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Wednesday 5 October 2011

Diary Entry - 5th October, 1916

Walford: Thursday, at eight forty-five, we marched for Bus via 11th DAC to fill with ammunition. On arrival there we found the 71s had got there before us and were filling up but, as they were after us in orders issued, they must have taken no notice of their orders. Bus was reached at twelve thirty and we went to water, which was one mile away and found Bosch prisoners working there. As Bailey persisted on having stables, it was two thirty before we or the men got lunch. The guns had to go up that evening and left  L at five, together with 18 wagons of ammunition. Siggers, Cruickshank and I went up. Hoyland came down to be presented with his MC by General of the Corps. It was difficult getting everything into the position in the dark but eventually got away about seven thirty p.m. The other two stayed at the guns and I called in to see Kellagher on the way back to the WL, whom I found in excellent form, just having returned from leave. It was a cold wet ride back to our lines and I was glad of a little drink to keep me warm.

Bee: Walrond and Hirshaw went off at nine am to reconnoitre wagon line and position. We started at nine fifteen and went round by Sanlis to fill up with ammunition at the 11th division DAC. There was some muddle with the orders and the three batteries landed at the dump at the same time, much to our Colonel's disgust. He came along in a car and let us know what he thought of us. We went along very slowly as had all the nondescript vehicles in front. Found our wagon line at Bus, which was just an open field, which was cropped last year. So know what it will be like if we have any rain. The men had just finished their lunch when the order came to move up to Mailly Maillet. We got underway in half an hour and got up about dark. The position was in an orchard – not a bad place, but I don't think we will be here long, as it is too long range. It's not a bad place as there are plenty of apples. 

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