Item 04: Herbert Henry Harris diary, 1 August 1917-31 May 1918 - Page 52

[Page 52]

Thursday 11/10/17
Cold night but no Gothas too cloudy & wild, heavy Bombardment all night getting intense this morning would not be on fritz's side for quids, fine this morning but more rain hanging round deferred Pay £33-19-6. Owe. 2/11. been a nice day wind a bit nippy. Heavy clouds on the horizon. Big push tonight Ausy's 8th Brigade, New Zlds & Canadians. A Big Party of ours going as stretcher bearers.

Friday 12/10/17
off to Boulogne for a Prisoner to day go to Poperinghe first. dull morning & cold our Boys 4th & 5th div went over early this morng took all objectives. A lot of wounded coming back got to Poperinghe about 9.30 missed Train have to stay here till tomorrow's 9 oclock Train deferred pay. £34-1-0 out of debt now coming to me 1/7.

Saturday 13/10/1917
up at 6 Had a bad nights rest in rest camp Poperinghe, chats by the million, about 300 of us Jocks, N.Z.s Tommies South Africans etc. got to station at 8 to catch 9-27 Train to Boulogne am now in Train & not started yet 10. a.m. Wild night last wind & rain, Sun shining this morning but not for long by the look of things.
deferred Pay £34.2.6. owing to me 6/1 Rain all the way am now at Cologne Got to Boulogne at ¼ past 7. Cold etc. Am now at Barracks & going to bed 10.30.

Sunday 14/10/17
Sunday in Boulogne out seeing the sights, good rest last night 4 Blankets Could not get Prisoner too late so going back tonight 12.30 fine morning. deferred Pay £34-4-0 – 10/7 have had good time went over the old fortress to day about 1000 years old going back at 12.30 tonight. drew 15 francs to day 11/- dinner cost me 10 francs. Roast Beef, Potatoes