August 1914

Right now, I'm still flitting from subject to subject with Walter's story. I think it's just too hot to settle on anything. But looking at the timeline I've constructed based on Walter's letters, there's only one August that stands out: 1914. I've completed the first draft of this part of the story. It certainly needs more attention, but I've moved on to other years in his life. Nevertheless, according to Walter, these were the August 1914 dates that stand out:

• August 4, 1914: England declares war on Germany – all units put on “mobilization alert”
• August 13-14, 1914: Walter’s unit leaves Southampton and arrives in La Havre around 2am
• August 22, 1914: Reaches Cuesmes
• Aug 23 – Sept 7th, 1914: Walter now in C Company, Lincolnshire Regiment; BEF withdraws from Mons
• August 26, 1914: The Battle of LeCateau; Walter wounded in the leg during battle.

It's during this time that his unit camps on the convent grounds and he's given the ebony rosary by the Mother Superior. Read the story here.

If anyone has specifics on weather, terrain, etc., that pertain to this area of Begium during August/September 1914, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!