Item 07: John D. Wilson diary, 19 September-28 December 1917 - Page 157

[Page 157]

[Shorthand transcribed as follows]
A Transport Officer and [indecipherable] had a good time here tonight in company with two visiting officers. They had plenty of whisky. [end of shorthand]
Thursday Dec 6. 1917. 1221.

The ground is all frozen hard & the water is covered with ice.

We washed the Hacks this evening with cresoil, an evil smelling prepEration to kill verman & disease.

We were issued with leather jackets this evening. They are made out of tanned sheepskins with the wool on.

Friday I sent a parcel to my wife containing one German water bottle, rather battle worn. It cost 17d to register it.

Friday Dec. 7. 1917. 1222.

It is not so cold this morning. I received a letter from Willie to day. He is still in the hospital at Norfolk & expects to be sent to Australia soon.

I was on a chaff cutting parade today to the 38. Battalion camp.

[Shorthand transcribed as follows]
I wrote to Willie tonight. [end of shorthand]
During the past week there has been some terrific battle in the neighbourhood of Cambrai, without decisive results. Latest news is to the effect that the British are smashing foe attacks, & have also a gain at Ypres.

[Shorthand transcribed as follows]
I wrote to my wife tonight letter 103 telling her (4 pages) that I have sent her a German water bottle yesterday. [indecipherable] [end of shorthand]
Saturday Dec. 8. 1917. 1223.

A fine morning. It is