Cocks letter diary, 1916-1919 / Verner Cocks - Page 565
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 565]
That evening our left flank being held up we launched a big attack and straightened up the line. From where we were we could see the attack and watch the barrage moving forward. The country there was very rough and in parts thickly wooded and Fritz made a determined stand. However our troops got through.
Next evening our battalion went into the line and we marched in with them. All went well until it got dark then over came Fritz plane laying eggs. They fell all round us and put the wind up everyone a treat, but we got through without mishap picked up guides and got into the trenches. We found the R..A.P. in a captured German dressing station. The tents and hutments still stood but we chose a tunnel to sleep in. Just as well too for that night he blew the place to bits. When we got out in the morning the tents were in ribbons and the huts like matchwood. I had seen this place marked "hospital" on our war map and I believe our barrage lifted right over it so as not to do any damage - the place was certainly untouched by shell fire when we arrived there. We got quite comfortable in this place, had our mess in what looked like an officers mess room when we were relieved. Left the trenches at 10 p.m. one night and marched across country out rejoining the battalion in a little village originally just behind our front line, but now right out of the sound of gun fire. It is all right going forward, but when you have to come back across country in the dark and march all night without guides trying to find what was once a small village you begin to realise the extent of the advance. We got home at 4.30 next morning found a stable and slept half the day. In the evening we left the diggers and rejoined our own unit and have been here for a few days doing nothing in particular. All through we had a real good time with the battalion and were sorry to leave them. This place is not bad though we get a swim nearly every day and there is nothing much doing.
That is everything up to date Mother. I received a letter from you yesterday, but between that the one before there is a lot of mail missing. It may turn up yet. Remember me to everyone and love to all at home. I have some more souvenirs for Jack if I can send them along.
Jack is also well - we sent a cable to-day to let you know all is O.K. Goodbye for the present we are going to have a good rest I believe.
Your loving son
Verner