BMS/CWK/95/21b/8

Envelope containing letter from James William Kaye to his parents and sister Bessie. Sent from 60th Siege Battery, B.E.F.

5 Dec 1918

From: 1918 To: 1918

After 5 days wanderings, has arrived in a battery, and kit has arrived too. Continues description of journey from previous letter. Left Somain and travelled all day, and saw the damage done by the 'Boche', especially to the railway. Got to Mons about 4.00 pm. Got a billet for the night, and explored the town the following morning; describes the town, shops etc. Reported to Corps Headquarters and was posted to 81st Brigade. Started out in a car for Brigade headquarters. Got stuck in mud and had to push the car out. Arrived at Aulnois; 'it seemed a most dreary and forsaken straggling village'. Had tea with the Colonel and other officers. Posted to 60th Seige Battery, based at Quievrain [not to be confused with Quiévrechain, nearby]. Arrived there about 7.45 pm, by use of the Colonel's car; had to pick the way with map and flashlight, and frequently ask for directions. Staying at a chateau in the town - 10 officers all in one house. Had been a fine house, but 2 shells through the roof and one into the cellar have damaged it; some of the upstairs rooms are wrecked. The base is a four gun battery with 6 inch guns, not Howitzers. The officer in charge is Major Everard. Little work to be done. Describes day.

4 sheets

item

Kaye, James William,
British Expeditionary Force

family correspondence, Somain, Mons