[The Battalion in the line at Hamel and Lieutenant Colonel Blacker on a course of instruction at Flixecourt.]

I am to go to course at Div. School after all. Was told at 9.00 a.m. today, and the car to take me is on its way.

10.30 p.m. We got in here by motor bus at 7 p.m. after a 4-hours’ cold drive. Ross Smyth came down with me. I think it promises to be very interesting. A fine mess and very comfy billets, about 300 yards away. Such luxury! Electric light, bed sheets, and charming little room. Four batteries of heavy French artillery billeted here, and the officers dined with us. I had a French officer on either side of me and talked away all dinner time. Very improving, but laborious. Got to Div. H.Q. 11.00 a.m. Waited here till 2:30 p.m. Lunched with _____ mess and had to talk to George Bruce, O’Neill and others. A poor fellow was shot here this morning by sentence of Court Martial, for desertion. Gruesome! Snow all last night and roads very bad, I fear the Battalion will have a bad four days in the trenches. The course lasts for one week. They tell me the original move is on this week, in which case we should go in immediate support of 109^th, who are in the line. I think the French are all right at Verdun.