Hello.
Following a family bereavement, I have come across a pocket diary for the year 1917 which belonged to my Great Uncle, Raymond Hill (no. 28362). Considering the age of the diary, the pages are all legible although some do contain 'abbreviations' which may need some deciphering.
At some point, I would like to donate the diary to the Regimental Museum but would also like to know some more detail on some of it's content. The idea is that, hopefullt, I can create a 'bigger picture' based on his daily notes. Some notes are very brief (e.g. pay day, received 4/=). others are more detailed (e.g. Sun 4 March– Left Tregantle 5am & Devonport 7.55. Arrived Southampton 2.25 & sailed on board SS Antrim for Rouen at 8pm. Part of escort for Waters who deserted previous draft at S’hampton. Sea very rough and most of us seasick). Later on, there is a more saddening entry about 'friendly fire'.
Pte Hill listed all his attachments during the year (e.g.May 14 to July 7 - 4th platoon D Coy, 10th btn Worc Rgt, B E F), but his opening entry is a Copy of Testimonial given to him by Sgt. Drummer H W Clarke 1st G Bn. Worc Rgt when he was leaving Ryde (I.O.W) to join 5th Bttn Worcestershire Regt on Jan 26 1917.
To help with the 'bigger picture', is there any way to get some information on this Sgt Clarke?
Thanks.
Andy.