War Diary

Lieutenant Charles H. Dakin’s

In English

    18.11./18.4.17

Written in France

Villers-Bretonneux

17.3.16

Laying in my bunk on board the « H.M.S » Arcadian » about three hours out from Alexandria. We left Moascar camp at 11.30 last night in full marching order and 120 round each. Entrained in flat open trucks and left Moascar at 1.50 a.m. The truck I was in with 23 others had been used for a coal truck, but what did matter, we were off away from the awful sand. Arrived at Alexandria at 9.30 a.m., then embarked on this boat. Left the docks at 6 p.m. after having a very busy time getting all our gear and guns aboard. We have 4 guns mounted, 2 forrard and 2 aft. We should have a splendid time on board, as the men are being well fed and we have a Warrant Officer’s Mess, where the food is most excellent. We have on board all the 17th Batt. Part of the 18th Batt., Brigade Headquarters, Our Company, 19th A.S.C, 5th Field Ambulance, 5th Engineers, but there is plenty of room.

18.3.16

We have a pretty awful time to-day. I woke up to feel the boat pitching terribly and it has continued. Our 2 guns forrard had to dismounted. The guns and men were nearly washed off during the night. They are alos having a pretty rought time aft. Nearly all aboard are seasick, men lying anywhere, and in a good many cases, if their faces are any criterion, they would welcome a Torpedo. To make matters worse, we all had to be inoculated for Typhoid. A good many were too sick to be done. I have not been sick yet, but I had to miss this morning’s breakfast. I could not trush myself below deck. It has turned rather cold.

19.3.16

Mounted the 2 guns forrad again. The weather got so rough that at midnight they were taken down and mounted again at 5 a.m. this morning. When on parade on the Focastle this morning we saw a dead man float by on our port side. He had a lifebelt on. The weather has calmed down now and we are making good headway.

20.3.16

Still having perfect weather. That along the coast of the Island of Malta, we were off about 21 Miles, so had a pretty good view. It was very picturesque scenery.

21.3.16

Ran into bad weather, had to dismount the guns forrad and carry all the Ammunition that was on the Focatsle down below. I believe we are in the Gulf of Lyons.

22.3.16

Rough all night. Easel off a good deal to-day. Mounted guns again forrad. The latest is that we search Marseille early to-night.

23.3.16

Pulled into the Break water early last night at Marseilles. All excitement this morning when we pulled into the Quay. Landed about 12.30 p.m. and marched off through the town to the Railway station, where we entrained, this time not in cattle trucks, but in 2nd class carriages.

24.3.16

Left about 4.30 last night and greatly enjoyed the country, and between us and the lake for miles were Olive groves. At 12 o’clock midnight we were wakened to get some tes that was provided, but unfortunately the Gun Coy was forgotten, so we had to do without. This morning we woke again about 6 o’clock and found it pretty cold, but we enjoyed the scenery, it was wonderful. We ran along a big river for miles. We also stopped for a while at Lyons, a very big place. The French were very nice and seemed glad to see us. We are now stopped somewhere at 11 o’clock for breakfast or lunch or something. Everyone is trying to wash and clean himself up. I must get a shave somehow. Later. Had a shave and feel much better, then later ran into Lyons. The French people all they can for us.

25.3.16

Put in another cold night last night, travelling through splendid country, passing an enormous lot of orchards and vegetable gardens. They use a great number of glase bells for forcing the plants. Had a great disappointment, we were on the road to Paris and though itw as a sure thing when we got within about 25 Kilos from Paris we turned off and went on the another line. After a we came to the City of Versailles, a fine big place. Here the French Red Cross girls gave ur hot coffee, tea and bread. A little further we came to the beautiful palace of Versailles. All the way we noticed parties of Germans doing work under armed guards. We passed Paris and saw the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

26.3.16

Not quite so cold last night came on to rain and has been raining ever since. We passed Calais this morning about 9 a.m. Our only trouble is food and something hot to drink. They make us tea perhaps once a day, but it is not very nice tea. Food is only biscuits, Bully beef, and jam, cheese and a little butter, in fact, little of everything. We have been able to buy bread, so it is not so bad. Passed a lot of Essex troops just now and told us we were 20 miles from Ypres. We arrived at Thiennes after 67 hours travelling. We were met here by a guide (who will be attached to the 20^th Batt.) . He took us to our Billets, which were 2 miles from Station. We each received a blanket on our way. The French are very kind. Our Company is split into 2 parts, each billeted in a house. The Officers are scattered over the village, 2 in some places and some in the others. I have a bedroom in a Hotel. We are 30 Kilos. from Ypres and the same from La Bassee. The last stop in the train we had was at a place called Hazebrouck, this is the point where the German advance reached to, and all the people in this region were clearing out until the French and British troops came up and drove the Germans back. The Germans had run out of ammunition

28.3.16

The 19^th and 20^th Batts. have arrived and are billeted back towards Theinnes, the 20^th being at Steenbecque, the other side of Thiennes. We are having dreadfully cold weather, have to go about in the daytime with greatcoats. The sun we barely see. It seems to be rather a poor quarter we are in, and although the people are very kind, they do not seem to be able to turn out a good meal, even when we supply the goods they cannot cook them. I heard an explosion last night, not very far way, and this morning I heard that a German aeroplane had dropped 9 bombs on Thiennes, no damage done.

30.3.16

Walked over to Steenbecque yesterday, a distance of 5 Kilos. very nice walk, to see all the farmers ploughing, sowing and harrowing. The 20^th are billeted at Steenbecque. It is a pretty little place, most of the people speak Flemish, this being Flanders we are in. The last 2 or 3 days we have heard the big guns booming a great deal, they must be at least 15 miles away.

31.3.16

This morning marched to Morbecque, a distance of 7 or 8 Kilos. We had a demonstration with gas Helmets. We each put on the Helmet then walked through a trench that had gas let into it. This is a new helmet and has 2 glass eye pieces and a mouth valve to breathe out. When walking through gas it has a decidedly unpleasant small inside the helmet. We then saw the weeping gas, this was exploded, then we walked through the fumes (without helmet). This makes the eyes water and unable to see, it is prevented by wearing goggles.

3.4.16

Very heavy and continuous bombarding going on over in the British front. Having nice warm weather now.

4.4.16

25 Men went to a demonstration of Liquid flame down at Morbecque. Brought back some mail from the 20^th Batt. I received 4 letters, 3 Mirrors, and 2 Mails. There must be a great lot of mail somewhere. The 6^th Brigade marched through here this afternoon on their way to the trenches. We go in two or three days times.

5.4.16

Doing some firing this morning with prepared stoppages. This afternoon half holiday. I went along to Steenbecque I went and had a look at a Mill, this old place dates back to 1768. We went up and looked at the working, it is very interesting, everything is so neat and compact. The old Miller wished us “Bonjour” and he appeared quite happy, as there was plenty of wind.

7.4.16

Moved out of Outtersteen at 8.0 am this morning. The whole of the Bridge assembled near Steenbecque, where we moved out at 9 o’clock. The Engineers being in front of us and the 20^th behind. Just near Morbecque we marched past General Joffre and a number of other high Officials. We continued marching right through Hazebrouck and numerous other villages until we stopped at a place half way between Baliloul and Untterateen, where Brigade Headquarters are. We arrived about 5 o’clock, after doing 28 kilos and we were a pretty tired and sore crowd. We move on again in the morning for Erquigham, a place a little to the west of Armetiers, where we will occupy a position of firing line.

8.4.16

Moved out of Outteresteen at 10 a.m. and continue our march to Erquigham. We were spelled fairly often , but everyone was either chafed or had sore feet, which was only natural considering the small among of marching we had done previous to this march. After getting some distance out we had to adopt Artillery formation, that is, each unit was come hundreds of yards behind the one in front. We saw a great lot of shells bursting in the air and shooting at aeroplanes, they must have been enemy planes. Just before reaching we had to cross a bridge over the Lys Canal, the same canal that we saw at Aire. We were then in the town and could see the marks of shrapnel shells on some of the building. We arrived at our billet at 5 o’clock very tired and hungry? We had not the luck of the Battalion who have 4 travelling kitchens to each Batt and they could have a decent meal on the march. There appears to be a lot of troops round here, both Australian and British. We passed the 7^th Brigade and the 6^th went up to the 3^rd line trenches a couple of days ago. We move out on Monday

9.4.16

Having a quiet, easy time, everyone being fairly comfortable under the circumstance.

10.4.16

Leaving our Billet tonight at 10 p.m. The 24^th Northumberland Fusiliers are coming here just out of the trenches. Marched through Erquigham on the Armentieres Road, then turned off the right, passed a lot of troops coming out of trenches, all in single file. We crossed the Railway line then put up for the night at the bombing school. We are pretty comfortable here.

11.4.16

Had a great night’s sleep on about 7 feet of straw in a barn, and then a good breakfast. The only fly in the ointment is that it is raining all day and we cannot move about. We are 2 miles behind the trenches. The Germans lobbed 6 shells into a farmhouse 100 yards from here this morning. From all recounts it is a home there we are going to.

13.4.16

Rain finished, but very cold wind blowing. Every one complaint of the cold. The ground is in a frightful state, mud inches thick. It is very quiet at present, the only indication of war is at night when star shells are bursting all the time all round us, like a big horseshoe. These lights remain in the air for a few second and may be seen miles away. They have placed a big gun in a flied about 150 yards on our left, in fact they are putting guns everywhere.

14.4.16

Still showery and pretty miserable weather. Slight fall of snow. In the afternoon went to Armentiers, it is very interesting. The place is, of course, very quiet and very deserted. A great number of the places being blown to pieces. We were in one place where they told us the first shell in Armentiers hit. We saw the damage. The shell came right through and burst in the cellar. Everything flew upwards, including some chairs, on the 2^nd Storey, which are still hanging in the ceiling, where they stuck and have remained there ever since. This was October 20^th 1914. The whole town is knocked about, the gas is turned off, trams stopped, an no trains run to the town. There are a great number of Tommy Regiments billeted there.

15.4.16

Raining nearly all day and very cold. Very heavy bombardment at 3 a.m. this morning, woke us all up, then again at 6 a.m. Shells were bursting just up to our left. Officers and men back from Indirect Fire School at Croix du Bac, lasted 4 days. Pay day to-day.

16.4.16

A beautiful day and the aeroplanes have taken advantage of it. They have been unusually active, 6 and 7 up at once. Germans flying right over us and our aircraft guns fire hundreds of shells at them. There are a couple of guns just near here. They have been shooting all day and we have been watching the sport. The planes have to fly very high to evade the shells. We are on the move again to-night at 7.30, having to set ou of these Billets. Just a week since our 6 guns went into the firing line, up to the present they have not done much.

17.4.16

Got into our new billets about 9 o’clock last night. Raining hard and everything is very muddy and slushy, and everything is very quiet.

18.4.16

Still raining and very cold. Had a small mail to-day. Another party went down to the Bathe to-day.

20.4.16

Our sections in the trenches were relieved yesterday, the relieved men coming back to these billets. We are working about 12 days in and 4 days out for each section. The battalions do 4 days in and 4 days out. It is very wet and muddy up in the trenches. All hands went down to the hot bathe to-day up in the reserves at White City. They were shelled heavily to-day and 1 Sgt. And 1 man of our Company were buried in a dugout. They were unhurt, and their rifles in the dugout were blown to pieces. The Artillery has been more active to-day. It has been fairly fine, but still cold. 2 Officers and 5 men went to the Indirect fire School yesterday at Croix du Bac. Our position here is just about a mile from the firing line and all the Farm houses around here are more or less knocked about. Just about ½ mile east of us is Bois-Grenier, a village blown to pieces. Severe fighting took place here. We have 2 guns here in the 3^rd line, about 1,600 yards from the enemy trench.

21.4.16

Not raining to-day. Aeroplanes very active. Watching a scrap between one of ours a German just over our heads, than another British plane appeared and the German cleared with the two giving chase. The air-craft guns have been very busy also. A shell burst just near our Orderly room this morning. Later in the day rained heavily and continues.

22.4.16

Raining all day. I had to take the parade down to the Hot baths. The Baths were very nice, but the roads are awful.

23.4.16

Easter Sunday, and it is a lovely Sunday morning, with aeroplanes flying about likes flies and the Artillery shooting at them. Has been a beautiful day with the aeroplanes very active and daring. The Germans have fired hundreds of shells at our planes and they simply circle round them. The Germans put nearly 300 shells all round our “C” gun position of No. 3 Section, did a little damage. A great number of shells have landed near our billets to-day. A remarkable number of the German shells fail to explode.

24.4.16

Rain appears to have finished for the present and we are enjoying beautiful spring days. Reported that two Taubec were brought down today by our shell fire. A lot of our men saw one come down. The number of shells fired at aeroplanes both ours and the enemy’s is enormous. Today I watched one of our planes for nearly 1 hour and the shells were pouring in all round it, while the Aviator simply circled round the bursting shrapnel. There must have been nearly 1,000 shells at this one plane while I was looking This occurs every day and all day.

25.4.16

Aeroplane very active all day, likewise the aircraft guns trying to bring them down. About 4.20 p.m. the Germans began putting 5.9 shells into the billet whore some of the 17^th Batt were and where the Brigade Headquarters are. They then put in some incendiary shells, we could see by the burst of flame and burnt quickly. The ammunitions stored over there began to go off just like musketry, and plenty of it. They put about 250 shells into this spot, about 40 of them falling to explode. Their object must have been a battery of 4.7 guns that are situated near by Heard Inter that there were 3 Casualties among the 17^th Batt.

26.4.16

Went down for a hot bath again today. In the morning were surprised at one of our own shells bursting. Over our hand. It was a4.7 shell from the Battery just in rear of us, about 1/3 of a mile away. They were shelling the German line when this premature explosion occurred. Later I saw a piece of the shell picked up just near our billet by a Frenchman.

27.4.16

Aeroplanes and Captive balloons are all round us. Both our own and the enemy’s. 2 Shrapnel shells were sent into Erquigham this morning killing 4 children and one of our Artillery men who was taking the horses to water.

28.4.16

Fine weather continues, in fact, the days are really hot, and the fruit trees and plante are responding wonderfully, all the beautiful trees in blossom and the fields so green make a splendid sight. Gas used yesterday at Armentiers.

29.4.16

Last night at 10.15 p.m. we were wakened and told to stand to with helmet on as there we a gas attack. We all fell in at our billets and waited, meanwhile our Artillery were pumping the shell over our heads, and from all sides into the German’s lines, also the flares going up were very numerous. I did not hear the German guns send one shell back. We got our guns, tripod and ammunition out ready for any emergency, but they were not required. At 11.30 we got news that there was no gas in our section, but was on our left at Armentiers. We then turned in again.

30.4.16

More gas alarms last night, but instead of having a stand to, we posted more sentries so as to give us good warning. Sergeant. Loten and myself are proceeding to a school at Camiers today for 2 or 3 weeks. We went to Steenwerek in a G.S.Wagon obtained our movement orders, and the train left Steenwerek at 7.20 p.m. for Calais.

1.4.16

Arrived at Calais at 11 p.m. and there changed into another train for our destination. The affaire was so badly arranged that we went past to the station of Camiere. and didn’t get out till we reached Etaples. All the men proceeding to the school got out here, we then found out that we could get a train back at 3.50 a.m. a wait of nearly 2 hours. So we eventually arrived at Camiere, and nobody know where we had to go, so we wandered around on, enquiring until we were directed a mile or so. We came right to the Sea coast where a part of the school is situate. We woke someone up there and they fixed the officer who were with us with a bedroom, they then told us we could go and have a sleep, and did not care any more about us, so we went and laid down on the sand and had a sleep. It is the most casual affair I have yet been in.

6.5.16

Having a pretty slow time, so we are only doing work ,that we all know. Well, we asked to be put in an advanced class, so they shifted 7 of us up to the officer and stuff that we did in Australia. The feeding arrangement are scandalous for such a big school. There are Vickers, Colts, Maxim, Hotchkies and Lewis guns, and about 90 instructors, we go down into the village every evening and have dinner. There is a very fine beach here extending for miles, and nearly flat. About 5 miles south we can see the wrecked “Scoots”, which lies just off the bench, broken in halves.

9.5.16

Has been raining for the last few days and we are not able to do much, except attend lecture.

12.5.16

Having very changeable weather. Yesterday and to-day been doing range practice. Doing Part 1, Table C, the swing traverse and stoppages. Just out in front of the Hotel, in the Channel we could see a dirigible flying round.

14.5.16

Went down to Etaples yesterday, went to the England vison here and saw a lot of Australians there, many just arrived from England. Had a look round Etaples but it is a very quiet place.

15.5.16

Walked along the bench to Hardelot yesterday afternoon for dinner up there. It is about 5 miles from here, and a very pretty place indeed. It is from here that Bleriot flew the channel. He had a flying school there. There are a few troops there in the 15 General Hospital, when is quartered there.

16.4.16

Went along to Hardelot again last night. It is a beautiful walk along one the finest stretches of bench imaginable.

17.4.16

Went to Hardelot again last night, in fact, in fact, we will be sorry to leave such a fine little place. While on the bench this morning an airship came along from the Etaples direction and flew just over us about 800 feet away. It looked very fins indeed. School finishes today and we have all day tomorrow to look round, and entrain at Camiere at 5.23 a.m. on the 19^th instant.

18.4.16

We walked to Hardelot as usual last night and had a very good dinner.

20.5.16

Left the Camp and marched to Camiers station at 4.15 p.m. yesterday. Train left at 5.20 A.M. We had an enjoyable ride through beautiful country, everywhere looking its best. We arrived at Hazebrouck at 12 o’clock and had the time to ourselves till 6.00 P.M so we walked round the town which is fairly quiet. Left Hazebrouck at 6.20 P.M and arrived at Steenwerck at 7.30 P.M then caught a Motor bus, which took us as far as Neippo. We then had to walk to Erquigham. Arrived at Billets at 9.30 P.M last night. We heard pretty bad news of the German Bombardment of our trenches on the 7^th or 8^th instant. It lasted for about 2 hours and in that time they put over at least 1,200 shells into this small section. One shell blew up a gun and team, killing 3 of our men, also a Sergeant and private wounded. The 20^th Batt suffered very heavily. Unfortunately, the Germans got into our Salient and captured 2 Trenchs Mortars (Stokes), they also captured an Officer and 10 men. They made a fearful mess of our trenches. The next day the Germans put up a notice in their trench to say that the captured Officer had died and was buried with full Military honours.

21.5.16

Visited the trenches again today. Went all through the front line and supports and saw all our Gun positions. Bring all breastwork it is more difficult to make anything shellproof than in trenches than in trenches. Our gun positions are well made, excepting the overhead cover, which is not nearly thick enough and would not stop the smallest shell if it made a direct hit. The front line and communications were knocked about badly, but it does not take the Engineers and Infantryman long to repair the damage. This afternoon, and again about 9 P.M the Germans were sending over big stuff. They were trying to find a Battery of our (4.7) situated between our billets and Erquigham, but they were not successful, although they put over something like 200 shells, a lot of being dude. Our Artillery is much more active than it was before I want to the school, and the German, except for an occasional outburst, are much quieter.

23.5.16

Went down to the Bathe today and had a great wash. There baths were once a German dye works. German put a number of shells into Erquigham last night and killed an R.A.L.C Captain? The only casualty. Aeroplanes are very active this weather, and from our observers the Germans are said to be massing behind their lines. Everything points to a German offensive shortly.

25.5.16

Was wakened about 5 o’clock this morning by the 4.7 Battery, which is just in our left rear. They put a good few shells over. It is a dull wet morning. I forgot to mention that while away all our transport arrived, and are now opened on the other side of Erquigham. They bring our rations etc, up every night.

26.5.16

Went round the trenches today. The Engineers are building a very fine Machine Gun position at White City, and also improving the position at posts 4,6 and 12 in the front line. While up there the Artillery of both sides became very active and fired a good number of shells. Early this morning our Artillery and Trench Morters opened up on the Germans and gave them a lively time.

27.5.1916

Went up to White City and Emma Post this afternoon. Engineers just finished position to White City. Germans started bombardment this morning at exactly the same time as ours started yesterday. Our artillery replied and quietened the enemy. While at White City I went along and looked not one of the sights. It is Crucifix left standing in the corner of a house, all of the house except this little spot is level with the ground, truly a remarkable thing. Aeroplane very active. As I sit in a lovely green field now at 7 P.M there are at least 6 planes flying above me and are being fired at. At 8 PM the Germans commenced shelling some billets where the Artillery are quartered, they put about 100 coal boxes into it. We had a good view as it was only 400 yards towards Bois Grenier from us. One of our large aeroplanes was up observing, and they put hundreds of shells after it, all missing. It was very pretty to see bursts of flames in the air like some big firework display.

28.5.16

Issued the Company with Steel helmets, also P.H.G Gas helmets in place of P.H 20, the difference being that the new ones are also a protection against weeping gas. They have rubber sponge round the eyepieces, and this prevent gas getting to the eyes. The steel helmet, we are to wear on all occasions in which we go up to the firing line or in that direction at all. They are very heavy and clumsy things to wear. Very quiet, except for Aeroplanes which are taking advantage of the beautiful weather.

29.5.16

Our Batteries opened a heavy bombardment at 2 A.M this morning, lasted about 1 hour. The 18^th Battalion patrol captured a German out in No Man’s Land last night. German plane very active over this way this morning, and he apparently took no notice of the hundreds of shells fired at him. This afternoon Germans put a fair number of H. E. about – about 5.9 in at our 4.7/Battery, situated about 900 yards down the road. Some of the shells were very close but did no damage beyond tearing up the road. A Zepplin reported near Armentiers today. Heavy bombardment up in that part of the line.

30.5.16

Wet, miserable morning and I had to set out and walk to a gas school near Steenwerck. Started at 7.30 A.M and arrived there about 9 A.M. We were shown how to use both the P. H. G. and the Box Respirator. Then we went down to some trenches and did a little drill with respirators on. We then walked through a trench filled with Chlorine gas. With these respirators, the gas cannot be noticed at all. We then went through the Lachrymatory or weeping gas, with the goggles on and also with them off. In the first case the gas has no effect, in the second it makes the eyes water badly for some time. We also saw a gas-proof dug-out, and also a smoke bomb, which makes a fearful cloud of smoke. Arrived back at Billets about 9 o’clock and the Artillery had just started shelling. The Germans replied – and there was a bombardment lasting about one hour or a little more. At time it got pretty lively, and we were expecting to have to turn out with gains, etc, but it died down.

31.5.16

Very quiet during the day. At 7 P.M the Germans started putting big stuff over – both on our right front where there is a battery, and directly over our heads, trying to got the 4.7 battery some distance further back. They put about 30 over us, and everyone we expected to drop into our billets, but they all wont about 100 yards behind. It is funny to see all the local people pick up their valuables and clear out as quick as they can. All this time they were pouring them into the battery on our right. They put in about 150 shells here, 20 of them boing duds. They blew some farm houses to pieces and finished about 8.45 P.M. Another Sergeant and myself went down into the paddock at the back of us and dug out about a dozen big nose caps. They wore driven into the earth about two or three feet from the crater the explosion had made. We had to stand to during the heaviest part of the bombardment, periodically during the night. They pumped a few shells into this spot. Our guns were silent all the time except for about six shells

1.6.16

Very quiet in the morning. In the afternoon Sergeant McCarter and myself went down to our transport near Croix du Bal. While there , the 4.7 battery in rear of our billets, was shelled very heavily – the road and field round the two guns being in a terrible mess. All the damage done was a broken dial sight on one gun. While we were at the transport our observation balloon, which is stationed near by, broke away and floated towards the German line. There were three of our planes flying round , but could not do anything. As soon as it came in range, the German shelled it heavily. They did not appear to get a hit, for it continued floating over them. We did not see the men get out, but I believe one came down in his parachute somewhere near Armentieres. The last we saw of it was away over the German lines, then it disappeared in the clouds. Three of our Aeroplanes also had to come down – one we saw get up and away again. Heavy bombardment on our right . While at the Transport Er. Andrew Fisher and Mr. Hugues passed in motor cars.

2.6.16

A very quiet day.

3.6.16

Much cooler – looks like rain. Enemy Artillery started as usual about 7 P.M to shell the 4.7 Batteries in our rear. They put about 40 shells, but did no damage beyond ploughing up the fields. We had another balloon up in the place of the one lost. We all have our steel helmets now. They are blue, and have to be covered with sandbag. They are rather heavy for constant wearing. Also issued with the new P. H. G. helmet in place of the P. H. 20. The difference is that they have the Lachrymatory goggles fixed to the helmet so that the helmet is a protection against weeping gas as well as cloud gas. These are only issued to Artillerymen and Machine Gunners, so are the new box respirators, which are better than the Helmets for respiration and are more quickly adjusted.

4.6.16

There has been no party to the baths for the last two days as they have been closed. 2 P.M – Our Batteries shelling German positions fairly heavily. 10 P.M – A very heavy bombardment by a good many of our Battalion on our right lasted about one hour. There was very little reply. Today we saw in yesterday’s London paper of big naval losses on our part in the North Sea.

5.6.16

Showery all day. We went down to the baths in the afternoon. Everything was quiet. A party of twelve men and three N. C. O. I. .S went up to the trenches last night to make gun pits. When we got there, there was a bombardment by our Artillery expected and we were sending out a raiding party, so the working party had to come in.

6.6.16

Raining all morning – also very cold. In the afternoon cleared up. We got the report that a big munition store in Lille (a miles from here) has been set slight by either a French or English spy. It wrecked hundreds of house and killed 600 people. There was an enormous supply of shells there. This report is out of a local paper. The news of the North Sea battle is now much better. Our working party went up to make gun positions at 7 P.M.

7.6.16

I was awakened by our Artillery at 11 P.M. All the Batteries round here opening up, the sentry came round and reported to me that there were hundreds of red flares going up. It was our raiding party going out. The Artillery ceased at about 18.15 P.M and the Germans replied with a few small shrapnel shells. Our working party came back at 8 A.M.

8.6.16

Still having showery weather. Our working party arrived back at 1 A.M this morning. We heard the rumour today that Lord Kitchener had been drowned while going to Russia, his boat having been torpedoed. Later – Special order of the day arrived announcing the death of Lord Kitchener. I was put in charge of the party to go up to the trenches tonight making positions.

9.6.16

We went up last night – the party divided, one half making an open position in the support line, and the other putting two box mountings in the parapet of the firing line. We had to work up above the parapet, so that every time a flare went up we had to drop down. Once or twice bullets came uncomfortably near. All the time we were working it was raining. The rain, of course, made the duck-walks as slippery as glass, and it must have been funny to see us splashing and slipping along in the dark. It is no joke to the unfortunate fatigue-me,; with a pick or shovel in one hand and their rifle on their shoulder, endeavouring to keep their feet, which without a couple of hands to make a wild grab at anything handy, means that they will finish up somewhere in the mud. The duck-walks, so that if anyone comes from the opposite direction it is almost certain that one will get into the train at the sides. After all this trudging through the different Saps – Shaftes bury Avenue and the Haymarket, and then back through Tramway Road, we arrived at our billet at billets at 18.40 in a wet and cold condition.

9.6.16

The party was told off the trenches, but did not have to go up. Aeroplanes very active late in the afternoon. A German aeroplane care right over Billets and four of our biplanes came up and drove him back. Ford has come from Brigade Headquarters that the 5^th Brigade are to prepare to send out a raiding party shortly, and our Company’s quote is three men. Today we were getting volunteers for the three places and every man at present in the billets wanted their X put down.

10.6.16

Went all through the Bois Grenier line this afternoon. The Engineers are pulling down all the old gun positions and making new ones, the new ones are very fine indeed, made of concrete about one feet thick, then sand bags, air space, steel rails with barating slobe and then more sand bags, making a very strong dug-out. They are putting two holes in – one for observing, with a steel plate with small hole and trap, the other much bigger for the Gun. Party going to the trenches again tonight.

11.6.16

Party arrived back from the trenches at 2 p.m. this morning. Showery weather during day. News the last few days of the Russian advance has been very good. Four men and one Corporal went up to No.6 position in the front line to do some repairs. We are still having cold showery weather.

12.6.16

Trench party arrived back about 2 a.m. They had a little excitement while up there. They were working out in front of No.6 in No Man’s Land when the Huns must have spotted them, and they put 2 shrapnel shells into our party. One pellet went through the arm of one shap’s coat and the other failed to explode until it hit the steel helmet of one of our men and blew It to pieces. Fortunately the man’s head was not inside the helmet. No party going up to the trenches, as our Artillery will be shelling the German line at 12 – midnight. 8 p.m. very heavy bombardment on our left, probably at St. Eloi. Sounds like the bombardment before the attack.

13.6.16

Bombardment on our left very heavy all morning. Had a good deal of rain during the day.

14.6.16

The big guns are still booming on the left, but not so continuously as yesterday. Went down to the baths in the afternoon. At night, No.1 Section gave a Concert in the Billet – it was very fair. Tonight the clock is to be put one hour forward. It will be a terrible strain getting up at what is really 6 instead of 7 a.m. in the morning. Five names of men in this company were selected yesterday for the Military Medal, that being the number allotted to this Company, while a Battalion has 15. Being a Warrant Officer. I am not eligible for one. Three parties of three men and an N. C. O. each, are going up to the trenches tonight.

15.6.16

Captain Perguson of B. Company that left Sydney, was killed yesterday, a shell coming in his dug-out. My party care back to the billet at 1 a.m. this morning. We had to put a box mounting in the parapet of the second line just to the left of Stanway Avenue. Commenced raining while we were there.

16.6.16

Nice sunny day and everything very quiet except for Aeroplanes. Our balloon is up as are a good many German ones. There is no working party going up tonight as we have word that no parties are to be south of Bois Grenier after 12.30 a.m. as a German Bombardment is expected.

17.6.16

At 12.40 this morning I was awakened by the Sentry hammering on the Orderly Room door shouting “Gas and Stand to” so I turned out. The Artillery were making a devil of a noise near Armentiers, and the Gas horns were passing the gas along right down the line. The shelling was very heavy. and cut in our front there was barely a rifle shot to be heard. At 1.30 a.m. there was an issue of um for those that drink it, and then bad again. There was so gas ear us. 10 a.m. Our 18 pounders evidently on a target firing quite a lot. 10.30 a.m. A German plane just flew all round here. None of our planes up, and our Anti-aircraft guns did not get rid of him. A little later one of our planes came over, but the Hun had gone. In the afternoon, with Sergeant McCarter, I went into Armentiers. It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed ourselves. The town is full of New Zealanders and the shop people has taken place since last I was there, when there were only British troops billeted there. The stunt last night and early this morning was a raiding party of New Zealanders, who went over to the Hun trenches. We did not hear the result. The German aeroplanes were unusually active to-day. Three of our machines encountered two Huns over the German trenches, one Armentiers they were flying all the time, with our Guns making clouds in the air with exploding shells.

18.6.16

Fairly quiet day except for the Aeroplanes. A few Germans over this during the day. They put a few H. E. Shells to the back of us at the Battery. After tea we went for a walk down to Fleur Baix and coming back we met four big lorries – they told us that they had to take the 6^th naval gun back to Neippe where it had come from two days ago, to shoot at the German Balloons, which they did, evidently doing some damage as the Germans concentrated a good deal of fire from their 5.9 guns. They were getting too close to the gun, which was pulling out. In shelling this gun, all the damage done was two cows killed and Estaminet wrecked, and one of the Artillery horses in a paddock was killed. We dug one of the nose caps up, and I have it here.

19.6.16

Very dull morning. There was another stunt again last night, commencing at 12 – midnight. Our Artillery did a lot of firing and a bombing party of the 7^th Brigade went out at 10.30 a.m. The Germans started shelling the paddock in which the orderly room and one of our Billets is. They were putting them too close for comfort, evidently thinking they had got something good. Except for making big holes, they did no damage.

20.6.16

During the morning – fairly quiet. In the afternoon went down for a swim. Coming back we met a Motor Ambulance coming down. One of our Sergeants was in it, and he told us that a shell had got 10 or 12 of our lads. We hurried to the Billets and found a terrible mess. Shells had gone through the walls of the billets and burst inside. Lance-Corporal Page was instructing some new men from the Rase as reserves. The shell lobbed right in the middle of them, killing outrightthe instructor and wounding the other serven men, some sincehave died. Besides this, it also wounded six other men who were in the Billets as all the rest of them went away over Fleur Baix way, where there is a Battery, and this was the first shelf fired.

21.6.16

Aeroplanes very busy. Also our18 1b. Battery and our big field guns. We have heard that three more of the men died, making four killed. About 7.30 p.m. Fritzls aircraft guns were making a terrible row and out of the clouds we saw four of our big fighters coming towards us. They were all keeping together, and it seemed hardly possible that they would – escape, but their luck held good, and as they got over our heads five of our planes circling round. The fighters disappeared, leaving the scouts behind.

22.6.16

7.30 a.m. The Huns are putting shell after shell over the cross road at the back of us, trying for our big gun, which is some distance from there. They put in about 150 shells and most of the tile they had one of their planes up observing. Not one of ours was to be found until about 8.30 a.m., when our air-craft guns opened up and drove the German back. Aeroplanes very active all day. Went into Armentiere this afternoon. 7.30 p.m. German sending a lot of shells over us right back across the roads. Appears to be a large number of dude among there. A stunt is expected tonight.

23.6.16

I went up with a Gun team and Gun to No.7 position, took over all the storms etc. Before we had settled down a very heavy thunder storm care on, nearly filling up all our dug-outs, which are not of the best. The worst trouble is that the trenches and duck-walks get in such an awfully ruddy and slippery condition. Being a wet night, I did not get the gun out to do any shooting. Everything was very quiet, except for a fer bombs. We were expecting the 5^th Brigade stunt tonight, but have heard nothing definite. A Sergeant from the 4^th Brigade H. G. Company has been sent down here for the night to get an insight of the working before taking over from us.

24.6.16

Rained all last night. Our Artillery fired a few shots. We had to stand to from 8.15 p.m. to 8.45 p.m. and 3.18 a.m. till 4.15 a.m. Our Artillery very active during the day. One of our planes flying all over these lines, flying very low and hundreds of rifles are firing at him, but he took no notice. Later on, their Artillery began putting the shells into us, both H. X. and Shrapnel. I went along and saw Roy today. He is near the Salient, a number of the 13^th Rattalion, being there getting the lay of the land. Our stunt is said to be coring off for certain tonight.

25.6.16

Our Raid did not come off last night but our Artillery opened up at 11 p.m. and again at 1 a.m. They put plenty over into the Huns trenches. The Germans replied, putting plenty of H. E. and Shrapnel; also plenty of bomb flying round. We were standing to nearly all night. I put a belt through the gun over the parapet. They put plenty of shrapnel into our parapet, but did no damage. The two men out in the listening post, which is in No Man’s Land right in front of this gun position wore wounded with bombs. We are expecting to be relieved any day now. More of the 4^th A. K. G. Company up last night. Looking round. We are assured that the raid is coming off tonight, and we have been making two open positions on the parapet. They are on the right of the party, and are to engage any hostile Machine Gun that may open fire. We were hindered a lot by shells flying round all day . There has been a great activity by the Artillery on both sides. There will be an all-night stunt tonight. Aeroplanes have been very active, as may as ton of our planes up at once.

26.6.16

Well, the raid did come off last night and it was very successful. They left the trenches about 10.30 p.m. and waitedout in front, then Artillery, Morters and Machine Guns were let loose and the row was terrible. They entered the German trench at11.30 and left againt at 11.40. It was abeautiful scene, all the flares and rockets flying from one trench to another, and the big bombs burstingwith H. E. Shells H. E. Shrapnnel etc. We had two guns on the left of the raiders and two on the right; these two on the right fired about 2,000 rounds, firing at the Fun Guns. Then we had two guns doing Indirect fire from B.G. 23 cemetery Post and White City. Our dug-out here was shaking a lot but it stood the bombardment well. Most of the shells just went over our head, falling harmlessly behind the front fire. At other places they got on to the communication X pretty well. It quietened down about 2 a.m. only flare and rifle fire continuing after that. Our party did exceedingly well, bringing back four men, they had to kill nine, who would not come quietly. Our losses were one Officer killed, and one man’s wrist was shamshed. They brought back a good deal of stuff from the trenchs. It is today the anniversary of leaving Sydney on the “Berrima”. One of our Aeroplanes early this moning sailied over a German sausage and dropped some incendiary bombs – they pulled the gas bag. Down in double quick time. Yesterday our Aeroplanes dropped bombs on two gas bags, and to-day they got three more, which is quite a big loss to Fritz. Another raid is being made to-night by the 18^th Battalion just to the left of the salient.

27.6.16

We had a great night last night. Preparations were x, but motsly on our communication saps and support line. Shells were lobbing all around us and shaking our gun pit in an alarmin-manner. To make around worse, it was raininbg, but there were plenty of flares sent up, so we were able to observe fairfly well. It looked like a German raid, at any rate things were fairfly brisk when our Artillery opened up. Their shooting is greatly superior to the Huns, as they find the front line every shot, a thing the German solder do. We had our guns all ready, and the gun waiting patiently to see some movement in front, but the German raid was further on our right, just near where ours was going and they did no good at all – our men shooting two of the raiders. The Artillery kept up continuously and our party went out later. They had no losses and brought back four prisoners, raking six for the night. The Artillery duel finished at 2 a.m. only occasional shots and rifle fire continued after this. I heard that we had 10 casualties along this section in the first line and support. None of these were killed, truly remarkable considering the hiundreds of shells that care over. Later – We lost one man in our raiding party, he was killed. There wore I believe, Hungarians in the Hun trenches, and they were there for a spell, but were finding it a hot as any part of the line. About 3 p.m. I was relived by another Sergeant. I had to go back to Billets, as we were to get ready to shift. We are going into Erquignham tomorrow night and the 4th Company take our positions from us.

28.6.16

Moving day for half the Company , as eight guns come up from the 4^th Company and relieve our 8 guns in the front line and support line. The men and guns at present in Billets are going down to Erquigham to-night.

29.6.16

We arrived here at 2 a.m. this morning. All our gear and guns with us on the transport – got all into store room and then turned in for a well-earned sleep. We are now in a number of huts, each one housing about 20 men. We have plenty of room and are well situated. Weare in the best billets wehave had so far, but if rumours are to to be believed, we won’t be here for long. There was another raid raid made last night by the 1^st Division. Heavy bombardment all along the line. Last night the Huns sent over a lot of Inchrymatory shells, a lot falling near our old billets. It was, I believe, very strong.

30.6.16

There was a very heavy bombardment again last night. Our superiority over the enemy now in Initiative in most obvious, will be “doing” very shortly. All leave had been cancelled and there in no outward or inward mail allowed here now. We are having showery cold weather, altogether too cold for one blanket. Now that we are out in rest we have still to sleep in our clothes to keep warm 7 p.m. We counted a swarm of/25 of our Birlanes overhead. They flew in a body over the German trenches. They drew a lot of fire and then care back, going in all directions. There appear to be a big new kind of plane which we have not seen here before, there are also the fighters and scouts.

1.7.16

Beautiful summer weather at present. There was another bombardment last night. To-day we have had all the belts emptied and refilled, and dried in the sun, also all the gear has been checked. Aeroplanes are very active all day.

2.7.16

Sunday, and we are having a rest. There was a very heavy bombardment on our right last night, it was the Torries taking the German front line at Neuve Chappelle, which is in our hands, they also took a lot of prisoners. Everywhere along our line there X X a constant offensive kept up. The New Zealand used gas the other night and the day previously one of the men jumped out of the trenches and ran over and warned Fritz. He was fired at by the New Zealanders, but all missed him. We wont for a walk along towards Estates, which is a fairfly big place. We passed through Bae St;Mor, Sailly and Laventie. There are very large , but not of the same flavour as in New South Wales. We have got all our transports to-day and are preparing to move out. We have to be ready to move at 12 hours notice – it is said we are going in the vicinity of Plug Street.

3.7.16

There was a big bombardment all round us last night. The 4^th Brigade made a raid on the Hun trenches. German planes have been fairfly active to-day. There was a German and one of ours right above our heads, and after a little circling about ours came down with a great rush. It has been quite hot to-day – went down to the baths.

4.7.16

Very heavy bombardment all round us last night. At 3.20 a.m. a Sergeant and 4 men had to go down to the Transport to guard the Officers horses, the rest of the transport have gone to Balleaul. The hacks are being brought up this afternoon. Artillery lively all day. Heavy rain started at 3.30 p.m. In the bombardment last night the Germans were sending Aerial Torpedoes over into our trench. They got a great number of the 14^th Battalion and made. Germans shelling Armentieres, our Artillery replied by shelling Lille.

5.7.16

Raining nearly all day. In the afternoon went into Armentiers. There is a lot of damage done with shells since I was there last, many shops and horses and one big church steeple is in ruins.

6.7.16

At 12 midnight last night we were awakened by the Strombus Horns making a fearful row. This is warning door a gas attack. The shelling on our left and also further on our right was terrific. It lasted a couple of hours. The Huns were using their searchlights all the time. Still having showery weather. The gas was somewhere on our right, but have not heard any result so far.

7.7.16

Another gas alarm last night, but the bombardment was not so heavy. On none of these alarm yet, have we had to put our helmets on as there has been no gas in this section. Raining most of the day.

8.7.16

Very quiet last night. From all appearance this Division is just about to move, rumour says somewhere down south. Pay day today, and the men are all happy. The 2^nd War Baby arrived to-day (Lieutenant Gutten).

9.7.16

Left our Billets in Erquingham at 11 a.m. – marched through Steenwerck, passed close to Balleaub, and finished up at Straneele where we stay for the night. We marched a distance of about 18 miles in very good time, although we did not get to our Billets till 7 p.m. Only two or three had to get on the limbers, but there were a good number who were pretty bad. Had a dip in a pond which was very refreshing.

10.7.16

Left Strazeele at 10.30 a.m. and marched to Ebblinghar. After leaving Strazeele we passed through a few small villages, then care to Hazebrouck, which is a good sized town. Just as we entered Hazebrouck we passed Major Davis, who is looking very well. We reached Ebblingham at 7 p.m. The country we passed through is looking splendid, the crops are very fine – Wheat, Oats and Potatoes.

11.7.16

Left Ebblingham at 7.30 a.m. and marched to Wizerns where we entrained for an unknow destination. We did not go through St. Omer, but passed by it, it is a very fine town. The train left Wizerns at 3 p.m. and we arrived at Saleaux at 1 a.m. We went through St. Omer, passed Calais, and ran down along the coast, passed Boulogne and Etaples, where we saw a great number of Australians in the Base Details etc…

12.7.16

After leaving the train we had to get all the limbers off the trucks and marched out at 4 a.m., feeling very tired and sleepy. We marched on and got within 3 kilometres of Amiens, then a guide came along and said we were wrong, so we had to turn round and go back, then struck out away to the left. About 8 a.m. everyone care to the conclusion that we were lost. Our rations were lost and the men had no breakfast. We had one hour’s spell, them continued this painful march We were winding about and eventually got back just the other side of Amiens, them had to go straight on and arrived at our destination about 1 o’clock – a very tired and disgusted lot of men, many being chafed and sore footed. We were dumped into awful billets not fit for more than a cow shed, but as the Officers had each a good room to themselves we had to put up with it, hoping that we would x get into section, so that the Officers would at last have to do a bit after the long holiday they have had. After looking back at things, it is no wonder that we have not won the war, and it certainly wants a lot of reform before the x have any confidence in their officers. All the 5^th Brigade are in and around this village, so we are pretty well crowded.

13.7.16

Had more or less sleepless night owing to all the blankets being called in, and it is too cold to sleep without at present. All the guns were cleaned this morning, alsox was held. No parade this afternoon, x at 2.30 p.m. again. The name of this place is Picquigny and is on the River Somme, which is not a very big stream here.

14.7.16

There are an enormous number of big motor lorries always in this village, the main street being packed every day. They move out about 2 a.m. every morning with rations for the firing line. We are getting very poor rations here, only Bully Beef, bread and cheese. To-day flags are flying and the buildings are decorated, for it the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille. I was able to purchase to-day, with two sovereigns that I brought from Egypt, a Louis and a Napoleon – they are not as good as our own sovereign.

15.7.16

A lot of British troops passing through Picquigny, many of them carrying German helmets they have captured. The news we are now getting from the front is very satisfactory.

16.7.16

We have been put on one hour’s notice for moving off after 12 noon to-day. We moved out at 12.30 p.m. and marched in the direction of Amiens. Before reaching the tram we turned to the left and crowed over the Somme River, then over a fine Big Canal. The Somme is a narrow, but very fast run-ing River. The Canal has numerous lock along its length. They have fine big barges fitted out as hospitals, which all very comfortable. The country round the Somme is very pretty, but all the villages and people in them appear very poor. We marched about ten miles, passing through acres and acres of splendid crops. It is indeed a great year as far as crops are concerned. We are billeted in one of the poorest looking villages imaginable, all that can be bought is eggs, and not too many of them.

17.7.16

Raining all day. No moving orders yet. Mail arrived to-day.

18.7.16

Off again to-day. This place is name Coisy, and to-day we march to Rubenpre, about 7 miles away. Left Coisy at 3 p.m. and arrived at Rubempre at 6 p.m. Passed through very pretty country, for about 8 miles.

19.7.16

It has been a beautiful day and the company has been out doing tactical schemes all day. We are billeted in a Stud Farm, which has evidently been a very up to date place, but owing to the War, is now very quiet.

20.7.16

Left Billets at 9.45 a.m. and arrived at Wailoy-Baillon, a small village, about 10 Kilometres from Albert at 1.30 p.m. There are a number od British troops around here, and our 1^st Division passed through a couple of days ago. Came about 8 miles to-day. Very heavy bombardment been going on for the past few days.

21.7.16

A few of the 1^st Division have passed through on their way to Clearing Station, wounded in going into reserve. It is rumoured that they are making an attack to-night. There are a great number of balloons up observing on this front. The issue of fresh meat and bread here is almost nil, and bread is unobtainable locally, so that we are getting into the old Peninsula rations, as there is an unlimited bread supply further back, where we have just come from. There must be a shortage of transport.

22.7.16

Marched out of Wailloy-Baillon at 7.15 p.m. and arrived at Albert at 11 p.m. a distance of only 7 miles, but there was a great deal of traffic on the roads and we had numerous halts. It is a wonderful sight behind our lines, all the stores and supplies and the thousands of horses and transports there. It is about here that one can realise the war. Where we have been before is only a very small potato to this, all the time there is a terrific bombardment going on, and the 4^th Army are assaulting to-night. Our first division are concentrating on a village that has resisted many attacks and has held our advance up for a fortnight.

23.7.16

Bivouaced in the open last night. This morning we moved into dugouts in the trenches. Here they each have eightbunks in, so we are pretty comfortable. This was the 3^rd line, they have advanced 4 miles in front again. Our 1^st Division were very successful last night, the 1^st Brigade taking the village with heavy losses, they brought 1000 prisoners in this morning. The bombardment still continue, though not so heavy, and a few big shells have landed in Albert, this has been a fairly big place. There is a remarkable landmark in it, it is a fine big Church and the spire is broken off at the top, and hanging at right angles to the tower, caught in the iron girders, is a large gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The yarn going round is that when this falls that day will the war end. In this line of trenches where we are there are dugouts right down below 20 and 30 feet deep, cut out of the solid chalk, with ladders loading down to them.

24.7.16

Yesterday we had to hand in our packs and all our possessions except our great coat, water proof sheet and emergency rations. I had to hand in my diaries, one book full and another half full. The odds are again us ever seeing them again. Artillery very active. Early this morning the Germans dropped a few shells into Albert, one fell right in the middle of the Church. 7.15 p.m. Just been warned to be ready in half an hour expect to go up to-night.

25.7.16

After an awful march from Albert we bivouaced about fives miles out. A fearful lot of Artillery ammunitions was coming up and waggons going out. We arrived about 2 a.m. There was a severe bombardment all night, attacks and counter attacks being made on the position. This morning went into our original front line and over into the German line. This Artillery was. They have dug-outs quite 40 feet down under the front line, and they are fitted up likes houses. Just at the back of their lines we could see what was once Pricourt, there is very little to see there now. Away in the distance is Trones Wood where our troops are fighting at present. Went over and saw the big mine crater, said to be the largest in France, could just about put the Sydney Town Hall into it, it is so enormous. There are a great number of graves about, nearly all the men of the 34^th Division. This division has made a name for itself here with the work it has done.

26.7.16

We came up last night, No.1 section going up to the firing line, No.2 in Support and No.3 in Reserve. No. 4 are left behin at present. C. Company of the 20^th went over last night and occupied a line of trenches, but were not reinforced and ran short of bombs, so had to retire. Germans have blown our support line to blazes this morning. The shelling is very heavy. I am with No. 3 at present and we are just behind Contalmaison, which is in ruins. The quantity of ammunition and bombs, etc. Left by the Germans is enormous, it is lying everywhere. We are having a fearful lot of causalities amongst the Australians, hundreds coming by here all day, mostly happy and cheerful at the prospect of getting to Blighty. Went down into a German dugout which was most luxurious, electric light, glass doors, large mirror, good beds, and the walls and ceiling all lined with nice material. It was about 30 feet underground. A good number of men who have been gassed, are coming in, and they look awful, some crying, the others all shaking. The Huns have been using saphiristing shells. About 9.30 p.m. our men attacked and bombed the Germans out of some more trenches. The Welsh did the same earlier in the day.

27.7.16

Pulled out at 2 a.m. with gas alarms, and very heavy Artillery fire all this morning. German Artillery very active.

28.7.16

Artillery very active all day. Big attack being made to-night by 5^th, 6^th and 7^th Brigades. Witnessed a grand fight in the air to-day. One of our Battleplanes and 6 Germans were having a great go, finished by leaving our plane in the air alone, and the Germans all gone.

29.7.16

Our attack last night was an awful failure. Two Companies from 5^th, 6^th and 7^th Brigades went out and were chopped to pieces. The enemy were waiting and opened up with Artillery before our guns started, the result was that our men attacked and the enemy wire was not touched. The Machine Guns made a mess of our men. Our Company lost 1 Sergeant killed, 1 Corporal wounded and 1 men wounded. Had my first wash for seven days. 3.15 p.m. Our Artillery shelling the enemy line very heavily.

30.7.16

Very heavy bombardment last night on both sides. All day we have been shelling the enemy lines. Preparing for an attack, to be made to-night. The French have just put in some 75 back on the hill, which is now covered with guns of all descriptions. Had a mail from home and letters and one parcel. 7.30 p.m. Our Artillery is shelling very heavily, big fire started over behind the German lines. Twenty-four of our Aeroplanes moving gracefully over our heads keeping formation, it looks splendid.

31.7.16

No attack was made last night. About 2 a.m. This morning we were wakened by shells bursting near our dug-out, then we smelt gas, so awakened al handy and got our helmets on. There were Lachrymatory and asphyxiating shells, the tear gas being very strong here. Our Company had a few more casualties last night. I had a stroke of luck this afternoon, went up with a party and buried some men just behind the firing lines when I came back back I found that a gas shell had burst at the door of our dug-out and the Officer, Signaller and another had been take away gassed and wounded. We have had to wear out helmets a good deal owing to Fritz sending over so many gas shells. Artillery on both sides has been very active to-day. The 10^th Reinforcement for the 5^th Brigade are back in Sausage Gully, arrived here to-night.

1.8.16

Our Artillery has been very active all day putting plenty of big stuff into Fritz’s lines, and got a magazine to-day. The Trench 75 put a few shells into our own line, wounding one of our Company men. The Germans brought down one of our planes to-day, which fell behind the enemy line. The 10^th Reinforcement for the Brigade has arrived here. Our planes are very active always, but we only see a few Germans as they, as a rule, keep very high.

2.8.16

Our Artillery very active last night, the reply was fairly heavy. We lost five men to-day wounded, also had a couple of Machine Guns knocked about and a few holes put in them/ 5^th Reinforcement arrived from Etaples.

3.8.16

Artillery banging away all day. Our Brigade is still in the trenches and the 12^th Brigade have been standing to for 43 hours expecting to relieve us at any minute. Our Artillery have been having a fearful number of premature explosions, accounting for a few men every day, also they have been putting a fair number of shells into our own front line, which is more demoralising then the enemy’s guns. The big stunt is rumoured again to-night, but as it has been talked of for the last four nights, we wont know until it actually occurs. All our Batteries have a great store of ammunition. One of our Sergeants (Sergeant Tate) was killed and a Lance Corporal wounded at one of our guns by one of our own shells. They are putting a number into our lines. We just heard that the 3 men who wore gassed in this dug-out the other day died the same day. 10 p.m. A lot of gas shells bursting here, and has been bad for a couple of hours. No ill effects, everyone having their helmets on.

4.8.16

The 2^nd Anniversary of the War. Fritz has been pretty lively all morning with his shells, both H. E. and Shrapnel. Our big stunt of taking the German trenches comes off to-night. There is to be a 3 minute intense bombardment at 9.15 on the German front, and then the fire is lifted on to the 2^nd line, then our 1^st two lines attack. The 2^nd line is shelled for ten minutes, then the other two lines go right into the 2^nd German line. 11.30 p.m. The bombardment was terrific, it is still very lively. Fritz has not put any shells back here, but he is still sending up a lot of Red shells. Have not heard yet what our attack achieved. 11.5 p.m. Just heard that our attack was successful and we took the line and a number of prisoners.

5.8.16

Our man got over and are still holding the German 2^nd line. Captured a few hundred prisoners, mostly Saxons, they were just relieving other troops, and we caught them napping. They did not want to fight. Among the prisoners are many boys who do not appear to be more than 14 or 15 years old. Our casualties last night were not very heavy, but to-day the Germans are shelling very heavily and getting a lot of our men. There are 4 or 5 German gas bags up this morning. The 12^th Brigade are relieving us to-day, this being the 11^th day, it is wonderful the way the men have stuck it. Attacking last night after being in for ten days. The Brigade has had enormous casualties. A German Sergeant Major (prisoner) speaking to one of our officers said:- “I am not a bally German, I’m a Saxon, you can have the ridge, we didn’t want it, I’d rather be in Scotland or Wales”. He said the war would be finished by the 17^th of the month and that neither side would win.

6.8.16

We were relieved by the 18^th Company last night, and we moved back into our old trenches where we camped the first night. We came in this morning and went over to Tara Hill (the 5^th Brigade) where the whole Brigade was drawn up, and General Birdwood spoke to us. He said he could not praise us enough for the work done by the 2^nd Division, who had had a worse time than the 1^st Division. He said we were only going out for a short spell and then back again. We moved out at 8 p.m. and arrived at Wailoy-Baillon at 6.30 p.m.

7.8.16

Remaining in our Billets all day and moving on tomorrow. General Birdwood passed through in a car this morning and gave us good news of the Light Horse capturing 2,500 Turks near the Canal. I went up to the Wailey-Baillon Cemetery and saw the graves of Signaller Plumb, Private A. Hurst and Private Austin. They are in a very nice little graveyard where a number of Australians have been buried.

10.8.16

We are now in the village of Halloy, where we arrived yesterday. We bivouacked one night at La Vicogne and marched from there yesterday. We passed some of the 1^st Division going back towards Albert. We are near a Railway Station and on a small creek, which is our drinking water.

16.8.16

We have a fairly easy time the last five days. Most of us have had a trip to Amiens, which is a very fine city. We moved out of Pernois at 11.30 a.m. During the march it rained a lot, making the roads very muddy. We are camped in some old sheds and barns, the village is similar to all other villages we billet in – old tumble-down and deserted-looking place. In these village there is always an enterprising old robber with a few cakes, chocolates and tinned fruit to sell to the “Australinn who has plenty of money”, of which they take full advantage. Walked over to Contary in the evening.

18.8.16

Now in the village of Harponville, which is about 1½ miles north of Wailoy. Left La Vicogne at 10.30 p.m. During the march it rained a lot, making the road very muddy. We are camped in some old shed and barns, the village is similar to all other villages we billet in – old tumble-down and deserted-looking place. In these villages thgere is always an enterprising old robber with a few cakes, chocolates and tinned fruit to sell to the “Australian who has plenty of money”, of which they take full advantage. Walked over to Contary in the evening.

19.8.16

Raining all day, everywhere it is very muddy. The men are glad, as they do not parades. We are moving out again to-morrow, and will relieve the 2^nd Brigade. The King is said to have told the men down at Etaples that there was a pleasant surprise for the Australians on the 25^th of August, o we are looking forward to that date to see what it will bring forth.

21.8.16

We are now back again in Albert. Arrived here yesterday, and bivouaced last night in the open. To-day we are going up to relieve the 2^nd Brigade in the position we were in previously. One of our balloons broke away yesterday, we saw the man leave the basketing a parachute, then the balloon began to collapse, the Huns shooting at it all the time. It came down right over the German lines.

23.8.16

It is very much quieter up here this time to what it was when we were here before. Most of the guns have been brought up from Sausage Gully, many of them being just at the side of our dug-outs in Bailiff Wood. Our front line has been pushed forward until we now hold the crest of the slope all along the line, and we are able to observe a good deal behind Fritz’s line. Aeroplanes are very active, and yesterday for the first time I saw one of our big new Planes; which has either two or three engines. The Germans have been showing more dash, having planes up very often, although they keep up a great height. Yesterday our guns brought down two planes, one falling in our line and the other falling in his own lines. I went and saw the G. O. C. this morning regarding my Commission, he recommended me and sent it on to the Division.

24.8.16

Germans shelled all round here fairy heavily yesterday evening. We had three men wounded in this Company. I saw a big H. E. Shell fall right in amongst a team of horse in limber, it killed 6 horses and 2 men and wounded 3 other men seriously. The shell just missed an 18 pounder gun and the limber full of ammunition.

26.8.16

Light rain all last night, and to-day is much colder then we have been having. The 6^th Battalion hopped over last night, their objective being to straighten a piece of their line. There was an intense Artillery bombardment about 4 a.m. this morning by our Batteries. Fritz replied on our front and support lines, getting a good number of men. At 11.45 a.m. the Germans started an intense shelling of supports and communications. One shell landed right in our water cart, blowing it to pieces, killing one and wounding four or our Company. The men were sheltering from the rain in dug-outs just near the water carts when they were hit.

28.8.16

Relieved yesterday by the 7^th Brigade. Marched back to our Transport at the Brickfields. Raining nearly all the time and roads and trenches in a terrible mess. We came back through La Boisela, which is nothing but a number of mine craters. It is a job to recognise it as a village. We then got on to Bapaume Road and came through Albert, staying here for the day. Moving out to-morrow for Wailoy. It is raining all day and pretty miserable, bivouacing like we are.

29.8.16

Marched from Albert to Wailoy this morning. Started at 7.30 a.m. and reached Wailoy at 10.30 a.m. raining nearly all the time. Last night the 12 inch guns behind Albert were very busy indeed. My appointment came out in orders last night, dated 25.8.16. We stay here for two or three days, then make another move, our destination is said to be the Armentiers frontor near Ypres.

31.8.16

Billeted once more in Wailoy, but this will be the last time, as we move up north again. Canadian, Scottish and other Canadian Regiments are passing through here, probably to take our front at Poziers, where the 7^th Brigade and the 4^th Division are now occupying. Last night the heavy guns were making a fearful row. The 5^th Brigade was drawn up this morning and General Birdwood presented all the Honours, including D. S.O., N. C., D. C.M. and M. N. to the men who had won them. He afterwards shook hands and spoke to all the new officers in the Brigade, myself being one of them. He told us all we were going to a much easier place, back once more to trench warfare. Left Wailoy at 2.15p.m. and marched to Beauval. Arrived there about 8 p.m. This is the first fine day for a week or so.

1.9.16

Billeted in quite a decent place, and Beauval is a nice village. The Australians have not been here before. The Canadians have just left, so we are all in the boom.

3.9.16

Have been having a pretty good time. Went into Doullens on Friday and rode in again yesterday. It is a fine little town and almost anything is procurable there. The Country round here is very picturesque. All the crops are now harvested, and the women and girls are out in the fields busy picking the wheat.

4.9.16

Raining a great deal and everywhere is awfully muddy. We are now making preparations for moving up north. We are split up into Headquarters 1, 2, 3 & 4 Sections, each going at different hours attached to the different Battalions. My section goes 3^rd with the 18^th Battalion, which eaves Beauval at 8 a.m. to-morrow morning and leaves Doullens in train at 12.19 p.m.

5.9.16

Left Beauval at 8.30 a.m. and arrived at Doullens at 10.45. Entrained directly on arriving , the men in dirty Horse trucks, Officers in last class car. Left Doullens at 12.20 p.m. Commenced raining. Ran nearly into Hazebrouck, then turned off and went up to Poperinghe, which is the station for Ypres, and that particular section arrived at 6.30, then marched to lletsin middle of town.

7.9.16

Having a pretty decent time. The town has been knocked about a good deal and occasional shells drop in now. Fair number of civil populations here. All trades people doing well out of the soldiers. To-day went to a picture show, the first since leaving Australia; It was very fair and is run by the 4^th Division (British). AT 8 p.m. all section officers in this Company had to visit the Gun Positions up in the Ypres salient. Left Poperinghe and rode the eleven Kilometres to Ypres. This town is nothing but a heap of ruins, and one can easily see that it has been a most beautiful city. We left ours horses near the ruins of an old church and then had to walk to Company Headquarters, which are situated in what is called the Bund, that is a long mound of earth at the Ypres and of the Zillesbeke Lake. From there we were each taken out to our own respective position that we would occupy on relieving the 11^th Brigade (British) Company. The position are very poor indeed, and practically no work of an offensive kind is done, in fact, the main idea apparently is to do as little as possible, and from what we saw last night it is quite a x.

10.9.16

We are now in the famous Ypres salient. We relieved the 11^th Company on the night of the 8^th. Relief was completed by 1 a.m. x.x.x. I have three positions and a reserve gun, which is mounted as an anti-aircraft gun during the day. We are having a very quiet time so far. The trenches are very wet and muddy, and water is lying in all shell holes and naps.

12.9.16

Having showery weather, making the trenches and duck-walks very greasy. Our Artillery is much more active to-day. German retaliation very light.

14.9.16

To-day went up through our front line in Sanctuary Wood, where we have some of our guns. The position is just near the famous Hill 60 and Mount Sorel. The trenches up there, owing to the rain, are in a very bad condition. Most important occurrence this week is an issue of 1 blanket per man, and not before it was needed.

15.9.16

Heard to-day that x had fallen and Corcelette was to be taken to-night. The 29^th Division on our left are making a raid and using gun.

16.9.16

The bombardment last night started at 11 p.m. and was fairly fierce while it x. We had two guns blown out last night very badly damaged, and two men wounded. Heard this morning that our troops on the Somme took Martinpucch, Corcelette and Comblee, advanced along whole front in that region.

17.9.16

Doing indirect fire on road, behind German lines with three guns. Last night expended 3.500 rounds, broke two x x. Having fairly cool weather at present with frequent showers of rain.

18.9.16

Firing with four guns last night on to roads and saps. Used 5,500 rounds, broke one x cup. Owing to the rain had to finish early. Raining all day and pouring through our roof and flooding us out. No Bon.

20.9.16

Firing again last night with the four guns. Had to stop about 11 p.m. owing to rain. Showery all day. The trenches are in a terrible mess and in place over the knee in in mud and slush. At about 3 a.m. this morning an enemy bombing party were observed coming over, and they received a pretty warm reception from our people, who went out and met them, capturing one man and killing a few with bombs, the rest got back to their trenches.

21.9.16

Firing with two guns only last night, and put through 2, 000 rounds. Had the other two teams making indirect fire positions.

25.9.16

We have been having most beautiful fine weather for the past three days. It is most enjoyable after the wet weather. We have been firing each night, putting through from 4,000 to 5,000 rounds for the four guns. This morning General Holmes and Mr. A. Fisher went pas here on their way to the firing line, and it was very amazing to hear some of the boys singing out “Hullos Andy”, Etc. Our leave has now been increased to ten days in England, which is good news.

28.9.16

Still having good weather. The 18^th Battalion is making a raid to-night and two of our boys are going with them in hopes of bringing back an enemy gun. The raid goes over at 2.30 a.m. in the morning. Saw in the paper that Sergeant C. C. Castleton of this Company, now killed , had received the V. C. for his bravery at Poziers, where he was killed bringing in in wounded.

29.9.16

The raid early this morning was a failure, apparently owing to the Artillery opening before the arranged time, and so warning Fritz, who put up flares, making it as bright as day and when he saw our men coming over, he got up on the parapet, a lively bomb fight being the result. Our party got back with two missing and the three or four wounded.

1.10.16

Back to the old time again, our watched going back one hour at 3 a.m. this morning. We are having very fair weather. The 7^th Company’s Officers came up this morning and had a look round the position they take over the night of the 5^th and 6^th. To-day one of our planes brought down a German Kite Balloon in flames, it was very fine to see the gr at ball of fire coming down.

2.10.16

Very wet all day. Not firing any guns to-night owing to the wet weather. The big guns on our left are still boming, they have been very constant for the last six days or so, probably up on the Year Canal. Our Artillery round here has also been very busy lately, and the news we are getting from the Somme fighting is very good indeed. Everything points to a general withdrawal and straightening of the line by the Germans. We will soon be going for a spell, and rumour has it that we will then go down to the Somme again.

4.10.16

Our Artillery very active. Since last night it has been raining continually. The Americans and English ammunition had been very poor here, the other day we had two cases of bullets in one case and no cordite, many damaged rims, etc. Last night a barrel was brought in all bulged and broken 5^th from the muzzle with piece of bullet still in the balge. Simply through weak charge, probably no charge at all, and the cap fired the bullet along the barrel, then the next shot burst the barrel. Also American ammunition with brass caps is no good at all, dozens of cases where they have not detoned at all. We have just heard again the rumour that the 3^rd Division have declared war on Germany. Really it would be a pity to bring them away from England, where they have played the part of the “Gallant Anzacs”. It is much better to leave them there, and then tell us the Authorities are sorry they are unable to give us more spells. The next move we hope to have a good time, as to-morrow night we are relieved by the 7^th Brigade, who have a month’s spell, and we are going back to have the name.

11.10.16

We are now staying at Farms about three miles outside Steenvoide, and nearly on the Belgian border. The accommodations are not too good, but we are having a fairly quiet time and are able to go for nice long rides. The other day I rode into Hazebrouck, passing Cassel (the highest point in France). We have purchased footballs from the men and they have plenty of exercise in the way of game. The night we left the salient we marched to Ypres, and there entrained. Left Ypres at 3 a.m. and arrived at Gott at 6 a.m. and marched from there to Steenvoide, a distance of three miles. We rested a few hours there, and then came on here. Later. Just heard that we are on the move again to-morrow morning, back to Eyrie Camp, near Pophoringe, so all our plans for sports and football matches etc, are dashed to pieces.

12.10.16

Marched to-day through Steenvoide and Abeele, through Poperinghe and out into Eyrie Camp. Where there are a lot of huts, most of them are occupied, so we have to remain cramped up into about half our necessary space until the 6^th Brigade move out in a couple of day’s time.

14.10.16

The 6^th moved out this afternoon, so we will to-morrow occupy more huts and be a little more comfortable. Payed A. Company, 20^th Battalion at Rugby to-day , they beat us 8 to 3. Later. Orders arrived for us to theld ourselves ready to move out early to-morrow morning. We are now awaiting orders as to the time we leave and destination, whether firing line or into other billets.

15.10.16

Left Eyrie camp and marched to Ontario camp at Reninghelst, a distance of about three or four miles. The 77 Fusillers took our billets at Eyrie camp.

17.10.16

Left Ontario camp and marched back to our original billets in Steenvoide. Heavens only knows why we left there . We marched through Watow, which is right on the French-Belgian border. The road we marched along for a good many Kilometres divides France from Belgium.

18.10.16

Left Steenvoide for Arneke, left at 9 p.m. and arrived at 5 p.m. after a very hard march. We only had about 10 miles to go, passing through Cassel. When we got to the outskirts of Cassel we were not allowed through the town (being 2^nd Army Headquarter) but were went out ,along a sideroad to the left, the result was that we had to go a long way round, about three miles further than was necessary. It was pouring rain nearly all the time and the man had a very decent lead to carry. Thin wore, as usual, spendidly mismanaged, with the result that the men were all wet through and had to go to bed on Tea and Bully Beef.

20.10.16

Raining nearly all day yesterday, cleared up last night and a frost was on the ground this morning. It was very sharp and nippy and has been all day, although a nice sunny day. We move off at 8.30 a.m. to-morrow morning for Tilques, which is outside St. Ormer.

21.10.16

Last night at 12 midnight, the order was changed and instead of going to Tilques we are to move to Nordasque , which is in a different direction, and a little further, being about 30 kilometres. We arrived there at about 5 p.m. after a nice day’s march, the roads being exceptionally good.

22.10.16

Very heavy frost this morning, but had a nice fine day, and being Sunday we had an easy time.

23.10.16

Obtained special leave to St. Omer and with Lieutenant Cox I rode in, a distance of fifteen kilometres. Spent a very enjoyable day in the nice little city, and arrived back at billets at 12 midnight. We move again this morning.

24.10.16

March out at 10.30 p.m. and proceed to Audruieq, where we entrain to Pont Remy, a small place just near Abberville. We moved out at 3.30 p.m. and had a fairly slow trip, arriving at Pont Remy about 11 p.m. after passing through Calais, Boulogne, Etaples and Abbeville. We stopped a while at Boulogne and some nice French ladies in the uniform of a nurse gave us tea, coffee and cakes. It had been raining all day and was still doing so. Detrained at Pont Remy and got all our horses and limber off the trucks, then marched to out Billets about a mile and a half away at a small place called Eaucourt, which is about five kilometres from Abbeville. The 1^st Division and the 4^th Division are following us down, so that something on a fairly large scale is being done with the Australians. We do not know what it all means, as some say we are going up to Albert and others persist in saying we are leaving France for the winter, so we are all waiting expectantly for the next move.

25.10.16

Rode into Abbeville Abbeville to-day and had a look at this old town, it is a very nice little place.

26.10.16

At 2 a.m. this morning orders came for us to be on the road at 8 a.m. and our transport had to leave 6 a.m. We had to march to Ailly-La-Chocol, where we would embus. 6 miles in the pouring rain to Ailly and had to stand in the rain for three hours awaiting the Motors. The whole Brigade was marching in at this point by different roads, and the confusion was indescribable, to think that we should have such bunglers at the head of things, it really makes one wonder how in earth we can expect to win when such thing continually occur. Eventually we embussed, some in Motor buses others in Lorries. We formed at column of about 170 motors and travelled right through Flixecourt, Amiens and arrived at Ribemont at about 8.30 p.m. It was quite an interesting ride except that everyone was quite wet through, and then had to sit cramped up for seven hours. We put up in some houses for the night.

27.10.16

Had to move out this morning s the 2^nd Division Headquarters wanted our billets. We were given 16 bell tents and put out in a muddy paddock, where we had to pitch tens and put the men. It was disgraceful the whole trouble is that there are about 5,000 troops put into accommodation for 3,000. We managed to rake up a small quantity of straw for each tent and made the men a little more comfortable.

29.10.16

We were all issued with a sheepskin waistcoat from the Comforts Fund, and are much appreciated by the men, who are feeling the cold. It is still raining.

31.10.16

A nice sunlight day with an occasional shower. In the afternoon carried out a small tactical scheme.

2.11.16

Our stunt in Co-operation with the 3^rd squadron R. F. C., this is to be an attack on an imaginary German position. We started out and arrived at the place, then, owing to the rain, it was cancelled.

3.11.16

The cancelled stunt of yesterday came off to-day and the whole Brigade attacked in line, there were four waves, our guns were in reserve.

4.11.16

We moved out to-day at 10 a.m. for Montaubau, which is about ten miles distant. We left our packs and one blanket in a dump in this village. The roads were very bad after all the rain, and the whole trouble was this absence of control of traffic; I never saw anything like it. The whole length of the road was a mass of uncontrolled traffic, with motor lorries pushing in anywhere and pushing our men into the mud. It took us seven hours to travel the short distance to Montauban. We passed through Fircourt and Kansty, and then had to march through 18x of mud to the huts, where we camped. Some of the men were bogged and had to be dragged out, the mess was indescribable. Late at night we received a message to be on the road again at 7.30 a.m. with guns etc, as we were on reserve and had to march up to Longueval.

5.11.16

Left camp at 7.30 a.m. and got on tot the road, where we were blocked by the traffic again for two hours. We should have been up in reserve at 9.10 a.m. but instead, arrived at 10.45 a.m. While in the road we saw the Artillery open a terrific bombardment. Our Brigade moved back about 3 p.m. I, with eight men from our Company had to report to Division Headquarters, who sent us on to the 7^th Brigade, who would have nothing to do with us at all, so I had to nose round and find the 7^th Company whom we were to relieve to-morrow. We passed a Tank out of action, it was lying near a trench and was a remarkable looking object, it was the first we had seen. Our Artillery as well as the Huns, was very active. Found the 7^th Company eventually, and as it was too dark to do anything, crawling into a hole and put in a miserable night.

6.11.16

Reported back at Division Headquarters at 12 noon, then went back to the Company at Montaubau and brought them out to Division where 7^th M.G. Company guides awaited us to take us to the line. Our gear, guns, etc., was carried by past, the horses were only able to come a little past Brigade Headquarters, then all the guns and gear had to be carried, our section and No.2 section going to the firing line about 1¼ miles distant. We had all guns in by 9 p.m. We have three guns in the front line, which is held mainly by machine guns, very few Infantry being there. The Trenches are very bad, and the mud in them is three or four feet deep men have to be pulled out of it by ropes. The men have to sit in this mess all day and night, and it is awful, everywhere dead are lying about. Burying parties have not been able to work owing to the German snipers, who are on the high ground and have the best of observation.

7.11.16

Raining all day. We are not able to get anything hot, and the rain is running through our roof and down the steps. Unfortunately, we are not able to stop it.

8.11.16

Raining all day again. Obtained enough kerosene for the primus to make a cup of hot cocoa each. The rations are fairly good considering all things. Artillery very active all day, there is no part of the day or night without the Artillery are pouring it in on both sides.

9.11.16

Had an experience last night I will never forget. The rain has ceased and it was a nice bright moonlight night, in fact, too bright as events proved. At about 5.30 p.m. I took out the gun reliefs and as usual, owing to the impossibility of going through naps and trenches, we walked along the top. We got C and B teams relieved alright and then proceeded to get out the A gun position, which is forward of our front line, out in a bit of a nap. Well, we were going out alright when Fritz spotted us and immediately let us know by turning on to us at least four machine guns; if this shooting had been any good none of us would have escaped, but he was high and we got down into shell holes. Fritz saw the jumps and thought it was an attack, so he put up the flares for Artillery over us, and then commenced a most terrific barrage all round us. We laid still in these shell holes (which were mostly mud and water) for about 30 minutes, and then crawled into the sap. Here the water was at least two feet deep and the mud another two feet under that. We were all huddled up in this sap expecting every minute that the x shell would be find us. We were just near the gun position and this, with four boxes of Ammunition was blown up, so I decided to take the gun and tripod back to the front line and mount the gun there, so we moved back this time through the sap and it was awful in places, well over the waist, and we had our greatcoats dragging in. The gun had to be dragged through, we got a little way back and found one of our men with his left arm blown off, so we had to get him back, as he could not not possibly walk through the water we had to take his up on top. Fortunately by this time, a few clouds had worked up and the moon was obscured occasionally. We got him back to the front line and sent a man for stretcher bearers. In the meantime, I fired the gun up as well as possible. The men had to stand to this gun in two or three feet of watery; I do not thing anymore could realise the state of things without seeing it. There were no stretcher bearers to be found, so we found an old broken stretcher and we struggled along with this poor fellow now unconscious. Eventually we found a couple of Stretcher bearers and they took him from us and had to struggle for a couple of miles to the dressing station, this would take four or five hours at least in this country, On going round to the guns again, I found one had been hit and the barrel casing split, so I went back to the dug-out and sent out the reserve gun. A jar of rum had arrived with the rations, so I sent an issue round to each gun. It was the best thing they could have been given. This morning is a nice sunny morning, and I am sitting up on top of the dug-out writing this, while my clothes and boots dry on me. I feel pretty fair except for a nasty pain across my back, no doubt a now humming about over me, soon made him bring them down. The sky is covered with small puffs of black and white balls where the German shells are exploding, but our planes take very little notice of them.

10.11.16

Heavy frost this morning, nice sunny day. Our Heavies bombarded enemy’s front line from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. All our troops were withdrawn from the front line to supports. Enemy’s retaliation was very light, their planes and balloons are very active. Our airmen do not appear to have such a pronounced supremacy as where we were at Pozieres. The men’s feet are bad owing to standing in water all the time in the trenches. They are using whale oil to ease them. One of our airmen brought down a German plane to-day.

11.11.16

Last night our Artillery were shelling over in the direction of Bapaume, then Fritz replied. It kept going for over an hour. Later a very fierce bombardment commenced on our left. The 20^th Battalion were out digging a new trench well out in No Man’s Land – this is to be the “Hoping Out” trench. Fritz got on to them with machine guns but casualties were alight. We are getting an issue of run every night now. A few shells landed on our dig-out during the night and shook us up, but luckily did no damage. During the morning went round the guns, and being daylight had to keep to the trenches wherever possible,, in places had to wade through mud three feet deep, but having this boots on, did not get very wet. In one or two places had to hop out of the front line and run along the parapet, as the water and mud was too deep to go through . The German snipers are fairly active and get quite a number of our men. While up there, had a few shots at some Germans, as they have to expose themselves just as much as we do. Apparently their trenches are just as bad as ours.

12.11.16

Our artillery had another big bombardment on the German front line, it was terrific. The trouble with the shelling of the German line is that too many of the shells land in our own front and support line and some of our men are always wounded or killed, but to-day was worse than ever, and one of our big shells killed four men and wounded three in our lines; there were others wounded along the line. It seems hard to believe this, but it is an absolute fact, and it has been going on all the time we have been here. The Artillery have no observers in our line, and when the infantry say these things they pooh pooh the idea and say we do not know our shells from the Germans. There is nothing more demoralising t our troops than to know our own artillery are getting them. We are to be relieved to-night after six days in the front line.

13.11.16

We were relieved by No.1 section last night and took over the reserve position from them down in the sunken road. We have here four guns in position, doing indirect fire all day and night. We have a fairly decent little place with small dug-outs burrowed into the side of what was once a road, but is now nothing but shell holes and mud. Our Artillery opened up very heavily again this morning just before daybreak and continued for about 45 minutes. There has been during the past six days, very shelling on our left and I hear that the 5^th Army are attacking there this morning. Our attack is set down for to-morrow as far as we can hear.

14.11.16

Last night I was detailed with some men of my section to take two guns and 18,000 rounds over into a position some distance away to do indirect fire for the attack. This morning I had to pick gun positions and then lay the guns, which were to put a barrage fire behind the German 2^nd line. Zero time was 6.45 a.m. That was when the Artillery opened up and then our men were to go over the bags at 6.50 a.m. The bombardment on both sides was terrific. With my guns I fired 20,000 rounds, when I was called away to go up to the front line to take over No.1 section which had lost both officers, wounded. Nos. 1 and 2 sections were to go over with the 5^th wave and consolidate the position. The 19^th Battalion on the left were fairly successful, but the 25^th in the centre were driven back to the “Hop over” trench and the 26^th on the right was a complete failure. Our losses were very heavy indeed. The position now stands that we are holding portion of the German fronton the Brigade left of section, and on the centre and right we have fallen back to the “Hop Out” trench, which has now become our front line. The German Trenches were hold by masses of men and machine guns. On our left the Northumberland Fusillers were very successful, not meeting the opposition than our men did. Our own little corp casualties were very heavy, Nos.A and seven men and No.2 sections lost all but one man, the rest all being wounded.

15.11.16

Went round early this morning and saw our position. I have only one gun in position, that is in our original front line. One gun is missing since yesterday and another is out of action owing to being hit by shell fragment and the 3^rd is being cleaned up now, as it was only brought in last right after being buried in mud all day; it will go back to the line to-night. We also have two guns out on our present front line, where we are in places only 75 yards only 75 yards from Fritz. The 20^th Battalion made an attempt to get this late yesterday afternoon in a bombing raid, but were driven back again this morning. Our front line was filled with 21^st and 25^th who were going over again, but it did not come off. I believe there is to be a big bombing attack at 12 o’clock, when we will work along the trench from where the 19^th Battalion are holding now. It is a pitiable sight to see wounded now out in No Man’s Land calling for stretcher bearers and unable to crawl to our front line. Just heard that we are to be relieved to-night by the 7^th Machine Gun Company.

16.11.16

We were relieved last night by the 7^th Machine Gun Company, we handed over to them then carried all our gun gear etc. down to Truck lane where the pack horses were, they were loaded up and we moved out, back to the tin huts at Montaubau. We arrived here about 11 p.m. in a very dirty condition, but were able to get a fairly good sleep. This morning, we x the Company to find exactly our casualties, which were are follows

Killed          Wounded           Missing       Sick         Total

O.   O.R.    O.      O.R            O.R           O.R          O.   O.R

1     8          1       29                2                15           2     54

Among this lot was one Sergeant killed, one badly wounded and five Corporals wounded, so this has been rather a costly stunt to our little Company and the Battalion have suffered much more. We also went through all our gun shortages, which were fairly considerable. We had a few guns out of action and one is somewhere over near the German line. There was a frost this morning and to-day is very nice although fairly nippy.

17.11.16

Very cold all night. There was an inch of ice on all water this morning and the x was as herd as concrete. I had to go back up near the front line to where two of our guns had been left, I then care back and sent a pack horse and party to bring them in. While up there I heard the bad news that the 20 Battalion, who were holding what the 19^th Battalion had won, had fallen back to the jumping off trench. This is very bad news to us after seeing the awful losses in taking the trench, and it is to be hoped that all our poor wounded were brought in before they fall back, or they will never get back. The paper brings very good news of a British gain at Beaumort Hamel and x, where they captured something like 6,000 prisoners. Just heard that as the 2^nd Division is only 18 days in and we have done our 9 days, we shall in all probability be going back to Ribemont shortly.

18.11.16

My Birthday, and have just had the very pleasant news that the poor old 7^th Brigade has to be relieved by the 5^th to-night. The first fall of snow fell during the night and has been lying on the ground all day, it was only a light fall. It is awful news for our men to hear that they have to relieve the 7^th Brigade, as they are physically unfit to go back to the line after just coming out, but it is always the name where the 7^th Brigade is concerned, they are a terrible burden for the Division and we have always to rake up for their fallings. They only did three days in, then we did nine and they did three again, now we are to go on again for three days making us 12 days and the7th 6 days. The men are feeling very bitter about it and there will probably be trouble between the men of the two brigades. It has been raining all day and the roads are in a very bad state.

19.11.16

We took over from the 7^th Company last night after a most exhausting march from the tin huts. The men, and officers as well, are all done and certainly not in fit condition to go and hold the line. We only had to send four guns to the front guns are in reserve in Truck Lane. Things are fairly quiet, the great trouble is the bad state of trenches and saps, being inches deep in mud. All we can do is to all tight in our dug-outs, for instance, there is another officer and myself in this hole, which measured about 6’ x 3’6”, in this we sleep, cook and eat. I said cook, this consists of heating water which is very easily done by the tins of solidified Paraffin, then we are able to make a cup of Cocoa, the cocoa being cocoa and milk in tins. This is from the Australian Comforts Fund, and is very much appreciated. A shell has just lobbed outside in the sap and blown some earth into this dug-out, so I will have to set to and clean up.

20.11.16

I was sent back to Montaubau to be in charge of Advance Guard, also had to make arrangements for Company’s shift. Went back on one of the horses with the transport. This ride back brought home to me the difficulties the transport labour is under, of course all work is done by pack horses, and we had to ride through mud and water with my boots and stirrups under. It was awful. I saw an 18 pounder gun being drawn out by 18 horses, and they had a job to do it. It is quite a common occurrence for men to lose their boots in the mud, it sounds incredible, but it is a fact, I have seen men pulled out of the mud and their boots have remained in it.

21.11.16

I moved out with 40 men who were not required in trenches and marched to Ribemont, a distance of twelve miles. Left at 10.45 a.m. and arrived at Ribemont at 4.30 p.m. the men just about played out, footsore and x. I managed to get them into billets, also fixed the transport up who by this time had arrived by a different route.

22.11.16

Had to prowl round and find more billets for the officers and managed to do this in a hut, procured two beds for the two Captains, met the rest of the Company with the exception of the Section still in the line and marched them to the mill, where they are billeted. Having very nice weather, although everywhere is still very mudy.

25.11.16

Has been raining nearly all the time up to the present. 27^th Reinforcement arrived from base.

26.11.16

To-day went into Amiens for the day. Left Ribemont at 8 a.m. and arrived in Amiens at 9.5. a.m. Raining nearly all day and unfortunately all the shops closes at 12 a.m. Went through the famous Cathedral built about 1300. All the beautiful sculpturing is covered by framework and sandbags to protect them from bombs etc. It is a great sight inside. Left the Cathedral and went to a picture palace, where we spent an enjoyable hour or two. Stayed in Amiens overnight, leaving by train at 5.50 a.m. in the morning.

29.11.16

We move to-morrow for Coisy. I think my description of this place is written earlier in this book. The 7^th entrain for Vignacourt and the 6^th Brigade entrain for Glesselles, and the 5^th Brigade will move to the Candmette Area.

30.11.16

Moved out to-day, marched through Heally. Port Noyonelles, Anneniaux, which is the 4^th Army Headquarters and arrived at Coisy at 5 p.m. As the Brigade is more scattered we have more accommodation than when we were here previously, so we have not done so badly. We are having very cold weather just now.

2.12.16

Inspected to-day by G. O. C. 2^nd Division. Our Company turned out in splendid form considering all shortages etc. The General finished by saying that he had inspected all the Machine Gun Companies in the Division and the 7^th Machine Gun Company was easily the best. This settled the men because the 7^th Company had done six days in the line and had about six casualties and our Company had done 13x days and had something like 60 casualties. It showed the absence of tact on the part of our G. O. C. There was a very heavy frost this morning and it has been freezing all day. It is very cold on the feet and hands.

7.12.16

We are having some very nice weather just now. To-day is very foggy and cold, but it is not raining. This afternoon we marched over to a field between Rainville and Cardonette, where the whole Brigade was drawn up and the G. O. C. Inspected us all, and then spoke a few words to us thanking every member of “his Dandy Fifth” for the assistance given by him in the past. He said he would probably be leaving us very shortly and he would be very sorry indeed to do so. We sent four men to Brigade for English leave to-day, that being our quota, but when they arrived there they were told leave to England was again cancelled.

9.12.16

Leave re-opened and we sent five men.

10.12.16

At 9.30 p.m. we were startled by a couple of very loud explosions, also lights in the sky over Amiens way. We all went outside to see more and found it was a Hun Aeroplane bombing Amiens. The searchlight was darting everywhere in the sky and a great number of guns were firing.

11.12.16

I went into Amiens to-day to buy a few things. Raining all day. Started to walk back to Coisy, which is about 8 kilometres distance, on the road stopped a motor lorry, which took me right to Coisy. While in Amiens made enquiries as to extent of damage done by aeroplane the previous night and was told that only two bombs were dropped without doing any damage at all.

12.12.16

I can see through my window the ground is covered with snow, but as it is nearly breakfast I must get out of bed. We were to do some shoot this morning, but I do not think it will be done now; went outside and it is very slushy and unpleasant.

18.12.16

In Demacourt, after having a fairly rough voyage from Coisy to la Housee, where the Company stayed the night while I pushed on to this place to arrange for billets, which I took over from the 12^th Company. It has been very cold and wet nearly all the time. We move on again to-morrow.

19.12.16

Move on again to-day. Arrived at Fricourt, a distance of five miles. It is very cold to-day. Arrived at Fricourt at 1.30 p.m. then marched into Sydney camp, where no sooner had we got into huts than it commenced to snow fairly heavily.

20.12.16

Marched on again to Montaubau in the mud and slush. This camp is named “Adelaide” and the one at Mamey is “Melbourne”. There was a heavy frost this morning and the ground was covered in snow. Everywhere was ice and snow and it has been freezing all day. The roads are much better than last times we were here, although all day they were like glass, and horses were slipping and falling everywhere.

21.12.16

Nos. 1 and 2 sections moved up to-day to relieve the 14^th Company in the front line and support lines. We remain here in Montaubau.

22.12.16

The rest of the Company moved up to a camp, which consists of some huts dumped un amongst the mud. It is situated just near Fromes and Bernafaye Woods, where some very heavy fighting took place in these dense little places – there is not a tree standing. Had a very large number of Christmas parcels arrive to-day, but I did not draw a prize. It has been very cold all day with frequent showers. The roads are very muddy.

24.12.16

To-day is Christmas Eve and preparations for Christmas are being made, such as they are. It has been publicly announced in many papers that there would be a ration of 1b. of pudding per man for to-morrow. We drew 48 lbs. – 96 rations for our Company and the T. M. Battery, which aggregates 210 men, this means only half will get any pudding, so we sent all the issues to the men in the front line – all the men back here will go without. We also received six boxes of comforts, which consists of 15x packages of articles containing one tin of coffee and milk, one tin tobacco and cigarettes, 1 packet playing cards and a few other little things. They are very good presents and are from the Citizens War Chest. The trouble is that our strength is 169 and only 152 packets. Another advantage of being in the Machine Gun Company – in these matters we are always an afterthought, and if there are any left we get them. We managed to get a few more package from other units and just managed to gather enough to give each man one, excluding officers. In the matters of pudding, Unite away back from the line and not likely to get any closer, get their ration, while we up in the line have to do without.

25.12.16

“Merry Christmas” such is to be hard on all sides, for to-day we are going to be happy and cheerful despite everything. I was awakened by our heavies sending presents to Fritz . The sun shines intermittently and the wind is blowing a gale.

26.12.16

Witnessed an aeroplane fight this morning between three of our fighters and one Hun, they circled and manoeuvred for some time then the Hun came down in flames. Artillery here have been very active all day. Raining on and off all day.

30.12.16

To-day with No.4 section I moved up to Needles Trench to relieve Lieutenant French. We took over from him at 4 p.m. the section is split up , two teams sleeping in an old German dug-out at Needles Trench, two teams at Tank Trench (so called because of the tank abandoned there in the trench) and another team on the indirect fire gun in Hose Trench. We had to come about four miles along duck walks from E camp. Passing through Delville Wood, passed Flers on our left and finished up just on the right of Guidecourt, just before getting to needle Trench. The Huns we x giving us their usual afternoon “Hate” and were putting over a great number of Wizz Bangs, which were coming uncomfortably close. I was at the head of eight men when one came down and hit two yards in front of me and just tot the side of the duck walk; fortunately it hit the mud before bursting, otherwise it would have got the lot of us, as it was, we only got the mud. As soon as it got dark the shelling ceased. We had exceptionally heavy rain last night and very fierce wind. The huts we were in were badly erected and we were nearly rashed out.

31.12.16

As soon as No.3 come and relieve us here, we go to the line and relive No.1 section. Fritz has been doing a great lot of shelling round here with all small stuff, doing no damage at all. Went down and inspected the tank in Tank trench. They are very peculiar things, and rather difficult to describe; they have two big whole in the roar, at each side there is a barbette with numerous loopholes, in the rear side of each barbette there is a small doorway for entering the machine, this is not an easy job, to crawl through these openings. Inside it is a marvel of engineering and compactness, the whole space is almost taken up by the machinery. Every available inch of space is used for racks for ammunition. There is a steering wheel and seat just like any lorry, with loopholes to look through – all the loopholes having shutters.

1.1.17

New Year’s Day in the trenches – and the mud. We left Needle Trench at dusk with our guide yesterday and came up the sap leading to the front line. The whole way was from 1’ to 2’ 6” deep in mud, some places it was so thick that it was hard work to lift one foot out, where it was thinner, it was not so hard. We arrived at the front line and went along a little to the right then the trench was so bad that we had to get up in the parapet and walk about 400 yards to where the gun is in the same trench. There are no men at all in the trench, as it is too bad, so that we are to some extent isolated from the left Company. There are no dug-outs, just little ledges with perhaps a sheet of tin or waterproof sheet over them, everything is in a rotten stats. The line here is most peculiar, as Fritz seems to be nearly all round us and we have to be pretty careful during the day or we would soon be sniped one direction or another. Just near our gun a communication sap runs out to the enemy front line, our Bombers are about 20 yards out where they have a post, and about 30 yards from them the Hun has a bombing post. Their front line just here is about 70 yards away. Our 18 pounders have been shelling Fritz a great deal, he does not shell us but sends over a fair number of Trench Mortars. It was quite good to hear a party of the 17^th Battalion singing “Auld Lang Syne” at 12 midnight last night, it brough back lots of pleasant memories.

2.1.17

We will be relieved to-night sometimes after dusk. I sent down a guide before daybreak this morning. Had a fine night last night, although very cold. Most part of the night I was walking up and down a duckboard (6 feet), which was sub merged about four inches under mud. We could hear the Germans working all night making dug-outs etc. and our Lewis guns often had good targets to fire at. Our Artillery has been very active, mostly shelling Le Transloy, a ruined village on our right front, and just behind the enemy’s lines. Straight out in front of us we can see the steeple and chimney of Bapaume, a little further to the left is Beaulincourt, another small ruined village, it is only a mile or one mile and a half to our left, where we were last time. There was a heavy bombardment some distance north has been bringing up tanks in rear of his lines. It has been very cold all day, and to make it felt more, we are not able to get anything hot until we go back to Needle Trench. There was to have been a supply of Tommy Cookers for us to bring up with us, but they did not arrive, with them we could make cocoa and milk, and hot M. & V. rations, which are not too bad at all. Have been busy all morning cleaning up ammunition, belts were in a very bad state, in many cases simply covered with a this slimy mud.

3.1.17

Raining a good deal to-day. Had to take over two more guns from 6^th Company in Rose Trench. We move up again to-night to the line.

5.1.17

Came in alright last night, it was a beautiful night with a very bright moon, but was extremely cold. We are on the extreme right gun of our section and about 500 yards back from our line, where we get all the shelling. They make it very warm indeed for us. We have only two sheets of corrugated iron over us and it leaks all night. We are not able to move about at all during the day as we are under observation; we are just in a few shell holes with no trench and have to go back overland, so we can only do this during the night. German planes have been very active all day, they have the mastery of the air here, in fact, I don’t think our fliers are back from Christmas leave yet and there were about fifteen of Fritz’ up this morning and after they had been flying about for three or four hours five or our fights came up, but they steered off way to the right and did not interfere with the Huns at all. This afternoon our Heavies… opened up for about an hour a very intense bombardment on the Hun’s line just to our right. Earth, etc. was going up in the air over 100 feet, they have also shelling the road leading from Beaulincourt to the Sugar Factory.

6.1.17

Very cold last night, bright moonlight all night. Fritz pretty quiet, lobbing a few with bangs rather close. Started to drizzle rain and finished by snowing early this morning, the snow did not last very long. We are to be relieved at dusk and only expect to do one more tour in the lien.

7.1.17

Got out alright last night and came along Energy Alley, which is not too bad, except in places where it was about 18” deep in mud. Just had the astonishing news that the 7^th brigade relieve us on the night of the 8^th January, this is quite a pleasant surprise. I think there must be a catch somewhere . Mounted one gun in Needle trench for aeroplanes, being a clear day great number of Fritz’ flying about, rather high for our gun. One ventured rather close to us and I fired a belt at him, we though it got him as he came down so rapidly, but he recovered and flew away home. Have had no more decent targets. Heavy frost this morning. I was out washing in a shell hole when a big shell lobbed in three or four yard away, but fortunately was a dud.

9.1.17

Left E camp for Adelaide camp, Montaubau. Two officers and 70 men are remaining down near Division Headquarters for permanent fatigue unloading trucks. We only took the No.1 to look after gun gear, etc. Montaubau camp is very much improved, each having an oil drum brazier and chimney, our only trouble was that our hut had no door and was very draughty.

11.1.17

There has been a heavy bombardment all last night and this morning it was very intense. As a result there are all kinds of rumours flying round. Snowing all day everywhere is covered in white.

17.1.17

This morning there was six inches of snow all over everything, it was a most beautiful sight and the heaviest fall since we have been in France. It has been cold all day. Went down to the baths at Vivier mill, which is nearly in Meaulte.

18.1.17

To-day marched No.3 section out of Demancourt and took over the two anti-aircraft guns at Beurre and two at Ribemont. It was a very pretty sight marching along the road with all the fields covered with snow, except the tracks where waggons etc. had moved about. It has now turned to sleet and the roads are getting very slushy. There is a Theatre down in Mericourt, and to-day a motor lorry took the reminder of our Company from Demancourt to the entertainment.

20.1.17

Freezing and very cold this morning, the snow is still lying on the ground. Have just been told that we are to be relieved to-morrow, the 7^th relieving the Beurre guns and the 6^th relieving the Ribemont guns. This morning at 10.10 a.m. there was a very intense bombardment, which appeared to be in the direction of Sailby-Saillesel, it did not last very long. Rather an amazing little incident occurred this morning; one of my men washed his cardigan jacket and hung it out to dry on the barb wire, he want to look at it about 1x hours later, picked it up and it was like a board, frozen stiff with both rms sticking out, and small icicles at the lower edge, where the water had commenced to drip. We all had a good laught at it, also at the amazed look on the owner’s face when he picked it up. He thaed it by the side of the brazier. Bombardment again about 6 p.m. lasted much longer this morning.

21.1.17

Still freezing hard. We were relieved this morning at 11 a.m. by the 6^th Company. Marched to Demancourt, the roads were actually dusty in places, we knew it when a motor lorry passed us, which was fairly frequently.

22.1.17

Began to thaw this morning then later commenced snowing but did not last very long. We sent 20 men in a motor lorry to the Theatre at Ribemont.

23.1.17

It was a beautiful starlight night last night with a very heavy frost. To-day has been a splendid day, although very cold. To-day has been a splendid day, although very cold. To-day we saw an escaped captive balloon pass us, all one end was deflated as though it had been hit. We did not know whose balloon it was, it was floating back to our rear.

25.1.17

It has not ceased freezing yet and it is very cold. The frosts are very heavy and water inside the billets has over half an inch of ice in the morning. A tin of Ideal milk is frozen solid. It continues to freeze all through the day, although the sun is shining. To-day we had a Brigade attack on two lines of trenches and two strong points, it was extremely cold especially on the hands and ears.

27.1.17

Another beautiful sunny day after a very severe night. This morning there was a terrific bombardment lasting some time.

28.1.17

Heard that the 29^th Division hopped over yesterday and were very successful. So far about 500 prisoner have passed through this village and there are still more to come to-night. At 10.20 p.m. heard a bomb explosion, we went outside and heard the planes, then about ten more were dropped, making a great flash and a terrific explosion; it appeared to be very close to Albert. I went into Albert this morning as billeting Officer – we move on there to-morrow.

29.1.17

The Company moved out of Demancourt at 11 a.m. and reached Albert at noon. I had arrived at Albert much earlier to arrange matters, then went and met the Company on the Amiens road. While I was sitting in the Officer’s mess of the 149^th Company in 51 Rue de Bapaume, a shell landed just out in the back garden and covered this house with dirt. The Germans have been shelling a good deal this morning. I saw two houses wrecked, no casualties. It is still freezing and all the streams round here are covered with ice, the roads and footpaths are like glass and are very dangerous to walk on.

30.1.17

We move again to-morrow, so this morning we marched down to the transport and made our limbers ready for the journey. Marched right along the Amiens road, passing over the Soult Bridge, named after a famous French soldier. We make up permanent store here dump all surplus gear. I was told by a Frenchman the legend of this famous church in this town: -

     “A shepherd who was minding a flock of sheep noticed that one particular sheep always separated from the flock and grazed in one place. He tried to drive it back to the flock, but could not do so; at last he became curious and poked his staff into the ground at this particular spot; on doing so he was startled to hear a voice saying “you are me”, this frightened the shepherd who ran away and told the village folk. These people, being very superstitious, believed the shepherd and went back with picks and shovels and commenced to dig at this spot. They eventually unearthed a statue of the Virgin and on the centre of the forehead was the mark made by the shepherd’s staff. The people built a chapel on this site and in later years a priest conceived the idea of building a grand church in Albert. With that end in view, he travelled all over the world to get subscriptions, which resulted in this beautiful church of Albert, where the famous statue was placed on the Altar. The priest died a year or more previous to the outbreak of war, and on war being declared, the statue was taken to Amiens for safe keeping, and to this reason alone do a great many of the people of these parts attribute the wrecking of the Albert Church. This church was completed about ten years ago.”

     Left Albert unexpectedly for Fricourt and did not get orders till 4 p.m. and was on the road before 6 o’clock. While on the road a heavy snowstorm came on, the roads were awful, men were falling and slipping about; as for the horse, it was pitiful to see them falling like they were. Arrived at Fricourt about 8.30 p.m.

31.1.17

Left Fricourt at 1 p.m. and marched to the line. We passed through Contalmaison and when near Mamety Wood struck out across a duckboard track, passed Bazentim-Le-Petit Wood, and then reached Martinpirch, where our limbers were waiting for us. We unloaded them here as the transports are unable to go past this ruined village. We left Martinpirch carrying guns, tripods, ammunition, rations, etc. besides the men’s blankets and equipment, which altogether is more than a decent load. Through a sap which winds round in all directions, finally bringing us to the Sunken road in Le Sare. This is where we have one gun and also the dug-out which is an old German one with the end trance the wrong way.

1.2.17

Last night our men went out and relieved the guns of ,the 44^th Company (Scottish) in the front line. This can only be done by night as there is no sap leading to it. The front line consists only of Vickers guns, Lewis guns and Bombers. There are remarkable few men in the line, but what few there are could give a good account of themselves. After seeing these guns fixed up, I came back to the dug-out, will I ever forget it It is simply a stairway of about 25 steps with a small rectangular space at the bottom; in this space I sat on an old S.A.A. box, where I eat, sleep and try to pass this time. When I want a rest I go up above and walk along the duckboards? Event this is limited, as Fritz can observe all round here, having a particularly fine O.P. from the Butte de Warlincourt, which is a small hill about 60 feet high above the rest of the ridge.

2.2.17

Fritz got the wind up last night about 10 p.m. and started shelling very heavily, fortunately the 20^th Battalion, had just taken over from the Seaforth Highlanders, Snowing for a couple of hours this morning then about mid-day it changed into a nice sunny day.

3.2.17

Bright moonlight last night and very cold this morning. It was the heaviest frost we have yet experienced in France. Bright and sunny all day with aeroplanes flying round. This morning was rather hazy and I took the opportunity to walk down to the tank, which is just to our right along the road. It is in fairly bad condition, there having been a fire inside with the result that thousands of rounds have exploded inside and cartridge cases and bullets cover everything. There are five Vickers guns, one Hotchkiss (two Vicers guns, one each side and one spare, and the Hotchkiss shoots out the front). Fritz was putting some Pineapples (aerial torpedoes) near our left gun last night but did no damage beyond ploughing up the ground. Our patrol was out all night in No Man’s Land, they wear white shirts and white on their helmets, making them indistinguishable in the snow. They put through 1000 rounds from Sunken Road Le Sars.

4.2.17

Very heavy frost again this morning. It was rather misty so I went for a stroll and explored the village of Le Sars, it is in a truly terrible mess, not a brick left standing and wood lying in all directions. I found quite a large cellar that had been used extensively by the Germans. Outside the entrance was a small red, white and black flag stretched between two sticks – I pulled it off and have it now. Down in the cellar was all kinds of German equipment, rifles, bombs, ammunition, etc. To-night we received instructions that we had to be very active without guns on indirect fire. I have only one gun shooting on a portion of the main Bapaume Road, the reason is that the Germans are relieving to-night. The Artillery is also opening up and other guns of ours are also firing.

5.2.17

Being relieved to-night by the 6^th Company. Very cold all day although nice and sunny. Aeroplanes very active, Huns’ especially. Once during the morning I saw ten Hun machines attack three of ours and quite a long battle ensued; eventually our planes drew away. Relieved at 6 p.m. and marched back to Martin perch, where we loaded our guns and gear on the limbers and marched to Shelter Wood Camp between Contalmaison and Fricourt. Had not been here long, when a German plane dropped a few bombs just near; one fell right in the middle of a hut occupied by some 20^th Battalion men, killing four and seriously wounding seven, it was a terrible mess. Later on, orders came for us to mount four guns in the vicinity, this has to be done each night.

6.2.17

Very cold and windy all day.

8.2.17

This morning was the heaviest frost we have yet had. Late last night orders came for an Officer and two guns and teams to proceed to Contay for Anti-aircraft work. My section, having had the most time up in the line, we were chosen for the rest. We left shelter Wood Camp by motor lorry at 9 a.m., this morning, passing through Fricourt, Albert and along the Amiens Road as far as Franvillers, where we turned off and about three miles further came to Contay, where we relieved two guns of the 3^rd A.M.G.Company. These guns are for the protection of the big ammunition dumps here. Very heavy bombardment to-night about 8 p.m.

9.2.17

This morning walked to Franvillers to the main Amiens Road, and then caught a motor lorry and went to the Ordnance Store at Port Noyelles. As usual, they were sold out of everything I required; I came back through Henecourt by motor lorry again. To-day is, I think, the nicest day we have had in France, certainly this winter. We heard the rumour that we would be on this front till the end of March, preparing for the big push. The whole of the Fourth Army is to be relieved by a new Army, who will do the jumping off. We are to go back for a spell (perhaps). It is still freezing hard and no sign of a thaw. I am living in a nice little Armstrong hut (canvas folding huts and very comfortable indeed) and at present the air is thick with coal smoke and dust owing to the brazier being rather a poor pattern (an oil drum with numerous holes punched in with a pick). the chimney connections are also pretty tripey, but for all that it is the only way to be warm so we put up with it all cheerfully. To-night the bombardment is very heavy.

10.2.17

First thing I heard this morning was the pounding away of the heavies and it has been continuous all day. Enemy planes very busy last night, I could see our guns firing at them near Amiens. Messages from A.A. group 4^th Army, received during night:

1.     From U Battery to 5^th A.M.G. Company, time 10.45 p.m. Alert Signal from U Battery

2.     Time 1.30 a.m. Be on alert, Germans planes bombing Amiens.

3.     Time 3 a.m. Enemy plane hovering near U Battery.

We could hear the Aircraft guns firing and see the explosions, but they did not come close enough for us. Another beautiful day to-day. Two German planes came over very high but did not come any closer than Vadencourt Wood, where the anti-aircraft guns turned them.

11.2.17

Another glorious day with the bombing of the heavies in the distance.

12.2.17

A dull foggy morning which later turned into a miserable sleet; there was then a slight fall of snow. The Artillery has been continuous all day. Rumours that we have taken the Butte. 7.30 p.m. Message received by phone, gas attack on last Anzacs. 7.50 p.m. Gas off.

13.2.17

Wakened by intense Artillery activity, a little later heard the pipers and drums playing, the 44^th Brigade (Scotch) on their march to Beauval, this is the same Brigade we relieved at Le Sars. Quite a mild morning and everything is commencing to thaw, including the mud, which has a likeness for one’s boots. I went down to the Ordnance at Port Noyelles but they had nothing since my previous visit. I came back through Behencourt, Bavlincourt, Rapart and then Contay, all of which are sleepy little villages of about two bars and an Estaminet. Later it commenced to freeze again and our supply of wood is getting low, so had to go and look for another French house to pull down, for it is the only to keep warm, and after all it is all in a good cause.

14.2.17

The heavy guns can still be heard hammering away. No doubt it being the preparation for more of these nibbles we are now seeing so much of in the papers. There is scarcely a day without we have captured a few hundred yards more of Picardy. To-day I heard that my second star had come out in orders 29/1/17. Have heard that our Brigade raid is to be to-night.

15.2.17

Messages from 0 Battery this morning at 5.25 a.m. that hostile aeroplane dropping bombs on Albert. We heard these explosions quite distinctly. Received a message at 5.30 p.m. from 4^th Army: - “Information has been received from reliable source that enemy plane intend to make special aerial attack on Ammunition dump. Information does not say when attack will be.” So we are on the alert for any activity on the part of Fritz. Has been much milder to-day.

16.2.17

Wakened at 5.45 a.m. by the A.A guns at Bazieux firing a few shots over Contay, rang them up but they were only ranging. Still thawing with occasional showers of fine rain.

17.2.17

Still thawing and everything getting very muddy and slippery. Went down to Port Noyelles, but they had only socks. Walked down to Querrieux to try and get a bath. Passed a Guard of Honour drawn up on one side of road consisting of about 100 Grenadier Guards and their famous band, they were a splendid lot physically. This is just near -th Army Headquarters. Unable to get a bath. Commenced to rain.

18.2.17

Raining nearly all last night. Went down to Port Noyelles again and came back in motor lorry. The driver told me the Huns dropped bombs on big ammunition dump at Plateaux near Bray, exploded the dump and these lorries were all going to the dumps at Contay to take ammunition back. This is on the new section taken over by the British from the French recently, there must have been fully 120 lorries that I saw moving to Contay.

19.2.17

Raining nearly all the time, mud ankle deep everywhere.

22.2.17

Verry foggy. I decided to go to transport at La Boiselle, and after starting it commenced to rain and owing to bad roads no motor lorries were running so I had to walk the whole way, about 16 kilometres. The roads were fairly good most of the way. Came back on horseback, keeping horses at Contay.

24.2.17

Rode down to Port Noyelles to Ordnance, sent horses back and walked to Querrieux expecting to be able to pick up a motor for Amiens, waited at the barrier, no cars coming through so set off to walk. Walked about six or seven kilometres, then stopped a car which took us right into Amiens. First consideration was a haircut then a good meal, which we had at the Savoy. There were a great number of officers in the town, mostly British but also Canadian, Australian, French and Russian. Saw about six Russian officers, and they were fine big men.

25.2.17

Stayed at Amiens overnight and we were lucky enough to strike a car coming back to Querrieux, then walked to Contay.

26.2.17

Rained during night but turned out a nice sunny day. The aeroplanes are making the most of it. Heard a remarkable tale last night by a man just back from Albert; the rumour up there has it that the Germans have withdrawn the troops in some places as much as ten miles, that they had evacuated Bapaume, and that our men had gone all over the German front line system and had not seen a German anywhere.

27.2.17

Heavy sheeling by our guns last night and has lasted all day. Took the horse out for a run this afternoon, went as far as ToutereCourt, that is the next village, about five kilometres away. Still very strong rumours of the Huns evacuating Bapaume. We were taken over by the 5^th Army on the 15^th inst. The 5^th Army taking a whole corps front from the 4^th Army. Since the change our rations have been noticeably shorter.

28.2.17

Heard to-day that our line had gone forward a couple of miles and later saw the Daily Mail giving full detail of our new line, which now includes the Butte de Warlencourt. Went down to Port Noyelles. Rather cold to-day looks like rain.

1.3.17

Good news again in the paper. Fritz is apparently falling back on to a well prepared line of defence on the far side of Bapaume.

2.3.17

Heavy frost this morning. Rode up to Transport lines at La Boiselle and then walked across Sausage Gully and up to Shelter Wood camp, where the Company were. They had come out of the line the previous night after taking part in the great advance, only sustained four casualties, although the 4^th Reinforcement suffered fairly heavily. Fritz is using up all stores of Ammunitions before withdrawing his batteries and is making things very lively. While there I heard the news that the 7^th Brigade, who attacked this morning, were successful, gaining their objective and taking 35 prisoners and two machine guns. Everyone was of the same opinion that the Huns participating in the rear guard fighting were a fine lot of troops and harassed our advance as much as possible, mainly by the use of machine guns. They had destroyed nearly all their dug-outs before retiring and there was very little in the way of material lying about, pointing to the fact that they are retreating in quite good order. However, it will have a great effect on the morale of our troops who are now well in advance of the line they have occupied for so long. Captain Hamilton made search and found the body of Lieutenant T.Tenant lost up beyond Flers on that awful day the 14^th November. He was only 207 yards from our old front line.

3.3.17

Fairly heavy frost this morning, and foggy all day. Our advance still continues and our troops in Mesapotamia are also having great successes.

4.3.17

Frost again this morning, nice and sunny all day, although a very cold wind blowing. Our Artillery was very active all last night and this morning. Rode down to Port Noyelles this afternoon, there are a great number of 4^th and 5^th Division Artillery round about Bullecourt.

5.3.17

Wakened this morning by a fairly heavy snowstorm and was quite surprised to see a drift about 6x deep in one corner of my hut. This had beaten in an open window and managed to fill two pairs of boots for me. There is about 3 x of snow covering the fields. Surprised a little later by an officer of the 17^th Division (British) coming in to relieve me, as this was the first notification I had had of relief and had no means of getting the guns and gear to the Company. I made arrangements to postpone relief until to-morrow and sent a messager up to Company Headquarter for a limber at once; later the sun came out and melted some of the snow, making the ground in a very muddy condition.

6.3.17

Limber did not arrive until 9 p.m. last night. Relieved at 10 a.m. this morning by the 52^nd Company 17^th Division. Arrived at Transport lines at 1.30 p.m., had lunch and pushed on to Launceston Camp, where the Company are, but on arrival, found they had gone into line. As we had done twenty miles, we stayed the night in Launceston Camp, Bayestin-Le-Grand. It is a pretty hopeless looking camp consisting of eight Nessen huts in a sea of mud. I don’t think any Tasmanian would feel flattered at sight of this hole. Quite a lot of 9.2’s etc. near here and they make a terrible row. To-day we had the most unusual issue of Oranges – one between four men, and small oranges they were.

7.3.17

Went up Flers to Company Headquarters, duckboard brack nearly all the way, passing through High Wood. Heavy frost this morning and very cold wind blowing hard all day. Rumoured that 1^st Division are entraining for Poperinghe.

8.3.17

Left Launceston Camp at 10 a.m. for Company Headquarters, Flers. Started in heavy storm of sleet, which later turned to now. In the afternoon went round our gun positions and left at 2 p.m., arrived back at 9.30 p.m. then walked all over the ground that gave us so much trouble on the 14^th of November. Parties are busy burying the men who are still laying about. Went right up through Le Barque Ligny Killoy, where all our guns are doing indirect fire on the points of importance. Le Barque is not quite so badly knocked about as the village we usually get in.

9.3.17

Commenced snowing again and had turned very cold. Artillery a little more active. We are occupying what has been a German funk hole, and previous to that, had been the cellar of some Frenchie’s house. It is quite comfortable, consisting of a decent cellar which is used as Mess room and living room. There is a small office off this and then a stairway down about 30 feet further leading into a passage way, where we have our bunks. This passage-way continues to another entrance, here we have our cookhouse, etc.

12.3.17

Orders at 2 a.m. this morning to the effect that we are relieving eight guns of the 7^th Company, over near Warlencourt, so I was packed over the 7^th Company Headquarters just beyond Le Sars to make the necessary arrangements for relief. I went through Eaucourt L’Abbaye and passed two old Tanks, one of them being an old man tank. This is the first I have seen; instead of the Machine Guns these tanks carry 26 powder guns, one on either side. We have also to relieve eight guns in the 5^th Division Section and the 8^th Company of the 5^th Division is coming to relieve our Company. There has never been such a mix up since we have been a Company, we will have two Headquarters about four miles apart.

13.3.17

1 a.m. I am just sitting down waiting while a drop of tea is made, like all the men I am utterly fagged out and have been on the go since 5 p.m. last evening. Have just completed relief of the 7^th Company taking over fire positions, and don’t think we have ever had a more difficult relief to carry out, shell holes were as thick as ever I have seen them and all full of mud and water. I am caked with mud nearly to my waist – it was really awful. I have just been round on a visit to each gun with the officer I relieved and everything is O.K. By all appearances Fritz has cleared out again. He is not sending up a solitary flare, which is rather significant; also only heavy guns are firing which rather indicate that all his small fired guns are being withdrawn, so I am now anticipating a move forward at any minute. 11 a.m. At 5.35 a.m. was awakened by a runner to say that the C.O. 17^th Battalion wishes to speak to me on the phone at B Company Headquarters. He said he wanted me to move my three guns up into the Grevillers first line. We were in possession of the 2^nd line as well, which ran just along in the rear of Lompart Wood. I had to bring my two guns’ crew up from Nos.5 & 6 to take over 2 or 3 , and in the meantime I went up to the line and selected three positions. Fritz has all his dug-outs mined with great sticks of guncotton, however, we removed these little inconveniences and began making gun positions. I went over to the 17^th Battalion in the 2^nd line and they were preparing to advance, so I went along with the O.C. one of the Companies. We moved forward nearly a mile into some old Artillery positions on the right flank on Lompart Wood. It was very misty and no one was sure where the Germans were, although we saw two or three men getting away over the hill some distance away, no doubt Huns. The 17^th took up this position so I went back to Grevillers. Our patrols and outposts are approximately 1000 yards out in front of us and they are doing a little sniping. Fritz had destroyed a good number of his dug-outs although we have managed to get two fairly good ones. The enemy has now started a fairly continuous shelling of all our positions, although up to now we have been most fortunate having suffered no casualties. We have now advanced about level with the Bapaume and about 3.500 yards to the left of the town. I have not heard how far our troops have advanced on Bapaume or on the right of Bapaume near Le Transloy, where we have been held up for so long. It is not surprising that the Hun has retired again as the Grevillers’ lines were made almost untenable by our Artillery – they were in a lamentable condition. Our trouble with this advance had been no rations. Owing to all the Company’s relief last night, we did no get to-day’s rations, and we have not had anything to eat since yesterday, and the men are fagged out with all the tramping about we have had to do in the past 24 hours. About 11.30 or 18 noon we saw the wonderful sight of the Essex Regiment, about a full Battalion, moving in a mass from Lompart Wood across our left flank and marched right on towards Bilacourt. Fritz was asleep with his Artillery, only getting shells in after the men had advanced past that ground. Later on he landed a few among them and they all scattered out, we could plainly see them, although they were quite a mile away. A little later there was a great rattle of German Machine Guns but we were unable to see any result. On the left again of this Battalion, there were two Battalions who went straight across and over out of sight. It was a splendid sight, although very risky for the men who provided it. From then on the enemy gave us some hurry up, and till fairly late in the evening we were subjected to a terrific bombardment and it is a marvel that none of us were hit. Our Artillery were not firing at all as they did not know how far our men had gone forward, even where we were we did not know exactly how far they had gone.

14.3.17

I had to go and see the C.O. of the 17^th Battalion late last night and it was dark as pitch, it took us over two hours to go to the dug-out, which ordinarily can be done in twenty minutes, also our ration party drove back here about 9 p.m. end did not arrive until 6.30 a.m. this morning, they had got lost and made the best of it in an old German dug-out. Raining all night and is still showery, the mud is worse then ever. Fritz has been shelling fairly consistently. The O.C. came up and had me out again at 2 a.m. The Brigadier had ordered these guns to do indirect fire, of course, I could do nothing at that hour, but as soon as daylight came had to get busy. I don’t think I have ever been more tired, it has been very trying and have had no sleep since leaving Flers. The walking about here is very hard work. I went over to Grevillers and explored a few German dug-outs, quite a number have not been destroyed. Fritz still shells the village very heavily and destroys all the houses, which up till now were fairly good. In one dug-out, I found on a file a letter written by a German to Sir Tommy, and have placed it in my pocket book as a curio. This afternoon, we were shelled very heavily but luckily no damage was done. The Tommies made an attack on our left, but were beaten back.

15.3.17

Went out this morning to find a position for a gun in the right front of Grevillers. Went down to C. Company’s Headquarters, but owing to Fritz sniping we were unable to move about much. Decided to bring gun down and choose position at dusk, arrived about 6 p.m. and then went all over the ground trying to find a suitable position but could not better the one I had partially chosen at C. Company’s Headquarters. We had no dug-out, so this meant a night in the open and it was a freezing night. Later found a shaft Fritz had commenced, there was about one foot of sticky mud all the way down and we had a very miserable night.

16.3.17

Heavy frost this morning and a very heavy fog making it impossible to observe far ahead. Managed to clean dug-out a good deal and we have now steps to sit on, but it is a fairly warm corner. Went up to guns in Artillery dug-outs twice to-day and has some rather close shaves, as the enemy has been shelling the villages very heavily all day. It is now becoming an awful wreck, all the streets are getting ploughed up and trees and houses are blown all over. When we first arrived up here x of the 17^th Battalion want out last night on our left, got as far as the wire and were beaten back. They were going to take a piece of trench. The Aeroplanes have been very busy to-day. Nineteenth Battalion relieve the 17^th to-night.

17.3.17

6.30 a.m. and Fritz gone back again, so we had to hurry up and push forward. I sent back and got another gun and x new taking the two forward. Moved up into the line just behind the village of Grevillers. The 19^th Battalion has posts on the far side of the village. The enemy is still sniping on our left. We moved forward again about 9.10 a.m. into a trench on the far side of Grevillers. The guns are in position to protect the left flank of C. Company which is in the air. On the right they link up with the 6^th Brigade, the line is about 1000 yards in front of us. Everywhere big fires are burning are burning, the Huns having burnt everything. On our right, Bapaume is all on fire. Our Artillery is very quiet and Fritz’s heavies are pelting at us, but his Machine Guns are very active and I have had a few close shaves to-day going over to the quarry. Casualties are very light. The enemy Aeroplanes are doing as they please, flying about all over our line. There were three of our mento-day, driven down, all behind our lines. The greatest surprise of the day occurred in the afternoon when someone said “here’s the Cavalry”. We all jumped up and saw about six horsemen coming along their swords over their shoulder and glittering in the sun. They came over the ridge with the sun behind them and advanced about 50 yards then burst of Machine Gun bullets landed among at them and they went back like scalded cats. A little later three more came through and tried another track. They got through the barb wire and went a little way, then the Machine Guns got on to them – they also came back in a hurry. Unfortunately a lad was wounded in the stomach, and it was remarkable the way he stuck on his horse, but there were no more attempts here. There are 80 horsemen behind the village and I believe there are thousands up close in our rear. The sight is a beautiful one, and all round are the blazing fires started by Fritz, it is very pretty indeed.

18.3.17

Fritz cleared out again early this morning, so we moved on again, this time to a position on the right of Sapignies. Our Calvary have been away ahead of us and the enemy are still moving back. Just up on our right on the rain road is a monument erected in memory of the Heores who died for their country in the battle of Bapaume, 3^rd January 1871, all round are very thick stumps and in this the German had built a sniper position about 20 feet high, having a splendid command. At the crossroads there is a tremendous mine crater, evidently with the object of hindering our transport, there is a working party there now, filling it in. This afternoon, with my Sergeant, I went to look at the country. Just over the main road leading to Sapignies we met two of our 2^nd Division men. They had been out some distance, but were called in again, they were all very indignant about being deprived of some fun. We went on about two miles and came upon the outposts of the King’s Liverpool Regiment. Just in front of us was the village of Mory, and like all the other villages it was a mass of smoke and flames. Our Cavalry were out in front on the ridge, but no Huns could be seen anywhere. The 2^nd Division is moving on in the morning as column with the 21^st Battalion out as a vanguard. Our limbers will be up and our eight guns are moving right on.

19.3.17

A ‘Plane came down x first right over by Kory, could not see whether ours or not. We are now waiting on our limbers. Very cold and windy this morning. Just over in the village of Sapignies there is a tremendous cemetery of a couple of thousand graves, there are a few of the Royal Naval Division buried there by the Germans. 6 p.m. Still waiting on Limbers, and x preparing to stay the night. Have shifted into dug-outs in Querry. The troops are moving up on our left, I think they are 2^nd Division (British), also some big guns have gone forward drawn with the big Caterpillar Tractor. It is extremely cold and has now started sleet. The enemy has been shelling Bapaume all day with long range guns putting in shells about every ten or fifteen minutes. I had my first wash to-day since the advance began. Later. Two or our planes were brought down this morning.

20.3.17

The O.C. came and saw me this morning. We are not moving forward at present, but I have to shift from Querry and x my four guns in positions to protect this line of outposts which runs from a point between Belfoillers and Sapignies. The 18^th Battalion are here now and the other three Battalions are somewhere back from Grevillers. I learned last night from a Tomy officer that they were away beyond Kory and Vraux, and had encountered the Uhlans just this side of Exxus Le Main, which is about 11,000 yards distant. The 60 pounders and all the 18 pounders are ahead of us where we are making a strong line of outposts building gun positions, etc. Since we took Bilfoillers and advanced on Sapignies about four day ago, this Brigade has been neutral. Possibly there is some scheme afoot and we are now resting for it. There is very little Artillery activity. This month is living up to its name, I am sure we have never experienced a colder wind then has been blowing for the last few days, also rain snow and sleet mixed with it.

21.3.17

After baking over a fire for four hours I am able to scribble these few notes. My Batman and runner rigged up a few sheets of iron last night, just room for the three of us to get out of the rain, but not the wind, which sounded like a tornado on our rough shelter. However, it stood the strain, and with the aid of a blanket (similar in texture to a bran bag) and waterproof sheet managed to get to sleep. It did not last very long and I lay awake shivering for a few hours until daybreak, then I got up and went out lit a fire, and am still by the side of it. As soon as breakfast is over I will visit the guns. In the afternoon went over to the cemetery in Sapignies, the graves are very well cared for. There are seven Englishmen buried there, four dated 22/10/16, and three of the French Division dated 17/02/17. Am shifting into a dug-out for to-night. To-day saw one of our planes bring a Fritz down over in the direction of Kory.

22.3.17

Snowing during the night and is lying about one inch deep on the ground, also freezing this morning. All day it has been alternately sunshine, snow and sleet. Walked down to Company Headquarters at Grevillers and then went on to the Transport lines in Le Barque.

23.3.17

Twelve months to-day since we landed in France. Walked through Bapaume and it is a terrible mess. Saw the pedestal where the statue of the Defender of Bapaume in January 1871 was. The Huns have taken the statue away leaving an old stone pipe in its place. Some of the debris is still smouldering and smoking. The plane we saw come down two days ago was driven by a son of Prince Leopold of Bavaria. He came to earth, got out of his machine and began to run away. A Machine Gunner of the 6^th Australian Company fired on him and wounded him in the stomach, he is believed to have died last night. The Sergeant in charge of the Machine Guns is under arrest. The machine was practically undamaged and was taken through Bapaume yesterday.

25.3.17

Going on leave to-morrow. One of our planes brought a Hun down this afternoon. Having splendid weather. Have to report at Brigade Headquarters at 10 a.m. in the morning.

10.4.17

Back from Bligthy, and will try and put in writing some of the joys of Leave. Left Bapaume on the morning of the 26^th March. Heard the bad news that during the early hours of the morning a bomb went off in the Town Hall, killing about 28 Australians and two French Deputies. Rode down to Beaver Wood Camp to our Mail orderly and got my mail, then was lucky to get a car into Albert, where I managed to get a bath and changed into some decent clothes, as I left the line in torn and muddy rags I had been in since the push. No train from Albert to-day and R.T.O. advised me to go by Lorry to Amiens, but I decided to wait for to-morrow’s train, which was timed for 10 a.m. I caught this train with hours to spare as it did not move out till 2.30 p.m. Arrived at Amiens in time to catch the 6.18 p.m. train for Boulogne, where we arrived at 2 a.m. after a very tedious journey. The Boat left Boulogne at 10.45 a.m. and we were in Blighty at 12.30 p.m., then commenced a splendid train journey from Folkestone to London, arriving there somewhere about 2.30 p.m. Went straight to the Hotel and then – my leave began. It would, of course, be impossible to try and describe the glorious stay in England, but I will just mention a few of the sights I saw. First, I think, was Westminster Abbey, ST. Paul’s, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the King’s Stables. Saw the Guards change at Buckingham Palace, twice saw a party of the famous Life Guards; went to the Messiah in the Albert hall on Good Friday, also visited that grand Hall and heard one of the usual Sunday Concerts. Fortunately I visited the House of Parliament while the House was sitting. All my time in England was crammed full of most interesting events. I walked in all the principal streets, went to the different theatres and generally saw and enjoyed everything that could be in so short a stay. I went up to Manchester and spent three days there. It reminded me very much of Sydney, although somewhat dirtier, but still very interesting. The people there are very nice. The town is, of course, not so chock full of troops. The weather, during my stay, was very changeable , having a great deal of snow, and the morning I went to Manchester there was a blizzard on, and I was told it was the most severe for a great many years. It took me over half an hour to get a taxi in London, where usually there are hundreds. Everyone was looking for taxis. Or course, all good things come to an end and so did my stay in England, where I spent about 12 days. It was indeed very painful coming back to this miserable country of France. Left Folkestone at 12 noon and was in Boulogne at 2 p.m. The train did not go until 9.5 p.m., so walked through the town and listened to the French Band. Arrived at Amiens at 5 a.m. after waiting on the Boulogne Station from 8.45 p.m. until 12.10 p.m. When the train pulled out is was bitterly cold. Left Amiens at 6 a.m. and arrived at Ribemont at 7 a.m. The train did not go any further so had to get to Albert as best we could, and of course, it was raining as usual, Got to Albert and found the Company was somewhere at Fircourt, so tramped through the mud carrying my suit case and thinking all kinds of nice things; the main idea was why the devil I hadn’t stayed in London another few days. Heard very good news of our troops having taken Vimy Ridge and advancing a good lot in that Sector.

11.4.17

Great News! Our 4^th Division, with twelve tanks, have advanced and taken a part of the Hindenburg line and we are on two hour’s notice to move, so things are busy. Still raining. Later. Move cancelled owing to the Germans driving our Troops out of their position, so there must be some heavy fighting.

12.4.17

I was sent ahead as billeting officer with the Brigade party to Favreul, where we had to find room for our units. It was a difficult job, as we had to put 160 men in where there had previously been about 40. The Company arrived in Bapaume about 4.30 p.m., where I met them. To make meters worse, it was raining very heavily and the roads were blocked with traffic. We managed to secure three or four tarts which enabled us to put all the men under shelter, although very uncomfortable. The 4^th Brigade is practically wiped out and the other Brigades are cut up badly. They blame the tanks for the disaster as they hindered the advance to a very large extent. Our men got into the German 2^nd line and were then enfiladed and cut off from the old line, the losses were awful. The Machine Gun Company I relieved here had only two guns left, lost all tripods, spare parts an ammunition and had about 30 men left. The trench Mortar also lost heavily I was speaking to their Officer and was told that Roy, who was with him during the stunt, was missing. He had no idea what had happened to him.

Lieutenant Dakin was killed on 18^th April 1917