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4½ years in the British Army during the Great War (40 pages; 601KB) 

Diary of Samuel Robert Wyld


4½ years in the British Army during the Great War


Samuel Wyld’s diary begins with his enlistment as a private with 18th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, in September 1914. It covers his training in the UK and service in Egypt and on the Western Front. In 1917 Wyld was commissioned from the ranks and the diary continues throughout this period and his return to the Western Front with 22nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. Wyld was demobilised in March 1919. The diary appears to have been written up from notes. After 23 May 1916, Wyld comments that “The papers relating to the period to Jan 1917, were captured by the Germans on the Aisne in 1918.” Whilst the entries are short, they are no less evocative. The diary has been transcribed by Durham at War volunteers and edited for some spellings and punctuation. You can read some extracts below or download the whole transcript.

3 December 1915
Gas helmets withdrawn and Battalion equipped for the East.

14 January 1916
George Duthie fell into Canal. Saw a chameleon.

19 January 1916
14 Platoon sent 5 miles into desert. Reported enemies approach.
Parcel post arrived. Pork pie and ham from Blighty.

12 March 1916 (Sun)
Train journey through the Rhone Valley – Gorgeous scenery, green fields, mountains white capped, contrast between Egyptian deserts.

17 May 1917
Left trenches alone just before midnight attack. Ordered to England for Commission.

11 August 1917
Fine day. Medical inspection. Measured for Cadet uniform. Lichfield.

15 April 1918
Folkestone/Boulogne/Etaples.

16 April 1918
Posted to 22nd DLI. Paris Plage with Parkin, Rowley and Riley.

Date: 19 September 1914 – 19 March 1919

Author: Wyld, Samuel Robert

Reference: D/DLI 7/797/1

Where to find this: Durham County Record Office

Contributed by Norma and Rachel (Durham at War volunteers) | Durham County Record Office

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