18 August 1914 The men had a good night's rest and were able to get clean. Inspected all our billets in the morning. A large number of hired English motor lorries passed through going north east also some flying corps lorries. The French papers say that there has been a great naval battle in the North Sea & that our fleet has lost 16 ships but has sunk 26 German ships & captured eight others. I should not think this is true, as the cable was said to have been received at Oporto & was not confirmed. Our landlord also said that a farmer told him that the Germans were suing for peace! Private Rennie, C Company, was drowned today whilst bathing in the river. 19 August 1914 The Brigade went for a Route march, the first time they have been together. The Reservists (some of them) cannot march & find the packs & arms