Boucher brought back from Tavistock the awful news that Lord Kitchener & all his staff have been drowned. Simply cannot believe it yet.

Fuller news of battle, it seems that after all the Germans got the worst of it, but our own losses are bad. I see Com. Pennell of the Antarctic is amongst those lost on the Queen Mary. Other ships lost were the Invincible, Indefatigable, Defence, Black Prince & Warrior. I see that I have made no mention in this diary of an important piece of family news, namely the birth of Agnes son, who was born on April 30th, we got the wire on May 1st.

Heard the news of a great naval battle & the loss of several ships, felt very gloomy when as a ray of light came the news of the birth of Ursula’s son. We got the wire just after lunch. Jack Elliott came for a week end. Mr Moore’s brother also home on leave, & an uncle arrived, also Cousin Maud for the day, we all had tea at the Rectory.

Ascension Day was wet as usual, misty stuff, not much rain but had a very good audience for the Play “St George & the Dragon” which was written by Mary & acted in the barn. The tableaux of the fight were very effective & the background of the old barn very picturesque. It went very well & the singing was very good. Nicholas & Elizabeth took part in the dance. Philippa was dressed up but did not take part. We took over £3 at the play. We had tea in the garage. Father had to go to Lezant in the...

The Irish Rebellion has come to an end but it is terribly sad to read of. Many of the rebels have been shot but Sir R Casement has not been tried yet, his seems to be a most extraordinary story. Last Sunday the Daylight Bill came in to force & on Saturday evening the clocks were put on an hour. The stable clock was altered at 5 & the house clocks at 7. After all the talk there did not seem to be much difference, the general opinion seems to be that Parliament has no business to interfere with Kelly...

Many things have happened this last week. The East Coast was bombarded but fortunately the ships were soon driven off. More Zepp raids too & also there has been a rising in Ireland. The leader Sir R Casement was caught in a ship full of ammunition which was being taken to Ireland. The news today is that the rebels are surrendering but last Monday they at first got the upper hand & surrounded the Post Office in Dublin. To day alas we hear that Kut has fallen. I fear they must have had a terrible time.

Yesterday fresh wounded, who came from the Dardanelles & as a matter of course were all convalescent & so still there is nothing to do but sit for hours together reading & working & struggling against sleep. One or 2 days this week I have been unlucky, & have not slept. This job is getting on my nerves & making me feel very depressed. If only there was something to do. Still this is a trial of patience. Lemberg has been taken by the Austrians but the Russian line has not been broken. Reginald spent the night here last week...