Item 02: Jacques Playoust diary, February-August 1916 - Page 19

[Page 19]

of a bayan which the last regimen left. The 75 was to destroy it then the men were to advance with bombs 40 metres & establish another barrage. The 75 fired too short and left the barrage intact. The men had a go at it all the same but found job too stiff for them. Boulogne, a most decent chap was killed. Leroy (in prevention de consul de guerre wounded slightly). Why is it, it's always the good chaps that go. Spend afternoon making a little niche where I am at least sheltered from the "cracknells" as some of our men call them. They are pretty abundant in this part of the world.

8th - Kitchens arrive today but the cooks to save trouble reheated the tucker which they were not able to recover. Result food not eatable, but bread, pinard [plonk] duly appreciated. Letters & parcels did not arrive. Night again go to chateau in ruins to get some wood to boise over saps which are beginning to take shape.

9th - Up at 5 p.m to continue saps.  At 9 p.m terrific bombardment starts alerted bags got ready, men at barricades await orders to go. 1st line, any moment.  At 5 p.m counter order we are to remain there. Midnight new orders & before