down, we get a ride home in the car. Friday Jan 5. B section up the line. C section on fatigue A Section on hospital things look like going a little more business like now Bell has controle. only 3 now in the Q.M. Stores & poor old D section I get ward orderly in 4 ward day time & trade with Herb Kent who is on fatigue in the A & D room. I am not keen on ward work. Sunday Jan 7. Did not get to Mass because I was on duty 7 AM. to 7. P.M. neither could I make it on Saturday (little Xmas) but it was not my fault. on Thursday last I sanctioned Bills idea of buying a present from Belle & B. deducting about two quid from the sinking fund The line is getting hot & is a very bad & hard front. I go to Barlin with a fellow pretty badly shot up. Monday Jan 15 Still in A & D room, went to Barlin again, about half a dozen
▸ Where was he?
▸ The war at this time
The coldest winter
January 1917 is bitterly cold. The winter of 1916-17 is one of the harshest on record in France. Temperatures drop to -15°C. Water freezes in canteens. Frostbite becomes as much a threat as enemy action. The frozen ground makes digging nearly impossible. Despite the conditions, work continues on preparations for Vimy. Tunnels are extended. Artillery positions are prepared. Troops rehearse their roles on taped-out replicas of the German trench system. The assault is planned for early April.
