Diary Entry - 13th January, 1917

Walford: The dugout was all right when I arrived but that night it rained heavily and the water simply trickled out of the trench down the stairs. There was only one stretcher to sit on and two of us so there was little or no sleep. This was without exception I think the worst 24 hours I have had at the front for discomfort. My relief, Hawtayne, was very late - his guides lost themselves and wandered round in circles and then arrived about twelve a.m. I forgot to add that before that at three a.m. on the 12th I had been sent to relieve Discon as his relief had left Bat. HQ and been lost. However, on arrival at Bat. HQ, was informed that the relief was all right.