The Dangers of Patrolling

Thursday 11th November 1915: The adjutant of the 6th Battalion tells us that it is a fine morning in France, but very cold. Today the men will all be employed draining and repairing their trenches as many of the parapets have fallen in due to rain.

Patrolling no man’s land under cover of darkness is hazardous. Events earlier this morning show how careful anyone patrolling must be. Lieutenant Wace had led a small patrol in the early hours and was returning before dawn. His arrival back at our lines caused a sentry some consternation and he shot him. Fortunately the lieutenant is only wounded and not dead.

Source: X550/7/1