November 1915

Summary

With winter approaching, large-scale battles came to a halt on the Western Front. There were numerous raids and skirmishes. Casualties still resulted from artillery fire. During the month, Gwynne continued his series of visits. He often met men whom he had known whilst in the Sudan.

1 November All Saints Day

The R.C’s. played the low down today and tried to stop my attendance at a religious ceremony at Hazebrouck, where the Mayor who is also a member of the French Senate and priest under interdict from the Pope for refusing to leave the French Parliament. I went to the cemetery with, many of our chaplains in a long procession, our soldiers and their band in a long procession of the inhabitants, and listened to a long and dramatic speech of Abbe La Mayor, after which I spoke of All Saints Day and what our heroes have died for. It poured with rain during the Ceremony. Thorold* and I dined with Abbe La Mayor afterwards and talked long and keenly on the questions of the Day.

2 November

Another down pour of rain today. It hardly left off for a moment from morn till night. I could not go out even for a short walk but spent most of my time either in the office or at the house. In the Evening, Doctor Simms*, the Principal Chaplain came to dinner and stayed until late. I had a long talk about our differences and the bad blood shown in the Scotsman to who he said he had nothing to say.

3 November

After office saw the A.G. with whom I talked over many things. He honestly thinks the nonconformists are increased in the army and the C. of E. decreased. I did not concur in an establishment for the Reinforcement Camp. Came home feeling we are rather ‘drowned’ by the Denomination. I walked with one, Stone*, in the afternoon and worked a bit in the office before dinner.

4 November

The chaplains are finding out now that one is glad to see them. Two turned up from the front, good fatherly figures who had a lot to say about their Divisions.