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19 1916 31 DAYS 2 THURSDAY (62-304) [2 TO 5] March Verdun - Enemy bombardment of Mort Homme + The Cote de l'Oie On duty - Trouble with telephonists at West Blockhouse - Capt. Mathias Thomas finds his men have deserted the BC Post - Has them placed under arrest, with promise of Court Martial next time. Brandenburgers still holding out in the captured fort at Verdun. 3 FRIDAY [63-303] Violent Boche assaults on the villages of Douaumont + Vaux. 9.2 Drill as No. 4 - on the rammer - Pretty heavy work, especially when hydr. lift supposed out of action + we life the 380 lb. shell chin high. Take a walk around cliffs in afternoon. Verdun attack slackening. 4SATURDAY [64-302] 3h 58 m A.M. (Greenwich) Attack launched on on Haudromont Hill stopped. Enemy get a footing in Douaumont Village. Fighting extends from Douaumont to Haudromont Wood. Onderty - Colonel down in afternoon and evening to show me a very brilliant planet, with a path of starlight across the sea. Lt. James + Col. observe a kissing episode between Mockridge's sister-in-law and the corporal of the guard - in broad daylight this time. Too amused to jump on the corporal. 5 Quinquagesima (SUN) [65-301] Afternoon tea at Vicarage with Major Evans and wife. Long confab with Col. until midnight about Canada and European travel. BC Archives, MS-0392 FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS Box 1 Diary and enclosures, 1916 Volume 5