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[Page 641]

helps to keep cheerful all those with whom he comes into contact.
The clatter of the Machine guns again. I must to bed. Good night. Good night. Good night.
[A line of Xs and Os.]

21-10-15 – 6.30 a.m. When the last O hereon had been made last night I undressed put on my long boots, overcoat, and provided with towels and soap went to the beach & had a dip in the salt sea water. The morning air was sharp but the water was not too cold. Straight back to my dugout, into blanket street, a brief read at Homers Iliad, then to sleep.

Just think of it not a sound of a shot has impinged on my ear since I have waked. Each side must be taking a brief holiday.

Did I tell you the following? Where the trenches are close to one another and a man is present who can speak the languages of both soldiers, a periscope is waved a few times above one trench, response to the signal is made, talk ensues, the Turks throw cigarettes to the Australians, & these throw tins of Bully beef to the Turks, the last named make acknowledgements indicating which kind is most pleasing. Such is not an uncommon occurrence. It is said to happen if the German officers be away.

Snipers, that is single individuals on either side, perch themselves on overlooking spots conceal themselves in many ways from view, and from their resting spots look out for and shoot at any man who may come within range of their rifles.

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