Charlie was down today and wants me to postpone my leave till about 24^th. Three C.O.’s away and Nugent going on leave. However, I think it will be all right then. I will try and get from September 26-October 5.

Such a noisy night. Guns hard at it from 10.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m., and again at 4.00 a.m., mostly our guns. Bosche didn’t trouble us at all. A lovely day after yesterday’s downpour. Getting good work done here today. Shill. is splendid at organising and getting it done. He is indefatigable, up at 5.30 a.m., knocking around till 8.00 a.m., and then round with me, and again in p.m. Huts, etc., getting put up at Red Lodge, the R.E. tell me, so I hope that will be in a better state when we go out on Sunday. Allen gone sick. Godson commanding ‘A’ Coy., and doing snipers and patrols.

The afternoon hate began at 3.00 p.m. today and has now finished; heavy on our left, much noise. Just now a peaceful and sunny afternoon with only the drones of aeroplanes and occasional guns going off and shells passing over. At present I find I don’t miss Pratt. I must now go the afternoon round. Yesterday I was as usual, the first day in, feeling dismayed at what had to be done. Today work is going on methodically and good work being done, and interest is awake again.