First World War diary - April 1918 - Wakefield Museums and Castles

First World War diary - April 1918

An actor playing George Kellett reading his diary entries from April 1918

1 April 1918 (Easter Bank Holiday)

Spent the day being medically examined and drawing hut and rifles

2 April 1918

On fatigues today in the Cook House

4 April 1918

Left Rouen today for the Batt

Left camp at 7pm traveling all night

5 April 1918

Traveling all day today

6 April 1918

Found the Batt Today at [?] Wrote to Pam and father

7 April 1918

Had church parade this morning

9 April 1918

Had CC and CG Inspection this morning

Were not satisfactory so had to parade again at 3pm

11 April 1918

Left Hortecote At 2pm arrived at Beaudricourte at 7pm passing through Frevent

12 April 1918

Left Beaudricourte at 2pm arrived at Barly at 5:30pm where we had to make our own bivys to sleep.

13 April 1918

Spent all day at Barly. Had a walk in the village after dinner.

15 April 1918

Out wiring today in front of our medicine line

16 April 1918

On the roads working had quite an easy time

18 April 1918

Sent a letter home asking them to send a parcel.

Wrote to Pam and Ada and Willie

20 April 1918

Received a letter from father and the Express. Wrote straight away back to them

A postcard featuring an embroidered peacock, with symbols representing the flags of the allies in its fanned out feathers. Also stitched are the words 'a kiss from France'

Front of an embroidered postcard sent from George to Emma

Back of the embroidered postcard with a faded note in George's handwriting

Back of the postcard, which reads: Just to wish you a Happy Easter from your loving sweetheart, George xxxxxx

22 April 1918

Orderly today but had to go out to work at night just the same.

28 April 1918

Had Church Parade out in the open air just behind Monchy and Ressons

Wakefield Museums and Castles