Robert lindsay mackay biography of donald

About a month ago, Chatwin had been talking about the Somme Offensive of which he was a survivor when I mentioned I still had my Somme Diary, and he asked for the loan of it to compare with his experience in that prolonged battle. I am not quite clear why I wrote this diary, day by day, a scrappy record of a scrappy period.

Robert lindsay mackay biography of donald: This is the First

I had no literary or military ambitions. My parents did not read it. Perhaps it was to provide a kind of continuous alibi, to remind me where I had been, perhaps an interesting memorial if I failed to return. Like cakes off a hot griddle, it was written as events occurred, or immediately thereafter, in four little brown leather-covered notebooks, and when the war ended these were in no state to last long for they were soiled and grubby, and, where written in pencil, the writing was fading.

Robert lindsay mackay biography of donald: Donald Mackay was born in

His studies were interrupted, however, by the outbreak of war and he enlisted. What follows is a brief summary of his army career taken from his war diaries:. On 4th Septemberhe was recalled from leave, and joined the 11th Service Battalion the Argylls on 13th Septemberat the Somme front, in the area of Martinpuich and Becourt. Here he experienced heavy fighting and a gas attack.

Robert lindsay mackay biography of donald: April 1st. We came out

In earlythe battalion was moved to the area around Arras, where it took part in the Arras offensive Apriland was involved in the battle for Guemappe and Monachy 23rd April. Mackay was appointed Assistant Adjutant. The Battalion was moved to The Ecole for the start of the Ypres offensive, and was involved in heavy fighting. During this period Mackay served as a stretcher bearer with the RAMCand experienced heavy fighting, particularly on the failed attack against the German held positions at Beck house and Burry farm.

At the end of August the Battalion was moved back to the Arras front and Mackay received leave, during which he visited Glasgow Octoberreturning to Arras on 17th October. McAinsh, M. About a month ago, Chatwin had been talking about the Somme Offensive of which he was a survivor when I mentioned I still had my Somme Diary, and he asked for the loan of it to compare with his experience in that prolonged battle.

I am not quite clear why I wrote this diary, day by day, a scrappy record of a scrappy period. I had no literary or military ambitions. My parents did not read it. Perhaps it was to provide a kind of continuous alibi, to remind me where I had been, perhaps an interesting memorial if I failed to return.