Item 06: John D. Wilson diary, 17 May-19 September 1917 - Page 117

[Page 117]

Sunday July 15, 1917 (1077).
About 10 O'clock last night, we were awakened by shells lobbing around us and the horses pracing in the stables. We all got up & took the horses out, and away for about and hour.
There were 3 or 4 shells altogether and as no more came we put the horses back. One of the shells fell near the road about ½ a chain away from the 40 stables and 2 or 3 from ours.
We got back to bed when it soon started to rain & by the time I had to go on picquet 3. a.m. the place was flooded, one of my boots was full of water and my overcoat spread over the bed drenched, & the edges of my blankets wet. However I got them dried during the day.
Since we came to this camp there has been no officer for Mr Mapleson is indisposed. There is a rumour that Transport officers are to be dispensed with- They are really not necessary – and sent back to the infantry. No doubt this is a shock to the T----- Officers.
I have read a few leaves torn from a book called "Susie Suckit", which is the filthiest vilest & most immoral trash that ever was printed. The pages were torn & well thumb marked. It is the confessions of an indecent woman.
I exchanged picquet with Phillips to night as he wanted to go to a cricket match
Fritz has sent over a lot of shells after baloons this evening. They are bursting both sides of the stables.

Monday July 16, 1917. (1078.)
The weather is again fine but cloudy.
Last night was very quiet Enemy war ships have been seen off the Dutch coast about 100 miles from German waters. A British Transport has been