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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3rd Bde HQ Ferme Grand - Westhof.
Take holiday for first time - go for long walk by Romarin - spy caught in British uniform on the Grande Route.
Terrific bombardment last night near Neuve Eglise - building on ridge burning with dense black smoke - cannonading again violent in the early morning. Still working in dining room - see sample of the new shrapnel proof helmets. Reinforcements arrive for 14th Batt. to Steenwerck in evening to get photographs.
Stuffy hot day - strong disinclination to work - See paymaster & am advised to take medical exam & get Colonel's recommendation. Bomb throwers now using a machine for throwing bombs exactly like a ballistic - saw new shrapnel helmet today - we'll soon be medieval in this war. Another machine uses elastic like a catapult.
Show plans to Col. Leckie, Capt. Leckie, Maj. Peck & other 16th officers - am recommended by the Colonel for a commission & pass the doctor & obtain certificate as to character from paymaster. Baxter & I given holiday owing to court-martial being held in our office - go to Bailleul on pass. Grand dinner by General - 2 officers horses quartered in on us - very close proximity to Baxter's head.
BC Archives, MS-0392 Box 1 Volume 4 / FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS / Diary and enclosures, 1915.