TRANSCRIPTION OF THE DIARY of WALTER PFEFFER
Commenced on the first of January 1920

The following transcript is on the notes pages at the front of the diary.

In writing this diary I am only putting the main things in that happen daily.

Such things as parades are unnecessary because they would not interest anybody who is likely to read this diary.

When I say we I mean just five of my section who have been together for a few months now.

When mentioning the canteen I allude to the day canteen because I don’t visit the mess at any time.

When I am in camp I am a staunch teetotaller and it is only if I visit the town or go on leave that I touch any liquor at all.

It is a common belief among the poorer class of England that everybody in India must be black.
But this is not so. There is a good sprinkling of Europeans in India and there is a section of people known as “half casts”. These people are the results of love matches between white people and black not necessarily English but anyone who is white. Their colour is a dark or dirty yellow and their lot is hard because they are looked upon by both white and native people as nobodies. But believe me some of them are quite nice and they try so hard to copy English ways and dress. Some succeed in doing this while other look simply grotesque.

India itself is a very rich country and it is populated by thieves, swindlers, beggars and paupers. Of course there are some who will work but they inevitably have to be driven or else you would never get anything done.

The Bazaars are dirty and smelly places fit only for the likes of those that live there. And the shopkeepers well they are nothing more or less than swindlers. They have a peculiar way of trading in that they have no fixed prices marked down on their goods. If you want anything you ask him how much and he say something like three times the value. Well in some Bazaars there are seats provided inside the shops for customers. You sit yourself down and try to bid him down for what you want. He will come down slightly but it is a very hard struggle and very often one gets a good laugh listening to others arguing.

The people live in little single story bungalows they eat work and play all in the same room. I forgot to mention there was only one room in these bungalows.


JANUARY 1920


1 Thursday I was posted to No.1 section today and in my section as luck would have it are Thrale Irons Dane Taylor and Bliss as good a section as I could wish for.

I did not go out of the camp in the evening but strolled over to the canteen where Purvis was playing the piano and we all had a singsong.

2 Friday Today being payday we are all in the best of spirits and I received four pounds. In the morning boys all caught the bus at Seabrooke and went down to Folkestone. While down there we all subscribed together and bought a football. Today persistent rumours kept going around to the effect that we were going to India.

3 Saturday The weather today is very cold and everybody is inclined to stop around the hut fire not a very big one admitted but decidedly cheerful to those that can get around it. Well four of us put the table right alongside the fire and settled ourselves down to a nice quite game of nap. I am afraid I lost but only that which I won last week.

4 Sunday I took over Orderly Corporal today from L/Cpl. Hedges. They have soon got on my back because I only came back from leave last week but it doesn’t matter it only lasts a week.

5 Monday This morning I had 13 sick I have started well. Oh I have to work with such an awful Orderly Sgt. He keeps me running all over the camp and sometimes the runs are absolutely unnecessary and another thing he is an old soldier and I can’t catch him. When we were all in hut at night there cropped up an argument on the …..
of the people and Holmes who is a specialist on civilian life spoke very eloquently of the subject.

6 Tuesday Until today we have been in the habit of going into the canteen and buying our meals but it is too expensive so today we went to the dining hall and it was rotten.
Dane came of guard today and everything was alright. In the afternoon we had a game of cards by way of a change and I won 7/-. I received a letter from home today and was glad to hear everyone was tres-bon.

7 Wednesday I only had six sick today not so bad. I bought a bicycle from Thrale for a pound and I consider it a bargain as pounds go today. If I was to sell it I would get more than I gave for it surely. At night I went for a ride round in the moonlight and it was fine because I have not rode a bicycle for a long time.

8 Thursday The weather today still continues to be very cold and we thought the best thing to do was to take the ball out and warm ourselves. But as things turned out we were disappointed because the ball busted in the first twenty minutes. We spent the night in the canteen.

9 Friday There was a general inspection today but I did not go on it being Orderly Corporal. The sun came out today first time this year but it still continued cold. We got paid out and I received 30/-. I sent a letter home today.

10 Saturday In the morning it started to rain and it came down in torrents. I am transferred to the details from the section and moved my belongings to another hut. Tonight is my last as Orderly Corporal. I was absent from Staff Parade but was not missed consequently there is no duty.

11 Sunday Still pouring hard of rain. I handed over Orderly Corporal to L/Cpl. Bibb. At night we all went down to Folkestone and I met Thrale’s wife for the first time. I sent a birthday card to my mother.

12 Monday In the morning I went for a walk and went to the Cavalry canteen. When I arrived back they were playing football I joined in and missed my dinner. We all went down to Seabrooke for our tea and I enjoyed it because it was a change. From there we walked along the promenade as far as Sandgate and then back to camp.

13 Tuesday It was on this morning that they started a roll call in the early morning and it was all because several fellows would go home without leave and I believe it is easy to get it in first. I am going to try this week. At night Bliss and Taylor went down to Folkestone but as I did not feel right I did not go with them.

14 Wednesday In the morning I had a walk over to the Calvary stores and changed a pair of boots for myself. At night we went down to Hythe and from there caught the bus to Folkestone. Went and saw some pictures but I am afraid we did not see them all and the reason is obvious to those who have been out with a lot of fellows.

15 Thursday They are getting a Battalion concert party together now and as I was in the last one we had the P.R.S. asked me if I would join it and sing a couple of songs. But I am not because they are not going to have the same officer in charge and the one they have chosen is no good for that kind of work.

16 Friday We got paid today and I received the magnificent sum of 30/-. I attended the office this morning for leave and it was granted so I shall be going home tomorrow. In the afternoon I played Thrale a game of snooker and beat him but only by a very narrow margin 87 – 83.

17 Saturday I caught the twelve forty train up to London from Shorncliffe but it was a slow one stopping at every station as far as Tonbridge and then running right through. I arrived home about five o’clock and in the evening went with Frank and Dad to the Callins.

18 Sunday I went round to Alf’s place in the morning and we both went for a walk round to the café and saw some of the fellows. At night I went to a party over Kensington and enjoyed myself very much.

19 Monday Went over to Kensington again and a party of us went to the theatre and saw the pantomime Aladdin and it was very nice. Went home and decided not to go back because I know they would take the stripe from me and I was fed up and did not want to keep it.

20 Tuesday In the morning I went out with Dad but I came back for my dinner. In the morning I was feeling a bit queer so I went round to see the doctor and he told me I was unfit to travel and I didn’t tell him I was so I stopped at home.

21 Wednesday In the morning I went and saw the Doctor again and I am still very queer according to him. I sent the certificate away to camp in case of accidents because I did not want to have an escort come for me. In the evening I went to the Lyric Theatre and saw Tilly of Bloomsbury and it was very nice.

22 Thursday No entry.

23 Friday I met my Dad at six o’clock at Charing Cross stood talking and had a drink. I caught the seven o’clock which is the last train and we arrived in Folkestone at 8.30pm. I met a friend and we both walked up to the camp.

24 Saturday They never charged me with absence and if I had known I would have taken longer than four days. As soon as I arrived back from the Company Office they warned me to take over Orderly Corporal. Why they must have it in for me ???????????.

25 Sunday First time I have known that in England they sometimes miss a Church parade. It seems funny but there was none today. Played a game of snooker in the afternoon.

26 Monday I sent a letter to Mother today by the morning post. My company played another (B) at football and the result was a draw no score. It was a very good game one round of excitement. Both sides done a lot of pressing but they could not score.

27 Tuesday There was a full marching order inspection today but I did not go on it being Orderly Corporal. Thrale and Tich played on our company hockey team and this side won 3 – 2. Quite a good game although at times it slackened down. But there hockey is more or less a girls game.

28 Wednesday Today is pouring of rain so we cannot do anything except stop in camp. That we did and spent a couple of hours in the canteen.

29 Thursday I received a registered parcel from home today. Nothing unusual same old routine. I went down to Folkestone and had my photo taken. I hope they come out alright because nothing riles me more than a bad photo.

30 Friday Pouring of rain again today but it doesn’t matter because I can’t go out being Orderly Corporal. Company paid out in afternoon I received 2 £’s. This was alright quite respectable. Taylor went home on a French leave with Thrale.

31 Saturday Handed over to L/Cpl. Hedges. It is still raining here but I had to go out after being in camp all the week. So Tich and myself went to the theatre and there we saw Tilly of Bloomsbury. Tich hadn’t seen it before but I had. Still it was well worth seeing twice.


FEBRUARY

1 Sunday The sun came out today and was quite nice but the air was rather sharp. I went to a smoker in the Corporals mess and it was quite a good night.

2 Monday I am Battalion Orderly Corporal today. I does run me quick for duty I cannot make it out. I shall have to look into it. Of course I cannot move out of camp today.

3 Tuesday The morning was quite mild so I went for a walk as far as the Cavalry Canteen. In the afternoon I saw our Company beat B Company 2 – 0 it was a very good game and Tich score one of the goals.

4 Wednesday No entry.

5 Thursday Irons and myself went down to Folkestone and got the photos. I have come out quite good.

6 Friday It is a fine day today and the sun is shining brilliantly. I am glad my pass came through alright. Tich and myself caught the 5pm train from Folkestone Central and it soon whizzed us up to London. We arrived at 6.30pm and I spent the night with my Mother.

7 Saturday Having bought the bicycle up with me I went for a ride round in the morning. I went to the football and saw the Arsenal beat Oldham 3 – 2. So a quiet game but the reds should have won by three clear goals.

8 Sunday Went with Alf to my Aunties place and incidentally saw Harry. This is the first time since he has been demobbed.

9 Monday I wired for an extension because Mother goes under an operation tomorrow. Received the answer in the afternoon. It was granted but only for 24 hours. Frank and myself went to Callins. Met a few boys whom I have not seen for a long time. Of course we had quite a good night.

10 Tuesday Mother went under operation and I am sorry she came home very bad. I wish she had ? somebody go with her. I went back and arrived in camp at midnight everything quite alright.

11 Wednesday No entry

12 Thursday I wrote a letter home to Mother.

13 Friday We was paid I received 2 £. I was warned for guard. So of course I had to spend the night cleaning my gun and could not go out anywhere.

14 Saturday Mounted guard. The R.S.M. said something to me and I laughed. Of course I was put on a charge. Being Saturday we were very busy at night with the late passes.

15 Sunday Came off guard alright and did not get charged. I suppose I shall get stripped tomorrow alright.

16 Monday I went before the C.O. but I got a wash out I expected more. Went to Folkestone at night. There was a ding dong at one of the café’s where we go and it was fine. I sang a couple of songs.

17 Tuesday I attended the office for a weekend leave and it was granted. So I shall be home Friday. Batt. team beat the Guard Batt. 2 – 0. It was a rattling good full of good football in fact I have seen worse at Highbury.

18 Wednesday Of course being in the Army I get no pancakes today but I shall have to have some when I get home. It would not be natural to go without when it is possible to get some. Better late than never.

19 Thursday Today is a hateful day for me I was warned for India and posted to No. 1 section. Wrote a letter home telling then the news not very cheerful admitted. Drew my drill khaki.

20 Friday Paid out I received 2 pounds. Caught the 5pm train from the Central and was home by 7 o’clock. Met Dad and Mum and spent the night with them.

21 Saturday Saw Arsenal lose to Manchester United 3 – 0 the luck was all against them. Went to the Palladium all by myself but I was miserable.

22 Sunday Rode over to Bliss’ place at Blackheath on my bicycle. Came back and then went by train. Met Nellie and she is just Nellie nothing more.

23 Monday Met Nellie in afternoon and we both went to the pictures. From my experience I Should imagine she was a good girl and I have taken a great liking to her. I should have gone back tonight but I have arranged (by seeing the Doctor) to meet her again tomorrow. She is worth risking twenty stripes to be with.

24 Tuesday With Nellie again this afternoon. I like her more every time I see her. At night we both went to the Euston. I should have liked to have gone up West but we should not have got any seats not booking.

25 Wednesday Went back to camp everything was alright they had not left I wish they had. I am happy in the thought that Nellie is going to write to me while I am away and I only hope she finds me to her liking.

26 Thursday Was not charged with absence. Drew all my gear out ready.

27 Friday Left camp at 2am unlikely hour to leave but army is always the same. Travelling through the night and day but I slept a good part of journey. Stopped at Exeter for tea and I sent a postcard home. Arrived at Devonport 2pm went straight on board H.M.T. Huntspall

28 Saturday We set sail at 11am. It was a fine sight going out of the docks. As we got out to sea a bit the sea got rougher and as I am a bad sailor I was sick in nightime and got in the hammock early.

29 Sunday The sea continues to be very rough as we got out. In the afternoon we entered the Bay of Biscay and here the sea was at its worst but I wasn’t sick.

MARCH

1 Monday Passed Cape Finisterre in the morning. I am glad we are through the Bay but the ship is still rolling at night. I was playing a game of nap and who should catch me but the Provost Corporal and he put me on a charge.

2 Tuesday At six o’clock in the morning we passed Cape St. Vincent. They preferred a charge of familiarity against me. I went before the C.O. and I was reduced to the ranks. The weather today is fine and the sun shining brilliantly. We passed Cape Trafalgar in the afternoon. Saw a great bunch of porpoises and it was great sport.

3 Wednesday About noon we passed Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean. There we encountered a storm and the waves rose very high. This of course made the boat rock and I felt a trifle queer but I wasn’t sick.

4 Thursday In the morning the sea continued to be very rough and the wind was much colder. The afternoon saw the sea very much calmer and the weather warmer. We spent the evening sitting on the deck.

5 Friday When I came on deck this morning we were off the coast of Algiers. The sea was very calm and the sea very warm. I was on deck all day today.

6 Saturday Still travelling along the coast of Africa. In the morning we passed Sicily. Steaming with us all day has been a flotilla of British Destroyers. At 8pm we passed Malta. At night the wind came up fairly strong.

7 Sunday Sea is a bit choppy today. The wind is strong but it is not cold. I did not go to Church today. Slept on at night.

8 Monday Sea very calm today.

9 Tuesday No entry.

10 Wednesday The weather now is getting warmer. They put sheets over the deck today ready for when we reach the Red Sea. We drew our Tapi’s today.

11 Thursday Arrived at Port Said at 8pm. Passed through the breakwater and saw Lusaps Station. This man was the first try and make the Suez Canal. In the afternoon black men loaded the ship with coal from barges. They were all singing and shouting the whole time.


12 Friday Left Port Said at midnight 11th and travelled all night with the aid of searchlights shining on each bank. It took us all day to get through the canal. On each side of us was the desert all sand with the occasional clump of palm trees.

13 Saturday Left the canal this morning and entered the Red Sea. On the right hand corner of the canal was a lighthouse high up and looked a fine sight. Today we put on our drill Khaki and it was much cooler having a lot thinner than the drab.

14 Sunday Today the sea is quite calm and the weather very fine

15 Monday In the morning we passed between two big rocks called the Two Brothers. On one was a lighthouse sat high up.

16 Tuesday Passed a group of islands called the Twelve Apostles. A storm threatened its self in the afternoon but it blew right over us.

17 Wednesday Left the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden now. We passed some big islands in the morning. A porpoise stayed with us all day.

18 Thursday Japanese boat kept with us all the morning but we parted later in the day. Not quite so hot today but hot enough. Passed Socotra Island in the afternoon.

19 Friday A big P & O liner passed us this morning. Had a salt-water bath on the deck. Got paid out I received two pounds.

20 Saturday and 21 Sunday No entries.

22 Monday Saw a lot of flying fish. They are only small but they can move.

23 Tuesday Rumours of getting off today. I have a touch of heat stroke today and have a splitting headache. Arrived in Bombay but did not go in dock. Laid out in the harbour all night.

24 Wednesday Arrived in Alexandra Dock 8am and disembarked at 11am. Stopped in the sheds all day. Boarded a train which left at 5.15pm and we travelled all night.

25 Thursday Stopped at Kurda-Wadi [Kurduvadi] for three hours and had breakfast. Had no dinner but stopped at Wadi for two hours and had tea. Travelled in the train all night.

26 Friday Arrived at Secunderabad [Hyderabad] at 8am tea and cakes on platform waiting for us. We then marched to Gaugh Barracks No. 1 Bungalow. On fatigues all day. It is very hot here but a decent place.

27 Saturday Reveille at 7am no inspection.

No further entries in diary after this one, except for some notes in the back as follows.

Remember when wheel of desire is turning there is no thought of how or where.

Pleasure depending on Time Size and Temperament.
Men are classed according to size of the P. = Hares Bulls & Stallions.
Women are classed according to size of C.
There are thus three equal unions. Superior unions are those where the man is large & the woman small. Inferior where conditions are reversed. Superior unions give greater pleasure. Both are classed according to the intensity of their passions – weak medium strong. The third classification based on time to attain orgasm. It is for men to see that the best conditions for a union are fulfilled. In an initial union mans passion is intense & short. It is the opposite afterwards. In a woman the reverse applies.

Embracing
Embraces which tell of love are four – touching penetrating rubbing pressing.
Touching takes place when a man puts himself alongside or in front so that their bodies touch. Penetration is produced when a woman bends as though to reach and presses her nipples against the man who in his turn draws her to him. These two are used only in the dark. Rubbing is when two persons stroll in the dark and rub bodies together. When one of the lovers presses the other against a wall that is a pressing embrace. When in private there may be others – Cheek to Cheek Breast to Breast Belly to Belly Thighs to Thighs and caresses such as fondling of hair between times.
It is well to study embraces foe this is desire aroused but at the moment of communion all rules are forgotten for love is the best guide. No laws prevail when passion is aroused.

Kissing
There are three kisses to use on a girl. The measured one, palpitating and thrusting one. The first is lips touching lips in repose. The second she draws your lower lip into her mouth and gently rolls it. The third she closes her eyes holds your hand & thrusts her tongue between your lips.
4 kisses – straight sloping oblique pressed. The straight your lips aligned on hers, sloping both your heads lean aside. Oblique your hand under her chin and turn her face to the sky. Pressed when she takes your lips in her fingers and presses them with her tongue. Top lip kissing is your top lip to hers and her lips on your bottom one. Kisses should be measured light often and soft according to first kisses. There are those who also kiss the groins arms navel & C.

Use of nails
When passion is achieved that is the time for nail play. Circumstances are when woman is angry and about to lose her virginity. The same applies to use of teeth. Places are armpits breasts neck back belly and thighs. The nails should be clean bright and filbert shaped. Method consists of placing nails in such a way, without leaving marks but causing every hair to bristle and letting scratch be gentle but audible scratch only for amusement.

Use of teeth (biting)
There are several different ways. The skin may be seized & held. The jewel bite is skin held by both teeth & lips. A bite with all teeth is string of jewels.


Different ways of lying down
In the superior union she should have her legs wide open. In equal union she lies on her back and puts her arms around your neck. In inferior union she will press her legs tightly together. There are three variants (superior union) open gaping & bride posture. Open posture she has head low and so raise her middle body (saliva or Vaseline should be used to help penetration). Second posture thighs are raised and parted. Bride posture – she crosses her feet on her thighs (best posture for a large man and & small woman). Four variants (inferior union) Stretched pressed entwined gripped. Stretched posture man & woman have legs stretched wide apart. They may lie flat or on one side (man on his left). Pressed posture woman presses man with her thighs. If she crosses on thigh…………..

[This is a complete transcript of Walters Diary. I have deliberately left the lack of punctuation as it is. The only concession is the addition of modern place names to assist the reader.]