& has the drop on every inch of the way between the ridge of which he holds the top. This front line is a hundred yards or so from the top on the same side of the ridge as ours & he can therefore get perfect observation & see all we do. I have to climb into an old vault under the church. This is going to be a hell of a hole when the drive comes off. Sat Feb 3rd Sawing wood all day (quit at 2.30 & get away with it S.S.S must of got near the rum) Sunday Feb 4 leave Ablain after dark for the M.D.S. at Grand Servins. we are relieved by C section. reach Ablain at 8.30 & put into No 5 hut to keep the rats company. I still wonder why we had to tote our full packs in & out this trip. Monday Feb 5. Cookhouse fatigue Tuesday - to Hut fatigue. Go to Hersin Coupigny with Norman in the afternoon. walked on to Barlin have a big supper & get some photos taken went to a cruel picture show Wednesday
▸ Where was he?
▸ The war at this time
America moves toward war
On February 3, the United States breaks diplomatic relations with Germany in response to unrestricted submarine warfare. President Wilson has tried to keep America neutral, but the sinking of American ships and citizens is making this impossible. War will be declared on April 6. The Canadian Corps remains focused on Vimy. The assault is planned for April 9 (Easter Monday). Two more months of preparation, two more months of holding the line under German observation. The weather remains brutal, but the days are slowly lengthening.
