January 19, 1917
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At 3.30 a.m. we were called up and about an hour later were marched off to the train, boarding it about an hour later again. At 6 a.m. we set off, thus beginning a journey which was a fearful nightmare to me. At 9 we were given a cup of tea and hard biscuits, midday bully and biscuits, and for tea biscuits and tea. By night time I felt quite ill, could not eat, back was aching and really felt that I was in for something serious I began to feel desperate, so lay down on the floor of the vestibule of the carriage not caring who walked over me.
Altogether I lay there about 12 hours, the whole journey taking about 26 hours, a slow monotonous trip, with long stops here and there. At one place I saw six trains stationary, one behind the other shewing the great congestion, and only 3 days before they had had an accident in this spot killing 12 and injuring about 20, all going on leave.
However we at last reached Albert where the majority of us disembarked, and I set off for Becordel about 2 miles away, trusting to luck to find my unit there, or if not I would be amongst friends so could get a feed and wash. It was bitterly cold, snow being everywhere, and I was glad of the walk in order to get warm. When I reached Becordel I found my unit had arrived the day before so all was well altho’ I could eat nothing for breakfast.