Note in Smith's hand
I was in temporary command of the 9th Brigade & my appointment had not yet been confirmed, officers senior to me had to have their claims considered.
At Locre there was a convent and the Mother Superior used to cater & cook for us, she made everything very comfortable for us & we spent many a pleasant day there, it was about 4 miles from the Kemmel line We did four days in trenches & four days in rest.
Leave at 8pm & motor to Bailleul where we change into a motor ambulance & drive to Calais - it takes about 4 hours. Could not find room in hotel so bed down in a hospital ship - leave CALAIS at 9 & have a delightful three days at home. Return to WESTOUTRE & find I am still in command of Brigade & that it is moving out to KEMMEL into trenches. 5 & 7th Fusiliers Lincolns & Liverpool Scottish in the trenches Royal Scots Fusiliers in reserve at LOCRE.
Nov 28-29 Quiet day & night snipers fairly busy. Trenches had to be improved - too shallow - cannot dig them deep as dead French soldiers had been buried there - weather warm
Nov 30 9th Brigade relieved by 7th Brigade