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work to do that was imperative & we had to do it in spells. As soon as he came too close to us we had to beat it into an old trench & then get back when he [illegible] up a bit. It was pretty nippy. The worst was getting to & from our work, over a three mile walk under heavy shelling. We left none behind us I am glad to say, but did not escape scratches but all managed to walk out. However good news awaited us at the camp. We are going out for a few weeks rest in a day or two. I really think we need it.

BC Archives, MS-1901 Box 1 File 2 / RUSSELL, Alma M., 1873-1964. Victoria; librarian. / Selected letters and a photograph from Sergeant Harry Octavius Allen, 1917.