had suffered a defeat from French near Guise & that our North Sea Fleet had sunk 4 German cruisers and two torpedo boats. Enjoyed a good night's rest. 31 August 1914 Left at 7.15am and marched to VAUCIENNES. Very hot. The battalion on outpost duty, no excitement. 1 September 1914 Started at 9.15am for BOUILLANCY arrived just before dark. Billeted on an old man who insisted on talking the whole night. However he refreshed us with wine and food & put mattresses on the floor and we slept soundly. The 4th Division was fighting with German cavalry patrols most of the morning. 2 September 1914 Left BOUILLANCY at 3.30am with 9th Brigade as advance guard and went into billets at PENCHARD. Easy day comparatively but very hot. Very comfortable billets. The Battalion was detailed as escort to an Ammunition Column but I protested [in pencil: & another escort had to be found]