Tuesday, February 23, 1915
Off to the trenches at last. Paraded at 2 o’clock and marched to Rouen Station. Tremendous train with all sorts and conditions of troops. Rotten carriages, a bit worse than the third class on G. E. suburban trains. Left Rouen 5:50 P. M. and arrived Bailleul 11:30 A. M. February 24, 1915. Detrained to the sound of artillery.
Wednesday, February 24, 1915
Joined up with the First Battalion and met many old chums from Crowboro’, just back from trenches on a few days’ rest. Attached to “B” Coy, and billeted in a barn over a cow shed and pig sty. Had a grand night’s rest; woken up once or twice by the guns which seemed horribly close. Now in Belgium and disgusted at the state of the peasants and hovels in which they live. No idea of cleanliness and seem to revel in dirt. Was present at a search for live stock by party back from trench; several captures witnessed, and have now some idea of what is to come.
Thursday, February 25, 1915
Rifle inspection followed by a hot bath in a brewery tub and a change of linen. What luck! and what a lovely clean feeling. In the evening letters from home turned up; four from Jim, one from Mother, and p.c. from Tick. All are well and I’m much relieved at hearing after three weeks.
Friday, February 26, 1915
Nothing on to-day so spent afternoon and evening in Bailleul. Guns rather noisy to-day but otherwise things fairly quiet.
Saturday, February 27, 1915