John_Hartley Posted 29 December , 2005 Share Posted 29 December , 2005 As tonight's news brings the surprising revelation that, in late December, there is snow in Britain (shock...horror), I offer you the War Diary extract from 2/South Lancashire for 2/3 August 1917 2/8 - “Still raining heavily. Battalion in same position endeavouring to “dig in” – a most difficult and almost impossible task owing to the awful state of ground and the harassing effect of the sustained hostile shelling. All ranks in a deplorable condition being sodden with rain and mud. Considerable difficulty in getting up rations and supplies, the state of the ground and the constant shelling rendered movement both difficult and hazardous. Shortly after midnight, a party of about 20 men were sheltering on the westerly side of the Battalion HQ dug-out, when a shell landed in the middle of them and killed the whole party.” 3/8 - "“Still raining heavily. Battalion still in same position which by this time was damnable. Men in a deplorable condition, many of them up to their knees and waists in water and mud and quite unable to move about. Intermittent shelling by enemy. Casualties killed – Lt Castle and 14 Other Ranks”. Stockport lost a man each day. Sorta puts it in perspective. Innit. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 29 December , 2005 Share Posted 29 December , 2005 Hi John, When I read things such as this I can only wonder at the strength of the human spirit !!!! It certainly makes me feel like a feeble human being when having a day out with the family today, I didn't stop moaning about the B***dy cold weather !!!!!!!!!! Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurel Sercu Posted 29 December , 2005 Share Posted 29 December , 2005 John, But for these men in Flanders today was a winter's day ... Aurel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaymen Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 Sorta puts it in perspective. Innit. J John Certainly does mate. Aurel Smashing photo - thanks Glyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 Hi Aurel, That really is a lovely photo !! Which cemetery is it please ? Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_J Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 Ramparts Cemetery in Ieper I think. Aurel - great photo......once more. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozzie Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 It certainly makes me feel like a feeble human being when having a day out with the family today, I didn't stop moaning about the B***dy cold weather !!!!!!!!!! Cheers Tim. We are forecasted to have 43 degrees C tomorrow. Beautiful photo, Aurel Cheers Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Hartley Posted 30 December , 2005 Author Share Posted 30 December , 2005 Cracking photo, Aurel. I particularly like the backlighting and the shadows. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurel Sercu Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 Correct, Ramparts Cemetery (Lille Gate), Ypres. And a view from across the Ramparts. Aurel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurel Sercu Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 And one more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 Hi Aurel, These really are excellent photo's. Very many thanks for posting them !! Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swizz Posted 30 December , 2005 Share Posted 30 December , 2005 Beautiful photos Aurel - I'd like to add my thanks for posting them. Swizz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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