J.G. Stennett's War memoirs (1914)

Post date: Jul 15, 2014 11:43:43 AM

The following war memoirs of Sergeant J. G. Stennet, a transcription of the original held in the Imperial War Museum (reference 79/33/1) has a less direct connection with Wateringbury than most items on this site. However, Stennett was wounded early in the war and came to Barham Court hospital, Teston. Many of the men at Barham Court are known to have visited Wateringbury, participating in village events, and the Wateringbury doctor, Dr Southwell-Sander, attended many of them giving his services without charge. In WW1 the many great houses, like Barham Court, so used were provided voluntarily and these was no compulsory requisition.

John Stennett was born in Peterborough in 1891 (so approx 23 years during events described below). After recovering from his wounds he met and married his wife in Northampton. He later served in 1920 in Iraq and died in 1965 aged 74.

On August the 1^st it was said that England would declare war against Germany but this was took as a joke and passed on until we were fully equipt for actual war. This equipment consisted of 1 pr. Boots, 1 shirt, 1 pair socks, housewife [?], pair of slippers, jersey, and holdall complete. 120 rounds of S.A. ammunition, Field service pay book, identify disc, and of course own Rifle and equipment. This was laid out for inspection by the commanding Officer on the 2^nd. After this had taken place we did not think of anything serious and on the 4^th August came the final message at 4 p.m. outside Deepcut Post Office, a notice was posted “War Declared”. Then the General Mobilisation took place and on August the 7^th the first of the reserves arrive from the Depot fully fitted for war: this party consisted of about 200 ; on the 8^th arrive another batch of about 400. These two party rose the strength of the battalion from 1,000 to 1,600 at which strength we went into the field. Everything was ??? old commanders who had not been seen since the time they left the regiment were back with their old pals once again. On the 10^th August at 8 a.m. a route march was ordered and I can honestly say this was the first time I ever carried a full service kit including ammunition. This march was a very small one about 6 miles. The same operations took place on the 11^th but on the 12^th we went to Frimley station where we entrained at 9.30 a.m. not knowing where we were bound for. At 12 noon we found ourselves at Southhampton. Here we detrained and commenced to load our transport and horses on board the S.S. GALERA. These operations were completed about 3 p.m. and I must say she had a good load n board to transport. To see and hear the troops at this stage none would have thought they were going to war for they were singing and laughing as if they were going for a pleasure trip. The boat left Southhampton dock (n4?) at 4 p.m. and wee still in ignorance as to our destination. Evening went smoothly and in the early hours of the morning August 13^th we found ourselves at HAVRE where disembarkation took place and e march top a place about 4 miles away where a camp had been pitched by the French troops. The place is called SANVIL. We remained here for 2 days during which time we received a messages from the King. At 9.45 p.m. on the 16^th we paraded and proceeded to HAVRE station and during this march we passed through a coal yard and the dust was enough to blind us and to make things sweet it was drizzling with rain and the two combined made us look like a battalion of niggers. We steamed from Havre about 11 p.m. and during the journey we passed through the following places ROUEN, AMIENS, ARRAS and ALBERT finally arriving at ETREUX at 8.30 p.m. 17^th Aug where we were billeted in barns for the night. Every where we were received by the French with the greatest enthusiasm. I must mention that at AMIENS the train stopped for an hour and we were given hot rum & coffee and several of us had a wash here. Capt G.M. Bentley was rather late thinking about it and just as he started to wash the signal to move was given and by the looks of him he wetted his hands and had drawn them down his face so as to make look like a back striped one which caused much amusement among the troops you may be shaw [sic]. About 5 a.m. 18^th we left ETREUX and march to ESQUEHERRIES about 15 miles in rain and at this place we remain for 4 days. During our stay here a concert was given and the French people very much appreciated it and the troops in general had a very pleasant time. On the 21^st we left to ESQUEHERRIES and marched to ETROUEN nothing of importance taking place here. Left there about 4 a.m. 22^nd and marched to VILLERS-SIRE-NICOLE passing through AVISNIS and MAUBEGE the later being a very strongly fortified town. This night was the first time we sleep in the open but not the last. On the 23^rd we started about 4a.m. still march in a south-east direction we crossed the Franco-Belgium frontier to ROUVEROY at which place we stopped and prepared for the night getting straw and other things to make ourselves comfortable. Dinner was served at 7 p.m. and everybody was nicely enjoying it when the order was sent around “Get Dressed”. So dinner had to go and we advanced to a place called GIVRY about 2½ miles from MONS. Here we halted and fell out on the side of the road and watched our artillery putting a few w[h]ere they were wanted. About 9 p.m. we advanced about a mile and then began to dig trenches. The Germans soon found out we were some at hand and began to search for us with a search light so ever[y] time the light came in our direction we laid flat on our stomach until it had passed and then we carried on digging so that in the morning we were entrenched. At day break on the 24^th our artillery commenced to their positions from just in rear of us and they returned the fire and their shells bursted just over our trenches and at times it got very warm. At last too warm so at 8 a.m. we were order[ed] to retire and no sooner we got out of the trenches they put up a dozen shells right into them a[nd] blew them to blazes. We returned to ?Gognies where we arrived at 12 noon only to leave again a[t] 6 p.m. and marched to FEIGNIES arriving at 9 p.m. where we billeted for we thought a nights rest but we were woke up at intervals with the idea of Germans getting near. At 5 a.m. 25^th we left FEIGNIES marching all day we passed through HAUTMONT finally arrived at MARBAIX where we encountered German cavalry but nothing exciting took place they were driven back and we remained here until the morning. Early in the morning fighting started and after a short time we started to continue our march nothing in particular took place and we billeted for the night at FAVRIL. The night was very quiet .

[there is a diagram, possibly relating to action described at Givry. ]

We left FAVRIL at 2 a.m. and marched to WASSINGAY arriving about 4.30 a.m. At this place I was detailed for outpost duty properly done. This is where we had a little excitement. One of our cavalry reported that a German Cavalry patrol was advancing in our direction. Capt Parker ordered me to keep a sharp lookout and when in good range to open rapid fire on them. Of course we were all on pins to see them but all at once one of my men pointed 4 of them coming towards us about 600 ^x away at the side of a wood. We laid quiet and waited and when about 300 ^x away they came out into the field in front of the wood and looked to me to be making for it so I gave the order to fire. Three of them fell killed one tried to get back but his horse shot from under him and he decided to give himself up and walk straight to us. Later we went to the other end of the village where “B” Coy were contact with the enemy. “C” Coy reinforced B and the German only being 500^x from us. We inflicted heavy losses on them and captured 5. On August 28^th we marched from Wassingay and continued until 10 a.m. when we halted for 2 hours and during this halt the 12^th Lancers and Scots Greys made a fine charge clearing the place called Thenelles which we had been shelled out the enemy occupied . They caused great slaughter and and I am sorry to say to my knowledge they have not been mentioned for it but they will never be forgotten by the 2^nd Brigade. At 2 p.m. we left THENELLES and retired to RIBEMENT and halted for 2 hours here. The French took the enemy in hand and by all accounts caused a great slaughter. When we resumed this march a corporal of the French army gave every man of “C” Company a cigar. You may guess we looked proper Kruts (?) no wash for about a week or shave and a cigar. This is how we resumed our march and continued until 2 a.m. finally arriving at FRESSECOURT we cover a total distance of 54 mls. Augst 29^th ONE DAY’S REST, and a August 30^th at 3 a.m. we left Fresscourt marching south passing through ST. GOBAIN the enemy having retired after battle with the French. It was at this stage when Lord Kitchener was threatened to withdraw the English owing to a French Generals treachery but he had been shot by the French troops. This was the first time the troops had to give in but they were so exhausted by the heat that Sir Douglas Haig gave the order to halt and to be billeted in village just passed through Anzy-Les-Chateau. Sept 1^st continued march south towards Paris. Halted at Vertes Cartelles at about 11 a.m. for 2 hours. Starting again at 1 p.m. we marched to La FERTES-MILON. At 6 p.m. but were compelled to leave again at 9 p.m. as the enemy were getting uncomfortable close so we moved so as the R.E. ^s could blow up the bridge to check the enemy. By doing this we had the pleasure of a nights rest such as it was.

Sept 2^nd We left LA-FERTES-MILON at 3 a.m. and marching SOUTH-EAST to VERREDDES.

Sept 3^rd Left VERREDDES marching EAST on the road to METZ and marching through ST. JEAN arriving at LA FERTE –SUR-JOUARRE, where a halt of 6 hours was made at this place . Corpl Leach and I scouted a farm house in which we found 4 tame rabbits. Of these we killed & skinned 2 and nicely got them boiling when the order to move as the enemy were very close upon us . So once again we had to move so as the bridge could be blown up. So Cpl Leach and I with our prize in our hands we tracked off but enjoyed our meal when we stopped. We then entrenched to lay wait but were ordered to leave at 6 p.m. We finally arriving at JOURRE at 9 p.m.

Sept 4^th We left JOURRE at 4 a.m. and our Regiment was detailed for escort to the Brigade Transport this day was about the easiest day we had. At 11 a.m. we arrived at LA ROCHE.

Sept 5^th We left LA ROCHE at 2. 30 a.m and marched to BERNAY arriving at 1 p.m. a total distance of 32 kilometers. On arrival “C” Company were detailed for out-post duty. It was during this duty I was ordered to get in touch with the Guards Brigade who were on our left. Starting out in patrol formation we had not gone far when P^te Smitheringale reported he could see a sniper in a field about 300^x to our right front. So we got into open order so that if he fired he would not hit more than one so we carried on until we were within 100 ^x yards of him. Here we halted to watch for a movement but none was forthcoming so we ventured a bit nearer. Of course we were all on thorns and one pof the patrol wanted to have a shot but I thought that if 6 could not tackle one we would give in and so we continued and finally we reached him only to find he had received his allowance of tommies pills. So we left him there but reported what we found.

Sept 6^th . At 8 a.m. we marched from BERNAY to COUPALAY arriving at 9.30 a.m. during this march we passed a horse which had been killd and some one had placed an un-exploded German shell on which was wrote “His Last Souvenirs “ between its legs. We were told on arriving at Coupalay that the enemies strength was 6 Army Corps and that they were enclosed in a semi-circle , so they were forced to retire.

Sept 7^th Left COUPALAY and marched to JOUY-SUR-MORIN, where we arrived at 8 p.m. . Nothing happened of any consequence.

Sept 8^th We had not marched far from JOUY-SUR-MORIN when we came in contact with the enemy at a place called Hinde-Villers where a lively encounter took place and to take my word it was a very warm but our casualties were very small considering, being 20 killed and wounded. The Germans being estimated at between 200 and 300 .

Sept 9^th Holding this position all night we retired at 4.30 a.m. to Rocourt St. Martin arriving at 11 a.m. and again we found ourselves in contact with the enemy and a battle commenced. This was a very hot experience. This lasted until dark . At 5. 30 p.m. the battalion took up out post 2 miles North of ROCOURT –S^T. MARTIN at a place called REMORVOISIN.

Sept 11^th. We left REMORVOISIN at 5 a.m., marching North until we reached COINCY at 3.30 everything was very quite so we were billeted thr first billet since operations started.

Sept 12^th Left COINCY at 6.30 a.m. and still marching NORTH we halted at 11 a.m. for 1 hour. We continued marching at 12 noon. We arrived at MULLER at 6.30 p.m. At this place we were ordered to dig trenches. During these operations it rained and I may mention this was the start of the rain which continued. We had hardly finished these trenches when we were withdrawn and billeted for the night. In the early hours of the morning part of our company were billeted in a barn in which the Germans put a shell killing 4 and wounding 12. This was about the first shot fired on commencement of the Battle of the Aisne.

September 13^th leaving MULLER about 6 a.m. but had only got to the top of the ridge when we halted and told the Germans were just over the other side of the ridge and were entrenched. We laid here until dark. Then we advance about 50 ^x and dug trenches. In the morning the Germans not knowing we were there came out of their trenches thinking they were safe. We waited until a fair number were out to make a good target before we opened fire. Then there was a scatter. I am sorry to say we never had the pleasure of giving them another treat like that. Fighting continued very hard all day and several small attacks were made during the night but all were repulsed.

Sept 14^th The battle commenced at daybreak and became very firce and continued the same all day the losses being heavy on both sides. Our artillery started a bombardment which lasted 3 continual days.

Sept 15 The battle still in full force we were now waiting for the French Army to help us. At 12 noon we had orders to prepare to advance. The Germans were only ?40 ^x from us so we knew it would mean a charge as at 1 p.m. we were in it and we captured their trenches but I am sorry to say at the loss of Captains White & Gordon both killed and to forfeit the position we gained later in the afternoon. In this retirement one of my friends now a prisoner of war P^te P. Beadly was wounded. During the evening we were told that the enemy had retired leaving a strong Rear Guard to hold the position while the main body made their new line strongly fortified. Being in the same position as we were at the beginning of the day we thought of making ourselves comfortable for the night but we were kept busy by the enemy attacking but without result.

Sept 16^th The battle was still in full force . The French army having come up to assist us taking up position on our own extreme left. “B” Company had during the night advanced about 20 or 30 yards and entrenched over the ridge which I may mention was not a very pleasant spot. If you showed your head it was all up as the Germans had some very keen shots on the look-out. At 2 p.m. we received notice that “B” Coy had suffered heavy and that 1 section of “C” Coy would have to reinforce them. I was detail to take NO 2 section. Before going we were told that as soon as we got to the top of the ridge we should come under heavy fire as we should be exposed to the enemy and we must run like (H--) rabbits. So before starting I told each man to look after himself and away we went. I thank the Lord I went first as I was practically in the trenches before they saw what was happening. They sent a shower of bullets across the pice of ground we came over and of course I lost all my men. I was the only one to get to “B” Coy safe. When it was dark I went back over the same ground only to find 12 killed and on arrival to my own Company they told me the other two were wounded. I reported the same to my Company Officers Captain R.B. Parker who already knew. I said I should never get killed after that .

Sept 17^th During the night the French army had moved from our left to the right. With the enemy only ?40^x away one had to be careful how one moved. We were ordered to get ready as we were going to make an attack at 11 a.m. . We started the artillery putting a few in the right place and the troops were sending the bullets to them in good order. This continue until 1.55 p.m. when the order came down the line to advance. We had previously fixed our bayonets for dirty work. We advanced about 20^x and then opened a rapid fire at this stage. The Germans hoisted 5 white flags. We laid still waiting orders. Brigadier General Bullfin was communicated with and sent orders that B & C Companies were to fetch them in. D Company would afterwards occupy the trenches . Under the command of Captain R.B. Parker & Lieut Milne off we went. Until we were within 15 to 20 yards of them everything was A1. Then suddenly the front line of Germans fell flat and a second line open a rapid fire with machine guns and rifles cutting us down like mowing corn. Of 184 which started 8 of us came out, 6 being wounded and two without a scratch and if it had not been for the Queens Royal West Surrey ‘s we should have been prisoners or perhaps done in. But they took them in hand and cut them up in all directions. Then they had the sauce to show the white flag again but the Queens ignored it. During this I received 14 wounds commencing at the spine shattering my right shoulder. The sensation was a shell had bursted very close and I thought a piece of brick had hit me in the back of the neck. Of course I was knock down. The fire was too heavy for me to try and get to the dressing station. I laid still for about 20 minutes then thought I would try and get back. I just manage to get up but was promptly sent down again with another in my back. This put me out for the count. The next I remember was being dressing by the M.O. in a cave just behind the firing line. I remained in this cave until dark and was then moved to a village a few miles away. During this encounter Capt R. B. Parker was killed.

Sept 18^th I was removed by motor to Braines where I received my first proper treatment and this being done by a German M.O. At first I would not let him touch me. He kept saying “Me not hurt you”, me do you goot”. So I gave in and I shall never forget it. He had a bottle Iodine and brush which he done each hole with. Of course this made me groan and set my teeth but I have been told since that it was the best treatment I could have had. I was taken to what was called an Ambulance Train. In England you would have thought it was a cattle train and conveyed to ST. NAZAIRE. Arriving after 3 lovely days agony proceeded to No 4 Base Hospital. This was where I had to sit in a chair and have six bullets extracted. All came out quite easy with the exception of the last . This had been embedded in the bone and as soon as it was extracted my shoulder seemed to fall to pieces. A young M.O. was taking the bullets out whether I was pulling a face or not. I could not say though I was suffering awful pain. The Colonel politely asked the young M.O. why he had not given me an Anaesthetic. After having this done we had dinner served. It consisted 1 pint mug of coca & Bread & Bully. I was just in the act of doing mine a good turn when the young M.O. who had extracted my bullets took it from me and brought me a small glass of milk. Of course I thought something. Remaining at this hospital 2 days I began to feel very ill . The M.O. on his morning visit walk by me bed with a Sergeant behind him and as he past he said ENGLAND. This very near cured me. At 2.30 p.m. Sept 23^rd I left hospital with several others and embarked on the R.M.S.P. ASTURIAS. I did not see much as I was a cot case but the boat run very smoothly.

Sept 25^th At daybreak we arrived at SOUTHAMPTON where the Ambulance Trains splendidly fitted up. I was carried from the boat to the train. The train I was put on was supposed to be for London but this London only got to CHATHAM. By the time I arrived there I had changed from a stretcher case to a sitting case and I think through this I save my arm as I could not have had the attention. On arrival at Chatham station there were cars of all types waiting. I stood against the carriage door when a V.A.D. Sergeant asked me if I could walk? I told him I could not knowing whether I could or not. I got out of the train alright but I hadn’t got far before I had to have assistance. I was put into a motor car and was took to BARHAM COURT, private residence of Colonel & Mrs. Ward. On arrival at the front door we were greeted by Col & Mrs. Ward the Colonel’s sister & Baroness Orezy. We were introduced one by one . It came my turn I was shy for the first time in my life. I did not like to go as my shoulder smelled so I could not hardly stand myself. I sat there quiet. Then Colonel came and I explained why I keep seated and asked if it was possible for me to have it dressed first. But he said I could not help the smell but he would let the doctor see my wounds after I had been introduced. So I placed myself in the corner of the Hall the Colonel explaining the reasons but they made me come to the front with the others. We then received a cup of hot milk. The next thing to happen Doctor Hallows & Doctor Stewart fetched me and told me to go to the bathroom. Here they thoroughly examined me and ordered me a bath. I must say I had the last wash and shave on the 2^nd of Sept. so you may guess it was very acceptable. I then retired for the night I went to sleep at 8.30 p.m. 25^th September and did not wake until 8.30 p.m. 26^th Sept.

27^th Sept. I got up at 7.30 a.m. and after breakfast I went into the grounds . I walked about a ¼ of a mile. I was then overcome by pain and I had to lay on the grass. Being absent from the dinner table the [sic] made enquiries as to my whereabouts as they sent out a search party. They found and brought me back and I was ordered to bed. Dr Hallows was sent for and he said an operation was necessary at once. This was put off until the next day.

Sept 28^th. At 2 p.m. I was ready for the operating table. At 5 past two I had the clorophrome. Before taking it the doctor said he would say “ Good Afternoon” as he would not there when I came round. Off I went off. At 8 p.m. I began to show sign of coming round I open my eyes to see 2 doctors and 3 nurses all standing round me and a stretcher standing against the door. This frightened me and the clorophrome took hold of me again and I did not come round again until 5 a.m. to wicked to die and I began to pick up but I next morning not feeling any to well and I have been told since that they did not expect me to come through it at all but I have been through several ????? the operation that extracted 32 pieces ??? bones besides bullets from my shoulder. In conclusion I musr say no praise ??? great for the kindness shown by Colonel & Mrs. Ward , his doctors and nursing staff and household, to all who ??? under their care they devote time ???? comfort, and no wish is left ?????? My stay at BARHAM COURT ????? remains with me the one bright ???? my experiences in the Great European ???

Serg J.G. Stennett

8873 C Company

1^st Northamptonshire Regiment