War Diaries (August 2) (nonfiction)
War Diary entries for August 2.
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Diaries
Frederick Edwards: August 2, 1901
When we reached the banks of the Vet River, not very far from its junction with the Vaal. It was breaking dawn and several fires were seen near the farm. Bayonets were fixed as we rode along, and when within about 300 metres, we were ordered to charge, and with a yell we galloped headlong down upon the enemy at the farm, who were now out of bed, some rushing to their horses, some firing madly, cries of 'Hands Up' from both sides, and a shot rapidly followed it the enemy did not reply. The enemy were now scattered everywhere, and many escaped through the gaps in the fences, which our men knew nothing about. After searching the thick scrub, which fringes the river, we gathered at the farm called 'Grootolie'. Five of the enemy were found to have been killed, and 11 captured, while we had 2 wounded, and the Major's Indian servant killed. It was now daylight and the enemy were seen, about 300 of them, but out of range, we were now all posted at the strongest positions, breastworks etc built, as it looked as if the enemy intended to rush us. An Officer and 3 men were now despatched to hurry up the guns with 100 men, who were to leave camp at 02:00 to reinforce us, and they were chased by 15 Boers, for 10 kilometres when they joined the relief, which now started to our relief at a full gallop. All of us were indeed thankful, when we saw the dust rising, telling us they were near. They reached us at 09:00 and were joined by the column at 15:00. Major Shea ( our Commanding Officer) received the 'DSO', for conspicuous gallantry, and Corporal Kermode the DCM for bravery, both on the same occasion.
- Diary of Trooper Frederick Edwards - 349 Trooper FH Edwards Fifth South Australian Contingent (Imperial Bushmen) @ Australian Boer War Memorial
Frank Kafka: August 2, 1914
Germany has declared war on Russia. Went swimming in the afternoon.
George Beck: August 2, 1943
Sent photograph home to Alice. No news to put down regarding the war. Roll on. A month tomorrow the war will have been on 4 years.
—George Beck,1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment, prisoner of war (diary)
Anna Szatkowska: August 2, 1944
The news is good. The Warsaw center is in our hands except the main arteries, there is fighting in the peripheral districts, the Soviet army is already close and will soon enter Praga, and the Allies will support us.
- Diary of Anna Szatkowska - Anna Szatkowska (15 March 1928 – 27 February 2015) was a World War II member of the Polish Home Army which she joined at the age of 16 to help in liberating Warsaw from German occupation. She served as first-aider. Sixty years later, she described her experiences in a book, La Maison brulée.
