Chapter I: Foreword

_To_ PATRICK MACGILL,
Rifleman No. 3008, London Irish.

DEAR PATRICK MACGILL,

There is open in France a wonderful exhibition of the work of the many gallant artists who have been serving in the French trenches through the long months of the War.

There is not a young writer, painter, or sculptor of French blood, who is not risking his life for his country. Can we make the same proud boast?

When I recruited you into the London Irish--one of those splendid regiments that London has sent to Sir John French, himself an Irishman--it was with gratitude and pride.

You had much to give us. The rare experiences of your boyhood, your talents, your brilliant hopes for the future. Upon all these the Western hills and loughs of your native Donegal seemed to have a prior claim. But you gave them to London and to our London Territorials. It was an example and a symbol.

The London Irish will be proud of their young artist in words, and he will for ever be proud of the London Irish Regiment, its deeds and valour, to which he has dedicated such great gifts. May God preserve you.

Yours sincerely,

ESHER.

_President_ County of London

Callander. Territorial Association.

_16th September, 1915._

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. THE PASSING OF THE REGIMENT 13

II. SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE 19

III. OUR FRENCH BILLETS 30

IV. THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRENCHES 43

V. FIRST BLOOD 49

VI. IN THE TRENCHES 69

VII. BLOOD AND IRON--AND DEATH 88

VIII. TERRORS OF THE NIGHT 110

IX. THE DUG-OUT BANQUET 116

X. A NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE 130

XI. THE MAN WITH THE ROSARY 138

XII. THE SHELLING OF THE KEEP 149

XIII. A NIGHT OF HORROR 175

XIV. A FIELD OF BATTLE 200

XV. THE REACTION 209

XVI. PEACE AND WAR 216

XVII. EVERYDAY LIFE AT THE FRONT 228

XVIII. THE COVERING PARTY 249

XIX. SOUVENIR HUNTERS 264

XX. THE WOMEN OF FRANCE 279

XXI. IN THE WATCHES OF THE NIGHT 292

XXII. ROMANCE 300

THE RED HORIZON (p. 013)