Marched to a small village—seven miles, and found we had comfortable billets, and a mattress for the writer. Moving again to ——, nine miles from here, to-morrow. HURRAH! We are (or should be) “out” for sixteen days.
Jan. 17th.
Marched to —— on the famous cobble-stones of France the whole way. Poor feet! On arriving was delighted to find I had a cosy room with feather bed and a good mess 200 yards down the road. Spent the evening trying to get level with correspondence. Hope we shall stay here all the time. Shall spend most of my spare moments writing—one of my chief pleasures when out, especially now I’ve got a respectable pen!
Jan. 18th.
Slack day. Enjoyed the luxury of a “mess” and a fire. Spent a lot of time writing.
Jan. 19th.
My second birthday in the Army....
To-day’s events, musketry and rifle drill, and shooting on a temporary range in afternoon. Lovely day—like spring.
Jan. 20th to 28th.