Destroyed French towns

"Tomorrow we return to the firing line for another two weeks agony (or otherwise)."

"The buildings all round here are in a frightful state - all broken and smashed to atoms ... I had to take a fatigue party down to a battered old church two days ago. We went to procure some of the posts & rafters from the church. They are used in strengthening our dugouts."

"The church was once a very big one, but now is roofless and in its walls and tower are great shell holes through which one can easily walk. I found a small St Matthew's Gospel in French amongst the mess and am keeping it as a souvenir. We never go short of plates, spoons or forks here. We can find plenty in the old broken deserted houses in this town."