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

First World War diary - January 1918

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

1 January 1918

Had a good tea and concert in the ward tonight. Had a big convoy in today.

7 January 1918

Got a letter from home today with a birthday card enclosed.

8 January 1918

I received a Birthday card from Alice and Mary today. With a 3/6 Postal Order enclosed from Alice and her mother.

9 January 1918

Received a letter from Pam with a 2/6 PO for a birthday present.

10 January 1918

Received a letter from Ada and Millie with a Birthday card from Dorothy and a letter which her mother had helped her to write.

Sepia photo of a baby girl in a white dress, sat on a cushion

Ada was George's sister. This photo is of her daughter Dorothy (George's niece) as a baby.

14 January 1918

Marked out for the con camp today. Have been in Hospital since Nov 30^th 17 so I have had a good spell here

15 January 1918

I with Paddy Morrison drew own kakki today. Sister White came in the ward this morning and gave us ½ doz post cards of the ward and patients.

Photo of a wartime ward decorated for Christmas. Two men are in beds, and several more are stood up. A woman is sat by one of the men in the beds. There is a banner that reads 'Xmas Greetings to the staff from the boys of Ward VII'

This photo was provided by George's family. It may show the ward that George mentions staying in in his diary.

16 January 1918

Got to the con camp this morning gave in our pay books so that we can be paid tomorrow.

17 January 1918

Got to the con camp this morning in time for breakfast after a good lecture by the RSM got the large amount of 5/- For pay today.

Started work for RSM Phillips today.

20 January 1918

Working until dinner time today at the YMCA hut. In the evening I went to the service

Sepia photograph of the YMCA hut in a field

The YMCA hut at Le Treport

24 January 1918

I got my name put down on the roll to be paid with the staff men which allows me to draw 10/- a week. I received a registered letter from father today with a 5/- postal order enclosed.

Sepia photograph of an older gentleman in flat cap and suit, sat on the doorstep to a house with a dog

George's father, Moses, with a dog.

27 January 1918

Went to the service again tonight with Paddy Morrison and Sergt. Knife we had a very nice evening together

30 January 1918

Paddy and I went to Le Treport and ? tonight we had a good night out . We went to no 27 there just for a bit of sport

Wakefield Museums and Castles