Napier Barrack, Shornecliffe Camp Kent

31/

April, 1915

Walk with Campbell to Lympne, & Newin Green 12 miles.

Backwoods men sent to cut poles for bayonet fighting. Have to pack them ½ mile. Amused at "beavering" of a territorial fatigue. Start trench on parade ground for dummies for bayonet practice.

This morning practice clip loading & semaphore. Route march through Folkestone.

Bayonet sharpened today, digging trenches service conditions ie 4 of us working at sap-head 5 min. on 15 off. Lecture by Adjutant on trench work. At Neuve Chapelle orders disobeyed & 2nd time of German trenches rushed & occupied & then shelled by British Artillery, causing most casualties on our side.

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