Reference
Z1706/1
Title
'My Experience of the War from 22nd September 1914 to 16th May 1915'
Date free text
1915
Production date
From: 1915 To: 1915
Scope and Content
Written whilst recovering from injury on the K. E. Ward at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Norfolk. Dedicated to Nurse Hipkin. The reminiscence recounts Robinson's service with the British Expeditionary Force.
'My Experience' starts with the departure from Southampton on the 4th September 1914 and arrival at Zeebrugge Port and march to Ypres where Robinson and his battalion were ordered to dig defences. Discusses attacks by Germans and counter attacks on 31st October 1914 which occurred heavy losses, including loss of all officers except Captain Foss the Adjutant.
Recounts another attack on 17th December at [?Fleurbaix] and mistaken early advancement of the Warwick Regiment resulting in heavy losses of men. Also mentions truce agreement with German troops over Christmas in order to be able to bury men.
Robinson also wrote about his experience of the Battle of Neuve-Chappelle, rests at Estaires and movement to Aubers Ridge. Recounts digging trenches behind Festubert during the first week of May 1915. The last pages of Robinson's reminiscence discuss an advance on the 16th May 1915 which resulted in Robinson being wounded by shell, once recovered by stretcher bearers Robinson was taken to Béthune for medical attention and then moved to Boulonge where he was transported back to England and taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
Level of description
item