25 September 1914 All the companies went out this morning for attack practice & work under platoon commanders; the only chance they will have before they go in to action. Received four letters today from K [Kathleen Smith, WDS's wife] She had not yet heard from me for weeks. We leave this peaceful spot tomorrow, the Lincolns & 7th Fusiliers go tonight. The men are looking quite fresh again & ready for work. 26 September 1914 Received orders to march to VAILLY, leave at 6pm & take over the trenches of the Devon Regiment at 11pm. Quiet night except for snipers. Very cold, got little sleep. 27 September 1914 The side of our hill presents a curious appearance: for about 400 yards there is hardly a yard without a dug out where the