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Saturday, December 23, 1916

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miles. From Grand Servins we are to clear the line for the 4th division whose new front is now on Vimy Ridge, a point that has cost the French 60000 men. said to be the Huns strongest point on the western front. Both front lines are on this near side of the ridge & Heinie has the drop on us because he is over us & has all the observation he wants & can see us going in & out all the time.

6 huts in our new camp. (1 A & D 2 C.A.M.C. 1 officers & 2 for wards). Sat Dec 23rd Gas guard on Wed last, also to-night. Go to Gouey Servins for Midnight Mass, but have to walk back to Petit Servins get there just on time for Mass. & make my confession & am too late to receive H.C. return to Grand Servins arrive at 2 P.M. Xmas Day 1916 Sunday Reveille at 6.30 AM, breakfast 9. Out on parade ready for an inspection by the G.O.C. Gen Bing I think him a general nuisance he does not show up - the bum

Where was he?
The war at this time

Christmas 1916

The third Christmas of the war passes without the informal truces of 1914. High Command on both sides has issued strict orders against fraternisation. Sporadic shelling and sniping continue through the holiday period. Across Europe, the war's effects deepen. In Germany, the 'turnip winter' brings severe food shortages due to the British naval blockade and a failed potato harvest. In Britain, Lloyd George has replaced Asquith as Prime Minister on December 7, promising more energetic leadership. In Russia, the Tsar's government faces growing unrest.