Sunday 19th August 1917

Billets near Moulle.

On another fine, sunny day, field firing practices were carried out on the ranges at Guemy near Tournehem (three miles to the east); the results were described as “very favourable – practices were carried out by Companies supported by Lewis Guns on the flanks and with machine guns firing overhead and in a few cases in co-operation with Stokes Mortars”. All of this training was directed towards the part to be played by the Brigade in forthcoming actions.

Just ten days after re-joining the Battalion from seven months treatment for wounds, Pte. Willie Holmes (see 9^th August) was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance, suffering from influenza; he would be discharged to duty four days later.

Ptes. Fred Hargreaves (20214) (see 17^th July 1916) and Arnold Robson (see 16^th July) were both admitted to 4^th Stationary Hospital at Arques. Pte. Hargreaves would be treated for conjunctivitis and discharged to duty after three days and Pte. Robson for myopia and discharged after five days.

Pte. Matthew Stone (see 17^th July 1916), who was currently under medical treatment with the RAMC (details and location unknown) was reported for ‘neglect of duty whilst acting orderly man”; he was ordered to be confined to barracks for five days.

Pte. John Edward Bartle MM (see 16th August), who had been wounded a month previously, was evacuated to England.