and there are now no Germans west of the canal - 2000 dead Germans were found after the French artillery had finished their bombardment. The first of Kitchener's army arrived at BAILLEUL – the 9th Division – they seem to be a splendid lot of men, & ought to do well.
24 May 1915 I awoke this morning at 2.45 am & heard the German Artillery beginning their attack. It was just getting light, & even in my room I could smell the gas with which the Germans had begun the attack – they used gas from the trenches and also gas shells which on bursting in the air drop ped the gas in a liquid form. The attack developed on our front between WIELTJE and the woods