Diary entries experiences of a British soldier
Many of the combatants of the First World War recorded the daily events of their experiences in the form of a diary. Some were published after the war and have become celebrated. Many more,
however, remained tucked away in cupboard drawers for years, unpublished and
unseen.
however, remained tucked away in cupboard drawers for years, unpublished and
unseen.
Dear diary,
Today has been quite exciting but shocking actually. It was me and the lads first day training and seeing our trenches. Training was fun. I got to hold my rifle for the first time! The trenches were worse than I expected them to be. I know they're trenches but I thought we would have our own space. The officers laughed shamefully at me when I asked for more food. The food is absolutely horrible. Getting decent hot food from the field kitchens to the front line trenches could be impossible. All I really had today was canned meat (which was horrible). Though this is my first day so I can't really complain. I would explain my day to day routine but I've forgot most of it. We basically have to wake up an hour before sun up and some of my mates today were taught how to do patrols. Then we had breakfast and did our chores. To be honest we haven't done much today anyway. In spite of that I'm looking forward for the adventure of a life time. At least that's what they told me when I signed up for the war. Would I say I'm patriotic? Kind of, I don't really want to get killed by the 'Hun,' who would? James Dear diary, 1st July 1916, written on the western front
It is July 1st, 1916, the start of the Battle of the Somme, we had to go out of the trenches and walk into No-Man's-Land. I can't believe I've survived! The aim of this battle is to draw German forces away from Battle of Verdun, where the French forces are suffering severe losses. We are going to get out of the trenches and charge to the enemies, just like our commanders ordered us to do. We can't do anything about it. It's their orders and I bet they wouldn't care if I died. They've got plenty of soldiers. In fact 60 000 died today. How can they just forget and think like nothing has happened? There is the constant smell of death. The constant feeling of getting bombed. It was a really horrible sight, seeing so many men die in just a few seconds. I remember praying that I would survive just before going over the top. I should've prayed for my friends. One of my friends is a signaller. Most old soldiers will know what this is. Bayonet drills, bombing practice, in short, all those exercises which were supposed to make an efficient soldier. He began to regret this. I can understand how he must've felt. I can't believe I'm saying this but I wish I never joined the army. Those posters were nothing but lies. I wish I was back home to my family and not in this ghastly place. I can feel it will get much more worse. This is only the first day anyway. James |
Dear diary, 18th November
At last, the battle has ended, with 5800 troops (a third) killed on the first day. Our total losses were 420000, the French had 200 000 casualties, while the Germans had 500000. I did not think that the battle was a success. It definitely wasn't worth the effort and the casualties but I've survived! However, I can't just keep thinking things are going to be ok. Word has gone around the trenches that there will be another battle in Picardy (France) in about 2 weeks time. It can't be as worse as the Somme. Can it? They should give us a break. It's hard dealing with war anyway and now they're putting us through that all again. Everyone keeps telling me I'm really lucky and all that rubbish but sometimes I wish I was dead.. With my mates then I know I wouldn't have died alone. I need to go now, they might steal my diary. James Dear diary, November 11th
IT'S OVER!!! The war is officially finished. I'm so happy. Words can't describe how lucky I am. It has been a dangerous journey over the years but a lot has happened. Germany has just signed this armistice with the other allies. I think an armistice is basically the declaration of the end of war. A bit like when the war was initially declared. We are all going home! You know what the best part is? It's the war to end ALL wars! No more bombing or sleepless nights for the rest of my days. At least that's what all my commanders have told me and I know they're telling the truth. Farewell trenches. By the most excited James |