Out shortly after reveille. Paraded with the duties. On canteen corporal and fire picket all day. Received letter from Betty and spent all spare time replying to it. Felt pretty rotten all day with vaccination.
All posts by Arthur Linfoot
25 March 1916; Saturday
On parade in the morning. Went to the football match in the afternoon with Bennett, Johnson and Plummer. Went on the car to Young’s café and had poached eggs. I bought a new razor and a knife and returned to barracks. Went to the Wesley guild meeting and was trapped in to play. Broke down in a song but managed to get through it. Had short walk round with Mr Inwood afterwards.
24 March 1916; Friday
On parade as usual. Pay parade in the morning. Went to Inwoods’ at night and stayed until after 11 o’clock talking about Alnwick and the men I was with. Had a little bit music.
23 March 1916; Thursday
On parade as usual. Route march in the afternoon. Only about 8 miles with the band in attendance part of the way. Stayed in at night.
22 March 1916; Wednesday
On parade as usual in the morning. Half day and off in the afternoon. Wrote long letter to Betty. Out at night for On stable picket at night and slept in the guard room. Spent a pretty restless night.
21 March 1916; Tuesday
On parade in the morning. Rained heavily but we had a short route march in the rain and were drenched. Went to Wesleyan writing room at night and talked to Miss Warhurst.
20 March 1916; Monday
Up at 6 o’clock. No 7 parade on account of wet. Paraded at 9 in greatcoats. Lecture by officer. Parade 10.30 to 11.30 and another lance corporal and I drilled everyone there. An officer joined me too. Lecture by N.C.O. at 11.45 and at 12.30 we paraded for the major, but he didn’t turn up. Paraded again at 2 and were taken in and examined for the draft. Pinkney and Watson turned back. Party taken up to hospital and vaccinated.
Vaccinated.
Went to Wesleyan recreation room and wrote up diary. Spoke to Staff Sergeant Boys.
19 March 1916; Sunday
Up shortly after 6 o’clock. Church parade to Wesleyan church again. Mr Inwood preaching in the morning. Franchie in the choir. Went over to soldiers’ home in the afternoon and wrote a few postcards and a letter to Black. Had tea with Miss Chapman, Mrs Chadwick, a Miss Herschel and Metgrave. Went to the Wesleyan church. Mr Wednell† preached a good sermon and it didn’t do me any harm. At Inwoods’ to supper. Was introduced to some new soldiers. Met Franchie and Mrs Inwood. Walked from church with Franchie and talked a bit. Promised to go back Friday.
18 March 1916; Saturday
Up at 6 o’clock. Mopped out room. Paraded at 9 o’clock and had to drill my squad until 10. Missed the next parade as I was looking after chairs and coals. Went to Y.M. in the afternoon and wrote home and to Betty. Had tea with other 5 of our room at the Y.M. Returned to the barracks and then went to the Wesleyan church guild meeting. Met Mr Inwood there and he asked me up tomorrow.
17 March 1916; Friday
Got up 7 o’clock. Took in bedding and beds. Paraded for pay. Packed kits. Had dinner at 11.15. Paraded 11.45. Colonel spoke to us and said he was sorry to lose us. Shook hands with McNee† [sic; error for ‘McNeil’?] and Sharpley. Corporal Collins and Hall kept back at the last minute. Marched the party to the train. Our kits went in the motor. Shook hands with Collins, Mr and Mrs Arrowridge and a few more at the station. Black was sorry to be left behind. They cheered us off. Changed at Alnmouth, York and Conisbrough†1. Arrived 6.30. A waggon waiting for us. I marched them up to the barracks. A good tea ready for us. Got out billets in married quarters. Filthy dirty bedding. Felt truly wretched last thing at night. Met Bagley and Willie Hunter.
Left Alnwick for Sheffield.
Conisbrough: The transcription is uncertain, but there is a Conisbrough (C) near Doncaster which would be consistent with a journey from York (A) to Sheffield (B). ↩