Tommy’s War: A First World War Diary 1913–1918

‘Every step of life shows how much caution is required.’

Tuesday, 10 June

This is the anniversary. ‘Marriage notice. 10 June 1910. At 39 Whitefield Road was spliced Agnes Smart Cook, spinster, to Thomas Cairns Livingstone, bachelor. MOSC.56 SCA. 7,053. God save the King. Ora Pro Nobis. Let Glasgow Flourish.’

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Thursday, 26 June

[On holiday in Rothesay.] We saw two blessed warships, one of which anchored in Sweet Rothesay Bay.

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As well as the war clouds gathering over Europe, in 1913 there was another battle raging in Britain as the supporters of equal votes for women staged spectacular protests to win publicity for their cause. On Wednesday 2 June, Emily Wilding Davison ran onto the racecourse at Epsom during the Derby and was struck by Anmer, King George V’s horse, and its jockey Herbert Jones. The seasoned campaigner may have intended simply to disrupt the race and to unfurl the banner of the Women’s Social and Political Union, but she died of her injuries and became a Suffragette martyr.

Friday, 27 June

Rothesay’s full of sailormen now.

Saturday, 12 July

This is the Glorious 12th.

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Saturday, 9 August

The wee man’s birthday. Two years old now, bless his little heart.

Thursday, 14 August

Dull sort of a day, cooler.

Not out a night. Agnes’ eyes annoying her. Gave my music stand a coat of varnish.

Thursday, 21 August

Wet all day and extra special wet at night. The doctor got paid tonight (12/-).

(#ulink_c8f6427f-be39-5fd2-a010-91e0583c9b6b) Got myself a new pair of boots today (10/6).

Monday, 25 August

Bought a book tonight called The Evolution of Man for some deep study.

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Friday, 24 October

Got a notice from our beloved factor raising our rent 6/- in the year. Heard two revolver shots about 11.30 p.m. A man round the corner shot his girl and then committed suicide. Foolish fellow.

Saturday, 25 October

Man that shot himself last night is dead. Girl is not dead.

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Wednesday, 5 November

This is Guy Fawkes day. The factor was here for his rent. Not having any gunpowder handy, he got it.

Monday, 10 November

Agnes’ birthday.

Saturday, 15 November

At library in afternoon for an ‘Annie S. Swan’

(#ulink_9909181a-8acd-5882-9e16-9506f7764c62) and a book for myself.

Wednesday, 19 November

Working late, home 9.30 (stocktaking). New carpet for kitchen tonight (5/11).

Sunday, 23 November

Wet forenoon, cleared up in the afternoon. After dinner, just to enliven up proceedings, we took the car to Cathcart Cemetery and admired the tombstones etc., and came back in the car.

Wednesday, 3 December

Rained in buckets all day long. Think I’ll make an ark.

Wednesday, 10 December

Agnes and Tommy at Ibrox.

(#ulink_acb5d2e7-0950-5f55-bf0e-7abe7a979066) They got home at 10.15 p.m. I sat in and enjoyed myself in divers ways.

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Monday, 22 December

Nice day. Addressed all the Christmas cards tonight.

Thursday, 25 December

A Merry Christmas. Got away [from work] at 12.35. Took Agnes and Tommy into the town and admired the shops.