The Project Gutenberg EBook of Diary Kept by Rifleman B.C. Stubbs of the Second Draft Sent to the Queen Victoria Rifles in France, by Bernard Castle Stubbs This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. Title: Diary Kept by Rifleman B.C. Stubbs of the Second Draft Sent to the Queen Victoria Rifles in France Author: Bernard Castle Stubbs Release Date: June 23, 2018 [EBook #57381] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIARY *** Produced by Brian Coe, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE:
The cover image for this eBook was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
BERNARD CASTLE STUBBS
Proem
CHICAGO
PRIVATELY PRINTED
1915
Copyright, 1916, by
RALPH McCOY
MR. B. C. STUBBS
ONCE again the shadow has fallen darkly on all associated with the Union-Castle Line, both in the City of London and at sea. Another young member of the Company’s staff at the Fenchurch Street offices, Mr. Bernard Castle Stubbs, who joined the Queen Victoria’s Rifles (9th Battalion London Regiment) in September last, has laid down his life for his country. Shortly after enlistment, he volunteered for the first draft which went out to make good the casualties in his regiment, and on arriving in France last February was sent direct to the firing line. He was in the famous fight on Hill 60 during the night of April 20-21, under the command of Lieutenant G. H. Woolley, who gained the first Victoria Cross conferred on a Territorial officer for his gallant efforts in that bitterly contested struggle. On June 22 Private Stubbs sustained a shell wound in the head, and he died on the following day at the Receiving Hospital at Bailleul, without having regained consciousness. The lad was educated for eight years at Slough, where he was distinguished both in his classes and in the school sports, and was head boy of the school during his last few terms, as well as captain of the cricket and football teams, the holder of a cup for the school championship at “fives,” and the winner of the swimming medal of the school. He later captained the Old Boys’ football team. On leaving school in 1907 he entered the offices of the Union-Castle line, and his death at the early age of 24 has closed what was a very promising career.
—South Africa
Wednesday, February 10, 1915
OWING to wire calling me back from leave, left Watford by 7:51 train, catching the 9:10 from Victoria to Crowboro’. Left Crowboro’ by 6:03 for Southampton after a fine send-off from rest of Battalion. Arrived Southampton at 11 P. M. and spent a good night on floor of board school in the town.
Thursday, February 11, 1915
Morning spent in having hair cut short and a nice hot bath—just to make sure that anyway I leave England clean. Afternoon we marched to Army Stores and drew new rifles and bayonets. In the evening sported 3d at a local cinema. Another good night on school floor.
Friday, February 12, 1915
Stood by till 12 noon all ready to embark, and then told owing to submarines in Channel we could not get away. Hung about Southampton all afternoon and did a music hall in evening. Shall be glad to get a move on, although Southampton people are very kind.
Saturday, February 13, 1915
Fred Karno’s army again! Stood by all morning, then told no chance of going to-day and dismissed till roll call at 9:30. Had a game of billiards after drawing ten bob from local Donald Currie Office, and just going to have tea when told to return to schools at once as we were just off. Hurried back and stood by for an hour, and then dismissed again. Did another picture show in evening, but spent a rotten night owing to toothache and squash through more troops coming in.
Sunday, February 14, 1915
Off at last! Told definitely we embark at 12 noon and actually did so, but did not leave quay until 6. The whole way down Southampton water we were covered with searchlights, and then picked up an escort of destroyers who saw us safely across. But what a voyage! About 8:30 I found myself wedged with others into stable with horses a few yards away. Ship, a cargo boat and rolled like hell! Any amount of men ill but thank goodness I kept fit. Eventually dozed off about 11:30.
Monday, February, 15, 1915
Made my way out of stable to find ship lying off Havre at about 6:30 A. M. Eventually docked at 12 noon and then transferred to another and smaller ship[Pg 11] for our journey up the Seine. Very surprised at the size of docks at Havre. The town looked very pretty from the ship and should have liked a short time ashore, but nothing doing! Turned in at 8 o’clock, but horses made such a row could not sleep. Walked round ship whilst we left harbour and anchored in mouth of river, ready for our trip to Rouen in morning. Finally fell asleep on a form in men’s quarters and slept fairly well.
Tuesday, February 16, 1915
Up at 6:30 and luckily got a cup of coffee from ship’s cook. Have lived on bully beef and biscuits since leaving Southampton, so coffee was properly appreciated. Started our voyage up the Seine at 9 o’clock. When we left Southampton, we had over 1000 troops on board; all left at Havre except our 100 and 50 Artists Rifles, so we are a merry little crowd. The trip up the river was simply great. Glorious day and the scenery ripping the whole way. Arrived at Rouen about 5:30 but stayed on board the night. Slept on the mess-room table and had a good night.
Wednesday, February 17, 1915
Left the boat at 8 o’clock and had a 5-mile march to reach camp. Poured the whole way, so our first footing on French soil was hardly encouraging. Arrived at camp and put eleven in each hut (or tent), and then, thank God, breakfast turned up. Tea,[Pg 12] bread and jam—and didn’t it go down well! Another medical inspection and kit finally examined; rest of day to ourselves. Did a cinema in evening and had a good night in tent.
Thursday, February 18, 1915
Up at 7 o’clock, and, after an inspection by some General “cove” or other, had day to ourselves. Did cinema again in evening. Hear we are off to trenches to-morrow. Now it’s so near, I’m very keen on getting there and hope it comes off.
Friday, February 19, 1915
No luck! Stood by all day and no orders came out. Should like some work to do, as hanging about in tent tends to make me liverish, humpy and irritable.
Saturday, February 20, 1915
Work in earnest. On road making and mud shifting from 7:15 to 4 o’clock. Got a grand wash in the evening and felt happy and fit once more.
Sunday, February 21, 1915
Rifle inspection only. Rest of day to ourselves. No further orders and once again we show our capabilities at standing by. Awful job to get water to wash with, and the feeling of filthiness is positively appalling.
Monday, February 22, 1915
Nothing all day beyond rifle inspection in morning. Told off for not shaving. Inter alia, the trials of a voluntary soldier, consist of making fires without wood and shaving without water.
Tuesday, February 23, 1915
Off to the trenches at last. Paraded at 2 o’clock and marched to Rouen Station. Tremendous train with all sorts and conditions of troops. Rotten carriages, a bit worse than the third class on G. E. suburban trains. Left Rouen 5:50 P. M. and arrived Bailleul 11:30 A. M. February 24, 1915. Detrained to the sound of artillery.
Wednesday, February 24, 1915
Joined up with the First Battalion and met many old chums from Crowboro’, just back from trenches on a few days’ rest. Attached to “B” Coy, and billeted in a barn over a cow shed and pig sty. Had a grand night’s rest; woken up once or twice by the guns which seemed horribly close. Now in Belgium and disgusted at the state of the peasants and hovels in which they live. No idea of cleanliness and seem to revel in dirt. Was present at a search for live stock by party back from trench; several captures witnessed, and have now some idea of what is to come.
Thursday, February 25, 1915
Rifle inspection followed by a hot bath in a brewery tub and a change of linen. What luck! and what a lovely clean feeling. In the evening letters from home turned up; four from Jim, one from Mother, and p.c. from Tick. All are well and I’m much relieved at hearing after three weeks.
Friday, February 26, 1915
Nothing on to-day so spent afternoon and evening in Bailleul. Guns rather noisy to-day but otherwise things fairly quiet.
Saturday, February 27, 1915
Ordered to parade to march to trenches at 4:30. Understand we are going in for eight days, four each in firing and support trenches. Arrived in firing trench at 9:30. Cold, wet night, and continually sniped at during last mile. Relieved Cheshires in trenches opposite Messines Ridge, and just to encourage us, Williams and I, who were together in a lookout, were told by a sergeant we were in one of the most dangerous parts of the line, as they had had eight casualties there during the day. Surprised at the calm way in which we both took this; and we spent the night on watch, hour in and hour out, without being worried beyond a few sniper shots.
Sunday, February 28, 1915
A very interesting day. In the morning had a glorious view of an English airman shelled by anti-aircraft gun. In the afternoon had my first taste of shell fire, but the Germans are not good at it and did very little damage.
Monday, March 1, 1915
Sunday night was a perfect beast. Cold and wet and snipers very busy. As for to-day, my first real feeling of funk. A shell burst on parapet just in front of me and gave me a bad shaking. Upset me for about a quarter of an hour, but kept it to myself and pulled myself together again. In the evening, while fetching water, a man shot down three yards from us. Also rather upsetting but kept my head this time. Reached support trenches about 10 o’clock, and had a ripping sleep safe from snipers and fairly so from shells.
Tuesday, March 2, 1915
Nice calm day to-day in redoubt behind firing line. Nothing to do all day but sleep and did that very well indeed. Worked all night in cutting down hedge so as not to affect fire in case of attack—rotten job, and sniped at all the time.
Wednesday, March 3, 1915
Another calm day. In the afternoon watched German shells smashing into a village about one half[Pg 16] mile from redoubt. Very interesting and a sight never to be forgotten. Thank Heaven, the people had gone. Returned to firing line at night.
Thursday, March 4, 1915
On Sunday the 28th I wrote the Germans are not much good with their shells. I now beg their pardon. The beasts shelled us with heavy guns from 7 in the morning until dusk, and I sincerely hope I never have a similar experience. It’s a horrible nerve racking job and I felt it pretty badly, but everyone was the same, so there is no need to blame myself. No sleep all day and all night; I did lookout hour in and hour out.
Friday, March 5, 1915
A fairly calm day after yesterday, but in early morning surprise fusillade from Germans. Machine guns and heavy rifle fire. Gave them plenty back and they soon stopped. Returned to redoubt at night absolutely done to the world.
Saturday, March 6, 1915
My twenty-fourth birthday. Woke at 2 P. M. and felt much better for long sleep. Wrote Jim and Mother, and spent afternoon chatting and generally lazing. On guard from 7 to 9 in evening and 1 to 3 early Sunday morning.
Sunday, March 7, 1915
A quiet day in dugout. Found it hard to sleep owing to heavy artillery fire. Should really return to billets to-night but ordered to remain as supports. At 7 P. M. I and fifteen others ordered to proceed to firing lines. There for three hours during which time I was on listening patrol—a particularly nervy and rotten job. Arrived back in dugouts about midnight.
Monday, March 8, 1915
Very quiet day in dugout and had a good sleep. Worked all night on fatigue, and returned to supporting line at dawn.
Tuesday, March 9, 1915
Stood by all day, and at night received joyful news to return to billets. Reached them at midnight, and relief at being out of all danger for the present cannot be overestimated.
Wednesday, March 10, 1915
Slept on well into the day. In evening walked into village of Dresouke and had a good wash, shave, and meal. Ye Gods!
Thursday, March 11, 1915
Busy all day on various fatigues. We come from trenches for what is called a “rest.” I should like to know what the Army Authorities call “work.”
Friday, March 12, 1915
Marched into Bailleul and took up fresh billets in another barn. Very glad to see some really respectable people, and the barn for a change happened to be nice and clean.
Saturday, March 13, 1915
Morning spent in physical and bayonet drill, and in the afternoon had a bath and change of linen. Very nice indeed, and after a good meal spent evening in recreation-room.
Sunday, March 14, 1915
Ye Gods! what a day; turned out at 5 A. M. and left billets in full marching order for unknown destination at 9. Marched all morning over an awful cobbled road and bivouacked in wheatfield all afternoon. In evening marched to trenches about four miles to the north of Armentieres. Got right to firing line to find we were not expected and not wanted. Here we are twelve or thirteen miles from billets and done to the wide. Spent two hours lying on the road whilst an empty farm was found which we reached about midnight. Went straight off to sleep, and never remember feeling as whacked before.
Monday, March 15, 1915
Spent day in farm waiting for further orders, and at 8 P. M. once more marched to trenches. Placed in[Pg 19] supports in what once was a village—now not a whole house standing. I and six others put into a small coal cellar of a house of which one wall is now standing. Spent night on guard. Plenty of snipers about and grenades fairly frequent, but no shells.
Tuesday, March 16, 1915
Quiet day in cellar. Only two shells over, but no harm done. Evening on guard again similar to last night.
Wednesday, March 17, 1915
Another day in cellar. Slept most of the time and only a few shells over. In evening relieved by Dublin Fusiliers, and started on our return march to Bailleul about 9 o’clock. Reached our billets at 1:30 A. M. Thursday morning, very, very fagged. That beastly cobbled road is too awful, and everyone felt whacked, although the total distance marched could not have been more than twelve miles.
Thursday, March 18, 1915
Up about 10 o’clock and spent morning cleaning up once more. In evening had a good meal in town and retired early, fairly happy once more.
Friday, March 19, 1915
Rifle and equipment inspection in morning; afternoon and evening to ourselves. Toothache very bad all day and glad to stay in billets.
Saturday, March 20, 1915
Route march in morning and spent afternoon sharpening Company’s bayonets. In the evening visited cinema open for first time in Bailleul to-night. Very good show and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sunday, March 21, 1915
On guard all day outside billets. Very uninteresting and monotonous except for mild excitement caused by a German Taube appearing over town. Too high up for effectual rifle fire and it soon cleared off.
Monday, March 22, 1915
A most interesting march to that poor ill-fated town of Ypres, twelve miles—the whole way lying a little behind the firing line. Flying machines galore—two heavily but ineffectually shelled by the Germans. Ypres in shocking condition. Quartered in Belgian barracks, roof of which has been smashed in in many places. Don’t feel particularly safe as town is still shelled daily, but here’s hoping our luck will stand.
Tuesday, March 23, 1915
Had a stroll round Ypres and returned horribly depressed. Most beautiful buildings absolutely ruined, and town is one mass of ruins. A few people still living there, mainly proprietors of cafés, etc., otherwise streets deserted. Two shells fell into town to-day but happily missed the barracks.
Wednesday, March 24, 1915
Told to be ready for forty-eight hours in trenches to-night. Spent day making necessary preparations, and at 8 o’clock started for what perhaps is most important point of British lines. Our Company attached to Kings Own Scottish Borderers—a fine regiment and awfully decent chaps. Reached supports about 10. Terrific rifle fire but we got through with only nine casualties.
Thursday, March 25, 1915
Hard at work before dawn improving dugouts, and, as snipers left off at daybreak and we were in dead ground, were allowed to stroll about during day. Heavily shelled for about an hour from 10 to 11, during which time we laid low. At work during night improving roads, turning in at 4:30 A. M.
Friday, March 26, 1915
Went to sleep in dugout about 7:30 after a good drink of hot bovril. Slept well till noon when woke up to heavy shell fire. Laid low till dusk when shelling ceased, and we left for our return to billets at 8:15 P. M. Arrived at camp at 10:30 P. M. and once more thankful at coming through all right.
Saturday, March 27, 1915
Up late, and having no parades took things easily. Afternoon had a game of footer and thoroughly enjoyed the exercise.
Sunday, March 28, 1915
Police duty from 7 to 8, 10 to 12, and 4 to 5. Very quiet and no arrests made.
Monday, March 29, 1915
Paraded in morning for drill and bayonet exercise. In the afternoon walked to Popperinghe and had a very good time. Fine place untouched by shells, and found a shop where they sold English tea—what a luxury!
Tuesday, March 30, 1915
Joy of joys! Ordered to parade for a bath. First one since the March 13th, and it was very welcome. Am now decidedly “Itchy Koo” and am so ashamed of it, but am afraid it cannot be avoided.
Wednesday, March 31, 1915
Marched from camp back into the barracks at Ypres, and understand we are now once more standing by and will go into trenches on Friday evening.
Thursday, April 1, 1915
Bayonet drill, etc., in morning. Town shelled during day. One in barracks but not much damage.
Friday, April 2, 1915
Not going to trenches to-night owing to dangerous roads when carrying on relief. Instead we are to do[Pg 23] five days straight off from Monday next. Quiet day, nothing doing beyond fatigue work, attended Morning Service for first time since leaving England.
Saturday, April 3, 1915
Town again shelled during day. More civilians killed but barracks again escape. Drill and fatigues only. In afternoon attended service conducted by Bishop of London. Short but very nice service.
Sunday, April 4, 1915
Church in morning. Quiet all day till 9, when I went up to trenches on digging fatigue. Got to bed about 2:30 and jolly glad to lie in on Monday morning.
Monday, April 5, 1915
Up late, and spent day getting ready for our trip to trenches. Left barracks at 6:45 and carried out relief at 9 P. M. Very busy night. Continual deliberate fire and, oh, how it rained! No cover whatever and we’ve got this for five days. Ye Gods!
Tuesday, April 6, 1915
Rained on and off whole day. Impossible to sleep owing to rain and shells. Feel very despondent and miserable, but long time to go yet so must stick it. Another busy night and more rain. Am now properly soaked, so it does not matter if it pours all the time.
Wednesday, April 7, 1915
Weather slightly better, but still plenty of rain on and off. Artillery active, otherwise day fairly quiet. Periscope very useful indeed. Night very busy indeed, continued rifle and artillery fire. Several narrow escapes whilst searching German lines. Twice covered with sand from shots in bags to my right and left.
Thursday, April 8, 1915
Thank goodness! decided improvement in weather. One or two hail showers but not much rain. Wind very cold, and, by jove! it’s hard to sleep. Quiet day but another busy night. Spoiled so far as I am concerned by violent toothache; must see a dentist after this spell, without fail.
Friday, April 9, 1915
No sleep all day owing to toothache. Hard luck as day comparatively quiet—very little shell fire from either side. Night again very busy but glad of the work as helps me to forget the pain.
Saturday, April 10, 1915
Relief coming to-night and arn’t I glad. Slept a couple of hours in morning and again in afternoon. Artillery busy once more. Bedfords turned up, 11:30, so we got away about 12; reached camp 1:30. Had a cup of tea and asleep at once. Another[Pg 25] spell got through and so far not touched. Thank Heaven for my luck!
Sunday, April 11, 1915
Woke at 2 P. M. Had a wash and shave and feel fine once more. Spent evening writing letters and going to make most of rest.
Monday, April 12, 1915
Paraded sick and doctor gives me pills for toothache. What a fool! Shall keep at him till he sends me to a dentist. Visited by a Zeppelin during night. Dropped six bombs, nearest two hundred yards from camp. Enormous holes but no damage. Our luck in again!
Tuesday, April 13, 1915
Received more pills from doctor. Nearly called him a fool. Had a lazy afternoon, and no sign of Zeppelins.
Wednesday, April 14, 1915
More pills in morning. Afternoon footer match between Ninth and Twelfth battalions. We lost 2-0. Played very well together; jolly good side—the Twelfth—and it was a good game.
Thursday, April 15, 1915
More pills. Have now sufficient for a shop, but shall stick at him till I get it out.
Friday, April 16, 1915
Hurrah! Told to go to hospital at Popperinghe and see the dentist. Jolly nice chap and tooth soon out. Pretty painful job, but expected that, and am so glad to get it out. Spent afternoon in town, and back at camp at 7:30. Quite a successful day.
Saturday, April 17, 1915
Drill in morning and afternoon, standing by ready to leave camp at one hour’s notice, owing to attack to be made on trenches and hill outside Ypres. Tremendous bombardment commenced by our artillery at 7 P. M. Kept up all night, and must have given the Huns hell!
Sunday, April 18, 1915
Turned out at 7 and told we leave for reserve line at 8 to support our Brigade, in view of expected counter-attack—our attack on their trenches having been successful.
Monday, April 19, 1915
Germans started our game of artillery bombardment, and gave it us hot all day. Understand they counter-attacked twice but were repulsed. Not moved out of reserve line.
Tuesday, April 20, 1915
Our chaps getting it hot all day, and at 6 P. M. we were moved up to firing line under perfect torrent of[Pg 27] shells, shrapnel, and machine guns—most awful hour ever experienced and nerves absolutely gone. Two of our companies have had very hot time, losing many men. Luckily we did not have quite so many casualties. At dawn moved back into supports, our position being taken over by regulars. I pray I may never have a similar experience. Too ghastly even to write about.
Wednesday, April 21, 1915
Laid in supports all day. Situation apparently died down a bit, but we are staying here through night.
Thursday, April 22, 1915
Relieved and returned to billets. Had not been there ten minutes before to our horror we saw French retreating on our left in a panic. Battalion rallied and dug trench prepared to do our best. At 12 midnight informed that Canadians had saved situation, but French trenches still in hands of enemy. Our Brigade told off to retake them.
Friday, April, 23, 1915
Moved to new position north of Ypres, and trenches retaken by Kings Own Scottish Borderers and West Kents, we acting as supports. Stayed all night making fatigue journeys to firing line, and oh! how I should like some sleep.
Saturday, April 24, 1915
Hurried off to another part of line where Germans had also broken through. Journey made under terrific shell fire and half Battalion is now gone. Position taken up in reserve trenches to be held at all costs. Very exciting but keeping calm and cool. Never prayed so fervently before, but am quite prepared to face whatever is to come and, please God, we shall stop them. Shell fire is awful.
Sunday, April 25, 1915
Reinforcements up at dawn and attack in open order started. At first successful, and then to our horror saw our chaps retreating in disorder and Germans behind them a mile to our front. Most awful fifteen minutes of my life—shells everywhere—men being blown to pieces, and we unable to help, but bound to wait for Germans and drive them off. Then our chaps rallied and to our joy turned the tables, driving them back into woods and holding them there despite shells and foul gas bombs. Stayed there all day, shelled whole time. Evening position unchanged and we must stop here.
Monday, April 26, 1915
At dawn hear more reinforcements are up and we can go. Thank God, it’s over and the position safe. Trench strength of Battalion is now 230 rifles which will show what we have been through (normal strength about 1000).
Tuesday, April 27, 1915
Spent all day just behind firing line in reserve, and shall probably be here for some days. But what a difference a night’s rest does make, and I’m ready to go forward at any time.
Wednesday, April 28, 1915
Another day spent in reserve. Did nothing much all day and glad of the quiet. Shells falling pretty close to billet, but none near enough to hurt.
Thursday, April 29, 1915
Ordered to return to trenches and left at 7 P. M. Arrived firing line at 10 P. M. and spent night on watch. Nothing much doing; just a little sniping, and they got a pal of mine through the neck a few yards from me. Blackguards!
Friday, April 30, 1915
Shelled from early morning to late at night. Another rotten experience, and am rapidly developing that awful complaint of “shellitis.” If no attack at dusk we are to be relieved, so here’s hoping they keep away from us.
Saturday, May 1, 1915
We were relieved during night and marched some way from trenches into a wood, where we are to stay for a day or two. Rigged up a covering of twigs, etc.,[Pg 30] and slept during day. Sing-song in evening and feeling a bit more cheerful.
Sunday, May 2, 1915
Quiet day but called out at night owing to German attack. Laid in reserve trenches all night and returned to woods at dawn.
Monday, May 3, 1915
Slept during day and once more called out at night owing to another German attack. Reserve trenches again all night, but once more attack repulsed and returned to woods.
Tuesday, May 4, 1915
Actually off for rest at last, and marched five miles from Ypres to a village where we spent night. Understand we continue our journey in morning.
Wednesday, May 5, 1915
What jolly hard luck we are having. Hill Sixty lost last night and we are to return to Ypres to help in counter-attack. Marched all day back in boiling sun and spent night just behind firing line. Understand we go in to-morrow. Rather dread it, but it’s got to be done.
Thursday, May 6, 1915
Spent day in dugout whilst troops gathered together for to-night’s attack. Eight from our Company[Pg 31] picked out to do nothing else but carry up ammunition as our men advance. Moved up to Hill Sixty at dusk, and at 2:30 A. M. attack commenced. Carried up ammunition with another chap right up to advance trenches. Terribly hot fire from machine guns and whiz-bangs, and rather a terrible experience. Stuck it till my partner overcome by gas. Helped him to dressing station, and then gave a hand helping down wounded. Poor devils, but what pluck most of them have got. Turned in at 5 A. M. after hearing attack partially successful.
Friday, May 7, 1915
Day in reserve ready for any counter-attack but none came off. Night on fatigue work: carrying sand bags, etc., to firing line. Off duty at 3 A. M., and moved back nearer Ypres, but are still in reserve. Adjutant killed this morning: fine soldier and great loss to the Battalion.
Saturday, May 8, 1915
Another day in reserve and night on fatigue, but was lucky in not having to go to trenches. Fetched rations and filled water bottles only.
Sunday, May 9, 1915
Firing line again, this time digging communication trench and repairing parapets where knocked down by shells. Wonderful view of Ypres on fire in three places and rapidly spreading.
Monday, May 10, 1915
Carried up rations to West Lancshires. Awful job—sacks very heavy. Man in front of me shot in chest coming away. Carried him into cover and fetched stretcher bearers.
Tuesday, May 11, 1915
Sand bags to firing line after spending quiet day. Our dugouts shelled during day and three men hit.
Wednesday, May 12, 1915
Good news! We are to be relieved to-night. Left dugouts at 10:30 and reached camp at 5 A. M. weary and happy.
Thursday, May 13, 1915, to Thursday, May 20, 1915
Most enjoyable week’s rest in camp at Locre. Did nothing of any importance and heard no guns and had no shells over. Felt all the better for it, but has gone all too quickly.
Friday, May 21, 1915
Moved to huts nearer firing line and once more in sound of guns. Rotten!
Saturday, May 22, 1915
Moved further up into dugouts and are now back in line once more.
Sunday, May 23, 1915
Quiet day, but hard at work all night. Germans attacked 2 A. M. Monday morning and used gas. Horrible stuff. On our way to dugouts had fifteen in front of me knocked out by a shell. Awful sight and very upsetting.
Monday, May 24, 1915
Quiet day spent in recovering from effects of gas. Hard at work again all night.
Tuesday, May 25, 1915
Remarks of yesterday apply to to-day. Hope this comparative calm continues whilst we are up.
Wednesday, May 26, 1915
Shelled on way to dugouts, early morning, with shrapnel but luckily no casualties. Evening left dugouts for fire trenches at St. Eloi. Arrived at midnight and relieved the Liverpool Scottish. Quiet night.
Thursday and Friday, May 27, 1915, and May 28, 1915
Two quiet days in trenches. Nothing doing beyond sniping. Friday evening we left trenches for reserve line in a wood.
Saturday and Sunday, May 29, 1915, and May 30, 1915
Two lazy days in wood. On Saturday night carried rations to trenches, and on Sunday returned to trenches for another spell.
Monday, May 31, 1915
Tuesday, June 1, 1915
Wednesday, June 2, 1915
Thursday, June 3, 1915
Four days on detached post connecting Queen Victoria Rifles with West Kents. Thursday night returned to supporting line about two hundred yards behind fire trenches.
Friday and Saturday, June 4, 1915, and June 5, 1915
On fatigue duty in supports; both days improving communication trench. Returned to woods Saturday night.
Sunday and Monday, June 6, 1915, and June 7, 1915
Two days spent in reserve in woods. Quite enjoyed the rest from bullets and shells.
Tuesday, June 8, 1915
Wednesday, June 9, 1915
Thursday, June 10, 1915
Friday, June 11, 1915
Four days spent in fire trenches. Nothing doing much beyond sniping, except last two days when we were shelled by pretty heavy stuff. Not much damage done.
June 24, 1915
Mrs. Stubbs:
Dear Madam: In answer to your inquiry by telegram, I regret to inform you that Rifleman Stubbs, B. C. No. 2655, was wounded by shell fire on Tuesday, June 22, and has, we are deeply sorry to say, since passed away, having succumbed to his injuries.
His death is much lamented by his officers and comrades, two of whom were wounded by the same shell, one rather seriously.
Deeply sympathizing with you in your terrible loss, I am,
Yours sincerely,
No. 66, M. Brown, Co. Q. M. S.
British Expeditionary Force
June 29, 1915
Dear Mrs. Stubbs:
This is to convey to you my sincere sympathy in the death of your son, Pr. Stubbs, who died from wounds received last Tuesday. His death was most unfortunate, a large German shell falling right in our trench, severely wounding your son and two others; when I saw your son’s wound (a severe gash on the scalp), I was sure that there was very little hope of his recovery and I was surprised that he survived so long. Mercifully he was quite unconscious all the time, and so, I think, suffered no pain.
Although he did not come out with the battalion in November, he joined, I think, with the first draft and so has been through all the heavy work we have done. I am sure you will be glad to know what a good soldier he was, and that he was always cheerful and did his work well during the hardships of the winter months.
You may be sure his loss will be felt very deeply both by myself and by the rest of the platoon. But take comfort in this, that he died a noble soldier’s death in a magnificent cause.
Again assuring you of my deep sympathy, I am,
Yours very sincerely,
P. S. Houghton, 2nd. Lt.
O. C. No. 8 Platoon,
Q. V. R.
PRINTED BY R. R. DONNELLEY
AND SONS COMPANY, AT THE
LAKESIDE PRESS : CHICAGO
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Diary Kept by Rifleman B.C. Stubbs of
the Second Draft Sent to the Queen Victoria Rifles in France, by Bernard Castle Stubbs
*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIARY ***
***** This file should be named 57381-h.htm or 57381-h.zip *****
This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
http://www.gutenberg.org/5/7/3/8/57381/
Produced by Brian Coe, David E. Brown, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
book was produced from images made available by the
HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will
be renamed.
Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
States without permission and without paying copyright
royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive
specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this
eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook
for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports,
performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given
away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks
not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the
trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.
START: FULL LICENSE
THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
www.gutenberg.org/license.
Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works
1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your
possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the
person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph
1.E.8.
1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this
agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the
Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual
works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting
free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm
works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily
comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when
you share it without charge with others.
1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no
representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
country outside the United States.
1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear
prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work
on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the
phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,
performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this
eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the
United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you
are located before using this ebook.
1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is
derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project
Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm
trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works
posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
beginning of this work.
1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg-tm License.
1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format
other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official
version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site
(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain
Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the
full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
provided that
* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has
agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation."
* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm
works.
* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
receipt of the work.
* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than
are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The
Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm
trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
1.F.
1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
cannot be read by your equipment.
1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.
1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
without further opportunities to fix the problem.
1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO
OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
remaining provisions.
1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in
accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or
additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any
Defect you cause.
Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
from people in all walks of life.
Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future
generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at
www.gutenberg.org Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the
mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its
volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous
locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt
Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to
date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and
official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
For additional contact information:
Dr. Gregory B. Newby
Chief Executive and Director
[email protected]
Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation
Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
status with the IRS.
The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.
International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works.
Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be
freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of
volunteer support.
Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
edition.
Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search
facility: www.gutenberg.org
This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.