Up at 7 o’clock, and, after an inspection by some General “cove” or other, had day to ourselves. Did cinema again in evening. Hear we are off to trenches to-morrow. Now it’s so near, I’m very keen on getting there and hope it comes off.
Friday, February 19, 1915
No luck! Stood by all day and no orders came out. Should like some work to do, as hanging about in tent tends to make me liverish, humpy and irritable.
Saturday, February 20, 1915
Work in earnest. On road making and mud shifting from 7:15 to 4 o’clock. Got a grand wash in the evening and felt happy and fit once more.
Sunday, February 21, 1915
Rifle inspection only. Rest of day to ourselves. No further orders and once again we show our capabilities at standing by. Awful job to get water to wash with, and the feeling of filthiness is positively appalling.
Monday, February 22, 1915
Nothing all day beyond rifle inspection in morning. Told off for not shaving. Inter alia, the trials of a voluntary soldier, consist of making fires without wood and shaving without water.