War Diaries (July 31) (nonfiction)
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Diaries
Alfred Burton Welch: July 31, 1899
Slept uneasily last night and dreamed of friends. I awakened; the Outpost pickets were firing sharply and a sentinel pacing slow in the street was humming “My Bonnie & C” and floating across the bullet-scarred field, came the soft tones of the chimes from some secluded convent in the hills –and a feeling of sadness came over me which I tho’t I had learned to forget.
We have been assigned to the USS Transport Pennsylvania to sail on Aug 20th. 1500 troops are in the bay to reinforce us. Nothing but coffee for breakfast, but rations came later. Wrote to Tops, sent it down by our Clerk, Lincoln.
Niggers advanced too close in evening, so the 4th Cav, outpost & 1 gun of the 1st Art opened up. Very hot today.
- Diary of Alfred Burton Welch - (September 26, 1874 — June 30, 1945). Served with Company D, 1st Washington Volunteer Infantry in the Philippines, April 30, 1898 to November 1, 1899 @ Phillipine Diary project
George Beck: July 31, 1941
News just been received from Lamsdorf that some of our lads have been shot trying to escape. Our medical officer has to undergo three weeks detention for being too easy with the men. Guards stood by for the front. Had to wait hours today for the bread to come in for our tea. What a state Germany is in for food. Britain give Italy seven days to pack up.
Never Grumble
Why has a man a longing for things he has not got,
when so many would be happy with only half his lot?
So often are they wishing, if only other things they had,
Our motto now should always be “for the things we’ve got be glad”.
The use of his eyes, or legs and health, and that precious gift to hear,
Some of our comrades may have lost just one, but yet so dear.
So if ever we should grumble, just think over what we’ve got,
For those that lost what we still hold, would be happy with our lot.
By Prisoner of War. ***************
—George Beck,1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment, prisoner of war (diary)
George Beck: July 31, 1944
Air raid alarm sounded. Our Air Force over in formation – had crash – saw parachutist come down.
—George Beck,1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment, prisoner of war (diary)
