CAPTAIN T. E. Y. SEDDONS EXPERIENCES.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1918, Page 1

CAPTAIN T. E. Y. SEDDONS EXPERIENCES.

STEMMING THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE.

NOTES EROM A DIARY

(Continued)

Thursday, March 26. —At dawn we had before us, just out of effective machine gain-lire, seven Hun field guns. Our fellows sniped away all day, but we could not reach the working parties about the guns. 1 got up some artillery oflieers who worked splendidly and got telephonic

communication to my front line, where the observation post was. My signallers succeeded also in getting telephonic communication to me. In the distance, towards , we could see the enemy transport packed, and we could see his Companies moving up the main road. There were all reported. I visited of the 13th Coy, (First Battalion Canterbury Regiment) on my right and got him to shift down a little towards me. He had an admirable position and was well served with Vickers and machine gnus. We were a bit of a salient and a ll un post only one hundred yards away. Campbell, Capta-'n of the 13th Coy (Second Battalion) I also saw and we touched up on the left with him. Campbell wbo came in with me, moved his Company forward, and so came into line with mine. It began to rain, and the night was very cold. The rations were fair, bat the rum was what warmed and cheered the fellows up. I had a lot of trouble from a gun on my left which enliladed a. portion of my trench, and I bad a number of casualties caused by it. Then down the line a gun kept firing at ns and “pine apples” we e coming over, but we coakl not. locate the gnu. It was miserable for the men without their coats, but they commandeered or salved what they could from the Huns. At night again 1 sent out the same patrols, and according to orders from Battalion, put a post away tip the sap thal. lid from the enemy to us. It was a wet, miserable cold night. We had a visit from some Otago officers, which was cheering. I got a vety amusing chat from Hutton about (lie progress we weie making towards Archangel! T had the misfortune to have one of my party wounded by oar men. His party met a party of lltins who were patrolling nl-o. The latter were superior in numbers, and my men bad to stay out longer than they expected. It was bad luck. - Good Friday, 20th. - A very wet, miserable day. The trenches got into a horrible condition, and it was impossible to get changes for my men. My batman looked after me sj lendidly, being able to make tea and bully under tlie most trying conditions. The day’s work was much like those which had gone before. At night time 4th Coy. Otago 2nd Battalion (Caulfield) relieved us. We had a very successful relief —no casualties at alb 1 sent Hind out in the afternoon to fix our position in the reserve area. I met Hind as we came out, and each platoon went off with its guide to its most welcome respite. -

Saturday. 30th March''. —We must have got into our dug-outs about 2 a.m. The Sergt-Major. Mackay and I slept close, for it was cold.

Oil sheets have little warmth. In the morning we had a good meal. It was a .showery day, very unpleasant I went out to see the platoons and just as I was coining from the last one with a runner, a scrap of shrapnel hurst overhead and I caught a piece in my helmet. It left a beautiful dint. After lunch I got a chit which little Wilson brought from Battalion Headquarters, saying I was to proceed to the United Kingdom on duty. Saw Mead and then proceeded to Brigade. We had a jolly farewell. Burgess and I left at 2 p.lll. and witli'Martin went through and were picked up by a cart. We got to and from there I went on to where General Russell was staying at a chateau. I got: a very warm welcome from the staff. At dinner I had to relate my cxpei ienees and Malcolm Ross was delighted. The Geneial invited me to ride with him next morning. Sunday, 31st March (Easter Sun day).—The horses were brought out and we were off at 9.15 a.in. We proceeded through towards where we met General Brand (Australian) and General Braithwaite G.O.C. 6211 c! Division. Next 1 we rode towards out lines and saw ! the machine gun emplacements, ' etc. Altogether were out for lour ! hours. I parted from the General; with very many regrets. He is j indeed a man in a world ot men. I To me personally he lias been most kind and his advice has always Deen helpful and to the point. I said ‘ good-bye ’ to the staff and to “ Bill ” Borne and Colonel Herbert and I went off in a car to . I got my luggage at and arrived at for dinner and we had to wait tor a train that was four hours late. Monday, Ist April.—We arrived at -- at 2 a.m. and found the place full of English officers who laid

come across the Channel .villi troops. Pollard joined Herbert and me. We sat up—beds were out of the question at the Officers’ Club and at eight went on board the leave ship. The passage was very interesting. There was a regular procession of trail sports, leave ships, hospital ships, trawlers and destroyers. Overhead seaplanes were on the look-out. On arrival at —— we were soon aboard the train, ordered a good lunch and were quite happy. With my muddy boots at Victoria-station, I was much

observed and had to turn down an interviewer. Arrived at Victoria with Pollard, proceeded after much difficulty in getting a taxi to Headquarters at London, then went to Russell Hotel and had a good bath and clean up. Glad to get out of my trench clothes. Called at Headquarters and received letter from General Richardson to present to Lieut-Col Foster at the War Office. He gave me a chit to take to Lieut Col Bryan at the Howard Hotel off the Strand. He told me that I would get definite instructions in due course. Later I visited Headquarters and received a letter telling me that I was selected by the War Office to proceed to America on special duty.