Transcription Page

Frank Swannell Diaries: Part I

Diaries of Frank Cyril Swannell Learn more.

*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person. 

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

52/

Givenchy - The "Duck's Bill"

Paraded for church. --- Jeder mag (nicht) erach seines Facon selig werden!

Feed of strawberries chez Mme Veuve Lecocq -- Essars-lez-Bethune - boy of 40 soldiering in the Midi

Drilling on machine gun again

Leave for trenches 6 pm - arrive by same communication trench & put in front line just to right of the "Ducks Bill" - Drizzling and raining all night - our old section of trench shelled that day & some dozen men killed - of the 7th Receive letter from Lorne Leach

Stand to 2-3 am - on guard 1 on & 3 off all day - at night 5 on & 2½ off -- At 2 pm Lce Corp. Lund - next sentry to me starts sniping - a fine built young Swede - stripped to the waist - most foolishly fires a dozen shots without pulling his rifle out of the loophole - a bomb thrower comes back to me - sits down & covers his face with his hands - was behind Lund, passing - one shot gets Lund in the forehead & blows the back of his head off - Bomb thrower so unnerved he can't pass

Get about 20 Jack Johnsons slung at us - hit to left & right & behind - No damage in the front line -- Receive letter from Ada 3 am, mail in with ration party

Quiet day - only occasional shelling - Relieved 7 pm by Grenadier Guards - officer Lord Dalkeith -- Tall gawky lad -- Guards cursing & grousing - make so much noise its a wonder the Germans didn't try shrapnel.

Get back to "Windy Corner" (Quinchy) at canal at dark -- Go to old billet at Essar-Lez-Bethune, receive many papers & photo of Ada & children

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

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 100 of 561