1/5th Bn.  SOUTH  STAFFORDS  WAR  DIARY

1^st  FEB.  Audley End Park, bayonet fighting, J.D. (1) night entrenching abandoned at 3.0 am, rain. Musketry Party at Luton, Kit Inspection & Interior Economy . 1 officer & 29 casuals (sick men) returned from Luton.

2^nd  FEB.  Musketry Party marched from Luton to Dunstable: preliminary instructions overground in Field Firing, men billeted.

3^rd  FEB.  Field Firing at Dunstable. 14 officers & 518 men returned to Saffron Walden.

4^th  FEB.  Inspection by G.O.C.  N.M. Division to attack Little Walden 10.30 am (in conjunction with 1/6^th N. Staffs Rgt).

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SIG. SYDNEY HIBBETT: POSTCARD to Mr. & Mrs HIBBETT, 95, Foden Rd. Walsall, Staffordshire.

Tuesday. 3^rd Feb.1915.

Dear People,

Here we are in Dunstable.

We marched here from Luton at 10.am – here by 11.30 – carrying full pack and blankets. Billets not ready for us – so we marched through to see the N. Staffs finishing their advance. 

Men were posted on all the roads to stop people whilst the bullets hailed over the countryside. Could see the thin khaki line advance drop down & a rapid fire open. 

We then advanced over their ground about 2 miles and lor!! The muck and chalk!! – lying down in it and plastered all over.  We were just practicing for tomorrow (2). 

Shall return to Saffron Walden either Wednesday or Thursday night. If raining hard tomorrow no firing.

Been very wet today & a strong gale.  Hope to be home for next weekend.

Love from Sydney.

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From February 1915 onwards, Pte Bertie’s Letters Home will be set against the activities recorded in South Stafford’s Regimental War Diary. (See Welcome Page). (1)J.D.- Joint Division. (2) Attack on Little Walden.

NEXT POST: 5th FEB. 1915: Training Audley End, Saffron Walden.