Uncle Frank in France

William Francis Maxwell Donald (Uncle Frank) was a civil engineer with the firm of Crouch & Hogg, of 14 Blythswood Square, Glasgow. To quote Mr C P Hogg, writing to my grandfather after Uncle Frank’s death in action, "He was a general favourite in the office". From another letter, from a brother officer, W C Easton, "The last time I saw him was very early in August 1914 when he overtook me on Great Western Road at Kelvin Bridge and expressed his intention of enlisting forthwith. How well he kept his word you know better than I. I did, however, some nine months ago, get a splendid and spontaneous appreciation of him from a young Regular Staff Captain who had worked with him".

How well he kept his word is shown by forty-four letters from France transcribed here. They are supported by and interleaved with extracts from the War Diary of the 9th (Glasgow) Battalion Highland Light Infantry – "The Glasgow Highlanders". It was transcribed in 2002 by Alec Weir, author of "Come on the Highlanders, the Story of the 9th Battalion", to whom we are greatly indebted. Most of the letters were to my grandfather, T W Donald, but those to my father are the most detailed. It seems Uncle Frank felt that an enthusiastic 11 to 12 year old would be more receptive than my grandparents who had recently lost a brother (in law), Lt Col George Pope Newstead, who had been killed in West Africa in 1915.

On 31st October 1914 the Battalion was standing by in Dunfermline. On 2nd November they moved to Southampton by train, and crossed to Le Havre on 4th November arriving on 5th November. The strength of Battalion was 30 officers, 1,008 men, 63 Horses, and 22 Vehicles. On 6 November they moved about 70 miles by train from Le Havre to St-Omer, and marched 6 miles to Wardrecques for training.

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The Battalion made its first appearance in the front line 25th November 1914, "marching from their billets together with the remainder of the 5th Brigade to KEMMEL, arriving there at 5pm to relieve troops already occupying the trenches. While marching out the road was shelled in the vicinity of the Battalion but without effect. The trenches occupied by A and ½ B Company in the firing line were most inadequate, being too shallow in places and without any means of communicating with the rear. No effort was made to deepen them as the floor was found to be resting on the bodies of French soldiers covered with a few inches of earth and straw. The night passed quietly with only desultory rifle fire from enemy snipers.”

On the march back to billets on 27th November the Battalion sustained its first casualty: "The day passed without any unusual occurrence. There was intermittent rifle fire from snipers against our trenches and the enemy shelled the ground in rear of our firing line a short distance SOUTH of Battn Head Quarters. About 8pm our companies in the trenches were relieved by the LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH. No casualties in the trenches. As the battalion was forming up to march home in a spot behind the crest of the hill near Battn Head Quarters, Lieut Cowie was dangerously wounded by a spent bullet, which must have dropped at a considerable angle. The Battn reached their billets at 2.30am 28/11/14. The conduct of the men throughout the operation was most satisfactory and they behaved with great steadiness in the trenches."

Overall, in the period up to Uncle Frank’s first extant letter of 13 April the battalion spent 98 days in the front line, or in immediate support. Much to the concern of traditionalists, the regiment were ordered to substitute boots and puttees for their shoes and gaiters. By 17 December [in billets at Bailleul] "sufficient boots and puttees had now been received for almost the entire battalion". It was felt that kilts were more suited than breeches to muddy and flooded trenches as in extremis soldiers could take off their boots and puttees and paddle without their kilts getting soaked.

On 27 December the battalion returned to the front line at Richebourg St-Vaast, (north-east of Béthune). From now on improvement of trenches, and problems of their being full of water and mud became a recurrent feature. Eg on 30 December: "Trenches are being improved by revetting and providing a firing step to permit of men firing over the parapet in the intervals between loopholes if necessary. Steel loopholes provided are bad as they do not admit of a bayonet being passed through."

The Germans celebrated New Year somewhat aggressively. On 31 December 1914 "Day passed quietly till 10.45pm when the enemy opened rapid fire against our trenches, sending up lights and cheering. They became quiet at once on being shelled by our guns."

As of 1 January 1915 the Battalion had eight infantry companies of about 120, with five companies in the line and three in billets behind. However the firing line trenches were too crowded and one company had to be withdrawn. Later on companies were amalgamated into four large companies under command of the senior Captains.

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On 8 January the Battalion pulled back to billets at les Choquaux - just north of Béthune. The trenches had been very wet, and in some places untenable. "The firing line Companies were much fatigued by standing so long in water. The men were however wonderfully cheerful during the 6½ mile march."

On 13 January, while still in billets at les Choquaux issues of basic leadership and initiative came up. "A list of instructions has been written and circulated among all officers tonight, as it has been observed that Company Commanders do not supervise and assist their juniors as they should while in the trenches, while the junior officers are far too much inclined to do nothing in the absence of definite orders from their superiors."

While on 15 January 1915, in billets at Essars, cleanliness came to the fore "Officers, NCOs and men have been informed that the cleanliness of both our personnel and billets in the past have been considered most unsatisfactory by the GOC 2nd Division. It is hoped that every man will now make an effort to rectify this. The billets here have been taken over in a filthy condition and all ranks are busy cleaning them." A day later things were much improved "Companies and their billets minutely inspected today. The reprimand to the battalion has had the best possible effect. The improvement in the appearance of the men is most marked, while the billets leave little to be desired."

On 23 January, in the front line near Festubert, Uncle Frank makes his first appearance, putting his professional skills as a civil engineer to good use "A quiet day. Lieut Donald and Lieut MacNaughton made sketches of our section and that of the WORCESTERS."

On 25 January the Battalion came under a significant attack for the first time: "Between 7.30 and 8.30am the enemy began heavily shelling our front line and the area in rear of it. The men stood to arms, and advanced companies manned their breastworks. At about 9am the O.C. RIGHT advanced company observing through a telescope saw the enemy advancing to attack GIVENCHY to his RIGHT front. He did not open fire as he was masked by the troops on his RIGHT, the range being about 1,200 yards."

Orders were received to occupy in strength and hold a work on the Battalion's RIGHT in support of the 3rd Bde. 3 Platoons occupied the work and reported they had got touch on both flanks. They crossed a considerable area swept by shrapnel during their advance, but suffered no casualties, being well handled by Capt Frew.

Information was received from 5th Bde that 1st Divn reported that the enemy had broken their front and had reached GIVENCHY church. HLI (Regulars) and Oxfords had gone to support 3rd Bde on the "Glasgows'" RIGHT.

By 1.15pm 2nd Divn reported that the situation near GIVENCHY appeared fairly satisfactory and that 1st Divn were holding greater part of their line. By 2.50pm the line in Section B of 1st Division had been restored.

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At 6.30pm the detachment under Capt Frew was ordered to withdraw from their position on the RIGHT after completing necessary improvements in their defences. A small party of NCOs and 11 men were in occupation.

At 7.10pm the Diary recorded a warning to troops to be vigilant: "By midday the enemy’s shell fire had diminished considerably. At dusk our advanced posts were occupied as usual without opposition. During the day the conduct of the men under shell fire left nothing to be desired. The telephone linesmen also mended wire on two occasions in the village when the firing was at its height. It is satisfactory to note that the officers fully realise the necessity for close intercommunication and for obtaining touch with troops on their flanks without delay."

On 26 January 1915, still in the front line near Festubert: "The enemy shelled our line at intervals today. Our advanced posts were occupied at dusk as usual. A patrol was sent from our RIGHT advanced post to reconnoitre the ground between it and the LEFT flank of the 3rd Bde. The patrol reported unfavourably on the condition of abandoned British trenches in this section."

The next day it was reported that Sgt Grey who had gone out in charge of the patrol was missing. A search failed to discover him.

With the frequent muddy state of communication trenches it was often quicker to move outside, rather than in them. This could be dangerous even if the enemy was acquiescent. On 16 February, when the Battalion was in billets, providing front line fatigues (working parties) at Gorre "A Sgt was drowned in the canal while going up the bank in the dark with a relieving platoon. He disappeared immediately, probably owing to the weight of his slung rifle and ammunition."

On 19 February when in billets/front line fatigues at Pont Tournant (north of Béthune) members of the Battalion were preparing to take part in their first attack "An attack is to be made tomorrow in order to occupy temporarily a German trench from which they are supposed to be driving a mine towards us. The GOC 6th Bde has expressed his willingness for 12 of our men to take part in this attack. Capt Frew is selecting the men from No.4 Company and L/Sergeant Port is to command those who are in the storming party."

20 February "The attack this afternoon was successful, and the German trench was occupied, though no mine could be found. Our 12 men chosen were very much pleased, and their conduct during the operation was most satisfactory. We had 3 casualties. Sgt Port was wounded in three places, and fell when half way across to the German line, but continued to cheer on his men. The Brigadier expressed himself as much pleased with his conduct."

The Battalion gradually improved its trench fighting skills. On 30 March, while in billets at le Marais and front line - "A rifle with telescopic sights is being used by us and has been successful in securing several German snipers." And on 2 April "Our machine guns are doing some night firing at the roads in rear of the enemy’s line. This seems to have met with some success yesterday as loud cries were heard after one of the bursts of fire."

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However not all the equipment provided was up to the job. On 12 April - "A catapult (for projecting smoke bombs) has been received by the Officer i/c Trench Mortar Section. This was tested tonight and has so far proved useless. There appears to be some fault in the mechanism."

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[13 April 1915: billets/front line at le Marais] A very quiet day.

Letter 1 - 13th April 1915

Dear Colin Very many thanks for your letter and exceedingly kind offer to send me a Periscope. They are most useful and I think a "Life-guard" one, with the case to carry it about in, would be splendid. Just now we have to rely on periscopes all through the day, as the Germans are hardly two hundred yards off and, if one puts one’s head up, they very soon send a shell your way; in fact since we came here about a fortnight ago we have had about seven of our men killed in that way. The other day they sent a lovely shot straight through the centre of the top mirror of the periscope my men were using here.

I shall look forward very much to getting the white and black puddings as they are splendid for breakfast! I have just finished breakfast here – in the "trenches" – and, as my servant is a good cook, I have done well – ham and eggs, two eggs at that, a small piece of black pudding, bread and butter, oatcakes and strawberry jam and cafe-au-lait (tinned); so you can see I am not feeling starved just at present. One feels ready for breakfast after passing the night here; just about dawn it gets very cold.

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Except when moving about from Post to Post (as one can do after dark, walking behind the "trenches" in the fields - and taking one’s chance of stray bullets – I wrap myself up well against the cold. I have a greatcoat on and a Burberry on top of it, a muffler and a sleeping helmet, tho' one doesn’t get much sleep, mittens on my hands and a new sandbag on each foot to keep them warm, so that I am more like a disused scarecrow than a soldier. My seat is part of the firing-step with a sandbag on it filled with a little straw; It is wonderfully comfortable, but one gets tired of it towards the end of the day.

I hope, if things are normal, to get some "leave" towards the end of this month, but I feel my tales of "battles" will sadly disappoint you, as, except on 25th Jan, we have been in no "battle" – at least not close to one – tho' we have often been quite near an attack made either by us or the Germans. Just now things are pretty quiet, tho' they shell round about us every day and our guns give them toko in return.

Yesterday they shelled very close to where we were in support and it is very unpleasant – especially as they were sending over eight inch high-explosive, black, dirty things! They shell us here in front with a gun which is called the "whiz-bang", or "pip-squeak" by some; the shells are on you before you know where you are, but so far they have done nobody any harm. The Germans keep well hidden, I don’t think altogether I have seen more than two or three in the distance, tho' I have seen a considerable number of their dead lying out in front in their grey uniforms; they seem however to have given up wearing helmets.

From all one hears our regulars will dare anything – after dark - in order to "souvenir" the dead Germans - going over them, that is, for watches or money or suchlike. One man I heard of up at Neuve Chapelle had rather a disappointment the other day - a shell burst just in front of the trench we were holding and threw the lower half of a dead Deutscher into our trench. One man at once rushed to "souvenir" the trouser pockets, but found nothing in them but a piece of cake which he promptly ate!

On the 1st of April one of our aeroplanes dropped a football with "April Fool" painted on it on the German lines; they thought it was a bomb and fled in all directions, until they saw that they had been made April Fool of.

Well, I must stop, give my love to your mother & the ladies and kind remems to your father, and, with very many thanks again for your kind offer for my birthday. I remain Ever yrs affectionately Frank Donald

Note – a trench periscope was also offered to his brother, Colin Dunlop Donald IV, who had just arrived in Marseiiles with the Indian Army Cavalry, 30th Lancers! He declined on 25 May 1915, stating a preference for a decent wrist compass. The extent to which officers had to provide their own equipment seems quite extraordinary.

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[16 April 1915: billets/front line at le Marais]

Letter 2 - 16th April 1915

Dear Colin, Ever so many thanks for the excellent parcel you have been so kind to send me containing Puddings, Sausages, Cheese and a splendid Pork Pie; it was so good of you to think of doing so!

We are back from the actual firing line now in reserve, and, as we are all split up into little messes of six or so, the good things can be properly appreciated. We had a bigger mess down at the front, but I kept your parcel, and had it carried it back here.

We go out digging in front at night from here; one officer, however, only has to go once in four nights, so it’s not bad. When it is quiet it's all right but very wearisome, and I must say so far we have been lucky; a few bullets come whistling round of course, but one doesn’t take any notice of that.

I hope to get some leave next week when I may see you perhaps. Yours affectionately Frank Donald

[18 April 1915: billets/front line at le Marais] Two machine guns are now in the front line and one in reserve at DANGER CORNER in readiness for mounting in WORK E where loopholes are being prepared.

[19 April 1915: billets/front line at le Marais] Situation quiet. Our snipers have accounted for certain numbers of the enemy lately and rifle grenades have also been fixed effectively, one being dropped in the German trenches today.

[20 April 1915: billets/front line at le Marais] Situation quiet. The enemy continues to shell the Brewery daily but it is still standing sufficiently to give cover from view to the Company Hd Qrs in rear of it.

[3 May 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from Béthune to billets/front line at Annequin (southeast of Béthune)] The battalion moves to ANNEQUIN - where No.3 & 4 Coys are billeted. No.2 Coy holds CUINCHY SUPPORT POINT and No.1 Company CAMBRIN SUPPORT POINT with posts near the BARRIER and at no.17 siding.

[5 May 1915: billets/front line at Annequin] CUINCHY SUPPORT POINT shelled this morning.

[6 May 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from Annequin to billets at Béthune] Battalion moves to BETHUNE and is billeted in the COLLEGE DES JEUNES FILLES. Ammunition made up to 200 rounds to be carried per man. Special instructions received from Brigade with regard to various details for the advance.

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While this map ( from "Sepoys in the Trenches" by Gordon Corrigan) does not show all the places hereinafter mentioned it does indicate that Uncle Frank and his brother

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(CDD IV) in the Indian Army Cavalry would have been operating in the same area after May 1915.

Preparations and training for operations with gas were put in train. On 7 May (in billets at Béthune) "Yellow flags and screens issued to Battn. Further special instructions received." While on 8 May "The Battn is now completed in every respect for an advance. Masks have been issued to all ranks and lime water prepared. It is arranged that every third man shall carry this in his water bottle. Blankets have been stored and greatcoats loaded on blanket wagons."

However the attack (at Richebourg) was on and off for several days. Eventually on 15 May "Operation orders and additional instructions received from 5th Bde. Company commanders have explained the situation fully to their men this afternoon, bombs have been issued and bomb parties told off. Every man will also carry an additional bandolier to ensure that as much spare small arms ammunition as possible is taken forward with the Battn. The Bde is attacking at 11.30pm."

This operation showed the problems that would arise if too many men were packed into too narrow a front. The plan was to attack on a two Battalion frontage with INNISKILLINGS on RIGHT and WORCESTERS on LEFT, supported by OXFORDS on RIGHT and GLASGOWS on LEFT. HLI (Regulars) was to be in reserve till the enemy’s line was captured when they would dig communicating trenches to it. No.4 Company detailed 3 working parties of 50 men each to act with the WORCESTERS. These parties were handed over to that Battn at 5.30pm, the whole of No.4 Company being thus employed.

The Battn, less No.4 Company, marched from RICHEBOURG at 8.5pm and occupied B, C and D lines of breastwork in rear of the WORCESTERS. Companies had orders to move forward to successive lines of cover trenches to their front as space became available. "At 10.55 pm Battn Hd Qrs was in the centre of B line, and moved forward to WORCESTER Hd Qrs in "A" line, arriving there at 11.5pm. This front line was completely filled with WORCESTERS and movement was most difficult. The men were being moved out in front of the breastwork in readiness to attack in successive lines, but the process was slow, and the congestion in line A increased rather than diminished. At about 11.25pm the enemy put up flares and opened an extremely heavy fire. At this time one of our work parties was still blocked in line "A" and apparently did not know where to go."

At 11.30pm after various counter orders, the work parties were finally told to climb out over the parapet. No preparation had been made for this and the men complied with difficulty and under heavy fire. "At about 11.50pm an officer of the WORCESTERS re-entered line A and it was understood that the attack had failed. Our work parties had suffered severely. Of the three officers in charge of them, Captain MARTIN was killed and Lieut MACNAUGHTON was wounded."

"It had previously been understood that, in the event of the attack failing at 11.30pm the GLASGOWS would attack at dawn. OC WORCESTERS, however, received a Bde message shortly after midnight stating that his Battn would repeat the attack, with the GLASGOWS again in support. The distribution of the two battalions therefore remained the same, the front breastwork continuing to be completely filled

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with WORCESTERS. OC WORCESTERS meanwhile despatched a message stating that he could not attack at dawn as ordered, being unable to reorganise his battn in time. In reply to this, a Bde message arrived at 2.45am directing the GLASGOWS to attack at 3.15am with the WORCESTERS in support. It was now too late to comply, owing to the impossibility of withdrawing the WORCESTERS from line A and taking their place there by the hour stated. They did not eventually withdraw till 4.30am. A message was despatched to the Brigade explaining the situation and in the mean time everything possible was done to prepare for launching the attack. At 3am the enemy opened a heavy rifle fire, under which our leading Company advanced across to line A, the communicating trenches being blocked. On arrival they had great difficulty in entering the breastwork owing to the crowd of men occupying it."

"At 6.15am a message was received directing us to continue all preparations for assault. This was complied with and steps were constructed to enable men to surmount the front breastwork which had not previously been prepared. At 7.35am it was found that the portion of line A immediately on our LEFT was unoccupied. We, therefore, ordered a company to move into it and reported to the Bde. Shortly afterwards the 3rd GURKHAS* took it over. Our breastworks were heavily shelled during the morning and we sustained considerable casualties."

*Note: The Indian Corps were also heavily involved in this action, but CDD IV had not yet arrived in Marseilles at this time

The attack of the INNISKILLINGS, in the RIGHT section of the Bde front, had succeeded the previous night. The OXFORDS were ordered to relieve the INNISKILLINGS in the captured GERMAN line, while a trench would be dug from the BRITISH line.

The GLASGOWS continued in action of 17 MAY, with further problems of overcrowding. "At 6.30am a Bde message was received giving instructions for an attack to be delivered later in the day on the RIGHT section of Bde front against the FERME DU BOIS and communication trench at subsection Q15. HLI to carry out attack supported by GLASGOWS. As the HLI moved forward, the OXFORDS were ordered to put companies into the captured German breastwork when vacated. WORCESTERS to occupy the breastworks of GLASGOWS as we move forward."

"To carry out our instructions it was necessary for the Battn to move about 100 yards to it’s RIGHT, i.e. until the RIGHT of the Battn rested on the entrance to the new trench, up which the support for the HLI must proceed. When this was attempted however it was found that the whole space between us and the HLI was filled with OXFORDS, the greater part of that battn being in the new trench itself. This situation, which was reported to the Bde, continued with little change during the afternoon. Meanwhile the HLI, who were on an extremely narrow frontage made an unsuccessful advance against the FERME DU BOIS. Our two leading sections succeeded in making their way past the OXFORDS and reached the HLI but were not required to assist in the attack. Our trenches were shelled very heavily indeed by the enemy during the day and we lost a considerable number of men."

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"At 5.20pm a Bde message was received ordering us to assemble near FERME DU BOIS at 6pm, the assault to be accompanied by a bombing attack on communication trench. It was impossible to organise the assault and move the Battn to the jumping off place by the time indicated, the only access to it being by the new trench, which the rain had now rendered very muddy and which was also badly damaged by shellfire. A message was therefore sent to the Bde informing the GOC of the situation and stating that the assault could not be delivered until 6.30pm at earliest. Preparations proceeded with all possible speed, but the attack was cancelled before we moved off."

Finally "On 18 May the Battn was relieved at 2.15am and marched to breastworks W of RICHEBOURG. Our casualties were 5 officers and 209 other ranks. During the operations communication had usually to be maintained by visual signalling and orderlies, the wires being seldom in working order. At 1pm the Bde was ordered to march to billets at Les Harisoirs west of BETHUNE. No.1 Coy was detached to guard German prisoners at LE HAMEL."

[22 May 1915: billets at Hurionville]

The Battn was visited by GOC 2nd Division who complimented them highly on their conduct since arriving in France last November.

Letter 3 - 22nd May 1915

Dear Colin, I must write and tell you how useful your periscope was, not indeed in our last operations, as I was unable to take it there, but in the trenches we were in just before. I went along looking out to see where shells were bursting near us and generally having a splendid view of the German lines.

In these trenches we had made ourselves very comfortable in a ruined farmhouse where we had our officers' mess – that is for the company officers and one or two others. We started by washing the mess room, having got some whitewash from a ruined painter’s house, and we had also started turfing the space in the middle of the yard to make it look better.

Then one morning we were disturbed by two heavy shells coming rather near and the next burst just alongside throwing showers of mud and dirt into the courtyard and wounding one of our cooks very badly. We thought it then high time to get into the trenches and all skedaddled out of our comfortable home, leaving the two basket- chairs and all the other luxuries to look after themselves!

The Germans kept on sending big black shells over and we had another man wounded, but soon they ceased to molest us, tho' these big black shells are not at all nice; afterwards they sent over a few "whiz-bangs" which are small shells. They are on you before you know where you are, but don’t do much damage unless you are very near them.

We left these trenches where we had been very happy, and after a bit of marching and countermarching, sometimes sleeping on the high road and sometimes not

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sleeping at all; very cold at night and very hot by day; at last we came to a village where we stayed in billets for a few days expecting every night to attack the Germans.

Last Saturday night we commenced and were at it on Sunday and Monday, but as we had to go as light as possible I had to leave the periscope in my valise. I had no narrow escapes that I know of, tho' a large chunk of wood, knocked off a tree I suppose, struck me on the head, right on my cap badge and raised a small lump; that was all!!

We had some rushes across the open - always wondering when you were going to be struck; there was a great deal of noise of machine-gun fire and during our third rush we went thro' a good deal of shrapnel, but lost very few men. After that we were in the trenches for two days and were shelled very severely, losing about two hundred and twenty men killed and wounded and having to contend with mud and rain – very disagreeable.

Sorry to hear you had influenza. I hope you are all right now again, it’s a horrid thing! Yours ever Frank Donald

[29 May 1915: march - about 12 miles - from billets at Hurionville to billets at Vermelles (about 4 miles southeast of Béthune)] The Battn moved at 3.50pm arriving at HALTE, VERMELLES at 10.30pm and taking over billets from the French.

[2 June 1915: transit from billets at Vermelles into front line nearby] The relief of the HLI was carried out this afternoon, commencing at 4pm, so that the companies occupied their new positions in daylight. The INNISKILLINGS relieved the OXFORDS on our RIGHT, a LONDON brigade being on our LEFT. The soil is chiefly lime, and the trenches in very fair condition. A new line is, however, under construction and still requires a lot of work.

[8 June 1915: march - about 8 miles - from front line at Vermelles to billets at Vaudricourt (southwestern outskirts of Béthune)] The relief of the Battn was completed at 2am this morning, the companies marching to VAUDRICOURT. The billets are scarce and many of the men are in bivouacs.

[15 June 1915: march - about 6 miles - from billets at Vaudricourt to billets at Noyelles-lès-Vermelles (southeast of Béthune, a mile or so west of Vermelles)] [16 June 1915: billets and front line at Noyelles-lès-Vermelles] Company officers are reconnoitring subsection Y1 which we shall presently be occupying. The Battn is furnishing work parties of 200 men nightly for the front line.

[17 June 1915: billets and front line at Noyelles-lès-Vermelles] The village is in a most insanitary condition and a party of 30 men is detailed each morning to work under the RE removing manure heaps etc.

[19 June 1915: transit - about 2 miles - from Noyelles-lès-Vermelles to front line at le Rutior (about 5 miles southeast of Béthune, near Vermelles)]

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The Battn relieved the OXFORDS in Y1 this afternoon. Relief commenced from NOYELLES at 5.30pm, the companies moving in the communicating trench by platoons. Although the route followed by the platoons was hidden from the enemy’s lines it is believed that the relief was observed from a German balloon near LOOS as VERMELLES was shelled as our men were leaving it.

[20 June 1915: in front line at Le Rutoir] The situation is very quiet and the trenches are excellent. One Company of INNISKILLINGS has been attached to us as a reserve, owing to the fact that we have a fairly long line to hold and only about 440 rifles to put into it. Every available man has, however, been collected, including all spare men from transport, cooks etc

[21 June 1915: in front line at Le Rutoir] A very quiet day. Work is proceeding nightly on the new front line which is under construction about 50 yards in advance of the present fire trench.

[23 June 1915: march - about 6 miles - from front line at le Rutoir to billets at Labourse (southeast of Béthune)] [28 June 1915: transit - about 2 miles - from billets at Labourse to Fouquières- lès-Béthune (southern outskirts of Béthune)] The Battn moved to FOUQUIERES this afternoon. Great difficulty has been experienced in finding billets owing to the presence of 1st Division in the village.

[29 June 1915: transit - about 1 mile - from Fouquières-lès-Béthune to billets in Béthune] The Battn moved to BETHUNE this morning. There was again great difficulty in billeting.

[30 June 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from billets in Béthune to front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] The Battn relieved the 6th Battn GORDONS this evening. 2 Companies are in the trenches and 2 in reserve at WINDY CORNER. The trenches are in a very muddy condition owing to the heavy rain today. They also appear to have been entirely neglected. The parapets are falling down and are composed of sandbags which have rotted away, and the fire steps are quite inadequate. There is also a lack of traverses in various places and the communicating trenches are most indifferent.

[1 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] RIGHT Coy (CAPT MENZIES) shelled intermittently throughout morning. Much damage was done. This damage repaired after dark. Otherwise quiet.

Letter 4 – 1st July 1915

Glasgow Highlanders British Exped Force France

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Dear Colin, Many happy returns of your birthday when it comes, as this may arrive a day before the 7th July. I have written to your Granduncle Tom to give your Father a sovereign for you as a present from me, so I hope you will have a good time with it!

We are in a place at present where we were a good long time ago – a very uncomfortable place indeed; but one has just got to make the best of it. At present we might very well be much worse off but tomorrow night we – our company – go into the trenches which are much too close to the Germans for comfort! They shell you and, ten to one, our own artillery make one or two slight errors in elevation during the day and shell you also; at least they used to do it in the winter and I don’t suppose they’ve given up the bad habit.

Your periscope will be of great use again, I have no doubt. It has been a most useful gift, I can assure you.

The weather just now is very like Scotland, rather coldish and wet; I hope it clears up - the mud in the trenches has got very bad again, I can see that by the state of men's feet and legs coming out – well caked! There is nothing exciting to record at present I fear, so I will now stop

Yours affectionately, Frank Donald

[2 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Quiet day. Much work done, cleaning up trenches, building parapets and traverses. Barricade completed on SUNKEN ROAD. BATTALION has to keep 2 Coys in front line and 2 in support during BRIGADE’S stay in line.

[4 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Some shelling of our front line during morning.

[6 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Trenches again in muddy state owing to heavy rain. Work hindered. 12.30pm: Message from 5th Bde warning us that enemy are working on CRATERS 13 and 14 and that 9th Div will fire 40 rounds. SUNKEN ROAD cleared and front trenches thinned for bombardment on CRATERS. 2pm: Bombardment commences. Coys report bombardment very effective and well done. (Note – the craters could be converted to strong points if the enemy were given the opportunity to fortify them]

[8 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Enemy again reported working in CRATER. 3.15pm: Minnenwerfer fired and considerable damage done at SUNKEN ROAD. Artillery fired and silenced Minnenwerfer. 2- 4pm: Front line trenches shelled with HE. Much damage done. Damaged trenches repaired during night.

[9 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée]

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Front line again heavily shelled. Our artillery retaliated. Much damage done to trenches by enemy’s fire. Several casualties. 2pm: Minnenwerfer shelled our trenches. Minnenwerfer located. 3pm: Artillery fire on position. Minnenwerfer silenced. 3pm: Six civilians arrested at WINDY CORNER. Sent to 5th Bde to be dealt with. 8.15pm: WINDY CORNER shelled. One shell burst close to funeral party gathered at cemetery. Several serious casualties. 11.38pm: 2nd DIVISION report movement of troops towards LA BASSEE and LILLE during past few days. All troops warned in case of attack.

[11 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Work on trenches - and men are also employed at GIVENCHY KEEP and HERTS REDOUBT filling sandbags and erecting cover for MG positions. Quiet day.

[12 July 1915: front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Work is still being carried on in the trenches, the condition of which is vastly improved. CAMDEN RD, the trench running from NEW CUT to LEFT Coy, has been made. NEW CUT has been made into a fire trench (as well as a communicating trench). The whole position is greatly strengthened and much wire placed along the front. The men have worked with enthusiasm and notwithstanding that much of their work was undone by shell fire, the damage was speedily made good. The signallers did much good work in clearing away much superfluous wire and communication with the artillery is now on a sound basis.

[13 July 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from front line at "Windy Corner" Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée to billets at Béthune] 2.30am to 4.30am: Rear trenches and roads to WINDY CORNER shelled, and again at 9.30am for 1 hour. 6.30pm: Relief started. A few shells fell near CANAL. No casualties.

Letter 5 - 13th July 1915

Dear Colin, Many thanks for your letter. You seem to be quite a wealthy personage now! I hope you have a good time at Dartmoor and get some good photographs with your "Brownie".

No, just not at present - unless we have some rain which is seldom in the summer – the trenches are not muddy at all, in fact they are too dry here at present, and the sides are cracking and falling in. After a few big shells have fallen anywhere near they get into a regular mess with "crumbs" of fallen mud.

The periscope is going very strong and is in constant use. Yesterday the Prince of Wales paid a visit our way, tho' he didn’t actually walk thro' our trench. He came into it, however, and Captain Wingate, who went along to see him and explain anything wanted, tells me that the Prince used the Periscope to have a good look round in front of him. So it has been introduced to Royalty! I didn’t see him myself, but, of course, I have seen him here and there quite a number of times. He is a very much nicer-looking lad than his photographs make him out to be, rosy cheeked and healthy looking.

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We hope to be relieved tonight and go back for a short rest. We have been here for a fortnight now, sleeping in our boots, so we shall be very glad to get back and get once more into clean things and real beds.

The Germans here are very fond of sending over Trench-mortar bombs. You here a "phut" and, if you look up, you can see them coming – away up in the air turning over and over. You have to make up your mind where they will fall and dodge them, for when they do fall they burst with a terrific explosion. They are very unpleasant things I can assure you - far worse than shells even! We had one man killed by one of them. He was blown clean out of the trench and over the back of it. Of course he was killed at once. However our guns plaster them now, whenever they try such tricks, and they are not so keen on doing it as they were I think.

I am glad to hear you are all getting on well now, give the ladies my salutations.

Well I must stop now as lunch is just beginning. The flies are very bad, I have just covered everything with newspaper. When we were at breakfast they began shelling quite close – "crump, crump" – 8 inch shells – and we had to get the mess safely put away and were disturbed; I hope we shall be allowed to have lunch in peace.

Give my love to your mother, and Believe me, Yours affectionately Frank Donald

[14 July 1915: billets at Béthune] In billets resting and cleaning up. Men to be allowed in to town from 2pm to 9pm 5pm: Orders that Battn is on 2 hours notice. Brigadier Gen G CORKRAN takes over command of 5th Bde.

[21 July 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from billets at Béthune to front line at Annequin (southeast of Béthune)] Battalion moves out of billets at 3.30pm to take up position at CUINCHY, and CAMBRIN SUPPORT POINTS at 6pm. 1 Coy at each point, 2 in reserve.

[22 July 1915: front line at Annequin] Work proceeded with at BRADDELL POINT (barricade on BETHUNE - LA BASSEE road) sand-bagging cellars, loop-holing walls and wiring round dwelling houses at this point. Two platoons working on HEREFORD STREET and GLASGOW ROAD. Fifty-four NCOs and men working on mining fatigues. Situation quiet throughout the day.

[23 July 1915: front line at Annequin] 10am: Enemy shelled front line and CUINCHY SUPPORT POINT in reply to our own mortars. Quiet day.

[24 July 1915: front line at Annequin] 11am: CAMBRIN REDOUBT shelled . No damage. QUIET day.

[26 July 1915: front line at Annequin]

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Work of clearing communicating trenches, GLASGOW ROAD and HEREFORD ST continued during the past few days, also work on houses at CAMBRIN SUPPORT POINT. 11am: CUINCHY SUPPORT POINT shelled with small shells. Situation quiet.

[28 July 1915: transit - about 3 miles to the north - from front line at Annequin to front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Battn moved to GIVENCHY to take up new position, with RIGHT resting on canal. No.2 Coy (CAPT WARREN) on RIGHT and No.4 Coy on LEFT (MAJOR BOCK). [No.2 Coy is probably Uncle Frank’s] The trenches are dry and in good condition. There is still considerable work to be done. Parapets in some parts require to be made bullet proof and new Machine Gun positions made. The whole battalion is in trenches; Battn Hd Qrs in dug-outs near ORCHARD FARM. No.3 Coy in reserve at SPOIL BANK, near canal, and No.1 Coy in reserve near ORCHARD FARM. QUIET day.

[1 August 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] 6am: Little shelling during morning by enemy. Otherwise quiet.

[7 August 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from front line at Givenchy-lès-la- Bassée to billets at Béthune] Relief started at 3pm. The trenches were left in good condition. A great deal of work has been put in on the parapets and at SPOIL BANK a new MG position has been practically finished.

[15 August 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from Béthune to front line reserve and fatigue duties at le Préolan (about 3 miles east of Béthune, near Festubert)] Battalion held church parade. Moved to LE PREOL as battalion in reserve to 5th Bde which is in the front line. Note - Apart from fatigue parties being required to renovate and improve trenches, men had to be provided to dig mines under Royal Engineers direction. These were tunnels extending out towards (and ultimately under) the enemy front line, to be packed with explosives and blown up. Obviously the enemy could retaliate (see Henry V, Act 3, Scene 2) Several fatigues have to be found by us • For ORCHARD MINE three shifts each of 1 NCO and 9 men. • For RED HOUSE three shifts each of 1 NCO and 12 men. • For DUCK’S BILL MINE three shifts each of 1 NCO and 12 men.

Also a carrying party of 1 officer and 80 men daily.

[20 August 1915: march - less than a mile - from Le Préolan to front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] No.2 and 4 Coys are in the line. No.1 Coy in the KEEP. Three platoons of No.3 Coy in support trenches. One platoon No.3 Coy in billets in village. 8pm: A mine was blown up by us. The crater was not occupied by us. It did not damage the German trenches and the crater lies mid-way between the lines.

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The night was one of much sniping on both sides. Several MINNENWERFERS were sent over during the night.

[21 August 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] MINNENWERFER struck a little behind the front trench. Considerable damage was done, several men being buried, and were only dug out with difficulty. There was one casualty. Rest of the day was quiet until 10pm: More trench mortars were thrown into our lines. No damage was done. Our artillery retaliated. A considerable amount of wiring in front was done during the night. The

[22 August 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] The day was quiet and there was little shelling on either side. A British aeroplane was observed to have been shot down by German fire. It fell in flames behind the German lines.

[23 August 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] There was much activity shown by German trench mortars and MINNENWERFERS. These fired for over an hour, doing no damage. Our artillery retaliated. The remainder of the day was quiet and there was nothing to report.

[24 August 1915: march - less than a mile - from front line at Givenchy-lès-la- Bassée to reserve and fatigue duties at Le Préolan] [25 August 1915: front line and fatigue duties at Le Préolan] There is very little steady drill being done, the men being given a chance to rest, and bathing in the canal is encouraged.

Meanwhile Uncle Frank’s brother Colin wrote the following to my grandmother. The "somewhere in France" would have been the front line on the above map, extended up to the Fauqissart to Aubers road, and so just to the north of the sector vacated by the Glasgows on 24th. Now that the "New Army" was being deployed the Indian Corps was being withdrawn in stages for service in Egypt and Mesopotamia, greatly reducing its lines of communication and units were being fed into the line piecemeal. Due to the difference in troop levels, each Cavalry Brigade once dismounted formed the equivalent of an infantry regiment, with the squadrons equating to companies. It seems extraordinary that the two brothers were serving so close, apparently without meeting.

30th Lancers, 1st Ind Cav Brigade IEF A. France

26 August 1915

Dear Gertrude, I have a letter from Thomas for which I must thank him also please tell him that I have told his uncle to pay him £5 when he asks for it so that he can buy any small things for me which I may ask him for from time to time. This will be better than bothering to write all orders as the uncle wishes.

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At the moment I am sitting in the trenches somewhere in France watching one of our aeroplanes as usual being plugged. The Boches are also evidently putting some shrapnel into our headquarters as there shells are screaming just over us and bursting behind. The trenches are full of rats but very few flies I am glad to say.

We had the deuce of a march up here. I was with the wagons so rode at a walk the whole way and started at 12 noon and got to the bivouac at 2am the next morning. We bivouacked in the open and it was beastly cold though thank heaven there was no rain.

The moon came up almost 8 o’clock and we seemed by 2am to have been marching for ever. I wasn’t tired however – not nearly so tired as I was marching up to the trenches on my flat feet, some five miles or so.

The gents in front of us are apparently fairly peaceable blokes and don’t snipe very much. I was in one of our listening tunnels last night from where you can see their trenches showing up in the moonlight and could hear their transport rumbling along the roads behind their line. We are about 200 yards apart in some places and in others down to 40 or so. On our left is a wood and a ruined chateau to which a road runs between the lines. Hasn’t been used for nearly a year now, but the telegraph poles are still standing along it though one can’t see it because of the long grass – the no-man’s land. One wonders what sort of a life the people lead behind the enemy’s lines, it seems to be quite another world.

I may be home on leave about 6th September at least I hope so.

Love to you all and hoping you have had a good holiday down south. Yours, CDD

[28 August 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from St Preol to billets at Béthune] [3 September 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from billets in Béthune to front line near Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée (east of Béthune)] No.2 Coy & No.4 Coy are the right and left Coys respectively. No.1 Coy is in LEFT SUPPORT and No.3 Coy RIGHT SUPPORT in SPOIL BANK. The Coys relieve every third day.The trenches are in a deplorable state on account of the weather, which has been wet for a few days. Large fatigue parties are asked for by the 5th Bde each night. Note – No.2 Coy is probably Uncle Frank’s

[4 September 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] All quiet and nothing to report. The weather has greatly improved and the trenches are drying up rapidly.

[13 September 1915: march - about 5 miles - from front line at Givenchy-lès-la- Bassée to billets at Béthune] The battalion during their stay in the line had a quiet time as far as hostile activity was concerned, but the large work parties demanded, and the many improvements made on the position gave the men little opportunity for rest.

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[17 September 1915: transit - about 5 miles - from billets at Béthune to front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée (east of Béthune)] A new Medical dug-out has been started and work continued on sap over SPOIL BANK. This sap is now almost deep enough but dug-out commenced is wrongly situated. A new dug-out has been started by us. Nos.1 and 3 Coys are LEFT and RIGHT Coys respectively. Nos.4 and 2 Coys Supports.

THE BATTLE OF LOOS A problem of working from contemporary documents at battalion level or below is that the naming of battles takes place after the event. The Indian Corps were to became heavily involved to the left/north though we do not know where CDD IV was.

[20 September 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] There has been very little shelling on both sides during the day. The situation has been very quiet. (Note - Preparations were being made for an attack using gas.)

Guides are sent to await arrival of carrying party of Royal Engineers and others. These are to be guided up to front line and the cylinders which they are carrying placed in pits (previously dug) along our section and immediately sand bagged over. On 21 September 3.30am: The carrying party arrive and place cylinders as directed. Have been warned that bombardment of German lines would take place at 6am or as soon after as light would permit. "9.30pm: Batteries now more or less in action. Bombardment has not been intensive at any time during the day on our immediate front."

On 22 September "Preparations are proceeding so as to complete all details in readiness for our attack. Three Battalions of the Bde are to attack the German lines, their ultimate objective being the line CANTELEUX-CHAPELLE ST ROCH. Half an hour later the GLASGOWS are to attack simultaneously with the 6th Bde South of the CANAL. We attack the work at subsection A16a 01 and bomb to the line A16a 26-76 blocking the communicating trench just EAST of the latter point. At the same time we push forward along TOW PATH ALLEY, our ultimate objective being CANAL TURN at subsection A17d 3.8. The whole attack is to be assisted by gas and preparations for this are proceeding."

23 September "The bombardment is proceeding including wire-cutting which has been fairly successful. Our preparations are now complete, with the exception of bombs and smoke candles which cannot be obtained till tomorrow. An RE store has been formed by us on our right front containing tools, wire, SAA, bombs, sandbags, etc. A feint attack was made by us on our front at 4pm today. Artillery and rifle fire was opened, bayonets and dummies being thrown over our parapet. Enemy took little notice."

Note - The events of 25 September showed the difficulties and dangers of using gas when the only way of delivering it was to release it from one's own trenches. As we will see, from his letter of 9 October, Uncle Frank was in the thick of the action.

"3.55am: Message received giving the hour of zero as 5.50am. Watches were checked. At 5.40am Battn Hqrs was established in a more forward position on

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SPOIL BANK where a sap had been dug from which a good view could be obtained. A visual receiving station was also established.

"At 6am the HLI, QUEENS and OXFORDS attacked, but we received no information as to the result of their operations. Our 2 companies detailed to assault at 6.30am were formed up in our front line at STRATHCONA WALK, the leading 2 platoons being on the RIGHT and LEFT of our CANAL SAP. Smoke helmets were properly adjusted before the cylinders were opened. The gas, when set free, travelled away from our trenches, though its direction was NE rather than East."

"No trouble occurred until almost 6.26am when our trenches were suddenly enveloped in dense volumes of gas which rolled up from the canal on our RIGHT where it had apparently collected and possibly blown back. Within 5 minutes our two leading platoons had only 7 and 9 men respectively who were fit to carry on. Two fresh platoons were brought up at the double to take their places but were not in position till after 6.40am. A reconnoitring patrol was sent forward towards our objective but were met with rifle and MG fire, and all killed except one man.[This all concerned Uncle Frank’s Company, and he went out during the night to recover the bodies – see letter 7, 9 October]. By this time it was known that the troops to the SOUTH bank of the canal had also failed to gain a footing in the German lines. Our attack was therefore abandoned for the time being and our assaulting companies reorganised. Our machine gunners suffered heavily from the gas and at 6.50am we had only 8 of them left for 3 guns. At 8.30am approximate casualties were reported of 1 officer and 120 men.

9.20am: Bde message saying half hour bombardment is starting 9am and attack will be pushed on

10.10am: Bde message instructing us to look out for German counter attack reported from 19th Div.

10.55am: Bde message saying further offensive action suspended and our Coys to be reorganised.

1.10pm: Bde message saying that every means must be employed to hold as many of the enemy on our front.

5.00pm: We have put our most damaged company into the redoubt and withdrawn a fresh company from there to hold the front line."

26 September "The Brigade section of line is being reorganised today and we have now been given back our company which has been holding the redoubts. A programme of rapid fire was issued to commence 11am but was afterwards cancelled." (Note – two New Army Divisions, 21st and 24th, attacked during the afternoon in ten columns of about 1,000 men each, "as if carrying out a parade ground drill", and lost over 8,000 killed and wounded – John Keegan "The First World War")

Finally on 27 September the Battalion was relieved and marched to billets at le Quesnoy (eastern outskirts of Béthune)]

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The respite was short lived. On 29 September "Battn moved to CAMBRIN this afternoon and took over trenches there from 9th Battn SCOTTISH RIFLES, the QUEENS being on our RIGHT. It rained heavily and the trenches were in a deplorable condition and littered with dead. Many of these were buried by us."

After three days the GLASGOWS were relieved, and after two more days in billets they moved to the front the line at Vermelles (southeast of Béthune, a mile or so south of Cambrin). The trenches they now occupied were those originally held by the British before the attack the previous week.

On 2 October "The day was spent in collecting and tabulating trench stores. These had not been properly handed over to us as our predecessors took over in a great hurry. We are also burying some dead. The HLI made an attack tonight on a section of trench in the middle of their line where the enemy were still in occupation. They succeeded in occupying the trench but were eventually bombed out. At the request of the OC OXFORDS we are sending 20 men under Lieut ALEXANDER each night to stand by in the original enemy front line in case they are required to carry forward a supply of bombs to troops in front."

Problems of congestion continued on 3 October "The Battn was relieved tonight by the WELSH GUARDS and moved back into billets in BETHUNE. It was impossible to withdraw some men across country owing to the briskness of the enemy rifle fire. The long communicating trenches were so congested with troops that it took us about 4 hours to reach VERMELLES."

Letter 6 Billets at Hingette 4th Oct 1915

Glasgow Highlanders British Exped. Force

Dear Tom, Ever so many thanks for your most excellent parcel, it saved our lives in the trenches! It was very good indeed of you all to send such a lot of good things.

We have been moving about continually from one lot of trenches to another, very uncomfortable and very little sleep – not much to eat either, but at present the Division is resting for a day or so and we are making up for it. I went to an Hotel and had a splendid dejeuner today and last night, tho' I did not get to bed till after two this morning, I had a very comfortable bed (being billeting officer) and slept on till about a quarter to eleven!

I am sorry to hear of Wilmot Parker Smith. Cousin Mamie* will feel it very much I know. I rather think he was the favourite son.

We must have lost a lot of men in the last week; up at the trenches the dead are lying everywhere, our battalion has buried a lot – a very necessary job – and so common that there is no suggestion of "queasiness" about it.

Love to Gertrude and the family; I am glad to hear that Colin likes Larchfield; it must be far more convenient for you all too.

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Yours ever, Frank Donald

*It was while attending Mamie Hamilton’s marriage to James Parker Smith of Jordanhill that our great grandmother caught the chill from which she died in August 1882

Letter 7 Billets at Hingette

9th Oct 1915

Dear Tom,

Many thanks for your letter and the "Bulletin" with the picture of the Review of the Citizen Volunteer Force. One old chap in it looked very much like Alec Dunn Macindoe.

We are still back here resting and having a very good time of it. We thought we were off last night as word suddenly arrived to prepare to move immediately and we had a bit of a scurry, slept in our boots and all that, only to find that we hadn’t to move after all. We were quite prepared for something as the guns in front of us had been fairly buzzing away all day. Today however things are very quiet indeed.

The farms we are billeted in are very picturesque with their white walls and very high-pitched red roofs. Some are very old, with moats, having been built by the Spaniards – they certainly look like it. The people are very nice and we are very comfortable indeed and doing ourselves proud! The men too, after their long spell of wet trenches and continual moving are enjoying the rest very much indeed. We have just had a very successful Company sports and luckily since we came here the weather has been first rate.

The Uncle (TFD) writes that Sammy Anderson’s son Bertie has been killed; I had heard he had only been slightly wounded, it is very sad indeed. I also see poor Dannie Brown, who was a son of Daniel Brown the Restaurant keeper, and who was a sub. in this Company for some time, a real good chap, has been killed. The casualty list will be very heavy I expect, but, they say, not so heavy in proportion as the Richebourg show last May. Our artillery must have fairly given the Germans gyp; we seemed to have an almost inexhaustible stock of shell and we made terrific use of it, simply pouring it into them.

We – that is the company – is full of new men as we were to have been the first company to go out on the morning of the 25th and our first two platoons lost a lot of men gassed – not seriously – and in time we shall get them back from hospital; however fifty men away from a company makes a big hole in it. We also lost a few men killed and wounded. I went out on the night of the 25th – how it rained! – with a party and brought back a patrol we had sent out in the morning, all dead, poor fellows. We had a deuce of a job bringing them in. We came back out of the trenches last Sunday and I was sent on to billet. I got a bicycle at the end of one of the communication trenches and got on all right till I got onto the main road; there going

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was pretty difficult, as the road was one mass of guns, ammunition wagons, transport and infantry, motor cyclists - and even our own mess-cart, a sort of governess-cart with a pony in it. I nearly ran down two military policemen and was nearly run down almost half a dozen times; this sort of thing with a troublesome day’s billeting in prospect does not improve either the temper or the language.

Glad to hear the ladies are going strong, I hope Colin also is going likewise. Give my love to Gertrude - will you? – and

Believe me Ever yrs

[10 October 1915: from Hingette to front line at Cambrin (east of Béthune)] The Battn moved to CAMBRIN this morning and had dinner there at 1.30pm moving off to the trenches at 2.30pm to relieve the BEDFORDS. QUEENS are on our RIGHT with the remainder of the brigade in rear. These trenches are now dry and in fairly good repair.

[11 October 1915: front line at Cambrin] A quiet day, with the exception of our artillery wire cutting etc.

[12 October 1915: front line at Cambrin] Considerable artillery fire from our guns. There is to be an attack made by the troops on our RIGHT tomorrow against the HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT and the trenches immediately NE of it. Gas is to be used, also smoke which our men are to operate. Preparations for this are completed and we are holding Nos.1 and 4 companies in readiness to advance if necessary. It is difficult to obtain the necessary number of good bombs for the equipping of an attacking company, but otherwise the preparations have been adequate.

[13 October 1915: action in front line at Cambrin] A further attack involving use of gas with mixed success: We have moved our Battn Hd Qrs today to deep dugouts in order to give protection to the telephone and operators. Message received stating that zero is at 1pm. Information passed to officers of special gas company in front line.

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12.56pm: The smoke bombs of a trench mortar battery immediately on our RIGHT were struck by a shell and sent off a dense cloud of smoke on which the enemy artillery at once concentrated. 1pm: Our gas was set free all along the line and men detailed to commence to throw out their smoke bombs. 1.20pm: Companies in our front line report that some gas is blowing back into their trenches. Some of our own men and many of the RE specialists are affected. Gas is being turned off in affected areas. 1.25pm: Front companies instructed to keep as much gas going as they can under the circumstances. 1.40pm: Front companies report gas now going well. 2pm: The assault is due to commence now but no increase in the volume of the enemy rifle and machine-gun fire is noticeable. 2.34pm: Reported approximate casualties 3 wounded and 15 gassed. After our smoke and gas had cleared the attacking troops on our RIGHT could be clearly seen. They appeared to be advancing by platoon without difficulty. We are holding a Coy in readiness to dig in order to extend forward a sap on our extreme RIGHT which was commenced two days ago. If the attack is completely successful this will furnish a defensive LEFT flank and communicating trench for the attacking Battns. 6pm: We have received a verbal report that the attack was partially successful but our infantry has not reached MAD POINT opposite our RIGHT. It is therefore unlikely that a digging party will be called for.

[14 October 1915: front line at Cambrin] A fairly quiet day, but we can see bombing going on in HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT on our RIGHT. QUEENS were relieved today and we are to be relieved tomorrow. We are repairing trenches blown in by shelling.

[15 October 1915: from front line at Cambrin to billets at Beuvry (eastern outskirts of Béthune)] [16 October 1915: billets at Beuvry] Enemy put several light shells into our billeting area this morning, killing 2 men and wounding 1.

[18 October 1915: from Beuvry back to front line at Cambrin] Battalion moved back into the trenches and relieved the HLI this morning. 120 men are permanently employed on making deep dugouts in the front line under the supervision of the RE. It is difficult to find men for other work as our companies are so weak, averaging 90 rifles.

[20 October 1915: front line at Cambrin] A quiet day. The trenches are comfortable in dry weather, but ration parties etc have hard work as the communicating trenches to CAMBRIN are very long - the journey taking about 40 minutes. We are carrying empty gas cylinders today from our front line.

[21 October 1915: front line at Cambrin] A large working party has been sent to us today to carry out all remaining gas cylinders which are empty. There are 450 of these.

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[22 October 1915: from front line at Cambrin to barracks at Béthune]

Letter 8 Barracks at Bethune - 22nd Oct 1915

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. Hugh Spens seems to have had a most extraordinary escape; I’m glad to hear he is going on alright now. Things in the Dardanelles seem to be rather up a gum tree, don’t they? A devil of a lot a muddle it seems to me.

We are back to the resting area at present and the weather is still good, tho' last night, after we got in, it rained in torrents! I have just had a fine hot bath, the first for about a month, and feel quite light and naked – oil film must have been destroyed!

We were up in the trenches for three days this last "go" – same place as we were on Oct 13th but it was as quiet as the grave this time, not a shell came in. Not a doubt about it the Bosches are very chary of their ammunition at present for one reason or another, long may it remain so! They amused themselves, however, a week or two ago in throwing 11 inch shells into this place, knocking down a house or two and killing a number of people. I hope they don’t begin these tricks again, 6 inch or 8 inch are quite bad enough, 11 inch is rather too monstrous altogether!

I was very sorry to hear of poor RM's death, Poor chap, he was so keen on his job in Rhodesia too, it seems no time since I was at Ely with him, just before the War began!

I must say these Germans stick it well. We have been fairly giving them Hell for weeks with artillery. We seem to have no end of ammunition now, if one can judge by the way we plug it in, and we never seem to give them much rest. They have dug themselves very well in, I suspect – deep dugouts and all that – but all the same I am sure they must have had very heavy casualties since Sept 28th.

There seems to be very great recruiting movements at home judging by the newspapers, but I think it is plain that good officers are what are really wanted; in fact I wonder they don’t send a lot of captains and majors home to take over commands, and stop hurooshing them over the parapet and having them killed.

I hope Gertrude and the family are all flourishing. Give them my salutations, will you?

Yours ever, Frank Donald

[25 October 1915: barracks/training at Béthune] Company training in bombing and blocking of trenches this morning. Systematic instruction in this subject will be given daily during the present rest. The Brigadier is of the opinion that all battalions are showing signs of slackness and all officers of the Battalion have been warned to stir up their NCOs and men and bring them to the highest possible state of efficiency in all respects.

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Letter 9 Billets at Bethune - 30th Oct 1915

Dear Tom, Ever so many thanks for the splendid parcel which you have sent me. It is a beauty! All the things in it are just what we want out here! The cheese has not yet made its appearance in the Mess, but I shall certainly let you know about it when it does come. The puddings and sausages are much prized as a change from the perpetual ham & eggs at breakfast, likewise the cafe-au-lait and oatcakes, also the shortbread.

We are still here, as it is not our turn to go into the trenches first this time, and in fact, with any luck we may be the odd battalion out this “go” and not go in for another eight days, tho' I don’t suppose they will let us stay on here all the time. There has been a good deal of rain lately and I am sure the trenches must be in a bad mess; however if we have a few dry days now, they may be fairly well all right again by the time we go into them. I am afraid the rain tho' is never very far off now. The winter is fairly coming apace!

Practicing "bombing" is now all the rage; we have been at it all the morning; it is certainly more interesting for the men than drill, tho' it entails a lot of waiting about.

I hope the family are all flourishing, give my love to Gertrude, will you?

Ever yrs Frank Donald

[3 November 1915: front line at Cambrin] Daily work parties are being furnished by the Battn. Two companies are out this morning and a third is to dig a new trench tonight in subsection Z2 to replace one which has been partially demolished by shell fire.

[4 November 1915: front line at Cambrin] 3 companies are now to be supplied daily, all work being concentrated upon the repair of trenches which have been partially ruined by the continual rain.

[5 November 1915: front line at Cambrin] Usual work parties in the trenches, which now show signs of improvement, the rain having stopped. One company has dug through the new trench in Z2 tonight, reaching the average depth of 3½ feet. The Battn will relieve the OXFORDS in Z2 tomorrow.

[6 November 1915: front line at Cambrin] The Battn took over Z2 subsection this morning. The trenches are drying quickly but there is a great deal of work to be done, chiefly in building up crumbling parapets and traverses and laying down floor boards. The enemy are fairly quiet.

[7 November 1915: front line at Cambrin] A large work party of another battn carried up a supply of floor boards for us this morning. While they were still doing this the enemy commenced a very brisk shelling of our headquarters trench with whiz bangs. It is thought that some floor boards may

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have been visible above the parapet as they were carried along. Our trenches and dugouts have been considerably damaged.

[8 November 1915: front line at Cambrin] The enemy continues to shell our trenches at intervals with whiz bangs. The reason for this is not certain, but they may possibly have mistaken the floor boards yesterday for ladders, and therefore for an attack. The question of sentry duty has now been standardised among all the companies in the Battn, it being laid down that sentries must always be posted in pairs at night and 1 NCO must be on duty in each platoon in the front line continually. Up to now companies have varied slightly in their methods. Our trenches were inspected by the Corps commander this morning.

[9 November 1915: front line at Cambrin] A quiet day, though we are still being shelled regularly at ½ hour intervals during the night. The rain began to fall heavily this morning and obliterated much of the improvement which has been noticeable in the trenches. All available men have been kept busy all day carrying BALL bombs back to CAMBRIN and replacing them with MILLS bombs.* Consequently there were few men left to carry on the work of repair. The strength of the Battn is still limited to 800 and the lack of the additional 200 men is much felt in the trenches.

*The Mills bomb is the iconic pineapple shaped hand grenade with a safety pin, and a lever which is released when the grenade is thrown.

[10 November 1915: from front line at Cambrin to billets at Beuvry (on eastern outskirts of Béthune)] The Battn was relieved this morning by the QUEENS and took over billets at BEUVRY in place of the WORCESTERS. The men have only had 7 days hard work this time and are all in excellent condition and spirits. While in BEUVRY the battn is on 1 hour’s notice.

Letter 10 Billets at Annezin (outskirts Bethune) - 11th November 1915

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. You must feel now at least, I am sure, that you have done all that is possible; I am very sorry to hear that you have got varicose veins tho', I hope they are not bad ones – I expect a good many people have them and don't know it.

We are back from the trenches for – we hope – about twelve days. Harry Warren and I share a billet here – very comfortable beds – which we luxuriate in after our four days up in the mud. I must say we were very lucky this time, as the rain didn’t come till our last night – and then it poured, making the trenches diabolical in spite of all the work we had put upon them. We had a fair amount of shells about; one burst clean on the top of our mess dugout, but luckily for Wingate, and Ernest Whitson, who were in it at the time, it did not give way, only three of the roof beams being broken and a lot of dirt knocked into it. The periscope was buried, but heroically rescued by Wingate. The servants, however, soon cleaned it up and we had lunch in it as usual. The next morning at breakfast our candle was twice blown out by minnenwerfer bombs exploding just beside us and a certain amount of muck was

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knocked down on our heads. I was eating my usual ham and eggs at the time and what I thought was a nice piece of ham – and consequently popped into my mouth – turned out to be a piece of mud! Very gritty it was and most unpalatable!

The night before last was beastly, the rain came down in torrents and the trenches began gracefully sliding in here and there and getting ankle deep in mud and water, where floorboards had not been put down. However we had – the officers at least – good dugouts, and we could change our socks and have some sleep between tours of duty. The two hour tour of duty is most unpleasant under such circumstances – and then to go billetting on the top of it is very trying. I had a lot of bother getting billets here this time, but now I think they are all settled. Twice I thought they were all settled and twice I had to sally forth again and wage battle! There is a very nice church here – really a fine old church – I went to the Mayor about the key of a house which was shut up, which he refused to give, but he suggested the church "Shove them in, it is a public building, n'est-ce pas?" We said – my interpreter and I – that we would go to the curé, as a matter of politeness, to get his permission. The Mayor shrugged his shoulders and said "Comme vous voulez!".

The curé was quite decent and gave me to understand that, if it was necessary, he could make no objections; so I put two platoons into the church. Then about six o’clock the curé appeared with our interpreter in a great state of excitement about them being – the men being –in the church "A battalion – yes – but sixty men! Surely it is possible to find room for sixty men!" I said, no it wasn’t possible, as things were at present but consented once more to go with them to the Mayor. The Mayor said he would try and find us accommodation but I stipulated that anyhow the men must remain in the church overnight. We next went to the church and I must say the scene was most picturesque, our chaps sitting round their braziers having their tea! It was very gloomy, except for the light of their fires and candles. However I shovelled them away from where they had all squatted down in front of the altar and around the pulpit and put them in a corner at the back of the building. The curé, thro' the interpreter, said that he hoped that at Mass next morning, at half past six, they would be quiet; I said that they would all be asleep then. The interpreter then said that he hoped they would not snore – "during the Mass it is permitted to sleep, but not to snore!", so I said I would detail a sous-officier to kick up anyone who might snore!

This morning I called at the church and met Monsieur le curé, he said that, in justice, he must say that the conduct of the men had been perfect, but it was "tres disagreable". I said that I agreed with him and in the end we got them out about midday and we all parted the best of friends! The curé going the length of saying that in the negotiations I had been "tres aimiable"! It is a rotten job billetting first and last!

I should like very much indeed to see John Beith's article on the fight at Loos, it should be most interesting. Many thanks for offering to send a copy of "Blackwoods" out to me.

I am very glad to hear that recruiting is going fairly strong in Glasgow – and what a splendid thing it is the Cunard and other companies refusing to ship these swine who are trying to get away. Give Black my remembrances and say I am glad to hear he is getting on all right.

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Love to Gertrude and the family,

Yours ever Frank Donald

[16 November 1915: billets/training at Annezin] The GOC 2nd Division visited the Battn today and presented the French MEDAILLE MILITAIRE to 1472 Pte RB MACKERSIE of No1. Company. The general in his remarks said that very few battalions in France had received such an award and that it should be all the more appreciated in view of the fact that the 71st (1st Bn HLI) had received no French decoration in spite of their conspicuous services.

[17 November 1915: billets/training at Annezin] Company training in bombing, steady drill, Swedish drill etc. 200 men attended a demonstration with asphyxiating gas at VENDIN this afternoon.

[23 November 1915: billets/fatigues for front line at le Préolan] The Battn is now finding daily work parties to assist the OXFORDS, HLI and WORCESTERS who are holding A1, A2 and B1 respectively. These parties report all the trenches to be in terribly bad repair.

[25 November 1915: billets/fatigues for front line at le Préolan] The Battn is to relieve the HLI in subsection A2 tomorrow morning. We shall be obliged to put 3 companies in the front line as they are very weak owing to the number of men at present on home leave.

Letter 11 at Le Preolan - 25th Nov 1915

Dear Tom, Very many thanks for your letter, and you might thank Gertrude for her letter too, please. Gertrude seems to have had a very good time in the South. You might tell her I had a very amusing letter from (her sister) Nancy today!

It is very good of you to propose sending me out sausages; they are a great adjunct to the never varying breakfast of ham and eggs.

I am glad to hear Colin is coming on at footer. I remember "half" used to be my place at Bilton when I scraped into the fifteen – and it was a scrape. You seem to have had a fine frosty time of it – tobogganing and skiing. Glasgow, however, I hear has had a frightful dose of fog, four days of it I hear.

Yes, I noticed Kingsly Tillie had got the military cross. He seems to have done very well.

We are still out of the trenches, but we go in tomorrow – worse luck! I hear we are to have a long spell of it this time, either "in" them or just beside them; as long as the rain holds off, however, we will not be so badly off.

I hear we are to get steel helmets, which will give us rather a Chinese look I think. It is curious how these old things are all coming into fashion again. One sees

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battalions marching up to the trenches – or comparatively near to them – drumming and fifing away for all they are fit. Drums and bands are all the fashion now, which shows that they had their uses – as the Germans knew very well all along.

Love to Gertrude, Colin and the kiddies

Ever yrs Frank Donald

[26 November 1915: from le Préolan to front line at Cuinchy] The Battn took over from the HLI this morning in very cold weather with snow falling. Each Company has a drying room in their area where men can change their socks and dry their feet. The QUEENS are on our RIGHT and the WORCESTERS on our LEFT, north of the LA BASSEE canal.

[27 November 1915: front line at Cuinchy] The weather is now dry but very cold. We could draw no fuel last night, but borrowed some from the Brigade drying room. The ground between our front line and the enemy is broken up by large craters and it would be almost impossible for the enemy to attack in this weather.

[28 November 1915: front line at Cuinchy] It is now a hard frost which makes the repair of the trenches somewhat difficult. It is, however, dry under foot and the men are far more comfortable in spite of the cold. A great deal of work has been done on the broken parapets etc, and we are working by night on the BULGE, an important small work in rear of our front line just south of the canal railway embankment. This work had fallen into complete disrepair. Our artillery bombarded the enemy today from 10am till 3pm. There was little reply.

[29 November 1915: front line at Cuinchy] The enemy fired some salvos of rifle grenades and whiz bangs at our trenches last night and also opened with Minnenwerfer at 7am today. The latter were silenced by our howitzers. Our trenches were not damaged. Our artillery bombardment was continuous today. Unfortunately a heavy shell fell short this afternoon causing several casualties among our men.

[30 November 1915:to other parts of the line at Cuinchy] The Battn was relieved during the forenoon by the 2nd WORCESTERS. No.1 Company marched back to hut billets in BEUVRY. No.2 Coy went into occupation of BRADDEL’S POINT, CAMBRIN SUPPORT POINT, CARTER’S KEEP and TOURBIERE REDOUBT. Nos.3 and 4 Coys - PONT FIXE REDOUBT and billets in HARLEY STREET.

[1 & 2 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] Battalion engaged working on Redoubts and Trenches in area. Weather cold - dry.

[3 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] CO and OC Coys reconnoitred trenches in A1 subsection. Trenches very muddy and in a bad state. Weather wet and misty.

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[4 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] Battalion relieved OXFORDS in A1 subsection. KRR on our RIGHT, 2nd HLI on our LEFT. Enemy quiet except for a few trench mortar bombs about midday. Trenches very wet and in bad condition. Weather - wet, showery.

[5 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] Battalion cleaning and clearing trenches. Enemy quiet. Weather - fine.

[6 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] Battalion cleaning and clearing trenches. Nos.2 and 1 Coys relieved in front line RIGHT and LEFT respectively by Nos.3 and 4 Coys from Supports. Enemy quiet. Weather - fine in morning, very stormy and wet afternoon and night.

[7 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] Battalion on working clearing trenches. Enemy quiet. Weather - fine morning, very wet night.

[8 December 1915: from front line to billets at Béthune]

Letter 12 Billets at Bethune - 9th Dec 1915

Dear Tom, Very many thanks indeed to all of you for the most excellent and useful parcel – full of things we want! The black and white puddings, sausages, sardines, oatcakes and suchlike, I can assure you, make all the difference in life!

I am frightfully busy at present as I am acting adjutant and since I took up the job we have had three moves, a court martial and a change in our Commanding Officer! A major from the 1st Scottish Rifles – Stormonth-Darling – has got command; Col. Murray is going back to England. We are all very sorry; but I think Col. Murray feels a younger man should have the job. Stormonth-Darling arrived today and seems a very decent quiet chap.

We are having a day’s rest at present; we need it! The fact is we are being fairly hard worked – considering the awful weather and the state of the trenches! We go in again tomorrow.

Excuse this short note. Love to Gertrude and the family. I hope they are all going very strong.

Yours ever

Frank Donald

[10 December 1915: from Béthune to front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Battalion relieved OXFORDS in B1 subsection. 2nd HLI on RIGHT across CANAL, The BUFFS 33rd Division on our LEFT. Trenches very bad and muddy, many of them flooded. Enemy shelled DISTILLERY at PONT FIXE during afternoon, otherwise quiet. Wet night.

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[11 December 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Battalion engaged working on trenches and keeps. Enemy shelled DISTILLLERY, PONT FIXE and CANAL bank at intervals all day; they also put a few light shells into CHEYNE WALK. Weather very unsettled - wet night.

[12 December 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Battalion continued cleaning and clearing trenches and keeps. PONT FIXE DISTILLERY shelled at intervals all day. Our casualties - 1 killed, 2 wounded. No.4 Coy relieved No.1 Coy and No.3 Coy relieved No.2 Coy. Weather - dry.

[13 December 1915: front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée] Battalion continued working on trenches. PONT FIXE shelled at intervals. Weather - dry.

[14 December 1915: from front line at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée to billets at Annequin (about 2 miles south, still near front line)]

Letter 13 Billets at Annequin – Battalion resting - 15th Dec 1915

Dear Tom, We are out of the trenches again after four days of mud. I myself, indeed, have very little to complain of, as I was acting-adjutant for the last fortnight while Acklom was on leave – and I have seen very little mud indeed. Now Acklom is back and I have rejoined the company. I must say an adjutant’s job is no sinecure! I have rarely been so busy at any time, - one continuous whirl, but I enjoyed it quite well.

We are quite close to our friends the trenches and we shall not be long out of them. This is a very busy time of duty the brigade is doing. It will be over a month of trench and "hard-by trench" by the time we are relieved - and the trenches are very bad in mud and water. The men are wonderfully cheery tho', and take it very stoically.

We have all got leather jerkins now without sleeves. We are also getting helmets like inverted basins, and when we have got our long thigh-boots on, we shall be extraordinary looking creatures! The boots are very good things, as long as one gets an approximately good fit, if you don’t get a good fit you will probably lose them in the mud.

Our guns have been roaring all day and now they have stopped the silence is almost uncanny. The Huns must have had a bad time of it, tho' it's extraordinary how they come up smiling after the devil of a lot of shelling.

I expect my leave will be coming on pretty soon now, tho', frankly, I would much rather wait till January and miss all the Xmas and New Year crush. The Uncle also will be away at New Year and altogether it would be inconvenient to get back then.

I was very sorry to hear of Philip Kegden's death. It is very bad luck on Esther after getting engaged too, as, I suppose, she will be pretty anxious about her "la-a-ad" as well.

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Love to Gertrude and the family and, hoping that you yourself are going strong, I remain

Yours ever

Frank Donald

[18 December 1915: from Annequin to front line at Cuinchy] The Battalion relieved the 17th ROYAL FUSILIERS in sub-section A1 this morning. This lies on both sides of the BETHUNE - LA BASSEE road, the BERKSHIRES (6th Bde) being on our RIGHT and the OXFORDS on our LEFT. Our artillery has been bombarding and wire-cutting, and on the first favourable night two raiding parties are going across from the Battns in A1 and A2 respectively with the assistance of gas. No.4 Company who are in reserve in HARLEY STREET are to detail the officer and 50 men for the raid. The special gas company was moved up this afternoon and all arrangements were made for the raids. The wind was however unfavourable and operations were cancelled.

[19 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] A British mine was exploded at 6am today at GIBSON’S CRATER in front of the 99th Bde. We received a draft of 50 men yesterday which now brings our companies up to an average strength of 100 duty men. The trenches are in very bad condition but we are receiving assistance from parties of 13th ESSEX Regt. Intermittent machine gun fire is being kept on the gaps in the enemy’s wire by night.

[20 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] The gas operation was again ordered today. Zero was fixed for 10pm and the special gas company went up to the trenches this afternoon. Our raiding party went up at 9pm and the whole front line was cleared of troops by 9.45pm.The wind however proved unfavourable and zero was postponed till midnight. Machine guns were replaced in front line and were again withdrawn after 11pm. At 11.45 the operation was again postponed, the wind being still unfavourable.

[21 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] Further use of gas in support of a raid, which was ineffective: The enemy bombarded our trenches this morning with trench mortars until they were silenced by our artillery. The gas operation is ordered for tonight and the special gas company moved up this afternoon. Zero is fixed for 8pm and the wind is at present favourable.

Our front line was reported clear by 7.40pm and at 8pm the gas was liberated with remarkably little noise. At about 8.5pm the enemy opened rifle and MG fire, but their artillery did not come into action till 8.10pm. Our raiding party was reported in position in the front line at 8.15pm - 5 minutes after the gas had ceased. No forward movement was made however as the rifle and MG fire continued and it was obvious that our gas had not been effective. About 9pm the firing died down and we sent out a patrol who, on their return, reported the enemy talking and singing in their front line. Our raiding party was withdrawn shortly after this. The conditions proved to be the same on our LEFT where the HLI did not advance.

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[22 December 1915: from front line at Cuinchy to billets at Annequin] The Battn was relieved by the OXFORDS this morning and march[ed] back to billets in ANNEQUIN for two days, after which we go into A2 subsection. The 35th Bde carried out a gas operation N of the canal tonight and the Battn was on 15 minutes notice to move from 9 to 11pm: While in these billets we are also under orders to stand to from 7 to 7.30am every morning which makes our short rest somewhat disturbed.

[24 December 1915: from Annequin to front line at Cuinchy] The Battn relieved the 2/HLI in A2 subsection, immediately S of the LA BASSEE canal this evening. Relief had to be carried out in the dark and chiefly across country, the communication trenches having fallen in many places. The OXFORDS are on our RIGHT and 24th R. FUSILIERS on our LEFT, N of canal. Our frontage is about 500 yds and we have five platoons in the front line in places where it is tenable. Our heavy artillery bombarded this morning and there will be intermittent bombardments during tonight and tomorrow night. The trenches are in a terribly bad condition.

[25 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] The usual activity from our artillery today. Most stringent orders have been issued forbidding any form of Xmas truce.

[26 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] The situation quiet today but enemy’s snipers were rather more active than of late. All companies actively engaged draining and clearing trenches.

[27 December 1915: front line at Cuinchy] The situation continues quiet today. There was some shelling on the part of the enemy to which our artillery replied. Work on trenches continues.

[28 December 1915: transit - about 2 miles - from front line at Cuinchy to billets at Annequin] [signed] J Stormonth Darling Lieut Col Commdg Glasgow Highlanders WFM Donald Lieut A/Adjt Glasgow Highlanders

[War Diary of the 9th Battalion Highland Light Infantry - The Glasgow Highlanders – 1916]

Letter 14 Billets at St Hilaire – Cottes - 3rd Jan 1916

Dear Tom, I got here all right on Saturday night after quite an enjoyable journey. The crossing wasn’t nearly as bad as it sounded – the wind was fairly screaming – and we, who remained on deck, got a good many pretty big splashes, as the boat was taking a good deal of spray over; however the motion was not as bad as when we were on the way home.

We are back here "resting" – a long way back, and once more I am acting adjutant as Acklom has a touch of malaria and will probably go to hospital today. Yesterday I was pretty busy all day, but – so far – today has been rather slack.

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Our billets are quite comfortable. I share with Sandy Reid – I think you know him – and I have the very narrowest bed I have ever seen, but very comfortable as long as one sticks into it and doesn’t fall out. It is quite a large room and we have lots of room to move about in it.

Your parcel was most appreciated I am told by No 2 Coy’s mess, of course, it had long since been devoured when I arrived back!*

I hear Hogmanay was a great skite in the Battalion and certainly when we came back on New Year’s Day there were a good many green faces!

Love to Gertrude and the family, Ever yrs Frank Donald

Many happy returns of your birthday tho' I fear it will be past when you get this!

*Evidence that Uncle Frank was in 2 Company

[5 January 1916: billets/training at St-Hilaire-Cottes] Nos.1 and 2 Coys at grenade throwing practice today. Nos.3 and 4 Coys employed on company training. Torchlight tattoo here this evening, massed pipes and drums 2nd HLI and GH, OXFORD’S bugles and 2nd DIV brass band.

[19 January 1916: billets/training/fatigue parties at les Choquaux] CO inspected Nos.1 and 3 Coys this morning. Men of the draft inspected this morning by GOC. Parties "housemaiding" redoubts etc in our area recalled as this afternoon the Battn was called upon to supply a mining fatigue of 1 officer and 232 NCOs and men.

[20 January 1916: billets/training/fatigue parties at les Choquaux] The mining fatigue, which the Battn furnished yesterday lost four men at 7am this morning, killed owing to the enemy exploding a countermine. This morning the Battn provided another mining fatigue of 1 officer and 50 NCOs and men. A few men were engaged this morning "housemaiding" works in our area. No. 1791 Pte J ROBERTSON, No.2 Coy was today presented with the CROIX-DE- GUERRE by GENERAL JOFFRE at a parade held near CHOCQUES.

[24 January 1916: billets/training/fatigue parties at les Choquaux] Battn engaged in Coy training, Machine and Lewis Gun instruction and "housemaiding" works in our area. The CO and acting-adjutant (Lieut. WFM DONALD) visited the Headquarters of the 22nd Royal Fusiliers in VILLAGE LINE and made arrangements for the forthcoming Relief.

[26 January 1916: from Les Choquaux to front line at "Village Line" (near Festubert, east of Béthune)] The Battalion marched from LES CHOQUAUX to VILLAGE LINE this afternoon, relieving the 22nd R.Fus. The night was very quiet but all were especially alert as tomorrow is the Kaiser’s birthday and considerable railway activity has been noticed behind the enemy lines. The weather continues mild and dry.

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[27 January 1916: front line at "Village Line"(near Festubert)] Our artillery was very active from 4.30am to 6.30am. The Battn supplied working parties for RE both in the morning and again at night. Except for some shelling in FESTUBERT the day was very quiet. Today we received word that the Battn was shortly to leave the DIVISION. A draft of 46 NCOs & men arrived this evening.

[28 January 1916: from front line at "Village Line" to billets at Essars (just northeast of Béthune)] The Battalion was relieved in VILLAGE LINE this morning by 17th R.FUS and marched to ESSARS, going into billets there. Men engaged cleaning clothes and equipment. Weather mild and dry.

Letter 15 Billets at Essars (NE of Bethune)- 28th Jan 1916

Dear Tom, Very many thanks for the sponge bag, it is just what I wanted. It will be most useful. You must let the Uncle know how much you paid for it.

We are moving about a lot and I have lots to do as I am still acting adjutant. However it's a fine thing to have a horse of one's own and ride back and forwards from the trenches. We are going to undergo some changes shortly and we are in a somewhat unsettled state.

The weather remains dry and the country is like a bone, compared to last year. The roads are very good to march on, little mud and no dust. We are back in a little village at present that we knew of yore, but we haven’t been in it for a long time – over a year. It was very cold and wet then, I remember, with snow on the ground.

Give Gertrude my love – will you? I hope she and the family are all well and flourishing.

I am getting quite a stranger to my kilt. I haven’t worn it more than three times, I think, since I came back from leave! I have a fine new "balmoral", however, which has not yet got frightfully out of shape - no doubt it will do so before long tho'! They all do.

Ever yrs Frank Donald

[30 January 1916: from Essars to GHQ Camp at St-Omer] The Battalion left ESSARS this morning and marched to BETHUNE STATION, being played down by the 2nd Div. Band. GOC Corps and GOC Div came down to Station and saw Battn off. Entrained and left at 12.0 noon, arriving at ST OMER [from where we] marched to GHQ CAMP. The 13th Battn LONDON REGT (KENSINGTON RIFLES) are at present furnishing the posts on the L of C which we will take over on Feb. 1st. We are sharing the Camp with Details of this Battn.

[1 February 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer]

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The Battalion was now deployed in small units, initially defending railheads and military detention barracks. No.1 Section Railheads: WATTEN (2 NCOs, 8 men), LUMBRES (2 NCOs, 8 men), WIZERNES (1 NCO, 4 men), ARQUES (1 sub, 2 NCOs, 25 men), THEROUANNE (1 sub, 1 NCO, 1 driver ASC, 2 horses), ST OMER (Station) (2 NCOs, 13 men). No.2 Section Railheads: CAESTRE (1 sub, 4 NCOs, 27 men), GODWAERSVELDE (4 NCOs, 9 men), ABELE (1 sub, 4 NCOs, 36 men), POPERINGHE (4 NCOs, 9 men), ARNEKE (1 NCO, 3 men), HAZEBROUK (1 Capt., 1 NCO, 1 man), STRAZEELE (1 Capt., 1 sub, 7 NCOs, 54 men), BAILLEUL (4 NCOs, 9 men), STEENWERCK (1 sub, 4 NCOs, 9 men). No.3 Section Railheads: CHOQUES (1 Capt, 3 NCOs, 18 men, LILLERS (3 NCOs, 13 men), LAPUGNOY (3 NCOs, 13 men), BETHUNE (1 sub, 3 NCOs, 15 men), FOUQUREUILL (2 NCOs, 13 men), NOEUX-LES-MINES (3 NCOs, 15 men), MERVILLE (1 sub, 3 NCOs, 10 men), LA GORGUE (3 NCOs, 10 men), BAC ST MAUR (1 sub, 3 NCOs, 14 men), BERGUETTE (1 sub, 3 NCOs, 11 men), AIRE (2 NCOs, 7 men), TREIZENNES Following guards are furnished: At CASERNE DE BUEIL Detention Barracks - Guard of 2 NCOs and 9 men, 3 NCOs and 6 men as Provosts, 1 cook and 1 orderly. At ST OMER Station Goods Yard every night 1 NCO and 6 men. (2 NCOs, 13 men), STEENBECQUE (3 NCOs, 9 men), ST VENANT (3 NCOs, 15 men). The remainder of the Battn are under canvas here in GHQ Camp.

[5 February 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] All the men in the Camp today were thoroughly overhauled by the QM and deficiencies noted. A German aeroplane flew over the town about 11am this morning. It was heavily shelled and made off in a northerly direction.

[20 February 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] Church Parade this morning at ST ANDREW’S Military Church. The men have had time now to clean up thoroughly and get a good polish on all brass-work, so they are looking clean and smart at guard-mounting and when walking out. The drums, too, have been much improved with polish and pipe-clay. The improvement in drill generally is very noticeable.

[21 February 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] At 11.20pm last night a German aeroplane flew over the town. Several bombs were dropped from it and one, falling near the railway-station, partly damaged the goods shed and slightly wounded one of our sentries there on the knee. Details in Camp engaged in forming paths today.

[22 February 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] The CO commenced making inspections of Detachments today. Men engaged forming paths in CAMP. Weather very wet and stormy. The wearing of short puttees is in future to be discontinued, all ranks will wear long puttees with hose-top folded over the top.

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[24 February 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] Route March in forenoon. All leave was stopped today. In future disciplinary measures will be taken against any man who persists in shaving his upper lip. Weather - very cold but fine, ground covered with snow.

[8 March 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] Some of our men on Detachment duty are being relieved by PB men, but as fast as the men come in calls are made for men for other places - e.g. 1 officer (Lieut AD RAEBURN) and 12 OR LEWIS GUN Section left for AUDRUICQ this afternoon for anti-aircraft duty - so that we get no stronger, but considerably weaker every week, as the drain of men going for commissions (or Cadet Schools) and of men time- expired continues.

[10 March 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] The following letter has been received from Col. CC MURRAY, 3/9th (GH) Battn HLI, to whom it was sent by Lieut-General HS HORNE, lately commanding 2nd Division.

"I write to thank you and all ranks of the Glasgow Highlanders for all the good work and gallant fighting which you have done under my command. I regarded your fine battalion as in the same class as Regular Battalions and I do not think I can pay you a higher compliment than to say that you have justified my confidence. You have established a great record and will add to it before this war is over. You may feel proud of yourselves, and I am sure your country is proud of you. I wish you all good fortune and I hope we may be associated again some day soon."

Letter 16 GHQ St Omer (Battalion on Line of Communication duties) - 12th March 1916

Dear Tom, Very many thanks indeed for the parcels – they were perfect breakfast parcels! It was very good of you indeed to send them out to me.

So Janet has gone at last! She must have been a good age, poor thing.

Did you see Miss Scott Moncrieff – I think you said you did. I hear she is a beauty. Poor Robin, I do hope he gets all right again or it will be very sad. I hear the lady is a very good sort, anyway.

We are going along here as usual. I am kept fairly busy, but Acklom is coming back on the 22nd so I shall fall from my high estate.

We are playing a good deal of "Bridge" in the evenings. Lately I have had a run of bad luck and have been dropping 10, 14 or 20 francs too often to be pleasant. I shall have to sell Acklom’s horses soon – or leave the service! Thank heaven five francs now only means 3/7d!

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Today is lovely after the long cold snap and the last of the snow will get its congé, as the sun is as hot as summer.

Sunday afternoon is a great day here for football matches, the yells of the crowd resound thro' the whole town. Our chaps, however, I find won’t play on a Sunday which surprises me.

Well I shall have to go out for a walk now, as if the CO catches me writing letters in the afternoon, he will jump on me. I generally go out riding with him in the afternoon. He was telling me the other day that he used to be in the mounted section of the Queen’s Edinburghs under Charles Whigham before he joined the army; he was then in a WS’s office.

Love to Gertrude and the family. I hope they are flourishing.

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[14 March 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] Route March this morning. The first day this year on which the men have felt the heat when marching.

Letter 17 GHQ St Omer - 18th March 1916

Dear Gertrude, Very many thanks for your letter and news. – Yes, we are pretty safe here, unless a Boche aeroplane drops a bomb on the top of one's head, which I hope they won’t do. No wonder Nina is rather troubled about her husband, if he is still opposite the Hohenzollern – a most poisonous place!

I see Max is out with the Canadians. Did he try his hand at speculations and come a cropper? He seems to be either a very childish person or else a very callous one. I’m very sorry for Aunt Christina and Olive.

I don’t think that Robin’s lady is the one I heard of in the dim distant past as, as I told you, she married a soldier! However perhaps the lad has taken several dunts in his horrible past; it is hard to say.

Lovely weather here now and the hedges are beginning to come out. It is rather warm work riding in the afternoon now!

I am glad to hear that Colin has been going strong at footer – and also that the ladies are still keeping their – and your – spirits up.

Remems to Tom, Ever yrs Frank Donald

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[26 March 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] GENERAL CODORNA (Italian C-in-C) left ST OMER station at 11.0am this morning. Battalion (in Camp) paraded as strong as possible, at 2 hours notice, under Capt. AH MENZIES (Lieut LC ARMSTRONG and 2nd Lieut KL DUCKETT also on parade) with pipes and drums and marched to the station where they lined the road between the Bridge over the Canal and the Station Yard. Owing to the wet weather the men had unfortunately to wear greatcoats. GENERAL CODORNA got out of his car and walked with Capt. MENZIES between the ranks. The Pipers then proceeded to the Station platform and played as the train steamed out. The Highlanders were highly complimented by Sir DOUGLAS HAIG (GOC-in-C) on their appearance.

Letter 18 GHQ St Omer - 2nd April 1916

Dear Tom, How goes it? I hear you have had vile weather in Scotland, snow and wind and all kinds of abominations!

Here we are once more right into summer. Today has been a scorcher without a cloud in the sky. The CO and I went a walk after lunch up on to a common about two miles out and lay on the grass for about one hour looking at the aeroplanes getting up and flying about; very pretty they looked in the sunshine.

I saw a batch of German prisoners the other day – Jaegers – a dirty scruffy – looking lot too, but, as they had all been either hoisted or buried in a mine a day or so before, I don’t suppose, poor wretches, they were looking their smartest.

The ground here is drying up splendidly. All the open spaces about the camp are being harrowed to smooth them up and give them a good appearance, so that we will look very smart soon.

A German aeroplane tried to fly over us this morning, but our anti-aircraft guns drove it back, it was very high up, 8,000ft I believe.

Poor Bun seems to have had a bad turn, have you heard if she is any better?

Love to Gertrude, I hope she and the family are flourishing

Ever yrs Frank Donald

[2 April 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St- Omer] Church Parade at ST ANDREW’S Military Church. About 10.45am a German aeroplane appeared almost directly over the Camp but on being shelled it turned and made off. Very warm today.

[5 April 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St- Omer]

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Details in Camp engaged in Steady Drill in morning. Employed also in escorting German prisoners of war, about 70, including 4 officers, left here today.

Letter 19 GHQ St Omer - 11 April 1916

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter and Horatio’s forwarded on. The Davieses seems to be a most patriotic tribe, don’t they? I am glad Horatio is on the mend again.

You seem to have had a good climb; pity, however, it turned out misty. Yes, Arran's the place at this time of the year sans doute. It would be fine to have a trip across there just now, tho' this life on the whole here is very enjoyable. I have always enough to keep me employed every day and so don’t get fed up with it like some of the others.

The Zeps I hear have done a good lot of damage in Edinburgh to property, tho' what good it will do Germany I can’t see. The people are not such fools as to be scared by Zeps into making a hurried peace, which seems to be the German idea.

I don’t suppose there is any chance of me getting leave before June, as we only get leave here once in six months. As hay-fever will be on then, it isn't too much fun coming home, I’d just as soon see it out here. Mary Maxwell has already started buying up a large consign of cheap "hankies" for me in London, so that they may be rushed across at a moment’s notice when the plague commences!

Beastly wet cold morning here today, it’s funny how one is sunburnt one day and frozen the next at present. The hedges are all very well out and the trees are just getting "on their mark" to burst out all of a sudden.

We were to have played a Rugby match last Sunday afternoon, but I’m glad it was off, as the day was very warm and the scrum would have been somewhat savoury to say the least of it!

We had a very good dish at breakfast this morning – ration biscuits soaked in water overnight and squashed up, mixed up with hashed bully-beef and warmed up. It tasted like the very best sausage you can imagine. With a little onion it would have been even better I believe. Though the officers devoured it, I am told that my lords of the Transport Section turned up their noses at it. I sincerely hope they experienced the pangs of hunger before dinner time came on!

Love to Gertrude and the family; I hope they are all going very strong

Ever yrs Frank Donald

[1 May 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St- Omer] The Lord Provosts of Edinburgh and Glasgow are coming to inspect the Battalion on Friday. About 300 men will be available.

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Letter 20 GHQ St Omer - 3rd May 16

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. Sorry to hear you had 'flu at Easter, it must have rather spoilt the holiday for you. I hope you had a good stay at Crianlarich with Gertrude.

If I remember rightly the reason why we went on to Tyndrum was that we did not take the right turning and had to come back again.

No word of leave yet, tho' our officers in other sections of L. of C. are going off quite rapidly. Acklom is going to leave us shortly, so I will be once more adjutant. I expect leave will come in June; your idea of Arran is excellent, but, as we only get about eight days altogether here, and as I would have to see old Bun and Antermony I fear the three days would not be possible, much as I should like to go.

We are having a quiet time here, riding in the afternoon – lovely weather. Walter Coats, the Quartermaster and I went a very good ride this afternoon and had a lovely view from the top of a hill. The country is beautiful just now as all the trees are out and the greens are lovely.

I hope Gertrude and the family are all very flourishing, please give them my love and salaams, will you?

Ever yrs Frank Donald

[5 May 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St- Omer] The Battalion in Camp was inspected this morning by the Lord Provosts of Glasgow and Edinburgh. After the inspection and march past Lord Provost Dunlop addressed the troops in a short speech. MAJOR J MENZIES, who was in command of Battalion, Lt COL STORMONTH DARLING being on leave, then called for three cheers for the two Lord Provosts. During the inspection a German aeroplane made it’s appearance to the south but was shelled off. The appearance of the Battalion on parade was the subject of much favourable comment from those present.

[25 May 1916: training at and provision of fatigue parties from GHQ Camp at St-Omer] Battalion preparing to move back to duties in the front line: This morning Companies were at the disposal of Company Commanders. Our strength now is 33 officers and 1,006 OR.[!]

[29 May 1916: transit by train from GHQ Camp at St-Omer to billets at Annezin (on western outskirts of Béthune)] The Battalion was played down to the station this morning by the drums of the 3rd COLDSTREAM GUARDS and left ST OMER at 10.40am. Arrived BETHUNE at 10pm and marched to billets in ANNEZIN. The Battalion is now in XI CORPS, 33rd DIVISION, 100th BRIGADE. The Battalion fills the place in the Brigade of the 1/6th SR who leave the Brigade. The other Battalions in the Brigade are 1st QUEENS, 2nd WORCESTERS and 16th KRRC.

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[30 May 1916: billets/training/fatigue parties at Annezin] Companies this morning under Coy Commanders. Battalion supplying 3 working parties for trench digging near OBLINGHEM MILL of 1 officer, 4 NCOs and 40 men, 3 hour reliefs. Very wet in early morning.

[1 June 1916: billets/training/fatigue parties at Annezin] Coys under their Commanders, anti-gas drill etc. Bombers, Snipers and observers under their special officers. CO on reconnaissance of trenches in vicinity of HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT. Battalion inspected by Maj Gen J S Landon, GOC 33 Division

Letter 21 - 2nd June 1916

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your long letter. Esther Kegden's wedding must have been a bit of a rush, as I hear it took place between two tides. However, she is a good sort and it's as well she likes her man. Glad to hear the Clyde is so busy still, turning out battleships; people talk of peace, but as far as I can see the end is not yet in sight at all.

We are once more back near the line, though we are not yet in the trenches; however, we’ll be there right enough in a very short time. We have got into a very bustling Division, at least the number of reports per week is colossal! The old Brigade were almost illiterate compared to this one.

I should be getting leave soon now, as all the old officers – those who were with us at New Year – have had leave except two, one of whom is Walter Coats, who was away sick for about three months, but did not get home – and another and myself. As for being adjutant, I drifted into the job under Col. Murray just by chance I believe and with a CO like Col. Darling an adjutant’s job is only a sort of secretary stunt, as he is so energetic. However he is kept at it pretty well all the time, especially as we have such a lot of organization to do after coming off the L. of C.

We were inspected by the Divisional General and our own Brigadier – who said "Thank God, it's a pleasure to see troops that look like soldiers, its seldom enough nowadays one sees such!" The Battalion looks very well indeed at present, but an enormous number – about 33% I should say – have never been in the trenches, being new men out from the 3rd Batt.

I was sorry to hear about Arnold Tillie’s death, poor fellow. I heard of it about a fortnight ago. I remember going down in the train with him after my first leave home. Very few of the Airmen get hit and it seems to have been just very bad luck.

Things up in the line seem to be very much brisker than when we left – or last summer – all kinds of abominations, if one can believe what one is told, but I don’t expect it will be very different from what it was.

I hope Gertrude and the family are flourishing – my salutes to them.

Ever yrs

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Frank Donald

[9 June 1916: from Annezin to front line at Annequin (southeast of Béthune)]

[10 June 1916: front line at Annequin] Battalion supplying large working parties for both Field and Mining Coys RE - Continuous Reliefs night and day.

[11 June 1916: front line at Annequin] Two men wounded on trench fatigues.

[12 June 1916: from front line at Annequin to front line at Auchy (due east of Béthune)] Late this evening Battalion relieved 2nd WORCESTERS in Auchy right sector. 1st QUEENS on our left, 7/8 KOSB on our right. Owing to recent heavy rain trenches muddy.

[13 June 1916: front line at Auchy] Nos.1, 2 and 4 Coys in Front and Support Trenches. No.3 Coy in Reserve Trench. One man killed and two wounded by shell-fire.

[14 June 1916: front line at Auchy] Wet day. Trenches beginning to fall in in places. A certain amount of trench mortar fire and rifle grenade fire both on our part and on that of the Enemy.

[15 June 1916: front line at Auchy] This morning Enemy sprang a small mine in front of our left, no damage was done to our trenches. Quiet day on the whole. During night considerable trench mortar and rifle grenade fire on both sides opposite our centre and left. We had one man killed and two wounded when on wiring party.

[16 June 1916: transit - about 3 miles - from front line at Auchy to billets at Annequin (close to the front line, southeast of Béthune)]

[17 June 1916: billets/provision of fatigue parties at Annequin] Battalion stood to from 1.0am to 2.15am this morning during a Raid carried out by Division on our left, just North of Canal. Artillery in our neighbourhood was very active. Working parties - continuous reliefs - supplied for Tunnelling Coys, RE etc. These working parties necessitate all Specialists being utilised as well as ordinary duty men.

[20 June 1916: from Annequin to front line at Cuinchy (due east of Béthune)] OC Coys reconnoitred trenches in the new CUINCHY RIGHT Section (old AUCHY R & AUCHY L) this morning. Battn relieved 2nd WORCESTERS in this Section this evening. Disposition - each Company (except No.3) have 3 platoons in Front line and 1 in HIGH ST. No.3 has 2 plats in Front Line and 1 in BACK ST and HIGH ST. On our Right 14th HLI. On our Left QUEENS. Night passed quietly on whole except for the usual exchange of rifle grenades. From R to L, No.4, No.1, No.2, No.3 Coys.

[21 June 1916: front line at Cuinchy]

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Quiet day except for slight Trench Mortar and Rifle Grenade activity on both sides. At 9.30am we blew up a small mine near MINE PT, opp No.3 Coy. We immediately started digging out and repairing saps and consolidating our lip of the crater. At 12.0 midnight we made small demonstration, 1 plat per Coy firing rapid for one minute, trench mortars and artillery co-operating. Enemy replied with slight barrage over our communication trenches.

[22 June 1916: front line at Cuinchy] At 2.0am following an explosion of a mine at DUCK’S BILL, GIVENCHY, the Enemy began to briskly shell our support trenches and communication trenches. They also sent over a considerable number of trench mortar bombs. Our work in saps to craters near MINE PT was not interrupted however and proceeded well. No.1 Coy’s front trench was sharply shrapnelled and CAPT AK REID wounded. Casualties Capt REID and 7 men wounded, little damage to trenches. Quiet forenoon and afternoon. About 9.0pm Enemy put some heavy Minnewerfen bombs into our RIGHT Coy’s trenches. At 11.57pm we blew mine at TWIN CRATERS near MINE PT and No.3 Coy, also No.2 Coy immediately started digging out saps. (CAPT THH WARREN to No.1 Coy to take command).

[23 June 1916: from front line at Cuinchy to billets at Annequin] The enemy also started repairing their saps and several encounters took place between their bombers and ours. We certainly got some bombs well into one of their working parties. Work of clearing saps went on very well. Quiet forenoon and afternoon. Very heavy thundery rain about 4.30pm making trenches bad under foot. Relieved by 2nd WORCESTERS in the evening and returned to billets in ANNEQUIN S. Usual working parties for RE supplied at 9.0 tonight.

[24 June 1916: billets/provision of fatigue parties at Annequin] Battalion supplying usual Working parties. One man (No.1 Coy) killed near Brickstacks. It is intended that No.4 Coy shall carry out a Raid on the Enemy’s Trenches at MAD POINT on the night of 27/28, consequently a trace of the trenches has been marked out in sawdust in Large Field S of the BETHUNE – LA BASSÉE RD and practice is taking place. In the afternoon a magic-lantern slide of area to be attacked was exhibited in School billet and the attack was explained to men of No.4 Coy. Casualties - 1 man killed on Working party today.

[25 June 1916: billets/training/provision of fatigue parties at Annequin] Voluntary services. Working parties as usual. No.4 Coy practising attack in forenoon and again after dark. The working parties are taking 9 officers and 263 OR each 24 hours and, as No.4 Coy is exempt, the other Coys are being hard worked.

Letter 22 - 25/6/16

Dear Tom, Very many thanks for your letter and the photo, which is a good one, though our expressions are rather weird, both Gertrude & I are not flattered. I look like a male Loo Macindoe "speering" at Monica to know how much Gertrude pays for Barbara's shoes. Gertrude looks very amicable certainly but not very like herself when looking so.

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We are in and out of the trenches now, so you can tell Colin the periscope is once more in use! The trenches are alright as long as we don’t have thunder-plumps, which make an awful mess of them. The weather, however, is very good on the whole, and the country is looking first rate, tho' I like the look of it a bit further back from the trenches! However, we must do our turn I suppose.

Salaams to Gertrude and the family,

Ever yrs Frank Donald

[26 June 1916: transit - about 1 mile - from Annequin to front line at Cuinchy] Usual working parties. The Brigadier-General inspected No.4 Coy at 12.30pm. In the afternoon and evening Battn relieved 2nd WORCESTERS in CUINCHY RIGHT Section. Disposition as before. The new Draft to billets in BEUVRY for drill, but to be utilised on carrying fatigues each night at trenches. In trenches - on our Right - 15th DIV. as before, 11th A&SH, on our left, 16th KRRC. Our artillery bombarded MAD POINT at 11.5pm. Situation quiet.

[27 June 1916: front line at Cuinchy - raid on Mad Point] This morning at 3.15am our guns again bombarded MAD POINT - wire-cutting. All night our Lewis Guns have been firing on all gaps observed in Enemy’s wire. There has been very little retaliation from Enemy. Two men (No.1 Coy) in Rifle Grenade Battery on our RIGHT were killed by Trench Mortar Bomb. Fatigue parties employed carrying up bombs to No.4 Coy. Quiet afternoon. "Zero" for raid this evening on MAD POINT is fixed for 11.30pm. Various codes for sending messages have been adopted: Advanced telephone dugout is M/G dugout No.3 at top of Sap 2. Lt RC McLELLAND will be here, with him is Major WR BENNETT, RFA. In order to distract the Enemy’s attention a small mine is to be exploded at RAILWAY PT and another at MINE PT. If the wind is favourable Nos.1 & 3 Companies will send over smoke at these points. 10.45pm: Night very dark, sky overcast. All very quiet. 11.10pm: From No.3 Coy "KELSO".[=“wind favourable”] 11.15pm: From Lieut McLELLAND "10 days (= "all quiet"). 11.24pm: From No.1 Coy "NAPU".[= “wind not favourable”] 11.30pm: Our artillery commenced barrage. 11.35pm: Lieut McLELLAND telephoned through "Destination Glasgow" (= "Party all out and ready"). Scheme of attack was adhered to and carried out exactly, except that as soon as small mine was blown at +3 our men charged right through the falling debris. Only two casualties resulted from this and the surprise was all the more complete. The artillery arrangements were the means of putting an excellent box barrage round part affected in conjunction with Trench Mortar and Machine Guns. As soon as mine at MAD POINT exploded, Party charged forward into craters. Some loose concertina wire was encountered which was quickly pulled aside and offered no obstacle. Both craters were empty. In the centre of each was a mine shaft which the engineers took in hand, capturing about eight prisoners in the galleries. Party passed on into trenches, CAPT FRAME remaining with telephone personnel and buglers in crater. LIEUT MACNAB induced several Germans to come up from the

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Dugouts by shouting "Kamerad" down the entrance - they were only too ready to surrender. Prisoners were sent across in batches, as they were taken. In the meantime a considerable amount of bayonet work and bombing took place, but eventually parties all arrived at their destinations. The Password "SAUCHIEHALL" was found very useful. A number of Dug-outs were bombed, but without any indiscriminate throwing and consequent confusion and loss of time. The German trenches were found to be about 8ft deep and in excellent condition. The necessary barricades were made by parties tearing down the sides.

[28 June 1916: front line at Cuinchy] At 12.30am CAPT FRAME gave the signal to return; our Parties returned to our lines without any direct molestation. Our Casualties - 11 wounded, all slight but one. In the meantime, at 11.30 [27th] No.3 Coy commenced to send over smoke and were intensely shelled with artillery and trench mortars. This bombardment slackened a little later but became very violent again when mine at MINE PT was sprung at 12.0 midnight. Casualties here at this time - 1 killed, 1 wounded. Prisoners were sent down to Battn Headqrs, searched there and then marched to Bde Hd qrs in LE PREOL. Wounded prisoners sent to No.19 Field Ambulance. Rain began to fall very heavily in the early morning, making the trenches exceedingly uncomfortable, and support trenches, especially OLD BOOTS and HIGH ST, almost impassable, as it was on there that the enemy concentrated a very violent barrage fire. The following enemy’s losses ascertained : 38 unwounded prisoners 2 prisoners died in our trenches (one killed by Enemy’s shrapnel) 7 wounded to hospital 1 officer killed in German lines, papers secured 10 Germans killed (known for certain) 7 Germans wounded (known) 65 German losses known.

This does not include a considerable number that must have been killed and wounded in Dugouts which were bombed. Also, captured - one Machine Gun complete and part of another (taken by 2LIEUT MACNAB), a number of rifles, smoke-helmet cases, steel helmets and other loot; in addition, a quantity of mining tools. Before leaving craters the RE prepared demolition of two mine shafts, which they blew up after clearing. Our party also blew up a bomb store, making three Demolitions. Note: Prisoners belonged to 242nd Res Reg (Saxons), 23rd Regt (Bavarians) and 19th Pioneer Regt. Amongst those taken were a Sergeant and a Cadet (Offizier- Aspirant). 2.30am: Situation quiet, very heavy rain. Quiet morning except for some heavy shelling of support trenches behind No.4 Coy. At 4.15pm enemy exploded a mine on North side of MIDNIGHT CRATER near MINE PT partially destroying one of our saps there, sentry in sap killed. No.3 Coy at once started clearing damage. At 11.31pm Enemy sent up a mine about 30 yds SW of RAILWAY CRATER and about 50 yds from our line. Part of parapet of front trench knocked in, three men wounded. We started sapping out to lip of crater from sap S of it.

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[29 June 1916: from front line at Cuinchy to billets at Annequin] 2.0am At 2.0am Major AH MENZIES discovered by means of his patrols that large enemy working party, with covering party, was operating behind crater to north of MIDNIGHT CRATER. Our guns were turned on and gave them four salvoes, which must have disturbed them considerably. Quiet forenoon, except for some shelling of No.4 Coy’s support trenches. This afternoon and evening Battn was relieved by 2nd WORCESTERSHIRES and returned to billets in ANNEQUIN S. Usual working parties supplied for tunnelling Coy RE etc.

[4 July 1916: barracks at Béthune] Companies engaged generally cleaning up. No.4 Coy inspected at BARRACKS by GOC Div (General Landon) at 12.30 pm. The GOC addressed the Coy and complimented them on the way in which they had carried out the recent raid. Very wet afternoon.

[5 July 1916: barracks at Béthune] Battalion inspected at 11.45 am by GOC XI CORPS (General Haking). The GOC addressed the Battalion, complimented the Battn on the recent raid and welcomed it to the XI CORPS, recalling the fact that he was a Brigadier of the 5th BDE in 1914 when the Battn joined that BDE. He afterwards inspected the Battn in detail. No.1 Coy on range in afternoon.

Letter 23 Billets at La Vallee (between Bethune and Lillers) - 6/7/16

Dear Tom, Just a line to say I have asked the Uncle to give you £1 for Colin’s birthday – a bit late but we are awfully busy and buzzing around like anything!

Yrs Frank Donald

[7 July 1916: from Béthune to billets at la Vallée (part way between Béthune and Lillers)] As the Battn has to furnish the Companies to parade to the ceremony of presenting British & French medals in Grande Place this afternoon, a practice parade was carried out this morning. At 2.30 the ceremony took place. The Battn was warmly congratulated by the GOC 1st ARMY (Gen Charles MUNRO) who said he was "proud of the men". The following NCOs of the Battn were presented with the Military Medal - No.1437 Sgt W HORNER, No.2131 Sgt A BENNETT, No.2592 Sgt WR DOUGLAS, No.1438 L/Sgt J McCAIG, No.1676 L/C JR WALLACE, No.2952 A/L/Cpl W McFARLANE, No.3253 Pte W FALCONER, No.1626 Pte J HARDIE, No.1480 Bugler A JOHNSTON, No.1616 Bugler G KERR, all of No.4 Coy except Bugler KERR who is of No.2 Coy and all in connection with recent Raid. At 5.45 pm the Battalion marched to LA VALLÉE and went into billets, arriving there about 8.0pm

The CO received letter of congratulation today from the Lord Provost of GLASGOW. July 7th 1916.

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The following letter has been received by the Commanding Officer, from the Lord Provost of Glasgow, dated 3rd instant:

Sir Douglas Haig has sent me a most charming letter telling me of the brilliant work done by your battalion during the night of June 27th, when you brought back 46 prisoners and two machine guns besides destroying some mineshafts during your tour of the enemy trenches. Will you allow me, not only on own behalf but on behalf of the citizens of Glasgow, to congratulate you and your battalion most heartily on this notable feat, which is quite in keeping with the traditions of the Glasgow Highlanders and other troops from this city.

We always knew that when the opportunity occurred they would discharge with efficiency and distinction the task entrusted to them. We are proud of the Glasgow Highlanders and of what they have done, and feel sure that in the future they will display the same gallantry and courage as in the past.

With kind regards and best wishes, Yours very truly,

(Sgd.) Thomas Dunlop

(Sgd.) W.F.M. Donald Adjt. Glasgow Highlanders.

From now on the Battalion became involved in the Battle of the Somme, including operations around the infamous "High Wood".

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The Battle of the Somme (from "The First World War" – John Keegan)

[14 July 1916: from Bécordel-Bécourt to front line action at High Wood (northeast of Albert)]

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From 3am Battn stood ready to move. Moved up to FRICOURT at 11am remaining till about 5pm when orders were received to move to Flatiron Copse. The 98th Bde passed us. We arrived at Flatiron Copse about 8pm. Orders were received that the Battn would move towards High Wood to take up a line from NW corner of wood westwards along the road to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT, joining in to the 1/Queens who were to prolong our left as far as the cross-roads NE of BAZENTINE [Bazentin-le-Petit]. The 7th Div had shortly before attacked HIGH WOOD and we were informed by OC 2/Queens that they had captured it and held it. Nos.1 & 2 Comps deployed at SE of wood moving up Western Edge to take up allotted line. The 1st line was fired at from NW corner of Wood by Machine Guns and rifles and it was found impossible to take up the line of the road. Trenches were therefore dug about 150 yards S of wood. During night things in wood became muddled and there were a great many men (7th Div) evacuating the wood. To prevent our left being completely enfiladed from the wood No.3 Coy sent 3 platoons to get astride the wood inside. This they did. During the night the Battn had a lot of casualties among officers and men.

[15 July 1916: attack at High Wood] At 5.30am orders were received that the Bde was to attack the switch trench in front of Martinpuich. The Queens and Glasgow Highlanders were to carry out the attack, the Worcesters and 16/KRR to be in support. Our right was to start from the northwest corner of HIGH WOOD (which we did not hold). The preliminary bombardment was to begin at 8.30am and the attack at 9am. A message was sent to the Bde reporting that it was impossible to attack unless HIGH WOOD was first cleared; about 7.30am a message came from Bde Hd Qrs that it had been represented that 7th Div should be asked to clear wood and asking if we had heard if any 7th Div Batts were to do this. One of the COs of a 7th Div Battn said it had been suggested he should attack HIGH WOOD but it was too big a job for him. About 7.30am a Company of 16/KRRs was sent up to be a support to the Battn. This Company and 3 platoons of No.3 Coy were put into Wood to try and clear the Right Flank of the Battn when the attack began. At 9am the Battn attacked and only got about 150 yds taking a very heavy fire from Wood and from SWITCH Trench N of Wood and from Sunken road in front of SWITCH TRENCH. The 2nd Worcesters were sent up in Support but were also stopped. The Battn suffered the following casualties: 5 officers killed, 15 wounded and 1 missing. OR 87 killed, 214 wounded, 99 missing (believed killed). The Queens on our left got in a little but were also stopped. The KRR came up in support but the Brigade got in no further and in the a’noon were holding the Southern half of the Wood, with 7th Div on Eastern face. The 7th Div tried twice in a’noon to get into the part of Wood enemy held but failed - on two occasions coming back at a run. Our men stood very firm. The night was quiet.

[16 July 1916: withdrawal - about 1 mile back - from High Wood to bivouacs at Mametz Wood (which is nearer Contalmaison than Mametz)] At 3am the 1/Cameronians (19th IB) came up and relieved the Battn, which went back to the SE corner of MAMETZ WOOD.

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[17 July 1916: bivouacs at Mametz Wood] The battalion remained in bivouac at SE corner of MAMETZ WOOD, the Brigade being in reserve. Casualties under this date: OR 1 killed, 6 wounded. Bivouac was shelled.

[18 July 1916: defensive position at Mametz Wood] At 1am Battalion moved into MAMETZ WOOD and took over part of the defences from 10/YORK R (21st Div). In the afternoon all defences of the WOOD were taken over. Information arrived that the following decorations had been awarded for the raid the Regiment carried out at AUCHY on 27th June 1916 : DSO to Capt AC Frame; Military Crosses to 2nd Lieuts MacNab and Marchant. A letter was also received from the GOC 91st Inf Bde 7th Division conveying to the Regimental Stretcher Bearers the admiration and thanks of the 91st Bde for their gallantry and help in clearing the wounded of the 91st Bde in HIGH WOOD on the 15th July 1916.Casualties under this date: OR 1 killed, 10 wounded.

[19 July 1916: defensive position at Mametz Wood] Battalion in MAMETZ WOOD. Casualties under this date: OR 2 killed, 4 wounded.

[20 July 1916: from Mametz Wood to trenches at Bazentin-le-Grand (less than a mile from High Wood)] Battalion in MAMETZ WOOD. Received a draft of 355 OR made up of our own and various other Regts (HLI, KOSB, RSF, R SCOTS and SR). Character of draft indifferent - some very young, some old, many of draft just out of hospital. At night the battalion moved to BAZENTIN-LE-GRAND and relieved the Royal Welch Fusiliers (22nd Bde). Relief effected without casualties. Casualties under this date: OR 1 killed, 6 wounded.

[21 July 1916: trenches at Bazentin-le-Grand] During the day the trenches occupied by the battalion were heavily shelled as was the whole district of CATERPILLAR WOOD. At midnight the battalion was relieved by the 4th Seaforths (51st DIV). Casualties under this date: 2nd Lieut Syme wounded (100th Trench Mortar Battery), OR 2 killed, 18 wounded.

[22 July 1916: transit - about 6 miles - from trenches at Bazentin-le-Grand to bivouacs near Méaulte (on southern outskirts of Albert)] Near MEAULTE. Battalion arrived here at 3am and bivouacked. Casualties under this date: Nil.

Letter 24 - 24/7/16 (Uncle Frank was now seconded to 100 Brigade Staff)

Headquarters 100th Infy. Brigade B.E.F, France

Dear Colin, Many thanks for your letter. You seem to be having a good time except for having to exam "Maths", which is hard work

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As you say the Big Push is a good deal of noise – and a terrific noise too, I can assure you, tho', curiously enough if one is not right up in it hereabouts the hills shut off the noise so that not much is often to be heard.

The first day we went up into the line I was sent ahead to look out for a good cellar or dugout for Brigade Headquarters and after two years of trench warfare the whole thing was most interesting. Everything seemed to have got on the move and at last one saw what picture-books make war was like – batteries galloping about, drivers flogging their horses, cavalry here and there tripping about; dead horses lying in every attitude of picture-dead-horses, and every here and there a dead man lying where he had fallen beside the road. Overturned wagons, smashed wagons, abandoned wagons, dead Germans and lots of German prisoners coming down, many of them carrying our wounded.

I rode a good long way up towards the actual front, then I walked the rest. The German trenches were in a frightful state, in many places one couldn’t even see where the trench had been and it was real hard work walking over the shell craters. I got almost up to where the front line was and was just going to have a look in a little village for a decent cellar when the Germans began to barrage the fields on the side of the road between me and the village and to knock the village to bits with black shells & "woolly-bears", so, as I knew this wouldn't last more than a quarter of an hour I sat down on the bank and watched the village knocked into a cocked hat. A German was sitting beside me badly wounded and pretty weak; however, one of our fellows took him by the arm and both – doubled up – began slowly to crawl away down the road.

After a bit they stopped shelling the village, so I walked thro' it and as it was getting dark had to hurry up and came back by what had been the German trenches. However there were so many dead Bosche in it and as the light was failing and one didn’t like to walk on them I got out of the trench and began once again to scramble among the shell craters and every now and then got my legs caught in fragments of barbed wire. I came upon one poor wretch of a German on a stretcher who called out "Kamerade, Kamerade, Trinke, Kamerade" so I gave him a pull out of my water bottle, but could do no more for him; no doubt he would be taken in some time later.

The whole place is littered with German stuff, but, as one can’t carry souvenirs, it is no use collecting them, and good helmets are very rare, though one sees ones not worth picking up. The only thing I have annexed is a German leather detonator pouch which I found. It was all lined with sheep's wool on goat skin, but I tore that out and it just neatly holds my iron ration.

We are back now resting and we are in tents quite close to the line, which seems very strange.

Give my love to your Mother and also to Monica and Barbara please. The weather here is very cold but dry and fine, not at all like July in France.

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

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Letter 25 - 30th July 1916

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. You seem to have had some good climbs round "the" Ben; if the weather was half as hot as we are having it now here, you must have sweated "some". We are having proper summer weather now after a long spell of very cold grey misty stuff; I’m not sure if it wasn’t the healthier tho'.

I am with the Brigade just now "understudying" the Brigade Major in case he gets knocked out. It is a good job, tho' sometimes a bit dull.

The Brigade has been resting here for a week now under canvas, but quite fairly close up, it is better than being billeted in a stuffy village.

I am awfully sorry about poor Raeburn and Duroisin too, both very good fellows. Paterson was a lawyer in Paisley: as well as these three we had two others killed, one missing but certainly killed, and one, Sheriff Fyfe’s son - died of wounds, as well as many wounded. Carrick McLelland I hear has lost his leg. I met Jim(?) Greenlees on the day of the attack and he told me that McLelland was badly hit in the thigh. Harry Warren, I hear, is not as bad as we heard at first, but one of his eyes is almost done for I believe. I haven't heard about any of the others, but most of them were fairly slight comparatively - thro' the shoulder, arm or leg; one, however, was through the stomach and one through both knees, so they will be more severe.

I had a great "joy-day" in town with the Bde Major & Staff Capt the other day – a motor ride and a very good lunch & dinner – very expensive tho' – I am now slowly recovering.

I hope you have a good holiday down south and good weather.

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[30 July 1916: bivouacs/training near Méaulte] Sunday. Divine service 11am. At 2.30pm at Bde Hqrs the GOC 33rd Division presented medals won by men of the 100th Bde.

Letter 26 - 1st Aug 1916

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. I have written to Mrs Blackie thanking her for the body- shield, but I really don’t think it is of much practical good as it is so hot and one has quite enough to carry without all that metal. As for knife wounds, Teddie McCosh got one at the same time as mine arrived, and in a characteristic "What’s the use of this bloody thing" whipped out his latest ferocious knife and plunged it through it forthwith – or it may have been through someone else's.

I haven’t received any letter from Sheriff Fyfe yet about his son. He was hit in the head and was still living when he was taken down to hospital, but was very bad and

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died after he got there – the next day or two days afterwards I think. I don’t know in what hospital he died.

We are having grand weather now for camping, but I am rather tied to the camp at present; however there are worse existences!

Give Gertrude and the family my respects when you see them, will you?

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[7 August 1916: transit - about 8 miles - from near Méaulte to front line at High Wood (about 7 miles northeast of Albert)] At 1.45am the 100th Brigade moved to relieve the 152nd Brigade. The Regiment proceeded to HIGH WOOD (BOIS DES FOUREAUX) where it relieved the 8th Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders of 152nd Bde. Work was immediately started to join up saps in wood and improve defences generally. Regiment on right 2nd Worcestershire Regt of 100th Bde. On our left Royal Fusiliers of 34th Division. Casualties: 1 OR.

[8 August 1916: front line at High Wood] Enemy shelled WESTERN EDGE of WOOD consistently all day with HE shrapnel. Our own guns very active. Casualties under this date 2nd Lieut JC MacNab O/C No.4 Coy and Lt JW Whorton. OR 22.

[9 August 1916: transit - less than 1 mile - from front line at High Wood to Bazentin-le-Grand] Battalion headquarters and South End of Wood was heavily shelled from 4.0pm 8th Aug till morning. Eleven enemy aeroplanes over HIGH WOOD. Casualties under this date: 2nd Lt JR Sloss and OR 22. At 3.30pm 2nd QUEENS commenced to relieve the battalion. Relief was completed about 8.0pm and Battalion moved to BAZENTIN-LE-GRAND.

[10 August 1916: just back from front lines at Bazentin-le-Grand] Day passed fairly quietly. Enemy shelled valley in front of BAZENTIN at intervals. Casualties under this date OR 20.

[11 August 1916: just back from front lines at Bazentin-le-Grand] Artillery of both sides less active today. Casualties under this date 14 OR.

[12 August 1916: just back from front lines at Bazentin-le-Grand] Quiet day. Casualties under this date 7 OR..

[13 August 1916: from Bazentin-le-Grand to bivouacs at Bécordel-Bécourt (east-southeast outskirts of Albert)] Casualties under this date 8 OR and Lt TM Burton, Commander No.2 Compy.

Letter 27 - 14th Aug 1916

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Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. I am sorry to hear about Archie and hope he will pull thro' all right, poor chap. Hope it won’t bitch up your holiday. I had a letter from Gertrude the other day and she and the family seem to be going strong.

We are back again to camp for a few days after another tour at the front and are very glad to be here – a nice place, as long as the rain keeps off.

Things are very hot still up in front, but quieter than before. The Boche have lots of guns & shell a lot. We came in for a lot of their attention and when one left the dugout one never knew but a shell might come along & catch one on the hop.

The smells are not so bad, tho' here and there it is pretty niffy. The dead horses, however, have all been decently interred & they were the things I was most afraid of, a dead man is a small thing, tho' when we were up the time before, we were much bothered by a German leg in a boot, which made itself very objectionable until put under the ground. It is hard to find a little thing like that. One of the "gruesome" sights to be seen at present is a human hand sticking out of the floor of one of the communication trenches. It has been there some time now and, indeed, is quite a landmark; I expect those who dug the trench did not care to dig deeper. Otherwise no "sights" left.

I hope you have a jolly good holiday in the South, as I expect you need it.

Yrs ever W F M Donald

[14 August 1916: bivouacs/training at Bécordel-Bécourt] 100th Bde in Div Reserve. The Battn supplied working parties of 500 all ranks. The men are in Bivouacs - a few tents for Battn Hd Qrs and officers.

[19 August 1916: about 6 miles - from Bécordel-Bécourt to front line near Longueval (between High Wood and Delville Wood - about 6 miles northeast of Albert)] Orders were received for the battalion to move to POMMIERS REDOUBT, thereafter to relieve the 7th Rifle Brigade of the 142nd Bde, 14th Division. Battalion moved off at 10am to POMMIERS REDOUBT (E of MAMETZ) and lay there till 7.30pm when it moved to relieve 7th Bn RB in LEFT SUB SECTION of 142nd Bde. The first line trench was the German trench captured the day before between HIGH WOOD and DELVILLE WOOD. No.2 Coy went into front line with 1,3,4 Coys in succession behind it. Reinforcements consisting of 15 trained signallers and 15 trained Lewis gunners arrived from England.

[20 August 1916: front line near Longueval] Battalion ordered to clear at night 80 yards of WOOD LANE N of the then block between the enemy and ourselves. This was successfully done about 11pm without loss. 20th RF of 19th Bde were on our left. 14th Division on right of 2nd WORCESTERS. Casualties under this date 12 OR.

[21 August 1916: attack near Longueval]

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100th Bde ordered to capture the enemy trench running from WOOD LANE to the FLERS ROAD. Order of battle 9th HLI on left 2nd WORCESTERS on right. 2 Coys ("C" and "D") of 16th KRR supporting 9th HLI and ("A" and "B") Coys of same regt supporting WORCESTERS. 1st Queens in Brigade Reserve. Bde Orders issued to us at 9.0pm. Time of attack 12 midnight. Battalion order of battle: No.4 Coy under 2nd Lt Duckett on left and No.2 Coy under Capt Anderson on right. The Attack broke down as unfortunately the 2nd WORCESTERS did not get ready by the time fixed and consequently did not advance. Before the attack could be stopped 9th HLI advanced but latterly had to fall back without gaining objective. The following officers became casualties: Capt M Anderson KILLED, 2nd Lt KL Duckett WOUNDED (DIED OF WOUNDS). 2nd Lt WD Wallace 5th HLI attached 9th HLI WOUNDED (DIED OF WOUNDS). 2nd Lt AH Malcolm WOUNDED. 2nd Lt AG Henderson (WOUNDED). 2nd Lt J Baillie WOUNDED. 2nd Lt J Martin WOUNDED (AT DUTY).

[22 August 1916: front line near Longueval] After the attack No.3 Coy took over front line and 2 Coys (C & D) 16th KRR occupied support lines in DORSET TRENCH and PONT ST, No.1 Coy going into Battn Reserve in SAVOY TRENCH. Nos.2 & 4 Coys proceeded to MONTAUBAN. About 4pm 2nd WORCESTERS relieved the two Coys of the KRR and at night 1st Queens relieved the whole sector held by 9th HLI. 9th HLI moved back to POMMIERS REDOUBT. Casualties under 21/22 86 OR.

[23 August 1916: front line near Longueval] Battalion in POMMIERS REDOUBT. Draft of 230 OR 9th HLI arrived from England. Casualties under this date 3 OR.

[24 August 1916: attack near Longueval] At 1.30pm Bn moved up into Bde support from Bde reserve as the Brigade had been ordered to capture the new enemy trench from WOOD LANE to the FLERS ROAD including TEA TRENCH. Order of Battle, Right to Left; 2nd WORCESTERS - 16th KRR - 1st QUEENS. 14th Division attacking on right to clear DELVILLE WOOD, the left of it’s objective being the right end of TEA TRENCH. 14th Division attacked at 5.45pm after two hours bombardment, the second being intense and 100th Bde similarly at 6.45pm. Attack entirely successful, all objectives being taken - in fact some troops over-ran their objectives. 9th HLI were ordered to send two Companies (3 and 4) to reinforce the QUEENS and consolidate their line. No.2 Coy was sent out to support the WORCESTERS. No.1 Coy was divided into 3 parties of 50 each to carry up RE material, SAA, bombs etc to all three Regiments in front line. During the night of 24/25th Aug 9th HLI completely relieved QUEENS and the MIDDLESEX REGT of 98th Bde relieved the KRR and WORCESTERS. Casualties under this date 3 OR.

[25 August 1916: front line near Longueval] Enemy shelled our trenches heavily the whole day. At night 2nd A&SH of 98th Bde arrived to relieve 9th HLI. Relief completed about 4am, 26th. Casualties under this date 65 OR.

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[26 August 1916: about 5 miles from front line near Longueval to Fricourt (about 2 miles east-northeast of Albert)] Battalion moved to FRICOURT WOOD and remained in DIVISIONAL SUPPORT along with rest of 100th Bde. Reinforcements consisting of 13 trained Lewis Gunners arrived from England. Casualties under this date 24 OR.

[27 August 1916: about 1 mile - from Fricourt to Bécordel-Bécourt (east- southeast outskirts of Albert)] Battalion relieved night of 27/28th by 5th SR of 19th Bde who had come down from HIGH WOOD on night of 27th/28th and moved to BECORDEL, the Bde passing into DIVISIONAL RESERVE.

[28 August 1916: Bécordel-Bécourt]

[31 August 1916:about 8 miles - from Ribemont-sur-Ancre to St Gratien (northeast of Amiens)] Battalion moved from RIBEMONT at 8.30am. Arrived St GRATIEN at 11.50am. At QUERRIEU battalion marched past Commander of 4th Army, Lt General Rawlinson who, when he heard what the Battalion’s casualties had been said "what have they been since you came to the SOMME, not since the beginning of the War". [signed] JC Stormonth Darling Lt Col Commdg The Glasgow Highlanders

Letter 28 9HLI at Maiziere -7th Sept 1916

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. I hope you have had a good holiday, and good weather – better than we have been having lately, though recently we have had it wonderfully dry just at the times when we have been marching. We have been on the tramp for about a week now and have seen quite a lot of France, it is really quite enjoyable. Our Headquarters have been in many diverse places: starting from our tents – in pouring rain – we first fetched up at a butcher's shop, not a bad room either; next day we landed in a delightful chateau, very old fashioned with grounds all round it, a fine bed too! Next day a rotten, pokey little "room" behind a house in a village, then a really magnificent chateau, park, avenues, peacocks, a huge stable yard and everything just like an old engraving of the 18th century: next a sort of villa, very clean, new and extraordinarily hideous – very comfortable however. Then we landed in a priest's house, where the good ladies, the priest's sisters, pressed us to drink a dreadful concoction made out of honey, re-assuring us by repeatedly remarking "But eet ees not whiskie, eet ees not whiskie!" Very kind people they were, though I didn’t care much for the curé myself.

We have been living on chickens lately and we have even had a goose (cost 10 francs) and, as I am acting as interim mess-president, I am getting very nervous of settling the accounts before our interpreter when he comes back from leave. He is our mess-president and, as he knows about all these things, food drink and wines, he is an invaluable person. He is a rare good sort, and has large estates in the Pyrenees; talks English perfectly, as he is half English.

We are resting today here today, and where we shall eventually land nobody seems to know! We hear one thing one day and next day something else!

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The weather has been most unfortunate for fighting, but the French seem to have done very well, and we, too, have not been idle; Guillemont & Ginchy were two tough nuts!

I hope Gertrude and the family are going strong. I suppose they will soon be flitting back to Scotland now

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[10 September 1916: about 9 miles due east to front line at Foncquevillers (about 10 miles due north of Albert)]

[11 - 18 September 1916: front line at Foncquevillers]

[19 September 1916: march - about 3 miles due west - from front line at Foncquevillers to billets at Souastre] Marched to SOUASTRE. Billets not good. Baths not working. Men have not had a bath since leaving FRICOURT 3 weeks ago.

Letter 29 - 21st September 1916

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter and thank Gertrude too for hers please, will you?

I am glad you had such a good holiday down South and had good weather. The weather here just now is simply piggish, rain and cold, roads like seas of mud, in fact very like December. It is very unfortunate, as operations have had to be suspended in this wet and that gives the Bosches time to dig in again and put up wire.

We are very quiet here indeed - in fact so far it has been quite extraordinary compared to what we have always been accustomed to. Of course all the time nearly since we came out to France we have been in fairly hot – and some – or rather many – very hot places, so this comes as a nice change, if only the weather would take up.

We seem to have done very well on the Somme this last push and to have made good progress, but the Germans have lots of fight left in them still. They certainly fight extraordinary well and work like bees. These tanks seem to be marvellous things; I saw a very good description of them in the "Times" the other day; there were also some rather funny extracts from a Divisional Paper called the "Somme Times", one of them being from "Nature Notes" – or something like that – describing the new hybrid – the Parrotidgeon – which would fly back and then deliver its message by word of mouth! - a quaint conceit!

Our Staff Captain I have found was at Rugby – in the School House; he is a very good fellow – Bushell by name, tho' a great deal younger than I. He knows the Spens lads quite well, Will, High and Ivan. I hope T P Spens is getting on all right.

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Well, I suppose I must seek my bed now. I sleep in the office, my bed being demurely veiled by a curtain - I have also a little room attached for washing & having my bath. Unfortunately several of the window panes are broken so it is rather cold dressing in the morning! However it is jam compared to the trenches, tho', really, here the headquarters are all very good and, as Col. Darling said to me "one is able to have one's bath every morning".

Love to Gertrude and the family

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

Letter 30 9HLI in Billets at Bouquemaison - 10th Oct 1916

Dear Tom, After a somewhat prolonged journey I rolled up here on Sunday afternoon – a fairly large village, not a bad billet either, but as it is in a little French farm it is a bit smelly. However the bed is comfortable and clean.

The weather here seems to have been very bad of late, but today it has cleared up and is on its best behaviour – blue sky and quite warm and the roads fine and dry again. I hope it remains like this for another month, it will make all the difference to us.

I have been detailed to assist the Staff Captain, while his proper assistant is on leave and I see I am in for a busy time of it until I get the hang of the work, which is proverbially worrying and continuous; however it will be good experience. There is really nothing doing at present on the Bde Major’s side of the business and it is hopeless having nothing to do.

I had quite a good evening with Willie in London and saw "Mr Manhattan" which wasn't very bad, tho' somewhat the same as all other musical comedies. I spent a whole day in Folkestone waiting for the boat to sail, which was pretty sickening, especially as it was blowing very strong all day and altogether it was a gloomy outlook! However the motion of the ocean was not nearly as bad as we all thought it would be and we made a very quick passage.

The band of the Garde Republicaine came over with us and I heard one of them mutter as he came onboard "Dieu, mais ce n’est pas tranquille!" – and down below in the heat it must have been very unpleasant!

Please give my love to Gertrude and my bows to the family, who I hope are flourishing.

Ever Yrs

Frank Donald

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[28 October 1916: Camp/provision of fatigue parties at Carnoy] Fatigue parties 100 men and 2 Officers per Coy reported at Trones Wood. Three men wounded during carrying and 1 killed from "A" Coy.

[29 October 1916: transit - about 3 miles northeast - from Carnoy to Trônes Wood (just south of Longueval)]

[30 October 1916: transit - about 2 miles northeast - from Trônes Wood to front line at Lesboeufs (about 4 miles south of Bapaume)] LEAVE TRONES WOOD 4pm and proceed to TRENCHES W of SUNKEN ROAD T10d near LES BOEUFS. STRONG PATROLS were sent out from FRONT LINE. RELIEF not complete till 2am. GUIDES of BN being relieved were quite unacquainted with routes by night. RAIN most of day, especially at night.

[31 October 1916: front line at Lesboeufs] CO reconnoitred all TRENCHES. WORK continued all day which mainly consisted of scooping and baling TRENCH[es] which were in a very muddy condition. GREAT NUMBER sent to HOSPITAL - SICK. CASUALTIES SLIGHT. RAIN most of day. RECEIVED ORDERS for ATTACK. [signed] J Menzies Lt Col Commanding Glasgow Highlanders

[1 November 1916: attack at Lesboeufs] 100th Bde Order No 153 of 31st received 6am for attack on BORITSKA TRENCH. CO (Lt-Col J C STORMONTH DARLING DSO) visited Coys leaving BN Hd Qrs 5.30am but on reaching No.4 Coy was shot by a sniper. CAPTAIN WHITSON reported BN Hd Qrs as CO 9am. WROTE LETTER to Bde. ATTACK starts at ZERO, 3.30pm. No.1 & No.4 attack but held up by ACCURATE RIFLE and MG FIRE and forced to withdraw. FRENCH obtain objective on RIGHT. CASUALTIES HEAVY. OFFICERS: KILLED (during attack) 2nd Lt EJH MACILDOWIE (No.1). 2nd Lt JM WHYTE (No.3 attacked with 1 Platoon). WOUNDED: 2nd Lt GH WARREN (No.1) 2nd Lt DK SIMPSON (No.1). (DURING DAY) CO KILLED. 2nd Lt JG WIGHT: WOUNDED. Lt AM DUNCAN: WOUNDED. MAJOR J MENZIES reports as CO 2pm.

Letter 31 9 HLI on transit from Front Line at Les Boeufs to Gullemont - 2nd Nov 1916

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. The extracts from O Henry's work certainly were to say the least of them – "original" – weren't they? Very American!

I suppose Hamish Campbell will be rolling up here or hereabouts some day soon, tho', of course, an officer, now, never knows to what regiment he may be sent.

The Highlanders have just sustained an awful loss in the death of Col. Darling, he was shot thro' the head yesterday. I cannot remember ever hardly having felt anything more, as I used to see such a lot of him and he was so deucedly good to me when I was his adjutant for so many months. His loss is really a loss to the nation, as he was looked on as one of our best soldiers. It is simply appalling.

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Two officers, who had lost their way, blew in here the other day and one had been out in the Cameroons. I asked him if he knew Gertrude’s brother and he said "No" but he knew of him very well and that he had seen his grave. He also knew Capt. Anderson – wasn’t he the officer who wrote to Gertrude? – and there was also a Capt Ogilvie, who was with George Newstead & who was a great friend of this fellow.

Awful mud here, but the weather has been a bit better lately, thank Heaven! We are having a hard time of it just now, but must just see it through.

Give Gertrude my love will you. I hope the family prospers.

Yrs

Frank Donald

[2 November 1916: about 3 miles southwest - from front line at Lesboeufs to Guillemont (near Longueval, about 9 miles north-west of Albert)] WOUNDED during day 2nd Lt ED ROLLO. CASUALTIES slight.

[3 November 1916: Guillemont] JERKINS issued out. 2nd Lt HARRIS and party of 9 went off and brought back CO’s body at 10pm. Party under CAPT COATS started off at 2.30am to bring in wounded but stopped by DAWN LIGHT. ATTACK BY QUEENS - FAIL.

[4 November 1916: transit - about 3 miles - back to front line at Lesboeufs] INSPECTIONS BY PLATOONS. ORDERS received to move up to SUNKEN ROAD sub section T10d. ARRIVED 12 midnight. BN H QRS in TENT. CASUALTIES SLIGHT. 2nd Lt BARRIE to HOSPITAL.

[5 November 1916: attack at Lesboeufs] ATTACK on BORITSKA TRENCH starts 11am. QUEENS attack BORITSKA, 16 KRR attack HAZY, WORCESTERS BORITSKA (FLANK MOVEMENT). One Coy, No.2 goes out NOON and helps to consolidate. No.3 in reserve did not move. No.1 & No.4 with REs make STRONG POINTS and garrisoned SAME. ALL OBJECTIVES GAINED. CASUALTIES – SLIGHT. 2nd Lt MACDONALD reports SITUATION TO BRIGADE. BATTALION relieved 7pm by 5th SR. ARRIVE BOVRIL TRENCH 2am. RAIN latter part of day.

[6 November 1916: transit - about 6 miles southwest - from front line at Lesboeufs to Camp at Fricourt] CAMP in dirty condition.

[10 November 1916: transit – about 40 miles due west by train – from Camp at Fricourt to billets at Wanel and Sorel-en-Vimeau (about 8 miles southeast of Abbeville)]

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Letter 32 - 19/11/16

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter. Tootoo's wedding must have been a great splore, all Glasgow there I suppose, Meta, Helena and all the girls. I shall never forget how Meta assaulted you in the vestry after your wedding, but I suppose bridegrooms have got to suffer!

Yes, we had a rotten week up in the line, but it seems a long time off now. The trenches were awful and there was a lot of fighting. I don’t think you know any of the officers in the Highlanders who were killed or wounded – I didn’t know them myself except by sight. One of them was a youth who used to serve in Baikie & Hoggs, used to be a great nut – with a pale long face. Wright by name, enlisted in the Highlanders & eventually got a commission, a very good officer and was killed leading his platoon ahead, I am told, of all the others – very gallantly.

I am now at the Divisional Course for budding staff officers and they work us pretty hard – outdoor work from 9 till lunchtime then to write a report before 3.30. Lecture 3.30 – 4.30, Tea, lecture & "discussion" – 5.0 to 7.0. Dinner and then writing orders or schemes to show up tomorrow at 9.0 am. I am working with Coats and he is jolly good at this job, having done a lot with the Territorials before the war; we work in syndicates of two or three; twelve of us altogether on the course. Our "professor" is the GSO 1 of the Div. – a rare good sort – and very keen.

We have a comfortable billet here, four of us from the 100th Bde, and an old French woman cooks for us, she clatters about incessantly and talks a lot, but she is a jolly good cook. I expect the course will last for another fortnight or three weeks.

Give Gertrude my love, will you? – and Bun also if she is with you. I hope the family is flourishing.

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[4 December 1916: transit – about 32 miles East by train – from Wanel and Sorel-en-Vimeau to Camp at Sailly-le-Sec (about 6 miles southwest of Albert)]

[9 December 1916: from Maurepas to front line at Rancourt (about half way between Bapaume to the north and Péronne to the south)] Relieved 3rd Battalion of 37th Regiment of the French Army in trenches E of RANCOURT facing SAINT-PIERRE-VAAST WOOD. Relief very well organised. No casualties. Trenches very bad. Shallow and very muddy. Very little cover for men. Heavy rain. QUEENS on our left, FRENCH CHASSEURS on our right.

[10 December 1916: front line at Rancourt] All quiet. Intermittent shelling of whole BATT frontage. 4 casualties in support Coy. Heavy rain during the afternoon. Trenches falling in badly. Working parties trying to keep trenches clear. HOUSEHOLD BATTALION relieved QUEENS on left. 16th KRRC relieved FRENCH on right.

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[11 December 1916: front line at Rancourt] ENEMY’S ARTILLERY more active. 6 casualties. A few cases of trench feet. Fatigue party from WORCESTERS laying duck boards in Communication trench. Weather very bad. Draft from 2/6th HLI, 94 OR, 2/7th HLI, 74 OR.

[12 December 1916: front line at Rancourt] Slight fall of snow. Enemy’s Artillery active. Relieved by 2/WORCESTERS. One Company of Worcesters stuck in mud in communication trench and held up relief for TWO HOURS. Weather damp.

[13 December 1916: transit - less than a mile west - from front line at Rancourt to Brigade reserve] Moved after relief to BRIGADE RESERVE in trenches S of LE PRIEZ FARM. Plenty of cover for men but trenches very muddy. GUM BOOTS drawn from BDE DUMP. Weather cold.

[14 December 1916: transit - about 2 miles southwest- from Brigade reserve just west of front at Rancourt to Maurepas] A large number of men evacuated to HOSPITAL with trench feet..

Letter 33 - 17th Dec 1916

Dear Tom, A very merry Xmas & a good new year to you & Gertrude and the family. This may be a bit early, but one never knows when letters will get through about this time, besides the Bde Major has gone to hospital with bronchitis and I am acting B/M and Goodness knows when I shall have time to write letters in the near future!

Very sorry indeed to hear about Arthur Hart, I had heard about it thro' Coats as a matter of fact, good job you were safely out of it.

The Staff Course was not a very ambitious thing, as it was only a Divisional stunt; however, it was all the better for that, as they did not expect one to be a Von Moltke to start with.

We are not actually in the line just now, but will be almost immediately; we came out only a day or two ago and I was horrified to find my kit had been left behind. However it has now been recovered and all is well!

The children will keep you cheery at Xmas, which we will spend "dans les tranchees" – as we did last year, but then I was lucky enough to be on leave!

Best wishes to all, Yrs evr

Frank Donald

PS I asked the Uncle to let you have a quid to buy some presents for the family

[18 December 1916: from Camp at Suzanne to front line at Rancourt]

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No casualties. 2 Coys in FRONT LINE, 1 Coy in support and 1 Coy in reserve. Weather cold. Trenches very muddy. QUEENS on our right.

[19 - 21 December 1916: front line at Rancourt]

[22 December 1916: transit - a short distance - from front line at Rancourt to Brigade reserve] Slight artillery activity during the morning. Weather wet and cold.

[23 – 25 December 1916: Brigade reserve/provision of fatigue parties just back from front line at Rancourt]

[26 December 1916: transit from Brigade reserve just back from front line at Rancourt to Camp 14]

Letter 34 - 30th Dec 1916

Dear Tom, Very many thanks to you and Gertrude for the splendid pair of trench gloves; they will come in most useful and save my leather gloves no end.

Thank Gertrude please, also for her letter which I have just received. I am so sorry poor Gertrude has been having trouble with her nose; I know what it is to have anything wrong there.

Thank Colin, Monica and Barbara for their letter, but I fear there is no chance of leave for a long time yet. Sorry to hear Larchfield was beaten at Anniesland but these things do sometimes happen.

We are back now a long way behind and will bring in the New Year in peaceful surroundings. We are in part of a very fine chateau, with large grounds, but, tho' we are quite comfortable and I have a lovely bed, we would be more so if the civile were out of the place and we had the kitchen to ourselves.

I had a fire in my office in the dugout up at the line on Xmas night and my Burberry was partly burnt as well as my fine goatskin jerkin. My servant has sewn the tail of the Jerkin so as to form a collar for the Burberry & now I am walking about looking like a fifth rate actor out of a job. Best wishes to you all for 1917.

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[War Diary of the 9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion Highland Light Infantry – 1917]

[1 January 1917: billets at Gorenflos (15 miles back to the west from the front line,9 miles east of Abbeville)] HOLIDAY. FOOTBALL MATCH. CONCERT. Weather dull.

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Letter 35 - 5th Jan 1917

Dear Tom, Many happy returns of your birthday, we have had a fine day for it, which is a good change, as the weather lately has been perfectly deplorable.

We are still here in our chateau, enjoying ourselves quite well, tho' it would be better perhaps if we did not have such a musical lot of servants, they sing and whistle continually and the kitchen is next door, and also the old civile, who owns the place, lives alongside, only divided from us by folding doors, and he makes horrible sounds and is read to for hours on end in the evening – the reader being his wife whose voice is the most monotonous drone I have ever heard! However these are but trifles, and we have really nothing to complain about.

The General is on leave at present, and the Brigade is being commanded by the Senior Colonel or rather the Colonel of the Divl. Pioneer Battn., who is a good man; however, I suppose he will be off in a day or so and General Baird will be once more with us.

I am reading "Jorrocks" at present; I found a copy here and consider myself very lucky as I have never really read it at all through before and it is a perfect book for reading a little bit at a time.

Love to Gertrude and my respects to the family. I hope they are flourishing and that Gertrude’s health is better now.

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[6 January 1917: billets/training at Govenflos] Following mentioned in dispatches. Lt Col Menzies J. Major Menzies AH. Major Todd WM. Capt Frame AC DSO. Regt SM Lewis F. - No. 2778. Coy SM Alexander TC. Lt- Col Stormonth Darling DSO (KILLED). Rain.

Letter 36 - 7th Jan 1917

Dear Colin Very many thanks for your letter. I am glad you liked your present and that Barbara did also.

We have been having bad weather here just like you, but Christmas day was fine; the trenches, however, had become very muddy owing to the rain of the day before and all our work couldn’t make them good again. In fact when I went round them on the 26th I just got out and walked in the open as, though it was bad enough there, it wasn’t up to the knee as it was in the trench. The Germans, anyway, didn’t take any notice of me and it was a much more comfortable walk.

Just now we are "resting" – a long way back – and will be here for a few days yet. There was an extraordinary accident almost above our house yesterday, when an

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aeroplane suddenly went to bits in the air. I didn’t see it actually but heard the noise; accidents like that are very rare nowadays; it has caused quite a little excitement – and also a good deal of bother.

Last time we were in the line things were fairly quiet. I saw two escaped Russians, who had come across from the German lines - miserable looking objects too – but, as they were very muddy and had torn their clothes, that was hardly to be wondered at! They got a good feed and lots of cigarettes and seemed quite happy.

Give my love to your mother, and to Monica and Barbara and now I shall have to stop this rather dull letter and see what the dispatch rider has brought to bother us

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[13 January 1917: billets/training at Gorenflos] Following medal ribbons presented by General Pinney CB: Capt McCosh, Military Cross. Capt Lamberton, Military Cross. Lt Marchant, Military Cross. Private Pryde, Military Medal. Weather cold.

[27 January 1917: march - about 8 miles - from Camp 19 near Suzanne to front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen (about 3 miles north of Péronne, and a mile or so south of Rancourt)]

[28 January 1917: front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen] Quiet. 1 Casualty with shell fire. Coys working in trenches. Hard frost.

[29 January 1917: front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen] Quiet. Enemy’s Artillery more active, especially in BACK AREA round Bn HQ . Direct hit on support trench with trench mortar bomb. 7 casualties. Frost.

[30 January 1917: front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen]

[31 January 1917: transit - to just behind front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen] Quiet. Coys working in the trenches. Direct hit on B Coys trench. 2 casualties. Proceeded to Brigade Reserve in DUG-OUTS at EARTHWORKS. Total casualties during tour 15 OR.

[4 February 1917: in reserve/providing fatigues just behind front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen] Our guns bombarded the enemy lines for six hours in Brigade sector. Hard frost continues.

[5 February 1917: transit from reserve position to front line at Bouchavesnes- Bergen] Enemy’s trench mortars active. 3 casualties during relief.

[6 February 1917: front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen]

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Enemy artillery more active. Our artillery cutting enemy wire on PERONNE ROAD. Our "heavies" shelled our own front line giving us three casualties. SOS test by phone. 5 minutes to get guns on. Hard frost.

[7 February 1917: raid from front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen] Enemy artillery and TRENCH MORTARS active. Our artillery cutting gap in wire on PERONNE ROAD. A raid organized by Lt COL MENZIES carried out on enemy trenches on PERONNE ROAD. Raiding party of 2 officers, 2/Lts BROWN and WILSON, 6 Royal Engineers and 59 Other Ranks of Glasgow Highlanders under 2/Lt COULTER. Party entered enemy trench after a four minute Artillery, Trench Mortar and Machine Gun bombardment. One party went to right and one to left. No opposition was met with going over. A number of dug outs bombed and blown in by both parties. Lt WILSON knocked out a machine gun team and captured the gun. 2 PRISONERS and machine gun were brought back. Party remained in enemy line 25 minutes. Germans offered little resistance and would not come out of dug outs. Only 4 casualties were inflicted on raiding party. Lt WILSON was unfortunately killed in our own line after coming back. Party left our lines at 11pm and returned at 11.30pm. Valuable information was gained by identification of prisoners regt. By midnight all was quiet on both sides. Hard frost.

[8 February 1917: from front line at Bouchavesnes-Bergen to Monacu (on the Somme river, west of Péronne) then to Camp 19 near Suzanne (about 5 miles southeast of Albert)] Quiet till afternoon when enemy artillery and trench mortars barraged our front line and round Bn HQ for two hours. Hard frost.

[11 February 1917: training at Camp 19 near Suzanne] CHURCH PARADE IN THE OPEN attended by Maj Gen Pinney CB and Brig Gen Baird CMG DSO. Inspection of raiding party by Major General Pinney. Presentation of following Military Medals for raid. No.4098 Pte Douglas, 4527 Pte Houston, 4927 Pte Bennett, 4199 Pte Paterson, 6033 Pte Maxwell, 1619 Bugler Logan. Battalion afterwards marched past General Pinney. Hard frost.

Letter 37 WFMD now seconded to 33 Division Staff – 14th Feb 1917

Headquarters 33rd Division B.E.F France

Dear Tom, Thanks very much for your letter and thank Gertrude also please for hers. It is a bold girl who has chosen Seymour Aitken for a husband!

We have - and are still having – splendid weather. Very cold, of course, about zero at night sometimes, but very healthy and dry. The thaw can’t be long delayed now, however, and we are all dreading it. The sun now is too much for the frost and the whole place gets very greasy by day, but freezes up again at night.

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As you will see by the address I am now attached to the Division for a bit. I like the work quite well tho' one is supposed to be either up at the trenches or in the office every day from 9 am till midnight. One is certainly tied down pretty well. I am in the RE's mess (the head engineer) and a very cheery mess it is.

We are quite comfortable here and I have a good dugout, which I share with a gunner; if it comes on to rain though, I expect the roof will leak, as it consists of sandbags and corrugated iron.

You must have had a splendid walk with Colin. He has become quite a pedestrian – hasn't he? I fear however that his confirmation and necessity for godfathers to stand by to assist will not be sufficient to procure a "leave". I expect this winter will be remembered as a real good one by all children - but of course the frost came after the holidays as usual!

The Tichbourne case was most interesting and I read it with much avidity on the journey out.

Colin (CDD IV) seems to have been snapping at Kut. I wonder what sort of fighting it is there, very different to this, I expect. We are always giving the Boche toko and he is not backward in retaliating, but I think he is very nervous. I know I shouldn’t like to be a Boche in this part of the front!

Give Gertrude my love and respects to all the family

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[16 February 1917: from Camp 19 near Suzanne to Brigade support line at Cléry-sur-Somme (just south of Bouchavesnes-Bergen, about 2 miles north- west of Péronne)]

[20 February 1917: from support line to front line at Cléry-sur-Somme]

[24 February 1917: transit from front line to support line at Cléry-sur-Somme]

[1 March 1917: front line at Cléry-sur-Somme]

[4 March 1917: transit - about 2 miles - from front line at Cléry-sur-Somme to Bde reserve at Frise (on the river Somme, about 5 miles west of Péronne)]

[5 March 1917: Frise to Camp 19 near Suzanne]

Letter 38 - 12th March 1917

Dear Tom, Here we are once more "back ahint" after a long time up forward, all through the frost and the thaw and then again the relapse into mid-winter about five days ago with snow and frost and all that, which was the worst to bear of all I think.

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I have been "downed" temporarily with a small ulcer on my heel – very annoying as this is the first time I have gone sick since I came out to France – not that I can’t do my work as well – or as badly – as before, but I have to keep the damned thing up, so I have to remain in my bedroom and on my bed. It is particularly annoying as I have been told I have to act GSO 2 just now as the real GSO 2 is at a course; this makes my hair stand up on end!!! I have also got to help our GSO 1 in preparing his papers for his "Staff Class" – the same sort of class that I attended last November. So I must get back to the office somehow, voila! I am just waiting for the doctor now and getting very impatient.

I hope all goes well at Grendon Lodge. Here we are much puzzled to see what exactly the old Boche is about with this retreat of his. It is all a little bit hard at present to foresee where he is going to stop and what he is up to – something cunning you may be sure.

Nell seems to be having a most giddy time in London, theatres galore and no family cares! She's lucky to be with Willie so unexpectedly – isn’t she?

We seem to be doing well in Mesopotamia just now – don’t we – Colin I expect is in with the cavalry and won’t have much time for writing letters – it must be exciting out there; I doubt our cavalry here will not have any such experience, as, as far as one can judge, from here to Germany is row after row of barbed wire and trenches!!

Give my love to Gertrude please and salaams to the family –

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

[12 to 24 March 1917: billets/training at Corbie]

Letter 39 – 28th March 1917

Headquarters 33 Division B.E.F France

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter; Nell certainly seems to be flouting the rest of the nation by blossoming forth in a magnificent fur coat, but I suppose as long as it can’t be something to eat it doesn’t matter so much. The Uncle writes that that it is impossible now to get macaroni at home and I hear sugar is more difficult to procure than ever.

My heel is just almost heeled – just in the last stages – and I must say I am heartily sick of it. I haven’t had a bit of exercise for more than a fortnight now, however, as we have been back here I have served my turn in the office, as it really not absolutely necessary to get about in order to do the work though, of course, if one could one would.

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The German retiral has ceased to interest us very much as it seems clear where he is going and what he is up to just where he is going back, though what he will do with the Divisions he sets free is another question - have a good smack at someone certainly! I should put my money on it being Russia as that is Hindenburg’s speciality. Our plans are hardly "high" enough in a Division to, normally, be upset by such a big retiral. I see I have perpetrated a split infinitive, tho' I have never yet found out why one shouldn’t split them if one wanted to!

The weather here is still vilely cold with hardish frost every night and often snow – no signs of spring yet at all; it is very late this year certainly , as we really have not had more than 1 mild day this year.

Our mess is in a typical "nouveau riche" chateau – all roof and spires and turrets – hideous of course – but heated with hot pipes which keep us from freezing. There is a fish-pond in the garden with several fine carp and chub; the General is very fond of feeding them with bread; I believe they would make quite good eating, but of course they are pets of the old lady in the house.

I hear you are having all kinds of scares at home, tho, perhaps, they don’t reach as far as Glasgow. One of the ADCs came back from leave the other day with all kinds of tales of threatened invasion, which he had picked up at home.

Love to Gertrude and respects to all the family, I hope they are all flourishing

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

PS The handwarmer for Bun seems a very good idea indeed.

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THE BATTLES OF ARRAS AND BULLECOURT Note – On 9th April the BEF launched a massive attack on Vimy Ridge North East of Arras at the North end of the newly occupied Hindenburg Line. The assault was highly successful, capturing the crest of the ridge, but a rigid plan delayed follow up allowing the Germans to counter attack. An attack by an Australian division at Bullecourt near Croisille found uncut wire which the accompanying tanks could not break. When battle was resumed after reinforcement on 23 April the Germans were reorganised and ready to counterattack in every sector. A battle of attrition for the Hindenburg line began which lasted for a month, involving 33 Division, the 100 Brigade and the Glasgows in the Battle of Bullecourt. Total casualties amounted to 150,000. (John Keegan “The First World War”).

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[14 April 1917: transit - about 3 miles from bivouacs at Boisleux-au-Mont to front line at Croisilles (about 8 miles southeast of Arras)]

[19 April 1917: transit - about a mile - from front line at Croisilles to divisional reserve near Hénin-sur-Cojeul (just west from Croisilles)]

[20 April 1917: transit - about a mile - from near Hénin-sur-Cojeul to Boyelles (a mile or so west of Croisilles)]

[21 April 1917: from Boyelles to front line at Croisilles (about 8 miles southeast of Arras)]

[22 April 1917: front line at Croisilles] Fairly quiet, our artillery bombarding HINDENBURG LINE. Enemy artillery searching for our guns. Fine weather.

[23 April 1917: front line at Croisilles] Queens and 98th Brigade on left attacked HINDENBURG LINE at 4.45am. All objectives gained but everyone driven back with heavy casualties. 900 prisoners taken. 98th and 19th Bdes again attacked up the HINDENBURG LINE at 6pm but attack failed. Message received that Germans had broken through on our left. No.3 Coy take up a position behind to defend high ground protecting the artillery. Remainder of Bn "stand to". All posts relieved and no news of anyone passing through on our left. All quiet. Weather fine.

[24 April 1917: front line at Croisilles]

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At 2.30 pm enemy bombarded ground in rear of support position with 5.9 ins. Signallers dug out knocked in. At 3am Enemy bombarded support position with lacrimatory gas shells. All quiet after 3.30am. New post (by night) occupied between our left and 98th Bde. All quiet.

[25 April 1917: transit overnight (25th/26th) - about 11 miles west - from front line at Croisilles to Bienvillers-au-Bois (about 11 miles southwest of Arras)] All quiet. Daylight patrol goes out to see if Hindenburg Line occupied. Opened on by machine guns. Man wounded. Queens sergeant brought in badly wounded.

Letter 40 - 26/4/17

Dear Tom, Very many thanks indeed for the parcel*, it was most welcome I can assure you, as we have been many days in the wilderness now and are likely to remain in it for the rest of the summer.

I don't know whether I told you that I have got the GSO 3 job and am now a Captain "all covered with lace" or rather red bands and tabs - I haven’t got them yet as a matter of fact, but hope to have them soon.

The photo of Colin on the rock was most excellent and very realistic, he is really getting a great pedestrian.

We are just "out" after a very hard time, but the men have got their tails well up and a greater contempt for the Boche than ever, tho' everyone knows he takes a lot of beating.

I fear there is not much chance of "leave" for many moons. In fact I shall be surprised if there is any going all through the summer; I don’t suppose it will open till the winter campaign is once more started.

Glad to hear the ladies are going so strong, they certainly are most "refreshing" as they say. Give Gertrude my love, please, I hope she is flourishing –

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

PS I don’t believe I ever answered Gertrude’s letter – please give her my apologies, but we have been "hopping" busy for week past!

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*

Letter 41 - 6th May 1917

Dear Tom, Many thanks for your letter of congratulation on my getting the GSO 3 job, and also for sending me the Dill which I look forward to receiving soon; it was very good of you to think of sending it.

As a matter of fact, although I am a Captain and on the Staff I am not a "Staff Captain" – he being an individual on a Brigade Staff who looks after the "Q" side of the work i.e. billets, rations, ammunition etc. A GSO 3 is really an "intelligence" officer on the Div. Staff, and looks after maps, information etc, and generally does whatever comes his way!

We are still having a fine slack time and the weather continues very fine though today is cold again after five or six sweltering days, wind has gone round to the North, splendid day for exercise. I walked for three hours this afternoon among the old Boche trenches. It is not safe to go into their dugouts or go picking up things as they have left all sorts of booby traps and the chances are one will get one's leg blown off by some concealed bomb or other infernal machine.

One very clever infernal machine they have, which is worked by acid eating through a wire – no ticking and nothing to show it is there – in a dugout or under a cross roads - until one fine day up the whole concern goes and you with it if you happen to be on the spot. No one of course complains of this, as it is all quite legitimate – except, perhaps, the unfortunate people who are blown up!

We are going to have Divisional races tomorrow – six events including the famous Prix D’Alphonso for mules ridden bareback – catchweights – 4 furlongs – 50 francs as first prize! I have no doubt they will be a great success!

Please give Gertrude my love and my salaams to the family, who, I hope, are going very strong

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

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[7 May 1917: Camp near Boisleux-St-Marc] Musketry from 6am to 12.30pm. Divisional Race meeting afternoon at 3pm. Battalion marched over by Coys with pipes and drums: a most enjoyable afternoon. 100th Bde won the silver bugle awarded for most points.

[11 May 1917: from Camp near Boisleux-St-Marc to front line north of Croisilles]

[12 May 1917: front line north of Croisilles] Very quiet as regards enemy activity. Our artillery are active shelling HINDENBURG LINE on our front. During the afternoon the enemy located one of our guns on the saddle about 200 yards north of Bn HQ, one shell killing two Artillery Sergts and 1 Gunner. During the night 12/13th we hand over a portion of our line to 2 A&S Highls. We have no casualties this day and the relief is carried out by about 12.30am. The day was very warm.

[13 May 1917: front line north of Croisilles] We now hold a series of posts, held by one Company only. There are three Coys less three platoons in support. A very quiet day. Support line shelled at intervals, front line quiet. During the night 13/14th the line is again readjusted and we take over two posts from 2nd Worcesters. No casualties. Enemy does not appear to have located our posts yet. Wiring goes on at night.

[14 May 1917: front line at Croisilles]

[15 May 1917: transit - not far - from front line at Croisilles to bivouacs close by] Note – on 15th of May the Germans attacked trenches held by the Honourable Artillery Company during the final stages of the Battle of Bullecourt. The bodies of four British dead have recently (23 April 2013) been interred in the nearby cemetery of Ecoust-Saint-Mein.

[17 May 1917: transit - about 3 miles west - from bivouacs near front line at Croisilles to bivouacs at Moyenneville]

[19 May 1917: transit - about 5 miles northeast - from Moyenneville to front line just north of Croisilles] 6am: Brigade order No.234 received intimating operations of 100th Bde on HINDENBURG LINE on 20th May. 6.30pm: Battalion moves from bivouacs to Rendezvous close [to] MAISON ROUGE farm where tea is taken prior to moving to place of assembly. 9.15pm: The Battalion left Rendezvous for place of assembly. As the battalion passed through CROISSILLES and along the bank of the SENSEE River it was heavily shelled. Fortunately it succeeded in reaching the position of assembly with [only] about 8 casualties.The assembly trenches previously dug were occupied by the two leading Coys, the two rear Coys digging themselves in. This was completed by 2.30am.

[20 May 1917: attack at Croisilles]

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2.30am: Four Lewis Guns pushed forward under cover of darkness, to cover advance of attacking Coy. 4.30am: Battalion moves forward to line of deployment; movement carried out rapidly. 5.30am: General advance commenced in a very dense mist accompanied by smoke. Line well kept and touch maintained with Right and Left flanks. At first a little difficulty was experienced in locating the HINDENBURG front line but the appearance of a machine gun concrete emplacement soon removed all doubt on this point. The front line wire was found to be well cut and not much opposition was met with. A few prisoners were taken - 11 unwounded, 1 wounded, and sent to Battalion Headquarters. The enemy appear to have held this line by a number of posts at irregular distances. On the left a hostile bombing party endeavoured to push our men back but this was driven back by counter bombing. The third and fourth waves entered the trench according to orders and passed over it in lines of section columns, deploying after passing the front line. The mist was very dense. A small proportion of the 3rd and 4th waves appear to have reached their objectives but were compelled to return about 6.15am to the HINDENBURG FIRST LINE. 6.30am: It was now clear that the three attacking battalions were in the HINDENBURG FIRST LINE and consolidation was commenced at once. Our casualties in officers and men in the fighting between the 1st and 2nd lines were heavy. Captain WM Coulter MC, 2/Lt DO Muir, Captain AC Murray were all killed at this stage. 2/Lt S Coulter was severely wounded. 2/Lts Morrison, McGregor, Glendinning, Monro and Provan were also wounded. 2/Lt Morrison assumed command of D Coy and reinforced front line from 1st line by one officer and 20 men. He appears to have been himself hit about this stage and afterwards died from his wound. 2/Lt McGregor also died before he could be taken out of the battle. 2/Lt Maitland who appeared to be in support line sends back a message to say that a party of WORCESTERS have retired to first line but he is still holding on to his position. The orderly who brought the message had no idea of his position and could not find it again. 2/Lt Maitland is missing and it is feared his garrison also. 2/Lt AJ Walker sends a message to Bn HQs at 6.50am intimating the death of Muir and his taking command of the Coy. A Coy are reported to be in advance of the support line but he was not able to get touch. 2/Lt Andrew of A Coy is missing. 2/Lt Walker with 40 other ranks are determined to hold on at all costs. 2/Lt Maitland sends a message to say that he has passed the 1st line and appears to be left in the air about 50 yards from the second - he passed two rows of wire between 1st and 2nd line. No trace of a trench. He reports that Worcesters did not pass front line trench. He proceeds to consolidate and collects a few stray Worcesters. Later message from 2/Lt Walker states that a reinforcing party sent up to support line were driven back by bombing parties from the German line. Consolidation of the line becomes general and orders received from Brigadier General to hold on to the ground gained at all costs. Touch is gained with the Worcesters on the right and KRRC on the left and was maintained throughout the operations. 2/Lieut Greenshields took command of the position and held his ground with commendable credit throughout.

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3pm: A hostile bombing party attacked along the communication trench towards the bombing block. This was immediately dealt with and in forty minutes, after a stiff encounter the advantage lay with us, a good many casualties were sustained by the enemy. Shortly after this one of the enemy was seen to approach with a white flag attached to his bayonet. On being shouted at he refused to move, but a bomb being thrown at him caused him to scream and make towards our men, surrendering himself and he was followed by fifteen others. Our bombing attack had done its work and this was part of the fruit. These prisoners were sent to battalion headquarters. A good deal of sniping was going on and carrying parties of the 1st Queens had 2 officers wounded and at least 20 other ranks. The stretcher bearers of the 101st FA and our own were constantly exposed to heavy shell fire in the SENSEE valley and battalion headquarters is shelled heavily throughout the day. At intervals the front line is shelled during the afternoon. 4pm: The Cameronians cross the SENSEE valley in artillery formation. The Adjt of the Cameronians and a few others were wounded by shellfire at this time. They share our very small headquarters and we are very closely packed. 5.30pm: Orders are issued for a fresh attack to be made to capture the support line of the HINDENBURG system. The 19th infantry brigade are entrusted with this task. 7.30pm: The attack of the 19th inf Bde commences. Our front line supports the advance until the Cameronians pass through them. Conflicting reports arrive during the night but eventually it is clear that the attack has lost direction and nothing has been gained. During the night a certain amount of sniping goes on from the enemy lines, a good number of flares put up by them. We sent out patrols to try to capture enemy patrols but could not get in touch. We are satisfied that the enemy’s support line, our final objective is held by him in strength. About 50 prisoners were taken during the Cameronians attack. Quiet during the night.

From London Gazette 16th August 1917

Capt. W. F. M Donald 9th Battalion H.L.I - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty When Divisional Observing Officer he showed the greatest initiative and disregard for personal safety in crawling out to an exposed position under heavy fire of every description to obtain information from the company holding the position. Though wounded while doing so he successfully returned with the required information.

Note – we don’t know which battalion and company Uncle Frank was contacting, but if it was not part of the "Glasgows" it would still have been in 100 Brigade.

Letter 42 - 23rd May 1917

No 1 Red Cross, Duchess Of Westminster Hospital

Dear Tom, I managed to get a bullet in the hand on the 20th and am now down here in most luxurious surroundings! I shall be sent across to England in a few days as soon as the doctor has got the hand put more or less in trim. No bones broken except that the top of the little finger has vanished into empty air!

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The side of the hand below the little finger is rather like a butcher’s shop at present but will heal somehow or other in time.

Love to Gertrude, I hope she and the family are flourishing

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

By 1st June Uncle Frank was back in Blighty, in the Eccleston Hospital for Officers in London. He was fulminating about "these filthy Russians! They, I fear, will be no good this year" and expressing a poor opinion of democracy "the slushiest, weakest, most rubbishy form of government". His hand was going on well, but he had been having rotten time with his anti-tetanus jab - his arm had swelled so that he thought it would burst. On 21st of June he informed my grandparents of his engagement to Mary Elizabeth Lamberton of Blairtummock. There were two Lambertons in the Battalion – Captain Jack (DSO, MC) and Lieutenant Andrew, MC.

By 27 July he was in the Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow, thanking my grandfather for a "really exceedingly handsome present", and for a "will-form", to be handed in the following week. He and May were married in Glasgow Cathedral on 6th August, with nieces Monica and Barbara as trainbearers. The reception was at Blairtummock.

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Uncle Frank and Aunt May spent their honeymoon at the Loch Awe Hotel, where he received the news of the award of his MC. At the beginning of September he was appointed to the staff of a new Young Officer’s Training Camp under canvas in the King’s Park, Edinburgh. Sadly there would be no facilities for Aunt May and she returned to Blairtummock. He was designated President of a mess of 400 officers - an awful job, particularly when one of the marquees blew down on 8th September [CDD IV had a similar experience in Mesopotamia].

Relief was at hand. By 23 October he had landed a post in the Forth Garrison at 30 Rutland Square, Edinburgh. He and Aunt May took rooms at 39 Dick Place, just over the hill from where I am typing this. Unfortunately the arrangement was not satisfactory and at least two flittings followed. In April Uncle Frank was appointed to the Staff School at Caius (and Gonville) and took rooms in Cambridge for Aunt May and her cousin Cordelia. However he continued to eat and sleep in college as "rations are very difficult and I am constantly working up till all hours".

Uncle Frank returned to France at the end of May, initially to HQ 16th Infantry Brigade.

Letter 43 - 7th Aug 1918

Headquarters 16th Infantry Brigade BEF France

Dear Tom, I have landed up here as a "regt officer on staff probation" and will be with these Headquarters for about a month I expect. We are very comfortable here and this is a very quiet part of the line – I knew it well in the old days – 1915 – and it was then much hotter than now!

My general is General Kentish, who used to run the Commanding Officer's School at Aldershot and is a great character and well known "throughout the Army".

May has been up at Newtonmore for the last week for a change and, when she comes back, she is to get a job as a driver of a Red Cross Car – a jolly good thing, as the hours are not too long and it will give her something to do and pass the time.

I hope Gertrude and the ladies are going strong – give Gertrude my love will you? – I suppose Colin is now having his holidays – give him my salutes!

I will have to get on with some work now so I will stop

Ever yrs

Frank Donald

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Letter 44 - 24th Aug 1918

Dear Tom, I was dreadfully sorry to see Archie’s boy had been killed. Will you give them my very deepest sympathy when you next see Dumpy or Add – poor souls I am sorry for them, but it is rather too late in the day now I expect to write direct, besides it would be now so awfully difficult to write such a letter – wouldn’t it?

We had a very successful show this morning and everything went well though I expect the old Boche will have a go at us before many hours are past – he doesn’t usually take things lying down!

Personally I had a soft job and it didn’t take very long; I also managed to get in two breakfasts, first one at 5 am, second one at 9 am!

I hope Gertrude, Colin and the ladies are very well and flourishing, give them all my remembrance and salaams -

Yrs evr

Frank Donald

About 7th September Uncle Frank joined 5th Battalion Highland Light Infantry as a Company Commander. This seems a bit of a waste after all that staff training but as the record of 5 HLI shows, Officers of his calibre were at a premium, and presumably they badly needed to fill the post. The battalion was involved in an attack to capture the village of Moeuvres.

Moeuvres had remained in German hands during the Battle of Cambrai, 1917, in spite of three days of desperate attacks by the 36th (Ulster) Division. It had been partially cleared by the 57th (West Lancashire Division) on 11th September 1918, and finally cleared by the 52nd (Lowland) Division on the 19th.

"During this tour we lost four valuable officers. Captain W. F. Donald, M.C., who had been with us rather less than a fortnight, was killed while leading his company to retake Hunter's post. In the late days of the war we had felt fortunate in having an experienced officer of his calibre posted and had welcomed him as a company commander, an officer very difficult to replace."

In fact Corporal Hunter's post wasn't actually lost – he held out for over 96 hours - so got the VC:

"At dark on the night of 18th "A" Company relieved "D" who now retired for a space. Just before dawn on the 19th one man of "C" Company came in through "B" Company's right post. He was one of Corpl. Hunter's devoted band, and along with another had been sent to see about rations, and give information about the post. Unfortunately his pal was killed by an enemy grenade, and he was the first person to let us know that the post was still gamely holding out. It was too late, however, to do anything that night.

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In the early afternoon of the 19th we were informed that we were to be relieved by the Canadians that night, and about 4pm. we were told that the Brigade on out right was going to re-establish all the lost ground under a barrage at 5 p.m. The barrage was to extend along the whole front, and our "A" Company was to push forward the post in the communication trench and to re-occupy Hunter's post, on the assumption that it was lost, but we hoped otherwise. The 7th H.L.I., acting on our right flank, were to re-establish the posts round the cemetery, and form a link between us and the battalion on our right.

Lieut. W. H. Milne, with one half of "A" Company, endeavoured to push forward in the communication trench, but failed to get beyond the road. Meanwhile Captain Donald, with the other half of the company, jumping off from the centre of the communication trench, followed hard on the barrage. But Captain Donald was killed, and his party had heavy casualties and rather lost direction. Between 7 and 8 o'clock "D" Company was sent up to support "A". The situation was extremely obscure. We knew what had happened in the trench, but no reports had been received yet from either Captain Donald's party or the 7th H.L.I., who had jumped off from the same place.

Some of the men who had gone over, came in about 8 o'clock, and from various reports we were able to piece together the fact that 7th H.L.I. had got their objectives. A little later two men of "C" Company came in to Advanced Company Headquarters, and told us that they belonged to Hunter's post, and that he was still holding the post with two men, and had sent them in to try to find out what was happening. A platoon was at once told off to relieve them, and a few minutes later we were able to welcome them back.

These men had gamely stuck to their post for 96 hours. They had no food or water other than what they had taken with them, namely, what is technically known as "the unexpired portion of the day's ration," and an iron ration each and a water bottle full of water. They had been continually surrounded by enemies and had beaten off every attack. They had yielded not a foot of ground, in spite of the fact that our own barrage had twice passed over them. They had no information, and no orders beyond those given when they were mounted, and yet they remained at their post until they were covered by our own troops in front of them. For this deed Corpl. Hunter got the VC and was promoted Sergeant: the other six men of his post each got the DCM.

Between ten and eleven a full strength battalion of the Canadians relieved us, and they found that their first job was to dig shelters for their men, as the three or four dug-outs which had served to protect our small battalion were quite insufficient for them. By midnight we were on our way home to Queant. Our four days at Moeuvres were among the most trying we spent in the war, and we have the presumption to think we did well."

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Aunt May remarried, becoming Mrs Campbell. She was living in Kelvin Court on Great Western Road in the 1950s, in the other block to my grandfather. At the time no one explained what our relationship was. Uncle Frank’s medals, death notice and this portrait eventually passed to me from the Lamberton family.

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Uncle Frank was buried in the Moeuvres Communal Cemetery Extension, where there are 565 Commonwealth burials, of which 302 are identified. There are also 93 war graves of other nationalities, most of them German.

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