Sir Joseph John Talbot Hobbs personal diaries, Vol. II (14 January 1916 to 31 January 1917)
'X' Just heard 2nd Div were raided by about 30 Germans armed with revolvers a few nights ago. I fear our people were surprised for about 100 were killed & wounded & 2 Stokes mortars were lost. the Germans apparently suffered no loss - this is a bad beginning. May 8th Inspected B.A.Cs 3rd F.A. Bde & 21st How Bde, also 101st How Batt Wagon lines at [FLEUR ] TROU BAYARD. all, especially Howitzer B.A.C. & Battery, very satisfactory. O/C How Bde accompanied me - day showery. May 9th Visited Right & left Group Comndrs. day cold & showery. - engaged in preparing lecture on artillery in trench Warfare for the benefit of the Infantry. May 10th Inspecting Batteries Right Group May 11th Do - Do May 12th Inspecting Wagon lines Left Group. Weekly conference of Bde & D.A.C. Comndrs L.S.O. Trench mortar Batteries at Div Art. H.Qs. Just completed my paper on Artillery in trench [section] Warfare. 'X' Just heard about the young bounder Arrow Smith late OS Batt marrying Surg. Gen Daughter in England - supposed to be a wounded hero from Anzac. as a matter of fact lost his teeth bathing at Anzac. that was the extent of his wounds & was able to skrimshank to England many months ago & been there ever since. the 6th Batt wrote him their opinion of him its disgusting. [Page] 45