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Tuesday 14 June 2011

Diary Entry - 14th, 15th and 16th June

A quiet day at the OP. We fired a fair number of rounds as sent over three for Boschie's every pipsqueak. I think Boschie was rather amazed as had been doing what he liked before. On Thursday, Siggers went off in the morning as was to go on leave that evening. It was a quiet day and I spent it at the battery. On Friday, there was nothing doing, but, thank goodness, the rain had stopped and it was finer. At six pm, I started out for Chablain Abbe, to look for some piping which was reported to be lying along the side of the road there. As the place mentioned in the chit was not on my map, I asked the Signals about it and they said that the place I was after was in front of Souchey, so was pretty sure there was a mistake in the map reference and, after searching about, returned home, getting back about eight.

Bertie, diary entries

Wednesday, 14th June, 1916

 Still showery. Oaklet and I went out this morning to have a look at our alternativr position. We walked miles - about 10, I should think - through Boveney Wood, mud up to our ankles.  Our other two guns came in last night. They and the 48th battery section form a unit detached. We heard today our Colonel has been made a Lieutenant General. I'm afraid we shall miss him very much in this brigade. Thorburn  is going with him as adjutant to the 25th division, which are expected to take part in a show very shortly. There are a great rumours of peace being declared, which are growing stronger every day, but somehow cannot believe them.

 Thursday, 15th June, 1916

 Nothing much doing. In fact it has been very quiet. The work on the  gun pits is going on steadily. They have painted the cupolas white inside, which makes a wonderful difference to the light. At last it looks as if it would fine up. I went up to the 48th and had a look around the positions. They have also done wonders.  Their position reminds me of being on the bridge of a ship.  The guns are all dug into the side of the hill. The trench connecting them is on a higher level, with trap doors to each gun it. Then there is one splinter-proof room at one end with a speaking tube and electric bell to each pit, besides having electric light at each gun. Then the Captain's dugout  is a specialty. It is a complete cupola, painted white, with a wooden floor and a trap door in the floor, which you can get into – an absolutely safe dugout.

Friday, 16th June, 1916

The first time we have seen the sun four weeks. There was guns, but still very below normal in the way of noise. We worked on the pits, played cricket and hit a golf ball about.

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