DIARY: Arrived back from leave 31 December 1916 Sunday HMS Nodzu Milford Dear Mother & Father I arrived back at Milford station at 12.30 midnight after a rocky passage. We ran well to Crewe but after that it was a worm race. We had to change at about ½ dozen places. However eventually we arrived… Continue reading 31 December 1916 – James arrives back in Milford Haven after his Christmas Leave; loses his purse on the train; can’t find HMT Nodzu in the dark.
Category: December 1916
23 December 1916 – James goes home on leave until 31 December 1916
DIARY: Leave James went on leave, back to his parents in Grimshaw Lane, Middleton Junction. Although no-one knew it, this was to be his last Christmas at home. His leave ended on 31 December 1916. Grimshaw Lane: Middleton Junction at the time:
22 December 1916 – Given Leave
DIARY: In dock for overhaul. Leav With HMT (His Majesty's Trawler) Nodzu having maintenance, James was allowed to get home.
21 December 1916 – Home for Christmas ?
DIARY: At Milford James was still in Milford Haven , hoping that he would get home to Middleton Junction for Christmas. Milford Haven today:
20 December 1916 – Hoping for Leave
DIARY: At Milford
19 December 1916 – In Milford Harbour
DIARY: At Milford
18 December 1916 – In Milford Haven harbour
DIARY: At Milford
17 December 1916 – Sails back to Milford Haven; last letter before Christmas; running out of food at sea.
DIARY: Returned to Milford 17 December 1916 Sunday At Sea, near Milford Dear Mother & Father You will be wondering where I am as it is so long since you received any letter from me. We have been jaunting around since last Monday on several jobs without a break & without touching land at all… Continue reading 17 December 1916 – Sails back to Milford Haven; last letter before Christmas; running out of food at sea.
16 December 1916 – Near Lands End
DIARY: Going at 4 knots.. Longships 54 hours from Kingstown to Longships; relieved of escort at midnight. Good running out.
WW1 Letters of James Simpson 