WAR DIARY
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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
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Army Form C.2118

December 1916
Diary Pages:
Dec_16_P1
Dec_16_P2
Dec_16_P3
Dec_16_P4
Dec_16_P(5)

only two platoons in front line and the right Coy three. The remaining two platoons of 'C' and one of 'A' being with 2 platoons of 'D' Coy in support and 'B' Coy in reserve having two platoons of 'D' .

The relief between ourselves and the 1st MIDDLESEX was completed at 11:50 p.m. Dec 27 th. and was carried out without casualties.

TRENCHES  28-12-16
Activity , confined to Artillery fire on both sides. Machine Guns, Trench Mortars, Rifle Grenades & Rifle fire - nil; The work carried out by every available man was that of improving the trenches. The reserve Coy carrying rations for the three other Companies. Owing to the non-existence of communication trenches and that from Bttn. HQ forward the whole system of our trenches is under German observation daylight communication with the front and Support Companies is impossible. Telephonic communication is only available to the Support Company.

The Ration carrying party of 'A' Coy which was supplied by 'B' Coy failed to reach 'A' Coy with the days rations and left them with the Support Coy.

In the evening a heavy mist came on and great difficulty experienced in getting over the ground owing to the difficulty large number of shell holes full of mud and water and the thick mist. Casualties :- Nil

TRENCHES  29-12-16
The ration parties of both ' C' & ' A' Coys failed to reach their Companies early this morning on account of heavy mist and heavy going.

In the afternoon 2/Lt L.A.WALTON succeeded in reaching 'A' Coy - which Coy has not received any rations since it took over the line on the night of the 27 th - and took with him a jar of Rum. He went for most of the way "over the top" in broad daylight and was sniped at frequently. When he arrived at 'A' Coy HQ he was in a very exhausted condition and bare footed - having fallen into a shell-hole on his way and only extracted himself by leaving his thigh gum boots in the mud. He returned safely.

Artillery active & very pronounce on both sides throughout the day and Bn. HQ was shelled