We had a “dixie” of tea between each platoon

TCD MS 10853 folio 83 recto

TCD MS 10853 folio 83 recto

[1915]

March 20th. We had a little drill to-day in the field adjoining the barn. We went up to the orderly room in a village two miles away to change my bayonet scabbard in the afternoon and later went to Elveradinge with Ben for a feed at night.
Sunday March 31st. Beautiful hot day – too hot we found at 4.15 when we marched into Ypres. We halted in the town rather fagged out with our heavy packs and had a “dixie” of tea between each platoon served out in the street.
We did not reach the trenches until about 1.30 a.m. relieving the Scottish in 38, 39, 40, and 41 trenches. I met George Coates here and had a chat with him little thinking I would never see him again. For he was killed in the Hooge charge in June. We were in 39 trench and Ben and I got a most comfortable spot.
Rough sketch.