Lt.Col. MacLeod goes on leave; Donald takes command of the 4th SAI

The 4th SAI take their turn in the trenches at Trescault.

Donald attends a burial at Metz-en-Couture and, after Lt.Col. MacLeod goes on leave, takes command of the 4th SAI.

The 4th SAI receive a visit from their Colonel-in-chief, Sir William Dalrymple.

1st Aug
Inspected by IV Corps Commander (Lieutenant-General Charles Woollcombe)
2nd Aug
Training
3rd Aug
Relieved 2nd SAI in the line at Trescault
4th to 8th Aug
Improving trenches fatigues for Royal Engineers
Explosions in Havrincourt
Wiring
9th Aug
Relieved by 2nd SAI
Moved to Metz-en-Couture as battalion in Brigade reserve
10th to 16th Aug
Working parties
17th Aug
Moved back to the line in Trescault
18th Aug
Artillery barrage on the enemy. Retaliation weak.
19th Aug
2 killed by minenwerfer shelling
20th Aug
Work as usual making new trench under supervision of Royal Engineers
Minenwerfer causing great damage again with 2 more killed
Minenwerfer knocked out by artillery fire
Major Hunt & 5 officers attended burial at Metz-en-Couture of the 2 killed
21th Aug
Subsector visited by Acting Brigadier and Divisional Commander
22nd to 24th Aug
Trench warfare
25th Aug
Visited by officers and ORs of the 36th Division
Trench warfare
26th Aug
Visited by Colonel Dalrymple and Acting Brigadier who personally fired a Lewis Gun at the enemy
Lt.Col. MacLeod DSO proceeded on leave. Major C.M. Browne MC assumes command
27th Aug
Inspected by officers and NCOs of the 36th Division
28th Aug
Relieved by 10th Royal Irish Rifles
Proceeded by light railway to Bus then marched to camp in Barastre
Details under Major Hunt had moved in during the day and had the camp prepared
29th Aug
Moved by bus to billets in Achiet-le-Petit
Major D.R. Hunt assumed command with Major C.M. Browne as 2nd in command
30th Aug
Cleaning up and making camp more comfortable
31st Aug
Bayonet and Physical exercise
Musketry
Rapid loading
Saluting
Bathing
War diary of the 4th SAI signed by D.R. Hunt Major Temp Commdg 4th SA Infantry