Mercer papers, 9 December 1917-19 June 1919 / Harold Mercer - Page 18
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[Page 18]
where, they are altering the level of the road – digging it down, to avoid observation. We had to try and pick & dig a roadway that was like hard glass. Here I came near shell fire for the first time; for Fritz peppered the locality all day. The feeling I had was merely intense curiosity, & a desire to watch the landing of the shells, which brought me reprimand. This carelessness about the shells surprised me – I had anticipated having a bad time at the first experience. We also worked at Wulverghem, loading G.S. waggons with ballast.
The whisper amongst the boys however, is that some day-time move from Fritz was anticipated, & we were to be handy, if wanted. At Wulverghem there is a curious sign on a tree which has been given additions. The original sign was "To Berlin 1916", to which an Australian, adding a pointing hand, indicating the other direction had attached below "To Australia 1917" "[indecipherable] by way of the dressing station : [indecipherable]. Another wag had added a hand pointing downward with the sign "To Hell 1917"
Today on guard. Tonight I believe we move in to the line.
Am getting this away, now, as the chance comes.
HM