From the edge of these woods we look over into Boche land.

Tuesday, October 2, 1917:

Sommedieue 2008

1 P.M. - Still here at Bergerac. Haven’t yet received a call. Slept like a log all night. Dreamed of home because I read a letter from Mother just before going to bed. It was so real that I had to think several minutes after I woke up in order to locate myself.

Startling news! The Chief just drove up in the staff car and excitedly announced that Sommedieue had been shelled and that the section had orders to move out immediately. The division is also moving. The section moves to Marquenterre, our most advanced post. Somewhat of a joke, moving up within 2 kilom of the Boche trenches in order to get away from shell fire. The Chief ordered us to stay on duty until relieved. Soon our cars were passing and each one stopped to give its version of the shell fire. 22 shells were sent in and the town was pretty well blown up. None of the boys were touched, though a shell had uprooted a tree in the next yard to ours and deposited half of it on our eating tables and the other half clear over our house into the road in front. Our Captain in the town was cut above the eye slightly and one dog was killed. Outside of these casualties the only damage done was to property.

Was relieved at 6 P.M. and went to our new barracks at Marquenterre. We are quartered in wooden shacks, surrounded by heavy woods and many abris. Our cars are scattered and heavily camouflaged. We have instructions to use no lights whatsoever and not to leave the barracks except when necessary. From the edge of these woods we look over into Boche land. The Frenchmen up here are afraid we are going to draw shell fire.