Beschreibung:

World War I manuscript diary, kept by British soldier J. R. Platten, Collingwood Battalion. Dated Oct. 4, 1914 through Oct. 8th 1914. 4to, 16 leaves, ruled, scribed in pencil in a very legible cursive hand, final 3 leaves torn at lower margins removing 3 to 4 lines of text. In paper wrappers with paper label affixed to front cover. A bit toned and some faint creases. **************************** A unique first-hand account of the Siege of Antwerp written by a British solder, J. R. Platten as part of the Collingwood Battalion. This battalion was one of 8 in the Royal Naval Division, made up mostly of reservists. The October 4th entry describes the jubilation from learning that they would be leaving for the continent. A few days later, the entries take on a different tone, "The trenches are falling in now owing to the shells and several men have been buried alive." A further entry notes, "Another man has gone mad and I don't think any of us can go much further."