Slight rain yesterday 5.00-7.00 p.m. Fine again, and warm today. Menaul had a scrap with a Bosche patrol last night; he was lying in wait and eight passed below him at the foot of a bank, and he gave them 16 grenades. Unfortunately he couldn’t lift the bodies as the bank was 20 feet high. He got back without a scratch to his patrol. Just been all round the line. Atkinson and I watched a M.G. place about 400 yards away, and saw a German officer observing their Artillery fire. As each shell burst he popped up his head for a second. It was a quieter night, though a certain amount of M.G. fire. We’ve never had such a good tour in the line; never impeded by the weather, and done such a lot of good work. I’m quite sorry to leave; it has been very interesting, and one is getting to know a lot about this bit.

2.00 p.m.—The Gen. (Griffiths) came in about 1.00 p.m. Passing through he told us to convey his appreciation to Menaul and his Scouts, for the good work they had done. We have been very lucky—two scraps this tour, and a good deal of shelling and M.G. fire, and no casualties, except young Dickson, who is still going on well.

10.00 p.m.—Both Mahaffy’s letter and Elliot’s I thought excellent. I visited the Marsh Posts, that are accessible by daylight, after tea. It was lovely down by the river (Ancre). This certainly is a pretty spot. I have thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and I think everyone has. Inspected the cemetery. Padre has taken it in hand and got it very nice. Had a look at the cows, who are looking well, come on a lot since they got on the grass. We go out tomorrow night. Am quite sorry to leave. We have deepened and improved the trenches enormously.

Footnote

1. For their gallantry conducting these scouting missions, the Intelligence Office—Captain William Menaul—was awarded the Military Cross and the Scout Sergeant—14601 Sergeant William Herbert (Herbie) Palmer—was awarded the Military Medal. Palmer was later commissioned into The Royal Irish Regiment

2. The letters referred to are: Mahaffy, J P (16 May 1916). ‘Mr Dillon and Sinn Fein’. (Letter to the Editor). The Times, p 9. and Elliot, A (17 May 1916). ‘Lessons of the Rebellion’. (Letter to the Editor). The Times, p 10.