Mercer papers, 9 December 1917-19 June 1919 / Harold Mercer - Page 15
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[Page 15]
something, when a snow-storm started, and as I couldnt persuade Bowen to come on I went back with him. War, as far as we are concerned just now – we are in reserve – is a quiet thing. I have met practically no drill since I have been in France & very little discipline. We have a fall-in in the morning, a rifle inspection, & a few games, & the rest of the day is ours.
Dec 21.
I discovered that there is one place in Kemmel where there are still civilians – a quaint little shop with vulgar, highly colored cards & an assortment of all sorts of foods. Some diggers were knocking at the door, which was closed, and when I got near a woman opened it & said "Horsh! Horsh! you will wake the baby!" Fancy waking the baby that seems undisturbed by the guns! – for there really is a baby there, it seems. But fancy also civilians hanging on in the battered place!
Dec 23
Have discovered three things. Neuve Eglise, Dranoutre, and a man to play chess with me at the School of arts YMCA – Beebe, who was a member of the School of Arts, Sydney. He belongs to another troop battalion. Neuve Eglise is the headquarters of our 3rd Brigade, and is almost as badly smashed as Kemmel. Taking a straight line between Neuve Eglise