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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

*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.

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40 Steenwerck to Calonne-sur-Lys May 1915 Jacques Louis Chieux prisoner on [?] "Buckingham" at Chatham from 1805-1815 was on the "Intrepide" - Mme Chieux is to send his diary "Quand la guerre sera finie"

Thursday 13 (133-232) Ascension Day. Holy Thursday.

Have an astounding meal at Steenwerck - Pork Cutlets, French Fried Potatoes - Champagne. Old Mlle. Virginie Charles (rentière) takes me to her house to get the latest "Matin" - coffee provided of course.

Heavy cannonading all night in spite of the incessant rain.

Friday 14 (134-231)

Warned to leave at 8pm. Paraded a.m. in full kit. Had splendid dinner chez Mme. Olivier Hémar in anticipation of my birthday. To town as interpreter in the matter of the Major's boots.

Old M. Charles [Tal-?] [2?] prisoner in 1870-71 Marched from 7:30 - 2am and quartered 1 mile from Calonne-sur-Lys . Farewell supper at the Oliviers. Given pictures of Ste. Anne de Lourdes by the old lady. Got thru this march well. Old Marie at [Fme?] [?] [Touquet?] in tears over our departure.

Saturday 15 (135-230) 20th week Scottish Quarter Day Good large barn and deep farm, but now, filthy sullen people. Get breakfast Calonne. Two refugee girls making French greatcoats -- Ammunition and kit and feet inspection. get turned down abruptly at farm - but very welcome when we say we are Canadians. Seem English Artillery quartered during the winter had behaved badly. Heavy artillery fire towards Neuve Chapelle. Stragglers of last nights march still coming in. Letters from George and Ada. Hear Aylwin Holland was killed when only three days at the front. (-Prisoner-of-war Giessen - not true

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

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