For the time being, at all events, the sector is to be organized for the defensive. The positions held by the enemy before Fontenoy can only be taken, we are informed, by siege. The Germans have constructed very strong trenches and lodged their reserves in grottoes sheltered from all possible bombardment, i.e. in subterranean quarries of which there are several in these parts.
On the other hand, the Russians are neither in Berlin nor anywhere near it.... Allons! The war will not come to an end next month.
Evidently in Paris they are considering the possibility of a winter campaign. Ladies are knitting woollen vests for us!
We shall see. In a soldier's life one must not dwell too much on the future, seeing that the entire situation may change from day to day.
Thursday, 1st October.
At dawn we leave for Le Châtelet, a hamlet perched on the heights overlooking the left bank of the Aisne, in front of Vic. A magnificent view over the valley. The company is to remain quartered here several weeks, to organize the position. The farm in which we are to lodge is surrounded by beautiful meadows.
We sleep on mattresses in a loft. If our stay here is to be prolonged, I feel that I shall resume my old habits of cleanliness.
Friday, 2nd October.
Alas! Réveillé at two in the morning. The situation has changed. The 24th goes down to Gorgny, and with arms piled and haversacks on the ground, is waiting in the enclosure of the château. At five comes the order to depart. En route for Courmelles, somewhere to the south of Soissons.