Chapter I: Preface

In presenting this little work to the public the writer wishes to thank those of his fellow-officers and others who brought to his notice incidents that did not come under his personal observation.

Valuable assistance has been gained from the official accounts of Sir Max Aitken, and from the historical writings of Mr. John Buchan with regard to the parts played by other brigades and divisions with which we were co-operating.

In spite of these attempts to broaden its outlook, the book stands in the main a personal account of the actions of the 1st Brigade, Canadian Infantry.

As such, however, the writer hopes it will be accepted, and not as a detailed history of the events chronicled, though every attempt has been made to check the accuracy of the facts stated.

One fictitious character has been introduced, that of Begbie Lyte, in order to make the tale impersonal.

In all other cases the true names of persons mentioned, or initials, have been used.

To Dr. Shipley, Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, the writer owes much for his kindly criticisms and encouragement in this work.

F.C. CURRY.

_October, 1916._

CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE

I. ANTE-BELLUM 1

II. PETEWAWA 11

III. MOBILISATION 24

IV. VAL CARTIER 31

V. THE CONVOY 37

VI. IN ENGLAND 44

VII. INTERIM 49

VIII. YPRES, 1915 54

IX. WITH THE DRAFT 63

X. THE BREAKING IN 72

XI. RESERVE BILLETS 80

XII. BAILLEUL 88

XIII. THE TREK SOUTH 95

XIV. FESTUBERT, 1915 103

XV. CARPE DIEM 110

XVI. GIVENCHY, 1915 117

XVII. NORTHWARD AGAIN 126

XVIII. NIGHTS OF GLADNESS! 132

XIX. IN FRONT OF MESSINES 140

XX. MINE WARFARE 145

XXI. MYTHS, FAIRIES, ETC. 152

XXII. THE WINTER MONTHS 160

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

LIEUTS. KLOTZ, STRATHY AND CURRY AT AMESBURY _Frontispiece_

_Facing page_

SAILING DOWN THE ST. LAWRENCE, NEAR BIC 38

CHURCH PARADE 40

EASTERN ONTARIO REGIMENT, NEAR STONEHENGE 44

MANOEUVRES ON SALISBURY PLAIN 48

FIELD KITCHEN IN RESERVE BILLETS 82

AMATEUR THEATRICALS BACK OF THE LINE 100

THE DISTILLERY AT GIVENCHY 118

OUR SUPPORT TRENCHES AT GIVENCHY 120

AFTER GIVENCHY 122

ENTRANCE TO PLUGSTREET WOOD 130

OUR TRENCHES, PLUGSTREET WOOD 134

OUR TRENCHES AT PLUGSTREET 136

THE START OF THE SMOKE CLOUDS 142

THE CACTUS TREEN 157

AFTER A FEW SHELLS AND A WEEK'S RAIN 160

FROM THE ST. LAWRENCE TO THE YSER