1st Battalion near Arras

Thursday 9th March 1916: We understand that the 1st Battalion has moved from the Somme area to the Arras area to the north and are now in the front line near the village of Saint-Laurent-Blangy. Their advanced posts are in the ruins of houses in the village and are just ten yards from the German advanced posts. The adjutant commented that: “The front line trenches are pretty good, but there is no supporting line and communications are bad. A good deal of work is required in the sector, improving communication trenches and draining chiefly”. Their first night in their new home was quiet but there was a considerable fall of snow.

Source: X550/2/5