Russian Civil War Diary

Page 1

Sept 19, 1918 Appointed to command 16th infantry Brigade C.E.F Siberia (Canadian Expedtionary Force) Oct 14th 1918 Leave Toronto for Victoria B.C. with ?????????? Oct 23rd 1918 Arrive Victoria B.C. and assume command of part of the Brigade 260Bttln?? 259th Bttln’ 2 legends Field Ambulance Meeting Gen, & Co.. at Williams Camp


Progress of training of force greatly interfered with by: 1.  Edict of gov;t placing force on voluntary basis, subsequently countermanded, causing dissension and dissatisfaction. 2, The armistice caused relatives to unite wishing men to return?? 3. Political wives being pushed to same end.?? 4. Muddy conditions of camp unsuitable for winter occupation 5. Bolshevik propaganda


Nov. 25 Train left from Toronto. Counter measures succeeded in restoring morale for forces. Dec. 23rd “Teista”? sailed with 2 Co.s 259th Btn * 259 Dec. 25. Brig. Xmas dinner, dance, & theatre for men Dec. 26th Embarked “Presentations”??? with 260 Brig. 2 Co. 259th Bri, Field Ambulance, & actual men in great spirits singing & cheering them streets as ship pulled out at 6:30 p.m.


Dec. 27th Rough, rainy, foggy, men pretty well laid out – Wind from South Dec. 28th Head wind, & heavy broad swells. Wind from West, Weather clear. Dec. 29th Wind shifting South Heavy swells Dec. 30th South Wind Heavy swells & man killed by ice boat getting loose across deck and crushing him Pvt Butler 259th from Peterboro Dec. 31st Raging gale from East


1919

Jan.

1 Wednesday Hell to all last night as gale was smashing everything up. Men pretty frightened, Men,bunks, tables, crockery all going smash. Heavy seas abound, Rain 150 miles?? 2 Thursday Beautiful day. Went all new ship Bridge to Engine Room Capt Rand is very decent??? Band ???? in afternoon a week at sea to day. Wish the trip were over.


January 1919 3 Friday Beautiful day wind from West. Fairly heavy swell. Played chess with Capt. Rush? 24 times?? 4 Saturday Aint no such day with us. We skipped from Friday to Sunday crossing longitude 180 & pass from west to the far east. I suppose we get paid for this day as well.


1919  January We are now 12 hours ahead of London time instead of 12 hours behind. A gale is blowing from the South Ship rolling very much.

6  Monday Gale blowing, very rough.


January 1919 7 Tuesday Terrific gale from N.W. Ship thrown all over the place. About 1030 am tremendous wave struck ship. Port propellor breaks off. Not enough power to help ship head in to sea?? Men are scared. Ship officers uncomfortable. 8 Wednesday Thank goodness storm moderating & making progress which is increasing as seas go down.


1919 January 9 Thursday Beautiful day, moderate wind from N.W. succeeded in getting wireless to Japan stating circumstances. Ship steams better with screw than Capt anticipates Run 176 miles. 10 Friday Beautiful day—cold Hope it keeps up-we get up to 10 knots during the night splendid run for one screw of 225 miles.


January 1919 11 Saturday Another beautiful day. Sea as calm as Toronto bay. Turning colder all the time. Run 238 miles Should see Japan tomorrow night. 12 Sunday Some storms. Fog horn going last night. Sea calm Sighted land (Japan) at 12:05 p.m. The first land we have seen since leaving Victoria B.C. Excellent run 248 miles..Fog horn going again tonight for show. Lighthouse now in sight.


1919 January 13 Monday Went through the Strait of Tsurgu? between the islands of Japan in morning??. Beautiful day. Entered Gulf of at noon 350 miles to Vladivostok. Run today 288 miles. Gale blowing from North tonight with snow. 14 Tuesday Siberia in sight at 11 am Rocky, snowy, barren, inhosptable. Could not sleep much owing to heavy rolling. Fine day but cold 15 degrees. above zero. Run 230 miles Expect to pick up power at 1 am tonight & dock before daylight. Got all my warm clothing out as hear it is below zero in Vladivostok.


January

1919

15 Wednesday Around Vladivostok 6:30 am alongside Dock. Harbour covered with ice. Trump and Brashes?? aboard during night with pilot. In afternoon Gen. Elmsley called took me to his office and to town. Returned on board for dinner and night. 16 Thursday Said goodbye to Sargent ????? of Prosterale?? who has been very decent. General Elmsley called and took S. barley. Charlie Clarke and self out to Garnneston??? barracks where we spent rest of day settling in our new quarters which are very comfortable.


!919

January 17 Friday

These barracks are about 7 and ½ miles from Vladivostok. Went into town in my new car. Lunch with Gen. Elmsley Went out to 2nd River?? Barracks in afternoon to see 260th. Then afterwards back to V. and then home in time for dinner. 16 Saturday Edward’s Birthday I wrote Edward on Thursday first opportunity. Mails arrive here twice a week & have written twice since landing. Stayed in camp today. weather fine & very cold. Made a complete tour of all barracks buildings in this area.


January 1919 19 Sunday 2 after Epiphany nd

Ordered horses from Mounted Police for a ride. But it blew too hard & too cold to go out. Walked up to First?? in the afternoon. Major Wosley R.N.W.P. dined with me in the evening. 20 Monday Spent day in camp then office was opened today. Sargent Ramsey had everything ready. We learn that murders are frequent in this locality. Sentries are posted in all buildings. Vladisvostok is full of the scum of the earth.


1919

January 21 Tuesday

Inspected B. Co. 259th Brig. this morning. They did very well. In afternoon interviewed Russian Capt. in charge of area. Tomorrow I go to the 2nd River to see the company of the 260th. Weather fair and cold. 22 Wednesday Went to 2nd River Co. infantry 260. Distance 11 miles. Returned men Vladivostok in order to take Capt. Macdonald 260th to hospital. Distance 16 miles. Inspected Bath house for men in afternoon. Received cable from home. All well thank God. Tommy Church?? reelected mayor.


January 23 Thursday

1919

Spent day around camp & dined in mess evening

24 Friday Inspected Co. 258 with Major Primfors?? in morning. Spent afternoon in office and dined in Mess. Clear and cold weather every day. Cold varies according to how much wind there is.


25 Saturday Went to Vladivostok in morning & had a long conference with Major Adams re: situation in returning secret files. Had a good luncheon with Charlie at Golden Horse?? CafĂŠ not expensive 21 rubles. Visited Bath house at Gaumasten??? in afternoon nearly ready for use. Dined in mess. ________________________ 26 Sunday 3rd After Epiphany

Walked down to Bath house & back with Capt Drougal?? in morning—distance of 3 miles Very cold. Office afternoon. Mess evening.


January

1919

27 Monday Went into?? infirmary 17? injuries??????illegible Been under ???with cold??? Had conference with officer in afternon at headquarters??re security matters..Edwards?? & Col B???? Soughton?? came to discussion in evening. Adm C???? and Major Some????? ________________________ 28 Tuesday Col. Spaulding went to 2nd River. I stayed around camp and attended to routine business.


1919

January

29 Wednesday Went to 2nd River to inspect “C” Co. 260 Brig. Lunch there/ An excellent company—the best I have seen. In afternoon returned to Gravastain??? Every day time?? is about the same- clear cold- brilliant sunwind mainly always from N.W. ____ ___________________ 30 Thursday Went to 2nd River to inspect D Co. 260 Brig. Thence to Vladivostok & called on all the frats. Met Howard in his railway car, fat fellow with big head. In evening dined with Gen. Graves & Americans. Very interesting. About 70 officers present. Sat between a Russian & Japanese General. Generals of different nations galore.


Jan. & Feb. 1919 31 Friday Took long walk in morning reconnoitering country for maneuvers with Maj. Howland. Afternoon in office. Received cable in evening from home. Cables alarm me until I find out what’s in them. All well thank goodness-about a month now?? ________________________ 1 February Had lunch with Gen. Otami ?? Japanese C-an-C (commander in chief & staff. Alston-Eberly??Gen. Blair Gen. Hurdlan present. Excellent luncheon. Sat between Alston & Lt. Col. Takushima. In afternoon returned to camp. Went around ports?? here in the morning.


1919

February 2 Sunday 4th after epiphany

Stayed around camp in afteroon. Mr. Edward Alston Deputy High Commissioner called with Gen. Elmsley?? Showed him around camp Seemed very nice fellow. 3 Monday Company maneuvers in the morning. Infirmary??visit?? Conferencing daily with ?? is working and ????? Stayed around camp all day.


Februay 1919 4 Tuesday Camping in a truck?? again. Better than last time. In camp all day. First mail received letters dated Jan.3rd Toronto Vladivostok. Glad to get’it good news from home. _______________________ 5 Wednesday Camping maneuvering?? again. Around camp all day. I am beginning to think from reports received that expedition is a fault??


1919

February 6 Thursday Went to Vladisvostok & had lunch with Gen. Elmsley-- in afternoon returned to camp. Mail received letters dated Jan. 10th –an agreeable surprise. _______________________ 7 Friday Col. Swift put in a Battalion in attack.?? Thinks he concentrated his men too much.


8 Saturday Around camp all day, In evening Maj. Tranip?? came to dinner & stayed all night. Still another mail letters dated Jan 7 came via Japan. _______________________ 9 Sunday 5th after epiphany

Went for a walk over hills in the morning & walked around camp in afternoon. Read letters and papers.


1919

February

10 Monday Field day in morning. Office in afternoon. Around camp all day.

_____________________________ 11 Tuesday Field day in morning & then went to Vlad. on business. Lunch at the Golden Horn restaurant with Capt. Clark & Maj. Ragajin??? returning to camp after. Generally play cards in evening.


February 1919 12 Wednesday Around camp all day. Field in the morning Office in the afternoon Cards in the evening.

__________________________18 Thursday Maurice’s??? Birthday attended to business around camp. In evening everybody drank warm healthy. In afternoon visited battery & fired machine gun. I hope Maurice has a good day today.


1919

February

14 Friday All day field day with troops– climbed, every mountain in sight. Very wonderful day and tired in evening. Beautiful day—cold weather seems building?? up. ________________________15 Saturday Went to 2nd River then to lunch with Gen. Elmsley? In afternoon returned to camp.


Februay

1919

16 Sunday Septugesima Sunday

Difficult walk in the evening. Beautiful sunshine today with temperatures above freezing. Letters in the evening. ___________________________ 17 Monday Around camp all day maneuvers & office work played cards in evening.


1919

February 18 Tuesday Moniteagle?? arrives in evening. All morning in camp— maneuvers with ball around mountain in morning . In afternoon went to Vlad. to see Gen. E. met Jack Carp?? & brought him out to dinner. He is looking very well. _________________________19 Wednesday Go to Vlad. to see horses & Captn Scholes??, who looks very fit. They had a very rough passage. Horses came off ship in splendid shape looking fine. Took them to Gournestain?? Cape Tribl??? grooms very well??. Returned to camp for luncheon Got mails morning. Wish ??? Mary wouldn’t send me food- we have plenty


February 20 Thursday

1919

Maneuvers with full ammuntion in morning. office in afternoon. Mounted Police go to 2nd River.

21 Friday All day maneuvers with the troops. Rode horses for the first time. It was lovely having them & we enjoyed it immensely. No horses like them out here. 260th Bri.. arrives in Camp from 2nd River.


1919

February 22 Saturday Gen. E. going away. went to see him in morning. R??? called for High Commission with with E. Returned camp for lunch. This afternoon went to Vlad. again.???? show YMCA & dance YMCA in evening. Theme dance a several officers?. B??? good Canadians. with all their entries. Stayed in Gen. E’s room for the night. 22 Sunday General Elmsley’s office in morning. luncheon with Mr. Brown of Standard Oil & wife. Nice people. Returned to camp in afternoon. Gen. Roon?? Mr. Alston & others called. Dinner and write letters in evening.


24 Monday Camp all day. Evening dined with Sir Charles Elliot. High Commissioner Large party—well done. Mr. Allston leaves for Japan next day.

25 Tuesday Around camp all day at Field work. Dined in Mess & played cards in evening.


1919

Februay 26 Wednesday Camp in morning. Vlad in afternoon . Dined Gen. Elmsleys flat. Went on to owing Y.M.C.A. evening. Yanks put knuckle dusters under their gloves. F????? b?? best. Returned camp for night—motor broke down. 27 Thursday Empress of Japan arrived with mails- expect they will be delivered tomorrow. Dined with Col Powell at “A” mess Vlad. Played bridge & returned home after.


Feb. & March 28 Friday

1919

Field work all day. Mails arrive & everybody busy reading them. Thank goodness all well at home. Mails up to Feb. 6 posted at Toronto –pretty quick. _______________________ 1 March Saturday Went to Vlad. iin morning. Returned time for lunch. Spent afternoon & evening in camp. Bowing?? show in evening. American officers & men came out to it Opened our new theatre in old Russian Casino.


1919

March 2 Sunday

Went to Church Parade. Stayed in my room rest of day & evening & read papers, & wrote letters.

____________________________ 3 Monday Field work in morning. Afternoon went to Vladivostok & called on HMS “Kent” Very like the “Lancaster” sister ship. Returned to camp for dinner.


March

1919 4 Tuesday Phyllis/s Birthday Field work morning & afternoon. Col. Clarke, Col Brackus, & Col. Powell came to dinner. Went to very good minstrel show in cam after. Masey & McKellan very good. ________________________ 5 Wednesday Field work morning Luncheon with Sir Charles Elliot. High Commissioner. Very good lunch Dinner ???????? Lord of Glasgow?? ONTO?? dined here—played bridge after.


1919

March

9 Thursday Field work morning & afternoon. Dinner Gen. Rowan?? British Mission evening. Had a lovely ride this morning. ________________________ 7 Friday Gen. E. inspects M. ???? & Field ambulance. In afternoon go for ride. Am asked to ????? concert in evening in Vlad. but stay home & send the junior members of the staff.


March

1919 9 Saturday Gen. E. inspects 259th Brig? Beastly day Dine with Jack Lask?? at Solitary Dog at 8 pm/ Very jolly—he leaves for Canada tomorrow via Japan. Gen. E. Gen. Bearin Col. Dennis?? Mr. Briar????? & others present. ______________________ 9 Sunday Around camp all day Alarm in Vladivostok. & we send in platoons—yanks have got them wound up. Don’t think anything will happen much just here at present.


1919

March 10 Monday Field work all day Commodore Edwards of HMS Kent & lord Glasgow came out to see the operations Dined in mess & played cards.

__________________________ 11 Tuesday Around camp all day Ride in afternoon.


12 Wednesday Around camp all day In evening played cards.


13 Thursday Around camp all day. In evening dined in HMS.” “Kent”. Present High Commision Gen Bl??? Gen Garibaldi, Gra???? and 2 other. Excellent dinner. Took Mr. Caniland?? & Pefler home afterwards.


14 Friday Gen. E. came to see me regarding policy of deployment of ????. We agree the ahead trouble in Vladivostok.Signalling communication established all night. Around camp all day Major Owen? dined with me in mess.


15 Saturday Around camp all day. In afternoon went to our bath house. In evening played cards Yesterday Jamesons?? Battalion’did very well.


March 1919 16 Sunday Christian preacher in the morning. Luncheon in “Kent� Took Commodore Edward and Col Jack visit here in afternoon. Showed them parts & ????????????? Wilton Times correspondent was at the luncheon


17 Monday Around camp all day & evening. Beautiful day temp went up to 45 Did some laundary?? in afternoon.


1919 18

March

Tuesday

Around camp all day. Gen. E came to see me to discuss policy. I expressed certain view with which he agreed. American attitude I think correct. But there will be trouble some day.


19 Wednesday Around camp all day. Training going ahead satisfactorily.


March

1919

20 Thursday Around camp all day watching training. T??? Christie for ten rubles with bonus??. C. paid the money.


21 Friday Rode in morning around watching field work. In afternoon did reconnaissance of approaches to Vladivostok in case of trouble. Hear that 2 Russian officers murdered & tortured at 1st River. Worries??? me to go unarmed in the future. Seven?? Russians are shot. Thing are boiling up allright


1919

March

22 Saturday Rode in morning watching maneuvers. Played in the Brigade team against F Bat. H.Q at baseball. We won easily. Col. Strayer., Col.. Barclay, Maj. Wilks Capt. Trump, Col. Mchuffie, Maj Pepler dined with us & played cards after.


23 Sunday Went to Church Service in morning. Major McC????. officiated, watched. Brigade H.Q. baseball team in afternoon. Read and wrote letters rest of afternoon & evening.


March

1919

24 Monday B making in morning ??? Got word that HMS Kent I moving around here next week.


25 Tuesday Lt. Gen. Miyata C ??? Port Arthur came out to look around, and stayed to lunch, He seemed to enjoy himself.


26 Wednesday Went to Vladivostok & had lunch with Gen. Elmerly?? to discuss local situation. Returned camp afternoon. Boring in camp evening. ???


27 Thursday A. Co, 259 Bde Schmier?? 3 in conjunction with M G. Co. Conference with Commdr. Uff?? in afternoon re: situation in Vladivostak. Evening in mess.


March

1919

28 Friday Field day 260 B tp make C a?? barracks??? Lunch in the field In evening attended concert given by 27th Regt. U.S. Inf. given in our theatre. It was very good.


1919

March

30 Sunday After Church parade, had bath at our Bath House, In afternoon read & wrote letters.


31 Monday “ Kent” arrives Ganston?? Bay. Maneuvers morning office afternoon


April

1919

1 Tuesday Maneuvers morning, In afternoon went on board “Kent� Witnessed battle firing and searchlight practice. Dined with Commodore & slept on board.


29 Saturday Sports all day for men, I spent morning in office, afternoon at sports, evening in Mess. Cold wind blowing at sports—temperature about freezing.


2 Wednesday Watched firing at a towed target. Very comfortable last night.—Breakfast & lunch with Commodore Landed in afternoon & watched sports Dined in Mess.


1919

April

3 Thursday Maneuvers morning Office afternoon In evening went to Vladivostok with Cols, Swift & Jameson & dined with Gen. E. Present were High Commissioners Sir Charles Elliot, & Gen. Graves (American Commander)\ Very nice dinner.


4 Friday It came in to snow last night & this morning there is about 6 inches. Stops military training, & makes transport difficult. Mails arrive with letters from Toronto up to March 4. All well thank goodness.


April

1919

5 Saturday Beastly day as the snow has turned into slush. Training stopped, glad we were able to do so much before this sort of weather set in.


6 Sunday

In camp all day Beastly day- drizzling rain & fog


1919

April

7 Monday Foggy, drizzling day. No maneuvers Inspected detachment going to Ornsk. In aft went for walk Evening in mess.


8 Tuesday Beautiful day 260 on route march around camp. Gen. E. called in morning. In afternoon went to office– then for a walk— Evening in mess.


April

1919

9 Wednesday Ride morning Lunch with Gen. E. at Vladivostok. Talked new business matters. In afternoon called on the U.S. Cruiser “Brooklyn” Captain Watts—very nice fellow- & returned to camp. Weather dull & damp.


10 Thursday Beastly day snowing & raining in turns. Gave lecture to officers in morning. In camp all day. evening in Mess.


1919

April

11 Friday In camp all day Foggy & wet. Farewell dinner in evening with 20 M. G. C.????


12 Saturday Ride in morning. Afternoon around camp Evening Boxing?? show at Catholic ????? In the middle of the boxing? a not is brought to the tent there is an uprising at ???? B Co 259 then warned to proceed tomorrow.


April

1919

13 Sunday B Co. leaves at 9:30 a.m. Inspect them before departure. Proceed to Ry?? Station Vladivostak Maj. Hart in command of train with French, Italians, Chinese, Czchs?and his Co. aboard.


14 Monday We have B Co. arriving Sl???? 9:30 from yesterday allright. Commander F inlagram & >\???? Lc. Livingstone spent weekend here. Around camp all day. Went for walk with Charlie. Rainy & muddy.


1919

Aprill

15 Tuesday In camp all day. Mail arrived in morning. Rest of day reading mail.


18 Wednesday Around camp all day. Good news of B Co. allright so far. Walk with Charlie & Howland?? in afternoon. Farewell dinner at 1600 Field Amb??


April

1919

17 Thursday Office all morning ] Went to town in afternoon with C. bristie & S. charles ??? Bought trinkets for the family– returned to camp for dinner.


18 Good Friday Around camp all day In evening dined with Gen. A Toner took in Col s Swift & Jameson.. Returned camp in afternoon. Good dinner. Plenty of wine of every variety.


1919

April

19 Saturday Ride in morning to top of mountain– glorious view. In camp in afternoon poker game in evening in mess.


20 Easter Day 2 Attended Church parade Chief Officers & Engineers from Mant???? came out In afternoon played baseball v. officers 260 Dined in Mess & read letters, papers, etc after.


April

1919

21 Monday

Up early. Said good bye to Mach. Gun Co. B & part D Co’s 260 Bri. Went to Monaugle?? to watch embarkation. Ship sails at 1 pm. Returned camp for luncheon B Co. returns from Slitvov???


22 Tuesday Raining hard Everthing a sea of mud. Went to Vladivostok for lunch. Tidied my room— put up curtains & read. Looking very smart my room is now.


1919

April

23 Wednesday In morning L Ogden?? Yulin (Ship of stuff to Ontario)?? Maj. Gen Magaki & Capt Watanable along with Gen. Elmerly & Capt Everett came out to see maneuvers, & stayed to lunch. Afternoon office. Dinner in mess & played bridge at 259 aftr a successful morning --all blessed.


24 Thursday In morning went to Vladivostok & had lunch at Coquins?? restaurant with Col.. Swift, Sparling, and Maj Boger. Excellent lunch cost 114 roubles. In afternoon visited supply depot and returned to camp. The rouble is now worth about 5 cents.


April

1919

25 Friday Capt. Watts of the “Albany� & Col Robinson C. company ?? U.S.A. came out in morning to witness maneuvers. In afternoon went to baseball match 259 v. 260 Brig. Beautiful day Capt Dougall leaves Ga????


26

Saturday

In camp all day. Commodor. F??? “Kent” Major Trump came to dinner.

Brought some stones from man who cam out to camp—souvenirs for the family.


1919

April

27 Sunday Around camp all day. Office, read papers, & wrote letters Baseball in aftrernoon.


28 Monday Ride in morning Office in afternoon In camp all day.


April 1919 A 29 Tuesday Beastly wet day. Office in morning Went for walk with Gen. B???? in the afternoon Around camp all day.


30 Wednesday Ride in morning Baseball in afternoon fo pick team to play yanks. Gen Elmsley came out to witness it. Around camp all day.


1919

May

1 Thursday

Ride & office in morning. In afternoon big sports at race course. Sat in base with Gen. Utaini?? Magalin—Elmsley. Talked to Gen. Harout (Russian) who afterwards had 2 bombs thrown at him on the way home. Beautiful day-excellent sport-260 Brig tug of war team won against the allies.


2 Friday Around camp all day. The N. West mounted?? police did well yesterday. The men who threw bombs were caught after a chase by 2 of our best men?? They were handed over to the Russians who shot them.


May

1919

3 Saturday Office morning afternoon baseball match v. Americans at E. Barracks. They won 8-5 Dinner in mess- poker afterwards


4 Sunday Went for 25 mile ride way up the coast— visited several villagesnine hours in the saddle. -beautiful daygorgeous scenery. Russians in villages very polite.


1919

May

5 Monday Office in morning Ride in afternoon. Gen E. came out to tea. In camp all day


6 Tuesday Went to Russian G.Land? to lunch. Most interestin show. Made a speech which was translated iinto Russian by Gen. Blaine. Present C ????? Edwards Gen gen Bloom self?? Col. B??? Col Swift


8 Thursday Went for a swim in morning before breakfast in being found lost?? ending up at bathhouse. Capt. Jhanson & Col. ???? came to farewelll dinner in Mess.


1919

May

9 Friday Said farewell to 260 Brig. in parade at 7 am. Went to “ Emp. of Japan� & saw troops embark at 9:30 am. Ship left at noon. Lunch at Mess. Walk in afternoon Dinner & evening in Mess. Mail arrives letters Ap. 3-11th


May

1919

7 Wednesday Went for 5 mile swim before breakfast ending up at bathhouse. Office in morning & afternoon walk. Evening mess. Mail arrived letters March 20-31st


10 Saturday Inspected barracks with Col Swift in morning. In afternoon went for 2 hours ride with Christie? Evening Cammder E. ????? dined, and after played poker.


May

1919

11 Sunday Ride from 10:30 am to 3 p.m. visiting a large Fort. Balance of day in my room reading.


12

Monday

Ride in morning Office in afternoon. Col Swift Maj. Borger 259 Brig. came to dinner. Played Bridge afterwards. The Italians are coming out to take over these barracks. We get beautiful fresh fish from the local Korean fishermen.


1919

May

13 Tuesday Office in morning. In afternoon put on 2 sweaters & a a underwear & go for a run ending up at bathhouse. Dinner in Mess. Every man is getting a bath and 2 clean sets of underwear for return to Canada.


14

Wednesday

Ride in morning—turns in to rain & snow so return. Went for walk & watched baseball “A” Co. v. “B” Co. 259.

Dinner in mess cards after…have practically finished all my packing for return to Canada. The men are turning in their equipment.


May

1919

15 Thursday Ride from 1 hour or 2 hours?? from ?? with armistice to ????? no lunch get Vladivostok dollars for return to Canada. Also inspect?? with entire ????? before Gen. Elmsley & Col. Stegman?? Col. Everett came to farewell dinner.


16 Friday Ride in morning for last time on Dutch. as I turn him in to East Barracks for Gen. Blair. Col. Roderick?? gets Christian’s?? horse.

In evening dine with E. in Vladivostok. I play poker poker after Col Swift & Spaulding, Major Sifton??


1919

May

17 Saturday Go to Vladivostok 9:30 a.m. & spend the whole day watching farewell calls for all the allied representatives. Nearly fifty of every nationality. Different customs very moving. Lunch with Gen. E. Great evening in mess. Auctioned off mess momentoes.


18 Sunday Morning for a walk. In afternoon went to hills to watch “Emperor of Korea� arrive. She arrive?? in right at 2 p.m. -- Hurrah Gen. E. came out in afternoon. Last dinner in Mess.


May

1919

19 Monday At last the day of sailiing has arrived.. Leave Grenestan?? at 9:30 a.m. E. came back at 1:10pm The tender? from Rother Corner?? Emperors lying in harbor looks magnificent. Arrive on board & gain splendidn cabin to myself. Many allied officers cam to board to call &


20 Tuesday Faith’s Birthday say farewell. Czech General French Monsieur. Italian, Bulgarian, Dutch Mssrs, Gen E. comes to say good bye. Naval officers at last moment before sailing a launch dashes up with the Japanese ensign with


representatives from Germ?? Ukraine?? & the Japanese Admiral.

More bowing & scraping, saluting, etc. I ‘m getting tired of telling each how I admired their nation. At last the ship sails at 5:30 p.m.


As we move down the harbor all the allied warships line ships in our honour, & give cheers.

By 6:30 p.m. Vladivostok sinks ot of sight. This ends a momentous day.


May

1919

19 Monday At last the day of sailiing has arrived. Leave G???? at 9:30 am.Embark at 1:10 pm The t??? from R???? Corner Empress looks magnificent. Arrive on board & given splendid cabin to myself. Many allied officers come on board to call &


Faith’s Birthday

say farewell. Czech General French Mission, Italian, Bulgarian, British Mission. General E. comes to say good bye. Naval officers at last moment before sailing a launch dashes up with the Japanese ensign with


representatives from Gen. U�??? & the Japanese Admiral. More bowing & scraping, saluting, etc. I’m getting tired of telling back how I admired their nation At last the ship sails at 5:30 p.m.


As we move down the harbor all the allied warships line ships in our honour, & give cheers. By 6:30 pm Vladivostok sinks out of sight. This ends a momentous day.


27 Tuesday We are due in to Williams Head tomorrow. We have had a beautiful passage smooth as a mill pond. All the way. Very different from our trip over. 28 Wednesday We dock at 4 pm Trip from Vladivostok 4 d 17hrs very quick. Everbody ordered off the ship to quarantine for 14 days--start tomorrow greatly disappointed.


29 Thursday Off the ship at 7:30 am in pajamas 7 go through disinfectant process. All troops land during the day slept 3:00?? all baggage disinfected Wire Marie?? go into camp to come out. 30 Friday Remainder disembark in morning. Empress leaves William Head at 11 a.m. Have conference in aft. re: necessity of quarantine. Dr. Nelson? wires Ottawa. A beautiful place, & we are all glad to be in Canada, but want to go home.


May & June 1919 31 Saturday Ansmen?? arrives from Ottawa to lift quarantine. Dr. Nelson agrees to do so from 1 p.m. tomorrow. Great cheers from the men— everybody delighted.


1 June Sunday Harold’s Birthday Ten?? Wedding Anniversary Made farewell address to the troops. Part leave at 1.p.m. Mr. B???? calls for me in his quarter?? at 7:30 pm. Go to his place for tea—perfectly exquisite. Dinner with Gen. Leclair?? in evening.


1919

June

2 Monday Stayed at Empress last night & leave Victoria by 2:15 p.m. boat. Lord, it is lovely being back in Canada after that awful place Siberia. Dinnere & sleep at Vancouver Hotel. Mr. ? & Mrs. Deacon ?? very decent & arrange our trains.


3 Tuesday Leave Vancouver at 9 a.m. Very uncomfortablle accomodation. Hooray we are on our way back home. Admiral Clard & Gen.? Schules are with me. Col Spanding & Maj Howland coming in behind & catch us at Winnipeg. Jack Sufton? left in charge of camp at Williams Head. The men have today


June 1919 J 4 Wednesday On the observation platform nearly all day. Through the canyon distant yesterday.We crossed the S???? during the night, & this morning we are going over the Rockies. Scenery pretty enough, but we want to see Home.


5

Thursday

Prairie since 2 p.m. yesterday. We reach Winnipeg at 8:20 p.m. & have a bath at the hotel. We need it & we leave on the Trans Canada at 11:35.p.m. Spalding & Howland are on the train.


1919

June

6 Friday North shore of Lake Superior today. Observation platform all the time thinking of home. Don’t think I will get much sleep tomorrow— too excited 7 Saturday We are due in Toronto at 2:30 p.m. HOME IN SIGHT HURRAH Finis


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