August 2026  - Summer on The Somme – All the News from No.fifty6.

August  - peak summer here. We all know it has been a long, very hot, very dry, dusty summer. Everything stops in France in August for Les Vacances, but as usual we have had a busy month.

The landscape is crisp and brown, not green and fertile. The wheat harvest is over, early and poor this year. Barren stalks stand in the fields where it is too dry to plough. Not a good year for the farmers. The irrigation rigs dotted everywhere not doing much for the potatoes and maize which wait for rain and harvest. We have had some rain towards the end of this month, the first for 2 months, but not nearly enough to counter the dry spell.  The month ends unsettled, cooler and with rain showers so we will see how the landscape changes.

Sausage Valley

The last couple of newsletters we have included some “last letters home” rather than poetry. We know these have been well received and one guest even used the last letter as part of his tour with friends up at Serre.

We continue the theme with another poignant exchange of correspondence from The Somme.

Lieutenant Raymond B. Penniman was born in Massachusetts in 1891. His father Edwin moved the family to Ontario sometime before 1911.Raymond became a Canadian citizen in order to take a commission, enlisting in 1914. He served as a Lieutenant in Company A of the Royal Canadian Regiment, 7th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division.

He wrote regularly to his family from The Front.

July 27, 1916

My Dear Folks,

Since I wrote you last I have had much honor thrust upon me. I have been decorated with the Military Cross and now wear a ribbon on ‘me chest.’ I have not actually had the Cross yet and probably will not for some time but the King has given authority for a Cross to be given to me. This was a surprise to me. You will be able to read later what it was given for. Everything seems to be coming my way so far during this war. What do you think? I am very much pleased indeed. It is very gratifying to have one’s work recognized.

France, Sept. 28, 1916

Probably you know where we are now [on the Somme]. We are seeing some real warfare and believe me it is hell. Today is the first fine day we have had and it is no joke sleeping in the open when it rains. Last time in the trenches I had command of the company and we made an attack. I went over the parapet with the men and the Lord only knows how I ever got back again. The artillery had not done its work and we caught hell. CheeriO! It is all over for a while.

Oct. 4, 1916

My Dear Folks

Rain, rain and more rain. More rain more mud more duds, as the Tommies say; all of which means that the rain will soften the earth to such an extent that the shells will not go off. A bad shell we call a dud.

We are trying to keep dry with a small piece of canvas and to say the most it is rotten.

The war still goes on with much gusto and fritz still goes luck [sic]. It will take time but we will get him. The weather may save his luck but from what I see will not hinder much. The other day we captured some marines. They must be short when they put their sailors into land battles. I would like to know what the Hun big bugs think. We know what their soldiers think. They are fed up with fighting and throw their hands up without a fight.

My leave is coming soon and I am going to forget the war for a while.

This was Raymond’s last letter home. Initially his father Edwin remained hopeful that his son was being held prisoner, reaching out to contacts in the Red Cross, and his son’s fellow soldiers in an effort to track down Lieut. Penniman, however, as time went on, news became more discouraging.

Letter from a school chum of Raymond’s, Sniper Stanley Rutledge, 28th Battalion, CEF to Raymond’s father:

France Trenches Oct. 20/16 –

Just to-night I learn that Ray is reported missing. Would that I could write something that might lift a little of the apprehension and sorrow that must assail Mrs. Penniman and yourself. I remember so well my last chat with Ray. We ran over old days at school.

The Battalion to which I was attached, were lying on the plains near Albert when his [Raymond's] regiment moved up. This fight at the Somme has been terrific. Many, very many of our best boys have ‘gone west,’ as we say. I am hoping that somehow or other Ray has managed to escape. Missing is a very elastic word in military parlance. Some days the gloom of so many casualties seems more than we can bear.”

October 29, 1916 from Sydney B. Harris, Lieutenant, 1st Canadian Division, HQ, BEF France

Dear Mr. Penniman,

[Lt. Penniman’s] duty during the Regina Trench was to take, consolidate & put a block in a trench about 75 yds. Beyond Regina Trench which he very successfully did but was subjected to a very severe bombardment of Rifle Grenades and very few came out of it alive in his particular part.

 Typewritten Report, Royal Canadian Regiment [in regards to] Penniman. R. B., Lieut.

I last saw him about 8th October on the Somme at the taking of Regina Trench. He was lying on the ground, dead. Time, about 8.30 a.m. It was No mans land. We were relieved the same day, but do not know by whom. I recognized him clearly. He was in command of my platoon.

Pte. J. Stevenson, 477881, A.L. No. 1, Canadian General Hospital.

Lieutenant Raymond Penniman’s death certificate was finally issued on June 27, 1919, bearing the date of October 8, 1916.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on The Vimy Memorial.

The ribbon he was so proud to wear on his chest? Representing The Military Cross which he never received. The Citation:

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 19 AUGUST, 1916.

Lt. Raymond Penniman, Can. Infy. - For conspicuous gallantry and determination when repelling three hostile attacks under difficult circumstances.

Lieutenant Perriman and letter.

August Guests

As each month passes here, we love the wonderful guests who come through our door. Many are returning guests, who we greet as old friends and pick up where we left off, others come for the first time, perhaps a little anxious about what we and no.fifty6 are like - yet soon we are chatting and sharing and everyone relaxes and hopefully gets the most they can out of their visit to this special area – that is what we hope. We had a very international mix of guests this month.

Ian and Janet visit The Somme every year – it is a personal and heartfelt pilgrimage they make. This time they brought extended family – 3 generations – son and daughter-in-law Alistair and Alice, their daughter Maeve, 4,  grandson Fraser who is about to start college, granddaughter Millie and cousin Grace who came with her parents Sarah and Jon  and her grandma Christine. Millie got her college results while she was with us. and is off to university in September. Well done Millie.  They spent a wonderful week with us exploring, despite the heatwave. One evening as dusk fell they went to Lochnagar Crater and waited for the sun to set and raised a glass to the fallen. Another evening was similarly spent at Ovillers Cemetery and another at Authuille Military Cemetery. Ian and his family really understand what remembrance on The Somme is all about. They hold very dear to their hearts Private Percy Wakelin Abbott. Their Percy. Ian inherited a suitcase of Percy’s possessions and has written about his life and transcribed his diaries. The details have been uploaded onto the CWGC Evermore site. Percy is buried in Inchy Communal Cemetery.

https://www.cwgc.org/stories/stories/the-story-of-private-percy-wakelin-abbott-and-his-service/

The Lyall/Lilley family at Authuille Military Cemetery.

Gareth made his first visit to us, though he has been to The Somme many times. As well as a personal connection, Gareth loves the Somme and teaches languages and Great War studies at a school where he and the pupils have researched all of the Old Boys. There is a memorial to them on the wall of the school. Gareth has brought the pupils out on many battlefield pilgrimages. This time, he was here on his own, walking the battlefields and filming material to share with his pupils over the Remembrance period.

Professor Emeritus Mark Connelly from Kent  and Ross who lives in Copenhagen but is great friends with Mark,  made their annual pilgrimage to us, this time with their bicycles. Each day they cycled 35-50 kms in all weathers. They loved being able to see so much while stopping when they wanted to and seeing The Somme as if at horseback height. They are researching for a new special project. We always enjoy their company, lively discussions and general kindness.

Ross with Stevie.

The same week we were joined by Simon, Rob and Charlie, all ex military and  they had a blast exploring the Somme with Simon as their leader. Learning a lot and asking many questions. We had many great discussions over dinner of their exploits as Army officers and things they got up to when they first began as junior officers fresh out of Sandhurst! Thank you for staying with us gentlemen and keeping us entertained as you soaked up the history.

Simon, Charlie & Rob.

Chrissy and Dennis came from Kentucky USA to explore the Somme – part of a wider French historical trip. It was wonderful chatting to them and learning a little of life in Kentucky.

Chrissy & Dennis

Andy from Great War Tours brought father and son Doug and Colin from Preston on a 5 day Western Front tour. They packed a lot into their Somme time and thoroughly enjoyed their stay with us.

Andy with Doug & Colin.

Jim from London said it had been too long since his last visit. He spent a week with us, another devotee of the bicycle who went out every day  and came back with aching legs but fulfilled by what he saw and experienced. Jim also spent some time at Lochnagar trimming the hedge. He remarked what a special place it is and it is good to give something back. Many visitors stopping to chat to him as he worked. Very humbling he said.

Jim

New guests to us, lovely mother and son Mary and Sam who flew in from Malta. Sam, blind since early childhood, is a history graduate and was keen to experience The Somme. And experience it they did, letting nothing get in their way, Sam is a determined young man and it was a pleasure having them to stay. From us they left for a few days in Normandy.

Mary & Sam.

Jerry and Marina came from Virginia, USA. Jerry had worked up a detailed itinerary, not only for the Somme, but their trip was taking in Germany, Belgium and other battlefields in France. Jerry remarked how wonderful it was experiencing places, having studied them remotely for so long.

Marina & Jerry.

Mark came with his son Ed on their personal pilgrimage and to take in general knowledge of The Somme. A first visit which may not be the last.

Likewise a first visit for friends Gabi and Karin from Berlin. Wonderful ladies!

We ended the month with guests who made it all the way back from New Zealand to come and see us - Mark and Darlene. Last time they came with their son and daughter, this time the "kids" Boston and Maddy were busy at home studying, working and getting engaged. It is always so lovely to catch up on family news with our guests.  They treated us to some lovely kiwi goodies too – thank you for your generosity. Fancy coming all the way from New Zealand just for a Julie Creme Brulee:). From us they travelled on to Normandy and then Paris already having driven from Hungary. Mark and Darlene always make the most of their travels.

Darlene & Mark.

George Butterworth Commemoration

On 1st August we remembered the composer George Butterworth, who died in 1916 in the trenches between Pozieres and Contalmaison – Butterworth Trench. Every year a small ceremony of commemoration is held for him organized by Yves Potard in Pozieres, attended by the Maires of Pozieres, Maricourt and Contalmaison. George’s music is played  - this year by The Somme Brass Band and Julie recited Housman’s poem over Butterworth’s A Shropshire Lad. Beautifully poignant.

George

Albert International Airshow

Last Friday/Saturday was Albert International Airshow which is always a highlight of the local aviation year. An evening show on Friday was spectacular with gliders emitting fireworks and then a drone show commemorating 110 years of The Battle of The Somme, all with a backdrop full moon. The Saturday weather was disappointing so many planes did not fly. Such a shame for the organisers. Our guests who went thoroughly enjoyed it though as there was still plenty to see, eyes skyward.

Just like Top Gun. Beluga XL.

Fete de La Terre – Bouzincourt

On 23rd August we attended the Fete de La Terre in the fields around Bouzincourt. This event happens just once every 4 years (like The Olympics or World Cup) as it takes a  lot of organisation for the Association who put it on. It is basically a Fete to farming and produce. There are ploughing competitions, animal shows, farmer’s market, tractor rides for kids, a beer tent of local beer, exhibitions of old agri machinery, food stalls etc. It is an amazing day. This year the sun shone, we cought up with local friends and it was an absolute pleasure to walk around the extended showground enjoying the landscape and what the show had to offer. Here’s to the next one in 4 years time.

Eclipse

On the evening of 12^th August we experienced a 95% solar eclipse. With the Lyall family we went to Lochnagar to experience it, along with dear friends, Cyrille, Sonia and Loane.  It was bizarre as the shadows lengthened and any sounds hushed. As if time was standing still. But onward the time marched, leaving a beautiful sunset after the eclipse. Nature is remarkable.  

Eclipse at Lochnagar.

Sarah tries the colandar trick to view the eclipse.

Storm Repairs

Thank you to those who ask how our storm repairs are going. For anyone new to the newsletter we had a once in a lifetime storm here on 20 June which resulted in severe damage to our cars and house roofs.

As we write this, the roofer is here – hooray – repairing and replacing the terracotta tiles to the main roofs and replacing the guttering which became sieves (very holey) after the storm.

The dining room (verandah) roof will be fully replaced, but this will be later in the autumn, the new large panels are on order.

The cars – the MG has a new windscreen but is awaiting repairs to the body work.

Our lovely new Renault is missing in action. Still in the garage “being repaired” so we continue to have a temporary replacement Clio. How long is temporary? Gallic shrug.

We are still smiling though.

Guttering repairs.

Animal Postscript

It's all about the cats and kittens. Everyone loves the kittens. They continue to thrive and mum Fluffy is still looking after them. The shopping trolley has an equal amount of human and cat food now. They are still not allowed in the house as we do not believe cats in a guest house are a good fit.  So, with the doors open in the warm weather we play shoo out the kitten. Particularly little Stevie, who is tenacious for her tiny size.  We have had several offers to smuggle the kitties back to the UK….

David’s August Joke:

As we are entering September it becomes spider season here.

The spider in my room is called Cotton Eyed Joe.

Because I want to know 2 things –

Where did he come from?

And where did he go?

All is well at no.fifty6. We hope to see you soon.

August Sunset from Lochnagar.