Category: Projects
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 19th April to 25th April 1916.
In this post, the Diary records a visit from HRH Edward Prince of Wales on Easter Sunday, which was marked with concerts and sports. The Prince of Wales was unable to serve on the front line, due to his position as the heir to the throne. However, he was commissioned…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 12th April to 18th April 1916.
In this passage, the Finsbury Rifles move to Kubri, further along the Suez Canal. We see how the Canal is used to transport supplies while the Battalion marches at 5.30 am, following the procedure practised on their Route Marches. Classes are held, once the new camp is sufficiently established, and…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 5th April to 11th April 1916.
The Battalion moves to Shallufa on the Southern side of the Suez Canal. This is the beginning of a period in which the Rifles will work on inter-canal defences in various camps around the Canal. The Suez Canal was part of a vital supply route between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and thus…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 29th March to the 4th April.
The Battalion prepares to move to Shallufa. Date 29/3/16 Normal camp routine. Order received that battalion would shortly proceed to SHALLUFA and an advance party under 2nd Lieut HL WINDSOR sent ahead. Date 30 to 31/3/16 Normal camp routines. Date 1/4/16 Normal camp routine. Date 2 to 3/4/16 Normal camp routine.…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 28th February to 28th March.
This post takes us from the end of February into March. This passage covers more than our usual week in the War Diary, as the diary itself lumps numerous days together. This reminds us of the often repetitious nature of camp routine, when a Regiment was not facing battle. Within this…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 23rd February to 27th February 1916.
Date 23 to 25/2/16 Normal camp duty. Date 26/2/16 Normal camp duty. Lieut Windsor returns to duty. Date 27/2/16 Normal camp routine. Lieut Doyle RAMC returns to duty. For any unfamiliar terms, please explore the Glossary.
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 17th February to 22nd February 1916.
Still stationed at Mena, we see that the Regiment have opened a Miniature Range for firing practice, at the camp. We also see more evidence of the ebb and flow of different Ranks leaving and returning to duty. Date 17 to 19/2/16 Normal Camp Routine. Lt. and T.A. Tutin returns…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 10th February to 16th February 1916.
While stationed at Mena, soldiers underwent training. In this passage we can see that various ranks were sent to develop different skills, including an Officer’s Riding School. Officers rode alongside their men on route marches (although Lieutenant Harding mentioned that he sometimes marched on foot) and so needed to know…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 3rd February to 10th February 1916.
Once again, a snapshot of the repetition of camp life, with Route Marches, to maintain fitness and practice specific routes, alongside training, providing much of the activity. Here the men are stationed at Mena. Joe Guthrie, a machine gun Sargent in the Finsbury Rifles, produced an Oral History recording of…
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Finsbury Rifles, Away from the Western Front. 28th January to 2nd February 1916.
After a period at Sidi Bishr, near Alexandria, the Brigade receive news that they will be moving to Cairo in the next few days. This passage illustrates the preparations for this move. —————————————————————————————————————————————– Date 28/1/16 Brigade Route march. News received that Division would proceed to CAIRO during next few days.…
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