Tag Archives: Sheffield

Diary entries written while Arthur Linfoot was in Sheffield during his basic training and while waiting for his deployment to Northern France. See also Sheffield map.

27 March 1916; Monday

Missed 7 o’clock parade. Paraded with the duties†. at 9 and then dismissed. Usual parades afterwards. Went into town at night with Metgrave. Had hair cut and bought shaving soap and a few things. Called at soldiers’ home last thing and had some supper.

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.

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.