James Kayley was reported missing since 3rd May 1917, by the local “Accrington Observer and Times” newspaper published in June of 1917. The heading in the newspaper reads “Church Soldier Missing”.Private James Kayley, the 19-year-old son of Mr. Kayley, butcher, Maden-street, Church, and Mrs. Kayley, has been posted missing since May 3rd. The young soldier was in the 9th Battalion Leicester Regiment, joined up on August 8th and went to France on December 15th. Private Kayley was prominently associated with Antley Wesleyan Sunday School, being the assistant secretary and a teacher. He was also a patrol leader in the school Boy Scouts and an active and promising youth. His parents would thankfully receive any information from any of his soldier friends or other sources.
A further report in the same newspaper published the following month reads: “A PRISONER OF WAR Private James Kayley, son of Mr. Kayley, butcher, of Church, reported missing on May 3rd, has sent a letter home stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany.”
The journal commences on the 5th April 1918, and I have, so far, not been able to trace his whereabouts from 3rd May 1917 through to the date above. However, my thanks go to Andrew Jackson: http://www.pals.org.uk/pals_e.htm who has very kindly been able to supply me with some information. From this I can say that James was probably captured at the Battle of Arras in Northern France.
Transcript of 2 journals written whilst a prisoner of war.
Notebook 1
July 1918
Worked from April 5th to July 13th on a small farm, but on this date I came to Konigsbrasse hospital with a badly sprained ankle. When going to hospital I drew five parcels – 2 biscuits & three grocery.
Tuesday On the 16th I wrote a letter to Pa & Ma, &-
Wednesday - on the 23rd, I wrote a card to Doris.
Saturday On the 27th I got two biscuits parcels B & C dated B – July 13 – July 27th 1918, C – July 20 – July 27th 1918.
Also on the 27th, I received the B T & a letter from Doris.
Sunday On the morning of the 28th I read the 90th & 91st psalms as it was a Sunday.
Tuesday On the 30th I wrote a letter to Doris & a card to Pa & Ma.
Wednesday On the 31st I went over to the other hospital on Plottker Strasse & spoke with a young man from Richmond Street, Accrington, named Duxbury. He said his mother had been over to our house enquiring how to send a certain parcel.
What a treat it was to come across an old Accrington lad after nearly 16 months, and not having seen one.
August 1918
Friday On the 2nd August I received the following parcels:
Parcel Number Date Sent
Copenhagen Biscuits A July 6th 1918
3359 F to J May 16th 1918
5352 F May 31st 1918
6623 F to J June 7th 1918
Number Unknown June 7th 1918
240 F to J June 21st 1918
239 F June 21st 1918
241 F to J July 2nd 1918
Also on this date, August 2nd, I received a letter & a card – both from dear old Mother dated :- letter - May 27th & card June 21st. Glad to hear all are pretty well at home.
Saturday On the 3rd (Sat) I gave my old tunic (after carrying it with me all the time in England, France, & Germany) to the Russian who sleeps by me in the ward. He is making me a pair of slippers from them.
Sunday On the morning of the 4th (Sun) our battery (I & four other pals) had fried bacon & biscuits for brekker, with a cup of S.M. tea each. And as the doctor is not coming we are having our meals on a small table instead of sitting on the beds as is usual.
Monday On the 5th we had tripe & onion for brekker & for dinner, quite a Blighty meal, spuds (boiled in their jackets) & boiled beef (a 2 ½ lbs tin between five of us), with biscuits & tea following. In the afternoon we played pontoon till tea time, had tea (biscuits & jam & S.M. tea), & then played cards again until bedtime. But, oh, it is monotonous; a continual round of sleeping, eating, carding, & walking (in a compound about 60 yds long in front of the huts). Today I (along with two others of our battery, & two others – five in all) have been marked out of the hospital to the camp by the Russian doctor. But the young German (wounded in France) who is at present in charge of the hospital says I will be able to stop here as a worker, we shall see how things turn out in the morning.
Tuesday Here comes the morning of the 6th, & only one of our battery goes to camp – my pal & I stop in hospital working. Today I wrote a card to Mr. Verney, in reply to a letter he wrote me in May. I also had a shave, my razor cost me nine marks in Robsens – town not far from my work unit.
Wednesday On the 7th I applied for passes to camp for Will (my pal) & got them signed by the doctor. At 3 pm. We went (along with six others) to the camp & as the concert did not start until 6.30 pm. We were able to look around & have a chat with old friends. I had my tea with wee George Brabner who had gone up to camp the day before. The concert (given entirely by our own chaps) was simply fine & quite a treat after months seeing nothing of the sort.
Thursday On the morning of the 8th Doctor Maus (German doctor) comes round marking men who are totally disabled, for exchange & one of our battery has the luck. But, poor lad, he is fairly riddled in the body & in the leg, thigh, broken sinews of the foot cut through. One Russian lad here has 28 wounds all over his body, & he has his right leg cut off by the knee, & on the leg there were 11 wounds making in all 39 wounds.
Friday On the 9th, which is post day, I have no luck, no parcels for me, but as I had a good lot the last week we have a bit left over.
Saturday On the 10th, my pal Will have to move from our barrack (no 4) to the workers barrack (No 3). We are the only to English workers in the prison-camp. On this day I get some real French coffee beans from one of the Russian medics.
Sunday Soon the morning of the 11th (Sun) & my pal & I have coffee for brekker, (alright for a change). On this day, old Vater comes for us to unload coal from a railway waggon. My pal & I & six Russians have to unload 3 trucks so we take the one with large pieces in it. We threw out the pieces of coal to the tune of “Count your many blessings; name them one by one” (being Sunday, of course). Before dinner (for which we had barley & bully with tea to follow), we unloaded the waggon, but as the coal was too near the lines, after dinner we had to throw it farther back.
Monday On the 12th, in the morning, we again went working on the coal (another railway waggon to unload), & half emptied it before dinner. After dinner, - as those lads who were marked for exchange were going away – we had to help carry them to the station. I gave one lad – Sam Platts – a ring to send to Mother when he got to Blighty. We got back to camp about 6 o’clock – and as one of the lads had got our tea ready – we had it --- bully & boiled murphies with biscuits & tea after. After tea we both sat down to write our correspondence – a card & a letter.
Tuesday On the 13th we went out working unloading the coal as usual & we had another railway waggon to unload, in all making 5 waggons. In the afternoon (as I had pains in the chest) I stayed in the barrack until tea time, when I cooked some Quakers for tea & my two pals & I had a real good tea. I also exchanged a tin of beef for some sugar as we are simply getting into old women, for our tea drinking. Ah well, there is nothing to beat a real good cup of S.M.
Wednesday On the morning of the 14th, old Vater came just as we got up, & would have us go right away, but we had our brekker before we stirred out, you bet. We did a decent lot of work today & we only left enough for the morning. I got asked by Vater, can I do grass mowing with a scythe? I said, yes! so he tells me I am to do so in the morning, the 15th. He says I have to go out in the morning & stay out all day, having my dinner at his house, so that is not bad for a prisoner.
Thursday In the morning of the 15th I go (with Vater’s Frau) to the field where I have to mow & when going, she gives me two slices of curry bread & a bottle of coffee & three apples. At dinner time she brings me my dinner, consisting of boiled spuds & beans, not bad at all. I finish about tea time & have a good tea of spuds & white bread & tea. I also have a ripping good bath & at night sleep like a top – my pal says I rambled a bit.
Friday I rise in the morning like a Lark on the 16th. I have biscuits & honey & tea for brekker. Today is glorious sun shining & aeroplanes galore in the air. I did nothing all day until after tea when my pal & I (along with a lot of others) went down to the railway station to bring up some of our chaps who were wounded! I had a good night’s sleep-
Saturday -& did not wake up until after seven in the morning (17th). As we had no parcels up yesterday, we are on dry bread & tea, but as it is parcel day again on Tuesday, we shall not starve till then. After brekker today, I sat & had a smoke & read Oliver Twist, not a bad book at all. For dinner we had soup, containing carrots & spuds in a fair amount. Did nothing but read afterwards until tea time, when we had Bread & tea, & to finish – some apples. After tea another worker & I went to Plotker Strasse camp with the barrow but brought nothing back, so it made a nice evening’s walk.
Sunday On the morning of the 18th (Sun), we had bread & butter (issue) & tea for brekker. After brekker of course we had our usual smoke & read, & later on we had a shave in anticipation of going to Lager after dinner. The Russian interpreter takes the pass to the Doctor (Maus) to sign, but he says there are too many going, so he cancels the whole thing. I did not worry over this much, as I had a good book to read, & a pipe of good old Navy Cut bacca to smoke. In the evening I went into the unit, by the camp, & had a good chat with six of our chaps who sleep there. Some of them work in a market garden, others in a watchmakers, & one is a barber in the town. I got a photo off one of them called Smith, a lad from Guernsey. While I was there (as my pal & I had no parcels), I asked one of the chaps to get me some bread in town, if poss, which I must go for on the 19th in the evening.
Monday On the 19th, there was very little doing except going to town for the milk, & taking to the other hospital. In the evening I went to into the unit & had a talk with the lads there, but there was no bread as the lad had not been able to bring it.
Tuesday On the 20th, we had very little work to do all day. I wrote to Doris after dinner.
Wednesday On the 21st, old Vater comes for us to unload some coke. He takes four of us, tells us there is one wagon, but when we get there we find there we find two – one 28 tons & one the other 29 tons. My pal & I have to unload that with 29 in, which takes us till 8 pm., & as there are some wounded English lads expected in the night, I stay up until 1 am. In the morning. When news comes, they have gone to the block in Lager.
Thursday In the morning of the 22nd, Vater comes again (this time to lead the coke on horse wagon, but as I had only just got up, I declined, & told him in plain English to “see himself off”. During the day I went to Plotker Strasse a time or two, had a ripping bath (cold shower included) & a good tea of spuds, onions, cucumber & bread. In the evening I had a read & smoke (my pipe for evenings, I am getting to be quite a pipe lover), going to bed at quite a respectable hour- -9:30 pm.
Friday on the 23rd, I did very little except go to Plotker Strasse a few times. I finished reading Jemmy Abercaw - & started to read The Virginians, but I soon jibbed at it. For tea we had potatoes with dripping, onions & cucumber with biscuits & tea – not too bad. Spent the evening trying to learn a Russian to speak English, but it is surprising how hard it seems to be to them. They don’t seem to be able to shape their mouths to some of our words, such as – one, which they pronounce “von”; it seems hard for them to say – W.
Saturday On the morning of the 24th, (as Vater had said there was coke to unload), I got up early & had my brekker (biscuits & dripping & tea), before Vater came & when he came, he said the wagon had not come. Before dinner I read part of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. After dinner I went to Plotker Strasse a time or two, but in all, did very little work.
Sunday On the morning of the 25th, (Sun), Vater came & asked me if I would go & unload coke. I said nothing, so he took my pal & three Russians. As we were down for a pass (camp), & it came just at dinner time, my pal did not go to work, but along with six others, we went up to camp. We had our tea with a friend, (Corp Woods), & after tea, watched a football match between our chaps & the French until Church time, when we went there, & we had real good hour’s enjoyment. We left the Lager about 8:30 pm., & as some of the chaps in our barrack had been out walking in town, & had a little too much, things went lively until late.
Monday On the 26th, there was not very much doing all day, & also on the 27th .
Tuesday The 27th was parcel day, but owing to a General being in the Lager, no parcels came down, but as I had some Quakers left, we made a stew of Quakers, spuds, mushrooms & Oxo cubes, and then baked it afterwards in the oven. Quite a treat, as it was the first time I had tasted mushrooms.
Wednesday On the 28th, we were reduced to my ration of bread, but fate was good – parcels came, I had two grocery, Parcel No. 246 F, sent July 16th, received August 28th, and No. 245 FT sent July 16th, received August 28th. So in the evening we had a stew of Quakers, murphies, Oxo’s & sausage, with biscuits & cocoa to finish off with. I also received a card from Cousin Annie & wrote part of a letter to Doris, but as it is not post day, I did not finish it.
Thursday On the morning of the 29th, we had biscuits with butter & cocoa & fried mushrooms, kidney & onions for brekker, not so bad for prisoners. Went to Plotker Strasse once before dinner, & then spent the afternoon reading “The Eternal City”, the finishing pages of which were missing as usual, just when things are getting a bit interesting. Now, as we had plenty of spare time in the afternoon, Vater was sleeping but, (Oh what systematic brains some people have), just as tea was ready, he came with orders to go to Plotker for the small wagon. We brought it (orders must be obeyed), & made another journey with some old straw filled mattresses, emptied them & brought back the sacks. It gave me an appetite for my tea, which consisted of potatoes, kidney & sausage, with biscuits & cocoa. I enjoyed it thoroughly, (but oh my poor stomach), & went to bed content smoking a good old Blighty Gold Flake.
Friday On the morning of the 30th, I made a good brekker of bacon & beans, for which I owe many thanks to those who do so well for the lads so far away from home & loved ones. During the morning, I went to Plotker with the milk, just a nice morning’s walk. I started to read “The Girondin”, a very good book, and finished it after dinner, a good bit of work for one day.
Saturday On the 31st, I did one journey to Plotker Strasse before dinner, & afterwards went & unloaded a wagon of spuds which we finished before tea.
September 1918
Sunday On September 1st, (Sun) I put in for a pass to go out walking, but owing to a new Doctor coming, all is stopped. In the evening I went into the unit for a talk with the chaps there.
Monday On the 2nd, I went to Plotker once in the whole day & had for tea, spuds, Quakers, & sausage, & as my cobber had got hold of a couple of French biscuits, we had these to supper.
Tuesday On the 3rd, (parcel day), we were out in the afternoon unloading a small wagon of coal, & when we came back, we found a couple of biscuit parcels each waiting for us—Copenhagen Biscuits H, sent on Aug 24th, Copenhagen Biscuits I, sent on Aug 31st.
Wednesday On the 4th, I went down into town for the milk with a Russian who wanted to bring some spuds back. In the evening I had a look in at the unit & also had a game of pontoon.
Thursday In the morning of the 5th, I had a nice early mornings walk to Plotker Strasse with a Russian medic (just a leg stretcher). I did very little else during the day, only read or walk in the compound a little.
Friday On the 6th, went to Plotker Strasse a time or two, once for meat. In the evening went into the unit next door for a chat & took my watch to an English lad in there who works at a watchmaker’s in Schneidemuhl (Now Pila in Poland).
Saturday On the 7th, I went into town with a Russian to carry the sergeant’s bags to the station; he was going home for a couple of days. As we were leaving him, he gave us a mark to buy some apples, which we speedily did, & did not stop there, but went walking round the town. What a decent time we had all on our own, (no guards) until dinnertime. As we were coming back to camp, (this day being the Jewish New Year’s Day) & my friend being a Jew, invited me into a restaurant & ordered two cakes & two iced drinks. We got the cake, (70 Pfennigs each), but they had no ice in stock as it happened, so we went without our drinks.
Sunday On the 8th, (Sun), I wrote a card to Doris & a letter to Pa & Ma.
Monday On the 9th, we unloaded a wagon of bricketts, 20 tons, I pinched some carrots & also--
Tuesday --on the 10th we had to unload another wagon containing 10 tons & managed to get hold of some spuds, for which Vater reminded us of the eighth commandment.
Wednesday On the 11th, we again unloaded the wagon of bricketts to take them to the hospital. We finished before dinner. On the 10th, (parcel day), I did not get anything, so am sweating on Friday.
Thursday On the 12th, we have finished the wagon, & no more have come in, so we have a days rest, but again,--
Friday -- on the 13th, a couple of wagons come in which have to be unloaded that day, so we start unloading one onto the horse wagons, & the other on the earth. We finished by tea time, but--
Saturday -- on the 14th, we finished loading from off the earth on to the horse wagons.
Sunday Again on the 15th, the old ****** comes for us to unload some more cokes, so being Sunday, the language he gets would not agree with him, did he understand it. (on the 13th, (parcel day) I got no packets, but received two cards, both from dear old Pa & Ma). On the 15th, (being Sunday) we went at it hard & finished a 15 ton wagon of cokes in two hours, (four men), so that we could have a rest after dinner. As it was, instead of resting, Will & I, with three Russian medics went a good long walk round the countryside. It was quite a treat to get out on such a fine day.
Monday On the 16th, we went to load up the coke into wagons to take to Plottker Strasse, which lasted us nicely until teatime, (4 pm) when we came home & had a good feed of mushrooms for tea. Some of the lads played cards until 3 am. In--
Tuesday -- the morning of the 17th, when I got up, had brekker & then sat down & wrote something in my diary, & after that began to read a book called “Cleopatra”. I had a nice quiet day, having no work to do except Plottker once, & in the evening I had a look in the unit to see if my watch was finished. He had not done it, so I gave it to a Russian to do. I got a grocery parcel & a biscuit, (two weeks ration again) Parcel No: 0248 F & T sent on July 30th 1918, and Parcel No: j Copenhagen Biscuits sent on September 14th.
Wednesday On the 18th, I got up early again, but again we are not wanted. So have another easy day. In the evening I went in the unit to change a tin of bully for a 1lb tin of Australian cheese, (cheddar cheese), alright too, as I don’t get any in my parcels.
Thursday On the morning of the 19th, we had biscuits & cheese & coffee, which my cobber & I enjoyed immensely. The biscuits were not same as usual (being Huntley & Palmers No. 5), about 60 in the parcel, but they will not last me a week, never mind a fortnight. I spent the morning reading “The Mill on the Floss”, having for dinner the usual issue of soup, but for tea we had spuds & a tin of Army rations. I had given up smoking, but when there was 50 good old Gold Flake in my parcel, I could not resist a blighty. After dinner we had a heavy thunderstorm, but as we were not out working, it was alright. In the evening I again went into the unit to change a tin of baked beans, as I do not care much for them, for a tin of herrings. I get no fish in my parcels.
Friday On the 20th, (parcel day), I get two grocery parcels, which were alright, only one contained a pound cake for which I do not care at all. Parcel No. 0247 F sent July 23rd 1918; Parcel No. 0249 F & T sent July 30th 1918. For tea we had potatoes & herrings cooked & then baked in the oven. I also received 3 letters & 1 card. A letter from Doris, & two from Mother, & a card from Dad. I read in Ma’s letter she is improving fine & it makes ever so much better in spirits, for, do what I will, I am always thinking of her. In the evening I had a game of pontoon until 9 pm., & then turned in, sweating on working in the morning.
Saturday On the morning of the 21st, gives me time to write in my diary, & read a part of “The Mill on the Floss”. I went once to Plotker Strasse during the day with sacks of oats, & brought back bread. We heard in the afternoon that our people were bombarding Metz & Strasburg, which we know is Deutsch territory, so perhaps now he (Kaiser Wilhelm II or Kaiser Bill) will begin to think of other things apart from conquering the World, & being a second Napoleon. For supper I had biscuits & cheese with a cup of S & M tea, which was alright, the only fault being; it was my second in about a couple of hours. It caused me to have to show a leg at 12 o’clock, & again at six, but I usually wake at this hour, work or no.
Sunday Got up & had biscuits & cheese for brekker, & at 9:30 am. I went with Vater for the milk & also took it along to Plotker Strasse. When I was returning I purchased a bottle of ink which cost me 40 Pfennigs. The last one I bought cost me 65 Pfennigs. For dinner we had what the German calls macaroni, & my partner having spuds & a cutlet (being a medic), we made a decent dinner. I laid on the bed reading or played patience until 2:30 pm. When coffee was up so we had a few biscuits & marmalade – just to show there was no ill feeling. Nothing very startling happened until teatime, when we had Potatoes & macaroni with date pudding to finish off with. My sparring partner said he quite sufficient & thoroughly enjoyed it. I got to bed rather late, but it makes no odds.
Monday I woke up at six o’clock, as I do every morning. This morning, (23rd), my biscuits being finished, we had town bread & marmalade (orange). After brekker I went for the milk with Vater & had a nice walk round the town, as he wanted to buy certain things for some of the chaps in hospital. I bought a couple of tins of boot polish, which cost 55 Pfennigs each, our tuppenny size in Blighty. In the afternoon Will & I went to Plotker Strasse, for four bags of barley, two sacks of cabbage & a cucumber, which we just about managed to land back. For tea we had Quakers, but we had no sugar to go with them, so we had to imagine it, a habit I have now got quite used to.
Tuesday I got up on the morning of the 24th as usual, & as it was post day, I wrote a card to Doris?. I also read part of a book called “Tweed”, not bad at all. After dinner I managed to get one grocery parcel: Parcel No. 0250 F & T sent on August 6th 1918, from which, as usual, the butter is missing. Having nothing to do, I went to bed pretty early, & in consequence had a good night’s sleep, and--
Wednesday woke early in the morning of the 25th. For brekker we had bacon & beans with some French biscuits fried, quite alright. After brekker we went to Plotker Strasse three times with old iron & cases of medicine, & brought the bread back. I bought some small cucumbers – five, costing me a mark. Dinner was what we call second form – No. 2 diet for the worst cases – which we get once every week. After dinner saw us once more going to Plotker Strasse & back for tea. We had a strange concoction my partner had cooked which consisted of Cabbage, carrots, spuds, onions, tapioca, soup powder, tomatoes & salt, sugar & vinegar. It touched the palate, being nicely cooked & flavoured, but I do not care much for soup. In the evening I had a glorious bath & turned in immediately afterwards, & enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
Thursday In the morning I got 1 marks worth of letter cards costing 5 pfennigs each, amounting to 20 cards, which seem to be very good, being about 5 times the size of a postcard, this on the 26th. German macaroni for dinner & for tea we had tapioca & Quakers with plenty of milk & sugar which was alright. I had a game of dominoes in the evening, of which my partner & I won two games out of five. Before I turned in, I sprinkled some powder in the bed for the enemy – fleas, of which we have more than a few. In consequence, I spent a decent night’s sleep.
Friday I rose like a lark in the morning of the 27th, (parcel day). I read part of a book called “The Conventionalists”, for which I do not care very much, we got wind up about 9 o’clock on account of a rumour of some more coal, but old Vater came he said NO! Tre-bien merci. After dinner came the parcels, with none for this child, but of course we cannot expect parcels every time. Just before tea, four men were wanted to bring a krank man up from the station so Will & I volunteered. He was an Italian with a large haversack & a big box, but we managed at last to get him to hospital. For tea we had potatoes & bully with a salad, which my partner had made of cucumber, onions, herring, tomato soup, sugar, salt & vinegar. Right away after tea we had to go down to the station again for a Russian; four of us Englishmen went. In the evening read a bit of German & turned in & spent a fine night not troubled with fleas.
Saturday On the morning of the 28th, Vater comes for us to unload some coke, half of which we do before dinner (shredded cabbage), my partner-spuds. After dinner we finished the wagon easily, came back & had tea—spuds & bully.
Sunday For brekker on the 29th, (Sun), we had bacon & beans, & afterwards went with a party to the station for a krank Ruskie – a very nice walk, as the sun was shining gloriously. For dinner we had macaroni & spuds – not bad. Afterwards I spent the time reading or Patience & had a stroll in the compound in the evening with my friend – Jim Fray. It was pretty late when I turned in, but I slept well till--
Monday -- seven o’clock, when I got up. We had bacon for brekker and a sharp walk after set me nice & warm; the weather is beginning to get rather cold. This on the 30th, last day of September. During the day I went to Plotker once, & for tea had a feed of spuds, Quakers & rice & milk (conserve). In the evening seven krank Ruskies were brought in from Lager so as some of our chaps were with them, we heard of a concert to come off this next week-end.
October 1918
Tuesday On the 1st Oct., I went for the milk with Vater & had a nice stroll round the town. Geese were selling at (5lbs) between 25 & 35 marks. During the morning a Russian died, making 3 in four days, but of course, the poor devils don’t get enough grub. As it was parcel day, we were sweating on getting something – & I did, a packet of biscuits - 2 weeks rations: Parcel M Copenhagen Biscuits sent on Sept 8th, which were the old Copenhagen sort, (not H & P’s). Spuds & a salad for tea. Completed another day’s food & labour, followed by a bit of a read: “Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
Wednesday On the morning of the 2nd, I went to Plotker, once for meat, but it had not come, so we came back empty handed. Just before dinner the Russian priest holds a small service over two of the Ruskies who had died previously – rather solemn & impressing. After dinner (second form) Jim Fray & I sat in the bathroom reading as fire was lit in the cistern – the warmest spot in hospital. About 3 o’clock came some of the French committee, one had brought the 12 marks which Father sent me in February – about time. I posted a letter to Doris & a card to Dad- written on the 1st.
Thursday On the 3rd, two Russians were taken away for burial, Kohlrabi (German turnip or turnip cabbage) for dinner, reading in the afternoon with spuds & meat paste for tea; finished another day. Feeling rather rotten in the evening, I turned in rather early. We got one more (noch eine) blanket so I was nice & warm during the night.
Friday I woke up rather early about 5:30 am., on the 4th, had a wash followed by biscuits & coffee for brekker. I later had a walk down town for the milk, & purchased a patent cigarette lighter (60 pfennigs) & a pencil (20 pfennigs) for two chaps in hospital. Afterwards went to Plotker Strasse & bought a couple of pen nibs costing me 5 pfennigs each, not much in comparison to other articles. On this day I also received a grocery parcel: Parcel No. 0251 F & T, sent on August 13th 1918., which was not bad at all-it had some blighty’s in anyway.
Saturday On the morn of the 5th, there was nothing much doing. Will went for the milk & bought me a patent cig lighter @ 60 pfennigs. In the evening of the 4th, I began to feel a cold coming on as I turned in soon. I did not feel too bad on the morning of the 5th, so as I was in for a pass to Lager, I went. There was a concert (a revue) on in the English theatre, to which we went (four Englishmen & two Russian medics), & all evening felt my cold gradually growing worse & worse. We arrived back at hospital at about 11 pm.--
Sunday --but on the morning of the 6th, I stayed in bed, my whole body wracked with coughing & a splitting head. Just before dinner, I got up and had a real hot bath & stayed up for a while after, as I could not stick lying in bed. The Russians were very good to me, in fact, did all they could to keep me in bed, & my pal Jim was a treat. We got along fine together.
Monday to-- On the 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th, I stayed in bed pretty bad with influenza, trying to sweat it out. During this
----Thursday time I took 9 marks worth of Schnapps, which did me a certain amount of good.
Friday On the 11th, (Friday), parcel day also- I got up for a while, but the medic sergeant told me not to stay up too long. My pal Jim was a treat, he did everything for me, even to writing a card to Pa & Ma on the 8th. On the Sat last, I brought a parcel with me from Lager: 0252 F sent August 13th 1918. On the Tuesday I received one more, 0253 F & T, sent on August 20th 1918, which contained 50 blightys “Waverley” cigs, my favourite so I reckon. I am doing very wee – three in a weekend.
Friday On the 11th, (Friday) I got a grocery parcel: 0254 F & T sent on August 27th 1918, which was in good condition & everything was complete, including 50 Gold Flake cigs “tre bien”! I turned in pretty early in the evening, & on the---
Saturday morning of the 12th, (Sat), I got up again about 11 o’clock. Just before dinner I was had up before the Justice Officer to give evidence against one of the lads on the wood Komm, in the last winter by Mark Friedland (I have no idea what this last sentence means). I did not go out all day, & for tea we had spuds & minced steak.
Sunday On the morning of the 13th, (Sun), I rose & had a shave, & wrote part of my diary. I wrote also a letter & sent two Theatre programmes home – letter to Father & Mother. I turned in early to but also---
Monday ---rose pretty early on the 14th. I stayed in all day, & read “The Master Mummers”, a pretty good story, & during the afternoon there was a funeral of a Frenchman from the hospital. For tea we had spuds & bully, & we also have good news, The Kaiser has answered the peace terms of Wilson, & says he will withdraw all troops from other territory – evacuation to commence @ once.
Tuesday On the 14th, nothing particular happened except parcels of which I received a biscuits, Copenhagen biscuits 0 sent Oct 12th. I went to Plotker a time or two, & as I had toothache, I turned in soon.
Wednesday On the 16th, Will & Jim & I went to Plotker Strasse with a tall Gerry who is quite easy going, so I ask him to take Jim & I out walking on the 17th, he says alright, @ six in the evening he will take us.
Thursday On the 17th, nothing much occurred, & in the evening he took us out for a walk, & we had a nice walk. After walking for a while we went into a café & had some German cake & coffee, but my word, our friend was a rare bloke for eating. He did 4 or 5 cakes in which only cost 70 pfennigs each. But we could not grumble as we had enjoyed it, after stuffing in so long, We came in about 9 pm. I slept well after our debauch.
Friday On the 18th, I went for the milk in the morning, & during the day went to Plotker for the flesh. We heard some rumours of what our chaps were doing in France, but we were not sure of it. I also got two parcels, both grocery, Parcel No. 0255 F, sent on August 27th, & Parcel No. 0256 F & T, sent on September 3rd.
Saturday On the 19th, I went to Plotker three times before dinner, & once after, but without much stirring. We heard it was correct about our chaps in France having taken Ostend, Lille & Douais. For tea we had spuds & bacon alright.
Sunday On the 20th, (Sun), I went for the milk & tried to persuade Vater to come to Church, but no, he is Catholic. In the evening we had Quakers with plenty of milk & sugar, which I enjoyed thoroughly.
Notebook 2
October 1918 continued:
Monday 21/10/1918:
Nothing much doing during the day, but in the evening my pal Jim & I went to a sort of prayer meeting at old Vater’s house – alright. We stayed until 9 pm., talking on different themes with the people there, but to Jim it was rather slow as he does not understand German.
Tuesday 22/10/1918:
Just after I had finished brekker, old Vater came for us to unload cokes. There are two waggons but four of us Englanders managed it before tea, for which we had spuds & bully with tea & biscuits to follow. During the day we hear some good news of Germany accepting any terms of peace from the Allies.
Wednesday 23/10/1918:
Again on cokes, but we are loading horse waggons. I managed to pinch four or five cabbages which some soldiers were unloading at the Bahnhoff.
Thursday 24/10/1918:
Today we had not much work, & I finished before dinner. I also managed about 50lbs of spuds in a sack which I took for the purpose. After dinner we had a nice rest & read, with spuds & bully for tea.
Friday 25/10/1918:
Today is parcel day, & I received one – grocery: no number, dated Sept 10th 1918 with nix cigs. I also received two cards & a letter – all from dear old Mother – who is now knocking about again – good news.
Saturday 26/10/1918:
I go to Plottker Strasse early in the morning for the bread, but did nothing more during the whole day, so I had a nice quiet time.
Sunday 27/10/1918:
I went down to town for the milk, but on the whole had an easy time. After dinner four Russian medics my pal Jim & I went out with the big German for a walk. We went into a café & had cake (Rome cake), & coffee, for which our German friend has a great liking.
Monday 28/10/1918:
During the day I went to Plottker a time or two, & in the evening went with five more Englishmen & two Russians to the concert in the lager. For a variety show, it was not bad, & we got back to Lazarette about 10:30pm. My partner had cooked some spuds & meat so as the stove was going, I warmed them up & knocked them back.
Tuesday 29/10/1918:
About 7:30am., just as I was finishing my brekker, old Vater comes loosing us to go & unload some potatoes. We had quite a pantomime with Vater & the kiddies, who would keep pinching spuds & of course we helped them, which got Vater wild. As it was post day, I got mail, two cards from Mother, & a letter from Doris. I also received two parcels: - 0257 Fo7 dated September 10th, Copenhagen Biscuits 2, dated October 26th. I also wrote a letter to Doris, & card to John, & also sent two lager photos home in separate envelope.
Wednesday 30/10/1918:
I went down town for the milk in the morning, & once to Plottker Strasse for bread. The weather was fine, rather cold, but the sun shining. In the evening my comrade, being guard, he let me & my pal out & we go to the pictures with the guard. My pal was on sick-watch, so he had to go in early, but I did not do, so until eleven-thirty pm.
Thursday 31/10/1918:
My working partner went for the milk, so I had nothing to do until after dinner, when we went Plottker for some meal. In the evening I, along with six others, went down to the station for a sick man. We got back pretty early so I managed to get a good read before turning in for the night.
Friday 01/11/1918:
In the morning Will & I went down for the milk, & as one of our chaps was dead, we made a small collection among us. We got together tem marks so I ordered a good one, which I was to call for on the morrow. Just as we were going to have dinner, four men were required to bring a krank man from the station. I went & also at 4pm., again & by jove the second bloke was a nice weight! We heard in the evening that Lloyd George had promised peace to Germany, so we were in good spirits. I asked a Russian to make me a couple of rings like watch chain I had made a while ago. I turned in about 9 pm.
Saturday 02/11/1918:
Nothing much doing all day, except Plottker Strasse. In the evening a friend of ours in the watch came & took us out for a walk.
Sunday 03/11/1918:
Vater came for us in the morning to unload spuds so we set out to finish soon, & did so about 3 o’clock. We then (8 of us) went to the Cemetery to take a wreath we had bought for a comrade who was buried the day before. We had a nice walk & arrived back about 6:30 pm. To find my partner had cooked some spuds & beans. I also had some biscuits & tea after.
Monday 04/11/1918:
Again Vater takes us to unload spuds, & we finish about 3 pm. Nothing much doing all day except work.
Tuesday 05/11/1918:
Again on work but instead of spuds we were on coal which was a lot more tiring, & took longer, We finished alright about 5:30 pm., & also it was parcel day 7 I got a bread parcel :- Copenhagen Bread R dated Nov 2nd 1918, so we had white bread & dripping for a change. I also got a big surprise, (I was saying all sorts of things about the committee) when my partner told me a box had come for me. I was glad when I saw it was my box I had left at the unit. A pound & a half of soap missing – nothing else.
Wednesday 06/11/1918:
Vater came again in the morning but said there was no work for us so I went down town for the milk. During the day we heard that a delegate had gone to France to sign terms for peace, so we were all in high spirits.
Thursday 07/11/1918:
Nothing doing in the morning, but after dinner I went up to lager with a stretcher party taking 3 invalid Russians going home – exchanged. I called in at the post & found a large size (15lbs) parcel there for me. It was a good parcel: - 0261 Fo7 dated October 1st 1918, & as I had finished my last one, it came in very handy. I also got a letter from Mother dated September 29th in which she says she is home again – good news indeed.
Friday 08/11/1918:
We went to unload another waggon of coal & had it finished by 5 pm (400cwt). It was parcel day but as I brought mine with me yesterday I did not get one. During the day I saw over 100 of our chaps going up to Lager, who had been on retaliation, & they looked terrible, poor chaps. We were on pins all the evening in expectation of peace news coming through.
Saturday 09/11/1918:
Nothing doing all during the day, but in the evening I went out for a walk with a German soldier, a friend of mine, & we went in town later on. All the soldiers were out on parade with red ribbons on their jackets, & we knew then that a Republic had been declared – Kaiser dethroned & gone to Holland.
Sunday 10/11/1918:
In the morning I went for the milk and saw all the soldiers at the street corners holding up all who did not take the badge from their caps – officers also. After dinner I went out walking with three Ruskies, but as they were going on a boozing stunt, I went on my own to a small restaurant where my German usually came to. He did not come so I got another soldier to get me into Lazarette. In the evening I went with a Froggie & two Germans to the pictures.
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Armistice Day
Monday 11/11/1918:
I went down town again for the milk & purchased an “Extra Blatt” & read therein that Germany had accepted our terms for an armistice, which means we shall soon be going home. After dinner I went up to the Lager to the concert, but there was none so we came back at six pm.
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Tuesday 12/11/1918:
In the morning we went & unloaded a small waggon of coal which we finished early. Did not stay out in the evening. It was parcel day, but none came.
Wednesday 13/11/1918:
I went down town in the morning for Jim Fray (who is ill in bed) some schnapps. I did not go to work coaling, but stayed in Lazarette & made some tea for all our chaps ill in bed who had been behind the line working. After dinner I made them some burgoo & again at night some tea. Parcels came so I dished out the emergency ones to the krank & I got one myself – well two, Copenhagen Bread S dated November 9th 1918, & grocery 280Fo7 dated September 24th 1918.
Thursday 14/11/1918
I got up early & made a bucket of tea for the lads & got called by the cook – Frau, for taking all her kettle of water. No news of going away yet.
Friday 15/11/1918:
In the morning went to Plottker Strasse once & afterwards just stopped in & cooked for the chaps who were ill in bed. Parcel day but I did not click.
Saturday 16/11/1918:
Nothing doing in the morning, but after dinner I went once to Plottker for bandages. For tea we had fried potatoes & meat, with tea & biscuits.
Sunday 17/11/1918:
I made tea in the morning for the krank, & wrote a few entries in my diary. Got news of some Ruskies going away today. I read a new novel “The Lady in the Car” which I got from a German einsor.
Monday 18/11/1918:
During the day I did very little work except cook, but in the evening I went out with a little Frenchie walking. We had a nice time with two other Frenchmen from the railway unit, & I got invited by three Englishmen there to come again to tea on the morrow.
Tuesday 19/11/1918:
During the morning the Sanitar sergeant came taking names of all English who could walk in order to go home on the morrow, or the day after. As a lot of Russian workers had gone away yesterday. All men had to do something, so I took on Sanitar for 3 barrack.
Wednesday 20/11/1918:
Carried on as Sanitar-alright, bringing coffee, bread & did all jobs necessary in the barrack, but only what was necessary. In the evening I went out walking with a Froggie, with whom I am good pals, we can both speak a bit of German so we understand each other.
Thursday 21/11/1918:
Had a decent days work without having to overwork myself, & in the evening went with three other Englishmen & a Frenchman to the pictures in town. We all enjoyed the night out, but we were an object of interest to the public prisoners walking with no guard. We managed to get into hospital again without being held up by any patrol. Got in about 10:30 just after lights out.
Friday 22/11/1918:
Still sanitar & as I was doing this work I went at dinner time for a sanitare dinner – spuds & meat instead of soup. The old Frau argued a bit but I got my dinner after all, as I said, if I did not, I would not work. Got to hear during the day off an Englishman, transport going to Holland on the morrow, but as we must stay behind, but maybe we shall go in a Red Cross train later on with all the sick. I went out at night with Jim & Parpaix but we only had a walk round town & came in through the door which was standing wide open. I have had to climb over the top many a time before!
Saturday 23/11/1918:
Nothing much doing during the day, but have a walk in the evening. This time the guard played up about us being out on our own.
Sunday 24/11/1918:
In the morning I do my usual work as sanitar, but after dinner 4 of us Englishmen & 3 Frenchies went up to Lager to see what was going on there. We went without a guard but with a pass signed by the Doctor Inause. We heard in Lager that 1400 of our chaps were going home on the morrow, & that we in Lazarette go on next Friday. We played out until 8 pm., & coming in, had to show our pass so things are getting strict again.
Monday 25/11/1918:
Nothing on all day except one journey to Plottker Strasse, & as we were coming back I managed to pinch some figs & dates which were in a box in the waggon. Stayed in at night & washed my shirt, towel & socks ready for the trip to Blighty.
Tuesday 26/11/1918:
In the morning I went down town for the milk, & purchased two match-box holders, one for Jim, & one for myself. During the day one of our chaps went up to Lager to enquire when we were going home, & was told Friday – sure. We arranged to go up to Lager on the morrow so as to be sure of going away with the next transport – one went yesterday at 4 pm of 1400.
Wednesday 27/11/1918:
Went down town for the milk & had s look round. Got orders to stand to for going away. In the evening stayed in as I had a slight cold.
Thursday 28/11/1918:
Had a walk in town for the milk & an Italian & myself went on our own & came back without position. Just as I got back our chaps were packing up ready to go to Lager for the transport. I also packed, although my name was not down to go, but I missed the last & was going to do so again. Came to Lager just before dinner (eight of us), & signed our cards for transport. Waiting for men to come in from Holland to make up 1000 – about 600 in camp. Drew a grocery & a bread parcel.
Friday 29/11/1918:
Last night more men came in but still we are not up to strength for transport. Jim & I had a nice brekker – bacon & beans. We hear from some of the guards who took the last lot, what a fine reception they got in Danzig – bands playing – quite a fine time, which puts us all on pins to get away. Wrote a card to Pa & Ma, but no chance of posting it so carried it with me. A decent fall of snow during the day.
Saturday 30/11/1918:
In the morning went with about 100 more to attend the funeral of 4 of our chaps who had died in Lazarette. We left 5 more dead in the same Lazerette. After dinner I cleaned my buttons & then went & saw the French transport off. We hear we are on the Monday.
Sunday 01/12/1918:
More men came in but we still do not go.
Monday 02/12/1918:
In the morning attend the funeral of 4 more of our lads, no signs of a move.
Monday 03/12/1918:
Bury two more of our lads – raining all the time. More lads go krank with grippe.
Tuesday 04/12/1918:
Still standing to for transport but do not get any orders, only that the list will be out in the morning.
Wednesday 05/12/1918:
List out – my name is there alright, & also Jim’s. We hear we move after dinner. Bread & salmon for midday.
Thursday 06/12 – 10/12/1918:
Nothing but rumours of going away tomorrow – ever tomorrow. Fell in at two o’clock with kit ready for going on the 10th – a wash out. Got emergency rations, bread & bully each man.
Wednesday 11/12/1918:
Some German officers came up to Lager & all our lads got round them & told them if they did not see about us going away before morning we should all pack up & walk it. Already the huts are being broken up for firewood.
Thursday 12/12/1918:
Still standing to for transport.
Friday 13/12/1918:
Another new list of men for transport from 1914 to 1917 & I am on it, but Jim is not. There are 500 men going. We leave camp about 7 pm. Prompt. We arrived in Danzig, (Now Gdansk, in Poland) about 12:30 on Saturday 14th & we went on board ship (S.S. Mitau) where we had to sign. The boat left port at 2 pm. & shortly afterwards we all got an issue of 40 cigs & two sticks of chocolate per man. Weather decent & calm. Turned in after tiring myself out walking on deck. I slept like a top in the best bed I had had for two years or more.
Sunday 15/12/1918:
Got up about 6:30 am. & went up on deck for an hour before brekker. Arrived at Copenhagen about 1:30, mail was taken on board & we left at 3:30 pm. While standing off Copenhagen we saw three of our light cruisers & what a cheer we got from the tars on board. We also saw some Danish sea scouts. When leaving there was a slight fog which gradually thickened until at night, we had to blow our fog signal every three minutes. Volunteers were wanted for watch on deck, so I did so. Was on from 11 pm. Till 1 am. While we were on guard the ship passed through the Skagarat – through the minefields & by Monday morning, the 16th, we were passing the coast of Denmark. The weather was fine & calm, & we sailed fine. Good sailing all day on the 16th & in the night I was on guard again.
Tuesday 17/12/1918:
Still going fine – good weather. Hope to be in harbour by night. The ship, (S S Mitau) stopped about 1 o’clock on the morning of the 18th.
Wednesday 18/12/1918:
We could see the lights on shore. We expect to disembark early in the morning.
Thursday 19/12/1918:
About 12 o’clock we sailed into harbour & dropped anchor for a while, & then steamed into dock, oh what a reception, cheers galore, & a pipers band. We disembarked & had dinner in a large shed finely decorated, & we sent telegrams home. We then marched out & as we went, we each received two paper bags & a white handkerchief with something in. In one bag was a pie, chocolate & biscuits, & in the other was cigs, a pipe, bacca, a Union Jack, & in the hanky a postcard of the castle (Edinburgh), a pencil, tablet of soap, cigs, so we did alright. We boarded the train about 3 o’clock, & the kiddies were round for souvenirs. Arrived after a good run at Ripon, & we all had a good supper & turned in feeling very tired.
Friday 20/12/1918:
Reveille at six – brekker at seven, & afterwards a medical inspection. After this we were formed into our regiments & marched to another camp & I got separated from Jim. I got with a few Leicester lads who I knew, so I was alright. We all in our hut cleaned our buttons & badges as we expect going home in the early morning.
Saturday 21/12/1918:
Reveille – six am. Brekker – eight
At this point, the journal ends.
A further report in the same newspaper published the following month reads: “A PRISONER OF WAR Private James Kayley, son of Mr. Kayley, butcher, of Church, reported missing on May 3rd, has sent a letter home stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany.”
The journal commences on the 5th April 1918, and I have, so far, not been able to trace his whereabouts from 3rd May 1917 through to the date above. However, my thanks go to Andrew Jackson: http://www.pals.org.uk/pals_e.htm who has very kindly been able to supply me with some information. From this I can say that James was probably captured at the Battle of Arras in Northern France.
Transcript of 2 journals written whilst a prisoner of war.
Notebook 1
July 1918
Worked from April 5th to July 13th on a small farm, but on this date I came to Konigsbrasse hospital with a badly sprained ankle. When going to hospital I drew five parcels – 2 biscuits & three grocery.
Tuesday On the 16th I wrote a letter to Pa & Ma, &-
Wednesday - on the 23rd, I wrote a card to Doris.
Saturday On the 27th I got two biscuits parcels B & C dated B – July 13 – July 27th 1918, C – July 20 – July 27th 1918.
Also on the 27th, I received the B T & a letter from Doris.
Sunday On the morning of the 28th I read the 90th & 91st psalms as it was a Sunday.
Tuesday On the 30th I wrote a letter to Doris & a card to Pa & Ma.
Wednesday On the 31st I went over to the other hospital on Plottker Strasse & spoke with a young man from Richmond Street, Accrington, named Duxbury. He said his mother had been over to our house enquiring how to send a certain parcel.
What a treat it was to come across an old Accrington lad after nearly 16 months, and not having seen one.
August 1918
Friday On the 2nd August I received the following parcels:
Parcel Number Date Sent
Copenhagen Biscuits A July 6th 1918
3359 F to J May 16th 1918
5352 F May 31st 1918
6623 F to J June 7th 1918
Number Unknown June 7th 1918
240 F to J June 21st 1918
239 F June 21st 1918
241 F to J July 2nd 1918
Also on this date, August 2nd, I received a letter & a card – both from dear old Mother dated :- letter - May 27th & card June 21st. Glad to hear all are pretty well at home.
Saturday On the 3rd (Sat) I gave my old tunic (after carrying it with me all the time in England, France, & Germany) to the Russian who sleeps by me in the ward. He is making me a pair of slippers from them.
Sunday On the morning of the 4th (Sun) our battery (I & four other pals) had fried bacon & biscuits for brekker, with a cup of S.M. tea each. And as the doctor is not coming we are having our meals on a small table instead of sitting on the beds as is usual.
Monday On the 5th we had tripe & onion for brekker & for dinner, quite a Blighty meal, spuds (boiled in their jackets) & boiled beef (a 2 ½ lbs tin between five of us), with biscuits & tea following. In the afternoon we played pontoon till tea time, had tea (biscuits & jam & S.M. tea), & then played cards again until bedtime. But, oh, it is monotonous; a continual round of sleeping, eating, carding, & walking (in a compound about 60 yds long in front of the huts). Today I (along with two others of our battery, & two others – five in all) have been marked out of the hospital to the camp by the Russian doctor. But the young German (wounded in France) who is at present in charge of the hospital says I will be able to stop here as a worker, we shall see how things turn out in the morning.
Tuesday Here comes the morning of the 6th, & only one of our battery goes to camp – my pal & I stop in hospital working. Today I wrote a card to Mr. Verney, in reply to a letter he wrote me in May. I also had a shave, my razor cost me nine marks in Robsens – town not far from my work unit.
Wednesday On the 7th I applied for passes to camp for Will (my pal) & got them signed by the doctor. At 3 pm. We went (along with six others) to the camp & as the concert did not start until 6.30 pm. We were able to look around & have a chat with old friends. I had my tea with wee George Brabner who had gone up to camp the day before. The concert (given entirely by our own chaps) was simply fine & quite a treat after months seeing nothing of the sort.
Thursday On the morning of the 8th Doctor Maus (German doctor) comes round marking men who are totally disabled, for exchange & one of our battery has the luck. But, poor lad, he is fairly riddled in the body & in the leg, thigh, broken sinews of the foot cut through. One Russian lad here has 28 wounds all over his body, & he has his right leg cut off by the knee, & on the leg there were 11 wounds making in all 39 wounds.
Friday On the 9th, which is post day, I have no luck, no parcels for me, but as I had a good lot the last week we have a bit left over.
Saturday On the 10th, my pal Will have to move from our barrack (no 4) to the workers barrack (No 3). We are the only to English workers in the prison-camp. On this day I get some real French coffee beans from one of the Russian medics.
Sunday Soon the morning of the 11th (Sun) & my pal & I have coffee for brekker, (alright for a change). On this day, old Vater comes for us to unload coal from a railway waggon. My pal & I & six Russians have to unload 3 trucks so we take the one with large pieces in it. We threw out the pieces of coal to the tune of “Count your many blessings; name them one by one” (being Sunday, of course). Before dinner (for which we had barley & bully with tea to follow), we unloaded the waggon, but as the coal was too near the lines, after dinner we had to throw it farther back.
Monday On the 12th, in the morning, we again went working on the coal (another railway waggon to unload), & half emptied it before dinner. After dinner, - as those lads who were marked for exchange were going away – we had to help carry them to the station. I gave one lad – Sam Platts – a ring to send to Mother when he got to Blighty. We got back to camp about 6 o’clock – and as one of the lads had got our tea ready – we had it --- bully & boiled murphies with biscuits & tea after. After tea we both sat down to write our correspondence – a card & a letter.
Tuesday On the 13th we went out working unloading the coal as usual & we had another railway waggon to unload, in all making 5 waggons. In the afternoon (as I had pains in the chest) I stayed in the barrack until tea time, when I cooked some Quakers for tea & my two pals & I had a real good tea. I also exchanged a tin of beef for some sugar as we are simply getting into old women, for our tea drinking. Ah well, there is nothing to beat a real good cup of S.M.
Wednesday On the morning of the 14th, old Vater came just as we got up, & would have us go right away, but we had our brekker before we stirred out, you bet. We did a decent lot of work today & we only left enough for the morning. I got asked by Vater, can I do grass mowing with a scythe? I said, yes! so he tells me I am to do so in the morning, the 15th. He says I have to go out in the morning & stay out all day, having my dinner at his house, so that is not bad for a prisoner.
Thursday In the morning of the 15th I go (with Vater’s Frau) to the field where I have to mow & when going, she gives me two slices of curry bread & a bottle of coffee & three apples. At dinner time she brings me my dinner, consisting of boiled spuds & beans, not bad at all. I finish about tea time & have a good tea of spuds & white bread & tea. I also have a ripping good bath & at night sleep like a top – my pal says I rambled a bit.
Friday I rise in the morning like a Lark on the 16th. I have biscuits & honey & tea for brekker. Today is glorious sun shining & aeroplanes galore in the air. I did nothing all day until after tea when my pal & I (along with a lot of others) went down to the railway station to bring up some of our chaps who were wounded! I had a good night’s sleep-
Saturday -& did not wake up until after seven in the morning (17th). As we had no parcels up yesterday, we are on dry bread & tea, but as it is parcel day again on Tuesday, we shall not starve till then. After brekker today, I sat & had a smoke & read Oliver Twist, not a bad book at all. For dinner we had soup, containing carrots & spuds in a fair amount. Did nothing but read afterwards until tea time, when we had Bread & tea, & to finish – some apples. After tea another worker & I went to Plotker Strasse camp with the barrow but brought nothing back, so it made a nice evening’s walk.
Sunday On the morning of the 18th (Sun), we had bread & butter (issue) & tea for brekker. After brekker of course we had our usual smoke & read, & later on we had a shave in anticipation of going to Lager after dinner. The Russian interpreter takes the pass to the Doctor (Maus) to sign, but he says there are too many going, so he cancels the whole thing. I did not worry over this much, as I had a good book to read, & a pipe of good old Navy Cut bacca to smoke. In the evening I went into the unit, by the camp, & had a good chat with six of our chaps who sleep there. Some of them work in a market garden, others in a watchmakers, & one is a barber in the town. I got a photo off one of them called Smith, a lad from Guernsey. While I was there (as my pal & I had no parcels), I asked one of the chaps to get me some bread in town, if poss, which I must go for on the 19th in the evening.
Monday On the 19th, there was very little doing except going to town for the milk, & taking to the other hospital. In the evening I went to into the unit & had a talk with the lads there, but there was no bread as the lad had not been able to bring it.
Tuesday On the 20th, we had very little work to do all day. I wrote to Doris after dinner.
Wednesday On the 21st, old Vater comes for us to unload some coke. He takes four of us, tells us there is one wagon, but when we get there we find there we find two – one 28 tons & one the other 29 tons. My pal & I have to unload that with 29 in, which takes us till 8 pm., & as there are some wounded English lads expected in the night, I stay up until 1 am. In the morning. When news comes, they have gone to the block in Lager.
Thursday In the morning of the 22nd, Vater comes again (this time to lead the coke on horse wagon, but as I had only just got up, I declined, & told him in plain English to “see himself off”. During the day I went to Plotker Strasse a time or two, had a ripping bath (cold shower included) & a good tea of spuds, onions, cucumber & bread. In the evening I had a read & smoke (my pipe for evenings, I am getting to be quite a pipe lover), going to bed at quite a respectable hour- -9:30 pm.
Friday on the 23rd, I did very little except go to Plotker Strasse a few times. I finished reading Jemmy Abercaw - & started to read The Virginians, but I soon jibbed at it. For tea we had potatoes with dripping, onions & cucumber with biscuits & tea – not too bad. Spent the evening trying to learn a Russian to speak English, but it is surprising how hard it seems to be to them. They don’t seem to be able to shape their mouths to some of our words, such as – one, which they pronounce “von”; it seems hard for them to say – W.
Saturday On the morning of the 24th, (as Vater had said there was coke to unload), I got up early & had my brekker (biscuits & dripping & tea), before Vater came & when he came, he said the wagon had not come. Before dinner I read part of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. After dinner I went to Plotker Strasse a time or two, but in all, did very little work.
Sunday On the morning of the 25th, (Sun), Vater came & asked me if I would go & unload coke. I said nothing, so he took my pal & three Russians. As we were down for a pass (camp), & it came just at dinner time, my pal did not go to work, but along with six others, we went up to camp. We had our tea with a friend, (Corp Woods), & after tea, watched a football match between our chaps & the French until Church time, when we went there, & we had real good hour’s enjoyment. We left the Lager about 8:30 pm., & as some of the chaps in our barrack had been out walking in town, & had a little too much, things went lively until late.
Monday On the 26th, there was not very much doing all day, & also on the 27th .
Tuesday The 27th was parcel day, but owing to a General being in the Lager, no parcels came down, but as I had some Quakers left, we made a stew of Quakers, spuds, mushrooms & Oxo cubes, and then baked it afterwards in the oven. Quite a treat, as it was the first time I had tasted mushrooms.
Wednesday On the 28th, we were reduced to my ration of bread, but fate was good – parcels came, I had two grocery, Parcel No. 246 F, sent July 16th, received August 28th, and No. 245 FT sent July 16th, received August 28th. So in the evening we had a stew of Quakers, murphies, Oxo’s & sausage, with biscuits & cocoa to finish off with. I also received a card from Cousin Annie & wrote part of a letter to Doris, but as it is not post day, I did not finish it.
Thursday On the morning of the 29th, we had biscuits with butter & cocoa & fried mushrooms, kidney & onions for brekker, not so bad for prisoners. Went to Plotker Strasse once before dinner, & then spent the afternoon reading “The Eternal City”, the finishing pages of which were missing as usual, just when things are getting a bit interesting. Now, as we had plenty of spare time in the afternoon, Vater was sleeping but, (Oh what systematic brains some people have), just as tea was ready, he came with orders to go to Plotker for the small wagon. We brought it (orders must be obeyed), & made another journey with some old straw filled mattresses, emptied them & brought back the sacks. It gave me an appetite for my tea, which consisted of potatoes, kidney & sausage, with biscuits & cocoa. I enjoyed it thoroughly, (but oh my poor stomach), & went to bed content smoking a good old Blighty Gold Flake.
Friday On the morning of the 30th, I made a good brekker of bacon & beans, for which I owe many thanks to those who do so well for the lads so far away from home & loved ones. During the morning, I went to Plotker with the milk, just a nice morning’s walk. I started to read “The Girondin”, a very good book, and finished it after dinner, a good bit of work for one day.
Saturday On the 31st, I did one journey to Plotker Strasse before dinner, & afterwards went & unloaded a wagon of spuds which we finished before tea.
September 1918
Sunday On September 1st, (Sun) I put in for a pass to go out walking, but owing to a new Doctor coming, all is stopped. In the evening I went into the unit for a talk with the chaps there.
Monday On the 2nd, I went to Plotker once in the whole day & had for tea, spuds, Quakers, & sausage, & as my cobber had got hold of a couple of French biscuits, we had these to supper.
Tuesday On the 3rd, (parcel day), we were out in the afternoon unloading a small wagon of coal, & when we came back, we found a couple of biscuit parcels each waiting for us—Copenhagen Biscuits H, sent on Aug 24th, Copenhagen Biscuits I, sent on Aug 31st.
Wednesday On the 4th, I went down into town for the milk with a Russian who wanted to bring some spuds back. In the evening I had a look in at the unit & also had a game of pontoon.
Thursday In the morning of the 5th, I had a nice early mornings walk to Plotker Strasse with a Russian medic (just a leg stretcher). I did very little else during the day, only read or walk in the compound a little.
Friday On the 6th, went to Plotker Strasse a time or two, once for meat. In the evening went into the unit next door for a chat & took my watch to an English lad in there who works at a watchmaker’s in Schneidemuhl (Now Pila in Poland).
Saturday On the 7th, I went into town with a Russian to carry the sergeant’s bags to the station; he was going home for a couple of days. As we were leaving him, he gave us a mark to buy some apples, which we speedily did, & did not stop there, but went walking round the town. What a decent time we had all on our own, (no guards) until dinnertime. As we were coming back to camp, (this day being the Jewish New Year’s Day) & my friend being a Jew, invited me into a restaurant & ordered two cakes & two iced drinks. We got the cake, (70 Pfennigs each), but they had no ice in stock as it happened, so we went without our drinks.
Sunday On the 8th, (Sun), I wrote a card to Doris & a letter to Pa & Ma.
Monday On the 9th, we unloaded a wagon of bricketts, 20 tons, I pinched some carrots & also--
Tuesday --on the 10th we had to unload another wagon containing 10 tons & managed to get hold of some spuds, for which Vater reminded us of the eighth commandment.
Wednesday On the 11th, we again unloaded the wagon of bricketts to take them to the hospital. We finished before dinner. On the 10th, (parcel day), I did not get anything, so am sweating on Friday.
Thursday On the 12th, we have finished the wagon, & no more have come in, so we have a days rest, but again,--
Friday -- on the 13th, a couple of wagons come in which have to be unloaded that day, so we start unloading one onto the horse wagons, & the other on the earth. We finished by tea time, but--
Saturday -- on the 14th, we finished loading from off the earth on to the horse wagons.
Sunday Again on the 15th, the old ****** comes for us to unload some more cokes, so being Sunday, the language he gets would not agree with him, did he understand it. (on the 13th, (parcel day) I got no packets, but received two cards, both from dear old Pa & Ma). On the 15th, (being Sunday) we went at it hard & finished a 15 ton wagon of cokes in two hours, (four men), so that we could have a rest after dinner. As it was, instead of resting, Will & I, with three Russian medics went a good long walk round the countryside. It was quite a treat to get out on such a fine day.
Monday On the 16th, we went to load up the coke into wagons to take to Plottker Strasse, which lasted us nicely until teatime, (4 pm) when we came home & had a good feed of mushrooms for tea. Some of the lads played cards until 3 am. In--
Tuesday -- the morning of the 17th, when I got up, had brekker & then sat down & wrote something in my diary, & after that began to read a book called “Cleopatra”. I had a nice quiet day, having no work to do except Plottker once, & in the evening I had a look in the unit to see if my watch was finished. He had not done it, so I gave it to a Russian to do. I got a grocery parcel & a biscuit, (two weeks ration again) Parcel No: 0248 F & T sent on July 30th 1918, and Parcel No: j Copenhagen Biscuits sent on September 14th.
Wednesday On the 18th, I got up early again, but again we are not wanted. So have another easy day. In the evening I went in the unit to change a tin of bully for a 1lb tin of Australian cheese, (cheddar cheese), alright too, as I don’t get any in my parcels.
Thursday On the morning of the 19th, we had biscuits & cheese & coffee, which my cobber & I enjoyed immensely. The biscuits were not same as usual (being Huntley & Palmers No. 5), about 60 in the parcel, but they will not last me a week, never mind a fortnight. I spent the morning reading “The Mill on the Floss”, having for dinner the usual issue of soup, but for tea we had spuds & a tin of Army rations. I had given up smoking, but when there was 50 good old Gold Flake in my parcel, I could not resist a blighty. After dinner we had a heavy thunderstorm, but as we were not out working, it was alright. In the evening I again went into the unit to change a tin of baked beans, as I do not care much for them, for a tin of herrings. I get no fish in my parcels.
Friday On the 20th, (parcel day), I get two grocery parcels, which were alright, only one contained a pound cake for which I do not care at all. Parcel No. 0247 F sent July 23rd 1918; Parcel No. 0249 F & T sent July 30th 1918. For tea we had potatoes & herrings cooked & then baked in the oven. I also received 3 letters & 1 card. A letter from Doris, & two from Mother, & a card from Dad. I read in Ma’s letter she is improving fine & it makes ever so much better in spirits, for, do what I will, I am always thinking of her. In the evening I had a game of pontoon until 9 pm., & then turned in, sweating on working in the morning.
Saturday On the morning of the 21st, gives me time to write in my diary, & read a part of “The Mill on the Floss”. I went once to Plotker Strasse during the day with sacks of oats, & brought back bread. We heard in the afternoon that our people were bombarding Metz & Strasburg, which we know is Deutsch territory, so perhaps now he (Kaiser Wilhelm II or Kaiser Bill) will begin to think of other things apart from conquering the World, & being a second Napoleon. For supper I had biscuits & cheese with a cup of S & M tea, which was alright, the only fault being; it was my second in about a couple of hours. It caused me to have to show a leg at 12 o’clock, & again at six, but I usually wake at this hour, work or no.
Sunday Got up & had biscuits & cheese for brekker, & at 9:30 am. I went with Vater for the milk & also took it along to Plotker Strasse. When I was returning I purchased a bottle of ink which cost me 40 Pfennigs. The last one I bought cost me 65 Pfennigs. For dinner we had what the German calls macaroni, & my partner having spuds & a cutlet (being a medic), we made a decent dinner. I laid on the bed reading or played patience until 2:30 pm. When coffee was up so we had a few biscuits & marmalade – just to show there was no ill feeling. Nothing very startling happened until teatime, when we had Potatoes & macaroni with date pudding to finish off with. My sparring partner said he quite sufficient & thoroughly enjoyed it. I got to bed rather late, but it makes no odds.
Monday I woke up at six o’clock, as I do every morning. This morning, (23rd), my biscuits being finished, we had town bread & marmalade (orange). After brekker I went for the milk with Vater & had a nice walk round the town, as he wanted to buy certain things for some of the chaps in hospital. I bought a couple of tins of boot polish, which cost 55 Pfennigs each, our tuppenny size in Blighty. In the afternoon Will & I went to Plotker Strasse, for four bags of barley, two sacks of cabbage & a cucumber, which we just about managed to land back. For tea we had Quakers, but we had no sugar to go with them, so we had to imagine it, a habit I have now got quite used to.
Tuesday I got up on the morning of the 24th as usual, & as it was post day, I wrote a card to Doris?. I also read part of a book called “Tweed”, not bad at all. After dinner I managed to get one grocery parcel: Parcel No. 0250 F & T sent on August 6th 1918, from which, as usual, the butter is missing. Having nothing to do, I went to bed pretty early, & in consequence had a good night’s sleep, and--
Wednesday woke early in the morning of the 25th. For brekker we had bacon & beans with some French biscuits fried, quite alright. After brekker we went to Plotker Strasse three times with old iron & cases of medicine, & brought the bread back. I bought some small cucumbers – five, costing me a mark. Dinner was what we call second form – No. 2 diet for the worst cases – which we get once every week. After dinner saw us once more going to Plotker Strasse & back for tea. We had a strange concoction my partner had cooked which consisted of Cabbage, carrots, spuds, onions, tapioca, soup powder, tomatoes & salt, sugar & vinegar. It touched the palate, being nicely cooked & flavoured, but I do not care much for soup. In the evening I had a glorious bath & turned in immediately afterwards, & enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
Thursday In the morning I got 1 marks worth of letter cards costing 5 pfennigs each, amounting to 20 cards, which seem to be very good, being about 5 times the size of a postcard, this on the 26th. German macaroni for dinner & for tea we had tapioca & Quakers with plenty of milk & sugar which was alright. I had a game of dominoes in the evening, of which my partner & I won two games out of five. Before I turned in, I sprinkled some powder in the bed for the enemy – fleas, of which we have more than a few. In consequence, I spent a decent night’s sleep.
Friday I rose like a lark in the morning of the 27th, (parcel day). I read part of a book called “The Conventionalists”, for which I do not care very much, we got wind up about 9 o’clock on account of a rumour of some more coal, but old Vater came he said NO! Tre-bien merci. After dinner came the parcels, with none for this child, but of course we cannot expect parcels every time. Just before tea, four men were wanted to bring a krank man up from the station so Will & I volunteered. He was an Italian with a large haversack & a big box, but we managed at last to get him to hospital. For tea we had potatoes & bully with a salad, which my partner had made of cucumber, onions, herring, tomato soup, sugar, salt & vinegar. Right away after tea we had to go down to the station again for a Russian; four of us Englishmen went. In the evening read a bit of German & turned in & spent a fine night not troubled with fleas.
Saturday On the morning of the 28th, Vater comes for us to unload some coke, half of which we do before dinner (shredded cabbage), my partner-spuds. After dinner we finished the wagon easily, came back & had tea—spuds & bully.
Sunday For brekker on the 29th, (Sun), we had bacon & beans, & afterwards went with a party to the station for a krank Ruskie – a very nice walk, as the sun was shining gloriously. For dinner we had macaroni & spuds – not bad. Afterwards I spent the time reading or Patience & had a stroll in the compound in the evening with my friend – Jim Fray. It was pretty late when I turned in, but I slept well till--
Monday -- seven o’clock, when I got up. We had bacon for brekker and a sharp walk after set me nice & warm; the weather is beginning to get rather cold. This on the 30th, last day of September. During the day I went to Plotker once, & for tea had a feed of spuds, Quakers & rice & milk (conserve). In the evening seven krank Ruskies were brought in from Lager so as some of our chaps were with them, we heard of a concert to come off this next week-end.
October 1918
Tuesday On the 1st Oct., I went for the milk with Vater & had a nice stroll round the town. Geese were selling at (5lbs) between 25 & 35 marks. During the morning a Russian died, making 3 in four days, but of course, the poor devils don’t get enough grub. As it was parcel day, we were sweating on getting something – & I did, a packet of biscuits - 2 weeks rations: Parcel M Copenhagen Biscuits sent on Sept 8th, which were the old Copenhagen sort, (not H & P’s). Spuds & a salad for tea. Completed another day’s food & labour, followed by a bit of a read: “Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
Wednesday On the morning of the 2nd, I went to Plotker, once for meat, but it had not come, so we came back empty handed. Just before dinner the Russian priest holds a small service over two of the Ruskies who had died previously – rather solemn & impressing. After dinner (second form) Jim Fray & I sat in the bathroom reading as fire was lit in the cistern – the warmest spot in hospital. About 3 o’clock came some of the French committee, one had brought the 12 marks which Father sent me in February – about time. I posted a letter to Doris & a card to Dad- written on the 1st.
Thursday On the 3rd, two Russians were taken away for burial, Kohlrabi (German turnip or turnip cabbage) for dinner, reading in the afternoon with spuds & meat paste for tea; finished another day. Feeling rather rotten in the evening, I turned in rather early. We got one more (noch eine) blanket so I was nice & warm during the night.
Friday I woke up rather early about 5:30 am., on the 4th, had a wash followed by biscuits & coffee for brekker. I later had a walk down town for the milk, & purchased a patent cigarette lighter (60 pfennigs) & a pencil (20 pfennigs) for two chaps in hospital. Afterwards went to Plotker Strasse & bought a couple of pen nibs costing me 5 pfennigs each, not much in comparison to other articles. On this day I also received a grocery parcel: Parcel No. 0251 F & T, sent on August 13th 1918., which was not bad at all-it had some blighty’s in anyway.
Saturday On the morn of the 5th, there was nothing much doing. Will went for the milk & bought me a patent cig lighter @ 60 pfennigs. In the evening of the 4th, I began to feel a cold coming on as I turned in soon. I did not feel too bad on the morning of the 5th, so as I was in for a pass to Lager, I went. There was a concert (a revue) on in the English theatre, to which we went (four Englishmen & two Russian medics), & all evening felt my cold gradually growing worse & worse. We arrived back at hospital at about 11 pm.--
Sunday --but on the morning of the 6th, I stayed in bed, my whole body wracked with coughing & a splitting head. Just before dinner, I got up and had a real hot bath & stayed up for a while after, as I could not stick lying in bed. The Russians were very good to me, in fact, did all they could to keep me in bed, & my pal Jim was a treat. We got along fine together.
Monday to-- On the 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th, I stayed in bed pretty bad with influenza, trying to sweat it out. During this
----Thursday time I took 9 marks worth of Schnapps, which did me a certain amount of good.
Friday On the 11th, (Friday), parcel day also- I got up for a while, but the medic sergeant told me not to stay up too long. My pal Jim was a treat, he did everything for me, even to writing a card to Pa & Ma on the 8th. On the Sat last, I brought a parcel with me from Lager: 0252 F sent August 13th 1918. On the Tuesday I received one more, 0253 F & T, sent on August 20th 1918, which contained 50 blightys “Waverley” cigs, my favourite so I reckon. I am doing very wee – three in a weekend.
Friday On the 11th, (Friday) I got a grocery parcel: 0254 F & T sent on August 27th 1918, which was in good condition & everything was complete, including 50 Gold Flake cigs “tre bien”! I turned in pretty early in the evening, & on the---
Saturday morning of the 12th, (Sat), I got up again about 11 o’clock. Just before dinner I was had up before the Justice Officer to give evidence against one of the lads on the wood Komm, in the last winter by Mark Friedland (I have no idea what this last sentence means). I did not go out all day, & for tea we had spuds & minced steak.
Sunday On the morning of the 13th, (Sun), I rose & had a shave, & wrote part of my diary. I wrote also a letter & sent two Theatre programmes home – letter to Father & Mother. I turned in early to but also---
Monday ---rose pretty early on the 14th. I stayed in all day, & read “The Master Mummers”, a pretty good story, & during the afternoon there was a funeral of a Frenchman from the hospital. For tea we had spuds & bully, & we also have good news, The Kaiser has answered the peace terms of Wilson, & says he will withdraw all troops from other territory – evacuation to commence @ once.
Tuesday On the 14th, nothing particular happened except parcels of which I received a biscuits, Copenhagen biscuits 0 sent Oct 12th. I went to Plotker a time or two, & as I had toothache, I turned in soon.
Wednesday On the 16th, Will & Jim & I went to Plotker Strasse with a tall Gerry who is quite easy going, so I ask him to take Jim & I out walking on the 17th, he says alright, @ six in the evening he will take us.
Thursday On the 17th, nothing much occurred, & in the evening he took us out for a walk, & we had a nice walk. After walking for a while we went into a café & had some German cake & coffee, but my word, our friend was a rare bloke for eating. He did 4 or 5 cakes in which only cost 70 pfennigs each. But we could not grumble as we had enjoyed it, after stuffing in so long, We came in about 9 pm. I slept well after our debauch.
Friday On the 18th, I went for the milk in the morning, & during the day went to Plotker for the flesh. We heard some rumours of what our chaps were doing in France, but we were not sure of it. I also got two parcels, both grocery, Parcel No. 0255 F, sent on August 27th, & Parcel No. 0256 F & T, sent on September 3rd.
Saturday On the 19th, I went to Plotker three times before dinner, & once after, but without much stirring. We heard it was correct about our chaps in France having taken Ostend, Lille & Douais. For tea we had spuds & bacon alright.
Sunday On the 20th, (Sun), I went for the milk & tried to persuade Vater to come to Church, but no, he is Catholic. In the evening we had Quakers with plenty of milk & sugar, which I enjoyed thoroughly.
Notebook 2
October 1918 continued:
Monday 21/10/1918:
Nothing much doing during the day, but in the evening my pal Jim & I went to a sort of prayer meeting at old Vater’s house – alright. We stayed until 9 pm., talking on different themes with the people there, but to Jim it was rather slow as he does not understand German.
Tuesday 22/10/1918:
Just after I had finished brekker, old Vater came for us to unload cokes. There are two waggons but four of us Englanders managed it before tea, for which we had spuds & bully with tea & biscuits to follow. During the day we hear some good news of Germany accepting any terms of peace from the Allies.
Wednesday 23/10/1918:
Again on cokes, but we are loading horse waggons. I managed to pinch four or five cabbages which some soldiers were unloading at the Bahnhoff.
Thursday 24/10/1918:
Today we had not much work, & I finished before dinner. I also managed about 50lbs of spuds in a sack which I took for the purpose. After dinner we had a nice rest & read, with spuds & bully for tea.
Friday 25/10/1918:
Today is parcel day, & I received one – grocery: no number, dated Sept 10th 1918 with nix cigs. I also received two cards & a letter – all from dear old Mother – who is now knocking about again – good news.
Saturday 26/10/1918:
I go to Plottker Strasse early in the morning for the bread, but did nothing more during the whole day, so I had a nice quiet time.
Sunday 27/10/1918:
I went down to town for the milk, but on the whole had an easy time. After dinner four Russian medics my pal Jim & I went out with the big German for a walk. We went into a café & had cake (Rome cake), & coffee, for which our German friend has a great liking.
Monday 28/10/1918:
During the day I went to Plottker a time or two, & in the evening went with five more Englishmen & two Russians to the concert in the lager. For a variety show, it was not bad, & we got back to Lazarette about 10:30pm. My partner had cooked some spuds & meat so as the stove was going, I warmed them up & knocked them back.
Tuesday 29/10/1918:
About 7:30am., just as I was finishing my brekker, old Vater comes loosing us to go & unload some potatoes. We had quite a pantomime with Vater & the kiddies, who would keep pinching spuds & of course we helped them, which got Vater wild. As it was post day, I got mail, two cards from Mother, & a letter from Doris. I also received two parcels: - 0257 Fo7 dated September 10th, Copenhagen Biscuits 2, dated October 26th. I also wrote a letter to Doris, & card to John, & also sent two lager photos home in separate envelope.
Wednesday 30/10/1918:
I went down town for the milk in the morning, & once to Plottker Strasse for bread. The weather was fine, rather cold, but the sun shining. In the evening my comrade, being guard, he let me & my pal out & we go to the pictures with the guard. My pal was on sick-watch, so he had to go in early, but I did not do, so until eleven-thirty pm.
Thursday 31/10/1918:
My working partner went for the milk, so I had nothing to do until after dinner, when we went Plottker for some meal. In the evening I, along with six others, went down to the station for a sick man. We got back pretty early so I managed to get a good read before turning in for the night.
Friday 01/11/1918:
In the morning Will & I went down for the milk, & as one of our chaps was dead, we made a small collection among us. We got together tem marks so I ordered a good one, which I was to call for on the morrow. Just as we were going to have dinner, four men were required to bring a krank man from the station. I went & also at 4pm., again & by jove the second bloke was a nice weight! We heard in the evening that Lloyd George had promised peace to Germany, so we were in good spirits. I asked a Russian to make me a couple of rings like watch chain I had made a while ago. I turned in about 9 pm.
Saturday 02/11/1918:
Nothing much doing all day, except Plottker Strasse. In the evening a friend of ours in the watch came & took us out for a walk.
Sunday 03/11/1918:
Vater came for us in the morning to unload spuds so we set out to finish soon, & did so about 3 o’clock. We then (8 of us) went to the Cemetery to take a wreath we had bought for a comrade who was buried the day before. We had a nice walk & arrived back about 6:30 pm. To find my partner had cooked some spuds & beans. I also had some biscuits & tea after.
Monday 04/11/1918:
Again Vater takes us to unload spuds, & we finish about 3 pm. Nothing much doing all day except work.
Tuesday 05/11/1918:
Again on work but instead of spuds we were on coal which was a lot more tiring, & took longer, We finished alright about 5:30 pm., & also it was parcel day 7 I got a bread parcel :- Copenhagen Bread R dated Nov 2nd 1918, so we had white bread & dripping for a change. I also got a big surprise, (I was saying all sorts of things about the committee) when my partner told me a box had come for me. I was glad when I saw it was my box I had left at the unit. A pound & a half of soap missing – nothing else.
Wednesday 06/11/1918:
Vater came again in the morning but said there was no work for us so I went down town for the milk. During the day we heard that a delegate had gone to France to sign terms for peace, so we were all in high spirits.
Thursday 07/11/1918:
Nothing doing in the morning, but after dinner I went up to lager with a stretcher party taking 3 invalid Russians going home – exchanged. I called in at the post & found a large size (15lbs) parcel there for me. It was a good parcel: - 0261 Fo7 dated October 1st 1918, & as I had finished my last one, it came in very handy. I also got a letter from Mother dated September 29th in which she says she is home again – good news indeed.
Friday 08/11/1918:
We went to unload another waggon of coal & had it finished by 5 pm (400cwt). It was parcel day but as I brought mine with me yesterday I did not get one. During the day I saw over 100 of our chaps going up to Lager, who had been on retaliation, & they looked terrible, poor chaps. We were on pins all the evening in expectation of peace news coming through.
Saturday 09/11/1918:
Nothing doing all during the day, but in the evening I went out for a walk with a German soldier, a friend of mine, & we went in town later on. All the soldiers were out on parade with red ribbons on their jackets, & we knew then that a Republic had been declared – Kaiser dethroned & gone to Holland.
Sunday 10/11/1918:
In the morning I went for the milk and saw all the soldiers at the street corners holding up all who did not take the badge from their caps – officers also. After dinner I went out walking with three Ruskies, but as they were going on a boozing stunt, I went on my own to a small restaurant where my German usually came to. He did not come so I got another soldier to get me into Lazarette. In the evening I went with a Froggie & two Germans to the pictures.
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Armistice Day
Monday 11/11/1918:
I went down town again for the milk & purchased an “Extra Blatt” & read therein that Germany had accepted our terms for an armistice, which means we shall soon be going home. After dinner I went up to the Lager to the concert, but there was none so we came back at six pm.
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Tuesday 12/11/1918:
In the morning we went & unloaded a small waggon of coal which we finished early. Did not stay out in the evening. It was parcel day, but none came.
Wednesday 13/11/1918:
I went down town in the morning for Jim Fray (who is ill in bed) some schnapps. I did not go to work coaling, but stayed in Lazarette & made some tea for all our chaps ill in bed who had been behind the line working. After dinner I made them some burgoo & again at night some tea. Parcels came so I dished out the emergency ones to the krank & I got one myself – well two, Copenhagen Bread S dated November 9th 1918, & grocery 280Fo7 dated September 24th 1918.
Thursday 14/11/1918
I got up early & made a bucket of tea for the lads & got called by the cook – Frau, for taking all her kettle of water. No news of going away yet.
Friday 15/11/1918:
In the morning went to Plottker Strasse once & afterwards just stopped in & cooked for the chaps who were ill in bed. Parcel day but I did not click.
Saturday 16/11/1918:
Nothing doing in the morning, but after dinner I went once to Plottker for bandages. For tea we had fried potatoes & meat, with tea & biscuits.
Sunday 17/11/1918:
I made tea in the morning for the krank, & wrote a few entries in my diary. Got news of some Ruskies going away today. I read a new novel “The Lady in the Car” which I got from a German einsor.
Monday 18/11/1918:
During the day I did very little work except cook, but in the evening I went out with a little Frenchie walking. We had a nice time with two other Frenchmen from the railway unit, & I got invited by three Englishmen there to come again to tea on the morrow.
Tuesday 19/11/1918:
During the morning the Sanitar sergeant came taking names of all English who could walk in order to go home on the morrow, or the day after. As a lot of Russian workers had gone away yesterday. All men had to do something, so I took on Sanitar for 3 barrack.
Wednesday 20/11/1918:
Carried on as Sanitar-alright, bringing coffee, bread & did all jobs necessary in the barrack, but only what was necessary. In the evening I went out walking with a Froggie, with whom I am good pals, we can both speak a bit of German so we understand each other.
Thursday 21/11/1918:
Had a decent days work without having to overwork myself, & in the evening went with three other Englishmen & a Frenchman to the pictures in town. We all enjoyed the night out, but we were an object of interest to the public prisoners walking with no guard. We managed to get into hospital again without being held up by any patrol. Got in about 10:30 just after lights out.
Friday 22/11/1918:
Still sanitar & as I was doing this work I went at dinner time for a sanitare dinner – spuds & meat instead of soup. The old Frau argued a bit but I got my dinner after all, as I said, if I did not, I would not work. Got to hear during the day off an Englishman, transport going to Holland on the morrow, but as we must stay behind, but maybe we shall go in a Red Cross train later on with all the sick. I went out at night with Jim & Parpaix but we only had a walk round town & came in through the door which was standing wide open. I have had to climb over the top many a time before!
Saturday 23/11/1918:
Nothing much doing during the day, but have a walk in the evening. This time the guard played up about us being out on our own.
Sunday 24/11/1918:
In the morning I do my usual work as sanitar, but after dinner 4 of us Englishmen & 3 Frenchies went up to Lager to see what was going on there. We went without a guard but with a pass signed by the Doctor Inause. We heard in Lager that 1400 of our chaps were going home on the morrow, & that we in Lazarette go on next Friday. We played out until 8 pm., & coming in, had to show our pass so things are getting strict again.
Monday 25/11/1918:
Nothing on all day except one journey to Plottker Strasse, & as we were coming back I managed to pinch some figs & dates which were in a box in the waggon. Stayed in at night & washed my shirt, towel & socks ready for the trip to Blighty.
Tuesday 26/11/1918:
In the morning I went down town for the milk, & purchased two match-box holders, one for Jim, & one for myself. During the day one of our chaps went up to Lager to enquire when we were going home, & was told Friday – sure. We arranged to go up to Lager on the morrow so as to be sure of going away with the next transport – one went yesterday at 4 pm of 1400.
Wednesday 27/11/1918:
Went down town for the milk & had s look round. Got orders to stand to for going away. In the evening stayed in as I had a slight cold.
Thursday 28/11/1918:
Had a walk in town for the milk & an Italian & myself went on our own & came back without position. Just as I got back our chaps were packing up ready to go to Lager for the transport. I also packed, although my name was not down to go, but I missed the last & was going to do so again. Came to Lager just before dinner (eight of us), & signed our cards for transport. Waiting for men to come in from Holland to make up 1000 – about 600 in camp. Drew a grocery & a bread parcel.
Friday 29/11/1918:
Last night more men came in but still we are not up to strength for transport. Jim & I had a nice brekker – bacon & beans. We hear from some of the guards who took the last lot, what a fine reception they got in Danzig – bands playing – quite a fine time, which puts us all on pins to get away. Wrote a card to Pa & Ma, but no chance of posting it so carried it with me. A decent fall of snow during the day.
Saturday 30/11/1918:
In the morning went with about 100 more to attend the funeral of 4 of our chaps who had died in Lazarette. We left 5 more dead in the same Lazerette. After dinner I cleaned my buttons & then went & saw the French transport off. We hear we are on the Monday.
Sunday 01/12/1918:
More men came in but we still do not go.
Monday 02/12/1918:
In the morning attend the funeral of 4 more of our lads, no signs of a move.
Monday 03/12/1918:
Bury two more of our lads – raining all the time. More lads go krank with grippe.
Tuesday 04/12/1918:
Still standing to for transport but do not get any orders, only that the list will be out in the morning.
Wednesday 05/12/1918:
List out – my name is there alright, & also Jim’s. We hear we move after dinner. Bread & salmon for midday.
Thursday 06/12 – 10/12/1918:
Nothing but rumours of going away tomorrow – ever tomorrow. Fell in at two o’clock with kit ready for going on the 10th – a wash out. Got emergency rations, bread & bully each man.
Wednesday 11/12/1918:
Some German officers came up to Lager & all our lads got round them & told them if they did not see about us going away before morning we should all pack up & walk it. Already the huts are being broken up for firewood.
Thursday 12/12/1918:
Still standing to for transport.
Friday 13/12/1918:
Another new list of men for transport from 1914 to 1917 & I am on it, but Jim is not. There are 500 men going. We leave camp about 7 pm. Prompt. We arrived in Danzig, (Now Gdansk, in Poland) about 12:30 on Saturday 14th & we went on board ship (S.S. Mitau) where we had to sign. The boat left port at 2 pm. & shortly afterwards we all got an issue of 40 cigs & two sticks of chocolate per man. Weather decent & calm. Turned in after tiring myself out walking on deck. I slept like a top in the best bed I had had for two years or more.
Sunday 15/12/1918:
Got up about 6:30 am. & went up on deck for an hour before brekker. Arrived at Copenhagen about 1:30, mail was taken on board & we left at 3:30 pm. While standing off Copenhagen we saw three of our light cruisers & what a cheer we got from the tars on board. We also saw some Danish sea scouts. When leaving there was a slight fog which gradually thickened until at night, we had to blow our fog signal every three minutes. Volunteers were wanted for watch on deck, so I did so. Was on from 11 pm. Till 1 am. While we were on guard the ship passed through the Skagarat – through the minefields & by Monday morning, the 16th, we were passing the coast of Denmark. The weather was fine & calm, & we sailed fine. Good sailing all day on the 16th & in the night I was on guard again.
Tuesday 17/12/1918:
Still going fine – good weather. Hope to be in harbour by night. The ship, (S S Mitau) stopped about 1 o’clock on the morning of the 18th.
Wednesday 18/12/1918:
We could see the lights on shore. We expect to disembark early in the morning.
Thursday 19/12/1918:
About 12 o’clock we sailed into harbour & dropped anchor for a while, & then steamed into dock, oh what a reception, cheers galore, & a pipers band. We disembarked & had dinner in a large shed finely decorated, & we sent telegrams home. We then marched out & as we went, we each received two paper bags & a white handkerchief with something in. In one bag was a pie, chocolate & biscuits, & in the other was cigs, a pipe, bacca, a Union Jack, & in the hanky a postcard of the castle (Edinburgh), a pencil, tablet of soap, cigs, so we did alright. We boarded the train about 3 o’clock, & the kiddies were round for souvenirs. Arrived after a good run at Ripon, & we all had a good supper & turned in feeling very tired.
Friday 20/12/1918:
Reveille at six – brekker at seven, & afterwards a medical inspection. After this we were formed into our regiments & marched to another camp & I got separated from Jim. I got with a few Leicester lads who I knew, so I was alright. We all in our hut cleaned our buttons & badges as we expect going home in the early morning.
Saturday 21/12/1918:
Reveille – six am. Brekker – eight
At this point, the journal ends.