TCD MS 10821 folio 25 recto
[July 1st 1916] be relieved by the Ox & Bucks at 11 pm & I was awaiting them when suddenly a few minutes before they were due the Boche opened rapid fire with rifle & machine gun & all his artillery on our fire trenches & supports. We did not know whether it meant an attack at first but as he put up so many lights we knew that it was his object & we found out afterwards that he blew up a very big mine further along the line at the same time & that this was to cover his attempt to seize it, which was foiled by the 8th Bn. After some delay we were able to carry out the relief & arrived back in Arras about 2.30 am.
July 2nd. We slept long & rested in beds after the twelve days in the trenches. A few shells were fired into Arras in the course of the day & I noticed that a good deal of fresh damage had been done while we were away. Went to bed early.
July 3rd. A lovely summers day. Nothing of interest to record. I had a good bath in the afternoon & then went over to see Maurice Crum.
July 4th. I had intended to go up & look at our new trenches but it was so wet that I put off going. In the evening dined with Maurice at 41st B[riga]de H.Q. &