King diary, 1 April-31 August 1917 / James Clive Selwyn King - Page 10

[Page 10]

sacrifice lie here taking their last sleep in this life for a time deaf to sound of fritz's guns & our own.

5th
The day passed uneventfully. In evening went along railway line, saw damaged tank & went along another battle front.

6th
Marched to Byzantin with heavy packs, this the old Posieres battle field. Here the blasted scene of desolation was very noticeable. Debris & salvage lay everywhere – forests were laid bare to the ground.

7th
Marched to Bapaume – 10 miles – over the old field through deep mud in places, for the rest over duck boards. Arrived in Bapaume rather tired after 3 hours hard marching. Not a single home in this part is left undamaged, some have been pulled