& start our march back to Locre. arriving at 8.30 AM. Given the whole of the day off to get a sleep. Have my breakfast & turn into the blankets only to jump out dress in a hurry & hike off for High Mass at Locre by 10 AM Will did not go up to Kemmel - he & I arranged to go to Bailleul for supper. I wait around all day for him but he has gone with Creamer & Norman. Norman had a $10 [?] I had a pleasant evening & a good supper with Sam Manchester. Monday SEP 18. A. Section is put in charge of M.D.S which is on the ground floor of the convent. I am a hash-slinger for the patients able to walk. I meet several W’peg fellows I happen to know. another very heavy straff during Monday night Tuesday SEP 19 Still hash slinging Buy a good pair of riding pants from Belcourt m.t. B section send 10 men to Kemmel dug-out We get 15 minutes B.S from Hank Gordon, he tells us to write home & tell our people he says we
▸ Where was he?
▸ The war at this time
Tanks and Flers-Courcelette
On September 15, tanks were used in battle for the first time. The Battle of Flers-Courcelette committed all 49 British tanks to the attack, but only about 15 actually advanced into No Man's Land. The rest broke down or failed mechanically before reaching the start line. A handful reached German positions. The psychological impact on both sides was significant: a new weapon had arrived. The Canadian Corps attacked at Flers-Courcelette and captured the village of Courcelette. It was the Canadians' first major action on the Somme. Casualties were heavy (over 7,000 in a week), but the attack was considered a success.
