C.O.'s dug-out was the only one which boasted anything approaching a
roof. It was burrowed into the bank under the hedge which has been
already referred to. The floor space was about 8 feet by 4, entrance
being obtained by going down two or three roughly cut steps. For about
two thirds of its length--the furthest in two-thirds--it was roofed with
branches and some old torn sacking, covered by 6 or 8 inches of loose
earth. This roof was level with the bank of the hedge and gave about
four feet of headroom. Living in--or rather below--the hedge, the C.O.
soon discovered he had to share his quarters with a populous and
flourishing colony of flies, which actively resented his intrusion at
any time during the day, though by night they exhibited an admirable
spirit of resigned toleration. Flies were inevitable, but when strange
winged beasts and enormous centipedes developed the habit of dropping in
casually at inconvenient hours, one felt that one's hospitable instincts
were being over-taxed.

It was on the second or third day of our stay that the Divisional
General, while making an informal inspection of the Camp, found the
C.O.--or we should rather say, ran him to earth--in his den, and after
sitting on the doorstep chatting for a few minutes, dropped a remark as
he departed to the effect that he thought a C.O. should do himself
better in the matter of a dug-out. The seeds of dissatisfaction thus
soon ripened quickly, and came to full fruition when a snake about three
feet long was discovered in the corner where his pillow usually rested.
No doubt he was a harmless, well-meaning chap. Probably his visit was
prompted by the most friendly motives; but when he was urged to clear
out he lifted up his head and became vituperative. After that there was
nothing for it but to cut him into convenient lengths with a shovel,
upon which he was afterwards removed for interment. Shrinking from a
possible interview with his widow the C.O. sought another resting-place,
and a fairly roomy dug-out was excavated for him in the open ground a
few yards north of the hedge. But when he removed to it a large party
of the flies insisted on accompanying him and installing themselves in
his new quarters.

At first the officers messed in the open in picnicky fashion. While this
was pleasant enough there was always an element of uncertainty about it,
for one could never foretell when a meal might be postponed or rudely
interrupted by an outburst of