Tag: World War One

20 March 1918

Wednesday, March 20th.  Arrived Péronne about 9.30.  Breakfast at Club.  Rang up squadron about 11.  Tender arrived at two.  Crowds of B flight and Hanna, looking strangely handsome.  Discovered he was wearing a universal tunic and cap.  Rumours of a German offensive on the morrow.  Treated rumours as usual wind-up.  Everyone seemed very glad to see me.  Almost as good as going home.  Geordie and Lee White gone home on H.E. and flying.  Cave recording officer.  Eye wonky.

19 March 1918

Tuesday, March 19th  Train to Amiens about 11 AM.  Arrived about 6.  Alighted.  M. Police refused to let us out.  Waited until the train running in connection with ours had gone.  M. Police still refused; found another train which would land us in Péronne at 11 PM, after tortuous winding & sundry changes.  Accidentally lost this train.  Was rude to M.P.  Told R.J.O we should probably find a squadron tender waiting.  Next train 6 AM.  Left station.  Found no tender.  Booked room at the Belfort.  Went to the Godbert and devoured a mighty dinner.  Met Martin Sinclair and Rees (going on leave).  Decided to stop.

18 March 1918

March 18th Monday;  Got a Pullman seat on the 7.35 and a second breakfast (a source of very comfortable reflection in these days.)  Had several hours to wait at Folkestone.  Sent a line home and bought a Stylo.  The good mayor of Folkestone appeared to have issued an edict that no officers proceeding overseas should be served with intoxicants.  Presumptious ass!  Obtained drinks by perjury.  Smooth crossing.  Put up at Hotel de Paris.  Boulogne.  Strolled along the front with Norton.  All pictures full up.  Excellent dinner at Officers Club.

17 March 1918

March 17  Sunday.  St Patrick’s day
Said Goodbye – Au revoir to Dad on St Denys station.  My last words were ‹Will see you in two months time›  What hopes?!?  Got a room at a YMCA place near Victoria.  Norton wasn’t at S. African Club – so went to see the Pracys.  Heard that Buff was likely be called up.