War Diary
of
1st. South Midland [Glo’ster] Bde. R.F.A.
4th Aug - 31st Aug 1914.
BRISTOL.
4th Aug/14. War Declared.
8.45pm. Order to Mobilize from General Warwick.
Wires were immediately dispatched to O.C.3rd Battery Gloucester and to all officers on leave.
The medical inspection was begun and 100 officers and men were passed fit.
12 p.m. All “Notices to join” had been posted by midnight also requisitions for supplies from local contractors.
Lt. A. E. Stone was placed in charge of Advance Party and his orders were handed to him.
The 4 guns & 4 wagons of 2nd battery which were on loan at LARKHILL CAMP and which were due back, had not reached BRISTOL.
Wire hastening guns sent to ORDNANCE, LARKHILL .
5th Aug/14.
12.45am. O.C. 3rd Battery Gloucester acknowledged order to “ Mobilize”.
7.30am. The medical was continued and nearly completed during the day prior to the order to mobilize being received a
Large numbers of old members of the Brigade offered themselves for re-enlistment.
Attestations were completed for them and the medical examination proceeded as quickly as possible.
Owing to the Holiday many members of the brigade were away from home and on return had to attend to private business
before joining for duty.
9am. The Advance Party of 11 N.C.O’s & 4 men under Lt. A. E. Stone left for WAR STATION.
10.30am. 2 officers and 30 men proceeded on motor lorries to Portishead to draw ammunition.
11.45 am. Wire received from ORDNANCE LARKHILL reporting guns on rail.
BRISTOL.
5th Aug/14.
10.30am. Received wire ordering a officer to be sent to WARWICK for maps Lieut. LANE sent.
2 pm. 5 men left for COVENTRY for attachment to R.A. Headquarters.
5 pm. All ammunition arrived from PORTISHEAD.
9 pm. Lieut. LANE returned from WARWICK with maps.
During the day 30 horses were purchased and were accommodated at Headquarters
All officers, N.C.O’s and men except guard and picquet were allowed to return home at night.
During mobilization period men were fed at headquarters and all cooking was done on the ground.
All arrangements worked well.
6th Aug/14.
3am. Ammunition and stores for S.A.A. section of Amm column reached BRISTOL from DEVONPORT and is brought
up to headquarters in motor lorries
BRISTOL.
6.am.
7.30 am. Packing of vehicles, branding of horses, fitting of harness proceeded with during the day.
Horses were accommodated at night at the CATTLE MARKET, [near Temple Meads Station] 2 ½ miles away.
Not very satisfactory but no other place in BRISTOL available.
Places allotted in Mob orders [Mobilization Orders] were full of grain and can not be used.
All billets at WAR STATION were taken over during the day.
GLOUCESTER. The battery at Gloucester was billeted in a school close to Headquarters and all arrangements worked well.
BRISTOL.
6th Aug/14.
8pm. Medical inspection throughout the Brigade completed.
Bounty paid out, Identity discs and Field dressings issued. Kit inspections completed.
250 horses arrived during the day also 8 vehicles and wheel harness.
Constant communication with railway re 2nd Battery guns but no trace of them.
7th Aug/14.
6am. Despatched Lieut. James on motor vehicle to AMESBURY STATION to enquire about the guns,
he found guns and wagons at the station awaiting transport which was reported on it’s way from SALISBURY,
railway promised all vehicles by the evening. Harness fitting etc carried out throughout the day.
7pm. Guns arrived BRISTOL STATION and were at once sent for.
9pm. Arrived Headquarters.
11 30pm. Packing of guns completed.
Horses billeted as yesterday. Men at Headquarters and Victoria Rooms, Clifton. 400 yards away, 33 horses required.
DEVONPORT. All stores drawn by advance party.
BRISTOL
8th Aug/14.
Details completed except for S.A.A. section of Ammunition Column and
5 sets of lead harness and 8 saddles for gun section,
Ammo Column.
12.30 pm. All horses received.
The Brigade left BRISTOL for DEVONPORT and arrived as below.
3 pm. Brigade Headquarters arr PLYMOUTH 6.20 pm.
4 pm. 1st Battery ″ “ " 7.55 pm.
BRISTOL.
5 pm. 1st “ “ “ " 8.55 pm.
6 pm. 2nd “ “ “ 10.20pm.
7 pm. 2nd “ “ “ " 11.25pm.
8.40 pm. Ammunition Column “ " 1.10am.
9.40 pm. “ “ “ " 2.20am.
GLOUCESTER.
3pm. 3rd Battery “ “ " 8.25pm.
4pm. “ “ “ " 8.55pm.
All units on arrival marched direct to BRICKFIELDS where horses and guns were billeted. The men were billeted in Technical Schools [2 batteries] 100 yards away and in local school [2 units] ½ mile away. Officers all within ¾ mile.
DEVONPORT.
9th Aug/14. The whole day spent in settling in to billets and fixing up horse lines and teaming horses.
10th Aug/14.
The following daily programme was issued to units:-
6am - 7am. Stables
6.15 - 6.45am. Recruits Physical Drill under permanent staff Instructor of the bty on duty.
8.45 -1.15am. Driving Drill, hooking in and unhooking, limbering up.
Recruits gun drill signalling, range taking etc.
11.30-12.45pm. Stables.
2 - 4.30pm. Gundrill, laying etc drivers cleaning harness and getting it soft.
Recruit Drivers rides.
5 - 6pm. Stables.
Orders received to call for volunteers for foreign service 22 officers,
7 Permanent Staff and 260 men sent in their names.
11th Aug1914. Parades were carried out in accordance with programme issued.
In addition the daily instruction of officers by C.O. and adjutant from
6.30-7.30pm.was arranged for.
12th Aug1914. The Brigade marched to SALTRAM PARK [4½ miles away] and driving drill and occupation of positions was practiced.
Afternoon as per programme.
13th Aug1914. The same as for 12th Aug.
14th Aug 1914. Two batteries marched to ROBOROUGH MOOR [7 miles] and occupied several positions.
Rest of Brigade as per programme.
Those left behind paraded as per programme.
15th Aug 1914. One battery marched to ROBOROUGH MOOR.
Rest as per W.O. programme.
1st Bty and Ammunition Column left their billets and were accommodated in RAGLAN BARRACKS.
Afternoon bathing parade.
16th Aug 1914. Exercise 8.45-11.15. Officers [less 1 per battery on exercise]
Instruction under C.O. and Adjutant 8.45 - 15.15.
Afternoon Holiday.
DEVONPORT.
17th Aug 1914.
Two batteries proceeded to the MOOR for drill.
The Battery left behind paraded as per programme
18th Aug 1914.
One battery drill on THE MOOR. Remainder as per programme
19th Aug1914.
One battery in the morning and one Battery in the afternoon on THE MOOR.
Remainder as per programme.
From today inclusive of the Ammunition Column which sends out 1 sub-section daily to practice Ammunition supply.
20th Aug 1914.
One battery and lone sub - section of Ammo Column drill on THE MOOR.
Remainder as per Programme.
21st Aug 1914. -------------------- Ditto ---------------------------
22nd Aug1914. -------------------- Ditto ---------------------------
A [practice] Night Alarm was sounded at 11pm. for all troops of General reserve.
The Brigade fell in 200 yards from the Gun park, complete, within ¾ hour. A dark night, raining hard and no lanterns.
DEVONPORT.
23rd Aug /14.
8-10 am. Exercise.
9-12.45 pm. Officers Instruction under the C.O. and Adjutant.
11am. Gunners Church Parade. Drivers harness cleaning.
23rd Aug /14. Afternoon holiday.
24th Aug /14. One Battery and 1 Sub-section of Ammunition Column drill on THE MOOR.
Remainder as per programme.
25th AUG/14. -------------------------Ditto ----------------------
26th AUG/14. -------------------------Ditto ----------------------
The Brigade, except 12 officers left their billets and were accommodated in RAGLAN BARRACKS.
27th Aug/14.
One Battery and 1 Sub-section of Ammunition Column drill on the MOOR.
Remainder as per War Office programme received this day.
28th Aug/14.
-------Ditto ------ subaltern’s instruction under Adjutant daily from 6.15 am to 7.15 am.
Except those going to the MOOR.
DEVONPORT.
29th Aug/14.
One battery Drill on THE MOOR. Remainder as per W.O. programme.
Afterwards Bathing Parade.
30th Aug/14.
8 -10am. Exercise
9 -12.45pm. Officers Instruction under the C.O. and Adjutant.
11am. Gunners Church Parade. Drivers harness cleaning.
Afternoon holiday.
31st Aug /14.
One Battery and 1 sub-section of Ammunition Column drill on the MOOR.
Remainder as per War Office W.O.
Letter received ordering units of which volunteer for Foreign Service to complete to War Establishment.
Returns show 22 officers and 368 Other ranks volunteered in the Brigade.
From now all units going to ROBORUGH parade in “Marching Order”.
Extract from London Gazette of 29th Aug 1914.
Capt V. A. Hillman to be seconded. Capt C. W. Todd to be Capt.
2nd Lieuts to be Lieutenants H. P. Lane, J. B. Fullerton, G.S. James,
M. R. Estcourt, C. K. S. Metford, E.L. Gedye, A. E. Hopkins,
To be 2nd Lieut. G. V. P. Wills, B. G. James, H. G. W. Prideaux.
War Diary
of
1st. South Midland [Glo’ster] Bde. R.F.A.
1st Sept-30th Sept 1914.
Devonport
1st Sept/14.
8.30am. Two batteries and ammunition column, driving Drill, occupation of positions, recruit rides. One battery gun drill laying etc.
1pm. Inspection by G.O.C. in C. Southern Command.
One Battery, “Marching Order” followed by occupation of positions .
One Battery, Battery Gun drill.
One Battery, Laying, Signalling, Range-taking, Section Gun Drill, all drivers Harness cleaning and Instruction.
4.30-6pm. Stables and Training of Specialists.
2nd Sept/14.
One battery and 1 sub-section of Ammunition Column, drill on ROBOURGH MOOR,
Remainder as per W.O. Programme.
Recruiting commenced for “Service” Brigade to complete to War establishment both at BRISTOL and GLOUCESTER,
80 recruits enlisted.
3rd Sept/14. Parades as for 2nd September. 221 Recruits enlisted up to 8pm.
4th Sept/14. Parades as for 2nd September. 280 Recruits enlisted up to 9pm.
Recruiting stopped till further orders medical Inspection of Volunteers for Foreign Service, result 20 officers and 340 other
ranks passed fit out of 23 officers and 368 O. R.
The Officers found unfit were:- Major R. L. Austin, Lt. Metford and Lt. James.
DEVONPORT.
5th SEPT/14. One battery and 1 sub-section of Ammunition Column, drill on ROBOURGH MOOR,
Remainder as per W.O. Programme.
Afternoon. Bathing parade.
From today the WAR DIARY will be kept by Lt. A. E. Stone. Orderly officer.
All recruits enlisted at GLOUCESTER were transferred to BRISTOL.
6th Sept/14.
9.00.am. Officers and N.C.O.’s parade before Commanding Officer for lecture on discipline.
9.45.am. Officer’s instruction under C.O.
10. 30.am. Church Parade
Afternoon holiday.
7th Sept/14.
6.00 am. Wire received from COUNTY ASSOCIATION GLOUCESTER to effect that all men not volunteering for Foreign Service
should be returned to headquarters with necessary quota of Officers and billet there.
8.30 am. One battery and 1 sub-section of Ammunition Column, drill on ROBOURGH MOOR
Remainder as per W. O. Programme.
11.00am. Wire received from COUNTY ASSOCIATION GLOUCESTER.
Cancelling previous wire.
6pm -7.30pm. Officers on Ranging Board.
8th Sept/14.
8.30 am. One Battery and 1 Subsection of Ammunition Column, drill on ROBOURGH MOOR
Remainder as per W.O. Programme.
6pm -7.30pm. Officers on Ranging Board.
9th Sept/14.
8.30 am. Same as of the 8th Aug/14.
10.0 0 pm. Instructions were received for the Brigade to move to CROWNHILL under canvas when the necessary water troughs and latrines were
being erected in the field.
10th Sept/14.
8.30am. Camp equipment was drawn this day and the Brigade marched out to their new ground.
6.00 pm. A first batch of 50 recruits for foreign service arrived from BRISTOL
Latrines and ablutions not yet completed
CROWNHILL.
11th Sept/14.
The whole day was spent in camp and general fatigues. Latrines and ablutions places not yet completed.
Capt. C. W. Todd was posted to command of the 1st Battery vice Major
Capt R. Austin posted to command reserve unit. Capt V. A. Hillman posted to command of Ammunition Column
vice Capt C. W. Todd.
12th Sept/14.
9.00am. One battery and 1 sub-section of Ammunition Column, drill on ROBOURGH MOOR
Remainder as per W.O. Programme. Latrines and absolutions places not yet completed.
8.00 pm. Wire received from SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY CHELMSFORD, Asking if number of recruits to complete Brigade to
war establishment for Imperial Service had been enlisted, as the Secretary of State for war was calling for this information.
Replied that Headquarters and each unit of Brigade was complete for Foreign Service, except four Lieutenants applied for but not yet
gazetted.
Two of the Lieutenants already here and the others can join at once.
All ranks passed medically fit and over nineteen years of age.
The remainder of Foreign Service recruits numbering 230 arrived from BRISTOL this day
13th Sept/14.
9am to noon. Officers under Instruction of C.O. and Adjutant.
Recruits were posted to various units to complete them for Foreign Service.
General Fatigues.
Latrines and Ablutions benches not yet completed.
14th Sept/14. Very wet morning
9.30am to noon. Officer’s instruction under Adjutant.
2.00pm. 2 batteries and one Sec A. C. drill on ROBOROUGH MOOR.
Remainder as per W.O. programme.
6pm -7.30pm. Officers instruction on ranging Board.
15th Sept/14.
Do. Do.
9.00am. Latrines and Ablutions benches complete.
16th Sept/14.
9.00am. 1 Battery and 1 Section A. C. drill on ROBORUGH MOOR.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme.
5.30 to 7.00pm. Officer’s instruction on Ranging Board.
6.30am. Officers physical drill under Adjutant.
17th Sept/14.
9.00am. 2nd Battery and One Section A. C. Drill on ROBORUGH MOOR.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme.
5.30 pm.-7.00pm. Officers on Ranging Board.
18th Sept/14. Do. Do. Do.
19th Sept/14. Do. Do. Do.
2nd Lieut. W. A. TODD and 2nd Lieut. M. E. TODD joined for duty pending gazetting.
20th Sept/14.
9.15am. Commanding officers parade of officers and S N.C.O.’s
10am to1.00pm. Officers Instruction on Ranging Board.
10.30 am. Church Parade.
Afternoon Holiday.
CROWNHILL.
21st Sept/14.
6.30am. Officers Physical Drill under Adjutant.
9.00am. 1st Battery Drill Order; 1st Battery skeleton Order, 1 Sec A. C. on ROBOROUGH MOOR.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme.
5.00pm. Officers Instruction on Range Board.
22nd Sept/14.
9.00am. 1st Battery and 1 sec A. C. drill. 1st Battery digging gun pits on ROBOURGH MOOR.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme.
5.00 pm. Officers Instruction of Range Board.
23rd Sept/14.
6.30 am. Officer’s physical drill under Adjutant.
9.30 am. The Brigade, less Ammunition Column, paraded on ROBOROUGH MOOR. and took part in field operations carried
out by General Reserve Brigade under Brig - General CUNNINGHAM.
Recruits as per W.O. Programme.
5.00 pm. Officer’s instruction on Ranging Board.
24th Sept/14. Missing from photocopies.
CROWNHILL
25TH Sept/14.
5.00am. Party consisting of 1 officer, 3 Sgts and 40 drivers proceeded to NORTH ROAD STATION to detrain and bring to
EGG BUCKLAND FORT horses for Siege Company R.G.A. ordered to France.
6.30 am. Officer’s physical drill under adjutant.
9.00 am. 1 Battery and 1 sec A. C., drill 1 Battery digging gun pits on ROBOURGH MOOR.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme.
5.00 pm. Officers Instruction of Range Board.
CROWNHILL
26th Sept/14.
6.30 am. Officer’s physical drill under Adjutant.
9.00 am. 2 batteries and 1 Section of A. C. on ROBOROUGH MOOR for drill.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme.
CROWNHILL.
27th Sept/14.
9.15 am. Officers and S. N.C.O.’s parade for lecture by C.O.
10am to1.00pm. All Officers on ranging Board.
10.30am. Church Parade.
27th Sept/14.
In accordance with instructions from Ordnance depot forward 1,041 Fuzes No 65 to O.C. 4th WESSEX BRIGADE R.F.A.
SALISBURY PLAIN.
28th Sept/14.
9.00 am. 2 batteries and 1 section A.C. drill on ROBOROUGH MOOR.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme
12,30pm. Capt. E. J. Dunscombe, Lieut. C. K. S. Metford, and Lieut. G.S. James left for BRISTOL to join for duty the Reserve Brigade at
Headquarters.
2nd Lieut. CROOM-JOHNSON joined for duty pending gazetting.
5.00pm. Officers on Ranging Board.
In reply to wires from HDQRS R.A. SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION CHELMSFORD and FORTRESS COMMANDER PLYMOUYH,
Furnished details of each Foreign Service Unit showing trained men and recruits and strength of Reserve Brigade.
CROWNHILL.
29th Sept/14.
9.00am. 1st battery and 1 section of A.C. drill on ROBOROUGH MOOR.
Remainder and recruit as per W.O. programme.
2nd Lieut. A.C. Fish joined for duty pending gazetting.
10.30am. Instructions received from G.O.C. SOUTHERN COMMAND through FORTRESS COMMANDER DEVONPORT to hold in
readiness for immediate despatch overseas 30 horses with conducting party of 10 men.
11.45am. Instructions received from Ordnance Office to forward to O.C. 4th WESSEX BRIGADE R.F.A. SALISBURY PLAIN,
667 Fuzes NO 56. 5 officers and 15 men for Foreign Service Brigade inoculated by Medical officer.
CROWNHILL.
30th Sept/14.
6.00am. Paraded for inspection by C.O. and despatched to DEVONPORT 30 horses and conducting party referred to yesterday
in charge of officer.
7.00am. Despatched fuzes referred to yesterday.
9.00am. The Brigade including O.C. paraded in Marching Order for Route March on ROBOROUGH MOOR returning to camp at 4.00 am.
10.45am. Commanding officer met C.R.E. at EGG-BUCKLAND FORT for purpose of selecting site for huts and stables.
12.30 pm. MAJOR R.A. AUSTIN proceeded to BRISTOL to take temporary charge of Reserve Brigade at Headquarters.
War diary
of
1st. South Midland [Glo’ster] Bde. R.F.A.
1st Oct -31st Oct 1914.
CROWNHILL.
1st Oct/14.
8.45am. 1st Battery and1 Section of A. C. Drill Order on ROBOROUGH MOOR.
Supply of Ammunition practised.
1 Battery selection and occupation of positions.
Remainder and Recruits as per W.O. programme.
4.30pm. Officers on Ranging Board.
Inoculations still proceeding.
2nd Oct/14. As for 1st October.
3rd Oct/14. Exercising Order. Recruits as per W.O. programme.
8.30am. The whole of the horse lines moved to fresh ground.
Afternoon. Bathing Parade. Inoculations still proceeding.
4th Oct/14.
9.15 am. C.O.’s lecture to Officers and S.N.C.O.s.
10.am to1 pm. Officer’s instruction on Ranging Table.
10.30am. Church Parade.
5th Oct/14.
8.45am. One Battery and 1 section of A.C. marching order on ROBOROUGH MOOR.
One Battery selection and occupation of positions.
Remainder and recruits as per W.O. programme .
2.pm. Brig-General S.S. Cunningham C.B. D.S.O. Comdg General Reserve Brigade inspected the Brigade in camp.
4.30pm. Officers Ranging board.
Wire received from Gloucestershire County Association to stop recruiting from Home Service Brigade.
Inoculation proceeding.
6th Oct/14.
8.45pm. Drills as on morning of the 5th OCTOBER. C.O. attended at FORTRESS HEADQUARTERS conference with G.O.C. in C.,
Southern Command.
4.30pm. Ranging Board for Officers. Inoculations proceeding.
7th Oct/14. Drills etc as for 5th October.
8th Oct/14. Drills etc as for 5th October.
9th Oct/14. Drills etc as for 5th October.
10th Oct/14.
4.10am. The alarm was given and the Brigade turned out in Marching Order and were ready to move at 4.50am.owing to the men’s breakfast
not being ready the order to move to ROBOROUGH MOOR. was delayed till 5.20am.
5.20am. On arrival at the rendezvous the brigade was inspected by the C. and proceeded for a Route march via YELVERTON, DOUSLAND
and MEAVY .
8.10 am. Where the Brigade halted at 8.10am, to water and feed.
10th Oct/14.
9.00am. The Brigade then returned via SHAUGH PRIOR occupying 4 positions in [Shelton ?] on the way and reached camp between 2.15pm.
and 3.pm. after a march of 19 miles.
2.15-3pm. Recruits as per W.O. programme. Inoculations proceeding.
11th Oct/14.
9.15am. C.O.’s lecture to officers and S.N.C.O.s.
10am.to1pm. Officers Ranging Board.
10.30am. Church Parade.
12th Oct/14.
8.30am. A skeleton brigade parade was held at CHDOVER BRIDGE and returned at to camp at 4pm.
Remainder as per W.O. programme. Inoculations proceeded.
7 pm. The party which accompanied 30 horses on 30th Sept returned having handed over at LE MANS.
13th Oct/14.
8.45 am. One Battery and 1 section Amm. Column, Marching Order on ROBOROUGH MOOR.
Remainder as per W.O. programme.
2.30pm. C.O. and adjutant visited EGG - BUCKLAND FORT and inspected proposed sites for huts.
Inoculations proceeding.
14th Oct/14. Wet Gusty morning.
Exercising Order and Lectures followed by parades as per W.O. programme.
4.30pm. Ranging Board.
6.am. MAJOR AUSTIN, LIEUTS. JAMES and METFORD rejoined from BRISTOL. S.A.A. Section paraded with rest of S.M. division for
inspection by H.M. the King, George the Vth.
15th Oct/14.
1.30am. Orders received to stand by ready to move to CHELMSFORD to be relieved by 4th E. LANCS BDE.
8.45.am. 18 teams of 6 horses sent to transport Canadian guns and wagons from the gun Whary? to PLYMOUTH station.
Remainder exercise in the immediate neighbourhood, Gun drill, rifle drill.
16th Oct/14.
8.30am. 2nd LIEUT. PRIDEAUX and 5 N.C.O.’s proceeded to CHELMSFORD to take over billets.
9.00am. 16 Teams of horses sent to transport Canadians.
Remainder Exercise, Gun, Drill etc.
CROWNHILL.
17th Oct/14.
8.30am. 20 teams of horses sent to Canadian Transport.
Remainder Exercise morning and afternoon.
9.30am. Ordnance called for a report on makes of all shell in Bde.
4.00pm. Orders received to send all shell to O.C. TIPNOR. Immediately informed Brigade - Major, CHELMSFORD.
5pm. Informed that 4th E. LANCS BDE arrive on the18th to relive us.
6pm. 4 teams left to fetch shell boxes from Ordnance.
9.15pm. Orders received not to send shell away.
18th Oct/14.
9.15am. Lecture by C.O. to all Officers and S.N.C.O.s
10am. Church Parade
12.noon. G.O.C. PLYMOUTH FORTRESS inspected camp. Informed us we should leave at 9am.on the19th.
Ordered to hand over all camp equipment, blankets etc to 4th E. LANCS on their arrival.
5.30pm. Instructions received that trains would leave NORTH ROAD STATION, PLYMOUTH.
First train 11.30pm.19th, last train 5.30am. 20th.
10.15pm. Brigade ordered to be clear of camp by 10.30 am.19th and bivouac for the day at EGG - BUCKLAND.
CROWNHILL.
18TH Oct/14.
11.30pm. Wire received from Brigade - Major. CHELMSFORD ordering us to bring all camp equipment as none available with Division.
19th Oct/14.
8.30am. C.O. and Adjutant visited G.O.C. PLYMOUTH FORTRESS and obtained sanction to take camp equipment to CHELMSFORD.
10.15am. All Luggage and stores left for NORTH RAOD STATION and were loaded.
10.30am. Brigade, men clearing up party, clear of camp.
1pm. Handing over to O.C. 4th E. LANCS BDE. completed.
EGG BUCKLAND.
11.30am. Brigade bivouacked at the fort and left to entrain as follows
8pm. Headquarters of Reserve Brigade.
9.30pm. 1st Battery.
11.pm. 2nd Battery.
20th Oct/14.
12.45.am. 3rd Battery.
2.am. Ammunition Column.
19thOct/14. The units were entrained and left NORTH ROAD as follows:-
11.20am. Headquarter staff, Reserve Bde and all luggage, time taken to entrain 15mins.
20th Oct/14.
1.14 am. 1st Battery time to entrain 30 minutes.
2.35am. 2nd Battery time to entrain 35 minutes.
4.am. 3rd Battery time to entrain 25 minutes.
5.30 am. Ammunition Column time to entrain 40 minutes.
CHELMSFORD.
20th Oct/14. The units arrived as follows:-
9.10am. Headquarters staff, Reserve BRIGADE AND ALL LUGGAGE. Time taken to detrain 25 minutes.
10.30am. 1st Battery time taken to detrain 50 mins 1 horse destroyed.
12.25pm. 2nd Battery time taken to detrain 45 mins
1.45pm. 3rd Battery time taken to detrain 35 mins.
3.10pm. Amm. Column time taken to detrain 40 mins.
All units marched to billets in neighbourhood of BROMFIELD.
6pm. C.O. and Adjutant visited G.O.C. R.A. at CHELMSFORD.
BROOMFIELD.
21st Oct/14. Day spent settling in.
5.30pm. Lecture by C.O. to all officers.
22nd Oct/14.
9am. Exercise. Gun Drill. Various cleaning etc.
3.30pm. Inspection of Brigade by Brig-General S.C.U. SMITH R.A., INSPECTOR GENERAL R.H.A. and F. ARTILLERY
accompanied by S.O.C., R.A.
Section Gun Drill, Battery Gun Drill, recruits driving drill, recruits ride rifle drill, signalling and lecture.
23rd Oct/14.
9.30am. Skeleton Brigade Parade, full staff at PLESHEY.
Remainder as per W.O. programme.
4.30pm. Much delay in morning caused by shortage of watering troughs.
S.A.A. section joined Bde from GREAT BEDDOW. BROOMFIELD.
24TH Oct/14.
9.30am. Batteries Route March. C.O. and Adjutant reconnoitring for Drill ground.
Remainder as per W.O. programme.
Capt. C. W. TODD promoted MAJOR To command 1st Battery.
Lieut. A. E. STONE promoted CAPTAIN and posted to1st Battery.
25th Oct/14.
9.00am. Church Parade.
10.15am. C.O.’s lecture to all officers and N.C.O.’s.
26th Oct/14.
9.30am. Brigade skeleton parade near LITTLE WALTHAM.
Remainder as per W.O. programme.
6pm. Young Officers Lecture by Adjutant.
21st Oct/14.
9.30am. Batteries Route March C.O. and Adjutant reconnoitred for Drill Ground.
Remainder per W.O. programme.
6pm. Adjutant lecture to young officers.
8pm. 2nd remounts arrived. LIEUT. TAYNTON joined for duty.
28th Oct/14.
9.30am. Brigade Parade at GREAT WALTHAM.
Occupation of positions
3pm. Remounts posted to Batteries.
6pm. Young officers lecture by Adjutant.
29th Oct/14.
4.am. 7 remounts arrived.
9.am. C.O. and Adjutant accompanied G.O.C., R.A. for inspection of positions to be occupied in the event of a raid, near WITHAM,
MALDON and COLECHESTER.
9.30am. Batteries Route March and driving Drill.
5.15pm. Lecture for all officers and N.C.O.’s at CHELMSFORD, on “The Theatre of War”.
30th Oct/14.
8.30am. C.O. and Adjutant taken by G.O.C. R.A., over positions online of FOBBING - BELLERICAY - INGATESTONE.
8.30am. Alarm given to brigade to turn out “as for” Active military operations in England.
BROOMFIELD.
30th Oct/14. The batteries reported ready in all respects to move as follows:-
10.10am. 3rd Battery.
10.30am. 1st and 2nd Batteries.
10.40am. Reserve Brigade.
11.am. Ammunition Column.
Route march by batteries.
12.noon. 5 remounts arrived.
Afternoon. As per W.O. programme.
4.30pm. 12 remounts arrived .
6pm. Young officers lecture by adjutant.
Inoculations preceding.
31st Oct/14.
9.30am. Drill order parade Occupation of positions at TUFNELL PARK, GREAT WALTHAM.
Afternoon. Harness cleaning, Recruits laying and fuze setting.
6pm. Young Officers lecture by Adjutant.
6.30pm. 8 remounts arrived.
War Diary
of
1st. South Midland [Glo’ster] Bde. R.F.A.
1st Nov - 30th Nov 1914.
BROOMFIELD.
1st Nov/14.
10am. Church Parade
11.15am. Posting of remounts.
12 noon. Adjutant lecture to young officers.
1 pm. Orders received to send party to WITHAM on 2nd just to dig certain gun pits at the MALDON - WITHAM position.
2nd Nov/14.
9.30am. 9 officers and 300 N.C.O.’s and men proceeded to WITHAM where a camping ground was selected.
Tents were drawn from MALDON.
12 noon. Arrival of party at WITHAM. Camp and horses lines pitched.
2.30pm. Digging of Gun Pits commenced.
The entire brigade was used to transport the men and baggage and rations to WITHAM.
6pm. Young officers lecture by Adjutant.
3rd Nov/14.
9am. Digging continued.
&n