24 February 1916 All leave is stopped for the time being – possibly due to a rumour of a German attack. The 76th Brigade is still up in the line & one of their regiments lost 6 officers & 100 other ranks in the heavy shelling near the Bluff. The German attack on the north of Verdun seems to have made some progress & the French have lost the Haumont Wood & village – it is said that the Germans used 19 divisions in this attack! 25 February 1916 Snowed heavily in the afternoon but not so cold as yesterday. The great attack towards Verdun began yesterday & pressed on apparently from about two to three miles. I hear that the French were prepared for it & have been expecting it.