← Previous

Sunday, April 15, 1917

Page 94
Next →

over the top looking for any wounded, most look for souvenirs more of our fellows laying dead than Fritz’s. Words fail to describe these awful scenes of death & mutilation, the Canadians now nearly all relieved, our front line is still advancing over ground Fritz has held for over two years. mud - mud - mud. Givenchy now has its R.A.P. leave Dingwall tunnel every one wearing Fritz caps. & everyone stiff & sore but happy for we are having a veritable kill for a few days well earned rest. get to G.S. at 6.30 P.M. eat & clean up, get two letters from my sweetheart also a parcel. go to bed ready for early H.C. next morning.

Sunday Apl 15. Bell says go at 10 and whilst I am waiting I get nabbed as escort for two prisoners. O.C. Green go up the line, so the trial is postponed. & I don’t get to church until 5.30 I take Bell out to supper & so ends an exciting & history making week

Where was he?
The war at this time

The Nivelle Offensive begins

On April 16, the French launch their main offensive on the Aisne in rain and snow. The attack achieves some tactical gains but the promised breakthrough does not materialize. German defenses are intact, and French troops find themselves advancing into prepared killing grounds. By the end of the first day, the Chemin des Dames plateau remains in German hands. French casualties are far heavier than Nivelle predicted: 40,000 on the first day alone.