Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : 2nd Lieutenant

Unit : 3rd Bn, 2nd Bn

Biography :

Educated at City of London School, Edwin Hall joined the Army on 1.3.1915 as Private 1574 and on 3.9.1914 joined B Coy 18th Bn The Royal Fusiliers (1st Public Schools Bn) at Epsom, with which he served in France and Flanders until Jan 1916, whereafter at Strensall, Yorkshire, on 15.1.1916 he was commissioned and initially served with 3rd Bn The Leicestershire Regiment. He was later posted to 2nd Bn in Mesopotamia on 3.6.1916. On 5.7.1916 he was invalided to Nasik, India, to recuperate after a blood infection. On 20.7.1916 moved to an Officer's Home in Bombay, in which town he is also known to have stayed in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Recuperated with 2nd Bn rear party at Belgaum, and was back with 2nd Bn on 20.1.1917 in Mesopotamia. He was awarded the M.C. for his actions as a bombing officer in C Coy at Sannaiyat on 22.2.1917 (L.G. 11.5.1917 "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He organised a party under very heavy fire and succeeded in repelling repeated enemy attacks."). Two months later (and before his M.C. was gazetted) he was Killed in Action at Samarrah on 22.4.1917, aged 21. He is commemorated on Basra Memorial, Iraq. His medals were purchased by the Regiment in November 2014. There is a file on him in The National Archives, ref WO 339/48336.

CWGC:

HALL, EDWIN LINCOLN
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Date of Death: 22/04/1917
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Leicestershire Regiment 3rd Bn. attd. 2nd Bn.
Awards: M C
Panel Reference: Panel 12.
Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL
Additional Information: Son of the late E. M. Hall.

From his letters home - the complete transcript lodged with the Record Office for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland at Wigston Magna, reference DE 8662 of their on-line catalogue (text verbatim to authenticise):

"HERE IS LINCOLN'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF SANNIAYAT ON THE 22ND FEBRUARY 1917 WHEN HE WON THE MILITARY CROSS.

Slept at about 1 - 6 a.m. Our Company moved to the 2nd line at 8.30. Artillery bombardment started at 10. and the Brigade on our left took the Turkish trenches in front of them after a hard fight. We rushed over at about 3.15 p.m. Our Co were first over and on the way across no-mans-land, I got a bullet through the collar of my tunic. Capt. Hasted got one through his helmet and Vincent (a Norfolk officer attached) was wounded. When I got in their first line I started bombing along to the right with a small party of men and killed about 20 Turks with bombs and got one right through the head with my revolver. I was not at all happy till I got a block made in the trench and a bombing party behind it, as I was on the extreme right flank. Just before I had started to block I must admit I was a bit frightened that they would turn the flank as I saw a line of bayonets coming up towards us on the right, about 50 yds. from where I decided to block. I rushed a party of bombers down towards them, however they cleared off when we started bombing. We had a very busy night then consolidating the first line. Not a wink of sleep that night of course.

23rd Feb. During the day other Companies worked down communicating trenches bombing etc until we had their 3rd & 4th lines. At 7p.m. our Co moved to 3rd line and held it all night. No sleep.

24th. At daybreak Turks had retired and we were moved back to our own trenches. Rations issued and we then followed Turks at 10a.m. Marched 13 miles and rested at 8.30p.m. Then off, - no time to fill water bottles and eventually at 7.30 we did so from a stream running with river. 'I was dead beat'

25th. Off at 6.10 a.m. - 4 miles and encamped at 9.30.

26th Stayed here till 8p.m. and off again till 7.30 next a.m. having covered 10 miles in 11 1/2 hours 'I have never done anything so tiring as that march'.

27th Off again at 6p.m. covering 15 miles. Icy cold but got 1/2 mug of Rum and got into my valise & slept.

28th Another 8 miles encamped at 4p.m. and were then about 60 miles from Baghdad.

2nd March Off at 7a.m. no time for breakfast. Marched 5 miles. Got a bath and shave.

3rd Mar. Are getting as much rest here as possible but it has been a trying time. No tents only two blankets, waterproof sheet, washing and shaving stuff and a spare shirt and socks. Unable to send letters, it is difficult even to feed us but we have done wonderfully well as this is the biggest advance since the beginning of the war. Shall be glad to receive cigs and chocolate also toffee. Will write whenever I have a chance."

The full text of the document based on 2nd Lt Edwin Lincoln Hall's letters:

EXTRACTS FROM THE MAIN POINTS OF LINCOLN'S LETTERS FROM THE TIME HE LEFT ENGLAND IN JANUARY 1916 UNITL THE LAST WRITTEN ON APRIL 21ST 1917

INVERTED COMMAS DENOTE QUOTATIONS FROM LETTERS; ALSO FROM ACCOUNTS OF THE MESOPOTAMIAN CAMPAIGN WRITTEN BY THE OFFICIAL EYE WITNESS, EDMUND CANDLER.

1915
1 March B. Comp. 18th Bttln. Royal Fusis. 1st Public Schools Battn. Epsom
30 June - 10th Oct c/o Mr. C. Wrathall, Winstead, Holderness, Yorks.
1916
15 Jan. Streanstall Camp. Yorks.
May go to the front.
17 Jan, Hull & East Riding Club. Yorks. Almost certain to go Persian Gulf.
4 Feb. At sea. R.M.S.P. Magdalena. Saturday 4.40 p.m. Boarded 3.50 Off at 5 secretly - owing to Subs.
10 Feb. R.M.S.P. (away) Weather hot. Expect to arrive at destination 17th.
18 Feb. Friday R.M.S.P. - A month since left England. Passed Port Said 8th.
19 Feb. Saturday. Had a few hours leave in Port said. Passed Aden on 13th but no stopping. "Looking forward to seeing all dear faces soon."
25 Feb On active Service.
9 Mar. At Basrah. Letters March 15, 27 Apl. 2.11.21 with India Expeditionary Force "D". Waiting to know where going. Meals good. Heard Jackals. Very hot.
2 May. 30 May still with I.E.F."D".
3 June With 2nd Leic, Regt. Back in trenches. No fresh water. Not to worry about him. No mail arrives.
9 June Inspects trenches. Had touch of fever & goes to Hospital. Mentions Lack (in Dads Office) having to join up and hopes that it will not affect Dad's business. Has no grudge against the Turks: it is the German officers.
22 June In British General Hospital, Basra.
25 June H.M.H.S. Sicilia. In the Persian Gulf. Feeling better but felt poorly May 20 when in the 2nd line trenches. Thinks fever due to sun and waiting to attack.
1 July Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Bombay. Seems better & glad to be out of awful trenches. Expects we are all settling down for tea and wishes he was with us, hopes it will not be long. "May God look after us all".
5 - 9 July Still at taj Mahal. Pal. Hotel. Bombay.
13 July At Invalided Officers' Home. Nasik to India. Arrived 11 July from Bombay. Not allowed to go to Simla. (8000 ft.) as too high. Has an enlarged heart. War Office has advised Dad that Lincoln was in hospital with para-typhoid from unknown source.
21,25,26 July Still at Nasik
3 Aug. At Nasik. Everything much the same. Has had Dhobi's Itch, but now better, due to badly washed clothes. Sorry Dad not well. Has had letter from Frank Harbour at Queenstown (S. Ireland) but took no part in rebellion. Had heard from Val Lloyd.
8 - 21 Aug. At Nasik. Parcels recvd. But often contents pinched. Looking forward to returning to England. Sorry Mr. Watt had died. Mr. Valentine (Cecil's father) wrote from Bombay & wants to meet Lincoln when he goes to Bombay where Mr. V. Works. )Mr. V. Was brother of Mrs. Coton of the Welling family (Percy etc.) Lincoln has been photographing. May spend leave in Bombay.
31 Aug. Pyrkes Apollo Hotel, Bombay. Had a medical. Advised to give up smoking & has done so. Has an enlarged heart. Taking photos at Victoria Garden Zoo. Looking forward to getting home. Glad Romania has entered war; hopes Greece will soon. Thinks Occupation of Salonica a good thing and that Kitchener knew what he was doing. Met Mr. Valentine at dinner. India expensive. Some letters have not arrived: probably sunk.
5 Sept. Raining hard. Saw Mr. Valentine. Reading 'David Copperfield'.
6 - 16 Sept. A Sgt-Maj. Bale has recd. Military Cross. Not usually given to NCO's. Lincoln liked this man who had received 5 medals since the Boer War.
12 Sept. 2nd Leic. Regt. Belgaum N. India. Arrived here from Bombay via Porna. Lovely journey & scenery wonderful. Railway used two big engines for the hills.
13 Sept. Went for a drive in a cart pulled by two bullocks. Tried to see doctor but too busy. Does not care for club life.
14 Sept. Wants Dad to send some photography apparatus & to buy some Nat. Savings Certificates @ 15/6 each. Thinks Indian Civil Service too cocky. Every officer has 4 servants and even Tommies get Indians to clean buttons.
19 Sept. Belgaum N. India. Thanks for children's letters, also Martha's & Miss Watson. Has learned golf. Glad to know Douglas is a good shot. War news good and hopes not be long before coming home & in business again. Weather lovely 65o - 70o . Confirms Major Webb went mad and shot himself in hospital. Thanks children for letters. Quote: "Hope it will not be too long before I get back to England & if I do I will never leave it again. People talk about wonderful East but I cannot see it."
8 Oct. 2nd Leic. Regt. Belgaum. Went shooting for hare, snipe, pigeons, quail. Hopes to go for tigers and buck later. Glad to hear Doug & Boy helping Dad. His Dhobi's Itch has gone. May send 50 to invest in 6% Exchequer Bonds.
13 Oct. Belgaum. Thanks for papers. Thinks Moir must be having excitement in RNAS. Wishes he tried for R.F.C. when joining up but too late now owing to heart. Indian servants want more money. Very upset about Major Webb: friend of Lincoln. Also Pinder and Gristwood killed who were all together at Patrington, York. Quote: "I could cry to hear all of my friends being killed. It is only the politicians and munition workers who want the war to go on." Everyone in army is sick of the war. Thinks heart is about the same.
25 Oct. 2nd Leic. Regt. Belgaum, N. India. Recd. Letters & papers also one from Frank Harbour in France. Went to dinner with Major Streen and wife and to a dance afterwards. Saw a puma pass within 30 yds. Monkeys abound & the men keep them as pets. Glad to know Zeppelin brought down over England.
4 Nov. Thanks for letters also Norah's & Pippy's. Norah says Val Lloyd has been gazetted to 2nd Leicesters & was hoping for promotion. Excercises to keep well.
8 Nov. 2nd Leic. Regt. Belgaum. Expecting a medical. May go back to the trenches. Wishes there were a few good Generals around. Heard "The Arabia" has been sunk so we will not get some of Lincoln's letters.
10 Nov. Wants Dad to send some photographic books on from his bedroom. Would like to be with Val Lloyd. Had a medical and may go to the front in 4 weeks. Sometimes feels homesick. Thinks Eric Harbour is now a captain. Has recd. Raphael's Almanac which says war will be over by October 1917.
24 Nov. "I grieved to hear children causing some trouble". Sorry Dad has lost his contract for Sydney "Bulletin" especially after all you did for Mr. McLeod. This Xmas will be third away from home; hope next year will be at home. Wishes us all a happy Xmas.
29th Nov. 2nd Leic. Belgaum N. India. Hoping to be passed fit. Has 120 men under him but only 50 parade daily, as rest are unfit. Is sending 3 idols and 3 table mats. Regrets news of death of Mr. Crowe. Is sending some photos also one of a fort to safeguard Europeans in case of native uprising.
Dec. 2. Had long letter from Val. Lloyd at Oxford. Another draft leaving Belgaum on 10th. Leicesters cannot supply enough men as of the 124 men under Lincoln, only 24 are fit. A Captn. Stockley who was with Lincoln at York is arriving & hopes to share the bungalow. Hears "Caledonia" carrying last two weeks mail has been sunk.
Dec. 6 Recd. childrens letters & is sending a shawl for Miss. Hann. Sorry to hear about Sydney "Bulletin" but expects consumers to buy direct from mills now. Think also it is the Unions. Has bought a fox terrier and will take it with him to the front & teach him some tricks. Is sending Company's photo. Ask who Dad thinks of making his executor, suggests John Briggs or Mr. Harston. Four tigers have been sighted & a Shakari asked if officers wanted to go on shoot; but no; they had no heavy guns. Thinks Lloyd George as P.M. will be welcomed.
Dec. 12 Belgaum N. India. Passed Medical OK. Expects to leave with a draft of Norfolks & Highland Light Infantry. Asks for some "Kenilworth" cigarettes.
Dec. 17 Went to Bombay for Kit. Stayed at Taj Mahal Hotel. Sorry to hear of Mrs. Mille's death. She was a good sort and very kind to Lincoln.
Dec. 23 2nd Leic. Regt. Belgaum. Thanks for childrens and & Miss Hann's letters. Thinks may leave Xmas Day. Has been senior Lieutenant now for two months & hopes for promotion.
Dec 25 Poona. Arrived here at 5.30 a.m. and is on train on way to Bombay.
Dec, 25 Byculla Club, Bombay. 4.30p.m. Arrived Bombay 11.15. Were told we sail on the 27th in H.M.T. Torilla. Went to several hotels, but all full so came here. Very comfortable. Hopes Dad's rheumatism is better. Looks forward to frequent short letters rather than a long one. "Would have loved to have Christmas with you but look forward to next year".
28 Dec. H.M.T. Torilla. At sea. Barrow & I embarked on this boat at noon & sailed today from Bombay at 1p.m. Barrow made Adjt. & me Q.M. on the boat. No British troops at all except the other officers who are Naval men & 300 Indians; and 600 horses. "No pukka vet on board, only a native assistant - chichi!" (Note: Chichi is Indian for person of mixed European and Indian parentage.) One horse had colic in the night. Have a cabin to myself: the boat is one of the British Indian Fleet about 5000 tons. - 12 Knots is the fastest time. Captain said expect to get to Basra on 2nd Jan. May see Adjt. General in Basra to ask if any use can be made of my French: but not so much chance here as I would have had in France.
1917
Basra. Had no rough weather on board. Was kept busy with his Q.M. work. Chiefly seeing fodder brought up from the hold for horses. Had to wait till 3p.m. for high tide in order to get over the (the bar?) as depth is only 20 feet. At 3.30 got alongside the wharf (Magil) which is 4 miles above Basra & by 4.30 had all troops off the boat with kits packed on A.T. carts. Is sharing a tent with Barrow. Some wonderful changes since last here - railway runs up to the front. Has a cold. Nights V. Cold. Cannot keep warm even with a blanket. Would like some Sharps or McIntosh's Toffee but no chocolate.
AMARAH Received orders on 10th & was told I was in charge of Seaforths. Kit was packed, rations got for all British Troops, McIntyre inspected my men & all moved off at 9 from Magra Camp by our boat. An awful business to get all this done & men on board by 12 o/c. Later in evening felt unwell - shivering - Dr. Said temp 103o. An officer turned out of his berth for Lincoln. Not much sleep. Felt better in but temp 102o. In bed all day, sleeping. Night temp. Was 104o & was light-headed till about 10p.m. & after perspiration felt better. Dr say thinks malaria. Several others down with same. Thinks a lot of the fever was due to being hustled so much when embarking.
Jan. 20 On Active Service - 2nd Leicesters. Mespot. Expd. Force. Waiting on board river steamer on way to Battln. Recovered from attack of Malaria, left Hospital 17th. The Battln. are resting just behind trenches we were occupying last time I was here (June 1916) There are four of us in a 160lb tent, so very cramped.
Jan. 30 2nd Leics. Thanks for your letters and childrens. Is in "B" Company & in the 4th line. Lots of sapping and now close to Turks. Trenches much better now also messing but must keep one's boots on all the time. "Today we sent over a few 6" shells..
Jan, 31st Cont. Bad night, rain, pitch dark, high wind unpleasant going round sentries. Letter from Val dated 19.11.16 from Partington. Also one from France who is in France & seems to be doing well. Wishes he had gone to France, as may have had some leave. He remembers Mr. Harding who recently died & was a master at D.G.S.
Feb, 1 Weather improved. Only wants 'Morning Post' & 'Motor Cycle' sent. Also copes Kenilworth Cigs. & Sweets & 2 Ever-ready Batteries. Mack not yet arrived but need writing paper and envelopes. Sends love and kisses to us all.
Feb. 2 2nd Leics. M.E.F. Is now in 2nd line trenches and am C.O. of the portion we are occupying. i.e. the British troops. Last night was hell and only got 1 ½ hrs. Sleep. Shall be glad to get out again. Received 'M. Posts' 'Observer' 'Blighty' 'Pears Annual' but no time to read. Sorry Mrs. Watt will receive nothing from Admiralty. Had a letter from Grandma. Am well and weather is v. Good. Thank chidren for their letters.
Feb. 10 Do not send any more clothes as have plenty for summer. We only wear dark breaches in the winter Nov/March. Was pleased to get chocolate as it is nice to eat in the middle of the night when on trench duty. Cannot give you any news as to what is happening but you will see by papers things are going fairly well here and we will soon have Kut. Our guns gave Turks a good doing yesterday. One Turk was blown 30ft. In air.
Feb. 15 Thanks for letters. Knows several people mentioned in dispatches. Out of trenches on Sunday. Transferred to 'C' Co. Commanded by Capt. Hastred whom Lincoln likes very much & is attached to Durham Light Infantry. Takes all the 2nd Lieuts. Every day for bombing practice. He (Linc.) could be bombing Officer if he wishes but too dangerous. Officers had a football match. Junior v Senior, I had to play for Seniors & were beaten 1-0.
Feb. 18 Sunday. In trenches again. Awful night. Cannot explain yet what has been taking place but you will see by the Communiques. Have no dug-outs and sleep when possible on firestep near Captain. Hopes to tell more in next letter. Had wash yesterday, first time since Friday. Am well but have had some near shaves. Took some prisoners wearing all sorts of clothes & no boots.

FROM 21ST FEB ON TO 3RD MARCH. MUCH IS IN THE FORM OF DIARY NOTES.

Have been in trenches 14 days. Heavy rain on 16th Feb, impossible to do Parades. No dugouts. Got about 2 Hours sleep in a grenade store 3' wide & 2' high. Battln. doing fatigue work. 17. Artillery bombardment for 4 hours. Two native Regiments took the 1st & 2nd lines but were driven out. Cold at night is intense. 18th Moved out of trenches at 6p.m. & went back to Camp. 19th & 20th. Moved to trenches again & on fatigue work (ammunition etc.) till midnight. Capt. Hasted then explained the schemes for the 22nd.

"HERE IS LINCOLN'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF SANNIAYAT ON THE 22ND FEBRUARY WHEN HE WON THE MILITARY CROSS.

Slept at about 1 - 6 a.m. Our Company moved to the 2nd line at 8.30. Artillery bombardment started at 10. and the Brigade on our left took the Turkish trenches in front of them after a hard fight. We rushed over at about 3.15 p.m. Our Co were first over and on the way across no-mans-land, I got a bullet through the collar of my tunic. Capt. Hasted got one through his helmet and Vincent (a Norfolk officer attached) was wounded. When I got in their first line I started bombing along to the right with a small party of men and killed about 20 Turks with bombs and got one right through the head with my revolver. I was not at all happy till I got a block made in the trench and a bombing party behind it, as I was on the extreme right flank. Just before I had started to block I must admit I was a bit frightened that they would turn the flank as I saw a line of bayonets coming up towards us on the right, about 50 yds. from where I decided to block. I rushed a party of bombers down towards them, however they cleared off when we started bombing. We had a very busy night then consolidating the first line. Not a wink of sleep that night of course.
23rd Feb During the day other Companies worked down communicating trenches bombing etc until we had their 3rd & 4th lines. At 7p.m. our Co moved to 3rd line and held it all night. No sleep.
24th At daybreak Turks had retired and we were moved back to our own trenches. Rations issued and we then followed Turks at 10a.m. Marched 13 miles and rested at 8.30p.m. Then off, - no time to fill water bottles and eventually at 7.30 we did so from a stream running with river. 'I was dead beat'
25th Off at 6.10 a.m. - 4 miles and encamped at 9.30.
26th Stayed here till 8p.m. and off again till 7.30 next a.m. having covered 10 miles in 11 1/2 hours 'I have never done anything so tiring as that march'.
27th Off again at 6p.m. covering 15 miles. Icy cold but got 1/2 mug of Rum and got into my valise & slept.
28th Another 8 miles encamped at 4p.m. and were then about 60 miles from Baghdad.
2nd March Off at 7a.m. no time for breakfast. Marched 5 miles. Got a bath and shave.
3rd Mar. Are getting as much rest here as possible but it has been a trying time. No tents only two blankets, waterproof sheet, washing and shaving stuff and a spare shirt and socks. Unable to send letters, it is difficult even to feed us but we have done wonderfully well as this is the biggest advance since the beginning of the war. Shall be glad to receive cigs and chocolate also toffee. Will write whenever I have a chance."

MUCH OF THE FOLLOWING IS FROM LETTERS WRITTEN AFTER THE ABOVE NOTES MORE FULLY, SO THERE MAY BE REPITITION.

16th Mar. THURSDAY. Started off the march to Armarah (Kent etc.) Left at 12.30 and were joined by detachment of 500 natives. Marched 7 miles and pitched camp where Euphrates joins the Tigris. Passed 6 or 7 dead horses and camels with birds feeding on. Arrived at Ali Gharbi at 4.30 and are off tomorrow at 8.30a.m. Country flat but plenty date palms on river-bank. Road poor but a breeze and very hot.
FRIDAY. "In bed at last. Never will I forget today". Up at 6.30 and fell in with 2000 natives after 1 ½ hours marching, also 400 horses. Had rest in sun 9 - 11,50 then 10 minutes rest every hour. Transport in difficulties as they were two miles behind so many of our men were falling out. No shade. My knees are sore and painful.
SATURDAY.Off at 8.30a.m. till 1,30 in sun all the time, Backs of my knees feel as though hacked with a knife. No transport till 2.45. Did 14 miles of bad going, I was in charge of the advance guard. "Fed up at end of march and did not care what happened".
SUNDAY. Up at 5.50. Knees so sore wore shorts and puttees and borrowed a horse and rode. Did 13 miles and reached Quarrah and encamped 1 1/2 miles north of town. Violent thunderstorms at 8.45. Rain came in tent. Woken up be dogs in night in search of food.
MONDAY. Up at 6.10 but told we would not move today. Knees better but still painful. Censored letters in p.m. and had a large tea. Gave each NCO 10 fags and each man 5. Have complained to QM about putting us so far from river. Marched from Amarah for 13 miles. Very soft ground. Rain for 1 1/2 hrs. Hail as big as marbles. Thought horses and mules would break loose. Carts stick in mud to axles and with us to our knees. No coat, very wet. Opened emergency rations. You will see the papers what we have done. We have been in two actions since Sannaiyat and have been 25 miles north of Baghdad where we had the last one a few days ago. Are now at Baghdad again and have done 120 miles in 28 days. Am in good health but have had a trying time.

LETTER DATED 22 MARCH

Shall be glad to see what the papers say about us. We are really the Regiment to take Baghdad. Are now resting 3 miles outside Baghdad. "Capt. Halsted my CO. Has been recommended for the D.S.O. for his work at Sanniayat (this is where we took the Turkish trenches on Feb. 22nd.) No one else except the Senior Officers know about but I do because I was asked to write an account of what he did there. I should think I have a chance of getting something as I was the only Officer with Hasted."

(LINCOLN DID IN FACT GET THE M.C. HERE - SEE FEB. 22 BATTLE)

The Regiment had been lucky really as we only had wounded, Vincent, Hilton Palfreyman in the show outside Baghdad on the 9th, Mansfiled who was with me in the V.P.S. was killed by shrapnel outside Baghdad, Shall be glad when our kit arrives. Have only two pencil stubbs so can't write well. Will you get me a dustproof silver Waltham watch (as mine has broken) from the shop where Frank & I got ours. Do not want gum-boots.

HERE FOLLOW EXTRACTS FROM DIARY IN A LETTER DATED 21 MARCH 1917.

Mar. 3 Up at 6a.m. burying dead oxen and horses left behind by Turks during their retreat. Sun v. Hot. Are now 20 miles south of AZIZIAH.
Mar. 4 Off at 9.00a.m. and after 6 miles encamped at SHARQUI. Slept all p.m. Lots of liquorice roots about. All sorts of messages regarding plan for tomorrow. Many are unable to work owing to bad feet, so were put on a boat. Slept under a cart. Rain for 1 ¼ hrs. We had marched 17 miles.
Mar. 6 Off at 6.30 a.m. and reached ZUR at 6 p.m. after marching 18 miles. Everyone tired and fed-up, but went to river (1 ½ miles away) and had a bath at 9 p.m.
Mar. 7 Left ZUR 6.30 a.m. reached CTESIPHON about 4 p.m. "How we have done it I do not know". The famous Roman Arch is about 1 ½ miles away. This is the place were Gen. Townsend retreated in 1915.
Mar. 8 Moved off at 8 a.m. marched 5 miles . Enemy planes over in p.m. Part of Battn. Were sent on ahead to get through to BAGHDAD. Was sorry to see them go.
Mar. 9 Off at 6 a.m. Cross River. Slow going. Dust 2ft. deep. Difficult to get carts over. Heard from some Artillery men that our Battaln. 10 miles ahead had met up with some opposition. The Black Watch who had passed us at 9.30 are 5 miles in front and absolutely whacked on account of marching. "Had a ripping bath by the river just before dinner."
Mar. 10 Rifle inspection at 9. Watched wounded being brought down river on way to Hospital, including Hilton Palfreyman. Got them some bully and fruit. Greatly appreciated. Our men are the only white men except for a few Artillery men. Is is noticeable how many troops are wounded in hands and feet. Terrible dust storm all p.m. into night.
Mar. 11 Marched off at 6.30 a.m. Continued all day till 8 p.m. No food at all. Did about 20 miles and reached outskirts of Baghdad. Slept in Railway Goods Station with 4 other Officers. Got up and off at 5 minutes notice. Ate dates most of morning. Rejoined my Coy. And searched Arab houses all p.m. Had heard we were to march on at 10 p.m. but Dr. Said men were not fit to do so, so got night's rest.
Mar. 13 Rest up all day. Three letters from home. Off at 10 p.m. till 7 a.m. with 10 minutes rest every hour. Then got into Artillery formation and then we knew we were for it. We extended then went on again and at 9 a.m. came under shrapnel and HE shells after having been marching since 7 p.m. No food. Shells coming over all the time. Halted at 4 p.m. slept. "How I and my platoon were not hit I cannot imagine." Turks had a battery on our right behind mound and were infiltrating us beautifully. Got frontal fire as well and poor Mansfield was hit and died 2 hours later. After dark we dug in. I had 2 platoons behind Hasted who was with the other 2 150 yds. ahead. We were the only two officers in the Coy.
Mar. 15 Moved on as soon as light, expecting Machinegun fire but nothing happened. Advanced 3 miles then joined up with native regiment after a halt. Whole Brigade then marched to river (6 miles) and then we camped. Heard Turks had retired another 20 miles and guess are now 25 miles north of Baghdad.
Mar. 16 Off at 8 a.m. and did 7 miles towards Baghdad. Hoping for our long promised rest. Got my kit which have not seen since 11th. On duty at 11.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. with piquet's. Then slept till 6 a.m. Off at 7 a.m. and did 14 miles into Baghdad at 2 p.m. Rested and had dinner with Shepherd, - a man who was in charge of the River boats when I came up on the Torilla from Bombay to Basra.
(IT MAY SEEM THAT THEY WERE A LONG TIME MARCHING TO BAGHDAD BUT BY KEEPING NEAR THE TIGRIS IT WAS 500 MILES FROM BASRA & ABOUT 200 AS THE CROW FLIES - PIP)
Mar. 18 Busy all a.m. Evening had Dinner on P.S.2 with Officers. (This is the boat I came on from Amarah where I first joined Battln. Dr. v. Good - gave me cigs, cardigan & pyjamas.
Mar. 19-24 Still in camp. Col Knatchbull has taken Command. Maj Brock is also here and Major Creagh. I went into Baghdad on Thursday. Very disappointed in the place. Bazzar is just the same as Basra or any Indian city except of course that their are Armenians & Arabs instead of Indians. It is dirty, smelly. The Col. has made me his staff officer but this will only affect me if certain things happen and I cannot yet say what they are. Hope my diaries are clear. To me those few notes recall lots of other events. "Hope one day to be able to better explain to you more fully, what actually happened in the Battle above Baghdad. It was really most interesting as it was the first experience of open fighting most of us had had and worked out very like the text books. Am in the best of health and hope you are the same. Best Love and kisses - Lincoln". "P.S. Very glad to receive soap".
Apr. 1 In the field. Mespot. - Exp. Force. Acknowledges letter of Jan 29. Also Morning Post and parcel with cocoa, marine biscuits and ox-tongue. Things becoming more normal now but have no more kit than when we left Sannaiyat on Feb. 22. Heat and flies are now here earlier owing to dry weather. Are now some miles outside Baghdad and been here a week.
"I had a somewhat exciting experience last Monday when I took a small party of native cavalry (just the kind of men who do the tent pegging in the Naval and Military Tournament at Olympia) out from here with a certain objective about 7 miles from camp. I came across some armed Arabs, nine in all, and after some trouble surrounding them and shot them one after the other, as I was under the impression that armed Arabs should be shot, but apparently these orders had been cancelled and others issued that I had not heard of. I have consequently been more or less in hot water with the Divisional General but do not now expect to hear any more about the matter. It would take me too long to explain the whole matter to you, but I am convinced that what I did was right."
From what Reuter says, fall of Baghdad a wonderful stroke on our part and expects it to have a moral effect on Allies also Turks. The Chief Hotel in Baghdad has been named the Hotel Maude as a compliment to the G.O.C. At down to lunch with table linen and a glass last week and much enjoyed. Wonder if Charles and Martha will get a divorce. Wishes to know Dad's debt to Charles and is sorry that business is practically dead. Dad is thinking of giving up life insurance policies. Lincoln suggests trying to get connection with India for new business also Russia after the war.
Has been made Senior 2nd Lt. Since March 1916 but not heard that it has made any difference to me. Wants Dad to send out some dark khaki he left at home, but not send till June when it would arrive for the winter. Says Baghdad is dilapidated, a dirty heap of brick and mud. Looks O.K. at a distance especially the mosques be nearer are cheap and gaudy; also the bazaars - nothing worth buying. Best mosque is at KADHIMAIN - a village 4 miles north of the city. Has 4 minarets and large (30ft) dome diameter and this is made of fine gold. We're not allowed to enter mosque. Is sending Dad a cable today which will allay any anxiety he has about Lincoln. (*This may be the one saying he had won Military Cross on Feb. 22.*) Has written at available opportunity. Kind regards to Miss Hann and old friends.
Apr. 13 Has recvd. Letters of Feb. 8, 15 & 19 also papers. Glad to hear War Loan is going well but does not think war will be over yet. Has been in another big fight, worst yet. Bullets pattering within yards of one. "Twice I got my left eye filled with dirt thrown up by a bullet. We took 200 prisoners. This happened on Easter Sunday. No doubt you will see 2 or 3 lines about it in the papers and about 20 columns of an attempt on Lloyd George's life or something similar with great glaring headlines in the same issue. It makes me sick. We had one officer killed, shot clean through the head. I was standing two feet on his left, and one was wounded slightly. Heat is now pretty bad. We are still with the old 20 lbs. kit and no tents or drill clothing. Cannot give you much news but we are 30 miles in advance (North) of spot where I wrote. Thanks for the papers. Am glad to say in the best of health, thank God I have got though up to the present. Please give my sympathies to Miss H. And Mark children for their letters. Do not be surprised if letters are irregular for we are by no means settled yet as can only write every 2 or 3 weeks. Best Love to you all and may God look after you and me".
Apr. 21 In the field. Mespot. Ex. Force. "I have had nothing from you since yours Feb. 19 which I acknowledged in my last. Trust my telegram telling you that I had been given the Military Cross. I was told on the 14th and was congratulated next day by Gen. Fane who commands Division. I have of course, not received it. But am allowed to wear the ribbon which is just as good. Since my last we have again moved on and are in touch with the Turks.
It seems to me that we shall not get any rest for some time. I expect there will be a lot of sickness this year as it does not look as if we shall get tents or drill clothing for some time. A dust storm is blowing at 11.0 present moment and what with that, the heat and the flies it is nearly impossible to write. I am fairly well at present but do not think that I shall remain so if this sort of thing continues. The men have had the same shirt on since Feb. 15th. Should be very pleased if you would send me a good pair of smoked glasses and some Military Cross Ribbon. I have some at present but it is only a small piece and it will soon get worn. The colour is White, Violet and white. I believe I am the first 2nd Lieut, in the regiment to get the M.C. and am very proud of the fact. It is practically impossible to write more in this dust as I can hardly see and the papers covered every second. Best Love you to you all affectionate son, Lincoln."

THIS WAS THE LAST LETTER LINCOLN WROTE.

EXTRACT FROM "THE LONG ROAD TO BAGHDAD" BY EDMUND CANDLER OFFICIAL REPORTER TO THE MESOPOTAMIA CAMPAIGN HIS REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF SAMARRAH APRIL 22, 1917 IN WHICH LINCOLN WAS KILLED.

(PAGE 172)

"Soon after mid-day our infantry were in touch with the main body of Turks in an entrenched position between the River and the Railway. The position was too extended to be bombarded and assaulted on the whole front with the guns and infantry at our disposal. It was therefore decided to force back the Turkish left from the River while the Cavalry worked round on the right flank preceded by a Battery of light armoured cars.
It was afternoon when the 28th Brigade began the advance. The Leicesters led the attack. They soon came in for enfiladed fire from the left. Here the 51st Sikhs who were in support swung left to cover the flanks. The 51st lost heavily, but their steady advance enabled the Leicesters to proceed, although crossfire was troublesome.
By 1.30 they advanced 1200 yds. and were near a ridge held by the Turks. At 4p.m. our guns opened up a tremendous fire on their trenches. As soon as the guns lifted the Leicesters swept forward up the slope. An Officer on the spot told me it was the most inspiring charge he had ever seen, The leading Coy. got to the top, crossed the Turkish trenches, the enemy surrendered or bolted and Tommy Atkins pressed on in hot pursuit. They soon reached the guns and raced on to a surprised enemy. This was at 5p.m. The Leicesters were now beyond their intended advance and the ground behind them was swept by guns. The Turks counter-attacked in very great force and at the time threatened to roll up the flank of the Brigade. This wave was held by the 56th Rifles and a machine-gun Coy. The 56th advanced against the counter-attack with a steadiness and coolness that was memorable.
Two Coys. of the 53rd Sikhs who had been in reserve with them lost their C.O. (Grattan), Secd. in Command (Adams), Adjutant (Blewitt) and Q.M. (Scarth). The 56th and 53rd lost heavily but they and the machine-gun Coy. saved what might have been a very critical situation. Two V.C.'s were awarded - Lt Graham, Machine-gun Coy., and Lt.Col. Pressick, 56th Rifles.
Samarrah eventually became the Army's H.Q.. The heat was 119o in the shade".
(FROM PAGE 1170) - SEE ALSO LINCOLN'S LETTERS
"Force D" gained its objective. During fighting in April they had defeated the 13th Turkish Army Corps three times and the 18th Corps five times driving it back over 60 miles. Within the month our columns on both banks of the Tigris had captured 3000 prisoners and 16 guns. The same troops which had been engaged almost continuously since our first advance on Dec. 13 achieved this whilst exposed to the hardships of the Mesopotamian sun and winter.
"The Roman Emporer Julian lies buried there (Samarrah). He fell nearby in the retreat from Ctesiphon. His tomb can be seen; a crumbling mound of earth encircled by a ditch - the death of Rome's Empire in the East."
TOTAL CASUALTIES IN MESOPOTAMIA.
KURNA (N. Of Basra) - the original Garden of Eden.
BASRA was needed by the Navy for the oil, to run the ships, from the Abadan oil-fields.

LETTER FROM WAR GRAVES COMMISION

The following is a copy I had from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission after seeing an article in a magazine regarding the up-keep of War Cemeteries. I wrote asking for information on Lincoln's grave:
"Thank you for your letter dated 11th Aug. 1974.
This Commission commemorates by name all Members of the Commonwealth Forces who died during the two World Wars, and I am enclosing a leaflet you may find interesting.
I can confirm that your brother, 2nd Lt. Edwin Lincoln Hall, M.C. 3rd Batln. Leic. Regt., attached 2nd Battln. was killed in action at Samarrah on 22nd April 1917, aged 21.
Unfortunately, his grave was amongst those which the Army Graves Services was unable to trace after the War, and he is therefore commemorated on the Basra Memorial. The names of the casualties from the Leicestershire Regt. are to be found on panel 12.
Basra is a town on the west bank of the Shalt-al-Arab, 56 miles from its mouth in the Persian Gulf.
The Memorial stands 5 miles north of Basra on the right bank of the river."

Date of Birth : 2.4.1896

Place of Birth : Bexley Heath, Kent

Date of Death : 22.4.1917

Place of Death : Samarrah, Mesopotamia

Civil Occupation : Fire Insurance clerk

Period of Service : 1915-17

Conflicts : WW1

Places Served : France and Flanders, Mesopotamia, India (convalesence)