July 23, 1916
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Had my best night of the whole week, it being a full night except for being pulled out once at 2 a.m. As expected we had to pack up and shift which was a great shame as we had everything beautifully arranged. However we did not take long over it being established in our old quarters at Sailly by the afternoon. By the papers we notice our stunt did receive mention, as part of a movement at Fromelles which had its desired object.
For my part I think it was a bit sudden to put the 5th Division into an attack so soon, not having had time to get accustomed to the new type of warfare or anything of that kind. They received a proper gruelling, the casualties being over 3,000. Am sorry to say that we had two cases of self-inflicted wounds a couple of days later when the men were ordered back to the trenches, but I suppose we will find squibs anywhere. Here there is a special hospital for such cases, an inquiry being held in each.