Three small WW1 pocket diaries, Pioneer Lawrence Horton, Royal Engineers

The First World War Diaries of 334846 Pioneer Lawrence Horton, Royal Engineers, 'E' Special Company, 1917–1920
A group of three small pocket diaries, accompanied by a larger loose note page on YMCA BEF stationery. The named diaries span from 30th April 1917 to 1st January 1920 and are complete with daily entries, including training at home and fighting in France. Sold with photocopied research materials and full written transcripts of the diary contents.

Horton enlisted on 8th May 1917 as Private 18783 in the 5th Training Reserve Battalion and transferred to the Chemist’s Division of the Royal Engineers on 1st November 1917. After completing additional training, he arrived in France on 23rd March 1918. His diary entries offer insight into his experiences at the front, with detailed observations of his work, the challenges faced, and his daily routines.
Entries include:

• 11th April 1918: “Went up the line for the first time at Cambrin. Very quiet indeed. Lots of aeroplanes up. Two of our planes bombed Fritz trenches.”
• 5th May 1918: “Went up the line. Got ready to discharge the gas but it was washed out.” Similar entries on the 8th and 10th note failed attempts due to wind, but on 12th May: “Gas discharged at 10.30pm. Successful.”
• 23rd June 1918: “Went up the line at Meteren. Had some narrow escapes.” The following day: “Went up the line at Nieppe Forest carrying cylinders for 'L' Company. Had a narrow escape from a shell-burst about 5 yards away.”

The diaries also reference periods of relative inactivity, including duties as a billet orderly and attendance at YMCA events. Horton’s later entries document his participation in building a light railway near Calonne and carrying supplies under fire, as noted on 5th October 1918: “Went up the line at Sandcourt carrying guns, bombs etc. 4 casualties, Sgt. Harrison killed.”

The Armistice is marked tersely on 11th November 1918: “Hostilities ceased at 11am. Attached to 2nd American Army.”

Horton was discharged on 22nd October 1919 at Chatham, entitled to the British War and Victory Medals.

These diaries provide a concise and unembellished perspective on life in the Special Brigade, documenting the monotony and peril of service in a gas warfare unit during the Great War.

Condition Report
Bindings are secure but exteriors generally dog eared and worn. Please see photos

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