Scott diary, 23 October 1917-27 May 1918 with letter 5 November 1918 re experiences in France and the Battle of Amiens, 8 August 1918 / John Philipson Scott - Page 7

[Page 7]

preparing packs stored away and a general inspection by the C/O which was very trying.
We were two or three days en route marching until our feet were blistered and
backs broken in the heat of the day although we started at 5 A.M. We camped in a
wood for two nights & finally landed in the dead of the night in the reserve trench
outside a village called Hamelet where we took up our position for two days
before the eighth and prepared for the advance on that day.
Hamelet was about 3/4 of a mile away & our cookers were there so we had
a long way to carry the dixies etc. It was absolutely in ruins and was being
shelled continuously & whilst we were in the reserves we had some heavy barrages gas & otherwise.

First let me describe that last night march before arriving at Hamelet. It was