Very few of the boys slept last night on account of the cold, caused by the hatches being wide open. We are now waiting outside Le Havre to disembark. Arrived at the wharf after considerable rolling about in the bay. Heavy seas. Landed about 4 pm
Very few people about: marched up town to barracks. People begging souvenirs try to tear them from us, such as buttons, cap & collar badges. Many a hundred women draped in black & lots of shops are closed. Heavy marching up the hill for 4 miles. Arrived camp 6 pm. Lot of waiting around in the bitter cold. In tents at last. 2 blankets per man. No tea nor supper. Raining. Camp muddy. No sleep. Wet blankets. Sent postcards and letter to England.
Saturday December 19th 1914
Arrive in Le Havre & march up a steep hill to a camp. Boys “all in” with fatigue. Get splendid reception Nearly mobbed for souvenirs
They sing the Marseillaise for us.
*La Marseillaise – The national anthem of France
[this entry seems to be out of order, as the next has Draycott leaving Southhampton]
>> à cont’d in another diary.