Matthews, Arthur Edward (Sergeant, b.1891 - d.1986)

Places
Accession Number 2DRL/0219
Collection type Private Record
Record type Collection
Measurement 1 wallet: 1 cm
Object type Diary
Maker Matthews, Arthur Edward
Date made 1916-1917
Access Open
Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. AWM93 12/11/4040
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Original diary and typescript of diary relating involvement in the Battle of the Somme from the capture of Flers and Gueudecourt to the capture of Bullecourt during the winter of 1916-17. Written by Arthur Edward Matthews, this chronological narrative of winter in the Somme 1916-1917 was written from his diary notes and impressions for someone he loves. Records his emotions, exhaustion, the weather, the mud, the freezing temperatures, those wounded or killed, artillery barrages, life during trench warfare, German prisoners, advances, withdrawals, attacks, patrols, reserve periods, billets, the local terrain and villages. A copy of the typescript is also held in Private Records collection PR91/119.