A unique collection of three journals compiled by 334846 Pioneer Laurence Horton, of the Royal Engineers, 'E' Special Company, providing a detailed account of his World War One military service. The journals provide a wealth of information about Pioneer Horton’s wartime experiences; his training, experiences at the front, observations of his work, the challenges faced, and his daily routines. A special survival from the First World War providing a fascinating first-hand account of life in the Special Brigade and the dangers of serving in a gas warfare unit.
1917 Journal: 8.8*13.5cm. Original blue card backed boards, all edges gilt, memorandum section contains 1 page of manuscript text, diary section contains 68 pages of manuscript text. The binding is a little worn and wrapped, contents excellent; near fine.
January 1st 1918 - January 2nd 1919 Journal: 7.8cm*10.5cm. Original green leather backed boards, all edges sprinkled red, handwritten membership card details recorded, memoranda sections contain 8 pages of manuscript text, diary section contains 105 pages of manuscript text, cash account section contains 8 pages of manuscript text, memo of things lent section contains 1 page of manuscript text. Some wear to the binding, contents excellent; near fine.
January 1st 1919 - January 1st 1920 Journal: 8cm*10.8cm. Original brown leather backed boards, “The Soldier’s Own Diary” stamped in gilt to front cover, memoranda sections contain 2 pages of manuscript text, diary section contains 105 pages of manuscript text, cash account section contains 2 pages of manuscript text, a newspaper cutting loosely inserted to inside pouch of the diary. Some wear to the binding, contents excellent; near fine.
A full typed transcript of the contents of the journals is available.
Accompanying the journals are four pieces of associated ephemera. Firstly, there is a sheet of paper with handwritten battalion orders for Horton, dated 1-11-1917. Secondly, there is a sheet of paper with detailed notes and diagrams relating to gas cylinders. Thirdly, there are a series of handwritten notes and drawings relating to botany on “Y.M.C.A With The British Expeditionary Force” headed notepaper, dated 28/3/18. Lastly, there is a newspaper cutting loosely inserted to the front of one of the journals which reads as follows:
“Private A.E. Horton, of 45, Steade Road, Sharrow, Sheffield, son of Mr. Horton, managing director of the Arundel Smelting Co. (Ltd.) Derby Street, Sheffield. Has been awarded the Military Medal for “conspicuous courage and devotion to duty during the recent operations. It was through him that communication was kept up between Army Headquarters and the forward railheads which had telephonic communication cut by heavy enemy shell fire. During the night of 24th–25th March he showed great coolness and presence of mind in carrying local dispatches backwards and forwards through Albert whilst it was being subjected to heavy bombing and machine-gun fire by hostile aircraft.”
The journals commence in 1917 where Horton was working at Messrs A H Allen & Partners, an Analytical Chemists and Public Analysts company in Sheffield. He enlisted on 8th May 1917 as Private 18783 in the 5th Training Reserve Battalion and undertook training for several months in England. For example, on Tuesday 5th June 1917, he records:
“First lesson in Gas Helmet training. Cleaned equipment. Learnt the long point in bayonet fighting.”
On Friday 15th June 1917, he “learnt the prone position in musketry. Had a lecture from the Chaplain on ‘The Fight for Character.” On Monday 18th June 1917, he “learnt the prone position for firing the rifle. Had the first lesson in field engineering in which we learned a few simple knots.” On Tuesday 17th July 1917 he had his “first lesson on bomb throwing.”
Alongside his military training, Horton records other activities he participated in such as attending the Brigade Debating Society on 28th August 1917:
“Went to the Brigade Debating Society. Subject :- Representatives at the Stockholm Peace Conference would be prejudicial to the Allied Cause. Motion was passed by 131 to 30.”
Horton records time he was able to spend with his family during his training. For example, he writes on 20th September 1917:
“Mother & Father came to see me. They had been to Birmingham on business.”
On 24th September, he writes:
“Went with Mother to Mrs. Handfords & stayed the evening. She was pleased to see me. Called to see Auntie Mary. Went to both Abbeydale & Central Schools.”
Horton started the process of transferring to the Chemist’s Division of the Royal Engineers on 30th August 1917, and his transfer was finalized on 1st November 1917. Following his transfer, Horton completed additional training, initially in Cornwall. For example on 20th November 1917 he records:
“On Gas Helmet drill all morning. Went to a lecture in the Y.M.C.A. in the evening given by Mr. Williams (just lately returned from France). Subject :- “Worse than the Germans.”
In the Memoranda section of the 1918 diary, Horton has compiled detailed notes regarding different types of smoke bombs and gas.
After completing his additional training, Horton arrived in France on 23rd March 1918:
“Anchored outside Le Havre 1.15am owing to fog. Set sail again at 2.40pm arrived Le Havre 3.15pm. Embarked on St. Tudno at 4.30pm. Set sail 6.0pm for Rouen. St. Tudno an L.S.W.R. Paddle Steamer. Glorious journey.”
He records his duties after arriving in France. For example, on 8th April 1918 he writes:
“Carrying cylinders of gas (red star) to the emplacements where we let them off. Warned for a draft to proceed “E” Special Company R.E.”
The Special Companies handled the firing of gas shells from the 4 inch ‘Stokes’ mortars and this was usually used as an offensive weapon prior to an infantry attack. During the Spring of 1918, the British were hard pressed trying to stem the relentless German advance on the Western Front.
On 11th April 1918 he “went up the line for the first time at Cambrin”, and the diary records his experiences of going up the line. For example, on 8th May 1918, he writes:
“Went up the line at Cambrin to discharge the gas. Wash out owing to wind. “N” Company discharged its projectors at 10.30pm.”
On 6th June 1918, he“saw a fine air fight between a German & four of our planes. German brought down.”
He records having some narrow escapes whilst fighting. On 23rd June 1918, he records:
“Went up the line at Meteren. Had some narrow scrapes.”
The following day he further records:
“Went up the line at Nieppe Forest carrying cylinders for “L” Company. Had a narrow escape from a shell-burst about 5 yards away.”
On 10th August 1918 he writes:
“Did not go up the line. Went to Aire in the afternoon to see the King, Prince of Wales & his staff.”
In September 1918 he was involved in building a light railway between Calonne and Merville.
In October 1918 he records casualties suffered from fighting. On 5th October 1918, he writes:
“Went up the line at Sandcourt carrying guns, bombs etc. 4 casualties. Sgt. Harrison killed.”
The Armistice is marked on 11th November 1918:
“The train left Nancy at 8.30am travelled to Belleville. Detrained & we marched to Blénod. Hostilities ceased at 11am. Attached to 2nd American Army.”
Following the ceasing of fighting, Horton records his duties and the numerous educational classes he took part in, primarily focusing on chemistry.
For example, on 28th January 1919 he records:
“On fatigue all morning at the Artillery Camp building Bow Huts. Chemistry 2.0 – 3.0pm.”
On 15th February 1919:
“9.39 – 10.30 Lecture on Sulphur & Sulphuretted Hydrogen. 11.0 – 12.0 Went to the laboratory for a demonstration followed by a lecture on Combustion & flame by Capt. Sharratt.”
On 13th March 1919 Horten returned to England on leave. On 31st March 1919, he records:
“Went to the Education Offices about my release from the Army. Unable to do anything further. Went to a concert at Trinity at night.”
He returned to France on 3rd April 1919.
He went on leave to England again on 2nd August 1919, returning to France on 24th August 1919.
Horton permanently returned to England on 19th September 1919 and records being demobilised on 24th September 1919.
Horton concludes the diaries by recording his experienced after enrolling as a student at the Royal College of Science in October 1919. On the first year anniversary of Armistice Day, he writes:
“10-11 Chemistry. 11-11.2 Silence for celebration of signing of Armistice. Very Impressive. 3-5 Mathematics.”
The final diary entry is on 1st January 1920:
“Went to Mrs.Swift’s to tea. A really fine time.”
Please contact us for shipping costs if ordering from outside the UK.
A unique collection of three journals compiled by 334846 Pioneer Laurence Horton, of the Royal Engineers, 'E' Special Company, providing a detailed account of his World War One military service. The journals provide a wealth of information about Pioneer Horton’s wartime experiences; his training, experiences at the front, observations of his work, the challenges faced, and his daily routines. A special survival from the First World War providing a fascinating first-hand account of life in the Special Brigade and the dangers of serving in a gas warfare unit.
1917 Journal: 8.8*13.5cm. Original blue card backed boards, all edges gilt, memorandum section contains 1 page of manuscript text, diary section contains 68 pages of manuscript text. The binding is a little worn and wrapped, contents excellent; near fine.
January 1st 1918 - January 2nd 1919 Journal: 7.8cm*10.5cm. Original green leather backed boards, all edges sprinkled red, handwritten membership card details recorded, memoranda sections contain 8 pages of manuscript text, diary section contains 105 pages of manuscript text, cash account section contains 8 pages of manuscript text, memo of things lent section contains 1 page of manuscript text. Some wear to the binding, contents excellent; near fine.
January 1st 1919 - January 1st 1920 Journal: 8cm*10.8cm. Original brown leather backed boards, “The Soldier’s Own Diary” stamped in gilt to front cover, memoranda sections contain 2 pages of manuscript text, diary section contains 105 pages of manuscript text, cash account section contains 2 pages of manuscript text, a newspaper cutting loosely inserted to inside pouch of the diary. Some wear to the binding, contents excellent; near fine.
A full typed transcript of the contents of the journals is available.
Accompanying the journals are four pieces of associated ephemera. Firstly, there is a sheet of paper with handwritten battalion orders for Horton, dated 1-11-1917. Secondly, there is a sheet of paper with detailed notes and diagrams relating to gas cylinders. Thirdly, there are a series of handwritten notes and drawings relating to botany on “Y.M.C.A With The British Expeditionary Force” headed notepaper, dated 28/3/18. Lastly, there is a newspaper cutting loosely inserted to the front of one of the journals which reads as follows:
“Private A.E. Horton, of 45, Steade Road, Sharrow, Sheffield, son of Mr. Horton, managing director of the Arundel Smelting Co. (Ltd.) Derby Street, Sheffield. Has been awarded the Military Medal for “conspicuous courage and devotion to duty during the recent operations. It was through him that communication was kept up between Army Headquarters and the forward railheads which had telephonic communication cut by heavy enemy shell fire. During the night of 24th–25th March he showed great coolness and presence of mind in carrying local dispatches backwards and forwards through Albert whilst it was being subjected to heavy bombing and machine-gun fire by hostile aircraft.”
The journals commence in 1917 where Horton was working at Messrs A H Allen & Partners, an Analytical Chemists and Public Analysts company in Sheffield. He enlisted on 8th May 1917 as Private 18783 in the 5th Training Reserve Battalion and undertook training for several months in England. For example, on Tuesday 5th June 1917, he records:
“First lesson in Gas Helmet training. Cleaned equipment. Learnt the long point in bayonet fighting.”
On Friday 15th June 1917, he “learnt the prone position in musketry. Had a lecture from the Chaplain on ‘The Fight for Character.” On Monday 18th June 1917, he “learnt the prone position for firing the rifle. Had the first lesson in field engineering in which we learned a few simple knots.” On Tuesday 17th July 1917 he had his “first lesson on bomb throwing.”
Alongside his military training, Horton records other activities he participated in such as attending the Brigade Debating Society on 28th August 1917:
“Went to the Brigade Debating Society. Subject :- Representatives at the Stockholm Peace Conference would be prejudicial to the Allied Cause. Motion was passed by 131 to 30.”
Horton records time he was able to spend with his family during his training. For example, he writes on 20th September 1917:
“Mother & Father came to see me. They had been to Birmingham on business.”
On 24th September, he writes:
“Went with Mother to Mrs. Handfords & stayed the evening. She was pleased to see me. Called to see Auntie Mary. Went to both Abbeydale & Central Schools.”
Horton started the process of transferring to the Chemist’s Division of the Royal Engineers on 30th August 1917, and his transfer was finalized on 1st November 1917. Following his transfer, Horton completed additional training, initially in Cornwall. For example on 20th November 1917 he records:
“On Gas Helmet drill all morning. Went to a lecture in the Y.M.C.A. in the evening given by Mr. Williams (just lately returned from France). Subject :- “Worse than the Germans.”
In the Memoranda section of the 1918 diary, Horton has compiled detailed notes regarding different types of smoke bombs and gas.
After completing his additional training, Horton arrived in France on 23rd March 1918:
“Anchored outside Le Havre 1.15am owing to fog. Set sail again at 2.40pm arrived Le Havre 3.15pm. Embarked on St. Tudno at 4.30pm. Set sail 6.0pm for Rouen. St. Tudno an L.S.W.R. Paddle Steamer. Glorious journey.”
He records his duties after arriving in France. For example, on 8th April 1918 he writes:
“Carrying cylinders of gas (red star) to the emplacements where we let them off. Warned for a draft to proceed “E” Special Company R.E.”
The Special Companies handled the firing of gas shells from the 4 inch ‘Stokes’ mortars and this was usually used as an offensive weapon prior to an infantry attack. During the Spring of 1918, the British were hard pressed trying to stem the relentless German advance on the Western Front.
On 11th April 1918 he “went up the line for the first time at Cambrin”, and the diary records his experiences of going up the line. For example, on 8th May 1918, he writes:
“Went up the line at Cambrin to discharge the gas. Wash out owing to wind. “N” Company discharged its projectors at 10.30pm.”
On 6th June 1918, he“saw a fine air fight between a German & four of our planes. German brought down.”
He records having some narrow escapes whilst fighting. On 23rd June 1918, he records:
“Went up the line at Meteren. Had some narrow scrapes.”
The following day he further records:
“Went up the line at Nieppe Forest carrying cylinders for “L” Company. Had a narrow escape from a shell-burst about 5 yards away.”
On 10th August 1918 he writes:
“Did not go up the line. Went to Aire in the afternoon to see the King, Prince of Wales & his staff.”
In September 1918 he was involved in building a light railway between Calonne and Merville.
In October 1918 he records casualties suffered from fighting. On 5th October 1918, he writes:
“Went up the line at Sandcourt carrying guns, bombs etc. 4 casualties. Sgt. Harrison killed.”
The Armistice is marked on 11th November 1918:
“The train left Nancy at 8.30am travelled to Belleville. Detrained & we marched to Blénod. Hostilities ceased at 11am. Attached to 2nd American Army.”
Following the ceasing of fighting, Horton records his duties and the numerous educational classes he took part in, primarily focusing on chemistry.
For example, on 28th January 1919 he records:
“On fatigue all morning at the Artillery Camp building Bow Huts. Chemistry 2.0 – 3.0pm.”
On 15th February 1919:
“9.39 – 10.30 Lecture on Sulphur & Sulphuretted Hydrogen. 11.0 – 12.0 Went to the laboratory for a demonstration followed by a lecture on Combustion & flame by Capt. Sharratt.”
On 13th March 1919 Horten returned to England on leave. On 31st March 1919, he records:
“Went to the Education Offices about my release from the Army. Unable to do anything further. Went to a concert at Trinity at night.”
He returned to France on 3rd April 1919.
He went on leave to England again on 2nd August 1919, returning to France on 24th August 1919.
Horton permanently returned to England on 19th September 1919 and records being demobilised on 24th September 1919.
Horton concludes the diaries by recording his experienced after enrolling as a student at the Royal College of Science in October 1919. On the first year anniversary of Armistice Day, he writes:
“10-11 Chemistry. 11-11.2 Silence for celebration of signing of Armistice. Very Impressive. 3-5 Mathematics.”
The final diary entry is on 1st January 1920:
“Went to Mrs.Swift’s to tea. A really fine time.”
Please contact us for shipping costs if ordering from outside the UK.
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