we went once more to the line and took over from the 4th Lincolnshires.
This time we were able to have two Companies in front, one in Boisselet
trench, part of the new work, and one in reserve, a far more
satisfactory distribution. The trenches were still in a very bad state,
and it was found in many places quite impossible to dig new lines,
because the ground had been so shaken by continuous bombardment for more
than a year, that the soil would no longer bind, and the sides of any
new trench collapsed almost as soon as they were dug. The tour was
fairly quiet, though Boche snipers and artillery were more active than
before, and we reached Camblain L'Abbé at the end of it without having
suffered any repetition of the trench mortar bombardments.

Our six days' rest included two big working parties, two inspections,
and one demonstration, to say nothing of such minor details as church
parades, conferences, baths, and the usual overhauling of boots and
clothing. The work consisted of clearing dug-outs in the Bois des
Alleux, and only lasted two days, after which we polished ourselves for
General Kemp, who inspected us in a field near Camblain, and
said that he was much pleased indeed with our turnout. General
Montagu-Stuart-Wortley was equally complimentary at the second
inspection, and congratulated all ranks on their appearance and
smartness, which, considering the state of the trenches, was very
creditable. The demonstration was particularly interesting, and proved
the futility of the famous German flame projector. As many men as
possible were placed in a trench, while the demonstrator, standing at 30
feet away with the machine, turned on the flame. The wind was behind
him, and the flame, with a tremendous roar, leapt out about 30 yards.
But the noise was the worst part, for the burning liquid, vapourising as
it left the machine, became lighter than air, and in spite of all the
efforts of the Demonstrator, could not be made to sink into the trench,