This lasted for about an hour but there was no attack although we expected it every minute. 16 September 1914 Artillery duel most of the day. Improved our trenches. A cold wet night [in pencil: & little or no shelter] 17 September 1914 Same as 16th; enemy still shelled bridge but did not damage pontoon. Rained hard all day and very cold. We tried twice on 15th to see if we could find Briggs but the ground was in possession of the enemy. Trenches improved during the night up to 2am assisted by Royal Engineers. I slept in Boyle's cave. Socks & other presents for troops begin to arrive from England. The sand pit serves still as a refuge against shells. 18 September 1914 Socks, shirts, soap & boracic powder pour in sent by friends at home for the regiment. All the things