Sunday, May 21, I have daytime. Leaving Etrepy, it was hot. We traveled 7 kilometers to embark at Blesme from where we left at 6 o'clock in the evening. Passed through Pagny-sur-Saulx Sermaize-les-Bains, Revigny, Bar-le-Duc, Nançois-Tronville, Gondecourt (Grimaucourt) where I fell asleep and woke up in Mirecourt where there was a battalion of the 44th. We continued to Hymont, Cacéron (Racécourt), Dompaire, Barneuille (Danieulles), Uxegney, Epinal, Arches, Donzelle (Docelles), Cheménille (Chéniménil), Deycimont, Lépanges, Laval, Bruyères. Finally we arrived at Lavéline. On Monday 22 at 9 o'clock we were landed there. The country was celebrating because there was renewal of the first communion. We went to stay at La Chapelle.

The 23 departure from La Chapelle at 8 a.m.: passed by Laveline, Aumontzey, Barns where the whole regiment was quartered. The walk was not tiring because we were in a pretty hilly country because we were in the Vosges, but quite enjoyable. Granges is a pretty country and very industrial. The people there were quite pleasant, so our visit there was cheerful. It was on that day that I received a watch sent by my parents, which made me happy.

Le 24 departs from Granges at 6 a.m. As the march must be long and in a mountainous country, we don't have the bag. It was hot but we were for the most part in fir woods from which gave off a strong pleasant smell and where water flowed in abundance. We did only 15 kilometres. We went to Etohlie (le Tholy). We confined in a farm 1 kilometer from the latter. The day was beautiful, the evening we went swimming.

On the 25th I am daytime. Departure from Le Tholy at 4 a.m.: passed by Plaine, Creuilles, Julienrupt, Vagney where the 47th artillery was stationed. We arrived in Thiéfosse at 10 am where we were very well received. At the entrance of the country, across the road, a garland was placed bearing the inscription "Honor to the brave of Verdun".

The colonel and the commander of the 2nd battalion each received a bouquet. On the 26th I was on duty at the police station. 24 hours which were very long compared to those punished in prison who constantly seek to escape.

On the 27th at 10 a.m. I was released from duty. The evening review of the quartering which was quite well installed, so we had the congratulations of the company commander.

The same day, General de Villaret, who in 1915 commanded the 7th Army Corps, went to Thiéfosse. Sunday 28 rest. In the morning mass, the evening music concert, and after supper I went with 4 comrades to walk in a small country 2 kilometers away. The 29th review in starting uniform. The 30 departure from Thiéfosse at 7 am. We went to stay in Saulxures where in the evening I went to visit a woolen mill. Saulxures is a very pleasant country and where we spent a good evening. The 31st departure at 6 a.m.: passed by Cornimont, Ménil. We were confined to Thillot, a very important country. We saw some nice shops, very nice cafes. We visited the church which was quite pretty. That same day we had in the company 40 reinforcements from the 112th Infantry. This time the whole regiment was billeted together.

June 1 departure from Thillot at 5 am. Passed by Saint-Maurice, the Ballon de Servanche where we saw snow when it was the month of June, Bussang where we were confined near the station.

I'm daytime. Bussang is a pretty country where we had a lot of fun with our friends.

June 2 departure from Bussang at 5 am. It was very nice. At 7 o'clock we passed the tunnel where the border had been since 1870. At the exit we hailed the old French land. The General of the 66th US Division gave a speech and then we set off on the reconquered land.

First Urbès village where we saw the first Alsatians, especially many Alsatians who seemed to say hello to us in a language we didn't understand. Wesserling, an important country that we crossed with music in mind and where we marched in front of Colonel Gers. Then Saint-Amarin where the inhabitants gave us everything thoroughly welcomed. The little girls carried huge bouquets of flowers they gave to whoever you wanted. When we arrived there was a parade with the music. Presentation of the flag in the square of Saint-Amarin. All it was very pretty but we were tired because it was hot. From here we are returned to the cantonment and the evening we had rest. On the 3rd it rains, there was cantonment installation. On Sunday 4 rest in the morning specially mass for the soldiers because the church, although pretty, was small and could not have contained civilians and military. Because the people of Saint-Amarin attended a lot of the mass, supposedly much more during than before the war. The evening, concert given by the music on the square. We were in this country as in a barracks, you could only leave at regular hours and also in regular attire.

On June 5 it rains. In the morning an exchange of effects and in the evening a review of the cantonment by Colonel Gers, commanding the brigade at that time. On the 6th it rains. In the morning shower, the rest of the day rest. On the 7th again the rain and rest. On the 8th day, we had exercises and theory. Friday 9 all day exercise to distract us. On the 10th, in the evening, the regiment assembled on the Saint-Amarin training ground. Review by the colonel who then distributed several war crosses. Then music and parade. Sunday 11 rest but the section is day and picket, so we could not get out of the cantonment.

The 12 theory and exercise. I went to wash the laundry from the company to a mechanical washing machine run by Americans.

On the 13th it rained, there was vaccination. The 14 exercise. On the 15th it was fine, I was daytime. The evening review of the cantonment by General de Villaret. The 16 alarm clock 5 hours. Departure from Saint-Amarin at eight o'clock to occupy reserve sites behind Steinbach on occasion of a coup de main on our part which was done the following evening and which resulted in three French people being killed, several wounded and we took a Boche prisoner, and then we had our trenches demolished. The coup was made by 50 men from three regiments of the 152nd Infantry, 4th Chasseur à Cheval and the 64th chasseur à pied. To go to Steinbach, we went through Moosch, Villers, Bitschwiller and the young Thann who at that time was not, so to speak, demolished.

Saturday, June 17, we went to work all day on the front line and we were on alert all night, ready to leave because we feared a revenge from the Boches, something that did not happen. So we were left alone. Sunday 18 and Monday 19 same work fortunately everything was calm we did not receive a cannon shot. Monday evening at 8 o'clock we left the trenches to return to Saint-Amarin. We passed by the old Thann which was at that time uninhabited and three-quarters demolished, Bitschwiller, Villers, Moosch and we arrived in Saint-Amarin at midnight. The 20 in the morning cleaning, in the evening exercise.

On the 21st, the entire platoon was on guard duty at the police station. Me I guarded the prisoners in the civil prison and where there was a girl from 17 years. In the evening there was a concert. The 22 review in starting uniform. At 4 o'clock concert. Afterwards, we had dinner prepared at our neighbor's who was quite nice to us. We sang until midnight.

June 23 departure from Saint-Amarin at eight o'clock. There we took the train who transported us to Kruth. From there we still had 15 kilometers to do to go up to the 2nd line at Camp Viallet. The walk was very strenuous. We had to climb more than two miles in altitude (in reality the passes are at 1200 meters) and in overwhelming heat. Finally at three o'clock in the afternoon we were at our destination. The 24 cleaning of the shelters. We were at barely eight hundred meters from the Boche lines, but you wouldn't have said so, because we never received a cannon shot. We were there in the middle of the woods of fir trees in true solitude, breathing the pure mountain air and finding a real pleasure to live in such tranquility.

On the 25th, a Sunday, the section worked at the small Agard post. The 26-27-28 work the same as the 25. On the 29th I am daytime. For the first time I went to the front line carry grenades. The 30 same job as usual.

On July 1, work at the Agard substation. Sunday 2 rest. The 3 location change. Work in the morning from 4 to 8 a.m., in the evening from 3 to 7 p.m. 4-5-6-7 and 8 same as 3 but we had a few moments of rest, because some water fell. Sunday 9 at 1 a.m. alert. There was nothing, so we were able to rest. The 10 and the 11 same work as the other days but on May 11 I had rest. The weather was very nice, so we had the visit of Boche planes. The 12th and 13th always good weather, same work.

On July 14, on the occasion of the national holiday, we had rest. THE evening we had a good supper. We sang like nobody was there happier than us in the world. On the 15th preparations for departure. 16 to 2 o'clock in the afternoon we were relieved by the 347th Infantry. That evening the regiment went to confine Wildenstein where we did not made of bad blood. During our stay online, everything was pretty much nearly passed well, except for the last day when there were several killed and wounded in the first battalion. At this time the first French lines were at Mezeral (Metheral) where the 44th was and at Wirzenfirtz (Hilsenfirst) occupied by the 60th Infantry. Monday 17 rest. The 17 departure from Wildenstein at 5 o'clock. We went to the Ballon d'Alsace (in reality this balloon is much further south) and at the Col de Bramont where we crossed the border. We were confined to Bresse, a pretty country where we were very well received. I went to bed in a good bed with comrade Bertin at Madame Lemaire's. The 18 start from Bresse at 5 o'clock. The regiment went to confine in Gérardmer where we still had a lot of fun. In the evening we went canoeing on the lake and then we bought jokes on the cheap with friends Berthon, Cahen, David (sergeant Lucien DAVID).

Constant Vincent in the 60th RI, first row 2nd place - maybe in the Vosges

Postcard dated July 18, 1916:

Dear Hélène

Everything is fine. But we left our good place. We are on our way to I don't know where.

Goodbye without Goodbye, we don't worry.

Constant

July 20 (19) at 8 a.m. review in starting gear. At noon departure from Gérardmer: passed by Le Mauzée (Aumontzey), arrived at Laveline at 6 am where we ate and rested. At 10 o'clock we boarded to leave at midnight. The weather was fine, we were happy because we had just spent almost two months in a beautiful, healthy and pleasant country where the people have been the nicest thing. All of them were really devoted to pleasing the soldier, so it is with a little regret that we left everything to go to the Somme where we have all the misery possible to get away with it. The 21 great journey by rail (due west towards Paris). At 9 o'clock in the morning we were in Langres. We continued via Epinal, Jussey, Langres, Chaumont, Bar-sur-Aube, Jessains, Troyes, Nogent-sur-Seine, Nangis, Champigny-la-bataille, Noisy-le-sec, Le Bourget, Amiens and Saleux (south-west of Amiens) where we landed on the 22nd at two in the morning.

JMO of the 60th RI. Bouchavesnes: pages 19 and 20

We confined ourselves to Saveuse (July 22) in dwellings built most of them in the ground and which were half demolished. The inhabitants were not worth not those of the Vosges. The country is pretty as countryside because we see immense plains and abundant harvests of wheat and oats. In our journey from the Vosges to the Somme, we stayed 32 hours by train. The trip was pleasant. We went through different departments: Vosges, Haute-Saône, Haute-Marne, Aube, Seine-et-Marne, Seine and the Somme.

Sunday 23 we worked all day and in the evening preparations for departure. On the 24th I am daytime. We were left alone, which did not prevent us from laughing in the evening. The 25th departure from Saveuse at 7 a.m.: passed through Saleux, Dury, Saint-Fuscien, Boves. We were confined to Gentelles, an ugly country but where we had the best part to laugh, drink and eat. 26 morning exercise, evening review. On the 27th departure from Gentelle at 7 a.m.: passed by Cachy, Villers-Bretonneux. We were confined to camp 61 under tents. In the evening we went to visit an aviation camp. On the 28th in the morning exercise, in the evening grenade launch. The 29 maneuvers with the signals for an upcoming attack.

The 30 a Sunday manoeuvre. The 31 in the morning exercise, the evening rest. August 1 I am day: battalion march. The 2 left Camp 61 at 4 p.m.: passed through Le Hamel, Sergy (Cerisy), Chipilly, Bray-sur-Somme. We arrived at Suzanne's camp at midnight. We confined. We were about 10 kilometers from the front, so not far from us it is a continuous and terrible cannonade. On August 3 in the morning setting up the tents, in the evening review of weapons. The 4 rest. On the 5th in the morning exercise, but we are made to return quickly. In the evening machine gun shooting exercise. Sunday, August 6 morning exercise, evening washing chore. On the 7th I am daytime. Recognition of the sector by officers. That day 5 shells fell on the camp but did no harm. In the evening we dug shelter trenches. The 8 continuation of the trenches.

On the 9th (August) I am sick. In the evening at 7 o'clock departure for the trenches. We relieved the 363rd in the wood of Hem. The succession is almost passed well but under a terrible bombardment. Especially during our visit to Curlu and careers. On the 10th calm day, we took several Boche prisoners.

On the 11th at 5 p.m. attack on a fort by a battalion of the 44th, 6th company of the 60th and 4th section of the 5th company (the section of Constant). Everything went well, there are only a few dead and injured. We took 150 prisoners.

The 12th intense bombardment from both sides. At 10 a.m. taken from Bois Croisette by the scouts of the 2nd battalion and the 1st section of the 5th company. We took 23 prisoners. At 5 o'clock in the evening attack of the Hanover trench by the 60th and 44th. We advanced 1000 meters approximately. The regiment had no losses but the 44th was well tried. From this trench you can see Cléry very well, which was only 5 or 600 meters. The Boches had many losses, both dead and prisoners.

On 13-14-15-16-17-18-19 we stayed to hold our position under a terrible bombardment. Every moment there were dead and wounded. We were only able to eat at night and again in terrible conditions. It was very hot, so our greatest suffering was thirst, and no way to get only water. Every night we had to work because every day we advanced a few meters.

Finally on the night of the 19th to the 20th we were relieved by a battalion of hunters, the 67th. The relief took place under the bombardment but without incident for the company. On the 20th at 6 o'clock in the morning we arrived at Suzanne where a good soup was served to us. As soon as we ate we took the cars which drove us to Camp 60 near Hamel. We were in a wood in barracks where we could rest. The 21 cleansing of effects, the evening shower. On the 22nd Captain Boivin who had been wounded at Verdun in February took over command of the company. We cannot forget his entrance. Because he began by addressing us reproaches which however did not seem to us not deserved, but it is true that it was in his habit.

Cléry (Somme) - The Village in Ruins

Sunday 23 in the morning mass, the evening taking up arms. Although very ill, you still have to walk. The 24 exercise and theory. On the 25th I am daytime. That same day we received reinforcements. On the 26th reconstitution of the company which after ten days of trenches was reduced to small numbers. We were left with none officer also a great change was found for many days. That also allowed none of us to be rewarded for the work he had done.

Sunday 27 departure from camp 60 at 7 am. At noon we had gone to Villers-Bretonneux where we were quartered. On the 28th I am daytime. The morning installation of the cantonment, the evening reviewed by the colonel. And exchange of effects. The 29th in the morning exercise, the evening washing chore. At 6 o'clock in the evening concert given by the music. On the 30th it rains: theory and review. The 31 morning shower. The theory and review evening. Friday 1st I am day. In the morning exercise, in the evening rest. The 2 in the morning exercise. In the evening at three o'clock, departure from Villers-Bretonneux to go and stay in Hamel. The 3 departure from Hamel at 2 a.m.: passed by Cerisy, Chipilly, Etinebem. We were confined to Camp Suzanne. In the evening exercise and grenade throwing. On September 4 it rains. In the evening at 5 o'clock alert but after an hour counter order. On the 5th I am daytime. The regiment is on alert, ready to go. At 4 o'clock in the evening departure from Suzanne's camp. We went to confine ourselves to the Cap-de-Gendarme under the tents. On the 6th good weather and rest. The 7 theory and exercise, however the shells were not falling far away. On the 8th in the morning exercise, in the evening throwing grenades.

On 9 (September) in the morning exercise, in the evening washing chore at Fargny mill which we were very close to. At the same time we were able to swim in the lock. So it was a lot of fun for us. Sunday 10 we had rest.

The 11th in the morning review of weapons, the evening rest. But at 7 o'clock of the evening 60 men went to work in the wood of Herm and returned on the 12 at 3 o'clock in the morning. And at 5 o'clock we left the Pargny mill to go up in reserve at the Sauve-qui-peut gut because a few days earlier it was an untenable position, but at this moment there was a little more peace. That day there was a great attack, taken from Bouchavesnes by the 44th but according to the newspapers it was a battalion of chasseurs which had taken it. In the evening we saw a lot of prisoners parade because for once entire battalions surrendered without a fight. At one o'clock in the evening we left the gut from Sauve-qui-peut to go to the quarries where we stayed for an hour. Of the we went to the Hanover trench. As soon as I arrived I went to recognize more forward and sheltered positions. That's where I could see a real battlefield where the French and Boche dead lay in countless quantities. Something that would be horrifying to see.

At 9 a.m., as soon as I returned, we left the Hanover trench to go to the Cléry ravine.

On the 13th at daybreak we left the Cléry ravine for go to Rainette Woods. And at 6 o'clock we left in the wood of Marrière in the trench of Berlingots where there as in many places we saw a number of dead Boches. That day morning and evening I went accompany the soup chore, a very painful thing because the bombardment is always continuous and intense, so life is not cheerful.

Thursday 14 at 2 o'clock in the morning the battalion went up in line to replace a 44th battalion. Along the way there were several dead and injured. The shells keep falling. At 4 o'clock we are on the front line in front of Bouchavesnes. Until eleven o'clock we are fairly quiet, but at from this hour the bombardment by the Boches redoubled in intensity, so an attack on their part is foreseen. At noon we see their attack trigger, then we put on our backpack and without further preparation we go to attack us too. The meeting was terrible because we found ourselves under a hail of bullets and shells. In the space of two hours the losses for the regiment were considerable but we had retained Bouchavesnes.

The evening was long because until nightfall we were remained under a rain of bullets and shells and homeless. There as in many many of us were hit by our shells, but no matter what price we had to hold and we held. At 9 o'clock, incredible thing on both sides the greatest calm reigned. On the front line, we only received not a shell, not a bullet. This helped restore some order. At midnight we are told that we are going to be relieved. 3 p.m. at 2 a.m. in the morning the 42nd took our place. Everything went pretty well during our relief. We returned to the Berlingots trench where the shells kept falling.

On 4 p.m. at 9 p.m. we left on the back because that evening the 7th corps was relieved by the 5th corps. At 11 p.m. we arrived at the mill of Fargny where there we breathed a little at ease. We ate the soup and then we went to camp Suzanne where we bivouaced.

Journey of the 2nd battalion of the 60th RI to relieve the 44th RI following the capture of Bouchavesnes on September 12 and 13, 1916

Franche-Comté research work on the capture of Bouchavesnes

Sunday 17 departure from Camp Suzanne at 8 am. We took the cars to Cappy. We went through Bray-sur-Somme, Proyart, Warfusée, Villers-Bretonneux, Domart where we landed and quartered. We were very well received, so we were able to drink at ease a good shot of white wine, which gave us back some of our emotions. Because really we had just escaped from it once again to a beauty. Monday 18 it's raining: cleaning effects.

Monday, September 18, 1916

Dear Helen,

Always healthy, wish the same to all of you. We left the trenches on Saturday night. We are on our way to rest. We move in stages by car. We have to go back from Amiens for a while. A friend who shakes your hand wholeheartedly. I received your letters. I'll get back to you later.

Constant

The 19th departure from Domart at 11 a.m. by automobile: Passed by Hangard, Moreuil, a beautiful country, Ailly-sur-Noye, le Bosquel, Conty. At 6 o'clock in the evening we arrived at Taisnil where we landed and confined. Small country where we found almost only wine to buy. On the 20th in the morning installation of the cantonment, the evening rest. In the evening after having supper we went to visit a small Rumaisnil country where the 1st battalion was quartered. We barely could find a house to have a drink. We visited the church, all that was most beautiful in the country because it was brand new.

On the 21st I am daytime: exchange of effects. On the 22nd the morning rest, the evening reviewed in starting gear. The 23 departure from Taisnil at 1 a.m. We were to board (by train) at 5 a.m. but a great delay having occurred we were able to leave only in the evening at three o'clock. Fortunately the weather was very nice so the day was quite pleasant. Departure from Prouzel at 3 p.m.: We went through Amiens, Longueau, Breteuil, Creil, Noisy-le sec. We went to the latter between midnight and one o'clock. Chateau-Thierry, Epernay, Chalons-sur-Marne. At 9:30 a.m. on the 24th we disembarked at Coolus and went to confine ourselves a few kilometers further, in Moncetz where we only stayed three or four days, but without having to worry about it. Monday 25 rest. Tuesday 26 review of the cantonment by the commander. The 27 shower. That day the regiment received reinforcements from the 93rd and 172nd of Infantry. The company's replenishment evening. The 28 rest. On the 29th it rains. The 30 at 3 p.m. review in departure attire.

Sunday, October 1 rest. The 2 departure from Moncetz by car at 7 a.m. Passed through Marson, Courtisols, Auve. We landed 4 kilometers away from Sainte-Menehould to stay in Braux-Saint-Chayières (Braux-Saint-Cohière). On the 3rd reconnaissance of the sector by the officers because the same evening we went up online, something that did not make us happy, because after having attacked in the Somme we were promised a long rest and we only had four days, many permissions and there were very few.

That day (October 3) we relieved the 41st colonial ahead of Massiges, at the Crater. To get there we went through Courtémont, Virginia and Massiges. In these last two villages there were no longer any houses.

On the 4th I am daytime. I went twice to accompany the soup chore and the evening on duty at the little Caponnière post. On the 5th it rains. The 6 rest. On the 7th at post A. Sunday the 8th it was raining. On the 9th in the evening we worked a little. e same day the captain went to the front line, which did not happen every day. But he did not compliment us. On the 10th the weather is fine. In the evening I was on duty at the little Echorne post. The 11th fine weather. That day our second lieutenant Mimaud went to class. On the 12th I am in class. On the 13th at 10 o'clock in the evening we were relieved by the 10th company. For ten days on the front line we had been completely quiet. The Boches left us alone. On the 14th I remained in the trenches to give instructions.

Sunday 15 it's raining but I did my laundry anyway. We were in reserve at Massiges itself, in shelters. The 16 the day cleanings. At 7:60 in the evening, 60 men went to the front line on duty. The 17 distribution of effects. The evening drudgery of 40 men: same work as the day before. On the 18th it rains. The evening corvée of 40 men. I was there too. On the 19th it rains, in the evening a chore of 30 men. On the 20th review in starting uniform, I work in the cemetery with 4 men. Also on the 21st. The 22 preparations to go to the front line. I was planning that day to go on leave to find myself with us at the same time as my brother. But it was refused to me, so all this did not prevent me from having a little blues.

Monday 23 at 4 am departure for the first line. THE battalion relieved the 3rd battalion of the 44th. Everything went well, he was doing beautiful. There we occupied the trenches in front of Le Pouce. We were badly sheltered there and constantly bombarded. We were only a few yards from the Boche trenches. In the evening at 6 o'clock I went to occupy with 12 men and a corporal the small posts 17 and 18 at 8 meters from the Boches. On the 24th it rains, the Boches were a little wiser. At 6 o'clock in the evening I was relieved by Sergeant Carouget. On the 25th the weather was fine, so the Boches took the opportunity to demolish our first line with torpedoes. There was no accident but all at night it was necessary to work, and with that to occupy the small posts 17 and 18. At 11:00 p.m. I went on patrol: Everything passed without accident. On the 26th it rains but we work all the same. In the evening I went to the small posts with men from the first section. The day was calm. The 27th was a calm day. I'm at the P.P. but I'm resting. The 28 beautiful day. Bombardment by the Boches where we only had our demolished trenches. That day I was at the observatory. On Sunday 29 in the evening I was on duty at P.P. 17 and 18. At 11 o'clock in the evening I made a patrol: Everything went without accident. On the 30th at 6 o'clock in the morning the 7th company relieved us. Everything went well but during the day the Boches still bombarded the first line. There was an alert for us and dead and wounded at the 7th company.

The 31 fine weather. That day we worked like martyrs. Midshipman Gaide, Sergeant Adam and I redid the plan of works 2, 3 and Bugeaud. (indicated in the center of this map of the sub-sector of Promontoire from the JMO)

The 1st (November) from 5 to 7 a.m. work. The rest of the day we had rest. That day, Second Lieutenant Mimaud returned from school and went on leave the next day. On the 2nd it is also raining the trenches are halfway collapsed, which gave us a lot of work. That same day the company changed sergeant major. We had ( ?) who was replaced by Braumet, who left for Salonica in November 1917. On the night of the 3rd the whole company worked in trench 6. That same day our company commander, Lieutenant Bovin, became captain. On the 4th the rest day the night same work as the day before.

Sunday 5 to 9 am I went on leave. I had not been there since January 1916.

I picked up the clunker at 1 p.m. at the promontory where the brigade command post was. I was in Courtémont at 2 p.m. and at 3 p.m. in Valmy where we took showers, changed the linen and supper for nothing. The 6 at 2 am departure from Valmy: passed by Châlons-sur-Marne, Vitry-le-François at 6:50 am. There we took the direction of Jessains where we arrived at 8:50 a.m. and we left at 11.34 a.m. by train I towards Troyes, Sens, Orléans at 5.35 p.m. There we changed trains and went back to 6:40 p.m. towards Poitiers. Arrived in Angoulême at 5:30 on the morning of the 7th. I left at 6.40 a.m. to arrive in Pons at 10.15 a.m. to leave in the evening at 2:40 p.m. and arrive in Gémozac at 3:50 a.m. It was raining that day.

On the 8th and 9th I stayed at home. The 10 in Saint-Fort. 11 with us. I saw Bernard and Baudouin. On the 12th, a Sunday, I went to Luna's. The evening in Gémozac I saw many comrades and we had a drink together. In the evening I had supper at St Simon and I slept. On the evening of the 13th I had supper at La Foie. On the 14th I was with us.

November 15 at two o'clock departure from Gémozac. I took the same direction as to come. 17 at 1 a.m. I arrived at Valmy. I rejoined the company which was resting at Courtémont. It was sunny but very cold. Saturday 18 rest. Sunday 19 rest. It is much less cold than usual. The 20 reformation of the company. In the evening I took guard at the police station.

On the 21st at 6 o'clock in the evening departure from Courtémont to go up to the trenches. At 10 a.m. we relieved the 44th at the ravine des Noyers: Everything went well but in knee-deep mud. On the 22nd the Boches were wise. On the 23rd it was cold, fairly quiet day. The 24 at 2 o'clock and at 5 o'clock in the morning alert. The Boches shelled all day. On the 25th it rains. All day continuous bombardment, the night was calm. Sunday 26 calm day. On the 27th also but in the night a patrol was made by Corporal Siacci. On the 28th at 6 o'clock in the morning we were relieved by the first section. All day rest. On the night of the 29th I went with 16 men to work on the front line.

Wednesday, November 29, 1916

Dear Hélène,

We were relieved this morning from the front line this morning and it was not too early because we have just had 7 terrible days. We have always had rain and cold for several days. Apart from that nothing new. Everything is almost fine. Health is quite good and desires the same for all of you. Receive dear Hélène my best regards.

Constant

The 30th I am day.

December 1 rest. The 2 fine weather, the night at work. On the 3rd from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. a patrol was carried out by Sergeant Nicolas and 5 men between posts 16 and 18 without incident but which brought him congratulations. In the evening we went to work on the front line. On the 4th, snow fell. In the night I went with 5 men to place wires between the two lines. The 5th foggy weather. I moved on to the 2nd section to replace a licensee. On the 6th the Boches bombarded the Pouce ravine. In the evening we were relieved by the 44th. Everything went well.

We went to rest at hill 202 where we arrived on the 7th at 2 am. The rest of the day rest. December 8 taking up arms and giving decorations. The 9 rest. Our captain has gone on leave. Sunday 10 rest. The 11 rest. The 12 shower. On the 13th morning exercise, evening walk. On the 14th it snows. That day we started trenches for us shelter in case of bombardment. On the 15th it was very cold, continuation of the work. On the 16th I went to Neuville-au-Pont to take a gunnery course. That same evening I went to see Auguste Brémaud. Sunday 17 he came to have lunch with me at La Neuville we also had a good day. On the 18th the gunner's course began: in the morning theory, in the evening school of piece. On the 19th in the morning theory, in the evening shooting. On the 20th we were informed that the courses were ending. We joined the company immediately.

The 21st departure from hill 202 at 1am. We went to relieve a company from the 44th to the half-moon. That same day the 2nd platoon is on duty. The 22 day work, the night of drudgery. The 23 day and night work and drudgery. The 24th same as the day before.

December 25 was a very sad Christmas. The 26 rest. The 27th work as usual and bombardment by the Boches. On the 28th day chore, night work. The 29th chore and it rains. The 30 strong rain and strong wind. The 3rd battalion was relieved by a battalion of the 161st. On the 31st we were told that we were going to be relieved. Like for 9 days we leads a life that is no longer tenable, days and nights at work and in the mud over the knees, a fit of anger and so that nothing can be done to me do I once again drank a good shot too much and went to bed.

At midnight we were relieved and very happy that we were.