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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Att battery 15 pdr Drill in morning. Maj. flies off handle & strafes my layer - threatening boy with arrest - although he was doing as I ordered - wants auxiliary mark quite impossible with 15 pdr - much perturbation among non-com.
Range officer in pm - 122 Bty shooting - in SP. only 260' from target - send most of men to Lyddite SP - but first shell bursts 40 yds from them - 21 rounds in all & no direct hit.
Draft of 21 men overseas - very unwilling - queer spirit. Morning puffing scheme. Heavy rain - Corp. Belfield & I got caught while laying out range. Afternoon major repeats all plans - get started & I range 12 shots - telephonists very slow & inaccurate.
Feels thoroughly discouraged as I don't seem to pick up things quickly. Walk to Lyddite Hut with Wheatly & Jenkinson.
Capt. Cotton R.R. 16th killed. Hear through "Tuck" Sgt. Birch got a good blighty in the leg, walked out.
Had observers out getting line of fire thru flashes blackpowder & cordite - afternoon took 5 reading angles. Lecture Maj. Myers "Ranging on the line" Take long lonely walk after dinner - pretty homesick.
Canadian casualT. 416 rank file 14 officers British 1476 rank file 61 officers
Wnd. 77932 Chapple F.G.
BC Archives, MS-0392 Box 1 Volume 5 / FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS / Diary and enclosures, 1916.