A fine busy day. The doctor had told me that they have just taken two young boys to the hospital, one has lost his eyes and the other will die. Mustard gas was the cause. Have been talking to one of the boys who lost his buddy and he showed me things from his pockets all bloody; how sad. But God had blessed his chum’s death by the converting of the one who lives. He has saved him and has a real work of grace in him. One man was shot 18 times and lives and suffers. The Germans sent gas over our boys, but today they have to stand back because our Sammies are doing them some hurt. One of the men put a post in the ground in front of the trench; he had to put it in again. The Germans shot it; the shell made a large hole, and by night the men had a place to bathe, the first wash for a week. The heavy artillery has been firing all evening and night. A very heavy bombardment. The men lost quite a large number. The troops from here are going in and oh, it hurt to see boys 17 going to death or worse; but they are the bravest of boys. God comfort and keep them.
More Information
The following section provides historical context and is not part of the original diary entry.
Likely location: Near Menaucourt, Meuse, France
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In February 1918, Margaret was serving near Menaucourt in the Meuse department, close to the front lines. American units were now rotating into the trenches for frontline experience under French supervision. She visited Ligny-en-Barrois during this period.
Diary of a World War I Donut Girl 