Frank Swannell Diaries: Part I
Diaries of Frank Cyril Swannell Learn more.
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BC Archives MS-0392 - Box 1, Volume 4-5
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17 1916 (29 Days) 24 Thursday (55-311) (24 to 27) February St. Matthias, Ap. Verdun - slight slackening of German effort Frantically on duty all day - Expecting Dr. to make exam 44 [?] Coy Men - Parade at 3 pm. Col. + S. O. Col. go to P. O. Walk to Dale with M.O. - states many absolutely unfit men have been accepted simply doctors were given a half-a-crown from every man they passed.
25 Friday (56-310)
On Duty - Jass Destroyer "Mosquito" by forts - steering gear damaged. Big German attack near Verdun in progress + French have fallen back 2 miles - Violent artillery attack over 25 miles of front+ infantry action over 5 miles.
26 Saturday (57-309)
(9h 24 m a.m. (Greenwich)0 Douaumont attacked Talou Hill evacuated. French Line from Ornes to Hennemont withdrawn Brandenburgers enter Douaumont Fort + but village still being struggled for. Long walk to Robeston - Tiers Cross - Walwyn's Castle - Apparently Roman Camp at "Roman's Castle" + old fortification at Walwyn Church. Tea with Dr. Stevens at Dale. 23 Miles altogether.
27 Sexagesima Sunday (58-308)
On Duty - Col. very peevish + acting like a spoiled child because the roast was overdone. Wrote letters + studied a little.
BC Archives, MS-0392 Frank Swannell Papers Box 1, Volume 5 Diary and Enclosures, 1916.