The 8th Manchester Battalion from their war Diary were in Oblinghem.
Despite being very cold with two inches of snow and a frost, they managed a concert before going back to training on Boxing Day.
DECEMBER 23 1917 - OBLINGHEM
Battalion spent the day in cleaning up. etc. Church Services in the morning for all denominations. Assistant Chaplain General to 1st Army addressed the men at the C.E. service.Weather very cold and frosty.
DECEMBER 24 1917 - OBLINGHEM
Very cold - two inches of snow. Very keen frost.In the afternoon the Funeral of the men killed by bombs on 22/12/17 took place at the BETHUNE Cemetery. Fifty men and all available officers (two per Coy. stayed behind) attended.
DECEMBER 25 1917 - OBLINGHEM
Christmas Day. Each denomination held services, etc. Each Company had a Christmas Dinner in the evening followed by a concert. The P.R.I. provided pork, beer, apples, nuts, raisins, cigars, and vegetables. There was also Christmas pudding and extra vegetables. All the men's dinners were very successful and the men greatly enjoyed themselves.The Sergeants dined in the Company Sergeants Mess. The Officers also dined by companies.The day was very cold and sharp.
DECEMBER 26 1917 - OBLINGHEM
Training carried out at W26 a. Battalion Parade at 8 am. One Coy. on the range. Remainder Physical Drill & Bayonet Fighting, Musketry, Wiring and drill.Afternoon Kit Inspection. Evening a Battalion Concert in a Barn at Battalion Headquarters. Major MOORE left the Battalion for 6 months duty in U.K. Capt E. HORSFALL M.C. assumed duties of 2nd in Command.
DECEMBER 27 1917 - OBLINGHEM
The Battalion was engaged on working parties for the R.E. Motor Lorries came at 8 am (actually came 8.45 am) for the Bn. Very cold.
DECEMBER 28 1917 - OBLINGHEM
The Battalion again engaged on working parties.
DECEMBER 29 1917 - OBLINGHEM
Battalion Training in the morning. Rehearsed for G.O.C. Inspection on the 30th.
DECEMBER 30 1917 - OBLINGHEM
The Battalion marched to AVELETTE (W17 c central) where 1/5th Bn Manchester Rgt. & 127th M.G. Coy. were paraded for the Divisional Commander (Major General SOLLY-FLOOD) Inspection. The General presented ribbons to the winners of decorations (including three Military Medal winners of this Unit (Sgt WHITE, Pte POKE and Pte McCORMACK)). After the General's inspection, speech, and presentation, the troops marched past him.
DECEMBER 31 1917 - OBLINGHEM
A Coy. on Working Party. The other three Companies marched to LOCON in the morning and bathed. B & C Coys. in the afternoon had their box respirators tested. Weather very cold.At night D Coy. had a concert for New Year's Eve.
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