All the telephone operators at B217 have had to return to Frise as B217 is to be shut. Up all night trying to rerail a wagon.

Ballast for Broad Gauge being hurried up the light railway as it is to be cut in a day or so.

The following additional information is from Martin Farebrother:

As already mentioned, the LR across the Somme at Frise, and part of that along the north side of the Somme, are not shown on later maps (Jan & Feb 1918). They were no longer needed once the SG line on the north side of the Somme had been constructed.

Nothing to record all day, but after I had been in bed 2 hours at night, I was fetched out to act as pilotman to steam engines going to B213.

On duty 7.00am till 7.00pm. Plenty of traffic about. 30 trains passing during the day and all have to be shunted and sorted out here. Paid 20 Francs.

Acting as pilotman to drivers who have not previously been over the road.

Same as March 22nd.

Very busy with troop movements etc., passing up to the line.

(Leonard’s 20th birthday.)

Breakfast of bread, biscuits and cheese. Dinner, cold beans and boiled beef. Tea, slice bread – jam, butter dripping. Nothing of interest to record.

Heard this morning that the cavalry had chased the Germans 23 miles. I really think this is the beginning of the end.

Everybody seems on the move. New camps are springing up around us, whereas before the retreat we were quite on our own.