I have no particular objection to shells or
to route marches in themselves; but I do object to being awakened from a
pleasant sleep and having to get up at 4 every morning! It makes one
feel so washed out.
"At 5 we marched off on a Battalion route march. We went round about
nine miles, and got back at 9.45. Then there was a kit inspection; then
gas drill. This afternoon I had a stroll in the woods. There was a foot
inspection at 4; there is a battle-order inspection at 5.40; and this
evening there is to be bayonet fighting and bombing! The men are, quite
naturally, not pleased."
"June 22nd.
"We marched off at 6 this morning to a range about seven miles away (at
Cormette). When we had been going about twenty minutes it began to rain.
It rained all the way, but we went on just the same. I had no coat, so
was thoroughly wet. When we got to the range it was still raining. We
had lunch there and discussed whether to fire or not. We got there at 9.
At 11 it was decided to return without firing."
This, I remember, was the occasion upon which I first met John
Bodington, who had just returned to the Battalion, from leave I suppose.
He was then second-in-command of D Company, and did not possess a single
ribbon. Few could have guessed what a remarkable military future lay
before him.
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