Mercer papers, 9 December 1917-19 June 1919 / Harold Mercer - Page 117
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[Page 117]
flooded, & the damp roof in many of the little dugouts we have made in the side of it came down. We were all wet through, & uncomfortable; but fortunately the sun came out. Fritz threw a lot of trench mortar stuff over, & came nastily near our possie – for which no doubt, we have to thank our indiscreet youngsters who insisted on showing where we are. Our gas went over again at 10.30. Fritz must be having a bad time.
May 8
One of our 'planes brought down in No Mans' land nearly opposite us was burnt by volunteers who went over and brought back the machine gun. There is a rooster that crows in No Mans' land, & has already lured two of our chaps & three Germans to destruction. Where to have been relieved, but an attack was expected, so we stayed on.
May 9
During the day German aeroplanes attacked our trench positions. They come down at a slant, blazing away, then soar upwards behind us, & coming back, repeat the operation, continuing the repetition until tired. We all thought of the £ 20 & 3 weeks holiday that come to a man who brings down a 'plane & fired, cheerfully exposing ourselves; but our nonsuccess which was amazing, put the "wind up" & shortly we would get into our dugouts when the a 'plane attacked. The