Monday 8 November 1915

The Battalion parades at 8 am and march to a field to be inspected by General Smith and also for him to say a farewell speech. Major Gault responded with a grand speech and called for 3 cheers for the General. We sever all communications with the 80th Brigade and 27th Division. We move on to Picquigny with the Band of the General Staff at our head.
Lovely Country with undulating ground and covert woods (spinneys).
Arrived at Picquigny at 10 am. The ruins of an old castle with the portcullis and main entrance in good condition. The castle stands on a prominent hill above and in the town. The walls of the city gateway are visible.
Rested outside the town for ¼ hour and proceeded to Flixecourt arriving at 1:30 pm.
Billeted at Saint Brothers Carpet, Sack, and oil sheet factory in the drying rooms. Amidst oils and dyes. Sickly and warm. After a rest a party (Wallach, Brulungie, Rowley, and self) of us went to visit the Chateau on the hill. Madame Saint gave permission to us to go around the grounds and detailed a servant to shew us around. Visited the gardens, conservatory, [Vinery?] Stable and Kennels.
Afterwards to tea and bed.
I sleep on a pile of hemp skeins and had a good sleep.