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Friday, July 20, 1917

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it off, quite a number of our boys get drunk, including Tom S who is playing the big drum. Friday July 20.

Fifteen more of our boys go to leave in France. Sat July 21. Go to Maisnil Bouche with Tom Scorer. See Bert + Frank Ford in the 78th Batt, they were on a route march.

Sat July 22nd Two more go to Paris (Last two to apply) Go to Mass at Camblain. Monday July 23 + 24 loaf around Four Winds, cold wet + miserable weather.

Wed July 25. Move back to our old camp at Grand Servins. C section keep charge of hospital, Band goes into No 1 hut with C section Thursday July 26 Band Practice etc. Friday July 27. Sat July 28 Rain nearly all day. Sunday July 29. Mass at Petit Servins Monday July 30. Fun with old Joe Tencault about his leave Tuesday July 31, more for Paris. making 48 in six weeks to see France. 2nd17 Wed Aug 1. Rain all day

Where was he?
The war at this time

Third Ypres begins

On July 31, 1917, the Third Battle of Ypres (later known as Passchendaele) begins with an assault by nine British and two French divisions. Initial gains are encouraging, with some sectors advancing over a mile. But that afternoon, the rains begin. The bombardment has destroyed all drainage, and the battlefield becomes a swamp. Tanks sink. Guns cannot be moved. The offensive stalls in the mud.