The Road to Chunuk Bair

Inspection during morning. Battn marched to Brigade Horse Show, Capt H.E. McKinnon’s ‘Lucienne’was placed second in Officers chargers class. Coy cooker was entered but did not receive a place.

Capt. McKINNON went on leave to England this morning and Capt W.H. McLEAN assumed command.
Inspection by C.O. in preparation for our three-days’ march to ST. OMER area for intensive training.    
Lieut. A.T. DUNCAN reported for duty with this coy. from Taranaki Coy.
Detached parties came back to coy. from Working Battn. and from D.A.D.O.S. (Deputy Assistant [...]

Coy supplied 1 Off 70 other ranks as party of  3 Off & 250 O.R. under Capt H.E. McKinnon M.C. to dig a new trench in NO MANS LAND. Operation entirely successful. One casualty. Each man dug 72 cubic feet in 1¼ hours. Rather a record. Covering party supplied by 1/W.I.B.

Everybody very alert last night but the Hun did not venture out of his trench. He bombed his own wire.
Battn relieved by 1st Wgtn this morning. This company handed over to 1st Ruahine and returned to billets in RED LODGE area.
On arrival in billets I handed over to Capt. McKINNON and returned to Ruahine Coy.
                                                                              [...]

Bath at Pont De Nieppe. Enemy’s heavy artillery again active, evidently searching for our howitzers in our vicinity. Capt H.E. McKinnon proceeded to Lewis Gun school at Paris Plage.

[Leap Year adjustment]
Routine work and fatigues to front line. Capt H.E. McKinnon rejoined and assumed command of Coy. T/Capt. B.H. Morison reverted to Lieutenant.

[Leap Year adjustment]
Routine work. Major Talbot goes to hospital & Lt McKinnon takes command of the Coy.

[LeapYear adjustment]
Routine work
               Lt McKinnon posted to the Coy.

Company on general fatigue in rest camp. Struck off Strength 10/135 Lt. McKinnon H.E. 10/2333 Taylor J. 10/1846 Hendry A.Y. 2nd Lt. Varnham assumes the duties of Company Commander.

The Battalion was relieved by Otago Battalion at 2 am.
The Coy which returned under Lieut McKinnon comprised 3 NCOs & 15 men.
Casualty List.
         Killed        2 officers      16 men
         Wounded   2 officers    47  men
         Missing                          74 men
 The Battalion in Support on Chalik Dere.
The following men who returned from the Firing line were sent to Sick Hpl
Pte Johnston [...]