Item 03: John Duncan McRae diary, 10 February-6 May 1917 - Page 19

[Page 19]

Feb 23

Usual drill in morning. As it rained in the afternoon we were issued with service rainproofs, & of these the boys are very proud. Y.M.C.A. in evening.

To my surprise my weight, without great coat, was 11 stone 2 lbs. This is not bad considering that I was 9-6 upon date of enlistment on Oct 5th last year.

Feb 24

We had a very enjoyable route march in the morning. In the afternoon Alan & I went to Shrewton and after walking right through that place, continued along the main street into the country beyond. After going for about 1 ½ miles we discovered between two hills a quiet little hamlet & immediately made straight for it. Upon investigation we found that it was a very diminutive village of about fifty houses, with two churches, photos of which I posted home, one Inn &