Our chaps getting it hot all day, and at 6 P. M. we were moved up to firing line under perfect torrent of shells, shrapnel, and machine guns--most awful hour ever experienced and nerves absolutely gone. Two of our companies have had very hot time, losing many men. Luckily we did not have quite so many casualties. At dawn moved back into supports, our position being taken over by regulars. I pray I may never have a similar experience. Too ghastly even to write about. WEDNESDAY, _April 21, 1915_ Laid in supports all day. Situation apparently died down a bit, but we are staying here through night. THURSDAY, _April 22, 1915_ Relieved and returned to billets. Had not been there ten minutes before to our horror we saw French retreating on our left in a panic. Battalion rallied and dug trench prepared to do our best. At 12 midnight informed that Canadians had saved situation, but French trenches still in hands of enemy. Our Brigade told off to retake them. FRIDAY, _April, 23, 1915_ Moved to new position north of Ypres, and trenches retaken by Kings Own Scottish Borderers and West Kents, we acting as supports. Stayed all night making fatigue journeys to firing line, and oh! how I should like some sleep. SATURDAY, _April 24, 1915_ Hurried off to another part of line where Germans had also broken through. Journey made under terrific shell fire and half Battalion is now gone. Position taken up in reserve trenches to be held at all costs. Very exciting but keeping calm and cool. Never prayed so fervently before, but am quite prepared to face whatever is to come and, please God, we shall stop them. Shell fire is awful. SUNDAY, _April 25, 1915_ Reinforcements up at dawn and attack in open order started. At first successful, and then to our horror saw our chaps retreating in disorder and Germans behind them a mile to our front. Most awful fifteen minutes of my life--shells everywhere--men being blown to pieces, and we unable to help, but bound to wait for Germans and drive them off. Then our chaps rallied and to our joy turned the tables, driving them back into woods and holding them there despite shells and foul gas bombs. Stayed there all day, shelled whole time. Evening position unchanged and we must stop here. MONDAY, _April 26, 1915_ At dawn hear more reinforcements are up and we can go. Thank God, it’s over and the position safe. Trench strength of Battalion is now 230 rifles which will show what we have been through (normal strength about 1000). TUESDAY, _April 27, 1915_ Spent all day just behind firing line in reserve, and shall probably be here for some days. But what a difference a night’s rest does make, and I’m ready to go forward at any time. WEDNESDAY, _April 28, 1915_ Another day spent in reserve. Did nothing much all day and glad of the quiet. Shells falling pretty close to billet, but none near enough to hurt. THURSDAY, _April 29, 1915_