After relatively dry weather over the previous few days, the rain returned in the afternoon and evening. However, it was reported that the level of the River Laies near ‘London Bridge’ had fallen from its peak of six feet (see 12th December), down to four feet ten inches. Conditions for the Battalion remained quiet although significant artillery exchanges were noted further south. Overnight there was some German rifle fire against the British lines, but three salvoes from the British artillery supressed the German action. Orders were received for the Battalion to be prepared to be relieved next day by 8th Yorkshires.
J.B. Priestley told his family, “We are still in the
trenches and it is very miserable. I hope you will contrive to spend a merry Xmas,
and don’t make yourself miserable on my account. I should be far happier myself
if I thought you were having a jolly time. I should have a good time if I were
at home. My chances of seeing Saltburn Place are very remote for a long while,
unless I happen to get a ‘blighty’ … Things are very quiet here now and rather
monotonous, save for an occasional bombardment by the artillery”.
The condition of the trenches and the problems this presented for the care of wounded is clear from a report which would be recorded in the war diary of 69th Field Ambulance:
“Right portion - Fire trenches fair to bad; wounded can be carried along behind fire trenches to the Le Bridoux – Bois Grenier road and so to White City Aid Post. This road looks dangerous but is said to be fairly safe. Queer Street is being made useable but Safety Alley is impassable. Aid Post at White City is ground floor room of house with no protection; dug-out had fallen in and is full of water. From Aid Post to ADS the only way is by road. A pneumatic-tyred wheeled stretcher carrier kept at White City would facilitate evacuation of wounded from this position very greatly.
Centre portion – Fire trenches bad; owing to sides bulging inward often very narrow. Communication trenches ditto, with mud in parts 2’ to 3’ deep. Owing to falling in of parapets, ground immediately behind fire trenches from Shaftesbury Avenue to front of Flamengerie Farm is exposed. Ground to left of Flamengrie Farm is under cover. Wounded being taken to Shaftesbury Avenue must be taken across the open either to the head of Shaftesbury Avenue or to the line of willows in front of Flamengerie Farm. Communication trench via Oxford Circus is impassable. Shaftesbury Avenue good except at fire trench end. Bridge at London Bridge has been washed away and a small detour and a new bridge to right (facing trenches) made. Dug-outs good. Aid post in good condition, but has no fireplace; a brazier burning coke being used.
Left portion – Fire trenches fair. To right of Park Row wounded can be carried behind fire trench to Burnt Farm. Ditto on left as far as beginning of salient. Here there are eight traverses through which it is impossible to get a stretcher and cases occurring beyond this are taken past the Estaminet Rue du Bois along the road to the aid post. Aid post at present in Burnt Farm; dug-out at College Green is being rebuilt. In my opinion it would have been better to have removed dug-out to head of Park Row immediately behind Burnt Farm. Park Row is almost impossible for stretchers owing to the slippery condition of the footboards which are placed longitudinally. It is suggested that the best way of evacuating wounded from this portion is by pneumatic-tyred wheeled stretcher carried down Dog Leg Road.
All three aid posts are provided with a tea urn, primus stove and oxygen cylinder. Shell dressings, iodine and ammonia ampoules are not kept in the aid posts; they are carried by RMOs (Regimental Medical Officers)”.
The condition of the trenches and the problems this presented for the care of wounded is clear from a report which would be recorded in the war diary of 69th Field Ambulance:
“Right portion - Fire trenches fair to bad; wounded can be carried along behind fire trenches to the Le Bridoux – Bois Grenier road and so to White City Aid Post. This road looks dangerous but is said to be fairly safe. Queer Street is being made useable but Safety Alley is impassable. Aid Post at White City is ground floor room of house with no protection; dug-out had fallen in and is full of water. From Aid Post to ADS the only way is by road. A pneumatic-tyred wheeled stretcher carrier kept at White City would facilitate evacuation of wounded from this position very greatly.
Centre portion – Fire trenches bad; owing to sides bulging inward often very narrow. Communication trenches ditto, with mud in parts 2’ to 3’ deep. Owing to falling in of parapets, ground immediately behind fire trenches from Shaftesbury Avenue to front of Flamengerie Farm is exposed. Ground to left of Flamengrie Farm is under cover. Wounded being taken to Shaftesbury Avenue must be taken across the open either to the head of Shaftesbury Avenue or to the line of willows in front of Flamengerie Farm. Communication trench via Oxford Circus is impassable. Shaftesbury Avenue good except at fire trench end. Bridge at London Bridge has been washed away and a small detour and a new bridge to right (facing trenches) made. Dug-outs good. Aid post in good condition, but has no fireplace; a brazier burning coke being used.
Left portion – Fire trenches fair. To right of Park Row wounded can be carried behind fire trench to Burnt Farm. Ditto on left as far as beginning of salient. Here there are eight traverses through which it is impossible to get a stretcher and cases occurring beyond this are taken past the Estaminet Rue du Bois along the road to the aid post. Aid post at present in Burnt Farm; dug-out at College Green is being rebuilt. In my opinion it would have been better to have removed dug-out to head of Park Row immediately behind Burnt Farm. Park Row is almost impossible for stretchers owing to the slippery condition of the footboards which are placed longitudinally. It is suggested that the best way of evacuating wounded from this portion is by pneumatic-tyred wheeled stretcher carried down Dog Leg Road.
All three aid posts are provided with a tea urn, primus stove and oxygen cylinder. Shell dressings, iodine and ammonia ampoules are not kept in the aid posts; they are carried by RMOs (Regimental Medical Officers)”.
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