Date: Not given (October 1914?)
Address: No.9 Platoon - A Coy. 14th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, Halton Park Camp, Bucks
From: Private Thomas Gray
To: George
Dear George
We have not had a reply from you to our last letter which we sent just after we came to camp. We are still getting on champion and we have had fine weather until this week when we had some real Houghton Feast weather. It has rained off and on for 2 days, and yesterday we only put in 3 hours drill. It wasn't very comfortable - just imagine 14 of us in a bell tent all huddled up together in the middle, sitting on top of our blankets and kits, and singing hymns and ragtimes. We have a Scotch lad in our tent and he gave us a Highland fling to the accompaniment of a mouth-organ, in the tent during the rain. The weather has faired up now so we are allright.
Last week I was acting as a hospital orderly, as the two R.A.M.C. men who were stationed at the camp, could not deal with the sickness. However I am back in my own tent now. We got our uniforms last week and we sent our own clothes back home. Our uniforms are the new uniforms of Kitchener's Army - navy blue serge tunics and trousers with a Scotch cap. There are no brasses on them and they are only for training, we will get khaki after we are trained. I got my photo taken on the day I left home and I have written home and I have asked them to give you one. We have not started to learn to shoot yet. At first we drilled in squads (16 men) then in platoons (4 squads = 70 men). Now we are drilling in companies (280 men = 4 platoons).
The following is the daily routine of camp life.
5.30 am - Reveille (Get up or you get kicked up)
6.00 am - Hot cocoa
6.0 to 7.0 am - Shake blankets and pack them up, wash and tidy the tent
7 to 8 am - Parade (drill)
8 to 9 am - Breakfast (cocoa, dry bread and bacon)
9 to 12.30 pm - Parade
1 pm- Dinner (boiled meat, taties, turnips, carrots)
2 to 5 pm - Parade
5 pm - Tea (tea, bread and jam or cheese)
After tea we are free to go out of camp.
9.0 pm First Post (time to come in camp)
9.30 pm Last Post (time is up)
9.45 Lights Out
10 pm to 5.30 am Snoring
Anybody coming in to camp late is put on guard tent and put on defaulters drill (extra drill) the next day. We do not have any supper unless we save some bread from tea. A small quantity of broth is made every night from the leavings of the dinner and the different companies get their turn in getting it.
There is a mess orderly for each tent every day to get the rations for the other men in the tent and to wash up the dishes. Bob has been mess orderly today There are 5000 men in this camp, made up of the following - the 9th and 10th Battalion of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the Winchester Rifle Brigade, and the 14th and 15th Battns of the Durham Light Infantry. There is another camp 3/4 ,mile away of 10,000, some Northumberland Fusiliers, Lincolnshire Regiment and some West Yorks. Both camps are in Hal;ton Park the estate of Baron Rothschild, the millionnaire, it is 5 miles from Aylesbury and about 36 from London. There are several orchards round about here and I have seen hundreds of damsons on trees and also a lot of apples. The climate down here is so much warmer than it is up in the North of England. I am writing this in the Y.M.C.A. Tent; the paper is supplied free and the place is full of tables for writing and magazines. It is a very large marquee. Father wrote and said that you had been for the bike, you may as well have it when I can't use it. If there is anything you would like to know of camp lifeand soldiering which I have not told you, just let me know, but be sure and write, let me know how you are getting on with your work, etc. Letters are very welcome in camp and are eagerly looked for at every post, but seldom received.
I remain, your affectionate brother
Tom
Friday, 28 June 2013
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Lord Tommy Noddy and the Earl of Blankshire
Date: February 6th, 1915
Address: Not given
From: (in Tom Gray's handwriting)
To: Not specified
A visit to London (part 2)
Cafes
1st meal in Lambeth - 2 slices of thick bread and butter and a cup of tea each. It was good and we were satisfied.
2nd meal in Whitehall - a muffin and scorn and butter each with a pot of tea. No taste at all and the second cup rank poison. It was one of the Lyon's Cafes, the firm who advertise their splendid and refreshing tea. Their tea nearly split my palate and cracked my throat. It would have been better for them/me if they had saved all their money on advertisements and made me a decent cup of tea - I may want to buy half a pound of tea some day.
The cost of this tea was 400% more than for our first meal and if the cost of the two teas similar to no.2 meal and the cost of one tea similar to no.1 meal were added together, the total is 3/- What is the price of no.1. and no.2 tea respectively? And if two no.2. meals equal one no.1 meal which is the most suitable for a soldier in Kitcheners Army drawing 3/- per week. (Correct answers will be awarded a prize).
Houses of Parliament
We were accompanied by a guide, who explained all things to us, the majority of which I have already forgot.
The building is very fine both outside and in. The ceiling, walls, doorways and floors are magnificent. The walls are covered with pictures and portraits full of historical interest. Many of the windows are coloured and represent historical personages. Some of the pictures I have not forgotten are - King Henry VIII's pertrait witht he portrait of his 6 wives alongside - King Arthur, carvings representing the various stages of his life - life size picture of Charles (King) returning from France and landing at Dover being welcomed by the civic authorities - picture (lifesize) of the meeting of Wellington and Blucker on the field of Waterloo - picture of Sir Walter Raleigh spreading his cloak in the mud for Queen Elizabeth to walk over - carvings alongside each other of the Rose (England) Thistle (Scotland) Shamrock (Ireland) ...........(Wales) - portraits of Queen Mary (16th century) and Lady Jane Grey the 10 days queen.
The most remarkable picture is one that is on the walls of the room where Parliament originally sat, during the time of Simon-de-Montfort and Charles I. It is a very big picture and life size, and illustrates a historical event which happened directly in front of the picture. This was when Charles I ordered the House to adjourn, when they were transacting business which wasn't suiting him. The picture shows the House full of members discussing and arguing, while 4 or 5 of their number are forcibly holding down the Speaker.
There are statues and carvings of men famous in history all over the Houses of Parliament.
After entering the entrance hall we went through the Robing Room where the King puts on his robe, previous to entering the House when Formal Opening of Parliament takes place.
We went into the House of Lords and saw the Woolsack and the Royal chairs where the King and Queen and the Prince of Wales sit on State occasions. At the other end of the House is a rail across, called the Bar, and members of the House of Commons are allowed to come as far as the Bar only, on State occasions. Along the centre of the floor are the tables for the bills, documents and reference books; and from the centre the seats rise in tiers, about 6 rows of seats. Just outside the House are the stands for coats and umbrellas; above each peg is a card of some Lord Tommy Noddy or of the Earl of Blankshire.
The Lobby is a circular hall with a dome roof and is midway between the two Houses. There is a Post Office in a room just off the Lobby. The House of Commons is similar to the House of Lords in arrangement. The Speaker's chair is at the far end and the table is in front of it which holds the mace and the dispatch box. When the House is in session the Speaker must be in the chair and the mace on ther table. A difference between the two Houses which is very noticeable is that the seats in the Lords are covered with red plush and in the Commons they are covered with black leather.
In the sketch the letters show the different positions of the parties, G-government. O-opposition, L-labour, HR-Home Rulers Redmond, S-Speaker, A-Serjeant at Arms.
The Serjeant at Arms is the official who ejects any member who creates disorder. There is a Gallery at each end above the House of Commons, one for gentlemen and the other for ladies. When looking at the Houses of Parliament from Westminster Bridge, we noticed 3 towers, the far one is the biggest and when the House is sitting the Union Jack is flying at the top. The central tower contains an elaborate system of machinery for ventilating the building. The other tower is the clock tower containing Big Ben - a large 13 ton bell, and a clock with a face 23 feet in diameter. This tower is lit up when the House is sitting, so that anyone can know whether the House is sitting either at night or during the day, by noticing the towers as stated above.
The Terrace is situated between two projecting wings of the building and can only be entered from the House. The Thames flows past the front wall of (the) Terrace.
I forgot to mention that the Houses were burnt down once and the only part which was not damaged was the Original House of Commons (St.Stephen's Hall - I think) and, when we went through, the roof of Westminster Hall was under repair.
I forgot to get the post-card photographs of the Houses of Parliament.
The Tower of London
This is a very old castle and is in a fine state of preservation. All things are there except the drawbridge, which we have read of in history and in stories, and it is a fine example of an old fortress.The walls in some places are 15 feet thick, and when looking at the high walls and battlements and the deep wide moat, which surrounds the lot, it is difficult to imagine how such a place could be taken in olden times. If the defenders had sufficent food, etc, it would be impregnable.The moat is now dry and is used for a parade ground.
The visit to the Armoury was very instructive and all kinds of weapons were seen, and you can read of in the Book. In particular, all the walls and ceilings are covered with very clever designs of star pattern, roses, etc; the whole being done with interwoven weapons of warfare such as old pistols, swords, ramrods, guns and daggers.The walls here are 15 ft thick and a passage runs inside the wall and there are spiral stairs at the corner of the building. The Strong Room which holds the jewels was also visited. The jewels and crowns, etc, are brilliant and cannot be described, but you will see from the Book what the room contained.
A visit to the Tower and Houses of Parliament cannot be underestimated. It would fasten events in your memory, never to be forgotten again. When I was in the Strong Room I was looking at thousands and thousands of pounds worth of gold and gems - I put my hand in my pocket and felt a very few coins of silver and copper, totalling about seven bob.
I hope this description will be understood especially would-be scholarship winners.
---------------------------------
Note: the local Northumbrian name for a Farne Island puffin is "Tommy Noddy".
Address: Not given
From: (in Tom Gray's handwriting)
To: Not specified
A visit to London (part 2)
Cafes
1st meal in Lambeth - 2 slices of thick bread and butter and a cup of tea each. It was good and we were satisfied.
2nd meal in Whitehall - a muffin and scorn and butter each with a pot of tea. No taste at all and the second cup rank poison. It was one of the Lyon's Cafes, the firm who advertise their splendid and refreshing tea. Their tea nearly split my palate and cracked my throat. It would have been better for them/me if they had saved all their money on advertisements and made me a decent cup of tea - I may want to buy half a pound of tea some day.
The cost of this tea was 400% more than for our first meal and if the cost of the two teas similar to no.2 meal and the cost of one tea similar to no.1 meal were added together, the total is 3/- What is the price of no.1. and no.2 tea respectively? And if two no.2. meals equal one no.1 meal which is the most suitable for a soldier in Kitcheners Army drawing 3/- per week. (Correct answers will be awarded a prize).
Houses of Parliament
We were accompanied by a guide, who explained all things to us, the majority of which I have already forgot.
The building is very fine both outside and in. The ceiling, walls, doorways and floors are magnificent. The walls are covered with pictures and portraits full of historical interest. Many of the windows are coloured and represent historical personages. Some of the pictures I have not forgotten are - King Henry VIII's pertrait witht he portrait of his 6 wives alongside - King Arthur, carvings representing the various stages of his life - life size picture of Charles (King) returning from France and landing at Dover being welcomed by the civic authorities - picture (lifesize) of the meeting of Wellington and Blucker on the field of Waterloo - picture of Sir Walter Raleigh spreading his cloak in the mud for Queen Elizabeth to walk over - carvings alongside each other of the Rose (England) Thistle (Scotland) Shamrock (Ireland) ...........(Wales) - portraits of Queen Mary (16th century) and Lady Jane Grey the 10 days queen.
The most remarkable picture is one that is on the walls of the room where Parliament originally sat, during the time of Simon-de-Montfort and Charles I. It is a very big picture and life size, and illustrates a historical event which happened directly in front of the picture. This was when Charles I ordered the House to adjourn, when they were transacting business which wasn't suiting him. The picture shows the House full of members discussing and arguing, while 4 or 5 of their number are forcibly holding down the Speaker.
There are statues and carvings of men famous in history all over the Houses of Parliament.
After entering the entrance hall we went through the Robing Room where the King puts on his robe, previous to entering the House when Formal Opening of Parliament takes place.
We went into the House of Lords and saw the Woolsack and the Royal chairs where the King and Queen and the Prince of Wales sit on State occasions. At the other end of the House is a rail across, called the Bar, and members of the House of Commons are allowed to come as far as the Bar only, on State occasions. Along the centre of the floor are the tables for the bills, documents and reference books; and from the centre the seats rise in tiers, about 6 rows of seats. Just outside the House are the stands for coats and umbrellas; above each peg is a card of some Lord Tommy Noddy or of the Earl of Blankshire.
The Lobby is a circular hall with a dome roof and is midway between the two Houses. There is a Post Office in a room just off the Lobby. The House of Commons is similar to the House of Lords in arrangement. The Speaker's chair is at the far end and the table is in front of it which holds the mace and the dispatch box. When the House is in session the Speaker must be in the chair and the mace on ther table. A difference between the two Houses which is very noticeable is that the seats in the Lords are covered with red plush and in the Commons they are covered with black leather.
In the sketch the letters show the different positions of the parties, G-government. O-opposition, L-labour, HR-Home Rulers Redmond, S-Speaker, A-Serjeant at Arms.
The Terrace is situated between two projecting wings of the building and can only be entered from the House. The Thames flows past the front wall of (the) Terrace.
I forgot to mention that the Houses were burnt down once and the only part which was not damaged was the Original House of Commons (St.Stephen's Hall - I think) and, when we went through, the roof of Westminster Hall was under repair.
I forgot to get the post-card photographs of the Houses of Parliament.
The Tower of London
This is a very old castle and is in a fine state of preservation. All things are there except the drawbridge, which we have read of in history and in stories, and it is a fine example of an old fortress.The walls in some places are 15 feet thick, and when looking at the high walls and battlements and the deep wide moat, which surrounds the lot, it is difficult to imagine how such a place could be taken in olden times. If the defenders had sufficent food, etc, it would be impregnable.The moat is now dry and is used for a parade ground.
The visit to the Armoury was very instructive and all kinds of weapons were seen, and you can read of in the Book. In particular, all the walls and ceilings are covered with very clever designs of star pattern, roses, etc; the whole being done with interwoven weapons of warfare such as old pistols, swords, ramrods, guns and daggers.The walls here are 15 ft thick and a passage runs inside the wall and there are spiral stairs at the corner of the building. The Strong Room which holds the jewels was also visited. The jewels and crowns, etc, are brilliant and cannot be described, but you will see from the Book what the room contained.
A visit to the Tower and Houses of Parliament cannot be underestimated. It would fasten events in your memory, never to be forgotten again. When I was in the Strong Room I was looking at thousands and thousands of pounds worth of gold and gems - I put my hand in my pocket and felt a very few coins of silver and copper, totalling about seven bob.
I hope this description will be understood especially would-be scholarship winners.
---------------------------------
Note: the local Northumbrian name for a Farne Island puffin is "Tommy Noddy".
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Too Hungry to Dine with Mr.Asquith
Date: February 6th, 1915
Address: Not given
From: (in Tom Gray's handwriting)
To: Not specified
A visit to London (part 1)
We left Wycombe at 9.15 a.m. and arrived at Marlybourne at 10 a.m. We had taken our overcoats, but as it was now very fine we left them at the Left Luggage Depot. We immediately took the tube (underground railway) to Leicester Square, on arriving there we went up Charing Cross Road to Oxford St - turning to left we went along Oxford St until we came to Hyde Park - went through, passing some Grenadiers drilling and came to the Serpentine and then to Rotton Row where the Society of London exercise themselves cantering up and down on horseback or parading on the broad path which runs alongside or sitting on the numerous seats. We then went to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Residenceand observed the netting above the roof for protection from air bombs, and also the Royal Standard flying. There is a very fine monument to Queen Victoria in front of the Palace, the base is circular and large, and is like a fish-pond although it is dry, with four lions, etc. extending from the central figure to the outside. The monument is white and clean and about 100 yards round the circumference. (Hope this description is understood).
A party of His Majesty's Royal Horse Guards passed us here on their way back to Barracks - they have an imposing uniform with shining body armour and a white plumed helmet, they ride with drawn swords on black horses. We passed out of the park near the American Embassy and worked our way to Trafalgar Square - the monument was decorated with recruiting posters at the base, one being the historical signal of Nelson "England expects that every man this day will to his duty"; another is the sentence of Mr.Asquith in a speech "No sacrifice can be too great to uphold the honour and ensure the freedom of Great Britain".
Close to the Trafalgar monument is the National Art Gallery and we spent half an hour in it. We went into the park again and came out close to Westminster Hospital (full of wounded Belgians), Wesleyan Central Hall, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Crossing Lambeth Bridge we worked our way round to Westminster Bridge back to the Houses of Parliament. At a crossing here we stood for a quarter of an hour watching the busy traffic. We then went through the Houses of Parliament, accompanied by a guide. On coming out the guide offered to conduct us over the Tower of London; we agreed and took the tube which landed us near our object. We went through the various places open to us and on coming out we thought we would take another look in the armoury and especially at the crowns, etc in the strong room; so we dismissed our guide and went through again. The Tower Bridge is close to, and of course we had to go over it, but did not see it open.
We took to the tube again and landed back at Westminster, went to Trafalgar Square, and down to Whitehall to Downing St.
We felt too hungry to wait a little to dine with Mr.Asquith, so we went back passing the War Office, Admiralty, Privy Coucil, Treasury, Board of Trade etc. and took tea at Lyon's Cafe in Whitehall. It was now nearly 6pm and dark, so we thought we would see what the streets of London are like on a Saturday night; we went up Charing Cross Rd and back again along the Strand and back again to Trafalgar Square. We now went back to Westminster to the Wesleyan Central Hall, which we had passed earlier in the day, to a weekly Popular Concert and spent a good time until 9.50 pm when we left and took the tube to Marylebourne and got there just in time to get our overcoats and catch our train to Wycombe, giving our passes in 5 minutes before they were due (12 midnight) and landed in bed at a quarter to one on Sunday morning, very tired but well pleased and satisfied with our day's holiday.
National Art Gallery
This is very fine and all the pictures are of 1st class order, many of them being protected by large glass screens a yard in front of them.
The Streets of London
The streets are just the same as any large town. In the Strand and Charing Cross Rd are the great picture halls. In Whitehall are all the Gobernment head offices - War Office, Admiralty, board of Trade, Treasury, Privy Council and the chief offices of Insurance companies - it is a fine street similar to Grey St at Newcastle. The famous Strand is a little better than High St in Sunderland, but not as good as Fawcett St. Such was the impression I got - all the big lights were out and it may be a brilliant St in times of peace. I notices many shops had placards in their windows "Ici on parle Francais" (We talk French here). This will be to get the trade of the French visitors.
Several searchlights were moving about the sky searching for aircraft which might make a night attack.
The traffic in the streets I have mentioned, is very great and is controlled at the crossings by a big lamppost in the middle of each of the four roads. A policeman is there, but his work is easy.
In Trafalgar Square, Westminster, etc where the roads do not take the form of a cross, the traffic has to be controlloed entirely by the policeman. The public travel in motor-buses instead of tramcars as is the case in most towns. Only in Lambeth did we see tramcars.
Underground Railway or Tube
In almost all the main streets you will find entrances to the Underground Railway, commonly referred to as the Tube, and by using this means of travel you can get to any part of London. For instance, when we arrived at Marylebourne we wanted to get to Leicester Square, so we went down the tube, you got a ticket, and got in the train going in that direction. At all the stations and in every carriage there is a plan of the railways and all the stopping places, and changing places, on that part of the system, so that everyone can see for themselves when and where to change or get out without bothering porters, etc. Again, we wanted to go from Westminster to the Tower, so we went down to the tube and landed at the Tower. At night we wanted our station and did not know where it was or how far it was, so we simply went down the tube and in a few minutes we had got what we wanted. The train is composed of a number of cars similar to single decked tramcars coupled together and driven by electricity. In some places there is only a single line in a tunnel, in most cases a double line and all stations are well lighted by electricity. From the underground you get to the surface by stairs or lifts and in one case by a travelling staircase. This is like a screening belt used at the pit, but when it gets on the slope it forms steps.
Address: Not given
From: (in Tom Gray's handwriting)
To: Not specified
A visit to London (part 1)
We left Wycombe at 9.15 a.m. and arrived at Marlybourne at 10 a.m. We had taken our overcoats, but as it was now very fine we left them at the Left Luggage Depot. We immediately took the tube (underground railway) to Leicester Square, on arriving there we went up Charing Cross Road to Oxford St - turning to left we went along Oxford St until we came to Hyde Park - went through, passing some Grenadiers drilling and came to the Serpentine and then to Rotton Row where the Society of London exercise themselves cantering up and down on horseback or parading on the broad path which runs alongside or sitting on the numerous seats. We then went to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Residenceand observed the netting above the roof for protection from air bombs, and also the Royal Standard flying. There is a very fine monument to Queen Victoria in front of the Palace, the base is circular and large, and is like a fish-pond although it is dry, with four lions, etc. extending from the central figure to the outside. The monument is white and clean and about 100 yards round the circumference. (Hope this description is understood).
A party of His Majesty's Royal Horse Guards passed us here on their way back to Barracks - they have an imposing uniform with shining body armour and a white plumed helmet, they ride with drawn swords on black horses. We passed out of the park near the American Embassy and worked our way to Trafalgar Square - the monument was decorated with recruiting posters at the base, one being the historical signal of Nelson "England expects that every man this day will to his duty"; another is the sentence of Mr.Asquith in a speech "No sacrifice can be too great to uphold the honour and ensure the freedom of Great Britain".
Close to the Trafalgar monument is the National Art Gallery and we spent half an hour in it. We went into the park again and came out close to Westminster Hospital (full of wounded Belgians), Wesleyan Central Hall, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Crossing Lambeth Bridge we worked our way round to Westminster Bridge back to the Houses of Parliament. At a crossing here we stood for a quarter of an hour watching the busy traffic. We then went through the Houses of Parliament, accompanied by a guide. On coming out the guide offered to conduct us over the Tower of London; we agreed and took the tube which landed us near our object. We went through the various places open to us and on coming out we thought we would take another look in the armoury and especially at the crowns, etc in the strong room; so we dismissed our guide and went through again. The Tower Bridge is close to, and of course we had to go over it, but did not see it open.
We took to the tube again and landed back at Westminster, went to Trafalgar Square, and down to Whitehall to Downing St.
We felt too hungry to wait a little to dine with Mr.Asquith, so we went back passing the War Office, Admiralty, Privy Coucil, Treasury, Board of Trade etc. and took tea at Lyon's Cafe in Whitehall. It was now nearly 6pm and dark, so we thought we would see what the streets of London are like on a Saturday night; we went up Charing Cross Rd and back again along the Strand and back again to Trafalgar Square. We now went back to Westminster to the Wesleyan Central Hall, which we had passed earlier in the day, to a weekly Popular Concert and spent a good time until 9.50 pm when we left and took the tube to Marylebourne and got there just in time to get our overcoats and catch our train to Wycombe, giving our passes in 5 minutes before they were due (12 midnight) and landed in bed at a quarter to one on Sunday morning, very tired but well pleased and satisfied with our day's holiday.
National Art Gallery
This is very fine and all the pictures are of 1st class order, many of them being protected by large glass screens a yard in front of them.
The Streets of London
The streets are just the same as any large town. In the Strand and Charing Cross Rd are the great picture halls. In Whitehall are all the Gobernment head offices - War Office, Admiralty, board of Trade, Treasury, Privy Council and the chief offices of Insurance companies - it is a fine street similar to Grey St at Newcastle. The famous Strand is a little better than High St in Sunderland, but not as good as Fawcett St. Such was the impression I got - all the big lights were out and it may be a brilliant St in times of peace. I notices many shops had placards in their windows "Ici on parle Francais" (We talk French here). This will be to get the trade of the French visitors.
Several searchlights were moving about the sky searching for aircraft which might make a night attack.
The traffic in the streets I have mentioned, is very great and is controlled at the crossings by a big lamppost in the middle of each of the four roads. A policeman is there, but his work is easy.
In Trafalgar Square, Westminster, etc where the roads do not take the form of a cross, the traffic has to be controlloed entirely by the policeman. The public travel in motor-buses instead of tramcars as is the case in most towns. Only in Lambeth did we see tramcars.
Underground Railway or Tube
In almost all the main streets you will find entrances to the Underground Railway, commonly referred to as the Tube, and by using this means of travel you can get to any part of London. For instance, when we arrived at Marylebourne we wanted to get to Leicester Square, so we went down the tube, you got a ticket, and got in the train going in that direction. At all the stations and in every carriage there is a plan of the railways and all the stopping places, and changing places, on that part of the system, so that everyone can see for themselves when and where to change or get out without bothering porters, etc. Again, we wanted to go from Westminster to the Tower, so we went down to the tube and landed at the Tower. At night we wanted our station and did not know where it was or how far it was, so we simply went down the tube and in a few minutes we had got what we wanted. The train is composed of a number of cars similar to single decked tramcars coupled together and driven by electricity. In some places there is only a single line in a tunnel, in most cases a double line and all stations are well lighted by electricity. From the underground you get to the surface by stairs or lifts and in one case by a travelling staircase. This is like a screening belt used at the pit, but when it gets on the slope it forms steps.
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Kicking Up a Shindy
Date: October ?? 1914
Address: No.1 Company, 3rd Platoon, 14th D.L.I. Halton Park Camp, Bucks.
From: Private R.Gray
To: George
Dear George
You will thimk I am a long time in writing to you. I wrote the night before I received your letter and we expected coming to camp so I waited until we got settled down. We came here on Sat and are having a lively time with looking after our meat. We are on Rothschild's estate and can see the mansion from the camp. It is a fine place. It wasn't a bit like Sunday, we were running about giving out ?? plates and basins. I was just on the sanitory squad but I have chucked that. I had to clear the lines after meals and miss our drilling. Tom is now in the field hospital as orderly on account of the heavy sickness. On Monday the men were falling down in the lines with sickness and we would not go on parade, (we struck). The Lieutenant General was sent for and we are now well looked after with our food. The officers come down and ask if we have had plenty to eat so it does good to kick up a shindy. Afer tea on Sat night we went to Andover, 2 miles from the camp and coming back we lost our Tom and also our road. We were round 3 camps but none of them was ours. We got back at 9.40, ten minutes after the last post was sounded. Tom got back at 8.30 (lucky lad). There was 14 in one tent and when we kicked up the shindy and got no more than 8 men in one tent, there are only 3 in ours. Tom would make 4, but he is in the hospital orderlys' tent. Jim is now servant for the captain and he has a good job. He looks after us a bit and brings us food if we do not get plenty. He gets paid every Sat off the captain. For breakfast we get cocoa or tea and bread and bacon at 9.00 and dinner we get potatoes, meat and carrots. For tea we get bread and jam, cheese and sometimes corned beef. We get up at 5.30 and have tea or cocoa at 5.45 so we are now getting well fed. The camp is big enough for about 10,000 men. There are the 14th and 15 Durhams and 9th and 10th Yorks. It is a lovely countryside and we hope it is not a disease that is in the camp. Tom has been talking to some patients and he thinks it is with having nothing to eat and lying on the cold damp ground. We have now got waterproof sheets to lie on and two blankets each. We expect to get another blanket. All of us have got a champion top coat each, nice and thick for the cold weather.We were sorry to leave Aylesbury and our landlady sorry to lose us, she was crying after we came away. She told us we can go there any weekend we can get off so you bet it won't be our fault if we don't. It is about 4 and a half miles from the camp to Aylesbury we were there on Sunday night and we got set half way home. Tom wasn't with us. We intend to go on Wed night and you bet we will have a lively time. I think we will get our uniform this week and we will send you a photo. I will now close as it is dinner time and I will not have to miss it. We are all keeping well here, hope you are the same.
I remain your loving Brother
Rob
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Robert Gray was Tom's younger brother.
Address: No.1 Company, 3rd Platoon, 14th D.L.I. Halton Park Camp, Bucks.
From: Private R.Gray
To: George
Dear George
You will thimk I am a long time in writing to you. I wrote the night before I received your letter and we expected coming to camp so I waited until we got settled down. We came here on Sat and are having a lively time with looking after our meat. We are on Rothschild's estate and can see the mansion from the camp. It is a fine place. It wasn't a bit like Sunday, we were running about giving out ?? plates and basins. I was just on the sanitory squad but I have chucked that. I had to clear the lines after meals and miss our drilling. Tom is now in the field hospital as orderly on account of the heavy sickness. On Monday the men were falling down in the lines with sickness and we would not go on parade, (we struck). The Lieutenant General was sent for and we are now well looked after with our food. The officers come down and ask if we have had plenty to eat so it does good to kick up a shindy. Afer tea on Sat night we went to Andover, 2 miles from the camp and coming back we lost our Tom and also our road. We were round 3 camps but none of them was ours. We got back at 9.40, ten minutes after the last post was sounded. Tom got back at 8.30 (lucky lad). There was 14 in one tent and when we kicked up the shindy and got no more than 8 men in one tent, there are only 3 in ours. Tom would make 4, but he is in the hospital orderlys' tent. Jim is now servant for the captain and he has a good job. He looks after us a bit and brings us food if we do not get plenty. He gets paid every Sat off the captain. For breakfast we get cocoa or tea and bread and bacon at 9.00 and dinner we get potatoes, meat and carrots. For tea we get bread and jam, cheese and sometimes corned beef. We get up at 5.30 and have tea or cocoa at 5.45 so we are now getting well fed. The camp is big enough for about 10,000 men. There are the 14th and 15 Durhams and 9th and 10th Yorks. It is a lovely countryside and we hope it is not a disease that is in the camp. Tom has been talking to some patients and he thinks it is with having nothing to eat and lying on the cold damp ground. We have now got waterproof sheets to lie on and two blankets each. We expect to get another blanket. All of us have got a champion top coat each, nice and thick for the cold weather.We were sorry to leave Aylesbury and our landlady sorry to lose us, she was crying after we came away. She told us we can go there any weekend we can get off so you bet it won't be our fault if we don't. It is about 4 and a half miles from the camp to Aylesbury we were there on Sunday night and we got set half way home. Tom wasn't with us. We intend to go on Wed night and you bet we will have a lively time. I think we will get our uniform this week and we will send you a photo. I will now close as it is dinner time and I will not have to miss it. We are all keeping well here, hope you are the same.
I remain your loving Brother
Rob
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Note: Robert Gray was Tom's younger brother.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Sick of Army
Date: October 6th, 1914
Address: No.1 Company No.3 Platoon, 14th Batt. Durham Light Infantry, Halton Park Camp, Bucks.
From: Private T.Gray
To: George Gray
Dear George
The above is our new address. We came here on Saturday and are now under canvas. This Park is Rothschild's Estate and is 4 or 5 miles from Aylesbury. There are 2 or 3 camps on this estate. At our camp are 9th and 10th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and the 14th and 15th Durham Light infantry, so that you see there are a great many soldiers in this district. The nearest town is Wendover 2 1/2 miles away.
The 4 of us are getting on champion. Jim is orderly for Capt. Wilson, and I am temporarily attached to the Field Hospital. We had a great rush of sickness yesterday morning (Mon) and 18 were sent to hospital, the others recovered sufficiently to go back to the tents. We have sent 5 to the hospital this morning and 2 more ready. We had a sick parade this morning 300 patients, nearly all bad colds, rheumatism, sore feet, etc, no bad cases. The ailment of a lot of them is "Sick of Army". There were only 2 doctors and 2 ambulance men attached to the camp and when the rush came on yesterday, 5 privates from the regiments who had beem ambulance men were sent to act as hospital orderlies. That makes 7 of us now and 2 doctors. We fitted up a field Hospital last night and have stretchers, etc. The epidemic of sickness has stopped now. I did not write sooner as I knew we were coming to camp and so I waited until I got new address.
Got your letter alright. Write again and let us know how you are getting on. I wrote home last night. Am writing this at Hospital. Bob has been on sanitory duty 2 days but has chucked it.
I remain
Your affectionate bro
Tom
Address: No.1 Company No.3 Platoon, 14th Batt. Durham Light Infantry, Halton Park Camp, Bucks.
From: Private T.Gray
To: George Gray
Dear George
The above is our new address. We came here on Saturday and are now under canvas. This Park is Rothschild's Estate and is 4 or 5 miles from Aylesbury. There are 2 or 3 camps on this estate. At our camp are 9th and 10th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and the 14th and 15th Durham Light infantry, so that you see there are a great many soldiers in this district. The nearest town is Wendover 2 1/2 miles away.
The 4 of us are getting on champion. Jim is orderly for Capt. Wilson, and I am temporarily attached to the Field Hospital. We had a great rush of sickness yesterday morning (Mon) and 18 were sent to hospital, the others recovered sufficiently to go back to the tents. We have sent 5 to the hospital this morning and 2 more ready. We had a sick parade this morning 300 patients, nearly all bad colds, rheumatism, sore feet, etc, no bad cases. The ailment of a lot of them is "Sick of Army". There were only 2 doctors and 2 ambulance men attached to the camp and when the rush came on yesterday, 5 privates from the regiments who had beem ambulance men were sent to act as hospital orderlies. That makes 7 of us now and 2 doctors. We fitted up a field Hospital last night and have stretchers, etc. The epidemic of sickness has stopped now. I did not write sooner as I knew we were coming to camp and so I waited until I got new address.
Got your letter alright. Write again and let us know how you are getting on. I wrote home last night. Am writing this at Hospital. Bob has been on sanitory duty 2 days but has chucked it.
I remain
Your affectionate bro
Tom
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Are We Downhearted?
Date: October 5th, 1914?
Address: Halton Park Camp, Bucks.
From: Tom
To: Father, Lily, Brothers and Sisters
Dear Father, Lily, Brothers and Sisters
We just received yours and Mat's letters this morning. Are we downhearted - No - No - No - We are all A.1. Jack was poorly on Thursday morning but was allright by dinner time. My throat is allright and has taken no harm so far. We are roughing it now but I expect we will have a rougher time before we get things settled. There are 15 of us in a tent and we have to keep all eyes and ears open to get our share of meals but we have always got plenty.
We are now supplied with kit bags, uniform, a shirt, a pair of pants. 2 prs of socks, 2 towels, soap, razor, lather brush and overcoat, knife, fork and spoon, 3 blankets, waterproof sheet, plate and basin, and have some more things to get yet.
We had 4/- pay last week and 3/- this week. I haven't got mine yet as I was on duty at the hospital, but I'll get it. (have got it)
At this camp the following regiments are encamped 9th and 10th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the Winchester Rifle Brigade and the 14th and 15th Durham Light infantry. The 14th D.L.I. is going to be the best of the whole lot.
A battalion consists of approximately 1100 men, so you see there are 5000 of us. About 3/4 mile there is a very large camp of 10,000 men, Northumberland Fusiliers (2 batts) King's Royal Rifles Lincoln Regiment, West Yorks, Green Howards. At that camp there are the 62nd and 63rd Infantry Brigade, our camp is the 64th Brigade in the British Army.
Our battalion is divided into 4 Companies, each in charge of a captain; each company is divided into 4 platoons, each in charge of a lieutenant with a sergeant, corporal and lance-corporal. So that there are 16 platoons in a battallion, ours is the 3rd. Our officers are Lieutenant Edwards & Capt. Wilson, both young men and decent fellows. A platoon is divided into 4 squads. In our platoon there are about 70 men.
The routine of camp life is as follows: Reveille at 5.30 AM - coffee at 6 AM. 7 to 8 Parade drills (Swedish) and doubling, marching. 8 to 9 Breakfast (cocoa or tea - bread & bacon). 9 to 12.30 Parade & drills. 12.30 to 2 - 2.30 Dinner (potatoes, meat,carrots, turnips). 2.30 to 4.30 Parade & drills. 5 or 5.30 Tea (tea or coffee, bread, jam or cheese). That is our last meal but we generally have some bread left for supper. 9 PM First Post (time to come in to camp). 9.30 PM Last Post (time is up). 9.45 Lights Out. 9.45 to 5.30 Snoring, Sleeping & Dreaming.
Last Monday we had a regular stream of sick patients from the lines to hospital, mostly due to getting cold in bowels due to sudden change from comfortable warm beds in Aylesbury to the rough damp colder beds in camp. Since then we have had more waterproof sheets given out, we each have 3 blankets. I with some other privates have been assisting at the field hospital this week and that is the reason I have not been with my mates. We collect all patients at the field hospital and during the day we send them to the following hospitals Ayelesbury County Hosp. Tring Hosp. and Leighton Buzzard Hosp. The sickness is down to normal now and I have just returned to my own tent for my own parades. Jim sleeps in a tent with the Officers' Orderlies close to the Officers so that they can be handy to call them up and mug for them.The Horden news is interesting and is what we want. We write to George every week and he answers the letters. Had a letter from J.Wilkinson and he is sending his brother's address to you. Send photos to the following Easington (Aunts) Moorsly 2, Millars 1, R.Richardson 1, Watsons 1, Windy Nook. Mrs.Gorman (5 Victoria St, Hetton) G.Humble, Jarrow, J.Wilkinson. One of us will write to Easington on Monday. I wrote on Saturday night.
Give George one of the large photos. I did not finish the letter until the parcel arrived, we have got it allright. We will send our clothes back this week when we go down to Aylesbury. We will send the parcels to the station and at the same time will send you a postcard so that Frank can go for them.
Tom
Address: Halton Park Camp, Bucks.
From: Tom
To: Father, Lily, Brothers and Sisters
Dear Father, Lily, Brothers and Sisters
We just received yours and Mat's letters this morning. Are we downhearted - No - No - No - We are all A.1. Jack was poorly on Thursday morning but was allright by dinner time. My throat is allright and has taken no harm so far. We are roughing it now but I expect we will have a rougher time before we get things settled. There are 15 of us in a tent and we have to keep all eyes and ears open to get our share of meals but we have always got plenty.
We are now supplied with kit bags, uniform, a shirt, a pair of pants. 2 prs of socks, 2 towels, soap, razor, lather brush and overcoat, knife, fork and spoon, 3 blankets, waterproof sheet, plate and basin, and have some more things to get yet.
We had 4/- pay last week and 3/- this week. I haven't got mine yet as I was on duty at the hospital, but I'll get it. (have got it)
At this camp the following regiments are encamped 9th and 10th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the Winchester Rifle Brigade and the 14th and 15th Durham Light infantry. The 14th D.L.I. is going to be the best of the whole lot.
A battalion consists of approximately 1100 men, so you see there are 5000 of us. About 3/4 mile there is a very large camp of 10,000 men, Northumberland Fusiliers (2 batts) King's Royal Rifles Lincoln Regiment, West Yorks, Green Howards. At that camp there are the 62nd and 63rd Infantry Brigade, our camp is the 64th Brigade in the British Army.
Our battalion is divided into 4 Companies, each in charge of a captain; each company is divided into 4 platoons, each in charge of a lieutenant with a sergeant, corporal and lance-corporal. So that there are 16 platoons in a battallion, ours is the 3rd. Our officers are Lieutenant Edwards & Capt. Wilson, both young men and decent fellows. A platoon is divided into 4 squads. In our platoon there are about 70 men.
The routine of camp life is as follows: Reveille at 5.30 AM - coffee at 6 AM. 7 to 8 Parade drills (Swedish) and doubling, marching. 8 to 9 Breakfast (cocoa or tea - bread & bacon). 9 to 12.30 Parade & drills. 12.30 to 2 - 2.30 Dinner (potatoes, meat,carrots, turnips). 2.30 to 4.30 Parade & drills. 5 or 5.30 Tea (tea or coffee, bread, jam or cheese). That is our last meal but we generally have some bread left for supper. 9 PM First Post (time to come in to camp). 9.30 PM Last Post (time is up). 9.45 Lights Out. 9.45 to 5.30 Snoring, Sleeping & Dreaming.
-------------------------
Last Monday we had a regular stream of sick patients from the lines to hospital, mostly due to getting cold in bowels due to sudden change from comfortable warm beds in Aylesbury to the rough damp colder beds in camp. Since then we have had more waterproof sheets given out, we each have 3 blankets. I with some other privates have been assisting at the field hospital this week and that is the reason I have not been with my mates. We collect all patients at the field hospital and during the day we send them to the following hospitals Ayelesbury County Hosp. Tring Hosp. and Leighton Buzzard Hosp. The sickness is down to normal now and I have just returned to my own tent for my own parades. Jim sleeps in a tent with the Officers' Orderlies close to the Officers so that they can be handy to call them up and mug for them.The Horden news is interesting and is what we want. We write to George every week and he answers the letters. Had a letter from J.Wilkinson and he is sending his brother's address to you. Send photos to the following Easington (Aunts) Moorsly 2, Millars 1, R.Richardson 1, Watsons 1, Windy Nook. Mrs.Gorman (5 Victoria St, Hetton) G.Humble, Jarrow, J.Wilkinson. One of us will write to Easington on Monday. I wrote on Saturday night.
Give George one of the large photos. I did not finish the letter until the parcel arrived, we have got it allright. We will send our clothes back this week when we go down to Aylesbury. We will send the parcels to the station and at the same time will send you a postcard so that Frank can go for them.
Tom
Sunday, 13 January 2013
Look After My Bicycle
Date: September 29th, 1914
Address: 55 Stoke Road, Aylesbury, Bucks.
From: Tom
To: George
Dear George
We received your letter last week. I guess you had a lively time of it with that epileptic patient. It will give you a chance to get some experience in First Aid Treatment, which comes in useful at any time. You seem to have fallen into a good nest at Shields, stick to it like glue until you can get promotion and something better. We have champion diggings here, but we are going away to camp later on in the week, at a place about 4 miles from here. In my last letter I stated that we were in the 9th D.L.I.; that statement was wrong. At the parade on Saturday afternoon we were finally arranged. We four are now in the No 4 Section, No 3 Platoon, No 1 Company, 14th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. We have not got our regimental numbers, but the above particulars will be sufficient to find us at any time if you know where the regiment is stationed; but do not address letters like the above if you know where we are billetted as we are now. We have no uniforms yet, just arm badges. We are having fine weather here. We had a Church Parade on Sunday morning and were at chapel again in the evening. We are going to a soldiers' concert tonight in the Wellington Schoolroom. You can have the use of my bicycle while I am away from home, provided you keep it in running order. It would be advisable to send as much money home as possible out of your wages as we can't send much and there is a lot of them at home. Write immediately before we leave Aylesbury. Will let you know when we leave and new address.
Yours Faithfully
Tom
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Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Joining Up
Date: September 21st, 1914
Address: c/o Mrs.Sherman, 55 Stoke Road, Aylesbury, Bucks
From: Tom
To: George
Dear George
I will tell you how we have been getting on. We spent Saturday night and Sunday at Windy Nook and then went to Todds Nook Schools at Newcastle. We put up there for the night, 800 of us. We were called at 4 am and told to get ready to go away. We had breakfast at 5 am: a lump of loaf of bread 4" thick and 2 pieces of boiled bacon each 6" x 4" x 3/4" thick, washed down with tea out of an empty beer bottle. We then paraded in the street and made up into companies to march to the station.
We left Newcastle at 7 am and arrived at Aylesbury at 3 pm, so that we were on the train 8 hours. Aylesbury is a fine country town of 12,000 people who work at rivet-making , prinitng works, and Swiss Milk works. It is in Buckhinghamshire and is 38 miles from London. We are all billetted here at the houses of the people; at some houses there are 2 men, at others 3 or 4 or more in some cases. The 4 of us are at the same house and have got splendid diggings. The landlady has a son in the R.F.A. fighting at the front. We can hardly understand their talk and they cannot understand us; however we manage all right.
We are in No 3 Company, 9th Battallion, Durham Light Infantry. We parade for drill and marches at 6.30 am until 8 am and then have an hour off for breakfast from 9 am until 12.30 pm and then dinner and then from 2 pm until 4.30 pm when we are done for the day. I am writing this letter in the Town Hall which is open for soldiers and set out with tables full of magazines, papers and writing materials. There is a concert at 8 o'clock for us. The place is full now. Today it has been hot and we have had our jackets off drilling. We expect to have our uniforms by the weekend and then we will be swanky. This morning the men whose boots were thin or split were taken to the shops for new ones. Four shops were emptied of all the suitable boots. The army boots will be here in a day or two.
The army regulations require the landlady to provide us with 3 meals a day with a certain weight of food each time. We get 5 meals and no limit so we are well off. There are 700 of us at Aylesbury, we left 100 or more at Chittington a few miles back.
I remain
Your loving brother
Tom
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Notes:
Todds Nook School was on Arthurs Hill in the west end of Newcastle. There is a photo here: http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk/todds-nook-secondary/Memory/feac1543-9e33-495c-9417-f68c529a50c9#_
"Swiss Milk": the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company was formed in 1866 and began importing condensed milk through a London agent. Popularity for their tinned milk quickly grew and they acquired their first condenser in Aylesbury in 1875. http://www.nestle.co.uk/aboutus/Pages/nestle-history.aspx
Address: c/o Mrs.Sherman, 55 Stoke Road, Aylesbury, Bucks
From: Tom
To: George
Dear George
I will tell you how we have been getting on. We spent Saturday night and Sunday at Windy Nook and then went to Todds Nook Schools at Newcastle. We put up there for the night, 800 of us. We were called at 4 am and told to get ready to go away. We had breakfast at 5 am: a lump of loaf of bread 4" thick and 2 pieces of boiled bacon each 6" x 4" x 3/4" thick, washed down with tea out of an empty beer bottle. We then paraded in the street and made up into companies to march to the station.
We left Newcastle at 7 am and arrived at Aylesbury at 3 pm, so that we were on the train 8 hours. Aylesbury is a fine country town of 12,000 people who work at rivet-making , prinitng works, and Swiss Milk works. It is in Buckhinghamshire and is 38 miles from London. We are all billetted here at the houses of the people; at some houses there are 2 men, at others 3 or 4 or more in some cases. The 4 of us are at the same house and have got splendid diggings. The landlady has a son in the R.F.A. fighting at the front. We can hardly understand their talk and they cannot understand us; however we manage all right.
We are in No 3 Company, 9th Battallion, Durham Light Infantry. We parade for drill and marches at 6.30 am until 8 am and then have an hour off for breakfast from 9 am until 12.30 pm and then dinner and then from 2 pm until 4.30 pm when we are done for the day. I am writing this letter in the Town Hall which is open for soldiers and set out with tables full of magazines, papers and writing materials. There is a concert at 8 o'clock for us. The place is full now. Today it has been hot and we have had our jackets off drilling. We expect to have our uniforms by the weekend and then we will be swanky. This morning the men whose boots were thin or split were taken to the shops for new ones. Four shops were emptied of all the suitable boots. The army boots will be here in a day or two.
The army regulations require the landlady to provide us with 3 meals a day with a certain weight of food each time. We get 5 meals and no limit so we are well off. There are 700 of us at Aylesbury, we left 100 or more at Chittington a few miles back.
I remain
Your loving brother
Tom
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Notes:
Todds Nook School was on Arthurs Hill in the west end of Newcastle. There is a photo here: http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk/todds-nook-secondary/Memory/feac1543-9e33-495c-9417-f68c529a50c9#_
"Swiss Milk": the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company was formed in 1866 and began importing condensed milk through a London agent. Popularity for their tinned milk quickly grew and they acquired their first condenser in Aylesbury in 1875. http://www.nestle.co.uk/aboutus/Pages/nestle-history.aspx
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