by Bill Lamin
15th to 16th [March] battalion moved by march route to CASTELFRANCO on 15th inst & proceeded to BOLZANO the following day. The second day’s march was long & tedious but no man fell out on either day.
We can see from Harry’s letter below that they marched 25 miles (40km) in two days. One of the ‘interior economy’ (see Glossary) sessions must have determined that Harry was due for a new pair of boots, hardly ideal for a long march, as military boots take a good deal of breaking in. During the halt at Castelfranco at the end of the first day’s march the men must have had some time to visit local shops, as Harry was able to buy a postcard, which he sent to Jack with a letter after the next day’s march had ended. Castelfranco is a small town even today, and it must therefore have been quite an event to have several hundred British soldiers arrive for the night. (Then again, perhaps it was a standard stopping-off point for troops on the move, in which case the locals would have sorted out how to maximize profits from the ‘visitors’.) Harry’s letter two days later is long and, given the likelihood of it being censored, relatively informative.
March 17th/1918
32507/9 Batt York and Lanc Regt., C. Company,
12 Platoon L.G.S., I.E.F
Dear Jack
I was pleased to receive your letter and tin of salmon. It is now Sunday night and it as been very hot we have had church parade this afternoon as we where all busy this morning cleaning up. We have just finished two days march, just over forty kilos so we had a good march and I had a pair of new boots so I went through it but I stuck it. I think we shall stay here a bit now, but we might get to a different part of the line. We had a grand place for scenery when last we were in the line, well the support line we were on Mountbello [Montebello?] Hills I think that is what they call them. The mountains on one side and we could see right over the venetian plains for miles all fine country it was these plains what the Germans wanted when they made their advance. the Italians releived us when we were in the line they do seem a windy lot as soon as they got in the Austrians started to shell a bit, they all get in dug outs and they would not move. I don’t know how they would go on up Ypres. The country is alright but I don’t think much to the people a lot of the Italian soldier can speak English as they come from New York or some part of the States. If you see a small book any time which would help me with the Italian Language I should be very pleased if you would send it. I am glad you are both keeping well and I hope they are going on alright at home. I think it will be hot here in summer as some parts of the day now it is awful. We are having a quite time here, well it is a picnic against France. We cant grumble at the rations we are getting out here but of course it is the same thing over and over again. they are sending them on leave from Italy but I dont expect I shall get one for another three or four months yet time for the war to finish by then. I get your papers regular now and I noticed the piece you marked out in the guardian [newspaper]. I am sending you a view, I have been to this place a time or two. Write back as soon as possible and let me know how you are getting on.
With best Love to you both
Harry
Below is the ‘view’ that Harry sent to Jack. It would appear that a battalion censor has done some work on the name of the place, scoring through the printed words, although it is possible that Harry did it in a half-hearted way in case the censor looked at it.
Harry is not too impressed with the Italian soldiers. Of course, he is by now a battle-hardened veteran, whereas many of the Italian troops were untried, having been hastily drafted in after the catastrophic losses – especially in prisoners – of the Caporetto battle. He will be used to the idea of shelling and, while having respect for the shells, would have arrived at a state of mind that accepted that situation. Italy, he writes, is a picnic against France, but he has no realistic hope of being granted leave any time soon.
Sadly, I have no idea whether he did manage to learn any Italian; nor do I know what was in the article from, I assume, the Manchester Guardian (now The Guardian) that Jack had sent him.
Quite a good indicator of the relative quietness of this sector of the Italian front is the fact that Harry is able to write more, and fuller, letters, and even the war diary seems almost verbose compared with its entries during the battalion’s service at Ypres.
Harry’s postcard from Castelfranco, showing the rather feeble attempt at censorship.
17th–24th [March] Bn in Billets in BOLZANO – the whole Bn was bathed on 17th inst. A Junior N.C.Os class was formed at Bn Hdqrs. instruction being given in Musketry, Lewis Gun, Map Reading and Drill. The class was successful chiefly in increasing the specialised knowledge of the young N.C.Os. The Bn concentrated on Company Drill, Physical Training, Bayonet Fighting and Musketry; each day’s programme terminated with 15 minutes ceremonial drill. Specialists were trained by their own officers — the Scouts were instructed in Semaphore Signalling daily. Subaltern officers [junior officers below the rank of captain] were similarly instructed by the Signalling officer. A successful Sports meeting was held on the 23rd inst. On 24th inst. [a Sunday] the Bn attended a Brigade Church Parade.
March 21st/1918
32507/9 Batt York and Lanc Regt., C. Company,
12 Platoon L.G.S., I.E.F
Dear Kate
Just a line to let you know that I am going on alright and I am pleased that you are keeping well. I have had a letter from Jack and one from Ethel, they are all going on alright except for the food problem which bothers them a bit. the weather here is grand very hot during the day but very cold at night. Jack is sending Willie a present for is birthday which is saturday. I have sent him and Connie a card or two I hope they like them. I am pleased that you write often as I am always glad of a letter from you. I think I shall get a leave sometime this summer if I have good luck. I will write again soon.
With Love from
Harry
A card that Harry sent to Connie from Italy
Four days after Harry’s latest letter to Kate, the 9th York and Lancasters are on the move again:
25th to 26th Battalion moved by march route to SARCEDO – the following day was devoted to interior economy.
27th Bn. moved by motor lorries to Italian hutments at GRANEZZA.
The use of lorries for the later stage of the journey must have been very welcome. The men had marched across the plain from Montebelluna, but were fortunate to get this motor transport for the significant climb into the mountains.
28th–30th [March] Bn relieved the 28th[?] Italian Regiment in the line, becoming Right Battalion. ‘A’, ‘C’ & ‘B’ Companies were in the front line and ‘D’ Company in Reserve. The whole of the town was very quiet – little work was done apart from cleaning up and improving sanitary conditions which were very bad. Two patrols were sent out nightly, sometimes three; on two occasions they came in contact with the enemy; much useful information was obtained both by patrols and observation. Major D Lewis D.S.O. M.C. left the Bn on 29th inst to proceed to England to attend a Senior Officers Course at Aldershot.
[Easter Day] 31st Bn was relieved by 11th WYorks, moving to huts at LANGABISA, and becoming Reserve Bn.
SICKNESS;– During March the average daily attendance at Sick Parade was 25, the prevailing disease being I.C.T. [inflamed connective tissue – probably trench foot].
The end of March and the start of April sees the battalion in training again:
1st–4th [April] Bn in reserve in hutments at LANGABISA. During this period training in HILL FIGHTING was carried out in its various phases.
Two days later, Harry wrote to both Kate and Jack:
April 2/4/1918
32507/ 9 York & Lancs., C Company,
12 Platoon L.G.S., I.E.F.
Dear Kate
I have just got your letter dated 24/ I also got the money alright. Postal orders are alright. I have also had a letter from Jack and one from Ethel. Ethel told me that Jack had sent Willie a shilling [£0.05] for his birthday, it will soon be Connie’s now. The weather here is
very cold we have had frost and snow and it has been raining now two days, but still we are alright, it is very quiet not like beening in France. I am always glad to get a letter from you I have not been able to write any letters lately, but if you don’t get one you will know the reason so you can write a line every week. I am pleased they are all keeping in good health at home and that dad does not get any worse. I will try and write you a long letter next time I write. Could you send me a stick of shaving shop and a piece of washing soap next time you write.
With Best Love
Harry
April 2/4/1918
32507/ 9 York & Lancs., C Company,
12 Platoon L.G.S., I.E.F.
Dear Jack
Just a line to let you know I am going on alright. I was pleased to get your letter and to hear that you both are keeping well. We have had some frost and snow out here, but it as been raining for two days. I have had a letter from home and they told me you had sent Willie a birthday present. Things are very quiet out here a bit different to being out in France. things seems to be a bit rough out there now, but I hope things will change. I will write again in a few days and let you know a bit more news.
With Best Love to you both
Harry
P.S. Could you send a few envelopes and writing paper
The front on the Asiago Plateau was not inactive, however, as war diary entries for the following weeks show:
8th to 11th [April] Battalion in the Line. Our patrols were very active nightly and on the night of 9–10 a fighting patrol consisting of 2 Officers and 20 O.R. succeeded in capturing 2 prisoners – just outside the enemy’s wire at MORAR. The patrol returned safely with the two prisoners without loss. 2/Lt F Flory was slightly wounded in the foot.
14th Battn at MARE. 2/Lts F FLORY and W MEAD were awarded the MILITARY CROSS for conspicuous gallantry on the night of the 9th, 10th of April.
On the same date 17558 Pte J Shillington received the DCM [Distinguished Conduct Medal]
10983 a/s [Acting Sergeant] V.G. Stokes received Bar to MM [i.e. a second MM]
15819 Pte R. Morgan received the MM
235382 Pte W Knight received the MM
16th to 19th at GRENAZZA. In spite of very inclement weather, training was carried on continuously.
19th Battn moved to FARA area using the mountain mule tracks. Battn in billets by 3 p.m. having moved off at 8.45 a.m.
20th Battn moved off at 9.30 a.m marching to camp at VILLA VERLA. Battn in camp at 1 p.m.
21st Battn moved off at 9.45 a.m. and marched to billets at GRUMO taking the route over the mountains from ISOLA VICENTINA – Very heavy rainstorm during the whole of the march but the Commanding Officer arranged for fires to be lighted in all billets on arrival & special drying rooms were allocated in addition so that all men and their clothes were thoroughly dried and no ill effects were experienced. Arrived in billets at 5.30 p.m.
This would not have been an easy trek. The battalion set out in the mountains, its destination on the plains below Mount Grappa. The weather would have made the march very challenging, although the fires and ‘drying rooms’ at journey’s end would have been welcome. The ‘mountains’ on the route from Isola Vicente to Grumo are modest in comparison to the terrain the men had left. In his next letter, Harry describes some of the discomforts the battalion had undergone. He had also had news, which I think he had expected for some time, about his father.
April 22nd 1918
32507/9th Batt Y & L Regt., C. Company,
12 Platoon L.G.S.
Dear Jack
I am sorry I have not been able to write to you lately but we have been on a fresh front on the Asiago Plateau it was different altogether from the Piave. We went up the mountain first time in motor cars [lorries] as far as we could get. When we was on the plains it was very hot but when we got to the trenches it was knee deep in snow and freezing. After we had been up a bit it started to rain, we got wet through time after time. There was nothing doing only patrols we had a rough time now and again, we had to do outpost duty, we should be about two hundred yards in front of our own wire, you can bet what it was like out there in the rain and snow but we are down on the plains now and I am in the best of health. By the time you get this letter I shall have been out here [i.e. on active service abroad, not out in Italy] 12 months altogether. I was rather upset to hear that father is dead. I had a letter from Ilkeston [presumably from Ethel] telling me that he had died April 7th. I have not been able to send any letters for about three weeks so they will wonder where I have got too. I am pleased you keep writing to me, I hope you are both keeping in the best of health. We don’t seem to be getting on very well with the war in France [by now, the Ludendorff Offensive, which had been launched on 21 March, had made huge inroads against the British and French armies in Belgium and France] it would not surprise me if some of our chaps dont have to go back. Write back as soon as you can and let me know all the news you can. I suppose you have had the Zepps [bombing raids by German airships, generally known as ‘Zeppelins’] around your way again. I hope they are all keeping well at Ilkeston. I have met one or two fellows from Ilkeston and one from Kimberly [Kimberley, Nottinghamshire, not far from Ilkeston] in our battalion. I will write again soon I don’t think we shall go up the mountains when we go in the trenches again, it does seem strange to be up above the clouds, I can tell you we see some fine sights, you would like to be here in peace time for a holiday. I am going to write to Kate now.
With best Love to you both.
Harry
The letter to Jack of 22 April 1918.
The battalion war diary does make some occasional mention of the rain and snow, but on the whole the troops took such things in their stride. A ‘rough time’ is Harry’s gentle way of saying that there has been some significant military action.
The paper Harry used this time is rather different. On the front is printed ‘FOR SCRIBBLING OR NOTES ONLY’, on the reverse, ‘Question . . . . . . Write only on this side of the paper, and not on either margin.’ Presumably, Jack, the former schoolmaster, had sent him some old examination answer sheets.
At about this time, one of the four other divisions that had travelled with 23rd Division from Flanders in the autumn returned there to strengthen the Allied defence against the devastating German offensive that had already won significant gains. Harry may have heard about that and been a little concerned that the 23rd might be ordered to follow – not a welcome prospect.
April 26th/4/1918
32507/9th Batt York & Lancs Regt., C Company,
12 Platoon L.G.S., I.E.F.
Dear Kate
Just a line to let you know that I am going on alright and that I am in good health. I had a letter from Ilkeston telling me about dad, I was very sorry to hear it but it as been wonderful how he as kept up. The weather here as been very changeable just lately plenty of rain but we have had it hot now and again. We can get plenty to eat were we are just now, such as fruit and eggs. The scenery is also very pretty. did you get over to Ilkeston, if you did, how long did you stop. I have had a letter from Jack and he told me that Mr Thomas’s eldest son had been killed in Palestine that is the second son he has lost it is very hard lines and I was sorry to hear it. They were both officers. one was in the West Riding’s Batt [a Territorial battalion of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment]. There is only one son left but he is only about 17½ years [in most cases, the minimum age for the armed services was eighteen].
I have put a letter for you in Ethels envelope I hope you get it alright, let me know if you get it. Write every week if you can, it does not matter if it is only just a line or two.
With Best Love
Harry
April 30th 1918
32507/ 9th Batt Y & L., C. Company,
12 Platoon L.G.S., I.E.F.
Dear Jack
I am writing a few lines to you hoping that you are both in good health. It is a long time since I wrote to you till this week so I expect y
ou will get two letters at about the same time [in fact, his last letter to Jack had been sent eight days earlier]. I should be pleased if you will send me a small book on the Lewis Gun and one which I think is called the soldier it gives you all information about guards, salutes and all army regulations etc. if you cant get one, send the best you can. I expect we shall have to do guards out here. I think they are getting on a bit better at llkeston now [after Harry’s father’s death]. I don’t know when I shall get a leave, all leave is stopped out here for a bit. I hope you got that letter telling you I was amongst the snow and rain on the Asiago Plateau front, it did seem strange to be amongst the mountains for a month. I was very sorry to hear that Mr Thomas’s son as got killed it is very sad. Write as often as you can as I cant get letters off very well when I am in the line.
With Best Love to you both
Harry
It seems a little strange, if commendable, that Harry should be asking for books about military procedure. I can understand his interest in a booklet about the Lewis gun, but I am quite certain that, like most infantrymen, he wasn’t a fan of saluting and drills.
The war diary entry for the end of April closes the month with a wonderfully down-to-earth entry:
30th Sickness, Admissions to hospital were the LOWEST on record for the past SIX months. Sick parades have been above the average. The prevailing diseases being IMPETIGO and BOILS.
At the end of April 1918 the battalion moved to new barracks at Arzignano, at the foot of the mountains about ten miles (16km) west of Vicenza, where it carried out intensive training.
