In this final instalment of extracts from William Pearce’s diary of the campaign in Macedonia, we have a timely reminder that men were still serving overseas, even though the guns had fallen silent. My thanks to Mark Pearce, William’s great-grandson, for making this diary available.
Feb 1919
Snow and cold first part of month, heavy rain some days, some very fine days. Papers from shop arr Feb 7, went to Stamboul, Gen Allenby came here, went to 3 very good concerts in Turk theatre in Petits Champs taken over by YMCA, went to Sainte Sophite [Hagia Sophia], first batch of men went away, busier in shops, big crowds of people in fancy dress about streets. Capt Clark ASC left for new Co.
March 1919
Trams started running, went to Buyekdere and Maison Krupp on Bosphorus, fine trick flying with flames over city, went to Turk museum, Capt Gordon RAMC went, Capt Perry RAMC came, weather very mild.
April 1919
Shifted camp to about 3 miles from city placed called …………. on Bosphorus Rd, very nice camping ground. Thousands wild geese flew over camp, new staff arr, 10 new men arrived, weather very good, bathing in stream about kilo below camp.
May 1919
Week very cold wind, 12 new men arrived.
General Franchet d’Esperey, Commander of Allied forces in the Balkans (June 1918-1920), landing at Constantinople on 8 February 1919. Accompanying him is General Sir Henry F.M. Wilson, former commander of XII Corps, British Salonika Force. ALLIED COMMANDERS OF THE SALONIKA CAMPAIGN 1915-1918. (click on image to see full size) © IWM (Q 13947)
Don’t forget that you can read more about the Army Service Corps units of the BSF on our website and more in general about the unsung heroes of the ASC on The Long, Long Trail.
