Chapter 18: Flanders 9 Sep-24 Oct 1916

From 11th Battery 4th F.A.B Brief History 6 September 1916 left Hem. Entrained at Doullens, arrived Hopoutre Station (Belgium near Poperinghe) the same day and proceeded by road to Berthen, reaching camp same evening. 8 September 1916 left Berthen by road and taking up Wagon Lines at Ouderdoom , guns going straight into action through Ypres (close to Zillebeke) 23 October 1916 Left Ypres area and arrived outside Cassel. Back to Somme Leaving Sausage Valley on Sept 4th we returned to Vadencourt – stayed there one night and next day went to Hem, near Doullens. The following day we entrained at Doullens and detrained at Hopoutre (Poperinghe) the same day, went to Berthen where we billeted until the 8th and that day went to Ouderdoom where wagon lines were established. The guns went into action the same day near Zillebeke Bund(?) and remained in this position until Oct 23rd. This position was very quiet, there being no enemy shelling near us at all and our shooting being confined to occasional retaliation to enemy trench mortars, harassing fire and supporting an occasional raid. Most of the time was spent in improving the position which was made very comfortable. September 10th 1916Postcard to Mother France Dear Mother We have had another move since last I wrote and at present are in very pleasant quarters. The weather has been grand this last few days. I saw Clive the day we arrived and last night I met him again and a long talk with him. Harvesting and hop-picking is in full swing here at present, and after tea some of us go out and help a bit. At least we are supposed to be helping. Hoping you are all well. Percy