BC Archives, MS-0392 FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS Box 1 Diary and enclosures, 1915. Volume 4

Wednesday 20th October

Patrolling - still continues, but no enemys patrols encountered. First Div [illegible] back sample of enemys wine, iron stake with screwend & bomb of hairbrush variety. Enemys Activity - The enemy are losing their passive attitude by degrees and reports state they are getting quite aggressive. 1st Div. reports that in reply to bombardment of La Petite [illegible] some HE shells were fired into out front line on left of Messines Rd. also T Mortar Bombs at intervals all night. Left Section reports that yesterday afternoon enemy fired a large quantity of HE & shrapnel HE shells emitted a heavy phoshorous smell lasting for 5 or six hours. Enemys snipers more active yesterday on left section & short bursts of rifle fire prevalent during night. Enemy's artillery active on 2nd Div. Front - shelling heavy. Trench mortars & bombs largely employed during late afternoon.