Second Day of basic training July 4th
Well, basic training isn’t a walk in the park. Today we were definitely pushed to our limits as we were woken up at 5:15 and had spent most of the
day with our faces in the mud.
Sergeant Harrin says we are ready for war and we are leaving midday tomorrow for France. I haven’t yet received a letter from Joanne but I’m sure ones o its way.
I have more blisters on my feet then I have hairs on my head but I’m looking forward to war as we have been told it like paradise.
Me and Hobbs have became friendly with two men from Yorkshire Smith and Cooper who will joining us in France.
Crossing the English Channel July 5th
I am only writing something short this evening as I have to get some sleep. Because we are advancing into France in 5 hours when the boat reaches the shore and we do not know what awaits us there.
It could be anything from enemy machine guns or it may even be our allies. I am still awaiting a letter from Joanne I hope nothing has happened to her and that she is safe.
St Omer France July 6th
Thankfully when we had arrived in France earlier this morning the town of St Omer was mainly controlled by our allies the French meaning there was little for us to do.
I cannot wait to get my first kill as I still have not had to fire my gun. I hope it will not be long until I come face to face to the enemy and I get that kill that I have been waiting for.
We have been told to remember a speech encase we start to feel crazy it goes like this. This is my rifle ….. There are many like it but this one is mine……. Without my rifle I am nothing……. Without me my rifle is nothing.
St Omer July 7th
Today we were supposed to be advancing to enemy lines over the trenches but we were held back on the news that our other trench was attacked and so far there is no news of any survivors.
I am worried, that was the trench that Cooper and Hobbs was in and me and Smith are hoping to her news of them but nothing so far.
I have asked Joanne to marry me and she is supposed to be giving me the answer in a letter tomorrow I cannot wait.
I think I’m going wrong in the head. I thought before coming here that Joanne would be in my mind the whole time. But that’s not what I always have in my mind the thing I do is that first kill I have been waiting for.
St Omer July 8th
War is not paradise. Today I experienced my first sign of combat and fired many bullets but still no first kill I have now discovered that it was all a big lie war isn’t as easy as it was cracked out to be it is like a death zone where the only survivors will be in hospital for a while anyway from serious injuries I should have listened to Joanne and not came.
Today me and smith herd news of the others and they did not make it through the attack at this moment in time the two things keeping me from suicide is Joanne and that first kill.
I have the letter with me which contains the answer that Joanne has sent me after I asked her to marry me. I am not allowed to open it as any second now we are going to be attacked by the enemy and sergeant says it isn’t time for emotions. But I cant help feeling
