 17 August 1917
Company Drill & Kit issue. 120 rounds ammunition. Paid 10 Chips. Said to be leaving tomorrow am.
Saturday 18 August 1917
Draft picked for tomorrow am. Not on it.
Sunday 19 August 1917
Draft left. Warned for Draft tomorrow
Monday 20 August 1917
Up at 3:30. Marched off at about 5am to Margil and took steamer to Kernah. Arrived at 12:30. Eastern Galp. Lift in Railway wagon 16 miles. …..at about 8pm. Very cold during night.
Tuesday 21 August 1917
Arrived Amara 2am. Marched to camp under canvass. Terrific heat, Unbearable. Other Draft left tonight.
Wednesday 22 August 1917
Ration Fatigue. Don’t know how I stand the heat. Wrote home.
Thursday 23 August 1917
Carried L/C Sant out on stretcher unconscious. Heat Stroke
Friday 24 August 1917
Moved nearer Depot today. Put into stable, mud walls, iron roof. Temperature 119 in shade.
Saturday 25 August 1917
Fatigue cleaning up place we left.
Sunday 26 August 1917
Wrote home
Monday 27 August 1917
Route march am. Warned we are leaving tomorrow am. In charge of Billet tonight.
Tuesday 28 August 1917
Marched about 3 miles to river steamer. Left for Kut (Lock, Sinclair sick)
Wednesday 29 August 1917
……. took bad aboard. Iron rations & Biscuits arrived tonight
Thursday 30 August 1917
Ashore this evening. Rotten peace
Friday 31 August 1917
Leaving tomorrow am
Saturday 1 September 1917
Reveille 3:30am. Boarded river steamer and left about 9am. Better ship than last.
Sunday 2 September 1917
Nothing partic
Monday 3 September 1917
Stranded tonight. Tomorrow wife’s birthday. Thinking all day
Tuesday 4 September 1917
No entry
Wednesday 5 September 1917
Arrived below Bagdad. Conditions worse as we go on.
There are no more entries
Additional information in the dairy
Addresses
E L Jones 5057
30 Eton Grove
Higher Tranmere
Frank Smith
42 Argyle Street
Birkenhead
J Johnson Jones
23 Longview Avenue
Seaview Rd
Liscard
Inside back cover
Outward journey
Devonport to Freetown 12 days
Freetown to Cape Town 13 days
Cape town to Durban 3 days
Durban to Bombay 15 days
Total 43 days
In Freetown 6 days
In Capetown for 7 days
In Durban for 1 day
Travelling 43 days
In Port 14 days
Total 57days
On a separate piece of paper
Homeward Journey
Sailed from Magil Mesopotamia
Franz Ferdinand Thursday Jan 30 12 noon
Arrived Port Suez Monday Feb 10 8am
Docked 11am
Ashore 4pm
Train 5pm
Port Said 12 pm
Boarded Kashgai at Port Said Feb 14 12 noon
Saied from Port Said Sat Feb 15 11am
Arrived Taranto, Italy Tues Feb 18 12 noon
Left Taranto, Italy by train Sat Feb 22 9:30am
Arrived Le Havre France Friday Feb 28 in the morning
Left Le Havre by boat King Orry Sunday March 2 8:30pm
Arrived Southampton Monday March 3 3:15am
Left Southampton Monday March 3 11:30am
Arrived Prees Heath Monday March 3
Arrived Birkenhead
Odd lines on single page
Jones and Brooks went out one day shooting
Jones killed Brooks
Should Jones be brought up for man slaughter?
Musketry
Sequence of forming Squad
Number off Squad. Centre man stand fast
Remainder make right and left incline. Taking as many places forward as they are from centre man. Halt. Turn to original front and stand at ease
Closing squad on the centre close to original position
The whole will turn inwards and close on centre man.
Halting turning to front, standing at ease.
Standing load sequence
On command standing load. Spring to attention and make right incline, carrying left foot off to left front at the same time. Rifle upwards and forwards gripping rifle with hand at point of the right handat the small. Bpdy balance equally both feet. The butt to be clear and in centre of right thigh. Elbows close to body. Eyes on mark.
To load. Standing
Safety catch forward with forefinger cut off out with outward and downward pressure. Thumb of keeping the fingers under the woodwock. Grip bolt nob with forefinger and thumb of right hand. Open bolt full extent then take charger guide then press rounds into magazine with ball of thumb keeping fingers under cut off. Close bolt. Fasten pouch return hand to small of butt.
To Unload
Size bolt head with forefinger and thumb of right hand and work in backwards and forwards sharply about 10 or 12 times then glance down to see if clear. Close bolt. Press trigger. Place hand of body of rifle. Press in cutt off with squeezing motion. Then run hand down side of body to see if bolt is finally closed. Return safety catch with the forefinger and return the hand to the …… Then return to the order by gripping rifle with right hand at outer band at same time bringing rifle to side and left foot in standing at ease.
Bayonet Fighting
Lesson 1
Practice 1
- Class arrangement
- Explain hand to hand fighting and skill of bayonet
- On Guard
- Rest
- High post
- Long point
- Demonstration dummy withdraw A & B Stationary point.
Point advance with rear foot - Oblique long point
- Stationary long point. Long point with rear foot advanced
- Explain vulnerable parts of the body. Point at kidneys
Practice 2 Working by eye
- Stationary long point
- Stationary point long point rear foot advanced
- Direct oblique long points at rings
Practice 3 at Dummy
- Long Point
- Long point rear foot advanced
- Advancing long point
- Advancing two long points at two dummys
Lesson (2)
Practice (1)
Explain Parry. Explain and do movements of Parry
Practice (2)
Parry point at …….
- ditto- and point
Parry at head, body and legs
- ditto- and point
In trench Parry Point for parapet
Parapet Parry Point from trench
Parry Point made by advancing opponents
- ditto- and point
Parry Point by charging opponent
Practice 3
Advancing Parry Stick on Dummy and Point
Lesson 3 Practice 1
Demonstrate short point and explain use
Short Point
Demonstrate on dummy (A) Static short point (B) Short point advance near foot
Oblique short point
Short point advance rear foot
Long - ditto -
Short – ditto –
Practice (2)
Short point
Short point advance rear foot
Long – ditto-
Short – ditto-
Direct and Oblique long and short point at rings
Parry, Parry point, Short point at rings
Practice (3)
Short point
Short point advance rear foor
Long – ditto-
Short – ditto-
Advance long and short point at 2 dummys
Images
New Year card referred to in diary entry of Thursday 28th December 1916
Medal card and Medals
Medical Record
Background information has been obtained from the following:
James Barr, A Line in the Sand: Britain, France and the Struggle that Shaped the Middle East
Charles Townshend, When God Made Hell: The British Invasion of Mesopotamia and the Creation of Iraq, 1914-1921
Colonel Arthur Crookenden, The History of the Cheshire Regiment in the Great War
Lt General W R Marshal, Commanding in Chief Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, August 1918, ‘Despatch to Chief of General Staff, India’, London Gazette
Rosemary Reardon, ‘Trumpeter Inwood, an Anglo-India Hero of the Kut Garrison’ Journal of the Families in British India Society, Autumn 2014
‘The Long, Long Trail’, http://www.1914-1918.net
Acknowledgements
This diary was transcribed by the following members of James Arthur Railton’s family:
Mary Railton-Crowder (granddaughter)
Emma Dimbleby (great granddaughter)
Anna Crowder (great granddaughter-in-law)
If anyone who reads this diary has any relevant information they would be most welcome to contact either:
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