31st August 1914

Leave at 8am and have a severe march (one of the worst) in very hot Sun (104 in shade) over steep, long hilly roads, the men being told off to push the wagons up the steeper places. We marched with our coats of most of the way which was a considerable relief. We passed a fine building like a fairy palace with its crowd of turrets and pinnacles nestling in a valleyed wood. Terribly hot again on the march with long weary halts, so did not go far. Arrive at CREPY a fine old town and put up in a meadow at 7 pm. Keep to the Right, along we trudge in the burning heat. 

Keep to the Right, and once more we move a little to our right flank as a tearing, rattling motor despatch rider, the car of a General, Staff or Supply officer snakes by. Keep to the Right, and our wearied minds and bodies again awakened by the sharp incisive cry realise we are still tramping on the steady retirement. Keep to the Right, goes down the endless column with endless insistence. Sometimes the road is blocked by column passing column, but out comes the cry, Why don't you Keep to the Right. A wagon is drawn up here, another, is pulled into the ditch there and once more the stream continues, Keeping to the Right ever to the Right.