War Diaries - At last!

The war diary has been entered up to the end of March. Click here.

Virtually every other day men leave for their demob. Not Harry, I'm afraid.

By the end of February a number are shipped to Fiume and the Battalion is reduced to a "Cadre" of 2o men. By the end of March, even the cadre has been shipped to England. Not Harry, still in Tavernelle, cooking.

Harry is very restrained in his letters. He must be very frustrated. BL

Willie's Birthday

Sunday 23rd March was Willies third birthday. Harry left for the war when Willie was 9 months old. Since then, he has only seen his baby son during his four day leave at the end of basic training and during a leave home from Italy last September.

Coincidently, my father, Bill senior, celebrated his 93rd birthday on Monday 23rd March in a nursing home near Sudbury, Derbyshire.

Progress on the Book

The publication date of the book approaches and I'm now getting the final few tasks to complete before the whole package goes off to the printers. There's still time for a final revison, but not much can be changed at this late stage.

It was quite a challenge to convert the material from the blog into book form. Of course, it had to be a different product but it has been really important to retain the simplicity and freshness of the original.

Today I received the proofs of the artwork - the layout of the book with the illustrations. I am totally overwhelmed. If you enjoyed the blog, I'm sure that you'll treasure the book.

I had all sorts of ideas of the way the book would look and "feel". This has exceeded all expectations. (I know it's my book and that may well not be a strictly objective view!)

Two letters, 12th March 1919

March 12
23. D.H.Q
9th Batt Y+L
C.Mess
I.E.F
Italy

Dear Kate
Just a line to let you know that I am alright and still cooking but I expect the Division will break up in a week or two. Your book came in very useful. I should not like to be without it. There was four messes on D.H.Q and ours is the only one left. I thought I should have to leave and let one of the other cooks come, but I still keep my place. I should like to be officers servant when we break up, but I expect I shall be with army of occupation till I get demobed. I dont mean soldiering if I can get a job any how while I am in the army. I hope I am out of it before 1920 any way. Write as often as you can and let me know how you are getting on I will write and let you know how I am getting on and where I get too.

With Love
Harry

23. D.H.Q
C.Mess
I.E.F
Italy
March 12

Dear Jack
Just a line to let you know that I am alright and still working. Our mess is the only one left we keep getting fresh officers but I still keep my place as cook. I expect the division will break up in a week or two. I dont know were I shall get to. I shall try hard for officers servant when we break up but I expect I shall be with the army occupation for a while. but I dont mind so much as long that I am employed I have had my share of guards etc. I have received your tobacco alright and was very pleased with it. I am lucky to be here till now as all the cooks from the other three messes have finished I thought they would take me place, but I keep as clean as possible I think that as a lot to do with it not the cooking but its a big job as you always messing with the fire. We have had the General for dinner but I got on alright. mind you I dont cook any poultry or game. Write Every week and let me know how you are both getting on

With Best Love to you Both
Harry