January 20, 1918
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After the parade three of us, W.O. Hutton, Sgt. Campbell and myself set off for a day’s outing. We left about 11.30 and walked to Etaples, a distance of 6 miles. There are large camps in this area, mostly New Zealanders and Canadians, the Australians having been shifted to Havre.
The town itself very poor, not much better than a village, but it possesses a tram which runs out to Paris Plage, a fine watering place on the coast. We had lunch in Etaples and then took a cab and had a rollicking drive to Paris Plage, passing everything on our way, the distance being 5 kilos.
Paris Plage itself is a beautiful place, quite famous and one of the watering places. The buildings are fine and of special architecture, many being of Swiss design. The beach is exceptionally fine and in the season must be a splendid sight. At night when the place was lit up, it was a grand sight, the streets being filled with soldiers and people and the shops being of a high class character gave the place quite an air of jollity. We had tea here and it was quite good. After visiting the various sights such as the English Church, Gardens, etc., etc. we caught the 7 o’clock tram back to Etaples and walked from there to Cormont making in all 14 miles for the day’s walk.