Rare First World War diary sold for £9,600

The diary of Lt Kenneth Edwin Wootton, of 1/21 Battn London Regt Tank Corps, which has laid hidden since the war, tells the vivid story of life in the trenches and on the frontline.

Lt Wootton was awarded an MC for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in operations during the conflict.

His diary, which includes pen-and-ink and watercolour illustrations from Wootton's first-hand experiences, had been expected to fetch around 3,000 at the sale at the Mackworth Hotel, Derby.

But a spokesman for Hansons Auctioneers, which ran the sale, said it had fetched triple that, at 9,600.

Extracts from the diary include: "My crew had made some hot cocoa. The gunners and I were waiting anxiously for the opening of the barrage.

"Suddenly there was a tremendous noise and a blinding flash. Every gun on a 10 mile front had opened fire. This was the start of the barrage.

"We jumped up to watch the burst of the shells, it was a most wonderful sight. The ground seemed to burst like a golden rain."