Rifleman Bernard Castle Stubbs - Rifleman Stubbs Diary

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Text originally published in 1916 under the same title.

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Although in most cases we have retained the Authors original spelling and grammar to authentically reproduce the work of the Author and the original intent of such material, some additional notes and clarifications have been added for the modern readers benefit.

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DIARY KEPT BY RIFLEMAN B. C. STUBBS

OF THE SECOND DRAFT SENT TO THE QUEEN VICTORIA RIFLES IN FRANCE

Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REQUEST FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dulce et Decorum Est

MR. B. C. STUBBS

ONCE again the shadow has fallen darkly on all associated with the Union-Castle Line, both in the City of London and at sea. Another young member of the Companys staff at the Fenchurch Street offices, Mr. Bernard Castle Stubbs, who joined the Queen Victorias Rifles (9th Battalion London Regiment) in September last, has laid down his life for his country. Shortly after enlistment, he volunteered for the first draft which went out to make good the casualties in his regiment, and on arriving in France last February was sent direct to the firing line. He was in the famous fight on Hill 60 during the night of April 20-21, under the command of Lieutenant G. H. Woolley, who gained the first Victoria Cross conferred on a Territorial officer for his gallant efforts in that bitterly contested struggle. On June 22 Private Stubbs sustained a shell wound in the head, and he died on the following day at the Receiving Hospital at Bailleul, without having regained consciousness. The lad was educated for eight years at Slough, where he was distinguished both in his classes and in the school sports, and was head boy of the school during his last few terms, as well as captain of the cricket and football teams, the holder of a cup for the school championship at fives, and the winner of the swimming medal of the school. He later captained the Old Boys football team On leaving school in 1907 he entered the offices of the Union-Castle line, and his death at the early age of 24 has closed what was a very promising career.

South Africa

WEDNESDAY, February 10, 1915

OWING to wire calling me back from leave, left Watford by 7:51 train, catching the 9:10 from Victoria to Crowboro. Left Crowboro by 6:03 for Southampton after a fine send-off from rest of Battalion. Arrived Southampton at 11 P.M. and spent a good night on floor of board school in the town.

THURSDAY, February 11, 1915

Morning spent in having hair cut short and a nice hot bath just to make sure that anyway I leave England clean. Afternoon we marched to Army Stores and drew new rifles and bayonets. In the evening sported 3rd at a local cinema. Another good night on school floor.

FRIDAY, February 12, 1915

Stood by till to noon all ready to embark, and then told owing to submarines in Channel we could not get away. Hung about Southampton all afternoon and did a music hall in evening. Shall be glad to get a move on, although Southampton people are very kind.

SATURDAY, February 13, 1915

Fred Karnos army again! Stood by all morning, then told no chance of going to-day and dismissed till roll call at 9:30. Had a game of billiards after drawing ten bob from local Donald Currie Office, and just going to have tea when told to return to schools at once as we were just off. Hurried back and stood by for an hour, and then dismissed again. Did another picture show in evening, but spent a rotten night owing to toothache and squash through more troops coming in.

SUNDAY, February 14, 1915

Off at last! Told definitely we embark at 12 noon and actually did so, but did not leave quay until 6. The whole way down Southampton water we were covered with searchlights, and then picked up an escort of destroyers who saw us safely across. But what a voyage! About 8:30 I found myself wedged with others into stable with horses a few yards away. Ship, a cargo boat and rolled like hell! Any amount of men ill but thank goodness I kept fit. Eventually dozed off about 11:30.

MONDAY, February, 15, 1915

Made my way out of stable to find ship lying off Havre at about 6:30 A.M. Eventually docked at 12 noon and then transferred to another and smaller ship for our journey up the Seine. Very surprised at the size of docks at Havre. The town looked very pretty from the ship and should have liked a short time ashore, but nothing doing! Turned in at 8 oclock, but horses made such a row could not sleep. Walked round ship whilst we left harbour and anchored in mouth of river, ready for our trip to Rouen in morning. Finally fell asleep on a form in mens quarters and slept fairly well.

TUESDAY, February 16, 1915

Up at 6:30 and luckily got a cup of coffee from ships cook. Have lived on bully beef and biscuits since leaving Southampton, so coffee was properly appreciated. Started our voyage up the Seine at 9 oclock. When we left Southampton, we had over 1000 troops on board; all left at Havre except our 100 and 50 Artists Rifles, so we are a merry little crowd. The trip up the river was simply great. Glorious day and the scenery ripping the whole way. Arrived at Rouen about 5:30 but stayed on board the night. Slept on the mess-room table and had a good night.

WEDNESDAY, February 17, 1915

Left the boat at 8 oclock and had a 5-mile march to reach camp. Poured the whole way, so our first footing on French soil was hardly encouraging. Arrived at camp and put eleven in each hut (or tent), and then, thank God, breakfast turned up. Tea, bread and jamand didnt it go down well! Another medical inspection and kit finally examined; rest of day to ourselves. Did a cinema in evening and had a good night in tent.

THURSDAY, February 18, 1915

Up at 7 oclock, and, after an inspection by some General cove or other, had day to ourselves. Did cinema again in evening. Hear we are off to trenches to-morrow. Now its so near, Im very keen on getting there and hope it comes off.

FRIDAY, February 19, 1915

No luck! Stood by all day and no orders came out. Should like some work to do, as hanging about in tent tends to make me liverish, humpy and irritable.

SATURDAY, February 20, 1915

Work in earnest. On road making and mud shifting from 7:15 to 4 oclock. Got a grand wash in the evening and felt happy and fit once more.

SUNDAY, February 21, 1915

Rifle inspection only. Rest of day to ourselves. No further orders and once again we show our capabilities at standing by. Awful job to get water to wash with, and the feeling of filthiness is positively appalling.