Item 07: John D. Wilson diary, 19 September-28 December 1917 - Page 17
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[Page 17]
Our aeroplanes were thick in the sky from dawn till dark. Visibility was unusually good, & they had exceptional opportunities for attacking enemy infantry, battery positions, and transport with their machine guns. Many tons of bombs were dropped behind the German lines, in addition to the systematic harassing of troops in forward lines. German aeroplanes were also active. Four of them cleverly camouflaged (disguised) in order to be undiscernible until only a few hundred feet above the ground, swept towards our lines from Polygon Wood in the morning, but were quickly chased away. The German version of the battle confirms Haigs report, and admits strong english attacks on a broad front. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy & we have over 2000 prisoners – Prussians & Bavarians.
Saturday September 22. 1917. (1146)
The weather is dull & cloudy.
I again paraded sick, and am to have my hand dressed every four hours.
There is a rumour aflout that we are to return to the front next Thursday, and that we are going back to the same old place Neuve Eiglise.
A "Pill box" is a field work in reinforced concrete largely used by the Germans in the defence of their Flanders line.