In
Memoriam P.N.J.C.
Letters
Written on Active Service
“As gentle and as jocund,
as to jest
Go I to fight”
For private circulation only
Printed in Great Britain
by the Riverside Press Limited, Edinburgh
List of Illustrations.
2nd Lieut. P.N.J. Christie
at Sandhurst 1917 –
Frontispiece [see top of page]
At Eton,
1912 – Facing page 20 [see top of page]
The 1st Bedfords
marching to Church Parade in France
1917. From a War Office Film – Facing page
56 [see below]
“Paul Norman Jones Christie,
the elder son of Major and Mrs. O.F. Christie, came from
Bengeo School
to Eton (Mr. Hugh de Havilland’s
house) in the Lent Half, 1912. He not only took Fifth Form,
but had a fund of general information beyond his school
work. He showed some promise at play; but one holidays a
severe accident permanently injured his knee, and made most
games out of the question. In 1915 he was a good Captain
of the House; for his obvious wish to do well, and the modesty
at which he rated his own very considerable ability, made
everyone fond of him. In the ordinary course of events he
would have been in Sixth form; but, determined to play his
part in the war, he left before his time. It looked at first
as if his injured leg would keep him out of the fighting,
but he would never agree that this was possible. By sheer
pluck he went through all the Sandhurst
training, except the long runs, and passed out high on the
list. He was gazetted to the Bedford
Regiment, and in July went to join his Battalion in France,
where he fell in action on October 9th.
A boy so unusually well informed, with
his quiet but keen sense of humour, was sure to do well.
The night before he fell, he had been selected, as his Colonel
wrote, ‘for a particularly difficult job – marching
by night with a compass’. ‘So full of promise,
quiet and trustworthy’ was the soldier’s verdict,
as it is that of those who knew him here, and who will long
miss the friend, ever loyal, cheerful and plucky.”
Eton
College
Chronicle, November 22, 1917.
“Then shall the dust return to
earth as it was;
And the spirit shall return unto God
who gave it.”
The
boy goes on his brief campaign
Good luck until we meet again”,
With heart unconquerably
gay
With heart full
of steel, he goes away.
From bivouac and trench to fight
His brave young spirit wins delight,
And, mindful of his home so dear,
Sends homeward messages of cheer.
Limping himself
on weary road
He shares his comrade’s
heavy load,
Ne’er fails the banter on his
lip
Ne’er fails the faithful fellowship.
“I turned,
my Officer was gone,
‘Twas a great
shock to everyone.”
So soon is broke the golden bowl,
So soon to God returns the soul.
The valiant dust in dust is laid,
The soul unstained that God has made
To God returns. He courage calm
Inspired; He nerved the stripling arm.
Page 9
Isolation Hospital R.M.C.
5th March 1917
Dear Mummy
You will see from the address I have
succumbed to mumps at last and am in a Ward with Bilton
and Hunter Blair. At present I am on the slop diet with
hopes of fish in the near future. Please thank Daddy for
the cheque and say I am quite alright for cash. There are
few chances of spending anything while cooped up in the
R.M.C. and even fewer in hospital.
[Comment; “R.M.C. is the Royal
Military College
at Sandhurst]
Page 10
Isolation
Hospital
March 1917
Dear Daddy
The third stage of mumps is the most
unpleasant, as when you eat you have first to negotiate
the jawbone, which is apt to be unpleasant, and then the
swallowing which is more so. However, now I am nearly normal
and expect to be quite so tomorrow. I am sorry to say there
have been two deaths here, one from Spotted Fever and one
from Pneumonia; Champernowne of E Company and late of R.S.
Kindersley’s, an awfully decent fellow, was up to
Lyttleton with me and used to stroke the eight.
I have put in for the Bedfords, Essex
and Worcesters in that order. Why not take a commission
in the Frosties? Otherwise when we meet you would have to
spring rather smartly to attention which would be rather
a jar! Do you see the “Strength of Britain”
stunt in the papers? “The Spectator” seems great
on it. What maniacs some writers are!
Page 11
R.M.C.
April 17th 1917
Have just got Daddy’s letter
to say you were in the Nursing Home. I am so sorry to hear
that you had to have an operation, but very glad to hear
you are going on all right now. It as awfully thoughtful
of you to think about my exams. Isn’t it topping about
the British advances at Arras?
10,000 Boches and 40 guns, they can’t say that
was voluntary.
It has appeared in orders that we are
not to be inoculated till we join our regiments, which means
sick leave if managed tactfully. If I pass all right I expect
to leave this Asylum on the 30th, in time for
the last of the Plum Puddings (if so be it be kept till
eventide) for rumour has it that the Dook [sic; Duke] of
Connaught inspects us on that day.
Page 12.
R.M.C.
April 1917
Thank you very much and Dad for the
beautiful watch. It keeps perfect time so far (but wait
till I begin progging about in the “innards”).
I passed the medical alright and I think the exams. Anyway
I have got 640 out of 1,000 for the outdoor field training
which I feared most. We have had rather a strenuous week
with Battalion training, which means trekking out six miles
or so in full equipment, i.e. packs, haversacks,
water bottle, entrenching tools and handles thereof, both
ammunition pouches, bayonet and rifle, and then do a scheme
– outposts, rearguards, etc. and “so home in
the cool of the evening”. This morning we rehearsed
for the Dook [sic; Duke] and tonight we do “night
ops”.
Page 13.
R.M.C.
25th April 1917.
Dear Mummy
No, the M.O. (a stranger) did not examine
my knee but remarked that there was something odd about
my hips – lopsided – and I told him why and
he said “Oh!” but did not make further enquiry
… I have Passed Out and will not be at G.C. much longer.
Already stars and things are floating around on overcoats
etc. also weird and wonderful equipment, weighing about
14 tons (roughly). I do not know about the Bedfords
for certain yet.
[Comment; “M.O.” is the
Medical Officer, “Passed Out” means he completed
his Officer training and the “Stars” refers
to the Officer pips he received when he became a 2nd
Lieutenant]
Page 14.
3rd Beds., Landguard.
17th May 1917
Dear Daddy
Thanks awfully for your letter and
Mummy for hers. I am off for a Lewis Gun course at Grantham
on Saturday which ought to be interesting though I am not
much of a hand at machinery … Last Thursday “War
Stations” sounded, so we had to man the local redoubts
and trenches. “D” [comment;
D Company, which Paul was in at the time] is nearly
all specialists so our parade consisted of seven Officers,
one C.S.M., two Sergeants, and 20 rank and file! I was seventh
in command of a redoubt with fifty men. The responsibility
was terrible.
Love to Mummy, so glad she is sleeping
better.
Page 15.
Harrowby Camp, Grantham
June 1917.
Dear Mummy
Well, here I am among the machine gunners
at last after a cross country journey … At Ipswich,
or maybe March, I fell in with a Colonel going on a senior
officer’s course, who very kindly stood me lunch …
In this mess there are, at a moderate reckoning, 200 Officers.
Luckily, the ante room and mess room are commodious! Some
of the Machine Gunners are a queer lot – curiously
enough, they all speak Irish or North
Country, but that may be the effect of (a) the
gun, (b) the Grantham air. Which brings me to Grantham:-
As a place of amusement it surpasses Felixstowe, having
a theatre Royal and no barbed wire.
P.S. I hope the insomnia is now quite
all right again.
Pages 16 and 17.
3rd Beds. Regiment, Landguard
June 1917.
Dear Mummy
As Kipling would say, “Back to
the Army again, Sergeant”. Many changes have taken
place here since I left. Kerr is on a bombing course, Gilbertson
also remains and is now Lord High Bomber of the Battalion
[comment; presumably the Bombing Officer?]. Collett is still
here, though being passed G.S., and is now available fore
active service … Talking of that horrible animal,
the Boche, we had Field Marshal’s warning last night
at 10.15; at 12 a false alarm that the second warning, which
means all turn out, had gone, and at the disgusting hour
of 3.30am we had to turn out as the Zepps [comment;
Zeppelins] were over us. However, the Archibalds were in
great form and numbers and made the night horrible (especially
for one Zepp.) so much so that she burst into flames to
the accompaniment of joyous hoots from R.M. Trawlers and
cheering from the 3rd Beds. who did see something
for their nights sleep; it was a gorgeous sight, though,
I believe, some way off.
Have you had any tennis lately? There
is some chance of a four here, but we have not much energy
in this “swelt” after parades; bathing is more
to the point, and I had a topping bathe yesterday, the water
was quite warm.
Page 18.
Landguard, Felixstowe.
Dear Evelyn
I don’t think I have written
to you since I left Eastbourne
so here goes. On the 26th of last month I left
this hole for Grantham on a Lewis Gun course wherein I passed
6th out of 48 (applause). Thereupon I took a
week’s leave and have now rejoined the Beds., where
we are in the midst of air alarms and excursions …
By the way I may be going out any time now I am over age
and fit so don’t be surprised to hear so. How are
you getting on at Ranny’s? Write and tell me all the
latest news and scandal, as life is rather boring
here …
Page 19.
July 1917.
Dear Mummy
Here I am in La Belle France
after a calm crossing with no trouble from U Boats or natural
sources. The cabalistic letters will find me alright but
“for your information” I.B.D. equals Infantry
Base Depot and A.P.O. equals Army Pay Office.
I travelled in a most luxurious Pullman
from Victoria, attendants prowling round with refreshments
etc., also French notes which I received at 27 Francs the
large Bradbury … I expect to stay here a week or two
before joining the First Battalion.
Page 20.
19th I.B.D., B.E.F.
Dear Phil
Ici je suis dans France at
what they call a Base Depot though where I may not say.
I arrived on Monday evening (25th) having spent
Sunday night at the Grosvener near Victoria catching the
7.50 leave train down and the 11.20 boat from Folkestone
– quite a calm journey with point des contremps
internals …I got Eve’s rather ancient letter
pour laquelle mes plus beaux remerciments (observe
my fluent flow of parleyvoos) … I had a letter from
Sylvia who made one very sage remark “perhaps you
will see Watts at the front or perhaps you will be somewhere
in quite a different part.” … Love to Eve.
Yours affectionately, Paul
P.S. Have you heard of the sad demise
of my Lord the Earl of Murray owing to his unfortunate wish
to ascend to the throne?
[Comment added presumably by Paul’s
father:]
Paul was always singing:
“They’ve slain the Earl
of Murray
Because he would be King”
Page 21.
17th I.B.D., B.E.F.
Dear Daddy
Still at the base where people keep
coming and going … Baker and Dodgson remember you
well, also J.F.C., and ask to be remembered to you …
It has turned vilely cold and wet. I have so far resisted
the temptation of abluting clad in a shirt as some are apt
to do … We go out daily for training and practice
in crater fighting and other warlike arts. I put in some
particularly deadly work with my revolver the other day,
which bodes ill for any Hun who is so ill advised to depart
from the Kamerad tradition.
Page 22.
17th I.B.D., B.E.F.
July 8th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Laughton has just left for the First.
I expect orders to “hold myself in readiness”
any time now, meanwhile life is very quiet, barring violent
thunderstorms through which I sleep peacefully … Hitch
has just come out again; he is soon off to the 6th
Battalion … By the way you might put my racquet in
the press if not deja ici; of course use it if it
is wanted.
Page23,
July 4th 1917.
Dear Mummy
In answer to questions – I sleep
on my valise and very well too. I wash in a bucket; but
whether the First Beds are in line or are in rest billets
now, I may not say even if so be I could … There are
o specialist courses at the base, only general training;
I think I know as much about bombing as most people, ce
qui n edit pas beaucoup certainement … Tell Daddy
the only flaw I can find in his Virgil tag is the “Meminissi”
which is rather weak, but not so bad as the “jubavit”
of J.F.C.
Page 24.
First Beds. Regiment, B.E.F.
July 11th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Tomorrow I am off up the line taking
with me what the Adjutant is pleased to call a “small
draft” to join the first Battalion. I hear the Boches
on their sector are absolutely demoralised at the prospect
and “Kamerade” drill is being practiced daily
… I was Depot Orderly Officer yesterday – a
dull job and early rising for the Mess breakfast at 6am.
Don’t be anxious if you don’t hear often in
the future as I may be busy with the Boche and other things.
I will write whenever possible though.
Pages 25 and 26.
First Beds., B.E.F.
July 15th 1917
Dear Daddy
Yes please send Kiplings to the above
address. No I was in tents at Calais.
Fancy [blanked by censor] being an M.P. I admit I thought
better of him than to be a myrmidon of the A.P.M. You seem
to have had some excitement with the aeroplanes …
“Going up the line” seems a longish job. I started
from I.B.D. about midday on the [blanked by censor]th and
arrived at [blanked by censor]. Rest Camp by rail about
7. Starting the next morning, our train meandered gently
across France
eastward, arriving at [blanked by censor] Company’s
Rest Camp at [blanked by censor] about 2 where we stayed
the night. There, being the only Officer I was put in charge
of the drafts for the Division in addition to the Bedfords
which I brought from I.B.D., and the whole boiling left
at the ghastly hour of 5am (really 4am) for this place,
a distance of about 12 miles, varied by thunder storms.
Luckily our packs and things were transported. Here at [blanked
by censor] we are in billets, at least I am with the Town
Major, and the men, poor devils, are in barns of a sort.
My landlord is a refugee from Arras
and can understand my French and I generally his. When I
don’t I find a colloquial Ah ca? or Ah Ca!
will carry me on very well. Tomorrow we trek on about seven
miles to [blanked by censor] where my gang is taken over
by various units.
Pages 27 and 28.
First Beds., B.E.F.
20th July 1917
Dear Mummy
Please address all letters now to First
Battalion which I have reached at last after wandering for
about a week across France.
I am looking forward to the Crème de Menthe, pas deja
arrive. I trust the A.P.O. has not snaffled it. Some
more of that Rowntree’s chocolate which Bates sell
in half pound tins would be very useful when we actually
get in the line. We are at present technically at rest,
though the nights are occupied by fatigues when we slosh
about slaving for the R.E. My Company Commander Chirmside
[comment; this should read Chirnside as it was William Stuart
Chirnside, formerly of the 5th Battalion] is
a very good sort, a pre war terrier, with a bar to his M.C.
[comment; two Military Crosses for bravery]. Our C.O. is
Worrall from the Devons … Our guns had a nice strafe
the other night but of that more anon (much more so). The
guns you heard must have been the Boches’ stunt up
north. I am afraid Ostend
is still intact. Next week we are to have organized “intensive”
games. Contrary to general belief they are not beloved
by “the boys” who like to be left alone at times.
P.S. Thank Phyll. for the letter and
say I will write in due course of post – a safe expression.
Page 29.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
20th July 1917.
Dear Daddy
If you read the gazette in yesterday’s,
the 19th, “Times”, you will find
the report of my Company Commander’s (Chirmside’s)
bar to M.C., also the D.S.O. of Collings-Wells, the C.O.
of the 4th. Tell Mummy the draft arrived safely,
also my valise, although some evilly disposed blighter turfed
it out of the compartment wherein I had put it and I only
saw it as the train was moving. Our fatigues for the R.E.
only take place every other night now owing to a snorter
from Chirmside. Twelve hours or so without food every
night is too much for the men – as it is they get
about enough. There was another gun strafe for Fritz last
night when we went up, resulting in a pretty display of
fireworks from the harassed Boches. There is a very strong
rumour in the battalion that peace is a matter of weeks
now. How it arose I know not. So Bengeo beat Northaw, and
Eton Harrow. C’est bien ca. N. and H. are both
low places and beatings do them good. By the way I heard
from Quintus the other day – he seems In good spirits.
Page 30.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
22nd July 1917.
Dear Mummy
Thanks awfully for your letter. No
Crème de Menthe has arrived yet and things begin to look
black against the I.B.D. However dum spiro spero.
No herrings thanks at present. I will let you know when
I want anything. I have been appointed a member of the Mess
Committee – not much of a job as the gourmets
and gourmands of the Mess are apt at times to get
restive. I saw an old Bengovian, Captain Musters, when we
exchanged with the Norfolks. He is three or four years older
than me. I rather tactlessly enquired after his minor, a
contemporary of mine also at Hayward’s
who I believe I took out to Leahoe once or twice –
he had been killed in the R.F.C. We are in for a strenuous
week, inspections galore and games and guest
nights, of which more anon.
P.S. Tell Phyll. to keep off the remount
stunt – they are quite enough to handle when they
are broken!!
Page 31.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
July 25th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Many thanks for the Crème de Menthe
also R.K. The Crème de Menthe arrived yesterday, very good,
so I withdraw my base imputations on the I.B.D. Our respected
Brigadier turned out this morning for a demonstration in
smoke tactics when all went well and fair words were spoken.
My Platoon took part in the demonstration … Yes, you
will find me positively bursting with importance next leave
– whenever that will be is doubtful, at present one
Officer and umpteen other ranks go every five days, but
of course it is liable to stoppage at any time. My Platoon
Sergeant goes home for a month on Thursday –
he is a time expired man who came out at Mons,
so deserves it. Has Phyll. decided about the remounts yet?
On second thoughts perhaps they would be safer than
motors from my hair raising experiences at Northbrooks.
The battalion scoffed two M.C.’s, two D.C.M.’s
and one bar to Military Medal out of the Oppe Wood [comment;
Oppy Wood] stunt about three weeks ago. Pas si mal, ne
c’est pas? The Postman is e’en now on the
threshold so I must stop.
Page 32 and 33
1st Beds., B.E.F.
July 27th 1917.
Dear Mummy
Thanks awfully for your letter and
the papers. We are going into the line for a bit tomorrow
but it is a very quiet sector I believe at present. Our
week of intensive training and games is now at an end and
we now hope for some peace! You cannot do anything very
violent in the line … I hope no stray bombs came along
your way from Stortford. Avant d’oublier Phyll,
mentioned chocolate cake. If obtainable C Company mess would
much appreciate it. We are having Company Officers messing
in the line and all things in common – on peut
obtenir ici cigarettes … Tonight we are for a
Brigade Gas bag march – a form of amusement which
I don’t appreciate at its true value. The other evening
the battalion marched into Arras
to see a concert party yclept “The Duds”. However
there was a hitch and therefore no seats, so the C.O. decided
to let them loose in the town for three hours, much to their
joy, from 6 to 9pm. What is more they all turned
up on time, a bit lively certainly and some had to be assisted
home, but very creditable on the whole. The march home was
full of melody including “We are the Bedford Boys”,
a variation of which Daddy knows I think! Well, au revoir
and best love to all.
Ever your loving
Paul
Page 34
1st Beds., B.E.F.
29th July 1917.
Dear Mummy
Many thanks for your letter just received
in a certain dugout many feet below the earth where we are
all very happy, though also muddy in the extreme. The offer
of chocolate cake is hereby gratefully accepted if so be
on peut l’obtenir. Was there really a raid
on Bishop Stortford? One of my platoon lives there, by name
Everett.
You will be glad to hear that he supports C. and Co. …
Well I will draw to a close, “hoping this finds you
as well as it leaves me at present in the pink” (this
is how 50% of the mens letters close). Best love to all
Ever your loving
Paul
Page 35
1st Beds., B.E.F.
Aug. 1917.
Dear Sylvia
Thanks awfully for your last letter.
I expect Mummy has told you I have been in the trenches
for a week or so and am now about two miles behind the line,
but still in trenches … Don’t hit too many balls
dans las riviere. I may come in for the end of the
season though it is very unlikely indeed. No, non, nein,
noski, nope, I did not lose a single draught on my
way up to the war and I spurn the impudent suggestion. Restez
jusqu’a je serai de retour et je donnerai quell pour.
P.S. Splendid cakes from Phyll. just
arrived. Very best thanks for same.
Page 36.
1st Bedfords
B.E.F.
2nd August
Dear Phyl,
Thanks awfully for your letters …
War in the front line trenches is a damned silly business.
You spend your time wandering up and down unprintably muddy
trenches, getting them nicely drained, floored and revetted,
when there comes some more rain and it is “as you
were”. However, the G.O.C. was pleased with our Battn’s
trenches this morning, especially C Company’s and
No. 10 platoons. It is extraordinary how one comes to disregard
the Boche shells; the mud is much more bother, and if so
in August ___? Daddy will call that aposiopesis I
expect ‘’’ Since the last sentence two
new Officers have just turned up making 12 in the dugout,
rather a squash. Quelle matiere? The more the merrier
and the less work. I really must stop now as I must go on
duty in the nice trench …
Page 37 and 38.
1st Beds., B.E.F.
August 8th 1917.
Dear Daddy
Thanks awfully for your letter and
Mummy and Sylvia for their last. The Lucanas have not yet
arrived, thanks very much for sending them as also the chocolate
and Crème de Menthe (second issue). We are now back in support
after six days in the line – three in the front line
and three in battalion support, and I am writing this lying
on the top in the sun (strictly against orders) as also
sundry C Company’s Officers. Yesterday I had my first
wash for a week and it was good. Shaving I had
to carry on with – rather a curious fact, I should
have thought it the other way round but I found I could
stand dirt much better than face fungus. I have come across
a Sergeant whose name escapes me for the moment, who used
to work for C. and Co., a young chap with a fair complexion
and cheerful nature who came out with the first batch from
Hoddesdon. I expect you know him. He said he recognized
me as soon as he joined, and enquired most tenderly after
different members of the family … We had it very wet
in the line and it was heart breaking work draining after
each storm. Here conditions are much better and one is much
less on the qui vive … I also heard from Granny.
She does not seem to appreciate the latest conscript drafts
in training at Tunbridge Wells [characters inserted here
– perhaps Greek?] and the Lord preserve this battalion
from the same. Please excuse spidery writing as I am feeling
sleepy.
Pages 39 and 40
1st Beds., B.E.F.
August 10th 1917.
Dear Mummy
At present we are still in Brigade
support and move further back in a day or two out of the
trenches. However I am for a sniping course at the First
Army school and shall be away about ten days. Rather a treat
as it avoids the “intensive” period of training
and games so dear to all here, je ne pense. Les garcons
say they prefer les tranches. Things have been fairly
busy
