All posts by Elizabeth Hibbett Webb

My aim is to publish, in date order, the letters my father, Private Bertie Hibbett, wrote home to Walsall, almost twice a week, from 1914 – 1918. His self-styled ‘humble scribblings’ give a vivid picture of what it was like to be a Private in Kitchener’s Army but, with their original drawings, sketches and photographs, they provide an important collection of primary source material for social historians in this centenary year of the outbreak of the Great War. As a child I was more aware of the 1st World War than of the 2nd, through which I grew up. My father was Vicar of St Vedast’s Church, Tathwell, Lincolnshire and I was never allowed to forget that my birthday was also St Vedast’s Day, for this was an ever present reminder to him of his dawn sentry duty on Easter Day 1915, at Neuville St. Vaast, Messines. * Like my grandfather, Arthur Hibbett, Chief Inspector of Schools for the Borough of Walsall, my career has been in education; mainly in higher and further education, where I taught courses in historical and literary interpretation & methodology. I have a BA Hons.degree in Theology and History from the University of Nottingham and a Master’s degree in Hermeneutics from the University of Bristol. My first teaching post was at Luton High School, then I became Lecturer & Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the College of St Matthias, Fishponds, teaching the University of Bristol, B.Ed. degree. After my marriage, in 1971, to David Kester Webb (painter, photographer and teacher), I became the first Open University Tutor Counsellor and Associate Lecturer in North Devon, from 1974 until 2000. During that time I also taught Religious Studies ‘A’ level at North Devon College. Kester and I published our book, The Hidden Edge of Exmoor,in 2011 (www.thematic-trails.org). This is the story of our life-time’s climbing exploration of the Exmoor Coast at Sea-level; literally hands on geology. We have two offspring: Rebekah (Consultant in International Development: Gender/HIV/Aids) and Martin Vedast, (Project Manager in Ceramics for Disabled Adults). * NB The name Vedast or Vaast means Foster in English. St Vedast was a 4th C. saint, patron of numerous churches in N. Europe, chiefly of Arras Cathedral. Apart from St Vedast Tathwell, the only other church in the Uk with this patronage is St Vedast, Foster Lane London.

23RD NOV. 1915: A MERRY PARTY OF TOMMIES AT ‘A ROUGH TIME – A COLD TIME – A NIGHTLY TIME’.

November 23, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY

BRIGADE RESERVE : LORETTO ROAD

22nd Nov. Mon: V. Quiet day. Enemy shrapnelled Communication Trenches. Relieved by 4th Batt. KINGS LIVERPOOL Regt from LIVERPOOL STREET to CHURCH ROAD. 1/5th Bat NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE Regt took over trench NORTH of CHURCH ROAD. 1/6th Batt. SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE Regt took over trench SOUTH of LIVERPOOL STREET.

23rd Nov. Tue: LORETTO ROAD. In Brigade Reserve in ‘C’ SUBSECTOR Rest Houses.

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BERTIE HIBBETT: 19 in 1914. — BERTIE HIBBETT:
19 in 1914.

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: LETTER to Arthur & Marie Neal HIBBETT, 95 Foden Rd Walsall.

Tuesday Night. November 23/ 15

A Merry Party of Tommies.

My Dearest Mum, Dad & all,

What really ripping parcels you have sent lately, and the best of it – they have really come at a very happy & convenient time. The one & the only one which was brought into the trenches that day. Indeed the towel came also very timely to cleanse my very dirty black fuzzy wig & the toffee too came at an acceptable time, a rough time, a cold time, a time when my tummy felt cold & frozen, a nightly time.

Zebra Polish Tin c. 1930. — Zebra Polish Tin. c.1930.

And oh the handsome Zebra Polish tin, – so neatly packed with rich, delightful, delicious, appetising confectionery – came at a most welcome time & a jolly time.

We came out of the trenches yesterday & after a long tedious march through the long. . . (censored). . . with our packs & overcoats on as usual, we settled down for the night in this barn where I am writing – or trying to write a letter of thanks, expressing my heart’s love to you for such good, homely comforts.

Round the barn are seated Tommies & in the centre is a blazing warm coke fire. Such a comfy sight. A sight which has set our hearts aglow and which had made us feel like having a sing song of some sort. At length the Corporal proposed a little concert. After much persuasion I volunteered to give them one. I only wished ’’The Highwayman’ (1) had come timely too, at any rate the recitation I gave these men was fresh to them. Oh how they clapped & how their attention was drawn, they listened with keen interest & all was quiet.

Mum, the Pork pie came ‘at the right’ as Dad puts it. The Parcel came by the second post when we were all laid down to sleep, but with the help of the candles, thanks so much for them, I laid the parcel out. Vernon, I am glad to say, got with me for the night & we enjoyed a slice of pork pie each. Everything in the parcel came in nicely, something suitable for each meal of the day; the pork pie & a hot drink of coffee with the milk you sent for dinner, those tasty crisp flat cakes for a sweet after breakfast, the wholesome fancy bread loaf & butter for tea, the apples, one each eaten on waking up this morning.

Sllep Trenchese93063fb23c8b5fbd33cccfeb68c38a2 — Poor Vernon had caught his chill & lost his voice sleeping in trenches like this. <https://www.pinterest.com>

I could only find Vernon’s nose to rub the cold little apple on, he had huddled himself in the blanket overcoat & had his sleeping helmet on, his head was buried in his clothing.

The thick lovely chocolate came nicely between meals & a lump helped to stay Vernon’s cough. Vernon, poor chap, has lost his voice again & has a cold the same one he had at Saffron Walden (2); don’t say anything to his people, he would be huffy with I – oh my!

Mum, it was a homely tea. I toasted the two slices of the lovely loaf & spread some of the lovely home butter on & then, Mum, I had that which you love, Damson Jam on TOP of the jolly lot. Then I had some of the simply superb Genoa nut cake. Vernon said it was very nice & the bread too. But, poor boy, he could not enjoy a second or rather as much pie as I offered him. It was fine & he did enjoy it all the more.

Don’t be, I hope you aren’t, anxious about your long & many letters – you have so laid your spare time, yes & even taken some of your time for attending to domestic affairs. How my heart leaps in gratitude to you when you talk of being busy in making things for Xmas time.

Just had a most jolly letter from Sydney, he told me not to send it Home it was so childish.

9.0 pm. The conclusion of this letter has been delayed through fatigue duties & V & I have been transferred from comfy billets to next door where there is no fire.

Well Ta Ta. Goodnight pip, pip. I pray you will have a good night’s sleep, although you might get this in a morning.

Best love to all, will write to Dodger soon & send a Boomerang to Champion in reply to her champion epistles.

What oh! Jolly old Flo.

Bertram Arfer.

PS Nil. Napou. Finis. Oosh Cha. (3)

I will gollop down the last piece of bread & butter with cake between – and Verney will share in & we are both settling down to sleep the night through.

*************************

Pte Bertie’s jolly rhymes & school-boy jargon reflects his happy mood at the success of his Concert party-piece, despite the move from ‘comfy billets‘ & ‘blazing coke fire‘ – on which he had no doubt made his toast.

(1) The Highwayman. Alfred Noyes: 1880-1958. cf Letter: 5th Nov. 1915. (2) Saffron Walden, Essex. Training. Letters: Dec. 1914 Jan 1915.

(3) Nil (Latin ‘nothing more‘); Finis (Latin ‘the end’); Napou: soldier French for ‘finis‘; Oosh cha: a tea-time cheer?/ from Hindi cha/tea? Ta Ta/ Pip Pip are cheery farewells; but what is ‘Jolly old Flo’?

NEXT POST: 27th Nov. 1915.

21ST NOV.1915: ‘WISHING THIS WAR WOULD STIR UP & GET FINISHED’.

November 21, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY.

NEUVE CHAPELLE TRENCHES

19th Nov. Fri: Relieved 1/6th Batt North Staffordshire Regt in the ‘B’ SECTOR trenches at 6.45 pm. 20th Nov. Sat: Enemy working parties heard knocking in stakes and revetting sic (1). Enemy shrapnelled right of SECTOR 55. CASUALTY: Pte S.W. Clarke wounded.

21st Nov. Sun: Quiet day. Enemy shrapnelled Fire and Support Trenches, slight damage. Officers Patrol commanded by 2nd Lieutenant S.P. Smith penetrated enemy’s work opposite the NEB and found it unoccupied. It had evidently not been occupied recently as it was waterlogged and in bad repair. The G.O.C. commended the officer in charge for the good work of his patrol. CASUALTIES: 8827 Sgt S .J. Hattin slightly wounded; 8741 Cpl S. Gee slightly wounded.

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Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: LETTER to Arthur & Marie Neal HIBBETT, 95 Foden Rd. Walsall.

Stir Up Sunday (2). Nov 21st/ 15.

My Dear People,

I guess you have thought my letters a long time in reaching you. It is because we are in the trenches & I have been ‘on the go’ all day long. You will have heard by now how I got that large parcel with the towel & hankies in. (The hankies I scented with the White Heather Scent).

Vernon has been most generous with his parcels & to think he has been without for such a long time. Vernon said that A. O. Jones* went to see his people – & Father went when he was there.

Could you send me another indelible lead and also some more notepaper & envelopes. You see I do not mean to stop writing my Sunday letters. I know Mum is thinking of us especially today & wishing that this War would STIR UP & get finished, instead of sticking in old Mother Earth & wasting valuable time.

I have sent Sydney some of Miss Foster’s* Player’s Cigs & the rest I filled the tin with the Chief Whip. Miss Foster sent a small tin of bivouac cocoa (3), three packets of biscuits, Cadbury’s Choc, toffee & apples.

I am enquiring after more definite news of Serg. Tim Fenton – so far I am very sorry I have heard nothing of him (4).

I am just puzzling my brains on what to send Dad for his birthday which I believe is the 29th.

Guess what I had for second course today? – Tapioca Pudding made with the milk from a little of Vernon’s cookery. His people seemed to have, by some mysterious means, got to know all I have previously told you. Another thing which would come in beautifully for breakfast this winter is a packet of Quaker Oats (5).

Oxo Tower London. — Oxo Tower, Riverside Wharf, London. 1930.

That reminds me, on sentry last night & this morning we had brought round to each sentry, some Oxo (6) at 12 & some Rum & coffee at 5 – & we needed it too (7).

Well I will close.

Sorry Sydney ’s letter got muddy like this one is getting, there’s mud everywhere. Hoping & trusting you are enjoying a Happy Sunday. I guess you have Harold & Miss Bore* with you.

Ta Ta, Bertie.

PS Monday Breakfast: Toasted cheese, bacon, & cafe au lait (Vernon’s).

I was on sentry last night again. I only wished I had had a lump of your home-made toffee in my mouth. I can’t say where Sydney is now. I was only wondering whether he was on his way to England the other night.

Many thanks for the Parish Magazine. I read that article which you marked in ink, very good advice, but dearies, such references to ailments such as LUMBAGO, RHEUMATISM, BRONCHITIS, INFLUENZA, ELEPHANTITIS – & coughs in heads, coughs in ya toes & coughs everywhere tend us to dread them.

We have lately had our feet greased & fresh socks issued (8). I am afraid I shall be asking you to do too much (in the way of knitting) if I ask for another pair of socks. Perhaps Auntie or Mrs Barrans* could send a pair. At any rate I am looking forward to the parcel you told me to look out for in your letter of the 12th & also am picturing you knitting busily away at the Helmet.

Horlicks Bottle c .1915. — Horlicks Bottle c. 1915.

I think Harold could send the Horlick’s Malted Milk Powder & the St Ivel Cheese, if you send the Quaker Oats, sugar etc.

Vernon & I, in fact all of us, are so indebted to those who send us good things that we find it pretty difficult to express ourselves. Vernon cannot find anything else to say but ‘Many Thanks’, he is always saying that. Now don’t go & tell his people because I happened to have a chance glance at his letters. Ho Ho!

Well ’tis cold for writing so will stop now. This is another Sun: Monday letter.

Best love to all, Bertram.

PS I have received all your letters since Oct 31st – so many there are that I missed reading the one on the 3rd & found it after I had written my rig-ma-role of a letter of Nov 14th Sunday. I will be more direct & to the point in future dearies. B.

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(1) Rivetting: fixing a metal pin to hold two pieces together i.e. when building /repairing a trench or fixing wire stakes (the kind of noise my father would be listening for on Listening Post duty – and no doubt trying to differentiate it from sounds of underground mine-laying).

(2) Stir Up Sunday: Sunday before Advent, (the beginning of the Christian Calendar) – Collect for 25th Sunday after Trinity, Book of Common Prayer, 1662 :- Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people: that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Traditional time to stir Christmas puddings & fruit cakes and make a wish).

(3) Bivouac Cocoa: compressed cocoa.

(4) Serj. Thomas Fenton. At 19 yrs of age he was one of the Army’s youngest NCOs. Killed in action Battle of Loos-Hohenzollern, 13th Oct 1915. Andrew Thornton <https://hellfirecorner.com>. No record on Commonwealth War Grave website.

(5) Quaker Oats: registered as ‘Figure of a man in Quaker garb’ at US Patent Office, 1877. (‘Symbol of good quality & honest value’ /at a time of adulteration of cereals). First trademark for a breakfast cereal.<https://www.quakeroats.com >

(6) OXO: Meat extract (liquid) created by Justin von Liebig, 1840, /a solid cube in 1910. Original 1915 OXO Tower at Riverside Wharf, London; now design studios. <https://www.oxotower.co.uk>

(7) Army Rum Ration: Tot of rum issued from gallon stoneware jars to troops in trenches each morning at ‘Stand To‘/time when enemy most likely to attack. First mention of rum in Hibbett Letters/ issued to sentries. Evidence differs: cf The Role of Rum. Great Forum The Long Long Trail ‘Old Sweats’: General 23rd Jan. 2009. <https://www.worldwar1postcards.com> and <https://pointsadhblog.wordpress.com>.

daily mail mud in trenches.images — <https://www.dailymail.com/mudintrenches>

(8) Trench Foot/ feet greased: 20,000 British soldiers (including my father & his pal Vernon Evans) were treated for trench foot between 1914 -1915. Cause: ‘cold, wet & insanitary conditions’, ‘standing in water-logged trenches for hours on end’, ill-fitting boots/ distinct risk of gangrene & amputation. Army ordered each soldier to have 3 pairs of socks a day/ boots dried every 4 days in Rest Camp and to grease their feet with whale-oil. Each Battalion used an average of ten gallons of whale-oil a day. Situation improved with better drainage of trenches. <https://www.spaticus-education.com>.

Unsuccessful attempt to straighten his feet. — An attempt to straighten toes with steel pins. A.H.H. drawing.

NB. Forty years on, my father had an operation in Boston Hospital to try to undo WW1 damage to his feet. It was painful & unsuccessful but true to character he made a joke of his ‘pins’.

NEXT POST: 23rd Nov. 1915.

18TH NOV.1915: ON THE QUI VIVE FOR SOMETHING HOT ON A ‘TOMMY COOKER’.

November 18, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY.

BRIGADE RESERVE.

17th -18th Nov: Brigade Reserve as on 15/11/15. (Pte Bertie on Bombing Course).

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: LETTER to Mother, Marie Neal HIBBETT, 95 Foden Rd Walsall.

Thursday Nov 18/ 15

My Very Dear Mother,

I had the letter of the 11th when I returned from the Bombing Course for the last time, tonight & I have read Sydney’s dear letter of Nov 2nd & will send it back to you in this. Also read Dodger’s small, but welcome letter & quite understand his circumstances (1).

Have now Mother’s letter at hand for reference. Sorry I cannot say as much as you or I could wish to say owing to the limit of my stock of paper. This I have had just from old Vernon in the trenches – Vernon of course, he is again squatting by me in this dugout & we are both writing Home & exchanging wishes.

Vernon thanks you for your kind Remembrance. He had the reward of his patient waiting last night, 17 th, by receiving, bringing into the dugout two huge parcels & a small one on the top of them, which were almost as big as the dugout itself & he had a good spread. I would insist on refusing & telling him I would not have anything, but the result was that he got awfully huffy & cross & so I gave in, after much persuasion on his part, to have a little of the Wedding Cake (2) – the last bit his people had saved.

Yes, the large Hudson Soap Box parcel with the towel, hankies & eggs etc came, or could not have come at a more acceptable time, in the trenches. I could not say whether I was favoured or what, but it was the only one that came that day to a platoon in the firing line. I have not ’arf relished the apples you have sent lately – what beauties.

Some NCO said there was a letter for me from Sydney, but Vernon looked after my letters while I was away today & I have not yet heard from him by letter, just a PC saying ‘am quite well’ so what can his temperature be eh! – a problem for you.

Shall I tell you what I should like in a parcel at this time of year? Why some more sugar, but ’tis dear isn’t it Mum, some of that brown you sent? You see I am on the que vive, the alert for something HOT.

180px-Im19151220CCar-Horlicks — Horlick’s advert. c. 1915.

Other things are: – another of those fine batches of currant bread, and another of those pats of butter & could Harold send me a bottle of Horlick’s Malted Milk in powdered form, it just wants HOT water adding & makes a nourishing drink (3). The sugar is to go with cocoa or coffee, which friends send & don’t think of the sweetening.

Miss Foster* sent a delightful little parcel for Sydney to share in as well. I have told her where he is & given her the address, thank you for it. Just another article to make the parcel complete – some St Ivel cheese or cream cheese, if you do not think me extravagant. Another pencil & paper etc. That’s all.

So grateful to you, Mum, for the Helmet that is on the make.

Good wishes to Basil & all.

Bertie.

PS I shall have to write my PS on the back of Dodger’s letter.

Brit WW I Tommy Cooker 2 — **British WW I Blackie Brand Cooker. ‘Reprorations’ website.**

I meant to tell you that Vernon had sent to him a patent stove for making a handy drink HOT or frying cheese & ration of bacon. Do you think you could send me one & it would do for Sydney (when he comes back) – they are in the shape of a Boot Polish tin & contain a certain composition which, when lit, goes liquid & gives off heat of course & turns solid when cold. Just handy. So it will alter my next parcel.

Tommy's Cooker. — **Tommy’s Cooker. <http://www.frontlinecrates.com >**

I will put what I want plainly here:- 1. Stove. 2. Batch of currant bread. 3. Pat of butter. 4. Horlick’s Milk (powder form). 5. Sugar. 6. St Ivel Cheese.

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Pte Bertie’s longing for something hot to drink & warm to wear reflects the bitter cold & wet Tommies had to endure in the winter of 1915 -16.

(1) Basil’s Letter of 11th Nov. 1915 requesting information about 19 yr old Serj.Tom Fenton, missing since 13th Oct.1915.

(2) Norman Evans’ Wedding, Walsall.

(3) Horlicks Malted Milk created by James & William Horlick, Chicago. USA. c. 1875. A safe, easily digested milk powder for children & invalids; widely used as a nourishing drink in WW1, on the Front & at Home.

< http://www.oldglassbottles.blogspot.com >

NEXT POST: 21st Nov. 1915:

16TH NOV.1915: NEUVE CHAPELLE TRENCHES.

November 16, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY.

NEUVE CHAPELLE TRENCHES

13th-14th Nov. Enemy very Quiet. 15th Nov. Mon: Relieved by 1/6th Batt North Staffordshire Regt. Three Companies went into Brigade Reserve at LORETTO ROAD (1) and one Company into LANSDOWNE POST (2).

16th Nov. Tue: Loretto Road, Brigade Reserve.

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: Y.M.C.A. POSTCARD to Mrs A. HIBBETT, 95 Foden Rd. Walsall.

16.11.15

You will not get my letter of Sunday 14th for some time, owing to circumstances (3). I am sorry because I know you are anxious as to whether the lovely large parcel of Oct 31st got safely through.

Poor Vernon – he was expecting a parcel tonight, he has not had one for so long. Had a nice one from Miss Foster (2) & such a nice letter.

Will write later. Am run short of paper.

Bertie.

(1) Loretto Road: trench named after road in Manchester by Manchester Regt.?

(2) Lansdowne Post: trench possiby named after Henry Fitz-Maurice 5th Marquis of Lansdowne. British statesman, Secretary of State for War, Foreign Secretary, served in both Liberal & Conservative & WW1 coalition Cabinets. Lost favour with publication of The Lansdowne Letter 29th Nov. 1917, calling for Britain & France to negotiate peace with Germany during the War.

(3) ‘Circumstances’? Pte Bertie’s Letter might have been delayed because:- The Post was not collected from Neuve Chapelle Trenches that day or his Bombing Course had taken him away from his usual Listening Post duties or perhaps this was the day of the ‘miraculous escape’ when ‘Four bombs & one dud … dropped at Chester Robinson’s feet’. (‘Little Book of Words & Doings‘ – but no record in Staffs War Diary or in Bertie’s letters).

NB ‘Bombs’ : Hand-grenades most likely – which did not explode when they fell through the bottom of their box? – or were picked up and thrown before exploding?

Women carrying boxes of shells 1914. — **Women carrying boxes of shells. 1914 -1918.**

(4) Miss Mary Foster* Nottingham Godmother.

NEXT POST: 18th Nov. 1915. On the qui vive for something HOT.

14TH NOV. 1915: IN THE SLOUGH OF DESPOND: UP TO MY EYES IN MUD MUDDY-MUD – & RATS!

November 14, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY

NEUVE CHAPELLE TRENCHES

12th Nov. Fri: Enemy very quiet. HILL STREET REDOUBT taken over from 1/6th Batt North Staffordshire Regt. and fire trench from HILL STREET to OXFORD STREET from 4th Batt Kings Liverpool Regiment. CASUALTY: KILLED: 9308 Pte E Stevens.

13th Nov. Sat: Enemy very quiet.

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: A Little Book of Words & Doings : ‘Neuve Chapelle Trenches. Listening Post. Trench full of water; bay at end of Seat 6. Corp. Brewin* in charge.’

LETTER to Mr & Mrs ARTHUR HIBBETT, 95 Foden Rd Walsall.

24th Sunday after Trinity. Nov 14/ 15

‘Unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness’. 1st Epistle. Col.13.1.

My Dearest Brave Mother, and Ida, as well as Daddie and Dodgy,

Mud, mud, muddy, muddy – MUD & clay too – now laugh! Up to my eyes in mud. There are two Tommies squatting in a muddy, muddy, mud-hole trying to write letters HOME with our hands all over mud & clay, just like gloves. Yes I am not going to be done in. I am not going to break the record of Sunday letters, and today especially. I received Ida’s letter & Basil’s enclosed yesterday & read them with jollification, they did make me feel happier afterwards.

Vernon & I – Vernon, I am fonder of him now – felt awfully fond of him last night when we had to do the work of impossibility – The Slough of Despond – clear some thick clay out of a trench (1).

A parcel, the only one in the post, came this morning – a sergeant brought it up – it was MINE – I saw with delight Dad’s writing. But I had to hurry & go on a working party from 9 – 12. 30 this morning so I opened it this dinner time.

Stop a minute while I just pop one of those lumps of toffee – Mummy’s homemade butterscotch made with butter, treacle & sugar – what nice sugar it is in the parcel. What lovely TOFFEE dears. I’ve just given Vernon a Chief of Whip Cig. I don’t smoke on Sundays. Aren’t I narrow minded eh!

Now I will answer & tell you about everything. I could write lots & fill heaps & piles of note paper but have got only three left like this. I read Mum’s & Ida’s letters in the parcel. Mum’s of Oct 31st. and Champion’s long, interesting letter. I vidided (sic) a lovely apple – they are nice & juicy – among two other muddy Tommies because, you see dear Mum, I’m like you, you said you would have liked to be with me looking round the shops in Rouen, to share with the pleasure, – so I cannot, I could not enjoy your parcels if I eat all myself. I want others to see & taste how good the things are I have from Home. I made some coffee out of the parcel you sent to Sydney & I did enjoy it. – – – –

Shall have to stop here, I have been called to the working party again to fill sand bags. When we come back I shall have a good tea out of the currant bread & fresh butter.

10.30 pm. Oh dearest Mummy I could say heaps & heaps. Post came while I was on fatigue tonight & I got your letter dated Nov 10th, also another letter but I read yours first & cannot wait until I have read the other but I must finish this first.

Well Verny & I had a ripping tea out of the currant bread & butter, which he said he quite enjoyed, he also wants me to convey thanks to you for an egg I gave him – he loves eggs. Also I gave him a hankie because we have been using an old rag this wet weather & poor boy he is longing to hear from home & get a parcel. Hospital has upset such a lot.

WW1 brazier — **WW1 Brazier. Ghosts of World War 1** <http://evangelineholland.com>

The toffee was lovely & I wished I had taken some out on fatigue as I thought of doing, but decided to save some for an emergency. The jujubes are good too. Oh of course I have not finished the tea, but I thought I would have a change & make some coffee. We have been working all day & had very little time to fetch & boil water.

Vernon was giving up the idea, but I made up my mind to have a hot drink of some sort, so I coaxed a chap for the use of a fire & some water & consequently, with the timely aid of Mrs Hurst’s* milk, I made some Homemade Cafe de Luxe, better far than the Cafe au lait tinned you know.

Dearest Mum, & all of you I’m afraid I shall have to conclude my Sunday letter, but must just have a word about rats.

. . . . . . Oh! rats, owls & cats. Lean rats, fat rats, scrabbling rats, squealing rats, biting rats & gormandizing rats. Muddy rats and – oh! mice, little mice, wee mice, muddy mice & sprinting stealing, thieving mice & oh my! can you just picture a bright moon & a frosty night, an owl is seen to fly over the trench & our heads & gives its weird ‘too hoot’ & a stealthy pussy cat, a black cat, comes crawling on the top of the trench of sand bags after vermin. . . . . . .

Rats: & Rat catcher WW1. — Rats & Rat Catcher WW1. <http://www.digventure.com >

Such is the life, but very VERY HAPPY & Jolly at times because of news from Home Sweet Home.

Oh Mum, & all of you I pray that you will comfort one another, especially Ida. I think she is really splendid, her letters are so chatty & interesting, (of course I firmly believe she has no influence under or from Phyllis C* (2 ).

So Mr Henry Cozens* wanted my address. I think this other letter is from him, let’s see. Oh so it is & such a pleasant one too. Yes, Capt. Tim*(3) made himself like one of the Privates when talking to us. Sydney will be excused writing lengthy letters in Hospital, but I think I shall have to stop now.

Our late Capt L. (4) kindly asked after Sydney, but all I could say was that I had not heard from him yet, but read about him from a Sergeant who said he was having a ripping time, ‘I hope he will have a still better one at Christmas if he stays there till then’.

– – – I must not leave out the tinned cream. How funny Mummy it goes well with fruit but not so with tea. Vernon had cream because of the fruit – – –

You will not have had my letters so promptly & this one will be sometime for I am, as you will know by the nature of this letter, in the trenches. I count it ‘Happy to Endure’ (5) & have had speedy answers to my prayers when feeling or inclining to feel in the blues.

War can be turned to a blessing & makes several differences in one’s character. I am fonder of Vernon now.

Hoping you had a happy Thursday with H. & H. Bore* and a Happy Sunday.

Best love from Bertie.

PS Got FPC from Sydney tonight as well. He sais ‘I am quite well. Letter follows 1st opportunity.’

PPS I scented the lovely Khaki hankies with White Heather Scent (6). The towel is a nice one.

********************

The Hibbett family is brought poignantly close together when Pte Bertie receives Basil’s letter & Sydney’s posted on from Home and returns them with his own & the mud of a Neuve Chapelle trench. My father’s blues – and his emotional dependence on his family at this time – can be seen in the family endearments & language of childhood – and his delight in Mother’s Guy Fawkes Toffee.

(1) ‘Slough of Despond’ – miry bog/swamp of despair into which Christian sinks under the weight of sin & guilt in Pilgrim’s Progress: John Bunyan’s allegory of a Christian’s journey through life. Written in Bedford Jail. 1678. <http://www.chapellibrary.org >

The mud & heavy clay Ptes Bertie & Vernon had to clear would have been almost certainly contaminated with dead vermin, human waste and even parts of human bodies, missing on both sides since the offensive of March 1915.

Neuve Chapelle after Battle March 1915. — **Neuve Chapelle after Battle March 1915**.

(2) Phyllis Cozens? sister of (3) Tim Cozens* Killed in Action 13th Oct. 1915. Battle of Loos/Hohenzollern Redoubt (cf Letter: 10th Aug. 1915).

(4) ‘Late Captain‘ i.e. not ‘dead’ but promoted to Major Cecil Lister*.

(5) James 5.11. King James Bible. ‘Happy to endure’ (with the patience of Job). (cf Col. 13.1. quotation above).

(6) White Heather Scent from Whitby, sent by Ida to help cope with the stench of trench life. (See Letters: 29th Aug. & 6th Sept. 1915).

NEXT POST: 16th Nov. 1915. YMCA Postcard.

11TH NOV. 1915: QMS IN SEARCH OF THE MISSING.

November 11, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Basil Hibbett Age 18. 1916. — **Basil Hibbett in 1916. Age 18 yrs.**

BASIL HIBBETT, 95 Foden Rd Walsall: LETTER to Pte BERTIE HIBBETT on Active Service.

Sat 11 th

Dear Bertie,

I shall have no time to write you a long letter I am sorry to say, but I want to ask you to find out as much as possible all the news concerning Tom Fenton* who was at the QMS (1).

He was in that Charge (2) & obtained a serious wound, but no news has been received of his whereabouts.

Mr Powis (3 ) was asking this morning so I thought I would write & ask you to make inquiries among the men. His people are naturally in a bad way.

Write as soon as you know anything, there’s a good chap.

Your loving brother, Dodger.

PS I am writing to Sydney too.

************************

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY.

NEUVE CHAPELLE TRENCHES.

11th Nov. Thur: Enemy very quiet. CASUALTY: 1 slightly wounded, remained at duty – 154 Pte W. J. Pedley.

************************

(1) QMS Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall. No record of a Tom Fenton Killed in Action in CWGC website. (T. E. Fenton was awarded the Vicar’s Leaving Prize cf QMS Magazine, Dec. 1914).

(2) Battle: Loos-Hohenzollern Redoubt. Charge of 13th -15th Oct. 1915.

(3) Mr Powis. Powis Housemaster. Retired in April 1922 after 43 years service at QMS.

NB. Bertie used the back of Basil’s letter to write Home on 18th Nov. 1915.

NEXT POST: 14th Nov. 1915: In the Slough of Despond up to the eyes in a Mud Muddy Mud-hole – & a Word about Rats!

10TH NOV. 1915: KING’S REVIEW: HOURS DEEP IN MUD, WET THROUGH & THE WIND IN OUR FACES.

November 10, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

SERJEANT SYDNEY HIBBETT: LETTER to Arthur & Marie Neal Hibbett, 95 Foden Rd Walsall.

E 3 Ward 12 General Hospital, Rouen. Wednes. Nov. 10 th.

My Very Dear Mother and Father,

Here we are again still in Hospital and being well looked after by these kind sisters & nurses. I was allowed up for one hour only, yesterday, but when my temperature was taken I was ordered back into bed: it was only 100. 4.

Today I feel not so well but your letter and the Railway Magazine have bucked me up (1).

I don’t think I have rheumatism but I have had pain in my left thigh & knee joints and the doctor sounded me, especially my left side, several times.

My temperature lately has been very normal and I expect to be out of here in less than a week, perhaps by the time you get this I shall be in the Convalescent Camp, but it will be all right if you send me a few Turkish cigarettes and some milk chocolate to the above address. I shall get them if you post them as soon as you can, after getting this – the same day you must post them. Do you get me?

No, I don’t think I spoke in my sleep much: not more than the other patients at any rate.

I thought I told you how I got my cold: well, that week, before I went to hospital was very wet indeed – driving winds, flying clouds, bitter cold and heavy rains nearly every day and we marched from Allouagne (2), the pretty village, where we lay for 5 happy peaceful days, on Monday Oct 25th.

We were wet through before we started as we had to wait in the cold & rain for the rest of the Brigade and we were standing on an open moor road – in fact it might have been on the top of the wildest moors of Sutton Park (3).

King George Vth's Review. 1914. — King George Vth’s Review. 1914. Pathe news.

So when we started marching we were glad, as the wet was cold & we soon got warmed, but the mud & water on the roads was churned up by the feet & the water soon covered the boots. The dubbin kept it out as yet, but when we arrived at our billets we were in a dry & comfy straw barn, but no drying apparatus.

Then you see I have to look after my platoon of 50 odd men & it meant a lot of walking to & fro & as the days went on & we had to march here and there to drill & practice for the King’s Review on Thursday, the water & everlasting wet mud on one’s boots soon made one’s feet wet & there you are.

King George Vth Review. 1914. — King George Vth & Gen. Joffre: Review. 1914.

After the Review it poured with rain – & also before it – & so you can guess how we all felt when he came: standing inches deep in mud & water for hours and the cold wind driving the rain in our faces so that our faces were like that of the elderly tea-drinking spinster with the red nose! (4).

The next day we motored in buses to Beuvry (5) (only ‘A’ Coy) to relieve some Notts & Derby’s at carrying things up to the trenches and I reported to the nearest doctor when I got there that I was ill & here I am.

I was very glad to get your letter today, dear Mother & also the magazines. We get very plain food indeed here & no luxuries. I shall have to feed up when I get out!

We have a gramophone in at times & it is very nice. There are 12 patients here. I have got the commission papers with me here and I went to see Capt. Moore*, the night before we moved (Thurs night) & he promised to see the Colonel (6) next morning, but we moved early next morning as I told you. I shall see him again when I get back. I must close now.

Have you seen Alan or Brown* at home yet? Send me the Observer please.

With Best love to you both

from Sydney.

PS I have sent a PC to Auntie Pat telling her where I am, also Mrs Jones *(a letter) & have written to Harold too.

*******************************

A SHORT HISTORY OF SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGT. ‘After refitting South Staffs had a tour in the line at Neuve Chapelle‘ (7).

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT & 1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY.

PARADIS (8)

8th Nov. Mon: in Paradis Billets. 9th Nov. Tue: Marched at 10.0 am to REIZ BAILLEUL (9) and went into billets.

10 the Nov. Wed: REIZ BAILLEUL. Marched at 3.0 pm to (Neuve Chapelle) trenches; relieved 1/1st GURKHA RIFLES (10). Line held from BREWERY ROAD, S. 5. a.10. 6 to HILL STREET. 4th BATT. LONDON Regt on left; 4th BATT. KINGS LIVERPOOL on right.

************************

Serjeant Sydney Hibbett plays down his influenza in order to allay his parents’ fears. It is a ‘cold’ caught by ‘getting one’s feet wet’ and he expects to be back in Line in a week. Meanwhile Pte Bertie marches north to relieve the 1/1st Ghurka Rifles at Neuve Chapelle.

(1) Railway Magazine: founded 1835 by Effingham Wilson & John Herapath. (record for longest unbroken published series). Present publisher: Mortons of Horncastle, near Louth, Lincolnshire. <http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk>

Map Bethune to Neuve Chapelle. — Map Nord Pas de Calais: showing Allouagne, Fouquieres & Beuvry near BETHUNE – and Paradis, & Lastrem of MERVILLE & ESTAIRES.

(2) Allouagne: 1 mile E of Bethune.

(3) Sutton Park, 6 miles N of Birmingham, now a National Nature Reserve & SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest): landscape of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes & lakes.

(4) Character in ‘The Three Cutters’ ? Capt. Marryatt, R. N. Officer 1792 -1848 (real life sea-stories).

(5) Beuvry: 3 miles SE of Bethune. (6) Lt Colonel Sir Stuart Wortley*.

(7) Neuve Chapelle: 8 miles NE of Bethune. Battle 12th March 1915. ‘first set-piece offensive’ in trench warfare. <http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/othersneuve-chapelle> Site of The Indian Memorial to the Missing at Port Arthur.

(8) Paradis (near Merville): An 8 mile march north from Bethune. [NB site of massacre of 97 British soldiers 27th May 1940].

(9) Rue Reiz Bailleul: a little road between the modern D 947 from Estaires to La Bassee – & the D 945 to Bethune. A march of 4.5 miles from Paradis. Total March from Fouquieres, Bethune to Neuve Chapelle Trenches: 12 miles approx.

NEXT POST: 11th Nov. 1915: QMS in Search of the Missing.

7TH NOV.1915: MIRACULOUS ESCAPE & GREEDY FOR PARCELS.

November 7, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY

PARADIS BILLETS. (Bn refitting).

6th – 7th Nov. 1915

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: LETTER to Arthur & Marie Neal Hibbett, 95 Foden Rd Walsall.

23rd Sunday after Trinity. Nov 7/ 15

Send a candle or two so that I can write to you at nights.

‘Hope thou still in the Lord & abide patiently upon Him.’ Psalm 37 .7

My Dearest Brave Mother & Father,

I will write Home first. Have heard from several people since I rejoined the Company (1) last night & they have all sent parcels, with the exception of the letter addressed by Ida, but the enclosure was written by one of my little scamps, much to my surprise.(2)

Vernon came back from Hospital last night & is now squatting beside me; we are both busy, very busy puzzling our brains on how to write interesting letters to all the people in dear old England who have so kindly remembered us. Vernon had quite a bundle of letters on his return. I got the comfy shirt & delicious toffee this Sunday morning & Mother’s nice letter of 29th Oct & Champion’s generous little gift of Turkish cigarettes, my word.

Poor Vernon, he has had a lonely time in Hospital, no cigarettes, no letters from Home, no anything of any sort. So, Ida, I offered him a few of your superb smokes. And now, dearest people – do forgive me for I opened Sydney’s parcel as well, because they could not send his parcel without great risk of getting it mislaid. So I am keeping the toffee & Chief Whip Cigarettes.

To have to break into his parcels is not at all pleasant & rather tends to make me unhappy, but I have to open them consequently, because I cannot very well carry so many parcels about with me.

Since I rejoined the Company things seemed to be making up for the time I have had with the Bombing Party. (I can tell the difference so much, between the man who has been in the trenches & the man who has not, the former are so much sober than the latter).

I have had no less than four parcels, but of course one was for Sydney. Auntie sent a parcel for us both, poor Sydney, never mind, I am saving him some of the thick Rowntrees chocolate Auntie sent, but could not very well save him some of the Parkin & apples. Auntie Pat also sent some soap & I only want a nice towel now.

If Harold sends us both a Sleeping Helmet, I shall be much obliged to him, but I should treasure a Home Knitted one & would like to feel the home knitted wool round my cheeks at night; I should conjure up jolly thoughts of Mummy & you all (3).

Mrs. Hurst* also sent me a parcel – inside were many different sorts of luxuries, Nestles chocolate (plain & nut), tin milk, stationery – this I am writing on ——-

Broke off here for a bath, then put on the comfy shirt you sent. Arthur Brown* showed me one exactly like it last night & made of the same lovely soft material; as you told me – very likely from Mrs Venables*’ Sale (4).

Don’t you think I’m greedy for parcels? What a time I’ve had with the Bombers (5) & it seems as though the parcels came Providentially. But I’m so sorry Sydney is not here to share, not only the luxuries, but the happy thoughts. And you will forgive my inquisitiveness in reading Mum’s letter to Sydney which was a beauty.

Oh how glad & happy I felt when Vernon quoted from a letter from Mrs Evans* saying you looked very well. Yes the inward thoughts and temperament are reflected in the outward manner & appearance – ‘By their fruits ye shall know them’. ‘The Lord knoweth them that are His’ (6).

Army life is a jolly, jolly life if one suddenly has a surprise of a few parcels. I was not thinking Sydney would be so long away. I suppose you will have heard from him. I have not heard yet since he went. I hope it has not upset affairs regarding his Commission.

Sorry the time has come for me to conclude – the rotten part of a letter, just the same as the rotten part of Home Leave – le Finis. Hoping you are spending a Happy Sunday again. I guess Okoo is with you. I wrote to him on the 5th.

Bestest love, Bertrum.

******************************

It is clear that Pte Bertie does not realise the severity of his brother’s illness.

(1) ‘A’ Company.

(2) ‘Little Scamps’: Bertie Hibbett’s Sunday School pupils, St Paul’s Church, Walsall.

(3) Sleeping Helmet: soldiers suffered particularly from cold & wet in Winter of 1915-1916. Pattern ‘Knitting for Tommy’ <https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk >

(4) Mrs Venables, (mother of Arthur Venables* who was to save Bertie’s life) held one of Walsall’s fund-raising Sales for Soldiers.

(5) Bombing Party: A Little Book of Words & Doings: ‘Bombing Course. Oct – Nov 1915: ‘Marvellous escape after 4 bombs, one dud, dropped by feet of Chester Robinson*, unhurt. Ida writes from Home she is making springs for bombs & complemented on by manager.‘ cf The West Spring Gun. A bomb-throwing catapult ‘designed to throw a hand grenade in a high trajectory into enemy trenches’. <https://www.en.wikipedia >

(6) Mtt.7.16 & 2 Tim 2.19.

NEXT POST: 10th Nov. 1915. The King’s Review: waiting inches deep in mud & water for hours.

5th NOV: GUY FAWKES NIGHT IN THE TRENCHES & A GRENADIER SINGSONG.

November 5, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY

FOUQUIERES

3rd – 4th Nov. In Rest Billets. (Refitting Bn after Battle)

5th Nov. Fri: Marched at 8.30 am to PARADIS near MERVILLE and went into Billets.

Pte BERTIE HIBBETT: LETTER to Mother, Marie Neal Hibbett, 95 Foden Rd. Walsall.

GUY FAWKES DAY. 5 th Nov/ 15

My Very Dear Mother,

Another coincidence Mum. Today, or rather tonight, will be the unique Bonfire Night. For the purpose of seeing the enemy’s movements at night star lights (1) are used & these lights have been improved & there are many different kinds, some giving off an illumination like those of the Flower Show (2). Indeed every night in the trenches is a Guy Fawkes affair, what with shells & star lights.

And again another feature, which is all the more unique, is that I am undergoing a course in bombing. I was examined in the oral part yesterday (3).

The Batt. has moved further away today. Sydney I’m partly sorry to tell you is in Hospital with influenza, but I think it is the only way of obtaining a rest, – as the Doctor put it also. Thirteen went including Arthur Brown* who came back, I think on Wednesday, after 3 or 4 days.

I hope you aren’t giving up making toffee on this bonfire night & I hope Dodger will enjoy a lump and not deny himself a second piece either. I was not able to see the Observer about the attack, (Vernon having gone to Hospital when your letter of Tues 26th arrived, about the Bishop at St Paul’s) – but never mind I am not the worse off.

The bombing party will go near the Batt. tomorrow. I am afraid this letter will not be accepted here. I shall have to keep it until I get to my Company. I shall be rather glad when I get back to my platoon again.

Mrs Evans sent a parcel to Vernon when he was in Hospital, the parcel went to the trenches & I had a letter from her saying the contents were for Sydney, myself and pals. Wasn’t it jolly good of her to think of us. We must bear in mind it is not so much the gifts as the thoughts, especially nowadays. I am looking forward to a parcel from you as I expected one today if the Batt. had not moved.

I suppose all the little boys in Walsall will substitute the dummy of Guido for William eh!

News in the papers has somewhat surprised us out here. Oh! that reminds me, we Grenadiers (4) had a bit of a concert in the barn here on Wednesday last & I gave the men an effort of mine. We shall very likely have another soon. When I entertain any party I like to give them a really good piece of recitation or a jolly good song. So I wonder if you could try & send me that poem Ida loved so much ‘The Highwayman came riding, riding, riding up to the old inn door’ (5). I should be delighted if you could. Don’t think that I am absolutely theatrical with the men, but I have come to the conclusion that one cannot get on with such a crew of chaps like these without chumming up & being merry with them.

Any other humorous poem you’ve got just send along by return post & oblige. Ida loved to gather us around the study fire & have a little ‘Sing Song’.

Well, what think you of these two I’m enclosing? ‘Laddie in Khaki’ (6) was sung by a lady (of means) in the YMCA at the Base when I was there.

As for the other it is appropriate for a fireside song & reminded me of the singsongs we had round the fire at Home Sweet Home, the Little Grey Home in the West.

Best love to all, Father and bestest love to Mummy,

Bertie Arfer.

*************************

(1) “Star shell”: artillery shell for illuminating Battlefield & No Man’s Land at night, to catch enemy patrols or wiring activity. Fuse burst at a given height igniting a magnesium flare which burned while the shell, with parachute, gradually fell to earth. Multi-coloured flares used for passing signals. <https://www.firstworldwar.com>

(2) Flower Show: Aldridge near Walsall held a annual Flower Show and no doubt Mr Frank O. Bates*, exhibited his roses. cf. Letter: 12th July 1915.

(3) Bombing Course: Training in throwing & firing Mills grenades: stick attached extended their throw. Used effectively in Battle of Loos/Hohenzollern. See Post 13th Oct.1915. Also 20th -31st July 1915.

(4) Grenadier: (from French ‘grenade’) ‘bomb thrower’ from 17th cent.

(5) Alfred Noyes: 1880-1958. English poet, short story writer & playwright. Born Wolverhampton. The Highwayman: ‘best narrative poem in existence for oral delivery‘. Voted 15th in The Nation’s Favourite Poem. BBC poll. 1995. Film made.

The Highwayman: The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees. The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, And the highwayman came riding—Riding—riding—The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.

Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard. He tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred. He whistled a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there But the landlord’s black-eyed daughter, Bess, the landlord’s daughter, Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair. (Part I verse 1 & 3).1906.

(6) Laddie in Khaki: Ivor Novello. 1893 -1951. Words: James Edward Myers. 1915.

There is a girl who waits at home Who’s full of charm and grace. Tho’ her heart is saddened She keeps a smiling face. Ask her whom she’s thinking of All the livelong day With a smile that lights her face. She will softly say: ” Laddie in khaki I’m waiting for you. I want you to know That my heart beats true. I’m longing and praying And living for you, So come back little laddie in khaki!”.

NEXT POST: 7th Nov. 1915.

2nd NOV.1915: KING’S REVIEW INFLUENZA: ‘TEMP. 103. 6 & PUT TO BED AT ONCE’.

November 2, 2015 Elizabeth Hibbett Webb Leave a comment

Centre: Sgt S. HIBBETT when training as a Sergeant. — **SYDNEY HIBBETT.**

Serjeant SYDNEY HIBBETT: LETTER to Arthur & Marie Neal HIBBETT, 95, Foden Rd. Walsall.

E 3 Ward, 12 General Hospital, Rouen. Nov 2/ 15.

I am in this Hospital with influenza and am going on quite all right. Everyone is most kind and the ward so clean & nice that it is a rest to look at it. I have been here since 5 am yesterday, not a long time really but it seems a week. I have been in bed, or at least in blankets, since Friday 11 am when I reported my illness at the nearest nursing station up near the line.

Our company was detached from the Battalion & sent some distance to act as carrying party up the trenches. This was early on Friday & I felt really ill all the way up so I thought I would go ‘on sick’ for once. Temp. 103. 6 & put into bed at once. I was taken by Motor Ambulance to a Clearing Station some miles back that night & I have been on my back ever since, an unique experience for me eh?

London & North Western Railway. 1915 — London & North Western Railway. Ambulance Train.

I left there by Red Cross train 11 am Sunday, when you would be in church I know, and stayed in it till we arrived here at 4. am Monday – some journey!

I may say that I don’t think I have been in so fine a train – it was a perfect wonder of design and a miracle of comfort & easy running & of course built by L.N.W. (1)

I see that I am at the bottom of the letter so will dry up.

Have found a green envelope so I will write a bit more.

Fancy me in Hospital! I don’t know how long for. I expect your letters & parcel are up at the line. I am on a milk diet and I can sympathise with jolly old Hal & Ralph (2) having to drink those 2 pints once. I can also understand Ida’s troubles at Leicester in the wards. Bert is somewhere up in the line, but not in the trenches I believe. Vernon is in Hospital also but I don’t know where – with Bertie’s complaint (3).

Must close now. With every best wish to you all from

Sydney.

I sleep in a perfect fine bed, clean sheets & blankets & pillows, beautiful after the mud of the firing line.

**************************

Private BERTIE HIBBETT & 1/5th SOUTH STAFFORDS WAR DIARY.

FOUQUIERES.

27th Oct – 2nd Nov. In Rest Billets.

CASUALTIES FOR OCTOBER: OFFICERS KILLED 5; WOUNDED 6; DIED OF WOUNDS 2. OTHER RANKS KILLED 41; WOUNDED 213; WOUNDED & MISSING 52; DIED OF WOUNDS 3.

TOTAL CASUALTIES:- OFFICERS 13. OTHER RANKS 309. (4).

Signed: R. RICHMOND RAYMER, Lt. Col. Cmdg 1/5th Bn. South Staffordshire Rgt.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Serjeant Sydney’s Letter is written on an opened-out white envelope and is covered in mud. His Mother sent it on to Bertie to read & return – so maybe that is how it got so muddy!

Sydney’s journey from a Front Line Clearing Station to Rouen Hospital took 3 nights & 2 days.

London & North Western Railway Company Badge. — **London & North Western Railway Company Badge**.

(1) L.N.W.R. London & North Western Railway (1846 -1922) ‘The Premier Line’ was the largest joint stock company in the world. Illustration: Ambulance Train headed by a 4-6-0 Whale Experiment Class, built at Crewe. 1905-1910. ‘Ever increasing need for this type of train in WW1’ cf World Transport History. <https://www.transpressnz.blogspot.com> NB Sgt Sydney’s appreciation is that of a Walsall engineering apprentice before the War.

(2) ‘Hal’ could be Harold Hibbett. Ralph unknown as yet, could be a cousin. (3) Trench foot complaint rather than Bertie’s blood disorder & boils I think.

(4) CASUALTY numbers are out of a Total Battalion complement of 28 Officers & 827 Other Ranks. Totals: 855.

Field State October 12th 1915 was reported as:- Available for Trench Duty 13.10.15 : 24 Officers & 721 Other Ranks. Transport & Stores: 2 Officers & 56 Other Ranks. Details: 1 Officer & 20 Other Ranks. Sick 1 Officer & 20 Other Ranks (including Pte Bertie Hibbett).

NEXT POST: 5th Nov. 1915. Posts for November may be delayed by a cataract operation.

The WW1 Letters and Drawings of Private Bertie Hibbett, 1/5th South Staffordshire Regiment, to his family in Walsall, will be posted again, one hundred years on, from August 1914 to November 1918, by his daughter Elizabeth Hibbett Webb. The first posting will be the Recruitment Postcard sent by Queen Mary's Grammar School Headmaster to the Hibbett family on holiday in Abergele, Wales.