TCD MS 10822 folio 20 recto
[May 11th 1917] both sides which lasted till late at night. Some unlucky shells hit one of our parties just as they were starting off not 40 yards from Bt H.Q. and killed four and wounded nine. The remainder of the Company had a very poor time later on and we had altogether 25 casualties during the night.
May 12th. Got up at 3 a.m. and went round the line that we are to take over on the 14th. It is a good long walk from here and our guide lost his way. The neighbourhood of Battalion H.Q. seems very unhealthy and the front line to be the quietest place. No wire or anything in front to prevent the Germans from walking over at any time.
May 13th. Another very hot day – showers in the evening failed to cool the air much. A certain amount of shelling all round us. Several landed very near but no damage was done.
May 14th. A heavy thunderstorm during the night and the trenches became full of mud and water. Three direct hits on our trench during the afternoon, one within 8 yards of our Headquarters and not 2 yards from the telephone. The operator was untouched but all the wires were broken. Another fell on C.Coys Officers Mess, luckily just after they had finished dinner and all five Officers were outside. They were all knocked down and a servant inside who was clearing up was killed. After dark we moved up into the front line to relieve the 6th KOYLI. It was quite a long way and a very dark night. Several of the platoon guides lost their way and the relief was not completed till 3 a. m.
May 15th. Went round the trenches at 4 a.m. The smell horrible in places. Many bodies lying out in front and also buried in the parapet. Not much shelling but many vane bombs came over during the morning. In the evening the Boche put up a barrage on our front line and also behind, but nothing more came of it, though all night at intervals there was much shelling. Am feeling very stiff and rheumatic from living in these deep dug outs. Very dark nights.
May 16th. Went round the line at 6 a. m. There was much shelling and many bombs came over. It was not very pleasant and I had to go fast. Returned another way and passed several deserted trenches filled with