Christmas Day 1918

Celebration service 11 of the clock, some 200 faithful present. “Oh thou that bringest good tidings” my overpowering emotion, actually pouring tears.

I had invited Mr Earle of Mapperton, he is just returned from France (Chaplain).

Gave us a wonderful account of what he saw. He arrived out there precisely at the turn of the tide and followed the retreating Germans the whole time. The number of machine guns they threw away - incalculable. The destruction of everything. The Australians, desperate fighters but absolute savages and disobedient. His services were crowded and enthusiastic. He slept in a cellar while his tent - Church - was destroyed by a direct hit. He used to sit and watch our airmen bringing down enemy aircraft. What a show. He comes back a different man.

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Explore by day, month or person here on the blog or on our five Twitter feeds: @Voicesfrom1918 @LadyMonkswell @MarieStopes1918 @JamesSansom230 and @OliveHarcourt.

Voices from 1918 has been developed by artists Sharon Hayden and Alastair Nisbet in partnership with Wimborne Community Theatre, Dorset History Centre and the Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Thanks to all who have helped us with this project: Maria Gayton and staff at Dorset History Centre where we found Lady Mary Monkswell’s diaries; Joan Cocozza, ward of nursing auxiliary Olive Harcourt; Portland Museum where we found James Sansom’s diaries; the British Library and Wellcome Libraries; Priest’s House Museum in Wimborne and Gill Horitz from Wimborne Community Theatre.

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