Saturday, 14 February 2015

14th Feb 1915 (Sunday)

Very stormy.  Attend communion service in A1 Ward.  Rev. Waldergrave.  Evening service in A4 at 7.30 pm, address on 'Friendship'. Letter to Lena.  78 to Le Havre and Rouen.

Friday, 13 February 2015

13th Feb 1915

Very wet and stormy day. 38 to Le Havre and Rouen.

Thursday, 12 February 2015

12th Feb 1915

16 lying down cases sent to England. 40 sitting up cases arrive.  Letters to lena, Arthur, Albert and Emma.

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

11th Feb 1915

Report to (and take over as Sgt Major) No. 2 Stat Hosp OUTREAU, BOLOUGNE.  Letters to Sgt Major Bray, Lena with Emilie's

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

10th February 1915

Spend day at Rouen.  Stood at reputed site of the burning of St Joan of Arc. The shops in Rouen are full of statuettes of of this Heroine.  Went over the Seine in transporter.  Travel in second class carriage which I shared with an interpreter, a Mr Flemish, and a Belgian gentleman who recited to me his love story.  Enjoyed his company very much.  The cathedral of Notre Dame is very beautiful, the towers being the finest I have seen. The carving, pictures, stained glass and architecture are grand. Many shops display statuettes of all sorts and sizes of Joan if Arc, one is confronted everywhere by this Heroine in all sorts of fervent and heroic attitudes but all certainly well executed and of beautiful craftmanship.

Monday, 9 February 2015

9th Feb 1915

Warned for duty at Boulogne.  Say goodbye to Mrs E, Jess, Gottfried and Emilie.
Receive a letter from Emilie to Lena.  ''5th February 1915.  Dear Mrs Bangert,  Yes, I allow myself to write to you.  First I will tell you who I am.  My name is Emilie and I am 17 years old.  Papa is Swiss,  Mama is English.  I have a sister older than myself.  I have made friends with your husband, that is why I write to you.  Major Bangert often speaks of Mrs Bangert, and his four dear little boys.  There is one, he looks so like you, the little one with the large white collar (John?).  I made friends with your husband when I was spending time on the beach with Mama. He is very, or at least looks, very well.  He has told me about his voyage in Egypt and Africa.  I did not understand quite all but it was very interesting.  A kiss for your dear little baby.  Emilie.  I cannot speak much English so Mama has helped me translate my letter to you."

Sunday, 8 February 2015