Tag: First World War Diary

25 Aug 1918: POW Graudenz

RAB diary Sunday August 25, 1918, Graudenz: “clean clothes”
Sunday, August 25, 1918: “clean clothes”

Sunday August 25th;     Got a letter from Dad dated June 14, sent to Rastatt (although on June 12 he wrote to Karlsruhe).  It seems that he thought I was inebriated when writing, and put April 23 instead of May 23 – since I also mentioned I had actually met Hanna, whereas in my p.c. from Karlsruhe I am hoping to find him soon.  Excellent example of erroneous detective work, Dad.  I’m glad they didn’t send the latest parcel of clothes to Rastatt, since both letters and parcels seem to get hung up there.
Got a Red Cross issue of a pair of pyjamas, a handkerchief, a collar and a shirt!  My first clean clothes for 5 months.  I shut up my socks in a suit case at night out of respect for the other members of the room.  Think of it, same socks for five months, occasionally washed in cold water!!

14 Aug 1918: POW Graudenz

RAB diary Wednesday August 14, 1918, Graudenz: “a dose of ‹clink›”
Wednesday, August 14, 1918: “a dose of ‹clink›”

Wednesday. August 14th.     Have it on fairly good authority that we, Duce, Gerson and I, are getting 3 days cells starting on Saturday, for being late on parade yesterday.  We have every intention of appealing, as we consider the sentence grossly unjust; but personally, I shan’t mind very much.  The one thing that you can get free and for nothing in this country is experience, and it would be a pity to leave without a dose of ‹clink› as we used to call it in the army.  Overate myself yesterday.  Feel the need of light diet today.  Had porridge for brekker; chicken marengo, spaghetti in tomato sauce, potatoes and baked rice pudding for lunch.  ’Elp!!

12 Aug 1918: POW Graudenz

RAB diary Monday August 5, 1918, Graudenz: “cheques uncashed… much wind-up”
Monday, August 5, 1918: “cheques uncashed… much wind-up”

Monday. August 12th.     We have been asked to write cheques covering the amount of our canteen bills; this we have refused to do, as we have Rastatt cheques uncashed since May 6.  Much wind-up!

11 Aug 1918: POW Graudenz

RAB diary Sunday August 11, 1918, Graudenz: “They don’t seem to understand ragging”
Sunday, August 11, 1918: “They don’t seem to understand ragging”

Sunday. August 11th.     Last night, after lights out, various people started cheering, and the cheering gradually increased, until the majority of this block put their heads out of the windows, and yelled.  The immediate result was a party of armed guards trotting round the corridors.  The ultimate result was an officer coming round to each room this morning asking how many bottles of wine we had had the previous evening.  As the whole room had only had a half bottle, we felt rather hurt.  They don’t seem to understand ragging.