A.A. Laporte Payne letter to Muriel September 1917

Embossed notepaper headed:

Christ Church Vicarage

North Finchley N and struck through

61 Marine Avenue

Hove

Sussex

Undated September 1917

Darling,

After a quick but slumbersome journey I arrived with the rain at Brighton, and found Mother & Father here.  I am staying with them.  I surprised them with the amount of my luggage but I was determined to enjoy mufti for a few days but of course I had to travel down in uniform.

I do hope you were not very tired after the unwelcome attentions of our night visitors. On my way back Mr. Jordan ran me in for riding without a light.  It would have been amusing if he had reported me to the Superintendent whose house I had just left.  However the offer of a cigarette accepted appeased the official anger at such wanton smashing of the laws of our country, and I gained my bed in my own home and not the local lock-up.

Brighton bores me, but I am glad to be with my people once again and away from their duties.

My plans are as follows – subject to alterations and revisions, of course, by a higher authority – your ladyship. I leave here Monday morning, and arrive in town to entertain the Colonel if possible graced by female society – if not well he must go without.

Then I await your majesty’s commands. What I should like would be go to some sea-side place – not like this London-by-the-sea with a desert of asphalt peopled by a nomadic tribe from the East.  How would you like it?  Perhaps some good Samaritans could be inveigled into chaperoning you at such a place.  I don’t like to suggest it in case I annoy people by troubling them so much.

I could book rooms at a hotel somewhere if it were possible and enjoy another week by the sea.

However I am probably expecting too much.

Please give my love to Mrs Cross

With much love to you dearest & kisses (paper)

Ever your

Arch.

Sunday Evening                                              Same Address

My Dear Brother Sid,

I am sorry I have kept you waiting for so long for a letter but as you will see we haven’t moved yet but expect to move Friday now.  I hope you have been keeping well I am very well myself.

We are having lovely weather down here but of course it’s a bit cold for canvas life at night times.

I had a nice parcel from home the other day, it was jolly fine.

We have a new Captain, and he’s a bit of a blighter, he don’t half keep us busy.

I had a letter from Dad the other day from his new job in London I suppose he is doing alright up there, I guess he was sorry to leave Crayford though for some things.  I shall be jolly glad to get off the East Coast.  I am fed up with it.  We had night operations last week down in the trenches by the coast.

We were down there until 11 o’clock and it rained nearly all the while. I hope when we get to Canterbury it will be better.

Still I make up for all the bad times with that chap that comes from Cranbrook.  We have some fine times together down Harwich.

I have stopped in this Sunday on purpose to write letters as there seems little time during the week now it gets dark so quick.

Well Sid I don’t think I have any more news this time, you might just write before Friday and let me know how you are getting on.

I will write as soon as I know where I am if we move this week.

Well Goodbye Sid hope this letter finds you in the best of health.

I remain

Your Affec Brother

Frank William

Hope Ted is still alright.

With cover to Mr S.K. Springett, 29 Bath Road Dartford Kent

Postmarked HARWICH 5 PM 17 SP 17

SUPPLEMENT TO FIRST ARMY INTELIGENCE SUMMARY No 977.

(From G.H.Q. Summary)

GERMAN TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.

The following information is given by prisoners as to the enemy’s method of treating any of our men who fall into his hands:-

A prisoner, from the moment of his capture, is treated with studied courtesy, given cigarettes, food, wine, etc., and housed as comfortably as circumstances admit.

No souvenir-hunting is allowed, his arms only are removed, and his private property is for the time being scrupulously respected.

As soon as possible, he is removed to the rear by car, his escort comprising men who can talk English and listen to all conversation.

The huts in which prisoners are housed are fitted with listening apparatus.

When all examinations are completed and the prisoner is evacuated, his good treatment comes to an end. Any apparent or real discrepancy in his evidence which is discovered is made the excuse for systematic ill-treatment.

The essential point is the uniform and studied good treatment of prisoners for so long only as any information is to be got out of them, the object being to induce a feeling of comfort and friendliness.

EMPLOYMENT OF TUNNELS BY THE GERMANS.

Prisoners, captured by the French during the fighting at VERDUN in August, have given the following information regarding the tunnels built by the Germans on the left bank of the MEUSE: –

The CORBEAUX TUNNEL was intended, during quiet periods, more for the circulation of troops than as a shelter. Nevertheless, it accommodated permanently a regimental H.Q., a battalion H.Q., the H.Q. and personnel of a Minenwerfer company, an important aid-post, and the field kitchens of one battalion and of the machine gun company of the regiment.

During the preparatory period, two companies of infantry were quartered by day. These companies were surprised by the French attack on the 20^th August and remained in the tunnel.

The CUMONT – MORT HOMME TUNNEL accommodated permanently a regimental H.Q., two battalion H.Qs., an aid-post, and field kitchens.

During the French bombardment, both tunnels became crowded with wounded and stragglers from various units.

The bombardment resulted in most of the entrances to the tunnels being blocked. In the CORBEAUX TUNNEL, a length of 6½ feet collapsed through a direct hit, although there was a thickness of 46 feet of earth overhead at this point.  In the CUMONT – MORT HOMME TUNNEL, all the occupants were more or less asphyxiated by the gas produced by the high explosive shell.  Isolated, and cut off from supplies, the garrison were surrounded by the assaulting French troops and offered little resistance.

In the CORBEAUX TUNNEL, the commander of the 24^th Res. Inf. Regt., and his staff, a large number of officers, and more than 700 other ranks were captured.  600 prisoners were captured in the CUMONT – MORT HOMME TUNNEL.

Conclusion. – The conclusion drawn from a study of the use of tunnels by the Germans in the CHAMPAGNE fighting (see Supplement to First Army Intelligence Summary No. 877, dated 8/6/17), applies equally to the above cases.  Tunnels cease to be effective when bombarded with heavy shell; they then become mere man-traps.

-0-0-0-

R.S. RYAN Lieut. Col.,

General Staff, First Army.

16-9-17.

WEATHER REPORT. – From mid-day, September 16^th to mid-day, September 17^th;

Wind. – S.W. 10 to 15 m.p.h.; probably changing to South or S.E.

Weather. – Mainly fair at first perhaps some drizzle later. Morning mist or fog; warm; fair visibility.

Temperature. – Day 68 degrees, night 54 degrees.

Sept 16^th 17

My Dear Father

Just a few lines to thank you very much for your nice parcel, & letter received to-day.

I was getting anxious to hear from you as it seemed sometime since I got a letter & the Pictorial did not arrive this week; but I am glad you are all merry & bright & in the best of health.

The cake was a very nice one also the biscuits, & chocolate.  I am glad you sent strawberry jam it is a change from what we get issued & paste is always very nice the fags came just in time as I had run out for the time being.

I wanted to write to you to-night as we have got a blooming route march on to-morrow & I might not get a chance before the letters go in I will add a bit more if I get time.

Please thank Lily Warman for her nice letter glad they are all well.

Pleased to say I am A1 have had some good times lately in a quiet way of course.

Well au revoir am just going to clean my pop gun up & turn in to kip; shall have to be up early in the morning; one thing we get an extra hour as the clocks are altered to-morrow so good night.

Your devoted

Son

A.A. Laporte Payne letter to Muriel 9 September 1917

Brighton

September 9^th 1917

My dearest love,

Thank you so much for your letter, which cheered me up tremendously. Tomorrow being Monday Mother & Father go to Worthing and I propose travelling to town by the 9.40 a.m. arriving at Victoria at 11.10 – if I don’t miss it.

When I arrive I will phone to you and ask what you propose doing

1. tomorrow night – place for dinner – theatre etc.
2. Tuesday – what seaside resort shall have the honour of your presence and who can – or rather who will be so unselfish as to put themselves out for me and my mad schemes. I leave all to you.

I think I am a bit better and I hope by now I am more presentable than I was and that you will not mind being seen with me.

We have had a quite easy time here and though the weather has not been all that it might have been, it has not been at all bad.

How are you dear? Quite alright I hope.  I shall have to talk seriously to you when I see you about something – it requires a little explanation – all my fault I know – but then I am like that – guess what it is.

Give my love to Mrs Cross.

With all my best love dearest & kisses

Ever your

Arch.

Letter from F. Smith 7 September 1917

Sept 7^th 17

My Dear Father

Thank you for the Pictorial received yesterday, about two days earlier this week.

I saw in one of the papers that you have had some sports &c in the village of Wood Green.  Did you see anything of General French I was wondering if you invited him to tea as he might have given you a tip when the war was going to finish.

What sort of weather are you getting in Blighty it is very nice here now.  We went for our summer holidays to the seaside on Monday, about 20 from each company 100 altogether we left about 8.30 A.M. in motor lorries & arrived about 12 o’clock.  It was a very quiet spot but still it was nice to get a day’s holiday & have a look at the sea & boats the first since I left England; the only part was it made one long to be over the other side.  We had free beer & tea & there was a canteen there left about 6.30 P.M. had a very good time the ride was very enjoyable.

How did you enjoy yourself at Southend?  I had a parcel from Albert this week & a letter from Ciss to-day.  I see by the papers you have been having several air raids lately.

I suppose you still go to the West End occasionally how is everything looking up there?

Cannot think of any more news to tell you this time.

Hoping you are still as merry as ever & in the best of health.

Glad to say I am A1.

Please remember me to all whom I know including Miss Dimond & Darvills.

I shall be glad to hear from you soon.

With much love to you all

From your devoted

Son

Letter from F. Hammond 7 September 1917

7.9.17

BEF

Dear F & M

Just a line to let you know I am jogging along nice and quietly.  The weather has been much more settled lately but last night we had the usual thunderstorm.  We have been having sports in the village and football is in full swing.  The cinema show is also going strong.  I went the other night it was really good.  Our concert party are giving a show tonight so you will see we are having a rather lively time just now.  Otherwise there is nothing to relate.  The war seems to be jogging on as usual.  It looks very much like another year’s campaign before it will be over so may get another Leave before it finishes with a bit of luck.  Did you have a good time on your Holidays.  How’s Par’s allotment going on.  I suppose he will soon be preparing it for next year.  How’s the Lawn looking now.  Does the implement of torture do its work OK.

Suppose Gladys will have settled down again to her studies.  I suppose she’s been having a good time.  How’s Jack going on I shall have to drop him a line as I owe him a letter.  Still I might be able to see him before very long.  Well I think this is all this time.  Hoping you are all OK

Cheerho Gus

Letter from F. Springett 7 September 1917

FOR GOD, FOR KING & FOR COUNTRY

Y.M.C.A.

H.M. FORCES ON ACTIVE SERVICE

Sept 7^th 1917

My Dear Brother Sid,

Just a few lines in answer to your letter of a few days ago.  I was so pleased to hear that you were quite well as I am still in the “pink”.

Glad to hear that you have a little more work we never get out of a job down this way. Ha Ha.

I am sorry the rain spoilt your trip but I guess you enjoyed yourself alright.

You got wet inside “eh”.  Sounds bad.

Dad wrote and told me about his job in London, it will be jolly fine for him.

We are moving this week Sid, I guess I shall be closer home, if the rumour is right.

Do not write you hear from me again please.

It as been very wet down here this last night or two.  The rain simply pours in the tent so you can guess how pleased I shall be to get out of canvas and off the East Coast too.

Well, Sid you must excuse this short letter as I haven’t much time to spare so I will say Goodbye.

I remain

Your Affec Brother

Frank

With cover to Mr S.K. Springett, 29 Bath Road Dartford Kent

Postmarked HARWICH 7.45 PM 7 SP 17.

Letter from S Vicker Smith 2 September 1917

1. Vicker Smith

“Shepley Glen”

58 Hopwood St

Hull

2/9/17

Dear Friends

How are you?  We are in the pink.  Still managing to live although the D____d Germans would not let us if they could help it.  I suppose you had an idea that the Zeppelins had given us a visit, they did, but I imagine that the Devils were more frightened than we were, at all events, they did not stay to drop any love tokens over the city.  I saw one very high and the search lights got him I fully expected that they would manage to bring him down.  Unfortunately they did not.  He was too high for them to reach.  Since then we have got some guns that will fetch them.  They will reach much higher.  There is no chance of going to bed.  A great many are out for seeing the fireworks.

It is really a splendid sight.  There was at the very least ten searchlights at work and the only beautiful night during August.  The guns kept boom boom boom and the flashes every time it was better than Belle Vue.  Unfortunately they dropped a few shells at a village called Hedon five miles out of the city and knocked a Catholic Church and a Primitive Chapel about and injured one man, but most of the shells fell into the sea or on spare land and they then skiddadled our boys were after them in their planes but I think the Zepps had to good a start.  Our aero planes were all over the spot what a lot of them.  We see fleets of them many a time.  It is beautiful to see them sailing majestically through the air in daylight. There is never a day but we see some of them.  It would be a grand sight for some of the people in Stockport.

I may say we do not have to go about the streets in darkness the same as we had in Stockport.  The lamps are lit as usual but all lights must be extinguished when there is a warning and the warning comes always a few hours before they arrive.  So that we have them on toast.  We only want to kipper them then or roast the Swines.

I’ve not had my holidays yet and don’t seem to have time but shall have to spare a bit soon.  It’s nothing but work.  Oh for the OB days.  Of course it won’t be bad when the war is over and we get everything into shipshape and somehow I don’t think that the war will last long now.   I am of the opinion that Austria will climb down soon, in that event it would hardly be any use for Bulgaria & Turkey to continue, then we should have Germany on toast, and that’s the roasting time if only we can get them alone, we shall soon smash them and my opinion is and has been for a long time that they will have to fight at the last alone.

Shep is in France.  He sends us some very nice news.  I may say that he had a temporary commission offered to him but refused.  He told them that he considered that as an old soldier he should have a permanent commission or remain as he is, but in his last letter he states that he thinks it is only a question of time and that very shortly.  I do hope that it may be the means of him coming home again.  The wife is bearing it bravely, but she cannot help but worry, and tell the truth I have a fear, though I don’t let her know, I’ve got to buck her up.

It makes me think now more than ever, if only our Government in the past had only listened to those who believed it would come, what a lot of lives (the Cream of the Country) and what a lot of money would have been saved, but no they considered that fifty or one hundred millions was throwing money away in needless armaments.  Now it seems into nearly eight millions per day.  I believed this would come a long time before I saw you and am extremely sorry that I was right.  If only we had had half a million men to put into Belgium at the first they would not have got far and we should have been on their own ground directly and another two hundred thousand to smash the Turks on land before they started with the fleet but we had not the men and all told at first we put 50 thousand to face over one million Germans it was simply sending those boys to be slaughtered but although the mistakes have been many let me say that the Gentlemen who have had and who have it still in hand are doing wonders and whatever faults may have been committed I venture to suggest that no Country could or has done better and they are out to win this war.  We have not won yet but we shall win and I am certain that lying, spying murderous devils of Germans know that they are on the verge of ruin in every sense and I hope none will be ready here as our allies to give them peace until we have knocked them to pieces.

I hope you will excuse me going off in the manner I have but I mean every word, yes if they have to send for one and all the done up old foggies the doctors think we are we might surprise some of those reptile Germans of Central Europe.  I for one would have a try.  It would be more lively than trying to re enter a Penny Red.  How this I.B. gets on my nerves. I feel now that I detest it, yet I’ve got to do it to buy War Bread and Government Beer and both give one the tummy ache.  A pint of G Beer that costs 6^d & tastes like coloured dish water with a flavour kippered eye water, if you know what that is.  I’m sure I don’t and the bread why it has a taste of a musty mouse trap.  I think we should be better if we went same as old Neb of the long nails did “*** went out into the fields and eats grass.”  I suppose it was fresh.  I might try it myself only my nails are not long enough and there are too many cats around here that it might have a much more enhanced flavour than I have already told you of.

Now then I must dry up excuse all the Tommy rot.  There are some friends just come to cheer us up by stating that the baby’s got the measles and has cut a double tooth with a sausage machine and the whole friends who have died and haven’t died and those who are going to die and they have just been to the cemetery to cheer them up.  “What OK we shall feel as happy.  Never mind it’s not as bad as a Zepp & Beechams.  I don’t want either but the pill firm are suffering because they don’t sell many when the Zepps have done their work.  They make *****.  Best love & kind regards.  First to the ladies & last to the men

Sincerely Shep

Wife sends best.

CONFIDENTIAL

War Diary of 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade from August 1^st 1917 – To August 31^st 1917

Field M.4.c.00.30.

Reference LOOS-1/10,000 LENS 1/10,000

1.8.17     11pm            Enemy planes not active today.  Enemy artillery very active in morning on counter-battery work and harassing fire.

2.8.18                          No enemy planes or balloons up today.  Enemy artillery less active than usual.  Our Heavies very active all day.  Visibility poor.

• Visibility fair. The day was very quiet except for a hostile barrage about 4.00 a.m. on LOOS and LOOS CRASSIER. Our artillery very active against wire and enemy defences.  No balloons or aeroplanes observed up.

• Visibility fair. Enemy artillery fairly active at irregular intervals on LOOS, FOSSE 12, MAROC and the rear areas. Some movement of men was seen in the German trenches.  No enemy planes or balloons up.

• Visibility fair. One enemy plane up in the afternoon. No balloons observed.  Enemy artillery below normal.  Our artillery active on enemy front line and support trenches.  Large numbers of the enemy were observed on the road in I.13.b. and d. and were engaged by our Heavies.  Considerable traffic of horsed vehicles and motor cars were observed on the ANNAY road in O.2.

6.8.17                          Six enemy planes were observed for a short time in the afternoon.  Enemy artillery lightly shelled, at odd times, LOOS and G.36.c. and G.35.d.  Several of the enemy were seen on the road in H.26.b. but quickly disappeared.

7.8.17                          No aeroplanes or balloons observed today.  Hostile artillery below normal.  Considerable movement of men was observed in H.21.c. and around the BOIS de QUATORZE.  This movement was fired on and one man is believed to have been killed.

8.8.17                          Only one enemy plane up during the day.  No balloons observed.  Hostile artillery inactive today.  Our artillery has been very active on wire cutting in H.31& H.32.  No enemy movement observed.

9.8.17                          Eight enemy balloons up this morning.  One of our aeroplanes crossed the enemy lines and brought down one balloon in flames and forced two others to descend.  No enemy planes up.  Enemy artillery very active on counter-battery work about MAROC and the rear areas.  Considerable movement observed in the rear country.

10.8.17                        Visibility good.  Three enemy planes were up over their own lines during the day.  Enemy artillery has been fairly active against our front line and communication trenches and on counter-battery work in rear areas.  An unusual amount of movement was observed in the rear areas between MEURCHIN and CARVIN consisting of many motor trucks and horse drawn lorries and several trains.  There was also a great deal of enemy movement around the BOIS de QUARTORZE all of which was fired on and a considerable number of casualties inflicted.

11.8.17                        Visibility good.  No aeroplanes up.  One enemy balloon up.  Considerable movement of the enemy was again observed in the rear areas.  Between MEURCHIN and CARVIN many trains were seen and also considerable movement of motor trucks and horse drawn vehicles.  The movement of men was smaller today than usual and mostly in the rear of BOIS QUATORZE.  Enemy artillery below normal today.

12.8.17                        Enemy planes fairly active all day.  Seven enemy balloons up today.  Enemy artillery fairly active on our support trenches with all calibres and LOOS and our rear areas received considerable attention from enemy 5.9s.  An abnormal amount of enemy movement was seen today.  This consisted of a very large number of men in the rear of the BOIS de QUATORZE all of whom were fired on and some casualties inflicted.  Quite a number of men were also seen in the enemy front line.  Very heavy movement of motor and horsed traffic from MEURCHIN to VENDIN and MEURCHIN to CARVIN.  Farmers could be plainly seen stacking grain around PROVIN.  Our batteries did a great deal of wire cutting on the German front Line today.

13.8.17                        Visibility fair.  A few enemy planes patrolled their own lines during the morning.  Four enemy balloons were up.  The enemy appears to be working on his front line trenches which have been badly knocked about by our fire.  Less enemy movement seen than usual.  Considerable traffic was again observed in the rear areas and several trains were also seen going into CARVIN.  An enemy Anti-Aircraft Battery was observed near VENDIN and our Heavies took it on and caused a large explosion.

14.8.17                        Visibility fair.  Enemy aeroplanes very active during the day, several indecisive combats taking place.  Three balloons were also up.  Enemy artillery more active than usual.  Our front line and supports were intermittently shelled all day and our rear areas with 5.9s.  Several trains and considerable movement of motor trucks and horsed vehicles were again observed in rear areas around PROVIN.

15.8.17                        Visibility good.  Operation Order No 100 was carried out today starting at 4.35 a.m. and special reports by Lieut. R.V. Macaulay, Group F.O.O. and Lieut J.R. Jamieson, F.O.O. 33^rd Battery C.F.A. are attached hereto.  The enemy barrage was very heavy on the zone to our right but later in the day became very intense on our front.  The infantry reached their final objective, HUGO TRENCH on HILL 70, on schedule time.  Several counter-attacks against this famous hill were launched by the enemy during the day, but were completely broken up by our artillery fire before they reached our new front line.  The whole 4^th Guards Division attempted a counter-attack from BOIS de QUATORZE and the BOIS DIX-HUIT and are known to have suffered enormous casualties.  About 4.00 p.m. a drizzling rain set in and the situation quieted down considerably.

Only a few enemy planes were up during the day.

16.8.17                        Visibility good.  Enemy planes were very active throughout the day and towards the evening very large numbers were seen at times.  A very large number of balloons were also observed at times during the day.  Enemy artillery was very active all day shelling our old front line and support trenches from there to our new front line.  Considerable movement of men were also observed during different times of the day coming from the rear to the German front line which is supposed to be about HERCULES TRENCH.  The enemy were observed to be doing considerable new work along this trench all of which movement was fired on.  Our artillery opened fire on two S.O.S. Signals; one at 8.50 p.m. and one at 10.30 p.m. and supposed enemy counter-attack did not reach our front line.

17.8.17                        Visibility good.  Enemy aeroplanes were very active all day, some of them crossing our front line.  3 balloons were also up.  The enemy intermittently shelled our whole zone and fired about 100 rounds of 8” on the Dressing Station on the BETHUNE ROAD.  At 8.42 p.m. and S.O.S. was sent up on our front and the enemy laid down a heavy barrage on the whole brigade zone.  Considerable movement of men was seen coming from VENDIN towards the BOIS DIX-HUIT.

18.8.17                        Visibility good.  Enemy aeroplanes were very active all day, crossing our lines 9 times.  Two enemy balloons were observed during the day.  Enemy artillery was very active throughout the day on our front line and supports.  LOOS and the rear areas, and in the night between 1.00 a.m. and 5.00 a.m.; several thousands gas shells were fired on our battery positions.  Our Heavy artillery was very active during the day, bombarding the BOIS DE QUATORZE, BOIS DIX-HUIT and the enemy front line.  There was a marked increase in enemy movement in the front areas.  Considerable traffic of motor trucks and transports were observed on the MEURCHIN – CAVIN ROAD.  During the night the enemy used three search lights at different times, trying to pick up our aeroplanes.

19.8.17                        Visibility good.  Enemy aeroplanes were very active in the morning but quieter in the afternoon.  There were no balloons up.  Enemy artillery was quieter than usual confining his shelling to bursts of fire over a wide area and some counter-battery work in the afternoon.  At 3.15 a.m. an S.O.S. signal went up on our front to which all batteries responded promptly and during this time the enemy shelled our front line and supports, heavily.  During the morning considerable enemy movement was seen around the BOIS DE QUATORZE all of which was fired on.  There was also a great deal of train and transport movement between MEURCHIN and CARVIN.

20.8.17                        Visibility fair.  Only one enemy aeroplane and one enemy balloon were seen all day.  Very little enemy movement was seen either in the forward or rear areas.  In conjunction with an attack on the right Operation Order 101 was carried out on our front at 4.35 a.m.  The enemy did not retaliate very heavily but put on several concentrated shoots during the day on our front line and supports.  Several enemy batteries fired all day on our battery positions in the rear.

• Visibility fair in the morning but good in the afternoon. Enemy aeroplanes were exceptionally active during the day, many planes crossing our lines. Two enemy balloons were also observed during the day.  A great deal of enemy movement was again observed around the BOIS DE QUATORZE and on roads in rear.  This was all fired on and several casualties inflicted.

Operation Order No 102 was issued today changing the zone boundary of the batteries to the right and establishing a Group O.P. in the front line.

22.8.17                        Visibility good.  Enemy planes were very active again today frequently crossing our lines.  Five enemy balloons were also observed.  Movement of enemy in front areas was below normal but considerable motor and horsed transport observed on the MEURCHIN – CARVIN ROAD.  Enemy artillery has been very active heavily shelling the area between LOOS and our battery positions and also during the night putting a large number of gas shells in the same zone.  The enemy used five search lights during the night trying to pick up our planes.

23.8.17                        Visibility good.  Enemy planes not so active today but several during the early morning flew very low over our front line.  One enemy balloon was observed.  Enemy artillery was much quieter today but intermittently shelled LOOS and some of our battery positions with 5.9s.  During the night there was considerable artillery fire on both sides on the zone to our right.

24.8.17                        Visibility fair.  Only one enemy plane was seen today and no balloons.  Enemy movement in the front area was below normal, but the motor and lorry traffic on the MEURCHIN – CARVIN ROAD was abnormal and our Heavies took on several targets at different times of the day along this road, and one lorry was seen to be damaged.

25.8.17                        Visibility good.  Only one aeroplane was seen today, in the early morning, and no balloons.  Very little movement of men was seen, but movement of men and transport on the MEURCHIN – CARVIN road was very heavy during the day.  Several counter-attacks took place during the night on the zone to our right but our front was normal.  Enemy artillery was very active during the day on counter-battery work.

26.8.17                        Visibility good.  Ten enemy planes were up in the early morning, eight of them flying as far back as DOUVRIN.  Five enemy balloons were also observed today.  Very little movement of men observed but considerable traffic between MEUCHIN and CARVIN.  At 11.00 a.m. one train with forty coaches was seen to pull into CARVIN.  Enemy artillery active on our support trenches and on counter-battery work during the day.  The night was very quiet.  Operation Order 103 was issued today extending our zone to the left.  Five new guns were also borrowed from the 14^th A.F.A. Brigade R.F.A. to replace guns damaged by shell fire during last week.

27.8.17                        Visibility very poor on account of rain and mist.  A few enemy planes were seen during the day but their activity was below normal.

No balloons were seen. Enemy movement nil except for some train movement around CARVIN.  Enemy artillery unusually quiet.  Operation Order 104 was issued today, making a slight change in our zone boundaries and giving a new S.O.S. line.

28.8.17                        Visibility fair.  No enemy planes or balloons seen today.  Some enemy movement was seen in the rear of BOIS QUATORZE all of which was fired on and some casualties inflicted.  A stretcher party was noticed coming out to carry one of their wounded men away.  The usual movement between MEURCHIN and CARVIN was about normal.  Enemy artillery very quiet.

29.8.17                        Visibility fair.  A few enemy planes were seen during the day but their activity was below normal.  No enemy balloons seen.  Enemy movement below normal, except for some train movement between MEURCHIN and CARVIN.  Enemy artillery below normal.

30.8.17                        Visibility fair.  Only one enemy plane observed today, but no balloons.  A few small parties were seen about the BIOS de QUATORZE and were immediately fired on but they quickly disappeared.  At 11.15 A.M. a battalion of infantry was seen coming towards MEUCHIN from CARVIN.  There was also considerable horsed traffic and motor traffic on the road between these two places.  Enemy artillery was below normal except for two concentrated shoots; one during the night and the other in the afternoon on our rear areas.

• Visibility fair and good at intervals. Only two enemy planes were up for a short time in the morning. No enemy balloons observed today.  Very little movement observed in front areas but there was the usual motor and horsed transports seen on the MEURCHIN – CARVIN Road also very heavy train movement in and out of CARVIN.  Enemy artillery more active today, barraging our front line and supports at different times.  During the early morning an S.O.S. was sent up on our front and the enemy tried to raid our front line.  Our artillery opened up very quickly and the enemy was forced to retire.

Lieut Col.

Comdg. Carscallen’s Brigade C.F.A.

(9^th Brigade C.F.A.)