Lance Corporal Norman ffolliott Darling
Norman ffolliott Darling embarked for France with C Squadron of the North Irish Horse on 20 August 1914, just twelve days after he enlisted. He served with the regiment as a private and lance corporal until 22 July 1915, when he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant.
His diary, kept from 8 August 1914 to 24 February 1915, was generously made available to me by his daughter Joyce Darling.
August 8
Left home to join and signed on.
August 9
Got home for the day.
August 10
Motored down with father to join.
August 11
[Blank]
August 12
[Blank]
August 13
Got my clothes and kit-bag complete. Was out for evening. Went to see Mrs. Haire, met Guy and Georgie1.
August 14
Exercised horses from 10 to 12 o'clock. Went to Balmoral until 2 o'c. Came back for dinner. Paraded at 3.30 until 6 o'c. Tried to get home for night and failed to do op.s(?)
August 15
Saw Guy, Marjorie and Myrtle2. Had lunch with them in town. Paraded from 6.30 till 12 o'c. Paraded from 3.30 till 5 to draw our saddles and accoutrements. Have to take guard from 12 till 2am. Was put into Mr. Coombe's troop. Viz. No. 2 troop.
August 16
We were to have left Belfast today and did not go. Exercised horses from 9.30 to 11.30 am, we then watered and fed and moved our saddles from St. George's St. to Corporation St. where horses are kept. Got leave to go out and went to see Mrs. Dawson. Found all out and made this entry while waiting for them to return.
August 17
Still in town. Tis said that we leave town on Wed. am. Went out to drill on horses in am in a field. Whole Squadron turned out. Got leave of absence from 6 to 10. Went to see Mrs Dawson with Coey and had a fine evening.
August 18
Had a full dress parade after breakfast and rode out with rifle, bayonets and all our accoutrements. Practised advancing and retiring in sections. Our departure has been delayed again. Will try to get Father on telephone tomorrow. Had to do night guard from 2.30 till 6.00 tonight. Two nice chaps joined our troop today. There are four of us chumming, Coey, Greer, McNeill.
August 19
Started taking guard 2.30. Shifted our stuff down to Corporation St. fixed up. Paraded for drill in pm. Got orders for sailing after tea. We go tomorrow. Father came down and took me out for tea. We spent the evening together. Forty of us were expected to sleep in one small room. The four chums camped out.
August 20
Paraded for roll call at 5 am. Looked after the horses and had breakfast. Paraded after breakfast until dinner time expecting to go on board. We finally came on board at 4 pm. Saw Guy in morning and also after dinner when marching to go on board. Last night's tea consisted of tea without milk and had biscuits of the dog biscuit kind. We four had luckily taken in some tuck in case of accidents. We all sleep in one hold.
August 21
We four are envied by all on board thanks to our having some grub. Paraded several times with full kit. Were served out more stuff. Did 3 hrs guard on the horse lines. Had a sing-song last night. Was a bit sea-sick. Foraged round and got a loaf.
August 22
Paraded for rifle drill at 6 am. Sighted some French warships. Stopped us for a few minutes. One of her scouts passed quite close. At present are parading on deck with all our stuff, saddles included. I suppose getting ready to disembark. We have waited since before dinner and are still waiting after 8 pm. I hear we have to march 9 miles when we land, which means no sleep because we have to fix up the horses and start early tomorrow.
August 23 Sunday
Disembarked 11.30 pm yesterday. Started our march of 6 miles at 2 am. Turned in at 4 am. Got up at 7 am and had lots of coffee of sorts. We were having real sunshine. I laid in a stock of stuff which I am afraid will melt. Having a good time resting and feeding. My £1 won't go far.
August 24
Paraded today for manoeuvring with our rifles and bandoliers. Practised loading and sighting. We go off this evening, I believe we will be 48 hrs in the train. We four are laying in grub in case of accidents. Had a tremendous job after tea getting ready to start for front. Entrained horses. I am on guard until first stop viz 4 o'c. Written while waiting to start.
August 25
Did guard in horse truck all night and all day without relief. We have disentrained about 80 miles from front. I don't know name of place. We have to march tonight. It is now 4.30 pm. I tried to sleep in night and got pawed twice and bitten once so gave it up. The French treated us very well. My horse tried to buck me off when I mounted him when taken out of train. The place we disentrained is San Quentin3. Saw eleven aeroplanes in air at one time.
August 26 Wednesday
Had a very hard day's work. Cleaned rifles, saddles etc. Paraded for rifle drill. Got marching orders after tea, were paraded until 12 am with saddles on and then marched all night. I never was as sleepy in my life. We are halted at a place called La Faire4. I am on guard while the others sleep. We are marching with loaded rifles and as far as I can see going parallel to the fighting line.
August 27
It is now 9 o'c and I am still on guard. Marched at 10 o'c. Guarding a convoy of wagons that took 3 hrs to pass. I hear that there was a big engagement. The English were pretty badly cut up. Our Sgt-Major's [Robert James Blakely's] old regiment was cut to pieces. 65 answered the roll out of 600. The enemy are retiring. We were on the lookout for them all day and slept last night with our full kit on and our rifles in our hands. Everywhere we were met with cider, flowers, bread, fruit, and good wishes by the French. We halted at midday in a place called Chauny. Some people treated me awfully well; fed me and gave me a chair to sit on. My French is very groggy.
August 28 Friday
Had a quiet day, just looking after the horses and washing ourselves. Stationed at Bretengue5, a small village about 6 km from Chauny. Had a swim in a very dirty river. Crowds of stragglers are coming in. 10,000 of our people were retreating before 80,000 Germans, ours were cut to pieces. There are about 200 stragglers, their officer knows how many he has got but does not know from what regiments. Have to do outpost tonight with rest of troop. We are expecting Uhlans at any moment. It is said that the British made a general advance today and that 40,000 Germans went under. The circle round Germans is complete. The French and English joined hands.
August 29 Saturday
A couple of scouting parties were out yesterday. We got orders to saddle up at 12 pm. Almost immediately we got orders to off-saddle. At 6.30 pm we saddled up again and marched away. We have been all night on the move without taking off our saddles. We heard heavy artillery firing all morning. I spoke to an officer in a motor tonight and he said things were going splendidly, that the Germans were hemmed in.
August 30 Sunday
Heavy gunfire. 6.30 pm awaiting order to mount, having off-saddled at 1 pm, first time since 6 pm on day before. Had 3 hrs rest then marched again (escorting a convoy of wagons) to a place called Attichy. We are nearly beaten up. Lost one troop and our ration wagon, cook etc. Mr. Coombe went looking for them. We fed off biscuit and tinned beef. We finally escorted a wagon of gun cotton to a place about 9 miles from Attichy and off-saddled at 11.30pm.
August 31
Marched all day till 9 pm. We are to form part of the rear guard. The British are retiring as fast as they can. A whole brigade of Irish regiments passed us this pm, also 3 divisions of the army. We had about 4 hrs rest this pm. Our troop is rear guard for the squadron. Germans entered Noyon and are pressing hard.
September 1 Tuesday
Forming part of rear guard. A battle going on round us. So far have seen nothing of enemy. Were fired on about 12.30 coming down a road, took up a position which we held without firing a shot until 4.30. Are now retiring on main body. One of our officers caught two Germans, one officer and one trooper. Shot officer through the thigh. Mr. West brought no sword or kit. Said he would pick one up. He did so the first day we saw the enemy. The two Germans passed near us. We were not allowed to fire until it was too late. Mr. West was coming into a village as they went out and got 'em. Got into camp 9 pm. Settled down to sleep at 10.30. Crépe6.
September 2
Saddled up 2.30 am, marched at 3.45. Captured one G[erman] horse, other troop shot one German. After marching on and off all day, reached camp about 9 pm, sleep about 10 pm. We are practically on starvation rations as our transport keeps on getting lost.
September 3 Thursday
Crecy Haute Maison7
Backtracked to do rear guard again, kept look out for some hours, then retired slowly. The engineers were blowing up all the bridges behind us, all the people are clearing out. It looks as if the army was going to make a stand at long last. One of our fellows, who was doing flank guard with me, is reported missing. We did not find the camp last night, but slept with 3rd Div. Turned in at 10 pm.
September 4
Started this morning at 5 am and got into camp 2 hrs later. I hope it means a days rest for us. I have risked it and washed some things and myself. The first wash in 3 days. We have no rations, the transport is lost again. Lord Masserene commandeered grub for us. Days rest all clothes washed. Struck camp at 11.30 and marched all night. Camped about 3 miles outside Crecy.
September 5 Saturday
It is now 8.30 am. We have not yet reached our camp. I am tired and hungry, my eyes will not keep open. Our transport has not turned up yet. We are still retiring as far as I can make out. We are circling Paris on the s.w. side. We had a grand days rest feeding and sleeping. We stopped just outside Tournan. I will (try) to sleep early as I am told off for night guard. It is our first days rest for four days and nights.
September 6 Sunday
Started at 3 am and as far as I can see, we are advancing and I think we are in for a battle. We are getting all the rear guard and advance guard work. Had some excitement today. Our column got several G[ermans] & one horse. I did some looting on the qt. Had a long day, getting into camp (Plessis St. Avoye8 as per usual at 9 pm. We had a good feed off the stuff I looted.
September 7
At 12 moved to Bivouac, outside Coulomieres9 without sighting the enemy who are retiring as fast as they can go. Transport turned up.
September 8
St. Cyr10
Started at 4.30am and came into touch with the enemy's rear guard an hour later. There is a big fight going on round us. I am doing No. 3 and have not fired a shot. We were shelled out of St. Cyr and re-occupied it at 7.30 pm.
[Longer version, written in first two pages of book.]
September 8
St. Cyr
We (the N.I.H.11) together with a squadron of lancers occupied a place called St. Cyr, a little village. We opened fire with rifles and our guns; shelled them from a ridge behind us. We also had a maxim gun. The enemy held on and brought up some guns with which they proceeded to shell us from the village. Our retreat was a proper run away affair, full gallop up the road. I never saw men go so fast as the 5th Lancers. I went back down the road to help a chap whose horse went down with him and got cut off. I retreated to the head of the hill and remained there with the artillery. The Germans shelled us for about half an hour. One pair of guns nearly beside me had to be temporarily abandoned. The men were nearly all hit, three of them were badly done. When I saw the enemy fire slacken I ran for it to rejoin my troop. Just as I got almost out of range a shell burst near me and my horse went down right on top of me. I am awfully stiff and sore. While looking for the troop I saw a good deal of the fight. Our people brought up two siege guns of long range and silenced the enemy's fire, then we bucked(?) in and drove them out of St. Cyr which place we occupied at about 6 pm. To think that the N.I.H. occupied the place at 7 am and for want of support were driven out and a whole day's fighting was necessary to re-occupy it. Later in the day we were halted out of view and four cows passed us, I milked one of them.
September 9
We started early this morning and came about 3 miles out where we're waiting for I don't know what. There is very heavy fire going on around us. I believe the Germans have got the French behind them and can't retreat any further. We camped at Saacy12. Our people lost 600 killed and wounded in today's engagement. They captured 1400 Germans.
September 10 Thursday
Had a great nights sleep. Got up at 7. Marched at 9 am. Passed a lot of our killed a little way up the road. Further along we saw a lot of G[ermans] killed. Did practically nothing but march. Only searched a wood and found nothing. Camped at a place called Chezy13.
September 11
Had a soft day today in every sense of the word. It rained like fury. We all got horribly wet but luckily they found a large farm for us to sleep in. We had a great feed sitting at a table. The people treated us jolly well. The place is called Blanzy14.
September 12 Saturday
Had another soft day fooling about in the rain. Mr. Coombe went a bit silly towards evening. He told us to shift for ourselves for the night instead of joining the squadron. We had good sleeping quarters but no grub. A big battle going on in front. Serches-farm (Mont de Soissons) 1 mile out of village.
September 13
Serches
Waited this am for Mr. C[ombe], sent a man to look for him. Found that he had left with half the troop and left the rest of us cut off with no grub and no prospect of getting any. Three of us are wandering round looking for the transport. Found it at 7 and had a good feed. The squadron is not in yet. Battle still in progress.
September 14 Monday
Serches. Our troop came in this am while I was having my horse shod. I was told to follow them. I have been doing so ever since but can't find them. It is now 6 pm. The battle is still going on vigourously, I was down at the pontoon(?) this morning while it was being shelled.
September 15
We are still in the same place. We have not moved out today yet. We spent am cleaning saddles, horses and rifles and ourselves. The artillery fire has been most incessant all day. The G[ermans] are putting up a great fight. They are apparently fighting on their base near Soissons. This farm is Mont de Soissons.
September 16 Wednesday
Serches
Rested all day. I washed my underwear which did not dry all day. The battle is going as hard as ever. We seem to have gained v. little advantage, if any. Two chaps out of No. 4 troop were shot while on patrol by a maxim15.
September 17
Serches
Started out this morning in teeming rain to change our quarters. Found a beautiful place. Were turned out by the staff and came back here. Wet to the skin. My skin was next my tunic, my underwear being wet. We had a great feed off two ducks we killed.
September 18 Friday
Serches
Cleaning, exercising and grooming all morning. Battle still progressing. The artillery has been booming incessantly for a solid week, day and night. Our fellows were on fatigue grave digging etc. Some of us had a great feed of chicken broth. Got 20 francs.
September 19
Serches
Started on outpost at 3 am (whole troop). Marched about 5 or 6 miles and reached our destination at 5.30. A chap called Savage and myself pushed on another mile to a farm to keep a lookout. We had not been long there until three shells came knocking corners off the hay barn. We got away finally without hurt.
September 20
Sent P.C.16 home. Started this morning about 6.30 to change our quarters. Arrived at a large old-fashioned farm about 12 miles from the other. We are really comfortable at last. This place is full of queer underground places that must have been dungeons at one time. I cooked four chickens and one duck yesterday while the enemy were shelling farm.
September 21 Monday
Dhuizy
Had another day's rest. We seem to have nothing to do now until this battle is decided. Received home letters this evening. Have settled in properly in our new quarters. We got all our letters in a lump, the latest I got was Sept 11th. I did not get the parcel Marmie17 talks about. I also wrote home several times but apparently my letters were not allowed through.
September 22
Made stew of blackberries. Had good news this morning of enemy's reverses. Went with some others to get remounts. There were none for us so we had our ride for nothing. Did nothing this afternoon but pore over papers recd. by the chaps by yesterday's post. Greer got Punch. This place is called Dhuizy.
September 23
Artillery fire was not so heavy today (Serches). We are still in our new quarters at Dhuizy. I am writing this by the light of a stable lamp while on main guard at 10.30 pm. I did little more than cook today and read home papers. I am becoming a 1st class cook. No. 4 troop had a topping sing-song at a fire almost beside the gate, it kept my guard lively until 9 o'clock.
Sent official postcards home 18-21 – 23 Sept 1914. I suppose some of them will get there.
September 24 Thursday
Dhuizy
Yesterday the infantry were digging trenches outside our farm. I suppose they expect a G[erman] attack. We had another easy day. Did nothing but graze and exercise. Our troop has had four easy days now. 30/6 in(?) howitzers came up today.
September 25
Mr C says that the enemy are retreating. D[itto] yesterday. Were served out iron rations. I see I have spelled most of the places we stayed are wrong. Got a letter from Tom from Listowel. Sent a letter home. Parcel has not arrived yet. I suppose it is too big.
September 26 Saturday
Ciry18
Left farm for Ciry at 4.30 am. Was sent on outpost to same wood as last day. Found it occupied by our infantry. Came back at [illegible]. Am making stew for troop. I was told off to cook for troop. I made such a good dinner that I was relieved of further duty for the afternoon. We amused ourselves watching the G[ermans] shelling our aeroplanes.
September 27
Dhuizy
Got orders to saddle up at 4 am. The enemy were supposed to have attacked. We stood to our horses until 7 am and then got orders to off-saddle. Either the whole thing was a bluff or the attack was beaten off. Time spent resting same as other days. Shells were bursting beside our farm all afternoon. Had an issue of tobacco our second since our arrival.
September 28
Dhuizy
Still resting. While exercising and grazing picked blackberries which are now in the fire stewing. Firing was not nearly so heavy today. It was time for the artillery to have a rest. A chap got a box from home. One egg arrived safely and was fresh [rest of entry illegible].
September 29
Dhuizy
D[itt]o yesterday. Turned out for troop drill. Had a letter from Mrs. Dawson. Wrote home a letter. Sent official postcard(?) to Mrs. D. Someone washed potatoes in horse trough. A guard is now mounted for night. My turn is 8 to 9.
September 30 Wednesday
Got up at 3 am and started for Ciry at 4. I did guard over the pump last evening from 8 to 9. It is to punish the whole squadron because some silly ass washed potatoes in the trough. Mr. C and I have started for Conde to see if the enemy have evacuated or not. I am waiting near above with horses. Mr. C has gone on on foot. [Supplementary note from end page of diary follows.] I am waiting for Mr. C in a sandpit. Just now I put my head over the bank to look for him and saw seven partridges, one of them had the curiosity to come up within 10 yds of me and stare me in the face. Brown markings on back and head. Front of breast grey, lower breast grey with a square patch of red markings on centre. Mr. C has been gone nearly 2 hours. If he does not come back soon I shall have to look for him at nightfall. I see that the farm Savage and I were shelled in on 19th has all the outhouses battered to pieces so we only just got out in time. A fine hay barn full of oats must have been ignited because it is burned to the ground. A few yards up the road is a dead infantry man (British) and about 50 yards down the road is another in a motor car. The man in the motor car has been dead for about 14 days. We heard about him the day the No. 4 men were shot (16th). There are also dead horses. Made a couple of attempts to push forward before dark and found it impossible. At dusk I pushed forward to the bridge leading in Conde. Found it blown up. Searched about for Mr. C without result. Went back to horses. At 9 pm fell back on our own outposts and from there into camp, which had shifted. Found myself reported missing. Mr. C is missing. Squadron has shifted again to a place called Couvrelles.
October 1
Courvelles
Settled in our new quarters. Nothing has been heard of Mr. C. The 4 were told off for [illegible] under Captain King-King. We are told off as the most intelligent. K.K. is in Godido Grande (?). Had an easy day except for the lecture. Possibly lectures on cavalry pioneering.
October 2 Friday
Courvelles [to] Longpont
More rest work and more lecture. Got march orders at 6 pm. Started at 7.30, reached our destination at 4 am. It was a cold march. Have no news of Mr. Coombe. Saw a beautiful meteor. It was so distinct that I thought it was a rocket. I think the whole 5th Div. is retiring for a rest.
October 3
Longpont
Slept until 8 o'clock for first time on record. Have to keep under cover so have time to sleep. Have to march again tonight. Did not get much sleep after all. Saddled up at 6 pm and marched until 2 am. I did stable guard until 6.30 when Coey woke up. I went to sleep about 8 and some French Tommy woke me up to give me coffee.
October 4 Sunday
The French here are Red Cross. They were captured & recaptured. Out of sheer kindness of heart they did not let me sleep. We are in for another night march. We are not retiring I think but making a flank movement. Poor old fighting 5th. Got orders to saddle up at 7 o'c then almost at once were ordered to off-saddle, one troop only proceeding. Morienval with 19th Lancers.
October 5 Monday
Morienval & Mesmm
Got orders to saddle up at 5.30 am marched all day doing about 28 miles landing back within a mile of where we started from. We are attached to headquarters which is sure to be a rotten job, Headquarters being 3rd Army Corps permanent staff. The place we are in now is Mesmm.
October 6 Tuesday
Mesmm
Slept out last night. So much for headquarters. Our troop had a stampede to day while grazing. We lost two horses which 4 of us spent most of the morning looking for. Coey & Wright went out again this afternoon they did not find the horses. Greer got a stripe today. We are not allowed to light fires or pick up chickens.
October 7 Wednesday
Mesmm
Went out exercising this morning. So far have not had a chance to polish buttons or anything. Greer is moved to No. 3 troop. The two horses are lost for ever. There are rumours that we are marching to Belgium. I hope it is true. I had to give up two blankets & slept mighty cold.
October 8 Thursday
Vaumoise
Marched at 7 o'c this morning and went back on the road we marched over the other night through Villers Cottrets19. We then went rather S.W. of our old route. Nothing of interest happened but that we were allowed out for an hour. We four did main guard.
October 9 Friday
Verberie
Marched at 7.30 to a place called Verberie. It is a fairly large town on the Oise. We had a dip in the river. It was mighty cold. I think we are permanently attached to the staff which is a fraud.
October 10 Saturday
Verberie
Went down town to have my horse shod. Bought a few necessarys. Greer went into town on a buying expedition for whole troop. Came back with barrow full of stuff. We entrain to-night I believe for somewhere or other Belgium is mooted.
October 11 Sunday
St Omer
Spent the day in train had a great days rest & sleep. Every where we were received well by the people. Passed through Boulogne, Calais & stopped at St Omer. We could not see England as the day was cloudy.
October 12
St. Omer
Arrived here at 12.30 last night. We are in barracks together with crowds of British troops. One would imagine oneself in England. There are no French at all in the barracks. I think we leave again today.
October 13 Tuesday
Marched this morning at 7.30. We are halted in a rotten (?) yard which reminds me of Corporation St. Belfast. It is a coal yard. The name of this place is Hazebrouck. Left yard and found an elegant place for Wright's section. We had a civilised dinner. I slept in a sort of bed for the first time in France. The G[ermans] are 6 miles from here. We forced them to retreat a bit today.
October 14 Wednesday
Hazebrouck
Rested and washed clothes. Thought we might have to move all day. I hope we don't as our wash is wet. Are having the time of our lives. The lady is very good to us. Got cigs from Mrs. [illegible].
October 15
Have not moved yet. Were out this morning in full marching order but came back again. I hope we stay here for some time. An English officer is [illegible] the lady's horse. She does not want to sell her [illegible] but must. We all feel [illegible].
October 16
Marched at 7 am. Had a bad time saying goodbye. Kissed one girl six times and the lady of the house three. Came to a place called Bailleul. Played football after dinner with a hankie stuffed with hay. As per usual we fooled about and did nothing but guards and looked after the horses.
October 17
Bailleul
Started out this morning to keep refugees from coming into town. I am planted on a road with four men to stop the poor unfortunates from coming in or going out, it is a rotten job. I hope we will soon he relieved. It is now 6.30 pm. Did an all night patrol.
October 18
Bailleul
Had a rotten job today. Had to take about 500 refugees from here to Hazebrouck. We had an awful job. Only eight of us went with a sergeant. Coey & I went as interpreters. C & I had a great feed with our old friends. Got six kisses from the Mlle. Found the troop gone when we got in. Are with awfully decent people here.
October 19 Monday
Left Bailleul with our transport, are halted at a small place, Nieppe. The first squadron N.I.H. to come out is halted with us. They passed us yesterday. We saw more service than they did. We move again at 2 o'c. I think to Armentieres. Saddled up at 2 o'c and then got orders to off-saddle. We slept in Pont de Nieppe. I was on stable guard until 11 o'c. It rained the whole time. S[ergeant] Major came and told me to wake up the troop at 3.30 am. I got little sleep.
October 20
Saddled up at 4 am and marched without breakfast to Armentieres. Were shown lovely quarters to sleep in. A large dormitory in a school, 100 beds. Just got our stuff in when ordered to saddle up.
October 21
Bailleul
Did nothing until 4 o'c when ordered for outpost duty. I was sent in charge of three men on the same road as last day (17th) but 1 mile further out. Found a beautiful place to stay. Had bags of coffee and stuff. The old lady made us up a bed on kitchen floor.
October 22 Thursday
Are having a great time here. Some French soldiers are billeted here today. The old Mde. has killed two fatted hares for dinner. One troop of Bengal Lancers passed. First Indian troops we have seen. Got my parcel from home.
October 23
Did nothing yesterday but graze, exercise, groom etc. Ate heavily of stuff received from home.
October 24
Bailleul
Are doing guard over aerodrome. It is fine to see the aeroplanes going up and landing. We are not allowed to examine them. Had some excitement shooting at a G[erman] aeroplane but so far as I could see did no harm.
October 25
Had another quiet day looking after horses. Got paid £20 each. Had our meals in a little shop opposite our stabling. Heard that the Indian troops got badly cut up in the trenches.
October 26 Monday
Bailleul
Ditto yesterday. Had a letter from Mrs Pedlow20. Am on guard again. Over general this time. It is rotten, a whole day and night doing sentry every 4th hour for 2. That is 2 hrs on & 4 off. Saw some French coloured troops.
October 27
Mounted guard all day. Every 4th hour for 2 hrs. Spent the rest of time at usual duties and writing letters home. Mrs Pedlow and Eveleen21.
October 28
Had an easy day. Went out exercising in morning. Slept most of afternoon thereby missing rifle drill which I heard nothing about. Got parcel in bed from Muriel Hackett(?).
October 29
Greer, Coey, McNeill and Caughey went to aerodrome. I had five horses to look after. Started out with rifle and equipment at 8.30, got back at 4 o'c. Took no haversacks. Took remounts to artillery. lt was a nice change to hear shells again after long time. Heard rifle fire also.
October 30
I was warned for main guard over headquarters this am at 8.30 and have been hard at it all day. We will be relieved at 8 o'c tomorrow. Could hear very heavy artillery fire all day, said to be our naval guns.
October 31 Saturday
Came off guard and went out exercising etc. German airship was brought down. Our infantry retired from first line of trenches, G[ermans] occupied, as soon as they were in our guns shelled them out from flank. That trick has been done three times lately. Got Tommy's registered parcel.
November 1
Was told off to do orderly to General French today. It was a rotten job. Nothing but running messages from one office to another. He is a little strong man. I spent the afternoon in telegraph office. War is wonderfully up to date here. The telegraph office would remind one of a railway junction office.
November 2
Bailleul
Was told off for stable guard last night. Life has now become one long guard. Some men came up from the Squad yesterday so we may get some relief now. One of the relief men is prisoner and Greer had charge of him as corporal of guard. General French was in again and managed to shuffle the orderly job. Did a pub trot tonight with 3rd. The usual routine today, stables & exercising.
November 3
Bailleul
Went on the usual game exercises etc. Went down with another chap to sleep at the station. Saw Willie Friar there22. Were served out with socks today. I found a packet of Wild Woodbine in mine.
November 4 Wednesday
Ditto yesterday. Saw Friar this afternoon. The town is full of London Scottish. They got badly cut up in their first action, losing 300 men and 13 officers.
November 5
Went on guard at 8 am. A G[erman] aeroplane crossed over this afternoon. They fired at her from all over the place. 4 G[ermans] were brought in while I was on sentry. I got letters from Tom(?) and Mrs. Pedlow, Joy23 and Cecil24. General French has been in for 3 or 4 days now.
November 6
Poor McNeill got a stripe yesterday and was moved over to No. 3 troop which is one of the rottenest troops of the lot. We are all sorry to lose him. Had a hot bath. Usual work.
November 7 Saturday
Got back from exercise this am and had to start straight out on outpost. Work never ceases on this job. We had to keep a road clear for Cavalry(?) Brigade.
November 8
Church parade this am. I stayed in as stable guard. Exercised this afternoon. West is leaving us for the 5 D[ragoon] G[uards]25.
November 9
Exercised in the morning. Were served out with hankies and a muffler. Got a parcel from home and a letter. Also a lot of papers from Uncle Jim26.
November 10
Was on guard at the aerodrome today. Nothing unusual happened except that the machines did not go up. It was very cold. 11th H[ussars] and 5th D[ragoon]s & Abs(?) passed tonight.
November 11 Wednesday
After exercising our horses were moved out of their stables and picketed out in a field. It rained and sleeted on them all night. The doctor said the place was not sanitary. 20 mins after ours left more were put in.
November 12
Spent most of the day marching from our billet to the field. I am doing stable guard here all day. It is horribly cold. The G[ermans] are still going strong. We saw a town in flames when exercising. Armentieres I think.
November 13
Rained all day and was as horrid as could be. Greer's horse fell with him in a ditch. G[reer] fell back into the mud and made a horrid mess of himself. I got a parcel from home sent 7 Nov.
November 14
Am on aeroplane guard and mighty cold it is. Am enjoying toffee from home. Had unique experience of lifting a sick woman into bed who had not been to bed since the war began.
November 15 Sunday
Bailleul
There was a church parade this morning. We got wet through exercising. The field is a perfect quagmire.
November 16
Rained again today and we got another soaking. We were almost into the firing line today while exercising.
November 17
Yesterday was again spent in the mud. Got a parcel of cigs from Dolly Gorman(?). Greer is to get a commission I believe. There was very heavy gunfire.
November 18
Am on main guard today. A horse got lost last night. Saw a pretty sight. G[ermans] shelling an aeroplane in a clear sky. Half an hour afterward sky over clouded.
November 19
Horses brought back to stabling. Greer and Coey on outpost. Snowed best part of the day. Lost horse was taken by one of No. 3 troop on outpost.
November 20 Friday
Froze hard last night. Went out exercising over the field and did some good jumping. The roads were too slippy to ride over. Are having a good time now that we are in stables.
November 21
Froze again last night. Did exercise round and round a field. West got a nasty fall. Had a few small jumps. Aeroplane dropped a bomb.
November 22
Was at church parade today in the morning. Exercise etc. afterwards. Nothing exciting happened.
November 23
Usual routine. Exercising was slippery work today. Lord Masserene went home for 10 days. Was warned for stable guard tonight.
November 24
Ditto yesterday. Came off stable guard at 6 pm. Got £5 from home. Had a good feed this evening.
November 25
Ditto every day. Noncoms are to be allowed 10 days leave. Sergeant Major Moore and Sgt. Irwin got their passes.
November 26
S.M. Moore and S. Irwin started for home. Irwin took a small parcel for me.
November 27 Friday
Greer, Caughey & Coey went map reading with King King. We all had a hot bath.
November 28
Went on guard at 8 am. It rained between 8 & 10 pm very heavily
November 29
Came off guard at 8 am. Did usual routine.
November 30
Rifle inspection this morning. Exercised and cleaned saddle. Greer & Caughey on guard.
December 1 Tuesday
Cleaning, grooming etc. Caughey & Greer came off guard.
December 2
Were out this morming at 11.30, got back at 5.30 pm. Patrolling road to keep it clear for King [George V] saw him twice, am on stable guard.
December 3
Came off guard with Coey. Exercised as usual. Big battle in bed tonight, everybody fights everyone.
December 4
Had good fun today jumping our horses over a course mapped out by Mr. West for a point to point race. Caughey on stable guard.
December 5 Saturday
Rained all day. Cleaned saddles. Jack Wright left for home.
December 6
Exercised in morning. Played footer in pm. Greer & McNeill got their commissions. Got letters from Ellie Sproule and home, cigs from E.S. Irwin got back.
December 7
Exercised in am. Rained all day. Played Scotties at football. Draw 3 all. I hurt my leg. Stable guard.
December 8
Exercised for short time. Horse inspection 11 till 1 pm.
December 9
Exercise in am. Rifle and ammunition inspection in pm. Rained. Letter from Eveleen. Cigs from Mrs Dexter.
December 10 Thursday
Wright's mare slipped a foal. Exercise in am. Rained after dinner. Got wet shifting manure heap from yard. Letter from Mrs. D.
December 11
Ditto yesterday and all other days. Tried to play footer on game leg. Stable guard. Raining tonight. Had 'sosingers' for tea with chips.
December 12
Came off guard. McNei!l turned up last night at 12.30 from London. He is in uniform. Coey got one stripe. Ditto other days as regards work. Greer came in pm in his old togs.
December 13 Sunday
Got my stripe. Church parade. Did mostly nothing all day. Went up to town and saw a band that could knock spots off any German band I ever saw.
December 14
Coey did corporal of guard for first time. Exercised as usual. K.K. gave us a great drilling this afternoon in musketry. My arms are sore. Greer called.
December 15
Took my horse to forge. Horse inspection in pm. Greer was in for a few minutes. Got parcel from May(?).
December 16
Am doing corporal of guard. Greer left Bailleul this am. Am feeling unwell. Got paid.
December 17 Thursday
N.I.H. played A.S.C.27 and beat them 7-2. Am feeling worse.
December 18
Did not get up till dinner time.
December 19
Spent day in bed. Got letter from home and papers.
December 20
Got up for a while.
December 21 Monday
Getting better.
December 22
Doing nothing.
December 23
Was out exercising. Felt bad after
December 24
On guard.
December 25 (Christmas Day)
Had good dinner tonight. Concert to which I did not go. Church parade. Football match, N.I.H. won.
December 26 Saturday
Marching order parade in am. Rifle inspection pm. Coey got 2nd stripe.
December 27
Coey in bed with cold. Wet day. Church parade. Usual routine.
December 28
Coey & Wright sick. Had a parade for noncoms.
December 29
Coey & Wright still ill with bad colds. Noncoms parade.
December 30
On guard. Coey & Wright are up but still sick.
December 31
[Blank]
January 1 1915 Friday
Changed from 3rd to 2nd Army Corps. Wright stayed with squadron. .
January 2
Rained. Exercise in evening. Got our billet squared up a bit.
January 3 Sunday
Church parade. Got orders to parade for a journey to Rouen at 3.30. Train started at 7.15 from Bailleul. Have one man with me. We go for remounts.
January 4
Bailleul
Had a good day looking round, came back to find our train and found it gone with all our stuff. I lost my haversack and poncho & Coey's sleeping bag and my bandolier.
January 5
Rouen
Left for Rouen at 3 am arriving at 4.30. Made camp by 5.30. Went looking for our kit and found it not.
January 6
Spent most of day looking round Rouen, saw cathedral inside & out. Got into row for leaving camp without pass.
January 7
Reported to O[fficer] C[ommanding] of remounts at 7 am. Got away with horses by 10 am. Left Rouen at 7.30 pm.
January 8 Friday
Arrived in Boulogne this am. Have to remain in train I suppose till tonight.
January 9
Got back to Bailleul this am at 10. Have to take charge of remounts until handed over.
January 10
Nearly all the troop are on duty. Handed over one horse today & three yesterday.
January 11
Still with remounts. Saw a great fire today, a motor lorry with 200 gallons of petrol went on fire in one of main streets.
January 12-15
[Blank]
January 16
Left for home.
January 17
Arrived home.
January 18-20
Home.
January 21
Left home 3/4 pm for Dublin. Owen28 & Darlings met train. Caught Mail.
January 22
Arrived in London 6.40. Boulogne 11.50. Bailleul 7.30.
January 23
Changed eating houses. Played R.I.R.29 were beaten 2-1. Got tunic and slacks.
January 24 Sunday
Did practically nothing. Went to voluntary service in evening.
January 25
Paid 5 frs. to cook. Six new men came up today to our troop and a lot of men to the squadron.
January 26
Marching order parade in morning. Went buying game cocks for West today. Bought four after seeing them spar.
January 27
[Blank]
January 28 Thursday
Went buying hens with Coey for West's cocks. Played No. 1 and were beaten 2-0.
January 29
Again after fowl bought four. A G[erman] aeroplane dropped a bomb. One kid killed.
January 30
Our troop mounted a guard over headquarters for 12 hours. Went to a concert in evening, it was jolly good.
January 31 Sunday
Dined out.
February 1
Paid 5 francs to old lady for cooking. Played No. 3 troop and beat them 6 goals to 5.
February 2
Rained. Cleaned saddlery and rifles. Got paid 50 frs.
February 3
Shifted our quarters today. Paid 10 frs. for cookery. No. 1 beat No. 3, 3 goals to 1. G[erman] dropped two bombs near aerodrome.
February 4
Marching orders this morning. Did mounted drill.
February 5
A G[erman] aeroplane passed this morning and got well shelled. There was an aircraft gun just outside. No damage was done.
February 6
Nothing happened yesterday. W.W.30 in bad temper after visit to St. Omer yesterday.
February 7 Sunday
Horse inspection. Waited one and a half hrs. for vet. Went to play football in pm. Found match in progress. A few of us played behind the goal.
February 8
Did patrol duty for Belgian King. Saw him twice. Had a good deal of trouble keeping road clear. Bath this evening.
February 9
Exercised in morning. Rained in afternoon. No. 1 reneged a football match.
February 10
Went out for football practice this morning. No. 1 again disappointed us. Got small parcel of cigarettes from Myrt31 and first letters from home since return.
February 11
Exercise as usual. Good concert in evening. Kicked the ball about in afternoon.
February 12
Did not go out this am on account of football in afternoon with XV. It snowed and rained all morning. Match put off.
February 13
Rained in am. Did not go out until pm when we went out in sections by different roads for ball practice to same place.
February 14 Sunday
Blowing and raining all morning. Rum shindy. [John] Ellison [or Joseph Ellison] got punched by Ruscoe. Snowed all afternoon.
February 15
Went out for ball practice. My section were second best. Hanna fined for Ruscoe. Snow and rain.
February 16
Exercise in am. Lovely day. Drill and rifle exercise in pm followed by football and bridge in evening.
February 17
Rained all morning while we were out for ball practice. Hicks section and mine were even in spite of Hanna not shooting.
February 18
Ball practice this morning. My section by far the best. We scored 15 hits. Hicks got 8. Booted the ball in afternoon.
February 19
Coey and Caughey got inoculated and are off duty. Went out for mounted drill and did some good jumping. Rifle drill in afternoon.
February 20
Exercise as usual. Mr. West left for home. Played football in pm. I burst 3 tubes.
February 21 Sunday
Groomed and did nothing in am. In pm we played a match against A.S.C. and beat them 4-3. Bridge in evening. Got parcel.
February 22
Had to report on station (Godewaersvelde). Wrote letters in pm.
February 23
Had a scheme. Thirteen men guarded town against eight men who got a despatch in. Had a lecture from King King in afternoon.
February 24
My horse lame, took him to forge and had shoe removed. Wrote Nigel32. Snowed nearly all day.
1. His elder brother and his brother's wife.
2. His brother and sisters.
3. St Quentin.
4. La Fère.
5. Brétigny.
6. Crépy-en-Valois.
7. Crécy-la-Chapelle/ La Haute-Maison.
8. Château du Plessis-Sainte-Avoye, Dammartin sur Tigeaux.
9. Coulommiers.
10. Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin.
11. North Irish Horse.
12. Saâcy-sur-Marne.
13. Chézy-sur-Marne.
14. Saint-Rémy-Blanzy.
15. Privates William Moore and Henry Scott, killed in action.
16. Postcard.
17. His step-mother.
18. Ciry-Salsogne.
19. Villers-Cotterêts.
20. Mother of his future wife.
21. A cousin.
22. Dr William Frier, Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps, of Waringstown.
23. His future wife.
24. His future sister-in-law.
25. He remained with the NIH until mid-June 1915, when attached to the 1/1 North Somerset Yeomanry.
26. His father's brother.
27. Army Service Corps.
28. A younger brother.
29. Royal Irish Rifles.
30. 'Wiley' West – Lieutenant R. A. West's nickname.
31. His sister Myrtle.
32. His brother in Argentina.
1. His elder brother and his brother's wife.
2. His brother and sisters.
3. St Quentin.
4. La Fère.
5. Brétigny.
6. Crépy-en-Valois.
7. Crécy-la-Chapelle/ La Haute-Maison.
8. Château du Plessis-Sainte-Avoye, Dammartin sur Tigeaux.
9. Coulommiers.
10. Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin.
11. North Irish Horse.
12. Saâcy-sur-Marne.
13. Chézy-sur-Marne.
14. Saint-Rémy-Blanzy.
15. Privates William Moore and Henry Scott, killed in action.
16. Postcard.
17. His step-mother.
18. Ciry-Salsogne.
19. Villers-Cotterêts.
20. Mother of his future wife.
21. A cousin.
22. Dr William Frier, Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps, of Waringstown.
23. His future wife.
24. His future sister-in-law.
25. He remained with the NIH until mid-June 1915, when attached to the 1/1 North Somerset Yeomanry.
26. His father's brother.
27. Army Service Corps.
28. A younger brother.
29. Royal Irish Rifles.
30. 'Wiley' West – Lieutenant R. A. West's nickname.
31. His sister Myrtle.
32. His brother in Argentina.