The method of feeding the assorted lot of troops in this camp was rather rough. When “Cookhouse” blew, every one raced up to the door of the mess hut like a lot of fowls and fought for admission. Once inside we took a seat at the bench and had a very light repast, mostly composed of bully beef and bread with margarine. If we found we were still hungry when we had eaten all there was to eat, we mostly used to have another try at one of the other mess huts, until we had had enough.

We were granted a pass for leave to visit Rouen on the second day, of which of course I took advantage and sallied forth in company with a Canadian I had palled up with a couple of days before. We arrived in Rouen about 10 am and spent a most glorious day together in knocking about the shops and restaurants. We also visited the Art Gallery in which are several good pictures by Raphael and numerous very fine pictures, by other artists, of Joan of Arc, etc. After having spent a very enjoyable day and also most of our money, we returned to the rest camp about 10 pm and went to bed. In fact, we had spent such a pleasant day in Rouen that my Canadian friend suggested that we should take “French leave” and visit the place again in the morning. I replied that I was game and accordingly early next morning, as soon as we had eaten our breakfast, we s November 9th allied forth. There were so many M.P.’s about however, that we had to make a detour via the hospitals in order to evade the main road where they were gathered in strength and after about half an hour’s walk, we arrived at the bridge over the Seine, which led into the centre of Rouen without being stopped for our passes.

Once over the bridge, we were safe and at once made for our pay offices to try to obtain some more money. The Canadian managed to secure 40 francs from the Canadian pay office, but I had more trouble and had to tell a tale of woe before I finally was granted thirty francs by the pay sergeant who I believe had an idea that we had no passes, although he did not ask to see them. Armed with a fresh supply of francs, away we went and put in the day in buying post cards and souvenirs and enjoying ourselves in the wine shops and restaurants as on the day before. At midday, we dined at a restaurant where we demolished a four course meal of soup, fish, meat and sweets, attended to by a spotlessly clean and well brushed “garcon” and washed it down with a bottle of Chablis.

The wine and eatables cost us 10 francs each, but it was worth the money to us as we had not enjoyed such a meal for months and perhaps might not do so again for many more. The French women were very good looking as a whole and dressed beautifully and we got on very well indeed with them.

We returned to the camp at night fall where I was at once seized by the regimental sgt. major for being absent without leave and missing my draft and was marched away under escort and thrown into durance vile in the guard room, whilst my mate got off scot free. In the guard room, my property and book were taken by the sergeant of the guard and I was left to myself, with a sentry taking care of me at the door. Being an Australian, I naturally gave the “tommies” as much trouble as possible for a time, until presently another victim was pushed in through the door to keep me company.

On comparing notes, I found that my companion was a Canadian who had got drunk two days ago and had bayonetted his corporal whilst on guard, and killed him. I tried to console him during the night by telling him I was sure he would get out of the trouble all right, while at the same time I knew in my own heart that he would be shot for the deed.

In the morning I was given my boots, which I put on, and was then escorted to the orderly room to answer the charge against me. The officer who tried me was a Scot, and being an Australian I had little difficulty in convincing him of my “innocence” and after a little wrangling between ourselves he dismissed the case as he said that he thought the case was more a case of misunderstanding than one of wilful intent! So I was free once more.