War Diary — 13th Signal Company, Royal Engineers (Vol 2: Mesopotamia, 1916)
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 have been added in brackets]
from 21 January 1916
21 January 1916, ALEXANDRIA
Arrived ALEXANDRIA, left this afternoon.
22 January 1916, PORT SAID
Arrived PORT SAID.
23 January 1916
Took over from 31st Signal Company who went to KANTARA today. All communication carried out by Egyptian State Telephones.
24 January 1916
Started training the Company in visual & buzzer.
25 January 1916
Had telephone installed in Division new HQ office, on to Civilian & Military exchanges. Rain all day, no training possible.
27 January 1916
№ 2, 3 & 4 Sections came in for a course of training. Divisions are not to be joined on to Military Exchange. Consequently all their communication will continue to go on the Civilian lines and can be overheard by anyone.
28 January 1916
Started training as a whole Company.
29 January 1916
Training all day.
30 January 1916
Lt TULLOCH rejoined from sick leave and brought 63 men some new and many back from sick leave. Drew all our flags, 5 helios, 4 electric lamps and 10 watches from Ordnance. Had telephone installed for 40th Brigade HQ.
31 January 1916
Sent back the 10 men of 29th Signal Company. Training all day. Our men left at MUDROS rejoined.
Signed: HE Crocker, Major, Cmdg 13th Signal Company, 31.1.16
February 1916
1 February 1916, PORT SAID
Arranged for telephones to CRE [Commander, Royal Engineers] & Transport officer. Reinforcements of 19 men arrived.
5 February 1916
7 pack & 53 draft mules arrived.
6 February 1916
45 horses arrived.
7 February 1916
Started class for assistant instructors to be able to take the place of present assistant instructors if necessary. 1 NCO from each battalion.
8 February 1916
Started class for instrument repairers. 2 motorcyclists arrived. 7 Douglas motorcycles arrived. Drew large quantity of gear from Ordnance.
9 February 1916
41 mules arrived. No harness available.
11 February 1916
Drew wagons & stores from Ordnance.
12–13 February 1916, SUEZ
Left PORT SAID in 3 trains & arrived SUEZ & embarked on HMT KALYAN. 12 horses & 6 men on TORONTO (see 2 March). Left 13 men to bring on 28 horses.
14 February 1916
Started for Persian Gulf. My Company is not complete in either personnel, horses or equipment.
26 February 1916, SHATT-EL-ARAB
Arrived off mouth of SHATT-EL-ARAB & anchored.
27 February 1916, BASRAH
Steamed up the river to BASRAH & disembarked. Marched to MAKINA MASUS Camp.
29 February 1916
Rain last night & camp under water.
Signed: HE Crocker, Major, Cmdg 13th Signal Company
March 1916
1 March 1916
Drew a great deal of gear at Ordnance. Ordnance say they were told that our equipment was complete !!!!
2 March 1916
Sent 2 telegraph operators to GHQ for duty at SAKRICHA. Drew stores from Ordnance. Party with horses from TORONTO arrived with one horse badly kicked.
3 March 1916
Completed №2 Section for embarkation tomorrow. Drew stores from Ordnance.
4 March 1916
HQ 38th Infantry Brigade with №2 Section (Lt WILSON) went up the river. Laid telephone wire to 40th Brigade at MAGILL Camp.
5 March 1916
Lt WALKER went to GHQ to work under DAS. Marked out new camp.
6 March 1916
Moved into new camp. Handed in 9 motorcycles to MT Depot. We shall draw horses for motorcyclists.
7 March 1916
Land telephone to CRA [Commander Royal Artillery]. Completed №3 & 4 Section with gear. Riding drill this afternoon.
8 March 1916
Drew 13 horses for motorcyclists. №4 Section embarked with HQ 40th Brigade to go up the river.
9 March 1916
Riding drill. Drew 4 cable wagons from Ordnance. Lt PAIGE returned from leave.
10 March 1916
Major CROCKER & 30 men with light gear embarked with Division to go up the river.
11 March 1916, AMARAH
Stopped AMARAH for 2 days rations.
13 March 1916, SHEIKH SAAD
Arrived ORAH (Tigris Corps HQ) this morning. Sent back to SHEIKH SAAD where we camped.
14 March 1916
Laid wires to 38th & 40th poles, & Monitor (Guard ship) HQ. 40th Brigade arrived.
15 March 1916
The telegraph office moved into our camp from the village & tapped into their permanent wires from ORAH, & cut wires. We now tap into disused wires for communication to 38th Brigade & the Monitor. Outpost piquets are connected to their Battalion HQ by enamelled wire which is most unsatisfactory being continually broken. D1 cable should be supplied.
16 March 1916
Arranged communication to OC №4 Brigade Area (Lt Col WHITE Cmdg 3/- BRAHMINS) at the village by tapping disused telegraph wire
19 March 1916
25 men, 39 horses, 39 mules arrived from BASRAH & moved into camp. Sent on separate boat from remainder of Company & no provision made for tents or picketing gear. 1 horse died of pneumonia (no horse rugs sent) & 1 mule fell overboard & drowned.
21 March 1916
Lt TULLOCH, 33 OR, 17 horses arrived.
23 March 1916
CSM HEIGH with 34 OR, 50 mules, 4 cable & 9 GS lumbered wagons arrived. Company now complete except small details.
25 March 1916
Laid cable to detached Company 40th Infantry Brigade on road to ORAH. Training all day in cable wagon work.
26 March 1916
Laid cable between detached companies 40th & 38th Infantry Brigades on ORAH road.
28 March 1916
Major Crocker & advanced party went to ORAH to wire up trenches for attack on HANNAH Position № 3 & 4 Section officers & parties also went on.
29 March 1916
Wiring trenches all day. Wired for TULLOCH party to do RA wires.
30 March 1916
Wiring trenches all day. TULLOCH & party arrived.
31 March 1916
Heavy rain last night. The Signal Company started to march to ORAH but only mounted men arrived. Wagons had to turn back.
Signed: HE Crocker, Major, Cmdg 13th Signal Company
April 1916
1 April 1916
Division staff arrived & Division went into the trenches & relieved 7th Division. Heavy rain this evening.
2–4 April 1916
Working on wires all day.
5 April 1916, FALAHIYEH
Attacked 4.50am & captured trenches. Each Brigade sent forward numerous telephone parties in rear of attacking Battalions & communications established at once. Division HQ moved forward quickly along 40th Brigade line on left. Telephone line to Brigades broke down owing to cable parties not being able to keep up with Brigade HQ which moved very quickly. Visual used extensively. Carried the FALAHIYEH trenches by attack at 7.30pm — communication by cable. Division relieved by 7th Division & went into bivouacs by the river (see diagram).
General notes. Cable wagons should be well up ready to advance when required. Light drums with 1 mile D5 are essential — the big 2 mile drums are too unwieldy for trenches & rapid work.
6 April 1916
In Corps Reserve. Concentrated Company.
8 April 1916, SANNAIYAT
Moved up in position for attack on SANNAIYAT trenches tomorrow. Connected up by telephone. [NB Diagram dated 8 April 1916 in War Diary not included here]
9 April 1916
Assaulted position this morning but checked by heavy fire. Wires cut frequently & repaired. 7th Division took over from 13th Division this evening. 38th, 39th & Division HQ marched back to bivouacs. 40th Brigade remained in trenches. Connected their wire onto wire to 7th Division & through to them via Corps & 7th Division.
10 April 1916
Picked up cable all day. Laid a wire to 88th Field Company & out to Pioneers beyond the Corps. Moved camp to river. Laid line to 39th Brigade.
11 April 1916
Picking up wire all day. 40th Brigade moved in near us.
12 April 1916
Picked up 8 miles cable.
13 April 1916
38th Brigade moved to MASONS MOUNDS at 4am. Line by visual & also sent a cable wagon with them. 72nd & 88th Field Companies RE & Pioneers came into Division HQ. Reeled up their line. They all crossed to RIGHT Bank of river — communication by visual. Line to Corps by visual when bridge is cut for river traffic. Drew 3 lumbered wagons with drivers & mules for transport of 1 days reserve rations.
14 April 1916
38th Brigade moved forward as Corps Reserve — a cable wagon went with them.
15 April 1916, TIGRIS near PETRES POINT
Disconnected all night to 38th Brigade — their line laid through a marsh & destroyed by traffic — through to them by Corps & 3rd Division. Working party on wire all day. Picked up more wire.
16 April 1916
Division HQ & 39th Brigade crossed river early this morning & bivouacked near Corps HQ. 39th Brigade moved into ABU ROMAN mounds & took a cable wagon with them. Laid a line to the Pioneers.
17 April 1916
Division HQ & 40th Brigade moved to ABU ROMAN early this morning & joined up with 39th Brigade. Sent cable wagon to 40th Brigade half mile away. 38th Brigade are in the trenches & communication via 3rd Division along a wire we took over from them. Before leaving bivouac, joined up 39th Brigade & Pioneer lines & are now through to Pioneers. 39th Brigade moved forward & took a cable party with barrow & drum. Machine Guns are tapped in on their line. 38th Brigade advanced to TWIN PIMPLES. Line via 3rd Division & then Brigade line to TWIN PIMPLES. Visual this afternoon.
18 April 1916, ABU ROMAN
Pioneers & RE moved to Division HQ. Extended their line to our supply barge. 40th Brigade moved forward towards the TWIN PIMPLES. 38th Brigade in Reserve & tapped into 40th Brigade wire. Sent 38th Brigade a cable wagon with direct wire this afternoon. 39th Brigade advanced & worked back along a Battalion wire joined on to the Division wire. Supply wire badly cut up & relaid.
19 April 1916
39th Brigade moved during the night to TWIN PIMPLES. They extended the wire as they advanced but disconnected this morning. They ran a tee line on to the 40th Brigade line (see dotted line above). Heavy fighting all day & wires badly cut. 40th Brigade disconnected & 38th Brigade ran a tee line to 40th Brigade thus through to 40th & 39th Brigades along 38th Brigade line. When 40th Brigade line repaired ran another tee from 38th Brigade into 40th-39th line beyond 40th Brigade & cut it at 40th Brigade. Through to 40th on one line & 38th & 39th on same line. Later 39th direct line repaired. Worked to 39th on both wires but could not keep pace with traffic. [NB Diagram in War Diary on19 April 1916 not included here]
20 April 1916
39th Brigade HQ moved last night & teed into 40th line as an emergency line. Laid telephone lines to Machine Guns direct & on to 5 groups of Machine Guns. Borrowed operators from Pioneers.
21 April 1916
Laid new line to Supplies — line constantly cut & destroyed. Division HQ shelled this afternoon, 1 horse killed, 1 man wounded. Arranged visual to 19th Brigade 7th Division (on LEFT Bank) & 7th Division arranged a direct wire to 7th Division via the Corps. This gives up 2 lines & 1 direct to 7th Division. Arranged visual from Machine Guns to attacking Infantry direct.[NB Diagram in War Diary on 21 April 1916 not included here]
22 April 1916
7th Division attacked SUNNAIYAT position this morning but had to fall back. Signal traffic to Corps 7th Division & Machine Guns very heavy & greatly delayed through press of work. Visual to 19th Brigade & 7th Division.
23 April 1916
35th Brigade are now at ABU ROMAN. All Machine Guns withdrawn except Pioneers.
24 April 1916
38th Brigade relieved 39th but HQ did not move & no alteration of wires. 21st Brigade came to ABU ROMAN & tapped on spare wire to the TIGRIS Corps thus through to us & Corps. 3rd Division HQ moved forward & extended their wire to us.
27 April 1916
35th attached to 13th Division & are at RHODES PIQUET. Laid a direct cable to them & a lateral line between them & our 40th Brigade. The 40th Brigade are also teed into the direct 35th Brigade line. Drew 35 miles D1 & 14 miles D5 cable from Corps. Also 14 empty 1P drums.
28 April 1916
21st Brigade moved to THORNY NALLA 5am. Each four Brigades sent a battalion back to MASONS MOUNDS
29 April 1916
Pioneers & Field Companies RE moved to MASONS MOUNDS. We laid a line to Pioneers to act as telephone station for all units at MASONS MOUNDS. We have to find operators for all these stations as the regimental operators are so weak. It is a great drain on our operators & we have not got enough to do the work properly.
Signed: HE Crocker, Major, Cmdg 13th Signal Company, Abu Roman Mounds, 30.4.16
May 1916
1 May 1916
Dust storm stopped vibrators working well. Laid fresh wire to Supplies who moved 1½ miles down the river. 35th Brigade handed over to 39th & left the Division. 39th Brigade work to the vision along old 35th Brigade wire. 39th Brigade laid a lateral wire to 8th Brigade (3rd Division) on their LEFT.
2 May 1916
Division HQ moved 1000 yards East. Fresh office opened without stopping communications.
6 May 1916
Telephone communications badly interrupted owing to leakage owing to heavy rain. When ground became dry again all wires worked again. Sapper Reynolds tried by FGCM [Field General Court Martial] for “asleep on his post when telephone operator”.
7 May 1916
Laid new line to 38th Brigade. Old one badly cut about. 38th & 40th Brigades laid direct wires to their supporting artillery. 39th Brigade have already done so. Replaced 40th Brigade line & put up pole crossings.
8 May 1916
Inoculated against cholera. Promulgated Sapper Reynolds FGCM [Field General Court Martial] 56 Field Punishment №2. Picked up old 39th Brigade wire.
13 May 1916
Arranged for Machine Guns at CROFTON’S OP to be in visual communication with the LEFT flank Brigade of 7th Division on LEFT Bank of river (28th Brigade). The Pioneers supply Signallers & we lent them lamp & Helio & stand.
15 May 1916
21st Brigade 7th Division relieved 38th Brigade which moved back into camp at MASONS MOUNDS. Our supporting artillery redistributed as follows: A/66th & D/66th support 21st Brigade (7th Division); B/66th & ½C/66th support 40th Brigade; 8th Battery support 39th Brigade.
16 May 1916
Laid new line to 38th Brigade MASONS MOUNDS & picked up their old line.
17 May 1916
7th Division Signals took over our old line to CROFTON’S OP Machine Guns this morning.
18 May 1916
HQ & №1 Section had 2nd inoculation against cholera
19 May 1916
Turks evacuated CHAHELA & BIET AIESSA lines during the night. 38th Brigade takes over line held by 3rd Division & have their HQ at 8th Brigade HQ. Line along our direct wire to 3rd Division & along their 8th Brigade wire. These wires joined up in 3rd Division office. 40th Brigade came back to MASONS MOUNDS & left old wire out. Line along old 38th Brigade to MASONS MOUNDS. 38th Brigade completed line to their supporting artillery at 12.05am
20 May 1916
Disconnected to 38th Brigade during night, sent out lineman who found 3rd Division had disconnected wire to 38th Brigade wire. He formed wires with a tee line & restored line. 38th Brigade completed lateral line to 39th Brigade & 39th Brigade to 21st Brigade (7th Division). Division HQ moved up to 39th Brigade HQ this afternoon but were recalled by Corps Commander. Cable wagons moved up & all ready for an advance.
21 May 1916
3 wagons lent by S&T taken away. Extended the old 40th Brigade line to 39th Brigade HQ & use it as spare cable.
22 May 1916
Laid line to 7th Division.
23 May 1916
39th Brigade moved into camp near Division HQ. Laid line to them. One S&T wagon returned for rations. Picked up old 39th Brigade wire — wagon was shelled. Repaired supply wire & put up pole crossings. Sent 2 motorcyclists to find way to 3rd Division at DUJAILA.
28 May 1916
40th Brigade left for ORAH en route for SHEIKH SAAD.
29 May 1916
Reconnoitred road to ORAH for DRs & cable wagon. 2 more lumbered wagons returned from S&T.
30 May 1916
Started regular DR post to ORAH with letters for 40th Brigade & to bring back their letters for 13th Division. DRs meet 6am at ORAH where there is one Battalion 40th Brigade. Moved into new camp.
31 May 1916
Laid a line for use of Post Office to join up 2 of their offices. Laid a wire to 40th Field Ambulance to work for all Field Ambulances & Convalescent Camp.
Signed: HE Crocker, Major, Cmdg 13th Signal Company, IFED
June 1916
2 June 1916
Laid a line between 38th Brigade & 35th Brigade at TWIN CANALS & between 35th Brigade & 13th Division.
5 June 1916
Laid double line to Machine Guns at CROFTON’S OP. Wagon was fired on & one mule wounded. Draft of 1 cable hand, 1 telegraphist & 35 drivers found us.
6 June 1916
Machine Gun operators brought in & line reeled up.
7 June 1916
Corps Signal Company working to us is now taken over by the 2/3 Tigris Corps Signal Company (the old 8th Corps Signal Company). 3 operators sent to us with sounder to work to the Corps.
8 June 1916
Extended old 35th Brigade wire from TWIN CANALS to 39th Brigade HQ to keep them in communication with their Battalion going to TWIN CANALS tonight. 39th Brigade HQ now in camp near 13th Division HQ.
9 June 1916
Extended the old 13th Division-38th Brigade line to 39th Brigade HQ to keep them in communication with two of their Battalions who have relieved the 38th Brigade. Laid a line for 38th Brigade HQ to MASONS MOUNDS ready for them when they come in there tonight. Corps brought us magneto telephone.
10 June 1916
38th Brigade arrived MASONS MOUNDS last night. Corps air line to us disconnected. Several poles knocked down by transport — replaced late. Ordnance & Supply dump shelled & ammunition barges blown up. Sapper MCLELLAN telephone operator stuck to his work all through in spite of danger from flying debris & bursting shells. Time put back 11.30 to put us 3 hours ahead of GREENWICH.
11 June 1916
Lt TULLOCH reconnoitred road from TWIN CANALS to ORAH for cable wagons. Sent 2 cable detachments to TWIN CANALS to lay lines to ORAH tomorrow early (1) for use of 39th Brigade to their Battalion at ORAH & (2) to be continued to SHEIKH SAAD when Division HQ move there shortly.
12 June 1916
Lt TULLOCH laid the 2 lines to ORAH & continue line to SHEIKH SAAD & sent the other back to TWIN CANALS to pick up old wires after Division left. 39th Brigade HQ moved to TWIN CANALS. Lt ADAMS to hospital.
13 June 1916
Division HQ moved tonight to ORAH en route for SHEIKH SAAD. Lt MUSSON stayed behind to look after Communications for staff officers left behind. We had to leave a large number of telegraphists to work the wires. Started 8pm arrived midnight. Road deep with dust.
14 June 1916, ORAH
At ORAH all day. Division HQ went on to 40th Brigade at SHEIKH SAAD by motor boat. Communication from ORAH direct to 14th Division at SHEIKH SAAD & transmitted to 40th Brigade. Great delay on line owing to other stations on line & only Buzzer Pioneers at 40th Brigade & slow operators at 14th Division. We extended the 39th Brigade-13th Division to SHEIKH SAAD this evening (19 miles of cable) & working well. Post at ORAH in Communication with HQ of their Battalion at WADI on other bank of TIGRIS by visual — no cable Communication. Left ORAH 8pm arrived SHEIKH SAAD midnight.
15 June 1916, SHEIKH SAAD
Arranged with Signals 14th Division about taking over Communication. They left here 8pm. Our camp is 1½ miles from theirs which necessitates all fresh lines being laid. The permanent telegraph office moved into our camp & teed into permanent line to Corps. Laid line to 38th & 40th Infantry Brigades in camp in vicinity. Brought 39th direct wire into our office. It passes 40th Brigade who tapped into it for testing. Laid line to 14th Division old HQ & joined onto wires to (1) 64th Pioneers with detachment at SODOM, (2) RA Camp & ORAH. The 40th Brigade have a wire to their detachment at GRASS FARM & (sentence incomplete).
16 June 1916
Lt TULLOCH to Field Ambulance. Laid line to Camp Commandant SHEIKH SAAD & SSO [Supply Officer] 13th DIVISION. Also one from CRA [Commander, Royal Artillery] in Division HQ Camp to 66th Brigade RFA. Sent party with wagons to bring back kit etc. from old camp at ABU ROMAN.
17 June 1916
Lt MUSSON left old camp & arrived ORAH. Sent 2 of our operators to 64th Pioneers to work to us.
18 June 1916
Lt MUSSON laid an under-water cable (2 lengths D5 cable) from WADI to ORAH working well. Laid line to 39th Field Ambulance
19 June 1916
Lt MUSSON & party arrived from ORAH last night. Laid a line from 55th Field Artillery Brigade to RA camp.
20 June 1916
Laid a direct line to GRASS FARM. I arranged with Corps Signals for our despatches for Corps to go by boat to ARAB VILLAGE & to be left at Cavalry Signal Office — boat leaves here 4.30am gets there 7.30 & returns here 2.30. The boats don’t go further up than this. Roads are very bad for Douglas motorbikes.
21 June 1916
WO Clifford arrived as medical officer for 13th Signal Company.
22 June 1916
Arranged telephone to Col STALLARD, CRA [Commander, Royal Artillery] 3rd, who has just arrived in camp next to Col PECK 55th Field Artillery Brigade. I extended our direct wire to Col PECK onto Col STALLARD & work to Col PECK via 66th Brigade on direct wire. We closed down the CRA’s telephone station & took over his work to save men. The Advanced Base Commandant moved nearer 13th Division. We altered the wire today. Lt TULLOCH rejoined from hospital. Sent wagon for kit of Cable detachment at TWIN CANALS.
23 June 1916
Wagon to TWIN CANALS not reported arrival till 10am. It arrived safely 9pm last night. Feared lost as many Arabs about. They went the wrong & dangerous road, strictly against orders.
25 June 1916
38th HQ looted by Arabs last night: telephone did not work to 13th Division but buzzer perfect. Draft of 5 men arrived. Dr LENG died 39th Field Ambulance dysentery.
26 June 1916
Teed a line for 7th Cavalry into GRASS FARM line. Laid a line to 8th W Pioneers. Sent cable detachment to TWIN CANALS to pick up old wires left by 39th Brigade. 26 men sick, 4 to Field Ambulance.
27 June 1916
Helio station called up Cavalry at LOT’S MOUNDS but without success. 39th Brigade left TWIN CANALS 5.30pm & stopped night SODOM. Communication via 64th Pioneers along their wire to SODOM. 26 men sick, 5 to Field Ambulance.
28 June 1916
39th Brigade arrived GOMORRAH leaving a Battalion at SODOM. Communication at first along old 38th Brigade detachment wire via 38th Brigade to 13th Division. Later teed into 13th Division — TWIN CANAL line. 39th Brigade laid a wire to SODOM, disconnected during night & work by lamp. 25 men sick, 4 to Field Ambulance.
29 June 1916
39th Brigade-SODOM line working 7am. Cable party returned with 30 miles D5 cable. Helio to Cavalry impossible on account of dust we work by wire to ‘A’ Redoubt (40th Brigade) & thence to Cavalry by visual. Laid new line to CRA [Commander, Royal Artillery] 3rd Division to give them a separate line. 21 men sick, 3 to Field Ambulance.
30 June 1916
15 sick, Nil to Field Ambulance. Several men rejoined from Field Ambulance.
Signed: HE Crocker, Major, Cmdg 13th Division Signal Company
July 1916
1 July 1916
15 Men sick, 1 to Field Ambulance
2 July 1916
40th Brigade laid direct line to ‘A’ Redoubt for Communication to Cavalry who have a signal station there in the mornings. An order has arrived for CQMS WALDRON to go to BASRAH as CSM Signal Depot. 19 men sick, 2 to Field Ambulance.
3 July 1916
Lt TULLOCH went to Field Ambulance. 15 men sick, 1 to Field Ambulance. Put up poles for T lines between office & permanent lines which we shall take over for working to some of our stations. The first of the special DRs arrived from BASRAH. Laid a line to our Transport officer.
4 July 1916
Wired the T line poles. 3 operators with Sounder arrived from Corps Signals to work direct to Corps on old permanent lines which we have taken over. Sick 17, to Field Ambulance 1.
5 July 1916
Started direct Sounder working to Corps along old permanent line. Sick 17, to Field Ambulance 2.
6 July 1916
Started putting up T lines on poles from old permanent lines & 64th Pioneers & on to CRA [Commander, Royal Artillery] 3rd Division & 39th Brigade & on to GRASSS FARM for Sounder working. Arab marauders close to our camp last night & stole a horse nearby. The MOSUL arrived with 1 Squadron Herts Yeomanry. Our Division Squadron: also Lt LANFEAR for this Company & Lt CRAIG & party of Signallers for other Signals Companies. LANFEAR is sick. 39th Brigade occupied the first 2 blockhouses along Railway line & connected them up by phone. Sent 7 horses to Mobile Vet Section (debility), Dr JONES tested as Cold Shoes & granted certificate. 10 sick, 1 to Field Ambulance.
8 July 1916
GTD Telegraph tent moved away to near the River. Lt MUSSON to Field Ambulance. Put in Sounder working to 64th Pioneers. Several wires cut & repaired.
9 July 1916
Temperature 122° in shade.
10 July 1916
Gen MAUDE left 13th Division to command Tigris Corps. Gen CAYLEY (39th Brigade) commands 13th Division.
12 July 1916
Lt MUSSON returned to duty from Field Ambulance. 4 Indian sweepers arrived from Corps.
13 July 1916
6 motorcyclists arrived from Base without cycles.
17 July 1916
Laid new lines to 38th & 40th Brigade & SSO & Advanced Base Commandant in view of move of Division HQ
18 July 1916
Division HQ moved to new camp on banks of River. Signal office moved this evening without interrupting Communication.
19 July 1916
Arranged new office. Tearing gale & dust storm. Outside work impossible. Dr LANG died in Field Ambulance.
20 July 1916
Dust storm all day, but ceased this evening. 20 sick, 4 to Field Ambulance.
21 July 1916
Hear L/C THOMAS died at BASRAH. 13 sick, 1 to Field Ambulance.
22 July 1916
Dr GAY died in Field Ambulance. Put in a tee line to Ordnance from AB line. 11 sick, 2 to Field Ambulance.
23 July 1916
Arranged telephone from Anti-aircraft Gun to Flying Corps. 12 sick, 3 to Field Ambulance.
24 July 1916
7 sick, 1 to Field Ambulance.
25 July 1916
Closed down telegraph stations at GRASS FARM & 64th Pioneers owing to lack of men. 8 sick.
26 July 1916
Major CROCKER received orders to take over Corps Signal Company & handed over 13th Signal Company to Lt MUSSON. 13 sick.
27 July 1916
Major CROCKER left for Corps HQ on L16. 15 sick. Temperature 122°.
28 July 1916
Drew 25 poles from CRE [Commander, Royal Engineers] & started poling to 39th Brigade. 39th Brigade Signals took over permanent railway defence line from GTD [Government Telegraph Department]. Sick 11.
29 July 1916
Fixed up 12 line exchange & established magneto communication to 35th, 39th & 40th Brigades. Called in the two operators from Field Ambulance station, replacing Stevens with magneto phone. Sick 10.
30 July 1916
Sent in complete list of outstanding requirements in technical gear to Corps. CRA [Commander, Royal Artillery] put on telephone exchange. Sick 6.
31 July 1916
Laid new line to 40th Brigade & on to 38th & put magneto phones onto metallic circuit.
Signed: RJ Musson, Lieutenant RE, Cmdg 13th Signal Company, 31.7.16
August 1916
1 August 1916
Poled a line to 66th Brigade & sent up magneto phone. 4 to Field Ambulance
2 August 1916
Obtained 4 cyclist orderlies from 13th Cyclist Company & established control Signal office near Advanced Base Commandant.
3 August 1916
6 new BSA motorcycles arrived but stripped of all spares. Wired to Signal Park for these. Draft 8 Buzzer Pioneers 4 drivers arrived. Sent 3 Buzzer Pioneers to 39th Brigade Section & 2 to 38th. 1 Telegraphist rejoined.
4 August 1916
New submarine line ORAH to WADI laid by Gloucester Signallers, GRAZING CAMP put on 39th Brigade magneto line. 3 rings. Capt ST JOHN arrived 6am.
5 August 1916
Capt ST JOHN sailed on leave to BASRAH. 10 miles D1 & 4 miles D5 from Corps.
6 August 1916
Sapper TALBOT died heatstroke. Obtained 25 poles (bamboo) & working parties out improving lines. Temperature 115°.
7 August 1916
Parties improving lines & overhauling cables.
8–9 August 1916
Examining new drivers & provisionally organizing HQ & №1 Section.
10–16 August 1916
No changes of lines or troops.
18–20 August 1916
Capt ST JOHN returned from BASRAH bringing telegraph poles for conic(?) Air Line, also cells elect(?) for Corps. [NB Diagram in War Diary dated 19 August 1916 not included here]
21 August 1916
Spent forming a CRA [Royal Artillery Command] Section with separate tent area CRA & personnel.
23 August 1916
Preparing all Company transport & serviceable carts, horses, mules to proceed by march route to AMARAH under RE Field Companies.
25 August 1916
All Company transport joined RE Field Company under Lt HUDSON at 5pm & proceeded downstream by route march to AMARAH. Sgt HAMILTON in charge of men & horses. 2 cable wagons sent, remaining two are in Ordnance with wheels under repair.
26 August 1916
Called in CRA’s [Commander, Royal Artillery] office & reeled up some of his lines.
27–28 August 1916
Had parties out on lines, repair work etc.
29–31 August 1916
Laid line to A/55 Field Artillery Brigade but was told it was not required, otherwise no change. 39th Brigade moved in their HQ nearer to SHEIKH SAAD, altered lines accordingly. Anti-aircraft guns left SHEIKH SAAD.
Signed: FO St John, Capt, Cmdg 13th Signal Company RE
September 1916
1 September 1916
Laid line to A/55 Field Artillery Brigade who came from TWIN CANALS to run exchange (telephone) to enable them to work through to RFC below SHEIKH SAAD for anti-aircraft work.
2 September 1916
Received notification that a line is being laid from AMARAH by the Telegraphs to site of our new Division HQ there. Also connecting us to telephone exchange AMARAH.
3 September 1916
Joined the lower of two permanent telegraph lines laid along railway SHEIKH SAAD-TWIN CANALS & this office, under instructions Signals Corps to receive PRIORITY (?) from ADMS 3rd Division for ADMS SHEIKH SAAD, other end being worked by 8th BOE.
4 September 1916
All our stores, wire etc. left on barge for AMARAH to await us there leaving only sufficient to carry on work here.
5 September 1916
Went across river to inspect ‘look out post’, which is also Helio station for communication to RIGHT Bank from LEFT Bank when pontoon bridge is out during day, to see if ‘head cover’ could be created on platform for sentries. Present size of platform can only be done by removing head cover when Helio is required.
6 September 1916
Lt Cpl EVANS this Company required for munition work at home. Have wired him to AMARAH.
7 September 1916
Certain trouble over non-use of ‘send us numbers’ by units, on telegraph forms, much extra work caused.
8 September 1916
Corps transport moved in to close to Bridgehead, closed & re-laid their telephone line to our exchange — was closed 5pm opened again 7pm. Major CROCKER DSO late of this company came down today to see Brigade Signal officers & this company. Took him down to GTD (telegraphs) to settle some communication matters.
9 September 1916
DDAS Corps returned to Corps today. 38th Brigade moved their headquarters back about one mile — first I heard of it was at 4pm when they were closing down the office (Brigade HQ) to move.
10 September 1916
Have gone into question of DRs (despatch riders). They must be taught to ride horses before the end of the hot weather.
11 September 1916
System of counting in Division is not correct. Different methods are being carried out. Have written to DDAS Corps for ruling. Line open to 38th Brigade again. All other lines as per map attached. Am sending down Sgt BLYTH & 8 men to AMARAH as advance party to put up an office.
12 September 1916
Curious case of a message going wrong today, addressed Advanced Base Commandant 13th Division. We receive everything in this Signal office for Advanced Base Commandant so sent it on by wire. It was meant for two addresses — so this Division did not get it. Mistake of Abstract Keeper Corps. All lines the same.
13 September 1916
Today only Sgt BLYTH & party started for AMARAH to lay new lines. Went down with RWF Battery. Lines are the same very steady work. No breaks owing to all being poled.
14 September 1916
Talked with GOC regarding arrangements for cables etc. when wet weather comes. Took some notes to ask at Signal Service conference to be held soon at Corps for all OC Signal companies. Left in DDAS Signal launch for Corps HQ.
15 September 1916
Conference in Corps HQ. Many Signal matters discussed, chief being RA Section of Signal Company wire for wet weather for Battalion as well as Brigade sections. Returned to SHEIKH SAAD 4pm.
16 September 1916
At Division morning conference, discussed points of Signal Conference at Corps. Preparing to hand our defence posts to L of C SHEIKH SAAD.
17 September 1916
Saw Col WILLOUGBY who takes over defence SHEIKH SAAD when this Division leaves. Arranged to lay necessary lines for him tomorrow. Arranged relief of 38th Brigade communications with OC’s Dorset Regiment & Devons, also Bridgehead post.
18 September 1916
Joined redoubts Company. H&F to Dorset Regiment. Riverhead post to Devon Regiment. 6 telephones magneto from GTD [Government Telegraph Department] to this purpose. Wire obtained & put on lines.
19 September 1916
40th Brigade moved across bridge at 4pm to LEFT Bank. Picked them up at 6.30pm with Camp. Were in line with them until 3.25am 20th inst. when they closed & left for AMARAH by march route. Brigade Signal section left with them.
20 September 1916
38th Brigade crossed the bridge to LEFT Bank at 4pm. They camp there until 3.25am tomorrow when they proceed to AMARAH by route march. Brigade Signal section went with them. I joined up 39th Brigade by wire to Defence SHEIKH SAAD, GTD exchange SHEIKH SAAD [Government Telegraph Department], South Lancashire Regiment (38th Brigade), also joined Defences to A/55 Battery RFA [Field Artillery] & RFC [Flying Corps]. Six telegraphists of this Company embarked for AMARAH on PI. Warned Signals Corps, 3rd Division AHQ, 7th Division GTD GHQ that we were moving & closing office here at 5am 21st inst. Lt MUSSON remains in SHEIKH SAAD & follows later with remainder of company, when boat is available.
21 September 1916
Left with general GS on HMS SNAKEFLY (gunboat) for AMARAH at 5am this morning. Lt MUSSON remains in charge of Company. Ran on Sand Bank at ALI GHARBI at 10am, remained there until 1.05pm when we were towed off by HMS STONEFLY & proceeded to MUDALIL for night. 39th Brigade plus 2 motorcyclists left at SHEIKH SAAD under Lt PAIGE.
22 September 1916, AMARAH
Arrived AMARAH 9am. Proceeded to see OC Wireless & Signals AMARAH (Lt SPARROW). We have one sounder wire laid out to our camp, & one magneto line to Exchange (telephone) AMARAH.
23 September 1916
Six operators sent down from SHEIKH SAAD have not yet arrived. Went to AMARAH on Signals business. Also laid line to new 40th Brigade camp.
24 September 1916
Arranged with Signals AMARAH about daily post at 10am & 5pm, also Reuters. Obtained ? (boat) from OC River Service AMARAH for use of Company.
25 September 1916
Laid lines to 38th & 39th Brigade HQ pairwise. 38th is still en route marching down. 39th is still at SHEIKH SAAD. Six operators arrived from SHEIKH SAAD.
26 September 1916
Division HQ & Signal Company expected down today from SHEIKH SAAD. Proceeded to AMARAH obtained matting for Company’s horses etc. Also replaced vibrator on GTD [Government Telegraph Department] line by a sounder as there is a magneto line on same posts from AMARAH.
27 September 1916
HQ’s boat did not arrive down as she has stuck on sandbank for 20 hours. Magneto line laid to 38th Brigade HQ.
28 September 1916
Lines laid (magneto) to 39th Brigade, 40th Brigade, 41st BFA, CP Office. Company arrived down on P19 today from SHEIKH SAAD. Completing the Signal office also putting up exchange, & speaking telephones to ‘A’ & ‘G’ staff also ADMS.
30 September 1916
Completed the Signal office for work to 38th Brigade, 40th Brigade FA, CPO AMARAH exchange, 66th Brigade RFA.
Signed: FO St John, Capt, Cmdg 13th Signal Company RE
October 1916
1 October 1916
38th & 40th Brigade Sections joined today. We opened central office near 40th Brigade HQ for delivery to both Brigades & 39th Brigade, when they arrive, to enable us to get the Company together for training two NCOs, three operators.
2 October 1916
Lt LANFEAR joined the company from AMARAH Convalescence camp at noon today. Work on Signal office completed, wires led in properly, etc. Communication with GTD AMARAH [Government Telegraph Department] unsatisfactory as crosses two bridges, one of which is often ‘broken’ for river traffic. Am leaving the matter until GHQ arrive. Lt BERRY Herts Yeomanry has come to help with our animals etc. Refitting all cable wagons, as all are deficient. Also sorting horses, mules etc. Thin ones all to receive special food. Put CRA [Commander, Royal Artillery] on our Division exchange. [NB 2 diagrams in War Diary not included here]
3 October 1916
Started orderly officer of the company, & regular parades. Drew rope from CRE [Commander, Royal Engineers] for horse lines. Lt BERRY most capable & hardworking officer.
4 October 1916
Division veterinary officer inspected our horse lines today & gave authority to have twenty removed to hospital for debility. Picked out the cable wagon detachments today & made them all up to strength. Also told off commanders for same. All harness has been dismantled & each piece put separate pile for distribution etc. when drivers & mules have been allotted to cable wagons.
5 October 1916
Mules & drivers for same made up into teams for the cable wagons & complete sets of harnesses & saddles given out to each driver. Harness racks built. Cable wagons are completely dismantled for cleaning & repairs.
6 October 1916
GOC 13th Division inspected transport (?) & harness today; the harness was in very bad condition — but this will be improved.
7 October 1916
Changed the NCO in charge of the central station — laid a magneto line from position of 39th Brigade to Division HQ to await their arrival from SHEIKH SAAD. Now have 3 operators there, 3 abstract keepers & four cyclists, one NCO in charge.
8 October 1916, AMARAH
Laid the magneto line to the Division (?) which gives me 12 lines on my Divisional exchange.
9 October 1916
№2 Brigade Section came down from SHEIKH SAAD today & joined Company. HQ at 6pm tonight.
10 October 1916
Meeting of Officers & Sergeants of this company at 6pm today for purpose of talking over training etc. 39th Brigade line begun work. Magneto to our exchange & telegraph messages to our central station near 40th Brigade HQ.
11 October 1916
Capt HI ALLEN Cmdg №7 Signal Company passed up river on P23. I saw him on board re. new Signal Company establishments. Have now 12 (twelve) lines on the magneto exchange. Earth returns taken back a couple of posts & then earthed. No earths in the Signal office.
12 October 1916
Inoculation of the Company proceeded today. Also cable wagons almost completed for service. Repairs to be executed by the RE still. 117 men inoculated today against enteric.
13 October 1916
Work continued on cable wagons. Sections under Section commanders. Vibrator to GTD [Government Telegraph Department] removed & sounder used.
14 October 1916
№2 Section proceeded under OC Section to Brigade Scheme, lasting 12 hours. Inoculation again continued — very light work in Signal office & working a relief of 6 hours only.
15 October 1916
All officers & men have now been inoculated against enteric. Men have all been on light duty. Training will commence on Wednesday when all will be finished, & effects worn off.
16 October 1916
More ground obtained for Company Transport which is still very cramped.
17 October 1916
Applied for raising of rate of Company Farrier who has done duty since June as Company Farrier & Blacksmith. Central station for the three Brigades working well & being visited daily & Company orderly officer.
18 October 1916
Saw DAS on ship today going upstream. Handed him copy of Division’s request for more personnel for this Company. 40th Brigade moved HQ down to the river bank today. Line sent to him (magneto speaking).
19 October 1916
Work proceeded as usual. Parades as per scale. Individual training of NCOs of Company being proceeded with daily.
20 October 1916
Work on cable wagons proceeded. Changed NCO at ‘CO’ station. Average of about 250 messages per day for delivery to the three Brigades.
21 October 1916
Parades as per weekly scale. Sections under OC Sections. Buzzer & Helio practice.
22 October 1916
Inspection of Remount Parade today. P50 arrived down from upstream with DAS on board. Also due today DDAS.
23 October 1916
DAS visited this camp (ABU SHITAB) & went all round the lines, & Signal Office. We laid line from Telephone Exchange to C in C’s ship (P50). There was Parade of all officers for C in C this morning at 7am.
24 October 1916
Great improvement in Company animals. Laid new telephone line to Remount Depot from an existing line to Division train (as per diagram).
25 October 1916
All lines working satisfactory. About 200 telegraph messages handled daily by office & 150 closed covers.
26 October 1916
Am leaving reduced staff in HQ Signal Office as Division moves out for 30 hours field work. Remainder of Company moves out with Division. Brigade Sections rejoin Brigades.
27 October 1916, 6 MILES N OF AMARAH
Moved out at 9.08 this morning from starting point & marched & camped on river TIGRIS about 6 miles above AMARAH on LEFT Bank. HQ & №1 section wire with Division HQ.
28 October 1916, AMARAH
Scheme for attack worked out. Used all cable wagons to good effect. But am deficient of technical transport. Returned to camp AMARAH at 3pm today.
29 October 1916
Draught animals suffered from thirst yesterday — so did not take wagons out to collect wire today.
30 October 1916
Sent three cable wagons out & collected wire left on 28th. One wheel of cable wagon broke today. The wheels are rebuilt in SHEIKH SAAD & not strong enough for weight of a cable wagon.
31 October 1916
All lines working well, also exchange — reinforcements are coming & much training is going on. Held examination of 16 men of a unit of 40th Brigade in Signalling rates. Five passed. Remainder were very imperfectly trained.
Signed. FO St John, Capt, Cmdg 13th Signal Company RE
November 1916
1 November 1916
Lines as for October. Held examinations for proficiency pay for Signallers of 40th Brigade. 5 passed as 1st Class, 11 as 2nd Class. Drill Parade for men of Company not actually on duty.
2 November 1916
Lines same as for the 1st inst. as per attached scale.
3 November 1916
News of parade for presentation of VCs (four) by Army Commander to officers & men of this Division next Sunday. Inspected ground for Divisional Exercise №4 (Trench warfare) & we are supplying the communications.
4 November 1916
Divisional scheme today. 38th Infantry Brigade attacked replica of front line trenches. We supplied communications. Capt J FERGUSON RE from 7th Division arrived today for duty. Slight rain today for a few minutes with S. wind.
5 November 1916
Army Commander’s Parade today. Distribution of four VCs. Light rain again. Company parades 100 strong.
6 November 1916
Inspection of Company cable wagons by GS02, GSO3 & ADVS of this Division. Teams etc. complete.
7 November 1916, In the field AMARAH
Draft of 16 men including 6 motorcyclists arrived from Base. Line to Division (?) (as per diagram) was broken by a transport cart, but repaired immediately. Making out indents for technical equipment of this Company which are required.
8 November 1916
Sent round proposed scheme for better training of Regimental Signallers, under supervision of Division Signal Company.
9 November 1916
Major operations for the Division tonight. Leave camp at 10pm. March out 5000 yards & assault a position at dawn. Four cable wagons are taking part & all Brigade Sections.
10 November 1916
Returned to camp at 10.30am this morning. Night operation seemed successful. Broke 2 wheels of cable wagons on last night’s march across country.
11 November 1916
All lines working as per attached diagram. Resting all ranks today.
12 November 1916
Reinforcements arriving for us presume to complete to new scale. 6 motorcyclists have also arrived.
13 November 1916
№ 2, 3, 4 sections go back to 38th, 39th, 40th Brigades respectively on 16th inst. All lines working well. Have calculated number of messages dealt with monthly since March 1916.
14 November 1916
All day occupied in re-equipping Brigade Sections, each takes 3 pack mules with him.
15 November 1916
Signal office working well. All lines are DI poled, & ‘stayed’. Applied to OC Remount for 4 horses for mounted number of cable wagons.
16 November 1916
No remounts available for us. Reminders sent to Signal (?) & Depot MARGILL for all our deficiencies.
17 November 1916
Returned two mules yesterday — passed unfit for work by ADVS of this Division. Rode out with Capt FERGUSON RE of this Company to see ground for Divisional Field Exercise.
18 November 1916
Carried out Divisional Field Exercise with 39th Infantry Brigade Signal Company, also Brigade. Machine Gun Company & RA took part.
19 November 1916
Notification of despatch of technical stores from BASRAH for this Company by river steamer. Lines as usual & all correct.
20 November 1916
Men being motivated in use of ‘gas’ helmets. Horses drawn from remounts (four officers charges to complete).
21 November 1916
All lines in use as per diagram attached. [NB Diagram in War Diary not included here]
22 November 1916
Hand (?) for post cable parties being made for us by CRE [Commander, Royal Engineers]. Timber wheels being mended & wagons practically rebuilt by this Company.
23 November 1916
Went to AMARAH to try & obtain paint, bamboos for poles — are unable to do so.
24 November 1916
Preparing to leave for upstream destination.
28 November 1916
1st Column left by road for SHEIKH SAAD also HQ & №1 Section of this Company (3) wagons under Capt J FERGUSON RE.
29 November 1916
2nd Column left by road for SHEIKH SAAD.
30 November 1916
3rd Marching Column left by road for SHEIKH SAAD. We close Division office here at noon today.
Signed: FO St John, Capt, Cmdg 13th Signals RE, 30.11.16
December 1916
1 December 1916
Closed the office AMARAH 12 noon today, remainder of Company having left on 28th inst. Left AMARAH at 3pm with about 30 men after removing all lines & poles.
2 December 1916, SHEIKH SAAD
Arrived SHEIKH SAAD about 4pm. Proceeded to disembark immediately.
3 December 1916, TWIN CANALS
Left SHEIKH SAAD by road for TWIN CANALS following railway, baggage having gone by rail. Left SHEIKH SAAD about 10.30am, arrived TWIN CANALS about 4pm. Found telephone line & instrument awaiting us from 3rd Corps.
4 December 1916
Arranging camp & carrying up stores etc. from railway to camp. Bombs dropped close to us by enemy planes.
5 December 1916
ADAS 3rd Corps came over today.
6 December 1916
40th Brigade & HQ & №1 Section of the company arrived in SHEIKH SAAD. I went down to meet them. Rained most of day.
7 December 1916
Drew ordnance stores & Signal equipment in SHEIKH SAAD & came back to TWIN CANALS. Company under Capt J FERGUSON RE had arrived in camp.
8 December 1916
40th Brigade Column moved up to SINN ABTAR. Completed №4 Section with cart, harness, mules.
9 December 1916
Line with 40th Brigade is through 3rd Division. Also through our (3rd) Corps & 14th Division. Did not lay a line of our own as it would have meant laying 9½ miles in rain. Formed dump & deposited much of our spare kit & equipment.
10 December 1916
Sent into SHEIKH SAAD to try & get saddle & harness completed. Prepared for tomorrow’s move by loading carts etc.
11 December 1916, SINN ABTAR
Closed office TWIN CANALS at 9am. Opened again SINN ABTAR 2.15pm
12 December 1916
Preparation for move tomorrow, 13th unit occupied whole day.
13 December 1916, IMAM-AL-MANSUR
Left SINN ABTAR 7.30pm, march to IMAM-AL-MANSUR. Left there 1.30 am. No wheeled transport allowed. Line (20 miles D5) on pack mules & carried by hand. Office & instruments carried by mule. Communication kept up by wire with Corps (3rd). We also left office & line at IMAM-AL-MANSUR under Company Sgt Major for supply work etc. Both my wire & Corps wire under Lt LUCAS. Wire broken by runaway horse at 3.30am but repaired.
14 December 1916, IN THE FIELD
Spent at 9.3 after night march. Opened first office proper in the Field at 5.30am. Moved same day 12.15 to cross roads 47 D 4/7, spent night there. Telephone wire & direct line to each Brigade (38th, 39th, 40th). Brigades advancing had one cable detachment laying line on foot carrying spare wire as we have no post parties or one mile drums. Communications did not break down. 40th Brigade took ATAB & formed Bridgehead crossing river HAI.
15 December 1916
Spent at 47 D 4/7. 5.39pm 40th Brigade moved HQ to West Bank of HAI by bridge. Also consolidated Bridgehead. Telephone messages numbered 453 during operations today. Communication was not lost to any Brigade. 39th Brigade moved 5.55pm & came on again 6.18pm advancing. Line broke to 39th Brigade at 7.15pm. Not open again till 12.48am 16th. Line taken away by mule cart. Found Cavalry Division & delivered messages to them for GHQ who had lost them.
16 December 1916
At 47 D 4/7. 40th Brigade moved at 2.35pm & through again at 3.35pm. Line opened to 8th Welsh Pioneers at Bridgehead on 15th inst. When 40th Brigade moved up HAI, we reeled up 6½ miles of D5 cable left behind on advance.
17 December 1916
Closed office at 47 D 4/7 at 10.20am opened again at 11.45am at 47 C 3/4. Welsh Pioneers closed office at ATAB at 6.33am & 36th Brigade took over at 7.15am. 36th Brigade closed office as moved across HAI River at 9.15am. Kept communication at 47 D 4/7 until line had been established with all units. at new Division HQ, Lt PAIGE having gone ahead in morning. 5th Wiltshire in Division Reserve with line from us were relieved at 11.26am by NW Fusiliers. 40th Brigade moved 11.53pm, operator unable to show lamp — tapped in 11.25am also 2.05am. 2.45am office opened
18 December 1916
Line to 38th Brigade broken at 2.43am, through again at 5.45am. 39th Brigade line went at 9.20am, through again 10am. GH office closed at 9.06am, handed over line to 3rd Corps, this line never having broken.
19 December 1916
40th Brigade put under the orders of Cavalry Division & ordered away to Rendezvous near ‘S18’ (TC 72 map). Position of Brigades as per attached plan. 40th Brigade HQ moved today from Q18 R28 to R28 S18. Lines to Brigades all held.
20 December 1916
40th Brigade closed down 6am & went under orders of Cavalry Division. 10.45 line to our Supply officer at R9 (TC 72) was through. Pioneer line broken at 11am through again 12.10pm. 38th Brigade broken 12.40pm through 1.15pm. These frequent breaks all due to scrub country where telephone lines lay along top of bushes & catch mules, carts & men — remedy to ‘cut’ a path for every line which is then followed by everybody & eventually becomes road, & line has to be moved.
21 December 1916
40th Brigade came on to our old Brigade wire at 8.18 at 10.40am. Line Division Reserve OC 8th Cheshire Regiment laid 47 C 2/5 (TC 72) 5.45pm. 3rd Division is on our right. Carts went to SHEIKH SAAD to bring up Signal stores, also poles for ‘poling’ wires in rain. Linemen were out on all lines greater part of day.
22 December 1916
Rode round to the 40th Brigade HQ at about 8.19 (7 C 72) also on to 37th Brigade & back along lines. Laid lateral line from 39th Brigade to 40th Brigade with cable wagon. Sent lumber down SINN ABTAR for our kit etc.
23 December 1916
40th Brigade moved HQ about 400 yards NW. Carting up store of cells, telephones etc. to present position. Everything brought up today from SINN ABTAR & back ward & including poles for lines when rain falls.
24 December 1916
Carts returned from SHEIKH SAAD today. Recalled all cable detachment commanders from Brigades & sent them along all lines which are still on ground as laid during operations. Received 300 bamboo poles from SHEIKH SAAD which I procured at AMARAH for rainy season. Poled lines over HAI to 39th & 40th Brigades.
25 December 1916
Little work done. Lines to 39th & 40th Brigades were both broken by traffic at ford. Work as usual on lines.
26 December 1916
Poled 39th & 40th Brigade lines to opposite side of FORD at UMM-AS-SAAD. Also 39th Brigade line poled all the way on 15 foot poles (D1 wire). Dug trench round foot of most poles to prevent mule carts at night breaking lines. 14th Division moved. Also Cavalry Division. We moved into new Signal office 3pm today.
27 December 1916
40th Brigade line which is only poled to UMM-AS-SAAD FORD is very faint — can hardly speak over this line. But are expecting this Brigade to move.
28 December 1916
Heavy rain almost all day. Consolidated 38th & 39th Brigade lines. Men removing wooden pegs to which stays on our poles are secured to use as firewood. Lt PRATT joined this company. Reeled old 38th Brigade line (ground). Speaking line to 14th Division failed owing to rain, as it is not poled.
29 December 1916
Laid new D2 poled line to position where 40th Brigade is going near S9 (TC 72).
30 December 1916
40th Brigade moved into new HQ at S9. №2 Bridging train moved into 40th Brigade area. Welsh Pioneers moved to LEFT Bank of HAI opposite Division HQ & were connected by telephone — all ground lines were reeled up which had been replaced by ‘poled’ lines.
[NB 5 similar diagrams in the War Diary for previous dates in December not included here]
31 December 1916
Went to 3rd Corps HQ at ATAB. Obtained use of permanent line to IMAM-AL-MANSUR for 3rd Division line. Fine clear weather. Consolidated all lines. Lines now all working well.
Signed: FO St John, Capt, Cmdg 13th Signals Co RE, December 1916
