Heard that our engine No.724 had toppled over into the canal near Colonheiux. Driver and fireman managed to escape. Engine dropped 20 feet.
The following additional information is from Martin Farebrother:
Cannot identify Colonheiux, but almost certainly along by the Somme canal. Locomotive 724 was a 4-6-0 Baldwin steam tank locomotive. We do not have any other information about this locomotive.
Went to B107 – 4 miles away on a permanent way bogie to fetch our rations, as the engine is still blocking the track.
The following additional information is from Martin Farebrother:
4 miles back (west) would be well towards Plateau.
Had to turn out of dug-out at midnight owing to water coming up through the floor fast caused by heavy rains. Transferred our stuff to a tent we had put up during day in heavy torrents of rain.
Nothing much about to-day as there is an engine over on its side about 2 miles away, blocking the line.
Our Corporal (Fenn ? Fern ) has been recalled to Froissy, and Corporal Dally ex B207 has come here in charge.
Quiet both during day and night. A few Taubes over, but no bombs dropped.
Quiet all day, but very busy during night with store traffic. Lovely weather all day.
Very quiet all day, but busy during night. Very heavy fall of snow, also during night.
Heard my greatest friend Jim Pillar* met with a serious accident at B112. A tractor became derailed and dragged off some wagons also on to Jim’s leg. It is Blighty for him.
The following additional information is from Martin Farebrother:
If the B line was that north of the Somme, then B108 and 112 would be further west back towards Plateau.
*I have been able to establish that in fact Jim Pillar survived the war, but whether or not he and Leonard had any further contact in later years is impossible to discover.
On nights this week. One of our chaps shifted to B108, another one sent here to fill his place. Very quiet during night.
On The Track 