Letter from a Royal Engineer (Signals) officer April 3rd 1918
At last! After twelve of the most strenuous and exciting days I have ever known, the remnants of us are safely out for a bit of green field, able to sleep. Ever since the fight began we have been at it all day and all night - fighting, marching, retreating, counter-attacking, etc., etc.
Out of the twelve nights of the fight I was four nights without a wink of sleep and have certainly not averaged three hours sleep out of the rest of the twelve days. Never had boots off, except once to wash my feet; shaved about three times; washed hands and face about every other day; and with it all have been wonderfully and marvellously fit - huge appetite and perfect digestion, walked and ridden countless miles without fatigue or soreness; and come right through it without a scratch. A most wonderful experience!
Yesterday we came out of the fight battered and dirty but still cheerful. I ended up by an all-night march of 24 miles, so tired and sleepy that I could not remain on my horse, but had to walk to keep awake. After which I slept all morning, most of the afternoon, and all night, and could still do with more.
The Signal Company has been pretty fortunate on the whole in the way of casualties, one officer killed and some valuable NCOs, but very few men, and only three horses.
When we are refitted we will, I suppose enter the fight with renewed vigour. The end is not yet, and though the Hun has won the first act, it does not follow that he has won the rubber. Our post has been held up from the start but I have received it all together yesterday.
Bucks Herald June 1918. Herts Recruiting Campaign for Women on the Land
A recruiting rally for women on the land will be held in Tring on Saturday, June 8th. A procession of land army girls and part time workers from Tring and surrounding villages, decorated wagons, etc, will start from the “Britannia” at 6 p.m. and march through the town to the market place, where a short open air meeting will be held.
