Wednesday, August 30th 1916

Tremendously heavy rain have flooded the trenches very seriously – the men living in the line are having a most miserable time – while the heavy rains continue work on the drains is almost useless.

Tuesday, August 29th 1916

During the afternoon the Bosch put two shells into the village. These were evidently registering shots for two guns for while we were at dinner three shells burst almost simultaneously close to the mess – six more follwed and then we came up out of the cellare and resumed dinner.

Sunday, August 27th 1916

Up in the line got caught in heavy rain.  In the evening Capt. Holmes was in to dinner.  In the middle of it bombardment commenced and we had to retire to cellar. Shells dropped in street and on billets but curiously enough not a casuatly. During the week we have had 25 shells dropped into Aix but not a casualty. Later played bridge Budgett & I v. Major &Capt Holmes in the Major’s dugout.

Saturday, August 26th 1916

During the week heavy straffing on this front.  On Saturday the Engrs. gave a concert at Petit Sains to which as many of the men and officers that could be spared, turned up. After the concert which was quite good – had dinner at No. 1 mess

Monday, August 21st 1916

Last night there was a big straff on this front.  Roger was first sent over (1000 C.) and this was followed by heavy bombardment. I was in bed in the billet and suddenly a Bosch shell whizzed into Aix quite close to our house so I opened up the cellar approach and had a look at the accommodation there. Six shells arrived – two of them duds – but no damage of any serious kind was done.  Garland was hit at French dump – the first casualty the 3rd Field Co. has had in France.

Sunday, August 20th 1916

During the last fortnight the weather has broken and we have had heavy rain – making the trenches very bad. Outdoor work has been much delayed as it is difficult to keep the trenches clear. On several occasions heavy artillery straffe have occurred and Roger has been up at the front waiting favourable conditions. On Saturday, Aug 19th Hassell called at the mess – He arrived at Etaples about two months ago but has now come forward and will in a day or two be attached to one of the companies here.

Friday, August 11th 1916

Weather still continues to be splendid and the news from every front very good indeed – although the Bosch is by no means whacked the campaign is going steadily but overwhelmingly against him. This week have been working steadily at Headquarters trench and Arras Road trench.

Sunday, August 6th 1916

During the week we have been engaged working – with day and night shifts – at headquarters trench reconstruction, Arras Rd. repair, Kellet Line d’g – The weather has been gloriously fine and the work has gone forward quite well. On two occasions during the week the Bosch has put a few shells into the village but no casulaties – During the week a Padre has joined our mess. He comes from a parish on the main road between Bury and Thetford and formerly was curate in charge at Marlpool Heanor.