the situation of the trenches on the south of the canal a little critical. The despatch in the daily papers is misleading as usual & does not give the true state of affairs 17-18 February 1916 Fine weather generally & quite mild 19 February 1916 The Germans in their attack on the 15th seized a trench on the Bluff which is situated on a commanding promintary [sic] just north of the Ypres Commines Canal. This position has always been looked on as a key to the 1st line from the canal to St ELOI & in all appreciations it has been considered that once in the enemies hands most of the trenches between the canal & St Eloi would become untenable. From the Bluff the ground behind our first line can be swept by fire towards Eclure No 7. It remains now to be seen