Training

Tuesday 8th January 1918

The adjutant of 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, has sent your correspondent a timetable of the training undertaken today at J Camp near Poperinge.

All Companies: 8 a.m. to 8.10 a.m. running parades under platoon commanders

A Company:

• 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Close Order Drill and Organisation
• 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Platoon in Attack (as a Drill)

B Company:

• 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Close Order Drill & Organisation
• 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Platoon in Attack (as a Drill)

C Company:

• 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Platoon in Attack (as a Drill)
• 12 noon to 1 p.m. Close Order Drill & Organisation

D Company

• 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Platoon in Attack (as a Drill)
• 12 noon to 1 p.m. Close Order Drill & Organisation

All Companies:

• Feet Rubbing 5 minutes daily in billets under Platoon Commanders' supervision.
• Rapid Loading & Muscle Exercises 15 minutes daily in billets under supervision of Platoon Commanders.

Source: X550/8/1

Musketry

Saturday 5th January 1918

The British army has used rifles instead of muskets since the middle of the last century, nevertheless, in the army some things are very slow to change. Consequently practising rifle fire is still known as musketry.

Today 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, at J Camp near Poperinge, has been having musketry. Grouping Tests were given, meaning tests to see whether a man could hit the target so that his shots made a tight group. Those who failed received further instruction. Lewis gunners were also on the range.

Source: X550/8/1