note. During the month, the general health of the Battalion was good, the prevailing disease being I.C.T
(signed)
G.L. Pymm
Major
Commanding 9th Bn. York & Lancaster Regt.
30th Billets and environs were cleaned during the day. The Commanding officer inspected Companies and Detachments.
29th The Battalion marched from MONTECCHIA de CROSARA to S. GIOVANNI, taking over billets from the 11th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment.
27th Two Companies practised an advance to-wards an objective (open warfare). The remaining companies were allotted baths.
26th Company and Platoon Drill, Physical drill and games were carried on during the morning. Football was played in the afternoon and a concert in the evening.
25th Battalion route march in the morning. Educational classes commenced.
Beginning to prepare for civilian life? BL
24th Church Services were held during the day.
23rd (Saturday) General holiday for the Battalion. A "victory" dinner was provided for the men. Football was played during the morning , and a concert held in the evening.
At last, some acknowledgment that there was something to celebrate!BL
22nd 'A' Coy fired practices on the rifle range. The remaining Companies carried out training during the morning.
21st Companies moved into billets vacated by the 8th Bn. York & Lancaster Regiment. Lt Col. S. D. Rumbold D.S.O., M.C. proceeded to take over command of Brigade. Major G.L. Pymm D.S.O., M.C. took over command of the Battalion.
20th Battalion route march in the morning. Football was played in the afternoon.
19th 'C' Coy fired practices on the rifle range. The remaining Companies did a route march during the morning.
18th Company parades during the morning. Football was played in the afternoon.
17th Brigade Church Service near RONCHE, being a special thanksgiving service for victory, conducted by the Rev T. F. James C.J.
The detail of the church service appears to have been added later - in smaller writing.BL
16th Company parades during the morning.
15th Inspection by the Commanding Officer. A football match was played in the afternoon.
14th The Battalion rested during the day.
13th The Battalion moved by march - route to MONTECCHIA du CROSARA.
12th The Battalion marched to TREVISO station, and entrained for TAVERNELLE at 1700 hours. Billets in TAVERNELLE were occupied for the night.
11th The Battalion marched to CASIER near TREVISO.
10th The battalion moved by march route to VASCON. The Corps Commander, Divisional and Brigade Commanders witnessed the recrossing of the PIAVE from the Bridge-head near PALAZZON.
9th The Battalion moved to billets in SARANO
8th The Battalion moved to billets in ORSAGO.
7th Battalion route march in the morning. A Brigade concert was held in the evening.
5th & 6th Recreational training was carried out in the morning. Football was played in the afternoon.
"Recreational training" ??? BL
4th The armistice with Austria came into force at 15.00 hrs. Billets and environs were improved. A Battalion Concert was held in the evening.
A simple matter-of-fact announcement that was of immense and life-changing importance to these men. No triumphant hyperbole, just a simple statement in the War Diary. I wonder how the men were told and what their reaction was.
It is hard to believe that the fighting is over and the men have to clean up the billets. (No it's not hard to believe, I did some time in the British Army.) BL
This is an extraordinary change in conditions. Very welcome. It would appear that the enemy had disappeared over the horizon! BL
2nd The battalion moved by march route to RORAI - pic near PORCIA arriving in billets at 1730 hrs.
Around 5 miles (8Km) progress in a day. Rather different to Flanders. BL
1st The Battalion occupied a line of posts in the N.E. outskirts of SACILE. The Austrians were reported to be retiring across the TAGLIAMENTO.
The Tagliamento river is some 20 miles (32 Km)to the East. Encouraging intelligence. BL
