“July 26th.

“Breakfast in bed.  Up 10.30.  At 11.30 Beesley, Telfer, Sergeant Donovan and I went to the 39th Division Headquarters in C Camp in a wood near by.  We saw Major-General Cuthbert while we were there.  We were sent to the 39th Division model of the Ypres battlefield where we discussed the operations with the officers of the 1/6th Cheshires on our left.  We got back at 1.30 p.m. and had lunch....  Took the afternoon easy; studied maps, etc....  To bed 9.30.”

“July 27th.

“Inspections and explanation of scheme in the morning.  In the afternoon I went, with Sergeant Baldwin, to reconnoitre the trench on the right of the main road between Vlamertinghe and Ypres, where we are to spend ’XY night’!  It was a very hot day.  Coming back we (and also Sergeant-Major Preston) got a lorry all the way to Brandhoek.  I got back at 4 p.m....  I wrote two or three letters and then had dinner.  To bed at 9.30.  At 10.15 a zeppelin came over and dropped a big bomb a few hundred yards away, causing a loud explosion.  We got up and stood outside the tents looking for the zeppelin; but we could not see it, although there were a whole crowd of search-lights trying to get on to it.”

“July 28th.

“Up 8 a.m.  Parade 9 a.m.  Drill and explanation of campaign.  At 12 noon, Major Brighten lectured all officers and N.C.O.’s on the forthcoming battle.  He closed with an eloquent peroration in which he said that, although our little bit is only part of very large operations, our holding the Gravenstafel Ridge may help to end the war and sway the destiny of the world!  In the afternoon I went into Poperinghe.  It was extremely hot.  I had a cold bath at the Divisional Baths and felt very refreshed by it.  I met Gaulter of the King’s Own on the same job.  He said that he was not looking forward to the push.  His battalion are at present in camp near Poperinghe Station.  In the push they will be the right rear battalion of Stockwell’s Brigade.  After my bath I made one or two purchases in Poperinghe and then had tea there.  Having had tea, I returned to Query Camp—­by lorry most of the way—­where I arrived at 6.30 p.m.”

“July 29th (Sunday).

“Up 9 a.m.  At 10 it poured with rain and prevented Church parade.  At 10.30 Allen and I set off with Sergeant Baldwin, Sergeant Donovan, Sergeant Brogden, and a few other N.C.O.’s and runners, to reconnoitre a track.  We went on a miniature train as far as Vlamertinghe.  Then we walked across the fields.  We were in a hot-bed of artillery batteries.  Suddenly a shell dropped close to us.  Three of our party were wounded—­Sergeant Donovan, Lance-Corporal Segar and Private Hampson.  Lance-Corporal Segar had a large slice out of his hip, but only a flesh wound, a nice, but painful, ‘Blighty’!  Donovan and Hampson had slight wounds; they were ‘walking cases,’ but it will be hospital for them all right.  When they were dressed we left them with an R.F.A. man to be taken on the first ambulance;