Start of Italian Winter

Torrential rain which fell on the last nights of October gave the Division an initial experience of the conditions under which it would often have to live and fight in Italy. There was some flooding and mud was soon in evidence. About 10 per cent of the bivouac tents leaked. These could not be replaced, but a special issue of extra blankets enabled all wet blankets to be replaced. In spite of the changed and uncomfortable conditions the health of the Division remained good, although there was an increase in upper respiratory disorders.

The divisional transport began to arrive while the ground was sodden, giving all ranks their first experience in Italy of the effects of deep, clogging mud.