Thursday 28 October 2010
For the Future.
It is our hope that in memory of Frank we will be able to successfully transfer the contents of this blog to a web site,which would then make it much easier to read and to a greater readership.
Acknowledgement.
I had long been curious as to how my Granddad, Frank Ward had earned his Military Medal, but the only thing my Mum (Frank's only daughter) knew was that he had rescued a comrade from no-mans land. A visit to the National Archives website told me that when a medal was awarded there was also a written citation that went with it but was the responsibility of the recipient to keep it; no official record of the citation was kept. So a few years ago I asked my Uncle Ken if he knew how Frank had earned his medal. Not only did he have the original citation but also Frank's pocket diary for 1915. My other Uncle (Stan) had three more diaries covering the war years and several letters and postcards from Frank to Ethel, sent from the Front. So with my husband Gerald's help we transcribed all the diaries and letters.
They have given a fascinating insight into Frank's war years and his relationship with Ethel and his fellow comrades. I remember my Granddad as a modest and unassuming man and I wish I had spoken to him about his past but I don't suppose he would have told me half of what I have learnt from his letters and diaries. I hope he doesn't mind the publicity too much!
Kathryn Lambert
They have given a fascinating insight into Frank's war years and his relationship with Ethel and his fellow comrades. I remember my Granddad as a modest and unassuming man and I wish I had spoken to him about his past but I don't suppose he would have told me half of what I have learnt from his letters and diaries. I hope he doesn't mind the publicity too much!
Kathryn Lambert
Acknowledgement.
I am indebted to my niece Kathryn and her husband Gerald for all the hard work and enthusiasm shown in transcribing dads
diaries ,letters and postcards together with their help in transferring the text to the blog.
diaries ,letters and postcards together with their help in transferring the text to the blog.
Sunday 24 October 2010
Obituary 1975.
Sadly Frank dies after a short illness at the age of 83 years to be followed by Ethel a year later at the age of 82 years.
They are survived by two sons, six grand children and three great grand children.
They are survived by two sons, six grand children and three great grand children.
Friday 22 October 2010
Monday 4 October 2010
1939 The Family Take a Holiday in Bournemouth.
Photo Frank and Ethel with Dorothy and Ken walking towards the sea front.
By this time the family had moved from Burnley to Exeter.
By this time the family had moved from Burnley to Exeter.
Frank and Ethel's Family.
This photo taken in 1931 shows the eldest son Stanley ,daughter Dorothy together with Kenneth the youngest.
By this time the family had moved from Tipton to Burnley
By this time the family had moved from Tipton to Burnley
Sunday 3 October 2010
Friday 1 October 2010
Thursday 30 September 2010
After three long years of fighting on the Western Front Frank goes back to civilian life and returns to his parents home in Willenhall.
He was determined not to go back to work in the lock trade,his elder brother Harry had for some time worked for the Pearl Assurance and I think this encouraged him to do the same, he soon got employment with the Pearl at Tipton
He was determined not to go back to work in the lock trade,his elder brother Harry had for some time worked for the Pearl Assurance and I think this encouraged him to do the same, he soon got employment with the Pearl at Tipton
Tuesday 28 September 2010
David Appleby
Same age as Frank (being 8 in the 1901 census) and living in Hall Street, Willenhall, not far from Wood Street where Frank was living in 1901. Fellow RAMC Territorial. Frank reports to Drill Hall with David when war is declared. David is mentioned several times throughout Frank’s diaries.
Florrie Ash (David Appleby’s girlfriend)
Florence B. Ash, aged 6 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Will (William) Aston aged 5 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Harold Baker
Alfred Bateman
Len Burrows
George Cartwright
I H Colley - died 1st July 1916. Private, RAMC 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Foncquevillers Military Cemetery (CWGC)
Joe Court
Col. Dent
Percy William Diment - died 22nd May 1918 aged 20. Private, RAMC, 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Houchin British Cemetery (CWGC)
Thomas Dugmore - manager at Beddow & Sturmey, lockmakers where Frank worked before the War. Also a friend. Frank receives a parcel from ‘Ada & Ruth’ - this could be Frank’s sister Ada and Thomas Dugmore’s daughter, Ruth who were the same age (both born 1889)
Joe Edge
There are three males called Joseph Edge in the 1901 census born/living Willenhall, they are aged 9, 13 and 16
Eddie Edwards
Fairbanks son (leg amputated)
Joe Fletcher (wife dies)
Harold Ford
Jack Forrester
Company Sergeant Major John Forrester, South Staffordshire Regiment died 15th August 1915 aged 34 years (CWGC)
Humfrey Fox
Roland Grif (Griffiths)-Ethel’s ex boyfriend?
Age 9 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall. Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 23. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Charlie Griffiths (not Roland’s brother)
Tom Hall
C. Horace Harding - died 14th October 1916 aged 19. Driver, Royal Field Artillery. Berles-au-Bois Churchyard Extension (CWGC)
Haselden - Hasleden’s son - may be Pte Robert Haselden, South Staffs Regiment died 29 August 1915 aged 20 years. Memorial is at Blaupoort Farm Cemetery, hence the Blue Fort or Point Farm.
George Hidens - died 24th April 1917. Staff Serjeant, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Canadian Cemetery Neuville-St Vaast (CWGC)
Major A.E. Hodder - later Lt. Col.
Clarrie (Clarence)Hoggins - brother of Bertina (Bertha) who marries Harry Ward-Frank’s older brother. Age 9 in 1901 census
Born/living Willenhall
Jim (James) Horton
Age 14 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall, occupation ‘Pawnbrokers Assistant’.
From Vaughan's Pawn shop, went to Australia; wounded.
Chaplain Howard
Hunt - Wood Street
Harold Jordon
Major Percy Arnold Lloyd-Jones DSO (later Lt. Col.)- died 22nd December 1916 aged 40. RAMC. Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty. (CWGC)
Fred Lockley - Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 17. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Bert (William Hubert) Mather - Lance Corporal, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Died 5th June 1918 aged 26. Pernes British Cemetery. (CWGC)
Arthur Moore
Captain W.C. Parkes ‘C’ Company 1/6 South Staffs.
Rev. Arthur Morrell Pratt
Vicar of St Giles Church, Willenhall which Frank attended and was also bell ringer. He is Chaplain during the war. Died 29th June 1917 aged 42, leaving a wife. He is buried in Rouen Military Cemetery, France. (CWGC)
Mr Protheroe & wife (friends of Rev Pratt)
Fred Redfern
Frank, Colin, William Seckington
3 brothers aged 10, 12 and 13 respectively in 1901 Census
All born/living Willenhall.
Lieutenant Frank Seckington 1st Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment died 14 July 1916 aged 26. Thiepval Memorial. (CWGC).
Edith Southall
Sid Southall
Jack Southall
(Ethel’s sister & brothers).
Tom Spate of Love Lane ‘who goes with Parramp’s ? daughter’
He is age 6 is the 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Major Charles Algernon Stidston
Capt. Strange
Sid Tildesley
Reginald & Roland Tonks
These two appear to be cousins, aged 12 and 6 respectively, both born/living Willenhall in 1901 census.
(‘one being Charlie’s son, the other being Enoch’s son’).
Enoch Tonks’ father set up the lock making firm ‘ETAS’ (Enoch Tonks and Sons) which was taken over by Yale in 1963. Both families had two servants each in the 1901 Census so were probably quite well off.
Reginald was a Lance Corporal in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and died on 13th October 1915 aged 26. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Roland Tonks was a Private in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and also died on 13th October 1915 aged 20. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Arthur Walker
Chris Wallater - fellow bell ringer, 38 Riley Street, Willenhall.
Albert Ward
Fred Ward
Will Ward
(Frank’s brothers: Albert & Fred serve in the war, Will is living in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada).
Mr & Mrs Watterson
This could be George & Betsy Watterson (aged 56 & 52 in 1901 Census, living Willenhall) His occupation is ‘Keysmith’.
Lattie (Latimer) Wedge aged 11 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Albert Welch
Laurie (Lawrence) J Williams aged 9 in 1901 born Hanley, Worcs, living Willenhall.
Col. Wrath
Same age as Frank (being 8 in the 1901 census) and living in Hall Street, Willenhall, not far from Wood Street where Frank was living in 1901. Fellow RAMC Territorial. Frank reports to Drill Hall with David when war is declared. David is mentioned several times throughout Frank’s diaries.
Florrie Ash (David Appleby’s girlfriend)
Florence B. Ash, aged 6 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Will (William) Aston aged 5 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Harold Baker
Alfred Bateman
Len Burrows
George Cartwright
I H Colley - died 1st July 1916. Private, RAMC 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Foncquevillers Military Cemetery (CWGC)
Joe Court
Col. Dent
Percy William Diment - died 22nd May 1918 aged 20. Private, RAMC, 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Houchin British Cemetery (CWGC)
Thomas Dugmore - manager at Beddow & Sturmey, lockmakers where Frank worked before the War. Also a friend. Frank receives a parcel from ‘Ada & Ruth’ - this could be Frank’s sister Ada and Thomas Dugmore’s daughter, Ruth who were the same age (both born 1889)
Joe Edge
There are three males called Joseph Edge in the 1901 census born/living Willenhall, they are aged 9, 13 and 16
Eddie Edwards
Fairbanks son (leg amputated)
Joe Fletcher (wife dies)
Harold Ford
Jack Forrester
Company Sergeant Major John Forrester, South Staffordshire Regiment died 15th August 1915 aged 34 years (CWGC)
Humfrey Fox
Roland Grif (Griffiths)-Ethel’s ex boyfriend?
Age 9 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall. Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 23. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Charlie Griffiths (not Roland’s brother)
Tom Hall
C. Horace Harding - died 14th October 1916 aged 19. Driver, Royal Field Artillery. Berles-au-Bois Churchyard Extension (CWGC)
Haselden - Hasleden’s son - may be Pte Robert Haselden, South Staffs Regiment died 29 August 1915 aged 20 years. Memorial is at Blaupoort Farm Cemetery, hence the Blue Fort or Point Farm.
George Hidens - died 24th April 1917. Staff Serjeant, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Canadian Cemetery Neuville-St Vaast (CWGC)
Major A.E. Hodder - later Lt. Col.
Clarrie (Clarence)Hoggins - brother of Bertina (Bertha) who marries Harry Ward-Frank’s older brother. Age 9 in 1901 census
Born/living Willenhall
Jim (James) Horton
Age 14 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall, occupation ‘Pawnbrokers Assistant’.
From Vaughan's Pawn shop, went to Australia; wounded.
Chaplain Howard
Hunt - Wood Street
Harold Jordon
Major Percy Arnold Lloyd-Jones DSO (later Lt. Col.)- died 22nd December 1916 aged 40. RAMC. Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty. (CWGC)
Fred Lockley - Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 17. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Bert (William Hubert) Mather - Lance Corporal, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Died 5th June 1918 aged 26. Pernes British Cemetery. (CWGC)
Arthur Moore
Captain W.C. Parkes ‘C’ Company 1/6 South Staffs.
Rev. Arthur Morrell Pratt
Vicar of St Giles Church, Willenhall which Frank attended and was also bell ringer. He is Chaplain during the war. Died 29th June 1917 aged 42, leaving a wife. He is buried in Rouen Military Cemetery, France. (CWGC)
Mr Protheroe & wife (friends of Rev Pratt)
Fred Redfern
Frank, Colin, William Seckington
3 brothers aged 10, 12 and 13 respectively in 1901 Census
All born/living Willenhall.
Lieutenant Frank Seckington 1st Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment died 14 July 1916 aged 26. Thiepval Memorial. (CWGC).
Edith Southall
Sid Southall
Jack Southall
(Ethel’s sister & brothers).
Tom Spate of Love Lane ‘who goes with Parramp’s ? daughter’
He is age 6 is the 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Major Charles Algernon Stidston
Capt. Strange
Sid Tildesley
Reginald & Roland Tonks
These two appear to be cousins, aged 12 and 6 respectively, both born/living Willenhall in 1901 census.
(‘one being Charlie’s son, the other being Enoch’s son’).
Enoch Tonks’ father set up the lock making firm ‘ETAS’ (Enoch Tonks and Sons) which was taken over by Yale in 1963. Both families had two servants each in the 1901 Census so were probably quite well off.
Reginald was a Lance Corporal in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and died on 13th October 1915 aged 26. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Roland Tonks was a Private in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and also died on 13th October 1915 aged 20. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Arthur Walker
Chris Wallater - fellow bell ringer, 38 Riley Street, Willenhall.
Albert Ward
Fred Ward
Will Ward
(Frank’s brothers: Albert & Fred serve in the war, Will is living in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada).
Mr & Mrs Watterson
This could be George & Betsy Watterson (aged 56 & 52 in 1901 Census, living Willenhall) His occupation is ‘Keysmith’.
Lattie (Latimer) Wedge aged 11 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Albert Welch
Laurie (Lawrence) J Williams aged 9 in 1901 born Hanley, Worcs, living Willenhall.
Col. Wrath
Tuesday 21 September 2010
Places mentioned in Frank Ward’s diaries
1915
Newport
A village just south of Saffron Walden in Essex.
Cassel
16km (10 miles) East-North-East of St Omer.
Arneke
8km (5 miles) North-West of Cassel.
Borre
4km (about 2 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
Estaires
12km West-South-West of Armentières, and about 4km (2 1/2 miles) West-South-West of Sailly-sur-la-Lys.
Neuve Chapelle
About 11km (7 miles) North-East of Béthune.
Outtersteene
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Bailleul.
Neuve Eglise
In Belgium, about 7km (nearly 5 miles) North-West of Armentières. Flemish name is Nieuwkerke, which means the same as Neuve Eglise. In recent years many place names have been turned into Flemish, as opposed to the French-style names they had up to the late 20th Century.
Bailleul
In France, 8km (5 miles) West of Neuve-Eglise, and about 12km (7 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
St Julien.
Now St Juliaan, about 4km (2 1/2 miles) North-East of Ypres.
Poperinge
10km (6 miles) West of Ypres (now Ieper on maps).
Locre & Dranoutre
Loker, Dranouter, between Neuve Eglise and Poperinge.
Maple Copse
The name given by the Army to a small plantation about 900 metres east of the village of Zillebeke, and just west of Sanctuary Wood. The place was used by Advanced Dressing Stations.
Zelebeck Lake
Now Zillebeke Lake, 4kms (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Ypres (Ieper).
Flamanting
Now Vlamertinge, 4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Ypres.
Brandhoek
6km (nearly 4 miles) West of Ypres.
Boeschepe
About 6km (nearly 4 miles) South-West of Poperinge.
La Bassée
12km (nearly 8 miles) East of Béthune in France.
Hill 60
So called because it was marked on French maps as 60 metres high. Originally a spoil heap from the construction of the railway cutting nearby. A deadly place of bayonet charges, mining, counter-mining.
Reningelst
Reningelst is about 6kms (nearly 4 miles) South-East of Poperinge.
Gonnehem
6km (4 1/2 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the south.
Vermelles
10km (6 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Allouagne
About 10km (6 miles) West of Béthune.
Lestrem
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Estaires.
Ménice Forest
Not sure of the name - nearest wood of any size is Forêt de Nieppe, about the right distance away.
Zelobes
A small hamlet, in the village of La Couture, about 3km S of Lestrem.
Hinges
About 4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
St Venant
About 10km NE of Hinges.
1916
Isbergues.
Between Béthune and St Omer on the Canal D’Air. About 16km (10 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Berguette station.
About 2km (1 mile) South of Isbergues.
Pont-Remy.
On the river Somme, 8km (5 miles) South-East of Abbeville.
Maison-Roland.
14km (9 miles) East of Abbeville.
Saint Ouen.
12km (8 miles) South-East of Maison Roland.
Longvillers
20 km (12 miles) East of Abbeville.
Doullens
Between Abbeville and Arras; 20km (12 miles) East of Longvillers.
Canettemont
About 16 km (9 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Magnicourt-sur-Canche
10km (6 miles) Sout-East of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Acq
About 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Ecoivres
2km (about a mile) South-East of Acq.
Neuville-Saint-Vaaste
8km (5 miles) North of Arras.
Bailleul-aux-Cornailles
24km (15 miles) North-West of Arras, just off the main road from Arras to St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Ivergny
About 20kms (12 miles) from Bailleul-aux-Cornailles.
Gaudiempre
23km (14 miles) South-West of Arras, near to the front lines. 12 km (8 miles) from Ivergny.
Foncquevillers
8km (5 miles) South-East of Guadiempre.
Savy
Savy-Berlette. 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Bailleulval
16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
La Herlière
6km (4 miles) South-West of Bailleulval.
Berles
Berles-au-Bois: 2km (about a mile) South-West of Bailleulval.
Couturelle
10 km (6 miles) West of Bailleulval.
Avesnes
Avesnes-le-Comte: 12km (8 miles) North-West of Bailleulval.
Frévent
12km (8 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
St Pas
St Pas-en-Artois, 3km (about 2 miles) from Guadiempre.
Bavincourt
Between Doullens and Arras; 16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
Brévillers
About 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, away from the front lines.
Outrebois
About 8km (5 miles) North-West of Doullens.
Gapennes
10km (6 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Froyelles
12km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Yvrench
8km (5 miles) to the South-East of Froyelles.
Bachimont
About 14km (nearly 9 miles) to the North-East of Yvrench.
Bienvillers
Bienvillers-au-Bois, about 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, South of the road to Arras, and very near to where he was in mid-November.
1917
St Amand
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the West of Bienvillers.
Couin
6km (about 4 miles) South-West of Bienvillers.
Souastre
Between Bienvillers and Couin, 5km (3 miles) Sout-West of Bienvillers.
Bus
Bus-lès-Artois, 10km (6 miles) South of Gaudiempre.
Contay
12km (7 1/2 miles) Sout-West of Bus-lès-Artois.
Villers-Bocage
10km (6 miles) North of Amiens.
Saveuse
6km (about 4 miles) West of Amiens.
Bacouel
Bacouel-sur-Selle; 8km (5 miles) South of Saveuse.
Ecquedecques
14km (nearly 9 miles) North-West of Béthune; on the Western outskirts of Lillers.
Ham
Ham-en-Artois;4 km (2 1/2 miles) North of Ecquedecques.
Hinges
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Aix-Noulette
12km (7 1/2 miles) South of Béthune.
Liévin
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the East, on the Western outskirts of Lens.
Labeuvriére
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Vermelles
8km (5 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Labourse
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Noeux-les-Mines
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Labourse.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the South-West.
1918
Annezin
Now a suburb in the West of Béthune.
Nédon
20km (12 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Marles
Marles-les-Mines; 8km (5 miles) West of Béthune.
Auchel
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Marles.
Prédefin
8km (5 miles) West of Nédon.
Divion
12km (7 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Bruay
Near Divion, to the North-East.
Hesdigneul
4km ( 2 1/2 miles) towards Béthune from Bruay.
Essars
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Le Hamel
The hamlet about 1km (1/2 mile) North-East of Essars.
Beuvry
4km (2 1/2 miles) East of Béthune.
Gorre
A small village just outside Béthune, to the North-East.
Calanne-Ricouart Station
14km (8 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Wimereux
Seaside town just North along the Channel Coast from Boulogne.
Ambleteuse
Village on the Channel Coast North of Wimereux.
Brie
8km (5 miles) South of Péronne, on the main road from Amiens to St Quentin.
Estrées
Estrées-en-Chaussée, 6km (about 4 miles) East from Brie, towards St Quentin.
Bihécourt
A hamlet 12km (7 1/2 miles) North-West of St Quentin.
Magny-la-Fosse
About 10km (6 miles) North of St Quentin.
Méricourt
12 km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Fresnoy-le-Grand
A short distance North-East of Méricourt.
Bohain
20km (12 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Catillon
16km (10 miles) North-East of Bohain.
Landrecies
8km (5 miles) North-East of Catillon.
Hecq
8km (5 miles) North of Landrecies, on the Western edge of the Forêt de Mormal.
Troisvillers
18km (11 miles) South-East of Cambrai.
Newport
A village just south of Saffron Walden in Essex.
Cassel
16km (10 miles) East-North-East of St Omer.
Arneke
8km (5 miles) North-West of Cassel.
Borre
4km (about 2 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
Estaires
12km West-South-West of Armentières, and about 4km (2 1/2 miles) West-South-West of Sailly-sur-la-Lys.
Neuve Chapelle
About 11km (7 miles) North-East of Béthune.
Outtersteene
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Bailleul.
Neuve Eglise
In Belgium, about 7km (nearly 5 miles) North-West of Armentières. Flemish name is Nieuwkerke, which means the same as Neuve Eglise. In recent years many place names have been turned into Flemish, as opposed to the French-style names they had up to the late 20th Century.
Bailleul
In France, 8km (5 miles) West of Neuve-Eglise, and about 12km (7 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
St Julien.
Now St Juliaan, about 4km (2 1/2 miles) North-East of Ypres.
Poperinge
10km (6 miles) West of Ypres (now Ieper on maps).
Locre & Dranoutre
Loker, Dranouter, between Neuve Eglise and Poperinge.
Maple Copse
The name given by the Army to a small plantation about 900 metres east of the village of Zillebeke, and just west of Sanctuary Wood. The place was used by Advanced Dressing Stations.
Zelebeck Lake
Now Zillebeke Lake, 4kms (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Ypres (Ieper).
Flamanting
Now Vlamertinge, 4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Ypres.
Brandhoek
6km (nearly 4 miles) West of Ypres.
Boeschepe
About 6km (nearly 4 miles) South-West of Poperinge.
La Bassée
12km (nearly 8 miles) East of Béthune in France.
Hill 60
So called because it was marked on French maps as 60 metres high. Originally a spoil heap from the construction of the railway cutting nearby. A deadly place of bayonet charges, mining, counter-mining.
Reningelst
Reningelst is about 6kms (nearly 4 miles) South-East of Poperinge.
Gonnehem
6km (4 1/2 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the south.
Vermelles
10km (6 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Allouagne
About 10km (6 miles) West of Béthune.
Lestrem
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Estaires.
Ménice Forest
Not sure of the name - nearest wood of any size is Forêt de Nieppe, about the right distance away.
Zelobes
A small hamlet, in the village of La Couture, about 3km S of Lestrem.
Hinges
About 4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
St Venant
About 10km NE of Hinges.
1916
Isbergues.
Between Béthune and St Omer on the Canal D’Air. About 16km (10 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Berguette station.
About 2km (1 mile) South of Isbergues.
Pont-Remy.
On the river Somme, 8km (5 miles) South-East of Abbeville.
Maison-Roland.
14km (9 miles) East of Abbeville.
Saint Ouen.
12km (8 miles) South-East of Maison Roland.
Longvillers
20 km (12 miles) East of Abbeville.
Doullens
Between Abbeville and Arras; 20km (12 miles) East of Longvillers.
Canettemont
About 16 km (9 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Magnicourt-sur-Canche
10km (6 miles) Sout-East of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Acq
About 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Ecoivres
2km (about a mile) South-East of Acq.
Neuville-Saint-Vaaste
8km (5 miles) North of Arras.
Bailleul-aux-Cornailles
24km (15 miles) North-West of Arras, just off the main road from Arras to St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Ivergny
About 20kms (12 miles) from Bailleul-aux-Cornailles.
Gaudiempre
23km (14 miles) South-West of Arras, near to the front lines. 12 km (8 miles) from Ivergny.
Foncquevillers
8km (5 miles) South-East of Guadiempre.
Savy
Savy-Berlette. 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Bailleulval
16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
La Herlière
6km (4 miles) South-West of Bailleulval.
Berles
Berles-au-Bois: 2km (about a mile) South-West of Bailleulval.
Couturelle
10 km (6 miles) West of Bailleulval.
Avesnes
Avesnes-le-Comte: 12km (8 miles) North-West of Bailleulval.
Frévent
12km (8 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
St Pas
St Pas-en-Artois, 3km (about 2 miles) from Guadiempre.
Bavincourt
Between Doullens and Arras; 16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
Brévillers
About 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, away from the front lines.
Outrebois
About 8km (5 miles) North-West of Doullens.
Gapennes
10km (6 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Froyelles
12km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Yvrench
8km (5 miles) to the South-East of Froyelles.
Bachimont
About 14km (nearly 9 miles) to the North-East of Yvrench.
Bienvillers
Bienvillers-au-Bois, about 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, South of the road to Arras, and very near to where he was in mid-November.
1917
St Amand
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the West of Bienvillers.
Couin
6km (about 4 miles) South-West of Bienvillers.
Souastre
Between Bienvillers and Couin, 5km (3 miles) Sout-West of Bienvillers.
Bus
Bus-lès-Artois, 10km (6 miles) South of Gaudiempre.
Contay
12km (7 1/2 miles) Sout-West of Bus-lès-Artois.
Villers-Bocage
10km (6 miles) North of Amiens.
Saveuse
6km (about 4 miles) West of Amiens.
Bacouel
Bacouel-sur-Selle; 8km (5 miles) South of Saveuse.
Ecquedecques
14km (nearly 9 miles) North-West of Béthune; on the Western outskirts of Lillers.
Ham
Ham-en-Artois;4 km (2 1/2 miles) North of Ecquedecques.
Hinges
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Aix-Noulette
12km (7 1/2 miles) South of Béthune.
Liévin
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the East, on the Western outskirts of Lens.
Labeuvriére
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Vermelles
8km (5 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Labourse
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Noeux-les-Mines
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Labourse.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the South-West.
1918
Annezin
Now a suburb in the West of Béthune.
Nédon
20km (12 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Marles
Marles-les-Mines; 8km (5 miles) West of Béthune.
Auchel
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Marles.
Prédefin
8km (5 miles) West of Nédon.
Divion
12km (7 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Bruay
Near Divion, to the North-East.
Hesdigneul
4km ( 2 1/2 miles) towards Béthune from Bruay.
Essars
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Le Hamel
The hamlet about 1km (1/2 mile) North-East of Essars.
Beuvry
4km (2 1/2 miles) East of Béthune.
Gorre
A small village just outside Béthune, to the North-East.
Calanne-Ricouart Station
14km (8 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Wimereux
Seaside town just North along the Channel Coast from Boulogne.
Ambleteuse
Village on the Channel Coast North of Wimereux.
Brie
8km (5 miles) South of Péronne, on the main road from Amiens to St Quentin.
Estrées
Estrées-en-Chaussée, 6km (about 4 miles) East from Brie, towards St Quentin.
Bihécourt
A hamlet 12km (7 1/2 miles) North-West of St Quentin.
Magny-la-Fosse
About 10km (6 miles) North of St Quentin.
Méricourt
12 km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Fresnoy-le-Grand
A short distance North-East of Méricourt.
Bohain
20km (12 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Catillon
16km (10 miles) North-East of Bohain.
Landrecies
8km (5 miles) North-East of Catillon.
Hecq
8km (5 miles) North of Landrecies, on the Western edge of the Forêt de Mormal.
Troisvillers
18km (11 miles) South-East of Cambrai.
Sunday 12 September 2010
Epilogue
Epilogue
There this story ends. Frank started out in 1914 as a young man not knowing what was to happen to him, like millions of others at the time. He survived, not because he was in a safe job or because he stayed out of the firing line; he was as much in the front line as the infantry, and often had to go into No Mans Land, that most dangerous of places, to pick up wounded men. Just like them there must have been many times when he lived in fear of death or injury. No doubt he was as careful as he could be, just like any other sensible soldier, particularly one whose bonds with home, family and sweetheart were very strong. Luck was also on his side on many occasions, like soldiers before him and to this day.
He lost colleagues, friend’s colleagues and acquaintances, lads he had been to school and church with, or worked with or knew as neighbours. He saw death and wounds of the most terrible kind; he tended to men of both sides. Army life sent him to strange places, to suffer hard living conditions, privations, long spells away from home, and all the usual petty impositions inflicted on soldiers. Frank never complained; he got on with what he had to do, and even put himself in harms way to save others from harm. Many of his colleagues had the same stamp as Frank; young inexperienced men, still just boys in most ways, who had to grow up in a few weeks and carry out duties that were unimaginable in their civilian life.
There this story ends. Frank started out in 1914 as a young man not knowing what was to happen to him, like millions of others at the time. He survived, not because he was in a safe job or because he stayed out of the firing line; he was as much in the front line as the infantry, and often had to go into No Mans Land, that most dangerous of places, to pick up wounded men. Just like them there must have been many times when he lived in fear of death or injury. No doubt he was as careful as he could be, just like any other sensible soldier, particularly one whose bonds with home, family and sweetheart were very strong. Luck was also on his side on many occasions, like soldiers before him and to this day.
He lost colleagues, friend’s colleagues and acquaintances, lads he had been to school and church with, or worked with or knew as neighbours. He saw death and wounds of the most terrible kind; he tended to men of both sides. Army life sent him to strange places, to suffer hard living conditions, privations, long spells away from home, and all the usual petty impositions inflicted on soldiers. Frank never complained; he got on with what he had to do, and even put himself in harms way to save others from harm. Many of his colleagues had the same stamp as Frank; young inexperienced men, still just boys in most ways, who had to grow up in a few weeks and carry out duties that were unimaginable in their civilian life.
Friday 10 September 2010
January 1919.
Thursday
The Field Amb. march away from Fresnoy-le-Grand at 9am on 5/3/19 and arrive at Troisvillers at 3pm, a distance of 14 miles. Biletted at old, empty houses.
(written in a French Hand)
Chazot Lafarge
Troisvillers
Nord
France
The Field Amb. march away from Fresnoy-le-Grand at 9am on 5/3/19 and arrive at Troisvillers at 3pm, a distance of 14 miles. Biletted at old, empty houses.
(written in a French Hand)
Chazot Lafarge
Troisvillers
Nord
France
1st Friday
Leave expires.
Left Willenhall at 3pm.
Wolverhampton for Luton 4pm.
Arrived Luton 8pm.
Spent a good time.
2nd Saturday
Left Luton at 5.30am. Victoria 7am. Folkestone 11am. Sailed 4pm. Landed Boulogne 6pm, spent night at Worcesters Camp.
3rd Sunday
Entrained at 9am.
4th Monday
Train.
Passed through St Quentin.
5th Tuesday
Disentrained at Fresnoy-le-Grand, motored to Bohain. Stayed at Camp.
6th Wednesday
Under canvas.
Heavy rain.
Can’t find Unit.
7th Thursday
Marched to billets in Bohain.
8th Friday
Bohain.
11th Monday
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
December 1918
1st Sunday
Rest.
2nd Monday
Salvaging.
7th Saturday
Left Hecq by Motor Amb. for Fresnoy-le-Grand, passing through Le Cateau, billeted at Convent.
8th Sunday
Billeting for the Unit.
12th Thursday
The Unit arrive here.
13th Friday
Hospital Duty.
22nd Sunday
Day Hospital Duty.
Quiet day.
Leave expires.
Left Willenhall at 3pm.
Wolverhampton for Luton 4pm.
Arrived Luton 8pm.
Spent a good time.
2nd Saturday
Left Luton at 5.30am. Victoria 7am. Folkestone 11am. Sailed 4pm. Landed Boulogne 6pm, spent night at Worcesters Camp.
3rd Sunday
Entrained at 9am.
4th Monday
Train.
Passed through St Quentin.
5th Tuesday
Disentrained at Fresnoy-le-Grand, motored to Bohain. Stayed at Camp.
6th Wednesday
Under canvas.
Heavy rain.
Can’t find Unit.
7th Thursday
Marched to billets in Bohain.
8th Friday
Bohain.
11th Monday
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
December 1918
1st Sunday
Rest.
2nd Monday
Salvaging.
7th Saturday
Left Hecq by Motor Amb. for Fresnoy-le-Grand, passing through Le Cateau, billeted at Convent.
8th Sunday
Billeting for the Unit.
12th Thursday
The Unit arrive here.
13th Friday
Hospital Duty.
22nd Sunday
Day Hospital Duty.
Quiet day.
November 1918
1st Friday
Leave expires.
Left Willenhall at 3pm.
Wolverhampton for Luton 4pm.
Arrived Luton 8pm.
Spent a good time.
2nd Saturday
Left Luton at 5.30am. Victoria 7am. Folkestone 11am. Sailed 4pm. Landed Boulogne 6pm, spent night at Worcesters Camp.
3rd Sunday
Entrained at 9am.
4th Monday
Train.
Passed through St Quentin.
5th Tuesday
Disentrained at Fresnoy-le-Grand, motored to Bohain. Stayed at Camp.
6th Wednesday
Under canvas.
Heavy rain.
Can’t find Unit.
7th Thursday
Marched to billets in Bohain.
8th Friday
Bohain.
Armistice Delegation.
Allied representatives led by Ferdinand Foch in a restaurant car on a railway siding in the Forest of Compiegne.
11th Monday
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
Thursday 9 September 2010
October 1918
1st Tuesday
Advance still going and prisoners rolling in.
Plenty of work.
2nd Wednesday
No time to write.
3rd Thursday
Woke up 2am. Marched to Magny-la-Fosse. Div took Joncourt, Wiancourt, and part of Ramicourt.
4th Friday
Retired and returned to Coopers Quarry.
5th Saturday
Day rest.
6th Sunday
C.O. Parade
Congratulations.
7th Monday
Usual routine.
8th Tuesday
Ditto.
9th Wednesday
Marched from Coopers Quarry to Mericourt.
Had to dig in.
10th Thursday
Marched away from Levergies trenches and passed through Méricourt.
Rested there for dinner and then carried on to Fresnoy-le-Grand. A few civilians still here.
11th Friday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Days rest.
12th Saturday
Memo
The Bosch was driven out of Fresnoy 9 days ago. He had occupied this place since December 1914. He is still retiring.
13th Sunday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Billeted in Chateau.
17th Thursday
Left Fresnoy-le-Grand by Motor Bus to Roisel station in order to proceed on leave. Slept in train all night at this station.
18th Friday
Train left Roisel at 6.45am, passed through Peronne, Amiens, Abbeville and Etaples.
Arrived at Boulogne at 7.30pm, supper.
19th Saturday
Stayed at billets by docks. Reveille 4.30am. Breakfast 6.30am.
Embarked at 10.30. Landed Folkestone 12.30.
Willenhall 9pm.
Memo
Leave dated from 19.10.18 to 2/11/18.
20th Sunday
Leave
21st Monday
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
22nd Tuesday
Leave.
24th Thursday
Ada’s.
Wolverhampton Empire.
27th Sunday
Gun Week.
The Guns pass through Willenhall.
28th Monday
Harry’s.
Queen’s Picture Palace.
29th Tuesday
Leave.
30th Wednesday
Party at home.
Wolverhampton Grand.
31st Thursday
Party at Hatherton Terrace.
________________________________________________
1st Tuesday
Advance still going and prisoners rolling in.
Plenty of work.
2nd Wednesday
No time to write.
3rd Thursday
Woke up 2am. Marched to Magny-la-Fosse. Div took Joncourt, Wiancourt, and part of Ramicourt.
4th Friday
Retired and returned to Coopers Quarry.
5th Saturday
Day rest.
6th Sunday
C.O. Parade
Congratulations.
7th Monday
Usual routine.
8th Tuesday
Ditto.
9th Wednesday
Marched from Coopers Quarry to Mericourt.
Had to dig in.
10th Thursday
Marched away from Levergies trenches and passed through Méricourt.
Rested there for dinner and then carried on to Fresnoy-le-Grand. A few civilians still here.
11th Friday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Days rest.
12th Saturday
Memo
The Bosch was driven out of Fresnoy 9 days ago. He had occupied this place since December 1914. He is still retiring.
13th Sunday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Billeted in Chateau.
17th Thursday
Left Fresnoy-le-Grand by Motor Bus to Roisel station in order to proceed on leave. Slept in train all night at this station.
18th Friday
Train left Roisel at 6.45am, passed through Peronne, Amiens, Abbeville and Etaples.
Arrived at Boulogne at 7.30pm, supper.
19th Saturday
Stayed at billets by docks. Reveille 4.30am. Breakfast 6.30am.
Embarked at 10.30. Landed Folkestone 12.30.
Willenhall 9pm.
Memo
Leave dated from 19.10.18 to 2/11/18.
20th Sunday
Leave
21st Monday
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
22nd Tuesday
Leave.
24th Thursday
Ada’s.
Wolverhampton Empire.
27th Sunday
Gun Week.
The Guns pass through Willenhall.
28th Monday
Harry’s.
Queen’s Picture Palace.
29th Tuesday
Leave.
30th Wednesday
Party at home.
Wolverhampton Grand.
31st Thursday
Party at Hatherton Terrace.
________________________________________________
Lieutenant Wilfred Owen.
After serving on the Western Front from January to June of 1917, Owen was diagnosed with shell-shock, and sent to Craiglockhart Hospital for treatment. He returned to the front in September 1918, won the Military Cross for gallantry in October, and was killed while leading his men during the attack on the St Quenton Canal on November 4th just one week before the Armistice.
He was arguably the greatest of the Great War poets.
After serving on the Western Front from January to June of 1917, Owen was diagnosed with shell-shock, and sent to Craiglockhart Hospital for treatment. He returned to the front in September 1918, won the Military Cross for gallantry in October, and was killed while leading his men during the attack on the St Quenton Canal on November 4th just one week before the Armistice.
He was arguably the greatest of the Great War poets.
28 - 30th Sept 1918.
The greatest image of victory in the whole of the great war.
The 46th North Midlands Division following the triumphant
crossing of the St Quentin Canal during the breaking of the
Hindenburg Line.
Photo Below.
On the left Brigadier J.V. Campbell V.C. leans against the
parapet while addressing the vast concourse of troops.
The greatest image of victory in the whole of the great war.
The 46th North Midlands Division following the triumphant
crossing of the St Quentin Canal during the breaking of the
Hindenburg Line.
Photo Below.
On the left Brigadier J.V. Campbell V.C. leans against the
parapet while addressing the vast concourse of troops.
September 1918.
September 1918
1st Sunday
Church Parade.
2nd Monday
Overhauling Medical Equipment.
3rd Tuesday
Visit to Bruay baths.
4th Wednesday
Left Bruay at 7am, a party of five and marched to Calanne-Ricouart Station in order to proceed to Rest Camp outside Boulogne, train left 6pm.
5th Thursday
Arrived at Wimereux at 3am, situated outside Boulogne, marched to Ambleteuse, 5 miles from the above place. We encamped at 1st Army S.C.
6th Friday
1st Army Rest Camp.
Bathing in the sea, 3 minutes walk from camp. Visit Boulogne 8 miles from Camp, had a good time.
7th Saturday
Rest Camp.
Thunderstorm.
Bathing in the sea.
Memo.
From this Camp one can clearly see the cliffs of Dover.
8th Sunday
Ambleteuse.
Wet and rough weather.
9th Monday
Rotten weather.
10th Tuesday
Wet weather still prevails and heavy gale. The sea being so rough as to wash up on the shore a large mine.
Went to pictures.
11th Wednesday
Visit to Boulogne, terribly rough, from Cars unable to get along the front as sea was washing over the road.
12th Thursday
Rough weather prevails.
13th Friday
1st Army Rest Station.
Sports held here at which English Nurses attended.
15th Sunday
Visit Wimereux the HQ W.A.A.C.
16th Monday
Nice weather.
Bathing in the sea.
18th Wednesday
Reveille 2am. March off at 3.30am, arrived at Boulogne 7am. Entrained.
Passed through Etaples, Abbeville, Amiens, Péronne. Disentrained. Marched 6 miles to Inf. Camp.
19th Thursday
Brie.
Awaiting the Div. which is on the move, in the meantime we are salvaging on the old battlefield here.
21st Saturday
Marched away from Brie at 10am and arrived at Estrées at 2pm. Went by Motor Amb. to A.D.S. Bihécourt captured 3 days since.
22nd Sunday
A.D.S.
Day Orderly.
Great activity.
24th Tuesday
The boys make a stunt, capturing some hundreds of prisoners and village. We were busy with casualties.
25th Wednesday
A.D.S.
Very Busy.
26th Thursday
Great preparations.
28th Saturday/30th Monday
Orderly in Dressing Station. Moved at night to Right Sector A.D.S. Opened same, another being run by C Section. A few hours sleep and duty in Station, then Div. charge at 5am after great barrage. They cross the St Quentin Canal and capture the village of Bellenglise, advancing many miles. No. of prisoners
9,200, guns 200, machine guns many hundreds and trench mortars. We dressed all the casualties including hundreds of Boche.
_______________________________________________
1st Sunday
Church Parade.
2nd Monday
Overhauling Medical Equipment.
3rd Tuesday
Visit to Bruay baths.
4th Wednesday
Left Bruay at 7am, a party of five and marched to Calanne-Ricouart Station in order to proceed to Rest Camp outside Boulogne, train left 6pm.
5th Thursday
Arrived at Wimereux at 3am, situated outside Boulogne, marched to Ambleteuse, 5 miles from the above place. We encamped at 1st Army S.C.
6th Friday
1st Army Rest Camp.
Bathing in the sea, 3 minutes walk from camp. Visit Boulogne 8 miles from Camp, had a good time.
7th Saturday
Rest Camp.
Thunderstorm.
Bathing in the sea.
Memo.
From this Camp one can clearly see the cliffs of Dover.
8th Sunday
Ambleteuse.
Wet and rough weather.
9th Monday
Rotten weather.
10th Tuesday
Wet weather still prevails and heavy gale. The sea being so rough as to wash up on the shore a large mine.
Went to pictures.
11th Wednesday
Visit to Boulogne, terribly rough, from Cars unable to get along the front as sea was washing over the road.
12th Thursday
Rough weather prevails.
13th Friday
1st Army Rest Station.
Sports held here at which English Nurses attended.
15th Sunday
Visit Wimereux the HQ W.A.A.C.
16th Monday
Nice weather.
Bathing in the sea.
18th Wednesday
Reveille 2am. March off at 3.30am, arrived at Boulogne 7am. Entrained.
Passed through Etaples, Abbeville, Amiens, Péronne. Disentrained. Marched 6 miles to Inf. Camp.
19th Thursday
Brie.
Awaiting the Div. which is on the move, in the meantime we are salvaging on the old battlefield here.
21st Saturday
Marched away from Brie at 10am and arrived at Estrées at 2pm. Went by Motor Amb. to A.D.S. Bihécourt captured 3 days since.
22nd Sunday
A.D.S.
Day Orderly.
Great activity.
24th Tuesday
The boys make a stunt, capturing some hundreds of prisoners and village. We were busy with casualties.
25th Wednesday
A.D.S.
Very Busy.
26th Thursday
Great preparations.
28th Saturday/30th Monday
Orderly in Dressing Station. Moved at night to Right Sector A.D.S. Opened same, another being run by C Section. A few hours sleep and duty in Station, then Div. charge at 5am after great barrage. They cross the St Quentin Canal and capture the village of Bellenglise, advancing many miles. No. of prisoners
9,200, guns 200, machine guns many hundreds and trench mortars. We dressed all the casualties including hundreds of Boche.
_______________________________________________
Wednesday 5 May 2010
August 1918.
August 1918
1st Thursday
24 Hours Guard.
3rd Saturday
Worked on Sect. Equipment and at night celebrated the M.M.
4th Sunday
Church Parade.
5th Monday
Loading slag at wharf.
6th Tuesday
Cleaning up Medical Equipment.
8th Thursday
Reloading Medical Equipment.
9th Friday
Left Hesdigneul at 3am, travelled by Amb. train to Gorre. Was placed immediately on Night Duty.
11th Sunday
Night Orderly in Dressing Station.
Bridge and Brewery shelled..
13th Tuesday
Pte. Webb and I left Gorre for Hesdigneul that night. The Unit was shelled out of Billets at 2am. Shells dropped in the Camp, so we had to retire to fields.
14th Wednesday
An Official investment by G.O.C. at which he decorated me with M.M. ribbon.
15th Thursday
Returned to Gorre by Motor Amb.
Night in bed.
16th Friday
Sick with Diarrhoea.
18th Sunday
Day Orderly.
Dressing Station.
22nd Thursday
Germans retiring in this Sector.
Day Orderly.
23rd Friday
Gorre heavily shelled.
Same routine.
24th Saturday
Left Gorre by Car at 8.30pm.
Relieved by C Sect.
Heavy shelling continues during the journey to Bruay.
25th Sunday
Day’s rest at Bruay.
26th Monday
Overhauling Equipment.
1st Thursday
24 Hours Guard.
3rd Saturday
Worked on Sect. Equipment and at night celebrated the M.M.
4th Sunday
Church Parade.
5th Monday
Loading slag at wharf.
6th Tuesday
Cleaning up Medical Equipment.
8th Thursday
Reloading Medical Equipment.
9th Friday
Left Hesdigneul at 3am, travelled by Amb. train to Gorre. Was placed immediately on Night Duty.
11th Sunday
Night Orderly in Dressing Station.
Bridge and Brewery shelled..
13th Tuesday
Pte. Webb and I left Gorre for Hesdigneul that night. The Unit was shelled out of Billets at 2am. Shells dropped in the Camp, so we had to retire to fields.
14th Wednesday
An Official investment by G.O.C. at which he decorated me with M.M. ribbon.
15th Thursday
Returned to Gorre by Motor Amb.
Night in bed.
16th Friday
Sick with Diarrhoea.
18th Sunday
Day Orderly.
Dressing Station.
22nd Thursday
Germans retiring in this Sector.
Day Orderly.
23rd Friday
Gorre heavily shelled.
Same routine.
24th Saturday
Left Gorre by Car at 8.30pm.
Relieved by C Sect.
Heavy shelling continues during the journey to Bruay.
25th Sunday
Day’s rest at Bruay.
26th Monday
Overhauling Equipment.
Saturday 20 March 2010
July 1918
1st Monday
Painting.
Left Hesdigneul by M.A. for A.D.S. Essars.
2nd Tuesday
Night Orderly and Gas Picket.
5th Friday
Left A.D.S. at midday and returned by Car to HQ Hesdigneul.
6th Saturday
Day’s rest.
7th Sunday
24 hours Guard.
8th Monday
Digging out ground to loosen Marquees in the ground. Defence Aircraft.
9th Tuesday
Line Orderly.
10th Wednesday
Digging in Marquees against shell fire.
12th Friday
Left Hesdigneul by M. Amb. for Gorre at midday and joined A Sect at brewery.
13th Saturday
Worked on supporting the Dressing Station with heavy props, and concreting the top.
14th Sunday
Gorre Brewery.
Same routine til 5pm.
15th Monday
Gorre.
Visited the Tuning Fork Post, which is situated one mile from A.D.S.
16th Tuesday
Part of B Sect. arrive at 4am, and relieve A Sect. Cellar flooded after the rain.
17th Wednesday
Orderly in Dressing Station.
Day Duty.
19th Friday
Volunteered to go to Gorre Chateau to bring in wounded which had been wounded there. The road and place was shelled all the time. After great excitement we brought them in Dressing Station.
20th Saturday
Recommended on the night of 19th for the M.M.
Painting.
Left Hesdigneul by M.A. for A.D.S. Essars.
2nd Tuesday
Night Orderly and Gas Picket.
5th Friday
Left A.D.S. at midday and returned by Car to HQ Hesdigneul.
6th Saturday
Day’s rest.
7th Sunday
24 hours Guard.
8th Monday
Digging out ground to loosen Marquees in the ground. Defence Aircraft.
9th Tuesday
Line Orderly.
10th Wednesday
Digging in Marquees against shell fire.
12th Friday
Left Hesdigneul by M. Amb. for Gorre at midday and joined A Sect at brewery.
13th Saturday
Worked on supporting the Dressing Station with heavy props, and concreting the top.
14th Sunday
Gorre Brewery.
Same routine til 5pm.
15th Monday
Gorre.
Visited the Tuning Fork Post, which is situated one mile from A.D.S.
16th Tuesday
Part of B Sect. arrive at 4am, and relieve A Sect. Cellar flooded after the rain.
17th Wednesday
Orderly in Dressing Station.
Day Duty.
19th Friday
Volunteered to go to Gorre Chateau to bring in wounded which had been wounded there. The road and place was shelled all the time. After great excitement we brought them in Dressing Station.
20th Saturday
Recommended on the night of 19th for the M.M.
Thursday 18 March 2010
It was at St Giles Church School that Frank attended as a child, he went on to be a bell ringer at the church together with his elder brother Harry,
also with Chris Wallater and David Appleby.
Chris and David both joined up and were serving in France with Frank.
Ethel and Frank worshipped at the church at the time the Rev Arthur Pratt was the vicar, who was later to become the units padre.
also with Chris Wallater and David Appleby.
Chris and David both joined up and were serving in France with Frank.
Ethel and Frank worshipped at the church at the time the Rev Arthur Pratt was the vicar, who was later to become the units padre.
Wednesday 10 March 2010
25th Thursday
Same routine.
Received card of congratulation from G.O.C. (General Officer Commanding - possibly at this time Lt Col Sir Julian Byng, GOC Third Army)
28th Sunday
Left Gorre at 4.30am by Amb. train for Hesdigneul.
29th Monday
Awarded M.M.
Working on Medical Equipment.
Congratulated by Col. Hodder.
30th Tuesday
Col. Hodder leaves the Unit and joins 51 C.C.S.
31st Wednesday
Making up Medical Equipment.
Same routine.
Received card of congratulation from G.O.C. (General Officer Commanding - possibly at this time Lt Col Sir Julian Byng, GOC Third Army)
28th Sunday
Left Gorre at 4.30am by Amb. train for Hesdigneul.
29th Monday
Awarded M.M.
Working on Medical Equipment.
Congratulated by Col. Hodder.
30th Tuesday
Col. Hodder leaves the Unit and joins 51 C.C.S.
31st Wednesday
Making up Medical Equipment.
June 1918
June 1918
2nd Sunday
Church Parade.
British driven back on the Marne.
3rd Monday
24 hours guard.
4th Tuesday
Hesdigneul.
Usual routine
Bert Mather wounded at night. Top Post Le Hamel.
5th Wednesday
Same routine
Bert died of wounds.
16th Sunday
Church Parade.
17th Monday
Went cinema at night.
18th Tuesday
I left Hesdigneul at 1.30pm with relief party for Essars, journeyed by Motor Amb.
19th Wednesday
Essars.
Duty in Dressing Sta. and Gas Picket.
22nd Saturday
Ditto and night duty.
Mems.
Received letter from French Military Staff.
23rd Sunday
Many gas shells dropped here.
24th Monday
Returned to HQ Hesdigneul.
25th Tuesday
Day’s rest.
26th Wednesday
Usual routine.
27th Thursday
Ditto.
28th Friday
Ditto.
29th Saturday
With working party of 24, proceeding to Essars, where A.D.S. was being made during nights. Returned at 5am on 30th.
30th Sunday
Day’s rest.
A.D.S.
Celebrated B of LD 25.
Friday 5 March 2010
May 1918.
1st Wednesday
Heavy bombardments.
Busy fetching in wounded.
2nd Thursday
Ditto.
3rd Friday
The Germans occupied these places a few weeks ago, driven out by our troops.
4th Saturday
C Sect gassed at Gorre, about 70 evacs to C.C.S.
5th Sunday
Heavy artillery duels.
6th Monday
Returned by car to Hesdigneul, passing through Béthune and Fouquières.
7th Tuesday
Hesdigneul.
Day’s rest.
8th Wednesday
24 hours Guard.
9th Thursday
Hesdigneul.
Marched to Béthune at night. Stood to at tobacco factory in readiness for Bosch attack.
10th Friday
Returned to Hesdigneul at day break, slept by day, and repeated the same stand to at Béthune by night.
11th Saturday
Returned by day break, and usual routine.
12th Sunday
Hesdigneul.
Church parade.
13th Monday
24 hours guard.
14th Tuesday
Path making.
15th Wednesday
Went to Beuvry on waggon, shelled heavily, and had to clear out.
16th Thursday
Drawing slag from the heap Bruay.
17th Friday
24 hours guard.
18th Saturday
Guard day.
19th Sunday
Church Parade.
Cricket match and base ball with Americans.
20th Monday
Trench digging.
Draft of 37 men.
21st Tuesday
24 hours guard.
Hostile air raids at night, many machines over. Diment killed by Bosch M.G.B. (Machine Gun Battery)
22nd Wednesday
Diment buried.
Trench digging.
24th Friday
Left Hesdigneul by M. Amb. at 1.30pm, relieved party at A.D.S. Essars on the way passing through Béthune.
25th Saturday
Stretcher bearer and Orderly in Dressing Sta.
Rather quiet day.
Watched fires burning in Béthune after heavy shelling.
27th Monday
Ditto. Heavy shelling.
30th Thursday
Relieved at midday, and we returned by M. Amb. to Hesdigneul.
31st Friday
Hesdigneul.
Rest.
German offensive resumed.
Post Card.
Das deutfche Land
This post card written in a German hand was amongst Frank’s collection of cards.
If any one can transcribe the writing I should be pleased to know.
Contact me on
Kenwardward@gmail.com
This post card written in a German hand was amongst Frank’s collection of cards.
If any one can transcribe the writing I should be pleased to know.
Contact me on
Kenwardward@gmail.com
Thursday 4 March 2010
April 1918.
1st Monday/6th Saturday
Day Duty in No. 2 Surgical Ward.
7th Sunday
Heavy fighting continues. Wounded coming in all the time. We are
10th Wednesday
The Germans are still placing overpowering numbers against this front. Heavy casualties on both sides.
12th Friday
Lillers.
We sent all the wounded on tractors and the C.C.S. packed up to evacuate. I had a good time for last day. Fritz bombs here at night.
13th Saturday
We left at 2am by M.A.C. and rejoined Unit at Labourse at 3am. Reveille 5.30am, then Unit leave the above place at 8.30am. March to Divion a distance of 8 miles. Billeted in old barns.
14th Sunday
Divion.
Standing to for the line.
16th Tuesday
Heavy bombardments continue.
17th Wednesday
The Unit march away from Divion at 11.30am and arrive at Bruay at the old C.C.S.
18th Thursday
Bruay.
Still standing to for the line.
21st Sunday
Bruay.
22nd Monday
Bruay.
Admitted to hospital.
23rd Tuesday
Sick.
24th Wednesday
Ditto.
25th Thursday
The Unit march away from Bruay to Hesdigneul. I went by Amb. waggon. We erected camp, billeted in Bell tents.
26th Friday
Hesdigneul.
Ex. Duty.
27th Saturday
Unloading Medical Stores Waggon.
28th Sunday
Hesdigneul.
Church Parade.
29th Monday
Usual routine.
30th Tuesday
Left Hesdigneul for the line A.D.S. at Essars, our post at farm house at Le Hamel.
Gas picket.
March 1918
6th Wednesday
Walk out into the town of St Pol, and had a good time.
7th Thursday
Discharged from Hospital, entrained for my Unit at Béthune arriving there at 4pm. By R.T.O. Orders I had to return to Labourse. Private room.
8th Friday
Spent a good night and left Labourse at 10.30am for Béthune, arriving there 12 midday, rejoined my Unit at Institute St. Vaaste.
9th Saturday
Béthune.
Nothing much doing.
10th Sunday
Church Parade.
11th Monday
Dining Hall Duty.
14th Thursday
Inoculated at night.
15th Friday
No Duty, bed.
17th Sunday
Béthune.
Route March during the morning, and then Units team play 1/1 NMFA at Fouquières. Result 3rd 3-2.
18th Monday
Dining Hall Orderly.
19th Tuesday
The town shelled during the morning. Children, women, and a few soldiers wounded.
20th Wednesday
Same routine.
The town again shelled.
21st Thursday/23rd Saturday
Myself included in a party of 18 B Sect march to Lillers for temporary attached Duty with No. 58 C.C.S. The place bombed at night and the Station by Hospital also one train of ammunition blown up, and fired. Shells blown all over the town and into Hospital. Many casualties. Nurse killed and Matron badly wounded. We turned out in Stretcher Squads to the scene, the bombing continued for hours.
Albert returns from leave on the 19th.
Ward Duty in the No. 2 Serious Surgical Wounds.
Pte Frank Ward RAMC Honoured.
On the 21-23 March 1918 Frank was commended for his conduct by a French General {General De Laqohe} who wrote to his C.O. praising him for his daring during an air raid “He exhibited the greatest courage” says the French General and showed wonderful activity searching smoking debris with extreme devotedness under fire, withdrawing the wounded and bearing them to hosp
Wednesday 3 March 2010
February 1918.
February 1918
3rd Sunday
I had a pass out from 1pm o’clock for the purpose of visiting Albert, entraining at Berguette Station. I had a good time, having to walk 2 1/2..
8th Friday
Annezin.
Wet weather.
Loading ready to move.
9th Saturday
The Unit march away from Annezin at 9am, and arrive at Nédon at 4pm, a distance of 12 miles, billeted in old barns.
La Lacque Camp.
Passed through Marles & Auchel.
10th Sunday
Wet weather.
Marched away from Nédon at 9am, arriving at Prédefin at 3pm, billeted in Barns, the houses here being at intervals of 1/2 miles.
11th Monday
Prédefin.
David and I take over duties at YMCA Canteen, which is in Marquee. We lived in bell tent alongside same.
14th Thursday
Frost.
17th Sunday
Prédefin.
YMCA Canteen Duties.
Frost.
20th Wednesday
Wet weather.
21st Thursday
Same duties.
Feeling rotten.
22nd Friday
Still feeling rotten
Temp 100.4
23rd Saturday
Prédefin.
I was seen by M.O. in my tent and was found to be suffering with German Measles. I was sent by Motor Amb. to No. 12 Stationary St. Pol.
Bed patient milk diet.
Temp 102.8
24th Sunday
No. 12 Stationary St. Pol.
Bed, milk diet.
temp am 101.6, pm 102.8
25th Monday
Sick.
Bed, milk diet.
Temp am 99.6, pm 100.4
26th Tuesday
Sick.
Bed, milk diet.
27th Wednesday
Sick.
Up.
January 1918.
January 1918
1st Tuesday
Fouquières.
Day Orderly in Surgical Ward.
Still sweating on duration of War.
3rd Thursday
Snow storm.
6th Sunday
Orderly Duty.
I had a pass out for the afternoon, & visited a few of my old acquaintances at Labeuvrière.
13th Sunday
Fouquières.
Day Orderly Surgical Ward.
15th Tuesday
Heavy Storms.
Preparing to move.
16th Wednesday
Orderly Duty.
21st Monday
My Section march away from Fouquières at 1.30pm to Annezin & the Field Amb. stationed there had not moved. Still we had a good billet.
22nd Tuesday
Annezin.
The Section had a Route March to Labeuvrière. During the morning the weather being mild and fine, no duty for afternoon.
23rd Wednesday
March out to same place, the weather being fine, no duty afternoon.
24th Thursday
My Section take over Hospital, and I carry on with Orderly Duty in Ward
No. 3. The remainder of the Unit arrive here during the afternoon.
25th Friday
Nice weather.
26th Saturday
Ditto.
Nice weather.
27th Sunday
Annezin.
Hospital Duty.
Nice weather.
28th Monday
Hospital Duty.
Bombing at night. Many Casualties at our Station. 10 French men killed.
Nice weather.
29th Tuesday
Hospital Duties.
31st Thursday
Annezin.
The Unit attend the military funeral of the ten French men killed in air raid.
1st Tuesday
Fouquières.
Day Orderly in Surgical Ward.
Still sweating on duration of War.
3rd Thursday
Snow storm.
6th Sunday
Orderly Duty.
I had a pass out for the afternoon, & visited a few of my old acquaintances at Labeuvrière.
13th Sunday
Fouquières.
Day Orderly Surgical Ward.
15th Tuesday
Heavy Storms.
Preparing to move.
16th Wednesday
Orderly Duty.
21st Monday
My Section march away from Fouquières at 1.30pm to Annezin & the Field Amb. stationed there had not moved. Still we had a good billet.
22nd Tuesday
Annezin.
The Section had a Route March to Labeuvrière. During the morning the weather being mild and fine, no duty for afternoon.
23rd Wednesday
March out to same place, the weather being fine, no duty afternoon.
24th Thursday
My Section take over Hospital, and I carry on with Orderly Duty in Ward
No. 3. The remainder of the Unit arrive here during the afternoon.
25th Friday
Nice weather.
26th Saturday
Ditto.
Nice weather.
27th Sunday
Annezin.
Hospital Duty.
Nice weather.
28th Monday
Hospital Duty.
Bombing at night. Many Casualties at our Station. 10 French men killed.
Nice weather.
29th Tuesday
Hospital Duties.
31st Thursday
Annezin.
The Unit attend the military funeral of the ten French men killed in air raid.
Post Card
This Greeting Card was sent from Ethel,(Frank's wife to be)to Frank.The pencil writing is now to indistinct to read.
Monday 1 March 2010
December 1917.
December 1917
1st Saturday/20th Thursday
Orderly Duty in Medical Ward.
21st Friday
Changed over my Orderly Duties to Surgical Ward.
24th Monday
Quite happy.
25th Tuesday Christmas Day
Had a decent time.
26th Wednesday/31st Monday
Orderly Duties to Surgical Ward.
1st Saturday/20th Thursday
Orderly Duty in Medical Ward.
21st Friday
Changed over my Orderly Duties to Surgical Ward.
24th Monday
Quite happy.
25th Tuesday Christmas Day
Had a decent time.
26th Wednesday/31st Monday
Orderly Duties to Surgical Ward.
November 1917.
November 1917
2nd Friday
Left Labourse for Solent Post by Amb Waggons and far as Philosophe, from there we marched the rest of the way.
5th Monday
Left Solent for Natal Post, Hill 70 during the afternoon.
6th Tuesday
Busy day.
7th Wednesday
Left Natal Post for Labourse.
8th Thursday - 9th Friday
Labourse.
10th Saturday
Left Labourse for Chalk pit.
12th Monday
Left Labourse by column of Route for Fouquières, Corps Rest Station, arriving at the former place at midday. This hospital at present has accommodation for many hundred patients. My Unit stayed at this place in October 1915, when the Div made the Charge.
13th Tuesday
Orderly Duty in Medical Ward.
2nd Friday
Left Labourse for Solent Post by Amb Waggons and far as Philosophe, from there we marched the rest of the way.
5th Monday
Left Solent for Natal Post, Hill 70 during the afternoon.
6th Tuesday
Busy day.
7th Wednesday
Left Natal Post for Labourse.
8th Thursday - 9th Friday
Labourse.
10th Saturday
Left Labourse for Chalk pit.
12th Monday
Left Labourse by column of Route for Fouquières, Corps Rest Station, arriving at the former place at midday. This hospital at present has accommodation for many hundred patients. My Unit stayed at this place in October 1915, when the Div made the Charge.
13th Tuesday
Orderly Duty in Medical Ward.
October 1917
October
2nd Tuesday
Stationed at Solent Post. Heavy artillery duels.
4th Thursday
Returned to Fort Glatz after dinner, and went on Night Duty in Dressing Station.
5th Friday
Fritz shells the village of Loos, 14 stretcher cases wounded from the line during the night.
8th Monday
A busy night, a fair number of wounded.
10th Wednesday
Left Fort Glatz at 3pm along with a squad of 4, and went to Natal Post, which is situated on the top of Hill 70, and which a few weeks previous was held by the Germans, but was captured by Canadian Div. This Dug-out is about 4-6 ft high, 4 ft wide and 7 ft long. The trenches here, thigh deep in mud and water.
11th Thursday
Artillery activity.
Rain.
14th Sunday
Digging large sump hole in trench to drain same, which is 2 ft deep in mud and water.
16th Tuesday
Left Hill 70, and returned to Fort Glatz, from there we proceeded to Philosophe by Motor Amb, there to Labourse by horse Amb.
17th Wednesday
Washed the mud off my clothing during the morning, and worked the afternoon on transport lines.
18th Thursday
Labourse.
Worked the Transport lines.
21st Sunday
Left Labourse at 1pm Horse Amb, which took us to Philosophe, and from there we marched to Fort Glatz Loos, in the course of which we watched a duel in the air by one of Fritz’s latest machines, and a one seater of ours, the latter bringing the Bosch to the ground smashing the plane entirely and killing Pilot and Observer, the corpses being taken to our Station at Philosophe. From there we went to Solent Post, near Slag Heap.
22nd Monday
Solent Post.
We had two stretcher cases during the night to take to Fort Glatz.
23rd Tuesday
Fritz shells a Ration party of the 7th S. Staffs near out post by the slag heap. We immediately turned out, dressed the wounds and took the cases later to Fort Glatz. It was a pitch dark night and we had to cross many trenches, we got down to sleep at 7am on the 24th. At 3pm we left Solent Post for Natal Post on Hill 70. We turned out at night to fetch in 6 wounded which we had to take to Tunnel Post.
24th Wednesday
Natal Post.
27th Saturday
Left Natal Post at 4pm and walked to Fort Glatz, continuing to Philosophe, leaving that place by Horse Amb, for HQ at Labourse.
2nd Tuesday
Stationed at Solent Post. Heavy artillery duels.
4th Thursday
Returned to Fort Glatz after dinner, and went on Night Duty in Dressing Station.
5th Friday
Fritz shells the village of Loos, 14 stretcher cases wounded from the line during the night.
8th Monday
A busy night, a fair number of wounded.
10th Wednesday
Left Fort Glatz at 3pm along with a squad of 4, and went to Natal Post, which is situated on the top of Hill 70, and which a few weeks previous was held by the Germans, but was captured by Canadian Div. This Dug-out is about 4-6 ft high, 4 ft wide and 7 ft long. The trenches here, thigh deep in mud and water.
11th Thursday
Artillery activity.
Rain.
14th Sunday
Digging large sump hole in trench to drain same, which is 2 ft deep in mud and water.
16th Tuesday
Left Hill 70, and returned to Fort Glatz, from there we proceeded to Philosophe by Motor Amb, there to Labourse by horse Amb.
17th Wednesday
Washed the mud off my clothing during the morning, and worked the afternoon on transport lines.
18th Thursday
Labourse.
Worked the Transport lines.
21st Sunday
Left Labourse at 1pm Horse Amb, which took us to Philosophe, and from there we marched to Fort Glatz Loos, in the course of which we watched a duel in the air by one of Fritz’s latest machines, and a one seater of ours, the latter bringing the Bosch to the ground smashing the plane entirely and killing Pilot and Observer, the corpses being taken to our Station at Philosophe. From there we went to Solent Post, near Slag Heap.
22nd Monday
Solent Post.
We had two stretcher cases during the night to take to Fort Glatz.
23rd Tuesday
Fritz shells a Ration party of the 7th S. Staffs near out post by the slag heap. We immediately turned out, dressed the wounds and took the cases later to Fort Glatz. It was a pitch dark night and we had to cross many trenches, we got down to sleep at 7am on the 24th. At 3pm we left Solent Post for Natal Post on Hill 70. We turned out at night to fetch in 6 wounded which we had to take to Tunnel Post.
24th Wednesday
Natal Post.
27th Saturday
Left Natal Post at 4pm and walked to Fort Glatz, continuing to Philosophe, leaving that place by Horse Amb, for HQ at Labourse.
September 1917
September 1917
Left Willenhall on Friday night September 14th, at 10.55pm, arrived Euston at 3.30am of the 15th. Conveyed by Motor to Victoria Sta., left the latter at 6.30am for Folkestone, disentrained at Shorncliffe. Marched to R. Billets, and embarked at 1.30pm, landing at Boulogne at 3.45pm. Marched to St Martins Rest Camp 3 miles out. Reveille 12 midnight, breakfast 12.30. March to Station at 2.30am Sunday morning 16/9/17. Entrained, arriving at Béthune at 12 midday. Had dinner, and rejoined Unit 6 miles away at Labourse.
17th Monday
Labourse.
Working on transport lines and went up to trenches at night.
18th Tuesday
Labourse.
Sand bagging for reserve Dressing Dug Out Station.
19th Wednesday
Labourse.
Working on Dug-out.
23rd Sunday
Labourse.
Dining Hall Attendant.
24th Monday
Dining Hall, and at night a party went to Philosophe along with party of 32 men by Ambulance Waggons. From that place we marched to front line trenches along with Batt of Infantry, who were carrying in Gas cylinders.
28th Friday
Left Labourse by Horse Ambulance for Philosophe, and motored by Ambulance to Fort Glatz Loos, which place owing to excessive shelling by the Germans and us at different times has been blown to bits, simply piles of bricks and rubbish, not a house left standing. This place has been reduced to the ground practically worse than any other.
From the above Fort, we a part of 4 men and a Sergeant marched to Solent post, which is a fine deep dugout, situated at the far side of Loos.
29th Saturday
Great aerial activity takes place here. I witnessed many duels in the air. Taking wounded from here to Fort Glatz, which is the Advanced Dressing Station.
30th Sunday
Gas Picket to be done each night between us. Heavy shelling in this area.
______________________________________________
Diary of Frank Ward Diary 1917
June
Left Willenhall on Friday night September 14th, at 10.55pm, arrived Euston at 3.30am of the 15th. Conveyed by Motor to Victoria Sta., left the latter at 6.30am for Folkestone, disentrained at Shorncliffe. Marched to R. Billets, and embarked at 1.30pm, landing at Boulogne at 3.45pm. Marched to St Martins Rest Camp 3 miles out. Reveille 12 midnight, breakfast 12.30. March to Station at 2.30am Sunday morning 16/9/17. Entrained, arriving at Béthune at 12 midday. Had dinner, and rejoined Unit 6 miles away at Labourse.
17th Monday
Labourse.
Working on transport lines and went up to trenches at night.
18th Tuesday
Labourse.
Sand bagging for reserve Dressing Dug Out Station.
19th Wednesday
Labourse.
Working on Dug-out.
23rd Sunday
Labourse.
Dining Hall Attendant.
24th Monday
Dining Hall, and at night a party went to Philosophe along with party of 32 men by Ambulance Waggons. From that place we marched to front line trenches along with Batt of Infantry, who were carrying in Gas cylinders.
28th Friday
Left Labourse by Horse Ambulance for Philosophe, and motored by Ambulance to Fort Glatz Loos, which place owing to excessive shelling by the Germans and us at different times has been blown to bits, simply piles of bricks and rubbish, not a house left standing. This place has been reduced to the ground practically worse than any other.
From the above Fort, we a part of 4 men and a Sergeant marched to Solent post, which is a fine deep dugout, situated at the far side of Loos.
29th Saturday
Great aerial activity takes place here. I witnessed many duels in the air. Taking wounded from here to Fort Glatz, which is the Advanced Dressing Station.
30th Sunday
Gas Picket to be done each night between us. Heavy shelling in this area.
______________________________________________
Diary of Frank Ward Diary 1917
June
August 1917
August 1917
1st Wednesday
Night Clerk duty.
Cold and wet weather prevails.
4th Saturday.
Heavy bombardment prevails.
5th Sunday
Village bombarded at night, many killed and wounded.
6th Monday
Heavy shelling continues on both sides.
7th Tuesday
Night Clerk.
Philosophe shelled heavily.
10th Friday
Night clerk. Gas shells sent into village. Horns blowing, we had to wear Gas Helmets for 1 hour. After that time it cleared off. Fires were lit in Dressing Station and cellars to clear out the Gas.
13th Monday
Labourse.
15th Wednesday
Left Noeux-les-Mines for Leave.
Spent night at Boulogne.
16th Thursday
Sailed at 8.30am.
Arrived Willenhall at 8pm.
Leave dated from 16.8.17 to 16.9.17
1st Wednesday
Night Clerk duty.
Cold and wet weather prevails.
4th Saturday.
Heavy bombardment prevails.
5th Sunday
Village bombarded at night, many killed and wounded.
6th Monday
Heavy shelling continues on both sides.
7th Tuesday
Night Clerk.
Philosophe shelled heavily.
10th Friday
Night clerk. Gas shells sent into village. Horns blowing, we had to wear Gas Helmets for 1 hour. After that time it cleared off. Fires were lit in Dressing Station and cellars to clear out the Gas.
13th Monday
Labourse.
15th Wednesday
Left Noeux-les-Mines for Leave.
Spent night at Boulogne.
16th Thursday
Sailed at 8.30am.
Arrived Willenhall at 8pm.
Leave dated from 16.8.17 to 16.9.17
July 1917
July
1st Sunday
Heavy bombardment still prevails. Wet weather has continued practically all the week.
3rd Tuesday
Division relieved after 3 months fighting on Lens front, in which time they inflicted many casualties on the Hun, and gained ground, themselves having a good number of casualties. The rest of my Unit come out of Lens and return.
4th Wednesday
Night Duty.
German Planes over at Midnight, and bomb Béthune.
7th Saturday
German Planes again over.
16th Monday
Night orderly at Rest Station Labeuvriere.
18th Wednesday.
Lt Col Hodder returns to Unit after 2 months in England, owing to head wounds sustained in Lievin.
19th Thursday
Same routine, hospital duty.
Fine concert at night in Hospital Rec. Hall for personnel only of Fld Amb.
Col Hodder presided. Col Wrath was also in attendance. It was a great success.
20th Friday
My Hospital Duties finish at Hospital Station Labeuvriere, as most of B Sect leave for line tomorrow.
21st Saturday
Vermelles.
B Sect leave Labeuvriere in Ambulance waggons for the line, Main Dressing Station at Philosophe. I along with squad of four went on to Half Way House Relay Post, which is a good dugout, Hulluch no 3, near Vermelles.
22nd Sunday
Bombing raid at night. We were out collecting until 6am of the 23rd, Lincoln & Leicesters Bgde the only ones in the line out of 46 Div.
23rd Monday
Stretcher bearing at night. Heavy bombardments continue.
25th Wednesday
My squad is relieved during morning, and return to Main Dressing Station for 4 days at Philosophe.
26th Thursday
Night Clerks Duty in Dressing Station.
29th Sunday
Advanced Dress Sta. Philosophe. Night Clerk. The village heavily shelled, several drop within a few yds of Sta.
30th Monday
Night Clerk along with Canadian RAMC.
Sunday 28 February 2010
Rev Arthur Pratt.
A friend of Frank’s over many years, the Rev Arthur Pratt padre
to the South Staffordshire Regiment looses his life .
Frank first met him when he attended St Giles Church at
Willenhall before the war, when the Rev Pratt was then Vicar .
to the South Staffordshire Regiment looses his life .
Frank first met him when he attended St Giles Church at
Willenhall before the war, when the Rev Pratt was then Vicar .
June 1917
June 1917
Friday/13th Wednesday
Day Hospital Duty.
14th Thursday/29th Friday
Changed from day to night Duty, extremely hot weather prevails.
30th Saturday
Night Hospital Duty.
Staffs Brigade make a raid into outskirts of Lens, each Bgde taking turns, so for last few nights terrible Bombardment continues throughout the night.
Friday/13th Wednesday
Day Hospital Duty.
14th Thursday/29th Friday
Changed from day to night Duty, extremely hot weather prevails.
30th Saturday
Night Hospital Duty.
Staffs Brigade make a raid into outskirts of Lens, each Bgde taking turns, so for last few nights terrible Bombardment continues throughout the night.
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