A

Soldier’s
Diary
Jan. 2/17
This book contains the Diary of

Rank and Name - Pte C. H. Thornton
Number - 675879
Battalion, Battery, etc. - 2nd batt Can.
Brigade - 1st Bde
Date of enlistment - April 10/16
Where enlisted - Woodstock, Ont.

Should this book be found, kindly
forward it to the undersigned.

To you these writings may not mean much,
To others they mean everything that’s dear.
THANK YOU!
Name - Mr. E. C. Thornton
Address - Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

My Personal
Experiences and
Impressions
OF THE
Great European
W A R
Which are not for
publication unless
authorized

Signed - C. H. Thornton
Published by 
GEORGE CLARK
128 BLEURY STREET, MONTREAL
___
Manufactured by
THE FEDERATED PRESS LIMITED
MONTREAL

Tues. Jan. 2/17

MEMORANDA

I am beginning this diary for two reasons.  First that I may derive some pleasure reading it when soldier days are over or if anything ever happens to me and it is lucky enough to reach home, the folks might like to read it.

Monday, January 1st, 1917
New Year’s in England.  Worked all morning as usual but had a holiday in afternoon which we spent around hut.  Had supper at S. A. canteen.  It was not like New Years at home but we made the best of it.

Tuesday, January 2nd, 1917
A fairly average day to-day but am getting rather sick of course.  Letter from H. to-night but have not heard from home for 12 days.  Got a parcel tho’ which helps an awful lot.

Wednesday, January 3rd, 1917
Worked hard as usual at Bde [Brigade] school to-day.  Am getting pretty tired of it now.

Thursday, January 4th, 1917
Expecting to move to East Sandling at any time now.  Would rather stay where we are.  Had our daily visit from Reg. Watson who is drawing coal here.

Friday, January 5th, 1917
Reg. Watson was around again to-day.  Made arrangements to meet him in Folkestone to-morrow.  He says CASC means Canadians Always Shovelling Coal.

Saturday, January 6th, 1917
Had our usual good time in Folkestone, show and good meal.  Were out with Cec Wood as Reg couldn’t get there.  He gives me an awful pain. (Cec)

Sunday, January 7th, 1917
Just bummed around hut all day but had supper over at Eng & S. A.
canteens.  Going to move to-morrow.

Monday, January 8th, 1917
East Sandling
Over here now & don’t like the place.  Moved this afternoon.  Was up to the Y to-night.  Almost at home again in our new hut (no 28).  In the sixth Reserve batt. [battalion] now.

Tuesday, January 9th, 1917
A fairly easy day to-day at school as it rained.  Got a parcel from Helen & it was certainly great of her.  She is the one and only.

Wednesday, January 10th, 1917
Worked hard all day & was real glad to-day to hear it ended this week.

Thursday, January 11th, 1917
Got letters from all the family written at Xmas.  It is great to know they all care so much at home.

Friday, January 12th, 1917
Ordinary day.
	Final meeting of old 168th bt officers & Nco’s.  Max Gibson was a fine host and the eats were great for here.  It seemed as if it were the final burial of the ba.

Saturday, January 13th, 1917
Finished at Bde School at noon & went to Folkestone in afternoon.  Had our usual good time, big supper & a couple of nickel-shows.  Would certainly like to drop into Griffins.
Sunday, January 14th, 1917
Got the most wonderful letter from Helen to-day and it made me want her more than ever if that is possible.  Was moved to no. 9 hut & am in charge of no. 1 squad.

Monday, January 15th, 1917
Awful lazy day at ranges.  This squad commander’s life is great so far.  I’m dead broke to-night but pay in morning.

Tuesday, January 16th, 1917
Ranges again and this easy life suits me.  Got a letter from H. & it was great.

Wednesday, January 17th, 1917
Three letters from home & another from Helen.  As usual at ranges but couldn’t shoot as it rained.

Thursday, January 18th, 1917
Shooting again but did not shoot myself.  Finish up to-morrow but on P range not D.  It is a regular route march there.

Friday, January 19th, 1917
Worked hard to-day & shot not badly.  Shot on P & D ranges.

Saturday, January 20th, 1917
9 p.m Returned from Folkestone & had a good time.  A real Canadian meal at the Maple Leaf Club.  Shooting this morn.

Sunday, January 21st, 1917
To Folkestone with Bev. via Hythe, Sandgate, Cheraton & Shorncliffe.  Saw Brady in hospital & had a great meal.  Spoke to a man named Penn from Pickering who knew Uncle T. [family note: Tom Brown, husband of bella Brown, sister of mary Ellen Thornton, mother of CH Thornton]

Monday, January 22nd, 1917
Practicing for the Duke’s review tomorrow & will be glad when it is over.

Tuesday, January 23rd, 1917
Reviewed by the Duke this pm.  Awfully cold for over here.  Reviews give me a pain.  Rec. a letter from H. to-night & it rather gave me a pain.

Wednesday, January 24th, 1917
At ranges again & finished up.  Received two parcels from home & I certainly enjoy the jam etc.  Mother is too good to me.

Thursday, January 25th, 1917
Easy day as a squad commander.  Never had such a cinch in my life.  Was over to see Bev. to-night but he was down to Hythe.  Saw some Toronto papers to-night & they were fine.

Friday, January 26th, 1917
Had a visit from Bev. to-night.  He is going on leave to-morrow & I wish we were.  Very easy day but quite cold.

Saturday, January 27th, 1917
Batt. on CB to-day to clean up huts.  Rec. five letters from Can. to-day but none from Helen.  Sometimes I wonder many things.  Earl went on guard this afternoon & I am on prequet.

Sunday, January 28th, 1917
Had a good supper in Folkestone to-night.  Rec. a letter from Mina also. [family note: Aunt Mina, sister of CH Thornton’s father, EC Thornton].  Awfully cold here just now.  The coldest it has been in years.

Monday, January 29th, 1917
Very easy life these days.  Have not even a half-penny but we are getting paid to-morrow.

Tuesday, January 30th, 1917
Rec. a great box of fudge from Helen.  She is altogether too good to me.  We are having the time of our lives eating it.

Wednesday, January 31st, 1917
3 or 4 inches of snow all over to-day.  Four letters from Canada to-night.  Helen’s rather displeased me some way.  Sometimes I think she only misses me when at home.

Thursday, February 1st, 1917
Draft left this morning but only a few from 168.  Sent cables to Leslie & Bill.  Got a couple of letters from Canada.

Friday, February 2nd, 1917
Route march in after. & Folkestone at night.  That Soldiers Home certainly give you a great meal.  Great weather these days, just like Canada but warmer.

Saturday, February 3rd, 1917
On prequet at 4:30 at Saltwood.  No prequet after all.  I was warned by mistake.  Earl was on the station prequet tho’.  Was up a concert at the Y. at night.

Sunday, February 4th, 1917
Just bummed around all day writing letters & arguing.  We have some great old arg’s here.

Monday, February 5th, 1917
Worked as usual to-day & nothing extraordinary happened.

Tuesday, February 6th, 1917
Ditto.  We were down to the C. of E. [Church of England] canteen to-night & had a great feed of apples even if they are expensive.

Wednesday, February 7th, 1917
On draft now but our reversion has not gone thru yet.  All ready to leave now.  Thanks to Lieut. Hewer we are getting away.

Thursday, February 8th, 1917
Expecting to come thro. as a pte to-night.  Had final brig. inspect. this afternoon & are ready in every way now.  Will probably leave Sat. morning.  Are going to the 2 batt.

Friday, February 9th, 1917
Haven’t left yet.  Inspect. by Bde. Maj. this p.m.  Got five letters to-night & it was just what I was hoping for before we went away.

Saturday, February 10th, 1917
On C. B yet and have only been as far as the Y.  Got two letters to-night.  Pretty tiresome bumming around when you can’t go out.

Sunday, February 11th, 1917
Church parade & on C. B as usual.

Monday, February 12th, 1917
Usual work & hoping to soon leave.

Tuesday, February 13th, 1917
Got word to leave to-morrow.  Had usual work & busy with parades at night.  It is a great to know we are finally leaving.

Wednesday, February 14th, 1917
9:40 a.m.
On train now on our way.  Arrived in Southampton about 1:30 p.m. & after a break off we sailed on the “La Marguerite” an old side-wheeler, arriving in Le Havre at mid.  Awfully rough & everybody sick.

Thursday, February 15th, 1917
Marched about 6 or 7 miles to the base where we like it fine.  Sleep 13 to a tent & never clean up at all.

Friday, February 16th, 1917
Doing nothing all day as we were under orders to leave.  Got all equipment now.

Saturday, February 17th, 1917
Around all day & left the base at 5 p.m.  Glad to get away.  Got on train at Le Havre & left there late at night.

Sunday, February 18th, 1917
On train all day, but enjoyed ourselves.  Passed thru’ Amiens & Rouen.

Monday, February 19th, 1917
Arrived at Barlin rail-head & marched to Herain where we are billeted in an old factory.  Pretty cold at night.  Had first real experience in French lang. to-day.

Tuesday, February 20th, 1917
4:30 p.m.
Awaiting orders to leave.  This is some life.

Wednesday, February 21st, 1917
Left Herain for line at 5 p.m. after rec. respirators & a hard march we reached our halt.  We were all in when we arrived but inside of 30 minutes we were out on a working party until 1 a.m.  They certainly hooked on us.

Thursday, February 22nd, 1917
Getting along fine & it is easy yet.  Doing two working parties a day.  It sort of gets your nerve when you see your first wounded man.  Two were wounded to-night.  Quite a bomb. [bombardment] at six o’clock.

Friday, February 23rd, 1917
Working party in p.m. & then left here at six.  The guide lost us & himself on way back & we were 5 ½ hrs on way here.  Worse march I was ever on & I was certainly all in - in huts.

Saturday, February 24th, 1917
I left late in morning & spent all day cleaning up.  Were down to Beauniney at night & had “quatre oeufs”.  Rather like it here.

Sunday, February 25th, 1917
Bath & pay parades to-day.  - of 15 francs.  Went to bed early.

Monday, February 26th, 1917
Mach. [Machine] Gun schooling this morning & liked it fine.  O.C.’s [Officer Commanding] inspection in p.m. & everything rotten.  First mail to-night & a splendid box from home.  Feel awfully good to-night but did not like H’s letter.

Tuesday, February 27th, 1917
Med. inspect. this morning.  Has an easy day & could stand this for quite a while.  Got three more letters to-night & they were fine.  

Wednesday, February 28th, 1917
Inspection by Brig. Gen. Cruickshank this a.m.  Nothing but lying around from 3 p.m. on.  Had a great talk after supper about home & our arsenal there.  It does a fellow a lot of good.

Thursday, March 1st, 1917
No parades all day but after easy march arrived in line at 8.  Close shave with mach. Gun at col’s house.  Slightly crowded but warm & comfortable in our dugout.

Friday, March 2nd, 1917
On guard all last night as gas sentry.  Rested all day & Ration party at night & unexpectedly had an extra 7 hrs on sentry.  Bombing raid when on but they found no Germans.  Quite a bomb. by our artillery.  Taken off sentry on account of it.

Saturday, March 3rd, 1917
Slept all morning & -ing fatigue in p.m.  Digging to-night probably.  Personally I have no use for a pick & shovel even if I could shovel snow at home.  Company party & a little excitement when shelled.

Sunday, March 4th, 1917
Spent the morn. digging & a ration party at night.  Great way to spend a Sunday.  Saw fellow killed in bomb raid put on ration wagon & it did seem sad.  Another digging party from 9 - 11.

Monday, March 5th, 1917
Bummed around all day & relieved by the Middlesex Imperials at night.  Slept at Beauniney woods after a fairly easy march in.

Tuesday, March 6th, 1917
Left Beauniney woods at 11 & after a long march arrived here Hesdipeul at 5 p.m.  Awfully blistered feet but rest to-morrow.  A fine billet in an old sheep-pen on a big farm.

Wednesday, March 7th, 1917
Slept 15 hrs last night & did enjoy it.  Bummed around all day but a hard march to-morrow.  Got a Star Weekly from home.

Thursday, March 8th, 1917
Arrived in Houdane at noon & ran across a Windsor.  Had a great time with all the district fellows.  Met Char. Tatham, Bill Tatham, Geo Harron & Teck. Morphey.  They were far too decent in every way to me.

Friday, March 9th, 1917
Arrived in Camblin Abbe at noon, the end of our trek.  Best place for 
billeting, but not extra billets.  Had some “Café au lait” to-night which was best yet.

Saturday, March 10th, 1917
Met Art McCleheghan this morning.  Awfully glad to see him.  Bath & pay parades to-day.  15 fra is some pay.  Army underwear for first time to-day & getting me for -fair (?)

Sunday, March 11th, 1917
Nothing but church parade to-day.  Wrote a bunch of letters at night and enjoyed ourselves bumming around all day.

Monday, March 12th, 1917
Training to-day but it was easy.  In the Mach. Gun Section now & like it fine.  Wrote several letters to-night & hoping for mail to arrive to-night.  Thear may be one from H.

Tuesday, March 13th, 1917
Fairly easy training all day.  Nothing doing particularly.

Wednesday, March 14th, 1917
Told of our part in the advance [to take Vimy Ridge] & were practising it.  Letters from home.

Thursday, March 15th, 1917
Doing same thing only more of it.

Friday, March 16th, 1917
Ditto.  Had some good “oeufs” to-night.  Letter from H. & two from home.

Saturday, March 17th, 1917
Worked as usual at plan of attack.  Great way to spend a birth-day.  In Camblin L’Abbe a little village.  At pict-show at night.

Sunday, March 18th, 1917
Rotten church parade this morning.  Wrote letters and saw base-ball game in afternoon.

Monday, March 19th, 1917
Practising attack again.  Had a peach of a sleep last night.

Tuesday, March 20th, 1917
Rained in morning so did attack in p.m.  Glad we are in M.G.s (machine guns) for no shovels to carry.

Wednesday, March 21st, 1917
Attack again & at show at night.  Wrote mother & Helen.  Saw Cec. Murphy to-day.

Thursday, March 22nd, 1917
Machine-gun in hut & attack in afternoon.  Getting fed up with this cross-country walking.

Friday, March 23rd, 1917
Dull all morning & attack in afternoon.

Saturday, March 24th, 1917
Dull in morning, attack in afternoon & parade to Paymaster’s at night about our wills.  Got first letter addressed to the batt from Mjr. Lund.[??]

Sunday, March 25th, 1917
Church parade in morn. & 3 hrs drill in afternoon, went to bed early.

Monday, March 26th, 1917
Cleaning roads & deepening ditches all day in rain.  Disagreeable on account of rain but didn’t work hard.

Tuesday, March 27th, 1917
Dull in morning & attack in afternoon.  Dead broke both of us.

Wednesday, March 28th, 1917
Bummed in morning & marched after dinner to Ecoivres [?] where we are now billeted.  Broke my sovereign which city gave me & we had a good feed at Y.  Got first letter from home in a month.

Thursday, March 29th, 1917
Returned 10 bn in support trenches near Mont St. Eloy.  Carried M.G. boxes and it was hard work.  Good dug-out & we were lucky as we were not out at night.

Friday, March 30th, 1917
On working party all day digging.  Not bad at all.

Saturday, March 31st, 1917
In bed all night & same digging party to-day.  Got letter from Marie & did enjoy it as first in a month.

Sunday, April 1st, 1917
Did nothing all day but move a couple of hundred yards of trench.  Now on water fatigue pumping, 2 hrs on 6 off & sleep all night so it is pretty fair.  Several killed & wounded at night.

Monday, April 2nd, 1917
On our new job & it is pretty hard work.  Get a good sleep at night tho’.  Feeling rotten all day.

Tuesday, April 3rd, 1917
Worked all day & moved into front line towards night.  Never saw more mud anywhere & it sure is awful.  Also and awfully rotten dug-out.  I certainly have learned to appreciate home over here.

Wednesday, April 4th, 1917
Still as bad as ever.  Got a whole bunch of delayed mail as well as a parcel so I am happy again. Will be glad when we move out of here.

Thursday, April 5th, 1917
An hour on day sentry & then four at night.  Pretty close shaves with whiz-bangs.  Never saw more mud.

Friday, April 6th, 1917
Returned at night & carried our m.g. all the way.  Tagged out when we arrived at Camblain L’Abbe in morn (6 o’clock). 

Saturday, April 7th, 1917
Slept during morning & walked to Ecoivres for Capt. Dennis funeral.  So tired I couldn’t sleep at night.  Got 31 francs from Mr. Heath.

Sunday, April 8th, 1917
Marched to Ecoivres om p.m. & then to dug outs on Arras Road at night.  Attack in morning.

Monday, April 9th, 1917
[Battle of Vimy Ridge]
Successful in the attack.  Carl wounded & he certainly was lucky to get it where & when he did.  Shelled pretty strenuously.  Lots of Germ. prisoners who seemed very happy.  Chamberlain, Agar, & Monan buried [?] at night.

Tuesday, April 10th, 1917
Moved up farther & gun blown up at night.  Lots of excitement in shelling.  Awfully rotten weather & nearly froze to death in open trench.

Wednesday, April 11th, 1917
Moved into front line at night in Bahus [also written in pencil as Farhus] wood among a former German battery.  Never know if you are going to return when you leave the dug-out.

Thursday, April 12th, 1917
The same as yesterday.  Tanton killed at night & it certainly was tough.  Moved back to Bde reserve at night where we are in a good dug-out.

Friday, April 13th, 1917
Spent the day lying around.  Saw a German plane come down in flames. It sure is a terrible death.

Saturday, April 14th, 1917
Moved to div. res. in morning & to Ecoivres for bath in afternoon.  Wished I had not given Earl my money as I needed some.  Had a great bath.

Sunday, April 15th, 1917
Got boxes from Helen & mother & they sure were great.  A box arrived for Earl too which I opened.  Two pair of socks for Earl which I don’t know what to do with.  Mach. Gun course in morning but nothing in afternoon.  Also 3 letters & pictures of dad.

Monday, April 16th, 1917
M. Gun in morn & at noon left dug-out on Arras road to Mont St Eloy where we got an awful billet in an old barn.  Got a birth-day box from home & it sure was great.

Tuesday, April 17th, 1917
Birth-day box from H. & it sure was great.  Also one from mother & a bunch of letters.  Got a fire going so life is not too bad.  Met Bill Tobey & Les Doadt.

Wednesday, April 18th, 1917
Two more boxes from mother as well as papers. Bought 10 eggs & had a great feed of boiled eggs.  Still on M.G. course.  J. Stewart, Mowforth, Alcott, & Bogardus killed in attack.

Thursday, April 19th, 1917
Mach. Gun again to-day & was down to Y after supper but nothing doing.  Missing Earl.  Made some great pudding.

Friday, April 20th, 1917
Machine gun again.  Nothing doing very much to-day.
Later Hagard & I had a great feed of eggs & steak which we cooked here.

Saturday, April 21st, 1917
Left Mt. St Eloy & relieved 13th in Farhus woods.  Fine so far but sleeping accommodation rotten.  Enjoying mother’s honey.  Two bundles of S.R.s.

Sunday, April 22nd, 1917
Living in German artillery dug-outs & as we have a good fire not doing too badly.  Did nothing but an hr of sentry since arriving.  Haven’t heard from Earl yet.  Lots of airfights here.  Two planes came down to-day but do not know which side.

Monday, April 23rd, 1917
Big attack on our left & right this morning.  Very heavy barrage on whole front.  
Bummed all day but working party from 7:30 - 4 at night digging trench.  Worked my head off.  No word from Taylor yet.

Tuesday, April 24th, 1917
Did nothing all day but write letters.  Uncomfortably cold sleeping at night.

Wednesday, April 25th, 1917
Doing nothing all day but out in big party digging & kick-off lunch for attack.  Six casualties in plat. as Mackay stepped on a bomb.  Chambers, Greenaway, Wilson, Denoyer, Mincis, & Duffy.

Thursday, April 26th, 1917
Arrived back about four & immed. taken to carry stretcher case to ambulance.  Lots of casualties in batt. last nights party.  Relieved at night & moved back near Arras road & arrived there early in morn.

Friday, April 27th, 1917
Just got our tent fixed up when we heard “back up the line at 12:00 p.m.”  It certainly is rotten news.  Got box from mother of candy (no 6).  Heard from Earl & he certainly is a lucky cuss.  I would certainly like to be with him.

Saturday, April 28th, 1917
Up in reserve to 2nd batt who made an attack and gained their objective.  Everybody ill in bed.  Major marched us back to the transport for 3 hours with only one halt.  Had a great sleep in out bivouac.

Sunday, April 29th, 1917
A perfect spring day.  A bath parade after 8 o’clock at night to Ecoivres.  Big Canadian mail & I rec. 15 letters.  One of Helen’s hadn’t my name on in the address.  Got paid five francs.

Monday, April 30th, 1917
Great weather yet.  Another letter from Earl.  Moved up into “bings” above Arras road.  Practising attack in morning.

Tuesday, May 1st, 1917
Did nothing all day but be around & at night moved up into a dug-out in supports.

Wednesday, May 2nd, 1917
Got slightly caught up in our sleep.  Have to take Fusnay [?] in morning.

Thursday, May 3rd, 1917
Made attack & gained objective.  Shelled awfully all day & for 1 1/2 hrs by our own artillery. It seemed everybody is wounded or killed.  Germans tried to pull off a counter attack but we soon halted them.

Friday, May 4th, 1917
Worst barrage even first conting. men had ever seen to-night.  & I am thankful I was allowed to live thru it.  Relieved by East Surreys at night & went back to bivouacs on Arras road.  Ten out of 41 came out.  Great many killed.

Saturday, May 5th, 1917
Only 17 out of fifty-two left in platoon now & no sergts in company at all.  Spent day in binys’ but to-morrow we start for Barlin. [?]  Awfully sore all over from the severe shelling.  Got a box of Earls & no 5 from mother besides several letters.

Sunday, May 6th, 1917
Left about 8 in morn & after a good march arrived in Barlin about 4p.m. where we are billeted in old barn.  Now acting O.C. of an S.S. of two men.

Monday, May 7th, 1917
Just muster parade to-day.  Paid visit to “Y” & wrote a couple of letters.  This is a fine life.

Tuesday, May 8th, 1917
As usual but wrote a couple of letters.  Two Red books arrived.

Wednesday, May 9th, 1917
Reviewed by General Currie & had field day afterwards.  Good change.

Thursday, May 10th, 1917
Reviewed by General Byng and heard lots of compliments about our division.  Base-ball after & early home.  May be an acting Can? ? soon.

Friday, May 11th, 1917
Parade in morning & batt’n at Hersin in after.  Expected to find Art W. & bunch there but I guess they must have moved.  Mail from home & Helen at night. & also wrote some letters.

Saturday, May 12th, 1917
[First sentence crossed out.] War ends by to-day or Ray Newton gets 5S.
I never thought 3 months ago that Ray would be killed but it had to be.  Bombing in morning & sports in afternoon.  Wrote a couple of letters & walked around a bit.

Sunday, May 13th, 1917
Bde. church service in morning and loafed around in afternoon.  Warm.  Wrote Helen.  Got parcel from home.  Saw Wood. fellows of the 1st.

Monday, May 14th, 1917
Drilled in morning & sports in afternoon.

Tuesday, May 15th, 1917
Drilled in morning & sports in afternoon.

Wednesday, May 16th, 1917
Same.  Only I went broke to-day.

Thursday, May 17th, 1917
Drilled morning & afternoon.

Friday, May 18th, 1917
Firing Lewis guns in morn. & ranges in afternoon at Hersin.  Long walk to fire fine shots.

Saturday, May 19th, 1917
Ranges again after drilling in morning.  Got 30 frs from Mr. Heath.

Sunday, May 20th, 1917
Met Sulton agric. man this afternoon.  Bum [?] church service this morning.  Enjoying money again.  Got a fine parcel from Auntie Bell.  Met Sulton. asst. Agric. from Oxford & enjoyed seeing him.

Monday, May 21st, 1917
Paid to-night, 20 francs so my one stripe helps a little.  Got two parcels.  The fellows certainly enjoyed all the tobacco from I.O.D.E.  Mother’s parcel was splendid.

Tuesday, May 22nd, 1917
Rained all day so carried on with MG all day.  No mail but a good feed of eggs at night.

Wednesday, May 23rd, 1917
Drilled morning & part of afternoon. & then played base-ball.  Expecting mail.

Thursday, May 24th, 1917
Strange 24th of May but necessary.  Lucky not to be in line but will be soon.  Got a new outfit to-day.  No mail for a week but wrote Helen to-night.

Friday, May 25th, 1917
Hersin for bath in morning & ranges in afternoon.  Just bummed around at night.

Saturday, May 26th, 1917
Just finished a letter home & would not mind being there for a while.  Machine gun drill & firing morning & afternoon.  Lecture by R.S.M. to-night for now I am acting L/C.

Sunday, May 27th, 1917
Church parade & staff parade in morning.  Bummed around Y & billet the rest of day.  Wrote Helen again.

Monday, May 28th, 1917
Helped the old Frenchman’s cow to calf to-night.  Received our pictures & we sure are a bunch of negroes.

Tuesday, May 29th, 1917
Nothing doing all day except drill which was easy to-day.  Now in charge of rifle section.

Wednesday, May 30th, 1917
Drill & inspection by Majors McLachlan & Vanderwater.  Washed equipment at night.

Thursday, May 31st, 1917
Drilling all day & spent evening in billet.  Looking for mail.

Friday, June 1st, 1917
Drilled as usual & wrote letters at night.  No mail yet.

Saturday, June 2nd, 1917
Drilled in morning& C.O.’s inspection in full marching order in afternoon.  Got one letter to-night from Marie & several papers as well as socks from Pat Legue from Listowel.

Sunday, June 3rd, 1917
P.M.
Left Barlin & are now in woods near Mont St Eloy.  Fine clean huts.  Got several parcels.

Monday, June 4th, 1917
At work first thing in morning.  Two parcels from mother & several letters from Canada.  Best I ever received from Helen.  Wrote several letters.

Tuesday, June 5th, 1917
Spent morning going after respirator.  Parades for an hour & then dismissed on account of heat.  Wrote Helen.  Pay to-morrow they say.

Wednesday, June 6th, 1917
Carried on same as usual.  Rumours of leaving this place. Bois D’Allerey soon.

Thursday, June 7th, 1917
Off parade this afternoon as I have to go on a party up the line to-night.  Received fifteen letters before I left for the line at 7:15.

Friday, June 8th, 1917
Got back at 4:30 this morning & walked at least 20 miles.  Off parade all day.  Three more letters from Realo, [?] Marie, & home.

Saturday, June 9th, 1917
Marched from Bois d’allein to La Targette where we stayed until night when we relieved 16th bn in brigade reserve.   Saw Art Windsor again near Mont St. Eloy.

Sunday, June 10th, 1917
Fine quiet trench here & would not mind it for duration.  Got several letters from Canada to-night.

Monday, June 11th, 1917
Same as usual.  Have some good games of hearts with Bults & Archie McKay.  Bults is getting the fellows started calling me “Bones.”

Tuesday, June 12th, 1917
Nothing out of ordinary.  Working party at night.

Wednesday, June 13th, 1917
Helen’s Birth-day & I wanted to write her but could not.  A splendid box from home & a parcel from her.

Thursday, June 14th, 1917
Relieved 3rd batt. in support of front line.  Shells all over but none on trench.  Agar wounded when returning.

Friday, June 15th, 1917
As usual.

Saturday, June 16th, 1917
Working party all day at battalion headquarters.  A pretty nasty spot.

Sunday, June 17th, 1917
Lying around trench.  Sleeping was our big job today.  Got 18 letters from Canada.

Monday, June 18th, 1917
Were relieved at night by 8th batt & moved back almost to La Targette.

Tuesday, June 19th, 1917
In small dug-outs still & will be probably for a week more.  Several bunches of papers & boxes.  8th from home.  Mother & everybody at home are far too good to me.

Wednesday, June 20th, 1917
Paid this morning & did nothing all day.  Ran across Bev. A. & Brady from Simcoe.  Wrote several letters.  Rotten showery weather these days.

Thursday, June 21st, 1917
Bath parade in morning but lousy as ever.  Paraded in full-marching order for clothing indent.

Friday, June 22nd, 1917
Three rifle inspections today & moved up in support at night relieving 16 _?.  Met Cec. Woods to-day & expect to see Bill L. Murray & “Nip” Downs in a day or so.

Saturday, June 23rd, 1917
Along rail-road in front of Vimy.  Fine home.  Parcel from home.

Sunday, June 24th, 1917
Working party every night here & it is not too bad at all.

Monday, June 25th, 1917
Sleep & play cards all day & working party at night.  Called in on account of rain.

Tuesday, June 26th, 1917
Busy.  Relieved to-night by 8th bn.  Shelled a little early in evening.

Wednesday, June 27th, 1917
Marched in early morning to huts near Mont St. Eloy & are cleaning up all ready.

Thursday, June 28th, 1917
Issued with new badges this morning & went to sports, I think, in afternoon.

Friday, June 29th, 1917
Drilled in morning & bummed in afternoon.

Saturday, June 30th, 1917
Divisional Sports where I met Art. W., Tom Kelley, & C. Wood.  Afterwards, Cec. & I looked up Alex Joth at Mont St. Eloy.

Sunday, July 1st, 1917
Bde church parade & presentation of medals by Currie.

Monday, July 2nd, 1917
On guard to-day & not too bad at all.

Tuesday, July 3rd, 1917
Inoculated yesterday & arm is doing splendidly.

Wednesday, July 4th, 1917
Left Mont St. Eloy & up to the left front of Neunelle St. Naas.  In a tent & it is fine.

Thursday, July 5th, 1917
Bev. & Brady who are near here called on me in afternoon.  On way up on work party met Gord Fleming who is in 2nd Hean?.

Friday, July 6th, 1917
Visited Bev. in afternoon.  Had a fine louse-up in sun too.  I would like to pull a louse off my sheet at home & hear what they would say.  Work party at night.

Saturday, July 7th, 1917
Saw Bev. & Brady again & also had a visit from Fleming & his friend.  Was not out at night so I missed getting a good soaking.

Sunday, July 8th, 1917
Rainy rotten day.  Just lying around tent & writing a letter or so.

Monday, July 9th, 1917
Seeing Bev. & Brady every day.  Fritz opened up & shelled the deuce out of us & surprised us a great deal.  Received a parcel from home.

Tuesday, July 10th, 1917
Working party to-night & did nothing but sleep & visit Bev. at night.

Wednesday, July 11th, 1917
Not on working party to-night so we had a great old time in the tent singing.

Thursday, July 12th, 1917
Another parcel to-night & a big time in our tent at night until a.m.  Bults, Dye, Carruthers, McCartney, Greenaway & myself were the songsters.

Friday, July 13th, 1917
Left in morning & moved to tornnipey huts near Mt. St. Eloy.  Parcel from Blythe T. & letters from Helen & home. [family note: Blythe Terryberry]

Saturday, July 14th, 1917
Rain spoiled parade in morning. & did nothing all day but write several letters.  Two of the best possible letters from H. at night.

Sunday, July 15th, 1917
Wrote letters & had church parade.  Got 45 frs from Mr. Heath.  Baseball & football in afternoon & night.

Monday, July 16th, 1917
Drilled in morning & slept until three in afternoon.  Baseball & football games after.  Got three fine letters from Marie, Jean, & mother.

Tuesday, July 17th, 1917
Had a great old visit from Bill Lenan & his friend .  He is just the same as ever & I did enjoy his visit.  Leaving Bois d’Alleux at 4 a.m. to-morrow.

Wednesday, July 18th, 1917
[All but last sentence crossed out.]
Marched to Marsail, 3 kilos from Barlin.  Billet not too bad but place is very slow.  Sports to-day.

Thursday, July 19th, 1917
Left Bois d’Alleux & arrived in Marsail, 3 kilos from Hersin, in morning.  Billet not too bad but the place is “no fun.”
Friday, July 20th, 1917
Drilled morning & afternoon.  Enjoyed ourselves around billet at night as we were rather expecting to get paid.

Saturday, July 21st, 1917
Drilled in morn & were paid at noon.  Great many got drunk & were in bad shape for march to Retil barns at night where we are in tents.

Sunday, July 22nd, 1917
Shelled out of our tents for a couple of hours in morning.  Moved into reserve trench at night.  French people right up almost to line here.

Monday, July 23rd, 1917
In line & everybody kept busy on account of smallness of plat.  “Jimmie” Dye badly wounded & I guess it is Blighty for him.

Tuesday, July 24th, 1917
Rec. news that Jimmie died & everybody is missing him as he was the life of the platoon.  Rec. nine letters & a bunch of S.R’s at night.  I have enjoyed it so much. [family note: S.R. is the Sentinel-Review, Woodstock newspaper]

Wednesday, July 25th, 1917
Read my mail again & wrote a letter or so in morn.

Thursday, July 26th, 1917
Received a dandy parcel of date-cakes from Mina & we are certainly tickled with them.  On duty all last night.  Archie & McTague wounded this morning.

Friday, July 27th, 1917
Twenty four hours guard on bombs etc.  Not too bad as long as it does not rain or they do not shell.  Fritz artillery very active last night.

Saturday, July 28th, 1917
Slept all morning and on duty until nine at night.  Wrote several letters.  Rec. box 24 from mother & am enjoying it so much.

Sunday, July 29th, 1917
Fritz did his best to gas us last night so we stood to most of the night.  Shelling getting stronger every day.
Monday, July 30th, 1917
Several letters from home.  On guard on ammunition dump from “stand to” this morn until to-morrow.  Shelled like the deuce.

Tuesday, July 31st, 1917
Trench duty in day and wrote a couple of letters.  Hoping to be relieved soon but there does not seem to be much chance.

Wednesday, August 1st, 1917
Got a letter from mother & also Jack [Coles].  A parcel from I.O.D.E. at Woodstock too.  Working party at night.

Thursday, August 2nd, 1917
Expect to be relieved to-night.

Friday, August 3rd, 1917
Relieved late by 16th and reached huts in Mazingarbe by early morn.   Several letters & parcel 25 from mother.  She is awfully good to me.  Marched to Ruitz all night & met Fred Hill on way.

Saturday, August 4th, 1917
Bath & pay parades to-day, both of which were very necessary & appreciated.

Sunday, August 5th, 1917
Church service this morn & remained for communion.  Got parcel no 26 and a letter from Dad.  Have not heard from Helen for several mails now but I suppose she is tired at Grimsby. [family note: she was a farm helper]

Monday, August 6th, 1917
Just lolling around to-day & short parades in both morn & afternoon.  Very popular with the French kids around our billet.  Three of them remind me a great deal of Mina’s kids.

Tuesday, August 7th, 1917
Drilled morning & afternoon.  Several letters from home.

Wednesday, August 8th, 1917
Drilled as usual but have not been shining up so much this time.

Thursday, August 9th, 1917
Drilled in morning & sports in afternoon.  Several more letters & suit of underwear also.

Friday, August 10th, 1917
Drilled in morning & marched from Ruitz to near Loos at night.  All in when we arrived as we were in full marching order.

Saturday, August 11th, 1917
Slept all day & working party at night carrying “blokes” to front line.  Box arrived from Lottie & it sure did hit the right spot. [family note: Lottie was a cousin]

Sunday, August 12th, 1917
Received orders to report to Corps. gas school & after seven hours walking from the trench found it in Hersin-Coupigny.  Went to bed as soon as I arrived.

Monday, August 13th, 1917
Gas course all day & it has not been too bad at all.  Wrote several letters at the ‘Y.’  Met Fred Hill on the way down yesterday.

Tuesday, August 14th, 1917
Gas school.  Wrote letters & saw concert at Y at night.

Wednesday, August 15th, 1917
As usual.  Wrote at the Y & then walked down to Hersin.  Attack went fine & hundreds of Germans came down to the cage at Hersin to-day.

Thursday, August 16th, 1917
As usual and am now at Y.  bul.(?)  Night gas attack to-night.

Friday, August 17th, 1917
Exam to-day & hope I passed.  Demonstration in afternoon.  Wrote again at night.

Saturday, August 18th, 1917
Course broke up in morning & joined batt. at night.

Sunday, August 19th, 1917
In line & doing working-party each day carrying S.A.A. or stretcher-cases out .  Platoon all cut to pieces & Archie, Quack, Cinert, Scott & Knight killed.

Monday, August 20th, 1917
Same as usual.

Tuesday, August 21st, 1917
Same as usual and relieved at night and marched to Mazingarbe.  Got several letters and a parcel from home.

Wednesday, August 22nd, 1917
Left in morning & spent day & night at ? les-Mines.  Wrote several letters.

Thursday, August 23rd, 1917
Came to Rocourt en-l’eau where we are out for a rest.  Awfully quiet lonesome place.

Friday, August 24th, 1917
Got some new clothes to-day and 30 francs from Mr. Heath.  Wrote Archie’s mother and am going to send his things.

Saturday, August 25th, 1917
Sat. morn
Going to have a bath this morn.

Sunday, August 26th, 1917
Church parade in morning and stayed around billet rest of day.

Monday, August 27th, 1917
Promoted to Corporal now.  Looking for mail from Canada.

Tuesday, August 28th, 1917
Received a big Canadian mail to-night & a box from Clifford.

Wednesday, August 29th, 1917
Wrote several letters & received another Box from Clifford.

Thursday, August 30th, 1917
Now Corp gas corporal and on my new job.  Bath in morning.

Friday, August 31st, 1917
Took a bunch down to gas-school this afternoon.  This seems to be a pretty fair job.

Saturday, September 1st, 1917
Gas corporal is not too bad at all.

Sunday, September 2nd, 1917
Going to move to-morrow.  Some mail to-night.

Monday, September 3rd, 1917
Marched from Rocauil to Fosso 10 where we are in a dandy billet in a house.

Tuesday, September 4th, 1917
Relieved 42nd in line at St Pierre & are in cellars.  I was in advance party.  All I do is ration parties at night.

Wednesday, September 5th, 1917
Just called mail at noon & go for rations.  Shelled like deuce last night on rations.  Gas-shell right in a cellar with us.

Thursday, September 6th, 1917
The same.  The fellows are doing working parties at night.  Received a box & several letters.

Friday, September 7th, 1917
Ditto.

Saturday, September 8th, 1917
Ditto.

Sunday, September 9th, 1917
The same.

Monday, September 10th, 1917
Blanchard & Chevers both wounded again.  (Blanchard died of wounds.)

Tuesday, September 11th, 1917
This is a fine place but they open up about once every day.  Our cellar is hardly shell proof either.

Wednesday, September 12th, 1917
Expect to go out on the 16th but you never can tell.

Thursday, September 13th, 1917
Write a couple of letters every day & rations at nights which are very handy.

Friday, September 14th, 1917
The same.

Saturday, September 15th, 1917
Also.

Sunday, September 16th, 1917
Relieved front line to-night & we had a very hot night.  Hundreds of minnies, pineapples, etc.  A new high-velocity gun.

Monday, September 17th, 1917
A little quieter.  Having a lot of trouble with rations.

Tuesday, September 18th, 1917
Same ration trouble.  Had to go to batt HQ for ours.

Wednesday, September 19th, 1917
Relieved to-night & walked to Tasse 10 where we have a fine billet .  Paid to-day & like this place fine.

Thursday, September 20th, 1917
Orderly corporal just now & pretty busy with clothes etc.

  Friday, September 21st, 1917
Marched to Houdain where we are in a company hut.  Like it fine here.

Saturday, September 22nd, 1917
Inspecting gas-masks & orderly corporal duties which are not very strenuous.

Sunday, September 23rd, 1917
Church parade, walked downtown & wrote some letters.

Monday, September 24th, 1917
Practically all I do is sick parade & write letters.  Have received about 12 letters & box 31.

Tuesday, September 25th, 1917
Heard from Earl & wrote several letters.

Wednesday, September 26th, 1917
Received box 32 & am enjoying it.

Thursday, September 27th, 1917
Changed containers on all respirators to-day.  Did it faster than I expected.  No mail but wrote Helen.

Friday, September 28th, 1917
Still at Houdain walk down-town at night.  Talk to Pierre quite a bit.

Saturday, September 29th, 1917
Orderly corp. is a cinch here and could stay here for the duration.

Sunday, September 30th, 1917
Church parade to-day.  Wrote some letters.

Monday, October 1st, 1917
Nothing doing.  Had eggs & chips at night.

Tuesday, October 2nd, 1917
Same.

Wednesday, October 3rd, 1917
Expect to leave here to-morrow.

Thursday, October 4th, 1917
Marched to huts past Beauniney & the batt. went in at night.  I am scheduled for another gas-course at Hersin.

Friday, October 5th, 1917
Bummed around transport & nearly froze to death at night.

Saturday, October 6th, 1917
The same.

Sunday, October 7th, 1917
Walked to Hersin Coupigny farm Marguiffe & back at gas-school.

Monday, October 8th, 1917
Nothing much to-day.  Met three fine fellows named Booty, Norman & Miller of the 451 & M? field ambulance.

Tuesday, October 9th, 1917
It is a cinch this time as I seem to know it all after the last course.

Wednesday, October 10th, 1917
Each night we walk down-town & have a cigar or feed together.

Thursday, October 11th, 1917
Walked over to the transport & found 12 letters from Canada.  Only one from Helen.

Friday, October 12th, 1917
The same as usual only we worked just in the morning.  It has been awfully rotten weather this week.  Passed my exam.

Saturday, October 13th, 1917
Left course in morning & the four of us bummed around Hersin all day.  Miller & I are awaiting our units here in Hersin.

Sunday, October 14th, 1917
The batt. arrived to-day & I am back as ord. corp.  Like to be back with the bunch.

Monday, October 15th, 1917
Fellows spent the day cleaning up & I did practically nothing.

Tuesday, October 16th, 1917
Inspection by Gen. Horne as a farewell we imagine before we leave for Ypres.  Wrote six letters & received box 35.  Expect to pull out to-morrow.

Wednesday, October 17th, 1917
Postponed after getting all packed up.

Thursday, October 18th, 1917
Leaving to-morrow for Birray & on the way to Ypres.  Are hoping to get paid.

Friday, October 19th, 1917
Marched to Birray with full-pack this morning & I do wish we were paid for it is a fine place.

Saturday, October 20th, 1917
Left Birray & thru pillers 4 kilos to Burres for to-night.  Hard on the feet over the cobbles.

Sunday, October 21st, 1917
Marched to Boiseghem where we are billeted with some very decent French people.  Met an awfully decent French lady next door.  The people very kind here.

Monday, October 22nd, 1917
Arrived in St Maire Capell at one o’clock.  A big mail arrived to-night.  & I received 2 parcels from Lottie & Auntie Bell.  Expecting letters to-morrow.

Tuesday, October 23rd, 1917
Received box 36 from mother & about a dozen letters.  Three from Helen.  They are all far too good to me at home.

Wednesday, October 24th, 1917
Doing orderly corporal & duties are not very strenuous except in morning.  Writing letters in my spare time.

Thursday, October 25th, 1917
As usual but walked down to Hondeghem at night.  People are not half so decent here.

Friday, October 26th, 1917
Usual orderly corporals work & went to bed early.

Saturday, October 27th, 1917
As usual.

Sunday, October 28th, 1917
Received letter of Oct. 9 from mother.  These people are all right after all, especially the kids.

Monday, October 29th, 1917
Getting well acquainted here now.

Tuesday, October 30th, 1917
“J’ai mange avec la familie ci ce soir & ils son tres bon.”

Wednesday, October 31st, 1917
As usual playing cards with the people at night.

Thursday, November 1st, 1917
Ate again with them to-night.  Going to move in the morning.

Friday, November 2nd, 1917
Left the farm at St Maire-Cappel & walked to le Cassil where we left for St Jean by train.  Reveille at 2 a.m.  Now in small dug-out at Ypres.

Saturday, November 3rd, 1917
Hustling around all day.  Poor Crowle, Bults, Fell, Rusty, & Beaudin wounded.  Rumours of moving to-night.  Going over the top soon.

Sunday, November 4th, 1917
Went into the line to-night.  Going over Tuesday.  Lined in behind a pill-box near Passchendaile.  8th plat. had a bunch of casualties at night.

Monday, November 5th, 1917
Kept under cover all day.  Very short of rations.

Tuesday, November 6th, 1917
Went over this morning & came thru splendidly altho we had a bunch of casualties.  Won lots of glory but it costs a lot of men.  Great barrage.

Wednesday, November 7th, 1917
Now in charge of 8 plat. & holding the line all day.  Hoping to come thru all right.  Relieved at night & got back to St Jean without casualties.

Thursday, November 8th, 1917
Marched to near Popering Le on retrainalve (?) & met Bev. A. who gave me a bar of choc. [chocolate] which I will always remember for I was hungry.

Friday, November 9th, 1917
Did nothing to-day but open five boxes from Mother & Helen, and also more letters.  Everyone is far too good to me & I do appreciate their kindness.  One thing which H. sent I was so glad to receive.

Saturday, November 10th, 1917
Busses to Rehery for one night only.  Just had some coffee & went to bed early.

Sunday, November 11th, 1917
Lorries to Bethune which is certainly a great place.  Had three feeds of eggs & chips & borrowed 15 frs.  Jordan & I were out seeing the place at night.

Monday, November 12th, 1917
Moving this p.m.  Letter from Wilf. D. last night.  Road again to huts near Aix-Noullette.  Expect to go in the line soon again instead of our expected rest.  Wrote letters.

Tuesday, November 13th, 1917
Bummed around all day & got paid 55 francs as we were unable to spend it.  Wrote several letters but received none.  The line to-morrow night.

Wednesday, November 14th, 1917
Nothing doing all day but moved into rear-end of Lienin at night.  Fine home for the Pimurs and myself in an old cook-house of Germans in a cellar.

Thursday, November 15th, 1917
Fine quiet place & better than out off line.  Do nothing but sick parade & collect mail.  Received eight letters & a box to-night from Helen & home.

Friday, November 16th, 1917
The same but no mail at night.  This was a great place before war.  We are living in luxury these days with porridge or custard each meal.

Saturday, November 17th, 1917
Wrote a couple of letters & loafed around all day.  Had some fine meals to-day & yesterday.

Sunday, November 18th, 1917
Nothing but eat & sleep here.  Certainly fine in Lienin just now as practically nothing doing.

Monday, November 19th, 1917
Wrote a couple of letters & received a peach from Cis Smith of Glasgow.  She seems to be an awfully fine girl & I think I’ll like her family when I go there on leave.

Tuesday, November 20th, 1917
Collect mail & sick report each morning is my day’s work.  Had gas drill afternoon & night & the fellows did not mind much.

Wednesday, November 21st, 1917
Left Lienin & went to huts in Souchey for to-night.  Went to bed early.

Thursday, November 22nd, 1917
Leaving Souchey to-day.

Friday, November 23rd, 1917
Now in a hut for whole day at Petit Seinins.  Received some letters from home & Helen.

Saturday, November 24th, 1917
Acting orderly sergt & very easy.  Write a couple of letters each night.

Sunday, November 25th, 1917
Had a guard to put on to-day & was pretty busy.  Walked down to Gouy Seinins with Jourdan.

Monday, November 26th, 1917
As usual.  Write letters at night.

Tuesday, November 27th, 1917
Not very busy to-day.  Wrote letters and sent cards away.

Wednesday, November 28th, 1917
Wrote a couple of letters & did ordinary work.

Thursday, November 29th, 1917
Rec. parcel from Auntie Bell & did enjoy.  First in a long while.

Friday, November 30th, 1917
Parcel 42 from mother & there is nothing like stuff from home.

Saturday, December 1st, 1917
Nothing very much doing.

Sunday, December 2nd, 1917
As usual.

Monday, December 3rd, 1917
Up line in front of Souchey at night by train.  Sleeping with cooks.

Tuesday, December 4th, 1917
Doing nothing at all but walk back to Y each day.

Wednesday, December 5th, 1917
Received a parcel from mother & am enjoying it.

Thursday, December 6th, 1917
We make porridge & cocoa here every day in the line.

Friday, December 7th, 1917
Fine home this line now.  Ducks in the pond in front.

Saturday, December 8th, 1917
Sgt. Maj. Handyside left to-day so I have to do trench duty as they are short of sergeants.

Sunday, December 9th, 1917
Doing 8 hours duty per day now but it is not too bad.

Monday, December 10th, 1917
As usual.

Tuesday, December 11th, 1917
Received several Xmas parcels here.

Wednesday, December 12th, 1917
Moving back to-night.

Thursday, December 13th, 1917
Now in old German dug-out & everything is fine.  Box from Cliff & Mrs. Kirk & also mother’s as usual.

Friday, December 14th, 1917
The same as usual.

Saturday, December 15th, 1917
Nothing important happening.

Sunday, December 16th, 1917
Gas-corporal is an awful cinch.

Monday, December 17th, 1917
Walked to Sens Jct. & after a wait of an hour went by rail to Petit Seinins.  Very cold & unpleasant.

Tuesday, December 18th, 1917
Marched with light marching order to Camblain Chalilaise & expect to be here for a month.  [arrow pointing up to next page]

Wednesday, December 19th, 1917
Now acting C.Q.M.S. & it is even better than gas-corporal while French is on leave.   [arrow pointing down to next date]

Thursday, December 20th, 1917
As usual.

Friday, December 21st, 1917
Slept in to ten o’clock & drew rations in afternoon.

Saturday, December 22nd, 1917
Saw Bev & Brady when 123rd marched thru here on the way up.  They are looking fine & I enjoyed seeing them yesterday. ?? a.m.

Sunday, December 23rd, 1917
Still acting C.Q.M.S. and getting along fine.  Rec. parcel 48 from mother.

Monday, December 24th, 1917
Down to Buray for a bath this morn with “Bults” Bell.  Drew rations for two days when I got back.

[no entries]
Tuesday, December 25th, 1917
Wednesday, December 26th, 1917
Thursday, December 27th, 1917
Friday, December 28th, 1917
Saturday, December 29th, 1917
Sunday, December 30th, 1917
Monday, December 31st, 1917

[other notes]
Cis Gonan 72
South 45

MEMORANDA
mother - laidan lea-ros  -
Marie -
Jean -
Dad - Earl. soc

MEMORANDA
two candles
2 ?
six apples
wash rag
3 melac
pair of sox
mitts
4 choc bars
3 gums

no 503175
Pte. M. McCleod
Dental Clinic
Can. Base

MEMORANDA
J. H. Myers
4 s. even for end of Feb. 1917
R. E. Taylot
3 - 1 end of March
C. E. Sands
5 - 5 be home by Xmas night 12 p.m. 1917

[last page]
798912 Bev. A.