– drizzly rain, not much
Heavy firing around Lens & Lille.
Capt. H M. Wallis goes on special leave to England (Manchester). He can get his but not I. Again, an officers war.
Wednesday 8 September 1915 – fine
Princess Pats hold sports. Received letter from Reverend N.J Thompson. I go to Nieppe. Am entertained to tea by some French ladies into afternoon. They are from Ypres, Lille and Armentiéres.
Monday 4 January 1915 – Rain
Heavy bombarding around Armentieres and Lille. Our new move is cancelled. Retired to rest last night but ‘tis impossible wet clothes and wet feet. How I escape Rheumatics, colds, etc; is marvellous. Lot of men attending the doctor. Have not had my clothes off for over a fortnight –
“they are commencing to make themselves known”
*Fortnight – 2 weeks.
Thursday 24 December 1914
Up at 10:30 am
Got a meal & walked round. Engineers making trenches around the farm. I forage for food & am able to purchase 2 slices of bread at [1p] (two sous)per slice. Returned to my quarters in the Backhouse. Made bed of straw & tried to sleep. Beautiful night moonlight. Heavy bombardment on the line between Ypres & Lille. Cold is so severe that sleep in impossible. Up at 8 am.
