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Sgt. Edward Henry Tritton
British Army 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment
from:Bircholt, Brabourne, Kent
Diaries of Maria Charlotte Tritton (mother of Edward Tritton, known as Teddy).
Background: these are a wonderful vernacular social history from a small village community in Kent. They start in August 1914, and actually continue until her death in 1948. They also give similar detail of Teddy's brother who enlisted shortly before Teddy and spent his war in Turkey, Mesopotamia and India. In abridging these diaries I have just followed Teddy's career removing a great deal about his brother and day to day events except where this adds to the mood and the way the war was affecting small communities like Brabourne. His army career spans the duration of the war and his rank changes, finishing as Sergeant. Also whilst starting with 2nd/5th Battalion East Kent Buffs, Southern Army School of Instruction, he ended up in 7th Battalion Buffs, British Expeditionary Force. Until 1918 he had remained in UK as a physical training instructor.
The most interesting section of the diaries relates to the big Spring Offensive in March 1918. From my researches I believe his battalion was positioned close to Venteuil in France which saw some of the heaviest fighting. The account recorded in the entries for March 1918 (particularly letter entry 1st April 1918) detail his wounding albeit in rather scant detail. Like many involved in this war he was severely traumatised by these events and never spoke about them. However, a year or so before he died my mother had a conversation with him regarding events which added a little more to the story and its outcome. It seems with the German advance after very heavy bombardment for 5 or 6 hours overnight, at dawn in thick fog the Germans advanced and overran their positions but continued advancing leaving the Buffs to hold out in various redoubts for the rest of that day. 25, including Teddy, were captured and imprisoned in bunkers along the German positions. They overheard that the Germans planned to throw grenades into the bunkers to avoid the problem of prisoners. When an opportunity presented they managed to overcome the guards, cutting their throats, and escaped. They fell back to the 7th Queen's Regiment that was behind them and fought with them for a day and a half. However, Teddy took a wound to the head and was rendered semi-conscious. The story is a bit hazy here. It seems they remained in a trench waiting for relief but with the German advance they found him lying apparently in a graveyard covered in blood. He feigned death and his wounds were such that he was left for dead. He was found by local French and was helped to a dressing station and the diaries pick up his subsequent travails through various hospitals, including the Royal Herbert in Woolwich.
Abridged diary entries:
- 26th August 1914 - 11th November 1918. On a news cutting at front of first diary entitled 5 Questions to men who have not enlisted is written "Teddy only 16 years and 4 months when he enlisted"
- 12th November 1914 "Teddy enlisted at 5.30pm. Came home, went to shop next day till 9.30 then into Ashford to get on or two things, then home to dinner and caught the 2pm train to Ashford. Never came home the weekend, came home for 3 hours the next Thursday, had got his clothes so him and Jack M had to go to Ascot, the rest went as soon as they got their clothes. Teddy was billetted at Sunninghill Park."
- 30th March 1915: "Sent letter to Teddy. Len came in for a little while. News in paper, 2 of our battleships sunk in the Dardanelles, one French and two British the Bouvet the French and the Irresistible and Ocean. Crews of the British saved, the crew of the Bouvet all lost."
- 13th April 1915: "Letter from Teddy and a photo of himself and two chums taken together. Arthur and Ted Thornby in hospital with German measles but some distance from Teddy."
- Friday 23rd April 1915: "Letter from teddy. He signed on for the Foreign Service but was not taken as those that were examined by the Dr when Ted and some more were on guard were taken as there was not enough without having to examine any more, but Teddy and the rest that were going have all got an Imperial Service Medal because they volunteered. Teddy very much put out because he is not going."
- Thursday 27th May 1915: "Jack Stride killed."
- Friday 28th May 1915: "Fine day. C. George dead spotted fever."
- Saturday 5th June: "Letter and washing from Teddy. I saw in paper Mrs Smiths son over at Bilsington died of enteric fever at Kamptee. Taking the names of men under 40years of age."
- Friday 11th June 1915: "Card from Teddy, been made full corporal and Gym instructor. I went down to Mrs Collins. Wrote a few lines to Teddy so did George."
- Friday 30th July 1915: "Letter from Teddy, not got his parcel yet. Stan Marsh dead, shot through head."
- Friday 6th August 1915: "Stan Marsh dead. I have sent Ted a medical certificate to see if he will get Dr to sign it so as to get his sick pay."
- Saturday 7th August 1915: "Had a letter from Teddy, he is at Maidstone, so never had letters. Going to be on inspection by Lord Kitchener today and going on to Sevenoaks, Sunday, 18 or 20 mile march."
- Tuesday 10th August 1915:- "Letter from Teddy, he is at Sevenoaks, marched from Trent Lodge, Robin Hood to Maidstone, 7 miles, on Friday, on Saturday 19 miles to see Lord Kitchener. On Sunday marched from Maidstone to Sevenoaks, 18 miles. One of the 4th and one of the NW Kents died on the march. Sent Teddy's washing and a letter. Teddy at Orderly room Sevenoaks."
- Thursday 14th October 1915: "Wrote to Teddy and have just heard there are 14 poor soldiers and 8 horses killed at Otterpool Camp with the bombs all the windows in Mrs Chain house broke and Westenhanger station glass all broke. Kate and Queen went over to the camp to see."
- Thursday 13th January 1916: "Letter from Teddy. A lot going on Foreign service wrote to Teddy telling him not to put his age up."
- Thursday 17th February: "Letter from Teddy. Dreadful bad news today at noon, poor Chris (Teddy's brother in Middle East) wounded, on notice from War Office. Stayed up with mother, went to church with Laura." Saturday 19th February 1916: "Teddy here. A card from the hospital where poor Chris is and a letter from him. Dear old Chris was shot in the right cheek, the bullet coming out under the ear, entered his neck and came out in his back. So glad Teddy was at home when letter came. He went round to all and down to let Miss Simons know."
- Tuesday 22nd February 1916: "Mother died about 4. I stayed there the night, snowing hard."
- Saturday 26th February 1916: "Mother buried. Teddy went back. Alice to station with Rose."
- Thursday 24th February 1916:- "Ground still covered with snow, has not snowed much today. Letter and field post card from Chris. His wound's going on very well, talks of soon going back to the fighting line. I bullet that got him, a soft lead one about twice the size of an ordinary rifle bullet. After it had gone through his cheek and out under his ear, in his neck and out of his back it went in his canteen and a tin jam that was inside it and that's where he found the bullet in what was left of them. Most wonderful he was not killed. Susie brought down a note from Len to say he was sorry about Chris. Poor old Chris his back and cheek are healing alright, but his neck is not doing very well as he said in George's letter, has had to have it lanced twice. Dad and Mary also had a letter each this morning, he had also heard from Len. Chris has lost another mate and has got 4 photos belonging to him, his sister, mother, brother and his girl."
- Sunday 19th March 1916: "Nice post card from Teddy. The Mistle thrush has her nest in the garden again this year in the next tree this time, makes 7 times she has built there and I wonder if it is the same bird. Len came in, the three Little Court farmers and Kate and Norman to tea. I wrote to Teddy and sent him Chris's letter and card."
- Thursday 6th July 1916: "Guns very heavy. Posted letter to Teddy."
- Friday 14th June 1916: "Fine haying."
- Sunday 16th June 1916: "Teddy's birthday, somewhere on the march between Seal and Canterbury. Came on to rain about 4 o'clock."
- Wednesday 19th July 1916: "Teddy just had a 30 miles march from Seal to 2 miles out of Canterbury. First day from Sevenoaks to Maidstone, 18 miles, slept in schools alright. Next day pouring with rain to Charing, 18 miles, slept in the open fields pouring all the time. Then started again next day and marched 20 miles and got to Canterbury. They are now at Old Park in huts. I have sent his cake and a letter today. He had my birthday card at Maidstone. Letter from Mrs Hunt."
- Tuesday 15th August 1916: "Letter from Teddy coming this week end also card by same post to say he is made L/Sergeant. Letter to Dad from poor old Chris. I am very pleased about Teddy. Chris's letter dated July 21st."
- Wednesday 18th October 1916:- "Letter from Teddy. 1st class shot and 5 marks over. Going back to Canterbury Friday. I sent him some apples etc.. Teddy disappointed as his gun exploded so he don't know what he might have got, its hard luck."
- Wednesday 29th November 1916: "Alice sent Mary's boots. I wrote to her and sent Bonnet. Mary and D.P. came from shop about 8 o'clock brought news that Charly Wood was dead. He had trench foot first and was going back when he got wounded in 6 places by shrapnel."
- Monday 18th December 1916: "Teddy went Rabbiting down at Wilson's, got home about 3. Queenie down. Rained."
- Sunday 18th March 1917: "Fine day. Eddy and us looked for violets in garden, could not find any and we have generally had them. Hear the Zeps dropped bombs at Winchelsea and Lydd. Teddy went back by 8 o'clock bus. Goes to Brentwood tomorrow. (No 240541 Sgt Tritton E.H., 2/5 Buffs No 9 Squad, Southern Army School of Instruction)."
- Friday 4th May 1917: "Got up this morning to find that George Thomas's ferret that dad had got here, got out in the night and had killed 10 Buffs Chickens and the hen with them and 2 more hens one with chicken and one sitting on eggs and a pigeon. Letter from teddy and he has strained the muscles of his right leg and run the bayonet in his right shin bone. Can't walk poor old Ted done it I think when they were trenching. Alice sent her photo to Marg. Letter from Mrs Gower. I wrote to Teddy."
- Friday 25th May 1917: "Post card from Aunt Pat. Air raid, I counted 15 German Aeroplanes and the noise they made. They looked like white birds and we could hear the bombs drop. Some in Bond st and Christchurch Rd Ashford and two at Merstham and no end at Folkestone. Killed 76 and 174 injured nearly all at Folkestone, 10 in one shop and 14 injured, three of the aeroplanes were shot down at Dunkirk."
- Wednesday 30th May 1917: "I wrote to Teddy, a letter from Chris to Teddy I sent on."
- Thursday 21st June 1917: "Spudding till dinner time then came on to rain, could not go again till 3, so stayed till 5.30. heard that Arch Dryland is killed and that Lil Thornby's husband is wounded, don't think Mr Pestill is killed."
- Sunday 19th August 1917: "Letter came from Teddy from Chris. Went to Barham and Jim Parsons sent it on here. So Aggie wrote a note and sent it to Teddy and Mary biked up and caught post."
- Thursday 23rd June 1917: "Letter from Aggie. G's father died at 5am."
- Wednesday 22nd August 1917: "Letter from Teddy, went on a course of Rifle Grenades, Monday. Finish Saturday then Sunday going to Hounslow gym for a fortnights gym course and on Sept 21st going on a course of Machine guns. I went to Sellindge. He was very bad. I wrote to Teddy.
- It isn't the thing you do dear,
- It's the thing you leave undone,
- That gives you a bit of a heartache,
- At the setting of the sun.
- The flower you did not send dear,
- The kind word you did not speak,
- The letter you did not write,
- Are your haunting ghosts tonight.
- Wednesday 31st October 1917: "Queenie down. Jenny down, brought spudding and haying money.. I went to 6 o'clock service, wrote to Chris. Big air raid before about 11.30pm, the gun barrage was wonderful, the shells wizzed through the air at the Gothas. A lot of shrapnel fell, thought a piece fell in the garden but could not find it, it was moonlight as day."
- Monday 12th November 1917:- "3 years today dear old Teddy joined up, and the war don't looks no more like ending than it did then. The longest three years I have ever known, and three years last August dear old Chris went. Seems that Mrs Marshall happened to tell Mrs Harris that a shell was in Weekes's orchard and there really is a set out, no one seems to have known it, just seen the Super go by and another policeman. I don't think Weekes wanted the orchard dug about but I expect it is a live shell. I went to Kate's. Letter from Teddy. At 5.30pm about 18 soldiers have come to the Paddocks. Its taken over by the military."
- Tuesday 20th November 1917: "Sir Stanley Maud dead, one of best commanders out in Mesopotamia. Sent 6 pigs in kept small one for Mr Barton. Better morning. Laura in. Pigs weighed just over 30lb each at 18s a score, so fetched 27s each."
- Friday 25th January 1918: "Letter from Len. Very nice day. Jack B & Lydia in, J to say goodbye as they are going from the Paddocks tomorrow to Ashford for a few days then to Rye and then to Se-- and then over I expect but whether here or there they have to go where the Government sends them. I hope those that have not joined up think and see that those who have are giving the best years of their life when they could be looking out for themselves and will come back undermined in health, that they are doing it to keep England and those that have not joined up safe and saddest of all are those that will never come back but are in a lonely grave with no one near at the last for one word or to give one word of comfort or to hear one last wish. Who thought it was for a death like that that the mothers of England were rearing her children. Three long years of war and all its horror and still it goes on."
- Saturday 23rd February 1918:- "Letter from Teddy thrown out at Smeeth asking on envelope that whoever picked it up if they would deliver it or post it. It was posted at Aldrington so some one done it, so poor old Teddy went through Smeeth some time last Thursday night. My letter to Teddy at Crowborough returned."
- Monday 25th February 1918: "Letter from Teddy from France, got wet through going over. A very, very rough journey, went straight in a lorry and to where he wrote from, only going to stay there a day and so as can't send any address. I went to Kate's. Mary had a letter from Nell."
- Tuesday 26th February 1918: "Letter from Teddy with his address in France (7th Batt Buffs, B.E.F. France). I was so pleased, now I can write to him. He has been so good in writing it is jolly thoughtful of him, I expect he knows I should worry but he could not send an address till today. I have wrote and registered it, do hope he gets it."
- Tuesday 5th March 1918: "Letter from Teddy, he had a 20 hours train ride to where he is about as far from here as he could be in France, still with the same lot."
- Wednesday 6th March 1918: "Saw in The Daily Mail that the Germans have been having a lot of raids where we think poor old Teddy is, do hope he is safe, sent him a letter today, wrote to Chris."
- Sunday 10th March 1918: "I wrote to Chris and Teddy to ask Teddy about the Dayfield Body Shield, price 32s 6d by post to British Isles, 1s extra to the B.E.F., France 2s 6d extra, can be seen at all London stores and military outfitters or may be had direct from Whitfield Manufacturing Co Ltd, 5 Vernon House, Sicilian avenue, Southampton Row, London WC1 (wrote for illustrated Book of Testimonials ) It is worn under tunic, protects back and front, weight 53/4lbs, size 17 + 12."
- Thursday March 14th 1918: "Letters from Teddy he put all my letters on the day he wrote, the 9th, which was the first mail he had had. He had 10 letters and one P.C.. Its nice weather out there, when he wrote but had snow last week. He writes very cheerful has a lot of Rum about 9 and Ned Andrews says they don't have that unless something extra is on. He sent the letter he had from Chris. I am sending it to Aggie. I sent Ted a writing pad small one by return as they can't get anything up where they are, not before thay go back to rest, I wrote to Ted . Mary wrote to him and to Dora and dad posted them before post time. I sent Mr Lockyears card."
- Sunday 17th March 1918: "Very nice day. U Ted and Queenie down after tea. I wrote to Chris and Teddy, Mary got a new silver and blue hat."
- Monday 18th March 1918: "Chris's birthday J & I finished papering his and Ted's bedroom. Jenny just called in. Kate and Norman down. I had a letter from Teddy, dated 13th in one of the green envelopes to tell me not to worry if I don't hear from him for two or three weeks as he may be in a place where he cannot write. He may get one or two through if he's lucky. Wants me to explain to Aggie. He has also met Charly Thornby, he's a stretcher bearer in C company in that Batt. Teddy has met some chaps he knows and some that were with Nutty when he got hit. He will get our letters just the same up there so we can keep writing. I wrote to Aggie. Mary wrote Aggie, Nell Eva."
- Monday 25th March 1918: "Dry but a very cold up hill wind. Letter from Aggie. I went to 8.30 communion Mother's Union only 12 there. Saw in todays paper where the Buff's are praised and said which adds another page of glory to their records. Lucie and Bert down, Mary better. It looks as if the Buffs are where the battle is fiercest."
- Thursday 28th March 1918: "Field card dated 25th March from Teddy and being sent to the Base. Mary and I went to Ashford but it came on wet before we got far and worse when we got there so Mary is staying the night at Roses. They can't do Teddy's watch anywhere I tried. I wrote to Alice. Teddy had got my letter dated 13th March so as not got parcel as that and a letter was sent 14th. Spec of Smeeth to guard bridges tonight, its thought a lot of soldiers going through."
- Monday 1st April 1918: "Post card from hospital in France from Officer in charge dated 28th. Letter also from France from Teddy to Dad all about the battle dated 30th March from Southampton and my word he has been through something. 25 of them got taken prisoners and Ted and 9 more escaped and the first regiment they got to was the 7th Queens and he fought there (after they had some food and got rigged out again) for a day and a half. Then poor boy got hit on the head, it crumpled his tin hat and got a wound in his head. When he came to himself he was smothered in blood. They had been in the trench a week and were expecting relief and instead of that the German's came, he was wounded on the 23rd and then had to get to the dressing station himself. Then had to clear out as the Germans were still advancing, sent to the base and then to England. Mary and Aggie been to Ashford, a run in the bus. Came home by 6 o'clock. Alice came up in afternoon but could not stop as her sister and a friend were home. I packed up Teddy's parcel so as Aggie can post and register at Tonbridge as he will get it quicker."
- Thursday 4th April 1918: "A wet morning so Rose has not come. Letter from Teddy going on well, is in a room with 11 others, are able to get up out of bed and dress each other for they are mostly head and arm cases. (D3 Ward, 3rd western general hospital, Newport, Monmouth, Wales.) Ted's wound is on left side of crown of his head. Also letter from Aggie and Aunt Pat. I wrote to Teddy and enclosed dad's he wrote last night, also told Teddy about Chris."
- Saturday 6th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy from Newport and one from France dated 27th March been delayed somewhere. He was wounded at 1.30pm on the 23rd March 1918. News came in one of the green envelopes, also letter from Aunt Alice, Madge and letter Norman been bad went up to Fred's boys gone in to Roses. Queen heard from Teddy."
- Sunday 7th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy. Can't write much as the nurse won't let him. His wound has affected his eyes a bit. Jenny also heard."
- Wednesday 10th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy to dad. His eyes are very queer and his head is worse than he says, I am sure of that. I sent letter by return. A wet day again. I wrote to Chris. Queenie in. I and Mary went to church. I called at Laura's. Marj sent Aggie photos."
- Thursday 11th April 1918: "Postcard from Teddy. He is moved to another hospital. (Ward 3B Block, Aux Military Hospital, Griffithstown, Monmouth, Wales.) I wrote him a short letter and enclosed the letter Dad wrote last night. They are very clever with his eyes at this hospital. It is right up in the hills, heard that Tom Hooker is dead. Charly Thornby has written home to say Teddy is a prisoner. U Frank came. Been to Mary's father's funeral."
- Monday 15th April 1918: "Letter and postcard from Teddy. One eye is almost better and the other still a dud but the doctor says when the nerve gets better he thinks it will come right. I heard that Ted Spice is missing. Posted Teddy's parcel and Chris's letter, a cold windy day."
- Friday 19th April 1918: "Cold and windy, showers of snow. Letter from Teddy. Eyes getting better. A telegram sent in a Registered letter from London from Chris. He was gazeteered Good Friday, I called at Laura's. Mr Sheer died of wounds."
- Saturday 20th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy, eyes getting on well. I wrote to teddy and enclosed note that he wrote last night and sent Telegram and a letter that came here this morning for Teddy from Chris, posted all at dinner time, wrote and told Chris and Alice. Letter from rose. 3 rabbits from Mrs Hopkins."
- Tuesday 30th April 1918:- "Washed curtains etc, took bags for carrots to Kate's. Letter came for Teddy from a Mrs Axtell asking Ted about his son Sam as he went to France with Teddy and they have not heard from him since the battle of the 21st, so I sent it on and also wrote to Mrs Axtell, 53, Mount Pleasant Rd, London, N15."
- Monday 13th May 1918: "Dreadful wet morning. Teddy walked in about 1pm. Marj was just making dinner so I soon got him some. He looks very thin and we think worn. After tea Teddy went to Court Farm. Then took Barney home and saw Ted and Laura."
- Tuesday 14th May 1918: "Letter from Jim Parsons wanting to know about Teddy. He heard he was dead, then heard he was wounded. Teddy went and saw Queenie."
- Monday 19th May 1918: "Heard there were 4 bombs dropped at Westen hanger and a lot in London Sunday night. D. Addy got a daughter. Dora P down. Teddy went to station with Aggie to catch the 7.20 train, saw Alice then Teddy went by 12 bus to Ashford. So has to go by train to Shoreham. Very hot."
- Monday 22nd July 1918: "Letter from Teddy. (Hut 3, J company, Eastern Command Depot, Shoreham By Sea, Sussex). Had to give up Gym because of his head. Letter from Aggie and Rose. I wrote to Teddy and Aunt Alice."
- Wednesday 31st July 1918: "Letter from Teddy, his head seems very queer. He may come home on Friday. I wrote to him, also to Aggie."
- Saturday 3rd August 1918: "Men started at 3s 3d per week. Letter came for me that I ought to have had Thursday from Teddy. Miss Edwards came with Telegram for Ted about dinner time to tell him Aggie was coming. Dorothy came about 3.30pm. Ted went to Doctors by 5.30 bus, home by 8.40."
- Monday 4th August 1918: "Bank Holiday, a wet day. Teddy and Aggie gone by 5.30 bus to pictures. Mary gone with Dorothy part of way to station, then to Woman's Club and Miss Hammon brought B. Ted and Aggie came back by 8.40 bus. Air raid on after they got home. Marjorie home a little first."
- Tuesday 5th August 1918: "Aggie went by 7.20 train. Nice morning, but cold. Teddy got back from station about 9, then packed his own things up. Went to station on Mary's bike. He had just started when Mr & Mrs Frank Philpot biked along and she asked which of the boys it was and asked if he was going up the line. It seems dreadful here now Ted has gone again. I wish he could have stayed longer as he is very far from being well. Jenny down."
- Tuesday 20th August 1918: "Letter from Teddy, been written since last Thursday. Teddy walked in with Marj tonight. Has heard nothing about Harold. Got to go to Crowborough (A2 Hut C Company, 4th (K) Buffs, Crowborough, Sussex) as thinks he is going to an O.T.C. Have marked him B2, but he is far from well."
- Sunday 11th September 1918: "Fine day but cold. Letter from Teddy, they would not grant him leave as they are on the move. Sgt M Hardyman gone on his draft leave, he volunteered for France. Letter from Brother Frank. Dorothy and Gwen down in afternoon."
- Tuesday 15th October 1918: "Letter from Teddy. I wrote to him. A dance on to night for soldiers, the first this year, for soldiers parcels. I wrote to Aggie. Went to Court Farm called at Harry's and Queenie's. Frank and Marj gone to dance."
- Sunday 3rd November 1918: "Poured hard all day, so Alice did not come. Frank's Frank called in afternoon. Marj came in. Letter from Teddy, Aggie, Mr Bennet and Nutty. I wrote to Chris and Teddy. Just heard That Mr Rogerson is dead."
- Saturday 9th November 1918: "Letter from Teddy. Bill Ward is dead. Sid Thornby home. Letter from Nutty. I wrote to Teddy, Marj posted it with Frank at dinner time. Teddy says Major Ben Buss has died from wounds received in battle that Chris was in, had an eye shot out and is going to be buried at Horsmonden that day Wed 6th November. Kate Bean married today at Ashford."
- Monday 11th November 1918: "Rather damp. Postcard from Nutty, went to Tonbridge Sunday. News came through that it's peace at last. I went to Kate's."
