Tuesday August 15, 1916

Today we were knocked out of bed at 4 o'clock for an early route march. We walked about fourteen or fifteen miles and were back by ten a.m. The "powers that be" then gave us the rest of the day to ourselves. We passed through the village of Poperinghe on the way. We were inspected by Gen Baker at three different points. There were the 20th, 22nd, 25th, and 26th Batts, each with their ammunition mule train, and general transport column for the whole. We were escorted by the Brigade brass-silver band, a sort of a pick-up affair, and a pipe band. The pipe band, or as the fellows nick-named it, the snake charmers, was the best proposition of the two which isn't saying much. All regular bands have been broken up and sent into the ranks as privates. I expect to go into the trenches for the first time tomorrow night.