This went on for half an hour news just come that 1 German Dreadnaught 2 Cruisers 7 destroyers & many transports have been sunk in Gulf of Riga – trust this is true – about time we had a bit of luck. 24 August 1915 Head Quarters shelled in afternoon had to clear out – roof not thick enough to stand ex plosion. Only about ten shells – 2 of which pitched at the entrance of the kitchen – no casualties but water tank was perforated by splinters. Visit trenches with French interpreter – dined with 23rd Royal Artillery Brigade had a leg of mutton hadn't tasted mutton for weeks 25 August 1915 Walk round the batteries of the Brigade with Colonel De la Force. We have five batteries in our line now [with – crossed out] all either 18 or 15 pounders - & one Howitzer battery