Sunday 23rd December 1917

Front line trenches on the Montello.

The weather remained fine but the ground was very muddy following the recent rain and snow.

Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 18^th December) noted in his personal diary that “Pontefract came to see Lawrence re: football teams”. 2Lt. John William Pontefract (see 3^rd December) of 10DWR had captained the Brigade football team which had won the Divisional football competition in April 1917.

(I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me access to Brig. Genl. Lambert’s diary and letters).

69th Brigade football team, Spring 1917, with 2Lt. John William Pontefract seated in the centre of the front row

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Pte. George Green (22749) (see 10^th December) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from “ICT (inflammation of connective tissue) – general”.

Pte. Frederick Thorn (see 7^th December) was transferred from 23^rd Divisional Rest Station to 66^th General Hospital at Bordighera.

L.Cpl. Thomas Lloyd (see 8^th December), serving in France with 2/6DWR, was attached to 457^th Field Company, Royal Engineers.