Tommy’s War: A First World War Diary 1913–1918. Andrew Marr

Чтение книги онлайн.

      The great War may have begun with ‘the shot heard around the world’ when the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, on 28 June 1914, but the roots of the conflict lay in the previous century. In broad terms, its origins involved the national politics, culture and economies of the combatant states, and a web of alliances struck between the leading European nations during the nineteenth century, following the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 and the Congress of Vienna in 1814–5. In response to the murder, the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on Serbia on 28 July, which put into action a web of treaties that brought Germany and the Ottoman Empire into the war on the side of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and France, Belgium, Britain, Russia and Japan behind Serbia.

      In 1913, when Thomas’ diaries begin, there were clear signs that the great European powers were preparing for war. In April he saw ‘the Great Territorial March Out’ and on 5 May he noted that Earl Roberts of Kandahar, a distinguished former military commander, was on a recruiting visit to Glasgow. The Territorial Force was formed on 1 April 1908, with a strength of around 269,000 men organised into 14 infantry divisions and 14 mounted yeomanry brigades. The force was set up by Secretary of State for War, Richard Burdon Haldane, under the terms of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907.

       Wednesday, 1 January

Got 11.29 train from Glasgow Cross to Langloan¹ and spent the day in the bosom of the Crozier family. Very nice day. We went out for a walk in the afternoon. Jean, Hetty, Meg, Agnes, Baby and I.² Hetty and Meg saw us off by 10.9 train (Caledonian). Were home at 11 p.m. Some little showers fell but on the whole good weather.

       Sunday, 5 January

Fine day though dull. After dinner I took car to Cathcart and walked from there to Clarkston and on to Giffnock, through by the quarries to Cathcart again and car home.³ Wee man sneezing all day. Agnes not well at all. Wee man very cross in morning. Did not go to church.

       Monday, 6 January

Cleaned the range tonight, including the flues. Dirty job. Agnes washed the floor after. Wee man still sneezing. Wee man got a new frock.⁴

       Tuesday, 7 January

Lit the kitchen fire this morning, but it was a failure. Called at the factor and cussed him, so the men put a new ‘whirly’ on today.⁵ 13 public houses in Ward 21 (Govanhill).⁶ 19 licensed grocers.⁷ Population 35,082. Municipal electors 7,813.⁸

       Wednesday, 8 January

Knocked the kitchen blind down, so had to knock it back up again. We are going to flit.⁹

       Thursday, 9 January

Agnes out in forenoon looking for a new house. Out again after tea time to see one in 14 Morgan Street. I was not out. Agnes doing a washing tonight. I minded wee Magintey.¹⁰

       Friday, 10 January

      Cold east wind today. Factor here in afternoon to see about a house we wanted. Agnes ironed tonight, I cleaned the brass rail and jelly pan.

       Saturday, 11 JANUARY

      Cold disman day of sleet and rain. We went househunting in afternoon but didn’t find a good enough house.

       Sunday, 12 January

Rain and snow all day long. Went and saw Dr Gardiner at 5 p.m. and made him my doctor, to fulfil the requirements of the law.¹¹ Agnes not very well today.

       Monday, 13 January

Went and saw the factor at 5.30 and booked a new house at 14 Morgan Street, 2 up left.¹² Got my boots mended today for a bob. Nobody came tonight to cheer our loneliness.

       Tuesday, 14 January

Horrid cold frosty day. Not out at night. Youth up today putting a board up at our window.¹³

       Anderston Library reading room.

СКАЧАТЬ