World War 1 Trench Diary Essay

December 12, 1915: The regular, stand-to was longer than it usually was. The night was cold and long we were on stand-to for most of the night without rest. The casualties grow higher by day, Yeatman and Johnson killed, alongside 81 killed and 34 wounded. I trust that may many be found alive and well, as one must always lose some in the dark. Inside the trench, crowded surrounded by other soldiers resting before dawn as usual until stand-to. Trenches, equipment, often blood soaked boots, corps guns, ammunition caps, laid everywhere along the wet flooding dirt ground. The loud but comforting rain, the only serene sound I hear here, we still have without break for the past four days, our small trench is starting to flood slowly day by day. The battle has seemingly taken a break, no firing from the other side.

December 14, 1915:

Everything seems calm as of the last few hours I haven’t counted and under control but at the moment. Looking overhead at the high ground, fellows lay shot dead are lying in all different directions. No burials yet, just there for many to see left like cut down trees as some pass by to another trench south in my direction of us. All the hedges torn and trampled. Everyone seems hopeful and making the best of the rare quiet time. Men of course wonderful, as R. Alexander always is. I

A few company on reserve at Billion Wood I’d say, could have been more but I grew tired. Had no food up for N.C.O? For 48 hrs, very hungry, company came in on Sunday close to dawn. Marched over the area, machine guns on them for part of it. Eight days in the Carony Trenches, fearful not easily described with words, line regiments who were relieved say, the worst we’ve ever known for new regiment to experience first hand and this is my first. Finally relieved but almost morning still restless from the hollow gunshots in the far but near