Episode 11: 26th to 29th October, 1914

A frenzied packing up and moving on to the next AVH base. This episode reveals the frustration and anxiety which was to become part of Nan Reay’s life. Of course, at this stage she has no idea how long this was to last. After many false starts the journey begins north from Rouen, through Abbeville, Eu and finally to Boulogne. She is getting closer to the Somme but still has time to soak up the beautiful countryside of western France and paints an image of a serene autumnal landscape occasionally interrupted by the sight of French soldiers. 

“Bully beef” - Canned corned beef that was the principal protein ration of the British Army.

“Dixie” – a British Army camp kettle

“H.A.C.” - Honourable Artillery Company

World War 1 timeline for Episode 11

Fierce fighting continues along the Western Front. 

On 29 October, Turkey commences hostilities with Russia. Russia entered the war in August 1914 and allied with France, Britain and Belgium. Turkish warships bombarded Odessa, Sebastopol, and Theodosia.

For more information on Dispatches from the Frontline project, go to: www.dispatchesfromthefrontline.org

Dispatches from the Frontline is brought to you by:

Geraldine Cook-Dafner – Narrator

Naomi Edwards - Director

Alex Dafner – Voice recording and editing

Zoltan Fecso – Music composition, sound design and editing

Tristan Meecham – Creative Producer, All the Queen’s Men

Image – Sarah Corridon

Dispatches from the Frontline is supported by funding from the Public Record Office Victoria, Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.