Friday 24th December 1915: As the second Christmas of this war
approaches there seems to be no letting up in the killing. We have heard this
morning from the adjutant of the 7th Battalion who are still near Fricourt on
the Somme.
During
yesterday afternoon Battalion snipers shot two men, this making five men shot
at the same point in the last few days. One can only conclude that whatever work
is being carried on there appears to be important. At 2.15pm the fired three of
a new type of ball bomb from the West Gun to which enemy replied with rifle
grenades.
The
Bedfordshire Yeomanry intend having a very good Christmas. A member of Number 4
Troop told us the programme for a concert they are preparing for tomorrow
night: “Under Royal Patronage, No 4 Troop, Saturday December 25th, 1915, for
one night only. Starring Engagement of Sporty’s Orchestra and Concert Company
under the able baton of Sporty himself. President, Sergeant Sale, Hinxworth;
Vice-President Boko White. Artistes: Spirella Joe, the Canary from Highover;
Chater (alias Tubby) the Mouth Organ Fiend; Ingums, the Man of Words, not
Deeds; Bombagee, who will rattle his bones; Thameo, the Violin Comb Merchant;
Marrashell, the Shoeing Smith, who will play the ‘cello comb; Gunpowder,
Eccentric Comedian; Jerra, if not on guard, will sing songs of his own
composing; the Woburn Trooper in sensational descriptions of Advance Guards and
last, but not least, Jinky Jenks, the Man of Snores, who will pay £50 to any
person if he or she can excel him in the noble art”.
“Owing to
leave we are unable to star Robin, the bird with the voice of a gramophone”.
“Price of
Admission: first two beds 5/-; near Beds 2/6, standing 6d. Seats may be booked
and plan of room seen at the Stotfold Pork Butcher’s. Doors open 7.30; commence
at 8. During the performance Bulmer will have a “luke” round”.
“Notice - The
Management reserve the right of admission. No seats guaranteed, only by
booking. Commissioned Officers are requested to come in dress uniform. Persons
misbehaving themselves will be instantly expelled. Come in thousands! Nothing
to suggest vulgarity!”(1)
Source: X550/8/1
(1) Much of
the humour, of course is very dated and relies on references to in-jokes. The
report has been edited as it contains some casual racism, something else which
dates the piece.
