machine guns. I see my promotion to Temporary Major General is in today's Gazette dating from March 9 [1916].
11 April 1916 Motored to Boulogne on ten days leave to England. Kathleen & Jean met me in London. On the evening of this day the Germans attacked the 20th Division front. After a heavy bombardment they gained a footing in one of our trenches but were driven out & other assault failed. Our Artillery got on to them very quickly. I have attached a report of what took place.
18 April 1916 Had to return before my leave was up – all leave suspended for the time being. After leaving Boulogne we motor to ESQUELBEC where our headquarters are in a beautiful old chateau build in 1620 & occupied by English cavalry in 1815. The Division