very heavy. It will take them a week or two to get accustomed to the weight. Lovely weather but a bit hot. I hear that 2 French Cavalry Divisions wiped out a German reconnaissance in force which had crossed the Meuse. Hope it is true. 20 August 1914 Marched to TAISNIERES about 3 miles. The 8th Infantry Brigade were just marching out as we came in. Saw Hull with the Middlesex. I have quarters in a large house facing the square. The inhabitants seem to have had enough of troops billeting on them. Had a Brigade route march at 2.30 returning at 5.30pm. Rumour has it that Sir H Smith Dorrien gets Grierson's command. The latter is said to have died of heart failure. Still hot & fine. The men received their first pay today, but as it was all in 20 franc notes it did not benefit