Bulford Camp - near Heuve-Eglise

68

Court martial still in progress - start working in officer's mess of the 16th.

Harvesting here nearly all done & heavy crop. 16th casualties last week 10 all told - on working parties. Gen. Turner leaves for England to take charge of new Div. - given a tremendous send off by the boys - Col. Leckie promoted in his place. One man sentenced to death for desertion.

Find that before leaving the general recommended me for a commission both by letter & by endorsation below Col. Leckies signature. Maj. Peck lays all papers before the adjutant & they are forwarded to be dealt with at the Brigade HQ. Baxter & I dine out with the "Major" (Gibson) who is in deepest melancholy as his application has miscarried.

Finish up the big sheets & put battle lines on Maj. Peck's map - Object until I get skeleton plans from the Division - all the blue & yellow papers are forwarded on to the division for further endorsation, but am told Gen. Turner's letter will clear the way & I will be gazetted in due course.

BC Archives, MS-0392 Box 1 Volume 4 / FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS / Diary and enclosures, 1915.