TCD MS 10822 folio 5 recto
[Dec 27th 1916] but no wind. As the Boche is supposed to have gas in his trenches opposite us, a shoot by the Heavies was organised for the afternoon from 2-4. It was a really fine shoot by the 6”, 9.2”, & 4. 5”. Thousands of rounds fired and much damage done to the Boche trenches. I think several gas cylinders were broken, as a green cloud hung about several places in their trenches for 20 minutes or more. A very fine fight in the air over our heads between some ten aeroplanes. The Boche seemed to get rather the best of it. A quiet night followed.
Dec 28th. A sharp frost during the night followed by a thaw. By 1 p.m. we were relieved by our 8th Bt. who arrived just in time to see a shoot by our heavies on the Boche front and support line. We went into billets at Riviere and have got very comfortable quarters. In the evening we all had our Xmas dinner – for the men pork and fresh vegetables, plum puddings, oranges and nuts and beer.
Dec 29th. The Boche retaliated by shelling the trenches we had just left all the morning. I walked round all the Keeps where we have small garrisons, which took up the whole morning as the furthest one was a long way off. It poured during the night and for an hour there was heavy shelling and gun fire.
Dec 30th. Very heavy rain – everything under water, but a quiet day. In the afternoon walked along to the Keeps and met the General on the way who came on with us and we then went to tea with him at Brigade H.Q. All the men out on working parties.
Dec 31st. A quiet day: all the men out on working parties. In the afternoon walked to Baseerre with Maurice and in the evening dined with the Brigadier. Very good dinner in comfortable chateau. On returning, at Boche midnight one shell came over which nearly caught us. We retaliated at our midnight with many. Rest of the night quite quiet.
Jan 1st [19]17. Quiet day. Was told I could wear Colonel’s badges of rank. Walked round the Keeps in the afternoon.
Jany 2nd. A fine mild day. Walked round the Keeps and on to Agny where I had lunch with the 9th Bt. A draft of 18 men arrived in the