On the Beach

Wednesday 22nd March 1916: The 8th Battalion are on the beach at Calais. They are not, however, taking in the sun from a deck chair or making sand castles. They are training on the firm sand as they expect to go back into the line near Ypres some time next month.

Source: X550/9/1

In Calais

Sunday 19th March 1916: The 8th Battalion are currently in Calais. They left the line near Ypres at 10 pm on 16th and arrived at Calais at 2.30 yesterday morning. They are sleeping under canvas.

Since they arrived in France in September last year the Battalion has lost 78 of its number killed in action or died of wounds. This is nearly 8% of their total strength.

Source: X550/9/1