Then the enemy appeared and began to fire at us. I replied while Smith reported to Platoon HQ. They advanced along the skyline, under fire from two brens (tins and stones) and about 3 rifles. Then they charged down a field and huddled in a hollow. I stalked up—wizard fun—and chucked two grenades in the middle, then I ran. Frank reported the whole section out. zct zlb zwp zma
Then we went and joined the remnants of the platoon in the wood; went to tell Winter the news, and came back to find two survivors—mortar fire. The reserve platoon also attacked. Then the finish went. zct zlb zma
Frank said both sides had won, and mentioned my ‘magnificent bombing attack, in which I was certainly killed’. We then marched back, I with a very empty tummy, but having had 6 mouthfuls of water. We had a bath before tea to cool and de-sweat us. Good fun. zct zma
Thursday 26th
… I had a four page essay on disobedience for Binney [prefect], because H and me dropped the mustard pot in the water jug during lunch. We were photographed for the house record in Rest, a photo to be called ‘Study’ zmb zsd zph
… a rather poor voluntary game of basket ball after tea. zsp
July
Tuesday 1st
… Began a weather notebook in the evening. zdw
Wednesday 2nd
… We did squad drill by cadets, quite fun. Everyone laughed at my marching because I lifted my feet up and swung the wrong arm. … zct zmb zgk
Saturday 5th
… The Russians are still retreating, killing thousands of Germans and busting lots of German tanks. zru zlb zwc