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In
Memoriam P.N.J.C.
Letters
Written on Active Service
“As
gentle and as jocund, as to jest
Go
I to fight”
For
private circulation only
Printed
in Great Britain
by the Riverside Press Limited, Edinburgh
List
of Illustrations.
2nd
Lieut. P.N.J. Christie at Sandhurst
1917 – Frontispiece [see top of page]
At
Eton, 1912 – Facing page
20 [see top of page]
The
1st Bedfords marching
to Church Parade in France
1917. From a War Office Film – Facing page 56 [see
below]
“Paul
Norman Jones Christie, the elder son of Major and Mrs. O.F. Christie,
came from Bengeo School
to Eton (Mr. Hugh de Havilland’s
house) in the Lent Half, 1912. He not only took Fifth Form, but
had a fund of general information beyond his school work. He showed
some promise at play; but one holidays a severe accident permanently
injured his knee, and made most games out of the question. In 1915
he was a good Captain of the House; for his obvious wish to do well,
and the modesty at which he rated his own very considerable ability,
made everyone fond of him. In the ordinary course of events he would
have been in Sixth form; but, determined to play his part in the
war, he left before his time. It looked at first as if his injured
leg would keep him out of the fighting, but he would never agree
that this was possible. By sheer pluck he went through all the Sandhurst
training, except the long runs, and passed out high on the list.
He was gazetted to the Bedford Regiment,
and in July went to join his Battalion in France,
where he fell in action on October 9th.
A
boy so unusually well informed, with his quiet but keen sense of
humour, was sure to do well. The night before he fell, he had been
selected, as his Colonel wrote, ‘for a particularly difficult
job – marching by night with a compass’. ‘So full
of promise, quiet and trustworthy’ was the soldier’s
verdict, as it is that of those who knew him here, and who will
long miss the friend, ever loyal, cheerful and plucky.”
Eton
College
Chronicle, November 22, 1917.
“Then
shall the dust return to earth as it was;
And
the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
The
boy goes on his brief campaign
Good
luck until we meet again”,
With
heart unconquerably gay
With
heart full of steel, he goes away.
From
bivouac and trench to fight
His
brave young spirit wins delight,
And,
mindful of his home so dear,
Sends
homeward messages of cheer.
Limping
himself on weary road
He
shares his comrade’s heavy load,
Ne’er
fails the banter on his lip
Ne’er
fails the faithful fellowship.
I
turned, my Officer was gone,
‘Twas
a great shock to everyone.”
So
soon is broke the golden bowl,
So
soon to God returns the soul.
The
valiant dust in dust is laid,
The
soul unstained that God has made
To
God returns. He courage calm
Inspired;
He nerved the stripling arm.
Page
9
Isolation
Hospital R.M.C.
5th
March 1917
Dear
Mummy
You
will see from the address I have succumbed to mumps at last and
am in a Ward with Bilton and Hunter Blair. At present I am on the
slop diet with hopes of fish in the near future. Please thank Daddy
for the cheque and say I am quite alright for cash. There are few
chances of spending anything while cooped up in the R.M.C. and even
fewer in hospital.
[Comment;
“R.M.C. is the Royal
Military College
at Sandhurst]
Page
10
Isolation
Hospital
March
1917
Dear
Daddy
The
third stage of mumps is the most unpleasant, as when you eat you
have first to negotiate the jawbone, which is apt to be unpleasant,
and then the swallowing which is more so. However, now I am nearly
normal and expect to be quite so tomorrow. I am sorry to say there
have been two deaths here, one from Spotted Fever and one from Pneumonia;
Champernowne of E Company and late of R.S. Kindersley’s, an
awfully decent fellow, was up to Lyttleton with me and used to stroke
the eight.
I
have put in for the Bedfords, Essex and Worcesters in that order.
Why not take a commission in the Frosties? Otherwise when
we meet you would have to spring rather smartly to attention which
would be rather a jar! Do you see the “Strength of Britain”
stunt in the papers? “The Spectator” seems great on
it. What maniacs some writers are!
Page
11
R.M.C.
April
17th 1917
Have
just got Daddy’s letter to say you were in the Nursing Home.
I am so sorry to hear that you had to have an operation, but very
glad to hear you are going on all right now. It as awfully thoughtful
of you to think about my exams. Isn’t it topping about the
British advances at Arras?
10,000 Boches and 40 guns, they can’t say that was
voluntary.
It
has appeared in orders that we are not to be inoculated till we
join our regiments, which means sick leave if managed tactfully.
If I pass all right I expect to leave this Asylum on the 30th,
in time for the last of the Plum Puddings (if so be it be kept till
eventide) for rumour has it that the Dook [sic; Duke] of Connaught
inspects us on that day.
Page
12.
R.M.C.
April
1917
Thank
you very much and Dad for the beautiful watch. It keeps perfect
time so far (but wait till I begin progging about in the “innards”).
I passed the medical alright and I think the exams. Anyway I have
got 640 out of 1,000 for the outdoor field training which I feared
most. We have had rather a strenuous week with Battalion training,
which means trekking out six miles or so in full equipment, i.e.
packs, haversacks, water bottle, entrenching tools and handles thereof,
both ammunition pouches, bayonet and rifle, and then do a scheme
– outposts, rearguards, etc. and “so home in the cool
of the evening”. This morning we rehearsed for the Dook [sic;
Duke] and tonight we do “night ops”.
Page
13.
R.M.C.
25th
April 1917.
Dear
Mummy
No,
the M.O. (a stranger) did not examine my knee but remarked that
there was something odd about my hips – lopsided – and
I told him why and he said “Oh!” but did not make further
enquiry … I have Passed Out and will not be at G.C. much longer.
Already stars and things are floating around on overcoats etc. also
weird and wonderful equipment, weighing about 14 tons (roughly).
I do not know about the Bedfords
for certain yet.
[Comment;
“M.O.” is the Medical Officer, “Passed Out”
means he completed his Officer training and the “Stars”
refers to the Officer pips he received when he became a 2nd
Lieutenant]
Page
14.
3rd
Beds., Landguard.
17th
May 1917
Dear
Daddy
Thanks
awfully for your letter and Mummy for hers. I am off for a Lewis
Gun course at Grantham on Saturday which ought to be interesting
though I am not much of a hand at machinery … Last Thursday
“War Stations” sounded, so we had to man the local redoubts
and trenches. “D” [comment;
D Company, which Paul was in at the time] is nearly all specialists
so our parade consisted of seven Officers, one C.S.M., two Sergeants,
and 20 rank and file! I was seventh in command of a redoubt with
fifty men. The responsibility was terrible.
Love
to Mummy, so glad she is sleeping better.
Page 15.
Harrowby Camp, Grantham
June 1917.
Dear Mummy
Well, here I am among the machine gunners
at last after a cross country journey … At Ipswich, or maybe
March, I fell in with a Colonel going on a senior officer’s
course, who very kindly stood me lunch … In this mess there
are, at a moderate reckoning, 200 Officers. Luckily, the ante room
and mess room are commodious! Some of the Machine Gunners are a
queer lot – curiously enough, they all speak Irish or North
Country, but that may be the effect of (a) the gun,
(b) the Grantham air. Which brings me to Grantham:- As a place of
amusement it surpasses Felixstowe, having a theatre Royal and no
barbed wire.
P.S. I hope the insomnia is now quite
all right again.
Pages 16 and 17.
3rd Beds. Regiment, Landguard
June 1917.
Dear Mummy
As Kipling would say, “Back to
the Army again, Sergeant”. Many changes have taken place here
since I left. Kerr is on a bombing course, Gilbertson also remains
and is now Lord High Bomber of the Battalion [comment; presumably
the Bombing Officer?]. Collett is still here, though being passed
G.S., and is now available fore active service … Talking of
that horrible animal, the Boche, we had Field Marshal’s warning
last night at 10.15; at 12 a false alarm that the second warning,
which means all turn out, had gone, and at the disgusting hour
of 3.30am we had to turn out as the Zepps [comment; Zeppelins]
were over us. However, the Archibalds were in great form and numbers
and made the night horrible (especially for one Zepp.) so much so
that she burst into flames to the accompaniment of joyous hoots
from R.M. Trawlers and cheering from the 3rd Beds. who
did see something for their nights sleep; it was a gorgeous sight,
though, I believe, some way off.
Have you had any tennis lately? There
is some chance of a four here, but we have not much energy in this
“swelt” after parades; bathing is more to the point,
and I had a topping bathe yesterday, the water was quite warm.
Page 18.
Landguard, Felixstowe.
Dear Evelyn
I don’t think I have written
to you since I left Eastbourne
so here goes. On the 26th of last month I left this hole
for Grantham on a Lewis Gun course wherein I passed 6th
out of 48 (applause). Thereupon I took a week’s leave and
have now rejoined the Beds., where we are in the midst of air alarms
and excursions … By the way I may be going out any time now
I am over age and fit so don’t be surprised to hear so. How
are you getting on at Ranny’s? Write and tell me all the latest
news and scandal, as life is rather boring here …
Page 19.
July 1917.
Dear Mummy
Here I am in La Belle France
after a calm crossing with no trouble from U Boats or natural sources.
The cabalistic letters will find me alright but “for your
information” I.B.D. equals Infantry Base Depot and A.P.O.
equals Army Pay Office.
I travelled in a most luxurious Pullman
from Victoria, attendants prowling round with refreshments etc.,
also French notes which I received at 27 Francs the large Bradbury
… I expect to stay here a week or two before joining the First
Battalion.
Page 20.
19th I.B.D., B.E.F.
Dear Phil
Ici je suis dans France at
what they call a Base Depot though where I may not say. I arrived
on Monday evening (25th) having spent Sunday night at
the Grosvener near Victoria catching the 7.50 leave train down and
the 11.20 boat from Folkestone – quite a calm journey with
point des contremps internals …I got Eve’s rather
ancient letter pour laquelle mes plus beaux remerciments (observe
my fluent flow of parleyvoos) … I had a letter from Sylvia
who made one very sage remark “perhaps you will see Watts
at the front or perhaps you will be somewhere in quite a different
part.” … Love to Eve.
Yours affectionately, Paul
P.S. Have you heard of the sad demise
of my Lord the Earl of Murray owing to his unfortunate wish to ascend
to the throne?
[Comment added presumably by Paul’s
father:]
Paul was always singing:
“They’ve slain the Earl
of Murray
Because he would be King”
Page 21.
17th I.B.D., B.E.F.
Dear Daddy
Still at the base where people keep
coming and going … Baker and Dodgson remember you well, also
J.F.C., and ask to be remembered to you … It has turned vilely
cold and wet. I have so far resisted the temptation of abluting
clad in a shirt as some are apt to do … We go out daily for
training and practice in crater fighting and other warlike arts.
I put in some particularly deadly work with my revolver the other
day, which bodes ill for any Hun who is so ill advised to depart
from the Kamerad tradition.
Page 22.
17th I.B.D., B.E.F.
July 8th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Laughton has just left for the First.
I expect orders to “hold myself in readiness” any time
now, meanwhile life is very quiet, barring violent thunderstorms
through which I sleep peacefully … Hitch has just come out
again; he is soon off to the 6th Battalion … By
the way you might put my racquet in the press if not deja ici;
of course use it if it is wanted.
Page23,
July 4th 1917.
Dear Mummy
In answer to questions – I sleep
on my valise and very well too. I wash in a bucket; but whether
the First Beds are in line or are in rest billets now, I may not
say even if so be I could … There are o specialist courses
at the base, only general training; I think I know as much about
bombing as most people, ce qui n edit pas beaucoup certainement
… Tell Daddy the only flaw I can find in his Virgil tag is
the “Meminissi” which is rather weak, but not so bad
as the “jubavit” of J.F.C.
Page 24.
First Beds. Regiment, B.E.F.
July 11th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Tomorrow I am off up the line taking
with me what the Adjutant is pleased to call a “small draft”
to join the first Battalion. I hear the Boches on their sector are
absolutely demoralised at the prospect and “Kamerade”
drill is being practiced daily … I was Depot Orderly Officer
yesterday – a dull job and early rising for the Mess breakfast
at 6am. Don’t be anxious if you don’t hear often in
the future as I may be busy with the Boche and other things. I will
write whenever possible though.
Pages 25 and 26.
First Beds., B.E.F.
July 15th 1917
Dear Daddy
Yes please send Kiplings to the above
address. No I was in tents at Calais.
Fancy [blanked by censor] being an M.P. I admit I thought better
of him than to be a myrmidon of the A.P.M. You seem to have had
some excitement with the aeroplanes … “Going up the
line” seems a longish job. I started from I.B.D. about midday
on the [blanked by censor]th and arrived at [blanked by censor].
Rest Camp by rail about 7. Starting the next morning, our train
meandered gently across France
eastward, arriving at [blanked by censor] Company’s Rest Camp
at [blanked by censor] about 2 where we stayed the night. There,
being the only Officer I was put in charge of the drafts for the
Division in addition to the Bedfords
which I brought from I.B.D., and the whole boiling left at the ghastly
hour of 5am (really 4am) for this place, a distance of about 12
miles, varied by thunder storms. Luckily our packs and things were
transported. Here at [blanked by censor] we are in billets, at least
I am with the Town Major, and the men, poor devils, are in barns
of a sort. My landlord is a refugee from Arras
and can understand my French and I generally his. When I don’t
I find a colloquial Ah ca? or Ah Ca! will carry me
on very well. Tomorrow we trek on about seven miles to [blanked
by censor] where my gang is taken over by various units.
Pages 27 and 28.
First Beds., B.E.F.
20th July 1917
Dear Mummy
Please address all letters now to First
Battalion which I have reached at last after wandering for about
a week across France.
I am looking forward to the Crème de Menthe, pas deja arrive.
I trust the A.P.O. has not snaffled it. Some more of that Rowntree’s
chocolate which Bates sell in half pound tins would be very useful
when we actually get in the line. We are at present technically
at rest, though the nights are occupied by fatigues when we slosh
about slaving for the R.E. My Company Commander Chirmside [comment;
this should read Chirnside as it was William Stuart Chirnside, formerly
of the 5th Battalion] is a very good sort, a pre war
terrier, with a bar to his M.C. [comment; two Military Crosses for
bravery]. Our C.O. is Worrall from the Devons … Our guns had
a nice strafe the other night but of that more anon (much more so).
The guns you heard must have been the Boches’ stunt up north.
I am afraid Ostend
is still intact. Next week we are to have organized “intensive”
games. Contrary to general belief they are not beloved by
“the boys” who like to be left alone at times.
P.S. Thank Phyll. for the letter and
say I will write in due course of post – a safe expression.
Page 29.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
20th July 1917.
Dear Daddy
If you read the gazette in yesterday’s,
the 19th, “Times”, you will find the report
of my Company Commander’s (Chirmside’s) bar to M.C.,
also the D.S.O. of Collings-Wells, the C.O. of the 4th.
Tell Mummy the draft arrived safely, also my valise, although some
evilly disposed blighter turfed it out of the compartment wherein
I had put it and I only saw it as the train was moving. Our fatigues
for the R.E. only take place every other night now owing to a snorter
from Chirmside. Twelve hours or so without food every night
is too much for the men – as it is they get about enough.
There was another gun strafe for Fritz last night when we went up,
resulting in a pretty display of fireworks from the harassed Boches.
There is a very strong rumour in the battalion that peace is a matter
of weeks now. How it arose I know not. So Bengeo beat Northaw, and
Eton Harrow. C’est bien ca. N. and H. are both low
places and beatings do them good. By the way I heard from Quintus
the other day – he seems In good spirits.
Page 30.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
22nd July 1917.
Dear Mummy
Thanks awfully for your letter. No
Crème de Menthe has arrived yet and things begin to look black against
the I.B.D. However dum spiro spero. No herrings thanks at
present. I will let you know when I want anything. I have been appointed
a member of the Mess Committee – not much of a job as the
gourmets and gourmands of the Mess are apt at times
to get restive. I saw an old Bengovian, Captain Musters, when we
exchanged with the Norfolks. He is three or four years older than
me. I rather tactlessly enquired after his minor, a contemporary
of mine also at Hayward’s
who I believe I took out to Leahoe once or twice – he had
been killed in the R.F.C. We are in for a strenuous week, inspections
galore and games and guest nights, of which more anon.
P.S. Tell Phyll. to keep off the remount
stunt – they are quite enough to handle when they are broken!!
Page 31.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
July 25th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Many thanks for the Crème de Menthe
also R.K. The Crème de Menthe arrived yesterday, very good, so I
withdraw my base imputations on the I.B.D. Our respected Brigadier
turned out this morning for a demonstration in smoke tactics when
all went well and fair words were spoken. My Platoon took part in
the demonstration … Yes, you will find me positively bursting
with importance next leave – whenever that will be is doubtful,
at present one Officer and umpteen other ranks go every five days,
but of course it is liable to stoppage at any time. My Platoon Sergeant
goes home for a month on Thursday – he is a time expired
man who came out at Mons,
so deserves it. Has Phyll. decided about the remounts yet? On second
thoughts perhaps they would be safer than motors from my
hair raising experiences at Northbrooks. The battalion scoffed two
M.C.’s, two D.C.M.’s and one bar to Military Medal out
of the Oppe Wood [comment; Oppy Wood] stunt about three weeks ago.
Pas si mal, ne c’est pas? The Postman is e’en
now on the threshold so I must stop.
Page 32 and 33
1st Beds., B.E.F.
July 27th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Thanks awfully for your letter and
the papers. We are going into the line for a bit tomorrow but it
is a very quiet sector I believe at present. Our week of intensive
training and games is now at an end and we now hope for some peace!
You cannot do anything very violent in the line … I hope no
stray bombs came along your way from Stortford. Avant d’oublier
Phyll, mentioned chocolate cake. If obtainable C Company mess
would much appreciate it. We are having Company Officers messing
in the line and all things in common – on peut obtenir
ici cigarettes … Tonight we are for a Brigade Gas bag
march – a form of amusement which I don’t appreciate
at its true value. The other evening the battalion marched into
Arras
to see a concert party yclept “The Duds”. However there
was a hitch and therefore no seats, so the C.O. decided to let them
loose in the town for three hours, much to their joy, from 6 to
9pm. What is more they all turned up on time, a bit lively
certainly and some had to be assisted home, but very creditable
on the whole. The march home was full of melody including “We
are the Bedford Boys”, a variation of which Daddy knows I
think! Well, au revoir and best love to all.
Ever your loving
Paul
Page 34
1st Beds., B.E.F.
29th July 1917.
Dear Mummy
Many thanks for your letter just received
in a certain dugout many feet below the earth where we are all very
happy, though also muddy in the extreme. The offer of chocolate
cake is hereby gratefully accepted if so be on peut l’obtenir.
Was there really a raid on Bishop Stortford? One of my platoon lives
there, by name Everett.
You will be glad to hear that he supports C. and Co. … Well
I will draw to a close, “hoping this finds you as well as
it leaves me at present in the pink” (this is how 50% of the
mens letters close). Best love to all
Ever your loving
Paul
Page 35
1st Beds., B.E.F.
Aug. 1917.
Dear Sylvia
Thanks awfully for your last letter.
I expect Mummy has told you I have been in the trenches for a week
or so and am now about two miles behind the line, but still in trenches
… Don’t hit too many balls dans las riviere.
I may come in for the end of the season though it is very unlikely
indeed. No, non, nein, noski, nope, I did not lose a single
draught on my way up to the war and I spurn the impudent suggestion.
Restez jusqu’a je serai de retour et je donnerai quell
pour.
P.S. Splendid cakes from Phyll. just
arrived. Very best thanks for same.
Page 36.
1st Bedfords
B.E.F.
2nd August
Dear Phyl,
Thanks awfully for your letters …
War in the front line trenches is a damned silly business. You spend
your time wandering up and down unprintably muddy trenches, getting
them nicely drained, floored and revetted, when there comes some
more rain and it is “as you were”. However, the G.O.C.
was pleased with our Battn’s trenches this morning, especially
C Company’s and No. 10 platoons. It is extraordinary how one
comes to disregard the Boche shells; the mud is much more bother,
and if so in August ___? Daddy will call that aposiopesis
I expect ‘’’ Since the last sentence two new Officers
have just turned up making 12 in the dugout, rather a squash. Quelle
matiere? The more the merrier and the less work. I really must
stop now as I must go on duty in the nice trench …
Page 37 and 38.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
August 8th 1917.
Dear Daddy
Thanks awfully for your letter and
Mummy and Sylvia for their last. The Lucanas have not yet arrived,
thanks very much for sending them as also the chocolate and Crème
de Menthe (second issue). We are now back in support after six days
in the line – three in the front line and three in battalion
support, and I am writing this lying on the top in the sun (strictly
against orders) as also sundry C Company’s Officers. Yesterday
I had my first wash for a week and it was good. Shaving I
had to carry on with – rather a curious fact, I should
have thought it the other way round but I found I could stand dirt
much better than face fungus. I have come across a Sergeant whose
name escapes me for the moment, who used to work for C. and Co.,
a young chap with a fair complexion and cheerful nature who came
out with the first batch from Hoddesdon. I expect you know him.
He said he recognized me as soon as he joined, and enquired most
tenderly after different members of the family … We had it
very wet in the line and it was heart breaking work draining after
each storm. Here conditions are much better and one is much less
on the qui vive … I also heard from Granny. She does
not seem to appreciate the latest conscript drafts in training at
Tunbridge Wells [characters inserted here – perhaps Greek?]
and the Lord preserve this battalion from the same. Please excuse
spidery writing as I am feeling sleepy.
Pages 39 and 40
1st Beds., B.E.F.
August 10th 1917.
Dear Mummy
At present we are still in Brigade
support and move further back in a day or two out of the trenches.
However I am for a sniping course at the First Army school and shall
be away about ten days. Rather a treat as it avoids the “intensive”
period of training and games so dear to all here, je ne pense.
Les garcons say they prefer les tranches. Things have
been fairly busy of late, what with inspections by C.O.’s,
Brigadiers, G.O.C.’s etc., in one of which No. 10 platoon
was third. I have not yet heard anything more of the second consignment
of Bates’ goods but suppose they will arrive in time. By the
way those flat cakes of Phylls were particularly good. I heard
the attack on Infantry Hill but it was not quite in our sector …
I find the majority of my platoon come from Luton or Hitchin with
a fair sprinkling of Watford men.
Sergeant ____ who lives near Hatfield, home on leave lately, visited
relatives in Hertford Heath, incidentally possessing himself of
a duck pour les officers from a farm at Hatfield. …
Yes the weather has improved a bit, though we still have to drain.
The condition of my boots an puttees would call forth unfavourable
comments at the R.M.C., I fear me!
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