TCD MS 10822 folio 36 recto
[Sept 5th 1917] no less than three Generals came up to Battalion H.Q. a sure sign that it is a quite sector. Shortly after their departure, the Boche having seen the unusual movement, started shelling us. After dark we had a great number of visitors of all kinds and a very busy evening till midnight when I started to go round the front line.
Sept 6th. A heavy thunderstorm early in the morning wetted all the trenches again. There was much shelling by both sides to the N & S of us, the Boche raiding our lines to the South and we to the North. A certain amount of shelling of our trenches later during the day. In the evening the Shropshires came up to relieve us. I am not sorry to leave our dug out, which though safe was extraordinarily uncomfortable, as it was impossible to stand up in it and signallers etc were all crowded in too. We were also devoured by the most hungry mosquitoes which left one little peace all night. Our casualties for the 4 days were 1 officer wounded & 6 O.R’s. We had a quiet relief getting back into support by 2 a. m.
Sept 7th. We had a good night’s sleep, though mosquitoes are troublesome here too, breeding in the water in the shell holes and the rank weeds that have sprung up everywhere. I explored the ruins of Messines & found sundry unburied corpses and many young turnips, some of the latter I brought back for lunch as well as a few flowers. The day was very hot and muggy, and most of the day I spent reading on top of the dug out.
Sept 8th. A very foggy morning so that we can move about without fear of being seen. Our dug out here is very palatial compared with the last one and the walls are nicely papered. There are also two rooms and a certain amount of furniture in it. Very little shelling all day owing to the mist. In the afternoon the Corps Commander came round and wandered round our trenches. He is especially keen on sanitation.
Sept 9th. A fine day but rather more shelling. Morice St Aubyn came up in the afternoon as they are relieving us the following day. Had a very nice bath in the open. The mosquitoes at night are very