Diary Kept by Rifleman B. C. Stubbs of the Second Draft Sent to the Queen Victoria Rifles in France — Key Ideas to Explore

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_So at the threat ye shall summon--so at the need ye shall send Men, not children or servants, tempered and taught to the end; Cleansed of servile panic, slow lo dread or despise Humble because of knowledge, mighty by sacrifice.... So ye shall bide sure guarded when the restless lightnings wake In the womb of the blotting war cloud, and the pallid nations quake._

DIARY KEPT BY RIFLEMAN B. C. STUBBS

OF THE SECOND DRAFT SENT TO THE QUEEN VICTORIA RIFLES IN FRANCE

CHICAGO PRIVATELY PRINTED 1915

COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY RALPH McCOY

“_Dulce et Decorum Est_”

Once again the shadow has fallen darkly on all associated with the Union-Castle Line, both in the City of London and at sea. Another young member of the Company’s staff at the Fenchurch Street offices, Mr. Bernard Castle Stubbs, who joined the Queen Victoria’s Rifles (9th Battalion London Regiment) in September last, has laid down his life for his country. Shortly after enlistment, he volunteered for the first draft which went out to make good the casualties in his regiment, and on arriving in France last February was sent direct to the firing line. He was in the famous fight on Hill 60 during the night of April 20-21, under the command of Lieutenant G. H. Woolley, who gained the first Victoria Cross conferred on a Territorial officer for his gallant efforts in that bitterly contested struggle. On June 22 Private Stubbs sustained a shell wound in the head, and he died on the following day at the Receiving Hospital at Bailleul, without having regained consciousness. The lad was educated for eight years at Slough, where he was distinguished both in his classes and in the school sports, and was head boy of the school during his last few terms, as well as captain of the cricket and football teams, the holder of a cup for the school championship at “fives,” and the winner of the swimming medal of the school. He later captained the Old Boys’ football team. On leaving school in 1907 he entered the offices of the Union-Castle line, and his death at the early age of 24 has closed what was a very promising career.

DIARY KEPT BY RIFLEMAN B. C. STUBBS

WEDNESDAY, _February 10, 1915_

Owing to wire calling me back from leave, left Watford by 7:51 train, catching the 9:10 from Victoria to Crowboro’. Left Crowboro’ by 6:03 for Southampton after a fine send-off from rest of Battalion. Arrived Southampton at 11 P. M. and spent a good night on floor of board school in the town.

THURSDAY, _February 11, 1915_

Morning spent in having hair cut short and a nice hot bath--just to make sure that anyway I leave England clean. Afternoon we marched to Army Stores and drew new rifles and bayonets. In the evening sported 3d at a local cinema. Another good night on school floor.

FRIDAY, _February 12, 1915_

Stood by till 12 noon all ready to embark, and then told owing to submarines in Channel we could not get away. Hung about Southampton all afternoon and did a music hall in evening. Shall be glad to get a move on, although Southampton people are very kind.

SATURDAY, _February 13, 1915_

Fred Karno’s army again! Stood by all morning, then told no chance of going to-day and dismissed till roll call at 9:30. Had a game of billiards after drawing ten bob from local Donald Currie Office, and just going to have tea when told to return to schools at once as we were just off. Hurried back and stood by for an hour, and then dismissed again. Did another picture show in evening, but spent a rotten night owing to toothache and squash through more troops coming in.

SUNDAY, _February 14, 1915_

Off at last! Told definitely we embark at 12 noon and actually did so, but did not leave quay until 6. The whole way down Southampton water we were covered with searchlights, and then picked up an escort of destroyers who saw us safely across. But what a voyage! About 8:30 I found myself wedged with others into stable with horses a few yards away. Ship, a cargo boat and rolled like hell! Any amount of men ill but thank goodness I kept fit. Eventually dozed off about 11:30.

MONDAY, _February, 15, 1915_

Made my way out of stable to find ship lying off Havre at about 6:30 A. M. Eventually docked at 12 noon and then transferred to another and smaller ship for our journey up the Seine. Very surprised at the size of docks at Havre. The town looked very pretty from the ship and should have liked a short time ashore, but nothing doing! Turned in at 8 o’clock, but horses made such a row could not sleep. Walked round ship whilst we left harbour and anchored in mouth of river, ready for our trip to Rouen in morning. Finally fell asleep on a form in men’s quarters and slept fairly well.

TUESDAY, _February 16, 1915_

Up at 6:30 and luckily got a cup of coffee from ship’s cook. Have lived on bully beef and biscuits since leaving Southampton, so coffee was properly appreciated. Started our voyage up the Seine at 9 o’clock. When we left Southampton, we had over 1000 troops on board; all left at Havre except our 100 and 50 Artists Rifles, so we are a merry little crowd. The trip up the river was simply great. Glorious day and the scenery ripping the whole way. Arrived at Rouen about 5:30 but stayed on board the night. Slept on the mess-room table and had a good night.

WEDNESDAY, _February 17, 1915_

Left the boat at 8 o’clock and had a 5-mile march to reach camp. Poured the whole way, so our first footing on French soil was hardly encouraging. Arrived at camp and put eleven in each hut (or tent), and then, thank God, breakfast turned up. Tea, bread and jam--and didn’t it go down well! Another medical inspection and kit finally examined; rest of day to ourselves. Did a cinema in evening and had a good night in tent.

THURSDAY, _February 18, 1915_

Up at 7 o’clock, and, after an inspection by some General “cove” or other, had day to ourselves. Did cinema again in evening. Hear we are off to trenches to-morrow. Now it’s so near, I’m very keen on getting there and hope it comes off.

FRIDAY, _February 19, 1915_

No luck! Stood by all day and no orders came out. Should like some work to do, as hanging about in tent tends to make me liverish, humpy and irritable.

SATURDAY, _February 20, 1915_

Work in earnest. On road making and mud shifting from 7:15 to 4 o’clock. Got a grand wash in the evening and felt happy and fit once more.

SUNDAY, _February 21, 1915_

Rifle inspection only. Rest of day to ourselves. No further orders and once again we show our capabilities at standing by. Awful job to get water to wash with, and the feeling of filthiness is positively appalling.

MONDAY, _February 22, 1915_

Nothing all day beyond rifle inspection in morning. Told off for not shaving. _Inter alia_, the trials of a voluntary soldier, consist of making fires without wood and shaving without water.

TUESDAY, _February 23, 1915_

Off to the trenches at last. Paraded at 2 o’clock and marched to Rouen Station. Tremendous train with all sorts and conditions of troops. Rotten carriages, a bit worse than the third class on G. E. suburban trains. Left Rouen 5:50 P. M. and arrived Bailleul 11:30 A. M. February 24, 1915. Detrained to the sound of artillery.

WEDNESDAY, _February 24, 1915_

Joined up with the First Battalion and met many old chums from Crowboro’, just back from trenches on a few days’ rest. Attached to “B” Coy, and billeted in a barn over a cow shed and pig sty. Had a grand night’s rest; woken up once or twice by the guns which seemed horribly close. Now in Belgium and disgusted at the state of the peasants and hovels in which they live. No idea of cleanliness and seem to revel in dirt. Was present at a search for live stock by party back from trench; several captures witnessed, and have now some idea of what is to come.

THURSDAY, _February 25, 1915_

Rifle inspection followed by a hot bath in a brewery tub and a change of linen. What luck! and what a lovely clean feeling. In the evening letters from home turned up; four from Jim, one from Mother, and p.c. from Tick. All are well and I’m much relieved at hearing after three weeks.

FRIDAY, _February 26, 1915_

Nothing on to-day so spent afternoon and evening in Bailleul. Guns rather noisy to-day but otherwise things fairly quiet.

SATURDAY, _February 27, 1915_

Ordered to parade to march to trenches at 4:30. Understand we are going in for eight days, four each in firing and support trenches. Arrived in firing trench at 9:30. Cold, wet night, and continually sniped at during last mile. Relieved Cheshires in trenches opposite Messines Ridge, and just to encourage us, Williams and I, who were together in a lookout, were told by a sergeant we were in one of the most dangerous parts of the line, as they had had eight casualties there during the day. Surprised at the calm way in which we both took this; and we spent the night on watch, hour in and hour out, without being worried beyond a few sniper shots.

SUNDAY, _February 28, 1915_

A very interesting day. In the morning had a glorious view of an English airman shelled by anti-aircraft gun. In the afternoon had my first taste of shell fire, but the Germans are not good at it and did very little damage.

MONDAY, _March 1, 1915_

Sunday night was a perfect beast. Cold and wet and snipers very busy. As for to-day, my first real feeling of funk. A shell burst on parapet just in front of me and gave me a bad shaking. Upset me for about a quarter of an hour, but kept it to myself and pulled myself together again. In the evening, while fetching water, a man shot down three yards from us. Also rather upsetting but kept my head this time. Reached support trenches about 10 o’clock, and had a ripping sleep safe from snipers and fairly so from shells.

TUESDAY, _March 2, 1915_

Nice calm day to-day in redoubt behind firing line. Nothing to do all day but sleep and did that very well indeed. Worked all night in cutting down hedge so as not to affect fire in case of attack--rotten job, and sniped at all the time.

WEDNESDAY, _March 3, 1915_

Another calm day. In the afternoon watched German shells smashing into a village about one half mile from redoubt. Very interesting and a sight never to be forgotten. Thank Heaven, the people had gone. Returned to firing line at night.

THURSDAY, _March 4, 1915_

On Sunday the 28th I wrote the Germans are not much good with their shells. I now beg their pardon. The beasts shelled us with heavy guns from 7 in the morning until dusk, and I sincerely hope I never have a similar experience. It’s a horrible nerve racking job and I felt it pretty badly, but everyone was the same, so there is no need to blame myself. No sleep all day and all night; I did lookout hour in and hour out.

FRIDAY, _March 5, 1915_

A fairly calm day after yesterday, but in early morning surprise fusillade from Germans. Machine guns and heavy rifle fire. Gave them plenty back and they soon stopped. Returned to redoubt at night absolutely done to the world.

SATURDAY, _March 6, 1915_

My twenty-fourth birthday. Woke at 2 P. M. and felt much better for long sleep. Wrote Jim and Mother, and spent afternoon chatting and generally lazing. On guard from 7 to 9 in evening and 1 to 3 early Sunday morning.

SUNDAY, _March 7, 1915_

A quiet day in dugout. Found it hard to sleep owing to heavy artillery fire. Should really return to billets to-night but ordered to remain as supports. At 7 P. M. I and fifteen others ordered to proceed to firing lines. There for three hours during which time I was on listening patrol--a particularly nervy and rotten job. Arrived back in dugouts about midnight.

MONDAY, _March 8, 1915_

Very quiet day in dugout and had a good sleep. Worked all night on fatigue, and returned to supporting line at dawn.

TUESDAY, _March 9, 1915_

Stood by all day, and at night received joyful news to return to billets. Reached them at midnight, and relief at being out of all danger for the present cannot be overestimated.

WEDNESDAY, _March 10, 1915_

Slept on well into the day. In evening walked into village of Dresouke and had a good wash, shave, and meal. Ye Gods!

THURSDAY, _March 11, 1915_

Busy all day on various fatigues. We come from trenches for what is called a “rest.” I should like to know what the Army Authorities call “work.”

FRIDAY, _March 12, 1915_

Marched into Bailleul and took up fresh billets in another barn. Very glad to see some really respectable people, and the barn for a change happened to be nice and clean.

SATURDAY, _March 13, 1915_

Morning spent in physical and bayonet drill, and in the afternoon had a bath and change of linen. Very nice indeed, and after a good meal spent evening in recreation-room.

SUNDAY, _March 14, 1915_

Ye Gods! what a day; turned out at 5 A. M. and left billets in full marching order for unknown destination at 9. Marched all morning over an awful cobbled road and bivouacked in wheatfield all afternoon. In evening marched to trenches about four miles to the north of Armentieres. Got right to firing line to find we were not expected and not wanted. Here we are twelve or thirteen miles from billets and done to the wide. Spent two hours lying on the road whilst an empty farm was found which we reached about midnight. Went straight off to sleep, and never remember feeling as whacked before.

MONDAY, _March 15, 1915_

Spent day in farm waiting for further orders, and at 8 P. M. once more marched to trenches. Placed in supports in what once was a village--now not a whole house standing. I and six others put into a small coal cellar of a house of which one wall is now standing. Spent night on guard. Plenty of snipers about and grenades fairly frequent, but no shells.

TUESDAY, _March 16, 1915_

Quiet day in cellar. Only two shells over, but no harm done. Evening on guard again similar to last night.

WEDNESDAY, _March 17, 1915_

Another day in cellar. Slept most of the time and only a few shells over. In evening relieved by Dublin Fusiliers, and started on our return march to Bailleul about 9 o’clock. Reached our billets at 1:30 A. M. Thursday morning, very, very fagged. That beastly cobbled road is too awful, and everyone felt whacked, although the total distance marched could not have been more than twelve miles.

THURSDAY, _March 18, 1915_

Up about 10 o’clock and spent morning cleaning up once more. In evening had a good meal in town and retired early, fairly happy once more.

FRIDAY, _March 19, 1915_

Rifle and equipment inspection in morning; afternoon and evening to ourselves. Toothache very bad all day and glad to stay in billets.

SATURDAY, _March 20, 1915_

Route march in morning and spent afternoon sharpening Company’s bayonets. In the evening visited cinema open for first time in Bailleul to-night. Very good show and thoroughly enjoyed it.

SUNDAY, _March 21, 1915_

On guard all day outside billets. Very uninteresting and monotonous except for mild excitement caused by a German Taube appearing over town. Too high up for effectual rifle fire and it soon cleared off.

MONDAY, _March 22, 1915_

A most interesting march to that poor ill-fated town of Ypres, twelve miles--the whole way lying a little behind the firing line. Flying machines galore--two heavily but ineffectually shelled by the Germans. Ypres in shocking condition. Quartered in Belgian barracks, roof of which has been smashed in in many places. Don’t feel particularly safe as town is still shelled daily, but here’s hoping our luck will stand.

TUESDAY, _March 23, 1915_

Had a stroll round Ypres and returned horribly depressed. Most beautiful buildings absolutely ruined, and town is one mass of ruins. A few people still living there, mainly proprietors of cafés, etc., otherwise streets deserted. Two shells fell into town to-day but happily missed the barracks.

WEDNESDAY, _March 24, 1915_

Told to be ready for forty-eight hours in trenches to-night. Spent day making necessary preparations, and at 8 o’clock started for what perhaps is most important point of British lines. Our Company attached to Kings Own Scottish Borderers--a fine regiment and awfully decent chaps. Reached supports about 10. Terrific rifle fire but we got through with only nine casualties.

THURSDAY, _March 25, 1915_

Hard at work before dawn improving dugouts, and, as snipers left off at daybreak and we were in dead ground, were allowed to stroll about during day. Heavily shelled for about an hour from 10 to 11, during which time we laid low. At work during night improving roads, turning in at 4:30 A. M.

FRIDAY, _March 26, 1915_

Went to sleep in dugout about 7:30 after a good drink of hot bovril. Slept well till noon when woke up to heavy shell fire. Laid low till dusk when shelling ceased, and we left for our return to billets at 8:15 P. M. Arrived at camp at 10:30 P. M. and once more thankful at coming through all right.

SATURDAY, _March 27, 1915_

Up late, and having no parades took things easily. Afternoon had a game of footer and thoroughly enjoyed the exercise.

SUNDAY, _March 28, 1915_

Police duty from 7 to 8, 10 to 12, and 4 to 5. Very quiet and no arrests made.

MONDAY, _March 29, 1915_

Paraded in morning for drill and bayonet exercise. In the afternoon walked to Popperinghe and had a very good time. Fine place untouched by shells, and found a shop where they sold English tea--what a luxury!

TUESDAY, _March 30, 1915_

Joy of joys! Ordered to parade for a bath. First one since the March 13th, and it was very welcome. Am now decidedly “Itchy Koo” and am so ashamed of it, but am afraid it cannot be avoided.

WEDNESDAY, _March 31, 1915_

Marched from camp back into the barracks at Ypres, and understand we are now once more standing by and will go into trenches on Friday evening.

THURSDAY, _April 1, 1915_

Bayonet drill, etc., in morning. Town shelled during day. One in barracks but not much damage.

FRIDAY, _April 2, 1915_

Not going to trenches to-night owing to dangerous roads when carrying on relief. Instead we are to do five days straight off from Monday next. Quiet day, nothing doing beyond fatigue work, attended Morning Service for first time since leaving England.

SATURDAY, _April 3, 1915_

Town again shelled during day. More civilians killed but barracks again escape. Drill and fatigues only. In afternoon attended service conducted by Bishop of London. Short but very nice service.

SUNDAY, _April 4, 1915_

Church in morning. Quiet all day till 9, when I went up to trenches on digging fatigue. Got to bed about 2:30 and jolly glad to lie in on Monday morning.

MONDAY, _April 5, 1915_

Up late, and spent day getting ready for our trip to trenches. Left barracks at 6:45 and carried out relief at 9 P. M. Very busy night. Continual deliberate fire and, oh, how it rained! No cover whatever and we’ve got this for five days. Ye Gods!

TUESDAY, _April 6, 1915_

Rained on and off whole day. Impossible to sleep owing to rain and shells. Feel very despondent and miserable, but long time to go yet so must stick it. Another busy night and more rain. Am now properly soaked, so it does not matter if it pours all the time.

WEDNESDAY, _April 7, 1915_

Weather slightly better, but still plenty of rain on and off. Artillery active, otherwise day fairly quiet. Periscope very useful indeed. Night very busy indeed, continued rifle and artillery fire. Several narrow escapes whilst searching German lines. Twice covered with sand from shots in bags to my right and left.

THURSDAY, _April 8, 1915_

Thank goodness! decided improvement in weather. One or two hail showers but not much rain. Wind very cold, and, by jove! it’s hard to sleep. Quiet day but another busy night. Spoiled so far as I am concerned by violent toothache; must see a dentist after this spell, without fail.

FRIDAY, _April 9, 1915_

No sleep all day owing to toothache. Hard luck as day comparatively quiet--very little shell fire from either side. Night again very busy but glad of the work as helps me to forget the pain.

SATURDAY, _April 10, 1915_

Relief coming to-night and arn’t I glad. Slept a couple of hours in morning and again in afternoon. Artillery busy once more. Bedfords turned up, 11:30, so we got away about 12; reached camp 1:30. Had a cup of tea and asleep at once. Another spell got through and so far not touched. Thank Heaven for my luck!

SUNDAY, _April 11, 1915_

Woke at 2 P. M. Had a wash and shave and feel fine once more. Spent evening writing letters and going to make most of rest.

MONDAY, _April 12, 1915_