A Rather Close Call Corbie, Northern France, July 1918

While cycling on 4 July 1918, Bert caught his strap in the rear driving wheel, breaking the chain and spokes, and buckling the wheel. He walked 2km south west into the village of Fouilloy and arrived at 9pm, just as the Germans began a lively bombardment which the allies doubly returned. Corbie, La Neuville, the path he’d taken, and the far end of Fouilloy were “fairly rocking”.

He found the replacement parts for his bicycle and left at 10:30pm; tired and eager for home and bed. 

5 July - 11pm - The track along the river had quietened down. I chose it and my trouble began soon after. After half a mile a salvo bounded nearby from Fritz and I made for the hospice which was near. Another lot and I am tumbling thro’ a window. I waited a bit and it quietened again. On the track once more, I just got by a bridge and some more 5.9’s [5.9 inch German shells] came whizzing about. I took cover... 

Half a mile further on Hun ‘planes were up above & a bomb fell somewhere. I judged it wise to take cover in some dugouts in a bank for a time. There was a number of planes bombing all along the valley and bombs were dropping everywhere. At the same time I could hear shells dropping over towards where I was making for. I felt pretty windy. 

I got home safely & found more trouble. ...Hun planes were up above. I was outside my dugout a few minutes when one of the Fritzies dropped a parachute light which lit up the country, and bombs fell along the ridge. Being in the light I stood still but the bombs came closer and so I ran for the tunnel...

I waited till it was quiet again and went up to my dugout on top. I just got in it and a shell landed in front about 30 or forty yards off. That was the last straw. I had had enough for one night & so I grabbed my bed & bolted for the tunnel where I slept till dinner [lunch], without breakfast. 

By Shannon Lovelady
Story from A Signaller’s Story Exhibit