The weather was very fine when I left G.H.Q., but on reaching ----, to interview Colonel ---- in reference to the mining section, rain fell heavily. I arrived soon after midday, and went to the Intelligence Department to report; the C.O. telephoned to the C. of M. for an appointment. It was made for nine o'clock that night. Having plenty of time at my disposal, I returned to ----, and passed a few hours with some friends. In the evening I returned for my appointment at the hour named. The Colonel was exceedingly interested in my project, and was willing to do anything to help me. He gave me a letter of introduction to the Corps Commander of the ---- Army, Brigadier-General ----; also one to Captain ----, C.O. of the ---- Mining Section. I was to proceed to General ---- first, and obtain the permission. At eight o'clock the following morning I rushed off to the Company H.Q. I met the General leaving his château. Having read my letter of introduction, he promptly gave his consent. I was to report to Major ----, at H.Q., saying it was quite all right. Thanking the General, I hastened to H.Q., and showing his letter and delivering his message, I was given a note to Captain ----, asking him to give me every assistance. Before leaving, the Major wished me success, and asked me whether I was prepared to wait until a "blow" came off? "Yes, sir," I replied, "for five or six days in the trenches, if necessary." The Colonel had made arrangements with several Companies that they were to report immediately to ----th Company when they were going to "blow," in order to give me time to go immediately to the spot and film it. Leaving the Company H.Q., I proceeded to ----, and duly presented the Captain's letter. "You have the Corps' permission," said the Colonel; "it will now be necessary to obtain the Divisional C.O. permit." This I eventually obtained. Now if by any chance a "blow" took place opposite either of the other Companies, it would be necessary to obtain their permission, as they were in another Division. Therefore, calling upon a major of that Division, I secured the final permit. Next morning I left for the front line trenches. Reaching ----, which was smashed out of all recognition, we drew up under cover of some ruined walls. Shells were falling and bursting among the ruins, but these diversions were of such ordinary, everyday occurrence that hardly any notice was taken of them. If they missed--well, they were gone. If they hit--well, it was war! The Miners, gathering near the "Birdcage" (a spot which derives its name from a peculiar iron cage erection at the corner of the road), formed up, and proceeded for about three hundred yards to the beginning of "Quarry Ally," the ammunition trench leading to their particular part of the front line. They filed in one by one; I filmed them meanwhile.