Summary
Gwynne returned to France at the beginning of the month. Much of his time was then spent in continuing to meet chaplains. He did this, in part, to ensure that they were able to meet the demands of their posting. During this month, the British were preparing for the battle of Loos. This was to be the first major offensive mounted by the BEF. Initially, it showed signs of success but counter-attacks meant the gains could not be held.
1 September
Last night I travelled down with the intention of arriving at Northwood with the CG. Unfortunately he led me into the wrong train and before I knew where we were we found ourselves on another line to another part of the county. We had to walk about four miles across country and reached home at 8.30 instead of 7.30.
I kept the CG back from his office until 11. I then did some shopping and got a ticket for the saloon to Folkestone. I worked in the office until 1.30 and caught the train at 2 from Victoria. The Prince of Wales travelled across to Boulogne, but I did not recognise him until we reached the other side. Motor met me at Boulogne and I was home again at S. Omer by 8 pm.
2 September
I did a good mornings work in the office this morning and did not return home until nearly 2 o’clock. In the afternoon, as my motor had broken down I walked out as for as the church near the Clairmarais woods and back again. Father Waggett* arrived with a Mr. Bevan from his clearing hospital about 5. After tea I had a go at my letters again with Thorold* and after dinner had a long talk with Waggett* about his work and his desires. Poor fellow he was much cut up when I told him plainly of his failure with the 4th Brigade, but he took it like a man and asked for another chance at the front. I did not get to bed until 12.30
3 September
Waggett* came with us to intercession at our small church here. There was a good number of clergy present and we prayed for our soldiers at the front as well as the sailors on the sea.
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- Publisher: Boydell & BrewerPrint publication year: 2019