13 July 1916; Thursday

This is an extract from Arthur Linfoot’s own transcription of his diary, written in 1976.

Slept badly. Hunted in shirt and pants. Found six big lice. Usual morning parade. Physical drill and waggon cleaning. No afternoon parade: lay down. After tea walked to Ribemont with Duggins and Leaky. Had eggs and chips and bought chocolate. Several thousands of cavalry passed through our village during the evening. Everybody excited and talking of break through and cavalry charge in the morning. Horses two abreast and occasional horse carrying machine gun only. Took ages to pass.