The Germans were silent all night, also our gunmen. Rains heavy all morning. Private David Young, Private Walter Durham and myself assay a march into Ypres. We start at 11:20 over a very muddy and hard cobble stone road. Arrived at Dickebusch at 12:20 noon got “dinner” after a deal of trouble – two eggs and some chopped potatoes. No coffee nor tea. The Military Authorities have banned the sale – suspicious of rum etc being in it – until 6 pm. Left Dickebusch at 1 pm for Ypres. Awful road to travel on. Five kilometers from Dickebusch to Ypres. Large shell holes cover the fields on either side, trees cut down by shells etc. Pass several sentries. Cross bridge over the canal or moat. Everywhere is ruin and desolation. Not a house habitable. We pass the Railway Station on our left and ramparts on right and enter street covered with brick and masonry. Arrive at Cloth Hall and Cathedral. We go inside to inspect. Only two minarets standing. We pass over the market square [and enter] Convent of St Maria in ruins. After, to Church of St Jacques. Pass pile of debris whereon is a cross with words “Under this debris lie the bodies of 6 men of the K.O.Y.L.I (King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry)”. Near Church of St Jacques is grave to two “unknown friends”. Pass up Rue de Beurre and see Church of St Nicholas with roof completely off. Was bombed April 22. Visit another Convent and yet another. There were 20 Convents in Ypres before the war. Plenty of troops have had more than they can carry of wine and beer and are [rolling] a good bit. On way back we met several parties going to the trenches, carrying Christmas parcels and looking rather moody and thoughtful about their present and past Christmas.
Corporal Lightbody held Service in [hut] with gamblers on opposite side.