Leonard Dudley Richards was born and bred in the English Midlands City of Leicester. He was just twenty years of age when he was killed in 1915. He was the son of Mrs. Mary E. Richards and Mr. E. H. Richards of 35, Danvers Road, Leicester, England. (Mrs. Richards was a widow at the time of Leonard's service on the Western Front).

Leonard's diary is a record of that young mans experiences on the Western Front from February 1915, until just before his death on October the 13th 1915.

He used many abbreviations, nicknames, contemporary (WW1 ) place and "trench names" or "popular" names in his diary.

I have added a list of what I hope are reasonable interpretations of these terms, but I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has any alternative suggestions for these.

Leonard Dudley Richards mentions several members of his family in his diary, and these are,

His brother, "TED" (Edward) Richards

His elder sister, Connie Richards

His younger sister, "Kath" who was Peter Knew's Mother Dorothy.

Abbey Park = A large public park in central Leicester

Adjts = Adjutant/s (Officer)

Batt = Battalion

Batty = Artillery Battery

Bearers = Stretcher Bearers

Bgde.= Brigade (usually Brigade H.Q.)

Dur L.I. = Durham Light Infantry

f = French or Belgian Francs

Germs = Germans

Lesters = The Leicestershire Regiment

R.E's = Royal Engineers

R.G.A. (T) = Royal Garrison Artillery (Territorial)

S. Woods = Switherland Woods (A beauty spot north of Leicester)

S.W = as "S.Woods" (Switherland Woods)

Semper Eadem = The City Of Leicester's (Coat of Arms) motto "Always The Same"

Sigs = Signallers

Staffs R.H.A. = Staffordshire Royal Horse Artillery

Wire = Field Telephone Wires

27 - Saturday: Well, it's come at last! We were paraded at 5.30 and had to wait about in the streets of Bishop Stortford till 8 a.m., when we entrained. Tarry's wife came to see him off. Poor girl ( she was no more ) looked upset. Started at 8 : 15 and whiled away the time at vingt et un for nix, until we got to the docks at Southampton. " Mucked " about for two hours and were taken to Rest Camp, where we spent the night. Gillam and I had a decent time on the pier. Some mud at the camp.

28 - Sunday: At 1.30 p.m. we marched to the boat, " The City of Dunkirk " . poor G. stopped as orderly. Phew ! stale fish and salt ! - the 'tween decks were reeking with it. The seaplane caused a bit of excitement. Saw Len Ashwell in the R.A.M.C.

1 - Monday: We are still here and they are painting the ship black. We are not allowed off the boat at all. It's rather monotonous. Nothing to do but gaze through the glasses at the ships at anchor in the Roads. All sorts of rumours are afloat. Ship's biscuits and bully beef still the menu.

2 - Tuesday: Rotten weather! It rained all night and is doing now. I want to get away; in fact, we all do, it's so monotonous. Just a rifle inspection this morning.

3 - Wednesday: It's a bit better weather today. A fine torpedo destroyer was turned out to be finished. The R.A.M.C. section had a sing song, and we joined in. The docks were like ice. It was fun to see the chaps go all their length, until you followed their example. We expect to sail to-morrow.

4 - Thursday: It's a nice day today; just a nice even swell. We had half rations of bread and we had a feast. At last! The tug has come. We cast off at 8.15. Oh! It was fine; the lights of Southampton, and passing the Isle of Wight. Some of us had to go on the bridge to signal to passing ships. We were asked four times what ship we were. The swell and heave were delightful: seemed to want to go to sleep. We anchored in Havre Harbour at 3. 15. So I went to sleep, after a very pleasant trip across. We lit up when anchor was dropped.

5 - Friday: I didn't hurry in waking, as we weren't to enter harbour till 10 a.m. the tug, a very fussy thing, towed us slowly in. We saw plenty of British "swoddies ". Those not dangerously wounded are sent there on fatique. We saw the rest of the Batt. They had been there since Wednesday morning at a Rest Camp, and were cheered by the sight of four Britishers shot for the desertion, and bolting under fire. They will be put as " Died " or " Accidentally killed ". Our party went to the stores , and had the goatskins issued, also one pair socks and an undershirt. We Sigs. had British "warms" instead of skin coats. The whole Batt. Was then marched to the station, and entrained at twelve at night. There were 50 cattle trucks to take us, 40 in each, but we Sig. went with the bikes in the guard's van.

6 - Saturday: Still in the train. Not much different to England as regards scenery. We stopped about 8 a.m. for rum and coffee to be served. There were no corridor and restaurant cars for we "swoddies". Passed through Rouen, and soon after had dinner. We got on fine with the different guards. Picked up several things from them. The French amused " Stodge", and he amused us. And to hear him give the toast " A votre sance", made us shriek. We passed Calais about 6 p.m. and detrained at Castle about 11 p.m. We were taken to a decent café for Headquarters. I had my first café au lait there: 1d. glass of beer and a good supper. We turned in at 2a.m. The sea view lovely.

7 - Sunday: Up at 8; a fairly decent "brekker", and we shifted to Zuytpeene, about two miles away. Headquarters were the first house and fairly decent, but the barn was rather draughty. There was plenty of dodging about to do, and the wind was terrific. I went into Z. and saw Ted. He was having a bath in the open, so I tickled his back with a straw! We went to the café together, and he said he'd look me up. Some Lester Yeomanry came in the night on a visit.

8 - Monday: At it hard from 7 till 10 before I had a wash or brekker. Then packed up and went with Lieut. Whittingham's billeting party to Strazelle. Oh! It was great! The hills! It was Mowmacre, only one to two miles long. We got there at last, and were put in a school, so Gillam and I went out to the café. Strazelle isn't so bad.

9 - Tuesday: Out at 9a.m., with Lieut. W. Just a nice cycle round to different farms. The Q.-M.-S. came before the Batt. and got some for fatique. So G. and I found the café again. The girl told us it had been occupied by the Germans in Oct., and the Northumberlands drove them out. The Headquarters weren't bad. There was a poultry farm next door! We drew the telephone instruments etc. More weight still to carry.

10 - Wednesday: Egg and bacon for brekker. In the afternoon we ran a wire to "D" Company's Headquarters; dirty work over ploughed fields. It was handy too. There must have been a big battle as guns were heard all day.

11 Thursday: More eggs! It is handy to live near fowls. We were just thinking of the nice dinner, when we had to pack and off it. Just out of Strazelle were several graves, all Dur. L. I. A livening sight sure. I felt as though I'd like to bolt for a moment when I thought that one like them might be mine. Good God ! what would become of my Kathleen and mother? I was a fool to have joined. However it is done now. We " kept on keeping on " for 14 miles altogether, and we felt whacked. At Saillie we saw all the Canadians, who told us that La Bassee was only five miles away, so we are near the fierce scrapping. We marched about two miles further, and were put in a pigstye, with straw on the floor, and phew! It spoke! I guess I'll believe in inoculation now.

12 - Friday: Poor Stodge was fetched out in the night to find Bde. Poor chap! Oh, dear! I felt pretty down today. I don't know why. The 15in. gun has been shelling the Germans. Wiped out a whole reinforcement. Poor devils! The armoured train has been firing all day, too. The big one can only be fired four times an hour.

13 - Saturday: Nothing to do but play football and morse. Strolled up to the gun again. A 6in. gun in the armoured train burst, killed one and injured seven. It is said that the Germans gained all the ground they had lost. There was a terrific rifle fire from 7 p.m. till nearly dawn, with intermittent gun fire.

14 - Sunday: Oh! Up at 5 a.m. and brekker at 6. Gee! The Maxim went off about 8, lasted about 10 minutes. Someone or something caught it. Had the best and first square meal since leaving Bishop Stortford. It was a lovely dinner. We moved about 1½ miles away to new quarters. Haven't heard much of the guns today. They have just started like the devil itself. Must be a terrific battle. Three Canadians were playing footer 100 yards away from Headquarters, and were killed by a shell.

The very first lot of trenches ever occupied by the British are near, 100 yards away. The remains of the Lesters are just above us - 30 unwounded out of 1,000. Oh! Our new billet is a beauty. It's a house and just fine. Say, talk about watching the Abbey park fireworks: they are nothing to the starlights the Germans throw up, and the searchlights. They are banging away like devils. Terrific gun and rifle fire. There must be a big battle. We are in a ring here. Had to go on orderly tonight. We have to carry our loaded rifles where ever we go now. Oh! Lord we have got to shift tomorrow. Damn it!

15 - Monday: Off at 7 a.m. to about four miles away, W. Estaires. As usual eggs were the order of the day. At 2, we were told that the Batt. wasn't to move, so we came back. Nothing doing.

16 - Tuesday: Had a ripping brekker of bacon and eggs. It was a tiring march, but Headquarters are fine. We had to run 5 wires as soon as our kit was off and didn't finish till dark. Still it was a good day's work. I felt tired. Paid 10f.

17 - Wednesday: Went on Bde. Oh! It was fine. Thought I was at S. Woods again, going to H.L.S. Did ( Boc St. Maur ). Nothing at all to do but lie back in the sun. Oh! It was like S. W. Came back and slacked about, then went in the village.

18 - Thursday: Still no word from Ma or Kath. It's rotten. Don't understand it. Last night there was a fire about a mile away ( R.G.A.(T) chaps). The barn was gutted. Some of "A" Co. and Stodge, P. and M. went also. Eugh! 3.30. Still nothing to do but eat good meals. There was a rumour as to shifting but it was W.W. They say those under 20 are going back to Havre. Shall curse if I've to go. Oh! Lord, Gillam and I had to find Bde at 8.30. "It's about six miles away in that direction" was our order. We mooned about till 1 a.m. , and then got back. We were really lost but managed to get back somehow or other, dead beat.

19 - Friday: Solly and I went this morning, and it took us 2½ hours to find it. I had to return to Headquarters, and the snow and hail cut my face cruel. We were paid another 10f. today. Had to go to Bde. at night to sleep; it was cold. The roads are rotten.

20 - Saturday: Snow on ground this morning. I understand we get a bar, as we were reserves for the 15^th La Bassee. This place is Le Chien Blare. It was extra cycling, except I was a bit saddle sore.

21 - Sunday: Another lovely day, so calm and peaceful. Yet two miles away guns are blowing men to pieces. It is the most like Sunday I have known. Oh! It does remind me of dear old Swithland again, just cycling along the rough roads around there.

22 - Monday: It was a bit frosty this morning, but still nice and bright. Good Lord! the guns have been at it last , and today. Had a slow morning at the Q-M-S. at the telephone. "D" Company are a lazy set, never answer under one minute. After dinner had a sleep and missed a parade. Only three turned out. Woke up and had the long - awaited letter, but I can't understand why mother hasn't had one. Poor Storer has done it. Thought he was a submarine cyclist, and found he wasn't! His bike was covered with green weeds. It seemed he got rutted, and went in the ditch.

23 - Tuesday: Had a sham attack this morning. Had a decent place at Headquarters behind a barn, but if real attack it would have been " Give my love to all . " The others were all right in the trenches.

24 - Wednesday: Just had buzzer practice today. Nothing doing much. Went down the lane and found a nice farm for Gillam and I for tea and supper; bread, etc. My turn for duty at "C" Company. It was all serene; fags to smoke, and eggs and coffee.

25 - Thursday: Cycled down to Merris, and stopped to see Ted. He says he is trying to transfer to the R.E.'s Told me that Connie asked about me. I've written so she should know by now. It was rough riding, and started to rain again. They have been quiet in the trenches, or rather we don't hear them. It is said that we go in tomorrow.

26 - Friday: We had to gather in the wire today. Phew! It was a muddy job, we did it by 12 though. We moved off at 2 p.m. and passed through Steenwerk to Nieppe, and halted just through Armentiere. We passed some trenches and some of the houses were heaps of ruins. We are only half-mile from the trenches and are attached to the 12^th Bde. now. Gillam and I were sent there all night, but only one was wanted, and Gillam wouldn't stop without me.

27 - Saturday: Watched the effect of our shell fire on some houses. Spent the morning in the café. Had just finished 60 hours' duty without a break. "A" and "C" Companies expect to go in tonight . Several wounded have just been brought from the trenches. It looks cheering. Oh ! that's done it ! We go in tonight. Fell in at 7 p.m. and went off. We Sigs. went last. The Companies ("A" and "C") went through the trenches, but we went along the road. The night was as light as day, full moon, and we were cheered by "This is the most dangerous part, " " A fellow was killed here last night" etc. Then we had to go through houses, about 20. Holes were knocked in walls for us to pass through. Our place (G. and I) was a little cellar, smoky and small. Two of the King's Own were … We got used to the smoke, and had a bit of tapping, and then kipped down.

28 - Sunday: Good Lord! Palm Sunday! Nothing doing. Only a bit of sniping and a airplane shelled. Went round the trenches to Sniper's House, and 30 yards from the German trenches. We are about 100. Gee! Things do look a mess, and the furniture we burnt! Lovely brand new stuff. A ricochet landed about two feet above me whilst washing. Splintered the bricks.

29 - Monday: No sleep - only three hours - was on the buzzer. Glover of the OK has been playing the mouth organ down the phone. He can play. Had a lovely stew at 2 a.m. No rations, so I biked to Headquarters for them. A few pinged over, but I think they were stray shots. We were shelled for about half - an - hour. Poor Teddy Preston has got killed. He poked a rifle grenade with his knife, and , of course, it went. His tummy blown clean out, and arm and other hand missing, and two injured.: "B" Company, all of them. We had revenge though. The Mad major shelled a fortified house 800 yards away. It was pretty. Every shot straight in it. Just melted in black and yellow smoke, and two clean in their trenches. The devils sniped the bearers. We got sniped at when we left, but all overhead. 48 hours straight off. Isn't bad?

30 - Tuesday: "Oh, day of rest and gladness. " We did absolutely nothing all day. Gillam and I went into Armentieres in the afternoon. Gee! It was fine. Just like a big English town. We went into the Salome café and had tea. A very, very small cup for 2d. it was like the Continental. Oh! We were fairly on the razzle!

31 - Wednesday: Shifted to our old billets. Eggs were a welcome change after 5 days without. Went on Bge., and they say we are stopping for three days, and then taking a position for some time near Ypres, if not a permanent position. Spent my last sou; am clean broke.

1 - Thursday: A splendid day; really lovely, and I had to be on Bde. till 2 p.m. No chance to wash and get dry. I went to sleep all morning at Bde. Had a good wash day after dinner but they won't be dry by night. Had a letter from Connie.

2 - Friday: Was on Bde at 8 p.m., and, Oh! What a night. It was pitch dark, and I nearly came to grief several times on the greasy roads. We move on the 3^rd.

3 - Saturday: We started at 11.15, and, good Lord, what a march! The roads were cruel. We stopped at Dranoutre in Belgium. Headquarters are all right. Red Cross one side, estaminet the other, and cemetery in front.

4 - Sunday: Had a good night's sleep. On Batt. in the afternoon. Gee! The girl in the estaminet is the best I've seen out of England. We watched them bury a fellow who died in hospital, and then went round the church. Some fine church that. Easter Sunday, and going in the trenches tonight. Good Lord! a three mile walk, full kit. The others went nearly two miles further in two feet of mud. We couldn't make a fire as the Germans would spot it.

5 - Monday: Tried to get a fire in the brazier. We saw the farm shelled yesterday. The chimney smoked, so four shells found it. There's a heap of smoking bricks now. We expect it every minute. had two hours sleep since Saturday night. Been at the 'phone all the time. It rained like hell all day; till 3.30 a.m. Stodge took them out to lay a wire at 8 p.m. lost themselves, and got sniped at with the doctor, and all had to bolt for their lives. Poor old Stodge! He came back at 3.30 a.m.

6 - Tuesday: Not much doing. I was on all day, and then went out with Stodge at night to lay a wire. We got to Solly's dug-out, and then he came with us. Scuttled across country, and carried 36lb. Reel of wire. Then we got to a communication trench, and went in. gee! It was up to our knees, and then to our hips! It was fine! Came to a dead end. Solly and then I went out to reconnoitre; didn't the bees hum and plug the earth. We got to E3, and then across country over dead men and beasts. Lost again. Got right, and Solly went right in a shell hole full of water. Got there at last, and scuttled all the way across country. We couldn't bother to flop when the flares went up. Got lost again, but got back at 4 a.m. Oh! What a game!

7 - Wednesday: Had a good sleep and got on again. Solly is now with us. They've been bombarding again No luck though! The Staffs R.H.A. landed a shell in our trenches. One killed ( Becky Sharp )and two injured. It was really inattention that was the cause of his death. Went to S.P. 2 B. with Stodge, and brought back muckfish. The bees are humming.

8 - Thursday: I felt tired out. Telephone work and the usual trench strain combined made me feel fagged. Had damned good rations today. Didn't get any at all on Wednesday. It was some fine. Felt ready for a kip when I did land there.

9 - Friday: Started the day well as orderly. Good four days "rest". Started getting the mud off my coat and trousers etc. Had a letter from Len Clark and one from mother. Saw Ted in Dranoutre. Old Robbo tried to get us on fatigue for him! Cheek! Quite a decent day.

10 - Saturday: Orderly again, and another lovely day. The Germs. Are at it. Had a letter from P. Marlow.

11 - Sunday: Full day off today for me. Had a service Q-M-S-O. Got paid, and then basked in the sun, eyes shut, having a nice smoke with Gillam. Those happy days at S.W. It did remind me. The sun was quite hot. Gillam and I went to Bailleul at night. Sort of joy ride.

12- Monday: We are for it tonight. Went to Bailleul again, and had a decent morning. Some fine town that. Champagne is all serene in its way. Went in Dranoutre and bought several things for the trenches, and had a bust up tea on the occasion. Oh, Lord! what a march! We went about four miles to the trenches instead of two.

13- Tuesday: Quite a fine day. Saw several dead Frenchies. They pitched several shells at us today, but only smashed a wood. Plenty to do as regards orders. L. T. Harvey wounded in the head. The devils sniped at me while I was locating a broken wire. They slugged the earth and cut the hedge; four of them, so I cut and run.

14 - Wednesday: Lincs (5) shelled out of their Headquarters. Two killed and five injured. Jones is ill, and I've got it solely in my hands. I hope I don't go to sleep. Had the chocolate from the " Mercury" today. The Germs. Put some wire up. And our chaps sniped them. There are about 12 Frenchies dead in a heap 20 yards from us. Jones is still bad, and I think I've got it, too. Pains in my back and stomach, still I've got to stick it.

15 - Thursday: I think I have about got over the attack today; feel better. Our guns had a straight - forward talk to them. Fritz smashed a periscope, and cut an R.E.'s eye. The dirty devil uses explosive bullets!

16- Friday: Nice morning. Started the day with a good brekker. Ran a wire from E1 right to our tambou, and connected the R. F. A. wire. Finished off the wire Muck laid last night. They tried to pot us again. Gee! we had some shells near us. Burst about 30 yards away, and pitched, fortunately, only dirt on us. It’s a wonder that we didn't get the side spread. They are loosing off like the devil tonight. That means a risky departure. They probably know when we are to be relieved. Got back again after a rotten time. One went through my sleeve, and the chap behind was killed. The night was inky; had to feel our way. Gee! it was a strain.

17- Saturday: Glorious morning. Someone had taken our blankets, so it was rather cold. Just lounged about. Artillery began at 7 p.m. from our left to beyond Ypres. It was awful. The flashes of the guns lit up the whole sky, and the row was deafening. 7.45 rifle and machine gun started and infantry attacked. Hellish!

18- Sunday: Was an orderly last night. The guns were going all the night. Listened to the B.D.E. band Oh! It seemed splendid to hear the hymns again. We had a sing - song at night, and finished with hymns.

19- Monday: Another ideal day. Had another letter from Kath. It was too late to answer today, but I sent that watch to Dolly , and the cross to Kath.; also that Crucifix to Eileen. Gee! the street won't hold her when she gets that from " Kathleen's boy in Belgium".

20- Tuesday: Last day! Lay down and listened to the Lincs. band practising. They played in the square in the afternoon some of the dance music of last season. Memories! Bought some tucker for trenchies. Had a very soft time going in. In E2 this time.

21 - Wednesday: Had a full day. Cleared out tambou. Tried to unravel and follow the maze of wires. No go , though. Lord knows where they all go to . No spare 'phone, so I can't tap them. One killed and one wounded in E6. We are going to give them a few bombs tonight. They are pretty lively tonight.

22 - Thursday: Oh! Lord, wire broken from Headquarters. I can get P.X. P.D. and P.A. Then wire from P.X. broke. What a game! Went to mend it, and Gillam and I found it was getting induction from another which supplied the current. Those damned 1^st Mons can't lay wires for nuts. It took us two hours to get fixed up properly. We tapped six others but to no use. Potts went to sleep again, and we thought the P.X. - P.Y. wire had gone again. Didn't we swear at him! We shelled the Germs., and knocked down some of their parapet, and two more burst in their trench. Mended break with Gillam. Rotten time.

23 - Friday: The germs. tried to suffocate us with gas shells, but it didn't come off. Half-pint of cold tea per man was the drinking ration today. I'd give my last 3fr. for a pint of English tap or spring water now. We have got some lovely trenches, sand-bagged a treat. Heavy artillery fire at night.

24 - Saturday: The dirty devils sent asphyxiating gas bombs last night. Oh! Our poor eyes! We had wet rags over our mouth and noses. Thank the Lord they didn't send many. Denis and I went shooting. A British 'plane came over, and the Germs. fired at it so we potted at them. When it came back the same occurred, but they had some waiting for us. Result: My hat disappeared, so did I then. It was great fun, though. We had a very soft time again when coming out.

25 - Sunday: Woke up and found myself possessed of a great hunger. Had just finished brekker when I was wanted for Bailleul. Of course, I came straight back (perhaps). Church parade after dinner: coats and full pack on a blazing hot day. It was a nice service though.

26 - Monday: Hard at it today signalling with flag and disc under the Adjt's supervision. I suppose that means ready for the coming advance.

27 - Tuesday: At it again all day, flagging and disc, and, gee! it's blazing hot. We are in shirt sleeves, the same as yesterday. The Adj. says I've a good style of sending: had me out in front. Pay after dinner, so I had to go in the village. Sixteen glasses of beer tonight.

28 - Wednesday: Semper Eadem! I had to be a general fault corrector to the new chaps ( reserve ). I didn't like it. Was on night orderly.

29 - Thursday: Oh! We've got a ripping dug-out in the dug-outs. Large enough for eight, and only we two in it. Not much to do and a lovely day. I've been to sleep in the grass behind. We can roam about here and we have got a brazier and a bag of coke for us, so we are all serene. Lovely life!

30 - Friday: Another scorcher! We are damned hot here and, oh! What a luxury was that wash. We are living like lords. Not much to do, but bask in the sun. We landed three shells plump on the Germs. sandbags. Teddy Ant was wounded in the jaw at 2.30 a.m.

1 - Saturday: Lovely morning again. Not much work to do during the day. I was tired, and slept from 11.30 to 4 p.m., then had dinner and tea. The Germs. gave us a bombardment lasting from 5.30 to 6.30. Coal-boxes they were; kicked up clouds of black smoke, and then we replied. The row was deafening as our guns are just behind us, and the heavy howitzers helped. Over 200 Germ. Shells were fired, mostly behind the N. and D. trenches. One fell two yards behind. No damage done, only four wires broken. If one fell in a house there would only be a hole through the roof and floor. They are very local compared with the size and cost. One fell Friday in R.F.A. booby. A chap sitting on the corner just fell in the hole, not even scratched.

2 - Sunday: Nothing doing except at night at 8 p.m. The Allemandes know when we are relieved, and just let ding over the parapets, and drop them behind. That was why the Lincs didn't start to relieve till 12 midnight.

3 - Monday: blazing hot day again. Damned flag drill under Stodge. He's got no management in him. Got fed up with it.

4 - Tuesday: Still hot, and I'm fed up with dull and uninteresting flag drill, and no station work. Had a lovely stroll round the fields and hedges with Gillam. Oh! It was fine to roam about again in the country. What with the birds nesting and getting specimens of wild flowers we spent a jolly night.

5 - Wednesday: Things are more interesting. I was on the monkey's eye with Solly. It was quite interesting. In the afternoon I was with Gillam, and we had long distance reading. Poor Gill. couldn't get the hang of the telescope. Good Lord! wasn't it hot! A 'plane came down in the evening, so, of course, we had to investigate. The engine wouldn't fire, but they soon patched it up. Had a ripping concert at "B" Company's Headquarters.

6 - Thursday: we went further away this morning with the disc and 'scope and read. Just like Luton, only hotter. Went up the village in the afternoon. Paraded at 7.45, and then had to stand by in the square till 10.30 p.m. Same game as the Lincs.

7 - Friday: Arrived at E3 at 1.45 a.m. Man killed in E1, left at 3.30 a.m., soon got a bull. After that things were quiet; nothing doing at all.

8 - Saturday: Lovely day again, but by jove! There was plenty to do on the 'phone. Had a fine time later, pulling each other's legs. You can get some fun out of a 'phone if you know how. Stand need to, as it's awfully monotonous otherwise. The Germs. are right near E1 left and E1 right with mines. Ours are all serene, but the case is rather serious. Capt. Haycock downed a Germ. They cheered like the devil about 5 p.m. Cause unknown.

9 - Sunday: Was woke up at 2 a.m. to go with Williamson to mend the artillery wire. We took a ' phone and started. Tapped it at our tambou, quite correct. Further down, at E6, the fun began. Lost the wire! Found it after tapping four others. Then it went across country. No trench! I guessed it followed the run of the one Solly and I laid, and so it did. It was quite light, and we could see the Germs. trenches 200 yards away. Anyway we bolted across. It was a case of dodge, as they were firing at E6, and were just behind. They did ping. They spotted us, and gee! lead pinged and pluffed all round, so we tumbled in a shell hole, and tapped the wire lying there; signals good. Then we had to crawl 200 yards on our tummies, and then over the parapet into the communication trench. We passed several dead Frenchies, but there were no souvenirs, no buttons or badges. Some might find it hard to believe it, but we really enjoyed that bit. We were laughing all the way. We got out of Piccadilly at Vigo Street, and cut towards Pall Mall. I picked up two British shell cases, and stuck to them. Oh! We wandered on until we got to dug-outs, and then we realised we had no rifles or ammunition. We went back; didn't want to see an officer. Tried to pinch a candlestick, but it was only glass. It's a wonder we weren't potted off, as most of the time we could be seen by the enemy. I can see one of us getting a bullet or a D.C.M. before long. Gee! but going out like that was far better than sticking at the 'phone for five or six hours; in fact I'd rather do it than two hours on the 'phone.

9 Sunday: Nothing doing in the morning. But at 6 p.m. the fun started. A Germ. Plane came over our lines, and one of ours greased after it, circled over, fired twice, and down the Allemande went, nose first. Gee! we cheered like mad. He only fell about 100 yards behind the Germ. trench. Ten minutes after there was a terrific roar, and the whole earth shook, and a column of smoke, earth, and men went flying up 70ft. in the air, 150 yards of trench blown up. Then we gave them quarter-hour rapid fire, and then shelled them. Poor devils! They thought we were to make an attack. But it was to draw their reinforcements so that out troop ( 1^st Army ) and the French could attack in the South. Oh! It was lively. Several high explosives dropped 10 yards away.

10 - Monday: Had a ripping day. Plenty of fun over the 'phone, and the Batty. chaps are the limit. Played mouth organs, beat shell case, and another danced on the table! We could hear it fine over the 'phone. We were ready for relief by the 5^th Lincs. at 11p.m., when Capt. Fielding Johnson rushed into the dug-out. " The Germans have attacked E1 left and killed the whole Garrison." Oh, Lord! Blackwell sent it to Headquarters and I loaded the rifle and fixed. Then it started. E3 they thought was just a communication trench, and they had a shock when 100 rifles and a machine gun spit at them. We threw some bombs, and all the while E1 and E6and E3 spit at 'em. Then "Cease fire