working parties working
on the trenches, were coming down, and the whole way up the C.T. we
were sniped and shelled, the shells bursting all round us within a few
yards, but, thank goodness, none going into the trench. The men coming
down seemed to think the end of the world had come were almost on
their hands and knees. We tried to encourage them a bit, but they did
not like to stand up, though they were not likely to be hit unless a
shell came into the trench. At length we arrived at the safety of the
firing line; really it is quite the safest place unless you are
several miles back. They practically never shell the trenches unless
there is an attack coming off, because they can do so little damage
without shooting off hundreds of rounds. In the firing line we found
things quieted down, no attack being made against us and things
generally normal. The alarm had come from our right. There was an
attack away up North, and probably the alarm had been passed right
down the line. I think we were successful in the attack I mention. At
about 3-0 a.m. I got to bed.

I arose this morning at about 11-0. Fuller fried my breakfast on the
brazier and I had it in bed. Then I washed my feet, rubbed them with
anti-frost bite, had a good wash and shave, brushed my teeth and hair
and went to lunch feeling very fit.

Had tea this afternoon at our Battalion Headquarters and am now going
to bed at 1-10 a.m., having been scrawling this rubbish for about an
hour; breakfast in bed in the morning, I think.

I am afraid this letter has been a long time coming, but somehow I
always seem to have something to do. There are two noises I can hear
now, one the squeak of a rat, but I know he won't come in (at least, I
hope not), and two, the crack of a sniper's bullet, which I know has
no chance of coming in. As the papers would say, "Situation normal on
the Western Front." We get absolutely no news, you know more of what
is going on in France than I do. We heard that the division on our
right were in action the other night, but, although it was four nights
ago, we don't know whether it is true.

Father's and May's letters to hand, for which many thanks. Father
gives me a lot of news. I had not heard of the fall of the place he
speaks of, I suppose the Russians took it--good work. I do hope Lovel
comes home, don't tell him too much of what I say about the artillery.

There are two things of which we absolutely cannot get too much--1,
candles; 2,