Item 02: Jacques Playoust diary, February-August 1916 - Page 37

[Page 37]

Cdt. & all our officers are killed or missing. I[t] appears we have passed 1st regiment of France.  One consolation, our men defended themselves bravely. When is our reléve going to take place now. A few stragglers of 1st Bon. starts turn up. Some have had hair raising experience.

22nd - Few more turn up, heavy fighting continues round the summit slightly in our favour. At night at last we learn our division is relieved by the 40th. We come down to Blercourt during the night. Terrific bombardment is going on.  We are preparing for c/attack the morning. A few more thousands will have been before 24 hours are over. We are billeted in new wooden barracks along the Dombali - Blercourt road. Its extra These did not exist when we went up now it is a lititle town.  On arrival rumors rung of victory at Duaumont, [Douaumont] 1900 prisoners. Compensation for our defeat at Mort homme.