Item 04: John Duncan McRae diary, 6 May-18 September 1917 - Page 99

[Page 99]

Aug. 19. St. Omer attracted us to-day. It being Sunday, I expected to hear the Cathedral organ in the evening, & for this reason particularly I visited the place. The day was perfect, & in the afternoon the N.Z. Military Band played some selections in the park. Towards tea-time my inoculation made itself felt & I had to clear back to billet as quickly as possible, procuring a few pills from Willie Vane on the way.

Aug. 20. I went on sick parade this morning and had the day off & passed the time reading "Under the Red Robe" by S. Waymen. It is an historical romance of the early 17th Cen. & gives a glimpse of France under Richelieu's strong hand. The tale is a good one, and the plot is poetically just.

Aug. 21. Wood stunts & drill to-day. I turned into bed early & had a read by candlelight before going to sleep.