16th May 1916
Before Arthur and Company leave for their scheduled spell in the support trenches they are bombarded whilst still in billets late that night: “The Hun attempted a raid some way down on our right, but he got more than he gave – for our gunners were well on the mark. It was just a nuisance having to turn out”.
Arthur to Dollie
“Up”, Wednes. even. 9.40
… I am sorry I was unable to get a letter off last night, but as you see, we came “up”. Today your dear letters of Sunday & Monday came. You darling, I seem to feel you closer at my side every day…
Last night or rather on Monday night, dear, about half-past twelve we were awakened by a furious bombardment. Finally we were all turned out & “stood to” in our billets. We turned in again about 3. The Hun attempted a raid some way down on our right, but he got more than he gave – for our gunners were well on the mark. It was just a nuisance having to turn out.
We came up here in the afternoon. It took a long time & we were late settling in. Since then we’ve been working night & day: for there’s a great deal of clearing up to be done. I managed to get some sleep in this morning, dear, & again this afternoon. My company is in support for a bit DG we are back in our old bit of line. The weather thank heaven, cleared rather suddenly & yesterday and to-day have been glorious.