Chapter I: Preface

When the greatest war in the history of mankind rages in Europe it is not only natural but right that every one should be interested. History is being made every day and heroism is displayed, unrivalled in any previous conflict. In this book the author has striven to chronicle some of the valorous deeds and to relate some of the incidents and events that are part of the everyday life of the soldier who is fighting in France. It has been his aim to present the story devoid of sensationalism and to weave nothing of the impossible into the tale. Most of the episodes are founded on fact and while the book is not historical it has its inspiration from actual happenings.

Ross Kay.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I A DUEL IN THE AIR
II PREPARATIONS
III THE ATTACK
IV UNDERGROUND
V HAND TO HAND
VI UNDER FIRE
VII IN THE DITCH
VIII A MIDNIGHT SALLY
IX A CAPTURED TRENCH
X A BALL OF TWINE
XI RELIEVED
XII IN REVIEW
XIII A VOLUNTEER
XIV IN THE CHATEAU
XV THE FIGHT FOR THE TOWER
XVI THE DUG-OUT
XVII LIPPEN BREAKS
XVIII AN ASSIGNMENT
XIX OVER THE TRENCHES
XX AT FLAMBEAU
XXI DISABLED
XXII IN THE CLEARING
XXIII IN THE DARK
XXIV THE RETURN
XXV BACK AGAIN
XXVI THE BIG WAR
XXVII CONCLUSION

ILLUSTRATIONS

"Forward!" shouted the captain in a loud, clear voice . . . . . . . . . _Frontispiece_

Leon whirled swiftly in time to see a big-helmeted German with the butt end of his rifle upraised preparing to strike

The air was filled with smoke and dust from the crumbling plaster

"Let 'em have it!" cried Leon and the three automatic guns spoke almost as if they were one piece

FIGHTING IN FRANCE