Wednesday 20th October

Patrolling - still continues, but no enemys patrols encountered. First Div brot back sample of enemys wine, iron stake with screw end & 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 Bouce 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.

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