20 March [6 to 8] 6 MONDAY [66-300] 3rd Month 1916

Verdun

Germans carry Forges Send Revolver to Army + Navy Stores On Duty - Colonel goes on the warpath and raises hell around - I along be in his good graces - Has a row with THornton because latter is late relieving me - I hear both sides at length from "all concerned" - Badly broken night + Telephonist at HQ almost unintelligible - Frohguard to Rosslare Service closed by Admiralty - that submarine still on the prowl.

7 Shrove TUESDAY [67-299]

Germans take Hill 265 + obtain a footing in the Bois de Corbeaux. To W. Blockhouse - Battery and gun drill 9:30 - 12 - Bitterly cold on gun platforms - Telephonist who was off his post the other night during pack-drill under a Bombardier. Visit the doctor at Dale in the afternoon. Gramaphone concert in the evening. Receive Ration Allowance 1-6-3 being Jan. 1st to 15th.

8 Ash WEDNESDAY [68-298]

Germans driven from the greater part of their positions in the Bois de Corbeaux German retake Hardaumon Redoubt. On Duty - Getting after Telephonists + sending around test messages as the service is getting terribly slack - the name HMS Snapdragon is repeated back "Grease Waggon" Artificer adjusts TF., but we decide one datum range is 80 yards wrong. Minelayer "Snapdragon" passed up harbour early in morning 9th BC Archives, MS-0392 FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS Box 1 Diary and enclosures, 1916 Volume 5