TCD MS 10822 folio 9 recto
[Jan 31st 1917] an inch of fresh snow fell.
Feb 1st. Very cold. Rather more activity on our right Company, and the head of Forrest Street was blown in. Sounds of mining also heard. We are to be relieved tomorrow by the W. Ridings.
Feb 2nd. Better weather still but the trenches are at least dry. The right Company was rather heavily shelled early in the day and we had 3 casualties. The three front coys were relieved alright by the W. Ridings when they started to shell our right Coy front & sending over several hundred 5 -9’s & 4 -2’s & causing several casualties to the W.Ridings. Our relief was completed about 4-30p.m. On the way back we had tea at Brigade H.Q. with De Calry and then went on to Simencourt where we spent the night.
Feb 3rd. Dry weather still. In the afternoon we marched to Sombrin about 9 miles. A fine frosty march with bright sun.
Feb 4th. 27° of frost at night. I met Humphrey Butler and dined with him at Corps H.Q. A large building and very cold but the dinner good. The Battalion is sent off on working parties to Mondecour Ivergny, Le Souich & Lucheux, leaving no one here, so that now I shall have nothing to do and may very well go on leave.
Feb 5th. Still better weather. A little fresh snow has fallen. In the afternoon I bicycled round some of the detachments. Was very tired afterwards as I had not bicycled for a long while. Had quite a dinner party in Mess, 10 turned up.
Feb 6th. Office work all the morning and in the afternoon came by car to Boulogne in under three hours. Bitter drive through the snow in N. E. wind. Crossed the following day.
Feb 20th. After waiting three days at Folkestone was at last able to cross. There had been a very thick fog all the time and the Naval authorities would not let the boats sail, so I had to hang about at Folkestone. Officers of all ranks there are not allowed to be served with drinks if they are going to cross the following day – are we not childish. Many Generals were there unable to obtain even a whiskey and soda. Crossed at last in the 20th good crossing but