Item 01: James William Dains diary, 21 November 1916-4 June 1917 - Page 100

[Page 100]

We had 2 hours on Hazebruck & then came on to Etaples – the Base, where I had to stay the night. There was an unusual rush of officers so it was difficult to get accommodation. I slept in a small hut on the floor. I was given one blanket, but managed to get another.
Was up at 6 & caught the train at 7.30. I did not know where the 1st Bde. was, I simply went on to the Station indicated on the pass which was Albert & there I found they were out about 4 miles. Albert is or has been a good town but is badly knocked about. The fine cathedral is terribly battered and the tower still stands though very shaky. On the top there was once a huge figure, I suppose 20 feet or more high, of the Madonna holding in her hands towards heaven a baby, the holy child. It is of bronze & gilt. This had been hit at the base and now hangs head