A Soldier's Diary: The Western Front

A Soldier's Diary: The Western Front (British Edition) [[Background]] (set:$displaystuff to 1)

The Western Front sprawled over 700km of Northeastern France and Belgium, stretching from the Swiss border to the English channel. The western front revolutionised warfare as nations witnessed the power of the new weapons of war and their enormous potential for destruction and carnage. [[Gameplay Info]]

I was a (link:"professional soldier")[(set: $soldier's occupation to "Professional soldier")(set:$right to it + 1)(set:$soldier's discipline to it + 1)(goto:"Profile")] in the army. Still a private but I was well trained and ready of combat. +1 discipline + 1 nationalism

(set: $soldier's name to (prompt: "What is your name",""))Name:(print: $soldier's name) Age:(print: $soldier's age) Nationality:British Occupation:(print: $soldier's occupation) [[Let's Go|British 1914 PS chap1]]

You will play as a British soldier who is sent to France to fight Your enemies are the German troops invading France. For you king and nation, you are compelled to serve the empire and to preserve freedom in Europe. [[Next|Background before the war]]

The main objective of this game is to not die and to survive till the end of the war. If you do well, you will be rewarded by high command with shiny medal. There are 4 main stats: Discipline: refers to how steadfast are you in battle and how well you fight on the battlefield Marksmenship: refers to how accurate your rifle and pistol shots are Initiative: refers to how daring you are and how willing you are to lead the charge Technical: refers to how adept you are with specialised equipment like grenades There are 2 ideologies that you can choose to shape your views on the war: Nationalism: How patriotic and how loyal you are to your king/country Socialism: How left wing you are and how much you are for worker's and soldier's rights You can choose different responses to various events to alter your ideology and it will alter your writings Also, there will also be an inventory for you to store equipment/items [[Let's get on with it|continue]]

(set:$displayfooter to true)It was a scorching hot August afternoon and (if: $soldier's occupation is "Factory worker")[I was just going about my usual business, toiling away in the manufacturing factory in Paris, standing at the assembly line and going about assembling machine parts that I don't even bother recording mentally what they are.](if: $soldier's occupation is "Peasant")[I was lugging my produce to the market square in a rural village in Bretagne(click: "Bretagne")[(Britanny, North Western France)] and hoping to eek out a living](if: $soldier's occupation is "Hunter")[I was working an odd job, a delivery man, in the streets of Bordeaux, being unable to hunt my game on such a hot day] Suddenly, a drumroll. I thought it was a passing merchant or the usual antics of acrobats and performers. No, it is not that. The drums fell silent and the local clerk, or commisssaire as we call him, started to speak. All ears were on him and the entire street fell silent.(if:$soldier's occupation is "Factory worker")[The whole assembly line, nay the whole factory ground to a halt as my fellow workers and I rushed out to hear the man] The fellow announced to the crowd and the message was met with a huge uproar by all the people in the street The fellow announced the [[general mobilisation of France]]

I woke up in my room in London. (if:$soldier's occupation is "factory worker")[It was an ordinary day for me. I would be working at the same old clothing factory for the same long hours a day for the same meagre wage that had to cover my rent.](else:)[I was going to do some odd jobs and errands before I head up to Scotland to carry on my hunt] I got out of bed and took a look at the newspaper, the Daily Mail, on my door step. (text-style:"bold")[GREAT BRITAIN DECLARES WAR ON GERMANY] I was [[dismayed at the announcement of war]] [[cheered and was excited]]

The announcement aroused great enthusiasm in the crowd that gathered as all the men and women cheered at the momentous occasion in a large hurrah, not doubting for an instant that victory would be prompt and decisive. I [[cheered on with the crowd]] I [[was shocked at the announcement and remained silent]]

+1 Nationalism (set:$right to it + 1) I joined in the cheers and let loose a hurrah along with the men around me, reveling in the merry of the moment. The sight I saw was extraordinary: People from all walks of life rejoicing together. Hatred between people vanished in that instant, creating peace and concord between all those present on the street. We were all united in a patriotic fervour to defend this country from germanic aggression and were all confident in a heroic and prompt victory in the upcoming struggle. Of course, the Ausria would shatter into pieces after the shock of a Russian attack. Of course, France and her faithful ally, Russia, would obliterate the pesky Germans between them. Everyone, including myself, had full confidence in France and once more we let loose a Hurrah. (if: $soldier's occupation is "Factory worker")[The factory supervisor called off the rest of today's work, knowing men would have to get things in order before they set off to defend their country. My fellow workers and I hastily returned to [[our homes|homeworker]] to prepare for war](if:$soldier's occupation is "Hunter")[I quickly delivered my item and called it a day. I had to return [[home|homehunter]] to make preparations for the journey ahead](if:$soldier's occupation is "Peasant")[I quickly lugged my produce back to [[my quaint cottage|homepeasant]] back at my small farm in order to prepare for the journey ahead]

+1 socialism (set:$left to it + 1) I was visibly shaken at the announcement and deeply shocked at not just the content of the announcement, but also at the response to the announcement by the people. How could anyone be so jubilant that such catastrophic event of a Great War would befall Europe? That men would have to descend to barbarism and that our proud civilisation would blighted by the sheeding of blood? The sight I saw was extraordinary: People from all walks of life rejoicing together. Hatred between people vanished in that instant, creating peace and concord between all those present on the street. Ironic isn't it? Peace created from war. Yet will this fraternal rejoicing last? Time will tell. I heaved a heavy sigh. Alas, despite my reluctance and disgust, I knew I would be conscripted into the army. (if: $soldier's occupation is "Factory worker")[The factory supervisor called off the rest of today's work, knowing men would have to get things in order before they set off to defend their country. My fellow workers and I hastily returned to [[our homes|homeworker]] to prepare for war](if:$soldier's occupation is "Hunter")[I quickly delivered my item and called it a day. I had to return [[home|homehunter]] to make preparations for the journey ahead](if:$soldier's occupation is "Peasant")[I quickly lugged my produce back to [[my quaint cottage|homepeasant]] back at my small farm in order to prepare for the journey ahead]

Name:(print: $soldier's name) Age:(print:$soldier's age) Nationality: Brititsh Occupation:(print: $soldier's occupation) Ideology:(if: $left > $right)[+ (print:$left-$right) socialism](else-if: $left < $right)[+ (print:$right-$left) nationalism](else:)[Neutral] Stats: Initiative:(print:$soldier's initiative) Discipline:(print:$soldier's discipline) Marksmanship:(print:$soldier's marksmanship) Technical:(print:$soldier's technical) Type of unit:(print:$soldier's unit) [[[Go back|$lastPassage]]] Medals: (if:$BrDCM is true)[British Distinguished Conduct Medal] (if:$FrMM is true)[Medialle Militaire]

(if:$fuckme is true)[<hr> [[[Profile|profile2]]][[[Inventory|Inventory]]] ]

(set: $soldier to (datamap: "name" , "", "occupation" , " " , "initiative" ,0, "marksmanship" ,0, "discipline" ,0, "technical",0 ,"age",20, "unit","Infantry")) (set:$left to 0)(set:$right to 0) (set: $lastpassage to "")(set:$date to "yipyangohfuck") (set:$scope to false)(set:$charm to false)(set:$rifle to false)(set:$BrDCM to false)(set:$FrMM to false) (set:$fuckme to false)

(if:$fuckme is true)[(print:$date)<hr>] (if: not ((passage:)'s tags contains "profile"))[(set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name)]

I hastily returned to my small cottage beside the family farm in rural Bretagne. My mother looked surprised that I was home so early, especially with the produce I brought back. I told her, "Mother France is going to war with Germany." She nodded and proceeded to help me store the produce in our small shack outside our living quarters. Afterwards, we went around doing regular farming chore. It almost feels like a normal day, except I was about to be sent to the front few days later. After working around the farm, it was getting dark outside and my dad returned home from another nearby village doing odd jobs to help with the family finances despite his elderly age We sat down and ate our modest dinner that my mother cooked up with the produce we had "You are going to serve the motherland soon, my son. I remember back in the days where young men like me were sent off to war against the same enemy 40 years before. Hopefully, it won't end so bad for France this time." My dad said. [["Don't worry, Papa, I will do France proud and avenge the motherland's defeat."|Home Peasant Scene 2a]] [["Papa, I don't want to fight in a mass slaughter."|Home Peasant Scene 2b]] [["My only hope of a war is another commune rising from the Paris Commune's ashes."|Home Peasant Scene 2c]]

+ 1 nationalism (set: $right to it +1) "That's the spirit, my boy! Go out there and show them what France can do!" The dinner proceeded on with my Dad telling us about fantastical and probably made up stories about his role as a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War and how he bayoneted a Prussian hussar's horse before shooting the rider at point blank range. After dinner, I went up to my room and prepare for the war, packing my bag. "Son, take this four leaved clover charm, it'll ward off any german bullets." My dad burst into the room, unanounced. [[I took the clover and placed it in my bag|Home Peasant Scene 3]]

+1 socialism (set: $left to it + 1) "Don't worry son! This will surely be a quick war! I am sure the French Army will be at the Rhine by October!" My dad said in a bid to calm my nerves about the war and to spur me on. The dinner proceeded on with my Dad telling us about fantastical and probably made up stories about his role as a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War and how he bayoneted a Prussian hussar's horse before shooting the rider at point blank range. After dinner, I went up to my room and prepare for the war, packing my bag. "Son, take this four leaved clover charm, it'll ward off any german bullets." My dad burst into the room, unanounced. [[I took the clover and placed it in my bag|Home Peasant Scene 3]]

+4 socialism (set:$left to it + 4) "I mean, do you really sympathise with those rabble rousers in Paris?" My Dad said with a surprised tone I realised my error in shooting my mouth in front my father who served in the army that crushed the commune. The dinner proceeded on with an unusual tranquility, one caused by my blabbering mouth, all of us eating silently After dinner, I went up to my room and prepare for the war, packing my bag. "Son, I'm sorry for what I said, I should respect your views." My dad burst into the room, unnanounced. Before I could say anything, my dad followed up with "Oh and take this four leaved clover charm, it'll ward off any german bullets." [[I took the clover and placed it in my bag|Home Peasant Scene 3]]

"Gee thanks Papa! I'll hang on to this." I said as I take a good look at it before putting it in my bag carefully so as not to damage it.(set:$charm to true) It was rusty old metal charm made to look like a four leaved clover. "You better, Your grandfather gave me this charm before I was sent to war and I returned home intact." My father smiled before leaving my room I lay on the bed, thinking about what would the future entail before drifting off to (link:"sleep")[(goto:"Leaving home Peasant")(set:$date to "3rd August 1914")]

Your inventory consists of (if:$charm is true )[Four Leaved Clover Charm for good luck] (else-if: $scope is true and $nationality is "French")[Your lunette viseur Mignon, a civilian rifle scope you brought from home to be attached to a Lebel rifle](else:)[Nothing yet] [[[Go Back|$lastPassage]]]

I woke up the next day, feeling groggy and tired. I looked at the clock on the wall. "(text-style: "italic")[Merde]! I am late!" I quickly scrambled out of the bed and made my way downstairs to the eating area of the house. After eating the best breakfast I have had in a while with my parents, I took my small bags and made my way to the front door of the house. I turned around and saw my parents. My mother was wiping away the tears rolling down her eyes with her hankerchief. Poor mother, I can't even assure her I will be back. My father was standing solemnly there "Son, We love you." Both of them said. I ran back towards them and gave a loving hug before I turned around and walked on the dirty, downtrodden road to the nearest village I turned around one last time, seeing their 2 figures for one last time before [[heading off|Train Station Peasant]]

As I headed to the nearest village, I could see throngs of men gathering near the train station, all dressed in mufti(click: "mufti")[(Civilian clothes when worn by soldiers)]. I quickly made my way to the train station, making sure not to bumb into the crowds of frenchmen and their wives sending them off. I passed my papers to the (text-style:"italic")[gendarme] and [[boarded the train|Depot Rennes]] to Rennes, the nearest major metropolitan area.

As I got off the station at Rennes, I saw a mob of soldiers filling the city, half dressed in mufti, half in their bright red and blue uniforms as well as a crowd of regular civilians cheering on the troops as they made their way to the individual barracks I was assigned to the 58th Regiment d'Infanterie whose barracks was installed in an old school no longer in use on the outskirts of the city. I hastily made my way to the barracks, not wanting to anger the authorities any further for being late The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officers) looked up from his scribblings on the desk. "(print:$soldier's name), you are late." "Sorry, Sir." I mumbled under my breath, not daring to make eye contact. "I'll let it off just this one time since the trains won't be here for a while more. Get in the barracks and grab your equipment. (if:($left-$right)>3)["Looks like it's time to step forward and put my liberty to the chains, to stoop beneath the neck of militarisim." I sighed as I [[entered|Barracksfrenchpeasantb]] the barracks](else:)[I followed orders and [[entered|Barracksfrench]] the barracks, wondering what my future and France's might hold]

When I entered the barracks, I found it to be mostly empty, save for a solidary soldier in there. The chap was putting on his army boots as I walked in. "(text-style:"italic")[Bonjour, mon ami]! My name is Louis!" The chap burst out, full of energy. "(text-style:"italic")[Et toi]?" "My name is (print:$soldier's name). Nice to meet you!" I replied. "Here, you go (text-style:"italic")[mon ami] here's your uniform. I'm sure we can be good friends while fighting side by side against the enemy!" He shoved his boot in his foot before grabbing the uniform and offering it to me. "(text-style:"italic")[Merci]! See you at the station." I smiled at him before he left the barrack and headed to the train station. I quickly donned my uniform, which consisted of a kepi(the hat), a blue tunic and great coat, and red trousers. It was exactly the same as my dad's uniform when he was serving in the army 40 years ago. I then hastily [[made for the railway station]] yet again, not wanting to miss the train.

+1 socialism (set:$socialism to it + 1) When I entered the barracks, I found it to be mostly empty, save for a solidary soldier in there. The chap was putting on his army boots as I walked in. "(text-style:"italic")[Bonjour, mon ami]! My name is Louis!" The chap burst out, full of energy. "(text-style:"italic")[Et toi]?" "My name is (print:$soldier's name). Nice to meet you!" I replied. "Here, you go (text-style:"italic")[mon ami] here's your uniform. I'm sure we can be good friends while fighting side by side against the enemy!" He shoved his boot in his foot before grabbing the uniform and offering it to me. "(text-style:"italic")[Merci]! See you at the station." I smiled at him before he left the barrack and headed to the train station. I quickly donned my uniform, which consisted of a kepi(the hat), a blue tunic and great coat, and red trousers. It was exactly the same as my dad's uniform when he was serving in the army 40 years ago. I then hastily [[made for the railway station]] yet again, not wanting to miss the train.

Double-click this passage to edit it.

I went back home to the small tenant room down the streets of Paris, following numerous parisian men who also had to prepare for to be sent off "Bonjour, Madame!" I heartily cried out to the old landlady as usual when I entered the apartment. She smiled at me. "Go upstairs and pack, you'll need to be prepared for the upcoming adventure." I smiled at her as I [[went upstairs|homeworkerscene2]] to my crammed room, wanting to quickly pack my bags before I head to the local tavern at night and indulge in some cheap liquor before being sent to the front.

I quickly delivered my item before hastily returning to my small wooden cabin on the very outskirts of the city. I headed into my quaint little home, which was not too far from a sprawling forest to hunt game yet not too far from the city to be a major inconvenience. I hastily packed all my essential items in a small haversack I was going to bring to the barracks tomorrow, making sure I don't forget anything, especially my cigarettes. I also made a note to carefully store my lunette viseur Mignon, a civilian scope to be attached to the standard issue Lebel rifle, in a suitable casing before placing it in my back. I had the feeling I could use my marksmenship skills for the upcoming struggle. (set:$scope to true) While packing, I heard a knocking on the door, prompting me to hastily get up and open the door. "Looks like there's a letter for you, (print:$soldier's name), better read it before you get sent off!" The friendly mailman who always delivers my mail, Jacques, passed me a letter. "(text-style:"italic")[Merci] Jacques, see you soon!" I instantly recognised the address, it was from my parents who were still living in the rural countryside. I [[opened|letterfromparents1]] the letter and proceeded to read it.

I hastily packed all my essential items in a small haversack I was going to bring to the barracks tomorrow. I was just about done when I heard the landlady knock on the door. "I recieved a letter for you. You should probably read it before you head off," She said, handing me the letter. She left after I politely thanked her. I saw the address and instantly recognised it. It was from my parents, still living in the countryside seeing as it was too expensive to live in Paris. I opened the letter and it [[read|letterfromparents1]].

The letter read: Dear son, We know you are about to be sent off to war, to serve for your country and perhaps even to, god forbid, die for your country. We are so sorry we are unable to be with you right now, but we want you to know that we love you, we always think about you every day, and from now till the war's end we will always worry about your safety We put in a lucky four-leaved clover charm in the envelope. Your father says it will repel the german bullets. Make sure you keep it on you Please write whenever you find a break between service. Your father and mother Tears started swelling up in my eyes, but I held back from crying. France cannot have her soldier's crying before being sent to defend her. I clutched the metal four-leaved clover charm in my palm, holding it tightly before [[putting it in my bag|homescene2]]

I hastily picked up a pencil and wrote back to my parents, saying how I miss them and love them so very much, as well as saying that I would most certainly write back during respites from fighting.(set:$charm to true) After I finished packing my stuff and sending the letter, (if:$soldier's occupation is "hunter")[I cracked open a bottle of cheap wine and poured a glass for myself, wanting to indulge in some humanly pleasures before the war would remove all that.](else:)[I went out to a nearby tavern to get some cheap booze to indulge in before the war. The tavern was filled to the brim with like-minded men who also wanted a "last drink". I ordered a big cup of beer from the bartender and drank up.] I was quite tipsy after I had more than my usual share of alcohol (if:$soldier's occupation is "factory worker")[and I sauntered back to the tenant housing, surely bumping into several people. I went to my bed and as soon as I hit the sheets, I [[drifted off|homescene3fr]] to sleep.](else:)[I went to my bed and as soon as I hit the sheets, I [[drifted off|homescene3frchasseur]] to sleep.]

I woke up the next day, feeling groggy and tired. Maybe I shouldn't have drank so much. I looked at the clock on the wall. "(text-style: "italic")[Merde]! I am late!" I quickly scrambled out of the bed and ate a quick snack in my room. I dressed up and ran out of my house to the streets of Paris I saw a mob of soldiers filling the city, half dressed in mufti, half in their bright red and blue uniforms as well as a crowd of regular civilians cheering on the troops as they made their way to the individual barracks I was assigned to the 45th Regiment d'Infanterie whose barracks was installed in an old school no longer in use on the outskirts of the city. I hastily made my way to the barracks, not wanting to anger the authorities any further for being late The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officers) looked up from his scribblings on the desk. "(print:$soldier's name), you are late." "Sorry, Sir." I mumbled under my breath, not daring to make eye contact. "I'll let it off just this one time since the trains won't be here for a while more. Get in the barracks and grab your equipment. I followed orders and [[entered|Barracksfrench]] the barracks, wondering what my future and France's might hold

I woke up the next day, feeling groggy and tired, maybe I shouldn't have drank so much. I looked at the clock on the wall. "(text-style: "italic")[Merde]! I am late!" I quickly scrambled out of the bed and ate a quick snack in my room. I dressed up and ran out of my house to the streets of Bordeaux I saw a mob of soldiers filling the city, half dressed in mufti, half in their bright red and blue uniforms as well as a crowd of regular civilians cheering on the troops as they made their way to the individual barracks I was assigned to the 11th battalion de chasseurs (Light Infantry) whose barracks was installed in an old school no longer in use on the outskirts of the city. I hastily made my way to the barracks, not wanting to anger the authorities any further for being late The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officers) looked up from his scribblings on the desk. "(print:$soldier's name), you are late." "Sorry, Sir." I mumbled under my breath, not daring to make eye contact. "I'll let it off just this one time since the trains won't be here for a while more. Get in the barracks and grab your equipment. I followed orders and [[entered|Barracksfrench]] the barracks, wondering what my future and France's might hold

"Report yourself to the 1st battalion immediately!" So the time had come. Of course I guessed what was going to be in the telegraph when I recieved it. I kept up with the affairs in Europe and I, well anyone, could see the tension heating up in Europe. It boiled over and reality hit me and probably everyone else in London. My training was to bear fruit. The rather carefree life of a peacetime soldier was over. The country had gone to war. I went up to my rooms in London to collect a few personal items. My landlady, a rather kind old lady, was breathless with helping me pack and was aghast at the national crisis. I was enjoying packing my room as I went through drawers I rarely open to ensure I didn't miss anything. "Looks like you have a letter. Better read it before you head off." said the landlady who just burst into my room after leaving for a bit. I walked up and recieved the letter. She then promptly left my room. I saw the address and instantly recognised it. It was from my parents, still living in the countryside seeing as it was too expensive to live in London. I opened the letter and it [[read|letterfromparents BrPS]].

The letter read: Dear son, We know you are about to be sent off to war, to serve for your country and perhaps even to, god forbid, die for your country. We are so sorry we are unable to be with you right now, but we want you to know that we love you, we always think about you every day, and from now till the war's end we will always worry about your safety. We also want you to know that we are and will always be proud that you serve in the best army in Europe and fight for the Britian We put in a lucky four-leaved clover charm in the envelope. Your father says it will repel the german bullets. Make sure you keep it on you Please write whenever you find a break between service. Your father and mother I felt tears welled up in my eyes but I held them back. Britain can't have her soldier's crying on the boat to France. I clutched the metal four-leaved clover charm in my palm, holding it tightly before [[putting it in my bag|homescene2BrPs]]

When I arrived in a small village in Sussex closest to the barracks, I heard a marching band march throughout the street to inspire the soldiers heading to their barracks. I saw many of my fellow soldiers hurrying to the barracks and I followed suit. The regiment in the barracks greeted the whole lot of us with a hurrah and we quickly settled in. I changed into my uniform, a khaki tunic and trousers as well as my 1905 pattern dress service cap. The whole lot of us, thirty strong, went to the mess tables to have our lunch before we [[headed off the to the training grounds|traininggrounds]] outside the military depot for some rifle practice.

On the train to Sussex I was seated across a clergyman I stuck up a conversation with the holy man, and of course the topic was about the war. We agreed that it could not last for any length of time, and I remembered telling him I expected to have a nice holiday once I returned later this year. We were both fully confident that this war would be a swift victory for the British Empire. As we headed to near the station, I bid the clergyman farewell as I [[got off the train|to sussex]], promising that I would visit his church later this year when I returned

I followed the rest of the men to the training grounds. It was a small enclosed compound with a shooting range and some basic exercise courses. We ran a few laps around the track before stepping up to the shooting range and getting some rifle practice. I grabbed my Lee-Enfield rifle and waited in line. "You are up next, (print:$soldier's name)" I grabbbed my rifle and aimed at the target. "Great job, looks like you haven't slacked on your aim. + 1 marksmanship (set:$soldier's marksmanship to it + 1) "Head over there for the [[mad minute exercise|traininggrounds2]]"

As I reached the next target, I dropped down to the floor with my rifle pointing at the target 300 feet (90 metres) away. "Alright boys, give em hell. Remember 15 shots. 3 2 1 Fire!" I steadied my aim down the iron sights, held my breath and fired the 10 shots in the cartriage. They hit their mark and I heaved a sigh of relief as I reloaded five more rounds as hastily as I could before letting loose. "Good Job, (display:$soldier's name)! I see you're ready for the job." + 1 marksmanship + 1 discipline (set:$soldier's marksmanship to it + 1)(set:$soldier's discipline to + 1) I beamed at the approval of the NCO. I was just a private after all, a regular peace time soldier. Being able to fire a mad minute was a huge sense of pride for me. I made my way back [[to the barrack|barracksbrps]] to start packing with the other men.

We packed our kit in the barracks, stuffing sufficient ammunition and supplies in our bags before continuing our training. Once the sun started to set, we dined in mess, hundred strong. I wondered, looking at the faces of my comrades, what fate held in store for them and me. We all agreed that this was going to be a hell of a war. There was no feeling of going on a day's hunting. Men made their wills, quietly, packed their belongings and wrote letters of goodbye to love ones. We trained for a few more days, getting ready for [[[journey to France|beforeleavingforfrance]]](set:$date to "18th August 1914") and for the upcoming struggle.

(if:$soldier's nationality is "French")[(click:"Let's Go")(set:$date to "2nd August 1914")(set:$displayfooter to true)(goto: "France 1914")] (if:$soldier's nationality is "British" and $soldier's occupation is "Professional soldier")[(click:"Let's Go")(set:$date to "5th August 1914")(set:$displayfooter to true)(goto: "British 1914 PS")] (else:)[(click:"Let's Go")(set:$date to "5th August 1914")(set:$displayfooter to true)(goto: "British 1914")]

We woke up early in the morning, some more eager than the others. We all knew that today was the day we set sail for France. We gathered all backpacks and stuffed as much military supplies in our hands as possible as we headed to the habour. After the lads coaxed the horses and laid down the supplies, we boarded the ship and settled in the lower decks to get some sleep. I was woken up by another fellow private bellowing "Land Ho!" in the late afternoon at around 4 o clock. I hurried to the upper deck to see the coast of France. At first, the coast was barely visible but it gradually grew more and more distinct until we could distinct the houses of Havre climbing the cliffs. The boat gilded in the vast docks of Havre. We looked curiously at the French territorial soldiers clad in red and blue and they in turned looked back at us curiously. Suddenly a voice shouted: "Ave a cig, mate." A packet of cigars flew across the air and fell at the foot of a Frenchman who stopped to pick it up, saying "Merci, Monsieur". We then proceeded to [[get off the boat|chap2 PS]]

As we got off, french soldiers started pouring out of the trench. We had never seen their uniforms and started laughing at their colours. An officer rebuked, saying, "These Frenchmen are our allies against the Germans." Another man said, "Poor chaps, they deserve to be encouraged," took off his cap, waved it around and shouted "Vive L'Empereur!" He was a bit behind the times. We started helping with the unloading of the equipment and supplies with the french cranes and some french labourers. It was evening when we were done and we headed to the metropolitan area of Havre. Children rushed from the houses and fell upon us asking for souvenirs. I gave a postcard from London to a young french boy and he cried "Merci!" before scampering off. Ladies pursued us with basins full of wine and beer. Some men were literally carried into inns and houses under the watchful eyes of their officers. It was dark by the time we headed to our quarters, an enormous wool warehouse. The sleep was very miserable as the wool was infested with fleas. I thought I would not be able to get some sleep but I [[[slept|wokeupbef19th]]](set:$date to "19th - 23th August 1914") like a log.

I woke up without an ache and unscathed from the fleas to my surprise. We breakfasted off strong tea and some butter, bread and choclate we bought from a smiling old woman before we had to set off. For the next five days, we marched through the coastal french cities to the front. It was as if we were not soldiers in a war as the days went by carelessly. We were greeted with excited French locals and were showered upon with hospitality. Our officers gave us the order of head for the town of Mons to do battle with the germans and the regiment [[[marched onwards|battleofmonspt1]]](set:$date to 23rd August 1914).

In the early morning, we were informed of a large german presence ahead of us by the British cavalry as we marched futher east from Mons. An order was given to deploy and dig in near a railway. We started digging but since the soil was chalk, we were only able to make shallow holes. While we were digging, the German artillery opened fire. 6 shells burst over the line directly above our heads and we all fell flat on our faces, both surprised and frightened. One man was killed while another 2 had been wounded. As we got up, we saw a lot of movement to the right in a small village with heavy rifle and artillery fire. Just then, we sighted a squadron of German cavalry crossing our front and my fellow soldiers responded with rifle fire. I [[held steady and fired at the horses|battleofmonspt2a]] [[recklessly charged the cavalry with my bayonet|battleofmonspt2b]]

I loosed 10 rounds from my rifle without faltering and fired. I saw a few german horses fall and we were relieved that we were actually doing something other than get shelled by artillery. +1 discipline (set:$soldier's discipline to it + 1) After we had driven off the cavalry, the germans resumed their heavy artillery fire, prompting us to push our bodies down into the dirt as much as possible to minimize our risk of being blown up. Then, we saw a terrifying sight. Hundreds of Germans marching in columns towards us and bullets were wizzing above our heads. I held steady and kept firing rounds into the german columns. The advancing germans in tight-knit columns were easy targets for our rifles and we saw them drop like flies . +1 discipline (set:$soldier's discipline to it + 1) The german attack had been broken and the staggering survivors ran back to their lines. We had held out against them but as night fell, I wondered [[for how long|retreatfrommonspt1]]?

I charged the cavalry with my bayonet, shooting the surprised german rider with my rifle before piercing the chest of the stallion. +1 initiative (set:$soldier's initiative to +1) "What are you doing, (print:$soldier's name)! Get down!" The germans resumed their heavy artillery fire, prompting me to push my body down into the dirt as much as possible to minimize my risk of being blown up. Then, we saw a terrifying sight. Hundreds of Germans marching in columns towards us and bullets were wizzing above our heads. I held steady in my barely and kept firing rounds into the german columns. The advancing germans in tight-knit columns were easy targets for our rifles and we saw them drop like flies. +1 discipline (set:$soldier's discipline to it + 1) The german attack had been broken and the staggering survivors ran back to their lines. We had held out against them but as night fell, I wondered [[for how long|retreatfromthemonspt1a]]?

It was starting to get dark when orders came to retreat. Apparently the germans had overwhelmed the other parts of the line. While still under heavy artillery fire and with the occassiona machine gun bullets whizzing past us, we got up from our small ditch and retreated. We turned our bags and started [[[marching off|retreatfrommonspt2]]](set:$date to "23rd - 3rd September"), fleeing the germans who were sure to exploit the retreat.

It was starting to get dark when orders came to retreat. Apparently the germans had overwhelmed the other parts of the line. While still under heavy artillery fire and with the occassiona machine gun bullets whizzing past us, I got up from what you could barely call cover and rushed nack to my comrades in the ditch. As I leaped in the trench, I felt a bullet whizz past my ear and I felt blood at on the lower lobe of the ear. My commander chided me for my reckless behaviour but passed me a bandage for my ear which I was ever grateful for. We turned our bags and started [[[marching off|retreatfrommonspt2]]](set:$date to "23rd - 3rd September"), fleeing the germans who were sure to exploit the retreat.

For the next few days, we rotated between the cycle of marching at daybreak to resting in small towns when it became too dark to move without lights. Following us were a wave of French refugees who were forced to abandoned their homes as the Germans advanced, all dressed only slightly less miserably as us. On a few days, my battalion was part of the rear guard. While we did exchange rifle fire a couple of times, there was little action, good news for all of us. I also remember there being many cases of British privates shooting themselves in the foot so they didn't have to march anymore. I sympathised with their sentiments. The heat was terrific, the roads were a mess and refugees and their belongings were scattered all over the road. Near the end of the march saw many of us fall flat on the face due to exhaustion while the rest staggered around them. We couldn't lift our feet high enough to go over them and bending over to pick them up would mean falling. The sheer fatigue was overwhelming. There was a german plane flying above us and dropping iron pins which none of us had the energy, will or capacity to shoot down. On the 3rd, we turned around and started to [[[march to the river Marne|battleofmarne1]]](set:$date to "5th September 1917")

On the 5th, we arrived at the Marne, between 2 french armies and on the road between the Germans and Paris. We could not afford to lose. We were ordered to occupy a village across the river marne. The village was empty, long evacuated by its citizens. We checked all the houses to ensure no germans were there to spring an ambush on us. As the streets started to be filled with men, suddenly, a machine gun opened fire from across the river, sweeping the street. Lieutenant Thompson of my battalion was badly wounded as a bullet peirced his stomach. I [[got down and hid behind a building|battleofmarne2]] [[rushed forward to save him|battleofmarne2a]]

The bursts of machine gun fire was on and off but as the guns started falling silent, me and a few other men were ordered to go to the toilet of a house and make holes in the walls for firing. We gathered some picks from a tool house and soon we made loopholes in the wall. We could see right across the river and the rising ground behind the village on the other side. We spotted some of the enemy making their way up the slope and opened with rapid fire. We had some excellent shooting practise for about 5 minutes and saw a lot of men fall +1 marksmanship (set:$soldier's marksmanship to it + 1) A few hours later, the engineers had constructed a pontoon bridge across the river which we [[crossed|battleofmarne3]] without shots exchanged.

I surged forward without fear of the withering hail of machine gun fire across the river. I grabbed the lieutenant's weakening body and carried him behind the closest house I could see. +2 initiative (set:$soldier's initiative to it + 2) "Ah!" I felt a sharp, excruciating pain on my right wrist and I felt the energy in my hands seep away. My hands and clothes were bloody but I could not tell if it was from the gaping wound in the lieutenant's stomach or from my wound. I held strong and ran behind the building. Luckily the machine gun stopped temporarily and me and lieutenant were tended to by other soldiers. We were both brought to the make shift red cross hospital in one of the buildings. My wound was relatively minor, though since I got shot in my right hand, I couldn't hold a rifle and was out of action for a bit. A kind nurse there tended to my wound and wrapped a bandage around it. I couldn't see the lieutenant but I heard the poor chap survived for 30 minutes. I [[[took a break|breakfrommarne]]](set:$date to "1st October 1914") from the fighting for now as I hung out in the reserve lines. Death was still a possibility what with the random shells but at least

I could not fight till the start of October as the bullet that was just dislodged from my wrist rendered my arm incapable of holding anything heavier than a cup of water. My spirits were low since my act did not save his life, but I found solace in the thought that he had a peaceful final moment on a bed rather than strewn across a field with a gaping wound. I recieved 2 medals for my act of bravery in spite of the consequence which boosted my morale: the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the French Medaille Militaire. I sent them back to my parents at home to ensure that the medal would not be lost in the heat of battle and to reassure them I was still kicking.(set:$FrMM to true)(set:$BrDCM to true) When I was well enough to hold a rifle, I was told about the victory at the Marne and the static trench systems of the fronts. I was then [[deployed|chap3 PS]] to a new sector up north in Flanders, Belgium.

We saw many dead germans across the river and we very quickly relieved them of any valuables they had on them. As fast as we retried from the Mons, the germans were equally fast on their retirement from the Marne to the Aisne. We had won the day at the Marne, but our supplies were low and our rations were scarce. We then proceeded to march forward and chase the fleeing Germans. I never knew what it would be like to have my equipment off for even at night we were not allowed to take them off. After many days of hard marching , we arrived at the bank on the aisne on the 13th and [[[encamped|battleofaisne]]](set:$date to "13th - 14th September 1914")

(text-style:"bold")[Chapter One](set:$date to "5th August 1914")(set:$fuckme to true) [[Preparations for the journey to France|British 1914 PS]]

(text-style:"bold")[Chapter One] [[Fervour of war at home|British 1914]]

(text-style:"bold")[Chapter Two] [[Battle of the Mons and Aisne: To the front|get off the boat]]

At night there was a heavy fog around the aisne river and that was where and when our commanders decided to attack. We crossed the aisne river at night across a partially demolished bridge and we arrived at Venizel wood. Under the cover of the thick fog, we went up the narrow paths to the plateau. I was happy I was ahead from most soldiers and already on the plateau by morning for the mist evaporated under a bright morning sun. The germans began mericilessly raking us from the flanks and ahead fof us. I saw three other soldiers fall dead immediately and the rest of us, a little more than shaken, dove down and used whatever spare tools we had to dig a small ditch. More soldiers died following repeated bursts of machine gun fire. Their bodies went limp in the inadequate hole they had created for themselves, almost as if they were digging their own graves. I [[[lay there proned|battleofaisnept2]]](set:$date to "14th - 1st October") in my ditch, hoping to God that no German artillery shell would find its mark.

I was pinned down there by the heavy machine gun fire but later in the day the remaining few of us still alive were relieved by another regiment and we were free to gather more entrenching tools for our tools that had been provided were wholly insufficient. Me and and couple of men went to a nearby village behind the line to rummage for digging tools. I found a couple of spades and a pickaxe before I, reluctantly, hurried back to my comrades at the front. The next 2 weeks did not see any head on assaults. They were dominated by us digging ever deeper, ever wider and ever elaborate trenches with the aisne river behind our back. During lulls of getting fired upon I managed to snipe a couple of Germans but it didn't seem to change our horrible conditions. We were constantly shelled by giant artillery shells from heavy German siege mortars which we were sorely lacking in and fired upon by heavy machine guns. I also saw a terrible sight where a german stick grenade was thrown into a group of men to my right, killing the whole lot of them and shredding apart their limbs. I felt sick that night. On the night of 1st October, I was relieved at a new order that came from high up. We were to transfered away from the hell at the Aisne to Flanders in Belgium up north. My regiment was steathily [[evacuated|chap3 PS]] from the front that night and my position would probably have to be filled by another poor soul.

(text-style:"bold")[Chapter Three] [[[In Flander's Fields: The carnage at Ypres|Yprespt1]]](set:$date to "16th October 1914")

We were transfered to the north of Belgium and used the French railway system behind the lines to make our way to Flanders. Our battalion arrived at a small town in Flanders called Ypres (which we all called Wipers) along with many other soldiers, some arriving with us and others already there. There were even some people of the territorial guard meant to guard the colonies. I talked to one chap who said he was stationed in Egypt but quickly volunteered to serve in the western front. "You won't believe how hot it is in Cairo!" I'd never know since I'd only ever served in the home isles. We proceeded to stock up our ammunition, clean our guns and were ordered to march out and dig a few ditches for future use. I was happy that we weren't getting shot at. We rested for a few more days before we [[[headed off|Yprespt2]]](set:$date to "18th - 19th October 1914")

+1 socialism (set:$left to it + 1) I was visibly shaken at the announcement and was wholly dismayed at the news. I looked out of the window and the sight I saw was extraordinary: People from all walks of life rejoicing together. Hatred between people vanished in that instant, creating peace and concord between all those present on the street. Soldiers, some dressed in casual wear, some dressed in their Khaki uniforms were marching down the street amid waves of people who came to see them off. Ironic isn't it? Peace created from war. Yet will this fraternal rejoicing last? Time will tell. I was deeply shocked at not just the content of the announcement, but also at the response to the announcement by the people. How could anyone be so jubilant that such catastrophic event of a Great War would befall Europe? That men would have to descend to barbarism and that our proud civilisation would blighted by the sheeding of blood? I'd imagine that the war would last for some length of time and that this nation certainly would need more soldiers, by volunteers or god forbid conscripts. I sighed heavily and got ready for the day [[[ahead|volun1]]](set:$date to "7th August 1914").

+ 1 nationalism (set:$right to +1) I was ecstatic at the announcement. The Germans have been too proud and too haughty in their domination of Europe. They must be cut down! Britain's mighty empire crash into the insolent Germans and make them pay for their trampling of Belgian land! I flung open the window and look down at the street. The sight I saw was extraordinary: People from all walks of life rejoicing together. Hatred between people vanished in that instant, creating peace and concord between all those present on the street. Soldiers, some dressed in casual wear, some dressed in their Khaki uniforms were marching down the street amid waves of people who came to see them off. I cheered on with the people below. "God Save the King!" I quickly packed all my items needed for work and headed downstairs for the day [[[ahead|volun1]]](set:$date to "7th August 1914")

A few days had passed since the fervour of the declaration of war. (if:$soldier's occupation is "factory worker")[My fellow workers chatted about the war incessantly during any break time we could get away from the manufacturing line.](else:)[I decided to stay in London for a bit. Perhaps it was the declaration of war or perhaps it was my gut feeling that there wouldn't be much game to hunt up north in this season.] I was walking along a well travelled street in a rather busy part of London when something caught my eye. "THE COUNTRY NEEDS YOU" A recruitment poster. What was so special about that? I was amazed at the frenzy of people who saw the poster and raced for the military office, presumeably to volunteer. I wondered if I

We were ordered to march to the town of Menen, now in German hands which was 20km away east from Ypres. The whole lot of us were attacked periodically and fired upon my a few rifles which usually didn't hit anything. We reciprocrated in kind with volleys of our own which killed a few Germans but generally didn't accomplish much. We camped for the night and continued the march east. Next morning, we continued on the advance east to meet the enemy. We also saw a curious sight: British planes flying above head to scout ahead for us. We waved at the pilots and cheered at them Suddenly, we were ordered to turn around and retreat. Apparenly the British pilots reported huge columns of advancing columns of Germans who would be upon them in hours. We were marched up a low ridge overlooking Ypres and started to entrench up there. We [[[didn't get much sleep|Yprespt3]]](set:$date to "20th October 1914") for we were afraid of a night attack by the Germans which never came

At dawn, there were still no Germans attacking us. We took a break from laying in our ditches all night and stretched a bit to relax our muscles. There were still no sight of the Germans, but the heavy mist blanketing everywhere contributed to that assessment. Suddenly, our sector was heavily shelled by the artillery and I could hear machine guns rattling. Still standing upright, I quickly dove down and hid in our trenches. I saw many good comrades die in the initial burst of fire and I felt fortunate that the bullets were whizzing over my head rather than through my head. The mist partially cleared and our eyes widened. There were columns upon columns of Germans. A human wave of Germans swarmed towards our trench, clustered together. I steeled myself and kept firing round after rounds into the enemy while a Lewis machine gunner fired a hail of bullets towards the onslaught. So many Germans were falling due to the accuracy of our rifle fire. I briefly smilled at the machine gunner beside me before I saw him suddenly freeze and drop dead on the floor. I [[left the Lewis gun there on the parapet and continued firing my rifle|Yprespt4a]] [[grabbed the Lewis gun and fired at the wave of Germans|Yprespt4b]]

I was taken aback and I felt sick in the stomach after I saw him just die like that. However, I maintained discipline and continued pouring rifle fire into the German wave. Many more germans started to fall and I could tell that the Germans were starting to waver . +1 discipline (set:$soldier's discipline to it + 1) The Germans near the back of the line retreated to their lines and jumped back into their trench while the soldiers at the front did not falter and charge towards our trench. While most the Germans fell in their final gambit, some managed to jump into our trench. A german soldier jumped into my trench and we both looked into each other's eyes. The German made the first move and charged at me with his bayonet. I [[aimed my rifle and pulled my trigger|Yprespt5a]] [[charged at him with my bayonet|Yprespt5b]]

I was taken aback and I felt sick in the stomach after I saw him just die like that. I always wanted to use a Lewis machine gun so I placed my rifle on the parapet and tried to use the gun. I had to findle with it for a second but I got the hang of it and started to hire at the mass of germans Many more germans started to fall and I could tell that the Germans were starting to waver . +1 technical (set:$soldier's technical to it + 1) The Germans near the back of the line retreated to their lines and jumped back into their trench while the soldiers at the front did not falter and charge towards our trench. While most the Germans fell in their final gambit, some managed to jump into our trench. A german soldier jumped into my trench and we both looked into each other's eyes. The German made the first move and charged at me with his bayonet. I [[swung the Lewis gun around at the German|Yprespt5c]] [[grabbed my rifle and charged at him with my bayonet|Yprespt5b]]

I aimed carefully at the German, held in my breath and fired. The German's eyes went wide before he crumbled to the ground +1 marksmanship (set:$soldier's marksmanship to it + 1) I looked at the dead german's face. He looked young, younger than me even. He looked like a young student who just came out of school, perhaps with a bright future in their career options. And now he lay dead in Flanders, like so many of his and my comrades. For what really? For that stupid Archduke? I had no time to ponder about this as above my head the bullets started to fly towards our trench lines and the artillery resumed their shelling, dealing random death to my comrades. We held out for the rest of the day in that forsaken trench. We had to deal with waves upon waves of germans followed by machine gun and artillery fire to cover their retreat. Luckily I wasn't up for night watch duty today as I was already shaken from the constant death around me. My tired comrades and I who fought bravely in the trench today with retired to a house in Ypres to [[[sleep|Yprespt6]]](set:$date to "21st October to 22th November")

I charged at the German with his bayonet and stabbed him in the chest before he could do the same to me. The German's eyes went wide before he crumbled to the ground +1 initiative (set:$soldier's initiative to it + 1) I looked at the dead german's face. He looked young, younger than me even. He looked like a young student who just came out of school, perhaps with a bright future in their career options. And now he lay dead in Flanders, like so many of his and my comrades. For what really? For that stupid Archduke? I had no time to ponder about this as above my head the bullets started to fly towards our trench lines and the artillery resumed their shelling, dealing random death to my comrades. We held out for the rest of the day in that forsaken trench. We had to deal with waves upon waves of germans followed by machine gun and artillery fire to cover their retreat. Luckily I wasn't up for night watch duty today as I was already shaken from the constant death around me. My tired comrades and I who fought bravely in the trench today with retired to a house in Ypres to [[[sleep|Yprespt6]]](set:$date to "21st October to 22th November")

I used all my energy to swing the Lewis gun around towards the German, without retracting the bipod. I saw the fear in the German's eyes as I aimed the gun towards him. I fired multiple rounds at the german and I felt the tremendous amount of recoil that almost caused me to fall over in the uneven ground. The German's eyes went wide before he crumbled to the ground +1 technical (set:$soldier's technical to it + 1) I looked at the dead german's face. He looked young, younger than me even. He looked like a young student who just came out of school, perhaps with a bright future in their career options. And now he lay dead in Flanders, like so many of his and my comrades. For what really? For that stupid Archduke? I had no time to ponder about this as above my head the bullets started to fly towards our trench lines and the artillery resumed their shelling, dealing random death to my comrades. We held out for the rest of the day in that forsaken trench. We had to deal with waves upon waves of germans followed by machine gun and artillery fire to cover their retreat. Luckily I wasn't up for night watch duty today as I was already shaken from the constant death around me. My tired comrades and I who fought bravely in the trench today with retired to a house in Ypres to [[[sleep|Yprespt6]]](set:$date to "21st October to 22th November")

The one month after the first encounter at Ypres was hell. For the rest of october the battles only got worse and more ferocious. The artillery only grew louder and louder. It seemed that the rounds of the german machine guns grew each passing day for the hail of bullets seemed to increase in quantity everyday. The weather was terrible too. It was autumn and the rains set in. The ground had the consistency of French melted cheese and almost all solid items sank into the mud. It was a real bother to maintain a trench when the earth was goo. We tried to retrieve as many dead bodies at night and give them a burial behind the lines but many simply sank into the mud. Artillery srikes and grenades would bury people alive in the trench and I constantly shuddered at the realisation that as I trudged through the muddy floor of the trench I was trudging on British corpses. We rejoiced when there was a hard frost and the weather was a lot colder, for at least the ground was solid and half our uniforms weren't covered in muddy water. By the end of the battle, there were more periods where the action lulled but we still had to remain ever vigilant for any potential attack. I knew that this hell was going to last throughout this entire winter for this year and I sighed. [[[Next|chap4 PS]]](set:$date to "22nd December 1914")

(text-style:"bold")[Chapter Four] [[[The wonderous events on Christmas|Christmaspt1]]](set:$date to "24th December 1914")

It was Christmas eve and cold still made us shiver. Yet, I felt warmth in my heart. It was a special time of the year. Well it was supposed to be the time we returned to Britain but here we are stuck in the same old trenches Yet, today was different. There was a light hearted atmosphere in our trench and the german one. I grew more confident that head wouldn't have a new hole in it after seeing many people peak over the parapet so I did the same. I saw candles and small christmas trees on the parapet of the their trench. One curious german fellow even waved at me with a big smile to whom I waved back. Our men were all in an extremely relaxed mood. While there was still the chance of death by random bullets, at least the chance was lessened. We had erected our own decorations on our parapet rather than patch up the holes in our parapets. One brave soldier had apparenly made friends with a German one and they met at the halfway mark between the 2 trenches. The Brit exchanged some French cheese for some German sausage and as they shook hands, both trenches erupted in cheers. Night fell on our sector and brought a a clear, still air with a hard frost. [[[Then...|Christmaspt2]]](set:$date to "25th December 1914")

(text-style:"bold")[It was christmas.] I attended one of the many makeshift church services behind the lines. I silently prayed, on the holiest of days, that the war would soon be over even though deep down I knew that that was unlikely. I then went to bed, excited for the events tomorrow. I woke up to a thunderous singing of A Long Way To Tipperary from our trench, from which I quickly joined in. "(text-style:"italic")[Deutschland, Deutschland Über Alles]!" was the response from the other side. Both sides then started to sing Auld Lang Syne together to end off the singing. Then, something remarkable happened. Men from both sides started climbing the parapet and walked across No Man's Land (The land between the trenches). It was not to do battle but it was to celebrate Christmas. I [[brought a gift and climbed out of the parapet|Christmaspt3a]] [[refused to fratenise with the Germans|Christams3a]]

Outrageous! How could the men fraternise and make merry with the enemy! +1 nationalism (set:$right to it + 1) I refused to go out to No Man's land and meet the Germans but I did not want to miss the chance to freely move out of my trench. I grabbed my remaining rations of jam and whiskey and headed to Ypres behind the front. I turned around and saw a soccer match going on between the 2 sides but I resisted the urge to join in and hurried to the town. While the town was under military occupation, on christmas it was rather festive with decorative lights and a rather large christmas tree in the centre of the town. I hung out with other British troops behind the lines and other staff who didn't serve combat roles. We drank whiskey and still basked in the festive mood. I even managed to obtain some belgian choclate from a kind belgian woman who spat on a British soldier who came back with a sausage. Guess that was a plus for not fraternising, I guess. I went to dinner around a warm fire at the center of the town before going to [[sleep|Chapter 5]] in a comfortable mattress in a house, knowing that this sort of merry making would never happen again.

I brought some jam and whiskey I had left over from my rations and headed out to meet my German comrades. I saw a German soldier milling about in the trench so I approached him and struck up a conversation. He spoke decent english and could keep up with me for the most part. His name was Fritz and he had been working at a factory when he left school. He was a rather young fellow, a man whose future should not have been ruined by war. I exchanged my food for some Dresden "Stollen" Christmas cake which I found to be extremely delicious. Just then, a soccer ball whizzed from our trench into No Man's land. The British soldiers started to kick the ball and soon the Germans joinned in. I wondered how the ball got in the trench in the first place before quickly joining the game. The laughter and smiles of British and German soldiers during the game was in stark contrast to the fact that both soldiers were supposed to be shototing each other. The germans won 3-2 by the end of the day and we all shook hands with our german counterparts. I looked at the smiling German faces and I realised that these were soldiers just like me. They were the same men as me who were forced to fight a hellish war for no real reason. +2 socialism (set:$left to it + 2) We went back to our trench as the sun was setting, at dinner around a warm fire behind the line and went to [[sleep|Chapter 5]] in a comfortable mattress in a house, knowing that this would be the best day in the war and it would never happen again.

(text-style:"bold")[Chapter 5] [[[Back to the daily routine of war|chap5pt1]]](set:$date to "January to March 1915")

(set:$soldier's age to it + 1)The rest of 1914 was very calm and even by new year I could hear the faint sounds of German songs in the other trench. Yet by the end of the 1st month of 1915, the trench was back to a state of warfare. The trenchlines were becoming more and more complex as there were now multiple lines of trenches and various "saps" or a small trench line that extended directly towards the enemy. Some regiments left the Ypres front to go down south to the Pas De Calais, Northeast France. My regiment was not up for rotation so there I [[remained|chap5pt2]] in the bloddy marshes of Ypres and the daily routine set in.

The daily routine in the Trench went a little like this: 1 hour before dawn, the officers would wake us up from our slumber to "stand to". The Tommies (affectionate name for British soldier) would fix bayonets and readied themselves to guard against a morning raid by the enemy. We crouched down in our trenches, rifles pointing towards the enemy trench and held our breaths in anticipation. A few of the men went out in raiding parties at this time, usually through a morning mist but were often beated back. I was eternally grateful that I was not chosen yet for such an adventure. As dawn drew in, what followed was the morning hate where both sides relieved the tensions of the early hours with indiscriminate machine gun fire and shelling. I saw many troops get blasted to shreds with the artillery in the wee hours of the morning Following stand to, we would have breakfast and clean our Enfield rifles and Lewis machine guns, both in shifts of course so there would at least be some combat ready men in the trench in case of an attack. After that, there would be the daily inspection to ensure all equipment were ready for combat. [[Next|chap5pt3]]

The daily chores were then assigned. It varied from filling sandbags to be placed into parapets, repairing duckboards, or digging out latrines. Then came the daily boredom. No general would order an attack in the bright hot afternoons where any soldier would be so plainly visible to enemy snipers and machine gunners. Movement was restricted to what was absolutely neccessary so when we were not engaging in a specific chore. We holed ourselves in a dugout and settled down into time-killing activities; reading, writing letters or getting whatever sleep they could get. We even played a round of cards once but we were warned by the officers to not engage in gambling at the front. The boredom was crushing. We were all tensed up in the dugout and our hands were close to our rifles in case Germans started leaping down into our trench so no one really could loosen up and relax. With the dusk came another round of "standing to" with exactly the same procedure as at dawn and when darkness fell, the nights work would [[begin|chap5pt4]].

The men at the front would then begin re-supply ammunition, maintaining the trench fortifications and would start performing sentry duty. I was called up for sentry duty for multiple times. Tommies would not be sent out for more than 2 hours as there was a real possibility of the sentry falling asleep. I was forced to pinch myself to make sure I wouldn't fall asleep and get court marshalled. On 1 night I was up for night patrol where I had to walk around no man's land to spot for enemy raiding parties. As I was walking around in no man's land, I stumbled upon a German patrol doing the exact same job. We both pointed our rifles at each other but we both knew not to shoot each other as that would invite a hail of bullets. I (if:$soldier's initiative > 0)[[[lunged at him with my bayonet|chap5pt4a]]](else:)[(either: [[lunged at him with my bayonet|chap5pt4a]],[[lunged at him with my bayonet|chap5pt4a]],[[lunged at him with my bayonet|chap5pt4c]])] [[passed by him and continued on my way|chap5pt4b]]

I quickly lunged towards him with all my might. He was an enemy and he could not be allowed to perform his mission or kill my comrades in arms. +1 nationalism (set:$right to it + 1) However, I was not fast enough in my attack. "Gott Mitt Uns!" he yelled before he croaked and fell to the floor. My heart sank as his yell definitely alerted both German and British machine guns. A hail of bullets flew towards my position [[and|dead]]

I decided not to attack the German. I examined his face. He looked about as groggy and dishevelled as me and was probably just as tired as me. I decided that he was another soldier just like me, forced to take part in a hellish war. I pointed my rifle to the floor and tipped my cap to him. He got my message and we both shook hands briefly before we parted ways. +1 socialism (set:$left to it + 1) I went back to patrol the wastes of No Man's Land, feeling a bit happier that I had a brief moment of sanity in the madness of this war. Upon returning to the trench, I handed my rifle over to the officer without telling him of the incident least I be disciplined. I went to the dugout and [[drifted to sleep|chap6]].

I quickly lunged towards him with all my might. He was an enemy and he could not be allowed to perform his mission or kill my comrades in arms. +1 nationalism (set:$right to it + 1) The german was too stunned to react in kind to the melee attack and was pierced in the ripcage. His face turned pale, his body trembled and just like that he fell to the floor and was dead. +1 initiative (set:$soldier's initiative to it + 1) I heaved a sigh of relief as quietly as I could. I was lucky that German didn't alert anyone as he croaked. I then made it back to our trench after my patrol shift was over, with constant flashbacks to that German's face as I [[rested|chap6]] in the uncomfortable dugout.

This was the diary of private (print:$soldier's name) which was found on his body. He has been laid to rest in a cemetery in France for British soldiers. [[Contine from last chapter|chap [[GAME OVER|Start]]

(text-style:"bold")[Chapter 6] [[[Barbarism at Ypres|ypres21]]](set:$date to 22th April 1915)

I and a few other soldiers were moved around though we were ultimately still in the same sector I had always been in since the start of the year, Ypres. I was stationed near the french regiments. I saw the tired look on the French soldiers and I believed they saw the same in me. I even saw some african soldiers among the ranks. A frenchman told me that they were Algerian comrades who were deployed with the French army. I also saw some Canadian soldiers who just joined the frontlines and they looked rather cheery, much more high spirited than the rest of the men here. We held the frontline as usual until 5, [[then|ypres22]]

A green mist descended on the trenches on my left right where the French and Algerian soldiers were located. I saw men, both white and black, clambering out of their trenches. They were running around like madmen, without weapons and with greatcoats thrown away. We were ordered to move towards the green mist as it would likely be the site of a German attack. I braced myself and headed towards the French trench line. The sight I saw would haunt me for the rest of my life. The soldiers were running around in total disarray. They were spitting blood and kept crying out in French for what I presume is water. Some were even rolling on the ground making desperate attempts to breathe. We kept our heads down for there was a hail of indiscriminate machine gun fire into the gas. Some panicking frenchmen fell but most were able to scramble to the second line of the Trench system. We heard heavy footsteps coming from the front facing part of the trench. The Germans were advancing and into the mist it seemed. A sudden explosion rocked the the earth behing us, presumeably from a missplaced stick grenade. I [[charged into the mist with my bayonet fixed|ypres23a]] [[held fast outside the range of the mist|ypres2b]]

I charged into the green mist. I was not going to sit there and just die to another stick grenade. I had to repel the Germans who entered the trench. +2 initiative - 1 discipline (set:$soldier's discipline to it - 1)(set:$soldier's initiative to + 2) As i entered the trench, the green gas assualted my nostrills. The pain was agonising and my lungs felt as though they were being burnt out, and were going to burst. I could only open my eyes for a few seconds at a time for hot needles were being thrust into my eyes when I opened them. I caught sight of a German in front of me and blindly stabbed forward. I felt something hard at the end of my rifle and heard a groan of pain followed by a loud thud on the ground. 1 down. The gas was starting to get to me. I felt blood rushing out of my nostrills and I coughed blood onto the dead German's face. I felt breathless and felt my life force leaving me. I bayoneted another German behind me and I think I shot an enemy at point blank range. I could not handle fighting any longer as I felt my muscles weakening. I crashed into the floor unable to move my arms, (either:[[dropped to the ground|dead]],[[[dropped to the ground|ypres24a]]](set:$date to "23rd April 1915")). I did my part for Britain.

I followed my officer's order to hold fast. We waited in anticaption for a huge German wave to storm us. A couple of us fired at some moving bodies in the mist and I think we hit our mark. We maintained our discipline and did not advance or retreat, perhaps from our fear of the gas, but I'd like to think it was our iron discipline. +1 discipline (set:$soldier's discipline to it + 1) The Canadian rushed forward to help us and handed us some putrid smelling wet cloths, instructing us to cover our mouths and noses with it. "What the hell is this?" "It's piss, lad! You'll either have piss in your face or gas in your lungs!" We resigned to our fate and tied the cloths to our face. We then advanced into the mist. We managed to kill the Germans in the trench and bayonet some who were jumping in. My eyes felt as though hot needles were being pierced through them but I carried on into the mist. We successfully managed to hold the line and repel the German attacks though they seemed to stop attacking into the gas, which we later learnt was chlorine gas, presumeably due to the fact the gas was harming themselves. We held out for a [[few more days|chap7]] from the German attack, still shaken from the usage of poison gas, truely another layer of torture in this boggy hell.

"Where am I?" I groaned in pain and I realised where I was. I lay on a bed in a red cross hopital. I thanked the stars that I was still alive. "You got saved by this fine lad here. He dragged you out of the Chlorine." He was a Canadian and he looked like he had been in some fierce fighting in the trenches, looking dishevelled and roughed up. He was still smiling, especially after I had awoken from my unconsciousness. I tried to get up to shake his hand but my muscles still ached and my lungs still burnt. I knew I was out of commision for several days since I could barely move and I was somewhat relieved I would be spending a few days on an actual bed instead of at the trench lines. (if:$BrDCM is false)[(set:$BrDCM to true)I received the British Distinguished Conduct Medal which gave a big boost to my morale I sent it back to my parents at home to ensure that the medal would not be lost in the heat of battle and to reassure them I was still kicking. So there I [[lay|chap7]] for the duration of the ongoing battle.

COMING SOON