War Diary of the 13th Signal Company, Royal Engineers (Vol 2c: Mesopotamia, 1918–19)
Transcribed from the original manuscript version of the War Diary at the National Archive. The diary records the unit’s activities during Sapper Edward George Copeland’s service with the 13th Signals, the full story of which is recounted in Letters to Lizzie. [Notes on the text have been added below in brackets]
January 1918
1 January 1918
Preparing a Column to move out — with cable wagon, 24 miles cable. Lumbered wagon & AT cart to carry spare cable. Officer of the Company goes with it.
2 January 1918
Lorry (Star van) returned today from repairs. Wet today, but ground cables are new.
3 January 1918
Rain again today.
4 January 1918
AIN LAILAH Column moved out to Z95 C. Consists (Signals) of the cable wagon detachment, 1 lumber 9.5, 2 AT carts for transport of extra wire, 22 miles of wire taken also visual etc.
5 January 1918
Rain. Roads very bad, Column unable to move.
6 January 1918
Wet, & roads very bad. 66th Field Artillery Brigade line too faint for communication although both ends are poled clear of camp & all traffic. Two ACOs of Company were sent to 66th Field Artillery Brigade to be attached for training in driving etc.
9 January 1918
AIN LAILAH Column still held up by roads.
10 January 1918
Signals with AIN LAILAH laying a line preparatory to moving out when roads permit — line to Z71 Central on 11th inst.
11 January 1918
Line went ‘dis’ at 10.30am for half an hour owing to traffic of the Column. This emphasises the necessity of having lines poled out of all standing camps.
12 January 1918
Call of AIN LAILAH Signal office is ALD. ALD laid line 11½ miles long (ground D5) through camps of Arabs who cut & removed our line during last advance to QARA TEPE.
13 January 1918
Column moved up to AIN LAILAH today — Signal office was open there having gone up with Advance Companies working on road.
14 January 1918
10.30am AIN LAILAH line disconnected about 1 mile inside their camp. Probably transport. This Column is over sixteen miles away & only communication with this Division is a D5 ground cable over which one can speak distinctly although ground wet & in parts marshy.
15 January 1918
Line to ALD [Ain Lailah] disconnected at 10.20pm for half an hour, break found & repaired close to their camp.
16 January 1918
Two NCOs of Company sent for discipline to 40th Brigade, to be instructed in guards & pickets & general discipline.
22 January 1918
Nothing to report. Capt HANSARD joined this Company to be temporarily attached for one month.
23 January 1918
AIN LAILAH Column closing down office at 7.30am, marching back to SUHANIYAH out today. Have working party out on ZCH [38th Brigade] line to improve it. ALD [Ain Lailah] force is returning, reeling up all cable laid by wagon. The line was well laid & gave little trouble although fifteen miles long & all ground D5.
24 January 1918
2/Lt EW LANFEAR proceeded to join 14th Division Signal Company to be attached for one month, nothing to report.
25 January 1918
Work normal. ZDO [40th Brigade] line disconnected at 10pm but repaired again by lineman. Moonlight almost as clear as daylight enables men to ride along broken line by night.
26 January 1918
CCO line disconnected at ABU SAIDA (LEFT Bank) due to low wire & broken by camels.
27 January 1918
Nothing to report. Work normal, traffic rather heavy.
28 January 1918
Rain, all cycle work DR work ceases & sealed packets have to go out by mounted rider of which we have six in Headquarters. Only one run per day possible when wet.
29 January 1918
Still wet. Nothing to report.
31 January 1918
Normal DRLS [Despatch Rider Letter Service] resumed today, ie. Two runs daily to CCO & all Brigades.
Signed FO St John, Major, Cmdg 13th Signal Company RE., Mesopotamia 31.1.18
February 1918
1 February 1918
Fine day. Work satisfactory, nothing to report. 2/Lt EW LANFEAR left 2nd inst. to rejoin his Regiment, ADA Signals & Tels. Lt Col ALLEN arrived today from GHQ, stayed in company. Signals all good. Work slight.
4 February 1918
Went over 38th Brigade area (60 square miles) with ADAS. Orders attached for Column to AIN LAILAH as sent last month were postponed owing to rain.
5 February 1918
AIN LAILAH Column departure postponed owing to rain. Rained heavily. DRLS curtailed to one run.
6 February 1918
ADAS left for BAGHDAD 9am. Roads drying. DRLS still by mounted man. AIN LAILAH detachments will march tomorrow as per attached order.
7 February 1918
Column marched today. Cable wagon left Company HQ at 8am. Consists of one cable wagon attachment complete, 1 lumber for same, twenty miles of good D5 cable, 2 AT carts to carry cable & rations, 3 telegraph operators under Sgt CLEWLOW DCM. They have their own office tent, living tents, etc. Arrived C6/9 TC 170 at about 10am. Column started shortly after.
8 February 1918
Rain, very wet. Only one run DR to Corps & Brigades by mounted DR. We send to meet CCO DR to ABU SAIDA. DR mails for AIN LAILAH Column leave by cart convoy at 8am daily from 38th Infantry Brigade HQ.
9 February 1918
28th BOR arrived as reinforcements for this Company. We are now well over strength in all ranks except office telegraphists.
10 February 1918
Ground drying well. Much water still lying about. Nothing to report.
11 February 1918
AIN LAILAH Column returning today. ALD closed office at 7.40am. 55th Field Artillery Brigade moved out to road junction AIN LAILAH & SUHANIYAH & proceed to SERAI at S until 15th inst. Cable from ALD detachment being reeled up as Column returns. Normal DRLS starts again today, roads permitting. When rain or very wet, only horsed DRs able to take daily posts to formations.
12 February 1918
Nothing to report. OC N°2 Section came in today from ZCH [38th Brigade].
13 February 1918
Column as per attached proceeds to NARIN KUPRI tomorrow. Communication will be by visual from SAKALTUTAN Pass.
14 February 1918
Column proceeded from SAKALTUTAN Pass. Visual communication was established with top of pass, which was in direct communication with 38th Brigade HQ over FS poles.
15 February 1918
Scheme submitted for semi permanent defences of 38th & 40th Brigade areas (communication) with air line & FS poles.
16 February 1918
Nothing to report. 55th Field Artillery Brigade returned to position of 38th Brigade Camp.
17 February 1918
Proceeded to ZCI (39th Brigade) area. Inspected the wiring of the defence line with twin D1 cable buried (about 2½ feet).
18 February 1918
Inspected transport details with 40th Brigade SAA Section at TUWAIR. Thoroughly inspected 39th Brigade Signal Section & mode of work. Held examination for higher rates for all men of the section. Lt E HUMPHRIES DCM held examination. All men of this section have been employed to their utmost ability owing to the extensive area which they occupy, they are therefore improving greatly in all branches of Signal work. Large working parties are being provided from Battalions to help ‘bury’ the twin D1 on the defensive line.
19 February 1918
Arranged with Brigade Major 39th Brigade about the officers & men who are to attend these classes preparatory to being sent for a ‘course’ to the School of Signalling in BAGHDAD. Returned to 13th Division HQ — so as to make arrangements for preliminary school for above officers & men. Work in Signal Office normal.
20 February 1918
Two officers & nine men arrived from 38th & 40th Brigade to attend school — names etc. of men are attached. Lt E HUMPHRIES is holding the class
21 February 1918
List of parades are attached. Weather wet. Signal office work nothing to report. Orders issued for return of our personnel & animals from TUWAIR to Company HQ on 22nd. Have had two NCOs attached to 66th Field Artillery Brigade for three weeks to be instructed in horse management, stable routine, etc. The course has been of greatest use to them & find NCOs much improved. Two NCOs also attached for fourteen days to an Infantry Battalion of 40th Brigade for instruction in guards etc. They were returned greatly improved by the course as owing to the extensive area occupied by the Division we are unable to get any men together to have (?) drill parades etc.
22 February 1918
Expected the DAS (Gen HS FRANKLIN) today, but owing to rain he was unable to come from YIN. Details with animals at TUWAIR were unable to start to rejoin the Company HQ today owing to rain. DRLS changes to mounted men in wet weather & only one per day. Animal convoy from TUWAIR marched to PALM TREE GROVE 23rd inst.
24 February 1918
Lt JF PAIGE MC proceeded to 66th Field Artillery Brigade at TUWAIR to hold examination in higher rating for Signallers. Also to start Signalling class, copy of classes of Signalling at present being taught in the Division. Sent list 13th Division HQ, also copy to ADA Signals 3rd Corps.
25 February 1918
Star motor lorry returned from 66th Field Artillery Brigade as Lt PAIGE is to stay some days with 66th Field Artillery Brigade. Threatening weather but no rain yet.
26 February 1918
ZCH [38th Brigade] line broke today twice owing to football field placed near poled D1. The above line was shifted on 16th inst. to avoid this football ground. Wet. Bridges all broken.
27 February 1918
One officer candidate for School of Signalling returned to his unit as unlikely to obtain the necessary standard. Class progressing favourably.
28 February 1918
Nothing to report. Draft of 10 BOR marched from SADIYEH today to join Company.
Signed FO St John, Major, 13th Signal Company RE
March 1918
1 March 1918 (DELI ABBAS)
At DELI ABBAS. Class of instruction being held for 3rd B0, 10th BOR, for entrance to School of Signalling BAGHDAD March 25th. This class under personal instruction of Lt E HUMPHRIES DCM of this unit. Nothing to report.
2 March 1918
Scheme for Signal class carried out today with cable wagon Company (?) drill parade. Lt JF PAIGE MC of Company is at 66th Field Artillery Brigade inspecting Battery Signallers (TUWAIR).
3 March 1918
Lt JF PAIGE MC returned from inspection of 66th Field Artillery Brigade & submitted report on same in consequence of which a scheme was submitted to CRA [ Artillery Command] 13th Division for classes in instruction to be held in Company HQ for all RA [Artillery] NCOs & Signallers. Nothing to report & no active operations in progress.
4 March 1918
List of Company recommendations sent in for despatch Oct 1917 to April 1918. Slight rain. Nothing to report. Company garden for production of vegetables.
5 March 1918
Question of further economies gone into. Report also rendered to Division HQ on question. Fine, dry. Capt JH HANSARD who has been attached from 14th DS Company assumed duties of 2nd in Command on [no date given].
6 March 1918
Animals of Company are working at Division gardens six hours per day ploughing etc. Lines all correct, nothing to report.
7 March 1918
CQMS RICHARDS struck off the strength & appointed to GHQ Signal Company on 8.12.17 inst.
8 March 1918
FS pole on CCO-YM line damaged by AT cart driving into it.
9 March 1918
Damaged pole replaced by working party from CCO.
10 March 1918
Nothing to report. Lines are working satisfactorily. Class of instruction for Signal School BAGHDAD proceeding.
11 March 1918
Tractor (caterpillar) returning to 66th Field Artillery Brigade took away six poles & wire on ZCI-CCO line near DELTAWA was interrupted. Line was black & white air line poles, copper wire, ZCI [39th Brigade] effected temporary repair.
12 March 1918
Rain & high wind. DRLS runs curtailed to one run each Brigade, on horses. Run to Brigades when wet, one run daily at noon.
13 March 1918
Rendered report to Division HQ on ‘necessity or otherwise’ of personnel & telephone equipment for TM Batteries. Am entirely in favour of centralisation. Nothing further to report. Rain & violent storm.
14 March 1918
Rain again curtailed DRLS.
15 March 1918
Fine. Nothing to report.
17 March 1918
Orders issued with reference to Column to AIN LAILAH on 20th March.
19 March 1918
Column above cancelled owing to rain. Nothing to report. All work proceeding.
20 March 1918
Column under Capt HANSARD starts for AIN LAILAH tomorrow. Attached is strength & composition of Signal Section — see Appendix 1. Also orders from General staff with regard to Signal instructions
21 March 1918
Column concentrated at X12C6/2(TC170)
22 March 1918
AIN LAILAH Column today marched to AIN LAILAH. Signal attachment under Capt HANSARD established offices at AIN LAILAH & AIN LAILAH Pass.
23 March 1918
AIN LAILAH detachment moved forwards about 8 miles (by cable) to UMR MAIDAN — total ground cable out to this advanced position is about 24½ miles D5 cable. Speech is very good & clear, all joints in cable having been soldered. DRLS go out by ration convoy daily via ZCH [38th Brigade], which is where ration convoy works from.
24 March 1918
GOC & staff went out to advanced positions of AIN LAILAH Column. Nothing to report except Signal station established at AIN LAILAH whose station call is ALD.
25 March 1918
Wet today. Slight showers. ALD [Ain Lailah] is transmitting for us to Column HQ owing to the wet. After ground has dried after each shower (about one hours interval) ‘through’ work & speech again becomes possible. Linemen out under Lt HUMPHRIES to try & improve line from Signals Office as far as permanent line. Scheme submitted for communications when ZCI [39th Brigade] move up to ABU SAIDA area.
26 March 1918
Line from AIN LAILAH forward to Column disconnected at 9.30am. Also between us & ALD at 1.30pm. The former was caused by hostile Arabs who removed about 300 yards of the line. The latter was caused by transport wagon, & was 10½ miles out from here — repaired at 4.30pm just as were preparing to send out motorcycle & sidecar to investigate before dark. Communication maintained by visual to SAKALTUTAN Pass, occasional showers making Signals not too good. ALD closing down at 8am & moving back to AIN LAILAH. Speaking has been good to this Column over a length of 29 miles of ground cable D5 & five miles of FS poles on this end of ground cable. All joints were soldered, & cable good & serviceable.
27 March 1918
7.10am. ALD [Ain Lailah] Column closing down & returns to DELI ABBAS via SUHANIYAH. Weather fine.
Signed J Hansard, Capt, Cmdg 13th Divisional Signal Company.
Appendix 1. Detachment of 13th Division Signal Company proceeding with ‘Campbell’s Column’ to AIN LAILAH. OC Capt HANSARD 13th Division Signal Company. №1 & 3 cable wagons & lumbers complete with 36 miles D5 cable; HQ lumbers 2; Ration carts 2; Office telegraphists 5. Of the above, the following remained at AIN LAILAH while the remainder of the detachment proceeded with the Column:- №3 wagon, 1 lumber, 1 cart, Telegraphists 3.
April 1918
1 April 1918 (DELI ABBAS)
Owing heavy gales, several poles blown down on Corps operating line. Contact between Corps sounder & 39th Brigade line. No serious delay caused. DR runs curtailed to one by horseman.
2 April 1918
Only one DR run to Corps & Brigades owing to wet ground necessitating horsemen — contact on Corps lines cleared 10.55am near KALA-AL-MUFTI (P28A 8/3) 7C 98 C. Fault on 39th Brigade line cleared by Corps 1.05pm -Company lumber turn out 3rd in Divisional Efficiency Competition.
3 April 1918
39th Brigade (advance party) opened on KKK/ABU SAIDA line. Also advance party 55th Field Artillery Brigade.
4 April 1918
Fine day, all signals good. ABU SAIDA line broken
5 April 1918
All lines OK & normal DRLS resumed. Line laid for day to Division at (XH8G8/2) TC 170.
6 April 1918
Poled ‘old’ line’, line laid to site of new camp (P4G1/5) TC98C, but no communication opened as sufficient troops yet arrived. Convoy of lumbers etc. out to SADIYEH to bring up dump. Party from Corps Signals working on Corps speaking line.
7 April 1918
Corps party returned to Corps. Rain caused curtailment DRLS service to one run per day by horsemen. 40th Brigade line disconnected 3.40–5.10pm. Visit by ADAS 3rd Corps. Scheme submitted to 13th Division for hot weather communication. Approved & forwarded 3rd Corps.
8 April 1918
Normal DRLS service resumed. 1 cable wagon left for AIN LAILAH 6.30am & arrived & communication OK 3pm. Speaking good.
9 April 1918
Some congestion on Corps line 9.30am, but relieved by working vibrator on speaking line. Parties working on D1 poled line to DUWALIB (P4a80/20) & thence to 39th Brigade. Advance HQ in ABU SAIDA.
10 April 1918
Visual scheme in conjunction with Brigade sec. & regiments of 40th Brigade. 6.30–8.30am. Convoy with Dump arrived from SADIYEH.
11 April 1918
40th Brigade line disconnected 10.30–11.30am: broken by camels. D1 poled line completed to 39th Brigade Advance HQ at ABU SAIDA. Visual scheme with 40th Brigade continued.
12 April 1918
Corps & 39th Brigade lines in contact & later disconnected owing to high wind — 2hrs delay.
13 April 1918
38th Brigade line disconnected owing to pole broken by wind 11.30–12.40pm. 2/Lt AW FISHER joined Company temporarily & posted to 40th Brigade.
14 April 1918
Nothing to report.
15 April 1918
DRLS curtailed to one run per day by horseman owing to rain. Line laid from 39th Brigade Advance HQ ABU SAIDA to ABU SAIDA Bridge & new Railhead office on LEFT Bank DIYALA. This gives alternative routes to Bridge & to 39th Brigade Advance HQ.
16 April 1918
Zepp Look Out Post moved from DELI ABBAS to TK MABOOK — P4a 30/80 TC170.
17 April 1918
Commenced forming dump of 150 miles of D5 cable at AIN LAILAH from Advance Signal Park — C42a 40/50 TC124. SU Station at TABLE MOUNTAIN Railhead. LEFT Bank DIYALA closed as all 13th Division units have moved to RIGHT Bank — C59c 80/60 TC124.
18 April 1918
6 mile length of FS air line in AIN LAILAH, line replaced by D5 cable — total length 23 miles — C42a 60/40 TCC124. Storm blew down ABU SAIDA Signals Office 7.55 causing some delay & loss of some messages — C65d 70/90 TC124.
19 April 1918
Rain curtails DRLS to one run by horseman per day. Wireless detachments from BAGHDAD & air line wagons from Corps joined Company for forthcoming operations. Corps Signals laying double bronze air line from C50d 40/50 to C42a 40/50 (TC124) AIN LAILAH.
20 April 1918
Air line to AIN LAILAH completed & worked. Much rain delayed DRLS service & work generally. Cable dump of 150 miles of D5 at AIN LAILAH completed.
21 April 1918
DRLS service curtailed owing rain. Corps cable section laid & test line to ABU HAJAR Pass, preparatory to operations.
22 April 1918
Ground line to FS line to AIN LAILAH (about 1 mile, near 13th Division) reeled in & through to AIN LAILAH all the way by air line. Signals very good.
23 April 1918
All OK.
24 April 1918
Advance 3rd Corps Signals arrived & established office at 13th Division HQ DELI ABBAS. A, B1 & B2 Columns arrived at concentration camps (C50 d TC124) & tapped in on existing lines.
25 April 1918, ABU HAJAR Pass
3rd Corps report centre opened at DELI ABBAS 10am. Company moved to far side of ABU HAJAR Pass Z87 c6/1 7C145 & opened DWP report centre 9am. Laid short line to 40th Brigade (about ½ mile) & line to detachment of Welsh Pioneers protecting NARIN KUPRI Bridge Z41b 6/6 TC145. Detachments marched to AIN LAILAH with B1 Column. Laid no line. One lorry to AIN LAILAH; one to report centre to move office.
26 April 1918, NARIN KUPRI
5.30am Company marched to NARIN KUPRI, arriving (C43a 10/70 TC124). 10am Lorry moved office at 5am, enabling office to open at NARIN KUPRI same time as closed at old camp. Lines from DELI ABBAS laid by Corps wagon. 24 miles D5 from DELI ABBAS to NARIN KUPRI. 10am Corps wagon laid line from AIN LAILAH to Division also line via NK to 14th Division on far bank of NARIN River. Corps wagon stuck in trying to cross NARIN River & line had to be laid from Ford cars sent from 14th Division Column (37th Brigade). One detachment of Company laid line from AIN LAILAH to UMR MAIDAN (C26a 3/4 TC124) to B1 & A Columns. Tap-in laid to Division at NK. 8pm Company marched to UMR MAIDAN. Lorry established office same time at UMR MAIDAN.
27 April 1918, UMR MAIDAN
3.30am Company arrived in camp. 1am 38th Brigade (B1 Col) & 6th Cavalry Brigade (A Col) moved forward to ABU GHRAIB (A27c 80/20 TC116) & (C9a 5/5 TC124) respectively. Line laid by a detachment of Company with B1 Col carrying 50 miles of wire — surplus 4 AT carts. Line laid by a detachment with party of B2 Col (13th Division HQ & 40th Brigade) to ABU ATIQ (C26a 5/5 TC124). Much of this line from Division HQ (C26a 3/4 TC124) had to be laid by barrow party through hills. 8pm marched to (EE1 cent TC212). During all recent moves have been enabled to open Advance Office at same time as previous office closed. 3rd Corps arrived 9am 27th at (C26c 3/6 TC124).
28 April 1918
Company arrived in camp 3am. Corps line arrived 2.12am. 2.10pm communication by visual through (M27d 5/9 TC212) to B1 Col & A col, both about 5 miles forward. 3pm Capt HANSARD in Ford car tapped in on KIFRI-TUZ (Tuz Kurmatli) Turkish telegraph line & found OK to KIFRI, where C Col (37th Brigade) are established. Division moved (to M8 cent 212) & office opened there 5.40pm. Lines (1) to 40th Brigade & tapped on KIFRI line about (AJ56b 9/4 TC212) (2) to B1 Col (M7 cent) & A Col (C87d 5/8 TC212) & all OK by 8.30pm.
29 April 1918, TUZ KURMATLI
1am-4.50am B1 Column moving, communication OK all the time. One mule wounded shellfire. 4.05–10.10am A Column moving — disconnected 7am-9am to A Column. Operator wounded & line cut shell fire. Noon. Division moved & Column concentrated at (CF81d 5/0) except B1 Col to whom line laid at (CF81c 5/2 TC212).
30 April 1918
Old lines reeled up (49 miles laid 29/4) & FIN to KIFRI Turkish line, which Turks cut in night.
Appendix 1. List of Officers now serving
Signed J Hansard, Capt, Cmdg 13th DSC. In the Field 30.4.18
May 1918
1 May 1918
Signals on Corps line — weak last owing rain — improved 8am. Party repaired KIFRI line & other party laid tap-in to forward line (Turkish) towards TAUQ (CF13a 5/8 TC212). Patrols repaired latter to about YANIJAH (CF70 G56) with spans of D2. KIFRI line repaired yesterday in same manner, about 2 miles D2 being used in all.
2 May 1918
Turkish signals were heard on TAUQ line & some useful conversations were overheard by the Divisional interpreters. Wireless receivers were used. Notable that signalling was scarcely used. A few messages were sent by sounder & attention was called to (?) office for speaking by long buzzes. Speaking proceeded — presumably between TUZ KURMATLI & KIRKUK — most of the day in German & Turkish. Communications by visual to detachments of Pioneers & Borderers at TAUQ Bridge.
3 May 1918
Turkish Signals lost during night. Presumed cut by Turks. 3rd Corps Advance office opened 11am at (CF81b 7/1 7C212) TUZ. 40th Brigade becomes KIFRI L of C [Lines of Communications?]& is split up into posts from QARA TEPE upwards. Corps take over KIFRI line. Turkish line to TAUQ reconnoitred by (?) party who find it runs about 4 miles SW of TAUQ. D5 cable laid to TAUQ Bridge (CF5b 9/2 212) 28 miles. At CF42d 5/5 TC21.
4 May 1918
Advance office opened on TUZ-TAUQ ground line & TUZ office closed at 2.15pm. 38th Brigade now B Column at same camp at 13th Division HQ, who are Cayley’s Force. Only one office on each end of line, i.e. TAUQ Bridge (CF 56 9/2) & 3rd Corps; everything else through Corps.
5 May 1918, near TAUQ Bridge
Moved at 5am along TAUQ Bridge line & continued same to CF 4d 9/6, opening office there at 10am. Short line to 38th Brigade (1 mile). 6th Cavalry Brigade in camp close to HQ. Permanent line 8–10 miles West of camp.
6 May 1918
4.15am 38th Brigade moved towards TAZA (CK32a 6/9 TC229). 6am closed Divisional office & reopened at TAZA 1.30pm. 4.30pm 6th Cavalry Brigade moved North, with one detachment laying line. 5pm Division moved to (CQ88C 6/8 TC229). Opened office there 6.45pm. 3rd Corps & Cavalry Brigade on same line 7pm; Cavalry Brigade on separate line & outpost battalion (KO) & 38th Brigade on separate line. 7.30pm Cavalry Brigade line disconnected 2 linemen out. 8pm Corps line Signals very faint & getting worse owing heavy rain. 11pm disconnected to 3rd Corps — line washed away & ford impassable (CK10C 7/4, TC229).
7 May 1918
4am Lineman report unable proceed further on Cavalry Brigade line owing rain & mud — 10 miles out. 9am Line OK to Cavalry. 200 yards removed by Arabs or Turks. 9.10am Unable cross river with horse or vehicle. Waiting for Corps on permanent (Turkish) line, now near road & camp, but no response — wireless only available now — 12.20pm. Through to Cavalry Brigade after another break repaired (they are near KIRKUK Ch 10a) 1.20–1.40pm Cavalry Brigade line disconnected — cut by Arabs KIRKUK. 3pm Communication to 12th Cavalry in KIRKUK by Turkish line. 4pm Through to TAUQ who transmit for Corps (weak). At CQ88c TC229.
8 May 1918, KIRKUK
7.15am line OK to TAUQ — broken since 11pm 7/5/18 by Arabs in TAZA. 12.30pm moved office with Force HQ to (CQ 66 Central TC229) near KIRKUK, back office closing same time. 5.55pm line laid to 38th Brigade (CWC) beyond KIRKUK. TAZA has had to transmit signals to TAUQ (Corps transmitter) over ground line. Signals from KIRKUK to TAZA over permanent line good. 11.30pm-5am 9th. Laid line from last camp (Kings Own detachment left there) in addition to Turkish line.
9 May 1918
1pm Signals improved to TAUQ but too weak to work Corps at TUZ. 6.40pm line to North Lancashire detachment laid at DARAMAN (CQ22 cont) .
10 May 1918
TAUQ still weak. 10.05am good — Corps now at TAUQ — North Lancashires line continually cut by Arabs 9 miles. Governor patrolling but this has not stopped the nuisance. North Lancashires moved 6 miles forward. Cable replenished by Ford car. 6th Cavalry moved forward of North Lancashires. Communication to Division by DRs to North Lancashires, thence cable back here.
11 May 1918
North Lancashires line cut again — Arabs. Turkish Signals from ALTAN KUPRI permanent line, which have given valuable information to us since 8/5, ceased — presume Turks retired.
12 May 1918
North Lancashires returned to 38th Brigade — KIRKUK, & 6th Cavalry Brigade left area. 4pm DC set worked to Corps. Surplus traffic cleared by supervisors posing 6pm. Through to 38th Brigade on permanent line — ground line reeled up. 4pm DC working commenced advance 3rd Corps TAUQ.
13 May 1918
Contacts delayed sender working Corps (advance).
14 May 1918
Contacts delayed sender working Corps 9pm-9.30am 15/5. Through to Gloucesters at TAZA (12 miles South) on ground line 11.50am.
15 May 1918
Advance Corps moved back to TUZ. Communication by Turkish line & by ground line to 40th Brigade TUZ.
16 May 1918
Advance 3rd Corps moved CHAMAN KUPRI.
17 May 1918
DELI ABBAS intermediate sounder with Corps who have returned BAQUBA. DELI ABBAS superimposed to 40th Brigade KIFRI. Telephone party working on Turkish (Corps) line caused some delay.
18 May 1918
Working party caused interruptions again.
19 May 1918
38th Brigade moved close to Divisional HQ & closed Signals office. Company moving down line to DELI ABBAS by 9 stages.
20 May 1918
Company arrived TAUQ.
21 May 1918
Company moving TUZ by two stages. Telephone party moving TUZ. 4pm-4.30pm Corps line disconnected.
22 May 1918
Corps line disconnected several occasions.
23 May 1918
Corps line disconnected several occasions.
24 May 1918, TAZA
6.30pm-8.30pm moving KIRKUK to TAZA & office closed.
25 May 1918, TAUQ
4.30pm-8.30pm moving TAZA-TAUQ delayed by Star lorries breaking down. Through to Corps via DC set installed TUZ 10.15pm.
26 May 1918, TUZ
4.30am-11am moving TAUQ-TUZ, again delayed through inefficiency of Star lorries.
27 May 1918, KIFRI
7.45am disconnected to Corps till 9.30am. 4.30pm-8.55pm moving TUZ-KIFRI; Star lorries completely broken — had to borrow lorries.
28 May 1918, DUWALIB
7am Advance 13th Division closed. KIFRI & 13th Division opened at DUWALIB 3 miles East of DELI ABBAS.
29 May 1918
5.05pm-6.15pm disconnected to 39th Brigade.
30 May 1918
12.30pm laid line & opened office at TABLE MOUNTAIN Railhead. Heaviest traffic today for months (over 1000 ?).
31 May 1918
38th Brigade arrived from KIFRI & went to summer camp. 10.45am-12.50pm disconnected to 39th Brigade. At P4 Cent TC170.
June 1918
1 June 1918
Traffic 50% higher than average when in last stationary camp, totalling 1150 today. 50 messages odd daily cleared to & from Corps by DRLS.
2 June 1918
Through to 39th Brigade on old permanent line, now spare to BAQUBA as 12 mile line of poled D1 not working well. Worked some of surplus traffic to CO on vibrator in eoq, when work clear to 39th to induction on 39th line immaterial (?).
3 June 1918
8.30pm worked vibrator to Corps.
4 June 1918
8.00pm worked vibrator to Corps.
5 June 1918
7.30am 38th Brigade inpplies & supplies 13th arrived (P6b 3/8 TC170) & office opened there tapped on Supplies TABLE MOUNTAIN line (P6d 6/8 TC170).
6 June 1918
5.45–6.30am Corps line earthed — cause unknown; near BAGHDAD.
7 June 1918
Several intermittent interruptions on 40th Brigade line — cause unknown.
8 June 1918
Again interruptions on 40th Brigade — 10°-20° loss on this line is usually found. Badly erected Turkish line — Corps have been asked to send party with telegraph equipment, but have refused to do so. 9pm worked vibrator to Corps.
9 June 1918
40th Brigade line disconnected 5.58=6.30am — cause unknown.
10 June 1918
Opened communications to Anti Aircraft section (X49d 7/2 TC170).
11 June 1918
Nothing to report
12 June 1918
ABU JISRA & ABU SAIDA lines, old Corps 7.5 lines, in contact.
13 June 1918
6.00am-7.10am 38th Brigade line disconnected — broken by ration convoys.
14 June 1918
Opened communication with 72 7th Company RE by poled D1 line & ringing phones at (P4a 5/6 TC170). Contact reported on 12/6 cleared by Corps 3.35pm.
15 June 1918
6–7.40am 38th Brigade line disconnected 9–9.35am Divisional Machine Gun Company line disconnected, poles broken near DELI ABBAS. 8.40pm-11.55pm opened vibrator to Corps.
16 June 1918
Trouble on ABU JISRA line owing connections being made in their office.
17 June 1918
38th Brigade line disconnected 6–7.55am. Broken ration convoys.
18 June 1918
6–8.30am Corps line DA3 disconnected. Intermittent faults on 40th Brigade.
19 June 1918
40th Brigade line again failing intermittently — Patrolled. 9.50pm opened vibrator to Corps own operations.
20 June 1918
10.30pm Opened vibrator to Corps.
21 June 1918
Faults intermittent on KF1 line to 40th Brigade.
22 June 1918
Fault cleared on KF1 at SALLAHIYAH, 15 miles South of KIFRI. 9.30pm worked vibrator to Corps. Poled line finished (D1) to 38th Brigade.
23 June 1918
10pm-11.20pm vibrator worked to Corps.
24 June 1918
8.00-8.30am aeroplane broke Corps line. 9pm-11pm worked vibrator to Corps.
25 June 1918
Pioneers line now D1 poled (about half mile North West of DUWALIB). 9-11.30pm vibrator to Corps.
26 June 1918
9.15–11.40pm vibrator to Corps.
27 June 1918
Corps line DA3 disconnected between ABU JISRA & KALA-AL-MUFTI.
28 June 1918
7am-8am 38th Brigade line disconnected: pole broken by grazing horses. Major FO St JOHN DSO MC returned from leave to India on 27th inst. & resumed command of the Company.
29 June 1918
Faults intermittent on CCO-YM line in vicinity of The Beacon, KALA-AL-MUFTI.
30 June 1918
Working parties out on CCO-YM line. Also on ZCH [38th Brigade] poled lines to Battalions of the Brigade.
July 1918
1 July 1918
KF1 & KF2 in contact. Lineman out to patrol DELI ABBAS — YM section at 6am. Lines cleared near DELI ABBAS. 6.30am 72nd Field Company poled line broken. 7.20 TML line broken near FAB. 8.45am line through. 9.30am FYM disconnected to FEE.
2 July 1918
7.30pm CCO faulty. 7.15pm FYM lineman reports DA2 line is on ground this side of KALA-AL-MUFTI.
3 July 1918
9.30am DA2 line now connect DRLS from CCO now leaves BDAR? 3.45am.
4 July 1918
Unable to get TMB & TML. At 4.55am 6.20 TML connect. 2CH lineman found break near HQ FYM line disconnected at 8.30am. 11.30am through to FYM. All cables ex ? ? owing to break in ?.
5 July 1918
KF1 & KF2 in contact between YM & NK. 8.10am cleared.
6 July 1918
10pm opened up 2nd Point CCO (vibrator).
7 July 1918
Informed CCO neither personnel to give extra relief to CCO operations nor to work vibrator at night to clear work.
9 July 1918
2/Lt HORNER arrived to survey area BYM for lines, brought no working parties (from CCO).
10 July 1918
Lt HORNER left for CCO. Arrangements being made to equip ZCI [39th Brigade] to fullest possible amount.
11 July 1918
Lines to KIFRI intermittent contact due to long spans between poles & high wind, can do nothing to remedy (14 poles FS per mile). 9.10pm KIFRI full earth. Working vibrator. Tractor pulled down lines vicinity of DELI ABBAS.
12 July 1918
4am Line earthing between ZDO [40th Brigade] & NK. Linemen out at both places (4 poles down at DELI ABBAS).
13 July 1918
Nothing to report.
14 July 1918
8.25am ZCH [38th Brigade] disconnected & told to tee in on TML line. Line dis by transport at angle pole near 41st Field Artillery, MANSURIYEH.
15 July 1918
10.30am. CCO operators opened office at TML & working to RUZ. Our operators remain there as TWO operators from CCO not sufficient for work of office.
16 July 1918
2/Lt HORNER from CCO started from BD to sling their air lines & FS lines in this area.
17 July 1918
DA3 no contact & full earth. Lt HORNER & party arrived from CCO & are working on lines in Division area.
18 July 1918
2 poles down at Pontoon Bridge. Lt HORNER at work on DELI ABBAS — SAKALTUTAN line putting in air line pole between each FS pole.
19 July 1918
Owing to repair party on line frequent interruptions on ZDO [40th Brigade] line. Lt HORNER & party returned to CCO at 5pm today.
20 July 1918
2/Lt PRATT proceeded to ZCI [39th Brigade] ABU SAIDA to rejoin section. Also with stores & reinforcements.
21 July 1918
Frequent interruptions on ZDO [40th Brigade] line being an old Turk line.
23 July 1918
ZCH [38th Brigade] disconnected also TMB line. Roads are so bad that lorry unable to travel & is always breaking down. Intermittent on CCO-YM line.
24 July 1918
TML disconnected Line in very bad condition between TML & TABLE MOUNTAIN Bridge.
25 July 1918
ZCH [38th Brigade] again disconnected due to transport & ration carts moving along roads before daylight. AT carts with drivers asleep continually wander off roads & break telegraph poles. Left for CHEH in Star lorry.
26 July 1918
Nothing to report. Left for KIFRI via CHEH.
27 July 1918
Returned from visit to KIFRI & ZDO [40th Brigade] area. Old Turk permanent line KIFRI to NARIN KUPRI very old & bad. Needs constant attention. Line KIFRI to TUZ good.
28 July 1918
Noon. VMP line disconnected.
29 July 1918
TML line disconnected. This & TMB line are ground lines over very bad & much used roads twelve miles long & continually being broken by transport.
30 July 1918
Visited ZCH [38th Brigade] in absence of Lt MUDDLE on leave.
31 July 1918
Nothing to report. Lt HUMPHRIES arrived back at BASRAH from leave in India.
Signed FO St John, Major, 13th Signal Company RE
August 1918
1 August 1918
THB line disconnected. 7.30am owing to ration carts moving in dark.
2 August 1918
Timings of DRLS have been changed to all units of Division to one per day — to suit runs to & from CCO.
3 August 1918
ZCH [38th Brigade] line disconnected & fault on ZDO [40th Brigade] owing to age of Turkish line now in use.
4 August 1918
DRLS (CCO) cyclist broke down. Docker brought in GHP.
5 August 1918
88th Field Company RE phone out of order DUWALIB.
6 August 1918
6.30am ZDO [40th Brigade] overhauling key of sounder working on vibrator on KF1. 39th Brigade details left for Dunsterforce, only Gloucesters remain.
7 August 1918
Worcesters closed down at old ZCI [39th Brigade].
8 August 1918
ZDO [40th Brigade] set faulty at 8pm, vibrator in use whilst overhaul.
9 August 1918
ZCH [38th Brigade] disconnected, asked YMP to tee in on EL 7.24am. 7.35 through to ZCH. Fault broken pole close to Brigade.
10 August 1918
Lines in Divisional Area are almost all poled D1 insofar as poles can be obtained owing to long periods which lines usually have to lay on ground where they rapidly deteriorate owing to heat, also constant movement transport.
11 August 1918
Nothing to report. Are in standing camp. Work regular, lines all been in use some time now. Breaks are mostly due to transport & quickly found & repaired.
12 August 1918
Line laid to detachment 12th Cavalry ¾ mile in length. D1 poled on local 15 feet bamboos. Magneto ring phone employed.
13–14 August 1918
Work nominal, nothing to report.
15 August 1918
Caterpillar tractor very destructive to poled lines when moving off roads. They are employed to make roads & invariably when moving across country pull down poles & large lengths of wire.
16 August 1918
Fault near ABU SAIDA on AJS line. Faults are common there owing to congestion of traffic at supply dumps etc.
17–18 August 1918
XYM broken by transport wagon, probably AT cart which are driven carelessly & continually travel off road.
19 August 1918
Details of 39th Infantry Brigade at ABU SAIDA include Gloucesters who left that office, handing over signal traffic to details which remain call CID. A D3 phone sent from YM to CID.
20 August 1918
FS pole near DELI ABBAS on ZDO [40th Brigade] line badly bent appears by AT cart.
21–22 August 1918
Vibrator to ZDO [40th Brigade] whilst sounder under repair. Still in standing camp as above. Lt HUMPHRIES takes over HQ Section of Company. He has been at №2 Section (attached 38th Brigade HQ) inspecting section methods of work etc.
23–24 August 1918
Lt SHAW of GHQ Motor air line section arrived in night & proceeded to TMB office preparatory to building new permanent FS line TABLE MOUNTAIN to NARIN KUPRI.
25 August 1918
ZCH [38th Brigade] line disconnected at 7am owing to ration convoys breaking line. Work light on all lines.
26 August 1918
All British RE drivers being replaced by Indian drivers. Indian drivers arrive with very little training & classes are held day in riding & driving. Signal class under Lt JF PAIGE is proceeding satisfactorily.
27 August 1918
№1 cable wagon returned from order workshop repaired.
28 August 1918
Water cart & ILG wagon returned repaired.
29 August 1918
All lines working well. Work of clearing up the Division area of old lines being proceeded with. 39th Brigade left? pieces of telephone line down in ABU SAIDA area.
30 August 1918
Capt HANSARD with one motor cyclist went to AIN LAILAH & returned via NARIN KUPRI & SAKALTUTAN Pass.
31 August 1918
Nothing to report. ZCH [38th Brigade] phone line to 41st Field Artillery closed down.
Signed FO St John, Major, Commanding 13th Divisional Signal Company RE
September 1918
1 September 1918
VMP line disconnected today. Working party out along it. Transport cause of break again.
2 September 1918
Continual widening of roads due to cart convoys trying to avoid the dust, & travelling by night destroys telephone lines. Only remedy to shift position of these if possible entails much work.
3 September 1918
Nothing to report. Lt SHAW of GHQ Motor Airline Section still working on TABLE MOUNTAIN — ABU HAJAR — NARIN KUPRI FS line.
4 September 1918
9am disconnected to 2CH who come in on TMB line (9.30am OK).
5 September 1918
Dis to YMP. Traffic through 2CH & EL.
6 September 1918
DRLS car ZDO-YM broke down, arrived YM 4.30pm, held up at ABU HAJAR with darkness & no lights.
7 September 1918
Line reported completed from TABLE MOUNTAIN-ABU HAJAR-NARIN KUPRI.
8 September 1918
Party with 2 ½ miles copper air line & poles sent out to ABU HAJAR Pass to construct line from CHEH onto permanent line just completed as per above.
9 September 1918
Both lorries still out on CHEH construction.
10 September 1918
Lorries returned, line completed, work proceeding.
11 September 1918
Week class of 4 BO, 10 BOR for Signal School under Lt JF PAIGE MC. Lt HUMPHRIES left for ZDO for one week’s duty.
12 September 1918
Nothing to report, work easy & all lines working well. Still trouble with transport wagons which often break lines.
13 September 1918
2/Lt SHAW of GHQ motor air line section coming to lay new lines to NARIN KUPRI from TABLE MOUNTAIN. Also 2/Lt HORNER from 3rd Corps Signal Company.
14 September 1918
Alterations in lines & new lines entered on new diagram of communications attached.
15 September 1918
ZCH [38th Brigade] disconnected owing to ration parties trying to avoid the dust of the road & travelling just off the road to one side. The breadth of the roads are thus continually on the increase until obstacle such as large ‘Nala’ is met. Telephone poles thus get brought into the roads gradually & whole lengths of poles carried away in the dark.
17 September 1918
Break in TML-YM line. Traffic through CCO, 11.45am.
18 September 1918
DRLS car TMB-ZDO [40th Brigade] broke down 1 mile North of QARA TEPE. DRLS will be sent on by ration convoy tomorrow early.
19–20 September 1918
New air line laid by 2/Lt HORNER from YM-TMB-THL now in use. Old ground line worn out, has been on ground since April 1918, but light dust seems to act as insulation when quite dry.
21 September 1918
Work still progressing on new lines. Nothing to report.
22 September 1918
Through to CCO on new lines via TML. Old Turkish means of communication via SAKALTUTAN Pass now not necessary.
23 September 1918
Capt HANSARD proceeded to BD to attend Fullerphone instruction class. Lt MUDDLE left base for YM on 21st inst. returning from leave to Ceylon.
24 September 1918
Nothing to report. AJS closed down by CCO.
26 September 1918
Stationery shortage. Carbon copies of all Signal traffic have had to cease.
27 September 1918
6pm YMP line broken.
28–29 September 1918
Nothing to report. Traffic not heavy. ZC1 not being with us considerably reduces Divisional Traffic.
30 September 1918
Faults on FEE-ABU SAIDA lines. Nothing to report.
Signed FO St John, Major, Commanding 13th Signal Company RE
October 1918
1 October 1918
Nothing to report. Officers serving with unit as per attached slip.
2 October 1918
Contact on CCO-YM-YIN lines cleared by CCO.
3 October 1918
6pm Full earth on LH2 between TMB & YM. Clear 6.40pm.
4 October 1918
LH2 & KF2 in contact. 9am fault cleared, angle pole down near MANSURIYEH new canal crossing. 11.20am disconnected to ZDO [40th Brigade], clear 11.25am.
5 October 1918
5pm. Through to TMB via ZCH [38th Brigade] instead of on TML line.
6 October 1918
Contact on AS-YM & AS-FYM line 6pm.
7 October 1918
Cleared contact on AS line 6am.
8 October 1918
Full earth on new KF2 line located between RWF-ZDO [40th Brigade].
9 October 1918
7.30am. CCO disconnected. Convoy of 2 cable wagons, 4 lumbers GS loaded with D5 wire arrived at Cheshire’s camp en route to ZDO [40th Brigade] at 12.25pm. FS pole broken on RWF-ZDO line replaced by them.
10 October 1918
40th Field Artillery to FYM disconnected. Nothing to report. Convoy left CHEH for QT at 5.30am.
11 October 1918
Three Indian Drivers attached to us from RA units for fortnight’s probation & possible transfer if suitable as we have 64 Indian driver ranks & no NCOs.
12 October 1918
Cable wagon convoy (Lt Cpl BEBBINGTON) left for ZDO [40th Brigade] at 5am from QT. CCO now open at HAMBIS Camp — 2 miles South of TABLE MOUNTAIN Camp.
13 October 1918
6am CCO closed down at BD & opened at 6.12am new camp. Old KF2 via SAKALTUTAN Pass & new KF2 via ABU HAJAR joined at NK at 11am. ZDO [40th Brigade] on former, latter ‘dis’ in this office. Can be used for old KF2 between YM & NK.
14 October 1918
Arranged that Ford car convoy shall take one DR & DRLS mail from QT to TUZ daily leaving former at 6am, remainder of run by DRLS motorcycles.
15 October 1918
Sappers ALEXANDER & HARLE, ‘Wheatstone’ operators ordered to CCO for transfer to GTD (telegraphs) & will be replaced at once by CCO. S/Sgt Instructor Repairer Lt PAIGE & Lt HORNER (CCO) arrived ZDO [40th Brigade] at 4.20pm having left YM at 6am with 3 ton lorry & two Star motor vans.
16 October 1918
Motor cycle broke down. AdSigPark wires no other available for at least ten days. Through to EL (East Lancashires) on ABU SAIDA line at 7am — also NL (North Lancashires). ZDO [40th Brigade] line not good signals & linemen out. 2.15pm KF2 ‘dis’, fault between WK & QT at 3.25pm, clear 6.30pm. TML moved office tent. Lt HORNER left for TUZ from KIFRI.
17 October 1918
Co-ordinates N & E Lancashires at AS is N44 D8/6 ref TC161. 3.30pm Sounder disconnected at K1 & YM-AH-NK-QT-ZDO worked vibrator on KF1 until sounder arrives at TUZ on 18th. 2pm ZDO [40th Brigade] closed KIFRI & opened TUZ same time. ZDO took over WIE office at TUZ at 2pm for all units there. Station at KIFRI becomes K1 & will transmit for YM & all stations South of K1. Tyres & tubes for Star lorries arrived TUZ. Both vans out of use owing to bad tyres & tubes.
18 October 1918
All weekend telegrams suspended to Europe. YM now in communication with N°8 wireless pack station through N°2 at BAQUBA. Not yet in touch with N°1 at K1. N°3 cable wagon at TAUQ ford with WIE cable on hand, approximately 55 miles D5. Cannot obtain C2121 from stationery office.
[NB Diagrams in War Diary dated 18–24 October 1918 showing different line arrangements in Tuz, Tauq & Taza not included here]
19 October 1918
Attempting hold gas mask parades, but few men available owing operations & heat by day. TUZ post (TZP) is being linked up to TUZ by D5. Empty cable wagon remains at TAZA for maintenance of line. Lineman at TQ wire maintain D5 only. Signals ZDO [40th Brigade] reports all OK at 12.40pm though help required from YM.
20 October 1918
Closing down office at left bank AS at night — hours of work 8am-10pm daily. CCO. DRLS timetable being changed. Signals TUZ & NI asking for C2121 (50 each), am unable to send & have informed Division. ZDO [40th Brigade] closed TUZ at 6am & opens at TAUQ same day & time. Traffic for WIE through ZDO. Sounder will be disconnected at TUZ at 4.30pm 19th, reconnected at TAUQ at 7am 20th (today). ZDO working buzzer on TZ1 during these hours. TUZ post opened today 7pm on separate line from TUZ where they can transmit or plug through as required. FLISEVEN will remain teed in on forward ground line. 2am all traffic clear on YM-TUZ line. 9.55am UF2 disconnected. Mounted linemen sent out also Ford car borrowed from CCO as linemen cannot cover ground required on horses.
21 October 1918
Continual trouble on YM-K1 lines. Tests show loss daily & linemen continually out sometimes 30 miles daily. Whole line needs reconstruction. Lt HORNER reports line (permanent Turkish) through to CF11 B8/7 ref TC211. Line badly damaged in vicinity. Considerable damage done to permanent line by retreating Turks — this is not usual custom as we mutually leave lines undamaged. [NB Diagram in War Diary dated 21 October 1916 not included here]
22 October 1918
Special DR sent at dawn to TUZ. CCO DRLS times changed. NL at ABU SAIDA have central signal office for East Lancashires & 38th Machine Gun Company there, also branch line to ABU SAIDA Bridge & office run by East Lancashires for FLOOD messages & units of Division down there.
23 October 1918
Attached [above] is table of DR timings as arranged by Lt JF PAIGE Signals TUZ. Also diagram of lines in forward area. Disconnected at frequent intervals to ZDO [40th Brigade]. Permanent line is old & out of order & strong wind breaks bindings on insulations. CCO line disconnected near TML. CRO line disconnected at Kings Own Rifle range. 21.00 ZDO closed down sounder to move forward. 35 miles more D5 cable sent Signals ZDO on urgent demand & of necessity cut down rations of the Column. ZDO closed at 2am at TAUQ, ZDOR becoming ZDO. ZDO-TUZ then worked on TZ-2 superimposing until 9pm when sounder was disconnected (to move). ZDO arrived TAZA 7am. Turk line was tested but had to be replaced for sounder, meanwhile transmitting through ground line via TUZ. Lt HORNER repaired 2½ miles of badly damaged line West of TAUQ — still some to do. He leaves TQ at 5.30am to try & finish by 7am. Flord message “Station opened 6.55am at ABU SAIDA Bridge cal BDG to take messages for all units in vicinity of Bridge also.
24 October 1918
14 cable drums dumped TAZA also only 2 mounted linemen & one lumber for maintenance. A few bays of permanent line down North West of TAZA. Lt HORNER starting on them at dawn. One cable detachment with advanced troops at (TC252) CL3A 5/4 who will give test to HORNER party. ZDO [40th Brigade] at CL3A 5/4 at 5.30am but not likely to be through for sounder owing to operations so must rely on transmission only. Sounder will be disconnected at TAZA at 2am. ZDO disconnected several times & moving for long intervals with no communication. TUZ to TAZA about five miles permanent line down, also much missing. Total expenditure to date about 10 FS poles, 3 miles light wire, 50 FS insulation stalks & brackets. Bulk damage round TAUQ.
25 October 1918
Signals YM left in Ford car for TUZ, stayed night & investigated conditions at TUZ. 11.30pm Wiltshires entered KIRKUK. ZDO [40th Brigade] still outside. ZDO-YM sounder working throughout night.
26 October 1918
Sent lineman away in car towards KIFRI to find 30% earth. Stayed at TUZ. Earth found 14 miles from TUZ on permanent line. Rain, small quantities all day, returned KIFRI. Stayed ANZAC also enquired ref loss of pigeons there.
27 October 1918
Returned YM. Certain amount of work done in & around KIRKUK to Turkish permanent line. New post opened by ZDO [40th Brigade] at YARVALI (YI). Permanent line YM-TUZ needs thorough overhaul.
28 October 1918
9am ZDO [40th Brigade]. Sounder being overhauled owing to dust & continual rough handling in field. Lines to ZDO are now over 130 miles long, one kept for direct Brigade (& sounder), the other for all posts on L of C with transmission station at KIFRI. [NB Diagram in War Diary dated 28 October 1916 not included here]
29 October 1918
Lines OK. Large amount of work with ZDO [40th Brigade] & RAF almost as much as if YM were on move. Unable to obtain Triumph motor cycles from Signal Park. Douglas motor cycle does not last on these roads. One motorcycle at TUZ ‘dis’, spare part being sent by CCO direct. Signals TUZ has four motor cycles for DRLS to Lewin’s Column.
30 October 1918
Permanent line appears OK from KIRKUK to GUK TAPPAH. Arranged DRLS to RE detachment near TALISHAN (between KI & TUZ). Refused use of Star for transport of reinforcements to ZDO [40th Brigade] as it breaks down; permanent line can no longer by repaired by Lt HORNER.
31 October 1918
Six Regimental Signallers of Cheshire Regiment lent to ZDO [40th Brigade] & sent up under Brigade arrangements. ZDO closed at KALUR at 3.30pm yesterday & opened GUK TAPPAH. Spare part arrived ZDO for motor cycle from CCO & bike in order again. Signallers of Cheshires arrived ZDO today. ZDO in ALTAN KUPRI.
[NB. The Armistice of Mudros was signed on 30 October 1918, ending the hostilities between the Ottoman Empire & the Allies at noon this day, 31 October 1918]
November 1918
1 November 1918
Certain amount of faults always occur on ZDO [40th Brigade] lines owing to being Turkish line repaired & in use. Also faults today on YM-AS lines. Expenditure on FS lines by HORNER’s party nil today.
2 November 1918
FS pole line via SAKALTUTAN Pass used in preference to ABU HAJAR lines as GTD. Work more satisfactory. 2 Ford vans arrived for DRLS work YM to QT thence by motor convoy to TUZ thence by motor cycle to ZDO [40th Brigade]. OC left YM for ZDO today.
3 November 1918
Lt HORNER working along permanent line from ZDO [40th Brigade] to TUZ. Lt PAIGE still Signals TUZ.
4 November 1918
Linesman reports 4 bays of permanent line down & wire missing near South bank TAUQ CHAI, being put through temporarily. At same place as above break, Lt HORNER on day of advance reported a threatening crowd of Arabs surrounded line working party & he had to order his men to the lorry to stand to their arms.
5 November 1918
Linesman found 1 pole & two complete bays of line removed at (TC211) CF 21. Central Division also ZDO [40th Brigade] informed Flood warning posts have been established with telephone communication to YM at NARIN KUPRI, ABU SAIDA & TABLE MOUNTAIN Bridges.
6 November 1918
OC up line, visited KIFRI, TUZ, TAUQ, TAZA, ZDO & ALTAN KUPRI lines & signal offices. Still trouble on ZDO [40th Brigade] lines which are over 130 miles in length from YM. DRLS very difficult, also supply of operators to replace considerable numbers sick.
7 November 1918
Lewin’s Column becomes ZDO [40th Brigade] again. ZDO closes at GUK TAPPAH & moves to KIRKUK reeling up cable as far as YARVALI thence onward being left for post & supplies.
8 November 1918
Line again cut & portion removed, presumably by same Arabs at CF 21 Central. Division informed. Careful examination proves line to have been cut or broken with stone or blunt instrument.
9 November 1918
Lt K WILSON returned from leave to NEW ZEALAND having been absent from this unit since April 2nd 1918. Party of Kings Own at work on demolition of defences came in on KF1 line. Lt E HUMPHRIES MC DCM handed over Signals ZDO [40th Brigade] to Lt K WILSON MC. ZDO sent three operators to ERBIL by order of BGC 40th Brigade. ZDO still in winter clothing. Am unable to get warm clothing up . Lt HORNER left TUZ for TMB taking Star lorry. Cable wagon detachment despatched ZDO to TUZ to relay line TAUQ-TUZ.
10 November 1918
Signals Army wires allow Turk linesmen to repair sections Tel. line ERBIL via KIRKUK to SULAYMANIYAH. Cable disconnected twice today TUZ-TAUQ. Sapper WOODLEY reports line very bad. Heavy rain all day.
11 November 1918
Impossible for cable wagon to move from ZDO [40th Brigade]. DRLS by pontoon ferry across DIYALA for CCO at HAMBIS Camp. Certain amount of friction between YM-ZDO. Consider this due to distance between us 135 miles & unnecessary interference with Signal matters by Brigade. DAS wired that permission should be granted Turk linesmen to repair & maintain line. Brigade immediately despatched operators to ERBIL owing to broken Bridge at AK. Were unable to send cable wagon.
12 November 1918
Communication established with ERBIL & ZDO [40th Brigade] 16.40 hrs. Lt HUMPHRIES MC DCM left ZDO for YM. CCO-YM DRLS suspended owing to use of river & ‘cut’ bridges. No DRLS from BD to CCO on 11th inst. owing to flood on railway line.
13 November 1918
Signals ERBIL report communication with MOSUL. Signals DIBAKAK are listening in on MOSUL line for Turks. Owing to non despatch of stationery we are without AF C2121 backs have all been used. Permanent line five miles out from AK down & removed for five miles, the most ever pulled down in my experience by retreating Turks. Telegraph lines have always been left intact with only occasional breaks, facilitating our advances much. DRLS all delayed owing to rain & roads. ? five days delayed. Report of road TAZA from Lt HUMPHRIES is impossible.
14 November 1918
Cable wagon arrived TUZ. All men going sick. Rise of nine feet at NARIN KUPRI reported by Flood message. SARCHAM River crossing impossible, all bridges cut. No DRLS to & from QT owing to state of roads. More rain. Where possible DRLS by mounted man being sent but distances too great for through traffic.
15 November 1918
ZDO [40th Brigade] troops are beginning to move down line leaving small posts with communication. ZDO now at KIK. DR from QT wires — impossible to reach NK. Spent two hours on road in Ford car & had to return. Lt HUMPHRIES arrived QT last night unable to get on owing to roads. Am trying to resume DRLS normal today. ZDO know nothing of Turk operators either at KIK or ALTAN KUPRI. All DRLS unable to reach destination. Road between NK & QT impassable. Lt HUMPHRIES still at QT.
16 November 1918
DRLS car sent to QT but only got to NK where was met by mounted DR from QT. The second DRLS car still at QT unable to move. Lines have been good but all fault owing to rain. Also several poled D3 lines & D1 blown down
17 November 1918
Nothing to report. Work proceeding satisfactorily. Breaks continual on line. Also faults, owing to old material.
18 November 1918
Senior Supply officer’s office closed 9am today & moved to Division Headquarters. Signals Army wires that 1st Corps will take over ERBIL office & supply operators. 1st Corps are printing locally ten thousand AFC 2121 of which no stock in the country.
19 November 1918
N°3 Cable Detachment at TUZ has lost almost complete detachment owing to sickness & is being recalled.
20 November 1918
Lt HORNER left CCO for NARIN KUPRI with FS material for repair of line YM-KIRKUK which is in bad state all the way & needs constant attention. Disconnections & contacts are not entered here as these are constant on whole length of line DELI ABBAS to ALTAN KUPRI & space does not permit. Division lines now extend over 175 miles, mostly old Turkish permanent material. Report from 40th Brigade, Turkish linesmen re-engaged by APO KIRKUK & are now working between KIK & CHEM CHEMAL & SULAYMANIYAH.
21 November 1918
All in order & DRLS resumed normal running. Have still 3 motor cyclists on loan from CCO.
22 November 1918
New line to 12th Cavalry, who returned today. Capt HANSARD left for ZDO [40th Brigade] yesterday by car to arrange move back of ZDO. Lt JF PAIGE returned from TUZ.
23 November 1918
ZDO [40th Brigade] started return from KIK. Orders attached. Stayed night at KI.
24 November 1918
Capt HANSARD to ZDO [40th Brigade] new camp to arrange new system of lines. ZDO to work forward as per attached orders.
25 November 1918
Stations all OK. Work resuming normal peace conditions. Weather fine.
26 November 1918
Lines all correct & working as per attached diagram. Flood warning posts at NARIN KUPRI & TABLE MOUNTAIN Bridge. Nothing to report.
27 November 1918
N°8 (ANZAC) pack wireless moved today from TUZ to TAUQ. ZCH-TMB line cut repaired. ZDO [40th Brigade] details returning from ALTAN KUPRI. Lines remain same.
28 November 1918
N°8 pack wireless TAUQ to TAZA today — report progress. Line is all OK.
29 November 1918
Pack wireless marching to SULAYMANIYAH for Political work back to wagon station at KIFRI.
30 November 1918
Full earth on KF2 line. No DRLS today CCO to BD owing to change of timetable on railway TMB-BD.
Move of ZDO-KIRKUK to JABAL HAMRIN
ZDO closes KIK 8.30am 22nd opens K1 same time.
Sounder will be disconnected KIK 8.30am 23rd and open at TUZ on TZ2 to YM at about noon 23rd.
TZ2 will be cut at TUZ at 8.30am and worked TUZ, TAZA, KIK on D3 on 24th. Sounder will be sent YM to new ZDO.
ZDO closes K1 8.30am on 24th, and opens at new Camp, 2pm 24th. While sounder being moved from YM to new ZDO, Fullerphone will be worked YM-TUZ.
At 2pm 24th Sounder opens new ZDO, working TUZ on KF2.
KF2 is cut at new ZDO, and worked to YM on vibrator, and TUZ on Sounder by new ZDO.
KF1 is joined over at CHEH (ABU HAJAR) to new ZDO, and vibrator works to L of C by new ZDO.
Lineman at NK will cut out SAKHALTUTAN KF2 at junction of AH and SAKHALTUTAN lines, at 2pm 24th (also KF1).Lineman
..At KIRKUK
Cpl Cordell moves to KIK from TAZA on arrival Brigade TAZA
..At TAUQ
Frayling F now at TAUQ where he will remain till FS ? laid to permanent line, when he will go KIFRI
..At TUZ
Cpl Bebbington's wagon with Jahans or Gibney march with Brigade, reeling up KIK-TUZ ground line, as far as TAUQ, lay D5 tap at TAUQ if FS tap not through, reel up TAUQ-TUZ line and wait at TUZ. Reel up TAUQ tap when FS tap built. Jahans or Gibney will proceed to KIFRI till TAUQ FS tap built, when Frayling F comes from TAUQ to KIFRI, and Jahans or Gibney rejoins detachment at TUZ.No. 3 detachment (Cpl Harvey, Cpl Young) will march with Brigade from TUZ, with 8 miles wire, also HQ lumbers and wire. Sappers Woodley & Mills also march with Brigade and rejoin Company Headquarters. Woodley changes horses with Sapper Rolls at KIPRI, thus getting back own horse.
Sapper Rolls rejoins Brigade.
Sapper Edwards (QT) marches with Brigade and rejoins Company HQ.
Frayling A remains NK.FO StJohn, Major. Commanding 13th Divisional Signal Company RE
[NB Diagram of Communications in War Diary dated 30 November 1918 not included here]
December 1918
1 December 1918
N°8 pack wireless (ANZAC) were guided wrong & are still ten hours march from SULAYMANIYAH. Fault in KF1 & KF2 line (contact) was cleared. Line badly & hurriedly constructed & brackets swivel round & insulators come out.
2 December 1918
N°8 pack wireless arrived DARIKELA expect arrive SULAYMANIYAH tomorrow. Intermittent earth on KF2 between QT & K1. Otherwise lines OK & weather good but breaking.
3 December 1918
Operators proceeding to SULAYMANIYAH left TUZ today. Old Turk telegraph line KIK-SUL being repaired by Arabs & Turks under Political officer. KIK-SUL line through messages in vernacular only owing to lack of staff & distance to send reinforcements.
4 December 1918
ERBIL reports only working EBL-KIK 09.00–11.00 & 16.00–18.00 daily.
5 December 1918
KIRKUK reports messages now passing KIK-SUL by wire on 4th inst. KIK-SUL traffic open in English. Considerable amount of sickness of our operators all up line mostly fever — & almost impossible to replace owing to rain & state of roads. No transport possible.
6 December 1918
ZCH-TMB line disconnected — break (bad joint) near MUJARIN North. MMP report a line down near pontoon bridge at KHALIS due to too many lines to patrol.
7 December 1918
Lines are OK. Nothing to report. Weather wet & river very high. DRLS by ferry.
8 December 1918
FYM disconnected to FEE. FYM working on AS line. Nothing to report.
9 December 1918
Difficulty in speaking to TMB owing to wet.
10 December 1918
All lines OK except AS line. DRLS by horse as motor cycles unable to run. Pole on LH2 line down near new KHALIS canal. Also pole broken on AS line & repaired.
11 December 1918
All lines OK. Normal DRLS. Party on LH1 & LH2 near new canal straightening out lines at crossings. Nothing to report.
12 December 1918
English leave details left Company. None are required back again by us — as work less daily & shall soon be relieved by 1st Corps from ERBIL to & including KIFRI. KIK-SUL line working OK.
13 December 1918
KIK reports 13th Signals Company operators expected to reach on 15th, in meantime wireless operators are working the line. NCO at KIK admitted to hospital. N°8 pack wireless will be taken over by 1st Corps from 16th December. 3rd Corps states that Telegraphs will take over KIFRI office in course of month — Signals 13th Division operators until relieved.
14 December 1918
All lines correct with exception of AS line. Linesmen out.
15 December 1918
Occasionally YM works direct to BD to clear traffic. LH2 intermittent earth.
16 December 1918
Nothing to report. Lines are clear. DRLS as usual.
17 December 1918
2/7th Hampshire Regiment transferred to L of C & proceeds to BD from ZDO [40th Brigade]. Informed ZDO that no DRLS would run beyond KIFRI when our troops have returned from KIK line. Roads impassable for Ford vans. No DRLS.
18 December 1918
YMC line disconnected, two poles down by ration convoy carts due to careless driving of Indian personnel.
19 December 1918
Wet & still no DRLS. Lines all OK.
21 December 1918, DUWALIB
Commanding officer KIK is relieving our Signallers at KIK until arrival of 1st Corps operators.
22 December 1918
Lt Cpl Bebbington in charge of cable section with returning Column from ALTAN KUPRI. Leaves TAZA for TAUQ tomorrow. Three tonner offered us & CCO to bring in any operators from ERBIL Column.
24 December 1918
Last DRLS left TUZ for KIK on 23rd after which through ACO. Nothing to report. Column returning from KIK reached TAUQ with cable section under Lt Cpl BEBBINGTON.
25 December 1918
Xmas day a holiday. Lines all OK. Nothing to report. No Signal traffic except SB or clearline work. No DRLS.
26 December 1918
TU2 closed this morning & now no traffic with KIK. №12 pack W/T Stn under orders of Anzac CCO to move to BD early.
27 December 1918
Reported that copper TAP from KIFRI to KN remained standing as he was unable to pick up Tels. Now 9R-K1 now open. Following Orders sent from YM to Signals ZDO [40th Brigade]:
Signals K1. Perkins Tels RU2.
begins
When TU2 closes down on 23rd your sdr line KF2 will be handed over to Tels for use K1-TML & join over KF2 at ZDO to spare FS line ZDO-TML & ensure this line ok
ends28 December 1918
Certain amount of local trouble on lines, nothing to report.
29 December 1918
ERBIL echelon? Reached TMB.
30 December 1918
Cable wagon returned minus one mule, otherwise OK. All lines picked up in advanced area.
31 December 1918
Nothing to report. Signals army? staying here.
Signed FO St John, Major, Commanding 13th Divisional Signal Company RE.
January 1919
1 January 1919
Advance party under Capt HANSARD with 16 BORs & air line material also including 6 operators & ring? phones proceeded to TABLE MOUNTAIN station.
2 January 1919
Advance party left for AMARAH. Lt E MUDDLE RE left on demobilisation.
3 January 1919
All lines OK, nothing to report. Lt K WILSON left on demobilisation.
4 January 1919
Capt HANSARD & advance party arrived at AMARAH. Animals & DRs will probably have to proceed to camp at TABAR — whither all Division proceeds.
5 January 1919
№1 Company Division train moved to RIGHT Bank KHALIS Canal just below old Turk aqueduct. Nothing to report.
6 January 1919
Following arrangements made at AMARAH. Signal Office will be at GORRINGE Hospital with telephone to GOC in WEST TIGRIS front. Also phone to join CRA CRE office in NIGHTINGALE House. Each of these billets 300 yards from Signal office. CRA to use main Division Signal office as very little accommodation for separate office. Whole Signal Company in BURMAN’s old camp at back of AMARAH.
7 January 1919
Rain & DRLS held up. All DRLS by mounted man once daily. Lines & work all OK.
8 January 1919
Signals adv YO1 AMARAH asking for transport which I do not consider necessary until our departure for AH moves delayed one day owing to rain.
9 January 1919
Cheshire Regiment closing down at 08.30 tomorrow to entrain for AH on 10th inst. Owing complaints of slowness of DRLS (express letter service) from AMARAH to BO Signals advance YM at AH are putting on a DR to go daily by boat & rail to BD.
10 January 1919
Party arriving today from CCO to arrange second line to replace LH2. We meet & ferry across river by pontoon (DIYALA River).
11 January 1919
KF1 being handed over to telegraphers for service via KIK to MOSUL as secondary line from BD.
12 January 1919
All ‘T’s removed from KF1 & line tested clear & handed over. All work OK.
13 January 1919
Proceeded to BAGHDAD. Handed over Company to Capt PAIGE MC. Stayed with ADA Signals & Tels at Gen HQ. Heavy rain delaying all DRs throughout force.
14 January 1919
Departure from DUWALIB delayed owing to rain. Advance party in AMARAH established communication for incoming units of Division by magneto Ring phones. DRLS once daily. Rain.
15 January 1919
Company left for TABLE MOUNTAIN to entrain leaving party for communication under Capt JF PAIGE MC.
16 January 1919
Entrained 6am. One train of 43 trucks necessary. Also further 11 trucks required of second train. Arrived BAGHDAD 5pm.
17 January 1919
Arrived KUT 3am & embarked on river steamer & barges.
18 January 1919
Arrived AMARAH in heavy rain & proceeded to BURMANS camp.
19 January 1919
Rain & nothing to report.
20 January 1919
Visited TABAR Camp & inspected arrangements.
21 January 1919
Opened telegraph office on LEFT bank TIGRIS at TABAR for all units divisional & otherwise.
22 January 1919
Established telegraph office on RIGHT Bank TABAR as per attached diagram.
23 January 1919
Repairing & reconstructing lines on TABAR Camp. Nothing to report.
24 January 1919
Nothing to report. Work proceeding on construction of lines in TABAR Camp.
25 January 1919
Rain & damage to lines in Camp. Divisional Headquarters Signal Office & whole staff established in AMARAH. Remainder of Division at TABAR Camp. ? Divisional Headquarters moved from DUWALIB to 38th Brigade Headquarters.
26 January 1919
Division Headquarters at ZCH [38th Brigade] now becomes Signals ZCH under Capt JF PAIGE.
27–29 January 1919
Nothing to report. DRLS service established in TABAR Camp once daily, & proceeds by DRs once daily to Signals ZCH [38th Brigade] by Special Divisional DR.
30 January 1919
Party for demobilisation ready to leave consists of following men (as per attached slip).
31 January 1919
Capt J HANSARD proceeded to base on demobilisation this date. Diagram of lines as per attached also DRLS now amended to twice daily.
February 1919
1 February 1919
A/Sgt TAYLOR took over office superintendent from Sgt EDWARDS who proceeded on demobilisation.
2 February 1919
All lines OK as per attached diagram.
3 February 1919
Fullerphones in use to TABAR Camp working satisfactorily.
4 February 1919
Nothing to report.
5–8 February 1919
All lines working well. Nothing to report.
9 February 1919
Nil. Visited TABAR Camp & examined all lines.
12 February 1919
Capt PAIGE closed at DUWALIB at 14.00 today & opened at ZCH [38th Brigade] at same time.
14 February 1919
Remainder of YM office left TML at 13.00 & entrained for AMARAH. 19 horses & 61 draught mules returned to Remounts.
15 February 1919
Medical officer detailed by ADMS to report to this unit. Vice Assistant Surgeon CLIFFORD IMD proceeded on leave to India.
16 February 1919
All lines OK. Nothing to report.
17 February 1919
Nothing to report. Capt HANSARD sailed from Base & struck off strength.
18 February 1919
Nil. All lines OK.
19 February 1919
Phone transferred from 88th Field Company at TABAR to 38th Brigade Headquarters Camp.
20 February 1919
3 RA NAIchs attached to Company rejoined their unit today under orders of Division.
22 February 1919
Party of 86 men of Company left for BASRAH on demobilisation (see attached list).
23–26 February 1919
Nothing to report. See diagram of lines. All lines OK. Traffic very light.
27 February 1919
Party of 7 men left for base on demobilisation (see attached list)
28 February 1919
Lt E HUMPHRIES MC DCM left for base ref GRO/53
March 1919
1 March 1919
Nothing to report.
2 March 1919
6 BORs (A of O) reported & departed to various units.
3 March 1919
Nothing to report.
4 March 1919
Nothing to report.
5 March 1919
51 Indian Pack Drivers returned to Divisional train.
6–7 March 1919
Nothing to report.
8 March 1919
Capt JF PAIGE MC & 31 BORs proceeded base depot for demobilisation.
9–13 March 1919
Nothing to report.
14 March 1919
18 Followers proceeded Base Depot.
15–19 March 1919
Nothing to report.
20 March 1919
8 BORs proceeded to base for demobilisation.
21–22 March 1919
Nothing to report.
23 March 1919
21 BORs reported & departed to various units. Unit disbanded & 4 BORs to base for demobilisation.
24 March 1919
Major FO St JOHN DSO MC proceeded base en route to UK.
